SAUL. MOSES. BRUTUS LOCRINE. ALBANACT. CAMBER. HENRY THE VIII. WILLIAM CONQVEROUR. SALOMON. DAVID. A Chronicle at large and mere History of the affairs of England and Kings of the same, deduced from the Creation of the world, unto the first habitation of this Island: and so by continuance unto the first year of the reign of our most dear and sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth: collected out of sundry Authors, whose names are expressed in the next Page of this leaf. Anno Domini. 1569. ¶ Cum privilegio. ¶ The names of the Authors that are alleged in this History. A ALanus. Antoninus: annals of France. Augustine. B BEda. Berosus. Biblia. Bishop Anthony. Boccas. C Carrion. Caxton. Caesar's Commentaries. Clarenseaux king at arms Conradus Vspergensis. Cornelius Tacitus. Cronica Cronicorum. D DIodorus Siculus. Dionice. Domes day. E EDward Hall. English Chronicle. Enguerrant. Eusebius. Eutropius. F FAbian. Froissard. G GAaufride. Geoffrey of Monmouth George lily. Gerardus Mercatour. Gildas. Guydo de Columna. H HEnry archdeacon of Huntyngton. Hector Boethus. Hheronimus Marius. I IAmes Bergamo. john Lidgate. john Harding. john Leyland. john Rastell. john Sleydon. john Bale. john Maior the Scot jornalensis. josephus. Isidore. justine. L LAnquet. M MAthewe of Westminster the author of the book called the Flowers of histories. Marian the Scot Marlyn. N Nennius'. Nicholas Lira. Nicholas Brodyngham. P PAulus Emilius. Peter Pictaviensis. Philip Commines. Polidore. Policarpus. Polichronicon. R RAbutine Frenchman. Reynulph of Chester. Robert Gaguine. Roger Hoveden. S SAxo Grammaticus. Sebastian Munster. T THomas Moor Knight. Thomas Lanquet. Thomas Cooper. Titus' Livius. Trogus Pompeius: V VIncencius Gallus. W WIllyam of Malmesbury. William thorn Monk of Cauntorbury. To the Right Honourable Sir William Cecil Knight, principal Secretary to the Queen's Majesty, and of her privy Counsel, Master of the Courts of Wards and liveries, and chancellor of the University of Cambridge: Richard Grafton Citizen of London, wisheth long health with increase of honour. DOUBTLESS, YOUR Honour and other may marvel, or peradventure mislike, that after so many books already set forth, bearing the names and titles of Chronicles of England, I should accomber the Readers superfluously with one more of the same matter: Nevertheless, the contents of this and the said other former books being compared, your wisdom can well discern, and other shall easily perceive, that this labour of mine was neither altogether needless nor unprofitable. For among so many writers, there hath yet none to my knowledge, published any full, plain and mere English history. For some of them of purpose meaning to writ short notes in manner of annals, commonly called Abridgementes, rather touch the times when things were done, then declare the manner of the doings, leaving thereby some necessity of larger explication, and referring the desirous Reader to a further search and study. Other have dealt but with the reigns of a few kings, & yet thereof have made long books, with many tedious digressions, obscure descriptions & frivolous dilatations: which form of writing if it should not be reform, could not in the whole be followed without pestering the Reader with importable Volumes. Other have intermingled the affairs of other foreign Nations with the matters of England, yea, even where the one had no concurrency or dependence of the other. Others, namely strangers, as well in their books written purposely of England, as in discourses interlaced in their histories of their own Countries, and specially concerning the acts of later times, both in matters of Religion and civil policy, partly following common reports, and partly using envious constructions have either by ignorance or malice slanderously written and erred from the manifest truth: so far as to me seemeth a better work could not be taken in hand, then that some learned English man of good intelligence would by some special work, written in such a language as other Nations might for the more part best understand, detect, and with plain declaration of the truth, confute such errors & untruths as are written and scattered in foreign stories concerning this realm: For some supply of all which defects and errors contained in the said former Chronicles of England, I have to the best of my small skill & with the uttermost of my diligence, gathered this book, containing a complete and whole history from the first entry and habitation of the Britons in this Island, unto the first year of the reign of our sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth, presently reigning. Large enough (I trust) without tediousness, short enough without darkness, merely and only of England, not mingling the same with foreign matters impertinent to our state, and finally true without misreporting, so far as the following of the best Authors & reporters & mine own experience (having of long time seen and purposely noted much thereof) could conceive. And now having ended this work, and seeking to whom I might for testification of my special good will present it, or for patronage and defence dedicated it, and principally for all judgement and correction to submit it: Among many I have chosen your Mastership, moved thereto by experience of your courteous judgement towards those that travail to any honest purpose, rather helping & comforting their weakness, then condemning their simple (but yet well meaning) endeavours. By which your accustomed good acceptation of others, I am the rather boldened to beseech your Mastership to receive this my work and me, in such manner as you do those, in whom (howsoever there be want of power) there wanteth no point of good will and serviceable affection. Wherefore at this present, not meaning to trouble your Mastership with any farther tedious matter, my prayer shall be to God for your long prosperous estate with increase of God's grace, and so thereby to direct your travails in the service of the Queen's most excellent Majesty, and the common weal of this Realm, as you may always leave to the posterity happy and plentiful matter of worthy report. To the gentle Reader. AS I HAVE (WITH MY no little travail) collected this History, which I name a Chronicle at large and mere History of the affairs of England, for that the same is not intermixed with foreign affairs: so most gentle & loving Reader, I beseech thee take these my said travails not only in good part, but also pardon the rudeness of my style & lack of learning which I acknowledge, or otherwise the same should have been better furnished. But for some instruction to the better understanding of mine order observed in the discourse of this History: I thought best to admonish thee, that forasmuch as this Island of Briteyn (whereof the greater part is now called England) had the same time of creation that all the rest of the earth had: therefore I begin this book at the creation of the world, and so continued the same with the blessed line and issue of Adam by Seth his son, unto our Saviour Christ. And by the way, when Brute, as by the testimony of most authors, first entered this Island and named it Briteyne: there beginneth mine History of this Realm, and from thence lineally I proceed to the reigns of all such as succeeded Brute in state of kings, even to the time of William the Conqueror, where I begin my second volume, because in the former part (as may at large appear) this Island being first inhabited by Brute, was afterward conquered by the Romans, and then subdued and possessed by the Saxons, & lastly by the Danes, and so was it never in perfect state of government, until the last conquest of the normans, from whence the Histories of times do more plentifully and plainly appear. And in the discourse of this History, following the common opinion of the division of this Island in three parts made by Brute to his three sons, Locryne, Albanact and Camber, that is to say, of the part now called England unto Locryne his eldest son, and of that part now called Scotland unto Albanact his second son, and of that part now called Wales to Camber his third son, of whose name the same part is called to this day in welsh Cambry. Forasmuch, I say, as before this division, this Island of Briteyn was but one entire Isle, therefore professing to writ an History of the Princes of this part, now called England: I thought it not meet utterly to omit Scotland, being a part of this Isle of Briteyn: And therefore in order as the Britons reigned, so I note also the succession of the kings of Scotland, wherein I do not profess to writ of them any special History, farther than they had to do with the kings of this Realm, or the kings with them, but with a brief recital of their king's names & time of their reigns to pass them over. I have also to admonish you concerning the numbers that stand in the margin of this book, from the creation of the world to the birth of Christ, having a line stricken between them. Those numbers that are above the line, are the years of the world from the creation: And those under the line, are the years before Christ. But after the coming of Christ, than the uppermost numbers are the years of Christ, and the nethermost are the years of every several king, and so it continueth to the end of the book. Here also I must advertise you that in the computation of years, I follow the account of the Hebrews, the which I take to be most true, the which account, I have at large set forth in the. 72. page of my first Volume. Also in the end of this book, ye shall find an exact table, wherein is expressed not only the reign of every king of this realm, sithen the time that the City of London hath been governed by bailiffs, Majors and sheriffs, and the day and year that they first entered into their several reigns: but also the names of those that then were and ever sithence have been Majors and Shiriefes of London, with the years, months and days of their entry into their several charge. Also I have placed in this book two several Tables, the one in the end of the first volume, and before the conquest, which I have divided into seven parts, according to the seven. Ages of the world, as may at large appear in the. 72. page of the said Volume as aforesaid, & the other at the end of the second and last volume, that is, from the conquest to the reign of our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth, the which Tables serve for the ready finding of any name or special matter contained in the said book, by the letter and order of the Alphabet. And where I have in the xiij year of king Henry the first promised to place the manner & order that was first taken for the holding of the Parliament in the time of king Edward the third. I have sithen that time for sundry good causes thought meet to omit the same, and therefore I admonish the Reader not to look for it. And here to conclude most gentle Reader, I beseech thee lovingly and favourably to judge and report of me and my book, to whose judgement I most humbly submit the same, and such things as shall seem to be a miss, or not so well penned and fully set forth as by a learned and skilfullman the same might have been, either favourably do thy endeavour to amend the same, or else impute the fault to the diversity and variance of Authors, among which differences, it shall be hard to try the truth, and thus I bid thee farewell. Richard Grafton Thomas N. to the Reader. forasmuch AS THE Example's of good and evil doings, in this that the one sort do allure to good, the other do fray from evil, do tend both to one good end in well disposed minds, it hath ever been thought a beneficial work to the society of men to set forth in history and true report, the doings and lives of men as they have deserved. And though virtue of itself be of worthiness enough to be loved for itself, and in honest minds free from vanity, is to herself sufficient recompense, yet hath God for commodity of mankind planted in nature a praise worthy affection to be well spoken of for doing well, and shame to bear infamy for doing evil. This hath made virtue commended to increase: This hath restrained those from sin, whom conscience could not: This hath holden men in order for fear of the sight of men, whom the fear of God that seethe all withheld not: This hath raised men out of drowsy idleness whom the sound of God's promises and threatenings awaked not: This, whereby is quickened endeavour to live after death, is the very proof in nature, that man's mind confesseth and hopeth for immortality. As true reporting therefore availeth to the increase of well doing, so good acceptation is profitable to the furtherance of the true reporters labour, and is the very recompense that every honest travailer in any good work shall be sure to find at the hands of every one that feareth not to here shame for his evil deeds. And as it is reason that good be done to him that doth good to many, so where the author and gatherer of this work hath with his honest labours made the noble acts and good deservings of many to live in good memory, so I thought it not reason, specially having among infinite other received commodity by his labours, that his own well doings should altogether die in forgetfulness. I must therefore good Reader, to the intent to provoke thy favourable receiving and construing of this work, put thee in remembrance how many ways the great labours of this man sustained with great charge and perils, have been to us profitable, that we be not to him unthankful. It hath sufficed him to deserve well, it shall not suffice us to receive without receiving well, that is, to the encouragement of him and other to deserve well. That which he of modesty may not utter, we of honesty may not hide. This therefore I am to affirm, because I know it, and the more assuredly to affirm because many more know it, and most reasonably to allege because the whole Realm hath profit by it, that the man hath not spent one quarter of his life to his own ease or commodity, but as a good Citizen for the benefit of the City of London, as a good Englisheman for the profit of the Realm of England, and as a good Christian for the furtherance of true religion. The Bible in English, that unvaluable jewel, we have by his travail, first with his charge and attendance procuring the translation thereof, then sundry times copying the same out with his own hand, thirdly printing it in France with his great expense and peril, when the rage of those holy fathers which then envy Christian men christianity, not only would not suffer it to be done in England, but also procured the same being printed to be attached in France & openly burned, himself hardly escaping with his life. Not discouraged herewith, but still carried with zeal to do good, he attempted the work again, and to God's great praise and to the edification of Christ's Church, performed it. Sithence that, how beneficial he hath been in furthering good wits to learning, in setting learned wits to working, because the rehearsal in particularity cannot but have some affinity with exprobration, I leave to their remembrance that have tasted of it, and shall be moved in their conscience where it may do him good, to testify it. But the City of London may not forget, or forgetting may not be untold of it, or well remembering may not suppress it, that more may be moved by his example and their thankfulness, to be such Citizens as he hath been, how he hath travailed in their affairs from time to time, as if any private man among them had but a servant or factor of such faithfulness, policy and painfulness, as he hath showed himself for them all, it should not for shame be forgotten, I will not say unrecompensed. Who knoweth not his diligence in labouring for and attending on that noble work of that most blessed Prince, King, yea saint, Edward the sixth, in erecting the Hospitals? his labours and expenses in overseeing the same being erected, preferring it before all his own business to his great hindrance? It is provable enough if any will be so past honest thankfulness to deny it. And now lastly, beside a number of good books by him published, he hath for the whole realm gathered this chronicle of England, wherein thou mayest readily see with small travail and cost that which heretofore scattered in many works was chargeable to get and troublesome to find, beside very much that in none heretofore hath been uttered. In this he hath brought things unknown from darkness, untrue reports from error, confusion of affairs from disorder, impertinent tediousness to reasonable proportion, and hath made a large, plain, true and mere history of this Realm, whereby men may be certified of truth, the Reader may have delightful & profitable knowledge: our Country men and the subjects, but specially the princes thereof, delivered from slanderous reports of foreign writers: Kings may learn to depend upon God, and acknowledge his governance in their protection: the nobility may read the true honour of their ancestors: The Ecclesiastical state may learn to abhor traitorous practices and indignities done against kings by the Popish usurping Clergy: high and low may shun rebellions by their dreadful effects, and beware how they attempt against right, how unable soever the person be that beareth it: we all may be warned to thank God for the most virtuous, wise and peaceable government that we now enjoy in comparison of terrible times heretofore: Each man may have a glass to see things past, whereby to judge justly of things present and wisely of things to come; To behold the beauty of virtue and deformity of vice: what sweetness remaineth after well doing, what stings of repentance evil doing leaveth: Men of elder honour, may learn not to deface their forefather's praise: The newer sort may seek to bring light and dignity to their houses: and finally all men in seeing the course of God's doings, may learn to dread his judgements and love his providence: may see how good doings be defended, evil doings and wrongs revenged, blood with blood, violence with violence, injuries with miseries, and so grow into an affection to give to each matter his right judgement, to each superior his right duty, to each other that which justice or charity willeth, and to all well doers, & among others to this setter forth of so many well doings, such thankful acceptation as his whole life employed to common benefit hath deserved. Receive it therefore good Reader so, as thyself mayest have most benefit of it, and he may in his age think his youth well spent in doing good to London, England and Christianity. And above all things forget not, to give God thanks for the Queen's majesties most gracious reign, so far in comparison exceeding the times that here thou readest of: And beseech him long to preserve her, without or after whom there is great danger and small hope: and specially let every one endeavour for himself, not to move God for our sins to call her home from us to him to hastily: Sera at in coelum redeat, diuque Loeta ut intersit populo Britanno, Neu sinat hostes equitare inultos, Se duce, Christi. The first Age, and first part of this Chronicle. The first Age IN the beginning God made Heaven and Earth: Moses. and Moses the divine Prophet and Historiographer (who was before the incarnation of jesus Christ. 1569. Creation of the World. years) showeth us how that GOD divided his work of Creation into uj days. ¶ The first day he made the Light, The i day and divided the same from the darkness, and the light he called day, and the darkness Night. ¶ The second day he ordained the Firmament to be between the Waters, The two day the which divided the waters from the waters, that is to say, those that are above from them that are beneath. ¶ The third day he gathered all the waters together that covered the face of the Earth into one place, that the earth might be dry, The three day and that it might bring forth Herbs, and Trees. ¶ The fourth day he beautified the Firmament with lights, The .4. day and ordained the Son to shine in the day, and the Moon and Stars in the night. ¶ The fift day he Created the Fishes in the Water, The .v. day and Fowls upon the Earth. ¶ The sixth day he Created Beasts, every one in his kind: The vj. day and the same day (as the holy Scriptures do witness) when the Heaven, the Earth, and all the furnitures thereof, Creation of Man. were created and made, God then of the slime of the Earth made Man, that most excellent Creature unto his own likeness, and similitude, Genesis i and breathed into him the breath of life. Thus was Heaven and Earth finished with all their Apparel in six days, and the seventh day God rested from his labours and sanctified the same, The seven. day and commanded it to be kept as his holy Sabaoth. ¶ After that GOD had created Man (as afore said) he then gave unto him such grace that without any instructions, but only with the endowment of his original righteousness, he was perfectly learned and seen in all the liberal Arts and Sciences. He was also endued with the knowledge of all Herbs, Trees, Metals, Stones, Birds, Beasts, Fowls, Fishes, Worms, and all other Creatures. Also God gave unto him power over all things that were upon the Earth, and in the Sea, so that unto all Beasts, Fishes, and Fowls, he gave a proper and convenient name according to their natures, even in such sort as they are called at this day. Then was he brought by the Almighty Lord into the pleasant place of Paradise replenished with all delights and pleasures, S. Augustin the felicity of which place Saint Augustine doth describe in this manner. Paradise Man lived in Paradise as he would, so long as he willed that God commanded, he lived having the fruition of God, of whom came his goodness, he lived wanting nothing. Having in his power withal, so to live continually. Meat was ever ready and at hand because he should not be hungry, and drink for that he should not thrust: and the tree of life, that age should not consume and end his life. No corruption was their either in his body or came of his body, which was to the loathsomeness or annoyance of any of his senses. He feared neither inward diseases nor outward violence. In his flesh was most perfit health, and in every part of his soul no less tranquillity and quietness. As in Paradise no grief was felt through heat or cold, so likewise to the inhabitors thereof happened there nothing through unlawful desire, or fear, that might be to the impeachment of his good and godly inclined william. In him was there no sorrowfulness at all, nor yet any vain mirth or gladness. True joy was in him, continued by God, towards whom there issued a burning charity out of a pure heart, a good conscience and an unfeigned faith: Between the Man and the Woman, there was semblably a faithful society, proceeding of virtuous and honest love, and agreeable watching of mind and body: and finally a keeping of God's commandments without grief or grudging, to weet, that of all the trees in Paradise he might lawfully eat, so that he abstained from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Hitherto Saint Augustine. ¶ Then God perceiving that as yet there was no creature made like unto man which might be an helper and companion unto him, he forthwith cast Adam into a slumber, and took a rib out of his side, filling the place with flesh, Creation of the Woman whereof he made the Woman, and named her Hevah, or Eve (that is to say, live or be living) and brought her unto him, whom when Adam saw, he said: This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh, she shall be called Woman, because she is taken out of the Man: wherefore Man shall forsake his father and mother and cleave unto his Wife, and they two shall be one flesh. And the Lord blessed and said unto them. Increase and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it, and be ye Lord over the Fishes of the Sea, the fowls of the air, and of all the Beasts that move on the earth. ¶ But after that Man was placed in the high felicity as aforesaid, he forgetting God, The fall of Lucifer. through the craft and subtlety of the Serpent (which a little before was driven out of Heaven) and by the provocation of the Woman, broke the commandment, given to him by God, Gene. iij. wherefore he with Eve his wife were driven out of Paradise and made subject to death, Sin and all kinds of misery: For the earth was restrained, that it should no more bring forth fruit of itself, but that by the sweat and painful labours of their bodies, they should travail and lead their lives. Then also came sickness upon them, and heat and cold began to assail their tender bodies. For after they began to sin, God did open the power of Satan, Gene. iij. but yet against him of the seed of the Woman: he promised that Christ should come and destroy his power, and deliver us from his thraldom, death and sin. This was the first promulgation of the Gospel, at which time began the kingdom of Christ and the Church. Adam and Eve, the first of Christ's Church. And so Adam and Eve took comfort of the promise that was made of Christ's coming, and of these two persons the Church first began. ¶ And when Adam was thus for his disobedience and transgression cast out of Paradise, he fell to labour and tilling of the ground, according as almighty God had said unto him, and soon after he knew his wife Eve (and as james Philip of Bergamo saith, james Phil. in the supplement of his Chronicles) he begat on her xu years after the creation of the World two Children at one time, a Son and a Daughter, that is to say, Cain, and Calmana, and xu years next following which was the xxx year of the creation of the world, he begat again at one time a Son and a Daughter, that is to say, Abel, and Delbora. ¶ The aforesaid two brethren Cain, and Abel, were the first founders of two contrary Cities, Babel, & jerusalem, Babel, jerusalem. by the one is understand Confusion, and by the other, the vision of peace. Their father taught them to fear God, and to worship him with sacrifices. Cain was of a naughty and unhappy disposition, given unto all vice and mischief, and was the first that tilled the earth, he offered always the worst and most vile things unto GOD: But Abel the younger Brother, was of contrary conditions: he gave himself to all virtue, and in all things that he went about, he thought God to be present, his occupation was the keeping of Beasts, and he ever offered unto God of the best things that he had. For in their Sacrifices his offering was evermore consumed with fire from Heaven, but his brother Cains remained untouched: wherefore Cain (perceiving that his brothers doing, was more acceptable before God than his) envied him, and aught him most damnable hatred and malice, and in the end most cruelly and shamefully murdered and slew him. ¶ But Adam hearing of the death of his son Abel whom he loved most dearly, mourned and lamented his death, Adam mourned for the death of Abel an hundredth year. and continued mourning for him by the space of one hundred year. And as saith Nicholas de Lira upon the iiij. of Gene: Adam did with himself decree never more to have known Eve his wife: But afterward by God's special will and providence, he did know her, to the intent that of that line our Saviour Christ should come, and not of the live of cursed Cain. ¶ And after that Adam had known his wife again, 131/3832 Seth. Gene. iiij. he begat on her his third son named Seth, when he was. C.xxx. years of age, of whom came and descended No, Abraham, Isaac, jacob, David, and consequently our Saviour jesus Christ. And Adam (as saith james Philip) had beside Cain, Abel, Seth, and their sisters, other xxx Children, and lived ix C.xxx. year. ¶ Now after that Cain had done this horrible murder aforesaid, he fled from his father, Enoch the first City in the world. and builded a City in the Orient, which was the first City in the world, and named it Enoch, after the name of his first begotten son, whom he begat of his sister Calmana, in the land of Ind after he had taken her to wife, as it was lawful for him then to do for the multiplication and increase of the world, which Calmana was borne xu years after the creation of the world as Cain himself was. S. August. And as Saint Augustine in his book of the City of God saith, that as it was then lawful for the brother to take the sister to wife for the increase of the world, so is it now most damnable to attempt or do the like, for that we are by the express word of God prohibited and forbidden so to do. This Cain was a great toiler and moyler in the earth, but very covetous and full of malice withal, at the prosperity of any other, which was the only cause that he murdered and slew his own only brother Abel as aforesaid: Cain the first Murderer. For the which fratricide or brother murdering, he was by the sentence of almighty God published for a vagabond and a runagate, Gene. iiij. & so reputed and taken all the days of his life, as afterward it shall more plainly appear in the description, or rather in the History of Abel. Of the foresaid Enoch came afterward a great Nation of people, but they were very wicked full of sin, and above all other things they did exceed in the Sin of the flesh, which was the greatest cause that his line did so wonderfully increase and multiply. This Cain for that God had pronounced him to be accursed, and said that the Earth should not yield unto him any fruit, as it is expressed in the iiij of Gene: Gene. iiij. For that cause he left off from the toil and labour of the Earth, the which before he did exercise, and sought out by his wicked imagination the Mathematical arts. Cain the inventor of the Mathematical arts. And although he found in that travail great vexation of mind, and business, yet as the pain ceased not, so did not his avaricious covetous and greedy desire cease, by rapine, spoil, or by any other wicked mean to attain to treasure and riches, to the enriching of himself, without regard or respect by what mean so ever he came by the same, not sparing neither the robbery nor spoil of his people, nor yet the robbery of his children, nor of his childers' children, and all that came of them or any of them: Of the which mischiefs he was a most chief and principal doctor. Also he altered and changed the honest and simple doings that before time had been used by honest and good men in their exchanges and traffics, and caused all things to be done by weights and measures, and brought in craft and corruption. ¶ The name of Cain by interpretation is as much to say as possession, and as Saint Augustine saith in his xu S. Augustin Book of the City of God in the xvij Chapter: Cain might well be called possession, for in a little time he and his posterity possessed in a manner the whole Earth, but in the end they were drowned and destroyed by noah's flood. ¶ Abel the son of Adam and brother to Cain borne with his sister Delbora in the xxx year of the age of his father Adam, that is to say xu year after Cain. This Abel in his tender age learned the fear of God and his justice, in such sort that in all his doings and affairs, he imagined God to be present, and that he could do nothing out of God's sight and knowledge, and therefore he endeavoured himself to all virtue and good living, and did sacrifice unto God of all the chiefest and best of his cattle. And therefore almighty God had respect and regard unto him, and did multiply and increase his cattle and goods, which was the cause that his brother Cain envied him. For the said Cain, being a labourer & toiler of the earth, and yet notwithstanding insatiable, greedy, and covetous could not abide to see his brother so greatly to prospero and increase, and therefore by the provocation of the Devil, rather desiring to be deprived of all consolation and comfort, then to live and remain in the fellowship and company of his own natural and only brother Abel, on a time said thus unto his said brother Abel, brother let us go forth into the Fields: To the which innocent Abel not thinking of any guile or deceit did consent. Abel slain. And when they were together alone, suddenly Cain ran upon him and slew him, the said Abel being then one hundred years of age, Abel the first martyr the which Abel is accounted the first Martyr, and the first that possessed Paradise. Cooper. ¶ Afterward God called Cain and cursed him, saying: Cain, Gene. iiij. Cain accursed of God. what hast thou done? The voice of thy brother's blood is come up from the earth before me, thou shalt be cursed upon the earth that did open and receive at thy hand the blood of thy brother Abel. And when thou shalt labour the earth it shall not yield to thee any fruit. Thou shalt be as a Varabond and fugitive upon the earth all the days of thy life. And God set a sign upon Cain, that is to say a most horrible trembling and quaking of all the members and parts of his body and (as sayeth Lira upon the four Lira. of Genesis) God did print a sign or mark in his forehead or face, to the intent he should be known unto all nations, and that he should not be slain by chance where so ever he should be found. ¶ After the death of Abel and banishment of Cain, Adam when he was (as aforesaid) C.xxx. years of age begat Seth, and lived after eight C. years: which Seth as aforesaid gave himself to all virtue and to the fear of God. Of this Seth (as is aforesaid) the holy Fathers were begotten, whose posterity continued, but the posterity of Cain perished in the flood as shall appear. ¶ josephus writeth that Adam & Seth made two Columns or Pillars, josephus one of Brass, the other of Stone, for they foreseeing that the world should perish and be consumed, once by water, as it came to pass at the general flood, and afterward by fire, which time is yet to come, graved in the said Pillars such things as they understood of the glory of almighty God, to the intent that Gods most holy word might be preserved from perishing, and that the same should remain to their posterity, that those that followed might know what God had done in the former time. And he also writeth that Adam and Seth divided the year into twelve Months, Adam and Seth divided the year into twelve Months. and did first observe and teach the course of the Celestial bodies, for that it was impossible that man's wit could attain to so high and difficile things, unless God almighty had showed and declared the knowledge thereof to Adam in his creation. ¶ By Abel which by interpretation is Sorrow, or death, and by Seth, Abel signifieth Sorrow or death. Seth signifieth Resurrection. which by interpretation, is Resurrection, is signified the death and resurrection of Christ, as saith Saint Augustine in his xu Book of the City of God. Chap. xviii. ¶ Seth in the. C.u. year of his Age begat Enos, and lived after that viii. C. years. This Enos was one that altogether sought the glory and will of God, not as many other good fathers did, but as one that most specially and wholly dedicated himself to the advancement of God's high honour and glory, and lived not after the worldly felicity, but after the will of God, as S. Austin writeth of him in the book last before alleged. ¶ Enos the son of Seth in the xcj year of his age begat kenan, after whose birth he lived vij C.xu years. ¶ Kenan the son of Enos in the lxx year of his age begat Malalehel, after whose birth he lived eight C.xl years. This kenan was the fourth in order of the fathers from Adam in the Genealogy of the righteous men, but begotten in the third generation. For in the first generation Seth was borne, in the second Enos, in the third kenan, in the fourth Malalehel, in the fift Jared, in the sixth Enoch, in the seventh Mathusalem, in the eight Lamech, and in the ninth was No borne, who was the tenth from Adam: For according to the mind of S. Augustine, the beginning of Adam was no generation, but a formation: Nevertheless, the plasmation or creation of Adam is reckoned among the generations, where he is accounted in the first, and Seth in the second, and so consequently, which manner is most used. ¶ Malalehel the son of kenan in the .lxv. year of his age, begat jareth or Jared & lived after eight C. years: But here (saith Lanquet) that which Macrobius doth only attribute unto the Egyptians (meaning the account of years) were better accounted by the Hebrews, among whom there was always a certain course of the year which was observed by the circuit of the Son. Thomas year, month, and course of the Son and Moon, was at the beginning, as it is now. The year was then of twelve months as it is now. The month contained the same time that it doth now. The whole course of the Son & Moon was then, as it is now. The day xxiiij hours, as it is now, whereby worthily are refused the errors of them which hold that the years of that age were ten times shorter than they are now, the which opinions the holy scriptures condemn to be false. For the Scripture saith that the flood began in the uj C. year of the life of No, in the xvij day of the second month, and ceased the twenty day of the same month in the year following, in the which place the twelve months is read, whereby it appeareth that there was then no fewer months than is now. Lanquet. And as at this time, men lived much longer than we do now: so is it true that they had far greater bodies & were of much more strength than we are now. S. August. S. Augustine writeth (as Lanquet saith) that he himself saw in Utica (a city in Africa) the jaw tooth of a man of such exceeding greatness that it might well have made an hundredth of our teeth, and there he allegeth the sentence of Pliny, who saith, that the longer that time passeth, the lesser bodies shall be engendered. And I the writer and collector of this whole Book, A strange Tooth. and History, did see the tenth day of March .1564. the check tooth of a man, and had the same in my hand, which was as great as a hens egg, and the same did weigh ten ounces of Troy weight. And the skull of the same man, as I am credibly informed, is extant and to be seen which will hold five pecks of wheat, and the shin bone of the same man is also to be seen, which is reported to be six foot in length, and of a marvelous greatness. ¶ jareth, or Jared, the son of Malalehel in the C.lxij. year of his age begat Enoch, after the birth of whom he lived eight C. years. And in this time the children of Seth suffered much violence and wrong of the children of Cain. ¶ Enoch the son of jareth or Jared in the .lxv. year of his age begat Mathusalah, and lived after three C. years. This Mathusalah or Mathusalem, as the holy scripture saith, was of longest life, and being borne in the viii. generation from Adam, did prefigurate the eight age of the world, which shall be the time of the Resurrection, which shall begin in the last day, and never after shall have end. ¶ Mathusalem or Mathusalah in the. C.lxxxvij. year of his life begat Lamech, after whose birth he lived vij C.lxxxij. years, and died in the year of the flood. He was borne in the time when wickedness and malice began to abound upon the earth, not only amongst the children of Cain, but also among those which were called the children of the Godly. This Lamech was not only a just man, but also a Prophet, for he was the father of No, and he prophesied of him and said, he shall comfort us from the works and labours of our hands in the earth which the Lord hath cursed. And Lamech when he had lived. C.lxxxij. years he begat Noe. ¶ No, when he was five. C. years of age, begat Sem, Cham, and japhet, and here I will return a little to the line of Cain, and show what cursed end he came unto, as matter by God's sufferance, A digression. that with such measure as himself had measured to his only & own natural brother, whom he had most cruelly murdered, so he likewise at the last was murdered himself, and that by one that proceeded out of his own line. IN The beginning of the world most people went naked, saving that they were partly covered with the skins of some beast, & at that time they had no dwelling houses to defend them, neither from the cold, nor yet from the heat, but after their own fantasies they made with pretty boughs and twigs of trees, such little pretty lodgings, as we call Cabons, or Booths. And it so chanced that Cain being very old and also weary, happened one day to lay him down to rest in a bush that was enclosed with green boughs as aforesaid. And Lamech one of the kindred of Cain in the fift degree, who by reason of his great age had lost his sight, & yet at a time was disposed to go abroad to kill some wild Beast, and taking his Bow and Arrows, he took also with him a little boy to lead and direct him where he might have a good shot. And when they drew somewhat near unto the bush where Cain lay, the little boy espying the bush to wag, and seeing as it were a great thing in the midst thereof, he imagined that there lay some wild beast, and the boy being afraid thereof gave knowledge unto old father Lamech, that in a bush standing right before him and not far off, there lay a great and terrible beast. And Lamech upon the report of the child stretched out his arm & drew a straight draft toward the bush, where he slew his cousin Cain, Cain slain that lay in the same after he had lived vij C.xxx. years, as saith Philo. Of this ye may read more in Nicholas de Lira upon the fourth Chap. of Genesis. ¶ This Lamech as saith Raynulph Monk of Chester, was the vij Ranulphus in degree from Adam, and was of the line of Cain, and the most shrew, for he was the first that brought in Bigamye and spousebreach against the law of God and nature, and against Gods own doom. ¶ And this Lamech had a son called jubal or jabell, who was the first inventor of the Portative tents or lodgings, Portative tents. Cat-tail divided one from another. the which first was practised and used by the Sepeheards and keepers of cattle. And he also was the first that divided the Lambs from the Sheep, and one kind of cattle from another. Tubal. Music. ¶ The same Lamech had also another son named Tubal, who was a great lover of Music, and was the first inventor of proportions and measures: But he was not the maker of the Instruments, for that was invented long time after, in the time of Pythagoras. And this Tubal by the sound of the Hammers that Tubalcaim his Brother being a Smith did use, did imagine the distinction of sounds. Gene. iiij. Genesis. iiij. Tubalcaim. ¶ Tubalcaim the second son of Lamech was a warlike Man, and begotten of his Wife Sela, this Man was a lover and inventor of all those things that were meet or necessary for the wars: Forging of Iron. he found out the Art of forging of Iron. He and his brother Tubal foreseeing the two destructions of the world that were to come, the one by water and the other by fire did erect two great Columns or round Pillars, the one of brent Brick to defend the fire, and the other of Marble to defend the water: and therein did grave the Arts and Sciences that were by them invented: This Tubalcaim was the last of the line of Cain. Noemia. ¶ Noemia the daughter of Lamech and of Sela the Sister of Tubalcaim did first find out the use of Linen and , & the Spinning, Carding and weaving of the same, and made it into cloth, both for lightness and warmness, where before they did wear beasts skins as is mentioned in Cronica Cronicarum. BUT Now to return again to the line of the just, where before mention is made that Jared begat Enoch & Enoch begat Mathusalem, the said Enoch about this time was by God taken up into heaven, Enoch taken up into Heaven. which thing doth evidently set forth unto us the immortality that remaineth after this life, and that God will save those that are righteous and condemn them that are wicked. ¶ Also before is uttered that Mathusalem begat Lamech, not that same Lamech of whom the story last before is written, for he came of the line of Cain, but this Lamech whereof mention is now made came of the line of Seth, and the same begat No, as a foresaid. NO The son of Lamech which came of the line of the just, when he was .v. C. years of age, begat Sem, Cham, and japhet, not all at one time, Sem, Ham, japhet. but he was so old before he begat any of them. This No was a just & righteous Man & one that loved and feared God, by the which he obtained the blessing & favour of almighty God. And after the recital of the birth of the sons of No, forthwith the holy Scripture declareth the occasion of the Flood, because sayeth almighty God, the world began to wax wicked. And among other the great vices of the World, The causes of the flood. there is recited the contempt of God, Adultery, voluptuous and pleasure of the body, for thus the text hath: When that Men began to multiply upon the earth and brought forth Daughters, the Children of God, seeing the Daughters of men to be fair, took them to their wives. ¶ The holy Scripture calleth the children of God all those which descended from Seth, the third son of Adam. And those the children of men that descended from Cain the first son of Adam. For Adam commanded that the children of Seth should in no wise couple with the children of Cain, which was observed of a long time, until that the zeal and love of virtue decayed. And God perceiving thereby that the wickedness of man was great upon the Earth, repented him that he had made man, not that there is any such passion in God, but that the Scripture so speaketh to us after our familiar and worldly manner: and therefore he threatened a destruction to the world by a flood, and would therefore that No should declare this unto the people. C.xx. years before it should come to pass. In the mean time God commanded No that he should build an Ark, that should contain in length CCC. Cubits Geometrical, every cubit containing as S. Augustine saith vj. common Cubits, which is ix feet, and so it was in length, two thousand, seven hundred feet. In breadth it was fifty Cubits, which was four hundred fifty feet, and in deepness from the upper deck to the bottom xxx Cubits, which was two hundred seventy feet, Cooper. and the roof over it was one cubit high, which was ix feet. Cooper. This Ark was not by man's power brought into the Sea, but by the course of the waters rising up, it was borne away: and rather by divine providence, than by man's policy, it was governed from running to wreck. And No began to build this Ark in the .v. C.xxiij. year of his age, and before the flood, as Berosus saith, Berosus. lxxviij. years. ¶ In the uj C. year of the life of No, and the second month, God said unto him that after vij days this flood should come, in which space he brought into the Ark his stuff, provision and all other necessary things for him, whereat every man laughed, & took him as one out of his wit. But finally, as it is written in the Gospel, they were eating and drinking, they married and were married even unto the day that No entered into the Ark, and would not know it even until the flood came and destroyed them all. For No showed it unto them, aswell in word as in deed, and the building of the Ark was also a certain declaration unto them: But they were both without faith and the fear of God, for which cause they were worthily punished. Thus the time passing the seventh day came, & that day No with his wife and his three sons and their wives entered the Ark. And behold, A miracle most wonderful. suddenly came together unto him Beasts of all kinds, not brought thither by man, but even by the miracle of God: neither did Noe take them, but suffered them as they came to enter into the Ark, neither came there any more than of unclean beasts two, a Male and a Female. Of clean beasts seven, four Males, and three Females, of the which one Male was reserved for Sacrifice after the flood, the residue were kept for generation. ¶ Thus they being entered, the Lord shut the door of the Ark the xvij day of the second month. And behold incontinent the springs of the Sea burst out, the windows of Heaven were opened, The flood of No terrible. the rain fell continually xl. days and xl nights, and the waters swelled and rose above all Mountains xu Cubits. All living creatures died, except Fish and such as might endure in the bowels of the earth. The waters increased. C.l. days, and on the xvij day of October the Ark stack upon the Mountains of Armeny. The last day of januarie, No opened a window, and put forth a Crow, which was ever going and coming until such time as the waters were dried upon the earth, and then came no more again. After vij days he put forth a Dove, which for that she could find no resting place, came again at night. And after this, he tarried yet other vij days, and put forth the Dove again, which at night returned unto him and brought in her mouth a branch of an Olive tree. And he tarried yet other vij days and sent forth the Dove again, but then she returned no more. Howbeit, yet he would not issue out, but remained for the commandment of the Lord, who commanded him not to go forth until the xvij day of the second month, whereby it appeareth that he remained a just year and ten days in the Ark. Berosus. ¶ Berosus the Chaldean writeth of this flood in manner following. Before (saith he) the famous flood of waters came, whereby the whole world perished, there preceded many years, which of our Chaldeans were faithfully observed. They write that about Libanum was a great City of Giants called Enoch, who were Lords of the world from the rising of the Son unto the setting of the same (that is from the East unto the West) and they trusting in their strength and hugeness of their bodies, with armour that they had invented, oppressed all men. They devised Tents, Musical Instruments, and all delicacies: They fed of Man's flesh and accompanied commonly with their Mothers, Daughters, Sisters, Men & Beasts. There was no wickedness which they omitted. Then many prophesied and preached that destruction should come, which they did writ in stones, but they scorned all things. And there was one of these giants wiser than all the other in Syria, whose name was Noa: he with his three sons, Samo, japeto & Chem, and their wives, Titea, Pandora, Noela, and Noegla, fearing this destruction, which he perceived by the Stars, began to make a Ship in fashion of an Ark lxxviij years before the flood. And in the same year that the Ship was finished, suddenly the Ocean swelled, and all the Seas, Floods & Springs rose above the mountains with continual rain that fell from the Heavens, whereby all mankind perished (except No with his Family) who were saved in the Ship, which the waters bore up to the tops of the Mountain Cordici, where in my time remained part thereof, hitherto the words of Berosus. Here endeth the first Age of the world, which is from Adam unto the Flood of No, and is after the account of the Hebrews xvi C.lvi years, and after the lxx interpreters. MM.CC.xlij years. The second Age, and second part of this Chronicle. The second Age WHen No had continued a year in the Ark and more, and the Waters being assuaged, and the Earth dried, God commanded him to come forth, unto whom incontinent he builded an Aultare, and offered of all clean Beasts and Birds, a delectable Sacrifice. Then God blessed him and said: Increase and multiply the Earth. ¶ And after God instituted as it were a new world again, and first he gave his word, and promised that he would never more destroy the world with water, and for the confirmation thereof, The Rainbow. he gave the Rainbow for a sure token between him and man. For in that Bow is expressed both the colours of Water & Fire, the one part being blue, and the other read, that it might be a witness of both the judgements, the one past, and the other to come. Also than he granted liberty to men to eat flesh, which the holy Fathers before the flood never used. ¶ Moreover, A new commandment. God gave a new precept for external things and commanded more plainly, that who so ever did shed any man's blood, his blood should be shed again, of them, to whom lawful authority for the judgement thereof was given (meaning the Magistrates and Rulers) for that Man is made to the Image and similitude of God. ¶ This No was faithful unto God, and another father unto mankind, having within the space of one hundredth years his issue wonderfully increased, being also thoroughly learned in the knowledge of divine and humane things, in the revolution of times, in the Histories of the world passed: But most specially in justice & Religion, The world divided into in parts by Noe. and he divided the world into three parts, which he himself in the residue of his life travailed and went through, leaving behind him in all places perpetual monuments, both of his virtue, and also of his Empire. He planted the first Grape, and invented the use of Wine, The planting of the Grape first invented by Noe. with the which he was made drunk, so that he lay dishonestly discovered: who being seen of Cham his son, the Father of Canaan, was of him scorned, and he in derision brought his two brethren to behold that sight. But they moved with shamefastness and honesty, covered their father's members and would not see them. The which when No perceived, he blessed them, but Cham he would not curse, because God had blessed him, and therefore he cursed Chanaan his Nephew the son of Cham, who as some suppose did deride and mock his Grandfather. ¶ This No lived after the Flood. CCC.L year, and for his sundry benefits showed unto all Nations, they gave unto him divers names, among the which, these as the most famous are celebrated. No, Gyges, Fenix, Vranos, Coelus, Sol, Protheus, janus, Geminus, Innominus, Quirinus, Patulcius, Bacchus, Vortumnus, Chaos, Ileton, Seed of the world, and Father of all Gods and Princes. The Italians after his decease dedicated unto him by the name of Vortumnus, a Temple, and worshipped him with divine honours and ceremonies. And also his wife Vesta, for her great prudence and worthy deserts obtained these names following. Earth, Opis, Aretia, Vesta, Cybiles, the great Mother of the Gods, who taught the Maidens to keep the holy Fire, whereof arose the error and ceremonies of the Virgin's Vastalles. ¶ After the universal Flood, the World by the children of No was shortly replenished with people: For God or Nature never yet failed the necessity of things: Of them there were many mighty nations as hereafter followeth. Asia. ¶ Sem the first son of No Prince of Asia, called also of some Melchisedech, Melchisedech. a just and peaceable King, and priest of almighty God, from whom Christ lineally descended, possessed all Asia, with his children. For of Elam came first the Persians': Of Assur, the Assyrians: Of Arpharat, the Chaldeans: of Lud, the Lydians: and of Aram, the Syrians. Hitherto Lanquet. ¶ Asia is the third part of the world, divided from Europa by the Sea called Bosphorus Thracius, & the great river of Tanais: and from Africa, by the famous river Nilus, Cooper. and is in quantity supposed to be as great as Europa and Africa. Asia minor is a part of the other Asia, which is now called Turkey, and containeth in it these Realms, Pontus, Bithynia, Phrigia, Coria, Lycia, Lydia, and Licaonia. Cooper. Africa. ¶ Cham the second son of No, Prince of Aphrick called also Innuus, Incumbus, Sylvanus, Pana, Saturn of Egypt, the raiser and spreder of the wickedness punished with the Flood, inhabited the South part of the World with his children. Of Canaan came the Canaanites: of Phuth the Libyans: of Mesraim the Egyptians: of Chus the Ethiopians: and of Saba the Arabians. Isidor. ¶ Africa as saith Isidore in the xiiij book of his Ethimologies, and the fift Chapter, doth begin at Egypt, and so passeth Southward unto the mountain Atlas, and toward the North, the same is enclosed with the Sea Mediterraneum, and endeth in the Sea Gadique. Some also say that it is called Africa of Afer, the son of Abraham, begotten of Cetura his wife, which conquered that country, and named it Africa according to his own name. And it is the same country that we now call Barbary, wherein is the City of Carthage. ¶ japhet the third son of No Prince of Europa, Europa. called also japetus Priscus, Diris, Maurus and Athlas, received of his father No for his portion all the countries of Europe, from the Gades, called at this time the straights of Marock, unto the great river Tanais. ¶ Europe as saith Isidore in the xiiij of his Ethimologies and four Chap. beginneth at the river Tanais, and so lieth Westward by the great Northern Sea, unto the end of Spain. Isidore. And the East part and South part of the same is joined unto the great Ocean Sea, and it endeth at the Isles called Gades, and it is the same part of the world wherein we do now inhabit. But Cooper saith that Europa is divided from Asia with the great Seas Hellespontus, Propontis, Bosphorus, Thracius, and Pontus Euxinus, Cooper. and hath the uttermost bounds in the north-east, the River Tanais, and from Africa it is divided by the middle Sea. ¶ Of japhet came these Princes and Nations: Comerus Gallus, who first reigned in Italy. Magog of whom came the Scythians, and of them the Turks. Madaus of whom sprang the Medes. Of janan the Grecians, which were called Jane's. Of Tubal the Spaniards. Of Mosoch the Moscovites, and of Tyras the Thracians. ¶ And of this japhet came also Brute who first inhabited this Realm, Brute. of him called Briteyn, for japhet begat janan, and janan begat Sethum, and he begat Siprius of whom Cypress had his first name, and he begat Saturnus, and he begat jupiter, and he begat Dardanus, and he begat Erichtonius, and he begat Tros, and he begat Assaratus, and he begat Capis, and he begat Anchises, and he begat Aeneas, and he begat Askanius, and he begat Silvius, who was the father of Brute. ¶ I find also alleged by Berosus that No had another son borne after the flood, who was named jonithus, or jonichus, Berosus. jenichus the son of Noe. which was a great Astronomer, and was the first that attained to the whole science of Astronomy, and thereby did divine and show before what should after happen to the four principal Monarchies of the World: Nembroth He was also Schoolmaster to Nembroth who began the building of the tower of Babylon, and at that time all the people of the world spoke but one tongue. ¶ Sem the first son of No, the which some do affirm to be the great and high priest Melchesidech, was borne in the year of the World as appeareth in the mergent, when his father was. D. years old, and one hundredth years before the flood. He builded the first city after the flood, the which he named Salem, jerusalem. and at this day it is called jerusalem (as saith james of Bergamo.) And of him came xxvij generations, and also the patriarchs, and Prophets, and finally our Saviour and Redeemer jesus Christ. And the said Sem in the. C. year of his life begat Arphaxat, of whom came the Chaldeans. ●6●4/●269 ¶ Arphaxat in the xxxv year of his Age begat Sale, of whom came the Indians. ¶ Sale in the xxx year of his life begat Heber, and lived after that three hundredth three years. In the house of Heber continued the language, which at the first, and before the building of the Tower of Babylon was called Hebrew. Hebrew. ¶ Heber in the xxxiiij year of his life begat Phalech and jectan, and lived after that four C.xxx. years. Phasech is interpreted division, because it chanced him to be borne in the time of the confusion of the tongues. ¶ Phalech when he was xxx years of Age begat Rue, and lived after Cc.ix years. The first year of the life of Rue was the first year of the reign of Nembroth in Babylon, where he reigned luj years. Here I leave the line of Scin and go a little forth with the line of Cham who begat Chus, and Chus begat Nembroth. etc. 1757/2206 NEMBROTH The son of Chus, was among all the other that issued out of No, the mightiest and most hardiest, and he was the first that took upon him the Empire and government over his Subjects, and his abiding was at Babylon, which City he builded. This Nembroth enterprised the building and erecting of an huge, great, and most high Tower made of Brick, which was commonly called the Tower of Babel or Babylon, and he purposed that this Tower should have extended unto heaven, to the intent that he would make an everlasting memory of himself. But after that this Tower began to be of a great height, and was half finished, God almighty willing to abate and overthrow the great presumption and enterprise of Nembroth, confounded the speeches and languages of the workmen that wrought upon the same Tower, so that no one of them understood another. ¶ But for that the foresaid Tower is by certain writers noted to be marvelous great and huge, I thought it good to note and mention somewhat thereof unto you. This Tower & City of Babylon was compassed with four walls square, every wall being fifty Cubits in breadth, and two hundredth Cubits in height. And the length of every of the square walls, was xuj Miles (after the account of our Miles) so that the compass of the four Walls were lxiiij Miles. And in the same City were one hundredth Gates of Brass. And the said Tower was builded. CC.lxxij. pace high. But some write that the said Tower was three Mile high. And other write that it was five Mile high and. C.lxx paces. And was in breadth four Mile. And through the midst thereof ran the famous river Euphrates, whose head spring came out of Paradise, and that the same was builded with tile, and Pitch in stead of Mortar. Ranulph, Eliot, Cooper, and other. Ninus. ¶ Ninus the third King of Babylon, was the son of Belus, the son of Nembroth, that was first King of Babylon, and he reigned. Lij. years, and married Semiramis, which Semiramis after the death of her husband Ninus reigned as Queen of Babylon xlij years, but not contented with the limits and circuit of that Realm, she made a conquest of the whole country of Ethiope, and adjoined the same unto her Realm of Babylon, and she attempted also marvelous fierce and cruel war against the people of Ind, and by force entered into that Country and conquered the same, in such sort, that after that conquest the Indians never had other Emperor, King, nor other Prince but her and Alexander the great. ¶ Mesraim, otherwise called Osiris the second son of Cham, was the first King of Egypt. He is called Mesraim of Moses as appeareth in the ten of Gene. And Berosus in his book of Antiquities calleth him Osiris. Osiris. This Osiris (saith Berosus) did found out in Africa the use of Wheat, Wheat. and the manner of sowing, reping and dressing of the same. And afterward he came into Egypt where he invented the Plough, Plough. and all that ever appertained unto husbandry. And from thence he passed travailing through the rude Countries and people, who fed of Acorns and fruit, and had nothing else to feed upon: Those also he taught his invention. And by this means he became a sovereign Lord and a great ruler through the universal world, except unto them which were under the Empire of the Babylonians. Corn, Trees, Vines. He also did first teach the Almains to sow Corn, to set Trees, to plant Vines in places most commodious. And where there was no store nor plenty of wine, there he taught them to make drink of Barley, Oats, and other Grain, Barley, O●es, Drink, which drink they called in their tongue, Ceruoys, somewhat applying to the name of his Sister, which was called Ceres. And furthermore at the request of the people of Italy he discomfited the Giants called cruel tyrants, for that they most tyrannously did reign over that country. He kept himself out of the Realm of Tuscan, and reigned over the Italians by the space of xv. years, being resident the greatest part of that time in the City of Viterbe, which afterward was called Vetulonia. And from thence he passed by Sea into Grece, that is to say, unto the Province of Peloponesse, which is now called the Moors land, Eusebius. and there he reigned in the City of Argos by the space of xxxv years, as Eusebius writeth, and in the end returned again unto Egypt. And after all these things thus done and finished, the malice of his brother Typhon an Egyptian, being as great as the malice of Cain was to his brother Abel, conspired by treason to slay him, which at length he brought to pass and cut him in xxuj pieces and divided the same among the conspirators, which were in number xxuj Bocas. After his death as Bocas in his second Book of the Genealogy of Gods, sayeth he was called Serapis. Serapis. ¶ Laabin or Libycus surnamed Hercules, commonly called the great Hercules of Libya, was the son of Osiris (as Berosus sayeth) who did accompany his father in all his great wars and travails. Berosus. And afterward for the revengement of his father's death, he offered open war to all the Giants of the world. And first he went into the land of Phenice, the which he conquered, Troy. and after he went into Frigia where afterward Troy was built, and their he slew Typheus the Giant of that Country, Typheus. and gave the land to his own son Athus, and with the same one fair Lady called Omphale. Milinus. In like manner he discomfited Milinus king of the Isle of Candy. And from thence he came unto Africa, which now is called Barbary, Barbary and there he destroyed Antheus the Giant and named the Country after his own name Libya, Antheus. Libya. which before was called Phuthee of the name of Phuth the third son of Cham. And there he set up a great and high Colome or Pillar in the memory of his conquest. After he came into that part of France that is called, Gaul Celtique, where he married Galathe, France the only daughter of jupiter Celte, the ix king of the Frenchmen. Gaul Celtique. And in this pastime died jupiter, by the death of whom, great Hercules reigned in France as the ten king of that Realm with Galathe his Wife, where they builded a great City in the Country of Lauxois, the which he named Alexia, of the which julius Caesar maketh often mention in his Commentaries. julius Cesar And then purposing to go into Italy, he chanced to light upon a great army, and entered into the Country of Allobroges, Savoy. which now is called Savoy, and first he broke and tore in pieces the hard & stony rocks, and passed over the same rocks and Mountains which we now call the Alps, Alps. making away thorough even by force of people, for it was a marvelous enterprise and a thing never like to be brought to pass, that in such a straight and so hard a rock and in so high and terrible a Mountain withal, that there should be away made for an army with their cattle and Baggages to pass clean over: and there he destroyed all the thieves and Murderers that lay hidden in those Mountains who did much hurt to such as were travailers by that Region. After he had passed the Mountains he descended into Italy and there he made war against the Titans, which were Giants, who within x. years following, after he had bidden them divers battles, he destroyed them and clean drove them out of the Country. And the place where one of the battles was fought and they vanquished, is called at this day, the Valley of the Giants near to the City of Tuscanel in Tuscan. The valley of Giants. And after this the great Hercules' King of France was quietly possessed of all Italy, in the which he reigned after peaceably the space of twenty years as saith Berosus. And afterward when he had crowned Tuscus one of his sons, king of Italy, than he went into spain and there died. And after his death the Spaniards made for him a sumptuous and costly Sepulture in the place which yet they call Gades Hercules, where standeth the Pillars called Hercules Pillars. Berosus and Bergamo. ¶ Tuscus the son of Hercules of Libya, was by him ordained king of Italy, he gave the name of the province of Tuscan in the which he had remained long, otherwise called Ethruria, and before that it was called janicula, of the name of the good father surnamed janus, and all they that have rule and government in Italy, they call janigenes, that is to say, the children of janus. Bergamo. Italy. ¶ Altheus the son of Tuscus was after his father king of Italy. And in his time Atlas Italus king of spain did leave his Realm to Sicorus his son, and came into Sicily, where he reigned a certain time, and after he arrived in Italy, and there planted and placed himself as in his own Realm, Here I lean the line of Chain and return again to the line of Sem of the which our Saviour jesus Christ came. justine. and called all the Country by his own name Italy. Bergamo. RAGAV or Reu the son of Phalech in the xxxij year of his age begat Seruch or Saruch, & lived after. Cc.vij years. In this time there were four Realms that took their first beginning, that is to say, the Realm of the Scythes, wherein first reigned Tanaus, of the which the River Tanais did first take his name. The second was the realm of the Amasones the which as justine writeth were warlike women descending from the Scythes. The three is the Realm of Egypt. The four is the Realm of Boheme, Amasones. the which was so called by a Prince named Bohemus, that was present at the building of the Tower of Babylon as saith Bergamo. Egypt. ¶ And in this time Nobility was advanced and took place, and that for divers and sundry causes. Nobility. First for necessity: that the generation of Man so greatly increased, and men prove and ready to all mischief, it was of force that the wickedness of the evil must be suppressed by the honesty and discretion of the good, and therefore they chose some certain Man more sage, wise and prudent, than other to rule the Commonalty, to advance and procure virtue, to defend the innocents, and to punish the wicked. And hereof is he rightly called Noble, the which in virtues before other is notable. Whereof S. Iherom speaketh, S. Iherom. I can see none other thing in Nobility (saith he) but that they are by a certain necessity compelled to be Noble, lest they should degenerate from the Nobleness of their parents. ¶ The second cause was the discord, variance and Brawls among the people for lack of right judgement: wherefore it was most necessary, that by the authority of the Nobility, they should be compelled to concord and unity as by them unto whose judgement and authority they must obey. ¶ The third cause proceeded of the valiant courage and manly prows of certain notable persons declared in resisting and encountering the enemies of their Country and repressing their invasions. And such a one the people had in great reverence and estimation and worshipped and honoured him as one that had delivered their Country from dangers, and by this means most chiefly did the Country yield and give unto such worthy Men the name of Nobility, to them and their heirs for ever, and for this purpose were they chiefly advanced to the dignity of Noble men. ¶ The fourth cause, came of abundance of riches, that when penury and scarcity came, than the common people were relieved and succoured of the rich, for the which relief and secure the poor men had the rich in great reverence and estimation, and accounted them ever after as their Masters and Lords. ¶ Therefore all such as are descended of noble Parents and Ancestors, aught chiefly & before all others to call to often remembrance these foresaid causes of true Nobility, that thereby they may be the more stirred to such sovereign virtues, for the which their worthy progenitors first became Noble, thinking themselves unworthy the name, except they have withal those endowments and qualities for the which the same name was first given unto them. ¶ There were also certain personages made Noble by God's divine providence (but not many of them) and some of them continued as Noble, as David, and some were overthrown in short time as Saul, jeroboam, and many other. ¶ There are many also that have made themselves Noble by violence and tyranny. And here the old and ancient writers of Histories do note, that seldom or never among the Turkish and heathen people, there is any root or perpetual success of Nobility, because they enter by pride, & continued by violence and tyranny. And even many among the Christians have for the very same cause been oppressed and confounded according to the saying of Ecclesiasticus in the ten Chapter. Eccle. 10. The high and mighty Princes for their pride and tyranny God hath overthrown and cast down, and hath advanced thereunto the lowly and meek. And note also that no man can hate Nobility, for that every man desireth by nature to be accounted as Noble, even as we desire to be accounted virtuous and religious. But yet many virtuous and holy men have fled that vocation, for the great peril that is proper and annexed to the same, and this may at large and sufficiently appear in the Prophet David, whom God himself did specially elect and choose. Cronica Cronicarum. ¶ Saruch the son of Ragan being xxx years of age begat Nachor and lived after two hundred years. ¶ Nachor the son of Saruch when he was xxix year old begat Terah, or There, and lived after. C.xix. year. ¶ There or Terah the son of Nachor, when he was lxx year old he begat Abram, Nachor and Aram, and lived. Cc.u years. ¶ Abram the son of There borne in Vr in the Country of Chaldee, and he departed from thence, when he was lxx years of age. Here endeth the second Age, which began at the Flood of No and ended at the birth of Abram, which continued. CCC.lxiij. years and x. days, but after the account of Septuaginta it is ix C.xlij years. The third Age, and third part of this Chronicle The third Age ABram was a Man more prudent and expert in all things both divine and humane, than any other before him was. Abram. He was the first that durst maintain God to be the Creator of all things, against the opinion of all the Chaldeyes, for the which he was compelled to forsake his country of Chaldey. And soon after, he by the will and commandment of almighty God, Gene. xii. with There his father, and his wife Sara, and his Nephew Loath departed from the said country of Chaldey to go into Chanaan, that is to say, into the land of Chananee, which afterward was called the land of jury, or the land of promise, & he first arrived in the land of Haran, which is in Mesopotania, there making some abode, where for some special causes he remained until the death of There his father. And then God made his first promise unto Abram saying. Get thee out of thy Country and from thy kindred, and out of thy father's house into a land which I will show thee. And I will make of thee a mighty people, & I will bless thee and make thy name great, that thou mayst be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curse thee, and in thee shall be blessed all the generations of the Earth. ¶ And Abram went as the Lord commanded him: and Abram was .lxxv. years old when he departed out of Haran to go unto Cananee. And he took with him Sara his wife, and Loath his nephew, with all their goods which they had gotten, and all the Souls that they had begotten in Haran, and they departed to go into the land of Canaan. And when Abram was arrived in the land of Canaan, God spoke unto Abram and said, unto thy line and seed I give all this land. And soon after Abram builded an Altar unto the Lord in the same place where the Lord appeared unto him, upon the which he offered sundry Sacrifices unto the Lord. After this, there came a dearth in the land, and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there. And knowing that the Egyptians were lecherous people, & fearing also that Pharaoh King of Egypt would not let to kill him, to the intent he might freely have the use of his wife which was one of the fairest women in the world, he streightly charged and commanded her, that she should declare none other unto the Egyptians (and stoutly to stand therein) but that she was the sister of Abram and not his wife. ¶ And when Pharaoh was advertised of the great beauty of Sara, he caused her to be taken and sent home to his house, for the which God sent unto him many plagues, which lighted both of him and all his household. But after, when Pharaoh understood by his wise men that the aforesaid plagues happened unto him because of the ravishing & withholding of the wife of Abram: He forthwith restored her unto her husband Abram, and did further command that his servants should safely conduct her, and all things that belonged unto her, to the intent that nothing should be hurt or spoiled by the Egyptians. read. Genesis xii Gene. xiii. ¶ Abram and Loath after they had been a little time in Egypt, they returned into Cananee. And in the mean time Loth and he so greatly increased in cat-tail, that it was impossible for the land to maintain the goods of them both in that place, and there happened much brawl and unquietness between the Shepherds, and herds of Loath, and the herds & Shepherds of Abram, wherefore Abram spoke unto Loth and said. My Brother and my Friend, thou seest daily what discords and variances there happen between thy servants and mine, for the keeping and feeding of our Cat-tail, I pray thee heartily, because there shall arise no malice nor displeasure between us two, which I would not should come to pass, for we two are brethren, choose thee a place for thee and thine to go unto, and if thou choose the right hand, I will go on the left. And if thou take the left, I will go on the right hand. Then Loath beholding the Country round about, and noting the goodly plains & Meadows that led to the flood of jordan, which was very pleasant for the comfort of his Cat-tail, chose that part, and so leaving the East part or Country unto Abram, departed toward jordan into the place where afterward was Sodom and Gomorra consumed from Heaven with Fire and Brimstone. ¶ And after the departure of Loath from Abram, the Lord spoke unto Abram and said. Lift up thine eyes and behold from the place where thou art Northward, Southward, Eastward, and Westward, for all the land which thou seest will I give unto thee and thy seed for ever. Gene. xiii. ¶ Then Abram seeing that he could have no issue by Sara his wife, did by the counsel of the said Sara take one of his Maidens or bondwomen named Agar and knew her, and she conceived with child and brought forth a son which was called Ishmael, Saracens. and of him is come the Nation of the Saracens. ¶ In this time God almighte instituted circumcision to be an everlasting covenant unto the posterity of Abram, and said unto him, Abram, Circumcision. thou shalt from henceforth no more be called Abram, but Abraham, Abraham. for I have made thee a father of many nations. ¶ And shortly after there appeared three Angels unto Abraham and he washed there feet, and standing under a Tree he served them at a Table. The Tree endured until the reign of Constantius the younger. Lanquet. This man taught the Egyptians Astronomy and Geometry, he died before the incarnation of Christ. 1838. years. Cooper. ¶ In this time also God destroyed Sodom, Gomorra, Adama, Sodom. etc. and Semois: Ezechi. xuj. The cause of that destruction as Ezechiell the Prophet sayeth was, for their iniquity, pride, superfluity of meat, abundance of riches and idleness, and they reached not forth their hands unto the poor, and did abominations against nature. This place is now called Mare mortuum, the dead Sea, whose length and breadth containeth many Miles. And at this day it is full of Pitch and boileth continually out in Vapours, which is a witness & testimony of the divine indignation and wrath of almighty God upon such wickedness. At the time of this destruction God by his Angels preserved Lot his Wife and two Daughters: Loth. But having a commandment that none of them after they were come out of the City should look back again, it happened Lot's Wife breaking the commandment to look back again, and she was forthwith turned into a Salt stone. Saltstone. Afterwards Loath by the incest of his Daughters begat Ammon and Moab the fathers of the Ammonites and Moabites. Genesis xix Moabites. Ammonites ¶ Isaac the son of Abraham by his Wife Sara, was in this time borne, a Man beloved of God, of whose lineage Christ descended. He represented the figure of Christ, Gene. xxj. when God commanded his father to offer him in Sacrifice, whereby was signified that Christ should be an oblation which should satisfy for sin and death. When he therefore should have been sacrificed by his father, and was come both to the Altar and to his death, he exhorted his father that with a good heart he should obey and fulfil the commandment of God, saying. My father it were not just, that any should be borne, if he would refuse the judgements of God and his father, or would not show himself obedient unto their wills. After, when he came to the age of xl years, he took Rebecca to Wife: who being a long time barren, at the last by the favour of God, she brought forth two children at one birth, the first Esau the Prince of the Idumeiss: and jacob although the younger, yet by the will of God, both blessed of him, and also endued by his father with the right of the first borne, and afterward was the father of the twelve patriarchs. Finally, after many troubles and temptations, and being with age also made blind, he gave his blessing not to Esau, to whom he would, but to jacob to whom he would not. And herein is to be noted the providence of almighty God, who before purposed, that it should so come to pass. And when Isaac had lived. C.lxxx. years, he died. Lanquet. ¶ jacob the son of Isaac, surnamed Israel, that is the Prince of God, of whom the people of Israel had their beginning, in the lxxj year of his life, when he had gotten the blessing of his Father, he went into Mesopotamia to avoid the displeasure of his Brother Esau, and there took a Wife: when he had served with his Uncle Laban vij years for his Daughter Rachel: but he gave him Lya his daughter in her place, because Lya was the elder, he alleged that it was not their custom to marry the younger before the elder, and after vij days Laban gave also unto jacob Rachel his Daughter to be his Wife, Rachel. and for her he served other vij years, and Lea gave him Bilha her Maid to Wife, and Rachel gave him Silpha her Maid to Wife. And by Rachel he had joseph and Benjamin. By Lea he had Reuben, simeon, Levi, juda, Isachar and Zabulon, and by Bilha he had Dan and Nephtaly, and by Silha, he had Gad and Assur. So that upon the foresaid two wives and their two handmaidens, he begat the twelve holy patriarchs from whom descended the twelve Tribes of the jews. And such as are desirous to read more of his life, may resort unto the Book of Genesis. Chapter. xxix.xxx. etc. ¶ This jacob not long before his death, prophesied most plainly of Christ and of the vocation of the Gentiles, whose prophecy was this in effect as Vincencius Gallus writeth saying. Vincentius Gallus. Of the stock of my son juda shall come a Virgin of whom the Lamb immaculate shall be borne, which is the Lamb of God that by grace shall save all men, whose kingdom shall be everlasting and never corrupted. Therefore the great Lord shall appear in earth as a man, and shall take upon him a mortal body, and shall eat as a man: his Star shall arise in heaven, and he shall shine in the earth as the Son. The heavens shall open over him, and out of the Temple no little sanctification of glory shall come unto him. He shall pour out the spirit of grace upon us, and you shall be his children in the truth. He shall be from Levi a Priest, and from juda a King, he shall be both God and Man, a Mediator between God and Man: and shall take away all darkness which is under the heaven: and there shall be peace thorough the universal world. The voice of the evil doers shall be against him, not knowing his resurrection: But the blood of his innocency, ye shall receive on your heads. And in his passion, the stones shall cleave a sunder, the Son shall be darkened, and all other things shall be troubled, the invisible Spirits shall tremble, and Hell shall be spoiled: he shall open the gates of Paradise, and shall make the threatening sword against Adam to stand, and shall give unto his Saints to eat the tree of life: belial shall be bound by him. Then shall ye see Enoch, No, Sem, Abraham, Isaac, and me your father, rising in joy from the right hand of God, and shall give power to his children to overcome pernicious Spirits: and as many on the earth as believe on him shall also rejoice. Then shall all men arise again, the Godly to glory and joy: and the ungodly to shame and perpetual damnation: & most specially he shall judge Israel which would not believe in him, hitherto Vincencius Gallus. 2124/1839 Abraham died. ¶ In this time, Abraham that most holy patriarch finished his life in this world, after whose death, there arose a great famine in the land of Canaan, for which cause Isaac went to sojourn with Abimelech King of Palestine. ¶ joseph the son of jacob, and Rachel, a man most chaste and virtuous, was in this time borne: he in his youth, by his excellent favour, virtue, and wisdom, excelled all his brethren and was of his father above all other beloved: for which cause, and for his dreams, he was of his brethren had in great despite, and by them sold into Egypt, where after long imprisonment, in the xxx year of his age, he expounded the dreams of Pharaoh, by whom he was made Precedent of all Egypt, and was called among them the Saviour of the world. For God would by this marvelous occasion he should come into Egypt, that his power might be there known, & that help might be ministered to jacob and his family in the time of famine and dearth. This joseph taught the Egyptians both Religion, and Civil policy, which is most worthy to be observed. And it is to be noted, that a man inspired with the holy Ghost (as joseph was) should institute so hard and so severe a manner of administration of justice among the Egyptians as he did, and yet draw together the whole Realm of Egypt (a Country being so large and wide) and join them together as it were the members of one body without murmur or grudge. And here we may learn that sometime severity is to be used to keep the people in obedience, and the same is here approved of God, although gentle government is to be commended. But to our purpose: After that joseph had governed the Realm of Egypt by the space of lxxx years he then deceased, being of the age of. C.x. years, whose Bones he gave charge in his death bed that the Hebrews should carry with them into the land of promise at their departure out of Egypt. The residue of his noble history ye may read at large in the book of Genesis, in the. xxxvij.xxxviij. etc. ¶ Of this joseph, Trogus Pompeius, Trogus Pompeius. and also his abreviator justine do writ in this manner: joseph was the youngest among the brethren, whose excellent wit they fearing, sold him unto strange Merchants, by whom he was brought into Egypt. When joseph was in Egypt, and by diligent study and in short time had learned the Magical arts and sciences, he grew in favour with the king. For he was both expert in Prodigies, and also first found out the right interpretation and expounding of dreams: yea, there was nothing neither of God's law nor man's, that seemed unto him unknown. Insomuch that he foreseeing the barrenness of the Fields to come, gathered in time corn to provide for the dearth that followed. And so great was his wit and experience, that his answers seemed not to come of man, but rather of God: But justine saith that Moses was the son of joseph, justine. whose excellent favour did much commend him. And the Egyptians when they were plagued with scabs and filthiness of body, were admonished that they should expel him with all the sick people out of Egypt, lest that Pestilence should be more infectious. ¶ After the death of joseph, the people of God marvelously increased, and lived quietly until there was another king in Egypt, to whom joseph was not known: Then by reason of their great multitude and abundance of goods, they were of the Egyptians greatly hated, and by them kept under in miserable servitude and bondage, which they sustained. C.xliiij. years, until that by the mighty power of God, they were delivered from thence. ¶ Aaron the son of Amram, nephew to Levi and brother to Moses, was at this time borne. And incontinently after his birth, Amenor his then King of Egypt, who also was the eight Pharaoh, commanded all the Hebrew children to be drowned: For Aaron was borne without any jeopardy, but so was not Moses. ¶ Whiles that the Hebrews were thus entangled in misery and thraldom, God in a vision in the night appeared unto Amram promising him a son to be borne, Amram. who should both deliver his people from the Egyptians servitude, and also overthrow them, plague them, spoil them, and drown them in the Sea, which vision followed to be true. Moses born Therefore when Moses was borne, his birth was kept secret (by the will of God) and three Months was he nourished at home. But his father fearing the cruelty of the Egyptians, made a little vessel of Bulrushes, Exodus two well pitched within wherein he put the child, and set it in the River, commending it to the tuition of almighty God, who before had promised him to be borne. Then almighty GOD showing that not by man's wisdom and policy, but by his own divine providence his determinate will and pleasure is brought to good effect, saved this little helpless and innocent child. For he caused Termuth the daughter of Pharaoh to walk to the river side to sport her, where she saw this little vessel swimming upon the water. Incontinent she commanded it to be brought unto her, and opening it, found therein a wonderful fair and goodly Babe, at the which she rejoiced not a little, and according to the chance, she named it Moses, which signifieth preserved from the water. After this, for the favour and towardness of the child, she adopted him for her son, and caused him to be instructed in all the learnings of Egypt. It chanced on a time, that the King for his daughter's sake took the child in his arms, and set the crown upon his head: which Moses as it were childishly playing, hurled it to the ground, and with his feet spurned at it. But the Priest the Soothsayer, beholding this, cried out and said, that this was he, whom before he had prophesied should be borne which should destroy the Kingdom of Egypt, except he were by death prevented. But Termuth excused the child, alleging that his age had yet no discretion, and for proof thereof, she caused burning coals to be put to his mouth, which the child with his tongue licked, whereby he ever after had impediment in his tongue: By this means their fury was for that time appeased. Ethiopians Egyptians. ¶ In process of time there arose cruel wars between the Ethiopians and the Egyptians: The Ethiopians destroyed Egypt, took their Towns, wasted and overran their country, Nemphis. even unto Memphis their principal City. On the other part, the Egyptians by this necessity compelled, fled for counsel to their Oracles and Divinations: where they received answer that they must elect an Hebrew Captain of their army, by whose help they should not only expulse the Ethiopians from their borders, but also bring them under their subjection. Moses both for his wisdom and parsonage was chosen sovereign captain of this Army, and he so politicly led his host, that unwares he set upon them, and at the first battle he discomfited them and put them to flight, not without the slaughter of a great number of them. And when they in no place were able to resist him, they fled to their strong City Saba. In which, whilst they suffered the siege, & Moses often times politicly and valiantly assauting them, he was of the kings Daughter of Ethiope vehemently loved, which being no longer able to sustain the force of love, by certain faithful ministers required of Moses marriage: he upon condition that the City might be rendered unto him, agreed thereunto, so by her means was the City given up and she married unto him according to his promise. By this occasion he subdued all Ethiope, returning to Egypt with great triumph and victory: which prosperity to the Hebrews was hope of liberty, and to the Egyptians cause of great fear: wherefore they sought daily occasion how to destroy him. The which thing Moses perceiving, diligently imagined how to avoid their deceits, and therefore denied himself to be the son of the daughter of Pharaoh, choosing rather to be afflicted with the people of God, then to enjoy sinful pleasure of the World. Wherefore, he slew an Egyptian that oppressed an Hebrew, and fled into Madian, not far from the Mount of Synay, jethro. where he was received into the house of jethro the priest of that City, who gave to him in marriage his Daughter Sephora: josephus. There he continued xl years and kept sheep. josephus. ¶ After this when king Pharaoh without all measure vexed the children of Israel, God sent Moses to deliver his people out of Egypt, who after divers miracles by him done in the sight of Pharaoh for confirmation of his authority, at the last obtained of Pharaoh to lead and carry away the children of Israel out of Egypt, and he led them toward the land of promission: But Pharaoh changing his mind, pursued the Israelites with most eager cruelty, intending to have utterly destroyed them, for so much as they had at that time no place of refuge, nor succour. For on the one side they were enclosed with Hills, and on the other side with the Sea, and he their most cruel enemy followed at their backs. But here God declared that when extreme necessity happeneth, and all man's help and strength faileth, then is he ready and heareth the voice of his people. For at the prayer of Moses and wailing of the Israelites, the water of the Sea contrary to the natural course thereof, went back, and by the space of certain Miles gave way to the people to pass without danger: which thing when Pharaoh and his host assayed to follow and were in the deepest, the Sea keeping again his former course, swallowed him up with all his power. Wherein God showed a notable spectacle or example unto us, that we may assure ourselves that he will be revenged of the stubborn, impious, and cruel Tyrants, which vex and persecute his people. Here endeth the third Age of the world, and is from Abraham to the departing of the children of Israel out of Egypt. CCCC. xxx. years. The fourth Age, and fourth part of this Chronicle. The fourth Age THe fifty day after that the Israelites were thus departed out of Egypt, and were come to the Mount of Sinai, the law of the decalogue or ten Law. Commandments was to them given by almighty God, commandments. with a great and terrible magnificence. At which time also God gave to them a certain politic governance, and a special kingdom, in which nothing wanted that appertained to the true worshipping of God, Priesthood and Civil justice, to the intent that a certain people should be notably known, among whom the word of GOD remained: and of whom Christ in time to come should be borne: So that among this people always remained the Church, the Kingdom and the true word of God, until after Christ had suffered. Whereby all men may know that the Church hath always been: and that God from the beginning of the world hath both revealed and preserved his word among his people. ¶ In the xxxj year of the Dukedom of Moses, Atho, Prince of Meonia gave unto Dardanus part of his land, who incontinent left all his right in Italy, and went to his new possession, where he builded a City, which after his own name he called Dardania, that after was called Troy. Unto this place Berosus continued his History and finished. ¶ Moses overcame the Kings of Amorrea, and the Moabites, and he divided their land and died in the Mount Nebo, being of age. C.xx. years, whose eyes were never dim, nor his Teeth lose: He was buried by Angels, and his Sepulture was yet never known unto Man. Lanquet. ¶ After the death of Moses the Israelites had Princes and Governors, which were created, partly by the aucthorie of wise men, partly set up by the special calling of God, by which Princes, many notable and famous things were done. And so God declareth that he is present, and doth continually defend his people, although they may seem for a time to be tossed in the waves of these worldly troubles and perils. These Governors after the custom of the Hebrews were first named judges. judges. ¶ The number of the children of Israel when they went out of Egypt, Exo. xii. were (as it is written in the twelve Chapter of the book of Exodus) six hundredth thousand men on foot, beside women and children. AFter Moses, josua was second judge or Duke of the Hebrews, josua. and reigned xxviij years after the computation of the Hebrews, he brought the Children of Israel into the land of promission: and had a great battle against the Amorites in Gibeon, where he commanded the Son to stand, and it stood still longer than before had been accustomed by the space of one whole day, and he had a notable victory, for God fought for him, and he slew in that day xxxj Kings, and almost all their people, and he divided the land of Chananee to the Tribes of Israel. This josua was a Man that feared God, he was also right sage and wise, mighty in arms, and in peace very happy and fortunate, and finally endued with all virtues, who when he was. C.x. years of age ended his life. ¶ After the death of josua, the Seniors and Elders of the Children of Israel governed and ruled them xvij years. And Israel served the Lord all the days of josua, and long time after, and they knew all the works of the Lord which he had done in Israel. AFter josua, Othoniell judged Israel, and governed them xl years. This othoniel was of the Tribe of Benjamin, and he is surnamed Zenes. He delivered the Children of Israel out of the hands of the king of Assiria. A joth the son of Gera, which was the son of Gemini, of the line of Benjamin, judged Israel after Othoniell, he delivered the Israelites from Eglon king of the Moabites, whom also he slew, and he judged Israel lxxx. years as is written in the book of judges, the three Chapter. SAngar the son of Anath judged Israel next after Aioth, the slew uj C. Philistines with an Ox goad, as they were entering into the land of Israel. And he died within the first year that he ruled Israel, as saith josephus. DEbora, or Delbora a prophetess, a Woman of the line of Ephraim, was ordained judge over Israel. She delivered the people of Israel out of the hand of jabin King of Chanaan, which had troubled Israel by the space of twenty years: The aforesaid Delbora after she had ruled Israel xl years, judges. iiij. died, as appeareth in the book of judges. GEdion, called also jerobaall judged Israel xl years. He delivered them from the power of the Madianites, under whom they were vij years, and he slew Oreb, Zeb, and Zalmana, their Princes, with. C.xx. thousand of the Madianites and Arabies. And when he died he left lxx sons behind him. ABimelech the son of Gedeon judged Israel tyrannously and occupied that room three years, he slew his lxix brethren, the sons of Gedeon, and at the last was himself slain miserably of a Woman, Gedeons sons slain. casting down a piece of a Millstone on his head. THola the son of Phuah judged Israel and ruled them quietly xxiij years, and then died. I Air ruled Israel xxij years. This man prospered greatly in all his attempts, he had xxx sons, and they were Princes of xxx Cities, which were called the towns of jair. IEphte ruled the Israelites uj years, he delivered them from the Philistines (whom for the sin of Idolatry) they served xviij years. He by an unadvised vow sacrificed his own Daughter. AFter jephte, Abessan ruled the Israelites vij years. He had xxx sons and xxx Daughters, the which he bestowed all in marriage in his life time, and then deceased. AElon, or Ahialon, governed the Israelites ten years. ABdon or Labdon, governed Israel by the space of eight years, he had xl sons and xxx Nephews begotten by his son, and afterward died. SAmson the son of Man, of the Tribe of Dan, ruled the Israelites twenty years, and delivered them from the subjection of the Philistines, unto whom they paid tribute xl years. He was a man most strong, which with his hand strangled a Lion, Samsons strength. and with the Cheek bone of an Ass slew a thousand Philistines, putting the residue to flight. Finally, by the fraud of Dalila an Harlot, Dalila an Harlot. he was deceived and brought into the hands of his enemies, who blinded him, and afterward being brought forth to play before the Princes of Palestine, he took in his arms the pillars of the house whereupon the whole house stood, and so overthrew the whole house, and slew in that place at the same present time, three thousand Philistines, and himself also was there slain. H●li came of the line of Ithamar, which was the son of Aaron, and he was judge over Israel: he was also the great and high Priest after the death of Ozi, which came of the line of Eleazar. And in the time of Heli the ark of the Lord was taken by the Philistines, and that came to pass by the fault and folly of Heli, for that he kept not his two sons, Ophni and Phinees in due order and correction, but suffered them to run in all riot and wickedness. For the which at the last he was plagued, for when he heard of the death of his two sons and how the Philistines had taken the ark, Heli broke his neck. he fell backward out of his stool and broke his neck, after that he had judged Israel the space of xl years i Reg. iiij. AFter the death of Heli, Samuel the son of Helcana and of Anne his Wife, the very true prophet of our Lord God: judged Israel xl years, who being but a Child was offered by his father and mother unto God in the Temple, where he vowed unto God. And he was in so great favour that almighty God declared unto him that he would translate the office of Priesthood from the house of Heli, only for the wickedness of his sons: and in his time the ark of God was restored again by the Philistines. This Samuel by the commandment of almighty God did anoint Saul the son of Cis the first king of Israel. Samuel. ¶ Here beginneth the Kings of Israel. SAul the son of Cis being of the Tribe of Benjamin, Saul the first king of Israel. was at the importunate suit, petition and request of the people, made and ordained the first king universal over all Israel. He was a mighty man and great and high of stature, and was so high that being among all the people, his shoulders were seen above any man's head. And as he was beautiful and comely in shape and proportion of body, so was he also adorned and beautified with many singular virtues, for he was prudent, sage and wise, and there was not found in all Israel one that did love, fear, and obey God and his commandments, more than he did. And for this cause God did those him out before all the rest. ¶ After that Samuel by the commandment of almighty GOD had brought Oil to anoint the King, he called together the people, and specially all the tribes of Israel. To whom after he had declared unto them the authority, right, power, prerogatives, commandments, and executions that kings shall daily and from time to time have over every of them, as his Vassals and subjects, and also that their request to have a King was against the will and mind of God, and many other persuasions he used to have removed them from that opinion, but they would not, but still cried out they would have a king. Then he caused lots to be cast out, to know who should be King, and the lot fell upon the Tribe of Benjamin, and to conclude, in the end it fell upon Saul the son of Cis: by reason whereof he was immediately sought out, and anointed and confirmed King. ¶ Saul continued and persevered in his former virtues the space of two years, as it may apeere in the three Chapter of the first book of Kings: 1. Regum. 3. But afterward he despised and broke the Commandments of almighty God, given unto him by Samuel the Prophet. Wherefore it was declared unto him that his reign and continuance should not be perpetual, but that it should be taken from his line and issue, and given unto another. Finally, after many great injuries, vexations, persecutions, and wrongs by him done to David, which had married his Daughter, he was overthrown in a battle against the Philistines in the mountains of Gelboe, in the which his whole army perished. Three of his sons, that is to say, jonathas, Abinadab, and Mechisne, with many other were also slain and murdered. And because Saul would not die by the hands of the Philistines, Saul, Murdered himself after he had reigned xx. years, he fell upon his own sword and slew himself, as appeareth in the xxxj. Chapter of the first book of Kings. NOw that we are come unto the time that this our native country now called England was as the common opinion is first inhabited by Brute, and called of his name Britain. It were not amiss that we showed how this land hath been heretofore called, and by whom the same hath been before time inhabited: But for the herein the writers of the Histories of this Realm do so greatly vary & are of sundry opinions, & also that almost no one of them all but speaketh doubtfully and diversly thereof. I thought it best to pass over the vain & fond story written by the writer of the English History, who saith, that this Realm was first named Albion of Albine, the Daughter of Dioclesian King of Syria, who had xxxij. daughters and were married unto xxxij Kings, and in one night they did cut all their husbands throats: And that then Dioclesian their father being wrath with them for those cruel murders, did therefore 'cause them all to be put into a Ship, without any person with them and turned them to the adventure of the Sea, and so by chance they arrived in this land, and called the same Albion, Albion. of Albine the eldest Sister: And that afterward devils did accompany with them, and begat Giants and Monsters of them, and so this land was first inhabited: which story as it is most fabulous and foolish, so is it also false and slanderous to show that this noble Realm should have so lewd a beginning. But sundry other writers, write otherwise: saying, that it was called Albion of the white cliffs that are seen upon the East costs. But I will pass forward with the report of the Historians that have written in this our latter time, which say that Brute descending of the ancient blood of the Trojans, and being the son of Silvius Pos●humus king of Troy, did arrive in this Island in the year of the World, two thousand eight hundredth fifty and five, and the xj C.viij. years before the coming of our Saviour jesus Christ, accounting the years after the account of the Hebrews continued in the holy Scriptures, which account I observe throughout this whole Story. Polichron. Fabian. But Policronicon and Fabian say that Brute was the son of Silvius Aeneas, for they say Aeneas begat first upon his wife Lavina, a son who was called Ascanius, & he had a son also by his first wife whom he named Silvius Aeneas, and this Silvius Aeneas was father to Brute: But other say otherwise, wherefore I refer it to the judgement of the reader. But now returning to the story of Brute, this following, I found written in an old Pamplet which hath no name. The first entry into the History of the Kings of Briteyn AFter the City of Troy, by the false conjecture and treason of Aeneas, Aeneas the son of An●hises. the Son of Anchises and other (upon peace to be had with the Greeks for themselves, their friends, and parents, and upon condition also that their goods might be reserved unto them) was entered and destroyed: Priamus' king of Troy Murdered. And the king thereof named noble Priamus taken and murdered, and Polixena king Priamus' Daughter taken and beheaded upon the Tomb of Achilles, Helenus' king Priamus son and Cassandra his daughter. and Helenus the son, and Cassandra, another daughter of king Priam taken and delivered at large. And for that Aeneas at the time of the taking of the said City, had hid and conveyed from the knowledge of the Greeks the said Polixena, Encas banished by Agamennon. and would not deliver her but by compulsion: Agamennon, and the other Greeks commanded Aeneas to take his goods and friends and to departed out of that land, and so was he banished. ¶ After that Aeneas with Ascanius his son had been in Sicily and there buried his father Anchises: Ascanius' son unto Aeneas. And after that Aeneas with Ascanius had been three years in Africa, where Aeneas was lovingly received of Queen Dido: And after the same Aeneas had taken to Wife Laviny, Laviny daughter of Latyn King of Italy. daughter of Latyn king of Italy: And after his death Ascanius his aforenamed son took upon him as king of that region: And after that his son Silvius had taken to Wife the Niece of Queen Laviny, and had gotten her with child, of whose deliverance she deceased, and the same child was named Brute: And that the same Brute being of the age of xu Brute first borne & then banished. years was chased in exile out of Italy, for that by misadventure he had killed his father Silvius in shooting and chase of a Dear. And therefore being exiled went into those parts of Greece where were of the progeny of the Trojans, to the number of vij Pandrasus King of a part of Greco. thousand beside women & children kept in servitude under king Pandrasus king of that region: with which king Pandrasus the said Brute for his prowess and amiable parsonage fortuned at the length to be in great favour: And after that at the prayers of the said Trojans the same Brute with the help of Assaracus, brother to king Pandrasus by the father side, Assaracus brother to King Pandrasus. in Concubinage by a Trojan woman had taken Pandrasus and put him in prison: (For whose deliverance the same Pandrasus gave unto Brute in marriage Innogen his daughter with Ships, treasure, victual, Innogen the daughter of Pandrasus married unto Brute. and other necessaries to seek adventures:) And after that Brute had made his sacrifices, prayers, and requests to the Goddess Diana, and had received answer of the said Goddess that he should go into France and there build two Cities, which he named Towers and Towrayn: Towers and Towrayn. And after that he had builded the said Cities in the remembrance of his Cossyn Turmys which was there killed and buried in a battle that he had with Goffare then king of Poytenynes: Goffare king of the Poytenynes. & after divers victories had by the said Brute upon the Poytenynes in the time that Hely was high Priest of Israel, Help high Priest of Israel. and in the year from the creation of the world. M. M.viij. C.lu and before the birth of Christ. M.C.viij. Brute arrived in Albion he arrived in this Realm then called Albion and landed in the west part of the same in a Haven then called Totnesse, where then inhabited certain Giants, Totnesie Haven. Briteyn. whom afterwards he valiantly oppressed and destroyed, and after that possessed and enjoyed all this Realm, and named it Briteyn after his own name, and called also the inhabitants thereof Briteyns. Coryn cousin to Brute. ¶ This Brute gave to Coryn his Cousin a part of the said land, which he named after his name Cornwall, Cornwall. and the people thereof Cornyshmen, which Country and people are so named at this day. Gwendolena daughter unto Coryn, married to Locryne the eldest son of Brute. Loegria. Albanact. ¶ This Coryn had no children but one daughter, named Gwendolena, which was married to Locryne Brutus' eldest son. For Brute begat on his Wife Innogen three sons, Locryne, Albanact and Camber, and gave to Locryne his eldest son (as aforesaid) the land on this side Humber, which the same Locryne after his father's death named Loegria. And to his second son Albanact he gave that part of the Northside of Humber, which he named Albania, whereof a great part is now called Scotland. And to his younger son Camber, Cambre. gave he that part of this land, which is beyond the river of Severne, and he named the same after his own name Cambria, which of the Welshmen is so called at this day, but the Englishmen call it Wales. Wales. ¶ How be it Fabian, and the English Chronicle and others say that Brute with his company after his first landing in this Island at Totnesse as aforesaid, he searched and travailed throughout all this land, and found the same to be marvelous rich and plentiful of wood and pasture, and garnished with most goodly and pleasant rivers and streams. And as he passed, he was encountered in sundry places with a great number of mighty and strong Giants, which at that time did inhabit the same: Howbeit he always overthrew them and won the victory. But among all other, as sayeth the English Chronicle, The English Chron. there was one that was of passing strength named Gogmagog, the which he caused to wrestle with Corineus his kinsman beside Dover: in the which wrestling the Giant broke a rib in Corineus' side, by reason whereof Corineus being put in a chafe, with great strength overthrew the Giant, and cast him down the rock or cliff of Dover, whereof the place was named the fall of Gogmagog, Gogmagog but sithen that time the name is changed, and the place called the Fall of Dover, and so is it called at this day. The fall of Dover. For this deed and other, Brute gave unto his said Nephew Corineus or Coryne, the whole Country of Cornwall, as aforesaid. ¶ Thus have you heard the opinion of the writer of the English Chronicle, and of Polichronicon, Fabian, and others: But forasmuch as in these our days and time, a learned, wise, & famous Man whose name is Thomas Cooper now Vicechauncelor of the University of Oxford, hath with great industry and travail searched the Original names, and the first inhabitation of this Realm, and hath also showed many evident and great reasons and arguments for the proof thereof, aswell to condemn the fond conjectures of such as slanderously have written of the same, as also to confirm a truth, and to declare that which is most likely and probable: I thought it therefore very meet in this place to insert his sayings in his last Dictionary, which he nameth Thesaurus linguae Latinae, upon these two Vocables, Albion & Britannia. ALBION saith he (the most ancient name of this Isle) containeth England and Scotland: of the beginning of which name, Albion. have been sundry opinions, one late feigned by him, which first printed the English Chronicle, wherein is neither similitude of truth, reason, nor honesty: I mean the fable of the fifty daughters of one Dioclesian king of Syria, where never any other story maketh mention of a King of Syria so named. Also that name is Greek, and no part of the language of Syria. Moreover the coming of them in a Boat or Ship from Syria without any Mariners, through the Sea called Mediteraneum into the Ocean: and so finally to find this Isle, and to inhabit it, and have generation by devils, is both impossible, and much reproach unto this noble Realm, to ascribe her first name and habitation to such inventors. ¶ Another opinion is (which hath a more honest similitude) that it was named Albion, ab Albis rupibus, that is, of white rocks, because that unto them that come by Sea from the East or South, the Banks and Rocks of this Isle do apere white. Of this opinion have I most marvel, because it is written of great learned men. First Albion is no latin word, nor hath the analogy, that is to say, the proportion or similitude of latin, for who hath found this syllable, on, at the end of a latin word. And if it should have been so called for the white colour of the Rocks, men would have called it Alba, or Albus, or Album. In Italy were towns called Alba, and in Asia a Country called Albania, and neither of them took their beginning of white Rocks or Walls, as ye may read in books of Geography: nor the water of the river called Albis, seemeth any whiter than other water. But if where ancient remembrance of the beginning of things lacketh, it may be leeful for men to use their conjectures, than may mine be aswell accepted as Pliny's (although he incomparably excelled me in wisdom and doctrine) specially if it may apere that my conjecture shall approach more near to the similitude of truth: wherefore I will also set forth mine opinion, only to the intent to exclude fables, lacking either honesty or else reasonable similitudes. ¶ When the Greeks began first to prospero, and their Cities became populous, and waxed puissant, they which traveled on the Seas, and also the Isles in the Seas called Hellespontus, Aegeum, and Creticum, after that they knew perfectly the course of sailing, and had founden thereby profit, they by little and little attempted to search and find out the commodities of outward Countries: and like as spaniards, and portingalings, and our Merchants of England have of late done, they experienced to seek out countries before unknown. And at last, passing the straights of Marrocke, they entered into the great Ocean Sea, where they found diverse & many Isles: among which they perceiving this Isle to be not only the greatest in circuit, but also most plenteous of every thing necessary to man, the air most wholesome and temperate, the earth most apt to bring forth all things that may sustain: The flesh of beeves and Mottons most sweet and delicate, the Wool most fine, not lacking any kind of Metal, having abundance of Wood and Timber to build with, also great and fair Rivers, with great Lakes or Meeres of fresh water, & as well in them as in the Sea, wherewith the country is environed, there was great plenty of fishes of divers sorts most apt to be eaten: they wondering and rejoicing at their good and fortunate arrival, named this Isle in Greek Olbion, which in English signifieth happy & in latin Foelix. Like as a part of Arabia which is most fertile, is called Arabia foelix. But in process of time by resort of sundry people having diverse languages, no marvel though one letter were changed, & the first letter O, Olbion. turned into A, & so for Olbion, it was at the last called Albion, which word hath no manner of signification. This changing of letters is not unlikely since at this present time the Northern men of this Realm do use A in words, where Southern men use O, as a Bane, a Stave, a Bore, a Band: for a Bone, a Stone, a Boar, a Bond. And among the Greeks were like alteration of letters. And it may be the more easily borne, that one vowel may be changed in a word, & specially, A into O, which in some man's mouth soundeth often times like, then that a sillible impertinent to the proportion of latin, should be unaptly added to. Notwithstanding Pomponius Mela maketh mention of a Giant called Albion, whom Hercules slew in Gallia, which was the son of Neptunus, who might with more reason be deemed the first giver of this name unto this Isle, then that the other surmises should be likely. If any man can found matter more certain concerning the beginning of this Isle, I will not be offended, but congratulate with him his good fortune and diligence. Hitherto Cooper showing how this Realm was first called Olbion, and after Albion. And the like travail he taketh in showing of his opinion why this Realm was called Briteyn, & therein writeth as followeth. Britannia. ¶ Of the first naming of this Isle (saith he) is yet no certain determination, forasmuch as there remaineth no ancient History, making thereof remembrance, the old Britons books (such as were) being all destroyed by the Saxons: who endeavoured themselves utterly to extinct the honourable renown with the name of Britons, like as the Goths dealt with the Romans. Also the part of Titus Livius, where the conquest of Briteyn is remembered, with the stories of julius Rusticus, and diverse other noble writers, that wrote specially of this Country, are utterly perished. Such as remain, as the Commentaries of julius Caesar, Cornelius Tacitus, Diodorus Siculus, and they that wrote of cosmography, have omitted the original beginning of the name. The History of Gildas the Briton cannot be found, who was after that the Saxons had invaded the Realm, and therefore might lack such books as best should instruct him. As for Beda seemeth to have seen nothing written of that matter. For where he saith that this Isle took the name Britannia of the inhabitants of Briteyn in France, it is nothing like to be true. For that Country was (not long before the time of Beda) named Armorica, & Armoricus tractus, Britannia. when this Isle was called of most ancient writers Britannia, and (as Solinus writeth) seemed to be an other world, forasmuch as the West part of Gallia was thought to be the uttermost part of this World. Also julius Caesar writeth that the places of this Isle were unknown to Frenchmen saving to a few Merchants, and yet they knew no farther than the Sea coast toward France. Moreover the same Britons affirm that it was left among them in remembrance that the innermost parts of the country was inhabited of them which had their first beginning in the same Isle. This well considered with the authority of the writer, both an excellent Prince, and also a great learned man, and was himself in this Isle, it is not to be doubted but that he most diligently searched for the true knowledge of the ancienty thereof. And if he might have founden that the inhabitants had come of the stock of Aeneas, of whose progeny he himself came, he would have rejoiced much for the prowess and valiant courage which he commended in them. Moreover, that the name came of Brutus (whom our writers imagined to descend of Aeneas the Trojan) is no more likely than that this Isle was called Albion of Dioclesian's daughter, or of white rocks. All the old Latyn Histories agreed that the son of Silvius, the second in succession from Aeneas, and of them named the son of Ascanius, was Aeneas, called also Silvius, whereunto also the Greeks do accord, but they name Silvius to be brother to Ascanius, and borne after the death of Aeneas, and was therefore called Posthumus. But neither the Romans, nor the Greeks do writ of any man called Brutus before julius Brutus which expelled Tarquinus out of Rome. Which name was also given to him (by the sons of Tarquyne) in derision because they took him to be foolish and dull witted. Moreover, there is so much diversity between Britannia and Brutus, that it seemeth against reason that the one should proceed of the other. For if Brutus had been the first giver of the name to this Isle, he would have called it Brucia rather than Britannia, which hath no manner of proportion nor Analogy with Brutus. But here (as I have done before in the word Albion) I will declare a reasonable cause of conjecture why this Isle was named Britannia. About xxx years hence it happened in Wiltshire at ivy Church about two Miles from Salisbury, as men digged to make a foundation, they found an hollow stone covered with another stone, wherein they found a Book, having in it little above twenty leaves (as they said) of very thick Velume, wherein was some thing written: But when it was showed to Priests and Canons which were there, they could not read it. Wherefore after they had tossed it from one to another (by the means whereof it was torn) they did neglect and cast it aside. Long after a piece thereof happened to come to my hands: which notwithstanding it was all to rent and defaced, I showed to Master Rycharde Pace, then chief Secretary to King Henry the eight whereof he exceedingly rejoiced. But because it was partly rend, and partly defaced and blurred with wet that had fallen out, he could not find any one sentence perfit. Notwithstanding, after long beholding he showed me, it seemed that the said book contained some ancient Monuments of this Isle, and that he perceived this word Pritannia to be put for Britannia: but at that time he said no more unto me. Afterward I giving much study and diligence to the reading of Histories, considering whereof this word Britannia first came, finding that all the Isles in this part of the Ocean, were called Britannia, after my first conjecture of Albion, remembering the said writing, and by chance finding in Suydas that Pritannia in Greek, with a circumflexed aspiration, Pritannia. doth signify Metals, also revenues belonging to the common treasure, I than conceived this opinion, that the Greeks flourishing in wisdom, prowess, and experience of sailing, as I said before in Albion, and finding the Isles of the great Ocean full of rich Metals, as Tin, Lead, Iron, Brass, Copper, and in some places great store of Gold and Silver, they called all those Isles by this general name Pritannia, signifying the place, by that which came out of it, as one would say he went to market when he went to Andwarpe or Barow, or to the fair, when he goeth to Sturbridge, or to his revenues, when he goeth to any place from whence his revenues do come. And yet because this Isle excelled all the other in any condition, it was of some privately called Olbion, that is to say, more happier or richer. Thus far D. Cooper. And thus have you his opinion and judgement concerning the first name and habitation of this Realm. And now I will return to the History of Brute where I left. ¶ After that Brute had landed in this Isle as aforesaid, and that he had passed and searched throughout the land, Thames. & coming by the river of Thamis, for the great pleasure that he had in that river and pleasant Meadows adjoining to the same, began there to build a City in the remembrance of the City of Troy lately overthrown & razed, Troinovamt or London. & named it Troynovant, which is as much to say as new Troy: which name endured until the coming of Lud, who was king of Briteyn about a thousand and forty year after. And the said king Lud commanded it to be called after his own name Lud'S Town, which now by shortness of speech we call London, and the same was builded three C.luj. Rome. year before Rome was builded, in the time of Heli the high priest of jewrie. ¶ When Brute had thus builded his City, and saw that he was established in his Realm quietly: he then by the advice of his Lords, commanded the said Isle and Country to be called as diverse Authors writ, after his own name Britain, Briteyn. and his people Britons, and so continued his reign prosperously. In the which time he established many good laws and ordinances, for the good government of his people. But after this, as in this story shall apere, this Realm was conquered and brought in subjection to Strangers diverse and sundry times, as first after Brute to the Romans, then to the Saxons which conquered this land, & called it Anglia (as saith Polichronicon) either of Angli, that is to say, people of Saxony, or of the name of a Queen of this land that was called Angela. And some also think it was called Anglia of Angulus, which is in English a Corner, for that it is but a Corner in respect of the main and continent land of the whole world. Then was it in subjection to the Danes, and lastly to the normans. ¶ Now, when Brute as is aforesaid, had set this Realm of Briteyn in order, he as the superior Lord divided it into three parts, and gave the same to his three sons, as aforesaid. And unto Locryne his eldest son, he gave this Isle of Briteyn, the which after was called middle England, wherein he had built his City called Troynovant, withal the Countries thereunto adjoining, both East, West, and South. And because this part should sound somewhat toward the name of Locryne, Loegia. it was called Loegria, or Logiers: and therefore the Welshmen call it in their language unto this day lloyger. Cambria now called Wales. ¶ To his second son Cambre, he gave the Country of Wales, the which was first named after him Cambria. This in the East side was sometime departed from England by the river of Severne, as before is said. But now the River named Dee at Chester departeth England and Wales on the northside: and in the South, the river that is called Wye, at the Castle of Stringling parteth the said Countries. ¶ To the third son Albanact he gave the North part of this Isle of Briteyn, and called the same Albion, or more truly the said country took the name of the third son, and was called Albania. Albion now called Scotland. This Country was after named Scotland, and so is it called to this day, and it is divided as S. Bede saith, from Loegria or Logires by two arms of the Sea, but they meet not. The East arm of these two beginneth about two miles from the minster of Eburcuring in the West side of Penulton. The West arm of those twain hath in the right side (or sometime had) a strong City named Acliud, which in the British tongue was named Clinstone, Acliud. and standeth upon the river named Clint, supposed of some to be that town, which is called at this day Burgh on the Sands, within .v. mile of Carlistle, Burgh. where that famous Prince king Edward the first died, in his return from Scotland. And of others it is judged to be the Town called Aldburgh in Yorkshire set on the river of Owse, which runneth from thence to York, the space of twelve miles or thereabout. ¶ Thus when Brute had divided this Isle of Briteyn, as before is showed in three parts, and given the same unto his three sons, and had holden the principality thereof nobly by the term of xxiiij years, he died and was buried in London, then called Troynovant. LOcrinus, or Locryne the first and eldest son of Brute, was made King of Briteyn, next after the death of his father, in the year of the world. MM.viij. C.lxxix. In the time of the reign of this Locryne, there was a certain Duke (who as the writer of the Britons story saith, was named Humber) who warred sore upon Albanactus his brother, being the ruler of Albania, now called Scotland, and slew Albanact in plain battle. How be it, as some writers affirm, the said Duke was not at the time of his coming into Albania called Humber, but Hunys, or Hunnys, King of Hunes, Humber. or King of Scithya without any other addition. ¶ This King as before is said, after he had thus subdued Albanactus, he held the land of Albania, until that Locrinus with his brother Cambre gathered a great power of men of Arms together, and went against him, and by strength of the Britons chased and subdued the said Hunes so sharply, that many of them with their King were drowned in a River which departeth England and Scotland. And because unto the writer of the Story of Britons his name was declared to be Humber: therefore the said writer showeth that the river wherein the said Duke or captain was drowned, took the first name of him, which name continueth yet to this day. Gaufride. ¶ Moreover, after the death of Brute his father, Locryne Married with Gwendoloena the daughter of Coryn, Nephew unto the aforesaid Brute. Gwendol. And it so came to pass, that after the aforesaid victory had against the king of the Hunes, or of Scithya, as aforesaid, that Locryne fell in great fancy and love with a fair damosel named Estrild, who was also the daughter of the aforesaid Humber, as the said Author writeth, and Locryne kept her unlawfully a certain tyme. Wherewith his wife Gwendoloena being sore discontent, excited her father and her friends to make war upon the said Locryne her husband, in the which war Locryne was slain, when he had reigned after the agreement of most writers twenty years, and was buried by his father in Troynovant leaving after him a young son named Madan. Fabian. ¶ But because mine Author whom I here follow dissenteth in many things from Gaufride, Gaufride. writer of the British History, I have thought good to recite also as briefly as I can, what the said Gaufride reporteth hereof, to the end that the reader may understand wherein they vary, and then use his own judgement touching the truth of the matter: his words in effect are these. When the three brethren, Locrinus, Albanactus, and Camber, had of long time peaceably reigned every one in his own dominion; at the length a certain king of the Hunes named Humber, arrived with an army in Albania, and giving battle unto Albanact slew him, and thereby compelled the inhabitors of that Country to fly unto Locryne for aid and succour, the which thing when Locryne understood, he joining unto him his brother Camber, and they both assembled together a power of all the warlike young men of their Countries, and met and encountered with the said king of the Hunes, about the water now called Humber, and in fine discomfited his host and put him to flight, and then pursued him so eagerly that he was compelled to take the said water, wherein he was drowned, and therefore was it after the name of the king there drowned called Humber. Humber. This done, he divided the spoil of the field among his Soldiers, reserving nothing to himself, but such treasure as he found in the Ships, save that he kept also for his own store three goodly young damsels of passing beauty. Of the which three, Eastrelde. the first of them named Eastrildis, was the daughter of a certain king of Almayn, whom with the other two, the said Humber had carried away with him from her father, after he had wasted and destroyed his land. The which Eastrildis so far excelled in beauty, that none was then lightly found unto her comparable, for her skin was so white that scarcely the finest kind of ivory that might be found, nor the Snow lately fallen down from the Elament, or the Lilies did pass the same: For this cause Locryne being ravished with the sight of her, determined to marry her. The which when Corineus understood, Corineus. he was in a wonderful chafe, because Locryne had promised him before to marry his daughter: he therefore taking his battle Axe in his hand, went unto the king and spoke unto him on this wise: Is this the reward that thou givest me Sir King for so many wounds as I have received in thy father's service and quarrel, all the time that he warred against strange and unknown Nations, that thou I say, forsaking my daughter intendest this to couple thyself in marriage with a damosel of a barbarous Nation? Be thou sure I will be avenged upon thee, so long as there remaineth any strength in this right hand of mine, which hath been the death of so many Giants in the Sea coasts of Tuscan. And when he had repeated these words twice or thrice together, he took up his Axe as though he would have stricken the king, but both their friends perceiving that, ran between them, so that there was no harm done. And so Corineus being pacified, compelled the other to accomplish his promise. Thus therefore came it to pass that Locryne married Corineus' daughter called Gwendoloena: Howbeit, the singular great love and affection that he bore unto the said Eastrilde could not yet out of his mind & be forgotten, Eastrilde. wherefore he made a Cave under the ground in the City of Troynouaunt and enclosed her therein, committing her unto the custody of his most near and familiar friends: For standing in dread of Corineus he durst not use her company openly, but as it is before said privily and by stealth: in so much as he had the company of her the space of vij years full, and none knew it, but a few of his very familiar and faithful friends, for so often as he had access unto her, he feigned that he would make a secret sacrifice to the Gods of his country, and so he brought all men into a false belief causing them to think that it was so in deed as he said. But at the length it came so to pass that Estrild was great with child and delivered of a very fair daughter, whom he named Habren. Habren. At the same season also Gwendoloena was brought a bed of a man child called Madan, which was committed to his Grandfather Corineus to be brought up in those Arts that he was skilful in. Afterwards, when in process of time Corineus was dead, Locryne put away his wife Gwendolyn, and caused Estrild to be crowned Queen. estrild crowned Queen. The which thing Gwendolyn being marvelous wrath withal, went into Cornwall, and assembling together the power of the youth of the country, began to disquiet Locryne and to war upon him. Store river At the length they joined battle and met together near a river called Store, where the said Locryne was slain with an A-row. Then incontinent after his death, Locryne slain. Gwendolyn following the raging passions of her father, took upon her the government of this realm, Sabrina the River of Severne. commanding Estrild with her daughter Habren to be cast both headlong into the river Severne, called in English Severne. And further made a proclamation throughout all the whole realm of Briteyn, that the same water should be evermore called Habren, after the maidens name, Habren in Welsh, is Severne in English. for so even at this day is Severne called in the Welsh tongue. And this did she as one desirous to make thereby the name of the young Maiden immortal, because she was her Husbands' daughter: The same Gwendolyn reigned xu years after the death of Locryne, who reigned ten years. At the length when she saw her son Madan was of a good stature and able to govern himself, she caused him to be crowned king, being contented herself to lead the residue of her life in her own country of Cornwall. Hitherto Galfrid. IN this time David, of the Tribe of Benjamin being the son of Isai, or jesse, was both the King and Prophet of almighty God after the death of Saul: David anointed king of Israel. For by the commandment of almighty God he was anointed king of Israel by the Prophet Samuel, whom Saul (after the spirit of God had forsaken him) partly for envy that David was so highly praised of the Israelites, and partly fearing that he would defeat him of his kingdom, vexed with continual persecution: during which time, David showed many examples, both of Godly patience, & also of loyal obedience toward his Prince. Insomuch as when Saul (by the providence of God) fell in his hands: he only cut a piece of the hem of his garment, in token that if he had listed at that present, he might have slain him, & for the deed, afterward he greatly repent that he had been so bold, as to cut off a piece of the garment of Saul, his sovereign Lord & King: notwithstanding that he was his most grievous enemy, and every hour sought his death. This noble king reigned over Israel xl years, that is to say, he reigned over juda vij years, & over all Israel xxxiij year. He did that was right in the sight of God, and put his trust and confidence in the Lord God of Israel, so that before, nor after him, was not the like among the Kings of juda: 2. Reg. 2 He cleaved to the Lord, and went not from his steps, he observed the commandments that the Lord had given to Moses: Wherefore God bore witness of him, that he was a man according to his own heart and desire: and to him God renewed his promises, of the health and salvation that was to be looked for in Christ our Saviour: and for a more certainty thereof, Christ of the Prophets is called the son of David. And furthermore, David himself by the inspiration of God in his Hymns and Psalms most manifestly prophesieth of the Conception, Birth, Life, Death, Resurrection, ascension, & heavenly Kingdom of our Saviour Christ. Wherefore among the Prophets and other holy men, his writings were had in great estimation, and of like authority as were the writings of Moses. This noble king expulsed out of Israel the jebusites, and made jerusalem his City: He vanquished the Philistines, and brought the Ark from the house of Aminadab to jerusalem. Lanquet. Lanquet. ¶ But after all this, he forgot God and committed both murder, and adultery, but he most grievously repent the same, and called upon GOD for mercy: but yet God did grievously punish him, nevertheless at the last he did behold his repentance, and forgave him, and restored him to the peaceable government, not only of all the Israelites, but also of all their borders, and made them all tributaries unto Israel, and finally sent him a son by Bethsabe his Wife called Solomon, Solomon borne. whom David in the xl year of his reign assigned to take the charge and governance of the Kingdom of all Israel, and gave unto his said son Solomon a charge, that he should build the Temple of God in jerusalem, and gave him also a plot and description how he should build the same, and then he died. But such as are desirous to read more of the story, may resort unto the Bible, and read the second book of the Kings. 2. Regum. GWendoloena, or Gwendolyne the wife of Locryne as before is expressed, which was the daughter of Corineus Duke of Cornwall, did after the death of her Husband, because her son was to young, take upon her the government of Briteyn, Gwendoline governed Briteyn. and was by the common assent of all the Britons, made Ruler thereof. And having full possession of the same, she well and discreetly ruled it to the quiet and contentation of her subjects, and so she continued until such time as Madian her son came unto his lawful age. At which time she gave over the rule and dominion unto him, after she had ruled this Island, xv. years. MAdan, or Madian, the son of Locryne and Gwendolyne, took on him the Governance of Briteyn at this time, who (as some writ of him) used great tyranny over his Britons. Notwithstanding, all or the most part agreed, that he ruled the same xl years. At the end of which term, he being at disport on hunting, was of wild Beasts or Wolves slain or devoured, and as Raynulph of Chester saith, he left after him two sons, the one called Mempricius, the other Manlius. ¶ About this time Solomon the son of David by his wife Bethsabe, after the death of his father began to reign as King over all Israel. And of him it is written in the three Chapter and the three book of the Kings, that he besought God to grant him wisdom, which God gave him in such abundance, that he excelled all that ever were before him, namely, in wisdom, policy, and good governance. And in the four year of his reign and four 3. Regum. 6 month called Zif, which some say is April, and some May he began to build the Temple of God at jerusalem, The building of the Temple. that is to say in the four hundredth eighty year after the Children of Israel departed out of Egypt. But in the end, he forgot God and delighted in fleshly lusts and pleasures, he had seven hundredth wives that were Queens, and moreover he had three hundredth Concubines that were strangers and Idolaters, and they turned his heart from God to Images, and Idolatry, so that his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as his fathers was. And because Solomon would not turn to the Lord his God, therefore God said unto him, that he would rend his kingdom, but not in his time, but after his days. And Solomon reigned over Israel xl year, and then died, and was buried with his father in the City of David, jeroboam. and after his death jeroboam the servant of Solomon reigned over x. tribes of Israel, and Rehoboham the Son of Solomon reigned but over two Tribes. Rehoboam. Here endeth the fourth Age, which continued from the departure of the Children of Israel out of Egypt, until the building of the Temple which contained. CCCC. lxxx. years. The fift Age, and fift part of this Chronicle. The fift Age MEmpricius, or Mempris the eldest son of Madan, and his brother Manlius, Mempricius after the death of their father, made great strife for the sovereign dominion of this Realm of Briteyn: But at the last Mempricius by treason, procured the death and destruction of his bother Manlius, and shortly after he took upon him the sole government of this Realm of Briteyn, who in the time of his reign used such cruelty, and tyranny towards his subjects, that he endeavoured to make away almost all the nobles of his Country, and now thinking himself in rest, he waxed slothful and took pleasure in filthy and fleshly affections, and at length gave himself wholly to Harlots and Concubines, Sodomy. and finally forsook his lawful wife, and exercised the act of filthy Sodomy, and so brought himself into the hatred of God and all his people. Mempricius slain with wild Beasts And on a time going on hunting, when he had lost his people, he was destroyed of Wolves, after he had reigned twenty years, leaving after him a goodly youngling begotten of his lawful wife, named Ebranke. 2971/99● ¶ In this time Roboham the son of Solomon, began to reign only over two tribes of Israel, that is to say, the Tribe of juda, and Benjamin, and he was the first that reigned in Israel, the Tribes being divided, as appeareth in the xj Chapter of the third book of the kings. And the cause why the other ten Ancient fathers & grave counsellors are to be honoured. Tribes of Israel did forsake to be under the governance of Roboham, was for that he refused and despised the counsel of the sage, grave, and ancient fathers which were counsellors to his father, and gave credit to the fancies and opinions of young men, among whom he had been brought us wanton: and in the end none followed the house of David but juda. For Benjamin was given unto Nathan, the brother of Solomon, but nevertheless they faithfully aided juda, as often as they needed: and he died when he had reigned xvij years. EBrank the son of Mempricius, was made ruler over this land of Briteyn, Ranulph. Gaufride. in the year of the world two M.ix. C.lxxiiij. and had as testifieth Reynulph Monk of Chester, Gaufride and other writers twenty wives, of the which he begat twenty sons and xxx daughters, Geoffrey of Monmouth whose names are rehearsed of Geffcey of Monmouth, whereof the fairest was named Gwales, or after some Gualea. He sent these daughters to Silvius, which was the xj king of Italy, or the uj king of latins, to the end to have them married to the blood of the Trojans. ¶ This Ebrank was also a man of a comely stature, & of a great strength, and by his power and might he enlarged his dominion: in so much, that he wan and occupied a great part of Germania, by the aid and help of the latins, and returned thence with great pray and riches. After which return he builded the City of Caerbrank, now called York, York. which should be as saith the Author of the book named the flowers of stories, written in French in the xxiij year of the reign of the said Ebrank, which account to follow, it should seem that London was builded before York. C.xl years, London builded before york. C.xl years. supposing the City of London to be builded in the second year of the reign of Brute. In his said City of Ebran●, he made a Temple to Diana, Archflamyn, or Acchbyshop. and ordained an Archflamyn to govern the same, according to the laws of their Gods, or as we now call him an Archbishop. ¶ Also he builded in Albania or Scotland, the City and Castle of Maidens, the which now is called Ed●●●ough, Edemborow. in the time that Roboham the son of Solomon reigned king of Israel. After which buildings finished and done, he with a great army sailed into that part of Gallia, which now is called France, and subdued the Frenchmen, and a great part of Germany and returned with great triumph and riches. And when he had guided this land of Briteyn nobly by the space of lx years, as most writers agreed, he died and was buried at Caerbrank, or York, Gaufride. leaving after him for his heir his eldest son (as Gaufride saith) named Brute Greneshield. ¶ At this time Abia the son of Roboham, and the fourth king of the jews, was after his father king of juda, and reigned three years, he overcame Hieroboam in battle. He had xiiij wives, and of them he begat xxij. sons and xuj daughters. ¶ Asa the son of Abia was after the death of his father king of juda, he was just and righteous in the keeping and observing of the commandments of God, and in the overthrowing and destroying of the altars that were erected for to sacrifice unto Idols, and after he died, when he had reigned xlj. 3. Reg. 15. years, as appeareth in the xu Chapter of the three book of the kings. ¶ And here I find noted in Lanquet these words: about this time, according to the prophecy of Heli, half the years of the world were fulfilled, signifying that the world should continued but uj M. years. AT this time also josaphat the vij King of the jews reigned next after Asa his father, and he reigned xxv years in jerusalem, and followed the good steps of his forefathers: wherefore God blessed him with great abundance and riches. He ordained judges in every City of juda, and commanded the Levites to read the law of God unto the people, that they might thereby learn to fear God. BRute Greneshield the son of Ebrank was made governor over this land of Briteyn, and reigned twelve years, and is buried at Caerbranke, or York, leaving after him a son named Leyll, as saith Fabian, Lanquet, and Bergamo. But rastal and Caxton say that he reigned xxx year. LEyll, the son of Brute Greneshield, after the death of his father, took upon him the kingdom of Briten, and ruled xxv years. This was a just man and a lover of peace, and in his time he builded a City or Town, Carlisle. which after his own name, he named Caerleyll, now Carlisle, in the which he builded a Temple, and therein placed a Flamyn, and after died and was buried in his aforesaid Town. This Leyll left after him a son named Lud, or as some call him, Lud Hurdibras. AChab King of juda, a wicked King, reigned two years, he overcame Benadab King of Syria, and slew of the Syrians a hundred thousand. AFter him jehoram the son of josaphat the eight King of juda reigned in jerusalem: he walked in the wicked ways of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Achab, for the daughter of Achab was his Wife, and he did that which displeased the Lord, and slew all his brethren: Nevertheless, God would not destroy juda, because of his promise made unto David, who promised that he would give him a light in his children alway. And in his time Edom fell from under the hand of juda and made them a king of their own. And jehoram reigned xiij years, and then died, and was buried in the City of David. 4. Reg. 8.9. Ochozias. after jehoram, Ochozias, or Ozias his son was the ix king of juda, he was but xxij year old when he began to reign, and he reigned but only one year. And in the end, for yielding to Idolatry, he was slain by the people of jehu king of Israel, the same murder being done at his commandment. AThalia the mother of Ochozias to be revenged of the death of her son, slew all the blood royal, saving one little child called jehoas, which was the son of the said Ochozias, which was kept and hidden from her, by jehosaba the daughter of King jehoram which was his Aunt. And he was with her hidden in the house of the Lord uj year: And Athalia did reign over the land all that time: But in the end she was most cruelly slain, and young jehoas restored to the Kingdom of juda. IEhoas, or joas the xj King of juda, and the first of the house of Nathan, reigned xl years. In the vij year of his age, he was proclaimed and anointed king, and Athalia his Grandmother was slain as abovesaid. And as long as he followed the good admonitions of joiada the high priest, he prospered: But afterward, falling into Idolatry and other wickedness, he slew Zacharias the Prophet between the Temple and the avitare, Zacharias slain. for which deed God punished him by the Syrians, and after he was slain in his bed by his own servants. LVd Hurdibras, or Rathudibras, or as some write Rudibras, son of Leyll, began to reign in Briteyn: And after he was established in his kingdom, he appeased the great variance and discords that sprang in his father's time, and that being done, he then builded the town of Caerkyn, which now is called Cantorbury: Canterbury. He builded also the Town of Caerguen, now called Wynton or Wynchester: Winchest. And another town called Mount Paladoure, now called Septon or Shaftesbury. Shaftesbu. In the time of the building of which town of Septon, as affirmeth Gaufride, In every of these three Towns, he builded also a temple, and therein placed a F●an●yn, which is a Bishop. an Eagle there spoke certain words, the which he saith he will not write nor declare for any certainty. And when he had ruled this land nobly by the space of xxx years, he died, and left behind him a son named Baldud or Bladud. But in very deed the said Gaufride was here deceived, taking Aquila for the name of a bird called an Eagle, which was the proper name of a man, that lived in the days of the aforenamed Lud Hurdibras, who by reason of the great knowledge and skill that he had in the judicials of astronomy, could tell before of things to come, and therefore was in those days taken for a great Prophet, insomuch that when the same King was determined to build Septon, or Shaftesbury, and had already laid the foundation of the walls, he desired the said Aquila, the Horoscope of the beginning of the said work first considered, to show his opinion touching the continuance and fortune of the same Town: And therefore it is that many report how an Eagle should then speak. This Aquila is of writers called Aquila Septonius, that is to say, Gaufride. Aquila of Shaftisbury. And of his divinations and prophecies, there is further mention made in the ix book and last Chapter of the said Gaufride. BLadud, or Baldud, the son of Lud Hurdibras, after the death of his father reigned over Briteyn. This man as saith Gaufride, Polichronicon, and others, was very well seen in the mathematicals, and in necromancy, and by that Art he made the hot Baths in the Town of Caerbadon, now called , the which Town or City he also builded. ¶ john Bale in his book of the famous writers of Briteyn, Bale. writeth of him in this wise: Bladud, surnamed the Magician the ten king of the Britons, was sent in his youth to the famous city of Athens in Greece, there to be instructed in Philosophy and the liberal Sciences. And when he had there studied a certain time, hearing of the death of Lud Hurdibras his father, he returned home again, bringing thence with him four expert Masters in many Sciences, not thinking it meet that his Country should lack any longer such singular ornaments of learning as they were. Marlyn. Staunford. These Philosophers as writeth Marlin, placed he at Staunforde in a very pleasant soil, and made schools for them, to the intent they should there read the liberal sciences, where they had many times a great audience. He was a man very cunning and skilful aswell in profane sciences of the Gentiles, as in all wisdom and knowledge that the Grecians excelled in: But especially studious and singularly well seen was he in the Mathematical arts and sciences, for the which cause, one of the Sibelles that lived in his time, hearing of the wonderful fame that went of his name and doctrine, wrote and dedicated unto him a book of Prophecies, and foretellings of things to come. Some affirm that the same Bladud builded the City of , and therein made by a wonderful art certain hot Baths, for the use and commodity of the people, which do remain yet to this day, committing the conservation thereof unto the Goddess Minerva, in whose honour he caused a Temple there to be erected, to the intent that being preserved by so mighty a Goddess should never fail, but continued for ever. They write also how that he read and taught Necromancy throughout all his Realm. But these things are verily as I suppose feigned matters. Hitherto Bale. And it followeth after in the same Author: And when he had at the length prepared himself by Artmagique and Sorcery such wings as Dedalus made himself, he attempted to fly in the air in the presence of the people, in which attempt he fell down headlong upon the Aultare of Apollo, and so bruised his body with the fall that he died thereof, when he had reigned xxj years, and was buried at Troynovant. john Hard. john Harding in the first book, and xxv Chapter of his story, showeth that the school or university of Stamford aforesaid was forbidden by Austen the Monk, Austen the Monk. like as other Universities of this Realm were, under this pretence, that they maintained the Arrian and Pelagian heresies, the which his prohibition was the cause of the decay of the same Universities and therefore long after his time, there was no common professing of learning, but in great monasteries or Abbeys. But William of Malmesburye saith, that the hot Baths were made by the procurement of julius Cesar Emperor, he died and was buried at Troynovant, when he had ruled Briteyn by the space of twenty years, leaving after him a son named Leyr. AMasia the son of joas was after his father King of juda, and reigned in the time that joas the son of joacham was King of Israel. In the beginning he governed very well, but yet he did not overthrow the hill Altars where they sacrificed to their Idols, Amasia slain. and therefore when he had reigned xxix years, he was of his own people slain. LEyr the son of Bladud, or Baldud, after the death of his father, was made ruler over the Britons. This Leyr was of noble conditions, and guided his land and subjects in great wealth and quietness, he made the Town of Caerieir now called Leycester. Leycester. And albeit that this man reigned long over Briteyn, yet is there no notable thing worthy of memory written of him, except as Gaufride saith, that he had by his wife three daughters and no son, and the daughters were named Gonorilla, Ragan, and Cordeilla, the which he loved much, but most specially he loved the youngest, Cordeilla by name. Leyr. ¶ When this Leyr, or Leyth, after some writers, was fallen into competent age, being desirous to know the mind of his three daughters, he first demanded of Gonorilla the eldest how well she loved him: Gonorilla. the which calling her Gods to record, said, she loved him more than her own soul. With this answer, the father being well contented, Ragan. demanded of Ragan the second daughter, how well she loved him? To whom she answered, and affirming with great oaths, said, that she could not with her tongue express the great love she bore to him: and added further, that she loved him above all creatures. After these pleasant answers had of those two daughters, he called before him Cordeilla the youngest: Cordeilla. who understanding the dissimulation of her two sisters and intending to prove her father, said: Most reverend father, where my two sisters have dissimuled with thee, and uttered their pleasant words fruitless, I knowing the great love and fatherly zeal, that thou ever hast borne toward me (for the which I may not speak unto thee otherwise then my conscience leadeth me) therefore I say to thee father, I have ever loved thee as my father, and shall continually while I live, love thee as my natural father. And if thou wilt be further inquisitive of the love that I bear thee: As thy riches and substance is, so much art thou worth, and so much and no more do I love thee. ¶ The father with this answer being discontent, married his two elder daughters, the one unto the Duke of cornwall, and the other unto the Duke of Albania, or Scotland, and divided with them two in marriage his land of Briteyn after his death, and the one half in hand during his natural life. And for his third daughter Cordeilla he reserved nothing. ¶ It so fortuned after, that Aganippus, Aganippus or Aganip King of France. which the English Chronicle nameth Aganip king of France, heard of the beauty and womanhood of Cordeilla, he sent unto her father and asked her in marriage. To whom it was answered, that the king would gladly give unto him his daughter, but for Dowar, he would not departed with, for he had promised all unto his other two daughters. ¶ Aganippus, by his Messengers being thus informed, remembering the virtues of the aforenamed Cordeilla, did without promise of Dowar, take the said Cordeilla to his wife. ¶ But here is to be noted, that where this Aganippus or Aganip is called in divers Chronicles the king of France, it can not agreed with other histories, nor with the Chronicles of France. For it is testified by Reynulph of Chester, and by Peter Pictaviens, by Robert Gagwyne, by Bishop Anthony, and many other Chronicles that long after this time there was no king of France, neither was it long after called France: But at this day the inhabitants thereof were called Galli, Galli. and afterwards were tributaries to Rome without having any king, till the time of Valentinianus Emperor of Rome, as hereafter in this work shall be plainly showed. ¶ The story of the Britons sayeth, that in the time that Leyr reigned in Briteyn, the land of France was under twelve kings, of the which, Aganippus should be one, the which saiying, is full unlike to be true, and the same may be proved many ways, but I pass over, for that it is not my purpose to use any special discourse of the kings of France. ¶ Then it followeth in the History, when Leyr was fallen into age, Covetousness the root of all evil. the aforesaid two Dukes, thinking long before the Lordship of Briteyn fell into their hands, Gaufride arose against their father (as Gaufride saith) and spoiled him of the governance thereof upon certain conditions to be continued for term of life, Maglanus the which in process of time were minished, as well by Maglanus as by Henninus husbands of the aforenamed Gonorild and Ragan: Henninus. But that most displeased Leyr, was the unkindness of his two daughters considering their words to him before spoken and sworn, and now found and proved them all contrary. Leyr fleeth out of his land. ¶ For the which he being by necessity constrained, fled his land, and sailed into Gallia for to be comforted of his youngest daughter Cordeilla. Whereof she having knowledge, of natural kindness comforted him: And after showing all the matter to her Husband, by his agreement, received him and his to her lords Court, where he was cherished after her best manner. ¶ Long it were to show unto you the circumstance of the utterance of the unkindness of his two daughters, and of the words of comfort given to him by Aganippus and Cordeilla, or of the counsel or purveyance made by the said Aganippus and his Lords, Aganippus for the restoring again of Leyr to his dominion: But finally, he was by the help of the said Aganippus restored again to the government of the Realm of Briteyn, and possessed and ruled the same as Governor thereof, by the space of three years after. In which season died Aganippus. And when this Leyr had ruled this land by the term of xl years, as diverse do affirm, he died and was buried at his own town or leicester, leicester. leaving after him for to inherit the land, his daughter Cordeilla. AT this time Ozias, or Azarias, the son of Amasias, reigned king after his father over juda, and he reigned. Lij. years, and toward the end of his reign he began to wax proud, Ozias plagued with jeprosie. and would have usurped the priests office, wherefore he was stricken with a leprosy, and died. 2. Parali. 11. COrdeilla, the youngest daughter of Leyr, was by the assent of the Britons made Queen of Briteyn, and she guided the landfull wisely by the term and space of .v. whole years. The which time expired, her two Nephews Morgan and Cunedagius sons of her two sisters, came upon her land, Cordeilla slain in prison. and made therein great waste and destruction, and at the last took and cast her into a strong Prison, where she being in despair of the recovery of her estate (as saith Gaufride) slew herself. CVnedagius, and Morganus, Nephews as aforesaid of Cordeilla, divided this land of Briteyn between them: That is to say, the Country over and beyond Humber toward Catnessy, fell to Morgan, and the other part of the land toward the West (as saith Gaufride) fell to Cunedagius. Parasites & flatterers. ¶ After two years ended, some Pykethankes and Flatterers came unto Morgan and said, that to him it was great reproach and dishonour (considering that he was come of Gonorilla the elder sister, and of Maglanus her Husband: And Cunedagius was descended of Ragan the younger sister, and Hemnius her Husband) that he had not the rule of all the land, to which lewd persons Morgan giving credence, was inflamed with pride and covetousness, Pride & covetousness. and anon by their counsayie, assembled a great host, and made war upon his Cousin, brenning and destroying his land without mercy. Whereof Cunedag being ware, in all haste gathered his people: And after a certain message sent by him for reconciliation, seeing that there was no peace to be made, but the same must be determined by dint of sword, and the judgement of battle, he met with his Cousin in plain field: where the Gods were to him so favourable, that he slew many of the people of his said Cousin, and at the length compelled him to flee. After which victory thus had, he pursued Morgan from Country to Country, until he came within the Province or Country of Wales, in the which the said Morgan gave unto the said Cunedag another Battle: But for that he was far the weaker, Morgan slain. he was there overthrown, and slain in the field. Which field or Country where the said Morgan fought, and was slain, is to this day called Glamargan, Glamargan field. which is as much to say, as Morgan's land. And thus was Morgan slain, when he had reigned with his Nephew two years. IOatham the son of Ozias, or Azarias was after his father king of juda, and when he began to reign, he was xxv year old, and reigned uj year. He was a good Man, and one that feared God, and obeyed his commandments, but he did not break down the hill altars, that were set up to sacrifice unto Idols. RIuallus or Rivallo the son of Cunedagius, was after his father ruler over Briteyn, and he ruled with great soberness and kept the land in great wealth and prosperity: Albeit that of him is left no special memory of any notable act done in his time, Blood rained by the space of three days. except that (as Gaufride saith) it reigned blood in his time by the space of three days continually within the land of Briteyn. After the which rain ensued a great an exceeding number and multitude of Flies, Flies slew many people. the which were so noisome and contagious that they slew many people. And after (as saith an old Author) ensued great sickness and mortality, to the great desolation of this land. ¶ Then it followeth in the history: that when this Rivallus had reigned after most writers xluj. years, he died and was buried at York, Romulus greatly increased Rome leaving after him a son, named Gurgustius. And in this time the City of Rome was greatly enlarged and increased by Romulus, or after the mind of Fabian and others first builded. AChas the son of jonathan was after his father king of juda, he was xx. year old when he began to reign, and he reigned xxv years in jerusalem, he followed the wicked ways of the kings of Israel. EZechias the son of Achas was after the death of his father king of juda, and reigned xxxix years in jerusalem, he loved, feared, and served the Lord, and was a Prince, just, virtuous, and religious, he was diligent in the observing and keeping of the commandments of almighty God, and there was not found in any of the kings that reigned before him nor after him, like unto him in bounty and virtue: Brazen Serpent. He broke the Brazen Serpent and restored again the true honouring of God. MAnasses the son of Ezechias was after his father king of juda, and he reigned lu years in jerusalem, he was a very evil Man, and wrought much wickedness in juda, he set up Idols and worshipped them, he defiled the Temple, and sacrificed his children unto the Gods, he filled jerusalem with the blood of Innocents, he despised the admonitions of the Prophets, and put to death the most holy Prophet Esaias, Esay the Prophet put to death. cutting him in the middle with a Saw: wherefore God being displeased, raised up the king of Babylon, who with a mighty power invaded jury, took the king by a train, and brought him captive to Babylon. Then in his captivity he acknowledge God, Manasses repent. and confessed his sins, and took great repentance, through which, finding grace with God, he was restored again to his kingdom, where he abolished all Idolatry, and restored the true honouring of God and commanded that it should be justly observed, and so passed all the rest of his life in the fear of God. He also repaired the walls of the holy City of jerusalem, and ordained Garrisons in all his Cities. Lanquet. Gvrgustus' the son of the aforenamed Rivallus was made Ruler of Briteyn after the death of his father. And this man in the English Chronicle is named Gorbodyan the son of Reignold, Gurgustus or Gorbodyan. of whom there is small mention made either of his reign, or of any notable deeds done in his time, except that the aforesaid Author doth witness, that he reigned xxxviij. years: leaving after him none heir of his body begotten, and lastly died and was buried by his father at the City of Caerbrank, York. otherwise called York. SIsillus, or after some writers, Silvius the brother of Gurgustus (as saith the English Chronicle) was made ruler over Briteyn, and reigned as saith Lanquet xlix years, and was buried at Caerbadon or , . and left after him none heir of his body. A Mon or Ammon the son of Manasses was king of juda, and reigned two years, and his own servants conspired against him and slew him in his own house. IOsias the son of Amon, was after his father king of juda, and he reigned in jerusalem xxxj years, he was a goodman and feared God, and obeyed his commandments, and walked in the good ways of king David, without declining either to the left hand or to the right. He purged his la●de from all Idols, Images, and Woods, and burned the bones of the Priests of Baal, and cleansed all wickedness out of the Cities of Manasse, Ephraim, Simeon, and even unto Nepthalim: he repaired the Temple, that the holy things might be covered. The Bible restored to the people by king josias. The Book of the law of Moses which had been lost of a long time, was found again by his means, which he caused to be read unto the people. Finally, upon to much presumption, he made war upon the King of Egypt, where he was wounded and died thereof. 4. Reg. 23. IOachas the second son of josias, was after his father King of juda, and reigned only three Months, and was taken and brought captive into Egypt, in whose place his brother joachim was made King, and reigned xj years, an insolent and naughty Prince, who not regarding the prophecies of jeremy, burned the books thereof, and was at the last slain, and left unburied as a Beast. IAgo or Lago, the Cousin of Gurgustius (as sayeth Gaufrid) as next heir was made governor of Briteyn. Of this man also the writers make small mention, either for the quietness of the time, or else for the rudeness of his deeds, he reigned xxv years and died without issue and was buried at York. IOachim called also jechonias reigned over juda three Months, and ten days, he yielded himself willingly unto Nabuchodonosor, by the counsel of jeremy: who sent him to Babylon, Ezechiel taken captive with all the Noble men and ornaments and jewels: among whom also was the Prophet Ezechiell. IN his stead Nabuchodonoser caused Mathanias the fourth son of josias to take upon him the rule of juda, and made him swear by the name of the Lord that he should faithfully serve the Chaldeys, Mathanias the last king of the jews in token whereof he named him Zedechias, he was the xxiij and last king of the jews, and reigned xj years. This Zedechias broke his amity with the king of Babylon, and entered into league with the Egyptians. For which cause Nabuchodonoser returned and besieged jerusalem by the space of one year uj jerusalem ● the Temple utterly destroyed. Months, and .v. days. After which siege, the holy City with the most sacred Temple, miserably with pestilence, famine, sword and fire, was destroyed. The king himself with all his Nobility taken, his children slain before his face, his eyes pulled out and sent into captivity to Babylon two Para xxxuj Chapt. ¶ Thus was the whole Nation of the jews without respect either of Age or kind, The destruction of the jews. either slain or brought into Babylon's bondage for their obstinacy against God and his Prophets, and for the sin and transgression of their Kings, Priests, and all the people, the year after the universal Flood. M.uj C. lxxxx. after the arrival of Brute. CCCC. Lxxxij. after the beginning of the kingdom of the jews. CCCC. lviij. after the building of the temple. CCCC. xiv. and after the building of Rome. C.xxxvij. Here endeth the fift Age of the world, and is from the building of the Temple, unto the captivity of Babylon, which the Hebrews account. CCCC. nineteen. years. The sixth Age, and sixth part of this Chronicle. The sixth Age ●352/619 KInimacus the son of Sisillus, as some writers have, but more truly as saith the old Chronicle, the brother of Lago, was made ruler of Briteyn, as his brother before him was, and passed his time without any notable acts or deeds, so that of him there is no more memory than is of his brother. For the most of them that writ the feats and deeds of the Britons, make but a short rehearsal of these five kings, that is to say, from Rivallo to Gorbodug, saying that after Rivallo succeeded Gurgustus, after him Lago, & after Lago, kinimacus, and after kinimacus succeeded Gorbodug. Of these five kings is made little other mention. Then it followeth in the old Chronicle, that when Kinimacus had reigned. Liiij. years, he died, and was buried at York: leaving after him a son named Gorbodug. ¶ In this time was that most noble Prophet Daniel, and he flourished in Babylon. And in his youth by his wisdom, he delivered Susanna from death, Daniel the Prophet. & he expounded the dreams of Nabuchodonosor: And finally, he was cast into a den among hungry Lions, whereby the power of God he was preserved from harm. afterward he prophesied both of the coming of Christ, and also of the Empires of Babylon, Media, Persia, Grecia, and the Romans. ¶ The Scots as their Chronicles show, did at this time first inhabit Scotland where they lived long time under sundry Captains, as they call them, England in habited before Scotlā● as the Scotish Chronicle doth account 528. year. until the time of Fergus, son of Ferguard, king of Ireland, who aided the Scots against the Pichtes, and was the first king of Scots, as they say. GOrbodug succeeded his father Kinimacus, in this Realm of Briteyn, and b● most writers he reigned lxiij years, and then died, and was buried at London, which then was called Troynovant, Troinovamt and left behind him two sons, name Ferrex, and Porrex, but some call them Ferrens, and Porrens. IN this time Barachias, called also zorobabel, Nephew to joachim, and jesus the high Priest, with xlv thousand, three hundredth, three score and ten jews, were delivered free from Babylon by Cyrus, and returned into their own land: where they repaired again their City, jerusalem & the Temple again repaired. and cast the foundation of their Temple, renewed their laws and Sacrifices, albeit they were sometime let by their borderers. 1. Esd. 4. & vi And in the year of the world 3446. the Temple was clean finished, and with great joy dedicated again unto the Lord, wherein they offered their Sacrifices, and celebrated their Phase, or feast of Passover, in giving of thanks to God which had turned the heart of Darius unto them. FErrex and Porrex his brother, Sons of Gorbodug reigned over this Realm of Briteyn, and continued in amity a certain time. After which time expired, as faith Reynulph and Gaufride. Porrex being covetous of Lordship gathered his people together unknown to his brother Ferrex, intending to destroy him. Whereof he being warned, for lack of space to assemble his people for safeguard of his life, fled suddenly into Gallia or France, and prayed aid of a Duke of Gallia named by Gaufrid, Gunhardus or Swardus, the which Duke aided him, and sent him again into Briteyn with his host of Gallis. After whose landing, his brother Porrex with his Britons met him, and gave to him Battle, Ferrex slain. in the which battle Ferrex was slain, with the more part of his people. But here some Authors writ that Porrex was slain and Ferrex survived. But whether of them both was living, him did the mother of the same two brethren named, Widen, setting a part all motherly pity, with the help of her women, most cruelly murdered, in the night season in his sleep, A cruel and unnatural murder. and cut him in pieces. And thus ended the aforesaid two brethren, after they had reigned in Briteyn in war and peace .v. years. And here endeth the line or offspring of Brute, after the opinion of most writers, for as Gaufrid saith, after the death of these two brethren, great discord arose among the Britons, the which continued long among them, by mean whereof the people were sore vexed and noyed under .v. Kings, whose names I find in an old pedigree to be Rudancus, that was King of Wales, Clotemis King of Cornwall, Pinnor king of Loegria, Staterius king of Scotland, Yeuan king of Northumberlande. And as saith Guydo de Columna the Britons abhorred the lineage of Gorbodug, for so much as first the one slew the other, and chiefly for the unnatural disposition of the mother, that so cruelly slew her own child. The English Chronicle saith, that after the death of the two forenamed brethren, no rightful inheritor was left on live, wherefore the people were brought into great discord, insomuch that the land was divided into four parts. So that in Albania was one ruler, in Loegria another, in Cambria the third, Cloto Duk of Cornewal. and in Cornwall the fourth. But of these four Rulers, the English Chronicle alloweth Cloton Duke of Cornwall, for most rightful heir. ¶ Reynulph of Chester saith, that after the death of the said brethren, great discord was in this land under the government of .v. kings, but he neither rehearseth their names nor the times of their reigns, saving that he saith that the discord continued unto the coming of Mulmucius Dunwallo. So that here appeareth no time certain, how long this discord and variance among the Britons continued, but who so lust to look in Fabian, in a draft by him drawn, in the beginning of his Chronicle, shall there find that it continued near to the term of. Lj. years. ABout this time Esdras, by the licence of Artaxerses came from Babylon to jerusalem with xvij C.lxxv. jews, to repair the law and City of God, and to teach the people: For he gathered and brought in order the books of the holy Scripture, before scattered and destroyed, and invented the same Hebrew Chariots, which are used at this day. ANd here also I find noted by Lanquet, that at this time began the computation of the lxx weeks of Daniel, every week containing vij year, which finisheth at the death of Tiberius, Daniel. 9 after whom Gaius caused his Image to be set in the Temple, under the name of great jupiter. MVlmucius or Moluntius Dunwallo, the son of Cloten, vanquished the other Dukes or rulers, and reigned himself over Briteyn. This man ruled Nobly and builded a house in the City of Troynouaunt now called London, Blackwell Hall. which house as some suppose is now called Blackwell Hall. Also he made many good laws, the which long after were called Mulmucius laws. These laws Gildas translated with great diligence out of the british speech into Latyn. And long time after, Aluredus or Alured king of England turned the same out of Latyn into English, or the Saxen tongue. Raynulph. He also gave privilege to Temples, to Ploughs and Cities, and to the ways leading to the same. Whereby as Raynulph saith, all such malefactors as fled unto them for succour and safeguard of themselves, might not be impeached nor molested any manner of ways of their enemies, Caxton. so that had a man done never so much harm (as Caxton reporteth in his story) if he might once come into the Temple, it was not lawful for any to misintreate him, and likewise he should be suffered therein to go safe and in peace, and afterward go into what Country he would without any harm. And if any man fortuned to set any violent hand upon him, The four high ways. he then should lose his life. And as some Authors affirm, he began the four high ways of Briteyn, the which was finished and privileged also by Belinus his son, as after shall be declared. The old Chronicle testifieth that this Mulmucius, whom he nameth Molle and Caxton Dovebant made the two Towns of Malmesbury and Vies. Mulmucius the first king of Briteyn that ware a Crown of Gold. And many other writers affirm that after he had established himself in this land, and set his Britons in good order, he by the advise of his Lords ordained him a Crown or Diadem of Gold, and caused himself to be crowned with great solemnity after the usance of the Pagan law. And for this cause, after the opinion of some writers, he was called the first king of Briteyn. And all the other before rehearsed were called Rulers, Dukes, or Governors. Of the same Mulmucius it is further written by john Bale Doctor and others, john Bale. that he was a great favourer and supporter of all learned men, and that by him was restored to the ancient trade and manner, the science of Chivalry, wonderfully decayed before his time, and in manner clean extinguished. ¶ Finally, when he had guided the land well and nobly the space of xl years, he died, and was buried in Troynouaunt, now called London, leaving after him two sons, the one named Belinus, the other Brennus. BElinus and Brennus the two sons of Mulmucius, began to reign jointly as kings of Briteyn: and Belyn held Loegria or Logiers, which is that part that we now call England, Wales, and Cornwall. And Brennus had all the land beyond Number, with the which partition each of them held himself well contented, and so was the Realm of Briteyn peaceably governed betwixt them, the space of .v. years, as Polichronica saith, and in this mean time Brennus builded the City of Bristol. After which term, the said Brennus intending to have more land or all, Brennus. arose against his brother Belyne, Belyn. and made upon him sharp and mortal war. In the which war Brennus was overset and compelled to fly the land, and to sail to Armorica, now named little Briteyn, but as Reynulph and Gaufride saith, he went into Norway, and there married the daughter of Elfunge or Elfing which then was Duke of Norway. When this was showed unto Belyn, he considering the sudden departing of his brother: did in all the haste first seize Albania, and all the other land that belonged to Brenne into his own hand, and fortified the Cities thereof and other strong places, with his own Garrisons and Soldiers. Whereof when Brenne was advertised, he in all possible hast assembled a great army of people of the Norway's, and took his shipping to sail into Briteyn. Guilthdacus king of Denmark. And as he was keeping his course upon the sea, he was encountered with Guilthdacus king of Denmark the which had lain in await for him, for love of a Damsel that he had married, which before time was promised unto the said Guilthdacus by the said Elfunge her father. When these two Navies were met, strong shot and fight was upon both parties: but finally the Danes overcame the Norway's, and took the Ship by strength, wherein the young Damsel was, who was quickly brought unto the Ship of Guilthdake. And so in fine burn with a few of his Ships left, was feign to provide for his own safety by flight. ¶ When Guylthdake had thus obtained the victory, Guilthdake he intending to have sailed toward Denmark, the tempests were so great, and wind so contrary, that he was enforced to land in Northumberland, where at that time was Belyn making of preparation of defence against his brother's coming. But when word was brought unto Belyn, Guilthdake king of Denmark taken. of the landing of the king of Denmark with a small company he rejoiced at it, and commanded him with his Ships and company to be put in sure hold and keeping. ¶ It was not long after, but Brenne had newly rigged and victualled his Ships, and hearing of the arrival of Guilthdacus in Northumberland with his wife, Brennus sendeth defiance to his brother Belyue. sent words of menace unto his brother Belyne, willing him to sand unto him his wife, wrongfully ravished and detained by Guilthdacus king of Denmark, and also to restore him to his Patrimony, or else he would shortly invade his land, the same for to waste, and as his enemy to destroy. The which request was of Belyne plainly and shortly denied. Whereof when Brenne had knowledge, he shortly after landed in a part of Albania, & made toward his brother, and his brother towards him: so that their hosts met near unto a Wood, named the Calater, where between them was a mortal and terrible battle, insomuch, that much people were slain upon both parties: But in the end the Britons won the field, and chased the Norway's unto their Ships. A cruel battle between two brethren. And as Gaufride saith, the fight was so cruel & sharp, that there were of both sides slain, to the number of xl M. men. ¶ After this discomfiture, Brenne was constrained to fly, and with a very few in number, recovered the land of Gallia. ¶ Belinus' having obtained this great victory over his enemies, after thanks and oblations made unto his Gods, after the manner of the Pagan law: he then assembled his Lords at York, and there took their advice what he should do with the King of Denmark. In the which counsel it was concluded, Gwilthdake king of Denmark became tributary to England. that the aforesaid Guilthdacus should hold and do homage to the king of Briteyn for the land of Denmark, and yearly pay unto him a thousand pound for a tribute: which being done with surety and hostages, the said Guilthdacus with his woman, was set at liberty, and returned into his own Country. ¶ Now when Belyne had by this victory possessed the quiet state of this Realm, he confirmed the laws made before by his father, and did ordain that justice was ministered throughout the land. The four high ways of England, paved by Belyne. And where the four ways begun by his father were not perfighted and ended: He therefore called workmen and set them to pave the same with stone, that they might the better be known to all travailers. Fosse. ¶ The first of these four ways was named Fosse, the which stretcheth out of the South, into the North, & began at that time at Tomesse in Cornwall, and passed forth by Devonshire, Somersetshire, and so forth by Tutbury upon Cotteswolde beside Coventry unto Leycester, and from thence by wild plains toward Newarke, and endeth at the City of Lincoln. Watlingstreete. ¶ The second way was named Watlingstreete, the which stretcheth overthwart the ways of Fosse, out of the Southeast, into the North-east. This began at Dover, and passeth by the middle of Kent over Thamis beside London, by west of Westminster, and so forth by S. Alban's, in the West side of Dunstable, of Stratford, of Touceter, & of Wedon: by South Killingbourn, by Atherstone, and then passeth besides Bewdley over Severne unto Gilbertes hill, that now is called the Wrekyn, and so forth unto Stratton to the middle of Wales unto a place called Cardican at the Irish Sea. Erming-streete. ¶ The third way was named Ermingstreete, the which stretcheth out of the West, Northwest, unto the East Southeast, & beginneth at S. David's in west Wales, and so stretcheth forth unto Southampton. Kykeneldes street. ¶ The fourth and last way is called Kykeneldes street, the which stretcheth forth by Worceter, by Wycombe, by Birmygham, by Lichfielde, by Derby, by Chesterfielde, by York, and so forth unto Tynmouth, the which were sufficiently made. And he granted and confirmed unto them, all such privileges as before were granted by Dunwallo his father. The which privileges with other laws by him made, such as are desirous to know, let them read the translation of Gildas, made of Mulmucius laws, out of british speech unto latin, and there he shall see the whole. ¶ While Belyne was thus occupied, his brother Brenne being as aforesaid in a province of Gallia, taking his expulsion very grievously, and being without comfort to attain to his former dignity, at the last resorted (being accompanied only with twelve persons) unto the Duke or ruler of that province or Country. ¶ For ye shall understand, that in those days (as sayeth Eutropius and other writers) the Gallis occupied divers Countries. France at the first was divided into sundry countries And therefore Titus Livius wrote the histories of the Romans, made distinction of the Gallis, and nameth them that Brenne lead when he besieged Rome, and afterwards the Capitol Senones Galli, of whom the City of Seine in Tuscayne took name, because (as testifieth the Author of Chronica Chronicarum, and other) it was first builded of the aforesaid Galls in the time of Brenne being there Duke and leader before the coming of Christ. CCC.lxxx. years. And for this cause the Senenses are of the aforesaid writers reckoned also among the Galls. ¶ Now when Brenne was comen to the Duke, whom Gaufride calleth Signinus Duke of Alebrog, the which is to be understand the Duke of Armorica, now called little Briteyn, as Reynulph doth plainly declare, Amorice called little Briteyn. and that he had opened unto him all his grief and trouble: the said Duke received him into his Court with all courtesy and gentleness. And for that he was a personable & of gentle nature furnished with all that belonged to a Gentleman, he within a short time after was had in great estimation before any other that appertained to his Court. By reason whereof at the last he fell in love with his daughter, and in the end married her upon condition that if he died without issue Male, that he then should be ruler of that Country, and if it happened him to have an heir Male, that then yet notwithstanding, to aid and help him to recover his land lost. ¶ The which conditions well and surely upon the Duke's party, by the assent of the Nobles of his land were assured. And the said Duke within less than one year following died. After whose death, when by a convenient time, it was known that the Duchess his wife was not with child, all the Lords of the land did their homage to Brenne. To the which Lords, the more to win their love, he departed much of his treasure, and shortly after with their assent gathered a great army, and so in all haste sailed into Briteyn to make new war upon his brother Belyne, and after a little time landed there. Of whose landing when Belyne was informed, he in all haste gathered his Britons together in great number & made toward Brennus, as to his mortal enemy. But the mother of the two brethren, named Conwenna, or after the English book Conwey, The true office of a natural mother. considering the mortal hatred between her two children, of a motherly pity went between her two sons, and used herself so wisely and discreetly, that at length she agreed them. After which agreement, both the brethren with their Lords and friends sped them unto Troynouaunt, or London, and there after many things done and ordered for the weal of the land, they agreed to lead both their hosts into Gallia for to subdue to them the said Country. And in as goodly haste as they might prepare for the journey, they took shipping and so sailed into a part of Gallia, Belyne and Brenne were great conquerors. brenning and wasting the Country without all pity. And as saith Gaufrid, they in short time subdued a great part of Gallia, Italy, and Germany. ¶ Here Gaufrid doth vary from Eutropius, Titus Livius, and other the writers of the Roman Histories, for where Gaufrid sayeth that at such time as Belyn and Brenne made war in Italy, Gabius and Porsena were the consuls of Rome, that saying differeth far from other. For as they affirm, at the time when Brenne besieged Rome, Claudius Aemilius, and Lucius Lucretius were consuls, & Furius Camillus was at that time Dictator of Rome, and none like unto the other were consuls many years before nor after. ¶ But truth it is, that the said two brethren did many great acts in the aforenamed Countries, but not all agreeable with the saying of Gaufrid. For where he referreth all those deeds to both brethren, the aforenamed Titus Livius speaketh but of Brenne, as hereafter shall appear. Now when Belyn had remained a certain of time with his brother Brenne in those parts, by agreement of them both, Belyn returned into Briteyn, & Brenne remained behind. ¶ When Belyn was returned into Briteyn, he repaired certain old Cities and builded upon the River of uske a City, and called it Caerusk, near unto the River of Severne. This City was after named the City of Legions because the Legions of the Romans were lodged in the same City, Caerleon. and now it is called Caerleon, which in the time of king Arthur was an University and had in it two hundred Philosophers, as Gaufride writeth, which being well learned in Astronomy and other Sciences, diligently observed the courses of the stars, and by true and infallible reasons, showed before what strange and wonderful things should that time happen unto king Arthur. ¶ Also he builded in Troynovant an Haven, with a gate over the same, in the pinnacle or top whereof was a Vessel of brass, in the which was enclosed the Ashes of his brent body, when he was dead. This gate was long after called Belyns or Belynus gate, Belingsgat and at this day it is called Belyngsgate. ¶ While Belinus was thus occupied in Briteyn, his brother Brenne desirous to win fame and honour, builded in Italy and in certain parts of Gallia certain Cities and Towns as followeth. Pavy. Bergomum. Seva. Comum. Brixia. Verona. Vincencia. Milleyn. Tridentum. Cremona. ¶ The which Cities and Towns were builded of the Galls, or at the lest were new repaired in the time that Brenne was their Duke and leader, although some writers suppose that Comum, and Cremona were builded after Brenne was dead. Reynulph Reynulph saith, that the Senons, which he meaneth by the Galls dwelling about the City of Sena, by the leading of Brennus overcame the Romans xj Miles from Rome, at the River Albia, and chased them to Rome and took the City, and after laid siege to the Capitol. And in a night while the warders of the Capitol slept, the Frenchmen or Galls by a way under the earth came into the Capitol and were likely to have won it. The noise of a Gander awoke Manlius and saved the Capitol. But a noble Roman named Mallius or Manlius Torquatus, awoke by the crying and noise of a Gander or Ganders. The which Manlius resisted the Galls, for which the Romans long time after held a feast of Ganders the first day of june: Howbeit, afterward, it was called junos' Feast, Gander's Feast. because they thought that juno the Goddess had by her influence given that grace unto the Ganders, that they should by their noise awake the Romans. But yet the Galls or Frenchmen, held the Romans so short, A great gift not long enjoyed. that they were compelled to give unto Brenne their Duke a thousand pound weight of Gold, as sayeth Titus Livius, and he sayeth further that the Galls slew of the Senators of Rome a great many in number, whom they supposed to have been Gods, Furius Camilius a Dictator of Rome, won again from Brenne, all that ever Rome had lost. because of the rich apparel that they sat in. But shortly after this, the aforenamed Furius Camillus, which was called again from the City of Ardea, where he was outlawed before, and by the Commonalty of Rome in this distress made again Dictator, pursued Brenne and his people, and gave to them battle, and slew of them a great number, and wan from them all the Gold and jewels that before time the Galls had won of the Romans. The which deed was done. CCC.lxiiij. year before the coming of Christ. ¶ Now when Brenne was this discomfited of the Romans, Brenne discomfited he turned his people toward the Macedones or Greeks, and divided them into two hosts, whereof he retained the one with him, and the other he sent into a Country called then Gallacia, and after Gallogrecia, and lastly Galates. Gallacia. Gallogrecia Galates. Then Brenne overcame the Macedones, with their Duke Sosteme, and after spoiled their Gods and their Temples, and said in mirth, rich Gods must give to men some of their riches. Brenne overcame the Macedons. Also he spoiled the Temple of the God Apollo Delphicus, standing in the hill of the Mount Pernasus. Wherefore as saith Policarpus, the people of that Country prayed to God for help, and suddenly the earth began to quake, A strange thing. and a great part of the hill fell upon the host of the Galls and slew them. And after that, there fell Hailstones of such greatness, that it slew another part of the host, Brenne killed himself. and Duke Brennus was sore wounded, whereby he fell in such despair, that he slew himself with his own sword. ¶ Now for as much as I have here showed you the end of Brennus, I will now return to Belinus his brother, who as before is declared, busied himself in the guiding and ordering of his Realm and people of Briteyn, and in executing many notable deeds, like as he constituted and ordained three Archflamyns, whose Seas, were at London, York, and Caerleon. And as Master Layland saith, he builded the Tower of London, and did many other notable things in his days, the which for length I overpass: and finally he died and after the Pagan manner, Belyne dead. was with great pomp burned and buried at Troynovant in London, when he had reigned with his brother and alone, after some writers xxuj years, leaving after him a son named Gurguinthus, or Gurguint Brabtruc, or after some writers Gurguint Barbarouge, which is to mean Gurguint with the read beard. GVrguintus the son of Belyne, a Prince of great wisdom and soberness and when time came succeeded his father, & reigned king of Briteyn xix years, who following his father's steps, loved both peace and justice. This king forasmuch as the tribute that was granted to his father by the king of Denmark, was now denied to be paid, assembled a great army, and prepared a great Navy, and sailed into Denmark, and there wasted & spoiled the Country with sword and fire, in such wise, that at length the king of Denmark, Danes tribute. with the assent of his Baronage, granted to pay and continued the aforesaid Tribute of a thousand pound yearly. Howbeit Gaufrid writeth, that he slew the said King in battle. After which victory thus had of the Danes, he with great triumph returned into Briteyn. And in keeping of his course, he encountered with a navy of xxx sail beside the Isles of Orcades full of Men and Women, of which float, the chief captain was called as most writers affirm, Bartholomew, the which when he was brought unto the kings presence, showed that he with his people were put or exiled out of Spain, and were named Balenses, and had sailed long time upon the Sea, to the end to find some Prince that would give to them a dwelling place, and they to become his Subjects, and to hold their land of him, beseeching the king to have compassion upon them, and to grant to them some place to inhabit in, that they should no longer devil in their Ships, considering their victual was spent by reason of their long lying upon the Sea. After which request thus made by their captain, the king with the advice of his Barons, granted to them a void and waste Country, which was and is the farthest Isle of all the Isles toward the west, the which, Isle as saith the English Chronicle, Spaniards licensed to inhabit Ireland. was then named Ireland, after the name of their Capiteyn called as he writeth Irlamall. But who so will know the first cause of the naming of this Isle Ireland, let him read the xxxij and xxxiij of the first book of Polichronica, and there he shall find the more certainty of the naming thereof, with many other things touching the said Isle. ¶ Then it followeth in the story, after Gurguintus was returned into his land of Briteyn, he established and ordained to be kept the laws made by his forefathers, justice. and exercised justice to his Subjects, and governed his land well and nobly by the space of xix years, and then died, and was buried at Caerleon, or after some writers at Troynouaunt, leaving after him a son named Guyntelinus or after some, Guintellius. GVintelinus, or Guintellius the son of Gurguintus, was made king of Briteyn, and he guided this land with great meekness and soberness. He had also a noble Wife called Marcia, who was learned in many sciences, and among other noble deeds by her done, she set forth unto the Britons a wholesome and notable law, which long time after was called Marcians law. Martians laws. This law, for that it was good and necessary, Aluredus which long after was king of England, translated out of British into the Saxons speech, and then was it called ever after in the Saxons tongue, Marthehelag, that is to say, the law of Marria. To this Wooman for her wisdom, was committed all the governance of the land, and (as Gaufride saith) she reigned as Queen of Briteyn a certain time after her Husband was dead. But the years of her reign are accounted with the years of her Husband, or with the years of her Son Sisillus, so that the time of her reign is not certain. ¶ In this time the said Guintelyn builded the town of Warwick, which was about the time of the birth of great Alexander. But after that the Saxons destroyed it. But it was reedefyed again by king Guyderius. ¶ Now when Guinthelinus had reigned well and worthily the space of xxuj. years, he died, and was buried at Troynouaunt, or London, leaving after him a son named Sisillus, or Cecilius. CEcilius, or Sisillus, the son of Guinthelyn, reigned king over Briteyn, but there is no notable thing written of him, but that (as the Scots write) in the first year of his reign, a people of Almain called Pichtes, arrived here in Briteyn, Pichtes. and possessed those parts which we now call the Marches of both the Realms of England and Scotland, and when he had reigned vij years he died, and left after him a son named Kimarus. KImarus, the son of Cecilius, reigned king of Briteyn, but of him there is nothing written, but that he was a wild and wanton Prince, given to all pleasure and pastime, & reigned but three years, being slain of his adversaries as he was a hunting, and left after him a son named Elanius. ELanius the son of Kymarus, reigned king after his father, but some Authors write that Elanius was brother to Kymarus, and some write that Kymarus and Elanius was but one person, howbeit: it is most like they were two persons, now to be short, he reigned but two years, but other write (whom I credit) as Lanquet, that he reigned ix years, and then died. MOrindus the bastard son of Elanius (as sayeth Gaufride) was made king of Briteyn. This man was gotten upon the Concubine of Elanius, named Tanguestela, and was a man of worthy fame in deeds of chivalry, but he was so overcome with wrath and cruelness, that commonly he was the death of any that angered him. Besides this, Morindus a cruel man. he was comely of parsonage, and liberal in rewards, and was also of a marvelous strength, insomuch, as he had not his like of any man that was within the Realm, being of Noble birth. ¶ In his time there came a Prince into this realm out of a Country called Mauritania, the which Prince with his cruel and fierce people wasted the land of Briteyn with sword and fire, without all pity and mercy. Whereof when Morindus was certified, he in all haste gathered his people, and met with him in the field, and bade him battle, and fought in such wise, that at the last he chased the Prince to the Sea again, and took many of his soldiers Prisoners, Cruel executions. whom to be revenged of the tyranny used by the said Prince, he caused to be put to death in diverse cruel manners, as by hanging, heading, flaying, brenning, and other cruel executions done in his sight. ¶ Finally (as saith Guido de columna) and other, Guydo de Columna. this Morindus on a time walking, or riding along by the Sea coast, espied a wondered strange Monster, the which of his knighthood and courage he thought to slay. And with a manly force assailed the Monster, Morindus was slain & devoured of a Monster in the Sea. fight with it a certain space: But in conclusion, he was devoured and swallowed of the said Monster, after he had reigned eight years, leaving behind him .v. sons, Gorbomannus, Archigallo, Elidurus, Vigenius, and Peredurus. ABout this time the Scots begin their Chronicles at Fergus or Fergucius the son of Ferquard king of Ireland: who (as they writ) came with a great power out of Ireland to their aid in the time of dissension, between them and the Pichtes, where by wisdom and prowess he so handled the matter that he agreed those people, and obtained such favour, that they elected him to be their king, Fergus king of Scots drowned. and he reigned among them xxv years, and finally in passing the Seas between Ireland & Scotland, he was drowned. ¶ But these Histories of the Scots, as they set them forth are full of lies, and agreed with none other Historiens, for they say that Fergus slew Coill king of Briteyn, when there was then no such of that name, nor many years after, as it may hereafter appear. But I will take the years of the reigns of their kings as they writ them, which were from this time unto the coming of Cesar. Cc.lx years, for the which cause I have here for the better agreement of the History and computation of the years, begun to writ of them. GOrbomannus the first son of Morindus was made king of Briteyn, he was a just and a righteous man both to his Gods and to his people, that is to say, he yielded and gave to either part that was theirs, he gave to his Gods due reverence and sacrifice, and ministered to his people justice and equity. And he renewed and repaired all the old Temples through his Realm, and builded some new, and as the English Chronicle saith, Cambridge builded. 309. years before Christ. he builded the Town of Cambridge and Grantham. And in the time of his reign the land was much more wealthier than it was in the days of his predecessors. But finally to the great sorrow of all his people, he was taken with a grievous sickness, Gorbomannus dead. and thereof died without issue of his body, when he had reigned after most writers xj years. ARchigallo or Artogallo, the second son of Morindus, and brother unto Gorbomannus reigned king of Briteyn. This man followed nothing the steps of his brother, but gave himself to all quarreling and strife, and imagined causes against his nobles, to pull from them their goods and dignities, and in their places to set up unnoble, and men of rude birth and manner. And so from the rich, by sinister means he plucked their riches and goods: by which inordinate means, he enriched himself and impoverished his subjects. For which conditions his Lords and subjects murmured against him, Archigallo deposed. and at the last by one assent took him and deprived him of all honour and kingly dignity, when he had reigned .v. years. And they advanced into the kingdom his brother Elidurus. 3676/●87 ELidurus the third son of Morindus and brother to Archigallo, was by the assent of the Britons made king. This man became so mild and gentle to the Britons, that they gave to him a surname, and called him Elidure the meek. And among other deeds of meekness, this that followeth is not the lest to be noted. It happened him on a day to be on hunting in a Wood near unto York called Calater, and there he found his elder brother Archigallo late king, wandering in the thickest of the Wood, whom lovingly & charitably he in secret manner conveyed home to his mansion house, into the City then named Aldud or Acliut. Gaufrid. And (as Gaufride saith) to the intent to bring his brother to his former dignity, as after followeth: For when Elidurus returned home, he feigned himself sick, and in all the haste sent his messengers about his realm to gather an assembly of the Barons of his land together. And when the day of assembly was come, and his Lords according to his commandment were present, he called them one by one, as they were of honour into his privy Chamber, and there by his wise and discrete words he got grant of his said Lords to aid and strength him to bring his brother Archigallo to his former dignity and Regality. After which grant by the Lords made, he assembled a counsel at York, and there so persuaded the commons that they were content to receive Archigallo again to be their king. And then Elidurus when he had reigned .v. years, Elidurus a worthy and gentle Prince. resigned to his brother the Crown, and all his kingly honour and dignity. ANd about this time Ptholomeus Philadelphus, Ptholomeus Philadelphus. king of Egypt reigned in Alexandria. This prince above all other was given unto study & learning. He made a Librarij in Alexandria, which he furnished with innumerable sorts of books of all Sciences. Among which as chief was the volume of Moses law. And the king hearing that the divine law was in jerusalem, he being very desirous to have it translated, first discharged out of bondage all the jews that were in his subjection, who were in number above one hundredth thousand persons. Demetrius Aristeus. And then he sent Demetrius and Aristeus to Eleazar the high Priest of the jews with great gifts to the Temple of God, desiring that the law might be sent unto him, with learned men to translate it into Greek. And forthwith Eleazar sent lxxij interpreters, The lxxii Interpreters. who commonly are called Septuaginta interpretes. These the king honourably received, & sent them to Demetrius Clerk of his Librarij in Alexandrie, who provided a place for them, where they assembled daily to translate the holy Scripture; and in lxxij. days, they finished it. Lanquet. ¶ But the Author of Chronica Chronicarum saith, that when the lxxij were come to the king, he caused every of them severally to be enclosed in several places alone, and every of them by himself did severally translate the law, which in lxxij days they finished, and the said Author allegeth for him Saint Augustine, that when the translations were conferred together, they differed not, neither varied in word nor sentence, the which translation was by the jews offered unto the king, and the king calling unto him the interpreters, did first give them thanks, and after licensed them to departed to their Country, and gave unto every of them in reward three suits of Apparel, and two Talents of Gold, and one Cup of one Talon of Gold, and sufficient furniture for all their journey and expenses. ANd in this time also Ferithias, brother to Fergus, was chosen King of Scots during the nonage of his brother's children who by Feriegus his Nephew, for the desire to reign, was slain, when he had reigned xu years, and Ferlegus for that act fled Scotland. Archigallo king of Brit●yn amended his life. WHen Archigallo, was again restored to his kingdom as aforesaid, he remembered well the evil life that before time he had led, and the punishment that he had suffered for the same, wherefore in the eschewing of like danger, he changed all his old conditions and became a good and a righteous man, ministering to the people equity and justice, and bore himself so nobly and honourably towards his Lords and the rulers under him, that he was beloved and dread of all his subjects, and so continued during the term of his natural life, and finally he died, when he had reigned now lastly ten years, and was buried at York. ELidurus before named, was now again by one assent of the Britons made king: But his two younger brethren, Vigenius and Peredurus having indignation at him, for that he was for his virtue and good governance so well favoured and beloved of the Britons, Elidurus a virtuous Prince, committed 〈◊〉 the tower of London. conspired against him of malice, and gathering an army of Soldiers, gave him battle: and in the field took him, and then sent him to the Tower of Troyno●ant, which now is called the Tower of London, and there kept him as prisoner, when he had reigned now lastly two years. VIgenius and Peredurus the youngest sons of Morindus and brethren of Elidurus beforesaid, reigned jointly as Kings of Briteyn. These brethren parted the land between them: So that all the land from the water of Humber westward fell to Vigenius: Briteyn parted between two brethren and the other part of the land with Albania or Scotland also, fell unto Peredurus. But as sayeth Guydo, Vigenius was not king, but alonely Peredurus, who as he sayeth, kept his brother Elidurus in Prison, by his own assent, because Elidurus was not willing to be king, as the said Guydo saith. Peredurus was cruel and tyrannous to the Briteyns, and slew and entreated the Lords in most cruel manner, so that in the end he became so odious unto them, that they rebelled against him and slew him. Peredurus slain. But Gaufride saith, and it appeareth to be true, ethat Vigenius died when he had reigned vij years: After whose death Peredurus seized all the land into his own rule, and ruled it with great soberness, in such wise that he excelled all his other brethren, so that Elidurus was clean forgotten of the Britons: But at the last Peridurus was visited with sickness, and thereof died, when he had reigned with his brother and alone ix years, leaving behind him no child. MAynus youngest son of Fergus, after the death of his Uncle, was king of Scots, and in his time he devised many superstitious Ceremonies to be used in his Pagan law, and when he had reigned xxix years, he died. ELidurus before named, as soon as Peredurus was dead, forasmuch as he was next heir to the Crown, was taken out of Prison and made the third time king of Briteyn: who as before time he had used himself, so he continued still in ministering to all persons, right, and justice, all the days of his life. And lastly, being of a good age, he died when he had now reigned four years, leaving after him a son named Gorbonianus, or Gorbomannus, and the said Elidurus was buried at Carlisle. GOrbomannus, or Gorbonianus the son of Elidure, was king of Briteyn, after whom succeeded Morgan, and after Morgan Emerianus, brother to the said Morgan, the which Emerianus was deprived for his cruelness. PEridure being king governed the land well and worthily, and reigned four years, and is buried at Pekering. VIGEM when he had reigned four year, died. REgin put away all manner of cruelness, and was gracious, Merciful. and full of pity among the people, and reigned two years. MOrgan was a cruel king, and reigned ix years, but Lanquet saith, Merciful. he was a merciful king and reigned xiiij years. EMerianus, or Ennian, brother to Morgan, Cruel. reigned as a Tyrant over Briteyn, for the space of vij years, and then he was deposed. IDwall, being king of Briteyn, was a good Man, Merciful. and commendable in all his acts, he reigned twenty year. RIMO A virtuous man, and he reigned twenty year. Merciful. Geroncyus' son of Elidure was king and lived virtuously, Merciful. and had two sons, Cathell, and Coyll, and reigned twenty years. CATELLUS or Cathell, the son of Geroncius reigned ten years. COILL was brother to Cathell, and reigned twenty year. PORREX the son of Coill reigned in Briteyn .v. years. CHerimus, or Cheryn was a great drunkard, and he had three sons, A drunkard Fulgenius, Eldadus, and Androgius, and he reigned but one year. FULGENTIO son to Chirimus, reigned two years. ELdadus son to Cherin, reigned one year. And in this time, A Monster. as saith Lanquet, there was a Child borne in Rome with four feet, four hands, four eyes, as many ears, and having both natures. ANDROGIUS reigned after Eldadus king of Briteyn one year. VRian the son of Androgius, Lecherous. succeeded his father in the Realm of Briteyn, and reigned three years, and was a lecherous man, and gave himself wholly to the filthy lusts of the flesh. ELiud Cofin to Vrian, was made king by election of the people, and reigned .v. years. ELEDANCUS was son to Vrian, who lived delicately & reigned but one year. CLOTHEUS was king, and reigned two year. GURGUNCIUS reigned eight years. MORIAN was a Man of great beauty, he reigned two years. BLEDUD, or Bladunus, reigned after Morian two year. CAPENUS, son to Morian, reigned three years. OVINUS ruled Briteyn two years. SILIUS, reigned in Briteyn two year. Music. BLedgabredus succeeded in the government of this realm, and he was the most excellent man in music that was in those days, & he reigned twenty year. ARCHIMALUS was king after his brother Bledgabred, & he reigned two year. ELDOLUS reigned king of Briteyn four year. RHODIAN reigned king of Briteyn two year. REDARGIUS reigned king of Briteyn three year. SAMULIUS reigned king of Briteyn two years, & was a very good Man. PENISELLUS reigned king of Briteyn two years. PYrrus reigned king of Briteyn two years, and the hear of his head was as bright as the shining Gold. CAPORUS the son of Pyrre reigned two years. DIuellus reigned over Briteyne four years, he was a very wise and virtuous Prince. HEly the son of Divellus reigned over Briteyn, not full one year, and he had three sons, Lud, Cassibelan, and Stennius, or rather Nennius, Hely. they were wise men, and valiant in wars. And of this man the Isle of Elye took (as some writers affirm) the first name: notwithstanding, Laylande supposeth it to be so called, of Eelys, which are there engendered in great store, and therefore calleth it in latin Insula Anguillaria. LVd the eldest son of Hely, was after his father King of Briteyn. This Man was honourable in all his deeds, and he builded new temples and repaired the old. He also repaired old Cities and towns, and specially the City of Troynovant, where he caused many buildings to be made, and also made about the said City a strong wall. And in the west part of the said wall, he erected and made a strong and fair Gate, and commanded the same to be called by his own name Lud'S gate, Ludgate. which at this day is called Ludgate. And for that he loved this City, he used much and often to lie therein, by reason whereof it was called , or Luds town, & after by corruption of speech, it was after called, & is so named at this day London. ¶ Bale writeth how there fell great dissension between Lud and his brother Nennius aforesaid, about the changing of the name of Troynouaunt into Lud'S town, or London, because it might be the occasion that the memory of Troy and the worthy deeds there done, should thereby be buried in oblivion, and be forgotten. ¶ This Lud also (as saith Gaufrid) was strong and mighty in arms in subduing his enemies. He was also bounteous and liberal and kept a great household, by mean whereof he obtained the great love and favour of all the Britons. And when he had reigned in honour xj years, he died, and was buried in his gate called Ludgate, and left after him two sons, Lud buried in Ludgate as Guydo saith, the one named Androgeus, and the other Temancius, or Tenancius. CAssibelan or as some write Cossivelan, after the death of his brother Lud, was made king of Briteyn, for so much as the two sons before named, were to young and insufficient to take in hand so great a charge. But as saith the Flower of Histories, Flowers of Histories. this Cassibelan was not made king of Briteyn, but rather ruler or protector of the land, for the time of the nonage of the aforesaid brethren: albeit Gaufrid saith, that after Cassibelan was set in authority, he became so noble and liberal that his name sprang far, and by his exercise of justice, the Britons aught to him more favour than to either of his Nephews: Howbeit, he cherished them and brought them up according to their birth. And when they came unto years of discretion, he gave to Androgeus, the City of London, with the Dukedom or Ereldome of Kent, and to Temancius the Dukedom of Cornwall. ¶ In this time Caius julius Caesar, julius Caesar. who most commonly is called julius Caesar, being sent by the Senate of Rome, as fellow and Consul with Lucius Bubulus into the country of Gallia, for to subdue the Galls to the Empire of Rome. The which julius being upon the Sea side, as saith Gaufrid, after he had overcome the said Galls, and beholding the white cliffs or Rocks of Briteyn: inquired of the Country, and what people dwelled therein. And when he was sufficiently informed of all the commodities thereof, he had great will to bring the said Country under the obeisance of the Romans, as other Countries for the most part than were. But as Bergamo writeth, the time that julius made war upon the Galls, he knew that they received great aid out of Briteyn, and therefore was he the willinger to conquer it, because they should not be any more aided by the Britons. And so having diligently inquired of the state thereof, he wrote to Cassibelan, willing him as he tendered his own safety and the quietness of his realm and people, that he would become tributary unto the Empire of Rome, like as many other Nations were. ¶ But Cassibelan having great indignation to become subject, wrote unto him sharp and short answers, showing that he and every noble man was bound specially to keep his Country and people from servitude and bondage, the which to observe he would do his uttermost endeavour: with the which answer julius Caesar being nothing contented, in all haste made ready his Navy and people, and sailed toward Briteyn. And when the Romans were come near the land of Briteyn, and should have landed: the Britons pight sharp stakes and long upon the banks, which caused them to win the land with great danger. And not long after their landing, Cassibelan with a strong host of Britons encountered the Romans, giving to them a fierce battle, julius Cesar and his Romans had the repulse. in so much, that they were feign to fly to their Ships for surety, and after with sudden tempest his Navy being almost destroyed, he returned again into France there to Winter. Notwithstanding (as Gaufrid and other saith) after he had renewed his army, and also rigged and increased his Navy, he came again the second time: But as before time, so he was now again by the Manhood of the king and of his Britons manfully and knightly withstanded and chased away, julius Cesar had a second repulse. and compelled to flee with great dishonour. In the which battle, the valiant courage of the hardy and noble knight Nennius brother unto king Cassibelan is worthy of perpetual memory, who manfully fight for the defence of his Country and the liberty thereof, besides other noble deeds of arms then by him achieved, ran unto Caesar and plucked his sword out of his hand, and therewith slew Labienus Tribune or chief Captain of the Roman Nobility: And receiving again as Gaufride writeth his deaths wound by the same Caesar, died thereof very shortly after, Gaufrid. and was buried at the Northgate of Troynouaunt, and the said sword put in the Coffin with him by his commandment. john Lydgate. ¶ john Lydgate in his book named the Serpent of Division writeth that julius Caesar builded in this land divers Castles and Cities for a perpetual memory of his name, that is to say, a Castle not far from Dover, the Castles of Cauntorburie and Rochester, and the auncientst part of the Tower of London. The Castle and Town of Caesar's Bury, which now is called Sarisburie or Salisbury: he also edified Caesar's Chester or Chichester and the Castle of Excester. ¶ For which victory thus twice obtained, Cassibelan intending to give thanks unto his Gods, and to reward his Knights, in goodly haste caused an assembly to be made of all his Lords and Knights at the City of , or London, where after due observances done to their Gods, after the use of their Pagan laws, A Feast made for victory. a great and solemn feast was holden by the king to all that would come with most liberality and plenty, in all that was necessary to such a feast. And the more to increase the king's honour, and to the comfort and delectation of his Lords and other being there present, there was all manner kind of games and pastimes, Games. that at those days were exercised and used. During the time of which feast, two noble and young Knights among other happened to assay either other in wrestling, Wrestling. Hirelda. Euelinus. whereof the one was Nephew to king Cassibelan named Hirelda, & that other was named Euelinus, who was allied unto Androgeus, earl or Duke of London. By mean of this wrestling, division, or unfitting words fell between them, and after words ensued strokes, by mean whereof parts were taken on either side, which ran together in great ire and malice, so that on either part, many and divers were hurt and wounded. Among whom Hirelda Nephew to the king was slain, Hirelda slain. which caused great disturbance in the Court among the Lords. Euelinus' summoned to appear for the death of Hirelda. ¶ Now when that knowledge of the death of Hirelda was brought unto the King: he was therewith greatly moved, and intending due justice to be had and ministered by the advise of his Barons caused the aforenamed Cousin of Androgeus, who was named Euelinus to be summoned for to appear before him and his Counsel, and there to acquit him of such crime as to him should be laid, for the death of Hirelda before slain. But Euelinus by the counsel of Androgeus his Cousin, withstood that commandment, and shortly after, the said Androgeus and Euelyne departed the Court, without taking leave of the king. ¶ The king disdaining this demeanour of Androgeus, after divers monicious to him given, gathered his Knights together and made war upon Androgens. Wherefore, after many ways and means sought, at the last he saw that he was not of power to withstand the kings great indignation, Androgeus' sent Letters to Caius julius Cesar to provoke him to war against Cassibelan king of the Britons. sent his Letters unto Caius julius Caesar, then being in the Country of Gallia, showing him the circumstance of the matter, and excusing himself of all gilt, prayed him in most humble wise, that he would shortly return with his army into Briteyn, and he with his whole power should be ready to aid and help him against the Britons. ¶ Of this message julius was very glad, and in all haste made toward Briteyn with a great power. To whom the wind was so favourable, that in short time after this message, he drew near the land: But (as Gaufrid saith) before he would landlord, to avoid all reason that might be wrought by Androgeus and the Britons against him, julius Cesar suspected Androgeus. he received from him in Hostage his son named Scena, with xxx other of the most Noble of his Lordship, and that done he landed with the help of Androgeus. Whereof when Cassibelan had warning, he forthwith made toward the Romans, and in a Valley near unto Dorobernia, now named Cauntorbury, A battle beside Cantorbury. there he found the host of the said julius lodged, and with him Androgeus with all his power. After which knowledge had, they fiercely with their habiliments of war vexed and grieved each other, till at length both hosts met hand to hand, and fought cruelly, in such wise, that many fell to the ground and were slain on both parties. Gaufride. But when the Britons (as saith Gaufrid) had long fought and knightly defended the Romans: Androgeus earl of Kent, came with his people in a wing upon them, and so sharply assailed them, that they were constrained to forsake the field, and place, that they before had kept: The which flight so discomfited the other, julius Caesar's victory. that finally all fled and gave place to the Romans, who pursued and slew them without all mercy. So that Cassibelan with his Britons that were left, were feign to get them to a place of surety, there to rest and encamp themselves that they might newly provide to withstand their enemies. ¶ But to conclude, all writers agreed, that julius held the king so short, that for an unity and concord, he was feign after many losses to give pledges and to become tributary to the Romans, julius Cesar made this Realm tributary to Rome, in the 50. year before the coming of christ. and to pay yearly as Gaufride saith, in the name of a tribute, three thousand pound in Gold. Now when Caesar had accomplished his will and pleasure, in all thing that to him was thought necessary: He with Androgeus departed the land with a great number of Hostages and Prisoners, and so sped him toward Rome, where soon after he was again by the will of the most of the Senators made Emperor. But finally, being Emperor, he was at the last slain in the Senate house, by the Senators with Bodkins, as Rastell sayeth. And this tribute was thus granted, when Cassibelan had reigned as king of Briteyn full viii years and more. And by the agreement of most writers xlviij. years before the incarnation of jesus Christ, or as some writ fifty. And as Lanquet sayeth, this conquest of Briteyn made by the Romans, was MM.CC.lv. years after the universal flood: and M.lvij. after the arrival of Brute: Lanquet. and vij C.ij. after the building of Rome, in the second year of thee. C.lxxxij. olympiad, and the. M.c.xuj. year before the conquest of England made by William Duke of Normandy, and. M.uj C.xuj years, before this present year of our Lord. M.d.lxuj. ¶ Now after this conquest, Cassibelan reigned as Tributary ix years, and as sayeth Lanquet, he reigned in all, before the Tribute and after the Tribute xix years, but other writ xuj years, and some other as Caxton, xvij. years, and then died, and is buried at York. EDeir, after the death of Ewyn, took upon him the governance of Scotland, and ruled it xxxviij years. In the time of his reign, as appeareth before, Briteyn was subdued to the Romans, and Scotland also troubled with sundry seditions. THeomancius, or rather Tenantius, the son of Lud, and Nephew to Cassibelan, succeeded in the realm of Briteyn. This Man in the English Chronicle is not named King, but his brother Androgeus. But Gaufrid saith, A traitorous person is fearful. that for as much as Androgeus feared the hatred of the britains, for his treason wrought against the king and the land: he therefore coveted to abide with julius Caesar at Rome, rather than to be king over such as he thought would never love, nor favour him. ¶ The foresaid Tenancius was a noble warrior, and ruled this land of Briteyn with great diligence and justice, and defended it well and knightly against all aliens and strangers, and paid his tribute to the Romans, which Cassibelan had granted, and lastly died when he had reigned xxiij years, and was buried at London. CImbelinus or Kymbelinus, the son of Tenancius, as sayeth Guydo, succeeded next after him, who was brought up at Rome among the Romans, and there made Knight, and was of the Emperor Augustus Cesaer so favoured and beloved, that he was at liberty, whether he would pay the tribute or not. Of him is little written, saving that all writers agreed, that in the time of his reign, our saviour Christ jesus was incarnate of the blessed Virgin Marie. And when this Cimbalyn had reigned xxxv years over the Britons, he died and was buried in London, leaving after him two sons, named Guiderius and Arviragus. ¶ I have before as is above said declared that our Saviour Christ was borne in this King's time, which was in the xix year of his reign, and that was in the year of the world after the account of the Bible and of the Hebrews, which account I follow. MMM.ix. C.lxiij. EWyn, the third son of Edeir succeeded his Father in the Realm of Scotland and reigned vij years. A Prince given all to vice and lechery, for being not content, as they writ with an hundred concubines, with whom he might fulfil his lust, he made a law, that it should be lawful for his Subjects to have as many wives as they were able to keep, and that the wives of his Commons should be common to the Nobles: and that the Lord should have the Maidenhead of all Virgins dwelling in his Lordship: the which law continued until the time of Malcolme Cammorre, & from thence, unto this time, they pay to the Lord of the soil a redemption of their Maidenhead. And when he had thus continued vij years, in exercising of his tyranny and filthy lust, he fell into the hatred of his Lords, and was by them deposed and slain in prison. MEtellane, Nephew to Edeir, was chosen king of Scots, a virtuous, and quiet Prince, who peaceably reigned xxxix year. ¶ And here I think meet to note to the reader, that the order that I have kept in this my story hitherto, hath been chief to express and set forth unto you the pedigree and descent from Adam to Christ, in the line of the righteous, wherein is to be learned that all those that heard the voice of the Lord, He that heareth the word of God, and doth it, shallbe happy in his deed. and observed his laws, prospered and were blessed of the Lord, and brought to high honour and advancement: And such again as hearkened not to the word of the Lord, were delivered as prays and spoils to their enemies. And although sometime, I have upon sundry occasions made some notes of the line of cursed Cain and others, yet I have chief observed the line of the just, out of the which almighty GOD promised there should issue of the Seed of the Woman, one that should break the Serpent's head, which Seed was meant by our Saviour jesus Christ, who in this time was borne of the Virgin Mary. And here I will as it were draw forward the line where I left before, at the kings of juda, (in the time that they were made captive to Babylon, which kings descended out of the loins of David) and will now for the perfighting of my purpose recite the end thereof. The last king of juda that I have spoken of before, was Sedechias the son of josias, who was captive in Babylon, from whom issued joachim, and successively, jechonias, Salathiell, zorobabel, Abiud, Eliachim, Azor, Sadoch, The end of the line and issue of juda was Christ. Achun, Eliud, Eleazar, jacob, and joseph, who married Mary the Virgin, of whom was borne our Saviour jesus Christ. ¶ And the Virgin Mary descended also out of the Loins of David, as first Nathan, the second son of David, begat Mathata, and he begat Menna, from whom successively came Melcha, Heliachim, jona, joseph, juda, simeon, Levi, Mathat, joram, Eliezer, jesus, Her, Helmadam, Cosan, Abdi, Melchi, Neri, Salathiell, Zorobabel, Refa, johanna, juda, joseph, Semei, Mathathias, joseph, jamna, Melchi, Levi, Mathat, joakim, and Marie the Virgin, who was borne xu years before Christ, and married unto joseph. Flores historiarum. Polichronicon, and sundry others. And here for order and keeping of a just account, endeth the sixth Age of the world, or sixth part of my book, and this sixth Age was from the Captivity of Babylon, unto the Birth of our most blessed Redeemer and Saviour jesus Christ, to whom be all honour, praise, and glory, for ever and ever. Which age continued. 627. years. ¶ And here also I thought it convenient to make a recital of the Ages of the World. 1 The first Age is from Adam to the Flood of Noe. 1656. years. 2 The second, from No to the birth of Abraham. 363. years and ten days. 3 The third, from Abraham to the departing of the Children of Israel out of Egypt. 430. years. 4 The fourth, from their departure, to the building of the Temple. 480. years. 5 The fift, from the building of the Temple, to the Captivity. 419. years. 6 The sixth, from the Captivity, to the birth of Christ. 627. years. And thus it may apere, that the number of years from the Creation of the World, unto the birth of Christ, were 3963. years. ¶ And for the better satisfaction of those that know not the true summary or account of the aforesaid Ages, I will show by a particular account gathered out of the holy Scriptures, how the true knowledge of every Age is collected, which may appear as followeth The first Age containeth. M.uj C.luj years and is proved thus. The first Age ADam being. C.xxx. years old, begat Seth. Seth being. C.u. years, begat Enos. Enos being xc years, begat Caynan. Caynan being lxx years, begat Malalehell. Malalehell being lxvi years, begat Jared. Jared at the age of. C.lx years, begat Enoch. Enoch being .lxv. years begat Mathusalah. Mathusalah at the age of. C.lxxxvii. years, begat Lamech. Lamech being. C.lxxxii. years, begat Noe. No at the beginning of the Flood, was vi C years old, as appeareth in the fift of Genesis. So that the whole sum of years of this first Age, were as is aforesaid. M.vi. C.lvi years. The second Age containeth three C.lxiij. years, and ten days, and is Proved thus. The second Age THe Flood continued a year and x. days. Sem (which was Noyes son) begat Arpharat two years after the Flood. Arpharat being xxxv years old, begat Salah. Salah being xxx years old, begat Heber. Heber at his age of xxxiiii begat Phalech. Phalech being xxx years, begat Regu. Regu being xxxii years, begat Saruch. Saruch at xxx years begat Nahor. Nahor being at the age of xxix years, begat There. There being lxx years, begat Abraham, and Abraham departed from Chaldee, when he was lxx years old. So that the whole sum of years of this second age, as is aforesaid, is. CCClxiii years, and ten days. The third Age containeth four C.xxx. years, and is collected in this manner. The third age ABraham was in Charan .v. years, and departed in the .lxxv. year of his age. And he begat Isaac, when he was an hundredth year old, and in the xxv year of his departing. Isaac begat jacob when he was xl year old. jacob went into Egypt with all his family when he was. C.xxx. year old. And Israel remained in Egypt Cc.x years, at which time Moses departed with the Children of Israel out of Egypt. So that the whole sum of years of this third Age is as aforesaid, iiij. C.xxx. years. The fourth Age containeth four C.lxxx. years, and is gathered in this manner. The fourth Age MOses remained in the Desert or Wilderness xl years. joshua, and othoniel, reigned xl years. Aioth lxx years. Delbora xl years. Gedeon xl years. Abimelech three years. Thela, xxiii. years. jair xxij years. Then were they without a captain xviii. year unto the coming of jephthe. jephthe vi years. Abissam vii years. Elom x. years. Abaton viii years. Samson twenty years. Holy high priest xl years. Samuel, and Saul xl years. David xl years. Solomon in the. iiil. year of his reign, began the building of the Temple. So that the whose some of years of this fourth Age as aforesaid, is four C.lxxx. years. The fift Age containeth four C.ix years, and uj Months, and is collected in this wise. The fift Age SAlomon reigned after he began the building of the Temple, xxxvi. years. Roboam xvii. years. Abia iii years. Asa xli years. josaphat xxv years. joram viii years. Ochosias' one year. Athalia the Queen vii years. joas xl years. Amasias' xxix year Ozias lii years. joathan vi years. Acas xvi years. Ezechias xxix years. Manasses iv. years. Amon ii years. josias xxxi years. joachas iii Months. Eliachim xi years. joachim iii months: And then began the Captivity of Babylon, and not after the xi year of Zedechiah (when both the Temple and the City were destroyed and burned) as some suppose. So that the whole sum of years of this fift age, are as aforesaid, iiii. C.ix years, and di months. The sixth age is from the captivity of Babylon, unto the coming of Christ, and containeth six C.xxv. years, and is proved thus. The sixth Age THe captivity continued lxx years. The children of Israel were delivered and restored to their freedom in the first year of King Cyrus. The Temple was begun to be re-edified in the xj year of the said Cyrus, and finished in the vi year of the reign of Darius. After that Darius had reigned twenty years, Nehemias' was restored to liberty, and went to build the City, which was finished in the xxxij Daniel. ix. year of the said Darius. Also it is mentioned in the ix of Daniel that jerusalem should be builded up again, and from the time of that building unto the coming of Christ, should be lxvii weeks, and every week is by that text reckoned for vii years. So lxvii. weeks amount to. CCCC. lxxxiii. years. For from the xxxii year of Darius unto the xlii. year of Augustus, in the which year our Saviour Christ was borne, are just and complete so many years. Whereupon we reckon that from Adam unto Christ are 3963. years, vi. Months and ten days. And from the Birth of Christ, unto this present time is 1567. years. And the whole sum and number of years from the beginning of the world unto this present year are 5530. year, vi. Months and ten days. ANd here is to be noted that the Ages of the world are not called Ages in respect of the number of years that they contained (as some do imagine that every age contained certain thousands of years) but for certain great and marvelous things that happened or were done in the beginning of every of them. 1 In the beginning of the first Age, God made Heaven and Earth and all the Creatures that are therein, and also made Man unto his own Image and similitude. 2 In the beginning of the second, God sent the universal Flood, and drowned all the creatures in the world, eight persons only except. 3 In the beginning of the third, God made his covenant with Abraham in circumcision. 4 In the beginning of the fourth, God brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, thorough the read Sea, and delivered his holy law unto Moses out of the Mount Sinai. 5 In the beginning of the fift, was the Temple of jerusalem builded. 6 In the beginning of the sixth. The Temple was destroyed, and all the jews brought captive into Babylon. 7 In the beginning of the vij our Saviour jesus Christ was borne of a Virgin, and took upon him our nature, who suffered most cruel death and passion for the sins of the whole world. ¶ Thus have I set forth unto you the Ages of the world, and why they are so called, and also the true computation of them as is expressed in the holy Scripture, which computation I observe throughout this my Chronicle, because the same agreeing with the Scriptures must of force be most true. WHen Caesar Augustus, or otherwise called Octavian the Emperor had established most sure peace throughout the world, our Redeemer and Saviour jesus Christ, very God and man, and the only pacifier of God's wrath, and the true peace maker was borne in the xl year of the reign of Augustus, after the universal Flood 2305. years, and from the birth of Abraham 2012. years. And after the departure of Israel out of Egypt 1509. years. And from the arrival of Brute in England 1107. years. After the building of the Temple of Solomon 1029. years. From the building of Rome 752. years. After the captivity of Babylon 614. years. and in the last year of the 194. olympiad. And here is to be noted that the first year of our Lord hath but vii days after some computation, for he was borne the xxv day of December, and the first day of januarij following began the second year. Lanquet. And now followeth the seventh Age of the World, and the seventh part of this book, which Age beginneth at the birth of Christ, and shall continued to the end of the World. The seventh Age, and seventh part of this Chronicle. The seventh Age Jesus of Nazareth king of jews and only head of the Christians, with the Father and the holy Ghost, one Eternal God, and almighty Lord of all things, begotten by his Father God in everlastingness, and in the fullness of time, taking flesh of the pure Virgin Marie, by the work of the holy Ghost, and being very God and man, according to the holy Oracles of the Prophets, to redeem with his most precious blood the streyed Sheep, and lost groat, was borne in Bethlem a City of juda: where incontinent by the glorification of the Angels, the agnition of the shepherds, the veneration of the wise men, the prophecy of holy Simeon, and the admiration of the Doctors, he was had in honour. And then from the twelve year of his life, in age, wisdom and favour both with God and man he increased: He was in the xu year of the reign of Tiberius baptized in jordane by john Baptist, to the example of his, & so executed all things, subduing his flesh with fasting, the Devil with prayer, and the world with humility. At which time the weeks of Danyell being fulfilled, he taught every where most constantly, even to the Cross, partly with his mighty word, and partly with his effectual works, the kingdom of God, that is, the true knowledge of God the Father and his exceeding charity towards mankind, with the sure confidence in him, the son of God: declaring also the way of health, and the mutual love, with the rewards of the faithful and punishments of the unfaithful. Then for the confirmation of his doctrine and faith, even with a little beck he commanded calmness to the Elements, health to all diseases, life unto the dead, obedience unto the quick, detection unto thoughts, abolition unto sins, and flight unto the Devil. For all this, after all the passions and labours of man's misery, which he suffered (sin only excepted) whereby he witnessed himself to be a very man, and after the innumerable documents and beneficial deeds (passing man's power) openly showed unto his unkind people the jews, by which he declared himself to be true God, as it was before written in the Prophets: he was by the elders of the jews and people (his Disciple judas Iscarioth betraying him) taken, accused, indited, scorned, scourged, crowned with thorns, crucified between thieves, and even then all things fulfilled, with the quaking of the earth, and darkness of the Son, he died. After which being buried, he loosed Hell, and the third day following, like a conqueror of sin, death and Hell, he rose again, from which time being xl days conversant with his, in the xxxiij year of his life, with glorious triumph he ascended to the heavens unto his father, from whence he came. Where being the only Mediator, Intercessor and advocate of his, sitting on the right hand of God his father, shall in the end of the world be judge over all the living and the dead, rendering to every man according to his deserving, to the faithful certainty of life, but to the unfaithful everlasting death. Then good and evil segregated, with the whole world purged and pacified: our Lord jesus Christ the only and very almighty Emperor of the World, as he hath from the beginning, so doth he now, and for ever shall reign, to whom every knee of celestial, terrestrial, and infernal creatures shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that jesus Christ is the Lord, to the glory of God the father. Lanquet. ¶ And from this place forward unto the end of this work, the numbers that are above the line in the Margin are the years of Christ, and the numbers under the line, are the years of the reign of every several king. GViderius the first son of Cunbalyne began his reign over the Britons: This man was valiant, hardy, wealthy, and trusted much in his own strength, and for that he thought the Romans had the aforenamed tribute with wrong, he therefore of a Knightly courage denied to them the payment thereof: wherefore Claudius the fift Emperor of Rome, came into Briteyn with a great army of Romans (as saith Polichronica) and wan again the said tribute without great fight, and thereof came a Proverb among the Romans, that the Britaines were neither strong in battle, nor faithful in peace. And that done, he also subdued the Isles of the Orchades, which stand beyond Scotland within the great Ocean, and after returned again to Rome, in the sixth month that he came from thence. ¶ But Gaufrid saith, that in the host of the Romans, there was a captain named Hamo, Hamo. who intending the hurt of the Britons changed his Shield and Armour, and put upon him the Armour of a Briteyn, and by that mean being not suspect, Guiderius slain. he entered into the thickest of the Britons, and lastly came where king Guiderius fought, and shortly after slew the king. But Arviragus seeing this sudden mischief, fearing that the Britons would have given back, quickly caused himself to be armed with the cognisance and Armour of the king: And as King continued the fight with such manhood and courage, that the Romans were at that time put to flight. And thus was Guiderius slain of Hamo, when he had reigned over Briteyn xxviij years, leaving after him none heir. CAratak, king of Scots, reigned xxj years, a Prince more valiant than fortunate, he gave his whole mind and courage to defend his Realm and subjects from the servage of the Romans, with whom he kept long war, and aided the North Britons. ANd in this time Saint Paul the elect Vessel of God, being called by a Vision, was made of an open adversary and cruel persecutor of the Church of Christ, the most faithful Apostle and true Doctor of the Gentiles: S. Paul. Among whom he taught the word of God with so great fruit, and increased so largely the christian faith, that he was after worthily and rightly named the chief of the Apostles. Arviragus the youngest son of Kymbelyn, and brother to Guiderius before slain, was ordained king of Britons in the year of our Lord xlv. Arviragus. This Man did well and knightly behave himself against the Romans, and slew the afore named Hamo, near unto a Haven or Port of the Sea. And when he was slain, he threw him gobbet meal into the same sea. And for this cause, that Haven was long time after called Hamon's Haven, which at this day is called Southhamton. Fabian. But here in a very old Pamphlet, which beareth no name, I find that in the time of Hengistafore mentioned, and in the reign of Vortiger, there was a Saxon named Varius Ham and he builded three towns, one in the South, and named it after his own name South Hams town, another North fro thence, Southhanton. Northhanton. Woluerhamton. which he named North Hams town. Another West, and by North from thence, which he named (because he had there made a staple of Wolles) Woluer Hams town. ¶ Then saith Reynulph, that Claudius after divers haps of Battle, took Arviragus to his grace, and brought his base daughter Genissa by name from Rome, and married her unto Arviragus. And because he would make the place of the marriage more solemn, he therefore called the Town of marriage Claudiocestria after his own name, and after Glouernia, of a base son (as some say) of the said Claudius Cesar called Glorus, begotten and borne in the same City, which afterward was Duke of Demecia or South-Wales, and at this day it is called Gloucester. Glocestre. Hector Boecius. Hector Boecius the writer of the Scottish Chronicle saith, that Arviragus before this marriage was made, was divorced from his former wife, named Voada, sister unto Careticus king of Scots, of a desire that he had to be allied unto the Romans. ¶ Then it followeth, after the solemnity of this marriage, which was with all honour finished, Claudius sent certain Legions of his Knights into Ireland, to rule that Country, and returned himself to Rome. ¶ It was not long after the departing of Claudius, but that Arviragus road about his Realm, and with great diligence repaired Cities & towns before decayed and broken with the strength of the Romans, Dover Castle. and as it is of some mentioned, builded the Castle of Dover, and finally entreated his subjects with such justice and good order, that they loved and dread him more than any of his progenitors. And this in continuance of time made him very wealthy, and thereof ensued pride, so that he thought great shame to be under the rule or guiding of the Romans, wherefore, at the last he denied the Tribute before granted to Rome, A legion of Knights is vi. M.uj C.lxuj whereof, when knowledge came unto the Senate of Rome, in all hast a Duke was sent from Rome called Vespasian, with certain Legions of knights and Soldiers to subdue Arviragus. ¶ When Vespasianus was landed in Briteyn (as saith Reynulph) he sped him so, that in short time he subdued Arviragus to the Empire, and caused him to grant payment of the aforesaid tribute. ¶ But Gaufride here writeth how Arviragus heéring that Vespasianus was about to land at Sandwich, met him there with a puissant army of the Britons, and by main force kept him off, that he could not enter the Haven and land: For so great was the multitude of the said Britons, that the sight of them made the Romans afeard, insomuch that they durst not land for fear lest the other would have suddenly set upon them, before they could bring themselves in array and order of battle, wherefore they hoist up their sails, and departed from thence again, and went to Tomes in Devonshire and there arrived, and being landed, their captain and General Vespasianus marched incontinent towards the town, which then was called in the British tongue, Cair Penchuet goit, as ye would say, the Town under the Wood, and at this day is called Excestre, to the intent to besiege it. And when he had continued his siege by the space of seven days, Arviragus intending to raise the same, suddenly came with his army and set upon them, and many went to wrack on both parties, but neither party had the victory of the other. On the morrow both the Captains were made agreed by the mediation and means of the Queen Genissa. Thus it appeareth that the tribute was paid again by her entreaty, and not by any violent constraint or coaction. ¶ After Vespasian had thus recovered the tribute, he then also made subject to the Empire an Isle lying in the Sea, which we now call the Isle of Wight, and after returned to Rome. ¶ When Arviragus was thus the second time subdued, and brought under the yoke of the Romans, he became more mild towards them, so that during his life, from thenceforth, he paid the tribute with less grudge, and kept himself in their favours, in such wise that he was of them very well beloved. And lastly he died, when he had reigned xxx years, and was buried at Gloucester, leaving after him a son named Marius. AFter the decease of Caratake king of Scots his younger brother Corbreid obtained the crown, and reigned xviij years. He was fierce and of a valiant courage, Corbreid king of Scots. and being confederate with the Pictes, made often times war against the Britons. ANd for as much as at this time, Nero that notable Tyrant Emperor reigned at Rome, under whom a great number of the true Preachers and Apostles of Christ, suffered most cruel persecution, Martyrdom, and death, I thought it not much impertinent to the story to make some special mention of him, and namely because this land as is aforesaid, was in his time again made tributary to the Empire of Rome, the said Nero reigning now as Emperor. But chiefly for that he was a wicked Tyrant and a cruel persecutor of the universal Church of Christ. AT this time as is aforesaid, Nero the son of Domicius, being adopted to be Emperor by Claudius, which married his mother, reigned xiiij years. This man, although he was brought up by the reverent, wise, Nero the Tyrant. and learned Seneca, yet by the inevitable corruption of his nature, he became horrible in all kind of mislyving, and so detestable in dissolute wantonness, prodigality, monstrous lecheries, beastly cruelty, and covetousness, that he seemed to be borne to the destruction of the whole world. He was so greatly delighted in singing and playing with the Harp, in sword playing, and driving of Cartes or Wagons, that he did not only these exercises privately, without all measure, but also wearing the garments of Minstrels, Sword players, and other vile personages, wandered over all Italy and Grece, to seek and haunt common games, where he might try masteries, and show his cunning in those feats: and at his return, triumphed in the City of Rome, and sent into all Country's letters of commandment to make supplications and rejoicing for his victories. ¶ In unclean lust of his body, he so furiously raged, A description of Nero's filthy & abominable life. that he abstained not from his natural Mother, Sister, ne any degree of affinity or kindred. He took in open marriage a Boy of excellent favour, named Sporus, and used him as his Wife, he viciously bend and gave himself to filthy embracings of his own servants, & in riotous spending of his treasure he exceeded, for he used to fish with Nets made of Gold, which should be drawn with cords of Purple silk: He never ware one garment twice: he caused to be put to death his mother, his brother in law, his two wives, and his instructor and Schoolmaster, the reverend Seneca, having thereunto no just cause, Seneca put to death by Nero. nor honest pretence: He commanded the City of Rome to be set on fire, and himself in the mean season with all semblant of joy, sitting in an high Tower to behold the same, played upon the Harp, and sang the destruction of Troy. This Nero was so wicked, that at the last he gave himself openly to such naughty and wanton living, that in the night season he would haunt Brothel houses, and other suspicious places, and oftentimes break up men's houses, and either rob and beat them, or else ravish their wives. And after that he had committed most abominable incest with his natural mother, he commanded her to be put to death. And then married Poppea, Poppea, the wife of Nero a shameless Harlot. a woman of notable incontinency. And after all this he caused himself to be gelded and cut in the form & shape of a woman, and so to be abused. And when the Senate had considered of the outrageous life & wicked doings of Nero, they charged him with the setting of Rome on fire, and he to excuse himself charged the christians therewith, whereof followed a most cruel persecution of the christians, and in this persecution Peter and Paul, the Apostles of Christ, with many other Martyrs were put to cruel death. And by his beastly cruelness, there were also many noble and virtuous men put to most shameful death, among the which were the aforenamed Seneca and Lucan, Lucan a famous Clerk, cruelly put to death by Nero. men of excellent learning. Finally, this wicked Tyrant Nero was proclaimed by the Senate to be an enemy of the weal public, and judged to be drawn through the City, and to be whipped to death: wherefore he fearing to come into the hands of his enemies, fled into a Farm house of his servants in the Country, where at last he was enforced to slay himself. Cooper. AT this time the Scots, because Corbreid Galdus the eldest son of king Corbreid was not of sufficient age, made Dardannus the nephew of Metallane their king, who for his seemly parsonage was greatly beloved of his people. In the beginning of his reign, he used the counsel of his Nobles, but after three years he left all justice and honesty, and stipt into most unclean vices and cruel tyranny, and lastly endeavoured himself to have murdered Galdas with his brethren, and therefore the Scots deposed him, and put him to death, when he had reigned four years. Marius. Marius' the son of Arviragus, after his father was king of the Britons: Which Marius as Gaufrid saith, was an excellent wise man, and governed this land very honourably, and greatly prospered and increased in wealth and riches. ¶ In the time of the reign of this Marius, a Duke or King of a Nation called Pictes, which descended of the Scythians, named also of some Goths, or Hunes, came into this Isle. The aforesaid Duke or leader of the Pictes, as Gaufride saith, Londricus a Duke of the Pictes. was named Londricus, and he landed with a great Navy in the Province of Albania, now called Scotland, and there unmercifully he began to spoil the Country, with sword and fire: Whereof when Marius was warned, he in all haste assembled his knights and people, and made towards them, Londricus slain. and gave them a strong battle, in the which Londricus was slame, and a great part of his people overthrown. In the remembrance of which victory, King Marius caused a great stone to be erected, and commanded therein to be graven these words, Marii victoria, that is, the victory of Marius. ¶ This battle as the English Chronicle faith, was fought at a place which now is called Stanes Moor. Stanes Moor. But wheresoever this stone is set, the Country thereabout was long after called Westmaria, and is now called Westmoreland. ¶ Now when the residue of the people of Londricus which were fled from the field, understood that their head & captain was slain: they made their humble request to the king, that he would accept them into his grace, and that he would give them some land or country to devil in. Marris king of Briteyn gave Londricus people the far end of Scotland to inhabit in. And at the last the king granted them a place in the far end of Scotland, which Gaufride nameth Cathenesia, where the said Scots, or Pictes first inhabited. And forsomuch as the Britons disdained to give unto them their daughters in marriage, therefore they acquainted them with the Irish men, and married their daughters, and grew in process of time unto a great people. And for this alliance between the Irishmen and them, Reynulph. their Country (as saith Reynulph, in the xxxvij. Chapter of his first book) was called Ireland, and after Pictavia, and lastly Scotland. But I found in an old written Chronicle, that when they took the Irish women to their wives, and understood not their language they were therefore called Sots, Scotts were first called Sots. and afterward Scots, and their country which before was called Albania named Scotland, and this was the beginning of the Scots, as it is there alleged. Howbeit, Matthew of Westminster, Author of the book, entitled the Flowers of Histories, saith they were called Scots, because they were a Nation that took their beginning of diverse Nations: For Scot, saith he, is a word signifying an heap of diverse things gathered or mingled together, according to our common speech, thou shalt pay scot and lot, that is to say, all such duties as shall be charged upon thee. ¶ And when Marius had thus subdued his enemies, Marius' dead. he attended and set his mind to the common weal of his land and subjects, and continued the residue of his life in great rest and quietness, and in the end paid his natural debt or tribute, and was buried at Caerleyle, leaving after him a son named Coylus or Coyll, when he had reigned lij years. ¶ In this time the City and Temple of jerusalem was taken, conquered, spoiled, and destroyed by Titus, The destruction of jerusalem and the Temple. in such wise that scarcely any man could judge where the place was that it once stood in: which chanced in the xj C. and one year, after the Temple was first builded by Solomon, and the same day of the month that it was first destroyed by Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon. And in the time of the siege of the same, were slain of the jews xj. C. thousand, over and beside them which Vespasian slew in the subduing of the Country of Galilee. And xvij thousand Titus sent into Alexandria there to be kept in most vile and painful bondage. And two thousand he brought in his triumph to Rome, of the which, part he gave to be devoured of wild beasts, and part were otherwise most cruelly slain: at which time appeared the most terrible example of the wrath & vengeance of God, for the contempt of his word & verity. For what heart is so stony or hard that will not tremble for fear, when it considereth that God took so sharp punishment upon his own people, whom before he loved most entirely, & among all other nations of the world, chose them for his peculiar flock and vinyeard. And shortly after Vespasian the Emperor, and Titus his son, triumphed at Rome for their victory and conquest in judea. Cooper. But hereof ye may read more in josephus, and there shall ye find a most horrible and terrible History. GAldus, after the death of Dardannus, was ordained king of Scots. This was the most valiant Prince that ever reigned among them, and was endued with many excellent and Princely qualities. At the first entry he punished the wicked counsellors of Dardannus, and after called a parliament of his Lords, wherein many noble acts were devised, A wicked law. and the naughty law of king Ewyn (by the which the wives of the commons were free to the nobles) was repealed and fordone. Of him the Scots made many goodly remembrances in the honour of his nobleness and great victories that he achieved. ¶ About this time Petulius Cerealis was sent of the Romans, Petulias' Cerealis a Roman sent from Rome to govern Briteyn. as Lieutenant to Briteyn, where he discomfited Galdus King of Scots, vanquished the Pictes and the Silurians, subdued to the Romans the Country of brigants or Yorkshire men, overthrew and chased Vodicia the daughter of the valiant woman Voada, and quieted the kentish men, and certain other Britons which rebelled. After this Petulius, a Roman named julius Frontinus was Lieutenant in Briteyn, who also warred against the Scots and Pictes. ANd after the death of Galdus king of Scotland, succeeded Lugtack, an hateful and wicked tyrant, & was as much hated of the Scots for his vice, as his father was beloved for his virtue. Lugtack, king of Scots. He slew many of the rich men only to confiscate their goods, and committed the governance of the Realm to most unjust and covetous persons, and with their company he was most delighted. He deflowered his own ants, Sisters, and Daughters, and scorned his wise and grave counsellors, calling them old doting fools, wherefore in the third year of his reign he was slain of his Nobles. 106 Mogallus King of Scots. MOgallus, being ordained king of the Scots after Lugtack, at the beginning gave himself to follow the wisdom and manners of his Uncle Galdus, and obtained divers great victories against Lucius Antonius the Roman captain: but in his age he became hateful in all kind of Vices, and chiefly in covetousness, lechery & cruelty. He gave licence to thieves and robbers to take the goods of their neighbours without punishment. He first ordained the goods of condemned persons to be confiscate to the king's use, without respect of wives, children or debtors, for which naughtiness he was slain of his Nobles. COilus the son of Marius reigned King of Briteyn after the death of his father. This man was from his infancy nourished and brought up among the Romans, by reason whereof they were loving and kind to him, Coilus king of Briteyn. and he to them. And for as much as he knew the power of the Romans to be invincible, he yielded and paid to them the tribute during his life. This Coilus also (as Gaufride saith) was a liberal man, by reason whereof he obtained great love of his Nobles, and also of his commons. And as some writ, he made the town of Colchester, but other ascribe it to one Coill that was king next after Asclepiodatus. And after that this Coilus had reigned in sovereign peace the term of liiij years, he died, and was buried at York, and left behind him a son named Lucius. COnarus, which was the chief causer of his father's death, was made king of Scots, who dissunuled the vices whereunto he was naturally inclined: But assoon as he was established in his kingdom, he wasted all the rents pertaining to the Crown, in his lewd lusts, and gave lands and riches to most vile and naughty persons, because they favoured his corrupt living, he invented new exactions upon his people, and therefore was of his nobles cast in Prison, and his wicked counsellors hanged. In his place Argadus guided the Realm about xiiij years. 165 Ethodius King of Scots. EThodius the first, nephew to Mogallus, was ordained king of Scots, and reigned, xxxiij. years. This Man was greatly delighted with hunting, and made many laws thereof: He rewarded Argadus for his administration of justice: He quieted the Isles, and being aided by the Pictes, he vanquished Victorine the Roman captain, and broke down the Wall of Adrian. LVcius, or Lucy, the son of Coilus, was made king of Brytons, by the aid and authority of Marcus Aurelius Antonius then Emperor of Rome, Lucy the first christian King. who favoured him singularly: He was a very good Man, and followed his forefather's steps, in all that was good, and his government was so grave and discrete that he obtained the love of all his people. This Lucius as sundry Authors do writ, did send to Eleutherius then Bishop of Rome, two godly learned men named Eluanus and Meduinus with certain Epistles and Letters, praying him, that he and his Britons might be received to the faith of Christ's Church. Whereof Eleutherius being very glad, sent into Briteyn two noble Clerks, Faganus and Dunianus, or after some Fugacius and Damianus. ¶ And as the reverend Master jewel, Bishop of Sarisbury, writeth in his Reply unto Master Hardings answer. Fol. 191. The said Eleutherius for general order to be taken in the Realm and Churches here, wrote his advice unto Lucius the King in this manner following. Ye have received in the Kingdom of Briteyn by God's mercy, Elutherius Bishop of Rome's Letter. both the law and faith of Christ. Ye have both the new Testament and the old: Out of the same through God's grace by the advice of your Realm take a la, and by the same through God's sufferance, rule you your Kingdom of Briteyn: For in that Kingdom you are God's Vicar. ¶ Now when these learned men were come, they were honourably received of Lucius, the which by their good doctrine & virtuous example giving, britains first received the faith of Christ, in the year of our Lord. 188. and in 1294. years, next after the arrival of Brute. converted the king and a great part of the Britons. Now after that Lucy had thus received the faith, he by the advice of the aforesaid learned men, & with the instructions sent to him by the aforesaid Eleuthery, did institute and ordain, that all or the more part of the Archflamyns, which is to mean archbishops, and Bishops of the Pagan law, which at that day were in number (as saith Gaufride and other) three Archflamins, and xxviij Flamyus, should be made archbishops and Bishops of the Church of Christ as followeth. ¶ The first Sea of the first Archflamyn, was at London. The second at York, and the third at Gloucester. To these three archbishops were subject the aforesaid xxviij Flamyns or Bishops. London. To the Archbishop's Sea of London, was subject Cornwall, & all middle England unto Humber. To the archbishops Sea of York, was subject all Northumberlande, York. from the Bow of Humber, with all Scotland. And to the third archbishops Sea, which was Gloucester, there was subject all Wales: Gloucester. In which Province of Wales were vij Bishops, where as now is but four. And at that day Severne departed Briteyn and Wales. Seven Bishops in Wales. But after the Saxons had the rule of the land, they altered much of these orders, and to be short, there are now but two archbishops in England, that is Cantorbury and York, whereof Cantorbury hath the primacy, and hath under him xu Bishops in England, that is to say, Rochester, London, Chichester, Winchester, Salesbury, Exeter, , Worcester, Hereford, Coventry and Lichefield, Chester, Lincoln, Oxford, Ely, and Norwich. And in Wales he hath four Bishops, Landaffe, S. David's, Bangor, and S. Asaph, commonly called S. Ass. And York hath but two Bishops in England under him, which is Caerleyll, and Durhame. ¶ Besides these good orders taken, the said Lucius destroyed the temple of the false God Apollo, which then stood in a place called the Isle of Thorney near London, and was so called for that it was a place all overgrown with Thorns, and he erected and made the said Temple a place dedicated to the honour of God, and named it Wesminster, as it is called at this day, and endowed the same with such and so great privileges, that what person soever could escape to the said Church, for what trespass so ever it were, the same should be safe body and goods. ¶ Now after that Lucius had thus set this realm in good order, he died, when he had reigned twelve years, leaving behind him none heir, which was the occasion of great trouble to the Realm: For the Britons among themselves could not agreed upon a Governor, by reason whereof there was among them great discord, which continued the space of xu years, in the which time, the Empire and Senate of Rome appointed their lieutenants to govern and reign over this Realm. 196 Satrahell king of Scots. SAtrahell the brother of Ethodius (because his sons were not of sufficient age to govern the Realm) was ordained king of Scots, he was of false and subtle wit, and given to such cruelty, that for feigned causes he slew all the friends of Ethodius to the intent to defraud his heirs of the crown, wherefore he was murdered of his familiars when he had reigned four years. DOnald, an humble and gentle Prince was chosen King of Scots, and reigned xxj years. He was the first King that coined any money of Gold or Silver in Scotland, Money first coined in Scotland. for the Scots used before interchanging of wares for chaffer, and one thing for another, and had no money of their own, but of the Britons and Romans, and other external Nations. The Britons received the faith of christ xx. years before Scotland. ¶ About the year of our Lord. CC.iij. this donald procured certain wise and learned men to instruct him, his Wife, Children, and Subjects in the faith of Christ, which happened, 533. years after the beginning of the Realm of Scotland. Severus Emperor of Rome hearing of the great discord in Briteyn, made haste from Rome, and came into this land to appease the uproars of the same. And at this time the Scots and Pictes invaded Briteyn, and vexed the Britons very sore: Severus. wherefore Severus caused a Wall of Turns to be made, wherein were driven great stakes, A wall of Turns. which Wall as sayeth Polichronica was in length. Cxxij. Miles, and it began at the River of Tyne and stretched to the Scottish See, or from the end of the Lordship of Deira unto the said Scottish See, or after some Writers, from Durham to the See aforesaid. ¶ And now Fulgenius the chief leader and captain of the Pictes issued out from Albania or Scotland into the land of Briteyn, & destroyed much of the Country beyond Durham. Wherefore Severus with an host of Britons and of Romans met with the said Fulgenius in a place near unto York, where after sore fight, the said Severus was slain, when he had ruled this land five years, and was buried at York, leaving behind him two sons the one named Geta and the other Bassianus, between whom there was and ever had been from the beginning mortal hatred and enmity. BAssianus Caracalla, after the death of his father, began to rule this land of Briteyn, he was a Man of nature cruel and fierce and able to endure all pains and labours, specially in warfare. But as Gaufrid faith, after the death of Severus, great strife arose between the Romans and the Britons then being within the land of Briteyn. For the commons held for their king Bassianus because he was borne of a british Woman: And on the other side, the Romans allowed Geta for their king, because he descended of a Roman. And for this dissension a battle was fought between the said two brethren, in the which Geta was slain, Geta slain. and Bassianus remained for king over all the land. ¶ In the time that Bassianus was now both Emperor and king of Briteyn, one named Carassus a Briton of low birth, but valiant and hardy in martial affairs: purchased of the Emperor the keeping of Briteyn, or as some writ only of the coasts of Briteyn, and promised to withstand the malice of strangers, as the Pictes and others. By mean whereof Carassus drew unto him many knights, and specially of the Britons, promising to them that if they would make him king, he would clearly deliver them from the servitude of the Romans. By reason whereof the Britons (as saith Gaufride) rebelled against Bassianus, and with their Duke and leader Carassus arreared against him deadly war, conceiving the better hope of victory because he was privily certified of the emperors death, who was then slain by a servant of his own in Mesopotamia, when he had ruled this land six years. ¶ But Polidore affirmeth that this Carassus took on him the governance of Briteyn in the time of Dioclesian, and sayeth that this land was in good quietness the space of lxxuj years, with whom the Latyn Stories seem to agreed. Carassus' reigned after Bassianus over Briteyn, who as before is expressed, was by the Emperor of Rome deputed for a substitute or a ruler under him. This Carassus for that he was not of power to withstand the Pictes, or for the favour that he bore unto them for aiding him against the Romans: gave to them the Country of Albania, Note that Albania now called Scotland was wholly in the possession of Carassus, and he gave the same to the Scots and Pictes. that now is called Scotland: But here is not meant all Scotland. For as witnesseth Polichronica, that part which was thus given to the Pictes, was the South part of Albania, and began at tweed, and endured to the Scotishe Sea. Of the nature and kind of these Pictes, is somewhat showed before, in the story of Marius, but more shall be showed hereafter in place convenient, both of their offspring and manners. ¶ Now it followeth when the Romans had knowledge of the death of Bassianus, they forthwith sent a Duke from Rome named Alectus, Carassus' slain. with three Legions of Knights to subdue and vanquish Carassus, who in the end slew him, when he had ruled over the Britons eight years, and such as are disposed may read more of this man in Fabian and others. EThodius the second was ordained king of Scotland and reigned xuj years, he was of dull wit, given to avarice and gathering of riches, and nothing meet to govern the Realm: wherefore his Nobles took upon them the charge, and so continued all the time of his reign. ALectus a Duke or Consul of Rome, sent as before is said from the Senate of Rome, began to rule the Britons: and first he restored the land to the subjection of Rome, and then pursued certain of the Britons that had favoured Carassus against the Romans. And in that doing, he used and exercised many tyrannies and exactions, by reason whereof he fell in grudge and hatred of the Britons. Wherefore, they intending to oppress and subdue the power of the Romans, procured and excited a Noble man of the Britons called Asclepiodatus Duke of Cornwall to take upon him to be their Captain, who gathered a great host of the Britons, and made war upon the Romans, and chased them from Country to Country, and from Town to Town: and lastly Alectus with his Romans drew him to London and there abode for his more surety. Whereof Asclepiodatus being warned, he with his Britons came near unto the said City, where by means of provocation of either party used, at the last, the Romans issued out of the City and gave battle to the Britons. In the which fight many fell on either party, but the more on the party of the Romans, among the which was slain Alectus, Alectus slain. wherefore a Captain of the Romans called Livius Gallus, perceiving this mischief, and the great danger that the Romans were in, drew back into the City with the Romans that were left alive, and defended it with their powers. This was Alectus slain of the Britons when he had reigned and ruled this land under the Romans the space of uj years. ASclepiodatus or Asclepiodotus Duke of Cornwall (as sayeth Gaufride) took upon him the government of the Britons, and with a great army besieged London, and kept the aforesaid Livius Gallus and his Romans in straight hold, and with knightly force and violence entered the said City, This brook came from the place which we call now Moor field, and that place being then a marish the water ran from thence thorough London into Thames and slew the aforenamed Livius Gallus, near unto a Brook which then was within the said City, and threw him into the said Brook: By reason whereof, the same was from thence forth called Gallus Brook, or Wallus Brooke, and at this time the place where that Brook was, is called Walbrooke. And after Asclepiodatus had thus vanquished the Romans, he held this land a certain of time peaceably and quietly, and ruled the Britons with good justice. ¶ And in this time by the motion of some lewd and unquiet persons, there grew displeasure between the King and a Duke of this land, named Coill, Colchester. the which as some say builded Colchester and named it after his own name in the british tongue Caercolyn, but what the matter of displeasure was, is not apparent. But howsoever it was, a great number of people were arreysed and assembled on both parts, and in the end met in the field, where was fought a great and fierce battle, Asclepiodotus slain. wherein Asclepiodotus was slain, when he had reigned over this realm xxx years. ATherco after the slaughter of Ethodius his father, was chosen king of Scots, and reigned twelve years. At the beginning, he showed some tokens of honest towardness: but after he was so wrapped in all unclean vice and effeminate lusts, that he was not ashamed to go openly in the sight of the people playing upon a Flute, and rejoiced more to be a Fidelar than a Prince: Finally, being pursued for ravishing of the daughters of Nathalas, by a noble man of Argile, he slew himself. NAthalake took on him the kingdom of Scotland, by force, murder, and tyranny, and trusting to the counsel of witches and Inchauntours, was slain of his own servant Nurrey, whom of all men he used most famylierly, when he had reigned xj years. COill, earl of Colchester took upon him the governance of Briteyn, and ruled the same very well for a certain tyme. But as Gaufride saith: When the Senates of Rome had understanding of the death of Asclepiodatus, they were joyous of his death, for that he had ever been an enemy to the Empire: But forasmuch as at those days the Romans' themselves were at great dissension, they could not conveniently sand any army to war upon this Coilus, by reason whereof he continued the longer in rest and peace. ¶ Howbeit at length, Constancius scent from Rome to govern Briteyn. the Senate sent a noble and wise man called Constantius, who when he was arrived in Briteyn with his army, anon Coilus assembled his Britons: But before he proceeded further, he sent an Ambassade to the said Constantius, for that he feared the strength and fame of him, which Ambassade declared unto him conditions of peace, & grant of the payment of the Tribute: But finally, while this matter was in talk, Coilus died, & then the Britons for peace sake, entreated this noble man to take to wife Helen the daughter of Coilus, with the possession of the land of Briteyn, which by him was granted. And thus Coilus when he had reigned xxvij years died. AT this time Findock the eldest son of Athirco was made king of the Scots, he kept peace with the Romans, and Britons, 263 Findock king of Scots. and quieted the rebellion of Donald (a noble man of the Isles) by whose counsel, through the consent of his own brother Carance, he was afterward slain, when he had reigned ten years. DOnald was king of Scots one year, he was taken in battle by Donald of the Isles, and shortly after he died. AFter the death of King Donald, great trouble was in Scotland: For Donald of the Isles took on him the Crown, which was Donald the third, Donald of the Isles king of Scotes. and used much Tyranny the space of twelve years: He never laughed, but when he heard of the discord and slaughter of his Nobles, and therefore in the end for his cruelty he was slain of Craithlint the son of Findock, with. CC. of his naughty counsellors. CRaithlint the son of Findock, after the death of Donald the Tyrant, was made King of Scots, and reigned xxiiij years, Craithlint King of Scots. with great wisdom and justice. In his time happened great variance between the Pictes and the Scots (which continued friends from the time of Fergus the first King of Scots, to these days) for stealing of a greyhound, whereof ensued great murder and slaughter on both parts. COnstantius aforesaid, took upon him the government of the Britons, and as is abovesaid, first married Helen the Daughter of Coilus, last King of Briteyn, which Helen was very beautiful and fair, Constancius and therewith had learning and many other virtues, and after governed Briteyn very wisely and honourably: But within short time after, Dioclesian, and Maximinian had given up the Imperial authority, he was chosen Emperor, and reigned Emperor and King of Briteyn xxx years, and then died, and is buried in York, leaving after him a son named Constantine. ¶ This Constantius was a Man of great affability, clemency, and gentleness, and therewithal very liberal, endeavouring always to enrich his subjects, little regarding his own treasure, thinking that to be his that the Commons had. Wherefore he said, that it was better that private persons had the common treasure to the use of the weal public, than the same to be locked up in Prince's Coffers. In festival days when he bade his Nobles to any banquet, he borrowed Plate of his friends to furnish his Cubbardes withal. Cooper. COnstantine the son of Constancius and of Helyn, daughter of king Coilus, reigned over Briteyn after his father, and ruled the land with much equity. And albeit, that at this time he was a heathen and Pagan, yet he used no tyranny, Constantine. neither did he compel the Britons to refuse their law, and to worship Idols, as other Tyrants before had done. ¶ In this time, while Constantine ruled the Britons, one Maxencius which was the son of Herculeus Maximianus sometime fellow in the Empire with Dioclesian, was of the praetorian Soldiers declared Emperor. This Maxencius did there behave himself the worst of all men, and enterprised all manner of tyranny, Christians persecuted. and persecuted the christians with all kinds of torments. And when Constantine heard of the tyranny of this man. He assembled a great host of Britons and Galls for to oppress his outrage and malice. ¶ And for to rule and guide this land of Briteyn in his absence, he ordained a man of might called Octavius, which then was king of Wales & Duke of Gwiscop, which some expound to be Westsex, some Cornwall, and some Wynsore, to have the government of this dominion. Now when he had provided all things necessary for his voyage, he betook the land of Briteyn to Octavius, and sped him forward in his journey. ¶ After whose departure, and during the time that he was occupied in the affairs of the Empire, Octavius being Lieutenant in Briteyn under the said Constantine, ruled the land to the contentation of the Britons for a certain time. But when he perceived that he was in favour with them, and also that Constantine was now far from him, and considering with himself also, that the said Constantine being then Emperor, would not, nor could not so lightly return into Briteyn: he therefore with the help of his friends and such as he was allied with, Octavius usurped the government of Briteyn. withstood the Romans that were left in Briteyn by Constantine, and usurped the rule & dominion of the land: whereof when Constantine was truly certified, in all haste he sent a Duke into Briteyn, named Trayherne, the which was Uncle unto Helyn the mother of Constantine. Trayherne. ¶ When this Trayherne was arrived in Briteyn with three Legions of soldiers or men of war: anon Octavius made toward him with his Britons, Portchester Winchester and met him near unto the City then called Caerperis, and now named Portechester, but more truly in a Field near unto the City of Caerguent, which at this day is called Winchester. ¶ Now when the two hosts were met, they joined a most eager and cruel battle, wherein was a long and terrible fight. But in the end, Trayherne was enforced to forsake the Field, and withdrew himself and his Romans into Albania or Scotland. Whereof Octavius being warned, followed him, and in the Country of Westmoreland gave him the second battle, where then Octavius was chased and Trayherne had the victory, the which pursued Octavius so eagerly, that he compelled him to forsake the land of Briteyn and to sail into the Country of Norway for his safe guard. ¶ But it was not long after, but the said Octavius gathered a new power of people, aswell of Britons as also of Norway's, and was ready to return again into Briteyn. In which time an Earl of Briteyn that entirely loved Octavius by treason slew the said Traherne a little before the landing of octavius aforesaid, who afterwards reigned in this land at the lest liiij years. Trayherne slain. but not without great and often wars made by the Romans. And this should be as most writers do affirm, when Constantyne with the aid of Traherne had ruled this land ten years. Polidore. But Polidore affirmeth that this Realm was in good quiet all the time of Constantyne and his successors unto the four year of Gracian, and maketh no mention of this Octavius, whereby it may apere what great variety there is even among the best and most approved story writers. ¶ This Constantine was a right noble and valiant Prince, and the son of Helena, a woman of great sanctimony and borne in Briteyn, the which Elyn as it is reported of her, found the Cross at jerusalem, on the which our Saviour Christ suffered his passion, and three of the Nails wherewith his hands and feet were pierced. ¶ The said Constantine was so mighty in Martial prowess, Constantine the great. that he was surnamed Constantine the great. Of whom it is further written, that when he was in his voyage or journey, which he made against Maxencius the Tyrant, who was an extreme persecutor of the Christians, he saw in the night season, the sign of the Cross shining in the Element like a fire, and an Angel by it saying on this wise: In this sign thou shalt overcome. Wherefore receiving great comfort thereby, he gathered such a courage, that shortly after he vanquished the army of Maxencius and put him to flight, who in the chase was drowned in Tiber. ¶ Finally this good Emperor had the faith of Christ in such reverence, that always most studiously he endeavoured to augment the same. And in witness of his belief, he caused the book of the Gospels to be borne before him. And further made the Bible to be copied out, Close crowns came from Constantine the Emperor. and sent into all parts of the Empire. Of this man, the kings of Briteyn had first the privilege to wear close Crowns or Diadems. He ended his life at Nicomedia, where he received Baptism by Eusebius Bishop there, and was buried at Constantinople, called before Bizance, who lust to know more of his acts and life, may read the said Eusebius, who hath written a special treatise thereof extant among his other works. FIncormake, after the death of his Cousin Cairthquint, was ordained king of Scots, and reigned xlvij years. octavius Duke of the jesses, took upon him again to rule as king of Briteyn, and in the time of his reign, he gathered such plenty of Treasure that he feared no man, and he ruled the land peaceably, save that he was now and then as is aforesaid, troubled with wars by the Romans. And of him is no notable thing written, except that when he was fallen into age, by the counsel of the Britons, he sent unto Rome for a young Man of the kindred of Helen mother unto Constantyne called Maximianus, to whom Octavius offered his daughter in marriage, and to yield unto him the Kingdom of Briteyn, the which when Maximianus understood, he consented thereunto, and prepared in all haste for his voyage, and shortly after he with a convenient company landed at Southhamton, whereof Conan Meriadock being warned did purpose to have fought with the said Maximianus, & thought to have distressed him, for so much as he knew right well, that by him he should be put from the rule of the land. But this purpose was letted by the commandment of the king, or otherwise, so that the said Maximianus, was conveyed safely to the kings presence: and shortly after the king with the consent of the more party of his Lords, gave his daughter in marriage unto the said Maximianus, with the possession of this Isle of Briteyn. The which marriage being solemnized, and ended, the said Octavius died shortly after, when he had reigned as the most writers agreed liiij years. AFter the death of Fincormake king of Scots, because his heirs were but children, fierce war was arreared between two noble men called Angusiane, Romake king of Scots. and Romak, for the governance of the Realm: whereof ensued much trouble in the Realm of Scotland, and great displeasure thereby engendered between the Scots and the Pictes, for as much as by the aid of the Pictes Romake took on him the Kingdom, and used great cruelty three years. 362 Angusian king of Scots. NOt long after the Nobles of Scotland assembled themselves and set upon Romake their king and slew him, and then was Angusiane ordained king: Between whom and the Pictes was great war for the death of Romake, and in the end thereof both Angusiane and Nectanus king of Pictes were slain. Then was Fethelmake crowned king, which vanquished the Pictes, and was after slain in his bed by two Pictes, which were his servants. 366 Eugenius king of Scots. ABout this time one Eugenius the first, was made king of Scots. Here the Scottish History maketh a long process of the fierce & cruel war that this king kept against Maximus the Roman Capiteyn, and the Pictes and Briteyns, which I think to be of no more credit than the residue of their History, that they have feigned from the beginning. For undoubtedly, if they had put the Romans to so much trouble as their Chronicles show, both in the time of the Conquest and after: Caesar, Tacitus, Pliny, and other would have made some mention of the Scots, as they did of the Trinobantes, Cenimagnes, Segontiaces, Bibraces, brigants, Silures, Icenes, and diverse other. ¶ The Scots say, that in this time, after long and cruel war made by the aforesaid Maximianus, they were utterly extermined and driven out of their Realm into Ireland and other Countries, Note here that the Britons had the possession of all Scotland. and that then the said Maximus the Roman, placed in their land the Pictes and Britons. And Hector Boecius saith, it was for rebellion: But rebellion could it not be properly named, except they had been subjects. MAximianus or Maximus, the son of Leonyn and Cousin to Constantine the great, took upon him the government of this land of Briteyn. This man was strong and mighty, but for that he was cruel against the Christians, he was called Maximianus the Tyrant. Between this man and Conan before named, was great envy and strife, and divers conflicts and battles were fought, in the which either part of them sped diversly: howbeit, at the last, they were made Friends. So that Maximianus reigned a while in quiet, and gathered riches and treasure, but not altogether without murmur and grudge. Finally, he was provoked and excited to make war upon the Galls, through which counsel, Amorica is called little Briteyn. he with a great host of Britons sailed into Armorica that now is called little Briteyn, where he bore himself so valiantly that he subdued that Country unto his Lordship, and after gave the same unto Conan Meriadok, to hold of him and his successors the kings of great Briteyn for ever. And then commanded the said land to be called little Briteyn. ¶ Now for this victory, Maximianus proclaimed Emperor the Soldiers of Maximianus proclaimed him Emperor, by reason whereof, he being the more exalted in pride, passed further into the lands of the Empire, and victoriously subdued a great part of Gallia and all Germania. For this deed, divers Authors do account him false and perjured, wherefore it should seem that before his coming from Rome, he was sworn to Gracian and Valentinian the Emperors, that he should never claim any part of the Empire. ¶ Now after that word was brought unto the Emperors that Maximianus had by force of arms thus subdued Gallia and Germania: Gracianus with a great host came down to resist him. But when he heard of the Martial deeds of Maximianus, he feared and fled back to the City of Lions in France: where afterwards the said Gracianus was slain, and his brother Valentinian compelled to flee to Constantinoble, for safeguard of his life. ¶ Then Maximianus to have the more strength to withstand his enemies, made his son named Victor, fellow of the Emperor. And in this time that Maximianus warred thus in Italy, Conan Meriadoke, to whom as aforesaid Maximianus had given little Briteyn, for so much as he and his Soldiers had no will to marry the daughters of the Frenchmen, but rather to have wives of their own blood: sent Messengers unto Dionotus then Duke of Cornwall and chief ruler of Briteyn, Ursula commonly called Saint Ursula. willing him to sand his daughter Ursula with a certain number of Virgins to be coupled to him and his Knights in marriage, the which soon after was prepared according to the request of Conan, the aforesaid Ursula accompanied with xj thousand Virgins, were sent by her said father toward little Briteyn, A fable. as sayeth Gaufrid and other. But truly it appeareth rather to be a Fable, and the writers herein do not agreed, and therefore I will wade no further therein. But to return where I left. ¶ Maximianus, being thus occupied in wars in Italy, Gwanus Melga. two Dukes named Gwanus or Guanius captain of the Hunes & Melga, king of Pictes, the which as Gaufrid saith, were set on by Gracian and Valentinian the Emperors, to punish and subdue the Britons that favoured the part of Maximianus, warred sore upon the coasts of great Britain, and occupied a great part of Albania. Whereof when Maximianus had knowledge he sent into great Briteyn a Knight and captain called Gracianus, the which with two Legions of Soldiers bore himself so valiantly, that in a short time he chased the said two Dukes into Ireland, and held the land of Briteyn in good peace to the behoof of Maximianus. ¶ In this time Maximianus continuing his war against the Empire, and intending to be Emperor. Theodocius named the elder, being then Emperor of the East part of the world hearing of the death of Gracian, and the chasing of Valentinian his brother, Maximianus beheaded. sped him with a great power toward Maximianus, and shortly after at a City in Italy named Aquileia took the said Maximianus and him beheaded. WHen knowledge of the death of Maximianus was come to Gracian, who then had the rule of great Briteyn, he seized the land and made himself king of Briteyn by strength, when or after that Maximianus had governed the same, as most Writers do bear witness, the space of viii. years. ¶ This Gracian having now obtained the sovereign authority, became a very cruel Prince and exercised all tyranny and exaction upon the people, for which cause he was abhorred of all the Britons, and by them was slain when he had reigned four years. Then was the Realm a good space without a head or governor, in the which time the Britons were oftentimes sore vexed with the aforesaid Barbarous people and their foreign enemies. 397/7 Augustine whom we call Saint Augustyn. IN this time was Augustine the most famous & learned Doctor of Christ's Church: he was Bishop of Hippone a City in Africa. This man was of such excellent wit, that in his childhood he learned all the liberal Sciences without any instructor, and in all parts of Philosophy was wonderfully well learned. At the beginning he favoured the opinions of them which be called Manichees, but by the continual prayer of his good mother Monica: and the persuasion of holy Saint Ambrose, he was converted to the true faith. They both of them being replenished with the holy Ghost, sang the Psalm, Te deum, answering mutually one to another. And afterwards, in prayer writing and preaching he so much profited the Church, that to this day his name is worthily had in honour and reverence of all men. 403/13 Chrisostom A And in this time also was Chrisostomus Bishop of Constantinople, and named the Noble Clerk, and for his eloquence he was called the Golden Mouthed Doctor, and yet escaped he not some persecution by means of Theophilus in Alexandria, for he died in exile. 423 Fergus king of Scots. THe Scots (according to their Histories) under their king Fergus the second, returned out of Ireland into Albion, and continuing the reign of three kings, that is Fergus, Eugenius and Dongarde, pursued the Britons with most cruel wars. But here they descent from the English Chronicles, as well in the computation of times, as in the relation of the whole History, Beda. For after Beda, Gildas and other ancient and credible Writers, the Scots came first about this time out of Ireland into that Country, which they afterwards named Scotland. But howsoever these Histories agreed, truth it is that the Scots being confederate with the Pictes, not long from this time, by consent of all Writers, invaded and spoiled the land of Briteyn so cruelly, that the Briteyns were constrained to send for aid to the Romans, promising that they would perpetually be subject to the Empire: which request was heard, & a captain sent with a Legion of Soldiers, A wall of Tornes. who within a few days chased their enemies out of the land, teaching them to make a Wall of Tornes and stakes, overthwart the land, from Sea to Sea, that is to mean from the water of Homber to the Scottish Sea, and ordained them wardens and keepers of the Wall (wherewith their enemies might be kept back out of the land) and then they took leave of the Britons and departed to Rome. But Polichronicon sayeth, that the said Wall stretched from Penulton to the City of Acliud. ¶ But notwithstanding the said Wall, the Britons were again invaded by the Pictes and Scots, who spoiled the Country very sore: So that they were driven to seek for new help of the Romans, who sent to them again a company of Soldiers, which eftsoons chased the Pictes, and made a wall of stone of eight foot thick, and in height twelve foot: A wall of stone. which thing when they had done, comforting the Briteynes, and admonishing them hereafter to trust to their own manhood and strength, they returned again to Rome. ¶ The Scots and Pictes yet once again after the departure of the Romans, entered the land of Briteyn, and spoiled the country, and chased the commons so cruelly, that they were altogether comfortless, and brought to such misery, that each rob and spoiled other, and over this the ground was untilled, whereof ensued great scarcity and hunger, and after hunger death. Aecius. In this necessity they sent for aid to Aecius the Roman captain being then occupied in wars in a part of Gallia. But they had no comfort at his hand. Aldroenus. And therefore were forced to sand Ambassade to Aldroenus king of little Briteyne to desire of him aid and comfort, which they obtained upon condition, that if they achieved the victory, Constantyne Constantyne his brother should be ordained king of great Briteyn, for to that day they had no king. Which thing being granted of the Ambassadors, the said Constantine gathered a company of Soldiers, and went forth with them. And when he had manfully vanquished the enemies, and obtained the victory, according to promise made, he was ordained king, & guided this land ten years with such manhood and policy, that he kept it in quietness & from danger of strange enemies. Here endeth the Dominion and tribute of the Romans over this land of Briteyn, which had continued the space of .483. years. COnstantine the second, who was the brother of Aldroenus king of little Briteyn, was crowned king of great Briteyn and guided well the land the space of ten years, and in great quietness. Of this Constantyne is little written, except that he had by his wife three sons, the which were named, Constancius, Aurely Ambrose, & Uter surnamed Pendragon. But for that he saw his eldest son named Constancius to be dull and insolent of wit, he therefore made him a Monk in the Abbey of S. Swithines at Winchester. And the other two brethren, he betook unto Gwethelinus' Archbishop of London to nourish and instruct. Some write that Constancius entered into religion of pure devotion, without the consent or knowledge of the king his father. ¶ In the Court of this Constantyne (as saith Gaufride) there was a Pict, that was much loved & greatly favoured of him, so that he might at all times come to the kings presence, when he would himself. The which being an arrant Traitor, Constantin● slain. and searching convenient time to execute his detestable treason, by a secret mean slew the king in his Chamber, when he had reigned as king ten years. The Author of the story named the flowers of stories, writeth that he slew him with a knife in a very thick coppice, as he was a hunting. ¶ In the time of this Constantyne of Briteyn, their reigned also among the Scots one of the same name, Constantine King of Scots. who was named Constantyne the first, he was a wicked Prince, and given wholly to filthy lust and pleasure of the body, and without all virtue of policy or nobleness, wherefore in the end he was slain for ravishing of a noble man's daughter. COnstantius, the son of Constantyne, by the mean of Vortigerus Duke of Cornwall, or as some writ of the jewesses, after called West Saxons, was made king of Briteyn. This man as before is mentioned, was thought by his father, for that he was dull of wit and hawtye of mind to be therefore unmeet to take the charge of the Government upon him, and therefore his father made him a Monk as aforesaid. Constancius first a Monk and then a king. But now it came so to pass that by the practice and procurement of Vortiger he was taken out of the Abbey and made king: By mean whereof the said Vortiger had all the rule of the land, so that Constance had but only the name. ¶ This Vortiger then considering the innocency and mildness of the king, cast in his mind how he might be king himself. And among other means, he practised to have about the king an hundredth Pictes, to wait and attend upon his person as a guard, A Guard first appointed to attend on the king. which being brought to pass, he bore himself so friendly towards the said Pictes, and showed himself so liberal unto them every way, that at length he had thereby so won their good will and favour, that they abashed not to say openly, that he was more worthy to be king than Constance. ¶ And in this while Vortiger gate into his possession the kings Castles and treasure, and look what he commanded, that was done, though some did murmur and grudge thereat, and ever in right or wrong he favoured the aforesaid Pictes. ¶ Now when he saw that he had won all their favours, he made them all drunk on a time, and then declared unto them in that case his poverty and misery, and that with tears, saying how he was not able of his own proper revenue to wage somuch as fifty Soldiers, and with that he departed from them unto his lodging, as a man altogether dismayed, leaving them still drinking and quaffing in the Court. The Pictes hearing him say so, being now distempered and set in a rage by reason of Wine, murmured one of them to another, saying, why do we not kill this blockish Monk, that this noble Man Vortiger, who is so good and beneficial a Lord unto us may enjoy the Crown. And with that they rose up in their drunken mood, and fell upon the king and slew him. Constancius slain. ¶ After which cruel deed so by them done, they presented the head of Constance unto Vortiger. Whereof when he was ware, and to th'intent that the Britons should think that deed to be done against his mind and will, he wept and made semblance of all sorrow and heaviness, and caused the said hundredth Picts forthwith to be taken, and them by the judgement of the law of the land to be beheaded, The king's Guard put all to death. by reason whereof he was judged not to be culpable, but innocent of the kings death. ¶ When the king's death was known to such persons as had the keeping of the two younger brethren, Aurelius & Uter, they in all haste for the safeguard of themselves fled into little Briteyn, & there kept them until it pleased God otherwise to provide for them. And thus as ye have heard was king Constance slain when he had reigned five year. COngallus, the son of king Dongarde was ordained king of Scotland after the Death of Constantine. He was given to peace, quietness, and justice, and was a good and moderate Prince. VOrtiger after the death of Constance, by force made himself king of Briteyn, and ruled, but not all without trouble. For it was not long or that the Pictes having knowledge of the death and destruction of their knights and kinsmen, invaded the Northpartes of the land, & did therein great damage and hurt. And besides this, many of the nobles of the Britons perceiving that king Constance was not murdered altogether without the consent of the said Vortiger, rebelled against him, and daily sent and sailed over into little Briteyn to the aid and assistance of the aforesaid children of Constantine, which put the said Vortiger to great unquietness, the more for that that he witted not, nor knew not in whom he might put his trust and confidence. ¶ Now yet in all this broil and unquiet time, Plenty of Corn and Fruit. there was in this Realm so great plenty of Corn and fruit, that the like thereof had not been seen in many years passed, wherewith was joined lechery and pestilence, with many other inconveniences, Lechery. so that vice was accounted for small or none offence. The which reigned not only in the Temporalty, Pestilence. but also in the spirituality and heads of the same. So that every man turned the point of his Spear against the true and innocent man, Drunkenness and the commons gave themselves altogether to drunkenness and Idleness, Idleness. by reason whereof ensued fight, strife, and much envy. Of which aforesaid mischiefs ensued much mortality and death of men, Mortality, that the living scantly sufficed in some Countries to bury the dead. And besides this, the king was so heard beset with the aforenamed enemies, that he was constrained, as saith Polichronica, to send for paynims, as the Saxons, Saxons. to help to withstand his enemies and to defend his land, and also he daily feared the landing of Aurely and Uter. ¶ Vortiger being thus beset with many enemies, and then being for the exploit of sundry his affairs at Cauntorbury, tidings was brought him of the arriving of three tall Ships full of armed men at the Isle of Tenet. Wherefore, first he made countenance, as though he had been in doubt whether it had been the two brethren of Constance or no: But when the fame was blown about, that they were none enemies: anon he caused the leaders and Captains of them to be brought unto his presence, demanding of them the cause of their landing, and of their Nation and Country: who answered unto the king and said, they were of the Country of Germany, and put out of their Country by a manner & sort of a Lot, which is sundry times used in the said land, and the use thereof grew for that the people of that Country increased so greatly, that without such provision had, the Country might not suffice to find the people that were therein: And that therefore sense fortune had brought them into this land, they besought the king that he would take them to his service, and they would be ready to fight for the defence of him and his Country. And when the king had inquired further, Hengist Horsus. he found that they had two leaders, named Hengist and Horsus, and they and their people were called Saxons. ¶ The king being thus ascertained of the manner of these strangers, & that they were of the heathen and Paganlaw, said, he was very sorry that they were misereaunts, but he was glad of their coming, forsomuch as he had need of such Soldiers to defend him and his land against his enemies: and so received them into his wages and service, as saith Gaufride and other writers. ¶ Beda the holy man and faithful Historian sayeth, that Vortiger sent for the Saxons for that they were strong men of arms, and had no land to devil in, the which came in three long Ships or Hulks, and received a place of him to devil in, in the East side of Briteyn called the Isle of Tenet beside Kent: William of Malmesbury but Guilielmus Malmisburiensis in his work De Regibus, saith, that the Saxons came out of Germany of their own will and courage to win worship and laud, and not by any lot or compulsion. He sayeth also that they worshipped in those days, The days called Wednesdaye and Friday, from whence they came first. a God named WODEN, supposed to be Mercury, and a Goddess named FRIA Venus. In the worship of which God, the third Feriall day in the week, they named Wodensdaye, which we now call Wednesday. And in worship of the said Goddess, they called the fift day Frees day, which we now call Friday. Saxons. Angles. jewets. ¶ And these foresaid people were of three manner of Nations, that is to say, Saxons, Anglys and jewets. Of the Saxons came the East Saxons, West Saxons, and the South Saxons. Of the Angles, came the East Anglys, the middle Angles or Merceys, called Mercij, which held middle England, that stretcheth Westward toward the river of Dee beside Chester, and to Severne beside Shrewesbury, and so forth to Bristol, and eastward toward the See, and southward toward the Thames, and so forth to London, and turning downward and Westward to the River Mercea, and so forth to the West See. ¶ And of the jewets came the Kentishmen, and the men of the Isle of Wight. Of the first coming of these Saxons into Briteyn, the writers do vary. But to return to the story. ¶ These Saxons with the king's power did beat down the enemies aforesaid, and defended the land in most knightly wise, so that the king had the Saxons in great love and favour: which favour Hengistus well perceiving, upon a season, when he saw convenient time, he asked of the king so much ground as the hide of a Bull or Ox would compass, Bull hide. which the king granted him. After the which grant, the said Hengist to the intent to win a large plot of ground, caused the said beasts skin to be cut into small and slender Thongs. And with the same he met out a large and great circuit of ground, upon the which he shortly after builded a large and strong Castle. Thong Castle. By reason of which Thong, the said Castle was long after named Thong Castle, and it was builded in Lyndsey. ¶ After this, tidings went into Germany of the plenty and fatness of the land of Briteyn, with other commodities belonging to the same: By mean whereof, the Saxons daily drew to the said land, and covenanted with the Britons, that the Britons should exercise and attend upon their husbandry and other necessary traffic, and the Saxons as their Soldiers would defend the land from incursions of all enemies, for the which the Britons should give to them competent meat and wages. ¶ Then by the assignment and appointment of Hengist, there came out of Germany xuj Sails well furnished with men of war, Ronowen the daughter of Hengist. and in them came Ronowen the daughter of the said Hengist, which was a Maiden of excellent beauty. After whose coming, Hengist upon a day besought the king that he would see his Castle, which he had newly edified. To whose request the king was agreeable, & at the day assigned he came to the Castle, where he was joyously received. And there among other pastimes, the said Ronowen with a Cup of Gold full of Wine presented the King, saluting and saying wassail. The King which before that time had heard no like salutation, neither understood what she meant, asked of her father what she meant by that word wassail. To whom it was answered by Hengist, Wassail. that it was a salutation of good luck and gladness, and that the king should drink after her, and adding also this answer, that it was as much to say, as drink hail. Wherefore the king as he was informed took the Cup of the maidens hand and drank: And after he beheld the Damsel in such manner, that he was wounded with the dart of the blind God Cupid, in such wise that never after he could withdraw his lust from her: but lastly by the instigation of the Devil, asked her in marriage of her father. And by force thereof as witnesseth Polichron ca, he put from him his lawful wife, Polichron. of the which he had before time received three noble sons, Vortimerius, Catagrinus, and Pascentius. Vortimerus, Catagrinus, Pascencius. Then the King gave to Hengist the Lordship of Kent, though Garangonus then earl thereof thereat grudged with many of his Nobles and Commons. ¶ For this, and because the king had married a Pagan woman, all the Britons in a manner forsook him and his works. Notwithstanding, yet some there were, as well of the Nobles as other, that comforted the King in his evil doing. By which mean and other unlawful deeds, then daily used, the faith of Christ began sore to decay. And besides that, an heresy called the Arians heresy began to spring in Briteyn, Arians heresy. for the which two Bishops named Germanus, and Lupus (as Gaufride saith) were sent into Briteyn to reform the people that were infected with the same, and erred from the way of truth. Germanus Lupus. ¶ Then to finish the story of Vortiger, forasmuch as the Britons withdrew themselves from him, Octa the son of Hengist. he was therefore constrained to retain with him the Saxons. By whose counsel he afterward sent for Octa the son of Hengist, the which brought with them another company out of Saronie. And from this time the Saxons sought always occasion to extinguish utterly the power of the Britons, and to subdue the land to themselves. ¶ When the Lords of Briteyn saw and considered the great multitude of Saxons, & their daily repair into this land, they assembled them together, and showed to the king the inconvenience & jeopardy that might ensue to him and his land, by reason of the great power of these strangers, & they advertised him in avoiding of greater danger to expel & put them out of this realm, or the more part of them: But all was in vain, for Vortiger had such a mind to the Saxons by reason of his wife, that he preferred the love of them, before the love of his own natural kinsmen & friends. Vortiger. deprived. Wherefore the Britons of one will & mind crowned Vortimerus the eldest son of Vortiger king of Briteyn, and deprived the father of all kingly dignity, when he had reigned xuj years. VOrtimer the son of Vortiger, was by the assent of the Britons made king of Briteyn, the which in all haste pursued the Saxons, and gave unto them a great battle upon the River of Darwent, where he had of them the victory. And secondarily he fought with them upon the Ford called Epyfoord, or Aglisphorpe. In the which fight Catrignus the brother of Vortimer, and Horsus, brother to Hengist, or Cousin, after long fight between them two, Catrignus. Horsus slain. either of them slew other, in which fight also the Britons were victors. The third battle he fought with them near unto the Sea side, where also the Britons chased the Saxons, and compelled them to take the Isle of Wight for their surety. The fourth battle was near unto a Moor called Cole Moor, Cole Moor. the which was long and sore fought by the Saxons, by reason that the said Moor closed a part of their Host so strongly, that the Britons might not approach to them for danger of their shot. Howbeit, in the end they were chased, and many of them by constraint were drowned and swallowed in the said Moor. Vortimer. ¶ And over and beside these four principal battles, Vortimer had with the Saxons sundry other conflicts and skirmishes, as in Kent, Thetfoorde in Norfolk, Thetfoord. and in Essex, near unto Colchester, & left not until he had bereft from them the more part of such possessions, as before time they had won, and kept themselves only to the Isle of Tenet, where Vortimer besieged them, with his Navy, and oftentimes fought with them by water. Gaufride. ¶ And as Gaufride sayeth, when they saw that they were not able any longer to endure the force of the Britons, and to make their party good with them, they then sent Vortiger the father (whom they had present with them in all the Fields that they fought against the Britons) unto the king his son, praying him to licence them safely to departed again into their country of Germany. And whiles this matter was in talk between the father and the son, they privily conveyed themselves into their Ships, and so returned home again, leaving their wives and children behind them. Fabian. Rowen practised the poisoning of Vortimer. ¶ When that Rowen the daughter of Hengist perceived the great mischief that her father and the Saxons were in, by the martial Knighthood of Vortimer: she sought such means (as sayeth Gaufride and other) that Vortymer was poisoned, when he had ruled the Britons vij years. ¶ Because the story touching the end and death of the said Vortimer is very notable, it shall not be amiss to recite it here in effect, as it is written by the said Gaufride. When Vortimer had now gotten the victory of the Saxons, he began like a good Prince to restore again unto the Britons such possessions as were taken from them by the said Saxons, and to love and honour them: And at the request of the holy man Germaine to reedefie such Churches as were by them destroyed and overthrown. But the Devil by and by envied at his virtue and godliness, who entering into the heart of his stepmother Rowen, moved her to imagine his death: whereupon she sending for all the witches and Poisoners that she could hereof, caused very strong Poison to be ministered unto him, by a very familiar and near friend of his, whom she had corrupted before with many great gifts. Now when this noble warrior had received this deadly poison, he upon a sudden became desperately sick, in such wise as their was no hope of life in him. Then commanding all his Soldiers to come before him to show to them what danger he stood in, and how the hour of death was at hand, he divided among them his treasure and such goods as his ancestors had left him. And perceiving them greatly to lament and bewail the miserable case and danger that he was in, he comforted them, saying, that the way which he should go was comen to all flesh, and so exhorted them that as they had before sticked unto him like men, and had showed themselves valiant and courageous in fight against the Saxons, even so hereafter they would likewise persever in the defence of their native Country, against all the invasions of foreign enemies. That done, of a great heardy courage he commanded a Sepulchre of Brass to be made spire wise, and the same to be set in that port or Haven where the Saxons were commonly wont to arrive, and his dead corpse to be laid in it, that assoon as those barbarous people should see once the Sepulchre, they for fear might return back again into Germany. For he said that not one of them all durst be so hardy as to approach the land if they once saw the said Sepulchre. O most hardy and dowtie king, who desired to be feared of them even after his death, unto whom he was a terror in his life time: But when he was dead, the Britons performed not his commandment, but buried his body at London. VOrtiger was now again restored to the kingdom of Briteyn, and shortly after Hengist either of his own accord, or as Gaufride writeth sent for by the procurement of his daughter Rowen, Vortiger restored to his kingdom. entered this land again with a great multitude of Saxons, whereof Vortiger, being informed in all haste, assembled his Britons and made towards them. But when Hengist heard of the Britons, and of the preparation that was made against him, he then made means for the entreaty of peace, where in the end, it was concluded that a certain number of Britons, and as many of the Saxons, should upon the next May day assemble upon the plain of Ambrij, Sarisbury. now called Sarisbury, or as Gaufride saith, near unto the Abbey of Amesburie, founded by one Ambrius: which day being certainly prefixed, Hengistus using a new practice of treason, charged all his Saxons by him appointed, that each of them should put secretly a long Knife in their hosen, and at such time as he gave to them this watch or buy word, Nempnith your Sexes, that is, draw your Knyfes, that every one of them should draw out his Knife and slay a Briton, sparing none, but Vortiger the king only. And at the day before appointed, the king with a certain number of Britons, Treason wrought by Hengist. not ware of this purposed treason, came in peaceable wise to the place before assigned, where he found ready Hengist with his Saxons. The which after due obedience made unto the king, he received him with a countenance of love and amity, Dissimulation. where after a time of communication had, Hengist being minded to execute his purposed treason, gave forth his watchword. By reason whereof anon the Britons were slain like sheep among Wolves, to the number (as Gaufride writeth) of four C. and lx barons & noble men, having no manner of weapon to defend themselves withal, except that any of them might by his manhood & strength either get the knife out of his enemies hand, or else by stones or such like weapon as they might come by, annoy them, by which means divers of the Saxons also were slain, so that this there treachery was performed. And among the number of these Britons that were thus distressed, there was then an Earl called Edolfe Earl of Chester, or rather after Gaufride Edole, Baron of Glowcester, who seeing his fellows & friends thus murdered (as the said Gaufrid saith) by his manhood recovered a stake out of a hedge, with the which he knightly defended himself and slew of the Saxons three score and ten persons, and being over set by his enemies and not able to make any longer resistance was compelled to fly to his own City. After which treason thus executed, the king remained with Hengistus as Prisoner. Fabian. ¶ But the said Gaufride writeth more fuller hereof in this wise. After the Saxons had accomplished their mischievous purpose, they would in no wise slay Vortiger: But threatening to kill him, they kept him in a hold, and demanded him to give up & deliver unto them his good towns and strong holds as a ransom for his life: unto whom the king granted whatsoever they required of him, so that he might departed with life. And when he had confirmed his grant made unto them by an oath, than was he set at liberty and delivered out of Prison. This done, the Saxons took York, Lyncolne, and Winchester, and wasting all the Countries as they went, they set upon the common people and slew them, as Wolves are wont to devour the seely poor Sheep that are left alone and forsaken of their Shepherds. Now when Vortiger saw the great murder and slaughter of his people, he got him into Wales as a man that witted not what to do, and how to be revenged upon this wicked Nation. Vortiger taken. ¶ Of the taking of Vortiger, and slaying of the Lords of Briteyn (Guilielmus de regibus saith) that Hengist agreed with Vortiger and his Britons that he should enjoy the Castle by him before made, with a certain land thereunto adjoining for him and his Saxons to devil upon. And when the said agreement was surely established, Treason this Hengist intending treason, desired the king with a number of his Lords to come and feast with him within his said Castle, the which of the King was granted. And at the day assigned the king and his Lords came unto the said Thongcastle to dinner, Thong Castle. where he with his, was well and honourably received, and also deyntily served. ¶ But when the King and his Lords were in their most mirth, this Hengist had commanded before, A traitorous practice not altogether unrevenged. that his own Knights should fall out among themselves: which being so done, the remnant of his Saxons, as it were in parting of frays, should fall upon the Britons, and slay them all, saving only the king. The which thing was done, as ye heard before devised, and the king was kept and holden as prisoner. ¶ Hengist then having the King as prisoner, and a great part of the rulers of Briteyn, thus as aforesaid subdued, was somedeal exalted in pride, and compelled the king to give unto him, Polichron. as Polichronica saith, three provinces in the East part of Briteyn, that is to say, Kent, Sussex, Norfolk and Suffolk (as saith the Flower of Histories) But Guido de Columna saith, Hengistes' land. that the aforesaid three Provinces were Kent, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. Of the which said provinces when Hengist was possessed, he suffered the king to go at his liberty. And then Hengist began his Lordship over Kent, and sent other of his Saxons to guide and govern the other provinces, until he had sent for other of his kinsmen to whom he purposed to give the same provinces unto. ¶ Thus Hengist being in the possession of this province of Kent, commanded his Saxons to call it Hengistes' land, Matthew of Westminst. whereof as some Authors write, the whole land of Briteyn took his first name of England: But that is not so, as after shall be showed in the story of King Egbert. ¶ The Lordship or kingdom of Kent had his beginning under Hengist, in the fift year of Vortigers second reign, and in the year of our Lord after most writers four C.lxxuj. But Denys and other which say, it begun xxj years sooner, alloweth the beginning hereof to be when Hengist had first the gift of the same, by reason that Vortiger married his daughter. This Lordship containeth the Country that stretcheth from the East Ocean unto the river of Thames, and had upon the Southeast, Southery, and upon the West, London: upon the North-east the Thames aforesaid, and also Essex, and in this Lordship was also contained the Isle of Thanet, which Lordship or Kingdom endured after most writers, from the time of the first year of the reign of Hengist, until the xxv year of Egbert before named, which by that account should be three Cxlij. years. The kingdom of Kent continued CCC. xilj. years. At which season the said Egbert then king of West Saxons, subdued Baldredus then king of Kent, and joined it to his own Kingdom. Howbeit Polichronica affirmeth it to endure by the space of three C.lxviij. years, under xv. Kings, whereof Baldredus was the last. Ethelbertus the first christian king of Kent. The first christian King of this Lordship was Ethelbertus or Ethelbert, the which received the faith of Christ by Austin or Augustine the Monk, in the year of our Lord four C.xcuj. The which Ethelbert caused the Monastery of Saint Peter and Paul at Cantorbury to be builded, and as some say, he first began the building of Paul's Church in London. He gave unto Austyn and his Successors Bishops of Cantorbury, a place for the Bishops See, at Christ's Church within the said City, and endowed it with many rich possessions, as more at large shall be showed in the life of Careticus. ¶ This Hengist and all the other Saxons which ruled the vij principates of Briteyn, as after shall be showed, are called of most writers Reguli, Reguli. Small king which is as much to say in our vulgar speech, as small or petty kings: So that this Hengist was accounted as a little king. The which when he had thus gotten the rule of the three Provinces before mentioned, he sent for more Saxons, and gathered them together that were sparkled abroad, so that in these Provinces the faith of Christ was utterly quenched and laid a sleep. ¶ Then Hengist with Octa his son gathered a great strength of Saxons, and fought with the Britons and overcame them, and chased them in such wise that Hengist kept his Lordship in peace and war the space of xxiv. years as most writers agreed. ¶ Now let us return again to Vortiger, the which when he saw the Saxons in such wise increase their strength, & the Britons daily to decrease, for as Gaufride saith, the Saxons had the rule of London, York, Lincoln, and Winchester, with other good towns. Wherefore the king for fear of the Saxons, and also for that he was somewhat warned of the coming of the two brethren, Aurely, and Uter, sons of Constantyne: He therefore considering these many and great dangers, fled into Cambria, or Wales, and there held him for the more surety, where before he had builded a strong Castle. Of the which building, and impediment of the same, and of the Prophet Marlyn many things are written by Gaufride, and reported by the common voice of the people yet at this day. ¶ Now while Vortiger was thus in his Castle in Wales, Aurely. Uter. the aforenamed two brethren Aurely and Uter prepared their navy and men of arms, and passed the Sea, and landed at Totnesse, whereof when the Britons had knowledge, they drew unto them in all hasty wise. The which said brethren, when they saw that they had a competent number of Knights and men of war, first of all made toward Wales to distress Vortiger. ¶ Whereof he being well warned, and knowing also that he could not make sufficient defence against them, he therefore furnished his Castle with strength of men and victual, intending there to safeguard himself, but all was in vain: For the said two brethren with their army, besieged the Castle and after many assaults, with wyldefyre consumed the same, and Vortiger also, and all that were with him. ¶ Of this Vortiger it is red, that he lay with his own daughter, in trust that Kings should come of his blood. And lastly, he ended his life as before is expressed, when he had reigned now the second time ix years. COurannus, for so much as the Children of his brother Congallus were but young, was ordained king of Scots, and guided them in good peace and quietness a long space: Extortion. but at the last he was slain for extortion, that Tomset his chancellor used in his name. AVrelius Ambrose, the second son of Constantine was by the Brytons made king of Briteyn. Of him it is written that when he understood of the division that was in the land of Briteyn between Vortiger and the Saxons, Aurelius Ambrose. and in what manner the Saxons had subdued the Britons, he in all goodly haste, with the aid of the King of little Briteyn, sped him into his land, and first came to York, and there chased the Saxons that held the City with Octa the son of Hengist, Octa taken & after escaped. and took the said Octa, and kept him as prisoner a certain season. ¶ But how it was, by treason of his keeper or otherwise, he broke Prison and escaped. And after, he with his father gathered a great host, and met Aurelius and his Britons, Crekinfoord battle. at a place called Crekynforde, where was fought a strong and mighty battle, to the loss of both parties, but the greater loss fell upon the Saxons: For of them was slain four Dukes, and four M. of other men, and the residue chased to their great danger. Yet this notwithstanding Hengist continued his Lordship in Kent: and Aurelius Ambrose kept the Country called Logiers or middle England with Wales, and chased the Saxons that dwelled in the two Provinces of East Saxon, and East Anglis out of those Countries. Ella. Simon. Pletynger. Ci●●a. ¶ And in this time a Saxon named Ella, with his three sons, Simon, Pletynger, and Cissa, came with three Ships or Hulks, and landed in the South part of Briteyn, & slew many Britons, at a place then named Cuneueshore, or Coningsborough & chased many into a Wood then called Andresleger, and after occupied that Country, and inhabited himself & his Saxons within the said Province, making himself king and Lord thereof: By reason whereof and by his might and power, the said Province or Country was after named the Kingdom or Lordship of the South Saxons. The which after most writers had his beginning the xxxii. South Saxons. year after the first coming of Hengist, which was the year of our Lord 482. and the second year of the reign of Aurely Ambrose then King of Briteyn. ¶ The kingdom of the South last above named had on the East side, Kent, on the South, the See and the Isle of Wight, and on the West, Hampshire, and in the North Southerey, and contained Southampton. Somersetshire, Devonshire and Cornwall. Ethelwald the first Christian king of the South Saxons. Of which said kingdom Ethelbald or Ethelwald was the fourth king, and the first christian king. This kingdom endured shortest season of all the other kingdoms: For it endured not above an hundred and twelve years, under .v. or vij kings at the most. ¶ But now to return where we left: Aurely inhabited wales. Aurely which as before you have heard, held and occupied the middle part of Briteyn with Cambria or Wales, did his diligence to repair ruynons places, as well Temples as other, and caused the service of God to be said and done, which by the mean of the Saxons was greatly decayed through all Briteyn. ¶ And after this, Aurely besieged the Saxons in the hill of Badon or Baathe, where he slew many of them. But daily the Saxons increased and landed in great Briteyn, as shall appear. For shortly after a Saxon named Porth, landed with his two sons at a Haven in Sussex, Portesmouth. after whose name as some write, the Haven was afterwards called Portesmouth, which Haven is so called to this day. And likewise they came to land in divers places of Briteyn, so that Aurelius had with them many conflicts and battles, wherein he sped diversly, for he was sometime victor and sometime overcome. ¶ It is written in the English Chronicle and other, Marlyn. that Aurely by the help of Marlyn did fetch the great stones now standing upon the plain of Salisbury, (called the Stone Hinge) out of Ireland, Stonehenge. and caused them to be set there as they now stand, Salisbury plain. in the remembrance of the Britons that were there slain and buried in the time of the treyterous communication that was had with Hengist and his Saxons as before in the story of Vortiger is touched: But Polichronica allegeth the same act to Uter his brother. ¶ In the time of this Aurely, as sayeth Polichronica, Hengist dead. died Hengist in his bed; when he had reigned over the kentish Saxons xxiiij years. After whose death Octa his son ruled the said kingdom other xxiiij years. Octa. Albeit that the british books and also the English Chronicle, say that Aurelius slew in battle Hengist, & then took to his grace Octa his son, and gave to him and his Saxons a dwelling place in the Country of Galewaye, which seemeth not likely, for matter that shall after ensue, and also that which before is touched of the Pictes and Scots in the time of the misery of the Britons. ¶ Now it followeth, that this Octa, neither augmented nor minished his Lordship, but held him therewith contented as his father had left it unto him. ¶ And finally in the end of the reign of Aurely, Pascentius. Pascentius the youngest son of Vortiger, which after the death of his father was fled into Ireland for fear of Aurely, purchased aid of Guiliamor king of Ireland. Guiliamore king of Ireland. And with a great army invaded this land of Briteyn, by the Country of Wales, in taking the City of Menevia, now called S. David's, and in wasting the said Country with sword and fire. In the which season and time Aurelius lay sick in the City of Winchester. ¶ For which cause he desired his brother Uter to gather an host of Britons together, and to appease the malice of Pascencius and his Adherents. The which accordingly prepared his host, and at length overcame the host of Pascentius and slew him and the aforenamed Guyliamour in the Field. ¶ Howbeit, Gaufride reporteth this story otherwise, affirming that Pascentius the son of Vortiger, who for safeguard of his life, fled into Germany, came with a great army of Germans out of the same Country against Aurelius to be revenged upon him for his father's death, and gave battle unto Aurelius himself, in the which the said Pascentius and his Germans were discomfited and put to flight. Then Pascentius who durst not after the said discomfiture return into Germany, gate him into Ireland desiring aid of Guillomannius then king of that Country, who taking compassion of him, aided him with all he might. And so by the help of the said king arrived at Menevia, now called S. David's in Wales: At the which season Aurelius being sick at Winchester, commanded his brother Uter to gather an army to appease his malice, the which he did, and then went into Wales to meet him, where was fought a cruel battle between them, in the which Uter had the victory, and Pascentius and Guillomannius were slain. ¶ Now while Uter was thus gone against Pastentius, a Saxon, feigning himself a Briteyn, and a cunning man in Physic, by the enticement of Pascentius & upon great rewards by him promised, came unto Aurely where he lay sick, and by his subtle and false means, purchased favour with those that were near unto the Prince, that he was put in trust to minister potions and Medicines unto the king. This man of some writers is called Copa, and of some Coppa, but of Gaufride Copa. The which when he had espied his convenient time, Treason. gave to Aurelius a potion enpoisoned: by violence whereof he shortly after died, when he had reigned xix years, and was buried at Stonhenge besides Amesburie. ¶ In the time of the reign of the aforesaid Aurely (Polichronica sayeth) that the kingdom of East Anglys began under a Saxon named Vffa, Vffa, first king of the East Anglis. in the year of our Lord. CCCC. xcij. The which contained that Province which we call now Norfolk and Suffolk. They had in the East and Northsides, the Sea, on the Northwest, Cambrideshire: notwithstanding divers writers affirm Cambridgshire to be part of the said kingdom, and in the West S. Emondes' Diche, and Hertfortshire, and in the South Essex. This Lordship was called first Vffins Lordship, and the kings thereof were named Vffins, or as some writ, they were called Vffines people, but at the last they were named East Anglis. Redwallus the first christian king of the East Angus. ¶ The first christian king of this principate, was Redwallus, but he was not so constant as was meet for his Religion. His son named Corpwaldus was more steadfast, which after was slain of a misbelieving man, and for Christ's faith as some writ. Sebertus was the first b●lo●r of Paul's Church. But Guido saith that Sebertus was the first Christian king of this Lordship, and that he made Paul's Church of London. This Lordship under twelve kings, endured until the Martyrdom of S. Edmond the last king thereof, the which was martyred in the year of our Lord eight hundredth lxix And of this Lordship at those days was Elman or Thetford the chief Town. Thetford. THe History of Scotland saith, that the Pictes and Scots were allied with this Ambrose, and made partakers and chief doers in all the victories that the Britons achieved against the Saxons. VTer the last and youngest son of Constantine, and brother of Aurely, took upon him the Kingdom of Briteyn, and governed the same very honourably. This man was surnamed Pendragon. Uter Pendragon. The cause thereof, as saith the English Chronicle, was for that Merlin likened him unto a Dragon under a star apering in the firmament: Whereof there is made long process in the story of Gaufride, but Layland a man in his time very skilful in the antiquities of this Realm, thinketh this name was given him for his great prudence and wisdom wherein Serpents do excel. But how so ever it were, truth it is, that after Uter (as is aforesaid) was made king, he achieved many victories against the Saxons, and lastly slew their chief Captains, Octa, & Cosa, as Gaufride writeth of him: It is also written that he was enamoured upon the Duke's wife of Cornewal named Igerne, and for to obtain his unleeful lust, he sought many and diverse means: So that lastly he made war upon her Husband named Garolus, or Gorleys, and at length slew the said Duke at his Castle called tintagel, standing in Cornwall, and after married his wife, The birth of king Arthur. and received of her the noble knight Arthur, and a daughter named Anne. And in the end he died at Verolam by force of poison, when he had reigned xuj years, and was likewise buried at Stonage or Stonehenge, upon the plain of Sarisbury, leaving after him the most puissant and noble King Arthur. ARthur, the son of Uter Pendragon, of the age of xu years, or as some write xviij took upon him the government of Briteyn, and having continual battle and mortal war with the Saxons, did marvelously prospero and prevail. ¶ Here saith Fabian I would fain declare the fame of this noble Prince to the comfort of other to follow his martial deeds, so that I might somewhat justify my report by some authentic Author, but hereof I doubt the more because of the saying of Reynulph Monk of Chester, which voucheth upon William of Malmesoury, writer of the Histories of Kings, as is rehearsed at length in the uj Chapter of the fift book of the said Reynulph, unto the which place because I would be brief I refer the reader. But somewhat yet to say to the honour of so great and victorious a Champion as was this Arthure, I will do my endeavour, so far forth as I may be able to avouch my saying by sufficient warrandise, and therewith glad the Welshmen, that he should descend of so noble a victor, that so many deeds of honour in his days executed. For though of him be written many things in the English Chronicle of small credence, and far discordant from other writers, yet all agreed in this, that he was a noble and victorious Prince in all his deeds, and testify that he fought twelve notable battles against the Saxons, and had always the upper hand: But that notwithstanding he could not avoid them out of his land, but that they held their Countries, which they were possessed of, as Kent, Southerey, Norfolk, Southfolke. Notwithstanding some write that they held those Countries of him as tributaries. And the foresaid twelve battles as I find written in the ancient writer Nennius, Nennius. who lived about the year of Christ's incarnation. 620. whose authority I prefer, writeth thereof as followeth. ¶ The first battle (saith he) was fought in the mouth of the water of Gleyn, otherwise called Gledy. ¶ The second, the third, the fourth and fifth, nigh unto another river called Duglesse, the which is in the Country of Lyneweys. ¶ The sixth upon the river called Bassus. ¶ The vij in the Wood of Calydon, otherwise called Carcoite Celidon. ¶ The eight beside the Castle called Guynyon. ¶ The ix in Careillion in Wales. The ten in a place by the sea side called Trayhenrith, otherwise Rytherwyde. ¶ The xj upon an hill named Agned Cathregonion. ¶ The twelve at the hill or Town of , where many a one was slain by the force and might of Arthure. ¶ For as it is reported of him, he slew with his own hand in one day by the help of God, an hundredth and forty Saxons, he bore the Image of our Lady in his Shield, Pridwen. Calaber. Rone. which shield he called Pridwen, his sword was called Calaber, and his Spear was called Rone, after the british tongue or speech. john Frosard affirmeth, that king Arthure first builded the Castle of Windsour, and there founded the order of the round Table: but some think it was rather Winchester, for there is the Table. Arthgall the first Earl of Warwick. ¶ In this time also I find mention made of a noble and valiant man called Arthgall, and he was the first Earl of Warwick, and he was one of the knights of the round Table of King Arthure, after whom followed by succession Moruyde, and Merthrude. This Arthgal took a Bear for his beast because the first syllable of his name which is Arth in the british speech, and is in English a Bear. Cerdicus first king of the West Saxons. ¶ About the fift year of his reign, began the Lordship of the West Saxons, under the Saxon called Cerdicus and Kenricus his son: For Dionice and other say, that this Lordship or Kingdom should have his beginning the lxxj. year after the first coming of Hengist, or the year of our Lord five hundredth. xxij. which agreeth with the fift year of Arthure aforesaid. ¶ This Lordship contained the West Country of England, as Wiltshire, Somersetshire, Berkshire, Dorcetshire, Devonshire, and Cornwall, and had in the East side, Southhamton, on the North Thamys the famous river, on the South and West, the Sea Ocean. ¶ The aforesaid Cerdicus, which of some is called Childericus, landed first at Cerdishore, Yarmouth. which now is called Yermouth, an haven Town in the County of Norfolk. And by the help of other Saxons which then dwelled there, the said Cerdicus at length obtained the aforesaid Countries, and named them West Saxons, and reigned therein as Lord and king a certain of years, and after him Kenricus his son. Kingilsus the first christian king of the west Saxons. ¶ The first christian king of this Province: was named Kyngilsus, and converted to the faith by means of that virtuous man Brennus' Bishop of Dorchester. To whom Quichelinus brother of the aforesaid Kyngilsus, gave the said City to make there his See, after that he also had received Baptism of the said Berinus. Berinus bishop of Dorchester. And as Guydo saith, the said Quichelinus gave after to the bishop of Wynchester vij mile compass of land to build their a Bishops See, the which was accomplished and finished by Kenwalcus his son. ¶ This kingdom endured longest of all the other, which were seven in number, or six beside this. Some writers account the continuance of this kingdom from Cerdicus to Egbert, and some to the last year of Aluredus. 521 Guydo. But Guydo accounteth the continuance of this kingdom from the first year of Cerdicus unto the last year of Edward the Confessor, and by that account it should endure five hundred and liiij years: The kingdom of the west Saxons continued five C.liiij. years. But most agreed that it should be reckoned from the first year of Cerdicus to the last year of Aluredus, for he made one Monarchy of all the vij kingdoms, in the which time passed away. CCC.lxxviij. years. ¶ But now to return to Arthur, the which by a long time dwelled in war and mortal battle with the Saxons, by mean of their daily repair into this land. The which also allied them with the Pictes and other Nations, and made their party the stronger by that mean: But yet King Arthur brought them into such an obedience, that they knowledged him to be the chief Lord of Briteyn. ¶ Finally, when he had by a long time maintained his wars against the Saxons, and specially against Cerdicus king of West Saxons: he for a final concord gave unto the said Cerdicus (as saith Polichronica) in his six Chapter of his fift Book, the Provinces of Hampshire and Somersetshire. And when he had set his land in some quietness, he betook the rule thereof unto his Nephew Mordred, Mordred. and with a chosen army sailed (as saith Gaufride and other) into France where as sundry Authors writ, he wrought wonders. AFter the departure of Arthur (as Polichronica sayeth) the aforesaid Mordred being desirous to be king, feared somewhat the might of Cerdicus king of the West Saxons: he therefore sought for his favour and to obtain his good will, gave unto him certain Towns, Forts, and Castles, and other great gifts, so that at the last he wan him, in such sort that he consented to Mordred's request: Treason. in so much that Mordred was shortly after at London crowned king of Briteyn, and Cerdicus was after the manner of the Pagans' crowned king of West Saxons at Wynchester. ¶ Now when knowledge came to Arthur of all this treason wrought by his Nephew Mordred: he in all the haste made toward Briteyn and landed at Sandwiche, where he was met of Mordred and his people, which gave unto him a strong battle at the time of his landing, and there Arthur lost many of his Knights, as the famous knight Gawen and other. But yet this notwithstanding, Arthur at the length recovered the land and chased his enemies, and after the burial of his Cousin Gawen and other of his, that were there slain, he set forward his host to pursue his enemies. ¶ Mordred being thus overset of his Uncle at the Sea side withdrew him to Winchester: where he being furnished of new Soldiers, gave unto Arthur the second battle, wherein also Mordred was put to the worst and constrained to flee. Thirdly and lastly, the said Mordred fought with his Uncle Arthur at Bathe, where after a long and dangerous fight, Mordred was slain, and the victorious Arthur wounded unto death, Mordred slain. when he had reigned xxuj years, and after buried in the vale or Isle of Aualon, now called Glascenburie, whether he was conveyed to be cured of his wounds. Who so lust to know more touching the certainty and truth of these matters may read the book of the excellent antiquary john Leyland, entitled the Assertion of Arthur, where every thing is more at large discoursed. EVgenius the third, the son of Congallus, was made king of Scotland after Conrannus, and reigned xxxiiij years. The Scottish History affirmeth, that he with his Scots were present in the battles that Mordred fought against Arthur. ¶ The Scots say that this Mordred was king of Pictes, and that Arthur was slain in battle, and the Britons discomfited, and Guanora the Queen taken prisoner by the Scots with great spoil. COnstantine the third, the son of Cador Duke of Cornewal, and Cousin to king Arthur by assent of the Britons was crowned king, and he was by the two sons of Mordred grievously vexed, for that they claimed the land by the right or title of their father. So that between him and them were fought many and sundry battles, but where or when, it is not showed, neither are the names of the two sons of Mordred expressed. ¶ But sundry Authors agreed that after the aforesaid two battles thus fought finally the two sons of Mordred were constrained of pure force to fly for their safety. And so the one fled to London, and the other took Sanctuary in the old Abbey Church of Winchester, dedicated to Saint Amphibalus. ¶ Whereof Constantine being warned, left not until he had slain the one within the Monastery of Wynchester, and the other within a Church or Temple of London, of the which cruelty of his, Gildas sore complaineth. Gildas. ¶ When Constantyne had thus subdued his enemies and thought himself now in a sure and quiet state: then arose up his own kinsman named Aurelius Conanus and arreared mortal battle against him, Aurelius Conanus. and at the last slew him in the Field, when he had reigned three years, who was buried at Stonehenge. But some writers say, he died by the hand of God of a great sickness. AVrelius Conanus after the death of Constantine was crowned king of Briton. This man was noble and liberal, but he used to cherish and make much of such as loved strife and dissension within his land, and gave light credence to them that accused other, were it right or wrong. And as sayeth Gaufride and other, he took by strength his Uncle, which of right should have been king and cast him into a strong prison, and after slew tyrannously the two sons of his said Uncle: But his reign continued not long, for as saith Ganfride, he died in the second year of his reign leaving after him a son named Vortiporius. ¶ And here is to be noted, that after this time, the Britons decreased of Lordship and rule within Briteyn, and drew them toward Wales, so that the Country about Chester was the chiefest of their Lordship within Briteyn. Britons decayed. For daily the Saxons landed with their companies, and occupied the principal parts of the same, as shall after appear. ¶ Now in the time of the reign of the aforesaid Aurely (as sayteh Polichronica, Guydo and other) began the kingdom or Lordship of Bernicia, under a Saxon named Ida in the. D.xlvij. year of our Lord, Ida the first king of Bernicia, or Northumberlande. and in the last year of the said Conanus. This Lordship was in the North part of Briteyn, and grew in short while more and more, so that finally, it was named the kingdom of Northumberlande, and was first divided into two kingdoms, whereof the first as abovesaid was called Bernicia, Deyra. and the other Deyra. The meres or marks of this kingdom of Northumberlande, were by East and by West the Ocean Sea, by South the river of Humber, and so downward toward the West by the ends of the Shires of Notyngham and Derby, unto the river of Merse, or Martia, and by North the Scottish Sea, which is called Forth or Frith in Scottish, and in british, the Werde. ¶ The Southside of this Lordship is called Deyra, Bishopric of Durham. which is now called the Bishopric of Durham, and the Northside was called Bernicia, which were then departed or severed with the river of Tyne, Deyra contained the land from Humber to the river of Tyne, and Bernicia included the Country from Tyne to the Scottish Sea. ¶ In Bernicia reigned first as is abovesaid, Ida or Idas, Ella first king of Deyra. and in Deyra reigned first Ella, which Lordships began both within three years. But in process of time both in one were named the kingdom of Northumberlande, which so continued, somewhile under one king, and some while under two, the space of. CCC.xxj. years, as saith Reynulph Monk of Chester. And the name continued afterward unto the Saxons and Danes, until the coming of Edredus brother of Ethelstane, and son of Edward the elder. The which Edredus in the ix or last year of his reign joined this to his own kingdom. By which reason it should seem that this kingdom endured under that name four hundredth ix years. ¶ The first christian Prince of this kingdom was named Edwynus, Edwinus the first christian king of Northumberlande. that received the faith of S. Paulyne (as Guydo saith.) In this Lordship also were included these Shires and Countries now called, York, Notyngham Shire, Derby Shire, the Bishopric of Durham, Copelande and other. ¶ Among the many kings of saxons that reigned in this Lordship, which after some writers were to the number of xxiij Ethelfridus. there was one which was accounted the eight king, named Ethelfridus, who destroyed more Britons than all the other Saxon kings, and he was father to Oswy, called Saint Oswald. ¶ But most cruelly raged he against them in a battle that he had beside Chester, where by the instigation of Ethelbert king of Kent, he slew also two thousand Monks of the house of Bangor, A slaughter of Monks. as sayeth Polichronicon in the ten Chapter of his fift Book, the which Monks were come together to pray for the good speed of the Britons. And beside this number of Monks, there were fifty that fled, whereby they with their leader Brucival were saved. Of such a number of Monks in one house, might be deemed a wonder: But Reynulph and Guydo also do affirm that in the house of Bangor at those days, were three times seven hundredth Monks which lived by the travail of their hands. Gaufride. ¶ The cause of the great slaughter of the aforesaid Monks is declared by Gaufride in the eight book and four Chapter, who writeth thereof as followeth. Their Abbot saith he named Dionotus, was a man singularly well learned in the liberal sciences, who when Austyn required the british Bishops to submit themselves unto him, and persuaded him to take pains with him to preach the Gospel unto the English Nation, proved by diverse reasons that they aught not to yield any such subjection unto him, forasmuch as they had an Archbishop of their own, nor yet to preach to their enemies the Saxons, which seized not daily to take from them their own natural Country, for the which cause they hated them deadly, and weighed not what faith or Religion they were off, neither did they communicate with them in any thing more than with Dogs. Therefore when Ethelbert king of Kent saw how the Britons disdained to submit themselves unto Austyn, and contemned his doctrine, and preaching, being highly displeased therewith he incensed Ethelfride king of Northumberland, and other of the Saxon kings also, to assemble a great power of men of arms, and then to go to Bangor and destroy Dionotus, with the Clergy there, & all the said religious persons that had so despised the said Austyn. The which Princes following his advice and counsel, gathered together a wonderful great army, and so marching forwards towards Wales, came into the town of Chester, where Brueinall head ruler of that town waited for their coming: Whether also came at that same season an innumerable sort of Monks and eremites out of diverse Provinces of the Britons, but especially out of the City of Bangor, to pray to God to save and defend their people. ¶ Now when Ethelfridus king of Northumberlande had arreared a great power out of all quarters, he set upon the said Brucival, who by reason he had the less number of Soldiers, was constrained to forsake the City and fly away, but not before he had slain a great number of his enemies. Now when Ethelfridus had taken the City, and understood the cause of the coming of the said Monks, he commanded them first of all to be set upon, and so were there of them the same day a thousand and two hundred martyred. Hitherto Gaufride. Oswald or Oswy ●●ue x●. Lordship's to ●unde. x●. Abbeys. ¶ The aforenamed Oswy or Oswolde, was after king of this province, which gave with his daughter Elfleda a Nun twelve lordships unto the Church, to build therewith twelve Monasteries, whereof uj of the said Lordships were in Bernicia, and uj in Deyra, as saith Guydo and Reynulph in his fift book, and xuj Chapter. VOrtiporius the son of Conanus, reigned after his father over the Britons: Of this man is no notable thing written, but that Guydo saith he was a victorious knight, and that in sundry battles he discomfited the Saxons. ¶ In the time of the reign of this king, a Saxon named Ella the son of Iffus, began to reign on the southside of the Kingdom of Northumberland called Deyra, as before is expressed. ¶ When Vortiporius had ruled the Britons four years, he died, leaving none heir of his body. ¶ And forasmuch as all writers agreed that the kings of West Saxons, at length subdued all the other kingdoms in Briteyn, and made the whole land of Briteyn but one kingdom or Monarchy, and all other aswell of Britons as Saxons left off: Therefore I intend to bring in the name of every king of the West Saxons from the first Cerdicus or Childricus, and join them with the kings of the Britons, for so long as hereafter the said Britons continued their reign within any part of Briteyn. MAlgo a Duke of Briteyn, and nephew to Aurely, reigned over the Britons. This Malgo by the testimony of many writers was the comeliest and most personable man of all the Britons that then lived, Malgo. and therewithal was a hardy knight. And he so withstood the Saxons, and kept them under, that they damaged not the land, the which he then had possession of, and as Gaufride saith, he subdued six provinces, that is to say, Ireland, the Isles of the Orcades, Gothland, Iseland, Norway, Iseland. Orchades. and Denmark, and held them in quiet possession. ¶ In the time of the reign of this Malgo, reigned in the Lordship or kingdom of Kent Ethelbert, who (as saith Reynulph) assembled a great army, and gave battle unto Ceaulmus son of Kenricus, and then king of West Saxons, the cause whereof is not expressed. But this battle was the first battle that was fought between the Saxons, after that they obtained land and dwelling within Briteyn, which was fought in a place called Wilbaldowne. And in that fight were slain two Dukes of Ethelbertes, and himself with his people put to flight and chased. ¶ Also the said Reynulph witnesseth that the year following Cutwolphus the brother of Ceaulmus before named, fought strongly against the Britons at Bedford, and recovered from them four Cities or towns, named Liganbrough, Egelsbrough, Besington, and Euysham. ¶ But now to return to Malgo king of the Britons, the Author of the Flower of Histories saith, that notwithstanding the many virtues, the which God had endued him with, yet in the end he forgot God, forsaking all virtue and gave himself to sundry vices and sins, Sodomy. namely to the abominable sin of Sodomy: whereof ensued to him the wrath of God, whereby he was afterward sore persecuted of his enemies the Saxons. ¶ It was not long after the aforenamed battle done at Bedforde, but that the aforesaid Cutwolphus died: But yet his said brother Ceaulmus desirous of honour, maintained his war against the Britons, so that after he made a new voyage against them, and gave them another discomfiture, and took from them the Cities of , Gloucester, and Worcestre, which should be as Reynulph accounteth in the xxix year of the reign of Malgo. ¶ About the xxxiij year of his reign Ceaulmus before named, gathered his Saxons, and fought with the Britons at a place called Fechanlege: where after long fight the said Ceaulmus chased the Britons, and won of them victory: but his brother called Cutha, was slain in the fight, for whom he made great sorrow. Thus in his latter days, Malgo being oppressed and pursued of his enemies, lastly died, when he had reigned xxxv years. COnwall was made king of Scots, and reigned ten years. He was a Man of great devotion, and gave much to Churches. He made many laws concerning the liberty of Priests. In his time Saint Colme of Ireland, and Mungo the holy Bishop of Blasquew were in Scotland. KIncatill brother of Conwallus reigned in Scotland four Months, and after him Aidane xxvij years. In his time variance happened between the Pictes and Scots, because that Lerudeus King of Pictes would not restore to Aidane certain Traitors which fled out of his land. CAreticus, or Carencius, as some call him, after the death of Malgo, reigned over the Britons. This Man was a lover of civil battle, and was in manners and conditions the worst of all men, Civil battle. and therefore was hated of God and his subjects, in such wise as they excited and provoked the Saxons to war against him (as saith Guydo) and chased him from City to City, and from Town to Town, until they had recovered from him all such land as his predecessor Malgo, had holden before him. ¶ But Polichronicon addeth more thereunto, and saith, forasmuch as the Saxons knew of the dissension between Careticus and his Britons, they in all haste sent into Ireland for the King called Gurmundus, Gurmundus king of Ireland. King of the Africans, and he warred so sore upon the Britons, that lastly the said Careticus was feign to take the Town now called Sicester, and therein besieged him with his Britons a certain time, Sicester. where, by daily skirmishes and assaults he lost many of his people. ¶ When Careticus had a season assayed and proved the strength of his enemies, and saw that they still increased and his people lessened and minisued: he suddenly left that Town, and with a certain number of Britons took over Severne water and so into Wales, then called Cambria, which should be in the third year of his reign. ¶ Truth it is, that after Careticus and his Britons were thus driven into Wales, yet he left not continually to make assaults upon the Saxons that were near unto him. IN this time, or soon after, Ethelfridus ruled the North Saxons, for as sayeth Guydo, he began the reign over Deyra and Bernicia, in the year of our Lord five hundred xciij Ethelfridus the son of Ethelricus. This is Ethelfridus the son of Ethelricus that pursued so sore the Britons, & slew so great a number of the Monks of the Town of Bangor as is before rehearsed, the which daily warred upon the Britons, and the Britons upon him, so that he destroyed & subverted much of Christ's faith, with the help of the aforesaid Gormond: insomuch as the Bishops of London and York, Bishops fled out of this Realm. with other ministers of the Church, fled into divers Countries, so that their Church doors were shut up after them, or else occupied in the worshipping of their Idols and false Gods. faith of Christ decayed in England. ¶ Thus the faith that had endured in Briteyn from the time of Lucius the first christian king in Briteyn till this day, near upon the space of four hundredth years and odd, was almost extinct throughout all the land. ¶ And when the aforenamed Gurmond had finished his tyranny within the land of Briteyn, than he sailed into France, where he was after slain (as sayeth Polichronica) albeit the French Chronicle speaketh nothing of any such man during this persecution, as witnesseth Guydo. Persecution. ¶ During also this trouble between the Saxons and the Britons, the Lordship or kingdom of the East Saxons began to take place, as after shall be showed. ¶ In this time also Ethelbert reigned in Kent, and bore himself very valiantly, in such wise that he enlarged his kingdom to the bounds of Humber. Gregory Bishop of Rome In which time Gregory, who for his notable deeds was surnamed the great, was made Bishop of Rome: This Gregory as before is touched in the story of Ethelbert, having compassion on the Country from whence so fair children came, as he before had seen, and thinking it not meet that it should be inhabited with Pagans' or people of misbelief, sent into Briteyn a learned man named Austyne, with other of his brethren, to preach to the Anglis the faith of Christ. But as sayeth Antoninus in the third Chapter, Antoninus. and xii. title of his aforesaid work: when Austyne was three days journey gone and passed, such a sudden fear entered into him and his fellows that they turned again. Then Gregory comforted the said company, and sent them with Letters to the Bishop Arelatensis, willing him to help and aid him in all that to him needed. Austyn sent into England to preach. The tenor of which Letters and other sent to Ethelbert king of Kent, with their answers, are written with other questions in the Register of Gregory, and in the books of Beda and other. ¶ Austyne being thus comforted, sped him on his journey and landed on the East side of Kent in the Isle of Thanet with xl of his fellows, whereof some were Interpreters, or such as could speak all languages. near unto the place before named, where Austyne landed, stood at those days, the manor or Palace of the said king Ethelbert, where at this day appear some of the ruinous walls, and is called of the inhabitants of that Isle, Richbourgh Richbourgh. It is apparent between the Isle and the Town of Sandwiche, upon a Mile and a half from the said Town, Eastward from Cauntorbury. ¶ Then when Austyne was landed, he sent the said interpreters unto Ethelbert, saying that they were sent from Rome for the salvation of the king and his Realm. The king before time had heard of the faith of Christ, for he had to wife a French woman that was christened, named Berta, and had received her upon condition that he should suffer her to live after her law. ¶ Then after a certain time, the king spoke with Austyne, but that was without the house, after the manner of his law, who against the coming of the king arreared and displayed a Banner of the Crucifix, and preached to him the word of God. Then the king said, it is fair that ye promise', but for that it is to me strange and new, I may not so soon assent unto you. But for that ye become so far for my sake, ye shall be well entreated, and have all things that shall be unto your necessary, and we grant you leave to convert of our people as many as ye can. And when they had received this comfort of the king, they went with procession to the City of Cauntorbury, Procession. singing Alleluya, where they led their lives, like as holy fathers did first begin in the primative Church, infasting, praying, watching, and such like godly exercises. Fabian. ¶ At length, Ethelbert converted to the faith of Christ. when the king had well considered the conversion and godly life of Austyn and his fellows, he heard them the more gladly, and lastly, by their good exhortations & ghostly love, he was converted, and christened in the year of our Lord five hundredth xcuj and the sixth year of his reign, Polichro. as saith Polichronicon. Christ's church in Canterbury. ¶ Then the king gave to Austyn a place for his Bishops See, at Christ's Church in Cauntorburie, and builded the Abbey of S. Peter and S. Paul, on the East side of the said City, Saint Austynes in Canterbury. where after Austen and all the kings of kent were buried, and that place is called now Saint Austynes. ¶ Then Austyn sailed into France to the Bishop of Arelatensis, and was of him consecrated archbishop of Cauntorburie. ¶ Now when Gregory was certified of the good expedition of Austyn, he sent to him more helpers, Melitus. justus. Paulinus. as Melitus, justus, and Paulinus, with books and answers to Austynes questions: that was, that all such goods as fell to the Church, should be divided into four parts: The first part should go to the house and maintenance of the bishops household: A charitable divident. The second to the Clergy, the third to the amendment of the Churches, and the fourth to the relief of poor people and deeds of mercy. ¶ When Austyn had baptized a great part of the kingdom of Kent, he after made two Archbishops by the commandment of Gregory, archbishops to Caunterburie & york the one at Cauntorburie, the which before was at London, and the other at York, as saith the writer of the flowers of stories: and by the help of Ethelbert, he assembled and gathered together the Bishops and Doctors of Briteyn, that were before disparkeled. The place of the assembly was long time after called Austynes Oak, Austynes Oak which is expounded to be Austin's strength, & is in the Marches or confines of the people then called Wictij, now Wigorniensis, that is to say Worcester. For this synod, as Bale writeth was holden in Worcestershire. ¶ In this place, he charged the said Bishops, that they should aid him to preach the word of God to the Anglis, and also that they should among themselves amend certain errors then used in the Church, and specially for the time of keeping their Easter, the contrary whereof, the Bishops of Briteyn held an opinion until (saith Fabian) that Austyn by his prayers showed there a Miracle by a blind Angle or Saxon. Miracle. ¶ After the which Miracle showed, the said Bishops applied them to the will and mind of Austyn in that matter: But for all this, there were of them that said, that they might not leave the custom which they so long had continued, without the assent of all such as had used the same. Then he gathered a Synod, to the which came vij Bishops, but they agreed not. ¶ The Author of the flower of stories, showeth how Austyn having conference with the british Bishops and Clergy, could in no wise persuade them at the first, to receive his doctrine: And being by him required to come to a second Synod or counsel, as they were going to the same, they came first unto a discrete godly man, which had of a long time ledan Anchores' life amongst them, to ask him counsel, whether at the preaching of Austen they should forego their old traditions or no? who answered on this wise: if he be a man of God, follow him. To whom they said again, & how may we know that? you know (saith he) that the Lord gave this commandment, saying: Take my yoke upon you, learn of me because I am lowly and meek in heart, then is it likely that he beareth the yoke of Christ himself, and also offereth the same unto you to bear. But if he be proud and high minded, you may be sure that he is not of God, neither aught you to take any regard unto his words. Then said they again, and how may we discern this? Provide (saith he) that he and his may come first into the Synod, and if when you come, he arise up and reverence you, than you may be sure that he is Christ's minister, and is to be heard obediently of you: But if he despise you, and think himself to good to give any such reverence unto you being the greater part, despise you him again. And it so fortuned afterwards, that Austyn being set down before they came in, sat still in his Chair, and made them no countenance at all, neither yielded any reverence unto them. The which thing they beholding, were by and by in a chafe, and noting him to be haughty and proud, endeavoured themselves, to contrary and speak against all that ever he spoke: But who so desireth to read more hereof, shall find the same set out at large in Fabian in his fift part and. C.xix. Chapter. These following were the names of the British Bishops that were in those days. The B. of Henfortensis Tanensis Paternensis Banchorensis Hereford Cardiff Llandaffe Bangor Elinensis Wiccensis Morganensis S. Asaph Worcester Morgan And all these were under the archbishop of Menevia, called at this day Saint Davies. ¶ Ethelbert as divers writers do writ being now confirmed in the faith, Ethelbert founded Paul's church in London, but some say Sigebert founded it. among other chargeable and costly deeds began the foundation of Paul's Church within the City of London, and ordained it for the Bishops See of London. For the Archbishops See that before time had been there, was by Austyne and Ethelbert at the suit and request of the Citizens of Cauntorburie, translated to Cauntorbury. archbishopric of London translated to Cantorbury. But of the building of the Church of S. Paul, divers opinions be. For some writ that it was builded or begun to be builded by Sigebert king of East Anglis, but more truly king of Essex. This Ethelbert also founded the Church of S. Androw in Rochester in Kent. ¶ Also (as Fabian saith) he excited an inhabitant or Citizen of London to build a Church or Chapel in the worship of Saint Peter in the West end of London then called Thorney (and now the Town of westminster, S. Peter's at Westminster. the which at that time was exceedingly forgrown with Thorns, Bushes and briars, The building of Westminster. ) where the said Citizen began to build the Church of westminster, which afterward was by Edward the Confessor enlarged or new builded. But by king Henry the third it was newly edified and made as it is now a beautiful Monastery, and he endued it with goodly possessions and rich jewels. ¶ And as Reynulph sayeth, this king when he had reigned luj years over the Lordship of Kent, died in the xxj year after that he had received the faith of Christ. A Idane king of Scots, being confederate with the Britons about this time warred fiercely against Ethelfride king of Northumberlande and the Pictes, and overthrew them in two great battles, KEnneth Keir the son of Conwallus was ordained king of Scotland, and reigned only four Months. And after him Eugenius the fourth of that name, xv. years. He was a just and virtuous Prince, and instructed in his youth by the holy man Colme. He commanded all juggelers, minstrels, Scoffers and such idle persons either to avoid his land, Minstrels, juggelers, & Scoffers banished as vagabonds. or else to find some honest craft or occupation to live by. ¶ During also the aforesaid persecution of the Britons, before any ruler of them were specially named, began the reign of the East Saxons (as sayeth Reynulph) under Sebertus their first king. Sebertus first king of the East Saxons. Albeit that Guydo de Columna saith, that it began when the kingdom of the East Anglis began. This kingdom, that is to say, Essex, hath on the East side the Sea, on the West Middlesex and London, on the South the Thames, and on the North Suffolk, and endured two hundredth years, as most writers affirm. Sebertus converted to the christian faith. ¶ The first christian king of this Lordship was the aforenamed Sebertus, converted by the means of Molitus Bishop of London, as saith Guydo: But after his saying this Sebertus should be the third king of Essex. All writers agreed that the kings of this Lordship were most commonly named under kings, or Petty kings, & were subjects unto the kings of Mertia. ¶ But now to return to the Britons, which in all this time occupied a part of Cornwall and the Countries of Cambria, as North-wales & South-Wales, and there held them in making of assaults upon the Saxons as before is said, the which so continued by the space of xxiiij years. At which time the Britons of one assent chose for their sovereign and ruler the Duke of North-wales named Cadwane. . CAdwane Duke of North-wales, was by one assent of the Britons made their Lord and governor. ¶ Ye have heard before what discord and trouble was among the Britons in the time of Careticus last king, and long after, by reason whereof the Saxons wan the more land. And as before it is showed that Ethelfride king of Northumberlande overset the Britons at the City of Chester, and forced them to flee over Severne, and so into Wales, where they than chose or elected this to be their Duke and leader. The which after he was put in authority, assembled his Briteynes and came again into Briteyn, and gave battle unto the said Ethelfride, in the which they sped diversly, so that some season the Saxons wan, and sometime the Britons: But the Britons held Chester and other good Towns, which they recovered at their last coming. ¶ It should seem by the meaning of Reynulph, that this should at the length slay the said Ethelfride and Osricus, both kings of Bernicia and Deyra. But Guydo and Gaufride say, that after this had the better of Ethelfride, it was agreed by Mediators that Ethelfride should enjoy all the land over and beyond Humber into Scotland: and Cadwan also should have the land from Humber toward the South. To the which saying agreeth the English Chronicle, affirming also that he should be the son of Brucival King of Leycester, Brucival king of Leycester. the which of other Writers is not testified. ¶ It is also there showed, that after the said accord between Ethelfride and Cadwan, that then they continued during their lives as two most special friends and lovers, during the reign of this , the two sons of Colricus, Kingilsus and Quichilinus after the death of their father's brother, Colwolphus ruled jointly the principality of the West Saxons. The which in their beginning fought against the Britons at Abyndon beside Oxford, and wan of them the Town and other holds, which the Britons in that Country occupied. But by agreement of writers, this was not at this conflict, neither meddled he so far within the land. But as it should seem by Guydo, these Britons should be some company that should live under the tribute of the Saxons, the which for the manhood that they had heard reported of Cadwan, rebelled against the Saxons. ¶ Then it followeth, when this had thus continued his amity with Ethelfride, it fortuned, that this Ethelfride for hatred or otherwise, put from him his wife being great with child, and took to him another. Wherefore this woman being remediless, calling to mind the great love that was between her husband and , she went unto him and most instantly besought him to reconcile her Lord and husband, that she might be restored to his company. But for that , after many means and requests made, could not bring it about, he therefore tendering her necessity kept her in his Court until she was delivered of a man child, whom she caused to be called Edwin. Edwin. And soon after was the wife of delivered of a son, whom the father named Cadwalyn. Cadwalyn. But the Author of the Flower of histories sayeth, that these two children were borne long before this time. The which should seem to be true, Matthew of Westminster. for so much as this Cadwalyn was of lawful age to govern this land when his father died, the which he could not do if he had been borne but now, and of this ye may read more in Fabian, in his fift book and. C.xxviij. Chapter. ¶ But to return to the story of : About the xiiij year of his reign Quinchelinus that was brother unto Kyngilsus, and jointly ruled the West Saxons, sent upon an Easter day a Ruffian called Eumerus, to slay Edwin king of Northumberland. This Cuthroat ruffian came to a City beside the water of Darewent in Darbishire, & waited his time, and at the last finding the king smally accompanied, intending to have run through him with a sword envenomed: But one Lylla the kings trusty servant, being without either shield or other weapon to defend his Master, start between the king and the sword, and was stricken through the body and died, A vile traitor and the king also was wounded with the same stroke: and after also he wounded another which was a Knight, and then was he taken, and confessed by whom he was appointed to work that treason. The knight and the King that were wounded, lay long sick before they were healed. And the night following the Queen was delivered of a Daughter, the which King Edwin caused to be Christened of Paulinus archbishop of York, in token that he would fulfil such promise touching the receiving of baptism as he before had made. And she was named Enfleda. Enfleda. ¶ And after Whitsuntide than next following, Edwin being scantly whole of the wound, assembled his host, and made toward the kings of the West Saxon, and after a great and sore fight, he vanquished and overthrew them. But for all this victory he forgot to be thankful unto God, the giver not only of his health, but also of the same victory. And afterward he received letters of exhortation from Boniface then Bishop of Rome, to take upon him baptism: And the said Bishop likewise exhorted the Queen, Tokens sent from the Bishop of Rome and sent unto her a Glass to look in, with a comb of ivory richly garnished, and a shirt for the King wrought in sundry places with letters of Gold: But all this prevailed nothing at all. ¶ How be it, it was not long after, that the King assembled his counsel, and by their agreement he was of the said Paulinus baptized within the said City, Ewyn the first christian king of Northumberland. the xj year of his reign, and the year of our Lord. 627. He was the first Christian king that reigned in that Country. And after him, many of his Lords and subjects were also Christened of the said Paulinus, and the Flamyns or Bishops which were worshippers of false Gods, were converted and made the Ministers of Christ's Faith. In token whereof, they armed themselves as knights, and bestrydde good horses, where before by their law, they might use no armour, nor ride but only on a Mare. Fabian. ¶ From this time forward by the term of uj years, during the life of king Edwin, Christening first used in Rivers. Paulinus christened continually in both the provinces of Bernicia, and Deyra, in the Rivers of Gueny, and Swala, which he used for his Fontes, and Preached in the Shire of Lyndesey, and builded a Church of Stone at Lincoln, the which of some is supposed to be the Minster Church. And in this time was so great peace in the Kingdom of Edwin, that a woman might have gone from one town to another without grief or annoyance. And for the relief and refreshing of wayfaring men, this Edwin ordained at clear Welles and Springs, Cups of Iron. certain Cups or Dishes of Iron and brass, and caused the same to be fastened unto them with small chains, and no man was so hardy to take away any of those Cups, he kept so good justice, and therewith was knightly of his deeds. Eubonia now called the Isle of Man. ¶ He was the first that wan the Isle of Eubonia, now called the Isle of Man. And by his means Orpewaldus, or Corpewaldus the son of Redwaldus king of the East Angles, or Norphis, to whom Edwin had fled for succour, was converted to the true faith, & a great part of his men with him. ¶ And about this season began the kingdom of Mertia or middle England, under the strong Saxon or paynim called Penda, which Lordship contained Huntingtonshire, Herefordshire, Glocestershire, and other, and that was the greatest of all the other Kingdoms. And at that time reigned in diverse parts of this land seven kings: Sibertus among the East Saxons: Redwold king of East Angles, now called Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire: Ethelbert king of Kent: Ethelwolphus king of Sussex: Kingilsus, and Quinchelinus king of West Saxons: Penda, of Mertia, and Edwin of Northumberland. ¶ And for that this Edwin excelled the other kings, they envied at him, and specially Penda king of Mertia, the which provoked Cadwan king of Britons against him. So that they two assembled a great host against Edwin, and lastly met in a place called hatfield, and after sharp and sore fight on both sides, there Edwin was slain, when he had reigned over the Northumber's xvij years. Fabian. ¶ When these two kings , & Penda, had thus overcome the king, and slain both him & many of his people, they became so cruel to men of that country, Paulinus. that they destroyed therein great numbers of people, not sparing, men, women, children, religious persons, nor other. Wherefore Paulinus the archbishop, beholding their cruelness, took with him the Queen, and Enfleda her daughter, & fled by water into Kent. And because the Bishoprich of Rochester was then void, by reason that Romanus the last Bishop was dead: Paulinus was there ordained and made Bishop of that See, and there died, and also as Reynulph saith, he left there his Pall, and the Archbishopric of York was voided xxx years after. But the Queen which was named Etherberga, sailed into France, and became there a Nun, and likewise her daughter Eufleda kept her possession, and was after Abbess of Stemshalt in the Vale of Whytbie. ¶ After the death of Edwin, Osricus that was the son of Elfricus, Osricus. which was brother to Ethelfridus, took upon him to be king of Deyra, and Eaufricus the eldest son of Ethelfrida, was made king of Bernicia, both the which revolted from Christ's faith, and became miscreants. For the which the wrath of God shortly after fell upon them, for they were both slain in the year following, of the aforenamed and Penda. ¶ And when the said two kings were thus slain, Oswalde. oswald the second son of Ethelfride began his reign over the province of Bernicia, as chief of that Kingdom of Northumberland, and had the rule of Deyra likewise, whereof when Cadwan was ware, he gathered his Britons, and thought to have slain him, as he had before slain his brother Eaufricus. But when Oswalde was warned of the great strength that Cadwan had, he made his prayers to God, and besought him meekly of help to withstand his enemy for the salvation of his people. Then after he had thus prayed, the two armies met in a field named at that time Denysborne or Denyslake, where was fought a strong battle, and in the end Cadwan was slain, Cadwan slain. and his people chased, the number whereof did far exceed Oswaldes' host. And thus ended the said when he had reigned over the Britons xxij years, leaving after him a son named Cadwallyne. FErquhard the eldest son of Eugenius was king of Scots twelve years. In the time of this man's reign, by his negligence was great division, and debate among the Nobles of the Realm, and for his cruelty and negligence in the affairs of the common weal, he was of the Lords disgraded, and cast in Prison, and for sorrow thereof slew himself. MAhomet, of Arabia, 625 Mahomet. at this time when there was great confusion of things both in the East and West, than began his error, he came out of a base stock, and being fatherless, one Abdemonaples, Abdemonalpes. a man of the house of Ishmael bought him for his slave, and loved him greatly for his favour and wit: For which cause, he made him ruler of his merchandise and other business. Then one Sergius a Monk, Sergius a Monk. which for Heresy fled into to Arabia, who instructed him in the heresy of Nestorius. In the mean season, his master died without children, leaving behind him much riches, and his wife a rich Widow of fifty years of age, whom Mahomet married, and when she died, he was made heir, and greatly increased in riches: And for his magical arts, was had also in great admiration and honour of the foolish people. Wherefore by the counsel of Sergius, he called himself the Prophet of God, and shortly after, when his name was published, and then taken to be of great authority, he devised a law or kind of Religion, called KORAN, Koran. in the which he took some part well near of all the heresies that had been before his time. With the Sabellians he divided the Trinity: with the Manichees, he affirmed to be but two persons in the deity: he denied the equality of the father and the son with Eunomius: and said with Macedon, the holy-Ghost was a creature: and approved the multitude of wives with the Nicolaites: He borrowed of the jews, circumcision, and of the Gentiles much superstition, and somewhat he took of the christian verity, beside many devilish fantasies invented of his own brain: Those that obeyed his law, he called Saracens. When he had lived forty years, he died of the falling sickness, the which he had of long time dissembled, feigning that when he was taken therewith, the Angel Gabriel appeared unto him, whose brightness he could not behold. Cooper. 631 Donewald King of Scots. DOnewald the third son of Eugenius was ordained king of Scots, and governed the realm virtuously and wisely xu years. CAdwallyn, the son of , after the death of his father took upon him the government of the Britons, and he was valiant and mighty, and warred strongly upon the Saxons, which were near about him, and he wan from them both Castles and Towns, and drove them back into the land toward London: whereof, he●●ing Penda king of Mertia, assembled his Saxons and made toward the said Cadwallyn: But he was in the end distressed, and glad and fain to seek and purchase his favour and friendship, and to live under his tribute. Penda. ¶ And after this Penda was in great favour with Cadwallyn, insomuch as he took part with him against the other Saxon Kings. And about this time Kyngilsus one of the kings of the West Saxons, was by the preaching of Berinus converted to the right belief, and christened of him at the City of Dorchester, within vij Miles of Oxford. And Oswald king of Northumberland, or rather king of Bernicia, was his Godfather, & wedded his daughter afterward. And then that City was given to the Bishop, to the end that he should there ordain his See, where the said Berinus sat xiv. years after, and there was buried, until Beda Bishop of Winchester translated his body to the City of Winchester, albeit, the Canons of Dorchester said, that the body of Beryne was not taken thence but another in the stead thereof, & yet in token that it was not removed thence a Bear of a wonderful work stood of late days over that grave where this holy man was first buried. It should seem that this City of Dorchester, is now called Dorset. This See was in the time of William Conqueror translated to Lyncolne. Dorcester, Lincoln. ¶ About this time Sigebertus or Sigisbertus king of the East Anglis set up certain schools in divers places, and ordained over them Scoolemasters and Ushers, as he sometime had seen in France. And after the opinion of many writers one of them was by him erected in Gtrantbridge, Cambridge being then the head City of his dominion, now called Cambridge, the which in process of time grew to be a famous University, as it is now at this day. And the said Sigebert was converted to the faith of Christ, by that holy man named Felix a Burgonnion: and finally the said king betook his kingdom unto his Nephew Egritus, & became himself a Monk in an Abbey which he himself builded. ¶ But when Penda king of Mertia warred after in that Country, the said Sigebert was against his will pulled out of the foresaid Monastery, and went in arms, or as some writ unarmed with a white rod in his hand nicely, and so was slain, Sigesbert slain. and well near all his host that came with him to that Field. ¶ After the death of this Sigisbert, Anna was made king of East Anglis. Anna. ¶ About the vij year of the reign of Cadwallyne, a Saxon reigned in Kent named Ercombertus, who held that principate twenty years nobly. Ercombertus. And among other of his famous deeds, he revived and quickened again the faith of Christ, that in some places of his kingdom was sore apalled. For he destroyed the Temples of false Gods through all that Country and ordained by the advice of his Clergy the time of Lent to be fasted. The institution of the time of Lent. He wedded the daughter of Anna king of East Anglys, named Sexburga, of whom he received a daughter & named her Eukendoga, the which after was a Nun in a Monastery in France. ¶ About this time, as it were about the eight year of Cadwallyne, died Kyngilsus king of the West Saxons, when he had reigned with his brother and alone xxxj years. And Kenwalcus his son was king after him, Kenwalcus. the which at the beginning of his reign would not be christened, and forsook his wife the daughter of Penda, and took to him another. Wherefore Penda to be avenged for his daughter's cause, gathered his host and chased Kenwalcus out of his kingdom, and kept him thence three years. In the which time, he was with Anna king of the East Anglis and was christened of Felix, and after by the help of the said Anna recovered his kingdom. ¶ When Kenwalcus was thus restored to his land, he made a Bishops See at Wynchester, and ordained there a Bishop named Agilbert, Agilbert. a Frenchman borne, but he came out of Ireland. The which when he had sitten there a certain of time, he was deposed and put from thence, but the cause why, I know not, and in his place was set one named Wyn, Wyn, of whom the town of Winchester took his name. of whom sayeth Polichronichon, the City took the name of Wynchester, as it were wins City. But he was also deposed: And then was Leutherius Bishop, and after Leutherius succeeded Cedda: And after him Theodorus archbishop of Cauntorbury ordained two Bishops to the province of West Saxon. The one at Winchester, and to that was subject two Counties, Southrey and Southhampshire. And the other See he ordained at Sherborne, to the which were subject six Counties, that is to say Berkshire, Wyltshire, Somersetshire, Dorsetshire, Devonshire, and Cornwall, but in William the conquerors time, the See of Sherborne was turned to the See of Sarisbury, as was also the See of Rammesbury. ¶ It was not long after but that Kenwalcus warred with the king of Britons, the which fought with him at a place called white Gosneborough, White Gosneborough. and was of him there overcome. Then Cadwallyne assembled a new host of Britons, and met with Kenwalcus at a place called the hill of Pent, where after a long and sore battle, the Britons were put to flight. ¶ Ye have heard before how Oswald was made king of Northumberland, the which continued his life in justice and virtue as a king should do, by the space of ix years: But Penda king of Mertia, who to him and to all christian men had great disdain and envy, about the ix oswald, Meserfielde year of Cadwallyne made war upon Oswald, and slew him in a field called Meserfelde, where after his death (as Fabian saith) God showed for him many miracles. But after one year of his death Oswy his younger brother recovered the kingdom, and buried his head in the Churchyard of Lyndesar, for the body was conveyed by the Pagans', and divided in sundry pieces. ¶ When Oswy had a season ruled his kingdom, he by unlawful means procured the death of Oswyn king of Deyra. This Oswyn was the son of Eaufricus eldest brother of Oswald, which Oswyn was good of condition and therewith both meek and mild, oswin. slain. and being thus slain, as is aforesaid, the said Oswy took to him as fellow of that kingdom his brother's son Odylwald, the son of Oswald. This Oswald gave unto Cedda Bishop of Wynchester before named, a ground in a place of the North Country in the high hills called Lastyngery, for to build an Abbay upon, which he there builded, and after taught his brother Chymbillus how he should rule and govern that place. Penda. ¶ Now Penda King of Mertia, which forgot not the strengthening and favouring that Anna King of East Anglys had showed to Kenwalcus his daughter's husband, and his enemy, and therefore desirous to be revenged on him, gathered a power of men of war and went against the said Anna, and slew him in plain battle. ¶ After the which victory, the said Penda, being puffed up with pride, and glory, went forward with his host into Northumberlande, intending to slay Oswy, Oswy. as before he had slain his brother Oswald. Whereof when Oswy had knowledge, he assembled his power and made towards him. And for affinity of marriage that was between their children, and other causes as after shall apere Oswy offered unto him many great offers, to the intent to have had him to have stayed from battle, and to have had peace with him. ¶ When Oswy perceived the obstinacy and pride of Penda, and saw that by no reasonable means he could move him to peace, he said, seeing this Paynym will not receive our gifts and proffers that we have offered unto him, we will now offer it to him that can receive them. And forthwith he made his vow unto God, Vow. that if he had the victory over his enemies, he would offer his daughter Elfleda unto him, with sufficient possessions for to build twelve Abbeys. And shortly after, he joined in battle with Penda, in the country of Leedys, not far from York, which battle was so sore fought that the like was not seen many years before: But in the end Penda was slain, Penda slain and xxx of his chief Captains, and yet he had three times the number of people that Oswy had. And those that escaped the shot and sword, were for the greatest part drowned in the river Wynwed, which was near unto the place of that battle. And among the Prisoners that were taken at this field, the wife of Penda was one, and her sons Uncle named Egfridus was another. Fabian. ¶ Then Oswy yielded his thanks unto almighty God, and according to his former promise, he offered his daughter Elfleda being of the age of three years unto God, and took her to the Lady of Hilda, Abbess of Hertsey, or hearts Island. And after that the said Hilda removed to the Abbey of Stremshalt in the vale of Whitby xxx mile from York, where she was after Abbess, and so was Elfleda also. And Oswy as he had promised gave lands and rents to build twelve Abbeys, whereof six were in Bernicia, and six in the province of Deyra. ¶ This aforenamed Penda had diverse sons, as writers report, that is to say, Wolferus, Weda, Egfridus, beside other not mentioned. To this second son Weda, Oswy had before time married a daughter of his by consent of Penda his father: Wherefore, by the help of Oswy his father in law he was made King of South Mertia, the which Lordship is severed from the North Mertia by the river of Trent, & it contained by the record of Beda five thousand households. This Weda also promised when he married the said daughter of Oswy, that he would become a Christian man, the which he performed after the death of his father. But when he had scantly reigned three years over the said South Mertia, he was by treason of his wife slain (as saith Fabian) but he showeth no cause. And after that Kingdom fell to Wolferus the other brother, Wolferus. the which had wedded the daughter of Ercombert king of Kent, named Ermenilda. Ercombert king of Kent. This Wolferus was shortly after christened, so that he is accounted for the first christened king that reigned in Mertia, and was father to Keneredus, and to Wereburga. ¶ And for that it is long sithen I spoke of Kenwalcus king of West Saxons, Kenwalcus. it is to be noted that after he had overcome the Britons (as before is showed) and at that time had not perfected the Bishops See of Winchester, he then busied himself thereabout. Kingilsus. And according to the will of Kingilsus his father, he gave to the sustentation of the said See, all the land which lay within vij miles of the said City (as saith the flower of Histories) and finished it some deal to his purpose, but far from that it is now. ¶ Soon after that Kenwalcus had ended this work, he made war upon Wolferus of Mertia. But in that journey fortune was not friendly unto him, for he lost thereby and wan nothing of his intent and purpose. ¶ It was not long after, but Ercombert king of Kent died, and his son Egbert was king after him ix year. Mortality. And shortly after chanced great mortality and death throughout this land of Briteyn, the which continued and increased more and more during the life of this Cadwallyn, and the life of Cadwallader which followed him. In the which season or beginning of this mortality and sickness, died many Bishops in this land, insomuch that Vitalcanus then being Bishop of Rome ordained Theodorus archbishop of Cantorbury to have the rule of the Churches of Briteyn. Somewhat before this time, Benet that was in good favour with king Oswy, and descended of rich kindred, forsook service and house and all his kindred, and became a Monk. Glazing first brought into this land. This Benet was he that first brought the craft of Glazing into this land, and took to his scholar Beda, when he was but vij years of age, and taught him during his life. ¶ And here for that special mention is made a little before that Benet was the first that brought into Britain the Art and craft of making of Glass, I thought it well to add this note thereunto, Reynulph. which I found written in Reynulph in his fourth book and fourth Chapter. That in the time of the reign of Tiberius' Emperor of Rome, Tiberius' Emperor of Rome put to death him the invented glass to abide the Hammer, which was not long after Christ's incarnation, a certain crafts man had found out the Art of mixture and melting of Glass in such sort, as he made the same malleable, that is to say, to abide the Hammer as Tin and other metals do: And he came to the Emperor thinking to have received some reward, and showed it unto him. The Emperor when he saw it, caused some of his own Glasses to be fet and broken, and the Artificer forthwith amended them. And when the Emperor had well considered of the man and of his cunning, he demanded of him if there were any man living beside himself that could do the like, Glass made to adiot to Hammer, and he simply answered, none that he knew or ever heard of, and the emperor answered, neither shalt thou ever do it again, for this Art would make gold and other precious metal to be of no valour: wherefore he commanded him to be beheaded, and it was done, which certainly was a tyrannous deed, namely for that he would attempt to suppress the gifts of God. ¶ Now I will return again to Oswy: the which when he had long reigned over the Norththumbers', he made Cedda that was Abbot of Lastingay, archbishop of York, more of will then of good skill, and put out Wilfride the archbishop of that See: But it was not long after but that Cedda was deprived of that dignity, by the authority of the archbishop Theodorus, as he deprived other at that time, which came to their benefices against the laws of the Church, and made him by great instance after this, Bishop of the West Saxons. And about the xxx year of the reign of Cadwallyn, Cissa that was father to Ive king of West Saxons builded the Abbey of Abingdon. Fabian. Monks religious. ¶ In these days the Monks and Clergy of Briteyn set all their minds to serve God, and not the world, and were wholly given to devotion, and not to filling of the Paunch and pampering of the body: wherefore they were then had in great reverence and honour, Monks had in great reverence. so that they were then received withal worship. And as they went by the streets and ways, men that saw them, would run to them and desire their blessings: and well was him then that might give unto them possessions, Decay of Religion. and to build them houses and Churches. But as they increased in riches of worldly treasure, so they decreased in heavenly treasure, as in the days of Aluredus some deal began, and sithen that time hath sprung not all to the pleasure of God. Then they applied nothing that was worldly, but gave themselves to preaching and teaching of the word of our Saviour jesus Christ, and followed in life the doctrine that they preached, giving good example to all men. And besides that, they were utterly void of covetousness, and received no possessions gladly, but were enforced thereunto. Fabian. ¶ At this time Oswy king of Northumberlande died and Edfridus his son was King after him and reigned fifteen years, after his father had reigned with his fellows oswin and Oswalde, twenty and eight years. ¶ Then died also Kenwalcus king of West Saxons, about the xxxix year of Cadwallyne, when he had reigned over them xxx years, and his son Kenewynus succeeded him, but entered not into possession before Sexburga his mother had ruled that province one year. ¶ Ye have heard before how Wilfride was deposed & put out of the See of York, wherefore he went to Rome and complained upon him to Agathon then Bishop of that See, and was well allowed in some things. But the king and Theodorus had there such Proctors and friends, that he failed of his purpose, wherefore he returned to the South Saxons, and after he had preached among them xu The art of Fishing. years, he then taught them the art or craft of Fishing. ¶ Egfridus or Edfridus king of Northumberlande, claimed the land that Etheldred king of Mertia held, for the which divers assemblies of entreaty were had, but they took none effect, wherefore either party gathered his strength, and met upon a plain, near unto the river of Trent, where was fought between them a long and sharp fight: In the which among a great number on both parties, was slain the brother of Egfride named Elswinus, but yet the said Egfride had the better. Then after this battle, means of peace was again made, so that finally Egfride had great sums of money in recompense of his brother's death, and so the said two kings agreed and rested afterwards in quiet. ¶ Sun after this time, Theodorus holdeth a Synod. Hatfielde. Theodorus for divers causes kept a Synod or Counsel of Bishops and other men of the Church, at Hatfielde: By authority of which counsel (saith Fabian) he divided the province of Mertia that Sexwolphus then ruled alone, into five Bishoprics, that is one to Chester, the second to Worcester, the third to Lichefielde, the fourth to Cedema in Lyndesey, and the fift to Dorchester. ¶ About the xluj year of Cadwalyne, Kenewinus king of West Saxons had occasion of war against the Britons, so that they met near unto the West See, where after a sharp skirmish, the Britons were chased. And soon after Edfridus king of Northumberlande made war upon the Pictes or Scots, because they favoured & aided the East Angles against him. But in the end by colour of flying back, Egfride slain. they brought Edfride into a strait among hills and mountains, and slew him there with a great part of his people. And after his death a bastard brother of his, named Alfridus, the bastard was king of Northumberlande and reigned among them xviij. years. ¶ And shortly after, died Cadwalyne king of Britons, Cadwalyn dead. when he had reigned xlviij years, and many other things are written of him by Gaufride, but neither by Reynulph nor by any other author of good authority, and therefore I pass them over. FErquhard called Ferquhard the second, the son of the late king Ferquharde was made king of Scots, and reigned xviij years. This man in his private life was very liberal above his power, but when he was authorized king, he became a cruel covetous and glottenous Tiran, wherefore he was stricken of God with a vile and painful sickness, whereof he died. MAldwyn the son of Dowald was authorized king of Scots, and reigned twenty years: he made peace with the Pictes and Saxons, and at the last was murdered of his wife for suspicion of Adultery. CAdwalader, began to rule the Britons and also the West Saxons. He made war upon Lotharius king of Kent, and destroyed much of that Province, and wan the Isle of Wight, The Isle of Wight. and gave the fourth part to S. Wilfride, in the which fourth part were accounted three hundred households. ¶ The whilst that Cadwallader was busied in one part of Kent, his brother named Mulkyn with a certain of Knights were besieged, and lastly brent in another part thereof. In revengement whereof, Cadwallader of new destroyed the more part of the said province. And the said war continuing Lotharius aforenamed was wounded and died, after whom Edricus was king, and reigned but a short tyme. ¶ Then Cadwallader made war upon the king of Southsex named Athelwalde, and slew him in plain battle, and after made his province subject to him. ¶ When Cadwallader had ruled the Britons, and also the west Saxons by the term of three years, he then (as saith Reynulph Monk of Chester) of pure devotion renounced the pomp and pride of the world, and went on pilgrimage to Rome, where of Sergius then Bishop of Rome, he was confirmed, and after made a white Monk, and so continued all his life tyme. Nicholas Brodugan. ¶ But other writ as namely Nicholas Brodrugan in his Epitome, that king Cadwallader reigned over Briteyn in great peace and tranquillity twelve years. And then there happened so great a death among his people, that in manner the living did scarcely suffice to bury the dead, and therefore he fled into little Brtteyn, whose Cousin Ivor and Ive, being repulsed out of England by the Saxons, went into Wales, where among the Britons, they and their posterity remained Princes. And now upon this great death and cruel wars among the Saxons, the Scots thought to slip the collar of obedience, and entered into league with Charles then king of France, the articles whereof follow in the history of Achaius king of Scots. ¶ And here endeth the line and government of the Britons, now called Welshmen, Wallo or Gallo. which took that name of their Duke or leader called Wallo, or Gallo, or else of a Queen of Wales, named gala's, or Wales. But how soever that name came first to them, now they are called Welshmen, which sometime were named Britons, Welshmen or brutons, and descended first of the Trojans (saith Fabian) and after of Brute, and lastly of Mulmucius Dunwallo: Albeit they were mingled or meddled with sundry other Nations, as Romans, Pictes, and others. And now they be English, that in their beginning were named Saxons or Anglis. ¶ And after the departure of Cadwallader, this Realm was called England, and the Inhabitants thereof were called Anglis, or English men. And this happened 1972. years, or as saith Fabian 1822. years after that Brute first arrived in this Island: And after the conquest of Cesar 735. years: And from the entering of the Saxons under their leaders Hengist and Horsus in the time of Vortiger 235. years. ¶ Thus then appeareth by the former process of this work, that the last year of Cadwallader, was the year of our Lord six hundredth lxxxuj which maketh the year of the world four thousand, six hundredth xlvij So that as Fabian saith, the Britons had the rule of the more part of this land, reckoning from Brute unto this time, a thousand eight C.xxij years. And now the Saxons or Anglis began fully to reign, and to have the whole dominion of this Realm. AFter the departure of Cadwallader (as Fabian saith) this land of Briteyn was in great dissension, by mean of variance between the Britons and Saxons, and the said contention continued xj years. And beside this, the great death and mortality before mentioned, vehemently and greatly increased, and by reason thereof followed great scarcity, whereof ensued hunger, and universal famine through the Realm: Famine. So that by the occasion of one thing and other, the people of this Realm were wonderfully minished and decayed, and that so many and so much (as saith Gaufride, A pitiful and horrible plague. and also the English Chronicle) the quick bodies sufficed not to bury the dead. EVgenius the fift of that name was king of Scots, and reigned four years. In his time, as saith the History of Scotland, he warred upon Edfride king of Northumberlande, and slew him in battle. IEwe, or juas, descending of the blood of the Saxons, was ruler or king of west Saxons, next after that Cadwallader had renounced the pomp of the world. He ruled the west Saxons very honourably, and maintained such war against the kentish Saxons, that they of Dorobernia or Cantorbury, granted him to have peace, and also gave unto him for a recompense of the death of Mulking brother to Cadwallader before slain, three thousand pound. ¶ In the xj year of the reign of this jew, chanced the wonder & marvel that is written in Polichronica, in his fift book, and xxj Chapter, Brigthwaldus raised from death to life. and he allegeth Bede for his Author, of one Brigthwaldus, the which after that he had been a long while dead, was restored again to life, and told many things of great wonder to many men. Whereby he caused great almose, and many deeds of charity to be done. ¶ In the xuj year of this man's reign, Ethelredus before mentioned, which was king of Mertia, forsook his worldly honour, and became a Monk at Bardeney, when he had long time ruled the men of Mertia. ¶ In the xxiij year of this jew, Colredus then king of Mertia assembled his people, and warred upon Iew. Whereof when jew had knowledge he likewise gathered his people together, and they met to both their harms at a place called Wodensburgh: where after long fight, either of them sped so unhappily, that it was not known whether part had greatest damage. ¶ Now when jew had ruled the west Saxons nobly by the space of xxxvij. years, by the importunate labour of his wife Ethelburga, he renounced his honourable estate, and took on him the weed of a poor man, and became a Pilgrim to Rome. And Ethelburga his wife made herself a Nun in Barking vij miles from London. ¶ Also some Authors writ that this jew was the first king that granted of every house that had fire burning in it a penny, Rome scot, Peter pence. to be paid to the Bishop of Rome & his successors, and it was called Rome skot, or Peter pence. ¶ And as Fabian saith, when he should renounce his estate and government, he resigned the same unto Ethellardus his Nephew. Wellles College. This man also as saith Cooper, builded the College or cathredral Church of Welles, and the Abbey of Glascenbury. EVgenius the sixth of that name, reigned ten years in Scotland. He made peace with the Northumber's, and hated exstremely the Pictes. AMberkeleth, a cruel Tyrant, reigned in Scotland two years, and was slain by one of his servants, as he was going with an army against the Pictes. EVgenius the vij was king of Scots xviij years. He was mighty of body, and of honest manners: he made peace with the Pictes, and caused the Acts of his ancestors to be put in writing, A worthy note. and commanded that Historiographers should be found of the common cost. MOrdack was King of Scotland, and reigned xuj years. In his time the four diverse Nations reigning in Albion, had peace between themselves, that is, the Britons, the Anglis, the Scots, and the Pictes. ¶ And about this time Germany received the faith of Christ. EThelard the Nephew of jew, reigned over the west Saxons: Of this Man is little written, saving that he reigned five years, and then died, leaving behind him none issue of his body. And in his time, the reverend and holy Priest Beda, Beda that reverend father. was famous, who wrote his book called Anglica Hystoria to Offrike king of Northumberland. CVtbert the Nephew of Ethelarde, reigned over the West Saxons next after his said Uncle, of whom also is little mention made, saving that in the sixth year of his reign, Beda died. holy Beda died, who in his time wrote lxxviij. books. And this Cuthbert when he had reigned xuj years, departed out of this world also. This man made often war upon Ethelwalde of Mercia, and sped therein diversly. EDfine the son of Eugenius the seventh, reigned in Scotland xxx years: This man was given to justice and peace, and kept the league that was made with the Britons, Englishmen, and Pictes. SIgebert the Cousin of Cuthbert, reigned over the west Saxons. He was cruel and tyrannous to his subjects, and turned the laws and customs of his forefathers, after his own will and pleasure. And because a noble man of his Realm named the Earl Combranus, did somedeal sharply advertise him to change his manners and to be more prudent and temperate toward his people, he therefore maliciously caused him to be put to most cruel death. Tyranny. ¶ Now for as much as this king Sigebert continued in his malice and cruel conditions, and would not amend, his subjects conspired against him, and deprived him of all kingly dignity: so that he fell after into great desolation & misery, A plague due to a tyrant. for being on a season found in a wood or desolate place, wandering alone without all comfort: he was by a Swynheard or villain, murdered & slain, in the revengement of Earl Combranus death, whom Sigebert being king had before most cruelly caused to be put to death in the same place: unto the which Earl the said villain had been sometimes belonging. And thus was Sigebert deposed and murdered, when he had reigned two years. REnulph of the line or blood of Cerdicus the which Cerdicus was the first king of the west Saxons, took upon him the rule and government of the said West Saxons. The virtue of this man passed his fame: For after that he with the agreement and consent of his people had deprived Sigebert their king from his regal authority, he then first of all appeased divers murmurs and grudges that kindled among his subjects, for the said deprivation, and so set his Lordship in great quietness, and rest touching their civil discord. ¶ About the eight year of the reign of this Kenulphus, Offa slew a Tyrant named Beoruredus, who before had slain Ethelwald king of Mertia. After whose death the said Offa, Nephew to the said Ethelwald, reigned as king of that province. ¶ Of this Offa is told many things, whereof something I intend to show. He had war with the Northumber's, and them for a time subdued. He also had war with Etheldrede king of East Anglis, Egbert king of Kent unprisoned. and with Egbert otherwise called Pren king of Kent, whom he took prisoner, and led him bound with him into Mertia. ¶ Then after these victories, Offa builded the Church of Winchecomb. Winchcomb Church. In the time of the which building, and in the presence of xiij Bishops and many other great estates, he discharged the said Egbert of imprisonment, Egbert king of Kent enlarged. and set him at liberty, for joy whereof the people there present, made such a shouting and cry of rejoicing and gladness, that all the Church rang thereof. ¶ This king had such displeasure to the Citizens of Cauntorburie, that he removed the archbishops See, by the agreement of the first Adrian than Bishop of Rome, unto Lichefielde. The archbishops See of Caunterburie removed to Lichfielde. He furthermore chased the Britons or Welshmen into Wales, and made a strong Dyke between Wales, and the utter bounds of Mertia, or middle England, the which to this day is named Offdiche. And after he builded there a Church, which long time after was called Offkirck: he also builded the Abbey of Saint Albon. Besides this it is written of him that he married one of his daughters to Brigthricus that was king of west Saxons. And for that in his time there was variance between him and the Frenchmen, Passage of Merchants forbodden. and that passage and traffic of Merchants was foreboden: therefore he sent the famous Doctor Anselmus unto Charles the great, than king of France to entreat of peace. Which Charles had the said Anselmus ever after in such favour, that he became his Disciple. Fabian. ¶ But now let us return to Kenulphus, who before time had often war with Offa, and also had with him many conflicts, but lastly they were agreed. About the xj year of this Kenulphus, Egbert king of Northumber's, renounced his kingly dignity, and became a Monk. ¶ And finally, when Offa had reigned over Mertia xxxix years. as saith Guydo, he left the kingdom to his son, who also was named Kenulphus, or as some writ Egfurtus, and went himself to Rome. ¶ And the foresaid Kenulphus king of the west Saxons kept strongly his Lordship against the power of all his enemies, and had his subjects in due order of obedience. Lastly, Lechery. he was surprised with the love of a woman that he kept at Merton, whose company he haunted more secretly, than stood with his honour. Whereof having knowledge, a kinsman of Sigesbert late king, intending to revenge the deposing and murdering of his kinsman, awaited the time, and beset the house where Kenulph and his Paramour were smally accompanied. But so soon as the said Kenulph had espied his enemies, he set upon them, and as Reynulph sayeth, Murder. Clito. though they were in number lxxx yet fought he with them a long while, but in the end he was slain of Clito his enemy. ¶ It was not long after or word sprang of the kings death: wherefore Offricus then being master of the kings Soldiers and garrisons, armed himself, and took with him a certain of the said Chevalrye, and pursued the said murderers, and at the last encountered with them, and slew the said Clito their captain, Murder upon murder. with the more part of his company. And that done, he returned to Merton, and there took the Corpse of Kenulph, and with great solemnity conveyed it to Winchester, where it was with all reverence buried, when his father and he had ruled xxxj years. EVgenius the eight was king of Scots, and was slain of his Lords for his covetousness, filthy lust, and cruelty, when he had reigned three years. FErgus the third was made king of Scotland, and reigned three years: He was a foul drunken glutton, and so outrageously given to harlots, that he neglected his own wife, Lechery. and brought her to such penury, that she was feign to serve other noble women for her living. Murder. Wherefore, she murdered him in his bed, and after slew herself also. SOluathius reigned in Scotland twenty years, and then died of the Gout. In his time rebelled Banus of the Isle of tire, and Gillowham of Galloway, which were brought to due obeisance. BRithricus of the blood of Cerdicus, began his reign over the west Saxons, in the year of our Lord vij C.lxxviij. This Man before time had married one of the daughters of Offa king of Mertia, as before is touched, by whose aid and power, he put out of his rule Egbert the son of Alcumundus, the which Egbert at that day was an under king or ruler in the Lordship of west Saxons, which Egbert was descended of the blood of Genulphus, of whom some part of the story is declared in the xxv Chapter of the fift book of Polichronicon. Polichroni. And after he was thus of Brithricus expulsed, he sailed into France, and there exercised himself in the feats of war with the knights of Charles court the French king during the life of the said Brithricus. ¶ About the second year of this Brithricus, was seen in great Briteyn a wonderful sight: For suddenly as men walked in the street, Crosses like unto blood fell upon their clotheses, A strange & terrible sight. and blood fell from heaven like drops of rain. ¶ This after some expositors, betokened the coming of the Danes into this land, the which entered shortly after. For as saith Reynulph, about the ix The first entering of the Danes. year of Brithricus the Danes first entered this land. In defence whereof, this said king sent forth his Steward of his household, with a small company, which shortly was slain. But by the strength of Brithricus and the other kings of the Saxons, they were compelled to avoid the land for that time. ¶ Brithricus thus well and knightly ruling his land, his wife named Ethelburga, Ethelburga. not contented with him as she aught to be, sought diverse ways and means how she might bring her Lord out of life, so that finally she poisoned him with many other of his family: Poisoning. wherefore she fearing punishment, fled into France, and by such friendship as she there had, was well cherished in Charles Court the French king surnamed the great. ¶ Of her it is told, that when he had information of the unstableness of this woman's conditions, he at that season being a Widower, and at a time talking pleasantly with her, said: Now I put to your choice, whether ye will have me unto your wedded Lord, or else my son standing here in your presence: and him that you choose, him shall ye have and enjoy for your husband: But she chose the son, and left the father. Then said the king, if thou hadst chosen me, thou shouldest have had my son: but for that thou hast forsaken me, thou shalt have neither of us. And after he closed her in an Abbey, where in process a lewd man kept with her such company, that she was voided that place, and after demean herself so viciously, that in process of time she fell in such poverty, that she died in great penury & misery. ¶ Now because of the misdemeanour of this Woman, that she had thus unnaturally slain her Lord and husband, the king of Anglis, The names and pre-eminence of Queens forbodden. and specially of west Saxons, would not suffer their wines to be called Queens, nor yet suffer them to sit by them in places of great honour or kingly seat, by a long time after. ¶ Thus as before is showed, died Brithricus, being empoisoned by his own wife, when he had ruled the west Saxons xvij years. AChaius was ordained king of Scots, and reigned xxxij years. 788 A league between France and Scotland. In his time was made the solemn league between Scotland and France, against the Saxons or Englishmen: which took such effect, that ever sithen that day, the Scots have more inclined to the French men, than to Englishmen. Articles between the French men and Scots. And here I have entered the Articles of the said league as they are written by Hector Boecius in his Scottish Chronicle. ¶ First that the Amity and confederacy of French men and Scots to be made for ever, both for the people present, and to come. 2 The Injury of Englishmen done to any of those people, shall be perpetually holden as common to them both. 3 When French men are invaded by English men, the Scots shall sand their army in defence of France, so that they be supported of money and victuals by France. 4 When the Scots are invaded by English men, than the French men shall come upon their own expenses to their support. 5 And if any private person, either Frenchman or Scot support the English men, against any of them, with counsel, money, or victuals, or remain among them during the time of battle: the doer thereof shall be holden a Traitor and an enemy to them both. 6 None of these two people shall take peace or truce with the Englishmen, but by the advice either of other. Hector Boecius ten Book. three Chapter. EGbert, or after the English Chronicle Edbright, the son of Alcumundus, reigned over the west Saxons. This man as is before said, was driven out of the land of Briteyn by the force of Brithricus. But he having knowledge of his death, sped him out of France, and in so knightly wise behaved himself, that he obtained the government abovesaid, and was made king of west Saxons. ¶ Bernulphus king of Mertia had this Egbert in great derision, Bernulphus and used against him sundry scoffs, and made of him trifling and railing rhymes, the which for a time he patiently suffered. But when he was somewhat stayed in his kingdom, and had proved the hearts of his subjects, he at the last assembled his Knights and Soldiers, and gave unto Bernulphus a battle in a place called Elindone, Elindone. in the Province of Hampshire. And albeit that in that fight was great diversity of number, as uj or eight again one, yet Egbert had the victory: For his knights were lean, pale, and long breathed, so that they might endure to fight long: But Bernulphus Soldiers were fat, corpulent, gross and short breathed, and therefore could not endure. ¶ Here is to be noted, that after the death of Offa king of Mertia, or middle England (of whom somewhat is spoken in the story of Kenulphus) reigned his son Egfertus, and after Egfertus reigned Kenulphus, the which was father unto Kenelm, and unto the two fair Virgins Quindreda, and Burgemilda. And after Kenulphus reigned the said Kenelm: And after Kenelm, Colwolphus, and after him Bernulphus before named. ¶ And now to return to Egbert, who when he had as before is said overcome Bernulphus, he seized that Lordship into his own hand: and that done, he made war upon the kentish Saxons, and at length obtained also of them the victory. And likewise, he subdued the Northumber's, and caused the kings of these three Kingdoms to live under him as tributaries, and joined them to his Kingdom. ¶ This Egbert also wan from the Britons or Welshmen, the town of Chester, which they had kept in their possession until that day. For the which victories thus by him obtained, he shortly after called a counsel of his Lords at Winchester, Briteyn. and there by their advises, he was crowned king and chief Lord of this land, which before this day was called Briteyn: But now he sent into all the Costs of this land his commandments and commissions, Anglia first named. that from that day forward the Saxons should be called Anglis, England. and the land Anglia, in English, England. ¶ About the xxiiij year of the reign of Egbert, Kenelm before mentioned the son of Kenwolphus was admitted for king of Mercia, being then but a child of the age of vij Treason. Quendreda years. The which by treason of his sister Quendreda was slain in a thick wood, by a tyrant called Hesbertus. ¶ In the xxix year of the reign of Egbert, the Danes with a great host entered the second time into this land, and spoiled the Isle of Shepey in Kent, The entrance of the Danes. or near to Kent. Whereof, when king Egbert had knowledge, he assembled his people and met with them at a place called Carrum: But he won in that fight little worship, for the Danes compelled him and his knights to forsake the field. And being encouraged by that victory, they drew westward, and made a confederacy with the west Britons, that lived in servitude: By whose power they assailed egbert's lands, and did much harm in many places of his dominion and else where, so that after this day they were continually abiding in one place of the Realm or other, until the time of Herdikenitus or Canutus fortis the last king of the Danes blood, so that many were married to English women, and many that now are, or in time passed were, are descended of them. And albeit they were many and sundry times chased and driven out of this land, and chased from one country to another, yet that notwithstanding, they ever gathered new strengths & power, so that they abode still within the land. ¶ Of the king of these Danes, and of what people they be descended, diverse opinions of writers there be, which here I pass over, because afterward I purpose somewhat at large to say more therein. ¶ Now it followeth, in the time of the persecution of these Pagans, and Danes, Egbert died, when he had well and nobly ruled the west Saxons, and the more part of England the term of xxxvij years, and was buried at Winchester, and left behind him a son named Ethelwolph, otherwise called Edelphus. COnwallus, succeeded Achaius in the kingdom of Scotland, and reigned five years. DOngallus reigned in Scotland six years, & as he was going with an army against the Pictes (in the quarrel of Alpine a Scot, which claimed the crown of the Pictes) he was drowned in a river. ALpine the son of Achaius was made king of Scots: He pursued the war against the Pictes, and slew their king Feredech, but not long after he was vanquished and slain by Brudus king of Pictes, when he had reigned four years. EThelwolph, or Edelphus the son of Egbert reigned over the Saxons or Anglis, in the year of our Lord. 832. This man in his youth was very willing to be a priest, Ethelwolph and was entered into the order of Subdeacon. But after he was married to Osburga his Butler's daughter, a woman of low birth, but in an old written Chronicle, I found that he was married to judith, daughter of the French king, which was Lewes the first, by whom he had four sons, Ethelwald, Ethelbert, Etheldread, and alured, the which after their father, reigned as kings of England, the one after the other as shall apere. ¶ This Ethelwolph after he had been a while king, went to Rome, and took with him his youngest son Alurede, or alfred, and tarried there the space of a year. In the which season he repaired the Saxon school, A School at Rome builded by the Saxons. the which before time was there founded by Offa king of Mercia (as saith Guydo) but more truly by jew king of west Saxons, as saith Matthew of Westminster. And for that he granted of every house in his Kingdom a penny, Peter pennies. as in his story before is showed: But this school was sore decayed, and the house thereof lately brent, the which this Ethelwolph newly repaired, and set it in much better order than before it had been. ¶ This king also to reform the grievous corrections that he saw there executed to English men for spiritual offences, as in wearing of Irons and Guyves, Every house that had fire a penny. he granted of every house of his land wherein fire was brent a penny, as jew before had done, for the mitigating of the said corrections. By the which it should seem, that there was two pence granted of every house throughout the land. For this Rome skot, Rome skot, or Rome shot. or Rome shot as it was then called, was of every house a penny and no more. And therefore it is mistaken of the writers, that allege the deed to the one king for the other: Howbeit, it may stand by reason, that jew made the first grant, and this king confirmed the same. But the Author of Chronica Chronicarum saith, Chronica chronicarun, that Ethelwolph granted to Saint Peter the Peter pence, and speaketh no word of jew, nor of none other. ¶ It is also showed by Polichronica, that this king for the acquitting of the Churches of England, of all manner of kings tribute, paid yearly to Rome three hundredth Marks: that is to say, to Saint Peter's Church, an hundredth Marks, to the light of Saint Paul, an hundredth Marks, and to the Bishop of Rome's treasure, an hundredth Marks. And over and besides all this, Devotion. of his devotion he gave to the Church of Rome, the tenth part of his movable goods. ¶ When Ethelwolph had thus sped his business at Rome, he returned by France, Charles the Bald. where at that time was king of that land Charles the Bald, of whom he was joyously received. And after he had disported him there a season, he married the daughter of the said Charles in the twenty year of his own reign. judith daughter to Charles the French king. ¶ Then Ethelwolph taking leave of the French King, took shipping and landed in England with his wife judith by name. And for that he contrary to the law (made in Brithricus time) set his wife in the kings throne and magnified her like a Queen, The name & honour of Queens restored. the Lords of his land arose against him, and took from him a great part of his dominion, and made his eldest son ruler thereof, the which was done altogether in the reproach of Ethelburga, that slew her Lord Brithricus as before is showed. But in the end, the matter was appeased, and he to his kingly honour was restored. And in the year following died the said Bertulphus king of Mertia. After whose death, Burdredus was made king of Mertia, or middle England, who before had spoused the daughter of this king Ethelwolph. ¶ In the latter days of this Ethelwolph, the Danes did much harm in Lyndsey, and also in Kent, and from thence came to London, and rob and spoiled the City. Wherefore Ethelwolph gathered his people, and at the last met with them in Southrey, upon a down called Oclea, and there discomfited them, not without shedding of great plenty of the Anglis blood, and forced them to take the Sea, so that afterward they landed in East Anglia, as shall appear. And now this good king ended his life when he had reigned xxij years. KEnneth reigned in Scotland twenty years, he maintained his war against the Pictes so fiercely, that he vanquished them in divers great battles and slew their king, and lastly chased them utterly out of the bounds of Scotland .1151. years (as saith the Scottish Chronicle) after they began to have dominion in that Country, and from the coming of the Scots into Albion (after their opinion) a thousand three hundred xxj years. EThelwald the son of Ethelwolph after his father reigned over the west Saxons or Anglis. This man was very wicked, and married the woman which his father sometime kept for his Concubine, or as some writ his stepmother: But to be short, there remaineth in story no worthy thing written of him, but that he reigned not above one year, & then died, but how he came to his death as testifieth Reynulph it is uncertain, except it be as one writer sayeth that he was slain of the Danish princes, Hunger and Hubba. donald the fift of that name (a vicious and wicked Prince) reigned in Scotland uj years. In his time Osbret or Osbright and Ella which were kings of the Anglis and Britaines made war upon the Scots, took their king and subdued all the Country from Striveling to the Irish Seas, Scotland conquered. and from the water of Fryth and Clyde to Cumber, with all the strengths thereof. The Englishmen had the lands between Sterling and Northumberlande. This was Clyde March between the Scots and Britons one the one side, and the water of Frith named the Scottish Sea March between them and the Englishmen on the other side: and Sterling common March to three people. Britons, Englishmen, and Scots. And in the Castle of Sterling the said king Osbright caused his first money to be coined, which yet we call Sterling Money. Starling money. And the Englishmen did there build a bridge of stone for passage over the water of Frith, in the midst whereof they made a Cross, and under the same writ these two Verses. I am free March, as passengers may ken To Scots, to Britons, and to Englishmen. ¶ Nicholas Bradyngham in his Epitome sayeth, that after Ethelwald their reigned one Osbright king of Briteyn, who conquered Scotland, and at the last an agreement was taken that from thenceforth the water of Frith should be the March between the Scots & Englishmen in the East parts, and should be named the Scottish Sea. The water of Clyde to Dunbriton, to be March in the west part between Scots and Britons. And at Dunbriton was a Castle called Aclude, and now Dunbriton. So that the Britons had all the lands from Sterling to the Irish Seas, and from the water of Frith. EThelbert the second son of Ethelwald reigned over the greater part of England. And in his time the Danes with more strength entered the west part of this land, and rob and spoiled the Country before them, until they came to Winchester, and took the City by strength, and did therein what they would: but the king made such provision, that by him and his Dukes they were forced to forsake the City. And as they went toward their Ships, they were fought withal, and a great part of them slain and taken. ¶ Of this king, nothing else is left in memory, but that he died when he had reigned six years, and was buried at Sherborne, leaving after him none issue. COnstantine the second, a good and virtuous Prince, reigned in Scotland xiij years. ETheldred the third son of Ethelwald took upon him the government of the west Anglis. And in the beginning of his reign the Danes landed in East England, called Norfolk and Suffolk: Danes landed in Norfolk & Suffolk, but they were compelled to forsake that Country, and so to make again into their Ships, in the which retire they were fought withal and many of them taken and slain, and then they sailed Northward, and landed in Northumberlande, where the two kings that reigned there, met with them, and gave them battle, their names were Osbright and Ella, and there was a strong fight: But the Danes with the help of such as inhabited in the Country, wan the City of York and held it a certain time. ¶ Then the people of Northumberlande, varied within themselves, and were more readier to aid and help the Danes, then to live under the government of the king of west Saxons. For her is to be noted, that all such kings as reigned there after Egbert, were tributaries, and therefore oppressed the people that lived under them. ¶ Wherefore Etheldredus hearing of the aid and comfort that the Danes had there, assembled his people and sped him thitherward, and sent unto the aforesaid two kings that had the rule of that Country, commanding them also to prepare their people against his coming. But how it was, or the king came with his host, the Danes so provoked the Northumber's to battle, that they met in plain field, and fought a long fight: But in the end the Danes wan the price, and slew both the aforesaid kings with a great multitude of their people. Achad or Achut, a Town or City by west the arm of the Sea that departeth England and Scotland, and it standeth at the end of the wall that was made to divide England and Scotland, and it is thought not to be far from Carlisle. After which victory, they subdued much of the said Country and destroyed the town of Acliut, the which as saith Beda, was one of the strongest towns of the North. ¶ When Etheldred had prepared all thing for the war, and was set forward toward the North, word was brought unto him of the great discomfiture of the Northumber's, and also of divers of the said Danes, with other that were come to Mertia, and how that they had won the Town of Notyngham, which tidings letted him of that journey, and so the Danes kept possession of that Country, in such wise that no Angle had rule thereof until the time of Adelstone, or as some writ, until the time of Edredus, so that they held it in possession the term of xl years. ¶ Then the Danes being thus possessed of the North Country, manned the same, and fortified the strong holds thereof. And the other company of them came down into Mertia or middle England and wan a part thereof with the aforesaid Town of Notyngham, and dwelled there the more part of the year following. ¶ Wherefore king Etheldred with the aid of Burdredus, than king of Mertia, laid siege unto the Town: the which when the Danes perceived should be won, they refused the town & took the Tower or Castle, and defended it in strong manner, in so much that they held it until a peace or appointment was concluded between the two kings and them: which was, that they should go free where they would, and carry with them their horse & harness without any pillage. And when this peace was thus made, either of the kings departed to their own, and the Danes returned into York and dwelled there the year following. ¶ And in the year following, a certain number of the said Danes, taking shipping in the North, purposed to sail into East England, and upon the Sea, they chanced to meet with a great Float of Danes, whereof the Captains or chief leaders, Hunger Hubba. were named Hunger and Hubba: The which by exhortation of the other coming out of the North, made all one course, and lastly landed in East England or Norfolk, and in process of time came unto Thetfoord. ¶ When Edmond king of the province heard hereof, he assembled an host, and gave unto them battle. But Edmond and his host was forced to forsake the field, Framingham Castle. and Edmond with a few persons fled into the Castle of Framingham, whom the Danes pursued: But he in short time after yielded himself unto the persecution of the Danes. And for that this virtuous Man Edmond would not deny, The martyrdom of king Edmond. or renie Christ, and his laws, they therefore most cruelly bound him unto a Tree, and caused him to be shot to death, and in the end caused his head to be smitten from his body, and cast amongst the thickest of the Bushes, as saith Fabian. ¶ Then his friends with great solemnity carried the body unto the Abbey, then called Eglidon, or Eglysdon, Saint Edmond'S bury. and now called Saint Edmond's bury, and there buried him in the year of our Lord eight C.lxix. ¶ But now to return again to the Danes. When they had as before is said martyred this godly Man Edmond, and rob and spoiled that Country, they took again their Ships, and landed in Southerey, and continued their journey until they came to the town of Reding, Reding. and wan the Town and Castle. ¶ And as Polichronicon saith, the third day after they came thither, Hunger Hubba. Englefield. Hunger and Hubba, as they went in purchasing of prays, were slain at a place called Englefield, which Captains of the Danes being thus slain the rest of them kept close together, in such wise that the west Saxons could take of them none advantage. But within few days after, the Danes were holden so short, that they were forced to issue out of the Castle, and to defend themselves in plain field. In the which by the comfort of king Etheldred, Danes discomfited. and of Alured his brother, the Danes were discomfited, and many of them slain: whereof the other being ware, fled again to the Castle, and kept them within the same a certain tyme. ¶ Then the king commanded Ethelwold who at that time was Duke of Bareoke, or Berkshire, to attend with his people upon that Castle, Berkshire or Bareokshire. and to see that the Danes broke not out at large, while he went into other parts of that Country to subdue other of the said Danes. But when the Danes knew of the kings departure, they broke out, and took the Duke unprovided, and slew him and most of his people, and caused the rest to withdraw themselves from that town and Castle. ¶ It was not long after, but that the king was certified of the death of Ethelwolde Duke of Berkshire, and of the discomfiture of his people, and of the great victory of the Danes: which unto him were heavy news. And forthwith also, he heard that a Dane was landed named Osric, Osrike. whom Polichronicon nameth to be the king of Denmark, the which Osric in a short time had gathered together by the help and assistance of the other Danes a great host, and were embattled upon Ashedowne. Ashedowne ¶ Unto this battle Alured was sent for, to his brother the king with great speed, that he should set forward upon the Danes. But before he could be ready, the hosts of the Anglis, and the Danes were joined together with great violence. And although the Danes had won the hill, and the christian men were left in the valley: yet by the grace of God, Osrike slain. and manhood of themselves, the christian men recovered the hill of the Danes, and slew their Duke or king called Osric, and five of their Dukes, with many of their people, and chased the rest unto the town of Redyng. ¶ Wherefore the Danes reassembled their people, and gathered a new host, so that within xu days, they met at a town called Basingstoke, Basing Stoke. and there gave battle unto king Etheldred, and had the better. Then the king gathered his people, the which at that field were sore scattered, and separated, and with fresh Soldiers to them accompanied, met the Danes within two Months after, at a Town called Merton, Merton. and gave unto them a sharp battle, so that many people were slain on both parties, that is to say, aswell of the Christians, as of the Danes. But in conclusion, the Danes had the honour of the field, and the king of Anglis was wounded and feign to save guard himself by policy, because might and strength failed him. ¶ After these two fields thus won by the Danes, they obtained and enjoyed a great circuit of ground, and destroyed man, woman, and child, that to them were disobedient. And Churches and Temples they turned to the use of Stables and other vile occupations. And to this great sorrow was yet added another. ¶ For where the King hoped well to have recovered his losses by the aid and help of his subjects, aswell of other parts of the land, as of his own which was the west Saxons, he sent his commissions into Northumberland, into Mercia, and East Anglia: But he had of them small or little comfort, & in effect it was no comfort at all, so that the Country of west Saxons was brought into great desolation. For the king was beset with enemies on every side, and besides that, his knights and Soldiers were tired, and wearied with over watching and labour. The number of which adversities and troubles entering, and deeply sinking into the kings mind, with his sore bruise and hurt ensuing of the wound taken at the battle beside Merton, shortened his days, so that he died when he had reigned in great vexation and trouble of the Danes eight years, without issue of his body, and was buried at Winbourne: By reason whereof, the rule of the land fell unto his brother Alurede. Exeter. Some writ that he first founded the Cathedral Church at Exeter. alured the fourth son of Ethelwolphe, and brother to Etheldred reigned over the west Saxons. This Alured was borne at wantage, x. Miles from Oxford then a Town of the king of the west Saxons, who as some write was twelve years of age before he was set to school: but for all that, he spent so well his time, that he exceeded all his brethren that were long set forth to school before him. And by the counsel of a virtuous and well learned Monk named Neotus, The founder of the University of Oxford. and other learned men of that time, he founded the university of Oxford, and franchised the same with many great liberties and privileges. But the history of that University of Oxford seemeth to make it to be of a much greater antiquity, and to refer the beginning thereof unto certain Greek Philosophers that came into this Island with Brute and the Trojans, and afterwards placed themselves in a place not far distant from Oxford, called corruptly Crekelad for Grekelade. The which Philosophers being afterward alured with the pleasant situation of the place, removed from thence to the soil where Oxford now standeth, and there taught the liberal Sciences. And the same school being at the length decayed, and brought to extreme ruin by civil war and alteration of time: Alfred (say some) otherwise called Alurede as a second founder restored again unto the ancient state, who besides many other godly acts done for the increase and maintenance of good learning, founded there a College, named the mickle University Hall, now called the University College: and in the same ordained a Governor by the name of a Master and a society of lxxviij fellows, whereof there were xxuj Divines xxuj Philosophers xxuj Grammarians, to the maintaining and sustenance of the which number, he appointed a competent yearly revenue to be paid out of the King's Coffers, by his heirs and successors for ever, the which payment did still continued, as the monuments and ancient writings of the said College do testify, until the coming of William the Conqueror, who was the first that upon displeasure conceived against the students and scholars there, withdrew the said payment. ¶ Also he translated many laws, and namely the law of Mertia, and other out of the british speech into the Saxon tongue. He was also very cunning and skilful in building and making of Plots, and excellent in hunting. He was of goodly stature and the best beloved of his father of all his other children. In his youth he was somewhat given to the pleasure of the flesh, which hindered him from many a virtuous purpose, for the repressing whereof, he evening and morning and oftentimes in the night season would resort unto Churches and there devoutly pray a long season, and at the last he fell into an extreme sickness called Ficus. Ficus. For it is said that he desired of God that his flesh might be chastised with such a sickness, whereby he might serve God the better, and yet not to be unapt to worldly business. And when he was cured of the aforesaid sickness, than he fell into another more grievous than that, the which continued with him from the twenty year of his age, till he was xlv But yet notwithstanding he wedded a noble woman named Ethelwyd, abye whom he had two sons, Edward surnamed the Elder, and Egelward, and three daughters: Elfleda that after was Lady of Mertia, Ethelgotha which was made a Nun, and the third was called Elfrida. And he caused all his children as well daughters as other to be brought up in science and learning, and for that purpose retained the learned man Asserius and Menevia and other. ¶ Now after this Alured was admitted king, he considering the great danger that his land was in, gathered unto him his Lords, and those whom he could not win without strife, he wan by strength and power: So that shortly, he assembled a great host, and in the second month that he was made king, he met with the Danes on Wylton hill on the South part of wily Bourne, and there gave unto them a great battle, but not without great danger and loss of men on both parties. Fabian. ¶ Matthew of westminster, Author of the flowers of stories, saith that the victory fell unto the Danes, because Alureds' army was much fewer in number than the other were: For the force of the nobles and people of the west Saxons was then sore minished and abated, by reason of ix battles that had been fought against the said Danes the year passed on the Southside of Thames, beside divers roads and skirmishes made by their horsemen. After the which victory, the Danes returned to London and wintered there, and thither came also unto them, Buthredus king of Midddle England, and friendly compounded with them for money and took a truce. ¶ Then he renewed his people, and in sundry places fought with the Danes in the first year six times: By mean whereof his people were so sore minished and weakened, that he was forced to take peace with his enemies, upon condition that they should avoid the Countries and Provinces that he had dominion of. ¶ Upon which agreement firmly concluded, the Danes for a time voided these Countries, and drew towards London, and rested them about that coast the greatest part of the year following: and from thence to Lyndsey in robbing and spoiling the Towns and Villages as they went, and holding the common people in servitude and bondage, and so continued the space of two years and more. But before the third year was ended, they went unto Repindon, and there put down or slew Burdredus then king of Mertia, Colwolphus and they delivered the kingdom unto a servant of his named Colwolphus, upon condition that he should keep it to their use. And then they besieged a town thereby called Hambourgh, and assaulted it right sharply. After the which assault the inhabitants of that Town of Hambourgh fled unto Winchester. Fabian. But this story in all points agreeth neither with Huntyngdon, nor the Author of the Flowers of stories and other ancient Writers. ¶ Then the king made again peace with the Danes, as he had done oftentimes before, and in trust thereof he road with the fewer people, whereof the Danes having knowledge, laid bushments for him, and set so near him, that they slew a great part of his company, in an evening as he road toward Winchester. But Polodore writeth, that this was done in a Manor of the kings not far from London, whether the king came at that time to recreate himself with hunting. ¶ And for this treason, Alured was sore amoved against them, and in as secret manner as he might, he assembled a chosen company of knights, and Soldiers, The Danes distressed. and as Guydo saith, fell upon them suddenly and distressed a great number of them, and left them not till he had chased them unto Chester, or as some say to Exeter, and there kept the Danes so short, that he constrained them to give to him pledges to keep the peace, and to devil no longer there than they could provide shipping to sail into Denmark. ¶ After the which agreement, the king returned to Mertia, or middle England. And for that he heard that Colwolphus was dead, to whom the Danes had taken that Lordship to keep, he therefore seized that Kingdom and joined it to his own. By reason whereof the kingdom of Mertia surceased, Penda. which had continued from their first king named Penda until that time. ¶ And in the fift year of the reign of Alured, the Danes (as affirmeth Polichronicon) sailed from Werham toward Excetor, in the which journey they lost. C.x. of their small ships by a tempest on the Sea: But some of them remained and occupied the kings town of Chipnam, and the Country thereabout, and chased the Anglis and put them to flight, or made them as subjects unto them. And so sore their power increased, that the Anglis lost and decayed daily, and they prevailed the more a great deal, by reason of the landing of a Prince of the Danes, Gytrus. called Gytrus, which was named king of Denmark. ¶ King Alured being thus overcome with a multitude of enemies, did lead an uncertain, troublesome and unquiet life, and having very few folks about him would walk about in the Wood Country of Sommersetshire, A poor life of a king. and had scant to live withal, but lived of such as he and his people could get by hunting and fishing. ¶ How be it, at the length he was well comforted, and showed himself more at large, so that daily resorted to him men of Wiltshire, Somersetshire, and Hampshire, until that he was well and strongly furnished. Then as saith a writer called William of Malmesburye de Regibus, the king put himself in a great jeopardy: for he put on him the garment of a Minstrel, A strange enterprise of a king. and with his Instrument of Music he entered the tents and Pavilions of the Danes, and in showing to them his pastime, with jests and songs, he espied all their sloth and idleness, and also heard much of their counsel, and after returned again unto his company, and told to them all the manner of the Danes. ¶ Then the king with a chosen company fell upon them by night, and distressed, and slew of them a great multitude, & chased them from that coast. And when he had thus chased the Danes, by counsel of his Knights, he builded there a Tower, and named it Edeling, that is to say, Edeling. a Tower of noble men: Out of the which Tower he and his soldiers made many assaults upon their enemies and did to them much grief and damage, and at the last clearly avoided the Country of them between that and Selwoodes. ¶ This Edeling standeth in a green Maresse or Moor, so that men can not come at it without Ship, or Boat, and it containeth no great ground, but yet therein is Venison & other wild beasts, and foul, & fish great plenty. ¶ Thus king Alured daily pursued his enemies, by the help of God and his Subjects, who hearing of his victories and manful deeds, drew to him continually out of all Coasts: By whose power & strength he held the Danes so short, that he wan from them Winchester, and many other good Towns, and compelled them at the last to sue for peace, Peace taken with the Danes. the which was concluded upon certain conditions, whereof one and the Principal was, that their king named as before is said, Gytrus, should be Christened, and a certain of his Dukes with him. And for that the king would have the Danes banished out of the West parts of England, he granted to him East Anglia, to abide and devil in. ¶ Then this Prince of Danes, according to the covenants, The Danes christened. was christened at Winchester, (or as Matthew of Westminster saith, at a place called Alre, not far from Edeling aforesaid) and xxx of the greatest of his Dukes with him. And to the Danish Prince, king Alurede was Godfather at the Font stone, & named him Athelstane. Athelstane And after he had a season feasted the said Danes, he according to his promise gave unto their king the Country of East Anglia, which then contained, Norfolk, and Suffolk, and a part of Cambridgeshire. And also, as saith Polichronicon, he granted to the Danes that were christened, the Country of Northumberlande. And the other that would not be christened departed the land, and sailed into France, where they rested them with their cousins and kinsmen, and at those days they wasted and spoiled the Country of France in most despiteful manner. ¶ When this Danishe king Athelstane, had the possession of the Countries above mentioned, then were all such Anglis, as inhabited there under his obedience. And albeit that he held the said province as in fee of the king, and promised to devil there as his liege man, yet that promise' notwithstanding, he continued like a Tyrant, by the term of xi years full, and in the twelve year he died. ¶ About the xu year of the reign of Alured, the Danes which before as ye have heard, sailed into France, returned now again into England, and landed in Kent, and at the last came to Rochester, and besieged that City, and lay there so long, that they builded a Tower of Timber, and not of Stone, against the gates of the City. But by the strength of the Citizens that tower was destroyed, and the City defended until king Alured rescued them. The which had made such purveyance for the distressing of them by water, and land, that they were so near trapped, that for fear they left their Horses behind them, and fled to their Ships by night. But when the king was thereof ware, he sent after them, and took xuj of their Ships, and slew many of the said Danes. After this journey the king returned to London and repaired certain places of the same, which the Danes had hurt & feebled. ¶ And in the xxj year of the reign of this king, the Danes landed in four places of this Realm, that is to say, in the East England, & the North, and in the West in two places. But by reason the king before their landing had warning of the death of Athelstone the Danishe king of East England, Athelstane dead. and of other complaints of the Danes, he therefore went thither himself, and in the time of his there being, the aforesaid news came to him. ¶ And so soon as he heard thereof, and that some of the Danes were landed in that coast, and knew well that the further that they drew into those parts, the more they should be aided and strengthened: he therefore sent messengers in all haste unto Etheldred earl or Duke of Mertia and the borderers thereabout, Etheldred. to make resistance against the Danes which landed in the west. And that done, the king sped him toward his enemies and set on them so eagerly and sharply, that in the end he drove them out of East Anglia. And then they landed in Kent, whether also the king and his people followed, and likewise drove them from thence. Howbeit, of any special fight or battle, authors make no mention. After this again the Danes took shipping and sailed into North-wales, and there rob and spoiled the Britons, and from thence returned by Sea into Est England, and there rested them, for so much as the king was then gone westward. ¶ In this mean time, the aforesaid Danes had won the Town of Chester, but the Countries adjoining thereunto, came so sore and so thick upon them, that the Danes were compelled to keep them within the said Town or City, and to defend themselves therein as well as they could. But their holding and keeping of that Town continued so long, that they were compelled to eat their Horses for hunger. And at the last by appointment they gave over the Town, and went thence to Northumberland. ¶ And in the while that the king with his host sped him thitherward, they leaving their strong holds & Castles garnished with men and victual, took again shipping, and fet their course in such wise that they landed in Sussex, and so came to the Town of Lewes, and from thence toward London and they builded a Tower or castle near unto the river of Lewes. But the Londoners hearing of their doings, Londoners. made out a certain number of men of arms, who having the aid of the Country, put the Danes from that Tower, and afterward did beat it down to the ground. ¶ And shortly after, the king came down thither, and for that he thought that the said river would be a mean to bring enemies eftsoons into that Country, therefore he commanded the stream to be divided into divers streams, so that by reason thereof, where a Ship might have sailed in time passed, than a little Boat might scantly row. And now by reason of the presence of the king, the Danes were enforced to fly and to avoid that Country, and from thence took again their way toward Wales, and kept along the river of Severne, and upon the border thereof they builded them a Castle near unto Wales, and so rested them there for a time. Three great plagues, war, pestilence moreyn of cattle. And three years after this land was vexed with three manner of plagues, the one was war with the Danes, the other was death and pestilence of men, and the third Moreyn of cattle. The which troubles & adversities notwithstanding, the king honourably and valiantly resisted his enemies, and gave God hearty thanks whatsoever came, and sustained it with great humility & patience. ¶ And finally, this martial Prince continuing in all prows and virtue, at the last died, when he had ruled this land xxviij years, and first was buried at Wilton, and after certain years removed and carried unto Winchester, leaving after him a son named Edward the Elder, for the other brother called Egelward died before his father. EThus reigned in Scotland two years, he was so swift that in running, he could overtake a Heart or Greyhounde. GRegour reigned in Scotland xviij years. This was a sage, wise, and puissant Prince, and a man of great prows. He recovered Fiffe and Lothian, & the countries that were taken from the Scots, by the Danes and other enemies, he also drove the Danes out of Northumberland (as affirmeth the Scottish history) and made that Province tributary to him: he took from the Briteyns Chumber and westme●lande, and vanquished and subdued the Irishmen. DOnald the uj reigned in Scotland xj years. He made a law, that all men that did forswear themselves, or spoke of the Devil, should be burned in the lips with a hot. Iron. EDward surnamed the Elder, the son of Alured began after his father to govern the Realm of England. This man was not so well learned as was his father, but in honour, fame, and martial prows, This was Edward the Martyr. he was nothing inferior. Howbeit, William of Malmesbury in the xiij Chapter and second book of the story of Kings, affirmeth that he was excellently learned, and following the diligence of his father king alphred, caused his base son called Ethelstane, who afterwards succeeded him, to be well instructed in the Latyn tongue. He was also very profitable to the common weal in building and repairing many Castles, Towns, and Cities, which were razed and broken by the Danes, he adjoined to his Lordship all this land, saving only Northumberland, which was possessed of the Danes. By his first wife he had a son named Ethelstane the which was king after him. But the Author of the flowers of Histories saith, Ethelstane son of king Edward. that he begat Ethelstane of a Concubine named Egwine. By his second wife he had two sons, Edredus, and Edwynus, and vij daughters. And of the third wife, Edredus. Edwynus. he received two sons, Edmond, and Edred, and two daughters, Edburga, and Edgina. ¶ The first of these three wives was called Edwyna, the second Edgina, and the third Ethleswida. Of the aforenamed seven daughters, which he had by his second wife, one named Alunda, Alunda. was married to the first Otto the Emperor, Algina. Charles the simple king of west France. and another named Algina, was married to Charles the Simple, King of west France, & the youngest of his daughters as saith Reynulph, he wedded unto Lewes king of Guyan, but hereof speaketh nothing the French Chronicle. Lewes' king of Guyan. He set his sons to school, and his daughters to wool work, taking example of Charles the Conqueror. ¶ But because there is diversity among writers touching the names of his wives and children, and also of the number of them, he that findeth fault with the Author whom I follow, may read Matthew of Westminster in the life of Edward the son of Alphred, and Reynulph in his sixth book, and fourth Chapter, and there he shall see how, and wherein they disagree, and so try out what is most probable and likely to be true: But yet that the reader may have some present trial hereof, I will show what the Author called Matthew of Westminster, which compiled his story at the commandment of Richard the second, writeth hereof, whose words are these. ¶ King Edward saith he, of his first wife named Egwina, begat his eldest or first borne son Ethelstane: of his wife Edgina, he begat Edredus, Edwinus, and six daughters, of the which he married one unto the Emperor Otho, another to Charles, king of the west French men, & the third unto Schitericus, Duke of Northumberland. Of his third wife named Ethelwitha, he begat Edmond and Eldred, which reigned both after Ethelstane. He begat also by the said third wife, two daughters, that is to say Edburga, which was professed a Nun, and lieth buried at Winchester, and Edgina the fair, which married with Lewes king of Aquitaine. But Polidore agreeth not herewith, but saith much otherwise. Clito Ethelwoldus. ¶ In the fift year of his reign, Clito Ethelwoldus a near kinsman of his (for he was Cousin germane unto him on the father's side, but as Polidore saith his brother) rebelled against him, and occupied the town of Winborne besides , Winborne beside . and took thence by force a Nun thinking to marry her, and went thence unto the Danes dwelling in Northumberland, and provoked them to rise against king Edward. But the king pursued him so sharply, that he constrained him to leave that Country, and so he sailed into France, and left the Nun behind him, the which the king caused to be restored again to the house that she was taken from. Clito with his company landed in England. The next year following, the said Clito with his company landed in East England, and gathered to him the Danes of that Country, and with their aid destroyed and peeled the Country about Crekinford, and Crickland. And then he passed the river of Thames, Crekinford Crickland. and spoiled the land unto Bradenestoke or rather Basingstoke, and so from thence returned again into East Anglia aforesaid. Bradenestok Basingstoke. But where mine Author hath here Crekynfoord, and Cricklande, Reynulph hath Crecanefoorde otherwise called Kreklade, whom I do rather allow. ¶ Now the king followed still his enemies, and spoiled their lands which they held by composition of him from the river of Owse, to the border of Saint Edmond's land, commanding the knights of his host, that none should drag or tarry after his army, for fear lest the enemies should snatch them up. But the Kentish men trusting to much in their own strength, came not away as the king commanded: Wherefore the Danes waiting their pray, fell upon them by bushments, and slew a great number of them, wherewith the king was sore discontented. ¶ Sun after, both the Armies met, whereafter long and cruel fight, Clito slain Clyto with a great number of the Danes were slain, and the residue constrained to fly, and to cry and seek for peace, Peace upon conditions. the which was granted unto them upon certain conditions, namely, that they should keep them within the bounds to them limited, & besides that to pay yearly a certain sum of money in way of Tribute. After which peace so established with them, the king repaired Cities, Towns, and Castles, that by the said Danes were battered and broken. ¶ And in the eight year of his reign, king Edward repaired the walls and also the City of Chester. To the which were great helpers, Chester repaired. Etheldredus Duke of Mertia, and Elfleda his wife, daughter of Alured, as before is showed, and sister of this king Edward. And after the king builded a strong Castle at Hereforde in the edge of Wales. Hereford Castle. And he enlarged so greatly the Walls of Chester, that the Castle which before time was without the wall, is now within, and the said City of Chester is at this day much more beautified and enlarged. ¶ In the twelve year of his reign the Danes repenting them of their covenants before made, and minding the breach of the same, Totten Hall, woodness field. assembled an host and met with the king in Staffordshire at a place called Toten hall, and soon after at woodness field: At which two places the king slew two kings, two Earls, Etheldredus duke of Mertia dead. and many thousands of the Danes that then occupied the country of Northumberland. And soon after, died the noble man Etheldredus, Duke or Earl of Martia or middle England, after whose death, the king forsomuch as he had often proved her wisdom, Elfled ruled Mertia. took the rule of that country to his wife Elfleda (London only excepted) the which he took under his own rule. ¶ In the xiij year of this king, Danes sore vexed Briteyne. a great navy of Danes which in the time of Alured were driven into france now returned again, and sailed about the west country, and landed in diverse places, and took prays, and went to their Ships again. And at one time among other, they rob and spoiled at a place called Irchinfielde, and took a british Bishop, Irchinfield. and carried him to their ships, and finally ransomed him at xl pound. But assoon as king Edward had knowledge of their being in that place, he assembled his people and made towards them by land, and sent another army by water to encounter with the Danes Ships upon the Sea: whereof the said Danes having knowledge, fled to Ireland, and by that means both escaped the king by land, and his name by Sea. ¶ Then the king for the strengthening of that country made a Castle at the mouth of the water of Auene, and another Castle at Bokingham, Auene water. and the third near thereunto, that is to say, Bokynghan Castle. on either side of the river of Owse one. And after this he returned into Northampton shire, and Bedfordshire, and fought there with the Danes of those Countries, and at the length subdued them and their leader or Duke called Turketillus. ¶ In the xvij year of this king, Elfleda Lady of Mertia, gathered together her knights: And where the Britons or Welshmen broke into the land about Brekenocke, she with her people withstood them, and among other prisoners and prays, took there the Queen of Welshmen. ¶ And the year following, King Edward builded or newly reedefyed the Towns of Tocester, Tocester, Wigmore, Temesfoord and Wigmore, and destroyed the Castle that the Danes had made at Thames ford. And the said year the noble Lady Elfleda wan the Town of Derby from the Danes, where they put her in such adventure, that four knights which were called the Guardians of her body were slain fast by her. ¶ And in the xviij year of his reign died that noble Princes Elfleda, in the month of june, and was buried in the monastery of Saint Peter, which her Lord and she before time had builded within the Town of Gloucester, which Monastery was after thrown down by the Danes. ¶ When Elfleda was dead, her daughter named Elswyna held the Lordship of Mertia for a season: But for that the king considered it to be a thing over chargeable for her government, he therefore discharged her thereof, and joined it to his kingdom, but not all without some strife. For diverse Towns she kept of the king for a time, as Notyngham, Tomworth, Derby, and other, he supposing that the daughter would have defended them, as the mother by her life had done, but at the last they came all to the kings subjection. ¶ When king Edward had reconciled the aforesaid Towns, he then builded a new Town, right against the old Town of Nottingham, on the South side of the river of Trent, and made a Bridge over the said River between the said Towns. And as saith Reynulph, the year following in the said City or Town of Nottingham, there were two kings, that is to say of Scotland and Wales, that yielded themselves unto king Edward. And sundry Authors, King Edward possessed all Scotland. as Marian the Scot, William of Malmesbury, Henry of Huntingdon, and other, doth show that this king Edward subdued the kings of Scotland, and of Combris, about the ix year of his reign. And of the said Authors it is also witnessed, that about the twenty year of the said Edward's reign, the said kings of Scotland and Combrys, chose king Edward for their chief Lord and Patron, which should be about the season before expressed. ¶ Then this noble Prince, after all things were set in order as aforesaid, he builded on the North part and in the end of Mertia, a City or Town, and named it Thilwall, and strengthened it with knights. And after he repaired the City of Manchester, which was sore defaced with the wars of the Danes. After which notable deeds by this puissant prince finished, with the marriage of his children, and many other things which I pass over for length, this noble Prince sickened, and died when he had victoriously reigned over the greatest part of this land xxiiij years, and was buried at Faringdon, leaving after him divers sons, as is before rehearsed, of the which Ethelstane was the eldest. ¶ Marion the Scot in his Chronicle doth write that this Edward subdued Constantine king of Scots, which reigned in his time, and that he held the Realm of Scotland under the obedience of the aforesaid king Edward, the space of xxiij years. COnstantine the third of that name was ordained king of Scots, and reigned xl years. AThelstane, or Adelstane, the son of Edward the elder, after the death of his father took upon him the government of this Realm. He was a worthy Prince, valiant, and politic in all his acts and doings. ¶ In the second year of his reign, for an unity and peace to be had between the king and the Danes of Northumberland, he married his sister to Sithricus their king, upon promise that he would be Christened, the which he performed, but shortly after he put away his wife, and returned to Paganism, and finally died miserably. ¶ And when he had thus accorded with the Danes of Northumberland, soon after he made subject to him Constantine king of Scots, Constantine King of Scots. and the whole Realm of Scotland at Broningfielde, where also he discomfited the Danes, & slew Malcolme Deputy in that behalf to the king of Scots, with xx. thousand Scots, in the which battle the Scots confess to have lost more people than were remembered in any age before. And this Athelstane followed this his good luck throughout all Scotland, and wholly subdued it, Scotland conquered. and being in possession of it, gave land there lying in Annandale by his deed, the Copy whereof followeth. I King Athelstane, gives unto Paulan, Oddam and Roddam, as good and as fair, as ever they mine were, and thereto witness Maud my wife. By which course words, not only appeareth the plain simplicity of men's doings in those days, but also prove fully that he was then seized of the whole Realm of Scotland. ¶ And after this conquest, the said Constantine so humbled himself unto the King, that he restored him to his former dignity. Wherefore, The right honour of a King. the said Constantine said in the praise of a king, that it was more honour to make a king than to be a king. ¶ It is also witnessed by Reynulph, and other, that this Athelstane, Otho Emperor of Almain. or Adelstane, should marry one of his sisters named Edith unto Otho the first of that name Emperor of Almain, and (as some write) received from him many precious jewels: But of this speaketh nothing the Chronicles of the Romans. Howbeit, it is showed there, that the aforesaid Otho had a wife named Alunda, which as before is said in the story of King Edward the elder, might be the daughter of the said Edward, & of Edgina his second wife, and sister unto this king Athelstane. But Vincencius saith, that Henry Duke of Saxony, which was father unto the first Otho, sent unto Athelstane, requiring of him his sister to marry unto his son Otto: By which reason it may be truly said that Otho or Otto married the eldest sister of Athelstane, but not Edith. Of the aforesaid jewels sent by Otto, Onychytes a precious stone, of great value. one was a precious vessel of stone called Onychites, which was of such clearness and also so finely and artificially wrought, that it appeared to man's sight that green corn had grown within it, and moved and waved as corn doth standing in the field: Moreover in it appeared wines burging and bearing of fruit, and men also to fight, moving and stirring. He also received the great Constantine's sword, wherein was graven in great letters of Gold the name of the owner: and the hilts thereof were covered with great plates of Gold, and one of the Nails was fastened to the Cross of the said sword, that crucified and nailed Christ to the Cross. Fabian. But Reynulph saith otherwise. He also received the Spear of Charles the great, which after the opinion of some Writers, was the Spear wherewith Longeus opened Christ's side. And the Banner of Saint Morice, with a part of the holy Cross, and a part of the Crown of Thorn that our Saviour Christ was crowned with. Of the which jewels, Athelstane the first anointed king of Briteyn. king Ethelstane gave part unto S. Swithines of Winchester, and some he gave unto the Abbey of Malmesbury. And some writ that this Athelstane was the first anointed king at his coronation. Fabian. ¶ Now it followeth in the History, how Constantyne king of Scots, for all his humility, and for all the princely favour that he had showed unto him by king Athelstane, forgetting altogether both faith and loyalty, as the manner and custom of the Scots is, revolted and broke covenant with the king. Wherefore king Athelstane assembled his knights and power, and made toward Scotland, and in his way he turned to the Town named Saint john's of Beverley and offered there his knife upon the Altar saying, that if he returned with victory, he would redeem his knife with a noble price, and that being done, he marched forward on his journey, and in conclusion, discomfited the Scots, and brought them again into due subjection. And after according to the promise before made, he returned to York, and so to Beverley, where he redeemed his knife worthily as before he had promised by endowment and great privileges granted unto that town. ¶ And Reynulph in the vj. Book, and vj. Chapter, sayeth that king Athelstane after he had subdued the Scots being then with his Lords and familiars, near unto the Castle of Dunbarre, prayed to God that in that Country he might leave some remembrance or token, that those that were then living, and also such as should come after, might know that the Scots by right should be subjects to Englishmen. And forthwith he took his sword in hand and smote upon a great stone standing near unto the said castle, ye may believe this if ye william. with which stroke the stone did cleave an Elle in length, which in the time of Edward the third was there to be seen, as Fabian sayeth. ¶ Ye have heard before, that King Athelstane, after the death of Sithericus king of Northumberland, seized that land or province into his own hand, and put out his son: which after allied himself with Constantine king of the Scots and married his daughter. By whose provocation and stirring, he gathered a company of Danes, Scots, and other, and entered the mouth of Humber with a strong navy. Whereof king Athelstane when he had knowledge, did in all goodly haste prepare his army, and at length met with him and his people, at a place called Brimford, where Athelstane obtained a great and notable victory. For after the king by the help of God had defended the subtle assault made upon him by night by his enemies, he in the morning by the help of his brother Edmond, and Oddo the Archbishop chased his said enemies, Constantine king of Scots slain and slew there Constantine king of Scots, and five petty, or under kings, and twelve Dukes, with the greatest part of all the strangers that were there gathered at that time: The which battle should be done by the meaning of the said Reynulph, about the last year of his reign. ¶ It is also written of diverse Authors, that the king after this victory, subdued also the North Briteynes that dwelled at Hereford, and there about, and compelled them to pay him yearly three hundred pound of Silver xxv. C. head of Neat, and twenty pound in Gold. But Guido saith, that the king caused at Hereford City, to come before him all the rulers of the North Briteyn, and there had with them such communication, Tribute. that he forced them to grant unto him as a yearly tribute twenty pound of Gold, three hundred pound of Silver, and xxv C. head of Neat, with Dogs, and Hawks to a certain number. After which victories, he went unto Exeter, and repaired it and the walls thereof sufficiently. ¶ john Lidgate a Monk sometime of Saint Edmondes bury, john Lydgate. made a goodly treatise of this King Athelstane, showing that he was in so great persecution of the Danes, that he was constrained to call at Winchester a great counsel of his Lords. Where, after long debating of the matter, and diverse Ambassades and messages sent about by the king, and the Danes: It was firmly concluded, Colbrond a Giant which was a Dane. that the king should provide him a Champion to fight with Colybrond or Colbrond, a Giant and Dane, which the Danes had appointed for their Chiefteyne. Wherefore the king in searching through his lands for such a knight, and none could find, was in great danger and distress of heaviness. And forsomuch as he well perceived, that man's power failed, he by the advice of his Lords Spiritual, and Temporal, fell to fasting and prayer, and continued therein by a certain of time with perfect and charitable devotion. ¶ In the time of which said abstinence, a vision was showed unto Athelstane, comforting him, and also commanding him, that early upon the next morning, he should stand at the North gate of the City of Winchester, This man was Guy of Warwick. and there he should find amongst the number of the poor people, a man clothed in Palmer's weed whom he should choose for his Champion. ¶ After which vision thus to him showed, he did according, and found a man of goodly stature, & some deal stricken in age, and appareled as he was told in the vision. Whereof the king first gave unto God his hearty thanks, and after made request to this man, that he would take upon him this Combat for the defence of the land: And the man laid for himself many causes and considerations, as well for his age as otherwise, that he aught to be hold excused to take upon him such an enterprise. Howbeit, after much discoursing at the last he granted the king to fulfil his request and commandment. ¶ And at the day assigned and appointed, he met in the field with the aforenamed Giant, Hid Mede beside Winchester. called Colbrond without the Gate of the City in a Meadow, called Hid Mede, where between them two was fought a long and cruel fight, so that the king was in great fear of his Champion. But finally by the help of God, the man won the honour of that fight, Colbrand the Giant slain by Guy of Warwick. and slew that Giant that was of exceeding stature, & also of great and passing strength. ¶ Which victory by the man thus obtained, with the help and favour of God: the king then with his baronies fet the Man into the City of Winchester with solemn Procession, & conveyed him unto the Cathedral Church of the same, where he thanked God with great devotion, Guy of warwicks Axe. and offered there the Are with the which he had slain the Danes Champion. After which oblation with due reverence, and other observances by him and other finished: The king caused him to be conveyed unto his Court, where he tarried that night with much entreaty. And in the morning early he made such means that he would needs departed, and that in the same apparel that he came thither. When the king was advertised that this man would so hastily departed, whom he intended to have holden with him in his Court, and to have endowed him with rich possessions: He commanded him to be brought unto his presence. ¶ And when he saw that he could not 'cause him to tarry, he required him to show unto him his name: whereof also he besought the king to pardon him. Wherefore the king considering his hasty departing, with many other things in him to be considered, was then the more desirous to have of him some knowledge. And therefore the king was earnest in his desire and request, and would have no nay, but that he should declare his name: Then the man perceiving that without the kings displeasure he could not departed without disclosing of his name, said, he might not discover his name within the walls of the City, without the offence of his conscience. ¶ Wherefore, the king granted to go with him until he were in the broad fields: Upon which grant thus made, the king commanded diverse great gifts to be to him presented, which all he utterly refused. Shortly to conclude, the king with a certain of his Lords conveyed this said man unto the towns end: And when he was thither come, he there required him of the performance of his promise. And then the man kneeling on his knee, besought the king of his especial grace, that he would put apart his Lords and other, so that he might show his name unto him only. ¶ Which being done, he besought him that he would keep his name secret for the space of xxiiij hours: the which the king granted unto him, and then he said, that he was his natural liege man, and subject, and that his name was Guy of Warwick. Guy of Warwick. Of which tidings the king was very joyous, and offered him then of new, many rich rewards and gifts: But all was in vain, for he would receive nothing, so that the king and he lastly departed with weeping eyen. And after the said Guy of Warwick purchased in a Wilderness a lodging in an Hermitage, where, by the term of two years and more, he dwelled and kept and hard life. And he hearing that Dame Felice his own wife fed daily xiij poor men for Christ's sake, he went thither sundry times, and fet there his Almose, his said wife then lying at the Castle of Warwick, not knowing of any man what he was, until at the last, he was visited with sore sickness, and that he knew well he should die: Wherefore he sent his wedding ring unto his wife, requiring her in all the haste to come and speak with him, which she obeyed in humble wise, and sped her unto the said Hermitage with all womanly diligence, Guy of warwike dead. and found him dead at her coming, whom she besprent with many a salt tear. And as she was informed of the Messenger, at the time when he died, he determined to be buried in the same place, and even there she did bury him. And moreover, as saith the aforesaid Author, he admonished his said wife, by the said messenger, that she should provide, for she should die within xu days next after: which she also obeyed, and made such provision that she was buried in the same place. All which matter the said john Lydgate affirmeth, that he took out of a certain book of Giraldus Cambrensis, otherwise called Silvester Giraldus, which wrote many things of the Princes of England, as Reynulph also and others do witness. ¶ All which said treatise is showed at length in metre of eight staves, by the diligent labour of the said john Lidgate, the which I have here omitted for brevity sake. This Athelstane by the record of sundry writers, brought again this land into one Monarchy, and reigned as king thereof xuj. years, and was buried at the Monastery of Malmesbury, leaving after him no child, & therefore the rule of this land fell unto Edmond his brother. EDmond the brother of Athelstane and son of Edward the Elder, reigned next after his brother. ¶ In the first year of his reign, the Danes of Northumberlande rebelled against him: And for to make their party the stronger, Danes rebelled. they sent for a Prince of the Danes named Aulaffe, then being in Ireland, the which brought with him another prince or ruler of the Danes named Reignald, Reignald a Captain of the Danes. with a great host of Danes and other strange Nations, and entered the foresaid Country, and warred upon the next borders, in wasting and spoiling the inhabitants of the same. ¶ When king Edmond had knowledge hereof, anon he assembled his people, and sped him toward the Country, and at the last fought with the said two Princes of the Danes, and chased them from Town to Town, until he forced them with all their company of strange Nations to forsake utterly that Province, and further he did beat down the Country of Comberlande, that had much favoured and aided the said enemies against him, and took therein great prays, and divided the spoil amongst his knights. And that done, either for the good service that Malcolyne king of Scotland had in his voyage done unto the king, or for the truth & allegiance that he in time following should bear unto him, or for both, the king gave there to the said Malcolyn the Country of Comberland, Malcolyne king of the Scots had for his service done to King Edmond, given unto him the Country of Comberland and seized the residue of the Lordship of Northumberlande, and joined it unto his own kingdom. But yet the Danes returned again in the time of Edred the next king, as after shall be showed, so that as yet the end of his kingdom, is not to be accounted. But Polidore alloweth not them that ascribe the vanquishing of the Northumber's unto this Edmond, affirming that to have been Athelstanes deed, who also subdued the Scots: and so as it seemeth is of opinion that the kingdom of the Northumber's, ended in the said Athelstanes tyme. ¶ This king Edmond had a noble woman to his wife named Elgina, Elgina the wise of king Edmond. of whom he received two sons, named Edwin and Edgar. ¶ This king Edmond, as sayeth Henry Archdeacon of Huntingdon, had war oftentimes with the Danes, who held many good Towns in middle England, as Lyncoln, Nottyngham, Derby, Stafford, and Leyceter, the which by his knightly manhood, he wan from them, and he also amended many things within the Realm that had been long time out of frame, by mean of the Danes: and as Polydore saith, established many good laws very profitable for the common wealth. Of the end and death of this Edmond, there are divers opinions, for Marianus the Scot sayeth, that while this king Edmond endeavoured himself to save his Sewer from his enemy, that would have slain him in a town or place called Pulkre Church, King Edmond slain. the king in parting of the Fray, was wounded to death, and died shortly after. ¶ But William of Malmesbury de Regibus saith, that the king being at a Feast at the foresaid Town or place, upon the day of Saint Augustine, espied a Felon, sitting in the Hall named Leof, which he before time for his Felony had exiled, and therefore he leapt over the table and plucked that thief by the hear of the head to the ground. In which doing the said Felon, with a knife wounded the king to death, A strange tale of the death of a king. and also with the same knife wounded many other of the king's servants, and at length was himself all to hewn in pieces. Fabian. If this be true, it should seem that kings at those days were neither so honourably guarded nor accompanied, nor yet kept so princely estate, as they now use. ¶ But which of these two means was used in the king's death, it appeareth not certainly, but all writers agreed that he died when he had reigned uj years and more, and was buried at Glascenbury, the which before he had sumptuously repaired, and left after him two young sons, as before is remembered Edwin, and Edgar, but for that they were to young to rule the land, therefore the rule thereof was committed to Edredus their Uncle, Edwin, Edgar. and brother to their father. MAlcolme the first and the son of Constantine reigned King of Scots xv. years, and at the last was slain by conspiracy of certain Traitors. ELdred or Edred the brother of Edmond and son of Edward the elder, was made king, for that the children of king Edmond were thought to young to govern. This Eldred was anointed king of Oddo or Otho Archbishop of Cauntorburie, in the Town of Kingston upon Tamys, and soon after, he warred upon the Danes that then were entered into Northumberland (or after some writers, Rebellion of the Danes. that then were there dwelling under tribute of the king) subdued before of Edmond his brother, and be them down, and caused them to hold and obey unto their former covenants. And the Scots than also began to vary, but he brought them unto due obedience. ¶ After a certain term, the Danes of Northumberlande, which ever continued full of guile and doubleness, not being content to hold and keep the covenants before made and promised unto Edred the king, York taken by the Danes. called unto them their old accessaries and helpers, and bereaved from the king's subjects the City of York and other strong Towns and Castles, to the great hurt and annoyance of the Country, and utter displeasure of the king. ¶ Wherefore, he being thereof advertised, in goodly and convenient haste, assembled his people, and sped him thither, and destroyed much of the land. And in that fury brent the Abbay of Rypon, Rypon Abbey brent. which the Danes kept for a Fortress and strength, and wan from them much of their strengths which they before had won, and brought them again under his subjection. ¶ When this king Edred had thus sped his journey and was returning into England, nothing suspecting the said Danes, a company of them by the exciting of Hircus a king or prince of the Danes, than followed the king's host, Danes having to their captain one named Hircus did again rebel. and before he came at York set upon the king's rearward, and destroyed and slew many a man. For the which doing the king was sore amoved, and turned his people again, intending to have destroyed the Country utterly. ¶ Whereof the Danes being ware, so lowly meked themselves unto him, and presented unto him such gifts, that the king refrained of that great ire that he purposed to them. But amongst other Articles that he bond them unto, one was, that they should banish and utterly refuse their foresaid Duke or king called Hercus: Danes that inhabited Northumberland were again overcome and put from government for ever which thing with divers and many other they granted and firmly bound themselves to keep, as well by hostages taken, as by other surety, and the king returned into England, and joined this kingdom to his other. So that here is reckoned the end of this kingdom, which endured iiij. C.ix years. ¶ In the same year that the king had thus subdued the Danes, a strong sickness took him, so that he died, and was buried in the Cathedral Church of Winchester, in the xxviij year of his age, & when he had reigned ten years. ¶ Polidore saith, that when he had quieted the Realm, and vanquished his enemies, he became a great benefactor unto religious houses, but specially unto the Abbey of Abindon, who thinking to please God thereby, & to gratefy Ethelnoldus then Abbot there accounted for a very holy man, and at the request of his mother Edgina, repaired the same Abbey, first founded by king Iua, as before is said, and at that season sore decayed, and in manner destroyed. EDwyn the eldest son of Edmond, brother of Athelstane, took on him the government of this Realm. ¶ This Edwin was crowned at Kingston beside London of the archbishop of Cantorbury: The which self day of his Coronation, Kingston or king's tou●●. broke suddenly from his Lords, and entered into a secret Chamber, and there occupied himself sinfully, and ravished another man's wife, being his near kinswoman, whose husband as one Author doth testify, the king had caused to be slain before, for that he would have the unlawful use of her beauty, and not considering the alliance of affinity & kindred between them. Some writ that he committed the said Act in manner openly like a brute Beast, and Guydo saith that Edwin contrary to the laws of the Church, held a woman as his Concubine. Wherefore Dunstone who a little before was made Abbot of Clastonbury, first monished him of his fault, and afterwards accused him unto Oddo archbishop of Cantorbury, by whose power the king was caused to refuse and forsake the company of the woman. For the which Edwin bore great malice unto Dunstone, and at length by his extort power, Dunstone banished. he banished him the land, and forced him for a season to keep himself in Flaunders. And for the malice that he bore toward him, he did much displeasure to all the Monks of England, by banishment, and otherwise. Insomuch, that at Malmesbury he put out the Monks, and set in secular priests in their steed. Fabian. ¶ But Matthew of Westminster writeth, that Edwin had to his Paramour, the daughter of a noble woman of the Realm, and the mother also at his commandment. And that on the day of his Coronation, he arose suddenly from the Table, as he was feasting with his Lords and Nobles, and departed unto his privy Chamber, where those two gentlewomen were, to the intent he might dally with them, and satisfy the sensual appetite and beastly pleasure of the body. The which fact of his, sore displeased all his said Nobles: and therefore they sent incontinent Dunstone unto him, to persuade with him to return again, and to be merry with them at the table, who as he was by them commanded, taking his kinsman Bishop Cynesius with him, entered into the king's Chamber, where they found the Crown of the Realm, all of glistering Gold very rich and beautiful, plucked off his head and hurled after a reckless sort on the ground a pretty way from him: And the king himself tumbling in the dust betwixt the mother and the daughter, unto whom the said Dunstone said on this wise. My liege Lord, your Princes and Nobles have sent us unto you, to beseech you to return again unto your Hall, where is a meet seat for your Royal person and estate, and there to solace yourself, and to make merry with them, and then blamed the lewdness and folly of the Women: and perceiving the King so unwilling to arise, he caught him by the hand, and so brought him back again with him unto the feast Royal, storming and chafing like a mad man. After this one of the Harlotets called Algina rose up in a great chafe and fume saying, how he was a rash and a saucy Messenger, that thus would presume to enter into the kings privy Chamber, not being called. And so from thence forth, the same woman never ceased to persecute Dunstone, till she had brought him into the kings deadly hatred, and high displeasure: And it followeth in the same Writer, how by the consent of King Edwin after she had spoiled his Abbey of all his movables, she caused him at length to be banished out of the Realm by the kings commandment. After the which banishment, he was feign to fly into France for his sausegard, during the time of his said exile. And how there were certain tormentors sent beyond the Seas to have put out his eyes, if they could have met with him. ¶ It is read of him, that he took such precious jewels as Athelstane had received before from Otho the Emperor, given unto Winchester and Malmesbury, and gave them unto alients and strangers. And thus was he not only unkind to Monks, but also used such tyranny, and other unlawful means to his subjects, that lastly they abhorring his wicked life, and detestable manners, rebelled against him, and specially the inhabitants of the Country of Mertia, King Edwin deposed. or middle England, and also the Northumber's and put him clearly from all kingly honour and dignity, the which deposition grieved him so much that he died for sorrow, when he had reigned four years, and was buried at winchester, leaving none heir of his body, and therefore the rule of the land fell unto Edgar his younger brother. EDgar, the second son of Edmond, and brother of Edwin the last king, being of the Age of xu years, took upon him the rule of this Realm. In the beginning of his reign, he called home Dunstone that before was exiled of king Edwin. King Edgar united all the provinces of this realm into one kingdom, where before they were divided into seven kingdoms. Then he made Dunstone that was Abbot of Glascenbury, Bishop of Worceter, and he joined and united together all the Provinces and Lordships of England, and made them one Monarchy, and one Kingdom. ¶ In many places he put away Clerks and Priests that lived viciously, or as some write that had wives, and set there for them Monks. And as saith Guydo, Reynulph, and other, he builded and repaired to the number of xl houses of Religion, whereof Abyndon, Peterborough, Thorney, Ramsey, & Wilton were parcel of them. And at Winchester, he put in Monks, where before were married Priests. ¶ The cause wherefore (as saith Fabian) was, for so much as the Priests were negligent in the divine service, and set Vicars in their places, while they lived at their pleasure in other places, and spent the Patrimony of the Church after their sensual william. ¶ Then king Edgar gave to the Vicars the land that before longed to the prebendaries, trusting thereby that they would do their duties: But it was not long after, but that the said Vicars were as negligent as the other, wherefore the king avoided the Priests and placed there Monks, though some of his Prelates were not contented therewith. ¶ This Edgar kept such justice and did so sharp execution upon Malefactors, Execution of justice hath worthy commendation. that never before his days were used less felonies or robberies than was in his tyme. And to the intent that he would have the ravenous beasts destroyed throughout his land, he caused Ludallus Prince of Wales, to yield to him yearly by way of Tribute three hundred Wolves. The destruction of Wolves. By mean whereof, within four years after, in England and Wales might scantly be found one Wolf alive. ¶ Polidore here noteth that the Welshmen, which could never willingly abide to be governed of the English Nation, found the means at the length to make themselves a Prince of their own Nation, as in this kings time they had to their Prince and governor Ludallus, and long time after diverse other in diverse kings days, which were tributaries unto the kings of England: But when they first obtained this benefit of the said kings, the said Polidore confesseth that he hath not found in any ancient Chronicle or authentic Writer. ¶ It is written of sundry Authors, Kynadus king of Scots. that Kynadus king of Scots despised Edgar, for that he was little of stature, whereof king Edgar being warned desired the said Kynadus to dinner, and made to him good countenance. After which diver ended, he took the said Kynadus by the arm, and so with him held company until they came to the Fields: where being dissevered from their servants: Edgar drew from under his garment two sword, and desired Kynadus to take the choice of them, A challenge made by Edgar unto Kynadus the Scottish King. and said unto him, now thou hast good leisure to say thy strength with mine, which before time thou hast so much despised: Now let us prove which is more worthy to be subject to other: It is not sitting for a Knight to make great boast at the board, and to do little in the field. ¶ When the Scottish king heard the king thus challenge him, he remembered well his words before spoken, and perceived that they were disclosed unto Edgar, whereof being somewhat abashed, he answered so humbly and behaved himself so lowly and gently, and gave unto the king such pleasant words, that he forgave the trespass. ¶ This Edgar among other of his Politic deeds, used in the Summer time, to scour the Sea with certain Ships of war, Edgar in Summer scoured the Sea with his ships, and in Winter laid them up. and had a great number always in a readiness. And against the Winter, he provided to lay up the said Ships in sure Havens, and had ready in his own service and in his Lords, a certain number of Soldiers that were always ready to man the same, when the king had need of them. And his Shipmasters were in wages with him throughout the year, who ever attended upon the Ships, to see that nothing lacked that was necessary. By mean whereof he kept his land in great quiet from outward enemies. And in the Winter he used to ride over the land, and to understand how his officers entreated the people. And if any were accused of extortion or other crimes, and that duly proved against them, he did upon all such, sharp correction. ¶ And for so much as in his days, great multitude of Danes dwelled in divers places of England, which used many vices, and specially great drinking, whereof ensued drunkenness and many other vices, to the evil examples and hurts of his commons and subjects: A policy for the stay of Drunkards. He therefore ordained certain Cups with pings or nails set in them, and ordained and made a law, that whatsoever person drank past the mark at one draft, should forfeit a certain pain: A good precedent for the making of penal laws, and bestowing of the forfeitures. whereof the one half should fall to the accuser, and that other half to the ruler of the Borough or Town that the offence was done in, where the same should be examined and tried. ¶ It is told of this Edgar by divers Authors, that he upon a season being at Chester, entered the river of Dee, and there sitting in a Boat, took the rule of the stern, King Edgar had under him seven kings within this Realm. and caused vij Kings, which Guydo calleth Reguli, that is small or under kings, and commanded them to row him up and down the river, unto Saint john's Church, which lately was an Abbey of black Monks, and from thence to his own Palace, in token, that he was Lord and king of so many provinces. ¶ This Noble Edgar had two wives: By the first that was called Egelfleda the white, he had a son that was named Edward, who was after king, Ethelfleda the mother of Edward, and wife of Edgar. and slain by treason as afterwards shall be showed. And upon his second Wife Elfrida or as the English Chronicle calleth her Estrild, he begat a son named Egelredus or Ethelredus, and after the English Chronicle Eldred, which was king next after Edward the Martyr, and of Wilfride, which of some is called a Nun, Edith the daughter of Wilfride, Which Wilfride was a Nun and Concubine to king Edgar. he had a daughter named Edith, but she was base and not in Wedlock. For as Guydo sayeth, this Wilfride, knowing that the king cast to her unlawful love, put upon her the habit of a Nun, thinking thereby to withdraw the kings love: But that notwithstanding, she was brought to the king's bed. For which deed he was greatly blamed of the Bishop Dunstane, and by him enjoined to do therefore seven years penance. And the aforenamed Wilfride, after the child borne, lived virtuously, as sayeth Fabian. Of her daughter Edith, it is read that at lawful age she was at Wilton shorn a Nun. ¶ Edgar, thus ruling the land after the death of his first wife Egelfleda, word was brought to him of the beauty of a young Damsel named Elfrida, or Estrild, daughter of Orgarus earl of Devonshire: wherefore he sent a Knight of his Court named Ethelwold, to espy whether the Maid were of such beauty, as she was reported of, or not, charging him, if she were so beautiful, that then he should ask her to wife for him. ¶ But this Knight having sight of this Maiden, was so wounded with the dart of blind Cupid, Ethelwold used dissimulation with the king his Master. that he forgot his truth and allegiance, which he did own to his Master and sovereign, and returned, showing to the King, that she was nothing of the beauty as she was reported to be, but of mean fairness as other women are. Wherefore he besought the king, considering she was her father's Heir and a good marriage, that he would be so good Lord unto him, as to writ unto her father, that he might have her unto Wife. The which the King granted, and at the last he obtained her and married her. ¶ In process of time the fame of this woman sprang so wide, that at the last it came to the understanding of king Edgar: Deep dissimulation. wherewith the king notwithstanding, he were in his mind discontented with Ethelwold, which had so deceived him, yet kept he good countenance and made semblance as though he had nothing forced of that matter at all. ¶ And upon a time, as it were in game, warned this Ethelwold that then was an Earl by reason of his wife, or otherwise, that he would one night come and lodge in his house, and appointed the time when it should be. The Earl being nothing contented with this monition, ran home almost dead for fear, and prayed his wife of help in that time of need, and that she would in all that she might make herself as foul and as unseemly as she could, and showed to her all the residue of the matter. Then the woman cast in her mind, the great displeasure that might ensue towards her against God, to make that foul, which he had made goodly and fair, and also to her Lord and husband against the king, thinking that he should 'cause her thus to do, to the intent to mock and deceive him. Wherefore, Ethelwold was foully deceived, for Women are not trusty in consideration of the premises, she trimmed and decked herself in most costly and showing apparel. And over that, if Dame Nature had any thing forgotten or misprinted in her, she left not what might be done by woman's help to have it amended and reform, and at the kings coming received him with all joy and gladness. By which means, this young amorous king was soon caught in the devils snare, so that he set reason apart and followed his own sensuality. And for to bring his purpose the better about, he kept forth a countenance as he had been well contented with all thing, and desired the Earl, that he would ride with him on hunting, into the wood of Weluerley, that now is called Horsewood, where he awaiting his time, Ethelwold slain and murdered. struck the Earl thorough the body with his shaft, so that he died soon after. And then he married this Elfrida or Estrild shortly, and had by her Egelredus. For the which deed saith Reynulph, this Elfrida builded a house of nuns at Warwell. But some writ that it was for the slaying of her stepson Edward. ¶ Then Edgar, was crowned king at the City of , Coronation or as some writ at Kingston of Dunstone archbishop of Cantorbury, and Oswolde archbishop of York, when he had ruled this land twelve years, but Polidore saith, that Dunstone was not at his said Coronation, but remained yet a banished man. The cause why it was so long or this Edgar was crowned, was saith Guydo, for his unlawful lechery, The simplicity of kings in those days and specially for the offence done with Wilfride. For the which deed he was enjoined vij years penance, during the which time of penance, he was kept from the said anointment. ¶ It is also reported of this king Edgar, that he being upon a season at the Town of Andover beside Sarisbury, and was enamoured of a Noble man's daughter, which was of passing beauty, made such means by force or otherwise, that the parents were agreed that the king should have his pleasure. But the mother being subtle of wit, bethought her of a wile, Women are wily. and when night came, sent a servant of hers, which was both comely and fair, unto the kings bed. In the Morning, when the day began to wax clear, the woman began to stir, and would have departed from the king: But the king stayed her, and asked the cause of her so hasty departing: The woman answered, The king deceived. I must be at my work with my fellows at mine hour, to keep my task. And when the king had questioned with her further, he learned that she was a bond woman, and she asked of the king freedom for that nights service. The king at this had good game, and cherished that damosel so after, that he made her Lady of Ladies. For these insolent and wanton deeds, it is said, that by the counsel of Dunstone, he builded and repaired so many Abbeys and houses of religion as is before named. Fabian. ¶ Thus this noble Edgar, passing his time in virtue, and sometimes meddled with vice, at the last had knowledge of the rebellion of the Briteynes or Welshmen: wherefore he assembled his knights, and entered the land, and did them great harm and waste. And among other prays, he spoiled the Country of Glamorgan and the Country of Ono: But the king died within ten days after, when he had reigned the full term of xuj years, and was buried at Glascenbury, leaving after him two sons, Edward the Martyr, and Egelredus by two sundry wives. And here Fabian setteth forth a story of a lewd and false judge, the which the Reader may there find set out at large. INdulph reigned in Scotland ix years: He kept peace with the English men, and vanquished the Danes that invaded his Realm. KIng Duffus reigned among the Scots four years, and was slain by the treason of a noble man called Donewalde. After his death appeared neither Son, Moon, nor Star, the space of uj Months. CVline a vicious and wicked tyrant reigned among the Scots. He deflowered his own sisters, and ravished other men's wives, and daughters, wherefore he was slain the fift year of his reign. EDward the son of Edgar, reigned after his father: And here ye shall understand, that after the death of Edgar, great strife arose among the Lords, for the admission of their king. For Elfrida or Estreld, with Alphride Duke of Mertia, made diverse friends to have her son Egelredus promoted unto that dignity, a child of seven years of age, that she and he might rule the land together. But Dunstone with the aid of other Bishops, and of the Earl of East England, or Essex, so withstood that doing, that he crowned this Edward king at the Town of Kingston, to the grievous displeasure of the said mother Elfrida, and other of her affinity. ¶ In the time of this Edward appeared a blazing star, after the which ensued many inconveniences, Sickness, hunger, moreyn and many other plagues. aswell to men as to beasts, as sickness, hunger, moreyne, and other like calamities: But none of these things fell in the days of this Edward, but after his death. The aforenamed Alphride, Duke of Mertia, which in all things favoured much the deeds of the Queen, put out the Monks at Winchester, that king Edgar had there set in, and brought in for them wanton clerk, or as Reynulph saith, Clerks with Concubines (or rather that had lawful wives. These I think were priests with their wives. ) But Bunstone, and the Earl of Essex withstood that doing, and held against the Duke and such as favoured his party: For the which arose great strife between the Priests, and the Monks of England. For the Clerks that were before time put out by Edgar, said that it were a wretched and cursed deed, that a new common company unknown, should put out old landishe men from their places: and it should not be pleasing to God that had granted the place to the old dwellers, neither aught any good man to allow such doing, for the ill ensample that thereof might ensue. The Monks said, that Christ allowed neither the old dweller, nor yet the person: But who so would take the cross of penance upon him, and follow Christ in virtuous living he should be his disciple. ¶ For this matter was there holden a general counsel of Bishops, and all the Clergy of England, at winchester, but for all this the strife ceased not. In so much that a new assembly of the Clergy and other was appointed after at a place called the street of Calf, where the counsel was kept in an upper fit. Dunstone was sore against priests wives. In this counsel Dunstone was grievously despised and rebuked of some unskilful men (as saith Fabian.) And while they were there in this great division and argument, which way should be admitted and allowed, suddenly the joystes of the fit failed, and the people fell down, Some writ that this was done by a deceitful practice, and after was taken for a miracle. so that many were slain, and the people greatly hurt: But Dunstone with few other that took his part escaped unhurt. This wonder and other caused silence among them that intended to maintain the aforesaid quarrel, so that Dunstone had all his william. ¶ But to return to the time of the reign of king Edward, he came upon a time from hunting in the Forest, near unto the Castle of Corfe, Corfe castle in the West Country: where he losing his company and servants, resorted unto the Castle aforesaid, where at that time his Stepmother with her son Egelredus kept her household. ¶ When the Queen was warned of his coming, A traitorous device of a mother in law anon she called unto a servant of hers, whom she much trusted, and told to him all her counsel, showing to him further, how he should behave himself in the accomplishing of her will and mind. And that done, she went toward the King, and received him with all gladness, and desired him to tarry with her that night: But he in courteous manner excused himself, and for speed, desired to drink upon his horse sitting, the which was shortly brought. ¶ And while the Cup was at his mouth, A vile murder. the servant struck him to the heart with a sword, or long dagger sharp on both sides. After which stroke by the king received, he set spurs to the horse, and thought to ride to the place from whence he came, or else such a way as he thought to meet with his company. But he bled so sore, that for faintness he fell from his horse, King Edward murdered. his one foot being fast in the Stirrup: By reason whereof, he was drawn of the horse over ways and fields, until he came unto a place then named Corisgate, where he was found dead. And for that the manner of his death was unknown, and also he for king not known, he was buried unworthily at the Town of Warram, and there rested by the space of three years after. In which time and season, God showed for him diverse miracles, as sight to the blind, health to the sick, and hearing to the deaf, with diverse other, as saith Fabian. But Polydore writeth, that his Stepmother Elfrida caused the dead corpse to be carried in, and buried in a secret place, where it was after found by miracle. ¶ At the last the same Elfrida sore repenting her fact, intended to visit him by way of pilgrimage. But how or for what cause she intended inwardly I can not say, but the horse or beast that she road upon, might not come nigh the place by a certain space, for beating, nor for any other thing that might be done for him by man. Septon now called Shaftesbury. ¶ But after this, by her means, or as Matthew of Westminster saith, by Elforius Duke of Mertia, or middle England, he was translated from thence to Septon, that now is called Shaftesbury, and there buried with great honour. ¶ And as it is said for a testimony of her great repentance, she founded two Monasteries of women, Ambrisbury the one at Ambrisbury, and the other at Warwell. In the which place of Warwell in her latter days, Warwell. she refusing the pomp of the world, held there a solitary and strait life, and ended her life with great penance and repentance, and was there buried when she was dead. ¶ Thus as ye have heard, was this young king Edward murdered, when he had reigned four, or as some write three years, leaving behind him none issue, wherefore the rule of the land fell to Egelredus his brother. KEnneth reigned in Scotland xxv years. In his time, the Danes arrived in Angus with a great company, and wasted the Country very sore, with whom the Scots met, Kenneth king of Scots. and after sore fight and great slaughter, by the manhood of one Hay (an uplandishmen, and his two sons) obtained the victory. This Kenneth was slain by mean of a Lady called Fenella, because he had poisoned Malcolme Prince of cumber. EGeldred or Etheldred the son of Edgar, and Elfride his last Wife, after the death of Edward his brother reigned over this Realm. And in the beginning of this man's time, the ground waxed barren and all the miseries before signified by the appearing of the blazing star in the days of Edward, now began to take place and increase upon the earth. This king as his other progenitors before him were, was crowned at Kingston, of Dunstane, and Oswald, archbishops. To whom as it is written in the life of Dunstane among his prophecies, Dunston's prophecies. Dunstane should say at the day of his coronation. Thou comest to this kingdom by the death of thy brother, in whose death Englishmen conspired with thy wicked mother, they shall not be without bloodshedding and sword, until there come people of an unknown tongue, and bring them into thraldom. And this trespass shall not be cleansed without long vengeance. ¶ This Egeldred was a man of goodly visage and tall of parsonage, but his nature was mixed with Lechery, cruelty, and divers other vices. It is also read that when Dunstane should christian him, as he held him over the font, he filed the same with his ordure, and that then Dunstane swore by God and by his mother, An angry Bishop. this child shall be unkind both to God and his Church. Fabian. Although mine Author wrote this as matter in that time which he thought to be true, yet judge you now thereof as you think best. ¶ In the second year of his reign, a cloud was seen in England in the morning time the which appeared half like blood, The Danes arrived in Kent. Cornwall, Sussex, and diverse other places of this realm and the other half like fire, and changed after into sundry colours, and at the last vanished away. ¶ In the third year of his reign, the Danes alured by his cowardice, and chief for that he was unskilful of arms, arrived in sundry places of his land, as in the Isle of Thanet beside Kent, also in Southampton, Cornwall and Sussex, and in those coasts much harm: and afterwards, some of them came to London, but there they were put of: howbeit, they destroyed a great part of Chester and Chestershire. ¶ And in the end of the same year, London, a great part thereof consumed by fire a great part of the City of London was consumed with fire, but how it began is not expressed. But ye shall understand, that at this day the City of London, had most housing and building from Ludgate toward westminster, and little or none where the chief or heart of the City is, at this day, except in divers places were housing, From the little Cond●●t in Chep unto Fleet bridge and Holborn bridge was the first and chiefest ●arte of the city of London. but they stood without order. So that many Towns and Cities, as Cauntorbury, York, and other, divers in England passed London in building at those days, as I have seen and known by an old book in the Guildhall in London named Domes day. But after the conquest it increased, and shortly after it passed and excelled all the other. Fabian. ¶ About the eight year of his reign, the king married earl Egbertus daughter, named Ethelgina or Elgma. Of the which he begat a son, and named him Edmond, which after was surnamed Ironside, and two other sons named Edwin and Ethelstane, and a daughter named Edgina. ¶ In the ix year of this king, for strife and displeasure that was between the Bishop of Rochester and him, he with his knights besieged the said City: whereof Dunstane sent to the king, admonishing him, that he should refrain from that cruelty, Gold was of more force than Dunstane. and to suffer the Bishop and his City to be in peace. But this message abated nothing at all the king's courage. Then the said Dunstane sent unto him an hundredth pound in Gold, willing him to refrain of that enterprise, the which he received and broke up his siege. ¶ About the xj year of his reign, Dunstane died, Dunstane dead. but it was not long after his death, before the Danes entered into many and sundry places of the land, in such wise as the king was to seek to which coast he should go first to withstand his enemies. And in conclusion, for the avoiding of more harm, he was compelled to quiet them with great sums of money: The Danes sore spoiled this realm. But when that money was spent, they fell to new robbing of the people. Then the king granted more money: But for all that the Danes rob and spoiled the Country of Northumberland and at the last besieged London. The which their outrage troubled the king very sore because he thought they would now have been quiet. ¶ And for the increase of the kings sorrow, Elfricus a Traitor. Elfricus that then was master or admiral of the king's Navy, fled as a false traitor unto the Danes. And after that was reconciled: and fled yet again the second time unto them. ¶ Wherefore the king to be avenged on the father, King Egeldred punished the son of Elfricus in pulling out of his eyen for the offence of his father. commanded the eyen of his son Algarus to be plucked or done out of his head. ¶ But while this persecution thus continued, by means of Elphegus Bishop of Winchester, a peace was concluded for a time between the king and the Danes. And the Prince or chief captain of them named Aulaff, was so exhorted by the said Bishop, that he became a christian man, to whom the king was Godfather, so that shortly after, the said Aulaff returned to his own Country, without doing of any more hurt, Bloody Flux, and brenning Fevers. so that for a while the wars of the Danes seized. But while they rested, the bloody Flux with brenning Fevers so vexed the people thorough the land, that many died thereof. ¶ And now again the Danes assailed this land, and did in divers places great harm, so that for lack of a good head or governor many things in the land perished. Division and dissension among the Lords. For the Lords were at such dissension one with another, that when they were assembled to speak or treat of peace between that one Lord and that other, and if any good thing were devised for the hurt of their enemies, anon the Danes were warned thereof by some of the same counsel: whereof were suspected Elfricus and Edricus. ¶ And to this sorrow was joined hunger and penury, amongst the commons, A miserable realm. that every one of them was constrained to pluck & steal from other, so that what by the pillage of the Danes, and inward thieves and bribours, this land was brought into great misery and mischief. ¶ The king being thus wrapped in misery, left not to gather of his subjects what he might, How one misery begat another. as well by unlawful means as otherwise. For saith Reynulph, he would for feigned or small causes disherit men of their possessions, & after 'cause them to redeem their own with great sums of money. ¶ And besides this, he gave himself altogether to lechery, and to the filthy lust of the body: By which ungracious means, he brought this land into such ruin, Sin and mischief come together. that what he might not help by strength, he redeemed with great sums of money. So that from the first entry of the Danes, as witnesseth Reynulph in his uj book and xviij Chapter, and Guydo and other Authors, and from the first tribute often thousand pound, he brought it at the last in process of five or six years, to xl thousand pound. The which yearly during his life and after, to the coming of king Edward was levied of his subjects, A tribute called Dane Gelt. and named for the continuance thereof Dane Gelt, which is to mean, money paid to the Danes, or Dane money. ¶ In the xu year of his reign died Oswald Archbishop of Cantorbury, A miserable England and soon after died Ethelgina the Queen. And thus the land continued under the grievous Tribute of the Danes, and also the English men sustained of them great numbers of villainies and injuries, as partly hereafter shall appear. The king at this time by counsel of his familiars, about the xxj year of his reign married Emma the daughter of Richard Duke of Normandy: Emma the daughter of Richard Duke of Normandy. The which Richard was the third duke of Normandy, and the first of that name, and also was surnamed Richard without fear, or Richard the hardy, by whom he had issue Edward the Confessor, which after was king of England. ¶ By this marriage, Egeldred began to look a fit, and thought much of himself, and took upon him with much more courage then before he had done. Wherefore he sent into all the good boroughs, Towns, and Cities of his land, The Danes murdered. secret and straight commissions, charging all the rulers, that upon on a certain day, which was the day of S. Brice, at an hour assigned in every place of this land, the Danes should be slain, and so it was done. And as the common fame telleth, this murder began at a little Town in Hertfordshire, within xxiiij Miles of London called Welwen: For the which deed it took the first name, because that the weal of that country (as it was then thought) was there first won. But who that doth well consider the sequel of the Story, shall find little winning or weal that ensued of this deed. ¶ But before I proceed further, I will here touch somewhat of the pride and abusion of the Danes, which they exercised in England, as I have seen in an old Chronicle. The cruelty of the Danes The Danes by strength caused husbandmen to ear and sow their land, and to do all other vile labour that belonged unto husbandry, and the Dane held his wife at pleasure, with daughter and servant. And when the husband man came home, Miserable bondage and villainy. he should scantly have of his own as his servants had, so that the Dane had all at his commandment, and did eat and drink his fill of the best, when the owner had scant his fill of the worst. And besides this, the common people were so of them oppressed, that for fear and dread, they called them in every such house as they had rule of, Lord Dane: But in process of time, Lord Dane, of the which sprang this word Lurdane. after the Danes were voided the land, this word Lord Dane, was in derision and despite of the Danes turned by English men into a name of opprobry called Lurdane, which yet is not forgotten, for if one English man will rebuke another, he will for the most part say, thou srt but a Lurdane. ¶ But now to return to our first matter: Truth it is when the Danes were thus murdered throughout England, tidings thereof sprang into Denmark: which kindled in them such a fury, Swanus king of the Danes entered into England. that the king thereof named Swanus, assembled shortly a great host and navy of Ships. And within short time after, he with his Danes landed in Cornwall. And by treason of a Norman named Hugh, which by favour of Queen Emma was made Earl of Devonshire, the said Swanus took Exeter, and after bet down the walls. ¶ The he entered further into the land: In which season the king sent unto Edrycus, charging him to assemble the west Saxons, and to withstand the further entry of the Danes: The which according to his commission assembled the west Saxons, and made good countenance to withstand the said enemies: But when the hosts should join, were it for fear or for treason, he feigned himself sick, and fled from his people. The which for lack of an head were feign to give back to their great hurt, and to their enemies great advantage and comfort. ¶ Wherefore the Danes, then resorted to Sherborne and Wylton, and anon spoiled both those towns, and the refreshed them: But Swanus had understanding, Swanus fled to his ships that the king was coming towards him with the power of his land, he therefore departed thence, and returned with great pillage unto his Ships, and sailed about the land, and at the last landed in Norfolk: Where he wasting and spoiling the Country, Swanus landed in Norfolk & spoiled that country. came to the City of Norwich, the which he rob and destroyed, and after went to Thetford, and did likewise to that Town, and fired it, and spoiled all the Country near there about. ¶ But soon after, a noble man of that Country called Duke Vskatell, Vskatells ● noble man of Norfolk, & named a duke gave the Danes a foil, & repulse, and Swanus fled into Demmark met with the host of Danes, and gave unto them a hard and sharp battle, and slew many of the enemies and put them back. For this and for hunger that then assailed this land, Swanus returned to his Ships, and departed again into Denmark, and tarried all the Winter following. In which season he made great provision to re-enter the land of England. In the xxv year of the reign of the king, Swanus returned again into England with a great power. the aforesaid Swanus with a strong army landed at Sandwich, and spoiled all the country near unto the Sea side, and rested him there, until he heard of an army coming against him. And when he was ware thereof, he returned to his Ships again: and hearing that the king was far Westward, he landed in Sussex, and spoiled it wonderful sore, and there also he was warned of the coming of the English men, and then anon he took shipping again. So that when the English men had thought to have met with him in one coast, Admiralles of the Sea were as it appeareth blinded in this tyme. then would he fly and land in another. And when the king provided to meet with them on the Sea, either they would feign themselves to fly, or else they would with gifts blind the admiral of the kings of Navy. ¶ By which subtlety and craftily means, they wearied and tired the host of English men. And where ever they went they slew, brent, and rob, without all compassion and pity. ¶ The king then being at Shrewesburie, & hearing of the great sleight and cruelty of the Danes, called his counsel to take advice what were best to be done for the defence of his enemies. Where it was concluded, that the king to have peace with the Danes, A great tribute paid to the Danes. should pay unto them xxx thousand pound. But while this was in doing, the Danes destroyed a great part of Berkshire. Swanus returned again into Denmark. ¶ But when this peace was thus made, Swanus with his company returned into Denmark. And the year following, the king made Edrycus aforenamed, Duke of Mertia. Thus Edricus being but of base birth was made rich, he was of tongue false, and subtle of wit, soft and eloquent of speech, untrusty, and inconstant of thought and promise, as of him something before is showed, and after more shall apere. Turkillus a Prince of the Danes landed in Kent. ¶ In the xxvij year of the King, a Prince of the Danes named Turkilus landed in Kent. The which so grievously warred in that country, that the Kentishmen were feign to make their peace, and so he departed. But yet the persecution of the Danes seaced not: For in one country of England or other, they ever were robbing and pilling the English men. So that all the Country along the coast, from the North part of England, unto the Isle of wight, was by them either utterly destroyed, or greatly impair. And when the king intended to make provision for to withstand them, ever Edrycus would counsel him to the contrary, Edrycus a fail traitor. showing him that he should spend his treasure, and travail his people in vain. By mean whereof the Danes entered fifty mile into England, and brent and destroyed diverse Villages, and Towns. So that they increased and waxed passing rich, and the English men, needy, bore, and poor. Thus continuing this misery, Swanus then being in Denmark, and hearing of the increase of his people within England repented him of his former covenants, Swanus again entered England. and thought that the whole dominion of England should of right belong to him. For the which he prepared his army and navy in most defensible wise, and sped him into England, and to the river of Humber, and landed in Northumberland, where the Earl and ruler of that Country with all the other rulers of the same, swore fealty unto the said Swanus, and promised to keep that Country unto his use. And when he had done his will in that Coast, he entered again the water, and by the river of Trent, he passed to Gaynsburgh, and so by North Watlingstreete, and subdued the inhabitants of that Country, and forced them to give him pledges. Canutus the son of Swanus. Which pledges, with also his navy, he betook unto Canutus his son, while he went further into the land. And he and his people kept on their journey until they came unto Mertia, killing and sleiing the men of that province, and reserved the women to unclean living, aswell the religious as the other, and took by strength Winchester, and Oxford, or rather Exeter, and did in them what him liked. ¶ And after he had thus passed the land, he drew the next way toward London: But in passing the river of Thames he lost some part of his people, either for lack of a Bridge or for jeoparding their passage unadvisedly. And so in fine he came to London and besieged it, where at that time the king was. Wherefore Swanus left the City, and drew into Essex, Cauntorbury besieged by Swanus king of the Danes. and again by water passed into Kent and so toward the City of Cauntorbury without any let, wielding the Country at his will, and lastly besieged that City. The which manfully defended themselves against their enemies by the space of twenty Almaricus a Deacon, a Traitor. days, and then was the said City taken by the treason of a Deacon named Almaricus, the which before time Elphegus then Archbishop of that See had preserved from death. Fabian. ¶ Polidore affirmeth that the Danes besieged the City of London, and the Londoners though they were somewhat dismayed at the first, by reason of the sudden fear, yet they so manfully defended themselves, that at the length they were not afeard to set open the gates of the City, and to go out themselves in great multitudes and fight with their enemies: And so valiantly behaved they themselves against them, that they slew many of them, and in fine compelled Swanus or Sweno their king to get him away with the residue of his army with such hasty expedition, that he ceased not traveling day and night until he was two days journey from London, and then went he to Bath and there tarried, Tribute redeemed. where he was so sore distressed for lack of victuals, that he was fain to let Egeldred redeem the tribute, the which he had a little before granted and bound himself to pay. And having received of him a great sum of money for the redemption thereof, he returned into Demmarke, minding ere it were long to repair to this land again with a greater army than ever he had before. ¶ Matthew of Westmynster writeth also that after the said Swanus or Sweno was in despair to win the City of London, both because of the loss of his soldiers that through rashness & misadventure were drowned in the Thames, and also the manly resistance made by the Londoners in defending themselves, he gate him away with speed, and went first to Wallyngfoord and then to , exercising much cruelty all the way as they went, and left nothing undestroyed, and at rested him a space to refresh his army, whether Almarus then Earl of Devonshire, with all the Nobility of the west Saxons together with their servants and retinue, fearing his tyranny, came unto him and delivered him hostages, praying withal that they might, be at peace with him. And afterwards, when he saw that he might now do what he would, and that no man durst challenge the Crown and fight with him for the same, he caused himself to be proclaimed king of England. But the said writer maketh mention neither of the scarcity of victuals that should then be amongst the Soldiers, neither of the redemption of the said tribute, nor yet of his sudden return into Denmark: But here to return to mine Author. ¶ Then the Danes first spoiled the City of Cauntorbury, and took the archbishop and put him in a strong prison, and then set the City on fire. And the Monks of Saint Austynes Abbey they tithed, Monks tithed. that is to say, they killed nine, and the tenth they kept alive, the which after were sold and set to all servile labour. Antoninus Vincent. And as witnesseth Antonynus and Vyncent Hisoriographers, they slew and brought in servage above the number of nine hundred persons of religion. They slew of men, women, and children, in the City of Cauntorbury above eight thousand, and that with much cruelty as is showed in the vij Chapter, & xuj. Title, of the work of the said Antoninus. Elphegus the archbishop of Canterbury stoned to death by the cruel Danes. ¶ And finally, for that this Bishop Elphegus, would not condescend to give unto them, as saith Reynulph, three thousand pound, or else as Polydore saith, because by his preaching and godly life, he went about to convert these barbarous people unto the faith of Christ, after they had kept him in hard prison by the space of vij Months, upon an Ester even, they after many vilanyes unto him done at Greenwich within three Miles of London, stoned him to death, where he lay in the field unburied a certain of time, and after was carried to London, and buried reverently in the Church of Saint Paul. But afterward in the time of Canutus, he was taken up again, and carried to his own Church. King Egeldred sent Emma the Queen and her two sons Alphred & Edward unto Richard the fourth Duke of Normandy, which was brother unto the said Emma. ¶ The king fearing the end of this persecution, sent Emma the Queen, with her two sons Alphred and Edward unto Richard the second of that name, than fourth Duke of Normandy, which was brother unto the said Emma, with whom also he sent the Bishop of London. ¶ In the xxxiiij year of the king, when the Danes had won a great part of the Country of west Saxon, they returned again to London ward: whereof hearing the Londoners sent unto them gifts and pledges. ¶ In all this season I find no mention that ever the king gave unto the Danes any notable battle, but kept him in holds and places for his own safeguard, and to the small benefit or advantage of his Realm. And at the last he was chased unto the Isle of Wight, where, with a small company he kept himself secret a great part of the Winter, and finally without battle or comfort, sailed over to his wife into Normandy, and there held him a certain of tyme. Swanus being certified that the King was fled began to use many exactions upon the people of England. ¶ When Swanus was ascertained of the departure of the king out of the land, he was inflamed with exceeding pride, so that he arreared exceeding impositions of the people & grieved them wonderfully. And among other of his Tirannyes he demanded a great sum of money out of S. Edmond's lands, which the rulers denayed, for so much as they claimed to be free of all kings Tribute. Wherefore he entered into that territory, and wasted and spoiled the Country, and besides that, despised that holy martyr, and threatened the place of his Sepulchre: Swanus the Danish Tyrant slame by God's providence. But the men of that country fearing this Tyrant, gave them to fasting and prayer, so that shortly after he was slain or sticked in an Evening amongst his knights, with the sword or dagger of Saint Edmond in the Town of Thetford, as saith Guydo, but Reynulph and other, The miserable death of Swanus King of Denmark. in the Town of Gaynesborough, where he died yelling and crying the third day after: But Saxo Grammaticus saith, that the said Swanus or Sweno, being converted unto the Christian faith died at the length very repentauntly and like a good christian man: And that he suffered Etheldred after that peaceably to reign all his life time as king of this land by a composition between them. ¶ In fear whereof Canutus his son, after that he was king, S. Edmond'S buty enclosed by Canutus' Son of Swanus. closed in the land of that holy Martyr with a deep ditch, and granted to the inhabitants thereof great freedom, and quit them of all kingly task or Tribute. And after builded a Church over the place of his Sepulture, and ordained there a house of Monks, and endued them with fair possessions. And afterward it was used that kings of England when they were crowned, Kings of this Realm were accustomed to offer their Crowns to Saint Edmond's shrine, and to redeem them again with a great sum. sent for an offering their Crowns unto S. Edmond'S shrine, & redeemed them again with a condign price. Fabian. The which Polydore thinketh not to be true. ¶ Now when king Egeldred was certified of the death of Swanus, he by the procurement of his friends returned home again to his own: But the Nobles of the Realm conditioned with him, that he should reform his old manners. And for performance thereof, he sent his son Edward into England before him, and in the Lent following the king came himself, and with his people sped him toward Lyndsey, where Canutus was at that time resiant, not provided for the kings so hasty coming. ¶ Wherefore Canutus, being not purveyed to withstand the king, fled to Sandwich in Kent. And for that he there proved such persons, as before time his father and he had take pledges off, Canutus the son of Swanus fled into Denmark. and finding them not firm in their promises, he caused all their noses and hands to be cut off, and then sailed into Denmark, and returned the next year with a great navy, and sailed about the land, and took prays in the South country, whereof the kings eldest son named Edmond, made provision with the aid of Edrycus to go against him. ¶ But when he should have met with Edrycus at a place assigned, Edrycus a false traitor. and his host, he was of him deceived, and therefore was compelled to give place unto his enemies. And as it was after known, the said Edrycus had promised his favour and aid unto the said Canutus. By reason whereof Canutus entered the Country of West Saxons, and forced them to swear to him fealty, and to give to him pledges. ¶ In this season, the king being at London, The death of King Egeldred. was taken with a grievous sickness and died, and was buried in the Church of Saint Paul, where at this day in the North Isle behind the Choir, appeareth a token in the wall of his Sepulture, he reigned xxxuj years, leaving after him two sons, Edmond, and Edward. COnstantine the fourth, reigned among the Scots three years, by mean of him, and of Malcolme the son of Kenneth, the Realm of Scotland was miserably tormented with civil war. GRime reigned in Scotland ix years, and against him Malcolme made fierce war for the Crown, which was appeased by the counsel of a Bishop called Fothadus. Grime king of Scots. But the Scots not contented to sustain the Tyranny of their king Grime, rose up against him, whereof ensued much trouble in Scotland. Malcolme vanquished and slew Grime, and took on him the Kingdom, and reigned xxxj years. To him the Lords of Scotland granted first the wards and marriages of their heirs. Wards and marriages of the heirs first granted to the king in Scotland. And not long after Olanus, and Ouetus, two Capitanes of the Danes invaded Scotland, and vanquished king Malcolme, and subdued Murrey: But not long after, Malcolme repaired his army, and discomfited the Danes, and slew Quetus. & And shortly after, Camus another captain of the Danes, invaded Scotland, Camus stand. and near to Ferrey was discomfited and slain, and the place to this day is called Camus stand. Fabian. ¶ Then Canutus by the commandment of Swanus, broke into Scotland, with whom the Scots fought a terrible battle, to the great damage, loss, & hurt of both parts: But after this battle a peace was concluded. EDmond Ironsyde, the son of Egeldred, or Etheldred, and also Canutus, the son of Swanus king of Denmark, did by the consent of certain of their friends on either side, take upon them the government of this land. The Londoners with the assistance of some Lords of England favoured Edmond: But the more part of the Lords favoured Canutus, and specially the spirituality that before time had sworn fealty to his father. And he then being at Southampton swore unto them, to be a true and good justice, and to entreat the people soberly and righteously. ¶ Then Edmond being of the archbishop of York crowned at London and the solemnity finished and ended, he sped him to West Saxon, and subdued that Country. Canutus' assaulted the city of London. In which time Canutus drew with his people to London, and would there have entered: But that was forbodden him of the Londoners. For the which he laid his ordinance about the City, intending to have entered perforce: But it was not long or he was feign to break his siege and to departed thence. ¶ When Canutus was put off from London, he drew Westward, and in short time after met with king Edmond in Dorsetshire, beside Gyllingham, where between them was fought a strong and cruel battle: But in the end Canutus was overcome, and compelled to forsake the field. ¶ After this, they met again in Worcester shire, or as Polydore saith, at Andover in Wiltshire, A cruel fight. where they fought a more strong and fierce battle: For this was so strongly fought on both parts, that men could not judge which part had the better, nor which the worse: But as Reynulph saith, either of them departed from other, either for weariness of fight, or for lack of the day. ¶ But on the Morrow following, both hosts met again and fought eagerly. The which fight continuing, Edricus espying king Edmond to be at a vantage of winning of the field, suddenly pight a dead man's head upon the head of a Spear, Edrycus a vile traitor. and cried to the host of English men, fly, fly, you English men and save yourselves, lo, here is the head of Edmond your king. But Edmond being thereof warned, sped him to that part of the field, and behaved himself so comfortably amongst his men, that by his knightly courage, his people recovered that which before they had lost, and continued the battle until night, and caused Canutus to fly that Country, and to return again toward London. ¶ Then king Edmond being advertised that Canutus was returned toward London, Brentford which we now call Brainford. he followed him and passed the river of Thames, and delivered the City from the danger of the Danes, and after encountered the Danes at a place called Brentford within seven miles of London, where he had with them a cruel fight, and at length discomfited them. Fabian. ¶ But because the Author whom I here follow leaveth many things untouched worthy of remembrance, which were done after the said battle fought by Andover, I have here thought good to supply his defect by Polydore, who writeth hereof, as followeth: When Canutus was this discomfited, he travailed all night long to Winchester ward, and gate him to a place of safety: But Edmond as some do writ pursued him not, but turned to Sarisburie to rescue the Citizens there besieged of another company of Danes. Thither also shortly after came Canutus, where not far from the same Town they pitched a new field, and as men having now gathered a new courage & refreshed themselves, fought very fiercely and eagerly together, but with equal fortune till night came that parted them being wearied with long fight. The next morning the English men anon after the Son rising, stood ready arranged in battle ray, awaiting the coming of their enemies, until Canutus came and set upon them. Then fought they together very fiercely, but doubtfully withal, and in such wise that many went to wreck and were slain on both sides. And when it drew towards the evening they gave over on even hand, neither party having victory of other. On the next morrow both the hosts rested themselves, and took their repast, & gathered together the dead corpses of them that were slain the day before, and burned them as the manner was then to do. And all this while they never unarmed themselves. There were slain at that time above twenty M. on both parties. The night following Canutus dislodged as privily as he could, & marched towards London: London besieged. The which city his Fleet had now in a manner besieged by water. But assoon as this their flying was once descried by the day light, Edmond followed him at the heels, and with a little ado raised the siege: Wherefore, he entered the City triumphauntly, with great joy and solemn pomp. Canutus being thus disappointed of his hope, having gotten great prays and booties out of the Countries there about, departed thence to see his ships which were newly entered into the River of Rochester, called in old time Medeganara, and now Medway, where the said Canutus tarried a season, partly to increase his army, and partly to learn by espials the secret purposes of his enemies, the which he soon understood. For Edmond whose nature was not to sleep his matters, having assembled his power with incredible celerity, lay in camp not far from Canutus, & there made a long exhortation unto his Soldiers, the effect whereof was, that they should call to mind the number of battles that they had fought with the Danes already, and remember withal that the time now served if they would play the men, to repress their cruelty and violence: and therefore he moved them in most earnest manner, that they would not cease to pursue and urge them, till they had with one battle clean vanquished and conquered them, that an end might once be made of their long and great travails. The Soldiers being incensed with this exhortation, and also weary of the intollarable pride and haughtiness of their enemies which daily molested and provoked them, went with a fierce courage to set upon them. In like manner Canutus, who had commanded his Soldiers before, to be daily and hourly in a readiness against the coming of the English men, came into the field, and joined battle with them, where they fought more than four hours together, but at the length the Danes began to give back. The which when Canutus perceived, he commanded his horsemen to rescue them in the forward. But whiles it so chanced that some of them gave back for fear, and some made no haste thither, the whle army broke array, and then fear having the upper hand of shame, they fled away. There were of the Danes slain at that time three thousand and five hundred, of the which number many were Dukes, and Captains of great birth: But of English men uj C. at the most, and they all footmen. King Edmondnes intent and purpose was to have had the use and fruition of that victory, that is to say, so narrowly to have pursued his enemies, that he would then have clean destroyed them, that which undoubtedly had been done, if fortune had not been against him. For whiles after this great battle he was in great consultation about the pursuing of his said enemies, he thought it would be greatly for his advantage, if he both rested himself the residue of the same day, and the night following, and permitted his Soldiers to do the like. And so this little time seemed sufficient unto Canutus to save himself, but not to Edmond. In like manner on the next morrow, king Edmond assoon as it was once day, minding to have the spoil of the field, brought his Soldiers out of the Camp, to the intent they should afterwards pursue their enemies, and the rather because he had intelligence how they that were the day before dispersed, were now gathered together again, and had passed the river of Thames, marching as fast as they could towards Norfolk, and Suffolk. Wherefore king Edmond hasted thither with all he might, to aid his people there against his said enemies. And so upon a watchword given he set upon them. And albeit some laid upon the hindmost, and some stroke in the midst, aswell on the right hand as on the left, yet the Danes for all that gave not back. Every Captain encouraged his own Soldiers to stick unto it manfully: But specially king Edmond admonished his Captains that they should 'cause their Soldiers to keep array, ceasing not to say unto them with a loud voice that the same day if they would play the men a little while, they should confirm unto them all their former travails & victories, or else should be the beginning of most grievous sorrows and miseries, if they gave never so little back. By the which words the Soldiers were suddenly so animated to fight, that the Danes began a little to shrink and give back. The which when Canutus perceived, by and by he set upon the left wing of Edmond's host, the which were likeliest to do most harm, and so relieved his distressed Soldiers, and that did he with such violence and manly courage, that he felled and laid on the ground as many as were in his way: By reason whereof it came to pass, that a great number of the English men now wearied with long fighting, and hearing the rumour of the great slaughter of their company on every side, suddenly fled away for fear. The which when King Edmond perceived, he gate before them, and stayed them for a while: But when at the length his whole army was quite disordered and out of array, it was not then possible for him to set them in array, and bring them into the field again which they had once forsaken. Here the English men, when the straights and passages were all stopped by their enemies, so that none of them had any mind to make resistance, or hope to fly away and escape, were almost all slain, specially such of them as were the best and worthiest Soldiers. ¶ Now king Edmond with a very few with him, never ceased journeying Westward till he came to Gloucester, whom Canutus chased the space of two hours, but could not overtake him. ¶ This loss and discomfiture, though it greatly weakened and dismayed the Englishmen, specially because London and many other good towns and places were then for fear, rebelled unto the Danes: yet king Edmond used nevertheless diligence in preparing a new army, and so did likewise Canutus, which at length came unto his enemy by long and great journeys. For they knew well that if they did fight again, they should with one battle try who should have all. And king Edmond was now utterly determined at the next conflict to put himself in extreme hazard, and either to win all or loose all. And therefore both the armies being now ready to fight, stood so near together that the one might see the other, not far from Severne side. At what time Edricus (as some report) began to persuade with the two kings, that they should common together before the beginning of the battle, to see whether they could fall to any agreement between themselves, because he knew right well that this thing should be as much for the commodity of the Danes as of the Englishmen. For now he that before time was wont to be the chief worker of all treachery and mischief, began to counterfeit honesty, in going about to set an unity and peace, betwixt the two said most redoubted and valiant princes. The which princes not misliking with his counsel, for that present season, refused not to follow it, albeit they thought it would be to small effect and purpose. And so they communed together a little while, not without the great expectation of the beholders what would be the end and come of it. But where upon they concluded among themselves it is altogether uncertain. Some say that peace was agreed upon condition that Canutus should have Mertia or middle England, and Edmond all the west part of the realm. ¶ And in this time Emma the wife of Egeldred, Emma sent her two sons Alphred and Edward unto her brother Richard duke of Normandy. fearing the fortune of war, sent her two sons Alphred and Edward unto her brother Richard the second of that name and fourth Duke of Normandy. ¶ But Edricus, which as before is said was ever subtle of wit, considering the good fortune of king Edmond and his knightly courage, thought that at length he should overcome the Danes. Wherefore to save his land, and to bring about his malicious treason, Edricus by subtlety obtained the king's favour he sought the ways and means how he might stand in his grace and favour, and at length obtained his intent, and swore to him to be his true subject. ¶ When king Edmond had a while stayed at London, he then made toward the Danes that then were in Kent, The Danes discomfited at Otford in Kent. and met with them at a place called Otford, and there discomfited them, and chased Canutus to the Isle of Shepey. And there he took shipping and sailed about the land, and at the last entered into the Country of Mertia, and spoiled a part thereof. ¶ Then the two hosts met soon after at a place called Ashedowne, Edricus again as a traitor revolted to the Danes. whereafter a long sight Edricus with his retinue fled to the comfort of the Danes: By mean whereof king Edmond was put to the worse, for many noble men were slain upon his party: among the which the Bishop of Lyncoln, and the Abbot of Ramsey were two, and were come thither to have entreated a peace between the two princes. Edricus had a subtle wit But when this was laid to the charge of Edricus, he by his untrue means, so excused himself, that no man might charge him with any default. ¶ Thus this mortal war continuing betwixt these two martial princes, to the great desolation and mortality of the people, one of the Knights of the party of king Edmond, A good oration. gate him to an high place, where he might be somewhat heard of the host, and spoke in this wise: daily we die, and no man hath the victory: For Edmond may not be overcome for his great strength, and Canutus may not be overcome for favour of fortune. What shall then be the fruit of this continual strife? none there but when the Knights been all slain on either party, than the Dukes compelled by need will accord, or else they must fight alone without Knights. Then seeing this must be the end, why do they not one of these two? If they accord? why is not this kingdom sufficient for twain, that sometime sufficed for vij If their covetousness and greedy desire of Lordships be so great, that either hath indignation to take and part with other, or else the one to be under that other, then let them fight alone, that will be the Lords alone, lest if all men fight, all men be slain, by mean whereof no men shall be left to be under the Lordship or leading of Dukes, nor yet to defend kings against their strong enemies or nations. Fabian. ¶ Some saith Polidore, whom it repenteth not me to follow, do writ that the matter was done after this manner. One of the Captains, whether it were Englishman or Dane, it is not known, having first licence granted him to say his mind, spoke in the presence of both the kings on this wise. ¶ O most doughty and valiant Emperors, you have now fought long enough one against another: There hath been blood enough shed betwixt you both. Your valiantness and the manly courage also of your Soldiers is sufficiently tried. And yet can neither of you away with good or evil fortune. For if it so chance that one of you have the upper hand of the other, he more fiercely pursueth his vanquished enemy: Again, if his fortune be to be overcome, yet prepareth he a fresh battle against his vanquisher. O what wilfulness is this of yours (noble Princes) that can not be overcome and persuaded by reason? do you more regard war then peace? Whether rageth this your greedy desire of Empire? If you fight for a kingdom, and that be your quarrel and the cause why ye thus war one against another, divide you then this most flourishing and wealthy Realm betwixt you, the which in times past was counted sufficient to maintain vij kings: But if glory do prick you to hazard the uncertain chance of Empire or servitude, devise you some ways by yourselves whereby the matter may be determined without any great slaughter or bloodshed which of you both shall have the sovereignty. Thus spoke this captain unto them. But the latter sentence pleased king Edmond, and so did it Canutus also whom fortune favoured. And so by his persuasions they accorded at the length to try the matter in their own persons by dint of sword, hitherto Polydore. ¶ These words thus spoken, were right well allowed of both hosts, for at this time, A truce taken. a truce was made between both the princes for a certain time, after which time ended, were it by the occasion of these words, or otherwise, the said two princes Edmond and Canutus, agreed to try their quarrels between them two only. ¶ And for this was assigned by both their agrements, a little Isle then called Olney near unto Gloucester. In which place, A Combat between two Princes. at the day and time appointed, the two Champions met without company or assistance within the said Isle, the hosts of both parties standing without the Isle, and there abiding the fortune of this combat. There either proved other, first with sharp Spears, and after with kine and cutting sword. What shall I of this make any longer process, when either had other well proved and assayed, by receiving of hard and sore strokes, by the first motion of Canutus, as most Writers testify, they at the last agreed and kissed together as lovers, to the great comfort of both the hosts. ¶ And shortly after, This realm was divided between king Edmond & Canutus. by the advise of both their counsels they condescended and agreed upon a partition of the land, which immediately was done to both their contentations, and they loved after, as two brethren, during their natural lives. ¶ But the Serpent Idre, of envy and false conspiracy which ever burned in the heart of Edricus, was kindled so sore, that of pure force it must break out into a light flame, so that what he might not accomplish by his own person, he fulfilled by his own son, as testify diverse Authors. For as affirmeth Guydo, this son of Edrycus awaiting his time, Edricus his son slew king Edmond with a spear as he sat in a house of easement. espied when the king was at a house of easement to purge nature, and with a Spear struck him in't the fundament, and so into the body, whereof king Edmond shortly after died at Oxenford. Notwithstanding there is great diversity amongst writers touching his death which for brevites sake I omit. For Marian saith, that he died at London by natural sickness. ¶ The king thus being slain, anon Edrycus thinking thereby to be great exalted, sped him in all haste to Canutus, and saluted him as king, and showed him of this treason, only done for his love. ¶ When Canutus had well considered the confession of this Edricus, he like a discrete and righteous Prince, said unto him in this wise. Edrycus, for that thou hast for the love thou bearest to me, slain thine natural Lord, which I most loved, I will exalt thine head above all the Lords of England. And forthwith commanded him to be taken, and his head to be stricken off, and pight upon a Spears head, A just reward for a Traitor. and after set upon the highest gate in London. But the Author of Polichronicon showeth in the xviij Chapter of his sixth book that Canutus after the death of Edmond gave unto Edrycus the Lordship of Martia or middle England, and by his counsel exiled Edwin the brother of Edmond called the king of Churls, and through his counsel also executed many cruel deeds. ¶ Finally, howsoever this noble Prince came to his death, it is agreed that he died, when he had reigned one year, and somewhat more, and is buried at Glascenbury, by his Grandfather Edgar, and left behind him two sons, that is to say, Edmond, and Edward, as saith Fabian. CAnutus or Knot, by the death of king Edmond had the whole governance of the Realm, and forthwith he assembled a counsel at London, and then was consecrated and anointed king, of Alurede archbishop of Cauntorbury, where among their things that were debated in the counsel, a question was moved, whether in the composition made between Edmond, and Canutus, any special remembrance was made for the children or brethren of Edmond for any portion of any part of the land. ¶ Whereunto, it was answered of the Lords, nay, affirming furthermore with an oath (for the kings pleasure) that they to the uttermost of their powers would put off the blood of Edmond in all that they might. Flatterers. By reason of which answer and promise, they thought many of them to have stand in the great grace and favour of the King, but it turned all otherwise. ¶ For many, or the more part of them, specially such as Canutus perceived and knew, were sworn before to Edmond and his heirs, and also were native Englishmen, he mistrusted and disdained ever after. In so much, that some he exiled, Dissemblers well rewarde●. and some were slain, and some by God's punishment died suddenly, and came to a miserable end. ¶ But shortly after by the counsel of diverse of his Lords, he outlawed Edwyne the brother of Edmond surnamed king of Churls. But yet he was afterward reconciled to the kings favour, and lastly was slain by one of his own servants. ¶ Canutus also by the said counsel, sent the two sons of Edmond, named as before is said Edmond and Edward, unto his brother Swanus then king of Denmark, Edmond and Edward the sons of king Edmond, were sent to Swanus king of Denmark. to be slain after the opinion of some writers: But he abhorring that deed, sent them to Solomon then king of Hungary, as saith Guydo and other. Where in process of time Edmond died, and his brother Edward married Agatha the daughter of Henry the fourth, then Emperor of Almain. ¶ Of the which Edward and Agatha, proceeded Margaret that after was king of Scotland, and Christian that was a Nun, and a son named Edgar, and surnamed Etheling: or as Polydore writeth two sons, Edmond and Edgar. ¶ Canutus, after he had set certain things in some order within the realm, he then divided the same into four parts. Canutus' divided the government of this realm into four parts. That is to say, the first and principal part, which at those days was west Saxon, he held under his own guiding. East England the which contained Norfolk and Suffolk, he betook to the rule of the Earl Turkillus a Dane, or as Polydore calleth him Thrugillus. Mertia he betook (as some writ) to the subtle Earl Edricus. And the fourth part which was Northumberland, he betook to a Dane named Hircius. But like as the man of Inde, can at no time change his colour, so this Edricus never changed his false manners. And notwithstanding the great benefits that he daily received of his princes, even like as he had been false and deceivable to other princes before, even so now he used himself toward Canutus. ¶ Wherefore he being accused and proved faulty, was commanded of the king to have judgement: Edricus the false Traitor put to death. The which was done immediately, and his head for divers causes smitten off, and the same head with the body, for spite, cast into a foul and filthy place. But Reynulph Monk of Chester sayeth, that he was slain by the king's agreement, within his palace at London, and his body with the head thrown after into the Town Diche: Thus with shame he ended, that in falsehood and dissimulation continued most of his life. A Parliament. ¶ In the xu year of his reign, he called a Parliament at Oxenford, where among other things, it was enacted, that Englishmen and Danes should hold and firmly keep the laws of Edgar late king. ¶ And in this time died Swanus, Swanus king of Denmark dead and Canutus succeeded him in the said kingdom. that was brother to Canutus' king of Denmark without issue, wherefore that land fell unto Canutus. For the which cause, he with a strong army sailed thither to take the possession, and to set the Country in an order, or after some writers, to appease and withstand the Vandals that then had pierced that land, and done therein much harm. Wherein Goodwin the Earl, whose daughter Edward the confessor after married with a certain number of Englishmen, earl Goodwin. fell upon the Vandals by night, and distressed them in such wise that Canutus had of them his pleasure. For this deed the king had Earl Goodwin ever after in good favour and loved English men more specially. ¶ But Polydore reporteth this story touching the kings going into Denmark far otherwise, after this manner. When the Parliament (saith he) was ended, he determined with himself to reform many misorders in the common wealth, and to beautify and furnish the Realm with Nobility, and to do things that generally should redound to the great wealth and commodity of all English men. But it so fell that he was suddenly certified of the invasion made by them of Norway into Denmark, and desired withal of his people there to come and aid them with all speed. The which thing seemed unto Canutus to be a matter of no small importance. For when Olanus king of Norway heard how the power of Canutus daily increased in such wise as he thought was dangerous for his estate, being afeard that he would make claim unto the said kingdom of Norway, which sometimes belonged unto his ancestors, and therefore desirous to cut off, and impeach his victories, he together with his brother harold, a right doughty knight, invaded the Realm of Denmark, destroying and wasting the Country every where as he went, daily fight and skirmishing with the Garrisons that lay in sundry places of that Country, in such wise that it was thought he would in short space win all, if speedy resistance were not maden to deliver the Realm from such an imminent danger. Wherefore Canutus mustered both Englishmen and Danes with a trice, and having now all things readily prepared for war, took shipping, and the wind serving him well, was sooner arrived in Denmark then a man would have thought, where he found his enemies in arms, and the Country wasted and destroyed on every side. Then commanded he his Banners and Pennons to be displayed, and his Standard to be advanced and the army to follow, where every thing was done as soon as it could be spoken. ¶ And here now were the English men specially desirous to do some noble deeds of arms, as well thereby to win honour and show their manly courage and prowess, as to purchase themselves the greater grace and favour with their prince. Then met the two armies and fought so fiercely together, that they filled the Elament with great cry and noise that they made. Long it was or it appeared to whether party the victory should incline. At the length the English men so fiercely assailed the enemies that they overcame them. On the Morrow Canutus pursuing his enemies, took his journey towards Norway. And when he was entered into the Country, there met him incontinent Ambassadors, which were sent unto him to entreat of peace, and submission, and to desire him of a general pardon, whom he heard very courteously, and after he had received Hostages of them, he pardoned them of all trespasses and offences whatsoever they had done against him: And so was the kingdom of Norway recovered again. Olanus despeyring now of victory fled for succour unto his father in law the Duke of the Easterlynges that he might live with him more safely in exile: The which Olanus whiles he went about to disturb the quiet state of another man's kingdom, lost his own: yet to say the truth, the same Eodly and innocent man lost nothing at all, in as much as in all these his adversities and troubles, he behaved himself always in most honest and virtuous wise, and therefore was counted of all men a very holy man. And it followeth a little after in the same writer: In this battle Canutus proved the Loyalty and manly prowess of the English men, whom for that cause, he ever afterwards loved out of measure, and rewarded them with great gifts accordingly. Canutus' married Emma the late wife of Egelredus & had by her a son named Hardicanutus And when the king had thus taken order with his affairs in Denmark, he returned shortly into England. And soon after he married Emma the wife lately of Egelredus, of the which he had a son, & named him Hardycanutus, and after the English Chronicle, Hardyknought. ¶ But Polidore writeth that this marriage was concluded on in the former Parliament. For Canutus having none issue, but only two sons base borne, and begotten of a Concubine of his named Aluina, of the which two sons the one was called Harold, and the other Sweno: And desirous to have such issue as might lawfully succeed him, married Emma the wife of Etheldred, which with her sons Alfred and Edward were banished the realm & lived in Normandy with Richard her brother Duke of that country, unto the which Duke the said king married also his sister Hestritha, at the same tyme. Malcolme king of Scots overthrown and brought to subjection to the king of England. ¶ In the xuj year of his reign, the Scots rebelled against him: wherefore he with a great army entered Scotland, and at length overcame the king of that land, named then Malcolme and brought them again to his subjection, as saith Marian the Scot By reason of which victory, Canutus was then king of four kingdoms, of England, of Scotland, of Denmark, and of Norway. ¶ Then as saith sundry Authors, after that he had betaken this land of England to the guiding of Leofricus, Leofricus, Egelnotus. Egelnothus and other, he then returned into Denmark. And from thence he went in pilgrimage to Rome in the xvij year of his reign, and redeemed the School of Saxons free of all former Tribute granted as before in the stories of jew and Offa is somedeal touched: Rome scot redeemed. which redemption of Tribute (as sayeth Guydo) was called Rome Scot, as ye may read more in Fabian. Canutus' king of four kingdoms. ¶ After his return from Rome, he began somewhat to swell with pride: But to say truth, he was a king of great magnificence, and he used such justice mixed with temperance that in his days, in the west parts of the world, there was no Prince of renown like to Canutus and besides that, he was greatly beloved and dread of all his subjects. ¶ This king Canutus when he had reigned over this Realm xix years, he died and was buried at Winchester, Canutus' dead and left behind him two sons. leaving after him two sons begotten upon his wives, the eldest named Harold, and the youngest Hardikanitus, the which while his father lived, was made king of Denmark. Fabian. But Polydore sayeth that Canutus died in Normandy, and was buried at Roan, whose words are these: It was not long after, but Canutus was enforced to make great war upon Richard Duke of Normandy, because he having no fear nor regard unto the Laws, had caused himself to be divorced for a very light and trifling matter from his wife Estritha sister (as is aforesaid) of Canutus, who being desirous to be revenged upon the said Duke for the same injury, prepared a great Navy and sailed unto Normandy. Now his army was scarcely set a land and encamped in the enemy's Country when word was brought him of the death of his son Sweno Lieutenant or Lord deputy of Norway, whom he specially loved, the which thing so wounded his heart with anguish and sorrow, that he fell into an Ague, whereof he died shortly after. Then (as it followeth in the same Author) his funeral obsequy being finished at Roan: the Soldiers upon safe conduit and licence granted them to departed in safety, returned home again into England. harold the base son of Canutus and of Elgina, or Algina, after the death of his father reigned over England. This man for his nimbleness and swiftness of foot, was surnamed harefoot. Harold harefoot. In his beginning there was great strife among the Lords, in a Parliament holden at Oxford, for that some were in doubt of his birth, and whether he were the king's son or not, and specially Earl Goodwin which did the uttermost of his power to have set him by, and to have preferred his brother Hardikinitus the son of Etheldred and Emma, or any of the sons of Etheldred and Emma that were in Normandy unto that honour. But Leofricus whom Canutus so much loved and trusted, with the aid of the Danes and Londoners, so stoutly withstood Goodwyne and his sons, that they failed of their purpose. ¶ Assoon as this Harolde was crowned, Emma the Stepmother of Harold is banished. he gate him in all haste to Winchester, and there tyrannically seized upon all the goods and treasure which Canutus had left unto the said Emma, and then banished her the land. The which Emma sailed then into Flaunders, and there of Baldwyn the Earl was reverently and courteously received, and obtained of him the Castle of Bruges, where she made her abode during the life of this Harolde. The cause why she went not into Normandy, was because William then Duke there was by reason of his tender years and minority, not able to govern of himself, but was under the tuition and governance of others. ¶ This Harold continued his life and reign with little fruit, and less profit to the land, nor yet of the Subjects, so that of him, either for vice that was in him, which learned men thought not meet to put in memory, or else for the rudeness of his life, and spending vainly of his time, which was not worthy of memory, nothing at all is put in remembrance, Harold dead. but that he died at London, or as some writ, at Oxenford, and was buried at Westminster, when he had reigned three years and odd Months, leaving after him none heir, and therefore his brother Hardikinitus which was king of Denmark, was king next after him. DVlcane king of Scots reigned at this time, seven years, and was slain by his brother Germayne Makebreth. HArdikinitus, or Hardiknot, the son of Canutus, and of Emma, was nade king of England: This man after the death of his brother harold was sent for into Denmark, or as some writ into Flaunders, where he was with his mother Emma, and was most joyously received and crowned at London of Ethelnotus, then archbishop of Cauntorbury: But he was of such a cruelty, that he sent Alfricus then archbishop of York, and Earl Goodwin unto Westminster, A cruel revengement. commanding them for the injury by his brother harold done unto his mother Emma, that they should draw the Corpse and dead body of the said harold out of the ground, or place where it was buried, and 'cause it to be thrown into the river of Thames, which was done according to his commandment. The which Corpse after, as saith Guydo and other, was found by a Fisherman, and buried unreverently within the Church yard of Saint Clement standing without the Temble bar of London. ¶ And as Reynulph saith, for a more cruelty, he caused first the dead head of his said brother to be smitten off from the body, and then thrown into the said river. Dane Gelt. ¶ This king also levied the aforenamed Tribute named the Dane gelded, and spent it to the little profit of the Realm, but gave the same unto Mariners and Shipmen, and to sundry lewd persons, he gave great and unfitting fees and wages, Greesse of fare. and was of such prodigality, that his Boards and Tables were covered four times in the day, and the people served with great excess both of meat and drink. ¶ Now for the levying of the aforesaid Tribute, the Commons greatly grudged, Murder & mischief. so that in Worcester two of his servants, which were assigned to gather that money, were there slain. For the which murder the king was so sore displeased, that he brent a great part of that Town. ¶ Some Authors writ that the king betook all the rule of the land unto his mother Emma, earl Goodwin a subtle man. and to the Earl Goodwin, the which Goodwin had married the daughter of Canutus, gotten upon his first wife Elgina: by whom many things were misordered, & specially by the subtlety of the earl Goodwin. ¶ This Earl had many sons, as saith Reynulph, in his sixth book, and xxv. Chap. By his first wife that was king Canutus' sister, & not his daughter, A plague among earl Goodwyns wife and children. he had one son: The which with the stroke of a horse was thrown into the river of Thames and drowned: and the mother was smitten with a blast of lightning, and so died. Of whom it is there remembered that she was so ungracious, and of so vile conditions, that she set young women to whoredom, for to gather by that unlawful mean riches. After which wife so dead, he married the second, of whom he received six sons, that is to say, Swanus, Harold, Tostitus, Wilnotus, Sirthe, & Leofricus, & a daughter named Goditha, which after was married unto Edward the Confessor. Alphredus▪ Edward. ¶ The two sons of Egelredus, that is to say, Alphredus, and Edward, which as ye before have heard were sent into Normandy by Emma their mother came in the time of the reign of this king into England to visit and see their mother, and brought with them a great number of Normans. Then this Goodwin imagined in his mind, how he might prefer his daughter Godith to one of these brethren, and thought with himself that the eldest would disdain that marriage, and therefore he thought to join her to the younger, and to make him king, and her Queen, A traitorly practice of Goodwin and to that purpose he compassed the death of the elder. ¶ And first Goodwin practised with the Lords of England, and said, it was a great jeopardy for the land, to suffer so many strangers to enter the land without licence, wherefore it were necessary that they were restrained in tyme. By which means he gate authority to order the matter in such sort as to him should seem best, and that of his own power, because he was of most might next unto the king: Wherefore he went and met with the said Normans, and slew of them the greatest number. For upon guilded down, Normans cruelly murdered by Goodwin. he slew always ix and saved the tenth. And yet because he thought there was to many of them living, he eftsoons tithed them again, and slew every tenth knight of them, and that by most cruel death, Alphred had his eyen put out and was sent to Ely, and there died. as winding their guts out of their bodies (as saith Reynulph) and among other, put out the eyen of the elder brother Alphred, and sent him to Ely, where he died in short time after: But Edward was conveyed some other way, and was brought to his mother. But she fearing the treason of Goodwin, sent him son over the Sea again. ¶ When Goodwin was after accused for this cruel deed, he excused himself, and swore deeply that he was forced of the king so for to do. ¶ Then it followeth, that this Hardikinitus being at a feast or marriage dinner at Lambeth beside London, merry and jocund, The death of king Hardikinitus. while he stood drinking he fell down suddenly and died, or waxed dumb, and lay until the eight day after, not without suspicion of poisoning as some write, when he had reigned two years and was buried at winchester, leaving after him none issue. ¶ Here endeth the line or of spring of Swanus, and all the other Danes that ruled in England, so that after this king, the blood of the Danes was clearly extinct and put out from all kingly dignity within this Realm of England. And also the persecution of them seized clearly after this kings death, the which had continued to reckon from their first landing in the time of Brithricus king of west Saxon, and the ix year of his reign, by the term of. Cc.lu years. EDwarde the son of Egeldred or Etheldred and of Emma his last wife, reigned over the realm of England next after the death of Hardikinitus: The which Edward, This was Edward the confessor. immediately after the death of his brother in law aforesaid, was sent for into Normandy, and pledges laid for him, that he without fraud should be made king. And then he came with a few strangers. But Marian the Scot saith that some of the Lords had sent for Edward the outlaw, son of Edmond Ironside for to be their king, but after the affirmance of the same Author, when he knew we that Edward his nephew was in possession of the land, he would meddle no further. ¶ Then this Edward by the great advice of Goodwin earl of west Saxon, and Leofricus Earl of Chester, was chosen king at London, and of Edsius, or Cadsius archbishop of Cantorbury, King Edward married Goditha the daughter of earl Goodwin. and Alfricus archbishop of York on Easter Monday following consecrated at Winchester, and in process of time after, he wedded Goditha the daughter of the Earl Goodwin, which he had by his wife Thira, sister unto Canutus the second, that of Guydo is called Editha, the which he entreated in such wise, that he put her not from his bed, nor yet had carnally with her to do. Whether it were for hate of her kin, or for love of Chastity, the truth is not showed: But all Writers agreed that he continued his life without the use of Women. Dane Gelt discharged. ¶ This king discharged English men of the great Tribute called Dane gelt, the which before is often mentioned, so that after his time it was more gathered. And also he subdued the Britons or Welshmen that made wars within the bounds of the land or fonters: Griffyn a rebellion in Wales. But soon after their Duke or leader called Griffin, or Griffith, with the aid of the Irish men entered the river of Severne, and took many prayers, and departed again without fight. Emma the mother of king Edward accused of meontenency with the Bishop of Winchester. ¶ In the time of the reign of this Edward, Emman his mother was accused to be familiar with Alwyn or Adwyne, Bishop of Winchester. Upon which accusation, by counsel of earl Goodwin, he took from her many of her jewels, and caused her to be kept very streghtly in the Abbey of Warwell, and the Bishop he committed to the examination and correction of the Clergy: notwithstanding, Polidore saith, they were both committed toward in Winchester. But his mother more sorrowing the defamation of Alwyne the Bishop, than her own estate, wrote unto diverse Bishops, & besought them of justice, affirming that she was ready to abide all lawful and most sharpest trial. ¶ Then diverse of the bishops made labour to the king for her, and for the Bishop. But Robert then archbishop of Cantorbury, being with their labour discontented, said unto them in this manner. My brethren bishops, said he, how dare ye defence her, that is a wild beast and not a woman? A beastly Bishop. she hath defamed her own son the king. Fabian, and called her lecherous Leman the Bishop, Christ her God. Polydore. ¶ But be it so, that the woman would purge the Priest, who shall then purge the woman, that is accused to consent to the death of her son Alphred, and procured venom to the empoisoning of her son Edward? But how so it be, A cruel penance. that she be guilty or guiltless, if she will go bore footed for herself over four plough shares, and for the Bishop over five plough shares brenning, and fire hot: then if she escape harmless, he shall be assoiled of this challenge, and she also. ¶ This was of her granted, and the day of purgation assigned: At which day the king and a great part of his Lords were present, It is most like that he durst not be there for shame that he awarded such a trial to a king's mother but this Robert the Archbishop made default and was not there, were it for pity or otherwise. This Robert was a Monk in an house in Normandy, and came over by the sending for of the king, and was first made Bishop of London, and after archbishop of Cantorbury. ¶ Then she was blindefolde, and led unto the place between two men, where the Irons lay glowying hot, A great miracle if it were true. and passed thee, ix. shares unhurt. Then at the last she said, good Lord, when shall I come to the place of my purgation. When they uncovered her eyes, and she saw that she was past the pain, she kneeled down and thanked God. Fabian. The archbishop was glad he was gone. ¶ Then the king repented him, and restored unto her, and the Bishop also, that which he before had taken from them, and asked them forgiveness: But the archbishop of Cantorbury fled into Normandy. ¶ Polydore writeth that king Edward was offended with his mother, for other causes aswell as for that she was suspected of the incontinent living with the said Bishop: For it was laid unto her charge that she was married unto Canutus being both a stranger and an enemy unto the Realm: And that she succoured not her children in the time of their exile and banishment, and lastly because there went a brute that she should imagine their deaths. ¶ It was not long after, that king Edward gathered a strong navy at Southampton, or to say more truly at Sandwich, forsomuch as he was warned that Swanus king of Denmark intended to make war upon him. But Reynulph faith that he gathered this Navy to withstand Harold Harfagar, than king of Norway which intended to have entered England. But he was letted by the aforesaid Swanus, that shortly after made war upon the said Harold and other. ¶ It is also reported of this king that being on a time in a certain ecstasy of mind or high contemplation in the time of service, he fell suddenly into a great laughter, contrary to his wont and accustomed manner. And when the standers by marveled thereat, and asked of him what was the matter that he so did: he answered how the Danes and Norway's were about by common consent to have invaded England with a great Navy, and as they were in a readiness to hoist up their sails and to set forward, one brought forth a Bowl full of Mede or Methe to drink upon a bone voyage: Drunkenness causeth matnes and mischief. and after that came Bowl after Bowl, so that after drink came drunkenness, and after that iangeling, and then strife, and at the last fight: in the which many were slain, and the rest returned to their own home, so that they are now dispersed and gone from their purpose, and I trust (saith he) that in my time foreign Nations and strangers will never invade and disquiet this Realm again. ¶ In the ten year of his reign (as sayeth Reynulph) and in the month of September, Eustace earl of Boloygne came a land at Dover, which Earl had wedded king Edward's sister. And it so came to pass, that when this Earl was landed he conveyed himself in so secret manner from his company that none of them could tell what was become of him, and they thought he had been slain in the town: And in this search made for him, the was such that a Citizen of the town of Dover was slain. How a foolish act begat a great fray. By mean whereof the people arose, and in the questioning of this man's death, they ran at length upon the Earls company, and slew twenty of his men, and wounded many more: then the Earl appeared and took his men's part: But in the end he was fain to withdraw himself with a few persons, and road unto the king then being at Gloucester, or as Polydore saith, at Cauntorbury, and made unto him a grievous complaint of the men of Dover. ¶ But Matthew of Westmynster reporteth this story otherwise, saying: About this time Eustachius earl of Boloygne, who had married king Edward's Sister named Goda, landed with his train at Dover, where his Soldiers as they sought for lodging after a proud and undiscreet manner fortuned to kill a Towns man. The which outrageous fact when another Burgess of the same town perceived, he killed him again that had done the murder. By reason whereof the said Earl and his company were greatly moved, and in their rage slew much people both men and women, besides children and old folks that were trodden to death with men and horses. But when the strangers saw that the Burgesses came still m● and more, flocking on every side to rescue their neighbours, they took their heels like cowards and xviij of them being slain in the flight, the rest sled to Gloucester where the king lay. Howbeit, Polydore saith that this conflict was at Cauntorbury and not at Dover: But now to return to the matter. After this riot, Earl Goodwin, earl Goodwin sent by the king to take order with the men of Dover for the death of the strangers. forasmuch as to him was committed the rule of Kent, was charged to ride thither, and to take wretch upon the inhabitants of that town. But he withsayde that commandment, and counseled the king to sand for the wardens of the Castle of Dover, and the Rulers of the Town, for to answer unto such matters as should be laid against them, and if they were guilty, to punish them, or else not. ¶ This Counsel of Goodwin pleased nothing the king, nor such as were about him, wherefore many more Lords where sent for. Among the which Leofricus Earl of Chester, & Seward earl of Northumberland were two. ¶ After which assembly of the lords Earl Goodwin had such monition of some of the counsel, that he withdrew himself from the Court, and gathered to him strength of knights out of diverse shires, as west Saxons, and Kent, and hoved at Beverston until his sons came unto him with more people. Sun after, came unto him his eldest son Swanus, and brought with him a fair company, that he had arreared in Oxenfordshire, and Gloucestershire: And harold his other son with a fellowship that he had assembled in East England and Huntingdonshire, so that of these people were made a great host. Goodwin accused for unlawful assemblies. ¶ Then Goodwin was accused to the king for gathering of so great an host: But he excused him and said, it was done to withstand the Welsh men, the which proved contrary. Then he was commanded to sand away the people, and to come himself with a certain number unto the Court: but that he refused. ¶ Then the king and his Counsel being at London, Goodwin and Harolde, was again sent for, and charged to come to the Court with twelve persons to attend on them, and no more, and to tender into the king's hands all knights fees that he and Harold his son had within England. To this by them was answered, A lewd answer of a subject. that they might not come to the counsel of Treachors & guileful men, and that also with so few men in number they might not without peril or shame pass by the Country. ¶ Now during this time, a part of Goodwynes knights withdrew them, and his power began to diminish, and the king in this mean season had gathered a strong host. Goodwin an obstinate rebel. Then Proclamations were made that Goodwin should come to the Court, as before is said, or else to avoid the land within five days. Wherefore, Goodwin considering the jeopardy that he was in, Swanus, Tosty, and Gurth, the three sons of Goodwin fled with their father into Flaunders. took with him three of his sons, that is to say, Swanus, Tosty, and Gurth, or Biorno, and sailed into Flaunders, where he was received of the Earl Bladwyn, whose daughter Swanus his son had before married, named Judith. And Harold and Leofricus, two of his other sons with a few ships sailed out of Bristol into Ireland. Fabian. ¶ Of this foresaid variance between the king, Earl Goodwin, and his sons, I find much diversity among writers: For Mathewe of Westminster somewhat dissenting from my Author, writeth hereof as followeth. earl Goodwin being greatly moved for the sleiing of his men at Dover, assembled a great power out of Kent, Sussex, and the West Saxons. And so did likewise his eldest son Swanus out of his signory or honour, that is to weet, out of Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Sommersetshire, and Berkshire, as did his son Harold also out of his honour of East England, Grantbridge, and Huntyngdon. When King Edward was informed hereof, he also assembled a great army, because he would be in a readiness to fight with his enemies if need were. Then came Goodwin with his army into Gloucestershire, and sent his messengers unto the king to require him to deliver Eustachius and his company unto him, and if he refused so to do, then to show him that he would proclaim open war against him. Unto whom the king being now in a readiness and well furnished of all things necessary for war, sent answer again, that he would not send him Eustachius, charging the said Goodwin further, forsomuch as he had raised an army against him, and without his leave and licence disturbed the peace of his Realm, personally to apere at the Court at a day appointed, and there to make answer to the said injury, and misdemeanour before him and his Counsel. But as Goodwin durst not fight against the king, because he thought himself to weak, so likewise would he not make his personal aperance as he was required. Wherefore, the said king by the decree and sentence of his Counsel, banished him the Realm, with his five sons: who shortly upon his banishment, with his wife Gina, and Tostius or Tostio his son, and his wife judith, the daughter of Baldwyn earl of Flaunders, and two other of his sons, that is to say, Swanus, and Gurth, taking with them great store of treasure, took shipping, and sailed straight into Flaunders unto the said Earl. His other two sons harold, and Leofwinus, went unto Bristol, and from thence gate them into Ireland. After that the king put away Edith the Queen, only of displeasure conceived against her father, and appointed that she should be kept in safe custody in the Abbey of Redwell by the Abbess there, without any honourable entertainment, having one gentlewoman only to wait upon her. Hitherto Matthew. etc. ¶ When the king was ascertained that the Earl Goodwin with his five son was in this manner departed out of his land, Goodwen outlawed by the authority of parliament, and his three sons. he shortly after called a Parliament, and by the authority of the same banished Goodwin and his three sons that were gone with him. And that done the king put his own wife which was the daughter of Goodwin called Edithe, a Lady of singular virtue and learning, into the Abbey of Warwell with one maiden to be safely kept, and took from her such jewels as she had, as saith Marian. And so Goodwin and his said sons continued two years banished. Goodwin & his people became pirates and thieves. In the which season he or his retinue took dyvere times prayers in the Marches of England and in the end drew to him such strength, that he was purposed to have entered the land with force, and to have warred upon the king. But by mediators that favoured Earl Goodwin, Goodwin again restored to favour. a peace was made between the king and him, so that in the end he was received to grace with his sons, and his daughter the kings wife restored to her first and former honour. And for this peace to be continued for Goodwynes part was delivered for pledges, a son of his called Wilnotus, and a son of Swanus, named Hacum, or as Polydore writeth, two sons of Goodwin, named Tosto, and Biorna. The which two pledges, king Edward sent to William Duke of Normandy to be kept. And Algarus the son of Leofricus earl of Chester, to whom the king had given the earldom of Harolde, & he ruled it discreetly in the time of his absence, and at his return, delivered it to him again, gladly and without grudge. William Duke of Normandy came into England, to visit and see the king. ¶ During the time of this Banishment of Goodwin, William Bastard, Duke of Normandy, came with a good company into this land, and was honourably received, to whom the king made great cheer. ¶ And after he had tarried here a certain of time to his contentation, and pleasure, he returned to his own with great gifts and rewards. And Emma the kings mother died shortly after, Emma the king's mother dead. and was buried at Winchester. And Swanus the eldest son of Goodwin went to jerusalem, and from thence toward Licia, and died by the way of cold that he had taken in going barefoot. Then the normans that had given to the king evil counsel against English men, were by Goodwin and his friends exiled. Among which, Robert archbishop of Cantorbury that has spoken sore against them was one, of whom Fabian speaketh. The Scots rebelled. ¶ In the xiij year of this king, the Scots rebelled against him. Wherefore Seward earl of Northumberland by the kings commandment gathered a great host, and entered that land, and behaved him so manfully, that in the end he subdued the Scots, and chased the king out of his Country, so that after king Edward gave that kingdom unto Malcoline, How king Edward gave the kingdom of Scotland to Malcolyne, to hold the same Realm of him and his heirs, as chief Lords of Scotland. son of the king of Cambris, or Cumberland, to be holden of him and his heirs kings, as chief Lords of Scotland. ¶ Upon Easter Monday the said year, Goodwin sitting at the kings Board, with other Lords in the Castle of Windsor, or as some report, of Winchester, it happened one of the king's Cup bearers to stumble, and to recover again, so that he shed none of the drink: whereat Goodwin laughed and said, now that one brother, hath sustained that other, whereby he meant, that the one foot or leg had stayed the other from falling. With which words, A wise reply of a king. the king marked him and said. Right so my brother Alphred should have helped me, had not Goodwin been. The Earl then conceived that the king suspected him of his brother's death, and said unto the king in defending his untruth: Sir, I perceive well that it is told thee that I should be the cause of thy brother's death. So might I safely swallow this morsel of bread that I hear hold in my hand, as I am guiltless of the deed? A notable plague and just judgement of God. But he had no sooner spoken the word, and put the bread in his mouth, but he was choked. Then the king commanded him to be drawn from the board by the legs, & so was he conveyed to Winchester, & there buried. Fab. ¶ Mathewe of Westminster saith, that the king when he saw him fall down struck dead before him, spoke unto them that were present, saying: have away this dog and traitor, and bury him in some common high way, for he is not worthy of Christian burial. Then his sons that stood by drew him from the Table, and unwares unto the king, buried him in the old Abbey of the same City. ¶ But Marian the Scot saith, that as Earl Goodwin sat at the kings Table on Easter Monday, he was suddenly taken with a Palsy, or some other sickness, and died the third day after: and his Lordships were given unto Harolde his eldest son than living, and harold earldom was given to Algarus the son of Leofricus, which was the earldom of Oxford after some writers. ¶ It was not long after that king Edward sent unto the fourth Henry then Emperor of Almain, Aldredus Bishop of Worcester with other noble men, Edward the son of Edmond Ironside, returned into England, and shortly after died. praying him that he would send into England his Cousin Edward the son of Edmond Ironside, for so much as he intended to make him as Heir. The which request was fulfilled, so that he came into England sone after, the which as ye have heard before was named Edward the outlaw. But as saith Guydo and other, the year after he came into England, he died at London and was buried at westminster. ¶ The year following king Edward through evil counsel exiled without gilt Algarus the son of Leofricus, Griffyn prince of Wales, rebelled. the which did associate himself with Griffyn king or Duke of Wales, and destroyed the Country of Herforde, and did much harm to the Town, and set the minster on fire, and slew vij canons thereof. Then the king sent Harold against him, the which chased the Welshmen into their own bounds, Algarus was again reconciled to the king's grace. and recovered the said Town by appointment, holden by the said Algarus, and trenched it about and amended all hurts before done by the Welshmen, and lastly reconciled the said Algarus and his company unto the king's grace. ¶ About the xu year of king Edward died the Noble Duke Seward, ruler of Northumberlande of a Flux, of whom Guydo rehearseth divers notable acts which I pass over. Seward ruler of Northumberland died with a vailant courage. Of him it is read that when he saw well he should die, he caused his armour to be put upon him, and so armed and sitting in a Chair, said, thus it becometh a knight or man of honour to die, and not lying in his bed as another mean man, and so he died and was buried at York, or as Reynulph writeth died at York and was buried in the Abbey of Galmahan which he himself had founded. And his earldom was after given to Tosty son of Goodwin. ¶ In the xuj year of this king died also the good Earl Leofricus earl of Mertia and of Chester, & was buried in the Abbay of Coventrie the which before he and his wife Godina had builded. This man purchased many great privileges for the town of Coventry & made it free from any manner of Tolle, except only of Horse. For the which also to have free, the common fame telleth, Coventrie made free. that after long request made to the king by his wife named Godina, he granted her to have it thereof freed, if that she would ride naked thorough the Town, which she did, by mean whereof, it was freed. ¶ But Gaufride saith that this gentle and good Lady did not only for the freeing of the said City and satisfying of her husband's pleasure, grant unto her said Husband to ride as aforesaid: But also called in secret manner (by such as she put special trust in) all those that then were Magistrates and rulers of the said City of Coventrie, and uttered unto them what good will she bore unto the said city, and how she had moved the Earl her husband to make the same free, the which upon such condition as is afore mentioned, the said Earl granted unto her, which the said Lady was well contented to do, requiring of them for the reverence of womanhood, that at that day and time that she should ride (which was made certain unto them) that straight commandment should be given throughout all the City, that every person should shut in their houses and windows, and none so hardy to look out into the streets, nor remain in the streets, upon a great pain, so that when the time came of her out riding none saw her, but her husband and such as were present with him, and she and her Gentlewoman to wait upon her galloped through the Town, where the people might here the treading of their Horse, but they saw her not, and so she returned to her Husband to the place from whence she came, her honesty saved, her purpose obtained, her wisdom much commended, and her husband's imagination utterly disappointed. And shortly after her return, when she had arrayed and appareled herself in most comely and seemly manner, than she showed herself openly to the people of the City of Coventrie, to the great joy and marvelous rejoicing of all the Citizens and inhabitants of the same, who by her had received so great a benefit. ¶ Then Algarus his son was Earl after him. But Matthew of Westmynster writeth that his wife Godina obtained the said liberties of the Earl her husband then Lord of the said Town. ¶ Harold the eldest son of Goodwin was now in great authority, and ruled much of the king's army. Algarus again accused and banished the realm. The year following Algarus was accused by malice, and was banished the land. Wherefore he fled again to Griffyn Duke of Wales as he before had done, of whom he was joyously received and maintained. The king being thereof informed, sent Harold into Wales to make war upon Griffyn, the which quit him in so knightly wise, that he chased the Welshmen, brent the said Griffyn's palace at a place called Rutlane, and destroyed his navy, and then returned into England about midlent. But about the Rogation days the said Harold and his brother Tosty were sent thither again with a strong army: at which season they destroyed a great part of Wales, and in conclusion brought the Welshmen unto due subjection, and forced them to give pledges for the continuance of the same. And that done pursued so sore upon Griffyn by the commandment of the king, Griffyn prince of Wales slain. that in the end, his own people for to purchase their own lives slew him, and sent his head unto Harold in the month of August: so that after the death of this Griffyn, by the commandment of the king, the Country of Wales was committed to the guiding of the two brethren of Griffyn, the which favoured more the king's party in the time of war, than they did their brothers. Algarus once again reconciled to the kings favour. And this war in Wales thus brought to an end, Harold by his policy reconciled again Algarus earl of Mertia to the kings grace, so that he continued in his favour during his life after. ¶ In the twenty year of the reign of the king: Harold sailed toward Normandy to visit his brother Wilnotus and Hacun his Nephew, the which as ye before have heard, were laid there for pledges for the peace to be holden upon Earl Goodwynes side against the king. But he in his course of sailing was wether driven by tempest into the Country or province of Pountith, where he was taken as a prisoner of the Duke there, and sent unto Duke William of Normandy: Harold taken and brought into the keeping of William Duke of Normandy. The which forced him to swear that he in time following should marry his daughter, and that after the death of king Edward, he should keep the land of England to his behoof, according to the will and mind of king Edward as some writers affirm. And it is further written that Harold to be in the more favour of Duke William, showed him that king Edward had in the presence of his Barony of England, admitted the said William for his heir, and covenanted with him, that if he over lived the king, he would in safe wise keep the land to his use. For the which tidings and promise, the said William granted him his daughter to wife, which then was under lawful years of marriage with a great dower. ¶ And for to cause Harold to be the more constant in his promise, he delivered to him Hacum his Nephew and son of his brother Swanus, the which he much desired, and kept still Wilnotus the brother of the said harold. After which covenants, sufficiently established and enacted: Harold departed from Duke William with great and rich gifts, and shortly after landed in England. And at his coming to the kings presence, he showed to him all that he had done in the aforesaid matters, wherewith the King was well contented, as affirmeth Fabian mine author. ¶ Matthew of Westminster reporteth the matter thus. Tostius earl of Northumberland, took his brother Harold by the hear as he was bringing a Cup of wine unto the king, and pulled him down unto the ground, all that stood by and beheld it marveling thereat. Then Harold again desirous to be revenged upon him for that villainy, took him in his arms, and flung him on the pavement: But by and by the kings Guard ran betwixt them, and parted them. After the which altercation, Tostius departed the Court in a great rage, and coming to the City of Herford, where Harolde had prepared a great feast against the kings coming, slew all his brother's servants that he found there, and mangled and cut them in pieces, and into every vessel of Wine, Meethe, Ale, or any other kind of drink else, he casteyther a leg, an arm, or some other piece of the bodies so mangled, sending the king word withal, that whensoever he came to his brother's house, he should be sure to find powdered flesh enough to serve him, but if he would have delicates, he must then be feign to provide them himself. The which mock of his when the king heard thereof, he commanded him for his said detestable fact and lewdness to be banished the Realm. But as Polidore writeth, he was offended with him, and said unto him as followeth: Told I not thee before that this mischief and inconvenience would ensue hereof unto this Realm by thy means, if thou goest to William of Normandy: But God either turn this hard destiny from us, or else if it must needs come to pass, grant that it chance not in our days. ¶ This cruel deed sprang wide, so that for it he was hated of all men, in somuch that his own tenants, the men of Northumberland, of which province he then was Lord of, arose against him, and in the end chased him into Flaunders, with a few personnes then awaiting upon him. ¶ But the virtuous king Edward not being contented with the commons doing, considering it to be done without his advice or commandment, sent thither harold to do correction upon the heads or Captains of the Northumber's: Whereof they being ascertained, continued their strength and met with Harolde, and his people, A stout speck of subjects. and made them to understand that they were freely borne, and freely nourished, and that they might not suffer the cruelness of any Dukes. ¶ When harold had received this message, and had well regarded the strength of the Northumber's, he perceived that without great effusion of blood, he could not correct the misdoers: Wherefore it seemed to him better to favour the Country, then to take heed of the singular profit of his brother, so that he returned to the king with this answer, and purchased their pardon of him, and also so laboured the king, that he assigned them another Duke or earl that was named Malcharus. And Tostius his brother with his wife and children remained in Flaunders during the kings life. The common laws of this Realm. ¶ This king also purged the old and corrupt laws, and picked out of them a certain, which were most profitable for the commons, and those were called the common laws of this Realm, for the institution whereof, there happened many commotions and much trouble. ¶ And now for an end of this story, this king died the fourth day of january, when he had reigned xxiij years vij Months, and odd days, and was buried at Westminster, and left after him no child, for he was accounted for a virgin when he died. ¶ It is written of him also that he was wont by touch of hand, to heal such as were diseased of the kings evil, & that of him other kings and princes of this Realm have as it were by inheritance received the gift of healing that disease, by touch of hand and certain prayers, and ceremonies used withal, like as they received also the custom to hallow and consecrated rings on Good Friday, which were reputed good and available against the Cramp. Macbeth reigned among the Scots xuj years, which at the beginning did many things to the profit of the Realm: but afterward he became a cruel Tyrant, Macbeth King of Scots. and was vanquished and slain by Malcolme, by the aid of the English men. IN this year of our Lord, Malcolme recovered the crown of Scotland, and reigned xxxv years. harold the second son of earl Goodwin, and last king of Saxons. This man forgetting his promise before made to William Duke of Normandy, took upon him as king, and was crowned of Aldredus then Bishop of York, or as some write, set the crown on his own head without any consecration or ceremonies. Albeit, as Guydo affirmeth, some of the Lords intended to have made Edgar Adeling king, which Edgar as affirmeth the said authors, was son to Edward that was the son of Edmond Ironsyde, and named of some Edward the outlaw. But because this Edward was young, and chief considering the strength and riches of Harolde, therefore harold obtained the Crown. Howbeit Marian saith, that king Edward before his death, ordained that Harolde should be king after him. ¶ Soon after the king was crowned, he began to revoke evil laws, and customs, and established good laws. ¶ In short time after that Harolde was made king, Tostie his brother which as aforesaid was chased into Flaunders, made him a navy of lx small sails of Ships, or as Matthew of Westminster saith, of xl and sailed about the Isle of Wight, Tostius roved about the Realm, and did much hurt. and took prays within the said Isle, and in diverse places of Kent. And from thence he sailed into Lynsey, and did there much harm both with fire and sword. But soon after he was chased thence by Edwin, and Malcarus, Earls of Martia and Northumberlande: And then he sailed into Scotland, and finding little comfort there, he went from thence into Norway to desire aid of King harold, who there reigned at that tyme. ¶ When Tostius was thus with his robbers chased, than Harold Harfagar king of Norway moved thereunto by Tosto, with a great Navy of three hundredth ships and more, entered the mouth of the river of Tyne. ¶ When harold of England had knowledge of this great Navy of the Norway's, he sent unto the aforenamed Earls of Mertia, and Northumberland, commanding them to withstand their landing, while he gathered his strength. Then the aforesaid Earls sped them toward the Norway's, and gave unto them a sharp and a strong fight, but in the end the English men were put to the worse, and were feign to give back, so that the enemies entered further into the land. The king hearing of the discomfiture of his people, made the more haste toward his enemies, Semisford Bridge. so that within six days after he came to Semysford Bridge. ¶ In this foresaid place both hosts joined and fought a most sharp and cruel battle, A cruel battle. wherein was overthrown many a lusty knight upon the English party, but many more upon the Norway's, so that in the end Harold their king was slain, Harold Harfager slain. and that of the hand of Harold king of England, as saith Guydo, and Tostius was also slain in the same fight. Olanus brother to the said Harold Harfager, Olanus the brother of Harold Harfager & Paulinus the duke of the Isles, taken prisoner. with Paulus Duke of the Isles or Orkeys were there taken prisoners. The which the king caused to be sworn unto him that they should keep all such promises as they there to him made, and took good pledges for the same, and after suffered them to return from whence they came. Fabian. ¶ It is also specially remembered of the said Author that one Knight stood upon the aforesaid Bridge, and with his Axe defended the passage, A valiant Knight. Maugre the whole host of the Englishmen, and slew xl Englishmen or more with his Axe, and might not be overcome until an Englishman went under the Bridge with a Boat or Whyrry and sticked him upward with his spear through an hole of the Bridge. ¶ For this victory, Harold inflamed with pride and covetousness. Harold was highly inflamed with pride and also with covetousness, so that he divided not the prays of his enemies among his Knights, but he kept them to himself, or gave part unto such Knights as he favoured, and spared it from them that had well deserved, by reason whereof he lost the favour of many of his Soldiers. ¶ In this time the daughter of Duke William, the which Harold should have married, died within age, harold excuses to William duke of Normandy. but not before Harold (saith Polydore) was king, wherefore Harold thought himself the more discharged of his promise before made to her father. But William warned Harold of covenants broken, and mixed threats with prayers and petitions. Whereunto Harold answered, that a nice foolish covenant aught not to be holden, namely the behest of other men's right and kingdom, without the whole assent of the Senators of the same land. And furthermore, a lewd oath might and aught to be broken, and specially when it is compelled to be sworn for need or for dread. Upon these answers received by Duke William from king Harold, William duke of Normandy maketh his provision to come into England. in the mean while that messengers went and came, Duke William gathered his Knights, and prepared his navy, and all other things necessary unto the war, and had the assent of the Lords of his land to aid and assist him in his journey. The like preparation also (saith Polidore) was made by Harold to defend the realm from the invasion of the Normans. Alexander Bishop of Rome sendeth unto William duke of Normandy a Bamner to carry with him in his Ship against England. ¶ And moreover he so informed the Bishop of Rome then named Alexander the second, that he confirmed him in taking of that voyage, and sent unto him a Banner, the which he willed him to bear in the Ship that he himself should sail in. And so having all things in a readiness, he sped him to the sea side, and took shipping in the Haven of Saint Valery, where he tarried a long time before he could have a meet and convenient wind: for the which the Soldiers murmured and grudged, and said it was a madness and greatly displeasing unto God, to desire another man's kingdom by strength, & namely when God withstandeth it by the working of his Element. ¶ At the last the wind came about, and he took shipping, and held his course toward England upon this ground and title following. The ground & chief cause of William duke of normandy's challenge of the Realm of England. 1 The first and principal was to challenge his right, and to have the dominion of the land that to him was given of king Edward his nephew. 2 The second was to be revenged of the death and cruel murder of his Nephew Alphred, and brother of king Edward, which he ascribed wholly unto king harold. A revengement for the banishing of Robert Archbishop of Cantorbury. 3 The third was, for to be revenged on the wrong that was done unto Robert, that was archbishop of Cauntorbury, which as he was informed was exiled by the means and labour of Harolde in the time of king Edward, as is aforesaid The landing of William duke of Normandy. ¶ Duke William keeping his course, at the last landed in Sussex, at a place called Pevenessey near unto Hastings. And in his going out of his ship, & taking the land, his one foot slipped, & the other stack fast in the sand: the which one of his knights saw, & being near unto him, said: now Sir Duke thou holdest England, and thou shalt soon be turned from a Duke to a King. A good policy. ¶ The Duke entering further into the land, made his proclamations that no man should take any prays, or do any force to the people: for he said that it was reasonable that he should spare that thing that should be his awn. Harold was now in the North parts ¶ At this time Harold was king in the North parts of England, and had knowledge of the landing of the normans, & he made all the haste towards them that he might, and gathered his strength out of the Countries as he came. But the Duke passed still forward, and at the last came to Kingston, where he and his army passed over the Thames, and made such good speed that he came to London before the king, where he was holden out until he had put in good pledges, that he and his people should pass through the City without tarrying, the which he did, and so went through the City, and passed over London Bridge, and so returned again into Sussex. ¶ King Harold intending to know the strength of his enemies sent spies into the Duke's host, An unskilful messenger. the which made report unto the king, that all Duke William's Soldiers were priests: For they had their upper lips and cheeks shaven, and the Englishmen at those days used the hear of their upper lips shed and not shaven. But Harold unto that answered and said, they be no priests, but are stout and valiant Knights. ¶ Then Gurth, or rather Biorno, one of the youngest brethren of Harold, counseled him that he should stand a part, Good counsel is not always regarded. and suffer him with other of his Lords to fight with the normans, forsomuch as he was sworn unto the Duke, and they were not, saying moreover, that if they were slain or overthrown, that yet he might defend his quarrel, and fight for his Country. ¶ In this mean time, Three offers made unto king Harold by William duke of Normandy. Duke William sent a Monk unto king Harold and made him three offers. The first that according to his oath he should tender the land, or deliver it up unto him as his own proper possession, and that done, to take it again of him, and to hold it of him as in Fee, and so to reign under him for term of his life, and after his death to return it to him again, or to such a one of his sons as he would assign it unto. ¶ Secondly, to leave the kingdom without any more strife. ¶ Or thirdly in exchewing of the shedding of christian mens blood, that he would defend his quarrel in his own person against the Duke, and they two only to try the matter by dent of sword. ¶ But Harold refused these offers, and said he would try his quarrel by dent of sword, and not by one sword, and that he and his Knights and Soldiers would defend their Country against all strange Nations, praying God to judge the right between them twain. ¶ When Duke William had received this answer from Harold, and saw well that there was no mean, but to abide fortune in battle, Good counsel if it were true. he charged his people that might watch, to occupy themselves in prayer, and specially the Priests and the religious people, where the Englishmen gave themselves to drinking and surfeiting. Fabian. ¶ Then upon the morrow being Saturday, and the xiiij Battle Abbey in Sussex. day of October, both hosts assailed other in the place where stood the Abbay of Battle in Sussex. In the beginning of this battle a Norman called Thilfer splayed a Banner before the host of the Normans and slew an Englishman that came against him, and after that another, and so the third, Thilfer. and at the last was slain himself. ¶ Then the Halberds smote together with a great shout and cry, and they fought sore a long season. And the Englishmen defended themselves manfully, and the better for that they kept them whole & close together without scattering or spreading abroad. The which when William perceived, he gave a sign unto his knights, that they should give back, and made a countenance as though they did fly. Then the Normans enbatteled their footmen, & set Horsemen for wings on every side. By the which, while the Englishmen were dissevered, and soon out of array, the Normans turned again upon the Englishmen, and slew them down on every side. ¶ This battle was sore fought of the Englishmen, so that Duke William was thrice felled that day, by reason that three horses were slain under him. Lastly, Harold was wounded in the eye with an arrow, King Harold slain and William the Conqueror had the victory. and fell to the ground and was slain, and his people scattered, so that well was he that might save himself by flying. Then Duke William buried his men that there were slain, and suffered his enemies to do the same. ¶ When the death of Harold was known to the Earls of Mertia and of Northumberland, the which for straightness of way could not bring their people to that field, or else for that they wilfully withdrew themselves from Harold, because he did none otherwise departed the prays amongst them & their knights at the former field of the Norway's: Agatha harold wife committed to Chester. then they drew the next way to London, and took Agatha harold wife, and sent her to Chester. And they and Aldredus Bishop of York with the Londoners, were agreed and promised either to other that they would make Edgar Atheling king, and defend his right to the uttermost of their powers. But that promise notwithstanding, when they heard of the great strength that daily fell to duke William, and of his provisions, they were feign to break that appointment. And the said Earls submitted themselves, and gave unto him pledges, and became to him his liege men by homage and fealty. ¶ And thus when Harold had ruled the land, from the fift day of january to the xiiij day of October, he was slain, when he had reigned nine Months and odd days, and was buried at the Monastery of Waltham, which he before had founded. The end of the government of the Saxons. ¶ And here endeth the government of the Saxons, the which continued from the first year of the reign of Hengist in the year of our Lord .475. unto this conquest, which was the space of .590. years. Now for as much as it pleased almighty God to suffer this Duke to conquer so noble a land, and to be Lord and sovereign over so many noble inheritors as then were, and now are within the same. I think it therefore convenient to show the dissent of the same Duke, and how near of blood he was unto king Edward that last died. The Pedigree of William Conqueror. ¶ Rollo who was first an Heathen, and after christened and named Robert, who married Silla the daughter of Charles the Simple, sometime king of France, and had for her dower the Duchy of Normandy, which he ruled xiv. years, and the said Robert had by Silla a son named William, the which afterward was called Longa Spata, that is to say, William with the long Sword. This William was Duke after his father xxv years, and left after him a son named Richard, which was named Richard the Hardy, and was the third Duke, and reigned lij years and had by his wife a son named Richard the good, and Emma that was wife to Egeldred and mother to the last Edward the king. After him the good Richard was Duke, and reigned xxviij years, and left after him two sons, Richard, and Robert. The first son after two years, was slain by treason of his brother Robert, so that Robert was then Duke, and reigned ix, years: The which Robert was father unto this Duke William, and begat him of his concubine, called Arlet. And this William was the seventh Duke of Normandy, and ruled it before he conquered England xxx years. And thus it may apere that Emma was Aunt to Duke Robert, father of William Conqueror, and Emma was mother unto king Edward, and so this duke William and king Edward of England were by the father's side cousin germans removed. A summary of the aforesaid History. IN the former part of this History it may appear unto you (that after the opinion of most writers) Brute did first inhabit this land, Briteyn first inhabited by Brute. and called it then after his own name Britain, in the .2855. year after the creation of the World, and in the .1108. year before the birth of our saviour Christ. Conquered by the Romans. And the same land of Briteyn was conquered by C. julius Cesar, and made tributary to the Romans in the fifty year before Christ's Incarnation, and it so continued .483. years. And the Briteynes reigned without Tribute, and under Tribute, from Brute until the fourth year of the reign of King Cadwallader, which was in the year of our Lord .686. And so the Briteynes had continuance of the Government of this land the space of 1794. years. And then was the kingdom of Briteyn divided into seven kingdoms. Briteynes received the faith of christ And Briteyn received the faith of Christ in the seventh year of the reign of King Lucy, which was in the. C.lxxxvii. year after the birth of Christ. And after the Britons, Conquered and overcome by the Saxons. entered the Saxons in the third year of Vortiger, and in the year of our. Lord .450. and they governed until the last year of king Athelstane, which was in the .938. year of Christ. And so the time of the Saxons first entrance into this Realm, and the time of their Government, was the space of .487. years. But yet in the time of the Government of the Saxons, that is to say, in the ix year of the reign of king Brithricus, which was in the year of our Lord 787. The Danes entered into the Realm, Conquered & overcome by the Danes. and spoiled and persecuted the people therein most grievously: And at the last Sweno, or Swain the Dane, obtained the possession and kingdom of this Realm, in the year of our Lord .1012. and he reigned three years. And after him reigned Canutus his Son xix years. And after him Harold his son three years. And after him Hardikenitus the son of Canutus, who reigned three years, and was the last king of the Danes, for then the Danes were utterly expulsed and driven out of the Realm, which was in the year of our Lord .1042. And thus it may apere that the Danes reigned kings of this Realm the space of xxviii years. And it may also apere, that from the time of the first entry of the Danes into this Realm, Conquered & quietly possessed by the normans. unto their last expulsion, was. Cc.lu years. And finally, the normans entered this land, and made a Conquest of this Realm, as before is expressed, in the year of our Lord .1067. Which is sithen unto this present year of our Lord .1568. the number of five hundredth years. A Table for the first Volume of this Chronicle, that is to say, from the Creation of the World, unto William the Conqueror. A AAron. 23 Abdon. 28 Abdemonaples. 119 Abel. 3. 5 Abessam. 28 Abia the son of Roboam. 43 Abimelech 28 Abram 18. 21. 22 Achab. 44 Acliud. 37. 136 Adam and Eue. 3. 5 Aecius. 93 Aelon. 28 Aeneas. 31 Africa. 12 Aganippus. 47. 48 Agatha harold wife. 192 Ages of the world. 72. 73 Agilbert 121 Aioth. 27 Albanact. 32 Albion. 30. 33. 37 Koran. 119 Aldroenus 93 Algarus reconciled. 185. banished. 186. and again reconciled. 186 Alectus. 85 Alexander Bishop of Rome. 190 Almaricus a traitor. 165 Alps. 16 Alpine king of Scots. 133 Alphred had his eyes put out. 179. 184 Alured. 138. 140 Amasones. 16 Amasia slain. 46 Amberkleth Scot 127 Ambresbury. 160 Ammon 50 Ammonites. 21 Amorica. 57 91 Amram. 24 Androgius. 65 Androgeus. 68 69 Angles. 96 Anglia. 132 Angusian Scot 90 Anna. 121 Antheus. 15 Antoninus. 113 Archimalus. 66 archbishops. 83. 114. 129 Archigallo. 62. 64. arkly of Noe. 8. 9 Archflamin. 43 Arians. 97 Aristeus. 63 Arthgall the first Earl of Warwick. 106 Arthur. 105 Articles concluded between the Scots and French men against England: 131 Art of fishing. 124 Arviragus. 77. 78 Asa. 43 Aschanius. 31 Asclepiodatus. 86 Assaracus. 31 Ashedowne. 137 Asia. 12 Athalia. 44 Athelstane his deed. 147. 148 Athirco king of Scots. 8 Aureli. 101. 102. 103 Aurelius Conanus. 108 Augustus Cesar. 70 Austyn the Monk. 46 Austyn came to preach. 114 Augustyn called S. Augustyn. 92 Austynes Oak. 114 Aydane Scot 115 Azarias. 48 B Babel, or Babylon. 3. 14 Barachias. 53 Barbary. 15 Berkshire or Bareokeshire. 137 Barley. 19 Bassianus Caracalla. 84 Basingstoke. 137. 144 . 50 Battle Abbey in Sussex. 191 Beda. 128 Belinus. 55. 56. 57 58. 59 Belynsgate. 58 Berinus. 106 Bernulphus. 131 Bishops. 83. 112. 115. 121 Blackwelhall. 54 Bladud or Baldud. 45 Bledud. 66 Bledgabredus. 66 Blood rained. 49 Bloody Flux. 161 Bokyngham Castle. 145 Brazen Serpent. 49 Brennus. 55. 56. 57 58. 59 Brentfoord or Braynefoorde. 168 Briteyn and Britons. 34. 36. 64. 83 decayed. 108 Brithricus. 130 Brightwaldus. 127 Brucival king of Leycester. 116 Brute. 13. 31. 32 Brute Gréeneshield. 44 Bull hide. 96 Burgh. 37 C CAdwalyn. 117. 120 . 116. 119 Cadwallader. 125 Cain. 4. 5. 7 Calabre. 106 Cambridge. 62. 120 Cambre. 32 Cambria. 36 Canutus. 173 Capenus. 66 Caporus. 66 Caratak king of Scots. 77 Carassus. 85 Caraticus. 112 Cassibelan. 67 Castle of Maidens. 43 Catagrinus. 97 Catellus. 65 Cauntorbury. 45. 68 besieged. 165 Catrignus. 98 Cealmus. 111 Cecilius. 61 Cerdicus. 106 Charles the Bald. 134 Cherimus. 65 Chester. 145 Chichister. 68 Christ's Church in Cauntorbury 114 Chrisostome. 92 Christening in Rivers. 118 Christains persecuted. 88 Cimbelinus. 70 Circumcision. 21 Cissa. 102 Civil battle. 112 Clito. 129. 145 Clotheus. 65 Cloto Duke of Cornwall. 54 Coill. 65 Coilus. 82. 87 Colbrand a giant. 149 Colchester. 86 Colemoore. 98 Colwolphus. 116 Commandments. 26 Combat 173 Conarus. 82 Congallus. 95 Conrannus 102 Constantyne Scot 94. 135. 146. 148. 167 Constantine. 88 89. 93. 94. 108 Constantius. 87. 94 Conwall Scot 111. 133 Corbreid Scot 78 Cordelia. 47. 48 Corfe Castle. 159 Corineus 38 Corine. 32 Corn 15 Cornwall. 32 Councelours contemned. 43 Coventrie made free. 185 Crathlyn Scot 87 Creation of the World. 1 Creation of Man. 2 Crekynfoord. 102. 144 Crickland. 144 Crosses of blood. 130 Cuthbert. 128 Culyne king of Scots 158 Cunedagius. 48 Cups of Iron. 118 Cutwolphus. 111 D DAnes made tributary to England. 60 landed in Norfolk & Suffolk. 130. 132 135. discomfited. 137. 104. 341. 145. 152. 160. 162. 164 Dane Gelt. 162. 178. discharged. 180 Daniel the Prophet. 52. 54 Darwent a river. 97 David anointed king. 39 Deborah or Delbora. 27 Demetrius. 63 Devotion. 134 Deyra. 199 Dinellus. 66 Dissimulation. 99 157. 174 Destruction of the Temple 51 Destruction of the jews. 51 Division. 162 Donald Scot 84. 87. 120. 125. 133. 134. 143 Donstone. 153. 158. 159. 160. 161. Dorchester. 120 Dover Castle. 32 Drunkenness. 95. 181 Drink. 15 Duffus king of Scots. 158 Dulcane king of Scots. 177 E EBrank. 43 Edinburgh. 43 Edeir Scot 70 Edgar. 154 Edmond the Martyr. 136 Edmond Ironside. 168 Coward confessor. 179 Edward the son of Edmond Ironside. 185 Edward 143. 146. 158. 179 Edfine Scot 128 Edricus a traitor. 164. 167. 168. 171. 173. 174 Edwin and Edwinus. 109. 117. 118. 153. deposed. 154 Edolfe earl of Chester. 99 Egbert. 129. 131. 133 Egeldred. 160 Egfride. 125 Egypt. 16 Egyptians. 24 Ella king of Deira. 102. 109 Elanius. 61 Eldadus. 65 Eldolus. 66 Eledancus. 65 Elfricus a traitor. 161 Elidurus. 62. 64 Elgina the wife of king Edmond. 151 Eliud. 65 Elphegus archbishop of Cauntorbury stoned to death. 166 Elutherius Bishop of Rome. 83 Emirianus. 65 Emma the Queen. 166. 171. banished. 177 accused of incontinency 180. 184 Enfieda. 117 England. 53. 132 Englefielde. 137 Enoch. 4. 8 Ercombert. 121. 123 Ermingstréete. 56 Esau. 21 Esay the Prophet. 50 Estrild. 37. 38. 39 Ethelbert. 101. 113. 115. 135 Ethelburga. 130 Ethelfridus. 109. 112 Ethelard. 128 Ethelwald. 193. 134 Ethelwolph. 133 Etheopians. 134 Ethodius. 82. 85 Euelinus. 68 Eubonia now called the Isle of man. 118 Eugenius Scot 90. 108. 127. 130 Europa. 13 Ewyn Scot 70, 81 Excester. 68 138 Extortion. 102 Ezechiell. 51 F FAble. 91 Faith decayed. 112 Famine. 127 Fergus Scot 53. 62. 92. 130 Ferithias Scot 63 Ferrex and Porrex. 53 Ferquard Scot 125 Fincormake Scot 89 Findocke Scot 87 Fishing. 124 Flatterers. 174 Flies. 49 Fire. 161 Flood of Noe. 8. 9 Forging of Iron. 8 Fosse. 56 France. 15 Fria. 96 Framingham Castle. 136 Friday. 96 Fulgen. 65. 84 Furius Camillus 59 G GAlates 59 Gallogrecia. 59 Gallacia. 59 Ganders feast in Rome. 59 Guard for the king. 94 Gaul Celtique. 15 Gedeon. 28 Germannus 97 Geroncius. 65 Geta. 85 Giants. 16 Glazing. 123 Glamorgan field. 49 Gloucester. 77. 83 Goffare king of the Poytenynes. 31 Gogmagog. 32 Gonorilla, 47 Gorbodian. 30 Gorbodug. 53 Gorbomannus. 62. 65 Goodwin an Earl. 175. 179. 181. 182. 183 Godina the wife of Leofricus freed Coventry. 185 Grantham. 62 Grantbridge. 120 Grape. 12 Griffin a rebel. 180. 185 slain. 186 Gregori bishop of Rome. 113 Grime Scot 167 Guiliamore. 102 Guy of Warwick. 149. 150 Guyderus. 76 Gurguncius. 66 Gurgustus. 50 Gurguintus. 60 Gurmundus. 112 Gwanus. 91 Gwendolyn. 32. 37. 40 Gwilthdacus. 55 Gitrus. 140 Gwyntelinus. 60. 61 H HAbren. 39 Ham. 8 Hamo. 76 Hardikinitus. 178 Harold. 177. 188 Harold Harfagar slain. 189 Helf. 28. 29. 31. 66 Helyes prophesy. 44 Henninus. 48 Hengist. 95. 96. 100 Hereford Castle 145 High ways. 54 Hid Mede. 149 Hirelda. 68 Historiographers. 128 Horsus. 95. 98 Humber. 37 Hubba. 136. 137 Hunger. 136. 137 I Jacob. 21 Ido king of Bernicia 109 Idleness. 95 Idwall. 65 jago or Lago. 50 Jair. 28 japhet. 8 jechonias. 50 jehoram. 44 Iepthe. 21 jeroboam. 41 jerusalem. 3.13. destroyed. 51. repaired. 53 utterly destroyed. 81 jesus. 75 jethro 25 jewe. 127 jewettes. 96 Indulph Scot 158 Innogen. 31 joachas. 50 joachim. 50 jonichus. 13 joseph. 22 josephus. 25 josias. 50 josua. 27 Ireland inhabited. 60 Isaac. 21 Iseland. 111 Italy. 16 judges. 27 judith Daughter to Charles the French king. 134 julius Caesar. 16. 67. 69 justus a preacher. 114 K KEnneth Keir Scot 134. 115. 160 Kenulph. 128 Kenwalcus. 121. 123 Kickneldes street. 56 Kimarus. 61 Kimbelinus. 70 Kingilsus. 106. 123 Kimmacus. 52 Kynadus Scot 155 L LAuiny. 31 Law given. 26 League between France & Scotl. 131 Lechery. 45. 129. 130 Legion of knights. 78 Lent. 121 Leicester. 46. 48 Leofricus. 176. freed Coventrie. 185 Leyer. 46 Leyll. 44 Libya. 25 Lilla a traitor. 117 Lyncolne. 120 Linen and . 8 Locryne. 37. 38 Loegria. 32. 36 London. 36. 43. 83. 161. besieged. 169 Londricus. 80 Lord Dane or Lurdane. 163 Loth or Lot. 19 Lucifer. 2 Lucius first Christian king of Friteyn. 82 Lud. 56 Ludgate. 66 Ludhurdibras. 45 Lugtake Scot 81 Lupus a Bishop. 97 M MAdan or Madian. 41 Maglanus. 48 Mahomet. 119 Malcolyn Scot 151. 152. 176 Maldwyn Scot 125 Malgo. 111 Manasses. 49 Marlyn. 45. 103 Mary the Virgin. 71 Marius. 80 Martia. 60 Martians laws. 60 Mathanias. 51 Matthew of Westminster. 117 Marimianus. 90 Maynus Scot 64 Melchisedech. 12 Melitus. 114 Melga. 91 Memphis. 24 Mempricius. 42 Merton a town. 137 Meserfielde battle. 121 Metellane Scot 71 Melinus king of Candy. 15 Minstrels banished. 116 Miracles. 9 114 Moabites. 21 Mogallus. 82 Money first coined in Scotland. 84 Monks religion. 124 Monks slain. 109. tithed. 166 Mordak Scot 128 Mordred. 107 Morgannus. 48 Morgan slain. 49. 65 Morian king of Britons. 66 Morindus. 61. 62 Mortality. 123 Moses. 24. 27 Mulmucius. 54 Murder unnatural. 53 Murder. 129. 130. 159. 178 Music. 8 N NAchor. 18 Nathalack Scot 86 Nembroth. 13 Nero the tyrant. 78. 79 New Troy. 36 Ninus. 14 Nobility. 16 Noe. 8. his Arck. 11 Noemia. 8 Normans cruelly murdered. 1●9 Northampton. 77 O OChozias 44 Octa. 97. 102. 103 Octavius. 88 89 Olbion. 34 Onichites. 147 Oration. 172 Orchades. 111 Osiris. 15 Osricus. 119. 137 Oswold, or Oswy. 110. 119. 121. 122. Othoniell. 27 Otho Emperor. 147 Oats. 15 Ouinus. 66 Oxford. 138 Ozias. 48 P PAndrasus. 31 Parliament. 174 Paradise. 2 Parasites. 48 Passage forbode. 129 Pascentius. 97. 103 Paul the Apostle. 77 Paulinus. 114. 118 Penal laws. 156 Penda. 120. 122. 140 Penance. 180 Penisellus. 66 Peredurus. 64. 65 Persecution. 112 Pestilence. 95 Peter pence. 127. 133 Petulus Cerialis. 81 Pichtes. 61 Pyrrhus. 66 Plague. 127. 128. 158. 162 Pletynger. 102 Plough. 15. Ploughshares. 180 Porrex. 65 Portchester. 88 Portesmouth. 103 Poisoning. 130 Priamus. 31 Pride. 48 Pridwen. 106 Priests. 158 Pritannia. 35 Procession. 113 Ptholomeus. 63 Q QVéenes abased. 131 and again restored. 134 R rachel. 22 Ragan. 47 Rainbow. 11 Redargius. 66 reading. 137 Redwallus. 104 Regin king of Britons. 66 Reguli. 101 Religion decayed. 124 revengements. 190 Richebourgh. 113 Rimo. 65 Ripon Abbey. 152 Rivallo. 49 Roboham. 41 Rochester. 68 Rhodian. 66 Romeskot. 127. 133. redeemed. 176 Rome. 36. 49. 69 Romack Scot 190 Romulus. 49 Roan. 106 Ronowen Hengestes daughter. 97. 98 S SAbrina. 39 Solomon. 40. 41 Saltstone. 21 Samson. 28 Samuel. 29 Samulius. 66 Sangar. 27 Saracens. 20 Sarisbury. 68 99 Saruch. 18 Savoy. 16 Saul the first king of Israel. 29. 30 Satrahell. 84 Saxons. 95. 96 Scots when they first inhabited Scotland. 53 and why they were first so named. 80. 85 90. conquered. 134. 146. 147. 176. rebel. 184. conquered. 184. Sebertus. 104. 116 Sem. 8 Semisfoord bridge. 189 Senones. 58 Septon now called Shaftesbury. 160 Serapis. 15 Sergius a monk. 119 Serpent of Brass. 49 Severus. 84 Severne. 39 Sewarde Earl of Northumberland. 185 Seth. 3. 5 Shaftesbury. 45 Sicester. 112 Sigebert or Sigisbert. 121. 128 Silius. 66 Sisillus. 50. 61 Simon. 102 Sodom. 21 Sodomy. 42. 111 Soluathius Scot 130 Southampton. 77 South Saxons. 102 Spaniards inhabited Ireland. 60 Stanes moor. 80 Staunford. 45 Sterling money. 135 Stonehenge 103 T TEmple builded. 41. destroyed. 51 Tents portative. 8 Thamys 36. Thames ford. 146 There. 18 Thetfoord. 98. 104 Theomancius. 70 Theodorus. 125 Thong Castle. 96. 100 Thola. 28 Tiberius. 123 Tochester. 146 Tyranny. 128 Tostus a cruel murderer. 187 Tokens sent from the Bishop of Rome. 117 Tooth that is strange. 6 Totnesse haven. 32 Tottenhall. 145 Towers and Towrain. 31 Trayherne. 88 Treason. 99 100 104. 107. 132. 159. 179 Trees. 15 Tribute. 69. 149. redeemed. 165 Troy. 15. 36 Troynovant. 36. 53 Truce. 172 Typheus. 15 V VEspasianus. 78 Vffa. 104 Vigem. 65 Vigenius. 64. 65 Vincentius Gallus. 22 Vine planted. 12. 15 Vortiger. 95. deprived. 97. 99 100 Vortimer. 97. 98 Vortiporius. 110 Vow. 122 Vrian. 65 Ursula. 91 Uter. 101. 105 W WAles. 32 Walbrooke. 86 Wall of Tornes. 84. 92 Wall of stone. 93 Wallo, or Gallo. 126 Wards and marriages. 167 Warwell. 160 Warwick. 61 Wassail. 97 Watlingstreete. 56 Wednesday. 96 Welles College. 127 Welshemen. 126 West Saxons. 107 Westminster. 83. 115 Wheat. 15 White Gosneborough. 121 Wigmoore. 146 Wilbaldowne. 111 William Duke of Normandy. 184. 189. 190 Win Bishop of Winchester. 121 Winchester. 45. 88 121 Winchcomb. 129 Wine. 12 Wives common. 81 Woden. 96 Woodness field. 145 Wolferus. 133 Wolves destroyed. 155 Woluerhampton. 77 Women are wily. 157 Wrestling. 68 Y YArmouth. 106 York 15. 43. 83. taken. 152 Z ZAcharias slain. 45 FINIS. This second Volume, beginning at William the Conqueror, endeth with our most dread and sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth. Seen and allowed according to the order appointed. Cum privilegio Regiae Maiestatis. Anno. 1568. To the Reader. Now have we passed the History of the Britons, Romans, Saxons and Danes that reigned over this noble Realm, in the which time by reason of the continual wars and manifold spoils and conquests, from time to time here practised, and long continued, the old and ancient writers of the said histories, and all their worthy and learned monuments were in manner wholly destroyed & defaced, and therefore but by the help of Gildas, Gaufride, Bede and a few other, the remembrance of the Government, and of all the noble acts of this land had like to have been buried with utter oblivion: But now, as we are come unto the time of more rest: so by God's sufferance shall follow a more large and ample history, praying most heartily the gentle Reader to bear with my rude style and lack of learning and knowledge, which if it were as great as my good will is, the same should want no necessary furniture: But he that performeth and freely offereth that which he hath, is (as you know) bound to no more: and thus much after this sort, for this time with your favour, may suffice. The History of king William the Conqueror. WILLIAM the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, and bastard son of Robert the sixth Duke of the same Dukedom, and nephew unto Edward the Confessor late king of England as before is showed, began his dominion over this Realm of England the xu day of October, in the year of our Lord. M.lxvij. William Conqueror crowned. and was crowned king of the same at Westminster upon Christmas day next following of Aldredus archbishop of York: because at that time Stigandus archbishop of Cauntorbury, was then absent, and durst not come in the presence of the king, unto whom the king aught no great favour, as hereafter shall apere. Some writ that the said Duke required the aforesaid Stigand to consecrated him, because the office of consecrating of kings had always appertained unto the archbishops of Cauntorbury. But forasmuch as he had aspired unto the crown by violence and unlawful means, the said Stigand would not be present at his coronation, nor in any wise assent thereunto. Some again say that the Duke refused to be crowned of him, because he was no lawful Bishop, inasmuch as he received his Pall of Benet the tenth who was an usurper of the Popedom, and not a lawful Pope as they then termed him. And some again make the cause of his rejection to be the corrupt life of the said Stigand. Polidore writeth that immediately upon the overthrow of king Harold, duke William marched towards London, where Edwin earl of middle England, and Marcarus or Marcatus earl of Northumberland, earnestly minding the conservation of their country, and to defend the liberty thereof, moved the nobility and commons to crown Edgar Atheling, who only was left alive of the blood royal of the Realm. Unto the which sentence although many did accord, yet there were some of diverse opinions concerning this matter: But for all that, at the last they laid all their heads together and advised themselves how and which way they might honestly submit themselves unto the said Duke. But afterwards, when he was come to the City, they made an end of consolation, and every man for fear submitted himself and received him as though they had been right joyous of his coming, delivering him hostages, & praying him withal to receive them to grace, and that they might be at peace with him: To whom the said Duke answered again right courteously, making them many large and fair promises, and that done, he was by them (although all were not like joyful at that solemnity) crowned king upon Christmas day as aforesaid. But I find written by one Thomas Thorpe Monk of Cauntorbury, among other things by him very well noted and collected, of the beginning of the governance of william the Conqueror this story following. After (saith he) that the said Duke William had obtained the victory, and had slain king harold, and in like manner had taken the City of London, straight ways he directed and bend his journey towards the Castle of Dover, to the intent he might conquer that also, with the other parts of Kent. Stigand archbishop of Cantorbury preserved the liberties of Kent. The which being perfitly understood: the archbishop Stigand, and the Abbot Egelsyne, being then the chief potestates and governors of all Kent, understanding all the Kingdom and Realm to be in an evil case, and that where as before the coming of the said William there were no slaves or bondmen, now that all, aswell noble as mean men were brought under the perpetual servile yoke of the normans, by their neighbour's dangers, taking an occasion first of their country's safeguard & of their own, gathered together at Cauntorbury the whole people and force of Kent, to whom they declared the dangers hanging over their heads, the misery of their neighbours, the insolency of the normans, and the hardness of servile condition: And the whole people rather desiring to end their hapless life, A wise and very good policy. then to bear the unaccustomed yoke of servitude, with a common consent decreed to meet Duke William, & to fight with him for their ancient laws and liberties. The aforenamed Stigand the archbishop, and Egelsyne the Abbot, choosing rather death in war, then to see the miseries of their Nation, being heartened by the examples of the Maccabees, were made Captains of the Army, and at the day appointed, all the Kentishemen met at Swanescome, being hidden in the woods, and waited the coming of the aforesaid Duke William. And because sufficient wariness, and heed taking in doubtful cases doth no harm, they by their former talk were agreed among themselves, that when the Duke approached near, all passages being shut up, lest any ways he should escape, that every several person, aswell horsemen as footmen should carry a green bough in his hand. The next day after, the Duke coming into the fields and territories near unto Swanescome, and seeing all the country ready set to hedge him in, and marking also a movable wood with moderate pace drawing near toward him, not without astonishment of his mind, much marveled at it. And assoon as the Captains of the Kentishemen espied Duke William enclosed in the midst of their army, they caused their Trumpets to be sounded, and their Banners to be displayed, and threw down their Boughs, and with their Bows being bend, and their sword drawn, and with their spears and other kind of Armour, being set in a readiness, showed themselves ready to fight it out. At the which sight Duke william with his adherentes & complices, not without cause were much amazed. And he that a little before persuaded himself to have held all England in his fist, now doubted much of his own life. Bold and wise messengers. The archbishop Stigand therefore, and the Abbot Egelsyne were incontinently sent forth to Duke William on the part and behalf of the Kentishmen, who did their message unto him after this sort. Sir Duke behold here the people and inhabitants of Kent cometh forth to meet thee, and to receive thee as their liege Lord and governor, requiring peace at thy hands under this condition, that all they and their posterity may quietly and peaceably enjoy their ancient liberties, and that they may use still their old and accustomed laws, otherwise they are now in a readiness presently to bid thee battle, being readier here altogether to leave their lives, then to departed from their ancient laws and customs, or to submit themselves unto slavish servitude, which they have not yet been acquainted with. The Duke perceiving himself to be entrapped, and in a straight, debating a while this matter with his wise captains, noting also wisely that if he should sustain a repulse or any hindrance at these people's hands, which were accounted the key of England, that then all the bottom of thread which he a little before had spun, were untwisted, and that all his hope and security were turned into danger, did not so willingly as wisely grant all that which the Kentishmen demanded of him, and sure pledges thereupon given from either part to other. And then the joyful Kentishe men did conduct the gladded normans, and yielded to them the County of Kent and noble Castle of Dover, and so the ancient liberties of English men, and their Countries, laws, and customs, which before the coming of William Duke of Normandy, were equally held through the whole realm of England, now was only in the County of Kent, and that by the industry of Stigand archbishop, and Egelsyne the Abbot of the Monastery of S. Austyns in Cauntorbury as aforesaid, and is unto this day inviolably observed and kept, namely that tenure which at this day is called Gavell kind. Thus far William Thorn. The names of the Gentlemen that came out of Normandy with William Duke of that province when he conquered this noble Realm of England. The which I have taken out of an ancient record that I had of Master Clarencius King at arms. A AVmarle Aynecourt Audeley Angilliane Argentoun Arondell. Auenant Abel Auuerne answers Angers Angenoun Archer Annay Asperuile Abbevile Andevile Amoverduile Arcye Akeney Albenye Aybenar Amay Aspermound Amerenges B BErtram Buttcourte Brehus Byseg Bardelf Basset Bygot Bohim bailiff Bondevile Barsabon Basteruyle. Bures Bonilane Boys Botteller Bourcher Brabayon Berners Breybuff brand Brong Burgh Busshy Banet Breton Bluet Bayons Browne Beke Bykard Banaiter Baloun Beauchamp Bray Bandy Bracy Bounds Beseoun Broylem Broyleby Burnell Belet Bawdewyn Beaumond Burton Bertevilaye Bar Bussevyle Blunt Beauper Bevyll Bardnedor Brett Barett Bonrett Baynard Bernevale Bonett Barry Brian Bodyn Bertevyle Bertyn Bernevyle Belewe Bevery bushel Boranuyle brow Beleners Buffard Boteler Bonueyer Botevyle Beelyre Bastard Baynard Braysard Belhelme Brain Brent Branch Belesus blundel Burdell Bagot Beaumyse Belemies Beyfyn Bernon Boels Belefroun Brutus' Barchampe C CAmoys Caumyle Chawent Chauncy Couderay Coluyle Chambulayne Chamburnoun Comyn Columber Cribett Crenquer Corbyne Corbet Chaundos Chaworth Cleremaws Clarell Chopys Chaunduyt Chantelowe Chamberay Cressy Courtenay Constable Cholmeley Campeney Chawnos Comyvyle Champaign Carevyle Carbonell Charles Chereberge Chawnes Chaumont Caperoun Cheyne Cursen Conyll Cheyters Chains Caterey Cherecourt Cammyle Clerenay Curlye Cuylye Clynels Courteney Clifforde D Denavile Dercy Dine Dispenser Denyce Devil Denans Davers Doningsels Darell Delabere Delapoole Delalind Delahill Delaware Delawach Dakeney Dauntrye Desney Dabernoune Dauncy Davoros Davonge Duylby Durange Delaroune Delavoyre Delahoyd Delee Delawnde Delawarde Delaplanche Damnot Danwaye Dehuyse Devyle Disard Doynell Durant Drury Dabitott Dunsteruyle Dunchampe Dambelton E Estrange Estutevyle Estriels Esturney F FErerers Foluyle Fitzwater Fitz marmaduke Flevez filbert Fitz Roger Fitz Robert Favecourt Ferrer Fitz Philip Filiott Furnyneus Furninance Fitz Oats Fitz William Fitz Roand Fitz pain Fitz Anger Fitz Aleyn Fitz Ralph Fitz Browne Foke Frevyle Frount de Boef Faconbirge Forte Frisell Fitz Fouke Filioll Fitz Thomas Fitz Morice Fitz Hugh Fitz Henry Fitz Wareyn Fitz Raynold Flamuyle Foemay Fitz Eustache Fitz Laurence Formiband Frison Fyver Furnivale Fitz Geoffrey Fitz Herbert Fits Peres Fichet Fitz Resewys Fitz Fitz Fitz john Fleschampe G GVrney Gressy Graunson Gracy George's Gower Gangy Goband Grace Gaunson Golofre Gobion Grensy Grant Greyle Grevet Gursly Gurley Grammory Gernoun Grendon Gurdon Gynes Grynell Grenevyle Glatevyle Gurney Giffarrde Gonerges Gamagez H HAuntenay Hansard hastings Hanlay Hurell Husse Hercy Heryoun Herne Harecourt Henour Honell Hamlyn Harewell Hardell Haket Hamond Harecord I IArden jay Ihenyels jarconuyse januile jasparuyle K KAnut Karre Karrow Koyne Kyrmaron Kiriell Kancey Kenelre L LOneny Lacie Lynneby Latomer Loveda Lovel Lemare Levetotte Lucy Luny Logevile Longespes Loverace Longchamp Lastales Lonan Ledet Luse Lotterell Loruge Longuale Loy Lorancourt Loyons Lymers Longepay Lamnall Lane Lovatote M MOhant Mown mandevile Marmylon Moribray Moruyle Miriell Manlaye Malebraunche Malemayn Marteyn Mountbother Mountsoler Malevyle Malett Mounteney Mountfichet Maleherbe Mare Musegros Musard Moyne Mautravers Merke Murres Mountagu Mountfort Mantelet Manduct Mawle Mevels Mortmale Monchenesey Mallory Maruy Monhermon Muset Menevile Manfe Mantevenat Menpyncoy Maine Maynard morel Maynell Maleluse Memorous Murrey's Morley Mauleverer main Mount Martin Miners Mauclerck Mountkenell Monet maintainer Meletake Mortimer Mortimayn Mamuile Mangisere Maumasyn Mountlovell Mawreward Mounthaut meler Mountgomery Manlaye Manlard Mendre Martynast Mare Manwaring mantel Malemies Malecheyr Moryn Meluin Marceans Mayel Morton N NOers Nevile Newmarche Norbet Norice Newbrough Neyremet Neel Normavyle Neosmarch Nermitz Nembrutz O OTenell Olibef Olifaunt Osevell Oysell Olifard Ormall Oriall P PYgot Pery Perepoynt Pershale Power Panyell Peche Peverell Perot Picard Pynkeny Pomeray Pounsey Panely Payfrer Plukenet Pekeney Paney Phuars' Punchardon Pinchard Placy Pugoy Patefyne Plaice Pampilion Percelaye Perere Potterell Penkeney Peccell Penell Putrill Pettyvoll Preans Pantolfe Peyto Penicorde Q QVincy Quintine R ROs Ridell Rivers Ryvell Rous Russell Raban Rond Rye Rokell Rastok Rimuile Ronger Racked Riper Regny Richemond Rochfort Reymond S SOuche Shevile Senchens Senclere Saint Quintine Saint Omer Saint Amond Saint Legier Someruyle Syward Saunsoner Sanford saints Sanay Sanlay Sules Sorrel Somerey Saint john Saint George Seyntlesse Sesse Saluyn Say Solerss Sanlay Saint Albyn Saint Martin Somdemale Segnyn Saint Barb Saint wile Souremount Soreglis Sandevyle Sauncey Syrewast Saint Cheverol Saint Moore S. Studemor T TOget Tercy Tuchet Tracy Trusbut Traynell Taket Trussell Ta●oot Tonny Trays Tollemach Tolous Tanny Touke Tibtote Turbevyle Turuile Tomy Trenschevile Trenchelyon Tankeruile trivet Tolet Trison Travers Terdeve Turberuyle Tyrrell Tynnevile Torell Tortechapell Trusbote Treverell Tenwys Totelles Taverner V VEre Verdon Vesty Vernam Valance Verder Vavasour Verdonell Vendore Verley Venables Venoure Vilan Verlaund Veyrny Vermels Vercere Valenges Venycorde Vrnall Vnket Vrnafall Vernoy Vancorde Vaberoun Vasdorell Vschere Veffay Vanay Vyan W WArde Wake Wely Wardebys Wate weevil Weyrney Watelyn Walanger Walers' Wanuruyle Watevile Wafyr Waspayle Waren Wyvyle Now when as king William had possessed the imperial Crown and Diadem of this Realm of England as aforesaid: He then as a conqueror altered and changed the whole state and government thereof. King William advanced his own country men. And first by displeasing of such as before had borne rule, he advanced the Lords and people of his own Nation unto the high and principal offices and dignities thereof, insomuch that Reynulph saith, that there was scant left in England a Lord that was an English man, and that then it was a shame to be called an English man. Polli. 7. Cap. 4. And after he caused a Proclamation to be made, that all former grants, liberties, and privileges given or granted by any Prince or King of this Realm aforetime, should be from thence forth utterly void to all constructions and purposes, except such as should be renewed and confirmed by him, by reason whereof, all degrees of people in the Realm, namely all fraternities, corporations, and bodies politic, were forced to become new suitors to him, and compelled to make new fines at his will and pleasure: King William gathered great treasure. Laws attered. And by this means he gathered into his possession the greatest part of all the riches and treasure of the land, as well of the Clergy, as of the laity. That done, he changed the laws of the Realm, and made such new laws as were profitable to himself, and grievous to the people, and he caused those laws to be set forth in the Norman language to advance his own tongue as a worthy and famous speech, and condemning ours as vile & barbarous: The which laws are yet with us in the same tongue. While king William was thus occupied as abovesaid, it so chanced that the people of Normandy began to quarrel among themselves, A rebellion in Normandy and there was such parttaking among them, that if it had not been looked unto in time, it had like to have turned to the destruction and confusion of the whole Duchy. Wherefore King William for the pacifying thereof was forced to gather an army, and to leave England for a while, King William sailed into Normandy. and sail into Normandy. And at his departure out of England, when he had set things in good order to his mind, he betook the government of the Realm to his brother on the mother's side named Odo, Bishop of Bayon, and in the Lent next following he sailed into Normandy, & led with him the chief Lords & rulers of England, for fear they should have made any commotion or stir in the time of his absence, with all those also that lay for hostages and pledges. Among the which number, were the Earls Marcarus, or Morcatus, Marcarus & Edwin Earls of Northumberland and Mertia. and Edwin aforesaid, Dukes of Northumberland, and Mertia, and also Stigandus archbishop of Cauntorbury, and Edgar Etheling. To the which Stigandus, king william showed great reverence and countenance of much love, and hearty favour, but all proved great dissimulation, as after appeared by his deposing, and imprisoning at Winchester a long tyme. And being arrived in Normandy, he passed through the country triumphauntly, and like a conqueror. But Polidore saith that the cause of his going thither was, that for as much as he saw how that from thenceforth he should be altogether occupied about the affairs of this Realm, and setting of orders in the same, he would first set such a stay in his Duchy of Normandy, that nothing might lightly happen afterwards, by reason whereof he should be compelled to make his repair thither again. The next year when king William had sped his business in the said Country, he returned into England with great pomp, and shortly after set a sore tore upon the English men, Taxes begat rebellion. yea, so grievous was he unto them, that he never ceased to burden them with new taxes and impositions. Of the nobles he made so little account, that he seemed thereby how he minded nothing else but their utter destruction. By reason whereof in some parts of the land was there rebellion against him, namely in Devonshire, & in Northumberland, but at the last he compelled them by force to obedience, and dealt very cruelly with them. Many both of the Nobility and Commons he deprived as well of goods as of authority and rule, and conferred the same unto the normans and that for very small and light causes. For these, and for other stern and cruel deeds done by him, the said Nobles were sore moved against him. And for that cause many of them fled the land, some into Norway, and some into Denmark, and some into one Country, Edgar Atheling ● other fled into Scotland. and some into another. Marcarus, or Marcatus, earl of Northumberland, and Edwin Earl of middle England, with Edgar Atheling, and diverse other, as Edgar's mother, and his two sisters Margaret, and Christian fled into Scotland. But another Chronicle (saith Fabian) writeth that Edgar intending with Agatha his mother and his two sisters to have sailed into high Almaigne or Hungary where he was borne, was by tempest of the Sea, driven into Scotland: where of Malcolyne or Malcolme then the third Scottish king of that name, they were joyously received. And in process of time, the said Malcolyne cast such love unto the said Margaret, that he took her to wife, as before is touched in the story of Canutus. Of the which Margaret the said Malcolyne received two daughters, and six sons, whereof three, that is to say, Edgar, Alexander, and David, were kings of Scotland one after an other next after their father. And Mould one of the said daughters, Mould the daughter of the aforesaid Margaret Queen of Scots was married to Henry the first king of England of that name. was afterwards married unto Henry the first of that name king of England, and the other daughter Mary was married to Eustace earl of Boloygne. Of Mould the first daughter, king Henry received two sons, named William, and Richard, the which both died before their father, as after shall apere. And he received also two daughters named Mould and Mary, which Mould or Mawde was married to Henry the fourth of that name, Emperor of Almain. After whose death she was again married to Geoffrey Plantagenet Earl of Aungeow. Of whom descended Henry surnamed Shortmantell, afterwards king of England by the name of Henry the second. And the other daughter Mary, was married to the Earl of Bloys, of whom descended Mawde, or Mary that was wife unto king Stephen. Now when king William had levied such tasks upon the English men as is before said, and espied their grudging thereat, and also when he considered how his Lords were departed, he then had a nearer eye to the Lords that remained, and kept them a little straighter: But it was not long after, but that Marcarus was reconciled to the king, and yet after failed and forsook him again. For this & other causes, king William highly advanced himself and his people with the possessions of this Realm, insomuch as they were greatly enriched, and the English men in manner utterly decayed. King William made four Castles. Then caused he four Castles to be made, whereof two were set at York, the third at Nottingham, and the fourth at Lyncolne, and manned them all with normans, or as Polydore saith one at Nottingham, an other at Lyncolne, the third at York, and the fourth at Hasting where he first landed. And this did he because that these foresaid places which were very commodius for the enemies, being thus manned and fortified might make all men afeard, & to beware how they went about to disturb the state of the realm by any new devised treason. And to make the people more quiet, and less able to rebel, he caused all their weapons and armour to be taken from them, and ordained also that every housekeper should be within his own doors by eight of the clock at night, and then to cover or rake up his fire, and go to bed. And because they should not pass that hour, he caused a Bell to be rung in every town and village just at eight of the clock, the which is used in most countries of England yet at this day, and is called in the Norman language, Cover le fue, which we now corruptly call Curfur. About the third year of his reign: Harolde, and Canutus sons of Swanus king of Denmark, came and sailed into the North part of Humber with a strong navy of two hundred sail and more, Swanus king of Denmark with his Danes landed in the North. and in all haste drew them towards York. Whether Edgar Atheling came unto them bringging with him such English men as had before fled into Scotland, by whom his power was increased. Then the normans which had the rule of the town and Castles aforesaid, fearing that the English men would aid the Danes, and with the houses of the Suburbs of the town, have filled the town ditches, set the Suburbs a fire: Whereof the flame was so big, and with the wind so strong, that it took into the City, and brent a part thereof with the Minster of Saint Peter. In time of which fire the Danes by favour of some of the Citizens entered the City. Eabian. and slew more than three thousand of the normans. But Polidore reporteth the matter touching this invasion of the Danes far otherwise as followeth: Whiles these things were done in England, the English Lords that were fled into Denmark, ceased not to move Canutus the fourth then king of that Country, to war upon the normans, and to invent new causes whereby they might the sooner incense him thereunto, saying how the crown of England aught of right to appertain unto the kings of Denmark, as unto them unto whom the possession thereof had been in times past no less profitable than honourable: and for that cause it should not stand with his honour, to suffer the same to be unjustly possessed of a new Lord that had no right or just title thereunto, specially sith the time self served so well for the purpose, in the which the Norman was so far as yet from benefiting either the English Nation, or such as bordered on them, that he now played the open tyrant, and was hated of them all: And said further, that forsomuch as there was so great hope of victory and success, specially if he would prevent his enemy, and take such holds and places as were very fit for his purpose, it behoved him not to stay or sleep the matter. This done, Canutus being much moved with these and such like persuasions, determined with himself to make war against the normans. And it followeth in the same writer: I am not ignorant how it is reported in the English Chronicle, that this war against the normans was not made of Canutus, but of his brother Harold by his persuasion: The which thing Saxo Grammaticus a writer of the Danish History doth not affirm, neither is it likely to be true, because Harold was a quiet man of nature, and one that much desired to eschew the travails of Martial affairs and lived not scarcely two years after he was made king, so that out of doubt it is, that he never durst be the author of so great a warfare, neither had he time or leisure thereunto. Netherto Polidore. But to return to the matter. The Danes are chased to their ships. It was not long after, but king William overthrew them in battle, and chased them to their ships, and took so great displeasure with the inhabitants of that Province for revolting to Canutus, that he destroyed the land lying between York and Durham in such wise, York & the country round about utterly destroyed. that ix years after it lay unlaboured and untilled, except the land of Saint john's of Beverley only. And of the famine that the people of that Country sustained afterward, great wonders are reported: famine. For it is written that they were for necessity compelled to eat all kind of Vermin, as Cats, Rats, Dogs, and such like, so hard and straight they were kept by the war of the king. And in that year also Mould, or Mawde the wife of king William was crowned Queen of England, of Aldredus Archbishop of York, and was also delivered of a fair son named Henry, who was afterwards king of England and called Henry the first of that name. 10●●/4 In the fourth year of the reign of this king, the Scots with Malcolyne, or Malcolme their king entered Northumberland, and wasted and destroyed sore that Country, and slew therein much people, and many they took prisoners, and held them as bond men. After this, king William (whose greedy and covetous appetite and desire of treasure being not yet quenched with the former great tasks or payments set upon the people of this Realm) did by counsel proceed further to inquire and search of all the Abbeys in England, to understand what riches was in them, & after an Inventory taken thereof, caused the same to be brought into his treasury. The building of the new Forest. And the same year he caused the new Forest to be made in the Country of Southamton, for the finishing whereof he was enforced to pull down diverse towns and Churches xxx miles of length, and stored the same with wild beasts, and then made sharp laws for the maintenance and increase of them, as the loss of eyen, and other limbs. And soon after there was a synod or counsel holden at Winchester of the Clergy of England. Stigand archbishop deprived. At the which counsel were present two Cardinals, sent from the second Alexander then Bishop of Rome. In this counsel, Stigandus Archbishop of Cantorbury aforesaid, was deprived from his dignity, and that for three causes, as Fabian saith. First for that he had holden wrongfully that Bishopric, while Robert the archbishop was living. The second, because he received the Pall of Benet the ten Bishop of Rome, who was counted an usurper of the Papacy. The third, Stigandus archbishop of Cauntorbury. for that he occupied the said Pall, without the authority of the Court of Rome. Polidore addeth a fourth cause, which was for that contrary unto the Canons, he held the Bishopric of Winchester with the See of Cauntorbury. And when Stigandus saw himself brought into this thraldom, he then thought good to prove what the king who had before in the time of his prosperity pretended so much friendship and good will towards him, would do for him in this case. Dissimulation. But where before he made him a loving and friendly countenance, and did unto him great reverence, than he changed all his mildness into stoutness, and excused himself by the Bishop of Rome's authority, so that in the end Stigandus was deprived of his dignity, and afterwards committed to perpetual prison in Winchester, where he died shortly after his said deposition. It was reported of this Stigandus, that he was so covetous and sparing, that he would spend nothing more than he needs must, and used to swear by All hallows, that he had not one penny to bless himself withal: But that oath was not found true, for after his death, there was found a little key about his neck, by reason whereof there was found great treasure under the earth in more places than one, as saith Fabian. In this counsel also were put down diverse other Bishops, Abbots, Bishops deprived. and priors, by the means of king William, and all to the intent that he might prefer Normanes to the rule of the Church, as he had preferred his knights to the rule of the Temporalty, and by that mean stand in the more surety of his estate, and bring riches and treasure to his possession. In this counsel also, Wolstane that then was Bishop of Worcester, Wolstane bishop of Worcester. was an earnest suitor unto the King for certain possessions fallen into his hands by the death of Aldredus last Archbishop of York, which were withholden from his See by the said Aldredus. But the king would not seem to understand his suit, for hurting the Church of York. Fabian. And shortly after the king gave that archbishopric unto Thomas a Cannon of Bayon, who was the first that builded the minster of York, and sent for Lanfranke than Abbot of Cane, Lanfranke. and gave unto him the archbishopric of Cauntorbury. This Lanfranke was an Italian borne, and a very good divine, and right expert withal in the government both of Spiritual and Temporal things. And soon after that he was made archbishop of Cauntorbury, Thomas that before was chosen Archbishop of York came unto him to be sacred of him as the ancient usage and custom was. Of whom Lanfranke required an oath, and required his profession in writing concerning his obedience unto the See of Cauntorbury. Thomas answered and said, that he would never do that, except he might thereof here sufficient authority and skilful reasons, by the which it might apere that he should so do without any empechement or prejudice of his Church of York. Then the King calling Lanfranke before him said, that the said Lanfranke trusted more in his cunning, than he did in good faith or reason: But he answered so reasonably unto the King, that in the end, Thomas by the kings commandment was feign to come again to Lanfranke to be sacred, and wrote his profession with his own hand, of his obedience, and read it, in the which was contained, that he should be obedient in all that belongeth to the worship of God and all Christian faith, which done he was sacred, and so departed. And shortly after Lanfranke required the like oath and profession of all the Bishops of England. In the fift year of this kings reign, Edwin and Marcarus or Morcatus, Earls of Mertia and Northumberland, being in fear and danger of their lives, voided the kings Court secretly, and rebelled for a little time: But at length it turned to both their harms. Marcarus & the bishop of Duresme fled to the Isle of Ely. For Edwin was slain as he went toward Scotland, or as some writ in Scotland of his own company, and Earl Marcarus, with the Bishop of Duresme named Egelwinus, took the Isle of Ely for their safeguard. But the king held them so short, that in process of time they were feign to yield and submit themselves to the king's grace and mercy. Then he sent the Bishop to the Abbey of Abingdon, to be kept there as prisoner, where he was so daintily fed, that at the length he died for hunger. But some writer's report, that he was so high hearted and lofty of courage, Egelwinus' Bishop of Duresme starved with hunger. that after he knew that he should remain there as Prisoner, he would never eat meat more, and Earl Marcarus was had to the Tower of London. But Polidore saith he scaped out of the Isle in a ship, and fled into Scotland, which was the cause why the king warred anon after upon the Scots. For in the sixth year of his reign, he went with a great army against them, and subdued Malcolme their king, and compelled him to do him both homage and fealty. He also disherited Gospatrik Earl of Comberland, and exiled him the land, and gave all Comberland with the honour of Carlisle to Ralph Meschynes, and made him Earl thereof. Also about this time, king William made the new Forest in the County of Southhamton: The new Forest. And for the enlarging of the same, he overthrew Towns and Churches a great number by the space of xxx miles, and replenished the same with Deer, and then made sharp laws for the increase and maintenance thereof. In the seventh year of king William, Thomas archbishop of York, not being content to be under the rule and obedience of Lanfranke archbishop of Cauntorbury, appealed to the Court of Rome, so that the said two archbishops appeared both in proper person before Alexander Bishop of Rome. Lanfranke. In whose presence Lanfranke, was so well favoured, that where Thomas above named, and Remigius Bishop of Dorchester, were for just causes deprived of their Croyses and Rings, he by his favour and means (as saith Fabian) restored them to their former dignity. The cause of Thomas his deprivation was, for that he had helped Duke William toward his journey into England: for the which the said Duke promised him a Bisshoprick if he obtained victory. And the other was deprived for that he was proved a Priest's son. The primaeye of Cauntorbury. Then Thomas moved the cause of the Primacy of Cauntorburie, and of the subjection that to him should belong, and said that these two Sees were far asunder, that is to say, Cauntorbury and York, and that neither of them by the constitution of Gregory should be subject unto another, but that the one is more worthy than the other, forsomuch as he is of elder tyme. To this answered Lanfranke and said that the constitutions of Gregory made no mention of Cantorbury, but of York and London. Then the Bishop of Rome remitted this matter to be determined before the king, and the Bishops of England, and he gave the Pall to Lanfranke. But because this word or term Pall is to many unknown, What a Pall is. I will therefore here show unto you what thing it is. This Pall is an endowment that every Archbishop must have, and he is not in full authority of an Archbishop (by the Bishop of Rome's ordinance) until he have received the Pall, and it is a thing of white Silk, the breadth of a Stole that the Priest was wont to wear at his mass, but it is of another fashion. And that ye may the better know it, if ye look upon the arms of any archbishop, there ye shall see it set out in white with a great many of black crosses upon it. Now when Lanfranke had thus finished his business at Rome, he with the other two Bishops returned into England, where this matter hanging in variance between the said two archbishops was had in communication. For trial whereof Bedes History was brought forth: wherein it appeared, that from the first Augustine's time, to Bedes last days, which was. C.xxxix. years, the Archbishop of Cauntorbury had the Primacy of all the Bishops in England. Fabian. When Thomas had heard all these allegations, he denied all, The contention between the archbishop of Cantorbury, and the Archbishop of York, which of them should be chief. and laid for him the Epistle, in the which Gregory Bishop of Rome deemed that the Church of York, and of London should be even Peres, and neither of them subject to the other. To this was answered by Lanfranke, that he was not Bishop of London, nor this question was not moved for the Church of London. But Thomas said that Gregory had granted to Augustyne power to have under him all the Bishops of England, and that London at that day was the principal See of all England. Albeit that the Bishop of Rome's mind was that between London and York should be no diversity of honour, because they being archbishops might live in an unite to the good example of all other. And though Augustyne changed the See from London to Cauntorbury, yet Gregory would not that augustine's successors should be above the Bishops of York. For he would have then set in his Epistle these words following: I grant to thee Augustyne and to thy successors: But for that he would there should no such power stretch to his successors, therefore he made no mention of them. Lanfranke, to this answered and said: If that authority were granted to Augustine alone, and not to his successors, it was a simple gift that the Bishop of Rome gave to Augustine that was so familiar with him, & namely while Augustyne sacred no Bishop of York while he lived. For the See was full during his life, by reason whereof he put not his authority in execution. But privileges of Bishops of Rome confirmeth this dignity to Augustine's successors of Cauntorbury, and deemeth that it is skill and good reason, that all the churches of England should take light and knowledge at that place. By these reasons and other, Thomas was at length overcome, & granted gladly that the farther brink of Number should be the beginning of his Diocese. And furthermore it was there deemed, The Archbishop of York tudged subject to the archbishop of Canterbury that in all things concerning the worship of God and the faith of holy Church, the archbishop of York should be subject to the archbishop of Cauntorbury: So that if the archbishop of Cauntorbury would call a counsel in any part of England, the archbishop of York should be thereat with all the Bishops of his Province, and be also obedient unto his lawful hests. And at all seasons when the archbishop of Cauntorbury should be sacred, the archbishop of York with the Bishops of his Province should come to Cauntorbury and consecrated him there. And if the Archbishop of York should be stalled or sacred, then shall he come to Cauntorbury, or else where in England, where the archbishop of Cauntorbury shall assign him, and there to be sacred of him, and he shall make to him an oath, with profession of obedience. Lanfrankes vain glory. When Lanfranke heard this judgement given, he rejoiced inwardly. And to the intent it should remain of record, that his successors should not need to plead that matter, he therefore caused it to be registered in most substantial wise. And besides that sent a Pistol for that cause to Alexander the aforenamed Bishop of Rome of all this doing, with the profession of Thomas the archbishop aforesaid. Of this Lanfranke are by diverse writers many notable things written, saith Fabian. In the ten year of this kings reign, Roger earl of Hereford who had given his sister in marriage unto Ralph Earl of Norfolk and Suffolk against the kings mind. The said Roger together with the said Ralph conspired against the king, and caused Walrefe Duke of Northumberlande, and Earl of Huntyngdon, and Northampton, by their subtle persuasions to be agreeable to their untruth. Treason will break forth. But at the last, when this Duke Walrefe had well understand the purpose that they went about, he went to Lanfranke and showed him all the matter: By whose counsel he shortly after sailed unto the king then being in Normandy, and disclosed the same unto him, and put himself wholly in his grace and mercy. When the king had heard these tidings, he made good semblance unto the Duke Walrefe, and sped him the faster into England: But howsoever it came to pass, the two said Earls were warned of the disclosing of this matter, in such wise as they gathered to them such strength that the king could not have them at his pleasure, but as he was fain by strong hand to chase and outlaw them. Duke Walref an accuser of Traitors beheaded. And for that he failed of his purpose of them, he imprisoned Duke Walrefe at Winchester, and lastly caused him to be beheaded, more of tyranny than of justice. In the twelve year of his reign was holden a great counsel or Synod of the Clergy of the land in S. Paul's Church of London, where amongst many things ordained for the rule of the Church of England, A Synod of the Clergy. diverse Bishops Sees were translated from one place to another, as Selwy, to Chichester, Bishops sees translated. Kyrton to Ereter, Welles to , Shereborne to Sarisburye, Dorchester to Lyncolne, and the See of Lichefield to Chester, which things thus ordered with many other for the Church, the said counsel was dissolved. 1079/13 Osmond or Oswald Bishop of Sarisbury. In the xiij year of his reign, after the death of Harman Bishop of Sarisbury, succeeded Osmond, or Oswald the kings Chancellor, the which builded there a new Church within the kings Castle, and brought thither Clerks that were garnished with virtue and cunning. And he himself wrote and bound books, that were ordained and made for the more devout and solemn setting out of the divine service of the Church, Sarisburie use. as the ordinal and other, and it was then called Sarisbury use. And at this time the king gave the earldom of Northumberland to Walter Bishop of Dutham, who afterward was slain by the men of Northumberland. In the xu year of his reign, Robert the eldest son of king William the conqueror, because he might not have the Duchy of Normandy, which his father had sometime assigned & given unto him, Robert the eldest son of king William rebelled against his father. and after for his wildness did resume it again: He with the aid and favour of the French king Philip, & Lewes his son, took prays in that Duchy, and put his father to much trouble. In so much that at length the father & the son met in plain field with two great hosts, and either with other fought a cruel Battle. It is read that during this battle, king william was thrown from his horse, and in great jeopardy of his life. Whereof his son Robert being ware, was so moved with pity that he rescued his father, and delivered him free from all the danger of his enemies. But how soever it fortuned with the king: The truth is, that many of his men were slain, and his second son William Rufus sore hurt, so that in the end king William was feign to refuse the field, and got at that time none advantage of his said son. For the which deed and rebellion thus made by the son, the father accursed him after the opinion of some writers. While king William was thus occupied in Normandy, the Northumber's rebelled, and slew in their rage Walter the Bishop of Durham, but the cause is not expressed, whose death Odo Bishop of Baion shortly after revenged. After the aforesaid battle in Normandy, king William returned into England, bringing with him the said Robert his son, whom he incontinent upon his return sent with an army against Malcolme king of Scots, for that contrary to the league betwixt them, he had made in his absence diverse roads into the borders of England. But when Robert understood that the said Malcolme was retired into Scotland, he ceased to pursue him any further, and therefore retired he unto the water of Tyne, where he lay in camp a season, and there builded a fort, where as at this day standeth new Castle upon Tyne: New Castle upon Tyne. But the town and wail was builded afterwards by king john, who gave many great privileges and liberties unto the same, which was before but a small fisher town without walls named Pandon. In the xvij year of king William, 1083/17 Thurstone Abbot of Glascenbury & his monk fought together. there fell an unhappy strife between Thurston Abbot of Glascenbury a Norman, and his Monks, the cause whereof (in part saith Fabian) was, that the Abbot despised and would have set apart such song and offices as by Gregory Bishop of Rome & Augustine his disciple, of old time was to them assigned, and would have compelled them to have followed the use of William of Fescampe. And beside that, this Thurstone wasted and inordinately spent the goods of that place, in lechery, and by other insolent means, and withdrew from the Monks, their old and accustomed diet. For the which causes, first began great words with chiding, and after strokes and fights, so that the Abbot gate unto him armed men, and fell upon the monks, and slew two of them at the high altar, and wounded xviij of them, and the Monks with Forms and Candlesticks defended themselves in such wise, that they hurt many of the armed men. After complaint was brought hereof before the king, by whose judgement, Thurstone was again returned into Cadonie, from whence he was brought, and the Monks were spread abroad into diverse houses through England. But it is said that in the time of William Rufus, this Thurston obtained the rule of the Abbey again for the price of. D. pound. In the xix year of his reign, king William raised a new manner of Tax: For he caused to be gathered through England of every hide of land vj. A new tax. shillings. An hide of land containeth five yards, and every Yard containeth four Acres, An Hide of land and so an hide of land containeth twenty Acres, an Acre containeth xl perches of length, and four in breadth, and four Acres make a Yard, A knights fee in land. and five yards make an Hide, and eight Hides make a knights fee. By the which reason a knights fee should contain. C.lx Acres, and that is accounted for a plough land for a year. A great and straight inquiry. And not long after he caused to be searched how much land each of his Barons held, how many knights Fees, how many towns, and what number of men and of beasts were within this land: whereof he commanded a book to be made, which also was done, and that afterward turned this land to sundry griefs and plagues, as after shall apere. In the twenty year of his reign, Canutus' king of Denmark, with the help of the flemings came with a great army toward England: But by the provision of the king, Canutus a Dane with the help of the Flemings landed in England. they were so feared, that they were let of that journey. Then king William gave to three of his chaplains three bishoprics. To Morris he gave London, to William he gave Thetford, and to Robert he gave Chester, which Robert was after removed to Coventrie. Of this Robert reporteth Reynulph that he scraped from one Beam of his Church in Coventrie five hundredth mark, Coventrie. to fill the hand of king William. For Leofricus that was Duke of Mertia in the time of Edward the Confessor, had adorned that Church, with great riches of Gold, Silver & jewels. In this year Edgar Atheling, which was reconciled to the kings favour, by licence of the king, sailed into Apulia. Now began the aforesaid plagues to spring: For great moreyne fell upon brute beasts, and brenning Fevers among the people, and also great hunger and barrenness of the earth. Also in this year great hurt was done in many places of the land by fire, and specially in the City of London, whereupon the sixth day of july the Church of Saint Paul in London was brent, Paul's brent. and all that was therein, as in a table hanging on the North side of the Quyere may apere. And it was in the time that Morice was Bishop of London. And likewise was brent a great part of the City of London at the same tyme. At this time king William being in Normandy prepared for war against the French king: But shortly after he fell sick, and kept his Chamber at Rouen a long time, wherefore Philip the French king being merely disposed, said that william lay in Childbed, and nourished his fat belly. The which words when they came to king William's ears, he was much amoved therewith, and said, when I am churched I will offer unto him a thousand candles light, with the which he shall hold himself smally contented. The which promise, he after performed. For in the month of july following, when corn, fruit, & grapes were most flourishing, he entered into France with a great army, and set on fire many Cities and towns on the west side of France, and at the last came unto the City of Meaux, and fired it, and brent a great part thereof, with the Church of our Lady, wherein he brent a woman being closed in the Wall of the said Church, as a recluse. In this heat, or as some say by the leaping of a horse, king William took such a disease and sickness, that it was shortly after the cause of his death. And when he felt himself thus grieved, he called his sons before him, and exhorted them in his best and most loving manner, that they should charitably love and favour either other of them, and to hold together as loving brethren, and so afterward made his testament and last william. He had five children, Robert the eldest, King William had five children, & what came of them. to whom he gave the Dukedom of Normandy, Richard, the second, who died in his youth, William Rufus the third, to whom he gave the kingdom of England, and Henry the fourth that also succeeded him in the same Kingdom. And one daughter named Adela, who he gave in marriage to Stephen earl of Bloys or Bonony, who got on her Stephen that after was king of England. But other writ that king Henry the first married Mould the daughter of Margaret Queen of Scots, and by her had issue two daughters, named mould, and Mary. And mould was first married to Henry the Emperor, and after to Geoffrey Plantagenet, by whom she had issue king Henry the second. And Mary was married to Eustace earl of Bloys, by whom she had issue king Stephen. So that king Henry the second came of the elder sister, and Stephen of the younger sister. The which Mould and Mary were the daughters of Margaret the wife of Malcolyne, or Malcolme king of Scots, which was sister to Edgar Atheling, and of Edward the outlaw, which was the son of Edmond Ironsyde. After that king William had advertised his sons as aforesaid, Charity is most used in the extreme pangs of death. and had made his last will and Testament, he then delivered out of Prison his own brother the Bishop of Bayon, Marcarus earl of Northumberland, Wilnotus the son of Harold, or as some do writ he was the son of Goodwin, which was sent to William by Edward the Confessor to remain for a pledge for his said father Goodwin. And shortly after these things with other were done, he died the eight day of September, when he had reigned king of England twenty years, x. Months, and xxviij days, and in the lij year of his duchy, and the lix year of his life, or as Polidore writeth lxxiiij and in the year of our Lord. 1087. ¶ After his death, men spoke of him as they do of other Princes, The description of King William the Conqueror. and said that he was wise and guileful, rich and covetous, and loved well to be magnified and praised, a fair speaker, and a deep dissembler, a man of goodly stature, but something fat in the belly, stern in countenance, & strong in arms, and therewith courageous and bold, and had great pleasure in hunting and making of great feasts. But he passed all other in levying of Tasks, which condition his subjects construed three manner of ways, and said, that either it was to excel all other in riches, or else to withstand and defend his enemies, or to staunch the appetite of his covetous mind. He builded two Abbeys in England, one at Battill in Sussex, where he won the field against Harolde, the which was called until the suppression thereof the Abbey of Battle. And the other he set in Southwark beside London, upon the southside of Thames, and named it Barmondsey. And he builded also one in Cane in Normandy where he was buried, and dedicated the same unto Saint Steven. And when all ceremonies appertaining unto the Funeral were finished and done, and that he should now be laid in his tomb, there suddenly stepped forth one that resisted and would not suffer him to be buried in that place, saying with a loud voice, how that the ground where they purposed to bury him, was parcel of his ancient inheritance, which the Duke in his life time had wrongfully taken from him perforce, and against his will for the building of that Abbey, and had never made him any recompense or amendss for the same, and therefore would not to die for it assent ne suffer that he should there be buried, unless he were first recompensed and agreed with accordingly, whereupon they were feign to see him recompensed before he could be interred, so that marvel it was that so great and noble a conqueror as he was when he was alive, could not after his death attain somuch ground as might receive and cover his poor Carcase, without great ado and business. The said king had to Issue (saith Polidore) by Mawde his wife, Robert unto whom he bequeathed the Dukedom of Normandy: Richard, who died very young: William Rufus, and Henry which were afterwards kings of England one after another. Of this Henry he prophesied before (as the fame went) that he should rule both England and Normandy together after his brethren, unto whom he gave by testament a great part of his treasure. He had also five daughters, that is to weet, Cicill which was made a Nun, Constance whom Alley Duke of hither Briteyne married, and Adela the wife of Stephen earl of Bloys, mother to king Stephen, who reigned after the said king Henry: The names of the other two are not remembered of writers, which died ere they were marriageable, one of the which as is before mentioned should have been the wife of Harolde, if fortune had not been against it. It is also reported that when this king lay at the point of death, and should now departed the world, he much repented him of the cruel handling of the English men, specially because he had been by them so much increased as well in honour as Empire. And although this king held Englishmen in great subjection, and as is aforesaid suffered almost no English man to govern or rule within the Realm: Yet it should appear he some deal favoured the City of London, for at the special suit and request of the right reverend father in God William then Bishop of London, the said Conqueror in the first year of his reign granted unto the Citizens of London their first Charter and liberties, in as large form as they enjoyed the same in the time of Saint Edward the confessor that reigned before the Conquest. And the Citizens to show themselves thankful unto the said Bishop for his great love and favour, did not only account him as a dear and special friend unto them so long as he lived, but also after his death and burial, being interred in the middle Isle of the West end of Paul's Church, they fixed on his grave stone this Epitaph following. The Epitaphe of the reverend father in God William Bishop of London, who of his great love and charity toward the Citizens of the same, did first obtain for them of William the Conqueror their Charter, liberties and privileges, as by the inscription of the said stone may appear, the contents and effect whereof followeth, first in Latin, and then in English. GVilielmo viro sapientia & vitae sanctitate claro, qui primum diuo regi & confessori familiaris, nupèr in episcopum Londinensis erectus, nec multo post apud invictissimun principem Guilielmum Angliae regem eius nominis primum, ob prudentiam, fidemue singularem in consilium abhibitus: amplissima huic Vrbi celeberrimae privilegia ab eodem impetravit, Senatus populusue Londinensis bene merenti posuit. Sedit Episcopus annos. 16. decessit anno à Christo nato. 1067. Haec tibi, clare pater, posuerunt marmora Cives: Praemia, nòn meritis, aequiperanda tuis: Hic sibi nam populus te Londinensis amicum Sensit, & huic Vrbi nòn leave praesidium. Reddita libertas ductè: donataque multis Te duce res fuerat publica muneribus, Divitias, gemmas, formam, brevis opprimit hora Haec tua sed pietas, & benefacta manent. The same in English followeth. TO William a man famous in wisdom and holiness of life, who first with Saint Edward King and Confessor being familiar, of late preferred to be Bishop of London: and not long after, for his wisdom and sincere fidelity admitted to be of Counsel with the most victorious Prince William king of England of that name the first, who obtained of the same great and large priulieges to this famous City. The Senate and Citizens of London to him having well deserved, have made this. He continued Bishop xuj years, and died in the year of Christ a thousand three score and seven. These Marble monuments to thee thy Citizens assign Rewards (O father) far unfit to those deserts of thine. Thee unto them, a faithful friend, thy London people found, And to this town, of no small weight, a stay both sure and sound. Their liberties restored to them, by means of thee have been, Their public weal by means of thee, large gifts have felt and seen Thy riches, stock and beauty brave one hour it hath oppressed Yet these thy virtues and good deeds, with us for ever rest. The aforesaid Charter is written in the Saxon tongue. William Rufus. WIlliam Rufus, or William the Read, the third son of William the Conqueror, began to reign over this realm next after his father, the ix of September, in the year of our Lord. M.lxxxvij. Who being in Normandy at his father's death, departed thence before his funeral obsequy was finished and done, and in all haste addressed him into England, where he was sooner arrived than he was looked for, and being come into the Realm, he by and by made Lanfranke then archbishop of Cauntorbury (in whose friendship and faithfulness he had reposed no small trust and confidence) privy to all his counsel, praying him withal to put to his helping hand, that he might be crowned king as shortly as might be, according to his father's Will and Testament: The which was at the last brought to pass by the importune labour and suit of the said Lanfranke, who for his learning was highly esteemed, aswell with the Nobility as also of the Commons of the Realm, but yet not without much ado: For a great many bore better good will unto his brother Robert than unto him, because he was of a more mild and gentle nature, and beside that he was the elder brother, and therefore aught by law and conscience to have been preferred: But yet the matter was so wrought by the wisdom of Lanfranke, promising all things in his name, that might by any means purchase him credit or favour with the people, that all in manner assented unto his coronation, and so was he by him the said Lanfranke, with the assistance of diverse other Bishops, whose names are all rehearsed by Mathewe of Westminster anointed and crowned king at Westminster, the first day of October, the year of our Lord abovesaid. Reynulph Monk of Chester that wrote Polichronicon saith, that Robert Curthose eldest son of William the Conqueror, was at the time of his father's death in Almain, gathering of a great host against his father. And afterward hearing that he was dead, Robert Curthose the brother of Rufus entered England with a great power. and that he had preferred his younger brother to the kingdom of England, was therefore greatly amoved, insomuch that he laid half his Dukedom to pledge unto his brother Henry to maintain war against king William. The which thing done, he gathered a great army, and shortly after landed at Hamton. When William Rufus had understanding thereof, he in all hast sent unto him messengers, to whom he gave in commission to say as followeth. Thy brother William prayeth thee to take no grief with that he hath done, for he calleth himself not king, but as under king to reign under thee, and by help of thee that art greater than he, and his elder brother. And if thou consider it well, he hath nothing misused himself against thee, for he hath taken upon him the government of this Realm for a time because of thine absence. But for that he is now in authority and crowned by thy sufferance, he prayeth that under thee he may so continued, paying to thee yearly three thousand Marks, with condition that whosoever overliveth other, may enjoy the kingdom. When Robert had heard this message unto the end, he wagged his head, Robert Curthose was soon dispatched with fair words. as he that conceived some doubleness in this report. But for that he was liberal, and allowed more honour than he did his profit, as in other things following of his deeds it shall apere, therefore he lightly assented to all that was desired, and returned shortly after into Normandy with pleasant words and many fair promises without profit. This year in the beginning of Summer, Odo Bishop of Bayon, which as before ye have heard was delivered out of Prison by William Conqueror, Odo bishop of Bayon brother to king William conqueror came into England, whom the king joyfully received, and gave unto him shortly after the earldom of Kent. But he took upon him in process of time to rule, in such wise as the king grudged at his doing. And for this the king and his uncle fell at unkindness, so that he withdrew himself from the king, The Lords conspired against king William Rufus. and allied him with the bishop of Duresme, the Earls of Northumberland, Shrewesbury, and others. The which being confederate together, conspired against the king, and made his brother Robert Curthose against him, and wrought many things to his displeasure and hurt. And amongst all other damages by them done, Rebellion. Roger de Mount Gomorik, earl of Shrewesbury, destroyed the Country and northwest parts of England to Worcester town, by the aid and help of the Welshemen: But in the end, the Welshemen were so feeble and weak, that a few knights discomfited a great army of them. When king William perceived that almost all the normans took part against him, he then being forced by necessity, drew to him the English men, and favoured them by gifts and easy laws: So that by their strength he did in the end reconcile the Earl of Shrewesbury, and chased some other of his enemies, and shortly after occupied the strong Castles and holds in Kent, belonging to Bishop Odo his foresaid uncle, and in the end compelled him to yield himself and to forswear England. And that done he besieged Rochester, Robert Curthose was again reconciled unto his brother Rufus. wherein the Bishop of Duresme, the Earl of Northumberlande, and other noble men were gathered, and won it at the last by yielding, so that his enemies were unto him reconciled also, and in like manner was his brother Robert, who then again taking his leave of the king returned into Normandy. In the third year of his reign died Lanfranke, when he had been archbishop of Cantorbury xviij years. By whose means the Monks of England were brought to the use of their Religion, Lanfranke dead. which before lived like secular priests, and not like religious men. Fabian. About this time Robert Curthose Duke of Normandy intending to take his voyage into the holy land, laid his Dukedom to pledge unto his brother William for ten thousand pound. For the levying whereof, King William set a task upon his commons and subjects, and raised a far exceeding sum, under colour of the same, so that Bishops melted their plate, and the temporal Lords spoiled their tenants for the payment thereof. But as some write these things were done a good space after. At this time also, the king of Scots broke the peace before made with William Conqueror, and wasted and took prays in the Country of Northumberland. Then the king provided a Navy, and sailed thither in the Winter time: But by the tempest of the sea, half his Navy or a great part thereof was drowned, and many of his knights were lost for cold and hunger. But yet in the end after diverse skirmishes and bickerings, The homage of Malcoline king of Scots done to king William Rufus. by mediation of friends, a peace was concluded: So that Malcolyne or Malcolme then king of Scots should be obedient to king William, under the same oath that he was before time sworn unto his father, and king William should give him yearly in the way of a fee twelve Marks of Gold. In the fourth year of his reign, and the fift day of October, a passing great tempest chanced in sundry places of England, and specially in the town of Winchecombe. A great tempest. For there by tempest of thunder and lightning a part of the steeple of the Church was thrown down. etc. Also this year by force of the said tempest there was great hurt done at London, insomuch as Reynulph saith, it blewe down there uj hundredth houses, and other like mischiefs were done in sundry places by the said tempest. And the same time was the roof of Bow Church in London blown down which killed two persons, as Fabian saith. In the fift year of his reign, he went into Northumberland, and repaired such holds and Castles as the Scots by their wars had either razed or else hurt and appaired, and caused a new Castle to be made at Carlyll and repaired the same Town which the Danes two hundredth year passed had destroyed. The roof of Sarisburye church brent with lightning. In the same year the main roof of the great Church of Sarisbury was consumed and brent with lightning. And after the king returned unto Gloucester, where he was grievously vexed with sickness, so that he thought he should have died. In the which time he took great repentance, and promised that if he might escape, he would amend his living and become a new man: But after that he was restored to health, Anselme made archbishop of york. that promise was soon forgotten. In this year also the king gave to Anselme the archbishopric of York. Fabian. In the uj year of his reign were exceeding floods, whereof the like had not in many years before been seen. And after that ensued a wonderful frost, which froze the great streams in such wise that Horse and Cart passed over them. And in the end when the Ice melted and broke, the poise and weight with the passage thereof broke many a strong bridge both of timber and stone. About this time, the Welshmen with their king or Duke named Rees, Rees king or Prince of the welsh men rebels, & was slain. broke out upon the English men in the border where standeth the Castle of Brekenoke, and there made masteries for a while: but in the end his people were chased and slain, and he wounded unto death, so that he died the third day following. This Rees is accounted to be the last king of Wales, for after this day they were so quailed and brought to subjection, that they were under more steadfast obedience of the kings of England than they were before time: howbeit they rebelled full often as after shall appear. And in the year following, king William to have the Country in more quiet, hewed down much of the Wood, Wales brought to quietness. and builded in sundry places of Wales strong Castles and piles, by mean whereof, they were plucked more and more to obedience and quietness, and specially in the days of Edward the first, and Edward the third. At this time Malcoline, or Malcolme king of Scotland came unto Gloucester, Malcoline king of Scots again rebelled. to comen with the king of diverse matters, and to make a final agreement. But because king William would have deemed him in his Court, therefore the same Malcolyne departed from the king in great displeasure, for the which and for other causes the war between England and Scotland was revived, so that shortly after the said Scottish king with his retinue fought with an Earl named Robert Moubraye, which then was Earl of Northumberland, and there was slain with his eldest son Edward. How he was slain Hector Boethius showeth in the twelve book of the Story of Scotland on this wise: When they within the Castle were now ready to yield and brought to extreme necessity, and in manner famished for lack of victuals, a certain adventurous and courageous English knight being mounted on a very swift Gelding, having a spear in his hand, at the end whereof were fastened the keys of the Castle, road unto the kings camp, making semblant as though he had been come to give up the Castle unto the king. When the Scots saw this, they drew together, and for joy made a great shout and 'noys, thinking their long travails and pains had now been at an end, and then brought him where the king lay, who hearing this 'noys came out of his tent to know what the matter was. The English knight when he saw the king, held down his spear as though he would have delivered him the keys: And whilst every man's eyes and mind was fixed thereon, he in the mean time suddenly thirst his spear into the kings left eye, and so wounded him therewith, that he there presently fell down stark dead: and that done, he forthwith dashed his spurs into his horse and fled into the next woods, and so escaped. And it is said that when king Rufus heard of this adventurous deed, he sent for the said knight, and gave him certain of his lands and revenues in Northumberland, and commanded him ever afterwards to be called Perseye, because he had pierced or bored out the kings eye, of whom (saith he) that family took their beginning, which have been sense that time Earls of Northumberland. When the king was slain, the Scots departed and went every man his way, and so the siege broke up and ended. Edward the said Scotishe kings son was slain before in a skirmish at the same siege. Hitherto Hector Boethius. For sorrow whereof, Margaret Queen of Scotland, and sister unto Edgar Atheling (as before in the story of William the Conqueror is showed) died soon after. Edgar the son of Malcolyne made King of Scots who did homage for the same. Then the Scots made Donwalde or Dunkard the brother of Malcolyne their king, and put by his sons. But king William made Edgar the son of Malcolyne king of Scots, and he did unto him homage for the same kingdom. Polidore setteth out these wars and the causes thereof, and such things as chanced in Normandy betwixt king William and Duke Robert his brother, and the rebellion of the Welshemen that followed shortly after on this wise: Robert duke of Normandy chargeth king William his brother with perjury. When the business of Scotland (saith he) was thus quieted, Robert Duke of Normandy who always bore a grudge to the king his brother, for that he was by him defeated of the Crown, sent Ambassadors unto the said king, & by the same charged him with perjury for that he had not firmly kept and holden the conditions of peace that were agreed upon betwixt them, wherewith Rufus being highly displeased, raised forthwith a great arm, and sailed into Normandy, purposing so to try the matter with him, that he would rather hazard his estate at once, then thus daily be troubled and unquieted by him: Howbeit his wrath being shortly after assuaged, he sought not to fight with him by and by: but after he had once or twice lightly overrun the Country thereabout without any great damage or hurt doing, he fell to a communication with him, where after long conference, they were at the length both contented by the entreaty of their friends, to commit the effect of all matters in controversy betwixt them, to the hearing and arbitrement of certain most grave and honourable personages, who (the causes and allegations of both the said parties, A sentence given on the behalf of duke Robert against king William his brother. first deliberately heard and debated) gave sentence for the Duke, awarding that the king should pay him a certain sum of money in the name of a mulct or penalty, for that he had thus contrary to the league betwixt them overrun and wasted his Country. But when the king understood their award, he was by and by in a great chafe, and said that he would in no wise stand unto it: Therefore both the said parties being greatly moved either with other gave over talking and fell to fight. The king took perforce the Castle of Bure, wars renewed between king William and Duke Robert his brother. and Robert by the aid of king Philip of France, set upon those Holds and castles which king William held in Normandy, by virtue of the former composition betwixt them, and first of all he wan by assault the Castle of Argenton, Argenton Castle. wherein he took prisoner Roger Lieutenant or deputy of Poiteer, and with him lxxx men of arms, and with like success also won he the Castle of ulme's. Vlmes' castle At the length the king considering with himself how there needed a greater force to subdue his adversaries, and speedily to finish the wars that were coming upon him, commanded in all hast an army of twenty thousand men or thereabout to be levied in England, and speedily to be conveyed over unto him: now when all this multitude were assembled and come together at hastings in Sussex at the time appointed, where the kings Ships lay at Anchor to receive them, and that they were now in readiness and willing to departed: The kings Agent met them there also, giving intelligence unto the Captains that they should signify unto the rest, how the Prince's pleasure was of a special desire he had to spare his people, and deliver them from further pains and travails of warfare by them to be sustained, Though Polidore writ this, yet it seemeth no to be true. that every Soldier there priest should pay ten shillings, and thereupon to be discharged from that voyage, and to return home again, the which thing the more part of them was better willing to do, then to commit themselves unto the dangers of the sea, but the intent and purpose of the Prince was to fight against his brother, rather with a golden weapon, than with one of iron or steel, King William stayed the French king with rich gifts. thinking under pretence of those wars together such a mass of money of his subjects, as should both be sufficient to buy peace, and also to enrich himself. Therefore when both the armies were now in a readiness to fight, and that king William had found the means so to pacify Philip the French king with gifts & rewards, A peace concluded between king William and his brother Robert. that he would no more aid the said Duke, then by and by the whole stay and strength of his wars was quite fallen down, and for wanting the French kings aid, he was of necessity compelled to sue unto the king his brother for peace and at the length obtained it. When king William had thus finished the wars of Normandy after his mind, he forthwith returned into England, where anon after chanced unto him greater business than he had before. For the Welshmen hearing of the variance that begun to grow betwixt him and his brother, armed themselves minding to rob and pill the countries adjoining unto them after their accustomed manner. The welshemen rebel. And so entering into the Marches, they burned houses and villages, drove away cattle, took prisoners, and slew aswell Normanes as English men: and finally razed towns and Castles where so ever they came. When the king was hereof informed, he assembled a power in all haste to help his distressed people, and to keep the country from utter spoiling and wasting, and having used great speed in his journey, he set upon them on a sudden: But for all that the Welshmen did not only manfully abide the brunt of the assaults, but also enforced the king to give back & retire, and that with no small loss and damage, wherefore being now three days journey on his way, in his retire he determined with himself to yield unto fortune for the time present, and so departed unto London to prepare a stronger power. After whose departure, the Welsh men waxed so proud and gathered such a courage unto them, that they besieged the Castle of Mount Gomericke of all the forts and Castles in Wales the strongest, and afterward notwithstanding it was for a while manfully defended by the kings garrison attempted to race it, and at length having beaten down the Walls thereof they took it, and very cruelly slew all that they found therein: Castle of mount Gomericke taken. But the king being this while letted by treason newly sprung up against him in his own land, & determining first to suppress that before he prepared any resistance against them, went into Northumberland where the Authors of this new conspiracy put themselves in arms against him: Robert Earl of Northumberland conspireth ●gainst the king For Robert Earl of that Country who had oftentimes before required the king to consider the good service he had done what time he being general of the army, the Scottish king was slain in manner aforesaid, and perceiving the king not to be so ready to reward him for that worthy deed as he looked he should have been, was therewith so moved, that being sent for by the kings letters, he openly refused to go unto him. And in the mean season ceased not privily to devise how and which way he might deprive him of the Crown: But the conspiracy being by chance shortly after disclosed, the king took diverse of the Conspirators upon a sudden and put them to death: But Robert for that he knew himself guilty, and therefore feared lest he should be punished according to his deserts, fled away, whom the king pursued to the Castle called at this day the Castle of Banburghe, Banborough Castle. whether he was gotten for succour with his wife and children, which the king forthwith besieged, and because the same being most strongly defended aswell by nature as man's industry and policy seemed impregnable, he began to close it with a wall of Planks or Boards, so that no man might enter in or issue out of it. But when Robert distrusting his state and case, or at the lest wise the fidelity of his friends, saw the board work begun, he privily conveyed himself out in the dead of the night, but yet not so privily but the kings scout perceived it and pursued after, Robert Earl of Northumberland flieth. and being constrained to go unto Tinmouth, he there took sanctuary in the Church of saint Oswine the martyr, out of the which he was by and by drawn by violence, and taken prisoner, and so brought unto the King: Now when the rest that were within the Castle ceased not yet to make resistance and to defend themselves, the king to beat a greater terror and fear into them, caused Robert to be brought before the Castle gate that they within might see him, and made proclamation withal, that unless the said Castle were yielded, forthwith his eyes should out of hand be plucked out of his head, the which thing they beholding and fearing aswell their own parts as the Earls, at the last yielded themselves and gave up the Castle, of whom part were banished, and some had their ears cut off, and other some one of their eyes put out to make the rest to beware by their example, and so sent home: but Robert was had to the Castle of Windsor, and there cast in prison: When this business was at an end, king Rufus bent all his whole force against the Welshemen, who still continued in their outrage besides all measure, and adressing himself with his army with all haste to Wales ward, when he saw that the Welshmen would at no hand give him any opportunity to fight with them, but hide themselves in woods of purpose, he then began to waste and destroy the country next adjoining, and attempted to pass through those places even where most dangerous and hardest passage was, to the intent he might come where the enemies were, and fight with them. But contrariwise, the Welshemen kept either the mountains or woods, who being sufficiently prepared and furnished for the time, set upon the kings army, sometimes here, and sometimes there, ever as they espied any advantage, in such wise, that they either wounded or slew very many of them. The which was the cause that the king desirous to be avenged on them, pursued them more fervently then circumspectly, through mountains and marshes more to his loss and damage, than to the loss and annoyance of his enemies: who after he had lost many of his men and horses, and saw there was no hope for him to do any good there gave over his purpose again, and made an end of those wars. Hitherto Polidore. In the vij year of the reign of king William, Anselme that was Archbishop of York was removed to Cauntorbury as affirmeth one Chronicle: But Reynulph and Guido say, that Hugh Lupus Earl of Chester being sick and diseased, in the uj year of the reign of William Rufus, sent into Normandy for Anselme then Abbot of Berry or Beccy for three causes. The first, to visit and see him, and to be reconciled of him, as the man that he most trusted. The second cause was that he should relieve some Abbeys of England, whom the king had vexed with grievous tribute. And the third, that he should found an Abbey in Chester, which place he after builded, and made one Richard his Chaplain first Abbot there, and soon after he was made archbishop of Cauntorbury: Pestilence. whereby it appeareth that the said See was void over the term of three years. And at this time, Tillage being left, famine doth follow. England and Normandy were sore visited with the plague of pestilence, and the same was so great, as some writ, that many lay unburied, and the tilling of the ground was put off for that year, and thereafter ensued great and extreme hunger. This year also the Scots slew their king Edgar, and restored again to the rule of the land the aforenamed Donwald. And many strange and wonderful sights were seen this present year in the Sky, as hosts of men fighting, and flames of fire brenning, and shooting out of the Elament, and other monstrous things, as saith Fabian. In the ten year of this king, strife and dissension fell between him and Anselme archbishop of Cauntorbury, because Anselme might not be suffered to call his Synods, and correct his clergy but as the king would. The king also challenged the investiture of Bishops, and took of the spirituality and Temporalty great tasks and tributes, the which he spent upon the walling of the Tower of London, Westminster Hall builded. and the making of Westminster Hall as some write. But john rastal saith in his Chronicle that it is not like to be true that the great Hall of Westminster that is now, was builded by this king, but rather in the time of king Richard the second. For saith he, the Arms that are there both on the timber and on the stone work, which is the three Lions quartered with the flower de luce, and the white Hart for his badge, were the arms of king Richard. For there was never king of England that gave the flower de luce which was the arms of France before king Edward the third. And therefore it manifestly appeareth that the great Hall which is now, was not builded by Rufus, except it were that he made the foundation thereof: But if Rufus made any Hall there, it was that which is above the stairs that we now call the white Hall. And besides all this, the kings servants grieved and peeled English men unreasonably. And to this misery was joined the covetousness of Reynulph that was sometime Chaplain unto William Conqueror, the which at this day was the kings procurator, and gathered his tasks over all England. He was so covetous and so evil disposed, that he would levy three tasks for two. He peeled the rich, and bore down the poor, and caused many men to loose their lands for small causes, and therefore the king did greatly favour him. And by his means, bishoprics were bought and sold as commonly as other merchandises. Also at this time priests used bushed and breyded heads, long tailed gowns and blazing clotheses shining, The behaviour of priests and golden Girdelles, and road with guilt Spurs, with using of diverse other enormities. All which vices Anselme would have corrected, but he lacked assistance of his brethren the Bishops, for the which cause and other he departed the land: Wherewith the king being miscontented, sent after him such persons as rob and spoiled him, and entreated him in most cruel manner. For the which deed, Ralph Bishop of Chichester blamed the king, and also rebuked all such Bishops as had refused the party of Anselme, & had favoured the king in causes concerning the aforesaid variance. Fines for fornication. And furthermore he withstood the king and his officers in taking of fines of priests for the crime of fornication, for which causes the king with the said Ralph was sore amoved, and discontented, and obtained such favour that he suspended many Churches of his diocese. But in the end, Ralph demeaned him in such wise that he had his own will, and his Churches enlarged and freed that before were stopped with Thorns. And the king gave unto him the fines of priests within his Diocese, and endued the See of Chichester with many great gifts. And upon a time as king William was riding toward his disport of hunting, suddenly a messenger came unto him, & said that the City of Cenemona or Constantia in Normandy was besieged of the French men: wherefore he without long tarrying or advisement, took the straight way to the sea side, and sent to his Lords, charging them to follow. When the said Lords came to his presence, they advised him to tarry until his people were assembled. But he would do nothing after their counsel, The desperate going into Normandy of William Rufus. but said such as him loved would surely follow, and so went to Ship, setting aside all perils. The master of the Ship was afraid, and saw the weather so dark and cloudy, and the Sea somewhat rough by reason of the south wind that then blue, A noble courage of a king that he counseled the king to tarry until the wind would blow more favourably: But he commanded him to make all the speed he could upon pain of his life, saying that he never heard that any King was drowned. And so he passed the sea and landed in Normandy a good while before there was any brute of his coming, and there gathered unto him his Knights. When the Captain of the Siege (whose name was Helias) knew of the kings landing, he feared, and anon began to break the siege: But by treason he was taken and brought to the kings presence. To whom the king showed such pity, that he suffered him to be at his liberty, which after the opinion of William de Regibus, was done more of pride than of compassion. Polidore writeth that when the captain was brought unto the kings presence, he jested at him as one that had no courage nor man's stomach. Then the said captain turning him unto the king said boldly again. Sir king, thy fortune is now to take me prisoner, but if I were at liberty I would make thee to understand that I were not a man so little to be passed on as thou makest me. And with that the king commanded him to be set at liberty and then said unto him, now go whether thou wilt, and do the worst thou canst against me: But (saith he) it is not read that he ever attempted any thing against the king afterwards. In the xj year of his reign, at a town called Finchester in the country of Berkshire, a Well cast out blood as before it had done water. And after by the space of xu days great flames of fire were seen in sundry places, A strange thing. and at sundry times. This year also the two Earls of Shrewesbury and of Chester who were both named Hugh, by the kings commandment entered with their knights the Isle of Angle say, which was the chief refuge of the Welsh men, and slew there a number of them, and showed there such cruelty besides, as the like had not been heard of before, for unto some they put out their eyes, to some they cut off their noses, hands, legs, or arms, and some again they gelded, so that no kind of cruelty was left unpractised. Among the which a priest named Kynradus was drawn out of a Church and served in the same manner, and had also his tongue cut out of his head, and one of his eyes put out. In which season and time the King of Norway wan the Isles then called Orcades, and now Orkeyes, and after came with his strength unto the aforesaid Isle of Anglesay to rescue the people of the Isle, where at the same season were the said two Earls. Hugh Earl of Shrewesbury slain. Then between them was a mortal fight, in the which Hugh earl of Shrewesbury was stricken with an a-row in the eye, and died within eight days after. But as saith Guydo, the Danes were chased, and the English men had the victory, but as other do write there was no notable thing else there done besides the death of the said Earl. King William at this time was much in Normandy, because that Robert his brother was all this while in the holy land, of whose acts some mention shall be made in the story of Henry the first. And William had much pain to rule the normans, for they rebelled often against him. Robert Losaunge that sometime had been Abbot of Ramsey, and then by the gift of a thousand pound to the King, was made Bishop of Thetford, repented him after, and bewailed that unskilful deed, and took his way to Rome, and did for it his adjoined penance, and after returned into England, and turned his See from Thetford to Norwiche, and founded there a fair Monastery of his own goods, and not of the patrimony of Christ's Church: But therein resteth a doubt, for he was first Abbot and then Bishop, saith Fabian. After that king William as before is said, was returned out of Normandy, many wonderful prodigies and tokens were showed in England, as the swelling or rising of the water of the Thames, in such wise that it drowned many towns, and did much harm by out passing of his bounds in diverse places about London and else where, with diverse other things which I pass over. In the xiij year of his reign and the beginning thereof the third day of August as saith Reynulph, or as some other writ upon Lammas day, this king William being at his disport on hunting within the new Forest, now called the Forest of Windsor, Forest of Windsor. or rather as Reynulph saith in the new Forest in Hamshire besides Sarisbury by glaunsing of an arrow, which a knight named Sir Walter Tirell a French man did shoot at a Deer, The death of king William Rufus. and hit the King, and wounded him to death, so that he gave but one groan and died presently, when he had reigned twelve years, xj. months lacking eight days. And it is written by john Harding, that king Rufus to enlarge the aforesaid Forest did pull down four Abbeys, xvij. parish Churches, and all the towns to them belonging. Water Hennyngforde writeth, that in the place where the king was slain had been a Church in old time, the which Church with other in his father's time was pulled down, and destroyed for the enlarging of his said Forest, and that in the same Forest by a like chance was slain also a little before Richard the kings nephew, son unto Robert Duke of Normandy of a knight of his own. After this deed, the said Walter escaped and saved himself, for few they were that pursued after him. And so the king thus wounded was laid in a horse Litter, and conveyed to Winchester, and was there buried in the Church of Peter and Paul. Henry of Huntingdon Of this William, reporteth Henry of Huntingdon and saith that though this man were light in some things, yet he was steadfast and stable of his promise, so that what he promised good or evil it should be performed, & though he were named covetous, yet it should apere by this that followeth, that he sometimes showed himself liberal: For thus writeth he of him. Upon a certain time, when the Abbot of an Abbey in England was dead, two Monks of the same place, the which before had gathered money together, made their friends to king William, and offered large offers either of them to be promoted to that dignity. There was also a third Monk, the which of meekness and humbleness followed the other two, to the intent that upon him that the king should admit for Abbot, he would have given attendance, and as his Chaplain to have returned with him. The king called before him the two Monks severally, and either out proffered other: And at the length he cast his eye aside, and espied the third Monk, Money bidden for Ecclesiastical promotions. the which he supposed had come for the same cause. Then the king called him and asked him, if he would give any more than his brethren had proffered to be Abbot. But he answered to the king and said, that he would offer, neither yet give for it one penny, nor would have so great a charge by any wrongful mean. When the king had well considered of this third Monks answer, he said that he was best worthy to be Abbot, and to have the rule of so holy a charge: and so he gave unto him that promotion, without taking of him one penny. This king William was variable and inconstant of his behaviour, very covetous, and therewithal cruel, and burdened the people with great taxes. Furthermore he never married but used concubines continually, wherefore he died without issue legitimate, when he had reigned as aforesaid fully twelve years, and almost xj. months. Of this king it is written that he was wasteful and sumptuous in his apparel, an example whereof is brought in by a certain writer to the great reproof of excess of apparel used in these our days. For when his chamberlain on a time brought him a new pair of Hosen, he demanded of him what they cost, who answered three shillings, whereat the king being somewhat moved, commanded him to prepare him a pair of xiij shillings iiij. pence. Now if kings were then thought to exceed that bestowed a Mark upon a pair of hosen, what is to be thought of many mean men which in our time bestow so much of one pair as that king did upon twenty. Henry the first. HEnrie the first of that name, and the fourth son of William Conqueror, which for his learning was surnamed Beauclercke, Coronation of king Henry the first took upon him the first day of August the year of our Lord M.C. the government of this Realm of England, and was crowned king thereof very shortly after at Westminster, of Thomas archbishop of York, or as Polydore and some other say, of Mawrice Bishop of London. His elder brother Robert Duke of Normandy was at that season not yet returned from the wars of Syria, and therefore had he the better opportunity to bring is purpose about. For many there were both of the nobles and others which favoured the said Duke, and would have done their endeavour to have crowned him king if he had been present: And for this cause he found the means, what by giving of great rewards, and what by fair words and large promises to prevent him: But no one thing moved the whole Realm more to agreed upon him, than the faithful promise he made to abholishe his father's laws, which were deemed of the people to be both against equity and conscience. But first of all, so soon as he heard of his brother Rufus death, he seized upon his goods and movables, whereby he became the stronger, and better able to go thorough with this enterprise. This king in his youth had so well applied his study, that he was well seen in the seven liberal sciences. And he at his entry reform the ministers of the Church, and the dignity of the same which had been corrupted by his brother and he restored again and used saint Edward's laws with the amendment of them, besides the reformation and amendment of sundry and diverse other abuses in the common wealth. He banished out of his Court niceness and wantonness, and committed Reynulph Bishop of Duresme, Reynulph bishop of Duresme. a man hated of all men for oppression, bribery, and diverse other notable crimes, and a chief counselor and persuader also of the king his brother in all his lewd and ungodly attempts to the tower of London, Wantonness banished out of the kings Court which betokened good government. the which before as you have heard was so great with his brother William: and he sent for Anselme that was archbishop of Cauntorbury, which before was fled for the fear and wrath of William Rufus, and gave the Bishopric of Winchester then miserably spoiled unto Gyfford, a right grave and learned man, and conferred also the rule and government of such Abbeys as had been of long time vacant unto Monks. Furthermore he remitted all such taxes and payments as had been by his father and brother newly raised upon the people. This king corrected and reform the old and untrue measures that were used in this Realm, Measures made and reform b● king Henry the first. and caused a yard of the length of his own arm to be made and used (and the same thing at this day is most meetest to be reform, for now almost no country keepeth either weight or measure one with the other to the great hurt of the Realm) and likewise he reform many things that before his time had been abused. Henry the first a frugal man. Also he abhorred the excess of meats and drinks, and used to fight more with good counsel than with the sword. In the second year of his reign, Robert his brother that by all this time had been occupied in wars upon Christ's enemies, having word of the death of his brother William, Robert the eldest son of William Conqueror once again claimeth the Crown. and how his brother Henry had taken upon him as king, returned into Normandye, and there made preparation for to come into England. In this time also Reynulph Bishop of Duresme brake out of the tower of London, and went to Robert Duke of Normandy, who stirred and pricked forward the same Duke Robert in all that he might to war upon his brother Henry, Reynulph bishop of Durisme a lewd bishop. so that he assembled a strong army of knights, and took shipping, and shortly after landed at Portesmouth. But by mediation of friends, a peace was made, and that in such condition, that he should have yearly three thousand Marks paid unto him as a tribute, as before was promised him by William Rufus his brother, with conditions of succession and other things the which for length I pass over. Thus Robert being contented, contrary to the minds of his Lords, after a while that he had disported himself in England, Robert duke of Normandy. he returned to Normandy, where of his Lords he was for this and other undiscrete deeds by him before done, as after shall be showed, little, or less and less set by. For albeit by his father's life he had offended, and utterly displeased him as before is touched, yet by his manhood and manful deeds, he wan the hearts of the people, specially for the worthy acts he did at the winning of the City of Acon upon the miscreants and Turks. This Robert was wise in counsel, strong in battle, and also right liberal, and in his return from Jerusalem he married the daughter of William, or as Polidore saith, Roger de Auersana Lord of Apulia, with whom he received great sums of money for his dower, the which by mean of his liberality was not long unspent. Then fortune began to frown upon him, and set his own Lords against him, Fortune frowneth many times upon Princes. who sent unto king Henry of England, and moved him to come into Normandy against his brother, and they would deliver unto him the country and Duchy of Normandy, and take him for their chief Lord and governor: whereunto as saith the English Chronicle, king Henry soon consented. But or ever this war began between them, this king Henry had married the foresaid Mould or Mawde the daughter of Malcolyne or Malcolme king of Scotland, and of Margaret his wife daughter of Edward the outlaw as is expressed in the beginning of William Conqueror. Of the which Mawde, he received two sons, and two daughters, that is to say, William, and Richard, Mawde and Marry. Polidore saith, he begat of his first wife William, which was after drowned in the sea, and Mawde the Empress. And a concubine a daughter named Mary, & a son called Richard, the which were likewise drowned. And of another concubine Robert, whom he created Earl of Gloucester: But Hector Boethius writeth, how there was issue betwixt them these following, William, Richard, Enfemia, and Mawde. About this time the Church and Hospital of Saint Bartholomewe, The Hospital of Saint Bartholomewes' first founded. in west Smithfielde of London was begun to be founded by one of the kings musicans named Rayer, and after performed by Richard Whytyngdon Citizen & Alderman of London, a man of worthy fame. This place of Smithfield was at that time a laystow of all dung and filth, and the place where felons and other transgressors of the kings laws were put to execution. After this Duke Robert of Normandy came into England to his brother, and he was here honourably entertained, 1103/4 Robert duke of Normandy landeth in England. and in the end at the request of his sister the wife of king Henry, or rather (as Polydore writeth) being overcome with the fair words of his said brother, he released unto him the aforenamed tribute of three thousand Marks: but by evil tales, and covetousness of signory, this brotherly love lasted not long, but such a variance fell between them, Unnatural war. that king Henry with a strong army sailed into Normandy, and held his brother with so sharp war, that he chased him from one country to another, and wan from him the City of Rouen, Cane, Valois, and all the good towns of Normandy, and at the last constrained him to seek help of the French king, and after of the Earl of Flaunders, but he failed of them both. Then saith Polidore, when he considered with himself how unable he was to match with the king his brother, and saw also how he was distressed on every side, by reason whereof diverse of his Lords and Subjects forsook him, and took part with his said brother, and that his enemies daily increased, and his power decreased, and waxed less and less, he determined with himself no longer to try the matter by battle and force of arms, but to repose all hope of pacification in brotherly charity. And because he thought it would little prevail to sand any Ambassadors for the matter, he being accompanied with a few persons went himself into England, the said king then lying at Northampton, where the Duke made humble suit unto him, that he might be at peace with him, using all the persuasions he could to induce him thereunto, and submitted himself and his Dukedom and all that he had besides, wholly to his order, grace, and mercy, with the which request and humble submission of his, the king was nothing at all moved, insomuch that he turned from him in a fume, muttering with himself certain threatening words against him. And this strange countenance showed he, either because of his brother's inconstancy, whereof he had had often experience, or else for that he was now fully bend and minded to pursue him with most extreme cruelty, even to death or utter destruction. When Duke Robert saw this, he detesting the proud and stately behaviour of his brother, departed the Court and returned into Normandy with all convenient speed, fully determining, rather than to suffer his honour thus to be desteyned, to put himself in danger either of death, or else of perpetual servitude. For he well perceived, it booted not to put any longer hope or trust in brotherly love. Therefore with such power as he could make, he gave battle unto his brother Henry, Robert duke of Normandy taken prisoner. who followed him with a new army, in the which battle he was taken prisoner and sent over into England, and put into the Castle of Cardiff in Wales, where he remained as prisoner so long as he lived, and when he was dead, he was buried at Gloucester. Matthew of Westmynster writeth that at the first he was not straightly kept as a prisoner, but was permitted by the kings licence to hawk, hunt, and use all other pastimes what he would for his disport & recreation, having his keeper with him, and was also allowed such apparel & diet as was convenient for his estate, until at length he practised to have conveyed himself away: And being taken again (as saith the aforesaid writer) he by the kings commandment had both his eyes put out, but in such wise that the balls of them were saved. Touching his death it is further reported of the same Author, how king Henry having on a time made a scarlet rob with a hood (as the fashion than was) for himself, & putting it on to assay whether it was meet for him or not, and peceyving the said hood to be somewhat to little for his head, bade the yeoman of his Wardrobe to send it unto his brother Robert, because (saith he) his head is somewhat less than mine. And when the Messenger that brought it was demanded of Duke Robert whether any had ever worn it before or no, and the said messenger unadvisedly showed him what the king had done and said: Then said Duke Robert, now may I well think that my most wretched life hath been overlong prolonged sigh the injurious king my brother hath so little regard of me, that he clotheth me with his cast apparel, and after that he would never eat nor drink, but pined away for hunger and sorrow. Now when king Henry had finished his wars in Normandy he returned into England, and at that time Robert of Bolisme which was the eldest son of Hugh of mount Gomericke earl of Shrewesbury arose against the king, and manned his Castles of Shrewesbury, of Brugges, Robert of Bolisme earl of Shrewesbury rebelled of Arondell, and of Tekynhill, and encouraged the Welshemen against the king. But the king pursued the said Robert so eagerly, that within xl days he wan all those Castles, and slew many of his men, and gate the favour of the Welshemen by gifts and pleasant words, and also compelled the said Robert to forsake England: the which sailed into a corner of Normandye, and kept him there secretly, until such time as William Earl of Cornwall came thither unto him, which William was also Earl of Mortom in Normandy. When these two Earls were met, they gathered to them a great strength of normans, and did great harm within the province. Wherefore the king sailed thither and made sharp war upon them, in the which he lost many of his men: But in the end he put from them their strength, and took them both Prisoners, and so kept them during their lives. And that done he set that Country in good rest and peace, and after returned into England. Laws made against ruffians and thieves. After which return the king made sharp laws against thieves and other that used unlawful doings. In the which laws was contained, losing of life, of eyes, of stones, and other members of man, as the fault and offence required. And shortly after, Anselme archbishop of Canterbury Anselme archbishop of Cauntorbury assembled a great counsel at London of the Clergy of England: By authority of which counsel, diverse abbots & other were put from their dignity, Priests put from their wives by Anselme Bishop of Canterbury for that they had taken before time their Abbeys by unlawful means. And among all other decrees one was, that priests should forego their wives, as saith Fabian. Then strife fell between the king and Anselme, for that that he would not sacre the priests that had taken investiture of the kings hands, which before was forbidden upon pain of cursing. Anselme goeth to Rome to complain of the king. But girald archbishop of York for the pleasure of the king, sacred such Bishops: Wherefore Anselme being discontented, departed the land, and went to Rome to complain of this and other things to the Bishop thereof, which then was named Paschal the second. And about this time Sir Robert le Fitzham earl of Gloucester builded the town of Tewkesburye, and there was buried, and also builded the Castle of Bristol. In the sixth year of the king, the Country of Flaunders was sore blemished and hurt by mean of the sea, so that the flemings were enforced to seek for succour and place of dwelling, Flaunders overflown with the sea. and required of the king to have licence that they might inhabit in the East part of tweed, the which to them was granted. But after a certain of years they were removed into west Wales, where they remained a long while, but after they spread all England over. In the vij year of his reign, upon a Friday at night in the first week of clean Lent, was seen a strange and wonderful star between the South and the West, the which nightly appeared at an hour, and continued so by the space of xxv days. And right against that, Strange & wonderful fights. on the East part appeared a great flaming beam of great brightness, which stretched toward the said star. And upon Maundy thursday next following, were seen two Moons, the one in the East and the other in the West. Anselme returned from Rome. This year also Anselme by the kings agreement returned from Rome, and shortly after called a convocation at London, in the which by the Bishop of Rome's authority, A convocation at London. it was newly enacted and confirmed, that no temporal man after that day should make any investure with Cross and Ring. In the eight year of his reign, the fourth Henry Emperor of Almain, the which was affianced to mould the eldest daughter of this king Henry, when she was of the age of five years, imprisoned Paschal Bishop of Rome and diverse of the Cardinals. In the ix year of his reign, the Archbishop Anselme professed Gerard archbishop of York to the yoke of obedience, as he was before taught by Lanfranke his predecessor. And the ten day of August following, he sacred five Bishops at one time, as of Winchester, of Sarisbury, of Exeter, of Herford, Ely the Bishops See first instituted. and Glamorgan. And king Henry ordained a bishops See at Ely, and to the Bishops See at Lyncolne he gave his own town of Spalding, for he had minished that See by the erection of Ely. In the ten year died Anselme archbishop of Cauntorbury, after whose death the See was void five years, and the goods of the Church spent to the kings use. Anselme dieth. And when he was prayed to help the Church that was without an head and a pastor, he used to answer that his father and also his brother had accustomed to set there the best proved men that they could find, and to the intent that he might do the same, he took the more time and leisure. And with such mild answers he put off the time, and filled his Coffers with the great sums of the Benefice. And at this time, the king married his brother Robert's bastard son, to Mabell daughter and heir of Robert Fitzham, and made him the first Earl of Gloucester, who after builded the strong Castle of Bristol. About this time (as saith the French Chronicle) a controversy began betwixt the king, and Lewes king of France son unto Philip the first. This Lewes was surnamed Lewes the great, either for the bigness of his person, or else for the greatness of his deeds. This Lewes sent unto King Henry being in Normandy, and gave unto him monition to do his homage for the Duchy of Normandy, and also that he should restore unto him, or else beat down the Castle of Gysours, and also make recompense and restitution unto him for the hurts and harms that his Normanes had done in those parts. But all this of king Henry was denied, and shortly after skirmishes and bickerings began between the said two Princes, king Henry then lying at the said Castle of Gysours, and Lewes at a place called mount Calf. But this increased in such wise, that shortly after, either of the Princes sought for places of more room, and their knights met sundry times. But of any notable battle between them I found no remembrance although the same wars continued two years. In the end of which two years William the eldest son of king Henry, being a child and within age, contented so well the mind of Lewes, that he refrained from his war for that time. In the xiij year of his reign, at Shrewesbury, and at Notyngham was a great earthquake from the morning unto night. The River of Trent in the month of june flowed not for the space of a mile so as saith Guydo, that men might there have gone dry-shod over it, as though the water had been gone another way, and this continued the space of one whole day. And soon after appeared a blazing star, whereupon followed an hard Winter, great death of the people, and scarcity of victuals by the great Moreyn of beasts that ensued. And in this year also the king founded the Abbey of hide without the walls of Winchester, that of old time was within the walls, and first founded by king Alphred called the new Abbey of Winchester. Worcester brent. The City of Worcester was in this year almost all consumed with fire. And in this time began the Parliament in England first to be instituted and ordained for reformation and government of this Realm. The manner whereof as I have found it set forth in an old Pamphlet, I intend at large to set forth in the reign of king Edward the third, where and when Parliaments were yearly and orderly kept. In the xiiij year of his reign he subdued the Welshemen (saith Polydore) and that not without great slaughter of them, which before by often breaking out into the frontiers and marches of England, wasted those Countries very sore. About this time also (saith the same writer) Henry the fourth of that name Emperor, unto whom Mawde the kings daughter was fianced, sent unto king Henry for his wife, being now able to company with a man, who to prepare a convenient dowry for her, seized a great payment upon the people to be levied by the Acre, that is to say upon every Acre of land that any man held a certain portion: By reason whereof he gathered a great mass of money, the which he sent with her to the afore said Emperor. In the xu year of his reign, the king intended to have promoted Fabricus, Abbot of Abyngdon unto the See of Cauntorbury but in a smode or counsel of Bishops kept at Winsore, the kings mind was changed, and to that See was then admitted Ralph that was before bishop of Rochester And the same year one Thurston was chosen archbishop of York, Thurston archbishop of york denied obedience to the archbishop of Canterbury the which denied his profession of obedience, that he should own unto the See of Cauntorbury, wherefore at length he was deprived of his dignity. But after by labour that he made to Paschal Bishop of Rome, the said Bishop of Rome wrote to the king that he should restore him again to the said See: By the which mean he was restored, Contention for the Pr●macye. but yet disdained he to do his lawful obedience unto the said Ralph archbishop of Cauntorbury. Then the strife was again renewed which Lanfranke before had appeased, and at the length brought in argument before the Bishop of Rome. The which at the kings request promised that he would nothing do, nor ordain that should prejudice the archbishop of Cauntorbury, or the dignity of his Church. But in conclusion the said Bishop of Rome gave such a defuse sentence in this matter, that he left the strife undetermined. And when the kings procurators and the Archbishops of Canterbury's also were absent, were it for meed or for favour, the Bishop of Rome was so bend, that he forsook the old rule used before his days, and sacred the said Thurston himself, Thurston made archbishop of Cantorbury. and gave him the Pall. For this deed the king was sore discontented with Thurston, and forbade him the entry of his land. Wherefore the Bishop of Rome wrote shortly after to the king, willing him to suffer Thurston to occupy the See peaceably, or he should be accursed, and suspended by the dignity of the office of Cauntorbury, and so Thurston quietly enjoyed his See by that means. In the xvij year of his reign, the war again between him and Lewes the French king was renewed, and the occasioner thereof, as saith the French Chronicle, wars again renewed with France was Thibauld Earl of Charters or champaign, which Thibauld was grieved by the French king, and for necessity required aid of the king of England, to whom the king as his kinsman sent aid and secure. And afterward the king sailed over with a strong army, and sent a noble man named Stephen into the Lordship of Brye, to defend it against the French king. When Lewes understood that king Henry was landed in Normandy with so great a power, he in all the hast assembled a great and strong power, and came towards him. But there were such strong Holds so well manned with normans, and also so great and deep rivers that the French king could not come at king Henry. But at the last he wan a town named Lingues in Cause, in the which town was a bridge to pass over the river of Thee, and so into Normandy. When a certain of the knights of Lewes had thus won the town aforesaid, the said Lewes with his people sped him shortly after and rescued his foresaid Knights, and then spoiled and rob the Town which was rich, because it had been in rest and quiet many years before. He also slew and took prisoners all the Normans there dwelling, and put in their steed Frenchmen. Male assize Castle. And that done, he sped him towards king Henry, the which was at a Castle called Male assize, & there made provision for the defence of the Frenchmen. And when he had garnished and furnished it to his pleasure and contentation, he then departed from thence. And shortly after the French king came thither with his whole army of Frenchmen, and after many sore and cruel assaults, he won the said Castle, and bet it down to the ground. After which victory, as saith the French Chronicle, there chanced to the French king many misfortunes. For shortly after among many other mischances, a Noble captain of his named Angueran de Chaumounte, the which had done much harm in Normandy to king Henry and had won there sundry Castles and strong holds, died suddenly. And in short time after Baldwin Earl of Flaunders, a man of great strength, and puissance as he besieged a Castle was wounded in the face, and died within six days after. Then Fauques Earl of Aungeros, in whom also this Lewes affied much and trusted, married his daughter unto William the eldest son of King Henry, and refused the French kings part, and aided and assisted king Henry in all that he might, so that daily the power of Henry increased, and the French kings minished. Finally, these two Princes met with both their armies in plain field and fought a deadly and cruel battle, A cruel battle. where in the end the French king was overcome, and lost much of his people, & was compelled to flee unto a place called Andeley for his safeguard. But this overthrow of the frenchmen is by them excused in the most fairest manner, so that they (as Fabian sayeth) excuse themselves and say, that King Henry set upon Lewes when he was not ware, and his Knights at that time were all out of order & array: and also that king Henry had a far greater number than the French king had, with other words in the praise and commendation of themselves, which is to their rebuke. But Reynulph of Chester saith that King Henry overcame the French King in the plain field royally. Now it followeth in the story, when these two Princes were agreed, William the son of King Henry did homage unto the French king for the lands of Normandy, by the agreement of his father: Homage. for the king thought himself to good to be under the obeisance of the French king. Then king Henry caused his free men of England and of Normandy, to do homage likewise unto his son William. And soon after Fauques before named, lefthis earldom of Angers, in the guiding of King Henry, and went himself into the holy land, and willed in his Testament, that if he returned not again, that then the said earldom should remain unto his son in law William, son of King Henry which had married his daughter. About the twenty year of the reign of King Henry, Queen mould or Mawde his wife died in Normandy, the which in her youth, was set by her father the king of Scots, into a Nunnery and there did wear and use the veil and habit of a Nun. For the which cause when king Henry was agreeable to take her unto his wife, this matter fell in great disputation, and Anselme then archbishop of Cauntorburie was sore against that marriage for a time: But afterward it was sufficiently proved that she was there wearing the habit but never professed the order. And her father had so devised it to the intent to avoid unworthy wooers. When king Henry had continued in Normandy almost three years, he took shipping at Harflete in Normandy, and sailed happily into England the same day, that is to say, the xxiiij day of November. And shortly after William Duke of Normandy with Richard his brother, Marry his daughter, Richard earl of Chester, with his wife the kings niece, and the archdeacon of Herforde and other to the number of one hundredth & three score persons, took shipping at the same port, and were all drowned, A pitiful chance. a Boother only excepted: which misfortune chanced partly by the violent rage of tempest, and partly by the oversight of the master and other, which in the night had quarreled among themselves, by reason whereof they ran upon a rock as said the Boocher. From this danger William Duke of Normandy escaped, and was in the Shipboate near unto the land: but when he heard the lamentable cry of his sister, he commanded the Rowers to return and save her, which done by what misfortune I can not tell, after she was received into the Boat, were it by tempest, or overcharging of the Boat, or otherwise, they were all swallowed of the sea, so that none of them was after found, but part of their goods. In the xxi year of his reign, king Henry made the Park of Woodstock beside Oxenford, and walled it with stone, besides other pleasures to the same belonging. Woodstock park. And about this time Fauques Earl of Angers returned out of the holy land, Fauques Earl of Angiers. and married the sister of her that before he had married unto William Duke of Normandy, unto the son of Robert Curthose, and gave with her the earldom of Cenomanna. And strife began to kindle between king Henry and the said Fauques, Robert Curthose for the withholding of the dower or jointer of his first daughter married unto William the kings son, and for the cruel handling of Duke Robert of Normandy, whom the said Fauques loved entirely. In the xxiij year of the king, Ralph archbishop of Cauntorbury died, and a Clerk named William was placed in the See after him. And the king in this year began the foundation of the Abbey of Reading. john a Cardinal of Rome, taken with incontinency. And john Cremensis a priest, Cardinal of Rome was sent from Calixt the second of that name then Bishop of Rome, for certain matters concerning the said bishop of Rome. In which time of his being here, he made sharp process against such priests as had either wives or else kept concubines, priests wives and concubines. and rebuked them by open publication, and otherwise, so that he got himself thereby small or little favour. But this Cardinal was so fervent in the correction of other men's vices, that he forgot to look upon his own life. For in the night or evening of the same day that he had blown his horn, and said, that it was a most detestable offence before God, A chaste Cardinal. to arise from the side of a strumpet, and then to sacre the body of Christ, A simple excuse and an untrue. he himself was taken with a strumpet to his open shame and rebuke, but he excused the matter (saith Matthew of Westminster) saying that he was no priest but a corrector of priests. In the xxv year of his reign was called a counsel at London, where the spirituality consented that the kings officers should punish priests that had Concubines. But the said officers took money and suffered the Priests to live at their pleasures. Which offence at this day is so clearly renounced of all Spiritual men, that there are no fines at all taken now, neither yet correction necessary done for the same, neither duly punished any other where in England, Bridewell. except it be in one house called Bridewell in London, where also (as some say) there is but to much favour showed, chiefly to such as can make any friends. In the xxvij year of his reign, the Grey Friars came first into this Realm of England, and had their first house builded at Cauntorbury. And about this time also died Henry the fourth Emperor of that name, Grey Friars when they came first into England. which (as before is touched) married Mould the daughter of king Henry. After whose death the said Empress came unto her father in Normandy. Now when king Henry was ascertained of the death of Henry the Emperor, for somuch as he had none heir male, he caused soon after the most part of all the Lords spiritual and temporal in England, to swear in his presence that they should keep the land of England to the use of Mawde the Empress, if he died without issue male, and that she then survived. In the xxviij year of the king, Geoffrey Plantagenet the son of Foulques Earl of Angeow, married mould the Empress. Of the which two descended Henry the second, Dane gelded released. which after Stephen was king of England. And after the king was returned into England, he released unto the Englishmen the Dane gelded, which was by his father and brother received and taken. In the xxx year of his reign died the Earl of Flaunders, and as Reynulph saith, king Henry was by the agreement of the French king made Earl, as next heir and inheritor unto the said earldom. In the xxxij year of the king died Robert Curthose the kings brother, the which he had kept as prisoner in the Castle of Cardiff from the fourth year of his reign, whose dead carcase was buried at Gloucester. In the xxxv year of his reign, was borne of mould the Empress, Henry short mantle, or Henry the second, and about this time was by the king founded the Bishopric of carlil, and a great part of London burned. Now for a final end of this story, king Henry in the beginning of the xxxuj. year of his reign, he being in Normandye fell from or with his horse, whereof he took his death. But Raynulph saith, that he took a surfeit by eating of a Lamprey, and thereof died, when he had rained full xxxv years and odd months, and was buried at reading Abbey whereof he was the founder, as he was also of the Abbey of Cicester the which Matthew of Westminster calleth Ciremester. King Stephen. STephen Earl of Boulogne, son of the Earl of Bloys and Adela daughter to king william the Conqueror, and nephew unto king Henry the first, took on him the governance of this Realm of England, the second day of December .1135. through the counsel and aid of many Lords of England, contrary to their oath made to Mawde the Empress. This was a noble man and hardy. But yet contrary to his oath that he made to mould or Mawde the Empress as aforesaid, he took upon him the Crown of this Realm, and was crowned on Saint Stephen's day in Christmas week at Westminster of William archbishop of Cauntorbury, King Steu● crowned. which Bishop in like manner had made the like oath unto the said Empress, in the presence of the king her father as before is touched: In punishment of which perjury as men suppose, the said archbishop died shortly after. The Lords also of the whole realm as abovesaid had made like oaths, Perjury. and committed the like perjury, and therefore scaped not punishment. A great part of this perjury (as saith one author) was this: One Hugh Bygot Steward sometime of king Henry the first, immediately after the decease of the said Henry came into England, and before the said archbishop and other Lords of the land, he took wilfully an oath, and swore that he was present a little before the kings death, when king Henry admitted and chose for his heir to be king after him Stephen his nephew, Wilful perjury punished because Mould his daughter had displeased him: whereunto the archbishop & the other Lords gave to hasty credence. But the said Hugh escaped not unpunished, for he died miserably in a short time after. When king Stephen was crowned he swore before the Lords at Oxenford that he would not hold in his hand the bishoprics and benefices that were void, Dane gelt. and that he would forgive the Dane gelt as king Henry before him had done, with sundry other things. And because this Stephen feared the coming of Mawde the Empress, he therefore gave licence unto his Lords that every of them might build a Castle or strong fortress upon his own ground. And soon after he agreed with David king of Scots who with Henry his son did homage unto him for Scotland. The same time Stephen gave also unto Henry the son of the said Scottish king, Homage of the Scots. the earldom of Huntyngdon and the town of Bedford. In the which time the king laid siege to the Castle of Bedford, the which was possessed and manned of the Scottish king and wan it. And that done he then made a voyage into Scotland, where he did not much either to his pleasure or profit. But yet Polydore writeth, that whilst king Stephen made himself ready to set upon the Scottish army, who were come to defend the borders of the Country: David perceiving himself to weak, and not able to withstand his power, sent his Ambassadors unto him to entreat a peace, which at the length was granted him upon condition that he would be content to deliver his son in hostage for the sure performance and holding of the Articles and covenants concluded betwixt them, the which was done. Alexander Bishop of Lincoln. Then in his return homeward he took Alexander Bishop of Lincoln & kept him in durance until he had given unto him the Castle of Newarke. And then he chased Nigellus Bishop of Ely. But saith Polidore, after he had thus finished the matter with the Scots, in his return again into England he went to Wales and there besieged and wan Ludlow the head town of those parts, the which he found possessed of his enemies, where Henry prince of Scotland as he was in fight near unto the town walls, was suddenly of the adversaries that were within the town plucked from his Horse with a crooked engine of Iron, and therewith had been taken up into the town, if God had not so provided that the King came forthwith and rescued him in that present danger. About this time also he took such displeasure with his loving friend, Roger Bishop of Sarisbury, Roger bishop of Sarisbury for that he suspected him as he did all those that had lately builded any Fort or Castle to favour the empress part, that he cast him into prison until the said Roger had rendered unto him his two Castles: of Vases and Sherborne the which himself had builded. For the which the said Roger in remembering the great ingratitude of the king, took such thought that he died shortly after, and left behind him in ready coin in his said Castles forty thousand Marks, which after his death came to the King's Coffers, and with that treasure (saith Reynulph) he found the means to marry his son Eustace to Lady Constance the French kings sister. 11●8/4 About the fourth year of his reign, David king of Scots repenting him of his former agreement made with the king, entered of new within the bounds of Northumberland about the river of Thayse toward the province of York, Scots rebel. and brent and slew the people, and spoiled the Country in most cruel wise, not sparing neither man woman nor child. Against whom Thurston Archbishop of York by the king's commandment was sent, Thurston archbishop of York overthrew the king of Scots. who with his power did acquit himself so valiantly, that he overthrew the host of the Scots, and slew ten thousand of them, and in fine compelled them to withdraw again into Scotland. Reynulph. In the sixt year of his reign, and in the month of july, Mawde the Empress with her brother Robert and other of her friends entered the land at the haven of Portesmouth, and from thence went to Arundel and took the Castle there. Then Robert earl of Gloucester leaving her in the said Castle, having with him only ten horsemen, with so many Archers on horseback, passed through his enemies Countries and sped him to Gloucester, as well to signify unto the people the landing of his sister the Empress, as to 'cause an army to aid her. And though the same town were at his coming manned with the king's power: Yet when the townsmen understood that he was come, they of their own accord put the king's Garrisons out of the town and received him, that done the said Earl not only assembled an army there, but found the means also that the places and Country adjoining, willingly submitted themselves unto the Empress. Now when king Stephen who then laid siege to Wallyngford castle understood that the Empress was landed, he incontinent brake up his siege, and with his whole power speedily addressed himself to the town of Arondell and besieged the Castle. But when he had there continued his siege a certain space, and nothing was yet done according to his expectation, some of them which were secret friends and aiders of the Empress, ceased not to beat into his head that the same Castle was impregnable, and therefore his lying there was but in vain, saying further, that it were best for him to leave his siege and suffer her to issue out, and to go to some other hold or place where he might more easily come by her, the which was done to this only end, that she being now in the case that she was, not able to hold out any longer for lack of victuals, might escape the present danger she was in, and fly to some other place of more surety, where she might make herself more strong against her enemies. And so Stephen following this deceivable counsel, departed incontinent with his army so far that the enemies should not fear to issue out whether they would. The which thing the said Empress perceiving, departed thence in the dead of the night, and so kept on her journey to Bristol, whether there came to her shortly after her coming great succours out of all parts of the Realm: The which when king Stephen was informed of, he repented him (but to late) that he had followed the former evil counsel. Wherefore he hastened him towards Bristol to the intent to lay siege to the town, and there to enclose his enemy if he might by any means. But the empress hearing of his coming, and understanding his purpose, departed thence, and went first to Gloucester and then to Lyncolne, where she victualled the town, and so fortified it with men and munition, that she might safely there tarry till either she were rescued by the Earl her brother and others of her friends, or else by the favour and aid of the Commons, be restored to her right without bloodshed & battle, and king Stephen deposed. But he being advertised what was there by her done, pursued after withal haste and besieged the same City. After which season the Earl Robert, and Reynulph before named with a great power of Welshemen, and the power of the Empress, came against the king intending to raise the siege. Where when both armies were ready to join. The Earl Reynulph of Chester spoke to his knights and said, Strife who should fight first in battle. I require you, that I that am cause of your peril, may be the first that shall enter into peril. Then answered earl Robert and said, it is not unworthy to thee that askest the first stroke and dignity of this fight: for unto thee it is sitting, for nobleness of blood and virtue of strength in the which thou passest other men: But the kings false oath moveth men to war and fight, wherein we must now either win the mastery or be overcome. And he that hath none other succour, is constrained to defend himself by knightly and strong deeds of arms and of manhood, and so shall we join with them that are blemished with guile & wickedness, as Robert Earl of Mellent, the Earl also of Albemarle, and Simon of Hampton, the which is a man of great boast and small might. The oration of earl Baldwin. Then king Stephen prepared to set forward his people, and Earl Baldwyn had words of comfort to the kings people, and said: Unto men that shall fight there are three special things to be considered. The first is the quarrel, Three things are requisite to such as fight in battle. lest men fall into peril of the soul. The second is the number of men of arms, lest men be overlaid and oppressed with to great a multitude. And the third is, the lustiness, courage, and strength of knights, that the matter quail not for lack of stout, hardy courage, and assured fighting in the time of need. As touching which three points, I trust we be well sped. And furthermore if we note well what enemies we have. First we have against us Robert earl of Gloucester, who useth great threats, and performeth small deeds. In mouth and countenance like a Lion, but in heart a very sheep. He is glorious in speech, and dark in understanding. There is also Reynulph Earl of Chester, a man without reason, and full of foolishehardinesse, ready and prompt to all conspiracy, and unsteadfast in all his deeds and attempts: hasty and furious of heart, and unware of perils. He assayeth often to achieve great deeds, but he bringeth none to effect. And what he fiercely and freshly beginneth, he cowardly and faintly forsaketh, as infortunate and unhappy in all his deeds, and is overcome in every place, for he is a companion with banished men and sculkers, and the more of them that are in a company, the sooner they be overthrown: and feeble they be in fighting, for either of them putteth his trust in his fellow, while he himself is overthrown. A terrible Battle. But, before he could finish his words, the cry of the enemies with 'noys of Trumpets, and neeing of horses were heard on every side, the battles approached and joined together, and forth flew the arrows, and a grifely and cruel fight was upon both sides so long as it endured. By reason of which fight and the slaughter thereof, the green field was turned into a perfit read, so that many a pale and wan visage was there seen yielding up of the ghost, with arms and legs dissevered and departed from the bodies. A long while this fight stood in doubt, whether party should obtain victory. But in the end king Stephen's party gave back and fled, but he valiantly abode in the field with a few of his knights and was taken, and so he was brought unto the Empress: King Stephen taken prisoner. the which commanded him to be conveyed under sure keeping unto Bristol, where he was kept as a prisoner, from Candlemas unto holy Rood day than next ensuing. When the Empress had won this victory, and had committed the king to ward, as before ye have heard, she was not therewith a little exalted, but thought in her mind, that she was in a surety of the possession of the whole Realm: But she was deceived, for the County of Kent took party with king Stephen. And after this victory she departed thence, and took the town of Cicester, and afterwards went unto Winchester, where she was solemnly received of the Bishop and the people with procession, and from thence came to Wilton, to Oxford, to Reding, and to Saint Alban's, The triumphing of Mawde the Empress. into the which Cities and towns she was joyfully received withal honour, but esspecially was she welcomed of Theobaldus then archbishop of Cantorbury, and many of the nobility besides. Lastly, she came to London for to enter the state of the land, and while she remained there, A large promise which was never purposed to be performed. the Queen king Stephen's wife made earnest labour for the delivery of the king her husband, promising that he should surrender the land into her possession, and he to become a religious man, either else a pilgrim to his lives end. But all was in vain, for she could purchase no grace as then upon no manner of conditions. The Citizens of London also made great labour that they might use the laws of king Edward the Confessor, The Empress was somewhat to straight laced. as they were granted by William the Conqueror, and not the laws of her father, which were of more straightness, whereof in no wife they could get any grant. For this the Citizens were discontented, and knowing that the Country of Kent which favoured king Stephen would strength their party, The fleeing of the Empress. purposed to have taken her. But she being thereof warned, departed in haste, and left behind her her store of household, and so fled unto Oxenford, where she abode, but her people was divided and scattered. And in this while she sent unto David the king of Scots and her uncle for to aid her, who in all haste came unto her, and so went to Winchester, where she laid siege to the bishops Tower, the which, the Bishop being the kings brother at that time held with great strength. Then the Queen with the aid of her friends, that is to say, of kentish men and other, made a strong host, whereof was chief Capitayne a Knight named Guylliam Ypres. A wise and courageous woman. When the Empress heard of the great strength of the Queen, and saw that her own daily minished rather than increased, was in such fear that she caused herself to be carried in a horse Litter to Gloucester as though she had been dead. But earl Robert her brother was taken soon after, and put in prison, and David king of Scots hearing of this returned into Scotland. Then means was made upon either side for the delivery and exchange of prisoners, so that in the end it was agreed, Prisoners exchanged. that the king should be delivered for earl Robert. But before this agreement was fully concluded, great loss and mischief was done within this Realm every way, Pilling and spoiling of the Realm. for the Empress peeled and spoiled on her party, and the Queen by menaces and promises borrowed and took upon the otherside, and the Soldiers stolen, extorted, and spoiled upon both parties, so that rich men were made needy, and the poor oppressed on every side. In this mean while the Empress returned again to Oxenford, The return of the Empress unto Oxenford. and victualled it and manned it in her best manner. And lastly the king was delivered upon holy Rood day in Harvest, and soon after he compassed Oxenford with a great army, from the time of Michaelmas unto Christmas next following, at which time and season, the Empress used a new guile for constraint and necessity of victual. In that time great plenty of snow fell upon the ground, A pretty invention. and the frost was therewithal so great, that Thames with other great rivers were then frozen over, so that man and horse might pass upon the Ice. The Empress then constrained by need (as aforesaid) appareled her and her company in white clothing, A hard escape. which a far of seemed like snow, and so upon a plumb going together as near as they might, The manner of departure of the Empress. escaped the danger of their enemies, and so came first to the pile or Castle of Shereborne, and then to Wallingford. And from thence in short time, she departed with a small company into Normandy unto her husband. So soon as the Empress was thus departed from Oxenford the town was yielded unto the king, where the king had much of the empress stuff, aswell harness as other stuff of household. Then the king intended to have pursued her, but tidings came unto him that Reynulph Earl of Chester with an host of Welshemen was coming towards him: But by mediation of friends this Reynulph in the end was reconciled to the king, Parliament at Northhamton. and was with him fully agreed. But shortly after saith Reynulph, in a Parliament holden at Northampton, he was taken of the king by a train, and not delivered again before he had given up the Castle of Lincoln. About this time as certain writ, the jews then being in England crucified a child named William in the City of Norwiche in derision of the Christian religion. jews' crucified a child. And in the time of Henry the second, about the uj year of his reign (as saith Reynulph) they crucified another at Gloucester. In the twelve year of his reign, king Stephen was again crowned at Lincoln after the giving up of the said City where never none of his predecessors had been ever crowned before. Robert Earl of Gloucester made also new war upon the king, at Wilton, Robert Earl of Gloucester well rewarded of the king. so that he was in great peril, and like to have fallen into Robert's danger, and escaped but very narrowly. And there was taken a Baron of the kings named Sir William Martell, for whose ransom and delivery, the king gave after to the said Earl the Castle of Sherborne. And that done, the said Earl Robert began to build a strong Castle at Faringdon: Whereof the king being informed, assembled his knights and sped him thitherward, by mean whereof the work was for that time impeached and let. These things done (saith Polidore) the rage of war ceased for a tyme. In the mean while, the king went unto London, and there held a Parliament, in the which he spoke unto his Nobles and Prelates as followeth. Where you have hitherto (my most dear and trusty Lords all) followed me as chief and head captain in defending your liberty, I desire you that you will not now forsake me but do the like hereafter, and continued as loyal and faithful unto me your sovereign liege Lord, as you have hitherto been: for as concerning me, though I have not yet (I confess) done my duty in the princely regiment committed unto me, accordingly yet certes it hath not been for want of good will, but for that time hath not served thereunto, neither can I now accomplish the same without your aid and assistance. And because you shall not think that hitherto little or nothing hath been done of any importance: you shall understand that our enemies are already so weakened by my means, that will they nill they, they must needs yield them shortly to our grace and mercy. There remaineth only that you will for your parts help to maintain those wars which by our consent and counsel were first begun and taken in hand by me, for the defence of the common wealth. And many other words spoke he unto them of like sentence, to the intent to move them to contribute to the aforesaid wars as the present necessity should require. When he had thus spoken every man promised willingly to aid him with that they might, aswell for their own safety, as for the defence of the common liberty of the Realm. The Bishops and Priests also, because it was not lawful for them to fight, were contented yet to aid him with money. For the which thing, he being desirous to gratify them again, caused it to be ordained and enacted in the Parliament, that whosoever from that day forward laid violent hands upon any that was within holy orders, or did arrest any such, for what crime soever it were, or take them prisoners without the ordinaries process and express commandment, should be accounted accursed, and never to be assoiled again, but of the Bishop of Rome. In the xu year of his reign, the river of Thames was so strongly over frozen that Horse and Cart passed over upon the Ice. It is also written by Robert a Chronicler that king Stephen conceiving great displeasure against the City of Worcester, because they received the Duke of Gloucester and Mawde the Empress, did therefore 'cause the same City to be set on fire and brent to coals. In the xvij year, Reynulph earl of Chester died, and was the fourth Earl after the Conquest, and his son Hugh was Earl after him, which was a man of great strength and power. The death of Groffrey Plantagenet. And in the same year (as sayeth Guydo and other) died Geoffrey Plantagenet husband of Mawde the Empress. After whose death, Henry short mantel that was the son of the said Geoffrey and Mawde, was made Duke of Angeow and Normandy, who in few years after married Elianour the daughter of the Earl of Poytowe, the which Elianour was before married unto Lewes king of France, and from him divorced for nearness of blood, when he had received of her two daughters named Mary, and Alice, as saith the French Chronicle. And so this Henry was Earl of Angeow by his father, and Duke of Normandy by his mother, and Earl of Poytowe by his wife. It was not long after, that Eustace the son of King Stephen, with aid of the French king, warred upon Henry Duke of Normandy, the which (as some writ) was practised by Stephen his father, to the intent to let or stop him that he should not come into England to claim his inheritance. But Duke Henry defended himself so knightly, that the said Eustace won thereby little honour and less profit. An old Chronicle showeth that king Stephen intended to have crowned the said Eustace his son king of England by his days, but the bishops refused that deed by the commandment of the Bishop of Rome. In the xviij year, the king laid siege unto the Castles of Newbury, of Walyngforde, and of Warwick & Warwell, the which had been kept by the empress friends, from the time of her departure unto that day, and hoped of rescues by Henry Duke of Normandy. But the king then won the Castles of Newbury and of Warwell, but Warwick and Wallyngford defended themselves until the coming of Henry the Duke, The landing of Henry Duke of Normandy. the which in the end of the said year with a great army entered England, and first wan the Castle of Malmesbury. And thence he went to London, and wan the Tower, as much by policy and by fair promises, as by strength. And such stuff of victual and armour as he found therein, he sent to Walingrord. And that done, he went to the town of Walyngford, and wan such holds as were thereabout, and diverse other towns and Castles more. Then king Stephen with his power drew toward the Duke. And finally, by mean of mediators, as Thibalde Archbishop of Cauntorbury and other, both Princes to common of peace, met near unto the water of Urine, or Urn. But as fast as some laboured for peace, so fast other laboured to have war, so that at that communication the peace was not concluded. After the king and the Duke were departed, the king went toward Ipswitch in Suffolk: And the Duke took the way toward Shrewesbury, where he wan the Castle of the said town. From thence he went to Notyngham, and won that town, but would not meddle with the Castle, because he thought it to strong to be won. Wherefore the Soldiers that held the said Castle, seeing that the town took party with the Duke, broke out in the night, and set the town on fire, and brent a great part thereof. Eustace the son of king Stephen drowned. In this mean time Eustace the son of king Stephen, was by misadventure drowned, and was buried at Feversham in Kent, in the Abbey that his father before had builded, Thibald archbishop of Canterbury howbeit for all this Thibald Archbishop of Canterbury let not to labour & conclude the peace between the king & the Duke, and endeavoured himself therein so diligently, that with the assistance of other of the Nobles, A peace concluded between king Stephen and Henry Duke of Normandy. in the year following a peace was concluded at Walingford, upon diverse conditions: whereof one was that the king should continued as king during his life, and that immediately after the conclusion of this peace, the said Henry should be proclaimed in all the chief cities & towns of England for heir apparent, Henry Duke of Normandy proclaimed heir apparent. & be king after the death of the said Stephen, & that the king should take him for his son by adoption & rightful heir unto the crown. To the which covenants justly to be holden, the king was first sworn, and then his base son William and after his Lords spiritual and Temporal, and so went both unto London, where they were royally received. And when the king had feasted the Duke, and given unto him rich gittes, he took his journey toward Normandy. Duke Henry returned into Normandy. But the English Chronicle saith that the accord was made upon the division of the land between them, that is to say, that both should reign together, and either of them to enjoy half the land. But how that division was made, or which part of the land either of them should hold, no mention thereof is made. And the former accord should be concluded eight days following the Epiphany of our Lord in the town of Oxford: and the king died in the month of October following, when he had reigned xviij years ten months and xxiiij days, leaving no lawful issue behind him, and was buried in the Abbey of Feversham whereof he himself was founder. Of diverse authors, as Reynulph and other, it is recorded that this Stephen lived in great vexation and trouble all the time of his reign. And as before ye have heard in the latter end of the story of king William the Conqueror, that king Henry the second, and king Stephen, came of two sisters, after the opinion of some writers which were the daughters of king Henry the first who had married Mould the daughter of Malcolyne king of Scots, whereof the elder was named mould married to Geoffrey Plantagenet of whom he begat king Henry the second: And the other sister named Mary was the mother of king Stephen: By king Henry the second the blood of the Saxons was restored again. So also is it to be understand, that by king Henry the second returned the blood of the Saxons to the crown of England, and so it did by Stephen, but yet more properly by king Henry the first, as by the descent of his mother expressed before in the end of the story of William Conqueror may apere. By which reason it followeth, The blood of the Normans how long is reigned over us. that the blood of William Conqueror reigned over England but lxviij. years, one month and xuj days, if it be accounted from the first year of king William Conqueror, unto the last year of king Henry the first: But if we reckon it to the end of the reign of king Stephen, then was it lxxxvij years, and twelve days. Henry the second. HEnry the second of that name, son of Geoffrey Plantagenet Earl of Angeow, and of Mould or Mawde the Empress daughter of king Henry the first, began his reign over the Realm of England the xxv. day of October M.C.liiij. This king was somedeal read of face, The description of king Henry the second. and broad breasted, short of body, and therewith fat, the which to assuage he took the less of meats and drinks, and much exercised himself in hunting, hawking, and such like pastimes. He was harrish of voice, but yet eloquent and well learned, and also noble and valiant in knighthood, wise in counsel, but dread overmuch destinies. He was free and liberal to strangers, and heard and holding from his familiars and servants. And whom he loved or hated entirely, hard it was to turn him to the contrary. He loved rest and peace, to the end he might the rather follow his pleasure, with more vices rehearsed by Gerald and others, the which for length I pass over. Howbeit as Reynulph witnesseth he was not barren of all virtues, Henry the second a courageous prince. for he was of so great a courage, that he would often say, that all the world sufficed not to a courageous heart. And he increased his heritage so mightily, that he wan Ireland, anon after his coronation by strength, Ireland joined to the crown of England. and took the king of Scots prisoner, and joined that kingdom of Scotland to his own. From the South Ocean, unto the North Islands of Orcades, he closed all the lands as it were under one dominion, and spread so largely his Empire, Henry the second greatly enlarged his dominion. that we read not that any of his progenitors had so many provinces and Countries under their governance and rule. For beside the Realm of England and Scotland, he had in his rule Normandy, Gascoigne, and Guyan, Angeow and poitiers: and he made subject to him Aluerne and other lands. And by Elinor his wife he obtained as in her right, the earldom of Tolous. King Henry the second had by Elinor his wife ix. children. Of the which wife he received six sons, and three daughters, the which five sons had to name, William, Henry, Richard, Godfrey, and john, but what the sixth was called is not remembered of writers. The eldest of the maidens was named Mould or Mawde, and was married to the Duke of Saxon, the second Elinor, married to the king of Spain, and the third named jane, married to the king of Sicily. Princes are subject to tyme. This Henry was prosperous in his beginning, and infortunate in the end, and specially in the last five years of his reign, for in the first of those five years, his strength began to minish: The second year he lost a voyage in Ireland: In the third, he lost Aluerne, warring against the King of France: In the fourth year he lost Briteyn, and in the fift the City of Cenomanna, and Turon, with many Holds to them belonging. When tidings was brought unto this Henry of king Stephen's death, he fortuned to lie at the siege of a Castle which was withholden and kept from him by the french king. And being advertised by his counsel forthwith to break up his siege, and to hasten him into England to take possession of the Crown, least happily any stir or business might arise by protracting of the time: he upon the affiance that he had in his rightful cause answered again, that no man durst be so hardy as to attempt any thing against him. And so though he were daily counseled to the contrary, yet would he not departed before he had won the said Castle. That done, he sped him into England, and was crowned at Westminster of Theobald Archbishop of Cauntorbury, not without great solemnity and rejoicing of the people, the Sunday before Christmas day. The coronation of King Henry the second. 1154. At the which coronation he made a very sweet and comfortable oration unto the people, and so lovingly spoke unto them both generally and privately, that every man conceived thereby great hope of his good government to come, and that they should have a very good and gracious Prince of him. In the first year of his reign, after he had chosen certain grave, wise, discrete, and well learned men in the laws of the Realm to be of his privy counsel, and had by their advice reform the said laws, then because justice and equity should no longer be oppressed by such malefactors, as being called out of foreign countries by king Stephen to serve him in his wars, were not afeard to commit all kind of mischief, under pretence of a liberty permitted to Soldiers by the law of arms in war time: Strangers avoided out of the realm. he made proclamation, that all such strangers whatsoever they were, should avoid the Realm by a day assigned, under a great pain: But especially the Flemings whereof at that time there was a great number come hither, Castles destroyed and razed to the ground. whom he hated more than any other Nation. That done, he razed diverse Castles that before in the time of King Stephen were builded, either for displeasure of the owners, Lords and gentlemen are banished. or for that they stood not commodiously and for his purpose: Or else for fear lest they should at any time be fortified of his enemies against him. Furthermore, he banished many of the Lords and gentlemen that were highly in king Stephen's favour. Lands that belonged to the crown are taken in again. And from such as by purchase, gift, or otherwise held any lands, sometimes belonging to the Crown, he took the said lands and seized upon them in whose hands soever they were. By the which fact of his, a number (saith Polidore) were offended, gathering plainly thereof, that he would in time to come be nigh himself, and regard his own commodity. In the beginning of the second year which was the year of our Lord M.c.lu Queen Eleanor his wife was brought a bed of a man child whom he called Henry. The birth of Henry the first son of king Henry the second. This year he went down into the North Country, and so to York, where he seized into his hands certain Castles and Forts which had been a great while possessed of private persons: But especially the strong Castle of Scarborough. After this he took from the Scottish king the Country of Comberland, and then went he to Northumberlande, and recovered that Country wholly, notwithstanding that it was given unto king David of Scotland by Mawde the Empress his mother, because the said David took part with her against king Stephen, the which countries were at that season in the hands and possession of Malcolme who succeeded the said David: But because he would not seem altogether ungrateful unto him, that had so well deserved of his mother, he permitted the said Malcolme still to enjoy and retain the earldom of Huntingdon, the which, as is before said, king Stephen gave unto Henry the eldest son of David: But yet on condition that he should swear to do homage and fealty unto him for the same earldom. In the third year of his reign, about the month of October were seen in the Firmament wonderful sights, that is to say two Suns. And in the Moon was there seen also a read Cross. Strange & wonderful sights, Of this wonder showeth the Author of Chronica Chronicarum, saying that about this time in Italy there appeared three Suns by the space of three hours in the West. And in the year following appeared three Moons whereof the middle Moon had a read cross overthwart, which is there set out and noted for a prodigy and token of the Schism that afterwards fell amongst the Cardinals about the election of the Bishop of Rome Alexander the third, the which Schism endured almost twenty years. About this time Adrian the fourth of that name called Nicholas was Bishop of Rome, borne at Saint Albon or near there abouts, 1157/4 Adrian the fourth an English man made Bishop of Rome, and his judgement of the Papacy. and as Reynulph writeth was a bondman of the Abbey, who because he desired to be professed a monk in the said Monastery, and could not be received, went shortly after beyond the seas, where he profited so much in learning that the Bishop of Rome made him first Bishop of Alba, and afterwards Cardinal, and at the last after the death of Anastasius Bishop of Rome, he was chosen Bishop of Rome. And being advanced to the Popedom, he gave many great privileges to the said Abbey. At the length he died being choked with a fly in his drink, who a little before his death affirmed that there was no kind of life more miserable than the Papacy, he that desireth to know more of this Bishop, may read the second book and sixth Chapter of William of Newbrowghe. The same year also Hugh Mortimer a very proud and haw●e manned fortified divers towns and holds against the king, as Gloucester, Hugh Bortuner a rebel, submitteth himself and is pardoned. Worcester and the Castle of Bridgenorth. And when he saw the king's power bend against him, he humbly submitted himself, and had his pardon. Richard, surnamed (for his manhood) Cuer de lion, in English, lions heart, was this year borne at Oxford, in the king's Palace there, which as is before said was builded by Henry the first, The birth of Richard after called Richard Cuer de Lion. and afterwards given by Richard Duke of Cornwall brother unto king Henry the third, unto the order of the Carmelites then newly come into this Realm, to make them a house to inhabit in, which was called as it is yet at this day the white Friars. After this sayeth Polidore, the Realm of England was very quiet and king Henry at peace, aswell with his own subjects as with other foreign nations, until word was brought him that his brother Geoffrey made a great stir and business beyond the sea, the original cause whereof was this. Geoffrey Plantagenet his father lying on his death bed, left behind him three sons, that is to say, Henry, Geoffrey and William, and ordained by his will and last testament that whensoever his eldest son Henry should chance to be in full possession, as well of the Realm of England, as of the Dukedom of Normandy, that then and from thenceforth, his brother Geoffrey to have and hold as in his own proper right and inheritance the whole County and earldom of Anioye: And in the mean season, until it fell unto him, to have the possession of these three Towns following, that is to say, Chinon, Lendum and Mirabellum, because that when God should call for his father he having the aid of the aforesaid three towns might the easier come by his right, and not be lightly kept from the possession thereof. And fearing lest his son Henry (who was then absent) would afterwards break this his will and testament, he compelled divers noble men and prelate's that then were present to promise' him upon their oath that they would not suffer his body to be interred before they had received a corporal oath of his son henry for the firm and inviolable performance thereof. The which oath Henry afterwards took (though full sore against his will) more to avoid the great infamy and dishonour that should have else ensued upon the denial thereof, An oath taken by Henry the second for the performance of his fathers William. then otherwise. But not long after when by the death of king Stephen, he was crowned king of England, being inflamed with ambition, and following the nature of all covetous persons, who the more they have, the more they desire, he so used the matter with Adrian the fourth then Bishop of Rome, The Pope dispenseth with king Henry for his oath. that he was by him dispensed of his aforesaid oath. And being so dispensed withal, contrary to all right, equity, law and conscience, he then little regarding his father's will, made war upon his said brother, and in short time subdued him: & so spoiling him of his rightful inheritance seized the said earldom into his own hands. Howbeit, he gave him afterwards certain other lands in recompense, because he should not lack living to maintain his estate. But the said Geoffrey being thus unnaturally entreated of his brother lived not long after. Polidore. All this while there was privy grudge and heart burning between king Henry of England and Lewes of France, neither could the same be otherwise quenched, then by often renewing of amity and friendship betwixt them, the which yet was evermore but coloured and dissembled on both parties for the time, insomuch that it would burst out again upon the lest occasion that might be. The chief cause of this mutual grudge was for that Henry married Aleanor, from whom the said Lewes as is beforesaid, had been before divorced, after he had had two daughters by her. This Aleanor was niece and might heir unto William sometimes Duke of Aquitaine, and Earl of Tholose, Variance & discord between king Henry and the French king. who died in the holy land: Wherefore king Henry having now married the said Alianor claimed as in her right the earldom of Tholose, which then was withholden from him by the Earl Reymond, who had married lady Constance the french kings sister, whereupon both the said kings were in arms ready to assail each other with sharp and cruel war, had not the matter been taken up by their friends, and a peace concluded betwixt them. A peacetaken. For confirmation whereof, it was agreed betwixt the said two Princes, A marriage concluded between the son of the king Henry and the daughter of the French king. that Henry the second son of king Henry, but the eldest then alive, being a child of eight years of age, should marry the daughter of Lewes the eight named Margaret being then but three years old. The which daughter the said Lewes received of his second wife Constance the daughter of the king of Spain: and this conclusion of peace & marriage was (as both Polidore and William of Newbrough do affirm) the eight year of the reign of king Henry. This year also was the City of Cauntorbury almost all brent and consumed with fire, although Fabian saith that it was in the sixth year. Cantorbury brent. The same year also died Theobalde archbishop of Cauntorbury. Theobald archbishop of Canterbury This man was a great favourer of good letters and learned men, but especially he loved (for what qualities I know not) Thomas Becket a Londoner borne, the son of one Gilbert Becket, & of a woman of Syria. Thomas Becket made Lord Chancellor Insomuch that he not only made him archdeacon of Cauntorbury, but also was a mean unto the king that he was made Lordehauncelour of England. Of the which Theobald it is also written, that immediately after his election to the Archebishoprick, he went to Rome, Archbishops of Canterbury are named by the Pope, Legari nati. and there received his Pall of Innocent the second, and was made of him Legate. And hereof it came that all other archbishops that succeeded him were evermore called Legati nati. The same year Queen Aleanor was brought a bed of a daughter named Mawde. And shortly after the death of the said Theobald, Thomas Becket aforesaid, was by the kings procurement chosen and consecrated archbishop of Cauntorbury, that is to say the ix year of king Henry. And this year the Queen was brought a bed at Rouen of a daughter which was called Aleanor, after her mother's name. About this time king Henry caused all the States and Prelates of his Realm to swear fealty to his son Henry, a Prince of great towardness: Fealty sworn to the kings son in the life of his father. And of all other, Thomas Lord Chancellor and archbishop of Cauntorbury was the first that took the oath, with reservation of the fealty all ready made unto the king his father so long as he lived. Not long after the said archbishop resigned the office of the Chauncelorship, and gave up the great Seal into the kings hands, the which the king took in very evil part. The year following which was the year of our Lord. M.C.lxiij. and the x. year of the reign of the king, there fell great variance between the king and the said Thomas Becket, The king is in displeasure with Thomas Becket. insomuch that the kings mind was now clean alienated from him: The occasion and ground of which variance shall afterwards he declared. In the xi year of his reign the Welshemen rebelled again, the which rebellion was by the king easily appeased without any great slaughter. For the chief doers and beginners hereof, he so punished, that it was thought that they would not eftsoons rebel but of their own accord remain true and faithful Subjects. The twelve year of his reign died Malcolme king of Scots, next after whom succeeded his brother William, William king of Scots doth homage and fealty to king Henry. who as soon as he was crowned went to London and there did homage and fealty unto king Henry, as Malcolme had done before. But Reynulph in his vij book, and xxiij Chapter setteth forth the manner and doing of this homage as followeth. This year (saith he) the twelve day before September, William king of Scotland by the assent of his Lords and Barons came unto York where then king Henry was with his Nobles, and there swore fealty and made his homage unto the said king Henry of England. And also the said king William did then and there confess and acknowledge by his letters patents that he and his successors, men of Scotland, should do homage, allegiance and fealty to the kings of England, as often as they shall be required thereunto. And in token of this subjection, the said king of Scotland offered his Hat, and his saddle upon Saint Peter's altar in the Church of York, which are extant there to be seen at this day. And moreover the Lords of Scotland there present at that time, took their oath in solemn manner, that if the king of Scotland would withdraw him at any time from the said faith and loyalty, that then they would rise against him, and so remain his enemies, until he would return and reconcile himself. Geoffrey the kings son married to Constance the daughter of the Duke of Briteyn. About this time died Conanus Duke of Briteyne without issue male, leaving behind him one only daughter named Constance, which though she were then under age and not yet marriable, king Henry found the means to marry his son Geoffrey unto, and so was his strength and dominion not a little increased thereby. In the xiij year of his reign died Mawde the Empress the kings mother, a woman as well for her wisdom and policy in wars, as all other her notable qualities incomparable. Mawde married to the duke of Saxony. This time also the King married his daughter Mawde unto Henry Duke of Saxony. After this the king being at peace with all foreign nations from the xiij year of his reign the space of two years and more, because he would not idly consume the time, King Henry with his son, saileth into Briteyne. neither yet suffer his soldiers by feasting, banqueting, and other unfitting pastimes, which they are commonly wont to give themselves unto in peace time, which should withdraw their minds from martial affairs, taking his son with him, made a voyage into Briteyne, where he spent a great part of his time in riding about and viewing of the Country, and in fortifying of towns and holds, and finally in having of familiar conference and friendly talk with the noble men there. Then departing from thence he went into Normandy, and there also took order with matters of that Country accordingly. These things done, in the beginning of the next spring, A great misfortune upon the Sea. he returned into England, but not without some misfortune upon the sea: For one of his Ships was drowned by tempest, wherein as it is reported were three hundredth persons which were all drowned. And after his return he went to Windfore, where he made his abode and kept his Christmas, and the greatest part of all the Nobles of the realm were there with him. And thither came also king William of Scotland with his brother David to signify unto him how glad and joyful they were of his prosperous success in his late voyage, whom he right courteously embraced again, giving them at their departure many rich and large gifts. Now to return unto Thomas Becket: the cause of the aforesaid variance and dissension betwixt the king and him was as it is written of divers Authors of good credit, that certain wicked persons of the Clergy whose murders, robberies, and grievous transgressions against the laws of the Realm, being declared to the king by his judges: The king therewith was not a little aggrieved, and for reformation thereof, called a Parliament in the ix year of his reign at Northampton, requiring to have established by authority thereof, that due punishment might be executed upon such transgressors of the Clergy of this Realm according to the ancient order of the laws: notwithstanding the prerogative and privilege which the ecclesiastical persons claimed, saying that they were exempt from all temporal jurisdiction. Thomas Becket then being archbishop of Cauntorbury, understanding the king to go about to set laws, prejudicial to the privilege of the Clergy, would not agreed thereunto, desiring the king that under Christ our new king, and under the new law of Christ he would not bring in any new proceedings against the ordinances and decrees of the ancient holy fathers: And if he would, he said that he neither aught to sustain it, nor would not. The king being moved therewith, allegeth again and exacteth the old laws and customs of his Grandfather, observed and agreed upon by archbishops, Bishops, Prelates, and other priveleged persons, requiring likewise of him, whether he would agreed to the same, or else now in his reign condemn that, which in the reign of his Grandfather was well allowed. And those constitutions are in number xxviij or xxix whereof certain follow. 1 Concerning the nomination and presentation into benefices, Laws and constitutions ordained by king Henry the first. if any controversy arise between the laity and Clergy: or between one spiritual man with another, the matter to be brought into the king's temporal Court, and there to be decided. 2 Churches, such as be de feodo Regis, to be given at no time without the assent and permission of the king. 3 All spiritual and ecclesiastical persons being accused of any crime, All ecclesiastical persons are subject in all criminal causes to the temporal law. what soever it be, and summoned by the king's justice to come and appear in the king's court, there to make answer whether the matter appertain to the spiritual court or to the temporal: so that if the said persons be found guilty and convicted of any crime, the Church not to defend him nor secure him. 4 No archbishop nor Bishop, That no ecclesiastical person departed this realm without the kings licence. nor person being of any Ecclesiastical dignity, to attempt to go over the Sea out of the Realm without the king's knowledge and permission, and in so doing, yet notwithstanding to be bound, tarrying in any place to procure no damage either to the king or to the realm. 5 Such goods or Cattles as be forefeyted to the king, No sanctuary or church may detain goods against the king. neither any sanctuary of Church, or Churchyard to deteyn them, contrary to the king's justice for that they belong to the king, whether they be found in the Church or Churchyard. 6 No orders to be given to husband men's children without the assent and testimonial of them which be the Lords of the Country, That no orders be given to husband men's children, without the assent of the Lords of the soil. where they were borne and brought up. ¶ Besides these constitutions there were many other which I pass over, for that the afore rehearsed articles are the chief. And now let us return to the matter betwixt the king and Thomas Becket aforesaid. The king as is aforesaid, conventing his nobles and Clerks together, required to have the punishment of the aforesaid misdoers of the Clergy. But Thomas Becket would not consent thereunto. Wherefore the king demanded of him whether he would consent with his Clergy, that the customs than set forth in the realm (meaning the first part of the aforesaid decrees) should be observed. To the which the Archbishop consulting together with his brethren, giveth answer again, that he was contented the king's ordinances should be observed, adding this withal Saluo ordine suo, that is, saving his order. And so in like manner all the other Bishops after, being demanded in order, answered with the same addition Saluo ordine suo. Only Hillarius Bishop of Chichester, perceiving the king to be exasperated with that addition, in stead of Saluo ordine suo, was agreed to observe them bona fide. The king hearing them not simply to agreed unto him but with an exception, was greatly offended, who then turning to the Archbishop and the Prelates, said: that he was not well content with that clause of theirs Saluo ordine suo, which he said was captious and deceitful, having some manner of venom lurking under it, and therefore required an absolute grant of them, without any exception, to agreed to the former ordinances. To this the Archbishop replieth that they had sworn unto him their fidelity, both life, body and earthly honour: Saluo ordine suo: and that in the same earthly honour, all those ordinances were comprehended. And to the observing of them they would bind themselves after none other form, but as they had sworn before. The king with this was moved, and all his nobility, and that not a little. The day being well spent the king when he could get none other answer of them, departed in great anger, giving no word of salutation unto the Bishops. And likewise every one of the Bishops departed to his own house. Hillarius Bishop of Chichester. The bishop of Chichester among the rest was greatly rebuked of his fellows for changing the exception contrary to the voice of all the other. The next day following the king took from the archbishop all such honours and Lordships as he had given him before, The king showeth himself displeased with Thomas Becket. in the time that he was chancellor, whereby appeared the great displeasure that the king bore against him and the Clergy. Not long after this, the king removing from London, unknowing to the Bishops, Gilbert Bishop of London. sailed over into Normandy, where the Bishop of London called Gilbert, not long after resorted to him to crave his favour: and gave him counsel withal to join some of the Bishops on his side, lest if all were against him, peradventure he might the sooner be overthrown. And thus the greatest number of the Bishops were by this means reconciled again unto the king, except the archbishop and a few other Bishops. The king thinking to try all manner of ways, when he saw neither fear, nor threats could turn them, he did then assay them with gentleness, but it would not serve. Many of the Nobles labouring betwixt them both, exhorted the archbishop to relent unto the king, but it would not be. Likewise the Archbishop of York, with divers other Bishops & Abbots especially the Bishop of Chester did the same: Besides his own household daily called upon him, but no man could persuade him. At length he having understanding, partly by them that came to him, what danger might happen not only to himself, but to all the other of the Clergy, upon the kings displeasure, Thomas Becket adds somewhat to the king. and partly also considering the old love and kindness of the king towards him in times past, was content to give over to the kings request, and came to Oxenford to the king, reconciling himself about the addition which had displeased the king so much. Whereupon the king being somewhat mitigated, received him with a more cheerful countenance (but yet not so familiarly as before) saying that he would have his ordinances and proceedings after that form confirmed in the public audience and open sight of his Bishops and all his Nobles. After this, the king being at Clarendon, there called his Nobility and Prelates before him, A counsel holden and kept at Clarendon. requiring to have that performed, which they had granted in consenting to the observing of his Grandfather's ordinances and proceedings. The archbishop of Cantorbury suspecting somewhat in the kings promise, drew backward, Thomas Becket draweth back from that he promised. and now would not, that before he would: And to persuade him to obedience: First came unto him the Bishop of Sarisbury, and of Norwich, who for old matters were in danger to the king long before, weeping & lamenting to the Archbishop, desiring him to have some compassion on them, and to remit this pertinacy to the king, lest if he so continued, through his stoutness to exasperated the kings displeasure, haply it might redound to no small danger, not only to them which were in jeopardy all ready, but also to himself to be imprisoned, and the whole Clergy to be endangered. Great labour taken to reduce Thomas Becket to his bounden obedience Besides these two Bishops, there went to him other two noble peers of the Realm, labouring with him to relent, & condescend to the kings desire. If not, they should be enforced to use violence, as neither would stand with the king's fame, and much less with his quietness: But he would not give over. After this came to him two Rulers of the Temple called Templares, one named Richard de haste: another called Constance de Honerio with their company, lamenting and bewailing the great peril, which they declared unto him to hung over his head, and yet neither with their tears, nor with their kneelings would he be removed. At the length came the last message from the king, signifying unto him with express words, and also with tears what he should trust unto, if he would not give over unto the kings request. By reason of which message, he either terrified or else persuaded, was content to submit himself: Whereupon the king incontinent assembling the States together, the archbishop first before all other beginneth to promise' to the king obedience, and submission unto his customs, and that cum bona fide, leaving out his former addition, Saluo ordine, mentioned before, Thomas Becket swore to keep the kings ordinances. in steed whereof, he promised in verbo veritatis, to observe and keep the kings customs, & swear to the same. After him the other bishops likewise made the like oath. Whereupon the king commanded certain instruments obligatory to be drawn, of the which the king should have one, the Archbishop of Cantorbury another, and the Archbishop of York the third, requiring also the said Archbishop to set to his hand and seal. Thomas Becket useth delays. To the which the Archbishop although not denying but that he was willing so to do, yet desired respite in the matter while that he being come but newly to his Bishopric might better peruse with himself the aforesaid customs and ordinances of the king. This request as it seemed but reasonable, so it was lightly granted, and so the day being far spent, they departed for that season, and broke up. Thomas Becket repenteth his oath and obedience to the king. Alanus one of the four writers of the life of this Thomas Becket, recordeth that the Archbishop in his voyage toward Winchester began greatly to repent that he had done before, partly through the instigation of certain about him, but chiefly of his cross bearer, who going before the Archbishop did sharply and earnestly rebuke him, for giving over to the king's request, against the privilege and liberties of the Church, polluting not only his fame & conscience, but also giving a pernicious example to them that should come after, with many like words. To make the matter short, the archbishop was so touched upon the same, with such repentance, that keeping himself from company, lamenting with tears, with fasting, and with much penance, tearing and scourging his own body, did also suspend himself from all divine service, and would not receive comfort, before he had sent to the Pope, and had grant that he should be assoiled of him, who directed to him again letters by the same messenger that came from the said archbishop. Thomas Becket is assoiled of the Pope for his oath. In which letters, he not only assoiled him of his trespass, but also with words of great consolation did courage him to be stout in the quarrel he took in hand. Upon these letters of the Pope, Becket was not a little comforted & encouraged. The king hearing of Thomas Beckets going back & how he denied to set his seal to those factions which he condescended unto before, The kings wrath increased against Thomas Becket. took no little displeasure against him, insomuch as he threatening to him banishment and death, began to call him to reckonings, and to burden him with payments, that all men might understand that the kings mind was sore set against him. The Archbishop hereupon, Thomas Becket purposed to make an escape. whether more for the love of the Pope, or dread of his Prince, thought to make an escape out of the realm, and so crept out in the night with two or three with him, stealing from his household, & attempted to take the sea privily, but the weather not serving him, he was driven home again. And shortly after that he was gone, his departure was known and noised abroad: By reason of which 'noys the kings officers came to Cauntorbury, and purposed to have seized upon his goods on the kings behalf. Thomas Becket flieth, but returneth again. But as it chanced the night before their coming, Becket returned and was found at home, wherefore they did not proceed in their purpose. Now Becket well understanding the king to be sore bend against him, and perceiving that the Seas would not serve him, made haste to the Court, the king lying then at Woodstock, Thomas Becket cometh again to the Court, to the king. where the king received him after a certain manner, but nothing so familiarly as he was wont, taunting him jestingly and merrily, as though one Realm were not able to hold them both. Becket, although he was permitted to go and come at his pleasure to the Court, yet he could not obtain the favour that he would, perceiving both in himself, and confessing no less unto others how the matter would fall out, so that either he should be constrained to give over with shame, or stoutly he must stand to that which he had so boldly taken in hand. The archbishop of York in the mean time going between the king and Becket, laboured to make peace and love between them: But the king in no case would be reconciled, unless the other would subscribe to his laws. So that while the king would none otherwise agreed, neither that Becket would in no wise subscribe, An arrogant subject to stand in such manes with his Prince. there was a foul discord betwixt them. The king for his regal authority thought it much that any subject of his should stand against him. The Archbishop again thinking himself to have so good a quarrel as in the defending of the liberties of the Church, and also bearing himself bold upon the letters of the Pope lately written unto him, thought himself strong enough against the king and all the realm beside. Wherefore the archbishop trusting to these things, would give no place, but by virtue of his Apostolic authority gave censure upon these laws and constitutions of the king, condemning some, and other some approving for good and Catholic. Rotrodus archbishop of Rouen. Besides this there came also to the king Rotrodus Archbishop of Rouen sent from the Pope to make peace between the king and the archbishop. To the which the king was well content to agreed, so that the Pope would agreed to ratify his ordinances. But when that could in no wise be obtained at the Pope's hands, than the king thus being stopped and frustrate of his purpose by reason of Beckets Apostolic Legacy, being Legatus a latere: thought good to sand up to the Pope: and so he did to obtain of him, that the same authority of the Apostolic Legacy might be conferred to another, The king disdaineth to be the Pope's Legate. after his appointment which was the Archbishop of York: But that the Pope denied. Notwithstanding at the request of the kings Clergy, the Pope was content that the king should be Legate himself, whereat the king took great indignation as (Hoveden writeth) so that he sent the Pope his letters again. And when the king's Ambassadors were returned with the aforesaid letters, & had declared the king's pleasure & request. The Pope at the last granted, that the Legate should be removed, & that the Archbishop of York should be placed in that office after his own request. And yet addeth this promise withal, that the said Becket should receive no harm nor damage thereby. Assoon as the king had received the Pope's letters to authorile the Archbishop of York in the Legacy, Thomas Becket cited to appear at Northampton he then caused Becket to be cited up to appear by a certain day at the town of Northampton, there to make answer to such things as should be laid to his charge. So when the day was come, all the Peers and Nobles with the Prelates of the realm upon the king's proclamation being assembled in the Castle of Northampton great fault was found with the archbishop, for that he being cited personally came not himself, but sent another for him. The cause why he came not (Hoveden saith) was this, because the king had placed his horse and horsemen in the archbishop's lodging, which was a house there of Canons, wherewith he being offended, sent word again that he would not appear unless his lodgings were avoided of the kings horsemen. A judgement given against Thomas Becket. Whereupon by public sentence as well of the Nobles as of the Bishops, his movables were adjudged to be confiscate for the king. The Archbishop again for his part against the order and form of that judgement complained, alleging for himself, A stout reply of Thomas Becket. that seeing he was the Primate & spiritual father, not only of all other in the realm, but also of the king himself, he thought it not convenient, the father so to be judged of his children, nor the pastor of the flock so to be condemned. And this was the first days action. The next day following the king laid an action against him, King Henry commented an action against Thomas Becket. for one that was his Marshal called john, for certain injury done to him, and required of the said Archbishop the repaiing again of certain money, which he as he said had lent unto him in the time he was chancellor, the some whereof was five hundredth Marks. This money the archbishop denied not but that he had received it of the king, albeit by the way and title of gift (as he took it) though he could bring no proof thereof. Whereupon the king required him to put in assurance for the payment thereof, whereat the Archbishop making delays, not well contented at the matter, he was so called upon, that either he should be comptable to the king for the money, or else he should incur present danger, the king being so bend against him. The Archbishop being brought to such a straight, and destitute of his own suffragans, could not here by no means escape, had not five persons of their own accord stepped in, being bound for him, every one in one hundredth Marks, and this was upon the second day concluded. The morrow after which was the third day of the Counsel, as the Archbishop was sitting beneath in a conclave with his fellow Bishops about him, consulting together, the said Bishops laboured by sundry ways and means, and with very vehement persuasions and learned arguments to will him to obedience and to submit himself to the king, the which persuasions for the length of them I do here omit: But to conclude, when they had long spent their labour, good will and wisdom, to have reduced him to good order, he would not condissend unto them, but said as followeth. I bold and stout answer made by Thomas Becket. I perceive saith he, and understand that ye go about to maintain and cherish but your own cowardness under the colourable shadow of sufferance, and under the pretence of dissembling softness, to choke the liberty of Christ's Church: who hath thus bewitched you, O unsatiable Bishops? what mean ye? why do you so under the impudent title of forbearing, bear a double heart, and cloak your manifest iniquity? What call ye this bearing with time, the detriment of the Church of Christ? Let terms serve the matter, why pervert you the matter that is good with vocables and terms untrue? For that ye say we must bear with the malice of time, I grant with you, but yet we must not heap sin to sin. Is not Godable to help the state and condition of his Church, but with the sinful dissimulation of the teachers of the Church? Certes God is disposed to tempt you. And tell me I pray you, when should the governors of the Church put themselves to dangers for the Church, in time of tranquillity or in time of distress? Ye will be ashamed to deny the contrary, but in distress. And now then the Church lying in so great distress and vexation, why should not the good pastor put himself in peril therefore? For neither do I think it a greater act or merit, for the ancient bishops of the old time, to found the Church than with their blood, or then now for us to shed our blood for the liberties of the same. And to tell you plain, I think it not safe for you, to serve from the form and example which you have received of your holy elders. After these things were spoken, they sat all in silence a certain space, being locked in together as aforesaid: But at the length to find a shift to 'cause the door to be opened, I would saith the archbishop speak with two Earls that are about the king, and named them who they were, which being called, opened the door and came in with haste, thinking to hear some thing which should appease the kings mind, to whom the Archbishop spoke in this manner. As touching and concerning the matters between the king and us, we have here conferred together. And forasmuch as we have them not here present with us now, which know better in the matter than we do, whose advise we would also be glad to follow, therefore we crave so much respite as until to morrow, and then we will be ready to give up our answer unto the king: with this message two bishops were sent unto the king, which was the Bishop of London and the Bishop of Rochester. London to help the matter, and to set quietness, adding something more to the message, said to the king, that the archbishop craved a little delay of time to prepare such writings and instruments, wherein he should set forth and declare his mind, in accomplishing the kings desire. etc. Wherefore two Barons were sent to him from the king to grant him that respite or stay, so that he would ratify that which the messengers had signified to the king. To the which the archbishop answereth that he sent no such message as was intimate in his name: but only that the next day he would come and give answer to the king, in that which he had to say. And so the convocation of the Bishops dissolved, and they were dismissed home. So that the most part of them that came with the archbishop and accompanied him before, for fear of the kings displeasure severed themselves from him. The archbishop thus forsaken and destitute (as the History of him saith) sent about for the poor, the lame, & the halt, to come in and furnish his house, saying, that by them he might sooner obtain his victory, than by the other, which had so slipped from him. On the next day following, because it was Sunday nothing was done. Thomas Becket useth many delays So the day after, which was the second ferry, the archbishop was cited to apere: But the night before being taken with the disease of the Cholike, all that day he kept his bed, and not able as he said to arise. Every man supposed it to be but a feigned sickness, certain of the chief Nobles were sent to try out the matter, & to cite him to the Court namely Robert Earl of Leycester, & Reginald earl of Devonshire. To whom the archbishop answered, that as that day he was so diseased that he could not come, and though he were brought in a horse Litter: so that day passed over. The morrow after, certain that were about him, Thomas Becket, is counseled to have a Mass of S. Stephen to defend him from his enemies. fearing no less but that some danger would happen unto him, gave him counsel in the morning to have a Mass in the honour of the holy Martyr Saint Stephen, to keep him from the hands of his enemies that day. When the Morrow was come being Tuesday, there came to him the Bishops and Prelates, counselling and persuading him covertly by insinuation (for apertly they durst not) that he would submit himself aswell for all other his goods, as also his archbishopric to the will of the king, if peradventure his indignation by that means might assuage. Adding moreover, that unless he would so do, perjury should be laid against him, for that he under the oath of fidelity had promised to keep the kings laws and ordinances, Thomas Becket was charged with perjury. and now would not observe them. To this Becket answereth again: Brethrens ye see and perceive well how the world is set against me, and how the enemy riseth and seeketh my confusion. And although these be dolorous and lamentable, yet the thing that grieveth me most of all is this: the sons of mine own mother be pricks and thorns against me. And albeit that I do hold my peace, yet the posterity to come will know and report how cowardly you have turned your backs, and have left me your archbishop and Metropolitan alone in this conflict, and how you have sitten in judgement against me (although an unworthy sinner) now two days together, and not that only in the Civil or spiritual Court, but also in the temporal Court ready to do the same. But in general this I charge and command you all, by the virtue of pure obedience, and in peril of your own order, that ye be not present personally in judgement against me. And that ye shall not so do, I here appeal to our mother and refuge of all such as be oppressed, the Church of Rome: Thomas Becket appealeth to Rome. and if any secular man shall lay hands upon me (as it is rumoured they will) I straightly enjoin & charge you in the same virtue of obedience, that you exercise your censure Ecclesiastical upon them, as it becometh you to do for your father and archbishop. And this I do you to understand, that though the world rage, Thomas Becket a man of great courage. and the enemy be fierce, and the body trembleth, for the flesh is weak, yet God so favouring me, I will neither cowardly shrink, nor vilely forsake my flock committed to my charge. Gilbert Bishop of London appealed from Thomas Becket. But the Bishop of London contrary to this commandment, did incontinent appeal from him. And thus the Bishops departed from him to the Court, save only two, that was Henry Bishop of Winchester, and joselyne of Sarisbury, who returned with him secretly to his Chamber and comforted him. A Mass of S. Stephen. This done, the archbishop the next day addressed him to the Mass of S. Stephen with all solemnity, as though it had been an high festival day, with his Metropolitan Pall, which was not used to be worn, but upon the holy day. etc. The office of his Mass began Sederunt Principes & adversum me loquebantur. etc. that is, Princes sit and spoke against me. etc. (The kings servants being also there, and beholding the matter) for this Mass Gilbert Bishop of London accused Becket afterward, Becket accused to be a conturer. both for that it was done per artem magicam, & in contemptum Regis, (as the words of Hoveden purport) that is both by art magic, and in contempt of the king. The Mass being ended, the archbishop putting off his Pall, his Mitre and other robes, proceedeth to the kings Court, and taketh also the Sacrament privily about him. And coming towards the kings Chamber there to attend upon the king, as he was entering in at the door, he taketh from Alexander his crosier, the Cross with the Crossestaffe, in the sight of all that stood by, and carrieth it in himself, the other bishops following him, and saying he did otherwise then became him. Robert Bishop of Hereford. Amongst other, Robert Bishop of Hertford offered himself to bear his cross, rather than he should so do, for that was not comely: but the archbishop would not suffer him. Then said the Bishop of London unto him, if the king shall see you come armed into his Chamber, perchance he will draw out his sword against you, which is stronger than yours, and then what shall this your armour profit you? The Archbishop answereth again: if the kings sword do cut carnally, yet my sword cutteth spiritually, and striketh down to hell: But you my Lord, as ye have played the fool in this matter, so you will not leave off your folly so far as I can see, and so he came into the chamber. The king hearing of his coming & the manner thereof, tarried not long, but came where Becket was set in a place by himself with his other Bishops about him. First the crier calling all the Prelates and all the Lords of the Temporalty together: that being done, and every one placed in his seat, according to his degree: The king beginneth with a great complaint against the Archbishop, The king calleth Becket traitor. for his manner of entering into the court, not as into a king's court, but as a traitor, showing himself so like a traitor as hath not been seen before in any christian kings court: To this all there present gave witness with the king's words. And so altogether with one cry called him on every side Traitor. Whereupon, great horror and fear was what should befall on him. The Archbishop of York coming down to his men, said he could not abide to see what the archbishop of Cantorbury was like to suffer. Likewise, the Tipstaffs and other ministers of the assembly coming down with an outas against him, crossed them to see his haughty stobernesse, & the business that there was towards him. Certain there were of his friends one or two, sitting at his feet, some comforting him softly, and bidding him to lay his curse upon them: Other contrary, bidding him not to curse, but to pray and to forgive them: and if he lost his life in the quarrel of the Church and the liberty thereof, johannes Stephani. he should be happy. Afterward one of them named johannes Stephani, willing to speak something in his ear, but could not be suffered by the kings Marshal, who forbade that any man should have any talk with him. Then he, because that he could not otherwise speak unto him, wrought by signs, making a cross and looking up with his eyes, and wagging his lips meaning that he should pray, & manfully stand to the Cross. In the mean time cometh to him Bartholomew Bishop of Exeter, desiring him to have regard and compassion upon himself, & also of them, or else they were all like to perish for the hatred of him, for there cometh out, saith he, a precept from the king, that you shall be taken, and so suffer for an open rebel, and who so hereafter taketh your part shall have the like punishment. It is said moreover, Bartholomew Bishop of Exeter is reproved by Thomas Becket as Peter was of Christ. that joselinus Bishop of Sarisbury, and William Bishop of Norwiche are to be had to the place of execution for their resisting, and making intercession for you. When he had thus said, the Archbishop looking upon the said bishop of Exeter said: Aduoyde said he, hence from me, thou understandest not, neither dost thou savour those things that be of God. The Bishops and Prelates then going aside by themselves from the other Nobles (the king so permitting them to do) took counsel together what was to be done. Here the matter stood in a doubtful perplexity, for either must they incur the dangerous indignation of the king: or else with the Nobles they must proceed in condemnation against the Archbishop for resisting the kings sanctions, which they did not favour themselves. In this strait necessity, they devising what way to take, at length agreed upon this, that they with a common assent should appeal the Archbishop to the See of Rome upon perjury. The bishops agreed to appeal Thomas Becket to Rome of perjury. And that they should oblige and bind themselves to the king, with a sure promise to work their diligence in deposing the Archbishop upon this condition, that the king should promise' their safety, and discharge them from the peril of that judgement which was toward him. So all the Bishops obliging themselves thus to the king, went forth to the Archbishop, of whom one speaking for the rest (which was Hilary Bishop of Chichester) had these words. Once you have been our Archbishop, and so long we were bound to your obedience: The bishops refuse obedience to Thomas Becket. but now for as much as you once swearing your fidelity to the king, do resist him, neglecting his Injunctions and ordinances concerning and pertaining to his terrene honour and dignity, wherefore we here pronounce you perjured, neither be we bound to give obedience to the Archbishop thus perjured. But putting our selves & all ours in the Pope's protection do appeal you * That is to say, do call you or summon you. to his presence. And upon the same assigned him his day & time to apere. The Archbishop answering again said, he heard him well enough, And upon this sendeth up to Rome in all haste to the Pope, signifying to him by letters the whole matter, how and wherefore & by whom he was appealed: After the Archbishop was thus appealed to Rome as before you have heard, he then sitting with his cross waiting in the Court, at the last the king sent by certain Earls and Barons commandment to him (Robert the Earl of Leycester doing the message) that he should without delay come and tender a full account of all things that he had received in fruits & revenues of the realm, in the time he being his Chancellor, Thomas Becket once again charged to be in the kings dept. and especially for the 30000 Marks for the which he was accountable to the king. To whom the Archbishop answereth, that the king knew how oft he had made his reckoning and account of those things which he now required. Further and beside, he said that Henry his son and heir of the Realm, with all his Barons and also Richard Lucye his chief justice told him that he was free and quit to God & holy Church from all receipts and computations, and from all secular exactions on the king's behalf. And so he taking this his discharge at their hands, entered into his office, and therefore other account besides he would make none. When this word was brought to the king, Thomas Becket judged to be imprisoned. he required his Barons to do the law upon him: who judged him to be apprehended and laid in prison. This done the king sendeth unto him Reginald earl of Cornwall and of Devonshire, and Robert Earl of Leycester, to declare to him what was his judgement. To whom the Archbishop answereth, A proud and presumptuous speech. hear my son and good Earl, what I say unto you: how much more precious the soul is then the body, so much more aught you to obey me in the Lord, rather than your terrene king: Neither doth any law or reason permit the children to judge and condemn their father. Wherefore to avoid both the judgement of the king and youtes, and of all other, Thomas Becket appealeth from the king to the Pope. I put myself only to the Arbitrement of the Pope under God alone, to be judged of him and of none other. To whose presence here before you all I do appeal, committing the ordering of the Church of Cantorbury my dignity, with all other things appertaining to the same, unto the protection of God and his. And as for you my brethren and fellow bishops (which rather obey man than God) you also I call and claim to the audience and judgement of the Pope, and hence I departed from you as from the enemies of the Catholic Church, & of the authority of the Apostolic See. Thomas Becket in a soul rage. While the Barons returned with this answer to the king, the archbishop passing through the throng, taketh to him his Palfrey, holding his Cross in the one hand, and the Bridle of his Palfrey in the other, the Courtiers following after crying Traitor, Traitor, tarry & here thy judgement: But he passed on until he came to the uttermost gate of the Court, which being fast locked, there he had been stayed, had not one of his servants called Peter, named Deiunctorio, finding there a bunch of keys hanging by, first proving one key, and then another, at the last chanced upon the right key, and so opened the gate and let him out. The archbishop went straight way to the house of Canons where he did lie, calling in to him the poor where they could be found. When supper was done, making as though he would go to bed (which he caused to be made betwixt two Altars) he in the mean time previly, while the king was at Supper in the Evening, prepareth his journey secretly to escape away, changing his garment and his name being called Derman, first went to Lincoln, from thence to Sandwich, Thomas Becket changeth his name and escapeth. where he took Ship, and sailed into Flaunders, & from thence journeyed to France as Hoveden saith. But Alanus differing in the order of his flight, saith that he did not fly that night, for at supper time there came unto him the Bishops of London, and Chichester, declaring to him that if he would surrender up to the king his two manners of Otford and Wingham, there were hope to recover the kings favour, and to have all remitted: But when the archbishop would not agreed thereunto, forasmuch as those Manors were belonging to the Church of Cantorbury: And the king hearing thereof, was greatly offended. insomuch that the next day, Becket was feign to send to the king two Bishops and his Chaplain to have leave to departed the realm. To the which message the king answered, that he would take a pause until the next day, and then he should have answer. But Becket not tarrying for his answer, the same day conveyed himself away secretly, as is aforesaid to Lodovicus the French king. But before he came to the French king, Gilbert the B. of London, & William earl of Arondel, sent from the king of England to France, prevented him, requiring of the said French king in the behalf of the king of England that he would not receive nor retain within his dominion the Archbishop of Cantorbury. Moreover, that at his instance he would be a means to the Pope, not to show any familiarity unto him. But the king of England in this point seemed to have more confidence in the French king, than knowledge of his disposition. For thinking that the French king would be as a good neighbour to him, in trusting to him he was deceived. Neither considered he with himself enough the manner and nature of the French men, at that time against the Realm of England, who then were glad to seek and take all manner of occasions to do some act against England. Lodovike or Lewes the French king. And therefore Lodovike the French king understanding the matter, and thinking percase to have some advantage thereby against the king and Realm of England by the occasion hereof: Contrary to the king's letters of request, not only harboureth and cherisheth this Dereman, but also writing to the Pope by his Almoner and brother, entreateth him upon all loves, as ever he would have his favour to tender the cause of the archbishop Becket. Thus the kings Ambassadors repulsed of the French king returned, at what time he sent another Ambassade upon the like cause to Alexander the Pope, then being at Seine in France. The Ambassadors sent on this message were, Roger archbishop of York, Gilbart Bishop of London, Henry Bishop of Winchester, Hillary Bishop of Chichester, Bartholomew Bishop of Exeter with other Doctors and Clerks: Also William Earl of Arondell, with certain more Lords and Barons. Who coming to the Pope's Court, were friendly accepted of certain of the Cardinals, amongst the which Cardinals, there arose also dissension about the same cause, some judging the Bishop of Cauntorbury in the defence of the liberties of the Church, as in a good case was to be maintained: Some thinking again that he being a perturber of peace and unity, was rather to be bridled for his presumption, then to be fostered and encouraged therein. But the Pope partly bearing with his cause, and partly incensed thereunto with the letters of the French king, did wholly incline to Becket. Wherefore the Pope the next day following sitting in consistory with his Cardinals, when the Ambassadors were called for, to the hearing of Beckets matter, first beginneth the Bishop of London, next the archbishop of York, than Exeter, and through the Bishops every one in their order to speak. Whose Orations being not well accepted of the Pope, and some of them also disdained: The Earl of Arondell perceiving that, somewhat to qualify and temper the matter to the Pope's ears began after this manner. Oration of the Earl of Arondell which he made in French. Although to me it is unknown (saith he) which am both unlettered and ignorant, what it is, that these Bishops here have said, neither am I in that tongue so able to express my mind as they have done: yet being sent and charged thereunto of my Prince, neither can, nor aught I but to declare (as well as I may) what the cause is of our sending hither, not to contend or strive with any person nor to offer any injury or harm unto any man, especially in this place, and in the presence here of such a one, unto whose beck and authority all the world doth stoop and yield. But for this intent is our legacy hither directed, to present here before you, and in the presence of the whole Church of Rome, the devotion and love of our king and master, which ever he hath had, and yet hath still toward you. And that the same may the better appear to your excellency, he hath assigned and appointed to the furniture of this Legacy, not the lest, but the greatest: not the worst, but the best and chiefest of all his subjects, both archbishops, Bishops, Earls, Barons, with other Potentates more, of such worthiness and parentage, that if he could have found greater in all his Realm, he would have sent them, both for the reverence of your person, and of the holy Church of Rome. Over and besides this I might add to more, which your holiness hath sufficiently tried and proved all ready, the true and hearty fidelity of this our Sovereign toward you: Who in his first entrance into his kingdom wholly submitted himself, with all that is his besides, to your will and pleasure. And truly to testify of his majesty how he is disposed to the unity of the Catholic faith, we believe there is none more faithful in Christ than he, nor more devout to God, nor yet more moderate in keeping the unity of peace whereunto he is called. And as I may be bold this to protest for our king and master: so neither do I deny touching the archbishop of Cauntorbury, a man also not destitute nor unfurnished with gifts and ornaments in his kind of calling, to be a man both sage and discrete, in such things as to him appertain, save only that he seemeth to some, more quick and sharp than needeth. This blot alone if it were not, and the breach between him and our king had not happened, both the regiments together of the Temporalty and spirituality might quietly have flourished, one with the other, in much peace and concord, both under a Prince so worthy, and a Pastor so virtuous. Wherefore the case so standing as it doth, our message hither and our supplication is to your vigilant prudence, that through your favour and wisdom, the neck of this dissension may be broken, and that reformation of unity and love may by some good means be sought. This Oration of his, although it was liked of them for the softness and moderation thereof: yet it could not so persuade the bishop of Rome to condescend to their suit and request, which was to have two Legates or Arbitrers to be sent from him into England to examine and to take up the controversy between the king and the archbishop. But the Pope being incensed as is said before, would not grant to their petition, forasmuch as it should be (saith he) prejudicial, tending to the oppression of the archbishop to grant unto it, he being not present. And therefore willed them to tarry his coming, or else, he being absent, he would not he said in any case proceed against him. But they alleging again, their time to be expired appointed them of the king, having besides other lets & causes, as they alleged, said, they could not there wait for the coming of Becket, and so returned back their cause frustrated without the Pope's blessing to the king. Within four days after, Becket cometh to the Pope's court, where he prostrating himself at his feet, brought out of his bosom a scroll containing the customs and ordinances of the king afore mentioned. The Pope receiving the said scroll, and reading it in the open hearing of his Cardinals, condemned and cursed the most part of those decrees of the king, which he called Consuetudines avitas, that is, his Grandfather's ordinances: Besides, the Pope moreover blamed Becket, for that he so much yielded unto them at the beginning, as he did: Yet notwithstanding, because he was repentant for his unadvised fact, he was content to assoil him for the same, and that the rather because of his great troubles, which for the liberties of the holy Church he did sustain, and so with great favour for that day they dismissed him. The next day, Alexander the Pope assembling his Cardinals together in his secret Chamber, appeareth before them the Archbishop of Cantorbury, who made there a solemn Oration, and there and then resigned into the hands of the Pope the archbishopric of Cantorbury, The sentence of the Pope and his Cardinals. & his Oration being ended, he was bidden to stand apart. The Pope then conferring upon this with his Cardinals, about the resignation of Becket, what was best to be done: Some thought it best to take the occasion offered, thinking thereby the king's wrath might easily be suaged, if the Church of Cantorbury were assigned to some other person, and yet the said Becket to be otherwise provided for notwithstanding. Contrary, other again thought otherwise, whose reason was: For if he that for the liberties of the Church had ventured not only his goods, dignity, & authority, but also his life, should now at the kings pleasure be deprived, like as it might be a precedent hereafter to others in resisting their king in like sort, if his cause were maintained: so contrary, if it were quailed, it should be an example to all other hereafter none to resist his Prince in the like case, & so might redound not only to the weakening of the state of the Catholic Church, but also to the derogation of the Pope's authority. briefly this sentence at length prevailed, that Becket receiveth his pastoral office at the Pope's hand again, with commendation & much favour. But forsomuch as he could not be well placed in England, in the mean while the Pope sendeth him with a Monks habit into the Abbey of Pontiniack in France, where he remained two years, & from thence he removed to Senon where he remained .v. years, and so the time of his exile continued in all vij years. Upon this, the king being certified by his Ambassadors of the Pope's answer, how his favour encilned more to Becket, than to him, he was moved with wrathful displeasure. The king di●●●●eth his Injunctions against the Pope. Who upon the same directed out certain Injunctions against the Pope & the Archbishop of Cantorbury, much like, & the same in effect that are before rehearsed in the beginning of this History. And besides his Injunctions, the king also set forth his proclamation that all manner of persons both men and women, who soever were found of the kindred of Thomas Becket, should be banished without taking any part of their goods with them, A proclamation against Thomas Becket and his kindred. and sent to him where he was, which was no little vexation to Becket to behold them. Moreover, for so much as he was then lying with Gwaryn Abbot of Pontiniack, to whom the Pope as is aforesaid had commended him, therefore the king writing to the same Abbot, required him not to retain the Archbishop of Cauntorbury in his house, either else he would drive out of his realm all the Monks of his order. Whereupon Becket was enforced to remove from thence, and went unto Lewes the French king, by whom he was placed at Senon and there found of him the space of five years, as is above mentioned. After the aforesaid Injunctions and proclamation were thus set forth, which grieved and troubled Becket not a little, than he for help resorted to the Pope, and obtained of him letters to the king, and likewise the king again wrote to the Pope: And at the last the Archbishop in his own name wrote to the king, and to sundry of the Clergy, namely to certain Bishops, who very learnedly and plainly answered him, in such manner as he had no hope of any good entertainment in this realm. And in the end he received a learned & worthy answer from the whole Clergy of England, (which for length I overpass) so effectually & substantially written, as there could not be a better. But all this moved him nothing: And now that he saw himself to be of small estimation among the Clergy of England, he therefore earnestly besought the Pope of aid & help against his adversaries: and at the last he obtained of him certain curses & excommunications. Bencanct falleth to cursing. And first he put his curse in execution upon the Ministers of his church of Cantorbury, and then executed the same upon certain Bishops that had contemned him, and lastly he procured two Legates to be sent from the Pope to the king to curse him and all the whole realm, if the king would not restore him again to his pristinate state and dignity. The King being thus vexed with the archbishop, departed into Normandy, and shortly after into France to the French king, where then the Archbishop was present, and the French king perceiving the king of England to be disquieted, and he desirous to procure peace, or at the leastwise pretending to set agreement between them, brought the matter to a communication among them. In the which communication the French king made himself as an Vmpere between them. The king of England understanding that the Archbishop would commit himself to his arbitrement, Communication between the French king and the king of England, & Thomas Becket. was the more willing to admit his presence. Whereupon many being there present, the archbishop (prostrating himself at the king's feet) declared unto him kneeling upon his knees that he would commit the whole cause, whereof the dissension arose between them, unto his own arbitrement, adding thereto as he did before Saluo honore dei, that is, saving the honour of God. The king then as is said before was greatly offended at this word Saluo honore dei, and also hearing and seeing the stiffness of the man, sticking so much to this word Saluo honore. etc. was highly therewith displeased, rebuking him with many grievous words, as a man proud and stubborn, and he also charged him with sundry & great benefits bestowed upon him, as a person unkind and forgetting what he so gently had done and bestowed upon him. And speaking to the French king then being present: See Sir if it please you (saith the king of England) whatsoever displeaseth this man, that he saith to be contrary to the honour of God. And so by this means he will vindicate and challenge to himself both that is his and mine also. And yet notwithstanding, for that I will not seem to do any thing contrary or prejudicial to God's honour, this I offer him: There have been kings in England before me, both of greater and less puissance than I am: Likewise, there have been Bishops of Cauntorbury many both great and holy men, what the greatest and most holiest of all his predecessors before him, have done to the lest of my progenitors & predecessors before me, let him do the same to me, and I am content. They that stood by, hearing these words of the king cried all with one voice, the king hath debased himself enough to the Bishop. The archbishop staying a little at this with silence, what saith the French king to him, my Lord Archbishop, will you be better than these holy men? will you be greater than Peter? what stand you doubting? hear, now have you peace & quietness put into your own hands if ye will take it. To this the Archbishop answering again: truth said he, Thomas Beckets answer to the king of England. my predecessors before me were much both better and greater than I, and of them, every one for his time, although he did not extirp and cut off all, yet some thing they did pluck up and correct, which seemed adverse and repugnant against God's honour. For if they had taken altogether away, no such occasion than had been left to any man, to raise up this fire of temptation against us as now is raised, to prove us withal, that we being so proved with them, might also be crowned with them, being likewise partakers of their praise and reward, as we are of their labour and travail. And though some of them have been slack or exceed in their duty doing, in that we are not bound to follow their example. Peter, when he denied Christ, we therefore rebuke him: But when he resisted the rage of Nero, therein we commend him. And therefore, because he could not find in his conscience to consent unto him, he aught in no wise to dissemble with him, neither did, by reason whereof he lost his life. By such like oppressions the Church hath always grown. Our forefathers and predecessors because they would not dissemble the name and honour of Christ, therefore they suffered: And shall I to have the favour of one man suffer the honour of Christ to be suppressed. The Nobles standing by hearing him thus speak were greatly aggrieved with him, noting in him arrogancy and wilfulness, in perturbing and refusing such an honest order of agreement: But specially one among all the rest, who there openly protested, that seeing the archbishop so refused the counsel and request of both the kings, he was not worthy to have the help of either other, whom as the kingdom of England had rejected, so the kingdom of France should not entertain. Alanus, Herbertus, and other of his chaplains that committed to story the doings of Becket, do record (whether truly or no I can not say) that after this, the French king sending for him, as one much sorrowing and lamenting the words that he had spoken at the coming of Becket, did prostrate himself at the feet of the archbishop, confessing his fault in giving that counsel to him in such a cause, pertaining to the honour of God, to relent therein, and to yield to the pleasure of man: Wherefore declaring his repentance, desired to be assoiled thereof. So that after that the French king and Becket were great friends together, insomuch that king Henry sending to the king, to entreat and desire him, that he would not support nor maintain his enemy within his Realm: The French king utterly denied the kings request, taking part with the Archbishop rather than with him. Besides these quarrels and grudges between the king and the archbishop above mentioned, there followed yet more over another, which was this. Shortly after this communication between the kings and Becket, the king of England returning again from Normandy into England, which was the year of our Lord M. C.lxvij. and the xiiij year of his reign about Midsummer kept his Court of Parliament at Westminster. In the which Parliament through the assent of the Clergy, Henry the third crowned in the life of his father Henry the second, and died before his father, & therefore he is not counted in the number of kings. and the Lords Temporal, he caused his son Henry to be crowned king. Which coronation was done by the hands of Roger Archbishop of York, with the assistance of other bishop's ministering to the same, as Gilbert of London, joselyn of Sarisbury, Hugh of Duresme, and Gualther of Rochester. By reason whereof, Becket of Cauntorbury being there neither mentioned nor called for, took no little displeasure. And so did Lodouick the French king, hearing that Margaret his daughter was not crowned with her husband, whereupon gathering a great army, he marched toward Normandy. But that matter was soon composed by the king of England, who sending his son to him in Normandy, entreated there, Becket complaineth again upon the Bishops to the Pope. and concluded peace with him, promising that his son should be crowned again and his daughter also. But the archbishop not ceasing his displeasure, sent again unto the Pope, complaining upon these four Bishops, especially of the archbishop of York, who durst be so bold in his absence, and without his knowledge or his licence to intermeddle to crown the king, being a matter proper and peculiar to his jurisdiction. At the instance of whom, Thomas Becket procureth a curse against the Bishops. the Pope sent down the sentence of excommunication against the Bishop of London. The other three Bishops with the Bishop of York, he suspended, whose sentence and letters thereof, for the avoiding of proliritie I here omit. This being done, the archbishop of York with the foresaid Bishops resorted to the king with a grievous complaint, The bishops complain to the king of Becket. declaring how miserable their case stood, and what they had sustained for fulfilling of his commandment. The king hearing this was highly moved. The French king laboured to have the king of England to be accursed for Beckets cause. And in the mean season, the French king for his part, and his Clergy, and Courtiers slacked none occasion to insite and solicit Alexander the Pope, against the king of England, to excommunicate him also, seeking thereby, and thinking to have some vantage against the Realm: Neither was the king ignorant of this, which made him more ready to apply to some agreement of reconciliation. At length cometh down from the Pope two Legates, the one the Archbishop of Rouen, King Henry driven to a great straight & the other, the Bishop of Nauerne, with direction, and full commission either to drive the king to be reconciled, or to be interdicted by the Pope's censures out of the Church. The king understanding himself to be in greater streights than he could well avoid, at length through the mediation of the French king, and of other Prelates & great Princes, he was content to yield to peace and reconciliation with the Archbishop whom he received both to his favour, and also permitted and granted him free return to his Church again. Albeit concerning his possessions and lands of the Church of Cantorbury, although Becket made great labour therefore, yet the king being then in Normandy, would not grant him that, before he should repair into England, Thomas Becket returneth into England. to see how he would there agreed with his subjects. Thus peace after a sort being concluded between the king and him, the archbishop returned into England, where he was right joyfully received of the Church of Cauntorbury: Albeit of Henry the young king he was not so greatly welcomed. Insomuch that he coming up to London to the king, was returned and commanded back to Cauntorbury, and there bidden to keep his house. Roger Hoveden maketh mention in his Chronicle, Hereof cometh the talk that Kentish men have tails. that the archbishop upon Christmas day did excommunicate Robert de Brock, for cutting off the tail of one of his horses the day before. In this mean time, the four Bishops before mentioned whom the Archbishop did excommunicate, as is aforesaid, sent to him humbly, desiring to be released of their censure. To whom when as the archbishop would not grant clearly and simply, without cautels and exceptions, they went over unto the king, declaring to him and complaining of their miserable estate and uncourteous handling of the archbishop. Whereupon the King conceived great displeasure in his mind toward the archbishop. The chief occasion that hastened the sudden death of Thomas Becket. insomuch that he lamented often and sundry times to them about him, that among so many as he had done for, there was none that would revenge him of his enemy: By the occasion of which words, certain that were about the king, to the number of four, hearing the king thus complain and lament, addressed themselves in great heat of haste to satisfy the aggrieved mind and quarrel of their Prince: Who within four days after the aforesaid Christmas day, sailing over into England, having a forward and a prosperous wind in their journey, being in the deep of winter, came to Cauntorbury where Becket was commanded to keep. Where after certain advisement and consultation had among themselves, they pressed at length into the Bishop's palace, where the Archbishop was sitting with his company about him: And first they assayed him with gentle words to see whether he would relent to the kings mind, and come to some conformity, and said, that they had brought to him a commandment from the king, which, whether he had rather openly there in presence, or secretly, to be declared unto him, they bid him choose. Then the company being bidden to avoid, as he sat alone, they said: you are commanded from the king beyond the Sea, to repair to the king here his son, there to do your duty to him, in swearing to him your fidelity for your baronage and other things, and to amend those things wherein ye have offended against him. Whereupon the Archbishop denying to swear, and perceiving their intent, called in his company again: and in multiplying of words to and fro, at length they came to the Bishops which were excommunicate for the coronation of the king, whom they commanded him in the king's name, that he should absolve and set free again. The archbishop answered that he neither suspended nor excommunicated them but the Pope, wherefore if that were the matter that grieved them, they should resort to the Pope, he had nothing to do with the matter. Then said Reginald one of the four. Although you in your own person did not excommunicate them, yet thorough your instigation it was done. To whom the Archbishop again answered: and if the Pope said he, tendering the injuries done to me and to my Church, wrought this revenge for me, I confess it offendeth me nothing. Thus then said they, it appeareth by your own words that it pleaseth you right well, in contempt and contumely of the king's Majesty, to sequester his Bishops from their ministery, who at the commandment of the king did service in the Coronation of his son. And seeing ye have presumed thus to stand against the exaltation of this our sovereign our new king, it seemeth likely that you will aspire to take his crown from him, and to be exalted king yourself. I aspire not said he to the crown and name of the king, but rather if I had four crowns to give him more, I would set them all upon him, such good will I do bear him, that only his father the king excepted, there is none whose honour I more tender and love. And as concerning the sequestering of those Bishops, this I give you to understand, that there was nothing done in that behalf without the knowledge and assent of the king himself, to whom when I had made my complaint at the feast of Mary Magdalene of the wrong and injury done to me and my Church therein, he gave me his good leave to obtain at the Pope's hand such remedy therein as I could, promising moreover his help to me in the same. What is this quoth they that thou sayest? Makest thou the king a traitor & bewrayer of the king his own son, that when he had commanded the Bishops to crown his son, he would give thee leave after to suspend them for so doing? Certes, it had been better for thee not to have accused the king of this prodition. The Archbishop said to Reginald one of the four, that he was there present himself at that time and heard it, but that he denied and swore it was not so: and think you said they, that we the king's subjects will or aught to suffer this? And so approaching nearer unto him said, he had spoken enough against his own head: whereupon followed great exclamation and many threatening words. Then the archbishop said, I have sithen my coming over, sustained many injuries and rebukes, concerning both myself, my men, my cattle, my wines & other goods, notwithstanding the king writing over to his son, required him that I should live in safety and peace, and new besides all other, you come hither to threaten me. To this Reginald answered and said, if there be any that worketh you injury, otherwise then right is, the law is open, why do you not complain? To whom said Becket should I complain? To the young king said they. Then Becket said, I have complained enough if that would help. I have sought for remedy at the king's hands so long as I could be suffered to come unto his speech: but now seeing I am stopped from that, neither can find redress of so great verations and injuries as I have and daily do sustain, nor can have the benefit of law or reason: such right and law as an archbishop may have, that will I exercise and let for no man. At these words one of them burst out in exclamation and cried, he threateneth: he threateneth: what, will you also interdict the whole Realm and us altogether? Nay, that shall he not saith another, he hath interdicted to many already. And drawing more near unto him, they protested and denounced him to have spoken words to the teopardie of his own head. And so departing in great violence, and with many high words, rushed out of the doors: Who by the way returning to the Monks, charged them in the kings name to keep him forth coming that he should not escape away. What quoth the archbishop, think ye that I will fly away? Nay, neither for the king nor for any man alive will I stir one foot from you. Not said they, thou shalt not avoid though that thou wouldst. And so they departed in high clamour of words. The Archbishop, followeth them out of the Chamber door, crying after them, here, here, here shall you find me, laying his hand on his crown. The names of these four men, were these, Reginald Bereson, Hugh Mortevyll, William Thracy, and Richard Briton: But Fabian nameth them, William Briton, Hugh Moruile, William Thracy, and Reignold Fitzure, who going to harness themselves, returned the same day again: But finding the Hall door of the Palace of Cauntorbury shut against them, they went to an inward back door, leading into an Orchard, and there broke up a Window and opened the door, and so entered into the place. The Monks (being about Evensong time) had got the Archbishop into the Church, who being persuaded by them, caused his cross to be borne before him, and so through the Cloister by a door which was broken up for him, proceeded into the Quire. The harnessed men followed after, and at the last came to the Church door, which door the Monks would have shut against them, but (as their story saith) the archbishop would not suffer them. So they approaching into the Church, Thomas Becket slain. and the Bishop meeting them upon the stairs, there he was slain, every one of them striking him with his sword into the head. And after they had thus slain him they fled into the North country, and at length with much a do, obtaining their pardon of the Pope, through the kings procurement (as some stories record) they were enjoined in penance to go on pilgrimage to jerusalem. And thus an end of the story of the life and death of Thomas Becket. Richard Prior of Dover succeeded Thomas Becket and was chosen archbishop after him, a man of an ill life and an inordinate waster of the goods of the Church. Now when Becket was thus murdered, The king sendeth an Ambassade to Rome to purge him of the death of Thomas Becket. the king fearing the Pope's wrath and curse to be laid upon him (whereunto Lodovike or Lewes the French king also holp what he could to set the matter forward) sent to Rome the Archebishishop of Rouen with certain other bishops and archdeacons unto the Pope, with his excuse, which the Pope would in no wise here. And after, he sent second messengers, which some of the Cardinals received, The Pope useth to curse or assoil on good Friday. showing them that on good friday (being then nigh at hand) the Pope of custom was used to assoil or to curse, and that it was noised that the king of England with his Bishops should be cursed by name, and his land enterdicted, and hereupon the kings messengers were put in prison. Whereupon certain of the Cardinals showed the Pope that the Messengers had power to swear to the Pope, that the king should obey to his punishment and penance. Which was taken both for the king and for the archbishop of York: So that in the same day the Pope cursed the deed doers with such as were of their consent, either that aided or harboured them, which deed doers had after in penance to go in their Linen clotheses barefote, in fasting and prayer to jerusalem, which by reason of this hard penance are said to die in few years after. And shortly after, as saith Fabian, Cooper, and other, the Pope Canonised Thomas Becket for a Saint & holy Martyr. The kings Ambassadors lying as in said in Rome, could found no grace or favour a long time at the Pope's hand. At the length with much a do, it was agreed that two Cardinals should be sent down, to inquire out the matter concerning them that were consenting to Beckets death. The king perceiving what was in preparing at Rome, neither being yet certain, whereto the intent of the Pope and the coming down of the Cardinals would tend, The king forbade that no bringer of any process should come into England without licence. in the mean time addressed himself with a great power to enter into Ireland, giving in charge and commandment (as Hoveden writeth) that no bringer of any brief or any letter should in his absence come over into England, or pass out of the Realm, of what degree or condition so ever he were, without special licence and assurance, to bring nothing that should be prejudicial to him, or to the realm. The aforesaid order being set and ordained, the king with four hundredth great ships taketh his journey to Ireland in the aforesaid year of his reign where he subdued in short time the whole land unto him, The king saileth into Ireland with a great power. which at that time was governed under diverse kings, to the number of five. Of whom four submitted themselves unto the said king Henry: Only the fift who was the king of Tonacta, denied to be subdued, keeping him in Woods and marshes. And having subdued that country, he by the help of the Archbishop of Armach, reform their religion in three special points. First, he ordained that the divine service should be said and sung, and the Sacraments ministered after the English manner: Secondly he took order for tithes and other duties to be paid unto the Curates and Ministers by the lay people. Thirdly, he ordained that every man should make his testament and last will in the presence of his neighbours, or at the leastwise 'cause it to be read before them. In the mean season while the king was thus occupied in Ireland, the two Cardinals sent from the Pope, Theodinus, and Albertus, were come to Normandy: unto whom the king the next year following resorted about the month of October. But before, during the time of the kings being in Ireland, the Bishop of London, and joselyne Bishop of Sarisbury had sent to Rome, & procured their Absolution from the Pope. The king returning out of Ireland by Wales into England, & thence into Normandy, there made his purgation before the Pope's Legates as touching the death of the aforesaid Becket, to the which he swore that he was neither aiding nor comforting, Penance enjoined to king Henry the second for the death of Thomas Becket. but only spoke rigorous words against him, for that his knights would not avenge him against the said Becket. For the which cause this penance was enjoined unto him under his oath. 1 First that he should send so much money to the holy land, as would find two hundredth Knights or Soldiers for the defence of the land by the space of three years. 2 Also that from the term of Christmas day then next following, he should set forth in his own person to fight for the holy land the space of three years together: unless he should be otherwise dispensed withal by the Pope. 3 Item, that if he would make his journey into Spain as the present necessity did require, there to fight against the Saracens: as long time as he should there abide, so long space might he prolong his journey to jerusalem. 4 Item, that he should not hinder, nor cause to be hindered by him any appellation made to the Pope of Rome. 5 Item, that neither he nor his son, should recede or dissever from Pope Alexander, or from his Catholic successors, so long as they should recount him or his son for kings Catholic. 6 Item, that the goods and possessions taken from the Church of Cauntorbury, should be restored again fully and amply, as they stood the year before Thomas Becket departed the Realm, and that free liberty should be granted to all such as were outlawed for Beckets 'cause to return again. 7 Item, that the foresaid customs and decrees by him established against the Church, should be extinct and repealed, such only except, that concerned his own person. etc. besides other secret fasting & almose deeds enjoined him. All these former conditions the king with his son did both agreed unto, Secret penance enjoined to the king. debasing himself with great humility and submission before the said two Cardinals: by the occasion whereof, the Cardinals took no little pride, using this verse of the Psalm, Qui respicit terram, & facit eam tremere, qui tangit montes & fumigant. That is, which looketh upon the earth, and maketh it tremble, which toucheth the hills and they smoke. etc. Moreover, William king of Scots made a road into England while the king was in Ireland. it is mentioned in Histories of the said king that a little after, at what time William king of Scots made a road into the Realm, he returning out of Normandy into England, came first to Cauntorbury, and by the way so soon as he came within the sight of Beckets Church, lighting off his horse, and putting off his hosen and shoen, he went barefoot to his Tomb, whose steps were found bloody through the roughness of the stones. The king scourged with rods by the Monks of Cantorbury. And not only that, but also received further penance by every Monk of the Cloister, that is to say a certain discipline of a Rod. The which by all likelihood was the secret penance that the Cardinals enjoined him. In the xxj year of his reign he caused a convocation of Bishops to be holden at westminster by Richard archbishop of Cauntorburie. In which conventicle, A convocation of Bishops. then being present all the Bishops and abbots of the province of Cauntorburie, a great contention arose between the two archbishops of Cauntorbury and York, as it had done a little before in king William the conquerors time and vij year of his reign 1074. Contention again for the primacy of York and Cantorbury. about the obedience that the Archbishop of York should do to Cauntorbury, that is, whether the archbishop of York might bear his Cross in the Diocese of Cauntorbury, or no: Also about the Bishopric of Lyncolne, of Chichester, of Worcester, of Hereford, whether these Churches were under the jurisdiction of the See of York, or not. etc. Upon these and such other like matters rose such controversy between these two Sees, that the one appealed the other to the presence of the Bishop of Rome. In this and such cases like, how much better had it been if the primacy had remained more near in the kings hands at home, whereby not only much labour and travail had been saved, but also the great and wasteful expenses bestowed at Rome might with much fruit and thank have been converted to their cures and flocks committed unto them, and also percase their cause no less indifferently heard, at the lest more speedily might have been decided: but to the purpose again. In this controversy diverse of the Bishop of York's Clergy, such as were of Gloucester, belonging to the Church of Saint oswald, were excommunicate by the Archbishop of Cauntorbury, because they being summoned, refused to appear before him. At length, that is to say, the next year following, there was a Cardinal sent down from Rome by the kings procurement, who studied to set peace between the two Archbishops. So that the way of agreement was taken, by the means of the king at Winchester, that as touching the Church of Saint oswald in Gloucester, the archbishop of Cauntorbury should cease of his claim thereof, molesting the See of York no more therein. Also he should absolve again the Clerks thereof whom he had excommunicated before. And as concerning the bearing of the Cross and all other matters, it was referred to the archbishop of Rouen and of other Bishops of France, so that for the space of five years an order was taken betwixt them, till they should have a full determination of their cause. Shortly after this, the king purchased a dispensation of the Bishop of Rome for the voyage which he promised to make in proper person into the holy land, to fight against the enemies of the Christian religion before two Cardinals as is aforesaid: The which dispensiation was granted upon condition that he should build three abbeys in England. For the accomplishment whereof he put out of the house of Waltham secular Canons, and placed in their steed regular. And for the second he avoided the monks that were in the Abbey of Ambresburie, and set in their place Mynchions or nuns which he brought with him from beyond the Sea. And for the third he repaired after a homely sort the Charterhouse of Wytham in the diocese of Bath and Welles. Reynulph of Chester in his book entiled Polichronicon, in his vij book and xxij Chapter, saith that this king had long kept a beautiful damosel for his Paramour, whom he called Rosamond, and that the said king had builded for her at his place of Woodstock beside Oxford a Bower or chamber, which was so artificially wrought, and was such a labyrinth and so full of turnings, doors, and ways most curiously devised and made, that it was not possible without teaching to come to any that was therein, and that the same is called at this day Rosamonds Bower: and he saith that the cause of the making of the said Bower, was for that the Queen could not abide the said damosel, and therefore would she have done her displeasure if she might have come by her: and it is also written of some that at the last the Queen by a clue or bothome of thread that was brought unto her, found the way and came unto her, and that she lived not long after, but died and was buried at Godestowe beside Oxenford in the Chapterhouse there. And upon her Tomb was written this Epitaph. Hic jacet in tumba, rosa mundi, non rosa munda Non redolet, sed olet, que redolere solet, Which is Englished by Fabian in metre as followeth. The Rose of the world, but not the clean flower, Is here now graven: to whom beauty was lent. In this grave full dark, now is her Bower, That by her life was sweet and redolent. But now that she is, from this life blended Though she were sweet, now foully doth she stink, A mirror good for all that on her think. The said Author saith also that the aforesaid Rosamond had a little Coffer scarcely two foot long, marvelous artificially wrought, which is yet (saith he) to be seen there, wherein Giants seem to fight, beasts do startle and stir, and fowls flying in the air, and fishes swim in the water, without any man's moving or help. In the xxj year of his reign, he caused Henry his son to be the second time crowned king, Henry the son of king Henry the second again crowned king of England with his wife Margaret the daughter of the French king. with Margaret his wife the daughter of the French king, by Roger Archbishop of Rouen, in a Parliament holden at Wynchester, as he had promised to her father that he would do, as before ye have heard. And this year the king divided the realm into six parts, and ordained upon every part three justices of Assize yearly to pass through the Realm, which now are called the Assizes. The circuit or limittation of which justices was thus disposed. The first company had Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, huntingdonshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, and Herfordshire. The second company, had Lincolnshire, Nothinghamshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Warwikeshire, Northamptonshire, and Leycestershire. The third company, had Kent, Surrey, Southhamptonshire, Sussex, Berkshire, Oxfordshire. The fourth company, had Herfordshire, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and Shropshire. The fift company, had Wiltshire, Dorcetshire, Sommersetshire, Devonshire, and Cornwall. The sixth company, had Euerwikeshire, now called Yorkshire, Richemondshire, Lancaster, Copeland, Westmoreland, Northumberland & Comberland. But now these circuits are altered, & so are the number of the justices. In the xxij year of his reign, as saith Cooper, or as some other writ in the xxj king Henry the son, by the exciting of the king of France, Aleanor his mother, and certain of the Nobles, as Robert Earl of Leycester, and other took arms, and arreared deadly war against his natural father. diverse strong battles were fought, aswell in England by the deputies and friends of both parts, as also in Normandy, Poytow, Guyan, and Briteyn, where they were corporally present: But the victory always inclined to the father. There took part against king Henry the father, An unnatural war. Lewes king of France, William, king of Scotland, Henry, Geoffrey, and john his own sons, Robert earl of Leicester, Hugh of Chester, and other. But in the end, the sons with their allies were constrained to bend to their father's will, and to desire peace, which he gently granted unto them, and forgave them their trespass. But William king of Scots forfeited and lost the earldom of Huntingdon, for taking of king Henry the sons part against the father. And besides that, being discomfited and taken Prisoner at the Castle of Alnewike in Northumberland, he was compelled to yield for his ransom the City of Careleyll, the Castle of Bambourgh and the new Castle upon Tine, and swore for ever to be true unto the king, and as well he as his successors to do their homage as often as it should be required. The cause of which wars was as some write, because the king had imprisoned Queen Aleanor his wife for the love of the Lady Rosamond mentioned before in the last year, a damosel of incomparable beauty. But Fabian saith, that after the taking of William king of Scots, the said William by the assent of his Lords spiritual and temporal did homage to king Henry at his City of York, where the said William granted by his Letters patents, that he and his successors kings of Scotland, should make their homage and fidelity unto the king of England as often as they should be necessarily required. And in sign and token thereof, the king offered his Hat and his saddle upon the Altar of Saint Peter in the Church of York, which for a remembrance of that deed, the said Hat and Saddle were there kept many years after. And moreover, the Lords of Scotland took a solemn oath that if their king at any time would withdraw him from his allegiance, they would all arise against him, and be to him as enemies, until he were returned unto his faith and keeping of his promise. And for the better confirmation of the said composition, the king of Scots being summoned, came afterwards unto the kings Parliament holden at Northampton, and at another season into Normandy. In the xxiij year of his reign, the king and his sons were made agreed, and a new alliance by marriage was made with Lewes of France: For Adela his daughter was fianced to Richard king Henry his son. In this kings time there arose great discord and variance at Rome for the election of the Bishop thereof. for some of the Cardinals chose one Octavian: But other some, and the more part chose Alexander. At which time the Emperor, Contention for the election of the Pope. to whose judgement it was referred, when that Alexander disdained to abide his judgement, he confirmed Octavian. Then did Alexander flee into France, and there excommunicated out of the company of the faithful, both Frederick the Emperor, and Octavian the antipope: And in a counsel at Claremount, disannulled the acts of the counsel of Pavia. This Schism continued almost twenty years: But shortly after Alexander Bishop of Rome returned out of France into Rome, and was received of the people contrary to the emperors mind. Then followed sundry and great wars between the aforesaid Alexander and Frederick, and therein was great effusion of blood: But in the end, Frederick the Emperor was driven to the worse. And at the last by persuasion and entreaty of sundry noble personages, the Emperor submitted himself to Alexander Bishop of Rome, and came unto him to Venice, where, of a long time the Pope would not speak with him, but caused him to attend: But at the last a time was appointed him to come to the Pope's presence, where he so behaved and humbled himself, that he suffered him to tread upon him, and to set his feet in his neck, and while he so did his Quire sang this verse of the Psalter. Super Aspidem & Basiliscum ambulabis, & conculcabis Leonem & Draconem, that is: Thou shalt walk upon the Adder and the Basilisk: and shalt tread down the Lion and the Dragon. But Frederick seeing the Pope so to use him, said unto him, I do not this obedience to thee but to Peter: and the Pope answered both to me and to Peter. Of this outrageous pride, let the Reader judge. But this is to be noted as a truth, that the said Bishop of Rome, stirred and procured mortal and cruel wars, as before is said, without any just cause, but only for his private election, and would neither obey to counsel nor authority, nor yet condescend to any atonement. In the xxiiij year also of this king, there chanced great tempests of thunder and lightning in the middle of Winter: And in the next Summer following there fell hail of such bigness that it slew both man and beast. And in this time there arose great discord and variance among the Nobility in England. In the xxv year of his reign king Henry gave unto his base son Geoffrey the Bishopric of Lincoln in a Synod holden at Northampton, after it had been vacant a long time, who wastefully consuming the revenues thereof, not minding to enter into the ministery, within short space after resigned it. But the same Geoffrey was afterwards preferred unto the archbishopric of York. About this time, the king restored Robert Earl of Leycester (who as is beforesaid was taken prisoner in the battle of Saint Edmondes bury) to his earldom in a Parliament holden at Oxford, and made his youngest son john, Lord of all Ireland. Margaret also the wife of king Henry his son was brought a bed of a daughter called Margaret, which lived not above three days after her birth. About this time also there were a great multitude of jews in every quarter of the realm, and had but one place assigned them to bury in, which was London, whether all the Corpse's and dead bodies of their Nation were brought to be buried, where so ever their chance was to die in the Realm. Therefore finding it to be a great annoyance and discommodity unto them, they became suitors unto the king that they might have a place assigned them to bury in wheresoever they dwelled, the which was granted unto them. In the xxuj year of his reign Lewes the French king came into England to visit the Church and Tomb of Thomas Becket, as he had vowed to do, whom assoon as he was landed, king Henry with his Nobles met and received very honourably. The which done, they went both together to Cauntorbury, and there offered at the Tomb of the said Becket, (such was the blindness of that time.) And when he had performed his vow, and had adorned the said Tomb with many rich jewels, he returned into France and died as it was said very shortly after, leaving behind him one only son named Philip, who succeeded him, and as Polidore saith was crowned king by his father's life time. In the xxviij year of his reign, as saith Fabian, Henry his eldest son, who in the life of his father as aforesaid, was crowned king, died very penitently. In the xxx year of his reign: Heraclius the Patriarch of jerusalem came into England to have aid against the Saracens, who had won a great part of Christendom which they possessed in the holy land, and also prayed aid for the defence of the City of jerusalem, which shortly after was won by Saladyne the Prince of Surrey. But by the report of Peter Disroy a Frenchman, the said City was won by Godfrey du Bulyon, in the year of our Saviour Christ. M.xcix and so continued under the rule of ix. Christian kings, until the last king named Guy of Lesyngham, who lost it, in the year of our Lord. M.C.lxxxix. and the xxxuj year of his reign. Then it followeth in the story: This Heraclius made earnest request unto the king for aid as is aforesaid, and proffered him the kingdom thereof, and the keys both of the City and of the Sepulchre of Christ, and delivered him letters from Lucius the third of that name then Bishop of Rome, charging him that he should take upon him that journey, and to have mind of the oath that he before time had made. The king deferred his answer: And Baldwyn then Archbishop preached, and exhorted men to take the Cross, by whose means, many there were that advowed that journey. In the end, the king gave answer and said, that he might not leave his land without keeping, nor yet leave it to the pray and robbery of the French men: But he would give largely of his own to such as would take upon him that voyage. With this answer the Patriarch was discontent and said: We seek a man and not money, well near every Christian Region sendeth unto us money, but no land sendeth to us a Prince. Therefore we ask a Prince that needeth money, and not money that needeth a Prince. But the king laid for himself such excuses, that the Patriarch departed from him discontented and comfortless. Whereof the King being advertised, intending to recomfort him with some pleasant words, followed him to the sea side: But the more the king thought to satisfy him with his fair speech, the more the patriarch was out of quiet: insomuch that at the last the said Patriarch said unto him: Thou hast hitherto reigned gloriously, Heraclius a stout patriarch of jerusalem. but hereafter thou shalt be forsaken of him that thou at this time forsakest. Think on him what he hath given to thee, and what thou hast yelden to him again: how first thou wast false to the king of France, and after slew Thomas Becket, and lastly thou forsakest the protection of Christ's faith. The king was amoved with these words, and said unto the Patriarch: Though all the men in the land were one body, and spoke with one mouth, they durst not speak to me such words. No wonder said the patriarch, for they love thine and not thee: that is to say, they love thy goods temporal, and fear thee for loss of promotion, but they love not thy soul. And when he had so said, he offered his head to the king saying, A hot and proud patriarch. do by me even as thou didst by Thomas Becket, for I had liefer to be slain of thee, then of the Sarisyns, for thou art worse than any saracen, and thy people followeth pray and not a man. But the king kept his patience and said: I may not wend out of my land, for mine own sons will rise against me, when I were absent. No wonder said the patriarch, for of the devil they came, and to the devil they shall, and so departed from the king in great ire. Fabian. And here the old Historiographers find a great fault with the king for his refusal of the office made by the Patriarch, declaring that to be the greatest cause of God's plagues which after ensued upon him by his children, as the patriarch prophesied unto him, which story is a good lesson to good Princes, not to deny their necessary help to their distressed neighbours, especially the cause pertaining to God. The wisdom, discretion, King Henry the second was a famous prince manhood and riches of this Prince was so spread and renowned through all quarters that messages came to him from Emanuel Emperor of Constantinople, Frederyck Emperor of Rome, and William archbishop of Trever in Almayn, and Duke of Saxon, and from the Earl of Flaundyrs, and from the french king, upon determination of great questions and strifes, to ask counsel and dertermination thereof of this king Henry, as of one most wise, and school master of all wisdom and justice, to have solution of their questions and doubts. Moreover Alphonsus King of Castille, and Sauncius king of Nauerne, being in strife for certain Castles, and other possessions, submitted them of their free accord, and by their oath to abide the award of this king Henry, who made a ward and pleased both. Whereby it is not to be presupposed that this king, to whom other Princes did so resort, as to their Arbitrer and decisor, did attend to any sloth or vicious living. Wherefore this Prince's acts may be a mirror unto all Princes. The xxxiij year of his reign, Geoffrey Duke of Briteyn died at Paris, leaving his wife Constance great with child, which shortly after was delivered of a son named Arthur. Among many other things in this king memorable, A note worthy to be written in letters of gold. this is one to be noted (follow it who can) that he reigning, xxxv. years, & having so many wars with his enemies, yet he never put any tribute, impost, or tax upon his subjects, nor yet upon the spiritualty, first fruits, or appropriation of benefices, belike they were not then known, but sure it is, they were not used. A Prince of great riches. And yet his treasure after his death, being weighed by king Richard his son, amounted above nine hundredth thousand pound, beside jewels, precious stones, plate, and household stuff. Of the which substance, xj. Bulls are perilous beasts. thousand pound came to him by the death of Roger Archbishop of York, who had procured a Bull of the Pope, that if any priest died in his province without testament, than he should have all his goods. But as there is no felicity or wealth in this mortal world so perfit, which is not darkened with some cloud of cumbrance and adversity: So it happened to this king, that among his other princely successes, Rebellious & unnatural children. this incommodity followed him withal that his sons rebelled and stood in armour against him, taking the part of the French king against their natural father. First Henry his son whom the father joined with him as king, at the coronation of which king, The fatherly honour & love of a king. Henry his father took upon him as Steward, or Sewer and set down the first dish of Sewer, renowncing the name of a king for that day. At which time the aforesaid archbishop of York, sitting on the right hand of the young king, said: Sir ye have good cause this day to joy: For there is no Prince in the world that hath such an officer this day. etc. And the young king disdaining his words, said: my father is not dishonoured in this doing, A prowds Prince & an unthankful. for I am a King and a Queen's son, and so is not he. And not only this, but also afterward he persecuted his father, as ye before have heard. Wherefore he escaped not God's plague from his youth, after he had reigned a few years, God his just plague. he died as aforesaid, teaching us what is the price and reward for the breaking of the just commandments of God. After him likewise, Richard his son (who for his courage was called Cuer de lion) rebelled against his father in the xxxiiij year of his reign. And also john his youngest son did not much degenerate from his brethren's steps. In so much that the aforesaid Richard, like an unkind child, persecuting and taking part with the French king against his father, brought him to such distress of body and mind, that for thought of heart he fell into an Ague, and within four days died in Normandy when he had reigned xxxiiij years ix Months and odd days, whose Corpse, as it was carried to be buried, at Founteverard in France, Richard his son coming by the way and meeting it, Kings it should seem were not cered and closed in lead at those days. & beginning for compassion to weep, the blood burst incontinent out of the nose of the dead king at the coming of his son, giving thereby as a certain monstration, how he was the Author of his death. It is written of this King that he first ordained that Lions should be kept in the Tower of London. Richard the first. RIchard the first of that name, and eldest son living of king Henry the second, for his valiant and lusty courage, surnamed Cuer de lion, that is the heart of a Lion, began his reign over this realm of England the sixth day of july in the year of our Lord. 1189. and reigned ix years and ix months and odd days. This king Richard provided diligently after the death of his father to set good rule in Normandy. For first of all he summoned a Parliament in Normandy, and caused all the Nobles of that Country to swear fealty unto him. After that being desirous to know what treasure his father had left behind him, and where it was, he committed to ward Stephen Lieutenant of Anjou, and by that means compelled him to bring out all the treasure which he had long before laid up in diverse Castles by the commandment of king Henry his father. And whiles he was thus occupied (saith Polydore) his brother john came unto him, whom he received very courteously, and advanced him to many high dignities and preferments, as afterwards shall be declared. Then calling to remembrance the captivity of Alianor his mother, which as yet was in durance in England, he straight ways sent over his letters and commanded that she should be forthwith set at liberty, committing the whole order and government of the realm unto her, who being set at liberty, road throughout the Realm, and showed great courtesy unto the people in all places: and as one that in herself had felt the grievous miseries of captivity, pitying the case of all such as were pressed therewith, loosed all captives and prisoners wheresoever she came. Then entering into league with Philip the French king, he received again all the holds and pieces which his father had lost a little before, at what time, also he took unto him Adela sister unto the French king, which was promised unto him in his father's life time: But shortly after having a vehement presumption that she had been carnally known of his said father, he sent her home again unto her brother, but not without an honourable dowry, and many rich and large gifts. And after this he sped him into England, and first of all went unto Winchester, & then to Saresbury, where he found no small treasure: For as the fame went, there was found besides apparel, jewels, and plate, nine hundredth thousand pounds in coin. From thence returned he to London, and was the third day of the month of September following crowned at Westminster of Baldwyn Archbishop of Cauntorbury. Upon the which day the jews that then dwelled in England, and namely in the City of London and suburbs of the same, being assembled together, a great number of them presumed farther than was lawful for them to do. For which presumption, they were first rebuked, and after one of them was stricken by one of the kings chief officers, which thing being seen of the common people, who supposed the same to be done by the kings commandment, did therefore in a fury (as persons as much hated of the people as the devil himself, for their usury and other their unhappy conditions) fall upon them, and chased them to their houses, A riot made upon jews' and rob and spoiled them without all pity, and brent some of their houses, whereof the rumour ran to Westminster to the kings hearing. Wherefore in all haste he sent down, giving strait commandment that they should cease off that riot: But the people were in such ire and madness, that they refrained not for all the kings commandment, until they had executed the full of their malice. And albeit, that this riot was afterward grievously declared against the Commons of the City, yet it passed unpunished, A charitable deed which is not of late used. for the great number of the transgressors. And the said day of Coronation, all prisoners that lay in any prison about London at the kings suit, or for other small and trifling actions, were freely discharged and delivered. Sun after the king gave many dignities, namely to his brother john he gave the provinces of Nottingham, Devonshire, and Cornwall, The names & surnames of Bailiffs, Majors, and sheriffs of London, are in a Table in the end of this book. and created him Earl of Lancaster. And then the king ordained the City of London to be ruled by two bailiffs, whose names and surnames, together with the names of all the Mayors and sheriffs of the City of London are registered in a Table in the end of this book, with the several years that every of them was in, aswell of the reigns of every king, as also the years of our Lord. And here is a meet place to say somewhat of the government of this noble City of London, for that in this first year of the reign of this famous Prince, the same was governed by two Bailiffs, as may appear by Fabian. The which Fabian also saith, that the same before time was governed by persons grave and wise, and were named Portgreves, or rather Portgraves, the which is derived of two Saxon words (as he saith) that is to say, Port, and grieve, or rather Grave, for so are the rulers of the towns in Duchtlande called at this day, that is to say, all such Rulers of towns or Countries as are near the sea, are called Mergrave, as at this day in Andwarpe, the chief ruler is called Mergrave, that is to say, the Earl or Lord of a town or Country joining to the sea, and such rulers as are higher into the land, and farther from the sea, are called Landgrave, that is, the ruler or Earl of a City or Country within the land so that these words landgrave, which Fabian interpreteth, the ruler of a town, I do account it not so near the truth, as to interpret it as it is at this day in London, we call the ruler thereof not only Mayor, because he is the chief ruler of the City, but we add for a more dignity unto that state, and call him Lord Maior: So think I of Portgraves, for Port is a town, and Grave is an Earl, and that they were then accounted as chief Lords or Earls of the City, and were of no less estimation than the ruler is now, although peradventure not so glorious. And the name of the Sheriffs of London at this day, which are under officers unto the Mayor, are in all the Queen's writs named Vice commiti, that is under Earls, or under Lords, or under rulers. It was not long after that the king had thus exalted his brother john (as above is showed) but that he also preferred him to the marriage of the Earl of Gloucester's daughter, by reason whereof he was Lord of that earldom. These great advancements made him after unkind to his brother and by pride thereof to covet after the whole kingdom. Absolution. This year also King Richard was assoiled, of the rebellion that he used against his father. In recompense whereof (saith Guydo) he voluntarily took upon him and promised to war upon Christ's enemies, but to speak truly, it was at the request of the Pope. And this year, as saith Fabian, king Richard gave over the Castles of Barwike, and Rokesborough to the Scottish king, for the sum of ten thousand pound, for the exploit of his voyage to jerusalem. Robert Hood otherwise called Robin Hood. And about this time as saith john Maior, in his Chronicle of Scotland, there were many robbers and outlaws in England, among the which number, he specially noteth Robert Hood, whom we now call Robin Hood, and little john, who were famous thieves, they continued in woods, mountains, and forests, spoiling and robbing, namely such as were rich. Murders commonly they did none, except it were by the provocation of such as resisted them in their rifelynges and spoils. And the said Mayor saith, that the aforesaid Robin Hood had at his rule and commandment an hundredth tall yeomen, Robin Hood had an hundredth tall yeomen waiting upon him. which were mighty men and exceeding good archers, and they were maintained by such spoils as came to their hands: And he saith moreover, that those hundredth were such picked men, and of such force, that four hundredth men who soever they were, A worthy virtue in a thief. durst never set upon them. And one thing was much commended in him, that he would suffer no woman to be oppressed, violated or otherwise abused. The poorer sort of people he favoured, and would in no wise suffer their goods to be touched or spoiled, but relieved and aided them with such goods as he gate from the rich, which he spared not, namely the rich priests, fat abbots, and the houses of rich Carls. A gentle thief. And although his theft and rapine was to be contemned, yet the aforesaid Author praiseth him and saith, that among the number of thieves, he was worthy the name of the most gentle thief. But in an old and ancient Pamphlet I find this written of the said Robert Hood. This man (saith he) descended of a noble parentage: or rather being of a base stock and lineage, was for his manhood and chivalry advanced to the noble dignity of an Earl, excelling principally in Archery, or shooting, his manly courage agreeing thereunto: But afterwards he so prodigally exceeded in charges and expenses, that he fell into great debt, by reason whereof, so many actions and suits were commenced against him, whereunto he answered not, that by order of law he was outlawed, and then for a lewd shift, as his last refuge, gathered together a company of Roisters and Cutters, and practised robberies and spoiling of the kings subjects, and occupied and frequented the forests or wild Countries. The which being certified to the King, and he being greatly offended therewith, caused his proclamation to be made that whosoever would bring him quick or dead, the king would give him a great sum of money, as by the records in the Exchequer is to be seen: But of this promise, no man enjoyed any benefit. For the said Robert Hood, being afterwards troubled with sickness, came to a certain nunnery in Yorkshire called Bircklies, where desiring to be let blood, he was betrayed & bled to death. After whose death the Prioress of the same place caused him to be buried by the high way side, where he had used to rob and spoil those that passed that way. And upon his grave the said Prioress did lay a very fair stone, wherein the names of Robert Hood, William of Goldesborough, and others were graven. And the cause why she buried him there, was, for that the common passengers and travailers knowing and seeing him there buried, might more safely and without fear take their journeys that way, which they durst not do in the life of the said outlaws. And at either end of the said Tomb was erected a cross of stone, which is to be seen there at this present. Gerardus Marcator in his cosmography and description of England, Little john. saith that in a town or village called little Morauie in Scotland, there are kept the bones of a great and mighty man, which was called little john, among the which bones, the huckle bone or hip bone was of such largeness, as witnesseth Boethus, that he thrust his arm through the whole thereof, and the same bone being conferred to the other parts of his body, did declare the man to be xiiij foot long. But before the king took his journey, great preparation was made for money. At that time it appeareth that taxes, tolls, exactions, and subsidies, Taxes, tolls Subsedies. either were not known, or not so much than had in use as of late times they have been: By reason whereof, this king was driven to make other shift, by selling Lordships, Castles, Offices, Liberties, Privileges, bishoprics. etc. And as he said himself, he would have sold London also, if he could have found any able to buy it. Upon this occasion it came that diverse Bishops, Bishops became great purchasers. namely such as were best moneyed, purchased to their bishoprics diverse Lordships, as Godfrey Bishop of Winchester, purchased Wargrave, and Menes. The Bishop of Durham was made Earl of Durham. And Hugh Bishop of Durham purchased the Lordship called Hadberge with all the appurtenances, for five hundredth Marks. etc. And also he purchased the whole Province of Durham of the king to be his own, and himself to be made Earl of the same, whereupon the old writers as Hoveden Cestrensis, and other, rebuke the said Bishop in their Chronicles, the king also jesting at the same, saying, that of an old Bishop, he had made a young Earl. Now when king Richard had appointed all things for his journey, and the same being in a readiness, he then committed the custody of his realm of England into the hands of four men, that is to say, two Prelates, and two lay men, Contention for superiority. of whom the two Prelates, which were Hugh Bishop of Burisme, and William Bishop of Ely, were the chief and principal. These two falling at variance amongst themselves for superiority, at length this order was taken by the king: That the Bishop of Durisme (who a little before had purchased of the King certain free Lordships, and also to remain as justice without controlment or check as aforesaid) should have under his custody, from Humber to the Scottish sea: The other Bishop, which was the Bishop of Ely, should have all the South parts beside: But the said Ely being more ambitious, so practised with the king, and by the king's Ambassadors sent his letters to the Pope, that at the last he obtained the authority Legantine over the whole realm of England. And as soon as the king had thus set the realm of England in an order, he then sailed into Normandy, where he setting that country also under safe keeping, did shortly after meet with the French king called Philip the second, and after with Frederick the Emperor, & they together set forward on their journey until they came to Turon, and there they passed away the winter. In the which time either of them with other made assurance for the continuance of that great journey. And at the spring time of the year, these three great Princes set forward on their voyage toward the holy land. That is to say, king Richard by the sea, and the Emperor and king Philip by land, and appointed to meet together in the land of Scicill. But king Richard, as saith an old written Chronicle, before his departure called all his Lords and knights unto him, and did swear them for evermore to be true unto him, and to take his part. And in token thereof he gave to every of them a blue Lace or Ribbon to be known by, and hereof (saith that old Chronicle) began the first occasion of the order of the Garter. In this mean time in England, the jews in diverse places of this realm, as Lincoln, Staunford, and Linne were rob and spoiled: And at York to the number of four hundredth of them and more, did cut their master veins, and so bled to death, as saith Fabian. These two kings according to their appointment met in Scicill, where grudge began to kindle between them. And the cause thereof as Reynulph saith, first began for that king Richard denied unto king Philip the half of his winnings in Cypress according to the covenant assured between them at Turon. But king Richard said that the convention stretched no farther than to such goods as should be won within the limmites and bounds of the holy land. Another cause of grudge was, by reason that the French king aided not the Earl of Campaign being in distress and need. Wherefore the said Earl being therewith discontent, said to the French king: Sir hitherto I have done according to my duty: But hereafter I will do as need compelleth me. For your grace hath hitherto cherished me but for mine, but now I will go to him that is more readier to give then to take, and so departed unto king Richard where he was right well entertained. And the third cause was, as saith Reynulph, that king Richard at his first entering into Scicill married the sister of the king of Nauerne, where before he had promised the said French king to have married his sister Adela. But the French Chronicle chargeth king Richard to be in great fault, King Rycharde charged by the French men with many great offences. namely that he was a breaker of promise in all that he covenanted with king Philip, and also that he sold the Isle of Cypress which he won before he came unto Syria unto the Templars, for thirty thousand Mark, and after took it from them again by strength, and exchanged it with Guy of Lesyngham that was the last christened king of jerusalem, for the same kingdom, and therefore the kings of England were long time after called kings of jerusalem. Also that he should take from a knight of the Duke of Ostrich the said Dukes Banner, being first set upon the walls of Acon at the scaling thereof, and in despite of the said Duke, did tread it under his feet, and did unto it all the despite that he might, and set his own Banner in the same place. And also that where Conradus Marquis of tire was traitorously slain by two of his own servants, king Richard should lay the charge of the fault thereof unto the French king. And for these grudges and sickness, with also fear of treason (as saith the French Chronicle) to be wrought between Saladine the Soudane and king Richard: king Philip returned first into Appulia, and then to Rome, whether he had vowed a pilgrimage, and from thence into France. But howsoever the breach was between the foresaid two kings, great pity it was, for as long as they continued in amity together, so long they did many valiant and famous acts, as in winning of Acon, Contention is the cause of loss and hindrance. and diverse other Cities, and many more had like to have been done, if they had not dissevered themselves. And not long after the departure of the French king, king Richard at the next spring following returned also. Who in his return, driven by distress of weather about the parts of Austria, in a town called Sinaca, was there taken by Leopold Duke of the same country, who sold him to the Emperor for three score thousand Marks (though all writers do not agreed upon the some) and for no small joy thereof, King Richard taken prisoner in ostrich. the said Emperor writeth to the French king these Letters following. Henry by the grace of God Emperor of the Romans ever most noble, Henry the sixth of that name Emperor, and son of Frederick. to his well-beloved and especial friend Philip the famous king of France sendeth greeting, with further declaration of his sincere love: Forasmuch as the Empire doubteth not but that your kingly magnificence, is always right joyous to here of any such thing with the which the Almighty power of our creator hath adorned and advanced us and our Roman Empire, we thought good by the tenor of these presents to declare unto your nobleness that the enemy of our Empire, and perturber of your Kingdom the king of England, as he was passing the sea in his return homewards from the land of promise, it chanced (the ship in which he was, being wrecked) that he was driven by the wind into the coast of Histria, unto a place which is between Aquileia and Venice, whether the said king by the sufferance of God after his Shipwreck with a few other escaped. Whereupon our faithful friend the Earl Maynard of Goorce, and the people of that country, hearing that he was in their land, & diligently considering, what prodition spoil and treason the said king had used in the land of promise, did pursue him intending to take him captive: And after they had put the king to flight, they took eight of his knights prisoners. And afterwards the said king went forward to a Borough in the archbishopric of Salsburge named Frisors', where Frederick of Betsow, as the king was posting toward Austria in the night season, took six of his knights prisoners. And our well-beloved cousin Leopold Duke of Austria laying wait by every way did take the king captive at Dena in a village near thereunto, in a simple house. Now therefore seeing he is in our possession, and hath been always the cause of molesting and troubling of you, we considering the premises, thought good to signify thus much unto your nobleness, assuring ourselves that the same will be right pleasant and acceptable news unto you, and an occasion of joy and gladness. Given at Rithout, the fift Kalendas of January. Richard Ceur de lion, why he was so called. It is read of this Richard that during the time of his imprisonment, he should slay a Lion, and tear the heart out of his body, and thereof it came that he was called Richard Ceur de Lion, that is, the heart of a Lion. But of the learned it is thought that this is but a fable, but rather that he was so called for his invincible courage and strength. The time also of his imprisonment, his brother john by the setting on of the French king, made great war within the land, and took by strength the Castle of Windsor, of Notyngham and others, and the French king made strong war in Normandy. Howbeit, as touching the return of king Richard out of Syria, and his taking by Leopald Archeduke of Ostrich, the matter is far otherwise reported by Polidore after this manner: When he had comforted the christian men in Syria, with such words as are before rehearsed, he then having prepared his Navy for that purpose, sent away before him his wife Berengaria with her sister jone and a great part of his army into Sicill, which from thence sailed into England: And then he himself followed with the rest, which were but a few in number, minding to sail into Thracia: But by tempest his chance was to be driven into Dalmatia, where he arrived and changed his apparel, because he would not be acknown, and determined with himself to go home into England through high Almaigne, travailing at his case, sometime on horseback, and sometime on foot. And when he was come to the Country of ostrich, he remembering the breach that was between him and the Duke of the same country for casting down his banner from the walls of Acon at the winning thereof: And therefore mistrusting that the said Duke would be revenged on him for the said dishonour, and being also advertised by his espials, that the fame of his coming was now bruited abroad throughout all the Country, he began to fear himself, and therefore travailed very circumspectly, sending ever his spials before to search the ways that he should pass by. But yet could he by no means escape that which was by destiny appointed to happen unto him. For as soon as he was entered into the City of Vienna, which is the chief City of that Country, he was by his tongue known to be an Englishman. And because he was more delicate and dainty than became a person being so homely apparelled, he was thereby suspected of many to be the king himself, & the cather because it was a constant rumour, that he was come into the Country. The Duke hearing of this, beset the house by and by wherein he was lodged with men of arms, that none should escape out, and then sent he other into the house to view and see what manner of guests were within. When king Richard perceived that the house was thus beset round about with harnessed men, in such wise that it was not possible for him to fly, he caused himself to be appareled like a king, and having the same constancy of mind which he ever used in all his martial affairs, he showed himself unto the soldiers, now being entered the house, demanding of them what the matter was, that they in such forcible wise came unto him, who answered that they came to take him. To whom he answered again, how it was not seemly for a king to yield himself prisoner unto any but to the Duke himself, and therefore if the Duke himself would come, he would be content to yield himself unto him. Then came the Duke, whom the king met and delivered him his sword, and so yielded himself unto him, who being glad that he had gotten such a pray unlooked for, had him home with him to his house, giving him very fair words all the way as he passed, and then delivered him unto certain noble men of his Country to be safely kept. etc. In this mean time that the king was so occupied in the wars with the Saracens as is aforesaid, the Bishop of Elye of whom mention is made before, being first authorized by the king as governor of this realm, & after made the Pope's Legate, took then not a little state upon him in the absence of the king, in such ambitious and proud sort that he made all the realm cry out upon him. William Longchampe Bishop of Ely, a proud Prelate. This Bishop whose name was William Longchampe a Norman borne, and coming of a base stock, after he had aspired to the Bishopric of Ely, and then to be Chancellor of England, and after the Pope's Legate, having now in the absence of the king the whole rule and government of the Realm in his own hand, grew out of measure in such pomp and pride, that he became intolerable both to the Clergy, and to the laity. First he beginneth to assemble a general counsel together at London. The colour and pretence was for Religion, but in very deed, as saith the old stories, the cause was his own pomp and ambition, with unportunate oppression of the Clergy. And no less troublesome was he also unto the Laity, wonderfully oppressing the Commons, abusing the kings authority, and advancing vain glory. His use was to ride with a thousand horses continually, so that the noble men's sons were glad to become his slaves. And with the best Barons, Earls, and Peers of this realm, married he his Cousins, Neces and kinswomen (I will not say his daughters) and for all that, his Grandfather was but a poor Ploughman, and his father a Cowherd. The proud Bishop of Ely glad to hide his head And having so tyrannously abused his office, fearing lest he should have been called to his examination, he fled with a few of his trusty servants to Dover Castle, minding to have stolen over the sea: And coming in the night in a woman's apparel, with a piece of cloth under his Arm, and a met yard in his hand, upon suspicion (as God would have it) being known what he was, his kerchief was pulled off his head, & his shaven crown appeared on his head. And then was he drawn along the sea upon the sands, God's just plague. with a great wondering of the people: Some rated him, some reviled him, some bespatteled him, some drawing him by the arms, some by the legs from place to place, his own servants not being able to help him. And at the last they brought him into a seller, where they shut him fast in, and so covered him from the people with shame enough, until the counsel of the realm sent for him, and after was brought to the Tower of London, and there imprisoned, examined, deprived, and banished the realm: And at the length restored again by king Richard, and after being sent to Rome by the way there died. 1197. But Polidore saith, that king Richard being moved there unto by the daily complaints of his nobles, deprived him of the Governorship by his letters, and placed in his steed William archbishop of Rouen, which was the cause that he would have fled the realm, neither maketh he any mention that he was restored by the said king. And after this, king Richard being prisoner, sent Hubert bishop of Sarisbury into England to have the guiding thereof, and also to treat with the Lords and Commons for the kings delivery, and for his ransom: But for the payment of the said ransom all the wols of the white Monks and Canons in England were sold, and Rings and Crosses of Prelates, with vessels and Chalices of all Churches throughout the realm, and xvij Shrines were scraped and spoiled of the gold and silver, and rich and poor paid diverse sums of money to their great loss. King Richard was ransomed for a hundredth thousand pound. Now to return to king Richard, at the length he was ransomed for an hundredth thousand pound, as Polichronicon, Fabian, and Cooper say, from the covetous captivity of the Emperor, and being delivered, he returned again into England, and landed at Sandwiche, and so came to London, where when he had arrested him a little while, he then road with a certain number of knights to Nottingham, and wan the Castle by force, and after that the Castle of Tykhill. And shortly after called a counsel of his Lords at Winchester, john the brother of king Richard deprived of all honour for rebellion. where by authority of the said counsel he deprived john his brother (then being in France) of all honour, and took from him all such lands as he before had given unto him, for that in his absence he joined with the French king against him, and also sought to have possessed the Crown and realm of England into his own possession. And shortly after, that is to say, in the eight year of his reign, he caused himself to be crowned again at Winchester. After which coronation he called a Parliament, A Parliament wherein patents & fees were revoked, which the king had made & granted before his going to jerusalem. by authority whereof, he resumed again all patents, and annuities, fees, and other grants before his voyage by him sold and granted, and caused the parties to be contented with such revenues and profits as they had received of the said offices or lands, in the time of his absence: And spared not for any sufficiency of writing, that by him before was made. When the king by these aforesaid means had gathered some money, he then in the month of july sailed into France, and besieged a Castle called Arques, Arques Castle. and sped there, as saith Polichronica, diversly, which word diversly may well here be spoken. For who so readeth the French Chronicle, shall find that the French king was victor, although the English book saith otherwise, but who had the victory in deed is uncertain. But the French Chronicle saith, that king Richard so scared the French kings host, that he took the kings Sumpter horse and part of his treasure. And shortly after a peace was concluded. Then john which had turned to the French king against his natural brother, seeing the fame and honour of his brother, and weakness and feebleness of himself, made means unto Alianor his mother, john was again reconciled to king Richard his brother. by whose mediation he was reconciled again unto his brother the king, and after became his true knight. When the king and his brother john were thus agreed, they road over the land to visit the countries, Two Promoters. and to see how they were guided by the king's officers. Among other, too there were, which showed that they would do many things to the kings profit, the one was Abbot of Cadonence in Normandye, and the other was named William with the long beard, as saith Reynulphe. The Abbot warned the king of the fraud of his officers, whereby he thought by the punishment of his officers, he should win great favour of the people. Then this Abbot gate a warrant of the king, and went to London, and there called before him diverse officers, and caused them to make there accounts before him. But he died shortly, so that his purpose took small effect. And William with the long beard showed unto the king the outrage of the rich men, which (as he said) spared their own, William with the long beard. and peeled the poor people. It is said that this William was borne in London, and purchased that name by the use of his beard. He was quick of wit, and something learned, bold of speech, and grave of countenance, & took upon him greater matters than he could compass, and some cruelness he used, as appeared in the accusing of his own brother of treason, the which was a Citizen of London, and had showed to him great love and friendship, even bringing him up in his youth. This William stirred and excited the common people to desire and love freedom and liberty, and blamed the excess and outrage of rich men. A libertine. By such means he drew to him many great companies, and with all his power defended the poor men's causes against the rich, An hypocrite. and accused diverse to the king, showing that by their means the king lost many forfeytes and escheats. For this cause, gentlemen and men of honour hated him, but he had such comfort of the king, as he kept on his purpose. But afterward, the king hearing of the congregations that this William made, commanded him to cease off such doings, that the people might exercise their arts and occupations: By reason whereof, it was left for a while, but it did not clearly cease. For within a while after, they followed him more than they did before. And then he preached unto them, the which Sermon is at length set out in Reynulph, the vij book, and xxx Chapter, and likewise in Fabian. But after his Sermon, he was sent for to the archbishop of Cauntorbury, but he came with such a multitude following him, that the Lords were contented to remit him at that time with fair and pleasant words, and secretly commanded certain persons to espy when he was void of company, and then to take him and put him in sure keeping. The which according to the commandment at time convenient (as they thought) set upon him to have taken him: But he with an Axe resisted them, and slew one of them, A murderer. and after fled into Saint Mary Bow Church in Cheap, and took that for his safeguard, defending himself by strength. But within a little while after, by means of the heads and rulers of the City, the people minished, so that ere it were long he was left with a few personnes, William with the long beard hanged. and so was taken, but not without shedding of blood. After which taking, he was arraigned before the judges, and there he and ix of his adherentes had judgement to die, and were hanged the day following. But yet the rumour ceased not, for the common people raised a great crime upon the Archbishop of Cauntorbury and other, and said, that by their means, William that was an innocent of such crimes, as were objected and put against him, was a defender of the poor people against extortioners and wrong doers, and that he was by them put wrongfully to death, affirming him an holy man, Ignorance that mother and begetter of Superstition and error. and a martyr, in such wise as followeth. They said that a man being sick of a fever, was cured by virtue of a chain which this William was bound withal during the time of his imprisonment, which by a Priest of the kindred of the said William was openly declared and preached. Whereby he brought the people into such an error that they gave credence to his words, and secretly in the night conveyed away the jebet that he was hanged upon, and scraped away the blood of him where he was headed and quartered, so that they made there a hollow place, by fetching away of that earth, and said that sick men and sick women were cured of diverse sicknesses by virtue of that blood and earth. By these means, and spreading abroad the fame thereof, that place was the more visited by women and undiscrete persons, of the which some watched there all night in prayer: so that the longer this continued, the more outcry and slander ran upon the judges and justices that put him to death. A whoremonger. Howbeit, at the last, when his deeds were declared, as the slaying of a man with his own hand, and using of his Concubine within Saint Mary Church of Bow, in the time of his there being, as he openly confessed at the hour of his death, with other detestable crimes, somewhat cooled the hasty flame of the hot Pilgrimage: But not clearly until the Archbishop accursed the Priest that brought up the first tale, and also caused that place to be watched, that such Idolatry should there no more be used. Reynulph in his vij book and xxxj Chapter maketh mention that about this time a Prince of Wales, whom he called Rees or Rice died, in whose praise this that followeth is written, by the said Author. Rees or Rice a Prince of Wales. O bless of battalie, child of chivalry, defence of Country, worship of arms, Arm of strength, hand of largeness, eye of reason, brightness of honesty, bearing in breast, Hector's prowess, Archilles' sharpness, Nestor's soberness, Tydeus hardiness, Sampsons' strength, Hector's worthiness, Euryalus swiftness, Vlixes fair speech, Salomons wisdom, Ajax hardiness. O clothing of naked, the hungries' meat, fulfilling the request of all that desired. O Eloquence, fellow in service, honest of deed, and sober in word. Glad of semblant and love in face, goodly to every man, and rightful to all, the noble Diadem and beauty of Wales is now fallen, that is, rice is dead. All Wales groaneth, rice is dead, the name is not lost, but deferred. The bliss of Wales passeth, rice is dead. The enemy is here, for Rice is not here. Now Wales helpeth not itself, rice is dead and taken away. But his noble fame is not dead, for it is always new in the world wide. If a man ask what is the end? It is ashes and dust: here is he hid, but he is unhilled, for fame dureth evermore, & suffereth not the noble Duke to be hid from speech. His prowess passed his manners. His wisdom passed his prowess, his Eloquence exceeded his wisdom, and his good counsels passed his Eloquence. Hitherto Reynulph. In the Month of April and in the ix year of his reign, when the king had provided to send forth twenty thousand pound to the Emperor, for full payment of his ransom, the pledges which had lain for the same came suddenly into England, and showed unto the king, that after his departing the Emperor sent them unto the Duke of Ostrich, to remain with him until the money were paid. And they said also that the Duke was accursed of Innocent the third, than Bishop of Rome, by reason of his wrong done to king Richard, and that his Province was vexed with many mischiefs. And as the Duke road forth on a day in his disport, being saint Stephen's day, he hurt his foot in such wise with a thorn, or other venom which rankled and grew so sore, that lastly he must die or cut it of. But in hope of recovery, he continued until in the end there was none other way but death. Then he sent for his Bishops, and desired to be assoiled of the sentence of the Church which he stood in. The which was denied him, except he would swear to stand and abide the ordinance and judgement of holy Church, touching the wrong that he had done to king Richard. The Duke swore and was assoiled: and shortly after, the two Bishops, pledges for the money, were set at their liberty. Now king Richard calling to mind that his uttermost day of the truce taken between the French king and him drew near at hand, King Richard saileth into Normandy against the King of France. he therefore made him ready and sailed into Normandy: where before his coming, the French king, by occasion of the Normans (as sayeth the French book) was entered the Country of Burges, toward whom king Richard sped him with all possible speed, so that both hosts lay parted with the river of Osson or Ossyne. Then to follow the French book, for so much as the English Chronicle speaketh little or nothing of this act, let wise men that read this Chronicle construe it after their discretions: For although the Frenchman wrote it to the honour of his country men, it will the rather redound to their dishonour. For thus saith the said Chronicle, these two hosts thus as is abovesaid lying together without skirmish or assault, king Richard contrary to the mind and opinion of his Lords, with a few accompanied and unharnessed, came to the French kings tent, A tale tolds by a French Chronicler of king Richard and there in presence of his Lords did homage to the French king for the Duchy of Normandy, and Counties of Angeow and of poitiers, and there swore to the king to keep peace during his life: And after eight days met again and finished the said peace with an assured oath on either party, and after departed as friends, either resorting into their own country: but it seemed a faint peace, for within four months next following, king Richard with his host entered into the province of Berry, and laid siege to the Castle of Wyersone, and gate it by strength. And after went to the Castle of Noryncourt, which was delivered to him by appointment. When the French king heard of the winning and overthrow of the Castle of Wyersone, he endamaging of king Richard, Wyersone Castle. laid siege to the Castle of A●heuyle, and assailed it eagerly: But it was so strong and so well defended by the Normans, Noryncourt Castle. that the French king was holden off. When king Richard had garnished & fortified the Castle of Norincourt with all things necessary to the war, he drew him toward Aubevyle to remove king Philip from that siege, and fell upon the Frenchmen unwarily. But the Frenchmen quit themselves so knightly, that they chased king Richard and his people, and took a Norman knight prisoner, named Guy de Thonars, a man of great hardiness. And then king Philip returned to the town and Castle of Aubevile, and assaulted it more sharply, so that in the end the Soldiers of the town yielded it with the Castle for a sum of money. And when he had possession of the town, he threw down the Castle plain with the ground, and after strengthened the town with Frenchmen, & then went to the Castle of Gysors, gysor's Castle. and from thence to the Castle of Norincourt: And assailed it in so cruel manner, that shortly he won it, & took therein xu knights, and xxiiij yeomen with plenty of victual and Armour. In this time and season, king Richard gathered again a new strength, and allied himself with Baldwyn Earl of Flaunders, and Reignold Earl of Dampmartyn and of Boleyn. By whose means (as saith the French book) king Richard wasted sore the Country of France, and brent therein some Towns and villages, and took therein many rich prays. Fabian. In the ten year of his reign, and about the beginning of the month of October, king Richard entered into the country of Vnequecyne with a strong host, Castle of Gysors assaulted. and made there cruel war in destroying of the country, & assaulted the castle of Gysors, & threw to the ground a strong hold called Courcellys, and brent thereabout many villages. Wherewith king Philip was so sore amoved, that with a small number of knights he piersed the host of Englishmen, and entered the Castle or town of Gysors. But of his men were taken a great number, chiefly such as were men of name, with the which prisoners and many rich prays the king departed, leaving the French king within Gysors. It was not long after that king Richard was thus departed, but king Philip calling to mind the loss and dishonour that he had received by that war, assembled a great army, and entered the Duchy of Normandye, and wasted the country from Newesoorough to Beawmont le Rogier. And that done, he returned into France, and licensed his knights each man to go into his own country. When the French king had thus taken his pleasure in the spoil of a great piece of Normandy, Vnequecyne a country in France. than king Richard with his army entered the former country of Vnequecyn, and Bewuocyne, and there took as he before had done many rich prays, and so came away, whom the Bishop of Bewuays being a good Knight and hardy of his hands, with a company of knights and other, The Bishop of Bewuays taken prisoner. followed to have rescued the prisoners that king Richard had taken. But they themselves were discomfited, and a great many of them taken and slain. At the same time the Earl of Flaunders with the help of the Englishmen, took the town of S. Omer from the French king. Castle of Chalons otherwise called Gaillard or Caulx. Sun after Christmas next following, king Richard besieged a Castle near unto Lymogis. This Castle in the French tongue is called Chalons, & in the English book it is named Gayllard. But Reynulph calleth ● Caulx. The cause of this siege (as saith most writers) was for cert●ine rich treasure that was found within the Seignory of king Richard, the which one Wydomer viscount of Lemonke had founden, and withheld the same from king Richard, and for his safeguard fled into the aforenamed Castle, and defended it manfully from the first week of Lent, until the sixth day of April. Upon the which day, king Richard walking unwisely about the Castle, to espy the feebleness thereof, King Richard wounded to death. one named Bertrand Guedon marked the king, and wounded him in the head (or as some write) in the arm, with a venomous quarrel. After which wound received by the king, he commanded sharp assault to be made to the Castle, in the which assault the Castle was won. Then the king caused inquiry to be made who it was that did hurt him, the which being found, was brought unto the kings presence, and named himself as aforesaid, but after some writers, he was called Peter Basile. Then the king demanded of him, why he did so lie in wait rather to hurt him, than any other of the company? And he answered, because thou slewest my father and my brethren (said he) and I intended to avenge their death what soever became of me. Then the king forgave him his offence, The king forgave his death but other revenged it. and suffered him to go at liberty. And all the other of the Soldiers that were taken in that Castle were forthwith hanged. But Reynulph saith, Bartrand the slew king Richard is put to death. that after king Richard was dead, the Duke of Flaundirs which then was present, caused the said Bertrand to be slain quick, and after hanged. And within three days after the king was hurt, he died that is to say, the ix day of April, and was buried as he himself willed at Fount Ebrard or Euerard at the Feet of his father. Howbeit his heart was buried at Rouen, and his bowels in poitiers, when he had reigned ix. years, ix. months and odd days, leaving after him none issue. King john. AFter the death of king Richard, reigned his brother john earl of Morton, youngest son of Henry the second, called john without land, who at the time of his brother's death was in Normandy, where immediately after the death of his said brother he possessed his treasure, and was proclaimed king of England the uj day of April 1199. & then sent Hubert Archbishop of Cantorbury into England to make provision for his coronation. And upon Easter day next following, he was gird with the sword of the Duke of Briteyn, and soon after came into England, Coronation of king john at Westminster. where he was crowned king at westminster, upon holy Thursday than next following of the aforenamed Hubert. But in this mean time the French king held a counsel at Cenamanna in Turon, Arthur the son of Geoffrey Plantagenet. where (to the derogacon of king john) Arthur the son of Geaffrey Plantagenet, and Nephew to the said john, was made Duke of Briteyn: who incontinently after, with a great army entered the Country of Angeou and took possession thereof. And king Philip with his people entered the Duchy of Normandy, and laid siege unto the City of Eureux, and wan it with all the strong holds there abouts, and stuffed them with victual, and strengthened them with his own knights, and that done wasted and spoiled the Country, until he came to the City of Meux, where met with him the aforenamed Arthur, and did to him homage for the Country of Angiers. On the other side, the Britons which favoured Arthur took and kept for his behoof (as saith Polidore) these towns, Gorneium, Butaventu and Gensolium: and following also the good success of victory, recovered again the City of Angiers, the which king john had taken from Arthur the year before. Alianor the mother to king Richard the first did homage to the French king for the county of poitiers. In the month of May following, Alianour sometime wife to king Henry the second, and mother to king Richard the first came into France, to the French king to Meux aforesaid, & made him homage for the Country of poitiers as her inheritance. And soon after the French king returned into France, & the Duke of Briteyn with him, which as yet was within age. A subsidy of three shillings of every plough land. King john hearing of this war in Normandy, and loss of the Countries above named, was greatly moved, charging the French king with breach of truce, whereupon he assembled a counsel and asked aid of his Lords and commons, to win again theaforesayde lands, and there was granted unto him as some writ three shillings of every Plough land through England beside the subsidy of the spiritual lands. And when all things were in readiness that was meet for that voyage he then on Saint john Baptistes' day following sailed into Normandy, King john saileth into Normandy with a great power. and came to Rouen, where as he was royally received, & shortly after a truce was concluded between the French king and him for one year following. And then there came unto him the Earl of Flaundyrs, and all other the Lords of France that were of king Richard's bond and friendship, and were sworn unto him. Philip the French king aideth Arthur against king john. Not long after, king Philip taking homage of Arthur for the duchy of Normandy and all other the possessions of king john beyond the sea, promised him help against king john. After this King john and the French king spoke together about an hours space. And the French king asked so much land for himself, and Duke Arthur, that King john would none grant, and so departed in wrath. This was the Archbishop of Bewuays that was taken by king Richard the first in the last year of his reign. The same year a Legate came unto king john into England and commanded him under pain of interdiction of his land, that he should deliver the archbishop which he kept in Prison. And the king denied so to do, until he had paid him six thousand Marks for his ransom, because he was taken in harness in the field, and had before sworn that he would never wear harness against any Christian man. At this time a divorcement was made, between king john and avis his wife, daughter to the Earl of Gloucester, because they were in the third degree of kindred. And after by the Counsel of the French king: King john married Isabella daughter of the Earl of Angolisme, fianced before unto Hugh Earl of March, and had by her two sons, Henry and Richard, and three daughters, Isabella, Alianor, and jane. At this time fell strife between king john, Variance between king john and Geoffrey Archbishop of york. and Geoffrey Archbishop of York for diverse causes. First because he would not suffer and permit the Sheriff of York in such affairs as he had to do for the king, within his diocese. Secondly, because he did also excommunicate the said Sheriff. Thirdly because he would not sail with him into Normandy, to make the marriage between Lewes the French kings son, and his niece. etc. Polidore saith, that the cause of this falling out of king john with his base brother Geoffrey archbishop of York, was for that he had reproved him for his great exactions and payments which he laid upon his people without all measure, by reason whereof he was so much offended with him, that he spoiled him of all that he had, and then banished him out of the court: And such (saith the aforesaid Author) was the kings displeasure conceived against him, that he could not by any means be pacified, neither entreated to receive him to grace again, until it was a year after: But here Polidores saying is not to be hastily credited of the reader, for truly such was the blindness of the time, that Polidore had no good opinion of king john, and therefore writeth very vehemently against him in his History, which vehemency or fond malice I thought meet rather to suppress, then to make any mention thereof. Also in this year as saith Reynulph, Homage of William king of Scots. William king of Scots did homage to king john at Lincoln, or as some writ at London, and swore in the presence of a Legate of Rome, and xiij Bishops, to be true liege man to him, and to his heirs kings. But Hector Boethus saith, that this homage was done for the lands of Northumberland, Comberland, and Huntingdon, which the Scottish king held of the king of England, and not for the realm of Scotland, the which is not true. At the same time king john, earnestly requested the said Scottish king to aid him against Philip of France, but he made many excuses that he could not so do, specially without the consent of his Peers and Commons, that done he hastened himself home again into Scotland. This year in the month of December were seen in the Elament about ten of the Clock in the night time, in the Province of York five Moons, A strange sight. one in the West, another in the East, the third in the South, the fourth in the North, and the fift in the midst of the Elament. The same time also in the spring season king john sailed into Normandy, and shortly after went unto Paris, where he was very honourably received of the French king, from whence after he had made a new league with him, he went unto Chivon, but the said league continued but a while. For it was not long after, but that the French king required of king john that he should departed with all his lands in Normandy, and Pictavia, and else where within the dominion of France, unto Arthure his nephew, and that incontinent, or else he would war against him, and forthwith made great provision for war, and joining with him the said Arthur, with a great army and puissance, set upon certain of his towns and Castles in Normandy, and put him to much unquietness. When king john heard of this, he forthwith assembled a counsel, and prayed an aid against the French king, which was granted unto him. And with all speed possible prepared an army & sailed over, King john saileth again into France with a power against the French king and Arthur duke of Briteyne, and had a great victory. and gave an onset on his enemies with such force (as by the provision of almighty God the giver of all victory) the French king and his complices had such a repulse at the English men's hands, that they pursuing the French men, in their flight did so nearly follow them into their hold, and so enforced upon them, that they not only took the said Arthur prisoner, with many other of the French men, but also gave such an overthrow to the rest, that none was there left to to bear tidings home. The pedigree of Arthur Duke of Briteyn. This Arthur was son to Geoffrey Duke of Briteyn, which was the elder brother of king john, and so this Arthur was king john's Nephew. And to make the matter more evident, king Henry the second had eight children, one William, which died in his childhood, the second Henry, which also died in his youth, after he was crowned king, his father being alive, the third Geoffrey Duke of Briteyn, which also died in his father's life time, leaving behind him two children, Arthur and Brecca, the fourth Richard the first, surnamed Cuer de lion, the fift john who succeeded Richard his brother, with three other daughters named, Elinor married to the king of Spain, jone Countess of Tholouse, and Mawde Duchess of Saxon, that afterwards was Empress. The said Arthur being thus taken in war, was brought before the king at the Castle of Falesie in Normandy, who being exhorted with many gentle words to leave the French king, and to incline to his Uncle, answering again stoutly and with great indignation, Arthur's most stout answer. required the kingdom of England with all there to belonging to be restored to him, as to the lawful heir of the Crown: by reason whereof, provoking the kings displeasure against him, he was sent to the Tower of Roan, where at the length, whether by leaping into the ditch, thinking to make his escape, or whether by some other privy hand, or by what chance else it appeareth not certain by stories, Arthur's death. he finished his life, by the occasion whereof, the said john was had after in great suspicion, whether justly or unjustly God knoweth. This year as sayeth Fabian there were chosen in London xxxv of the most substantial and wisest Citizens, Counsel of the City. which were called the counsel of the City, out of the which number yearly the Bailiffs, and afterward the Majors and Sheriffs were chosen. This year as Historiographers writ, king john for lack of good provision to be made in time, King john lost all that he had in Normandy. lost all his holds and possessions in Normandy, through the force and power of the French king. And after these losses came other troubles upon him as great or greater enemies, Troubles & vexations increase upon king john. that was the Pope and his Cardinals, by occasion of choosing the Archbishop of Cauntorbury which afterward shall be at large declared. And this year also (as saith Reynulph) happened many great and wonderful tempests, with lightnings and thunder, and the same also was of long continuance, and in that tempest there fell hail of the greatness of hens eggs, the which destroyed fruit, corn and cattle, beside many other hurts that the same did. And the same time also there were seen spirits in the air (as the aforesaid author saith) fleeing like fowls bearing fire in their bills, and did set diverse houses on fire. And in the said year in the month of july died Queen Alianor the kings mother, Hubert Archbishop of Cā●torbury deceased. and shortly after died also Hubert archbishop of Cauntorbury: whose decease after it was known to the Monks of Cauntorbury, before his body was yet committed to the earth, the younger sort of the Monks there gathered themselves together at midnight, and elected their Subprior Reignold: without the kings licence or yet his knowledge, and they premlye placed him in the Metropolitical seat, singing Tedeum at midnight. Arrogant and crafty Monks. And because the King should not make their election void, they charged him forthwith to go to Rome to the Pope for his confirmation, and made him to swear that he should keep all things secret by the way as he went, & not to make their doings known to any man before he came to the Pope. But he contrary to his oath, assoon as he came into Flaunders, opened abroad all the matter and uttered their counsel. Whereupon the Monks being not a little aggrieved with him, sent to him previly that without delay he should go forward of his journey. And so soon as he was departed, the next day following they sent to the king, desiring of him his gracious licence Canonically to choose their Archbishop. The king most gently and favourably granted their petition, requiring them instantly, and desiring that for his sake they would show favour to john Grace than Bishop of Norwiche, and precedent of his counsel as they did in deed, erecting him into that seat of high Primacy. Now when this their election was presented unto the king, the king gave unto them his great and hearty thanks, and of his own costs and charges he sent his messengers unto Rome to the Pope to have the same election ratified. After the former elections made as aforesaid, the suffragans of Cantorburye being not a little offended at the said elections, sent speedily to Rome, to have them both stayed, for that they were not called to neither of the elections: By reason whereof there grew a great tumult. This year saith Fabian by reason of fowl weathering, wheat was sold for xu shillings the quarter, which was then thought a great price, and even so it was if ye consider the value of their money, which was then valued at twenty pence the ounce of silver, and now it is currant with us at five shillings the ounce, and so after that rate, when they paid xu shillings for a quarter, the same was of our money xlv shillings a quarter. And in the Summer next following, king john married his bastard daughter unto Lewlyn Prince of Wales, and gave with her the Castle and Lordship of Elyngsmer, being in the Marches of South-Wales. This year the Suffragans of the province of Cauntorbury of the one side, and the Monks of Cauntorbury on the other side, came before the Pope with their lewd elections. First the Monks presenting Reignold their Subprior, desired that their election might be confirmed. The Suffragans likewise complained that the Monks would presume to choose the archbishop without their consent, and therefore desired by divers reasons the first election to be of none effect. The Suffragans discharged by the Pope, from the election of the Archbishop. The Pope decising the matter between them both, pronounced with the Monks, charging the Suffragans and Bishops to meddle no more with that election, but to let the Monks alone. The Monks of Cauntorbury now having the whole election in their own hands, fell also at a square among themselves, the younger sort with the elder. The younger sort which had chosen Reignold their Subprior, would have that election to stand. The old sort of Monks replied again, saying: that the first election was by stealth and by night, and by the younger part also without the consent of the elder Monks, and also done without the kings licence or appointment, and without the due solemnity thereunto belonging. And as concerning our election, say they, it was done in the clear day light, by the which it had authority, and in the presence of our liege Lord the king, and his consent and counsel, being to the same. This Allegation thus proponed, the Subpriors proctor, or man of law, stood forth and proved the former election to be good, and this latter to be void and of no value, after this sort. Whether the first election (saith he) were just or unjust, ye aught first by the law to have condemned it, before ye should have presumed to the second: But this ye did not, therefore is this your latter doing no election at all, the first therefore is rather to be ratified than yours. When they had thus multiplied talk upon both sides, with many frivolous allegations a long time, and could not agreed upon one person. Pope Innocent condemned both these elections, commanding them to choose Stephen Langton, Stephen Langton named Archbishop by the Pope. than Cardinal of Saint Chrisogone for the archbishop of Cauntorbury. The Monks than answered, that they durst not so do, without the consent of their king, and also for that it was prejudicial to their ancient liberties. The Pope by and by (saith the story) as one in a fury, taking their words out of their mouths, said thus unto them, we will you to know it, that we have full power and authority over the Church of Cantorbury: The Pope's great curse is of great force forsooth. neither are we wont to tarry the consent of Princes, therefore we command you upon pain of our great curse that ye chose him only whom we have appointed you. The Monks at these words were abashed and terrified (although they much murmured in their hearts) yet consented all in one, & thereupon sang, To Deum: only did Doctor Helias Brantfield withdraw himself from that election, whom the king had sent for the admission of the Bishop of Norwiche. Thus was Stephen Langton in the high Church of Viterby by Innocent the Pope's own mouth made Archbishop of Cantorbury. From thence forth therefore (saith Matthew of Paris) the Pope could do no less, Matheus Pariensis. but mightily defend him from all vexation and danger, considering that he was of his own preferment. Upon this occasion king john conceived an exceeding displeasure against the Monks of Cantorbury (as he had good cause) they doing so many evils against his Princely prerogative: Without his licence they elected their Archbishop, and put by the Bishop of Norwiche whom he had appointed: They wasted a great part of his treasure for the wars, and utterly against the king's mind they made Stephen Langton their Metropolitan, King john vanished the Monks of Cantorbury out of his realm. whom he took for a grievous enemy unto the whole realm, chief for that he was always so familiar with the French king. Wherefore in his anger he banished them out of his land to the number of lxiiij for their contumacy and contempt of his regal power. King john's letters to the Pope. The Monks of Cauntorbury thus being vanished, the king forthwith sendeth messengers to the Pope with his letters, wherein he doth sharply and expressly quarrel with the Pope: First, for that he so uncourteously did adnihilat the election of the Bishop of Norwich, & set up one Stephen Langton, a man unknown to him, and brought up amongst his enemies along time in the kingdom of France, consecrating him archbishop of Cauntorbury, and letting the other go. Also, which is more, it redowneth, saith he, to the subversion and derogation of the liberties appertaining to his crown, that his consent being not asked before of the Monks, which should have been done, they notwithstanding rashly presumed to promote and prefer the same election. Wherefore he cannot marvel he saith, enough, that neither the said Pope, nor the court of Rome doth consider, and revolve with themselves, how necessary his love and favour hath been always hitherto unto the See of Rome: and that they fix not the eye of reason upon this, what great fruit and revenues hath proceeded hitherto to them out of the realm of England, the like whereof hath not been received out of any other Country beside, on this side the Alps. He addeth moreover & saith, that for his liberties, he will stand, if need be, unto death, neither can he be so removed and shaken off from the election of the bishop of Norwich, which he seethe to be to him so commodious and profitable. Finally thus he concludeth, saying: that in case in this his request he be not heard, he will so provide by the seas, that there shall be no such gadding nor coursing over any more to Rome, suffering the riches of the land any more to be exported over, whereby he should himself be the less able to withstand his enemies. And seeing he hath of his own at home both archbishops, Bishops, and other Prelates of the Church, both of Englishmen and of other, sufficiently provided and instructed in all kind of knowledge, therefore he shall not need to seek for justice and judgement any farther abroad. Now when these letters came to the Pope's intelligence, he directeth letters to the king again in this form. Innocent Pope, servant of the servants of God, to our well-beloved son in Christ, the king of England, health & Apostolical blessing: where as we have written to you heretofore exhorting and entreating you after an humble, gentle, and diligent sort, The Pope's letters written to king john. concerning the matter of the Church of Cauntorbury, you have written to us again after a threatening sort, and upbraiding manner, both spitefully, and also frowardly. And where as we more and above that our right and duty required, have borne and given to you: you again for your part have given to us not so much as by right and duty ye are bound to do. And though your devotion (as ye say) hath been to us very necessary, yet consider again, that ours also is not a little opportune and expedient for you. And where as we in such like cases have not showed at any time the like honour to any Prince, as unto you, you again have so much derogated to our honour, as no Prince else hath presumed to do, but you alone, pretending certain frivolous causes and occasions I cannot tell what, why you would not condescend to the election of Stephen Langton Cardinal of Saint Chrisogono chosen by the Monks of Cauntorbury, for that the said Stephen, as you say, hath been conversant and brought up among your enemies, and his person to you unknown. But you know what is the Proverb of Solomon: The net is cast: but in vain in the eyes and sight of the flying birds, with much other matter more in the same epistle, wherein he falleth into commendation of Stephen Langton his Cardinal, declaring how learned he was in the liberal arts, and in divinity, insomuch as he was prebentated at Paris, also come of an honest stock, and an English man borne, and not unknown to the king, seeing the King had written thrice to him before. etc. Moreover, declaring in the said letter, how the messengers of the King had specefied to him another cause, which was, for that the Monks of Cauntorbury which had to do in the election, came not to him before for his consent, declaring moreover in the said letter, how the said Messengers of the king entreated in the kings behalf, that forsomuch as the Pope's letters wherein the king was commanded to sand his Proctors to Rome for the same matter, came not to the kings hand, neither did the Monks direct any such letters or message to the king to have his consent, therefore, that the Pope considering the same, would grant so much for the regard of the kings honour, that the Monks of Cauntorbury should proceed, not without the kings assent therein: And forasmuch as that hath not been done as yet, therefore they desired some delay therein to be given sufficient for the doing thereof. Whereunto he said, that he had granted and fulfilled his request, in sending his messengers and letters once or twice for the same purpose, although he said it was not the manner of the See Apostolic, who hath the fullness of power over the church of Cantorbury, to wait for Prince's consents in such elections, who then could not be suffered to do that which they came for. etc. Wherefore in the knitting up of his letter, he concludeth in these words. And therefore, seeing the matter so standeth, we see no cause why we should require or tarry for the kings favour or consent any more therein, but intent so to proceed in this matter, neither inclining on the right hand, neither yet on the left, according as the canonical ordinances of the holy fathers shall direct us: that is, that all impediments and delays set aside, so to provide that the Church of Cauntorbury be no longer destitute of her Pastor. Wherefore, be it known to your discretion or kingly prudence, that forsomuch as this election of Stephen Langton, hath orderly and concordly thus proceeded without fraud or deceit upon a person meet for the same: therefore we will not for no man's pleasure, neither may we without danger, of fame and of conscience, differre or protract any longer the consummation of the said election. Wherefore my well-beloved son, seeing we have had respect to your honour above that our right and duty requireth, study to honour us so much as your duty requireth again, so that you may the more plentifully deserve favour both at God's hands and ours, lest that by the doing the contrary, you bring yourself into such a peck of troubles, as afterward ye shall scarce rid yourself of again. For this know for a certain, in the end it must needs fall out, that he shall have the better, unto whom every knee heavenly, earthly, and infernal creatures do bow, whose turn I serve in earth, though I be unworthy. Therefore settle not yourself to obey their persuasions which always desire your unquietness, whereby they may the better fish in the water when it is troubled, but commit yourself to our pleasure, which undoubtedly shall turn to your praise, glory, and honour, for it should not be much for your safety in this cause to resist God and the Church, in whose quarrel that blessed Martyr and glorious Thomas hath of late shed his blood, especially seeing your father and your brother of famous memory than kings of England did give over those three wicked customs into the hands of the Legates of the See Apostolic. But if you will yield yourself humbly into our hands, we will look that you and yours shall be sufficiently provided for, that no prejudice may arise hereupon to you ward. Given at Laterane the tenth year of our popedom. ¶ Not long after this letter was sent out, there followed especial charge and commandment sent into England unto certain Bishops there, requiring them by authority Apostolical, that if the said king would not receive the aforenamed Prior of Canterbury and his Monks, that then they should enterdict the king throughout all his realm. For the executing whereof, four Bishops were appointed by the authority of the pope's Bulls, that is to say, William Bishop of London, Eustace Bishop of Ely, Willan bishop of London, Eustace Bishop of Ely, Walter bishop of Winchester Giles bishop of Herford. Walter bishop of Winchester, and Gyles Bishop of Herford. Which said four Bishops went unto the king, and showed them their commission from the Pope (as is abovesaid) willing him to consent thereunto. etc. But the king refused the same, and would by no means grant their request: Whereupon, they departing from his grace, went the morrow after the Annunciation of our Lady, The bishops enterdicted the king and all the realm. and pronounced the said general interdiction throughout the realm of England: so that the Church doors were shut up with keys and other fasteninges, and with walls. etc. Now when the king heard of this, he began to be moved against them, and took all the possessions of the four bishops into his hands, appointing certain men to keep the livings of the Clergy throughout the realm, that they should enjoy no part thereof. Which thing when the Bishops understood, they cursed all them that kept or should meddle with Church goods, against the will of them that aught them: and understanding for all that, that the king nothing regarded their doings, they went over the sea to the Archbishop of Cauntorbury and informed him what had happened. Who hearing the same, willed them again to return to Cauntorbury, and he would come thither to them, or else send certain persons thither in his steed, that should do as much as if he were there himself. Then when the Bishops heard this, they returned again into England to Cauntorbury, which tidings came shortly to the king, that they were come again thither, and because he might not himself travail to them, he sent thither Bishops, earls, This king was in a great perplexity. and abbots, to entreat them that the king might receive the archbishop Stephen, and the Prior and all the Monks of Cauntorbury, promising in his behalf, that he should never take any thing of the church goods against the will of them that own them, but would make amendss to them of whom he had taken any goods, and the Church should have all her franchise in as ample manner as in Saint Edward's time the Confessor. When the form of agreement was thus concluded, it was engrossed in a pair of indentures, which the foresaid four Bishops to the one part thereof set to their seals, and the other part the said Earls, Bishops, and Abbots, carried to the king. When the king saw the order thereof, he liked it well, saving he would not agreed to make restitution of the Church goods. So he sent to the four Bishops again, that they should put out that point of restitution: But they answered stoutly that they would not put out one word. Then the king sent to the Archbishop, by the four Bishops, that he should come to Cauntorbury to speak with him, and for his safe conduit to come and go again at his will, Pledges sent for Stephen Langton. he sent his justices as pledges, that is to say, Gilbert Peltwyn, William de la Berever, & john Lefitz: which thing this done, the Archbishop Stephen came to Cauntorbury & the king hearing thereof came to Chilham, from whence he sent his Treasurer bishop of Winchester to him, to have him put out of the Indentures the clause of restitution aforesaid, who denying to altar any word of the same, moved the king in such sort, that immediately was proclaimed throughout England at the king's commaunment, that all those that had any Church living, & went over the sea, that they should come again into England at a certain day, A proclamation published by the king against the mind of Stephen Langton or else loose their livings for evermore. And further in that proclamation, he charged all Sheriffs within the realm to inquire if any Bishops, abbots, Priors, or any other Church men, from that day forward, received any commandment that came from the Pope, that they should take his or their body, and bring it before him. And also that they should take into their hands for the kings use all the Church lands that were given to any man through the Bishop Stephen or by the Prior of Cauntorbury from the time of the election of the archbishop. And further charged that all the woods that were the Archbishops, should be cut down, and all sold. When tidings came to the Pope that the king had thus done, being moved thereby with fiery wrath, Pandulph & Durant the Pope's Legates. he sent to the king two Legates, the one called Pandulph, and the other Durant, to warn him in the Pope's name, that he should cease off his doings to holy Church, and amend the wrong that he had done to the archbishop of Cauntorbury, and to the Priors & Monks of Cantorbury, and to all the Clergy of England. And further that he should restore again the goods that he had taken of them against their will: or else they should curse the king by name: and to do this, the Pope took them his letters in Bulls patent. These two Legates coming into England, resorted to the the king to Northampton, where he held his Parliament, and saluting him said: they came from the Pope of Rome, to reform the peace of holy Church. And first they said, we admonish you on the Pope's behalf that ye make full restitution of the goods that ye have ravished of holy Church and of the land. And that ye receive Stephen the Archbishop of Cauntorbury into his dignity, and the Prior of Cauntorbury, and his Monks. And that ye yield again unto the archbishop all his lands and rents without any withholding. And sir yet moreover, that ye shall make such restitution to them as the Church shall think sufficient. Then answered the king, as touching the Prior and his Monks of Cauntorbury: all that ye have said I will gladly do, and all thing else that ye would ordain: But as touching the archbishop, I shall tell you as it lieth in my heart. Let the archbishop leave his Bishopric, and if the Pope then shall entreat for him, peradventure I may like to give him some other Bishopric in England: And upon this condition I will receive and admit him. Then said Pandolph unto the king: holy Church was wont never to disgrade an Archbishop without cause reasonable, but ever she was wont to correct Princes that were disobedient unto her. What, how now, quoth the king? threaten ye me? Nay said Pandolph, but ye have openly told as it standeth in your heart: A stout speech of a stranger to a king in his own realm. and now we will tell you what is the Pope's will, and thus it standeth: that he hath wholly interdicted and accursed you, for the wrongs ye have done to holy Church; and to the Clergy: and for as much as ye devil in your own malice and will come to none amendment: ye shall understand that from this time forward, The Legates curse the king. the sentences upon you given have force & strength. And all those that you have commoned withal before this time, whether that they be Earls, Barons or Knights, or any other whatsoever they be, we assoil them safely unto this day. And from this time forward, of what condition soever they be, we accurse them openly and specially by this our sentence, that do with you common. And we assoil moreover Earls, Barons, Knights, and all other manner of men of their homages, service and fealties that they should do unto you. And this thing to confirm, we give plain power to the Bishop of Winchester, & to the Bishop of Norwich. And the same power against Scotland to the Bishop of Rochester and of Sarisburie. And in Wales, we give the same power to the Bishop of Saint David and Landaff and of S. Ass. And moreover we sand throughout all christendom, that all the Bishops beyond the sea, shall accurse all those that help or counsel you in any manner of need, that ye have to do in any part of the world. And that they also assoil them against you, how many soever they be. And further we assoil them by the authority of the Pope, and also command them to war with you, as with him that is enemy to the Church. Then the king hearing this, answered, what may ye do to me more? If I had known this to be the cause of your coming, I would have kept you back for one year. Pandolphe the Cardinal answered: full well we thought at our first coming, that ye would have been obedient to God and to holy Church, and to have fulfilled the Pope's commandment, which we have showed and pronounced to you as we were charged therewith: But now if ye had wist the cause of our coming, ye would have made us tarry one whole year, which ye might as well have said, that ye would have a whole years respite by the Pope's licence. But for to suffer what death that you can ordain, we will not spare to tell you all the Pope's message. Upon this occasion Pope Innocent yet once again commanded upon pain of his great curse, that no man should obey king john, neither yet keep company with him, to common or counsel with him, yea, his own familiar household to do him any kind of service, either at bed or at board, in Church, Hall or stable: But what followed thereof? the greater part of them which after such sort fled from him, by the ordinance of God, of diverse and sundry diseases the same year died. And between both nations English and French, fell that year great amity, but secret, subtle and false, The Pope gave sentence against king john that he should be deposed. to the bitter betraying of England. Neither was the Pope content only with this, but moreover the said Pope Innocent gave sentence definitive, by counsel of his Cardinals, that king john should be deposed and put from his seat Regal, and another put in his room. And to the speedy execution thereof, A large grant ● an unmerciful he appointed king Philip the French king, promising to give him full remission of all his sins, and the clear possession of all the realm of England to him and his heirs for ever, if he did either kill him or expel him. Christ took the cross, to gave all men life and not to slay any man. Moreover, he wrote unto other Nations that they should take on them the livery or badge of the cross, and be revenged on him for the manifold injuries done to the Church universal, by that Turk and Pagan king john, as he called him. But for all that the Pope could do unto him, he ceased not to be avenged on such Bishops and Priests as traitorously had conspired against him, partly by putting them to exile, and partly by seizing upon their goods and livings. And mistrusting that his people would not now continued true unto him, by reason he stood accursed, and also the land was interdicted for his sake, he caused the whole realm to be sworn unto him again. And then assembled he an army intending to war upon Alexander the second king of Scots, for that he received many of the Nobles of the Realm that daily fled unto him for succour, and by that means to be avenged upon him, for breaking the league that was betwixt them. And when he had thus prepared for war, he hastened him shortly after to Northumberland, and marching forward from thence toward Scotland, he invaded the Frontiers of his enemies, and offered them battle. But the Scottish king perceiving himself to weak to resist the power of England, and therefore thinking that it would be little for his profit, if he had then joined battle with him, did by the advice of his counsel refuse to fight, and so dismissing his army, he sent unto king john, and made great suit to be at peace with him, the which at the length he bought, though with much a do, and for a great sum of money: But to return from whence we have digressed. Philip the French king began to attempt to obtain the crown of England. The next year after the aforesaid interdiction, the French king began his attempt in hope of the crown of England, being well manned with the Bishops, Monks, Prelates and Priests, and their servants to maintain the same, bragging of the letters which they had received of the great men there. But behold the work of God: The English navy took three hundredth of the French kings Ships, well loaden with wheat, wine, meal, flesh, armour, and such other like, meet for the war, and an hundredth they brent within the haven of Dam, not far off Bruges, taking the spoil with them. Peter wakefield a false Prophet. In the mean while the Priests within England had provided them a false and counterfeated prophet, called Peter Wakefield, a York shire man, who was an Hermit, an idle gadder about, and a prattling merchant. Now, to bring this Peter in credit, and the king out of all credit with his people, diverse vain persons bruited daily among the Commons of the realm, that Christ had twice appeared unto him in the shape of a child between the priests hands, once at York, another time at Pomfret, and that he had breathed upon him thrice saying, peace, peace, peace, and teaching many things, which he anon after declared to the bishops, and bid the people amend their naughty living: Being rapt also in spirit, they said he beheld the joys of heaven, and sorrows of hell, for scant were there three in the Realm, said he, that lived christianly. This counterfeated soothsayer prophesied of king john that he should reign no longer than the Ascension day next following, which was in the year of our Lord .1211. and was the xiij year from his coronation, & this he said he had by revelation. Then it was of him demanded, whether he should be slain, or be deposed, or should voluntarily give over the crown? He answered that he could not tell: But of this he was sure (he said) that neither he nor any of his stock or lineage should reign after that day. The king hearing of this, laughed much at it, King john should appear to be wise and learned. and made but a scoff thereat: Tush saith he, it is but an idiot knave, and such a one as lacketh his right wits. But when this foolish prophet had so escaped the danger of the kings displeasure, and that he made no more of it, he gate him abroad and prated thereof at large, as he was a very idle vagabond, and used to trattle and talk more than enough, so that they which loved the king caused him anon after to be apprehended as a malefactor, and to be thrown in prison, the king not yet knowing thereof. Anon after, the fame of this fantastical prophet went all the realm over, and his name was known every where, as foolishness is much regarded of the people, where wisdom is not in place: specially, because than he was imprisoned for the matter, the rumour was the larger, their wonderinges were the wantoner, their pracfises the foolisher, their busy talks and other idle doings, the greater. Continually from thence, as the rude manner of people is, old Gossyps tales went abroad, new tales were invented, fables were added to fables, and lies grew upon lies. So that every day new slanders were laid on the king, and not one of them true, rumours arose, blasphemies were spread, the enemies rejoiced, and treasons by the priests were maintained, and what likewise was surmised, or other subtlety practised, all was then fathered upon this foolish prophet, as thus saith Peter Wakefield, thus hath he prophesied, and thus it shall come to pass, yea, many times when he thought nothing less. ascension day which should be the last day of king john's reign as Peter Wakefield● said. When the Ascension day was come, which was prophesied of before, king john commanded his regal tent to be spread in the open field, passing that day with his noble counsel and men of honour, in the greatest solemnity that ever he did before, selacing himself with Musical instruments & songs, most in sight amongst his trusty friends. When that day was passed in all prosperity and mirth, his enemies being confused, turned all unto an allegorical understanding to make the prophet good, and said, he is no longer king, for the Pope reigneth and not he: yet reigned he still, and his son after him to prove that prophet a liar. Then was the king by his counsel persuaded, that this false prophet had troubled the realm, perverted the hearts of the people, and raised the commons against him, for his words went over the sea, by the help of his prelate's, and came to the French kings ear, and gave to him a great encouragement to invade the land: he had not else done it so suddenly. But he was most foully deceived, as all they are and shall be that put their trust in such dark drowsy dreams of hippocrites. Peter the prophet was hanged with his son. The king therefore commanded that he should be hanged up, and his son also with him, lest any more false prophets should arise of that race. The king thus compassed about on every side with enemies, and seeing the great danger that was like to follow, and himself to be brought to such a straight, that none other way could be found to avoid the present destruction both of his person and the realm also, but utterly to be subverted, and specially fearing the French king, King john submitteth himself to the Pope. was enforced to submit himself unto the Pope, converting his land into the patrimony of S. Peter, as many other had done before him, and so became a subject to the See of Rome, thinking thereby to avoid all dangers imminent: for of this he was sure (though not without shame) that being under his protection, no foreign potentate throughout the whole Empire was able to subdue him. Wherefore he thus submitting himself did enter into bond to the Pope, the Copy of which bond followeth. The copy of the bond which king john entered into unto the Pope. To all Christian people throughout the world dwelling. john by the grace of God king of England, greeting to your university, and knowledging that forasmuch as we have grieved and offended God, and our mother the Church of Rome, and forasmuch as we have need of the mercy of our Lord jesus Christ, and we may offer none so worthy satisfaction to God and to holy Church, but if it were our own body, as with our realms of England and Ireland, than by the grace of the holy ghost, we desire to meek us for love of him, that meked himself to the death of the cross, through counsel of the noble Earls and Barons, we offer and freely grant to God, and to the Apostles S. Peter and Paul, and to our mother the Church of Rome, and to our holy father Pope Innocent the third, and to all the Popes that come after him, all the realms, patronages of Churches of England and of Ireland, with all the appurtenances for the remission of our sins, and help and health of our kins souls, and all christian souls, so that from this time afterward, we will receive and hold of our mother Church of Rome, as for farm doing fealty to our holy father the Pope, Innocent the third bishop of Rome. Innocent the third, and to all the Popes that come after him in the manner abovesaid, and in presence of the wise man Pandulph the Pope's Subdeacon, we make liege homage, as it were in the Pope's presence, and before him were, and should have done all manner of things abovesaid, and thereto we bind us and all that come after us, and our heirs for evermore, without any gainsaying to the Pope and eke the ward of the Church vacant, and in token of this thing ever for to last, we will, confirm, and ordain, that our special renter of our foresaid realms, Peter pence. saving Saint Peter's pence in all things to the mother Church of Rome, England made tributary to Rome pay by year a thousand mark of silver at two times of the year, for all manner of customs, that we should do for the said realms, that is to say, at Michaelmas and Easter, that is to weet, seven hundredth Marks for England, Tribute. and three hundredth Marks for Ireland, saving to us and to our heirs, our justices, and our other franchises, and other royalties that pertained to our crown, and all these things that before been said, we will that it be firm and stable without end, and to that obligation we and all our successors, and our heirs in the manner aforesaid stand bound, that if we or any of our heirs through any presumption, fall in any point again these things abovesaid, and he been warned and will not right soon amend him, he shall then lease the aforesaid realms for evermore, and this Charter of Obligation, and our warrant for evermore to be firm and stable without gainesaiing, we shall from this day afterward be true to God and to the mother Church of Rome, and to Innocent the third, and to them that come after him, and the realms of England and of Ireland we should maintain truly in all manner of points against all manner of men by our power, thorough God's help. But Sir Thomas Moor knight writing in a book of his entitled, the supplication of souls, against the supplication of beggars, certainly affirmeth that there was never any such tribute granted, either for England or Ireland. And he saith further, that neither Rome can show any such grant, nor never could, & if they could it were right naught worth: for never could any king of England give away the realm to the Pope, or make the land tributary, though he would, and that no such money (saith he) is there paid, nor never was. This saying I leave to your judgement. But I marvel much that master Moor being a great learned man, would not for the avouchment of his credit, and the truth of so great a matter, in reproving a thing so manifestly written by a great number of Authors, as namely Reynulph of Chester, Polydore, and a great number of other, which affirm the aforesaid History to be true, that he doth not allege so much as the testimony and authority of some one author, for the proving of his assertion: But as aforesaid I leave this to the judgement of the reader. But before the releasement of the interdiction, the king was miserably compelled kneeling on his knees to give over both his crown and sceptre to the Pope of Rome, for the space of five days, and as his client, vassal, The miserable estate of king john. feedary, and tenant, to receive it of him again at the hands of another Cardinal. And to this was he bound obligatory, both for himself, and for them which should succeed him, paying yearly for a knowledge thereof, The interdiction of this realm released. a thousand Marks for England and Ireland as aforesaid. So was the interdiction discharged the second day of july after six years three months and xuj days from the first proclaiming thereof. In this new ruffling, the king easily granted that Abbots, Deans, & Curates should be elected freely every where, so that the laws of the realm were truly observed. But against that were the Bishops, alleging they● Canonical decrees, & rules synodal, determining the king therein to have nothing a do, but only to give his consent after they had once elected. But among that company, there were some that consented not to that error: A sort also there were of prelate's that time which were not pleased that the lands interdiction should cease, till the king had paid all which their Clergy in all quarters of the realm had demanded without reason: yea every saucy Sir john for his part, even to the very breaking of their hedges, the stealing of their Apples, and their other occasional damages, demanded allowance which grew to an incredible sum and impossible to be answered. Notwithstanding that which is uttered before, concerning the bitter malice of the clergy against the king, yet did the Pope's Legate and Cardinal Nicholaus Tusculanus much favour the king his doings and allow his proceed, wherefore certain of the Clergy reported of him that he was exceeding partial, and regarded not their matters ecclesiastical as he should have done, for leaving the account of their restitutions, he went with the king's officers as the king's pleasure was to the Cathedral Ministers, Abbeys, priories, Deaneries and great Churches vacant. And there for the next incumbent always he appointed two, one for the king, another for the parties. But upon him only whom the king nominated, he compelled most commonly the election to pass, which vexed them wonderfully: Upon this therefore they raised a new conspiracy against the king's person, and we beheld (saith Hoveden) about the same time many noble houses and assembyles divided in many places: the fathers and the aged men stood upon the kings part, but the younger sort contrary. And some there were that for love of their kindred, and in other sundry respects, forsook the king again: yea, and the fame went that time (saith he) that they were confederated with Alexander the Scottish king and Leoline Prince of Wales to work him an utter mischief. Alexander the Scottish king. A counsel at Oxford the Archbishop called, where as some would not tarry, considering the confusion thereof: the other sort having very obstinate hearts, A presumptuous clergy. reviled the king most spitefully behind his back, and said, that from thenceforth, he aught to be taken for no Governor of theirs. Their outrageous and frantic clamours so much prevailed in those days, that it grew to a grievous tumult and a most perilous commotion. In the year of our Lord 1212 as witnesseth Paulus Emilius and other Histories, Pope Innocent the third held a general counsel at Rome called the counsel of Laterane. Counsel of Laterane. The chief causes of that counsel were these. In the days of this Innocent, heresy (as he calleth it) began to rise up very high, and to spread forth his branches abroad. By reason whereof many Princes were excommunicate: as Otho the Emperor, john the king of England, Peter king of Arragon, Raymond the Earl of Tholouse and a great sort more. And many lands were interdicted, as England, Ireland, Provence, Tolouse, Aquitane, Sataloni, and such other like as is aforesaid. So that it could be none otherwise (saith Hoveden) but with the sharp Axe of the Gospel (for so the Pope called excommunications) they aught of necessity to have been cut of from the church. Therefore was this counsel provided and proclaimed, and Prelates from all Nations thereunto called. And to colour those mischiefs which he then went about, he caused it by his Legates and Cardinals to be noised abroad that his intent was therein only to have the Church universally reform, and the holy land from the Turks hands recovered. But all this was but craft and falsehood as the sequel thereof hath manifestly declared. For his purpose thereby was to subdue all Princes, and to make himself rich and wealth. For there he made this Act, and established it by public decree, that the Pope should have from thence forth the correction of all Christian Princes, The Pope to have the correction of all Christian Princes. and that no Emperor should be admitted, except he were sworn before, and were also crowned of him. He ordained moreover that whatsoever he were the which should speak evil of the Pope, he should be punished in hell with eternal damnation, Conradus Vspergensis, Hieronimus Marius. He also ordained auricular confession. Also in this counsel was first invented and brought in transubstantiation. But now let us return to king john again, and mark how the priests and their adherentes were plagued for their homely handling of his Majesty. In the aforesaid counsel of Lateran, and the same year, was Stephen Langton the archbishop of Cauntorburye excommunicated of Pope Innocent, Stephen Langton excommunicated. with all those Bishops, prelate's, priests, Barons and Commons which had been of counsel with him in the former rebellion. And when the said Archbishop had made instant suit to the Pope to be assoiled, anon he made him this answer with great indignation: Brother mine, I swear by Saint Peter, thou shalt not so soon at my hand obtain the benefit of absolution, for why, thou hast not only done harm to the king of England, but also thou hast in a great many of things injured the Church of Rome here: and therefore thou shalt tarry my leisure. The Archbishop was also at that time suspended out of the Church, and commanded to say no Mass at all, neither yet to exercise any other ecclesiastical office, because he would not at time convenient execute the Pope's curse upon the rebellious Barons: With them the said Pope had been so deeply offended and angered a little before, that the great Charter of the liberties of England, with great indignation and countenance most terrible, he rend and destroyed by sentence definitive condemning it for ever. And by and by, thereupon cursed all the other rebels with Bell and Candle. The greater Captains of them which were the citizens of London for that assay, were pronounced excommunicate by name, and remained still in that state: wherefore they appealed to the general counsel. Also in the said year, those great men were likewise summoned to appear at Rome in the general Synod, which never consented to the kings deposing: though they were called (they said) thereunto by the archbishop of Cauntorbury and others, and required by other to subscribe to the same, yet could they not of conscience do it, because he had humbled himself, and also granted to keep peace with all men. Thus was the whole realm miserably then divided into two factions, through the malice of the Clergy, & so strifes increased in the land every where. Yet were there of the Lords and Gentlemen a great number at that time that followed the king, and allowed his doings. But they which were on the other side, not a little suspecting the state that they were in, fled speedily to the French king Philip, desiring him that he would grant unto them his eldest son Ludovick, and they would elect him to be their king, and that without much tarriance. They besought him moreover, that he would send with him a strong and mighty power, as were able to subdue him utterly, that they might (they said) be delivered of such a wicked Tyrant. Such was the report that those wicked men gave of their Christian governor appointed to them of God, whom they aught to have obeyed though he had been evil, even for very conscience sake. And as certain of the Lords and Barons, The Barons of England sought to have Lewes the French kings son to be king of England. were in doing to choose the said Ludouick for their king, the Pope sent thither one Gualo, the Cardinal of S. Martin, to stop those rash and cruel attempts, charging the French king upon his allegiance, that he with all power possible, should favour, maintain, and defend king john of England, feodary and tenant to the sea of Rome. The French king thereto made answer, as one not contented with that arrogant precept. The realm of England, said he, was never yet any part of Saint Peter's patrimony, neither is it now, nor yet at any time shall be hereafter. This spoke he, for that he was in hope to obtain it for his son, by treason of the Barons. No prince or Potentate (said Philip the French king) may pledge or give away the kingdom (which is besides the lands) the government of his realms and whole common wealth, The French king and his son, reasoning about England. without the lawful consent of his Barons, which are bound to defend the same. If the Pope shall introduce or set up such a precedent in the Christianity, he shall at his pleasure bring all Christian kings and their kingdoms to nought. I like not this example in these days begun. I cannot therefore allow this fact of king john of England, though he be mine utter adversary, but I much lament that he hath so endamaged his realm, and hath brought the noble ground & Queen of provinces under miserable tribute. The chief Lords and men of his nobility standing by when he uttered these words, being as it were in a fury cried with one voice. By the blood of God, in whom we trust to be saued, we will stick in this article to the losing of our heads (let the king of England do therein what him liketh) that no king may put his land under tribute, Lodovick or Lewes the kings eldest son. and so make his nobility captive servants. With that came in Ludovick the kings eldest son, and said unto them all there present, I beseech you let not my purposed journey: the Barons of England have elected me for their Lord and king, and I will not surely loose my right: But I will fight for it even to the death, yea so long as heart shall stir within my breast, and I doubt not but that I shall well obtain it, for I have friends among them. His father the king stood still as he had been in a doompe, and answered never a word, but fared as though he had dissembled the matter. About the same time, were such treasons and conspiracies wrought by the Bishops, Priests, and Monks throughout all the realm, that the king witted not where to become to find trusty friends. He was then compelled by the uncertenty of his subjects to travail from place to place, King john in great perplexity. but not without a great army of men, looking every day when his Barons and their confederates would cruelly set upon him. At the last he came to Dover, and there looked for aid from other quarters, which loved him better than did his own people. And thither to him resorted from Flaunders, Brabant and Holland, on the one side, and from Guyan, Gascoyn, and poitiers on the other side, and from other country's more, a wonderful number of men. The report went then that the Pope had written to those countries, mightily to assist him for diverse considerations. One was, for that he had both submitted himself and his dominion to his protection. Another was, because he had taken on him a little before, the livery of the cross to win again jerusalem. The third was, for that he had gotten by him the dominion of England and Ireland, and feared to loose both, if he should chance to decay. Also in this time king john sailing to the Isle of Wight abode there the space of three Months, and remained of purpose for the quieting of himself from tumults, and led there a solitary life, among rivers and watermen: where as he accounted rather to die then to live, being so traitorously handled of his Bishops and Barons, and not knowing justly how to be avenged on them. Upon the Purification of our Lady therefore, he took upon him the cross or voyage against the Turks for the recovery of jerusalem, moved thereunto rather for the doubts he had in his people, then for any other devotion else. And thus he said to his familiar servants: since I submitted myself and my lands, England and Ireland to the Church of Rome (sorrow come to it) never thing prospered with me, but it hath gone against me. In the next year after, Simon Langton was chosen archbishop of York, but that election was anon after dissolved, for information was given to the Pope, that the said Simon was brother to Stephen the archbishop of Cauntorbury, which had been the occasion giver of all the tumults which were at that time in England. And the Pope had the more hate unto him, for that he had brought him up of nought, and did find him at that time so stubborn: wherefore he placed in his room Walter Grace bishop of Winchester. In the same year, Gualo the Pope's Legate, curseth Lewes the French kings son. Gualo the Pope's Legate renewed his great curse upon Lewes the french king's son, for usurping upon king john. Likewise upon Simon Langton and Geruys Hobruge, for provoking him to the same, and that with a wonderful solemnity. For in that doing, he made all the Bells to be rung, the Candles to be light, The solemnity of cursing. the doors to be opened and the book of excommunications and interdictions publicly to be read, committing them wholly to the Devil for their contumacy and contempt. He also commanded the Bishops and Curates to publish it abroad over all the whole realm, to the terror of all subjects. The said Simon and Geruys laughed him to scorn, and derided much his doings in that behalf, saying: that for the just title of Ludowike or Lewes, they had appealed to the general counsel at Rome. The Magistrates of London and Citizens of the same did likewise vilipend and disdeynously mock all that the Pope had there commanded and done: And in spite both of him and his Legate, they kept company with them that were excommunitate, both at Table and at church, Lewes the French kings son came to London and was received as king. showing themselves thereby as open contemners both of him and his laws. Lewes being at London, and taking himself for king, constituted Simon Langton for his high Chancellor, and Geruis Hobruge for his chief preacher. By whose daily preachings, as well the Barons as the Citizens themselves, being both excommunicate, caused all the Church doors to be opened, and the service to be song, and the said Lewes was in all points fit for their hands. About this time was Pandulph the Cardinal collecting the Peter pence, taking great pains therein. Pandulph the Pope's Legate made Bishop of Norwich. And for his great labours in those affairs for holy Church, and for other good matters, he was made Bishop of Norwiche to the augmenting of his dignity and expenses, It chanced about this time, that the Viscount of Melun, The Viscount of Melun. a very noble man of the realm of France, which came hither with Ludowike to fall deadly sick at London, and also moved in conscience to call certain of the English Barons unto him, such as were there appointed to the custody of that City, and thus he said unto them. I lament your sorrowful case, and pity with my heart the destruction that is coming towards you and your Country. The dangerous snares which are prepared for your utter confusion, are hidden from you, you do not behold them, but take you heed of them in tyme. Prince Ludowike hath sworn a great oath, and xuj of his Earls and noble men are of counsel with him, A good warning. that if he obtain the Crown of England, he will banish all them then of service and deprive them of lands & goods, as many as he findeth now to go against their liege king, and are traitors to his noble person: And because you shall not take this tale for a fable, I assure you on my faith lying now at the mercy of God on my death bed, that I was one of them, which was sworn to the same. I have great conscience thereof, and therefore I give you this warning, I pity poor England, which hath been so noble a Region, that now it is come to extreme misery. And when he with tears had lamented it a space, he turned again unto them and said: my friends, I counsel you earnestly to look to yourselves, and to provide remedy in time, lest it come upon you unwares. Your king for a season hath kept you under: But if Lewes prevail, he will put you from all. Of two extreme evils, choose the more easy, and keep that secret which I have told you of good william. With that he gave over and departed this life. When this was once noised among the Barons, they were in great heaviness, for they saw themselves betrapped every way, and to be in exceeding great danger. A great plague came upon the Barons of this realm. And this daily augmented that fear which then came upon the Barons: They were extremely hated of the Pope and his Legates, every week came upon them new excommunications. Daily detriments they had besides in their possessions and goods, in their lands and houses, corn and cattle, wives and children, so that some of them were driven to such need that they were enforced to seek prays and booties for sustaining their miserable lives. For look what Prince Ludovick obtained by his wars, either territories or Castles, he gave them all to the French men in spite of their heads, and said, that they were but Traitors, like as they had warning before, which grieved them worst of all. At the last they perceiving that in seeking to avoid one mischief, they were ready to fall into another much worse: They began to cast their wits together, consenting to submit themselves wholly and humbly to their late sovereign Lord king john. And for that they were somewhat in doubt of their lives, for the treason before committed, many of the friends of them, which were of most credit with him, made suit for them. So were a great number of them pardoned, after instant and great suit made for them. And here I think meet to put in remembrance such certain several matters as happened to be done in this Realm, in all the time and process of the former history, which of purpose I deferred, because I thought best and most commodious for the reader to have the whole story of this king john or rather his tragedy together and in one place, then in several years to have set out the same in sundry parts as they chanced. And therefore now I will return to the order that I kept from the first year of this king unto the fift year of his reign, where I began with the story aforesaid, in the year of our Lord a thousand two hundredth and three. In the uj year of his reign (as saith Fabian) at Oxenfoord in Suffolk was taken in the sea a monstrous fish, which was in the form and shape of a man, and was kept six months alive upon the land, and fed with raw flesh and fish. And because they could have no speech of it, they cast it into the sea again. And in this year both the Welsh men, and Irish men rebelled, for that as some writ that the king would have set tasks upon them to have aided him against the French king. And after he had pacified the Welsh men, he was compelled to demand an aid and task of all England for the quieting of Ireland. And beside that task he demanded of the white Monks of England six thousand Marks, the which they denied, making their excuse by their general head, wherewith the King was sore displeased, and at his return out of Ireland, he sore troubled and vexed them, and took of them much more than he required first, and caused many of the Monks to forsake both their houses and the realm. And after that he had prepared his army and all things that belonged to the same, he with a great number of ships sailed into Ireland and shortly subdued them, and setting all things in good order, he returned again into England. In the eight year of his reign, and the first day of the month of October his first son Henry by name was borne by Isabella his second wife at Winchester. In the ix year of his reign, he granted to the city of London, that where before time the same City was ruled by two Bailiffs, that now they should elect among themselves a Mayor and two Sheriffs, which should have the rule and governance of the said City, and from thence forth the name of Bailiffs should cease. Some writ that the cause of this alteration of Officers was, because the purveyors for the kings household, being then a great dearth of corn, would have taken up of the provision of the City to serve the king withal: The which thing Roger Winchester and Edmond Hardell then Bailiffs, would in no wise suffer them to do: Whereupon the king taking great displeasure with them, deprived them of their offices, and afterwards committed them to ward: But yet being at the length pacified again, in the steed of two Bailiffs, he gave the Citizen's authority yearly to choose amongst themselves a Mayor and two Sheriffs, which should have the government of the City: The first Mayor was Henry Fitz aleyn, and the first Sheriffs, Peter Duke, and Thomas Needle. And in the ten year, London bridge which before was made of Timber and repaired by a College of Priests, was now begun to be builded of stone. Now to conclude, in the xvij and last year of his reign, the Barons submitted themselves unto him as is abovesaid in the end of the story, and then King john with a great army went into Suffolk and Norfolk, and there he afflicted such as had sworn to his enemies, with great and grievous mischief. After that, he destroyed the two Abbeys of Peterborough, and Crowland, for the great treasons which they also had wrought against him, and so he departed from thence to Lincolnshire. Innocent the third died. And in this year the xvij day of july died Pope Innocent the third, and was buried in a City called Perusum, in Italy, where as he had travailed to make a peace between the Genovayes, and the Pyses, for his own commodity and advantage. After him succeeded one Cintius, otherwise called Honorius the third, a man of very great age, yet lived he in the Papacy ten years and a half and more. When this was once known in England, a great rejoice had all they which were king john's enemies, specially the priests: yet had they small cause as will appear hereafter. They noised it all the realm over, that this new Pope would set a new order, and not rule things as the other Pope did: thinking thereby, that he would have done all things to their commodity, but they found it otherwise, for he made all them which were excommunicate to pay double and triple, before they could be restored again to their former livings. And in the same self year, King john came to Swinestedes Abbey, not far from Lyncolne, he rested there two days, where as certain writers report that he was most traitorously poisoned, Simon Swinestede a Monk poisoned king john. by a Monk of the same Abbey, being of the order of Saint Barnard, called Simon Swynested, and as Caxton saith in his book called fructus temporum, and Polichronicon also saith the same, the aforesaid Monk named Simon, hearing the king upon an occasion to talk of bread, should say that if he lived a year longer, he would make that loaf of bread being then of the value of one halfpenny, worth twelve pence, meaning that he would so persecute his rebellious people, that he would not leave one of them to be the owner of a plough. The Monk hearing the king thus speak, conceived of the king a very evil opinion, insomuch that forthwith the Monk went to his Abbot showing him the whole matter, and what he was minded to do. He alleged for himself the prophecy of Cayphas, saying: it is better that one man die, than all the people should perish. I am well content, saith he, to die & to became a martyr, so that I may utterly destroy this Tyrant. With that the Abbot wept for gladness, and much commended his fervent zeal as he took it. The Monk then being absolved of his Abbot for doing of this act aforehand, went secretly into a garden upon the backside, and finding there a most venomous toad, he so pricked him, and pressed him with his pen knife, that he made him vomit all the poison that was within him. This done, he conveyed it into a cup of Wine, and with a smiling and flattering countenance he said thus to the king, if it shall like your Princely Majesty, here is such a Cup of Wine as ye never drank before in all your life time, I trust this wassall shall make all England glad. And with that he drank a great draft, the king pledging him. The Monk anon after went to the Farmory, and there died, his guts gushing out of his belly, and had continually from thence forth three Monks to sing Masses for his soul, confirmed by their general Chapter. The king within short space after, feeling great grief in his body, asked for Simon the Monk, and answer was made that he was departed this life: Then God have mercy upon me (said the king) I suspected as much. With that he commanded his Chariot to be brought, for he was not able to ride. So went he from thence to Slaford Castle, and from thence to Newarke upon Trent, The death of king john. and there within less than three days he died, when he had reigned xvij years uj months and odd days, and was honourably buried at Worcester, with all his armed men attending upon the burial. The description of king john. King john thus departing as is abovesaid, left behind him four sons, and three daughters. First Henry who succeeded him in the same kingdom, the second, Richard king of Almain, the third, William of Valentia, the fourth Guydo Disnay. He had also another son, who after was made Bishop. Of his daughters, first was Isabella married to Frederick the Emperor, the second married to William Marshal earl of Worcester, the third to the earl of Leicester. Roger Hoveden saith, that this king john was a mighty and valiant prince, but not fortunate as many were. Not altogether unlike to Marius the noble Romain, he tasted fortune both ways, but much in mercy. In wars sometime he won, & sometime again he lost: He was also very bounteous & liberal unto strangers, but to his own people, for their daily treasons sake, he was a great oppressor, for he trusted more to foreynes then to them. Henry the third. SO soon as king john was dead and buried, as is said before, the Princes, Lords and Barons, so many as were of his part, aswell of Strangers as of them that were borne here, by counsel of the Legate Gualo, gathered themselves together, and all with one consent proclaimed Henry his son being then of the age of ix years, for king of this realm of England. And for that only cause was king john buried at Worcester, and not by testament, for that only place of the realm in those days appeared most sure and safe, where they which were friends to the Crown, might best deliberate with themselves in that matter, what was best to be done. So went they from thence to the town of Gloucester, with William Marshal earl of the same, and there was this young king anointed and crowned king by the Legate Gualo, assisted by Peter Bishop of Winchester, and joseline the Bishop of , with other which then were in the realm, and called Henry the third, and this was done in the feastful day of the Apostles Simon and jude. 1216. After the which coronation he was committed to the tuition of Henry Bishop of Winchester aforesaid, or as Polidore writeth, to William earl of Gloucester. The Court of Rome at that time, not being slack in their affairs, sent heether with all speed, and commanded that they should manfully stand by the young king, and to defend England with armour and his excommunications against Lewes the French kings son, and his complices. And then Honorius the Pope not only confirmed his Legate Gualo, or Swalo, but also committed to his discretion, all that appertained to that office of his, no appellations to the contrary admitted. Upon this authority, the Legate being bold, compelled the Prelates of England to be sworn true to the young king: and those that refused to take that oath, he punished very sore. And Henry or after some writers Peter, Bishop of Winchester, was not all behind in that commission for his part, who put a grievous tax upon the beneficed men and Priests of his diocese, to help the king in his wars against Lewes, which was not all amiss. Such as were great beneficed men, and might well pay, those Gualo reserved to his own authority, and in the end for great sums of money dispensed with them. Some that were obstinate and froward, he disgraded: some he excommunicated, and sent to Rome for their absolutions, not leaving one Priest unpunished that had taken part with Lewes, having every where his searchers and spies to find them out. And in this time, divers of the chief of the Barons forsook Lewes the French kings son, namely the Earls of Pembroke, and of Chester, with all their retinue, and submitted themselves to the young king. Sun after the coronation of the king, certain commissions were sent out into all places of England to gather strength of men to withstand the aforesaid Lewes, and to put him and his Frenchmen with other Alyaunts out of the land, which then had under their rule and custody, the Castles of Berkhamsted, of Hartford and divers other. And for that Lewes would not cease of his war and return into France, therefore theaforesayde Legate Gualo, Gualo or Swalo as some called him, the Pope's Legate curseth Lewes the French kings son. accursed him first by name, and after all such as him maintained or favoured in this war against king Henry. Then the aforenamed Earls accompanied with William earl Marshal of England, William le Bruise Earl of Ferreys with many other went to Lyncoln, and wan the Town upon the strangers, where was slain a Frenchman called Earl of Perches with many other Soldiers. And there was taken of Englishmen, Serle earl of Winchester, and Homstrey de Bohan Earl of Hartford with divers other men of name. Lewlyn prince of Wales. And in this while Lewlyn or Lluellen Prince of Wales, for that he aided the part of Lewes was accursed and his land enterdicted. After the Town of Lyncolne was thus won from the Frenchmen, Lewes with the other part of his Soldiers, drew toward London: for so much as word was brought to him that his father had sent him a new company of Soldiers the which should landlord in England shortly. Truth it was that such an aid of Soldiers was made by the French king, and committed to a Captain called Eustace the Monk, Eustace a Monk made captain of an army. the which was encountered upon the Sea, with a captain or Master of the five Ports called Hubert at Burgh, and gave to him battle, and discomfited him at length, and sent the head of the said Eustace unto the king. When Lewes heard of these tidings, and considered how daily his strength minished, he was more inclinable unto peace: so that in conclusion, he took money saith Reynulph and yielded up his Castles and strengths which he held, and after was assoiled, and so returned into France: But of this money that Lewes received there are divers opinions. The English book named it a thousand Mark, and the French book saith xu thousand Mark. Now, after that the strangers were avoided, than inquisition was made to know what persons had favoured the party of Lewes against the king, and there was found a great multitude, of the which the king pardoned a great number of the lay Fee: But the spiritual were put to such fines, that they were compelled to lay that they had to pledge to please the king, and besides that, to sue to Rome to be assoiled. Reynulph Earl of Chester took his journey to jerusalem. And this year Reynulph earl of Chester, for considerations him moving, took his journey into the holy land. But one writer saith, that he took that journey upon him, because he had contrary to his allegiance made homage unto Lewes above named, and for malice which he bore unto king john, intended at the time of that homage doing, to have made the said Lewes king of England. And at this time was a Parliament holden at London, wherein was granted two shillings of every Plough land, through England, which was for the charge that he before had with Lewes at war. And this Parliament king Edward's laws were again restored, & Magna carta confirmed. This year also king Henry began to build the new work of the Church of Westminster, which was that part where now all the kings are buried in. This year Alexander king of Scots married dame jane the sister of king Henry. And this year was great harm done in England by violence of a whirl wind, and fiery dragons were seen flying in the air. Shortly after Proclamations were made in London, and throughout all England, that all strangers should avoid by Michaelmas next following, except such as came with Merchandise, and to make sale of their wares under the kings safe conduit. Which Proclamation was chief made to avoid Foulkes de Brent and his complices, which kept the Castle of Bedford against the kings will and pleasure. Of this Foulkes it is written by Polidore and others, how that about this season, he assembling together a great rout of Ruffians and Robbers issued out of the Castle of Bedford which he then held, and wasted and destroyed all the Country, with the towns and villages thereabout, but specially the town and Abbey of Saint Albon. This year also king Henry was the second time crowned at Westminster the xvij day of May. King Henry crowned again the second time And the said year Reynulph earl of Chester returned out of the holy land, and began to build the Castles of Chartley and Beston. At this time also was holden a general counsel of the Bishops, and Clergy of the Realm at Oxford. In the time of which counsel, a man was taken, which showed himself to be Christ, A counterfeater of jesus Christ. and he reproved many abuses, which the Clerks at those days used, as saith Fabian. And to approve that he was jesus the son of God, and that he was come to reform those abuses, he showed the characts and wounds in his body, hands and feet, like unto jesus that was nailed on the Cross. Then was he examined, and found a false dissembler: Wherefore by the judgement and authority of that counsel, he was judged to be nailed unto the Cross, and so delivered to the executioners, the which at a place called Adurbury, or Alburbury, nailed him unto a Cross until he was dead. This year the men of Caithnes in Scotland burned their bishop, because he cursed them for not paying of their Tithes. For which cause the king of Scots did hung four hundredth of the chief doers, gelded their children, and dishenerited the Earl of that Country. Cooper. And in this time there was a great conspiracy in London against king Henry, made by one Constantyne the son of Arnulph, with the which conspiracy the king was so offended that he had thought to have overthrown the walls of the City of London: But shortly after, the said Constantine was taken and condemned, and was hanged drawn and quartered: This Constantine was borne in the City of London, & taken by Hubert Brough, who offered the same Brough at the time of his taking, to have let him scape xv. thousand marks: But Brough refused it. This year john king of jerusalem came into England, and required an aid of king Henry to recover again jerusalem, which the Turks had won from him: But shortly he returned without any great comfort. This year the king began the foundation of Sarisbury Minster, and laid the first stone of the Church. And this year the king laid siege unto the Castle of Bedford that Foulkes de Brent had so long holden by strength: This siege began upon the Even of the Ascension of our Lord, and so continued until the day of the Assumption of our Lady next following. In the which time many strong assaults were made, and great loss of men on both parties. But finally, about the aforesaid day of Assumption, it was taken by fierce assault: Where in was taken Foulkes de Brent, and about the number of lxxx Soldiers, whereof the more part were put to death, and the said Foulkes after he had lain a certain of time in prison, was for his finance delivered, and banished the land. And in this time came the Grey Friars first into England. About this time a Parliament was holden, in the which was granted to the king and his heirs kings of this realm by the Barony of England, the ward and marriage of their heirs. This law for wards was first made by king Edgar, in the year of our Lord. 962. But the marriages of them was added by king Edward the Confessor in the year of our Lord. 1056. And here is to be much lamented that Wards are bought and sold as commonly as are Beasts, and marriages are made with them that are many times very ungodly, for diverse of them being of young and tender years, are forced to judge by another man's affection, to see with another man's eye, and say yea with another man's tongue, and finally consent with another man's heart. For none of these senses be perfected to the parties in that minority, and so the election being unfree, and the years unripe, each of them almost of necessity must hate the other, whom yet they have had no judgement to love. And certainly the common bergayning and selling of them is to be abhorred, beside the shameful polling that many use, which if they consent not to such as are their sellers, they shall be handled as the common saying is, like Wards, and striped almost out of all they have, when the same should do them most good. God grant the Magistrates may take some good order therein, for surely it is needful, for many do so use them, as the same is not sufferable in a Christian realm. For who seethe not daily, what innumerable inconveniences, divorces, yea and some murders have of such marriages (or rather no marriages at all) proceeded, the present time showeth to many examples, which minister sufficient cause for us to bewail the same: But the greatest injury is to God who hath made that free, namely matrimony, which the law of the realm maketh bond, the redress whereof belongeth only to the Prince, in whom like as the same God hath caused more virtues to meet than in any other creature of her calling, so we doubt not, but that his Godhead will when his good pleasure shall be, vouchsafe not only to preserve her highness with the increase of virtue and wisdom, but also to move her heart to the Godly redress of these and many other enormities and abuses, to the great comfort of all her grace's loving and obedient subjects. This year Richard the brother of king Henry, did very valiantly in France, and overthrew great numbers of French men, and recovered poitiers, and kept the Gascoynes in due obedience. In the ten year of the reign of this king, the Pleas of the Crown were pleaded in the Tower of London. And at this time the soldiers that kept diverse Castles and holds in poitiers in France, were compelled to yield and give up the same into the hands of Lewes the French king, which of long time before belonged unto the kings of England. The king at this time bearing great favour to the City and Citizens of London, The Shirivaltie of London & Middlesex granted to the City in fee farm. granted unto them the Shrievalty of London and Middlesex in Fee farm for three hundred pound by the year. And he granted also that all the wears in the Thames should be plucked up and destroyed for ever. And also by his Charter ensealed, he granted that the Citizens of London sholude pass tolle free throughout England. And that if any Citizen were constrained in any City, Borough or Town in England to pay any tolle, Citizens of London are toll free throughout England. that then the sheriffs of London to attach any man coming to London of the said City Borough or Town where such tolle was paid, and him and his goods to with hold and keep until the Citizens of London were restored of all such money as they paid for the said tolle, Free wareyn granted to the City of London. with all costs and damages sustained for the same. And the same year also he granted to the said Citizens of London free wareyn, that is to say, that the Citizens have free liberty of hunting a certain circuit about London. This year the king confirmed the Charter and liberties of the City of London, & also certain liberties and privileges he granted to the Shreive's of London, as having of Clerks and other. Also about this time a Parliament was holden at London, in the which it was ordered that the English Groat should be coined of a certain weight and of the one side the king's picture, and one the other side a cross as large fully as the Groat, to avoid clipping. And at this time was used to be coined that standard and fineness that was called sterling money, which before as ye may read was first coined in the Town of Sterling in Scotland, and therefore it taketh the name of Sterling. This year the Town of Lymosyn with divers holds in Pierregot and Aluerne in the Country of Guyan, 1228/1● were given up to the aforenamed Lewes the french king. Wherefore the king sent over his brother Richard earl of Cornewal shortly after, and landed at Bordeaux with four hundred Ships. But some other writers say, that the king himself sailed with an army into Briteyne against Lewes the french king, where after spoiling the Country, a peace was concluded between the said two kings. And in this year died Stephen Langton archbishop of Cauntorburie, and the great Deane of Paul's, Stephen Langton died. Master Richard Wethirshed was his successor. And the king's Majesty still continuing his favour to the City of London did grant that the Citizens should use one common seal. At this time there was an order taken in the City of London that no Sheriff should continued in the Shrievalty longer than one year, the cause was, that they were had in suspicion to be great bribers and takers of rewards. This year was granted to the king a fifteen of the temporalty, and a disme and a half of the spirituality to recover his lands lost in Normandy, Guyan and Poyteau. Hubert of Burgh chief justice of England fle● England. And about this time also Hubert of Burgh being then chief justice of England had displeased the king in such wise, that he was compelled to flee the king's sight. And after by the labour of Bishop Edmond of Pountney he was again restored to the king's favour. And at this time in London, was great hurt done by fire. Upon complaint brought before the king by the friends of Lewlyn or Lluellen Prince of Wales, that William le Bruce should conspire against the king, or as some say, for that he kept unlawfully the wife of the aforenamed Lewlyn, William de Bruise hanged or Lluellen: he was after long imprisonment hanged. Also at this time died Reynulph Earl of Chester, Lyncolne and Huntyngdon. And his sister's son named john, son unto the Earl of Anguish who was his heir, and held that Lordship after him. This john of most writers is called john Scot, john Scot for so much as his father was a Scot This foresaid Reynulph had no child, albeit he had four sisters. The eldest was named Mawde, and was married to David earl of Anguish, and was mother to the aforesaid john Scot The second was named Hawes, and was married unto the Earl of Arundel, the third Agnes, which was married to the Earl of Derby. And the fourth named Mabely, which was married unto the Earl of Winchester called Quinacie. This Reynulph died at Wallingforde, and was buried in the Chapter house of the Monks of Chester, and ordained the aforenamed Scot to be his heir, for that he would not have so noble a Lordship run, or be divided among so many distaffs. And this year died Master Wethershed archbishop of Cauntorbury, whose successor was Edmond of Pountney. And at this time began great variance between the king and his Lords, because he put out of his service certain English men and trusted strangers aswell in his counsel, as in other offices. About this time the King began the foundation of the Hospital of Saint john without the East gate of Oxford. This year the king put from him the strangers, and restored the Englishmen to their offices: and the same year also the jews dwelling in Norwich were accused for steling of a child whom they purposed to have crucified And this year Frederick the second of that name Emperor of Almain, married the sister of king Henry named Isabella. In the which year also fell wonderful sore weather, with such thunder and lightning as the like had not been seen. And there followed an earthquake to the great fear of the inhabitants of Huntyngdon. This year the king married Alianor the daughter of Raymond earl of Province, and the bishop of Cantorbury married them in his Church of Cantorbury. And shortly after she was crowned at Westminster as Queen of England, where in the field of Westminster now called Tothyll lying at the west end of the Church, were royal pastimes, and goodly justice kept by the space of eight days. And this year at a Parliament was made the statute of Merton, in the which year also were seen as it were hosts of men fight in the air. About this time died john Scot before named Earl of Chester without Issue: Wherefore the king considering the great Prerogatius belonging to that earldom, gave unto the sisters of Reynulph other possessions, and took the earldom into his own hands. The foundation of Saint Katherine's Hospital. This year also Queen Elinor founded the hospital of Saint Katheryns besides the tower, for the relief both of men and women. Shortly after a Legate named Octobone came into England to reform the Clergy, but the youth of the Clergy liked him not, and it chanced him that as he passed through Oxfoorde, Octobone a Legate from Rome, evil used of the youth of the University of Oxford. the scholars picked a quarrel unto his servants, and fought with them, and slew one of them, and put the Legate in such fear, that for his safeguard he took the Belfry of Osney, and there held him until the king's ministers came from Abingdon, who with strength mixed with fair words delivered him, and conveyed him after with a convenient company to Wallyngforde, where he accursed the misdoers, and punished them in such wise, that the Regentes and masters of that University, were compelled in the end, to go barefooted, through Cheap to Paul's at London, and there to ask of him forgiveness, and had that trespass with great difficulty so forgiven. And about this time, Sir Simond Mountford married the kings sister, named Alianor countess of Pembroke, and he gave with her to the said Sir Simond in the name of a dowry the earldom of Leycester. The year following a clerk of Oxford that feigned himself mad, and before time had espied certain secret places of the kings Court, came by a window toward the kings Chamber, at his manor of Woodstock, intending to have slain the king in his bed. But he was espied by a woman and taken and conveyed to Coventry, and there arraigned of that deed: Where after lawful profess of his malicious intent made, he for the same, was there hanged, and drawn. Polidore writeth that the king as hap was had changed his bed that night, and so escaped the danger of the treason. This year on Candlemas day the king created Sir Simond Mountford Earl of Leycester. And this year also the xxuj day of june was borne at Westminster, Edward called Longshank named Edward the first borne at Westminster. Edward that was after surnamed Longshanks, who after his father was king. In the xxv year of the reign of this king, a Citizen of London whose name was Gerard Bat, which had been chosen Mayor of London, was chosen again. And after his election, was presented unto the king: But the king having some information of his evil dealing the year before, said that he would not admit him to that office, until such time as he came to Westminster, with which answer the said Gerard and his company returned to London. It was not long after or the king came to Westminster, where according to their duty, they waited to know his pleasure. Then the king called unto him the said Mayor, and after certain questions to him ministered, he caused him to be sworn in his presence. After which oath, the king charged him by the virtue of the same, that he should not take of the bakers, Brewers, and other victuallers of the City forty pound, which other of his predecessors, and he himself the last year had done. And also that he incontinently after his coming to London should restore unto the said victuallers and other Citizens, all such money as he had with wrong in the former year taken of the Commonalty of the City. But because the said Gerard alleged for him certain considerations, beseeching the king to pardon him of that restitution: The king in displeasure swore a great oath that he should not that year be Mayor, nor at any time after. And so the Commons certified of the kings pleasure, chose in his place or steed Reyner de Bungay. David prince of Wales submitted himself to the king. And afterward the king went into Wales, whereof David Prince of Wales hearing, met him at Ruthland, and submitted himself unto the kings grace. After this he sailed into Normandy with a goodly army to recover Guyan, and other Countries, but returned without any good success. And the same year were first chosen within the City of London Aldermen, Aldermen first appointed in London. which then had the rule of the same, and of the several wards thereof, and were then yearly changed, as now the Sheriffs of London are changed. The king this year prepared a goodly army, and sailed into France, and warred upon the French king. The cause of this war (as saith the French Chronicle) was made by the stirring of a French man, named the Earl of March, because he refused to do homage to Alphons, brother of Lewes the tenth of that name, and surnamed, S. Lewes, than king of France. This Lewes the year before had married his brother Alphons unto the daughter of the Earl of Tolouse, and had given to his said brother the earldom of poitiers, with all the lands of Aluerne. By reason whereof, he would have caused the said Earl of March to have done homage unto the said Alphons for such lands as the said Earl held of the earldom of poitiers. But for that the said earl knew well that the right of Guyan belonged to the king of England, he therefore, and for other alliances made between king Henry and him, refused the doing of that homage, and after came to king Henry, and moved him to make war upon the French king. By reason whereof the king sailed over as aforesaid, and landed with a strong power at Bordeaux. And as the French Chronicle affirmeth, this Earl of March married the mother of this king Henry. In this time the French king warred upon the lands of the Earl of March, and had won two Castles of his, named Founteynes, and Villiers, with diverse other which I here omit. And when he had beaten down some of them, and had manned some with new Soldiers: he than went unto a Castle named Mawcome, or Mawcoune, and broke a Bridge after him, because he was informed that the king of England was near unto him. At the said bridge was a small skirmish, and little harm done. Then the French king took the way over the river of Tharent, toward Tailborough, wasting and destroying the Country as he went, and so forth toward the town called Sainces. Now king Henry with his power made toward him in all that he might. In keeping this course the vanguard encountered with the Earl of Boleyn, which was upon the French kings party, and that time the Earl of Sainces, bore the banner of the Earl of Marches, being the vanguard of the king. But between these two Earls was a sore fight, so that many upon both parties were slain, among the which the said Earl of Sainces was slain. Then came on both strengths on either side, so that both the kings fought in that battle, and a great slaughter of men upon both sides: But in the end the French men were victors, and took prisoners twenty men of name, as knights and men of higher degree, and three clerks of great fame and riches, beside other to the number of five hundredth mean people (as saith the French book.) But of these men of name, nor yet of the three clerks, no mention is made what they paid for their ransoms. Then the Earl of March, by mean of his son, was reconciled to the French king, and restored to his lands, except three Castles, which were named Mespyn, Cretaine, and Easter-Day, the which the French king retained in his possession. And soon after came unto the French king the Lords of the Castles of Mirable, and of Mortaygne, submitting themselves also unto the kings grace, beseeching him of pardon, that they had so to his high displeasure favoured his enemy the king of England. And after came in diverse other Lords and Captains, that he was in possession of all the Country of Guyan and poitiers, unto the river of Gerond. I have rehearsed the more of this Chronicle of France, to the intent that the readers may the better perceive the pride and boldness of the French men, for in all their writing, when they come to any matter that soundeth any thing to their honour, it is written at the length, and in most showing manner, to their honour and worship: But if it sound any thing to their dishonour, then shall it be abbreviated and hid, that the truth shall not be known, for they ever delight to tell of winning, but never of losing. Now after this evil fortune, king Henry returned again into England. Griffith the son of Lewlyn Prince of Wales being prisoner in the Tower of London, purposing to break prison and so to escape, fell over the wall of the inner ward, and there broke his neck. And this year the Pleas of of the Crown were pleaded in the Tower of London. This year a Mayor of London and a Sheriff were both deposed from their rooms, because they were both proved perjured, and other were chosen in their places. And this year also Robert Grosthed Bishop of Lyncoln complained to the king of the waste of the goods and patrimony of the Church within this Realm of England, which daily were consumed by alien Bishops and Clerks of this land, which shortly after were avoided. This year a jew digging in the ground to enlarge his vinyeard found under a stone a Book, wherein was written in three languages, Greek, Hebrew and Latin of three worlds that should be, of the which he appointed Christ to be the beginning of the third world, which was expressed in this manner. In the beginning of the third world, God's son shall be borne of a maid. etc. by the occasion whereof, the said jew was converted to the faith of Christ. At this time died Frederyck the second of that name Emperor, who afore as ye have heard married Isabella sister unto the king. Of the which Frederyck mention is made before in the xxiiij year of king Henry the second. After whose death much strife ensued about the election of the Emperor, some chose the Duke of Thoring, some the Earl of Holland, and some chose the kings brother Richard earl of Cornwall: which caused strife that endured long after, so that the only Emperor of Almayn was not of all men allowed, until Radulphus Duke or earl of Habspurge in Almayn, was chosen by one assent unto that dignity, and thereunto admitted by Gregory the ix of that name in the year of our Lord. 1273. And so that variance continued xxvij years, to the great impoverishing of Italy, and the lands of the Empire. In England this year happened so mighty an earthquake, The liberties of London are seized. that the like hath not been heard of. And this year the king seized the franchise and liberties of the City of London upon the Even of S. Bartholomew the Apostle for a judgement that was given by the Mayor & Aldermen against a Widow named Margaret Viel, and the rule of the City was committed unto William Haverell and Edward of westminster, till our Lady day next following. At the which time the Mayor and the Shreive's were again restored to their offices. In the xxxij year of this kings reign the Wharfe of London called Queen hithe was taken to Farm by the commonalty of the City of London to pay yearly therefore fifty pound, Queen Hithe taken of the king in farm the which then was committed to the Shreive's charge, and so it remaineth to this time. At this time died Robart Grosthed Bishop of Lyncoln who was a wise and a learned man. Innocent the Pope at that time grieved greatly the Church of England with sore and weighty tasks and payments, whom this Grosthed did sharply rebuke by an Epistle for his doings. And amongst many other his abuses this was one, he gave unto a child a nephew of his, a Prebend which fell in the Church of Lincoln, & sent the child unto the bishop, charging him to admit the same child, and to see him estalled. But this Bishop boldly denied his admission, and wrote unto Innocent the Pope again, that he could not, nor would receive any such unto cure of soul, that could not rule himself. Therefore this Robert was summoned to apere before the Pope, and thereupon accursed. Then he appealed from Innocents Court, to Christ's own throne. 1●49/34 This year the Mayor and Aldermen, and Citizens of London, who in times past were wont to ride by land the morrow after the day of Simon and Jude to present their Mayor at Westminster where he took his oath, did now take Barges, every company a several Barge decked with Banners, Streamers, and Flags very richly, and so rowed by water to Westminster, and use the same still to this day. This year also the king summoned a Parliament at London, in the which it was enacted that a coin of a certain weight of silver called a groat should be stamped, and that it should have on the one side the picture of the kings face, and on the other a cross extended in length to the extreme parts thereof, to the intent there should be no deceit used by diminishing or clipping the same. Shortly after the king gave in marriage his daughter Mary, but some called her Margaret, King Henry married his daughter Mary to the king of scots, who did homage unto him for all Scotland. unto Alexander the king of Scots, at the City of York, and there did receive of him homage for the kingdom of Scotland, in like manner as many of his progenitors had done diverse and many times before, as in this work hath and shall appear. This year was a great wind upon the day of Simon and Jude, which did much harm in many places of England. And in this year the king granted unto the Sheriffs of London that they should yearly be allowed seven pound for certain privileges or ground belonging to Paul's Church, the which at this day is allowed by the Barons of the kings Exchequer, unto every Sheriff, when they make their account in the office of the Pipe. The king also granted to the Citizens for their more ease, that where before time they used yearly to present their Mayor unto the kings presence, in any such place as he should be in then in England: The Mayor of London to be presented to the Barons of the Exchequer. that now from this time forward, they should for lack of the kings presence being at Westminster, present their Mayor so chosen to the Barons of his Exchequer, and there to be sworn and admitted, as he before times was before the king. And at this time, Citizens of London are free of toll & savage for beasts. the water of the Thames sprang so high that it drowned many houses about the water side, by mean whereof much merchandise was perished and lost. And this year also the king granted unto the Citizens, that hereafter they should pay no savage or tolle for Beasts by them bought, as they had used before tyme. And now saith Fabian, by the procurement of Sir Richard earl of Cornwall, for displeasure which he bore toward the City, for exchange of certain ground to the same belonging. The king under colour that the Mayor had not done due execution upon the Bakers for lacking of their 'sizes, seized the liberties of the City. That is to say, The liberties of London seized. that where the Mayor and Commonalty of the City had by the kings grant the City to farm, with diverse customs and offices for a stinted and an ascertained sum of money: now the king placed officers in them at his will and pleasure, the which were accountable unto him for all revenues and profits that grew within the said City. But within four days following, Money salueth many sores. the Citizens agreed with the said Earl, for six hundredth mark. After which agreement with him concluded, they were again restored to their liberties. In this time and year was Sir Edward the kings son and heir married unto Alianor the kings sister of Spain, or as some other writ, Edward the kings eldest son married to Alianor the kings sister of Spain. to the daughter of Alphons king of Castille. To whom the king his father gave the Principality of Wales, with the governance of Guyan and Ireland, whereof began that the kings of England ordained their eldest sons Princes of Wales. And in the same year the king and Queen landed at Dover, and so came to London, and were lodged at the Tower, where he sent for the Mayor and Sheriffs of London, with whom he reasoned grievously for the escape of one called john Gate: This john had murdered a Prior allied to the king. The Mayor excused himself, and burdened the Sheriffs therewith, saying that unto them belonged the keeping of all the prisons and prisoners that were within the City of London. And so the Mayor returned home: But the Sheriffs remained there as prisoners by the space of a month after or more. And in their places, and for them were chosen Stephen Oystergate, and Henry Walmode. But how the old Sheriffs passed out of the kings danger, I know not. This year the Lady Alianor wife unto Prince Edward came through London, where she was honourably received of the Citizens, and the City hanged with rich clotheses of Silk and Gold. And there was present the Prince her husband, who conveyed her through London unto Saint john's without Smithfielde, and there was lodged for a while, and after removed to the Savoy. And not long after, Liberties of London again seized. the king seized the liberties of London for certain money which the Queen claimed for her right of the Citizens, so that in the end they paid unto her four hundredth Marks and had their liberties again restored. Money maketh all whole And about this time were brought unto Westminster an hundredth and two jews from Lincoln, the which were also accused of the crucifying of a child at Lincoln in despite of Christ's religion, jews' condemned for crucifying of a child. which jews were after sent unto the Tower of London. Of the which afterward xviij were convict and hanged, and the other remained long in prison. And this year the king of Scots and the Queen his wife came into England to the king to his Manor of Woodstock, where he disported him for a season, Queen of Scott●s brought a bed in England. and then returned again home, leaving his wife with her mother until she were brought a bed and lighted of her child. And shortly after the King and the Queen, and the Scots, came to London, where they were honourably received, and so conveyed to Westminster. This year certain Lords that came out of Germany made their homage unto Sir Richard earl of Cornwall and brother unto the king, the which as then stood king of Almain, and of Romans. And shortly after he departed from the kings Court, Richard earl of Cornwall made king of the Romans. and sped him with his wife, and Sir Henry his son unto the sea side, and after took shipping in jarnesey, and landed at Dordrite in Holland. And soon after, he was crowned king of the Romans in the City of Aquis Granum. And now the king of England set forward toward Wales for to subdue Lewlyn or Lluellen the son of Griffyth the which with his Welsh men rebelled against the king, Lewlin the son of Griffith Prince of Wales rebelled. because Sir Edward his son, to whom he had a little before given the earldom of Chester, would have changed some of their skittish conditions. And for to bring his purpose the better about, he sent for an army of Soldiers into Ireland, and tarried for their coming at his Castle of Brecknock. But the year passed so far on, that he could do no good that year, and therefore returned to London. The Abbot of Waltham & the Citizens are made friends. And this present year, where there had been a great and long suit between the Abbot of Waltham, and the Citizens of London, about certain toll to be paid at the fair there holden: It was agreed that from thence forth the Citizens of London should come and go toll free, and that the distresses taken for the same should be restored, and if any were perished by keeping, than the Abbot to make them good, Now approached great vexation and trouble to the City and Citizens of London, as after shall appear. It so chanced by the means of some evil member, that bore no good will to the Citizens of London, that a certain grievous Bill of complaint was made and written in a great roll of Perchment, Variance between the king and the Citizens of London by reason of a slanderous Bill. and the same Perchement was enclosed in green wax, and was cast or left in the king's Wardrobe at the castle of Windsor, into the which Wardrobe, the kings grace did often use to come, & in this roll was written certain most heinous articles and complaints against the Mayor and rulers of the City, for the misgovernment of the same. And this Bill the king found, and after he had read and perused the contents thereof he grew into great displeasure therewith. And thereupon he sent Mancell one of his justices to London, A folkemot was in assembly of people to say yea or nay to that which should be declared unto them. and there commanded him the next holiday following, that by the king's authority he should call a folckmote at Paul's cross, where then was present Sir Richard de Clare Earl of Gloucester, and diverse other of the kings counsel. In which place the said john Mancell caused the said roll to be read to the people that were there assembled, and after the reading thereof, he stood up and showed the people the kings pleasure and mind was that they should be ruled with justice, and that the liberties of the City should be maintained in every point. And if the king might know those persons that had wronged the Commonalty of the City, they should be grievously punished to the example of other. And then the said john Mancell charged openly the Mayor, to command that every Alderman in his ward should the morrow following, assemble his Wardmote. A Wardmote is the assembly of the people of the ward for like purpose as is said before of a folkmote. And that all those Wardmotes should assemble in one place, and chose of themselves without any counsel or advise of any of their Aldermen xxxuj persons, and them to present before the Lords and him, at the same hour the next day in the Bishop's Palace at Paul's. Then upon the morrow all thing was done according to his commandment. And when the said xxxuj persons were presented before the said john Mancell, Henry Baa and other justices: the said Mancell said unto them that they upon their oath should certify all such persons as they knew guilty in the Articles before showed unto the commonalty, whereunto the said xxxuj Citizens answered, that it was contrary to their liberties to be sworn so many for any matter of trespass between the king and any of the Citizens, wherefore they required a sparing. With which answer the said john Mancell being discontented, warned them to appear before the king's Counsel at the Guildhall upon the morrow following, where they kept their day, and thither came the said justices, john Mancell and Henry Baa, Sir henry Wengham chancellor of England, Philip Lovel under treasurer, and divers other of the king's counsel. Then the said john Mancell, exhorted the said persons to be sworn, and used unto them many persuasions, but all was in vain, for they excused themselves still, that it was contrary to their oath, The king commanded the Mayor out of his sight. and against the liberty of the City. Wherefore the kings counsel departed from the hall somewhat discontented, & showed unto the king the demeanour of the said Citizens. Upon Candelmas even, the Mayor being warned that the king should come to westminster, he with the more part of the Aldermen came unto knight's Bridge, and hoved there to salute the king, and to know his further pleasure. But when the king came near that place, and heard of their being there, he sent unto them a Squire of household, and charged them that they should not presume to come in his sight: with which message, they being greatly discomfited, returned home to the City. Shortly after, Mighell Tony and Adam basing returned from the Court, whom the Mayor before had sent thither, that by such friends as they could make to understand the cause of the king's wrath and displeasure. They brought word, that the king was well minded unto the City, but he was in full purpose to have such persons chastised, that had oppressed the commonalty of the same. The next day following came unto the guildhall, john Mancell with other of the king's counsel, the which to the people there assembled, uttered many fair and pleasant words: among the which he declared that the king's mind and will was, to correct all such persons as had oppressed the commonalty of this his dearest beloved City: and asked of the commons whether they would be agreeable to the same: who incontinently being a multitude whereof many were without discretion, The answer of a folkmote. and knew full little what that question meant, cried, ye, ye, ye. And after that grant thus had of the Commons, the said john Mancell discharged the Mayor, Sheriffs, The liberties of the City again seized. and Chamberleyn of their offices and delivered the custody thereof, unto the Constable of the Tower, & put in the room of the Sheriffs, Michael Tony and john Adrian. And moreover all rolls and tolls and tallages before made, were delivered unto the said john Mancell, the which he there sealed and delivered them unto the chamberlain. Now when the Commons had well marked and considered whereabouts he went, they returned home to their houses altogether confounded and amazed. Then the said john Mancell with diverse of the kings counsel, kept their daily courts, and called before them twelve wards of the City. Of every of the which twelve wards was taken three men, so that of those twelve wards there were xxxuj men empaneled and sworn for to inquire of the aforesaid articles, and what persons in the City had offended them. This Court thus kept and holden at the guildhall, no man was called to answer, nor no question put unto any person by the said inquest, or by any other. And soon after, that is to say upon the first Sunday in Lent, the Mayor, Aldermen and Sheriffs, with the said inquest, and four men of every ward were charged to appear at Westminster, before the king: at which appearance they were countermanded until the next day following. How the Mayor and Citizens appeared in the Exchequer. At which season they coming into the king's Exchequer found sitting there, the Earls of Gloucester and of Warwick, john Mancell, Henry Baa justices, the Constable of the tower, then Custos of the City, & diverse other of the king's counsel. Then was called Ralph Hardell that year Maior, Nicholas Bat, Nicholas Fitz joshua, Mathewe Bokerell, john Tolesham and johnle Minour, Aldermen. Then said john Mancell, that the king by his laws and inquisition of the Citizens of the City, had found them culpable, that they had wronged and hurt the commonalty of his City by diverse means, as by the said inquisition appeared, and forthwith caused it to be read before them. And when the more part thereof was read, he said unto them, thus may you see that the commonalty of the City hath been by you most grievously oppressed, and by your means and counsel the common weal of the same destroyed as by altering of the tolls and other good ancient customs, turning them to your singular advantage and lucre. All which matters the said Ralph and his company denied, and that the commons was not by any such means by them nor none of them grieved or hurt, and that they offered to be justified and judged by the law and customs of the City. Then Henry Baa justice asked them whether they would hold the adventure of the inquiry that they had heard read before, or else stand upon the saying of the other wards, that had not yet been sworn, but they kept them to their first answer. Then john Mancel demanded of the Mayor what was their law and custom. The Mayor answered and said, that for trespass of a Citizen done against the king, he should defend him by twelve of the said Citizens, and for murder and slaying of a man by xxx Citizens, and for trespass against a stranger by the oath of six and himself. Then after many reasons made by the said john Mancell, and also by the Mayor and Aldermen, day was given them again to appear the next day following before the king and his counsel. Upon the day following, the king with many of his Lords sitting in the said Exchequer, the aforesaid inquisition was read. And that done the Mayor and Aldermen were called by name, and two Aldermen more, which the day before were not called, that is to say, Arnold Thedmare, & Henry Walmode. When Ralph Hardell had heard the king speak in the matter, he took such fear, that he and Nicholas Bat without any farther answer, put them in the kings grace, saving to them their liberties and franchises of the City. But the other six besought the king of his rightwiseness, that they might then be deemed after the laws and customs of the City. Then was laid to their charge, that beside many wrongs by them done to the king, and to the commonalty of the City: they had altered the kings Beam, and ordered it to the advantage of themselves, and of the rich men of the City. Whereunto the parties answered and said, that the alteration of the Beam was not done by them only, but by the advice and consent of five hundredth of the best of the City. For where before the Weyer used to lean his draft toward the ambergris, so that the buyer had by that mean ten or twelve pound in a draft to his advantage, and the seller so much disadvantage, now for indifferency and equality of both persons or Merchants, was ordained that the Beam should stand upright in the cleft thereof, inclining to neither party, as it doth in weighing of Gold and Silver, and the buyer to have of the seller allowed unto him for all things * This is that allowance the Grocers call Cloffe. four pound of the hundredth. After these reasons and sundry other by them made, the king commanded that in the morning next following, a folkmote should be called at Paul's Cross, and so that court was dissolved, and the Mayor and the other returned to London. The next day the folkmote being assembled at Paul's cross, A folkmote again called. these six Aldermen hearing the murmuration of the common people, and knowing that neither the Aldermen, nor the worshipful of the City, should have any saying in the matter, fearing their cause, went into a Canon's house of Paul's, where at that time the said john Mancell and other sent from the king tarried the assembling of the people, and showed unto them that they intended not to plead any longer with the king, but were contented to put themselves fully in the kings grace and mercy, saving always to them and all other Citizens their liberties and franchise of the City. After the which agreement the said john Mancell with other came unto the Court of Folkemote, where was rehearsed unto the People a fair and pleasant tale, promising to them their liberties should be wholly & inviolately preserved by the king, with many other things to the great comfort of them. And lastly it was demanded of them, whether the law and custom was such as was the day before rehearsed or no? Whereunto like undiscrete and unlearned men, they cried and answered rudely, nay, nay, nay, Rude and rash people. notwithstanding the said law and custom had before this time been used time out of mind. But to this, neither Mayor, nor Alderman, nor other of the chief of the City that might reply nor impugn or make any reason for the defence of their ancient laws and customs. It was not much to be marveled that the king was thus offended against the City, for by such evil disposed people as he had about him, the land was evil ruled, and much mischief was used: Whereof ensued much sorrow after, as appeareth in the sequel of this history, as saith Fabian. Then john Mancell called the Mayor and Aldermen before him and charged them to be at Westminster the next day following to give attendance upon the kings grace. The next day the Mayor and Aldermen tarrying the kings coming in the great Hall at Westminster, lastly the king came into Saint Stephen's Chapel, where a while he had communication with his Lords, and after went into the Chequer Chamber, and there sat him down and his Lords about him. Anon after the Mayor and Aldermen were called into the said Chamber, and shortly after called by name, and commanded to stand near to the bar. Then Henry Baa justice said unto the Mayor and the seven Aldermen, that forsomuch as by form of the king's laws they were found culpable in diverse articles touching transgression against the king, A judgement given against the Mayor & Citizens in the Chequer Chamber in the presence of the king. therefore the Court awarded that they should make fine and ransom, after the discretion of the said Court: But for that they had put them in the kings grace and mercy, the king hath commanded the fine to be put in respite, that ye be not pained so grievously as ye have deserved. After which judgement given, they kneeled down, and then the Mayor with weeping tears, thanked the king of his bounty and goodness, and besought him to be good and gracious Lord unto the City and to them as his faithful subjects. Whereunto the king made no answer, but rose straight up, and went his way, leaving them there. And assoon as the king was departed, they were all arrested and kept there till they had found surety, and every Alderman of them discharged of his ward and office that they had within the City, but shortly after they put in sureties, and so returned heavily to London. Anon after that, was William Fitz Richard by the kings commandment made Mayor, and Thomas Fitz Thomas, and William Grappisgate Sheriffs. After this, day by day, the chamberlain was called to an account before the said john Mancell of all such tolls as was gathered in the time of the mayoralty of john Tolysham, and of Ralph Hardel, and there were present to here the said account diverse of the Communality of the City, but none of the heads: By the which account no fault could be found against any of the persons that were convict before the king. By reason whereof, diverse of them were shortly after admitted again to the kings favour, and restored to their offices, but not without payment of money, whereof the certainty is not known. England in the time of scarcity is beholding to strangers. And in this year wheat was so scant, that it was sold at London for xxiv. shillings a quarter, and scanter should have been, if plenty had not come out of Almain: For in France and Normandy it failed likewise. By mean of this dearth and scarcity, much poor people died for hunger, and many of diverse countries of England, came unto the City, and near thereabout for comfort of victual: For it was then better cheap in London then in many shires of England there abouts. And shortly after was the said john Mancell made knight and chief justice of England. Insanun Parliamentum, or mad Parliament. Also this year the king held a Parliament at Oxenford, which was called insanum Parliamentum, that is to say, the mad Parliament. For in this Parliament were made many acts against the king's prerogative and pleasure, for the reformation of the state of the land, which after turned to the confusion and hurt of the land, and the death and destruction of many noble men, so that by occasion thereof began that hateful strife, called at this day the Baron's war, whereof ensued much trouble and mischief, Baron's War. as after shall appear. Then as is aforesaid, to avoid the enormities, and to reform the evil rule that was then used in the land, by such evil persons as daily were about the king, many and divers ordinances were made: whereunto the king (somewhat against his will) and Sir Edward his sons and others agreed. And for that these acts should be holden firm and stable, The twelve Peers commonly called le Douze Peres. there were at this Parliament chosen twelve Peers, which were named Douze peries, to whom authority was given by virtue of this Parliament to correct all such as offended in breaking of these ordinances, and such other, as by the said xii. peers, should afterward be devised and ordered touching and concerning the same matter and purpose. Of which twelve Peers the names ensue. The archbishop of Cauntorbury, the Bishop of worcester, Sir Roger Bygot then Earl of Norfolk and Martial of England, Sir Simon de Mountforde Earl of Leyceter, Sir Richard Clare Earl of Gloucestre, Sir Humffrey Bothum earl of Herfford of Warwick and of Arondell, Sir john Mancell chief justice of England, Sir Roger Mortymer, Sir Hugh Bygrave, Sir Peter de Savoy, Sir james Audely, and Sir Peter de Mountford. And for that the king's brother on the mother's side, that is to say Sir Eym earl of Wynchester, Sir William de valance, Sir Godfrey de Lyndsey and Sir Guy de Lyndsey, would not assent to the aforesaid ordinances, they withdrew them toward the Sea side with such stuff as they had, and would have departed the land, if they might then have had shipping: for lack whereof they were fain to return, and so went to Wynchester. But it was not long after, that they were licensed to departed the land, with a certain company, and a certain sum of money to pay for their costs, and their day set by Bartholomewtyde to avoid upon pain of imprisonment, which day by them was kept. It was not long after the finishing of this Parliament but that strife and variance began to kind between the king and the Earls of Leycester and Gloucestre, by mean of such officers as the said Earls had removed, and put other in their rooms. Among the which john Mancell was discharged of his office, and Sir Hugh Bygot then admitted for him. And because the aforesaid peers heard of the murmur of the Court, fearing that the king should be advertised shortly to altar from his promise, therefore they intending to make their party the stronger, the next day following, the king being at westminster, the Earl Martial, the Earl of Leycester, with divers other came unto the Guildhall at London, where the Mayor, Aldermen and commonalty of the City were assembled, where the said Lords showed an instrument, or writing, at the which hanged many labels with Seals, as the king's seal, Sir Edward his sons, with many other of the nobles of the land, the which was the content of the Articles which were made and ordained at Oxenford, willing the Mayor and Aldermen (considering the said acts were made unto the honour of God, fidelity unto the king, and profit of the realm, that they would also in upholding of the same, set to also their common Seal of the City. After which request thus to the Citizens made, and after advise and counsel among themselves taken, they desired a sparing of the Lords, till they might speak with the king, and know his pleasure in that behalf. But finally no sparing at that time might be granted, so that in the end, by the labour that the Lords made, with help of such solicitors as they had within the City, the common Seal was put to, and the Mayor and diverse of the City sworn to maintain the same, their allegiance saved to the king, with preservation of the liberties and franchises of the City and so departed. Then day by day, the said Douze Peers assembled at the new Temple, where they kept their counsels and Courts for the reformation of the old griefs, and removed from the king divers of his Menyall servants, and set in their places and office such as pleased them. And upon the ix day of August, proclamation was made in diverse accustomed places of the said City, that none of the kings takers should take any thing within the liberties of London, This is called the Buttelerage. without the will of the owner, except two Ton of Wine, which the king accustomably had of every ship coming from Bordeaux, paying but forty shillings for a Ton. By mean of which Proclamation, nothing was taken by the kings officers, but it were straight paid for within the City & liberty of the same, which usance continued but a while. In the xlij year, the king held a Parliament at Westminster, and another (or else prorogued the same) to Winchester. And in this year, Sir Hugh Bygot justice, with Roger Tuckley, and other, kept his Court at Saint saviours, and there held their Pleas called Itineraii. The which is to mean the traveling or the way Pleas. For ye shall understand, that at those days they were kept in diverse places in England, which now been holden at Westminster, and judges ordained to keep a circuit, as now they keep the Sizes in time of vacation. At this said Court, these judges punished sore Bailiffs and other officers, that before them were convict for diverse trespasses, & specially for taking of amerciaments otherwise then the law permitted them to do. For the which the said chief justice imprisoned them, and after seized them at grievous sins. Also he summoned the Citizens of London to come to the same Court, for Tolles that they had taken upon the further side of the water. But it was answered that the tolls that they there took, were taken lawfully as they were ready to prove in places & Court convenient to the same, which was within the precinct of their liberty. But notwithstanding that answer, the said Sir Hugh charged them upon a quest of twelve knights of Surrey to inquire of that matter and other, the which acquitted the said Citizens, and showed that the said Toll belonged to them of right. After this, the said Sir Hugh with other, came unto the Guyldehall, and kept his Court and Pleas there, A Tomberell was a kind of Pillory made four square that turned round about. without all order of law, and contrary to the liberties of the City, and there punished the Bakers for lack of Size, by the Tomberell, where beforetymes, they were punished by the Pillorye, and ordered many other things at his will, more than by any good order of law. This year came unto London from beyond the Sea Richard king of Almain, and Earl of Cornwall, with his wife and children, which had been there and taken possession of that kingdom, as before is showed. Against whose coming the City of London was richly hanged, with clotheses of Silk and Arras, and joyously he was received of the Citizens. And in the xliij 1258/4● year of his reign in the Parliament holden at Westminster was read in the presence of all the Lords and commonalty at sundry times, all the acts and ordinances before made in the Parliament holden at Oxenford, with certain other articles by the aforesaid twelve Peers thereunto added. After the reading of which articles, there being revested the Archbishop of Cauntorbury with other, to the number of ix Bishops beside Abbots and other, denounced all them accursed that attempted in word or deed to break the said Statutes or any of them. In this Parliament also was granted a task called the Scutage, A task called Scutage that is to say xl shillings of every knights fee through the realm of England, the which extended to a great sum of money. For after diverse writers, there be (saith Fabian) in England in the possession of the Spiritualty and of the Temporalty, or at those days were, over & above xl thousand knights fees, which after that rate should extend to fourscore thousand pound. The sixth day of November following, the king came to Paul's, where by his commandment was assembled the Court of folkmote, A folkmote. where the king fearing rebellion of his nobles, did according to the former ordinances made, ask licence of the Commonalty of the City, for to pass the sea, and promised there in the presence of a great multitude of people, that he would be good and gracious Lord unto the City by the mouth of Sir Hugh Bigot his chief justice, and to maintain their liberties unhurt: For the which the people for joy made an exceeding shout. Upon the eight day of November the king road through the City toward the sea side. And upon the day of Saint Brice, or the xiij day of November, he took his ship, and so sailed unto Bordeaux, where when he had tarried a season, he road unto the French king, then being king Lewes unto Paris. Of whom he was honourably received, and was logded in his own Palace, by the space of a whole week, making to him great feasts, and giving to him and his, many costly and rich gifts. And from thence king Henry road unto Saint Denice, where of the Abbot and Covent he was received with procession, & tarried there by the space of a month. In which season a marriage was concluded, between john Duke of Briteyne, and one of the kings daughters. And at his departing, he gave to the Abbot a Cup of Gold, and a Basin with an Ewer of Silver. And for his more consolation certain Lords and other Noble men of France gave attendance upon him, to convey him, and show him a part of France, with all disport of hunting and hawking, and other many pleasures of the Country. And in this time, the French king assembled his Parliament at Paris, where he showed unto his Lords, that his conscience grudged with the withholding of all such lands as Philip the second wan from king john in Normandy, upon the which he desired their faithful and fruitful counsel, where after many reasons and arguments made, it was concluded for a final concord to be had between king Henry and him, that if king Henry with the agreement of his Lords would resign into the French Kings hands, all such title and right as he had in the whole Duchy of Normandy, Angeow, Poyteau, and Main, for him and for his heirs for ever, that then the French king of his great bounty and grace, should give unto the king of England, and to his heirs kings, the Lordship of Guian, Angeou, and Main, and by rightful title, ever after to be called the Duke of Guian, and besides that, he should be admitted for a Peer of France: To all which conditions, as appeareth by the French Chronicle, king Henry at his return from his disport was agreeable, and with consent of his Baronnye, and in their presence, with also the Barony of France, did his homage unto the said Lewes for the Duchy of Guyan, and after made his oath according to the same. And after great gifts received on either side, king Henry returned unto Bordeaux. Of this peace speaketh Guido, and saith, that king Henry sailed into France, and asked restitution of the French king, of such lands as Philip the second his ail had with extort power taken from king john his father. But because he found the French king strange in his answer, and also had little trust in his Lords to have their aid, he fell to agreement with the French king, and sold him his title that he had in Normandy, Gascoigne and Guyan, the which extended unto the yearly value of twenty thousand pound, taking for the same title three hundredth thousand of small Turon money, whereof a pound is in value after sterling money but two shillings and three pence, or there about, so that he should after that rate have for his said title, after the value of sterling money xxxiiij thousand vij C. fifty pound. While king Henry was thus occupied in France, dissension fell in England, A variance between Sir Edward the Prince and the Earl of Gloucester. between Sir Edward the kings son, and Sir Richard earl of Gloucester. For the appeasing whereof, a Parliament, that is to say, a counsel of his Lords was called at Westminster, which continued by the space of three weeks and more. To the which counsel the Lords came with great companies, and specially the said Sir Edward, and the Earl of Gloucester, the which intended to have lodged within the City. Wherefore the Mayor went unto the Bishop of Worcester, and Sir Hugh Bigot, and Sir Philip Basset, to whom the king with the Archbishop of Cauntorbury had taken the rule of the land in his absence, the which went unto the king of Almain to have his advise in that matter: Where it was concluded, that neither the said sir Edward, nor the Earl, should come within the City there to be lodged, nor none that held upon either of the parties. And further it was provided, that all such as were within the City, and was of the age of xu years and above, should be in harness to watch and keep the City both day and night and that the gates should be shut upon the day, & certain men in harness to keep every gate of the City. And soon after, for the safeguard of the City, and sure keeping of the peace within the same, the king of Romans, with the said Sir Hugh came into the City, and there were lodged with their companies, and such other as they would assign to strength the City if need required. Shortly after the king came to London from beyond the sea, and was lodged at the Bishop of London's Palace. After whose coming, by his assignment, the Earl of Gloucester was lodged within the City, and Sir Edward his son was lodged in his own Palace at Westminster. And soon after the king commanded him to be lodged at S. john's without Smithfield Bars in the Suburbs of London, and all the other Lords were lodged in other places without the City. And the king of Romans removed again to Westminster. In the which time an order was taken between the said parties, and a new assembly or Parliament was appointed in the Quindena of Saint john Baptist. And from that time to the intent that all things might be set in an order, it was prorogued unto the feast of Saint Edward, at which time all things were in quiet, and so continued a tyme. And here Fabian telleth a tale of a jew, A jew drowned in a privy. saying that at Tewksbury there fell a jew into a jakes or Gonge upon a Saturday, which was his Sabbath day, and would not for reverence of his Sabbath day be plucked out, whereof hearing the Earl of Gloucester that the jew did so great reverence to his Sabbath day, thought he would do as much to his holy day, which was Sunday, and so commanded him to be kept there until Monday at which time he was found dead. This year the king kept a great feast at westminster and there made divers knights. Among the which john Duke of Briteyn which had married one of the king's daughters was there made knight. And soon after was Sir Hugh Spencer made chief justice. And soon after this he commanded a Folkemote to be called at Paul's Cross, where he in proper person with the king of Almaigne, A folkmote. the archbishop of Cauntorby, and many other nobles came: where the king commanded the Mayor that every stripling of the age of twelve years and above should the next day be sworn before his Alderman, to be true to the king and to his heirs kings of England, and that the gates of the City should be kept with harnessedmen, as before by the king of Romans was devised. About this time also, at a Fair kept at Northhampton variance fell between the Londoners and the men of the Town, so that between the Citizens of London and them continued long suit and plea, and it was for a man of Northhampton that then was slain, to the great vexation and trouble of both parts: But in the end the City of London had the better. The Barons also at this time with the consent of the peers discharged Sir Hugh Spencer, and admitted for him Sir Philip Basset to be chief justice, unwitting to the king. By reason whereof, another grudge and displeasure began to kindle between the king and his Lords, and increased more and more. But by the policy of the king of Almayn, and some prelate's of the land, it was set in quiet for a while, but it continued scantly to the end of the year. And this year the Barons admitted and made the Sheriffs of divers shires of England, and discharged such as before the king had admitted, and named them Guardians and keepers of the Counties and Shires. Guardians and keepers of Counties and Shires. And besides that, the said Barons would not suffer the justice, that the king had admitted to keep the Pleas and laws called Itinerarij, but such as were of their admission. Wherewith the king was grievously discontented, in so much that after that time, he laboured that he might make frustrate and utterly void the aforesaid statutes and ordinances: In so much, that upon the second Sunday in Lent next following, the king commanded to be read at Paul's cross a Bull of the grant of urban, Bishop of Rome and the third of that name, as a confirmation of another Bull before purchased of his predecessor Alexander the third, for to assoil the king and all other that before had sworn to the maintenance of the aforesaid Articles made at Oxenford. And after caused the absolution to be showed throughout the realm of England, Wales and Ireland, giving straight charge to all his subjects, that none to be so hardy to disobey the said absolution. And if any person were founden disobedient to his commandment that he were straight way committed to prison, and not to be ransomed nor delivered until the kings pleasure were further known. In the Month of june next following, the king of Almain took shipping and sailed into Almayn. A folkmote. And king Henry at a Folkemote holden on S. Peter's day in the Month of july following had licence to sail into France. And the next day he departed from London toward the sea side, with the Queen and other Lords, his two sons Sir Edward and Sir Edmond being then in Guyan. When the king had been a while in France, he returned unto Bordeaux, where he fell sick, by occasion whereof, he tarried in those parties until December next following. And in this mean time died Richard Clare Duke of Gloucester, and Sir Gilbert de Clare his son was Earl after him. To whom the father gave great charge that he should uphold the former ordinances. And it happened soon after, that a jew fell at variance with a Christian man at Cole Church in London beside the great Conduit in Cheap, and wounded the Christian man within the same Church. Murder upon murder. Wherefore the people of the City in a fury, pursued the said jew to his house, and there slew him, and after fell upon the other jews, and slew and rob many of them. And shortly after the king landed at Dover, and came to London in the beginning of january following. And this year about the uj of December began a great frost, and continued the space of one month and more, in such wise that the Thames was so frozen that men passed over on horseback. And in the same Winter the king's Palace at Westminster perished by fire, namely a great part thereof, which happened by negligence. Variance between the Constable of the Tower and the Citizens of London. About this time also a displeasure and variance began to grow between the Constable of the Tower, and the Citizens of London, for that the Constable contrary to the liberties of the City, took certain ships passing by the tower with wheat and other victual, and carried the same into the tower, making the price thereof at his own will and pleasure. Whereupon great harm had ensued, had not been the policy of wise men: Which thing was showed unto the kings counsel, by whose direction, the matter was committed unto Sir Philip Basset then chief justice, and other, to set an order and rule between the said parties. Then before them were brought all evidences and privileges for the advantage of both parties: Where finally after long plea and argument, it was firmly deemed and judged, that if the Constable or any other officer of the Tower, would at any time take wheat or other victual to the use of the king, or of the Tower, that he should come unto the market holden within the City, An order made between the Constable of the Tower and the Citizens of London. and there to have it two pence in a quarter within the majors price, and other victuals after the same rate: And if he, or any of his officers would do contrary to that ordinance, that then the sheriffs should make report unto the kings counsel, and to withstand him in all that they might, so that the kings peace were kept. At this time was spread many tales, and there arose among the people a muttering and murmuring, that shortly there would be wars between the Lords and the king, for the Bull of dispensation before mentioned. But by the help and mediation of good wise men, these murmours and grudges were so appeased, that the king agreed again to the maintenance of those statutes, and sent his writs wherein the said articles were comprised, into all the Shires of England, giving strait commandment to all men to observe and keep the same, and such other as were to them adjoined by the discretion of the Earl Martial, the Earl of Leycester, Sir Philip Basset, Sir Hugh Bigot and others, the which shortly after was revoked and denied. Whereupon the archbishop of Cauntorbury, fearing what after might ensue, made him an errand to Rome, and so by licence of the king and of the Lords he departed the land, and by that means kept him out of the realm until the trouble was appeased and ceased. Then upon a midlent Sunday the Mayor and the commons being present at a folkmote holden at Paul's Cross before Sir Philip Basset, A folkmote. and other of the kings Counsel, the Mayor was sworn to be true unto the king, and to his heirs kings. And the next day after at the guildhall, every Alderman in the presence of the Mayor took the same oath. And upon the Sunday following, every stripling of the age of twelve years and above, before his Alderman in his ward was newly charged with the same oath. Then the displeasure between the king and the Barons began to break forth, which by a long time had been covered and hidden, insomuch as diverse of the Barons assembled themselves in the marches of Wales, and gathered unto them strong power, and sent a letter unto the king, under the Seal of Sir Roger Clifforde, beseeching him to have in remembrance, the oath and manifold promises that he had made for the observing of the statutes made at his town of Oxenford, with other ordinances made to the honour of God, for faith and allegiance to his person, and for the weal and profit of his realm: Willing him further, to withstand and defy all such persons, as will be against the said acts, saving the Queen and her children. After the which letter thus sent, and receiving of it no answer, Barons begin to stir. the said Barons, with Banner displayed went against such as they knew that held against the said acts. And first at Hertford they took the Bishop of that see, and as many of his Canons as were alients borne, and took such treasure and Cat-tail as they there found, and bore it with them. And after went and sent unto such manors as the said Bishop and Canons had, and rob and spoiled them, and some of them, they threw to the ground and consumed with fire, and put the said Bishop and Canons in safe and sure keeping, and set others in their places: and after went into other parts of the realm, where they supposed to find any of their enemies, keeping still their course toward London, bearing before them a Banner of the king's arms, and going on their journey, much people drew unto them. And in their passage, ever as they found any that they knew to be against the maintenance of the said acts, those thy imprisoned and spoiled their places and houses, were they spiritual or temporal men, and in diverse of the kings Castles they set in such men as they liked, and put out such as the king had placed there before, and gave unto them an oath, that they should be true and faithful to the king, & keep those Castles to his use & to the weal of the realm. About Midsummer following, they drew near to London, and sent a letter to the Mayor and Aldermen under the seal of Sir Simon Mountford, requiring to know of them, whether they would observe and maintain the acts and statutes made at Oxenford or not, or else they would aid and assist such persons as intended the breach of the same, and sent unto them a copy of the same acts with a proviso, that if there were any of them that should seem to be hurtful to the realm or common weal of the same, that they then by discrete persons of the land should be altered and amended. The which Copy the Mayor bore unto the king being then at the Tower, accompanied with the Queen and the king of Almain, which lately was returned from beyond the sea, and Sir Edward his son and other of his Counsel. Then the king intending to know the mind of the City asked the Mayor what he thought of those ordinances and acts, knowing well that before his coming thither, he had counseled with the Aldermen, and some of the Commons of the City. The Mayor then abashed with that question, besought the king that he might common with his brethren the Aldermen, and then he would declare unto him both his and their opinions. But the king said, he would here his advice without more council. Then the Mayor boldly said, that before times, he with his brethren and commonalty of the City, by his commandment were sworn to maintain all acts made to the honour of God, to the faith of the king, and profit of the realm, which oath by his licence and most gracious favour they intended to observe and keep. And moreover to avoid all occasion that might grow of grudge or variance between his grace and his Barons within the City, they would avoid all alients and strangers out thereof, if his grace were so contented. With the which answer, the king seemed to be pleased, so that the Mayor with his faucut departed, and sent answer to the Barons, according to the said communication, their liberties always upholden and saved. Then shortly after, forsomuch as diverse noble men of the land, which held against those statutes, were ridden toward Dover, and there intended to have taken shipping for fear of the Barons, the king sent after them diverse persons of his household, and of the Citizens of London to reform and induce them to return and tarry with the king. And in this time all alients and strangers, the which were taken suspect of any favour borne to the one part or to the other, were avoided the City. But it was not long after that Sir Edward the kings son, set them or many of them in offices within the Castle of Windsor. Then watch was kept daily within the City, and in the nights a certain were appointed to ride about the City, with a certain number of footmen to attend upon them to search all the City over, but of that ensued harm: For while the riding watch was in one part of the City, some evil disposed persons under the colour of watchmen, and to search for strangers, rob and spoiled many houses within the City. For remedy whereof, a standing watch was appointed in every ward: But now the king hearing that the Barons approached near the City, he shortly after departed thence. Then the Barons entered the City in the month of july. And shortly after, the king returned to westminster, with the Queen and other of his counsel. And soon after by the consent of the king and the Barons, Sir Hugh le Spencer was made chief justice and keeper of the Tower. The next day after Mary Magdaleyn day, a writ was directed unto the Mayor and Aldermen, charging them that the king's peace were firmly kept within the City. And in the same writ it was also expressed, that the King and his Barons were lovingly agreed. Furthermore it was by the same writ commanded that if within the precinct of their franchises, were any person or persons known, that would withstand the aforesaid ordinances and statutes, that all such should be attached and put in prison, & their goods attached for the king, until they knew his further pleasure. Ye shall understand, that while the Lords lay thus in the City, divers conventicles and gatherings were made of the Citizens and other, that rob in the City and did much harm. The which was smally corrected, they were so borne out and maintained by their masters. And likewise the Commons of the City were far out of rule by the insensing of riotous persons, that in assemblies and courts, that then were kept at the guildhall or other places, simple and undiscreet persons should have the voice, and the worshipful men little or nothing regarded, whereof ensued daily much unhappiness and sorrow, as after shall appear. The Barons then, to obtain the more favour of the City willed them to show if they had any part of their liberties withdrawn that they might again to them be restored, and also to devise some new to their weal and profit, and they would labour to the king that they might have them granted. For the which comfort of the Lords, the Mayor called the commons unto the Guyldehall, and showed to them the benevolence of the said Lords, and willed them that every officer for his office, to devise such things as might be beneficial for the City. Whereupon they counseled together and made a note in a paper, of divers statutes, provisions and ordinances to be granted, which might (saith Fabian) more properly be named abominations, for they were devised to their singular profit, and to the great hurt of all other merchants coming to the City, and to all other Fairs and markets of England, and also Prejudicial to the universal weal of the Realm. The which when they were perused and overseen by the heads of the City, it was showed unto the said Commons, that their ordinances were not lawful nor charitably considered, and therefore they knew well they should not be admitted, willing them to devise other, but all was in vain. By mean whereof, both those and other that were right necessary for the common weal of the City were rejected and put of. The Barons departed from London the morrow after Saint james day, and went toward Wyndsore, to see the guiding of the Castle: where at their coming they put out the said alyantes before set in, by Sir Edward the king's son, who being accompanied with other went to Fulham to the king and showed him that the Barons had spoiled them of such goods as they had, and that without cause. But the king put them of for that season and warned them to sue to him about Mighelmas, when more of his counsel was with him, and then they should have justice. The xxiij day of September, the King, the Queen with his sons and other nobles of this land took shipping and sailed into France, to be present at the French kings Parliament then holden at Bonony, and shortly after he returned again and the eight day of October next following, landed at Dover, and the Friday following came to London. The xu day of October there were a jury of twelve knights of Middlesex, sworn between the Abbot of Westminster and the City of London, for certain privileges that the City claimed within Westminster. Where, by the said jury it was founden before Gilbert of Preston then chief Baron of the kings Exchequer, that the Sheriffs of London at those days might lawfully enter into the town of Westminster, and all other tenements, that the Abbot had within Middlesex, and unto the gate of the said Abbey, and there to make summons and distrain for lack of appearance, all and every Tenant of the said Abbot. And soon after Michelmasse, the former complaint of the aliens or strangers, was showed before the king and the Lords in the Parliament, or rather counsel holden at Westminster, where at the last, sentence was given, that the Barons should restore all such goods as they and their company had taken from such persons before that day, as well to alients as other, spiritual or temporal persons: And also that such menial servants as should be daily in the kings house, and about his person, should be such as the king would choose and admit himself, the which two articles, the Barons utterly denied. Wherefore old rancour took place, and dissension kindled his fire of malice again between the king and his Lords fervently. And in the year following, the Commons of the City of London chose unto their Mayor for that year Thomas fitz Thomas, and without counsel of the Aldermen swore him at the Guildhall upon the day of Simon & Jude, and made no presentment of him upon the next day following, neither to the king, nor yet to the Barons of the Exchequer, as they of right aught to have done: For the which presumption the king was grievously discontented against the City. And soon after he being advertised that the Citizens would take part with the Barons, caused Sir Edward his son to take the castle of Windsor by a train. Whereof, when he knew that he was in possession, the king early in a morning a little before Christmas, The king ●●eth for fear of the Barons to the Castle of Windsor. departed from Westminster, and road to the said Castle, whether shortly after came many of the Lords upon the kings party. And as fast the Lords and knights which held with the Earl of Leycester, drew them toward London, so that on either party great numbers of people were assembled. And in this time some well disposed persons laboured to have peace and concord between the king and his Lords: By whose means at the last, it was agreed, that all matters concerning the aforesaid articles or statutes made at Oxenford, and after by the twelve The controversy between the king & his Lords was committed to the judgement and order of the French king. Piers, should be deemed and judged by the French king, so that he should allow or disallow those that should be kept or broken, and as he judged, so both parties to be contented to stand unto & abide firmly & surely. Upon which agreement, copies were made of the said statutes, and with letters (showing the effect of the former agreement) sent unto Lewes the French King as aforesaid. And at Christmas next after, the King took shipping, with Sir Edward his son, and other of the Counsel, and sailed into France for the aforesaid cause. And for the party of the said Barons, was sent over Sir Peter de Mountforde and other. Then before Lewes' king of France those statutes were sore argued. In the end, the French King having before him both the parties, the xxiv. day of january, sitting in judgement gave express sentence, The French king judged against the Barons of England. that all and every of those statutes and ordinances should be from that day forward utterly fordone and set at nought, and all such bands and promises that the king or any other had made for the maintenance of the same, should be admilled and canceled, and the king and all other, for any matter concerning those statutes set at liberty. After which sentence thus given, the king returned into England, so that he came unto London the xu day of February. But the Barons being sore amoved with this sentence, and noting great partiality in the French king, departed from London Westward, and so into the marches of Wales, where they drew to them great power, and warred upon the lands and Castles of Sir Roger Mortimer, & threw some of them unto the ground, and spoiled of his what they might find, and over that, brent of his manors and houses. In whose aid, Sir Edward the kings son coming, his people were distressed, and he almost taken. For reformation of which matter a new Parliament or counsel was called and appointed to beholden & kept xu days after Easter at Oxenford, A new Parliament holden at Oxford, but it took none effect. but it never took effect. Howbeit another Chronicle saith, that from this Parliament then holden at Oxford, the king and his Lords parted in displeasure. Then the Barons drew toward London, and the king remained at Woodstock. And then new assurance by writing indented was made between the commonalty of the City, and the Barons, without consent of many of the rulers of the said City. Wherefore the Commons, as men in a rage and fury, made of themselves two Captains, which they named Constables of the City, that is to say, Thomas Piwelsdon, The Citizens of London chose them two new Captains. and Stephen Bukerel. At whose commandment, by tolling of the great Bell of Paul's all the City should be ready shortly in harness, to give attendance upon their said Captains, About the beginning of Lent, the Constable of the Tower, Sir Hughle Spencer, came with a fair company of men of arms before him into the City, and desired assistance of the aforenamed Constables. The which commanded the said Bell to be tolled: By mean whereof, the people shut in their shops, and came out in harness in great multitudes. The which after proclamation made, that they should follow their Captains, without knowledge what to do, or whether to go, followed their said Captains, The Citizens of London brent at Thistleworth the Manor of Richard the king of Romans. and so went to Thistleworth eight miles beyond Westminster, and there spoiled the Manor of the king of Romans, and set it after upon a fire. And that done, his water Milles and other commodities that he there had, put them unto utter ruin, and after with great noise and cry returned to London. This deed as saith Fabian, was the cause of the mortal war following. For where before time the said king of Romans had gone about for the alliance that was between him and the Earl of Gloucester, a treaty of peace, to be had between the king and his Barons: after that deed done, he was enemy unto them to the uttermost of his power. The king hearing of this riot, gathered unto him a great power. And for that he heard that Sir Peter de Mountfort was at Northhampton gathering of people to strength the Baron's party, he sped him thither, and won the town upon him by force, and slew many of his men, and in the end took him and Sir Simond the son of the Earl of Leycester, with diverse other on live, the which, with many Burgesses of that town, that had taken their parts, the king sent unto diverse prisons, and some he closed within the Castle of the same town. A riot made upon the jews. And about this time, that is to say, the week before Easter, all the jews in London were spoiled and rob, and the number of fine hundredth of them were slain, and diverse of their houses brent and destroyed, and such of them as were saved, were conveyed for great need unto the Tower, and there kept from the fury of the Commons. And the occasion of this riot was, for that one jew would have forced a Christian man to have given unto him more than two pence for the usury of twenty shillings for a week lending. Usury allowed among the jews & suffered in England. For ye shall understand that in those days by licence granted unto the jews of the king, they might take by usury of every man that of them would borrow money, two pence of a pound for a weeks lending, and so of greater and of smaller sums after the rate. And soon after the jews were thus punished, many houses of religion within the City, and near there about, were searched for goods of alients, and much found. Whereof a part was brought unto the Barons, but the more part was stolen and bribed. In this season the king passed by diverse Countries, and lastly came into Sussex, with a strong power. Whereof hearing the Lords, they made preparation to go against him. In all which time the Wardens of the five Ports kept the sea with ships that no strangers should enter the land to aid the king against the Barons. In the end of April, the Barons with a multitude of the City, which they put in the vaward, departed from London, taking their journey toward the king. And when they were well onward upon their way, word was brought unto them, that the king with an huge power was at Lewes. Wherefore they by an whole assent, devised a letter, and sent it in the name of all the Barons unto the king, whose names hereunder follow, but not all. The names of the Barons of England. Sir Simond de Mountfort Earl of Leycester, and high steward of England. Sir Gilbart de Clare, earl of Gloucester, Sir Robert Ferrer, earl of Derby, Sir William de Mounthdesey, Sir Hugh le Spenser, chief justice, and Sir Henry Mountfort, son to the Earl of Leycester, Sir Richard Grace, Sir Henry hastings, Sir john fitz john, Sir Robert Devenpount, Sir john Gyvile, Sir Robert Roos, Sir William Marmyon, Baldwyn Wake, Sir Gilbert Gifford, Sir Nicholas Demegrave, and Sir Godfrey de Lucye, with many other. Which letter sealed with the seals of the said Earl of Leycester, and of Gloucester, contained as followeth. A letter written by the Barons unto the king. TO the most excellent Lord, king Henry, by the grace of God king of England, Lord of Ireland, and Duke of Guyan, the Barons and other faithful your servants, their fidelity and oath to God and to you coveting to keep, sand to you due saluting with all reverence and honour, under due obeisance. Liketh it your highness to understand, that many being about you, have before times showed unto your Lordship of us many evil and untrue reports, and have found suggestions, not all only of us, but also of yourself, to bring this your realm unto subversion. Know your excellency, that we intend nothing but health and surety to your person, to the uttermost of our powers: and not alonely to our enemies, but also yours, and of all this your realm, we intend utter grievance and correction. Beseeching your grace, hereafter to give to them little credence, for ye shall find us your true and faithful subjects to the uttermost of our powers. And we Earl of Leycester, and Earl of Gloucester, at the request of other, & for ourselves, have put to our seals, the ten day of the month of May. The answer unto the aforesaid letter. The kings answer to the Baron's letter. HEnry by the grace of God, king of England, Lord of Ireland, & Duke of Guyan: To Simond de Mountfort, and Gilbert de Clare, and their complices. Whereas by war and general perturbance in this our realm, by you begun and continued, with also burnings and other hurts, and enormities, that evidently it appeareth that your fidelity to us due, ye have not kept, nor the surety of our person ye have little regarded, for so much as our Lords and other trusty friends which daily abide with us, ye vex and grieve, and them pursue to the uttermost of your powers, and yet daily intend as ye by report of your letters have us ascertained: We the grief of them admit and take to be our own, specially when they for their fidelity, which they to us daily impend, stand & abide by us, to oppress your infidelity and untruth. Wherefore of your favour and assurance we set little store, but you as our enemies we utterly defy. Witness ourself at our town of Lewes, the xij day of this month of May. And besides this, the king of Romans Sir Edward the kings son, and other Lords being then with the king, sent unto them another letter whereof the tenor ensueth. Another letletter sent to the Barons. RIchard by the grace of God king of Romans, always Augustus and Edward the Noble first begotten son of the king of England, all other Barons firmly standing and abiding with our sovereign Lord the king, to Symond de Mountfort, Gilbert de Clare, and all other their false fellows: By the Letters which ye sent unto the king our most sovereign Lord, we understanding that we are defied of you. Nevertheless, this word of defiance appeared unto us sufficiently before, by the deprivation and brenning of our manors, and carrying away of our goods. Wherefore we will that ye understand, that we defy you as our mortal and public enemies. And whensoever we may come to the revengement of the injuries that ye to us have done, we shall acquit it to the uttermost of our powers. And where ye put upon us that we are neither true nor good to our Sovereign Lord the king. We give you to understand that ye therein say, falsely and untruly of us. And if that saying ye Sir Symond de Mountfort and Sir Gilbert de Clare will testify in the Court of our sovereign Lord the king: we are ready to purchase to you surety and safe coming, that there we may prove our true and faithful innocency, and your false and traitorous lying. Witnessed with the Seals of Rycharde king of the Romans and sir Edward aforenamed, Given at Lewes the xii. day of May. When the Barons had received these Letters from the king and his Lords, they perceived well that there was none other mean, but to defend their cause by dent of sword, A terrible battle called the battle of Lewes in Sussex between the king and his Barons. wherefore, they putting their trust in God, sped them forth toward the king. And upon Wednesday being the xxiiij day of May, early in the morning both the hosts met: where after the Londoners had given the first assault, they were beaten back, so that they began to draw from the sharp shot and strokes, to the discomfort of the Baron's host. But the Barons encouraged and comforted there men in such wise, that not all only the fresh and lusty knights fought eagerly, but also such as before were discomfited, gathered a new courage unto them, and fought without fear, insomuch that the king's Vanguard lost their places. Then was the field covered with dead bodies, and gasping and groaning was heard on every side, for either of them was desirous to bring others out of life. And the father spared not the son, neither yet the son spared the father. Alliance at that time was turned to defiance, & christian blood that day was shed without pity. Thus during the fight by the more part of the day, lastly the victory fell to the Barons, so that there were taken the king, and the king of Romans, The king & his brother & son taken. Sir Edward the king's son, with many other noble men, to the the number of xxv Barons and Banarets, and of the common people there were slain above twenty thousand as saith Fabian & Cowper. When the Barons had thus obtained the victory, provision was made for the safe keeping of the prisoners, so that all were sent unto diverse Castles and prisons, except the King and his brother the King of Almaigne, and Sir Edward his Son, the which the Barons held with them until they came to London. Then a new grant was made by the king, The king granteth to the Barons, all their requests. that the aforesaid statutes should stand in strength. And if any were thought unreasonable, they to be corrected and amended by four noble men of the realm, that is to say, two of the spirituality, and two of the temporalty. And if those four could not agreed, than the Earl of Angeou and Duke of Burgoyn to be judges of the matter. And this to be firmly holden and obeyed by the king and his brother: The kings granted that their sons and heirs should remain with the Barons as prisoners until all things were finished, according to the former agreement. And upon this was a Parliament appointed to be holden at London the Whitsontyde following, but that came never to pass. Then the Tewesday before the Ascension day, a peace was proclaimed in London between the king and the Barons. The next day the king and the Barons came to London with the king of Romans, and Sir Edward the kings son. Then Sir Edward as pledge for the king, and Sir Henry son to the king of Almain, were sent unto the Tower, and there lodged, and from thence to Dover Castle. And the king was lodged in the Bishop's Palace beside Paul's, and the king of Almain and diverse other within the tower. Then it was agreed by the king, that for his more surety, and for the weal of the land that the Earl of Leycester should be resiant in the kings Court. Upon which agreement and other, many of the Prisoners were set at large. In this mean while, before the Battle of Lewes, the Queen and the king of Romans had sent over the sea for Soldiers, to aid the king against the Barons, which now were come in great number unto Dover, and there hoved on the Sea to have landed. Whereof hearing the Barons, Kings by power are forced to do an other will and not as they lust. they sent the king of Romans as prisoner to Barkhamstede, until the said alients were returned: and caused king Henry with a great power to ride thither, and to force the said host of strangers to return unto their Countries from whence they came. And when the king had returned the said strangers, he shortly after with the agreement of the Barons, sailed over into France, and returned again within short tyme. And shortly after the Lords of the Marches of Wales assembled themselves together, and did much harm upon the lordships and Manors of the Earls of Leycester and Gloucester. Wherefore the king so soon as he returned out of France, forthwith road to Gloucester, and called there a Counsel of his Lords, by the authority of which counsel, it was enacted that as many of the said Lords as came not in by the Octaves of Saint Hillary next following, & yielded them unto the king's grace, should be exiled. And in the said Counsel it was also agreed, that in the said Octaves there should be a Parliament holden at Westminster. Here is the first mention made of a Parliament holden by the three estates. At the which time the king with his Lords spiritual and temporal, and commons of his land, began his foresaid Parliament. And in the same it was there moved (the king himself being present) that neither he the king, nor yet Sir Edward his son, nor none of them should after that day grieve or 'cause to be grieved the Earls of Leycester and of Gloucester, the Baronnes, Banerettes, or knights, the Citizens of London, and Barons of the five Ports, nor none other person or persons of high or low degree, that was upon the party of the said Earls, for any matter of displeasure done against the king, The king sworn but shortly broke his oath. and the said Sir Edward his son, at any time before that day. And that to do and uphold, the king before his Lords was sworn. After this there was read a Charter or Pardon, concerning the cause and matter of offence aforesaid. And afterward also was concluded a confirmation of the statutes of the Forest, with many other acts and statutes before granted of the king, as Magna Carta, and other. The twelve day of March next following Sir Edward the kings son that before was also sworn to perform such promises as the king had made before in the Parliament, was delivered and set at liberty, and likewise was Sir Henry the kings son of Almain, the which had been kept as pledges (as before you have heard) about the space of ix months & odd days upon assurance made, that the said Sir Edward should devil and abide in the kings Court, and not to departed from thence without licence of the king, and of a certain of the Barons. Then were many Instruments and Bonds made by the king and Sir Edward his son for the performance of diverse and sundry covenants made between the king & his Barons, which shortly after took small effect. Now shortly after, that is to say, between Easter and Whitsuntide, 126●/48 for the ordering and manner of executing of the aforesaid statutes made at Oxenford, fell great dissension between the Earls of Leycester and Gloucester, Dissension among the Lords. so that words of displeasure were uttered between them, the king and they also being then at Gloucester. Then the king and his Barons had much to do to set them at quiet and rest. And the same season, the Barons of the five Ports with their ships were upon the sea, and rob and spoiled all that they might take, for all was fish that came to the net, sparing neither English merchants nor other. And the Booty that they gate was no small thing. Of which as the common fame went, some of the Barons had no small share. The Whitsuntide following, the king with the Earl of Leycester, and Sir Edward his son, with many other his Lords being at Hereford in the Edge of Wales: the said Sir Edward secretly and without licence, departed from the Court, and went unto Chester, where he called unto him the Earl of Gloucester, and the Lords of the marches, the Earl of Wareyn, Sir Roger Mortimer, and other, and they falling into fellowship, and joining in a confederacy, went from thence unto Gloucester breaking the bridges as they went, to the intent that he were not followed until he had assembled his power. When knowledge of this came to the Earl of Leycester, he in all haste sent unto Sir Simond his son that he should gather his knights unto him. The which according to that commandment, assembled unto him with much people, and with them drew toward Winchester, so that he came before the City the xiiij day of the month of july, where he was shut out, for so much as the Citizens knew not whether he came as the kings friend or not. And also a little before, they had received a letter from Sir Edward, willing them to keep them out of the City, and to suffer them by no means to enter. For these causes the Citizens closed their Gates against the said Sir Symond and his company. But it was not long before the City yielded and gave up. Then they spoiled the town, and slew the greatest part of the jews that were therein. And that done, they laid siege unto the Castle, and assaulted it: But suddenly a feigned news was brought unto them, saying that Sir Edward and his power was coming even at hand, wherefore they departed shortly thence, and went to Kenelworth. And the last day of july Sir Edward and his host came unto Kenelworth aforesaid, and fell suddenly upon the host of the aforenamed Sir Simond, and with shedding of little blood took there prisoners, the Earl of Oxenford, William de Mount Canise, Adam de Newmarket, Sir Baldwyn Wake, and Hugh Nevile, with diverse other, and Sir Simond fled into the Castle and so escaped. Then the aforenamed Prisoners were sent to Gloucester, and there put in safe keeping. In this mean time Sir Simond earl of Leycester took his leave of the king, which then from Hereforde passed the river of Severne, and so went unto worcester, and the Earl with great pain passed the Bridges before broken by Sir Edward, and so coasted the countries in gathering of the people as he went: so that at the length he had with him a strong power. And When Sir Edward heard thereof, he made towards him so fast as he might. And the sixth day of August they met at Euisham in Worcestershire, Battle of Euisham. where between them was fought a cruel and bloody battle, in the which was slain the said Sir Simond the Earl, The Barons discomfited and slain. and Sir Henry his son and heir, Sir Hugh le Spencer, Sir Peter de Mountford, and many other noble men that held upon the Baron's party. After which discomfiture, some malicious persons in despite of the Earl cut off his head and his privy members, and fastened them upon either side of his nose, and after made a present thereof unto the wife of Sir Roger Mortimer: his feet also and his hands were cut of from the body and sent to sundry places, and the trunk of his body buried within the Church of Guisham. Sun after this victory thus obtained by Sir Edward, the king and he met with no small joy and comfort to them both. And then by the authority of the king all the prisoners that before had been taken, and imprisoned were delivered and set at liberty, and many other daily accused and set in for them. And about the eight A Parliament at Winchester. day of September next following a Parliament or counsel was holden at Winchester, where by the authority of the same, all statutes and ordinances before made, The statutes of Oxenford again condemned. by the Barons at Oxenford in the xlj year of the king, were utterly fordone and set at nought. And all bonds and writings made by the king, or any other for the observing of the same, were canceled and broken. Also at this counsel was ordained, that all such as had favoured the Barons, being then in prison, or at large, should be disherited and then the king resumed into his hands all grants before made and given to any person. A strange alteration. And for Sir Symond Mountfort the son of the Earl that was slain could not agreed with the king at the Parliament, he was restored again to the Castle of Kenelworth as he before was assured, the which he with Sir Henry de hastings and other, kept and defended against the king's power, a long time after. After the Parliament ended the king came to Windsor with a great power, intending, as the same went, to destroy the City of London, The king was greatly displeased with the city of London. for the great wrath and displeasure that he had conceived for the aiding of the Barons against him. Of the which when the Mayor and Aldermen were informed, they were stricken into a wonderful fear: Although many of the rude and rash commoners were in full purpose to have defended the City against the king: and thus among them were diverse and sundry opinions, and no great marvel, for at those days the City was inhabited with sundry nations and people. At the last the sad and grave Citizens being called together by the Mayor and his brethren to the guildhall, it was among them agreed & thought meet, to make a most humble supplication unto the king, and to send it by some religious person. Of the which they made divers, and sent them by sundry persons, but all availed nothing. For the king was most grievously incensed against the Citizens by some of his Counsel, so that he would not look upon, nor harken unto any of their supplications. And if it fortuned any to move the king's favour towards the Citizens, he would so storm and give unto them such unpleasant and wrathful looks, that no man durst once open his mouth unto him for them. Then the Citizens were counseled by their Friends that they should make a writing, and seal it with the common seal, and in the same they should offer themselves, and put them wholly in the king's grace and mercy, touching their lives and goods. And at the last according to this counsel, they devised a writing, and sealed it with their common seal, and that done those eight persons of the City, such as had friends in the Court, and the vj. day of October sent them toward Wyndsore, Sir Roger Leyborne knight. and as they passed through Colbrook they met a knight of the kings, called Sir Roger Leyborne, the which caused the said eight persons to turn again unto the City, and he accompanied them until he came almost at the City, and there departed from them, and road upon the backside of the town unto the tower. But at his departing he willed them to warn the Mayor with certain of the City to meet with him upon the morrow at Barking Church. And on the morrow, when the Mayor and the said Sir Roger met, the same Sir Roger after a long process made, showed and declared the kings most grievous displeasure against the City, and also told them what means their friends and lovers had made to obtain the kings grace's favour for the City: But in the end he concluded that there was no grace to be obtained for them, except they would by their common seal, bind themselves fully and wholly to stand at the kings grace, and to put into his mercy their lives and goods: The which when the Mayor and his brethren conferring with sundry other of the Citizens had well weighed and considered, and also being greatly afeard of the kings wrath against the City, for it was bruited that he would utterly destroy the same by fire: Wherefore in the end they granted to all that Sir Roger had moved, and delivered the aforesaid writing unto the aforesaid Roger, praying him to be a good mean and intercessor for them unto the king. And the next day the said Sir Roger went unto the Court, and returned again the sixth day after, and willed the Mayor and Aldermen to meet with him again at the foresaid Church. Where he showed to them, that the king by great instance of their friends, had received their writing, and would first for the beginning and contentation of his mind, that all the Chains that was in every street, and stood at every Lanes end, should be loosed from their Posts, and the Post also drawn out of the earth, and all they to be brought unto the Tower of London: And that done, that the Mayor with a certain of Citizens, to the number of xl persons should the day following be at Windsor to confirm the grant of their writing. And that they should go and come in safe and sure wise, he delivered unto them the kings letter and seal, for the term of four days, which all was done according to the former devise, and the Mayor with the aforesaid persons were ready on the morrow which was Sunday, at Windsor by one of the clock, and there tarried until four of the same day: At which time the king coming from his disport, entered the Castle without countenance or casting of his eyen upon the Londoners. And when the king and his people were entered the Castle, the Londoners would have followed, but they were warned to abide without. And immediately the king caused a Proclamation to be made, that no man of high or low degree, should by word or deed show any displeasure unto the Londoners. And in the evening came unto them, the aforesaid sir Roger and sir Robert Waleys knights, and brought them into the Castle, and said that the king's pleasure was not to speak with them that night. The Mayor and Aldermen locked up in a tower in the Castle of Windsor. And afterwards the said knights delivered them unto the Constable of the Castle, which closed them all in a large Tower, where that night they had small cheer and worse lodging. The next day being Monday, towards night they were taken out of that tower, and delivered to the Bailie of the said Castle, and lodged by his assignment, except .v. persons, that is to say, Thomas fitz Thomas Mayor, Mighell Tony, Stephen Bukerell, Thomas Piwellisdon, The Mayor of London & four Aldermen given by the king to Prince Edward his son. and john de Fleet. The which five persons the king had given to Sir Edward his son, at whose commandment they remained still in the said Tower long after, notwithstanding the kings safe conduit to them made as before is said. When tidings hereof came to the City of London, albeit, that for fear many were before avoided, yet then a great many more gate them thence with speed into diverse countries of England, and very many of them never returned. The sixth day of November following, the king came to Westminster. And shortly after he gave unto diverse of his household servants, Households and houses given away in the City of London by the king to his servants. more than lx. households and houses within the City of London, so that the owners were compelled to agreed and redeem their houses and household, with all goods that in them were, or else to avoid and suffer such persons to enter as the said houses were given unto, and not alonely that, but also such lands and Tenements, goods and chattels, as the said Citizens had in any other places of England. And at that time the king made Custos and Guardian of the City, Sir Othon Constable of the Tower of London, Sir Othon Constable of the Tower was made Custos of the City of London. which sir Othon those to be Bailiffs under him, and to be to him accountable to the use of the king, john Adrian, and Walter Henry Citizens of the same City. And after this, the king took pledges of the best men's sons of the City, that his peace should be surely kept within the same. The which pledges were kept in the Tower of London, and there found at the cost of their parents. And shortly after by great labour and suit made, all the aforesaid persons which were in the keeping of the Bailiff of Windsor Castle, four only except, that is to say, Richard Bonaventure, Simon de Hardistocke, William de Kent, & William de Gloucester, all the other Londoners xxxiiij in number were delivered and came to London the xxj of November following, and the other ix were kept still in the Tower of Windsor. Now was daily suit and labour made unto the king to have his gracious favour, and to know his pleasure what fine he would have of the City for their transgressions. For the which the king demanded xl thousand pound, and firmly held him at fifty thousand marks. But the Citizens alleged for them, that the poor Commoners (whereof many were avoided) were the trespassions, and besides that, the best men of the City were spoiled by those riotous persons, and by the Rovers also of the sea, as the wardens of the five Ports, and other, so that in this troublesome time they lost the greatest part of their substance. For the which considerations, and many other, that were here to tedious to write, the Citizens besought the king of his most gracious clemency and favour, and to take of them that they might bear. This matter thus hanging, the king upon the sixth day of December departed from Westminster toward Northhampton. Stewards or Seneschalles appointed to have the rule of the City. And a little before his departure, he ordained Sir john Lined knight, and master john Waldren Clerk, to be Guardians of the City and Tower of London, the which were named in the kings writing Seneschalles, or stewards of the City. The next day after that the king was ridden as aforesaid, the aforenamed two Stewards, sent for xxiiij of the most notable men of the City, and warned them to apere the next day following before the Counsel at Westminster: Where at the time of their appearance was showed unto them by Sir Roger Leyborne, that the kings mind was, that they should have the rule of the City in his absence, under the aforesaid Stewards: and for to see good rule to be kept within the City they should be sworn there, before his counsel. And there they were sworn, and so commanded to return again into the City. But yet ceased not means to be made, and continual labour to the king for his gracious favour in the levying of a merciful fine, such as the poor Citizens might be able to bear. And in Christmas week at the last, the king at the prayer of such friends as the City made unto him, granted the City to be released for all manner of transgressions, and to have their whole liberties restored unto them again for twenty The liberties of the City again restored for the sum of twenty thousand mark. thousand mark, those persons only except which the king had given to Sir Edward his son, being, as is aforesaid, at Wyndsore. For the payment of which some at the days agreed upon, Sir Roger Leyborne, and master Robert Warien Clerk, were assigned to take sureties for the same. After which assurance by them received, and sent unto the king at Northhampton, the king sent immediately after unto the Citizens a Charter under his broad seal, the tenor whereof ensueth. A Pardon granted to the Citizens of London by the king. HEnry by the grace of God, king of England, Lord of Ireland, and Duke of Guyan: To all men health. Know ye that for the fine of twenty thousand mark, the which our Citizens of London to us made, for the redemption of the transgressions and trespasses to us, to our Queen, to our noble brother Richard king of Almain, and to Edward our first begotten son done, we remit and pardon for us and our heirs, to the said Citizens and their heirs, as much as in us is, so that they have and enjoy all their former grants and liberties, rents and profits from the feast of Christmas last passed: And also that the said Citizens have to them, all forfeits of all malefactors of the City, which in the perturbance before made, were indited, or for the same be yet to be indited: Except the goods and cattles of them, of the which we have given the bodies unto our foresaid son Edward, and except the rents and tenements of all those Citizens, which now be and shall be our escheat, by reason of the aforesaid transgressions. And that all prisoners, which now remain in prison, be freely delivered, except those persons, whose bodies we have given to Edward our son. And that the said Citizens be as free, as they were before the said transgressions in all parts and coasts of this our lands. In witness whereof, we have made these letters patents. Witness myself at Northhampton the tenth day of january, the xlix year of our reign. ¶ After the Citizens had received this pardon, than were all the pledges for them, which were in the tower of London delivered, and also four of them that were in the Castle of Windsor. Then also were discharged the aforenamed Stewards, and the Citizens of themselves chose for Mayor, William fitz Richard, and for Shirifies, Thomas Delaforde, and Gregory de Rokesley. Then for the levying of this fine, were taxed, aswell covenant servants as also householders, and many refused the liberties of the City, to be acquitted of this charge. While the king lay thus at Northhampton, Sir Simond de Mountforte referred the judgement of his cause unto Octobonus the Legate, that before was come into this land to reform things in the Church of England, and also to set unity and rest between the king and his Lords. To whose order and judgement and to the king of Romans the said Sir Symond did bind himself to stand. Upon which promise and band, he was set at liberty, and was at large in the king's court, and did there awhile continue, but at the last, when the king was come to London, he departed suddenly out of the court, and road to Winchelsey where he accompanied with the Rovers of the Sea, and (after some prizes taken) departed from them and so sailed into France, and put himself in service with Lewes the French king. And shortly after, Kenelwoorth Castle. the king besieged the Castle of Kenelworth with a great power. But Sir Henry Hastings with such as were within it, defended it so strongly, that the king and all his power might not win it, of a long time, as after shall appear. It was before declared that the Queen to help her Lord the king against the Barons, before the battle at Lewes, had caused an host of strangers to be prepared to come into England. And the same time also she purchased a curse of the Pope, to accurse the Barons, and all their aiders and helpers, and had commissions directed to certain Bishops of England to execute the same, as London, Winchester, and Chichester, the which for fear of the Barons denied the doing thereof. Wherefore the Queen made new labour to the Pope, then urban the third, and had it granted, that the said Bishops for their disobedience should be corrected. And for this the aforesaid Legate Octobone, this year at a counsel holden by him at Paul's Church in London, suspended the said Bishops, and sent them to Rome to be assoiled of Clement the third. And now was the Castle of Kenelworth yielded by appointment, which had been besieged from the xxiij day of june, unto the twenty day of December following, Kenelworth castle yielded upon condition that Sir Henry hastings and all other that were with him in the said Castelle, should have life and limb, and horse and harness, with all things within the Castle to them belonging, and a certain of leisure to carry away the same. About this time also, The wardens of the .v. ports are reconciled to the King. the wardens of the five ports were reconciled to the King, by favour and help of Sir Edward the kings son. And notwithstanding the great harm that they had done by roving upon the sea, as well to English merchants, as to other, they had to them confirmed all their former privileges. And moreover there was granted to them, that if any man English or other, would sue for restitution of goods, by them before taken, or for the death of any of their friends before slain: that all such complaints should be sued and showed in their Courts, and there to have their matters determined, and not else where. But what the cause was of this end thus made between the king and them, it is not showed: But the common feign at that day ran, that the said wardens of the five Ports, had at this day the dominion of the Sea: wherefore the king was feign to follow their pleasures. In the former year also, in the beginning of the month of May, Parliament at Northhampton. the king held his Parliament at Northhampton: In the which Parliament was confirmed unto the City of London the old franchises and liberties by the kings progenitors granted to the said City, The liberties of London newly confirmed. with a new grant also for the shire of Middlesex. And in this Parliament were many noble men disinherited, that before took part with the Barons. For the which cause they assembled together and rob in diverse coasts of the land, A new rebellion. and took the town of Lincoln and spoiled it, and after ransomed many of the rich Burgesses of the town, and took the Isle of Ely, and strengthened it in such wise, as they held it a great while after. This year fell a great controversy between the rulers of the City of London, Trouble about the election of the Mayor of London. and the commons of the same, about the choosing of the Mayor. The Rulers named Alyn South: But the Commons (specially such as were of the meaner sort) cried upon Thomas fitz Thomas, who was then prisoner in the Castle of Windsor. Wherefore the Aldermen were compelled to call for the help of sir Roger Leyborne and other, who came to the guilded hall, being harnessed under their gowns, and at the last were enforced to carry certain of the rascals to the Counters and other Prisons, and then quietly they went to the election of the said Aleyn Souche. The Gentlemen of whom ye heard before, that kept the Isle of Ely, did now break out sundry times, The City of Norwiche spoiled. and did much hurt in Norfolk and Suffolk and Cambridge shire, and took the city of Norwich, and after the spoiling and sacking thereof, carried away with them many of the Citizens being rich, and ransomed them at great sums of money, and lived there in that Isle like unto Outlaws. By these and other many hurts in diverse places of the land were done, Octobone the Pope's Legate. and namely by thieves and persons of evil disposition: but what wickedness so ever was done, the blame thereof was laid to the charge of these gentlemen. And at this time Octobone the Legate laboured unto the king that the said disinherited gentlemen might purchase their lands again of him by fine and ransom. By whose labour, the king, at the last agreed that they should have their lands again by fines of five year value of their lands. As he that might dispend twenty pound by the year should pay an hundredth pound in five years, and of other after that rate, except sir Robert Ferrer Earl of Derby, Sir john de la Ware, and him that stroke of the fist of the kings pursuivant, and some other persons that were of small countenance, should be fined by discretion of the kings counsel, but this took none effect. About this time was made the statute of weights and measures, that is to say, that a sterling penny should way xxxij grains of wheat dry and round, and taken in the mids of the ear, and twenty of those pence should make an ounce, and twelve ounces make a pound Troy: And eight pound Troy weight make a gallon of Wine, and eight wine gallons to make a London bushel, which is the eight part of a quarter. Also three barley Corns dry and round should make an inch, & twelve inches a foot, & three foot a yard, and five yards, half a perch, or poll, & xl pol in length & three in breadth an acre of land. And these standards of weight and measures were confirmed in the xv. year of king Edward the third, and also in the time of Henry the sixth and of Edward the fourth, and lastly confirmed in the last year of Henry the seventh. But in the time of king Henry the sixth it was ordained that the same ounce should be divided into xxx pence, and in the time of king Edward the fourth, into xl pence, and in the time of king Henry the eight into xliiij pence: But the weight of the ounce Troy, and the measure of the foot continued always one. And about this time, of what occasion I know not, Sir Gilbert de Clare Earl of Gloucester gathered out of the Marches of Wales a great and strong power against the king, A new rebellion made by Gilbert de Clare Earl of Gloucester and with him also joined Sir john Eivile, and other of the disinherited company, and shortly after Christmas came with a great host near unto London, Octobone the Pope's Legate lying then in the Tower of London. Assoon as the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London had knowledge of the Earls coming, and that with a great power, and they themselves not knowing whether he came as the kings friend or no: they shut the Gates against the fore-riders: and at that time neither was the king nor any of his counsel in the City, nor near thereunto. London again vexed and in much trouble. Wherefore the Mayor and Aldermen went to the Legate, and required his counsel whether they should suffer the Earl to enter the City or not? And the Legate answered that he thought they might let him come in, for he knew well that he was the kings true subject and friend. And immediately after this talk, a messenger came from the Earl to the Mayor, willing to have licence to pass through the City into Southwark, where he intended to lodge him and his people, which was granted unto him: and so the Earl passed through the City, and was lodged in Southwark. To whom came shortly after by Southwark side sir john evil with a great company. The Mayor at that time caused the Gate of the bridge to be shut, and caused a certain number of armed men to watch it, as well by day as by night, and so did he all the City through. And suddenly the Legate and the Earl agreed so well together, that the Earl by his advice was suffered, with a certain of his people to be lodged within the City of London. By reason whereof he daily drew more and more of his people into the City, so that at the last many things were ordered by him, and many of the Commons took his part against the Mayor and Aldermen. And shortly after he gathered unto him such a courage and authority, that he took the keys of the bridge, and of the Gates, from the officers of the City, and delivered them to such as pleased him, and received into the City many of the disherited persons, and gave to them free liberty to pass the bridge by all hours of the day and night. The Mayor of this sent word to the king, who then was gathering of his power in Norfolk, and made hasty speed towards London. And in the mean while the Earl with his company made Bulwarks and Barbicanes between the Tower and the City, and cast ditches and trenches in some places of the City, and fortified it wonderfully. Then a great number of the sober and grave Citizens feared a new Insurrection, and therefore avoided the City as secretly as they might, whose goods the Earl seized to his own use, or suffered his men to spoil them at their own pleasure. And now the rude Commons had quite forgotten their great and late affliction and punishment: and as men desperate and without the fear of God, or obedience to their Prince, nor yet respecting nor regarding any thing at all their own weals and states, neither the weals of their households, Citizens of London spoil Citizens. as their wives, children, or friends, took certain of the Aldermen and cast them in prison, and sequestered their goods, and spoiled a great part thereof. And in this their rage and fury, they ran to the guildhall, and there did chose for their Mayor or Custos of the City, Sir Richard Culworth knight, and for bailiffs, Robert Lynton, and Roger Martial, and discharged the old Mayor and Sheriffs. A shameful riot. And after this, than went they unto Newgate, Ludgate, and Creplegate, and all other prisons within the City, where they discharged and set at liberty all that were imprisoned for any matter touching the Baron's war before passed. Now, the Legate beholding all this business, and well considering this rebellion and discord, repented him of his former counsel given to the Mayor: and for that he saw that he could not reform the Earl of his error, he threatened him with the censures of the Church, and to accurse him as the disinherited were. And forthwith he commanded the divine service, to be said without note, and the Church doors to be shut in the time of the service doing, and that no Bell were rung unto the said service: And all because that the disinherited which stood accursed should not enter into the Churches to here the divine service. And shortly after Easter the king came to him, three miles from London, and he himself was lodged in the Abbey of White Monks in Stratfoord: and soon after the Legate came thither unto him, and was lodged also in the same Abbey, I do not think that these were such Guns as we now use, but rather some pot Gun, or some such other invention, for the Art and making of Guns was not then invented nor many years after. where for straightness of lodging, his horse & Mules were set in the Cloister of the same Abbey. Then the kings hosts made daily assaults, and Guns and other ordinance were shot into the City, which did little or no hurt at all, the town was so strongly fortified. And in this time the Legate on the one part, and the king of Romans on the other part, for alliance that was between him and the Earl of Gloucester, and chiefly for the avoiding of spilling and shedding of blood, laboured so to the king, that a reformation of peace was spoken of. And during the time of the entreaty, the Soldiers that lay in Southwark, committed many robberies in Southerey, and many other places, and roved over unto Westminster, and spoiled there the kings Palace, and devoured his Wine, and broke the Glass of the Windows, and made a common spoil of all that belonged to the said palace, and they did the like also in sundry places of London. And of that company of Rovers there were four taken that had the cognisance of the Earl of Derby, whose hands the Earl caused to be cut off, A just punishment for Rebels. and legs to be bound, and them to be put into a sack, and then to be cast into the Thames and drowned. And about the xj day of june next following, a peace between the King and the Earl of Gloucester was concluded. And so soon as the former peace was concluded, the Earl removed out the City, and was lodged again in Southwark: and the king entered the City the Sunday before Midsummer day. And forthwith the kings Proclamation was made through the City of the peace between the king and the Earl. And afterward was granted to the disinherited persons that they should have xj days after to shifted for themselves, that is to say, either to avoid unto such places, where they might be in some surety, or else to agreed to the former composition made by the Legate, and to pay the fift part of the stint of their lands, certain persons excepted, as before is rehearsed. And as touching the Earl, and such other as before were not dishenherited, and also the Citizens of London to be clearly pardoned and forgiven. And forthwith were restored to their offices Aleyn Sowche for Mayor, and Thomas basing, and Robert de Cornhill for Shreive's, and the Aldermen that before were deposed, were again restored to their wards and offices. And on the Wednesday next following, the Legate enterdicted all the City of London: which endured from uj of the clock in the morning until three of the clock the next day at after none, and then he discharged it, upon the oath of two commoners which were sworn in the name of all the City, London enterdicted. that the City should stand to the ordinance and judgement of holy church. But another chronicle saith, that this interdiction should have continued longer, if the stoutness of the Londoners had not been, who held the Legate so strait, that they enforced him to withdraw that sentence upon the aforesaid condition. Sun after, were all the Bulwarks, Rampires and Barbicans that the Earl had made in and about the City pulled up, and the ditches filled, that no part of them was seen. Now were the Citizens enforced again to sue for a new pardon, and answer was made unto them, that as yet they had not recompensed the king of Romans for the subversion of his manor of Thistleworth which they brent, and for the same he demanded uj A pardon again recovered with more money. thousand marks: So that at the last, with great labour and friendship, they agreed to give unto him for amendss a thousand Marks to be paid in two years. And not long after the king received into his favour Sir john Eivyle, Sir Nicholas de Segraue, Sir William Mermion, Sir Richard Grace, Sir john Fitz john, and Sir Gilbert de Lucye with other. And agreement was also made between sir Edward the king's son and the aforenamed Earl of Gloucester. And then also were all the fortresses and other defences which were made in Southwark during the time of the lying of the Earl of Gloucester's army there, and all other places adjoining to the same, pulled down & destroyed, and the Earl and all other soldiers clean avoided. And after all things were set in order and rest, except such as yet kept the Isle of Ely: the king road to Shrewesbury where he tarried a season, for to common of matters between him and Lewelyn or Llevellen Prince of Wales. The king thus being at Shrewesbury, a Writ was directed to Sir Aleyn Souche Maior of London, eight days before Mighelmas from the king, charging him that the Citizens should not proceed to the election of new Shreive's until his coming to London, but to suffer the old to remain and stand still in office. This year there happened a variance between the companies of Goldsmiths and Tailors of London, which grew to making of parts. A variance between the companies of Goldsmiths and Tailors. So that with the Goldsmiths the Fellowship of _____ took part, and with the Tailors took part the Steyners. And by this occasion much people mightily gathered in the streets in harness. And at length the said parties met to the number of five hundredth, and they ran together with such violence, that divers were slain, and many wounded, whereupon an outcry was made, so that the Shreive's with the help of other Citizens came unto the end of the fray, and took divers of them, and sent them to sundry prisons: and the morrow after such inquisition and search was made, that the greatest part of the principals and causers of this fray were taken, and put in ward. Then shortly after, Sessions were kept at Newgate by the Mayor and Laurence de Broke justice, and other, where at that time was arraigned of felony xxx Execution. of the said persons, whereof xiij were condemned and hanged. And for that one Godfray of Beverley did help to arm one of the said persons, he was also cast among the other. The Lent next following, the king being at Westminster, commanded the Mayor of London to present unto him six persons, The king chooseth the Sheriffs of London. such as were able to be Sheriffs. Of the which six so presented, the king chose two to be Sheriffs, that is to say, William de Durham, and Walter Henry, and then caused them to be sworn, that they should gather the profits of the City, and to give a true account for the same before the Barons of the Exchequer. And the xxuj day of july, the king discharged Sir Aleyn Sowche of the mayoralty, and made Stephen Edworth Constable of the Tower, and Custos of the City of London. Of these rulers of the City, after the year that Thomas fitz Thomas was Mayor, are diverse opinions. For after some writers, from that year, which was the xlviij year of the reign of king Henry, until the lviij year of his reign, in the which year john Adrian Draper was Mayor, were all Custos and Guardians of the City of London. And at this time, by the mediation of Sir Edward the kings son all such disinherited persons as kept the Isle of Ely, were reconciled to the king, and all fortresses and defences by them there made, were plucked up and destroyed. And in the latter end of this month of july, Octobone the Legate, after he had made many rules in the Church, not without great charge of dimes levied of the same, took his leave of the king and road toward the sea side, with great treasure, and so returned in process of time to Rome. Where after Innocent the fift, in the year of our Lord a thousand two hundredth seventy six, he was chosen and created Pope of Rome, and then named Adrian the fift, and died within fifty days after his election. Citizens forced to flee the City. At this time also, because many of the Citizens of London (for the great imposition and charge that they were set at, toward the fine of twenty thousand mark aforenamed, with other charges) voided the City, with their households and goods, and inhabited themselves in diverse places of the realm, thinking thereby to be acquitted of the said ceasing or charge: The other of the said City which remained, made instant suit and labour to the King, that all such as had for the said cause voided their goods out of the City, should be distrained by the Sheriff of that Shire where they than dwelled, and forced to pay all such sums of money, The five Citizens that before were imprisoned in Windsor, were now again delivered. as they before were sessed at, which suit they obtained of the king. And in the month of September following, the aforenamed five Citizens, which had remained prisoners in the Tower of Windsor, as before is mentioned in the xlviij year, made at this time their end with Sir Edward the kings son for great sums of money, and so were delivered. In this season was a great and an extreme frost, and began at S. andrew's day, and continued until Candlemas following, & the Thames was so frozen, that men, horse, and cart went safely over between London and Westminster. But a little after the breaking up of the said frost, A great frost. there fell such an abundance of rain, that the Thames rose so high, that the like thereof had not been seen by any man then living. Whereof ensued much harm about London, for the Sellers by the Water side were all drowned, and in them great plenty of Merchandise perished and was lost. And this year the king gave to Sir Edward his son the rule of the City of London, The City of London given to prince Edward the kings eldest son. with all revenues and profits to the same in any wise belonging. After which gift, the said Sir Edward made Sir Hugh the son of Othon Constable of the Tower, and Custos of the City. And the ix day of April following, Edmonde Crouchbacke the kings second son. Sir Edmond the kings other son (surnamed Crouchbacke) married at Westminster the daughter of the Earl of Aumarle: For solemnity whereof, the king kept in the great Hall there an honourable feast the Sunday following. The last day of April following, Sir Edward the kings son, commanded the Citizens of London to present unto him six persons able to be Sheriffs of London. Of the which he admitted to that office, William de Hadistoke, and Anketyll de Aluerne, and swore them to be accomptantes as their predecessors were. At these days a new custom or toll was used to be paid by the Citizens of London unto the king: A new toll taxed upon the Citizens. Which toll Sir Edward had then let to farm to a Merchant stranger for twenty mark a year. Wherefore the Citizens not willing to be under the rule of a stranger, made great suit unto the said sir Edward, and lastly agreed with him to buy the same toll fee, for the sum of two hundredth mark. And in the end of this year, A great same of money granted to the king for his voyage toward jerusalem. the king had granted unto him toward his voyage purposed into the holy land, the twenty penny of every man's substance movable throughout his land of the lay fee: And of the spiritualty three dimes to be levied in three years. And this year the king of Romans concluded a covenant with Sir Gilbert de Clare, earl of Gloucester, for a voyage to be taken into the holy land, by the said Earl for the king. For the which voyage, the said Earl should have of the king toward his charges, viii. thousand marks, and at the taking of his shipping other four thousand marks, and to be ready by the first day of May next following: And if the Earl were not ready at the sea side at that day with his company to take shipping, he should then forfeit to the king two thousand marks. For surety whereof, the said Earl should deliver into the kings possession his Castle of Henleger standing upon the Marches of Wales: But this came after to no purpose, but the cause why is not showed. But that journey was afterward performed by Sir Edward the kings son, as after shall appear. In this mean while, the Citizens of London so well pleased and contented Sir Edward the kings sons mind, The charter and liberties of London again newly granted. that he so laboured unto the kings grace for them, that he obtained of the king their Charter in such wise newly to be confirmed unto them, that they should after their ancient liberties chose of themselves a Mayor, and two Sheriffs, and the said Sheriffs to have the offices thereunto belonging to farm. After which confirmation thus granted and passed by the kings broad seal: The Citizens upon the xiiij day of july next following, assembled themselves at the Guildhall, and there did choose for their Mayor john Adrian Draper, and for their Sheriffs, Walter Potter, and john Taylor. And within two days next following Sir Edward being present, they presented them to the king at Westminster, where they were admitted and sworn, and then was Sir Hugh of Othon discharged of the rule of the City. Then the Citizens of their free will gave unto the king an hundredth mark and to Sir Edward five hundredth mark, which gift the king well accepted. And soon after they received their Charter of confirmation bearing date the xxj day of july and the lu year of the reign of the king. And by reason the former covenant and agreement that was made between the king and the Earl of Gloucester took none effect, Prince Edward taketh his voyage into the holy land for his father. therefore Sir Edward took upon him the king's Cross: To whom the king gave all the money that was granted of the lay Fee, as before is showed, and then he took shipping at Dover the twenty day of August, and so sailed to Bordeaux, with his wife accompanied with many noble personages. And because Lewes' king of France was gone before Sir Edward came, therefore he tarried but a little while at Bordeaux, and after went with his foresaid company toward the City of Thunys, where the French king was. But before he could come thither, the French king was dead, and a peace concluded between Philip his son, and the king of Thunys. Wherefore Sir Edward intending to grieve the enemies of God, accompanied with some knights of France that intended the same, took their leave of the French king, and of Sir Charles his uncle then king of Sicily, and sailed further into the holy land, and arrived at a port of Acris or Acon. For at that day there was no more Cities of the holy land in the possession of the Christians but the cities of Acon and tire, with certain Castles whereunto the Christians fled often for succour against the Saracens. When Sir Edward was come to Acon, the Christian knights received him with great honour and gladness, & lodged him in their best manner: Where he tarried by the space of a year after, as saith the French Chronicle. And it was not long after that he came thither, but that the Sultan of Surrey came thither also (the which had won all the Countries there abouts) with a great power of Saracens, and assaulted the City strongly and fiercely: But Sir Edward with the aid of Christian men, bore him so knightly and valiantly, that he defended both the Cities and the Castles to the same belonging, and the territories of the same, so that the Sultan for all his great multitude and power gate there little honour: Notwithstanding, he had in his host, as saith the French Chronicle, above an hundredth thousand Saracens. And the said Chronicle affirmeth moreover, that Sir Edward in his policies, and manful acts so honourably behaved himself, that he never did the like act all his life following, although he did afterward many honourable deeds, but yet none comparable to those that he did there: By reason whereof, his name among the Infidels was had in memory many years after. Of the honour of this martial and valiant knight, I have made the longer rehearsal, because I find the same witnessed of the Frenchmen, the which I know well, there must be some great and notable matter that moveth them when they writ any thing in the favour and commendation of any English Prince, or of any thing done by the nation. Then this noble Prince being thus in Acon, and daily putting the Sultan and the Saracens to shame and great damages, they seeing that they might not prevail against him by strength of battle, cast how they might destroy him by treason, and sent unto him a Sarazen in the name of a Messenger, the which in telling of his feigned message, Prince Edward wounded by a Sarazene. wounded him with a knife envenomed, of the which wound he lay long before he were thereof cured and healed. But after confession made by the Saracens of all his compassed treason, he was put unto most cruel death. About this time, Bow church steeple fallen down. the Steeple of S. Marry Bow Church in Cheap in London fell down and slew both men, women, and children. This year the king held his Parliament in November at westminster, in the which the Merchants of London and of other parts of the Realm, exhibited a Bill of complaint against the Countess of Flaundyrs, A parliament. for that she had taken from them certain goods amounting to a great sum. Upon which complaint, the king sent unto her to make restitution: But because she made none, the king therefore commanded, that all men which were borne in those parts and now being resiant in England, should be arrested, and they and their goods to be put under sure and safe keeping. By occasion whereof she at the length sent over Ambassadors, and besought the king that his merchants might use their intercourse into Flaundyrs, as they before time had done, and all such losses as before time they had sustained, should be recompensed. And shortly after an amity and friendship between the king and her was concluded. In the later end of this year died Richard king of Almaigne and earl of Cornwall, brother to the king, and was buried at hails, Richard king of Almain died. an Abbey of white Monks in Glocestershire, which before he had builded. And in this year the Monastery of the Trinity in the City of Norwich, Trinity Abbay in Norwich brent. was consumed with fire, by reason of a fray made between the servants of the Abbey, and certain Citizens of the City, which grew to a great skirmish: For the Prior of the same, and others Monks provided soldiers, and held the Belfraye and the Church by force of arms, & threw out stones and darts, and shot many arrows, by reason whereof, many of the Town were both wounded and slain: which brought the commons and young men into such a fury and madness, that they fired the Gates, and after forced the fire with Reed and dry Wood, that the Church with the Books and all other ornaments of the same, and all houses of office belonging to the same Abbey, were clean brent and thrown down, so that nothing was preserved, except it were a little Chapel. When tidings of this riot came to the king's knowledge, he was therewith greatly displeased and offended, so that he road thither in haste, and there commanded quests to be charged, both of knights and Squires that dwelled in the Country about, and to indite all such persons as were the occasioners and doers of that deed. By reason of which inquiry, Execution. there were condemned and judged xxx young men of the Town, the which were after drawn to the place of execution, and there hanged and brent, to the great discomfiture of the Citizens. For they thought that the Prior of the place was the occasioner of all that mischief, which was borne out and defended by the Bishop of Norwich, then named Roger. Now approached the end, that all flesh is borne unto, which is death, of the which nothing is more certain to all persons, though the day and hour is most uncertain. At this time the king sickened, and forced to keep his bed at Westminster, called before him Sir Gilbert Clare Earl of Gloucester: and caused him to be newly sworn to keep the peace of the land, to the behoof of Edward his son, King Henry the third died and then died the xuj day of November, when he had reigned luj years, and xxvij days, leaving after him Sir Edward before named for his heir, and Edmond Crouchbacke his sons, and is buried at Westminster. Edward the first. King Edward the first. EDward the first of that name, and son of king Henry the third, surnamed Longshanke, being of the age of xxxv years, began his reign over England the xvij day of the month of November, and in the year of our Lord. M.CC.lxxij. This Edward as before is showed in the lv. year of his father's reign, was in the holy land when his father died, and there did many notable feats of war as is aforesaid. And while he was so exercised, tidings was brought unto him that his father was dead: Wherefore in all haste, he sped him into England, and came to London the second day of August, and was crowned at Westminster, with Alianor his wife sister unto the king of spain, the xiiij day of December following of Robert archbishop of Cauntorbury, which was in the beginning of the second year of his reign. At his Coronation were present the king of Scots, and john Earl of Britein, with their wives the kings sisters which lived short while after. Matthew of Westminster. The next day after his Coronation, the Scottish king aforesaid did homage unto him for the realm of Scotland. In the beginning of the reign of this king Edward the first, the busy Citizens of London attempted to have made a Mayor as they would, but they were by the discreter number prevented: Notwithstanding in the year following their purpose took more effect. As before is said in the month of August, the King came to London, where he was joyfully received of the Citizens, and with all honour conveyed to Westminster, where he kept great observances for his father a certain of time after. Now the lewd purpose which the year passed was in the light Citizens, began to break forth: For where Philip le Taylor who before had been chosen Mayor of London, should upon the day of Simon and Jude have been placed in the Chair of the guildhall as the manner is, diverse of the Citizens put him beside the Chair, and put therein Walter Henry, busy heads beget trouble that was Maior the year before. By reason whereof, great rumour and grudge arose among the Citizens: the matter whereof was after brought before the king, who hearing the reasons of both parts, forsomuch as he could not agreed them, he put both the said Sir Walter, and the said Philip aside, and did choose Henry Frowike for Custos of the City, and so continued until Candelmasse next after. At which time by discrete & wise peaceable means, the aforenamed Sir Walter Harvey was set in authority as Mayor, and so continued the whole year. At this time Lewlyn, or Lluellen Prince of Wales rebelled, Lluellen Prince of Wales rebelled. and king Edward after the solemnity of his Coronation gathered a great power together, and went toward Wales, and subdued the said Lewlyn. The cause of this rebellion (saith Polidore) was for that the same Lluellyn being desirous to make a stir and business in England, Lewlyn subdued. and joining in amity with the French king, sent messengers to king Philip of France to desire his good will that he might marry Lady Alianor the daughter of Simon Mountfort earl of Leycester, which then was a banished woman in France, as was her mother also, and Henry her brother. The which request of his the king granted, and so sent the damosel unto him by her said brother Henry. The which Alianor with her brother were both taken by the English fleet, when they were approached near unto Wales about Bristol, and were brought unto king Edward. Now when Prince Lluellen understood this, he was so moved with the fact, that he straight ways armed himself, and so making a road into the marches of England, wasted and destroyed the Country as he went, and slew all that he met with. For repression of the which his outrage and fury, and to relieve his distressed subjects there, the king raised a puissant army, and at the length, when the Prince saw what danger he was in, and how like he was to be discomfited, he submitted and yielded himself to his mercy, who upon the said submission pardoned him, and with much ado delivered him the said Lady that was sent him (her virginity remaining unspotted) whom he shortly after married. But Matthew of Westminster saith, that he gave the king afore hand in the name of a fine for his transgression fifty thousand marks, and bound himself to pay yearly in the kings Exchequer, a thousand marks more. And soon after he returned and ordained certain new laws for the wealth of the Realm, New laws. which are to long here to rehearse. Among the which one was that Baker's making bread lacking the weight assigned, after the price of corn, should first be punished by loss of bread, and the second time by imprisonment, and lastly by the correction of the Pillory: And Milners for stealing of corn, to be punished by the Tomberell: And for the execution hereof, he gave authority, to all Majors, bailiffs, and other officers through England, but specially to the Mayor of London. He made a law also the same time against the excessive taking of Usury by the jews, and that they should wear a certain cognisance upon their uppermost garment, whereby they should be known from Christians. And this year the king confirmed the liberties of the City of London, and granted them some new. A parliament. And at this time he held his great Court of Parliament at Westminster, and summoned Lewlyn Prince of Wales to come to the same, the which presumptuously he denied. Lewlyn Prince of Wales again re●elled and was subdued Wherefore then shortly after he entered again into Wales, and so warred upon the said Lewlyn, that he was constrained to submit himself to the kings grace's mercy, and obtained it with great difficulty, as is beforesaid. After this king Edward builded the Castle of Flint, and strengthened the Castle of Rutland and other, with English men, to keep the Welshmen in due obedience, and so returned to London. Walter Haruy chosen Mayor. The aforenamed Walter Haruy who after long controversy and strife by him made and continued against the Aldermen of London, and in the first year of the king was at a folkmote holden at Paul's cross chosen Mayor of London, A folkmote. and continued out that whole year to the great trouble and hurt of the City, and he was this year accused of diverse perjuries, and deeds done contrary to his oath. Walter Haruy deprived. For the which, and for making of assemblies of the Commons that favoured him in his evil deeds, he was deprived of his Aldermanship and counsel of the City for ever, and found surety of twelve honest persons that he should be of good abearing for keeping of the kings peace within the City, for term of his life. And this year was the statute of mortmain first enacted, which is that no man should give unto the Church any lands or rents, Statute of Mortmain. without a special licence first obtained of the king: which act sithen that time is set out more largely, and divers things added thereunto. In this time the king had in his court one David brother unto Lewlyn Prince of Wales, which David did unto the king such pleasant service that the king bore him such love and favour that he gave him the Lordship of Froddesham in Chesshire, David brother of Lewlyn Prince of Wales a spy. but afterward, it did right well appear, that he was but a Traitorous spy to give his brother Lewlin warning and knowledge, of all the kings will and mind. And this year Mighelmas Term was kept at Shrowesburie, but at Hilary Term following, it was again removed to westminster. In the which by reason of carriage and of great rains that then did fall, the records were sore blemished and defaced. And in this time a Parliament was holden at London, chiefly for the reformation of the king's coin which then was sore clipped, by reason whereof, The coin fore clipped. the same was much diminished and impaired. And in the time of this Parliament, many of the jews in London, and other places of the Realm were taken and put in prison for clipping of Money, and in December following, divers inquests were charged in London to inquire of the said jews and other that had so blemished the king's coin. By the which inquests the jews of the City, with divers Goldsmiths that kept exchange of Silver were indicted. And shortly after Candlemas, the Mayor and justices of the land, sat at London, where before them was cast CClxxxxvij. persons. A great execution of jews. Of the which were but three Englishmen, and all the rest were jews, and such as came of jews borne in this Realm or else where, who were all at sundry places & times put to execution. And this year began the foundation of the black Friars beside Ludgate and of Baynard's Castle. Boston brent And the same year also was the Town of Boston in Lincolnshire, greatly blemished with fire. And at this time the king caused the halfpenny and farthing to be coined of Silver: where before, other coins of metal went among the people, to their great noyance. Half pence & farthings lack in England. But the lack of the aforesaid coins in these our days are a great loss and hindrance to the poverty of this Realm. And in the Winter of this year, there fell so great snow, that thereof ensued much harm. At this time David the brother of Lewlyn Prince of Wales (of whom before you have heard) which dwelled in the king's court, to know the king's Counsel, and thereof to inform his brother: David brother of Lewlyn fled into Wales. when he had that he waited for, he secretly gate him into Wales to his brother, & provoked him against the king in all that he might: and caused him to victual and man certain Castles within Wales, and specially the Castle of Swandon, wherein he much trusted, and gathered unto him the Welshemen, by gifts and other means, so that he was very strong. Whereof, when the king was informed, he would thereunto give no credit, until he had sent thither, and received from thence the certainty. But for so much as winter was then toward, he might not as then go thither with any power, and therefore he provided to send men and victuals to strengthen the Castles of Flynt and Rutland, and other holds which he there had, and made provision to war upon them in the beginning of the next spring. But the king yet hearing more and more of the unsteadfastness of the welshemen, and to keep them from the annoying of his holds, sent thither the Earls of Northumberlande and Surrey with a lusty Crew of soldiers, and with them went Sir Roger Clifforde, Sir William Lyndsey, The king sendeth a power into Wales to tame the Welshemen. Sir Richard Tanny, and many other knights and Esquires. The which with great courage entered Wales, and made with the Welshmen many skirmishes until at the last upon Palm Sunday, David with a great power of Welshmen, met with the said Lords and knights at a place near to a Town called Haverden, where between them was a sore fight, The Englishmen overthrown. but in the end the loss fell to the Englishmen, For there were slain Sir William Lyndsey. Sir Richard Tanny with many other, and Sir Roger Clifford was taken. After the which overthrow of the English men, the said David laid siege unto the Castles of Flint and Rutland. And his brother in that time warred and occupied the lands of Sir Edmond Mortimer, and won the town called lan matrever, and threw the Walls thereof down to the ground. This town also is called Abriswith, or rather Oswistrey. It was not long after or the brute of the overthrow of the English men came unto the town, wherefore he sped him the faster thitherward. Now, while king Edward was busied in the rescuing of his men that were besieged of David, Sir Roger Clifforde drowned Sir Roger Clifford with other, which intended to raise men to set upon the Welshemen, was drowned by folly upon a bridge made of Barges & Planks to have passed a water between Snowdon and Anglesey. Lewlyn prince of Wales slain. And the third day of December next following, was Lewlyn Prince of Wales slain by sir Edmond Mortimer and his company, and his head was sent unto the king then being at Rutland: The which he sent unto London, charging that it should be set upon the Tower of London. About this time was Marton College in Oxford founded by Water Marton Bishop of Rochester, and Lord Chancellor of England, who was drowned passing over the water of Rochester, having at that time no bridge for people to pass over as it now hath. The king continuing still in Wales, prosecuted David the brother of Lewlyn from town to town, so that at the last he was taken and brought to the king, about Midsummer, and there kept in ward, until the king had sped his business. And then had the king the whole country at his will, and gave unto English Lords, Towns in the middle of Wales, and divided the Country into shires, Wales divided into shires. and ordained there Sheriffs & other officers in like manner as then was used in England, and as it is there now at this day. At Aberconow he made a strong Castle, where before there was a house of white Monks: The which he removed from thence, & provided for them in another place called afterwards Vale Royal. He also made then the castle of Carnarvan, fast by Snowdon hill, and repaired again the town lan Matrever aforesaid, which Lewlyn had beaten down. Also he garnished the Castles and holds standing upon the sea side with English men, and made the Englishmen Lords of the grounds belonging to the same. A parliament at Shrewesbury. And when the king had put the Country in good order, and all things were quieted, then about Michaelmas he returned to Shrewesbury, where he held a Parliament. David the brother of Lewlyn hanged, drawn & quartered. In the time whereof the aforesaid David, as chief stirrer & beginner of all this war, was there deemed to be drawn, hanged, and quartered, and so he was shortly after at the said town of Shrewesbury, and his head sent to London, and set by the head of his brother Lewlyn, or Lluellen. Edward of Carnarvan the kings first son. And this year the king had his first son borne at the Castle of Carnarvan, while he was in Wales, and he was named Edward of Carnarvan, and was borne upon the xxv day of April, and was king after him. Laurence Doket hanged in Bow Church. In this year also, there was found one Laurence Doket a Citizen of London, dead and hanged in Saint Mary Bow Church in Cheap. For the which, inquiries were made, and in the end for that deed were attainted these vij persons following, that is to say: Reignold of Lancaster, Robert Pynnot, Execution. Paul of Stepinhithe, Thomas Cordwayner, john Talanson, Thomas Russell, & Robert Scot, the which were all for that deed drawn & hanged. And a woman also for the same deed was brent. And Ralph Crepyn, jourdan Goodchepe, Gilbert Clerk, and Geoffrey Clerk, were also attainted for the same cause: But they were repryed & sent unto the Tower of London, where they remained long after, but at the last were delivered. Variance between the king and the Earl of Leycester. And in this year the great Conduit in London, standing against the church called Acres in Cheap was first begun to be made. And in this year began a strife or unkindness to kindle between the king, & the Earl of Leycester, or as some writ of Gloucester, which after turned to the great trouble of many towns in England, but specially to the City of London, as after shall be showed. This year the king seized the liberties of the City, and discharged the Mayor that then was, who was named Gregory Rokesley, and appointed Stephen Sandwich to be Custos and Guardian of the City of London, Liberties of London again seized. and the same Sandwich continued in the office until Candlemas next following, and then was he discharged, and Sir john Breton knight charged for the rest of the year. The cause of the displeasure that the king had against the City, as appeareth by john Rastell, was that the said Gregory Rokesley took certain bribes of the Bakers, and suffered them to cell bread that lacked six or seven ounces in a penny loaf. But this appeareth not to be a sufficient cause, for the offence of the Mayor being but one man, to take away the liberties of the whole City who offended not: Wherefore I think there was some greater cause. And in this year was full finished and ended the new work of the Church of Westminster, to the end of the Choir, begun as before is showed in the third year of the third Henry: By which account, it should appear that the said Church was lxuj years in building. But of the building of this Church are sundry opinions, as ye may see more at large in Fabian. This year the king held his Parliament at Westminster, wherein were made the statutes called Additamenta Glocestriae, that is to say, additions of statutes joined to them which before were made at Gloucester. Additamenta Glocestriae, Also it happened about this time that a Citizen of London named Thomas Piwelsdon, which in the time of the Baron's war before mentioned, had been a great stirrer up of the Commons of the City for to maintain the Baron's part against the king, was now newly accused, that he with other of evil disposition should make conventicles and assemblies to the new grief and disturbance of the City. Whereof report was made unto the king, who remitted the inquiry thereof unto Sir Ralph Sandwiche then Custos of the City. Then the said Thomas with other were put in sure and safe keeping until the matter were duly inquired of. After which inquisition made and found, report thereof was made unto the king. Then the king sent down a writ, and commanded it to be proclaimed shortly after within the bounds of the City, whereof the effect was thus: That the said Thomas Piwelsdon, William de Heywood, Richard de Coundrys, Richard le Cofferre, Citizens banished for ever. Robert de Derby, Albyn de Derby, William Mayo Mercer, and john Ling Draper, with diverse other to the number of fifty persons, should be banished out of the City for ever. And if any of the said fifty persons were at that time of the Proclamation voided the City for fear or otherwise, that they should remain & not return unto the City upon pain of losing his life. And in this time also, where of long time before the Merchant strangers coming with their Merchandise were lodged within Citizens of the City of London, and sold all their wares by the procurement of his host, for the which his said host had a certain of every pound. But now the said Merchants had so brought it to pass, that they might hire for themselves, houses to dwell in, and sellers for stewage of their wares, so that no Citizen had to do with them: By mean whereof, they used many deceits, both in utterance of false wares, and also in weights which they used in their own houses, to the great hurt of the whole Realm of England. Wherefore suddenly search was made, and their weights found and proved false. And besides that, all such wares as they should have weighed at the king's Beam, Strangers punished for having of false weights they weighed much thereof at their own houses, to the hindrance of the kings Custom, for which offences against them proved, to the number of twenty of the said strangers were arrested, and sent to the Tower of London, and their weights brent and consumed in West Cheap of London. But in the end the said Merchants were delivered by making of fine to the king of a thousand pound, when of a long season they had suffered hard and vile imprisonment. This year the commons of England offered unto the king the fift part of their movables to have the jews clearly banished the realm of England: Great sums of money was offered to the king to banish all the jews out of England. But the jews perceiving the intent of the commons, did prevent them, and gave to the king great sums of money, but within few years after they were all exiled. And in this year about the beginning of May, the king sailed into France where he was most honourably received of Philip the French king, where king Edward did to him homage for the duchy of Guyan. King Edward did homage for the Duchy of Guyan. And after king Edward had remained there a while, he returned unto Bordeaux, whether came unto him certain Ambassadors from the king of Spain, with the which he held long dalliance. Wherefore, of the French king he was suspected that he should ally himself with the king of Spain against the French king. And this year (sayeth Fabian) the Summer was so hot that men died with very heat. Corn plenty And yet Corn this year was so plenteous that wheat was sold for three shillings and four pence a quarter. But sayeth Rastell in his Chronicle, the next year following, by reason of unseasonable and intemperate weather, This was a great dearth, if ye confer the value of their money unto our money that we now presently have. Then after the rate of xl ss a quarter, they of our money paid uj pound that is xu s. for a bushel, & then no marvel though the poor cried out there was a marvelous great dearth of Corn, for (saith he) wheat was then worth xviij pence the Bushel, and afterward year by year it increased until it came to xl shillings a quarter, which was a great price, because as he saith, at that time twenty pence of silver weighed a full ounce, and it so continued until the reign of king Henry the sixth, and then xxx pence made an ounce of Silver. And in the time of king Edward the fourth xl pence made an ounce of silver, and in the time of king Henry the eight three shillings and eight pence made an ounce of silver, and now at this time being in the tenth year of the reign of our sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth, five shillings maketh an ounce of silver, but the standard of the ounce was ever at one stint, although the valuation of coins altered, as more plainly may appear in the statute made in the lj year of king Henry the third. About this time fell a great variance between Sir Pain Tiptoft warden of certain Castles in Wales, and a Welsh knight called sir Rice ap Mordack, or Meridock, so that sundry skirmishes were fought between them, and men slain on both sides, to the great disturbance of all the Country. 1288/1● But in the year following the said Rice to be revenged of the above named Tiptoft, raised a great multitude of Welshemen, and brent and wasted diverse towns in Wales, so that the king then being in Normandy sent unto the Earl of Cornwall, then being the king's Lieutenant in England, that he should sand thither an army of knights and good Soldiers to withstand the malice of the Welsh men. The which prepared shortly an army, and went with them into the Borders of North-wales: Rice ap Meridock taken, drawn, hanged and quartered. where he with his company bore him so nobly and knightly, that in the end the said Sir Rice was taken, and brought unto York, where he was after drawn, hanged, and quartered. This year and in the month of August, king Edward returned out of France, and came to the City of London, where he was honourably received by the Citizens, and conveyed to Westminster, where shortly after were brought unto him many grievous complaints of diverse of his justices, as Sir Thomas Weyland, Adam Stretton, and other, whom the king caused to be straightly examined, and in the end they were found guilty of such trespasses and causes as they were accused of. Wherefore some of them were outlawed, and lost such goods as they had, and the other punished by long imprisonment, and at the last delivered by paying of great fines. And in the end of this year, Alexander king of Scots, Alexander king of Scors broke his neck. as he was running his horse, fell horse and man to the ground and broke his neck, and died immediately, by reason whereof there ensued great war and trouble for the inheritance of that land. And at the last by the consent of king Edward, the crown was given to john Bailioll, Bailioll college in Oxford. who afterward to gratify the English nation, builded a College in Oxford now called Bailioll College. But of this Bailioll, ye shall read more in the xxiiij year of this kings reign. And in the xix year of this king, the staple of wools was kept at Sandwiche, which afterward was kept at Caleys as long as it was English, but now it is holden at Bridges in Flaunders. And this year also, all the jews were banished this land, The jews banished. for the which the Commons gave to the king a fifteen. Also at this time, Gilbert de Clare Earl of Gloucester Sir Gilbert de Clare Earl of Gloucester married dame johan daughter of king Edward. This was called johan of Acres or Acon, for she was borne at Acres or Acon a City in jewry when king Edward was there, upon his great journey. And shortly after, the Duke of Brabandes' son, married Margaret the Sister of the said johan. This year died Queen Alianor the kings wife, & was buried at Westminster. This Gentelwoman as before is touched in the xxxviij year of king Henry the third, was sister unto the king of Spain: Queen Alianour the kings wife deceased. by whom king Edward had four sons, that is to say, john, Henry, Alphons, and Edward, which Edward succeeded his father, for that the other three died before their father. Also he had by her five daughters. The first Alianor, who was married unto William Bar. The second johan of Aeres, or of Acon, married unto the Earl of Gloucester, the third Margaret, married to the Duke of Brabandes' son, the fourth Mary, who was made a Nun at Ambresbury, Queen Alianor wife to king Henry the third deceased. and the fift named Elizabeth, who was married unto the Earl of Holland, and after his death she was married unto Humphrey Boherum earl of Herfort. And this year also died old Queen Alianor wife unto king Henry the third, and mother unto this king Edward, whose heart was buried at the Grey friars Church in London, which now is called Christ's parish Church, and her body at Ambrisbury in the house of nuns. Polidore saith that the king having continual wars as well in France as also in Wales & Scotland had greatly consumed his treasure, & one Lord William Marchian, being then high treasurer of England perceiving the great riches that then were in churches & religious houses, so put the same into the king's head, that they were all brought into the king's treasury: but not without the great grudge and grief of the people who thought much that the king would meddle with those holy things as they then called them. Howbeit the king being in need, dissembled the matter, & yet not so content, did shortly after as shall appear obtain of the spirituality the moiety of one years of their spiritual promotions and livings. Notwithstanding afterward the king considering their great burdens and intending somewhat to gratify them again, promised to grant them something for to pleasure them if they would ask it at his hands. The bishops after consultation thereof had, did desire to have the law set at liberty, touching lands given in Mortmain to religious houses. But the king not minded that way, gave them answer that it lay not in him to break the law without the consent of the body of the realm by whom it was made, and so with fair words put them off for that tyme. And now again the king held his high Court of Parliament at London, unto the which came the king of Scots and divers Lords of that province. And after he had remained there a certain time, he was then conveyed by divers Lords of this Realm, a great way upon his journey toward his own Country. Richard Bagle an officer of London. And here by the way for a note, it happened one called Richard Eagle an officer of London to arrest a man, and leading his prisoner to the Compter, there came three men and rescued the said prisoner, and took him from the officer: The which were pursued and taken, and by judgement & law then used, A rescue punished. they were brought into west Cheap in London, and there had their right hands stricken of by the wrists. About the midst of September following the Earl of Bar a Frenchman married Alianour the kings daughter in the Town of Bristol. Now again the Welshemen began to stir, by the provocation of one Madock: whereof when the king was informed, he in all haste sped him unto Westchester, and about the sixth day of December wan from the said Madock the Isle called Anglesey, Rebellion in wales. and builded new the Castle and City of Bewmarise, and brought the unsteadfast welshmen to a better order and stay: The welshmen tamed & reform. and then he caused the woods of the Country to be hewn down, wherein before time they used to hide them, as a Coney doth in his hole: and he so repaired the Castles and strong holds, and builded some new, in such wise that he caused the welshmen to be quiet and to go about their own thrift, against their wills, for by the strength of those Castles, they were kept from their old accustomed ravines and stealings, and put so to execution by the Captains of the said Castles that they fell unto occupation, and to buying and selling, and gathered treasure together, and began to live after the manner of Englishmen, so that more and more that Country grew unto restfulnesse and peace. And this year the Frenchmen with a certain of Ships landed at Dover, and spoiled that Town, and brent a part of it. Dover brent by the Frenchmen. In which skirmish was slain one Thomas of Dover. This year also as sayeth the French Chronicle, Charles de Valois brother unto king Philip of France, Ryon castle besieged. was sent by his said brother into Gascoigne, with a great host. The which Charles laid his siege unto the Castle of Ryon, wherein were at that time, Sir john saint john, and john of Briteyn, the which manfully and valiantly defended the aforesaid Castle against the Frenchmen all that year and more. Now in the xxiiij year of his reign, for that he had great wars, as well with the French king as else where, he commanded a new subsidy to be levied upon all Serplers of wool going out of England, A subsidy levied upon Serplers of Wolie. with all fells and hides in like manner. And besides this he required also of the Clergy all the money which they had granted toward the defence of the holy land, and the rather for that he heard from the Court of Rome of the Pope's manners, and therefore commanded it to be brought into his treasury. And moreover, by a convocation of the said Clergy, A great subsidy granted of the Clergy. he had granted unto him towards his wars, half of their spiritual and temporal lands, beginning at twenty Mark benefice, and so ascending upward, the which was not paid in one year but by divided portions, it was paid in three years next ensuing. And of the lay fee or Temporalty of England, he had granted unto him the tenth penny of their movables, the which was paid in two years next ensuing. This year also was hanged drawn and quartered in London for treason done in France a knight called Sir Thomas Turbevyle. Sir Thomas Turbevyle executed Also about the time of Easter, Ryon castle newly assaulted. when Charles de Valois as ye before have heard, had lain long at the Castle of Ryon, and had no hope to w●nne any thing upon the Englishmen but that daily he lost the best of his knights, he sent then for more aid and secure. At which time came unto him Sir Ralph Nele Constable of France with a fresh company, and then assaulted it a new. But when they had lain there a season, and saw they prevailed nothing against their enemies, Poudency is taken. they went unto a hold thereby named Poudency, and assaulted it, because the greatest part of the soldiers there were Normans: and after viiij. days, by appointment or otherwise, they gate the said hold, so that all the Englishmen had their liberty and goods, and the normans were taken as prisoners, the which they brought after unto the Castle of Ryon, and there in sight of the soldiers, hanged all or tho more part of the said Normans. When the Gascoyne's being within the Town and Castle of Ryons, saw their cousins and Countrymen hanged before their eyen, they cast in their mind, that it was done by treason of Englishmen, and that they would at length deal with them in like manner. By reason whereof, strife and variance arose, between the Englishmen and the Gascoynes, so that either of them feared the treason of the other. For the which cause, Sir john saint john, and john of Briteyne, Sir Robert Typtoft, Sir Ralph Tanny, Sir Hugh Bardolph, and Sir Adam Creting, with divers other fled by Sea, & in that manner saved themselves: Ryon castle is won. and soon after the said Town and Castle of Ryons was won by the frenchmen, and the inhabitants of the same sworn unto the french king. A brief collection of the homages done by the Scottish kings unto the kings of England. But here a little to return back, ye have before in the xviij year of this king heard, that after the death of Alexander king of Scots, many questions fell among the same Scots, who by right of inheritance should be king of that land, considering that the said Alexander, had left after him three daughters the which in the life of their father were married. The first to Sir john Bayliol, the second to Robert le Bruise, and the third to one named Hastynges. Many of the Lords of Scotland would have crowned Sir john Bayliol, by reason that he married the eldest daughter: But the friends of Robert le Bruise withstood it with all their power: And other there were, that held with Hastings, so that after long strife and great variance the matter was brought before king Edward, as chief Lord and Sovereign of that land, and all those that made claim to the Crown of Scotland promised to abide and stand unto such determination & judgement, as king Edward should set therein. Then king Edward, to the end that the Scots should know perfitly, that the king of England aught of right to be their chief head and sovereign, showed unto them such old writings, as he a little before had caused to be searched & found out, in the which it was contained by the authority of old Chroniclers and writers, as Marianus the Scot, William of Malmesburie, Roger of Huntyngdon and other, The subjection and homage of the king of Scots. that in the year of our Lord nine hundred and twenty, king Edward the elder made subject unto him the kings of Combrys and of Scots. And in the nine hundred xxj. year the aforesaid Scots and Combries, chose the said Edward the elder to be their chief Lord and patron. And in the year of our Lord nine hundred xxuj Athelstane then king of England subdued Constantine then king of Scots with the Northumbres, Constantine King of Scots. and received of them again oath and homage. And it is further found in the said Chronicles, Alphunius King of S oh ●●s. that Edgar overcame Alphunius the son of Kynadus king of Scots, and received of him fealty and homage, and held him under his obeisance, as he had done his father Kinadus before tyme. Moreover it is there further witnessed, Malcolme ●inge of Scots. that Canutus in the xuj year of his reign subdued Malcolyn then king of Scots, and received of him fealty and homage. Furthermore, William Conqueror in the uj year of his reign subdued Malcolyne king of Scotland, the which before time had received the said kingdom of the gift of Edward king and confessor. And William Rufus or William the Read, did in likewise to the said Malcolyn, and unto his two sons that reigned in Scotland the one after the other. David king ●● Scots. And also David king of Scots did homage unto Stephen then king of England. And William king of Scots did homage unto Henry the third at the time of his coronation, William king 〈◊〉 Scots. and after came unto his father Henry the second, when the aforenamed Henry was dead in Normandy and made his homage to him again. This Henry that was son unto Henry the second, is of many writers named Henry the third, because he was the third king that was crowned of that name: But because he died before his father, his deeds be little spoken of, Alexander King of Scots. so that of some writers he is nothing minded. And it followeth in the story, how that Alexander king of Scots in the xxxv year of Henry the third or son of king john, married at York Margaret the daughter of the said Henry, and did unto him homage for the Realm of Scotland, and bound him and his heirs kings of Scotland by his letters patents to be true unto the said Henry, and unto his heirs kings of England like as before William king of Scots had bound himself unto the second Henry, as before in the xxij year of his reign is more manifestly showed. And more, there was showed unto them the Pope's Bulls, the which were sent before time into Scotland, by authority whereof, the kings of Scotland were accursed because they would not be obedient to their lords kings of England. ¶ When all these presidents were seen by the Scots, a day was assigned of meeting at Norham in the marches between England and Scotland, whether unto the king came, & all the nobles and chief rulers of Scotland. And there and then also the king held his high Court of Parliament, A Parliament holden at Norham. where openly in the presence of all the nobility of Scotland who were called specially thither, the king himself in the Church of Norham declared that the right of the Dominion and superiority of the realm of Scotland doth justly appertain and belong unto the Crown of England, and therefore required of them to acknowledge and confess the same, protesting and making his vow that he would defend the same his right with the adventure of the loss of his life, and further he required of them that they would enter into bond, not only to acknowledge him their chief and supreme Lord, but also to abide his sentence, order and judgement, in appointing and placing such a person to reign over them, as their king, as should by his judgement be thought to have most right thereunto: But the Scots not willing to be bound, used many excuses, but at the last they consented: Whereupon all the Nobility of Scotland, and namely all those that made claim to the crown, entered into bond, the tenor whereof followeth, being made letters patents, whereunto were fixed their several seals. TO all men that shall either see or here these presents, The confession of the Noblemen of Scotland, and their bond made to the king of England. Florence earl of Holland, Robert Bruise Lord of Valley Androw, john Baylioll Lord of Galloway, john Hastings Lord of Aberganenny, john Comynes Lord of Badenagh, Patrick of Dunbarre Earl of March, john Vessy deputy for his father, Nicholas of Sules, William of Roos, sendeth greeting in the Lord: Where as we believe and think that we have a right and title to the kingdom of Scotland, and our intent and meaning is to declare, challenge, and try the same right and title before him which hath the superior power, jurisdiction and authority to debate and examine the same: And the noble prince Lord Edward by the grace of God king of England hath informed us by good and sufficient reasons, that the same belongeth to him, & that he aught to have the superior dominion of the kingdom of Scotland, and the authority to here, examine, and decide our right and title. We of our own proper accord, not being compelled or enforced thereunto, will, and grant to receive our right and title before him as superior Lord of the land. Moreover we will and promise' to observe and hold his deed firm and stable: And that he shall have and enjoy the kingdom, to whom the better right and title shall before him be tried and judged. In witness whereof, we unto these writings have put our Seals, dated at Norham the third day after the Ascension of our Lord. 1291. ¶ Now after the Lords of Scotland had acknowledged the superiority of Dominion of Scotland to appertain to the king of England, and had submitted themselves to receive and abide his determination and judgement: Then the king demanded of them the possession of their Castles, and of the whole realm of Scotland, that he might be peaceably seized in his right of superiority and dominion mentioned in their former letters, to the intent the same might clearly appear unto the world. And forthwith, they granted unto the kings petition, and thereupon made their letters in French, and signed and sealed the same in manner and form following. The letters of seisin made by the Lords of Scotland unto king Edward. TO all men that shall see or here these presents, Florence Earl of Holland, Robert Bruce Lord of Valley Androw, john Bailioll Lord of Galloway, john Hastings Lord of Aberganenny, john Comynes Lord of Badenagh, Patrick of Dunbarre Earl of March, john Vessy Deputy for his father, Nicholas Sules, and William of Roos send greeting in our Lord: Forasmuch as we of our good will and common assent, without all compulsion have yielded and granted unto the noble Prince Lord Edward, by the grace of God king of England, that he as the superior Lord of the land of Scotland hath power to here, examine, and decide our challenges and suits which we intend to declare and prove for the receiving of our right and title before him as the superior Lord of the land: promising moreover that we will observe firm and stable whatsoever he judgeth or determineth, and that he shall obtain the kingdom of Scotland, whose title shall before him be proved and judged to be most lawful: But forasmuch as the said king can neither make nor accomplish his examination without judgement, neither aught judgement to be without execution, nor can he duly make execution without the possession and seisin of the said land and Castles of the same: We therefore will, permit, and grant, that he as the superior Lord shall have for the accomplishing and performance of the premises, the seisin of the whole land of Scotland, and Castles of the same, until such time as the matter be determined between them, who make claim and challenge the right to be king of Scotland: But yet upon this condition, that before the said king Edward have the seisin, he make good and sufficient assurance unto the suitors, wardens and commonalty of the kingdom of Scotland, for the restitution and redelivery to them of the kingdom, with all the royalty, dignity, and dominion, liberties, customs, rights, laws, uses, possessions, and all what soever thereunto appertain, in the same state wherein they were at the time of seisin delivered to him: And he shall deliver it unto him to whom by right it shall be due, according to his royal judgement: Saving unto the king of England the homage of him that shall be king. And this restitution shall be made within two months after the time that this title shall be discussed, ratified and established: The revenues of the aforesaid land in the mean time shall be received and laid up in safe custody, and shall be well kept by the hands of the treasurer of Scotland that now is, and his whom hereunto the king of England shall assign, & this to be done under their seals, saving a reasonable sustentation of the land, Castles, and ministers of the kingdom. In witness of all the premises, we have unto these writings put our seals, dated at Norham the Wednesday next ensuing the Ascension of our Lord. 1291. ¶ These two aforesaid letters, the king caused sundry copies of them to be made, & sent the same under his privy seal to diverse Abbeys in the realm, of England in the xix year of his reign, that they might there be recorded for perpetual memory, & to be published by the Monks in their Chronicles. And forthwith, by the common assent of the nobility of Scotland, King Edward is seized of all Scotland the king had the season and possession of the whole realm of Scotland, and held the same until such time as he had determined who of right was the next heir to the said Kingdom. The same year the King of England, after the feast of the nativity of Saint john Baptist went into Scotland, and there received the allegations of those that made claim to the Kingdom of Scotland, according to the authority to him committed, and did cause to be elected and chosen xl persons that is to say, xx. of England, and twenty of Scotland, which with good advisement should consider upon their allegations, and to make report unto him of their sentence and judgement, before the feast of Saint Mighell than next following. And when the said feast came, after great and long debating, by the consent of them all, King Edward judgeth the kingdom of Scotland to john Baylioll king Edward adjudged the kingdom of Scotland of right to appertain to john Bailioll, which came of the eldest daughter of David king of Scots. Robert de Bruce, between whom and the aforesaid john the strife did chiefly consist, although he had some colour of title, yet he descended of the second daughter of David, and so his claim took no place: Wherefore the aforesaid john Bailioll at the feast of Saint Androw next following, was with much honour brought unto the Regal seat, and in the same was placed, and afterward crowned with great solemnity in a Church of a house of Canons in Scotland. After his coronation he came unto the King of England, john Baylioll doth homage to king Edward for the kingdom of Scotland. who then kept his feast of Christmas at New Castle upon Tyne, and there made his homage with these words. I john Bailioll King of Scots do knowledge me to be your liege man for all the Kingdom of Scotland, and of all those things that in any wise belong to the same, and that I hold the same Kingdom, and of right I aught and claim to hold the same of you, and of your heirs kings of England with the adventure of my life and members, and of all earthly honour against all men that can live and die. And the King received his homage in form aforesaid, adding a saving for his own and others rights. And assoon as the King had received this homage of john Bailioll aforesaid, he without any delay restored to the said john the whole kingdom of Scotland with all the appurtenances. etc. And this year was taken the aforenamed Madock or Meridock, Madock or Meridock taken and hanged. which as ye heard before in the xxiij year of the reign of this king caused the welsh men to rebel, and he was drawn and hanged at London. The king shortly after caused a great quantity of wheat to be gathered and taken up in England to the number (as some writ) of an hundredth thousand quarters, and sent the same into Gascoigne and Guyan. Edmond earl of Lancaster. And shortly after he sent thither Sir Edmond his brother Earl of Lancaster, Sir Henry Lacye earl of Lyncoln and Sir William Veyseye Baren, with divers other Lords and knights, to strength such people as he there had ready while he prepared another army against the Scots. Ye have heard in the former year how Sir john Baylioll king of Scots made oath and homage unto king Edward for the Kingdom of Scotland. Of the which he repented him shortly after by reason of the counsel of the Abbot of Menros, as sayeth Reynulph, although it should seem to be as well by the counsel of the French king, as may appear by words that are written in the French Chronicle. The Sco●s ●●bes●. But howsoever it was, full untruly he forsook his former oath and promise, and raised war against the king. Wherefore king Edward sped him thither with a great host, minding to have made a general spoil and destruction of that nation, but that he was partly persuaded and stayed by some that made excuses for Bailioll, but chief for the people. Notwithstanding the king proceeding forth on his purposed journey came to New Castle upon Tyne, at the which place he caused john king of Scots to be summoned by a public Edict that he should appear and answer unto such things as should be objected against him at a day and place prefixed: But Bailioll appeared not nor none for him, and therefore the king determined to proceed in his pretended purpose, and with good speed he passed to Berwick and laid siege unto the Town: But the Scots defended it manfully, and bet the Englishmen back, and brent some of the English Ships. With the which victory, they were so inflamed with pride, that in derision of the king, they made certain peevish and mocking rhymes which I pass over. When king Edward heard of the pride of the Scots and understood of their foolish rhymes, he was somewhat moved, and therefore so encouraged his knights, that they gave a new onset on Barwick, and wan the Diche of the town, and after in process with great labour & danger wan the Bulwarks, so that they came unto the Gates and made there so strong an assault that in the end they wan the town, A great slaughter of Scots. and slew of the Scots (as saith divers writers) above the number of xxv thousand, and as Hector Boethus the Scot writeth in his Chronicle in the xiiij Book and second Chapter, Hector Boethus a great liar. the slaughter of people was so great that a Mill might have been well driven by the space of two days, with the streams of blood that at that time ran of the ground. If you think not this to be truth, I will not enforce you, but remember it is the tale of a Scot, who as he is to be suspected in this, so is the truth of his story to be doubted of in a great number of places more. And there were taken prisoners Sir William Douglas, Sir Simon de Frisell, Prisoners. the Earl Patrick and Sir Robert Bruise with divers other. And in short time after, the warden of the Castle of Berwick, perceiving that to him was sent no succour, yielded up the said Castle by appointment. And when the king had possession of the Castle & Town of Berwick he then strengthened them with Englishmen. Barwike won. And afterward wan the holds of Tyndall, of Exham, of Wyerbyrd and of Lamerstock, with divers other. And while that king Edward was thus busied about the wynnning of the aforesaid holds, he sent Sir Hugh Spencer with Sir Hugh percy and other noble men, Dunbarre besieged. with a part of his host to say siege unto the Castle of Patrick of Dunbarre. Where when they had lain a certain time, an army of the Scots came thither to remove the siege, with whom the Englishmen had a fierce and a cruel battle, but in the end, by the help of God, the Englishmen had the victory, Victory upon the Scots. and slew of the Scots above the number of twenty thousand, and lost of the English company a very small number, which as sayeth Carton, Cowper and other, were but xviij persons. And after this victory the town and Castle of Dunbarre was won, Dunbarre won. in the which were taken prisoners three Earls, seven Barons and xxviij Knights with divers men of the clergy. Then the king went to Edinburgh, and shortly after wan the Town and Castle: Edinburgh won In which were found the Regalyes of Scotland, that is to say, the crown with the sceptre and the cloth of estate, the which after, The Regalyes of Scotland taken. were offered by king Edward at the Shrine of S. Edward in westminster the xviij. day of june in the year next following. And at this time the king being at Berwick and fortifying the same, the king of Scotland writeth a letter unto him and in the same resigneth his homage and fealty, the Copy of which letter followeth. A letter sent from the king of Scots to the king of England, wherein the said king of Scots resigneth his homage and fealty. TO the renowned prince and Lord, Edward by the grace of God king of England: john by the same grace king of Scotland sendeth greeting: whereas you and they of your realm by violent power have openly and very often inferred and done to us and to the inhabitants of our realm. grievous, yea rather intolerable injuries, contempts, annoyances, and also innumerable losses and damages, contrary unto the the liberties of our realm, and also against God and all justice, whereof you are not, nor aught not to be ignorant by citing and summoning us to appear out of our realm, and vulawfully vering us, for every small and light motion of your mind and pleasure, by entering upon the Castles, lands and possessions of us and our subjects which are within our realm, without our demerits or deserts intercepting our Merchants as well by Sea as by land, by flaying and murdering other the inhabitants of our realm, by violent taking and carrying our people out of our dominion, and there with you detaining and imprisoning of them. For reformation whereof, we have often times sent our Ambassadors: But they as yet not only remain unreformed, but also from day to day more grievous injuries are by you and on your subjects behalf exaggerated and heaped up. For you now in cruel manner have entered our marches with an innumerable multitude of armed men, having gathered together a general host to the intent to dishenerite us and the inhabitants of our realm, and thenceforth proceeding into our kingdom, have both by Sea and also by land committed divers times murders and burned our Towns, and also have made assaults and violent invasions: we not being able any longer to sustain the said injuries, contempts, griefs, damages and fierce assaults, The resignation of homage and fealty. (by reason of our Fealty and homage to you done) to the doing whereof we were enforced by violence and threatenings) we can neither defend ourselves nor our kingdom, for the defence whereof we are bound by oath: we therefore in our own name, and in the names of all and singular the inhabitants within our kingdom, do by these presents yield again unto you and resign all that our Fealty and homage, as well of ourself as of all other that inhabit within our kingdom, which are bound to you either by force of their own fealty done for such lands as they hold within our kingdom, King Edward admitteth the resignation of Scottish kings homage. or else generally for the homage which we have done. ¶ The king when he had read this letter did admit the resignation of the homage, and commanded his chancellor that the same should be enroled and recorded for perpetual memory, and then passed on his journey and took and overthrew diverse towns and Castles, and at the last passed the Scottish Sea, and came to a town in Scotland called saint john's upon the day and feast of Saint john the Baptist, where he solemnly kept the same Feast certain days. And while these things were in doing, john Bailioll king of Scotland saw that he was forsaken of all men, and that he had no power able to resist or withstand the power of the king of England: wherefore he sent his Ambassadors unto him praying for peace and desiring mercy. The Scottish king prayeth for peace and mercy. To whom the king being moved with pity sent a countermand that the said king john with his Nobles should come with his messenger unto his Castle of Bruthyn within xu days next following, and there to treat. And the king of England sent at that time as his Ambassador, Anthony Bishop of Duresme with a full power & authority, unto the which place the king of Scots with his Nobles came at the day prefixed, who after much controversy and debating of sundry cases, did at the last simply and plainly submit himself unto king Edward, The submission of the king of Scots to the king of England. and resigned unto him the kingdom of Scotland to be ordered and governed according to his will and pleasure. And for the performance of the said submission, the king of Scots delivered his son in hostage, and caused his letters of submission to be made in French in form following. The king of Scots resigneth the crown and kingdom of Scotland to King Edward. IOhn by the grace of God king of Scotland, to all whosoever shall see or here these present letters: know ye that for as much as we by evil & false counsel, and by our foolish simplicity have most grievously offended and provoked our Lord Edward by the grace of God king of England, Lord of Ireland and Duke of Aquitayn in many things, that is to say, that in the time that we remained in his fealty and homage, we joined ourselves unto the French king, who was then his enemy and yet is, only for the conclusion of a marriage to have been procured between the daughter of the said French king and our son. And for the further grief and offence made unto our said Lord the king, we joined with the said French king in armour against the said king of England to the uttermost of our power by order of war and all other ways of enmity. And furthermore by our perverse counsel we defied our said Lord the king of England, and put ourselves out of his fealty and homage, and sent our men of war into his land of England burning and spoiling the same, & carrying from thence sundry prays, and committed sundry murders and other damages. And the land of Scotland which is of his Fee, we maintained against him, plainting and placing men of war in sundry Castles and Towns for the defence of the said land against him, purposing to have remuoed him from his said Fee, for the which trespass our said Lord the king of England entered into Scotland with his power, and the same conquered and possessed, notwithstanding any thing that we were able to do against him, as it was right lawful for him to do as the Lord of the Fee, because we did resign unto him our homage and rebelled against him: We therefore being again restored to our full power, of our free will redeliver unto him the realm of Scotland and all the people of the same with all the homages. And in witness hereof, these our letters we have made patents, dated at Bruthyn the ten day of julij in the fourth year of our reign. ¶ Shortly after this, A parliament holden at Barwike. king Edward called his Parliament at Berwick and thither came all the nobility of Scotland, and there did unto him fealty and homage. And for a perpetual remembrance thereof, they caused the same to be made by their letters patents sealed with their several seals, the tenor whereof ensueth. The king of England receiveth the homages of the Scots. TO all that shall here or see these letters, john Comynes Lord of Bardenagh and so of every one of the nobles and Lords, greeting: For as much as we are come to the fidelity & pleasure of the most renowned Prince and our dear Lord Edward by the grace of God king of England, Lord of Ireland and Duke of Aquyteyn, we do promise for us and our heirs, under pain of our bodies, Castles and all things which we may have, that we will serve him well and truly against all people which may live and die, and at all times when we shall be required and forewarned by our aforesaid Lord the king of England or his heirs: And that we shall not know any damage or harm unto them, but that we shall withstand the same with our whole might and force, and give knowledge thereof unto them: And for the performance hereof, we bind us and our heirs and all our goods. Furthermore, we have both sworn upon the holy Evangelists, and also afterward we all and every of us by himself have made homage unto our said Lord the king of England in these words. I become your liege man of life and members & earthly honour against all men that may live and dye. Homage. And the said Lord our king received this homage in these words. We receive the same for the lands of which you are now seized, saving our title or the title of other, and excepting the lands which john Bailioll in times past king of Scotland gave unto us after that we had delivered to him the kingdom of Scotland, if peradventure he hath given any. Moreover, Fealty. we all and every of us by himself hath made fealty and loyalty unto our Lord the king aforesaid in these words. I will be faithful and loyal, and will observe my fealty and loyalty to Edward king of England and his heirs, of life and members and earthly honour against all men which may live and die, and never for any will I bear armour nor be in counsel or aid against him or his heirs in any thing that may happen, but will faithfully acknowledge and do those services which do appertain unto the tenement that I claim of him, so God help me. etc. In witness of these things, the letters patents are made and sealed with our Seals, dated at Berwick the. xxiiiij. year of the reign of of our Lord king Edward of England. etc. And at this time the king made john Warreyn Earl of Surrey and Sussex keeper of the Realm of Scotland, King Edward appointeth a keeper of the realm of Scotland. and Sir Hugh Cressyngham high treasurer of the same Realm. And he made William Ermesby chief justice of the same and commanded him to call before him all such as held lands of him, and to take of them homage and fealty. And these things done, The king of Scots is sent to the Tower of London. he sent john Bailioll king of Scotland to the Tower of London, and assigned unto him a convenient family, and granted him liberty to go twenty Mile about in compass. And shortly after he translated john Comines Earl of Bardenagh, & Alein of Lawghan out of Scotland and sent them into England beyond Trent, commanding them upon pain of their heads not to return again into Scotland so long as he had war with France. And soon after he returned into England with many prisoners. But while these travails were taken in hand in Scotland, the English men sustained many hard and sharp showers in Gascoigne and Guyan. Among the which, one is remembered in the French Chronicle, saying, that Edmond Duke of Lancaster died at Bayon, Edmond Duke of Lancaster dead. after whose death, while the town and other strong holds prepared them to withstand the French men, Robert earl of Arthoys, which a little before had encountered with sir john Saint john, and had been of him overset, reassembled his company, and made him another skirmish. In which he slew upon an hundredth English men and Gascoynes, and took prisoners the aforenamed Sir john Saint john, Sir William Mortimer, and other to the number of lxx the which were sent into France into diverse prisons. And soon after the king with a puissant army, sailed into Flaundyrs in the month of August, to aid and help Guye then Earl of Flaundyrs against the French king, The king saileth into Flaundyrs. the which at that time was sore vexed by the French king, for he had won from him the town of Marquet, and the Country thereabout. And for the more trouble and vexation of the said Guye, the French king caused Robert Earl of Arthoys to invade the Country of Flaundyrs toward Picardy, and encountered with the same Guye near unto a town called Furnes. The battle of Furnes in Flaundyrs. Where between the said two Earls was fought a sharp battle, so that many men were slain upon both parts. After which fight the Earl of Flaundyrs sped him toward Gaunt, where king Edward at that time was, and the Earl of Arthoys drew him toward the French king, the which shortly after was received into the town of Bruges. In the which time and season, while the said two kings lay thus at either town, a mean of peace was treated of, and finally a peace was concluded between the two kings, A peace concluded. and between the French king and Guye Earl of Flaundyrs, until the feast of all Saints than next ensuing. And continued from that day unto the feast of all Saints then two years following. After which peace so established, king Edward departed from the town of Gaunt and went unto Bordeaux: And the French king returned into France, and prisoners were delivered on both parties. Now while king Edward was thus occupied in Flaundyrs, the Scots by the enticement of the French king, to the intent to make king Edward to keep home, and that he should not aid the Earl of Flaundyrs, began to make war upon the kings soldiers, The Scots again rebel. which the King had left there in diverse holds. And also upon the borders of Northumberlande, and made sharp war upon the inhabiters of that Country. And for that Sir john Baylioll their King, was at that time prisoner in the Tower of London: Therefore the said Scots made them a captain, whom they named William Wales, William Wales made Captain of Scotland. a man of unknown or low birth, to whom they obeyed as unto their king. Anon as the king heard of the rebellion of the Scots, which to him was no great wonder, considering their great unsteadfastness, he wrote his letters unto sir Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland, to sir William Latimer, and to sir Hugh Cressyngham than treasurer of England, and to other, that they in all goodly haste should make provision to withstand the Scots. The which persons after the receipt of the king's letters, sped them all in speedy manner, so that they entered Scotland shortly after, and compelled the Scots to return back unto a town named Strevelyn, Barrel of Strevelyn. where in a skirmish fought between the English men and the Scots, sir Hugh Cressyngham aforenamed and diverse other English men were slain. The Scots put the English men to the worse. But yet the Scots were holden so straight of the English host, that after that skirmish, they would not of a certain time come in plain field again, but kept them within their Castles and strong holds. And about this time certain of London broke up the Ton in cornhill in London, This prison was kept in the place that now the conduit in Corn hill stands, for that was called the Ton. and took out certain prisoners from thence which sir john Briteyn as custos of the City had committed thither. By the which it may appear, that there hath been a prison in the street of cornhill before time, which then was called the Ton, as now we call them the Coumpters. For the which riot, the said persons, that is to say Thomas Roman, and viii. other, were afterward grievously punished, as first by imprisonment, and after by fines. This year king Edward in the month of October returned into England, and so to Winchester, The liberties of London again restored. where the Citizens of London made such labour unto his grace, that shortly after they obtained grant of their liberties, which had been kept from them by the space of twelve years and more, so that on saint Edward's day next following they chose them a Mayor, where by all the time aforesaid their Custos or Guardian was put in by the king, or by such as the king would assign: But it is to be thought that this was not redeemed without sums of money, for as some writ it cost the City three thousand marks. This year also king Edward put out of his protection certain Aliens that were richly beneficed in England: Certain Aliens that were beneficed men are put out of the kings protection. The cause was for that the said Aliens would not aid the king with their goods, as the other of his land did, but purchased an inhibition of Boniface the eight that they & their goods should be free from all the kings dimes and tasks. Therefore the king seized the temporalties, and suffered them with their spiritualties, until they had agreed with the king. And about this time there were a certain number of persons that fell to digging in London in the Church called saint Martynes le grand, for certain treasure that should be there hidden. But they laboured in vain, for there was nothing found. And this year the king prepared a strong power against Scotland, King Edward yet again made cruel war upon the Scots. and went himself thither. And first appointed his Lords with three companies to meet with him at York, whether came a great host, the which he himself led into Scotland, and brent and spoiled the Country as he went, and tarried a while at Berwick. The battle of Fankirke. And from thence he sped him in winning of Castles and towns as he went, until he came to a town called Fankirke, or Fankirke, where the xxij day of july met him the power of Scotland, A great slaughter of Scott●s. and gave unto him a sore battle: But in the end the victory fell unto the English men, so that of the Scots were slain in the field as witnesseth sundry Authors xxxij thousand, and of English men but barely xxviij persons. After which discomfiture, The Scots once again make their homage. the Scots yielded unto the king the greatest part of their strong holds and Castles, that they before had holden against him, and made unto him a new oath and promise, and yielded themselves unto his grace and mercy. Coins of money condemned. And when the king had set that Country in an order, he then returned into England, and so to London: Where by the advice of certain of his counsel, he suddenly condemned certain coins of money called Pollards, Crocardes, and rosaries, and caused them to be brought to new coinage, to his great advantage. Ambassadors sent from the Pope to king Edward for the delivery of john Bailioll late king of Scots. The latter end of this year there were certain Ambassadors sent from the Pope to the king of England, earnestly entreating the king for the delivery out of prison of john Baylioll late Scottish king, which now was in the Tower of London, and they promised the king in the Pope's name, that he should be safe from troubling either of the king or of his realm, and that no peril should come by his deliverance. And after that the king had conferred with his counsel, and considered of this the Pope's request, he condescended there unto, and made delivery of the said john Baylioll unto the Pope's messengers, and they conveyed him into France to his own lands called Bayliolles lands, and there left him in safe keeping, under the order and government of certain Prelates. And yet again the king hearing that the Scots were not in quiet, but were as brag and as busy as before they had been, therefore he made now his third voyage into Scotland, The Scots again rebel and are subdued. and did so Princely, and valiantly, that within short time after his coming thither, he subdued the greater part of the land. And forward he went to the Castle of Estrivelyn, wherein were many of the great Lords of Scotland, Estrivelyn besieged. and he compassed the Castle with a strong siege, but he lay there somewhat long without any great advantage or hurt done unto the Scots: Wherefore, of policy he caused to be made two pair of Gallows in the sight of the Castle, and afterward commanded proclamation to be made, that if the Scots by a certain day would yield that Castle unto the king, they should have life and limb: and if not, but that he wan it by strength, as many as were within the said Castle should be hanged upon those gallows, no estate nor person to be excepted. Now when the Scots had advised themselves well upon this Proclamation, and considered the strength of their enemies & their own weakness and feebleness, Estrivelyn Castle in yielded to the king. and lack of succour, they assented to yield them and their Castle unto the king, which shortly they did: Whereof when king Edward was possessed, he stuffed the same with English knights, and after took a new oath of the Lords and Captains, the which he found closed within that Castle, of true and faithful allegiance, and then suffered them to go where they liked. And when William Wales, which as before is said pretended the rule and governance of Scotland, heard tell that the strong Castle of Estrivelyn was yielded unto king Edward, and that the Lords and knights therein founden (in whom he much trusted) were sworn to the kings allegiance, he feared sore lest the said company would betray him, William Wales flieth from king Edward. and bring him unto the king: Wherefore he with his adherentes, withdrew them into the Maresses, and other such places, where they thought themselves safe from pursuing of the kings host. The Scots submit themselves unto the kings mercy. Then the poor Commons of the land presented themselves by great companies, and put them wholly in the kings grace and mercy, so that the king than thought that he was in peaceable possession, or at the lest in a great surety of the land. Wherefore, after he had caused to be sworn unto him the rulers of divers boroughs, Cities and towns, with other officers of the land, he returned unto Barwike, and so into England, and lastly to Westminster. And while the king was thus occupied in Scotland, The coming of Queen Margaret into England. the Queen before mentioned, that is to say, the Lady Margaret sister to the French king, was conveyed from Cauntorbury to London, and by the way there met her six hundredth Citizens in one Lyvery of read and white, with the cognisance of diverse mysteries broidered upon their sleeves, A strange livery. and received her four miles without the City, and so conveyed her through the City, which then was richly hanged, unto Westminster, and there she lodged. When the king was returned out of Scotland, he caused shortly after an inquisition to be made through his land, which afterward was called Troylebastone. This was made upon all officers, as Majors, Sheriffs, Troylebaston. Bailiffs, Excheters, and other officers that misbehaved themselves in their offices, or had used any extortion or evil dealing with the kings people, otherwise than they might lawfully do by virtue of their offices. By reason of which inquisition, many were accused, and redeemed their offices by grievous fines to the kings great profit and advantage. Other offences and forfeitures were sought out also, as forfeitures against the Crown, the which brought great sums of money into the kings Coffers, toward the great charges of his wars that he sustained in Wales, France, and Scotland, as before is showed. And as saith Polydore, when king Edward returned out of Scotland into England, because he would not leave any monument or remembrance of the former estate of their Kings, he caused therefore to be brought from thence a stone Chair, in the which their kings were wont to be crowned, and the same now remaineth in Westminster Church. And the said time also the Lord Chancellor and judges came from York, where they had remained and kept their terms by the space of seven years, and now came to London by the kings commandment. It chanced at this time that master Langton then Bishop of Chester, Langton bishop of Chester, complained to the King upon Prince Edward. made a grievous complaint to the king of Sir Edward his eldest son, for that he with Piers of Gavestone and other wanton and wild persons, had broken the Park of the said bishop, and riotously destroyed the game within it. With the which complaint the king was sore aggrieved against his son, and commanded him to Prison and the other his complices. The king commandeth his eldest son to prison for offending of a subject. And afterward when the king was fully and truly informed of the lewd and wanton dispositions of the said Piers Gavestone, he therefore banished the said Piers out of England for ever. But after the death of king Edward, this banishment continued not, for he was again restored by his son, where of ensued much harm and trouble, aswell to the king, as also to the Nobles and whole Realm. And this year died Edmond Earl of Cornwall the son of Richard sometime Earl of that Country and king of Almayn without Issue, wherefore that earldom returned again to the crown of England. And also about this time the king gave unto Sir Edward his son the principality of Wales, & joined thereunto the said earldom of Cornewal. The writer of the Scottish Chronicle, namely Hector Boethus setteth forth a great overthrow that the Scots gave unto the Englishmen in this year, A scottish history in defacing of Englishmen and advancing themselves. at Rosling, where saith he, there was not one English man that escaped alive, and he sayeth further, that the Englishmen came upon them with the number of xxx thousand men divided into three several battles, and that the Scots were in number but eight thousand men, and yet they gave the overthrow to all the three battles, beginning with the first whom they vanquished, and then came the second and set fresh upon them, whom also they overthrew, A scottish report of the loss that Englishmen had in Scotland. and lastly came the third battle likewise fresh upon them, and although the Scots being so small a number, and were sore wearied with the fight and overthrow of the two former armies, yet espying the third to approach, they took their stomachs so courageously unto them and gave them so fierce and sharp an onset, that they overthrew them man and mother's son. But as sayeth the aforesaid Scot, this victory lasted not long, for after king Edward heard of this loss, he returned to Scotland and went through the land brenning and spoiling the same from the North to the South, and compelled all to swear to him homage and fealty and herein ye may believe the Scot as ye think good. A parliament holden at Canterbury. But this conquest seemeth to be the same that we spoke of in the xxvij year of this kings reign. And this year the king held his Parliament at Cauntorbury. In the xxxiij year of his reign William Wales was taken in Scotland at the Town of S. Dominick, and sent unto London, and there arraigned and the xxiiij William Waleys hanged drawn & quartered. of August he was drawn, hanged, headed and quartered, and his head set upon London bridge, and his four quarters sent into Scotland, and there hanged upon the gates of certain towns of the land. And within xiiij days after, a peace was taken between Scotland and England unto the conclusion whereof, at Mighelmas next following, the king then holding his Parliament at westminster, thither came out of Scotland, the Bishop of S. andrew's Robert Bruise, Sir Symond de Frysell earl of Dunbarre, Sir john of Cambrees earl of Atleys, and Sir john Comyn with other, The Scots again swear allegiance to king Edward. the which voluntarily were sworn, in the presence of the king and his Lords, that they should be true unto the king of England, and keep the land of Scotland to his use, against all other persons. And if any rebel or other malicious person disturbed the land, or broke the kings peace, they should 'cause him to be taken and sent unto the king, with sundry other articles of their allegiance which they falsely broke and conspired to the contrary and that forthwith. Robert le Bruise above mentioned returning into Scotland, did contrary to his oath assemble the Lords of that realm, and by the counsel of the Abbot of stone and other that favoured his untruth, he sent unto Clement the fift then Bishop of Rome for a dispensation of his oath before made unto king Edward, The Scots again rebel. and surmised to him that king Edward vexed and grieved the Realm of Scotland wrongfully: whereupon the Pope wrote unto king Edward his Letter, the sum and effect whereof ensueth. The Pope's Letter written to king Edward. THat Pope Boniface being informed and procured by the Scots, sent his letters unto the king of England, & therein did first allege that the kingdom of Scotland did belong unto the right of the Church of Rome: And that the king of England did challenge the subjection thereof against God and right, and to the prejudice and harm of the Sea apostolic, & for proof thereof, he allegeth these reasons following. 1 First, that whereas Henry the father of the king that now is, obtained of Alexander king of Scots an aid and assistance in his war against Simon Mountfort. To the intent that the same aid should not be thought to be required or given by the right of any subjection or duty: the same Henry by his letters patents did confess and acknowledge that he received it not of duty, but of special favour. 2 Also where as he being called unto the coronation of the king that now is, by his letters that he as his friend might in so great solempnities exhibit and give unto him his friendly presence. And so he came not of duty, but of special favour. 3 Furthermore, where as the king of Scotland came personally unto the king of England to make fealty unto him for the lands of Tindale and Pembreth lying within the realm of England, he made that fealty only for those lands which lie in England, and not as king of Scots, nor for the kingdom of Scotland: For he openly protested in the presence of all the people that he aught not to make any fealty unto the king of England for the kingdom of Scotland. 4 Also that the aforesaid king Alexander left behind him a young maid his heir called Margaret niece unto the king of England, the supreme dominion of which kingdom came not unto her, but unto certain peers of the kingdom of Scotland elected therefore, and therefore she aught not to do homage unto him. 5 Also the Pope reproved the king, for as much as he after the decease of the said king Alexander subdued unto him by force, the Scots being then without a governor, and not having the help of any guide to the prejudice and no small grievance of the Church of Rome. 6 Also he affirmed that when the sea of Rome doth commit the office of a Legate to any man to be executed within the Realm of England for the payment of Tithes or for any other lawful cause, and this Legacy doth not by special letters and privileges of the sea apostolic extend unto the kingdom of Scotland, that they should resist and withstand the same, as it chanced evidently in the time of Adrian: For the Legate was not by any means admitted unto the said king of Scotland, until the office of a Legate there was by special letters apostolic committed unto him. 7 Also that the same realm of Scotland was converted unto the unity of the Catholic faith, by the reverend relics of Saint Peter the Apostle not without the gifts of heavenly grace. 8 Also that in ancient time the archbishop of York, when a question was moved concerning the right of the Metropolitan against the prelate's of Scotland, could not obtain sentence with him. ¶ These things thus alleged, the Pope admonished the king by his letters to permit and suffer the Bishops, Abbots, Clerks and all other of the kingdom of Scotland which he detained prisoners, freely to depart, and that he should call home out of the said kingdom of Scotland his officers which he had appointed and set to the prejudice, injury and grievous offence of the faithful people and for the oppression of the just, whereby he should be the more acceptable and beloved with God, and the better obtain the favour oh the sea apostolic. And if the king of England would allege that he had right or title to the kingdom of Scotland or to any part thereof, that then he should send his procurators unto the sea apostolic and Ambassadors specially appointed with the right laws and miniments concerning that business, and there he should receive a full performance of justice. A parliament holden at Lyncoln. When the king had read and well considered the aforesaid letter, he then called together his parliament at Lyncolne, and showed the same letter unto his Lords, and after long conference had with them, it was agreed that the king should writ again to the Pope in his own name, concerning the right of his superiority of Scotland: But for the latter part of the same letter, that where the Pope would that the matter should be brought in judgement before him, that they desired that they might answer by their letter in their own names: And soon after the king wrote his letter unto the Pope as followeth. The kings Letter to the Pope. THe most high God knoweth it to be registered in our records, the style whereof may never be blotted out, that our predecessors and progenitors being kings of England have reigned over the kingdom of Scotland and all the kings thereof, and over their temporalties and other things thereunto annexed of long and ancient time heretofore, by the title of the superiority and direct dominion, of the same: And have received of the same kings for the kingdom of Scotland and of other the Nobles of whom them pleased loyal homage, and due oaths of fidelity. We continuing the possession of our said title and dominion, have likewise taken the same, as well of the king of Scotland as of the Nobles of the same Realm. And our progenitors have had such prerogative of right and dominion over the realm of Scotland and the kings of the same, that they bestowed the same upon their faithful subjects, removing thence for just causes such as were their kings. And so ordained and set in their place others to reign: which things are without doubt to be well known and apparent to all. Although peradventure it hath by false insinuation otherwise been certified through the children of rebellion and enuiours of peace unto your cares, from whose crafty and imagined feignings, that your holiness would turn your ears we humbly do beseech and crave with devout affection your fatherly clemency and excellency. And for brevities sake, passing over acts done in former time, that we may touch some for example. In the time of Hely the high Priest and of Samuel the prophet, there was a certain noble man named Brute of the Trojan stock, who possessed this whole Realm, and named it after his own name Briteyne, wherein were contained that part which now is called Scotland and one other part that was called Camber, but now it is called Wales. etc. he proceedeth in his said letter and proveth that England and Scotland is but one Monarchy, and so descendeth in his proofs from Prince to Prince until he come to king Edward named the elder, who was the son of king Alured and so successively unto Edward the confessor and William the conqueror, and last unto king Henry the third this king's father. And at the length having declared that the title of the superior dominion of Scotland was due unto his father king Henry the third & so consequently to him, he concludeth thus, saying. Where therefore we do know ourselves in full possession of the same Realm by the title of a full dominion, we neither can nor aught but repress the insolency of our subjects and rebels, and if we find any, and that in such manner as it shall seem good by our kingly pre-eminence. And because by the premises and other it doth evidently appear and is manifestly known, that the said kingdom of Scotland, as well by reason of possession as of property doth appertain unto us by full right, nor that we have done nor provided any thing by word or deed (as we could not) by which any thing aught to be withdrawn of the same right and possession aforesaid: we humbly beseech your holiness, the premises being with good meditation considered, that you will vouchsafe to withdraw your motion of mind, and not to give credit in this behalf unto the evil willers of the contrary side, but also that you would if it please you with mere affection commend and set forth our state together with our kingly rights aforesaid, and thus. etc. And immediately the Lords also did write their letter unto the Pope, the tenor whereof ensueth. Our holy mother the Church of Rome, The letters of the nobles of England written to the Pope. by whose ministery the Catholic faith doth with such perfection in her acts proceed (as we do firmly believe and hold) that she will be prejudicial to none: But will maintain and preserve the right and title of every man inviolate. In a general Parliament summoned at Lincoln by our most excellent and sovereign Lord Edward, by the grace of God king of England, he our said sovereign Lord caused certain letters Apostolic to be brought forth, and seriously to be expounded to us, which he had received from your fatherhood concerning certain business and affairs touching the state & condition of this our realm. The which letters being heard, and diligently considered, we perceived therein to be contained things both marvelous and strange unto us, which before this time was never heard of. For we are certain (most holy father) and in our parties it is well known, as also to many others it remaineth not obscure, that ever since the first institution of the kingdom of England, the kings thereof, aswell in the time of Britons, as of the English men, have had in their possession the right, title, and dominion of Scotland, or else have been the chief Lords in the superiority both of the right and direct dominion of the said Kingdom of Scotland at all times continually, and that the said kingdom in temporal matters hath not at any time pertained, or by any right now doth appertain unto the Church abovesaid. And moreover the same Kingdom of Scotland hath unto the progenitors of our said king being Kings of England, and unto him also of ancient time remained feodary: Neither hath the king of Scots and kingdom of Scotland been subject to any other then to the kings of England. Neither have the kings of England concerning the right and title to the Kingdom aforesaid, or other the parcels thereof, answered, or were bound to answer before any judge spiritual or temporal by reason of the pre-eminence of their estate or kingly dignity at all times inviolately served and kept. Wherefore having treated and diligently deliberated upon the contents of your letters, the universal assent and consent of all and every of us, hath been, is, and Godwilling hereafter most firmly shall be, that our foresaid sovereign Lord the King shall in no wise answer in judgement before you, concerning the right and title to the Kingdom of Scotland or other the parcels thereof, nor shall by any means submit himself to judgement, nor shall bring his foresaid right and title in doubt, neither shall he sand any procurators or Ambassadors unto your presence in this behalf, especially forasmuch as the premises would manifestly tend unto the disherison of the title & right of the crown of this realm of England, and kingly dignity, and to the notorious subversion of the state thereof, and also to the prejudice of the liberties, customs & laws of our forefathers: unto the observation and defence whereof, we are obliged and bound by our oath, the which also we will defend and maintain with our whole might and power, God Willing. Neither do we permit, or in any wise will permit (as neither we may nor aught) our foresaid sovereign Lord the King, yea, although he were willing to do, or by any means to attempt the premises, being things unaccustomed, unlawful, prejudicial and at no time before ever heard of. Wherefore we do reverently and humbly beseech your holiness, that you will more benignly suffer and permit our foresaid sovereign Lord the king (who among other princes of the world doth show himself most catholic and devout unto the Church of Rome) quietly to enjoy and possess his aforesaid right, title, liberties, customs and laws inviolably without diminution or disquiet. And unto this letter, were fixed of the Nobles and Lords of the Realm (as saith my record) more than an hundredth of the several seals of their arms. King Edward again entereth into Scotland with a great army. ¶ And in the end of this year, she king keeping his feast of Christmas in the North parts, did so soon as the feast was ended prepare an army against the Scots: and his son Edward Prince of Wales likewise following him with a great host of warlike men, and entered Scotland, and passed through a great part of the same, but found not one Scot that resisted. At this time also the French king, whose sister being called the Lady Margaret, which the king of England did shortly after marry as shall appear, sent the Abbot of Compeyn and certain other Ambassadors unto the king of England, desiring him to have peace with the Scots calling them his friends, which notwithstanding received a short answer and so returned in vain. King Edward calling to his remembrance that the time of the truce lately taken between him and the French king was almost expired, called his privy Counsel unto him at Westminster soon after the feast of Christmas, and agreed and sent very noble and honourable Ambassadors unto the French king, praying him to declare and show his mind whether he had advisedly determined to have, truce, war, or peace: To the which the French King answered, that without the presence of the twelve peers he could not deal in so weighty a matter, and also that the same Peers were then occupied in the provision of new war: But he said that within xu days he looked for their coming. Which time being come, and they meeting together, said that they would not meddle in the matter without the advice of the Scots. And so soon as the English Ambassadors heard this, they returned into England. A parliament holden at westminster. And shortly after king Edward called his Parliament at Westminster, and there declared the delays and crafty dealings of the French king: But in the mean time the French king sent his Ambassadors to the king of England. And after a little conference, it was agreed that both the kings should meet together in a place convenient between Flaundyrs and Picardy, and that then they would entreat and conclude of a friendly and continual peace: Which meeting was done with speed, and the said peace concluded upon sundry conditions, and among other this was one, A peace concluded with the French king. that king Edward should take unto wife Margaret, the sister of Philip le Beawe the French King, and with her was delivered in peaceable manner the County of Gascoigne with all rights and liberties, in as large manner as the King held the same in the beginning of his wars: The which Margaret while the king was in Scotland was brought unto Dover, and so unto Cauntorbury, where the king married her in the Month of September, & had by her in process of time two sons, named Thomas and Edmond, and a daughter named Margaret. The first of the sons was named Thomas of Brotherton, and the second Edmond of Wodstocke. And in the mean while that this matter was thus complained upon to the Pope, Robert le Bruise laboureth the lords to make him King of Scotland. the said Robert le Bruise made all the labour he might unto the Lords of Scotland to be admitted for king of that Region, so that upon the eight day of December, a great assembly of the Lords was made at the Abbey of Stone. And the next day following, by the means of the Abbot of that place, many of the said Lords assented unto the will of the said Robert, except Sir john Comyn only. The which in defence of his truth and oath before sworn unto king Edward made many reasons and excuses, but finally said that he would not falsify his oath for no man. And for this cause Robert le Bruce bore unto Sir john Comyn a great stomach, and so did many other of the Nobles. But he held his opinion so firmly and stoutly, that other began to take his part, so that in the counsel arose such variety of opinions, that the said counsel was dissolved, and anew assembled at the Grey Friars of Dunfrise, at Candlemas next following. At which day of assembly, when the cause of their meeting was by Robert Bruce published and declared, and many of the great Lords had granted unto him their aid and assistance: But the aforenamed Sir john Comyn and other sat still and said nothing. Which Robert le Bruise marked well, and to him said: And you Sir john I trust for the defence and weal of this realm, will not be behind. Whereunto he answered: Sir I would that you and all my Lords here present knew well, that for the weal, defence, and in the right of this land, I will stand with it to the uttermost of my power: But for that I see, ye rather intend the subversion than the weal thereof, I give you therefore knowledge I will neither aid you with counsel, nor yet with strength: Sir john Comyn a worthy knight. And some other also were present which allowed very well the grave saying and answer of Sir john Comyn. But Robert le Bruise was so amoved therewithal, that when Sir john Comyn, and Sir Roger his brother was departed from the counsel, and was come into the Church of the Friars, Sir john Comyn is murdered. Robert le Bruise followed him, and wounded him to death with his sword, and when his brother would have defended him, he slew him also. After which murder little or no resistance was made against the untrue meaning and deeds of the said Robert le Bruise, Robert le Bruise crowned king of Scots. so that he at Saint john's town was crowned king shortly after. King Edward once again goeth with a great power to subdue the Scots. Assoon as king Edward was admonished of the murder of sir john Comyn, and that he had also well considered the continual untruth of the Scots, he forthwith made provision and gathered a great power together to enter into Scotland. And having, and holding at that time being Whitsuntide a great feast of his barony at Westminster, and during the time of the same feast, he made above two hundredth knights. And assoon as his feast was ended, he sent with a goodly company of knights and furniture of Warlike men, Sir Aymer de valaunce Erlé of Pembroke and Sir Henry Percy Earl of Northumberlande into Scotland, and shortly after the king himself followed with his host. And it was not long after that the Earl of Pembroke was arrived with his power in Scotland, but that Robert le Bruse with a great power of the Scots were gathered together in a place called Methfen, Battle of Methfen. every of them having upon his harness a white shirt, and there they bade the Earl battle. And the Earl with his power set manfully and courageously upon them, so that there perished with the sword that day a great number of the Scots that came with the false king. And the said false king was that day three times beaten down, Robert le Bruse flieth. but was ever relieved by Sir Simon Frisell that valiant warrior, and by the craft and help of his white shirt, he fled and escaped out of the battle. The names of the chief prisoners that were taken at this skirmish of the Scots were these, Thomas the son of Rainulph, David of Inkmartyn, john of Someruile knights, Nicholas Huttynges Martial, and Hugh the false kings Chaplain who that day was standard bearer and many other whose names were here to long to rehearse. And the aforesaid Hugh the priest with divers other were shortly after condemned, but the priest was first hanged because he had said, that I the priest will bear your banner and lead you this journey. King Edward entereth Scotland with a great power. Sun after the flying of Robert Bruse, the king of England with his son the prince of Wales, being then about the ten day of August entered Scotland being accompanied with a great number of the Nobles of the realm and a puissant army. And of many of the Scots the king was honourably received, and many fled from him and hid themselves in woods and marshes. The king going forth in Scotland with his army, ranged over all the land and took many of the fugitive Scots, and many he put to death, and also many he pardoned. But among other that were taken, there were two Bishops and an Abbot which crowned Robert le Bruse the false king, the which were hardly and straightly kept in strong prison so long as the king lived. Simon Frisell taken. There was also taken the aforenamed Simon Frisell in whom rested all the Scots hope and trust. And there was taken Herebert of Morham, a man of excellent beauty and stature, far exceeding all the other Scots. The aforesaid Simon was shortly after hanged: But Herebert with his Squire Thomas de boys were beheaded. And the head of Simon Frisell for the manifold treasons by him committed was set upon London bridge next unto the head of William waleys who was placed there before. King Edward causeth an inquisition to be made in Scotland for the murder of Sir john Comyn. And shortly after the king of England caused an inquiry to be made through the realm of Scotland by the others of honest and good men, who and how many they were that murdered and consented to the murder of the noble man john Comyn before named, and also to the coronation of the aforesaid Robert Bruse. And in a manner he took them all and put them to death. And such as submitted themselves unto the kings will and pleasure, he kept in straight and hard prison. And john Seyton and Christofer his brother which were the esquires of Robert Bruse, and consented unto the shameful murder of the said worthy and noble john Comyn were also taken. Of the which john Seyton at New Castle upon Tyne, and Christopher at Domfrise were hanged, drawn, and quartered. And during the time that this justice was executed upon the wicked and wretched Scots, Robert le Bruise escaped by flying. the lewd and unworthy crowned king Robert Bruise fled into the Mountains, hiding himself in such places as he might best lurk in. And likewise Sir john of Cambres earl of Athles practised to fly and escape, but by the providence of God he was taken: which when the king heard, although he was then troubled with grievous sickness, yet he bore the same the better, as one much comforted with these news. The aforenamed Sir john of Cambres, earl of Atles, as I find in an ancient record, after he was apprehended, and among other prisoners committed to ward: There were certain that resorted unto the king, and showed him that this Earl was of the blood royal, and therefore they thought it unseemly that he should be committed among the other common offenders. To whom the king not respecting his blood and progeny said: The higher that he is of degree, the more grievous is his fall: if he among the other murderers did excel in blood, then is it meet that he for his mischief should hung higher than any of the other: Take him, saith he, and carry him to London and there let him have justice. And shortly after, that is to say the vij day of November, next following he was arraigned in Westminster Hall and found guilty of treason, and of the murder of Sir john Comyn, and had judgement of death. And because he came of the blood royal as aforesaid, he was not drawn, but was set upon an horse, and so brought to the place of execution, and there hanged upon a pair of gallows that were fifty foot high, having before his eyes a great fire burning, and before he was half dead, he was cut down and beheaded, and his body cast into the burning fire, where it consumed unto Ashes, & his head was set upon London bridge among the other Traitors and murderers heads, but a great deal higher than the other. About the end of February a certain Scot of Galoway named Dongaldus came with three hundredth men and withstood a great Navy of Pirates replenished with vij C. men of war that would have landed upon his ground: But he set so fiercely upon them, that what with the fight and by drowning in the Sea and haven, and following such as had recovered land and fled, they in a manner all perished. And among the principal of these thieves that were slain in this skirmish, the said Dongallus brought unto the king of England the head of Malcolyn the Lord of Kentyr, and two heads of two rulers of Ireland. And he brought with him as prisoners Thomas Bruse knight, and Alexander his brother Dean of Glaskowe, both brethren germans of Robert Bruse the false King of Scotland. And also they presented Reynold of Craunford knight which was sore wounded, and half dead. Of which number Thomas Bruse knight was drawn, hanged and headed. And the rest were only hanged and headed at Carlisle. And the aforesaid year there came from the Pope unto the king of England a Cardinal and Master Peter a Spaniard as Ambassadors, to conclude a marriage between Edward the king of England's son Prince of Wales, and the Lady Isabella the daughter of the French king, the which in the year following was fully finished. Robert le Bruise escaped by flying. Robert le Bruise, after this discomfiture and loss of his chief friends, and fearing lest the Scots with such Englishmen as king Edward left there, would arise against him: did therefore all comfortless fly unto the king of Norway, and there abode during the life of king Edward. When this noble and valiant Prince had thus subdued the Scots, he yielded thanks unto almighty God for this victory. And when he was truly ascertained of the flying and departing of Robert le Bruse, and also that he had set the land in a good and quiet order, he returned into England. And in this mean while, the aforesaid Lords of Scotland were arraigned at London, The Scottish Lords beheaded. and there condemned and put to death, and their heads set upon London bridge. And shortly after was john Waleys brother to William Waleys (which for like treason was put to death the year next before) taken, hanged and quartered, and some of the Scots that were taken as prisoners, remained there a long time before they were able to pay their fines. And shortly after the king for divers causes returned again into Scotland, but some say he remained at Barwike and kept his Christmas and Easter there, and did not return to London until the Summer following. And that then in the time of his return, King Edward taken with a grievous disease. a sickness took him so fervently, that he knew well he should die. Wherefore he being at Bourgh upon the sands beyond Carlyle, called to him Sir Aymer de valance earl of Pembroke, Sir Henry percy earl of Northumberlande, Sir Henry Lacye earl of Lyncoln, and Sir Robert Clyfford Baron, and caused them to be sworn before him, that they should crown Edward his son in as convenient time after his death as they might, and to keep the land to his use until he were crowned. And after his Barons had taken the said oath, he then called unto him his son Edward, King Edward giveth a great charge to his son. and charged him with divers points upon his blessing: among the which one especial was, that he should never after that day suffer Piers of Gaveston to return into England, and so shortly after ended his life upon the vij day of julie, when he had reigned xxxiiij years vij Months and odd days. And after with great solemnity was coveyghed unto westminster, The issue of this King is set out in the xx. and xxvij year of his reign. and there buried in the Chapel of S. Edward upon the south side, in a plain Tomb of Marble at the head of his father. This noble prince had two wives, and had issue by them as may appear before in the twenty year, and in the xxvij year of this king's reign, where it is at large set out. The description of king Edward the first. This king was of stature tall, somewhat swart or black of colour, strong of body, and nothing fat, for by much exercise he did eschew fatness: he was amiable of countenance, having black eyes, which when he waxed angry, would seem to be fyrse: his hear was black and curled, he was very healthy and of a stout courage, that never failed in any danger, or adversity, he was very pregnant and had an excellent wit, and commonly achieved any enterprise he took in hand. He was a great lover and favourer of religion, but yet a great enemy to the pride and insolency of Priests which in his days exceeded, and he judged the same only to spring of their wealth and riches. And therefore to bridle their wantonness he established the law for granting lands in mortmain. Of friendship he was constant, and not easy to be reconciled where he conceived a displeasure. And in vacant times he gave himself much to hunting. Thus much Polidore. Edward the second. EDwarde the second of that name, King Edward the second. and son of Edward the first, borne at Carnarvan being a town of Wales, began his reign over this realm of England the viii. day of july in the year of our Lord .1307. and was crowned king at westminster the xxiiij day of February in the year aforesaid. This king was fair of body, The description of king Edward the second. but unsteadfast of manners and disposed to lightness. He refused the company of his Lords and men of honour, and haunted among villeynes and vile personages. He gave himself also to overmuch drinking, and lightly he would disclose things of great counsel: and besides that, he was given to these vices by nature, he was made much worse by the counsel and familiarity of certain evil disposed persons, Piers of Gavestone. as Piers of Gaveston, Hugh Spencer the father, and the son, and other, whose wanton company and counsel provoked him to the appetite and pleasure of the body, nothing ordering his common weal by sadness, discretion and justice, which thing caused great variance between him and his Lords, so that shortly he became to them hateful, and in the end was deprived of his kingdom. But Polidore saith, that immediately after the death of his father he being then in Scotland at Dunfrieze, calling his counsel together, did first of all cause the Lords and rulers of Scotland to swear unto him homage and fealty, the which every one, except certain that leaved to the part of Robert le Bruise did willingly offer. And then leaving sufficient furniture for defence in Scotland, he returned into England, and so to London. So soon as his father was buried, and the Exequys scantly finished, he forgetting the high and chargeable commandment of his said father, sent in all haste for his old compire Piers Gaveston, the which he received with all joy and gladness, and advanced him to much honour. And shortly after, that is to say in December next following, he sailed into France, King Edward married to Isabella the French kings daughter. and the xu day of january following, he married at Boleyn Isabella the daughter of Philip the French king, which, as saith Froisart was one of the goodliest Ladies in the world. And shortly after he returned with her unto London, where they were honourably received of the Citizens, and so conveyed to westminster where as it is before rehearsed they were both solemnly crowned the xxiiij day of February. At the which coronation was such press that a knight called Sir john Bakewell was thrested to death. Piers of Gaveston advanced to the earldom of Cornwall. And shortly after, the king gave unto Piers of Gavestone the earldom of Cornwall, & the Lordship of Walyngford, and was ruled all by his wanton counsel, and followed the appetite and pleasure of his body, to the great offence of the nobility, and no less peril of his own destruction. Now shortly after, the king calling to his remembrance the great displeasure done unto him and to his familiar Peers of Gaveston by the Bishop of Chester, Langton Bishop of Chester commanded to the tower. mentioned before in the xxviij year of the reign of king Edward the first, commanded him unto the Tower of London, where he was straightly kept many days after. Then the Lords of the land, and specially Sir Henry Lacie, Sir Guy and Sir Aymer de Valance earl of Lyncolne of Warwick & of Penbrook, to whom the noble Prince Edward the first, had given so great charge, that Piers Gaveston should no more come into England, saw the rule of the land, and how that the king's treasury by mean of the said Piers was wasted, assembled them in counsel & of one assent, with aid of other Lords of the realm, Piers Gaveston banished the land. so spoke to the king, that contrary to his pleasure, he was avoided the land, and banished into Ireland for that year. But the king sent unto him often times diverse secret messengers, and comforted him with many rich gifts, and made him his chief ruler of that country. And afterward, diverse and sundry grudges happened between the king and his Lords for the banishment of the said Piers Gavestone: wherefore to continued amity between him and them, the said Piers was set home again, and so continued to the more unquietness and mischief of the realm. About this time (as saith the Author of Chronica chronicarum and other) the knights of the order of saint john Baptist, called Saint john's of jerusalem, The Isle of the Rhodes first recovered by christian men. by knightly Manhood, put out of the Isle of Rhodes the Turks and infidels which to that day had kept and occupied the same Isle: and after that they wan daily and yearly upon the said Turks, so that they had in their possession much of the lands of the Turks. This Religion of Saint john's, was greatly preferred, by the fall and suppression of the Templars, whose possessions, lands and goods were given to them. The aforesaid Piers of Gavestone, more and more increasing in the kings favour, had at the last the guiding of all the kings jewels and treasure. And at a certain time he went to westminster, and there out of the kings jewel house he took a Table and a pair of Tresselles of gold, A Table with tresselles of gold taken out of the king's jewel house by Piers of Gaveston. and conveyed them with other jewels out of the land, to the great empoverishing of the same. And moreover, he brought the king by mean of his wanton conditions to manifold vices, as adultery, and other. Wherefore the aforesaid Lords, seeing the mischief that daily increased by occasion of this unhappy man, Gaveston again banished. took their counsel together at Lincoln, and there concluded to avoid him again out of England: so that shortly after he was exiled in to Flaunders, to the kings great displeasure. This year died Philip le Beaw French king, commonly called Philip the fair. In this year was borne at Windsor the kings eldest son named Edward, which after the death of his father was king of this realm, The birth of Edward the kings eldest son, who after was king Edward the third. by the name of king Edward the third, & he was borne the xiij day of November. And this year also was the aforesaid Gavestone called home again out of Flaundyrs, which after his return, did worse than ever he did before: In somuch that he disdained the Lords of England, flouted, scorned, and rudely taunted them. Wherefore the Lords assented and agreed to put him to death: And soon after assembling their powers, they besieged him in the Castle of Scarborough, and in short time wan the Castle, and took him and brought him unto Gaverseede beside Warwick, and there the xix Gaveston beheaded by the Lords. day of june smote off his head. But when the king was informed thereof, he showed himself to be most grievously displeased with the said Lords, The king greatly offended with the death of Gaveston. and made a solemn vow that his death should be revenged, as afterward it was, as shall appear. Now by this occasion, the rancour and Malice that before was kindled between the king and his Lords, was again so increased and inflamed, that it burst out to the understanding of the whole realm: For after this day the king neither studied nor endeavoured himself to any thing so much, as to seek some cause against his Lords, that by some one mean or other, he might attain to an occasion of revengement, for the death of the aforenamed Gavestone. In this mean time died Sir Henry Lacie Earl of Lincoln, the which lying upon his death bed charged Sir Thomas earl of Lancaster that had married his daughter, that he should stand with the other Lords in the defence for the weal of England, the which request the said Earl granted, and so did firmly observe and keep it, which was the occasion of the loss both of his own life, and of many others also, as after shall appear. At this time the king held his high Court of Parliament at London, where by the advice of his Lords, he made many good ordinances and statutes for the suppression of riots and other mischiefs that then reigned: And in the end, the king was sworn to keep them, and so were all his Lords. And shortly after, word was brought unto the king that Robert le Bruise was returned into Scotland, The return of Robert le Bruise. and had caused the Scots to rebel of new. Before in the xxxiij year of king Edward the first ye have heard how the said Edward chased the aforenamed Robert le Bruise out of Scotland into Normandy. But as it may be well conjectured, now when he understood of the misgovernance of the realm of England, and specially of the division between the king and his Lords, he was encouraged with a small aid of the Normans to return again into Scotland, where he behaved himself in such wise to the Lords of Scotland, that soon after they again made him king of the Realm, and then warred he sore upon England, and wan many Castles and strong holds, and did to the Englishmen great harm and damage, and (as saith Sir john Froissart) the Scots came brenning and spoiling this Realm, so far, that they were four or five days journey within the Realm of England. Now when the king was truly certified of this great rage of the Scots, he with all convenient speed made provision to resist them, and gathering together a great power did pass by water and entered into Scotland and brent and destroyed such Villages and Towns as lay in his way without all mercy. Whereof, when Robert le Bruise had knowledge, he with the whole power of Scotland coasted toward the Englishmen, and upon midsummer day, met with king Edward and his host at a place called Estrevelyn, near unto a fresh river that then was called Bannokesborne, The battle of Estrevelyn where between the Englishmen and the Scots was that day fought a most terrible and bloody battle: But the victory fell to the Scots, The Englishmen discomfited of the Scots. and the Englishmen flying, were chased of the Scots so eagerly, that many of them were drowned in the aforenamed river, and many a noble man of England was that day slain in that battle, as Sir Gilbert de Clare Earl of Gloucester, Sir Robert Clifford, Sir Edmond of Maule the kings Steward, with other Lords and Barons to the number (as saith Guydo de Columna) of xlij and of knights and Baronet's to the number of lxvij beside xxij men of name, which that day of the Scots were taken prisoners. And the king himself scaped with great danger from that battle, and with a few horse and small company came to Berwick, where he rested for a time. Hector Boethus a shame less liar. But Hector Boethus the Scot, whose nature is so shamefully and monstrously to lie, (that all the world may perceive it) writeth that at this battle were slain fifty thousand Englishmen with the Duke of Gloucester and two hundredth knights. But believe him as it pleaseth you. And after the Scots had obtained this victory, they being inflamed with pride, published in the derision and mockage of Englishmen many fond and foolish rhymes, the which I think meet to omit. King Edward returneth into England. And after that king Edward had set the Town of Barwike in as good order and surety as he then might, he returned into England, and with small honour and less courage came to westminster the xix day of August. And not long after a Vileyne called john Poydras a tanner's son of Excester went about in divers places of England and named himself to be the son of king Edward the first: A Counterfeater that named himself king Edward the second. & said that by mean of a false Norice, he was stolen out of his Cradle, and Edward which was a Carters son was laid in the same Cradle in his place, and he himself was afterward hardly fostered and brought up in the North part of Wales. But when this vileyn was laid for to be taken, for fear he fled to the Church of the white Friars in Oxford: where he thinking to have been safe and sure, because king Edward the first was founder of that Church, and there he rehearsed again the former saying, adding more thereunto, that it appeared well that the king was a Carters son, for his conditions were according to the same, as his manners daily used did manifestly express and show. john Poydras a Traitor hanged drawn and quartered. When this vileyn had thus continued a while, not without some rumour in the land, lastly he was taken out of that place and carried as a Felon unto Northampton, and there was arraigned and judged for his falseness, and so drawn and hanged. The which at the hour of his death confessed that he had a Fende in his house in the similitude of a Cat, the which among other promises to him made, he assured him that he should be king of England. And Fabian saith that he confessed that he had served the said Fende three years before, to bring his purpose about. Thus king Edward beset with many adversities kept a counsel at York saith Polidore, for preparation of war with Scotland, A counsel kept at York. and other things meet to be done for the weal of the realm of England. And shortly after Sir Peter Spalding knight was sent to Barwike with a crew of Soldiers to fortify that Town, Sir Peter Spalding knight. because the king had a certain understanding, that Robert le Bruise intended hastily to lay siege to that Town. And not long after the said Castle and Town of Barwike was yeelden or lost, by treason of the aforesaid Sir Peter Spalding (as the common fame went) unto Robert le Bruise king of Scots. The Castle of Barwike was yielded to the king of Scots. Also in this time was great misery in England by dearth of Corn, scarcity of victuals and Moreyn and death of cattle. Moreover, in this time was sent into England two Cardinals from Clement the fift Bishop of Rome to set an unity and peace between the Kings of England and Scotland, Two Cardinals were rob. and as they were riding into Scotland they were met withal upon the Moor of Wigilsdon in Yorkshire, and there rob of such stuff and treasure as they brought with them. After which robbery, great inquiry was made, and at the last two knights named Sir Gilbert Myddleton and Sir Walter Selby with vj. hundred men were accused to be the doers of the same, Gilbert Middleton and Walter Selby knights condemned and hanged. and were committed to prison for that felony, and after were at London condemned, drawn and hanged for the same, and their heads set upon London Bridge: But the cardinals received of the king double the value of their harms. About this time also, Sir Goslyn Deynuile and his brother (as saith john Harding) having in his company two hundredth persons clothed in Friars weeds, passed through the Countries as Outlaws and banished men, and rob and spoiled all that they could meet with, and namely, they rob and spoiled the Bishop of Durhams house and left nothing therein but bore walls, but at the last they were taken and hanged at York. And in the end of this year fell such abundance of rain and unseasonable weather, that they could not carry in that little corn that they had on the ground, by reason whereof followed great scarcity, dearth, pestilence and death both of men and beasts. Now again the Scots entered into Northumberland, and rob and brent the Country most cruelly, and spared neither man, woman, nor child, and did so great harm, that the Country was thereby greatly impoverished. To this mischief also was joined another misery: For as it is rehearsed before, victual by reason of the Moreyn was waxed so scant and dear, A great scarcity. that people were forced to eat Dogs, and other unclean and filthy beasts, as Fabian and other do recite. And the dearth of grain was so great this year that wheat was sold for four mark a quarter, A great dearth. which if you confer with the value of an ounce of silver than currant, as is before expressed in the xu year of king Edward the first, which was twenty pence, with the time now which is the tenth year of the reign of our sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth in the which an ounce of silver is currant for five shillings, then after that rate, four mark a quarter of that money, is of the money that is now currant with us eight pound, and that is twenty shillings a bushel, which may well be called both a great price, and a great dearth: and by reason of this dearth of grain, and scarcity of victual, and of the wars with the Scots, A great plague. the people died and perished both by hunger and pestilence, so that the land was greatly wasted and almost desolate of people, for the people living were scant so many in number as were able to bury the dead. Yet the king assembled again as great a power as he could get in this realm of England, and went into Northumberland to resist the malice of the Scots, which daily made assaults upon the Borders, and entered far within the realm of England, robbing, brenning and spoiling the same. Wherefore, for great lack and distress of men, the king had many people out of the South and East parts of England. And among other, the City of London, contrary to their liberties, were constrained to found at their costs and charges two hundredth men, and so sent them to York. When the king then being at York had received his people from sundry Countries and good towns of England, he with a convenient number road toward Berwick, and so sped his journey, that at the length he came near unto Barwike, and laid his siege about the same. The Scots cometh in ●o Yorkshire, and cruelly burneth and spoileth. But while the king was busied in the assault of the town, the Scots broke over the water of Small in great number, and leaving the cost where the kings people lay, in secret wise came down into the marches of Yorkshire, and there slew the people and rob them in most cruel wise. Wherefore the archbishop of York constrained of pure necessity to defend that Country, gathered unto him an unready and dispurveyed host for the war, as Priors, Clerks, Canons, and other ministers of the Church, with husband men and other unmeet people: and so with a great number of men, and few warly or discrete Captains, he went against the Scots, and encountered them at a place called Mitton upon Small, the twelve day of the month of October: The Englishmen were again discomfited of the Scots. But for lack of wise and warly provision, the English men were beset of their enemies upon every side, so that of them were slain a great multitude, and the remnant put to shameful flight, by the which flight the said archbishop, with the Abbot of Selby and other were preserved. And because in this Battle there were slain so many spiritual men, therefore it was after called of many writers the white battle. The king again returneth with great loss. When the king was informed of this overthrow of the Northern men, and also that it drew so near winter, he therefore broke up his siege and returned unto York, and shortly after went further into England. 〈◊〉 Hugh ●●encer the ●her, and ●ir Hugh spencer the ●●e ruled all England. At this time there was nothing done that concerned the order and government of the realm, without the advice and counsels of sir Hugh the Spencers, the father and the son, by whose procurement many things were done in England to the great grudge, as well of the noble men of the realm, as of the commons of the same, so that they were had in as great hatred and indignation, as before times was Piers Gavestone. And many evil reports and great extortions were told of them, as commonly it happeneth to all those that are out of favour with the common people. This year the king held his counsel or Parliament at York, where contrary to the mind of the lords Sir Hugh Spencer the son was made high Chamberlain of England: By reason whereof he waxed so haughty and proud, A parliament at York. that no Lord of this land durst displease him at any time, whereof grew the occasion of the Baron's war, as after shall appear. Before ye heard of two Cardinals that came to travail to make a peace between the two kings, but it would not be, wherefore the king purchased a curse of john the xxij Bishop of Rome, to accurse the Scottish king and all that held with him, or maintained him. But it availed nothing, but put the king to great costs and charges, for the Scots ceased not for all their cursings, and the poor commons were so vexed and that with so many troubles, as loss of their movable goods, of their possessions, and of all that ever they had, not only by the foreign enemy, but even here among our own people, by reason of the misgovernance of the king, as also by the trouble and variance that was between him and his Lords: so that many were utterly undone, & a few singular disordered persons advanced. Now when the greatest part of the baronies of England beheld this misery of the people, how they were punished by the hand of God, and also by the ignorance of the king, they in secret manner assembled themselves together at a town called Sherborne, The Barons assembled in a counsel at Shereborne. and there concluded a reformation for this mischief, which was, to remove from the king the said Spencers, both the father and the son. And that this might take effect, Sir Thomas earl of Lancaster, Sir Humphrey Bohum earl of Herfford, Sir john Mowbray Baron, Sir Roger Clifforde Baron, Sir Goslyn Daniel Baron, Sir Roger Toket, Roger Benefield, Sir Roger Mortimer, sir William Sulland, Sir William Elmenbridge, Sir john Gifford, and Sir john Tire, Barons and knights with divers other, swore each of them to stand by other until they had amended the state of the realm. And shortly after, by their advice and agreement, Sir john Mowbray, Sir Roger Clyfford, and Sir Goslyne Danyell, A riot begun by the Barons against the Spencer's. with a strong company entered upon the Manors, and Castles of the said Spencers, standing in the Marches of Wales, and spoiled and destroyed them. Of the which riot the Spencers complained to the king. And for an order of due punishment for these to be taken, the king called unto him divers of his counsel at Wyndsore, and there it was determined that the said Sir john Mowbraye, Sir Roger Clifford and Sir Goselyn Danyell should appear before the kings counsel shortly after, and there to make answer upon that riot. And if they refused that to do, that then they should avoid the land shortly after as banished men. But no day of appearance was kept by them. Wherefore proclamations was made in divers places of the realm and at London the xuj day of March, that the said Sir john Mowbraye, Sir Roger Clifford and Sir Goslyne Daniel, should avoid the land within ten days following upon pain of death. A message sent to the king from the Barons that he should remove the Spencers. Whereof hearing the Lords and Barons before named, reassembled them a more strong power, and upon that sent a messenger unto the king, beseeching him humbly, to exclude and remove from him the counsel of the Spencers, which daily did unto him great dishonour, and to the common weal of the realm great hindrance. The king hearing this humble request, was with it nothing content, but yet fearing greatly the destruction of his own person, assembled his counsel for the reformation of this matter: where it was concluded, that the king should call a Parliament at London. And forthwith the king wrote his letters and sent the same unto the said Barons, commanding them at a day prefixed to be at the said Parliament, who at the day appointed, The Parliament of white Bands. made their appearance at London, bringing with them a great host of men of arms in a suit of Iacquets or Coats parted, yellow and green, with a band of white cast overthwart. And for this cause, that Parliament long after was of the common people called the Parliament of white bands. At this time the major of the City of London for the preservation of the said City, & for the sure keeping of the king's peace, caused daily a thousand men being well armed, to ward the Gates and water sides of the said City, and the same warders or watchmen to begin their watch at sour of the clock in the morning, The City of London was guarded with a watch both day & night. and so continued until uj of the clock at night. At which time, as many were ordained for to take the charge of the night watch, and so to continued until the hour of five of the clock in the morning. And because the night watch should be the more duly kept, therefore there was assigned nightly two Aldermen to ride about the City with certain officers of the Town to see the watchmen well and discreetly ordered and guided. And the gates were shut at ix of the clock, and opened again at vij in the morning, and every Citizen was warned to have his harness by him, that he might be ready with short warning whensoever he were called. Thus during the time of the Parliament which was holden at westminster, the watch, as aforesaid, was holden and kept in London. And among other things it was ordained in that Parliament for the weal of the land that Sir Hugh Spencer the father, The Spencers both father and son banished. and Sir Hugh the son, should be banished out of the realm of England for term of life. And shortly after that banishment was put in execution, so that they both were brought unto Dover, there to take shipping. Where Hugh the father made great move when he should take his ship, and cursed his son in the herring of those that had the guiding of them, saying: that by his means he was banished from the Flower of all the lands christened. Then the king dissolved the Parliament, and every man returned to his own. But it was not long after but that word was brought to the king, that Sir Hugh Spencer the son hoved upon the coast of England, and took prayers of all Merchants that passed by his course: But the king made as though he understood no such thing, and suffered that and many more evil deeds to go unpunished, the which at length he repented full sore, and took thereof great remorse of conscience as appeareth in the end of his reign. The king being bewitched with the love of the aforesaid Spencers did now again revoke the acts and ordinances made in the last Parliament, and called again into England the foresaid Spencers to theirs and his casting away, The Spencers are called home again by the king. as after it shall appear, and set them again in authority as high as ever they were, maugre the heart and mind of all his Barons, and to the great unquietness of all the realm. And shortly after began quarrel piking, and the king began claiming a title by the Queen of the Castle of Ledes in Kent, which belonged to sir Barthen Bladesmore knight then being on the Baron's party, and the king besieged the said Castle, and by the help of the Citizens of London did at the last by strength win the same, and spoiled the movables thereof, which were of a great value. Now when the king had thus called home the Spencers, and things were ruled and governed after their sensual appetites and pleasures, without having any respect or regard to the common weal of the realm of England. The Barons also well pondering and considering among themselves that this lewd kind of government used by the Spencers must of necessity at the last bring the land to great ruin, and the king to great dishonour: they intending to prevent the mischief that might ensue thereof, gathered unto them a great power. The Barons assemble their powers against the Spencers. And in the mean time that Sir Thomas earl of Lancaster was gathering of his people, the two Mortymers, that is to say, Sir Roger Mortymer of work, and Sir Roger of Wygmore with other, went unto the Marches of Wales, and took by strength certain Cities and Towns belonging to the Spencers, and pursued also some of the kings servants. Wherefore the king hearing of the rebellion of his Lords, made hasty speed, and with a great host came about by Shrewesbury, The Mortimers taken and committed to the Tower. and was near unto them before they were ware of him, so that for fear, the said Mortymers yielded themselves unto the king's grace and mercy, the which forthwith were conveyed as prisoners unto the Tower of London. When the king had set all things in order about the marches of Wales, he then gathered more strength about him, and therefore about the beginning of March, he set forward and came to Gloucester, where the Spencers with all their people met with him. And from thence they went to Lichefield, at which time the Earls of Lancaster and of Heafford with their host were at Burton upon Trent, and fortified the bridge, that the king might not come over the said River. Then the king was brought unto a ford, and began to set over his knights, whereof hearing the said Earls, they forsook the town and fled. But before they could pass far upon their journey, they were encountered of Sir Aymer de valance earl of Pembroke, with the Spencers and other of the kings host upon the twelve of March, and them did overset, and caused them to fly, who at the last came to Pomfret. In this mean time, The Barons fly and are taken. the Earl Thomas had sent a knight of his named Robert Holland, into Lancashire for to arrere his tenants. But when the said Sir Robert heard of the said skirmish, and how his master was fled, he then drew to the king, and presented him with such company as he then brought. And thus the kings power daily increased, and the Barons discreased. Then the Barons hearing of the going of Sir Robert Holland unto the kings party, were therewithal astonished, and took their counsel in the Friars of Pomfret, Where after sundry reasons and arguments, they concluded that they would go unto the Castle of Dunstanborough, and there to remain until such time as they might purchase the kings mercy. And as they set forward upon their purposed journey, taking with them such people as they had, at the last they came to a town called Burghbridge, where they were encountered of Sir Andrew of Harkeley knight, with other that were come out of the North with a strong company: Who gave there an onset upon the Barons, and in the end discomfited them, and chased their people. In the which fight was slain the Earl of Herfford, sir Roger Benefielde, Thomas earl of Lancaster and divers other of the Barons taken, and committed to diverse prisons & after were beheaded to the number of. xxil. Noble men. and sir William Sulland, and other: and there was taken the Earl of Lancaster, sir Roger Clifford, sir john Mowbray, sir Roger Turkettes, sir William Fitz William, with diverse other, and they were led to York. And this field was foughten the xu day of March. 1320. It was not long after that Sir Hugh Daniel, and Sir Barthew de Bladismore were taken. And sir Thomas earl of Lancaster was brought again to his own town of Pomfret, where he was brought in judgement before sir Aymer de valance earl of Pembroke, sir john Briteyn earl of Richmond, sir Edmond of Woodstock earl of Kent, sir Hugh Spencer the father, and sir Robert of Malmestrope justice with other, and finally he was by them condemned and judged to have his head stricken off, Thomas Earl of Lancaster behanded. which was done the xii day of April next following. From this time forward for the space of four years, the Spencers increased marvelously in favour and authority with the king, and as fast decayed the favour of the king towards the Queen, until such time as she was relieved by her brother the French king, as after shall be showed. But now to return where we left. The same same day that the aforesaid Earl of Lancaster was put in execution, Sir Roger Tuckettes, Sir William Fitz William, sir Waren of Iselde or Isell, sir Henry of Bradborne, and sir William Cheyny Barons and knights, were also drawn and hanged, and their heads smitten off and sent to London, which were all put to death at Pomfret aforesaid, with an Esquire called john Page. And at York soon after was drawn and headed Sir Roger Clifford, Sir john Mowbray, and sir Goselyn Daniel, Barons. And at Bristol, sir Henry Womington, and sir Henry Mountford Banerettes: And at Gloucester sir john Gifford, and sir William Elmenbridge knights: And at London sir john Tears Baron: And at Wynchelsey, sir Thomas Culpeper knight, and at Windsor, sir Frances Waldenham Baron, and at Cauntorbury, sir Bathew Gladysmoore, and sir Bartholl de Asborneham Barons, and at Cardiff in Wales, sir William Fleming knight. A parliament at York. After that the king had thus executed and subdued his Barons, he summoned a Parliament at York about Whitsuntide next following, in the which Parliament Edward the kings son was first made Prince of Wales and Duke of Aquitaine, Sir Hugh Spencer the father made Earl of Winchester Sir Hugh Spencer the father was made Earl of Winchester, and sir Andrew of Harkelay, earl of Carleyle, and in the same were disherited all such as before took parts, or had holden with the Earls of Lancaster, and Herfford, except sir Hugh Daniel and few other, the which sir Hugh was received to grace, because he had married a kinneswoman of the kings. Robert Baldock an evil man made chancellor of England. Shortly after Master Robert Baldock, a man of evil fame and name, was by the king made chancellor of England. And he helped forward that good store of forfeits and fines were gathered into the kings treasury, without sparing of privileged places or other: so that whatsoever could be found, the same was seized for the king: By reason whereof, much treasure was brought unto the kings Coffers, besides great things that were bribed and spoiled by the Officers of divers shires. This year saith Fabian, the king gathered the sixth penny of all temporal men's goods within England, A great tax. Ireland, & Wales, which was granted unto him in the aforesaid Parliament for the defence of Scotland: which money was not paid without great murmur and grudge, considering the manifold miseries that the common people at those days were wrapped in. And this year also (as Fabian saith) the Sun appeared to man's sight as read as blood, The son appeared as read as blood. and so continued by the space of six hours, and it was upon the last day of October. About this time the Scots intending to do a feat in Ireland, and to subdue that country to their obeisance, entered it with a strong host under their captain, Edward le Bruise, brother to the Scottish king. Edward le Bruise the brother of the king of Scots slain. But the Irish men bore them so manfully, that they vanquished the Scots, and chased them out of that country. In which chase and fight the said Edward le Bruise and many other noble men of Scotland were slain. Now again the king made great provision for to have entered upon Scotland, so that he was entering the land about the beginning of August. But the Scots having knowledge of the greatness and strength of his army, withdrew themselves into Mountains, The king again entereth Scotland but returneth home without any victory. Marisses and other such places, as the English army could not come at them: And this was done by the Scots of purpose to weary and tire the English army. And shortly after among the host entered sundry diseases and sicknesses, so that many of them died, and were cast away in that journey, aswell for lack of victual, as by other infirmities, so that the king for these causes & other, was constrained to return again into England without doing any notable act: Whereof when the Scots were informed, sir john Douglas, and other captains followed and costed the king in such wise, that they had almost taken the king at dinner, at an Abbey called Bellaunde. Then the king of pure constraint defended himself, and withstood the Scots so well as he might. But after a small and weak fight, the king was compelled to fly, and by that mean to save himself. In the aforesaid skirmish was taken Sir john Britain Earl of Richemonde, and the kings treasure was there spoiled and carried away, and the ordinance belonging to the host, a great part of it, was by the Scots carried into Scotland. Then the Scots in their return homeward, wan the Castle of Norham, and rob the Town of Northallerton, and other. For this loss and harms Sir Andrew of Harkeley earl of Carleysse was much blamed and charged by misleading of the kings host. This year it was ordained, thieves being dead was appointed to be buried. that when any thief or other trespasser should be hanged, that from thenceforth, the same should forthwith be cut down and buried, where before they were wont to hung still until they were consumed. The king now being informed that the great dishonour and loss before mentioned by the Scots, happened by the untruth and treason of the aforesaid Sir Andrew of Harkeley earl of Carleisle, caused a knight named Sir Anthony Lucye to arrest the said Sir Andrew earl of Carleyl, and to bring him safely unto his presence. And she said Sir Anthony made such speed herein that the second day of March following the said Earl was taken, & so kept in prison until October next following, Sir Andrew earl of Carlisle, hanged drawn and quartered for treason. at which time the said Sir Andrew was arraigned and condemned for that he had taken money of the Scots to betray the king his natural Lord. For the which treason he was at Westchester or at Shrewesbury drawn and hanged, and his head sent after to London, and set upon the Bridge. At this time also, the war began to quicken in Guyan between the Englishmen and frenchmen, whereof the occasion was (saith the French Chronicle) for a Bastile or n builded by the Lord Mount Pesart, a Lord of Gascoigne, upon the French kings ground, as the frenchmen said: But the Gascoynes and Englishmen justified it to be within the territory of Guyan. For this, first began great words, and after many threats, but in the end, mortal war. So that the Gascoynes, with the aid of the king's Steward of England slew many of the frenchmen that came to overthrow the said Bastile. When Charles the French king heard of the overthrow of the Frenchmen, and how the Gascoynes fortified the said Bastile within his said signory as he was informed, he sent with all speed his Uncle Charles de Valois with a great host, who made sharp and cruel war against the Gascoynes, and wan from them the Town of Angeow and Amyas with divers other, The City of riol besieged by the Frenchmen. The French men discomfited. and at the last came unto the Towns or City of riol, and laid siege unto the same: But the Englishmen with the Gascoynes issued out of the town and gave battle unto the frenchmen, and put them to the worse, and slew xiiij C. of them. Among the which a Lord, called the Lord of Saint Florentine, with other noble men of France were slain, and the other enforced to lie further from the Town. Howbeit in the end, the said Town by appointment was yelden to the Frenchmen upon condition, that all such Englishmen as were within the Town should go freely with their goods to Bordeaux, or if they would remain there still, then to be sworn unto the French king, and to remain there as Frenchmen. After which Town yielded as aforesaid, Sir Edmond of Woodstock the kings brother, then being at Bordeaux as the kings Deputy, made such resistance against the said Charles de Valois, that a truce was taken for that year. And about midlent next following, the king having knowledge of this war in Guyan, and how the French king intended to seize all Gascoigne and Guyan, for breaking of covenants between them made, and not by king Edward performed, sent over the Queen his wife the French kings sister to entreat an agreement and peace between them, as saith Fabian. But Sir john Froissart in his history, The cause of the Queen's going into France. showeth the cause of her going to be otherwise, and writeth as followeth. When the Queen (saith he) perceived the pride of the Spencers and how they prevailed with the king, and had caused him to put to death the greatest part of the nobles of his realm of England, and also that they bore toward her a sour countenance, and she fearing lest they should have put something into the kings head, that might have been to the peril of her life, was therefore desirous to be out of this fear, and pitying also the miserable government daily practised and used against the whole state and commonalty of the Realm in all kind of tyrannies and cruelties, by theaforesayde Spencers. The Queen therefore purposed now to fly the Realm and to go into France, and therefore did feign herself that she would go on pilgrimage to Saint Thomas of Cauntorbury, from whence she took her way to Winchelsey, and in the night entered into a ship which before was prepared for her, and had with her, her eldest son Edward, and the Earl of Cane and Sir Roger Mortymer, who a little before broke out of the Tower of London, as after shall be showed. And in another Ship they had placed their necessary provision and furniture & then having wind at will, The Queen landeth at Boleyn in France. they arrived shortly at the haven of Boleyn in France, where she was most joyfully received of the Capiteyne of the Town, and also of the Abbot there, who conveyed her and all her company into the Abbey, where they were feasted and cheered. And after the Queen had remained there two days, she then daily journeyed so far, that at the last she came to Paris. But the French king her brother, having before knowledge of her coming, had sent to meet her divers of the greatest Lords of his realm, as the Lord, sir Robert de Artoys, the Lord of Crucy, the Lord of Sully, The Queen was honourably received in France. the Lord of Roy and divers other, who honourably did receive her and brought her into the City of Paris, unto the king her brother. And when the king saw his sister, whom he had not seen long before: as she should have entered into his Chamber he met her, and took her in his arms and kissed her and said: ye be welcome fair sister, with my fair Nephew your son and took them by the hands and led them forth. The Queen who had no great joy at her heart, but that she was so near to the king her brother, she would have kneeled down two or three times at the feet of the king: But the king would not suffer her, but held her still by the right hand, demanding right gently of her estate and business. And she answered him right sagely, and recounted to him all the vilanyes and injuries done to her by Sir Hugh Spencer, and prayed of him his aid and comfort. When the Noble king Charles of France had heard his sister's lamentation, who with tears had expressed her heavy case, he most comfortably spoke unto her and said: fair sister quiet yourself, for by the faith I own to God and Saint Device, I shall right well provide for you some remedy. The Queen then kneeled down whether the king would or not, and said: My right dear Lord and fair brother, I pray God reward you. The king than took her up in his arms, and led her into another chamber, the which was apparelled for her, and for the young Prince Edward her son, and so for that time departed from her, and caused all things that was behoveful and meet for her and her son to be delivered unto them at his costs and charges. And not long after, the said Charles, French king, for this cause chief assembled together a great number of the greatest Lords and Barons of his realm, to have their counsel and good advise, how he might best provide to remedy and help the distress of his sister the Queen of England. And it was thought best to them, The French king consulteth with his Lords how to aid his sister the Queen of England. that the French king should suffer his sister to make the best friends she could, in France or any other where and that the king should not take any knowledge thereof: For said they, the king to minister an occasion of war with England, and so bring his own realm in trouble, is neither honourable for himself nor profitable for his realm. And they concluded, that the king might conveniently aid her with Gold and Silver, which is the Metal that purchaseth both the love of the Gentleman and also of the soldier. And to this counsel and advice the king agreed: and caused this determination to be showed to the Queen privily by Sir Robert de Artoys, who at that time was one of the greatest Lords in all France. Now the Barons of England that were left, The Barons of England writ to the Queen over into France. considering that the Spencers had so drawn the king to do and consent to whassoever they required: and considering also how they had not only made away the greatest part of the Barony of England, but also kept those that remained in such fear and awe that they could bear no rule, nor be heard with the King by reason of their authority. Therefore the said Barons which were left, assembled themselves together, and with one accord, wrote over into France to the Queen of England, certefying her that if she could find the means to have any company of men of arms (if it were but to the number of a thousand) and to bring her son and heir with her into England: that then they would all draw to her, and obey unto her and her son Edward, and aid them with all their power, as they were bound to do of duty. The aforesaid letters being secretly sent unto her out of England, she showed them unto king Charles her brother: The French king giveth good words to the Queen his sister. Who answered her and said, Good sister, if God be your aid, your business shall prevail the better. Take of my men and subjects, to the number of that your friends have written unto you for, and I consent well to this voyage: I will 'cause to be delivered unto you, gold, and silver so much as shall suffice you. And herein the Queen had so travailed, what with her prayer, gifts and promises, that many great Lords and young knights agreed to bring her again into England. Then the Queen as secretly as she could, prepared for her voyage, and made her provision: But she could not do it so secretly, but that sir Hugh Spencer had knowledge thereof. Wherefore he thought to get the good will of the French king her brother from her, by gifts: And secretly he sent messengers into France, with great plenty of gold, silver and rich jewels, and specially to the king, Gifts corrupt the wise. and to his privy counsel: The which gifts took such effect, that in a short space, the French king and all his privy counsel were as cold and as strange to help the Queen forward in her voyage as though they had never talked of the matter. And the French king broke that voyage, and made proclamation, commanding all his subjects upon pain of banishment, that none should be so hardy, as to go with the Queen to bring her again into England. And besides this, the said sir Hugh Spencer practised more malice, The practice of Sir Hugh Spencer. and compassed and devised with himself a further mischief, which was, how he might bring to pass to get again the Queen into England, to be under the kings danger and his. And to bring this about, the said sir Hugh caused the king to write unto the Pope, effecteously desiring him that he would send and write to the French king, that he should sand the Queen his wife again into England. For he took God to record that it was not through his fault or occasion that she departed from him, for he intended nothing towards her, but love and good faith, as belongeth unto matrimony. Money is of so great a virtue that it corrupteth Popes. And he caused also like letters to be made to diverse of the Cardinals, wherein were practised many subtle devices, which were to long here to be rehearsed. And to such as were most nearest and about the Pope, he sent great plenty of gold and silver: insomuch, that they so travailed and prevailed with the Pope, that they caused him to writ unto the French king, that upon pain of cursing, he should sand his sister Isabel into England to the king her husband. These letters were brought unto the French king by the Bishop of Xayntes, The French king goeth from his word and is in displeasure with the Queen his sister. whom the Pope had sent in that legation. And when the king had read the letters, he caused them to be showed to the Queen his sister, whom he had not seen of a long space before, and now he commanded her forthwith to avoid his realm, or else he would 'cause her to avoid with shame. When this tidings was brought to the Queen, she was at her wits end, and knew not what to do, or what advise to take, for as then, all the Barons of France had forsaken her by the commandment of the French king, and so she was left all comfortless, A friend in need, is a friend in deed saving that her dear Cousin the Earl of Arthoys did secretly counsel and comfort her as much as he might, for otherwise he durst not, because the king had forbidden him: But he was fully persuaded that the Queen was wrongfully vexed and troubled. Thus was sir Robert of Arthoys at the Queen's commandment, but he durst not speak nor be acknown thereof. For he heard the king say and swear, that whosoever spoke to him for the Queen his sister, should loose his lands and be banished the realm. And he knew secretly how the king was in mind and will, to 'cause his sister to be taken, and Edward her son, and the Earl of Cave, and sir Roger Mortimer, and to put them all in the hands of the king, and of sir Hugh Spencer. Sir Robert de Arthoys a true & faithful friend to the Queen. Wherefore he came on a night and declared all this to the Queen, and advised her of the peril that she was in. Then the Queen was greatly abashed, and besought him with weeping eyes to give her his best counsel. Then he said, Madam I counsel you that you depart and go into the Empire, where as there be many great Lords, who may right well aid you, and specially the Earl Guillam of Henault, and sir john of Henault his brother. These two are great Lords and wise men, true, dread, and redoubted of their enemies. Then the Queen caused to be made ready all her provision, The Queen flieth out of France. and paid for everything as secretly as she might, and so she and her son, and the Earl of Cane, and all her company departed from Paris and road toward Henault, and so long she road until at the last she came to Cambresey. And when she knew that she was in the Empire, than she thought herself in some better assurance than she was in before: And so passed through Cambresey, & entered into Ostrenaunt in Henault, and lodged at Ambreticourt in a knights house, who was called sir Dambricourt, who received her right joyously in the best manner to his power. In so much that afterward the Queen of England and her son had the same knight and his wife and children with them into England and advanced them in diverse manners. And in this mean time (saith Polydore) Water Stapleton Bishop of Exeter, which hitherto had been with the Queen and was of her counsel in France, did privily fly from her into England unto the king, and revealed unto him all Queen Isabel's counsels and intents, the which his doings was the beginning of his mischief, as shall be showed. Sun after the coming of the Queen of England and her son into Henault, The coming of the Quens into Henault the same was well known in the house of the good Earl of Henault, who then was at Valenciens. And sir john of Henault was certified of the time when the Queen came to the house of sir Dambrecourt, the which said john was brother to the said Earl Guyllam. And the said sir john as one all young and lusty and desirous of honour, mounted on his horse back and departed with a small company from Valenciens, and came the same night to Ambreticourt, and did to the Queen all the honour and reverence that he could devise. The Queen, who was right sorrowful, declared (complaining most piteously) unto him with weeping eyes her miserable case, whereof the said sir john had great pity, The great friendship and gentleness of the good knight Sir john of Henault. so that the water ran out of his eyen, and said, fair Lady, behold me here your own knight, who will not fail to die for you in the quarrel, I will do the best of my power to conduct you and my Lord your son, and help to bring you into your estates in England by the grace of God, and with the help of your friends in those parties. And I and such other as I can desire, will put our lives and goods in adventure for your sake, and we will get men of war sufficient (if God be pleased) without the danger of the French king your brother. Then the Queen would have kneeled down for great joy that she had, and to have yielded thanks for the good will that he had offered unto her: But this noble knight took her up quickly in his arms, and said: By the grace of God, the noble Queen of England shall not kneel to me. But Madam, recomfort yourself and all your company, for I will keep you faithful promise, and ye shall go see the Earl my brother, and the Countess his wife, and all their fair children, who will receive you with great joy, for so I heard them say they would do. The Queen is greatly comforted by Sir john Heynault. Then the Queen said, sir I find in you more love and comfort then in all the world. And for this that you have said and affirmed unto me, I thank you a thousand times: and if you will do this that you have promised, in all courtesy and honour I and my son shall be to you for ever bound, and the whole realm of England shall consider your great courtesy and gentleness, and it is right that it should so be. And after these words, when they were thus agreed, sir john of Henault took his leave of the Queen for that night, and went to Dovaingue, and lay in the Abbey. And in the morning he took his horse, and came again unto the Queen, who received him with great joy: And before he came, the Queen had dined, and was ready to mount on her horse, and to go with him: The Queen used no delaying of her weighty affairs. And forthwith the Queen departed from the Castle of Dambrecourt, taking her leave of the knight, and of the Lady, and thanked them for their gentle entertainment, and said, that she trusted once that she or her son should remember well their courtesy. Thus departed the Queen in the company of Sir john Heynault, Lord Beaumont: The Queen is right honourably received by the Earl of Henault. who right joyously did conduct her to Valenciens: and to salute and welcome her, there came many of the Burgesses of the Town, and received her right honourably. And so was she brought before the Earl Guyllam of Henault, who received her with great joy, and in like manner did the Countess his wife, and feasted her right nobly. And at the same time the said Earl had four fair daughters, Margaret, Philip, jane, and Isabella. Among whom the young Prince Edward set most his love, and had to his company Philip, and also that young Lady was in all honour more conversant with him, than was any of her sisters. Thus the Queen of England abode at Valencians by the space of eight days with the good Earl, and with the Countess his wife, whose name was jane de Valois. The Queen applieth her business. In the mean season, the Queen prepared and called on for the setting forward of her business: and the aforesaid Sir john wrote letters very effectuously unto knights, and such companions as he trusted best in all Heynault, in Brabant, and in Behaigne, and prayed them of all loves and friendships that was between them, that they would go with him in this enterprise into England, and there came great numbers, what of one Country and other, that were content to go with him for his love. Sir john of Heynault is advised not to take this enterprise in hand, but his courage would forward, who ever said nay. But this said Sir john Henault was greatly discouraged, and counseled to the contrary both of the Earl his brother, and of the chief of the counsel of the country, because it seemed to them that the enterprise was right high and perilous, considering the great discord and hatreds that then were in England amongst the Barons themselves. And also considering that the Englishmen most commonly have envy at strangers. Therefore they doubted that the said Sir john of Heynault, and his company should not return again with honour. But howsoever they blamed or counseled him, the gentle knight would never change his purpose, but said that he had but one death to die, the which should be when and how as God would, and said moreover, that all knights aught to aid, to their powers, all Ladies and damoiselles, chased out of their own Countries, being both without counsel and comfort. Now this courageous and lusty knight assembled his people, and appointed at a day, the Henaultes to be ready at Hale, the Brabanders at Bredas', and the Hollanders at Durdright. The Queen departeth from the Earl of Henault yielding great thanks for her honourable entertainment. Then the Queen of England took her leave of the Earl of Henault, and of the Countess, and thanked them greatly for their honourable feasting and great cheer that they had made her, and kissed them at her departure. Thus the Queen with her son and all the rest of her company came forward with Sir john of Heynault, who with much ado gate leave to departed from his brother the Earl, saying unto him: my Lord and brother, I am young, How Sir john of Henault taketh his leave of his brother the Earl and I think that God hath provided for me this enterprise for mine advancement. I believe verily that wrongfully and sinfully this Lady hath been chased out of England, and also her son. It is almose and glory to God, and to the world to comfort and help them that are comfortless, and specially so high and noble a Lady as this is, who is daughter to a king, and descended of a royal king: we be of her blood, and she is of ours. I had rather renounce and forsake all that ever I have, & go serve God over the sea, and never to return into this country, rather than this good Lady should have departed from us without our comfort and help. Therefore dear brother, suffer me to go with your good will, wherein ye shall do nobly, and I will give you most humble thanks for the same, and my voyage shall be the more prosperous. And when the good Earl of Henault had well heard his brother, and perceived the great desire he had to this enterprise, and saw well it might turn him and his heirs to great honour hereafter, said to him. My dear brother, God forbidden that your good purpose should be broken or let: therefore in the name of God I give you leave, and kissed him, straining him by the hand, in token of great love. Thus he departed, and road the same night to Mounce in Heynauld with the Queen of England. What should I make long process, they made so speedy journeys, that shortly they came to Durdright in Holland, where they made their special assembly. And there they provided for ships great and small, such as they could get, and shipped their horses and harness and other provision, and committed themselves into the hands and defence of almighty God, and so took shipping, and set forward on their passage by Sea. The names of the Lords and knights that accompanied Sir john of Heynault. In this company there were of Knights and Lords: First, Sir john Heynault Lord Beamond, Sir Henry Dautonig, Sir Mighell de Lyne, the Lord of Gomegnes, Sir Percival de Semeries, Sir Robert de Bailleull, Sir Sampes de Bossoyt, the Lord of Vertoigne, the Lord of Pocelles, the Lord Villers, the Lord of Heyn, the Lord of Sars, the Lord of Boysiers, the Lord of Dambreticourt, the Lord of Sarmuell, and Sir Oulpharte of Gustell, and divers other knights and esquires, all in great desire to serve their master. Sir john Heynault and the Queen with their company is embarked toward England. And when they were all departed from the haven of Durdright, they were for their quantity a very fair fleet and well ordered, and the weather was fair, clear and temperate, and at their departing with the first flood they came before the dignesse of Holland. And the next day, they hoist up their sails and took their way in coasting Zealand, & their intents were to have taken land at Dongport, but they could not, God's secret & most wonderful work. for a tempest took them in the sea, that put them so far out of their course, that they witted not of two days where they were, wherein God wrought mercifully for them, for if they had landed where they purposed to have landed, they had been all lost, for they had fallen into the hands of their enemies, who knew well of their coming, & abode them there to have put them all to death. And it came so to pass that by the end of two days, the tempest ceased, and the mariners descried land in England, Queen Isabella the wife of king Edward the second and her son Prince Edward landed beside Harwiche. and thereunto drew right joyfully, & there landed on the sands without any haven or port, near unto Harwich in Suffolk, as the English chronicle saith, the xxiiij day of September 1325. and so tarried on the sands three days with small provision of victual, in that which time they unshipped their horse & harness, not knowing in what part of England they were, whether among their friends, or in the danger of their enemies. The fourth day they set forward in the adventure, desiring God to be their guide, and as people that had suffered cold and tempests, with hunger also and fear went weakly onward as well as they might. And thus they kept their course by hills and dales on the one side & on the other, until at the last, they found Villages, & a great Abbay of black Monks, the which was called S. Hamon, where as they three days refreshed themselves well. And then news was spread abroad through the realm, of the landing of the Queen and of her son, so that at the last it came to the knowledge of the Barons, by whom the Queen was called again into England, and they apparelled themselves in all haste to come to Edward her son, whom they would have to their sovereign Lord. And the first that came and gave them most comfort was Henry Earl of Lancaster with the wry neck, called Tort coll, who was brother to Thomas earl of Lancaster that was beheaded, as ye have heard before, who was a right virtuous & good knight as after ye shall here. How the Lords came to the aid of the Queen. This Earl Henry came unto the Queen with a great company of men of war. And after him came from one part & other, earls, Barons, knights, and esquires, with so many people that they thought themselves out of all perils, and their power still increased as they went. So soon as king Edward had knowledge of the landing of the Queen his wife, and of his son Prince Edward, and hearing also how the Barous and Nobles of the realm resorted unto her with great powers from all parts: The king being then at London, left the said City under the government and order of Master Walter Stapleton, Bishop of Exeter, who was now high treasurer of England, and the king himself accompanied with the Spencers, and a few other, taketh his way into Wales: But when he came to Bristol, he caused that town to be fortified, and committed the charge and custody thereof unto sir Hugh Spencer the elder, and the Earl of Arondell: and he himself with sir Hugh Spencer the younger, entered into the Castle, and fortified the same. The Queen hearing of the kings departing from London, did forthwith sand her letter to the Mayor and commonalty of the said City requiring of them aid to subdue the oppressors of the common wealth of the realm, and that they would see that the City of London & the Tower might be kept to the use of the Prince her son: and sundry other things were contained in the said letter, but for that the Copy that came to my hand seemed to contain diverse repugnaunces, I have therefore omitted the rehearsal thereof. After the receipt of this letter, Fabian saith, that Walter Stapleton, Bishop of Excester, to whom the custody and government of the City was committed, as aforesaid, sent to the Mayor of London to have the keys of the Gates of the City by virtue of his commission, which the Mayor, whose name was Hamond Chickwell, denied. But the Bishop used such stout words in the king's name, to the Mayor and Citizens, who had an evil opinion of him, for bearing with the Spencers, whom the people hated as evil as the Devil, and also for betraying of the Queen and Prince as is aforesaid, that the said Citizens in a rage and fury took the said Bishop the xiiij day of October, and him with two of his household servants beheaded at the Standard in Cheap in London, of the which two one was his brother, as appeareth by a monument in the Cathedral Church of Excester. And the same day, saith Fabian, was taken for a spy a Citizen called john Marshal, which favoured the Spencers party and was beheaded in the same place. And the dead corpse of the said Bishop and his two servants, & of Marshal were harried unto the Thames side, where the said bishop had begun to build a tower, and there in the rubbish or sand of the same, they buried the four bodies aforesaid. And Polidore saith that after the Citizens had this done with the Bishop, that then they went unto the Tower and possessed the same, and there killed and spoiled all the kings officers, and put in new officers giving them charge to keep the same for the Queen and her son the Prince's use. And when these things were done, the Mayor sent unto the Queen and her son three grave personages, and certified them of all that the Citizens had done, with promise that they would obey whatsoever should please the Queen and her son to command them, and that the City was quiet and at their commandment: The which message the Queen and her son accepted very thankfully, and suffered not the Messengers to departed unrewarded. The Queen and her Lords being thus assembled, as aforesaid, counseled and agreed among themselves to go the straight way to Bristol, where as the king was, who had with him the Spencers. The king & sir Hugh Spencer the younger glad to take the Castle at Bristol. The which was a good town and a strong, and well closed, standing on a good port of the sea, and a strong Castle, the sea beating round about it. And therein was the king, and sir Hugh Spencer the elder, who was above ninety years of age, and sir Hugh Spencer his son, who was the chief governor of the king, and counseled him in all his evil deeds. Also there was the Earl of Arondell, who had married the daughter of sir Hugh Spencer, & divers other knights and esquires attending and waiting on the kings Court. The Queen besieged the city of Bristol wherein the king was Then the Queen and all her company, the Lords of Heynault Erles and Barons, and all other English men, took the right way to the town of Bristol, and in every town where they entered, they were received with great feast and honour, and always their people increased, and so long they road by their journeys, that at the last they came to Bristol, and besieged the town round about as near as they might. But the king and Sir Hugh Spencer the younger held them in the Castle, and the old sir Hugh, and the Earl of Arondell abode in the town. And when the people of the town saw and considered what a power the Queen had, (for the greatest part of the whole power of England came with her,) and also perceived what peril and danger they themselves were presently in: They took counsel among themselves, and determined to yield up the town to the Queen, so that their lives and goods might be saved. And forthwith they sent to treat with the Queen and her counsel in this matter: But the Queen nor her Counsel would not agreed thereunto, without she might do with sir Hugh Spencer, and with the Earl of Arondell, what her pleasure was. When the people of the town saw they could have no peace otherwise, neither save the town, their goods, nor their lives, being in that distress they agreed to the Queen, and opened the Gates, so that sir john of Heynault, and all her Barons, knights, and Esquires, entered into the town, and took their lodgings within as many as might, and the rest without. Sir Hugh Spencer the elder and the Earl of Arondell are taken and brought before the Queen. Then sir Hugh Spencer, and the Earl of Arondell were taken, and brought before the Queen, to do her pleasure with them. Then also was brought to the Queen her own children, john her son, & her two daughters, which had been in the keeping of the said Sir Hugh Spencer: At the sight of whom the Queen much joyed, because she had not seen them long before. And at this time, it may well be conjectured, that the king and Sir Hugh Spencer the younger, The heavy & dangerous estate the king Edward the second and the young sir Hugh Spencer stood in. had great sorrow and care, to see that they themselves were fast enclosed, and that the greatest part of the realm turned to the aid and secure of the Queen, and to Edward her eldest son. Now when the Queen and her Barons, and all the company that came with her, were lodged at their ease, than they besieged the Castle as near as they might. And the Queen caused sir Hugh Spencer the elder, & the Earl of Arondell to be brought forth before her, The arraignment of Sir Hugh Spencer and of the Earl of Arondell. and her son, & before all the Barons that were present: and said, that she and her son would take right and law upon them according to their deserts. Then sir Hugh Spencer said, Madam, God be to you a good judge, and grant unto you good judgement: and if we cannot have it in this world, I pray God we may have it in another. Then stood forth a good knight called sir Thomas Wage which was Marshal of the Queen's host, and there openly he read and rehearsed their deeds in writing: and turned him unto another ancient knight, that he should prove him guilty, and to show his opinion what was to be done with those persons, and what judgement they should have for such offences. Then the said knight counseled with others, that is to say, with the Barons and Earls, and knights there present, and then he reported their opinions and judgements. The judgement given against Sir Hugh Spencer the elder and the Earl of Arondell. The which was, that they had well deserved death for their diverse and horrible deeds that they had committed, and to have judgement three manner of ways. First to be drawn, and after to be headed, and then their bodies to be hanged on a Gibbet. And as this judgement was given, so was it executed before the Castle gate of Bristol, in the sight of the king, and of sir Hugh Spencer the younger. 1325. And after this execution, the king and the young Spencer seeing themselves thus trapped and besieged, and being without hope of any comfort: In a morning betimes, they two with a small company entered into a little Vessel behind the Castle, The king and Sir Hugh Spencer the younger fled, but fortune favoured them not. thinking to have fled into the Country of Wales. And they were xj days in the ship, and enforced it to sail as much as they might: But whatsoever they did, the wind was so contrary unto them (for it seemed that God would so have it) that every day once or twice they were brought again within a quarter of a mile of the said Castle. At the last it happened Sir Henry Beamond, son to the Viscount Beamond in England (espying the said small Vessel so often to come before the Castle) to enter into a Barge and certain company with him, The king and Sir Hugh Spencer the younger taken. and rowed after this Vessel so long, that the ship wherein the king was, could not make any great way before them, but at the last they were over taken, & so brought again to the Town of Bristol, and delivered to the Queen and her son as prisoners. Thus it befell of this high and hardy enterprise of sir john of Henault and his company. A great enterprise of Sir john of Heynault a courageous and faithful knight. For when they came out of their country and entered into their ships at Durdright, they were but three hundred men of arms. And thus by their help and the Lords of England, Queen Isabella conquered again all her estate and dignity, and put unto execution her great enemies, to the great comfort and rejoicing of the greatest part of the realm. And when the king and Sir Hugh Spencer were brought to Bristol by the aforesaid Sir Henry Beamond. The king committed to the Castle of Barkeley. Then the king by the counsel of all the Barons and knights was sent unto the strong Castle of Barkeley, and put in good and honest keeping, for there were ordained people of estate about him and such as knew right well what they aught to do: But they were straightly commanded, that they should in no wise suffer him to pass out of the Castle. Then Sir Hugh Spencer the son was delivered to Sir Thomas Wage Martial of the host. These things done, the Queen set forward towards London, the chiefest City in England, and her grace and her son with all her host and company, took so their journeys, that at the last they came to the City of Harfford. And in all the way, Sir Hugh Spencer the younger lead about for wonderment, like a beast. Sir Thomas Wage had caused sir Hugh Spencer to be bound and to be set upon a lewd jade, and was lead after the Queen, and he had put upon him a Tabarte, such as Traitors & thieves were wont to wear, & thus he passed through the towns with Trumps & Pipes of Reeds blown before him, to do him the more scorn & despite. And when the Queen was come to Herfford, the Citizens received her very honourably with great solemnity. And there she and all her company remained & kept the feast of all Saints very royally, and the more bountifully and honourably it was done, because of her son and the strangers that were present. Now when this feast was done: then Sir Hugh Spencer the son who was nothing beloved, was brought forth before the Queen and all the Lords and knights. And before him in writing was rehearsed all his deeds, The arraignment & judgement of Sir Hugh Spencer the younger. unto the which he would make no manner of answer. And so was he then judged by plain sentence. First, to be drawn on a hardell with Tromps and Trumpets throughout all the City of Herfford, and after to be brought into the market place, where as all the people were assembled, and there to be tied upon an high ladder that every man might see him: & in the same place a great fire to be made, and there his privy members to be cut from him, and to be brent in the fire before his face. And then his heart to be drawn out of his body and cast into the fire because he had conspired treason and was a false traitor in his heart, and that by his Traitorous counsel and extortion the king had shamed his realm and brought the people thereof to a great mischief, for he had caused to be beheaded the greatest Lords of his realm, by whom this Realm aught to have been governed and defended. And he had so induced the king, that he would not see the Queen his Wife, nor Edward his eldest son, and caused him to chase them out of the realm for fear of their lives. And then his head was stricken off and sent to London, and so according to his judgement he was executed. After this execution the Queen and all her Lords took their way to London, whereof the Citizens both she and her son, were very honourably and joyfully received. Now after the strangers had been there feasted xu days, Sir john of Henault desireth licence to departed to his country. they, namely Sir john of Heynault and all his company, had great desire to return again into their own countries, for they thought they had well done their devoir and achieved great honour: and therefore took their leave of the Queen and of the Lords of the realm. But the Queen and the Lords entreated them earnestly to tarry longer, and chief that they should see what should be done with the king before they went. But the strangers had such mind home, that they would not be entreated to tarry any longer. And when the Queen and her counsel saw that, than yet she entreated Sir john of Heynault to tarry until it was past Christmas, and to retain with him such of his company as pleased him best. And he like a gentle knight would not leave to perform his service, The strangers departed, but sir john of Henault tarrieth. but courteously granted the Queen to tarry as long as it should please her, and he caused of his company such to tarry as he could entreat, which was but a few, for the rest would needs away, with the which he was displeased. When the Queen and her counsel saw that no entreaty could 'cause them to tarry any longer: Then she made unto them great cheer and feasts. And the Queen caused to be given unto them plenty of Gold and Silver for their costs and services, and also rewarded every of them with rich and goodly jewels, according to their estates and degrees, so as they all held themselves right well pleased and contented. And besides this, they had money for their horses, such as they would leave behind them at their own price, without any grudging. And thus Sir john of Henault abode still in England with a small company, but he was so beloved, chered, and feasted of the English men (who honoured him in the best manner that they could imagine) and recreated him with sundry disports and pastimes, that the time seemed the less unto him. And in like manner he was welcomed to the Ladies and Damosels: for at that time there was with the Queen many Ladies and Countesses, which came specially to accompany the Queen. Now after that the most part of the company of Henault were departed, and sir john of Henault Lord of Beamond tarried: The Queen discharged her army, and gave them leave to return home every man to his Country and place, saving certain noble men, which she still kept about her and her son as their counsellors, and all the other knights and gentlemen she commanded to return again at Christmas, at which time she promised to keep open household, and so she did. And immediately after the dispatch of these people, the Queen with her son, A parliament at Westminster. by the advice of her counsel summoned her high Court of Parliament at Westminster, which began the xuj day of january. And in this assembly it was declared that this realm could not continued without a head and governor: And therefore first they agreed to draw into articles the misgovernment of the king that was in prison, and all his evil doings, which he had done by evil and naughty counsel: And when the said articles were read and made known to all the Lords, Nobles, and Commons of the realm, than they consulted how the realm should be governed thenceforth: and after good deliberation and consideration of the aforesaid articles of the kings evil government, they concluded, that such a man was not worthy to be a king, nor to wear a crown royal. And therefore they all agreed that Edward his eldest son, who was there present, and was rightful heir, should be crowned king in steed of his father, so that he would take about him, sage, true, and good counsel, and that from thenceforth the realm might be better governed, then before it had been. And it was also agreed, that the old king his father should be well and honestly kept as long as he lived, according to his estate. And so soon as all things were concluded, as aforesaid, it was then further ordered & agreed, that during the Parliament time, Kenelworth Castle. a solemn message should be sent unto the king to Kenelworth Castle, to declare unto him not only the determination of the three estates concerning his deposing from the Kingdom, but also to resign unto him in the name of the whole realm, all their homages that before time they had done unto him. And to do this message there was assigned three Bishops, three Earls, two Abbots, two Barons, and two justices, with the speaker of the Parliament, whose name was sir William Trussell. And when these Messengers were come into the kings presence at Kenelworth aforesaid, the aforenamed sir William Trussell the xxv. day of january by the authority of his office in the hearing of the aforesaid Lords, used unto the king these words following. I William Trussell in the name of all men of this land of England, The deposition of king Edward the second. and speaker of the Parliament, resign to thee Edward, the homage that sometime was made unto thee, and from this time forth deprive thee of all kingly power, and I shall never be attendant unto thee as king, after this time. Now sir john of Heynault, who had remained with the Queen all the Christmas, and perceiving king Edward deposed, who had reigned king of this realm fully xviij years uj months, and odd days, desired licence of the Queen, Rewards given to sir john of Henault. and would needs departed, and could by no means be entreated to tarry any longer: Wherefore the Queen by the assent of her son and counsel gave unto him four hundredth marks sterling, of rent, heritable to hold of the king in fee, to be paid every year in the town of Bridges. This gift after the rate that money was then valued, which was at twenty pence the ounce, and our money is now valued at five shillings the ounce, was after that rate of our money now currant eight hundredth pound yearly. And likewise the Queen rewarded Philip of Chasteaux his chief Esquire and counselor, with one hundredth marks of yearly rent, to be paid at the aforesaid place. And also she delivered unto them great sums of money to pay for their costs and charges, when they were over the sea, beside many rich and massy Chains, and costly jewels, that she rewarded all the Gentlemen withal that came with him. And when this noble knight was ready to departed, the Queen caused him to be conducted with many noble knights and Gentlemen to Dover, and there delivered him and all his passage free. And to the Ladies that were come into England with the Queen, and namely to the Countess of Garennes, who was sister to the Earl of Bar, and to diverse other Ladies and Damosels, there were given many rich and fair jewels at their departure. King Edward kept in the Castle of Kenelworth. And here to end and finish this history of king Edward the second, ye have heard how he was deposed, and remained in the Castle of Kenelworth under the custody and keeping of Sir Henry earl of Lancaster, which was brother unto earl Thomas of Lancaster, that was beheaded at Pomfret. And Robert Baldock, who was the kings chancellor being a man of very evil name and fame, was committed to the prison of Newgate in London, where shortly after he died miserably. And the Earl john of Arondell was put to death at Herforde within four days after sir Hugh Spencer the son. Edward the third. AFter the deposition of king Edward the second, as before ye have heard, than Edward his son, begotten of Isabella the only daughter and child of Philip le Beaw the French king, was proclaimed king of England by the name of king Edward the third (his father yet living) the xxuj day of januarij .1326. and was crowned at Westminster upon Candlemas day then next following, being then of the age of xu years. In his beginning, saith Fabian, chanced many good haps, for the earth became plenteous, the air temperate, and the Sea had quietness, and to the Church grew peace. And first he confirmed the liberties and franchises of the City of London, and ordained that the Mayor for the time being should sit in all places of judgement within the liberties of the same for chief justice, the kings person only except. And that every Alderman that had been Mayor, Every Alderman that hath been Mayor, is a justice in London and Myddlesex, and every other Alderman to be a justice of peace in his own Warde. should be justice in all London, and Middlesex, and every Alderman that had not been Mayor, should be justice of peace within his own ward. And also he granted to the Citizens, the Fee farm of London for three hundred pound by the year, & that they should not be constrained to go out of the City to fight or defend the land for any need. Also that after the day, the franchises of the City should not be seized into the king's hands, but only for treason & rebellion done by the whole City. And at that time also Southwark was admitted to be under the government and rule of the City, and the major of London to be Bailyfe of Southwark, and the Mayor to choose under him such a bailiff of that Borough as him liketh, the which ordinance endureth to this day. About the month of April, many great and sundry suits were made for the releasing of king Edward that was in prison. But among all other, the Freer preachers, commonly called the Black Friars, laboured most earnestly for him, and practised sundry devices both by night and day which way to get him out of prison. And among the company that the Friars had privily procured & brought, there was one Friar called Dunhed, which should have been the chief captain and worker of their enterprise, but he was bewrayed and taken, and then put into the Castle of Pomfret, and there he died in prison. Shortly after, sir Henry earl of Lancaster that had Edward the kings father in keeping, did by the commandment of the king deliver the said Edward by Indenture to Sir Morice of Barkeley. The old king is removed to Barkley Castle. And then Sir john Matreuers and the said Sir Morice led him to the Castle of Barkeley, and kept him there safely. And often times while the king was there imprisoned, he would say unto his keepers. What have I trespassed Isabella my my wife or Edward my son which now is made king, that none of them will come and visit me? And then his keepers answered, my worthy Lord be not offended that I tell you a truth: the cause is, for that they are certified, in this wise, that if the Queen your wife came any thing near you, that ye would strangle and kill her. And that ye would do likewise to the king your son. Then answered he with heavy cheer: alas, alas, am not I here in prison, & at your own will? and God I take to witness I never thought it: But I would to God I were dead, for than were I passed all my trouble. And shortly after, the king through the counsel of Sir Roger Mortymer, as saith Caxton in his Chronicle (which he calleth the Fruit of Time) granted the keeping and guard of Sir Edward his father unto Sir Thomas Toiourley, and to the aforesaid Sir john Matreuers by his letter sealed, and clearly discharged the aforesaid Sir Morris of the keeping of him. And then they took and led the king unto the Castle of Corfe, The old king is removed to Corfe castle. the which Castle the king hated to the death: But other writers say, that he was brought to the Castle of Barkeley, but what Castle soever it was, there, saith mine Author, they kept him until September next following. And then the aforesaid Sir Roger sent a letter unto them, Sir Roger Mortimer devised the manner how king Edward should be put to death. signifying how and in what wise he should be put to death. And anon after that the aforesaid Thomas and john had received the letter, and considered the contents thereof, they made the king good cheer and good countenance at his supper, when he thought lest of the purposed treason. And when bed time came, the king went to his bed and say and slept soundly. And he being in his sound sleep, these traitors and false forsworn persons against their homage and fealty, came privily into his Chamber, and their company with them, The manner how king Edward was murdered. and laid a great Table upon his belly, and with strength of men at all the four corners pressed it down upon his body, wherewith the king awoke and being sore afraid of death, turned his body, so that then he lay grovelling. Then these murderers took a horn and thrust it up into his fundament as far as they might, and then took a hot burning Spit, and put it through the horn into his body, and in the end killed and vilely murdered him: but yet in such wise, that after his death it could not be perceived how he came by his death, but being dead he was after buried at Gloucester. Now, saith Froissart, after the departure of Sir john of Heynault, the young king of England, and the Queen his mother governed the realm by the counsel of the Earl of Kent Uncle unto the king, and by the counsel of sir Roger Mortimer, of whom mention is made before in the xvij year of king Edward the second, the which Mortimer was taken when the Barons and Lords were taken, as aforesaid, and he was no small doer among them, and therefore was committed to the tower of London, where in the beginning of August next following, by the mean of a sleeping poison or drink that he gave to his keepers (as the common fame went) he escaped, and went with the Queen into France, and returned again with her, as before you have heard. And besides these counsellors, the king used much counsel of Sir Thomas Wage, Sir Thomas Wage a grave counsellor. who was accounted for a very sage and grave counsellor, but these counsellors were not without some enemies, as few counsellors are (as saith Froyssart) the which commonly happeneth, not only in England, but also in all other countries. About this time, Robert le Bruise king of Scots, who had been hardy and suffered much travail against English men, and oftentimes in the life of king Edward the first, Grandfather to this young king Edward the third, he had been chased and discomfited, and was now become very aged, and sick (as it was said) of the great evil and malady: He now hearing of the troubles of late happened in England, and of the deposing of the old king, and also of the putting to death of certain of his counsellors (as before you have heard) thought a meet time for him to enter this realm, and to invade the same, and the rather because king Edward the third was young. And therefore about Easter in the year of our Lord .1327. he sent his letters of defiance unto the aforesaid young king, Robert le Bruise king of Scots. sendeth letters of defiance to king Edward. sending him word how that he would enter into the realm of England, and burn before him as he had done before time, at such season as the discomfiture was at the Castle of Estrevelyn, where the English men received great damage. When the king of England and his counsel perceived that they were defied, they caused it to be known over all the realm, and commanded that the Nobles, and all the other should be in a readiness, every man after his estate by ascension day next after, at the City of York. The king sent much people before to keep the frontiers against Scotland, Sir john of Heynault: sent for to aid king Edward. and with much speed he sent a great Ambassade to sir john of Heynault, praying him right effectuously that he would aid him, and accompany him in this voyage against the Scots, and that he would be with him at York the day before appointed, with such company as he might get of men of war in those parts. When sir john of Henault Lord of Beamond heard the kings desire, he sent straight his letters, and his messengers into every place where as he thought to recover or attain any company of men of war. And shortly to tell, the said sir john Henault made such speed that he landed at Dover, accompanied with a great number of valiant knights, to the number of five hundredth men of arms, whose names for tediousness I overpass, and within three days of Whitsonday, he with all his Lords and knights came to York, where the king and his mother then were, being accompanied with all their Nobles, and a great host tarrying the coming of sir john of Heynault: Sir john of Heynault and his company are heartily welcomed to the king and Queen. But the king had sent many of his Lords and men of arms and common people before, and lodged them five or six mile before him. And when sir john of Henault was come to the king and Queen, he and his Lords and knights were most joyously received, and heartily welcomed. And such as came with sir john of Henault, were lodged in the Suburbs of the City of York, and sir john Henault himself was lodged in an Abbey of white Monks, where he and his household remained. And the king of England the better to feast and entertain the strange Lords and knights, held a great feast on Trinity Sunday in the Friars, The king feasteth the strangers. where he and the Queen his mother were lodged, keeping their house each of them apart. At this feast the king had there beside his Nobles, five hundredth knights that gave their attendance upon the strangers, and likewise had the Queen above lx Ladies and Damoselles, and all to cheer sir john Heynault and the strangers. There might have been seen much nobleness: And there were Ladies and Damosels freshly appareled ready to have danced if they might have had leave. But such was the unhappy chance, the incontinent after diver there began a great fray between some of the grooms and pages of the strangers, A lewd and unhappy fray. and of the Archers of England, which were lodged among them in the said suburbs: And anon all the Archers assembled them together with their Bows, and drove the strangers home to their lodgings. And the most part of the knights and Masters of them were as then in the king's Court: But assoon as they heard tidings of the fray, each of them drew to their lodgings in great haste, so many as might enter, & such as could not get in, were in great peril. For the Archers who were to the number of three thousand shot fiercely, sparing neither masters nor varlets. And it was thought and supposed that this fray was begun by some of the friends of the Spencers and of the Earl of Arondels, who were put to death before by the aid and counsel of Sir john of Henault, as is aforesaid, and as then thought to be somewhat revenged by setting of discord in the host. And the Englishmen that were Hosts to these strangers, shut fast their doors & windows, and would not suffer them to enter into their lodgings: Howbeit some gate in on the backside and quickly armed themselves, but they durst not issue out into the street for fear of arrows: Then the strangers breaking out on the backsydes, broke down Pales and hedges of Gardyns and drew them into a certain plain place, and there tarried for their company, till at the last they were an hundredth men of arms and more, and as many more unharnessed, which could not get into their lodgings. And when they were assembled together, they made speed to secure and relieve their companions who defended their lodgings in the great street. And as they went forth, they passed by the lodging of the Lord of Denghyen, where as there was great gates both before and behind opening into the street, and the Archers of England shot fiercely at that house, and there were many of the Henawdes hurt. But finally the Archers that were at that fray were discomfited and put to chase, and there were of them dead in that place about the number of three hundred, The strangers were in great fear of the Englishmen. & as the report was, they were all Lincolnshiremen. But continually after this fray the strangers were in great fear. And the king was greatly offended therewith, but the numbers were so great, and the tales so diverse of the beginning of this Fray, that no certainty was had, neither might the king as then go about the examination thereof. And after this fray they sojourned and remained in the same place the space of three weeks, but the strangers being afeard of the Englishmen, did in the mean time make many good devices and ordinances for their own safeguard. And at the end of three weeks, The king with his army setteth forward into Scotland. knowledge came from the king to the Marshals of the host, that the next week every man should provide for Cartes and Chariots with Tents and Pavilions to lie in the field, & for all other necessaries thereunto belonging, to the intent to draw into Scotland. And when the time came, the king of England and his host heard of the fires that the Scots made daily in England, for the Scots unknown to the king's army were gotten over the river of Tyne and were entered into England: The Scots came o●er the river of Tyne, and so entered into England, and our army nothing priu●● thereunto. But the king with all his power in all possible haste followed them, and hunted them from town to town, and from mountain to mountain, and from place to place, from day to day, and week to week, by the space of v. weeks and when the king thought himself most sure of them and had hedged them in, they escaped at Midnight and were gone where the king could not follow them, for his people, were tired, and the ways were over such mountains and thorough marshes and such cumbersome places that he lost both many of his people and also of his carriages. The king of England returneth without doing ●●●e thing in Scotland. And so this puissant army, which was divided into three battles, wherein were xxx thousand armed men, and xxiiij thousand Archers, beside two wings, wherein were five hundredth goodmen of arms, returned home again with evil luck, and did nothing at all worthy the writing. But surely it was a very chargeable army unto the king and the realm, The greatness and strength of the army of England. for besides the provision of all the Englishmen and their munition, the very charges of Sir john Henault and the strangers that came with him were so great, that the king lacked money presently to pay them, and Sir john of Heynault took upon him to promise' the payment thereof, which, as Froissart saith, was paid within one year following, every man according to his own asking. But the evil hap of this journey, was imputed to Sir Roger Mortymer who afterward was charged therewith as ye shall here. Now after the return of the king out of Scotland, Sir john of Heynault taketh his leave of the king. and breaking up of the said war, the gentle knight sir john of Henault took his leave of the king and Queen, and departed with all his men of arms into their country. And shortly after, the king and the Queen his mother, the Earl of kent his Uncle, the Earl of Lancaster, and sir Roger Mortimer, An Ambassade sent unto sir john Heynault for a marriage to be concluded for king Edward with his brother the Earl of Henaultes daughter named Philip. who then bore the chief rule of this realm under the king, and all the Barons of England with the advice and consent of the kings Counsel, sent a Bishop and two knights bannerets, with two notable Clerks, to Sir john of Heynault, praying him to be a mean that their Lord the young king of England might have in marriage the youngest daughter of the Earl of Henault his brother, named Philip: for the king and all the Nobles of the Realm desired rather to have her then any other Lady, chiefly for the love they bore unto the said Sir john of Henault. And when the Ambassadors were come to Sir john of Henault (who right gently and honourably entertained them) and that they had showed their message and ambassade unto him. He then (after that he had feasted them and made unto them great cheer) brought them to Valenciens to the Earl his brother, who also right honourably received them, and made unto them marvelous great and costly cheer, which were to long here to rehearse. But when they had expressed and showed the content of the message or ambassade unto the Earl. The Earl said, Sirs I thank greatly and most heartily the king your Prince, and the Queen his mother, and all the Lords of England, for that they have sent such sufficient persons as you be, to do me such honour as to treat for the marriage, to the which request I do right well agreed, if our holy father the Pope will consent thereunto. With the which answer the Ambassadors were right well content, and forthwith they sent two knights, and two Clerks to the Pope to avignon to purchase a dispensation for this marriage. For without licence they might not marry, because they were of Kin in the third degree, for their two mothers were cousin germans, and issued of two brethren. And to be short, the licence was granted, and the Messengers returned and brought the same from the Pope, unto Valenciens, and then was this marriage concluded on both parts. And the marriage was forthwith made, and solemnized by procuration from the king of England. And after the solemnity thereof, and the feasts ended: this young Queen came onward of her journey, and took shipping at Wisant, and safely arrived with all her company at Dover. And sir john of Henault her Uncle did conduct her to the City of London, where she was most honourably and triumphantly received. Froissart. But Fabian saith, this marriage was solemnized in York. Now when all things were finished that belonged to the receiving of the young Queen, than sir john of Henault Uncle to the Queen, took his leave of the king and the young Queen, and also of the old Queen, and of all the Lords and Barons of England, and so departed towards his country, being conducted to the See with the company of divers and sundry Lords. Soon after his departure, the king at whitsuntide following called his high Court of Parliament at Northhampton. A parliament at Northhampton. At the which Parliament (as saith Fabian) by the evil counsel of sir Roger Mortimer, & the old Queen, (as the common fame and report was) the king made with the Scots an unprofitable and a dishonourable peace, A dishonourable peace made with the Scots. to endure three years. For first, he released unto them their fealty and homage, and he delivered unto them their old and ancient writings, sealed with the Seals of the kings of Scots, and of diverse Lords of the land, both spiritual & temporal, with many other Charters and patents, Ragman. namely one called Ragman, by the which the King of Scots bond himself and them to be Feodaries to the Crown of England. At the which time also were delivered certain jewels, which before times had been won from the Scots by kings of England, and among other, the black cross of Scotland is chiefly named. And not only the king by this doing lost the right and title that he had to the realm of Scotland, so far as he could pass from it, but also all the Lords and Barons, and all other men of England that had any lands or rents within Scotland, lost their right in like manner, except they would devil upon the said lands, and become the king of Scots liege men. And shortly after was concluded a marriage, between David le Bruise, son of Robert le Bruise, and jane the kings sister, which of divers writers is surnamed johan of Towers. Shortly after, there was another Parliament holden at Salisbury, or rather Sarisbury, at the which Parliament sir Roger Mortimer was made Earl of March against the mind and will of all the Barons, A parliament at Sarisbury and sir john of Eltham the kings brother, was made Earl of Cornwall: To the which Parliament, Henry earl of Lancaster would not come. Wherefore the king was brought in belief, that he meant evil towards him, and that he purposed the destruction of his person. For the which, the king by the mean of sir Roger Mortimer, caused to be assembled a great host, and made towards Bedford, where Earl Henry lay with his company. Then the Earl Marshal, and the Earl of Kent, made a peace between the king and the Earl of Lancaster: on whose part was sir Henry Lord Beamond, sir Fouke Fyzwayn, sir Thomas Rocellyn, sir William Trussell, sir Thomas wither, and about an hundredth knights, who all were exiled and banished England, by the counsel of Queen Isabella, and the Earl Mortimer. For the said Mortimer was covetous, and thought to have obtained all their lands. This year Robert le Bruise the false king of Scots died of a leapory, leaving behind him his son David of the age of eight years, whom the Scots received willingly for their king. Sir Edmond of Woostock earl of Kent apprehended. Also about this time (as saith Fabian) sir Edmond of Woodstock earl of Kent, supposing that his brother king Edward the second had been alive, (for so he was informed,) and minding a reformation of the misorder of the realm, wrote certain letters unto him, containing devices for his delivery, and sent them unto him: Of the which doing he was shortly after accused, by the procurement of sir Roger Mortimer, who aught him malice. And by authority of parliament holden at Winchester, about Whitsuntide following, he for that deed was adjudged to have his head smitten off, which execution was done in the said City of Winchester the xxv day of May following. But Froissart saith, he was beheaded the ten day of October. And not long after saith he (it was openly reported) that Isabella the kings mother was with child by Mortymer: and how that the said Mortymer had caused the king to put to death his Uncle without reasonable or just cause, for all the realm accounted him for a noble and good man. The xu day of june was borne the kings first son at Woodstock, and was named Edward, which in process of time did grow to a noble and famous man, and was in his days accounted the Flower of all Chyvalrye throughout all the world, and also some writers name him the black prince. In this time the king held his high Court of Parliament at London (as saith Fabian) during which time the king caused Sir Roger Mortymer Earl of March to be apprehended at Nottyngham, and brought to London. And before the Lords and nobles were expressed and declared in writing, the wickedness and offences of the said Mortymer. Then the king demanded of his counsel what should be done with him: And all the Lords by one assent gave judgement and said, he hath deserved to die the same death that Sir Hugh Spencer the son died. And after this judgement there was no sparing, respite or delay could be granted: but incontinent, The like judgement that Mortimer procured for Spencer the younger he tasted now of himself. he was drawn on a hardell through London, and then set on a Ladder, and his members cut from him, and cast into the fire, and his heart also, because he had conspired treason, and then quartered, and his quarters sent to four of the best Cities of the realm, and his head set upon London Bridge. Thus far Froissart. But Fabian saith, he was charged and condemned for sundry articles, whereof he maketh mention of five especial, which follow. 1 First, that Sir Edward of Carnarvan, Articles alleged against sir Roger Mortimer. which was King Edward the second, was by his means, by most tyrannous death murdered in the castle of Barkeley. 2 The second, that to the kings great dishonour and damage, the Scots by his means and treason, escaped from the king at the Park on Stanhope, which then should have fallen in the king's danger, if the said Roger had not favoured them. 3 The third, that he for the execution of the said Treason, received of the captain of the said Scots, named Sir james Douglas, great sums of money: but another writer saith, he received twenty thousand pound and also that he had for like meed, to the great dishonour of the king, and hurt of this realm, concluded a peace between the king and the Scots, and caused to be delivered unto them, the Chartre or Indenture called Ragman, with many other things, to the Scots great advantage, and to the great dishonour of the imperial state of this realm of England. 4 The fourth, he was charged, that by sinister and unlawful means, contrary to the king's pleasure and will, or assent of the Lords of the king's counsel, he had gotten into his possession much of the king's treasure, and that he had prodigally and unskilfully wasted and spent the same. By reason whereof, the king was in necessity and driven perforce to assay his friends. 5 The fift, that he had impropered unto him divers wards, belonging unto the king, to his great gain, and the kings great hurt: and that he was more secret with Queen Isabella the king's mother, than was to God's pleasure or the king's honour. Sun after this, the king by the advise of his counsel, The Queen committed to prison. commanded that the Queen his mother should be kept close in a Castle, and to have appointed to attend upon her certain Ladies and damozels, and knights and Esquires according to her estate, and certain lands were assigned wherewith to maintain her noble estate during her life: But special commission was given, that she should not depart out of the Castle, unless it were to see such sports as sometime were showed before the Castle gate for her recreation. Thus this Lady led there her life meekly, and once or twice a year the king her son came to visit and see her. In this year, saith Polidore, john Archbishop of Cauntorbury assembled his clergy together at a Synod holden at London, in the which after divers abuses removed, and other good things restored in their places, he then and there among other things, by the consent of the said Synod, excommunicated all those, whatsoever they were, generally, that were guilty of the death of Walter Stapleton Bishop of Excester, or did procure or consent to the same, or laid any hands upon him. The which manner of doing seemeth somewhat strange to me, for the said Stapleton as before ye have heard was put to death by the Citizens as an enemy to the Queen, and was also the same year and in the first Parliament that king Edward the third held, attainted of high treason by name, with the two Spencer's afore mentioned, but I leave this to the consideration and judgement of the reader. And Polidore saith moreover, that the said Stapleton Bishop of Excester peradventure did foresee that he could not long continued in the service of princes with the safety of his life, and therefore (when he had time) he builded at Oxford two notable houses, Excester College. that should endure many hundreds of years, whereof the one to this day is called Excester College, and the other is called Hearts hall, Hearts hall. in the which he placed a number of scholars, with right worthy and good maintenance. Now after that the king had caused to be done the aforesaid executions, he chose unto him new counsellors of the noblest and sagest persons of his realm. And toward the end of this year Philip Valois, being newly crowned king of France, all the Barons of his realm came to him to do their homage and Fealty, and likewise did all other noble personages that held of him, except the king of England, who had not done his homage for the Duchy of Guyan, neither was he summoned thereunto. Wherefore, the French king by the advise of his counsel, sent as an Ambassade into England, the Lord Auycenes, the Lord Beausalt, and two noble Clerks Masters of the Parliament of Paris, whose names were, Master Peter of orleans and Master Peter of Masiers. These four departed from Paris, and came into England to the king then being at Wyndsore. The king of England for the honour of the French king his Cousin, caused them to come into his presence, and received them honourably, and then they published their message unto the king. And the king answered that as then the nobles of his realm was not about him, neither was his counsel then present, wherefore he prayed them to resort to the City of London, and thereto stay awhile, and they should have answer to their contentation. And so they dined in the kings Chamber, Ambassadors sent from the French king to king Edward to demand homage for the Duchy of Gutan, and after departed, and lay the same night at Colbroke, and the next day at London. And shortly after, the king came to his palace at Westminster where he assembled all his counsel: And thither came the French Ambassadors, and there again declared the occasion of their coming, and delivered their letters. Then the king and his counsel went aside into the counsel Chamber, and counseled what was to be done. And they agreed that the Ambassadors should be answered by the ordinance and style of his predecessors, by the Bishop of London. Then were the Frenchmen called into the counsel Chamber. The Bishop of London then said, An answer made to the Ambassadors by the Bishop of London. ye Lords that are here assembled for the king of France. The king's grace my sovereign Lord hath heard your words and read the tenor of your letters. And for answer, we say unto you, that we will counsel the king our sovereign Lord here present, that he go into France to see your master his dear Cousin, who right lovingly hath sent for him. And as touching his faith and homage, he will do his devoir in every thing that of right he aught to do. And ye may show unto the king your master, that with in short space that the king of England our master will arrive in France, and there to do all that reason shall require. Then these Messengers, after they had been feasted, and that the king had rewarded them with great gifts, and rich jewels, they took their leave, and at the last came to Paris to king Philip, to whom they declared their answer and message: Whereof the French King was right glad and joyful, when he understood of the kings coming, for he was very desirous to see him, because he never saw him, and yet was his near Cousin and kinsman. Then the French king caused this to be spread abroad throughout all France. Then Dukes, earls, and other Lords appareled and appointed themselves in their best manner. And the French king wrote his letters to king Charles of Behaygne his Cousin, and to the king of Naverre, certifying them of the day and time when the king of England would be in France, desiring them to be with him at the same day and time, and so they came with a great array. Then was it counseled the French king, that he should receive the king of England at the City of Amyas, and there to make provision for his coming: There were halls, Chambers, Hosteries, and lodgings made ready, and appareled to receive them all and their company. And also for the Duke of Burgoyne, the Duke of Bourbon, the Duke of Loreyn, and Sir john of Arthoys. There was provision made for a thousand horse, and for six hundredth horse that should come with the king of England. The young king forgot not his voyage into France, King Edward goeth into France. and being furnished of all thing meet for him and his train, he departed out of England, accompanied with three Bishops, four Earls whose names were, Henry Earl of Derby, the Earl of Salisbury, the Earl of Warwick, and the Earl of Herfford, and six Barons, the Lord Reignold Cobham, the Lord Thomas Wage Martial of England, the Lord Percy, the Lord Manney, and the Lord Mowbray, and more than xl knights, so that the king and his company were above a thousand horse, and the king was two days in passing between Dover and Wysant. Then the king and his company road to Boleyn, and there tarried one day, and this was about the midst of August. And anon tidings came to king Philip of France, how the king of England was at Boleyn. Then the French king sent his Constable with a great number of knights to meet the king of England, who then was come to Mountrell, and there were great embracings and showings of friendship on both sides, from thence the king of England, now being accompanied with the Constable of France and other French Lords, and his own Lords, road forward so long until they came to the City of Amyas, where the French king, and the king of Bohaingne, the king of Mailorgues, and the king of Naverre, being well appointed, were ready to receive him, with many other Dukes, earls, and Barons. For there were all the twelve Peers of France, ready to feast, and to cheer the king of England and his Nobles, and also to be there in peaceable manner to bear witness of the king of England's homage. And thus the king of England being nobly and honourably received, tarried and was feasted with these kings, and other Princes in Amyas xu days. And in that mean time, there were sundry ways devised how the king should do his homage, but so far (saith Froissart) as I could learn, the king of England made his homage unto the French king, only by word and not by putting of his hands between the French kings hands, nor none other Prince nor Prelate limited nor appointed to do it for him, neither would the king of England do his homage any otherwise, King Edward did homage to the French king for the Duchy of Guyan, but was determined rather to return again into England. And there was read openly the privileges that of ancient time were granted, the which declared how and in what manner the king should do his homage to the French king, and what service he should do him. Then said the French king: Cousin, we will not at this time any further trouble you, for that ye have now done, contenteth us well, until ye be returned home again into your realm, and that ye have seen under the seals of your predecessors, how and in what wise ye should do your homage. And shortly after, the king of England took his leave of the French King, and of all the other Princes that were there, and departed very lovingly, the one embracing the other. Then the King made haste homeward, and with good speed returned into England, and so to Windsor, where of the Queen he was received right joyfully. Then she demanded how her Uncle the French King did, The king giveth a great commendation to France. and her Kinsfolks that were about him. The King showed her all that he knew, and of the great cheer & honour that he had there, and said that in his opinion, there was no Realm to be compared to the Realm of France. A new Ambassade sent out of France to king Edward for the doing of his homage for the Duchy of Guyan and Aquitaine. It was not long after, but that the French King sent a new Ambassade to the King of England, who were certain of his privy counsel, as the Bishop of Charters, the Bishop of Beawoys, the Lord Lewes of Cleremount, the Duke of Bourbon, the Earl of Hercourt, and the Earl of Tankeruile, with diverse other Knights and Clerks, who, as aforesaid, were sent to the King, and to the Counsel of England, which was then holden and kept at London, about the performance of the kings homage, whereof ye heard before. Now when the King of England and his counsel had well considered the manner of his predecessors in doing their homage for the Duchy of Aquitaine (although there were many in England that murmured and said, that the King their Lord was nearer by succession unto the crown of France, than Philip of Valois that was now French King) yet the King nor his counsel would not know it at this time, nor speak a word thereof, but the counsel and assembly aforesaid had much ado about this homage. And they were so long in the matter, that the Ambassadors were enforced to tarry here all the Winter until May following, before they had any answer definitive. But finally the King with the advice of his counsel, upon the sight of former presidents, to the which they gave great credit, did determine to writ letters in the manner of patents, sealed with his great seal, knowledging therein the homage that he aught to do to the French King, as in Froissard ye may read more at large. The king of England was now informed that king David of Scotland, who had married his sister, was seized of the town of Barwike, the which aught to appertain to the realm of England, for king Edward the first, his Grandfather, had it in his peaceable possession. Also the King was informed that the realm of Scotland should hold in chief of the Crown of England: The king of Scots is summoned to come and do his homage to the King of England for the kingdom of Scotland. and how the young king of Scots had not as then done his homage. Wherefore the King of England sent his Ambassade to the King of Scots, desiring him to make deliverance of the town of Barwike, for it pertained to his heritage. And also that they should summon the said king of Scots to come unto the King of England, and to do his homage for the realm of Scotland. Then the King of Scots took counsel how to answer this matter. And at the last, he answered the Ambassadors and said, sirs, The answer of the king of Scots. both I and all the Nobles of my realm marvel greatly of that ye have required us to do, for we find no ancient record that the realm of Scotland should be subject to the realm of England, neither by homage, nor other ways: neither did the noble King our father any homage unto the Kings of England, for any war that was made unto him by any of them, and no more do I purpose to do. And as for the town of Barwike, our father conquered it by force of arms against king Edward your kings father, and by right held it all the days of his life, as his good heritage, and we purpose to the best of our power to do likewise. Notwithstanding, we require you Lords to be means to the King your Master, whose sister we have married, that he will suffer us peaceably to enjoy our franchises and rights, as his ancestors have done here before. Then the Ambassadors answered and said, sir we have well understand your answer, and we will declare it unto the King our Lord. And so took their leave and returned into England to the King, and declared their answer, wherewithal the King was nothing contented. Then the king summoned a Parliament to be holden at westminster, A parliament holden at Westminster. where all the nobles and wise men of this realm were assembled, to determine what was meetest to be done in this matter. And they concluded, that it was not for the kings honour to bear those injuries and wrongs that the Scots did daily unto him, and they besought him to provide his force and strength of men of war, to attain thereby the Town of Barwike, and to enter into the realm of Scotland with such force, that he should constrain the king of Scots to be glad to come and do his homage. And all the nobles and commons of the Realm of England said, they would gladly and willingly go with him in that journey. A great preparation against Scotland. And for their good wills the king thanked them and prayed them to be in a readiness, & at a day assigned to be together at New Castle upon Tyne. And then every man went home and prepared for that journey. A defiance made to the Scottish king. Then the king sent other Ambassadors to the king of Scots sufficiently to summon him: and that if he would not be otherwise advised, than the king gave them full authority to defy him. Sun after the day of the assembly of the kings host drew on, at the which day the king with all his army arrived at New Castle upon Tyne, and there tarried three days for some of the army that were not come. And the fourth day he departed with all his power toward Scotland, and passed through the lands of the Lord Percy, and of the Lord Nevell, who marched on the Scots, and so did the Lord Rosse, and the Lord Ligye, and the Lord Mowbray. Then the king with his army drew near to Barwike, for the king of Scots made none other answer than he did at the first, wherefore they summoned him, & then openly defied him. And so the king of England tarried not at Barwike, The king entereth into Scotland with a great power but went forward into Scotland and burned the Country as he went. In the which journey he wasted & destroyed all the plain country of Scotland, & brent and destroyed many towns and villages & took the strong castle of Edynborough and set therein a garrison. Ederbrough castle taken. And then he passed over the second river in Scotland, & ran over all the country thereabout to Scone, and destroyed the good town of Donfremlyn, Dondy & Dombritayne, and many other, for there were no Scots that would appear before the Englishmen, Gedworth Forest. for they were fled into the Forest of Gedwoorth with all their goods and they cared not much for that they left behind. And it was no great marvel though they were thus driven, for the king of Scots was but xu years of age, and the Earl of Morrey was but young, and the Nephew of William Dowglas, that was slain in Spain, was also of the same age. So as at that time the realm of Scotland was unprovided of Captains. Now when the king had run over all the plain Country of Scotland, and had tarried there the space of uj Months, and saw that none would appear against him: Then he strengthened and furnished certain Castles that he had won, thinking by them to make war to all the other. And afterward he withdrew himself fair and easily toward Barwike, where the king laid his siege round about, and said he would never depart thence until he had won it. But after many assaults and sharp skirmishes had with the Scots for such as kept the Town defended the same manfully, yet at the last they yielded the Town to the king conditionally that they might have their lives and goods saved, and that the soldiers might depart into their Country without any damage. And then the king entered into the Town with great solemnity, Barwike yielded to the king. and tarried there twelve days, & made Captain there sir Edward Bailleol, whom also he made king of the Scots, and betook the government of the whole realm unto him. And when the king had thus set all things in good order, he returned to London, where he was right joyfully received and saluted of all his people. And thus at this time the king wan the greatest part of Scotland, as saith Froyssart. In the mean while that the king prepared the aforesaid voyage and army into Scotland, it chanced sir Robert de Arthoys, who was one of the noblest men in France, upon displeasure had between him and the French king, Sir Robert earl of Arthoys flee out of Fr unce to the king of England for succour. to fly out of France and came into England to the king disguised in a Merchants apparel. This Sir Robert was he, of whom before ye have heard, that in the great distress of the Queen and her son, being in France with her brother the French king, she found him an especial friend and helper unto her, and it was his counsel that she passed into Henault, where she was relieved and by the good help of the gentle knight Sir john of Henault was restored to the quiet state and possession of the crown of England. And at the coming of the said Sir Robert, Sir Robert of Arthoys made Earl of Richemond. the king received him right joyfully, and retained him as one of his counsel and to him assigned the earldom of Richemond. This knight having a sentence passed against him of the earldom of Artoys, and the same given from him to jone Countess of Artoys by the French king and his nobles, The cause why sir Robert fled out of France. was with that sentence so sore displeased, that he said openly against the French king: By me he was made a king and by me he shall be dismissed again. For the which words when they came to the kings understanding, he caused the said Sir Robert to be proclaimed an enemy unto the Crown of France, whereupon he fled, as is aforesaid. During the time of the aforesaid voyage into Scotland, and the king having with him the aforesaid Sir Robert, who went with him all that journey, the said Sir Robert was often times in hand with the king (espying the Country of Scotland to be barren and beggarly) to leave his wars in that country, and to claim his right and lawful inheritance of the crown of France, and the whole realm of the same, which justly and rightly did belong and appertain unto him, but the king gave no ear thereunto. The king this year in Winter, in the month of November went again toward Scotland, and kept his Christmas at York. And after that feast, he went into Scotland, where he laid siege to the Castle of Kylbrydge, Kilbridge Castle besieged. and at the last wan it by strength and then he set the country in some quietness, and after he returned to New Castle upon Tyne, and tarried there a certain of time, and kept there his Whitsontyde with great royalty. Edward Bailioll king of Scots doth his homage to king Edward for the kingdom of Scotland. And within short space after, thither came Sir Edward Bailioll king of Scots, and the xix day of june made his homage unto king Edward for the kingdom of Scotland, in the presence of many of the nobles of both the realms, and swore unto him fealty and fidelity. And that being done, he returned into Scotland, and king Edward went unto York and so to Wynsor. Then were all such Lords of England as before time in King Edward the seconds days, deceased of such lands as they held in Scotland, restored again to their possessions, and for them made their homage unto the king of Scots, saving their allegiance unto their sovereign Lord. Fabian. Now shortly after, certain Ambassadors were sent from the French king, as the Bishop of Thuroyne and the Lord of Ferrey, and Peynguy for to conclude certain articles of variance, between their Lord and the king of England. But this purpose took none effect, saving that the king granted to sand unto the French king shortly after, certain of his Lords to have further communication with him touching the said articles. And this year the king kept his Christmas in the Castle of Rokesborough in Scotland, which Castle he caused to be newly repaired. And when he had set such things in order as before he purposed: Ambassadors sent unto the French king for the conclusion of a peace, but it took no effect. Then he returned again into England. And soon after he sent the Archbishop of Cauntorbury, Sir Philip de Montague & Sir Geoffrey Scrope, into the realm of France, to the intent to have concluded an amity between him & the French king, which before in the last year was moved by the French Ambassadors. But when these said Lords were landed in France, they were long delayed before they could come to the kings presence, in somuch that they said plainly unto such Lords of France as were by the French king assigned to pass the time with them, that they supposed that it was not the king's pleasure to speak with them. By mean of which words, they were shortly after brought unto the kings presence, of whom they were received with joyous countenance, and so continued a certain time in furthering of their Ambassade, so that at the last, a conclusion of peace between England and France was agreed upon, so far forth as the same should have been published the next day in Paris by proclamation. But how the French kings mind altered, the English Ambassadors were scantly returned unto their lodgings, but they were sent for again, and further informed, that the French kings pleasure and mind was, to have David late king of Scots to be included within the same peace, and that he should again be restored unto his Kingdom. Whereunto it was answered by the English Ambassadors, that their commission stretched not so far, neither that their Prince had given them any such authority. Wherefore all the former communication was revoked and annulled, and they returned into England without making any conclusion. I find written in an old English Chronicle, which beareth the name of one Robert of Auesbury, that this King Edward the third, did about this time change and advance his coin, The coin advanced. that is to say, from twenty pence the ounce sterling, unto xxv pence the ounce, which maketh of currant money the pound weight of silver xxv shillings, and before it was currant for twenty shillings. War proclaimed between France and England. Now for somuch as no conclusion of peace might be had between the French king and the king of England, war was proclaimed upon both parts, the which war was greatly procured by sir Robert of Arthoys, for as saith Froissart, he was ever near about king Edward, and always counselling him to defy the French king, who kept his heritage from him wrongfully. Of the which matter the king oftentimes conferred with his privy counsel, for gladly he desired to have obtained his right, but the mean to come by it was very difficult and chargeable. And he also considered with himself, that to make a claim to the Crown of France, and not to go through with his claim, it should be better for him to say little, and to be still, rather than to make a great stir, and then nothing should follow nor come of it that should be to any purpose: And therefore after certain meetings and conference upon this matter, his counsellors answered him saying: Sir the matter is so weighty, and of so high an enterprise, that we dare not speak therein, neither to give you any counsel. But sir, if it may please you, we think it were meet that you sent sufficient Messengers well informed of your meaning to the Earl of Henault (whose daughter ye have married) and to sir john of Henault his brother, who hath valiantly served you at all times: And to desire them in the way of amity and friendship, to give you their counsel in this matter, for they know better what is meet for such an enterprise than we do: And sir, if they agreed to your intent, then will they counsel you what way you shall work, and what friends you were best to make. The king when he had heard the advise of his counsellors, and had well considered the same, he thought well of it, and judged it to be a good way of entrance unto his enterprise: Ambassadors sent to the Earl of Henault. and forthwith the King appointed the Bishop of Lincoln, and with him two bannerets, and two Doctors to do this message. And they made them ready and took shipping, and arrived at Dunkirk, and road through Flaunders, until they came to Valenciens, where they found the Earl lying in his bed sick of the Gout, and with him sir john his brother. And after the Earl understood their message, he answered and said. As help me God, if the king might attain his desire, I would be right glad thereof, for I had rather the wealth of him that hath married my daughter, then of him that never did any thing for me: Though I have married his sister. And to say truth, I have no cause to do for him, for he letted the marriage of the young Duke of Brabant, which should have married one of my daughters, wherefore I will not fail to aid my dear and well-beloved son the King of England, and counsel him to the best of my power, and so shall john my brother do, who hath served him or this. Howbeit, he must have more help than ours. For Heynault is but a small country in respect of the realm of France, and England is far off to aid us. Then said the Bishop, we thank you on our masters behalf, for the comfort that ye have given us: Now we heartily desire you to give our master counsel what friends he were best to labour unto for his aid. The Earl of Henault giveth counsel to king Edward. Surely said the Earl, I cannot devise a more puissant Prince to assist him then the Duke of Brabant, who is his Cousin germane: and the Bishop of Liege, the Duke of Guerles, who hath married his sister. The archbishop of Coleyn: the Marquis of Iullers, Sir Arnolde de Baquehen, and the Lord of Falkemount. These Lords are they that may make most men of war, in shortest space of any that I know: they are good men of war and they may well make ten thousand men, so that they have wages thereafter. After that the Earl had thus declared his mind of the best ways to enter into the said enterprise, the aforesaid Ambassadors returned into England, and so to the King, and showed him all that the Earl had said, & counseled. At the which message the king did greatly rejoice, and took much comfort. And shortly after, the king appointed ten bannerets, and xl other knights, and sent them in Ambassade to Valenciens, A great Ambassade sent to the earl of Henault. and with them went the bishop of Lincoln to treat with the Lords of the Empire, such as the Earl of Henault had named. And when these Ambassadors were come to Valenciens, each of them kept a great estate and port, and spared no cost, no more than if the king of England had been there in proper person, whereby they did get great renown and praise. The French, king sendeth a crew of Soldiers to aid the Scots against king Edward. Now while these things were thus in compassing at Valenciens: The French king sent a crew of Soldiers into Scotland to aid the Scots against the English men: By reason whereof the Scots made sharp war upon the king of England's subjects and friends, and put the land to great vexation and trouble, insomuch that the king was enforced to assemble his power, and to speed him again thither. About midsummer the king entered Scotland by Sea and warred upon the Scots and French men, at which time the king subdued his enemies and had the victory and took divers prisoners. The Earl of Moret a French Lord taken prisoner. Among the which one called the Earl of Moret a Frenchman, was chief, which afterward was delivered in exchange for the Earl of Namur, another French Lord. The Scots again did homage unto King Edward. When King Edward had now again pacefied the Scots, and had taken homage of such as before rebelled, he then established again the aforenamed Edward Baylioll as king of Scots, and committed the rule of the land unto him as before times he had done. Then the King of Scots and the nobles for the great kindness they had found in the King, and partly in recompense of the great charges which he sundry times had been at, in the defending and ordering of that realm, granted and bound themselves unto him and to his heirs, kings of England, that they would aid and assist him against all princes. The Scots make a larger offer unto king Edward, then ever they purposed to perform. And whensoever he or any king of England had war, either within his own land or with any other prince: The Scots of their proper expenses and charges should find him three hundredth horsemen well armed, and a thousand footmen well and substantially furnished for the war, the which xiij hundred men the Scots should wage for a whole year. And if the king of England ended not his war within the year, than he to hire and wage the said Scots as he did his other soldiers. And soon after that these grants and agreements were made, the king returned into England. About this time the French king, having purposed a journey into the holy land against the Turck, The French king purposed a journey into the holy land. and for the furniture of that journey having made such provision as never christian prince had done the like before, and unto the same journey requesting the company and aid of the king of England, who, as aforesaid, was otherwise minded and occupied: and having also prepared for his said voyage at sundry ports, as Marcile, Aquis Mortuis, Narbone and Mountpillier such a number of Vessels, Ships, Carickes and galleys, as were sufficient to pass over three hundred thousand men of arms, which ships also were most plentifully furnished with Biscuit, Wine, fresh Water, salt Fish and all other victuals necessary for the aforesaid number of men of war for the space of three years. And moreover, having obtained by his Ambassadors of the king of Hungary (who not a little rejoiced at that message) that he would be in a readiness, and open the passages and straights of his Country, that the kings soldiers and army (whom he called the Pilgrims of God) might quietly pass through. And in like manner sending to the King of Cypress, to the King of Cicille, to the Venetians, to the Genoese and to all the Cities that were situate upon the river of Geane, and having answer of them all, that they were ready to obey. And the said French King being answered by the great Prior of France, whom he had sent to the Isle of Rhodes, and also to the Venetians to provide in the Isle of Crete which was under their signory, for the receiving of him, his associates and army, that all things were prepared and in a readiness. About this time, I say, news came unto him of all the King of England's intent and purpose against the realm of France, and of the assembly of king Edward's Ambassadors, who at that time were with the Earl of Henault, and of all their counsels and devices. Whereupon this voyage to the Turks was utterly dashed and all the former travails and provisions came to nothing, neither could he abide to here of them, but bent himself wholly to make defence against the King of England, who purposed the invasion of his realm, and to make claim thereunto as right inheritor to the same, as after more at large shall appear. In this mean time the kings Ambassadors which were sent into Henault as aforesaid, so applied their Ambassade, that they had obtained the good will and favour of all, or the greatest part of those persons whom the Earl of Henault thought meet to be laboured unto for the aid of the king in this enterprise. And to bring the same to a full conclusion and effect, King Edward goeth over into Flaundyrs to ally himself with as many friends as he could make. King Edward himself went over into Flaundyrs and there allied himself with jaques Dartuell governor of all Flaundyrs, and then came to Andwarp in Brabant, where he kept a most honourable estate and royal household, and thither came unto him people from all parts, to see him and to behold the great estate that he kept. And during the time of his abode there, King Edward kept an honourable estate in Andwary in Brabant. he sent for his Cousin the Duke of Brabant, and the Duke of Guerles, the Marquis of Iullers, the Lord john of Henault, and all such as he trusted to have any comfort of, and they all came unto him between Whitsontyde and midsummer. And when the king had well feasted them, he desired to know their good wills towards him, and when they would be in a readiness: for said he, I am upon the promise of your good wills come hither myself, & not only remain here at great expenses, but also the season and convenient time of the year passeth away, therefore I pray you to let me know your minds. They altogether answered, that they were at that time come only to see his grace, and not to determine any thing: but they would return home and speak with their several counsels, and within three weeks next following to make direct answer what and when they would attend upon his enterprise. And about the time of their appointment, they sent answer unto the King that they and all their men which they had promised were in a readiness, so that the Duke of Brabant would be ready for his part: So that the King was enforced once again to talk with the Duke of Brabant, who for that he had before made promise to the French king, that though the king of England were in his Country, whom he might not deny, because he was his Cousin Germayne, yet he would in no wise conclude any amity or friendship with him against the said French King, with much ado at the last agreed to aid the king of England, but first he desired that he might once again speak with the aforesaid Lords: and he sent for them & after long communication, they agreed and made unto the King of England this answer: we have (said they) assembled and conferred together, and we cannot consider any lawful cause that we may defy the French King: But if your grace can obtain the favour and good will of the Emperor, who may command us, than we will be ready: And the Emperor can no less do, considering how that many years past, there was a covenant sworn and sealed, that it should not be lawful for the French King to make war, or by any means to apprehended or take into his possession any thing appertaining to the Empire: and it is evidently seen and known that Philip now French king hath taken the Castle of Creuecure in Cambresey, and the Castle of Alues in Pallieull, & also the City of Cambrey, and therefore the Emperor hath good cause to defy him, and then will we be ready. The king then considering with himself how far he had enterprised, and seeing now his purpose would come to none effect, unless he followed the determination and devices of the said Lords, did therefore with all speed sand his Ambassadors unto the Emperor, with whom the said Lords, for that they did bear unto the king right true and hearty good will, sent also Ambassadors of their own, the which might more certainly declare their good meanings towards the king of England, if it might please the emperors Majesty to licence them thereunto, and so much was done therein, and chief by the labour of the Lady Margaret of Henault, whom Sir Lewes of Bauyer being Emperor had then married, that the Emperor granted a commission unto four right honourable personages, and unto two Doctors which were of his privy counsel, King Edward was made Vicar general of all the Empire. to authorize and make king Edward of England his Vicar general throughout all the Empire, and of the same the Lords abovenamed had instruments and Seals sufficiently authorized by the Emperor. In this mean while, king Edward considering his great charge of wars that he had continually with Scotland: But chiefly and most specially foreseeing the great and inestimable charges that must follow of this his enterprise in France, did gather in England by divers and sundry means great and inestimable sums of money, so that for lack of money in this realm of England (as saith Fabian) victual came to such reasonable cheapness and price, Lack of money causeth plenty & good cheap of Victuals. that at London a quarter of wheat was sold for two shillings, and a fat Ox for uj shillings and eight pence, a fat sheep for uj pence, and uj Pigeons for a penny, a fat Goose for twopences, a fat Pig for a penny, and so all other victual after the same rate. And in this twelve year of his reign, he held his Parliament in England at Westminster, wherein great sums of money were granted unto him for the maintenance of his wars. And so soon as the same Parliament was finished, and that he had put the realm of England in good order, he then returned again into Flaundyrs, and at the last stayed at Lovayne Castle in Brabant, where he attended his answer from the Emperor, and also expected the coming of the former Lords. And king Edward being in the Castle aforesaid, kept there an honourable and Princely house, and sent into England for the Queen, for that he purposed not to return into England until he had done some notable act in France. And in the aforesaid Parliament there was made an act for the reformation of apparel, A reformation of fond apparel. and good cause there was that it should so be, for the people did exceed marvelously, not so much in costly and chargeable apparel, as in fond and foolish apparel, for, as saith Caxton in his Chronicle, called the fruit of time, The Englishmen (saith he) so much followed and counterfeited the madness and the folly of the strangers, that from the first coming in of the Henaultes, they daily changed their apparel, sometime long and wide, and at another time, cutted, short and straight, and altogether unseemly and unhonest. And the apparel of the women was more fond than the men. For their clotheses were made so strait to their bodies, that they were feign to sow Fox tails under their clotheses, for to set forth and hide their buttocks, the which foolish pride the Scots derided, and made foolish times and jests of them. In the month of November next following, the king sent first to the Duke of Brabant, and then to all the other Lords that were allied unto him, desiring to know of them where their place of meeting and Parliament should be kept and holden: And the Duke of Brabant answered, it was best to keep it at Arques in the County of Loz. And then the King sent thither, and caused the great hall of the town to be appareled and appointed in as rich manner as if it had been the kings Chamber. And there the King sat crowned with a crown of Gold, five foot higher than any other, Letters patents granted by the Emperor unto king Edward the third openly read to the Lords of the Empire. and there was read openly the letters of the Emperor, by the which the King was made Vicar general, & Lieutenant for the Emperor, and had power given him to make laws, and to minister justice to every person in the emperors name, and to coin money of Gold and Silver. And it was further ordered and commanded by the Emperor, that all persons of his Empire, and all other his subjects should obey to the King of England his Vicar, as to himself, and to do him homage. And forthwith there was claim and answer made between parties as before the Emperor, and order and judgement given. And when all these things were done, the Lords took a day that they all would appear at Cambray (which town was then French) three Weeks after Midsummer next following, and then every man departed to his own. King Edward as Vicar of the Empire, went then to the Castle of Lovayne to the Queen his wife, who was newly come thither out of England with great nobleness, and well accompanied with beautiful Ladies, and goodly damozels of England. King Edward coined both Gold and Silver at Andwary. And there the king and the Queen kept their house right honourably all that Winter, and caused great sums of money, both of Gold and Silver to be coined at Andwarpe. The French king being now credibly informed that king Edward would enter the realm of France to make war upon the same, did therefore make great provision to resist him: For the common fame was then in France, that king Edward intended not only to claim Gascoyn and Guian, but also all France as his proper and rightful inheritance, as in the right of his mother. Wherefore the French king assembled an huge host, and committed the government thereof unto the king of Nauerne, and to the Earl of Alencon, brother unto the said French king: The which said Captains with their people awaited daily the king of England's coming, who disappointed them for that year. And this year it is noted that the king granted, Maces of silver and gilt. that the Officers of the Mayor and Sheriffs of London, should from that time forth use Maces of Silver and parcel gilt. Now when the Winter was passed, and the Summer come, Midsummer which was the time appointed drew near. And the Lords of Almain that were allied with king Edward, began to set forth themselves to accomplish their promise. And in like manner the French king, who understood most of king Edward's doings, made marvelous great provision to meet him, and to withstand him. King Edward's power out of England came to Villenort by sea. But King Edward caused first his provision for men of war that came out of England to pass by Sea, and they were with him anon after Midsummer, and he himself lodged at Villenort, and there caused as many of his people as he might, to be lodged in the town, and the rest lay along on the river side in Tents and Pavilions, and there he tarried from the midst of july until the eight day of September, ever looking for the Lords of the Empire, specially for the Duke of Brabant, on whose coming all the other waited. And when the King of England saw that they came not, he sent great and honourable Messengers to every of them, summoning them to come as they before had promised, & to meet him at Machlyn at a day appointed, and then to show him for what occasion they tarried so long. Thus king Edward lay at Villenort, and kept daily at his cost and charge, xiii. hundredth men of arms, and ten thousand Archers that came over the Sea, beside all other provisions, and beside the great rewards that he had given to the Lords, and beside the great Armies that he had upon the Sea. The French king on his part, had set Scots, Genoese, normans, Britons, Picardes, and spaniards to be ready on the Sea, to enter into England assoon as the war was opened. In the end, the aforesaid Lords at the summons of the king of England came unto him to Machlyn, as he had appointed them, but not without much business: But at the last they agreed, that the king of England might well set forward within xu days next after. And to the intent their war should be the more laudable, they agreed to send every of their defiaunces to the French king: Special defiaunces sent to the french king. that is to say. First the king of England, than the Duke of Guerles, the Marquis of Iullers, Sir Robert de Arthoys, Sir john of Heynault, the Marquis of , the Marquis of Blanquebource, the Lord of Falquemount, Sir arnold of Baquehen, the archbishop of Coleyn, Sir Galeas his brother, and all other Lords of the Empire. These defiaunces were written and sealed by all the Lords (except the Duke of Brabant) who said he would do his deed himself at time convenient. To carry these defiances into France, was appointed the Bishop of Lincoln, who carried them to Paris, and there did his message in such sort, that he was much commended, and had his safe conduit to return safely unto the king of England to Machlyn. Lionel the kings third son borne in Andwary. In this mean time Queen Philip the wife of king Edward, lying at Andwarpe, was brought a bed and delivered of a man child, which afterward was named Lionel. Immediately after the defiaunces were made and sent, as aforesaid, the French king stirred not a little, but gathered unto him an innumerable number of people, and tarried with them at Amias, from the end of August unto the beginning of October. And when he saw that king Edward came not, he divided his great host, and sent many of them home to their own houses, and the other he placed in divers Castles, and Forts thereabouts, to let the passage of king Edward into France. And in this time also the French king had sent divers Ships unto the Sea with men of war for to take the English Merchants, and other that came in their course. And it so chanced, that they encountered with two great Ships of England called the Edward and the Christopher, the which (as saith the French Chronicle) were freight with great richesses, and also well manned. Assoon as either of them was ware of the other, Gonnes went off, and Bows and Arblasters shot, so that between them was a mortal and cruel fight, but not equal. For of the Frenchmen were xiij sails great & small, and of the English men but five, that is to say, these two great ships, two Barks and a carvel, and the three small ships escaped by swiftness of sailing, but the two great abode, and fought more than ix hours, King Edward lost two of his great ships. insomuch as there were slain upon both parts above uj hundredth men: But in the end the said two ships were taken, and brought into the French kings streams, and many of the English men that were wounded, were cast into the Sea. And soon after the said French navy landed at Southhamton, Southampton brent. and brent and spoiled the town, and so departed. Assoon as king Edward had brought all things into a readiness, he set forward toward his purposed journey into France, and first passed from Machlyn unto Bruzelles, and all his people passed by the Town, and thither came to king Edward twenty thousand Almains. And then the king sent once again to the Duke of Brabant, to know whether he minded to go to Cambrey, or whether he thought it good to leave it. And the Duke answered, it was best to go to Cambrey, and that assoon as he heard that he had besieged the Town, he would come thither with twelve hundred spears of good men of war. Then the king passed forward, and the first night came to Nyvell, and there lay one night, and the next day removed to Mons in Henault, and there he found the young Earl of Heynault, who received him right joyously, and remained with him two days, and from thence removed to Valencianes, and he and only twelve with him entered the Town, and no more persons, and thither was come the Earl of Henault and Sir john of Heynault his Uncle, and the Lord of Faguynelles, the Lord of Verchyn, the Lord of Haureth, and divers other who were about the Earl their Lord. And the king and the Earl went hand in hand to the great Hall of the Town, which was appointed and apparelled meet for them. And as they went up the steyres of the Hall: Summons. The Bishop of Lyncolne who was there present, spoke out a loud and said: William Bishop of Cambrey, I admonish you as procurer to the king of England, Vicar of the Empire of Rome, that ye open the gates of the City of Cambrey, and if ye do not, then shall ye forfeit your lands, and we will enter by force. There was none that answered to that matter, for the Bishop was not there present. Then the Bishop of Lyncolne said again, Earl of Heynault, we admonish you in the name of the Emperor, that ye come and serve the king of England his vicar before the City of Cambrey, with such number as ye aught to do. The Earl who was there present, said, with a right good will I am ready. And then they entered into the Hall, and the Earl brought the king into his Chamber, and anon Supper was ready. The next day the king departed and went to Asper and there tarried two days, and suffered all his people to pass forward. And then they came to Cambraye and lodged at Wis, Cambrey besieged. and besieged the City of Cambray round about, and daily his power increased. Thither came the young Earl of Henault in great array, and Sir john his Uncle, and they lodged near to the king, and so did the Duke of Guerles and his company the Marquis of , the Earl of Mouns, the Earl of Savynes, the Lord of Falquemount, Sir Arnold of Bouquehen, with all the other Lords of the Empire, such as were allied with the king of England. And within uj The Duke of Brabant sendeth his defiance unto the French king. days next after the siege was laid to the City of Cambrey, the Duke of Brabant came thither with ix C. spears, beside other soldiers. And assoon as he was come, he sent to defy the French king, who was then at Compeigne. The siege aforesaid thus continuing, daily assaults and skirmishes were made, and many good feats of arms done: But in the end the soldiers of Cambrey so valiantly defended the City that it was thought but time lost to continued the siege any longer, & namely they perceived Winter to approach, and that as yet they had done nothing, but had lain at great expenses and charges, wherefore the king determined to break up the siege, and to enter into France, and so caused the Lords to dislodge and truss up their Tents and Pavilions, and all manner of armour and so departed toward Mount S. Martin, the which was at the entry of France, and thus they road forth in good order, and passed the river of Lescault at their ease. And when the Earl of Heynault had accompanied the king unto the departing out of the Empire, and that he should pass the river and enter into the realm of France: Then he took his leave of the king and said he would ride no farther with him at that time, because king Philip the French king was his Uncle, and that he would not have his evil will, and therefore he did say that he would now go and serve the French king in France, as he before had served the king of England in the Empire: And thus the Earl of Henault and the Earl of Namure forsook the king and departed from him and all their people with them, ready to serve the French king, as aforesaid, against king Edward. But King Edward with those that remained with him passed forward into France, wasting, spoiling and brenning the Country as they went, and at the last came so near the French army, that they were within two leagues the one army of the other. And the French king having lx thousand men and more in his army, Vyronfosse. and coming to a place called Vyronfosse (and knowing the king of England to be at hand as aforesaid) said that he would not go thence until he had fought with the king of England and with his allies. The king of England understanding the mind of the French king, demanded of his Lords what he should do, (his honour saved): for he said that he minded to give the French king battle. Then the Lords beheld each other, and they desired the Duke of Brabant to say first his mind. The Duke said that he was of that mind to give battle, for else said he, they could not save their honours: And therefore he counseled that Heralds should be sent to the French king to demand a day of battle. The which request the French King granted and named the day, which was within two days after. And when knowledge thereof came to the Lords of both the hosts, they much rejoiced, and the next day following they prepared all thing in readiness. The English army put themselves in three battles. And when the day came, both the hosts apparelled and appointed themselves to fight, in order following And first we will speak of the Englishmen, they drew them into the field, and made three battles on foot, The first battle. and did put all their horses and baggages into a little wood behind them, and fortified it. The first battle was led by the Duke of Guerles, the Marquis of , the Marquis of Blanquebource, Sir john of Heynault, the Earl of Mouns, the Earl of Savynes, the Lord of Falquemount, Sir Guillam du Fort, Sir Arnold of Baquehen and the Almains, and among them was xxij Banners and lx Pennons, and in the whole eight thousand men. The second battle had the Duke of Brabant, The second battle. and the Lords and knights of his country. First the Lord Kiss, the Lord Bergues, the Lord of Bredangh, the Lord of Rhodes, the Lord of Vaucelare, the Lord of Borguynall, the Lord of Stonevort, the Lord of Wyten, the Lord of Elka, the Lord of Cassebegne, the Lord of Duffle, Sir There of Valcourte, Sir Ralph of the Grease, Sir john of Cassebegne, Sir john Filife, Sir Giles of Cotereby, Sir Water of Hotebergue, the three brethren of Harlebecque, Sir Henry of Flaundyrs, and divers other Barons & knights of Flaundyrs, who were all under the Duke of Brabant's Banner, as the Lord of Hallen, the Lord of Guyten, Sir Hector Villains, Sir john of Rhodes, Sir Valflart of Guystell, Sir William of Strates, Sir Goswyn de la Mule and many other. The Duke of Brabant had xxiiij Banners and lxxx Pennons, and in all vij thousand men. The third battle, and the greatest had king Edward, The third battle. & with him his cousin the Earl of Derby, the bishop of Lincoln, the bishop of Durham, the Earl of Salisbury, the Earl of Northhampton, & of Gloucester the Earl of Suffolk, sir Robert de Arthoys who was then Earl of Richemond, the Lord Reynold Cobham, the Lord Percy, the Lord Roose, the Lord Mowbray, sir Lewes, and sir john Beauchamp, the Lord Delaware, the Lord of Laucome, the Lord Basset, the Lord Fitzwater, sir Water many, Sir Hugh Hastynges, sir john Lisle, and divers other that I can not name, and among other was sir john Chandos, of whom much honour was spoken. The kings battle at Viron fossae. The King had with him xxviij Banners, and xc Pennons, and in his battle uj thousand men of arms, and uj thousand Archers. And he had set another battle as in a wing, whereof the Earl of Warwick, the Earl of Pembroke, the Lord Barkeley, the Lord Multon, and divers other were chief, and they were on horseback. Thus when every Lord was under his Banner as it was commanded by the marshals: The king of England mounted on a Palfrey, being accompanied only with sir Robert de Arthoys, sir Reynold Cobham, and sir Water of many, road along before all the battles, and right gently and earnestly desired all his Lords and others, that they would that day defend his honour, and the honour of England, and they all willingly promised him so to do. Then he returned unto his own battle, and set every thing in good order, and commanded that none should go before the Marshal's Banners. Now let us speak of the Lords of France, what they did. In the army of the French King, were. CCxx. Banners, four kings, The French kings army at Viron fossae. five Dukes, xxuj. Earls, and more than four thousand Knights, and of the Commons of France, more than lx thousand. The Kings that were there with the French King, were the King of Behayne, the King of Navarre, and the King of Scotland. The Duke of Normandy, the Duke of Britain, the Duke of Burbone, the Duke of Loreyne, and the Duke of Athenes. Of Earls, the Earl of Alencon brother to the French King, the Earl of Flaundyrs, the Earl of Henault, the Earl of Bloys, the Earl of Bar, the Earl of Forestes, the Earl of Foys, the Earl of Armanack, the Earl dolphin of Awergne, the Earl of Longuile, the Earl of Stamps, the Earl of Vandosme, the Earl of Harecourt, the Earl of Saint Paul, the earl of Guisnes, The Earl of Bouloigne, the Earl of Roussy, the Earl of Dampmartyn, the Earl of Valentynoys, the Earl of Aucer, the Earl of Saucer, the Earl of Genue, the Earl of Dreux, and of Gascoigne, and of Languedocke, and so many other Earls and viscounts, as were to long to rehearse. It was a beautiful sight to behold the Banners and Standards waving in the wind, France is of great power. and horses richly barded, and knights and esquires richly armed. The French men ordained three battles, and in every Battle xu thousand men of arms, and twenty thousand footmen. Now when both the armies aforesaid were thus in a readiness to give battle, and each of them within sight of other, it was marvelous strange that they both departed without any stroke stricken. But the French men were not all of one mind. Some said it were a great shame if they fought not, seeing their enemies were so near them in their own Country, & ranged in field: And some other said, it should be a great folly to fight, for it was heard to know every man's mind and jeopardy of treason, for they said, if fortune were contrary to their King, as to lose the field, he then should put all his whole realm in a jeopardy to be lost. Many heads many wits And though he did discomfit his enemies, yet for all that, he should be never the near of the realm of England, nor of the lands appertaining to any of the Lords that were allied with him. Thus contending among themselves, the day passed until noon, and then suddenly their started a Hare in the French army, and such as saw her, made a great shout and cry, by reason whereof, they that were behind, thought that they that were before were a fighting, and therefore put on their helmets, and took their spears in hand: And forthwith were made diverse new knights, Knights of the Hare. and specially the Earl of Heynault made xiiij who were ever after called knights of the Hare. And thus the battle stood still all that day, and at night, the French King dislodged his army, and departed into France. A costly journey to small effect. And in like manner king Edward broke up his army, and departed into Braband, and so this journey ended. Now when king Edward was returned into Braband, he went straight unto Brussels, where the Duke of Guerles, the Duke of Iullers, the Marquis of Blanquebource, the Earl of Mouns, Sir john of Heynault, the Lord of Falquemount, and all the Lords of the Empire, such as had been in the former journey, did there take advice and counsel what should be more done in the matter that they had begun. A parliament holden at Brussels. And for the more expedition to be had in the cause, they ordained a Parliament to be holden at Brussels, and to come thither was desired jaques Dartuell of Gaunt, who came thither with a great company, and all the Counsels of the good towns of Flaundyrs. In the which Parliament king Edward was greatly entreated and desired of all his allies of the Empire, that he would require them of Flaundyrs, to aid and maintain his war, and to defy the French king, and to go with him where as he would have them: and in their so doing, he to promise' them to recover the Isle Douai, and Bethayne. This request was well heard of the Flemyngs, and thereupon they desired to take counsel among themselves, and so they did, and then after said to king Edward. Sir where ye have made a request unto us to aid you, truly it we might do it saving your honour and ourselves, we would gladly do it: But Sir, we are bound by faith and oath, and in the sum of two millions of Floreins in the Pope's Chamber, that we may make nor move no war against the king of France, who soever it be, upon pain to forfeit and loose the said sum, and besides that, to incur the sentence of cursing. But sir, The first occasion of the quartering of the arms of France with the arms of England. if you will take on you the arms of France, and quarter them with the arms of England, and call yourself king of France, as of right ye aught to do: Then we will take you for rightful king of France, and demand of you quittance of our bands, and so you to give us pardon thereof as King of France, and by this means we shall be assured and dispensed withal, and then will we go with you whether soever you will have us. Then king Edward took counsel, for he thought that it was a sore matter to take on him the arms of France and the name, and as then had conquered no piece thereof, neither could tell what might come of that enterprise: And on the other side he was very loath to refuse the offer of the aid made unto him by the flemings, who might aid him more than any of the other. After that the king had taken counsel of the Lords of the Empire, and of the Lord Robert de Arthoys, and other of his special friends: He than answered the flemings, that if they would swear, and seal to this accord and promise' to maintain his war, he would with a good will do all that they required, and promised also to get them again, Leyle, Douai, and Bethayne: A day of meeting at Gaunt. And all they with one voice answered that they were content. Then there was a day assigned to meet at Gaunt, at which day the king was there and the most part of the aforesaid Lords, and all the Counsels generally in Flaundyrs, The arms of England quartered with the arms of France. where all the aforesaid matters were rehearsed, sworn and sealed. And then the king quartered the arms of France with the arms of England: And from thenceforth took on him the name of the king of France, and so continued still until he left it by composition, as after shall be showed. And at this counsel they determined against the next summer following to provide to make great war upon France, promising to besiege the City of Torney, whereof the Flemings were joyful, for they thought themselves strong enough to get it. And thus the parliament ended, and every man departed home: The king of England went to Andwary, and the Queen abode still at Gaunt, and was oftentimes visited by jaques Dartuell, and by other Lords, Ladies, and Damoselles of Gaunt. And when the kings ships were ready, he took the See, and then sailed into England, and so came to London, where he was honourably received. And shortly after he had many complaints made unto him, Southamton brent. how the Frenchmen had brent and destroyed the Town of Southampton, and had done sundry other hurts in England, namely upon the Sea coasts. And the king answered that he trusted before it were a year longer, it should be well revenged. And soon after the return of the king into England, A parliament holden at Westminster. he called his high Court of Parliament at westminster, in the which was granted unto him toward the recovery of his right in France the .v. A sore and grievous subsidy. part of the movable goods of every inhabitant within the Realm, and the Custom of Wolles paid two years before hand, Subsedies of their own nature, procure the hatred of the people toward the prince. and the ix sheaf of every man's corn: But before the same were all gathered and paid, the prayer of the people turned into cursing, and their love turned into hatred. And for that the king was forced to occupy money before these payments could be made, he was therefore compelled to borrow of sundry persons great sums of money, namely of the City of London, of whom he borrowed twenty thousand Mark, which was levied upon sundry wards in London, as appeareth in Fabian. The first Coin of Gold wherein the French arms were mixed. Also in this year the king caused a new coin of Gold to be coined, called the Noble, of the Value of vj. shillings eight pence or ix pence. etc. Wherein was mixed and quartered the arms of France and England, and also the writing and inscription of the same was, Edward by the grace of God king of England and of France. etc. When king Edward had set all his land in good order, and when also he had prepared all things in a readiness for the wars of France, he took shipping and sailed toward Flaundyrs, and had with him two hundred sail of good ships well furnished with men of war, and the king kept his course to Sluice, and between Sluice and Blanqueberque on the See, there was Sir Hugh Kyryell, A great fleet of French ships. Sir Peter Bahuchet and Barbanoyr and above. Cxx. great Vessels beside other, and in them were of Normans, Genowes and Picardes above the number of xl thousand. And there they were purposely laid to resist and withstand the landing of king Edward when he should come to Sluice. And when the king drew somewhat near them and espied such a number of ships, whose Masts a far of seemed as it had been a great Forest or Wood: The king demanded of the Master of his Ship what people he thought they were. And he answered: I think they be Normans, laid here by the french king to let your passage, and I think they be even the same that burned Southampton, and that took your great Ship called the Christopher. A quoth the king, I have long desired to fight with the french men, and now by the grace of God I shall meet with some of them, The battle at Sluse upon the sea. for they have done me many displeasures. Then the king caused all his ships to be set in order, the greatest before, well furnished with Archers, and ever between two ships of Archers he placed one ship with men of arms: And then he made another battle to lie aloof, with Archers to comfort them that were most weary if need were. And in the said ships were a great number of Countesses, Ladies, Knights wives and other damsels that were going to see the Queen at Gaunt: These Ladies the king caused to be well kept with three hundred men of arms, and five hundredth Archers. Assoon as the king and his marshals had ordered his battle, he drew up the sails and came with a quarter wind to have the vantage of the son. And so at the last they turned a little, to have the wind at will. But when the Normans saw them recoil back, they had marvel why they did so. And some said they are afraid to meddle with us, and therefore they go back. Then the french men began to set themselves in order. for they were good men of war on the Sea, and they did set the Christopher, which before they had won, as aforesaid, foremost, furnished with many Trumpets & Instruments and so gave the onset upon their enemies. And then began a sore battle upon both parts: Archers and Crossbows began to shoot, and men of arms approached and fought hand to hand: and the better to come together, they had great hooks and grappelers of Iron to cast out of one Ship into another, and so tied them fast together. There were many worthy deeds of arms done in taking and rescuing again. And at the last the great Christopher was first won by the Englishmen, and all that were within it drowned or slain. Then was there great cry and pitiful noise, and the Englishmen fortified the Christopher with archers, and caused him to pass before to meet with the Genoese. This battle was right fierce and terrible, for the battles on the Sea are more fierce and more dangerous, then are the battles by land. For on the Sea there is no reculing or flying, there is no remedy but to fight and to abide fortune, and every man to show his prowess. And in this fight Sir Hugh Kyryell and sir Bahuchet and Barbenoyr which were the admirals to the french fleet, showed themselves to be right good and expert men of war. This battle continued from the morning until it was noon, & the Englishmen (saith Froyssart) endured great pain, for their enemies were four against one, and all good men on the sea. And in this fight the king of England showed himself a noble and balyaunt Prince of his own hands, for he was then in the chief flowers of his youth. And in like manner did the Earl of Derby, Pembroke, Herford, Huntyngdon, Northampton and Gloucester: Sir Raynold Cobham, Sir Richard Stafford, the Lord Percy, Sir Water of many, Sir Henry of Flaundyrs, Sir john Beauchamp, the Lord Felton, the Lord Brasseton, A great victory that king Edward had of the French men. Sir Chandos, the Lord Delaware, the Lord of Multon, Sir Robert be Artoys called the Earl of Richmond, and divers other Lords & knights, who showed themselves so valiantly that they obtained the victory: So that the Frenchmen, Normans and other were discomfited, slain and drowned, and there was not one that escaped. After this victory thus achieved, the king all that night abode in his ship before Sluice with great noise of trumpets and other Instruments. And thither came to see the king divers of Flaundyrs, such as had heard of the kings coming: and then the king demanded of the Burgesses of Bridges how jaques Dartuell did: and they answered that he was gone to the Earl of Henault against the Duke of Normandy with three score thousand Flemyngs. And on the next day after this battle, which was Midsummer day, the King and all his took land, and the king went in Pilgrimage a foot to the Lady of Ardenborough, now called Odenbourgh, and there dined, and then took his horse and road to Gaunt, where the Queen received him with great joy, and all his carriage came after him by little and little. Shortly after, the king wrote to the Earl Heynault, and to them that were within the Castle of Thine, certifying them of his arrival and victory. And assoon as the Earl knew thereof, and that he had discomfited the French army upon the Sea, he dislodged, and gave leave to all the Soldiers to departed, and took with him all the great Lords to Valenciens, and there feasted them honourably, and specially the Duke of Brabant, and jaques Dartuell. jaques Dartuell. And there jaques Dartuell openly in the Market place in the presence of all the Lords, and of all such as would hear him, declared what right the king of England had to the Crown of France: And also what puissance the three Countries were of, Flaundyrs, Heynault, and Brabant, and how they were surely joined in one alliance. And he did utter it so gravely, and so eloquently, that all the people that heard him, praised him much, and said he had nobly spoken, and as a man of great experience. And then the Lords departed, and promised within eight days to meet at Gaunt to visit the King of England, and so they did, and the king feasted them right honourably, and so did the Queen who then was newly churched of a son called john of Gaunt, john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster. who was after Duke of Lancaster by his wife, which was daughter to Henry Duke of Lancaster. And shortly after king Edward held a counsel at Villenort, at a day limited. When the French king heard how his army on the sea was discomfited, he dislodged and drew to Arras, and gave leave to his men to departed until he heard other tidings. And he sent Sir Godmer du Foye to Tourney, to see that there lacked nothing, for he feared more the flemings than any other. And he sent the Lord of Beaviewe to Mortayne, to keep the frontiers against Heynault: And he sent also many men to Saint Omers, to Air and to Saint Venaunt, and provided sufficiently for all the fortresses fronting on Flaundyrs. Robert king of Cicile. In this season there reigned a king in Cicille called Robert, who was reported to be a great Astronomer, and he always favouring and loving the French king, did counsel and warn him in no wise to deal, nor have to do with the king of England, for said he, it is given to the king of England to be right lucky and fortunate in all his enterprises. This king Robert would gladly have set these two Kings at a good accord, for he bore such love and affection unto the crown of France, that he was right sorry to see or think of the desolation thereof. And in likewise the said King Robert laboured to the Pope to be a mean to appease these two Kings, but all their labour took none effect. Ye have heard a little before, that a day of counsel was appointed to be holden at Villenort, which day was now come. And at this counsel were present, the King of England, the Duke of Brabant, the Earl of Heynault, Sir john his Uncle, the Duke of Guerles, the Earl of Iullers, the Marquis of Falque bource, the Marquis of , the Earl of Mouns, Sir Robert de Arthoys, the Lord of Falquemount, Sir William du Nort, the Earl of Namure, jaques Dartuell and many other great Lords, and of every good town of Flaundyrs three or four personages, as counsellors. A counsel holden at Villences. And in this counsel was made a league between the three countries, namely, Flaundyrs, Brabant, and Heynault, that from thence forth each of them should aid and comfort other in all cases. And further they concluded, that if any of them had to do with any country, the other two should give them aid. And also that if hereafter it should fortune any of them to be at discord one with another, that then the third should set an agreement between them. And if he were not able so to do, that then they should abide the order of the king of England, unto whose hands they did willingly commit the same, and took their oaths to stand, abide, and obey his judgement. And for further and better confirmation of this love and amity, they ordained this agreement to be made a law, and to be published throughout those three countries, and the same afterward was called the law of the Companions or Allies. And in the same counsel it was also determined that the king of England should in the month of july next following, being accompanied with the aid of the aforesaid Lords, and the powers of all the good towns lay siege to Tourney. And so the Counsel broke up, and every man departed home to make provision against the time appointed. The French King after the departure of these Lords from the aforesaid counsel, was informed of the most part of their determination, The French king fortefieth the town of Tourney. and therefore forthwith sent to Tourney the chief men of war that he had in all France, as the Earl of Ewe, the young Earl of Guynes his son, Constable of France, the Earl of Foytz and his brethren, the Earl Amery of Narbon, Sir Aymer of poitiers, Sir Geoffrey of Charney, Sir Garard of Mountfaucon, the two marshals, Sir Robert Bertrand, and Sir Mathewe de Troy, the Lord of Cayeux, the Seneschal of Poytean, the Lord of Chastelayne, and Sir john of Landas, and these also had with them many other valiant knights, and esquires, and came to Tourney, and found there sir Godmer du Foy, who was placed there, as before you have heard. And so soon as they were come thither, they diligently considered the state of the town, first for furniture of all necessary victuals, and after for men, munition, and armour. And now approached the time that king Edward and his Allies should meet before Tourney, for then the Corn began to ripe, which was the xxiij day of july, and the king departed from Gaunt, accompanied with vij Earls of England eight Bishops, xxviij. baronets. CC. knights, four thousand men of arms, and ix thousand Archers, beside men of foot, and all out of England: And all his host passed through the Town of Andwarpe, and so passed the river of Lescault, & lodged before Tourney, The siege of Tourney. at the gate of Saint Martin, which was the way toward Lisle and Douai. And shortly after came the duke of Brabant, with more than twenty thousand men, knights, esquires, and Commons, and he lodged at the bridge of Aryes, by the river of Lescault, between the Abbey of Saint Nicholas, and the gate of Valentenoys. And not long after, came the Earl of Heynault with a goodly company of his Country, with many of Holland, and Zealand, and he was lodged between the King, and the Duke of Brabant. Then came jaques Dartuell with more than lx thousand Flemyngs, beside them of Ipre, Popynguy, cassel, and Bergues, and they were sent to the other side. The said jaques Dartuell lodged at the gate called Saint Fountain. And the Duke of Guerles, the Earl of Iullers, the Marquis of Blanquebource, the Marquis of , the Earl of Mouns, the Earl of Savines, the Lord of Faulquemount, Sir Arnold of Baquehen, and all the Almains were lodged on the other side toward Heynault. And thus the City of Tourney was environed round about, and every host might resort each to other, so that none could issue out without espying. During the time of the siege, although they were so great a number, yet were they well provided and furnished of fresh victuals, and at reasonable price, for the people came from all parts to victual them. And while this siege continued, there were daily outrodes, and divers prays and booties taken, and many Villages brent, and the Countries thereabouts greatly annoyed and hurt. And many and sundry times there were sundry skirmishes and many feats of arms done. But this siege continued long, for that the soldiers of Torney defended the same very valiantly, yet at the last, victuals within the Town waxing very scant, they were forced to put out all their needy and poor people, which passed through the Duke of Brabant's host, who caused them to be conducted to the french kings Camp, who lay then at Arras, accompanied with a great & huge host, to whom the poor people made a most lamentable and pitiful report of the state of Torney. All the time that this siege continued, which was by the space of ten weeks and more, the Lady jane of Valois, sister to the French king, and mother to the Queen of England, and to the Earl of Heynault, travailed greatly, as well on the one part as on the other to have a truce and a respite between the french king and the king of England and his Allies for a season, that they might departed without battle. And divers times she kneeled at the feet of the french king in that behalf. And in like manner made great labour to the Lords of the Empire, and specially to the Duke of Brabant and to the Duke of Iullers, who had her daughter in marriage, and also to Sir john of Heynault. Insomuch that the good Lady procured, with the aid and counsel of Lewes Daugymount, who was well-beloved with both parties, that at the last it was granted that each party should sand four sufficient persons to treat by the space of three days of some good ways for the agreement of a truce. The persons that should be appointed should meet in a little Chapel standing in the fields called Esplotyn. And at the day appointed these persons met, Ambassadors appointed to common and determine a peace between the king of England & the French king. and the good Lady with them. Of the French part, there was Charles king of Behayne, Charles earl of Dalanson brother to the french king, the Bishop of Liege, the Earl of Flaundyrs, and the Earl of Armanack. Of the English part there was the Duke of Brabant, the Bishop of Lyncolne, the Duke of Guerles, the Duke of Iullers, and Sir john of Heynault. And when they were all met, they made each unto other loving salutations and great cheer, and then entered into their treaty, and all that day they commoned of divers ways of accord: And always the good Lady of Valois was among them, effecteously entreating them on both sides that they would do their endeavour to make a peace: howbeit that day passed without any thing done, and so they returned and agreed to meet there again the next day, the which day they met, and straight way entered to the matter of their treaty: and at the last agreed upon certain points: but it was then so late that they could not finish in good order, that which they had agreed upon. A truce agreed and concluded between the king of England and the French king for one year. The third day they met again, and finally agreed on a truce to remain for one year next to come between all parties and all their men, and also between them that were in Scotland, and all such as made war in Gascoyn, Poyteau, and Samton, and the same truce to begin xl days next ensuing: and within that space every person to give knowledge unto his men without male engine: and if such companies will not keep the peace, let them be at their choice. But as for France, Picardy, Burgoin, Britain and Normandy to be bound to this peace without any exception: and this peace to begin incontinent between the hosts of the two kings, namely of England and of France. And it was further determined that either of the said kings should sand four or five personages as their Ambassadors, and to meet at Arras: and the Pope in like manner to sand thither four, and there to make a full confirmation without any mean. Also by this truce it was ordered, that every party should enjoy and possess every thing that they were then in possession of. This truce was forthwith proclaimed in both the hosts: whereof the Brabanters were right glad, for they were sore wearied with the lying so long at the siege, so that the next day, assoon as it was day light, ye should have seen such pulling down of Tents and Pavilions, such charging and lading of Wagons, such casting and throwing of their armour, such shooting off of ordinance, both great and small, and the people removing so thick, that to such as saw it, it might have appeared to have been a new world. Thus the king of England departed from Torney, sore against his mind, if he could have done otherwise, but he was fain to yield to the other Lords, and to follow their counsels, and then he came to Gaunt to the Queen his wife, and shortly after returned into England with all his people, except such as were left behind to attend upon the assembly at Arras, A meeting at Arras. as aforesaid, and unto this assembly or counsel of Arras, there came first from the Pope as Legates, the Cardinal of Naples, the Cardinal of Cleremount, who first came to Paris where the french king received them with great honour and after conveyed them to Arras. For the French king thither came, the Earl of Alencon the brother of the French king, the Duke of Bourbon, the Earl of Flaundyrs, the Earl of Bloys, the archbishop of Senes, the Bishop of Beawayes, and the Bishop of Aucerre. For the king of England, came the Bishop of Lyncolne, The Bishop of Durham, the Earl of Warwick, Sir Robert de Arthoys which was Earl of Richemond, Sir john of Heynault, and Sir Henry of Flaundyrs. In the which treaty many matters were commoned of, and they continued xu days, but agreed to no one point of effect, for ever the Englishmen demanded, and the french men would nothing grant, but only to tender the County of Poyteau, the which was given to Queen Isabel in marriage with king Edward the second. The truce continued for two years longer. So this assembly broke up, and nothing done, but that the truce was yet prolonged two years more, & that was all that the Cardinals could get granted unto them. And thus every man departed, & the two cardinal's went through Henault at the desire of the earl, who feasted them right nobly. Froissart. After king Edward was returned out of France into England, A tempest on the Sea. in the which voyage and passage of the Sea, he had an exceeding and most horrible tempest, and escaped with great danger, which tempest after the opinion of sundry writers was reared and stirred up by the Necromanciers of the French king to the intent to have destroyed the king, or else to have abated his courage for attempting the Sea any more. In the time that the king lay at the siege of Torney, as aforesaid, the Scots had again recovered the greatest part of their land, & all their forts except three, wherefore the king was now counseled to make a voyage into Scotland and so he did, and road thitherward between Mighelmas and Halontyde, The king with his power goeth again into Scotland. commanding certain captains to gather their men together and to follow him to Barwike, & so every man began to stir, and came thither as they were commanded. The king at the last came to York and there tarried for his people. The Lords of Scotland were informed of the coming of the king of England, wherefore they gave most sore and fierce assaults to the Castle of Estrevelyne, The Castle of Estrenelin yields up to the Scots. which before they had long besieged, and so constrained those that kept it, with engines and Canons, that they were fain to yield up the Castle, saving their lives and members: but nothing should they carry away. These tidings came to the King of England where as he was, and then he departed and drew toward Estrevelyn, and came to New Castle upon Tyne, where he tarried more than a month, abiding provision for his army, the which was shipped to come by sea, between Alhalontyde and the last of November, but many of the ships were cast away upon the Sea, so that it was a small provision of victual that came thither. And some of the ships were driven into Holland and into Friesland, by reason whereof the English army had great lack of victuals, and every thing waxed unreasonably dear, and Winter was at hand, so that they knew not where to have forage, A great army. and in Scotland the Scots had put all their goods into fortresses, and the king of England had there more than uj thousand horsemen and xl thousand footmen. The Lords of Scotland after their winning of Estrevelyne, drew themselves into the forests of Gedeours, and they understood well how that the king of England lay at new Castle with a great number to burn and spoil Scotland. Then they took counsel what they should do, they thought themselves to weak and to small a company to maintain the war, and the rather for that they had continued the wars almost seven years without head or captain, neither as then they could not perceive any succour to come from their own king, and therefore they determined to sand to the King of England, a Bishop and an Abbot to desire a truce. The which Messengers departed from Scotland and came to Newcastle, where they found the king. A truce concluded with the Scots for four months. These Messengers showed to the King and his counsel the cause of their coming: and at the last a truce was concluded for four months, on this condition, that they of Scotland should send sufficient Ambassadors into France to king David, saying, that if he came not before the end of the month of May next following with puissance and force sufficient to defend his realm, that then they would yield themselves to the king of England, and never after to take David for their king. So thus these two prelate's returned again into Scotland, and incontinent they ordained to sand into France, Sir Robert Versay, and Sir Robert percy, and Sir Simon Frysell and two other knights to show to the king their appointment. The king of England agreed the sooner to this truce, because his host lacked victual, and so he came back again, and sent every man home. The Scottish Messengers went toward France, and took shipping at Dover. Now King David of Scotland, who had been vij year in France, and knew well that his realm was sore distressed, took his leave of the French king, to the intent to come home to comfort his own people: and so he took shipping with his wife and such small company as he had, The return of David king of Scots out of France. and put himself under the guiding of a Mariner called Richard Flamont, and so arrived in Scotland at a port called Moroyse, or ever that any in Scotland knew thereof: Neither knew he any thing of the Messengers that were gone into France to speak with him, nor they knew not of his returning home. So soon as the coming of king David was known to the Scots, they came about him with great joy, and solemnity, and brought him to the town of Saint john's, and thither came to him people from all parts of his country, greatly complaining and crying out of the damages and great hurts that they had sustained in his absence by the Englishmen: To whom he answered that he trusted right shortly to be revenged upon them, or else it should cost him both his life and his realm. Then he sent Messengers to all parts of his Country, both far and near, requiring every of them to help him forward in his enterprise. And shortly after came unto him the Earl of Orkeney, a great Prince and a puissant, he had married the kings sister, and with him came a great number of men of war, and divers other Lords and knights of Sovegne, of Mebegne, and of Denmarch, some for love and some for wages, so that when they were all together, they were lx thousand footmen, A great army of the Scots. and three thousand horsemen armed after their manner: and when they were all ready, they removed setting forward toward England, and to do therein as much hurt as they might, for the truce was as then expired, or else to fight with the king of England, who had so much grieved and annoyed them. Thus the Scots departed from S. john's town, & went to Donfremelyn, & the next day there they passed a little arm of the Sea: Then they went with great diligence, and passed by Edenbourgh, & after by Rousbourgh, the which was as than English, but they made there no tarriance, for they purposed to do a great feat, before they returned again into Scotland. And so they passed forward and went not far from Barwike, and passing it also without any assault giving, they entered into the Country of Northumberland, The Scots besiege new Castle upon Tyne. and came to the river of Tyne, brenning all the country round about them, and at the last came to New castle upon Tyne, and there the king of Scots and all his people lay about that town all night. In the morning a certain number of Gentlemen that were within the town issued out to the number of two hundredth Spears, A skirmish made by the Englishmen upon the Scots wherein the Earl of Morst was taken. to make a scry in the Scots host. They dashed in so suddenly upon the Scots, and namely upon the Earl of Morettes tents, who bore in his armour Silver, three Oreylles Goules, and there they took him in his bed, and slew many, before the host was moved, and wan great pillage. Then they returned into the Town valiantly, and with great joy, and delivered the Earl Moret as prisoner to the captain of the Castle, which then was the Lord john Nevell. When the Scots were up, they armed them, and ran like mad men to the barriers of the town, and gave a great assault thereunto, the which endured long, but little it availed them, and the Scots lost there many men, for there were very many good men of war within the town, the which defended the same so manfully and wisely, that the Scots to their great loss were fain and glad to withdraw their siege. Now when the Scottish king saw that their tarrying at New Castle was dangerous, and that he had there neither hope of gain nor honour, than he departed and entered the Country of the Bishopric of Durham, and there brent and wasted all that was before him, The Scots besieged Durham. and at the last came to the City of Durham, and besieged it round about, and made many terrible and desperate assaults like mad men, because they had lost the Earl of Moret, and also they knew well that there was much riches in that town, for all the country there about was fled thither. The Scots made Engines and Instruments to come to the walls to make the fiercer assault. But when the Scots were gone from New Castle as you heard before, than sir john Nevell Captain there, mounted on a good horse, and took away far of from the Scots, and made such good speed that within five days he came to Chyrtsay, where as king Edward lay then, & there declared unto him the doings and enterprises of the Scots. Then king Edward sent forth Messengers into every part of his realm, King Edward goeth into Scotland. commanding every man between the age of xu and lx all excuses set apart, to draw Northward, and to meet him in that Country, for the aid and defence of England, which the Scots attempted to destroy, and forthwith the king departed and tarried for no man, and suffered every man to come after as well as they might. Then the Lords, knights, esquires, and gentlemen drew together, every one bringing with them as many men as they could make, and drew toward the North, following the king. The Scots win the town of Durham. In this mean time the Scots gave a most cruel assault unto the town of Dureham, and followed the same so fiercely with Engines and Instruments, that they that were within were not able to make any longer defence, but that the Scots entered the town by force, and rob and spoiled the same, and then set it on fire, and destroyed all the people that were therein, men, women, children, Monk, Friar, Nun, Cannon, and suffered not one person to escape on live, & then set a fire the Churches, Chapels and all that ever was there, sparing nothing that might be spoiled or brent. And when the Scottish king had finished this his tyranny upon the Town of Durham, he was then advised to draw back again along the river of Tyne, and to come to Carleyle, and as he and his army passed that way, he lodged beside a Castle of the Earl of Salisburies', the which was well furnished and kept with men of war, and sir William Mountagew son to the Earl of Salsburyes sister was Captain thereof. Sir William Mountagew a hardy Knight. The next day the Scots dislodged and went toward Carleyle (they had much carriage with them of such pillage as they had at Durham) and when Sir William Mountagew saw how the Scots passed by without resting, than he with xl with him mounted on horseback, and issued out of the Castle, and followed covertly the hinder train of the Scots, who had horses so charged with baggage, that they might scant go any great pace. And he overtook them at the entering into a Wood, and set upon them, and there slew and hurt of the Scots more then. CC. and took more then. Cxx. horses laden with pillage, and so led them toward the Castle, the cry and brute of the flight came to the herring of sir William Dowglas who had the charge of the rearward, and as than he was past the Wood When he saw the Scots came flying over the dales and mountains, he had great marvel, and then he and all his company ran forth and rested not until they came to the foot of the Castle, and mounted the hill in haste. But or he came to the bail the Englishmen were entered, and had closed the barriers, and put the pray in safety. Then the Scots began to assail fiercely, and they within defended manfully. There these two Wylliams did what they might each to grieve other. This assault dured so long, that at the last the king and all the host came back again and laid siege to the Castle. When the Scottish King and his counsel saw how his men were slain, lying in the field, and the Assaylauntes sore hurt, without winning of any thing, than he commanded to cease the assault and to lodge. Then every man began to seek for his lodging, and to gather together the dead men, and to dress them that were hurt. The next day the king commanded that every man should be ready to assail, and they within were as ready to defend. There was a sore assault and a perilous: A sore and cruel assault. But there might have been seen that day many a noble feat and deed of arms. There was within the Castle, the noble Countess of Sarisbury, The Countess of Salisbury a sage and discreet Lady. who was as then reputed and taken for the sagest and fairest Lady that was in all England, whose husband was taken prisoner with the Earl of Suffolk before Lisle in Flaundyrs. The King of England gave the said Castle to the said Earl, when he married first the said Lady, for the prows and good service that he had done before, when he was called but sir William Mountagew. This noble Lady comforted them greatly which were within, for by her sweet countenance and gentle speech, she made every man worth twain. This assault dured long, and the Scots lost many of their men, for they adventured themselves very hardly, and carried wood and timber to have filled the ditches, to the intent to bring their engines to the walls, but they within defended them so valiantly, that the assailants were feign to draw back. Then the king of Scots commanded the Engines to be well kept that night, and the next day to enforce the assault, and then every man drew back to his lodging. Some wept & bewailed their friends that were slain, another sort comforted them that were hurt: and they of the Castle saw well that if king David continued his siege, that they should have much ado to defend their Castle, and therefore they took counsel among themselves to send to King Edward, who then lay at York, as it was showed them by such prisoners as they had taken of the Scots. Then one of them beheld another, as who should say, who is he that dare go forth to carry this message, and not one of them would offer himself, A worthy and courageous knight. which thing sir William Mountagew perceiving, stepped forth and said, sirs I will put my body in adventure to do this Message, for I have such trust in you, that you will right well defend this Castle until my return: and on the otherside I have such trust in the king, that I shall shortly bring you succours, which will 'cause you to be joyful, and I trust the king will so reward you, that ye shall be content. And when night came, the said sir William made him ready as privily as he might, and it happened well for him, for it rained all night, so that the Scots kept still within their lodgings. At midnight sir William passed through the host of the Scots, and was not seen, and so road forth until it was day, and then he met with two Scots a mile from the host, driving before them two Oxen, and a Cow toward the host. Sir William knew well that they were Scots, and therefore set upon them, and wounded them both, and slew the Cat-tail, to the intent that they of the host should take no profit by them, and then said unto the two hurt Scots, go your ways, and say to your king, that William of Mountagew hath thus passed through his host, and is going to fetch aid of the king of England, and so departed. In the morning the king of Scots made a fierce assault, but yet he prevailed nothing, and daily they assaulted it, but all in vain. Then the king of Scots and his counsel, considering that there they did but loose their men, and that the king of England might well come thither before the castle were won, and therefore by one assent they said unto the king, that their abiding there, was neither for his profit, nor yet for his honour. And further they said, Sir ye have right honourably achieved your enterprise, and have done great despite to the English men, in that you have been now in this Country of England twelve days, and taken and destroyed the City of Durham. Wherefore sir all things considered, it were good now that you returned, and to take with you the Pillage that ye have won, and another time ye may return again when it pleaseth you. The Scottish king flieth for fear of king Edward. The king who would not do against the opinions of all his counsel, agreed to them sore against his mind, and the next morning he dislodged, and took the way straight to the great Forest of Gedours, there to tarry at their ease, and to understand what the king of England purposed further to do, either to go back again, or else to go further into Scotland. The same day that the Scots departed from the said Castle, King Edward came thither with all his host about Noon, and came to the same place where as the Scots had lodged, and he was sore displeased that he found not the Scots there, for he came thither in such haste, that his horse and men were sore travailed. Then he commanded to lodge there all that night, and said that he would go see the Castle and the noble Lady therein, for he had not seen her sith she was married before, than every man took his lodging as he lust. And assoon as the King was unarmed, he took ten or twelve Knights with him, and went up to the Castle to salute the Countess of Sarisbury, and to see the manner of the assaults of the Scots, and the defence that was made against them. Assoon as the Lady knew of the kings coming, she set open the Gates, and came out so richly beseen, that every man marveled at her beauty, and could not cease to regard her nobleness, and the pleasant words and gracious countenance that she had. And when she came to the King, she kneeled down on the earth, thanking him of his succours, and so led him into the Castle, where she made him honourable cheer, as she was one that could right well do it. The King being in the Castle went into a Window, and leaned on his elbow as one being in a great study: The Lady went about to make cheer to the Lords and knights that were there, and commanded the Hall to be dressed for dinner. And when she had made all things in a readiness, than she came to the King with a merry cheer, who was in a great study, and she said: dear Sir, what meaneth your grace so to study without cause, it doth not appertain unto you sir so to do, but rather ye should make good cheer and be joyful, chiefly for that you have chased away your enemies, who durst not abide your coming, and let other men study for the remnant. Then the king said, An amorous Prince. A dear Lady, know for a truth, that sith my entrance into this Castle, there is such a matter entered into my mind, that I can not choose but muse, neither can I tell what may fall thereof, for put it out of my heart I cannot. Sir quoth the Lady, ye aught always to make good cheer to comfort therewith your people, and chiefly ye have cause to rejoice in God, for that he hath aided and supported you in all your great affairs and enterprises, and hath made you the most renowned and famous Prince in all Christendom: And if the Scottish king have done you any despite or damage, ye may well revenge it when it shall please you. Wherefore sir, I pray you leave your musing, and come into the Hall (if it please you) for your dinner is all ready. A fair Lady quoth the king, other things lie in my heart that ye know not off, but surely the sweet and gentle behaviour of you, the great wisdom, nobleness, and excellent beauty which I behold in you, hath so sore surprised my heart, that I can not but love you, and without your love I am but dead. The answer and speech of a virtuous and wise Lady. Then answered the Lady saying: A right noble Prince, for God's sake mock not, nor tempt me not, I can not believe that it is true that ye say, neither that so noble a Prince as ye are, could have so evil a thought, as to dishonour me and my Lord my husband, who is so valiant a knight, and hath done your grace such good service, and as yet remaineth prisoner in France for your cause and quarrel: Certainly sir, ye should in this case have but a small praise, and nothing the better thereby: I give almighty God thanks, that hitherto I had never such a thought in my heart, nor I trust in God shall have at the request or persuasion of any man: And if I had any such lewd intention, your grace aught not only to blame me, but also to punish my body, and by true justice to be dismembered: and therewith the Lady suddenly departed from the King, and went into the Hall to hast forward the dinner, and then she came again and brought some of his Knights with her, and said: sir, if it please you to come into the Hall, your Knights abideth for you to wash, ye have been to long fasting. Then the King went into the Hall and washed, and sat down among his Lords and Knights, and the Lady also. The King did eat very little, but sat still musing, and ever as he durst, he cast his eyen upon the Lady. Of his sadness the Knights had much marvel, for he was not accustomed so to be: Some thought it was because the Scots were escaped from him. But to be short, although the King fared right honourably, yet could he not by any means be made merry, so that after dinner done, yet remained he there all that day. And being wrapped in the snares and bonds of love, he had sundry imaginations: Sometime he imagined that honour and truth forbade him to set his heart in such a case, to dishonour such a Lady, and so true a Knight as her husband was, who had always served him so truly and valiantly: On the other part, love so constrained him, The departure of the king from the Lady and her Castle. that the power thereof, surmounted both honour and truth: And thus was the King troubled in himself all that day and night. In the Morning the King arose and dislodged all his host, and drew after the Scots to chase them out of his realm. And at his departure he took his leave of the Lady, and said, my dear Lady, to God I commend you until I return again, requiring you to advise you otherwise then you have said to me. Noble Prince quoth the Lady, God the father most glorious be your guide and conduct, and remove from you all vileyne thoughts: & sir, I am and ever shall be ready to do your grace such service, as may be to your honour and mine, & therewith the King departed, altogether abashed. Then the king followed the Scots until he came to Berwick, & went still forward, until he came within four leagues of the Forest of Gedours, where as king David and all his company was entered, in trust of the great wilderness. The king of England tarried there three days, to see if the Scots would issue out to fight with him, in the which time there were sundry skirmishes on both parts, and divers of the Scots taken, slain and sore hurt. Sir William Dowglas was he that did most hurt to the Englishmen, he bore Azure a Comble silver, and three stars Goules. In this time that the king Edward lay there, there were certain noble men upon both parts that treated for a peace to be had between these two kings: A truce taken with the Scots for two years, if the French king would a●ree thereunto. And the same treaty took such effect, that a truce was agreed to endure for two year, if the French king would thereto agreed. For the king of Scots was so allied to the French king, that he might take no peace with the king of England without the consent of the French king. And therefore it was then agreed, that if the French king would not agreed to the peace, than the truce to endure until the first day of May next following. And it was also agreed that the Earl of Moret which was prisoner in Newcastel, should be delivered of his imprisonment, if the king of Scots could do so much with the french king as to purchase that the Earl of Salisbury might likewise be quite out of prison in France, and the same to be done before the feast of saint john Baptist next after. King Edward agreed the rather to this truce, for that at this instant he had war in France, in Gascoyn, in Poyteau, in Xaynton, in Britain and almost in every place he had men in wages to his marvelous great costs and charges: And when all things were concluded, as aforesaid, than the king returned into England. The Earl of Sarisbury, Husband to the Lady a little before spoken of was exchanged for another prisoner in France, and sent home to his wife. And soon after, the king of Scots sent great messengers to the french king to agreed unto this truce: The French king was content at the desire of the king of Scots, and then was the Earl of Salisbury, who had been long prisoner in France, sent home into England. And the king of England sent incontinent the Earl Moret into Scotland. And in the end of this year the Queen was delivered of a man child at the Town of Langley, the which after was named Edmond, and surnamed Edmond of Langley. A little before ye have heard how the king was stricken in love with the Countess of Salisbury. And now it happened, that for the love of the said Lady, who yet was not out of his mind, he caused a great feast to be published abroad, and a jousts to be holden in the City of London (in the place now called west Smithfield) in the mids of August next following, the which was also proclaimed in Flaundyrs, in Henault, in Brabant, and in France, granting to all comers out of every Country safe conduit to come and go. And also he gave special commandment through his own Realm, that all Lords, Knights, esquires, Ladies and Damosels should be there without any excuse, and commanded expressly the Earl of Salisbury, that the Lady his wife should be there, and to bring with her all the Ladies and Damoselles of that Country. The Earl granted the king, as he that thought none evil. The good Lady durst not say nay, although she knew right well what was meant thereby: But yet she durst not discover the matter to her husband, notwithstanding she thought within herself that she would order the matter well enough. This was a royal feast, A great feast and royal jousts. and at the same was the Earl William of Heynault, and sir john of Heynault his Uncle, and a great number of Lords and knights of high lineage. There was great triumphing and jousting the space of xu days. And running at the same jousts was slain the Lord john, eldest son to the viscount of Beaumond of England. And at this triumph all the Ladies and Damoselles of England were freshly trimmed and attired, according to their degrees, except the Lady Alice Countess of Salisbury, for she went as simply as she might, to th'intent that the king should not fancy her, for she was fully determined that she would do nothing that should dishonour her husband and herself. At this feast were sir Henry with the wry neck earl of Lancaster, and sir Henry his son earl of Derby, sir Robert de Artoys earl of Richemond, the Earls of Northhampton, of Gloucester, of Warwick, of Salisbury, of Pembroke, of Hereford, of Arondell, of Cornwall, of Oxenford, and of Suffolk, and the Baron of Staumforde and divers other Lords and knights of England. And before this great triumph was altogether ended, and the Noble men departed, king Edward received sundry and divers Letters out of sundry Countries, as Gascoyn, Bayon, Flaundyrs from jaques Dartuell, and out of Scotland from the Lord Rose, and the Lord Percy, and from sir Edward Baileoll Captain of Barwike, who certified the king, that the Scots held but simply the truce concluded the last year, for they newly assembled together much people, but for what intent they could not tell. Also the Captains in Poyteau, Xanton, Rochel and Burdeloys, wrote to the king how the Frenchmen made great preparations for the war, because the peace that was made at Arras was almost expired, which caused the king to hasten the end of his feasting. And so soon as the strangers were departed: The king by the advise of his counsel did answer the former letters. After the former feast ended, the king called his Court of Parliament, who assembled together at westminster shortly after Easter, than next following. And in the time of the said Parliament, A parliament holden at Westminster. the king created Edward his first begotten son (who was borne in the third year of his reign) Prince of Wales, Edward the kings first son created Prince of Wales. and he proved the most royal Prince in Chivalry that was in all Christendom. And in the said Parliament was granted unto the king toward the finishing and ending of his wars with France of the commons and of the Towns and Cities of the Realm of England, four fifteens to be paid in two years next following. And likewise the Clergy granted unto him three fifteens to be paid in three years, but both the commons and the clergy had granted unto them by the king such liberties as ye may read in the statute made in the said xviij year, as counterueyled their gift. And these fifteens were also granted with these conditions, The Clergy are politic. that all such sums of money as should be levied of the aforesaid grants, should be only and wholly employed upon the exploit and expedition of the full finishing and ending of the wars with France, It should seem that the king was here partly out of credit with the commons because he had consumed so great sums of money in his wars as before had been levied of his subjects, & the same came to small purpose. and the same to be disposed by the advice of certain Lords and other great men that were specially nominated and appointed thereunto by the Parliament house. And also, that the king should not for any friend, letter or letters, entreaty or entreaties, nor for any fair promises, withdraw his enterprise in the expense of this money in his wars of France until he had fully ended and finished the same either by conquest, or else by the conclusion of a final peace. And hereupon the Lords of the realm granted to go with the king, and to adventure their lives with him in the same. And at this time also the king made a new coin of Gold and named it the Floreyn, that is to say, the penny of the value of uj shillings eight pence, the half penny of the value of three shillings, four pence, and the farthing of the value of twenty pence, A new coin called the Floreyn. the which Coin was specially ordained for his wars in France: For the Gold thereof was not so fine as was the Noble, which as before in the xiiij year of his reign he caused to be coined. Now after the aforesaid Parliament ended, king Edward would needs aid the Countess of Mountforde against the Lord Charles of Bloys. The death of Sir Robert de Arthoys Earl of Richemond. And for her relief he sent Sir Robert de Arthoys, Earl of Richemond accompanied with a certain number of good men of war, and Archers, the which Sir Robert by reason of tempests on the Sea, was long before he came thither: But for the time he remained there, he did very valiantly, notwithstanding at the last he was sore wounded, and returned into England and died in London and was buried in the Quire, or upper part of Paul's Church, whom king Edward caused to be buried with as solemn an obsequy, and as nobly was it done, as if it had been for his own Cousin Germayn the Earl of Derby. King Edward being greatly offended with the death of Sir Robert de Arthoys, swore a great oath that he would never rest but he would revenge his death, wherefore incontinently he sent out letters through out all the Realm, commanding every noble man and other to attend upon him within one month next after. And in the mean time he prepared a great number of ships, and at the end of the month he took the Seas and landed in Britain not far from Vannes, King Edward with a great power landeth in Briteyn. where Sir Robert de Arthoys arrived before: he was three days in landing of all his provision, and the fourth day he went toward Vannes. And all this mean time the Earl of Salisbury and the Earl of Pembroke lay at the siege of Renes. And shortly after, A peace made with the French king for three year. the king besieged Vannes, and did many noble feats of war, and at the last the Duke of Normandy came with a mighty power to break up the siege: But in the end, by the means and labour of two cardinals, a truce for three years was agreed upon, and so the wars broke up, and the king returned again into England about Christmas. After the king was thus returned, he went to his Castle of Windsor, the which was first builded by king Arthure (as saith sir john froissard) and now newly re-edified by king Edward, Windsor castle first builded by king Arthure. wherein he took great pleasure. And the said sir john Froissart saith, that in this Castle king Arthure did first begin the order of the round table, whereby sprang the fame of so many noble Knights throughout all the world, But other writ that the same was ordained first at Winchester, for there is yet the table that is called king Arthur's round table. And now king Edward purposing a like encouragement of noble and worthy knights, being at Windsor as aforesaid, The order of the Garter. did ordain and establish in the same Castle the most honourable order of knighthood of the blue Garter, and a solemn feast to be kept for the same yearly upon Saint George's day. And to begin this noble order, the king caused to be assembled together all the Earls, Lords, and Knights of his realm, and expressed unto them his purposed device, wherein they took great pleasure, because they saw it was that which tended to great honour, and that by the same, great amity, friendship, & love might grow among the nobles of this realm. And then were there chosen out a certain number of the most valiantest men in the realm, and they right gladly swore and were content to seal, to maintain those ordinances that then were devised for the said order. And then also the King builded a Chapel of Saint George within the said Castle of Windsor, and established therein certain Canons, The Chapel within the Castle of Windsor builded by King Edward the third. and other Ministers for the saying of divine and daily service, and endued them with right good livings and possessions. Then the King sent to publish this his royal feast by his Heralds, into France, Scotland, Burgoyn, Henault, Flaundyrs, Brabant, and into the Empire of Almain, giving and promising every Knight and Esquire that would come to the said feast xu days of safe conduct, before the feast, and xv. days after the feast, the same feast to begin on the day of Saint George next following, which was in the year of our Lord .1344. and the Queen to be there, accompanied with three hundred Ladies and Damoselles, all of noble lineage, and appareled accordingly. When the day of this royal feast drew near, A royal feast. thither came a noble company of Earls, Barons, Ladies and Damoselles, Knights and esquires. And also diverse Lords and knights of strange Countries came thither out of diverse places, as out of Flaundyrs, Heynault, and Brabant, but out of France came none. During the time of this feast, news came to the king out of diverse Countries: Thither came knights out of Gascoigne, as the Lord of Lespare, the Lord of Chawmount, the Lord of Musident, who were sent from the other Lords of the Country, such as were English: as the Lord de Labreth, the Lord of Puniers, the Lord of Mountferaunt, the Lord of Duras, the Lord of Carton, the Lord of Grayly, and divers other. And in like manner came sundry Messengers from sundry other places, and all advised the king to sand unto them succours in due season, for they were in great fear of their enemy the French King, who made great provision to annoyed them. These troublous news caused the king the sooner to shorten his feast and triumph. And when the same was ended, and all the strangers departed, and the Ladies and Damoselles, than the king went to counsel with his Lords what was best to be done. And shortly they agreed that it were meet some chief captain and succours were sent unto Bordeaux, for the defence thereof, and for the rest of Gascoigne. Then the king agreed to send over the Earl of Derby his Cousin germane as Chevetaine, who with all possible speed prepared himself, and he was accompanied with the Earl of Pembroke, the Earl of Norfolk, the Baron of Stafford, Sir Gaultier of many, Sir Richard Haydon, the Lord Franque de la hall, the Lieure de Brabant, sir Hugh Hastynges, sir Stephen de Tombey, the Lord of many, the Lord Normant of Fynefroyde, sir Robert of Lerney, sir john Norwich, sir Richard Rockclefe, sir Robert of Quenton, and divers other, to the number of .v. C. Knights and esquires, and two thousand Archers. And the King said to his Cousin the Earl of Derby, take with you Gold and Silver enough, ye shall not lack, and departed largely thereof unto your men of war, The Earl of of Derby sent to Bordeaux with a goodly company to withstand the malice of the French king. whereby ye shall get their love and favour, and thus the Earl of Derby departed unto Bordeaux, who after his coming thither did many noble and valiant deeds of arms, aswell in assaulting of diverse towns, as also in conquering & recovering from the French men many rich Cities & towns. In this time (as before you have heard) reigned in Flaundyrs in great prosperity and puissance, jaques Dartuell of Gaunt, who was a special friend and lover of king Edward. And the same jaques had promised the king that he would make him Lord and inheritor of Flaundyrs, jaques Dartuell of Gaū● a great lover & friend to King Edward. and to endue his son the Prince of Wales therewith. For the which cause, about the feast of Saint john Baptist, king Edward went over unto Sluice with many of his Lords and knights, and brought thither with him the young Prince his son, upon the word and promise of jaques Dartuell. The King with all his navy lay in the Haven of Sluice, and there he kept his house, and thither came to visit him his friends of Flaundyrs. There were great counsels between the King and jaques Dartuell on the one part, and the Counsels of the good towns of the other part. So that they of the Country were not of the agreement with the king, neither with jaques Dartuell, who went about to persuade them to disinherit the Earl Joys their own natural Lord, and also his young son Joys, and to inherit the son of the King of England, to the which they said they would never agreed unto. And so the last day of their Counsel, which was kept in the Haven at Sluice in the kings great ship called the Katheryn: They with one mind and voice gave a determinate answer and said: sir, ye have desired us to a thing that is great and weighty, the which hereafter may sore touch the Country of Flaundyrs and our heirs: Truly we know none at this day whose preferment and honour we would be more glad to advance then yours: But sir, this thing we can not do alone, we must have hereunto the whole commonalty of Flaundyrs. Therefore for this present we will go home, and every man to speak with his friends generally within every town, and as we find the most part to agreed, so will we be right well content: and within a month we will be here again with you, and give you such answer as we trust ye will be content. The king neither jaques Dartuell could have none other answer at that time: Howbeit they required a shorter day, but that would not be. So thus departed that Counsel, and every man went home to their own towns: But jaques Dartuell tarried a little with the King, and still he promised the king that he would bring them unto his intent, but he was foul deceived as after will appear. jaques Dartuell took his leave of the king and went first to Bruges and persuaded with the Lords there, and likewise with the rulers of Ipre, and in the end they granted unto him, so that jaques made a full account that he had obtained and ended this matter, for he assured himself of the town of Gaunt, whom as he thought he might rule as he lust, but he found it otherwise. When he had ended at Bruges he returned to Gaunt, not suspecting any thing, but that they were his very friends: jaques Dartuell was greatly deceived. and before he came to the town, it was told to the inhabitants that jaques Dartuell went about to disinherit the right Earl of Flaundyrs and his son, and to give the inheritance unto the son of king Edward of England, a stranger, at the herring whereof they assembled themselves in the Market place, and were in a great fury against jaques Dartuell, but at the last they departed from the Market place, and every man went home to his own house. Shortly after about noon, came jaques Dartuell into Gaunt, not knowing any thing of the former doing of the men of the town, but they knew well of his coming, and therefore walked in the streets in heaps, even where he should pass. And when they saw him, they began to mumur, The behaviour of the people of Gaunt at the entering of jaques Dartuell into their town. and began to whisper together and to fall to secret talk, and at the last they spoke out aloud one to another and said. Behold, yonder cometh the great master that will rule all Flaundyrs as he lust, and give the inheritance thereof where he thinketh meet. Also there was a brute blown abroad among the inhabitants of the Town, that jaques Dartuell for the space of ix years past had in his hands all the revenues of Flaundyrs, and never did account for the same. And farther, that he had sent great riches and treasure unto the king of England: These tales set them of Gaunt on a fire. And as jaques Dartuell road through the street, he perceived that there was some matter in framing against him, for he saw, as he came by, such as were wont to do reverence unto him, turn their faces from him, and went into their houses. Then he began to doubt, and assoon as he was alighted in his lodging, he closed fast his gates, doors and windows. This was scant done, but all the street was full of men, The poorest and of lest discretion are ever commonly the most busiest. and specially of them of meanest occupations, than they beset his house both behind and before and round about, and began to break up the house: But he and his defended themselves within the house along space, and slew and hurt many without. But finally he could not endure, for three parts of the men of that town were at that assault. When jaques saw that he was so sore oppressed, The wise and mild speech of jaques Dar●●ell to the common people. he came to a window with great humility barehedded and spoke in gentle manner and said: Good people, what aileth you, why are you so sore offended at me? Wherein have I displeased you, let me understand it, and I will gladly make such amendss as I trust shall content you. Then such as heard him, answered all with one voice, we will have account made of the great treasure of Flaundyrs, that you have sent out of the way without any title or reason. Then jaques meekly answered and said: Certainly Sirs, of the treasure of Flaundyrs I never took any thing. I pray you withdraw yourselves patiently into your houses, and come again to morrow in the morning, and I will make you so good an account, that ye shall be well pleased and contented withal. Then they all cried and said, nay, we will have an account incontinent, thou shalt not scape our hands so: we know for truth that thou hast sent great riches into England without our knowledge, and therefore thou shalt die. A hard matter to satisfy rude and disorderly persons. When jaques heard that word, he joined his hands together and sore weeping said: Sirs, such as I am ye have made me: and ye have sworn to me or this to defend me against all persons. And will you now stay me against all reason, and no cause heard nor examined? ye may do it if ye will, for I am but one man amongst you all, but yet for God's sake take better advise, and remember the time past, and consider the great graces and friendship that I have showed and done unto you: and then I trust ye will not so ungently reward me, and chiefly for the great goodness that I have showed unto your town. Ye know right well that the trade of merchandise was clearly decayed in this town, and country, and by my means ye have recovered it. Also I have governed you in great peace and rest, for in the time of my government ye have had all things as your hearts desired, corn and all other merchandise. Then the people cried all with one voice, come down to us & preach not so high, and give us account of the great treasure of Flaundyrs which ye have governed so long without count making, which becometh no officer so to do, to receive the goods of his Lord, or of his Country, and make none account. When jaques saw that he could not appease them: he drew in his head and closed in his window, and thought to have stolen out on the backside into the Church that joined to his house: jaques Dartuell taken & slain without all mercy and pity. But his house was so broken that four hundred persons were entered into it, and finally, there he was taken and slain without any pity or mercy, and one Thomas Denyce gave him his deaths stroke. And thus ended jaques Dartuell. King Edward hearing of the death of jaques Dartuell returneth into England. When king Edward, who lay all this while at Sluse, abiding the answer of the Flemyngs, heard how they of Gaunt had slain jaques Dartuell his great friend, he was sore displeased. Wherefore incontinent he departed from Sluice, and entered into the Sea, sore threatening the flemings and the country of Flaundyrs, and said, how his death should be revenged. Then the counsellors of the good towns of Flaundyrs thought no less but that the king of England would take the death of jaques Dartuell grievously, wherefore they determined to go to the king and excuse themselves, and specially they of Bruges, Courtray, Iper, Andwarp & Frank: They sent into England to the king for a safe conduit that they might come to their excuse. The rulers of the towns in Flaundyrs come to king Edward to make their excuse for the death of jaques Dartuell. The king then being somewhat cooled of his great fury, granted their desire. And then there came into England men of estate out of the good Towns of Flaundyrs, except out of Gaunt there came none. This was about Mighelmas, and the same time the King lay at westminster besides London. When they were come unto the kings presence, they in most lowly manner humbled themselves before the king, and clearly excused themselves of the death of jaques Dartuell, and swore solemnly that they knew nothing thereof until it was done. And if they had, he was the man that they would have defended to the best of their powers, and said that they were right sorry of his death, for he had governed the Country right politicly and wisely. And also they said, that though they of Gaunt had done that deed, yet should they make a sufficient amendss. And further they said unto the king and his counsel, that though he be deed, yet the king of England was never the further off from the love & favour of them in Flaundyrs in all things, except the inheritance of Flaundyrs, which by no mean nor way they will put from the right heirs. And saying also further unto the king: A new offer of amity made by the Flemings to king Edward. Sir you have a young daughter, and we have a young Lord, who is the inheritor of Flaundyrs, we have him in our keeping, may it please you to consent to a marriage to be made between them two, and by that means the County of Flaundyrs may for ever be in the issue of your Child. These words and many such like did greatly pacify the king, and finally the king was content with the Flemyngs, and they with him, and so by little and little the death of jaques Dartuell was quite forgotten. And shortly after the death of jaques Dartuell, The death of William earl of Heynault the lover and great friend of king Edward. died also William Earl of Henault, the kings great lover and friend, and not long after sir john of Heynault the kings most chief and special friend (who from the first beginning and entrance of the king into the Realm and Kingdom of England, assisted and defended him) did now refuse the king of England and became French, because as some writ, that the King of England, refused to pay him his pension that he granted unto him. And thus was King Edward destitute of a great many of his chief and special friends, even upon a sudden. About this time the King heard how his men were in sore distress at the siege of the Castle of Aguillon in Gascoigne, and therefore prepared himself with a great and puissant army to go over for their rescue. The Lord Godfrey of Harecourt being banished out of France was joyfully received in England by king Edward. And in this mean time, the Lord Godfrey of Harecourt, being banished out of France came into England, and was well received with the king, and he retained him to remain and continued about him, and assigned him lands in England to maintain his degree. Then the king caused a great navy of ships to be ready in the Haven of Southampton, and caused all manner of men of war to be there at the feast of Saint john Baptist .1345. And at that time the king departed from the Queen, and left her in the guiding of the Earl of Cane his Cousin. And he ordained and appointed the Lord Percy, and the Lord Nevell to be wardens of his realm, with the Archbishop of York, the Bishop of Lincoln, and the Bishop of Durham: For the king at no time departed out of this realm, but that he left sufficient behind him to defend the realm if need were. Then the king road to Hampton, and tarried there for wind: And at the last he entered into Ship, and the Prince of Wales with him, and the Lord Godfray of Harecourt, and all other Earls, Barons, Lords, and Knights, with all their companies. They were in number four thousand men of arms, and ten thousand Archers, beside Irishmen and Welshmen that followed the host on foot, and xj C. sail of ships, as some writ. And here I think it not amiss to name unto you all the Lords that went in this journey with the king. A royal navy and army that sailed with the king into France. First Edward his eldest son Prince of Wales, who as then was of the age of xuj years, or there abouts, the Earls of Herfford, Northhampton, Arondell, Cornwall, Warwick, Huntyngdon, Suffolk, and Oxenford. And of Barons, the Lord Mortimer, who was after Earl of March, the Lords, john, Lewes, and Roger of Beauchamp, and the Lord Reynold Cobham. Of Lords, the Lord of Mowbray, Rose, Lucy, Felton, Brastone, Myllon, Labey, Maule, Basset, Barlet, & Willoughby, and divers other Lords. And of Bachelors, there were john Chandoys, Fitzwaren, Peter and james Audeley, Roger of Virtual, Bartholomew of Bryes, Richard of Pembruges, with divers other that I can not name. Thus they sailed forth that day in the name of God, and they were well onward on their way toward Gascoyn: But on the third day, there arose a contrary wind, and drove them on the Marches of Cornwall, and there they lay at anchor uj days. In that space the king had other Counsel by the means of Sir Godfrey Harecourt: The counsel of sir Godfray Harecourt to king Edward, which counsel was good as it after proved. he counseled the king not to go into Gascoyn, but rather to set a land in Normandy, and he said to the king, Sir the Country of Normandy is one of the most plenteous Countries of the world. And Sir, on jeopardy on my head, if ye will landlord there, there is none that will resist you: The people of Normandy have not been used to war, and all the Knights and esquires of the Country are now at the siege before Aguillon with the Duke. And Sir, there ye shall find great Towns that be not walled, whereby your men shall have such winning that they shall be the better thereby twenty year after: & ye may follow with your army until ye come to Cane in Normandy. And Sir, I pray you believe me, and take this voyage. The King who was as then but in the flower of his youth, King Edward took upon him to be Admiral to the whole nauy●. for he passed not xxxv years of age, and desiring nothing so much as to have deeds of Arms, inclined greatly to the saying of the Lord Harecourt, whom he called Cousin. Then the King commanded the Mariners to set their course to Normandy: And he took into his ship the Banner or Badge of the Admiral the Earl of Warwick, and said how he would be Admiral in that voyage, The king arrived at Constantine an Isle in Normandy. and so sailed on before, as governor of the navy. And they had wind at will: Then the king arrived in the Isle of Constantine, at a port called Hoggue Saint Waste. Tidings anon spread abroad, how the Englishmen were landed: The towns of Constantyne sent down word to Paris to king Philip. And he had heard before how that king Edward was on the sea with a great army, but he understood not what way he would take, whether into Normandy, Gascoigne, or Briteyn. Assoon as he knew that the king of England was landed in Normandy, he sent his Constable the Earl of Guynes, and the Earl of Tankernile, who were but newly come to him from his son from the siege of Aguillon, to the town of Cane, commanding them to keep that town against the Englishmen: They said they would do their best, and so departed from Paris with a good number of men of war, and daily there came more unto them by the way. And so at the last came to the town of Cane, where the men and people of that town received then with great joy. And assoon as these Lords were come, they busily provided for the good defence of the said Town, and set all things in good order. The king of England, as aforesaid, was arrived at the port Hoggue Saint Waste, near to Saint saviour the viscount, which was the right heritage to the Lord Godfray of Harecourt, who as then was there with the king of England. Assoon as the king was arrived in the aforesaid port, as he leapt out of his ship, the first foot that he stepped on the ground he fell so untowardly, that the blood braced out of his nose. The knights that were about him, took him up and said, sir for God's sake enter again into your Ship, and come not a land this day, for this is but an evil sign for us. Then the king answered quickly and said, wherefore? this is a good token for me, for the land desireth to have me. Of the which answer all his men were joyful: So that day and night the king lodged on the sands. And in the mean time discharged the ships of their horses and other baggages. There the king made two marshals of his host, the one, The Lords Godfrey of Harecourt & the Earl of Warwick made marshals of the king's army. Lord Godfray of Harecourte, and the other the Earl of Warwick, and the Earl of Arondell Constable. And he ordained that the Earl of Huntyngdon should keep the Fleet of ships with an hundredth men of arms and four hundred Archers. And also he ordained three battles, one to go on his right hand close to the sea side, and the other on his left hand, and the king himself in the mids, and every night to lodge all in one field. Thus they set forth as they were ordained, and they that went by the Sea took all the ships that came in their ways, and so long they went forth what by sea, and what by land, that at the last they came to a good port, & to a good town called Harflew, the which incontinent was won: Harflewe won, For they within gave up for fear of death. And albeit the said town was rob and spoiled, and much Gold, Silver, and rich jewels taken out of the same, yet there remained so much riches that the boys and villains of the host set nothing by good furred Gowns. And before they entered into the rifeling of the Town, they caused all the inhabitants of the town to come forth and go into their ships, because they would not suffer them to be behind them for fear of rebelling again. And thus was the town of Harflewe taken and spoiled without brenning. Then the army spread abroad in the Country, and did what they lust, for there was none to resist them. Chierbourgh taken and spoiled. And at the last they came to a great and rich town called Chierbourgh. The town they wan and spoiled and brent part of it: But into the Castle they could not come, it was so strong and well furnished with men of war. Then they passed forth & came to Mountbourgh, and took and spoiled it and brent it clean. Mountbourgh taken and spoiled. In this manner they spoiled and brent many other towns in that country, and wan so much riches that it was incredible. Then they came to a great town called Quarentyne, where there was also a strong Castle, and many soldiers within to keep it. Then the Lords came out of their ships and made a fierce assault: Quatentyne a good town taken & spoiled and brent. The Burgesses of the town were in great fear of their lives, wives and children. And they gladly suffered the Englishmen to enter into the town against the mind and will of all the soldiers there: They put all their goods unto the Englishmen'S pleasures, because they thought they should so the better obtain their favour, and mitigate their rigour. When the French soldiers saw the Englishmen enter into the town, than they fled, and went into the Castle. And the Englishmen kept the town two days, and therein made sore assaults unto the Castle, and at the last the Frenchmen seeing no remedy, did give it over. And thus were the Englishmen possessed both of that good town and Castle. And when they saw they might not maintain nor keep it, they set it on fire, and brent both town and Castle. And while they were thus spoiling of the Town, they made all the Burgesses and people of the town to go into their ships as before they had done with them of Harflew, Chierbourgh & Mountbourgh and other towns that they had won on the Sea side. All this was done by the battle that went on the Sea side, and by them on the sea together. Now let us speak of the kings battle, when he had sent his first battle along by the sea side, as ye have heard before, whereof the Earl of Warwyke was Captain and the Lord Cobham with him. Then he made his other Marshal to lead his host on the left hand, for he knew the issues and entries of Normandy better than any other did. The Lord Godfray as Martial road forth with five hundred men of arms, and road of from the king's battle six or seven leagues, in brenning and spoiling the Country, the which Country was plentiful in every thing. The Granges were full of Corn, the houses full of all riches, rich Burgesses and Citizens, Horse, Swine, Sheep and other beasts and cattle great plenty: They took what pleased them, and brought into the kings host. But the soldiers made none account to the king nor to none other of his officers of the Gold, Silver, and jewels that they did get, for that they kept to themselves. Thus Sir Godfray of Harecourt road every day from the king's host, and yet for the most part every night he resorted into the king's field. The king took his way to Saint Clowe in Constantine, but before he came there, he lodged by a river, abiding for his men that went along the Sea side. And when they were come, they set forth their carriage: And the Earl of Warwick and the Earl of Suffolk, Sir Thomas Holland and Sir Raynold Cobham, and their company road out on the one side & wasted and spoiled the country as the Lord of Harecourt had done. And the king ever road between these battles, and every night they lodged together. The French king gathereth together a great power. In this mean time the French King sent for Sir john of Heynault, who came to him with a great number of men. And in like manner the said king sent for other men of arms, Dukes, earls, Barons, Knights, and esquires, and assembled together such a great number of people as had not been seen in an hundredth years before. He sent also for men into so far Countries, that it was long before they came, so that the king of England did what him list in the mean season. The French king knew well enough what he did, and swore that he should never return out of his Realm unfought withal, and that such hurts and damages as they had done, should be dearly revenged. King Edward having in his battle three thousand men of arms, and vj. thousand Archers, and ten thousand footmen, besides them that road with the Marshals, left the City of Constance, and went to the great town called Saint Clowe, which was a rich town of Drapery, and many rich Burgesses therein. When the King came thither, he took his lodging without the town, The town of S. Clowe taken and spoiled. for he would never lodge within any town for fear of fire: But he sent his men before, and the town was immediately taken and spoiled. The riches of that town was very great, namely in Canvas. Then the king went toward Cane, the which was a greater town, and full of Drapery of Linen and cloth, and other rich Merchandise, and the inhabitants of the town were very rich men, noble Ladies, beautiful Damoselles, goodly and rich Churches, and two great rich Abbeys, one of the Trinity, another of Saint Stephen. And on the one side of the town one of the fairest Castles in all Normandy, of the which sir Robert of Blargmy was captain, with three hundredth Genoese, and in the Town was the Earl of Ewe, and of Guynes Constable of France, and the Earl of Tankeruile with a good number of men of war. The King of England road all that day in good order, and lodged all his battles together that night, about two leagues from Cane, in a town with a little haven called Haustreham: and thither came also all his navy of ships with the Earl of Huntyngdon, who was governor of them. The Constable and other Lords of France that night watched well the town of Cane, and in the morning armed themselves, and all the fighting people in the Town. And then the Constable took order that none should issue out of the Town, but keep their defences on the Walls, Gate, Bridge, and River, and left the suburbs void, because they were not closed: For they thought they should have enough to do to defend the town, because it was not closed, but with the river. But they of the town said they would issue out, for they were strong enough to fight with the king of England. When the Constable saw them so bend, he said, in the name of God be it, ye shall not fight without me. Then they issued out in good order, and made good face and show to fight with the English men, and to put their lives in adventure. The English men rose early in the morning, and made themselves ready to go to Cane. The King heard noise before the son rising, & therefore he and the Prince his son took their horse, and sir Godfrey of Harecourt, Martial and leader of the host, whose counsel the king much followed. And the kings army went forward in good array, and approached near to the good town of Cane. When they of the Town, who then were ready in the field, saw these three battles coming in good array, with their Banners and Standards waving with the wind, and the Archers which they had not been accustomed to see: they were so sore afraid that they fled toward the town, without any order or good array, and the Constable could not stay them: But the English men pursued them eagerly. When the Constable and the Earl of Tankeruyll saw that, Cane besieged taken and spoiled. they took a Gate at the entry and saved themselves and certain with them, for the English men were entered into the town as soon as they. And such of the French as knew the way to the Castle, went thither, and the captain thereof received them all, for the Castle was large. The English men in the chase slew many, for they took none to mercy. Then the Constable and the Earl of Tankeruyll being in the little tower at the Bridge foot, looked along the street, and saw their men slain without mercy, they doubted to fall in their hands. At the last they saw an English knight with one eye called Sir Thomas Holland, and five or six other knights with him, they knew them, for they had seen them before in Pruce, in Granado, and in other voyages. Then they called to sir Thomas and said, how they would yield themselves prisoners. Then sir Thomas came thither with his company, and went up into the Gate, and there found the said Lords, and xxv knights with them, who yielded them all unto sir Thomas, and he took them for his prisoners, and left company to keep them. And then he took his horse again and road into the streets, and saved the lives of many Ladies and Damoselles, and cloisterers from deflowering, for the Soldiers were without all compassion and mercy. And it chanced so happily the same time for the Englishmen, that the river which was well able to bear ships, at that time was so low, that men went in and out beside the bridge. And such of the town as were entered into their houses, cast down into the street, stones, timber, and iron, and slew & hurt more than five hundredth English men, with the which doing the King was sore displeased. And at night when he heard thereof, he commanded that the next day that all should be put to the sword, and the town to be brent. But then sir Godfray of Harecourt said: dear sir, for God's sake assuage somewhat your courage, and let it suffice you that ye have done, ye have a great exploit to do before ye come to Calais, whether ye purpose to go: And Sir, in this town there are much people that will defend their houses, and it will cost many of your men's lives, before that ye have all your will, and by that mean ye may fortune to be disappointed of your voyage to Calais, the which would turn to your great grief: Wherefore sir, save your people, for ye may chance to have need of them before this month pass, For I think verily that your adversary King Philip will meet with you to fight, and ye shall found many straight passages and reencountries. Wherefore your men, and ye had more shall stand you in good steed, and Sir without any further slaying, ye shall be Lord of this town, men and women will put themselves and all that ever they have unto your pleasure. Then the King said, Sir Godfray, you are our Marshal, order every thing as best shall seem unto you. Then sir Godfray with his Banner road from street to street, and commanded in the kings name, none to be so hardy as to put fire in any house, to slay any person, or to violate any woman. When they of the town heard that cry, they received the Englishmen into their houses, and made them good cheer. And some opened their Coffers, and bade them take what they would, so that they might be assured of their lives: Howbeit at that time there were many murders, robberies and evil deeds done in that town. Cane taken and sacked by the English men. Thus the Englishmen were Lords of the town of Cane three days, & wan great riches, the which they sent away by Barks and Barges by the river of Austrehen unto their Navy with two hundred men of Arms and four hundred Archers, and so the Navy departed into England with great riches and many rich prisoners. And the king bought of sir Thomas Holland two of his prisoners, which was the Constable of France, and the Earl of Tankeruyll, & gave him for them ten thousand Marks in old nobles. Then the king departed from Cane, and road in the order that he did before, brenning and spoiling the Country, and took the way to Ewreus, and so passed by it. And from thence they road to a great town called Lovyers, it was the chief town of all Normandy of Drapery, Lovyers taken & spoiled. rich and full of all Merchandise: The Englishmen soon entered into it, for as than it was not closed, and it was over run, ransacked and spoiled without all mercy, and there was won great richesse. Then they entered into the Country of Eureux, and brent and spoiled the Country, except the walled towns and castles, to the which the king made none assault for sparing of his people and his artillery. On the river of Seyn near unto Roan, there was the Earl of Harecourte brother to Sir Godfray of Harecourt, but he was on the French party, and the Earl of Dreux with him, with a good number of men of war. But the Englishmen left Roan and went to Gysours, Gysors, Vernon, & Positlarche brent and spoiled. where was a strong Castle, they brent the town, and after brent Vernon and all the Country about Rouen and Pount de Larche, and came to Nauntes and to Meulence and wasted all the Country about, and passed by the strong Castle of Robboys, and in every place along the river of Seyne they found the bridges broken. At the last they came to Poyssey and found the bridge broken, but the Arches and joystes lay in the river. The king lay there five days, and in the mean time the bridge was made to pass the host without peril. Saint , Mountioye, Saint Cloud, Petty Boleyn, all destroyed. The English marshals ran abroad even just to Paris, and brent Saint germans in Lay, and Mountioye and S. Cloud, and petty Boleyn by Paris, and the queens Bourgh. They of Paris were not well assured of themselves, for it was not as then walled nor closed. The French king understanding the king of England to be so near, removed from Paris to Saint Dionyce which is near unto Paris: and before he went, he caused all the Penthehouses of the Town of Paris to be pulled down. And unto Saint Denyce there were all ready come to the aid of the French king, the king of Behayne, the Lord john of Heynault, the Duke of Loreyne, the Earl of Flaundyrs, the Earl of Bloys and many other great Lords and knights. When the people of Paris saw their king departed, they came to him and kneeled down and said: A sir, and right Noble king, what will you do? will ye now depart and leave both us and this noble City as a spoil to your enemies? The king answered them and said, be not afraid good people, for the Englishmen will come no near you then they are. Why so sir quoth they, for they be within these two leagues: And assoon as they know of your departure they will come and assail us, and we be not able to defend them, wherefore good sir, for God's sake tarry here still and help to defend your noble City of Paris. Speak no more to me quoth the king, for I will go to Saint Dionyce to my men of war, and I will encounter the Englishmen and fight with them, whatsoever fall thereof. At this time the king of England being at Poyssy, lay at the Nonery there, and kept there the feast of our Lady the Assumption, and sat in his robes of Scarlet furred with Ermines, and that feast being ended, he then went forth in the same order that he did before. The Lord Godfrey of Harecourt road out on the side with .v. C. men of Arms and xiij C. Archers: And by adventure he encountered a great number of the Burgesses of Amiens on horseback, A skirmish wherein were slain xii C. Burgesses of Amiens. who were riding by the kings commandment to Paris. The Englishmen quickly gave them the onset, and they valiantly defended themselves, for they were a great number and well armed, and had to their Captains four knights of Amiens. This skirmish dured long, at the first meeting many were overthrown of both parts: But finally the Burgesses were taken and almost all slain, and the Englishmen took all their carriages and harness: Of this number there were slain twelve hundred that lay in the field. Then the king of England entered into Beawosyn brenning and spoiling the plain country, and lodged at a fair Abbey and a rich, called saint Messene, near to Beaways, and there the king tarried one night, and in the morning departed. And when he was on his way, he looked back and saw the Abbey on fire, and he caused incontinent twenty of them to be hanged that set it on fire, for he had commanded before upon pain of death none to spoil any Church, nor to burn any Abbey or Monastery. Then the king passed by the City of Beaways without any assault giving, because he would not trouble his people nor waste his artillery. And so that day he took his lodging betimes in a little town called Nully. The two marshals came so near to Beaways, that they made a skirmish at the barriers in three places, the which assault dured a long space: But the Town within was so well defended by the mean of the Bishop, who at that time was within the town, that finally the Englishmen departed and brent clean heard to the gates all the suburbs of the same. And at night they came into the kings field. The next day the king departed, brenning and spoiling all before him, and at night lodged in a good village called Gracuiellure. And the next day the king passed by Argies, and there was none to defend the Castle, wherefore it was soon taken and brent. Then they went forth, destroying the Country all about, and so came to the Castle of Boys, where there was a good town and two Castles. There was no body in them, but two fair Damoselles daughters to the Lord of Boys, and they were soon taken, and had been violated if two English knights had not been, sir john Chandos and Sir Basset: They defended them and brought them to the king, who for his honour made them good cheer, and demanded of them whether they would feignest go, and they said to Corbe, and the king caused them to be brought thither without any peril. That night the king lodged in the Town of Boys. And they of the town and of the Castles spoke that night with the two Marshals of the host, to save them and their town from brenning, and they to pay a certain some of florins, and the same was granted unto them. The next day the king departed in the morning with all his host, except certain that were left there to receive the money which the town had promised to pay. When they of the town saw the host departed and gone, and that there were few left behind: then they said, that they would pay never a penny, and so ran upon the Englishmen, who defended themselves as well as they might, and sent after the host for secure. When Sir Thomas Holland, and Sir Reignold Cobham, who had the rule of the rearguard, heard thereof, they returned & cried treason, treason and so came again to Boys ward, & found their Companions fight still with them of the town. Boys brent & destroyed. Then anon they of the town were nigh all slain, and the town brent, and the two Castles beaten down. Then they returned to the kings Host, who was as then at Araynes, and there lodged, and commanded all manner of men upon pain of death to do no hurt to no town of Arsyn, for there the king was minded to lie a day or two to take advise how he might pass the river of Some: For it was necessary for him to pass the river, as after ye shall here. The French king was now in great readiness to follow the king of England, and was so far forward, that he with a marvelous great army of the number of a hundredth thousand men and more, were come as far as Amiens, and thought to have enclosed the king of England with the water of Some, for he had caused all the Bridges to be broken, and those that remained to be so guarded and kept, that there was no way left for the King of England to escape. The King of England being thus enclosed, first caused his two marshals with a thousand men of arms and two thousand archers to go along the river to seek out some passage. And as they went, they entered into a town called Founteynes, that standeth on the river of Some, Founteynes spoiled and brent. and by reason it was not closed, they soon conquered, spoiled, and brent it. And from thence they went to sundry passages, but all were so well defended, that there was no way for the king of England to pass the river of Some. The King of England being very pensive, did the next morning rise very early and dislodged, and every man followed the Marshal's Banners, and so road into the Country of Vimew, approaching to the good town of Abbevile, and found a town thereby whereunto was come many people of the Country, in trust of a little defence that was there: Vimew won But the English men shortly wan it, and all that were within were slain, and many taken of the town and of the Country. The King took his lodging in a great Hospital that was there. And the same day that the King departed from Araynes, the French King the next day came thither with all his army into the same lodging where the king was, and found there a great deal of the provision of the king of England, which for hast he was feign to leave behind him. That night the King of England was lodged at a town called Oysement, And at night when his two marshals were returned, Oysement. who had that day overrun the Country to the Gates of Abbevile, and to Saint Valery, where they had made a great skirmish, who brought him word that they could found no passage: Wherefore the King caused to be called before him all the prisoners that he had taken in the Countries of Ponthieu, and Vimew, and gently demanded of them, that if there were any among them that knew any passage beneath Abbevile, that he and his host might pass the river of Some, if any of them would show him thereof, he should be acquitted of his ransom, and twenty of his company for his love. There was at that time among the Prisoners, a varlet called Gobyn a Grace, Gobyn a Grace. who hearing the kings request, stepped forth and said to the King. Sir, I promise' you on the jeopardy of my head, that I will bring you to such a place, where as you and all your host shall pass the river of Some without peril. There are certain places in the passage that ye shall pass twelve men on Front two times in a day and night, & that ye shall not go in the water above the knees: but when the flood cometh, than the river increaseth so great, that no man can pass, but when the flood is gone, it is so low, that it may be passed without all danger, both on horseback and on foot, and the passage is hard in the bottom, so that all your carriage may go safely through, and therefore the passage is called Blanchtaque, and if you make ready to departed betimes, Blanch taque. ye may be there before the son rising or soone after. The King being somewhat comforted with this tale, answered and said: if this be true that thou hast said, I will quite the thy ransom and all thy company, and moreover I will give thee an hundredth nobles in thy purse. Then the king commanded every man to be ready at the sound of the Trumpet, and to departed. At the breaking of the day, the king with all his host departed from Oysement, and road after the guiding of Gobyn of Grace, so that they came by the son rising to Blanch taque: but as then the flood was up, so that they might not pass, wherefore the king tarried the ebb. The French king had his couriers in the Country, who brought him word of the demeanour of the English men, than he thought verily to have closed the king of England in between Abuile and the river of Some, and then to have fought with him at his pleasure. And while the French King was at Amience, he appointed a great Baron of Normandy, called Sir Godmar du Foy, to go and keep the passage of Blanch taque, where the English men must pass, or else in none other place: he had with him a thousand men of arms, and six thousand a foot with the Genoese. And also he had with him a great number of the men of that Country, and also a great number of them of Mutterell, so that they were a twelve thousand men one and other. When the English host was come thither, Sir Godmer du Foy arranged all his company to defend the passage. A great skirmish with the French men at the passage of Blanchtaque. The king of England stayed not for all that, but when the Tide served, entered into the water, & so did they on the other side, and many a man drowned. There were some of the French men of Arthoys in Picardy, that were as glad to just on the water as on the dry land. The French men defended so well the passage at the issuing out of the water, that the English men had much ado to recover the land, the Genoese did them great trouble with their Crossbows: And on the other side the Archers of England shot so wholly together, that the French men were feign to give place to the English men. There was a sore Battle, and many a noble feat of arms done on both sides: Finally, the English men passed over, and assembled themselves together in the field, and the king and the Prince passed, and all the Lords, and then the French men kept none array. When Sir Godmar saw this discomfiture, he fled and saved himself. Some fled to Abuyle, and some to Saint Reignyer: but those French men that were there on foot could not flee, so that there were slain a great number of them, & the chase endured more than a great league. And as yet all the English men were not passed the river, and certain couriers of the king of Behayne, and of Sir john of Heynaultes, came upon them that were behind, and took horses and carriages, and slew diverse before they could take passage. The French king the same morning was departed from Areines, trusting to have found the English men between him and the river of Some: But when he heard how that sir Godmar du Foy and his company were discomfited, he tarried in the field, & demanded of his Marshals what was best to do: and they said, Sir ye can not pass the river but at the Bridge of Abbevile, for the flood is come in at Blanch taque, wherefore he returned and lodged at Abbevyle. The King of England, when he was past the river, thanked God, and so road forth in like manner as he did before. Then the King called unto him Gobyn a Grace, and did quite him his ransom, and all his company, and gave him an hundredth nobles, and a good horse. And so the king road forth fair and easily, and thought to have lodged in a great town called Norell: But when he knew that the town did appertain to the Countess of Dammerle, sister to the Lord Robert of Arthoys, the King assured the town and Country, as much as appertained to her, and so went forth, and his marshals road to Crotoy on the See side, and brent the town, Crotoy brent. and found in the Haven many Ships laden with wines of Ponthieu belonging to the Merchants of Xaynton, and of Rochel: They brought the best thereof to the kings host. Then one of the marshals road to the gates of Abbevyle, and from thence to Saint Reignyer, and after to the town of Rue Saint Espirite. And this was on a Friday, and both the marshals battles returned to the kings host about noon, and so lodged all together near unto Cressy in Ponthieu. The king of England was well informed how the French king followed after him to fight. And therefore he said unto his company, let us take here some place of ground, for we will go no farther until we have seen our enemies: I have good cause here to abide them, for I am on the right heritage of the Queen my mother, the which land was given her at her marriage: I will challenge it of mine adversary Philip of Valois. And because he had not the eight man that the French king had, therefore he commanded his marshals to chose out a plot of ground, somewhat for his advantage, and so they did, and thither the king and his host went. And then he sent his Couriers unto Abbevyle to see if the French king drew that day into the field or not. They went forth and returned again, and said they saw none appearance of his coming. Then every man took their lodging for that day, and to be ready in the Morning at the sound of the Trumpet in the same place. Thus all the Fridaye the French king tarried still in Abbevyle, abiding for his company, and sent his two marshals to ride out to see the dealing of the Englishmen: And at night they returned and said, how that the Englishmen were lodged in the fields. And that night the French king made a Supper to all the chief Lords that were there with him, and after Supper, the king desired them to be friends each with other: The French king looked for the Earl of Savoy who promised to have come unto him with a thousand Spears, for he had received wages for three Months of them at Troy in champaign. The xxuj of August in the morning very early, being Saturday, the king of England arose and set forward his army, commanding every man to draw to the field to the same place before appointed. And then the king caused a Park to be made by the Wood side behind his host: and there was set all Cartes and carriages: and within the Park were all their horses, for every man was on foot. And into this Park there was but one entry. And then he ordained three battles. In the first was the young Prince of Wales, The order of king Edward's battles. with him the Earl of Warwick and Canford, the Lord Godfrey of Harecourt, Sir Reignald Cobham, Sir Thomas Holland, the Lord Stafford, the Lord many, the Lord de laware, Sir john Chandos, Sir Bartholomew de Bowes, Sir Robert Neuyll, the Lord Thomas Clyfford, the Lord Bourchier, the Lord de la Tumier and divers other knights and squires that I cannot name: They were eight hundred men of arms and two thousand Archers, and a thousand of other with the Welshmen, every Lord drew to the field appointed, under his own pennon and Banner. In the second battle was the Earl of Northampton, the Earl of Arondell, the Lord Rosse, the Lord Lygo, The Lord Willoughby, the Lord Basset, the Lord of Saint Aubyne, Sir Lewes Tueton, the Lord of Myleton, the Lord de la Sell and divers other, they had eight hundred men of arms and twelve hundred Archers. The third battle had the king: he had vij hundred men of arms and two thousand Archers, beside Lords and knights that I cannot name. When all these battles were set in an order, than the king leapt on a Hobby with a white rod in his hand, one of his marshals on the one hand, and another on the other hand, and he road from rank to rank, desiring every man to take heed that day to his right and honour. And he spoke it so gently and with so good a countenance, that all such as heard him took great courage and comfort by him. And when he had thus ordered and visited all his battles, it was then ix. of the clock in the forenoon. And then he caused every man to eat and drink a little, and so they did at their leisure. And afterward they ordered again their battles, and then every man laid him down on the ground and his Salet and Bow by him, to be the more fresh when the enemies should come. This Saturday also early in the morning the French king came forward, and when he was come about two leagues from Abbevyle, some of his Lords said unto him: Sir, it were good that ye ordered your battles, and let your footmen pass on somewhat before, that they be not troubled with the horsemen. Then the king sent four knights, the Moyne Bastell, the Lord of Noyers, the Lord of Beaviewe and the Lord Dambegny to ride to view the English host: And they road so near, that they might well see part of their dealing. For the Englishmen saw them well, and knew that they were come thither to view them, and they let them alone, and made no countenance toward them, but suffered them to go as they came. And when the French king saw these four knights return, he tarried until they came unto him, and said, Sirs what tidings? These four knights each of them looked on other, for there was none that offered to speak: finally, the king said to Moyne which belonged to the king of Behayn, and had done in his days such good service, that he was reputed one of the valiantest knights in the world. And the French king bade him speak. And he said, Sir we have ridden and seen the behaving of your enemies, and know ye for a truth that they are rested in three battles abiding for you. Sir, I would counsel you for my part, saving your displeasure, that you and all your company would rest here and lodge this night. For or they that be behind of your company come hither, and or your battles can be set in good order, it will be very late, and your people be weary and out of array, and ye shall find your enemies fresh and ready to receive you: Early in the morning ye may order your battles at more leisure, and advise upon your enemies with better deliberation, and to consider well what way ye will assail them: for Sir surely, they will abide you. Then the king commanded it should be so done. Then his two marshals, one road before and another behind, saying to every Banner: tarry and abide here in the name of God and Saint Dionyce. They that were foremost stayed a little, but they that were behind, would not stay until they were come as far as the foremost. And when they before saw them come on behind, than they road forward again, so that the king nor his marshals could not rule them: And so they road without order or good array, until they came within the sight of their enemies. And assoon as the foremost saw them, than they recoiled back without all order: whereof they that were behind had great marvel and were amazed at the matter, and thought that the foremost company had been fight, and that then they might have had leisure to have gone forward if that they would. Some went forth and some abode still. The common people, of whom all the high ways between Abbevile and Cressy, stood full. When they saw that they were near to their enemies, they drew out their sword and cried out, down with them, let us slay them all. There was no man though he were present at this battle that was able to imagine or declare the evil order that was among the French party, and yet they were a marvelous great number. That I writ in this thing (saith Sir john Froissart) I learned it specially of the Englishmen, who well beheld their dealing, and also of certain knights of sir john of Heynaultes, who was always about king Philip, and they showed me as they knew. The Englishmen lying on the ground to rest them, assoon as they saw the Frenchmen approach, they rose fair and easily, and stood upon their feet and arranged in their battles. The first which was the Prince's battle, the Archers therein stood in manner of a hersse and the men of arms in the bottom of the battle. The Earl of Northampton and the Earl of Arondell, with the second battle were on a wing in very good order, ready to comfort the Prince's battle if need were. The Lords and Knights of France came not to the assembly in good order, for some came before, & some came after, in such haste that one of them troubled another. When the French king saw the English men, his countenance changed, and he said to his marshals, make the Genoese go on before and begin the battle in the name of God and saint Dionice. The battle of Cressy. There were of the Genoese Crossbows about xu thousand: But they were so weary in going on foot that day a six leagues armed with their Crossbows, that they said to their Constables, we be not well ordered to fight this day, for we be not in case to do any deeds of arms, we have more need of rest. These words came to the Earl of Alencon, who said, a man is well at ease to be charged with such a sort of Rascals to be faint and fail now at most need. And the same season there fell a great rain and a eclipse, with a terrible thunder: and before the rain there came fleeing over both the battles a great number of Crows, for fear of the tempest coming. Then anon the air began to wax clear, and the son to shine fair and bright, the which was right in the French men's eyen. When the Genoese were set in order and began to approach they made a great leap and cry to have abashed the English men: but they stood still and stirred not one foot. Then the Genoese again the second time made another leap and a foul cry, and stepped forward a little, and the English men removed not one foot: thirdly, again they leapt and cried unreasonably, and so went forth until they came within shot, and then shot off fiercely with their Crossbows. Then the English Archers stepped forward, and let fly their arrows, so wholly and so thick, that it seemed snow. When the Genoese felt the Arrows piercing through their heads, arms & breasts, many of them cast down their Crossbows, and cut their strings, and returned discomfited. When the French king saw them fly away, he said, slay these Raskalles, for they will let and trouble us without all reason. Then ye should have seen the men of arms have dashed in among them, and killed a great number of them. And ever still the English men shot where as they saw thickest press: The sharp arrows pierced the men of arms and their horses, and many fell horse and men among the Genoese, and when they were down, they could not relieve again, the press was so thick that one overthrew another. And also among the English men there were certain Raskalles that went a foot with great knives, and they went in among the men of arms and slew and murdered many of them as they lay on the ground, both Earls, Barons, Knights and esquires, wherewith the king of England was afterward sore displeased, for he had rather they had been taken prisoners. The valiant king of Behaine, called Charles Luzenbourgh, son to the noble Emperor Henry of Luzenbourgh, for all that he was near blind. When he understood the order of the battle, he said to them about him, where is the Lord Charles my son? And his men answered, sir we can not tell, we think he be fighting. Then he said, sirs ye are my men, my companions and my friends in this journey. I require you bring me so far forward, that I may strike one stroke with my sword, they said they would do his commandment. And to the intent that they should not lose him in the press, they tied all the reins of their bridles each to other, and set the king before to accomplish his desire, and so they went on their enemies. The Lord Charles of Behayne his son, who wrote himself king of Behayne and bore the Arms, he came in good order to the battle: But when he saw the matter went awry on their party, he departed, I can not tell you which way. The King his father was so far forward, that he struck a stroke with his sword, ye and more than four, and fought valiantly. The French king would feign have come thither when he saw their Banners, but there was a great hedge of Archers before him. The same day the French king had given a great black Courser to Sir john of Heynault, and he made the Lord john of Fusselles to ride on him, and to bear his Banner. The same horse took the Bridle in the teeth, and brought him through all the Couriers of the English men: and as he would have returned again, he fell into a great ditch and was sore hurt, and there had died if his Page had not been. This Battle between Broye and Cressye was right cruel and sore fought, and many a feat of arms there done that came not to my knowledge. And when night came, diverse knights and esquires lost their masters, and sometime or they knew, they came upon the English men, who received them in such wise that they were slain down right, for there was no taking to mercy nor ransom, for so the English men were determined in the morning. At one time during this battle, it chanced certain French men and Almains to give such a charge and onset of the English host, that perforce they opened the Archers of the Prince's battle, and came & fought hand to hand with the men of arms. Then the second battle of the English men came to secure the Prince's battle, the which was time: For they had as then much ado. And they that were with the Prince, sent a Messenger to the king, who was on a little windemill hill heard by, and said unto him, Sir, the Earl of Warwick, the Earl of Camfort, and sir Reignold Cobham, and other such as are about the Prince your son, are now fiercely fought withal, and are sore handled: Wherefore they desire that you and your battle will come and aid them. Then the king said, is my son dead or hurt, or felled to the ground? No Sir quoth the knight, but he is hardly matched, and therefore hath need of your aid. Well said the King return again to him and them that sent you hither, and bid them that they sand no more to me for any adventure that falleth, as long as my son is alive: and say also to them that they suffer him this day to win his spurs: For if God be pleased I will this journey to be his, and the honour thereof, and to them that are about him. Then the knight returned again, and showed the kings words, the which greatly encouraged them, and then they repented that they did sand to the king as they did. Sir Godfrey of Harecourt, would gladly that the Earl of Harecourt his brother might have been saved, for he heard say by them that saw his Banner, how that he was there in the field on the French party: But sir Godfrey could not come to him betimes, for he was slain before he could come at him, and so was also the Earl of Aumerle his Nephew. In another place the Earl of Alencon and the Earl of Flaundyrs fought valiantly, every Lord under his own Banner, but finally they could not resist against the puissance of the Englishmen, and so there they were also slain and divers other knights and squires. Also the Earl Lewes of Bloys Nephew unto the French king, and the Duke of Loreyn fought under their Banners, but at the last they were closed in with Englishmen and Welshmen, and there were slain for all their prows. Also there was slain the Earl of Ausser, the Earl of S. Paul and many other. And in the evening the French king, who had as then left about him a lx persons one and other, whereof Sir john of Heynault was one, who had remounted once again, for his horse was slain with an a-row. Then he said to the king, Sir depart hence, for it is time, lose not yourself wilfully, if ye have loss at this time, ye shall recover it again at another season. And so he took the kings horse by the bridle, and led him away, in manner perforce. Then the king road, until he came to the Castle of Broy, the gate was closed, because it was at that time dark. Then the king called the Captain, who came to the walls & said: who is it that calleth there at this time of night: Then the king said, open your gate quickly, for this is the fortune of France. The captain knew then that it was the king, and opened the gate and let down the bridge, and then the king entered in, and had with him but five Barones', Sir john of Heynault, Sir Charles of Momorency, the Lord of Beaviewe, the Lord Dabegny and the Lord of Mountford. The king would not tarry there, but drank and departed thence about Midnight and so road to amiens and there rested. And the Englishmen kept the field all this Saturday at night. The victory of the English men at the battle of Cressie. And assoon as night was come, and the Englishmen perceiving that no more Frenchmen approached, than they accounted among themselves that the victory was theirs, for the Frenchmen were discomfited, slain or run away. Then they made great fires and lighted up Torches and Candles, for it was very dark. Then the king came down from the little hill where as he had stand all the day long, and his Helmet never came of his head. Then he went with all his battle to his son the Prince, and embraced him in his arms and kissed him and said, good son, God give you good perseverance, you are my good son, and you have done very nobly, ye are worthy to keep a realm. The Prince bowed himself to the earth honouring the king his father. This night they thanked God for their good adventure, and did neither crack nor boast thereof, but wholly gave the praise and thanks unto almighty God the giver of victory. The next day in the morning, which was Sunday there was such a Mist, that a man could not see the breadth of an Acre of land from him. And then the king commanded his marshals to go abroad, and to view whether any Frenchmen gathered again together in any place, and they had with them five hundred Spears and to thousand Archers. And the same morning out of Abbevile and Saint Reignyer in Ponthew, the commons of Roan and of Beuioys issued out of their towns, not knowing of the discomfiture the day before, and suddenly met with the English marshals, weening to them they had been Frenchmen. And when the Englishmen saw them, they set on them freshly: and there was a sore fight, but at the last the Frenchmen broke their array and fled, and there were slain in the ways, and in the hedges and bushes more than vij thousand. And if the day had been clear, there had not escaped a man. And anon after, another company of Frenchmen were met by the Englishmen. The Archbishop of Roan, and the great Prior of France, who also knew nothing of the discomfiture the day before, for they were informed that the French king should have fought the same Sunday, and they were going thitherward. But when they met with the Englishmen there was a great battle, for they were a great number, but they could not endure against the Englishmen, for they were nigh all slain, few scaped, the two Lords were slain. And this morning also the Englishmen met with divers companies that had lost their way on the Saturday, and had lain all night in the fields, and witted not where the king was, nor their Captains: and the Englishmen slew them all as many as they met. And it was showed me (saith Froyssart) that of the commons and men on foot of the Cities and good Towns of France, there were slain four times as many on the Sunday, A great slaughter. as there were slain on the Saturday at the great battle. And after these sundry great and wonderful victories, the marshals of the Englishmen with their men returned to the kings battle, and said unto the king, Sir, we think surely that there is now no more appearance of your enemies. And then the king commanded Sir Reignold Cobham and sir Richard Stafford with three Heralds, to search the field and country for the number of them that were slain, and they road in the fields all that day, and made a diligent view, and returned again about Supper time, and made report to the king and said, how there were in the field dead xj great Princes lxxx Banners, twelve hundred knights and more than xxx A notable victory at the battle of Cressy. thousand other. The Englishmen kept still their field all that night, and on the Monday in the morning the king prepared to depart. But before his departure he caused proclamation in the Country to be made, and granted a truce for three days to the intent they should come and bury the dead. And all the great Lords he caused to be brought with him and carried them to Mounterell, and there were buried, Vambam and Seram brent. and his marshals went toward Hedyn, and brent Vambam and Seram, but they did nothing to the Castle, it was so strong and so well kept. They lodged that night on the river of Hedyn towards Blangye. The next day, they road towards Boleyn, and came to the town of Vnysame: There the king and the Prince lodged and tarried a day to refresh his men. And on the Wednesday, the king came before the strong town of Calais. At the same time in the town of Calais was a knight called Sir john Vien chief Captain thereof, and with him also was Sir Andrew Dandrehen, sir john de Sury, sir Bardon de Belborne, sir Godfrey de lament, sir Pepyn de Vrmew, and divers other knights and squires. When king Edward was come before Calais, Calyce besieged. he laid his siege thereunto, the third day of September, and ordained Bastides between the town and the haven. And he caused Carpenters to make houses and lodgings of great timber, and set the houses like streets, and covered them with Reed and Broom: so that it was like a little town, & there was every thing to cell, and a Market place, and Market kept every Tuesday, and every Saturday, for flesh and fish, for Mercery ware, houses for cloth both linen and : Also there was bread, wine, and all other necessary things, which came out of England, and out of Flaundyrs, and there they might buy what they lust. The king would not assail the town of Calais, for he thought it but a lost labour, and therefore he spared his people and artillery, and said he would famish them within the town with long siege, without the French King came to raise his siege perforce. When the captain of Calais saw the manner and order of the Englishmen, than he constrained all mean and poor people to issue out of the town. And on a Wednesday there issued out of the town, of men, women, and children, more than xvij hundredth. And as they passed through the host, they were demanded why they departed, and they answered and said, because they had nothing to live upon. Then the king of his mere pity and mercy suffered them to pass through his host without danger, and gave them meat and drink to dinner, and unto every person two pence sterling in almose, for the which diverse of them prayed for the kings prosperity. The Scots rebel. In this mean while that the King lay at the siege of Calais, David king of Scotland by the stirring of the French king, made his summons to his people to meet him at Saint john's Town, upon the river of Taye in Scotland. Thither came Earls, Barons, and Prelates of Scotland, and there agreed that in all haste possible they should enter into England, and to aid them in that journey, john of the Isles, who ruled the wild Scots should go with them. A great army of the Scots. The same john came with a three thousand of the most outrageous people in the whole world. When all the Scots were assembled, they were one and other fifty thousand fighting men. The Scots could not make their assembly so secret, but that the Queen had knowledge thereof, being at that time at York. Then she sent all about for men, and then with as much speed as might be, the people came to the Queen from all places. But the Scots were fully persuaded that there were no men left in England, for they were either with the king at the siege of Calais, or else in Gascoigne and Britain defending of the French king. In this mean time the king of Scots departed from Saint john's town, and went to Domefremlyne the first day, and the next day they passed a little arm of the Sea, and so came to Estrevelyne, & then to Edenbourgh. And there they numbered their people, and they were a three thousand men of arms, Knights and esquires, and a xxx thousand of other upon small Hacqueneyes, beside foot men. Then they came to Rousbourgh the first fortress English on that part, whereof Sir William Mountagew was captain. The Scots passed by without offering of any assault, and so went forth brenning and destroying the Country of Northumberland, and their Couriers ran to York, and brent as much as was without the walls, and returned again unto their host, which then was within a mile of new Castle upon Tyne. The Queen of England who desired to defend her Country, came to new Castle upon Tine, and there tarried for her men, who came daily from all the parts of the Realm. The Queen of England gathered a great power against the Scots, and gave them battle. When the Scots knew that the Englishmen were assembled at new Castle, they drew thitherward, and their Couriers came running before the town: and at their returning they brent certain small Hamlets thereabouts, so that the smoke thereof came into the town of new Castle. Some of the English men would have issued out, to have fought with them that made the fire: But the Captains would not suffer them to go out. The next day, the King of Scots with xl thousand men one and other came and lodged within three English miles of the town of new Castle, in the land of the Lord Neuyll: and the king sent to them within the town, that if they would issue out into the field, he would fight with them gladly, and they had answer, that they would come out & fight with him in the field. Then the Lords and Prelates of England said unto the Queen, we are content to adventure our lives with the right and heritage of the king of England our Master. And then they all issued out of the Town, and were in number twelve hundredth men of arms, three thousand Archers, and vij thousand of other with the Welshemen. Then the Scots came and lodged against them near together: and every man was set in order of battle. And then the Queen came among her men, and her battles were thus ordered. There was ordained four battles, one to aid another. The order of the Queen's battles. The first was in the governance of the Bishop of Durham, and the Lord Percy: The second, the archbishop of York, and the Lord Neuyll: The third, the Bishop of Lincoln, & the Lord Mowebray: The fourth, the Lord Edward Bailioll captain of Barwike, and the archbishop of Cauntorbury, and the Lord Rosse, every battle had like number after their quantity: and the Queen went from battle to battle, praying them to do their devoir for the defence of the honour of their Lord and master the king of England, and in the name of God every man to be of good heart and courage, promising them that to her power, she would remember them as well and better, as though the king her Lord were there personally. And so the Queen departed from them, recommending them to God. And anon after, the battles of the Scots began to set forward: and in likewise, so did the Englishmen. Then the Archers began to shoot on both parties: howbeit the shot of the Scots endured but a short space: But the shot of the Englishmen was long and fierce. So that when the battles approached, the battle was cruel and dangerous. A cruel battle. They began at nine of the clock in the morning, fought until it was noon. The Scots had great Axes heard and sharp, and gave with them many sore and cruel strokes: howbeit in the end the Englishmen obtained the victory of the field, but they lost many of their men. There were slain of the Scots, the Earl of Sys, the Earl of Ostre, the Earl of Patrys, the Earl of Surlant, the Earl of Dastre dare, the Earl Mare, the Earl john Dowglas and the Lord Alexander Ramsey, who bore the king's Banner, and divers other knights and squires. The Scottish king taken by a Squire of Northumberlande called john Copland. And there the Scottish king was taken, who had fought valiantly and was sore hurt: A squire of Northumberland took him called john Copland. And assoon as he had taken the king, he went with him out of the field with an eight of his servants with him, and road all that day until he was xu leagues from the place of the battle, and at night he came to a Castle called Orgulus. And then he said that he would not deliver the king of Scots to no man nor woman living, but only to the king of England his Lord. The same day there was also taken in the field the Earl Moret, Prisoners taken. the Earl of March, the Lord William Dowglas, the Lord Robert Vesy, the Bishop of Dadudame, the Bishop of Saint Andrewrs & divers other knights and Barones'. And there were slain of one and other xu thousand, and the other saved themselves as well as they might. This battle was fought besides New Castle upon Tyne in the year of our Lord. 1346. Now when the Queen of England being at New Castle understood of the victory: she than took her horse and road to the place where the battle had been. And there it was showed her how the king of Scots was taken by a squire called john Copland, and he had carried him away, no man knew whether. Then the Queen wrote to the squire, commanding him to bring his prisoner the king of Scots unto her, and that he had not well done to departed with him without leave. All that day the Englishmen tarried in that place, and the Queen with them. And the next day they returned to New Castle. The answer of john Copland. When the queens letter was brought to john Copland, he answered and said: That as for the king of Scots his prisoner, he would not deliver him to no man nor woman living but only to the king of England his sovereign Lord. As for the king of Scots he said should be safely kept, and he would give account for him. Then the Queen sent letters to the king to Calais, whereby the king was informed of the state of his realm. Then the king sent incontinent to john Copland, commanding him forthwith to come over the sea to him to Calais. Then the said john did put his said prisoner in a strong Castle in safe keeping, and so road thorough England until he came to Dover, and there took the sea & arrived before Calais. When the king of England saw the squire, he took him by the hand and said, welcome my squire, which by your valiantness have taken mine adversary the king of Scots. The squire kneeled down and said: sir, if God by his grace have suffered me to take the king of Scots by true conquest of arms, I think no man aught to have any envy thereat: For as well God may send by his grace such a fortune to a poor Squire, as to a great Lord. And Sir, I require your grace not to be miscontent with me, though I did not deliver the king of Scots to the Queen at her commandment. For sir I hold of you as mine oath is to you, and not of her, but in all good manner. The king said to him, john, the good service that ye have done and your valiantness is so much worth, that it must countervail your trespass, and to be taken for excuse, and blame have they that bear you any evil william. Therefore ye shall return again home to your house, and then my will and pleasure is, that ye deliver your prisoner the king of Scots to the Queen my wife. And in reward, I assign you near to your house, where as ye think best yourself five hundredth pound starling of yearly rent to you and to your heirs for ever: and here I make you squire for my body. Then the third day he departed into England, and when he came home to his own house, he assembled together his friends and kinsmen, and so they took the King of Scots and road with him to the City of York, and there from the King of England he presented to the Queen the King of Scots, and excused himself so discreetly as the Queen and the counsel were content. Then the Queen made good provision for the City of York, the Castle of Rokesbourgh, the City of Dureham, the town of New Castle upon Tyne, and in all other garrisons on the marches of Scotland: And left in those Marches the Lord Percy and the Lord Neuyll as governors there, and then the Queen departed from York to London. Then she placed the King of Scots in the strong tower of London, and the Earl Moret and all the other prisoners with him, and set good keeping over them. Then she went to Dover and there took the Sea, and had so good wind, that within a short space she arrived before Calais, three days before the feast of all Saints: For whose coming the king made a great feast and dinner to all the Lords and Ladies that were there. The Queen brought many Ladies and Damoselles with her, as well to accompany her, as also to see their husbands, fathers, brethren and other friends that lay at that siege. The French king understanding well that his men in Calyce were charged sore, sent forth his commandment throughout France, The French king assembleth his lords at Amicus, & counseleth which way to raise the siege at Calais. that every man should be with him at the town of Amiens at Whitsontyde next following, and there was none that durst say nay. And when Whytsontyde came, the French king kept there a great feast, and thither came unto him the Duke of Odes and of Burgoyn, and the Duke of Normandy his eldest son, and the Duke of Orleans his youngest son, the Duke of Bourbon, the Earl of Foytz, the Lord Lewes of Savoy, Sir john of Heynault, the Earl of Armanack, the Earl of Forestes, the Earl of Valentenoys, and divers other Earls, Barons, Lords, and knights. When they were all at Amiens, they counseled together, how they might best enter toward Calais, to raise the siege. And some counseled the French king to make means to the flemings to have the passages of Flaundyrs open, and then might he come in by Grauelyng, and not only raise the siege, but also on that side he might easily give them battle. And soon after the French king sent great Ambassadors into Flaundyrs, to treat in the aforesaid matter. But the king of England had made there such fast friendship, that they would not agreed to that request: And then the French king said that he would enter on the side toward Burgoyn. In this mean time the king of England saw that he could not get Calais, but by famine, and therefore he made a strong Castle, and a high, to close up the passage by the sea: And this Castle was set between the town and the sea, & was well fortified with Springaldes, Bombards, Bows, and other Artillery. And in this Castle were lx men of arms, and two hundredth Archers, and they kept the Haven in such wise, that nothing could come in nor out, but by their licence. And in this time also the king of England had so laboured and solicited the Counsel of Flaundyrs, that they came out of Flaundyrs with an hundredth thousand men, and went and laid siege to the town of Air, and brent the Country round about, as Menyvell la Gorge, Estelles Le Ventre, and a Marsh called lafoy Lo, and to the Gates of Turwyn, and Saint Omere. Then the French king went to the town of Aras, & sent many men of war to the Garrison of Arthoys, and specially he sent his Constable, sir Charles of Spain to S. Omers: For the Earl of Ewe, and of Guynes, who was Constable of France, was then prisoner in England, as before it is showed. The flemings did the French men great trouble before they departed. And when the flemings were returned, than the French king and his company departed from Arras, and went to Hedyn. His host with their carriages held well in length three Leagues of that Country, and there he tarried one day, and the next day he went to Blangy: And there he rested to take advice what way to go forth: Then he was counseled to go through the Country called lafoy Belme: and that way he took, A huge army of french men. and with him two hundredth thousand one and other, and so passed by the County of Franquebergh, and so came straight to the hill of Sangates, between Calais and Wyssant. They came thither in goodly order, their Banners displayed, that it was great beauty to behold their puissant array. They of Calais, when they saw them lodge, it seemed to them to be a new siege. When the king of England knew and saw the French king come with such a power to raise the siege. Then he had made so good provision for the stoppage of the passages, that he was sure that the French king could not with his army come near to Calais, except it were in two places, the one was by the downs by the sea side, or else above by the high way: and there were many ditches, rocks, and marshes, and but one way to pass over a Bridge called Newland Bridge. And all alongst the Downs, the king of England caused all his navy to lie, and every ship well furnished with Bombards, Crossbows, Archers, springals, and other artillery, whereby the French host might not pass that way. And the king caused the Earl of Derby to go and keep Newelande Bridge with a great number of men of arms, & Archers, so that the French men could pass no way, without they would have gone through the Marshes, the which was a thing impossible. On the other side toward Calais, there was a high Tower kept with xxx. Archers, and they kept the passage of the Downs from the French men, the which was well fortified with great and double Ditches. When the French men were thus lodged on the hill of Sangate: The Commons of Tourney who were xu C. came to the Tower last above named, and they within shot at them: But they passed the ditches, and came to the foot of the wall with Pikes and Hooks, and there was a sore assault, and many of them of Tourney hurt: But at the last they wan the Tower, and slew all that were therein, and the Tower beaten down. The French king sent his marshals to advise what way he might approach to fight with the English men: and so they went forth, and when they had well advised the passages and straights, they returned to the king and said, that by no means he could not come at the English men without he would lose his people. So the matter rested all that day and night. The next day the French king sent to the King of England, the Lord Godfrey of Charney, the Lord Eustace of Rybamount, Guy of Nele, and the Lord of Beaviewe: and as they road that strong way, they saw well that it was hard to pass that way. They praised much the order that the Earl of Derby kept at Newland bridge, by the which way they passed. Then they road forth until they came to the king of England, who was well accompanied with Noble men about him. Then they four alighted, and came to the king, and did their reverence unto him: Then the Lord Eustace of Rybamount said, Sir, the king my Master sendeth you word by us, that he is come to the hill of Sangate to do battle with you, but he can find no way to come at you: And therefore sir he would that ye should appoint certain of your counsel, and he will do likewise of his, and they between them to devise a place for the Battle. The king of England was ready to answer and said, Sirs, I have well understand that ye desire me on the behalf of mine adversary, who keepeth wrongfully from me mine heritage: Wherefore I am sorry. Say unto him from me if ye list, that I am here, and so have been near a whole year: and all this he knew right well: he might have come hither sooner if he had would, but he hath suffered me to abide here so long, the which hath been greatly to my costs and charges. And I now could do so much if I would, soon to be Lord of Calais. And therefore I am not determined to follow your masters advice, nor to departed from that which I am at a point to win. Wherefore if he nor his men can pass this way, let them seek some other passage if they think to come hither, for I intend not to stir my siege to come to them. Then these Lords departed, and were conveyed until they were past Newelande Bridge: And then they showed the French king, the King of England's answer. And in this time, while the French king studied how to fight with the king of England, Two Cardinals laboured between the two kings for peace. there came into his host two Cardinals from Pope Clement in message, who took great pain to ride up and down between these two hosts, and they laboured and endeavoured themselves so much, that they obtained a grant for an entreaty of an accord and peace, and a respite between the two kings, being the one at the siege, & the other in the field only. And so there were four Lords appointed on either party to counsel together for a peace. For the French king, there was the Duke of Burgoyn, and the Duke of Bourbon, Sir Lewes of Savoy, and Sir john of Heynault. And for the English party, the Earl of Derby, the Earl of Northhampton, the Lord Reignald Cobham, and the Lord Gaultier of many, and the two Cardinals were as indifferent means between both parties. These Lords met three days, and many devices put forth, but none took effect: And in the mean season the king of England always fortified his host and field and made ditches on the downs, The French king departeth with all his great and huge army. that the French men should not come suddenly upon him. These three days passed without any agreement, and then the two Cardinals returned to Saint Omers. And when the French king saw that he could do nothing, the next day he dislodged betimes and took his way to Amiens and gave every man leave to depart. When they within Calyce saw their king depart, they made great sorrow. Some of the Englishmen followed the tail of the French army, and wan summers, Cartes and carriages, horse, wine and other things, and took divers prisoners and brought them to Calyce. After the departure of the french king from Sandgate, than they with in the town perceiving they were utterly without relief and succour, cried upon their captain sir john of Vyen that he would entreat the king of England for mercy. And at the last the captain granted so to do, and went to the walls, and made a sign to speak with some of the host: whereof knowledge was immediately brought to the king. And when the King heard thereof, he sent thither sir Gaultier of many and sir Basset. Then sir john of Vyen said unto them: Sirs, ye be right valiant Knights in deeds of arms, and you know well how that the King my master hath sent me and other unto this town, and commanded us to keep it to his behoof, in such wise as we take no blame nor yet be to him any damage, and we have done all that lieth in our power to do: The French men within Calais pray king Edward's mercy and licence to departed the town. And now our succours hath failed us, and we be so sore strained, that we have not to live withal, but that we must all die or perish by famine: except the noble & gentle King of yours will take us to mercy, the which thing to do we pray you to be a mean of entreaty for us, that it would please him to take pity of us, and to let us go and depart as we be, and let him take the town and the Castle and all the goods that be therein, the which is a great abundance. Then sir Gaultier of many said, Sir we know partly the kings mind, for he hath showed it unto us. And therefore know you for a truth, it is not his mind that you nor they that are within the town should depart so: For it is his will that ye all shall yield yourselves simply to his will and pleasure, to ransom or put to death whom & as he please. Then said the captain, this is to heard a matter to us, we are in this town a small sort of knights and squires, who have as truly served the King our master, as you have served yours, and in like manner we have endured great vexation and pain, and we will endure as much pain as ever Knights did rather than to consent that the worst lad in the town that should sustain any more evil than the greatest or best of us all, therefore sir we pray you of your humanity and gentleness that ye will go and speak with the king of England and desire him to have pity upon us, for we trust so much in his gracious goodness that his mind will change, and that he will take pity and compassion upon us. Sir Gaultier of many and sir Basset returned to the king, and declared to him all that had been said. The king being in a great fury, said that he would none otherwise but that they should yield themselves up simply to his will and pleasure. And then sir Gualtyer said, sir saving your displeasure, in this ye may be in the wrong: For ye shall give by this an evil ensample, if ye send any of us your servants into any fortress, we will not be very glad to go, if ye put any of the town to death after they be yielded, for in like case they will deal with us, if the case fall like, the which saying divers other Lords that were there sustained and maintained. Then the King said: How king Edward required six Burgesses of the town to be delivered unto his mercy. Sirs, I will not be alone against you all, therefore Sir Gaultier of many, ye shall go again to the captain and say, that all the grace that ye now can find at our hands is, that they let uj of the chief Burgesses of the Town come out barehedded, barefooted and barelegged, and in their shirts with halters about their necks, with the keys of the Castle and town in their hands: and let them uj yield themselves simply to my will, and the residue I will take to mercy. Then Sir Gaultier returned and found Sir john of Vyen still on the wall, abiding for an answer: Then sir Gaultier showed him all the grace that he could get of the king: well said sir john, I require you to tarry here a certain space till I go into the town, and show this unto the commons who sent me hither. Then sir john went into the market place, and there tolled the common Bell, and then incontinent men and women assembled there. Then the captain made report of all that he had done, and said, Sirs, it will be none otherwise, and therefore now take advise and make a short answer. Then all the people began to weep and to make such sorrow and lamentation that there was not so heard a heart, The manner how the six Burgesses were appointed and sent to king Edward. if they had seen them but would have had pity upon them. The Captain himself wept also and that pitifully. At the last the most rich Burgess of all the town called Eustace of Saint Peter'S, rose up and said openly: Sirs, both great and small, a most pitiful and horrible thing were it, to suffer such a number of people to die as are in this Town, either by famine or otherwise, so long as there is any mean to save them: I think he or they should have great merit of our Lord God that would deliver them from such mischief as for my part I have so good a trust in our Lord God, that if I die in the quarrel to save the residue, that God will pardon me, wherefore to save them I will be the first to put my life in jeopardy. When he had thus said, every man worshipped him, and divers kneeled down at his feet, weeping and wring their hands most grievously. Then another honest Burgess stood out and said, I will keep company with my Gossip Eustace, his name was john Dayre, than came jaques of Wyssaunt who was rich both in goods and heritage, he said also that he would keep company with his two Cousins, and so said Peter of Wyssaunt his brother, and after came two other and said they would do the same, and then they went and apparelled them as the king desired. Then the Captain went with them to the gate, there was great move and lamentation made at their departing both of men, women and children. Then the gate was opened, and the Captain issued out with the uj Burgesses, and closed the gate again: So that they were between the gate and the barriers. Then he said to sir Gaultier of many: Sir, I deliver here to you as Captain of Calais, by the whole consent of the people of the town these uj Burgesses, & I swear to you truly that they be and were to day the most notable, rich and worthiest Burgesses of all the town of Calais: wherefore, gentle knight I require you to pray the King to have mercy upon them that they die not. Then said sir Gaultier, I cannot tell, neither can I say what the king will do, but I will do for them the best I can. Then the barriers were opened and the uj Burgesses went towards the king, and the Capitayne entered again into the Town. When Sir Gaultier presented those Burgesses unto the king, How the six Burgesses are presented to the king. they kneeled down and held up their hands, and said: Gentle king, behold here us six who were Burgesses of Calais, and great merchants, we have brought to you the keys of the town and Castle of Calais, and we submit ourselves wholly unto your will and pleasure, The submission of the six Burgesses unto the king. only for the safety of the rest of the people of Calais, who have suffered great pain and misery: Sir we beseech your grace to have mercy and pity upon us through your high nobleness. Then all the Earls and Barons, and other that were there, wept for pity. The king looked felly and cruelly upon them, for greatly he hated the people of Calais, because of the great damages and displeasures that they had done him on the Sea before. Then the king commanded their heads to be stricken off: Then every man cried and besought the king to have mercy, but he would hear no man in that behalf. Then Sir Gualther of many said, A noble king, for God's sake refrain your courage, ye have the name of sovereign nobleness, therefore now do not a thing that should blemish your renown, neither give occasion for any to speak villainy of you: for every man will say it is a great tyranny to put to death such honest persons, who of themselves have willingly put themselves into the hands of your grace, for the safety of their company. Then the king turned from him, The petition of the Quens for the six Burgesses unto the king and commanded him to sand for the Hangman, and said: They of Calais have caused a great number of my men to be slain, and therefore these also shall die likewise. Then the Queen being great with child, kneeled down, and sore weeping said. O gracious king, sith I passed the sea in great peril, I have desired nothing of you: Therefore now I humbly require you in the honour of the virgin Mary, and for the love of me, that ye will take mercy of these six Burgesses. The king beheld the Queen and stood still in a study a little while, and then said, A Dame, I would ye had been as now in some other place, for I am not able to deny your request: Wherefore I give them to you, A Godly and charitable Queen. to do your pleasure with them. Then the Queen caused them to be carried to her Chamber, and made the halters to be taken from their necks, and caused them to be new appareled, and gave them their dinner at their leisure. And then she gave each of them six Nobles in his purse, and made them to be brought out of the host in safeguard, and set at their liberty. Thus was Calais yielded and given up to the king in the latter end of September, so that he had laid siege thereunto one whole year and more. And then the king called unto him Sir Gaultier of many, Certain Lords are seen to take possession of Calais. and his two marshals, the Earl of Warwick, and the Earl of Stafforde, and said to them, Sirs take ye here the keys of the Castle, and town of Calais. Go and take possession thereof, and put in prison all the knights that be there: And all other Soldiers that came simply to win their living, 'cause them to avoid the town. And in like manner avoid the town of all other men, women, and children, for I will repeople the town again with mere English men. So these three Lords with an hundredth with them, went and took possession of Calais, and first did put in prison, Sir john de Vien, sir john of Surrey, Sir john of Belborne and other: Then they caused all the soldiers to bring all their harness into a place appointed, and laid it all on an heap in the hall of Calais. Then they caused all manner of people to void, and kept there no more persons but one priest, and two other ancient personages, such as knew the customs, laws and ordinances of the town, and to sign out the heritage's how they were divided. Then they prepared the Castle to lodge the king and Queen in, and prepared other houses for the kings company. The king entereth into Calais triumphantly. Then the king mounted on his horse, and entered into the town, with Trumpets, Drums, and other Instruments of Music, and there the king lay until the Queen was brought in bed and delivered of a fair Laid named Margaret. The king gave to Sir Gaultier of many diverse fair houses within the town, and to the Lord of Stafford, to the Lord of Bethene, to sir Bartholomew of Bomes, & to diverse other Lords and Knights, to repeople the town again. The kings mind was when he came into England, to send out of London xxxuj good Citizens to Calais to devil there, and by that means to people the town with pure English men, the which the king afterward performed. Then the new town and Bastide that was made without the town was pulled down, and the Castle that stood on the Haven, was likewise pulled down, and the great timber and stones brought into the town. Then the King ordained men to keep the Gates, walls and Barriers, and amended all things within the town. And sir john de Vien, and his company were sent into England, and were half a year at London before they were put to ransom. A pitiful sight was it when the Burgesses and other men of the town of Calais, and women, and children, were put out of the Town, and feign to forsake houses, heritage's and goods, and to take nothing with them: Neither had they any restitution of the French king, for whose sake they lost all. The most part of that people went to Saint Omers. At this time the Cardinal called Guy de Boloyne as a Legate from Clement the sixth, A truce concluded between the king of England and the French king for two years came unto the French king his Cousin in the City of Amiens. And he applied the matter so, between the king of England & the French king, that a truce was concluded and taken to endure for two years. To this truce all parties were agreed: But Britain was clearly excepted, for the two Ladies made still war one against another. Then the king of England, and the Queen returned into England: Sir Amery a Lombard made captain of Calais. And the king made captain of Calais, Sir Amery of Pavy a Lombard borne, who the king had greatly advanced. Then the king sent from London xxxuj Citizens to Calais, who were rich and sage, and their wives, and children, and daily the number increased: For the king granted there such liberties and franchesses', that men were glad to go and devil there. The same time was brought to London Sir Charles de Bloys, Sir Charles de Bloys Duke of Briteyn. who called himself Duke of Briteine, who was taken in Briteine by the kings people, during the time of the siege of Calais, and was now committed into courteous prison in the Tower of London, with the king of Scots, and the Earl Morette: But he had not been there long, but at the request of the Queen of England, Sir Charles, who was her Cousin germane was received on his faith and truth, and road round about London at his pleasure: But he might not lie past one night out of London, without it were in the Court where the King and Queen lay: Also the same time there was prisoner in England the Earl of Ewe, and Guynes, which was Constable of France, a right gentle knight, and his behaviour was such, that he was welcome wheresoever he came, both with the King, Queen, Lords, Ladies, and Damoselles. At this time in the town of Saint Omers was the Lord Geoffrey of Charney captain, and he kept the Frontiers there, and used and ordered every thing concerning the war as king. A practice of the French men for the recovering again of Calais. This Lord Geoffrey calling to his mind, which way he might compass or devise how he might practise to get again the Town of Calais, and considered with himself that lombards are covetous, he thought he would practise with sir Amery the Captain of Calais, and he knew he might the better do it without all suspicion because at that time they might by reason of the truce the one frankly resort unto the other. Then sir Geoffrey espying a convenient time, fell secretly in communication with sir Amery for the town of Calais. And in the end sir Amery promised for the some of twenty thousand crowns to deliver Sir Geoffrey the town of Calais. This compact was not so secretly made, Sir Amery is sent for to come to king Edward. but it came to the knowledge and understanding of the king of England: wherefore the king sent for Sir Amerie de Pavia to come unto him into England to speak with him, and so he came, and when the king saw him, he took him a part and said: Thou knowest well that I have given thee in keeping the thing that in this world I love best, next my wife and children, that is to say, the Town and Castle of Calyce, and thou hast sold it to the Frenchmen, and therefore thou hast well deserved to die. Then the Lombard kneeled down (and said) A noble king, I cry you mercy, it is true that ye have said: But sir, the bargain may well be broken, for as yet I have received never a penny. The king loved well the Lombard and said, Amery, I will that thou go forward on thy bargain and the day and time that thou appointest to deliver the town let me have true knowledge thereof before: And on this condition I will forgive thee thy trespass. And so the Lombard returned again to Calais and kept his matter secret. Sir Geoffrey of Charney assured himself to have received Calais, and therefore provided a certain number to strengthen him. Then sir Geoffrey of Charney thought well to have Calais, and assembled a certain number secretly, about a five hundred spears, and there were but a few that knew what he purposed: And it was to be thought that he never made the French king a counsel thereof, for if he had, it was not likely that he would have consented thereunto for breaking of the truce. This Lombard had appointed to have delivered the town and Castle of Calyce the last day of December at night, and he sent word thereof by a brother of his unto the king of England. King Edward took passage to Calais to prevent the betraying thereof. When the king knew the certain day appointed, he departed out of England with three hundred men of arms, and took shipping at Dover, and in the evening arrived at Calais, so secretly that no man knew thereof, and went and laid his men in bushmentes in the Chambers and Towers within the Castle. Then the king said to sir Gaultier many, I will that ye be chief of this enterprise, for I and my son the Prince will fight under your banner. Sir Gualther many. The Lord Geoffrey Charney, the last day of December at night departed with all his company from Arras, and came near to Calais about the hour of midnight, and there tarried awhile abiding for his company, and in the mean time he sent two squires to the postern gate of the Castle of Calais, and there they found Sir Amery ready. Then they demanded of him if it were time that the Lord Geoffrey should come, and the Lombard said yea. Then they returned to their master and showed him as the Lombard had said: Then he made his men to pass Newland Bridge in good order of battle. Then he sent twelve knights with an hundredth men of arms to go and take possession of the Castle of Calais: for he thought if he might have the Castle, he should soon get the Town. And he delivered to the Lord Edward of Rency twenty thousand Crowns to pay the Lombard. And sir Geoffrey hoved still in the fields privily with his Banner before him. His intent was to enter into the town by the gate, or else not, and the Lombard had let down the bridge of the postern, and suffered the hundred men of arms to pass peaceably: and sir Edward at the Postern delivered twenty thousand Crowns in a bag to the Lombard, who said, I trust here be all, for I have no leisure now to tell them, and it will be day anon. Then he cast the bag with the Crowns into a coffer, The French men conveyed into a Dungeon. and said to the Frenchmen: come on Sirs, ye shall enter into the Dungeon, for than shall ye be sure to be Lords of the Castle, and they went thither, and he drew apart the bar, and the gate opened. Within this Castle was the King of England with two hundredth spears, who issued out with their sword and axes in their hands, crying many, many, to the rescue, what? weeneth the Frenchmen with so few men to win the Castle of Calais? Then the Frenchmen seeing well that defence could not avail them: Then they yielded themselves prisoners, and so there were but a few hurt, and the rest were closed up in the same Tower in prison. And the English men issued out of the Castle into the town, and mounted on their horses, for they had all the French prisoners horses. Then the Archers road to Boleyn gate where sir Geoffrey was with his Banner before him of Goules, three skotcheons of Silver. He had a great desire to be the first that should enter into the town: he said to the knights that were about him: without this Lombard open the gate shortly, we are like to die here for cold. In the name of God said Sir Pepy dewere, Lombard's are malicious people and subtle, he is now looking on your crowns, whether all be good or not, and to reckon if he have his whole some or no. Therewith the king of England and the Prince his son was ready at the gate under the Banner of Sir Gaultier of many, with divers other Banners, as the Earl of Stafford, the Earl of Suffolk, the Lord john Mountagew, brother to the Earl of Salisbury, the Lord Beauchampe, the Lord Barkeley, and the Lord delaware: All these were Lords and had Banners, there were no more in that journey. Then the great gate was set open, and all they issued out: when the Frenchmen saw them issue, and heard them cry many to the rescue, they knew well they were betrayed. Then Sir Geoffray said to his company, Sirs if we fly we are clean lost: yet were we better to fight with a good courage, in hope the journey shall be ours. The English men heard these words and said, by saint George ye say truly, shame have he that flieth. The Frenchmen alighted on foot, and put their horses from them, and ordered themselves in good array of battle. When the king saw that, he stood still (and said) let us put ourselves in order to fight, for our enemies will abide us. The king sent part of his company to newland Bridge, for he heard say, that there were a great number of Frenchmen. Then thither went a uj Banners, and three hundred Archers, and there they found the Lord Monau of Frenes, and the Lord of Creques keeping the Bridge. And between the Bridge and Calais there were many Crossbows of Saint Omers and Air: So there was a sore fray, and there were slain and drowned more than uj hundredth Frenchmen, for they were soon discomfited and chased into the water. This was early in the morning, and incontinent it was day. The French men kept their ground awhile, and many feats of arms were there done on both parties: But the Englishmen ever increased by coming out of Calyce, and the Frenchmen discreased. Then the Frenchmen saw well that they could not long keep the Bridge, wherefore they that had their horses by them mounted upon them, and showed their horse heels, and the Englishmen followed them in chase. There was many a man overthrown, and many were taken of their own courage, which might have scaped if they had list. When it was fair day, that every man might know other: Then some of the French Knights and esquires assembled together again, and turned and fought manfully with the English men: So that there were some of the Frenchmen that took good prisoners, whereby they had both honour and profit. How valiantly the king of England quit himself against the French man. Now let us speak of the king of England, who was there unknown to his enemies, under the Banner of Sir Gualther of many, and was on foot among his men to seek his enemies, who stood close together with their spears a five foot long. At the first meeting, there was a sore reencountrie: and the King chanced to light upon the Lord Eustace of Rybamount, who was a strong and valiant knight, and there was a long fight between the King and him, that it was joy to behold them, but at the last they were put asunder, for a great company of both parts came the same way, and fought there fiercely together. The French men did there right valiantly: But specially the Lord Eustace of Rybamount, who struck the king the same day two times on his knees: But finally the King himself took him prisoner: and so he yielded his sword to the king, and said, Sir Knight I yield me unto you as your prisoner, he knew not at that time that it was the King. And so this journey was for the king of England: and all that were there with Sir Geoffrey, were either slain or taken, for very few escaped. There was slain Sir Henry of Boys, and Sir Pepyn de Lawarre, and Sir Geoffrey taken. Thus this journey was achieved beside Calais, the year of our Lord .1348. the last day of the month of December, and in the beginning of the xxiij year of the reign of king Edward. When this battle was done, the king returned again to the Castle of Calais, and caused all the prisoners to be brought thither. Then the french men knew well that the king of England had been there personally himself, under the Banner of Sir Gualther of many. The king said he would give them all a Supper that night in the Castle of Calais: And when the hour of Supper was come, and the tables covered: The king and his knights were there every man in new apparel: And the French men also were there, and made good cheer, though they were prisoners. The king sat down and the Lords and Knights about him right honourably. The Prince, Lords and knights of England, served the king at the first mess. And at the second they sat down at another table: they were all well served and at great leisure. Then when supper was done, and the Tables taken away: The king tarried still in the Hall with his knights and with the French men, and he was bore headed, saving a Chapelet of fine Pearls that he ware on his head. Then the king went from one to another of the French men: And when he came to Sir Geoffrey of Charney, a little he changed his countenance, and looked upon him, The wise speech of king Edward unto sir Geoffrey of Charney. and said, Sir Geoffrey ye have given me occasion to love you but a little, when ye would steal by night that thing from me which I have so dearly bought: But yet this pleaseth me best, that I have taken you with the manner. Ye would have come to a better market than I came unto, when you thought to have had Calais for twenty thousand Crowns: But God hath helped me, and ye have failed of your purpose, and therewith the king went from him, and he gave him never a word to answer. Then the king came to Sir Eustace of Rybamount, and joyously to him he said, Sir Eustace ye are the knight that among all other are the most valiantest that I have seen, as well in the assailing of your enemy as in the defending of yourself, neither was it my chance to meet with any knight that ever put me to answer, and defend myself body to body as ye have done this day, wherefore I give you the price above all the knights of my Court, by right sentence. Then the king took the Chapelet that was upon his head, being both fair, goodly, and rich, and said, Sir Eustace I give you this Chapelet for the best doer in arms in this journey passed on either party, and I desire you to bear it this year for the love of me. I know well ye be fresh and amorous, and often times ye are among Ladies, and Damoselles: Say wheresoever ye come, that I did give it you, and I requited and discharge you of your imprisonment and ransom, and ye shall departed to morrow if it please you. And in the end of this year, A great plague and pestilence. the plague of Pestilence reigned sore in England, but chiefly in the City of London, that beside the bodies that were buried in sundry Churches and Churchyards in London, there were also buried in the Charterhouse Churchyard fifty thousand persons and above. This year and the xxij day of August, died Philip the French king at Nogent, and was buried in Paris: And the xxuj day of September following, Philip the French king dead. john eldest son to king Philip was crowned French king at reins, and the same day also the Queen his wife was crowned with him, and at the same time, the King made also many Knights, and created Earls marquesses, and Dukes. This year about the latter end of August, a noble man of Spain called Sir Charles, to whom King john of France had newly given the earldom of Angolesme, intending to win some honour upon the English men, with a strong navy of spaniards entered the English streams, and did much harm unto king Edward's friends. So that the king about the time abovesaid met with the said navy upon the coast of Winchelsey, An overthrow given to the french men by sea. where between the king and them was a long and cruel fight, to the great loss of many people upon both parts: But in the end God sent unto the king the victory, so that he chased his enemies, and wan from them xxij of their Ships, with many prisoners. Fabian. In the end of this year, there were solemn Messengers sent in Ambassade to Rome, for to conclude a perfit peace between the two Kings of England and of France, so that King Edward should resign and give up all his title and claim that he made unto the Crown of France: And the French king should clearly give unto him all the Duchy of Guyan, with all such lands as at any time before, were taken by any of his progenitors from it. And that king Edward and his heirs kings, should freely hold and occupy the said Duchy, without doing of any homage to any French king after that day. But the conclusion of this matter was so prolonged and deferred by the Pope, that the Earl of Derby, and other which were appointed for the King of England, returned without speding of their cause. Wherefore king Edward made new provision to war upon king john of France. In the xxuj year of the reign of this king, the Castle of Guynes near unto Calais was yelden unto the English men, by the treason of a French man called Guyllam de Beauconry, for the which treason the said Guyllam was shortly after put to execution by the French king in the town of Amiens. And the same year Sir Guy of Neale then Marshal of France with a strong company gave battle unto the English men then being in Briteyn, A victory over the French men. in the which the said Sir Guy, with the Lord of Brikebet, and the Chasteleyn of Beauneyes, with many other noble men were slain, and many taken prisoners. Trinity hall. And at this time was builded Trinity hall in Cambridge, by William Bateman, Bishop of Norwiche. At this time happened throughout England so hot a Summer, that many years after it was called the dry Summer, The dry or hot Summer. for from the later end of March until the later end of july, than next following there fell little or no rain, by reason whereof, many great inconveniences followed. And chiefly the price of Corn this year began greatly to be advanced, and the year following it was more dear, and so likewise were Befes and Mottons greatly advanced by reason of the lack of pasture and feeding, which thing happened in France as well as in England. This year the king called his high Court of Parliament at Westminster, A parliament at Westminster. and about Whitsoutyde following the king created the Earl of Derby, Duke of Lancaster, and sir Ralph Stafford, earl of Stafford. Then this Duke of Lancaster was sent again over the Sea, The Earl of Darty was appealed before the French king up the Duke of Brunswick. where in the end of of this year (as saith Froyssart) he was appealed of the Duke of Brunswike, a Duke of the Country of Almaigne, of certain words that were against his honour: For the which he offered to wage his battle with the said Duke in the court of the French king. Then this Henry, which some call Henry of Bolyngbroke Duke of Lancaster, purchased his safe conduit of the French king, and kept his day appointed for that battle in a field called in the French, La preux Clers, where was for them ordained a place listed and closed in goodly wise: king john being there present with the greatest part of the Nobles of France. And there came in first into that field the aforenamed Duke of Brunswike appellaunt, and after him came the Noble Duke of Lancaster, to the great honour of all England. And soon after (divers observances according to the law of arms done) and solemn oaths taken, either of them set his spear in the rest to have run the first course. But then king john of his special grace ceased the matter, and took the quarrel into his own hands, so that either of them departed the field without any stroke striking: and then the French king pacified the appeal to the honour of the Duke of Lancaster although he was the French kings enemy. And shortly after this, the said Duke of Lancaster, with other nobles assigned unto him by the king of England, The French king taketh up the matter went unto Avignon with the archbishop of Rone then chancellor of the Realm of France, and also the Duke of Burbone, and other that were appointed for the king of France to conclude a peace between their two princes aforesaid, who were at the City aforesaid and there heard at length of the election of a new Pope, then called Innocent the uj which also like unto his predecessor was a French man borne. In conclusion after many and great arguments made on both sides, it was there agreed that the peace between the two said kings should be kept and holden inviolable until midsummer than next following. Now for as much as the towns of Flaundyrs did refuse to keep the bands of amity that before time had been made between the King of England and them, in the time and life of jaques Dartuell afore mentioned: But that now they began to favour the French King, therefore the King withdrew from them the Martes or Markets and staples of wols which to their great advantage by the procurement of the said jaques de Artuell was in sundry of their towns used and kept. Staple of Wolles kept in England. And the King caused the same to be kept in sundry good towns of England, as Westminster, Chichester, Lyncolne, Bristol, and Cauntorburie. And shortly after Easter the French King sent his eldest son Charles dolphin of Vyenne into Normandy for to take the rule of that country, and specially for to cease certain lands and Castles, which at that day belonged unto the king of Navarre, which then was out of the french kings favour for the death of sir Charles of Spain late Constable of France which by his means was murdered in a town called Aigle in Normandy two years before. And while the dolphin was thus busied in Normandy, he made such mean to the rulers thereof, that they granted him aid of three thousand men for three Months at their proper costs and charges. Of this sone after sprang such tidings, that the King of England was informed that the French King had given to his son Charles the Duchy of Normandy, with all Gascoigne and Guyan: and how the Normans had granted to the said Charles three thousand men for three months to war at their costs on the Englishmen, which (as the French book saith) was granted him only to defend the king of Naverre, which came to Constantyne shortly after, to repossess such lands as the dolphin had seized there of his, and therefore he made war upon the dolphin. But howsoever it were, The Prince of Wales entereth into Gascoigne. in October next following the Prince of Wales with a great host entered into Gascoigne, and passed by toulouse and the river of Geround and so by Carcassion, and brent the Bulwarks of that City, and from thence to Narbon in brenning and spoiling all as he went. And in the same year king Edward with his power landed at his town of Calais, where he rested him all the Winter following. Ye have heard in the last year that the Prince of Wales with an army of men went over into Gascoigne, where he did many a noble deed and feat of arms, and took many towns and Castles and subdued his enemies with great courage. At the last the French king made such great provision to encounter with him, that there was no remedy but he must fight with him. Wherefore he made all the provision he could, and said courageously for the comforting of his men being God wot but a handful in comparison to the French army, well sirs saith he, Prince Edward commonly called the black Prince was of great courage. although we be but few in regard to the multitude of our enemies: Let us not be abashed therefore, for the victory lieth not in the multitude of the people, but where it pleaseth almighty God to give it. If it fortune that the journey be ours, we shall be honoured through the whole world: And if we die in a right and good quarrel, I have a king to my father and I have brethren, and you have good friends and kinsmen that will revenge our deaths. Therefore Sirs, for God's sake take the good hearts of Englishmen unto you this day, for if God will, this day shall ye see me do the part of a good knight. These words and such other that the Prince spoke, did greatly encourage his people. The Prince had placed himself with his army among the wines and had closed in the weakest part thereof with the carriages. Now that the time of battle approached, the Prince having by him the Lord Sir john Chandos and the Lord james Audeley, who assisted him and never went from him all the time of the battle. The Lord james Audley his words to the Prince. But the Lord Audeley kneeled down (and said unto the Prince) Sir I have served always truly my Lord your father and you also, and will do as long as I live. I say this because I made once a vow that the first battle that either the king your father or any of his children should be at, how that I would be one of the first setters on, or else to die in the travail: Therefore I beseech your grace as in reward for any service that ever I did to the king your father or to you, that you will give me licence to departed from you, and to set myself there as I may accomplish my vow. The Prince agreed to his desire, and said, Sir james, God aid you so this day, that ye may prove the best Knight of all other, and so took him by the hand. And the knight departed from the Prince, and went to the foremost front of all the battles, being only accompanied with four esquires in whom he put great trust & confidence, and they promised not to fail him. This Lord james was a right sage and Virtuous knight, and by him was much of the host ordered and governed. Thus Sir james was ready to fight in the front of the Battle, against the battles of the marshals of France. A sore and cruel battle called the battle of poitiers. Then the battle began of all parts, and the battles of the marshals of France approached, and they set forth that were appointed to break the array of the Archers: They entered on horseback into the way where the great hedges were on both sides set full of Archers: As soon as the men of arms entered, the Archers began to shoot on both sides, and did slay and hurt Knights and horses a great number. So that the horses when they felt the sharp Arrows, they would in no wise go forward, but drew back and flung, and took on so fiercely, that many of them fell upon their masters: So that for press they could never rise again. In so much, that the marshals battle could never come at the Prince: But yet certain Knights and esquires that were well horsed, passed through the Archers, and thought to have approached to the Prince, but they could not. The Lord Audely with his four esquires was in the front of that battle, and there did marvels in Arms, and by great prows he came & fought with Sir arnold Dandrehen, under his own Banner, and there they fought long together, and Sir Arnold was there sore handled. The battle of the marshals began to disorder, by reason of the shot of the Archers, with the aid of the men of arms, who came in among them, and slew of them, and did what they lust. And there was the Lord Arnold Dandrehen taken prisoner by other men, and not by the Lord Audeley, for that day he never took prisoner, but always fought and went on his enemies. Also on the French part the Lord john Cleremount fought under his own Banner as long as he could endure, but there he was beaten down, and could not be relieved nor ransomed, but was slain without mercy. So within a short space the marshals battles were discomfited, for they fell one upon another, and could not go forward. And the Frenchmen that were behind, and could not come forward, recoiled back, and came on the battle of the Duke of Normandy, the which was great and thick, and were on foot, but anon they began to open behind. For when they knew that the marshals battle was discomfited, they took their horses and departed he that might best make way to be gone: Also they saw a rout of English men coming down a little hill on horseback, and many Archers with them, who broke in on the one side of the Duke's battle. To say the truth, the Archers did their company that day great service, for they shot so thick, that the French men witted not on what side to take heed, and little and little the English men wan ground on them. And when the men of Arms of England saw that the marshals battle was discomfited, and that the Duke's battle began to disorder & open, they leapt then on their horses, the which they had ready by them. Then they assembled together, & cried Saint George. And the Lord Chandos said to the Prince: Sir, take your horse and ride forth, this journey is yours: God is this day with you, and fighteth for you, and let us go unto the French kings battle, for there lieth all the sore of this matter. I think verily by his valiantness that he will not fly, I trust by the help of God and Saint George we shall have him, if he be well fought withal: And Sir in the beginning of the battle I heard you say, that this day I should see you a good knight, now is the time therefore, follow it. The Prince said, let us go forth, ye shall not see me this day return back, A courageous Prince. and then said the Prince, advance forth your Banner in the name of God and Saint George: The Knight that bore it, did his commandment. There was then a sore battle and a dangerous, and many a man overthrown, and he that was once down could not be relieved again without great succour & aid. Then the Prince and his company gave the onset of the battle of the Duke of Athens Constable of France, and there was many a man slain and cast to the earth. And as the French men fought in companies they cried (Moune joy Saint Dionice) and the English men, Saint George. Anon the Prince with his company met with the battle of the Almains, whereof the Earl of Salesbruce, the Earl of Nosco, and the Earl Neydo were Captains: But in a short space they were put to flight. The Archers shot so wholly together, that none durst come in their dangers, they slew many a man that could not come to ransom, and the aforesaid three Earls were slain, and diverse other knights and esquires of their company. Then the kings battle came on the English men, there was a sore fight, and many a hard stroke both given and received: The French king and his youngest son met with the battle of the English marshals, the Earl of Warwick, and the Earl of Suffolk, and with them of Gascoynes, the captal of Buz, the Lord of Pomyers, the Lord Amery of Charre, the Lord of Mucident, the Lord of Langram, and the Lord de la Strade. To the French party there came time enough, the Lord john of Landas, and the Lord of Woodney, they alighted on foot, Duke of Athens. and went into the kings battle. And a little beside fought the Duke of Athens, constable of France, and a little above him the Duke of Bourbon, Duke of Bourbon. and many good Knights of Burbonoys, and of Picardy with him. And a little on the other side, there were the Poytenynes, the Lord de Pons, Poytenynes. the Lord of Partney, the Lord of Dampmar, the Lord of Montabaton, the Lord of Suggers, the Lord john Sayntre, the Lord Argenton, the Lord of Lymyers, the Lord of Mountandre, and divers other: Also the Viscount of Rochevart, Burgoyn. and the Earl of Daunoy. And of Burgoyn, the Lord james Beavien, the Lord de la Castille vileyn, and other. In another part there was the Earl of Vantadowre, and of Mountpencer, the Lord james of Burbone, the Lord john de Arthoys, and also the Lord james his brother, the Lord Arnold of Cernolle called the Archepriest, armed for the young Earl of Alencon. Awergne. And of Awergne, there was the Lord Marcuell, the Lord de la Tower, the Lord of Chalenton, the Lord of Mountagew, the Lord of Rocheford, Lymosyn. the Lord de la Chair, the Lord Dachone. And of Limosin, there was the Lord Delmall, the Lord of Norwell, and the Lord of Pers Buffier. Picardy. And of Picardy, there was the Lord William of Nerle, the Lord arnold of Reinewall, the Lord Geoffrey of Saint Digier, the Lord of Chamy, the Lord of Heley, the Lord of Mounsaunt, the Lord of Hangies, and divers other. And also in the kings battle was the Earl Douglas of Scotland, who fought a season right valiantly: But when he saw the discomfiture, he departed and saved himself, for in no wise he would be taken of the English men, he had rather have been slain. Lord james Audeley. On the English part the Lord james Audeley with the aid of his four squires, fought always in the chief of the battle: he was sore hurt in the body and in the visage, but yet as long as his breath served him, he fought. At the last toward the end of the battle, his four squires took and brought him out of the field, and laid him under a hedge side for to refresh him: and they unarmed him, and bound up his wounds as well as they could. john the French king. On the French part, King john was that day a full right good knight, if the fourth part of his men had done their devoyres as well as he did, the journey had been his by all likelihood: howbeit they were all slain and taken that were there, except a very few that were with the King, which saved themselves by flying. French men slain. There were slain the Duke Peter of Burbone, the Lord Guysshard of Beaviewe, the Lord of Landas, and the Duke of Athens Constable of France, the Bishop of Chalons in Champeyne, the Lord William of Needle, the Lord Eustace of Rybamount, the Lord de la Tower, the Lord William of Mountagew, sir Guyventon of Chambley, sir Baudryn de la house and many other as they fought by companies. And there were taken prisoners, the Lord of Woodney, the Lord of Pompador, and the Archepriest sore hurt, the Earl of Vandos, sir Joys of Melwall, the Lord Piers Buffier and the Lord of Senetache: There were at that bront slain and taken more than two hundredth knights. French men taken. This battle was fought near unto Poyetiers in the fields of Beaumount and Malpertnes, the which was great and perilous, and many worthy deeds of arms were there done that came not at all to my knowledge, saith Froissart. The fighters on both parts endured much travail and pain: King john with his own hands did that day like a valiant Prince, he had an Axe in his hand, wherewith he fought in the breaking of press to have come to the Prince, very courageously and manfully. And near unto the French king was taken the Earl of Tankeruyll, Sir james of Burkon earl of Ponthieu, and the Lord john of Arthoyes Earl of Ewe. And a little above that under the Banner of the Capitol of Buz was taken sir Charles of Arthoys, & divers other knights and squires. The chase endured to the gates of Poitiers: There were many slain and beaten down horse and man, for they of Poitiers had closed their gates, & would suffer none to enter: wherefore in the street before the gate, was a great & horrible murder, and many men hurt and beaten down: The Frenchmen yielded themselves as far off as they might know an Englishman. There were divers English Archers that had four, five, or six prisoners, the Lord of Pons a great Baron of Poyton was there slain, and many other Knights and squires. And there was taken the Earl of Rochevart, the Lord of Damnavement, the Lord of Pertney and of Xaynton, the Lord of Motendre and the Lord Saint john: But he was so sore hurt that he never had health after, he was accounted for one of the best knights in France. And there was left for dead among other dead men, the Lord Richard Dangle, who fought that day by the king right valiantly, and so did the Lord Charney, on whom was great praise, because he bore the sovereign Banner of the kings: his own Banner was also in the field, the which was Goules three Scotcheons Silver. So many Englishmen and Gascoynes came to that part, that perforce they opened the King's battle, so that the French men were so mingled among their enemies, that some time there was five men upon one Gentleman. There was taken the Lord of Pompadour, and the Lord Bartholomew de Brunes: and there was slain Sir Geoffrey of Charney with the kings Banner in his hands. This Sir Geoffrey was he that would have stolen Calyce. Also the Lord Reynould Cobham slew the Earl of Dammartyn. Then was there great pressing to take the King, and such as knew him cried unto him and said, Sir, yield you, or else ye are but dead. At that time there was a Knight of Saint Omers retained in wages with the King of England called sir Thomas Morbeck, who had served the King of England, five year before, because in his youth he had forfeited the Realm of France for a murder that he did at Saint Omers. It happened so well for this Knight, that he was next to the King when they were about to take him, and he stepped forth into the press, and by strength he came to the French King and said unto him in good French (Sir yield you) the king beheld the knight and said unto him, to whom shall I yield me? where is my Cousin the Prince of Wales, if I might see him I would speak with him, Sir Denyce answered and said, Sir he is not here, but yield you to me, and I will bring you to him: who be you quoth the king? Sir saith he, I am Denyce of Morbeck, a Knight of Arthoys: But I serve the King of England, because I am banished the realm of France, and I have forfeited all that I had there: The French king is taken. Then the king gave him his right Gauntlet, saying I yield me unto you. There was a great press about the king, for every man cried that he had taken the King, so that the King could not go forward with his young son Philip with him for the press. The prince of Wales, who was courageous and cruel as a Lion, took that day great pleasure to fight and chase his enemies: The Lord john Chandos, who was with him of all that day and never left him, nor never took heed of taking any prisoner, at the end of the battle said to the Prince, Sir, it were good that you rested here, and set your Banner a high in this Bush, that your people may draw hither, for they be sore scattered abroad, neither can I see any more Banners or Pennons on the French party: wherefore sir, rest and refresh you, for ye are sore chafed. Then the prince's Banner was set up high on a Bush, and Trumpets and Clarions began to sound, and then the Prince did of his bassenet, and the Knights for his body, and they of his Chamber were ready about him, and pight a Read pavilion presently, and then drink was brought unto him and to such Lords as were about him, who still increased as they came from the chase, and their prisoners with them. And when the two marshals were come to the Prince, he demanded of them, and if they heard any tidings of the French king: and they answered and said, Sir we hear none of certainty, but we think verily that he is either dead or taken, for he is not gone out of the battles. Then the prince said to the Earl of Warwick, and to Sir Reignold of Cobham: Sirs I require you to go forth and harken and inquire a truth, & return again so soon as you can. These two Lords took their horses and departed from the Prince, and road up a little hill to look about them. And they perceived a flock of men of arms coming together right werily: There was the French King on foot in great peril, for Englishmen and Gascons were his masters, Sir Dionise Morbecke took the French king. they had taken him from Sir Denyce Morbeck perforce, and such as were the strongest said, I have taken him, nay quoth another I have taken him, so they strove who should have him: Then the French King, to eschew that peril, spoke unto them and said, Sirs, strive not, lead me and my son courteously to my Cousin the prince, and fall not out for my taking, for I am so great a Lord as may make you all rich: the which words did somewhat pacify them: howbeit, still as they went, they made riot and brawled for the taking of the King. When the aforesaid Lords saw and heard the 'noys and strife amongst them, they came unto them and said, Sirs, what is the matter that ye strive for? Sir said one of them, it is for the French King, who is here taken prisoner, and there are more than ten Knights and squires that challenge the taking of him and of his son: Then the two Lords entered into the press and caused every man to draw a back, and commanded them in the Prince's name upon pain of their heads to make no more 'noys, nor to approach to the king any nearer, without they were commanded. Then every man gave room to the Lords, and they alighted, and did their reverence unto the king, and so brought him and his son quietly unto the Prince of Wales. Assoon as the two marshals were departed from the Prince, as before you have heard: Then the Prince demanded of the Knights that were about him, whether any of them could tell him of the Lord james Audeley: and answer was made, that he was sore hurt, and lay in a Litter, not far off. Now truly said the Prince, I am sorry for his hurts: But go know if he may be brought hither, or else I will go see him where he is. Then two Knights came to the Lord Audley, and said, sir, the Prince hath earnestly asked for you, and is very desirous to see you, and saith that if you cannot come to him, he will come to you. A sir quoth the knight, I thank the prince that will think on so poor a Knight as I am. And then he called eight of his servants to bear him in his Litter to the place where the Prince was. A gentle gracious Prince. Then the Prince took him in his arms and kissed him, and made to him most loving countenance, and great cheer (and said) sir james I aught greatly to honour you, for by your valiantness ye have this day obtained the commendation and fame by all our judgements to be the most valiant knight of all other that fought at this battle. O Sir, said the knight, ye say your pleasure, I would it were so, but if I have this day put forth myself in your service (and for the accomplisment of the vow that before I had made) it aught not to be reputed to my prows or force, but to duty. Sir james, said the Prince, I and all ours repute and declare you in this battle to be the best doer in Arms: And to the intent to furnish you the better in the wars, and to encourage you to follow the same, The bountiful reward of a Prince. I retain you for ever to be my knight with five hundredth marks of yearly revenues, the which I will assign you out of mine inheritance in England. Sir said the knight God make me able to deserve the great goodness that ye show me, and so he took his leave of the Prince, for he was very weak. So soon as sir james Lord Audeley was brought to his lodging, he sent for sir Peter Audeley his brother, and for the Lord Bartholomewe of Brunes, the Lord Stephen of Gouseton, the Lord of Wylly, and the Lord Ralph Ferrer: All these were of his Lineage. And he called before them his four esquires that had served him that day so well and truly: And then he said to the Lords: Where it hath pleased my Lord the Prince to give me this day .v. C Marks of yearly revenues, for the which gift I have done him small service with my body: Sirs, said he to the Lords, behold here these four esquires, who have always served me truly, and specially this day, for the honour that I have, is by their valiantness, and therefore I am bound to reward them. Wherefore, here before you all, I give and resign into their hands the gift that my Lord Prince hath given me of five hundredth marks of yearly revenues, to them and to their heirs for ever, A noble & liberal knight. in like manner as it was given me, and I clearly disinherit myself thereof, and inherit them to hold the same, without any variance or contradiction. The Lords and other that were present, every of them beheld other, and said among themselves, this cometh of a noble and valiant courage, thus to departed with so great a gift: and they answered him with one voice, Sir, be it as God will, we will bear witness in this behalf, when & wheresoever we become, and so they took their leave and departed. The next day as the king departed and was going in his journey, it was told the king how the Lord Audeley had given to his four esquires the gift of the five hundredth Marks that he had given unto him. Then the Prince sent for him, and he was brought unto the Prince in his Litter, who received him right courteously (and said) Sir james, we have knowledge that the revenues that we gave you, assoon as ye came to your lodging, ye gave the same to four esquires: We would know why ye did so, and whether ye thought the gift sufficient and worthy for you or not? Sir said the knight, it is of truth that I have given it to them, and I will utter unto unto you the cause why I did so: Those four esquires have of long time served me well and truly in many great dangers: And Sir at this time, they served me in such wise, that if they had never done any thing else, I was and am bound towards them, and before this day they never had any thing of me in reward. And Sir, as ye know, I was and am but a man alone, but by the courage, aid, and comfort of them, I took on me to accomplish my vow to you before rehearsed, and certainly I had been dead in the battle if they had not been. Wherefore sir, when as nature and duty did bind me to consider the love that they bore unto me, I should have showed myself to much unthankful if I had not rewarded them: And God I thank him, I have and shall have enough to maintain my poor estate, as long as I live, and I fear nothing less than lack of substance. And forasmuch as I have done this without your licence and knowledge, I humbly beseech you to pardon me, and Sir be you well assured, that both I and my esquires, will serve you as well and as truly as ever we did. Then the Prince said, Sir james, I must needs commend you very much in all your doings, chiefly for your valiantness showed in this battle: and for the good service of these esquires, A noble and gracious prince. whom ye have so much praised, I agreed and allow to them your gift, and I will tender again to you six C. marks in the like manner as ye had the other granted unto you before. Thus this battle ended as you have heard, which was fought the xxij day of September two leagues from Poitiers. And it began in the morning, and ended at noon: But as then the Englishmen were not returned from the chase of their enemies. Therefore, as ye have heard, the Prince's Banner stood in a bush to draw all his men together, but it was night before all came from the chase. And as it was reported, there were slain all the Flower and chivalry of France. And there was taken with the King and the Lord Philip his son xvij Earls, beside Barons, knights, and squires, and there were slain .v. or uj thousand one and other. When every man was come from the chase, they had as many prisoners as the whole army of the Englishmen were twice in number. Wherefore it was agreed and concluded among them, because of the great charge and doubt to keep so many prisoners, that they should put many of them to ransom incontinent in the field, and so they did. And the prisoners found the Englishmen and Gascons right courteous and gentle unto them. And all that night the prince with his army and prisoners lay in the field, and every man made good cheer unto his prisoner, for that day whosoever took any prisoner, he was clear his, and might quite and ransom him at his pleasure. A notable victory. All such as were at this battle, were all made rich with honour and goods, as well by ransoming of prisoners, as by winning of Gold, Silver, plate, and jewels, that was there found in the spoil. There was no man that did set any thing by rich harness, whereof there was great plenty, for the Frenchmen came thither very richly beseen, weening to have obtained the glory of that journey. The honourable behaviour of the prince, to the French king. When night came, the prince made to the French King and his son, and to the other Lords that were taken prisoners, a supper. And first the Prince placed the French king and his son, the Lord james of Burbone, the Lord john de Arthoys, the Earl of Tankeruyll, the Earl of Stamps, the Earl of Dampmartyn, the Earl of Gravyll, and the Lord of Partenay to sit all at one board, and other lords knights and squires at other Tables. And the prince himself served all that supper time, neither would he sit down for no request that the French king could make unto him: For he said, he was not meet to sit at that table with so great and high a prince as the French King was. And then he said to the King, Sir for God's sake be not sad nor show not any heavy countenance, for though God this day hath not consented to follow your will: yet Sir surely the King my father I dare boldly say will bear you so much honour and amity as he may do, and I doubt nothing but that ye shall so reasonably accord and agreed, that ye shall be friends for ever together. And sir me thinketh that ye aught to rejoice, though the journey be not as ye would have had it, for this day ye have won the high renown of prows, and have this day in valiantness exceeded all other of your party. Sir, I speak not this to mock you, for all that be on our party and saw every man's deeds, do plainly agreed and conclude in one sentence to give you the Chapelet. Therewith the French men began to muttor, and said among themselves, the prince had spoken nobly, and by all conjectures he was like to prove a noble and worthy prince, if God did send him life. When supper was done, every man went to his lodging with their prisoners, the next day in the morning when every thing was ready trussed up, than they took their horses and road towards Poitiers. The same night there was come to Poitiers the Lord of Roy with an hundred spears he was not at the battle, but he met the Duke of Normandy near to Chawigny, and the Duke sent him to Poitiers to keep the town, until they heard other tidings. When the Lord of Roye knew that the English men were coming so near the City: he caused every man to be armed, and every man to go to his defence to the walls, Towers and gates: and the Englishmen passed by without any approaching, for they were so laden with Gold, Silver, plate, jewels and prisoners that in their returning they assaulted no forts. They thought it much if they could bring the French King and other prisoners with all their spoil in safety to Bordeaux. And they road but small journeys because of their prisoners and carriages, so that they road in a whole day not past four or five leagues at the most, and lodged ever betimes, and road close together in good array, saving the marshals battles, who road ever before with five hundred men of arms to open the passages as the Prince should pass. But they met with no encounterers, for every man was so afraid that they were fled to the Fortresses. Thus the Prince and his company did so much, that they passed through Poyteau and Xaynton without damage, and came to Blay, and there passed the river of Geron, & arrived in the good City of Bourdeaux. It cannot be expressed what great feasting and cheer they of the City and the Clergy made to the Prince, and how honourably they were there received. The prince brought the French king into the Abbey of Saint Androws, and there they lodged both, the King in the one part and the prince in the other. And here were many chaloners of the French King to be their prisoner: But in the end, partly by the confession of the French king, and partly by right of arms and tokens showed by Sir Denyce Morbeck, it was thought his right: but notwithstanding for the appeasing of all things the prince differred the judgement of the matter to his father the king, when they should come into England. And yet in the mean season, the prince secretly caused two thousand Nobles to be delivered to Sir Denyce Morbeck to maintain his estate. Great joy made in England for the taking of the French king. In England when news came of the victory of the battle of poitiers, and of the taking of the French king, there was great joy and gladness, and great solemnities were made in all churches, Cities, and Towns, throughout all the Realm. Now approached the time that the Prince of Wales had made provision of Ships and furniture to the same, for the conveyance and bringing over of the French king, The Prince of wales returneth into England with the French king and his other prisoners. and his other Prisoners into England. And when he had all things in a readiness, he called unto him the Lord Dalbert, the Lord Musident, the Lord Laspare, the Lord of Punyers, and the Lord of Rosen, and gave them commandment to keep the Country there until his return again. Then he took the Sea, and certain Lords of Gascoigne with him. The French king was in a vessel by himself to be the more at his ease, and was accompanied with two hundredth men of arms, and two thousand Archers. For it was showed the Prince that the three Estates, by whom the Realm of France was governed, had laid in Normandye, and Crotoye two great armies, The French king landeth at Sandwich to the intent to meet with him, and to get the French king out of his hands if they might. But there appeared no such matter, and yet they were on the sea xj days, and on the twelve day they arrived at Sandwich. Then they issued out of their Ship, and landed and lay there all that night, and tarried there two days after to refresh them: And on the third day they road to Cauntorbury. When the king of England knew of their coming, he commanded the Citizens of London to prepare themselves and their City, and to make the same seemly and meet to receive such a man as the French king was, which the Citizens of London did accordingly. And from Cauntorbury they came to Rochester, and there tarried a day, and from Rochester to Dartford, The French king is honourably received into London. and there tarried a day, and from thence the next day to London, where they were honourably received, and so they were in every good town as they passed. The French king road through London on a white Courser well appareled: and the Prince on a little black Hobby by him. Thus the French king was conveyed along the City until he came to the Savoy, the which house appertained to the heritage of the Duke of Lancaster. And there the French king kept his house a long season, and often times the king and Queen came thither to see him, and made him great feasting and cheer. An Ambassade sent from the Pope to entreat a peace. Soon after by the commandment of Pope Innocent the sixth, there came into England the Lord Taylleran, Cardinal of Piergort, and the Lord Nicholas, Cardinal of Dargell. They treated for a peace between the two kings, but nothing came to effect: But yet at the last a truce between the two kings & all their assistentes was concluded for to endure unto the feast of Saint john baptist .1359. that is to say, for three years. And out of this truce was excepted the Lord Philip of Naverre and his allies, the Countess of Mountford, and the Duchy of Britain. Anon after, the French king was removed from the Savoy unto the Castle of Windsor, and all his household, and went on hunting and hawking there at his pleasure, and the Lord Philip his son with him: but all the other prisoners abode still at London, and yet went to see the king at their pleasure, and were received only upon their faiths. In the latter end of this year, saith Fabian, A jousts holden in Smithfield. the king did hold a royal jousts in Smithfielde in London, and many a noble feat of Arms was there done to the great honour of the king and of all the realm of England. At the which disport were present, the king of England, and the French king and the king of Scots his prisoners, with many noble Estates of all the three provinces or Kingdoms: whereof the greater number of the strangers were then prisoners. Ye have heard before of the taking of the king of Scots prisoner, by the Queen in the time that king Edward was occupied about the siege of Calais, which now was xj years past and more. And so soon as the aforesaid Cardinals had concluded a truce between the king of England and the French king, A truce or peace concluded between the French king and the king of England. they also accompanied with the bishop of Saint Andrew's in Scotland, fell to a treaty with the king of England, for the deliverance of the king of Scots. And the same was concluded in this manner. That the king of Scots should never after arm himself against the king of England in his realm, nor counsel, nor consent to any of his subjects to arm them, nor to grieve nor make war against England. Also the king of Scots after his return into his realm, should endeavour himself with all diligence that his people should agreed, that the realm of Scotland should hold in fee, and do homage to the king of England. And if the realm would not agreed thereunto: Yet the king of Scots to swear solemnly to keep good peace with the king of England, The Scottish kings ransom. and to bind himself and his Realm to pay within ten years after, five hundredth thousand Nobles as Froissart saith: But Fabian saith one hundredth thousand Marks. And at the summoning of the king of England, to send good pledges and hostages for the same: as the Earl of Douglas, the Earl of Moret, the Earl of Mare, the Earl of Surlant, the Earl of Fife, the Baron of Versey, and Sir William of Caumoyse. And all these to abide in England as prisoners and hostages for the king their Lord, unto the time that the several payments of the money aforesaid were fully contented and paid. Of these ordinances and bonds, were made instruments publiques, and letters patents, sealed by both the kings. When all these things were ordered and done, The Scottish king and his wife departeth into Scotland. than the Scottish king departed and went into his realm, & his wife Queen Isabella sister to king Edward, with him. And when he came within his realm, he was honourably received, and he lay at Saint john's town upon the river of Try, while his Castle of Edenbourgh was newly re-edified. Now before the day of the truce last concluded with France, were fully expired, the war was newly begun. But anon after that, a peace was made between the king of Navarre, and the Duke of Normandy. And in this time the king of England and the Prince his son, the French king, and the Lord jaques of Bourbon met at London, & they four being alone together in counsel, A peace commoned of and agreed upon, between the French king and the king of England. agreed upon a peace upon certain articles written in a letter, and sent the same into France to the Duke of Normandy. When the Duke had received these letters, he demanded counsel of the king of Naverre who then was present with him, and he counseled him that the Prelates and Nobles of France, and the good towns should assemble themselves, and to say their minds therein: the which thing was done. And it seemed to the king of Navarre, and to the Duke, and to his, and to all the counsel of the Realm, that the said treaty was to grievous to be borne: Wherefore they answered all with one voice, that the peace and conditions contained in that letter, was so prejudicial to them & to the realm, that they yet would endure greater mischief than they had done, rather than in such wise to minish and abase the state of France: and said also that they would rather suffer their king to lie still in England. And when the French king understood how the Realm of France would not agreed to his appointment he said. A son Charles: ye be counseled by the king of Navarre, who deceiveth you, and will deceive such xl. as you be. And when the King of England knew what answer was brought, he said: A noble and courageous Prince. Before Winter be past I will enter into France, in puissant and valiant manner, and there will abide so long till I have an end of this war, or else peace at my pleasure and to mine honour, and then he made the greatest provision for war, that ever he made. The same season, about the mids of August, the Lord john of Craon archbishop of reins, and they of the City of Paris, and of the Country thereabout, with certain knights and squires of the Country of Rochel and Laon, went and laid siege to the Castle of Roucy, and there lay five weeks. And then they within yielded up their lives and goods saved, and to go whether they list. And of this they had letters patents sealed by the Archbishop, by the Earl Porcien and the Earl of Brain: But for all that, when they departed, the commons that were there, rose against them and slew the most part of them, for all the Lords, and they had much pain to save the Captain called Hankin Frauncoys. And thus the Earl of Roucy had again his own Castle. Sir Robert Knolles. Sir james Pipe. Thomlyn Foulke. And in this time (saith Fabian) Sir Robert Knolles and Sir james Pipe Englishmen warred in Briteyne, and with the help of one Thomlyn Fowlke, they came early in a morning unto a town that was near unto Ancore called Kegennez, which then was in the rule of the Englishmen and out of that town they took more strength and went straight to Ancore being within two English miles, and scaled the walls with ladders, and quit them so manfully that they had the rule of the town before the Sun rising. Ancore taken And in that Castle was taken prisoner Sir Guyllam de Chalyn the son of the Earl of Ancerre, his wife and many other. In taking of which town and Castle, few were slain, howbeit there came of armed men above to thousand to defend the town, but it was taken before they came. Then the Englishmen searched so near, that as the common report went, they found jewels as though they had been privy to the hiding of them, and they were of great value: Mottons of Gold. Among the which they found certain skins of Furs which were valued at v. M. Mottons of Gold. The Motton of Gold was a coin used in France and Briteyn, and is of the value of five shillings sterling. When the Englishmen had peeled and spoiled the town by the space of viii. days, and ransomed such as were of substance: Then they showed unto the rulers of the town, that they would set it on fire, except they would give unto them a certain some of money. For the which the rulers, after conference had among themselves, agreed to give the English Captains, xl. thousand Mottons and lx pearls valued at ten thousand Mottons, the which fifty thousand Mottons amounted near unto twelve thousand and five hundred pound sterling. The king of England in all this time made his provision for his voyage into France, such and so great as had not been seen before: For he had sent into Almain to all the Lords of the Empire that served him before, and they came at their day appointed unto Calais, and there came a great number more than were required, for they came of themselves, upon hope and gain of the spoil of France, and they tarried for the king, from the beginning of August until October following. And to say truth, they tarried so long, that by reason victuals waxed scant and dear there were many of them that were fain to cell the best jewels they had. Then the king of England sent over before the Duke of Lancaster with four hundred spears and two thousand Archers. And when the Duke came to Calais, the Lords that were strangers made great joy and were glad of him, and demanded tidings of the Kings coming. The Duke excused the king and said that all his provision was not full ready: and he said unto them, gentle lords to tarry here is to no purpose, I will ride forth into France and see what we can find there, The Duke of Lancaster with certain strangers entereth into France. and I pray you to ride forth with me, and I will deliver you a certain some of money to pay your costs in your lodgings, and ye shall have furniture of victual to carry with you. And the Lords granted the Duke, and so road forth and passed by Saint Omers, they were a two thousand spears, beside Archers and other footmen, and at the last came to Mount Eloy a good Abbey and a rich near to Arras, and there tarried four days to refresh them and their horses. From thence they went to Cambrey and there made a great assault, but they within defended themselves valiantly by the aid and comfort of the Earl of Saint Paul. And when the Englishmen saw that nothing was there to be had, they departed and went over the river of Some, and came to a Town called Cheresey, where they found great plenty of Bread and Wine. And here the Duke had knowledge that the king was arrived at Calais, who had sent him word that he and all his company should come back again to him. The Duke of Lancaster returneth to come to king Edward, who was now coming with a power from Calais. And then the Duke and his company returned toward Calais & met with the king by the way, within four leagues of Calais. And with the king were a great company of Lords both strangers and other, whose names I overpass. And when the king and the Duke and all their company were met, the company was so great, that all the Country was covered with them. And there the Almains, Mercenaries, Brabanters, Behennoys, they altogether showed unto the King how they had spent all their goods, horses and harnesses sold. So that little or nothing was left them to do him service, for which purpose they came: neither had they wherewith to bear their charges home again into their countries, wherefore they desired his nobleness to have some consideration of them. King Edward dischargeth some of those that came unsent for. The king answered and said, how he was not as then ready to give them a plain answer: But said, Sirs, I think ye be sore travailed, wherefore go your ways and refresh you two or three days in Calais, and this night or to morrow I will take counsel and sand you such an answer that of reason ye will be content withal. Then these strangers departed from the king and from the Duke, and road toward Calais, and they had not rid half a league, but they met a great multitude of carriages. And after them came the Prince of Wales, nobly and richly beseen and all his company: whereof there were such a number, that all the Country was covered with them. And the Prince road a soft pace ready ranged in battle, as though they should incontinent have fought. Thus the prince road ever a league or two after the kings host, and ever the carriages went between both the hosts, the which order the strangers liked marvelously well. When these strangers had well beheld this company, and had reverently saluted the prince and such Lords as were with him, and the prince lovingly received them, as he could do it right well. Then in taking their leave of him, they showed him their necessity, desiring him to consider of them, and he promised them so to do. So the strangers road on until they came to Calais, and the second day after the king sent them their answer by three worthy knights, which was that the king had not brought sufficient treasure with him to pay all that they desired, and also to perform the enterprise that he hath taken in hand: But if they would go forth with him, and to take such fortune as shall happen, good or evil, they to have their part: So that they demanded no wages, neither allowance for horse nor expense, nor any damage that they may happen to have: For said they, the king hath brought men enough out of his realm to furnish his enterprise. This answer pleased not greatly the strange Lords, and the company that were about them: Howbeit, they could have none other, but yet the king of his goodness gave them a some of money to bring them home. Howbeit, some of them went again to the king & served at their adventure. The order that the king took in England before his departure And before the king departed England, he took this order: First he caused all the Lords of France that were Prisoners, to be put into divers Castles, and other sure places. And the French king was committed to the Tower of London, and his young son with him, and kept close: And then placed certain Lords for the safe keeping & good government of the realm. The manner and order of the kings battle. But to return, the king passed forward, having his Constable the Earl of March before him, which had in his battle five hundredth Knights, and a thousand Archers. Then followed the king, who had in his battle three thousand men of arms, and five thousand Archers, well trimmed, and in good order. Then came all the carriages, the which contained two leagues in length, and they carried with them, hand Milles, Ovens to bake in, and forges for Iron, and other necessaries. Then followed the Prince's battle and of his brethren, wherein were a thousand spears nobly horsed, and richly beseen in order, ready to fight, And in the end of the kings battle, there were .v. C. Verlettes with mattocks and Axes, to make even the ways for the carriages to pass. The king thus passed forward into France with his army, reins besieged. and at the last came to reins, where he laid siege seven weeks, but could not prevail, and so passed to Paris, and from thence to Charters, sore spoiling, brenning, and destroying the Country as he went, & likewise did the prince his son with his battle. So that the Country of France was so greatly wasted, spoiled and decayed, that they were glad to seek for peace. And at the last by the special labour of a Friar called Symond of Langres, Symond of Langers a Friar. and was also a Legate from the Pope, a day of entreaty was appointed, and a place of meeting for the same. And at the said day and place, there came for the king of England, An entreaty and communication for a peace, but it took none effect. the Duke of Lancaster, the Earls of Warwick, and of Northhampton, with sir john Chandos, sir Gualther of many, and sir William Cheyney knights. And for the Regent of France appeared there, the Lord Few Constable of France, the Lord Bociquant then Marshal of France, the Lord of Saranciers, the Lord Vigney of the Country of Vienne, sir Symond Bucy, sir Guichard of Anglie knights, the which treaty came to none effect. And there came unto the king to a place called Dones, the Bishop of Beauvays than Chancellor of Normandy, with other, and so behaved themselves unto the king, that a new day of treaty was appointed to be holden at Bretynguy within a Mile of Charters, upon the first day of May then next ensuing. At which day of appointment, the aforesaid Duke of Lancaster, with the said Earls of Warwick, and Northhampton, and other, appeared at the the same place for king Edward. And for the Regent there appeared the aforenamed Bishop with many other Lords and Knights, and Spiritual men, to the number of xxij persons, whose names I overpass for length of tyme. These persons applied them so diligently, A peace concluded. that within the space of viij days they agreed upon an unity and peace, the which was comprised in xlj articles, the effect whereof hereafter follow. 1 First the king of England and his heirs kings, The some and effect of the articles contained in the peace. with all the lands that he then had in Gascoigne, and Guyan, should have to him and to his heirs for ever, the City and Castle of Poitiers with all the appurtenances to that Lordship belonging. Also the City of Lymoges, with all the lands of Limosyn, and all other their appurtenances. The City and Castle of Pirigort, with all the lands and revenues to the same Lordship belonging. The earldom of Bygort, with all that thereunto belongeth, the earldom of Poytiau, with all the appurtenances: the Seignory of Beluyle, the Lordship of Eranctes, Exauchour and Exancon, the Cities of Again, Agenoys, and of Caours, and Lordship of Caoursyn. The Cities of Tharbe, of Gaure, Angolesme, of Rhodes, and of Raverne. The Lordship of Mounstrell, with all the revenues thereunto belonging. The signory of Calais, Marguise, of Sandgate & Coligne. The Lordship of Hams, of Wales and of Ouy. The earldom of Guynes, with all the profits thereunto belonging. All which Lordships, honours, Castles, Towers, Cities, and Towns, king Edward the third and his heirs should have and hold for evermore, in as royal wise and like manner as have done the kings of France, without doing for them any homage, fealty, or other duty. The king here agreeth to refuse the name of the French king and no more to call himself by that name. 2 And the said king Edward after that day, for him and his heirs kings of England, should clearly renounce and give over all his title, right, and interest that he had unto the Crown of France, and specially the name of the king of France. 3 Also all his right that he had to the Duchy of Normandy, of Thoraine, of Anjou, of Britain, and of the sovereignty of the earldom of Flaundyrs, and of all other Lordships, Cities, Castles, honours, Towns or Towers, that any king of England before that day had any right unto within the realm of France: and to hold him content with the abovenamed lordships, without any further claim. The ransom which the French king paid was v hundredth thousand pound. 4 Furthermore it was agreed that the French king should pay for his ransom three Millions of Scutes of Gold, whereof two should alway make a noble English, the which do come unto sterling money, five hundredth thousand pound. Of the which three Millions of Scutes, ten hundredth thousand, which is one Million, to be paid at Calais the first day of june next following the said treaty. And another Million to be paid at the said town of Calais within eight Months after the French king was come to Calais. And the third Million, to be paid at London in two years and a half, that is to say, at Mighelmas come a year after the agreement, four hundredth thousand Scutes: And at Mighelmasse next after ensuing, four hundredth thousand Scutes: And at Easter following two hundredth thousand Scutes, in full payment of the three Millions, or xxx C. thousand Scutes. 5 And further it was agreed that after the French king was come to Calais, he should rest him there four Months: Whereof the first month should be at the charge of king Edward, and the other three Months to be at the cost and charge of the said French king, and to pay for every of the said three Months, The charge of the French kings diet for a month. ten thousand Royalles of France, which at that time were in value every Royal xxj pence, and so a Months charge after the account of our money was eight C.lxxv. pound. And it was also agreed, that john the French king for the time, nor any king of France after him should aid or assist the Scots against king Edward, nor against his heirs kings of England. Neither shall king Edward nor his heirs kings, ally them with the flemings, nor aid nor assist them against the said king john, nor his heirs kings of France. 6 And for the title and right of the Duchy of Briteyn, which was in question between the Earls of Bloys and of Mountforde, it was agreed that both the Kings being at Calais, the said parties should be called before them. And if a peace between them by the two kings might not be set, than the said kings to assign certain indifferent persons to agreed the said Earls, and they to have half a year of respite for to quiet the matter. And if the said persons so by the two kings assigned, could not agreed the said Earls by the time aforesaid: That then either of the said Earls to make the best provision for himself with the help of his friends or otherwise, whereby they might attain to their right and claim of the said Duchy. 7 provided always, that neither of the said kings, nor any of their sons shall aid or assist any of the said Earls, by reason whereof the peace between them agreed might be loosed or broken. And it is also further provided, that unto whether of the said two Earls the said Duchy shall fall by sentence of man or otherwise, that the homage of it shall always be done to the French King. All which ordinances and agreements, with many more that would ask long leisure to writ, were ratified and confirmed by the instruments and seals of the prince of Wales, upon the party of king Edward for England's party, and by Charles Regent of France for that party, as by their letters patents and their seals then sealed appeared, bearing date that one at Lours in Normandye the xuj day of May, and that other at Paris the tenth day of the said month and year. And moreover, either of the said two princes, that is to say Edward prince of Wales was sworn in the presence of uj French knights upon the Sacrament of the Altar after the third Agnus was said in time of a low Mass, at the foresaid Lours, song or said, that he to the uttermost of his power should uphold and keep the aforesaid peace in every point, as far as in him was. And in like manner was Charles then Regent of Frauncesworne in the presence of uj English knights to perform the same. After which treaty thus finished and ended, king Edward with his sons and Nobles of England took shipping at Homflet in Normandy the twenty day of may, and sailed into England, leaving behind him the Earl of Warwick for to guide the Englishmen that remained in Guyan and other places, & to see that peace which was then proclaimed through France were kept & not broken by them, which for all that endured not long. And in this time of king Edward's being in France, Peace proclaimed. john the French king and his son, who were in the Tower of London, did at the return of king Edward feast him and all his Lords in the said Tower of London, and then peace was proclaimed, and the French King set at his liberty. The eight day of the month of julie next ensuing, The French king goeth to Calais. the French King landed at Calais and was lodged in the Castle, and there tarried the coming of King Edward. The ix day of October king Edward arrived at Calais, King Edward arriveth at Calais. and went straight unto the Castle to visit king john, which welcomed him with a loving and friendly countenance, and when the King should depart to his lodging into the town, the French King required him, that he with his sons would dine with him the morrow following, which the king granted. At which dinner the king was first set and kept the estate, and then secondarily the French king sat: thirdly the prince of Wales, and fourthly the Duke of Lancaster, and no more at that table. In the time of which dinner came to the Castle the Earl of Flaundyrs, whom the French king welcomed in most loving manner. And when the said dinner with all honour was ended, two of the king's sons of England, and two of the French kings sons, took leave of their fathers, and road toward Boleyne, where at that time the Regent of France was. The which met them in the mid way between Calais and Boleyne, and so conveyed them unto Boleyn, and rested there with them that night. And upon the morrow the Regent himself came to Calais to his father, and after his father and he came both to the kings palace to dinner, whom king Edward received with much joy and honour, and made unto them a sumptuous feast. And after two days, the Regent departed from Calais, and returned unto Boleyne, and the two sons of king Edward returned from Boleyne to Calais. The xxiiij day of October next following, both the kings being in two traverses, and in one Chapel at Calais, a Mass was said before them, to the offering of which Mass neither of them came. But when the Pax was borne first to the French king, and then to king Edward, and either of them refused to kiss it first: The French king rose up and came toward king Edward: whereof he being ware, rose up and met with him, and refused the Pax, and either kissed other. At the which mass, either of them was solemnly sworn to maintain the articles of the said peace. And for more assurance of the same, many Lords upon both parties were also sworn, to maintain the same to their powers. The cause that the French king thus sojourned at Calais, as before it was agreed, was for the discharge of the first payment of his ransom, and also for the delivery of certain towns which yet the Englishmen had not in possession. The next day after the taking of the aforesaid oath by the two kings, that was the xxv day of October, the French king was freely delivered, and then he departed from Calais, and road toward Boleyn: Whom king Edward conveyed a mile upon his way, at which miles end they departed with kissing, and other loving manner: And Prince Edward kept on his way with the French king, and so conveyed him to Boleyn, where he tarried that night. And upon the morrow the said Prince Edward, and Charles Duke of Normandy, with the Earl of Estampes and other noble men there then being present, were again sworn to maintain and hold the said peace, without fraud, colour, or deceit. And that done, the said Prince taking his leave, returned that night to Calais. And so it may appear unto you that king john stood as prisoner by the space of four years, and more. And after King Edward had dispatched all his business at Calais, he returned into England. But before the king came from Calais, he sent into England such hostages as the French king had left for the performance of the Articles contained in the last peace, and the names of the hostages were these, as follow. Philip Duke of orleans sometime son to king Philip of France, and also his two Nephews. The Duke of anjou. The Duke of Berry. The Duke of Bourbon. The Earl of Alencon. The Lord john of Stamps. Guy of Bloys earl of that County. Lewes of Bloys his brother. The Earl of Saint Paul. The Earl of Harecourt. The Earl daulphin of Aluergne. Sir Ingram Lord Cowcy. The Earl of Porceu. The Earl of Breme. The Lord Momorency. The Lord Roye. The Lord of Peaux. The Lord of Stoutuyle. The Lord of Clerettes. The Lord of Swenaunt. The Lord of Tower. The Lord of Auvergne, and divers other Lords and Knights: Besides these there were two or three of the best Citizens of every of the best Cities of France. And all these the king sent over, and commissions also that they should be well used and entreated, the which was well observed: for they passed their time in the City of London, and about where they would, even as they would themselves. And shortly after king Edward returned into England. And in this year the Lady Elizabeth daughter to the Earl of Gloucester reedefied University Hall in Cambridge, Clare hall in Cambridge. which had been consumed with fire, and named it Clare hall. Sun after the return of the French king into France, there were generally throughout all France, This company were named by the Frenchmen Companions sundry companies went together robbing and spoiling the Country, and they were called the Companions. And the number of them so increased, that they could be none otherwise subdued, but by a strong army: But they so prevailed against the french king's power and did so much mischief in France, that it was said and affirmed, that they did more harm than all the wars that England had with France. And truly before they were suppressed, it cost many a man his life. The number of them as saith Froyssart, at the first were four thousand, and after increased to ten thousand, and so to twenty thousand, and xxx thousand and more. The cause of stealing and pylfring is idleness. The occasion of their beginning, as is alleged in the French Chronicle, was the wars of England, who made such a spoil and destruction in France, by brenning of Villages and otherwise, that the husbandmen and their servants, and other labouring men entered into an idleness, and so flocked in companies: whereof sprang these Companions. And in this year (as saith Fabian) was a great dearth in England, both of men and beasts, during the which time the noble Duke Henry of Lancaster died. Henry Duke of Lancaster died. And after his death Sir john of Gaunt earl of Richemond the kings third son, which had married the said Duke's daughter, was made Duke of that Duchy. And in this time john Wiclife did read the divinity Lecture in Oxford. This year the French king, bearing great love and favour to king Edward and to the Queen his wife, and to their children, came into England to visit them, and to make merry with them, and the xxiiij day of january, he came to Eltham, where then the king and Queen was, and there dined, and after dinner the king conveyed him most honourably through the City of London unto the Savoy: where he lay until the beginning of March next following, and then a grievous sickness took him, The death of john the French king. of the which he died the eight day of April next following .1363. and after was carried into France, and was buried at Saint Dionise beside Paris. And this year king Edward created Lionel his son Duke of Clarence, and sir Edmond his other son, earl of Cambridge. Lionel the king's second son made Duke of Clarence. And in this year there were three kings that came to visit and see king Edward. First the king of France, the king of Cypress, & the king of Scots. About this time king Edward held a great counsel in England for the better ordering of the realm, and specially for the kings children. For it was considered, that the prince of Wales held a great and a noble estate (as it was right meet for him to do) for he was valiant, puissant and rich, and had great possessions & heritage in Aquytayne, where was abundance of all riches wealth and prosperity. Wherefore it was thought most meetest that the prince did remain in those parts, for the he had sufficient in that Duchy to maintain his estate. And also all the Barons and knights of Aquitaine did earnestly desire to have him among them, for the which they had made their earnest request to the king. For although Sir john Chandos was to them right courteous and friendly: yet they rather coveted to have their own natural Lord and Sovereign. The prince was very willing to agreed unto this devise, and so was the good Lady his Wife, and they prepared themselves with all speed according to their estates. And when every thing was ready, they took their leave of the King, Edward the prince did homage to his father for the duchy of Guyan. and of the Queen, and of their brethren, and departed out of England, and with a prosperous wind came to Bordeaux, and shortly after took possession of his Duchy of Guyan, and afterward did homage to his father for the same. Isabella daughter unto the french king and wife unto king Edward the second buried in the Church that now is called Christ's Church with in Newgate in London. A complaint made of the Lawyers for pleading in french. It were a good order, that all the Law were in Latin. Charles the french king's son crowned king of France. About this time also died the Lady Isabella the kings mother, which was wife to king Edward the second, and daughter unto Philip le Beau, sometime French king. And she was buried in London, at the Friar Minors, commonly called the Grey Friars (which now is a parish Church and is called Christ's Church) right nobly and honourably, with all the prelate's and Baron's of England, and all the Lords of France that then lay here as hostages. In this time, or a little before, a great and grievous complaint was made by the Lords and commons of England to the king, that the realm sustained many mischiefs and inconveniences, for that the Lawyers pleaded all their pleas in law in French, and not in English: wherefore it was ordained and enacted by parliament that from thenceforth all pleas, which are to be pleaded in any of the kings Courts, before any of his justices, or in any other his Courts, or before any his other ministers, or in the Courts and places of any other Lords within the Realm, shallbe pleaded, sued, and defended, answered, debated and judged in the English tongue, and that the same be entered and enroled in Latyn. This year on Trinity Sunday Charles son and heir to john the French king, was crowned king of France in the City of reins, with great pomp and solemnity, and so was the Queen his wife daughter to Peter Duke of Burbone. And as Fabian saith, in this year, because upon S. Stephyns day the king finished and ended all his wars with France, Saint Stephen's Chapel at westminster begun. he therefore in the worship of S. Stephyn began the foundation of S. Stephyns Chapel at westminster, and Richard the second son of Prince Edward, called the black prince, finished the same. In this year was borne Edward, the first son of Prince Edward, the which died when he was about eight years of age. Edward the first son of Prince Edward. And about this time one Barthram de Claicon a Norman with an army of Frenchmen entered the land of Castille, and warred upon Peter, than king of that land, and so behaved him, that in less than four Months, he chased the said Peter out of his own land, and crowned his brother named henry king of Castille, at a Town called Burges upon Easter day: wherefore the said Peter constrained by necessity, was compelled to come to Bordeaux to crave aid of Prince Edward. This Peter was rightful heir unto the Crown of Castille, and Henry his brother (as most writers affirm) was a bastard. But this Peter was of so vile conditions, that his subjects favoured him not. And so this war continued a season between his brother and him, in the which the Prince with his Archers took party with this Peter, and the French king with spears took party with Henry. The king for biddeth Peter pence to be gathered. And in this time King Edward forbade that any money, commonly called Peter pence, should either be gathered or paid to Rome. In this year also prince Edward had his second son borne at Bordeaux, whose name was Richard, and was afterward king, 1366/41 Richard the second son of prince Edward borne at Bordeaux by the name of Richard the second. This year at the importunity, suit and great entreaty of Done Peter King of Spain, Edward prince of Wales went with him into Spain with a strong power, and the Prince overcame the Spaniards and Frenchmen in a strong battle, Prince Edward goeth into Spain and restoreth king Peter to his former estate. where the number of them were four to one of the prince's power, and the prince restored king Peter to his former estate as king of Spain. But not long after the princes returning home again to Bordeaux, the aforesaid Henry so repaired his army and gave a new onset, that in the end he utterly vanquished Peter and put him to death, and then reigned himself quietly. I am the shorter herein because this properly doth not touch the wars and affairs of England, which is the chief thing that I purpose in this Collection. Prince Edward after his coming out of Spain where he had spent a great some of money, and yet a number of the soldiers that went out with him, whom king Peter promised to pay, came home again unpaid and lingered and still hanged upon the prince, The raising of a tax or mass of money was the loss of all Aquitaine. wherefore he to raise a mass or great some of money, devised to set great taxes and impositions upon the people of Aquitaine: which thing the Earl of Arminack, of Bret, of Berygorte, and other noble men would not in any wise consent unto, but appealed to the French king for remedy, and in such wise persuaded him, that he contrary to the league and peace lately made, summoned the prince to appear at Paris: By mean whereof the peace was broken, War again proclaimed with France. and open war again proclaimed between both princes to the great mortality and desolation of people on both parties, but the most loss and damage fell always to the king of England. In so much that in the end, he lost the more part of the lands which were granted him by the composition and agreement of peace. And now fortune, which pleasantly had smiled upon king Edward the space of xl years, in his latter days frowardly frowned and changed her Copy. This year in the month of May the French king in his high court of parliament holden at Paris proceeded in judgement upon the appellations before made by the Earl of Arminack, the Lord of Bret, and Earl of Berygort, against prince Edward: whereupon discord and variance began to take place between the two kings, insomuch, that by mean of the said three Lords (notwithstanding that they were before sworn to be to the king of England true liege men) divers towns of the Country of Poyteau yielded them to the french king, as Aubeuyle, Rue and the more part of the towns of the said Country. Whereupon Ambassadors were sent upon both parts, and divers means of entreaty were commoned of, but in the end, it came all to none effect. Thus the peace which before was so substantially made & with great solemnity and circumstances established, was now utterly violate and broken, and either king for his part made provision for war. Charles the French king went to Rouen in Normandy and there in the month of july rigged his ships, & set them forward to war upon England. The Duke of Lancaster landeth in Normandy. And while king Charles was occupied in Normandy, the Duke of Lancaster landed at Calais with a strong company of Archers, and other warriors, and from thence passed to Thorovenne, and so to Air, in wasting and spoiling the Country with iron and fire as he went. Wherefore the French king in the defence of those parts sent forth the Duke of Burgoyn with a puissant army to withstand the said Duke of Lancaster. The which Duke of Burgoyn sped him in such wise, that about the xxiiij day of August he lodged his host upon the Hill of Turneham, near unto Arde. And the English host was lodged between Gygowne, and Arde, so that the fronts of both the hosts were within a mile: Between whom were daily skirmishes and small bickerings: And when the said Duke of Burgoyn had kept the foresaid hill, from the xxiiij day of August, unto the twelve day of September following, he removed his host, and went to Hesden: For the which deed, he was after blamed of his brother. After which departure of the Frenchmen, the Duke of Lancaster with his host took the way toward Caux, and passed the river of Some, and so road toward Harflew, intending to have fired the French kings navy: But at their coming thither, the town was so strongly manned, that they did but little hurt. Wherefore the said Duke departed shortly thence, and sped him into the Country of Poiteau, & so came unto the town of Aubevile. Where the French men encountered him and gave him battle. In the which was taken Sir Hugh Chatellon Knight, with other Knights, esquires, and Burgesses of the town, and there were slain of the Frenchmen more than three hundredth, and they had taken prisoners to the number of xlv which they sent to Calais. And then the Duke with his company went to Bordeaux, and brent and spoiled the Country as he went. And in this time died at Calais the Earl of Warwick, after that he was returned from the Duke of Lancaster, which was a noble and valiant man. The death of the Noble Queen Philip daughter of the Earl of Heynault, and wife unto king Edward the third. And in the month of August following, died that noble woman Queen Philip, wife of king Edward the third, the which was a great benefactor unto the Canons of Saint Stephens at Westmynster. And soon after died Dame Blaunche, sometime the wife of Henry Duke of Lancaster, and was buried at Paul's upon the northside of the high Aultare by her husband. Where she ordained for him and her (as saith Fabian) four Chauntreyes for ever, and an Anniversary yearly to be kept: At the which beside other great things appointed to the Dean and Canons of the Church: She ordained that the Mayor of London being present at the Mass, should offer a penny, and take up twenty shillings. The Sheriffs either of them a penny, and to receive either of them a Mark. The chamberlain of the City ten shillings, the Sword bearer, vj. shillings eight pence, and every officer of the majors being there present xxij pence, and to eight officers of the Sheriffs either of them eight pence: But this obite is not now kept, for the lands are gone, as I think. This year also the King held his Parliament at Westminster. A parliament holden at Westminster. In the which was granted unto him three fifteens to be paid in three years following. And by the Clergy was granted unto him three Dimes to be paid in like manner. And in this year was a third mortality or death of men: A third mortality of men and beasts. and likewise a marvelous moreyn upon cattle, so that the like had not been seen in many years before. And then fell marvelous abundance of rain, so that the corn was drowned in the earth, by reason whereof, the next year after wheat was sold for three shillings four pence the Bushel. And in the end of the month of july, Sir Robert Knolles with a great power taketh his journey into France Sir Robert Knolles being accompanied with divers noble men and soldiers, entered Saint Omers. And when they had done their pleasures there, and in the Country round about, than they road unto Arras, in wasting and spoiling all the Country as they went. And when they had brent the Bulwarks of the said town of Arras, they passed by Noyen, and Vermendoys, and brent the houses of all such as would not to them give due ransom. And thus holding their way, they passed the rivers of Oyse, and of Sire, and so came unto the City of reins, and passed there the river, and road toward Troy's, and passed the rivers of Aube, and of Seyne, and so held their way toward Saint Florentyne, and there passed the river of jon, in holding their course toward Ioigny, and so to Corbevile, and Esson. And the xxij of September they lodged themselves upon the Mount Saint Albon, and in the Country there about. And within two days following, they embattled themselves in a field, between the towns of juny, and Paris. In all which time, they passed without battle through all the Country's aforesaid, in spoiling and brenning the towns, and in ransoming of the Inhabitants thereof, without resistance or impediment. And albeit that in the City of Paris at that day were two hundredth men of arms waged by the French king, beside the Soldiers and strength of the Citizens of that City: Yet the said host of Englishmen lay, as before is said, embattled until it was past noon of the aforesaid day. At which time, forsomuch as they were credibly informed, that they should there have no battle, they broke up their field, and went to a place or town called Antoygnye, and there lodged that night, and upon the next day, they took their journey toward Normandy. But after four days labour, they turned to Escamps, in pilling and dammaging the Country as before they had done, and so went forth until they came to the earldom of Angeou, where they wan by strength the towns of Vaas, and Ruylly, with other strong holds thereabouts. But than it came infortunately to pass, Variance between the Lord Grauntson and Sir Robert Knolles. for it so chanced that the Lord Fitzwater, and the Lord Grauntson fell at a variance with Sir Robert Knolles and his company, which increased to such hatred and displeasure, that Sir Robert Knolles with the flower of the Archers and Soldiers departed from the said two Lords, leaving them in the aforesaid towns of Vaas and Ruyllye, and then he went into Briteyn. When the French king heard the certainty hereof, anon he commanded sir Barthram de Glaycon, who was newly made Marshal of France, with a strong army to enter the said Country of Angeou, and to make sharp war upon the said Englishmen. The which upon the twelve day of October following, laid siege to the said town of Vaas, and out of the same issued the said lords of Fitzwater and Grauntson, and gave unto the Marshal battle: The Lord Grauntson taken. But in the end the English men were discomfited, so that of them were slain uj hundredth, and the rest put to flight. And there was taken the Lord Grauntson with other. And after this victory the French men went unto the town of Vaas, and wan it by assault, where also were slain three hundredth English men, and many taken prisoners, and the other put to flight. Loss upon loss. And after this Sir Barthram pursued the Englishmen that were fled to a town called Versure: where in the assaulting of the said Town he slew and took prisoners four hundredth Englishmen. And thus by strife and dissension among themselves, those that before by amity & good accord were victors, now by hatred and discord, were slain and taken prisoners. Now the king of England considering with himself of the great and daily losses that he sustained, and how the Frenchmen continually gate and wan from him in all parts in France, but chiefly the County of Poyteau, whereupon he had spent a marvelous treasure in the fortifying and strengthening of the same, over and above the yearly revenues thereof, and also did now well perceive that he should have war on all parties, and also at this time it was showed him that he should have war with Scotland because the Scots were newly allied with the French king. The Scots rebel. Wherefore he was sore vexed and troubled, for he feared more the war of the Scots than the war of the Frenchmen: And therefore with all speed he sent men of war to the Frontiers of Scotland, as to Barwike, Rokesborough, New Castle, Dureham, and into other places about the Frontiers. Also he sent a great Navy to the Sea, about Hampton, Gernesey and the Isle of Wight, for it was showed him how that the French king had furnished and set forth a great Navy to go to the Sea, and to land in England, so that he witted not well on which part he should first take heed. At this time the archbishop of Winchester (as Fabian calleth him) then being Cardinal, and was present at avignon with Pope Gregory the xj. of that name, was put in commission with the Archbishop of Beauvays, to make or treat a peace and unity between the two Realms of England and France. Which said Cardinal of Winchester, after his departure from the Pope, came down toward Melune, where by the cardinal of Beauvays he was honourably met and conveyed into the City of Melune. And when he had arrested him there four days, the two Cardinals meeting together went to Paris, where they had communication with the French king touching the peace. And after that they had understand his pleasure, the Cardinal of England took his leave and departed to Calais, where he took shipping, and so came into England, and showed unto the king of England the Pope's pleasure, and the French kings answer. And in this time was sore war in Guyan, and many towns gotten and yielded to the frenchmen, and still the Englishmen had the worse, The raising of tasks removeth the hearts of the people from the prince. and many of them slain and taken prisoners, for in a very short time the City of Lymoges, and all the country of Lymosyn was under the obeisance of the French king. And the occasion of this loss as saith sundry authors, was for that prince Edward a little before had raised a great tax upon the inhabitants of that Country, whereby he lost all their hearts. When the french king had thus obtained the rule of the Country of Lymosyn, he immediately after sent sir Berthram de Glaicon into the earldom of Poyteau, and wan there many towns and Castles, and lastly laid his siege to Rochel. In this year king Edward kept his high Court of parliament at westminster, in the which toward the furniture and aid of his wars he demanded of the spirituality fifty thousand pound, and as much of the lay Fee. The which by the Temporalty was granted, The clergy refuse to aid the king. but the Clergy kept them of with pleasant answers: So that the king and his counsel was with them discontented, in so much that to their displeasures, diverse officers, as the chancellor, the privy seal, the Treasurer and other officers who then were possessed by spiritual men, were taken from them, and temporal Lords set in their places. And shortly after, the aforesaid cardinal of Beauvays came into England, to treat of the peace between the two realms, but all his labour took none effect. In the Month of julie, the french king sent into the Country of Poyteau the aforenamed Sir Barthram de Claycon with a strong army, where he wan divers holds and fortresses from the Englishmen. In the which time king Edward for strengthening of the country, and specially to defend the town of Rochel, The Earl of Pembroke sent into France with a great power. which as above in the other year is showed, was this year besieged by the said Sir Barthram, sent the Earl of Pembroke, with other noble men to fortify the said town, and to remove the siege. But before he could come at that town, he was encountered on the sea with a Flete of Spaniards, the which king Henry of Castille had sent into France, to strength the french king's party. By the which Fleet after long and cruel fight, the said Earl was taken, The Earl of Pembroke taken by the Spaniards. with sir Guychard de Angle and other to the number of. Clx. prisoners and the more part of his men slain and drowned, with the loss of many good ships. Also in the beginning of September next following a Gascoigne borne, a man of good fame, whom the king of England had admitted for his Lieutenant and Governor of the country of Poyteau, named le Captall de Bueff, fought with an army of Frenchmen before a town named Sonbise, where in conclusion his men were slain and chased, and he with lxx. of his part taken prisoners. Then the Dukes of Berrey and Burgoyne upon the uj day of September came before Rochel, and had certain communications with the rulers of the said town for the delivery thereof. King Edward now hearing of the taking of the Earl of Pembroke, and of the loss that he daily had of his men in divers parts of France, with also the jeopardy that the town of Rochel and other stood in, made hasty provision and intended to have passed the sea: But the wind was so contrarious that he could have no passage, wherefore saith Reynulph Monk of Chester, he returned again into England. Rochel is yelden to the French men. The eight day of September following the Captain of Rochel having no comfort to have any quick rescues, yielded upon certain appointments the said town unto the aforenamed Dukes, to the use of the French King. And shortly after were also yeelden unto them the Towns of Angolesme, of Exantes, of Saint john the Angely with divers other. This year also Sir john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, and Sir Edmond his brother earl of Cambridge, wedded the two daughters of Peter which was late king of Castille, who was put to death by Henry his bastard brother, as before is showed in the xlj year of this kings reign. Of the which two daughters, Sir john of Gaunt married the eldest, named Constance, and his brother, the younger named Isabella, so that by these marriages, these two brethren claimed to be inheritors of the kingdom of Castyle, or Spain. Also this year, After the Duke of Briteyne had received many exhortations and requests from the French King, to have him upon his party: he sent for certain Soldiers of English men, and fortified with them some of his Castles and holds. Of the which when king Charles heard, he sent thither with a strong power the aforenamed Sir Berthram de Claycon, warning them to make war upon them as enemies to the house of France. The which according to their commission entered the land of Briteyne, in wasting the same with iron and fire, and in a little time there was yelden to him the most part of the chief towns, except Breast, Aulroy, and Daruall. Breast in Briteyn besieged. And in the end of june, the said Barthram laid siege unto Breast, and the Lord of Craon with other, lay before Daruall. And in all this time the Duke of Britein was in England: for so soon as he had bestowed the aforesaid English soldiers, he sailed into England to speak with king Edward. And in the month of july, the Duke of Lancaster with Sir john de Mountford Duke of Briteyne and other, The Duke of Lancaster with a great power landeth at Calais. with a great power landed at Calais. And after they had rested them there a few days, they road unto Hesden, and lodged them within the Park another season. And after passed by Dourlons, by Benquesne, and so unto Corby, where they passed the river of Some, Roye brent. and road unto Roye in Vermendoys, where they abode the space of vij days. And then they set the town on fire, and took their way toward Lamoys, and burned and spoiled the Country as they went. And in process of time, passed the rivers of Osne, Marne, and of Aube, and road through champaign, and by the earldom of Brame, straight unto Guy, and passed the river of Seyn, and so toward the river of Leyr, & unto Marcigny the Nunnery. And when they were passed the said Nunnery, they kept their way toward the river of Ancherre, and so unto Bordeaux. In all which journey they passed without battle. In this time died at Bordeaux Edward the eldest son of Prince Edward, to the great grief and sorrow both of the Prince his father, and of the good Lady his mother. And soon after the death of his son, he himself being very sickly, was advised and counseled, that he should return into England, and the rather that he might obtain his health. The Prince did agreed thereunto right gladly, and thereupon made his provision. And when the Prince should departed from Acquitaine, he first caused a special summons to be made at Bordeaux, of all Barons and knights of Gascoyn, and Poyeteau, and in all other places where he was Lord, and they under his obeisance. And when they were all come together in a Chamber before the prince: Then he spoke unto them and said, it is well known to you all, that I am your true and the right Lord and inheritor of your country, and how that I have governed, and kept you in peace as much as in my power hath lain. I have been so faithful a Protector over you, that I have not spared neither the adventure of my life against your enemies and mine, neither the expenses of my treasure, for your defence: and God be praised, though now ye are a little afflicted, yet hitherto ye have been maintained in great wealth and puissance against your enemies. And now at this time, I being vexed with a great and grievous sickness, am counseled by my Physicians and other, that for the better recovery of my health, I should return into England to my natural Country, which God willing I purpose shortly to do. And therefore I most heartily beseech you, even as earnestly as a Prince may require his subjects, that ye will yield in mine absence, to my dear and natural brother here present, the Duke of Lancaster, whom I leave here as my Lieutenant to govern you, the same honour, reverence, and obeisance, and faithfulness of heart, that ye bear or should bear unto me: and doubt you nothing but that ye shall find him a right good Lord, valiant and courteous, and therefore I beseech you to aid and assist him in all his affairs and attempts, with your good advice and counsel. And forthwith the Barons of Aquitaine, Gascoigne, Poyteau, and of Xaynton promised, and swore on their faiths, that there should never be default found in any of them. And thereupon immediately they did their fealty and homage to the Duke of Lancaster, and promised him their loves, services and obeisance, and in the presence of the Prince they swore to uphold and keep the same, and thereupon kissed his mouth. And when this was ended, within short time after, The Prince returneth with his wife into England to king Edward his father. the Prince and princes his wife, with their young son Richard, accompanied with the Earl of Cambridge, and the Earl of Pembroke, and with them .v. C. fighting men beside Archers entered into their Ships, and so long sailed with a good and prosperous wind, that at the last they came unto Southampton, and there they took land and refreshed them two days, and then they took their horses, and the Prince went in a horse Litter, and at the last came to Windesore, where then the king was, who received right sweetly his children, & so there the king was informed by the prince of all the state of Guien. After the departure of the Prince from Bordeaux, the Duke of Lancaster kept the obsequy of his Cousin Edward son to the Prince his brother, the which was honourably done in the City of Bordeaux. This year (as saith Froyssart) came into England sent from the Pope, An Ambassade sent from the Pope to king Edward. who then was Gregory the xj the archbishop of Rauenne, and the Bishop of Carentes, for to treat of a peace between the two kings of England and of France, the which met together at Bruges in Flaundyrs. And thither came certain Lords, aswell from the king of England, as also from the French king. And the Commissioners of the French party, after they had spent a time in disputations, they then prayed licence of the Legate, that they might go to Paris, and show unto the king the offers of the English party, and so to return with his pleasure, whereupon it was agreed, that a certain should ride unto the French king. And the Englishmen abode stiffly upon the sovereignty, that was that the king of England, and his heirs kings, shall enjoy all the former lands, comprised in the peace lately made with john King of France, without homage, or other duty for the same doing. And for this the French King assembled a counsel at Paris, and there it was fully concluded, that the French king might not give over the sovereignty. When this report was brought to Bruges, the treaty was dissolved without any conclusion of any thing, saving that a peace was continued until the feast of all Saints next following. This year john earl of Pembroke, who before, as we have showed, was taken by the spaniards upon the sea, and now was ransomed with the payment of a great somme and mass of money, returning into England, died by the way. And the Countess his wife, who was descended of the noble house of the Earls of saint Paul in France, a woman of great virtue, and a lover of learning and learned men, Pembroke hall in Cambridge. founded in Cambridge a house for scholars, which at this day is called Pembroke Hall. Yet once again a new assembly was made for the treaty of a peace, to be kept at Saint Omers, but after it was kept at Bruges. Where, for king Edward appeared the Duke of Lancaster, An assembly at S. Omers and after at Bruges for a peace. and Sir Edmond his brother, the Earl of Cambridge, with divers other of the kings Counsel: Where the said Lords with the other held their assemblies, and Courts, until it was near Easter, to the great cost and charge of both parties: But in the end they departed again without effect, saving only that the peace was prolonged until the first day of April next following. And yet again by labour of the said Legates the said peace was further prolonged until Midsummer next following. And in this mean time great labours and pains were taken to have a peace concluded, but in the end it would not be, some imputing the fault to the French and some to the English. But in whom so ever the fault was, the French king in the time of these entreaties, wan many towns and Castles, aswell in Guyan as in Briteyne, and in other places to his great advantage. At this time there arose a great murmur among the people of England against certain persons that bore authority about the king, as the Lord Latymer than the kings chamberlain and other: The commons of England mumur against the rulers. By whose sinister counsel as they said, the king in his age was misled, and his treasure mispended, to the great dishonour of the king, and to the great loss, hurt, and damage of all the kings subjects. The king being thus troubled on all sides with wars, called his high Court of parliament, A parliament. in the which he required a subsidy for the defence of his enemies. The Parliament denieth the king any further aid. Whereunto it was answered by the common house, that they could no longer bear such charges, considering the manifold and most grievous burdens that they had from time to time borne before. And further they said, that they knew full well that the king was rich enough to defend him and his land, if the land and his treasure were well guided and governed: But it had been long evil ruled by evil officers, so that the land could not be plenteous, neither with Chaffre, merchandise, nor riches. By reason whereof, & by their importune charges the commonalty was greatly empourished. Moreover, the said commons complained them upon divers officers, that were the causers of this misorder, whereof the Lord Latymer was noted for principal, with also dame Alice Piers, Lord Latymer is complained upon the which the king had long time kept for his Concubine, and also one named Sir Richard Scurry knight, by whose counsels and sinister means, the king was misguided and the government of the land disordered. Wherefore the said commons prayed by the mouth of their speaker, which was then Sir Piers de la mere, that the said persons with other might be removed from the king, and other to be set in authority about his person, as should serve for his honour and for the weal of his realm. Which request of the commons, by the means of the Noble Prince Edward, was accepted, so that the said persons were removed from the king, and other Lords of the realm were put in their places. And shortly after, the commons granted the king his pleasure, A gift made to the king of every poll four pence. so that he had of every man and woman that were above the age of xiiij years, four pence, Beggars only except. And by the Clergy was granted that the king should have of every beneficed man twelve pence, and of Priests not beneficed, four pence, the four orders of Friars only excepted. But before this money was gathered, the king was fain to borrow sundry sums of money in divers places: Among the which the City of London was sent unto for four thousand pound: And for that the Mayor then being, was not quick in the furthering of that matter, he was by the king's commandment discharged, and another put in his place. And upon the eight day of june, died that noble and famous prince the Flower of Chivalry, Edward the kings eldest son, within the kings palace of westminster, being of the age of xlvij years, The death of Prince Edward. and after with great solemnity was conveyed to Cauntorbury, and there honourably buried. After the death of the prince, the king contrary to his promise before made, called to him again all such persons as he before for his own honour and the profit of the realm avoided out of his Court, and admitted them again to the same offices that they before occupied. By means of which alteration the aforesaid speaker of the parliament Sir Piers Delamere was in such wise complained upon to the king, that he was committed to prison, where he lay many years after. Fabian. Then king Edward created Richard the son to prince Edward, Richard the son of Prince Edward created prince of Wales. prince of Wales, and gave unto him the earldoms of Chester and Cornwall. And because the king waxed now sickly and feeble, he therefore betook the rule of the realm unto his son Sir john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, and made him Governor of the land, and so he continued during his father's life. And this year Sir john Mynsterwoorth knight, Sir john Minsterworth executed for treason. being arraigned of high treason at the guildhall in London, before the Lord major and other the Queen's justices, for that he was charged to have received great sums of money of the king, to have paid his soldiers withal, and he did not only keep the said sums of money to his own use, but also fled unto the French king, and conspired with him against his natural prince and sovereign Lord, of the which treason he was found guilty, and therefore had judgement to be hanged, drawn, and quartered, which was executed accordingly. A schism for election of two Popes. This year began a wonderful Schism in the Church of Rome, about the election of the Pope, for after the death of Gregory the xj there were chosen two Popes, the first was named urban the uj and the other, Clement the vij The first an Italian, and the other a Frenchman. Of the which election ensued such discord for the term and space of xxxix years, that much christian blood was spent by either of them in the defence of their papacy, as after shall appear. The death of king Edward the third. Now approached the end of king Edward the third, who in the beginning of his reign was courageous but not constant, and in the middle of his age a valiant and Noble Conqueror, and toward the latter end of his days, lost that which before with great charge and travail he had gained: and now yielded himself to pay nature her debt, and died the xxij day of june at his manor of Shene, now called Richemount, when he had reigned full fifty years and five months, lacking four days, and was of the age of .lxv. years: leaving behind him four sons, that is to say, Lionel Duke of Clarence, john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, Edmond of Langley Duke of York, and Thomas of Woodstock earl of Cambridge. By the which sons and other Lords of this realm he was most honourably conveyed from his Manor of Shene unto the Monastery of westminster, and there solemnly interred within the Chapel of Saint Edward upon the Southside. The aforesaid noble and valiant king Edward in the time of his life had twelve children, that is to say. Sons. 1 Edward Prince of Wales. who had issue Edward that died without issue, & Richard that after was king Richard by the name of king Richard the second. 2 William of Hatfielde. who died without issue. 3 Lionel Duke of Clarence had issue, Philip married to Edmonde Mortimer, earl of March. 4 john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster had issue Henry the fourth. 5 Edmond of Langlay Duke of York had issue Edward Duke of York, that died without issue, and Richard Earl of Cambridge, father to Richard Plantagenet, duke of York, which Richard was father to king Edward the fourth. 6 Thomas of Wodstock Duke of Gloucester had issue, Anne first married to Homfrey earl of Stafford, who had issue Homfrey earl of Stafford, and after she was married to the Lord Bowcer. 7 William of Windsor died without issue. 8 Daughters Isabella Countess of Bedforde. 1 9 jone Queen of Spain. 2 10 Blaunche. 3 11 Marry Duchess of Briteine. 4 12 Margaret Countess of Pembroke. 5 The issue of john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, who had three wives. 1 Blaunche his first wife by whom he had six Children. 1 john 2 Edward 3 Henry which was king Henry the forth 4 john 5 Philip Queen of Portugal. 6 Elizabeth Countess of Huntingdon. 2 Constance his second wife, by whom he had issue Katheryn Queen of Spain. 3 Katheryn the third wife, by whom he had issue 1 john earl of Somerset. 2 Henry that was Cardinal. 3 Thomas Duke of Exeter. 4 jone Countess of Westmoreland. The abovesaid john Earl of Somerset had issue uj children. 1 Henry earl of Somerset. 2 Margaret Countess of Devonshire. 3 Thomas. 4 jone Queen of Scots. 5 Edmond Duke of Somerset. 6 john Duke of Somerset. The said john Duke of Somerset had a daughter which was called Margaret Countess of Richmond, which was mother to king Henry the vij Richard the second. RIchard the second of that name, borne in Bordeaux, & son of Edward prince of Wales, who was called the black Prince, which was the eldest son of King Edward the third, of the age of xj years, began his reign over the realm of England the xxij day of june .1377. and was crowned at Westminster the xu day of july next following. In bounty and liberality he far passed all his progenitors: But he was overmuch given to rest and quietness, and loved little deeds of arms and Martial prows: And for that he was young, he was most ruled by young counsel, and regarded nothing the advertisement of the sage and wise men of his realm. For the chief about him was of no wisdom nor estimation, which turned his land to great trouble, and himself in the end to extreme misery. Ye have heard before in the time of king Edward, that the peace was continued between France and England until Midsummer following, which time was now expired. And the French king in the time of peace had made great provision for war, aswell of Ships and galleys, as of men and munition, insomuch that the king of Spain had sent him his admiral, called sir Ferrand Sawse, who with sir john of Vien Admiral of France, so soon as the truce or peace was expired, The French men burn the town of Rye. went and brent the town of Rye in Kent, the xxviij day, or xxix day of june, which was within six days after the death of King Edward. The French men landed in divers places in England, and brent divers towns. And shortly after news hereof came to London: Then the Earl of Cambridge and of Buckyngham went to Dover with a great power. And the Earl of Salisbury and the Lord Montague went to Southampton: But in the mean time, the Frenchmen had landed in the Isle of Wight, and had brent therein divers towns: And also they landed in the West parts of England, and brent Dartmouth, Plymmouth, Portesmouth and divers other towns. And then they came to Southampton, and there would have landed, but there they found Sir john of Arondell with a great number of men of war, and Archers, who defended the town right valiantly, or else it had been spoiled and taken. Then the frenchmen departed, and went toward Dover, and one day they landed beside a little Abbey, called Lions. There were many men of the Country assembled, and they had made the Prior of the place, and Sir Thomas Cheyny, and john Fusell their chief Captains, and had put themselves in good array to defend the passage: So that the Frenchmen had but small advantage there, for they lost many of their people before they could land: notwithstanding, at the last, by force they did land, and there was a sore skirmish, and the Englishmen were put back, and two hundred of them slain, and the two knights and the Prior were taken prisoners. Then the Frenchmen entered again into their ships, and lay still all that night at Anchor before the Abbey. And here the frenchmen knew first of the death of king Edward the third, by the prisoners that they had taken, and of the coronation of King Richard, and of the order that was taken for the government of the realm. Then Sir john of Vyen caused a Bark to depart and to carry those news with other of his own enterprises, unto the french king. After the Bark was sent away, the frenchmen and the Spaniards hoist up their Sails, and had wind at will, and came with the same tide to Dover, about three of the clock in the after noon. And there was ready to receive them, Sir Edmonde earl of Cambridge, and sir Thomas his brother earl of Buckyngham, with ten thousand, with Banners displayed, and the frenchmen were six score Vessels ships and galleys. The Frenchmen came heard by the town, but tarried not, but straight passed by and took the deep of the Sea. For then the Sea began to ebb: Howbeit the Englishmen tarried there still all that day and the next night, and the Frenchmen by the next tide, came before the Haven of Calais, and there entered. At this time also the French king sent unto Robert King of Scotland, The French king sendeth to the Scots to stir them against the English men. praying him to make earnest and effectual war upon the Englishmen and to follow them so hard that they should have no puissance to pass the Sea. Whereupon king Robert assembled his counsel at Edinburgh, where as were the most part of all the knights and Barons in Scotland, and other such as he thought were able to do him service. And when they were thus assembled together, King Robert said unto them, ye know how that the Englishmen in time past have done unto us many great hurts and harms in spoiling and brenning of our Country, beating down of our Castles, and in slaying and ransoming of our men. And Sirs, now is the time come, that we may be well revenged of them: For now is there but a young king in England, for king Edward is dead, who was wont to have so good fortune. And when the Barons and young knights that were there heard this, and they also being desirous to be revenged, answered and said, all with one voice, that they were ready and full appointed and furnished to ride into England, and it were the same day or the next following, or when it pleased him. This answer pleased greatly the king of Scots, The Scots with a great power betermine to enter upon England. and he thanked them all. And at the same time the king appointed four Earls to be the chief Captains of all the army, that is to say, the Earl of Douglas, the Earl Moret, the Earl of Maure, and the Earl of Surlant. And he appointed Sir Archibald Douglas for Constable of Scotland, and Sir Robert Versey to be Marshal of the host, and so they made their summons to be at a certain day at Morlane. And in the time of the making of this assembly, there departed from them a valiant Esquire of Scotland called Alexander Ramsey, who thought to enterprise and to achieve a great feat of arms: The enterprise of Alexander Ramsey a Scot, who took the Castle of B●rwike. and he took with him xl. that were well horsed, and road by night privily, so long until that by day breaking he came to Berwick, which town was than English, and the Capitayne of the town was one of the Earl of Northumberlands Essquiers, and was called john Biset. And in the Castle was Captain a valiant knight called sir Robert Alenton. When the Scots were come to Berwick, they kept themselves close, and sent a spy to the town and to the Castle, to see in what condition it was. The spy entered down the ditches, wherein there was no water, nor none could abide there, for it was all a quick sand. And so the spy looked and harkened all about, but he could neither hear nor see any creature, and so he returned and showed his master. Then Alexander Ramsey advanced forth and brought all his company privily unto the ditches, and they brought with them ladders, and so dressed them up to the walls. And Alexander was one of the first that went up the ladder with his sword in his hand, Berwick Castle is taken by the Scots. and entered into the Castle, and all his company followed him, for there was none that withstood them. And when they were all within, than they went to the chief Tower, where the Captain lay a sleep. And there suddenly with great Axes they broke open the door. The Captain suddenly awoke, and had slept all night, for he had kept but small watch, the which he dearly bought, and so opened his chamber door, weening to him the noise had been made by some of his own Soldiers that would have rob or murdered him in his bed, because he had displeased them the week before, and so leapt out at a window into the great ditches in great fear, and there broke his neck. The watchmen were half a sleep, and heard the 'noys, and awoke, and perceived well how that the Castle was scaled and betrayed, and so swooned in a Trumpet Trahey, Trahey. john Biset Captain of the Town hearing the voice of a Trumpet, armed himself immediately, & caused all the town to arm themselves, and forthwith they drew together all before the Castle, and heard well the 'noys that the Scots made within: But they could not enter into them, for the gate was shut and the bridge drawn. Then john Biset remembered himself of a good devise, and said to them of the town that were about him. Let us break down the stays of the bridge on this side, and then they that are within cannot issue out without our danger. And incontinent with Ares they bet down the steyes of the bridge. And then john Biset sent a messenger to Anwike a twelve miles of to the Lord Percy, certefying him of all the matter, desiring him without delay to come to the rescue of the castle. Alexander Ramsey and his company, when they had slain in the Castle whom it pleased them, and had taken the rest prisoners, and shut them up into a tower, than said Alexander, now let us go down to the town, for it is ours, and let us take all the goods that are therein, and let us bring all the rich men into this Castle, and then set fire on the Town, for it is not to be kept by us. And within three or four days we shall have rescue out of Scotland, so that we shall save all our pillage: and at our departing let us set fire in the Castle, and so pay our host. To the which purpose they all agreed, for they all desired pillage. And then they took each of them a glaive in their hands, for they found enough in the Castle, and so opened the gate and let down the bridge: And when the bridge was down, the ropes that held it broke, for the resting place of the bridge was broken away as aforesaid. And when john Biset saw the manner of them, he and all his company began to shoot and cry, and said: A Sirs, keep you there, ye shall not depart thence without our leave. And when Alexander Ramsey saw the manner of them without, he knew well that they were ware of his being in the Castle: and so with much a do closed in again the gate for fear of shot: and then they fortified the castle thinking to have kept it. And they cast out into the ditches all the dead men that they had slain, and locked the rest that were prisoners into a Tower. They thought that the place was strong enough to be kept for a long time, or at the lest until some rescue came to them out of Scotland, which they thought would not be long. So soon as the Messenger had declared the whole matter unto the Lord Percy, he immediately sent knowledge into the whole country, & made hast himself to come to the rescue, and the Barons, knights and esquires of the country and good men of war came unto him from all places. And the first that came thither was the Earl of Northumberland, and then daily came great companies, so that at the last they mustered themselves, and they were above ten thousand men. Then they besieged the Castle so near that a Bird could not come out without knowledge. And after they began to mine under the Castle, the sooner to meet with the Scots that were within, and so to recover again the Castle. Then tidings came to the Barons of Scotland, how the Earl, Barons, Knights, and esquires of Northumberland had besieged their company in the Castle of Barwike. And they were all determined to go and raise up the siege, and to victual the Castle, for they said that Alexander Ramsey's enterprise was valiant. And to confirm the same, Sir Archibald Dowglas Constable of Scotland said: Alexander is my Cousin, and it cometh of a noble courage, and valiant heart, to enterprise such a feat, and wrought to comfort and help him in his deed: Wherefore, if we may, let us go raise the siege, it will redound to our great nobleness, and therefore let us go thither. And then they took order who should go with him, and who should abide, and so he took with him five hundredth Spears, the best of all the host, and so road on toward Barwike. Tidings came to the English Lords, that the Scots were coming to raise the siege, and to victual the Castle. Then they went to counsel, and so determined to take a place, & to abide their enemies and to fight with them. And the Lord percy caused all his company to be ready armed and furnished to fight, and to make their Musters, and they found themselves to be the number of three thousand men of arms, and vij thousand Archers. And when the Earl saw that he had so great a number, he said: Let us keep our place, we are men enough to fight with all the puissance of Scotland, and so they rested in a fair plain without Barwike in two battles in good order. And they had not been there the space of an hour, but they saw certain Couriers of the Scots well horsed, which came to view the English host. And when these Couriers had well advised the number of the English men, than they returned to their masters, and showed them all that they had seen, and said: Sirs we have ridden so near to the English men, that we have well advised and considered all their doing: And we say unto you, they are ready abiding for you in two fair battles, in a goodly plain, and in every battle a five thousand men. Therefore now take good advice, for we approached so near them, that they perceived well that we were Couriers of Scotland, but they would not stir nor send out one man to run at us. When sir Archibalde Douglas and his Captains heard these tidings, they were pensive, and said: we cannot see that it should be for our profit to ride as now against the English men, for they are ten against one of us, wherefore we may loose more than we can win, and of a foolish enterprise cometh no good, as we may now see by Alexander Ramsey: and there was present an uncle of Alexander's, called Sir William Lindsey, who took great pain to come to comfort his Nephew. And he said unto the company: Sirs, on the trust of you, my nephew hath made this enterprise, and taken the Castle of Barwike: It will turn you all to great blame if ye loose him thus, and peradventure hereafter, there will be none so hasty to show somuch good will to our Country. And they answered and said, they could not amend it, neither was it meet that so many noble men as were there, should put themselves in adventure of life or undoing, for the saving of one Esquire. Wherefore they determined to return again to their own Country, and so withdrew themselves. The Scots fly. Now when the Earl of Northhumberland, and the Earl of Nottyngham, and the other Barons of England perceived that the Scots came not forward, they sent forth their Couriers, to know where they were become, and they brought word how they were gone toward Morlan beyond the Castle of Rosbourgh. Against night, the English men drew again to their lodgings, and made good watch that night, and in the morning every man was ready to go and assail the Castle, and there was a fierce assault, and endured almost a whole day. There hath not been seen more hardy men of so few, than those Scots were, nor that better defended a place than they did. For the English men had ladders, which they reared up to the Walls, and they went up upon them with Targets over their heads, and before them, and so came and fought with the Scots hand to hand, and some of them came down again into the Ditches: But the thing that troubled the Scots most, was the Archers, who shot so wholly together, that they durst not come to the defence of the wall. Berwick castle recovered by the English men. So long this assault continued, that at the last the English men entered by force, and there slew as many as they found, not one of them that were within that scaped, but were slain, except Alexander Ramsey, whom they took prisoner. And thus the Castle of Barwike was again recovered from the Scots, and the Earl of Northumberland made john Biset captain there, and he newly repaired the castle & the bridge. In the second year of this kings reign (as saith Reynulph:) By reason of a variance that chanced between the Lord Latymer, and sir Ralph Ferrer on the one party, and sir Robert Hall, and Shakerley Esquire on the other part, for a prisoner that was taken beyond the Sea in Spain, called the Earl of Dean, whom the said Esquire kept in his possession, contrary to the minds and wills of the aforesaid knights. And hereupon the said knights being in Choler, entered into the Church of Saint Peter'S at Westminster, Sir Robert Hall slain in Westminster Church. and there finding the said Sir Robert Hall kneeling at Mass before the high Altar, drew out their sword, and slew him: And afterward by their means and labour, caused the said Shakerley to be arrested, and committed to the Tower of London, where he was kept as prisoner a great while after, for he would not deliver the Earl of Deane his prisoner unto those two knights: But Caxton calleth them Lords. About this time the French king sent a great number of Ships and galleys into England, and they landed in divers places, as at Rye, at Winchelsey, at hastings, at Portesmouth, and in divers other places, and did great harm, but chiefly at graves end, where they landed, graves end brent and spoiled by the Frenchmen. and spoiled the town, & brent a great part thereof, and so returned again into France with much spoil. And in this year a Parliament was called, and therein was granted to the king four pence of every man and woman being of the age of xiiij The people greatly murmured for the payment of four pence the poll. years and upward, that were within the realm, at the which Subsidy the people did greatly murmur, and much mischief came thereof, as in the year following shall appear. But yet with that money, an army was prepared and sent over, whereof Sir Thomas of Woodstock earl of Cambridge, and Uncle to the King was chief captain: The which being accompanied with vij or eight thousand men, passed the water of Some, and came unto Soysones, and passed also the Rivers of Oyse, and Marne, and other, and came before Troy's, and wan it, and after lodged them between the new Town and Sens. And ever as they passed the Countries they took great ransoms of the people, or else set fire on their towns. And although the the french King had sent an army of frenchmen to resist them, yet they hindered them nothing at all of their purpose. For ever, if they chanced to skirmish, the Frenchmen were put unto the worse. And thus they continued forth their journey, and passed by the Country of Gastynoyes, and so into Briteyne, where they were joyously received of sir john de Mountfort, Duke of that province, who then was but newly come thither. To the intent to have a stay and quietness with Scotland there was sent unto them in Ambassade john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, and he came to the Town of Berwick. And from thence, he sent an Herald of Arms into Scotland to the king and Barons there, showing them that he was come to speak with them. And if they would, he would come and treat with them, and thereof he willed them to sand him word, or else he knew right well what he had to do. The Herald departed and road to Edinburgh, where king Robert of Scotland, the Earl Douglas, the Earl de la Mare, the Earl Moret, and other the Lords of Scotland were assembled together. For they had knowledge how that the Duke of Lancaster was coming thither to treat with them. Wherefore they were assembled in the chief town of Scotland that joineth upon the borders of England. And there the Herald did his message, and was well heard at length, and he had answer that they were well content to here the Duke speak. And so the Herald brought a safeconduyt for the Duke and his company, to endure as long as he was in the Marches & that they commoned together. Thus the Herald returned to Barwike, and showed how he had sped. And so the Duke departed from Barwike and left all his provision in the town behind him, and so came to Rosebourgh and there lodged. And the next day he lodged at the Abbey of Maros which is on the river, that departeth England and Scotland a sunder. There the Duke and his company tarried, until the Scots were come to Monbanne, three mile thence, & when they were come thither, they sent word to the Duke. Thus the treaty began between the Scots and the Englishmen, and it endured fifteen days. The commons of England rebelled. And in this mean while the commons of England rebelled, by the which the whole state of the realm was in great peril to be utterly destroyed and lost: and because ye shall understand the truth thereof, & that the rulers of the realm may prevent and foresee such like mischiefs as may hereafter ensue, therefore I have purposed fully to set forth at length, the truth and whole discourse thereof unto you, as Froissart doth at large writ the same. Of small occasions great mischiefs grow and increase. And first, consider how strange a thing it is, that of so poor and simple a foundation, so great a mischief should grow and insurge, as this that followeth. There was and is an usage in England in many places, that the noble men and Lords of Manoures' having franchises aught to have services of the commons, that is to say, that their tenants aught by custom to blow their lands, to gather and bring home their corn, and some to thrash and fan, and to carry wood, and water, and divers such other things, which they aught to do by their tenure and service that they own to their Lords. And likewise there are another sort that hold their lands by villeinage, and those are commonly called bondmen, of the which kind of people there were then many in England, and specially in the County of Kent, Sussex and Bedford. At this time there were a certain of such kind of people as is aforesaid, that began to stir in England and namely in Kent, and said they were in great servitude and bondage: But said they, in the beginning of the world, there were no bond men: neither aught there to be any now, except it were such a one as had committed treason against his Lord, as Lucifer did to God. But said they we can have no such battle, for we are neither Angels nor spirits, but men framed and form to the similitude of our Lords, and therefore said they, why should we then be so kept under like beasts and slaves? And they plainly said they would no longer suffer it, for they would be all one with their Lords, and if they laboured or did any thing for their Lords, they would have wages for the same as well as other. john Wall a priest the setter forth, and the very author of rebellion. And of this imagination was a foolish priest in the County of Kent called john Wall, for the which like foolish words he had been three times in the Bishop of Canterbury's prison. This priest used oftentimes on the Sundays, when the people were going out of the Church after service, to call them back into the Cloister or Churchyard, and to talk to them as followeth: A good people, matters go not well to pass in England in these days, nor shall not do until every thing be common, and that there be no Villeynes nor gentlemen, but that we be all as one, and that the Lords be no greater than we be. What have we deserved, or why should we be thus kept in servitude and bondage? We be all come from one father and one mother, Adam and Eue. Wherefore can they say or show that they are greater Lords than we be? saving in that which we get and labour for, that do they spend. They are clothed in Velvet and Chamlet furred richly, and we be clad with the poorest sort of cloth. They have their Wines, Spices, and fine bread: and we have the drawing out of the Chaff, and drink water. They devil in fair houses, and we in homely cottages, and lie in the fields in wind and rain. And with that which they have by our labours, they keep and maintain their estates. We be called their bondmen, and without we do them ready service, we must be beaten, punished or put out of our livings. And we have no sovereign to whom we may complain, nor none that will hear us, nor do us right. Let us go to the king, he is young, and show him in what danger we be in: and let us show him plainly that we will have it otherwise, or else we will provide a remedy for ourselves. And if we set forward, all manner of people that are now in bondage will follow us, to the intent they may be made free. And when the king seethe us, he will provide some remedy for us, either by fairness or otherwise. Thus john Wall used to talk on Sundays, when the people went out of the Churches to go into the Villages, wherefore, many of the mean people loved him: and those that meant no goodness, said he said truth: and so they muttered together one with another in the Fields and ways as they went. The archbishop of Cauntorbury, who was again informed of this john Wall, caused him to be taken and committed to prison, where he remained two or three months, as a matter somewhat to correct his folly: howbeit, it had been much better in the beginning that he had been condemned to perpetual prison, or else to have died, rather than to have suffered him again to be delivered out of prison, for the great mischief that did ensue: But the Bishop had conscience to put him to death. And when this john Wall was again come out of Prison, he returned again to his old trade. Of his words and deeds there were many people in London informed, namely such as had great envy at them that were rich. And at the last they began to speak among themselves, and said: that the realm of England was evil governed, and how that Gold and Silver was taken from them, by such as were named noble men. And thus a sort of unhappy people gathered together about London, began to rebel, and sent word into diverse Countries to such as they knew, that they should come to London, and bring their people with them, promising that they should find London open to receive them, and the Commons of the City to be of the same mind, and said, that they would work so much with the king, that there should not be one bond man in all England. This promise so moved them of Kent, Essex, Sussex, Bedford, and other Countries about, that they arose and came towards London in great numbers. And they had made to themselves certain Capita●nes, named Watte Tyler, jacke straw, and john Wall and other, of the which company, Watte * Fabian faith jacke straw was chief. Tyler was the chief, and he was a Tiler in deed, and an ungracious Patron. When these unhappy men began thus to stir, they of London, namely the honest Citizens were greatly afraid. Then the Mayor of London, and the substantial of the City took counsel together: and when they saw the people come in on every side, they caused the Gates of the City to be closed, and would suffer no man to enter into the City: But when they had better advised themselves, they thought it not best so to do, lest they might chance thereby to give an occasion that their Suburbs might be brent. And so they opened again the Gates of the City. And there entered in by xx. and xxx together, in some places an hundredth, and in other places two hundredth, and took their lodging within the City, but to say truly, the third part of these people could not tell what to ask or demand, or wherefore they came, but that one followed another for company, as brute Beasts. The same day that these unhappy people of Kent were coming to London, The king's mother the Princess of Wales, was in great fear of the kentish rebels. there returned from Cauntorbury the kings mother Princess of Wales, coming from her pilgrimage. She was in great jeopardy to have been lost: For these people came to her Chair, and dealt rudely with her, whereof the good Lady was in great doubt, lest they would have done some villainy to her, or her damsels: howbeit God kept her, and she road in one day from Cauntorbury to London, for she never durst tarry by the way. And the same time king Richard her son, was at the Tower of London, and there his mother found him, and with him there was the Earl of Sarisbury, the archbishop of Cauntorbury, Sir Robert of Namure, the Lord of Gomegines, and divers other, who were indoubt of this people that thus were gathered together, and witted not what they demanded. This rebellion was well known in the kings Court, before any of these people began to stir out of any of their houses: But the king nor his counsel provided not remedy therefore in due tyme. The first entry of the rebels was at Canterbury. But here to begin and show forth the story in order. First on the Monday in the year of our Lord .1381. certain of the aforesaid people issued out of London, and came first to Cauntorbury, and there john Ball or john Wall had thought to have found the Bishop, but he was at London with the king. When Watte Tyler, and jacke Straw entered into Cauntorbury, all the Common people made great joy, for all the town was of their mind. And there they took counsel to go to London to the King, and to sand some of their company over the Thames into Essex, and likewise to sand another company into Sussex, and into the Counties of Stafford, and Bedford, to speak to the people, that they should all come to the farther side of London, and thereby to close London round about, so that the King should not stop their passages, and that they should all meet together on Corpus Christi day. They that were at Cauntorbury did much harm, for they entered into Saint Thomas Church, and rob, and broke up the Bishop's Chamber. And in robbing and bearing out their pillage, said, A, this Chancellor of England hath had a good Market to bring together all this riches: he shall give us now an account of the revenues of England, and of the great profits that he hath gathered sithen the Coronation. Then this Monday they came from Cauntorbury, and took their way to Rochester. The rebels were enemies to all men of law, whether they were spiritual or temporal. And in their passage they spoiled the houses of all men of law that stood in their way, whether they were Spiritual or Temporal. And when they were come to Rochester, there they had good cheer, for the people of that town were of that mind. And then they went to the castle there, and took the knight that had the rule thereof, who was called Sir john Motton: and they said unto him, Sir john, you must go with us, and ye shallbe our sovereign captain, and do that we will have you do. The Knight made many excuses very honestly and discreetly, but it availed him nothing, for they said unto him, Sir john, if ye do not as we will have you do, ye are but dead. The Knight perceiving those people in that fury, and ready to slay him: He then fearing death, agreed unto them, and so he went with them, though against his william. And in like manner did they in other countries in England, as Essex, Sussex, Stafford, Bedford, and Warwick, even to Lincoln. For they brought the knights and Gentlemen into such a fear, that they caused them to go with them whether soever they would have them, as the Lord Molin a great Baron, sir Stephen of Hales, and sir Thomas of Gisighen, and other. Then on the Tuesday these people lodged at Rochester, and from thence departed and came over the river there, and so kept on their way toward London, until they came to Datford, spoiling and brenning as they went, all the houses that belonged to any man of law, what soever they were, and they struck of the heads of divers persons: And so long they came forward, that at the last they came to Blackheth, which is within four mile of London, and ever as they went, they said they were the King's men, and the servants of the noble Commons of England. But when they of the City of London knew that they were so near unto them: The Mayor closed the Gates, and stopped the passages. And while the lewd company lay on Blackheth, they agreed the next day, which was Wednesday, to send sir john Motton (whom they called their knight) to the king, to show him that all that they had done and do, is for him and his honour: and how the realm of England hath not been well governed of a great space, neither for the honour nor common profit of the same, by his Uncles, nor yet by the Clergy, and specially by the Archbishop of Cauntorburie his chancellor, of whom they would have account: But when they had well bethought themselves, they wylled Sir john Motton to let these things alone, and to say to the king that they desired to speak with him, because that to him, and to none other they would open their griefs. The aforesaid knight durst do none other, but passed over the Thames and came to the Tower, praying to speak with the king. The king and they that were with him in the tower, desirous to here news, wylled that the knight should come unto them. And at that time there were present with the king, first the princess his mother, and his two brethren, the Earl of Kent, and the Lord john Holland, the Earl of Salisbury, the Earl of Warwick, the Earl of Oxford, the archbishop of Cauntorbury, the Lord of Saint john's, Sir Robert of Namure, the Lord of Vertaigne, the Lord of Gomegines, the major of London, and divers other notable Citizens. This Knight sir john Motton, who was well known among them, for he was one of the kings officers. He kneeled down before the king, and said. My redoubted Lord, let it not displease your grace, the message that I must show unto you, for dear sir, it is by force and against my will, Sir john, said the king, say what ye will, I hold you excused, Sir, the commons of your realm hath sent me unto you, for to desire you to come and speak with them on Blackheth, for they desire to speak with you and none other. And sir ye need not to have any doubt of your person, for they will do you no hurt, for they hold and will hold you for their king: But Sir, they say they will show you divers things the which shall be right necessary for you to take heed of, when they speak with you, of the which things I have no charge to show you: But I humbly beseech you, to give me your answer, such as may appease them, and that they may know for truth that I have spoken with you, for they have my children in hostage until I return again unto them: and if I return not again, they will slay my children incontinent. Then said the king, ye shall have answer forthwith. Then the king took counsel what was best for him to do, and it was anon determined that the next morning the king would go down by water, and without fail speak with them, by the Thames side, whether he willed that a certain of them should come unto him. And when sir john Motton had that answer, he desired nothing else, and so he took his leave of the king and of his Lords, and returned again to Blackheth, where he had left more than lx thousand men: And there he declared his answer, which was, that the next morning they should send some of their counsel unto the Thames, and the king would come and speak with them. This answer greatly pleased them, and so passed away that night, and the fourth part of them fasted for lack of victual, which grieved them much. In the morning being thursday, the king being accompanied with the Earl of Salisbury, the Earl of Warwick, the Earl of Suffolk and certain Knights, took his Barge and rowed down along the Thames to Detforde, and there were come down the hill above ten thousand of the aforesaid persons, to see and speak with the king. And when they saw the king's Barge coming, they began to shout, and made such a cry as if all the Devils in hell had been among them. And they had brought with them Sir john Motton, to the intent that if the King had not come, they would have hewn him all to pieces, and so they promised him. And when the king and his Lords saw the demeanour of the people, the stoutest hearted of them that were with the king were afraid. And the Lords counseled the king not to take any landing there, but to row up and down the river. And the king demanded of them what they would, for said he, I am come hither to speak with you. And they all with one voice said: we would that ye should come a land, and then we will show you what we lack. Then the Earl of Salisbury answered for the king, and said, Sirs, ye be not in such good order nor array that the king aught to speak with you. And with those words, they were somewhat stayed. Then the King was counseled to return again to the Tower of London, and so he did. And when they saw that, they were inflamed with wrath and returned to the hill where the great band was. And there they showed them what answer they had, and how the king was returned to the Tower of London. Then they cried all with one voice, let us go to London, and so they took their way thither, and in their going they bet down the Lawyer's houses without all mercy, and many other houses of such as had offices under the King. And specially they broke up the kings prisons, as the marshalsea, and kings Bench, and delivered freely all the prisoners that were within. And at the bridge foot, because the Gates were closed, they threatened sore the Citizens of London, saying how they would burn all the suburbs, and also slay all the commons of the City, and set the City on fire. And within the City were a great number of their affinity, and they said: why do not we let these good fellows into the City? they are our fellows, and that that they do, is for us: And shortly after the gates were opened, and they entered into the City, and went into houses, and sat down to eat and drink. And they could call for nothing but it was brought unto them, for every man was ready to make them good cheer, and to please them with meat and drink. Then their captains Watte Tyler, jacke Straw, jacke Shepard, Watte Tyler jack Straw jack Shepheard, john Wall. and other, to the number of twenty thousand, went through London, and came to the Savoy, which then was a goodly place, and pertained to the Duke of Lancaster. And when they were entered therein, they first slew the keepers thereof, and then spoiled and rob the house. And when they had so done, they set fire on it, and clean consumed and destroyed it: Savoy brent And then came unto the Temple and other Inns of Court, and spoiled the Books of law, and the records of the Counter, and set all the prisoners of Newgate and the Counters at large. And when they had this done, than they went straight to the goodly Hospital of the Rhodes, called Saint john's beyond Smithfielde, and spoiled that likewise, and then consumed it with fire. Then they went from street to street in London, and slew all the flemings that they could meet withal, either in Church or in any other place, and they broke up divers houses of the lombards, and rob them, and took their goods at their pleasure. And the same time they slew in the City a rich Citizen called Richard Lion, for that Watte Tiler once dwelled with him, Richard Lion murtheres and on a time did beat him, wherefore he was now revenged upon him, and caused his head to be stricken off, and put upon the point of a Spear, and made it to be borne before him throughout London. Thus these ungracious people demeaned themselves, like mad and outrageous beasts. And toward night they went to Saint Katherine's before the Tower of London: saying how they would never depart thence until they had the king at their pleasure, and until that he had granted unto them all that they would ask, and have special accounts of the Chancellor of England to know where all the treasure was become that he had levied through the realm: & without he made a good account thereof, it should not be for his profit. And so after they had spent all this day, being Thursday, and then called Corpus Christi day, and was then a high and festival day, in doing of mischiefs and murders, they rested at night before the Tower, as aforesaid. But here may ye well think, that this was a heavy and troublous night unto the king, and those that were with him in the Tower, for such was the behaviour of these vileynes, that diverse and sundry times in the night they shouted and cried as all the devils in hell had roared. And in this Evening the King was counseled by his brethren and Lords, and by sir Nicholas Walworth Mayor of London, and divers other worshipful Citizens, that in the night time they should have issued out of the Tower, and have entered into the City, & there to have had aid, & so to have slain all those unhappy people that then were at their rest, for it was thought that many of them were drunken, by reason whereof they might have been slain like flees, and among twenty of them there was scant one in harness. And surely the good men of London might have done this at their ease, for they had secretly in their houses a great number of their friends, and servants ready harnessed. And also sir Robert Canolle was in his lodging, keeping the kings treasure, with six score ready at his commandment. And in like manner was sir Perducas Dalbert, who was as then at London. In so much as there might have been assembled eight thousand men well harnessed and appointed: Howbeit, there was nothing done, for they were in fear of the rest of the Commons of the City, and again the number of the Commons of the Country were lx thousand and more. Then the Earl of Sarisbury, and the wise men about the king said, sir if ye can appease them with fair words, it were best and most profitable so to do, and to grant them every thing that they desire. So this counsel was accepted and followed, and the Mayor countermanded not to stir that night. And in the City with the Mayor, there were xii Aldermen, whereof ix. of them held with the king, & the other three took part with the ungracious people, as it was after well known, the which they full dearly bought. On the Friday in the morning the people that were lodged at Saint Katheryns, began to apparel themselves, and to cry and shout, and said: Without the king would come out and speak with them, they would assault the Tower, and take it perforce, and slay all them that were therein. Then the king doubted those words, and he was counseled to go out and speak with them. And then the king sent unto them that they should all draw to a fair plain place called Myle end, where as the people of the City did use to shoot, and thither the king promised to come to them, and to grant them whatsoever they desired. Then the people began to departed, specially the Commons of the Villages, and went to the same place, but all went not thither, for they were not all of one condition, nor of one mind. For there were some that desired nothing but spoil, and the utter destruction of noble men, and to rob and sack London: And that was the principal matter of their beginning, the which they well showed. For assoon as the Tower Gate opened, and that the king issued out with his two brethren, and the Earl of Sarisbury, the Earl of Warwick, the Earl of Oxford, Sir Robert of Namure, the Lord of Briteyne, the Lord Gomegines, and diverse other. Then Watte Tyler, jacke straw, and john Bal, alias Wall, and more than four hundredth entered into the Tower, and broke up Chamber after Chamber, and at the last found the Archbishop of Cauntorbury called Simon, a valiant man & a wise, and high Chancellor of England, and him they brought out, and struck off his head, and also beheaded the Lord of Saint john's, and a grey Friar, which was a Physician belonging to the Duke of Lancaster, for hatred that they had to his master, and a Sergeant at arms called john Laige. And these four heads they put upon the ends of four long Spears, and they made them to be borne before them through the streets of the City. And at the last set them on high at London bridge, as though they had been Traitors to the king and to the realm. Also these wretches entered into the Princess Chamber, and broke her head, with the which she was so sore afraid, that she swooned, and so was taken up and borne to the water side, and put in a Barge, & covered, and so conveyed to a place called the Royal, which then was the Queen's Wardrobe, and there she was all that day and night, as a woman half dead, until she was comforted with the king her son, as ye shall after here. Now when the king was come to Mile end without London, he put out of his company his two brethren the Earl of Kent, and sir john Holland and the Lord of Gomegines, for they durst not appear before the people. And when the King and his other Lords were there, he found there a lx. thousand men of divers Villages and of sundry Countries in England. And the King entered in among them, and spoke unto them gently and said. A good people, I am your king, what lack ye? what do ye say? Then such as heard him said, that ye will make us free for ever, ourselves, our heirs, and our lands, and that we be called no more bondmen, nor from henceforth so to be reputed or taken. Sirs, said the king, I do gladly grant your request: withdraw you home to your own houses, and into such Villages as ye came from, and leave behind you of every Village two or three, and I will 'cause writings to be made and seal them with my seal, the which they shall have with them, containing every thing that ye demand. And to the intent that ye shall be the better assured, I will 'cause my Banners to be delivered unto every Baylywike, Shire and County. These words quieted well the common people, and such as were simple and good plain men that were come thither, and witted not well wherefore: They answered the king, it was well said, they desired no better. And so they began to withdraw themselves, and came into the City of London. And the king said also one word, the which greatly contented them, and that was: sirs, among you good men of Kent, ye shall have one of my banners, and ye of Essex another, of Bedford, of Cambridge, of Stafford, of Lyncolne, and of Lyn, each of you shall have one. And also I pardon every thing that ye have done hitherto, so that ye follow my Banners, and return home to your houses. They all answered they would so do. Thus these people departed and went to London. Then the king appointed more than xxx Clerks the same Fridaye to writ with all diligence letters patents, to be sealed with the kings seal, and to be delivered to these people: and as they received their writings, so they departed into their Countries. But yet the great venom remained behind, for Watte Tyler, jack straw, and other of their Captains said, they would not so departed, and there agreed unto them more than xxx thousand: And thus they abode still, and made no haste, neither to have the King's writing nor Seal, for their intents was to have spoiled the City. The which thing all the honest Citizens of London greatly feared, and therefore had privily in their houses their friends in a readiness. When it drew somewhat toward night, the king came to the Tower in the Royal, where the Princess his mother being in great fear had remained all that day, to comfort her and tarried there with her all that night. And here (saith Froissart) I will tell you what happened among these unhappy people before the City of Norwiche by a captain among them named William Lyster of Stafforde. William Lister Capteyn of the rebels. The aforenamed day of Corpus Christi that the aforesaid lewd people entered into London, the very same time they assembled together of Stafford, of Lynne, of Cambridge, of Bedford. And as they were coming towards London they had a Captain among them called Lyster, and as they came they stayed before Norwiche, and all the way as they passed, they caused every man to arise with them, so that they left few lewd people behind them. And the cause why they stayed before Norwich was this. There was a knight, and a Captain of the Town called Sir Robert Sale, Sir Robert Sale a valiant Knight. he was no gentleman borne, but he was sage and valiant in arms, and for his valiantness king Edward made him knight, & he was of his body one of the mightiest men in England. Lyster the lewd Captain of this rout, thought that this man was meet to be a Captain among them, to the intent they might be the more dread and feared of the people: wherefore they sent unto him that he should come and speak with them in the field. The knight considered that it were better for him to go and speak with them, rather than by his not going he should provoke them to do any outrage to the town, and therefore he took his horse, and rid unto them all alone, having no company with him. And when they saw him, they showed him most joyful and loving countenance and honoured him very much, and prayed him to alight of his horse, for they were desirous to common with him, and he so did, wherein he did very fond. And assoon as he was alighted, they came round about him, and began to speak very fair unto him, and said. Sir Robert, ye are a Knight and a man greatly beloved in this Country, and counted for a valiant man. And though you be so, yet we know you well, ye are no gentleman borne, but son to a Villeyne, such as we be: Therefore we will that ye shall go with us, and we will make you so great a Lord that one quarter of England shall be under your obeisance. When the knight had heard them thus speak, it offended him not a little, wherefore beholding them with a cruel look, he said unto them: Aduoyde ye false traitorous and ungracious people: ween you that I will forsake the obedience and duty that I own unto my sovereign Lord for such a company of knaves as ye be, which should be to my dishonour for ever. I had rather ye were all hanged, as I doubt not but ye shall be, for that will be your end. And with those words he had thought to have leapt again to his horse, but he failed of the Styrop, and the horse started away. Then they cried all with one voice, at him, and slay him without mercy. And when he heard those words he let his horse go, and drew out his sword, and began to skirmish with them, and he made such room about him that it was pleasure to behold him, for there was none that durst come near him. Howbeit, some there were that did approach near unto him, but at every stroke that he gave, he cut of either leg, head, or arm, and there was none so hardy but that they feared him. He did there such deeds of arms, that it was marvel to behold, but the number of these lewd people were more than xl thousand, and they shot sore at him and wounded him to death. But yet before he died he slew twelve of them out of hand, beside many other that he hurt: and finally he was stricken to the earth, Sir Robert Sale slain. and they cut of his arms and legs, and then hewed his body all to pieces. And this was the end of sir Robert Sale, which did not a little offend all the knights and squires of England: But now to return where we left. On Saturday, the next day in the forenoon, the king had been at Westminster, and came from thence on the backside through Holborn into London, and thought to have ridden to the Tower, and as he came over Smithfielde, he saw there Watte Tyler, jacke straw, and their company assembled together, which caused him a little to stay, and considering them well, they seemed to be near unto the number of twenty thousand, and all this company had the king's Banners, for they were delivered unto them the day before. And these vileynes said among themselves, let us overrun and spoil this City wherein we may have great richesse, before that they of Essex, Sussex, Cambridge, Bedford, Arundel, Warwick, reading, Oxenford, Guylford, Lynne, Stafforde, Lyncolne, York, and Duram do come hither, For Wallior and Lister will bring them hither, Wallior. Lyster. and they will be Lords of London if we be not, and therefore now seeing we be first here, why should we not give the attempt: and to this they were all agreed, and even therewithal the king came. And when Watte Tyler saw the king, he said to his company, yonder is the king, I will go speak with him, stir not you quoth he to his people, from hence, except I make you a sign, and when I make you a sign, come on together, and slay them all (except the king.) But do the king no hurt, for he is young, and we shall rule him as we list, and lead him with us round about England, and so without doubt we may be Lords of the realm. And therewith he spurred his horse, and came to the king, so near him that his horse touched the kings horses head as they road, and the first word that he said unto the king was this, Sir king, seest thou all yonder people? An arrogant and proud villain. ye truly said the king, wherefore askest thou that? Because said he, they be all at my commandment, and have sworn to me faith and troth, to do all that I will have them. In a good time said the king, be it so. Then said Watte Tiler, as he that sought nothing but riot. What, believest thou king, that these people and as many more that are in London, which are at my commandment, that they will departed from thee thus, without having thy letters? Not said the King, ye shall have them, they are appointed for you, and shall be delivered each of you one after another: Wherefore good fellows withdraw yourselves to your people, and 'cause them to departed out of London, for it is our intent that each of you by Villages and Towneships shall have letters Patentz as I have promised you. With those words Watte Tyler cast his eyen on a Squire that was there with the king, and bore the kings sword. And Watte Tyler hated greatly the same Squire, for words that had passed the day before between them, and said unto him, what, saith he, art thou there? give me thy dagger. Nay said the Squire, that will I not do, wherefore should I give it thee? The king beheld the squire and said, give it him, let him have it, and he gave it him. And when Watte Tyler had it, he began to play with it in his hand, turning of it: And then he said again to the Squire, give me that sword, nay said he, it is the king's sword, thou art not worthy to have it, for thou art but a knave. And there were no more here but thou and I, thou durst not demand any such things of me, neither to speak as thou hast spoken, for as much Gold as would lie in yonder Abbey: By my faith said Watte Tiler, I will never eat meat until I have thy head. And with those words the Mayor of London came to the king, with xii. horses well armed under their coats, and so he broke the press, and saw and heard the demeanour of Watte Tyler in the presence of the king, and he said unto him, Ha' thou knave, how darest thou be so bold in the kings presence to speak such words, it is to much to suffer thee so to do. Then the king began to chafe, and said to the Mayor, set hands on him. And when the king had said so, Watte Tyler said to the Mayor, a God's name, what have I said to displease thee? Yes truly quoth the Mayor, thou false stinking knave, shalt thou speak thus in the presence of the king my natural Lord? I wish never to live, except thou dearly by it. And with those words the Mayor drew out his sword, And for this the City giveth a sword in their arms. and stroke Watte Tyler such a stroke on the head, that he fell down at the feet of his horse. And assoon as he was fallen, he was compassed round about, so that he was not seen of his company. Then a Squire alighted, called john Standishe, and thrust his sword into Watte Tilers belly, and so he died. Then the unhappy people there assembled, perceiving their captain slain, began to murmur among themselves, and said: A, our captain is slain, let us go and slay them all. And therewith they ranged themselves in the place in manner of battle, and their Bows bend before them. Thus the king began a great outrage, howbeit all happened to the best: for as soon as Watte Tyler was on the earth, the king departed from all his company, and all alone he road to the naughty company, but before his going, he said to his own people, sirs, follow not me, let me alone. And when he came to the ungracious people, who had put themselves in order of war, to be revenged of the death of their Captain: The king said unto them, Sirs what aileth you, ye shall have no captain but me, I am and will be your king and Captain, be you therefore quiet. And a great number that heard him speak, and seeing him in presence, quieted themselves, and departed. But such as were wicked and maliciously minded, would not departed, but made a show as though they would do somewhat. Then the king returned to his own company, and demanded of them what was best to do. Then he was counseled to draw into the field, for to fly away was no boot. Then said the Mayor, it is good that we do so, for I think surely we shall have some comfort of them of London, and of such good men as be of our part, who are provided and have their friends and men armed in their houses. And in this mean time, a cry and 'noys went through the City, how the king and the major were like to be slain by these naughty people: By reason of which 'noys, a great number of good men issued out of their houses, and came into Smithfield where the king was. And they were anon to the number of seven or eight thousand men well armed. Sir Robert Canoll. Sir Perducas Dalbret. And first, thither came Sir Robert Canol and Sir Perducas Dalbret well accompanied, and divers of the Aldermen of London, and with them six hundredth men in harness. And a worthy and puissant man of the City which was the kings Draper, called Nicholas Brembre, and he brought with him a great company, and ever as they came, they ranged themselves on foot in order of battle. And on the other part these unhappy people were ready ranged, making countenance as though they would presently fight: and they had with them divers of the king's Banners. There the King made four Knights. The one the major of London, Sir Nycholas Walwoorth, Sir john Standishe and Sir Nycholas Brembre. Then the Lords said among themselves, what shall we do? we see our enemies who would gladly slay us, if they might have the better hand of us. Sir Robert Canoll counseled to go and fight with them and slay them all. But the king would not consent thereunto, but said: Nay, I will not so, I will send to them commanding them to send me again my Banners, and thereby we shall see what they will do: Howbeit, either by fair means or otherwise, I will have them: That is well said, quoth the Earl of Salisbury. Then these new knights were sent to them, and these knights made token to them that they should not shoot at them. And when they came so near them that their speech might be heard, they said: Sirs, the king commandeth you to send him again his Banners. And incontinent they delivered the Banners, & sent them to the King, and then they were commanded upon pain of their heads, that all such as had letters of the king, to bring them forth, and to send them again to the king, and many of them delivered their letters, but not all. Then the king commanded them to be all torn in their presence. And assoon as the kings Banners were taken from them, they kept none array, but the most part of them threw down their bows, and so broke their array, and returned into London. Sir Robert Canoll was sore displeased that he might not set on them, but the King would not, but said he would be revenged on them well enough, and so he was after. Thus these beastly people departed, some one way and some another. And the king and his Lords, and all his company right comely and orderly entered into London with great joy, and forthwith his grace went to the Lady Princess his mother, being in the Tower of the Royal, where she had tarried two days, and two nights, in great fear (as she had good cause) And when she saw the king her son, she greatly rejoiced and said: A fair son, what pain and sorrow have I suffered for you this day. Then the king spoke and said, Madam, I know it right well, but now I pray you rejoice and thank God, for it his high time. I have this day recovered mine heritage and the realm of England, which I had almost lost. And thus the king tarried that day with his mother, and every Lord went peaceably to their own lodgings. And forthwith a proclamation was made in every street in the king's name, that all manner of men, not being of the City of London, neither hath dwelled there the space of one year, to depart. And if any such be found there, the next day, which was Sunday, by the Sun rising, that they should be taken as Traitors to the king, and to loose their heads. Assoon as this proclamation was made, they sparkled abroad, every man to their own homes. And here is to be noted that in the telling of all this story, Sir john Froyssart nameth one john Ball to be a chief Captain, and I find none other Author that nameth any such, but jack straw, and jack Shepard. But I think it is some fault in the print, and that it should be john Wall, for in the beginning of the story is set forth that a simple priest called john Wall was the first mover, and special author, and setter forth of this rebellion, and therefore like enough that he was one of their Captains. And it should the rather appear so to be, for that in the beginning of their enterprises, they went first to the Bishop of Cauntorburie, and spoiled his house, and bore such malice unto him that after they slew him in the tower of London. And the same Bishop of Cauntorbury had three or four times imprisoned the said john Wall for his lewd communication that tended to rebellion, & therefore most like it should be john Wall, that sought to be revenged. In like manner the aforesaid author Sir john Froyssart doth in this story account Watte Tyler to be the chief of this rout, whom he saith was a Tiler in deed, and an ungracious patron. But Fabian, Caxton, Rastell, Cowper, Polidore and many other Authors do impute jack Straw to be chief, and more Froyssart sayeth it was Watte Tiler that bragged with the king, and took up the Mayor of London in the kings presence, and also that it was Watte Tiler whom the Mayor of London did overthrow: But all other say it was jack Straw, and it should seem rather Watte Tiler, for that in all this discourse he was the busiest bragger of all the Captains. But which of them so ever it was, they were nought all. john Ball and jacke Straw were found hidden in an old house. But now saith Froyssart, john Ball, and jack Straw were found hidden in an old house, where they had thought to have stolen away, but they could not, for they were accused by their own company. Of the taking of them, the king and his Lords were glad, he caused their heads to be stricken of, and Watte Tilers also, and commanded them to be set upon London bridge, and those valiant men's heads to be taken down, which they had set on before. These tidings spread abroad so, that the people of strange Countries which were coming towards London, The end of the history of the rebels of Kent. returned back again to their houses, and durst come no further. And here we must return to the Duke of Lancaster, who all the time of this rebellion was in Scotland in the treaty of a peace as ye have heard before. And so long they continued this treaty, that at the last a truce was concluded to remain for three years, & when this truce was concluded then the Lords of each part made good cheer to other. Then said the Earl of Douglas to the Duke of Lancaster: sir we know right well of the rebellion of the common people in England, & the peril that the realm is in at this present, and sir we take you for a right sage & valiant man, that in all the time of this communication of the treaty ye would not seem to understand anything thereof: but sir, we say now unto you, & we offer ourselves to be ready to aid you with .v. or uj C. spears, and to do you service. By my faith said the Duke, gentle Lords I thank you, I will not refuse your friendly offer: howbeit I think verily that the king my lord hath so good counsel, that it shall be pacified right well: howbeit, I desire you to have a safe conduit form & mine to return into your Country if need be, until the matter be appeased. The Earl Douglas, and the Earl Moret who had the kings authority, granted him his desire, and so they departed, the Scots went to Edenbourgh. The Duke of Lancaster and his people went to Barwike, weening to the Duke to have entered into the town, for when he passed that way, Sir Matthew Redmayn Captain of Berwicke denied the Duke of Lancaster to enter into the town. he left all his provision behind him: But the captain of the town called Sir Matthew Redmayn denied him to enter, and closed in the gates against him and his, saying he was so commanded by the Earl of Northumberland. And when the Duke heard these words, he was sore displeased and said: How cometh this to pass, Matthew Redmayn? is there in Northumberlande a greater sovereign than I am, which should let me to pass this way where all my provision is with you? what meaneth these news? By my faith sir, said the Knight, this is true that I say, and by the commandment of the King: and sir, this that I do to you is right sore against my will, but I must needs do it, and therefore for God's sake hold me excused, for I am thus commanded upon pain of my life, that I shall not suffer you, nor none of yours to enter into the town. Then the Duke not saying all that he thought, broke out of this matter, and said, Sir Redmayn, what tidings out of England? and he said, he knew none, but that the Countries were sore moved, and the king had sent to all this Country to be in a readiness whensoever he should sand. Then the Duke mused a little, and suddenly turned his horse, and bid the Knight farewell, and so went to the Castle of Rosebourgh, and the Constable received him. Then the Duke of Lancaster was counseled, that because he was not sure how the matters went in England, neither knew not of whom he was beloved, or hated, that therefore he should sand unto the Lords of Scotland, desiring them to send a quantity of men of war to convey him into Scotland: And then he sent to the Earl Douglas, who was as then at Alquest. And when the Earl saw the letter, he was right glad thereof, and made the Messenger great cheer, and sent word thereof to the Earl Moret, and to the Earl de la Mare his brother, praying them incontinent without any delay to meet with him at Morlane the third day after, with a certain number well horsed and appointed. Assoon as these Lords knew this, they sent for men and friends, and so came to Morlane, and there they found the Earl Douglas, and so they road altogether, to the number of five hundredth Spears, and came to the Abbey of Mauros, which was ix little mile from Rosebourgh. And on the way they met the Duke, and there the one embraced the other right lovingly, and then kept forth their journey until they came to Edenbourgh, where the king of Scots of late had been, but as then he was in the wild Scottish. There the Duke of Lancaster was greatly honoured of the Earl Douglas, and of the Barons of Scotland and the Castle was delivered to the Duke to lie in, and there he lay until other news came out of England, which was not so soon as the Duke had wished. And in the mean season, many naughty reports and rumours were raised and bruited by the rebellious people, of the Duke of Lancaster, affirming that he was become Scottish, and a traitor to England: and Lyster, Watte Tyler, jacke straw, john Ball, Slanderous and lewd reports made of the Duke of Lancaster. and other captains of the rebels affirmed at the present hours of their death, the same to be true. The which caused many shameful and slanderous tales to be reported of the Duke in every part of England. And no doubt these villeynes bore great hatred to the Duke of Lancaster, as appeared by the brenning of his house, and spoiling of the same, and by the murdering of his Physician. And soon after the death of these lewd captains, the king visited his realm and sat in sundry places, and made inquiry of the aforesaid rebels, and he persecuted them in very quiet manner, from one village to another, and from one town and County to another, so long until at the last, he had executed above xu hundredth of them, and the rest he pardoned, and so all the realm was quieted. The Duke of Lancaster returneth home out of Scotland. Then the king sent for his uncle the Duke of Lancaster out of Scotland, whereof he was glad, and at his departing he thanked the Lords of Scotland of their great friendship. And the Earl Douglas, the Earl Moret, and other Lords of Scotland would needs bring him as far as Mauros and there each took leave of other. And thus the Duke came to Rosebourgh, to Newcastel upon Tyne, and so to Durham, & York, & at the last to London. And when he had showed to the king and his Counsel how he had done with the Scots: Then he forgot not to show how Sir Matthew Redmayn shut him out of Barwike. And the Duke inquired of the king if he would allow that deed, and it seemed that the king did but faintly allow it. So the Duke said no more at that tyme. And shortly after on the day of the Assumption of our Lady in August, the king held a solemn feast at Westminster, unto the which came many Nobles and Lords of England, and there was the Earl of Northumberland, and the Earl of Nottyngham, and divers other Lords of the North. And the King made Knights the same day the young Earl of Pembroke, Sir Robert Maubre, sir Nicholas Twyford, and sir Adam Frances. Hot and great words between the Duke of Lancaster, and the Earl of Northumberland. And at this feast there were great words between the Duke of Lancaster, and the Earl of Northumberland. The Duke said unto him, Henry percy, I knew not that ye were so great a man in England, as to close the Gates of any town, City, or Castle, against the Duke of Lancaster. The Earl understood whereof the Duke meant, and he tempered his speech, and said, Sir I deny not that the knight did, for I can not. For the king here present commanded me straightly, that on mine honour, and on my life, I should not suffer any manner of person, Lord, or other, to enter into any City, town, or Castle in Northumberland, without he were heir of the place. And sir the king and his Counsel may well excuse me, for they knew that ye were in Scotland, and therefore they should have excepted you. What quoth the Duke, say you that there aught a exceptation to have been made for me, who am uncle to the king, and have kept mine heritage as well or better than any other have done, next to the king, and knowing that I was gone for the business of the realm into Scotland? This excuse can not excuse you, but that you have done evil, and greatly against mine honour: and you have given thereby an occasion to bring me in suspicion that I had done some treason in Scotland, when at my returning the kings towns are closed against me, and specially there where my provision was: Wherefore I say, ye have acquitted yourself right evil. And for the blame and slander that ye have brought me into, I now to purge myself, here in the presence of the King do cast you here my gage: raise it and ye dare. Then the King stepped forth and said: Right loving Uncle, all that was done, I must take it upon me. And I must excuse the Earl of Northumberland, and speak for him. For we commanded him on pain of his life that he should keep close all the towns of the Marches, and ye know well how our realm was then in great trouble and peril. The fault was in the Clerk that wrote the letters, and in the negligence of our Counsel: For of truth we should have excepted you: Wherefore I will and also desire you, to put apart this evil opinion that ye have of the Earl of Northumberland, and I take the charge on me, and discharge the Earl in that behalf. Then kneeled down before the Duke, the Earl of Arondell, the Earl of Sarisbury, the Earl of Suffolk, the Earl of Stafford, and the Earl of Leycester, and said unto him: Sir you here how lovingly and how truly the King speaketh, wherefore we beseech you to agreed to his pleasure. Well quoth the Duke, who was inflamed with ire, I will hold my peace, and as it pleaseth the King to have it, it is reason that I be content therewith, & so departed. In this time as saith Polidore in his book De Inuentoribus rerum, The first invention of Gonnes. Gonnes were first in use, which were invented by one of Germany. But saith he, lest he should be cursed for ever that was the Author of this invention, therefore his name is hidden, & not known. But divers say that a Monk was the inventor, though they name him not. In the month of April next following, there landed in Kent Dame Anne the daughter of Charles the fourth, late Emperor deceased, Anne the daughter of Charles the the fourth late Emperor. and she was Sister unto Wenceslaus who then was Emperor, the which of the Mayor, and Citizens of London was honourably met upon Blackheths, and conveyed with great triumph unto westminster the eight day of the month of may, and shortly after was there solemnly married unto king Richard. And the said year was a terrible, A terrible earth quake. and a horrible earthquake throughout the universal world as many Authors writ, but namely in England, that threw down Castles, Churches, steeples, houses, and Trees, and whole Villages, that the like was never seen nor heard of before, to the great terror and fear of all such as then lived, and were present. 1, This year by the commandment of Pope Urban, Henry Spencer Bishop of Norwiche, with a great number of Spiritual men and other, went to war upon the King of Spain. And for the maintenance of this war, the Pope, as saith Froissart, had sent unto the said Bishop more than xxx. Bulls, and also granted to the King and to his Uncles, to further this enterprise, a Disme of the Clergy. And then the preachers advanced and set forth this voyage to be so acceptable before God, and that the benefit of the Pope's Bulls, were of such value for the remission of sin, that the people of England, who soon gave credit thereunto, believed verily that if they died that year, they could not come into heaven, except they had given somewhat in almose toward this war. And at London (saith Froissart) and in the Diocese thereof there was gathered a Ton full of Gold and silver, Bulls are of great force. and according to the Pope's Bulls, he that most gave, obtained most pardon. And whosoever died in that time, and gave his goods to further that voyage, he was clean absolved from pain and from sin, and he accounted himself most happy that died in that season to obtain so noble an absolution. And thus was gathered a great Mass of money. This Pope (as Fabian writeth) gave authority to the said Bishop to make war upon the king of Spain, for that he contrary to the Pope's commandment withheld certain possessions, belonging of right unto sir john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, in the right of his wife dame Constance. But to say more truly, as divers Authors say, it was for the malice that this Pope Urban bore unto Pope Clement, to whom the Duchess of Anjou had given the kingdoms of Naples, Cicilia, Apulia, and Calabria, of the which she wrote herself Queen. In performance of which act, the said Bishop entering into the country of Flaundyrs, found there the Flemyngs with divers miscreaunts, such as the king of Spain had sent thither, making resistance against him: wherefore he made upon them sharp war, and wan from them certain towns, A warlike Bishop. as Grauelyng, Burbourgh, and Dunkirk, and wan great and rich pillage, so that he and his Soldiers stuffed and fraught with it (as saith Reynulph) xlj. ships. But shortly after the flemings assembled with such power and strength, and gave unto the Englishmen such an assault about Dunkirk, that they were constrained to give back. And because the said ships and goods should not come again into the possession of his enemies, therefore he the said Bishop caused them to be set on fire within the Haven, and so were spoiled both ships and goods. And although that after this mishap he recovered his strength, and laid siege unto the town of Ipre, and wrought the flemings much care and trouble, yet shortly after, such sicknesses fell among his people, as the Flux and other, that his soldiers died in great number: For the which he was compelled to leave his journey, and to return again into England. A Combat. In this year also was a battle or Combat done and holden in the King's palace at Westminster, between one called Garcon Appellaunt, and Sir john Anslye Knight Defendant, of the which fight the knight was at length the Victor and forced his enemy to yield unto him. For the which the said Garcon was immediately from that place drawn to Tyburn, and there hanged for his false accusation. And at this time, being the vij year of the reign of King Richard, a truce or peace was concluded between him the french king, and the king of Scots for one whole year next ensuing, so that the french men should give knowledge thereof unto the Scots. After the conclusion of the aforesaid peace, certain Lords of England returning out of France, and understanding that the French king had not yet given knowledge unto the king of Scotland of the truce, they now thinking to do a feat, assembled themselves with their powers, namely the Earl of Northumberland, the Earl of Nottingham, and the Barones' of the borders and Marches of Scotland, and made a road into Scotland, and began to burn the country and land of the Earl of Douglas, and of the Lord Lyndsey, and left nothing unbrent to Edenbourgh. But shortly after that the Englishmen had done this feat, and were returned again into England, the Scots, although then they had knowledge of the peace, that was concluded in France, yet they would not take knowledge thereof: But the Earl Douglas to be revenged, entered into Northumberland, and so into the land of the Lord percy, and there began to burn, rob, spoil and destroy, and then returned by the land of the Earl of Nottyngham and the Lord Mowbray, and there did much hurt, and so passed by Rosebourgh, but they tarried not there, because they were so laden with pillage, prisoners and cattle, One mischief asketh another. and so returned into their Country again without any danger. And thus one mischief was requited with another like mischief. Also, this year there came unto king Richard the king of Ermony, which was driven out of his land by the Infidels and Turks, The king of Ermony. and he prayed aid of the king to be restored to his dominion. The king feasted and comforted him according to his honour, and after counsel taken with his Lords concerning that matter, he gave unto him great sums of money, and other rich gifts: with the which (after he had tarried in England about two Months) he departed with glad countenance. And in this time a variance chanced between john Holland brother to the Earl of Kent, and the Earls son of Stafford: A variance between john Holland, and the Earls son of Stafford. By reason of which variance in conclusion the son of the Earl was slain by the hand of Sir john Holland: For the which deed the king was grievously amoved. This year the king assembled his high Court of parliament at Westminster, during the which he created two Dukes, a Marquis & five Earls, The first was sir Edmond of Langley the kings Uncle, and Earl of Cambridge, who was created Duke of York, Creation of Dukes and Earls. sir Thomas of Woodstock earl of Buckyngham was created Duke of Gloucester, Sir Robert Vere, who before was created Earl of Oxford, was now made Marquis of dublin, Sir Henry Bolyngbrook son and heir of john of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, was now made Earl of Derby, This Henry was afterward king Henry the fourth. Sir Edward son and heir to the Duke of York was made Earl of Rutland, Sir john of Holland brother to the Earl of Kent was made Earl of Huntyngdon, Sir Thomas Mowbray was made Earl of Nottyngham, and Marshal of England, and sir Mighell de la Poole was made Earl of Suffolk, Mighel he la Pool Chancellor of England. and Chancellor of England, who was hated and judged to be an evil man, both of the Lords and commons of this realm, as in the year following shall be showed. And by authority of the same Parliament, Sir Roger Mortimer Earl of March, Sir Roger Mortymer proclaimed heir apparent. and son and heir unto Sir Edmond Mortimer, and of Dame Philip eldest daughter and heir unto Sir Lionel the second son of Edward the third, was soon after proclaimed heir apparent to the Crown of England. The which Sir Roger shortly after sailed into Ireland, to suppress the rebellion & unquietness of the people of his Lordship of Wolster, which he was Lord of by his aforesaid mother. But while he was there occupied about the same, the wild Irish came upon him in great number, and slew him and many of his company. This Sir Roger had issue, Edmond, and Roger, Anne, Alice, The issue of Sir Roger Mortimer and Alianor that was made a Nun. The two aforesaid sons died without issue, and Anne the eldest daughter was married to Richard earl of Cambridge, which Richard had issue by the said Anne, Isabella Lady Bourcher, and Richard that was after Duke of York, and father to King Edward the fourth, which said Richard Earl of Cambridge was put to death by Henry the fift at Southampton, as after shall appear. Henry Bolyngbrooke Earl of Derby. Also this year Sir Henry Bolyngbrooke Earl of Darbye, married the Countess daughter of Harford, by whom he was Lord of that Country. And by her he had issue, Henry that after him was King, Blaunche Duchess of Bar, and Philip that was wedded to the King of Denmark: Also Thomas Duke of Clarence, john Duke of Bedford, and Humphrey Duke of Gloucester. And where a little before mention is made, that sir Robert Vere was made Marquis of dublin, Robert Vere created duke of Ireland. ye shall understand, that now the same man was created Duke of Ireland, & that the King purposed to have made him King of Ireland if he might, such an affection the King had unto him, albeit that all the Noble men disdained his high and sudden exalting, seeing that many of as good qualities and conditions as he was, and of as good blood, remained still in their old estate. This Robert was married to a fair young Lady of King Edward's blood, which he forsook and put from him, and took unto him one of a base blood, a Saddler's daughter, which was borne in the realm of Beam, named Lancicron, which came over with King Richard's wife. The putting away of the former Lady, was the occasion of many great murmurs and displeasures against this Robert Vere, specially by the Duke of Gloucester Uncle unto her, which determined utterly when he saw time, to revenge the injuries done unto his Niece. This grudge borne by the Duke of Gloucester, was not unknown to the Duke of Ireland, which cast in his mind by what means he might destroy the said Duke, and all those which took his part. The time of Easter came, at which season it was before appointed, that the Duke of Ireland should have taken his voyage into Ireland: But small preparation was made for his going over: But yet because it should be thought none otherwise but that the purpose should hold, the King took his journey into Wales, under pretence to bring him to Ship: and yet meant nothing less, for his special purpose was to devise how he might bring to pass to set hold upon the Duke of Gloucester, the Earls of Arondell, Warwick, and Derby, with many other noble men: And to this ungracious purpose was of counsel Mighell de la Poole Chancellor of England, Sir Robert Tresilian one of the kings chief justices, and Alexander Nevell archbishop of York, with diverse other, as after in this story shall more at large appear. And after that the king had continued a certain of time in Wales, he put off the journey of the Duke into Ireland, and the King and the Duke returned to London, and thither had summoned a Parliament to be holden at Westminster. And these things thus wrought between the king and the other persons aforenamed, were not kept so secret, but that the Duke of Gloucester, and the other Lords had thereof knowledge. Wherefore when the time of the Parliament came, they came up every of them with great power and strength. And soon after the beginning of the said Parliament, the aforesaid Mighell de la Poole Chancellor (as I find written in an old Chronicle, which beareth the name of the Chronicle of Leycester) demanded of the Commons in the kings name, four fifteens, for with less he said that the king could not maintain his estate, and his outward wars. The whole body of the Parliament made answer again, that without the king were present, they would make therein none answer. And they said further that if the king did not remove this Mighel de la Poole from his office of Chauncelorship, they would no further meddle with any act in this Parliament, were it never so small. This message being done to the King, the King sent again to the Commons that they should send to Eltham (for there he lay then) xl. A dissension between the King and the Parliament of the wisest and best learned of the common house, the which in the name of the whole house should declare unto him their mind. And then the house were in more fear than they were in before, for a talk there went that the King intended to betrappe diverse of them which followed not his mind, either by that way or else at a banquet, which was appointed to be made purposely at London, if Nicholas Exton then Mayor of London would have consented thereunto, at which time the Duke of Gloucester should have been taken. Wherefore the Lords of the upper house, and the common house assembled together, and agreed with one assent, Lords sent by the parliament to the king. that Thomas of Wodstocke Duke of Gloucester, and Thomas Arondell Bishop of Ely, should in the name of the whole Parliament be sent unto the king to Eltham, which was done, and the king well pleased that they should come. And first when they came into his presence, The saying of the Lords unto the king. they most humbly saluted him, and said: Most high and our redoubted sovereign Lord, the Lords and Commons at this your Parliament assembled, with most humble subjection unto your most royal Majesty, in likewise desire your most gracious favour: So that they may live in tranquillity and peace under you, to the pleasure of God, and wealth of your realm: On whose behalf we also show unto you, that one old statute and laudable custom is approved, which no man can deny, Once in the 〈…〉 Parliament. that the king our sovereign Lord may once in the year lawfully summon his high Court of Parliament, and call the Lords & commons thereunto, as to that which is the highest Court of his Realm. In which Court all equity and justice must shine, even as the Sun when he is at the highest, whereof poor and rich may take refreshing: Whereas also must be reform all the oppressions, wrongs, extortions, and enormities within the realm, and there to counsel with the wise men for the maintenance of the kings estate, and conservation of the same. And if it might be known that any persons within the realm or without intended the contrary, there must also be devised how such evil weeds may be destroyed. There also must be studied and foreseen, that if any charge do come upon the king and his realm, how it may be well and honourably supported and sustained. Hitherto it is thought to the whole realm, that your subjects have lovingly demeaned themselves unto you, in aiding you with their substance to the best of their powers, and they desire to have knowledge how and by whom these goods be spent. One thing resteth yet to declare on their behalf unto you, how that by an old ordinance, they have an act, The king should be present at the Parliament once in xl days. if the king absent himself xl days, not being sick, but of his own mind, (not heeding the charges of the people, nor their great pains) will not resort to his Parliament, they then may lawfully return home to their houses. And now sir, you have been absent a longer time, and yet refuse to come amongst us, which greatly is our discomfort. To this the king answered by these words: Well, The kings answer to the Lords. we do consider that our people and Commons go about to rise against us: wherefore we think we can do no better then to ask aid of our Cousin the French king, and rather submit us unto him, then unto our own subjects. The motions again of the Lords to the king. The Lords answered, Sir that counsel is not best, but a way rather to bring you into danger: For it is well known that the French king is your ancient enemy, and your greatest adversary. And if he set foot once within your realm, he will rather despoil you, and invade you, and depose you from your estate royal, then put any hand to help you. You may call to your remembrance, how your noble progenitors Edward the third, and Edward the Prince your father, took great labours upon them, in heat and cold with great anguish and troubles, and laboured without rest, to conquer the realm of France, the which rightfully did appertain unto them, and now unto you. Pleaseth you also to remember how many Lords noble men, & good commons of both realms died in those wars, and what great goods the realms exposed & consumed in sustaining of the wars. And now great pity it is to here, that more burdens be daily laid upon your subjects necks, for maintaining of your charges, who are brought unto such uncredible poverty, that they have not to pay their house rents, nor to aid their Prince, nor yet to have sufficient for their necessary sustenance: For so is your power depoverished, and Lords and great men brought to infelicity, and all your people to great debility. And as that king can not be poor that hath rich people: so can not he be rich that hath poor Commons. And as the King taketh hurt in this, so doth the Lords and Noble men, every one after his haviour. And all these inconveniences be commonly by evil counsel which are about you. And if you put not the sooner your helping hands for the redress of the premises, this realm of England shallbe brought to nought and utter ruin, which clearly should be laid unto your default, and in your evil counsel: Seeing that in the time of your father, this realm throughout all the world was highly esteemed, and nothing ordered after these ways: Wherefore we be sent unto you, to exhort you, to sequester all such persons as might be the occasion of ruin, either of you, or of your Realm. The king is appeased, and promiseth to come to the Parliament. By these good persuasions the king was appeased, and promised within three days after, to come to the parliament, and to condescend to their peticious. And according to his appointment he came. And soon after his coming john Fortham Bishop of Durham was discharged of the Treasorership, The Treasurer and chancellor are deposed. and in his place was set the Bishop of Herdford. Also there was then discharged and put down Mighell de la Poole chancellor of England to his great shame and rebuke: And in his room was placed Themas Arundel Bishop of Elye, by the whole consent of the parliament. After this Mighell de la Poole was charged with many and great enorm crimes, frauds, falsities and treasons by him done and committed, to the great prejudice of the King and of his realm, and thereupon was committed to ward: Notwithstanding, they would not adjudge him to death, nor disgrade him from the honour of Knighthood: But as some writ, they deemed him to pay a fine of twenty thousand Marks, The fine of Mighell de la Poole late chancellor for such advantages as he had gotten, being chancellor, in putting the King's subjects from expedition of their causes, until such time as they had rewarded him: All which fines were adjudged to the King in relieving of the commons. And also one thousand pounds of yearly rents, which he had purchased. This done, the Lords and wise men of the realm, considering that by the covetousness of the officers aforesaid, the king's treasure and goods were purloined and from the kings profit clearly consumed: The King and the realm thereby sore deceived and impoverished: Tillage also laid down in many quarters of the realm, and the kings officers this notwithstanding marvelously enriched: wherefore they did chose xiij Thirteen Lords chosen by the parliament, by the king's assent to govern the realm. Lords which should have the oversight under the king of the whole realm. Of the which, three were the new officers, that is to say, the Bishop of Ely chancellor, the Bishop of Herfford Treasurer, and Nicholas Abbot of Waltham keeper of the privy seal, and ten other, which were William Archbishop of Cauntorbury, Alexander Archbishop of York, Edmond Langley Duke of York, Thomas Duke of Gloucester, William Bishop of Winchester, Thomas Bishop of Excester, Richard earl of Arundel, john Lord Cobham, Richard Lord Scrope, john Lord Deverox: All which had authority to inquire, entreat, define and determine of all manner of causes, quarrels, The commission appeareth in the statute of the x. year of king Richard the second. debts and demands from the time of Edward the third unto that present day, as well within the realm as without, and also to inquire of the king's charges and of the order of his servants. For the execution whereof well and truly to be done, they all took their oaths, and the king in likewise took his oath to abide by their order, and them to maintain in all their acts, and not to revoke any article of their commission, The oaths of the Lords and of the King for due execution of the commission. but to hold firm and stable all that ever the said counsellors did order, during the time to them assigned. And if it happened that all the number could not come together to a determination of any act, that then if uj of them with the three principal officers aforenamed did agreed, the act should stand firm and stable, whether they were matters of this side the sea or beyond the Sea. And if any manner of person attempted to move the King to infringe any part of this ordinance, and that being known, for the first time, he should be deprived of his goods and possessions, and for the second time, to be drawn through the City, and so put to execution as an arrant traitor. And for that the king should the rather show his benevolent favour in confirming these acts devised by the parliament. A gift given to the king conditionally There was granted unto him half a deem of the spirituality, and half a deem of the Temporalty, to be paid at the feast of Saint Mighell than next, if it seemed to the Lords and counsellors that it was need. Mighel de la Poole prisoner at Windsor is released by the king. These determinations notwithstanding, the king suffered Mighell de la Poole Earl of Suffolk which was prisoner at Wyndsore, to go at large, and not long after came Robert Tresilian, chief justice of the common bench to Coventrie, and indited there two thousand persons. Robert Tresilian chiefs justice. And the king and the Queen came unto Grobye, and thither came unto him by his commandment the justices of the Realm, and there were present all these evil Counsellors, that is to say, Alexander archbishop of York, Robert Veer Duke of Ireland, Mighell de la Poole, Robert Tresilian and their fellows. Of whom it was demanded if it might stand with the laws of the Realm, that the King might revoke the ordinances by him and his realm made in his last parliament, which he accorded unto in manner by constraint. The justices answer. And they made answer that the king might well revoke and make frustrate all their acts at his pleasure, for they were acts above the laws. The counsel at Nottyngham. Then were these justices commanded to come again to Nottyngham, where the King appointed to meet them. And thither came the King out of the North parties, and held a solemn counsel in the Castle of Nottyngham the morrow after Saint Bartholomewes' day. In the which counsel was sir Alexander archbishop of York, Robert Veer Duke of Ireland, Mighell de la Poole Earl of Suffolk, Robert Tresilian justice, Robert Bramble justice and sundry other. And all these justices were commanded to set to their hands to the questions under written, that by the means thereof, these seducers, which were about the king, thought they might have good occasion to put the Duke of Gloucester and all the other Lords to death, which were the last Parliament, as aforesaid, ordained to have the governance of the realm, and all other that were cousenting to the same. divers there were of the justices which refused to set to their hands, but they were constrained thereto, among the which was john Belknap, who utterly refused it, until such time as the Duke of Ireland and the Earl of Suffolk compelled him thereunto, which if he had still refused, he had not escaped their hands. And when he had set to his seal: Now saith he, here lacketh nothing but a rope, that I may receive the worthy death for my reward, and I know that if I had not done this, I could not have escaped your hands, and now it is done for the king's pleasure and yours, I have deserved death of the Lords, which shortly followed, for in the next parliament he was condemned and put to execution. And for that this should be in remembrance, an act of counsel was made thereof, in manner as followeth. An act of counsel an. Ric. ij. xj. Memorandum that the xxv day of August in the xj year of the reign of King Richard the second, at the Castle of Nottyngham afore the said King, Robert Tresilian chief justice of England, Robert Belknap chief justice of the common bench, A company of evil justices and counsellors. john Holte, Roger Fulthorp, and William Brough knights, and fellows of the said Robert Belknap, and john Lockton, one of the king's sergeants at the law, being personally required in the presence of the Lords, and other witnesses under written, by our said sovereign Lord the king, in the faith and allegiance, by the which they are firmly bounden to the said king, that they should truly answer to certain questions under written, and before them recited, and upon the same by their discretions to say the law. Articles proposed and answers made unto them. 1 First, it was asked of them whether the new statute and ordinance and commission made in the last parliament holden at Westminster, be hurtful to the kings royal prerogative? Whereunto all of one mind answered, that they be hurtful, and specially because they were against the kings william. 2 Item it was inquired of them, how they aught to be punished which procured the said statute, ordinance and commission to be made? Whereunto of one assent they answered, that they deserved to be punished by the Capital pain, that is to say of death, unless the king of his grace will pardon them. 3 Item, it was inquired how they aught to be punished which excited the king to consent to the making of the said statute, ordinance and commission? Whereunto of one mind they said, that unless the king would give them his pardon, they aught to be punished by the Capital pain. 4 Item, it was inquired of them, what pain they deserved that compelled the king to consent to the making of the said statute, ordinance & commission? Whereunto of one assent they gave answer, that as Traitors they aught to be punished. 5 Item, how they aught to be punished that interrupted the king, so that he might not exercise those things that appertained to his regality and prerogative? Whereunto of one assent it was answered, that they aught to be punished as Traitors. 6 Item, it was inquired of them, whether that after the business of the realm, and the cause of that assembly of the parliament were by the kings commandment disclosed and declared in the parliament, and other articles limited by the king, upon which the Lords and commons of the Realm aught to proceed in the same parliament: If the Lords and commons would in any wise proceed upon other articles, and in no wise upon the articles limited by the king, till the king had answered the Articles expressed by them, notwithstanding that they were by the king enjoined to the contrary: whether the king in this case aught to have the rule of the parliament, and in deed to rule, to the intent that upon the articles limited by the king, they aught first to proceed or not, before they proceeded any further? To which question, of one mind they answered, that the king in this part should have the rule in order one after another, in all other articles touching, until the end of the parliament. And if any do contrary to this rule of the king, he aught to be punished as a Traitor. 7 Whether the King whensoever it pleased him, might not dissolve the Parliament, and command his Lords and Commons to depart from thence or not? Whereunto it was of one mind answered, that he may. And if any would proceed in the parliament against the kings will, he is to be punished as a traitor. 8 Item, it was inquired that for as much as it is in the king to remove such of the justices and officers as do offend, and to justify and punish them for their offences, whether the Lords and commons might without the kings will impeach the same officers and justices upon their offences in the parliament or not? To this answer was made, that they might not: And he that did contrary, was to be punished as a Traitor. 9 Item, it was inquired, how he is to be punished that moved in the Parliament that the statute whereby Edward, the son of king Edward, great Grandfather to the king that now is, was indicted in the parliament might be sent for, by the inspection of which statute, the said new statute or ordinance and commission were conceived in the parliament. To the which question of one accord they answered, that as well he that so summoned, as the other which by force of the same motion brought the said statute into the parliament house, be as criminous and Traitors to be punished. 10 Item, it was inquired of them, whether the judgement given in our parliament, holden at Westminster against Mighell de la Poole, late Earl of Suffolk, were erroneous and revocable or not? To the which question, of one assent, they said, that if the same judgement were now to be given, the same justices and Sergeant aforesaid would not give the same, because it seemed to them that the same judgement is revocable and is erroneous in every part. In witness whereof the justices & Sergeant aforesaid to these presents have set to their seals, these men being witnesses. Alexander archbishop of York, Robert archbishop of Dowblynd, john Bishop of Durham, Thomas Bishop of Chester, john Bishop of Bangor, Robert Duke of Ireland, Mighell earl of Suffolk, john Rypon Clarke, and john Blake. But here a little to return back: Ye heard before in the eight year of the reign of this king, that a peace was concluded with England, France and Scotland for one year next to come. And that the French men should give knowledge thereof to the Scottish king, and so it was that the French king sent his Ambassadors into Scotland, and they passed through England to give the Scottish king knowledge of the peace. In the mean time that the French Ambassadors lay in Scotland, among other things, the Earl Douglas said unto them, ye see our Country, but ye consider not the strength thereof, for we are so lodged upon England, that we may at our pleasure enter which way we lust, and burn and spoil four days journey into the realm, and return again at our pleasure, we lack nothing but men, had we a thousand Spear men of France to join with the power that we can make, we might give England such an overthrow as England never had, and this my Lords were good for you to keep in remembrance, and to show the Lords of France at your return, that the next and readiest way to persecute and conquer England, is to enter with us into their land. The aforesaid Ambassadors did lightly credit this tale, and at their return forgot not to make report thereof unto the counsel of France, of the which divers of them also thought it a right good way: Wherefore against the said peace should expire, they made provision toward Scotland, minding to enter that way upon England. The French king purposed to enter & vex England three manner of ways. And at this time, there were bruited abroad in England divers things, namely that the French king intended to assail England with a mighty puissance, and that three manner of ways. The one out of Briteyn, for that the Duke of Briteyne was become French. The other by Normandy, for the which as it was said, the Constable of France made his provision at Harflew, and Deep. And the third by Scotland. The French king sent a power into Scotland, purposing that way to overthrow England. In the beginning of May, Sir john de Vien Admiral of France, accompanied with a thousand Spears of chosen knights and esquires, and five hundredth Crossbows, with harness to arm a thousand Scots, landed in Scotland, & at the last arrived at Edenbourgh, which is the chiefest town in Scotland. And assoon as the Earl Douglas, and the Earl Moret knew of their coming, they went to the Haven and met them, and received them right lovingly: saying that they were right welcome into that Country. And at that time the king of Scots was in the wild Scottish. But it was showed these knights, that the King would be there shortly, wherewith they were content, and so they were lodged thereabouts in the Villages. For Edenbourgh though the King kept therein his chief residence, yet it is not like Paris, Paris. Torney. Valenciens. nor yet like Turney, nor Valenciens. For in all the town there is not four thousand houses. Therefore these Lords and Knights were lodged in Villages about, as well as they might be in that Country. When knowledge came into the Realm of Scotland, that a great number of men of arms of France were come into their Country: some thereat did murmur and grudge, and said: who the devil hath sent for them? what do they here? Cannot we maintain our war with England without their help? we shall do no good as long as they be with us, and so let them be told, that they may return again. And say unto them, that we be strong enough in Scotland to maintain our war without them, and therefore we will none of their company, they understand not us, nor we them: They will quickly rifle and eat up all that ever we have in this Country: They will do us more despite and damage, then though the Englishmen fought with us. For if the Englishmen burn our houses, we care little therefore, for we may soon make them again cheap enough, for in three days we will make them again, if we may get four or five stakes, and a few Bows to cover them. This was the communication of the Scots at the coming of the French men, for they set nothing by them, but hated and spoke shamefully, The French men are evil welcomed to Scotland. and villainously of them, like to rude people without all humanity. And all things considered (saith Froissart) it was to great an army of so many noble men to come into Scotland. For twenty or xxx Knights of France had been better than all that number of a thousand, and the cause is, that in Scotland ye shall found lightly no man of honour or nobility, neither that knoweth what belongeth to a Gentleman. They are like wild and savage people, A description of Scotland and their manners. they covet to be acquainted with no stranger, and they are full of envy at the prosperous estate of others, and they are ever in fear to loose that they have, for it is a poor Country. And when the English men make any road or voyage into the land, they are ever compelled to have their victuals follow them: for in Scotland they shall find nothing. Neither is there in Scotland iron to show their horses, nor leather to make hatnesse for their horse, as Saddles, bridles. etc. But they have all these things ready made out of Flaundyrs. And when that provision faileth, then is there none to get in that Country. When the Barons and Knights of France, who were wont to find fair hosteryes, halls hanged, and goodly Castles, and soft beds to rest in, saw themselves in that necessity: They began to smile, and said to the Lord Admiral, Sir this is a pleasant journey, we never knew what beggary was until now, and now we find it true, that our old fathers were wont to say: go your way, and ye live long ye shall find hard beds. The Admiral pacified them as well as he might, and said: It behoveth us to suffer a little, and to speak fair, for we be here in danger, we have a great long way to go, and by England we can not return, therefore let us quietly take in good worth that we find. Yet there was another thing that was greatly grievous to the French men: For when they were in Scotland, and would ride, they found horses unreasonably dear, for that which was not worth ten florins, they would not cell under an hundredth, and much pain to have them for their money. And when they had a horse, than had they neither Bridle nor saddle, The misery of Scotland. except they brought them with them. In this trouble and danger were the French men: Yea, and moreover, when their varlets went forth a foraging, and had laden their horses with such as they could get for money, in their return home, The deceit & cruelty of the Scots. the Scots themselves which had taken their money for the forage, did lie in wait of them, and took all that they had from them, and slew them, so that there was none that durst go a foraging, for in a month the French men lost of their varlets more than an hundredth, for if they went forth three or four together, they never returned again, and thus the French men were handled in Scotland. Also now the French men desired that the king of Scots would come forward, and likewise the Lords and Knights of Scotland, for the time passed away. And they answered and said, that they would make no war on England at that time: and this they said, because they would make the French men pay well for their coming: For before the King would come out of the wild Scottish to Edenbourgh, he demanded of the Admiral of France to have a great sum of money, for him and his people. And the Admiral of France was feign to promise', and to seal that the king should have a certain some of money before that he and his company departed his Realm. And if he had not done this, he should have had none aid of the Scots. And yet when he had made the best agreement with them that he could, he gate but little by them, as in the end will appear. A description of Robert King of Scots. At the last, King Robert of Scotland came to Edenbourgh, with a pair of bleared eyen, and it seemed they were lined with scarlet. And it appeared by him, that he was no valiant man of arms, but that he loved rather to lie still, then to ride: He had ix sons, and they loved well arms. So when the king was come, the Lord and knights of France drew unto him and did their duty. And there was present with the king the Earl Douglas, the Earl Moret, the Earl de la Mare, the Earl of Surlant, and diverse other, There the Admiral required the king that the cause of their coming might be accomplished, which was to make a journey into England. The Barons, knights, and esquires of Scotland answered and said, that if God pleased, they would make such a voyage that should be to their honour and profit. The king than sent out his commandment to assemble his power, & at a day appointed, there were ready xxx thousand men all on horseback. Sir john Vien Admiral of France thought the time long, and feign would have been doing of some great feat in England: when he saw the Scots were come together, he made haste and said, Sirs, it is now time to ride, we have lain still a great while. So then they set forward to Rosebourgh. The king himself went not in this journey, for he abode still in Edenbourgh, but all his sons were in the army. The thousand complete harness which the French men brought with them, were delivered to the knights of Scotland, who were before but evil harnessed, and had need of that harness. Then they road toward Northumberland, and so long they road, that they came to the Abbey of Man's, and there they lodged all about the river of Tyne, and the next day they came to Morlan, and so before Rosebourgh. The keeper of the Castle of Rosebourgh under the Lord Mountagew, was a knight called Sir Edward Clifford. The Admiral of France, and the Scots tarried and beheld well the Castle. And when they had well considered it, they thought to assail it should not be profitable for them, wherefore they passed by, and drew along the river side approaching to Barwike, and so long they road, that they came to two towers right strong, the which were kept by two knights, the father and the son, both were called Sir john Strand. About these Towers were fair Lands, and a fair place, the which incontinent were brent, and the two Towers assailed, and there were many feats of arms showed, and diverse Scots hurt with shot and throwing of stones: But finally the Towers were won by plain assault, and the knights taken, the which manfully defended the same as long as they might. And after the conquest of these two Towers, Verley castle is assaulted by the Scots. they went to another Castle called Verley, belonging to Sir john Mountagew, and under him was captain thereof Sir john of Lushborne, who had there with him, his wife, and his children, and all his goods. And he knew well before that the Scots would come thither: and therefore he had furnished this castle to the best of his power to abide the assault. So about this Castle tarried all the army. This Castle stood in a fair Country, by a fair river that cometh out of Tymbre, and runneth into the sea. And one day there was a great assault given to the said Castle, and the French men bore themselves right well that day, much better than did the Scots, for they entered into the ditches, and passed through with much pain: There were many feats of arms done, what by them above and them beneath. The French men mounted up by Ladders, and fought hand to hand with Daggers on the Walls. Sir john Lushborne did quite himself as a valiant knight, & fought with the French men hand to hand on the Ladders. At this assault, there was slain a knight of Almain called sir Bleres Gastelain, which was great pity. There were many hurt that day: But at the last the number of Scots and French men were so great, that the Castle was won, and the knight and his wife, and children taken, and xl other prisoners. Verley castle taken and razed down. And then the Castle was brent, and razed down, for they saw well that it was not to be kept, seeing it stood so far within England as it did. Then the Admiral and the Scots road toward Anwike, and there they had knowledge that the Duke of Lancaster, the Earl of Northhumberland, the Earl of Nottyngham, with a great number more, were coming upon them with a great power. When the Admiral of France heard these tidings, he seemed to be very joyful, and in like manner were all the Barons of France, and all the Scots: But they were counseled to return again toward Barwike, because of their provision that followed them, and to be near to their own Country, and there to abide their enemies. And so they returned toward Barwike, and so to their own Country. Tidings was brought into England how the Frenchmen and Scots were in Northumberland, and had destroyed and brent the Country. The King of England knowing before of the coming of the Frenchmen, made great provision for Scotland, both by sea and land. And by sea, the king had xxuj ships laden with victual and provision coasting the Frontiers of England, and ready to enter into every haven of Scotland. The king of England entereth Scotland with a great power. The King himself came accompanied with his Uncles, the Earl of Cambridge, and sir Thomas Holland, the Earl of Salisbury, the Earl of Arondell, the Earl of Pembroke, the Earl of Stafford, the Earl of Muzien, the Lord Spencer, and so many other Barons and knights, that they were four thousand spears, beside them that went before with the Duke of Lancaster, the Earl of Northumberland. etc. Which were two thousand spears, and xu hundred Archers, beside varlets. And it was told the king that the Scots and Frenchmen were like to fight with the Englishmen that went before, and therefore the king made such haste, that he came to the Marches of Duresme, and there he heard that the Scots were returned into Scotland. The king passed still forward, being accompanied with eight thousand men of arms, and lx thousand Archers, and passed Berwick, and so into Scotland to the Abbey of Maros. The Abbey of Maros in Scotland spoiled and brent. The which Abbey, in all the wars that had been between England and Scotland, was never hurt, until this time, and now was it utterly spoiled and brent, for it was the intent of the king never to return into England, until he had destroyed a great piece of Scotland, because they brought in Frenchmen to the destruction of England. When the Admiral of France knew that the king of England was passed the river of tweed, and was entered into Morland in Scotland, Then he said to the Barons of Scotland, Sirs, why do we lie here still? Let us go forth and look on our enemies, and fight with them. It was showed us before we came hither, that if ye had out of France but one thousand of good men of arms, ye should be strong enough to fight with all the Englishmen, and I assure you, ye have more here then xu C. of good knights and squires, and such as will stand by it, and take that fortune that God doth send. The Scots answered and said, Sir we believe well that ye and your company are chosen men and valiant: But sir we have knowledge that all the power of England is here at this present, and there were never so many Englishmen assembled together in these parts as are now, and if ye will, we will bring you into place where ye shall well see and advise them. And then if ye think them meet to be fought withal, we will not refuse it. Then said the Admiral, I pray you let me see them. And they brought him to a Mountain, where under the hill was a passage that the Englishmen must needs pass, and they saw them and viewed them to be to the number of six thousand men of arms, and lx thousand Archers and other. Then said the admiral to the Earl Douglas, and the Earl Moret, in deed here is no equal number to fight with them, for ye are not above xxx thousand, and yet many evil armed. But now advise yourselves best what is to be done, they are now entered into your Country, and they are enough to overrun all your Country, and to destroy it: & ye are not minded to encounter with them, what will ye then do? ye said ye could enter out of your country divers ways into divers places of England: And I think it best that we make them some war there as they do us here. And hereunto all the Barones' of Scotland agreed and said, we are well contented so to do, and we know divers ways. And they agreed to go into Wales, which is otherwise called Winsland, and so to go to the City of Carlisle, and there to be revenged. And so they left the Englishmen in Scotland, and they went up the forests and Mountains. And the Scottish king was gone to the wild Scottish, and there remained. The king of England, with his Uncles, Barons, Knights and army went to Edinburgh, the chiefest town in all Scotland, and there lay .v. Scotland is sore spoiled and plagued. days, and at his departing set fire on it, and brent it down to the ground. And likewise he brent Estrevelyn and the Abbay thereunto adjoining. Also they brent Saint john's town, and the town of Strevelyn, the town of Dondee, and to be short, they spared nothing that stood in their way, neither Town, Village, Abbey, nor Church, for they might do in Scotland what they would, for there was no people left to resist them. For all the people were gone with the Frenchmen & Scots toward Carlisle, as aforesaid. Now when the king had thus spoiled, destroyed, and brent Scotland, The king returneth again into England, not meeting with any Scotte that durst encounter him. the Duke of Lancaster advised him to follow the Scots and Frenchmen to Carlisle. And there were other considered that Winter approached, and that the passage over the Mountains and forests would be long and dangerous, and that it would be no small thing to victual still that great army. Wherefore at the last, by the mean of the Earl of Oxford, the king was fully persuaded to return into England as he came, and so he did. The French Lords and the Scots likewise, as aforesaid, made a road into Northumberlande between the Mountains, The French men return into Scotland as men weary of that journey. brenning manors and Towns, and all that stood in their way, and did much hurt, and besieged the City of Carleisle, but they gave it over, & returned again into Scotland the same way they went, but the Frenchmen said, they never intended to go that way any more. When the admiral of France and his company, were returned to Edinburgh, than they tasted of some pain, for they found the Town clean brent, and destroyed, so that there was nothing to be had for money, wines there were none, so that for drink, they had none but small Ale or Beer, and their Bread was made of Barley and of Oats. Also their horses were dead for hunger, and foundered for poverty. And when they would have fold them, they witted not to whom, nor there was none that would give them one penny, neither for horse, nor for harness. How the Frenchmen opened their griefs one to another. The soldiers told their Captains how they were dealt withal, and they knew it to be true by their own experience, and their servants said that they could not endure with that misery: They said that the Realm of Scotland was such a country as no host were able to endure there a Winter, for if they did they should either die for cold, or starve for hunger, or both. And also if they should depart asunder, and search for their living abroad in the Country, they doubted that the Scots would slay them in their beds. The admiral considered well all these things, and saw all was like to be true that they said: Howbeit he was in purpose to have bidden there all the Winter, and to have sent unto the French king, and to the Duke of Burgoyne, and to have had new provision of money and victuals, and to have made a new fresh war again the next Summer. Howbeit he saw well the evil nature and manner of the Scots, and considered well the peril of his people, and therefore he gave leave unto all such as would, to depart. But at their departing, then was the mischief: For the Lords could find no passage for themselves, nor yet for their men. The Scots would that such knights and squires as were but poor, should depart, to the intent that they might rule the remnant at more ease. And they said to the admiral, Sir, let your men depart when you will: How the Scots handled the french men. But as for yourself, ye shall not depart out of this Country, until we be fully satisfied of all such charges and damages as we have borne and sustained all this season with your army. This communication seemed hard to the Admiral and to the other Barons of France. And the admiral showed all this matter to the Earl Douglas, and to the Earl Moret, who seemed to be sore displeased, that they were so hardly dealt withal. And so these two Earls spoke to the other Earls, and Barons of Scotland, who said how they had lost as well as they. But they answered, saying, although you dissemble with them, we will be recompensed. Then these two Earls said to the admiral and to the other Lords of France, that they could not rule the other Lords nor commons': wherefore it behoved them, if they purposed to go out of the realm, to satisfy the commons, and to restore unto them all their damages. The Admiral of france is driven to a straight. And when the admiral saw that it would be none otherwise, he thought he would not lose the more for the less, and he considered well how that he was without comfort, & closed in with the Sea, and saw how that the Scots were of a wild opinion, and therefore agreed to the Scots request, and caused a proclamation to be made, that all manner of persons that could prove that any of his people had done them any damage, let them come to the admiral, and he would recompense them the value thereof, the which proclamation appeased the Scots. And so the admiral became debtor to them all, and said how he would not departed out of Scotland until all the complaints were fully satisfied and paid. Then divers Knights and squires had passage, and so returned without either horse or harness, cursing the day that ever they came into Scotland, saying that there were never men that had so hard a voyage, The report of the french men how they liked Scotland. wishing that the French king had peace with England one year or two, and so both kings together to go into Scotland, utterly to destroy that Realm for ever, for they said they never saw so evil people, nor so false, nor more foolish people in feats of war. The admiral of France by them that first departed, wrote his letters to the French king, and to the Duke of Burgoyn, certefying them what case he was in, and how the Scots dealt with him, and that if they would have him to come home, they must sand thither such sums of money as he was become debtor for, to be paid to the knights, Squires and commons of Scotland. For the Scots said plainly that the war that they made into England, at that time, was for France, and not for themselves. And therefore all such damages as they had taken by that journey, they would be fully recompensed again before he went out of Scotland, to the which he had sworn and agreed. The departure of the Admiral of France out of Scotland. The French king and his counsel were bound to redeem again the Admiral, for they sent him thither. Then the sums of money were ordained for, and paid by exchange in the Town of Bridges, and so the Scots were satisfied, and the admiral took his leave in Scotland and departed into France. Now when the Admiral was returned into France to the young king Charles, and to the Duke of Burgoyn, and they demanded of him the condition of the king and the Lords of Scotland: He answered, The report made by the Admiral unto the french of the estate and manners of Scotland. that the Scots somewhat resembled the English men, because they are envious to strangers. And moreover he said, that he had rather be Earl of Savoy, or Earl of Arthoys, then to be king of Scots, and said also that he had seen all the power of the Scots in one day together, as the Scots said themselves, and yet he never saw together, not past .v. C. Spears, and xxx thousand men of war, the which number against the English Archers, or against a thousand of other good men of arms, could not long endure. Then the admiral was demanded if he had seen the puissance of England: He answered, yea, for on a day quoth he, when I saw the Scots fly away for fear of the Englishmen, I desired them to bring me where as I might see and advise the English host, and so they did. I was set at a straight passage, where as they must needs pass, and to my judgement, they were lx thousand Archers, and six or seven thousand men of arms. And the Scots said, that it was all the power of England, and that there were none abiding behind. Then the king and his Counsel studied a little, and at the last said, it is a great thing of lx thousand Archers, and uj or vij thousand men of arms. It may well be, quoth the Constable, that they may make that number: But I had rather fight with them at home in their own Marches with that number, than here with half the number: And so I have heard my father say often times when I was young. By my faith, sir quoth the Admiral, if ye had been there with a great number of men of Arms, as I supposed ye should have been, I think we had famished all in Scotland. And thus an end of the French men's voyage into Scotland. Now ye have heard of the journey that the French men made into Scotland against England, and ye have also heard before, that the French king intended to enter into England, and made provision for the same three manner of ways. First by Scotland, as ye have already heard, the second by Briteyn, because the Duke of Briteyn was now reconciled to the French king, and thirdly by Normandy, in the which two places he made provision of a huge army, and navy, as after shall appear. And while the aforesaid French men were busy in Scotland against the English men, as abovesaid, the young French king Charles, and his Uncle the Duke of Burgoyn and Constable of France, had great desire and affection to go with an army into England, and all knights and squires of France did very well agreed thereunto, saying why should not we once go into England to see the Country, and to learn the paths of the same, A great provision made by the french against England. as they have done in France. So that forthwith great provision and furniture for that voyage was made in France on all sides, and taxes and tallages set and assessed upon the Cities, towns, and Burgesses of the same, and in the plain Country, that in an hundredth year before there had been none such seen nor heard of. And also great provision made by sea all the Summer time until the month of September, they did nothing else, but grind Corn, and bake Biscuit. And at Tornay, Lisle, Douai, Arras, Amiens, Bethine, saint Omers, and in all the Towns about Scluse, they were occupied to like purpose. For the French king by the advise of his counsel purposed to take the Sea at Scluce, and so to enter England, and to destroy the same. They that were rich men in the Realm of France to the aid and furniture of this voyage, were taxed and seized at the third penny, and fourth part of their goods, & many paid more than they were worth beside. And from Spain, and from the port of Civil to Pruce there was no great ship on the Sea that the French men could lay their hands upon, neither any ship that was under their obeisance, but they were retained for the French king. And his men, and his other provision came from all parts, and arrived in Flaundyrs, both wine, salt, flesh, fish, oats, hay, Onions, Biscuit, flower, eggs in Pipes, and all manner of things that could be devised, so that the provision was so great as it could not be believed of any, but of such as saw it. Besides this, Lords, Knights, esquires, and men of war were written unto and desired to come and serve the French king in this journey, out of Savoy, Almain, and from the Son going down, to the land of the Earl of Arminack. And so these Lords of far Countries, as the Earl of Savoy was retained with five hundredth spears. Also the Earl of Arminack, & the dolphin of Annerency, thought they were of far Countries, yet they made their provisions so great and costly, that it was a great marvel to think thereof: And it was a wonder to consider from whence such provision came, what by land, and what by sea into Flaundyrs, as to Bruges, to Dan, and to Scluse. Also there was sent for into Holland, Zealand, Middlebourgh, Zirickzee, Dordright, Stonehove, and to all other towns on the sea coast, and to the rivers entering into the sea, for all manner of ships that could do any service, and all were brought to Scluce. But the Hollanders, and Zelanders said to them that retained them, if ye will have our service, pay us our wages clearly, or else we will not go to any port, and so they were paid, wherein they did wisely. And (saith Froyssart) I think that sithen the creation of the world, there was never seen together so many great ships as were at that time at Scluse, and at Blanquerge: For in the month of September in the said year, A great Navy of ships. they were numbered to be twelve hundredth, lxxxvij. ships at Scluse: And their Masts seemed in the sea like a great Wood or Forest. A Closure made of timber like a closure of a park for the enclosing of the french army when they should lie in the field. And the Constable of France his ship, was appareled and furnished at Lenterginer in Briteyn. Also the Constable of France caused to be made in Briteyn of Timber, a Closure for a Town, made like a Park, that when they had taken land in England, to close in their field to lodge therein with more ease and safety. And whensoever they should remove their field, the Closure was so made, that they might take it a sunder in pieces, and a great number of Carpenters and other were retained in wages to attend thereupon. And whosoever at that time had been at Bruges, Great and wonderful provision. at Dan, or at Scluse, and had seen the business that there was in charging and lading of ships with hay, sacking of Biscuit, and lading of Onions, Peason, beans, Barley, candles, hosen, shoes, spurs, knives, daggers, sword, Targets, Ares, mattocks, Nails of all sorts, Wymbles, Hammers, Beds, Cowches, Horse shoes, Pots, Pans, Candlesticks, Candles, Torches, Piche, Tar, Rosen, Ropes, Gables, Ankers, shot Powder, Ordinance, Armour, and of all other things necessary that might be thought upon, as Boötes, Cloaks, Saddelles, Bridles, Bits, Stirops, and Stirrup leathers, scaling Ladders, and a number of things more that I can not rehearse. Whosoever (saith Froissart) that had been there and had seen it, although he had been right sore sick, yet it would have made him to have forgotten both his disease and pain. The lusty younkers of France talking among themselves, had almost none other talk, nor made none other account, but that the Realm of England should have been utterly spoiled and destroyed for ever and ever, without all mercy and recovery. Of this great preparation and provision the king of England and his counsel were well informed, The king of England was certified of the provision that the french king made to enter the realm of England. and the king was certainly assured that the French king would come into England, for so had he & his Nobles sworn. And although at the first hearing of this wonderful great provision, it did somewhat abash the Englishmen, which was no great marvel. For as the matter of itself was very great, so the same was reported to be ten times much more than it was. And again, although the Englishmen understood of this great provision, yet were they not in certainty, whether the same was wholly purposed to land in England, or else to say siege to Calais both by land and sea. For the Englishmen knew well that of all the Towns of the world, the French men most coveted to have Calais: Wherefore the king of England sent to Calais great provision of Wheat and other grain, Salt, Flesh, Fish, Wine, Beer, and other things. And thither was sent Sir Thomas Holland Earl of Kent, Sir Hugh Canrell, Sir William Helman, Sir Dangoses, sir Walter of Urns, Sir Water paul, sir William Toncet, sir Lewes of Mountalbon, sir Colers of Dambrichecourt, and five hundred men of arms, and five hundred Archers, and the Earl Richard of Arondell, and sir Henry Spencer were ordained to keep the Sea, with xl great ships well furnished and trimmed with the number of three hundred men of arms, and six hundred Archers. Again an other report was bruited abroad that this army of the French being so furnished and appointed, was not meant to go neither to Calais, Sundry brutes and reports were made of the intention of this great Navy and army of France. neither yet into England, but rather was altogether purposed against the town of Gaunt. And (saith Froissart) as I was informed, the town of Gaunt the same season doubted greatly that all that provision was to come upon them: But they were in a wrong belief, for the Duke of Burgoyne their Lord meant towards them nothing but rest and quiet, although that France's Atreman were shortly after the making of the peace at Torney slain, which happened rather by his own folly, France's Atreman slain. then by any displeasure that the Duke aught unto him: but because that matter doth not properly touch this our discourse for England, I therefore pass it over. And now again to return to the provisions that were made at this season at Dan, and at Sluice, it is not had in remembrance of man, neither in writing was ever the like seen or read of the charges of this provision, for, saith Froissart, Gold and silver was as fast spent by the French king, as though it had reigned out of the Clouds, or that it had come out of the foam and skomme of the sea. The young French king was courageous. The French king himself, as young as he was, had more mind and desire to this journey into England, than any other, and so he showed himself always to the end thereof. And now to go forward, every man helped to make provision for other, and to garnish and beautify their ships, and to paint them with their arms, and to advance and make them a glorious show to the whole world. Painters at that time were well set on work, and the time was to them very profitable, for they had whatsoever they desired, and yet there could not enough of them be gotten for money. They made Banners, Pennons, Standards of silk, so sumptuous and comely that it was a marvel to behold. Great cost vainly spent. Also they painted the Masts of their ships from the one end to the other, glittering with Gold, and devices and arms that was marvelous rich: and specially (saith Froissart) as it was told me, the Lord Guy of Tremoyll so decked, garnished, and beautified his ship with peynting and colours, that it cost him two thousand Frankes of french money, that is more then. CCxxij. pound of the current money of England. And in like manner did every Lord of France set forth his devise and show. And as it is before said, all that hath been rehearsed, and whatsoever else was done in France concerning the advancement of this journey, was well known in England, which brought some fear among them, and therefore they caused divers general processions to be made in every good Town and City three times in the week, wherein prayer was made with fervent spirit and devotion unto almighty God to be their Protector and shield against their enemies, and the peril that the realm was then in. And yet notwithstanding, there were in England at that time more than a hundredth thousand that heartily wished and desired that the Frenchmen might arrive in England. And those lusty young lads, as triumphing among themselves and their companions would say, let these frenchmen come, there shall not one tail of them return again into France. And such as were in debt and cared not for the payment thereof, they rejoicing greatly at the coming of the frenchmen would say to their creditors when they demanded their debt of them, Sirs, be you patient a little and bear with us, for they forge in France new florins wherewith ye shall be paid. And in trust thereof they lived and spent very largely. And when they could not be credited, they would say, what would ye have of us, it were better for you that we should spend freely the goods of this Realm, rather than the Frenchmen coming hither should find and consume the same. At this time the king of England was in the Marches of Wales, and with him the Earl of Oxford, by whose advise the greatest things in England were governed, & without whose advise nothing in effect was done. Also there was with the king as chief of his Counsel, sir Symond Burle, sir Nicholas Brawl, sir Robert Tavilion, sir Robert Beauchamp, sir john Saluen, and sir Mighell de la Poole. Also there was named Sir William Nevell, brother to the Lord Nevell. All these as the talk went, did with the King what they would. And as for the king's Uncles, the Earl of Cambridge, and the Earl of Buckyngham could do nothing without it were agreeable to the other aforesaid. And this trouble and difference among themselves was well known in France, which greatly advanced the enterprise of the French king. Now when the king and the Lords of England were truly informed that the French king was ready with his power to enter into England and to destroy it, than they drew together in counsel. And the king at that time being in Wales, as aforesaid, was written unto by his Uncles and other of the counsel, that it was meet and necessary for him to come to London where his Lords, and he might best consult for the weal and defence of his realm. The king forthwith returned toward London with the Queen his wife, and came to Wynsore, but shortly after, he came to westminster, The king of England with his counsel taketh advice for the defence of England. and thither came unto him all the Lords of his counsel, and there took advice what things were to be done against this journey, and enterprise of the French King. Then the Earl of Sarisbury, The worthy and godly counsel given by the earl of Salisbury. who was a right valiant and prudent knight said before the king and his Uncles, and before all the Lords and prelate's of England that were there present. Sir, my sovereign Lord, and all ye my Lords and other, it aught not to be marveled at if our adversary the french king do come and run upon us, for sithen the death of our late sovereign Lord and noble king Edward, one of the puyssauntest Princes that ever reigned, this noble realm of England hath been in great hazard and adventure to have been lost and destroyed even with the lewd and naughty people brought up and nourished in the same, which thing is not hidden from France, and that which is worse, it is well known that we among ourselves are not in perfit love and unity, and that maketh our enemy so bold. And hereunto I will specially direct my speech, to move and exhort that peace, unity, and love may be had amongst ourselves, and that being first had, and faithfully and lovingly granted of every of us, we shall the better devise the resistance and withstanding of our foreign enemies. And now to begin with that matter. First it is meet that we ordain a sufficient power for the defence of all our enemies at every port, Haven and creak, within this realm, that our Country receive no dishonour blame nor damage. And then let us with all diligence see well to the defence of all our good Forts, holds, Cities and good towns, and endeavour ourselves to the good consideration and defence of the same. Now when the Earl of Sarisbury had ended his tale, his words and saying was very well noted, as the words of a sage and valeant knight, and there was no reply made, The order of defence made for the realm of England to withstand the power of France. but with one voice they consented to enter into devices for defence. And first they thought it most meetest to provide for the defence of those Havens where they thought the French king was most likest to land. And for that the Earl of Salisbury's possession in part marched near unto the Isle of Wight, which is right over against Normandy, and the Country of Caulx, therefore he with his Archers and power was there placed for the defence of that frontier. The Earl of Devonshire was appointed to be at Hampton, with two hundredth men of Arms, and uj hundredth Archers, to defend the Haven and town. The Earl of Northumberland was placed at Rye, with two hundredth men of Arms, and uj hundredth Archers. The Earl of Cambridge was assigned to Dover, with .v. hundredth men of Arms, and twelve hundredth Archers. And his brother the Earl of Buckingham, at Sandwich with uj hundredth men of Arms, and twelve hundredth Archers. The Earl of Stafford and the Earl of Pembroke were assigned to Orwell haven, with .v. hundredth men of arms, and twelve hundredth Archers. And sir Henry Percy, & Foulx Percy, were appointed to Yarmouth, with three hundredth men of arms, and vi hundredth Archers. And sir Symond Burle was appointed captain of Dover Castle. All the Havens and Ports between the river of Humbre, and Cornwall, were relieved with men of arms and archers. And on the mountains and hills all along the sea coast, upon the frontiers, lying against Flaundyrs and France, were placed certain numbers of watchmen, but in such manner (saith Froissart) as I can not well describe: But as I heard, they had empty Pipes filled with sand, one set upon another, and on the height of them was place made where the watch men might both stand and sit, and there they continued their watch both night and day, having always special eye and regard toward the sea, having in special charge that when they espied any navy of Frenchmen drawing towards them, that then they should 'cause certain Beacons being near unto them, to be set on fire, that by reason thereof the people might be drawn the sooner to that place, to await for the enemy. It was also ordered, that if it fortuned that the French navy came, that they should suffer the French king peaceably to take land, and all his, and to enter into the land three or four days journey, and that then they should first go between the sea and them, and to fight with his ships if they could, and to destroy them, and to take their provision from them, and then to follow the French men, but not immediately to fight with them, and to harry them and keep them waking, and to keep them from going a foraging, and from the destruction of the Country, and so also by diligent following of them, they should be brought to great lack and scarcity. This was the opinion and order of this counsel of England. And at that time also it was agreed, that Rochester bridge should be broken down, where there is a great river running from Arondell, in the County of Sussex, and entereth into the Thames, and so into the sea against the Isle of Tenet: and this bridge they of London, to be the more sure, did beaten down. Great taxes set upon the people both in France and in England. And where as the taxes and tallages were great in France: In likewise at that time they were great in England, so that the realm felt great grief thereof. There were at that time ready in England for defence, of good fight men, a hundredth thousand Archers, and ten M. men of arms. Here the French men courageously make a show to set forward against England. Now the time approached, that every man began in France to set forward, crying, and saying, Now let us go on these cursed English men, who have done so many mischiefs and wickedness in France, the time is at hand, that we shall be revenged upon them for the death of our fathers, brethren, and kinsmen, whom they have cruelly slain and discomfited. Then the French king took his leave of the Queen his wife, and of the Queen his mother, and of the Duchess of orleans, and of all the other Ladies of France, and the same day heard a most solemn Mass in our Lady Church in Paris, and he said that he purposed never to return again to Paris, until he had been first in England. And the next day early he road to Senlise: But all this while the Duke of Berry was still in his Country of Berrye, although great provision were made for him, both in Flanders and at Scluse. And likewise the Duke of Burgoyne was then in his Country, but he forthwith took his leave of the Duchess, and of his children, and determined to take his leave of his great aunt the Duchess of Brabant, and so he departed out of Burgoyne, and road in great estate, and the admiral of France in his company, and sir Guy of Tremoyll, & so they came to Bruxselles, and there found the Duchess of Brabant and other Ladies, who received him with great honour. And two days he tarried there with them, and then took his leave, and from thence he road to Mouns in Henault, and there he found his daughter the Lady of Ostreuant, and Duke Aubert, and his son, sir William of Henault earl of Ostreuant, who received the Duke with great joy, and so brought him to Valenciens. And the Duke was lodged in the Earls Palace, and Duke Albert in the lodging of Vicongnet, and the Lady of Ostreuant. And from thence the Duke road to Douai, and so to Arras, and there he found the Duchess his wife tarrying for him. Then the French king came to ccompany, and so to Noyon, and from thence to Peron, and so to Bapalmes, and so to Arras, and daily there came down people from all parts, in such great numbers that the Country was almost eaten up. And to say truth, nothing remained in the Country, but it was taken from them, without making any payment for the same. So that the poor Commons that had gathered together their corns, had nothing left them but straw, and that also was taken from them, and if they made any complaint thereof, they were either beaten or slain. There Pondes were fished, there houses beaten down for fire wood: So that if the English men had arrived in that Country, they could have done them no more hurt, neither was it likely that they would have done so much hurt unto them as the French men did. And when the poor pitifully called upon them for some amendss, they answered, as now we have no silver to pay, but when we return we will bring enough, and then every thing shall be fully answered and paid. But when the poor people saw their goods thus taken away and spent, and that they durst not complain thereof, they cursed them between their teeth, saying: Get ye into England, or to the devil, and God grant that ye never return again. The French king came now to Lisle in Flaundyrs, and his two Uncles with him, the Duke of Burgoyn, and the Duke of Bourbon, for as yet the Duke of Berrey was behind in his own Country, and made provision for his journey. And with the King at Lisle was the Duke of Bar, the Duke of Loreyn, the Earl of Arminack, the Earl of Savoy, the Earl Dalphyn of Anneringe, the Earl of Geneve, the Earl of Saint Paul, the Earl of Ewe, the Earl of Longuevile, and other great Lords of France, in such number as I am not able (saith Froissart) to name them. The report was, that there should pass into England, xx. thousand knights, and squires, which certainly were a goodly company, also twenty thousand Crossbows, and xx. thousand of other men of war, which were persons that should enter into England, & remain in the field, beside all the full furniture of the whole navy upon the sea. And at this time sir Oliver Clisson was in Briteyn, and provided there for his business and navy, and was appointed to bring with him the Closure of the field made of Timber, whereof mention is made before. And with the said sir Oliver Clisson Counstable of France, should come out of Briteyn the best knights and esquires therein, as the Viscount of Rhoan, the Lord of Rays, the Lord of Beawmanour, the Lord of de la Vale, the Lord of Rochefort, the Lord of Malestroyt, sir john of Malestroyt, and five hundredth Spears Britons chosen men of war. For it was the Constable's purpose and intent, that no man should enter into England, without he were a man of arms chosen. And he gave charge to the Admiral, saying: take heed that ye charge not our Ships with Verlettes and boys, for they shall do more hurt than profit. So that two or three knights, without they were great masters & Captains, although they hired ships for their money, yet should they have but one horse over, & one Varlet. And to say the truth, they ordained all their business in so good order, that diverse were of that opinion, that if they might arrive altogether in England, where as they intended to land (and that was at Orwell Haven) how that they should have put the Country in great fear, and so they should have done without all doubt. For the great Lords both spiritual and temporal, & the people of the good towns of England were in great doubt: But the Commons and poor people made small account thereof, no more did the poor Gentlemen, for they desired the war, either to lease, or to win all. And they said one to another, I trust God hath sent us a good time, for that the French king will come into this Country, he showeth himself to be of a valiant courage, and we have not heard of three hundredth years past, of a French king of like courage, but he doth it to make his soldiers good men of war: And we thank him that he will thus visit us, for now we shall attain to some riches, or else shortly make an end of our lives. Now the French king came down to Lisle, to show that the journey pleased him, and to come the nearer to his passage. And it was commonly spoken in Flaundyrs, and Arthoys, that the french king and his army taketh Sea on Saturday, on Mondaye, one Tewesday, so that every day in the week it was said, he departeth to morrow. And the kings brother, the Duke of Thourayn, and the Bishop of Beavoys chancellor of France, and divers other great Lords took their leave of the king at Lisle, and they returned to Paris, and it was said, how that the king had given and committed the governance of the Realm of France to his said brother the Duke of Thorayne, and to divers other Lords, as the Earl of Bloys and other. And yet all this time the Duke of Berry was behind, and came fair and softly, for he had no great appetite to this journey of going into England: But his long tarrying was very displeasant unto the king, and to the Duke of Burgoyn and to the other Lords, for they would fain have been gone. Still great provision was made, which was very costly and dear unto them, for that which was not worth two shillings, they paid ten shillings, and yet they would needs have it, for every man desired to be well furnished, in manner of an envy that every man desired to be better appointed then other. And though the great Lords were well paid their wages, other poor fellows bought the bargain full dear, for some had owing unto them for a months wages, and yet could get nothing. The Treasurer of the wars and Clerks of the Chamber of accounts said. Sirs, content you until the next week, and then ye shall be paid, and so they were answered weekly. And if any payment were made unto them, it was but for eight days, when they were owing eight weeks. So that some of the wiser sort, when they saw this manner of dealing, and how they were so evil paid, they were much offended and said, this voyage will be of small effect: For it is most likely, or at the lest to be greatly suspected, that so soon as the money is collected and gathered of such taxes as were set, that then they will break this journey and return home again into their own countries, and those which cast these doubts, and provided for themselves, were wise. But the poor Gentlemen and common soldiers, who had spent all that ever they had, and every thing was so dear in Flaundyrs, that hard it was to get either bread or drink, and specially if any were in such need (as there were a great number) to cell his armour to make money of, there was no person to buy it, neither was there any money to give him for it. There was such and so great a number of people about Dan, Bruges, and Ardenburgh, and specially at Scluse, that when the king came thither, they witted not where to lodge him. The Earl of saint Paul, the Lord of Cowcy, the Lord of Anuergne, the Lord de Antoigne, and divers other Lords of France: and to lie the more at their ease, they were lodged at Bruges, and divers times they resorted to the king at Scluse, to know when they should depart. And ever it was said unto them that within three or four days, or when the Duke of Berry doth come, and also that we have wind to serve us. And thus ever the time passed, and the days shortened, and the year began to wax foul, and cold, and the nights long, the which expense and loss of time much grieved and offended the Lords, not only for that their charges were great, but also most chief for that by their long tarriance, their victuals much diminished. And in this mean time Lion King of Armony: who being in France, and had assigned unto him by the French king six thousand Frankes by the year, which is one thousand Mark of the current money of England, toward the maintenance of his estate. And at this time he took on him for a good intent to go into England to speak with the king there, and his counsel, to see if he might persuade any manner of peace to be had between the two realms of England and France. And so he departed from his lodging of Saint Aulbyn beside saint Dionise, only with his own company and without any great furniture: and so he road to Bulloyne, and there he took shipping, and landed at Dover, where he found the Earl of Cambridge, and the Earl of Buckyngham, and more than an. C. men of arms, and two thousand Archers, who lay there to keep that passage. For the brute went that the French king would land there, or else at Sandwich. And at this time the king of England lay at London, and part of his counsel with him, and daily heard tidings from all the ports of England. When the king of Armony was arrived at Dover, The arrival of Lion king of Armony at Dover. he had there good cheer, because he was a stranger, and so he came to the kings Uncles, who received him right honourably. And at time convenient they demanded of him from whence he came, and whether he would. The said King of Armony said, that in trust of goodness he was come thither to see the king of England and his counsel, to treat for peace between England and France, for he said he thought that the war was not meet, for he said by reason of the war between these two Realms, which hath endured so long: The Saracens, jews and Turckes are waxen proud, for there is none that maketh them any war, by reason whereof I (saith he) have lost my land and realm, and am not like to recover it again without there were firm peace in all christendom. And I would gladly show this matter which in effect toucheth all christendom, unto the king of England and to his counsel, as I have done unto the French king. Then the king's Uncles demanded of him if the french king had sent him hither or no? he answered and said, nay there is no man that sent me, but I am come hither by mine own motion, to see if the king of England and his counsel would any thing bend to the entreaty of peace. Then it was demanded of him where the french king was? he answered I believe he be at Scluse. I saw him not since I took my leave of him at Scluse. Then he was demanded how he could make any entreaty of peace, having no power so to do? And they said moreover unto him, if ye be conveyed to the king our Nephew, and to his counsel, and the French king in the mean season should fortune with his puissance to enter into England, ye may hap thereby to receive great blame, and your person to be in great jeopardy with them of the Country. Then the king answered, I am in surety of the french king, for I have sent unto him, desiring that until I return again, not to remove from Scluse. And I repute him so noble, and so well advised, that he will grant my desire, and that he will not enter into the Sea until I return again unto him. Wherefore, right honourable and valiant gentlemen, I pray you in the instance of love and peace, to convey me to speak with the king, for I desire greatly to see him: Or else ye that be his Uncles, if ye have authority to give me answer to all my demands. Then the Earl of Buckyngham said, Sir king of Armony, we be here ordained to keep and defend this passage and Frontier of England, and we have no charge to meddle any further with the business of the realm, without we be otherwise commanded by the king: But sir ye be come for a good intent into this country, and ye are right heartily welcome. But sir, for any certainty of answer ye can have none of us, for as now we be not of the counsel. But we will 'cause you to be conveyed to the king without peril or damage. The king thanked them and said, I desire nothing else but to see the king & speak with him. The next day the king of Armony was conveyed with a good conduct that the Lords appointed unto him for fear of any reencountries. And at the last he came to London, and riding through London, he was well received because he was a stranger. And when time was convenient, he was brought to the king, who lay then at the Royal, which was then the queens Wardrobe, near unto Watlyngstreete in London. When the coming of the king of Armony was known, the kings counsel drew to the king, to here what tidings the king brought in that troublous season. When the king of Armony was come into the king's presence, he made his due salutations, and then began to show the present estate of France, and how he was come from thence, specially to see the king of England, whom he had never seen before, and said, how that he was right joyous to be in his presence, trusting that some goodness should grow thereby. And then he uttered with many words, that to withstand the great danger of the present mischief that was likely to happen to England, therefore he was come of his own good will to do some good therein if he might: not sent from the french king, but willing to set some accord and peace between the two realms of England and France, if he might. And the Lord chancellor shortly answered him and said, sir king ye are welcome into this realm, for the king our sovereign Lord and all we are glad to see you here: But sir, we say that the king hath not here all his counsel, but shortly they shall be here, and then ye shall be answered, and so for that time the king of Armony departed. And within four days after the king removed to his palace of westminster, and thither came to him all his counsel, and also the king of Armony. And when he was come into the presence of the king of England, and his counsel, the king caused the king of Armony to sit by him. And there the king of Armony rehearsed again the requests that he made, and also showed wisely how that all Christendom was decayed and weakened by occasion of the wars between England and France, and how that all the Knights and squires of both the realms intended and prepared themselves to nothing, but always to be of the one part or the other, whereby the Empire of Constantinople loseth, and daily is like more to lose. And then he showed, that by reason of this war he himself had lost all his realm of Armonye, and therefore desired for God's sake that there might be some treaty of peace had between the two realms of England and France. The archbishop of Cauntorbury, The answer made to the king of harmony. who was appointed to answer him, said: sir king of harmony, it is not the manner nor never was seen, between two such enemies as the king of England, and the French king are, that the king our sovereign Lord should be required of peace with his enemy, and he having in readiness an huge army to enter his land. Wherefore sir, for answer unto you, if it will please you to return to the French king, and to 'cause him and all his puissance to withdraw themselves back again into their own Countries, and when every man is at home, if it please you to return again hither, than we will gladly intend to your treaty. And this was the answer that the king of harmony had, and so he dined with the king of England, and had as great honour done unto him as could be devised. And the king offered him many rich gifts of Gold, and silver, but he would take none, although he had need thereof, but only a Ring to the value of a. C. Frankes, which was in English money xj pound or thereabouts. And after dinner he departed, and took his way to Dover, The departure of the king of harmony. and there took leave of such Lords as were there, and so took his passage and came to the french king, and showed him how he had been in England, and what answer he had there. But the french king & his Uncles took no regard to any thing that he said, and therefore sent him back again immediately into France. Shortly after, the Duke of Berry took his leave at Paris, & said that he would never enter there again until he had been in England, although it appeared that he thought nothing less. And all the way as he came, he had letters from the king, & from the Duke of Burgoyn to hast him away: But yet notwithstanding he hasted fair & easily, and came by small journeys. And in this time the Constable of France departed from Lentringer, standing on the sea side in Briteine, with a great number of men of arms and provision. He had lxxij great Ships, and he had with him the Closure of the field made of Timber. And the Constable and his company had good wind at the beginning: But when they approached near to England, the wind rose so fiercely and was so tempestuous about the entry of Mergate, & the Thames mouth, that whether they would or not, their ships were scattered, so that twenty kept not together, and some were driven perforce into Thames, and there were taken by the English men, and specially there was taken two or three ships laden with part of the Closure of Timber that was ordained to close in the field, and certain master Carpenters and Artificers with them, & so they were brought to London, whereat the king had great joy, & so had all the Londoners. But the Constable and other Lords with much pain came to Scluse to the french king. Of the Constable's coming & his company, the french king was right joyful, and the king said unto him: sir Constable, when shall we departed, certainly I have great desire to see England, & therefore I pray you set forth all things with speed, for mine Uncle the Duke of Berry will be here within these two days. The courage of the French king. Sir, quoth the Constable, we cannot departed until the wind serve us, & again the tempest is sore and great: Then said the king, I have been in my vessel upon the sea, & the air thereof pleaseth me right well, & I believe I shall be a good mariner, for the sea did me no hurt. In the name of God, quoth the Constable, it hath done hurt to me, for sir we were in great peril coming from Briteyn hither. The king demanded how so? Then the Constable said, by fortune of the sea, and great winds that rose against us upon the frontiers of England. And sir, we have lost both of our ships & men, for the which I am right sorry, but now there is no remedy. Thus the king and the Constable devised in words: But still the time passed away and Winter approached, and the Lords lay there in great cold and peril. The Flemyngs also were very loath that they should return again through their Country, and said among themselves: why the devil doth not the french king pass into England? what meaneth he to tarry so long in this country? Are we not poor enough, though the French king make us no poorer? And to be short, all the whole Country of Flaundyrs began to mutter and cry out upon them, The coming of the Duke of Berrye. At the last the Duke of Berry came to Scluse to the king, and the king said unto him. A good Uncle, I have been greatly desirous to see you, why have you tarried so long? We had been as now in England, and had fought with our enemies if ye had been come. The Duke began to smile and excuse himself, but did not utter what was in his mind. But there they rested vij days, and every day it was said, that they should departed to morrow. Howbeit, truly the wind was so contrary, that they could not sail into England. And winter was far on, for it was past Saint Andrew's tide: and it was no good season for the Noble men to take the Sea, although diverse of their Ships were ready crossed to departed. But then the kings counsel drew together, and the Duke of Berry broke all this purpose, and said flatly that it was not meet to counsel the French king being but a child, to take the sea at that season of the year, and also that the voyage was hindered of much of their provision that was taken into England, that went with the Constable of France. And moreover he said, call all the Mariners together, and look if all they will not ●ay that my counsel is good. For though we be now xv. C. good sail of Ships, yet before we come there, we shall not be three hundredth in company, and therefore consider what peril we shall put our selves in, and namely in a strange Country, wherein before we have not travailed. And in the end they concluded to differre that voyage until April, The breaking up of this great enterprise. or May next following, and their provisions of Biscuit, Salt, Beef, & Wine should be safely kept until then. And so broke up this most wonderful voyage for this time, which cost the realm of France a hundredth thousand Frankes, thirty times told (saith Froissart) which of English money was CCC.xxxiij. thousand. CCC.xxxiij. pound uj shillings eight pence, after ix. franks to the pound. And in this year, as saith Fabian, the Earl of Arondell was sent into the Duchy of Guyan, for to strength such souldours as the king at that time had in those parts, or as some wrote, to keep the Seas from Rovers, & enemies. The which Earl in keeping his course and passage, met with a great fleet of Flemyngs, laden with Rochel Wine, and set upon them, and distressed them and their ships, and so brought them into diverse Ports of England. By reason whereof, the said Wine was so plentiful in England, that a Ton thereof was sold for xiij shillings, four pence, and for twenty shillings to take the choice. And in that fleet was taken the Admiral of Flaundyrs, which remained here long after as prisoner. Ye have heard before in the beginning of the x, year of this king's reign that a great counsel was holden at Nottyngham, and unto the same were called the chief justices and sergeants at law, Nottingham counsel. and that there was proponed certain articles against the Lords of the realm that were admitted by Parliament to have the examination of such as had been lewd rulers, and such as had the government of the king's treasure, and that the same articles, as before may at large appear, did specially touch the lives of the said honourable personages, & that by the sentence and judgement of the lawyers they were all condemned as Traitors. The which when the said Lords understood, they assembled themselves together and agreed for the safety of themselves, and for the better government of the realm to gather such power as they might, and to resort unto the king, and to admonish him to remove and avoid from him all such lewd counsellors as before had been complained upon in Parliament, as aforesaid, and also in all humble manner to beseech his highness to harken to their complaints against the said evil counsellors, which not only sought the utter destruction of the realm, but also of his royal person. The coming of the King and his Lords to London. The king hearing of this assembly, came to London in November, being accompanied with all the aforesaid lewd counsellors, and there purposed to have holden a parliament, and to have attainted the aforesaid Lords, which in the last parliament were appointed and authorized to have the examination of such as had consumed and made away the king's treasure, as aforesaid: But the king hearing of the Lords approaching with a great puissance, stayed in such sort as that parliament went no farther. A proclamation made by the King against his Lords. Notwithstanding the king caused to be made, that no Citezene of London should be so hardy to cell to the Duke of Gloucester, the Earl of Arondell, or any other the Lords, any harness, Bows, Arrows, nor any other munition or matter that should tend to the furniture of the war, upon a great pain. But this notwithstanding, The coming of the Lords toward London. the Lords with a goodly company well furnished, came to London: and before they approached near to the City, they sent unto the King the Archbishop of Cauntorbury, the Lord john Lovel, the Lord Cobham, and the Lord john Euerox requiring to have delivered unto them such as were about him, Traitors and seducers both of him and the realm, A message sent by the Lords to the king. and troublers both of poor men and rich, and such as sowed discords and variances between the king and his nobles: And they farther declared that their coming was for the honour and wealth both of the king and the realm. But the king ruled by his five evil counsellors, was persuaded that the Lords intended to bring him under: Evil counsellors give lewd counsel. Therefore they gave him counsel to make the king of France sure friend unto him in these great necessities, and for to be more in quiet, to give him the Town and Marches of Calais, and whatsoever he had else beyond the Seas, and so to call in the french king to chastise his enemies, and those Lords that never would be tamed. And immediately the king sent for the Mayor of London, and demanded of him how many able men he supposed that the City could make? An unadvised answer. And he answered that he thought surely within an hour to have fifty thousand, well than said the king, go and prove what will be done. And after the Mayor began to attempt the matter, the Citizens answered with one voice, that they would never fight against the king's friends and defenders of the realm: But against the king's enemies, and the enemies of the realm they would always be ready, which answer the Mayor reported to the king. The saying of the Lord Basset. At this time also was about the king the Lord Ralph Basset, which said frankly to the king, sir I have been and shall be your true liege man, and my body and goods shall always be yours in all justice and truth: But of this I assure you, if it fortune me to come into the field, undoubtedly I will always follow the true part, and it is not I that intent to adventure the breaking of my head for the Duke of Ireland. Also at the same time was the Earl of Northumberland with the king, The saying and counsel of the Earl of Northumberlande. which said unto him, sir no doubts thereof, but these Lords which now be in the field, always have been your true and faithful subjects and yet be, and intend not to do or attempt any thing against your estate, wealth and honour: But they feel themselves sorrowfully grieved by the wicked imagination and false oppression of certain persons which are about you. And sir, without fail all your realm is sore moved therewith, and that both great and small, as well your nobles as your commons. And I see none other but they intend to adventure their lives with the Lords, specially in this case, which they do reckon yours & your realms. And sir, now ye be in the chief place of your realm, and in the place of your coronation, now order yourself wisely and like a king, and sand unto them to come into your presence in some open place, and there will them to declare unto you the intent of their coming with so great a number to these parts, and I doubt not, but they will show such reasons, that you shall have them excused. The archbishop of Cauntorbury and Bishop of Ely Chancellor, and other Bishops there present, affirmed the Earls advise to be good, and the king considering wisely the case as it stood, appeased himself, and accorded to their advise, The kings answer sent unto the Lords. and desired the Archbishop of Cauntorbury and the Bishop of Ely to advertise them of his pleasure, which was: that he willed them to come unto him to westminster the Sunday following, and so they took their leave of him and returned unto the Lords, and made unto them relation of all the king's mind. The Duke of Gloucester and the other Lords were so stiff in their matter that they swore all wholly that they would never leave of as long as they had one penny to maintain their cause. The great courage of the Lords. And if any of them happened to die, the over livers should do the same until the time that this matter were brought to good effect: The Lords certify the City of London of the cause of their assembly. And because they were in doubt that the king by his sinister counsel should stir the City of London against them, they first determined to certify the Mayor and the City that their coming was for reformations of great and enorm causes, which they declared unto the said Mayor and Citizens in writing, and desired their favours and counsel therein. And this done, they farther determined to keep their day on the Sundaye following to come to the kings presence. And according to the same appointment the said Lords came into the Hall at westminster. But before their coming thither, Wisdom preventeth perils. they sent certain persons to search both the Mews, and also the archbishop of York's place, if percase any man had been laid there to betrap them. For it was showed unto them that in those places there should be some treason wrought against them. And when they perceived that all was clear, they went forth on their way. And when they entered into Westminster hall, and had sight of the king, The behaviour of the lords when they came into the king's presence they made unto him humble obeisance, and so went they forth until they came to the neither step going up to the king's seat of estate, where they made their second obeisance, and then the king made them a countenance to come near unto him, and they so did, kneeling down before him. And he forthwith arose from his place, and lovingly welcomed them, and took each of them by the hand, and that done set him down again. The cause of the lords assembly. There they declared unto him that their coming was for nove evil to his person that ever they imagined or thought: But the cause of their grief was against the five Traitors which were about his person, and such matters as they had to charge them was there ready in writing, which they delivered unto the king. There the king openly promised them that they should appear personally at the parliament, The kings answer to the Lords. and that none of them should have of him pardon without the assent of the Lords, if they had offended according to their accusations, And then forthwith the king arose from his place, and led them to his chamber, and after that he had drunken with them, they departed. The departing of the Lords. And for as much as it should be well known throughout all the City that these Lords had nothing offended him with their coming, the king caused a proclamation to be made, the effect whereof was as followeth. A proclamation in the favour of the Lords. RIchard by the grace of God. etc. We will that it be known to all our liege people throughout our Realm of England: That where as Thomas Duke of Gloucester, Richard Earl of Arondell, and Thomas Earl of Warwick have been defamed of Treason by certain of our counsellors: We, as it appertaineth, diligently searching the cause and ground of this defamation, find no such thing in them, nor any suspicion thereof. Wherefore we declare the same defamation to be false and untrue, and do receive the same Duke and Earls into our special protection. And because their accusers shall be notoriously known, their names are Alexander Archbishop of York, The names of the lords accusers. sir Lionel Vere (but in the book of statutes he is called sir Robert Vere) Duke of Ireland, Mighell de la Poole Earl of Suffolk, Robert Tresilian chief justice of England, and Nicholas Brimbre of London Knight: Who in likewise shall remain unto the next Parliament, and there shall stand to their answer, but in the mean time we take them into our protection, straightly charging and commanding that no manner of person charge any of the aforenamed, either openly or privily, neither in word nor deed to hurt them, or 'cause any hurt to be done unto them, but all quarrels and demands against them to be remitted unto the next Parliament prefixed. The accusers are in great fear. Then came the wicked counsellors to the king, showing to him that they were daily in danger of their lives by the great Lords of the realm, and saw none other but daily they should be in more, for that the king had promised that they should apere at the next Parliament, which was at hand, and said also that all the displeasure that they had, was only for the kings sake, The evil Counsellors fly. and not for any matter of their own, and that it was not his honour to see them so entreated: And further, they said, that they neither durst nor would put their bodies to so manifest a danger as to appear in Parliament. The king considering this, withdrew himself from the counsel of his Lords, which then were assigned to sit at London for matters of the Parliament: So that Counsel which was ordained for the purpose to have the Parliament, was delayed and laid aside. And these false counsellors fled from the king into divers parts. And among other, Mighell de la Poole Earl of Suffolk fled into Calais, and as it was then said, he had shaven off the hear of his head, and came in like a Poulter to the Gates of the Castle of Calais to cell his Capons, where as his brother was Captain: and anon he was known, and taken, and brought to William Beaushampe his brother Capiteyne of Calais, who forthwith brought him into England to the King. Mighel de la Poole taken at Calais and brought into England. But the King was not a little displeased with his brother for taking and bringing of him, and therefore committed him to ward. But afterward he set him again at liberty, for that it should not appear that he punished him for that cause, and so he returned to Calais, & kept his place. Yet Mighell de la Poole, fearing still the displeasure of the great Lords would not tarry, but took his leave of the King and departed from him. And the King being now destitute of the said Chancellor, and also of the Duke of Ireland, was nothing contented in his mind: But forthwith sent for the said Duke of Ireland to come to him. And also he sent one Thomas Molyners, which was a man of great power in the Counties of Lancashire and Chesshire, and by him the king sent to the Sheriff of Chester a Commission under a secret seal, commanding him that he should arreyse a great power, and that they should see the kings kinsman and especial friend the Duke of Ireland conveyed in safety to his presence, not letting for any labour or expenses. Moliners raiseth an army to help the Duke of Ireland. Then this Molyners raised a great power, and such as for the love they bore unto the Duke of Gloucester, and to the other Lords, would not go with him, he did imprison them in diverse prisons, commanding the jailors to keep them strait in Irons, and to give them bread and water, and some day water only, until his return again. The King also commanded Sir Ralph Vernon, and sir Ralph Ratcliff to assist them: And so they set forth toward the King, and they were in number above five thousand men. Whereof when the Duke of Gloucester had knowledge, he and the Earl of Derby, the Earl of Arondell, the Earl of Warwick, and the Earl of Nottyngham assembled their powers out of all quarters, to aid and assist them with all speed against these oppressors of the Commons, and of the Realm, for fear lest the honour of the Realm of England should be by them trodden under foot. The Duke of Ireland having in his company Molyners, Vernon, Radcock Bridge. and Ratcliffe, with a power of five thousand men, as aforesaid, came still forward until he came to Radcocke Bridge, not passing four miles from Cheping Norton: and if he had passed the same bridge, he had been sure out of the danger of his enemies. But when he came thither, he found it kept by the Earl of darby's folks, which had broken the bridge, and so stopped his passage: And within a little way thereof lay the Earl of Derby himself with a great company. But after the Duke of Ireland had knowledge of the Earls being there, he stayed and caused the kings Banner to be displayed, and with a merry countenance he exhorted his company to quite themselves valiantly, and he caused his Trumpets to sound: howbeit, there appeared unto him, that as some were willing to fight on his part, so there were other that clearly forsook him, and said they would not fight against so many Noble men, nor in so unjust a cause. The Duke of Ireland espying this, The Duke of Ireland flieth. gave his horse the spurs, and road forward, thinking to have passed the Bridge: But when he came thither and saw the Bridge broken, he said with open voice, we are deceived, and turned his horse and alighted, and gate him upon an other Courser, minding to have fled over the Thames: But there met him the Duke of Gloucester, with his company. And when he saw that he was enclosed amongst his enemies on the one side, and the River of Thames on the other side, and also the Earl of Derby to press on him so fast for to have taken him, he thought to put all to hazard, and cast away his Gauntlets, and his sword to make him the lighter, The Duke of Ireland escapeth hardly. and gave his horse the spurs, and took the river, and so escaped all his enemies. And the next news that was heard of him, was, that he was slain in Louvain in hunting of a wild Boar, in the year of our Lord .1393. and in the xuj year of the reign of King Richard the second. But when King Richard heard of his death, he took it marvelous heavily, and to show the great affection that he bore unto him, he commanded that his dead carcase should be brought from Loveyn into England, and to be conveyed with all solemn funeral pomp to the Priory of Colney in Essex, and caused him to be laid in a Coffin of Cypress, and to be adorned with princely garments, and his face uncovered, and garnished with a Chain of Gold, and rich rings put on his fingers. And the King himself was at his burial accompanied with the Duke's mother, and with one archbishop, and sundry other Bishops: But of Noble men, there were very few, for they had conceived such hatred against him, that they utterly contemned him. But to return where we left: After the Duke was fled, as aforesaid, Thomas Molyners would have followed him also, but the Lord Mortimer drew him back and there killed him. Then the lords army set upon the people that came with the Duke out of Chesshire, Lancashire, and Wales, and took them as enemies, and spoiled them of their horse, harness, Bow, and Arrows, and so sent them home without doing of them any more harm. After this the Duke of Gloucester, The lords counsel at Oxenford. and the other Lords went to Oxenford, being sorry that their fortune was not to have taken the Duke of Ireland. And there they took their counsel what was best for them further to do, to bring their purpose to good end. And from thence they removed to Saint Albon, and came thither on Christmas Even, and there tarried that day and the next, and on Saint Stephen's day they took their way to London, & there mustered themselves besides Clerkenwell, with a goodly army, The Lords sand to the Mayor and Citizens of London. which they divided into three battles, and their harness was so clean and bright, that it was a goodly sight to behold: And they sent two Knights, and two esquires unto the Mayor of London, and Aldermen, and chief Citizens of the same, that they should come and declare unto the said Lords, whether they were minded to take their parts, and the parts of the Commons, or else with the Duke of Ireland, and his Adherentes, Traitors unto the King and the Realm. So came the Mayor of London, whose name was Nicholas Exton, and certain of the chief of the City with him, and brought the Keys of the City with them, and submitted themselves to the Lords, and offered them entry into the City at their pleasures with all their people. The Lords were circumspect. And then the Lords sent certain persons before, to search if there were any bushmentes, or persons lie in wait, for to trap or destroy them. And when they were well assured that all was clear, they entered into the City, and there abode quietly. Sun after their coming, means was made that there might be a meeting betwixt the King and the Lords, & that they might come to common with him in the tower of London, which was agreed upon. And the Friday following came unto the King sitting in a Pavilion stately appareled, The coming of the Lords to the king. the Duke of Gloucester, the Earl of Nottyngham, and the Earl of Derby. But before their coming into the Tower, they had the Keys of the Gates sent unto them, and of all the strong holds within the Tower. And so soon as they came into the kings presence, after their humble salutations done, they requested the King, that all those of his Court which were known or suspected of treason to his person or realm, might be taken and committed to several holds, the which the King granted. And during the time of this communication, the Earl of Derby desired the king upon the Wall of the Tower to behold the people that were there assembled for the preservation of him and his realm, which he did, and marveled much to see such a goodly army and strength. Then said the Duke of Gloucester unto him, sir this is not the tenth part of your willing subjects that would have risen to have destroyed these false Traitors. And after they had such communication with the King, they would have taken their leave of him: But the king desired them to tarry all night there with the Queen. The Duke thinking to make all sure, made his excuse that he durst not be absent from all those folks which they had brought with them, for fear that some business might arise, either in the army, or in the City. But at the kings instance, the Earls of Nottyngham, and Derby tarried there all night. And the next day king Richard, at the instance of the Lords, caused to be taken all suspect folks of his court, and to be sent into divers prisons to be kept against the parliament, and then to come to their answer. The persons that were apprehended, The names of the criminal persons that were apprehended. were these. Sir Symond Burley, Sir William Elman, Sir Nicholas Dagwoorth, sir john Goloford, Clifford and Slake priests, Sir john Beawshamp, sir Thomas Trevet, sir john Salisbury, and one called Lyncoln, and james Barners a priest. There should also have been apprehended Alexander Nevell Archbishop of York, Mighell de la Poole Earl of Suffolk, and Robert Tresilien chief justice of England, but these would not be found. And there was also taken Sir Robert Brember of London knight, but he found surety for his forth coming. Other Lords and Ladies there were that were put out of the Court, as john Fortham Bishop of Develyn, Lord Bewmond, Lord Sowche, Certain persons put out of the Court. Lord Lovel, Lord Thomas Canweyes, the Lord Clifford's son, Lord Bawdewyn, the Bishop of Chichester the king's Confessor, the Lady Monoy, the Lady Poynings, the Lady Molyners and divers other. Shortly after, A parliament. that is to say the morrow after Candlemas day the parliament began, the which was named the parliament that wrought wonders. The judges arrested and committed to the Tower. And the first day of the parliament were arrested sitting in their places all the justices except Sir William Skipwoorth, that is to say, Sir Roger Fulthorpe, sir Robert Belknap, Sir john Carey, sir john Holt, sir William Brooke, and john Alocton the king's Sergeant at law, all which were committed to the Tower, and there kept in several places. The cause of their apprehension was, for that at the last parliament the Lords and Nobles were made governors of the realm, by the assent of the said parliament, and also by the assent and counsel of all the justices then being, and therefore Indentures tripartited were made, whereof the one part remained with the king, and the second part with the Lords that were chosen to govern the realm, and the third part with the justices. And foras much as the said justices at a counsel holden at Nottyngham, as aforesaid, did afterward contrary to the said agreement, it was determined that they should make answer thereunto. In the beginning of the parliament was called Robert Veer Duke of Ireland, Alexander Nevell archbishop of York, judgement given against the evil counsellors. Mighell de la Poole Earl of Suffolk, Sir Robert Tresilian chief justice of England, to answer Thomas of Woodstock Duke of Gloucester, Richard Earl of Arondell, Thomas earl of Derby, and Thomas Earl of Nottyngham upon certain articles of high treason, which these Lords did charge them with. And for as much as none of these appeared, it was ordained by the whole assent of the parliament that they should be banished for ever: And their lands and goods, movable and unmovable, to be forfeit and seized into the kings hand, the lands entailed only except. Shortly after this, Robert Tresilian chief justice of England executed. was found Robert Tresilian chief justice lurking in a Apothecary's house at westminster, and there found the means to have spies daily upon the Lords what was done in the parliament: For all the days of his life he was crafty, but at the last his craft turned to his destruction: for he was discovered by his own servant, and so taken and brought to the Duke of Gloucester, and the same day had to the Tower, and from thence drawn to Tyburn, and there hanged. The morrow after, Sir Nicholas Brembre executed with his own Axe Sir Nicholas Brembre which afore had been Mayor of of the City of London against the Citizens will, was brought forth. This man had done in the City many great oppressions, and in his Mairaltie had made great and monstrous stocks to imprison men in, and also he caused to be made a common Axe, to strike of the heads of them which did resist his will and pleasure, for so highly was he in favour with the king, that he might do what he would. And the report went that he had caused viij thousand and more to be indited, which before had taken part with the Lords, which he intended to have put to execution, if God had not shortened his days. And in the end, being called to his answer, he was found guilty, and had judgement neither to be hanged nor drawn, but to be headed with his own Axe, which before he had devised. divers condemned and executed. The next day after, there were condemned these following, Thomas Uske, john Blagg, Sir Simon Burly, sir john Beaushamp, Sir john Barners, john earl of Salisbury, and every of them were executed. justices condemned to perpetual exile. As touching the justices, they were also condemned to death by the Parliament: But such means was made for them unto the Queen, that she obtained of the king pardon for their lives, but they forfeited their lands and goods, and were judged to perpetual exile, and places appointed unto them where they should remain. And in the twelve year of the king's reign, he kept a Martial jousts in Smithfield in London, in the month of November, where all such persons as came in on the king's party, The Badge of king Richard the second were white hearts with chains of Gold about their necks. their Armour and apparel was garnished with white hearts, and crowns of Gold about their necks. And of that sort were xxiiij knights, with xxiiij ladies also apparelled, as abovesaid, and their horses were led with xxiiij Chains of Gold, and so conveyed from the Tower through the City of London unto Smithfield, where the king, the Queen, and many other great estates being present (after proclamation by the Heralds made) many goodly and martial feats of war were practised, to the pleasant recreation of the king and the Queen, and all other the beholders of the same. To this disport came many strangers, among the which the Earl of Saint Paul, the Lord Ostreuaunt, son and heir unto the Duke of Holland, and a young son of the Earl of Ostrich, were greatly commended. And when these jousts had continued by sundry times the space of xxiiij days, to the great joy and comfort of the young lusty Bachelors, and to the kings great honour, who all that time kept open household for all honest comers: I say, when the same was finished, the strangers returned to their Countries with many rich gifts. Fabian. Battle of Otterborne. And this year also the Scots broke into the Borders of England, rob Comberland and Northumberlande, besieged new Castle, and discomfited and took prisoners the two sons of the Lord Percy of Northumberlande. Cooper. And at this time an Esquire of the Province of Navarre, near to France, accused an English Esquire, called john Welsh, of certain points of treason. For trial whereof a day was appointed for a fight to be taken between them, A Combat. in the king's Palace at westminster, where either of them kept his day, and fought there a strong fight. But in the end john Welshe was Victor, A truce taken between England Scotland and France. and constrained the other to yield him: and then he was despoiled of his armour, and drawn to Tyburn, & there hanged for his untruth. And this year a truce was taken between England and France, and Scotland, for three years. In the xiiij year of this king, john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, with a goodly company of men of arms, sailed into Spain, to claim there such lands as he aught to have, in the right of Dame Constance his wife, When the said Duke was upon the other side of the Sea, john Duke of Lancaster saileth into Spain. there came unto him the king of Portugal with a strong army, and so entered the Territory of Spain. And there chanced much harm to be done to the Spaniards in robbing and pilling their country, but whether by the Englishmen or the Portugese's, it was not well known, but it caused grudge between the king of Portugal and the Duke, and also made many Spaniards that aught them good will to draw back, and depart from them. And for reformation of that evil, certain persons, as well English as Portugese's that were found guilty of such robbery, were put to death: By mean whereof, the other feared so, that where by the former lewdness the Duke and the king were put to after deal, by the reformation of that evil, they gate again daily upon their enemies: So that in process of time the king of Spain was driven of necessity to treat with the Duke of a peace and concord. Of the which peace, as saith Reynulph in his last book, and vij Conditions of peace made between the king of Spain, and the Duke of Lancaster. Chapter, the conditions were these. First, for a final concord, the king of Spain should marry the Duke's eldest daughter, named Constance. Also, that he should give unto the Duke in recompense of costs so many wedges of Gold as should lad eight Charets. And that yearly during the lives of the said Duke and his wife, he should at his proper cost and charge, deliver to the Duke's assigns ten thousand Mark of Gold, within the town of Bayon. And after this peace was established, and sureties taken for the performance of the same: The Duke departed with the king of Portugal, to whom shortly after he married his second daughter, named Anne. And in this year the Turks made cruel war against the Genoese or men of Geane, & they sought aid of the king of England, and of the king of France. And for their help there was sent out of England a noble warrior called the Earl of Alby, with two thousand Archers. And out of France went the Duke of Bourbon, and the Earl of Ewe, with xu An aid sent out of England and France against the Turks. hundred spears. The which kept their journey until they came unto a City in Barbary, named Thunys, sometime belonging to the said Genoese, where the said English and Frenchmen bore themselves so manfully, with the aid of the Genoese, that in process they wan the said City from the Turks, and put the Genoese again in possession thereof, and took of them many prisoners, the which were exchanged for christian prisoners before taken. And more, they forced they said Sarazens to pay unto the Genoese ten thousand Ducats of Gold, for confirmation of a peace for a certain time. But some other writ, that this town was not recovered, but only a truce taken for a time. And Froissart saith, that the Christians departed suddenly from the City of Thunes, without any league or truce making, fearing divers perils and incidents that might else have chanced unto them. And here Cooper (in his Chronicle) saith: The determination of the jurisdiction and authority of the Bishop of Rome That in this time in England it was decreed that the authority of the Bishop of Rome should be ended with the Ocean Sea, and it should be lawful thenceforth to no man to appeal to the Bishop of Rome, nor make suit that any Englishman should be cursed by his authority, neither that any man should execute such commandment, though it were obtained of the Bishop, on pain to lose and forfeit all his goods, and his body to perpetual prison. And in this year died king Robert of Scotland, and john Earl of Carack his eldest son succeeded and reigned after him, The death of king Robert of Scotland. whom the Scots called Robert after his father, because they thought john an unlucky name in a King. He was maimed with the stroke of an horse in his youth, and so made unable for the governance of the Realm, and Duke Robert of Albany continued as governor all the time of his reign, and he reigned xuj. years. King Richard lying at his Manor of Woodstock, and keeping there his Christmas: The Earl of Pembroke being young of age, was desirous to learn to just, The Earl of Pembroke in running at the tilt, was wounded to death. and required a Knight named Sir john Saint john to run with him certain courses. At whose request the said Knight ran with him in Woodstock Park certain Courses. In the which, were it with stroke or other mishap, the said Earl received there his deaths wound, and died shortly after. A fond Fray whereby the liberties of London were seized into the kings hand. And at this time chanced in London a Baker's servant to carry a Basket full of horsebread: And as he came before the bishop of Salisbury's place in Fletestreet, one of the Bishop's servants took out one of the Loves, and the Baker was earnest to have it again, and the Bishop's servant with his Dagger broke the Baker's head: then came the Citizens and would have had the yeoman to Ward for breaking of the peace, and he resisted and fled into the bishops house. Then rose the street, namely the youth, and they would have had him out of the bishops house, and there was great heaving and shoving, and many people up. And at the last came the Mayor of London, and the Sheriffs, and they pacified this business as soon and as well as they could, and shortly after all was in quiet. In this mean time, the Bishop of Sarisbury being at the Court with the King, and himself also being then high treasurer of England, such word was brought him of this riot, and the tale so evil told against the Citizens and rulers of the City, Arundel Bishop of Cauntorburie was chancellor of England. that the said Bishop informed master Arondell then archbishop of Cauntorbury, and Chancellor of England thereof, and in fine they two made so grievous a tale and complaint to the king against the Rulers of the City, and Citizens, that the Mayor and Sheriffs were sent for in all haste: And when they came, they were shaken up to grievously, and their honest and reasonable excuses could not be heard: But forthwith the liberties of the City were seized into the kings hands, and the Mayor and Sheriffs discharged of their offices, and a knight named sir Edward Dalingrige made Governor of the City. And the king being thus in displeasure with the City, caused Mighelmasse Term to be kept at York, and so continued until Christmas next following. Doctor Gravesende Bishop of London restored the liberties of London. The Citizen's perceiving the king to continued in displeasure with them, made daily labour unto such friends as they could make, to pacify the king's wrath against them, and to obtain his most gracious pardon. The which at length, specially by the mean of the Queen, and Doctor Gravesende then Bishop of London, they obtained. But first the Citizens were told that the King intended to come from his Manor of Shene, to the City of London, and then it was like they should obtain favour: Wherefore in all goodly hast the Citizens trimmed and bewtefyed their City most sumptuously with pageants and rich hangyngs, and at the day appointed, four hundredth of them in one Lyvery road and met the King on the Hethe on this side Shene, and in their most humble manner submitting themselves, and praying his grace to pardon their follies past, besought him to take his way to his palace of Westminster through the City of London. The which the King took in good part, and granted them so to do: And when he came at London Bridge, they presented unto him two fair steeds, trapped in rich cloth of Gold, parted of read and white. The which present he thankfully received. King Richard passeth through London. And so the King kept on his way until he came to the Standard in Cheap, the Citizens of London in their Livereys standing upon either side of the street as the King went, crying, King Richard, King Richard. And at the said Standard in Cheap was ordained a sumptuous stage, in the which were set divers personages in rich apparel. Among the which, one Angel was ordained, which with a vice came down, and set a rich crown of gold garnished with stone and pearl upon the kings head as he passed by, and another on the Queens, and so they road forth until they came at Westminster, where the Mayor and his company, taking their leave of him, returned to London. The next day following, the Mayor and his brethren went to Westminster, and presented there unto the King two Basins of Silver and guilt, and in them two thousand nobles of Gold, beseeching him in most humbly wise, to be good and gracious Lord unto the City. The which he accepted thankfully, and gave unto them very comfortable words. The liberties of London newly confirmed and restored. And the third day following they received a new confirmation of all their old franchises and liberties: Wherefore by counsel of their friends, they ordained a Superaltare of Silver, and guilt, and therein the story of Saint Edward was graven most curiously, the which was valued at a thousand mark, and that they also presented as their gift unto the King, which was very well accepted and taken. And here Fabian saith, that for the great zeal and love that the aforesaid Bishop of London bore unto the City and Citizens in this their suit to the King for their liberties, they of their own good wills to this day, The cause why the Maior and the Citizens of London do come diverse days in the year solemnly to Paul's Church. yearly upon the feastful days, as the day that the Mayor taketh his oath, which is the morrow after Simon and Jude, and Alhalowen day, Christmas day, the Twelve day, and Candlemas day, when they go to Paul's in their Livereys, they visit the place of his burial, being in the middle Isle in the West end of the Church, where the said Bishop is pictured and drawn forth in Brass, holding the Charter of the City of London, and the great seal of England in his hand. But it seemeth to me that this is not true, for the place of burial in Paul's, to the which the Mayor doth resort, is the grave where William, sometime Bishop of London is buried, of whom we have made mention in the first year of William the Conqueror, who first obtained the privileges for the City, The term again removed to westminster. and so it appeareth by the inscription upon the same Gravestone. And the next Term following, which was Hillary Term, was holden and kept at London as had been accustomed. 1●93/17 A challenge made between the gentlemen of England and Scotland. And in this time, saith Fabian, diverse Gentlemen of Scotland challenged sundry points of Arms with certain Gentlemen of England. As first the Lord Mordife, challenged the Earl of Nottyngham Martial of England. Sir William Darell Knight, and Cockborne Esquire, challenged Sir Nicholas Haulbert Knight. And the same feats of Arms were holden in Smithfielde in London. And Mars was so friendly to the English men, that the honour of that journey went with them: insomuch that the Earl Martial overthrew the Lord Mordife his Appellant, and so bruised him, that in his return toward Scotland, he died at York. And Sir William Darell refused his Appellant before they had run their full courses. And the third of them, that is to wit Cockborne, was thrown at the second coping, to the ground, horse and man. Anne Queen of England, and wife to king Richard dead. This year and the vij day of june, died that gracious woman Queen Anne, and lieth now buried at Westminster by her Lord king Richard, upon the southside of Saint Edward's shrine. And this year was a Truce concluded between France and England for four years. This year king Richard made a voyage into Ireland, which was nothing profitable, nor honourable unto him, and therefore the Writers seem to think it scant worth the noting. A sore and great tempest. Also in this year was a wonderful tempest of wind, which did much hurt throughout the Realm of England. And in this year also died Constance, the second wife of john of Gaunt, and is buried at Leycester. This year king Richard (as saith Reynulph) went over to Calais, and there met with the French king about the conclusion of a marriage, which was with the Lady Isabella daughter unto the French king, whom the said French king did offer to the king of England to take in marriage as his wife. At the meeting of these two Princes, was great provision made of both sides, and many sumptuous shows and sights were there showed and seen, and many rich and most costly banquets & feasts made by the one prince to the other, A marriage concluded between king Richard & the french king's daughter the Lady Isabel. the rehearsal whereof should be tedious, wherefore I will be short. At the last this marriage was agreed upon, and the day of the solemnity thereof appointed. And the xviij day of November, the said King Richard married the said Lady Isabella in Calais, being within the age of eight years, as saith Fabian. And Polidore also saith that she was not of ripe and meet years to accompany with a man: But the Author of the Book which is called the Chronicles of England, saith that she was xix years of age. And here a little to note the gifts given of the Kings one to another, whereof Froissart maketh a great & long discourse. But to be short, first king Richard gave unto the French king, Gifts given by the kings of England and France. a Basin of Gold, with an Ewer. Then the French King gave him three standing Cups of Gold with Covers garnished with pearl and stone, and a ship of Gold richly garnished with pearl and stone. At another meeting king Richard gave him an Owche, set with so fine stones, that it was valued at five hundredth Mark. Then the French king gave him two Flagons of Gold, a Tablet of Gold, and therein an Image of Saint Mighell richly garnished. Also a Tablet of Gold with a Crucifix, richly appointed. And a Tablet of Gold with the Image of the Trinity set with pearl and stone, and a Tablet of Gold with an Image of Saint George, richly set with pearl and stone, which all were valued at xv. hundredth Mark. Then king Richard seeing the bounty of the French king, gave to him a Bawderick or collar of Gold, set with great Diamonds, Rubies, and Balesses, being valued at five thousand Mark, the which for the richenesse thereof, and for the excellency and fineness of the workmanship, the French king ware it about his neck, as often as the king and he met together. Then the French king gave to him an Owche and a spice Plate of Gold of a great weight, valued at two thousand Mark. Also many were the rich gifts that were given and received of Lords and Ladies of both Princes. Among the which are specially noted four gifts, which king Richard gave unto the Duke of orleans, for the which he received again of the Duke triple the value. For where his were valued at a thousand Mark: The Dukes were valued at three thousand Mark. Now after that these two Kings had thus solaced themselves, the one with the other, and all matters concerning the marriage fully concluded and ended. The French King, taking his leave of King Richard, delivered his young daughter unto him, and said as followeth. Right loving son, I deliver here to you the creature that I most love in this world next my wife and my son, beseeching the father of heaven, that it may be to his pleasure, & to the weal of your realm, and that the amity between these two realms, in avoiding of the effusion of christian blood, may be kept inviolably for the term between us concluded, which term was xxx year, as saith Froissart. And shortly after these two princes took their leave each of other, and the French King went into France, and King Richard came into England. Where he and the Queen were by the Citizens of London most honourably conveyed through the said City unto the palace of westminster. The latter end of this year the King by sinister counsel delivered by by appointment the town of Breast in Briteyne to the Duke, which was occasion of displeasure between the King and the Duke of Gloucester his Uncle, as after ye shall here. In Februarij next following, the King holding a sumptuous feast in Westminster Hall, many of the Souldious which were newly come from the town of Breast aforesaid, pressed into the hall, A great feast made by king Richard in Westminster Hall. and kept a room together. Which company the Duke of Gloucester did earnestly behold, and asked what men they were: and when he knew they came from Breast, which town was given up without his knowledge, he was vexed in his mind. In somuch as when the king was entered into his Chamber, and few near unto him, he said to the King: Sir, saw ye not the fellows that sat in so great a number to day in your hall at such a table? And the king answered yes, and asked the Duke what company it was? To whom the Duke answered and said, sir these are the Soldiers come from Breast, and as now have nothing to take to, nor know not how to shifted for their living, and the rather for that I am informed, they have been before time evil paid. Then said the king, it is not my will, but that they should be well paid: And if any have cause to complain, let them show it unto our Treasurer, and they shall be reasonably answered. In reasoning of this matter further, the Duke said to the king, sir you aught to put your body to pain for to win a strong hold or town by feat of war, before ye take upon you to cell or deliver any town or strong hold that is gotten with great difficulty, and by the manhood of your noble progenitors. To this the king with changed countenance answered and said: Uncle, how say you those words? Then the Duke boldly recited the aforesaid words. Whereunto the King being then more discontented, said: ween you that I am a Merchant, or a fool, to cell my land? by saint john Baptist nay: But truth it is, that our Cousin the Duke of Briteyne hath rendered unto us all such sums of money as our progenitors lent unto him or his ancestors, upon the said town of Breast: for the which, reason & good conscience will, that he have his town restored unto him again. By mean of which words thus uttered by the Duke, such rancour and malice kindled between the King and him, that it ceased not until the said Duke was put to death by murder unlawfully, as shall appear in the next year following. This present year the King bearing still malice in his mind against the Duke of Gloucester, as aforesaid, and chief for that he and the Earls of Arondell, and of Warwick and other had forced him to renounce his most trusty friends and counsellors, as he thought, as is before at large declared in the xj year of this King's reign, and now partly to be revenged on their outrage, as he said: And partly also for that all princes subjects should take example, not to press their sovereign Lord after that manner, he summoned a parliament to be holden at Westminster. A parliament at Westminster. And there, not regarding the oath that he had made before to the Lords in open parliament, he called out of exile certain of the justices, which by the former sentence given, should never have returned. And for that the Devil is always ready to hasten evil purposes: An Ambassade out of Almayn. This year came out of Almaigne to the King the Provost of Coleyn with other: And they perceiving that the King was light and Ambitious, thinking also to win largely thereby, informed him that either he was or should be chosen Emperor, which pleased him highly, and he gave good credit unto them, and very liberally rewarded them for their good tidings. And because he would be certainly certified, he sent over his Ambassadors, which at their return again into England made report unto the King, that the most part of the Electors had consented to his election, only two or three withstood it, for this cause, as they said, that he that could not keep in due obeisance his own subjects, in his own realm, it was not like that he should govern well other lying far of and wide asunder: A malicious report made by the Ambassadors. Wherefore his Ambassadors advised him to win the favour of them that so did stick. Now whether the messengers did feign this, to renew the king's displeasure against the Duke of Gloucester and the Earl of Arundel and other, for that perrase they bore them no good will, or that they brought true report again, it is not known: But now when it was thought that this realm of England was most quiet, and that prosperity was like daily to increase, what for that the king had married the French Kings daughter, and had by her great riches: And also for that truce was taken between both the princes for xxx years: And also considering the goodly garnishment of this realm by the great and wise number of noble Lords, and valiant knights, which were such, as no christian realm for the number of them could then show the like. All these things considered, even contrary to all men's expectation, suddenly the kings majesty bearing in his heart great wrath and displeasure against the true Lords of his counsel as aforesaid, whom he now purposed to be revenged of, practised their destructions, which put the realm to great trouble, and in the end it turned to the overthrow and confusion of the king himself, as ye shall here. For the uj A dangerous feast for the Lords. day of julij next after, the king appointed to keep a great feast in London, where he purposed to have had the Duke of Gloucester, the Earl of Arondell, the Earl of Warwick and divers other, which he hated deadly, purposing there to have trapped and taken all those noble men together without business, or further resistance. But the Duke of Gloucester excused him by sickness: The Earl of Arondell fearing the kings displeasure kept him at home in his Castle, and so there came to this feast none but only the Earl of Warwick. And at the coming of the Earl, the king received him with marvelous gentle and loving countenance, and gave him very comfortable words saying unto him, be of good cheer and take no thought, for losing of Goers land, The Earl of Warwick is arrested of treason. swearing unto him that he would provide other for him, that should amount to as good a valour. But nevertheless, after that dinner was done, the king caused him to be arrested of treason, and delivered him to be kept in safe custody until the next parliament, which he had ordained to be kept for the destruction of him and many other. The same night also the king spoke unto the Archbishop of Cauntorbury, that he should persuade his brother the Earl of Arondell frankly to submit himself, swearing his old oath by Saint John Baptist, that hurt should he have none thereby, if he would so do. The Archbishop trusting the kings fair promise, moved this matter to the Earl his brother: But he knowing the kings great malice, and that he purposed nothing more than to apprehended and destroy him, would in no wise agreed to his brother's counsel: howbeit the archbishop would not so leave him, but daily was importune on him to submit himself: saying unto him that all which he mistrusted should pass away like a cloud. And if he would not submit himself when he might, it might fortune to turn to the disheneriting both of him and his: For it was said than, and the same was the opinion of many, that for none other purpose would he keep these Lords under a rest, but for to show the Lords of Almaigne that he could rule the greatest of them. And after that he had so holden his Lords a season, that it was known in Almaigne and in outward parties, that then his purpose was to restore them again to their liberties and dignities. So at the last, by these persuasions & other used by the Archbishop of Cauntorburie, his brother the Earl in an unhappy hour submitted himself to the king. The Earl of Arondell taken and committed And forthwith he was taken and sent to be kept in the Isle of Wight. And the same night that he was taken, the king sent secretly to the major of London, commanding him that he should make ready as many harnessed men as he could, and that they should be in a readiness within two or three hours to attend upon the king, whether his pleasure was to go. The king also commanded the Earls of Rutland, Kent, Huntyngdon and Nottyngham to arm themselves, and to conduct the Londoners. And so they took way to Plasshy in Essex, where then was the Duke of Gloucester in his Castle. Notwithstanding few there were that knew, when the king set forth, whether he would go. And when they came nigh the place, the king viewed his people following him, which were numbered by the heralds to be xu thousand. Then the king said unto them, whatsoever ye see me do, likewise study you to do the same. If I prepare me to fight, do ye likewise. If ye see me in peace, rest you also in quiet, doing hurt to no man. The king sent afore the Earl of Rutland to the Duke's castle, that they should see what number of defensible men the Duke had within the Castle: For he was afeard both of the valiantness and wisdom of the Duke. But it happened at that time that the most part of the Duke's household servants, by licence were departed to their friends and wife's. When the king was certified that the Duke had so small a number about him, he marveled much, for it had been told him before by such as bore the Duke no good will, that he had fortified and manned his Castle. So then the King approached thereunto, his men of arms going before him and behind him: And albeit that the Duke was somewhat accrased, yet he met him with a solemn procession of the College, and received him with all the reverence and humility that he could do, as it became him best to do, being his sovereign Lord. And the King as he saw the Duke coming unto him, The king arresteth the Duke of Gloucester. and that he made him low courtesy: The King clapped his hand upon his shoulder, and arrested him. To whom the Duke answered, that he not only was content to obey his arrest, but the arrest of the lest of his court. And the King said unto him, and will you so, good Uncle? And the Duke answered, ye surely sir: then the king followed the procession, and the Duke followed the King a far of. And when the king was somewhat set forth, he looked back, and called the Duke unto him, and said, By Saint john Baptist, good Uncle, this that is done, shall be for the best both for you and us, and so entered into the Chapel, where were a great number of relics and jewels of great valour: which when the king saw, he said unto his Uncle, I see you are a good husband: But now go your way, and take some sustenance, and after you have dined, ye shall go to the place that I have appointed, for here you may not tarry. Then the Duke prayed the king to show him how may servants he should have to wait upon him: The king answered that he should be advertised thereof before he rose from dinner. The Duke then went to his lodging, which was nigh unto the Chapel. And the King went to his lodging, where was prepared for him and those that came with him, great and honourable fare, both of Fish and Flesh, and it was no great marvel, for the Duke was advertised privily of the kings coming. After that the king was set at dinner, he sent to the Duke his mind, what number of persons should wait upon him, and willed him to make short work and come away. After dinner the king departed, and left to convey the Duke the Earl of Kent, and the Lord Thomas percy Steward of his house. And when the Duke had dined, he caused such stuff to be trussed up, and carried with him, as was necessary for him. And then bade his wife farewell, who was a Lady both honourable, wise and virtuous: and at his departing he desired her to make humble suit to the king, to have him his good and gracious Lord, and that she should boldly offer to swear that he was never Traitor to his person, nor he that willed him any hurt. And when he was a horseback, with a merry cheer, he said unto the Lords that abode for him. Now, whether shall we go? And who shall be our guide? I or one of you? They answered with reverence. Nay sir, it becometh you to lead, and we to follow. Then said he, let us set forth a God's name, The Duke of Glouce●● is to conveyed to Calais. wheresoever your pleasure is that I shall go, and so was he conveyed to Calais, and thus taken and arrested at that time, when he thought that he was most in the king's favour. For not long before the king had given him so great gifts, honours and Lordships, that every man thought there was no man more acceptable in the king's favour than he. Now after the taking of these Lords was blown abroad, there was made great moan for them throughout all England, as though the Realm had been delivered into the enemy's hands: so great hope had the Commons universally in them, but most specially in the Duke of Gloucester, whom the Realm believed, that by his prosperity the same was safe from all inward and outward enemies. The king perceiving the great affection that the people bore to the duke and the said Lords, and fearing insurrection of the Commons, A false proclamation. which were not all clear of their Melancholy, caused to be proclaimed, that this taking of the Lords was not done for their offences committed of old, but for new matters, wherein they had offended sithence the obtaining of their pardons, as they should understand plainly at the next Parliament. During the time (saith mine Author) that these Lords were in prison, so sorry was the people for them, that prayers and Processions were used throughout all the realm, that it might please God of his goodness to inspire into the kings mind, to be good and merciful unto these Lords, and to convert his heart from hatred unto love. The King hearing of these prayers, forbade straightly all Bishops and Prelates that such Processions should be no more used. And shortly after, the king held a great counsel at Nottyngham, A Counsel holden at Nottingham and there he having his judges, and other of his learned Counsel, caused indictments to be drawn of the Duke of Gloucester, and of the Earls aforesaid. And he framed there also an Appellation, and there it was ordained that certain Appellers should lay unto them high treason in open Parliament, whose names were Edward Earl of Rutland, The names of the Appealers. Thomas Lord Mowbrey earl Martial, Thomas Holland Earl of Kent, john Holland Earl of Huntyngdon, Lord Beneforde earl of Somerset, Lord john Mountagew Earl of Sarisburie, Thomas Lord Spencer, William Lord Scrope, Chamberleyn to the king. The which matters being devised, the King caused proclamation openly to be made, A parliament holden at Westminster. declaring unto the people that these Lords were arrested and imprisoned for high treason. And soon after he summoned a Parliament to be holden at London the xu day of September next following. And thither were commanded to come all such as the King had best confidence in. And against the time of the said Parliament, A guard of Chesshire men to attend up the king. the king retained unto him a guard of Archers of Chesshire, like as he should have gone in battle against his enemies. And those Chesshire men were very rude and beastly people, and fell into such great pride of the kings favour, that they accounted the king to be as their fellow, and they set the Lords at nought, yet few or none of them were Gentlemen, but taken from the plough and cart, and other crafts. And after these rustical people had a while Courted, they entered into so great a boldness, that they would not let, neither within the Court, nor without, to beat and slay the kings good Subjects, and to take from them their victuals, and to pay for them little or nothing at their pleasure, and to ravish their wives and daughters. And if any man fortuned to complain unto the king of them, he was soon rid out of the way, no man knew how, nor by whom, so that in effect they did what them lusted. A new house made for the Parliament. Against this Parliament, the King had commanded a great house to be made in the Palace at Westminster, which was so great, that scarcely the room of the Palace sufficed to set it in. In this house was made a high throne for the King, and a large place for all estates besides, to sit in. And also there were places made for certain Appealers, which are mentioned before, and they to be on the one side, and the aunswerours on the other, and a like room was made behind for the knights and Burgesses of the Parliament. Sir john bush speaker of the Parliament. And a place also made for the speaker of the Parliament, who at that time was one named sir john Bush, which was called a cruel, ambitious, and covetous man without all measure. And immediately after, all men in their degrees were placed, and the cause of the calling of that Parliament being declared, which was that the king had ordained it for reformation of diverse transgressions and oppressions, done against the peace of our sovereign Lord the kings Majesty, by the Duke of Gloucester, the Earls of Arondell, and of Warwick, and other. Then forthwith came Sir john Bush, and made request on the behalf of the Commonalty, that it might please the kings highness and excellency, that for the enorm acts done against his laws and Majesty, they might have condign punishment according to their deserts, The archbishop of Canterbury is accused of high treason. and chiefly the archbishop of Cauntorbury, which then sat next unto the king, whom he called the highest traitor, for where for many causes he should have been to the king a most faithful Counsellor, he by his evil counsel and prodigious suggestions, craftily circumvented the king, inducing him to grant his letters of pardon to a great traitor the Earl of Arondell his brother. To this when the archbishop arose and would have answered, the king would give him none audience, but commanded him to sit down again in his place, and not to make any further answer, for it should be well enough if he held his peace for that tyme. Then Sir john Bush required that the Archbishop should not be taken to his answer, for he said that his wit was so great, and did so far excel all other, Sir john Bush a flatterer. and his craft so great, that I fear he shall cirumvent us: So at that time the archbishop had no further hearing. The said Sir john Bush in all his prepositions to the king, did not only attribute to him worldly honours, but divine names, inventing flattering words, and unused terms, and to a mortal man not convenient, for as often as he spoke unto the king in his Throne, he cast his hands abroad, as he had adored and worshipped God, beseeching his excels, high, and adorant Majesty, that he would witsafe to grant him this or that. And the Prince being ambitious of honours, did not repress this insolency, but took great pleasure in his words, whereof came more inconvenience, as shall appear. Thus after, as ye have heard, that the king had excluded the archbishop from his answer: Sir john Bush, keeping his old flattering way, required on the behalf of the Commons, The kings pardon made void by parliament. that the Charters of pardon granted unto the traitors, as to the Duke of Gloucester, the Earls of Arondell, and of Warwick, should by the assent and consent of all the whole Parliament be revoked. The king also in his own person protested, that those pardons were extorted from him, and that he did not willingly grant them, and therefore he required that every man would say his opinion, aswell spiritual as temporal, what they thought therein. The spiritual men began first, being afraid to displease the king, and said that such pardons were revocable, and at the kings pleasure, and aught not to be allowed: And likewise said every of the spirituality, man by man, until it came to the archbishop of Cauntorbury: For the custom is, when such questions be asked, the youngest both of the spirituality and temporalty say their opinions first, and so pass forth in order until it come to the highest. And when this question was asked of the Archbishop of Cauntorbury, he answered that the kings person is so high from whom the pardon came, that he durst not say, that any such Charters were revocable: Howbeit, in the end it was determined that such pardons were to be revoked, for they did impeach the honour of the kings person. After that Sir john Bush had obtained this revocation, he declared further, that the Earl of Arondell had yet another special Charter of pardon for his own person, which he obtained after the first, and in that also the said Sir john Bush required importunately aid, in the name of the Commonalty, that the same also might be revoked. Then this question was also asked of the Prelates, which were of like opinion as they were of the first, that is to say, that it was revocable. At this time the archbishop of Cauntorbury absented himself from the Parliament, trusting in the kings promise, and like also as he had sworn unto him, that nothing should be attempted against him in his absence, but the contrary followed. For still this sir john Bush pursued him, and at his instant suit, which seemed to be the Kings will, he was condemned to perpetual exile, The Archbishop of Canterbury condemned to perpetual exile. and that he should not make any further abiding within this realm than six days. And after this Bishop was thus condemned, he sent to Rome, that Richard Walden his Treasurer might have the archbishopric, whereunto at the kings instance the Pope accorded, & within two year after was by the same Pope deposed. Shortly after this, was brought forth Richard Earl of Arondel, Richard earl of Arondell arraigned of treason. on the day of Saint Mathewe the Evangelist, to answer before the King, and the whole Parliament, to such things as should be objected and deposed against him. And as he stood at the Bar, the Lord Nevel was commanded by the Duke of Lancaster, The Duke of Lancaster high steward of England. which sat that day as high steward of England, to take the Hood from his neck, and to ungyrde him. Then the Duke of Lancaster, to whom by his office it appertained, notefyed unto him, that for his manifold rebellions and treasons against the kings Majesty, he was arrested, and hitherto kept in Warde, and now at the petition of the Lords and Commonalty, he was called to answer to such crimes as should be there objected against him, and there either to purge him of them, or else to abide condign punishment. And first he did charge him that he road traitorously in harness against the king with the Duke of Gloucester, and the Earl of Warwick, perturbing of the peace and Realm. To the which he answered, that he never did that as a traitor, nor for any hurt meant or intended against the kings person, but for the kings profit, and the realm, if that act might be well interpreted as it aught. Also it was demanded of him, why that he procured letters of pardon of the king for himself, if he knew that he was not faulty therein? To this he answered, that he did it not for any fear of any thing that he had misdone, but for stopping of evil tongues, which neither bore the king, nor him good will. Also he was demanded, whether he would deny that he made any such road with the persons aforenamed, and that he entered not armed into the kings presence, against his pleasure and will? To this he answered that he could not say nay. Then Sir john Bush cried importunately, and called for judgement to be given against the traitor, & said: your faithful commons ask, and require that it may so be. The Earl soberly turned his head, and said mildly unto him: Not the kings faithful Commons require this, but thou, and what thou art I know well enough. Then the eight Appealantes before named, standing on the other side, cast their gloves unto him, and followed their appeal which before was read, and offered to fight with him man for man, in iustefiing of their appeal. Then said the Earl, if I were at my liberty, & that it might please my sovereign Lord the king, I would not refuse to prove you liars in your appeal. And then spoke the Duke of Lancaster high Steward, and said unto him, what have you further to say to the points before alleged against you? He answered that of the kings grace he had his letters of general pardon, which he required might be allowed. Then the Duke answered that the Pardon was revoked by the Prelates and Noble men in the Parliament, and therefore willed him to make some other answer. The Earl said again, that he had another pardon under the kings great seal, which was granted him long after of the kings own motion, which also he required to be allowed. The Duke said again, that that pardon was in likewise revoked. And after this, when the Earl had nothing to say for himself: Then the King with his Sceptre made countenance to the Duke to give judgement. Then the Duke used these words unto him: The Earl of Arondell condemned and judged. Forasmuch as thou art convicted of high treason. etc. Thou shalt be drawn to the gallows, and there hanged, and after taken down, and thy Bowels to be taken out of thy body, and burned, and after to be beheaded, and quartered. And this judgement given in this manner, the Duke paused a while, and then said: The King our sovereign Lord of his grace, because thou art of his blood, and one of the Peers of the realm, hath remitted all the other pains unto the last, so that only thou shalt loose thy head. And anon he was taken from the place, and without delay had to the Tower hill, and there went before him, and behind him the aforesaid furious Chesshire men, which only in this Parliament had licence to bear weapon. There went with him also to his death the Earl of Nottyngham, that had married his daughter: The Earl of Kent his Nephew, the Earl of Huntyngdon, john Holland, which were all upon great horses, and had with them a great company of harnessed men. And when he should depart the Palace, he desired his hands might be let lose, and that he might give such money as he had in his Purse with his own hands, betwixt that and Charing cross. And so he gave his almose, but his arms were bound behind him. The Londoners seeing him thus pass through the City, bewailed sore his fortune, who not long before, among all the noble men was most famous, for he was so noble and valiant, that all the world spoke honour of him. And when he came to the Tower hill, the noble men that were about him, moved him very earnestly to acknowledge and confess that he had offended the king in high treason: But he in no wise would agreed so to do, but said that he was never Traitor in word nor deed. Then he turned to him that was the executioner and kissed him, and said: do thy duty, and as thou art commanded, but torment me not, but with one stroke strike of my head, and he assayed himself with his fingers, whether the sword was sharp enough, and said it is very well. Then said he to his kinsmen that stood there, it had been more meeter for you to have been away then at this act. I have been he that hath brought you up, and have enriched you, & brought you to honour, and ye like unkind persons reward me with this, The Earl of Arondell is executed. to bring me to shame: But the time will come and that shortly, when there shall as many marvel at your misfortune, as doth now of my fall. And then kneeled he down, and the Executioner with one stroke struck off his head, and his body was honourably buried in the Augustine Friars. Then returned they that were at the execution, and showed the king merrily of the death of the Earl: But though the king was then merry and glad that the deed was done, yet after, as mine Author saith, he was exceedingly vexed in his dreams, husbandmaning that the Earl appeared unto him. etc. After the judgement and death of the Earl of Arundel, as aforesaid, The Earl of Warwick is arraigned of Treason. then was Thomas Becham Earl of Warwik brought forth to abide the judgement of the Parliament. And when his accusers charged him, as a Traitor, with divers articles of treason, such as were before alleged against the Earl of Arundel, he answered that his mind was never to be Traitor unto the king, nor he thought never that those rydinges and assemblies that he made, could be accounted as treason. And when the judges had showed unto him that it was treason, he humbly asked of the king mercy and grace. The king than asked him, whether that he had so ridden with the Duke of Gloucester, and the Earl of Arundel: he answered that he could not deny it, and wished that he had never seen them: then said the king, do you not know that ye are guilty of treason? he answered again I knowledge it, and with great weeping and sobbing required all those that were present, to make intercession to the kings Majesty for pardon for him. Then the king and the Duke of Lancaster commoned, & after the king had paused awhile, he said to the Earl, by saint john Baptist Thomas of Warwick, this confession that thou hast made, is unto me more acceptable than all the lands of the Duke of Gloucester, and the Earl of Arundel. Then the Earl making still intercession for pardon, the Lords humbly besought the king to grant it him. The king than was contented to grant him his life, The banishment of the Earl of Warwick. but he banished him into the Isle of Man, which then was the Lord Scroop's, and he promised the Earl, that he and his wife and children should have honourable entertainment: But that promise was slenderly kept, for both the Earl and the Countess led their lives in great penury. The king not yet quieted, sent one of his justices called William Rykyll, borne in Ireland, to Calais, which was commanded to inquire of the Duke of Gloucester, whether he had committed any such treasons as before were alleged against the Earl of Arundel, and the Earl of Warwick, and that he should writ what he said, and what the Duke did confess: which after the said justice had speedily done, he returned unto the King, and showed him such things of his own devise, as he thought would best please the King, affirming that those things the Duke had frankly confessed. The King after the sight thereof, purposed the death of the Duke, and yet not willing to have him brought unto open judgement, for he feared the people, who bore him great love and favour, and therefore he sent the Earl of Nottyngham unto Thomas Mowbrey earl Martial, which then had the keeping of the Duke in Calais, and commanded him that privily the Duke should be killed. But he fearing to commit such an enorne deed, deferred the matter, though the king would have had it done with all speed. For the which the King was sore moved against the Earl, and swore that it should cost him his life, The Duke of Gloucester shamefully murdered. if he obeyed not quickly his commandment. And being thus constrained, he called out the Duke at midnight, as though he should have taken shipping to go into England, and there in his lodging with his servants, casting on Featherbeds upon him, he was smowthered. And so was this honourable and good man miserable put to death, which for the honour of the King and wealth of the realm had taken great travails. After that the king in this unhappy Parliament had brought all these matters to pass: yet would he not dissolve the same, but prorogued it, because it was nigh the feast of Christmas, The parliament prorogued unto Shrewesbury. and ordained that it should begin again immediately after the feast at Shrewesbury. And after that the king & Lords were come together, the king obtained that the whole power of both the houses was granted unto six or eight persons which had authority to determine such causes as yet hanged in the parliament. By virtue of which grant, the number aforesaid did proceed in derogation of the state of the house, and to the great disadvantage of the king, and perilous example in time to come. King Richard nameth himself prince of Chester. And for that the king had spent much money at these Parliaments, he required to have one disme and a half of the Clergy, and a fifteen of the temporalty, and then he took upon him the name of the Prince of Chester, for love that he bore to the Chesshire men. Creation of Dukes and Earls. Then was the Earl of Derby made Duke of Hertfoord: The Earl Martial Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Rutland Duke of Aubemarle: the Earl of Kent Duke of Surrey, and the Earl of Huntyngdon Duke of Excester: The Countess of Norfolk Duchess of Norfolk, the Earl of Somerset Marquis of Dorset: The Lord Spencer earl of Gloucester, the Lord Neuyll earl of Westmoreland, the Lord Scrope the king's chamberlain, the Earl of Wiltshire, the Lord Percy Steward of the king's house earl of Worcester. The king after this triumphed not a little, as one that had conquered and overthrown his enemies, and he waxed so haughty, that he had all estates in contempt, and thought himself more noble than any prince living. And then he changed his arms that his Grandfather had given, King Richard altereth his arms. and joined Saint Edward's arms and his together. And to reward the persons above named, whom he had advanced to honour, he gave unto them a great part of the Duke of Gloucester, the Earl of Warwick, and the Earl of Arondels lands. And whatsoever the king did, no man durst speak a word, or advise him in any thing, but must sooth him in whatsoever he said, or did. And such as were then chief of his Counsel, the commons judged to be the worst of all other, the which were these. The Duke of Aumarle, the Duke of Norfolk, the Duke of Excester, the Duke of Wilthshire, Sir john Bush, Sir William Bagot, sir Thomas Grene knight, to whom as is aforesaid, the Commons bore great and privy hatred. Sun after this, The Lord Cobham is arraigned and attainted. the king caused to be arraigned and attainted the Lord Cobham, upon those articles that the Duke of Gloucester, the Earl of Arondell, and the Earl of Warwick were condemned for: But the Lord Cobham was pardoned of his life, and put to exile into the Isle of Gernesey, and there was assigned unto him a small and poor living. And for an end of this parliament the King granted a general pardon to all persons, A general pardon. and for all manner of offences, except only fifty persons, whose names he would not declare, nor no man so privy about him that could understand them. And it was said, that he kept that secret, that when any great man offended, he would then declare that he was one of the fifty that was excepted, and by that means he had always his subjects in his danger. This year being the xxij year of his reign, 1398/2● it chanced Henry Earl of Derby a little before created Duke of Herfford, a prudent and wise man, and well-beloved of all, calling to his mind, and well considering with himself how king Richard his Cossyn German was now come to that trade, that he little or nothing regarded the counsel of his Uncles nor other grave and sad persons, but did all thing at his pleasure, using his will in steed of law and reason. Wherefore on a day being in the company of Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolk, and Earl Martial, he began to break his mind unto him, rather for sorrow and grief, then for malice or displeasure, rehearsing how king Richard little esteemed the Nobles of his Realm, and as much as say in him, sought daily occasions to destroy the more part of them, dispatching some by death, and other by banishment. And this his cruel and severe government (said he) is not only grievous to the Nobility, but to the Commons also, who greatly murmured thereat, therefore for as much as I know he loveth you, and, I am sure, so do you him, when time opportune will serve, ye shall do well to advertise him thereof, and to beseech his grace to turn the leaf, and use a better way. When the Duke of Norfolk had heard fully his device, he took it not in good part, but reckoned that he had gotten a prey, by the which he should obtain greater favour of the king then ever he had, and for that time dissembled the matter and so departed. And after, when he had opportunity and saw his time, he declared to the king what he had heard: and to aggravate, and to make the offence the greater, he added much thereunto, but left out nothing. When the king had heard him, and had paused a little with himself, he began to be in a great chafe, but after a while he tempered his melancholy, and was content to here both parties together, and therefore called unto him the Duke of Lancaster, who was chief of his counsel, and both the Dukes of Herfford & Norfolk, and caused the accuser openly to declare what he had heard the Duke of Herfford speak. The Duke of Norfolk rehearsed again the tale that he had told to the king, but not in such order as the Duke of Herfford had told it to him, but had added thereunto, and altered very much thereof. When the Duke of Herfford heard the tale so told, he was somewhat troubled therewith and paused awhile, and after turning him to the Duke of Norfolk, he declared word by word what he had said, and showed the cause why he so spoke, denying all the other matters that the Duke of Norfolk had added thereunto, and said further unto the king, that if it would please his grace to suffer him, he would prove his accuser untrue, and a false forger of lies by the stroke of a spear and dent of a sword. The Duke of Norfolk affirmed constantly his tale to be true, and refused not the Combat. The king demanded of them if they would not agreed among themselves? which they both denied, and threw down their gauges. By saint john Baptist, quoth the king, if you of yourselves will not agreed, I will not study how to agreed you, and then he granted them the battle, and assigned the place to be at Coventrie, in the month of August next ensuing. A Combat between the duke of Herford and the duke of Norfolk. Then was great preparation made, as to such a matter appertained, and when all things were in readiness, and the day come, thither came the king being accompanied with all his nobles. And thither came also the two Dukes aforesaid, that is to say, the Duke of Herfford Appellant, & the duke of Norfolk Defendant, & they being armed, entered on horseback the one after the other into the Lists, & the people cried upon God to save and prospero the Duke of Herfford, for they loved not the Duke of Norfolk, because it was said that he murdered the Duke of Gloucester at Calais, as aforesaid. Now the time being come, these two noble men, each having his Spear in rest, and ready to join the battle, the king cast down his warder, and commanded them to stay, and then the king and the Lords went to counsel, and they took up the matter: And after great deliberation, the king by the mouth of the king of Heralds pronounced sentence in this sort, first that Henry of Lancaster Duke of Herfford Appellant, and Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolk Defendant, have honourably and valiantly appeared here within the lists this day, and have been ready to dareign the battle, like two valiant knights, and hardy Champions: But because the matter is great and weighty between these two great Princes, this is the order of the king and his counsel. The Duke of Herforde banished for ten years. That Henry Duke of Herfford for diverse considerations, and because it hath pleased the king, shall within xu days departed out of the realm, for the term of ten years, without returning, except by the king he be repealed again, and that upon pain of death. The Herald cried again and said, that Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolk, by the ordinance of the King and his Counsel, because that he had sown sedition in the realm by his words, whereof he can make no proof, shall avoid the realm of England, and devil where he lust out of the kings dominions, The Duke of Norfolk banished for ever. and never to return again into the same upon pain of death, and that the king would stay the profits and revenues of his lands until he had received such sums of money as the Duke had taken up of the kings treasurer, for the wages of the Garrison of Calais, which were still unpaid. And then they called before him the two banished persons, and made them swear, that the one should never come into the place where the other was (willingly) nor keep company together in any other foreign region. The Duke of Norfolk, which supposed to have been borne out by the king, was sore repentant of his enterprise, and departed sorrowfully out of the realm into Almain, & at the last came to Venice, where for thought he died. The Duke of Herfford took his leave of the king at Eltham, and there the king released unto him four years of his banishment. And so he took his journey, and came to Calais, and so into France, where he continued a while. When he was arrived in France, king Charles hearing the cause of his banishment, which he esteemed very small and light, received him gently and honourably entertained him: Insomuch, that he had by favour obtained the marriage of the only daughter of john Duke of Berry, Uncle to the French king, if king Richard had not cast a stop in his way: For he well considered how the Commonalty loved the Duke, and how desirous they were of his return into England: and then foreseeing that if he should be joined with so great an affinity as the blood of the house of Berry was in France, and afterward suddenly to return into England, it might fortune to turn to his more displeasure than pleasure, wherefore he letted that marriage. During the first year of the exile of this Duke, John Duke of Lancaster dieth. his father john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster died, and is buried on the North side of the Quire of the Church of Saint Paul's in London. The death of this Duke shortened the life of king Richard, for he notwithstanding, that the Duchy of Lancaster was to this Duke henry lawfully descended, not only seized without right or title all the goods of the said Duke john his parent, but also defrauded his heir of his lawful inheritance, receiving the rents and revenues of all his patrimony, and giving to other that which was not his, and distributed the Duke's lands to his Parasites, and flattering followers. This act was judged of all the nobility to be unlawful, unjust, and ungodly, to deprive a man being banished out of the realm without desert, of his inheritance. But Edmond Duke of York, Uncle to Henry now lawfully Duke of Lancaster, was sore moved with this chance, to see the king break and violate all laws: And after the murder of his brother the Duke of Gloucester, to spoil and rob the son of his other brother. For he before this time, as much as his patience could bear, did tolerate and suffer the death of his brother, the banishment of his Nephew, and many more injuries, which for the lightness and youth of the king he passed over: But now that he saw there was no hope of amendment of the kings government, and that he had no man near him that durst boldly admonish him of his office, and duty, he therefore as a wise man, thought it meet in time to get him to a resting place, and to leave the following of so doubtful and wilful a Captain: Wherefore he with the Duke of Aumerie his son, departed from the Court, and went to his house at Langley. In this mean time, king Richard had made great preparation to go into Ireland, and gathered together great sums of money by sundry devices and practices: as first, he caused an inquiry to be made in every shire, New exactions. of those that had been in arms with the Duke of Gloucester, the Earl of Arondell, and the Earl of Warwick, and caused diverse Bishops and men of honour in every shire, to advise such as had offended, to confess their treasons by writing, and put them in the kings mercy, promising that they should have no hurt thereby. Wherefore many were constrained, as well of the Clergy, as of the Commonalty, to make great fines. And also many Noble men were compelled to pay unto the king great sums of money, which was called pleasance, to please the king withal. Also at this time the king caused many black Charters to be made, Blank Chartres. and forced men to sign and seal the same, by the which he might when he would undo any of his subjects. But some writ that it was for that he purposed to deliver Calais, and all his lands beyond the Sea, to the French king, and to show that all his subjects had assented thereunto. The king setteth forth to Ireland. When all these things were done, as is mentioned before, the king set forward with a great navy & power of men towards Ireland, in the month of April, to suppress and tame the wild heads of the Irish men, and he had with him his guard of Chesshire men, in whom he put his special trust. Also he carried with him the greatest of the noble men's sons of England, as the Duke of Gloucester's son and heir, the Earl of Herford son and heir to Henry Duke of Herfford and of Lancaster. Also he was accompanied with the Duke of Aumerle, and the Duke of Exeter, and many other: And at his departure he left for his Lieutenant in England, Sir Edmond of Langley his Uncle, Duke of York. And so the king entered into Ireland, and set fiercely upon the Irish men, and compelled them shortly to submit themselves. The saying also was, that before his going into Ireland, he had let the realm to farm to Sir William Scrope Earl of Wiltshire, and then Treasurer of England, The King had let the Realm to Farm. to Sir john Bush, Sir john Bagot, and sir Henry Grene, knights, for the term of xiiij years: By reason whereof they procured many men to be accused, and such as were accused, there was no remedy to deliver him, or them, but were he poor or rich, he must compound and make his fine with those tyrants, at their will and pleasure. Now the King being in Ireland, as aforesaid, he so subdued the Irishmen, and that in short space, that he brought the greatest part of that realm into very good order, and set them very quiet. But while the king was thus occupied in Ireland, the Duke of Herford by the provocation of Thomas Arondell, archbishop of Cauntorbury, who, The landing of the Duke of Lancaster and the archbishop of Canterbury. as you before have heard, was banished by king Richard, and was in France with the said Duke of Herfford, returned now both into England, and landed at Ravenspurre in the North Country, in the month of August, and by reason of his title to the Duchy of Lancaster, he raised and assembled the people ever as he went, so that he had gathered together a great number of people. And, as saith Hall, there resorted unto him, the Earls of Northumberland, and Westmoreland, and the Lords Percy, Rose, Willoughby, and other, and taking an oath of him, that he should not do to king Richard any bodily harm, they made to him homage, & became his liege men, and so took their journey towards London, where they were received with all joy and gladness. Then the Duke consulted there diverse days with his friends. And thither came unto him, Thomas Arondell, son to Richard earl of Arondell, by king Richard a little before put to death, which had late escaped out of prison. When the Duke had well perceived and considered the great love and favour that was borne him, as well of the nobility, as also of the commonalty, and how they came daily unto his relief, he not only yielded thanks unto God therefore, but showed himself most thankful unto them for the same, and then set forward into the West Country, and still as he passed, his people increased without number, and being now so well and strongly accompanied, he then proclaimed open war against King Richard, and all his partakers and friends. King Richard being in Ireland, King Richard returneth to England. and now hearing of the Duke's arrival in England, hastened not a little to set all things there in order, and returned into England, and landed at Mylforde Haven, in the beginning of September, and from thence passed unto the Castle of Flynt in Wales ten Miles distant from Chester, and there rested him and his people, intending there to have gathered a great power, and to have set upon the Duke. But in this mean time, the aforesaid Duke, William Scrope Sir john Bush and Grene put to death. who had proclaimed himself Duke of Lancaster, in the right of his father john of Gaunt, was come to Bristol and there without resistance took Sir William Scrope Earl of Wiltshyre, and high Treasurer of England, Sir john Bush, and Sir Henry Grene, who forthwith were adjudged, and were beheaded. There was also taken Sir john Bagot, but he escaped, and fled into Ireland. Now King Richard was not so diligent to gather his power together, but they were as hasty to fly from him, and to aid the Duke, which amazed the King much, and in the end the king determined to keep that Castle, A special note. and to abide fortune. And this (saith Hall) is to be noted of all Princes, rulers, and persons set in Authority, that this Duke Henry of Lancaster should be thus called to the Kingdom, and have the help and assistance almost of all the whole realm (which perchance never thereof once thought or dreamed) and that King Richard should thus be left desolate, void, and desperate of all hope and comfort, in whom if there were any offence, it aught rather to have been imputed to the frailty of his youth, then to the malice of his heart. When the Duke of Lancaster knew that king Richard was come to the Castle of Flint, he came forward with speed with a great army, and drew near Chester: When Thomas Percy Earl of Worcester, Thomas Percy Lord steward breaketh his staff. and Lord steward of the kings household, and brother to the Earl of Northumberland, heard tell of the Duke's approaching, and bearing displeasure to the king, because a little before he had proclaimed his brother a Traitor, he calling together the kings household, did before them all break his white staff, and bid every man go where he would, and shifted for himself. The King is forsaken of all and left alone And when the kings servants saw this, they dispersed themselves, some one way, and some another, and left the king alone, saving two or three Lords, and a few men. The Duke approaching very near to the Castle of Flint, whereof king Richard being advertised by john Pallet, and Richard Seymer (his assured servants) departed out of the Castle, and fled to Conway, and there he sent for the Duke of Ereter his brother, the Earl of Northumberland, and Thomas archbishop of Cauntorbury, The Kings yieldeth himself to the Duke of Lanc● and desired them to come to the Castle unto him, to whom he showed his purpose, and that he was well content to give up the Crown, and to be discharged of that great Burden, and shortly after, he yielded himself unto the Duke, who secretly sent him to the Tower of London. When the Duke had thus possessed his prey, he returned to London, and shortly after called a Parliament the xiij, A parliament at westminster. of September, in the kings name, at the which many of the kings friends, but more of his, appeared. There was declared how unprofitable king Richard had been to the realm during his reign, how he subverted the laws, polled the people, ministered justice to no man, but to such as pleased him. And to the intent that the Commons might be persuaded that he was an unjust and unprofitable Prince, and a tyrant over his subjects, and therefore worthy to be deposed, there were set forth certain articles very heinous to the ears of many, and to some incredible, the effect of which articles hereafter follow. 1 First that King Richard wastefully spent the treasure of the realm, and had given the possessions of the Crown to men unworthy, by reason whereof daily new charges more and more were laid in the necks of the poor Commonalty. And where divers Lords, aswell spiritual as temporal, were appointed by the high Court of Parliament, to common and treat of diverse matters concerning the common wealth of the same, which being busy about those commissions, he with other of his affinity went about to impeach them of treason, and by force and threatening, compelled the justices of the realm at Shrewesbury to condescend to his opinion, for the destruction of the said Lords: insomuch that he began to raise war against john Duke of Lancaster, Thomas earl of Arondell, Richard earl of Warwick, and other Lords, contrary to his honour and promise. 2 Item, that he caused his Uncle the Duke of Gloucester to be arrested without law, & sent him to Calais, and there without judgement murdered him. And although the Earl of Arundel upon his arraignment pleaded his Charter of pardon, he could not be heard, but was in most vile and shameful manner suddenly put to death. 3 Item, he assembled certain Lancashire and Cheshire men, to the intent to make war on the foresaid Lords, and suffered them to rob and pill, without correction or reproof. 4 Item, although the King flatterynglye, and with great dissimulation made Proclamation throughout the realm, that the Lords before named were not attached for any crime of treason, but only for extortions and oppressions done in this realm, yet he laid to them in the Parliament, rebellion and manifest treason. 5 Item, he hath compelled diverse of the said Lords servants and friends, by menace and extreme payments, to make great fines to their utter undoing. And notwithstanding his pardon to them granted, yet he made them fine of new. 6 Item, where divers were appointed to common of the estate of the realm, and the common wealth of the same. The same king caused all the rolls and records to be kept from them, contrary to his promise made in the Parliament to his open dishonour. 7 Item, that he uncharitably commanded, that no man upon pain of loss of life and goods, should once entreat him for the return of Henry, now Duke of Lancaster. 8 Item, where this realm is holden of God, and not of the Pope or other Prince, the said king Richard, after he had obtained diverse acts of Parliament for his own peculiar profit and pleasure, than he obtained Bulls and extreme censures from Rome, to compel all men straightly to keep the same, contrary to the honour and ancient privileges of this realm. 9 Item, although the Duke of Lancaster had done his devoir against Thomas Duke of Norfolk, in proof of his quarrel, yet the said King without reason or ground, banished him the Realm for ten years, contrary to all equity. 10 Item, before the Duke's departure, he under his broad seal licensed him to make attorney to prosecute and defend his causes: The said king after his departure would suffer none attorney to appear for him, but did with his at his pleasure. 11 Item, the same king put out diverse Sheriffs lawfully elected, and put in their rooms, diverse other of his own minions, subverting the law, contrary to his oath and honour. 12 Item, he borrowed great sums of money, and bound him under his letters patents for the repayment of the same, and yet not one penny paid. 13 Item, he taxed men at the will of him and his unhappy counsel, and the same treasure spent in folly, not paying poor men for their victual and viand. 14 Item, he said that the laws of the realm were in his head, and sometime in his breast, by reason of which fantastical opinion, he destroyed Noble men, and impoverished the poor Commons. 15 Item, the Parliament sitting and enacting diverse notable statutes for the profit and advancement of the common wealth, he by his privy friends and solicitors, caused to be enacted, that no act then enacted should be more prejudicial to him, than it was to any of his predecessors, through which proviso he did often as he list, and not as the law ment. 16 Item, for to serve his purpose, he would suffer the Sheriffs of the shire to remain above one year or two. 17 Item, at the summons of the Parliament, when Knights and Burgesses should be elected, and that the election had full proceeded, he put out divers persons elected, & put in other in their places, to serve his will & appetite. 18 Item, he had privy Spials in every shire, to here who had of him any communication, and if he commoned of his lascivious living, or outrageous doing, he straight ways was apprehended, and made a grievous fine. 19 Item, the spirituality alleged against him, that he at his going into Ireland exacted many notable sums of money, beside plate, and jewels, without law or custom, contrary to his oath taken at his coronation. 20 Item, when diverse Lords and justices were sworn to say the truth of diverse things to them committed in charge, both for the honour of the Realm, and profit of the king, the said king so menaced them with sore threatenings, that no man would or durst say the right. 21 Item, that without the assent of the Nobility, he carried the jewels, and Plate, and Treasure over the sea into Ireland, to the great empoverishing of the realm. And all the good records for the common wealth, and against his extortions, he caused privily to be embesiled, and conveyed away. 22 Item, in all leagues & letters to be concluded or sent to the See of Rome or other Regions: His writing was so subtle and so dark, that no other prince durst once believe him, nor yet his own subjects. 23 Item, he most tyrannously and unprincely said, that the lives and goods of all his subjects were in the prince's hands, and at his disposition. 24 Item, that he contrary to the great Charter of England caused divers lusty men to appeal divers old men, upon matters determinable at the common law, in the Court martial, because that in that court is no trial but only by battle: Whereupon the said aged persons fearing the sequel of the matter, submitted themselves to his mercy, whom he fined and ransomed unreasonably at his pleasure. 25 Item, he craftily devised certain privy oaths, contrary to the law, and caused divers of his subjects, first to be sworn to observe the same, and after bound them in bonds for the former keeping of the same, to the great undoing of many honest men. 26 Item, where the Chancellor according to the law, would in no wise grant a prohibition to a certain person: the king granted it unto the same person under his privy seal, with great threatenings, if it should be disobeyed. 27 Item, he banished the bishop of Cauntorbury without cause or judgement, and kept him in the parliament Chamber with men of Arms. Item, the bishop's goods he granted to his successor, upon condition that he should maintain all his statutes made at Shrewesburie. Anno xxj and the statutes made. Anno xxij at Coventrie. 28 Item, upon the accusation of the Archbishop, the king craftily persuaded the said Bishop to make no answer, for he would be his warrant, and advised him not to come to the parliament. And so without answer he was condemned and exiled, and his goods seized. After that king Richard was charged with the aforesaid articles, there was an instrument made, declaring his answers, & how he consented willingly to be deposed, the tenor of which instrument was as followeth. The copy of an Instrument. THis present instrument made the Monday the xxix day of September 1389. and in the xxiij year of king Richard the second, witnesseth: that where by the authority of the Lords spiritual and temporal of this present parliament, and commons of the same, the right honourable and discreet persons, here under named, were by the said authority assigned to go unto the tower of London, there to here and testify such questions and answers as then and there should be by the said honourable and discreet persons heard: know all men to whom these present letters shall come, that we Sir Richard Scrope archbishop of York, john bishop of Hertford, Henry earl of Northumberland, Ralph earl of Westmoreland, Thomas Lord of Barkeley, William Abbot of westminster, john Prior of Cauntorburie, William Thirning, and Hugh Burnell knights, and john Markam justice, Thomas Stowe, and john Burbage Doctors of the law civil: Thomas Fereby, and Dionyse Lopham Notaries public, the day and year abovesaid, between the hours of eight and nine of the clock in the fore noon, were present in the chief chamber of the king's lodging within the said place of the tower, where was rehearsed unto the king, by the mouth of the foresaid Earl of Northumberlande, that before time at Conwaye in North-wales, the king being there at his pleasure and liberty promised unto the archbishop of Cauntorbury, than Thomas Arundel, and unto the said Earl of Northumberlande, that he for the insufficiency which he knew himself to be of, to occupy so great a charge as to govern this Realm of England, would gladly leave of, and renounce the right and title, as well of that, as of the title of the crown of France and his majesty, unto Henry Duke of Herfford, and that to do in such convenient wise as by the learned men of this land it should most sufficiently be by them devised and ordained. To the which rehearsal, the king in our presence answered benignly and said, that such promise' he made, and so to the same he was at that hour in full purpose to perform and fulfil, saving that he desired first to have personal speech with the said Duke, and with the archbishop of Cauntorbury his Cossyns. And furthermore, he desired to have a bill drawn of the said Resignation, that he might be perfit in the rehearsal thereof. After which Copy by me the said Earl of Northumberlande delivered, we the said Lords and other departed. And upon the same after noon, the king desiring much of the coming of the Duke of Lancaster, at the last the said Duke with the archbishop of Cauntorbury entered the aforesaid Chamber, bringing with them the Lord Roos, the Lord Burgeyny, and Lord Willoughby with diverse other. Where after due obeisance done by them unto the king, he familiarly and with a glad countenance (to us appearing) talked with the said Archbishop & Duke a good season. And that communication finished, the King with a glad countenance, in presence of us and the other above rehearsed, said openly, that he was ready to renounce and resign all his kingly majesty in manner and form as he before had promised. And although he had and might sufficiently have declared his renouncement by the reading of another mean person, yet he for the more surety of the matter, and for that the said resignation should have his full force and strength, he therefore read the scroll of resignation himself, in manner, and form as followeth. ¶ In the name of God, amen. I Richard by the grace of God, King Richard resigneth the crown and Kingdom of England. king of England and of France, and Lord of Ireland, acquit and assoil all archbishops, Bishops, and other prelate's secular & religious, of what dignity, state or condition that they be of: And also all Dukes, earls, Barons, Lords, and all mine other liege men, both spiritual and secular, of what manner of name or degree they be, from their oath of fealty and homage, and all other deeds and privileges made unto me, and from all manner of bands of allegiance and regaly and Lordship, in the which they were or be bound unto me, or in any otherwise constrained: And them their heirs and successors for evermore from the said bands and oaths I release, deliver, acquit and set them for free, dissolved and acquitted, and to be harmless, for somuch as longeth to my person by any manner of way, title or right, that to me might follow of the aforesaid things, or of any of them. And also I resign all my kingly dignity, majesty and crown, with all the Lordships, power and privileges to the aforesaid kingly dignity and crown belonging, and all other Lordships and possessions to me in any manner of wise appertaining, what name and condition soever they be of, except those lands and possessions for me & mine Obite purchased and bought. And I renounce all right and all colour of right, and all manner of title of possession, and Lordship, which I ever had or have in the same Lordships, and possessions, or any of them, or to them, with any manner of rights belonging or appertaining unto any part of them. And also the rule and governance of the same kingdom and Lordships, with all ministrations of the same, and all things and every of them that to the whole Empire and jurisdictions of the same belongeth of right, or in any wise may belong. And also I renounce the name of worship & regaly and kingly highness, clearly, freely, singularly and wholly, in the most best manner and form that I may, and with deed and word I leave of and resign them, and go from them for evermore, saving always to my successors kings of England, all the rights, privileges and appurtenances to the said kingdom & Lordships above said belonging and appertaining: For well I wot and knowledge, and dame myself to be, and have been, insufficient and unable and also unprofitable, and for mine open deserts not unworthy to be put down. And I swear upon the holy Evangelists, here presently with my hands touched, that I shall never repugn to this resignation, dismission, or yielding up, nor never impugn them in any manner, by word or by deed, by myself nor by none other: Nor I shall not suffer it to be impugned, in as much as in me is, privily or apart. But I shall have hold and keep this pronouncing, dismission and leaving up for firm and stable for evermore, in all and in every part thereof, so God help me and all Saints, and by this holy Evangelist by me bodily touched and kissed. And for more record of the same, here openly I subscribe and sign this present resignation with mine own hand. And forthwith in our presences and other he subscribed the same, and after delivered it unto the archbishop of Cauntorbury, saying that if it were in his power or at his assignment, he would that the Duke of Lancaster, there present, should be his successor and king after him. And in token thereof, he took a ring of Gold from his finger, being his signet, and put it upon the said dukes finger, desiring & requiring the Archbishop of York, to show and make report to the Lords of the Parliament of his voluntary resignation, and also of his intent and good mind that he bore toward his Cossyn the Duke of Lancaster, to have him his successor & king after him. And this done, every man took their leave and returned to their home. On the morrow following, being on the Tewesday, and the last day of September, all the Lords spiritual and temporal, with also the commons of the said parliament, assembled at westminster: where in the presence of them, the Archbishop of York, according to the king's desire showed unto them seriously the voluntary renouncing of the king, with also the favour that he aught unto his Cossyn the Duke of Lancaster, for to have him his successor. And moreover he showed unto them the Schedule or bill of renouncement, signed with King Richard's hand. And when the things aforesaid were by the said Bishop finished, the question was asked first of the Lords, if they would admit and allow that renouncement: The which when it was of the Lords granted and confirmed, the like question was asked of the Commons, and of them in like manner affirmed. After which admission, it was then declared, that notwithstanding the foresaid renouncing so by the Lords and commons admitted, it were needful unto the realm, in the avoiding of all suspicions and surmises of evil disposed persons to have in writing and registered the manifold crimes and defaults before done by the said Richard, late king of England, to the end that they might first be openly showed unto the people, and after to remain of record among the king's records. The which articles are before expressed. Now when the Lords of the parliament had considered this voluntary renouncement of King Richard, and that it was behoveful and necessary for the weal of the realm to proceed unto the sentence of his deposal, they there appointed by the authority of the states of the said parliament, that is to say the Bishop of Saint Ass, the Abbot of Glascenbury, the Earl of Gloucester, the Lord Barkeley, William Thyrning justice, and Thomas Erpyngham, and Thomas Grey knights, that they should give open sentence to the king's deposition. Whereupon the said commissioners laying their heads together, by good counsel and advisement and of one assent agreed among them, that the Bishop of Saint Ass should publish the sentence for them and in their names, as followeth. ¶ In the name of God, amen. The deposition of king Richard the second. We john Bishop of Saint Ass or Assenence, john Abbot of Glascenbury, Richard earl of Gloucester (and so the names of the other as they are above rehearsed) chosen and deputed special commissioners by the three estates of this present parliament, representing the whole body of the realm, for all such matters by the said estates to us committed: we well understanding & considering the manifold crimes, hurts and harms done by Richard King of England, and the misgovernance of the same by a long time, to the great decay of the said land, and utter ruin of the same shortly to have been, ne had the special grace of our Lord God thereunto put the sooner remedy: And also furthermore considering that the said king knowing his own insufficiency, hath of his own mere motion and free will renounced and given up the rule and governance of this land, with all rights and honours to the same belonging, and utterly for his merits hath judged himself not unworthily to be deposed of all kingly majesty and estate royal. We the premises well considering, by good and diligent deliberation, by the power, name and authority to us, as abovesaid, committed pronounce, decern and declare the same king Richard, before this to have been and to be unprofitable, unable, unsufficient, and unworthy to the rule and governance of the aforesaid realms and Lordships, and all other the appurtenances to the same belonging. And for the same causes we deprive him of all kingly dignity and worship, and of any kingly worship in himself. And we depose him by our sentence definitive, forbidding expressly to all archbishops, Bishops, and all other Prelates, Dukes, Marquesses, Earls, Barons and Knights, and to all other men of the aforesaid kingdom and Lordships, or of other places belonging to the same realms and Lordships, subjects and lieges whatsoever they be, that none of them from this time forward, to the aforesaid Richard as king and Lord of the aforesaid Realms and Lordships, be neither obedient nor atttendaunt. And immediately after this sentence, the duke of Lancaster rising from the place where he than sat, and standing where all might behold him, spoke these words. I Henry of Lancaster claim the realm of England, and the crown, Henry Duke of Lancaster maketh claim to the crown and kingdom of England. with all the appurtenances, as I that am descended by right live of the blood coming from that good Lord king Henry the third, and through the right that God of his grace hath sent unto me, with the help of my kin, and of my friends to recover the same, which was in point to be undone for default of good governance and due justice. After which words, thus by him uttered, he returned & sat him down in the place where he before had sitten. Then the lords hearing this claim, commoned secretly among themselves, and then was it demanded of them what they thought: and they all agreed to the said claim, and that he was worthy to reign as king over them. Then the Archbishop of Cauntorbury having knowledge of the lords minds, stood up, and asked the Commons if they would assent to the Lords, to the which also they assented. After which answer the Archbishop went to the Duke, Duke Henry placed in the regal seat. and after low & solemn obeisance, kneeling upon his knee, did afterward arise, and took the Duke by the right hand, and led him unto the kings seat, and there with great reverence placed him. After the Duke was thus placed as king, than he stood up and said to the Lords and Commons present: I thank you my Lords spiritual and temporal, and all the states of this land, and I give you to understand, that it is not my will that any man think that by the way of Conquest I would disinherit any man of his heritage, franchise or other rights, that of right to him belongeth, nor to put him out of that which he now enjoyeth, & hath had before time by custom of good law of this realm, except such private persons as have been against the good purpose & the common profit of the realm. When the king had thus spoken, he sat down, and then it was agreed that the Procurator aforenamed should go unto the Tower, and resign unto the late king Richard all their homages and fealties in the name of the whole realm, and to show unto him, not only the manner of his deposition, but also how Henry Duke of Lancaster was placed in the Kingdom, which was done accordingly, and the next day after, the Duke was openly proclaimed King by the name of King Henry the fourth. henry the fourth. NOw after King Richard was deposed, as you have heard, than Henry Plantagenet, borne at Bolyngbrooke in the County of Lincoln, Duke of Lancaster and Herford, earl of Derby, Leycester, and Lyncolne, son to john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, took upon him the government of this realm, and was by sound of Trumpet proclaimed king of England, and of France, and Lord of Ireland, the xxix day of September, in the year of our Lord 1399. by the name of King Henry the fourth, The Coronation of king Henry the fourth. and was crowned at Westminster the xj day of October than next following, which was the day of the Translation of Edward the Confessor, with all triumph and solemnity. And at the day of his coronation (as saith Hall) because he would not have it thought that he took upon him the Crown without good title and right thereunto had, therefore he caused it to be proclaimed and published, that he challenged the realm not only by conquest, but also for that he was by king Richard adopted as heir, and declared successor of him, and by resignation, had accepted the Crown and Sceptre, & also that he was next heir Male of the blood royal to King Rycharde. Shortly after his coronation, he created his eldest son Henry, Henry prince of Wales. Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl of Chester being then of the age of twelve years, and caused him to be proclaimed heir apparent to the Crown of this realm. And soon after he called his high Court of Parliament, in the which was demanded by king Henry's friends, what should be done with king Richard. And as the aforesaid Hall saith, whom I chiefly follow in this history, for that he hath diligently travailed therein. The bishop of Carlisle a stout bishop. The Bishop of Carlisle which was a man well learned, and of a good courage, stood up and said: My Lords, I require you to take heed what answer you make unto this question: For I think there is none of you worthy or meet to give judgement on so noble a Prince as King Richard is, whom we have taken and honoured for our sovereign and liege Lord, by the space of xxij years, & I assure you, there is not so rank a traitor, nor so arrant a these, nor yet so cruel a murderer, apprehended or detained in prison for his offence, but he shall be brought before the justice to here his judgement: And yet ye will proceed to the judgement of an anointed king, and here neither his answer nor excuse. And I say, that the Duke of Lancaster, whom you call king, hath more offended and more trespassed to king Richard & this realm, than the king hath either done to him or to us. For it is manifest and well known, that the Duke was banished the Realm by king Richard and his counsel, and by the judgement of his own father (for the space of ten years) for what cause all you know, and yet without licence of king Richard he is returned again into the realm, yea and that is worse, hath taken upon him the name, title, & pre-eminence of a king: And therefore I say, that you have done manifest wrong, A bishop committed to ward for talking to broad in the parliament house. to proceed in any thing against king Richard, without calling him openly to his answer and defence. Assoon as the Bishop had ended his tale, he was attached by the Earl Martial, and committed to ward in the Abbey of Saint Alban's. And in the said Parliament it was concluded, that King Richard should continued in a large prison, An order taken how king Richard should be entreated. and should have all things honourably ministered unto him, aswell for his diet as also apparel. And that if any person or persons would presume to stir and rear war on the behalf of king Richard for his deliverance out of prison, that then King Richard himself should be the first that should die for that commotion. A sore sentence. In this Parliament, the Lord Fitzwater appealed the Duke of Aumarle of high treason, Sundry appeals. and offered to fight with him in Lists royal: Likewise the Lord Morley appealed the Earl of Sarisbury, and there were more than twenty appellants which waged battle in this Parliament: But the king pardoned all their offences, saving the faults of the Lord Morley, and the Earl of Sarisbury, whom he committed to ward, and after at the request of their friends, they were again set at liberty. The king also punished extremely all such as were privy and doers of the murder of Thomas his Uncle, A revengement of the Duke of Gloucester's death. late Duke of Gloucester, which was shamefully murdered, as is before, in the Town of Calais. Also he greatly advanced sundry of his friends, and called out of banishment Richard earl of Warwick, and restored the Earl of Arondelles son to his own possession and dignity, and many other. He took into his special favour john Holland Duke of Exeter, john Holland Duke of Exeter. and Earl of Huntyngton, half brother unto King Richard which had espoused the Lady Elizabeth his own sister: And he being before Captain of Calais, was greatly moved and inwardly grieved, that King Richard his brother was removed out of the seat royal, and therefore began to stir up new motions and factions within the Realm: the which the king much feared, and therefore he reconciled him to his favour, and made him as he supposed, his perfect friend, where in deed he was his deadly enemy. Also in the end of this Parliament were repealed all the statutes that were made in the xxj year of the reign of King Richard. And then King Henry supposing that he had won the hearts and favours, aswell of the Nobility both spiritual and temporal, as of the Commons of his realm, prayed that for the avoiding of all claims, titles and doubts that might be made unto the Crown, that he might have his dignity, line and succession enacted, confirmed, and entailed, by the assent of the high Court of Parliament, the which was done in manner and form following. An act entitling King henry the fourth to the Crown of the realm. AT the request and petition, aswell of the nobility, as of the Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, it is ordained and established, that the inheritance of the Crown and Realms of England, and of France, and of all other Lordships to the king our sovereign Lord, aswell on this side the seas, as beyond, appertaining, with their appurtenances, shall be united and remain in the person of our sovereign Lord the King, and in the heirs of his body lawfully begotten. And especially at the request and assent aforesaid it is ordained, established, pronounced, enacted, written and declared, that my Lord Prince, Henry, eldest son to our sovereign Lord the king, shall be heir apparent, and successor to our sovereign Lord in the said Crown, Realms, and signiories, to have and enjoy them with all their appurtenances, after the decease of our said sovereign, to him and the heirs of his body begotten. And if he die without heirs of his body begotten, that then the said Crowns, Realms, and signiories, with their appurtenances shall remain to the Lord Thomas, second son to our said sovereign Lord, and to the heirs of his body begotten. And if he departed without issue of his body begotten, all the premises to remain to Lord john his third son and to the heirs of his body begotten. And if he die without issue, than the Crowns, Realms, and signiories aforesaid with their appurtenances shall remain to the Lord Homfrey, the fourth son to our said sovereign Lord, and to the heirs of his body lawfully begotten. Now when King Henry had thus mortised himself and his issue so sure and fast, as he thought, that the same was not possible to be removed, then was he nearer an utter overthrow and destruction then ever he was, for such is the nature of dissimulation, that when fortune with her flattering seemeth most to joy and laugh, than (so fickle is she of condition) is most peril and danger at hand: For now divers of those Lords which were king Richard's friends, outwardly dissimuled that which they inwardly conspired, which was the final confusion and destruction of King Henry, and to restore again their old Lord and master king Richard. And the better to bring this matter about, they practised with the Abbot of Westminster that then was, who had no good opinion of king Henry, for that he heard him once say, when he was Duke of Lancaster, that Princes had to little, and the religious had to much, and therefore he supposed that he would not be a friend unto the Church, if he continued long in that dignity. Unto the house of this Abbot resorted one day as bidden gests of the said Abbot, john Holland Duke of Exeter and earl of Huntyngdon, Thomas Holland Duke of Surrey, and Earl of Kent, Edward Duke of Aumarle and earl of Rutland, son to the Duke of York, john Mountagew Earl of Salisbury, Hugh Spencer Earl of Gloucester, john the Bishop of Carleill, Sir Thomas Blunt, and one Magdalen, one of king Richard's Chapel, a man as like unto him in stature and proportion, A conspiracy against king Henry the fourth. as unlike in birth and dignity. This Abbot highly feasted these great Lords, and when dinner was done, they withdrew themselves into a secret Chamber, and when they were set, john Holland Duke of Exeter, who bore great grudge against king Henry, declared to them their allegiance promised, and by oath confirmed to king Richard his brother, forgetting not the high promotions and dignities, which he and all they present had received of the liberality of his said brother, by the which they were not only bound to take part with him and his friends, but also to be revenged for him and his cause on his mortal enemies and deadly foes: In the doing whereof he thought policy more meeter to be used then force. And the better to bring this matter about, he devised a jousts to be kept between him and twenty on his part, & the Earl of Salisbury & twenty of his part, at Oxford: A jousts to be holden at Oxford. To the which jousts King Henry should be desired to be present, and when he were most earnestly beholding he pastime, he should suddenly have been slain and destroyed, and by this means king Richard, which was then alive should be restored to his liberty and to his crown and kingdom. This devise seemed to please well all that were present, wherefore they made an Indenture sextipartite sealed with their seals, & signed with their hands, in the which each bound himself to other to endeavour themselves for the destruction of king Henry, and the erection and restoring of king Richard, and swore on the Evangelists the one to be true to the other, even to the hour and point of death. The king is requested by the Lords to come to the jousts. Now all things being thus appointed and concluded, the Duke of Exeter came to the King to Wynsore, humbly beseeching him for the love that he bore to the noble acts of Chivalry, that he would vouchsafe not only to repair to Oxford, to see and behold their enterprises and attempts, but also to be the discoverer and indifferent judge (if any ambiguity should arise) of their courageous acts and royal triumph. The king seeing himself so earnestly desired, and that of his brother in law, and suspecting nothing less than that which was purposed, did gently grant unto his request. And so soon as the Duke had his answer, he returned home to his house and prepared all things necessary for the exploit of his pretenced purpose. And when the time drew near, he came to Oxford with a great company of Archers and horsemen, and when he came thither, he found there all his confederates well appointed for the purpose, except the Duke of Aumarle earl of Rutland, for whom they sent messengers in great haste, This Duke of Aumarle went before from Westminster to see his father the Duke of York, and sitting at dinner, he had his Counterpane of the indenture of confederacy (whereof is mention made afore) in his bosom. The father espied it, and demanded what it was. His son lowly answered, that it touched not him: Treason will break out. By Saint George, quoth the father, but I will see it, and by force took it out of his bosom, and when he perceived the content thereof, and the six seals set and fixed to the same, whereof the seal of his son was one, he suddenly rose from the Table, commanding his horses to be saddeled, and in a great fury said to his son: thou Traitor thief, thou hast been a Traitor to king Richard, and wilt thou now be false to thy Cousin King Henry? Thou knowest well enough, that I am thy pledge, Borrow, and Main perne body for body, and for land and goods in open Parliament: and goest thou about to seek my death and destruction? By the holy Rood I had rather see thee strangled on a gibbet. And so the Duke of York mounted on horseback, to ride to Windsor to the king, and to declare the whole matter unto him. The Duke of Aumerle considering in what case he stood in, took his horse and road another way to Windsor, riding all the way in post (which his father being an old man, could not do) and when he was alighted at the Castle gate, he caused the gates to be shut, saying that he must needs deliver the keys to the king. And when he came before the kings presence, he kneeled on his knees, beseeching him of mercy and forgiveness. The King demanded the cause, and he declared unto him plainly the whole confederacy. Well said the king, if this be true, we pardon you: if it be feigned, at your extreme peril be it. While the king and the Duke talked together, the Duke of York knocked at the Castle Gate, whom the king caused to be let in, and there he delivered the Indenture which before he had taken from his son. Which writing when the King had read and seen, perceiving the signs and seals of the Confederates, he changed his former purpose: For the day before he heard that the Chaloners and defenders were all in a readiness, and thought the same day to have gone thither, but now he stayed, and wrote his letters forthwith unto the Earl of Northumberland his high Constable, and to the Earl of Westmoreland, his high Marshal, and to divers other his friends, of his doubtful danger and perilous jeopardy. The Confederators perceiving the lack of the Duke of Aumerle, and also seeing no preparation made there for the kings coming, imagined that their purpose was disclosed to the King, wherefore, that thing which they purposed previly to have done, they determined now openly with spear and shield to set forth and advance. Magdalene a man that much resembleth king Richard the second. And so they adorned Magdalene a man resembling much King Richard, in royal and Princely vesture, calling him King Richard, and affirming that he by favour of his keepers was delivered out of Prison and set at liberty. Now while the Confederates with their new devised King, accompanied with a puissant army of men, took the direct way to Windsor: King Henry being admonished of their coming, with a few horse in the night went from Windsor, and came to the Tower of London about midnight, where he in the Morning caused the Mayor of the City to bring unto him three thousand Archers, and three thousand Billmen well armed and appointed. The Lords of the Confederacy came to Windsor, and entered the Castle, where they finding not their prey, determined with all speed to pass forth towards London: But when they were well onward of their journey, they then changed their purpose, and returned back to Colbroke, and there stayed. These Lords had many people following them, what for fear, and what for entreaty, and specially for that they believed certainly king Richard was there present with them. When King Henry heard of their coming toward London, he issued out of the said City with twenty thousand men, and came to Hounslow heath, and there pitched his camp, minding there to abide the coming of his enemies. But when the Lords were advertised of the kings coming, and of his great puissance, being either amazed with fear, or else repenting their enterprise, or mistrusting their own company, they departed from Colbroke to Barkhamsted, and so to Aucester, and there the Lords took their lodging: The Duke of Surrey, earl of Kent, and the Earl of Sarisbury in one Inn, and the Duke of Exeter, and the Earl of Gloucester in another, and all the army lay in the fields. In the night time the Bailiff of the Town with lxxx Archers set on the house where the Duke of Surrey and the other lay: The house was manfully assaulted, and strongly defended a great space. The Duke of Exeter being in another Inn, with the Earl of Gloucester, set fire on diverse houses in the town, thinking that the assailants would leave the assault and rescue their goods, which they nothing regarded. The army lying without, hearing noise, and seeing fire in the town, thinking that the King was come thither with his puissance, fled without measure to save themselves. The Duke of Exeter & his company seeing the force of the towns men more and more to increase, fled out on the back side, intending to repair to the army, which they found dispersed and retired. Then the Duke seeing no hope of comfort, The overthrow and discomfiture of the Lords. fled into Essex: And the Earl of Gloucester going toward Wales, was taken and beheaded at Bristol: Magdalene flying into Scotland, was apprehended and brought to the Tower of London. And the Lords which were still fight in the town of Cicester, were wounded to death and taken, and their heads stricken off and sent to London: And there were taken Sir Bennet Shelly, and Sir Barnard Brokas, and xxix other Lords, knights, and esquires, and sent to Oxford, where the king than sojourned, and where Sir Thomas Blunt and all the other prisoners were executed. When the Duke of Exeter heard that his complices were taken, and his counsellors apprehended, and his friends put in execution, he lamented his own chance, and bewailed the misfortune of his friends: Butmost of all he was troubled to think upon the wretched end that should happen to King Rycharde his brother, whose death he saw as in a Glass, to be at hand by reason of this his unhappy enterprise, and thus being succourless, and wandering up & down, at the last he was taken in a town called Plashey in Esser, and there made shorter by the head, and in that place specially (saith Hall) for that he in the same Lordship, betrayed Thomas Duke of Gloucester, and was the very cause of his death and destruction, and so the common proverb was verified, as you have done, so shall you feel. After this, Magdalene that represented the person of king Richard amongst the rebels, and divers other were put to execution, and all the heads of the chief conspirators were set on poles over London bridge, to the fear of other which were disposed to commit like offence. The Abbot of westminster in whose house this confederacy was conspired, hearing that the Chiefeteynes of his Fellowship were taken and executed, he going between the monastery and his mansion house, for thought fell into a sudden palsy, and shortly after without any speech ended his life: After whom the Bishop of Carlisle, more for fear then sickness yielded his spirit to God, as one desiring to die by deaths dart, rather than by the temporal sword. But now drew on the time, the Innocent must perish with the Nocent, and the unguilty with the guilty: For king Richard being ignorant of this conspiracy and kept in miserable captivity, was by king Henry adjudged to die, for that he would deliver himself of all inward fear of his enemies, wherefore some writ that he commanded him to be slain, & others say that he was agreeable thereunto, and some others affirm that he knew not of it, until it was done: But howsoever it was, King Richard died of a violent death: The death of king Richard the second. And one writer saith that king Henry sitting at his table, and sore sighing said, have I no faithful friend that will deliver me from him whose life will be my death, and whose death will be the preservation of my life? This saying was noted of them that were present, and specially of one called Sir Piers of Exton. This knight incontinently departed the Court with eight tall persons with him, and came to Pomfret, commanding that the Esquire which was accustomed to sew, and take the assay before king Richard, should no more use that manner of service, saying: let him eat well now, for he shall not long eat. King Richard sat down to dinner, and was served without courtesy or assay, he much marvelling of the sudden mutation of the thing, demanded of the Esquire why he did not his duty? Sir said he, I am otherwise commanded by sir Piers of Exton, which is newly come from King Henry. When he heard that word, he took the carving knife in his hand, and struck the Esquire on the head, saying, the Devil take Henry of Lancaster and thee together: and with that word Sir Piers entered into the Chamber well armed, with eight tall men in harness, every man having a bill in his hand. King Richard perceiving them armed, knew well that they came to his confusion, and putting the table from him, valiantly took the bill out of the first man's hand, and manfully defended himself, and slew four of them in a short space. Sir Piers being some what dismayed with his resisting, leapt into the Chair where king Richard was wont to sit, while the other four persons chased him about the Chamber, which being unarmed defended himself against his enemies that were armed (which was a valiant act) but in conclusion he came by the Chair where Sir Piers stood, who with a stroke of his polar felled him to the ground, and soon after was rid out of his life in this world. When this knight perceived that he was dead, he lamented and said: O Lord, what have we done? we have murdered him whom by the space of xxij. years we obeyed and honoured as but sovereign Lord, now will all Noble men abhorred us, and all good men hate us, and point at us as the murderers of a noble Prince. Thus have you heard the death and end of King Richard the second as the best authors report of it. When King Richard had thus ended his life, he was then embalmed, and seared, and covered with lead, all save his face (to the intent that all men might perceive that he was departed out of this life) and was conveyed to London, and so to the Tower, and from thence through London to the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, and there remained three days, King Richard first buried at Langley, and after removed to Westminster. that all the people might see him, and from thence he was conveyed to Langley in Buckyngham shire, where he was buried: And afterward by king Henry the fift, was removed to Westminster, and there honourably entombed with Queen Anne his wife. Now news were first brought to the French King, how King Richard was deposed of his Kingdom, at the which the said French king wondered not a little, and cried out of the shameful doing thereof, that an anointed king, and crowned Prince should be so vilely used: But the French king was not so much aggrieved, but Walleram earl of Saint Paul, which had married king Richard's half sister, was much more grieved, who being moved with high disdain against king Henry, ceased not to provoke the French king and his counsel, to make sharp war upon England, The French king sendeth his letters of defiance unto the king. to revenge the injury and dishonour committed and done to his son in law king Richard, and he himself sent letters of defiance into England: Which thing was soon agreed unto, and an army royal appointed with all speed to invade England. This army was come down into Picardy, ready to be transported into England: But when it was certainly certified that king Richard was dead, and that their enterprise for his deliverance was vain, the army was discharged, and every man returned to his home. But shortly after, the French king gathered another great power, & entered the Duchy of Acquitaine and Gascoyn, and thought there to have greatly prevailed. But king Henry being advertised of all the French attempts, sent the Lord Thomas Percy Earl of Worcester with a goodly crew of Soldiers into Acquitaine to aid and assist Sir Thomas Knolles his Lieutenant there, and to persuade and exhort the people to continued in their ancient liberty, and due obeisance. When the Earl was there arrived, he so wisely entreated the noble men, and persuaded the Magistrates of Cities and Towns, and so gently and familiarly used himself to the common people, that he not only appeased their fury and malice, which they had conceived against king Henry, for the death & destruction of king Richard, but also he brought them to an uniform obeisance, receiving of them oaths of obedience, which done he returned again into England with great thanks. When king Charles of France perceived that his purpose and attempt came to no good conclusion in Acquitain, and that king Richard being dead, his enterprise into England would be to no purpose, he determined with himself how to have the Lady Isabella his daughter, which was espoused to king Richard, to be restored home to him again: And for that purpose he sent a solemn Ambassade into England to king Henry, An Ambassade se●t from the French king to the king of England. which gently received them, and gave answer that he would shortly sand his Commissioners to Calais, which should further common and conclude with them, not only upon that request, but also of diverse other matters of great importance. And shortly after their departing, he sent Edward Duke of York before called Duke of Aumerle, which succeeded in the said Duchy his father Edmond Duke of York, a little before deceased, and Henry Earl of Northumberlande into the County of Guysnes, and there they met with the French Commissioners, who assembled together diverse times and in diverse places. The Duke of Bourbon above all things, required in the name of the French King his master, to have Queen Isabella to him delivered: But the English men denied that, and required to have her to be married to Henry Prince of Wales, a man both in blood and age to her in all things equal: But the French King utterly refused that marriage, saying that he would never join affinity again with the English Nation, because that the alliance had such infortunate success. Then they began to entreat a continual peace, which request the French men refused, and in conclusion they agreed that the truce which was taken between them and King Richard for the term of xxx years, was renewed and confirmed: But some writ that a new league was then concluded to continued the lives of both the Princes, which should appear to be true. For the king of England sent shortly after the aforesaid Lady Isabella (under the conduct of the Lord Thomas Percy Earl of Worcester, The Lady Isabella and wife of king Richard is sent home to her father the French king. being associate with many noble and honourable personages, aswell women, as men, having with her all the jewels, Ornaments, and Plate, with a great surplusage given to her by the king, which she brought into England) in solemn estate unto Calais, and there she was delivered to Waleran earl of saint Paul Lieutenant for the French king in Picardy, and so conveyed to her father, which gave her in marriage to Charles, son to Lewes Duke of orleans. The French men often times required king Henry to assign unto her a dower, but all was in vain, for the Englishmen answered, that the matrimony was never consummate, by reason whereof, she was not dowable by the very treaty of the marriage concluded, and so this matter cessed and was no more moved. Now as the old proverb saith, after wind cometh rain, and after one evil commonly ensueth another: So during this time that king Henry was vexed and unquieted, both within the Realm and without, Owen Glendor a squire of Wales, perceiving the realm to be unquieted, and the king not very well settled in his Kingdom, Owen Glendor rebelleth. purposed to take upon him the principality of Wales, and the name & pre-eminence of the same: and what with fair flattering words, and large promises, he invegled and alured an undiscrete number of Welsh men, who took him for their Prince, and made to him an oath of allegiance and subjection. And being thus advanced and supported, he made sharp and cruel war upon Reignold Lord Grace of Rithen, and took him prisoner, promising him liberty, and that he would discharge his ransom if he would take his daughter in marriage, thinking by that affinity to have great aid, and to be of a great power in Wales. The Lord Grace being not very rich, neither of substance nor of friends, considering this offer to be the only way of his relief and deliverance, assented to his pleasure, and married the damosel: But this false father in law kept him with his wife still in prison until he died: And not content with this heinous offence, Edmond Mortimer taken and imprisoned. he also made war upon the Lord Edmond Mortimer, earl of March, and in his own Lordship of Wigmore, where in a conflict he slew many of the Earls men, and took him prisoner, and fettered him in Chains, and cast him in a deep and miserable Dungeon. The king was required to purchase his deliverance, by diverse of the Nobility, but he would not here on that side, but rather desired and wished all his lineage in heaven, for then his title had been out of all doubt & question. Owen Glendor glorifying in himself for these two victories, invaded the Marches of Wales on the west side of Severne, rob Villages, brent towns, and slew the people, and being laden with prays and bloody hands returned again into Wales, never ceasing to do mischief until the next year that the king raised a great army and puissance, to resist and defend his malicious attempts, as after shall be declared. And in this first year also this realm was not only troubled with Civil sedition, and the crafty practices of the Frenchmen, Civil sedition. and great trouble of the Welshmen, but also of the Scots with all their power armed themselves against this king Henry, the occasion whereof was, that George of Dunbare Earl of the Marches of the realm, made means unto king Robert of Scotland that David his eldest son might marry the Earls daughter called Elizabeth, and delivered for the same marriage into the king's hands a great some of money. When Archibald earl Douglas heard of this conclusion, he disdaining the Earl of Marches blood to be advanced before his stock, did either by fair words or else by disbursing a greater some of money, so inveigle king Robert of Scotland, that David his heir refusing the first damosel, married the Earl Douglas daughter: The Earl of March desired restitution of his money, to whom the king gave many trifling answers, the which he took in so evil part, that he with his wife fled into England unto Henry Earl of Northumberlande, intending to be revenged upon the king of Scotland, and with the help of the borderers, brent divers towns, and slew many persons within the realm of Scotland. King Robert being hereof advertised, first deprived the Earl George of all his dignities and possessions, and caused his goods to be confiscate, and then wrote to the king of England earnestly beseeching him, if he would have the truce any longer to continued, either to deliver into his possession the Earl of March, and other Traitors and rebels to his person and realm or else to banish and exile them out of his realm and dominions. King Henry answered discreetly the Herald of Scotland, that the word of a prince aught to be kept, and his writing and seal aught to be inviolate: And considering that he had granted a safe conduit unto the Earl and his company, War proclaimed by the Scots against England. he would neither without cause reasonable break his promise, nor yet deface his honour, which answer being declared to the king of Scots, he incontinent did proclaim open war against the king of England, with blood, fire and sword. King Henry forthwith gathering together a great puissance & army, entered into Scotland brenning and spoiling towns, Villages and Castles, sparing nothing but Religious houses and Churches, and brent a great part of the towns of Edinburgh and Lyth, and besieged the Castle of Maidens in Endenborough in the end of September, whereof was Captain David Duke of Rothsay, and Prince of the realm, and Archibald earl Douglas with many hardy men. Robert Duke of Albany promiseth to fight with King Henry's power. Robert Duke of Albany being appointed Governor of the Realm, because the king was sick and unapt to rule, sent unto king Henry an Herald, assuring him on his honour that if he would abide and tarry his coming, which should be within six days at the most, he would give him battle, and remove the siege, or else die for it. The king being glad of these news, rewarded the Herald with a Gown of silk, and a chain of Gold, promising him in the word of a Prince, not to departed thence, but to abide there the coming of the Governor. The sixth day passed, ye six and sixteen to, the Governor neither appeared nor sent word, the Winter waxed cold, victual failed, men died of the Flux, and it rained every day so abundantly, that hunger and cold caused the king to break up his siege, and to departed out of Scotland without battle or skirmish offered: during which time both the wardens of the Marches being with the king, the Scots made a road into Northumberland, and burned diverse towns in Bamborough shire, and shortly returned again, or else they had been trapped and come to late home. When the king of England had dismissed his soldiers and discharged his army, the Scots intending to be revenged of their great damages to them by the English nation done & committed by the Earl Douglas, The Scots invade England. appointed two Armies to invade England. Of the first was chieftain sir Thomas Halibarton of Dirlton, and Patrick Hebborne of Hales, which made a road into England, and returned with little loss and no great gain. After this the aforesaid Sir Patrick Hebborne, encouraged with the prosperous success of his first journey, with a great army of the people of Lowdian, invaded Northumberland, robbing and spoiling of the country, and departed homeward, not without great gain of beasts and captives: But by the way he was encountered with the Earl of Northumberlands Vice warden, and other gentlemen of the borders, at a town in Northumberlande called Nesbit, and there the Englishmen sore assailed, and the Scots valiantly resisted, The Scots are discomfited. but after a long fight the victory tell on the English part, and as john Maior the Scot writeth, there were slain the Flower of all Lowdian, and specially sir Patrick Hebburne with many of his lineage. There were apprehended Sir john, and William Cockborne, sir Robert of Bas, john and Thomas Hablincton esquires, and a great number of the common people. The Earl Douglas being sore grieved with the loss of his Nation and friends, and intending to requited the same if it were possible, did by the consent of the governor of Scotland gather together an army of twenty thousand tall men and more. In the which arm the Lord Mordack earl of Fiffe, son to the Governor of Scotland, the Earl of Angus, and many other Earls and Barons of the Nobility of Scotland. These valiant Captains and courageous soldiers entered into Northumberland, with banners displayed like men that thought themselves able to spoil the whole Country of Northumberland. Now when they were entered into England, thinking no puissance able to encounter with their force, suddenly there issued out of a Valley beside a town called Homelden, the Lord Henry Percy, whom the Scots for his haut and valiant courage, called Sir Henry Hotspurre, Sir Henry Hotspur. and in his company the Lord George of Dunbarre Earl of March before banished Scotland, as you have heard, with all the Gentlemen of Northumberlande, and eight thousand men on horseback and on foot: The encounter was sharp, the fight was dangerous and doubtful, but in the end the victory chanted to the English nation, and there were slain of the Scots of men of great renown and estimation, Sir john Swynton, Sir Adam Gordon, The Scots again overthrown. Sir john Levyston, Sir Alexander Ramsey of Dalehouse, and xxiij knights more, beside ten thousand of the common people. And there were taken prisoners, Mordack earl of Fiffe, Archibald earl Douglas, Thomas earl of Murrey, Robert earl of Angus, and as some writers affirm, the Earl of Athell, and Menteth with five hundredth other. When the Lord Percy had obtained this great victory, he sent his prisoners into divers Fortresses, and determined to subdue or destroy all the Countries of Lowdian and March, whose heads and Governors either he had slain, or by force taken Captives. And so with a great power entered into Tivedale, wasting and destroying the whole Country, Tivedale. and there besieged the Castle of Corlaves, whereof was Captain Sir john Grenelow, who seeing that his Castle was not long able to be defended, fell to composition with the Englishmen, that if the Castle were not succoured within three Months, that then he would deliver it into the Englishmen'S hands. The Captain thereof wrote unto the Governor, which calling a great counsel, the most part advised him rather frankly and freely to yield the Castle, then to put in jeopardy the remnant of the Nobility of Scotland: So much was their courages abated and cooled with the remembrance of the last conflict and battle: But the Governor rebuking their faint and cowardly hearts, swore that if no man would follow of the Nobility, he would do his devoir to rescue the Castle at that day. But this oath was neither kept nor broken, for he little preparing and less intending the oath which he solemnly made, never set foot forward during the first two Months, for the raising of the siege, or rescuing of the Castle. But the Englishmen being sent for to go with the king into Wales, raised their siege and departed, leaving the noble men prisoners still with the Earl of Northumberland, and the Lord Percy his son, which by the king were commanded to keep them to his use, and not to deliver them without his assent. The king now purposing his journey and enterprise into Wales, made great provision both for men, munition and artillery meet for such a business, The king maketh provision to enter into Wales. whereof the French king being advertised, sent privily the Lord james of Burbone earl of March, & his two brethren, john and Lewes with twelve hundred knights and esquires, to aid Owen Glendor against King Henry, and the said james of Burbone with his company took shipping with xxx The French king aideth Owen Glendor. sail at the mouth of Seyn, and the wind not being favourable to his purpose, could not approach to the coast of Wales, but came before the town of Plymmouth in Devonshire, and there leaving his great ships lying at Anchor, in the night took land, and brent, spoiled and destroyed divers small Villages and poor cottages, and rob five or six little Crayers and fisher boats laden with Fish and corn. But while he and his company like greedy Wolves were seeking after their pray, the wind arose high, and a great tempestuous rage and furious storm suddenly flushed and drowned twelve of his great ships, which lay in the mouth of the haven for his safeguard and defence. Whereof when the Earl was advertised, and perceiving by the firing of the Becons that the people began to assemble in plumps to encounter with him, and also seeing his power sore diminished, as well by the slaughter of such as ranged abroad in hope of spoil and pray, as by the furious rage of the unmerciful sea, and hideous tempest, with much pain and great labour took his ships again, and was not without great jeopardy of his life driven on the Coast of Briteyn, and landed at Saint Malos. The French king aideth the Welshmen against king Henry. The French king perceiving that this journey had evil success, appointed one of his marshals called Memorancy, and the Master of his Crossbows, with twelve thousand men to sail into Wales, which took shipping at Breast, and had the wind to them so prosperous that they landed at Milford Haven, and leaving the Castle of Pembroke unassaulted, Herfford West besieged because it was well fortified, manned and victualled, besieged the town of Herfford West, which was so well defended by the Earl of Arondell and his power that they much more lost then gained. And from thence they departed toward Owen Glendor, whom they named Prince of Wales, and found him at the town of Denbigh abiding their coming with ten thousand men. They were of him lovingly received and gently entertained: And when all things were prepared, they passed by Glamorgan shire toward Worcester, and there brent the Suburbs: But hearing of the kings approaching, they suddenly returned into Wales. The king with a great puissance followed and found them enbattailed on a high Mountain, and a great valley between both the armies, so that each army plainly perceived other, and every host looked to be assaulted of his adversary, and of the ground to take the most advantage: Thus they continued eight days together from morning to night ready to abide, but not to give battle. There were many fierce skirmishes, Skirmishes with the French. and many proper feats of arms daily done, which the French Chronicles more than the English can report. For there were slain the Lord Patrioles of Tries, brother to the Marshal of France, the Lord Mattelone, and the Lord Vale, and the Bastard of Burbone with five hundredth gentlemen. The Frenchmen and Welshmen were sore troubled and afflicted with famine, that their hearts and courages were sore abated, for the king had so stopped the passages, that neither victual nor succour could by any way be conveyed unto them: The French men return again into France with little gain, and less worship. wherefore of very necessity they were compelled either to fight or flee, and so by the advisement and counsel of the Marshal of France, which put not to much confidence in the wavering Welshmen, the whole host departed the eight day, in the secretest manner that they could devise. The Frenchmen with little rewards and small gain returned into Briteyn, making small boast of their painful journey. When the king perceived them thus departed, he followed them and chased them from hill to dale, and from one place to another, but all in vain, and perceiving then the time of the year to be passed, and seeing that as than he could do no good, he returned again to Worcester, and there dispersed his army, and returned again to London. While the king was occupied in Wales, as aforesaid, A ruinour spread abroad that King Richard was alive. certain lewd and seditious persons had blazed abroad & noised that king Richard (which openly was seen dead) was yet living, and desired aid of the common people, to repossess his realm and royal dignity: And for the better blazing of this false rumour abroad, they set up upon posts, and cast about the streets, sundry most slanderous and seditious bills and rhymes, against king Henry, and his proceedings. The King being not a little offended with these malicious doings, Sir Roger Claringdon knight. caused diligent search to be made for the authors thereof, and amongst other, there was found out, Sir Roger Claringdon knight, and eight grey Friars, which according to their deserts were put to execution at Tyburn. And here is to be showed that king Henry now seeking friendship and affinity in Germany, sent this year his eldest daughter Blaunche, accompanied with the Earl of Somerset, the Bishop of Worcester, and the Lord Clifford, and other Noble personages into Almain: Blanch the eldest daughter of king Henry, married to the Duke of Bavier. which brought her to Coleyn, and there with great triumph she was married to William Duke of Bavier, son and heir to Lewes of Bavier the Emperor, in the which year also died Lady Katheryn Swynsford, the third wife of john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, father to this king Henry, and was buried at Lincoln. In the said year king Henry married jane Duchess of Briteyne, King Henry married to jane Duchess of Briteyne. late wife to john Duke of Briteyne, at the City of Winchester, and with all triumphant pomp conveyed her through the City of London to Westminster, and there she was crowned Queen. While these things were thus in doing in England, Waleram earl of Saint Paul, which had married the half sister of king Richard, Waleram earl of saint Paul entereth England with a power. having a deadly hatred to king Henry, assembled a great army, wherein (as saith master Hall) were xuj thousand men, and a great number of the same were Noble men, and after he took shipping at Harflet, and landed in the Isle of Wight: And when he saw no appearance of defence, he burned two poor Villages, and four simple Cottages, and for great triumph of this noble act, he made four knights: But suddenly, when he was advertised by his Espyalles, that the people of the Isle were assembled and approached to tied with him, he with all possible haste took his ships and returned home again, wherewith the noble men of his company was much discontent and displeased, considering that his provision was great, and his gain small or none. And at this present time, john earl of Clerimont, son to the Duke of Bourbon, won in Gascoigne, the Castles of Saint Peter, Faint Marry, and the new Castle: And the Lord Delabreth won the castle of Carlaffin, Philip duke of Burgoyn dead. which was no small loss to the English Nation: During which time died Philip Duke of Burgoyn, & Duke Albert of Bavier earl of Henault. In the end of this year died Geoffrey Chawcer, the most excellentest Poet that ever was in England, Geoffrey Chawcer. deceased the xxv day of October, and lieth buried in the body of the Church of Westminster, on the southside near unto the Clock. john Gowre And the same year also died that excellent Poet john Gowre, who lieth buried in Saint Audries Church in Southwark, and he builded a great part of the same Church. This year appeared a Comet or blazing star of a great and huge quantity, which some expounded to signify great effusion of man's blood, and the same proved true, A blazing star. as after ye shall here. For Henry Earl of Northumberland, and Thomas Earl of Worcester his brother, and his son Lord henry percy, called Hottespurre, which were to king Henry in the beginning of his reign both friends and aiders, perceiving now that the king had pacified all civil sedition, and repressed his enemies, & had brought his realm to a convenient quietness, Henry Earl of Northumberland & the Earl of Worcester. etc. begin to rebel. they began now somewhat to envy his glory, and grudged at his wealth and felicity: And specially grieved, because the King demanded of the Earl and his son, such Scottish prisoners as they had taken at the Conflicts fought at Homeldon and Nesbit, as you before have heard. For of all the Captives which were then taken, there was delivered to the kings possession, only Mordake Earl of Fiffe, son to the Duke of Albany, Governor of Scotland: For the king diverse and sundry times required them of the Earl and his son, but the Percies affirming them to be their own proper prisoners, and their peculiar prays, did utterly deny to deliver them, insomuch, that the king openly said, that if they would not deliver them, he would take them without deliverance. Wherewith they being sore discontent, by the counsel of Lord Thomas Percy Earl of Worcester, whose study was ever to procure malice, and to set all things in broil and uncertainty, feigning a cause to prove and tempt the king, came to him to Windsor, requiring him by ransom or otherwise, to 'cause to be delivered out of prison, Edmond Mortimer Earl of March their Cossyn germane, whom (as they reported) Owen Glendor kept in filthy prison, shackled with Irons, only for that he took the kings part, and was to him faithful and true. The king began not a little to muse on this request, and not without cause, for in deed it touched him as near as his shirt, for that he was so near of the blood of king Richard, and had good cause to make claim to the Crown. For this Edmond was son to earl Roger, which was son to Lady Philip, daughter to Lionel Duke of Clarence, the third son to king Edward the third, which Edmond at King Richard's going into Ireland was proclaimed heir apparent to the Crown of the realm, whose Aunt called Elinor this Lord Percy had married. And therefore the King little forced although that lineage were clearly subverted, and utterly extinct. When the king had well advised upon and considered this matter, he made answer and said, that the Earl of March was not taken prisoner neither for his cause, nor in his service, but willingly suffered himself to be taken, the which fraud the king caused to be openly published, and this answer pleased nothing the Earl of Worcester, but put him in a great Choler and chafe, and departed in a great rage and fume, insomuch that sir Henry Hottespurre said afterwards openly: Behold the heir of the realm is rob of his right, and the robber with his own will not redeem him. And now the Percies disposed and bend themselves in all that they might utterly to depose king Henry, The Lord Percy & his brother redeem Edmond Mortimer Earl of March and pay his ransom. and to restore their Cossyn Edmond earl of March unto the Crown and Diadem of the realm, whom they shortly after not only delivered out of the Captivity of Owen Glendor, but also entered into a league and amity with the said Owen against king Henry and all his friends, to the great displeasure and long unquieting of king Henry and his partakers. And here saith Hall, that the aforesaid Owen Glendor, and the Earl of March, and the Percyes were greatly abused and deceived by a Welsh Prophecier, who made them to believe, that king henry was the Moldewarpe cursed of Gods own mouth, and that they three were the Dragon, the Lion, and the Wolf, which should divide this realm between them by the prophecy of Mawmet Marlyn: But in the end all turned to their confusion and destruction, and specially of Owen Glendor, and the Lord Percy: For the Earl of March was ever kept in the Court, under such a keeper, that he could neither do, nor attempt any thing against the king, without his knowledge, and died without issue, Edmonde Mortimer earl of March died without issue leaving his right title and interest to Anne his sister and heir, married to Richard earl of Cambridge father to the Duke of York, whose offspring in continuance of time obtained the game, and got the garland. King henry now knowing of this Confederacy, and nothing less minding then that which happened after, gathered a great army to go again into Wales, The Percies raise a power against king Henry. whereof the Earl of Northumberland and his son were advertised by Lord Thomas earl of Worcester, and with all the diligence that they could, raised all the power that they could make, and sent to the Scots which before were taken prisoners for aid of men, and promising the Earl Douglas the town of Barwike, and a part of Northumberland, and to other Scottish Lords great Lordships and signiories, if they obtained the upper hand and superiority. The Scots alured with desire of gain, and for no malice that they bore to king Henry, but yet somewhat desirous to be revenged of their old griefs, came to the Earl with a great company: And to make their cause to seem good and just, they devised certain Articles by the advise of Richard Scrope archbishop of York, brother to the Lord Scrope, whom King Henry caused to be beheaded at Bristol, as you have heard before: which Articles they showed to diverse noble men and Prelates of the realm, which favouring and consenting to the purpose, promised them aid, not only by words, but also by writing. Howbeit, whether it were for fear, either for that they would be lookers on, and no deed doers, neither promise by word nor by writing was performed: For at the day of conflict, all the confederates absented themselves, and left the Earl of Stafford alone, which being of a haute courage and high stomach kept his promise, and joined with the Percies to his destruction. The Lord Percy, with the Earl Douglas, & other the Earls of Scotland, with a great army departed out of the North parts, leaving his father sick (which promised upon his amendment and recovery, without delay to follow) and came to Stafford, where his Uncle the Earl of Worcester and he met, and there began to consult upon their great affairs, and there also they exhorted their Soldiers to spare no travail for the liberty of their Country, protesting openly that they made war only to restore the noble realm of England to his accustomed glory and freedom, which was governed by a tyrant, and not by his lawful and right king. The captains swore, and the Soldiers promised to fight, yea and to die for the liberty of their Country. When all things were prepared, they set forward toward Wales, looking every hour for new aid and succours. The king hearing of the Earls approaching, thought it policy to encounter with them before that the Welsh men should join with their army, The king with his power cometh to Shrewsburie. and therefore returned suddenly to the town of Shrewesburie. He was scantly entered into the town, but he was by his Posts advertised that the Earls with Banners displayed, and battles ranged, were coming toward him, and were so hot and courageous, that they with light horses began to skirmish with his host. The King perceiving their doings, issued out and encamped himself without the East gate of the town. The Earls nothing abashed, although their succours them deceived, embattled themselves not far from the kings army. And the same night they sent the Articles, whereof is mention made before, by Thomas Kayton, and Thomas Saluayn esquires, to the king, the true Copy whereof, as saith Hall, doth follow. Articles propaned by the Percies against king Henry. 1 We Henry Percy Earl of Northumberlande, high Constable of England, and Warden of the west Marches of the same toward Scotland, Henry Percy our eldest son warden of the East Marches of England toward Scotland, and Thomas Percy Earl of Worcester being Proctors and protectors of the common weal, before our Lord jesus Christ our supreme judge, do allege, say, and intend to prove with our hands personally this day, against thee Henry Duke of Lancaster, thy complices and favourers, unjustly presuming, and named king of England, without title of right, but only of thy guile and by force of thy helpers: That when thou after thine exile didst enter into England, thou madest an oath to us upon the holy Gospels, bodily touched and kissed by thee at Dankaster, that thou wouldst never claim the crown, kingdom, nor state royal, but only thine own proper inheritance, and the inheritance of thy wife in England, and that Richard our sovereign Lord and king and thine, should reign during the time of his life, governed by the good counsel of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal. Thou hast imprisoned the same thy sovereign Lord, and our king within the tower of London, until he had for fear of death resigned his kingdoms of England and France, and had renounced all his right, in the aforesaid kingdoms, and other his dominions and lands of beyond the sea. Under colour of which resignation and renunciation by the counsel of thy friends and complices, and by the open noising of the rascal people, by thee and thine adherents assembled at westminster, thou hast crowned thyself of the realms aforesaid, and hast seized and entered into all the Castles and Lordship's pertaining to the king's crown, contrary to thine oath, wherefore thou art forsworn & false. 2 Also we do allege, say and intend to prove, that where thou sworest upon the same Gospels in the same place and time to us, that thou wouldst not suffer any dimes to be levied of the clergy, nor fifteens on the people, nor any other tallages nor taxes to be levied in the realm of England, to the behoof of the realm during thy life, but by the consideration of the three estates of the realm, except for great need in causes of importance or for the resistance of our enemies, only, and none otherwise. Thou contrary to thine oath so made, hast done to be levied right many dimes and fifteens and other impositions and tallages, as well of the Clergy, as of the commonalty of the realm of England, and of the Merchants, for fear of thy Majesty royal, wherefore thou art perjured and false. 3 Also we do allege, say and intend to prove, that where thou sworest to us upon the same Gospels in the aforesaid place and time, that our sovereign Lord and thine, king Richard should reign during the term of his life in his royal prerogative and dignity: Thou hast caused the same our sovereign Lord and thine, traitorously within the Castle of Pomffret, without the consent or judgement of the Lords of the Realm, by the space of xu days, and so many nights (which is horrible among christian people to be heard) with hunger, thirst and cold to perish, to be murdered, wherefore thou art perjured and false. 4 Also we do allege, say and intend to prove, that thou at that time when our sovereign Lord and thine, King Richard was so by that horrible murder dead as abovesaid, thou by extort power didst usurp, and take the kingdom of England, and the name, and the honour of the kingdom of France unjustly and wrongfully, contrary to thine oath from Edmonde Mortymer earl of March, and of Ulster, than next and direct heir of England and of France, immediately by due course of inheritance after the decease of the aforesaid Richard, wherefore thou art perjured & false. 5 Also we do allege, say and intend to prove, as aforesaid, that where thou madest an oath in the same place and time to support and maintain the laws and good customs of the realm of England: And also afterward at the time of thy coronation, thou madest an oath, the said laws and good customs to keep, and conserve inviolate. Thou fraudulently and contrary to the law of England and thy fautors, have written almost through every shire in England to choose such knights for to hold a parliament, as shall be for thy pleasure and purpose, so that in thy parliaments no justice should be ministered against thy mind in these our complaints now moved & showed by us, whereby at any time we might have perfit redress: Notwithstanding that we according to our conscience (as we trust ruled by God) have oftentimes thereof complained, as well can testify and bear witness the right reverend fathers in God, Thomas Arondell Archbishop of Cauntorbury, and Richard Scrope archbishop of York: wherefore now by force and strength of hand before our Lord jesus Christ, we must ask our remedy and help. 6 Also we do allege, say and intend to prove, that where Edmonde Mortimer earl of March & Ulster, was taken prisoner by Owen Glendor, in a pitched and fought field, and cast into prison, and laden with Iron fetters for thy matter and cause, whom falsely thou hast proclaimed willingly to yield himself prisoner to the said Owen Glendor, and neither wouldst deliver him thyself, nor yet suffer us his kinsmen to ransom and deliver him: yet notwithstanding, we have not only concluded and agreed with the same Owen for his ransom at our proper charges and expenses, but also for a peace between thee, and the said Owen. Why hast thou then not only published and declared us as traitors, but also craftily and deceitfully imagined, purposed and conspired the utter destruction and confusion of our persons? For the which cause we defy thee, thy aiders and helpers as common Traitors and destroyers of the realm, and the Invaders, oppressors and confounders of the very true and right heirs to the crown of England, which thing we intend with our hands to prove this day, almighty God helping us. The kings answer to the lords articles. When king Henry had read their articles and defiance, he answered the esquires, that he was ready with dent of sword and fierce battle, to prove their quarrel false and feigned, and not with writing and slanderous bills, and so in his righteous cause and just quarrel, he doubted not but God would both aid and assist him against untrue persons, and false forsworn traitors, with which answer the messengers departed. The next day in the morning early, which was the Even of mary Magdalen, the king perceived that the battle was nearer than he either thought or looked for, therefore least long tarrying might minish or hinder his strength, he did with all speed set his battles in good order: and likewise did his enemies, The battle of Shrewsburye. which both in puissance and courage was nothing to him inferior. Then suddenly the Trumpets blewe, and forthwith the battles joined. The Scots which had the forward on the lords side, intending to be revenged of their old displeasures, done to them by the English nation, set fiercely on the king's forward, that they made them draw back, and had almost put them out of their array. The Welshmen also, which sith the king's departure out of Wales, had lurked and lain in woods and Mountains, hearing of this battle toward, came to the aid of the Earls, and refreshed the weary people with new succours. When a fearful messenger had declared to the king that his people were beaten down on every side, it was no need to bid him stir, for suddenly he approached with his fresh battle, and comforted, heartened and encouraged his part so, that they took their hearts to them, and manfully fought with their enemies. The Prince that day holp much his father, for although he were that day sore wounded in the face with an arrow, yet he never ceased either to fight where the battle was most strongest, or to encourage them who seemed to him to faint. This sore and fierce battle continued three long hours with indifferent fortune on both parts: but at the last the king crying victory, broke the array, and entered into the battle of his enemies, and fought fiercely, and entered so far into the battle, that the Lord Douglas struck him down, and slew Sir Walter Blunt, and three other appareled in the king's suit and clothing, saying: I marvel to see so many kings to arise so suddenly again, but soon after the king was raised again, and that day he did many a Noble feat of arms. For the Scots writ, and French men also, though the Englishmen keep silence, that he himself slew with his own hands that day xxxuj of his enemies, and the other of his part encouraged by his doings fought valiantly, and slew the Lord Percy called Sir Henry Hotspurre, the best Captain on the part adverse, Sir Henry Hotspur is slain. and when his death was known, they fled and happy was he that was foremost. And in that flight the Earl Douglas falling from the nag of a Mountain broke one of his stones, and so was taken, and for his valiantness was of the king freely and frankly delivered. There was taken also Sir Thomas Percy Earl of Worcester and divers other. On the king's part were slain Sir Walter Blont, and xuj hundredth other persons: But on the part of the rebels were slain the Earl of Stafford, the Lord Percy, and above .v. thousand other, and as for the Scots few or none escaped alive. After this great victory by the king obtained, The king obtaineth a great victory of his Lords. he first rendered his humble and hearty thanks to God almighty, & caused the Earl of Worcester the next morrow after to be drawn hanged and quartered in the town of Shrewsbury, and his head to be sent to London, and there set upon a pole upon London bridge, and the same time also were many more captains executed in the said place. And this being done, the king like a valiant Conqueror returned to London with great pomp, where he was by the Magistrates of the City most solemnly received, and joyfully welcomed. But here a little to return, before his departure from Shrewesburie he not forgetting his enterprise against Owen Glendor, sent into Wales with a great army Prince Henry his eldest son against the said Owen, and his seditious complices, which being dismayed and in a manner desperate of all comfort, by the reason of the kings late victory, fled into desert places and solitary Caves, where he received a final reward, meet and prepared by God's providence for such a rebel and seditious seducer. For being destitute of all comfort, and dreading to show his face to any creature, Owen Glendor being forsaken of all people, died by hunger and famine. lacking meat to sustain nature, for pure hunger and lack of food, miserably ended his wretched life. Now after that the death of Owen was known to the Prince, and that the Prince with little labour, and less loss had tamed and bridled the furious rage of the wild Welshmen, and had left Governors to rule and govern the country, he returned to his father with great honour and no small praise. The Earl of Northumberland hearing of the overthrow of his brother and son, came of his own free will to the king, excusing himself as one neither party nor knowing of their doing nor enterprise: The king neither accused him, nor held him excused, but dissembled the matter for two causes, one was, he had Barwike in his possession, which the king rather desired to have by policy, then by force: The other was, that the Earl had his Castles of Alnewyke, Warckworth, and other, fortified with Scots, so that if the Earl were apprehended, all Northumberlande were in jeopardy to become Scottish: For these causes the king gave him fair words, and let him departed home, where he continued in peace a while, but after rebelled as ye shall here. The building of the Conduit in Cornhill. And in this time, at the charges of the City of London, where before there was a certain prison in Cornhill called the Ton, they now builded in the same place a fair conduit, which at this day is called the conduit in cornhill. This year Walleram earl of Saint Paul, considering that he had defied king henry, and also that he had made diverse voyages, and done little damage to the English Nation, Waleram earl of saint Paul once again assaileth king Henry the fourth. but had sustained much loss, and yet continuing in his old malice against the king of England, by the assent of the French King, assembled a great number of men of war, as five hundred men of arms, five hundred Genoese with Crossbows, and a thousand flemings on foot, and laid siege to the Castle of Mark, three Leagues from Calais, within the territory of the king of England, the xuj day of july, whereof was captain Sir Philip Hall, with lxxx Archers, and xxiiij other Soldiers. The Earl raised against the Castle divers engines, but they prevailed not, for they within shot so fiercely, and cast stones so incessantly, and defended the fame so manfully, that they prevailed not at that tyme. And the Earl perceiving that his enterprise had not such success as he looked for, retired with his men lodged in the town, fortifying the same for fear of rescues that might issue from Calais. The next day he gave a sore assault again, & with great force entered the utter Court, of the Castle & took therein a great number of horse, Cows and Cat-tail, at the which assault sir Robert Barynguile, cossyn to the Earl, was slain. The same day an hundredth Archers on horseback came out of Calais, and perceived the doings and demeanour of the Earl and his company, and toward night they sent an Herald unto him, certifying that they would dine with him the next day: To whom he proudly answered, that he would gladly receive them, and their dinner against their coming should be ready prepared. The next day ensuing issued out of Calais two hundredth men of arms, two hundredth Archers, three hundredth men on foot, with ten or twelve Chariots laden with victual and Artillery, conducted by Sir Richard Aston knight, Lieutenant of the English pale for the Earl of Somerset, Captain general of those Marches, which in good order of battle marched toward their enemies, which before by their espials were advertised of their coming: But that notwithstanding, they issued not out of their lodgings to encounter with them, but kept themselves within their Closure. The English men shot so closely and so sharply together, that the flemings and footmen began to fly: The men of Arms fearing the slaughter of their horses, The French men are discomfited. ran away with a light galolp: The Genoese which had spent the most part of their shot at the assault, made little defence, and small resistance, and so were all slain and put to flight. The hasty and rash Earl of Saint Paul, and diverse other without stroke given to their enemies, fled to Saint Omers: And there were taken of the best of the army, as saith the French and Dutch Chronicles, lx or lxxx persons, amongst whom the Capteyn of Bulleyn was one, and many Lords and knights slain. After that the English men had taken all the Cartes, Munitions, and victuals that their enemies had brought thither, they returned to Calais in great triumph: And within five days after, there issued out of the English pale about the number of five hundredth men, toward Arde by night time, thinking to have found the town unprovided: But Sir Mansard de Boys, and the Lord Kygnie defended it, and disappointed the English men, who with the loss of forty men, returned to Calais: Which dead persons were brent in an old house, because their enemies should be ignorant of the damage that the English men had by them sustained. The Earl of Saint Paul being at Turwyn, and yet imagining in some part, or by some way to be revenged of the English men, and to recover some part of his loss, but more of his honour, sent for a great company of Noble men, and valiant personages, and concluded to invade the Marches of his enemies. But the French king considering the Earls evil fortune, commanded him to leave off his enterprise, with the which he was sore displeased. Yet to avoid perils, the French king laid in Garrison at Bulleyn and other places, the Marquis of Pount, son to the Duke of Bar, and the Earl of Dampney, and Sir john Harpadane, a knight of great renown and high estimation. The king of England circumspectly fore seeing things to come, and imagining that the French men attempted some new enterprise against him, or his Dominions beyond the Sea, sent four thousand men to Calais, and to the Sea, whereof three thousand landed at Scluse, which besieged a Castle standing in the mouth of the Haven, and made diverse assaults, and lost diverse of their company: But news were brought to them, that the Duke of Burgoyne had desired licence of the French King to besiege the Town of Calais, for which cause they raised their siege, and went to the defence of Calais. And this year also saith Reynulph, the Emperor of Constantinople, whose name, as some writers call him, was Robert, came into England, only to see the Country, and manners of the people thereof. And this year the Lord of Castle in Briteyn landed within a mile of Plymmoth, with a great company, Plymouth is spoiled by the French men. and lodged in the town all that day and night, and the next day spoiled and rob the said town, and carried away all that was therein, and returned again into their Ships. Sun after this, Lewes' Duke of Orleans, brother to the French king, a man of no less pride then of great courage, wrote his letters to king Henry, advertising him that he for the perfect love which he bore to the noble feats of Chivalry and Martial acts, could invent nothing more honourable nor laudable to them both, then to meet in the field, each part with an hundred Knights and esquires, all being Gentlemen, both of name and arms, armed and weaponed at all points, to fight and combat to the yielding, and every person to whom God should sand victory, to have his prisoner, A French brag. and him to ransom at his pleasure, offering himself & his company to come to his City of Angulesme, so that the king of England would come to the lands and borders of Bordeaux, and there defend his challenge. The King of England, which was as grave and witty, as the Duke was haughty and courageous, The wise and grave answer of king Henry. wrote to him again, that he not a little mused and more marveled, that the Duke being sworn aswell to him, as to King Richard, to maintain the peace between his brother the French king, and them concluded, and to that had set his sign and great seal, would now for vainglory, and under the colour of doing of deeds of Arms, not only violate the peace, and break the amity between them before concluded, but also give an occasion of displeasure and ingratitude, by the which in conclusion might rise mortal war, and deadly enmity: affirming farther, that no king anointed, of very duty was ever bound to answer any challenge, but to his peer of equal estate, & equivolent dignity. And that no Christian prince aught or should consent to war or effusion of Christian blood, but only for the defence of his realm, or for conquest of his right, or for the amplifying of Christ's faith, and Christian religion, and not for pride, worldly fame, and vainglory: And saying further, that when opportunity of time, and convenient leisure served, he would transtrete and pass the sea himself, with such company as he thought most convenient, into his Country of Gascoigne, at which time the Duke might set forward with his band, for the attaining of honour, and accomplishing of his courageous desire, promising in the word of a Prince, that he would not thence departed, until the Duke either by fulfilling his own desire, or by singular Combat between them two, only for the avoiding of the effusion of Christian blood, should think himself satisfied and fully answered. Howbeit, at that time he being busied with weighty affairs, concerning the public weal of his realm, could neither appoint time nor place, protesting that the deferring of time was neither for disdain, nor yet for cowardness, but only to abate the pride of him, which knowing not himself, nor fearing reproach, regarded not his oath, writing, nor seal. To this answer the Duke of orleans replied, and king Henry rejoined, the which doings for the unprincely taunts contained in them, I thought mere to omit and pass them over. The Duke of orleans besiegeth Vergie in Guyan. The Duke of orleans not content with the king of England, assembled an army of six thousand men, and entered into Guyan, and besieged the Town of Vergie, whereof was captain Sir Robert Antelfielde a valiant knight, and an hardy Capteyne, having with him only three hundredth English men. The Duke almost every day assaulted the town very fiercely, but they within the Town courageously defended the same. insomuch that when they had lain there three months, and had lost many of his men, and gotten nothing, without honour or spoil returned into France. After this, the Admiral of Briteyn, which was greatly inflamed and encouraged, because the last year he had entered the Haven of Plymmoth, and rob and spoiled the town, and afterward had taken certain ships with Wine. And he being now accompanied with the Lord Castle a valiant Baron of Briteyn, and having xxx sail of ships well furnished with artillery, munition, and victuals, and twelve hundredth men of arms, sailed from Saint Malos, and came before the town of Dartmouth, and would have landed, The Admiral of France is discomfited. but by the force of the towns men, and men of the country, they were repulsed and put back: In which conflict the Lord of Castle with his two brethren, with four hundredth other were slain, and above two hundredth prisoners taken and ransomed, whereof the Lord of Baquevile high Marshal of Briteyn was one, which was brought to the king, and was afterward redeemed. The Admiral being sorry of this infortunate enterprise, with much loss and no gain returned hastily into his Country. The Lord Thomas Duke of Clarence. King Henry being advertised of this attempt, sent the Lord Thomas his son, which after was Duke of Clarence, to the sea, with a great navy of Ships, to the intent that either with battle or spoiling or destroying of the Sea costs, both of Briteyn and of France, he might revenge this miurie and invasion. And he sailing by the sea costs landed divers times, and brent towns and destroyed people without any pity or mercy: And when he thought his quarrel well revenged, he sailed toward England, and in his returning he encountered with two great Caricks of Geane, laden with rich merchandise, between whom was a great conflict, and a bloody battle: But after long fight the Englishmen prevailed, and brought both the Carickes into Camber before Rye, where one of them by misadventure of fire perished, to the loss and no gain of both the parties. About this time, john Duke of Burgoyn, which had long laboured, john Duke of Burgoyn would have besieged Calais, but he was forbidden by the french King. and now obtained licence to besiege the town of Calais, preparing engines, and all other Instruments necessary for that purpose, assembled at Saint Omers six thousand men of arms, xv. hundred Crossbows, and xii. thousand footmen. And now when all things were in a readiness, and the whole army assembled, he was by the French king and his counsel (who had some mistrust in him) countermanded and forbidden any further to proceed in that enterprise: For the which cause he conceived such an hatred and deadly malice against the Duke of orleans (whom he thought was the only let and stop of his glory and renown) that he ever after, not only stomached and grudged against him, but in the end (as you shall here) brought him to death and final destruction. And it so happened, that this year one William Serle, William Serle one of the murderers of the Duke of Gloucester, taken and executed. whom some call john Serle, being one of the murderers at Calais of the Duke of Gloucester, was taken lurking in the Marches of Scotland, and drawn on an Herdle from that place up to London, and committed to the Tower, and then brought to westminster, and there he was also charged that he had bruited abroad that king Richard was alive, and for these things was there arraigned, condemned, judged, hanged, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn. The Earl of Northumberland, of whom before is spoken, bearing no little hatred unto King Henry, for the death of his son Sir Henry Hotspurre, and his brother the Earl of Worcester, as aforesaid, john Earl of Northumberland conspireth against king Henry. did daily practice some mean to be revenged thereof, and now secretly he began to break his mind to Richard Scrope archbishop of York, brother to William Lord Scrope, high Treasurer of England, whom king Henry (as you have heard) beheaded at Bristol, & with Thomas Mowbray earl Martial, son to Thomas Duke of Norfolk, for king Henry's cause before banished the realm of England, and with the Lords, Hastynges, Fauconbridge, Bardolfe and divers other, which he knew to bear deadly hatred unto King Henry. And after many meetings, and long consultations had, they finally did conclude and determine: that all they, their friends and Allies, with all their power should meet at Yorkeswolde at a day appointed, and that the Earl of Northumberland should be Chiefetayne of the army, who promised to bring with him a great number of Scots. The king hath knowledge of the conspiracy. This conspiracy was not so secretly kept, nor so closely covered, but that the king had knowledge thereof, and was fully informed of the same: wherefore to prevent the time of their assembly, he with such power as he could suddenly call together, marched with all speed into the North parts, and was there with all his host and power, before the Confederates heard any thing of his coming forward, and suddenly he caused to be apprehended the archbishop, divers Lords apprehended and executed. the Earl Martial, Sir john Lampley, and Sir Robert Plumpton. These persons were arraigned and attainted of high treason, and adjudged to die, and so on the Monday in the Whitsun week, all they without the City of York were beheaded. The archbishop of Cantorburye entreateth for the Archbishop of York. And here I find written in an ancient history, that after the taking of the archbishop of York, that the archbishop of Cauntorbury, called Thomas Arondell came unto the king and said, Sir if the Bishop of York have so greatly offended you as it is said, yet I pray you consider that I am your ghostly father, and the second person in your realm, & that you aught not to harken to any man's voice before me: wherefore I counsel you reserve the pain and punishment of the said Bishop to the Pope's judgement, and he will take such order as ye shall be pleased. And if you will not so do, yet let him be referred to the parliament, and keep your hands undefiled from his blood. The king answered: I may not stay him for the rumour of the people. Then the archbishop called for a Notary, to make an Instrument of the king's answer, that if need were, it might be presented to the Pope: But the king would not stay but caused execution, as aforesaid. Execution. Beside the persons aforenamed, divers other of the said conspiracy, as the Lord hastings, the Lord Fauconbridge, Sir john Coluile of the Dale, and Sir john Griffith were beheaded at Durham. The Earl of Northumberland flieth into Scotland. The Earl of Northumberland perceiving his counsel to be revealed, and his confederates put to shameful execution, fled into Scotland to his old friend George of Dunbarre Earl of March, which the year before was revoked out of exile, and restored to his possessions, name, and dignity, where he tarried until the next Summer, and then sailed into France, and after into Flaunders, desiring aid and assistance against king Henry: But when he saw little hope of comfort, and that few hearkened to his request, he accompanied with the Lord Bardolph much dismayed, and more desperate, returned again to his true friends into Scotland, and there made his abode the whole year, abiding the favour of fortune: During which time, the king without any difficulty took into his possession the town of Berwick, the Castles of Alnewike, and all other Fortresses appertaining to the Earl. And lying at Berwick, he caused to be put to death the Baron's son of Greystock, Sir Henry Beynton, and john Blenkensop, and five other, as offenders in this conspiracy. The Prince of wales entereth with a power into Scotland. Now when king Henry had thus appeased this late conspiracy, he sent his son the prince of Wales, accompanied with Edward Duke of York, and a great army with him, to encounter with the Scots, which by promise were bound to aid and assist the aforesaid Conspirators: But they hearing that the founders of the war were apprehended and put to death, made no haste forward, but tarried peaceably at home. So that the Prince entering into Scotland, and finding no resistance, brent Towns, spoiled Villages, and wasted the Country every where as he passed: which thing so much amazed the king of Scots and his counsel, that notwithstanding that he had gathered & appointed a great host under the Conducts of the Earls of Douglas, and Bowhan to resist the prince and his invasions: yet they sent Ambassadors unto him, requiring him of peace and final concord: which request he utterly denayed, but at their humble petition a truce for certain Months was taken, of the which they were both glad and joyous, and so the prince laden with prey & spoil, returned with great gain to his father. While the prince persecuted thus the country of Scotland on the land, Sir Robert Vmfrevyle Vice Admiral of England vexed the Countries of Fiffe, and Loghdian on the Sea coast, for he lying in the Scottish Sea xiv. days, and every day landed on the one side or other and took prayers, spoils and prisoners maugre the great powers of the Duke of Albany, and the Earl of Douglas: in so much that he brent and took the town of peoples on their fair day: and with great gain returning to his ships, brent the Galiot of Scotland with many other Vessels, and sent cloth, Robin Mendmarket. victual and divers merchandises to every town in Northumberlande, setting thereon no great price, wherefore the Scots called him Robin Mendmarket. The king about this time was newly vexed and unquieted, for notwithstanding the fortunate success that he had obtained in all his outward wars and inward affairs, yet some of his people bore unto him such cankered hearts, that still they practised his destruction: For now was a new rumour spread abroad that King Richard was alive once again, A new rumour that king Richard was alive. and that he was in Scotland: To the which fable, such credit was given, that if prudent policy had not foreseen the danger thereof, it had kindled a greater flame than would have been either easily or quickly quenched. This Summer the plague of pestilence reigned so sore in the City of London, and in the country also round about the City, that the king durst not repair thither. A great pestilence and death in London. Wherefore he departing from the Castle of Ledes in Kent, determined to take shipping at Quynborough, and to sail over to Lie in Esser, and so to Plasshy, there to pass his time until the plague were cessed: And because certain Pirates of France were lurking at the Thames mouth waiting for their pray: Thomas Lord Camoys with certain ships of war was appointed to waft over the King. When the King was on the Sea, and in the midst of his journey, whether the wind turned, or that the Lord Camoys kept not a direct course, or that his Ship was but a slug. The French men, which by all similitude had knowledge of the king's passage, entered amongst the king's Navy, and took four Vessels next unto the king's ship, and in one of them, The king in great danger to be taken of the Frenchmen. Sir Thomas Rampston Knight the king's Vice Chamberleyn, with all his Chamber stuff and apparel, and followed the king so near, that if his Ship had not been swift, he had landed sooner in France, then in Essex. The King being sore moved with the Lord Camoys, caused him to be attached and indited, that he condescended and agreed with the French men, that the king in his journey should be intercepted and taken. On this point he was arraigned the last day of October, before Edmond Earl of Kent, that day high steward of the Realm, on which day he was adjudged by his Peers not guilty, and was dismissed at the bar, and restored to all his lands, goods & offices. In this year king henry, not only desiring new affinity with foreign Princes, but also the preferment of his line and progeny, sent the Lady Philip his younger daughter to Erick king of Denmark, Norway, & Swethen, which was conveyed thither with great pomp, and there with much triumph was solemnly married to the said king, where she tasted both of wealth and woe, joy and pain. This year Rochester Bridge was begun to be builded of stone, and the same together with the Chapel standing at the end of the same, was finished by Sir Robert Knolles knight, who also newly reedefyed the body of the Church of the white Friars in Fleetstreet in London, & there was buried. You heard before how king Robert of Scotland, being very aged and impotent, was not able to govern and rule his realm, and how Walter his brother, being by him created Duke of Albany (which was the first Duke that ever was in Scotland) was made Governor of his brother's Country and Dominion. After which office and pre-eminence by him obtained, The Ambitious mind of the Duke of Albany. he so sore thirsted after the Crown and Sceptre royal, that he cared little though the king his brother & his two sons had been at Christ's foot in heaven. And somewhat to further his purpose, it unfortunately chanced, that Davy of Rothsay Prince of the realm, and eldest son to the king was accused to his father of diverse and sundry crimes, and especially of wanton and dissolute living, as ravishing of wives, deflowering of Virgins, and defiling of maidens: Wherefore the king delivered him to his brother the governor, trusting that by his good counsel, and discrete advertisement, he would not only amend his life, but also aware grave, prudent, and wise. Now when the Duke had possessed part of his desired prey, he sent his Nephew from Castle to Castle, from prison to prison, from place to place, and in conclusion lodged him in a Tower within the Castle of Franklande, The Duke of Albany cruelly murdered the Prince of Scotland. where with famine he caused him miserably to end his life, putting a poor woman to painful death, which gave to the Prince the milk of her breasts by a Reed into the prison. His death was long hidden from the king his father: But in conclusion the Governor showed unto the king, how diverse persons traitorously had murdered him, which were apprehended and judged to die, and yet in their lives they never knew nor saw him. The King notwithstanding his brother's excuse, doubted much of the end of his other son named james, wherefore he privily provided a ship, in the which he put the child, being then of the age of ix years, under the tuition of the Lord Henry Seintclere, earl of Orkeney, willing him to convey the prince into France, if by any possibility he could thither attain. And if fortune should drive him upon the coast of England, he wrote his most gentle and loving letters unto king Henry, the effect whereof were, that forasmuch as a truce was taken between them, and that in the same was contained, that all men conveying letters from the one of the kings to the other should surely and safely pass and repass without any contradiction, and that therefore it would please him not to break nor deny the said liberty to the bearer of his letter which was his only son, and to suffer him not only to live safely and surely under his protection and defence, but also to vouchsafe to preserve and defend him, being now the only heir of the Kingdom of Scotland, from the malicious attempts of his ambitious & cruel kindred. Now all things being in a readiness, the Mariners set forward and departed from Bas Castle with this young Prince, and Henry Percy, james prince of scotland by tempest is forced to land in England. son to the Lord Percy, called Hottespurre before slain at Shrewsbury, and by force of tempest were driven upon the coast of England in holderness, at a place called Flamborough head, the xxx day of March, where the young prince for to refresh himself took land, and soon after he and all his company were taken, and brought to the king at Windsor, where he with all due reverence delivered his father's letter. When the letter was read and understand, the king assembled his counsel, to know what should be done with this noble infant. Some to whom the continual wars was odious and hateful, affirmed that there could not happen a more surer or better occasion of peace between both the realms, which being so offered, they would in no wise should be rejected but taken, considering that this Prince was sent thither in trust of safeguard, in hope of refuge, and in request of aid and comfort against his enemies and evil willers: But other (whose opinion took place) affirmed him to be a prisoner, and so to be ordered, forasmuch as he was taken, the war being open, and that his father did not only maintain the Earl of Northumberland and other rebels within his Country, james prince of Scotland is taken as a prisoner. and gave them great honours, but also sent a great number of his Nobility against the king at the battle of Shrewsbury: Wherefore it was agreed that he should be detained as a prisoner lawfully taken, and duly apprehended. When news of this definitive sentence was showed to his father, he took such an inward conceit, that it cost him his life within a few Months after. And although the taking of this Prince was at the first time displeasant unto the realm of Scotland: yet surely, after, he and all his region had great cause to rejoice, and thank God of that fortunate chance. For where before that time, the people of Scotland were rude and without good manners, and having little learning, and less good qualities, this Prince being xviij years prisoner within this realm, was so trained and taught by his Schoolmasters, which were appointed to him only by the kings clemency, that he not only flourished in good learning and knowledge, but also excelled in Martial feats, Musical instruments, Poetical Arts, and liberal sciences. Insomuch that at his return from Captivity, he furnished his realm both with good learning, and Civil policy, which before was barbarous, rude, and without all good manner. This year a worthy Citizen of London named Richard Whittyngton Mercer and Alderman, was elected Mayor of the said City, Richard Whittington Mayor of London. and bore that office three times: This worshipful man so bestowed his goods and substance to the honour of God, to the relief of the poor, and to the benefit of the common weal, that he hath right well deserved to be registered in the book of fame. First he erected one house or Church in London, Whittington College. to be a house of prayer, and he named the same after his own name Whittyngtons College, and so it remaineth to this day. And in the same Church, beside certain Priests and Clerks, he placed a number of poor aged men and women, and builded for them houses and lodgings, and allowed unto them Wood, Newgate. Cole, Cloth, and weekly money, to their great relief and comfort. This man also at his own costs, builded the Gate of London called Newgate, in the year of our Lord. 1422. which before was a most ugly & loathsome prison. Saint Bartholomewes'. Also he builded more than the half of saint Bartholomewes' Hospital in west Smithfielde in London. Also he builded of hard stone, the beautiful Library in the grey Friars in London, now called Christ's Hospital, standing in the North part of the Cloister thereof, where in the wall his arms is graven in stone. He also builded for the ease of the Mayor of London and his brethren, & of the worshipful Citizens, at the solemn days of their assembly, Guyldehall chapel. a Chapel adjoining to the guildhall, to the intent they should ever before they entered into any of their affairs, first to go into the Chapel, and by prayer to call upon God for his assistance. And in the end joining on the South part of the said Chapel, he builded for the City a Library of stone, for the custody of their records and other books. He also builded a great part of the East end of the guildhall, Guildehall. beside many other good works that I know not. But among all other, I will show unto you one very notable, which I received credibly, by a writing of his own hand, which also he willed to be fixed as a Schedule to his last will and testament, the contents whereof was, that he willed and commanded his Executors as they would answer before God at the day of the Resurrection of all flesh, that if they found any debtor of his, that aught to him any money, that if he were not in their consciences well worth three times as much, and also out of the debt of other men, A glorious glass for rich men to look in. and well able to pay, that then they should never demand it, for he clearly forgave it, and that they should put no man in suit for any debt due to him. Look upon this ye Aldermen, for it is a glorious Glass. But now to return to the story where we left. The Earl of Northumberland, which had been in France and other Countries, to have gotten aid against king Henry, and miss of his purpose, did now put his whole confidence in the Scots, The Earl of Northumberland with a great power of the Scots returneth into England. and in especially in his old friend George earl of March, and so assembled a great power of the Scottish Nation to invade Northumberland, and recovered diverse of his own Castelies' and signiories, to whom people without number daily resorted. And he intending to be revenged of his old griefs, accompanied with the Lord Bardolfe, and diverse other Scots, and English men, entered into Yorkshire, and there began to destroy and spoil the Country. Whereof the king being advertised, caused forthwith a great army to be assembled, and marched toward his enemies, but before the king came to Nottyngham, The Earl of Northumberland taken & executed. Ralph Rokesby Sheriff of Yorkshire, in the midst of February, with the power of the Country, suddenly set on the Earl and his company, at a place called Bramham Moor, where after long fight, the Earl, and the Lord Bardolfe, and many other were taken and brought to York, and there executed, and their heads sent to London. Pirates. After this, the king having knowledge that diverse Pirates were about the coast of England, prepared certain Ships well furnished with men, victual, and munition, and in the beginning of March sent to the sea, Lord Edmond Holland Earl of Kent, as Chefetaine of that Crew. And when the Earl had searched all the coast of France, and had not found one Pirate or Sea robber, he was advertised by his espials, that they hearing of his army were gone back into the parts of Briteyne. Wherefore the said Earl intending to be revenged on them, made his course thither, and before his arrival they had conveyed their ships into the Havens, so that he could not fight with them on the sea, wherefore he launched out his Boats, & with his lusty & hardy Soldiers took land, The Earl of Kent slain at the siege of Briake. and fiercely assaulted the town of Briake standing upon the Sea side. The Citizens threw out Darts, cast stones, shot quarrels, and manfully defended their Walls. In the which conflict, the Earl received such a wound in his head, that he departed out of this world the fift day after. The assailants nothing dismayed, but rather kindled and set on fire with the death of their captain, like men desperate, Briake taken and brent. still continued and followed the assault of the town, and by fine force entered into the same, and set it on fire, and slew all that made any resistance: And for lack of a captain, the men of war laden with prays and prisoners, returned again into England. This Edmond Earl of Kent was in such favour with King Henry, Edmond Earl of Kent was well beloved of king Henry. that he not alonely advanced and promoted him to high offices and dignities: But also by his mean, and no small cost, obtained for him Lucy the eldest daughter, and one of the heirs of the Lord Barnaby of Milleyn (brother to Lord Galeace, whose son also called Galeace, murdering his Uncle Barnaby made himself first Duke of Milleyn:) For which marriage the Lord Barnaby paid to the said Earl of Kent, and hundred thousand ducats in the Church of saint Mary Ouereyes in Southwark, at the day of the solemnity of the said marriage, by Done Alphons of Caniola. This Lucye, after the death of her husband, by whom she had none issue, was moved by the king to marry his bastard brother the Earl of Dorcet, a man very aged and evil visaged, whose person neither satisfied her fantasy, nor whose face pleased her appetite, wherefore she preferring her own mind more than the kings desire, delighting in him which should more satisfy her wanton desire, then gain her any proftie, for very love took to husband Henry Mortimer a goodly young Esquire, and beautiful Bachelor. For which cause the king was not only with her displeased, but also for marrying without his licence, he seized and fined her at a great some of money, which fine king Henry the fift, both released and pardoned, and also made him knight and promoted him to great offices, both in England and in Normandy, which Sir Henry had issue by this Lady, Anne married to Sir john Awbemond, mother to Elizabeth Candos, mother to Phillis married to Sir Davy Hall Captain of Cane: She had also issue, Mary married to john Cheddur, and Lucy espoused to sir john Cressy. This year happened a long and great frost, which continued xu weeks, A great frost. and by reason thereof died great numbers of sheep and birds. About this time john Duke of Burgoyn, a man of a quick wit, and of a haute courage, and desirous of rule, being of great authority among the French nation, to whom civil discord was more pleasant, Variance between john Duke of Burgoyn and Lewes Duke of orleans. then brotherly love and friendship, began sore to mumur and grudge against Lewes' Duke of orleans, because that he was chief of the king's counsel, and ordered all things by his discretion for that the king his brother was (as you have heard) fallen into a Frenzy, and therefore meddled in nothing. The Duke of orleans on the other side, being highly set up in pride, began to disdain and frown at the Duke of Burgoyn, because he perceived that he aspired and gaped to have the supreme regiment in the public affairs and weighty causes, thus the one would have no superior, and the other would have no peer. This cankered disdain in short space grew to such a hate, that all the Realm of France was divided into Factions, the one part favouring the Duke of orleans, & the other inclining to the Duke of Burgoyn, which division had almost brought the realm of France to utter ruin and confusion. The French king being somewhat amended of his disease, hearing of the controversy between these two princes, sent for them both to Paris, where he openly and largely rebuked their pride and malice, in so much that the Nobility there present judged the displeasure between them was clearly forgiven and forgotten. But high courages are not so soon abated, nor rooted malice will not so soon be plucked up. For the Duke of Burgoyn still compassing the destruction of the Duke of orleans, appointed a secret friend called Ralph Actoville to bring his purpose to pass. This Ralph forgetting not his enterprise, assembled together a company of such persons as he most trusted, Lewes' duke of Orleans is murdered. and as as a Wolf greedy of his pray, when the Duke of orleans was coming from the court, in the night season, he fiercely set upon him, and shamefully slew him. When this murder was published, all people cried unto God for vengeance. The Duke of Burgoyn justified this act, by the mouth of john Petit Doctor in divinity, who wrested Scriptures and Doctors so far out of course, that his justification within few years after was by the whole University of Paris adjudged Heresy. The French king lest greater mischief might ensue, was enforced to cloak his inward affection, and to dissemble the matter, doubting lest the Duke of Burgoyn, whose heart and haute courage he had good experience of before (if he should proceed against him for his evil act) would join and take part with the English nation against the realm of France. Wherefore after long consultation had by the entreaty of the king, and other Princes of the blood Royal, Charles Duke of orleans, son to Duke Lewes lately murdered, and john Duke of Burgoyn were reconciled, and brought to a feigned concord and a faint agreement, each of them taking a corporal oath upon the holy Evangelists, never after to disagree or renew any displeasure for any thing before passed, but all this prevailed nothing. For now the Duke of orleans perceiving the king his Uncle to bear with the Duke of Burgoyn, and to let the detestable murder of his father so lightly pass over without pain or punishment, allied and confederated himself with the Duke of Berry and Bourbon, and the Earls of Alaunson and Arminack, who raised a great puissance of people, & defied the Duke of Burgoyn & his complices, as their mortal foe, & deadly enemy. The Duke of Burgoyne sendeth to the king of England for aid. The Duke of Burgoyn fearing the end hereof (because there was a motion of a marriage to be had between the prince of Wales and his daughter) was somewhat the bolder to send to the king of England for aid and succours against his enemies. King Henry no less foreseeing then that which after ensued, which was that the discord of these two great princes might turn his realm to great profit and honour, sent to the Duke of Burgoyn Thomas earl of Arundel, Sir Gilbert Vmfrevyle Lord of Cows, Sir Robert Vmfrevyle, and sir john Grey, with five hundredth Archers, which took shipping at Dover, and landed at Sluice. When the Englishmen were arrived in Flaundyrs, the Duke of Burgoyn with the Englishmen and all his power road day and night until he came near to Paris, and there the next day after with hard fight, and courageous shooting, the English men gate the bridge of Saint Clow, and so passed over the river of Sayne, and took and slew all the soldiers, which the Duke of orleans had there left in garrison to defend the bridge. Amongst whom Sir Mausard de Boys a valiant Captain was taken prisoner by the Englishmen, and highly ransomed. But the Duke of orleans and his company, which were like to have been compassed with their enemies, so that almost all their ways of refuge were stopped and enclosed, in the night time made a bridge over the river on the part of saint Denyce street, and so escaped and fled into the high Countries. And after this conflict the Duke of Burgoyn being now in his ruff, and thinking no man either in authority or blood equivalent to himself, and blinded with a Kall before his eyes, took upon him the whole rule and governance of the realm, and ordered the king as pleased him, and not to the kings will, and thinking also that in so troublous a time he had unknit the knot of all ambiguities and doubts, The English men return again into England. and therefore dismissed the Englishmen giving to them both hearty thanks and great rewards, which doing king Henry much disallowed, considering that he had sent away his defence before the great brunt of the war were over passed and should have taken heed before what policy his enemies practised. This year saith Reynulph, the King kept, A great jousts in Smithfield. and held a great jousts in Smithfielde in London, which continued eight days, and unto the same came certain Henowayes Gentlemen, and ran with the Gentlemen of England, but the honour of that pastime was given to the Englishmen, although some of the strangers did very well. King Henry being now at quiet, and not troubled with civil dissension, nor wars in his realm, called his high Court of Parliament, A parliament at Westminster. in the which after he had concluded divers acts meet and expedient for the public wealth of his realm and people, he exalted and promoted his three younger sons to high honours, Thomas Duke of Clarence. john Duke of Bedford. Homffrey Duke of Gloucester. Thomas Duke of Exeter. as Lord Thomas to the duchy of Clarence, Lord john to the Duchy of Bedfoord, and Lord Homffrey to the Duchy of Gloucester, and Lord Thomas his half brother earl of Dorcet, he made Duke of Exeter: Howbeit some writers say that he was erected to that estate and dignity by king Henry the fift, in the first year of his reign, which thing is not greatly material, considering he had none issue. And this year the commons of the realm put up a Bill into the parliament house unto the Lords against the clergy for the taking away of their temporalties, A bill preferred unto the Parliament against the possessions of the Clergy. of the which Bill more shall be said in the second year of King Henry the fift. And this year the market house in the neither end of the poultry in London, now called the Stocks, was builded for the free sale of the foreign Boocher, and of the foreign Fishmonger. In this mean while john Duke of Burgoyn, which ruled the roast, and governed both king Charles the French king, and the whole realm, so much stomached and envy the Duke of orleans and his helpers, that he caused the French king in person to arm himself against them and their adherentes, as traitors to him, and apparent enemies to the common weal, and sent diverse captains to invade their lands and territories in the Countries of poitiers, and Angulesme, and other signiories appertaining and belonging to the homage and obeisance of the Duchy of Acquiteyn and Guyan: Wherefore the Dukes of orleans, and Berry, & Bourbon, The Duke of orleans seeketh aid of the king of England. with their friends and allies, seeing that now their hope consisted in the king of England, sent to him Albert Awbemond, a man of no less learning than audacity, who in the name of the Confederates offered certain conditions, as ye shall here. 1 First, the said Lords offered that from thenceforth they should expose and set forth their own persons, finances and lands, to serve the king of England, his heirs and successors, whensoever they were required or called, in all just quarrels: which just quarrels, the king of England shall take to appertain to the Duchy of Guyan with the appurtenances, affirming how the said Duchy pertaineth, and aught to appertain, to him of right by lineal heritage, and lawful succession, manifesting from thenceforth, that they should not blemish nor spot their truth nor fidelity to assist and aid him, in the recovering the same Duchy. 2 Also the said Lords offered their sons, daughters, nephews, and neces, parents and all their subjects, to contract marriage according to the discretion of the king of England. 3 And they offered towns, Castles, treasures, and generally all their goods to aid the king, his heirs and successors for the defence of their rights and quarrels, so that the bond of their allegiance might be saved, the which in an other secret appointment, they before had declared. 4 Also they offered to the king of England generally, all their friends, allies, and well willers, to serve him in his quarrel for the recovery of his whole Duchy of Guyan. 5 Also to cease all fraud, the said Lords recognized that they were ready to affirm the said Duchy of Guyan to belong to the king of England, in like and semblable wise, in liberty, and franchises, as ever any of the said kings predecessors held or possessed the same. 6 Also the said Lords knowledged, that all the towns, Castles, and fortresses, that they had within the Duchy of Guyan, to hold them of the king of England, as of the very true Duke of Guyan, promising all service and homages after the best manner, that in such case might be. 7 Also they promised to deliver unto the king as much as lay in them, all towns and Castles appertaining to the royalty and Signiory of England, which are in number twenty towns and Castles, and as to the regard of other towns and fortresses which were not in their puissance and signiory, they would help the king of England, his heirs and deputies to win them, with men in sufficient number at their proper expenses and charges. 8 Also the king of England was agreed, that the Duke of Berry his true Uncle and Vassal, and the Duke of orleans his subject and Vassal, and the Earl of Arminacke should hold of him by homage and fealty, the lands and signiories hereafter following: that is to say, the Duke of Berry to hold only the County of Pontiew, during his life, and the Duke of orleans to hold the County of Angulesme, during his life, and the County of Perigot for ever, and the Earl of Arminake to hold four Castles upon certain sureties and conditions, as by Indenture should be appointed. 9 For the which offers, covenants, and agreements, they affirmed that the king of England as Duke of Guyan, aught to defend and secure them against all men, as their very Lord and sovereign, and not to conclude any treaty of league with the Duke of Burgoyn, his brethren, children, friends or allies. 10 Furthermore, the king of England aught to aid the Lords, as his true Vassals in all their just quarrels for recovering of damages, for injuries to them wrongfully done. 11 Also they required the king of England to sand unto them eight thousand men to aid them against the Duke of Burgoyn, which daily provoked the French king to make open war on them, their lands and signiories, promising further to disburse and pay all the costs and charges which the said army of English men should expend during their war, which letter was written the eight day of May, in the year of our Lord afore mentioned. ¶ King Henry lovingly received, The king granteth to aid the Duke of orleans and gently entertained this Messenger Albert, and when he had well debated and considered the case, he first detesting the abominable murder of the late Duke of orleans, and seeing no justice ministered, nor no punishment done for so shameful an act, having also an approved experience that the Duke of Burgoyn would keep no longer promise than he himself lusted. And secondarily, considering what large promises and offers these Princes had made unto him, both greatly to his honour, and to the high profit and commodity of his realm and subjects, thought that he was bound by the office of a king to aid and secure them, which cried for justice and could have none, and in especial because they in that point being his subjects and vassals, aught to be defended in maintenance of his superiority and signiory: Wherefore he lovingly promised them aid and relief. The return of the Messenger with this message was to them as pleasant, as is the deliverance of a Captive from his sore imprisonment, or of a Merchant passing by the way, & beset with thieves, when he is rescued by his friends or companions. And not without cause, for the french king, not of his own courage animated, but maliciously incensed by the Duke of Burgoyn, persecuted the faction of the Orliaunces from City to City, and from town to town, with such power and extremity, that they were both of force and necessity compelled to repair to the City of Bourges in Berry, and there to appoint themselves either to tender or defend. Ye must understand that Princes have sometime Argus eyes, and Midas ears, for this feat was not so secretly wrought in England, but it was as apparently spied in France: Wherefore the French kings Counsel sent the Earl of saint Paul, the old cankered enemy to the English men, into the parts of Picardy, with xu hundredth horsemen, The French men assault Guines. and a great number of footmen, and he ordained certain of his men to give assault to the town of Guynes, while he lay in stolen to wait for the relief that might come from Calais. The furious French men broke a few old Pales about poor men's gardens of Guisnes: But the men of war in the Castle shot so fiercely, and cast out wildefyre in such abundance, that the assailants were feign to retire. And so the Earl of Saint Paul which never won gain, but lost honour at the English men's hands, returned, not only with the loss of his people, but defrauded of his desired prey, and went to the town of Saint Quintines. guilded hall builded. This year, of an evil favoured old house or cottage was the guildhall in London builded and finished at the charges of the Citizens, but chief at the charges of Richard Whytington Alderman. But to return to the former history, the French king in this mean while besieged the City of Bourges in Berry, wherein the Duke of orleans and his company had fortified themselves. When the king of England was thereof advertised, he sent forth his son Thomas Duke of Clarence, and Edward Duke of York, with eight hundred horsemen, and nine thousand footmen, The Englishmen land in France. which landed in the Bay of Hogs in Normandy by saint Waste, in the territory of Constantyne. The Englishmen swarmed like Bees round about the country, robbing Merchants, spoiling husbandmen, and brenning towns, and were joyously received of the Earls of Alaunson and Richemond aiders of the Orlienciall part. The Counsel of France not willing that the Englishmen should join with the Dukes of orleans and Berry, A French practice. or their complices, caused a common fame (although it were not true) to be spread abroad, that there was a final peace concluded between the French king and his Lords, which late were to him adversaries. When this fable was noted to the Englishmen, which were by hasty journeys passed the river of Leyre, they spoiled the town and Monastery of Beauliew, and wasted with fire & sword the Countries of Tourayn and Maine. Against whom the Duke of Burgoyn sent the Lord Rambures, with a great army, which in short time was vanquished. A feigned peace concluded. The dolphin of France fearing the doings of the Englishmen, concluded a feigned peace between the Duke of orleans and Burgoyn, and their adherents, so that the Duke of orleans should without delay dispatch out of the dominions of France all the English army. The Duke was not rich to pay, and the Englishmen were greedy to have, insomuch as they marching toward Guyan in good order, what by sacking of towns, and what with raunsomming of rich persons gate great treasure and many good prays. Besides this, to the aid of the Duke of orleans king Henry sent to Calais the Earls of Kent and Warwick with two thousand fight men, which spoiled and defaced the County of Bullenoys, and brent the town of Samer de boys, and took with assault the Fortress of Russalt with divers other. The Duke of orleans, which was daily called upon to dispatch the Englishmen out of France, came to the Duke of Clarence and his army, rendering to them a thousand Gramercyes, and disburssed to them as much money as either he or his friends might easily spare, and for nine thousand Frankes, which remained unpaid, he delivered in gage his second brother john earl of Angulesme, which was Grandfather to Frances, afterward French king, and Sir Marcell of Bourgh, Sir john of Samours, Sir Archibald of Villiers and divers other, which earl long continued in England as after ye shall here. When this agreement was taken; the Dukes of Clarence and York with great pray (rich prisoners and wealthy hostages) came to Bordeaux, making war on the Frontiers of France to their great gain and profit. The English men return out of France with rich prays. So by the only coming in of the Englishmen into France, the Duke of orleans was restored, not only unto peace and quietness with all persons, saving the Duke of Burgoyn: But also fell into such favour with the king and the realm, that he was of all men well-beloved, much honoured and highly esteemed, and so continued, until wavering fortune turned her variable wheel. For after this, he being enemy to the English nation, was vanquished and taken prisoner, and so remained in England above xxiv. years, until the flower of his age was passed or sore blemished. And this year the king abased the coins of Gold and Silver, The coin abased. and caused the same to be current in his realm at such value as before they had gone, where in deed the Noble was worse by four pence, than the other was, and likewise was the coins of Silver current after the same rate. And here I find noted by certain writers, Ebbing and flowing why they altar at sometunes. that this year the Thames did flow three times in one day, as though the same were matter worthy of a note, for the strangeness thereof: But if you consider the causes thereof, then is it worthy of no note at all, for the causes thereof are natural, as great winds and tempests that rise on the sea costs, which by violence drive the sea into the fresh Rivers, more abundantly than the common course would, or else by like violence keepeth out the sea from the fresh rivers, that it can not flow at one hour so high and abundantly as the common course thereof is accustomed to do, and it happeneth also many times by reason of abundance of rain, which falleth of the land, and filleth the rivers, and so increaseth the fresh waters, that the same meeting with the sea water entering into the river, causeth the same to swell, and rise far above the common course, and altereth the hours both of flowing and ebbing. In like manner the tides altar by reason of great and long frosts and Snow that freezeth the rivers and dyches in the land, which causeth short and more tides in lesser hours than hath been accustomed, by reason the water is turned to Ice. And in like manner upon a sudden thaw, the floods again increase far above the accustomed course, & of these natural causes cometh the alteration of the hours of ebbing and flowing. Now after that these great and fortunate chances had happened to King Henry, he thinking that there could not a greater praise be given to a king, then for the execution of his office, and the administration of justice, and intending to live in quietness, being now delivered of all civil division, with the which almost all christendom was troubled, not only to the decay of Christ's religion, and christian creatures, but to the greater adnauncement of Paynym princes, by the publishing and setting forth of that counterfeit and false prophet Mahomet. And that the king would show himself mindful hereof, he called a great counsel of the three estates of his Realm, in the which he deliberately consulted and concluded, as well for the politic governance of his realm, as also for the war to be made against the Infidels, and specially for the recovery of the City of jerusalem, in the which wars he intended to end his transitory life, and for that cause he prepared a great army, King Henry purposed a voyage to jerusalem. and gathered much treasure, intending to set forward in the same spring time. But see the chance, whatsoever man intendeth, God suddenly reverseth, what princes will, God will not, what we think stable, God maketh mutable, whereby Salomons saying is found true: That the wisdom of men is but foolishness before God. When this prince was thus furnished with treasure sufficient, with valiant Captains and hardy Soldiers, with tall ships furnished with victuals, munitions and all things necessary for such a journey royal, he was taken with a sore and sudden disease called an Apoplexy, The king is taken with a grievous sickness. of the which he languished until his appointed hour. During which sickness, as some authors write, he caused the crown to be set on the pillow at his beds head, and suddenly his pang so sore troubled him, that he lay as though his breath and soul were departed from him, wherefore his chamberlains covered his face with a linen cloth. The Prince his son being thereof advertised, entered into the chamber, and took away the crown and departed: The father being suddenly revived out of his trance, quickly perceived the lack of his crown, and having knowledge that the prince his son had possessed it, caused him to repair to his presence, requiring of him to show for what cause he had so misused himself. The prince with a good audacity answered: sir, to mine and all men's judgements you seemed dead in this world, wherefore I as your next and apparent heir took that as mine own, and not as yours: Well fair son said the king (with a great sigh) what right I had to it, & how I enjoyed it God knoweth. A courageous young prince. Well quoth the prince, if you die king, I will have the Garland, and trust to keep it with the sword against all mine enemies as you have done, well said the king, I commit all to God, and remember you to do well, and with that turned himself in his bed, and shortly after departed unto God in a Chamber of the Abbots of Westminster called jerusalem, The death of king Henry the fourth. the twenty day of March. 1413. and in the year of his age xluj when he had reigned xiij years .v. months and odd days, in much trouble and little pleasure, whose body with all funeral pomp was conveyed to Cauntorbury and there solemnly buried, leaving behind him by the Lady Mary daughter to Lord Homffrey earl of Hereford and Northampton, The issue of king Henry the fourth. Henry prince of Wales, Thomas Duke of Clarence, john Duke of Bedford, Homffrey Duke of Gloucester, Blanch Duchess of Bar, and philip Queen of Denmark, for by his last wife, Queen jane, he had no children. The description of king Henry the fourth. The king was of a mean stature, well proportioned and formally compact, quick and deliver, and of a stout courage. After that he had appeased all civil dissensions, he showed himself so gently to all men that he got him more love of the nobles in his later days, than he had evil will of them in the beginning. When tidings of his death was brought unto the Duke of Clarence, being then in Aquitaine, he then with all diligence took ship with the Earl of Angulesme, and other his hostages and returned into England, to the great comfort of his brethren. henry the fift. HEnry Prince of Wales, son and heir unto king Henry the fourth, borne at Moumouth on the River of Wye, after the death and burial of his Noble father king Henry aforesaid, took upon him the high power and regiment of this realm of England the twenty day of March .1412. and was proclaimed king, by the name of king Henry the fift, and crowned at Westminster the ix day of April next ensuing. And before the possession of the Crown, diverse honourable and noble personages did to him homage, & fealty (which before that time had not been used) as unto him of whom they had conceived great hope and worthiness of Government. This king, this man was he (which according to the old proverb) declared and showed that honours aught to change manners, for incontinent after that he was placed in the siege royal, and had received the crown and Sceptre of this Noble Realm, he determined with himself to put on the shape of a new man, and to use another sort of living, A Godly and wise Prince. turning insolency and wildness into gravity and soberness. And because he would so continued, and not be alured to the contrary by his old familiars, who in the life of his father, by their wantonness and enticing caused him at one time to strike the Lord chief justice in the face, for the which he was imprisoned, and also had the displeasure of his father, who removed him from being precedent of his counsel, & placed therein his brother Thomas, Duke of Clarence, to his great grief: he therefore, I say, detesting a wanton and disorderly life, first banished from him all his old wanton familiars & flatterers, (not unrewarded, nor yet unpreferred) forbidding them upon a great pain, not once to approach nor come near his speech or presence, by the space of ten miles. And in their places he elected and chose men of gravity, of wisdom, and of high policy, by whose wisdom, and prudent counsel he might at all times rule to his honour, and govern to the profit both of himself and of his common weal. This prince among all other, did very well remember and consider, that a king aught to be a ruler with wisdom and gravity, and to be both diligent and constant: Wherefore calling his counsellors together, first of all (as Hall saith) he commanded the Clergy sincerely and truly to preach the word of God, and to live after the same. The lay men he willed to serve God, and obey their Prince, forbidding them above all things the breach of Matrimony, the use of swearing and wilful perjury. Beside this he elected the best learned men in the laws of the Realm, to the offices of justice, and men of good living he preferred to high degrees and authority. And calling to remembrance the madness of the Welsh men, and the falsehood and inconstancy of the Scots (whose often incursions and robberies he well had in his father's days experimented and assayed) he studied to assuage and repress, to the intent that he being quiet in his own regions, might either make outward war without doubt or danger, or else for the common weal of his realm study how to increase the glory of his signiory, and so to keep and conserve it. King Richard is removed from Langley to Westminster. When all things were thus settled and framed to his purpose, he caused the body of king Richard the second to be removed, with all funeral pomps convenient for his estate, from Langley to Westminster, where he was honourably interred with Queen Anne his first wife, in a solemn Tomb, erected and set up at the costs and charges of this Noble Prince King Henry. And although this noble prince had set and established all things being in difference and variance within his own peculiar realms and dominions: The counsel of Constance. Yet the same time, being called to the counsel of Constance, which is a City situate upon the goodly river of Rhyne, he sent thither Richard Earl of Warwick, and three Bishops, with other famous Prelates and Doctors besides Knights and esquires to the number of eight hundredth horse. At this Synod were assembled (as Hall saith) three hundredth xluj Bishops, abbots, and Doctors. And of noble men five hundredth lxiiij And of Knights and esquires xuj thousand, besides servants, which (not accounting the towns men) were accounted .lxv. thousand persons. These persons were highly received of the Emperor Sigismond, and of the Bishop of Rome called john the xxiij which in the same counsel as the said author affirmeth, for great and abominable crimes, and detestable offences by him committed (of the which he could not purge himself, nor make any defence) was by the same Synod deposed, Pope john is deposed. and of his estate deprived. Gregory the twelve being one of the Schismatical number, fearing shame more than regarding his worldly affection, deposed himself both from his name and Papal dignity. But Benedict the xiij still and stiffly affirming himself to be the Vicar of God, so much desired honour, and so much was wrapped in his own lewd opinion, that neither friend nor good counsel could do any good with him, wherefore at the last, he was also deposed, and lost both his name and honesty. And within three year after, Otho Columbe a noble Roman borne, john Wycliffe. john Husse. Iherom of prague. was elected Bishop of Rome, and named Martin the fifth. And in this counsel, john Wicliffe English man, and john hus, and Iherom of prague Bohemians, were condemned of heresy, of whom ye may read more in the book of Monuments of the Church. Sir john Oldcastell. And in this first year, Sir john Oldecastell, which by his wife was called Lord Cobham, a valiant Captain and an hardy Gentleman, was accused unto the archbishop of Cauntorbury of certain points of heresy: But for that I have not purposed in this History to writ of any matter that specially concerneth religion, I will therefore refer you to the book of Monuments of the Church, where the whole History of this Gentleman and many others is at large described and set foorth. Sir Robert Acton. Browne. Beverley. And in like manner followeth in the said book, the whole history of Sir Robert Actone, Browne, Beverley, and diverse other. The King, for the honour of himself, and the advancement of his people, called this year and the last day of April, in the town of Leycester his high Court of Parliament, in the which many good and profitable laws were concluded, and many petitions moved, were for that time deferred. Among which petitions one was, that a bill exhibited in the xj A bill moved in the Parliament house against the Clergy. year of King Henry (as is mentioned before) which by reason that the King was then troubled with Civil dissension, came to none effect, might now be considered and regarded: the effect of which petition was, that the temporal lands devoutly given, & disordinately spent by the religious, and other of the clergy, might suffice to maintain to the honour of the king, and defence of the realm, xv. Earls, xv. C. Knights uj thousand, two hundredth esquires, and one hundredth almose houses, for the relief of the impotent and needy persons, and the King to have clearly into his Coffers, xx. thousand pounds, with many other provisions and values of sundry religious houses. This before remembered bill (saith Hall) much feared the religious, insomuch that fat abbots sweat, the proud Priors frowned, the poor Friars cursed, the seely nuns wept, and all together were nothing pleased nor yet content. But to find a remedy for a mischief, and a tent to stop a wound, the Clergy practised to put into the kings head, the title that he had to the Crown and Kingdom of France, and how honourable it should be for him to travail for the recovery thereof, and how willing all the good people of the realm would be to aid him in that honourable enterprise. And the next day after in most solemn and learned manner, the archbishop of Cantorbury, whose name then was Henry Chichley, made such an excellent Oration to move, encourage, and persuade the king to take that voyage in hand, that nothing could be either more or better spoken. And when the Bishop had done, than the Nobility in like manner said to and fro their minds, so that now there was used none other talk in every man's mouth in the Parliament house, but for the conquering of France, and the bill against the Clergy was lulled a sleep, and nothing came thereof. And so soon as this voyage was agreed upon, the parliament broke up. The aforesaid parliament being now ended, An Ambassade sent from the king of England to the french king. the king sendeth a solemn Ambassade unto the French king, to make his claim unto the crown and kingdom of France, as his right and inheritance, or else to bid him battle, and to declare unto him, that if he would not deliver the same unto him, that then he would try his right by dent of sword: The Ambassadors were these, the Duke of Excester and earl of Dorcet the king's Uncle. The Lord Grey Admiral of England, the archbishop of Develyn, the Bishop of Norwiche, and they had attending upon them above five hundredth Horse. The French king received them very honourably, and sumptuously banqueted them, showing to them goodly jousts, and martial pastimes, by the space of three days together, in the which jousts the king himself to show his courage and activity to the English men, broke Spears, and lustily turneyed. After this great triumph, the English Ambassadors had access unto the French king and declared their commission, The king of England claimeth the crown and realm of France. which was to require of him to deliver unto the king of England the realm and crown of France with the entire Duchies of Aquitaine, Normandy and Aniowe, with the Countries of Poyteu and Maine, and diverse other requests, and offering also that if the French king would without war or effusion of Christian blood, tender to the king their master his very right and lawful inheritance, that then he would be content to take in marriage the Lady Katheryn daughter unto the French king, and to endue her with all the duchy and countries before rehearsed. And if he intended not so to do, than the king of England did express and signify unto him, that with the aid of God, and help of his people he would recover his right and inheritance wrongfully withholden with mortal war and dent of sword. The French king and his counsel much amazed at these demands, thinking them very unreasonable, and yet not willing to make any hasty answer in so great and weighty a matter, prayed the English Ambassadors to say to the King their Master, that they having now no opportunity to conclude in so high a matter, would shortly send Ambassadors into England, which should certify and declare to the king their whole mind, purpose and answer. The English Ambassadors receiving this for answer, took their leave of the French king, and returned into England, declaring unto the king in order all that had been done. And at this time, as some writer's report, the dolphin, who hearing this message sent to the French king his father, and disdaining the youth of King Henry, The pride and disdainfulness of the dolphin of France. and thinking it was an enterprise far unmeet for him to take in hand, did therefore in mockage send to him a Ton of Tennis balls to play with all, meaning that he had better skill in a Tennis court, and handling of a Ball, then in the martial affairs of war. But the King after he had received from the dolphin his former present, answered: that before he had ended with him and his father, he purposed by Godsayde to toss as many Balls of Iron with him, which the best racket he had should not be able to resist nor return. And forthwith, for that many French men were promoted within this realm to Ecclesiastical dignities, and by reason thereof conveyed divers sums of money over into France, for the relief of their friends and Country men, the king therefore for the common weal of his realm and subjects, ordained that no stranger hereafter should be promoted to any spiritual degree or dignity within this realm, without his special licence and royal consent, and that all they that should so be admitted, should find sufficient surety not to disclose the secrets of this realm to any foreign or strange person, nor also to minister unto them any aid or secure with money, or by any other mean. The king maketh a great provision against France. And now with all speed he assembled a great puissance and army through all his dominions: And for the better furniture of his Navy, he sent into Holland, Zelande, and Friselande to procure and hire Ships for the conducting and transporting over of his men and munitions of war: And finally, provided for armour, victual, money, Artillery, carriages, Tents, and other things necessary for so high and enterprise, the which provisions were soon blown over and known in France. Wherefore the Dolphin, who had taken on him the governance of the realm, because his father was fallen again into his old infirmity, sent for the Dukes of Berry and Alaunson, and all the counsel of France, to determine what should be done in so weighty a cause. And after long consultation it was agreed to assemble people through the whole realm of France to resist and repulse the king of England and his power whensoever he would arrive or set foot in France. But to the intent to have stayed the king of England at home, An Ambassade sent out of France to the king of England. they sent unto him a solemn Ambassade, to make unto him some offers according to the demands afore rehearsed. The charge of this Ambassade was committed unto the Earl of Vandosme, to Master William Bouratier Archbishop of Bourgues, and to the Bishop of Lyseux, to the Lord of Yury and Braquemount, and to Master Gaultier Cole the king's Secretary and divers other. These Ambassadors accompanied with. Cccl horse passed the sea at Calais, and landed at Dover, before whose arrival the king was departed from Wyndsore to Winchester, intending to have gone to southhampton, and there to have viewed his Navy, but hearing of the Ambassadors coming, tarried still at Wynchester, where the said French Lords showed themselves very honourably before the king and the Nobility. And the king sitting under his cloth of estate in the Bishop's hall, the said Ambassadors had access unto him, where the archbishop of Bourges made unto him an eloquent Oration dissuading war and praising peace, offering to the king of England a great some of money, with divers base and poor Countries with the Lady Katheryn in marriage, so that he would dissolve his army, & dismiss his Soldiers which he had gathered and made ready. The oration being ended, the king caused the Ambassadors to be highly feasted, and set them at his own table. And at a day appointed in the aforesaid hall, the archbishop of Cauntorbury made to their oration a notable and learned answer: the effect whereof was, that if the French king would not give with his daughter in marriage, the Duchies of Aquiteyn, Normandy, Aniowe and all other signiories and dominions, sometime appertaining to the Noble progenitors of the king of England, he would in no wise retire his army nor break his journey, but would with all diligence enter into the realm of France, with sword and fire, and not leave until he had recovered his ancient right and lawful patrimony. The king avowed the archbishops saying, and in the word of a prince promised to perform it to the uttermost. The Bishop of Bourges being in a chafe that his purpose took no better effect, prayed licence and pardon of the king that he might speak, A stout and proud bishop which being granted unto him, he very rudely and unreverently said unto the king as followeth. Thinkest thou to put down and destroy wrongfully the most christian king our most redoubted sovereign Lord, and the most excellentest prince of all Christianity, of blood and pre-eminence? O king, saving thine honour, thinkest thou that he hath offered or caused to be offered to thee lands, goods, or other possessions with his own daughter for fear of thee or thy English Nation, or of thy friends or well willers? Not, not, but of truth, he moved with pity, as a lover of peace, to the intent that innocent blood should not be dispersed abroad, hath made to thee these reasonable offers, putting his whole affiance in God most puissant, according to right and reason, trusting in his quarrel to be aided and supported by his faithful and good subjects and his well willers. And sith we be subjects and servants, we require thee to 'cause us safely and surely without damage to pass out of thy realm and dominions, and that thou wilt writ thine answer wholly as thou hast given it, and to seal the same with thy Seal. The king of England nothing vexed nor unquieted with the sayings and proud brags of the unnurtered archbishop, but well remembering the proverb of Solomon, that wars are to be taken in hand with discretion, and where many can give counsel there is victory, therefore coldly and soberly he answered the Bishop, The kings discrete answer made to the bishop. saying: My Lord, I little esteem your French brags, and less set by your power and strength, I know perfitly my right to your region, and except you will deny the apparent truth, so do you, and if you neither do nor will know, yet God and the world knoweth it. The power of your Master, you see daily, but of my power ye have not yet tasted, if your Master have loving friends and faithful subjects, God I thank him I am not unprovided of the same: But this I say unto you, that before one year pass, I trust to make the highest crown in your Country to stoop, and the proudest Mitre to kneel down: And say this to the usurper your Master, that within three Months I will enter into France, not as into his land, but as into mine own true and lawful patrimony, intending to conquer it, not with bragging words, nor flattering Orations, but by power and dent of sword by the aid of God in whom is my whole confidence, and I assure you I will not speak that word, the which I would not both writ and subscribe, neither would I subscribe to that which I would not willingly set to my seal, therefore your safe conduit shall be to you delivered with mine answer, and then you may depart surely and safely into your Country, where I trust sooner to visit you then that you shall have cause to bid me welcome. With this answer the Ambassadors not a little grieved did shortly after depart, but not unrewarded, and that very bountifully and liberally. Now after the French Ambassadors were departed, the king, as I said before, having a great foresight and disposing all things in order, did not forget the old conditions of the variable and inconstant Scottish Nation, and therefore appointed the Earl of Westmoreland, the Lord Scrope, the Baron of Greystroke, and Sir Robert Vmfrevile, with diverse other valiant captains, to keep the Marches joining to Scotland. The which sir Robert Vmfrevile, A skirmish with the Scots. on the day of Saint Mary Magdalene, entered upon the Scots at the town of Gedering, having in his company only four hundredth English men, where after a long conflict and skirmish, he slew of his enemies lx and odd, and took prisoners. Ccclx and discomfited and put to flight a thousand and more, whom he followed in chase twelve miles, and so laden with prays and prisoners, returned to the castle of Rokesborough unhurt, of the which Castle he was then captain. When the king had prepared all things meet for his journey, he then for the safeguard of the realm, leaving behind him the Queen his mother as Governor of the realm, departed to the town of Southampton, and there purposed to take his shipping. And because he would not steal on the French king, but that he should have knowledge of his coming, he therefore dispatched with speed Antelope his pursuivant at arms, Letters of defiance sent to the french king. with letters of defiance: The which letters, when the French king and his counsel had read, and well considered, he made answer to the officer of arms, that he would provide for his defence, and so licensed the Messenger to depart at his pleasure. Shortly after, the king being in a readiness to advance forward, Certain Lords apprehended for treason. suddenly, he was credibly informed, that Richard Earl of Cambridge, brother to Edward Duke of York, and Henry Lord Scrope, and Sir Thomas Grace had conspired his death and utter destruction, wherefore he caused them forthwith to be apprehended. And after these prisoners were examined, they not only confessed the conspiracy, but also declared that for a great sum of money which they had received of the French king, they intended either to deliver the king alive into the hands of his enemies, or else to murder him before that he should arrive in Normandy. When king Henry had all the truth opened unto him, of the which he was not only very desirous, but also was most heartily sorry, and inwardly grieved that he should loose such valiant captains, by whose aid he might have been made the more dreadful to his enemies: but now the matter being thus fallen out, the king assembled together all his nobility, and before them caused to be brought forth the aforesaid three great offenders, and unto them said as followeth. I can not a little marvel what should move you to devise or conspire my death, who hath loved you most dearly, and to say truly unto you, ye could not conspire my death which am your head and governor, but ye must also purpose the destruction of all that be here, and of all the people in this realm. And although some private Scorpion possessed your hearts, and heads to this great wickedness, yet ye should now have forborn to have practised the same, so long as I was with mine army, whom ye know can not continued without a Captein. But forasmuch as ye have purposed so great a mischief, and so abominable a fact, and confessed the same, and also to the intent that your aiders being in the army may abhor so horrible an offence, ye shall receive the punishment and pain that the law hath appointed for your demerits. And the next day following, when these noble men were executed, the king said to his Lords, see you not the mad imagination of men, which persecute me that daily study & use my great travail to do good to them and to all men, and hurt to none, which I know is my duty, and thereunto was I borne. I pray God that there remain none among you that is infected with so much untruth, as had liefer to see me destroyed and brought to confusion, then to see his native Country flourish and increased with honour, and Empire. But I assure you, I have conceived a right good opinion of you, and therefore by God's sufferance we will set forward, and for myself I will forget all pain & peril, and be your Lodesman and guide. Now when the king had thus said, all the Noble men kneeled down, and promised faithfully to serve, and duly to obey him, and rather to die then suffer him to fall into the hands of his enemies. This done, the King thought surely that all conspiracy and sedition had been quenched: But he was deceived, for he saw not a fire that was newly kindled, which afterward drew to so great a flame, that it burned and consumed the Walls of his own house and family, which fire at that time if he had espied, he might peradventure easily have quenched and put out: For certain writ that Richard Earl of Cambridge did not conspire with the Lord Scrope, and Sir Thomas Grace, to murder king Henry, to please the French king withal, but only to the intent to exalt to the Crown his brother in law Edmond earl of March, as heir to Duke Lionel the third begotten son of king Edward the third. After whose death, considering that the Earl of March for diverse secret impediments, was not able to have generation, he was sure that the Crown should come to him, or to his children. And therefore it is to be thought, that he rather confessed himself for need of money to be corrupted by the French king, than he would declare his inward mind, and open his very intent: For surely he saw that if his purpose were espied, the Earl of March should have drunken of the same Cup that he did, and what should have come to his own children he much doubted, therefore being destitute of comfort, and in despair of life, to save his children he feigned that tale, desiring rather to save his succession, than himself, which he did in deed. For Richard Duke of York his son, not privily, but openly claimed the Crown, and Edward his son both claimed it, and gained it, as hereafter ye shall here, which thing at this time if king Henry had foreseen, I doubt (saith Hall) whether ever that line should have claimed the garland, or gotten the game. The king setteth forward into France. Now assoon as the wind came about, the king set forward with his Navy, being in number an. Cxl. ships, and shortly after landed at Caux in Normandy without resistance. And the next day after, the king marched toward the town of Harflew, standing upon the River of Seyne, between two hills, Harflewe besieged. and besieged it on every part. The captain of the town was the Lord Escoutevyle, accompanied with the Lord Blaynuyle of Hacquevile, the Lords of Harmanuyle, of Galard Boys, of Clere de Barton, of Adsanches, of Brian, of Gaucort, of Lisleadam, and many other. The French king being advertised of the kings arrival, sent in all the hast the Lord Delabreth Constable of France, and the Lord Bonciqualt Marshal of France, the Seneschal of Henawde, the Lord Ligny, and diverse other captains, which fortified towns with men, victual and artillery, upon all the Sea coast. And hearing that the king of England had besieged Harflew at his first landing, came to the Castle of Cawdebeck being not far from Harflewe, to the intent to secure their friends which were besieged, if they might by any policy: And if not, than they imagined how to slay and hurt the English men, when they went into the Country of foraging for beasts and victual, and so to trap and destroy them. But they were deceived, for notwithstanding the provision and policy of the French men, the English men forayed the Country and spoiled the Villages and returned again to the Camp with many a rich prey. The English men daily assaulted the town, and the Duke of Gloucester to whom the order of the assault was committed, made three mines under the ground, and approached the Walls with ordinance and engines, and would not suffer them within to rest at any time. The king lying on the hill side with his battle, did not only keep the French men from succoring of the town, but also took away from the towns men all the hope and trust of their succour, aid, and relief, and also all the Goonpowder that was sent by the French king unto them that were besieged, was taken by the English men. The Captains of the French men within the town, perceived that they were not able to endure the fierce assaults of the English men, and fearing to be overcome and taken by force, desired of the king of England only truce for three days, promising that if they were not rescued within that time, that then they would yield themselves and the town, their lives being saved. And for performance hereof, they delivered unto the king xxx of the best Merchants and captains that were within the town. The king of England accepted this offer. And so soon as this composition was agreed upon, forthwith the Lord Hacquevyle was sent unto the French king to declare the necessity of the town, and the short time of the truce. To whom the dolphin answered, that the kings power was not yet assembled in such a number, as was convenient to raise so great a siege. When this answer was reported to the captains, they seeing no hope of comfort or relief, Harflew is yielded to the king of England. after the third day rendered to the king of England the town, being the xxxvij day after it was besieged, and the xxij day of the month of September, to the great abashment of all Normandy, for it was the chiefest port of all that Country. The Soldiers were ransomed, and the town was sacked, to the great gain of the English men. The king of England made captain of that town his Uncle Thomas Duke of Exeter, which established his Lieutenant there john Fastolffe, with xu hundredth men, and xxxv good knights, whereof the Baron of Carew, and Sir Hugh Lutterell were two counsellors. And because diverse of his Nobles lying before Harflew were sick of the Flux, and many were dead, amongst whom the Earl of Stafforde, the Bishop of Norwiche, the Lords, Molyns, and Burnell, were four beside other. The king licensed the Duke of Clarence, his brother, john earl Martial, and john Earl of Arondell being infected with that disease, to return into England. King Henry not a little rejoicing of this victory at his beginning determined with all diligence to set forward, and to perform his intended purpose and warly enterprise, but by reason that the sharpness of Winter weather approached more sooner at that time, then before it had been accustomed he was therewithal sore troubled and vexed. Wherefore he calling together all his Cheveteynes, and conferring with them what was best to be done: After long consultation, in the end it was agreed on all sides, that it was a thing both necessary and convenient to set forward with all diligence before the dead time of Winter approached, toward the town of Calyce. And because their going forward might be called of slanderous tongues a running or flying away, it was therefore agreed, that the whole army should pass the next way by land through the midst of their enemies: And yet that journey was judged perilous, by reason that the number was much minished by the Flux and other Fevers which sore vexed, and brought to death above fifteen hundred persons, which was the very cause that the return was the sooner concluded and agreed upon: But yet before his departing he entered into the town of Harflew. And all the men of war that had not paid their ransom, he swore them on the holy Evangelists to yield themselves prisoners at Calais, by the feast of saint Martin in November next following: divers of the Burgesses he highly ransomed, and a great part of the women and children he put out of the town, giving to every poor creature .v. sou. The priests had licence to depart, leaving behind them their substance. The goods in the town were innumerable, which were all pray to the Englishmen, which sent the best into England as a token of good luck. There were two strong Towers standing on the Haven side, which looking for aid did not yield ten days after the town was rendered. When the king had repaired the town, and fortified and furnished the same with men, munition, and victual, he removed from Harflew to Pounthoyse, intending to pass the river of Some with his army, before the bridges were either withdrawn or broken. The French king hearing that the town of Harflew was taken by the king of England, and that he was marching forward into the Bowels of the realm, sent out his proclamations, and assembled his people in every quarter, committing the whole charge of his army to his son the Dolphin and the Duke of Aquiteyn, which incontinent caused the Bridges to be broken, and all the passages to be defended: beside that, they caused all corn and other victual to be destroyed in all places, where they conjectured that the Englishmen would repair or pass through, to the intent that they might either keep them in a place certain without any passage or departure, and so to destroy them at their pleasures, or else to keep them in a straight without victuals or comfort, and so by famine either 'cause them to die or yield. The king of England afflicted with all these incommodities at one time was neither dismayed nor discouraged, Blanchetaque a passage over the river of Some. but keeping forth his journey approached to the river of Some, where he perceived that all the Bridges were by his enemies broken and unframed: wherefore he came to the passage called Blanchetaque, where king Edward's great grandfather passed the river of Some before the battle of Cressy: But the passage was so kept that he could not pass without great danger, considering that his enemies were both before his face, and hard behind his back: But yet he passed forward, burning Villages and taking great booties, and every day he sent his light horsemen abroad to spy and seek what perils there were at hand, and what ambushments were laid on the one side or the other, and where he might most safely pass the river. The Espials returned and declared for a truth that the country swarmed with men of war, whereof he being advertised, set forth in good order, keeping still his way forward, and so ordered his army and placed his carriage, that having his enemies on both sides of him, he passed so terribly that his enemies were afraid once to offer him battle: And yet the Lord Delabreth Constable of France, the Marshal Boncequalt, the Earl of Vandosme great Master of France and the Lord Dampier Admiral of France, the Duke of Alencon, and the Earl of Richmond with all the puissance of the dolphin lay at Abuyle, and durst not once touch his battles, but ever kept the passages, and coasted aloof like a Hawk that liketh not her pray. The king of England still kept on his journey until he came to the Bridge of saint Maxence, where he found above xxx thousand Frenchmen, and there pitched his field, looking surely to be set on and fought withal: wherefore to encourage his Captains the more, he dubbed certain of his valiant and hardy gentlemen knights, as: john Lord Ferres of Groby. Reignold of Greystock. Piers Tempest. Christopher Morisoy. Thomas Pickering. William Huddleston. john Hosbalton. Henry Mortimer. philip Hall. William Hall. jaques of Ormond, with divers other. But after the king saw that the Frenchmen made no semblance to fight, he departed in good order of battle by the town of amiens, to a town near to a Castle called Bows, and there lay two days, looking every hour for battle. And from thence he came near to Corby, where he was stayed that night by reason that the common people and Pesaunts of the country assembled in great number, and the men of arms of the Garrison of Corby skirmished with his army in the morning, which tarrying was to him both joyous and profitable, for there he discomfited the crew of horsemen, and drove the rustical people even to their gates, and found there the same day a shallow ford between Corby and Peron, which never was espied before. At the which he, his army and carriages the night ensuing passed the river of Some without let or danger, and then determined with all diligence to pass the river of Some, without let or danger, and then determined with all diligence to pass forward to Calais, and not to seek for battle, except he were thereunto constrained, for his army by sickness was sore minished, for he had only two thousand horsemen, and xiij thousand Archers, bill men and of all sorts: The Englishmen were sore afflicted. The Englishmen were afflicted in this journey with an hundred discommodities, for their victual was in manner all spent, and new they could get none, for the enemies had destroyed all before their coming: Rest they could take none, for their enemies were ever at hand: daily it rained, and nightly it frezed, of Fuel was scarcenesss, and of Fluxes was plenty, money they had enough, but comfort they had none. The French king being at Rouen, and hearing that the king of England was passed the water of Some, was not a little discontent (and as Hall saith) assembled his counsel to the number of xxxv to consult what should be done, the chief whereof, were the dolphin his son, whose name was Lewes, calling himself king of Cicile, the Dukes of Berry and Briteyn, the Earl of Pontieu the king's youngest son, and divers other, whereof xxx. agreed that the Englishmen should not depart unfoughten withal, and five were of the contrary opinion, but the greater number ruled the matter. The French king sendeth a defiance to the king of England. And so Mountioy king at Arms was sent to the king of England to defy him as the enemy of France, and to tell him that he should shortly have battle. King Henry soberly answered: Sir my intent and desire is none other, but to do as pleaseth almighty God, and as it becometh me, for surely I will not seek your master at this time: But if he or his seek me, I will willingly fight with him. And if any of your nation attempt once to stop me in my journey toward Caleys, at their jeopardy be it, and yet my desire is that none of you be so unadvised or harebreyned, as to be the occasion that I in mine own defence should be the effusion of Christian blood, and thus he rewarded the Herald, and licensed him to departed. When the Lords of France heard the king of England's answer, it was incontinent proclaimed, that all men of war should resort to the Constable of France, to fight with the king of England, and his puissance: whereupon all men accustomed to bear armour, and desirous to win honour through the realm of France, drew toward the field. The dolphin sore desired to be at that battle, but he was prohibited by the king his father: Likewise Philip Earl of Charolous son to the Duke of Burgoyn would gladly have been at that noble assembly, if the Duke his father would have suffered him, but many of his men stolen away, and went to the Frenchmen. The king of England being informed by his Espials that the day of battle was nearer than he looked for, dislodged from Bomyers, and went in good array through the fair plain, beside the town of Blangy, where to the intent that his army should not be included in a straight, or driven to a corner, he chose a place meet and convenient for two armies to darrayne battle between the towns of Blangy and Agincourte, where he pight his field. The Constable of France, the Admiral, the Lord Rambures master of the Crossbows, and divers Lords and knights pitched their Banners near to the Banner royal of the Constable, in the County of Saint Paul within the territory of Agincourt, by the which way the English men must needs pass toward Caleys. The frenchmen made great fires about their Banners, and they were in number lx thousand horsemen as their own historians and writers affirm, beside footmen, pages and Wagoners, and all that night they made great cheer and were merry. The Englishmen also that night sounded their trumpets, and divers Instruments musical with great melody, and yet they were both hungry, weary, sore travailed and much vexed with cold diseases: The courage of the Englishmen. Howbeit they made peace with God and their consciences, every man encouraging other rather manfully to die, then either to yield or fly. The battle of Agincourt Now approached the fortunate and fair day to the English men, and a black and unlucky day to the French men, which was the xxv day of October. 1415. being then Friday. On the which day in the morning, the French men made three battles. In the Vanguard were eight thousand helms of knights & esquires, and four thousand Archers, and xu C. Crossbows, which were guided by the Lord Delabreth Constable of France, having with him the Dukes of orleans, and Bourbon, the Earls of Ewe, & Richemond, the Marshal Bonciqualt, and the master of the Crossbows, the Lord Dampier Admiral of France, and other captains, and the Earl of Vandosme, and other the kings officers, with xuj hundredth men of Arms, and they were ordered for a wing to that battle. And the other wing was guided by Sir Guyshard Dolphin, and sir Clugnet of Brabant, and sir Lewes of Bourbon, with eight hundredth men of Arms of chosen persons. And to break the shot of the English men, were appointed sir Guylliam de Savensens, with Hector and Philip his brethren, Ferrey of Maylley, and Alein of Gaspanes, with other eight C men of Arms. In the middle ward were assigned as many persons and more as were assigned in the Vanguard, and thereof was the charge committed to the Dukes of Bar, and Alenson, the Earls of Nevers, Vawdemount Blamount, Saling, Grant pray, & of Russy. And in the rearward were all the other men of arms, guided by the Earls of Marle, Dampmartyne, Fauconberge, and the Lord Lurrey, captain of Arde, who had with him men of the Frontiers of Bolonoys. When these Battles were thus ordered, it was a glorious sight to behold them, and surely they were esteemed to be in number six times as many or more than was the whole company of English men with Wagones', Pages and all. And now both the Armies being in a readiness, the Constable of France with an eloquent and earnest Oration, encouraged his soldiers manfully that day to stand to it for the honour of France: The King of England did no less prudently and valiantly stir up the hearts of his people. And these exhortations ended, the king of England had placed privily two hundredth Archers in a low meadow near to the forward of his enemies, but yet separate with a great ditch, and they were commanded to keep themselves close until they had a token given them to shoot. Beside this he appointed a vaward, of the which he made captain Edward Duke of York, which of a haute courage obtained of the king by petition that office, and with him were the lords Beamond, Willoughby, and Fanhope, and this battle was all Archers. The middle ward was guided by the king himself, with his brother the Duke of Gloucester, and the Earls Marshal, Oxford, and Suffolk, in the which were all the strong bill men. The Duke of Exeter, Uncle unto the king, had the rearward which was mixed both with Archares and Bill men. The horsemen like wings went on every side of the battle. When the king had thus ordered his battle, yet fearing lest the French men would compass and beset him about, like a wise and a politic prince, he caused stakes bound with iron sharp at both the ends, of the length of .v. or uj foot, to be pitched before the Archers, to the intent that if the bard horses ran rashly upon them, they might shortly be gored and destroyed, and appointed certain persons to remove the stakes when the Archers moved, as time required: so that the footmen were hedged about with the stakes, & the horsemen stood like a Bulwark between them and their enemies, without the stakes. A good invention, This device of fortifying of an army with stakes, was at this time first devised and practised, but since that time they have devised, caltrops, Harrows, and other new tricks. All things being thus set in order, now approached the battle. But here Hall showeth at large, how that the French men the night before had made themselves assured of the victory, and had divided the prisoners and spoils among them, and had cast lots for them, but it is an old proverb that he that maketh his reckoning without his host, must be feign to reckon twice, and also it is a true saying, that man purposeth, but God disposeth, for victory is the gift of God, as may appear by the sequel of this battle, which happened to the English men rather miraculously then otherwise. Therefore to God the king very well gave the praise thereof, as in the end of the same ye shall here. Now the armies approaching somewhat near, an old knight called Sir Thomas Harpyngton, a man of great experience in war, with a Warder in his hand. And when he cast up the Warder, all the army shouted, at the which the Frenchmen much marveled: But that was a sign to the Archers in the Meadow, which knowing the token shot wholly altogether at the Vanguard of the French men. When they perceived the Archers in the Meadow, whom they saw not before, and saw they could not come to them for a ditch, they with all hast set on king Henry's Forward: But ere they joined, the Archers in the forefront, and the Archers on the side, which stood in the Meadow, so wounded the footmen, so galled the horses, and so cumbered the men of Arms, that the footmen durst not go forward, the horsemen ran in plumps without order, some overthrew his fellow, and horses overthrew their masters: So at the first joining, as the French men were clearly discouraged, so the English men were much cheered and comforted. When the French Vanguard was thus discomfited, the English Archers cast away their Bows, and took into their hands, Axes, Malles, sword and Bills, and therewith slew the French men, until they came to the middle ward. Then the king approached, and so encouraged his soldiers, that shortly the second battle was overthrown, and dispersed, but not without great slaughter of men, for the French men strongly withstood the fierceness of the English men, when they came to handy strokes, so that the fight was very doubtful and perilous. And when one part of the french horsemen thought to have entered into the kings battle, they were with ●●e stakes overthrown and slain, or taken. A valiant Prince. Thus the battle continued three long hours. The king that day showed himself a valiant Prince, for notwithstanding that he was almost felled by the Duke of Alencon, yet with plain strength he slew two of the Duke's company, and felled the Duke: But when the Duke would have yielded unto him, the kings guard, contrary to the kings mind, outrageously slew him. And in conclusion, minding to make an end of that days journey, caused his horsemen to fetch a compass about, and to join with him against the rearward of France, in the which battle were the greatest number of people. When the French men perceived his intent, they were suddenly amazed, and ran away like sheep, without array or order. When the king perceived the Banners cast down, and the array clearly broken, he encouraged his Soldiers, and followed so quickly, that the French men turning to flight, ran hither and thither, not knowing which way to take, casting away their armour, and on their knees desired to have their lives saved. In this mean time, while the battle continued, and that the English men had taken a great number of prisoners, certain French men on horseback, whereof were captains, Robinet of Bornevile, Rifflarde of Clamas, and Isambert of Agincourt, and other men of arms, to the number of vj. hundredth horsemen, which fled first from the field at their first coming, and hearing that the English Tents and Pavilions were far from the army, and without any great number of keepers or persons meet and convenient for defence, partly moved with covetousness of spoil and pray and partly intending by some notable act to revenge the damage and displeasure done to them and theirs in the battle the same day, entered into the kings Camp, being void of men, and fortified with Verlettes and Lackeys, and there spoiled Hales, rob Tents, broke up Chests, and carried away caskets, and slew such servants, as they there found: For the which act they were long imprisoned and sore punished, and like to have lost their lives if the dolphin had longer lived. But when the king of England by a fearful messenger was suddenly advertised of this new onset, and also heard the outcry of the Lackeys, he fearing lest his enemies were gathered together again, and doubting that the great number of prisoners that were taken, would rather take part with the enemies then with him, did therefore by proclamation command throughout the army that every man should kill his prisoner, upon pain of death. When this dolorous commandment was pronounced, pity it was to see, and more loathsome to behold how some french men were suddenly sticked with daggers, some brained with Pole-axes, some beaten down with Malles, some their throats cut, and some their bellies cut, and their paunches hanged out, so that in effect, having respect to the great number of prisoners, few or none was saved. When this lamentable manslaughter was finished, the English men forgetting their wounds, and not remembering what pain they had sustained all that day in fight with their enemies, as men that were fresh and lusty, ranged themselves again in array, both priest and ready to abide a new field, and also to invade a fresh their enemies, and there withal courageously set upon the Earl of Marle and Fawconbridge, and the Lords of Lonray and of Thine, which with uj C. men of arms had all day kept together, and slew them out of hand. After this last conflict, the king of England passed through the field, and saw neither resistance nor the appearance of any french men, saving the dead Corsses, wherefore he caused a retreat to be blown, and brought all his army together, about four of the clock at after noon, and first (as Hall saith) calling his prelate's together, caused them to give thanks to God, by whose almighty power he had received that victory, and to sing the Psalm of In exitu Israel. etc. Commanding every man to kneel down, when they came at this verse, Non nobis domine, non nobis, sed nomini tuo da gloriam. Which is in English, Not unto us O Lord, not unto us, but unto they name be given the praise and glory, & then caused the psalm of Te deum to be song, so that it might evidently appear that this noble prince had a perfit faith and trust in the aid of God, which heard his prayer, and regarded his faith, and therefore gave him the victory. That night he was refreshed with such as he found in the French camp, and in the morning Mountioy king at Arms, and four heralds came unto him to know the number of prisoners, and to desire burial for them which were slain. But before he answered the Heralds, he calling to remembrance, that it was more honourable to be praised of his enemies then extolled of his friends, did therefore demand of them why they made to him that request, for that he was not certain whether the praise of that victory aught to be attributed to him or to their Nation? O Lord quod Mountioy, think you us officers of Arms to be rude and bestial? If we for the affection that we bear to our natural Country, would either for favour or meed hide or deny your glorious victory: The Fowls of the air and worms of the ground will bear witness against us, and so will the Captives that are yet in your possession. Wherefore according to the duty of our office, which is or should be always indifferently to writ, and truly to judge, and therefore we say and affirm, that the victory is yours, the honour is yours, and yours is the glory, advising you as you have manfully gotten it, so polletiquely to use it. Well said the king, seeing this is your determination, I willingly accept it, desiring you to show me the name of the Castle near adjoining, The battle of Agincourt. and they answered it was called Agincourt: Then said the king, this conflict shall be called the battle of Agincourt, which victory hath not been obtained by us nor our power, but by the aid and sufferance of almighty God, for the injury and untruth that we have received at the hands of your prince and his nation. And that day he feasted the French officers of arms, and granted to them their request, which busily sought through the field for such as were slain: But the Englishmen suffered them not to go alone, for they searched with them, and found many hurt, but not in jeopardy of their life, whom they took prisoners, and brought them into their tents. When the king of England had well refreshed himself and his soldiers, and had taken the spoil of such as were slain, he with his prisoners in good order returned toward his town of Calais. When tidings of this notable victory was perfitly known in England, there was no small joy and rejoicing with praising of God, and making of Bonefyres with all the triumph that might be made. On the Sundaye, after the king was departed toward Caleys, divers Frenchmen repaired to the plain where the battle was, and removed again the dead bodies, some to find out their Masters, and to bury them, and some to take the relics which the Englishmen had left. For the English men took nothing but Gold, Silver, jewels, rich apparel and costly armour: But the ploughmen and Peysaunts spoiled the dead Carcases, leaving them neither shirt nor clout, and so they lay stark maked until Wednesday. On the which day divers of the noble men were conveyed into their countries, and the remnant were by Philip Earl of Charoloys (sore lamenting the chance, and moved with pity) at his cost and charge buried in a square plot of fifteen hundred yards, in the which he caused to be made three pits, wherein was buried by account five thousand and eight hundred persons beside them which were carried away, and other that were wounded to the death, and were carried to Hospitals and there died. Prisoners taken. In this battle were taken and slain the flower of all the Nobility of France, for there were taken prisoners: Charles Duke of orleans. john Duke of Burbone. john of Craon Lord of Donuart. The Lord of Fosseux. The Lord of Humyers. The Lord of Roy. The Lord of Cawny. The Lord of Hamcourt. The Lord of noel. The Lord Bonciqualt, Martial of France. The Lord of Dynchy. Sir john of Vawcourt. Sir Arthur Bremyer. Sir jenet of Boys. The son and heir of the Lord Ligny. Sir Gilbert de Lawney. The Lord Dancombe, and divers other, to the number of xu hundred kightes and Esquires, beside the common people. Noble men slain. There were slain of the Nobles and Gentlemen at this battle, Charles Lord Delabreth, high Constable of France. jaques of Chastilon Lord of Dampier, Admiral of France. The Lord Rambures, master of the Crossbows. Sir Guyshard dolphin, great Master of France. john Duke of Alaunson. Anthony Duke of Brabant. Edward Duke of Bar. The Earl Nevers. Sir Robert Bar earl of Marle. The Earl of Vawdemount. The Earl of Blawmount. The Earl of Grand pray. The Earl of Roussy. The Earl of Fawconbridge. The Earl of Foys. The Earl of Lestrake. The Lord Boys of Bourbon. The Vidane of Amias. The Lord of Croy. The Lord Belly. The Lord Dauxcy. The Lord Brenew. The Lord of Paix. The Lord Crequi. The Lord of Lowraye. The Bailie of Amyence. The Lord of Raynuale. The Lord of Longuale. The Lord of Mawlaye. The Lord of Diurye. The Lord of Newffile. The Lord of Galigny. The Lord of Rocheguyshe. The Vicedane of Lamoys. The Lord Delaligier. The Lord of Baffremount. The Lord Saint Bris. The Lord of Contes and his son. The Lord of Nannes & his brother The Lord of Ront. The Lord of Applyncourt, The lord Delariver, with divers other which I leave out for tediousness. And certainly by the relation of heralds, and declaration of other noble persons worthy of credit, as Enguerrant writeth, there were slain at this battle on the French part, above ten thousand persons, whereof were princes and nobles bearing banners. Cxxuj. and all the remnant saving xuj C. were knights, Esquires and Gentlemen: So of noble men and Gentlemen were slain eight thousand, and four hundred, of the which five hundred were dubbed knights, the night before the battle. From the field escaped alive the Earl Dampmartyn, Clunet of Brabant, Sir Lewes of Bourbon, Sir Galliot of Gauls, Sir john Dengearmes, and few other men of name. Of Englishmen were slain at this battle, Edward Duke of York, English men slain. The Earl of Suffolk, Sir Richard Kikeley, and Davigam Esquire, and of all other not above five or six hundredth persons. After that the king had refreshed himself in the Town of Calais, and that such prisoners as he had left at Harflew, as you have heard, were come unto him to Calais: Then he the sixth day of November with all his prisoners took shipping at Calais, and the same day landed at Dover, having with him the dead bodies of the Duke of York, and the Earl of Suffolk, and caused the Duke to be buried at his College of Foderynghey, and the Earl at Ewhelme. And by soft journeys he came to London, and was met and received at Blackheth by the Mayor and Aldermen of London, clothed in scarlet, and three hundredth Commoners clothed in murrey, with all joy and solemnity, praising God for the high honour & victory that he had obtained. But now to return to the french king, Heavy news to the french king. when the heavy news of the loss of the aforesaid battle came unto him, he then lying at Rouen, and with him the dolphin, the Dukes of Berrey, and Briteyn, and his second son the Earl of Ponthewe, though the same were most grievous unto him, no man aught to marvel. Wherefore the French king perceiving that the war was now but newly begun, determined to provide for chances to come before they should suddenly happen. And first he elected his chief officer for the wars called the Constable, which was the Earl of Arminacke, a wise and politic captain, and an ancient enemy to the English men, and Sir john of Corsey was made master of the Crossbows, and then they fortified towns, and furnished garrisons. While these things were thus in working, either for Melancholy that he had for the loss sustained at Agyncourt aforesaid, or else by some sudden disease, john dolphin of viennese, The death of the dolphin of France. heir apparent to Charles the French king, departed out of this natural life without issue, which was an happy chance for Robynet of Bornevile and his companions, as you have heard before, for his death was their life, and his life would have been their death. After this notable victory obtained by the English men, and that king Henry was departed into England, and the French king had made his new officers, as aforesaid. Thomas Duke of Exeter Captein of Harflew, accompanied with three thousand Englishmen, made a great road into Normandy, almost to the City of Rouen: In which journey he gate great abundance both of riches and prisoners. But in his return the Earl of Arminack newly made Constable of France, intending in this his first journey to win his spurs, and in his company above five thousand horsemen, encountered with him. The skirmish was sore, and the fight fierce, but because the English men were not able to resist the force of the French horsemen, the Duke to save his men, was compelled to retire as politicly as he could devise: But for all that he could do, A sore skirmish. he lost three hundredth of his men. The French men not content with this good luck, followed them almost to the barriers of Harflew. When the English men within the town espied the chase, they issued out in good order, and met with their enemies, and not only slew and took a great number of them, but also chased them above eight Miles toward the City of Rouen. Sigismond Emperor. And about this season, Sigismond Emperor of Almain, which had married Barbara daughter to the Earl of Zilie, Cossyn removed to king Henry, a man of great virtue, & fidelity, which had not only long laboured to set an unity and concord in Christ's Church, and Christian religion, but also he sent diverse Ambassadors, aswell to the French king as to the king of England, because he was far distant from their countries and regions to increase perfect peace and unity. Wherefore he perceiving that his Ambassade brought nothing to such conclusion as he wished, did therefore in his own person come from the furthermost part of Hungary into France, and after into England, intending to knit together all Christian Princes in one amity and friendship, and so being friends together, to make war and revenge their quarrels against the Turk, the persecutor of Christ's faith, and enemy to all Christendom. And with this noble Prince came the archbishop of reins, and diverse other noble men, as Ambassadors from the French king, into England. The king of England for old amity between the house of England and Beam, accompanied with all his Nobility, him received upon Black heath the vij day of May, and brought him through London to Westminster with great triumph, where jousts, Tourneys, and other martial feats were to him with all joy and pleasure showed, and set forth. During which time, Albert duke of Holland. there came into England Albert Duke of Holland, who also was friendly entertained. And these two Princes were by the king conveyed to Windsor to saint George's feast, and there were elected companions of the noble order of the Garter, and had the Coler and Habit of the same to them delivered, and sat in their stalls all the solemnity of the feast, by the which order they knowledged themselves to be highly honoured, and much exalted. After this solemn feast finished, the Duke of Holland well feasted, and greatly rewarded, returned into his Country. But the Emperor tarried still, never ceasing to declare and persuade, what utility, what goodness, and what joy might ensue, if both the realms of England and France were brought to a small concord, and perfect unity. But the evil chance of the French Nation was to his purpose a bar, and a let, because they were predestinate to suffer yet more plagues and detriments at the hands of the English men. For when concord was at hand, and peace was entering into the Gates, a new cause of more discord and dissension suddenly broke out, and came to the kings knowledge: For he being informed of the loss of his men in the territory of Rouen (as you have heard) was so sore displeased, that he would here of no treaty, nor have once this word (peace) named. The Emperor like a wise Prince, perceiving that the time would not serve to bring to pass that he came for, The Emperor entereth into a league with the king of England. ceased any further to travail therein. And leaving all treaty and persuasion for France, he entered into a league and amity himself with the king of England. Which confederacy lest it should be broken, they studied and devised all ways and means possible, for the preservation and observation of the same: Which plain meaning, and true dealing was afterward to them both, not only much honour, but great commodity. Now when the Emperor had thus concluded a league with the king of England, he took his journey homeward into Germany: and the king of England, partly to show him pleasure, and partly because of his own affairs, associated him to his town of Calais: during which time the Duke of Burgoyn offered to come to Calais to speak with the Emperor and the king, because he heard talk of the league and confederacy that was concluded between them. The king sent to the water of Grauelyng, the Duke of Gloucester his brother, and the Earl of March, to be hostages for the Duke of Burgoyn, and sent also the Earl of Warwick with a noble company to conduct him to his presence. At Grauelyng ford the Dukes met, and after salutations done, the Duke of Burgoyn was conveyed to Calais, where of the Emperor, and of the King he was highly welcomed and feasted: During which time, a peace was concluded between the king of England, and the Duke of Burgon, for a certain space, A peace concluded between the king of England and the Duke of Burgoyn. concerning only the Counties of Flaundyrs, and Arthoys, for the which cause the French king and his son was highly displeased. The Duke of Gloucester was received at Grauelyng by the Earl of Caroloys, son to the Duke of Burgoyn, and by him honourably conveyed to Saint Omers, and there lodged that night. The next day the Earl Caroloys came with divers noble men to visit the Duke of Gloucester in his lodging. And when he entered into his Chamber, the Duke's back was toward him, talking with some of his servants, and did not see nor welcome the Earl Charoloys at the first entry: But after he said shortly, without any great reverence or coming towards him: ye are welcome fair Cossyn, and so passed forth his tale with his servants. The Earl Charoloys for all his youth was not well content, but suffered for that tyme. When the Duke of Burgoyn had done all things at Calais that he came for, he after the ix day returned to Grauelyng, where the Duke of Gloucester and he met again, and lovingly departed, the one to Calais, and the other to Saint Omers: For the which voyage the Duke of Burgoyn was suspected to be enemy to the Crown of France. After the Duke's departure, the Emperor was highly feasted and rewarded, and at his pleasure sailed into Holland, and so road into Beam. The king likewise took Ship and returned into England, on Saint Luke's even, the year of our Lord. 1417. In this mean time, the Earl of Arminack puffed up with his last victory, although the honour were small, and the gain less, determined clearly to get again the town of Harflew. Wherefore as closely as he could, he gathered together men in every place, and appointed them all to meet him at Harflew at a day assigned. Harflew besieged by the Frenchmen. The appointment was kept, and the town was besieged both by water and land, before the captains of the town knew perfectly the first motion. For john Vicont Narbon, Vice-admiral of France had brought the whole navy to the rivage and shore adjoining to the town, intending privily to have entered the town before he had been perceived. But this subtle imagination took no place, for they which kept the watch tower, suddenly perceiving their enemies to approach, rang the Larom Bell: And the Duke of Exeter incontinently caused all men to repair to the walls, and fortified the Gates, and dispatched a swift Bark to the king of England with letters, requiring him of aid and secure. And although the French men perceived that their wily enterprise was known, and that the town could not so suddenly be stolen and taken as they had devised, yet they continued their siege both by water and by land, and made diverse assaults, at the which if they nothing gained, yet ever somewhat they lost. When these news were come to the ears of king Henry, and that he knew that his people were in great jeopardy, except that great diligence were used for their relief and deliverance, he without delay appareled a great navy, and made chieftain thereof the Duke of Bedford, who being accompanied with the Earls of March, Oxenford, Huntyngdon, Warwick, Arondell, Sarisbury, Devonshire, and diverse Barons, with two hundredth sail of good Ships, well furnished with men, munition, and victuals, did with all speed set forward, and being shipped at Rye, they with good expedition came to the mouth of the River of Seyne. And when the Vicont of Narbon, who with his navy kept the mouth of the River of Seyn, perceived the English navy to approach, he giving a token to all his company, courageously set forth toward his enemies. The Duke in likewise valiantly encountered with them, the fight was long, but not so long as perilous, for battles of the sea be ever desperate. The French men overthrown upon the Sea. But after long fight the victory fell to the English men, and they took and sunk almost all the whole navy of France, in the which were many Ships, Hulks, and Carickes, to the number of five hundredth. Of the which three great Careckes were sent into England. And in the same conflict were slain of the French men no small number, as it appeared by their dead bodies, which swarmed every day about the English ships. After this victory fortunately obtained, the Duke of Bedford sailed by water up to the very town of Harflew, Harflewe is rescued by the English men. and without let or impediment landed and refreshed it both with victual and money: which succours if they were welcome to the Duke of Excester his Uncle, I report me to them that have been in necessity, and would have gladly been refreshed. When the Earl of Arminacke heard that the puissant Navy of France was vanquished and taken, he raised his siege before the town, The Earl of Arminack departeth from the siege of Harflewe. and returned with small joy unto Paris, as he that had no hope, nor saw no likelihood or mean to recover again the town of Harflewe, for the which he so sore thirsted. After this discomfiture and great loss, the fortitude and strength of the Frenchmen began to decay, Discord among the noble in France and their bragging bewne began to fade. For now the Princes and Nobles of the realm tell into division and discord among themselves, as who say, that the Nobility studying how to revenge their old injuries and displeasures, refused to take pain for the advancement of the public wealth, and safeguard of their own country. And for privy displeasure, covert malice or hatred, their power began to wax so slender, and their liberty was brought into such a malicious diversity and doubtful difference, that, as here after shall be showed, it was marvel that their country was not brought to a perpetual bondage: Which thing no doubt had followed, if this king Henry of England had longer lived in this transitory world. For notwithstanding that the Duke of orleans, the Captain and head of the one faction, was at that time captive and prisoner in England, yet there grew so much privy displeasure and cankered hatred between Charles the dolphin and john Duke of Burgoyn, that while the one studied and compassed how to overcome the other, with armour or with policy, with dissimulation or crafty conveyance, every journeyman of their faction, and every noble man partaker with the one or the other, put all their whole study and diligence to advance forward their sect and part, and not one of them would take heed how to resist or refel the present jeopardy which was coming out of England. And as one inconvenience suffereth many to follow, so was it in France at this time: For the french king was not of good memory: The war that was toward seemed both doubtful and perilous: The princes were untrusty, and at discord, and an hundredth more things, which might bring the realm to extreme misery and utter destruction, as after you shall here. When the Duke of Bedford had achieved his enterprise, and performed his commission both in raising the siege of Harflewe, and victualling of the town, he with no small number of prisoners, and great abundance of pray, as well in ships and in provision for the sea, returned into England with great triumph and glory. Shortly after this, the king assembled his high court of Parliament, and there in open audience made to them a short and pithy Oration, declaring to them the injuries lately done and committed by the French Natition, A parliament. and showed also the just and lawful occasion of his wars, and signified also what discord and civil dissension reigned amongst the Nobility of France, and rehearsed many things for the which it were now very necessary and needful for his grace and the realm, to repress and overcome them with all their power and puissance, and that without deferring or prolonging of time, and therefore in all gentle manner desired them to provide for money and treasure out of hand for the conduct and wages of soldiers, to the intent that nothing should lack when they should be ready to set on their enemies. The whole parliament hearing his causes so just, and his request so reasonable, did immediately give their general assent to aid him, and caused such sums as they agreed upon to be forthwith collected and paid, so glad was all men of these wars, and as all they conceived good opinion thereof, so it happened in the end most honourable to the king, and profitable to the subjects. john Duke of Bedford made governor of the Realm of England. In this parliament also john Duke of Bedford was made Governor or Regent of the realm, and head of the public wealth, which office he should enjoy as long as the king was making war on the French nation. The king before he would take his voyage, sent the Earl of Huntyngdon to search and scour the Seas, lest any Frenchmen lying in wait for him might attrap him sodemly, or he had any knowledge of their setting forward. This lusty Earl called john Holland, john Holland Earl of Huntingdon. son to the Duke of Excester, which was beheaded at Circiter in the time of King Henry the fourth, and Cossyn to the king, with a great number of ships searched the sea from the one coast to the other. And in conclusion he encountered with ix Caricks of Ieane (which Lord jaques the Bastard of Bourbon had retained to serve the french king) and set upon them sharply, jaques Bastard of Bourbon. the conflict was great, and the fight long: But in conclusion the Frenchmen were overcome and fled, and three of the greatest Caricks with their patrons, and Monsire jaques de Bourbon their Admiral were taken with as much money as should have paid the Soldiers of the whole fleet for half a year: And three other Carickes were bouged and sent to the bottom of the sea. The king of England saileth with a power into France. The king hearing of this good chance, about the end of julij took his Ship at Portesmouth, accompanied with the Dukes of Clarence and Gloucester, brethren to the said king, the Earls of Huntyngdon, Mershall, Warwick, Devonshire, Salisbury, Suffolk and Somerset, the lord's Rosse, Willoughby, Fitz Hugh, Clinton, Scrope, Matrivers, Bourchier, Ferrer of Groby & Ferrer of Chartley, Fanhope and Grace of Codnore, Sir Gilbert Vmfrevyle, Sir Gilbert Talbot, and divers other: And so having wind and wether to his desire, he landed in Normandy near unto a Castle called Touque, where he consulted with his Captains what way was best to be taken concerning their high enterprise. When the Normans heard of the king's arrival, they were suddenly stricken with a deadly fear, and as men amazed, and half out of their wits, and forsook their houses and bag and baggage, and ran into the strong and walled towns. And likewise the men of war, which were left in every place to scour the Country, fled into the walled towns, among the rude Commonalty. When king Henry had taken counsel, Touque castle besieged and taken. he laid siege to the Castle of Touque, being very well fortified both with nature and man's art, and began to assault it: And although that they within valiantly defended it, yet by fine force the king overcame it and took it, and all the men that were therein, whom also he took to mercy, and made Captain thereof Sir Robert Kirkeley knight. From thence he passed forth to the strong town of Cane, Cane besieged and assaulted. which standeth in a plain fertile country, no stronger walled then deep ditched, which was well victualled and replenished with people: For the Citizens fearing the kings coming, had provided for all things necessary for defence. And as soon as the king was come he cast a deep trench with a high mount to prohibit them within the town to have any egress or outward passage: and that done, began fiercely to assault the town: But the men of the town were nothing abashed, and stood manly to their defence. The fight was fierce and every man took heed to his charge. The Englishmen studied all the ways possible to damage their enemies, some shot arrows, some cast stones, and other shot Gonnes: Some broke the walls with engines, some set scaling ladders to the walls, and other cast in Wildfire, every man laboured to come to hand strokes, which was their desire. On the other side, the Normans threw down great stones, Bars of iron, darts, hot Pitch, and brenning Brimstone and boiling lead. divers days this assault continued to the great loss & hurt of the Englishmen. When king Henry perceived this, he abstained from the assault, & determined undermining to overthrow the walls & towers of the town, & the pioneers wrought so fast that within few days, the walls stood only upon Posts ready to fall, when fire should be put unto them. The king caused his people to approach the walls, and to keep the Citizens occupied, lest they should make a countermine, or to be an impediment to his workmen and labourers, wherefore he caused the assault to be cried again: Then every man ran to the walls, some with scaling ladders, some with hooks, and some with cords and plom nets, every man desiring to get up on the walls, and hand to hand to grapple with his enemy, the Citizens manfully defended. While the fight was quick and fierce on both sides: The Englishmen in divers places pierced and broke through the walls, and divers overtures and holes were made under the foundation by the pioneers, by the which the Englishmen might easily enter into the town. The king having compassion of the towns men, desiring rather to have them saved then destroyed, sent them word by an Herald, that yet was time of mercy and clemency, if they would submit themselves to his grace: But they obstinately hoping of succour, answered that they would stand at their defence. Then the Englishmen again scaled the walls, and entered thorough the trenches into the town: The fight was sore by the space of an hour, but in conclusion the Englishmen obtained. Now when the king was possessed of the town of Cane, he first of all commanded all harness and weapons to be brought into one place, which was done with diligence without any resistance. Then the miserable people kneeling on their knees cried for mercy: To whom the king gave certain comfortable words and bade them stand up, and then he resorted to the Church and gave thanks to God, & after he caused a good and great watch that night to guard the town. And the next day in the morning he called the Magistrates and governors of the town into the Senate house, where some for their stony stubbornness, and mad obstinacy were adjudged to die, and other were sore fyned and highly ransomed. Then he calling together his soldiers and men of war, both gave to them high lands and praises for their manly doings, and also distributed to every man according to his desert the spoil and gain, taken of the town and towns men, chiefly because he had tried at that assault their valiant courages, and unfearful hearts. Now though the town were won, as aforesaid, yet the Castle which was strong and well fortified, both with men & all things necessary for defence, was still in the Frenchmens' possession, the captain whereof, to the intent to show himself valiant and not willing to break his oath, boasted that he would rather die in defence, then freely to yield the Castle. King Henry was not minded to overthrow the Castle (without which it was not easy to be won) because it was beautiful & necessary both to keep the town from going back, & also to defend the same when opportunity should serve: Wherefore he sent word to the Lord Mountainy being captain, that if he would yield the Castle by a day, he should depart without damage: And if he would be obstinate, Castle of Cane is rendered to the king. he should find no favour. When the Captain and his companions had well considered upon the condition offered, he rendered the Castle and yielded themselves. And so the king was possessed both of the town and Castle of Cane. While the king of England was besieging this town, the French men had neither a convenient army to resist their power, nor were ready or able relieve their friends in this miserable necessity, because they had such division & dissension among themselves, and a good cause why: For king Charles was of so small wit by reason of his sickness, that he could not rule, and so was spoiled both of his treasure and kingdom, and every man spent and wasted the common treasure. Charles the dolphin of France. Charles the dolphin being of the age of xuj or xvij years, only lamented and bewailed the ruin and decay of his country: He only studied the advancement of the common wealth, and he only devised how to resist his enemies: But having neither men nor money, was greatly troubled and unquieted. And in conclusion, by the counsel of the Earl of Arminack Constable of France, he found a mean to get all the treasure and riches which Queen Isabella his mother had gotten and hoarded up in diverse secret places: and for the common utility of his Country, he spent it wisely in waging of his Soldiers, in preparing of things necessary for the war. The Queen forgetting the great peril the realm stood in, but remembering the displeasure to her by this act done, declared her son and the Constable to be her mortal enemies, and promised that they should be persecuted to the uttermost. And even for very womanly malice, she set in the highest authority about the king her husband, john Duke of Burgoyn, giving him the regiment and direction of the king and his Realm, john Duke of Burgoyn is made Regent of France. with all pre-eminence and sovereignty. The Duke of Burgoyn having now the sword of authority, for the which he had so sore longed, and glad to be revenged of his old injuries, began to make war on the dolphin. And purposing that when he had once tamed and framed to his purpose this young unbridled Gentleman, than he determined, as he might to refel and withstand the common enemies of the realm. The same or like reason moved the dolphin, for he minding first to repress and extinct the Civil dissension at home, before he would invade foreign enemies, prepared war to subdue and destroy john Duke of Burgoyn, as the chief head & leader of that wicked and great mischief, whereby the realm was much unquieted, & more decayed, and in a manner brought to a final ruin and utter destruction. Thus France was inflamed, and in every part troubled with war and division, and yet no man would either provide in so great a danger, nor once put forth their finger to remove the mischief. King Henry not minding to lie still in Normandy, nor yet to leave his enterprise unperformed, sent the Duke of Clarence to the Sea coast, which with great difficulty gate the town of Bayeux. The Duke of Gloucester also with small assault, and less defence took the town of Liseaux. In the mean season, King Henry tarried still at Cane, fortifying the Town and Castle, and put out of the town xu hundredth women and impotent persons, and replenished the town with English people. And while the King sojourned at Cane, he kept a solemn feast, and made there many knights: And besides that, he showed there an example of great charity & mercy. For in searching the Castle, A noble and charitable prince. he found there innumerable substance of plate & money, belonging to the Citizens: whereof he would not suffer one penny to be touched or conveyed away, but restored the goods to the owners, and delivered to every man his own. When the fame of the getting of Cane was blown through Normanmandie, the normans were so sore afraid, and so much abashed, that you should not only have seen men, women, and children running in every way by great plumps from town to town, not knowing whether to fly: But also the rural persons and husband men drove the Beasts out of the Villages into such places where they hoped of refuge or defence: So that a man would have thought that Normandy had suddenly been left desolate and void of people and Cat-tail. But when the rumour was spread abroad of his clemency showed to Captives, and of his mercy granted to such as submitted themselves to his grace, all the Captains of the towns adjoining came willingly to his presence, offering to him themselves, their towns, and their goods. Whereupon he made proclamation, that all men which had or would become his Subjects, and swear to him allegeannce, should enjoy their goods and liberties in as large or more ample manner than they did before, which gentle entertaining, and favourable handling of the stubborn normans, was the very cause why they were not only content, but also glad to remove and turn from the French part, and become subjects to the Crown of England. When the king had set Cane in good order, he left there for captains, the one of the town and the other of the Castle, Sir Gilbert Vmfrevile, and Sir Gilbert Talbot, and made bailiff there Sir john Popham, and so departed from Cane to Argenton, which was shortly rendered unto him. Then all these towns following, without stroke stricken, yielded to him, in whom he placed diverse captains. Alanson Argenton Boyeux Camboy Conde Creuly Essay Faloys Thorigny and Vernoyle Also these Towns following yielded themselves to the Duke of Clarence. Towns in Normandy that yielded to king Henry. Annilliers Barney Becheluyn Chambroys Cowrton Crevener Fangermon Freshney Harecorte Lisieur Ragles. And likewise divers towns in the Country of Constantine yielded to the Duke of Gloucester, which were these. Auranches Briquevile Caventon Chiergurg Constance Hambery Hay du Pays Ponlorson Pont done Saint Saluior Saint james Saint Clow Vire Valoignes. And while the king wan thus in Normandy, his navy lost nothing on the Sea, for they so scoured the streams, that neither Frenchman nor Britein durst appear: Howbeit one day there arose so hideous and so terrible a storm, A sore tempest. that neither Cable held, nor Anchor prevailed, so that if the Earls of March and Huntyngdon had not taken the Haven of Southampton, the whole Navy had perished, and the people had been destroyed, and yet the safeguard was strange: For in the same Haven two Balyngers, and two great Carickes laden with merchandise were drowned, and the broken mast of another Caricke was blown over the wall of Hampton (as divers writers affirm) such is the power of the wind, and such is the rigour of a tempest. When the fury of the wind was assuaged, and the Sea warred calm the Earls of March, and Huntyngton passed over the sea with all their company, and landed in Normandy, marching toward the king, before whom the normans fled, as fast as the fearful hare doth before the greedy Greyhound. And so they passed through the Country, destroying of Villages, and taking of prays, until they came to the king who then was going toward Rhoan. Sir john Oldecastell. And during this time Sir john Oldecastell Lord Cobham, of whom mention is made before, was taken, and after condemned and hanged, and brent, the whole History whereof you may read in the book of the Monuments of the Church. As the king passed to Rhoan, he was skirmished with, in sundry places, but in the end the victory still happened unto him, so that nothing that stood in his way could stop him, for he took by force Pountlarch, Lovyers and Eureux, and at the last came before the City of Rhoan, the which was wonderfully fortified, for the while he had lain at the siege of Cane, and was in other places of Normandy, the inhabitants of Rhoan had wailed it round about, and made divers Bulwarks for the defence thereof, they had also great store of victuals, for the whole country about had brought thither such as they had: And thither also they had brought their plate, jewels, and money, so that the town was filled with great riches & treasure, which caused the king to be the more desirous thereof, wherefore the last day of julij he compassed the same round about with a strong siege, Rouen is besieged. and gave thereunto a terrible assault. And to the intent that no aid should pass by the river toward the City, a great chain of Iron was devised at Pountlarche, and set on piles from the one side of the water to the other: and beside that chain he set up a new forced bridge, sufficient both for carriage and passage. And at this time the Earl of Warwick was sent to the town of Cawdebeck standing on the river side between the Sea and the City of Rhoan, which town he so hardly assaulted, that the Captains offered to suffer the English Navy to pass by their town without hurt or detriment, to the City of Rhoan, and also that of Rhoan yielded, they promised to tender their town without any fail or farther delay: And this composition they sealed, and for performance of the same they delivered pledges. And immediately after this agreement the English Navy, to the number of one hundredth Sails, passed by Cawdebeck and came before Rhoan, and besieged it on the water side. To this siege came the Duke of Gloucester with the Earl of Suffolk and the Lord of Burgayny, which had taken the town of Chierburgh, and were lodged before the port of Saint Hilarij, nearer their enemies then any other persons of the army. During this siege, arrived at Harflewe the Lord of Kylmay in Ireland with a band of xuj hundredth Irishmen, Irish men. armed in Mail with Darts and scaynes, after the manner of their country, all tall, quick, and deliver persons, which came and presented themselves before the king, lying still at the siege: Of whom they were not only gently entertained, but also (because the king was informed that the French king and the Duke of Burgoyne would shortly come, and either raise the siege, or victual the town at the Northgate) they were appointed to keep the northside of the army, and in especial the way that came from the Forest of Lions. Which charge the Lord of Kylmayn and his company joyfully accepted, and did so their devoir, that no men were more praised, nor did more damage to their enemies then they did, for surely their quickness and swiftness did more prejudice to their enemies, than their great barbed horses did hurt or damage to the nimble Irishmen. Thus the City of Rhoan being compassed about with enemies, both by water and land, having neither comfort nor aid of king nor dolphin. And although the army were strong without, yet within there lacked neither hardy Captains nor manful Soldiers. And as for people, they had more then enough: For it was written by him that knew the number, there were at the time of the siege within the City of Christian people. CC. and ten thousand persons. The king and his people assaulted the town fiercely: The frenchmen defended it courageously and valiantly: long was the siege, and terrible were the assaults, to the loss and no gain of neither party: wherefore after the king of England had well considered with himself that by the manifold assaults many of his people perished, therefore at the last he determined to conquer them by famine. Wherefore he stopped all the passages both by water and land that no victual should be conveyed to the City, and he cast trenches round about, & set them full of stakes, and defended them with Archers, so that they within could have no way out, either to invade their enemies, nor depart out of their fortress. And suddenly a feigned tidings was brought, that the french king approached with all his power to raise the siege and to rescue the City: wherefore king Henry commanded all men to lie in their harness, lest they might by some subtle cautel be surprised unware, and taken unprovided. But the French king neither came nor sent, to the great wonder of the English men. This siege thus continuing from Lammas to Christmas, divers enterprises were attempted and divers policies were devised, how every part might damage and hurt his adversary and enemy, but no part much rejoiced of their gain. During which time, victual began sore to fail with in the town, so that only Vinegar and water served for drink, yea and at the length dogs, Rats, and Myse served for their meat, and the scarcity of victuals was so great, that daily great numbers of people within the City died for hunger. And the rich men within the town put out of the gates great numbers of poor people and children, which were by the Englishmen that kept the trenches, beaten and driven back again to the gates of the town, which against them were closed and barred. So that this miserable people uncomfortably forsaken, and unnaturally despised of their own nation and household fellows, between the walls of their City, and the trenches of their enemies lay still crying for help and relief, for lack whereof innumerable souls daily died and hourly starved. Yet king Henry moved with pity and compassion, did in the honour of Christ's birth on Christmas day refresh all the poor people with victual, to their great comfort, for the which act they not only thanked him, but also prayed to God for his preservation and furtherance, and for the hindrance and evil success of their unkind Citizens and uncharitable country men. This miserable famine daily more and more increasing, so daunted the hearts of the bold Captains, and so abated the courages of the rich Burgesses, and so tormented the bodies of the poor Citizens, that the stout Soldier for faintness could scase weld his weapon, nor the rich Merchant for money could not buy a shiver of bread: So that the commonalty cried to the Captains, and the needy people besought the Lords to have compassion upon them, and to invent some way for their succour and comfort. The governors of the town, after long consultation had, considering the great necessity that they were in, and seeing none appearance of succour or relief, determined it both necessary and convenient to treat with the king of England. And upon new years even, there came to the walls at the gate of the bridge divers commissioners, appointed by the Captains, which made a sign to the English men lying without, to speak with some gentleman or other person of authority. The Earl of Huntingdon, which kept that part, sent to them Sir Gilbert Vmfrevyle, to whom they declared, that if they might have a guide and a safeconduyt, they would gladly speak with the king. Sir Gilbert not only promised to do their message, but also to certify them of the king's pleasure and purpose, which communication ended, he repaired to the Duke of Clarence, and other of the king's Counsel, advertising them of the request of the Citizens, which incontinent assembled themselves in the king's lodging, where Sir Gilbert Vmfrevyle wisely and discreetly declared to the king, the minds and intents of the Citizens. The king like a grave prince considering that a thing gotten without effusion of blood is both honourable and profitable, and saw that the haute courages of the bragging French men were sore abated and almost tamed, thought it convenient to here their lowly petition and humble request, and therefore willed Sir Gilbert to advertise them that he was content to here twelve of them, which should be safely conveyed to his presence: And with this answer Sir Gilbert departed, and made relation thereof to the Captains standing at the gate: who on the next day in the morning appointed four knights, four learnedmen, and four Burgesses all clothed in black, to go to the king of England. These twelve persons were received at the port Saint Hillarij, by Sir Gilbert Vmfrevyle accompanied with divers gentlemen and yeomen of the king's household, commonly called yeomen of the Crown, and they were conveyed to the kings lodging. And shortly after, they were brought into the king's presence, who beheld them with a fierce and princely countenance. A proud and presumptuous French man. And one of them being of a stout courage spoke unto the king as followeth: Right high and mighty prince, if you will consider wherein the glory of victory doth consist, you shall plainly perceive that the same is in the taming of proud men, and overcoming of valiant soldiers, and subduing of strong Cities, and not in slaying of christian people by hunger and famine, wherein resteth neither manhood, wit nor policy. What glory shall you obtain in killing of wretches by famine, which death of all deaths is to be despised? If you will show yourself charitable before God, or merciful before men, let all our poor people which will departed out of our City pass through your camp to get their living in other places, and then manfully assault our City, and by force (if you dare) subdue and conquer it. And in this doing if your enterprise succeed well, then shall ye not only obtain worldly fame and glory, but also merit much of God, in having pity and compassion of the poor and needy people. When this bragger had said, the king which no request less suspected than that which they desired, began a while to muse. And when he had well considered the subtle & crafty invention of the Messengers, he with a fierce countenance, and a bold spirit made to them this answer. Think you O fantastical frenchmen, that I am so ignorant, that I can not perceive your double dealing and crafty conveyance? judge you me so simple, that I know not wherein the glory of a Conqueror consisteth? Esteem you me so ignorant, that I perceive not what crafts and warlike policies by strong enemies are to be subdued and brought to subjection? Yes, I am not so loitering a truand as to forget so good a lesson. And if these things be to you blind and obscure, I will declare and open them unto you. The Goddess of war called Bellona (which is the Correctrice of Princes for right withholding, or injury doing, Bellona the Goddss● of war. and the plague of God for evil living) hath these three handmaids, ever of necessity to attend upon her, that is, blood, fire, and famine, which three damsels be of that force and strength that every of them alone is able to torment and afflict a proud Prince: But they all being joined together, are of puissance able to destroy the most populous Country and richest region of the world. If I by assaulting of your town should seek your blood, although I gained (as I doubt not but I should) yet my gain were not clear without some loss of my people, If I set your City on fire, and so consume it and you also, then have I lost that precious jewel which I have so long laboured for. Therefore to save mine own people (which is one point of glory in a Captein) and to preserve the town, which is my just and lawful inheritance: And to save as many of you as will not willingly be destroyed, I have appointed the meekest of the three Damosels to afflict and plague you, until you be bridled and brought to reason, which shall be when it shall please me, and not at your appointment: And therefore I say and affirm, that the gain of a captain by any of these three handmaids is both honourable and triumphant: But of all three, the youngest maid is in all thing most profitable and commodious. And now to answer to your demands, as touching the poor people lying in the ditches, I assure you, I more lament your lack of charity toward your Christian brethren, yea, and your own nation, your own blood, and your own Country men, than I rejoice at the undoing of so many creatures, and casting away of so many enemies. You like tyrants put them out of the town, to the intent that I should slay them, and yet I have saved their lives. You would give them neither meat nor drink, and yet I being their mortal enemy have succoured and relieved them: So that if any uncharitie be, it is in you: If any shame or reproach be taken, receive it yourself, for you be the doers. If I have done them good, let God reward me, for I look of them to have no thanks, if you have done them evil, so shall you be done to. And as to suffer your people to pass out of the City through my camp, not, not, I will not so accomplish your cloaked request, but you shall keep them still to spend your victuals: And as to assault your town, I will you know it, that I am thereto both able and willing as I see time and occasion: But seeing the choice is in my hand to tame you either with blood, fire, or famine, or with all, I will take the choice at my pleasure and not at yours. And with that the king with a frowning countenance departed from them into his Chamber, and commanded them to dine with his officers. When he was departed, the French men mernayled at his excellent wit, and mused at the haughtiness of his courage, and after they had dined and consulted together, they required once again to have access unto his royal presence, which when it was to them granted, they humbly on their knees besought him to take a truce for eight days, in the which they might by their Commissioners take some end and good conclusion between him and his counsel. The king like a piteous Prince, rather coveting the preservation of the people, than their destruction, after good deliberation taken, granted to them their asking, with the which answer they joyously returned. After their departure, there were appointed and set up three rich tents, the one for the Lords of England to consult together: The second for the Commissioners of the City, and the third for both parts to argue and debate the matter in. The Commissioners for the English part were, the Earls of Warwick, and Sarisburie, the Lord Fitzhugh, Sir Water Hungerforde, Sir Gilbert Vmfrevile, Sir john Robsert, and john de Vasques de Almada. And for the French part were appointed Sir Guy de Butteller, and six other. During this truce, every day the Commissioners met, the Englishmen accused, and the Frenchmen excused. The Englishmen demanded much, and the Frenchmen proffered little. Thus with arguing and reasoning the viii. day came, and nothing was done, nor one article concluded. Wherefore the English men took down their Tents, and the French men took their leave: But at their departing, they remembering themselves, required the English Lords for the love of God that the truce might continued until the Son setting the next day, to the which the Lords assented. When the Frenchmen were returned to Rouen, suddenly in all the town sprung a rumour that the truce was expired, and nothing determined. Then the poor people ran about the streets like Frantic persons, shouting, crying, and calling their captains and governors murderers, and manquellers, saying that for their pride and stiff stomach, all this misery was happened unto the town, threatening to slay them if they would not agreed unto the king of England's demand and request. The Magistrates being amazed with the fury of the people, called all the town together, to know their minds and opinions. The whole voice of the Commons was to yield, yield rather then starve. Then the French men in the Evening came to the Tent of Sir john Robsert, requiring him of gentleness to move the king that the Truce might be prolonged for four days. The King thereunto agreed, and appointed the Archbishop of Cantorbury, and the other seven before named for his party, and the Citizens appointed an equal number for them. So the Tents were again set up, and daily were assemblies, and much treaty on both parts. And on the fourth day the treaty was concluded, The City of Rouen is yielded unto the King of England. to the great rejoicing of the poor Citizens of Rouen, and the same treaty was contained in xxij Articles, which for that they are long, I do omit them: But the some and effect of them were, that they yielded the town of Rouen, themselves and their goods unto the king of England, the xix day of january, in the year aforesaid. When the rendering of the City of Rouen was blown through Normandy, and the kings Proclamation published through the Country, it is in a manner incredible to here what a number of towns yielded unto the king, not being once desired, which to recite I purpose not, because at this day England possesseth not one of them. Now when the getting of Rouen, and the delivery of all the towns aforesaid were blown through the Realm of France, the hearts of the Frenchmen were suddenly heavy, and their courages soon cooled. But who soever kicked and winched at this matter, john Duke of Burgoyn raged & swelled, yea, and so much fretted, that he witted not what to say, and less to do: And no marvel, for he was at one time vexed with a double disease. For he ruled both king Charles and his, and did all things at his will, whether reason agreed or not, and for that cause he knew that he was neither free from disdain, nor yet delivered from the scope of malice. And therefore he imagined that all mischiefs and calamities which chanced in the common wealth should be imputed and assigned to his unpolitique doing, or to his negligent permission. Wherefore he imagined it profitable to the realm, and to himself most available, if by any means possible he could devise any way or mean, by the which he might reconcile and join in amity the two great and mighty kings of England and of France. Which thing once obtained, and being delivered from all fear of exterior hostility, he determined first to revenge his quarrel against Charles the dolphin, & after to repress all causes of grudge or disdain, and to recover again both the favour of the Commonalty, and also to put away all causes of suspicion or imagined infamy against him and his proceedings. And intending to build upon this frail foundation, he sent letters and Ambassadors to the king of England, advertising him that if he would personally come to a communication, to be had between him and Charles the French king, he doubted nothing but by his only means, peace should be induced, and bloody battle excluded. King Henry heard gently the Ambassadors, and agreed to their request and desire, and so came to Maunt, where at the feast of Penthecost he kept a liberal house to all comers, and sat himself in great estate. On which day either for good service before by them done, or for good hope of things to come, he created Gascon de Foyes a valiant Gascoigne, earl of Longevyle, and sir john Grace he made Earl of Tankeruyle, and sir john Bourshier earl of Ewe. After this solemn feast ended, the place of enterniew and meeting was appointed, to be beside Melaus on the river of Seyne in a fair plain, every part was by the Commissioners appointed to their ground. The frenchmen ditched, trenched and paled their lodgings for fear of after claps: But the English men had their part only barred and ported. The king of England had a large Tent of blue Velvet and green, richly embroidered with two devices, the one was an Antlop drawing in an horse Mill: the other was an Antlop sitting in an high stage, with a branch of Olife in his mouth. And the tent was garnished and decked with this poesy. After busy labour, cometh victorious rest. And on the top and height of the same was set a great Eagle of Gold, whose eyes were of such orient Diamonds, that they glistered and shone over the whole field. The French king likewise had in his Park a fair Pavilion of blue Velvet, richly embroidered with fleur-de-lys, and on the top of the same was set a heart flying made all of fine Silver wings enamelled. Between these two Camps or enclosures was appointed a Tent of purple Velvet, for the counsellors to meet in, and every part had an equal number to watch on the night, and to see good order on the day. A meeting between the king of England and the French Queen. etc. When the day of appointment approached, the king of England accompanied with the Dukes of Clarence and Gloucester his brethren, and the Duke of Excester his Uncle, and Henry Bewford Clerck, his other Uncle, which after was Bishop of Winchester and Cardinal, and the Earls of March and Salisbury, and other to the number of a thousand men of war entered into his park, and took his lodging. Likewise for the french part, thither came Isabella the French Queen, because the king her husband was fallen into his old frenetical disease, having in her company the Duke of Burgoyn, and the Earl of saint Paul: And she had attending upon her the fair Lady Katheryn her daughter, and xxuj Ladies & Damosels, and had also for her furniture a thousand men of war. After these estates had reposed themselves one night in their Tents, the next day all such as were appointed, repaired toward the pavilion ordained for the consultation. Where the king of England like a prince of great stomach, and no less good behaviour, received humbly the French Queen and her daughter, and them honourably embraced, and familiarly kissed. The Duke of Burgoyn made low courtesy, and bowed to the king, whom the king lovingly took by the hand, and honourably entertained him. After salutations and embracings finished, they fell to counsel within the Pavilion assigned, which was kept with a guard appointed by both the parties, that none but commissioners should once attempt to enter. After the kings request made, and his demands declared: The French Queen and her company took leave lovingly of the king of England, and returned unto Ponthoyse, to certify her husband. And king Henry returned to Maunt. The next day after they assembled again, and the French part brought with them the Lady Katheryn, only to the intent that the king of England seeing and beholding so fair a Lady, and so minion a damosel, should so be inflamed and rapt in love, that he to obtain so beautiful an espouse, should the sooner agreed to a gentle peace and loving composition. This company met together eight several times, sometime the one part was more, and sometime the other. And notwithstanding that the English men and french men were lodged no great distance a sunder, yet was there never fray nor occasion of tumult or riot provoked or stirred of any of both the parts. In this assemble many words were spent and no deeds done, many things required and few offered, many arguments made, and nothing concluded. Some writ that the dolphin to let this treaty, sent to the Duke of Burgoyn Sir Travagny du Chastell, declaring to him, that if he would let this agreement, he would common with him, and take such an order, that not only they but the whole realm of France should thereof be glad and rejoice: But what was the very cause of the breach, no man certainly declareth. When none effect ensued of this long consultation, both parties after a Princely manner departed, the English men to Nantes, and the french men to Pounthoyse. The king of England was nothing pleased that this communication came to no better end: wherefore he mistrusting the Duke of Burgoyn; to be the very let and stop of his desires and requests, said unto him before his departing: Fair Cossyn, we will have your kings daughter, and all things that we demand with her, or we will drive your king and you out of his realm. Well said the Duke of Burgoyn, before you drive the king and me out of his Realm, ye shall be well wearied, and thereof we doubt little. After this departure the Duke of Burgoyn being nobly accompanied, A treaty concluded between the Duke of Burgoyn, and the dolphin of France. road to the town of Melune, where the dolphin then soiourneyed, and in the plain fields they two like friends commoned together, and concluded apparently an open amity and sure friendship, which was written by Notaries, and signed with their hands, and sealed with their great seals of arms: But as the sequel showeth, heart thought not that tongue talked, nor mind meant not, that hand wrote. This treaty was concluded the sixth day of julie. 1419. and was proclaimed in Paris, Amyence and Ponthoyse. When this new alliance was declared unto the king of England, than lying at Maunt, he was therewith sore displeased, and not without cause, for he perceived that the force of these two princes were much stronger now being united in one, than they were before when they were separated and divided. Yet for all this great sworn amity he went forward with his intended enterprise. Wherefore he sent Captain Bueffe brother to the Earl of Foys newly created the Earl of Longevyle, with xu hundredth men secretly to the town of Ponthoyse, which on Trinity Sunday early in the morning came into the town, and so suddenly and quickly had set up their scaling ladders to the wall, that they were entered into the town, or the watch perceived them, crying, Saint George, Saint George. The Lord Lisleadam Captain of the town perceiving the walls scaled, and the market place gained, opened the gate toward Paris, at the which, he with all his retinue and diverse of the towns men, to the number of eight thousand, fled. For the English men durst not, because their number was small, once divide themselves or fall to pilfering, till about nine of the clock, at which time the Duke of Clarence came to their aid with five thousand men, and by the way he encountered divers Burgesses of the town flying with all their substance toward Beaunoys, whom he took prisoners, and brought them to their old dwelling place. When the Duke was come to Ponthoyse, he much praised the valiantness of the assailants, and gave to them the chief spoil of the town and merchants, of the which they had a great and rich pray. Then the Duke passed forward and came before Paris, and lay before the City two days, and two nights without any proffer, either of issue by his enemies or of defence if he had the same assaulted, which he could not well do because it was long and ample, and his number small, and for so great an enterprise not furnished, wherefore seeing that his enemies durst not once look upon him, he returned again to Ponthoyse: For the taking of which town the country of France, and especially the Parisians were sore dismayed and astonished, for now there was no Fortress left able to resist or withstand the Englishmen, but that they might come to Paris whensoever they would: In so much that the Irish men overcame all the Isle of France, and did to the french men innumerable damages (as their own writers affirm) and brought daily prays to the English army. And beside that, they would rob houses, and lay beds upon the backs of the kine and Oxen, and ride upon them, and carry young children before them, and cell them to the English men for slaves: which strange doings so feared the french men within the territory of Paris, and the country about, that the rude persons fled out of the Villages with all their stuff, to the City of Paris. The French king and the Duke of Burgoyn lying at Saint Dionyse, hearing of all these doings, departed in all the haste with the Queen & her daughter to Troy's in champaign, there taking great deliberation what was best to be done, leaving at Paris the Earl of saint Paul, and the Lord Lisleadam with a great puissance to defend the City. At the same time the Duke of Clarence took the strong town of Gysors, and the town of Gayllard, and all the towns of Normandy were shortly after either taken by force or rendered, except Mount Saint Michael, which because the gain thereof was very little, and the loss in assaulting of it seemed to be very much, and also it could do small harm or none unto the Country, therefore the same was neither assaulted nor besieged. And thus, as you have heard, was the Duchy of Normandy reduced again to the right line, which had been from the time of king Edward the third in the year of our Lord. 1255. wrongfully detained from the kings of England. The wise men of France sore lamenting the chance of their Country, and the misery of their people, saw and perceived that they had puissance enough to defend their enemies, if they were at a perfect concord among themselves. And they saw also that although there were a peace between the dolphin and the Duke of Burgoyn, yet they espied no good fruit to come thereof: For the Duke either for secret displeasure that he bore to the dolphin, or for the doubt that he had of the Englishmen, never assailed by himself the army of king Henry, nor never sent aid nor succours to the dolphin. Wherefore by means of Friends a new communication was appointed, to the intent that the corrupt dregs of their old malice and inward grudges might clearly be expulsed and cast out. The place of this meeting was appointed at the Town of Monstrell Faultyou, so called because a small brook called You runneth there to the river of Seyne. Over which river was made a Bridge with diverse Bars overthwart, so that the princes opening the Bars might embrace each other, and keeping the bars shut, each might see and common with other at their pleasure. The day was appointed when these two great Princes should meet, to the intent that all Civil discord should by this communication be clear forgotten, or at the lest should be suspended until the enemies were vanquished and driven out of their Countries. But this motion succeeded worse than the entreators devised: For whilst every man was fulfilled with hope of peace and concord, crafty imagination crept out of cankered displeasure, and had almost confounded altogether. When the day and place of the solemn Enternieu was agreed and assigned, Tavagny du Chastell, a man prompt and prove to all mischief, A meeting appointed between the Duke of Burgoyn, and the dolphin. calling to his remembrance the shameful murder of Lewes Duke of Orleans, (under whom he had long been a captain) done and committed by this Duke of Burgoyn, as before you have heard, determined with himself to revenge the death of his old master and Lord. Some write that he was thereunto stirred and provoked by the dolphin (and not unlike) for the dolphin which bore a continual hatred to the Duke of Burgoyne, imagined peradventure by this means to repress and subdue the whole power and high pride of this Duke, without any suspicion of fraud or reproach of untruth and villainy. The day came, which was the twelve day of August, and every Prince with his number appointed came to this Bridge. The Duke of Burgoyne being warned by his friends to keep his Closure, and the Bars on his side shut, little regarding his friends monition, as a man that could not avoid the stroke for him provided, opened the Bars and Closure, and came to the Dolphins presence, which was clean armed, and kneeled down on the one knee, showing to him great reverence and humility. The dolphin showed to him no loving countenance, but reproved him, saying to his charge much untruth, and great dishonour: The Duke again boldly defended his cause, and kneeled still, and his sword was at his back, which with often turning and moving was shaken very backward, wherefore the Duke chanced to put his hand back to pluck his sword forward. What, quoth Sir Robert de Loyr, will you draw your sword against my Lord the dolphin? When Tavagny du Chastell apperceived that an occasion was given to perform his enterprise, he incontinent struck him with a Hatchet on the head, john Duke of Burgoyn slain. so that he could not speak, and other standing by shortly dispatched him of his life. diverse of his part, not thinking him to be dead, began to draw weapon, amongst whom the Lord Novale was slain, and the other taken. For this murder were condemned (but not apprehended) by Parliament, the Precedent of province, the Vicont of Narbone, Guilliam Battailier, Tavagny du Chastell, Robert Loyr, and four other. This was the end of john called the proud Duke of Burgoyne, which more regarded civil war then his own life and welfare. And this sudden death, as I think, came not to him without desert, for shamefully murdering of Lewes Duke of orleans, the French kings brother: such is the judgement of God, that blood is recompensed with blood, and unnatural murder is requited with shameful death, or sudden destruction. After this heinous murder thus committed, the Dolphins servants spoiled the Duke of all his garments, even to his shirt, and covered his face with his hosen: But forasmuch as yet this is no part of the History of England, I will return again where I left. When Philip Earl of Caroloys, son and heir to this Duke john, and now by the murder and death of his father was made Duke of Burgoyne, and Earl of Flaundyrs, was informed of this misfortune, he took the matter very grievously and heavily, insomuch that none of his counsel durst once speak unto him, and inespecial the Lady Michael his wife, who was sister to the Dolphin; and daughter unto the French king, was in great fear to be forsaken, and cast out of his house and favour: But as all things end; so sorrow assuageth. When his grievous sorrow was somewhat mitigated, he first by the advice of his counsel, took into his favour the fair Duchess his wife, and after sent diverse notable Ambassadors to the king of England, who lay then at Rouen, to treat and conclude a peace between them both for a certain space: A peace concluded between Philip Duke of Burgoyn and the king of England. To which request, in hope of a better chance, king Henry agreed. And after that, he kept a solemn Obsequy for his father at Saint Vaas in Arras. During which time the Earl of Saint Paul, and the Parisiens sent to the Duke of Burgoin Ambassadors, to know what they should do, and how they should defend themselves against the English men. He gently answered, that he trusted shortly by the aid of God to conclude a peace between England and France. When these Ambassadors were departed, the Duke after long consultation had with his counsel and nobility, sent the Bishop of Arras and two notable persons to the king of England, with certain Articles which the Duke of Burgoyn offered to him of love, as he said. The king of England considering with himself that the Duke of Burgoyne was a convenient instrument to bring his purpose to pass, did therefore lovingly receive and honourably entertain his Ambassadors, saying unto them, that very shortly he would sand his Ambassadors unto him, that should declare unto him his lawful and reasonable requests and desires. With this message the Duke's Ambassadors departed toward Arras: and incontinent after their departure, king Henry sent the Earl of Warwick, & the Bishop of Rochester with many knights and squires, to the Duke of Burgoyn, who when they came to the Duke, declared the effect of their Ambassade. He gently heard their requests, and some he allowed, and some he augmented, and some he altered and disallowed: But in conclusion the Duke of Burgoyn, and the king of England agreed upon certain Articles, so that the French king and his Commons would assent unto the same. And shortly after it was agreed that the king of England should send in the company of the Duke of Burgoyn, his Ambassadors to Troy in Champein, sufficiently authorized to conclude so great a matter. The king of England being in good hope that all his affairs should prosperously succeed and go forward, sent to the Duke of Burgoyn, his Uncle the Duke of Exeter, the Earl of Sarisbury, the Bishop of Ely, the Lord Fanhope, & Lord Fitz Hugh sir john Robsart and sir Philip Hall, with divers Doctors, and they were in number five hundredth horse, which in the company of the Duke of Burgoyn came to the City of Troy's the xxj day of March. The French king, the Queen, and the Lady Katheryn, them received and heartily welcomed, showing great tokens and signs of love and amity. And after a few days they fell to counsel, in the which it was concluded, that king Henry of England should come to Troy's, and marry the Lady Katheryn, and the king should make him heir of his Realm, Crown, and dignity, after his departure out of this natural life, with many other articles which hereafter shall be rehearsed. When all these things were done and concluded, the Ambassadors of England departed toward their king, A peace concluded between the French king and the king of England. leaving behind them Sir john Robsart, to give his attendance on the Lady Katheryn. When King Henry had heard his Ambassadors rehearse the articles of the treaty and amity concluded, he condescended and agreed with all diligence to set forward to Troy's, longing for the sight of the Lady Katheryn his new spouse. And being admonished by the late mischance of john Duke of Burgoyn, he did not rashly presume to adventure himself among his new reconciled enemies: But when he saw all things safe and in good order, he being accompanied with the Dukes of Clarence and Gloucester his brethren, the Earls of Warwick, Sarisburie, Huntyngdon, Ewe, Tankeruyle and Longuyle, and xv. thousand men of war, departed from Rhoan to Ponthoyse, and from thence to saint Dionyce, which is two leagues from Paris, and from thence to Pontcharenton, where he left a garrison of men to keep the passage, and from thence by province he came to Troy's, where the Duke of Burgoyn accompanied with many noble men received him two leagues without the town, and conveyed him to his lodging and his princes with him, and all his army was lodged in villages there abouts. And after he had awhile reposed himself, he went to visit the king, the Queen and the Lady Katheryn, whom he found in Saint Peter's Church, where was an honourable meeting and a loving embracing on both sides, which was the twenty day of may, and there at the same time were the Lady Katheryn and the king of England made sure together, King Henry marrieth the Lady Katherine daughter to the French king. and the third day of june next following, they were with all solemnity married in the same Church. At which marriage the Englishmen made such triumphs & rejoicing, as though nothing in the world could have chanced more happy and honourable. And when this honourable marriage was solemnized, and the feasts and triumphs of the same finished, than the two kings and their counsel assembled together divers days, wherein the former league and treaty was in divers points altered and brought to a certainty, by the devise of the king of England and his brethren, when this great matter was finished, the kings for their part swore to observe the same in all points. Likewise swore the Duke of Burgoyn, and a great number of Princes and nobles, which were present, and they were the better persuaded thereunto, for that they marveled before at the noble acts done by King Henry, of whom they had knowledge only by report, and now they more marveled when they saw and beheld the honour and wisdom of his person. And immediately upon this agreement, King Henry is proclaimed heir and Regent of France. King Henry was proclaimed heir and Regent of France. And as the french king sent the copy of this treaty to every town in France: So the king of England sent the same in English to every City and market town of England, to be published and made known, the Copy of which articles here after ensue, word for word. 1 First, it is accorded betwixt our father and us, that for as much as by the bond of Matrimony made for the good of the peace between us, and our most dear beloved Katheryn, daughter of our said father, and of our most dear mother, Isabella his wife, the same Charles and Isabella been made father and mother, therefore them as our father and mother we shall have and worship, as it sitteth and seemeth so a worthy prince and princess to be worshipped, principally before all other temporal persons of the world. 2 Also, we shall not distrouble, disseason or let our father aforesaid, but that he hold and possess as long as he liveth, as he holdeth and possesseth at this time the crown and the dignity royal of France, and rents and proffites for the same, of the sustenance of his estate, and charges of the realm. And our foresaid mother also hold as long as she liveth the state and dignity of the Queen, after the manner of the same realm, with convenable convenience part of the said rents and profits. 3 Also, that the foresaid Lady Katheryn shall take and have dower in our Realm of England as Queens of England here afore were wont for to take and have, that is to say, to the some of xl M. Scutes, of the which two algate shall be worth a noble English. 4 Also, that by the ways manners and means that we may without transgression or offence of other made by us, for to keep the laws, customs, usages and rights of our said realm of England, shall do our labour & pursuit, that the said Katherine also soon as it may be done, be made sure to take and for to have in our said realm of England from the time of our death the said dower of xl M. Scutes yearly, of the which twain algate be worth a noble English. 5 Also if it hap the said Katheryn to overlive us, she shall take and have the realm of France immediately, from the time of our death, dower to the some of twenty M. Franks yearly of and upon the lands, places and Lordships that held, and had Blanch sometime wife of Philip Boseele to our said father. 6 Also, that after the death of our father aforesaid, and from thence forward, the crown and the realm of France with all the rights and appurtenances shall remain and abide to us, and been of us and of our heirs for evermore. 7 Also, for as much as our said father is withholden with divers sickness, in such manner as he may not intend in his own person, for to dispose for the needs of the foresaid realm of France: therefore during the life of our said father, the faculties and exercise of the governance and disposition of the public and common profit of the said realm of France with counsel and nobles and wise men of the same realm of France; shall be and abide to us: So that from henceforth we may govern the same realm by us. And also to admit to our counsel and assistance of the said nobles, such as we shall think meet, the which faculties and exercise of governance thus being toward us, we shall labour and purpose us speedily, diligently and truly to that that may be and aught for to be to the worship of God and our said father and mother, and also to the common good of the said realm, and that realm with the counsel and help of the worthy and great nobles of the same realm for to be defended, peased and governed after right and equity. 8 Also, that we of our own power shall do the court of the parliament of France to be kept and observed in his aucthortie and sovereignty, and in all that is done to it in all manner of places, that now or in time coming is or shall be subject to our said father. 9 Also, we to our power shall defend and help all and every of the Peres, Nobles, Cities, Towns, commonalties and singular persons, now or in time coming, subjects to our father in their rights, customs, privileges, freedom and franchises longing or due to them in all manner of places, now or in time coming subject to our father. 10 Also, we diligently and truly shall travail to our power, and do that justice be administered and done in the same Realm of France after the laws, customs and rights of the same realm, without personalx exception. And that we shall keep and hold the subjects of the same realm in tranquillity and peace, and to our power we shall defend them against all manner of violence and oppression. 11 Also, we to our power shall provide, and to do our power that able persons and profitable been taken to the offices, as well of justices and other offices longing to the governance of the demesnes and of other offices of the said realm of France for the good, right and peaceable justice of the same, and for the administration that shall be committed unto them, and that they be such persons that after the laws and rights of the same realm, and for the utility and profit of our said father shall minister, and that the foresaid Realm shall be taken and deputed to the same offices. 12 Also, that we of our power so soon as it may commodiously be done, shall travail for to put into the obedience of our said father, all manner of Cities, Towns and Castles, places, Countries and persons within the realm of France, disobedient and rebels to our said father, holding with them which been called the dolphin or Arminack. 13 Also, that we might the more commodiously, surely and freely done, exercise and fulfil these things aforesaid. It is accorded that all worthy nobles and estates of the same realm of France, as well spirituals as temporals, and also Cities, notables and commonalties, and citizens, Burgeis of towns of the realm of France, that been obeisant at this time to our said father shall make these oaths that followen. 14 First, to us having the faculty, exercise, disposition and governance of the foresaid common profit to our hests and commandments they shall meekly and obediently obey and intend in all manner of thing concerning the exercise of governance of the same realm. 15 Also, that the worthy great Nobles and estates of the said realm, as well Spirituals as Temporals, and also Cities and notable commonalties and Citizens and Burgesses of the same realm in all manner of things well and truly shall keep and to their power shall do to be kept, of so much as to them belongeth or to any of them all, those things that been appointed and accorded between our aforesaid father and mother and us, with the counsel of them whom us lust to call to us. 16 Also, that continually from the death and after the death of our said father Charles, they shall be our true liege men and our heirs, and they shall receive and admit us for their liege and sovereign and very King of France, and for such to obey us without opposition, contradiction or difficulty, as they been to our foresaid father during his life, never after this realm of France shall obey to man as king or Regent of France, but to us and our heirs. Also they shall not be in counsel, help or assent that we lose life or limb, or be take with evil taking, or that we suffer harm or diminition in person, estate, worship or goods, but if they know any such thing for to be cast or imagined against us, they shall let it to their power, and they shall do us to weten thereof as hastily as they may by themself, by message or by letters. 17 Also, that all manner of conquests that should be made by us in France, upon the said inobedients out of the Duchy of Normandy, shall be done to the profit of our said father, and that to our power we shall do that all manner of lands and Lordships that been in the places so for to be conquered longing to persons obeying to our said father, which shall swear for to keep this present accord, shall be restored to the same persons to whom they long to. 18 Also, that all manner of persons, of holy Church beneficed in the duchy of Normandy or any other places in the realm of France subject to our father and favouring the party of the Dukes of Burgoyne which shall swear to keep this present accord, shall enjoy peaceably their benefices of holy church in the Duchy of Normandy, or in any other places next aforesaid: 19 Also likewise all manner persons of holy Church obedient to us and beneficed in the realm of France, and places subject to our father that shall swear to keep this present accord, shall enjoy peaceably their benefices of holy Church in places next abovesaid. 20 Also that all manner of Churches, universities, and studies general, and all Colleges of studies, and other Colleges of holy Church, being in places now or in time coming subject to our father, or in the Duchy of Normandy, or other places in the Realm of France subject to us, shall enjoy their rights and possessions, rents, prerogatives, liberties, and franchises, longing or dew to them in any manner of wise in the said Realm of France, saving the right of the Crown of France, & every other person. 21 Also by God's help, when it happeneth us to come to the Crown of France, the Duchy of Normandy, and all other places conquered by us in the realm of France, shall bow under the commandment, obeisance and Monarchy of the Crown of France. 22 Also that we shall enforce us, and do to our power that recompense be made by our said father, without diminution of the Crown of France, to persons obeying to him, and favouring to that party that is said Burgoyn, to whom longeth lands, Lordships, rents, or possessions in the said Duchy of Normandy, or other places in the realm of France conquered by us hethertowarde, given by us in places, and lands gotten, or to be gotten and overcome, in the name of our said father upon rebels, and inobedientes to him. And if it so be, that such manner of recompense be not made to the said persons by the life of our said father, we shall make that recompense, in such manner of places and goods, when it happeneth by God's grace to the Crown of France. And it so be that the lands, Lordships, rents, or possessions, the which longeth to such manner of persons in the said Duchy, and places be not given by us, the same personnes shall be restored to them without any delay. 23 Also during the life of our said father, in all places now, or in time coming subject to him, letters of common justice, and also grants of offices and gifts, pardons or remissions and privileges shall be written and proceed under the name and seal of our said father. And forasmuch as some singular case may fall, that may not be foreseen by man's wit, in the which it might be necessary and behoveful that we do writ our letters, in such manner case if any hap, for the good and surety of our said father, and for the governance that longeth to us, as is before said, and for to eschewen perils that otherwise might fall to the prejudice of our said father, to writ our letters, by the which we shall command, charge, and defend after the nature and quality of the need in our father's behalf, and ours as Regent of France. 24 Also that during our father's life, we shall not call ne writ us king of France, but utterly we shall abstain us from that name as long as our father liveth. 25 Also that our said father during his life shall nempne, call, and writ us in French in this manner. Nostre trechier filz Henry Roy Dengleterre, heretere de France, and in Latin in this manner. Praeclarissimus filius noster Henricus Rex Angliae, & haeres Fraunciae. 26 Also that we shall put none impositions or exactions, or do charge the subjects of our said father without cause reasonable and necessary, ne otherwise then for common good of the realm of France, and after the saying & asking of the laws and customs reasonable, approved of the same realm. 27 Also that we shall travail to our power to the effect and intent, that by the assent of the three estates of either of the realms of France and England, that all manner of obstacles may be done away, and in this party that it be ordained and provided, that from the time that we or any of our heirs come to the crown of France, both the Crowns, that is to say of France and England, perpetually be together in one, and in the same person, that is to say, from our father's life, to us, and from the term of our life thenceforward, in the persons of our heirs, that shall be one after an other. And that both realms shall be governed, fro that we or any of our heirs come to the same, not severally under divers kings in one time, but under the same person, which for the time shall be king of both the realms, and sovereign Lord as aforesaid, keeping nevertheless in all manner of other things to either of the same realms their rights, liberties, customs, usages, and laws, not making subject in any manner of wise one of the same realms to the rights, laws, or usages, of that other. 28 Also that henceforward, perpetually shall be still rest, and that in all manner of wise, dissensions, hates, rancours, envies, and wars, between the same realms of France and England, and the people of the same realms, drawing to accord of the same peace, may cease and be broken. 29 Also that there shall be from henceforward for evermore, peace and tranquillity, and good accord, and common affection, and stable friendship, between the same realms, and their subjects beforesaye: the same realms shall keep themselves with their Counsel, helps, and common assistance, against all manner of men that enforce them for to done, or to imagine wrongs, harms, displeasures, or grievance to them, or to either of them. And they shall be conversant, and Marchandisen freely and surely together, paying the custom due and accustomed. And they shall be conversant also, that all the confederates and allies of our said father, and the realm of France aforesaid, and also our confederates of the realm of England aforesaid, shall in eight Months from the time of this accord of peace, as it is notefyed to them, declare by their letters, that they will draw to this accord, and will be comprehended under the treaties and accord of this peace, saving nevertheless either of the same Crowns, & also all manner actions, rights, and revenues that longen to our said father and his subjects and to us, and to our subjects, again such manner of allies and confederacies. 30 Also neither our father, neither our brother the Duke of Burgoyn shall begin make with Charles, cleping himself the dolphin of Vyennes any treaty or peace or accord, but by counsel and assent of all and each of us three, or of other three estates of either of the said realms above named. 31 Also that we with assent of our said brother of Burgoyn and other of the nobles of the realm of France, the which thereto aught to be called, shall ordain for the governance of our said father sickerly, lovingly and honestly after the asking of his royal estate and dignity by the manner that shall be to the worship of God and of our father and of the realm of France. 32 Also all manner of persons that shall be about our father to do him personal service, not only in office but in all other services, aswell the nobles and gentles as other shall be such as hath been borne in the realm of France or in places longing to France, good, wise, true and able to that foresaid service. And our said father shall devil in places notable of his obedience and no where else. Wherefore we charge and command our said liege subjects and other being under our obedience that they keep and do to be kept in all that longeth to them this accord and peace after the form and manner as it is accorded. And that they attempt in no manner wise any thing that may be prejudice or contrary to the same accord and peace upon pain of life and limb, and all that they may forfeit against us. Yoven at Troy's the xxx. day of May .1420. and proclaimed in London the twenty day of june. 33 Also that we for the things aforesaid and every one of them shall give our assent by our letters patents, sealed with our seal unto our said father with all approbation and confirmation of us and all other of our blood royal and of all the cities and towns to us obedient sealed with their seals accustomed. And further our said father beside his letters patents sealed under his great seal shall make or cause to be made letters approbatory and confirmations of the Peers of his realm and of the Lords, Citizens, and Burgesses of the same under his obedience, all which articles we have sworn to keep upon the holy Evangelists. So soon as these articles were made and concluded, as aforesaid, the king of England having in his company the French king, and the Duke of Burgoyn came before the town of Seine in Burgoyn, which took part with the dolphin. And after that he had destroyed the Country about it, within xu days the town was yielded. And from thence he removed to Mounstrell Fault Yowe, where the former Duke of Burgoyn was slain, as is before mentioned, which town was taken by assault, and many of the Dolphins part apprehended before they could get to the Castle. And after the getting of the town, the Castle which was newly replenished with men and victual, denied to tender, and therefore it was strongly besieged. The king of England sent certain of the prisoners that he had taken in this town to advise the captain of the Castle to yield the same: But they obstinately denied the request, giving evil speech to the kings Herald. Wherefore the king of England caused a Gibbet to be set up before the Castle, on the which were hanged twelve prisoners, all Gentlemen and friends to the captain. When the Lord of Guytry Lieutenant of the Castle perceived that by no means he could be relieved nor succoured, and fearing to be taken by force, he began to treat with the king of England, which in eight days would take none of his offers. But in conclusion he and his rendered themselves simply, their lives only saved: And after six weeks siege, the Castle was delivered, and the Earl of Warwick was made captain of the town and Castle, which fortified the same with men, ordinance and artillery. From thence the king of England departed to Molyn upon Seyn, and besieged it round about, Molyn upon Seyn besieged. in whose company were the French king, the young king of Scots, the Dukes of Burgoyn, Clarence, Bedford and Gloucester. The Duke of Bar. The prince of Orange. The Earl of Niche. The Earl of Huntyngdon. The Earl of Stafford. The Earl of Somerset. The Earl Martial. The Earl of Warwick. The Earl of Worcester. The Earl of Suffolk. The Earl of jury. The Lord Charles of Naverre. The Earl of perch. The Earl of Mortayn. The Earl of Ormond. The Earl of Desmond. The Earl of Ewe. The Earl of Tankeruyle. The Earl of Longuyle. The Earl of Saint Paul. The Earl of Brain. The Earl of Ligny. The Earl of Vatedevontier. The Earl of joiugny. The Lord Rosse. The Lord Matreuers. The Lord Grace of Codnor. The Lord Bourchier. The Lord Audeley. The Lord Willoughby. The Lord Clinton. The Lord Deyncost. The Lord Clifford. The Lord Ferrer Groby. The Lord Ferrer of Chartley. The Lord Talbot. The Lord Fitzwareyn. The Baron of Dudley. The Lord Momerancy. The Lord Awbemond. The Lord Beauchamp. The Lord Furnyvall. The Lord Fitz Hugh. The Lord Fanhope. The Lord Scrope of Balos. The Lord Scrope of Vpsabe. The Lord Canneys. The Lord Bardolfe. The Lord Scales. The Baron of Car. The Lord Duras. The Lord Delalaunde. The Lord Mountferaunt. The Lord Lovel. The Lord Botras. The Lord of Castelen. The Lord Lisladam. The Lord Vergeer. The Lord of Crony. The Lord Saint George. The Lord Pesunes. The Lord Daugien. The Lord Tremoyle. The Lord jenuale. Sir john de Lawoye. Sir john Courcelles. The Lord of Barenton. The Lord of jealous. The Lord of Bonuyle. Sir Guy de Bar. Sir john Fastolffe. Sir Philip Hall. Sir Philip Leche. Sir john Rodney. Sir Morice Browne. Sir Piers Tempest. Sir Guy moil. Sir john Stanley. Sir Lewes Mohewe, with many other knights, esquires and Gentlemen, that I can not rehearse by name. These valiant Princes and Noble men besieged the strong town of Molyn upon Seyn, as aforesaid, with all their force and army, by the space almost of vij Months. They without made mines, cast trenches and shot Gonnes at the walls. And they within, whereof the Lord Barbason was chief, manfully defended the same, during the which siege, the French Queen, and the Queen of England, and the Duchess of Burgoyn came divers times to visit their husbands, and to see their friends. This siege so long continued, that victuals within the town began to fail, and pestilence began to increase, so that the Capitayne began to treat: And in conclusion the town was delivered upon certain conditions, whereof one was, that all that were consenting to the death of the Duke of Burgoyn should be delivered to the king of England, whereof the Lord Barbason was one, and so they were delivered to the king, and he sent them under the conduit of the Duke of Clarence unto Paris, and there they were executed. And forthwith the said Duke of Clarence was by the French king made Captain of Paris, and had in possession the bastille of Saint Anthony, the Louvre, the house of Needle, and the place of Boys de Vyncens. After the town of Molyn was yielded, as aforesaid, the king made captain there the Earl of Huntyngdon. From thence he departed with his army to corbel, where the French king and the two Queens than sojourned. And from thence the two kings accompanied with the Dukes of Burgoyn, Bedford, Gloucester, and Exeter, and the Earls of Warwick, Sarisbury, and a great number of other noble men, set forth toward Paris, whom the Citizens received joyfully, in most honourable manner. The next day the two Queens made their entry into Paris, where also they were received with all solemnity, as was the two kings. During the time that these two kings lay in Paris, there was a great assembly called, aswell of the Clergy as of the Nobility, in the which the two kings sat as judges, before whom the Duchess of Burgoyn by her advocate appealed the dolphin and vij other for the death and murder of john Duke of Burgoyn her husband. To the which appeal, the counsel on the other part made divers offers of amendss: But this matter was put of until an other day. To the City of Paris at this time resorted the three estates of the Realm, where every person severally swore upon the holy Evangelists, to keep, support, maintain, and defend the treaty & peace final which was concluded between the two Princes and their counsels, & thereunto every noble man spiritual, governor, and temporal ruler set to their seals, which instruments were sent to the kings treasury of his Exchequer at Westminster, safely to be kept, where they yet remain. These two kings sojourned in Paris at the feast of Christmas. The French king lying at the house of S. Paul, kept no estate nor open court to no man, except to his household servants. But the king of England and his Queen, kept such solemn estate, so plentiful a house, so princely pastime, and gave so many gifts, that all the noble men of France spoke honourably of him. Sun after this feast of Christmas, The king of England taketh upon him as Regent of France. the king of England took upon him as Regent of France to redress causes, to remove officers, to reform things that were amiss, and caused a new coin to be made called a Salute, wherein were graven the Arms of France, and the Arms of England quartered. And to set all things in a quietness, he ordained sir Gilbert Vmfrevile captain of Melun furnished with a good number of valiant soldiers. And the Earl of Huntingdon his Cousin he appointed captain at Boys de Vincens. And the Duke of Excester with five hundredth men of arms, was assigned to keep the City and town of Paris. When the king had thus ordered his affairs according to his devise, he with the Queen his wife, his Princes and Nobles, departed from Paris, and came to the City of Rouen. But before his removing, he caused process to be made against Charles called the dolphin, commanding him to appear at the Table of Marble in Paris: Where for lack of appearance, The dolphin of France condemned for the death of john Duke of Burgoyn. he was with all solemnity in such a cause requisite, denounced guilty of the murder and homicide of john late Duke of Burgoyn: And by the sentence of the Court of Parliament he was banished the realm and territories of France, and deprived of all honours, names, dignities and pre-eminences which he then had or hereafter might have. Wherefore the dolphin went into Languedoc, and after to poitiers, getting to him such friends as he could, and especially he obtained so highly the favour of the Earl of Arminack, that he not only took his part, but also relieved him with money, aided him with men, and in his own person continually served him against his foes and enemies. While king Henry sojourned in the City of Rouen, he received homage of all the Nobles of Normandy: Amongst whom the Earl of Stafford did homage for the County of Perch: And Arthure of Briteyn did homage for the Country of jury, which the king before had given unto them. He also ordained his Lieutenant general both of France and Normandy, his brother Thomas Duke of Clarence: and his deputy in Normandy was the Earl of Sarisburie. King Henry with the Queen his wife returneth into England. The Coronation of Queen Katherine. And thus all things being set in order, the King and Queen of England departed from Rouen to Amiens, and so to Calais, where he took shipping, and having a fair passage landed at Dover, and came to Eltham, and through London to Westminster: But by the way he was received most joyfully and honourably, namely by the Citizens of London. And shortly after, great provision and preparation was made for the coronation of the Queen, who was crowned the xxiiij day of February with all solemnity. Now while the king was thus occupied in England, the Duke of Clarence brother to the king, and his Lieutenant general in France & Normandy, as is aforesaid, assembled together all the garrisons of Normandy at the town of Berney, & from thence departed into the Country of Main. And at Pount de Gone, he passed the river of Youe, and road through all the Country to Lucy, where he passed the river of Loire, and entered into anjou, and came before the City of Angiers, where he made many knights, that is to say, Sir William Rosse, Sir Henry Goddard, Sir Rowland Rider, and Sir Thomas Beaufoord called the Bastard of Clarence and diverse other. And shortly after that he had forayed, brent, and spoiled the Country, he returned with prey and pillage to the Town of Beufoorde in the Valley, where he was advertised that a great number of his enemies were assembled together at a place called Bangie, that is to say, the Duke of Alencon calling himself Lieutenant general for the dolphin, Andrew Forgusa a false and traitorous Lombard. who was accompanied with a great number of Earls and other the Nobles of France. At this time the Duke of Clarence had a Lombard resorting unto him called Andrew Forgusa, which was retained with the part adverse, of whom the Duke required the number of his enemies: To whom he reported that their number was but small, and of no strength, and far unmeet to encounter with half the power of his puissant army, enticing and provoking him to set on the French men, warranting him a famous victory, and a fair day. The Duke giving to much credit to this Traitor, like a valiant and courageous Prince, assembled together all the horse men of his army, and left the Archers behind him under the order of the Bastard of Clarence, saying that he only, and the nobles would have the honour of that journey. When the Duke was passed a straight and a narrow passage, he espied his enemies ranged in very good order of battle: And the said adversaries had laid such Bushementes at the straights, that the Duke by no ways without battle could either retire or fly. The Englishmen seeing no remedy, valiantly set on their enemies, which were four to one: The battle was fierce, and the fight deadly. The Englishmen that day did valiantly, The Duke of Clarence slain. yet it availed not, for they were oppressed with the number of Frenchmen. There were slain the Duke of Clarence, the Earl of Tankeruyle, the Lord Rosse, Sir Gilbert Vmfrevile, earl of Kent, Sir john Lumley, and Sir Robert Venred, and almost two. M. Englishmen. And the Earls of Somerset, Suffolk, and Perch, the Lord Fitzwater, Sir john Barkley, sir Ralph Nevile, Sir Henry Inglos, Sir William Bowes, Sir William Longton, and Sir Thomas a Borow, and divers other taken prisoners. And of the Frenchmen there were slain above twelve hundredth of their best men. The Bastard Clarence which tarried at Beaufoord was informed of the number of the Frenchmen, wherefore he with all the Archers made haste to succour the duke: But they came to late: for the Frenchmen hearing of the approaching of the Archers, fled with their prisoners with all the hast they could, leaving behind them the body of the aforesaid Duke, and the dead carrions. When the Archers came and saw their enemies gone, they lamented not a little the evil chance of the deceived Duke: But seeing no remedy, they took the dead bodies and buried them all, saving the Duke's corpse, which with great solemnity was sent into England, and buried at Cauntorbury beside his father. After this, the English men brent & spoiled the Country of Maine, and so returned to Alaunson, and there departed every man to his garrison. The battle of Bawgye. This battle was fought at Bawgy in Anjou on Easter Even in the year of our Lord .1421. King Henry being advertised of this infortunate overthrow, and deceivable doing of the Lombard, and loss of his brother, sent without delay, Edmond earl of Mortaigne, & brother to the Earl of Somerset into Normandy, giving to him like Authority and pre-eminence, as his brother the late deceased Duke of Clarence had or enjoyed. After this, he called his high Court of Parliament, in the which he declared so wisely the acts that were done in the Realm of France, the estate of the time present and what things were necessary for the time to come, (if they would look to have that jewel and high kingdom, for the which they had so long laboured and sought for) that the Commonalty granted a fifteen, and the Clergy a double fifteen. And because no delay should be in the kings affairs for lack of payment, the Bishop of Winchester his Uncle lent to him twenty thousand pound, to be received of the same dimes of fifteens. When all things necessary for this voyage were ready and prepared, john Duke of Bedford arriveth in France, with a puissant army. he sent his brother john Duke of Bedford with all his army (which the French men writ to be four thousand men of arms, and twenty thousand Archers, and other) before him to Calais. And he himself shortly after in the middle of May passed the Seas, and arrived there in great triumph, where to him was showed, that the dolphin with vij M. men had besieged the town of Chartiers which was manfully defended by the Bastard of Thyan and other, set and appointed there by the Duke of Excester. King Henry not minding to loose so fair a town, King Henry arriveth in Frunce. departed in good order with all his army toward Paris. And at Mounstrell there received him the Duke of Burgoyn, which from that place attended upon the king to Dowaste in Ponthiewe, and so came to Abbevyle, and from thence to Boys de Vyncens, where he found the French king and Queen, whom he lovingly saluted, and they him again honourably received. And there the king of England and the Duke of Burgoyn determined without delay to fight with the dolphin and to raise the siege before Chartres. The king of England with all his power came to the town of Aunt, & thither repaired the Duke of Burgoin with four M. men: of whose coming the king rejoiced not a little. But before they departed from thence, they had knowledge & true instruction that the dolphin hearing of the puissant army of the king, was recoiled with his people unto Towers in Towrain. Wherefore the king of England incontinent, not only sent the Duke of Burgoyn into Picardy to resist the malice of sir jaques Harcourte, which daily inferred war, and caused waste and destruction in the same Country: But also appointed james king of Scots to lay siege to the town of Direx, which so fiercely assaulted the same, that after six weeks, they rendered the same to the king of Scots to the behoof of king Henry his sovereign Lord, who appointed Captain there the Earl of Worcester. The king himself removed from Aunt, and passed over the river of Leyr, following the dolphin toward Towers: But the dolphin mistrusting his power fled to Burges in Berry, and there determined to tarry until fortune would look more favourably upon him. The king of England with all his puissance so fast followed the flying dolphin, that victual began to fail: wherefore he considering the danger and hurt of his own people, and saw none advantage to follow the dolphin, did for the safety of his people return over the river of Leyr, and gate Gasconeyes upon Youe, and a town called the king's new town, and divers other whose names were to tedious here to rehearse. The aforesaid town was no less victualled than manned, and as well fortified, so that the king of England could neither have it delivered unto him, nor yet gain it by assault without great loss and detriment. But yet he determined not to depart until he had either gained or overthrown the same: The birth of King Henry the sixth. And during the time of this siege was borne at Wyndsore the king's son called Henry, whose Godfathers were john Duke of Bedford, and Henry Bishop of Winchester, and jaquet Duchess of Holland was Godmother, whereof the king was certified lying at this siege of Meaux, at the which he much rejoiced, but when he heard of the place of his nativity, whether he fantaysed some old blind prophecy, or else judged of his sons fortune, he said to the Lord Fitz Hugh his Chamberleyn these words. My Lord, I Henry borne at Monmouth shall small time reign and get much: And Henry borne at Wyndsore shall long reign and lose all: But as God will, so be it. After the Queen of England was thus delivered of her fair son, she returned into France, first to her husband, and after to her father and mother, where she was on all parts so honourably received and so lovingly entertained and highly feasted, that she appeared to be no less beloved nor welcomed unto her noble husband, then unto her natural parents. During the time of the siege last above mentioned, Sir Oliver many a valiant man of war of the Dolphins part, which before was captain of the Castle of Faloys, and yielding it by composition, swore never to bear armour against the king of England, assembled a great number of men of war, as well of Britons as French men, that is to say the Lord Mountburchier, the Lord Coyvon, the Lord of Chastelgiron, the Lord of Tyntignace, the Lord de la Howssaye, and divers other which entered into the Country of Constantyne in Normandy and rob and killed the English men where they might either espy or take them at their advantage: But the Earl of Suffolk keeper of those marches hearing of their doings, sent for the Lord Scales, Sir john Aston bailiff of Constantyne, Sir William Hall, Sir john Banester and many other out of the Garrisons within that territory, which encountered with their enemies at a place called Le park de oevecque, in English the Bishop's Park. There was afore and a long fight, and many a proper feat of arms was done that day and many a man was in that place overthrown: The English men only desired victory, and the French men desired a safe return: But in conclusion the french men being not able to resist, began to fly, in the which conflict and fight there were slain, the Lord Coynon, the Lord of Castille Giron and three hundredth other: And there were taken prisoners, the Lord de la Howssay, and sir Oliver Mannay and lx other. Oliver Many taken and sent into England. The king being advertised of this good chance and happy journey sent for sir Oliver many to be brought unto him, he then lying at Meaux. And when he saw him he said: Fair father you have sworn, & promised unto us that you would never make war nor bear armour against us nor our subjects: year an ancient knight, and aught to have kept your faith and promise, which you have untruly and also unhonestly broken, and yet we will not (although by the law of arms we might lawfully so do) put you to death, but grant to you your life: But we will sand you into England to learn you to speak English. And shortly after he was sent to London, where he died, and was buried in the white Friars. The Scots writ (believe them if ye will) that the king of England hearing that the dolphin had sent for aid into Scotland, and that he had retained them in wages (for of their own ability, they be neither able to sand an army over the sea, nor yet of substance to bear a continual war, for this all their own Histories declare, and their Chronicles make mention, and yet the country is not so poor, but the people be as proud) sent one day for james the Scottish king, and in the presence of his counsel declared unto him, what humanity, what favour and singular affection king Henry his Father bore during his natural life, toward the said king of Scots: Putting him in remembrance of the great love and friendship which he himself sigh the beginning of his reign had showed unto him, and that neither he nor his father had negligently omitted any thing that might apperteyn to the office of a friend or to the duty of a Tutor, which should love and cherish his Orphan or Pupil, promising him liberty with a great reward if he would 'cause the Scots which were adherents to the dolphin to return again into their country and native region. To the which request the king of Scots with a wise and good courage answered, saying: what your noble father hath done to me, and what favour or benefit I have received at your hands, I shall not nor will not when I may (I assure you, forget: And when my power shall serve, I shall not fail to recompense your doings with like kindness. But of your request I marvel not a little, first considering that I am a prisoner, and have no possession of my realm: Secondarily that I am as yet neither sworn to my subjects, nor they by oath of allegiance are bound to obey my commaundemenets. Wherefore I desire you no more to move me in this thing, which now I cannot do: And yet if I might, I would first foresee whether it were for me honourable, or to my realm honest, to leave our old friend in his extreme need and necessity without aid or comfort. With this answer the king of England was not content (as the Scots say) but after that king james was departed from his presence, king Henry said, happy shall they be who shall be subjects to such a king that is endued with such wit and wisdom at these young years. The king of England lying still before the town of Meux in Brye (as you have heard) and had sore oppressed them within the town. Whereof hearing the Lord of Offmond with a company of chosen persons, sent by the dolphin, came privily in the night to the walls, and set up a ladder, and divers of his company went up and entered the town: But as he himself passed over a plank to have come to the walls, he fell into a deep ditch. The English men hearing this 'noys, The Lord Offmond taken. ran to the ditch, where they took the Lord of Offmound, and slew divers of his company which stood at defence, The Captain within the town perceiving that their succours were taken, plainly judged that the town could not long continued: wherefore they caused all the goods of the town to be brought into the market place, which was strong and well fortified, The king of England being hereof advertised, commanded in all haste to give an assault to the town, which was quickly done, so that the town by fine force was within three hours taken and spoiled. And the same day the king besieged round about the market place, and took the Mill adjoining to the same. The captains perceiving in what case they were, fearing to be taken by assault, began to treat with the king of England, The town of Meux & the Market place taken. which appointed the Earl of Warwick and the Lord Hungerforde to common with them: And in conclusion a treaty was taken, and so the town and Market place with all the goods were delivered into the king of England's hands, the tenth day of may, the year of our Lord .1422. When the delivery of the strong town of Meux was published through the Country, all the towns and fortresses in the Isle of France, in Lannoys, in Brie, and in Campeigne yielded themselves to the king of England, which appointed in them valiant captains and hearty Soldiers. After that king Henry had thus taken and possessed the town of Meux and other fortresses at his pleasure, he returned again to Boys de Vyncennes, where he found the French king, and the Queen, and his wife, who with all joy received him: The king of England keepeth his Whitsuntide in Paris. And so the xxx day of May being Whitsoneven, the two kings and the Queens returned to Paris, where the king of England lodged in the Castle of Louvre, and the French king in the house of Saint Paul. These two kings kept great estate with their Queens at this feast of Pentecost: But the king of England (as Enguerant both confesseth, and diverse other saith) kept such glorious an estate, and so costly a Court, that he with his Queen sat at dinner in Paris richly appointed with most rich vestures adorned with Diadems of Gold, garnished and beset with precious stones, and decked with jewels both beautiful and pleasant. Besides this his Princes and estates, Barons and chief captains were set in solemn estate, plenteously served, and abundantly feasted, so that the people of Paris which thither resorted to behold this estate, judged him to be more like an Emperor, than their own king (which sat solitarily alone) to be like a Duke or a poor Marquis: But now again to return to our History. The dolphin knowing by his Espyals where the King of England and his power lay, came with all his puissance over the river of Leyre and besieged the town of Cosney, or Conuy, and sent part of his army to waste and destroy the confines of the Duchy of Burgoyn. And as he purposed, so it happened, for the Duke of Burgoyne with his power set forward to defend his own land and dominion, and wrote to the king of England to sand aid to them of Cosney or Conny, which had promised to tender their town to the dolphin if they were not rescued by the king of England within ten days. King Henry hearing these news, answered that he would not sand one creature, but he would go before himself. And so with all diligence came to the town of corbel, and so to Senlys, where, The king of England is sick. whether it were with the heat of the air, or that he with his daily labour was feebled or weakened, he began to wax sick, yea and so sick that he was constrained to tarry and to sand his brother the Duke of Bedford to perform his journey & enterprise. The Duke like a valiant Capteyne set forward to rescue the town besieged, whereof hearing the dolphin with all his Captains and hardy soldiers departed thence into Barry to his great dishonour and less gain: And so was the City of Cosney, or Conny rescued, to the great honour of the English Nation. But in this mean while, king Henry waxed sicker and sicker, and being laid on a Horslitter, was conveyed to Boys de Vyncennes, to whom shortly after repaired the Dukes of Bedford and Gloucester his Uncles, and the Earls of Sarisbury and Warwick, whom the king most lovingly entertained and embraced: But when they beheld him (saith Polidore) lying in such an extremity and danger, they could not refrain from mourning and bewailing of him. Howbeit the king with a Princely and courageous heart, without any outward show either of sad countenance or sorrow, comforted them, and encouraged them to be merry and joyous. But when he perceived his sickness so sore to increase, that there was no hope of health or recovery, he rendered to God his most hearty thanks, and chiefly that he called him out of this miserable life, at such time as when he was of most perfit remembrance, both toward God and the world, and also in the time of his flourishing conquest, in the which he never received one spot of dishonour. The words of the king in his death bed spoken to his brethren and others. And turning himself to his brethren and other noble personages there present, he said unto them: My natural brethren and trusty friends, I see you lament and bewail my death approaching at hand, of the which death I am both glad and rejoice, for this short time of my mortal life shall be a testimony of my strength, a declaration of my justice, and a setting forth of all mine acts and travails, and finally shall be the cause that I by death shall obtain fame, glory, and renown, and escape the reprehension of cowardness, and the mote of all infamy, which I might have chanced to have fallen into, if nature had longer prolonged my life and days: for it is commonly said, that as time changeth, so manners and conditions altar, and in long time, all things continued not in one state. But as eternity is the triumpher upon time, so do I trust that after this short life to have eternal being: And after this miserable pilgrimage, mine hope is to enjoy the celestial Kingdom, and to come to the Palace of rest, & place of quietness. Now as touching you (no doubt but this my sudden chance molesteth you) and not without a cause: You lament the calamity and mischance that is like to fall on your Country, because that I in this troublous time leave you destitute of a Governor and Ruler, which chance is the less to be moved and regarded, because in all worldly things, something ever lacketh, and nothing long endureth: Wherefore, because the old saying is, that in the time of necessity, wit and wisdom is to be experimented, therefore I require you to consult, and to study and take pain to come to the end of the journey, which I in my time have begun and entered in, and chiefly because I have ever loved and trusted you above all other persons: And therefore I desire you now to show like love, and to be as trusty to my son that shall be your sovereign Lord: So that whatsoever duty, allegiance, or favour for my liberality or kindness to you showed, was to me either of honesty or civility due or owing: Let the same for my sake, be extended, showed and recompensed to mine heir and successor little Prince Henry. Some persons have hated the father, and yet loved the child, and some have loved the father, and yet murdered the child, of which sort I neither reckon nor account you: But this I say, if you love me, ye aught to love my child, not for his desert, but for mine. And sith now I shall be taken from you before satisfaction or recompense be made unto me for my manifold goodness and ample benefits to you showed in my life: I say and affirm, that after my death (except you will be noted with the blot of ingratitude, I will not say untruth) you aught to tender the same to my child your Nephew and kinsman: I pray God that ye do not defraud me of the good expectation that I have ever had of you. And because I will not charge you, I will therefore friendly exhort you, to bring up my little infant in virtuous living, moral doctrine, and prudent policy, to the intent that by your pain he may prove wise, by your instruction he may prove politic, and made able to rule and govern a kingdom, and not to be ruled of other: By the which devoir you shall not only do your duty to your Prince and sovereign Lord, but also deserve thanks of your native Country, to the which ye are most specially bound. Besides this, my petition is not only to comfort my most dearest and well-beloved wife the Queen, now being (as I think, the most dolorous and sorrowfullest woman living) but also to love her and honour her, as I have both loved and honoured you. The order that king Henry left for the government of his realm. And as touching the estate of my realms: First I command you to love and join together in one league or concord, and moon unfeigned amity, keeping continual peace and amity with Philip Duke of Burgoyn. And never make treaty with Charles that calleth himself dolphin of Vien, by the which any part of the crown of France, or of the Duchy of Normandy and Guyan may be appaired or diminished. Let the Duke of orleans and the other Princes still remain prisoners, until my son come to his lawful age, lest they returning home again, may kindle more fire in one day, then may well be quenched in three. If you think it necessary, Humphrey Duke of Gloucester protector of England. I would my brother Homfrey should be Protector of England, during the minority of my child, prohibiting him once to pass out of the realm. And my brother of Bedford with the help of the Duke of Burgoyne, I will shall rule and be Regent of the realm of France, john Duke of Bedford Regent of France. commanding him with fire & sword to persecute Charles calling himself Dolphin, to the intent either to bring him to reason & obeisance, or to drive and expel him out of the realm of France, admonishing you to loose no time, nor to spare no cost in recovering of that which to you now is offered. And finally whatsoever I have gotten, or you shall obtain, I charge you keep it, I command you to defend it, and I desire you to nourish it: For experience teacheth, that there is no less praise to be given to the keeper, then to the getter, for verily getting is a chance, but keeping is wisdom. The noble men present promised to observe his precepts, The death of king Henry the fift. and perform his desires: But their hearts were so pensive and so replenished with dolour, that no one without weeping could behold the other, and the next day following he ended his life in this world, being the last day of August .1422. This Prince was the noblest king that ever reigned over the realm of England, his famous prows and martial acts were such, The description of king Henry the fift. as beautified and glorified all this region: But when his death was known to the common people, no estate from the highest to the lowest, but cried out and lamented that most infortunate and untimely death. For he was beloved of all, and disdained nor hated of none, not not of his very enemies, who also spoke most honourably of him. But now as his death put great fear in the hearts of English men for the atchiving of the enterprise of the conquest of France: So the same did encourage the French enemies that they insured themselves to gain, and get again whatsoever before they had lost, as in deed in the sequel of this History it will to plainly appear. And the decease and sudden death of this noble Prince is by divers writers, diversly reported: some say he was poisoned, and to say truth, that might be so, for undoubtedly the French men, namely the dolphin, feared the utter overthrow and loss of his inheritance of the realm of France, as it was most like if God had given this Prince longer life, and therefore whatsoever the said dolphin could by any French practice do or attempt for his destruction, it was not left undone. Some other writ it was of a Palsy and a cramp: But other that seemeth herein to writ most near the truth, say that it was of a Plurisis, which at that time was so rare a sickness and so strange a disease, that the same to the most part of men was unknown, and Physicians being little acquainted therewith, knew no present remedy for the same. This king reigned ix years .v. months, and xxiiij days, & lived not, saith Hall, full xxxviij years, and Polidore saith he lived but xxxuj years. Of stature he was somewhat tall, more than the common sort. Of body he was slender, and somewhat leave, well membered, and strongly made, a goodly countenance, but somewhat long necked, black heard, stout of stomach, and eloquent of tongue, and in Martial affairs so valiant, as never was there any worthy of more praise for his travails and victories in so short tyme. The burial of King Henry the fift. His body being embalmed was conveyed with all funeral pomp from Boys de Vyncennes to Paris, and so to Rhoan, to Abbeuile, to Calais, to Dover, and so through London to Westminster, where among his noble progenitors he was interred. And shortly after this solemn burial, his sorrowful Queen returned into England, and kept her estate with the young king her son. henry the sixth. WHen certain knowledge of the death of king Henry the fift, was brought into England, than Thomas Duke of Excester, and Henry Bishop of Wynchester, brethren unto the king deceased, and Uncles unto the young Prince, calling together the other Lords of the counsel, did 'cause their young Nephew Prince Henry being then about the age of ix Months with sound of Trumpets openly to be proclaimed king of England, Henry the Prince proclaimed king Henry the uj & of France, the last day of August .1422. by the name of king Henry the sixth, to the great comfort and rejoicing of all the English Nation. Shortly after the Duke of Gloucester returned into England, and first of all he called all the Lords of the counsel and nobles of the realm, and declared unto them the last will and Testament of king Henry his brother, Humphrey Duke of Gloucester made protector of the realm of England. and what was his commandment: By reason whereof he was chosen and named Protector of the Realm of England. Which office when he had taken upon him, he forthwith joined unto him as counsellors the gravest, noblest, and wisest in the realm, and first took order for the stay of all things within this realm of England, and then with all speed provided for all things necessary for the war for the conquest of France, and appointed valiant and expert Captains that should be in a readiness when opportunity of time required. And besides this, he by all politic means, gathered great sums of money, and left nothing undone that should advance his pretended purpose. While these things were thus devised within the realm of England, the Duke of Bedford Regent of France, no less studied and took pain, to keep and order the countries and regions by king Henry late conquered and gained, and also determined not to leave of from daily war and continual travail till the time that Charles the dolphin (which was now a float, Charles the French king deceased. because king Charles his father in the month of October this present year, was departed to God,) were either subdued or brought to due obeisance. And surely the death of this king Charles caused many alterations and changes in the realm of France, for a great part of the nobility which then either for fear of the puissance of the English men, or for to please and follow the mind and appetite of Charles the French king, took part with king Henry against the Dolphin: Hearing now of the french king's death, returned from the English part and adjoined themselves to the company of the dolphin, and diligently studied how to vanquish and drive away the English nation out of the territory of France. The Duke of Bedford being greatly moved with these sudden changes, fortified his towns both with Garrisons and munitions, An exhortation made by the Duke of Bedford unto the French men that were under king Henry's obeisance. and assembled together a great army both of English men and Normans, to whom he made a long Oration, admonishing them to observe and keep their oath and faith (which they had made to the late king Henry and his heirs) inviolate and unbroken, willing them in no wise to be the occasioners or counsellors that young king Henry should be deprived from his father's lawful inheritance, by the hatred of certain Traitors Frenchmen, which had renewed the old hatred being of late extinct between the realms of England and of France, and studied to set all things again in a broil: requiring them also to call to their memory how that the realms of England & of France, the two most famous regions of all Europe, by the benefit of almighty God were of late so united, connexed, & joined together in an eternal league and composition, & so strongly established, that no worldly power were able or of puissance sufficient, to resist or withstand the malice of the same: And although sometimes by chance of war the loss might turn on their part, yet in conclusion the detriment should be recovered, and a surplusage gained. And if (according to their bounden duties) they would honour, serve and love young king Henry their sovereign Lord, and would diligently persecute and set on his enemies, they should not only show themselves true and faithful subjects to their true and undoubted king: But also should for their fidelity and good service receive of him condign rewards, over and besides immortal fame and renown. This exhortation stayed the hearts of many of the french Captains, which willingly swore to king Henry fealty and obedience, by whose example the commonalty did the same. Thus all the people set in an order in the realm of France, nothing was minded but war, and nothing was spoken of but conquest. The dolphin which lay at this time in the City of Poitiers hearing of the death of his parent, had his heart mixed both with joy and sorrow: for notwithstanding that he was sorrowful, as a natural child which lamented the death of his father, yet he was joyous that power and princely estate was now to him happened, by the which he judged that he should be the more able to defend his enemies and recover more friends: The dolphin proclaimed king of France by the name of Charles the seventh. and so calling together the princes of his faction, caused himself to be proclaimed king of France, by the name of Charles the vij And then being in good hope of recovering his patrimony and expelling his enemies, with a haute courage prepared war, and assembled together a great army, and first the war began by light skirmishes, but after it proceeded into main battles. The dolphin thinking not to make long delays in so great a cause, jest the power of his enemies might daily be augmented, sent the Lord Granuyle to the town of Pount Melance standing on the river of Seyne, Pount Melance taken by the french. which so suddenly came to the same, that he was on the walls or the soldiers within heard of his approach, and so he took the town, and slew a great number of the English soldiers. Thomas Montacute Earl of Salisbury. When the Regent of France was advertised of this sudden enterprise, he appointed the Lord Thomas Montacute Earl of Salisbury, a man both for his great policy and haute courage, more to be compared to the old valiant Romans, then to men of his days, accompanied with the Earl of Suffolk, the Lord Scales, the young Lord Pounynges, Sir john Fastolffe Master of the household with the said Lord Regent, and divers other to besiege the town of Pont Melance, Pount Melance recovered again by the English men. which after two Months was rendered to the said Earl: and the Lord of Granuile swore to be true to the king of England ever after that day, but shortly after he forgetting his oath, returned to his old Master again. The Earl of Salisbury appointed Sir Henry Mortimer, and sir Richard Vernon to be Captains of that town. And from thence departed into champaign, and there besieged the town of Sens, and took sir Guillam Maryn the Captain and siue all the Soldiers within the town, and made there Captains Sir Hugh Gedding, and Sir Richard Awbemond. The Parisians, which ever like the Wethercoke be variable and inconstant, perceiving that the dolphin daily began to have more aid and power, than he was before accustomed, trusting to return again under his obeisance and subjection (which they both wished and desired) to the intent that it should not appear to come of their desire, and that their faith and fidelity should not be put in the Balance of diffidence with the English nation, sent divers Senators of their City as Ambassadors to the king of England, desiring him of aid and succour, to whom not only great thanks were rendered for doing their duty of subjection, but also high feasts were made, and promises declared, that if they still continued in due obeisance, and were not adherent to the king's enemies, that neither succour should want, nor cost should be spared for their common comfort, and public utility. With which answer the company outwardly pleased (whatsoever they inwardly imagined) departed to Paris. Humffrey Duke of Gloucester merieth jaquet the wife of john Duke of Bra●ant. In this season Homfrey Duke of Gloucester either blinded with ambition or doting for love, married the Lady jaquet or Iacomin daughter and sole heir to William of Bavier Duke of Holland, which was lawful wife to john Duke of Brabant then living, which marriage chanced much to his dishonour. For surely the sweet taste of this pleasant marriage, brought after a sour sauce, both to the amorous husband, and to the wanton wife. For john Duke of Brabant, what with force, and what with spiritual compulsories, never left of till he had recovered his Lady out of the Duke of Gloucester's possession, as after you shall here. And in this present year the West gate of London, now called Newgate, which before was an ugly and filthy Dungeon, was now newly builded at the charges and expenses of Richard Whytingdon, late Alderman and major of London, by the hands of his Executors. These chances thus happening as you have heard, john Duke of Bedford, Philip Duke of Burgoyn, and john Duke of Britain, made an assemble and friendly interview in the City of Amias, where they renewed the old league and ancient amity made between the noble prince king Henry the fift, and them before concluded: adding thereto these conditions and agreements, each of them to be to other both friend and aider, and the enemy of the one to be enemy to the other, and all they to be both friends and aiders to the king of England, and well willing to his well willers, and avengers' of his adversaries. And because that affinity is an embracer of amity, there was concluded a marriage between the Duke of Bedford, and the Lady Anne sister to the Duke of Burgoyn. When these agrements were finished, the Duke of Bedford departed to Troy's in Champain, john Duke of Bedford marrieth Anne the Sister of the Duke of Burgoyn. whether with high pomp was conveyed the Lady Anne of Burgoyn, which in the presence of her brother and her Uncle Duke of Brabant, and of the Earls of Salisbury and Suffolk, and of nine hundred Lords, knights and Esquires, she was married to john Duke of Bedford, with such solemnity, feast and triumph, as before that time had not been seen of the Burgonions. During this triumph, the Parisians thinking to blind the eyes of the Duke of Bedford wrote to him, how divers Castles and fortresses lying round about their territory, were replenished with his enemies daily stopping their passages, and robbing their merchants, to their utter undoing, if they by his help were not relieved: fraudulently meaning, and falsely enticing him to absent himself from them, till their crafty conveyed purpose were compassed and achieved. For divers of them stubbornly bearing the yoke and subjection of the English nation, perceiving the Duke of Bedford and the principal Captains of the English men to be far from Paris, employing themselves to joy and solace, for the honour of this high marriage, conspired to bring into the City, Charles the dolphin, calling himself French king. And to the intent that their invented purpose should succeed, they thereof advertised the dolphin and his counsel, appointing the day of his coming, and the time of his entry. But the Duke of Bedford was informed of all their secret confederacy and seditious faction, wherefore he meaning not to loose in short time that which in no small space was gained, put spurs to the horse, and with a great power entered into Paris one day before the fair was appointed, and two nights before the looking for of his enemies, who being unprovided, he suddenly caused to be apprehended and taken, and openly put to execution. After this jeopardy thus escaped, he put diffidence in all the Parisians, trusting little the Nobles, and giving less credit to the commons, determined to fortify the garrisons of his own nation, and all the Castles near and adjoining to the City, which within small time were abundantly furnished. And to avoid all night watchers adjoining to Paris, and the confines of the fame, he first took into his possession, either by assault or composition the town of Trayneil and Bray upon Seyne, and because two Castles the one called Pacy, and the other called Cursay were also evil neighbours to the Parisians, he sent Sir john Fastolffe great master of his household, with a notable army to besiege the Castle of Pacy, which taking upon him that enterprise, so handled his enemies, that the Capitayne named Guyllam Reymon Esquire, and all the garrison yielded them simply to his mercy and discretion, whom he sent as prisoners to the City of Paris, and after besieged the Castle of Coursay, which to him was shortly rendered upon like appointment, and so with pray and prisoners he returned to the Lord of Bedford his Master. In this very season the dolphin sent Lord William Stuard, Constable of Scotland, and the Earl of Ventadore in Auvergne, and many other nobles of his part, to lay siege to the town of Crauant, in the County of Auxerre within the parts of Burgoyn, whereof hearing the Lord Regent, and the Duke of Burgoyn, they assembled a great army, to the number of xu thousand, whereof the Earl of Salisbury was ordained Captain, which came in good array to give battle to the besiegers of the town of Crauant, The battle of Crauant. and because the river of Youne which runneth by the said town, was between the English army and their adversaries, they could not well assail their enemies, which defended the banks and passages very strongly, yet notwithstanding both horsemen and footmen of the English part, courageously put themselves into the river, and with found force recovered the bank, whom the Burgonious incontinent followed. When they were all gotten into the plain, the Archers shot, and the Billmen struck, and long was the fight in indifferent judgement, but in conclusion the French men not able to resist the force nor puissance of the English Nation, were taken, either slain or discomfited, for in that mortal battle were slain and taken to the number of eight thousand men, whereof was slain of English men xxj C. After this fortunate victory obtained, the English men entered into the town of Crauant, much praising the doings of the captains, and the fidelity of the Citizens, and when they had set all things in an order, they returned to Paris, where of the Regent they were joyously received, which there constituted the Earl of Sarisbury (as he was well worthy) Vicegerent and Lieutenant for the king and him in the Countries of France, Bry, and Champain, and Sir john Fastolfe he substituted Deputy under him in the Duchy of Normandy on this side the river of Seyne, and with that he deputed him governor of the Countries of Anjou and Maine, and assigned able Captains in every hold and fortress. The Earl of Sarisbury which could not sleep in his great office of trust, laid siege to the town and Castle of Mountaguilon in Brie, whereof were captains, Pregent of Colyny, and Guille Bourgoys Britons, which valiantly defended the Castle by the space of five months, but in conclusion the assailants were so fierce that they within for safeguard of their lives rendered the hold, and the captains swore never to bear armure against the English men on this side the river of Leyre: during which siege, the Earl of Suffolk took by force the Castle of Coucy: and the strong Castle de la Roche he got by appointment in Mosconoys. james king of Scots being prisoner was released & sent home. Now must I go back to put you in memory how james king of Scots, being both prisoner in the time of king Henry the fourth, and also as subject to king henry the fift his son, serving him in his wars in France till he departed out of this transitory life at Boys de Vincens, and so as chief Mourner attended on the Corpse of the said deceased king, unto his burial, and after at Westminster was released of his Captivity, and restored to his realm and possession. For the true knowledge thereof, you shall understand that England demanded a small ransom for so great a prince, as the Scots account their king (and the Scots were neither able, nor offered no some convenient) wherefore the counsel of the realm of England gravously pondered, and wisely considered, that if by conjunction of marriage, England and Scotland were perfectly ●●●t in one, that the indissoluble hand of amity between the French and Scottish Nations should be shortly broken and dissolved. james king of Scots married jane the daughter of john earl of Somerset. Wherefore the protector of the realm of England by the consent of the whole Baronage of the same, gave to him in marriage the Lady jane, daughter to john earl of Somerset deceased, not only sister to john then Duke of Somerset, but also Cousin removed to the King, and Niece to the Cardinal of Winchester, and the Duke of Exeter. The King of Scots having a great affection to this fair Lady, but much more desiring his deliverance and liberty, put in hostages for the residue of his ransom, because a great part thereof was diminished and abated for the money allowed to him for his marriage, and so was delivered to departed at his pleasure. Alack, the old proverbs be to true: an Ape although she be clothed in purple, will be but an Ape, and a Scot never so gently entertained of an English prince, will be but a dissembling Scot What kindness could be more showed to a prisoner, then to bring him up in good literature? what love may be more declared to a captive, then to instruct him in martial feats, and warlike affairs? what favour can be more ascribed to a high and renowned prince, then to give in marriage to his underling and vassal, his Cossyn and kinswoman of his royal parentage lawfully descended. All these kindnesses sufficed not, nor all these gratuities availed not to make this king james friendly to the realm of England. For he notwithstanding his homage done to the young Henry king of England, and of France, at his Castle of Windsor this present year, before three Dukes, two Archbishops twelve Earls ten Bishops twenty Barons, and two. C. knights and esquires and more, according to the tenor hereafter following. ¶ I james Stuart king of Scots, The homage of the king of Scots. shall be true and faithful unto you Lord Henry, by the grace of God king of England and France, the noble and superior Lord of the Kingdom of Scotland, and unto you I make my fidelity for the same kingdom of Scotland, which I hold and claim to hold of you, and I shall bear you my faith and fidelity of life and limb, and worldly honour against all men, and faithfully I shall knowledge, and shall do to you service due to the kingdom of Scotland aforesaid. So God help me and these holy Evangelists. Neither regarding his oath, nor esteeming the great abundance of plate and riches, to him by the mother and uncles of his wife liberally given; and friendly delivered (of which sort of richesses few or none before that day were ever seen in the Country of Scotland) like a dog which hath cast up his stomach and returneth to his vomit, or like a snake which after his engendering with a Lampray, taketh again his old poison: After he had once taken the air, and smelled the sent of the Scottish soil, became like his fraudulent forefathers, an untrue Prince, and like his proud progenitors took the image of a bragging and boasting Scot, newly allied himself with the French Nation. And yet whatsoever he did, his Nation both writ and testify, that by the learning which he by the great benefit of the kings of England during his Captivity in this realm had obtained, replenished his Country with good literature, and by the nurture the which he was brought up in England, he brought his people to civility: So that his captivity was to his Nation the greatest liberty that ever they could have, delivering them from blind ignorance, to excellent knowledge, reducing them from bestial manners; to honest behaviour, and in conclusion causing them to know virtue from vice, policy from rudeness, and humane honesty from wild and beastly living. This was the deliverance and the doings of james the first of that name king of Scots, which neither reigned very quietly, nor yet ever favoured English men before the French people: saving that he having with him into his country a young Gentleman of Northumberland called Andrew Grace (which during his captivity was his companion) promoted him to the marriage of the heir of the Lord of Fowls in Anguis, of the which the Lord Gray's of Scotland at this day do descend. Now to return to the affairs of England. The Duke of Gloucester being Protector and Governor of the realm, called to him the peers and nobility of the realm, and by their agreements & devices sent into France to the Regent his brother ten thousand men of war, which were of the same Regent in the Country of Paris lovingly received, and according to their degrees honestly entertained. During their lying in Paris, divers chances happened in France, for even as Englishmen valiantly won, and victoriously conquered towns and Castles with open war and apparent conquest: so the frenchmen fraudulently stale, and coversly obtained diverse fortresses and holds, appertaining to the English faction, and in especial the fair town of champaign, and the pretty town of Crotoy. When the Duke of Bedford was advertised of these crafty tricks and sudden invented trains, he sent forth an army, first to ccompany, whereof was captain the Earl of Suffolk, accompanied with the Earl of Ligny, and diverse other Captains of the English men, which lay on the one side of the river of Somme, and on the otherside lay the Lord Lisleadam, sir Thomas Raupstone, and the provost of Paris. The Frenchmen being strongly furnished and well victualled, courageously defended the town against the assailants. The Englishmen perceiving that Guillam Remond otherwise called Mariolayn, had been the leader of the Soldiers within the town which before at Paris was taken prisoner by sir john Fastolfe, caused him to be sent for to Paris, and so brought him to the siege, and set him in a Chariot with a Halter about his neck, and conveyed him to the Gibbet without the town, sending word to the garrison within the town, that if they would not without delay tender the town and fortress, they would incontinent strangle their old captain and chief conductor. The Soldiers within the town perceiving that if Guillam Raymond the only trust of their relief, and the ancient friend in their necessity should suffer death, that then their hope of all aid were extinguished: and therefore for deliverance of him and safeguard of themselves, they yielded the town: so that both he and they might departed with horse and harness only, in sure conduit and safety: yet long or the town of ccompany was delivered, Sir Philip Hall, which was sent to Crotoy by the Lord Regent, with eight hundredth men to besiege the town, got it by assault suddenly, or the Frenchmen had either disposed their garrison, or appointed their lodgings, and took all the men of war, & put them to ransom. And so these two towns cowardly stolen, were manfully recovered, but yet the writers of French fables that do deface the glory of the Englishmen, writ & say that these towns were yielded to the Burgonians, which neither had the keeping of them, nor were soldiers to any other person but to the king of England. While these things were thus doing in France, Sir john de la Pole, brother to the Earl of Suffolk, captain of Auranches in Normandy, assembled all the garrisons of the base Marches of the Country of Anjou, and came before the City of Angiers, and brent the suburbs, spoiled and destroyed the whole Country, and having as many prays and prisoners as his men might carry, he was encountered by the Earl of Aubmerle, the Vicont Nerbone, and six thousand Frenchmen: which finding the Englishmen out of array because of the carriage of their great spoil, suddenly set on them, and slew three hundredth persons, and took prisoners the said Sir john delapoole, Sir john Basset, john Auford Lieutenant of Faloys, john Clifton, Henry Mortimer, and six hundredth other. Although the French men gate this day in one place, yet they went not victors away in another, for the Bastard de la Balm, and the Lord Craignax Captains of Courrallon with a great band, made a road into Masconnoys, with whom by chance met Matthew Gough, and other Englishmen which were scouring the Country, to see and here news of their enemies, there was a sore conflict, and an hard encounter, the parts in manner being of courage and number equal, but after long fight, the French men almost all were slain and taken, and the Bastard being well horsed fled, after whom followed with the fierceness of his spurs Mathewe Gough, and chased him to his Castle gate, and there took him as he would have hid him in the ditch, and presented him to the Earl of Sarisbury, returning from ccompany to Paris, which not only gave to him the rights belonging to the prisoner, but also rewarded him with a goodly Courser, and highly exalted his name and manhood. About this season, Arthur brother to john Duke of Briteyn commonly called the Earl of Richemond, having neither profit of the name nor of the Country, notwithstanding that king Henry the fift had created him Earl of Yury in Normandy, and gave him not only a great pension, but the same town of Yury: yet because his brother the Duke of Briteyne fearing the Englishmen now having Normandy, would smell and desire to taste the sweet soil of Briteyn, was late (contrary to his league and oath) returned to the part of Charles the dolphin, he likewise returned and craftily without cause fled into Flaundyrs, and so came to the dolphin to Poitiers, which was more glad of his coming then if he had gained a C.M. crowns, for the Britons which kept the town and Castle of Yury, hearing that their master was joined with the dolphin, both kept the Castle against the Duke of Bedford, furnishing it daily with new people and munitions, and also vexed, spoiled, and rob the Country adjoining, doing to the Englishmen the most hurt and Damage that could be devised or imagined. The Lord Regent being advertised of all these troubles and calamities, assembled a great army both of English men and Normans, intending to search the Dolphin in every part, to the intent to give him battle in a pitched field, and so to make a final end of his intended conquest. So having in his company of Earls, knights and esquires to the number (as the French writers testify) of xviij hundred men of arms, and eight thousand Archers and other, came before the town of Yury, which was well defended: but the English men began to undermine the walls, so that they within were glad to tender the town upon condition, which was taken. Howbeit the Captains of the Castle promised to yield, if their fortress were not rescued at a day assigned by the dolphin, with a number sufficient to raise the siege, and upon this promise hostages were delivered into the possession of the Lord Regent. By his licence an Herald was sent to the dolphin, to advertise him of the time determined, the which hearing of the distress that his people and friends were in, sent incontinent john Duke of Alencon his Lieutenant general, the Earl Douglas whom at that setting forth he made Duke of Torayne, and the Earl Boughan, whom then in hope of good speed, he made Constable of France (which office he enjoyed not fully an hundred hours,) and the Earls of Aumarle, Vantadoure, Tonnerre, Maulieurier, Forest, the viscounts of Narbon and Thouars, the Lords of Granuyle, Gauls, Malycorne, many, Ballay, Fountains, Mountfort, and many other noble knights and esquires, to the number of xu M. French men and Britons, and .v. M. Scots, whom the Earls of Douglas had transported late out of Scotland, more for meed then for love. This army royal approached within two Miles of Yury, and sent xl light horesemen to view and espy both the number and conduit of the English men. These spies came very near to the siege, and were espied and chased to their companions again, and declared all what they had seen and perceived. The Duke of Alencon seeing that he could not get any advantage of the English men, (although the dolphin had given him in strait commandment to fight with the Regent) whether his heart failed or he thought to wait a more fortunate season for his purpose and enterprise, retired back with his whole army to the town of Vernoyle in perch, which belonged to the king of England, and sent word to the garrison of that town, that they had discomfited and slain all the English army, and that the Regent with a small number, by swiftness of his horse had saved himself. The inhabitants of Vernoyle giving to light credence to the French fablers, received the Duke of Alencon with all his army into the town, and submitted themselves to him, which town he desired to have of the gift of the dolphin as his own inheritance and lawful patrimony. Now approached the day of rescous of Yury, which was the day of our Lady the Assumption, at which day, no rescous appeared to sir Gerrard de la Pallier Captain of the Castle, which being in despair of all aid and comfort, presented the keys to the Duke of Bedford, and showed him a letter signed and sealed with the hands of xviij great Lords, which the day before promised to give the Duke battle, and to dissolve the siege and raise the assault: well said the Duke, if their hearts would have served, their puissance was sufficient once to have proffered, or to have performed this faithful promise. But sith they disdain to seek me, God and saint George willing I shall not desist to follow the tracts of their horses till one part of us be battle overthrown: and so he gave a safe conduit to the Capitayne and other which would depart, but many of the Britons within the Castle of Yury, seeing the faint hearts, and the false promises of the flattering French men, submitted themselves to the Lord Regent, and swore to be true to the king and him, whom he gently accepted, and put them in wages. Then he furnished the Castle and town with a new garrison, and incontinent he sent the Earl of Suffolk with six hundred horses, to espy where the French men were lodged, which passed by Dampevile, and came to Bremel, where he heard news that the French men had taken Vernoile in perch, and were there yet abiding, whereof with all diligent celerity, he sent word to the Duke of Bedford, which not minding to lose his long desired prey, set forward in great haste toward their enemies. The battle of Vernoyle. The French men hearing of his coming, set their people in array, & made all one main battle without forward or rearward, and appointed certain Lumbards' and horsemen to break the array of the English men either behind, or at the sides, whereof was Capitayne Sir Stephyn Venoyles, called the hire. The Duke of Bedford, not ignorant how to order his men, made likewise an entire battle, and suffered no man to be on horseback, and set the archers (every one having a sharp stake) both in the front of the battle, and on the sides like wings, and behind the battle were the pages with the chariots and carriages, and all the horses were tied together either with the reins of their bridles or by the tails, to the intent that their enemies should not suddenly surprise or disturb them on the back behind: and for to defend the carriages were appointed two thousand archers. The french men at the first sight remembering how often times in pitched fields they had been overcome and vanquished of the English nation, began somewhat to fear, but when they saw no remedy but to fight, they took good courage to them, and set softly forward. In which marching the Duke of Alaunson, sitting on horseback, did with many good words encourage his Captains and Soldiers to the battle. And in like manner the Duke of Bedford encouraged his people, and forthwith they gave the onset upon their enemies, crying, Saint George, Bedford. And the French men likewise cried, Mount joy, saint Devise. Then the arrows flew out of the long bows on the one part, the quarrels out of the Cross bows on the other part. After they came to hand strokes: great was the fight, and terrible was the battle, with so indifferent judgement of victory, that no Herald could determine to which part Fortune most showed her loving countenance. For on both sides men were slain and wounded, and on both parts some were felled and recovered, thus still in a doubtful judgement the battle continued about three hours. The Duke of Alaunson in the mean season never ceased to exhort and pray his people manly to fight, and not to suffer their enemies, (which were at the very point to be overcome) by their faint hearts to be victors, and overcomers. Likewise the Duke of Bedford road about his army, refreshing the weak with fresh men, and encouraging his people with most pleasant words: But at the last, when he perceived the Frenchmen, what with heat, and with travail, to wax weary and faint, and not to be so fresh as they were before (for surely the nature of the Frenchmen is not to labour long in fight, and much more braggeth than fighteth) he with all his strength set incontinent on them with such a violence, that they bore them down to the ground by fine force. The french horsemen that day did little service: for the archers so galled their horses, that they desired not much to appproch their presence. This battle was fought the xxvij day of August, in the year of our Lord .1425. in the which battle were slain. Of French men. The Earl of Aumerle. The Earl of Ventadore. The Earl of Forestes. The Earl of Mary. The Lord Granuile. The Lord Gauls. The Lord Fountains. The Lord of Amboys. The Viscount Thouars. The Lord Mounteny. The Lord of Combreste. The Lord of Brunell. The Lord Tumblet. The Lord of Poysy, and three hundred knights beside. Th' Viscount Nerbon whose body was hanged on a Gibbet, because he was one of of the murderers of the Duke of Burgoyne. Of Scots also were slain. Archibald earl Douglas made Duke of Toroyne. james Douglas his Son Earl of Nigton. john the Earl of Boughem newly made Constable of France. Sir Alexandre Meldrine. Sir Henry Balglavie. Sir john Sterling. Sir William of Homelsdone. Sir james Grace. Sir Robert Kanden. Sir Alexander Lynsaie. Sir Robert Steward. Sir Robert Swinton. And xxuj hundred Scots of name and arms, besides other. A great victory. In this battle were slain by report of Monjoy king at arms in France, and the English Heralds there present, of French men and Scots ix thousand and seven hundred, and of the English men xxj C. but no man of name, saving five young esquires. And there were taken prisoners, john Duke of Alaunson, the Bastard of Alaunson, the Lord of Fayect, the Lord of Hormit, Sir Piers Harrison, Sir Joys de Vancorte, Sir Robert Brusset, Sir john Turnbull a Scot, and two hundred Gentlemen, besides common Soldiers. After that the Duke of Bedford had thus obtained the upper hand of his enemies, and discomfited the only strength of the dolphin. Then he commanded all the Frenchmen within the town of Vernoyle, to go out and departed, or else to abide their adventure. They perceiving the evil success of their boasting enterprise, and seeing no mean, whereby in so low an ebb they might be aided, delivered up the town, and went forth out of the same, their lives saved. Of which town the Lord Regent constituted Captain sir Philip Hall, and so departed from thence to the City of Rouen, where with triumph (and not unworthy) he was joyously received and honourably feasted. And after all things there set in an order, he removed to Paris. When this victory was published through France: The dolphin was driven out of all the Countries appertaining to the crown of France, and might resort to no Countries except to Burbonoys, Aluerne, Berry, Poyctou, Towrain, a part of Anjou, and Barren, and Languedoc. And because diverse of his friends, which were advocates in Paris, exiled themselves from the Parliament of Paris, which was with all rights, and jurisdictions thereunto belonging, kept, and holden in the name of king Henry the sixth, as lawful heir, and very king of the realm of France: he therefore to show himself as a king, erected his court of parliament, his Chancery, and all other Courts in the City of Poitiers, and there established his great seal, with all due circumstances thereunto appertaining, which there continued by the space of xiiij years, as you shall after here declared. The Duke of Bedford lying at Paris, intending there to bring to obeisance Charles the Dolphin, or else to drive him out of his little coney holes, and small countries, sent the Lord Scales, Sir john Montgomerey, Sir john Fastolf, with two thousand men, to conquer the Countries of Anjou and Maine, which without assault had rendered to them the strong Castles of Beamout le Vicout, Ten, Silly, Osle, Courceriers, Roussy, Vasse, Covetemenant, and twenty other, which for prolixity of time, I think necessary to be omitted. For surely the English puissance was so tried, proved, assayed, and spread abroad throughout all France, that the frenchmen thought that in conclusion the Englishmen would have, or should have all things, which they either wished or enterprised. The Duke of Bedford yet thirsting after more good fortune, sent the Earl of Sarisbury, with a great army accompanied with the Lord Scales, and other approved captains, (whose names you have heard before) into the Country of Anjou and Maine, which were evil neighbours to the Duchy of Normandy: In which army were ten thousand men of war, or there about. These lusty captains entered first into the Country of Maine, Mauns besieged. and besieged the rich and strong City of Mauns, the chief town and empery of all that Country and region. And although the Citizens, aswell for the sudden access of their enemies, as for the fear of the name of the Earl of Sarisbury (which was both dread of his enemies, and honoured of his friends) were somewhat amazed and astomed: Yet their captains named sir Baldwyn of champaign Lord of Toi●●, Sir Guilliam de Marignie, and Sir Hugh de Goos, studied and invented all ways possible how to defend themselves, and to do damage and harm to their enemies: and surely, they had within the town a crow and a company of warlike and practised soldiers. The Englishmen approached as nigh to the walls as they might without their loss and detriment, and shot against their walls great stones out of great Goonnes (which kind of engines before that time, was very little seen or heard of in France,) the strokes whereof so shaked, crushed and rived the walls, that within few days, the City was despoiled of all her towers and outward defences. The Citizens of Mauns much marveling at these new organs, both seeing their destruction imminent, and desperate of all aid and succour, offered the town upon this condition: that all persons which would tarry within the town might abide, and all that would departed with horse and harness only, should be permitted: which offers were accepted, and the town tendered, whereof the Earl made captain the Earl of Suffolk, and his Lieutenant Sir john Fastolfe. Saint Susan besieged and taken. After this the said Earl of Sarisbury besieged the fair town of Saint Susan, whereof was captain, Ambrose de Lore, a man of no less audacity than policy, accompanied with a great number of hardy men of war. When the Earl of Sarisburie had both viewed and seen the situation and nature of the place, he determined to assault it in that place which was most weak and worn: and so the trumpets blewe to the assault and scaling Ladders were raised to the Walls, and the English men with great noise began to climb and ascend. The Soldiers which durst not come out of the town to encounter with the English army, manfully ran to the walls to resist and defend the assailants. And so all that day the assault with many adventures still continued, and although the inhabitants and Citizens were sore wounded, they never left off both to defend themselves, and to annoyed and hurt their enemies. When the Earl perceived that by this light assault and sleight skirmish he lost somewhat, and gained nothing, he made a wall, and cast a trench round about the town: and caused his great ordinance to be shot at that part of the wall which was most feeble and slender, and so daily and nightly he never ceased to beat, and break down the Wall and Towers: so that within two days the most part of the wall was pierced and cast down to the ground. When the captain perceived these new feats, he began to entreat, and offered for himself and his soldiers, two thousand crowns, so that they might departed in their doblets only, so their lives were saved (which some of money) because Winter approached: was taken, and the town yielded. Of the which town he made captain Sir john Popham, a valiant and a circumspect knight. After that, the said Earl besieged the town and Castle of Mayon le juhez, Mayon and the Castle yielded. wherein was Captain the Lord of Escotaiz: Which town after the space of five weeks was yielded (the lives of the defenders only saved.) To the keeping whereof he appointed Sir john Montgomery knight. And after the feast of the Purification of our Lady, he besieged the Castle de lafort Barnard: During which Siege, a sale was made of the town of Alencon being in the English men's possession by a Gascoigne and one of the Garrison there, for four hundredth crowns, to Charles de Villiers, Peter le Beuffe, and other french captains. When the day was appointed of the deliverance both of the town and the money, the Gascoigne opened and discovered the whole agreement to the Earl of Sarisbury: which ordained the Lord Willoughby, and Sir john Fastolfe with two thousand Englishmen to encounter with the buyers of the kings town of Alencon. At the day appointed and time assigned, Charles de Villiers chief Merchant of this rich enterprise, early in the morning with two hundredth horsemen, and three hundredth footmen approached near the town, and abiding for the Gascoigne, he there displayed his banner, thinking triumphantly to enter into the town: but it happened otherwise. For or they were ware, or suspected any rescues, they were environed with the English army, and slain and taken every creature, sa●e Peter Danthenazy, and xxv other, which by the swiftness of their horses saved themselves. After this conflict ended, the Lord Willoughby with his company returned to the Earl of Sarisbury, before the town le fort Barnard: the Captains whereof considering that there was no hope of succour to be sent to them, The town of sort Barnard yielded. and that their victual diminished, and that they were not long able to abide the hard assaults of the English Nation, rendered the town and Castle, reserving to them their horse and harness only, which town the Earl received to the use of the king: But the Regent for the valiant service done by the Earl, gave the same Town to him and to his heirs for ever. Besides this, the Earl partly by assault, partly by compositon, took divers other towns, as Saint Kales, where he made Captain Richard Gethyne Esquire. Thanceaux Lermitage, where he made governor Matthew Gough, Guerland, of the which he assigned ruler, john Banaster, Malicorne, whereof he made captain, William Glasdale Esquire, Lisle Soubz Boulton, whereof he made captain sir Lancelot Lisle knight, Lowpelland, whereof was made captain, Henry Brauche, Mountseur, A marvelous conquest suddenly obtained and as suddenly lost. of the which was made Constable, sir William Oldehall knight, lafoy Susze, was assigned to the keeping of john Suffolk squire, and beside this, above xl Cavels and piles were overthrown and destroyed. When the fame and report of these news were blown through France, some feated, some feared, and some raged for anger: But the verity of all things being by the Duke of Bedford declared into England, all men rejoiced and were very glad: not only for the conquest of so many towns, but also that God had sent them victory in a pitched field, and in a mortal battle. Wherefore general processions were commanded, to tender to God almighty humble and hearty thanks, by whose only gift, and not by the power of man, these notable victories were gotten and achieved. A parliament. It is not convenient that I should talk so much of France, and omit all things done in England: Wherefore, you shall understand, that about Easter this year, the King called his high Court of Parliament, at his town of Westminster, and coming to the Parliament house, he was conveyed through the City upon a great Courser with great triumph, which child was judged of all men, not only to have the very Image, the lively portraiture, and lovely countenance of his noble parent and famous father, but also like to succeed, and be his heir in all moral virtues, martial policies, and Princely feats, as he was undoubted inheritor to his realms, This is the custom which we now pay, called Tonnage and poundage. seigmories and dominions. In which Parliament was granted to the king a subsidy of twelve pence of the pound, towards the maintenance of the wars, of all merchandise coming into this realm, or going out of the same, and three shillings of every Ton of wine, besides other sums set on other liquor, for the term of three years, & likewise was taxed every sack of wool, aswell of English men, as of strangers. During which parliament, Peter Duke of Quimber. came to London Peter Duke of Quimber, son to the king of Portugal, & Cozen German removed to the king, which of the Duke of Exeter and the Bishop of Winchester his Uncles, was highly feasted, and liberally rewarded, and was elected into the noble order of the Garter. During which season, Edmonde Mortimer earl of March deceased without issue. Edmond Mortimer, the last Earl of March of that name (which long time had been restrained from his liberty, and finally waxed lame) deceased without issue, whose inheritance descended to Lord Richard Plantagenet, son and heir to Richard earl of Cambridge, beheaded, as you have heard before, at the town of Southampton. Which Richard within less than xxx years, as heir to this Earl Edmond, in open Parliament claimed the crown and sceptre of this Realm, as hereafter shall more manifestly appear. In the time of wihch Parliament also, whether it were, either for desert or malice, or to avoid things that might chance, according to a proverb, which sayeth, Sir Roger Mort●mer put to death. a dead man doth no harm. Sir Roger Mortimer, cossyn to the said Earl, was attainted of treason and put to execution: of whose death no small slander arose among the common people. After all these acts done in England, and in France, Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, with the Lady jaquet his supposed wife, passed the sea, and came to Mons in Henawde, and there by force took all such lands, as john Duke of Brabant her first husband had in possession of the said Lady jaquet, which doing philip Duke of Burgoyn, being great friend to the Duke of Brabant, much disdained, and more frowned at, and thought for the old love and familiarity, that he bore to the Duke of Gloucester, that he would by friendly monition, turn him from his unhonest and ungodly life, to a reasonable reformation, and brotherly conformity. Wherefore he wrote lovingly unto him, that he should utterly leave of any further to follow the new attempted enterprise, advertising him and protesting openly, that the usurping and wrongful withholding of an other man's possession, was not so vile and slanderous, as the defile of a pure and clean bed, and adulterously keeping the wife of his Christian brother. The Duke of Gloucester being in this case very wilful, either blinded with dotage, or inflamed with covetousness of his wife's possessions, regarding neither the admonishment of the Duke of Brabant, nor yet the godly advertisement of the Duke of Burgoyne, swore that he would not leave of to make farther war, till he had expulsed the Duke of Brabant, out of his wife's signories, territories and dominions. Wherefore the Duke of Burgoyn assembled together a great army to make war on the Duke of Gloucester, in the cause and quarrel of the Duke of Brabant his friend and Cousin. The Duke of Gloucester, partly for great affairs, that then were imminent in the realm of England, and partly to assemble more people, to resist and withstand the power of the Dukes of Burgoyn and Brabant, let his wife at Mons in Henaude, with the Lords of the town, which swore to him, to defend and keep her against all men, till the time of his return. Wherefore he leaving with her two thousand English men, departed to Calais, and so into England. When he was gone, the Duke of Burgoyne so threatened, so vexed, yea, and almost so famished them within the town of Mons, that they delivered into his possession the Lady jaquet or jacomyne: which incontinent sent her to Gaunt, where she disguised herself in a man's apparel, and so escaped into a town of her own in Zealand, called Zirice, and from thence she was conveyed to a town in Holland, called Tergowe, where she was honourably received, and there made herself strong to withstand her enemies: And for her secure the Duke of Gloucester sent to her five hundred men. The Dukes of Burgoyn and Brabant left her not all in quiet, but brent her towns in Holland, and slew her people in Zelande, to her great detriment and displeasure. But in conclusion, this matter was brought before Martin the fift Bishop of Rome: which adjudged the first matrimony with Duke john of Brabant, to be good and effectual, and the second Espousal celebrated with Duke Humphrey of Gloucester, to be of no value, force or effect, and that if the Duke of Brabant died, it should not be lawful to the Duke of Gloucester, to marry again with the Lady jaquet. The Duke of Gloucester obeying to this sentence, began to wax loath of his supposed wife, by whom he never had profit but loss: for whose cause his friends became his enemies, and for whose sake he was openly slandered. Wherefore he, by wanton affection blinded, took to his wife Elinor Cobham daughter to the Lord Cobham, of Sterberow, which before (as the fame went) was his sovereign Lady and paramour, to his great slander and reproach. And if he were unquieted with his other pretenced wife, truly he was ten times more vexed, by occasion of this woman, as you shall hereafter plainly perceive: So that he began his marriage with evil, and ended it with worse. The Lady jaquet after the death of john Duke of Brabant, married a gentleman of mean estate, called Frank of Bursellen, for the which cause the Duke of Burgoyne imprisoned her husband, and left her in great trouble: such was the end of these two marriages. A little before this time, Sir Thomas Rampstone, sir Philip Branch, Sir Nicholas Burdet, and other English men, to the number of five hundred, repaired and fortified the town of Saint james de Leitron, on the frontiers of Normandy, adjoining to Britain. Arthur Earl of Richemond and Yury brother to the Duke of Britain, which like an untrue Gentleman, sworn and forsworn to the king of England, suddenly fled to Charles the dolphin: which much rejoicing of his favour and amity, gave to him the Constableship of France, which the Earl of Boughan slain before at Vernoyl, a small time occupied, and less space enjoyed. This new Constable not a little joyful of his high office, thought to do some pleasure to the dolphin his Master, and to advance his name at the first entry into his authority, he imagined no enterprise to be to him more honourable, nor to his prince more acceptable, then to avoid and drive out of the town of Saint james de Beveon, all the English nation. So in hope of victory he gathered together above xl M. men, of Britons, Frenchmen and Scots, and environed the town of Saint james, or Saint jaques de Beuron, with a strong siege. The English men within, which in number passed not six hundred men, manfully defended the daily assaults of the fierce french men. The English men consulted together what way was best to be taken: and after long debating, they determined to issue out of the town, and to fight with their enemies. So on a day, when the Britons were wearied with a long assault, towards the evening the English men came out of the town one part by the postern of the Castle, and another part by the gate of the town, crying saint George Salisbury: and set on their enemies both before and behind. The French men seeing the courage of the English men, and hearing their cry, A great victory happened to the English men. thinking that the Earl of Salisbury was come to raise the siege, ran away like sheep, and there were taken slain and drowned in the water of them four thousand men and more. Besides this, these jolly gallants left behind them for haste, all their tents xiiij great Gonnes, and xl Barrels of powder, three hundred pipes of Wine, two hundred pipes of Biscuit and flower, two hundred frails of Figs and Reasons, and five hundred Barels of Hearing. The French men (being thus vanquished) fell in division amongst themselves: the one laying to the charge of the other the loss of their men, and the cause of their flying. Such is ever the chance of the war, the when victory is obtained, the most coward and faint hearted boy will boast and brag, and when the battle is lost, the fault is assigned to the best, and not to the worst. The new Constable was sore dismayed and much ashamed of this discomfiture and shameful flight, but there was no remedy but patience: But to the intent to blot out and deface this shameful flying with a notable victory, he with a great army entered into the Country of anjou, and brent, spoiled and destroyed two or three at the most, little poor thatched Villages: which small act done, his malice was quenched, and his old grief (as he thought) victoriously revenged. In this season fell a great division in the realm of England, which of a sparkle was like to grow to a great slain: A variance between the Duke of Gloucester, and the Bishop of winchester. For whether the Bishop of Winchester called Henry Beaufort, son to john Duke of Lancaster, by his third wife, envied the authority of Humphrey Duke of Gloucester protector of the realm, or whether the Duke had taken disdain at the riches and pompous estate of the Bishop, sure it is that the whole realm was troubled with them and their part takers: so that the Citizens of London fearing that which might ensue upon the matter, were fain to keep daily and nightly watches, as though their enemies were at hand to besiege and destroy them: In so much that all the shops within the City of London were shut in for fear of the favourers of these two great personages, for each part had assembled no small number of people. For pacyfiing whereof, the archbishop of Cauntorburie, and the Duke of Quymber, called the prince of Portyngale, road eight times in one day between the two adversaries, and so the matter was stayed for that time. The Bishop of Winchester not content with his Nephew the Lord Protector, sent a letter to the Regent of France, the tenor whereof ensueth. RIght high and mighty prince, and my right noble, and after one, levest Lord, I recommend me unto you with all my heart. And as you desire the welfare of the king our sovereigning Lord, and of his realms of England and France, and your own health and ours also, so hast you hither. For by my truth, if you tarry, we shall put this land in adventure with a Field, such a Brother you have here, God make him a good man. For your wisdom knoweth, that the profit of France standeth in the welfare of England. etc. Written in great haste on Alhallow even. By your true servant to my lives end. Henry Winchester. The Duke of Bedford being sore grieved and unquieted with these news, constituted the Earl of Warwick, which was lately come into France with six thousand men, his Lieutenant in the French dominions, and in the Duchy of Normandy, and so with a small company, he with the Duchess his wife, returned again over the Seas into England, and the ten day of january, he was with all solemnity received into London, to whom the Citizens gave a pair of Basynnes of silver and guilt, and a thousand Mark in money: and from London he road to Westminster, and was lodged in the kings palace. The xxv day of March after his coming to London, A parliament holden at Leycester. a Parliament began at the town of Leicester, where the Duke of Bedford openly rebuked the Lords in general, because that they in the time of war, through their privy malice and inward grudge, had almost moved the people to war and commotion, in which time all men aught or should be of one mind, heart and consent: requiring them to defend, serve and dread their sovereign Lord king Henry, in performing his conquest in France, which was in manner brought to conclusion. In this Parliament the Duke of Gloucester laid certain articles to the Bishop of wynchester's charge, the which with the answers hereafter do ensue. The Articles of accusation and accord, between the Lord of Gloucester, and the Lord of Winchester. HEre ensueth the articles, as the king's counsel hath conceived, Articles set forth by the Duke of Gloucester against Henry Bishop of Winchester. the which the high and mighty prince, my Lord of Gloucester hath surmised upon my Lord of Wichester chancellor of England, with the answer to the same. 1 First, where as he being Protector and defender of this land, desired the Tower to be opened to him, and to lodge him therein, Richard Woodevile Esquire, having at that time the charge of the keeping of the Tower, refused his desire, and kept the same Tower against him, unduly and against reason, by the commandment of my said Lord of Winchester: and afterward in approving of the said refuse, he received the said Wodevile, and cherished him against the state and worship of the king, and of my said Lord of Gloucester. 2 Item, my said Lord of Winchester, without the advise and assent of my said Lord of Gloucester, or of the king's counsel, purposed and disposed him to set hand on the kings person, and to have removed him from Eltham, the place that he was in, to Winsore, to the intent to put him in governance as him list. 3 Item, that where my said Lord of Gloucester, to whom of all persons or that should be in the land, by the way of nature and birth, it belongeth to see the governance of the king's person, informed of the said undue purpose of my said Lord of Winchester, declared in the article next above said. And in letting thereof, determining to have gone to Eltham unto the king, to have provided as the cause required. My said Lord of Winchester, untruly and against the kings peace, to the intent to trouble my said Lord of Gloucester going to the king, purposing his death in case that he had gone that way, set men of arms and Archers at the end of London bridge next Southwark: and in forbarring of the kings high way, let draw the chain of the Stulpes there, and set up Pipes and Hardels, in manner and form of Bulwarks: and set men in Chambers, Sellers, and Windows, with Bows and arrows and other weapons, to the intent to bring to final destruction my said Lord of Gloucester's person, as well as of those that then should come with him. 4 Item, my said Lord of Gloucester saith and affirmeth, that our sovereign Lord his brother, that was king Henry the fift, told him on a tune, when our said sovereign Lord being Prince, was lodged in the Palace of Westminster in the great Chamber, by the 'noys of a spaniel there was on a night a man spied and taken behind a tapet of the said chamber, the which man was delivered to the Earl of Arundel to be examined upon the cause of his being there at that time, the which so examined, at that time, confessed that he was there by the stirring up and procuring of my said Lord of Winchester, ordained to have slain the said prince there in his bed: Wherefore the said Earl of Arundel let sack him forthwith, and drowned him in the Thames. 5 Item, our sovereign Lord that was, king Henry the fift, said unto my said Lord of Gloucester that his father king Henry the fourth living, and visited then greatly with sickness of the hand of God, my said Lord of Winchester said unto the king (Henry the fifth then being prince) that the king his father, so visited with sickness was not personable: and therefore not disposed to come in conversation and governance of the people, & for so much, counseled him to take the governance and crown of this land upon him. The answer of the Bishop. The answer of the Bishop of Winchester unto the former articles. HEre ensue the answers to the accusations made by my Lord of Winchester chancellor of England, unto the causes and matters of heaviness, declared in articles against him by my Lord of Gloucester. 1 First, as of the refuse made unto my Lord of Gloucester, of opening the tower to him, of his lodging therein, by the commandment of my said Lord of Wynchester, he answereth: that in the presence of my said Lord of Gloucester, before his coming out of his County of Henaulde, for causes such as were thought reasonable, it seemeth leeful that the tower should have been notably stored and kept with victual, howbeit, it was not forthwith executed, and that in likewise after that my said Lord of Gloucester was gone into his said County of Henawd for seditious and odious bills and language, cast and used in the City of London, souning of insurrection and rebellion against the kings peace, and destruction aswell of diverse estates of this land, as strangers being under the defence, in so much that in doubt thereof, strangers in great number fled the land: and for the more sure keeping of the said Tower, Richard Woodvile Esquire, so trusted with the king our sovereign Lord that dead is (as well ye know) and also Chamberlain and Counsellor unto my Lord of Bedford, with a certain number of defensible persons assign unto him, was made deputy there, by the assent of the kings counsel, being that time at London, for to abide therein for safeguard thereof, and straightly charged by the said counsel, that during that time of his said charge, he should not suffer any man to be in the Tower stronger than himself, without especial charge or commandment of the king by the advice of his counsel. 2 Item, that after, soon upon the coming of my said Lord of Gloucester into this land from his Country of Henawld, the said Lords of the king's counsel were informed, that my said Lord of Gloucester, grudged with the said manner of enforcing the Tower, and let say to them of London, that he had well understand, that they had been heavily threatened for the time of his absence, and otherwise then they should have been if he had been in this land, Wherefore he was right evil contented, and especial of the said forcing of the Tower, set upon them in manner of a chaste villain. Considering the good equity and truth that they had always kept unto the king, offering them thereupon remedy if they would. 3 Item that after this, Richard Scot Lieutenant of the Tower, by the commandment of my said Lord of Gloucester, Friar Randolph. brought unto him Friar Randolffe, the which had long before confessed treason, done by him against the king's person that dead is, for the which knowledge he was put to be kept in the said Tower, and straightly commanded under great pain given unto the said Scot, to keep him straightly and surely, and not to let him out of the said Tower without commandment of the king, by the advice of his counsel. The which said Friar Randolfe, my said Lord of Gloucester kept then with himself (not witting to the said Scot) as he declared unto my said Lord of Winchester. Sun after that he had brought the said Friar Randolfe unto my Lord of Gloucester, saying unto my Lord of Winchester, that he was undone but he helped him, and expressed as for cause of the said withholding of Friar Randolfe: And saying moreover, that when he desired of my said Lord of Gloucester, the deliverance of the said Friar Randolfe, to lead him again unto the Tower, or sufficient warrant for his discharge, my said Lord of Gloucester answered him, that his commandment was sufficient warrant and discharge for him. In the which thing above said, it was thought to my Lord of Winchester that my said Lord of Gloucester, took upon him further than his Authority stretched unto, and caused him to doubt and dread, lest that he would have proceeded further. And at such time as the said Woodevile came unto him to ask his advice and counsel, of lodging of my said Lord of Gloucester in the tower: he advised and charge him, that before he suffered my said Lord of Gloucester or any person lodge therein stronger than himself, he should purvey him a sufficient warrant thereof, of the king by the advise of his counsel. 4 Item, as to the said article of the aforesaid causes of heaviness, my said Lord the Chancellor answereth, that he never purposed to set hand on the kings person, nor to remove him, or that he should be removed, or put in any manner of governance, but by the advice of the kings counsel. For he could not conceive any manner of goodness or of advantage that might have grown unto him thereof: But rather great peril and charge, and hereof my said Lord of Winchester is ready to make proof in time & place convenient. 5 Item, as to the third article of the foresaid causes and heaviness, my said Lord Chancellor answereth, that he was often and divers times warned, by divers credible persons, aswell at the time of the kings last Parliament, holden at Westminster, as before and sith, that my said Lord of Gloucester, purposed him bodily harm, and was warned thereof, and counseled by the said persons, and that diverse times to abstain him from coming to Westminster, as my said Lord of Winchester declared unto my said Lord of Gloucester. 6 Item, that in the time of the said Parliament, diverse persons of low estate of the City of London in great number, assembled on a day upon the Wharf, at the Crane of the vintry, and wished and desired that they had there the person of my Lord of Winchester, saying: that they would have thrown him into the Thamise, to have taught him to swim with wings. Whereof bills and language of slander, and threatenings were cast and spoken in the said City, by my said Lord the Chancellor, which caused him to suppose, that they that so said and did, willed and desired his destruction, although they had no cause. 7 Item, that after the coming to London of Sir Ralph Bottiller, and master Lewes, sent fro my Lord of Bedford, to the rest of the Lords of the counsel, they being informed that my said Lord of Gloucester did bear displeasure to my said Lord of Winchester: They came to my said Lord of Gloucester to his Inn, the second Sunday next before Alhallowen day, and there opened unto him, that they had knowledge and understanding of the said displeasure, praying him to let them know if he bore such displeasure against my said Lord of Winchester, and also the causes thereof. At the which time (as my said Lord of Winchester was afterward informed) that my said Lord of Gloucester affirmed that he was heavy toward him, and not withouten causes that peradventure he would put in writing. 8 Item, that after the Monday next before Alhallowen day last passed in the night, the people of the said City of London, by the commandment of my said Lord of Gloucester, as it was said: For what cause my Lord the Chancellor witted not, assembled in the City, armed and arrayed, and so continued all that night. Amongst divers of the which (the same night by what excitation, my said Lord the Chancellor witted not) seditious and heavy language was used, and in especial against the person of my said Lord the Chancellor. And so the same Monday at night, my said Lord of Gloucester, sent unto the Inns of Court at London, charging them of the Court dwelling in the same, to be with him upon the Morrow, at eight of the Clock in their best array. 9 Item, that on the morrow, being Tewesday next following early my said Lord of Gloucester, sent unto the Mayor and Aldermen of the said City of London, to ordain him unto the number of three. C. persons on horseback, to accompany him to such place as he disposed him to ride, which (as it was said) was unto the king, to the intent to have his person, and to remove him from the place that he was in, without assent or advise of the kings counsel, the which thing was thought unto my said Lord the Chancellor, that he aught no wise to have done, nor had not been seen so before. 10 Item, that my said Lord the Chancellor, considering the things abovesaid, and doubting therefore of perils that might have ensued thereof, intending to purvey thereagainst, and namely for his own surety and defence, according to the law of nature, ordained to let that no force of people should come on the Bridge of London toward him, by the which he or his might have been endangered or noyed, not intending in any wise bodily harm unto my said Lord of Gloucester, nor to any other person, but only his own defence in eschewing the peril abovesaid. 11 Item, as toward the fourth and fift of the said articles, my Lord the Chancellor answereth, that he was ever true, to all those that were his sovereign Lords, and reigned upon him, and that he never purposed treason or untruth against any of their persons, and in especial against the person of our said sovereign Lord King Henry the fift. The which considering the great wisdom, truth and manhood, that all men knew in him, he would not for the time that he was king, have set on my said Lord the Chancellor so great trust as he did, if he had found, or thought in him such untruth. The which thing my said Lord the Chancellor offered to declare and show, as it belongeth to a man of his estate to do, requiring thereupon my Lord of Bedford, and all the Lords spiritual and temporal in this Parliament, that it might be seen, that there were judges convenient in this case, that they would do him right, or else that he might have leave of the king by their advise, to go sue his right, before him that aught to be his judge. 12 And as toward the letter sent by my Lord of Winchester, unto my lord of Bedford, of the which the tenor is before rehearsed, of the which my lord of Gloucester complained him of the malicious and untrue purpose of my said lord of Winchester, as toward the assembling of the people, and gathering of a field in the king's land, in troubling thereof, and against the king's peace: My said lord of Winchester answereth, that if his said letters duly understand, and in such wise as he understood and meant in the writing of them it may not reasonably be gathered and taken, that my said lord of Winchester, intended to gather any field or assemble people, in troubling of the king's land, and against the kings peace, but rather he purposed to acquit him to the king in his truth, and to keep the rest and peace in the kings land, and to eschew rebellion, disobedience and all trouble: For by that that in the beginning of the said letter, he calleth my said Lord of Bedford, his levest lord, after one, that is the king, whom he aught to accept of duty of his truth, the which he hath ever kept and will keep. 13 Moreover in the said letter, he desireth the coming home of my lord of Bedford, for the welfare of the king, and of his realms of England and of France, the which stand principally in his keeping of rest and peace, and prayeth my said Lord of Bedford to speed his coming into England, in eschewing of jeopardy of the land, and of a field the which he dread him, might have followed if he had long tarried: As toward those words, and ye tarry we shall put this land in adventure with a field, such a brother ye have here. etc. My said Lord of Winchester sayeth, the sooth is: before or he wrote the said letter, by occasion of certain ordinances, made by the Mayor and Aldermen of London, against the excessive taking of Masons, Carpenters, Tilers, Plasterers, and other labourers, for their daily journeys, and approved by the Kings advise and his counsel, there were cast many heavinesses and seditious bills, under the names of such labourers, threatening rising with many thousands, and menacing of estates of the land, and likewise seditious and evil language sown, and so continued and likely to have ensued of purpose and intent of disobedience and rebellion▪ To the redressing of the which, it seemed to my lord the Chancellor, that my said lord of Gloucester, did not his endeavour nor diligence that he might have showed, for lack of which diligence, they that were disposed to do disobeisance, were encouraged and inboldened. So that it was like that they should have made a gathering, and that the King and his true subjects, should have been compelled to have made a field, to have withstand them, the which field making had been adventuring of this land: And in tokening that it was never my said lord chancellors intent to gather no field, but as truth most stirred him against such as riotously would make such assemble against our sovereign Lord, and the weal of this land. He desired so hastily, the coming of my said lord of Bedford, the which he would in no wise have so greatly desired, if he would have purposed him unto any unlawful making of a field, for he witted well that my said lord of Bedford would most sharply have chastised and punished, all those that so would any riotous assemble make. When this answer was made, the Duke caused this writing following, openly to be proclaimed. An order taken that an oath should be ministered. 14 Be it known to all folks, that it is the intent of my lord of Bedford, and all the lords spiritual and temporal, assembled in this present Parliament, to acquit him and them, and to proceed truly, justly, and indifferently, without any partiality, in any manner of matters or quarrels, moved or to be moved, between my lord of Gloucester, on that one party, and my lord of Winchester, Chancellor of England on that other party. And for sure keeping of the kings peace, it is accorded by my said lord of Bedford, and by my said lords spiritual and temporal, an oath to be made, in form as followeth, that is to say. The Oath of the Lords. The oath of the Lord. THat my said Lord of Bedford, and my said Lords spiritual and temporal, and each of them shall as far forth as their cunnings and discretions sufficen, truly, justly and indifferently, counsel and advise the king, and also proceed and acquit themselves, in all the said matters and quarrels, without that they, or any of them, shall privily and apertly, make or show himself to be party or partial therein, not leaving or eschewing so to do, for affection, love, meed, doubt, or dread of any person or persons. And that they shall in all wise, keep secret all that shall be commoned by way of counsel in the matters and quarrels above said, in the said Parliament, without that they or any of them shall, by word, writing of the king, or in any wise open, or discover it to any of the said parties, or to any other person, that is not of the said counsel: But if he have a special commandment or leave thereto of the king, or of my said Lord of Bedford. And that each of them shall, with all his might and power, assist by way of counsel, or else show it unto the king, my Lord of Bedford, and to the rest of my said Lords, to put the said parties to reason, and not to suffer that any of the said parties, by them or by their assistants, proceed or attempt by way of fight against the king's peace: nor help, assist, or comfort any of them thereto, but let them with all their might and power, and withstand them, and assist unto the king, and my said Lord of Bedford, in keeping of the king's peace, and redressing all such manner of proceeding by way of fight or force. The Dukes. The Duke of Bedford. The Duke of Norfolk. The Duke of Exeter. Bishops. The archbishop of Cauntorbury. The Bishop of Carlisle. The Bishop of . The Bishop of Landaffe. The Bishop of Rochester. The Bishop of Chichester. The Bishop of Worcester. The Bishop of Saint Davies. The Bishop of London. The Bishop of Duresme. Earls. The Earl of Northumberland. The Earl of Stafford. The Earl of Oxford. Lords. The Lord Hungerforde. The Lord Tiptoft. The Lord Ponynges. The Lord Cromewell. The Lord Borough. The Lord Lovel. The Lord Botreux. The Lord Clinton. The Lord Zouche. The Lord Audeley. The Lord Ferries of Groby. The Lord Talbot. The Lord Roos. The Lord Grey. The Lord Grey of Ruff. The Lord Fitzwalter. The Lord Berkeley. abbots. The Abbot of Waltham. The Abbot of Glaustinbury. The Abbot of Saint Augustine's in Cauntorburie. The Abbot of Westminster. The Abbot of Saint mary's in York. The Abbot of Saint Albon, not sworn, because he was not present. Which oath in manner and form above rehearsed, all the Lords as well spiritual as temporal, being in this Parliament at Leycester assembled the fourth day of March, promised upon their faith, duty and allegiance, which they own to the king their sovereign Lord, truly to observe and keep, according to the true meaning and purport of the same. The Arbitrament. IN the name of God, we Henry archbishop of Cauntorburie, The Arbitrement. Thomas Duke of Excester, john Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Bishop of Duresme, Philip Bishop of Worcester, john Bishop of , Humphrey earl of Stafford, William Alnewik keeper of the kings privy seal, Rauffe Lord Cromewell, Arbitratoures in all manner of causes, matters and quarrels of heavinesses and grievances, with all incidents, circumstances, dependants, or connexes, being and hanging between the high and worthy Prince Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, on the one party, and the worshipful father in God, Henry Bishop of Wynchester and Chancellor of England, on the other party, by either of them for the peasing of the said quarrels and debates, taken and chosen in manner and form, as it is contained more plainly in a compromise made thereupon, of the which the tenor showeth in this form. Memorandum, the vij day of March, in the fourth year of our sovereign Lord the king, Henry the sixth. The high and mighty prince Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, at the reverence of God, and for the good of the king our sovereign Lord in this land, and namely at the reverence, and specially at the request and prayer of the mighty and high Prince, my Lord of Bedford his brother, agreed him to put and putteth all manner matters and quarrels in deed, with all their incidents, circumstances, dependentes and connexes, that touchen him and his person, that he hath in any wise, do, or feeleth him grieved, or heavy against my Lord his Uncle, my Lord of Winchester. Or else that my Lord of Wynchester findeth him grieved against him, in as much as they touch him or his person, from the beginning of the world unto this day: In the advise, ordinance and arbitrement of the worthy father in God, Henry archbishop of Cauntorbury, the high and noble prince Thomas Duke of Excester, and john Duke of Norfolk, the worshipful father in God Thomas Bishop of Duresme, Philip Bishop of Worcester, john Bishop of , The noble Lord Humphrey earl of Stafford, the worshipful persons, Master William Alnewike keeper of the kings privy Seal, and Ralph Lord Cromewell, promising and behighting, by the faith of his body, and word of his princehood and king's son, to do, keep, observe and fulfil, for him and his behalf, all that shall be declared, ordained and arbitred, by the foresaid archbishop, Dukes, Bishops, Earl, keeper of the prime seal, and Lord Cromwell, in all matters and quarrels above said: Granting also and promising over that, to be comprehended in the foresaid arbitrement, as toward putting away all heaviness or displeasures in any wise, contained by my Lord of Gloucester, against all those that have in any wise assisted, counseled, or favoured unto his said Uncle of Wynchester, and as toward any matters, that be touching my Lord of Gloucester, remitteth it and the governance thereof unto the king and his counsel, they to dame it by the advise of his counsel, as him thinketh it to be done. In witness of the which thing, to this present compromise, my said Lord of Gloucester, hath subscribed his name with his own hand Humphrey Gloucester. And in like form, my Lord of Winchester in an other compromise, hath subscribed with his own hand, under the word of Priesthood, A decree or order taken by the king's counsel for the pacefiing of the quarrels and variances that were between the Duke of Gloucester, and the Bishop of Winchester. to stand at the advise, ordinance and arbitrement of the persons above said, Mutatis Mutandis. The causes beforesaid and quarrels by us seen, heard, and diligently examined and decreed, by the assent of the said parties, ordain and award, that my lords of Gloucester and of Winchester, for any thing done or spoken, by that one party against that other, or by any of theirs, or any other person or persons, afore the vij day of this present month of March, never hereafter take causes, quarrels, displeasures or heavinesses, that one against the other, ne neither against the counsellors, adherents or favourers of that other, for any thing or things that are past. And that my said lord of Gloucester, be good lord to my said lord of Winchester, and have him in love and affection as his kinsman and uncle. And that my said lord of Winchester, have to my said lord of Gloucester, true and sad love and affection, do and be ready to do to him such service, as appertaineth of hone●ly to my said lord of Winchester and his estate to do. And that each of them be good Lord unto all those adherents, counsellors and favourers of that other, and show them at all times favourable love and affection, as for any thing done by them, or said afore the seventh day of March. And we decree, ordain and award, that my said Lord of Winchester, in the presence of the king our sovereign Lord, my Lord of Bedford, and my Lord of Gloucester, The saying of the bishop of Winchester unto the Duke of Gloucester and the residue of the lords spiritual and temporal, and commons being in this present Parliament, say and declare in manner and form that followeth. My sovereign lord, I have well understand, that I am noised among the states of your land, how that the king our sovereign lord that was that time, being prince and lodged in the great chamber at Westminster, by the baying of a spaniel, there was on a night taken, behind a tapet in the same chamber, a man, that should have confessed that he was there by mine excitation and procuring to have slain the foresaid Prince there in his bed, whereupon he was sacked, and forthwith drowned in the Thames. And furthermore I am accused, how that I should have stirred the king that last died, the time also that he was prince, to have taken the governance of this realm, and the crown upon him, living his father the same time being king: Through which language and noising I feel my name and fame greatly emblemished, in divers men's opinions. Whereupon I take first God to my witness, and afterward all the world, that I have been at all times, and am true lover and true man, to you my Sovereign lord, and shall be all my life. And also I have been to my sovereign lord, that was your father, all time of his reign, true man: and for such he took me, trusted me, and cherished me to his lives end, and as I trust no man will affirm the contrary, nor never in my life procuring, nor imagining death nor destruction of his person, ne assenting to any such thing, or like thereto, the time that he was king or prince, or else in other estate. And in likewise, I was true man to king Henry the fourth, all the time that he was my sovereign lord, and reigned upon me: In which matters, in all manner of wise, that it liketh to you my sovereign lord for to command me, I am ready for to declare me: And furthermore, where, how and when, it shall like you by the advise of your counsel to assign me. Wherefore, I beseech you my sovereign lord, as humbly as I can, considering that there is no grounded process, by the which I might lawfully in these matters above said be convict, blessed be God, to hold me and declare me, by the advise of all the lords, spiritual and temporal, being in this present Parliament, true man to you my sovereign lord, and so to have been unto my sovereign lords that were your father and Grandfather, and true man also, to have been at all times unto your said father, whilst he was prince, or else in any other estate, the said slander and noising notwithstanding. And this same declaration to be enacted, in this your said present parliament. The which words declared in manner as it is above said, by my said lord of Winchester, it seemeth to my said lords the arbitrators, that it is meet that my said lord of Winchester draw him apart, and in the mean time, the lords being present, be singularly examined thereupon, and say their advise: And if it be assented by them, in manner as my said lord of Winchester desireth, let him be called again, and that than my lord of Bedford have these words in effect that follow. Fair Uncle, the king my lord, by the advise of his counsel, hath commanded me to say to you, that he hath well understand, and considered all the matters which ye have here openly declared in his presence, and thereupon ye desire a petition that he will declare you, and by the advise and assent of the Lords spiritual and temporal, being in this present Parliament, he declareth you a true man to him, and that ye have so be to my Lord his father, and Grandfather, also true man to my Lord his father whiles he was Prince or else in any other estate, the said dislaunder and noising notwithstanding: And will that the said declaration be so enacted in this present parliament. After the which words thus said, as before is declared, by the said Lords arbitrators, that my said lord of Winchester should have these words that followeth, to my said Lord of Gloucester. My Lord of Gloucester, I have conceived to my great heaviness, that ye should have received by divers reports, that I should have purposed and imagined against your person, honour and estate, in divers manners, for the which ye have taken against me great displeasure, Sir I take God to my wittesse, that what reports so ever have been to you of me, peradventure of such as have had no great affection to me, God forgive it them, I never imagined, ne purposed any thing that might be hindering or prejudice to your person, honour, or estate. And therefore, I pray you that ye be unto me good lord from this time forth, for by my will I gave never other occasion, nor purpose not to do hereafter through God's grace. The which words so by him said, it was decreed by the said arbitrators, that my lord of Gloucester should answer and say. Fair Uncle, sith ye declare you such a man as ye say, I am right glad that it is so, and for such a man I take you. And when this was done, it was decreed by the said arbitrators that every each of my lords of Gloucester and Winchester should take either other by the hand, in the presence of the king and all the parliament, in sign and token of good love and accord, the which was done and the parliament was adjourned till after Easter. When the great fire of this dissension, between these two Noble personages, was thus by the arbitrators to their knowledge and judgement utterly quenched out, and laid under board all other controversies between other Lords, taking part with the one party or the other, were soon appeased and brought to concord, For joy whereof the king caused a solemn feast, Richard Plangenet Duke of York. to be kept on whitson Sunday, on the which day he created Richard Plantagenet, son and heir to the Earl of Cambridge (whom his father at Hampton, had put to execution, as you before have heard) Duke of York, not foreseeing before, that this preferment should be his destruction, nor that his seed should be of his generation, be the extreme end and final confusion. He the same day also promoted john Lord Mowbrey and earl Martial, john Mowbrey Duke of Norfolk. son and heir to Thomas Duke of Norfolk, by king Richard the second exiled this Realm and dominion, to the title, name, and style of the Duke of Norfolk, during which feast, the Duke of Bedford adorned the king with the high order of Knighthood, which on the same day dubbed with the sword these knights, whose names ensue. Richard Duke of York. john Duke of Norfolk. The Earl of Westmoreland. Henry Lord Percy. john Lord Butler, son to the Earl of Ormond. The Lord of Rosse. The Lord Matreuers. The Lord Welles. The Lord Barkeley. Sir james Butler. Sir Henry Grace of Tankeruile. Sir john Talbot. Sir Ralph Grace of Werke. Sir Robert Veer. Sir Richard Grey. Sir Edmond Hungerford. Sir Water Wyngfield. Sir john Butteler. Sir Reignold Cobham. Sir john Passheleue. Sir Thomas Tunstall. Sir john Chedeocke. Sir Ralph Langstre. Sir William Drury. Sir William ap Thomas. Sir Richard Caruonell. Sir Richard Wooduile. Sir john Shirdelowe. Sir Nicholas Blunket. Sir William Cheney. Sir William Babyngton justice. Sir Ralph Butler. Sir Robert Beauchampe. Sir Edmond Trafford. Sir john june chief Baron, and divers other. A subsidy. After this solemn feast ended, a great aid and subsidy was granted, for the continuance of the conquest in France, and so money was gathered, and men were prepared in every City, town and Country: The death of Thomas Duke of Exeter. During which business, Thomas Duke of Exeter the sad, wise, and well learned Counsellor, great Uncle to the King, departed out of this mortal life, at the manor of Greenewiche, and was with all funeral pomp conveyed through London to Bury, and there buried. In which year also died the Lady Elizabeth his half sister, and of the whole blood with King Henry the fourth married to Lord john Holland Duke of Exeter, and after to the Lord Fanhope, buried at the Black Friars of London. While these things were thus appointing and concluding in England: The Earl of Warwick Lieutenant for the Regent in the realm of France, entered into the Country of Main, and besieged the town of Chasteau de Loire, the which shortly to him was rendered, whereof he made captain Matthew Gough Esquire. After that, he took by assault the castle of Mayet, and gave it for his valiantness to john Winter Esquire, & after that he conquered the Castle of Lund, and made there governor William Gladdisdale gentleman. At which place he was informed, that the French men were assembled together, in the Country of Beausse, wherefore like a valiant captain, he with all his power marched thitherward, to encounter with his enemies, and to fight with his adversaries, which having knowledge of his approaching, fled, and durst not abide the trial, nor jeopard the adventure, and in his returning, he besieged the Castle of Montdublean, whereof was captain sir Roberton des Croix, which siege continued three weeks, but in conclusion the English men so sore charged them within, that the captain with his whole company were content to yield the Castle, their lives, horse, and harness, only reserved: Which to them was after long consultation had, & many agrements made, frankly granted. And the said Earl of Warwick, leaving there the valiant Lord Willoughby, returned again to Paris. During which season, The Lord Willoughby made governor of the young king. he was ordained by the assent of the three estates of the realm of England, to be governor of the young king, in like manner as the noble Duke of Exeter before his death was appointed & assigned, but yet he tarried still in France, and did there no small service as you shall hereafter perceive. The Regent of France thus being in England, means was made by the Duke of Burgoyn, for the delivery of the Duke of Alencon, which was taken prisoner at the battle of Vernoyle the last year. So he for the sum of two hundredth thousand crowns, was delivered and set at large: but neither for the release of all, or abatement of part of his ransom, he would in no wise acknowledge the king of England, to be his liege and sovereign lord: Such affection bore he to the dolphin, A great praise of the Duke of Alencon. and such truth showed he to his natural Country. When all things were concluded, ordered, and established, both for the conservation of peace and tranquillity within the realm of England, and also for the maintenance of war, for the final gaining of the region of France: The Duke of Bedford and his wife, took their leave of the king, at Westminster, and landed at Calais, with whom also passed the seas, Henry Bishop of Winchester, which in the said town was invested with the Habit, Hat, and dignity of a Cardinal, Henry bishop of Winchester made Cardinal. with all Ceremonies to it appertaining. Which degree king Henry the fift, knowing the haute courage, and the ambitious mind of the man, prohibited him on his allegiance once, either to sue for or to take: meaning the Cardinals Hats should not presume to be equal with princes. But now the king being young, and the Regent his friend, he obtained that dignity, to his great profit, and to the impoverishing of the spirituality. For by a Bull Legantine, which he purchased at Rome, he gathered so much treasure, that no man in manner had money but he and so was he surnamed the rich Cardinal of Winchester, and neither called learned Bishop, nor virtuous Priest. After that, the Duke of Bedford was returned into France, the Lord of Rustian Marshal of Briteyn, assembled a great company of the british nation, which fortified and repaired the town of Pontorson, and after the said Marshal, with a thousand men entered into the Country of Constantyne in Normandy, and came before the town of Auranches. The English men within the garrison, issued out, and boldly fought with their enemies: But after long conflict & many strokes given, the Britons were overcome, and the Lord Rustian taken, and the most part of his people slain. The Duke of Bedford hearing that the town of Pontorson was newly fortified, and strongly defended, sent thither the Earl of Warwick, accompanied with the Lord Scales, and diverse other valiant captains and Soldiers, to the number of vij thousand men to besiege the Town, which so environed it on every part, that neither man could steal out, nor beast could pass in. The siege long continuing, victual began to wax scant in the English army, wherefore the Lord Scales having in his company, sir john Harpeley Baily of Constantyne, Sir William Brearton Baily of Cane, Sir Ralph Tession, Sir john Carbonell, and three thousand good men of war, departed from the siege to get victual, powder, and other things necessary for their purpose and enterprise. And as they were returning with their carriages on the sea coast, near to Saint Michael's Mount, they suddenly were encountered with their enemies, whereof the chief were the Baron of Coloses, the Lord Dausebost captain of the said Mount, the Lord Mountabon, the Lord Mount bourchier, the lord of Chasteau Giron, the lord of Tyntygnat, the lord Chasteau Brian, with uj thousand men of war. The lord Scales and his company (seeing that they were compassed on every side with deadly dangers, for the sea was on the one side, and their enemies on the other, & no mean way to escape or fly) descended from their horses, and like greedy Lions together in an unpeaceable fury, set on their enemies. The skirmish was strong, and the fight was fierce, the English men kept themselves so close, A fierce skirmish at the siege of Pontoison. that their enemies could have no advantage of them. At the last the lord Scales cried Saint George, they fly, with that the Englishmen took such a courage, and the frenchmen that fought before, were so dismayed that they began to fly. The English men leapt again on horseback, and followed them, and slew and took above xj. hundredth persons, amongst whom were taken, the Baron of Coloses, and the Lord of Chasteau Brian, and xxx knights. After this victory, the lord Scales with his victuals, provision, and prisoners, returned to the siege, where he was of the Earl and other noble men joyously received, and for this noble fact, highly magnified and praised. While the siege thus continued before Pountorson, Christopher Hanson and other soldiers of the garrison of saint Susan, made a road into the Country of Anjou, and came to a Castle named Rainfort, which Castle was so privily scaled, that the captain within and his company, were taken or slain before they knew of their enemies approaching. When knowledge of this feat was made open to the frenchmen, which were assembled to the number of twenty thousand to raise the siege, and to break up the Camp, lying before the town of Pountorson, they left that journey for a time, and returned to the Castle of Ramfort, and besieged the same by the space of ten days. The Englishmen considering the multitude of the enemies, and the far absence of their friends, began to treat with the French men, and so upon condition to departed with bag and baggage, horse and harness, they rendered up the Castle, and departed with more riches than they brought, which Castle thus possessed by the French men, they forgot the rescue at Pountorson, and broke up their army. But soon after, the lord of Raix, calling himself Lieutenant general for the dolphin, accompanied with the Lord Mount jehan, the lord Beaumanoyre, and the lord Tussie, and other to the number of three thousand persons, entered into the Country of Main, and laid siege to the Castle of Malicorne, whereof was captain an English man, called Oliver Osbatersby, which Castle with the Captein was by force taken and obtained: in like manner they took the little Castle of Lude, and therein William Blackeborne, Lieutenant for William Glasdale Esquire, and put him to ransom, and slew all his soldiers. After this victory, in the which they much gloried, the Frenchmen perceiving that the Earl of Warwick continued still his siege before the town of Pountorson, and knowing by their espials, that the Englishmen were determined to give them battle, if they once attempted to raise the siege, and therefore fearing to fight in an open battle, recoiled back again to the dolphin with little gain, and small honour. Pountorson recovered by the Englishmen. The Frenchmen and Britons being straightly besieged within the town of Pountorson, perceiving no likelihood of succours to come, and seeing the English army daily did increase, fearing the sequel thereof, if they by violence should be taken and vanquished, they offered the town, so that they might departed with horse and harness only: which request (after long suit and petition) to them was hardly granted. The Earl like a valiant Capteyn, entered into the town, and there appointed for governors, the Lord Roos, and the Lord Talbot, and leaving there a convenient garrison, returned to the Lord Regent. After the taking of this town, there was a league, A league concluded between the Duke of Briteyn and the Regem. and a treaty concluded between the Regent and the Duke of Briteyn, by the which agreement both the towns of Pountorson, and Saint james de Beuron were beaten down to the ground, and clearly defaced. After the Lord of Rais was departed out of the territory of Main as you have heard, Christopher Hanson, Philip Gough, Martin Godfrey called the scaler, and diverse other of the garrison of Saint Susan, to the number of xxx Archers, went out in a Morning to seek their adventures, and came near to the Castle of Saint Laurence de Mortiers (at the same very season) when Sir james de Sepeaulr captain of the same, was gone out of his Castle with the greatest number of his retinue, to a Church directly against the Castle. In the Mass time, the Englishmen entered by subtlety into the gate, and so got the Dungeon. And when sir james returned from Mass, as he entered into the gate he was taken, and his men fled, and so was the Castle furnished with English men, and captain thereof was appointed, Sir William Oldehaule. The same season, Sir john Fastolfe, governor of the Countries of Anjou and Maine, assembled a great puissance of men of war, and laid a siege before the Castle of Saint Owen Destays, beside the town of Lavall, whereof was captain Sir Guillam Orange, which, after ten days besieging, rendered the Castle, their lives and armure only except: howbeit, one railing and slanderous person was put to terrible execution. And from thence, the said sir john removed to the strong Castle of Gravile, and after twelve days, they within offered to yield the Castle by a day, if they were not succoured by the dolphin or his power. The offer was taken, and pledges delivered, which were Gullam Cordoven, and john de Maisiery esquires. After these pledges delivered, sir john Fastolfe returned in post to the Regent, advertising him of this composition and agreement: wherefore the said Lord raised a great power, to fight with the Frenchmen at the day appointed, and in his company were the Earls of Mortaigne, and Warwick, and the Lords Roos, and Talbot, Sir john Fastolfe, Sir john Aubemond, Sir john Ratclife, and diverse other, to the number of twenty thousand men, and so marched forward in hope to meet and join Battle with their enemies. But their adversaries which were not far of, durst not approach, wherefore the Regent sent sir John Fastolfe incontinent to receive the Castle: but they within (contrary to their promise and appointment) had newly victualed and manned the place, and so forsaking their pledges and fellows in arms, refused to tender the fortress according to the appointment: wherefore the pledges were brought before the sight of them within the Castle, and there openly put to death. After this, the Lord Talbot was made governor of Anjou and Main. And Sir john Fastolfe was assigned to another place: which Lord Talbot, being both of noble birth, and haute courage, after his coming into France, The Lord Talbot a valiant captain. obtained so many glorious victories of his enemies, that his only name was, and yet is dreadful to the French nation, and much renowned amongst all other people. This jolly captain, & son of the valiant Mars, entered into Maine, and slew men, destroyed Castles, and brent towns, and in conclusion, suddenly took the town of Lavall: but the Lord Loghac, and diverse other, retrayted themselves into the Castle, and there remained eight days. During which time, it was agreed, that all captains, Burgesses, and men of war, which were within the Castle, should departed with bag and baggages, paying the Lord Talbot for all things, one hundredth thousand Crowns. And the Castle so being delivered, was committed to the keeping of Gilbert Halsall, which after, was slain at the siege of orleans, for whom was made captain Mathewe Gough, which being at the journey before Senlies', by treason of a Miller that kept a Mill adjoining to the wall, the Frenchmen entered into the town, and brought it into their subjection and obeisance. The Duke of Alaunson, which, as you have heard, was late delivered out of England, revived again the dull spirits of the dolphin, and the faint hearts of his Captains, promising to them great victory with little travail, and much gain with small labour, wherefore in hope of good luck, he determined to do some notable feat against the English men. Then happened a chance unlooked for, or unthought of, The City of Mouns lost by treason. even as they would have wished or desired, for not only the Magistrates, but chief the spiritual persons of the City of Mouns, knowing that the Duke of Britain and his brother, were reverted and turned to the French party, began sore to mourn and lament, that they were subjects and Vassals to the yoke and power of the English men. Wherefore they determined and fully concluded, to advertise of their minds and determinations, the Captains of Charles the dolphin, (of them called the French king) and so by certain false Friars, thereof wrote humble and loving letters. These news pleased much the French Captains, but no less you may be sure the dolphin himself, as a thing descended from heaven, of them unsought, unimagined and not devised. Wherefore to take opportunity when time served, and not to lose so great a benefit so honestly offered, the Lords Delabreth and Fayet, Marshals of France, accompanied with the Lords of Monte John, of Buel Doruall, Torsye and Beaumamoyre the heir, and Guyllyam his brother, and .v. C. other hardy Captains and valiant Soldiers, took upon them this enterprise, sending great thanks and laudes to the Clergy and Citizens, for their assured fidelity to their sovereign lord, promising them to be there at the day appointed, not doubting to find them ready according to their promise, gladly to receive them. When the day assigned and the night appointed was come, the French Captains privily approached the town, making a little fire on an hill in the sight of the town, to signify their coming and approaching. The Citizens which by the great Church were looking for their approach, showed a burning Cresset out of the Steeple, which suddenly was put out and quenched. What should I say, the Captains on horseback came to the gate, and the Traitors within slew the porters and watchmen, and let in their friends, the footmen entered first, and the men of arms waited at the barriers, to the intent that if much need required, or necessity compelled, they might fight in the open field. And in the mean season, many English men were slain, and a great clamour and a huge noise was hard through the town, as is wont and accustomed to be in a town, by treason suddenly surprised and taken: but what was the cause of the cry, or beginning of the noise, few except the confederates, either knew or perceived. For the remnant of the Citizens being no partakers in this faction, imagened that the English men had made havoc in the town and put all to the sword. The Englishmen on the other side, judged that the Citizens had begun some new rebellion against them, or else had striven amongs themselves. The Earl of Suffolk, which was Governor of the town, hearing the clamour and noise of the people, having perfit knowledge of such as escaped from the walls, in what case the City stood in, without any tarrying or prolonging of time, entered into the Castle which standeth at the gate of Saint Vincent, whereof was Constable Thomas Gower Esquire: whether also fled so many English men, that the place was pestered, & there if they were not rescued, likely to be famished: but surely they were sore assaulted and marvelously hurt, with the shot of the Arblasters and Crossbows, but they defended themselves so manfully, that their enemies got small advantage at their hands. But all their hardiness had not served, nor all their policy had not defended them, if they had not privily sent a Messenger to the Lord Talbot, which then lay at Alencon, certifying him in what case they stood, for victual had they none, munitions failed, and the Castle was almost undermined, so that yielding must follow, and resistance could not prevail. The Lord Talbot hearing these news, neither slept nor banqueted, but with all hast assembled together his valiant Captains, to the number of vij hundred men of war, and in the evening departed from Alencon, and in the morning came to a Castle called Guyerche two Miles from Mauns, and from thence sent as an espial Matthew Gough, to espy the governance of the enemies, and if he might, to show to his countrymen that he was at hand, to be their aid and rescues. Matthew Gough so well sped, that privily in the night he came into the Castle, where he knew how that the French men being lords of the City, and now casting no perils, nor fearing any creature, began to wax wanton and fell to riot, as though their enemies could do them no damage: thinking that the English men which were shut up in the castle, studied nothing but how to escape & be delivered. When Matthew Gough had known all the certainly, he privily returned again, and within a mile of the City met with the Lord Talbot, and the lord Scales, and made open to them all things according to his credence, which to speed the matter, because the day approached, with all haste possible came to the postern gate, and alighted from their horses, and about six of the clock in the morning they issued out of the castle, crying Saint George, Talbot. The Frenchmen which were scarce up, and thought of nothing less than of this sudden approachment, some rose out of their beds in their shirts, and leapt over the walls, other can naked out of the gates for saving of their lives, leaving behind them all their apparel, horses, armour and riches, none was hurt but such, which either resisted, or would not yield, whereof some were slain and cast in prison. There were slain and taken four hundred gentlemen, and the villains frankly let go. After this, inquisition was made of the authors of this ungracious conjuration, Traitors justly executed. and there were accused thirty Citizens, twenty priests, and fifteen Friars, which according to their deserts were put to execution. The foundation of Lovayne. In this year, as saith Carion, the University of Loveyne in Brabant was founded by john Duke of Burgundy. And here to encourage and move the worshipful and good Citizens of London to be thankful to God, and beneficial to their poor neighbours, and to the common weal, I thought it good to note unto you the charitable deed of a worthy Citizen and Alderman of London named john Raynewell, who about this time gave certain lands and tenements lying in the said City, to the Chamber of London, for the which the said Chamber is bound for ever to discharge the inhabitants of the wards of Dowgate, Billingsgate and Algate, of all such fifteens as from time to time shall be granted unto the king (so that it pass not three fifteens in one year.) The City of Mouns thus being reduced into the English men's hands, the lord Talbot departed to the town of Alencon. After which martial feat manfully acheeved, The City of Mouns again recovered by the English men. the Earl of Warwick departed into England, to be governor of the young king, in stead of Thomas Duke of Excester, late departed to God. In whose steed was sent into France, the lord Thomas Montacute Earl of Salisbury, with five thousand them, which landed at Calais, and so came to the Duke of Bedford in Paris. Where he consulting with the Duke of Bedford, concerning the affairs of the realm of France: seeing all things so prosperiously succeed on the English part, began marvelously to fantasy the City and country of Orliance, standing on the River of Loire. But because the City was well fortified both by the nature of the stivation of the place, and by the policy of man, he imagined it not the work of one day, nor the study of one hour. Wherefore he remitted it to a farther deliberation, yet he was the man at that time, by whose wit, strength and policy, the English name was much fearful and terrible to the French nation, which of himself might both appoint, command and do all things in manner at his pleasure, in whose power, (as it appeared after his death) a great part of the conquest consisted and was esteemed, because he was a man both painful and deligent, ready to withstand things perilous and imminent, and prompt in counsel, and with no labour would be wearied, nor yet his courage at any time abated or appalled, so that all men put no more trust in any one man, nor no singular person got more the hearts of all men. After this great enterprise had long been debated and argued, in the privy counsel, the Earl of Salisburies' devise, (although it seemed hard and strange to all other, and to him as it were a thing predestinate very easy) was granted and allowed, which enterprise was the final conclusion of his natural destiny, as you shall shortly perceive. Thus he replenished with good hope of victory, and furnished with artillery, and munitions appertaining to so great a siege, accompanied with the Earl of Suffolk and the Lord Talbot, and with a valiant company, to the number of ten thousand men, departed from Paris, and passed through the country of Because: he took by assault the town of Yainuile, but the Frenchmen fled into the Castle, and there continued five days, at the end whereof they rendered themselves simply: of the said number, he took also the town of Bawgency, suffering every man, which would become vassal and subject to the king of England, to inherit their lands and enjoy their goods. The towns of Meum upon Loire and jargenan, hearing of these treatise, presented to him the keys of the town, upon like agreement and equal conditions. After this in the month of September, he laid his siege on the one side of the water of Loire, and besieged the town of orleans, before whose coming, the Bastard of orleans, and the Bishop of the City and a great number of Scots hearing of the Earls intent, made divers fortifications about the town, and destroyed the suburbs, in the which were twelve Parish Churches, and four orders of Friars. They cut also down all the Vines, trees and bushes within five leagues of the town, so that the English men should have neither comfort, refuge, nor succour. Here must I a little digress, and declare to you, Bastard of orleans. what was this Bastard of orleans, which was not only now Capitayne of the City, but also after by Charles the sixth made Earl of Dunoys, and in great authority in France, and extreme enemy to the English nation, as by this story you shall apparently perceive, of whose line and stem descended the Dukes of Longuile, and the Marquis of Rutylon. Lewes' Duke of orleans murdered in Paris, by john Duke of Burgoyn, as you before have heard, was owner of the Castle of Concy, on the Frontiers of France toward Arthoys, whereof he made Constable the lord of Cawny, a man not so wise as his wife was fair, & yet she was not so fair, but she was as well beloved of the Duke of orleans as of her husband, between the Duke & her husband (I cannot tell who was father) she conceived a child, & brought forth a pretty boy called john, which child being of the age of one year, the Duke diseased and not long after the mother & the Lord of Cawny ended their lives. The next of the kin to my Lord Cawny, challenged the inheritance, which was worth four thousand crowns a year, alleging that the boy was a bastard: and the kindred of the mother's side, for to save her honesty, it plainly denied. In conclusion, this matter was in contention before the Precedents of the Parliament of Paris, and there hanged in controversy till the child came to the age of eight years old. At which time it was demanded of him openly whose son he was: his friends of his mother's side advertised him to require a day, to be advised of so great an answer, which he asked, and to him it was granted. In the mean season his said friends persuaded him to claim his inheritance, as son to the Lord of Cawny, which was an honourable living, and an ancient patrimony, affirming that if he said contrary, he not only slandered his mother, shamed himself, and stained his blood, but also should have no living nor any thing to take to. The schoolmaster thinking that his Disciple had well learned his lesson, and would rehearse it according to his instruction, brought him before the judges at the day assigned, and when this question was repeated to him again, he boldly answered, my heart giveth me, and my noble courage telleth me, that I am the son of the noble Duke of orleans, more glad to be his Bastard with a mean living, than the lawful son of that coward Cuckold Cawny, with his four thousand crowns. The justices much maruelyed at his bold answer, and his mother's cousins detested him for shaming of his mother, and his father's supposed kin rejoiced, in gaining the patrimony and possessions. Charles Duke of orleans hearing of this judgement, took him into his family, and gave him great offices and fees, which he well deserved, for (during his captivity) he defended his lands, expulsed the English men, and in conclusion procured his deliverance. This Courageous Bastard, after the siege had continued three weeks full orleans besieged. issued out of the gate of the bridge, and fought with the Englishmen, but they received him with so fierce and terrible strokes, that he was with all his company compelled to retire and fly back into the City: but the English men followed them so fast, in killing and taking of their enemies, that they entered with them the Bulwark of the bridge: which with a great Tower standing at the end of the same, was taken incontinent by the English men. In which conflict many French men were taken, but more were slain, and the keeping of the Tower and Bulwark was committed to William Glasdale Esquire. When he had gotten this Bulwark, he was sure than, by that way neither man nor victual could pass or come. After that, he made certain Bulwarks round about the City, casting trenches between the one and the other, laying ordinance in every part, where he saw that any battery might be devised. When they within perceived that they were environed with fortresses and ordinance, they laid Gone against Gone, and fortified towers against Bulwarks, and within made new Rampires, and builded new Mudwalles, to avoid cracks and breeches, which might by violent shot suddenly ensue. They appointed the Bastard of Orleans, and Stephyn Veignold called the heir, to see the walls and watches kept, and the bishop saw the inhabitants within the City were put in good order, and that victuals were not wanton consumed, nor vainly spent. In the Tower that was taken at the bridge end, as you before have heard, there was a height Chamber, having a Grate full of bartes of iron by the which a man might look all the length of the bridge into the City, at which grate, many of the chief captains stood diverse times, viewing the City, and devising in what place it was best assautable. They within the City perceived well this toting hole, and laid a piece of ordinance directly against the Window. It so chanced that the lix day after the siege laid before the City, the Earl of Sarisbury, Sir Thomas Gargrave, and William Glasdale, and diverse other, went into the said Tower, and so into the high Chamber, and looked out at the grate, and within a short space, the son of the master Goonner, perceiving men look out at the Chamber window, took his match, as his father had taught him, which was gone down to dinner, and fired the Goon, The Earl of Sarisbury slain. which broke and shivered the iron bars of the grate, whereof, one struck the Earl so strongly on the head, that it struck away one of his eyes and the side of his cheek, Sir Thomas Gargrave was likewise stricken, so that he died within two days. The Earl was conveyed to Meum upon Loire, where he lay being wounded eight days, and then died, whose body was conveyed into England, with all funeral pomp, and buried at Bissam by his progenitors, leaving behind him an only daughter named Alice, married to Richard Nevil, son to Ralph earl of Westmoreland, of whom hereafter shall be made mention. What detriment, what damage, and what loss succeeded to the English public wealth, by the sudden death of this valiant Capteyne, not long after his departure, manifestly appeared. For the high prosperity, and great glory of the English nation in the parts beyond the sea, began shortly to fall, and little and little to vanish away: which thing, although the English people like a valiant and strong body, at the first time did not perceive, Yet shortly after, they felt it grow like a pestilent humour, which successively a little and little corrupteth all the members, and destroyeth the body. For, after the death of this noble man, fortune of war began to change, and unchangeable victory began to be darkened. Although the death of the Earl were dolorous to all Englishmen, yet surely it was most dolorous to the Duke of Bedford, Regent of France, as he which had lost his right hand, or lacked his weapon, when he should fight with his enemy. But seeing that dead men cannot with sorrow be called again, nor lamentation for dead bodies cannot remedy the chances of men living: He (like a prudent governor and a politic patron) appointed the Earl of Suffolk to be his Lieutenant, and Capteyn of the siege, & joined with him the Lord Scales, the Lord Talbot, sir john Fastolfe, and diverse other valiant knights & squires. These Lords caused bastilles to be made round about the City, with the which they troubled their enemies, and assaulted the walls, and left nothing unattempted, which might be to them any advantage, or hurtful to their enemies. In the time of Lent, victual and artillery began to wax scant in the English army, wherefore the Earl of Suffolk appointed Sir john Fastolfe, Sir Thomas Rampstone, and Sir Philip Hall, with their retinues, to ride to Paris to the Lord Regent, to inform him of their scarcenesss and necessity. Which being thereof informed, without any delay, or prolonging, provided victual, artillery and munitions, necessary & convenient for so great an enterprise, and jaded therewith many Chariots, Cartes, and horses: and for the sure conduit, and safeguard of the same, he appointed Sir Simon Morhier, Provost of Paris, with the guard of the City and diverse of his own household servants, to accompany Sir john Fastolfe, and his Complices, to the army lying at the siege of orleans. The which departed in good order, to the number of five hundred men of war, beside wagoners, out of Paris, and came to Yaynuile in Beausse, and in a morning early in a great frost they departed, from the place toward the siege, and when they came to a town called Ronuray, in the lands of Beausse, they perceived their enemy's coming against them, to the number of ix or ten thousand French men and Scots: The Captains whereof was Charles of Clerimont, son to the Duke of Bourbon, then being prisoner in England, Sir William Steward Constable of Scotland, a little before delivered out of Captivity, the Earl of Pardriacke, the Lord john Vandosme, Vidame of Charters, the Lord of Tovars, the Lord of Lohat, the lord of Eglere, the lord of Beaview, the Bastard Tremorle, and many other valiant captains. Wherefore Sir john Fastolfe and his Companions set all their company in good order of Battle, and pitched stakes before every Archer, to break the force of the horsemen. At their backs they set all their wagons, and carriages, and within them they tied all their horses, so that their enemies could neither assail them on the backside, nor yet spoil them of their horses, and in this manner they stood still, abiding the assault of their adversaries. The Frenchmen (by reason of their great number) thinking the victory to be in their hands, eagerly like Lions set on the Englishmen, which with great force them received, and manfully defended: for it stood them upon, considering the unequality of the number. And after long and cruel fight, the Englishmen drove back and vanquished the proud Frenchmen, and compelled them to fly. The victory of the English men at the town of Ronuray in Beaussy. In this conflict were saline, Lord William Steward Constable of Scotland, and his brother, the Lord Doruall, the Lord Delabret, the Lord Chasteanbrian, Sir john Basgot, and other French men and Scots, to the number of xxv hundredth, and above xj hundredth taken prisoners, although a French writer affirm the number less. After this fortunate victory, sir john Fastolfe and his company (of the which no man of any reputation was either slain or taken) came with all their carriages, victual, and prisoners, to the siege before orleans, where they were joyously received and welcomed of all the Soldiers. This conflict (because the most part of the carriage was Hearing and Lenten stuff) the French men call the unfortunate battle of herrings. The battle of Herrings. The Earl of Suffolk, being thus victualed, continued his siege, and every day almost skirmished with his enemies, which, being in despair of all succours, began to common amongst themselves, how they might tender the town, to their most honour and profit. After much reasoning, and long debating amongst the Captains, and the Magistrates of the town, what way was best to be followed: Some affirmed it not only to be shameful and dishonourable, but also unnatural and unreasonable, to yield the town to the Englishmen, being neither friends nor favourers of the French nation: other, fearing the victory of the Englishmen, imagined, that if they by force possessed the City, they would do to them as tyrants be accustomed to serve wilful and obstinate people, and therefore they thought it a great folly and a notable lightness, aswell not to beware of the one, as to deny or refuse the other. But when they saw, that their glory must needs decline to a shame and reproach, they thought to found a mean way to save themselves, and their City from the captivity of their enemies, and devised to submit their City, themselves, and all theirs under the obeisance of Philip Duke of Burgoyn, because he was brought out of the stock & blood royal of the ancient house of France: thinking by this means (as they did in deed) to break or minish the great amity between the English men and him. After this point concluded, they made open and sent to the Duke all their devices and intentes, which certified them that he would gladly receive their offer, so that the Regent of France would thereto agreed and consent. And thereupon dispatched certain Ambassadors to the Duke of Bedford, to whom these news were strange and not very pleasant, upon which point, he assembled a great counsel. Some thought that manner of yielding to be both honourable and profitable to the king of England, by reason whereof, so great a City, and so rich a Country, should be brought out of the possession of their enemies, into the hands of their trusty friends, without further cost or bloodshed. The Duke of Bedford and other were of a contrary opinion, thinking it both dishonourable, and unprofitable to the realm of England, to see a City so long besieged at the costs and expenses of the king of England, & almost brought to the point of yielding, to be yielded to any other foreign Prince or Potestate, and not to him or his Regent, the example whereof might provoke other towns hereafter to do the same. This reason took place, and the Regent answered the Duke's Ambassadors, that it was not honourable nor yet consonant to reason, that the king of England should beat the Bush, and the Duke of Burgoyne should have the birds: Wherefore sith the right was his, the war was his, and the charge was his, he said that the City aught not to be yielded to no other person, but to him, or to his use and profit. By this little chance, succeeded a great change in the English affairs, for a double mischief of this answer arose and sprung out. For first the Duke of Burgoyne began to conceive a certain privy grudge against the Englishmen for this cause: thinking them to envy and bear malice against his glory and profit, for the which in continuance of time he became their enemy, and cleaved to the French king. Secondly, the Englishmen left the siege of orleans, which by this treaty they might have had to friend, or to have continued neuter, till their Lord the Duke of Orleans, or the Earl of Angulosie his brother were delivered out of the captivity of the English people. But if men were Angels and foresaw things to come, they like beasts would not run to their confusion: but fortune which guideth the destiny of man will turn her wheel as she lusteth, who so ever saith nay. While this treaty of the Orleaunces was in hand, Charles the dolphin daily studied, and hourly laboured, to pluck the favour and hearts of the Nobility of France, from the English Nation, to the intent, that he might assemble a puissance sufficient, to relieve his friends, being shut up in the City of orleans. While he was studying and compassing this matter, there happened to him a strange chance, of the which I will writ a little, because some of the French Authors, and especially, john Bouchet writeth of it to much. jone a maid commonly called by the french men la Puzelle de dieu. For as he and other say, there came to him being at Chynon, a maid of the age of twenty years, and in man's apparel, named jone, borne in Burgoyne, in a town called Droymy beside Vancolour, which was a great space a Chamberlein in a common Hostrey, and was a Ramp of such boldness, that she would coarse horses, and ride them to water, and do things, that other young maidens both abhorred and were ashamed to do: yet as some say, whether it were because of her foul face, that no man would desire it, either because she had made a vow to live chaste, she kept her maydenhed, and preserved her virginity. She (as a monster) was sent to the dolphin, by sir Robert Bandrencort captain of Vancolour, to whom she declared, that she was sent from God, both to aid the miserable city of orleans, and also to restore him to the possession of his realm, out of the which he was expulsed and overcomed: rehearsing to him visions, trances, and fables, full of blasphemy, superstition, and hypocrisy, that I marvel much that wise men did believe her, and learned Clerks would writ such phantasyes. What should I rehearse, how they say, she knew and called him her king, whom she never saw before? That she had by revelation a sword, to her appointed in the Church of Saint Katheryn, of Fierboys in Torayne where she never had been? that she declared such privy messeges from God, our Lady, and other saints, to the dolphin, that she made the tears run down from his eyes? So was he deluded, so was he blinded, and so was he deceived by the devils means which suffered her to begin her race, and in conclusion rewarded her with a shameful fall. But in the mean season, such credence was given to her, that she was honoured as a saint of the religious, and believed as one sent from God of the Temporalty, insomuch that she (armed at all points) road from poitiers to Bloys, and there found men of war, victual, and munitions, ready to be conveyed to orleans. The Englishmen perceiving that they within could not long continued for default of vital & powder, kept not their watch so diligently as they were accustomed, nor scoured not the Country environed, as they before had ordained: which negligence, the Citizens being shut in perceiving, sent word thereof to the French captains, which with Puzel in the dead time of the night, and in great rain and thunder, with all their victual and artillery entered into the City. And the next day the Englishmen boldly assaulted the town, promising to them that best scaled the walls great rewards. Then men mounted on Ladders courageously, and with Gonnes, Arrows and Pikes, beat their enemies from the walls. The Frenchmen, although they marveled at the fierce fight of the English people, yet they were not amazed, but they defended themselves to the dark night, on which day no great private feat worthy of memory, was either attempted or done. The Bastard of orleans (seeing the puissance of the English nation) began to fear the sequel of the matter: wherefore he sent word to the Duke of Alaunson, advertising him in what case the town than stood, and that it could not long continued without his hasty speed, and quick diligence. Which delaying no time, nor deferring no space, came with all his army within two leagues of the City, and sent word to the Captains, that on the next morrow they should be ready to receive them. Which thing the next day they accomplished, for the English men thought it to be much to their avail, if so great a multitude entered into the City, vexed with famine and replenished with scarcenesss. On the next day in the morning the Frenchmen altogether issued out of the town, and assaulted the fortress or Bastile, called the Bastile of Saint Louvre, the which with great force, and no little loss they took and set it on fire, and after assaulted the Tower at the bridge foot, which was manfully defended. But the French men being more in number, so fiercely assaulted it, that they took it or the Lord Talbot could come to succours, in the which William Gladdisdale the Capitayne was slain, and the Lord Morlyns, and the lord Pownyngs also. The Frenchmen puffed up with this good luck, seeing the strong Fortress was ungotten, which was under the defence of the lord Talbot, fetched a compass about, and in good order of battle marched thitherward. The lord Talbot like a Capitayne without fear or dread of so great a multitude, issued out of his Bastile, and so fiercely fought with the french men, that they not able to withstand his puissance, fled (like sheep before the Wolffe) again into the City, with great loss of men and small artillery: and of the English men were lost in the two bastilles six hundred persons. Then the Earl of Suffolk, the lord Talbot, the lord Scales, and other Captains, assembed together, where causes were showed, that it was both necessary and convenient either to leave the siege for ever, or to defer it till an other time, more luckey and convenient. And to the intent that they should not seem either to fly or to be driven from the siege by their enemies, they determined to leave their fortresses and bastilles, and to assemble in the plain field, and there to abide all the day, abiding the outcomming and battle of their enemies. This conclusion taken, was accordingly executed. The siege of orleans broken up. The French men wearied with the last bickering, held in their heads, and durst not once appear: and so they set fire in their lodgings, and departed in good order of battle from orleans. The next day, which was the eight day of May, the Earl of Suffolk, riding to jargeaux with four hundred English men, and the Lord Talbot with an other company returned to Meum. Which town after that he had fortified, he incontinent assauted and wan the town of Lavall and the Castle, sore vexing and punishing the towns men, for their hard hearts, and cancarde obstinacy: and leaving there a garrison, recoiled to Meum. After that the English men were thus retired from the siege of orleans, and severed themselves in divers towns and fortresses, holding on their part: The Duke of Alaunson, the Bastard of orleans, jone the Puzel, the Lord of Gancort, and divers other french men, came before the town of jargeaux, where the Earl of Suffolk, and his two brethren sojourned, the twelve day of june, and gave to the town a great and terrible assault, which the English men, (being but a handful) manfully defended on three parts of the same. Poyton of Sentrailes, perceiving one part of the town to be undefended, scaled the walls on that part: and without any difficulty took the town, and slew sir Alexander Pole brother to the Earl, and many other, to the number of two hundred: but they not much gained, for they lost three hundred good men and more. Of the English men were taken xl beside his brother john. After this gain and good luck, the french men returning toward orleans, fell in contention and debate, for their captives and prisoners, and slew them all, saving the Earl and his brother. After the gaining of the town of jargeaux, the same army came to Meum, and took the tower at the bridge, and put therein a garrison, and from thence removed to Bangency. Which garrison being not victualed rendered the town, so that they might departed with bag and baggage, frankly and freely: which desire to them was granted. At this town of Bangency met with the Duke of Alaunson, Arthur of Britain the false forsworn Gentleman to the king of England, newly made Constable of France (as you have heard) with whom was the Lord Delabret with twelve hundred men, to whom daily repaired fresh aid out of every part, as the Earl of Vandosme, and other to the number of twenty or xxiij thousand men. All these men of war, determined to go to Meum, and to take the town, but they were informed, that the English men had left the town desolate, and were returned to the Lord Talbot to jenevile. Then they concluded to pass toward that town. But as they marched forward upon a Saturday, they had perfit knowledge, that the Lord Talbot with five thousand men, was coming to Meum. Wherefore they intending to stop him a tide, conveyed their company to a small village called Poitiers, which way they knew that the English men must needs pass by. And first they appointed their horsemen, which were well and richly furnished, to go before, and suddenly to set on the English men, or they were, either ware or set in order. The English men coming forward perceived the horsemen, and imagining to deceive their enemies, commanded the footmen to environ and enclose themselves about with their stakes, A sore skirmish wherein the English men had great loss. but the french horsemen came on so fiercely, that the archers had no leisure to set themselves in array. There was no remedy, but to fight at adventure. This battle continued by the space of three long hours. And although the English men were overpressed, with the number of their adversaries, yet they never fled back one foot, till their Captain the Lord Talbot was sore wounded at the back, and so was taken. Then their hearts began to faint, and they fled, in which flight, The Lord Talbot, the lord Scales, and the lord Hungerford taken. there were slain above twelve hundred, and taken xl whereof the Lord Talbot, the Lord Scales, the Lord Hungerford, and Sir Thomas Rampstone, were the chief: Howbeit divers archers which had shot all their arrows, having only their sword, defending themselves, and with the help of some of the horsemen, came safe to Meum. When the fame was blown abroad, that the Lord Talbot was taken, all the French men not a little rejoiced, thinking surely that now the rule of the English men should shortly assuage and wax faint: for fear whereof, the towns of jenevile, Meum, Fort, and divers other, returned from the English part, and became French, to the great displeasure of the Regent. From this battle departed without any stroke stricken, sir john Fastolffe, the same year, for his valiantness elected into the order of the Garter: For which cause the Duke of Bedford, in a great anger took from him the Image of saint George, and his Garter: but afterward, by mean of friends, and apparent causes of good excuse by him alleged, he was restored to the order again, against the mind of the Lord Talbot. Charles, calling himself French king, being advertised of this victory, thought now that all things succeeded, according to his opinion and good hope, which ever was of that high courage and heavy mind, that in his most adversity, he never despaired in good luck at length: so that the Earl of Salisbury being dead, and the Lord Talbot living in captivity (which were the glory of his enemies) he thought to enterprise great and weighty things, where before he medeled with small and little doings. For fulfilling of his mind and appetite, he determined, first to conquer the City of reins, to the intent that he being there, might according to the fashion of his progenitors, with all accustomed Ceremonies, be sacred and anointed king, that all men might see and perceive, that he was by all laws and decrees, a just and a lawful king. Wherefore he assembling together a great army, and having in his company joan the Puzel, whom he used as an Oracle and a Soothsayer, passed through champaign by the Town of Anxer which he besieged, they within sent to him Messengers, Anxer besieged. praying him of certain days of abstinence of war, in the which (if they were not rescued) they promised to tender the town. He not willing to recompense with ingratitude the loving hearts of the Citizens, granted gently to their petition, and leaving there certain persons, to see that they should not juggle with him, departed from thence to Troy's, Troy's besieged and yielded to the French men. being the chief City of champaign, which he besieged twelve days. Sir Philip Hall Captain there, unprovided both of victual and men, mistrusting that aid would not come in time, upon composition rendered the town, so that he and his, with all their movables might in safety depart the City: which demand was agreed to. After that Troy's was yielded, Awbemond delivered to the French. Reins delivered to the French. the commonalite of Chalons rebelled against sir john Awbemond their captain, and constrained him to deliver the town upon like composition, which against his will he was feign to do: and likewise did the citizens of Reinss, desiring him to give safe conduit to all English men, safely to depart. When he had thus conquered reins, Charles the dolphin crowned king of France. he in the presence of all the Noble men of his faction, and the Dukes of Lorraine and Bar, was sacred king of France, by the name of Charles the sixth, withal titles and ceremonies thereto appertaining. They of Anxer which were not rescued within the time appointed, brought the keys to him, and submitted themselves to his obeisance: likewise did all the Cities and towns adjoining, giving thanks to almighty God, which having compassion on their misery, had restored them to liberty and freedom. The Duke of Bedford, hearing that these towns had returned to the part of his adversaries, and that Charles late Dolphin had taken upon him the name and estate of the king of France, and also seeing that daily Cities and towns returned from the English part, and became French, as though the English men had now lost all their hardy chieftains and valiant men of war, espied and evidently perceived, that the last and uttermost point of recovery, was driven only to overcome by battle, and to subdue by force. By which victory (as he put his confidence in God) he trusted not only to scourge and plague the Cities, which were so suddenly changeable, but also to assuage and calm the haute courage of the new sacred French king and his companions. Wherefore he having together ten thousand good English men (beside Normans) departed out of Paris in warlike fashion, and passed through Brie to Monstrell Faultyow, and there sent by Bedforde his Herald letters to the French king, alleging to him that he contrary to the laws of God and man, yea and contrary to the final conclusion, taken, concorded, and agreed between his noble brother king Henry the fift, and king Charles the fift, father to the said now usurper, leaving all humane reason and honest communication (which sometime appeaseth debates and pacefyeth strifes) only alured and enticed by a devilish Witch, and a fanatical Enchaunteresse, had not only falsely and craftily taken upon him, the name, title & dignity of the king of France: but also had by murder, stealing, craft, and deceitful means, violently gotten, and wrongfully kept, divers Cities and towns, belonging to the king of England, his most best beloved Lord, and most dearest Nephew. For proof whereof, he was come down from Paris with his army, into the Country of Brye, by dent of sword, and stroke of battle, to prove his writing and cause true, willing his enemy to choose the place, and he in the same would give him battle. The new French King, departing from his solemn ceremonies at Reinss, and removing from thence to Dampmartine, studying how to compass the Parisians, either with money, or with promise, was somewhat troubled with this message, howbeit, he made a good countenance, and a French brag, answering to the Herald: that he would sooner seek his master the Duke, then that the Duke should pursue him. The Duke of Bedford hearing his answer, marched toward him, and pitched his field in a strong place, and sent out divers of his raungers, to provoke the French men to come forward. The French king was in manner determined to abide the battle, but when he heard say by his Espials, that the power and number of the English men were to his army equal in power, he determined that it was more for his profit, to abstain from battle without danger, then to enter into the conflict with jeopardy: fearing lest that with a rash courage, he might overthrow all his affairs, which so effectuously proceeded. And so well advised, he turned with his army a little out of the way. The Duke of Bedford perceiving his faint courage, followed him by Mountains and dales, till he came to a Town in Bar, not far from Senlis, where he found the French king and his army. Wherefore he ordered his battle, like a man expert in martial science, setting the Archers before, and himself with the noble men in the main battle, and put the Normans on both sides for the wings. The French king also ordered his battles, according to the devise of his Captains. Thus these two armies without any great doing (except a few skirmishes, in the which the Duke's light horsemen did very valyaunly,) lay each in sight of other, by the space of two days and two nights. But when the French king saw, and perceived, how glad, how diligent and courageous the English men were to fight and give battle, he imagined that by his tarrying, one of these two things must needs chance: that is to say, either he should fight against his will, or lie still like a coward, to his great rebuke and infanne. Wherefore in the dead of the night (as privily as he could) he broke up his camp and fled to Bray. When this flight was perceived in the morning, the Regent could scarce refrain his people, from following the French army, calling them cowards, dastards, and louts, and therefore, he perceiving that by no means, he could allure the new French king to abide battle, mistrusting the Parisians, and giving no great credit to their fair, sweet, and flattering words, returned again to Paris, to assemble together a greater power, and so to prosecute his enemies. In this season, the Bohemians (which belike had espied the usurped authority of the Bishop of Rome) began to Rebel against his Sea. Wherefore, Martin the fift, Bishop of Rome, wrote unto them to abstain from war, and to be reconciled by reason, from their damnable opinions. But they (being persuaded to the contrary) neither gave ear unto him, nor yet obeyed his voice. Wherefore the Bishop of Rome, wrote to the Princes of Germany, to invade the Realm of Beam, as the den of heretics. Beside this, he appointed Henry Bishop of Winchester, and Cardinal of Saint Eusebie, a man very well borne (as you have heard) but no better borne then high stomached, to be his Legate in this great journey, and to bring out men from the Realm of England, into the Country of Beam. And because the war touched religion, he licensed the said Cardinal, to take the tenth part of every spiritual dignity, benefice and promotion. This matter, was declared in open Parliament in England, and not dissented, but gladly assented to, wherefore the bishop gathered the money, and assembled four thousand men, and more, not without great grudge of the people, which daily were with tallages and aids wearied, and sore burdened. And when men, munitions, and money were ready for his high enterprise, he with all his people came to the Sea strand at Dover, ready to pass over the Sea into Flaundyrs. But in the mean season, the Duke of Bedford considering, how towns daily were gotten, and Countries hourly won in the realm of France, for lack of sufficient defence and number of men of war, wrote to his brother the Duke of Gloucester, to relieve him with aid, in that tempestuous time and troublous season. When this letter was brought into England, the Duke of Gloucester was not a little amazed, because he had no army ready to send at that time: For by the reason of the Crew sent into Beam, he could not suddenly raise a new army. But because the matter was of such importance, and might neither be from day to day differred, nor yet long delayed he wrote to the Bishop of Winchester, to pass with all his army toward the Duke of Bedford, which at that time had both need of men and assistance, considering that now, all stood upon loss or gain: which thing done, and to his honour achieved, he might perform his journey against the Bohemians. Although the Cardinal was somewhat moved with this countermand, yet lest he should be noted, not to aid the Regent of France, in so great a cause, and so necessary an enterprise, he bowed from his former journey, and passed the sea with all his company, and brought them to his Cousin, to the City of Paris. Charles the French King, having knowledge in the mean season by his espials, which went round about the Country, to entice & solicit towns and Cities, to return from the English part, and become French, that the inhabitants of Champain, and Bevauoys, aught to him great love and singular favour, and gladly coveted to renounce the subjection of England, and to be under his protection, and also offered to open him their Gates, so that they should not thereby, be in jeopardy of their lives, and loss of their goods, with all haste and diligence removed toward champaign. The Duke of Bedforde being advertised of his progress, and having his army augmented, with the new aid, which the Cardinal had of late conducted, marched forward with great speed to encounter and give battle, to his mortal enemy the French king. When the Duke was come to Senlis, the Frenchmen were lodged on the Mountpilioll, between Senlis and champaign. Every army knew of other, and every host might behold other. Then the Camps were trenched, and the battles pitched, and the fields ordered. Thus these great armies lay two days, nothing doing but with skirmishes, in the which the normans sore vexed the French men. Wherefore the Lord Regent, gave to them many high laudes and praisings, and determined surely the next day to set on the French king in his Camp, if he would abide battle. But while king Charles did polletikely consider, what a variable Lady, Fortune was, and what a sudden and unthought chance of a small thing, might do in a battle: for the detriments and overthrows, that he and his Nation had taken and tasted by the English men, were to them a learning, to avoid open joining, mutual conflict, and force to force. And beside that, he had by his searchers and spies, plain and perfect knowledge, that many and divers Cities and towns in France, abhorring the English liberty, and aspiring to the French bondage and native servitude, (according to the nature of Asses, which the more they be charged with, the more they desire) would (when they saw their time) not only rebel and return to his faction and part, but also were ready to aid and assist him, in recovery of his desired realm and ancient dominion, in expelling also the English nation out of the territories of France. And therefore he imagined that the Duke of Bedford, was so hasty to give him battle, thinking that if he than were overcome, the game had for the Englishmen been clearly gotten, and to the Frenchmen, a perpetual checkmate. Wherefore he determined never (except very necessity compelled or constrained him) to fight in open battle with the Englishmen, nor by a field to adventure his realm with them, of whom his predecessors so often times had been vanquished, wherefore like a carpet captain, he in the night, removed his Camp and fled to Crespie, and yet his number was double to the English army. The Duke of Bedford seeing that the French king, was thus cowardly retrayted, and as a man which durst not once assay the stroke of an English arm, shamefully recoiled: with all his power and army, and returned again to Paris, sore suspecting the deceitful faith of the polletique Parisians. The Bishop of Winchester, after the French kings flight, went into Beam, and there did somewhat, but what it was Authors keep silence, and so do I; But shortly he without any great praise, and small gain, returned into England, more glad of his retreat, then of his advancing forward. Sun after the Bishop of Rome without his agreement, unlegated him, and set an other in his steed and authority, with which doing he was neither content, nor pleased. 1429/8 The coronation of King Henry the sixth at Westminster. On the sixth day of November, being the day of Saint Leonard, king Henry, in the eight year of his reign, was at Westminster with all pomp and honour, crowned king of this realm of England. But to return to the troublous wars in France. After that the French king was fled from the Duke of Bedford (as you have heard before) and was come to Crespy in Valois, he was credibly informed, how the Citizens of champaign, desired greatly to be under his governance and subjection. Wherefore he minding not to lose so fair an offered prey, ceased not till he came to the town, where with all reverence and benignity, he was received and welcomed. And after that, were rendered to him the towns of Senlis and Beavoys. And the Lord Longuenall took by stealth, the Castle of Aumerle, and slew all the English men, and in short space, the Lord Barbason, which long had been prisoner in the Castle Gaylard, so much, what with fair words and large promises, persuaded his keepers, that he not only delivered his own person, but also caused the town, to turn from the English men, to the part of king Charles his master. Which king although he much rejoiced, at the good success, that Fortune had to him sent, yet he was somewhat desperate, how to recover his country from the possession of the English men, except he unknitted the knot and league, between the Duke of Burgoyn and them. Wherefore, he sent his Chancellor, and divers Ambassadors to the Duke of Burgoyn, first excusing himself of the death and murder of Duke john his father, and after, declaring to him, that there could be nothing more foul, more dishonest, nor more detestable, then, for his own peculiar cause, and private displeasure, to join with his ancient enemies, and perpetual adversaries against his native Country and natural Nation: Not only requiring him of concord, peace, and amity, but also promising golden Mountains, and many more benefits, then at that time, he was either able or could perform. This message was not so secret, nor the doing so closely cloaked, but the Duke of Bedforde, thereof was plainly informed. Which, being sore troubled, and unquieted in his mind, because he saw the power of the English nation, daily wax less, he of all things first foreseeing, if any loss should of necessity chance, of those towns and Countries, which his noble brother king Henry the fift had conquered, in the very Country of France, for lack of tuition or defence: yet for an anchorhold, he determined to keep, possess, and defend, the Duchy of Normandy, the old inheritance and ancient Patrimony of the kings of England, and from them only, by force and not by justice, by violence and not by right, sith the time of King Henry the third, (the devilish division then reigning in the realm) wrongfully detained, and injuriously usurped. Wherefore, he diligently providing, for things that might chance, appointed governor of the City of Paris, Lewes of Luxenborough, Bishop of Turwyne and Ely, being Chancellor of France, for the king of England, a man of no less wit, then of birth, leaving with him a convenient number of Englishmen to defend both the City and territory of Paris, and the Isle of France, then being in the English men's possession and governance. The duke of Bedford Regent of france calleth a parliament at Rouen. These things thus ordered, he departed from Paris, into Normandy, and called at Rouen a Parliament, of the three estates of the Duchy, in the which he declared unto them, the great liberties, the manifold privileges, the innumerable benefits, which they had received of the kings of England, during the time that they were possessors, and Lords of the same Duchy, not putting in oblivion, the misery, bondage, and calamity, which they had sustained, by the intolerable yoke, and daily tributes, continually laid in their necks like Asses, by the cruel and covetous Frenchmen: And putting them also in remembrance, how the kings of England, were not only brought forth and descended of the Normans blood and progeny, but were the very true and undoubtful heirs, to the same Country & Duchy, lineally succeeding, and lawfully descending from Rollo the hardy, first Duke and prince of the same Dominion: Requiring them further, to live in love and amity amongst themselves, to be true and obedient to the king their sovereign Lord, and to keep their oath and promise, made and sworn to his noble brother, king Henry the fift, promising to them, English liberty, and privileges royal. While the Duke of Bedford was thus interteining and encouraging the Normans, Charles the new French king, being of his departure advertised, longing and thirsting for to obtain Paris, the chief City & principal place of resort, within the whole realm of France, departed from the town of Senlis well accompanied, and came to the town of Saint Device, which he found desolate, and abandoned of all garrison, and good governance. Wherefore, without force and small damage, he entered into the void town and lodged his army at Mountmartir, and Abberuilliers, near adjoining, and lying to the City of Paris. And from thence, sent john Duke of Alencon, and his sorceress joan (called the Maid sent from God) in whom, his whole affiance than consisted, with three thousand light horsemen, to get again the City of Paris, either by force, or by fair flattering, or reasonable treaty, and after them, he without delay or deferring of time, with all his power, came between Mountmartir and Paris, and suddenly approached the gate of Saint Honore, setting up Ladders to the walls, and casting Faggots into the ditches, as though he would with a French brag, suddenly have gotten the fair City. But the English captains, every one keeping his ward and place assigned, so manfully and fiercely, with a noble courage, defended themselves, their walls and Towers, with the assistance of the Parisiens, that they rebutted and drove away the Frenchmen, and threw down jone, jone the holy maid overthrown. their great Goddess, into the bottom of the town ditch, where she lay behind the back of an Ass, sore hurt, till the time that she all filthy with mire and dirt, was drawn out, by Guyschard of Thienbrone, servant to the Duke of Alaunson. The French king, seeing the great loss, that he had sustained at this assault, and accounted his pretenced conquest in manner impossible, leaving the dead bodies behind him, and taking with him, the wounded Captains, which were of no small number, returned into Berry. But in the mean way, the Citizens of Laignie became his subjects, and made to him an oath, promising to continued from thenceforth to him, both true and obedient. The Duke of Bedford, being in Normandy, The Duke of Bedford commends the Citizens of Paris. and hearing of this sudden attempt, lost no time, nor spared no travail, till he came to Paris. Where he not only thanked the captains, and praised the Citizens for their assured fidelity and good will, toward their king and sovereign Lord, but also extolled their hardiness, and manly doings, above the Stars, and high elements: promising to them, honour, fame, and great advancements. Which gentle exhortation, so encouraged and inflamed the hearts of the Parisians, that they swore, promised, and concluded, to be friends ever to the king of England and his friends, and enemies always to his foes and adversaries, making proclamation by this style. Friends to king Henry, friends to the Parisians, enemies to England, enemies to Paris. But if they spoke it with their hearts, either for fear, that Charles the French king should not punish them, if he once obtained the superiority over their City and town, or that they flattered the Englishmen, to put themselves in credit with the chief Captains, you shall plailely perceive, by the sequel of their acts. Sun after these doings, came to Paris with a great company Philip Duke of Burgoyn, which was of the Regent, and the Lady his wife, honourably received, and highly feasted. And after long consultation had, for the recovering of the towns, lately by the French king stolen and taken, it was agreed, that the Duke of Bedford, should raise an army, for the recovery of the said fortresses, and that the Duke of Burgoyn, should be his deputy, and tarry at Paris, for the defence of the same. After this great business thus concluded, and appointed, the Duke of Bedford himself, without any great resistance, recovered again the town of Saint Device, and divers other Castles. And after that done, he sent the Bastard of Clarence, to lay siege to the Castle of Toursie, being both by the natural situation, and man's policy, very strong and in manner unable to be beaten down. The siege continued six months, but in conclusion, the Captain discomfited of all relieve and succour, rendered the fortress, the life of him and his soldiers only saved: which offer was taken, and the Castle razed, and cast down to the ground. During this siege, Sir Thomas Kiriell knight, with four hundredth Englishmen, departed from Gourney in Normandy, and road by Beavoys, spoiling, robbing and wasting the Country, to the Suburbs of Cleremount. Whereof, hearing the Earl of the same town, assembled all the men of war, of the garrisons adjoining, to fight with the Englishmen: and so the French men with all diligence set forward, and found their enemies in a strait place, near unto Beavoys. The Earl of Cleremount seeing that he could not hurt them with his men of arms, by reason of the strait, came down on foot with all his company, and fiercely set on the English men. The fight was fierce, and the advantage doubtful. But in conclusion, the archers shot so terribly, that the French men not able to abide the smart, and galls of the arrows, fled apace, and the Englishmen leaving the strait, leapt on horseback, and followed the chase. In the which were taken two hundredth prisoners, and thrice as many slain. The Earl, by the swiftness of his horse escaped his enemies, and came to the town of Beavoys: and so Sir thomas Kiriell, with plenty of spoil and prisoners, returned to Gouruay, rendering to God his hearty thanks for that good chance and happy victory. Yet fortune sent not this good luck alone, for the Earl of Suffolk at that same very season, besieging the town of Aumarle, whereof was captain the Lord Rambures (after xxiiij great assaults given to the fortress) had the town and Castle to him simply rendered. Wherefore, he caused xxx of the towns men, for their untruth to be hanged on the walls, and all the rest he ransomed, and sent the Capitayne into England, where he remained six years continually, and after by exchange was delivered. After this, the Earl fortified the town with men, munitions and victual, and so by a little and little, the English men recovered again many towns which before they had lost, without any great loss of their people. Which thing the French men well considering, imagined by what means, how to get again the town of Laual, which the Lord Talbot (before as you have heard) got by scaling in a night. Wherefore to possess their desired prey, they with money and gay promises, first corrupted a Miller, that kept a Mill adjoining to the wall, so that the Miller suffered the Lord Homet with three hundred other, to pass through his Mill into the town, in a very dark night. When they were entered, they slew the keepers of the gate, and let in the Lord Bertrand de la Ferrier, with five hundred men of arms: which either slew or took prisoners, all the English men within the town, And shortly after, sir Stephin de Vignoles called the Heir, took by scaling, the town of Louiers in Normandy, and did much damage, to all the towns adjoining. While these chances happened, between the English men and French men, Philip Duke of Burgoyne, married the Lady Isabella, daughter to john King of Portyugall, and great aunt to the King of England. In honour of which marriage, he instituted and began an order of xxxuj knights without reproach, The order of the golden fleece. called the order of the golden Fleece, and devised statutes, Mantles, collars and ceremonies for the same, much like to the ordinances of the noble order of the Garter begun in England, almost an hundred years before the invention of this fraternity and friendship. On the which wife, he begat the hardy Duke Charles, father to Marry, after married to Maximilian king of the Romans, as (when place requireth) shall be hereafter to you declared. The town of Laigny besieged. In this very season the English men in the cold month of December, besieged the town of Laigny, in the which was the Puzel and divers other good Captains. But the weather was so cold, and the rain so great and continual, that they of force compelled, not by their enemies, but by the intemperate season, raised their siege: and in their return, the Puzel and all the garrison within the town, issued out and fought with the English men, where (after long fight) both parties departed without either great gain or loss. After this enterprise done, the Duke of Burgoyne accompanied with the Earls of Arundel and Suffolk, and the Lord john of Luxenbrough, Compeigne besieged. with a great puissance, besieged the Town of Compeigne: which town was well walled, manned and vytailed, so that the besiegers must either by assault or long tarrying, weary or famish them within the town. So they cast trenches, and made mines, and studied all the ways that they could devise, how to compass their conquest and enterprise. And it happened in the night of the Ascension of our Lord, that Ponthon of Xentrales, jone the Puzel, and five or six hundred men of arms, issued out of Compeigne, by the gate of the bridge toward Mowntdedier, intending to set fire in the tents and lodgings of the Lord of Baudo, which was then gone to Marigny, for the Duke of Burgoyns affairs. At which time sir john of Luxenborough, with eight other gentlemen (which had ridden about the town to search and view, in what place the town might be most aptly and conveniently assaulted or scaled) were come near to the lodging of the Lord of Baudo, where they espied the French men, which began to cut down tents, overthrow pavilions, and kill men in their beds. Wherefore shortly they assembled a great number of men, as well English as Burgonions, and courageously set on the French men. Sore was the fight and great was the slaughter, in so much that the French men, not able longer to endure, fled into the town so fast, that one letted the other to enter. jone the Puzel taken and brent. In which chase was taken, jone the Puzel, and divers other: which jone was sent to the Duke of Bedford to Rouen, where (after long examination) she was brent to ashes. This witch or manly woman (called the maid of God) the French men grealy glorified and highly extolled, alleging that by her orleans was victualed: by her king Charles was sacred at reins, and that by her, the English men were often times put back and overthrown. O Lord, what dispraise is this to the Nobility of France? What blot is this to the French Nation? What more rebuke can be imputed to a renowned Region, then to affirm, writ and confess, that all notable victories, and honourable conquests, which neither the king with his power, nor the nobility with their valiantness, nor the counsel with their wit, nor the commonalty with their strength could compass or obtain, were gotten and achieved by a shepherds daughter, a Chamberlein in an hostrie, and a beggars brat: which blinding the wits of the French nation, by revelations, dreams and fantastical visions, made them believe things not to be supposed, and to give faith to things impossible. For surely, if credit may be given to the acts of the Clergy, openly done, and commonly showed, this woman was not inspired with the holy ghost, nor sent from God (as the French men believe) but an Enchanteresse, an organ of the Devil, sent from Satan, to blind the people, and bring them in unbelief: as by a letter sent from the king of England may appear: But for that the same is long, I thought it sufficient to rehearse the effect thereof, which was as followeth. First that she two years and more, contrary to God's law, and the honest estate of womanhood, was clothed in man's apparel, and exercised the office of a Capitayne in the wars. Also, she affirmed that she was sent of God, and that she had spoken personally with God. Also, she caused herself to be honoured and worshipped of many, as a woman sanctified. And for a true declaration of the falsity and lewdness of her doing, she being called before the Bishop and the University of Paris, was there with great solemnity adjudged and condemned, a superstitious Sorceress, and a devilish Blasphemeres of God, and as an erroneous wretch was consumed with fire. And at the time of her death, she confessed how the Devil had deluded and deceived her. This letter, the king of England, sent not only to the Duke of Burgoyne and other Princes, to declare the verity of the matter, and the administration of justice, but to admonish all rude and ignorant persons, in all other countries, to refrain from the credit and belief of the sayings, of such profane prophecies, and crafty imaginers, as this peevish painted Puzel was. john Buchet. Yet notwithstanding, this lawful process, this due examination and public sentence, john Buchet, and divers French writers affirm her to be a saint in heaven. But because it is no point of our faith, no man is bound to believe his judgement, although he were an Archdeken. But Paulus Emilius, Paulus Emilius. a famous writer, rehearsing that the Citizens of orleans, had builded in the honour of her an Image or an Idol, saith that Pius Bishop of Rome, and Anthony Bishop of Florence, much marveled and greatly wondered at her acts and doings. With which saying, I can very well agreed, that she was more to be marveled at, as a false prophetess, and seducer of the people, then to be honoured or worshipped as a Saint sent from God into the realm of France. For of this I am sure, that all ancient writers, as well divine as profane, allege these three things beside divers other, Three properties that appertain to a good woman. to appertain to a good woman. First shamefastness, which the Roman Ladies so kept, that seldom or never they were seen openly talking with a man: which virtue at this day amongst the Turks, is highly esteemed. The second is pity: which in a woman's heart, abhorreth the spilling of the blood of a poor beast, or a seely bird. The third is womanly behaviour, avoiding the occasion of evil judgement, and causes of slander. If these qualities, be of necessity, incident to a good woman, where was her shamefastness, when she daily and nightly was conversant with comen soldiers and men of war, amongst whom is small honesty, less virtue and shamefastness lest of all exercised or used? Where was her womanly pity, when she taking to her the heart of a cruel beast, slew man woman and child, where she might have the upper hand? Where was her womanly behaviour, when she clad herself in a man's clothing, and was conversant with every lozel, giving an occasion to all men to judge, and speak evil of her, and her doings. Then these things; being thus plainly true, all men must needs confess, that the cause ceasing, the effect also ceaseth: so that if these moral virtues lacking, she was no good woman, than it must needs consequently follow, that she was no saint. Now leaving this woman, consumed to ashes, let us return again to the siege of Compeigne, which still continued. During which time, the Regent sent to the Duke of Burgoyne, lying at the siege, the Earl of Huntyngdon, sir john Robsert with a thousand Archers, which daily skirmished with them of the town, and made such bastilles and fortresses, that the town must needs be rendered, or else they within famished. But see the chance, when victory was at hand, tidings were brought to the Duke of Burgoyn, that Philip Duke of Brabant, was departed out of this world, leaving behind him no heir of his body: To whom the said Duke pretended to be next heir, wherefore he taking with him, his best Captains, for the recovery of so great a Duchy, departed from the siege, leaving his poor people behind him, and ordained in his place, for his Lieutenant, Sir john Luxenborough, which being of small strength and less courage, after the Duke's departing, advised the English men to departed for that time, till the next Summer: which thereto at the first, would in no wise agreed. But there was no remedy, for he was captain general, and had the ordinance under his rule, so that without that, they could nothing do: Wherefore in great displeasure, they returned into Normandy. After whose departure, the Captain set fire in all the bastilles, and secretly departed, leaving behind him divers pieces of ordinance, for lack of of carriage. With which return, the Dukes of Bedford and Burgoyn, were sore displeased: for if he had continued his siege eight days longer, the town had been rendered, without dent of sword. For pestilence and famine, had almost consumed all the Soldiers, and left the town without safeguard or defence. After this siege broken up, john Duke of Norfolk took again the towns of Dampmartyn, and the Chasse Mongay, & divers other towns. And the Earl of Stafforde took the town of Brie, in County Robert, and from thence, foraged all the Country to Sens, and after took Quesnoy in Brie, Grand Puys, and Rampellon, with many prisoners, as sir jaques de Milly, and sir john de la Hay. During which time the French men took Louiers, and Villuence. And then the town of Melune rebelled, and had such aid of other towns adjoining, that the English Soldiers, were fain to leave Melune, Morret, and corbel. Thus, according to the chance of war, the one part got, and the other lost. Thus the English affairs (as you have heard) within the realm began to waver, and wax variable, which caused the English Captains to be of divers opinions. For one part being sorry and pensive, adjudged the things present, light and of no moment, in comparison of them which they saw likely to follow: and another sort, adjudged that present time to be most jeopardous, and perilous: Because they saw the power of their enemies now increased, and their own strength rather decayed, then conserved. And so every man studying on this business, advised secretly with himself, what counsel was best to be taken, and what way was best to be followed, to remedy these things, thus wavering in a doubtful Balance, did at the last conclude, that it was most apt and meet, for the time present, that king Henry in his royal person, with a new army, should come down into France, partly to comfort and visit his own subjects there: partly either by fear or favour (because a child of his age and beauty doth commonly allure to him, the hearts of the elder persons) to 'cause the Frenchmen to continued in their due obeisance toward him. Wherefore after a great host, convenient for that purpose, assembled, and money for the maintenance of the war, ready gathered, and the realm set in order, and the Duke of Gloucester appointed Governor (which during the king's absence, appeased divers riots, and punished many offenders) the king with a great power, King Henry the sixth goeth with an army into France. took shipping at Dover, and landed at Calais, and there tarried a good space, and from thence, he removed to Rouen, where with all triumph, he was received, and there sojourned till the midst of August, his nobles daily consulting on their great business, and weighty affairs. In the Month of November, he removed from Rouen to Ponthoise, and so to saint Denice, to the intent to make his entry into the City of Paris, and there to be sacred king of France, and to receive the Sceptre and Crown of the realm and Country. There were in his company of his own Nation, his Uncle the Cardinal of Winchester, The coronation of king Henry the sixth in Paris. the Cardinal and archbishop of York, the Dukes of Bedford, York, and Norfolk, the Earls of Warwick, Salisbury, Oxford, Huntyngdon, Ormonde, Mortayn, Suffolk, and of Gascoynes, the Earl of Longuile, and March, beside many noble men of England, Guyan & Normandy. And the chief of the French nation were the Dukes of Burgoyn, and Lewes of Luxenbrogh Cardinal and Chancellor of France for king Henry, the bishops of Beavoys and Neyon, both peers of France, beside the Bishop of Paris, and divers other Bishops, the Earl of Waudemount, and other noble men, whose names were to tedious to rehearse. And he had in a guard about his person, three thousand strong archers, some on horseback, and part on foot. And as he was coming, between Saint Denice and Paris, he was met at the Chapel, in the mean way, by Sir Simon Moruer Provost of Paris, with a great company, all clothed in red Satin, with blue Hoods, which did to him due reverence and low obeisance. After whom came divers rich and notable Burgesses of the town of Paris, all apparelled in Crimosyne cloth. After they had done their reverence, there approached to the king the ix worthies, sitting richly on horseback, armed with the arms to them appertaining. Next after them, came the knight of the watch, for the provost Merchants, and with him, all the officers of the Court, apparelled in blue, and Hats red. And in a long space after, came Master Philip de Noruillier, chief precedent of the Parliament, apparelled in a rob of estate: and all the other Presidents of the Parliament, clothed in robes of Scarlet, and in like robes followed the Lords of the chamber of accounts, and of the finance, the Masters of the requests, the Secretaries, and registers, and every company, as their course came, saluted the king with eloquent Orations and heroical Verses, and so conveyed him to the gate of Saint Denice, where the Provost of the Merchants, and the Shreive's of the town received him with a canopy of blue Velvet richly embroidered, with flower Delices' of Gold, and bore the same over him, through the town, which on every side was hanged with rich clotheses of Arras and Tapissery. And at every port and bridge where he passed, was set a pageant of great show and small cost, which because they were but trifles, I over pass, and speak but of one devise, made before the gate of the Chastelet, where upon a stage stood a goodly child, clothed with habit royal, set full of flower Delices', having two crowns on his head, representing the young king, and on his right hand stood two noble personages, in the arms of Burgoyne and Flaunders: and on the left side of him, stood three personages clothed in the arms of Bedford, Salisbury, and Warwick, which to him delivered the sword of England. This pageant was well regarded, and highly praised. From thence he departed to the Palace, and offered in the Chapel, and from thence he departed to the house of Tournelles, and there took his repast. And the next day he was conveyed to Boys de Vincennes, where he reposed himself till the fifteen day of December: on which day, he returned to the Palace of Paris. And on the xvij of the said month, he departed from the Palace in great triumph, honourably accompanied to our Lady church of Paris: where with all solemnity he was anointed and crowned king of France by the Cardinal of Winchester: (the Bishop of Paris not being content that the Cardinal should do such a high ceremony in his Church and jurisdiction.) At the offering he offered Bread and Wine, as the custom of France is. When the divine service was finished, and all ceremonies due, to that high estate accomplished, the king departed toward the Palace, having one crown on his head, and another borne before him, and one sceptre in his hand, and the second borne before him. What should I speak of the honourable service, the dainty dishes, the pleasant conceits, the costly wines, the sweet Armony, the Musical instruments, which were seen and showed at that feast, sith all men may conjecture, that nothing was omitted, that might be bought for Gold, nor nothing was forgotten that by man's wit could be invented. Yet this high and joyous feast, was not without a spot of displeasure, for the Cardinal of Winchester which at this time, would have no man to him equal, commanded the Duke of Bedford, to leave of the name of Regent, during the time that the King was in France: affirming the chief ruler being in presence, the authority of the substitute was clearly derogate: according to the common saying: in the presence of the high power, the small authority giveth place. The Duke of Bedford took such a secret displeasure with this doing, that he never after favoured the Cardinal, but repugned and disdained at all things that he did or devised. And so because the Cardinal would have no temporal Lord either to him superior or with him equal, he set forth this proud and arrogant conclusion, thorough which unhappy division, the glory of the English men began first to decay, and vade away in France. The next day after this solemn feast, were kept triumphant jousts, and Attorneys, in the which, the Earl of Arundel, and the Bastard of Saint Poll, by the judgement of the Ladies, won the price, and got the honour. When he had kept open house to all comers, by the space of twenty days, because the air of Paris was somewhat contrariant to his pure complexion, he was advised by his counsel, to return to Rouen. But before his departure, he caused all the Nobility, the Presidentz of the Parliament, the provosts of the City, and of the Merchants, and the chief Burgesses of the Town and City, and all the Doctors of the University, to be assembled in his presence: to whom the Duke of Bedford made a long and solemn Oration, persuading the Frenchmen to the love and obedience of king Henry, whom he termed their natural sovereign Lord and Prince, descended from the Lady Isabella, daughter & sole inheritrice to king Philip (the fair) French king. When the Duke had finished and ended his Oration, the people being glad, and rejoicing at his sayings, cried: Vive le Roy: Live king Henry, live king Henry. After which cry passed, the Noble men, aswell of France, Homage. as of Normandy, did to him homage, and the common people, swore to him fealty: Fealty. to whom (although he were a child) he gave both pleasant and good words, with hearty thanks, to the great admiration of the french people. After he had feasted the Nobles and Commons of France, within the City of Paris, he with a great company, departed from thence, and by small journeys came to Rouen, where he kept with great solemnity, the high feast of Christmas. While these noble Ceremonies were thus in doing, in the City of Paris, sundry chances diversly happened in several places, to the displeasure of the one part, and to the gain of the other. For Sir Frances Surrien Arragoys, a noble Captain in Normandy, took by force and policy, the town of Mounterges, with a great pray of treasure and prisoners, and therein he put a garrison, and victualed the town, to the great displeasure of the French king. About the same season, the Earl of Arundel, being truly informed, that the Lord Bousac, Martial of France, was come to Beavoys, intending to do some feat in Normandy, assembled the number of twenty-three. hundredth men, & laid himself privily, in a close place, not far from the said town, and sent a great number of light horsemen, to run to the barriers of the City. The Frenchmen, like valiant men of war, issued out, & manfulfully fought with the Englishmen: which suddenly fled toward the stolen. The frenchmen courageously followed, thinking the game gotten on their side: But when they were entered into the strait, the Earl set freshly on them, so that after long fighting, there were slain and taken, in manner all the french men, save a few which fled into the town with the Marshal. Amongst the Captains was found prisoner, the valiant Captain, called Poynton of Sanctrayles, which (without delay) was exchanged for the Lord Talbot, before taken prisoner, at the battle of Poitiers. There was also taken one called the shepherd, a simple man, and a silly soul, whom the Frenchmen reputed, to be of such a holiness, that if he touched the wall of a town, of their enemies, that incontinent, it would fall to the ground, and overturn. Such false fantastical fayners, were at that time much regarded, and no less believed in France. Richard Beaushamp earl of Warwick. This chance succeeded not fortunately alone: For Richard Beauchamp Earl of Warwick, had a great skirmish before the town of Gournay, where he discomfited and repulsed his enemies, and beside the carrions which where left dead on the ground, he took prisoners, three score horsemen, all Gentlemen of name and arms. Like chance of infortune, happened at the same time, to Renate or rain Duke of Bar, a great friend to Charles the French king, both in lending him money, and also in ministering to him aid and succours. This Duke bearing displeasure to Anthony earl of Vaudemont his Cousin and kinsman, Vawdemount besieged. gathered together a great army, and besieged the town of Vaudemont. The Earl before the Duke's approaching, to the intent that he would not be enclosed and compassed about by his enemies within a wall, leaving behind him a convenient crew of men of war, to defend the town for a time, with all diligence road to the Dukes of Bedford, and Burgoyne, being then at the great triumph at Paris, whose part he had ever taken. After long consultation, it was agreed that Sir john Fastolfe should go with him, having in his company six hundredth Archers, and the Duke of Burgoyn sent to him his Marshal, called Sir Anthony Doulongon, with xu hundredth men. The Earl of Vaudemont thus being accompanied, marched toward his enemies. Duke rain hearing of his coming toward him, was somewhat dismayed, fearing lest if his enemies should approach to the walls, and be espied by the garrison within the town, that at one time he should be assailed before, by them that would issue out of the town, and behind, by the Earl and his army. Wherefore like a hardy Captein, he broke up his siege, and met face to face with the Earl and his company: between whom, was a cruel and mortal battle. The horsemen endured long, but in conclusion, the English Archers so galled the horses, and so wounded the men, that the Barroys and their friends were compelled to fly: The Duke of Bar taken. In which chase was taken, the said Duke of Bar, the Bishop of Mies, the Lord of Rodemaque, Sir Euerard of Sasebery, the Viscount Darcy, and two hundredth other, beside three thousand men, which were slain. In this lucky time also, no less occasion of victory, was offered to the English men, being in another part, if when the pig had been proffered, they had opened the poke: For Robert Lord Willoughby, and Matthew Gough, a valiant Welsheman, with xu hundredth Englishmen, laid siege to a town in Anjou, Saint Severyne besieged. being both by situation and policy, very strong and defensible, called Saint Severyne. The Englishmen assailed it not so courageously, but they within, with equal audacity, boldly made defence: so that fortune seemed, to way both the parties in equal balance. Charles the French king, being thereof advertised, sent with all speed the Lord Ambrose de Lore, with many noble and valiant personages, to aid and relieve his friends, enclosed in the town by his enemies. This Lord the Lore, being captain of the town, made much haste to comfort his Deputy and captain within the same, and so marched forward with great speed: but fearing to be suddenly compassed about, he tarried still at Beaumond, looking for the army and captains that should follow, and then altogether to set on their enemies, and so to raise the siege. While he made there his abode, and took his leisure, the Englishmen, by their espials were ascertained and advertised, what progress their enemies made, and what they intended. Wherefore they polletikely provided, to fight with the one part, before the whole puissance were joined. And so a great part of them departed secretly in the night, toward their enemies, and found the watch so out of order, and overseen, that a thousand men were entered into the camp before they were espied. But the slaying of men, and cutting down of Tents, awaked the Captains, whom this sudden fear, and unlooked chance so greatly abashed, that no man in manner, either could here his fellow or himself, or could make sign to expulse or drive out their enemies out of their camp. But when the day began to appear that all thing might be seen and perceived, the Englishmen given to covetousness of spoil, and desire of ravin, neither chased, nor followed their enemies, but being content with their prey and gain, began to retreat toward the siege again. But see the chance: the French men which were coming after, and heard by the noise of the people, that some fray was then in hand, put the Spurs to the horse, and set on their enemies, being laden with bags and wallettes, of prays and spoils. The other part which before fled, returned again, and assailed their enemies. The Frenchmen eagerly assailed, and the Englishmen manfully defended, which being out of order, were compelled to fly, of whom Matthew Gough and diverse other were taken prisoners, and yet of the other part many were slain, and a great number taken, amongst whom, was the Lord of Lore, which for all the battle, was kept and not delivered. The Lord Willoughby, hearing of this chance, raised the siege and departed, very sore displeased. Therefore let every Captain take good heed of victory, the which as she is hard to obtain, so she is quick to fly away: for it is daily seen, that he which thinketh surely, that he hath her in his hands, before he can catch her, is deceived, and runneth into a great loss and danger: and on the other side, when she is gotten, (except good watch be hourly kept) she will steal away, with much hurt and detriment, to the first gainer. Thus the Englishmen, for the greedy appetite of gain, lost the triumphant victory, which they had in their hands. While the English and French nation thus strove and contended for pre-eminence principally, yea, and for the superior power of life, by the unreasonable rage of war in France, the rich men were spoiled of their goods, the spiritual persons were taxed and brought low, the common people were slain, murdered and trodden under the foot, women were defiled, virgins were ravished, towns were destroyed and wasted, town dwellers and Citizens were rob and exiled, beautiful buildings, were cruelly brent, and nothing was spared, which by fire, blood, or famine, might be catched or destroyed, beside a hundredth more calamities, that daily vexed and troubled the miserable French nation. Although France were at this time thus miserably afflicted: yet England was not without some trouble: for daily Englishmen, as well noble as mean personages, were slain, taken, wounded, or hurt, their substance were continually exacted, and consumed for maintenance of the wars, so that mischief and calamity was indifferent to both the nations, and quietness and gain, were expulsed and banished from them both: in so much that the lamentation and dolour of both the Countries, were heard through the whole west part of the world, and of their continual dissension, all Europe and Africa, had their ears and mouths full, so that all men, not only marveled, that France could so much trouble so long time sustain, but more wondered that the realm of England, being but an Isle, was able so to scourge, plague, and trouble the large French region, for which cause Eugenie the fourth being Bishop of Rome, intending to bring this cruel war to a friendly peace, sent his Legate, called Nicolas, Cardinal of the holy Cross, into France, to the intent to make an amity, and a concord between the two princes, and their realms. This wise Cardinal, came first to the French king, and after to the Duke of Bedford being at Paris: exhorting concord, and persuading unity, showing, declaring, and arguing peace to be most honourable, and more profitable to Christian Princes, then mortal war, or uncharitable dissension. When the Legate had thus persuaded the Princes on every part, they both gently answered, that they were content to come to a reasonable end. But when the first communication was moved, and by Commissioners treated, their doings were so far disagreeable from their words, that not only reasonable and honest conditions of peace, could be neither heard nor accepted, but more frowardness, pertinacy, and malice, was kindled and sprung by in their stomachs, then before that time had been seen. The Cardinal being in utter despair, of concluding a peace between the two realms (lest he should seem to departed empty of all things, A truce taken with France for six years. for that which he had taken so much travail) desired a truce for six years to come, which request, as it was to him by both parties hardly granted, so was it of the french men soon and lightly broken after his return: For the Bastard of orleans, newly made Earl of Dunoys, took by treason the town of Charters from the English men: affirming by the law of arms, that stealing or buying a town, without invasion or assault, was no breach of league, amity or truce. In the which town, he slew the bishop, because he was a Burgonion, through which occasion, new malice increased, and mortal war began again to rise and spring. While these things were thus doing in France: There chanced in England by certain light persons (who as some writ bore no good will to priests) dwelling in Abyngton, that a tumult and an assembly was made, to the disquietness of the realm, but by wisdom of the protector, the same was soon pacified, and the chief Author thereof, whose name was William mandevile, alias john Sharpe, being apprehended, was put to execution, and so were sundry other. After these things thus quieted, the Cardinal began to common with the Duke of Gloucester, concerning the affairs and business of France: But the Duke of Gloucester, suspecting that the truce would not long continued between both the realms, (as it did not in deed) devised how to sand more aid, and men to the Duke of Bedford, and gathered up more money and treasure, for the further maintenance of the wars, and resistance of their enemies. Whereupon the Duke of Gloucester called a Parliament, in the which money was assigned, and men were appointed. During which Parliament, james the king of Scots sent Ambassadors, to conclude a peace with the Duke of Gloucester, which (because the king was absent) referred the matter to the three estates. A peace concluded with the Scots. After long consultation, not without great arguments, a peace was granted and concluded, which all men judged should long continued, because king james was then vexed with civil war, and intestine dissension, and also the French men had taken truce, as you have heard for six years. When this Parliament was finished, the Cardinal well garnished with men & money, departed out of England, & came to Rouen to the king, to whom also resorted from Paris, john Duke of Bedford, to debate and consult of things, not unlikely to happen and chance. Wherefore a great counsel was celebrated within the Castle of Rouen, & many doubts were moved and disputed. After this disputation, with many arguments ended, the Dukes of Bedford and York, and Edmond late Earl of Mortain, and now by the death of john Duke of Somerset, (which died without heir male, leaving behind him, a sole daughter called Margaret, after Countess of Richmond) erected to the name and title, of Duke of Somerset, liked and approved, the first argument, and first moved reason: affirming best, that war must be provided for, and that money aught to be disbursed, and to avoid all doubts, that a greater army, was necessary to be gathered together and assembled. When all things were agreed, king Henry departed to Calais, and from thence to Dover, King Henry the sixth returneth out of France into England. and so by easy journeys he came the xxj day of February, to the City of London, where he was received, not only with great pomp and triumph, but also highly presented with gifts and money, as in the Chronicle of Robert Fabian, you may read at large, which I overpass. After that the king was departed into England, the Duke of Bedford, Regent of France, and Captain of Calais, tarried behind in the Marches of Picardy: Soldiers of Calais mumur at the restraint of wools. where he was informed, that certain soldiers of Calais, grudging at the restraint of wools, began to mutter and murmur against the king and his counsel, so that the town of Calais was like to stand in jeopardy. Wherefore the Duke foreseeing the mischief that might ensue, and thinking it wisdom to withstand the first motion, caused the Chieftains of this faction to be apprehended, & after due examination had, divers were put to death, and many banished and exiled the Marches for ever. After that he had purged the town of that ungracious and seditious company, and had furnished it with new Soldiers and discrete men of war, he was determined, first to repair again to Paris, but his heart would not serve him: for sith his departure, Lady Anne his wife and Duchies, was departed to God, Anne wife of the Duke of Bedford and sister to the Duke of Burgoyne deceased. and honourably interred in the Celestins at Paris: by whose death, and for other causes, (as partly you have heard) the sure love, and approved fidelity, between the Duke of Burgoyn, his brother in law and him began to wax faint and cold. For which cause, he being persuaded by the Lord Lewes of Luxenborough, Bishop of Tyrwine and Ely, and Chancellor of France for king Henry, agreed to marry the Lady jaquet, daughter to Peter earl of Saint Paul, and niece to the said Bishop, and to Lord john of Luxenborough, to the intent that by this new affinity the old acquaintance and familiarity, which he had with the Noble family of Luxenborough should be renewed and enforced, and with a more sure knot, knit and confirmed. Whereupon, he departed from Calais to Tirwyne, where he was highly received of the Earl of Saint Paul, The Duke of Bedford married to the Lady jaquet and his brethren, and there he married the fair and fresh Lady jaquet, of the age of xvij years, with all triumph and nuptial solemnity. After which ceremony ended, he returned with his new spouse to Calais, and so into England, where he with his wife remained until August next, and then returned again to Paris. The Duke of Burgoyn, (whose mind began to incline, a little and little, toward king Charles) was sore grieved and angry, that the Duke of Bedford was joined in affinity with the noble and famous house of Luxenborough: by the which he saw, that the power of the Englishmen should be greatly advanced. But the marriage was fully ended, and he could found no remedy. This year the Standard of Cheap (at the charges of john Welles a Citizen and major of London) was builded. While these things were doing thus, in other places, the French soldiers lacking wages (and amongst them a great number, which in hope of pray, and desire of spoil, had cast up the Plough, and left their labour) began privily (as time served, and occasion gave place) to take both English men and Burgonions, and ransomed and spoiled them at their pleasures. And although they were prohibited thus to do (during the time of truce and peace) yet in conclusion they spared not openly to rob, spoil and burn: yea and to steal towns, which they affirmed to be no breach of truce. The English pricked and vexed with these open wrongs and manifest injuries, prepared for war, after the sixth month that the truce was taken and concluded. And by this means, the war was renewed and begun again. The untrue French men breakers of peace, and not keepers of truce, raised a crew of men, Saint Valerie taken by the French men. and suddenly took the town of saint Valerie, standing in Normandy on the River of Some: and another army under the conduit of Sir Ambrose, Lord of Lore, wasted and destroyed all the Country about Caen. The Duke of Bedford not minding to lie still in idleness, sent the Earl of Arundel, the Earl of Warwick's son, the Lord Lisle, Adame Martial of France for king Henry, and twelve hundred men with ordinance and munitions, to besiege the town of Laigny, upon the river of Marne. Which earl, with the shot of a Canon, broke the Arch of the bridge, and got from the French men their Bulwark, and set it on fire. divers assaults were attempted, but the town was well defended: for within were shut up eight hundred men of arms, beside other mean soldiers. The Duke of Bedford being thereof advertised, gathered an army of six thousand men of war, and having all things necessary, he came to the siege before Laigny. He there made a bridge of Boats, and brought his ordinance so near the town, that to all people, it seemed not long able to resist. But the Earl of Dumoys Bastard of orleans, with divers hardy Captains, as valiantly repulsed, as the English men assaulted. This siege continued, as fire against flame, and sometime flame against fire. For although the English men slew the more number, yet they got neither prey, nor botie: and although the French men kept valiantly the walls, and defended the loupes, yet they both lost men and Captains, and were long secluded from their aid and succours, till Charles the French king perceiving this town, to be the three corner key between the territories of the English men, the Burgonians, and his own, and that the loss thereof, should turn him to innumerable damages and hurts, sent the Lord of Rieu, Poyton the Heir, the Lord Gancort, and six thousand men with great plenty of victuals, to the intent either to raise the siege, or to victual the town. The French Captains made a brag, as though they would fight with the English men within their field and Campe. The English men would not issue out, but kept themselves in good order, ever looking for their entry and invasion. The Regent perceiving, that they approached not, sent to them an Herald of arms, declaring his intent, and the courage of his company, which nothing more desired than battle. And to show himself as a captain, meaning that which he offered, and not dissimuling that which he spoke: he incontinent divided his men into three battles, no more wisely ordered, then politicly governed: as who would say, come on French man, if thy heart will serve. But his adversaries more crafty than hardy, more politic than courageous, framed themselves in such order of battle, as they were able to do all thing, and yet in conclusion (concerning martial feats) they did nothing. For while they made a proud brag, and a stout skirmish with the English men, they appointed divers rude and rustical persons, to convey into the town xxx Oxen, and other small victual, but this sweet gain was sourly paid, for if the loss with the gain be pondered in one balance, for having regard to xxx lean Oxen, in the conflict were slain, the Lord Sentrayles brother to Pothon, the valiant Capitayne john, brother to the Lord Gawcort, and fifty other noble and valiant personages, beside other common people, which bought that bargain, above the price of the common Market. The French men perceiving their infortunate chance, and not only considering, the unspeakable heat which then wearied their people, being in the beginning, of the hot month of August: but also perceiving the English men to be planted and settled, in a place unable to be won, and in a ground both dangerous to invade, and hard to assail, like men desperate of gain, and without hope of victory, departed to Fort under Yerre, where by a bridge of Tons, they passed into the Isle of France. The Duke of Bedford (like a wise prince) not minding to lease the more for the less, nor the accident for the substance, fearing that Paris and other towns more necessary to the English men, and of more estimation would return to his adversaries, thinking if the greater power were holden, the less should be soon obtained, raised his siege and returned to Paris, nothing less minding then to try his quarrel with dent of sword against his enemies: and so sent Bedford his herald to the Lord Gawcort, and other chieftains of his army, offering him battle, and a pitched field, within a convenient ground, where so ever he would, within the Isle of France, assign or appoint. To the which officer of Arms, the Captains answered, that battle they feared not, nor the English puissance, they not much regarded, but they said: that time was to gain, and time was to loose, of the which two, they doubted not to espy the one, either for their great gain, or to their apparent loss. Whereupon they sent the Lord Ambrose de Lore with vij C. horsemen to rob and spoil the poor people, coming to the fair, on the day of Saint Michael the Archangel, kept in the suburbs of the town of Caen. But when Davy Hall Esquire, Capitayne of the town for the Duke of York, issued out to fight with him, he departed by flight, without either botie or gain of the fair. The Frenchmen perceiving, that neither power, force, nor policy could avail against the English nation, Treason. determined to trip and deceive them, by their accustomed servant called Master Treason, and so by money corrupted Piers Audebeuffe, Constable of the Castle of Rouen, that the Marshal of France, and the Lord Fountains, with two hundred persons disguised, entered into the castle, but they were soon espied, and driven to the Dungeon, where they were taken and yielded: whereof some were hanged, some headed, and some ransomed at the pleasure of the Regent: and such end had the Traitors, which would by treason rather than by battle, obtain their pray and desired purpose. This pageant played, the Regent sent Peter of Luxenborough earl of Saint Paul, and Robert Lord Willoughby, with a competent crew of men to besiege the town of Saint Valerie, which the French men a little before had taken. These valiant Capytaines not minding to sleep their business, environed the town with a strong siege. Within the town were Sir Lewes de Vancort, sir Philip de la tour, and sir Reignold de Verseilles Captains, with three hundred good fight men, which by the space of three weeks, Saint Valery recovered again by the Englishmen. manfully defended the same. But at the xxj day, they perceiving the fierceness of the English men, and the weakness of themselves (having no hope of relief, nor confidence in any aid) rendered the town, their horse and harness only saved. The Earl put in the garrison of the town fresh and valiant Soldiers, and appointed captain there, A great pestilence. Sir john Awbemonde: in the which town suddenly, whether it were by infection of the air, or by corrupt victual by long lying, which the towns men did eat, a great pestilence sprang in the infortunate Country. Which after so many calamities and evil chances, being two times besieged by the French men, and thrice recovered by the English Nation, was now infected and corrupted with the pestilent plague: whereby two parts of the people, within short space were destroyed and consumed. After this town gotten, the Earl of saint Paul, and the Lord Willoughby returned to the Regent, where they were well welcomed. And after, the said Earl departed from Paris, to lay siege to the Castle of Monchas, but being encamped near to the town of Blangy, he by a sudden Malady, finished his days, and departed the world, The death of the Earl of saint Paul. leaving his signiories to Lewes his son and heir. For which dead Earl were solemn obsequies kept, both in Paris and in London, because he was father in law to the Regent. In the mean season, the French men entered into the costs of high Burgoyne, and brent, took and destroyed towns: for which cause, the Burgonions being sore displeased, assembled a great army, both to revenge their quarrels, and also to recover again the towns, from them unjustly taken: to whom, as to his friends the Duke of Bedford sent Robert Lord Willoughby, and sir Thomas Kiriell, with a convenient company of Soldiers, which entering into the lands of Laonoys, were encountered with a great number of their enemies: Notwithstanding, after long fight, the French men were slain and dispersed: whereof were left dead in the field, an hundred and sixty horsemen, beside prisoners, which after in a fury, were all killed and put to death. While these chances thus happened in France, john Lord Talbot gathered together a crew of chosen men of war in England to the number of eight hundred, and sailed into Normandy, john Lord Talbot saileth into France. and passed by Rouen toward Paris, and in his way he took the strong Castle of Ioinge, between Beavoys, and Guysors, and caused all the French men within, to be hanged on the walls, and after razed and defaced the Castle, & came to the Duke of Bedford to Paris. The presence of which renowned Capitayne (a marvelous thing it is to see) so encouraged the hearts of the English nation, that they thought nothing able to resist their puissance, and so discouraged the hearts of the French men, that they were in doubt, whether it were better to fight or to fly. And this was not without a cause: for surely he was a chosen captain, and in martial feats a man fully instructed, and his courage and practice in war, was fearful to the French nation, and to his own Countrymen an especial hope, and a sure defence. When this hardy Baron, had commoned with the Regent, & agreed what way he should take, without long delay or prolonging of time, he departed from Paris with his army, and besieged the Castle of Beaumond upon Oise, whereof was Capitayne, sir Amadour de Vignolles brother to the Heir. Which Castle was soon rendered upon condition. After that he regained without long siege, the towns of Creile, the bridge of Saint Maxens, the new town in Esmoy, Crespi in Valloys, and Cleremount in Beavoys: and so with great riches and fat prisoners, he returned again to Paris. Thus prosperous success happened not to the Lord Talbot alone: but also the very same season, the Earl of Arundel took the Castle of Bomeline, and razed it to the ground, and after took by force the Castle of Dorle, and from thence came to Saint Seleryne, where the Lord Ambrose of Lore was Capitayne, which issued out and fought with the English men so eagerly at the first, that he drove them back an arrow shot by fine force. But the Earl so encouraged his men, that they took new courages to them, and set so fiercely on the French men, that they slew a great number, and drove the remnant into the town. After this victory he besieged Louiers, whereof was Capitayne, the Heir and his brother, which rendered the town, without stroke or assault. For all this good luck, the Earl forgot not to return, to the town of Saint Seleryne, but assembled a great army, and environed the Town about with a strong siege. When he had lain there almost three months, every day attempting or doing somewhat, for the performance of his enterprise, in conclusion at the three months end, he gave so fierce an assault, that by force he entered the town, and slew john Allemagne and Guillam sent Aubyne, the chief Captains, and eight hundred other men of war, and the children of the Lord Lore were taken captives: he replenished and fortified the town again with new men, and munitions, and made there Capitayne Sir john Cornwall. Which act thus accomplished, he departed, and came before the strong town of Silly, and there pitched his Campe. The inhabitants of the same, somewhat dismayed with the chance, that late happened to the town of Saint Seleryne, delivered to him pledges, upon this condition: that if they were not rescued within thirty days next ensuing, than they (their lives saved) should tender the town into his possession: which offer was taken. The Captains within the town sent a Post to the French king, to advertise him of their hard chance, which incontinent sent to them Arthur earl of Richmond (but after some writers, john Duke of Alaunson) with a great company of men. When the Earl saw the French succours appear, he restored again the pleges to the Governors of the town, and issued out of his camp, taking a place most meet and convenient for to abide battle, for which he sore thirsted and longed. The Duke or the Earl (take which you list) lying by a brook side, which a man might stride over, seeing the English men so warlike and strongly embattled, thought it not for his profit to give battle, or to set forward: but in the dead time of the night cowardly fled, and with shame returned: although some French writers affirm, that he looked that the Earl of Arundel should have given him battle, and because he proffered not forward, therefore the French men departed. This appeareth to be an apparent lie, and a French brag: for if they came to rescue the town, why did not they give battle, and so drive away the English men from the town? If they came to fight, why departed they without any stroke stricken? But it seemeth that they came, to make a French face, and for to do nothing. For they without skirmish or succouring the town, departed in the night secretly (as you have heard.) When they within the town knew that their succours failed, they rendered themselves to the mercy of the Earl of Arundel, which gently received them, and leaving a garrison in the town, departed to Mauns, and in the mean way, took the Castles of Mellay and saint Laurence. About this time the Lord Willoughby, and Sir Thomas Kiriell, returning with great victories out of the parties of Burgoyne, took in their way, the town of Louiers, and furnished it, both with men and munitions. Amongst so many good chances, some evil are accustomed to fall, and happen, or else the gainers will not know themselves. So it happened, that a great number of rude and rustical persons in Normandy, dwelling by the sea coast, either provoked or enticed thereunto by the French king, An insurrection in Normandy. or desirous of alteration and change (which thing the common people much covet and desire) made an insurrection, and put on harness, and by force expulsed certain garrisons out of their holds, and took certain towns: publishing and proclaiming openly, that their only purpose and intent was, to expel and banish the whole English Nation, out of their Countries and coasts. Wherefore it may evidently appear, that the black Ethiopian * that is a man of Ind, commonly called a black Morian. or the black coloured Raven, will sooner turn their colours, than the universal people bred in France, will heartily love, and inwardly favour an English borne child. And yet the Normans of long time, lovingly and gently, have obeyed to the subjection of England, and have of the English Nation been well accepted and regarded, but now they forgetting their duty, and remembering their hurts, did not fear to rebel against their Prince and sovereign Lord. This mischievous company, thus franticly gathered together, with all speed marched toward Cane, to the intent there, both to assemble a greater number of people, & also to consult what way they should follow in their new begun attemptate. But the Dukes of York and Somerset, which then were lying in Normandy, hearing of this ungracious faction, and troublous commotion, and having knowledge by their espials what journey they intended to take: incontinent without delay, sent the Earl of Arundel, and the Lord Willoughby, with uj thousand Archers, and xiij hundredth light horses to stay and keep them, either for setting forth, or making further progress, The Earl of Arundel going one way, appointed the Lord Willoughby, with two thousand Archers, and a certain number of horsemen, to go before him, to lie in watch and stolen, secretly by the way, to stop the journey and passage of the rebels, when they should approach. The Lord Willoughby, covertly covered himself and his company, sending word to the Earl, of the place where he lay, to the intent that he might make a sign and token (when time should be most luckey and fortunate) to invade and set on their enemies. Which thing done, the Earl followed at the back, the ragged rout, and mischievous multitude, as a man, that drove the Dear before him into the Buckstalle, or the silly Coneys into the secret Hay. When the ignorant multitude approached near to the place of the stolen, the Earl made a token, and shot a Goon for a sign. Then the Lord Willoughby, set on them before, and the Earl behind, shooting so fiercely, that the dastard people partly amazed with the sudden chance, and partly galled and wounded with the shot of the arrows, threw away their harness, desiring nothing but death. The Earl of Arondell (moved with compassion) caused his soldiers to leave of and stay, from farther murder or bloodshedding, The Rebel● slain. and apprehending such as he thought to be leaders, and chief stirrers of the people, let the other return home frankly and freely: but yet there were a. M. and more slain, before the soldiers could be brought again under their standards. After this commotion appeased, and the sudden rage in the beginning stayed and bridled, diligent inquiry was made of the malefactors, and such as were found guilty, by divers terrible executions (according to their deserts) miserably ended their traitorous lives. During which rebellion, Peter Rokefort and his company, got by treason the town of Deep, and divers other holds, thereunto adjoining. After the Earl of Arondell, had obtained so many Conquests, and notable victories (as you have heard) he attempted another, which was the last work and extreme labour of his living days. For the Duke of Bedford, being informed, that his adversaries, had suddenly surprised and taken the town of Rue, and therein had put a garrison, which sore vexed the Countries of Ponthiew, Arthoys, and Bolenoys, sent word to the Earl, that he without delay, should besiege the said town. The Earl obeyed to his commandment, and incontinent, sent for all the people under his governance, and in his marching forward, came to Governey, where he heard tell, how that there was a certain Castle, near Beavoys, called Gerborye, which either by force of rasing, or violence of weather, was sore decayed and defaced. And because this place was opportune and very necessary, to prohibit, let and stop the English men, to make sudden runnings in, or roads into the Country of Beavoys: Charles the French king commanded Sir Stephen de Veignolles, commonly called the Heir, to see the Castle reedefied and fortified. The said sir Stephen with a great company, came to the ground, and lacking neither stuff necessary, nor artificers sufficient, in small time erected the Castle, and began to defend the fortress. The Earl of Arundel, being credibly informed of their doings, and perceiving that this new edification was very prejudicial to the English part, determined first to take the Castle, supposing to find there little or no resistance, but he was deceived, for there was the Heir, with many good and valiant Captains. The Earl with five hundredth horsemen, encamped himself in a little close, not far from the Castle: the french men which were three thousand men, perceiving that the Earl and his horses were weary, and that his archers were not yet come, determined for their advantage to set on him, before the coming of his footmen, which they knew to be little more, than a mile behind the Earl. Wherefore for a policy, they set forth fifty horsemen, as though there were no more in the castle. The Earl perceiving that, sent forth Sir Randolfe Standishe, to encounter with them, having in his company a hundredth horses: the frenchmen fought courageously a while, and suddenly came out all the remnant, and slew Sir Randolfe Standishe, and all his company, and boldly set on the Earl and his band, which manfully defended them, so that the frenchmen got little advantage, for all their great number. The Heir perceiving the courage and defence of the English people, caused three culverins to be shot amongst them, whereof, one struck the Earl on the Ankle, and so broke his leg, that for pain he fell from his horse, than the French men entered amongst the English army, and took the Earl being on the ground, prisoner, and Sir Richard Wooduile, and six score more, and there were slain almost two hundredth. The remnant saved themselves as well as they might. The Earl was carried to Beavoys, where, of this hurt he shortly died, The death of the Earl of Arundel. and was buried in the friars Minors. He was a man of a singular virtue, constancy, and gravity, whose death in so troublous a world did sore appall the hearts of his nation. By this infortune, Rue was not besieged, nor Gerborie taken, such is the chance of war. About the month of june, john Duke of Bourbon, and Avernus, The death of john Duke of Burton. taken prisoner at the battle of Agyncourt, xviij. years past, (as you before have heard) now paying his ransom, which was xviij thousand pound sterling, and having ready prepared all things necessary, for his triumphant return into his country, was taken with a most sore and grievous Fever, whereof shortly he died, in the City of London, on the day appointed for his departure into France: whose corpse was interred in the Grey Friars of the said City: So by this, every creature may see: that man purposeth, and God disposeth. I may not forget a chance which happened this year, to the example of Princes, and a spectacle for governors. For the devil himself, to set further division between the English and French Nation, did apparel certain Clawpoules & Parasites, commonly called Titivils, and tale tellers, to sow discord and dissension, between the Dukes of Bedford, and Burgoyne, not feigning trifles nor fantasies, but things of reproach, repugnant to both their honours, estates, and dignities, with the which, each of them was as well pricked, as hastily spurred, so that all love, between them ceased, all affinity was forgotten, and all old familiarity was cast by disdain, into the cave of oblivion. Such a pestilent breath hath Flattery, and such mischief ensueth of Princes light credence. This grudge was perceived, by their mutual friends, which by charitable exhortation and Godly advertisement, exhorted them to renew their old love and familiarity, The falling out or breach of friendship between the Duke of Bedford and the Duke of Burgoyne. and to meet and enteruien, in some place decent and convenient. The Duke of Bedford gladly condescended to come to saint Omers, being the Duke of Burgoyns town, and thither according to his appointment, he in honourable estate came and resorted, and likewise did the Duke of Burgoyne. The Duke of Bedford, being Regent of France, and son, brother, and uncle to kings, thought that the Duke of Burgoyn, should first have visited and saluted him: Duke Philip on the other part, being Lord and sovereign of the town, judged it not meet, nor to stand with his honour, to go to him, where he was lodged, but was content by entreaty of friends, to meet him in a place indifferent, between both their harberowes: which offer was not accepted, & so both parties departed discontent, and never after saw or commoned with other. What should I speak of the courage of these two proud princes, the Duke of Bedford minding to have no peer, and the Duke of Burgoyne willing to have no superior, by whose proud disdain, and envious discord, shortly England lost, and Burgoyne gained not long, as you shall perceive in this History following. The Bastard of orleans, called the Earl of Dunoys, 1434/13. the Lord Rothford Martial of France, with other, in the beginning of this xiij year, took the town of Saint Device by treason, and skirmished with them of Paris, and leaving behind him a great garrison, took the town of Howdone, and the bridge of Saint Maxence by composition, and at that time was taken the town of Pount Meulan, by sudden scaling of two fishermen: which entered up at a common privy, standing on the wall. Thus towns unwalled, were prays to ravenous men of war, so that the poor inhabitants within them (not being able to keep their fidelity or allegiance, when shield and defence lacked) were constrained and compelled to yield and tender themselves to the more power, and upper hand: lest they being needy and innocent people, should be vexed and tormented, with the unreasonable men of war: So that in all Christendom, no region was more unquiet, more vexed, more poor, nor more to be pitied, than the Country of France. And although the rude and poor people, suffered many plagues and adversities: yet the Soldiers prospered not in all things. For although pray and spoil sometime refreshed their minds, and did comfort their stomachs, yet at another time they were slain, taken and licked up, or they were ware. For every Prince studied, and circumspectly compassed, how to keep defend & relieve, the Cities and towns, of their several faction, and private fidelity. The nature and property of war. Wherefore when satiety of slaughters, and abundance of murders, had replenished the stomachs of both the Nations, and that both in general had perceived their hurts, pondered their losses, and considered their ruins, and daily afflictions: although their stomachs were haute, and their hearts stony, yet they waxed soft, privily inclining to peace, and wishing concord, and not without an urgent cause: For all things necessary to man's living, penury showed herself forth, and abundance was hidden in a Cave. The corn fields lay untilled, the meadows were overtrodden, the woods were spoiled, so that all men went to harness, and no man to the Plough. The Churches were seldom used for devotion, but many times spoiled for desire of gain. These and such innumerable mischiefs, caused both the people being enemies, to desire peace, and yet the one part disdained openly to offer it, or the other privately to receive it. The cry and noise of this perilous and infaciable war, was blasted through Europe, detested through Christendom, and especially at the counsel of Basill, where then the Emperor Albert, and all the Princes and Potestates of Christendom, or their Deputies were assembled, for the union of that ungracious Schism, in the usurped Sea of Rome. Wherefore, the Emperor and the temporal Princes, supposing the exhortation of discrete fathers, should more profit amongst the two high stomached nations of England and France, desired Eugeny then Bishop of Rome, to be the author and Arbitrer of that great strife & contention: so that by his means, counsel, and exhortation, the weapon might be taken out of the hands of two so invincible nations, which never would yield or bow, the one to the other, neither yet once here of abstinence of fighting, or refusing from war: so much were their hearts hardened, and so princely were their stomachs. And one thing put them in good comfort of some good conclusion, because the Duke of Burgoyne was willing (so that it were not of his own suit) to return and reconcile himself to Charles, his mortal enemy and ancient adversary. Wherefore by authority of this general Counsel, two Cardinals came to the town of Arras in Arthoys, whither were sent for the king of England, Henry Beuford, Cardinal of Winchester, Henry, archbishop of York, William de la Pole, earl of Suffolk, and john Holland Earl of Huntyngdon, with divers other knights and esquires: and for the French king were there present, Charles Duke of Bourbon, Lewes earl of Vandosme, Arthure of Briteyne, Constable of France, the archbishop of reins, and Sir Philip Harcort. There was the Duke of Burgoyn in proper person, accompanied with the Duke of Gelder's, & the Earls of Estamps, Lygny, Saint Paul, Vaudemont, Nevers, and Daniel, son to the prince of Orange, with a great guard and a gallant company. Upon the day of the first session, the Cardinal of Saint Cross, declared to the three parties, the innumerable mischiefs, the multitude of inconveniencies, which had succeeded through all christendone, by their daily discord and continual dissension: exhorting and requiring them for the honour of God, for the love that they bore to the setting forth of Christ's religion, and for the advancement of the public wealth of all Christendom, that they would say all rancour apart, repress all wrath and anger, and conform themselves to reason, and to godly concord, by the which, they should receive honour, profit, and continual quietness, in the world, and of God, a reward everlasting. After which admonition thus to them given, and after divers days of communication, every part brought in their demand, which were most contrary, and hard to come to a good conclusion. The English men required, that king Charles should have nothing, but at the hand of the King of England, and that not as duty, but as a benefit by him of his mere liberality given and distributed, to which the Frenchmen answered that: king Charles would have the kingdom frankly and freely, without begging it of an other man: requiring the king of England to leave the name, arms, and title of the king of France, and to be content with the Dukedoms of Aquitayn and Normandy, and to forsake Paris and all the towns which they possessed in France, between the Rivers of Loire and Some, being no parcel of the Duchy of Normandy. The English men loath to lose so good a botie as Paris, did not esteem and allow the demands of the French Ambassadors, and they on the other side, coveting and desiring to obtain again the renown and glory of their Region, which was Paris, would in no wise condescend, to any part of the English requests. Thus the pride of the one part, and the ambition of the other letted concord, peace, and quietness. The Cardinals seeing the frosty hearts, and hardened minds of both parties, determined not to dispute the titles, but offered to them honest and reasonable conditions of truce and peace, for a season: which articles both parties, either for frowardness, or for disdain openly refused: In so much as the English men in great displeasure departed to Calais, and so into England. One writer affirmeth, that they being warned of a secret conspiracy moved against them, suddenly removed from Arras, and so sailed into their country. Whiles this treaty of peace was thus in communication at Arras, the Lord Talbot, the Lord Willoughby, the Lord Scales, S. Device besieged. with the Lord Lisle Adame, and five thousand men besieged the town of Saint Device, with a strong band. The Earl of Dumois hearing thereof, accompanied with the Lord Lohac, and the Lord Bueill, and a great company of horsemen hasted thitherward to raise the siege, and in the mean way they encountered with sir Thomas Kiriell, and Matthew Goughe, riding also toward S. Device, between whom was a great conflict, and many slain on both parties: but suddenly came to the aid of the French men, the garrison of Pount Melance, which caused the English men to return without any great harm or damage, saving that Matthew Gough by fondering of his horse was taken and carried to Pount Melance. During which fight, the town of saint Device, was rendered to the Lord Talbot and the other Lords, which caused all the walls to be razed, and abated down to the ground, saving the walls of the Abbay, and a Tower called Venyn. After this town gotten, the Lord Willoughby left Sir john Ruppelley at Pounthoyse, and departed to govern Paris, which then began to smoke, and soon after braced out in flame (as you shall shortly perceive.) After whose departure the inhabitants of Pounthoyse rebelled, and drove out the English men by very force, and rendered themselves subjects to king Charles. This town was small, but the loss was great, for it was the very convenient Key between Paris and Normandy, so that now the gate between them both, was set open and the passage at large. Let us now again return to the counsel at Arras. After the English Ambassadors were departed, the French men and the burgonions began familiarly to common of a peace, and talk of an amity, to the which motion, Philip Duke of Burgoyne, was neither deaf nor strange: for he in the beginning of his rule, being much desirous to revenge and punish the shameful murder done to his father, and to keep himself in his high estate, and pre-eminence, began to be associate, and to reign with the English power, and to serve the king of England, thinking that by his amity and joining, he should neither harm nor hurt the common wealth of the Country, whereof at that time he bore the whole rule, nor yet loose one jot or point of his authority, or governance. But when it happened contrary to his expectation, that the king of England by the right course of inheritance, took upon him the whole rule and governance, within the realm of France, and ordered by the advise of his counsel, all causes, judgements, wars and concords, and that the Duke judged that he was not had in great confidence, nor in perfit trust, as he thought, because the Duke of Bedford would not suffer the town of orleans to be rendered to him, (as you before have heard:) He therefore imagined, and determined with himself to return into the path again, from the which he had strayed and erred, and to take part and join with his own blood and Nation: so that some honest mean might be sought by other, and not by himself, lest peradventure by his own seeking, he might bind himself in conditions hurtful and sore inconveniences, to the French king, and also be noted of untruth and traitorous behaviour toward the king of England and his nation: to whom he had done homage, league, and sworn fealty. Now this counsel was to him a cloak for the rain, as who should say, that he sought not amity of the french king (which thing in his heart he most coveted and desired) but was thereunto persuaded by the general counsel, and by the Bishop of Rome, to whom it was reason, in all honest requests that he should submit himself, and humbly obey. And so shadowed with this counsel, without long argument or prolonging of time, he took a determinate peace, and a final conclusion upon these conditions: that he should have to him delivered the Counties of Arthoys, Ponthiew, and Bullonoys, A peace concluded between the French king and the duke of Burgoyn. & the towns of Amience, Corby, Mondidyer, Peron, Saint Quintine, and Abbeuile, with many other signiories, & superiorities, which be not for my purpose to rehearse. provided always, that the French king paying in ready money to the Duke or his heirs four C.M. Crowns, should have the said towns and Countries to be redelivered again: and many other things the French king granted to the Duke of Burgoyne, which after he was not able to perform nor accomplish, for he had no power to make denial to the Duke, of any demand or request, which the Duke either phantasied or moved: as who would say, that he thought in himself, that such an adversary which desired so honest, and so reasonable conditions (considering the state of the time, and the occasion of concord, most apparently offered to him) aught neither to be refused nor cast away, the which chance was to him luckey and fortunate: for surely the thing foreseen and looked for, succeeded and took place, as you shall perceive. This concord was so pleasant to the French king, that he not only sent for him: but as a Swan that swimmeth after her make, met him in proper person, at the City of reins, and forthwith they entered into a league with perfit amity and friendship. When this league was sworn, and this knot knit, the Duke of Burgoyne, to set a veil before the king of England's eyes, sent Thoison Dor, his king at arms to king Henry with letters: that he being not only waxed faint, and wearied, with continual war, and daily conflicts, but also chafed daily with complaints and lamentation, of his people, which of the french men suffered loss and detriment, embrayding and rebuking him openly, affirming that he only was the supporter and maintainer of the English people, and that by his means and power, the mortal war was continued and set forward, & that he more diligently studied, and intentively took pain, both to keep and maintain the English men in France, and also to advance and promote their desires and intentes, rather than to restore king Charles his Cousin, to his rightful inheritance, by reason of which things and many other, he was in manner compelled and constrained to take a peace, and conclude an amity with king Charles, exhorting king Henry when honest and reasonable conditions were offered, to take them, and to make an end of the war which so long had continued, to the decay of both the realms, and to the effusion of christian blood, beside the great displeasure of almighty God, which is the author of peace and unity: promising him his aid and furtherance in that behalf, with many glozing and flattering words, which I pass over. This letter was not a little looked on, nor smally regarded of the king of England, and his sage counsel: not only for the weightiness of the matter, but also for the sudden change of the man, and for the strange superscription of the letter, which was: To the high and mighty prince, Henry by the grace of God, king of England his well-beloved Cousin: Neither naming him king of France, nor his sovereign Lord, according as (ever before that time) he was accustomed to do. Wherefore all they which were present, being sore moved with the crafty doing and untrue demeanour of the Duke, whom they so much trusted, could neither temper their passions, nor yet moderate their ire, nor yet bridle their tongues: but openly called him Traitor, deceiver, and most inconstant prince. But when the rumour of the Duke's reverting was published amongst the common people, they let words and went to stripes: for they being moved and pricked with this unhappy tidings, ran fiercely upon all the Flemings, Hollanders, and Burgonions, which then inhabited within the City of London, and the suburbs of the same, and slew and hurt a great number of them, before they by the king's proclamation could be prohibited to leave of and abstain from such violence and injurious doing: for the king nothing more minded, then to save innocent blood, and defend them which had not offended. After the letter twice read, and wisely brooked, he willed the officer at arms to tell his master, that it was not convenient, nor honourable for him, to be enemy to the English nation, without cause or occasion given: but his duty, all things considered, was to have kept his ancient truth and old allegiance rather than to be the occasion of new war and fresh dissension: advertising him farther, that it was not the point of a wise man, to leave and let pass the certain for the uncertain, admonishing him also, not to mingle and mix his safety and sureness, with the unstableness and unsurety of his new ally and Cousin king Charles. When the Messenger was departed, the king of England and his counsel thought and determined to work some displeasure to the Duke, and to set some conspiracy against him in his own Country, wherefore by rewards, they did suborn and corrupt certain Governors and rulers of towns and Cities, within the Duke's countries and dominions (which nations surely be ever proclive and ready to commotion and rebellion.) But the Gauntoys, which of that feat ever bore the Bell, and were the common ryfers against their sovereign Lords, some of them husbandmaning that the power of the English men was not long like to continued within the realm of France, more for fear then love of their Duke, sat still and moved not, but let other towns alone, which sore troubled the Duke's wits, and a great while did disquiet and vex his senses. The death of john Duke of Bedford Regent of France. But in this time, and the xiiij day of September, died john Duke of Bedford Regent of France, a man as politic in peace, as hardy in war whose body was with great funeral solemnity buried in the Cathedral Church of our Lady in Rouen, on the North side of the high altar, under a sumptuous and costly monument: which tomb and sepulture, when king Lewes the xj son to this king Charles, which recovered again Normandy did well advise and behold, certain noble men in his company, having more youth than discretion, and more envy in their hearts then considerations of their parents, counseled him to deface and pluck down the tomb, and to cast the dead carcase into the fields: affirming that it was a great dishonour both to the king and to the realm, to see the enemy of his father, and theirs, to have so solemn and rich memorial. King Lewes answered again, The saying of a wise prince. saying: what honour shall it be to us, or to you to break this monument, and to pull out of the ground and take up the dead bones of him, whom in his life, neither my father nor your progenitors with all their power, puissance and friends were once able to make fly one foot backward, but by his strength, wit, and policy, kept them all out of the principal dominions of the realm of France, and out of this noble and famous Duchy of Normandy: wherefore I say, first God have his soul, and let his body now lie in rest, which when he was alive, would have disquieted the proudest of us all: and as for the tomb, I assure you, it is not so decent, nor convenient for him, as his honour and acts deserved, although it were much richer and more beautiful. This year chanced a marvelous great frost, the which began the xxuj. of November and continued until the ten day of February next following, in the which time the Thames was so fervently Frozen, that no ship nor other Vessel could come within the same. By reason whereof the ships that came from Bordeaux, were forced to unlade at Dover & other places, and were compelled to bring their Wines by land over shooters Hil to London. After the death of this noble prince and valiant Captain, the Duke of Bedford, the bright Sun that commonly shone in France fair and beautiful upon the English men, began to be cloudy, and daily to wax darker: for the French men seeing the chief captain taken away, began not only to refuse their obedience and loyalty, which they had sworn and promised to the king of England, but taking sword in hand, rebelled, persecuted and openly defied the English men, yet all these mischances, not one point abated the valiant courages of the English people: for they nothing mistrusting God, nor good fortune, set up a new sail, and began the war new again, and appointed for Regent in France, Richard Duke of York, son to Richard earl of Cambridge, Richard Duke of York made Regent of France. although the Duke of York, both for birth and courage, was worthy of this honour and preferment, yet he was so disdained of Edmonde Duke of Somerset being Cousin to the king, that he was promoted to so high an office (which he in very deed gaped and looked for) that by all ways and means possible, he both hindered and detracted him, glad of his loss, and sorry of his well doing, causing him to linger in England without dispatch, till Paris and the flower of France were gotten by the French king. The Duke of York perceiving his evil will, openly dissimuled that, which he inwardly thought, each working things to the others displeasure. This cancarde malice, and pestiferous division so long continued, in the hearts of these two Princes, till mortal war consumed them both, and almost all their lives and offsprings, as within few years you shall perceive. The Normans of the Country of Caux, being somewhat heartened, The Normans rebel. by the death of the Duke of Bedford, began a new rebellion, and slew divers English men, and rob many pretty towns, which were of king Henry's faction and part, and took the town of Harflew by assault, and divers other towns. The Lord Talbot being advertised of this rebellion, sent for the Lord Scales, Sir Thomas Kiriell, and the Lord Hoo, which afflicted and plagued the people of Caux, that they slew above five thousand persons, and brent all the towns and villages in the country, not being walled, so that in that part, was neither habitation nor tillage, for all the people fled into Briteyn, and all the beasts of the Country were brought to Cawdebec, Good cheap victual. where a good sheep was sold for an English penny, and a Cow for twelve pence. Daily was skirmishing and fighting in every part, in so much that the Lord Scales with four hundredth Englishmen, discomfited at the Rye beside Rouen, the Heir and fifteen hundredth valiant Frenchmen, and Sir Richard Reignold de Fountains, Sir Aleyne Gerond, Alayne de Monsay, and Geoffrey Grame captain of the Scots, and three hundredth and more, were taken prisoners, beside seven fair and pleasant Coursers. But this victory stayed not the hearts of the French nation, for their minds were so full of treason, and their malice so great against the Englishmen, that many towns turned to the part of king Charles, without conquest or desire, and divers were sold for covetousness, and many were delivered by treason, as Deep, Boys de Vincenes, and other. Thomas Lord Beamond, which of late was come to Paris with eight hundredth men, issued out of Paris with six hundredth soldiers, only intending to see and view the doings and number of the French army, but he was suddenly espied, and compassed about: so that within a small space, he was discomfited and taken, and with him four score prisoners, beside two hundredth which were slain in the field, and the remnant chased to the very gates of the City. The Parisians, and in especial the Master of the Hales, and some of the University, and Michael Laillier, and many notable Burgesses of the town (which ever with an English countenance covered a French heart) perceiving the weakness of the Englishmen, and the force and strength of the Frenchmen, signifying to the French Captains their minds and intentes, willed them to come with all diligence, to receive so rich a pray, to them without any difficulty offered and given. The Constable delaying no time, came with his power, and lodged by the Charterhouse: and the Lord Lisleadam, approaching the walls, showed to the Citizens, a Charter, sealed with the great seal of king Charles, by the which he had pardoned them their offences, and granted them all the old liberties and ancient privileges, so they would hereafter be to him obedient, true, and serviceable: which thing to them declared, they ran about the town crying: The Parisians rebel. Saint Device, live king Charles. The English men perceiving this, determined to keep the gate of Saint Device, but they were deceived, for the Chains were drawn in every street, & women and children cast down stones, and scalding water on the English men's heads, and the Citizens persecuted them, from street to street, and from lane to lane, and slew & hurt, divers and many of them. The Bishop of Tyrwine, Chancellor there for king Henry, and the Lord Willoughby, and Sir Simon Moruier, took great pain to appease the people, and repress their fury: but when they saw that all availed not, they withdrew themselves, to the Bastile of Saint Anthony, which Fortress they had well victualed and furnished, with men and munitions. Whiles this rumour was in the town, the Earl of Dunoys and other scaled the walls, and some passed the river by Boats, and opened the gate of Saint james, Paris is yielded to the French king. at the which the Constable with his Banner displayed entered, at whose entry the Parisians were very glad, and made great joy. The Bishop and the Lord Willoughby, with their small company, defended their fortress, ten days, looking for aid, but when they saw that no comfort appeared, they yielded their fortress, so that they and theirs with certain baggage, might peaceably return to Rouen, which desire was to them granted. Then as they departed, the Parisians railed, mocked, and taunted the English men, with the most spiteful words, and shameful terms, that could be invented or devised: so that all men may apparently perceive, that their hearts never thought, as their tongues uttered. After this glorious gain, the French king besieged the town of Craile, upon Oyse, whereof Sir William Chamberlain was Captain, which with five hundredth Englishmen issued out of the town, and after long fight, discomfited his enemies, and slew two hundredth, and took a great number prisoners: the remnant not liking their market, departed to Compeigne, and other towns adjoining. During which season twelve Burgesses of the town of Gysors, sold it for money to Poyton of Xantrayles, but he had not the Castle delivered. Wherefore with all his power, he besieged the same, whereof the Lord Talbot being advertised, sent for the Lord Scales, and they both with xviij hundredth men, rescued the Castle, took the town, and discomfited their enemies, and slew of them above four hundredth persons. Now was the old proverbs verified, that he that cometh a day after the fair, cometh to late, and when the steed is stolen, it is no boot to shut the stable door. For when Paris, Saint Device, Saint germans in Lay, and many other towns in France were taken and betrayed, for lack of succours and sufficient garrisons, than the Duke of York appointed at the Parliament before to be Regent of France, and by the disdain and envy of the Duke of Somerset and other, not till now dispatched, was sent into Normandy, with eight thousand men, and in his company the Earls of Sarisbury, and Suffolk, and the Lord Fauconbridge, and divers valiant captains. When he was landed at Harslew, the Earl of Sarisburie besieged the Castle of Chamboys, which shortly was to him rendered. Then the Duke removed to Rouen, where he set good orders, and did great justice in the Country, wherefore the normans in their Chronicle, highly extol and much magnify him, for that point: Howbeit, they say, that he gate by long siege, the town and Abbey of Fecampe, and did none other notable act, during the time of his rule and governance. Philip Duke of Burgoyne, which (as you have heard) broke both his oath and promise with the king of England, imagined with himself, that the English men were like shortly to be expulsed out of all the towns on that side the sea, and that they had no certain refuge nor place to resort to, out of jeopardy, but only the town of Calais. Wherefore he assembled his counsel, and the heads of the Cities and towns of Flaundyrs, Brabant, Holland, and Zealand, in the town of Gaunt, where was declared unto them, the right, title, and interest, that he had to the town of Calais, and the county of Guisnes, as a very patrimony belonging to his inheritance: showing further, that the said town was the golf and swallower up of all the gold and silver of his Countries and dominions, for so much as there was the staple of wools, tin, lead, and other merchandise, for the which the English men would take no common currant money, but only gold and silver, to the great impoverishment of his signiories & Regions: saying further, that Calais only was the common stop, between his Countries and Briteyn, and Spain, so that Southward, not Westward, his subjects could not pass, without the danger of that town. Wherefore these detriments considered, he determined if they would assent, shortly to recover and conquer that town and the County of Guisnes. To this purpose all the counsel, and common people, not only agreed, but also promised aid, both of men and money. Lord how the flemings bragged, and the Hollandyrs craked, that Calais should be won, and all the Englishmen slain, swearing, and staring, that they would have it within three days at the most: thinking verily, that the town of Calais, could no more resist their puissance, than a pot of double beer, when they fall to quaffing. To tell you what ordinance was new cast, what powder was bought, what engines were devised, what harness was provided, what victual was purveyed for that great enterprise: I will not cumber you, in rehearsing every thing particularly,, because the flemings writ, that the provision was more than tongue could speak, or heart could think, yet you may believe as you list. These doings were not so privy, but Sir john Radeliffe Deputy of the town of Calais, was thereof informed, and shortly of the same advertised king Henry, and his counsel, which incontinent sent thither the Earl of Mortayne, son to the Duke of Somerset, and the Lord Cammeys, with xu hundredth men, and great foison of victual, which issued out of Calais, and came before Gravelyne, where they were encountered with a great number of flemings, which were shortly discomfited, and four hundredth of them slain, and six score taken prisoners, and carried into Calais. And within two days after, the Englishmen drove by fine force, the Lords of Wauraine and Bado, to the Barriers of Arde, and discomfited the company, to the number of xu hundredth, and slew vij valiant Captains, & took many Gentlemen prisoners. Philipe Duke of Burgoyn, abiding still in his high and warlike enterprise, assembled together of flemings, Picardes, Hollanders, and Henowiers, a great army, to the number of xl thousand, so well armed, so well victualed, so well furnished with ordinance, and well garnished in all things, that they thought in their hearts, and blasted among themselves, that the Calicians, would leave the town desolate, and fly for their safeguard, hearing only of the approaching of the Gauntoys. But they reckoned before their host, and so paid more than their shot came to. When this gallant army was passed the water of Gravelyn, the Duke intending to begin his great conquest, besieged and assaulted the little and poor Castle of Oye, which having in it but fifty soldiers, of the which xij sold their lives dearly, the remnant compelled by necessity, yielded themselves simply to the Duke, which to please the Gauntoys, being of the most puissant company in his army, liberally gave to them both the Castle and the prisoners, as a sign and token of good luck, and fortunate victory. Which rude and beastly persons, nothing expert in war, or laws at arms, not only razed and abated the Castle, but also hanged xxix of the captives, and had so done with all the remnant, if the Duke, (disdaining their cruelty) had not entreated for the rest. After this victory, little honourable, and less profitable, the Picardes besieged the Castle of Mark, and three times assaulted it, more to their loss then gain. The English men within, whereof Sir john Gedding was Capteyn, set out the banner of Saint George, and rang the bells, to the intent to have succours from the town of Calais. But the captains there, minding not to lease the more for the less, nor the substance for the accident, wished them good luck, & good fortune without any aid sending. For doubt of the Duke's great army and power. The soldiers within Mark, being but two hundredth and six, seeing no hope of succour, & desperate of comfort, rendered themselves to the Duke upon condition that their lives and limbs should be saved, and so they were conveyed in sure custody to the town of Gaunt, and the Castle of Mark was razed and defaced. After this act done, the Duke of Burgoyn, Calais besieged by the Duke of Burgoyn. accompanied with the duke of Cleves, the Earl of Estampes, the Lords of Dantoing, Croy, Cresquy, Humiers, and many other valiant Barons, and Knights, with his great army, came before the town of Calais, and placed his siege about the same, most to his advantage, and to the most displeasure of his enemies. He gave three great assaults to the town, but his people were not so fierce to assault, but the English men were as quick to defend, so that he gaining so little at these three enterprises, was content to abstain from further approaching toward the walls. At the first assault the Heir, which was come to see the Duke of Burgoyn, was sore wounded and hurt. Beside this, the Duke had daily one great eye sore, which was because that at every tide, ships arrived in the Haven, out of England, openly before his face, laden with victual, municious, and men, and also the Calicians would for the nonce, put out cat-tail into the marish, under the town walls, to the intent to provoke the flemings to come within their catching and danger, which being covetous of prey and gain, often adventured, and seldom returned again: for many by this means were taken prisoners, but many more slain with ordinance. The Duke one day road about, to view and behold the situation, and the walls of the town, to the intent to take his most advantage, either by assault or shot of ordinance. He was quickly espied, and with the stroke of a Canon, a Praetor which road next before him, and three horses in his company were slain out of hand. When he saw that all things succeeded not to his purpose, he first set the Lord of Croy, and a convenient number, to besiege the Castle of Guisnes, where the said Captain got little profit, and did less harm: And after devised how to stop the Haven, so that no succours should enter there, and also to prohibit them within the town to make any egress or road outward, and so by this means to famish and compel them to yield and tender the town. This device was set forward, and nothing slept: for four great Hulks were jaded with great square stones, semented and joined together with lead, to the intent that they should lie still like a mount, and not to sever a sunder. These ships with the remnant of the Duke's navy were conveyed into the mouth of Calais haven, and in a full sea by craft and policy, were sunk down to the ground, but whether God would not that the haven should be destroyed, either the conveyors of the Hulks, knew not the very Channel, these four great ships at the low water, lay openly upon the sands, without any hurt doing to the road or Channel, which when the soldiers had perceived, they issued out of the town, and broke the ships, and carried both the stones and the timber into the town, which served them well to their fortifications. The second devise was also accomplished, which was a strong Bastell, set on a little mountain, furnished with four hundredth men and much artillery, which fortress did let the English men to issue out, when they would, to their great displeasure and disturbance. Whiles these things were in doing, there arrived into the Duke's army an Herald of England called Pembroke, belonging to the Duke of Gloucester, which declared to the Duke of Burgoyne, that the Protector of England his Master (if God would sand him wind and weather) would give battle to him and his whole puissance, either there, or in any other place within his own Country, where he would appoint: but the day he could not assign, because of the inconstancy of the wind, and mutability of the air. The Duke (like a noble man) answered the Herald: Sir, say to your master, that his request is both honourable, & reasonable, howbeit, he shall not need to take pain, to seek me in mine own Country, for God willing he shall find me here, till I have my will of the town, ready to abide him, and all the power that he can make. After this answer made, the Herald was highly feasted, and had a Cup, and a hundred golden Gyldens to him delivered for a reward, and so returned to Calais. After whose departure, the Duke called a great counsel in the chief Pavilion of the Gauntoys, and there declared both the Heralds message and his answer desiring them to regard his honour, the estimation of their Countries, and the honesties of themselves, and like men to receive their enemies, and valiantly to defend their adversaries, promising to them victory, gain, and perpetual glory. Whiles this great matter was in consultation, the Calicians, not well contented with the Bastell, which the Duke had newly builded, issued out of the town in a great number, part on foot, and part on horseback. The footmen ran to assault the Bastile, and the horsemen went between the army and the assaylaunts, to stop the aid and succours which might come. The alarmy was sounded, in so much that the Duke in proper person was coming on foot to relieve his people, but by the means of the horsemen, he was stayed and kept back a space, in the which delay of time, the English men by fine force got the place, and slew a hundred and sixty persons, the remnant were taken prisoners, and defaced the fortress, and set it on fire: carrying with them all the ordinance and artillery into the town of Calais, to the great displeasure of the Duke and his counsel. The next day after, there sprang a rumour in the army (no man could tell how) that the Duke of Gloucester with a great puissance was already embarked and shipped, and would arrive at the next tide, and come down before Calais, and raise the siege. What was the very cause, I can not truly writ: but surely the same night the Duke fled away, and sent in all haste to the Lord of Croye, to raise his siege before Guysnes, The Duke of Burgoyne raiseth his siege before Calais and departeth. which tidings were to him very joyous, for he neither got nor saved: so these two Captains departed leaving behind both ordinance, victual and great riches. The french writers, to save the honour of the Duke of Burgoyne, say that there was a certain discord and commotion amongst the Flemings and duche Nation: affirming that the great Lords and the Picardes, (whom the French men greatly extol) would betray and cell the Flemings and their friends, and that for the same cause, in a great fury they cried home, home, and would not tarry, for no request the Duke could make, nor no exhortation that could be given: and so by their misgovernance, the Duke was enforced to raise his siege and to depart. The flemish authors affirm the contrary, saying: that they were ready to abide the coming of the Duke of Gloucester, but the Duke of Burgoyne fearing to be trapped, between the Duke of Gloucester's army before, and the garrison of Calais behind, so that he could escape by no way, fled away in the night, giving to them no warning before. So that for lack of time, and convenient space, to lad and carry their stuff, and being commanded to retire with all speed and diligence, they were compelled to loose, and leave behind them their victual and tents, to their great loss and detriment. Now it is at your liberties (gentle Readers) whether you will give credit to the French men (which were absent and no doers in the act) or to the Flemings, which were partakers of the loss and dishonour. But the infallible verity is, that he fled the xxuj day of july in the night, & the next day in the morning the Duke of Gloucester landed in Calais haven, and strait went into the Camp, where his enemies the night before were lodged, and there he found many goodly pieces of ordinance, and in especially one called Dygeon, named after the chief town of Burgony, beside pavilions, Wine, Beer, Meal, and innumerable victual. The Duke of Gloucester seeing his enemies recoiled, The Duke of Gloucester spoileth Flaundyrs. having in his company xxv M. men, entered into Flaunders, burning houses, killing such as would resist, destroying the Country on every part, setting fire in the towns of Poporniche and Baillens, and wasted the suburbs of many fair Cities, and in all this way, they lost no man, nor saw any creature appear to defend the Country. After they passed by New Castle, and destroyed Ryme●ture, & Vallon chapel, and then entered into Arthoys, to Arques and Blandesques, setting fire in every part where they came. Thus they passed by Saint Omers, to Guysnes, and so to Calais at six weeks end, where they were well refreshed: for in all this journey, they had little plenty of good bread, which caused much faintness, and divers diseases in the army. When the Duke of Gloucester had sufficiently plagued and wasted the Countries of the Duke of Burgoyn, and brought great prays of beasts and spoil to the town of Calais, he setting there all things in good order, returned into England, where he was advertised, how james king of Scots, contrary to his oath, league and promise, had besieged the Castle of Rokesborough, with thirty thousand men, whereof Sir Ralph Grace was captain which manfully defended it twenty days, but the Scottish king being advertised, that the Earl of Northumberland was coming to fight with him, fled with no less loss, than dishonour to his town of Edenbrough. After this dangerous business finished, and for a time ended, by mean of friends, and desire of Princes, a truce or abstinence of war for a certain time was moved between the king of England, and the Duke of Burgoyne, for which cause were sent to Gravelyne for the king of England, the cardinal of Winchester Henry Beaufford, john Lord Moubrey Duke of Norfolk, Humffrey earl of Stafford, and divers other well learned and honourable personages: and for the Duke there appeared the Duchess his wife, the Bishop of Arras, the Lord of Croy, and divers other. A truce taken between the Duchess of Burgoyn and the king of England. At which treaty, a truce was taken for a small time, and for a less space observed. Which abstinence of war was concluded between the king of England, and the Duchess of Burgoyne (leaving out the Duke and his name.) Some think that the king of England would not enter in league with him, because he had broken his promise, writing and fidelity, written, sealed, and sworn to him, and to his father. Other imagened this to be done by a cautel, to cast a mist before the French Kings eyes, to the intent he should believe, that this feat was wrought by the Duchess, without assent or knowledge of the Duke or his counsel, and so he was not bound to accomplish any act or thing done in his wife's treaty. Katheryn mother to king Henry the sixth deceased. About this season, Katheryn Queen and mother to the king of England departed out of this transitory life, and was buried by her husband, in the Minster of Westminster. This woman after the death of King Henry the fift her husband, being young and lusty, following more her own appetite, then friendly counsel, and regarding more her private affection, than her open honour, took to husband privily a goodly gentleman, and a beautiful person, Owen Tuther married unto Katheryn Queen and the late wife of king Henry the fift. garnished with many goodly gifts, both of nature and of grace, called Owen Tuther, a man brought forth, and come of the noble lineage and ancient line of Cadwaleder, the last king of the Brytons, by whom she conceived and brought forth three goodly sons, Edmond, jasper, and another, which was a Monk in Westminster, and lived a small time, and a daughter, which in her youth departed out of this transitory life: After whose death king Henry, because they were his brothers of one womb descended, created Edmond Earl of Richemond, and jasper Earl of Pembroke, which Edmond engendered of Margaret daughter and sole heir to john Duke of Somerset, Henry which after was king of this realm, called king Henry the seventh, of whom you shall hear more hereafter. This Owen after the death of the Queen his wife, was apprehended and committed to ward, because that contrary to the statute made in the sixth year of this king, he presumptuously had married the Queen, without the kings especial assent and agreement, out of which prison he escaped, and let out other with him, and was again apprehended, and after escaped again. The Duchess of Bedford married to Sir Richard Wooduile. The Duchess of Bedford, sister to Lewes, earl of Saint Paul, minding also to marry, rather for pleasure then for honour, without counsel of her friends, married a lusty knight, called Sir Richard Wooduile, to the great displeasure of her Uncle the Bishop of Tyrwyne, and the Earl her brother: but they now could not remedy it, for the chance was cast and passed. This Sir Richard was made Baron of Rivers, and after Earl, and had by this Lady many noble sons, and fair daughters: whereof one was Lady Elizabeth, after Queen of England, married to king Edward the fourth (as hereafter you shall perceive.) jane the Queen of England deceased. Whiles this marriage was celebrating, jane late Queen of England, and before Duchess of Britain, daughter to the king of Naverre, and wife to king Henry the fourth, died at the manor of Hauering, and was buried by her husband at Cauntorbury, in which time diseased the Countess of Warwick, and Henry archbishop of York. And here I may not forget the double dealing, and crafty demeanour, of james King of Scots: which being (as you have heard) late prisoner in England, not only was garnished with learning and civility (which things were rare and strange before that time, within the realm of Scotland) but also set at liberty, and honourably sent home. And to the intent that his amity might be perpetual, and that love might continually succeed between both the realms, by his mean and accord: first, his great ransom was abridged, and dimished, and after he was joined in marriage with one of the blood royal, as before you have heard: yet this ungentle prince, and forgetful friend, putting in oblivion both the duty of his obeisance, toward his sovereign and liege Lord, and the oath and promise that he made to king Henry, when he did to him homage, and fealty at the Castle of Windsor (as before you have heard) turned his back to his friend and kinsman and looked to the French part, which never did him honour nor profit, not only sending into France daily aid and succours, against the English nation, but also by new alliance sought and practised ways and means, how to join himself with foreign princes, to grieve and hurt his neighbours and adjoinaunts of the realm of England. And although his own power were small, to do them any great damage, yet he thought that he being linked in such noble houses, should the less fear the malice of his enemies: upon which feeble foundation, he concluded two marriages, the one with Lewes the Dolphin, son to Charles the French king, and the other with France's Duke of Britain. Which marriages were not desired for love or riches, but only for aid to resist and drive out the English men out of France. For the Lady Margaret married to the Dolphin, was of such nasty complexion and evil savoured breath, that he abhorred her company, as a clean creature doth a carrion: whereupon she conceived such an inward grief, that within short time after, she ended her days. Although this Lady had such impediments (as you have heard) yet her sister Isabella, married to France's Duke of Britain, lacked neither exceeding beauty, nor pleasant breath: but as for wit, womanhood, and civil behaviour, she never had, nor exercised. Wherefore when the Duke before his marriage, was by his counsel admonished to refuse and forsake so innocent a creature, he more moved with her fair face, than her womanly wisdom answered: that it was ynnough for a Woman to judge the difference between the shirt and the doublet of her husband, and to know him in the dark from another man. For these marriages, king james demanded of his commons a great subsidy or fallage, which was sore grudged at, and in manner denied: so that he married them with fair promises, and aid and secure against the English men, rather than with bags of money, or Chests of Plate. This foreign alliance little profited or availed the realm of Scotland, nor this new amity defended not king james: for Walter Steward earl of Athole, which pretended a title to the crown, by reason that he was begotten of king Robert the second, by his first wife, and by whose occasion, Robert Duke of Albany, murdered David Duke of Rothsay, elder brother to this king james (as in the story of king Henry the fourth, you have heard declared) after the coronation of king james the first in Scotland, earnestly solicited him to put to death Duke Murdo, and all the offspring of Robert first Duke of Albany, trusting that after he had destroyed that line (which was a stop in his way) to invent some mean how to destroy the king and his children, and so to obtain the Crown and pre-eminence of the Realm. Wherefore he persuaded Robert Steward his Nephew, & Robert Grame his Cousin, and divers other, to murder and slay the king their sovereign Lord, james king of Scots murdered in his Chamber which thereto by devilish instigation incensed and procured, came to the town of Pertho (commonly called S. john's town) and there entered into the king's privy chamber, and slew first divers of his servants, which made resistance, and after killed the king with many mortal strokes, and hurt the Queen, which in defence of her husband felled one of the Traitors. When this ungracious deed was blown about the town, the people rose in great plumps, and found out the princequellers, and them brought to strait prison, which afterward (according to their deserts) were with most terrible torments put to death and executed. After james the first, succeeded james the second, his eldest son, which fearing sedition and civil discord, vexed more his own nation, than the English people did. The Castle of Tankeruile taken. Now leaving Scotland, let us return to the business of France. Whiles the Scots were compassing how to destroy their king: the Lord Talbot with a great company laid siege to the Castle of Tankeruile, which after four months was to him simply rendered and given up. This town was no great gain to the English men: for in the mean season the French king in his own person besieged the strong town of Monstreau Faultion, whereof Thomas Gerard was Captein: which more for desire of reward, then for fear of enemies, sold the town to the French king, and had of him great gifts, and good cheer, which afterward was well known, to his shame & reproach. This town had been rescued or the French king fought withal, The Earl of Warwick made Regent of France. if one chance had not happened: For the Duke of York was discharged of his office of Regent, and the Earl of Warwick preferred to the same, so that the Duke of York lying at Rouen, would have gladly rescued the town, if his authority had not surcessed, and the Earl could not, for the wind was so clean contrary to him, that he & his army tarried for the wind above ten weeks. And so between the discharge of the one, and the charge of the other, this Town of Monstreau, was delivered and sold. A parliament This present year was a Parliament kept at Westminster, in the which were divers notable conclusions ordained and taken, aswell for the preservation of peace and concord at home, as for the maintenance of war, and hostility in outward regions: in the which Parliament, (who so will look on the acts) shall perceive that one act made, for buying and selling by strangers, was profitable for the public wealth of this realm, if it were well kept (as a few good acts or none be, either by the negligence of the governors, or by the insolency and lewdness of the people.) Now must we speak somewhat of Charles the French king: which after he had gained again the City of Paris, and diverse other towns, was so puffed up with pride, that he thought it but a trifle to conquer Normandy, and expulse all the English nation out of his Countries and signiories. Wherefore he sent Arthure of Briteyne Constable of France, and john Duke of Alencon, into Normandy with a great army, which besieged the town of Auranches, standing upon the knop of an hill, near to the british sea, both well walled and well manned. While they lay there long, little getting and much spending, the Lord Talbot with a valiant company of men approached near the French men, and encamped themselves in the face of their enemies, to provoke and entice them to battle and fight. The french men refusing this offer, kept themselves within their trenches, daily fortifying and repairing their Campe. The Englishmen perceiving their doings, removed their army half a Mile farther, giving their enemies room to issue out and to fight, but all this little availed: for the Frenchmen lay still and stirred not. The Lord Talbot seeing their faint hearts, raised his field, and in the open sight of them all, entered into the town, and the next day issued out, and found the French men riding abroad, to destroy the plain Country, whom he environed, bet, and discomfited, slaying many, and taking diverse prisoners. This year, saith Cooper, all the Lions in the Tower of London died, which before had lived there a long tyme. On the sixth day of November this present year, the Earl of Warwick as Regent of France, passed the sea, after he had been seven times shipped and unshipped, and landed at Humflew, with a thousand fresh Soldiers, and came to Rouen, and then the Duke of York returned into England, neither wholly pleased, nor half content. For he secretly smelled, that some men privily disdained his advancement, and envied his promotion: yet (like a wise man) he kept his tongue close, whatsoever his heart thought. Between the change of these two Captains, the Duke of Burgoin (which sore envied the glory of the English men) besieged the Castle of Croitoy with ten thousand men and more, having with him great plenty of Goonnes, and goodly ordinance. The Earl of Warwick hearing of this feat, sent the Lord Talbot, the Lord Fauconbridge, sir Thomas Kiriell, sir john Mountgomery, Thomas Limbrike, Thomas Chandos, Davy Hall, & divers other knights and squires, and many tall yeomen, to the number of five thousand men, which passed the river of Some, beside the town of S. Valery: for the passage of Blaunche Taque was very dangerous to go through, because the Duke of Burgoyn had laid there ordinance, and other engines, to let, trouble, and stop the Englishmen to go over at that ford. And yet, where the Lord Talbot passed, his men went in the water up to the Chin, so glad were the men to rescue their fellows. When the Duke of Burgoyn was informed of the approaching of the Lord Talbot and other, he with all his power saving four which were left in a Bastile, by him there newly builded, fled to Abbevile, which Bastile was soon gained, and the men within either slain or taken. After this town received, the Lord Talbot sent word to the Duke of Burgoyn, that he would utterly waste and destroy the Country of Picardy, except he (like a valiant Prince) would give him battle. And according to his promise, he brent towns, spoiled, and slew many people in Picardy, but for all his doings, the Duke would not appear, but stolen away from Abbevile, & fled to Amias. So the Lord Talbot was twenty days full in the Countries of Picardy, and Arthoyse, destroying and brenning all that they could see or come to, and after departed. And in the mean season, Sir Thomas Kiriell had gotten all the Duke's carriages, and ordinance, and left as much victual in the town of Croytoy, as would serve six hundredth men a whole year, and conveyed the remnant in safety to the Earl of Warwick, which not only received the captains with good semblance, and loving cheer, but also highly magnified their acts, and much praised their hardiness. After this enterprise achieved, Henry earl of Mortaine, son to Edmond Duke of Somerset, arrived at Chierburgh with four hundredth archers, and three hundredth spears, and passed through Normandy, till he came into the County of Main, where he besieged a Castle, called Saint Anyan, in the which were three hundredth Scots, beside French men. This Castle he took by a strong assault, and slew all the Scots, and hanged the Frenchmen, because they were once sworn English, and after broke their oath: and after he got also another Castle, two miles from Saint julians, called Alegerche, which was shortly after recovered, and the Lord Camevis which came to the rescue of the same, in the mean way was trapped and taken. Thus the victory flowed sometime on the one part, and sometime on the other, but the treason of the frenchmen far surmounted in getting, both the policy & strength of the English captains: for by the untruth and falsehood of the very Burgesses and inhabitants of the towns, of Meaux in Brie, and Saint Susanne, the same year were sold and delivered to the French part in the end of this xuj year. This year king Henry caused a solemn obite and terrement to be kept within Paul's Church of London, for Sigismond the Emperor, who also was knight of the Garter. This year happened many untemperate storms, whereof rose such a skarcitie, that wheat was sold at three shillings four pence the Bushel, wine at twelve pence the Gallon, Bay salt at xiiij pence the Bushel, and malt at xiij shillings four pence the quarter, and all other grains were sold of an excessive price, above the old custom. In the month of june, the Earl of Huntyngton (as Steward of Guienne) with two thousand Archers, and four hundredth spears, was sent into Gascoyn, as a supplement to the Country, and the Commons of the same. For the king of England and his counsel, were informed that the Earl of Dunoys, lay on the Frontiers of Tholose, secretly by rewards and fair promises, enticing and provoking divers towns in Given to become french and leave the English nation. Wherefore, this Earl (like a politic warrior) altered not only the captains in every town and City, but also removed the Magistrates, and changed the officers, from town to town, and from room to room, so that by this means at that time, the Earl of Dunoys lost both travail and cost. In the same month also, Sir Richard Wooduile, Sir William Chamberlain, Sir William Peyto, and Sir William Story, with a thousand men, were sent to stuff the towns in Normandy, which surely at that time had thereof great need: for the English Captains had small confidence in the Normans, and not to much in some of their own Nation. Two shrewd companions. For that harlot bribery, and her fellow covetousness, ran so fast abroad with French Crowns, that uneath any creature, (without an especial grace) could hold either hand close, or purse shut, such a strong piercer is money, and such a greedy glutton is avarice. You have heard before, how that king Charles heart by getting of Paris, was set upon a merry Pin, and thought daily that all things more and more, would both apply to his purpose, and follow his appetite. Which invented imagination, suddenly both deceived him, and also abated his haute courage & proud stomach. For suddenly there arose a strange storm, and a quick pirie, so mischievous and so pernicious, that nothing more execrable, or more to be abhorred, could happen in any christian Region. Which seditious tempest, if wise counsel had not with all speed repressed, no doubt, but king Charles, and the whole public wealth of France, had been turned up, and clean overthrown. Lewes' dolphin of Vien conspired against king Charles the French king being his father. For Lewes' Dolphin of Vien, and heir apparent to king Charles, a young prince of a froward stomach and evil conditions, desiring liberty, and to be out of ward and rule, with such as were of his nature and conditions, began to conspire against his father, and sovereign Lord. The chief of this ungracious faction with him, were john Duke of Alaunson, and john Duke of Bourbon. These confederates gathered together a great power, and the dolphin took upon him, the rule and governance of the Realm ordering causes, not in his father's name, nor by his authority, but after his own will, affection, and fantasy. When king Charles his father, had knowledge of this unnatural disobedience, and insolent & proud doings, he was (and no marvel) greatly moved with this sudden commotion: thinking himself borne, and predestinate to trouble, remembering that it was no small thing, in his own Country so many years, both with strangers, and with his own Nation, to fight and strive for rule and dignity, but now to be constrained to contend and make war with his own son, for the Crown and Regiment of his realm and Dominion. Yet these things did not bring him, being a man of great wit and counsel, daily troubled and unquieted with calamities and displeasures, into utter despair, or extreme wanhope: but like a politic prince, determining to withstand and resist the smoke at the beginning, before the fire and flame braced out abroad, called together all such as he had either in great confidence, or especial favour, communicating to them all his inward thoughts and privy purposes. After long consultation had, it was agreed by the most part, that this sore was more meet to be cured by polletique and witty handling, rather than by force, and dent of sword. Wherefore, letters were written, and posts were sent to every City and Borough, straightly prohibiting all and singular persons, either to here, or obey, any precept or commandment, set forth or published by the dolphin himself, or by other, or in his name, and all offences done in that confederacy, were by open proclamation freely forgiven and remitted. And beside this, diverse grave and sage persons, were sent to the dolphin, and his allies, to common and conclude a peace, and reconciliation between the French king and them, declaring to them, that their civil war, and inward dissension, was the very mean to 'cause their enemies, utterly to plague and destroy their native Country, which was almost desolate, & brought into subjection, by the continual practised war before. By which means and persuasions, the knot of this seditious faction, was loosed and dissolved: and the king with his son, and other confederates, openly agreed and apparently pacified. And so the spring of these mischievous sect, was stopped and repulsed, or the flood had any thing increased, or flown farther. The English men (which ever sought their advantage) hearing of this domestical division in the realm of France, raised an army, and recovered again divers towns, which were stolen from them before by the French nation: and made great provision to recover again the City of Paris, but when they heard that the dolphin was returned again to his father, and that all his Mates were joined with the French king, they left of from that enterprise, and revoked their purpose. The conduit in Fletestret. This year the conduit in Fleetstreet in London was begun to be builded by Sir William Gestfield knight, and late Mayor of London, and the same was finished at his costs and charges, without any charge of the City, by the hands of his executors. In the Month of November this present year, there was such a great frost, and after that so deep a snow, that all the ground was covered with white, and all the ditches hardened and frozen, which weather put the English men in comfort to recover again the town of Ponthoise, The English men take Ponthoyse. by the French king gotten before, by corrupting with money divers Burgesses of the town. Wherefore the Englishmen being clothed all in white, with john Lord Clifforde their captain, came in the night to the ditches, and passed them without danger, by reason of the frost, and suddenly scaled the walls, slew the watch, The death of the Earl of Warwick Regent of France. and took the town with many profitable prisoners. When this town was thus gotten, Lord Richard Beauchampe Earl of Warwick and Regent of France, died in the Castle of Rouen, and was conveyed into England, and with solemn ceremonies was buried in his College of Warwick, in a very solemn and sumptuous Sepulture. Then was the Duke of York again made Regent of France, which accompanied with the Earl of Oxford, the Lord Burchier, called the Earl of Ewe, Sir james of Ormond, the Lord Clinton, and divers other Noble men, sailed into Normandy: Before whose arrival, the French king being sore grieved with the taking of the town of Ponthoyse, Ponthoyse besieged by the French king. assembled a great army, and besieged the said town himself, and made round about it bastilles, Trenches, and ditches, and daily shot ordinance, and gave thereunto divers great and fierce assaults. But john Lord Clifford, like a valiant Capitayne defended the town with such valiantness, that the French men rather loss then gained. The Duke of York at his landing, having true knowledge of this siege, sent for the Lord Talbot, and a great number of soldiers, and so came near to the town of Pounthoise, and there encamped himself, and sent word to the French king, that he was there, ready to give him battle, if he would come out of his Camp and bastilles. King Charles was ruled by his counsel, which in no wise would suffer him to adventure his person, with men of so low and base degree: bidding him to remember, what losses he and his ancestors had sustained, by giving to the English men battle: which thing they principally desire, willing him to keep his ground still, and to bid them enter at their peril, and in the mean season, to stop the passage of the River of Oyse so that no victual could be brought to the English army by that way, by which means he should not only obtain his purpose, but also 'cause the English men to recoil back again, for lack of victual and succours. The Duke of York perceiving that the French king was nothing minded to fight, determined to pass over the river of Oyse, and so to fight with him in his lodging, whereupon he removed his Camp, and appointed the Lord Talbot and other, to make a countenance as they would pass the River by force at the gate of Beaumond, and appointed another company with boats of timber and leather, and bridges made of cords and ropes (whereof he had great plenty, carried with him in chariots to pass over the river beneath the Abbay. While the Lord Talbot made a cry, as though they would assail the gate, certain English men passed the water over in boats, and drew the bridge over, so that a great number were come over, or the French men them espied. When they saw the chance, they ran like mad men, to stop the passage, but their labour was lost, and all their pain to no purpose: for the most part of the English people were suddenly transported, in so much that they chased their enemies by fine force into the town again, and took Sir Guilliam de Chastell, Nephew to the Lord Canehy, and divers other gentlemen prisoners. The French men seeing their damage irrecuperable, returned to the French king, accounting to him their evil chance and unlucky fortune, which therewith was not a little displeasant: and well perceiving, that if he tarried the coming of the English men he was like to be either in great jeopardy, or sure to sustain much dishonour and great damage. Wherefore he removed his ordinance into the Bastile of Saint Martyne, which he had newly made, and leaving behind him the Lord of Cotigny, Admiral of France, with three thousand men to keep the bastilles, dislodged in the night from Maubuysson and came to Poissye: for if he had tarried still in that place, the Lord Talbot with certain of his trusty soldiers, which passed the river of Oyse in two small leather boats had either slain or taken him in his lodging the same night. The English men the next day in good order of battle, came before the town of Pounthoise, thinking there to have found the French king, but he was gone, and in his lodging they found great riches, and much stuff, which he could not have space to convey for fear of the sudden invasion. Then the Duke of York with his company entered into the town, and sent for new victual, and repaired the towers and bulwarks about the town, and divers times assailed the Bastile of the French men, of the which he passed not greatly because they were not of power, either to assault, or stop the victuals or succours from the town. The Duke lying thus in the town of Ponthoise, was advertised that the French king and the Dolphin with all the Nobility of France, were lodged in Poysye, wherefore he intending once again to offer him battle, left behind him there for Capitayne, sir Geruays Clifton, with a thousand soldiers, and removed his army, and came before Poysye, and set himself and his men in good order of battle, ready to fight. There issued out divers gentlemen, to skirmish with the English men, but they were soon discomfited, and four valiant horsemen were taken prisoners, and divers slain. The English men perceiving the faint hearts, and cold courage of their enemies, which nothing less desired, then to encounter with the English nation in open field, dislodged from Poysye, and came to Mant, and soon after to Rouen. When the Regent and the Lord Talbot, were returned again into Normandy, the French king (for all his evil luck) forgot not the town of Ponthoise, and first he considered what charges he had sustained, both during the time of the siege, and also in making Bastyles, trenches, and other devices: and after remembered, that his people, and especially the Parisians (to whom this town was an evil neighbour) would rail and say, that he was not able, Ponthors' again recovered by the French king. or lacked courage to get so small a town, or to discomfit half a handful of amazed people. Wherefore these things set in order, he assembled all his puissance, and returned suddenly again to Ponthoise: where he first by assault got the Church, and after the whole town, and took the captain prisoner, and divers other English men, and slew to the number of four hundred, which dearly sold their lives: for one French writer affirmeth, that the French king lost there three thousand men and more, and the whole garrison of the English men, was only a thousand: so they gained the town, but they got no great booty of men. When the fame of this victory was blown abroad, the hearts of the towns men waxed faint, in so much that Melune, Corbuell, Eureux, and divers other towns, yielded and turned at a proud crack, or a French brag, without stroke stricken, or any blow given. After these hot rages, the weather began to wax more temperate, for king Henry, and king Charles were agreed to sand Ambassadors to common and treat some good peace and conclusion between them and their realms. So the king of England sent the Cardinal of Winchester, with divers other noble personages of his counsel to Calais, with whom was also sent Charles Duke of orleans, yet prisoner in England, to the intent that he might be both the author of the peace, and procurer of his deliverance. The French king sent the archbishop of reins, and the Earl of Dunoys: and the Duke of Burgoyne, sent the Lord Crevecuer, and divers other, because that the Duke of orleans was passed the sea with the English Ambassadors, they would meet in none other place to common, but in Calais. The french Ambassadors perceiving their mind, came to Calais, where the Duke of orleans, gently received the Earl of Dunoys (his Bastard brother) thanking him heartily for his pain taken, in governing his country, during the time of his captivity and absence. divers communications were had, as well for the deliverance of the Duke, as for a final peace: in so much, that after much consulting and little doing, another time was appointed for a new assembly, and every part to declare to their sovereign, the request and desire of the other. So these Ambassadors took their leave and departed, and the English commissioners conveyed again the Duke of orleans into England, which had nothing then to pay his ransom, and yet he could not be delivered without payment. The cause why these commissioners did not agreed, was (as the French writers say) that the English men demanded, not only to have and possess peaceably the two Duchies of Aquitaine and Normandy, to their kings and princes discharged of all resort, superiority, and sovereignty, frankly and freely, against the realm of France, the kings and Governors of the same for ever: but also required to be restored to all the towns, Cities, and p●ssessions, which they, within thirty years next before gone and past, had conquered in the realm of France. The English men thought that they demanded but right and reason: and the French men, thought their request to be most hurtful to their realm, and ancient glory. So both parties, rather minding to gain or save, then to loose, departed for that time (as you have heard). After which diet prorogued for a time, Philip Duke of Burgoyne, partly moved in conscience, to make some amendss and recompense to Charles Duke of orleans (then being prisoner in England) for the death of Duke Lewes his father) whom Duke john father to this Duke Philip, shamefully slew, and cruelly murdered in the City of Paris) as in the time of king Henry the fourth, is plainly mentioned (and partly intending the advancement of his niece, Lady Marie daughter to Adolph Duke of Cleve, by the which alliance, he trusted surely to knit such a firm knot, and friendly amity with the Duke of orleans, that all old rancour should cease, and all discord should be forgotten: and in their places concord should be established, and perpetual love embraced) sent messengers into England, to the said Duke, declaring to him his good will, devise and intent. The delivery of the Duke of orleans, who had been long prisoner in England. The which proffer he not only accepted, but also was most joyful thereof. And as some writers affirm, the said Duke of Burgoyne paid for his ransom and deliverance four hundred thousand crowns, but other say three C.M. and so he was delivered out of England into France at that time, both speaking better English then French, and also swearing, never to bear armour against the king of England. After his arrival in France, he came to the Duke of Burgoyne his special friend, gratifying and thanking him of his liberty and deliverance: and according to his promise and convention, he married the fair Lady Mary in the town of S. Omers, on whom he begat a son, which after was French king, and called Lewes the xii. After his deliverance from captivity he forgot not his Uncle john earl of Angolesme, which had been as a pledge in England for the debt of Duke Lewes of orleans his father, sith the last year of king Henry the fourth (as in his story is declared): but made friends, borrowed money, and mortgaged land, and so set him at liberty, and brought him into his Country: This john engendered Charles, father to Frances, the first of that name, which after the death of Lewes the twelve obtained the crown of France. Here is to be noted, that old rancour newly appeased, will commonly spring out again: for although the unhappy division, between the two noble families of orleans and Burgoyne, were by this great benefit and marriage, for a time given over and put in oblivion, and so continued by the space of twenty years and more, yet their children and Cousins, within few years after, fell so far at square, that the house of Burgoyne was spoiled of the fairest flower of his garland, as you shall here afterward at large declared, and in especial in the time of king Frances the first, the very heir of the house of orleans, which not only continually vexed with mortal war, Charles the fift, Emperor of that name, lineal successor to Philip Duke of Burgoyne: but also did as much as in him lay, to deprive the said Charles of his honour and possessions (as men writing their lives, will hereafter declare.) In the beginning of this xix year, Richard Duke of York Regent of France, and governor of Normandy, remembering the great charge, and weighty office to him delivered and committed, determined (after long consultation) to invade the territories of his enemies, both by sundry armies, and in divers places, to the intent that the French people being vexed within their own Country and peculiar Dominion, should make no roads nor enterings into the Duchy of Normandy, the returning whereof, was somewhat suspicious. This devise for that season, seemed both profitable and necessary, wherefore, without long delaying of time, he sent Robert Lord Willoughby, with a great crew of soldiers, to invade and destroy the Country about Amias, and john Lord Talbot, was appointed to besiege the town of Deep, and he himself, accompanied with Edmond Duke of Somerset, set forward into the Duchy of Anjou. The Lord Willoughby, according to his commission, entered into the Country to him appointed, and to the intent that his travail should not be espied nor known, he straightly forbade and inhibited all manner of fire and burning of towns, which is the most open and plain token of war and invasion. By reason whereof the poor paysantes and rustical people going abroad without fear or suspicion of evil, were overrun or taken with the horsemen, or they could attain to any town, or forcelet: so that innumerable people were slain, and taken, or they heard any tidings of their enemies approaching. The French men in the garrisons adjoining, astonished at the clamour and cry of the poor people, issued out in good order, and manfully set on their enemies. The fight was sore, and the victory long and doubtful: But in conclusion, the French men seeing their people in the forefront of the battle, to be killed without mercy, like men desperate turned their backs and fearfully fled, the English men followed, and slew many in the chase, and such as escaped the sword were rob and spoiled, by Lewes' Earl of Saint Paul, which was coming to aid the English nation. In this conflict were slain, above six hundred men of arms, and a greater number taken: so the Lord Willoughby, like a victorious Captein, with rich spoil and good prisoners, returned again to the City of Rouen. The Dukes of York and Somerset, likewise entered into the Duchy of Anjou, and County of Main, destroying towns, spoiling the people, and with great prey and profit, repaired again into Normandy. The Duke of Somerset, not filled with this gain, entered into the Marches of Briteyn, and took by a fierce assault, the town of Gerche, appertaining to the Duke of Alaunson, and spoiled and brent the same, and after that, departed to Ponzay, where he sojourned two months, from whence he sent daily men of war, which destroyed and wasted the Countries of Anjou, Traonnoys and Chatragonnoyes. The French king in all haste, sent the Marshal of Loyache, with four thousand men, to resist the invasions of the Duke of Somerset, which captain determined to set on the Duke and his people, in the dead time of the night. This enterprise was not so secret, but it was revealed to the Duke, which marched forward, and met the French men half way, and after long fight, by fine force they were manfully discomfited, and they slew a hundredth persons and more, and took captives lxij whereof the chief were the Lord Dausigny, Sir Lewes de Buell, and all the other almost, were Knights and esquires. After this encounter, the Duke took the Town of Beamot le Viscount, and manned all the fortresses on the frontiers of his enemies, and with rich booties, and wealthy captives came again to the Duke of York. During these fortunate chances and victories, the Lord Talbot also, the unwearied Chieftain and manly warrior, environed the town of Deep, with deep trenches, and great mountains, and did set up upon the Mount de Poulet, a strong and defensible Bastile, at which time was captain of the same town, Charles de Maretz, a man of more force in battle, than politic in defence of a siege: for the Englishmen being a small number, had to them delivered with fair words, and faint strokes, the Castle of Charlemesnyll, and diverse other fortresses adjoining to the town. During the siege, many encounters were had, and many great assaults given, the Englishmen sometime saved, and sometime gained, but the most loss lighted on the Frenchmen for a while. But of three captains sent forth at one time (as you before have heard) all cannot return with equal honour, and even botie. For the Lord Talbot perceiving the town of Deep, to be strongly defended, both with men, victual, and ordinance, and that he lacked all the said furnitures for the accomplishing of his stout enterprise, delivered the custody of the Bastile, with the governance of the siege, to his Bastard son, a valiant young man, and departed to Rouen, for aid, money, and munitions. The French king, was quickly advertised of the Lord Talbots absence, and of the estate of the English men: wherefore without delay, he meaning not to loose so great a pray, sent his eldest son Lewes dolphin of Vien accompanied with the Bastard of orleans, called the Earl of Dunoys, and diverse other nobles of France, to the number of xu thousand persons, well armed, & no less garnished with all things necessary for their purpose. Three days they assailed the Bastile, and so many times they were put back, but powder failed in the fortress, and weapon wherewith to defend, was very scant, so that in conclusion, the English men were vanquished, and the Bastile taken, and in it the Bastard Talbot, Sir William Peytow, and Sir john Repeley, which were shortly after redeemed: The other English soldiers seeing the Bastile gained, stood all day in good order of battle, and in the night polletikely returned to Rouen, without loss or damage. At this assault, the French men say, that they slew two hundredth Englishmen, and deny not, but they lost five hundredth persons, and by this means, the one nation lost the Bastile, and the other saved the town, to the great displeasure of the Lord Talbot. While these things were a doing, Philip Duke of Burgoyn, having an envious heart, at the glory and fortunate success of the English people, intending to bereave them of one of their assured friends, Lewes of Luxenborough refuseth the English and returneth to the French. called Lewes of Luxenborough earl of Saint Paul, made sharp war upon his Countries, and took divers towns and fortresses from him, so that in conclusion more for fear, then for love, he utterly refused his faith and promise, made to the Duke of Bedford his brother in law, and turned to the French part, and became a lukewarm enemy to the realm of England. The loss of this friend and necessary neighbour, not a little grieved king Henry and his counsel: Howbeit they made such purveyance and provision, by discrete counsel, that if he of evil will, would do to them little good, yet he of malice should do to them no great hurt or damage. The English captains being in Guienne, having knowledge of the valiant doings of their Countrymen in the realm of France, determined to do some notable and noble enterprise on the French coasts adjoining to Aquitain: and so they besieged the strong town of Tartas, belonging to the Lord Delabreth, their old and ancient enemy. The captains and governors of the town considering their weakness, and the force of the English men, took this appointment with the English captains, that the town should remain neuter, and for the assurance thereof, they delivered Cadet the son of the Lord Delabreth in pledge, upon this condition: that if the Lord Delabreth would not assent to their agreement, than he should signify his refusal, to the English captains, within three months next ensuing: and he to have his pledge, and they to do their best. The French king, at the request of the Lords of Guienne, which were not able to defend themselves, took this matter in hand, and caused the Lord Delabreth to certify his disagreement to the Earl of Huntingdon, Lieutenant for the king of England, in the Duchy of Aquitaine. And to please the great Lords of Given, he assembled lx thousand men, and came to Tholose, and so to Tartas: to whom the Chieftains of the town, seeing no succours coming, rendered the town, and Cadet Delabreth, which was left there as a pledge, was delivered, the French king after the yielding of Tartas, removed to S. Severe, a strong town in Gascoyn, but smally peopled with men of war, which he took by force, and slew three hundredth persons, and took Sir Thomas Rampstone prisoner. After this town gained, he with all his power besieged the City of Arques, and took the Bulwark of the same, which was smally defended, and soon gotten. The inhitauntes of the town, began sore to be afraid, and came to the Lord Mountferrand, captain for the king of England, requiring him to have mercy upon them, and to tender the town to the French king, upon some honest covenant or composition. The captain perceiving the faint hearts of the Gascoynes, and knowing that without their aid, he was not able to resist the puissance of the French king, took an agreement, and departed with all the English crew to Bordeaux, where he found the Earl of Longuile, Capdaw of Bueffe, and Sir Thomas Rampston, which was a little before delivered. After this, the fortresses of Riol and Mermandie, yielded them to the French king. Although these towns thus submitted them to him, yet he had them not long, nor made much tarrying in the Duchy of Guien, for the English men not only prohibited the Gascoynes to minister to his army victual, and sustenance, but also got into their hands, and took such victuals as were conveyed to him from Tholose and poitiers: So that in manner constrained with famine and lack of provision, he retired his army again into France. After whose departure, the English Captains recovered again the City of Arques, and the other towns by the French king gained, and took prisoner his Lieutenant, called Reignault Guillam the Burgonyen, and many other Gentlemen, and all the mean Soldiers, were either slain or hanged. While the French king was in Given, the Lord Talbot took the town of Couchete, and after marched toward Gayllardon, which was besieged by the Bastard of orleans earl of Dunoys: which earl hearing of the English men's approaching, raised his siege and saved himself. A little before this enterprise, the French men had taken the town of Eureux, by treason of a fisher. Sir Frances Arragonoys hearing of that chance, appareled six strong men, like rustical people with sacks and baskets, as carriers of corn and victual, and sent them to the Castle of Cornill, in the which divers English men were kept as prisoners: and he with an imbushment of English men lay in a Valeynie to the fortress. These six Companions entered into the Castle, unsuspected and not mistrusted, and strait came to the Chamber of the captain, and laid hands upon him, giving knowledge thereof to their imbushement, which suddenly entered the Castle, and slew and took all the French men prisoners, and set at liberty all the English men, which thing done, they set the Castle on fire, and departed with great spoil to the City of Rouen. Thus the Lady victory, sometime smiled on the English part, and sometime on the French side. Thus one gained this day, and lost on the next. Thus fortune changed, and thus chance happened, according to the old proverb, saying: in war is nothing certain, and victory is ever doubtful. Now let us leave the Martial feats, practised between the English and French Nation, in the Region of France, and speak a little of a smoke that rose in England, which after grew to a great fire and terrible flame, A new variance between the Duke of Gloucester, and the Bishop of Winchester. to the destruction of many a noble man. You have heard before, how the Duke of Gloucester sore grudged at the proud doings of the Cardinal of Winchester, and how the Cardinal likewise, sore envied and disdained at the rule of the Duke of Gloucester, and how by the means of the Duke of Bedford, their malice was appeased, & each was reconciled to other, in perfect love & amity, to all men's outward judgements. After which concord made, the Cardinal and the archbishop of York did many things without the consent of the king or the Duke, being (during the minority of the prince) governor and protector of the realm, wherewith the Duke (like a true hearted prince) was neither content nor pleased: and so declared in writing to the king, certain articles, wherein the Cardinal and the archbishop had offended, which articles were here to long to rehearse, and specially for that they were neither regarded nor took any effect. When the king had read the articles, he committed the herring thereof to his counsel, whereof the most part were spiritual persons, so what for fear, and what for favour the matter was winked at, and dallied out, and nothing said to it: & fair countenance was made to the Duke, as though no displeasure had been taken, nor no malice borne either in heart or in remembrance against him. But venom will once break out, and inward grudge will soon appear, which was this year to all men apparent: for divers secret attempts were advanced forward this season, against the noble Duke Humphrey of Gloucester, a far of, Elianour Cobham Wife to the Duke of Gloucester which in conclusion came so near, that they bereft him both of life and land, as you shall hereafter more manifestly perceive. For first this year, dame Elyanour Cobham, wife to the said Duke, was accused of treason, for that she by sorcery and enchaunment, intended to destroy the king, to the intent to advance and promote her husband to the crown: upon this she was examined in Saint Stephen's Chapel, before the Bishop of Canterbury, and there by examination convict and judged to do open penance, in three open places, within the City of London, and after that adjudged to perpetual prison in the Isle of Man, under the keeping of Sir john Stanley knight. At the same season were arrested as aiders and counsellors to the said Duchess, Thomas Southwell priest, and Cannon of saint Stephens in Westminster, Margarie jordane the Witch of Eye. john Hum priest, Roger Bolyngbroke, a cunning Nicromancier, and Margery jourdayne, surnamed the Witch of Eye, to whose charge it was laid, that they at the request of the Duchess, had devised an Image of wax, representing the king, which by their sorcery, a little and little consumed, intending thereby in conclusion to waste, and destroy the king's person, and so to bring him to death, for the which treason, they were adjudged to die, and so Margery jordan was brent in Smithfield, and Roger Bolyngbroke was drawn and quartered at Tyburn, taking upon his death, that there was never any such thing by them imagined, john Hum had his pardon, and Southwell died in the tower before execution: the Duke of Gloucester took all things patiently, and said little. The counsel of England, forgot not the late enterprise of the french king, done in the Duchy of Guien, wherefore to fortify the country, lest he peradventure would attempt again a like journey, they sent thither Sir William Wooduile, with eight hundred men, to fortify the frontiers, till a greater army might be assembled: And farther made public proclamation, that all men which would transport, or carry any corn, cheese, or other victual into the parties of Acquitayne, should pay no manner of custom or tallage, which licence caused that country to be well furnished of all things necessary and convenient. About this season, the king remembering the valiant service, john Lord Talbot created Earl of Shrewsbury and noble acts of john Lord Talbot, created him Earl of Shrewsourie, and with a company of three thousand men, sent him again into Normandy, for the better tuition of the same, which neither forgot his duty, nor foreslowed his business, but daily laboured and hourly studied, how to molest and damage his enemies. In this year died in Guienne, the Countess of Coming, to whom the French king, and also the Earl of Arminake pretended to be heir, in so much that the Earl entered into all the lands of the said Lady, as very inheritor to her of right, and took homage of the people of the country. But to have a rowland to resist an Oliver: he sent solemn Ambassadors to the king of England, offering him his daughter in marriage, not only promising him silver hills, and golden Mountains with her, but also would be bound to deliver into the King of England's hands, all such Castles and towns, as he or his ancestors, detained from him, within the whole Duchy of Acquitayn or Guienne, either by conquest of his progenitors, or by gift or delivery of any French king: offering farther to aid the same king with money, for the recovery of other Cities, within the said duchy, from him and his ancestors, by the French kings progenitors, the Lord de Albreth, and other Lords of Gascoigne, unjustly kept and wrongfully withholden. This offer seemed both profitable, and honourable to King Henry and his realm, and so the Ambassadors, were both well heard, and lovingly entertained, and in conclusion, with a gentle answer (not without great rewards) they departed into their country: after whom were sent for the conclusion of the said marriage into Guienne, Sir Edward Hulle, Sir Robert Roos, and doctor john Grafton Deane of Saint Severin's with an honourable company, which (as all English Cronographiers affirm) both concluded the marriage, & by proxy affied the young Lady. The French King was not ignorant of all these conclusions, wherefore he disdaining that the Earl of Arminack, should both usurp against him the County of Coming, and also join himself with his mortal enemy the king of England: To recover his right, and to punish his rebel, he sent Lewes his eldest son dolphin of Vyen, into Covergne with a puissant army, which suddenly took the Earl of Arminack at the Isle in jordan, and his youngest son, and both his daughters, and by force obtained the Countries of Arminack, Lonuergne, Rovergne and Moullesson, beside the Cities of Se●●erac and Cadenac, and chased the Bastard of Arminack out of his Country, and constituted governor of all those signiories, Sir Theobald de Walpergne, Bailif of Lyon. So by reason of this infortunate chance, the marriage concluded was differred, yea, and so long differred, that it never took effect, as you shall hear more plainly declared. This year the steeple of Paul's Church in London, was set on fire by lightning, and lastly quenched by the great labour of many. Thus while England was unquieted, and France sore vexed, by spoil slaughter and burning, all christendom lamented the continual destruction of so noble a realm, and the effusion of so much christian blood, wherefore to appease the mortal war, so long continuing between these two puissant kings, all the princes of christendom so much laboured and travailed, by their Orators and Ambassadors, that the frosty hearts of both the parties were somewhat mollified, and their indurate stomachs greatly assuaged. So there was a great diet appointed, to be kept at the City of Tours in Tourayne, where for the king of England appeared, William de la Pole Earl of Suffolk, Doctor Adame Molyns, keeper of the kings privy seal, and Robert Lord Roos, and divers other: And for the French king were appointed, Charles Duke of orleans, Lewes de Bourbon Earl of Vandosme, and great Master of the French kings household, Sir Piers de Bresell Steward of Poyton, and Bartram Beaurian, Lord of Pricignye. There were also sent thither, Ambassadors from the Empire, from Spain from Denmark, and from Hungary, to be Mediators between these two princes. The assemble was great, but the cost was much greater, in so much that every part for the honour of their prince, and praise of their country, set forth themselves, as well in fare, as apparel, to the uttermost point and highest prick. Many meetings were had, and many things moved to come to a final peace, and mutual concord. But in conclusion, for many doubts and great ambiguities, which rose on both parties, a final concord could not be agreed, but in hope to come to a peace, A truce for xviij Months. a certain truce as well by sea as by land was concluded by the commissioners for xviij months, which afterward again was prolonged to the year of our Lord .1449. if in the mean season it had not been violated and broken, as hereafter shall be declared. In the treating of this truce, the Earl of Suffolk, extending his commission to the uttermost, without assent of his associates, imagined in his fantasy, that the next way to come to a perfit peace, was to move some marriage between the French kings kinswoman, and king Henry his sovereign: and because the French king had no daughter of ripe age, to be coupled in matrimony with the king his master, he desired to have the Lady Margaret, Cousin to the French king, and daughter to Reyner Duke of Anjou, calling himself King of Sicily, Naples, and jerusalem, having only the name and style of the same, without any penny profit, or foot of possession. This marriage was made strange to the Earl a good space, in so much that he repented him of the first motion, but yet like a bold man, intending not to take a foil in so great a matter, ceased not still daily to solicit and advance forward his cause. The wily french men perceiving the ardent affection of the Earl, toward the conclusion of the marriage, declared to him that this marriage was not like to come to conclusion, as he desired, because the king his Master, occupied a great part of the Duchy of Anjou, and the City of Mauns, and the whole Country of Maine, appertaining (as they said) to king Reyner, father to the damosel. The Earl of Suffolk (I can not say) either corrupted with bribes, or to much affectionate to this unprofitable marriage, condescended and agreed to their motion, that the Duchy of Anjou, and the County of Main, should be released and delivered to the king her father, demanding for her marriage neither penny nor farthing (as who would say) that this new affinity excelled riches, and surmounted Gold and precious stone. And to the intent that of this truce, might ensue a final concord, a day of enteruieve or meeting was appointed between the two kings, in a place convenient, between Charters and Rouen. When these things were concluded, the Earl of Suffolk with his company, thinking to have brought joyful tidings, to the whole realm of England, departed from Toures, and so by long journeys arrived at Dover, and came to the king at Westminster, and there openly before the King and his counsel, declared how he had taken an honourable truce, for the safeguard of Normandy, and the wealth of the realm, out of which truce, he thought, yea, and doubted not, but a perpetual peace and a final concord should shortly proceed and grow out. And much the sooner, for that honourable marriage, that invincible alliance, that godly affinity, which he had concluded: omitting nothing, which might extol and set forth the parsonage of the Lady, not forgetting any thing of the nobility of her kin, nor of her father's high style: as who would say, that she was of such an excellent beauty, and of so high a parentage, that almost no king or Emperor was worthy to be her make. Although this marriage pleased well the king, and divers of his counsel, and especially such as were adherents, and fautors to the Earl of Suffolk, yet Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, Protector of the realm, repugned and resisted as much as in him lay, this new alliance and contrived matrimony: alleging that it was neither consonant to the law of God nor man, nor honourable to a prince, to infringe and break a promise or contract, by him made and concluded, for the utility and profit of his realm and people, declaring that the King by his Ambassadors sufficiently instructed and authorized, had concluded and contracted a marriage between his highness, and the daughter of the Earl of Arminack, upon conditions both to him and his realm, as much profitable as honourable. Which offers and conditions, the said Earl sith his coming out of his captivity & thraldom is ready to yield and perform, saying: that it was more convenient for a Prince, to marry a wife with riches and friends, then to take a make with nothing, and disherit himself and his realm of old rights and ancient signiories. The Duke was not heard, but the Earls doings were condescended unto & allowed. Which fact engendered such a flame, that it never went out, till both the parties with many other were consumed and slain, to the great unquietness of the king and his realm. And for the performance of these conclusions, the French king sent the Earl of Vandosme, great master of his house, and the archbishop of reins, the first peer of France, and divers other into England, which were joyously received, and friendly entertained. Which Ambassadors, after instruments on both parties, sealed and delivered (not unrewarded) returned into their Country. When these things were thus done, the king both for the honour of his Realm, and to assure to himself more special friends, he created Lord john Holland Earl of Huntyngdon, Duke of Excester, as his father was, and Humphrey Earl of Stafford, was made Duke of Buckingham, and Henry Earl of Warwick, was erected to the title of Duke of Warwick, and the Earl of Suffolk, made Marquis of Suffolk, which Marquis with his wife, and many honourable personages of men and women richly adorned, both with apparel and jewels, having with them many costly Chariots, and gorgeous horselitters, sailed into France, for the conveyance of the nominated Queen, into the realm of England. For king Reyner her father, for all his long style, had to short a purse, to sand his daughter honourably to the king her spouse. This noble company came to the City of Toures in Tourayne, where they were honourably received, both of the French king, and of the king of Sicily. Where the Marquis of Stuffolke, as procurator to king Henry, espoused the said Lady, in the Church of saint Martins. At which marriage were present, the father and mother of the bride, the French king himself, which was Uncle to the husband, and the French Queen also, which was Awnte to the wife. There were also the Dukes of orleans, of Calaber, of Alaunson, and of Britain, seven Earls twelve Barons twenty Bishops, beside knights and gentlemen. There were unchangeable jousts, costly feasts, and delicate banquets: but all pleasure hath an end, and every joy is not continual. So that after these high solempnities finished, and these honourable ceremonies ended, the Marquis had the Lady Margaret to him delivered, which in great estate, he conveyed through Normandy to Deep, and so transported her into England, where she landed at Portesmouth, in the month of April. This woman excelled all other, as well in beauty and favour, as in wit and policy, and was of stomach and courage, more like to a man, than a woman. Sun after her arrival, she was conveyed to the town of Southwike in Hamshire, A marriage made between the Lady Margaret daughter to Reyner king of Sicill and jerusalem, and the King of England. where she with all nupciall ceremonies, was coupled in matrimony to king Henry the sixth of that name. After which marriage, she was with great triumph, conveyed to London, and so to Westminster, where upon the xxx day of May, she with all solemnity thereunto appertaining, was crowned Queen of this Noble realm of England. This marriage seemed to many, both infortunate and unprofitable to the realm of England, and that for many causes. First the king had with her not one penny, and for the fetching of her, the Marquis of Suffolk demanded a whole fifteen in open Parliament: also for her marriage, the Duchy of Anjou, the City of Mauns, and the whole County of Main, were delivered and released to king Reyner her father, which Countries were the very stays, and backestandes to the Duchy of Normandy. Furthermore for this marriage, the Earl of Arminacke took such great displeasure, that he became utter enemy to the realm of England, and was the chief cause, that the Englishmen were expulsed out of the whole Duchy of Aquitain, and lost both the Countries of Gascoigne and Guienne. But most of all it should seem, that God with this matrimony was not content. For after this spousage, the kings friends fell from him, both in England and in France, the Lords of his Realm fell in division among themselves, the Commons rebelled against their sovereign Lord, and natural Prince, fields were fought, many thousands slain, and finally the king deposed, and his son slain, and this Queen sent home again, with as much misery and sorrow, as she was received with pomp and triumph, such is worldly unstableness, and so wavering is false flattering fortune. During the time of this truce, Richard Duke of York, and divers other Captains, repaired into England, both to visit their wives, children and friends, and also to consult what should be done, if the truce ended. All soulen College. Barnarde College. This year, as I find noted by George lily, Henry Chicheley Archbishop of Cauntorbury died, who in his life time builded two houses, for students in the University of Oxford, the one called all Souls College, and the other Barnard College. And now to consult for some good order to be taken for France, the king called his high Court of Parliament, in the which above all things, it was concluded, diligently to foresee, that Normandy should be well furnished and strongly defended, before the term of the truce should be expired: for it was openly known, that the French king was ready in all things, to make open war, if no peace or abstinence of war, were agreed or concluded. For which consideration, money was granted, men were appointed, and a great army gathered together, The Duke of Somerset made Regent of France. and the Duke of Somerset was appointed Regent of Normandy, and the Duke of York thereof discharged. In which Parliament, to please the people withal, it was enacted, that when wheat was sold for six shillings eight pence the quarter, and Rye for four shillings, and Barley for three shillings, it should be lawful to every man to carry the said kinds of corn into the parties beyond the Sea, without licence, so it were not to the king's enemies or rebels: which Act king Edward the fourth for the utility of his people, approved and confirmed. The Marquis of Suffolk is highly favoured of the Queen. The Marquis of Suffolk, being in high favour with the king, and in no less grace with Queen Margaret, for concluding the marriage between them two, somewhat infected with the seed of vainglory, and thinking that his proceedings and doings in France (during the time of his legation) had as well pleased all men, as they pleased himself, the second day of june, in the first session of this Parliament, before all the Lords spiritual and temporal, in the higher house assembled, openly, eloquently, and boldly, declared his pain, travail and diligence, which he had taken and sustained of late time, in the realm of France, aswell for the taking and concluding a truce or abstinence of war, between the realms of England and France, as in making of the marriage between the king his sovereign Lord and theirs, and the noble Prince's Lady Margaret, daughter to the king of Sicily and Jerusalem: Opening also to them, that the said truce should expire the first day of April next coming, except a final peace or a further truce were concluded in the mean season: advising them to provide and foresee all things necessary for the war (as though no concord should succeed, nor agreement could take place) lest the French men perceiving them unprovided, would take their advantage, and agreed neither to reason nor amity: saying unto them, that sith he had admonished the king, & them, according to his duty and allegiance, if any thing quailed, or if danger ensued, he was thereof innocent and guiltless, and had acquitted himself like a loving subject, and a faithful counsellor, praying the Lords to have it in remembrance. Likewise the morrow after, he with certain Lords, descended into the common house, where he declared again all the said matters, to the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses, omitting nothing that might sound to his glory, nor opening any thing which might redound to his dispraise: praying the Commons for his discharge, that aswell all his doings and proceedings in the kings affairs beyond the Sea, as also his advertisement and counsel, opened to the Lords and commons now together assembled, might be by the king and them, enacted and enroled in the Records of the Parliament: Whereupon the morrow after, William Burley, speaker for the Commons, and all the company of the neither house, repaired to the kings presence, sitting in his throne, amongst his Lords in the Parliament Chamber, where the said William Burley, by the counsel of the Commons (whether they did it more for fear then for love, or were thereunto enticed by the Marquis friends, as some men doubted) most humbly commended to the kings highness, the foresaid Marquis of Suffolk, and all his acts and notable works, which he had done, to the pleasure of almighty God, the honour of the king, and the utility of the Realm: as in taking the truce, concluding the marriage, and the good admonition given by him in open Parliament, for provision of war to be made, during the time of truce, lest to much trusting of peace, might encourage the French men, the sooner to begin war and invasion: beseeching the kings highness, in the name of the Commons, to imprint in his heart and remembrance the said Marquis, and his labours and acts, to his honour and renown, which should be an example to all other, which the king should call to like service, to employ themselves in like endeavour, faithfully and honourably to serve their king and sovereign Lord: praying also the Lords spiritual and temporal, that they for the considerations before rehearsed, would vouchsafe to make like petition to the kings Majesty, and that all the acts and demeanour of the said Marquis, might by authority of Parliament, be to his honour, and perpetual fame, in the rolls of the same Parliament, recorded and substantially registered. At which humble intercession, the Lords, aswell spiritual as temporal, rose from their seats, and on their knees made to the king like request and petition, as they of the commons before were desired: whereupon the king by the mouth of the archbishop of Cauntorbury his Chancellor, made answer, that their requests were so reasonable and so honourable, that he in no wise could but lovingly accept, & gently allow the same, saying also: that their desires were to him a singular pleasure, and an especial comfort, and that he would from thenceforth accept and take the said Marquis to his benign grace, and especial favour, as a person which hath done both true, faithful, and notable service to him and to his Realm, to the intent that all men put in like trust, should enforce themselves to do like or better service to their sovereign Lord or Master: agreeing also (according to their requests and petitions) that the labours, demeanours, diligences, and declarations of the said Marquis of Suffolk, and the said commendations and desires, not only of the Lords, but also of the Commons, aswell for the honour of him and his posterity, as for his acquittal and discharge, should be enacted, and enroled in the Records of the same Parliament, which was so done. The Marquis of Suffolk made Duke of Suffolk. This Marquis thus gotten up into fortune's throne, not content with his degree, by the means of the Queen was shortly erected to the estate and degree of a Duke, & ruled the king at his pleasure, in somuch that he obtained the wardeshippes, both of body and lands of the Countess of Warwick, and of the Lady Margaret, sole heir to john Duke of Somerset, (which Lady was after mother to king Henry the seventh) and beside that, caused the king to created john de Foys, son to Gaston de Foys, earl of Longuile, and Capdawe of Bueffe, earl of Kendale: which john had married his niece, and by his procurement, the king elected into the order of the Garter, the said Gaston, and john his son, giving to the son, towards the maintenance of his degree and estate, lands and Castles in the Duchy of Guien, amounting to the some of one thousand pounds by the year, which lands, name, and style, the issue and line of the said Earl of Kendal at this day have, and enjoy. Here a man may behold, what security is in worldly glory, and what constancy is in fortune's smiling: for this Duke of Suffolk, in open Parliament of the Lord praised, of the commons thanked, and into the king's favour entirely received, within four years after, was in the same place, by the commons of the Realm accused of many treasons, misprisions, and offences, done and committed against the king, and the common wealth of his realm, and in conclusion, being exiled the realm, he was taken upon the Sea, and made shorter by the head, which chance had not happened to him, if he had remembered the counsel of the Popyngay, saying: when thou thinkest thyself in Court most surest, then is it high time to get the home to rest. These things being in doing, the French king seeing that the town of Mauns, and divers fortresses in Main, were not to him delivered, according to the appointment made, gathered together a great number of people, for to recover the same: whereof the king of England being advertised (lest the breach of truce should begin by him) caused the town to be delivered, without any force. A combat between a Master and his servant. This year an Armourers servant of London, appealed his Master of treason, which offered to be tried by battle. At the day assigned, the friends of the master, brought him Malmesye and Aqua vite, to comfort him with all, but it was the cause of his and their discomfort: for he poured in so much, that when he came into the place in smithfield, where he should fight, both his wit and strength failed him: and so he being a tall and hardy parsonage, overladed with hot drinks, was vanquished of his servant, being but a coward and a wretch, whose body was drawn to Tyburn, and there hanged and beheaded. In which year was a great insurrection in Norwiche, against the Prior of the place, in so much that the Citizens kept the gates, An insurrection in Norwiche. against the Duke of Norfolk, which came thither to appease the matter: but in conclusion, they opened the gates, and submitted themselves. The chief offenders, were (according to their deserts) straightly punished, and executed, and the the Mayor was discharged of his office, and sir John Clifton was made governor there, till the King had restored the Citizens to their ancient liberties, and franchises. This commotion was for certain new exactions, which the Prior claimed and took of the Citizens, contrary to their ancient freedoms and usages: but this was not the dew mean to come to their right and purpose, and therefore because they erred and went out of the path, they were by punishment brought again to a very strait trade, and the right way. This year Simon Eyre Alderman of London, who also had been Mayor of the same, builded at his own costs and charges, the Leaden hall, in the said City, and a fair chapel joining to the same, chiefly to have the same made a store house in Summer, for Wood and Cole to be bought, and there laid up, and in the winter to be sold unto the poor people at a reasonable rate, without gain, the stock being saved, and he left in stock there one thousand pound, which afterward was borrowed by King Edward the fourth, and never paid again (as it is said) and so that provision decayed. During the time of this truce or abstinence of war, while there was nothing to vex or trouble the minds of men within the Realm, a sudden mischief, and a long discord, sprang out, by the means of a woman: for king Henry, which reigned at this time, was a man of a meek spirit, and of a simple wit, preferring peace before war, rest before business, honesty before profit, and quietness before labour. And to the intent, A description of king Henry the sixth. that all men might perceive, that there could be none, more chaste, more meek, more holy, nor a better creature: In him reigned shamefastness, modesty, integrity, and patience to be marveled at, taking and suffering all losses, chances, displeasures, and such worldly torments, in good part, and with a patient manner, as though they had chanced by his own fault, or negligent oversight: and he was governed of them whom he should have ruled: and bridled of such, whom he sharply should have spurred: He gaped not for honour, nor thrusted for riches, but studied only for the health of his soul: the saving whereof, he esteemed to be the greatest wisdom, and the loss thereof, the extremest folly that could be. But on the other part, the Queen his wife was a woman of a great wit, and yet of no greater wit, then of haute stomach, desirous of glory, and covetous of honour, The description of the wife of king Henry. and of reason, policy, counsel, and other gifts, and talents of nature, she lacked nothing, nor of diligence, study, and business, she was not unexpert: but yet she had one point of a very woman: for often times, when she was vehement & fully bend in a matter, she was suddenly like to a weathercock, mutable and turning. This woman perceiving that her husband did not frankly rule as he would, but did all thing by the advise and counsel of Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, and that he passed not much on the authority and governance of the realm, determined with herself, to take upon her the rule and regiment, both of the king and his kingdom, and to deprive and remove out of all rule and authority the said Duke, than called the Lord Protector of the realm: lest men should say and report, that she had neither wit nor stomach, which would permit and suffer her husband, being of perfit age and man's estate, like a young Scholar or innocent Pupil, to be governed by the disposition of an other man. This manly woman, this courageous Queen, ceased not to prosecute forthwith, her invented imagination and purpose, and practised daily the furtherance of the same. And although this invention came first of her own high mind and courage, yet it was furthered and set forward by such as of long time had borne malice to the Duke, for declaring their untruth as you before have heard. Which venomous Serpents, and malicious Tigers, persuaded, incensed and exhorted the Queen, to look well upon the expenses and revenues of the realm, and thereof to call an account: affirming plainly that she should evidently perceive, that the Duke of Gloucester, had not so much advanced and preferred the common wealth, and public utility, as his own private things and peculiar estate. Beside this, Reyner king of Sicily, wrote to his daughter, that she and her husband should take upon them the rule and governance of the realm, and not to be kept under, like young wards and desolate Orphans. The Queen persuaded and encouraged by these means, took upon her and her husband, the high power and authority over the people and subjects. And although she joined her husband with her in name for a countenance, yet she did all, she said all, The Duke of Gloucester removed from all rule and government. and she bore the whole swinge, as the strong Ox doth, when he is yoked in the plough with a poor seely ass: and first of all she excluded the Duke of Gloucester, from all rule and governance, not prohibiting such as she knew to be his mortal enemies, to invent and imagine causes and griefs against him and his: so that by her permission and favour, divers noble men conspired against him, of the which, divers writers affirm, the Duke of Suffolk, and the Duke of Buckyngham to be the chief, not unprocured by the Cardinal of Winchester, and the archbishop of York. divers articles both heinous and odious were laid to his charge in open counsel, and in especial one, that he had caused men adjudged to die, to be put to other execution, than the law of the land had ordered or assigned: for surely the Duke being very well learned in the law civil, detesting malefactors, and punishing their offences, got great malice and hatred of such as feared to have condign reward for their ungracious acts and mischievous doings. Although the Duke (not without great laud and praise) sufficiently answered to all things to him objected, yet because his death was determined, his wisdom little helped, nor his truth smally availed: but of this unquietness of mind, he delivered himself, because he thought neither of death, nor of condemnation to die: such affiance had he in his strong truth, and such confidence had he in indifferent justice. But his Capital enemies and mortal foes, fearing that some tumult or commotion might arise, if a Prince so well beloved of the people, should be openly executed, and put to death, determined to trap and undo him, or he thereof should have knowledge or warning. A parliament kept at Bury. So for the furtherance of their purpose, a parliament was summoned to be kept at Bury, whether resorted all the peers of the realm, and amongst them the Duke of Gloucester, which on the second day of the session, was by the Lord Beamonde then high Constable of England, accompanied with the Duke of Buckyngham and other, arrested, The Duke of Gloucester suddenly arrested of treason. apprehended, and put in ward, and all his servants sequestered from him, and xxxij. of the chief of his retinue, were sent to divers prisons, to the great admiration of the common people. The Duke the night after his imprisonment, was found dead in his bed, being the xxiiij day of Februarij, The Duke of Gloucester suddenly murdered. and his body showed to the Lords and commons, as though he had died of a palsy or impostume: but all indifferent persons well knew, that he died of no natural death, but of some violent force: some judged him to be strangled: some affirm that a hot spit was put in at his fundament: other writ, that he was stiffeled or smouldered between two featherbeds. After whose death, none of his servants (although they were arraigned and attainted) were put to death: for the Duke of Suffolk, when they should have been executed, showed openly their pardon, but this doing appeased not the grudge of the people, which said that the pardon of the servants was no amendss for murdreing of their master. The dead corpse of this Duke was carried to saint Albon, and there honourably buried. Thus this noble Prince, Son, brother, and Uncle to kings, which had valiantly and politicly by the space of xxv years governed this realm, and for his demerits, called the good Duke of Gloucester, was by a bone cast by his enemies, choked and brought to his fatal fine, and last end. So all men may openly see, that to men in authority, no place, not not the Court the chief refuge of all, nor the dwelling house, nor yet a man's privy Castle, or his bed ordained for his quietness, is out of the danger of death's dart. This Humffrey Duke of Gloucester, descending of the blood royal, was not only noble and valiant in all his acts and doings, but sage, politic, and notably well learned in the Civil law. And among other his worthy praises, this following is not to be forgotten, which most lively and plainly declareth him to be both prudent and wise, & to his great laud and praise is written and set forth by Sir Thomas Moor knight, in a book of his, entitled, a Dialogue concerning heresies and matters of religion, and in the xiiij chapter of the same book, in this wise following. In the time of King Henry the sixth (sayeth he) as he road in Progress, there came to the town of Saint Albon a certain beggar with his wife, and there was walking about the town begging five or six days before the kings coming thither, saying that he was borne blind and never saw in all his life, and was warned in his dream that he should come out of Berwick, where he said that he had ever dwelled, to seek Saint Albon, and that he had been at his Shrine, and was not helped, and therefore he would go seek him at some other place: For he had heard some say sense he came, that Saint Albon's body should be at Colyn, and in deed such a contention hath there been. But of truth as I am certainly informed (saith Sir Thomas Moor) he lieth here at saint Alban's, saving some relics of him, which they there show shrined. But to tell you forth, when the King was come, and the town full of people, suddenly this blind man at saint Alban's Shrine had his sight, & the same was solemnly rung for a miracle, and Te deum sungen, so that nothing was talked of in all the town, but this miracle. So happened it then that Duke Humphrey of Gloucester, a man no less wise, then also well learned, having great joy to see such a miracle, called the poor man unto him, and first showing himself joyous of God's glory, so showed in the getting of his sight, and exhorting him to meekness, and to no ascribing of any part of the worship to himself, nor to be proud of the people's praise, which would call him a good & a godly man thereby, at the last he looked well upon his eyen, & asked whether he could ever see any thing at all in all his life before. And when as well his wife as himself affirmed fastly, not, than he looked advisedly upon his eyen again, and said, I believe you very well, for me thinketh that ye can not see well yet. Yes Sir quoth he, I thank God and his holy Martyr, I can see now as well as any man: yea can, quoth the Duke, what colour is my Gown? Then anon the beggar told him. What colour quoth he is this man's Gown? he told him also without any staying or stumbling, and told the names of all the colours that could be showed him. And when the Duke saw that, he bade him walk * Faytour, is as much to say as loiterer, vagabond, or beggar. Faytoure, and made him to be set openly in the sto●kes: For though he could have seen suddenly by miracle the difference betwine divers colours, A false miracle wisely found out. yet could he not by sight, so suddenly tell the names ●● all these colours, except he had known them before, no more than he could name all the men whom he should suddenly see, thus far master Moor. And thus much for the noble prowess and virtue, joined with like Ornaments of knowledge and learning shining in this Duke: For the which as before hath appeared, he was both loved of the commons, and well spoken of of all men, and no less deserving the same, being called the good Duke of Gloucester: so neither yet wanted he backbiters and privy enuyers, as before hath been expressed. When the rumour of the Duke's death, was blown through the realm, many men were suddenly amazed for fear: many abhorred and detested the fact, but all men reputed it an abominable cruelty, and a shameful tyranny. But the public wealth of the realm of England, by the unworthy death of this politic prince, sustained great loss, and ran into ruin, for surely the whole weight and burden of the realm, rested and depended upon him, as the experience afterward did declare. For after his death, good and sage men fearing themselves, fled out of the flattering court, into whose places entered such, as desiring their own promotion, set open the gates to new factions, which could never be extinct, till all the signories beyond the sea (except Calais and the Marches) were lost, and king Henry in conclusion spoiled of his realm and life. There is an old said saw, that a man intending to avoid the smoke, falleth into the fire: so here, the Queen minding to preserve her husband in honour, and herself in authority, procured and consented to the death of this noble man, whose only death brought to pass that thing, which she would most fain have eschewed, and took from her that jewel, which she most desired: for if this Duke had lived, the Duke of York durst not have made title to the crown: if this Duke had lived, the nobles had not conspired against the king, nor yet the commons had not rebelled: if this Duke had lived, the house of Lancaster had not been defaced and destroyed, which things happened all contrary, by the destruction of this good man. This is the worldly judgement, but God knoweth what he had predestinate, & what he had ordained before, against whose ordinance prevaileth no counsel, and against whose will availeth no striving. And it is written of this good Duke of Gloucester, that he builded the divinity School in Oxford, which is a rare piece of work. And at this time also, William Wanyflet a man of great devotion, wisdom, and justice, was made Bishop of Winchester, and Chancellor of England, who to the furtherance of learning, builded Mary Magdalene College in Oxford. In this xxuj year of the reign of this king: But in the first year of the rule of the Queen, I find nothing done worthy to be rehearsed, within the realm of England, but that Richard Duke of York, being greatly allied by his wife, to the chief peers and potentates of the Realm, over and beside his own progeny and great consanguinity, perceiving the king to be a ruler not ruling, and the whole burden of the realm to depend in the ordinance of the Queen and the Duke of Suffolk, began secretly to break to his friends of the Nobility, and privately declared to them, his title and right to the Crown, and likewise did he to certain wise and sage governors and Rulers of divers Cities and towns: which privy attempt was so politicly handled, and so secretly kept, that his provision was ready, before his purpose was openly published, and his friends opened themselves or the contrary part could them espy: but in conclusion time revealed truth, and old hatred openly sprang out, as you shall hereafter both lament and here. During these doings, Henry Beaufford, Bishop of Winchester, The death of Henry Beauford Bishop of Winchester and called the rich Cardinal, departed out of this world, and was buried at Winchester. This man was son to john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, descended of an honourable lineage, but borne in Baste, more noble of blood, then notable in learning, haute in stomach, and high in countenance, rich above measure of all men, and to few liberal, disdainful to his kin, and dreadful to his lovers, preferring money before friendship, many things beginning, & nothing performing. His covetousness insatiable, and hope of long life, made him both to forget God, his Prince, and himself, The fond and foolish talk of the bishop of Winchester in his latter days: For Doctor john Baker his privy counsellor, and his chaplain, wrote, that he lying on his death bed, said these words. Why should I die, having so much riches: if the whole realm would save my life, I am able either by policy to get it, or by riches to buy it. Fie, will not death be hired, nor will money do nothing? when my Nephew of Bedforde died, I thought myself half up the wheel, but when I saw mine other nephew of Gloucester diseased, than I thought myself able to be equal with kings, & so thought to increase my treasure, in hope to have worn a triple Crown. But I see now the world faileth me, and so I am deceived: praying you all to pray for me. Of the getting of this man's goods, both by power Legantine, or spiritual bribery, I will not speak, but the keeping of them for his ambitious purpose, aspiring to ascend to the Papistical Sea, was both great loss to his natural Prince, and native Country: for his hidden riches might well have helped the king, and his secret treasure might have relieved the Commonalty, when money was scant, and importunate charges were daily imminent. After the death of this Prelate, which was a great stay to the king and the realm, the affairs in France, were neither well looked to, nor the governors of the Country were well advised. For an English captain, called Sir Frances Surrien the Arragonoys, a man for his wit and activity, admitted to the order of the Garter, took by scaling suddenly in the night, a Town on the Frontiers of Normandy, Fongiers taken. belonging to the Duke of Briteyn, called Fongiers, spoiling the same, and killing the inhabitants to the great destruction of the people, and more displeasure to the Duke of Briteyn, their sovereign Lord. The Duke being thereof advertised, sent word to the French king, declaring to him that in the time of truce (in the which, he as his ally and vassal was comprehended) he was spoiled and bereaved of his town of Fongiers: beseeching the French king, in that cause to see a recompense and amendment: Whereupon he sent john Haruart his Carver, and john Cosinet one of the Masters of his requests to the king of England: and to the Duke of Somerset, he dispatched Peter de Fountains Esquire, and one of the chief of his stable, to whom by both the Princes, as it was answered, that the fact and enterprise was both done, contrary to their mind, will and knowledge. And for the truce to be kept not only restitution, but also amendss to be made to the Duke of Briteyn, a day of diet and assembly was appointed to be kept at the town of Loviers. At the time appointed both the parties assembled: the French part demanded amendss with no little recompense: The English Orators answered, that without offence, nothing by justice aught to be satisfied: affirming the doing of Sir Frances Surrien, to be his only act, without the consent or counsel, either of the king of England, or the Duke of Somerset his Lieutenant and Regent. During this daily communication and long delay, certain Frenchmen, friends to the Duke of Briteyn, desiring to be revenged of the injury done to him at Fongiers, and also imagining how to do some new displeasure to the Englishmen, were advertised by a wagoner of Louiers, that the town of Pountlarche, was but meanly manned and slenderly furnished, & the watch was but negligently looked to: with which sayings the French men being somewhat encouraged, devised a way how by policy to take the town: so the wagoner jaded his Wagon, and passed forward, having in his company two strong varlets clad like Carpenters, with great Ares in their necks. And for the furtherance of their purpose, the Lord of Bressy with a chosen company of men of Arms, lodged himself in a bushment near to the gate of Saint Andrew. And Captain Floquet, accompanied with Sir james of Cleremount, and another great company, privily lurked under a wood toward Louiers. When all things were appointed, early in the morning in the beginning of the month of October, the wagoner came to the gate, and called the Porter by name, praying him to open the gate, that he might pass to Rouen, and return again the same night. The Porter (which well knew the voice of his customer) took little heed to the other two companions, and so opened the one gate, and sent another fellow of his, to open the foremost gate. When the Chariot was on the draw Bridge, between both the gates, the Chariotmaister gave the Porter money and for the nonce, let one piece fall to the ground, and while the Porter stooped to take it up, A subtle fl●ight. the wagoner with his Dagger struck him in at his throat, so that he cried for no help, and the two great Lubbers slew the other Porters, and with their Axes cut the axle-tree of the Wagon, so that the draw Bridge could not be shortly drawn up. Which things done, they made a sign to captain Floquet, which without delay or tract of time, entered the town, and slew and took the English men, which neither heard nor thought of any such enterprise: amongst whom the Lord Fauconbridge, Captein of the said town, was apprehended as a prisoner: by this pretty cautel and sleight imposture, was the town of Pountlarche taken and surprised, Pountelarch taken by the Frenchmen. which town was the key and passage over the River of Some, from France to Normandy, being distant from Rouen, only four leagues. Thus wrong was added to wrong, and injury heaped to injury, whereby the term of truce was violated, and mortal war was revived. But because the taking of this fortress had a certain colour of breaking of truce: The Duke of Somerset by Ambassadors, and not by force of Arms, devised to recover again this pretty town, & sent for the restitution of the same, divers Ambassadors to the French king and his counsel, which made answer again, that if the Englishmen restored to the Duke of Briteyn, the town of Fongiers with condign amendss, for the damages done and committed within the same, the town of Pountlarche should again be rendered and delivered: for the French king and his counsel began now to perceive and smell, that the affairs of England by the death of the Duke of Gloucester, were sore minished and decayed, and that good counsel began to wax faint and decay, and sedition freshly began to spring and rise: By reason whereof they thought that Normandy might soon be conquered and recovered, and that the English nation out of that region might easily be expulsed and driven: wherefore they determined to take the good occasion to them openly offered, and to loose no time in so good a Bargain. Whereupon king Charles divided his army into three parts, not doubting of victory, by reason that the fame of the conquest of Pountlarche, was blown and spread abroad over all the Country. So after divers assaults (not without loss of divers of his men) he had rendered to him by composition, the towns of Louiers and Gerbory, whereof William Harper was Captain. Thus prosperous victory daily succeeding to the French kings army, he augmenting his host, determined to get the Town of Vernoyle in perch, and gird it round about with a strong siege. The inhabitants whereof, although with the sudden chance they were somewhat abashed, yet having some succours, and hoping of more relief, took to them good courage, and manfully defended the town. But when their aid tarried longer than they either thought or desired, they were compelled to compound with their enemies, upon this condition: that if the siege were not raised within twenty days, that then they should departed with bag and baggage, which condition was accepted: and because no rescues came, the town, Castle, and the great Tower, were delivered. The french Historians affirm, the town to be taken by assault, and the Castle by composition, but all writers agree, that the frenchmen obtained it. Thus was war revived before the full term of the truce expired, which was the most detestable and unprofitable chance, that either could or might have happened or come to the realm of England. For by this sudden damage and loss, without thought arising, the English Captains were so busied and unquieted, that with appeasing daily rumours within towns, and what with study how to recover Castles lost and taken, that they scarce witted what way to take: for while they studied how to keep and defend one City, four or five other, following fortunes chance, turned to the French part, and became their enemies. The chief cause of which revolting and turning was this: It was blown throughout all France, that the realm of England, after the death of the Duke of Gloucester, by the several faction of Princes, was divided into two parts, and that William de la Poole, late created Duke of Suffolk, and divers other, were the occasion of the death of the said Duke of Gloucester, which was the very father of the Country, and the shield and defence of the poor Commonalty, and that the forenamed Duke of Suffolk, only for lucre of money, vexed, oppressed, and molested the poor people, so that men's minds were not intentive, nor given to outward affairs and foreign Conquests, but all their study was, how to drive back and defend domestical injuries, and daily wrongs done at home: by reason whereof men of war were unpaid, and no army for resistance was either gathered or assembled together: which mischiefs while the king (as things of the world, and of no great moment) did neglect and omit, as he which preferred and extolled godly things, above all worldly affairs and mortal cures, and thought them most to be phantasied and laboured: And while Queen Margaret his wife, in whom the whole rule of the realm consisted, being a woman of to much credence giving to evil and flattering counsellors, that by no means after they could be either overcome or resisted: so that by this means, the French Nation knew in what case the state of the realm of England stood in, which elated and encouraged their hearts, and daunted the courages of the normans and Gascoynes, so much, that for lack of aid and relief, they turned to the French part, and forsook their very sovereign Lord, the king of England in short space, as you shall after here. 1448/27 A rebellion in Ireland. It was not enough, the realm of England this season thus to be vexed and unquieted with the business of Normandy, but also a new rebellion began in Ireland, to the great dipleasure of the King and his counsel: for repressing whereof, Richard Duke of york, with a convenient number of men, was sent thither, as lieutenant to the king, which not only appeased the fury of the wild & savage people there, but also got him such love and favour of the country and the inhabitants, that their sincere love, and friendly affection could never be separated from him and his lineage, as in the sequel of this story you shall more plainly perceive. The frenchmen having perfit understanding of the infirmity and unreadiness of the realm of England, displayed their Banners, and set forth their armies, and in short space got by yielding, constance, Gysors, castle Gayllarde, England loseth all that was gotten in France. Ponteandu mere, saint Lo, Feseampe, Newchastle, Alencon, Toncque, Manleon argenton, Lisiaux argenton, and diverse other towns in Normandy: Likewise in Guien was the town of Maulissone rendered to the Earl of Foys. These towns were not yielded voluntarily by the English soldiers, but they were thereunto compelled by the Citizens and the inhabitants of the towns, which apparently perceiving, that the great flame of the English force, was extinct and consumed, rose against the Captains, & other opened the gates to their enemies, or constrained them to tender upon a composition. By which enforcement was the rich City of Rouen delivered: Rhoan delivered to the French. for surely the Duke of Somerset and the lord Talbot earl of Shrowesbury, had well kept and defended this City, if they had been no more vexed with the Citizens, than they were with their enemies. For after the French king had once by his Herald summoned the city, the inhabitants not only sought ways and invented fraud, how to betray the same, but also put on harness and rebelled against their Captains, menacing the death, and destruction of all the English people. The captains perceiving their untruth, and traitorous demeanour, retraited themselves into the Castle or Palace, where by a certain space with arrows and handgonnes, they sore molested & vexed the untrue citizens. But when they considered the great puissance of the French king, and that they were in despair of all aid or relief, and that their victaile and artillery began sore to minish, they thought it better to compound and agreed with their enemies, rather than wilfully to be destroyed or die for famine: and so upon condition that all they should safely departed to Caen with all their goods and armure, and that certain towns should be delivered by a day, they were permitted to departed: leaving behind them for hostages, till the said towns (which were agreed to be rendered) should be delivered, the Earl of Shrewsburie and the Lord Butler, son to the Earl of Ormond, which were sent to the castle of Eureux, because they sore feared the malice of the Citizens of Rouen. The Frenchmen following still the steps of victory, & elated with the bruit and fame of getting of Rouen, determined, either by force or offer to get the town of Harfflew, & shortly assaulted the same, whereof was captain sir Thomas Coneson, a man of a great wit & of no less force: which having knowledge of the heavy tidings brought from Rouen, was therewith nothing abashed, but courageously set upon his enemies, & them to their great hurt, manfully repulsed & drove from the walls. The Frenchmen learning wit by this great peril, left their scaling, and devised daily, how to batter and break the walls & fortifications. This siege long continued, to the great loss of both parties. When sir Thomas saw small likelihood of aid or gain, but much apparauce of loss & jeopardy, he took a convention with his enemies, and so departed with all his goods. After which town rendered, the fortress of Hunflew, upon the same composition was yielded. Thus you may perceive that Fortune is ever without measure for either she to much favoureth or to much hateth, for beside these towns surrendered in Normandy, the Duke of Britain recovered again Fongiers, saint john de Buerne, & divers other towns. In the mean season, the king of England sent into Normandy with a crew of a M.u. C. men, a valiant Capteyn called Sir Thomas Kiriell: a man of great stomach, if he had had a great army, but his power was to small, either to recover the which was lost, either to save that which yet remained ungotten: but surely in him lacked neither good will nor courage, for with his small number, he recovered again the towns of Lyseaux, and Valongnes. After which feat, he joined himself with Sir Henry Norbery, Sir Robert Veer, Matthew Gough, and other captains, so that they were above five thousand men of valiant hearts, and haute courages. After long consultation, they determined to fight with the French men, which were going to the siege of Cane, but in their journey, they were encountered at a place called Formigny, between Carentyne and Bayeux, by the Earl of Clerimont, Lieutenant to the French king, the Steward of Poyton, and the Lord of Rays, Admiral of France, with six hundredth men of arms, and six thousand other, which skirmished with the English men a great season. During which skirmish, there arrived Arthur Earl of Richmond, high Constable of France, james of Luxenbrough, earl of Lavall, A great discomfiture given to the Englishmen. with a great number of horsemen, and fresh footmen. After his coming, he and all the frenchmen set on the Englishmen being faint and weary with the long skirmish. This battle was sore fought, but in conclusion the English men were discomfited, and put to flight, and of them slain above four thousand, and eight hundredth taken prisoners, whereof Sir Thomas Kiriell, Sir Henry Norbery, and Sir Thomas Dreve were the chief, Sir Robert Veer and Matthew Gough saved themselves. This was the first fought field, that the French men got on the English men in many years, wherefore I blame them not though they of a little make much, and set forth all, and hide nothing, that may sound to their glory. They declare what number they slew, but they writ not how many of them were slain or destroyed. After this victory obtained, the French king hearing that the Duke of Somerset was in the town of Caen, thought that he had nothing done, if he permitted the Duke, still to tarry in Normandy, which by new aid and fresh succours might turn the wheel of Fortune into a contrary part, and peradventure recover all that hath been lost, or put the realm of France in a jeopardy: wherefore like a wise prince, intending to prevent things, imminent and at hand, assembled an army royal, and in his own person, having in his camp Reyner, called king of Sicily, father to the Queen of England, the Dukes of Calaber and Alaunson, the Earls of Clerimont. Richemonde, Maine, Dumoys, Sent Polle, and Dampmartyne, beside many noble Barons and valiant knights, when all things were ready, as opportunity of time served: Caen besieged by the French men. He caused the town to be environed on every side, assigning to his Captains several places of the town to be assaulted, and there to prove their manhood. The Earl of Dunoys, with more loss then gain entered into a bulwark, and was beaten back. The English men within the town kept silence, as though they knew not of their enemies approaching, but every man kept his loop, and every Capitayne well overloked his ward. The French men with quarrels, morispikes, slings, and other engines, began to assault the walls: but of the English men within, some shot fiercely with long bows, other cast darts, and rolled down great stones and bars of Iron: other cast down javelins, fyrebrands, hot lead, and blocks with pitch and brimstone, like burning fire flaming: so that neither courage lacked in the assault, nor manhood, nor policy in the defence: for on the embattlements of the walls were set great rolls of timber, so moving and unsteadfast, that neither scaling ladder could catch any hold, nor no person that should climb up, could set any sure footing. The French king perceiving that this assault little or nought prevailed him, sent for all his great ordinance to Paris, determining never to depart, till he had conquered the town, either with sword or famine. When she ordinance was brought, he daily shot at the walls, and did some hurt: but to the Castle, which stood on a rock, and in it a dungeon unable to be beaten down, he did no harm at all. In this town was the Duke of Somerset, his wife and children, but he was not captain, for the Duke of York owner of the fowne, by the king's gift, had appointed there his captain general, Sir Davy Halle, and of the Castle, Sir Robert Veer, and of the Dungeon, sir Henry Radford. Daily the shot was great, but more terrible than hurtful. Saving one day, a stone shot into the town, fell between the Duchess of Somerset, and her children, which being amazed with this chance, prayed on her knees her husband, to have mercy and compassion of his small infants, & that they might be delivered out of the town in safeguard. The Duke more piteous than hardy, moved with the dolour of his wife, and love of his children, assembled the Captains and Magistrates of the town, declaring to them, the power and puissance of the French king, and their debility and weakness, persuading them rather to yield and tender upon honest conditions, then obstinately to resist, and foolishly to perish. Sir Davy Halle, Capitayne of the town, answered to him, saying: my Lord, although you be the king's Lieutenant general, within this country and dominion, and may by force of your authority, deliver, cell or give, any of the king's towns, to such persons, either friends or enemies, as shall please you: yet I am sure that you cut your leather to large, to entreat or speak of the rendering of this town, appertaining to my Lord and master, Richard Duke of York, which thereof hath given me both the charge and custody, with other of my trusty friends and fellows, and which with the help of almighty God, I shall well defend, doth against the French king and all his puissance, till the Duke my master come to secure me, for of men, money and munitions, I trust I have sufficient. Why said the Duke, am not I here the king's Deputy, representing his person, and may command all things according to my discretion? Yea said the captain, so that you give away no man's right but his, whose authority you have for the same: as for this town, I assure you, without my lords assent, you shall neither tender nor yield, by my consent or agreement. The Duke was sore moved with this saying, and so departed, and after sent for the rulers of the town, and the poorest people of the same, declaring to them, that their lives and goods were in the french kings hands, and if they looked not shortly to their safeguard, of death they were sure, and of mercy far uncertain: exhorting them to follow his loving monition, rather than the hardened heart, of their to hardy captain. The people of the town thus persuaded (whose hearts were rather French then English) began to rise against sir Davy, boldly affirming, that if he took no composition within three days, they would open the gates, and let in the French king: and of this opinion were all the common soldiers. What should the poor Hare say, when she is environed with a hundred hounds, or the silly Lark cry, when she is in the middle of a hundred Hawks, but take patience, and seek a way to escape? so this captain perceiving, that neither his words served, nor his truth toward his Master prevailed, bade the Duke of Somerset do what he list, for he would in no wise be named in the composition. Then the Duke partly to please the towns men, but more desirous to please the Duchess his wife, made an agreement with the french king, that he would tender the town, so that he and all his, might depart in safeguard with all their goods and substance: which offer, The City of Caen yielded to the french. the French king gladly accepted and allowed, knowing that by force, he might longer have longed for the strong town, then to have possessed the same so soon. After this conclusion taken, Sir Davy Hall, with divers other of his trusty friends departed to Chierburge, and from thence sailed into Ireland to the Duke of York, making relation to him of all these doings: which thing kindled so great a rancour in his heart and stomach, that he never left persecuting of the Duke of Somerset, till he had brought him to his fatal point, and extreme confusion. After the obtaining of this strong town of Caen, the Earl of Cleremount besieged the City of Lyseux, whereof was Captein Matthew Gough, with three hundredth English men. The captain perceiving that when Cane was not rescued, that poor Lyseux was in despair of all succour, agreed to abandon and deliver the City, so that he and his people might departed to Chierburge, having no iron weapon nor armure, but only their goods, & white staves in their hands. After the deliverance of this town, the French men still like good begles, following their prey, besieged the town of Fallayse, appertaining to the Lord Talbot, earl of Shrewsbury: whereof were captains for the said Earl, Andrew Trollop, and Thomas Cotton squires, which being desperate of succours, and considering the puissance of their enemies, agreed to deliver the town upon two conditions, the one was, that the Earl their master, which remained in pledge for certain conditions, agreed to be performed at the deliverance of Rouen, (as you have heard before) should be dismissed and set at liberty: the other, that if they were not rescued within twelve days, that then they and theirs to departed with armure, and all their goods movable whether it pleased them. After this agreement at the day prefixed, no rescues came, and so the town was rendered, and incontinent after, the fortress of Dampforde was delivered upon like agreement. For the Frenchmen bragged, that they regarded neither gold nor silver, but desired rule, glory and fame: With which lightness, the other towns of Normandy being persuaded, voluntarily rendered themselves, vassals and subjects to the French nation. A● Normandy is lost. Now rested English, only the town of Chierburge, whereof was Capteyn, Thomas Gonuile, which surely and valiantly defended the town as long as victual and munition served: but when these two hands were spent and consumed, he destitute of all comfort and aid, upon a reasonable composition yielded the town, & went to Calais, where the Duke of Somerset and many English men than sojourned: lamenting their loss, and desperate of all recovery. Thus was the rich Duchy of Normandy lost, the which had continued in the English men's possession xxx years, by the conquest of king Henry the fift. In the which Duchy were a hundred strong towns and fortresses, able to be kept and holden, beside them which were destroyed by the wars, and in the same was one archbishopric, and six bishoprics. Some say, that the Englishmen were not of puissance, either to man the towns as they should be, or to inhabit the Country, which was the cause that they could not keep it: according to the Frenchmens' Adage, which saith: A man can not long hold that, which he cannot gripe. Other say, that the Duke of Somerset, for his own peculiar profit, kept not half his number of Soldiers, and put their wages in his purse. These be men's imaginations and conjectures, but surely the loss of it, was the domestical division within the Realm, every great man desiring rather to be revenged on his foe at home, then on his outward enemy, as you now shall manifestly see and perceive. For while these conquests were obtained in the parts beyond the sea, with sword, spear, and target, by the adversaries of the Englishmen, three mischievous Captains, set the people of the realm (as well of the Nobility as of the mean sort) in a civil war and intestive division: For among the high Princes and peers, reigned inward grudge: among the Clergy flattery, and among the Commonalty disdain of lascivious sovereignty, which the Queen with her Minions, and unprofitable Counsellors daily took and usurped upon them. Wherefore they (not minding to be more charged, than their backs would bear, and perceiving that by negligent provision and improvident policy, the affairs and business in the parts beyond the sea, daily decayed, and more were like to do) began first to make exclamation against the Duke of Suffolk, affirming him, The commons excla●● against the Duke of Suffolk. to be the only cause of the delivery of Anjou, and Main, the chief procurer of the death of the good Duke of Gloucester, the very occasion of the loss of Normandy, the most swallower up & consumer of the king's treasure (by reason whereof, the wars in France were not maintained) the expeller from the king of all good & virtuous counsellors, and the bringer in & advancer of vicious persons, common enemies, and apparent adversaries to the public wealth: So that the Duke was called in every man's mouth a traitor, a murderer, a robber of the kings treasure, and worthy to be put to most cruel punishment: By reason of this exclamation, the Queen somewhat fearing the destruction of the Duke, but more the confusion of herself, caused the Parliament, before begun at the black Friars in London, to be adjourned to Leycester, thinking there by force and rigour of the law, to subdue and repress all the malice and evil will, conceived against the Duke and her: at which place few of the Nobility would appear, wherefore it was again adjourned to Westmister, where was a whole company and a full appearance. The parliament adjourned from Westmister to Leycester. In the which session, the Commons of the neither house, put up to the king and the Lords, many articles of treason, misprision and misdemeanour, against the Duke of Suffolk: the effect whereof, with his answers, hereafter ensueth. 1 First, they alleged, that he had traitorously excited, provoked, Articles proponed by the commons against the Duke of Suffolk. and counseled, john earl of Dumoys Bastard of orleans, Bertram Lord Presigny, William Cosynet, enemies to the king, and friends and Ambassadors to Charles, calling himself french king, to enter into this realm, and to levy war against the king and his realm, to the intent to destroy the king and his friends, & to make john his son king of this realm, marrying him to Margaret, sole heir to john Duke of Somerset, pretending and declaring her, to be next heir inheritable to the crown, for lack of issue of the king's body lawfully begotten. 2 Item, the said Duke, being of the kings privy and near counsel, alured by great rewards, and fair promises, made by the foresaid Earl of Dunoys, caused the king to deliver and set at liberty, Charles Duke of orleans, enemy to the King, and the King's noble father, which deliverance, was prohibited by express words, in the last will of the kings most victorious father. 3 Item, that before the departure of the said Duke of orleans, the aforenamed Duke of Suffolk, traitorously fast cleaving to Charles called the French king, counseled, provoked and enticed the said Duke of orleans, to move the same King, to make war against England, both in France and Normandy: according to which procurement and counsel, the said French king, hath recovered the whole realm of France, and all the Duchy of Normandy, and taken prisoners the Earl of Shrewesburie, the Lord Fauconbridge, and many other valiant Captains. ¶ These three articles aforenamed he denied either for fact or thought. 4 Farther, it was alleged, that he being Ambassador for the King of England, to Charles calling himself French King, promised to Reyner King of Sicily, and to Charles Dangiers his brother, enemies to the King, the release of Angeow, with the deliverance of the County of Main, and the City of Maunt or Mauns, without the knowledge of the other Ambassadors, which him accompanied: which promise after his return, he caused to be performed, to the king's disenheritaunce, and loss irrecuperable, and to the strength of his enemies and feblishement of the Duchy of Normandy. ¶ To this article he answered, that his commission was to conclude, and do all things according to his discretion, for the obtaining of a peace, and because without delivery of those Countries, he perceived that truce could not be obtained, he agreed to the release and deliverance of them. 5 Also, they surmised that the said Duke being in France in the King's service, and one of the priviest of his counsel there, traitorously declared and opened to the Captains and conduiters of war, appertaining to the King's enemies, the king's counsel, purveyance of his armies, furniture of his towns, and all other ordinances, whereby the King's enemies (informed by his traitorous information) have gotten towns and fortresses, and the King by that mean deprived of his inheritance. 6 Item, the said Duke declared to the Earl of Dunoys, to the Lord Presigny, and William Cosynet, Ambassadors for the French King, lying in London, the privities of the King's counsel, both for the provision of farther war, and also for defence of the Duchy of Normandy: by the disclosing whereof, the Frenchmen knowing the kings secrets, prevented the time, and obtained their purpose. 7 Item, that the said Duke at such time as the king sent Ambassadors to the French king, for the entreating of peace, traitorously before their coming to the French Court, certified king Charles of their commission, authority and instructions, by reason whereof, neither peace nor amity succeeded, and the king's inheritance lost, and by his enemies possessed. 8 Item, the same Duke said openly in the Star chamber, before the Lords of the counsel, that he had as high a place in the counsel house of the French king, as he had there, and was as well trusted there as here, and could remove from the French king, the priviest man of his counsel, if he would. 9 Item, when armies have been prepared, and soldiers ready waged, to pass over the sea, to resist the king's enemies: the said Duke corrupted by rewards of the French king, hath restrained and stayed the said armies to pass any farther. 10 Item, the said Duke being Ambassador for the King, comprised not in the league as the kings Allies, neither the king of Arragon, neither the Duke of Briteine, but suffered them to be comprised on the contrary part, by reason whereof, the old amity of the king of Arragon, is estranged from this realm, and the Duke of Britein become enemy to the same: Gyles his brother the kings sure friend, cast in strong prison, and there like to end and finish his days. All these objections he utterly denied, or faintly avoided, but none fully excused. divers other crimes were laid to his charge, as enriching himself with the King's goods, and lands, gathering together, and making a Monopoly of offices, fees, wards, and fermes, by reason whereof, the king's estate was greatly minished and decayed, and he and his kin highly exalted and enriched, with many other points, which, because they be not notable, nor of great force or strength, I omit and overpass. The Queen which entirely loved the Duke, fearing that some commotion and trouble might rise, if he were let go unpunished, The Duke of Suffolk committed to the Tower. caused him to be committed to the Tower, where he was kept with as much pleasure, as he that was at large, and out of all captivity. But after that a month was expired, she husbandmaning the people to be pacified with this open imprisonment, caused him both to be delivered, and also to be restored to the Kings favour and grace, as much as ever he was before that tyme. But this doing incensed the fury of the mutable commons, much more than before: openly denouncing and saying, that it was a shame to all the Realm, to see such a person, infected with so many misdeeds, either to rule about a Prince or to be had in honour. Of these words sprang deeds, and of this talking, rose displeasure, which had grown to great mischief, if politic provision had not with all celerity resisted the first fury: for the commons in sundry places of the Realm assembled together, gathered great companies, Blue beard a captain of rebels. and elected a Captain, whom they called, Blew beard: but or they had attempted any enterprise, their heads were apprehended, and so the members suddenly were dispersed, without any hurt committed. After this little rage was assuaged, a new Parliament was holden at Leycester, whither came the King and the Queen in great estate, and with them the Duke of Suffolk, as chief counsellor. The commons of the lower house, not forgetting their old grudge, beseeched the King, that such persons, as assented to the release of Angeow, and deliverance of Maine, might be extremely punished, and tormented: and to be privy to this fact, they accused, as principal, the Duke of Suffolk, with john Bishop of Salisbury, and sir james fines, Lord Say, and divers other. When King henry perceived that the commons were thus stomached & bend, against the queens darling William Duke of Suffolk, he plainly saw that neither glozing would serve, William Duke of Suffolk. nor dissimulation could appease the continual clamour of the importunate commons: Wherefore to begin a short pacification in so long a broil: First he sequestered the Lord Say, being treasurer of England, and other the Dukes adherentes, from their offices, and authority, and after banished and put in exile the Duke of Suffolk, for the term of five years: meaning by this exile, to appease the furious rage of the outrageous people, and that pacified, to revocate him to his old estate, as the Queen's chief friend and counsellor. But fortune would not, that he should so escape, for when he was shipped in Suffolk, intending to be transported into France, he was encountered with a ship of war, appertaining to the Duke of Excester, the Constable of the Tower of London, being captain of the same bark with small fight, entered into the Duke's ship, and perceiving his person present, brought him to Dover Road, & there on the one side of a cock boat, William de la pole Duke of Suffolk beheaded. caused his head to be stricken off, & left his body with the head upon the sands of Dover, which corpse was there found by a chaplain of his, & conveyed to Wingfelde college in Suffolk, and there buried. This end had William de la Pole the first Duke of Suffolk, as men judge by God's punishment: for above all things he was noted to be the very organ, engine, and deviser of the destruction of Humphrey the good duke of Gloucester, and so the blood of the innocent man was with his dolorous death, recompensed and punished. But the death of this froward person, brought not the realm to quiet, nor delivered it from all inward grudge and intestine division, which to all Realms is more pestiferous and noisome, then outward war, daily famine, or extreme pestilence. For although Richard Duke of York was in person (as the kings Deputy) in the realm of Ireland, continually res●ant there: yet his breath puffed, and his wind blewe daily, in many parts of this realm. For many of the nobility, and more of the mean estate, wisely pondering the estate and condition of the Realm, perceiving more loss than increase, ruin then advancement, daily to ensue: remembering also that France was conquered, and Normandye was gained by the French people in short space, thought with themselves and imagined, that the fault of all these miserable chances happened, either because the king was not the true enheritor to the Crown, or that he or his counsel were not able of wit, policy or circumspection, to rule and govern so noble a Realm, or so famous a Region. Upon this conjecture, the friends, kinsmen, and allies of the Duke of York, which were of no small number, began to practise the governance of his title: Infusing and putting into men's heads secretly his right to the Crown, his politic governance, his gentle behaviour too all the Irish Nation, affirming, that he which had brought that rude and savage nation to civil fashion, and English manners, would (if he once ruled in the realm of England) depose evil Counsellors, correct evil judges, and reform all matters amiss, and unamended. And to set open the flood gates of these devices, it was thought necessary, to 'cause some great commotion, and the rising of people to be made against the king: so that if they prevailed, then had the Duke of York and his complices, their appetite and desire. And because the Kentishemen be impatient in wrongs, disdeyning of to much oppression, and ever desirous of new change, and new-fangledness: The overture of this matter was put forth in Kent, and to the intent that it should not be known, that the Duke of York or his friends were the cause of the sudden rising: A certain young man of a goodly stature, A rebellion in Kent, whereof jack Cade who named himself john Mortimer was Chiefeteyne. and pregnant wit, was enticed to take upon him the name of john Mortimer, although his name were john Cade, and not for a small policy, thinking that by that surname, the line and lineage of the assistant house of the Earl of March, which were no small number, should be to him both adherent and favourable. This captain not only suborned by teachers, but also enforced by privy Schoolmasters, assembled together a great company of tall personages: assuring them that their attempt was both honourable to God and the king, and also profitable to the common wealth, promising them, that if either by force or policy they might once take the king, the Queen, and other their Counsellors, into their hands and governance, that they would honourably entreat the king, and so sharply handle his Counsellors, that neither fifteens should hereafter be demanded, nor once any impositions or tax should be spoken of. These persuasions, with many other fair promises of liberty (which the common people more affect and desire, rather than reasonable obedience, and due conformity) so animated the kentish people, that they with their captain abovenamed, in good order of battle (not in great number) came to the plain of Blackheath, between Eldham and Greenwich. And to the intent that the cause of this glorious Captains coming thither, might be shadowed from the king and his Counsel, he sent to him an humble supplication, with loving words, but with malicious intent: affirming his coming, not to be against him, but against divers of his counsel, lovers of themselves, john Mortymer showeth the cause of his rebellion. and oppressors of the poor Commonalty, flatterers to the King, and enemies to his honour, suckers of his purse, and robbers of his subjects, partial to their friends, and extreme to their enemies, for rewards corrupted, and for indifferency, nothing doing. This proud Bill, was both of the king, and his Counsel disdeinfully taken, and thereupon great consultation had, and after long debating it was concluded, that such proud rebels should rather be suppressed and tamed, with violence and force, then with fair words or friendly or gentle answer. Whereupon the king assembled a great army, & marched toward them, which had lain on black Heath, by the space of vij days. This subtle captain named jack Cade, intending to bring the king farther within the compass of his net, broke up his camp, and retired backward to the town of Sevenock in Kent, and there expecting his prey, encamped himself, and made his abode. The Queen, which bore the rule, being of his retreat well advertised, sent sir Humphrey Stafforde knight, and William his brother, with many other Gentlemen, to follow the chase of the Kentish men, thinking that they had fled, but verily they were deceived: for at the first skirmish, both the Staffordes were slain, and all their company shamefully discomfited. The king's army, being at this time come to black Heath, hearing of this discomfiture, began to grudge and murmur amongst themselves, some wishing the Duke of York at home, to aid the Capitayne his Cousin: Some desiring the overthrow of the king and his counsel: other openly cried out on the Queen and her complices. This rumour openly spoken, and commonly published, caused the king and certain of his counsel not led by favour, nor corrupted by rewards (to the intent to appease the furious rage of the inconstant multitude) to commit the Lord Say, treasurer of England to the Tower of London: and if other against whom like displeasure was borne had been present, they had likewise been served. But it was necessary that one should suffer, rather than all the nobility than should perish. When the kentish captain, or the covetous Cade, had thus obtained victory, and slain the two valiant Staffordes, he apparelled himself in their rich armure, and so with pomp and glory returned again toward London: in the which retreat, divers idle and vagabond persons, resorted to him from Sussex and Surrey, and from other parts to a great a number. Thus this glorious captain, compassed about, and environed with a multitude of evil, rude, and rustical persons, came again to the plain of Blackheath, and there strongly encamped himself: to whom were sent by the king, the archbishop of Caunterbury, and Humphrey Duke of Buckyngham, to common with him of his grieves and requests. These Lords found him sober in communication, wise in disputing, arrogant in heart, and stiff in his opinion, and by no ways possible, to be persuaded to dissolve his army, except the king in person would come to him, and assent to all things which he should require. These Lords perceiving the wilful pertinacy, and manifest contumacy of this rebellious Villeyn, departed to the King, declaring to him his stout and presumptuous requests. The king somewhat hearing, and more marking the sayings of this outrageous lozel, having daily report of the concourse and access of people, which continually resorted to him, doubting as much his familiar servants, as his unknown subjects (which spared not to speak, that the Captains' cause was profitable for the common wealth) departed in all haste to the Castle of Kylyngworth in Warwikeshire, leaving only behind him the Lord Scales to keep the Tower of London. The captain being advertised of the King's absence, came first into Southwark, and there lodged at the white Hart, prohibiting to all men, murder, rape, or robbery: by which colour he alured to him the hearts of the common people. But after that he entered into London, and cut the ropes of the draw bridge, striking his sword on London stone, saying: now is Mortimer Lord of this City, and road in every street like a Lordly Capitayne. And after a flattering declaration made to the Mayor of the City of his thither coming, he departed again into Southwark. And upon the third day of julij, he caused sir james fines Lord Say, & treasurer of England, to be brought to the Guildhall of London, and there to be arraigned: which being before the king's justices put to answer, desired to be tried by his peers, for the longer delay of his life. The captain perceiving his dilatory ple, by force took him from the officers, The Lord Say Treasurer of England, beheaded at the Standard in Cheap. and brought him to the standard in Cheap, and there caused his head to be stricken off, and pitched it on a high pole, which was openly borne before him through the street. And this cruel tyrant not content with the murder of the Lord Say, went to Mile end, and there apprehended sir james Cromer, than Sheriff of Kent, and son in law to the said Lord Say, and caused him there likewise to be headed, and his head to be fixed on a Pole, and with these two heads, this bloody Butcher entered into the City again, and in despite caused them in every street, to kiss together. Philip Malpa● Alderman of London. After this shameful murder, succeeded open rapine, and manifest robbery in divers houses, within the City, and in especial in the house of Philip Malpas, Alderman of London, and divers other: over and beside ransoming, and fining of divers notable Merchants, for the tuition and security of their lives and goods, as Robert Horn Alderman, which paid five hundredth marks, and yet neither he, nor no other person was either of life or substance in a surety or safeguard. He also put to execution in Southwark divers persons, some for enfringing his rules and precepts, because he would be seen indifferent, other he tormented of his old acquaintance, lest they should blaze and declare his base birth, and lousy lineage, disparaging him from his usurped surname of Mortimer, for the which, he thought and doubted not, both to have friends and fautors, both in London, Kent, and Essex. The wise Mayor, and sage Magistrates of the City of London, perceiving themselves neither to be sure of goods, nor of life well warranted, determined with force to repel and expulse this mischievous head, and his ungracious company. And because the Lord Scales was ordained keeper of the Tower of London, with Matthew Gough, the often named captain in Normandy (as you have heard before) they purposed to make them privy, both of their intent and enterprise. The Lord Scales promised to them his aid, with shooting of ordinance, and Matthew Gough was by him appointed, to assist the Mayor and the Londoners: because he was both of manhood, and experience greatly renowned and noised. So the Captains of the City appointed, took upon them in the night to keep the bridge of London, prohibiting the Kentish men either to pass or approach. The rebels, which never sound slept, for fear of sudden chances, hearing the bridge to be kept and manned, ran with great haste to open that passage, where between both parties was a fierce and cruel encounter. Matthew Gough, more expert in Martial feats, than the other chieftains of the City, perceiving the Kentish men, better to stand to their tacling, than his imagination expected, advised his company no farther to proceed toward Southwark, till the day appeared: to the intent, that the Citizens hearing where the place of the jeopardy rested, might occur their enemies and relieve their friends and companions. But this counsel came to small effect: for the multitude of the rebels drove the Citizens from the stoulpes at the bridge foot, to the draw bridge, and began to set fire in divers houses. Alas what sorrow it was to behold that miserable chance: for some desiring to eschew the fire, leapt on his enemies weapon, and so died: fearful women with children in their arms, amazed and appalled, leapt into the river: other doubting how to save themselves between fire, water, and sword, were in their houses suffocat and smouldered. Yet the captains nothing regarding these chances, fought on the draw bridge all the night valiantly, but in conclusion, the rebels gate the draw bridge, and drowned many, and slew john Sutton Alderman, and Robert Heysande a hardy Citizen, with many other, beside Matthew Gough, a man of great wit, and of much experience in feats of chivalry, the which in continual wars, had valiantly served the king, and his father, in the parts beyond the sea (as before you have heard.) But it is often seen, that he which many times hath vanquished his enemies in strange Countries, and returned again as a conqueror, hath of his own nation afterward been shamefully murdered, and brought to confusion, as in this skirmish and bickering the said Mathewe Gough was. This hard and sore conflict endured on the Bridge till ix of the clock in the morning, in doubtful chance, and fortune's balance: for sometime the Londoners were bet back to the stoops at Saint Magnus' corner, and suddenly again the rebels were repulsed and driven back to the stoops in Southwark, so that both parts being faint, weary and fatigate, agreed to desist from fight, and to leave battle till the next day, upon condition: that neither Londoners should pass into Southwark, nor the kentish men into London. After this abstinence of war agreed, the lusty kentish Capitayne, hoping on more friends, broke up the gales of the king's Bench and Marshalsea, and set at liberty a swarm of Gallants, both meet for his service and apt for his enterprise. The archbishop of Cauntorbury, being then Chancellor of England, and for his surety lying in the Tower of London, called to him the Bishop of Wynchester, which also for fear, lurked at Haliwell. These two prelate's seeing the fury of the kentish people, by reason of their beating back, to be mitigated and minished, passed the river of Thames from the Tower, into Southwark, bringing with them under the king's great seal, a general pardon unto all the offenders: which they caused to be openly proclaimed and published. Lord, how glad the people were of this pardon (ye more then of the great jubilee of Rome) and how they accepted the same, in so much that the whole multitude, without bidding farewell to their captain, retired the same night, every man to his own home, as men amazed and stricken with fear. But john Cade desperate of succours, which by the friends of the Duke of York were to him promised, and seeing his company thus without his knowledge suddenly depart, mistrusting the sequel of the matter, departed secretly in habit disguised, into Sussex: but all his Metamorphosis or transfiguration little prevailed, for after a proclamation made, that whosoever could apprehended the said jack Cade, should have for his pain a thousand Marks, many sought for him, The miserable end of jacke Cade. but few espied him, till one Alexander Iden Esquire of Kent, found him in a garden, and there in his defence, manfully slew the caitiff Cade, and brought his dead body to London, whose head was set on London bridge. This is the end of all rebels, and this fortune chanceth ever to traitors. For where men strive against the stream, their boat never cometh to his pretenced port. After this commotion, the king himself came into Kent, and there sat in judgement upon the offenders, and if he had not mitigated his justice, with mercy and compassion, more than five hundred by the rigour of his law had been justly put to execution: but he considered both their simplicity and innocency, and how they with perverse people were seduced and deceived: and so punished the stubborn heads, and delivered the ignorant and miserable people, to the great rejoicing of all his subjects. During this commotion about London, Ralph Bishop of Salisbury, was by his own tenants and servants murdered at Edington, and so from thence forth daily succeeded murder, slaughter, and dissension. And the cause, as some writ, was for consenting to the giving up of the Duchy of Angeow and Main into the hands of the French king. And about this time Queen Margaret began the foundation of the Queen's College in Cambrige. These variable chances in England were not unknown to the French King, wherefore he making foundation upon the English discord, determined to get into his possession, the Duchy of Aquitaine, while the princes of England were in controversy for their titles and superiority: & therefore like a speedy purveyor, which slacketh not time, he sent the Earls of Ponthieure, & Perigot, with many valiant Captains to lay siege to the town of Bergerac set upon the river of Dordone, of which town was captain, john Gedding, which hearing of the yielding of Rouen, and conquest of Normandy, considering the puissance of the French army, upon reasonable conditions rendered the town: yet all this notwithstanding, the Lord Cameyse, sir George Seymour, sir john Arundel, and other valiant Captains, which had the governance of this country, manned towns, gathered people, and animated the cold stomachs of the fearful Gascones: requiring them to be constant in their fidelity, true to their natural Prince, and undoubted sovereign Lord, sending daily letters to the king of England and his counsel, declaring to him the weakness of his subjects, and the strength of his enemies, ascertaining him for a surety, that without speedy aid, and ready succours, the whole Country was like to be gotten from his possession. Many letters were sent, and many fair answers were brought, but relief neither appeared, nor one man of war was thither shipped. By reason whereof, the Gascoynes perceiving their enemies at hand, intending as well to destroy the country, as to subdue the people, began every man for himself, to regard nothing, but the saving of their towns, goods, and corn: neglecting defence, and fearful of assaults, lest by small resistance, they might receive more detriment, then after they could recover again, either with great force, or much labour. But the English men (whose natures are not to be faint hearted, even at the very jeopardy of death) with all their wits studied, both how to repulse and convince their enemies, and to turn away the evil chances which they saw likely (if policy did not help) suddenly to fall, and shortly to ensue. But all their policies little prevailed in conclusion, because succours failed, and force wanted. For after the Frenchmen had the town of Bergerac to them rendered, the fortresses of jonsac, of Bonefoy, and divers other places, willingly and freely yielded themselves to the French subjection. During which time, the Lord Doruall, third son to the Lord Delabreth, with a great number of men, as well on horseback as on foot, departed from Basas, to conquer and destroy the Isle of Madoce: whereof hearing the More of Bordeaux, with a convenient crew of men, issued out of the City, and encountered with his enemies, between whom was a hard fight and a deadly battle: but the French men more with multitude then with force, vanquished the English men, and killed and took prisoners above six hundred English men and Gascoynes, but of the frenchmen which were in double number, above their adversaries (as writers affirm) there were slain eight hundred persons. For which cause, the Captains followed no farther the chase, lest the English people would again return. This slaughter of the English part, the French writers set forth with the most, but of their own loss they speak not one word. Such indifferency, is in their Chronographiers. This discomfiture so amazed the wits, and daunted the hearts of the mean Gascons, that they offered many towns to the French part, before the same were of them demanded. After this, the Bastard of orleans, Earl of Dunoys, and Longuile, Lieutenant general for the French king, accompanied with his brother, john earl of Angulesme, which had been long prisoner in England, and many valiant Captains, and expert men of war, besieged the Castle of Montguyon, which to them was rendered. After this, the said army besieged the fortress of Blay, standing on the river of Gyrond, which town is the very Key of the port of Bordeaux, and this town was besieged both by water and by land, and fiercely assaulted and manfully defended, and in conclusion by very force, for lack of resistance, conquered and gained. The Bastard of Kendale Capitayne of the Castle, seeing the town lost, upon certain conditions delivered his fortress, into the possession of the Lord Lieutenant. After this town gained, the fortresses of Bourge & Liburne yielded but not without five weeks besieging. The witty Captains perceiving fortunes favour was not towards them, thought it necessary to take the time while their good planet reigned. Wherefore to prevent the aid of the English men, whom they daily looked for to come to the succour of their people: they appointed four armies, to make war in four several parts. The Lord Charles Delabreth, accompanied with john Lord Tartas and Aymon, Lord of Doruall his sons, and the Earl of Foys, and the Viscount Lawtrec his brother, and many noble men of Guienne, laid siege to the town of Arques, in the which be divers hot baths. The Earl of Arminacke extreme enemy to the realm of England, for breaking the marriage concluded between king Henry and his daughter (as before you have heard) besieged with a great puissance, the strong town of Rion. The Earl of Ponthieur, with many noble barons, besieged the town of Chastillon in Perigot, and the Earl of Dunoys, environed with a great puissance the town of Fronsacke. The Englishmen within this town, perceiving the great ordinance on the French part, and the small provision on their side, covenanted with the said Earl, that if the town were not succoured, & the French men fought withal, before the feast of the nativity of S. john Baptist next ensuing, that then the town of Fronsacke should be yielded to them, which was the strongest fortress of all that Country, and the very key of Euien, & chief Chamber of Bordeaux: and for performance hereof, pledges were delivered, and writings authentic sealed. This agreement once blown through the Country, the City of Bordeaux and all other towns (except Bayon) made like agreement, and delivered pledges. So did all the noble men and Gentlemen, which were subjects and vassals to the Crown of England. Alack, alack, every day was looking for relief, and every hour was ●apyng for comfort, but wishing served not, nor hoping nothing helped: for the pestiferous division which reigned in England, so inveigled the brains of the noble men there, that the honour of the Realm was clearly forgotten, and nothing earthly, but their private fantasies looked on and remembered. Now to conclude, the day appointed came, but succour looked for came not: so that all the towns of Aquitaine (except Bayon) delivered their keys, and became vassals to the french Nation, yet the Citizens of Bordeaux, hoping of rescues, offered themselves to fight with the Frenchmen, and desired a day of battle to be appointed, which request was to them granted. But at the day assigned, they being in despair of all refuge and succour, rendered themselves and the town, to their adversaries, their lives and goods reserved, with licence and safe-conduct to all persons which would departed and sail into England. When the Cities and towns of Gascoigne were set in good order, the Earl of Dunoys and Foys, with great preparation of victual, munition, and men, came before the City of Bayon, where with mines and battery, they so dismayed the fearful Inhabitants, that neither the Captain nor the Soldiers, could keep them from yielding: so by force they delivered the town, and their captain as a prisoner, offered a great sum of money for the safeguard of their lives and goods. Besides these agreements taken with towns, divers noble men made several compositions, as Gaston de Foys, Capdaw of Buessz, whom king Henry the fift made Earl of Longuile, and knight of the Garter, whose aunrestours were ever true to England, which agreed that he, and john de Foys his son, whom king Henry the sixth created Earl of Kendale, and made also knight of the Garter, should enjoy all their lands in Acquitaine, given to them by the kings of England, or by the Dukes of Aquitaine, And because their intent was still to serve the king of England their sovereign Lord, they agreed, to deliver into the custody of the Earl of Foys, their Cousin, the son and heir of the said Earl of Kendale, being of the age of three years, to the intent, that if he at his full age denied to become subject and vassal to the French king, or before that time deceased, that then after the death of his father, and grandfather, all the said lands should wholly remain to the next heir of their blood, either Male, or Female, being under the obeisance of the French king, or his heirs. Many noble men, whose hearts were good English, made like compositions, and some came into England, and other went to Calais, and were great officers there: as the Lord Duras, which was Martial there, and Monsire Vanclere, which was there Deputy, under the Earl of Warwick (as after shall be showed.) Now have I declared to you, the loss of France, Normandy, and Acquitain: wherefore, having no more cause yet to speak of them, I will return to the great trouble, dissension and division, which long was cloaked, and now openly set abroad, and burst out in the realm of England. You have heard before, how the Duke of York, as heir to Lionel Duke of Clarence, pretended privily, a title to the Crown, and how his friends commoned secretly with divers persons of that matter, and excited them to set forward, and advance that part to the uttermost: and how the said Duke was sent into Ireland, where he was daily advertised by his assured friends, of all things done in England, and by them knew in what estate he stood, both with the Nobility, and Commonalty. Wherefore, he minding no longer to dream in his weighty matter, nor to keep secret his right title, returned out of Ireland, and came to London in the Parliament time, where he deliberately consulted, with his especial friends: as john Duke of Norfolk, Richard earl of Sarisbury, and Lord Richard his son, which after was Earl of Warwick, Thomas Courtney, earl of Devonshire, and Edward Broke Lord Cobham, a man of great wit and much experience: requiring them, both of advice and counsel, how he might without spot of treason, or colour of usurpation, set forth his title, and obtain his right. After long consultation, it was thought expedient, first to seek some occasion and pick some quarrel to the Duke of Somerset, which ruled the King, ordered the realm, and most might do with the Queen: Whom the commons, for the loss of Normandy, worse than a Toad or Scorpion hated, disdained, and abhorred, in so much that diverse evil ruled persons, broke his house, and spoiled his goods, within the black Friars of the City of London: which malefactors, according to their deserts, were justly executed and punished. For well knew the Duke of York and his adherentes, that if the Duke of Somerset saw or smelled any point of their purposed enterprise, that he would with spear and shield, with might and main, withstand and repel the same, to the extreme point of death, and to their utter confusion. Wherefore to abridge his power, and to minish his authority, they determined to bring him into the hatred of the people, and into the disdain of the nobility. And to be the stronger in the setting forth of their feat, they, what with rewards and fair promises, and what with declaration of great enormities, committed by the kings counsellors, against the common wealth, allected and alured to them, lusty bachelars, and active persons, of a great number, protesting and declaring, that they neither meant evil, not thought harm, either to the kings person, or to his dignity: but that their intent was, for the revenging of great injuries done to the public wealth, and to persecute and reform divers rulers about the king, which daily contrary to right and equity, vexed and peeled the english people, without reason or measure: so that no man was in surety, either of his own goods, or sure of his proper lands, or possessions. These great enormities, they caused to be published to the intent that their chief purpose should not be espied, or perceived. When the Duke of York had thus framed the entry into his long intended journey, The Duke of York rebelleth, and claimeth title to the Crown. he with help of his friends, assembled a great army in the Marches of Wales, publishing openly, that the cause of his motion was, for the public wealth of the realm, and great profit of the commons: which fair told tale, alured to him much people, aswell of the chivalry, as of the mean sort. The king much astonied with this sudden commotion, by the advise of his counsel, raised a great host, and marched forward toward the Duke: but he being of his approach, credibly advertised, by his espials, diverted from the king's ways, and took his journey toward London: and having knowledge, that he might not be suffered with his army, to pass through London, he crossed over the Thamese at Kingston bridge, and so set forth toward Kent, Brent heath. where he knew that he had both friends, and good willers, and there on Brentheath, a Mile from Derford, and x miles from London, he embattled himself, and encamped his army very strongly, both with trenches and artillery. The king being thereof advertised, with great diligence brought his army to Blackheath, Black heath. and there pight his tents. While both the armies lay thus embattled, the king by the advise of his counsel, sent the bishops of Winchester and Elie to the Duke, both to know, what was the cause of so great a tumult and commotion, and also to make a concord, if the requests of the Duke and his company seemed to them consonant to reason, or profitable to the people. The Duke hearing the message of the two bishops, either doubting the variable chance of mortal battle, or looking for a better occasion, or a more luckey day, answered the prelate's, that his coming was neither to dampnifie the king, neither in honour, nor in person, nor yet any good man, but his intent was to remove from him certain evil disposed persons of his counsel, which were the bludsuckers of the nobility, the pollers of the clergy, and oppressors of the poor people: amongst whom he chief named, Edmound Duke of Somerset, whom if the king would commit to ward, to answer to such articles as against him in open Parliament should be both proponed and proved, he promised not only to dissolve his army and dispatch his people, but also offered himself, like an obedient subject to come to the kings presence, and to do him true and faithful service, according to his truth and bounden duty. When the Messengers were returned with this reasonable answer: The king perceiving, that without great bloodshed, he could not bridle the Duke of York, nor without war he could not appease the furious rage of the common people, being once set on fire, except he followed their minds, and granted their requests, caused the Duke of Somerset to be committed to ward, as some say: or to keep himself privy in his own house, as other writ, till the fury of the people were somewhat assuaged and pacified. Which thing done, the Duke of York the first day of March, dissolved his army, and broke up his camp, and came to the kings tent, where beside his expectation, and contrary to the promise made by the king, he found the Duke of Somerset set at large and at liberty, whom the Duke of York boldly accused of treason, of bribery, One Duke accuseth another. oppression, and many other crimes. The Duke of Somerset not only made answer to the Duke's objections, but also accused him of high treason toward the king his sovereign Lord, affirming, that he with his fautors, and complices had consulted together, how to obtain the Crown and Sceptre of the Realm. By mean of which words, the King removed strait to London, and the Duke of York as prisoner road before him, and so was kept a while. The King assembled together a great counsel at Westminster, to here the accusations of the two Dukes, the one objecting to the other, shameful acts, and detestable crimes. But the Duke of Somerset, which now conceived in his mind the thing that shortly followed, incessantly exhorted the Counsel, that the Duke of York, by compulsion or otherwise might be compelled to confess his offence, and so being attainted of treason, to be put to execution, and his children to be taken enemies and adversaries to their native Country: to the intent that by the loss of this only Prince and his sequel, all civil war, and inward division might cease and be repressed: beseeching almighty God, that so great an enemy to the king and his blood, might never escape punishment, nor continued long in life. The Duke of Somerset set forth this matter the more vehemently, because he knew perfectly, that the Duke of York daily studied, how to get the Crown, and obtain the governance, and to depose and destroy both the king and him. But the necessity of destiny cannot by any man's devise, be either letted or interrupted: for many things (to common judgements) declared the Duke of York's truth and innocency in this case. First, his free and voluntary coming to the king, when he with his power was able to encounter with the kings puissance, which was an open token and manifest argument, that he neither meant treason, nor yet fraud. Secondarily, his humble submission, his reasonable requests, and profitable petitions for the poor commons, were judged no points of a man, that desired sovereignty or rule above other, which things he did only for a cautel (as afterward openly appeared.) While the Counsel treated of saving or losing of this Duke of York, A rumour sprang throughout London, that Edward Earl of March, son and heir apparent to the said Duke, a young Prince of great wit and much stomach, accompanied with a strong army of Marchemen, was coming toward London, which tidings sore astonied the Queen and the whole counsel. Beside this, the same very day came Ambassadors from the heads and Magistrates of the City of Bordeaux, whereof the chief were, the Earl of Kendale, and the Lord Lespar, which signified to the Counsel, that if they would sand an army into Gascoyn, the Gascoynes would revert and turn again to the English part: advertising them, that there was in those parts no puissance or garrison of French men, to withstand them, and therefore there was no doubt of the regaining or reconquest: requiring them with all diligent celerity, to take so fair a pray so openly to them offered, and to mind nothing before the regaining of so fruitful a Country. These two things sore troubled the heads of the kings counsel, which lest this dissension between two persons, might be the let of outward conquest, they first agreed to set the Duke of York at liberty, and permitted him to return to his fair Castle of Wigmore in the Marches of Wales, where he studied, both how to displease his enemies, and to obtain his purpose: And so by means of the absence of the Duke of York, which was in manner banished the Court, and the King's presence, the Duke of Somerset rose up in high favour with the king and the Queen, and his word only ruled, and his voice was only heard. The Counsel of England, not forgetting the offer of the Gascons, and that they might now have the City of Bordeaux, with the Country round about, by offer and request, which with great charge and long war they could scant again recover or repossess, appointed the noble soldier, and valiant Capitayne john Lord Talbot, and Earl of Shrewsburie, to be Chieftain of the army, which should in all haste be transported and conveyed into Aquitaine. The Lords of Gascoigne, both well pleased and glad of their answer, returned into their Country, in as secret manner as they from thence departed, declaring to their Nation, the Captains and the power, that was to them coming: exhorting every man to be firm and stable to the king of England and his heirs, under whose liberty and freedom they had prospered and rejoiced, above three hundred years, rather than now to fall into the French captivity: whose taxes were unreasonable, and whose daily exactions were to them importable. When all things were shipped, and wind and weather served, the Earl of Shrewsbury took his chance, and sailed into Gascoigne, where without resistance, he peaceably arrived in the Isle of Madre, where he reposed his army, being scant three thousand men, and destroyed all the Country, between Bordeaux and Blay, and took the strong town and Castle of Fronsac, and divers other towns and fortresses. The inhabitants of Bordeaux hearing of the Earls arrival, sent to him messengers in the dark night, thanking and congratulating him for his thither coming, and also requiring him to hasten, and speed his journey toward their City, informing him, that now the time served for his purpose: and time not taken, was labour misspent. This ancient Fox, and politic Capitayne lost not one hour, nor spared one minute, till he came before the City of Bordeaux. The Citizens glad of his coming, made not the French Captains, which had the governance of the town, either parties or privies of their intent: yet some of them would, that the French men, in security both of lives and goods should depart out of the town, but their will was no will: for the multitude, abhorring the French servitude, and embracing the English liberty, which they and their ancestors of many years had tasted, opened one gate, and let in a great part of the English army. The French Captains intending to escape secretly by a postern, The City of Bordeaux recovered by the Englishmen. were slain and taken by the Lord Lesper, and other of the English army. After the regaining of Bordeaux, arrived at Blay the Bastard of Somerset, Sir john Talbot Lord Lisle, by his wife son to the said Earl of Shrewsbury; the Lord Molyus, the Lords Haryngton and Cameus, sir john Haward, Sir john Montgomerie, sir john Vernon with xxij C. men with victuals and munitions. When the Earl of Shrewsbury was thus according to his intent of all things furnished and adorned: first he fortified Bordeaux with English men and victual: after that he road into the Country abroad, where he obtained Cities, & got towns without stroke or dent of sword: for the poor and needy people being wearied with the oppression of their new Landlords rendered their towns, before they were of them required, and beside this the towns and Cities far distant from Bordeaux, sent messengers to the Earl, promising to him both service and obeisance. And among other the town and Castle of Chastillon in Perigot, was to him delivered by the Frenchmen upon composition, that they might with their lives safely departed: which town, the Earl strongly fortified both with men and ordinance. The French king lying at Towers in Towrayne, being of the Earls acts in Gascoyn credibly informed, was not a little exasperated and quickened: wherefore he minding to resist the first storm, & repulse the first surge, assembled a great army to the number of xxij thousand men, and entering into Aquitaine came to Lusigneum, and from thence accompanied with the Earl of Ponthyure, the Lords of saint Severe and Boucat, marched toward Calais in Gascoyn, and with fair promises obtained the town. And after that town gained, the French king divided his army into two parties, whereof the one was governed by the Earl of Clerimont, son in law to King Charles, and heir to the Duke of Bourbon, in the which were xu thousand men, in whom consisted the weight and poise of the whole enterprise. This army he appointed to take the next way toward Bordeaux: the other army whereof he was capitain and leader himself, accompanied with the peers and noble men of his realm, he kept and retained still beside Caleys, and sent the two marshals of France with xviij C. men of arms, beside Archers, to besiege the town of Chastilon in Perigot, & in going thither, they got a fortress, which they manned, and so departed to Chastilon, which they environed with a strong siege, and cast high trenches, and made deep ditches on every side: and in a place where their enemies must come, they laid ordinance both great and small, whereof so great a number was never before seen in France. The Earl of Shrewesbury hearing of these news, and perceiving that he must of necessity encounter and fight with two armies, determined with himself, first to assay the lest power and weaker puissance: wherefore without longer delay, he assembled together eight. C. horsemen, whereof the Lord Lisle his son, the Lord Molyns, the Lord Cameus, Sir Edward Hull, sir john Haward, and Sir john Vernon were chief, and so marched forward toward Chastylon, appointing. v. M. foot men under the conduit of the Earl of Kendalle, and the Lord Lespar to follow him with all speed. In his way he assaulted the Tower, which the French men had taken, and by force entered, and slew all that he found within, and by the way he met five hundred Frenchmen, going a foraging, of whom he slew the greatest part, and chased the other to the camp. The french men knowing by these good runners away of the Earls approaching, with all diligence left the siege, and retired in good order into the place which they had trenched, ditched, and fortified with ordinance. They within the town seeing the siege removed, sent out word to the English men that the French men fled. The courageous Earl hearing these news, and fearing lest through long tarrying the birds might be flown away, not tarrying till his footmen were come, set forward toward his enemies, which were in mind surely to have fled, as they confessed afterward, if the fear of the French kings rebuke, which was not far of, had not caused them to tarry, and yet in this army were present, the marshals and great Master of France, the Earl of Ponthyeure, the Seneschal of Poythiew, the Lord Bessire, and many valiant Barons and knights. When the English men were come to the place where the French men were encamped, in the which (as Aeneas Silvius testifieth) were three hundred pieces of Brass, beside divers other small pieces, and subtle engines to the English men unknown, and nothing suspected, they lighted all on foot, the Earl of Shrewsburie only except, which because of his age, road on a little Hackeny, and fought fiercely with the French men, and got the entry of their Camp, and by fine force entered into the same. This conflict continued in doubtful judgement of victory two long hours: during which fight, the Lords of Montamban and Humadayre, with a great company of French men entered the battle, and began a new field, and suddenly the Gonners perceiving the English men to approach near, discharged their ordinance, and slew three hundred persons, near to the Earl, who perceiving the imminent jeopardy, and subtle labirynth, in the which he and his people were enclosed and wrapped, despising his own safeguard, and desiring the life of his entirely and well-beloved son the Lord Lisle, willed, advertised, and counseled him to depart out of the field, and to save himself. But when the son had answered that it was neither honest nor natural for him, to leave his father in the extreme jeopardy of his life, and that he would taste of that draft, which his father and Parent should assay and begin: The noble Earl and comfortable captain said to him: O son, son, I thy father, which only hath been the terror and scourge to the French people so many years, which hath subverted so many towns, and discomfited so many of them in open battle, and martial conflict, neither can here die, for the honour of my Country, without great laud and perpetual fame, nor fly or departed without perpetual shame and continual infamy. But because this is thy first journey and enterprise, neither thy flying shall redound to thy shame, nor thy death to thy glory: for as hardy a man wisely flieth, as a rash person foolishly abideth, therefore the flying of me shall be the dishonour, not only of me and my progeny, but also a discomfiture of all my company: thy departure shall save thy life, and make thee able another time, if I be slain to revenge my death, and to do honour to thy prince, and profit to his realm. But nature so wrought in the son, that neither desire of life, nor thought of security, could withdraw or pluck him from his natural father: Who considering the constancy of his child, and the great danger that they stood in, comforted his soldiers, cheered his capitains, and valiantly set on his enemies, and slew of them more in number than he had in his company. But his enemies having a greater company of men, john Lord Talbot earl of Shrewesbury slain. and more abundance of ordinance then before had been seen in a battle, first shot him through the thigh with a handgonne, and slew his horse, and cowardly killed him, lying on the ground, whom they never durst look in the face, while he stood on his feet, and with him there died manfully his son the Lord Lisle, his bastard son Henry Talbot, and sir Edward Hull, elect to the noble order of the Garter, and xxx valiant personages of the English nation, and the Lord Molyns was there taken prisoner with lx other. Battle of Chastilion. The residue of the English people fled to Bordeaux and other places, whereof in the flight, were slain, above a thousand persons. At this battle of Chastillon, fought the xiij day of julij, in this year ended his life john Lord Talbot, & of his progeny the first Earl of Shrewsburie, after that he with much fame, more glory, and most victory had for his Prince and Country, by the space of xxiiij years and more, valiantly made war, and served the king, in the parts beyond the sea, whose corpse was left on the ground, and after was found by his friends, and conveyed to Whitchurch in Shropshyre, where it is intumulate. This man was to the French people a very scourge, and a daily terror, in so much that as his person was fearful and terrible to his adversaries present: so his name and fame was spiteful and dreadful to the common people absent, in so much that women in France to fear their young children, would cry, the Talbot cometh, the Talbot cometh. After this discomfiture, divers Lords fled to Bordeaux, but the Earl of Kendal, the Lords of Montferrant, of Rosayne, and of Dangladas, entered into the Castle of Chastillon, which they by the space of ten days manfully defended, but in conclusion being desperate of all succours rendered the fortress, and came safe to Bordeaux. After this town was yielded, the towns of Saint Million, Bybourne and all other, which the Earl of Shrewesbury had conquered, rendered themselves to the French obeisance, Bordeaux only except. The which City being the last refuge, and only consolation of the English people in Gascoyn, the french king in person with all his puissance strongly besieged and daily assaulted, in the which he more lost then gained: beside this, the English men issued out, and courageously fought with their enemies: likewise did the Citizens, which looking for no favour at the French kings hand, because of their late conjuration against him, manfully defended themselves, and sore noyed and hurt their enemies. But in conclusion both garrisons and the inhabitants oppressed with much penury, & extreme famine were enforced to tender the City upon reasonable conditions, to them by the French king sent and offered: the effect whereof was that no offence, before time committed or done by any of the Citizens should hereafter be imputed, or laid to the charge of any of them. Also that all English men and Gascons might safely departed into England, or to Caleys with all their substance, and that the Lords Lespar Duras, and xxx other, should never upon pain of death, be found within any of the french kings dominions, which Lord Lesparre after being taken disguised in Gascoigne, was made shorter by the head. When this composition was agreed and sealed, the English men had their ships and all things necessary for their journey to them delivered, which, when wind and weather served, were shortly transported into England, in the month of October this present year. The loss of the whole Duchy of Aquitaine. Thus was the Duchy of Acquytaine, which had continued in the English possession from the year of our Lord. M.lu which is iii C. and odd years, by the marriage of Elynor, daughter and heir to William Duke of Aquitaine, wife to king Henry the second, finally reduced, and brought again to the French obedience and servitude. The keeping of which duchy was neither costly, nor troublesome to the Realm of England, but both pleasant and profitable: for by the sovereign of that country, young gentlemen learned the experience of war, A declaration of the dignities in the Duchy of Aquitaine. & expert men were promoted to many rich offices, and great livings within the same. For within that only duchy, are four archbishops xxiiii Bishops xu Erledoms, two. C and too Barones', and above a Thousand Capytaineshippes and bailiwicks. Although this great loss chanced, this year to the English nation, yet a greater detriment happened the same season to the whole flock of christian people. For Mahomet, called the great Turk, besieged the City of Constantynople in Greece, with an innumerable number of Turks, and fifty days together gave to it a continual assault, The winning of Constantinople by the great Turk. and on the fourth day of june, took it perforce, sleiing man, woman, and children, except the Emperor Palealogus, and divers other of the blood Royal, whom he took prisoners, and after caused them to be beheaded. If I should writ the detestable murder of men, the abominable and cruel slaughter of children, the shameful ravishment of women and Virgins, which were perpetrate and done by the unmerciful Pagans' and cruel Turks, I assure you that your ears would abhor the herring, and your eyes would not abide the reading, and therefore I pass them over. The birth of prince Edward, son to king Henry the sixth. In this troublous season on the xiij day of October, was the Queen delivered at westminster of a fair son, which was christened and named Edward, and after grew to a goodly and perfit man, as you shall here: whose mother sustained not a little slander and obloquy of the common people, saying that the king was not able to get a child, and that this was not his son, with many slanderous words, to the Queen's dishonour, which here need not to be rehearsed. After the birth of this child, the king highly advanced his two brethren, The kings two brethren created earls. on his mother's side. For Edmond he created Earl of Richemond, which was father to king Henry the seventh, and jasper he created Earl of Penbroke, which died without issue. Now when foreign war and outward battles were brought to an end, and final conclusion: domestical discord, and civil dissension began again to renew and arise, within the Realm of England, The divisions between the two houses of Lancaster and York. for when the care of outward hostilytie (which kept the minds of the Princes, in the realm occupied, & in exercise) was taken away and vanished, desire of sovereignty & ambition of pre-eminence, suddenly sprang out so far, that the whole Realm was divided into two several factions, and private parts. For king Henry, descended of the house of Lancastre, claiming the crown from king Henry the fourth, his grand father, first author of this division: and Rycharde Duke of York, as heir to Lionel, the third son to king Edward the third, wrestled for the game, and strove for the wager. By reason whereof, the Nobles, aswell as the common people, were into parts divided, to the destruction of many a man, and to the great ruin and decay of this region. For while the one part studied to vanquish and suppress the the other, all common wealth was set aside, and justice & equity was clearly exiled. For the Duke of York, which sore gaped and more thirsted for the superiority and pre-eminence, studied, devised, and practised all ways, and means, by the which he might attain to his pretenced purpose, and long hoped desire. And amongst all imaginations, one seemed most necessary for his purpose, which yet again was to stir and provoke the malice of all the people, against the Duke of Somerset, who only ruled the King, and ordered all things at his pleasure and will: Imagining, that he being made out of the way, his purpose should shortly come to a good conclusion. Wherefore, to the nobles of the Realm he complained, & lamented the miserable state and daily ruin of this noble country: noting and affirming, the Duke of Somerset to be the very root, & cause of the same, whom he named, and called, an unjust man, a mischievous person, a tyrannical governor, and a covetous counsellor: laying also great offences to king Henry, saying, that he was a man, neither of wit, nor stomach, neither meet to be a king, nor apt to govern a common wealth, and therefore it was the duty of the noble men, and great Princes, not only to think on this weighty matter, but speedily to provide a remedy, and to set the Realm in an other stay. By which complaints, and persuasions, the Duke of York, so altered the minds of many persons of high estate, that they liked not the world, as it then wavered, nor approved the acts of the king or his counsel. And because that ambition and avarice was newly entered into their hearts, they studied suddenly to change all things, and turn the world upsedowne. When the Duke saw men's appetites, and felt well their minds, he chiefly entertained two Richard's, and both Nevelles, the one of Salisburye, the other of Werwike being Earls, the first the father, the second the son. This Earl of Salisbury was second son to Ralph Nevell, earl of Westmoreland, whose daughter the Duke of York had married, and the said Richard was espoused to Lady Alice, the only child and sole heir of Thomas Montacute Earl of Salisbury, slain at the siege of orleans (as before I have declared) of which woman he engendered Richard, john and George: Rycharde the eldest son espoused Anne, the sister and heir of the entire blood to Lord Henry Beauchampe earl, and after Duke of Warwick, in whose right and title he was created and named Earl of Warwick, and not by his own progeny or parentage. This Richard was not only a man of excellent qualities, but also from his youth, by a certain practice or natural inclination, to set himself forward with witty and gentle demeanour, to all persons of high and of low degree, that among all sorts of people, he obtained great love, favour and credence: which things daily more and more increased, by his abundant liberality, and plentiful house keeping, then by his riches, authority, or high parentage: by reason of which doings, he was in such favour and estimation amongst the common people, that they judged him able to do all things, and that without him, nothing to be well done. For which causes his authority shortly so fast increased, that which way he bowed, that way ran the stream, and what part he advanced, that side got the superiority. When the Duke of York had fastened his Chain, between these two strong pillars, he with his friends, so seriously wrought, and so politicly handled his business, The Duke of Somerset arrested of Treason. that the Duke of Somerset was arrested in the queens great Chamber, and sent to the Tower of London, where he without great solemnity kept a heavy Christmas: against whom in open Parliament, were laid divers & heinous articles of high treason, aswell for the loss of Normandy, as for the late mischance which happened in Guien. The king at this time was sick at Clarendon, and so conveyed to London, by reason whereof, no final determination proceeded, in this great & weighty cause, but it was put in suspense, till the next assemble of the high Court of Parliament. During which time the king either of his own mind, or by the Queen's procurement, caused the Duke of Somerset, to be set at liberty: by which doing, grew great envy and displeasure, between the king and divers of his Lords, and in especial, between the Duke of York and the kings lineage. And to aggravate more the malice new begun, the Queen, The Duke of Somerset again released. which then ruled the roast, and bore the whole rule, caused the Duke of Somerset to be preferred to the Captainship of Calais, wherewith, not only the Commons, but also many of the Nobility, were greatly grieved and offended, saying: that he had lost Normandy, and so would he do Calais. The Duke of York and his adherentes perceiving, that neither exhortation served, nor accusement prevailed against the Duke of Somerset, determined to revenge their quarrel, and obtain their purpose, by open war and Martial adventure, and no longer to sleep in so weighty a business. So he being in the Marches of Wales, associate with his special friends, the Earls of Sarisbury, and Warwick, the Lord Cobham, and other, assembled an army, and gathered a great power, and like warlike persons, marched toward London. The Londoners, hearing of so great a multitude, coming toward the City, were greatly astonished and much abashed: for every person considered his own part, that either with holding with the one side, or being contrariant to the other, or meddling with no part, he should incur indignation or displeasure. The King being credibly informed, of the great army coming toward him, assembled an host, intending to meet with the Duke in the North part, because he had to many friends about the City of London, and for that cause with great speed and small luck, he being accompanied with the Dukes of Somerset and Buckingham, the Earls of Stafford, Northumberland, and Wiltshire, with the Lord Clifford, and divers other Barons, departed out of Westminster, the twenty day of May, toward the town of Saint Alban's: of whose doings the Duke of York being advertised by his espials, with all his power coasted the Countries, and came to the same town, the third day next ensuing. The king hearing of their approaching, sent to him messengers, straightly charging and commanding him, as an obedient subject, to keep the peace, and not as an enemy to his natural Country, to murder and slay his own Countrymen and proper Nation. While king Henry, more desirous of peace than of war, The first battle ad S. Albon. was sending forth his Orators, at the one end of the town: the Earl of Warwick with the Marchemen, entered at the other end of the town, and fiercely set on the Kings forward, and them shortly discomfited. Then came the Duke of Somerset, and all the other Lords with the kings power, which fought a sore and cruel battle, in the which many a tall man lost his life: but the Duke of York sent ever fresh men, to succour the weary, and put new men in places of the hurt persons, by which only policy, the kings army was overthrown and dispersed, and all the Chieftains of the field almost slain and brought to confusion. For there died under the sign of the castle, Edmond Duke of Somerset, who long before was warned to eschew all Castles, and beside him, lay Henry the second Earl of Northumberlande, Humphrey earl of Stafford, son to the Duke of Buckingham, john Lord Clifford, and eight thousand men and more. Humphrey Duke of Buckingham being wounded, and james Butler Earl of Wiltshire and Ormond, seeing Fortune's lowering chance, left the King post alone, and with a great number fled away. This was the end of the first battle at Saint Alban's, which was fought on the Thursday before the feast of Pentecost, being the twenty-three. day of May. In this xxxiij year of the kings reign, the bodies of the noble men were buried in the monastery, and the mean people in other places. This Edmond Duke of Somerset left behind him three sons, Henry, Edmond, and john, which to the extremity of death, took part with the line of King Henry. After this victory obtained by the Duke of York and his companions, he remembered that he had oftentimes declared and published abroad, the only cause of his war to be, for the advancement of the public wealth, and to set the realm in a more commodious estate, and a better condition. Wherefore, he using all lenity, mercy, and bounteousness, would not once touch or apprehend the body of King Henry, whom he might both have slain, and utterly destroyed, considering that he had him in his ward and governance. But with great honour and due reverence conveyed him to London, and so to Westminster, to the which place was summoned and appointed a great assemble of the three estates, commonly called a Parliament, which began the ix day of july, in the which session, A parliament holden at Westminster. the Duke of Gloucester was openly declared a true Prince, both to the king and the realm. Beside this it was enacted, that no person should either judge or report, any point of untruth, of the Duke of York, the Earls of Sarisbury, and Warwick, for coming in warlike manner against the king at Saint Alban's, considering that their attempt and enterprise, was only to see the kings person in safeguard and sure keeping, and to put and alien from him, the public oppressors of the common wealth: by whose misgovernance, his life might be in hazard, and his authority hung in a very small thread. In which Parliament also the Duke of York was made Protector of the Realm, and the Earl of Sarisbury was appointed to be Chancellor, & had the great Seal to him delivered: and the Earl of Warwick was elected to the office of the captain of Calais, and territories of the same. As this device was politicly invented and so was the sequel thereof to the first authors, both honourable and profitable, if fortunes ship had sailed all one way. For by this practice, the rule and regiment of the whole realm, consisted only in the heads and orders of the Duke and the Chancellor, and all the warlike affairs and business, rested principally in the Earl of Warwick, and so among them it was agreed that king Henry should still reign, in name & dignity, but neither in deed, nor in authority: not minding either to depose or destroy the said king, lest they might suddenly provoke and stir the fury and ire of the common people against them: which for his holiness of life, and abundant clemency, was of the simple sort much favoured, and highly esteemed. After which authority given, these three persons ruled the realm, and did all things after their own discretions (which without battle or manslaughter, might have easily deprived the said king both of life and land.) And first they amoved from the privy counsel, all such persons as the King loved, or the Queen favoured, putting in their places men of their sect and confederacy, & changing officers throughout the realm at their will and disposition: so that the old spoken proverb here took place: New Lords, new laws: such lips, such lettuce. And yet in all their rule, I find no mention made of differing justice, or of their polling, or their bribery, as was openly proved by such as governed before their time: saving that they took out of the Sanctuary of Westminster, john Holland Duke of Exeter, being repugnant to the order taken and concluded, in the last Parliament, and conveyed him to Pomfret Castle. Which taking out, was accounted an execrable and a damnable offence, of diverse of the spirituality, and especially of the Abbot of Westminster, and his Monks, and this is the most spot that was (as I could read) ever most to be cast in the Duke's fame, during his Protectorshippe, or of his counsel. But that venomous worm, that dreadful Dragon, called disdain of superiority, which hath consumed the blood of so many noble Princes, and destroyed the lineage of so many governors, in all Realms and kingdoms, aswell Pagan as Christian, could not abstain from incensing the hearts of Lord Henry Beauford, newly come to the Duchy of Somerset, by the death of Duke Edmond his father, which at the battle of Saint Albon, (as you have heard before rehearsed) lost his life, and of Humphrey Duke of Buckingham, whose son and heir named Humphrey, earl of Stafforde, tasted the same cup, at the forenamed conflict, and of other Lords and men of authority, favouring and following the part of King henry, which not only bewailed and had compassion of the unsure condition, and wavering estate of his rule and Lordship, perceiving openly, whereunto the cloaked gentleness, and subornate fashion of the Duke of York tended and crept up: But also thought it necessary and convenient, to purvey for a remedy, or the mischief happened. Wherefore with open mouths and fierce courages, they came to Queen Margaret, informing her that it was not honourable, but a reproach and infamy to the king, to have one to be a Protector and governor of him and his realm, as who would say: that he was either a child, which had need of a Norice to feed him with pap, or an innocent creature, which must be ruled by a Tutor, ascertaining her father, that the Duke of York's only intent was, under the colour of his Protectorship, suddenly to destroy and depose the king, when he lest thought of it, and therefore willed her in so quick a mischief, to provide a hasty remedy, if she loved the safeguard of her husband, or the tuition of herself. The Queen having a wit, more than the common sort of women have, and considering the estate of her husband, the condition of herself, and the peril of her only son, thought it necessary to pluck the sword of authority out of their hands, which under colour of ruling under others, desired to be governors, and superiors themselves. Wherefore, a great counsel was called at Greenwich, where the Duke of York was discharged of his Protectorship, & the Earl of Sarisbury also, was dissmissed of his office: which malicious mutation among the Nobility, caused sudden alterations and seditious commotions to spring and arise in the commonalty, and in especial within the City of London. For a young Merchant, which before time had been in divers Cities, within the Country of Italy, and there prohibited by the Magistrates and rulers, to use or wear any weapon, either invasive or defensive, challenged an Italian in Chepeside, for wearing of a dagger, confuting him with the laws of his own Country, which like a colerick knave and presumptuous person, so disdainfully and with such taunts and checks answered the Merchant, that he not willing to suffer so open a reproach, in so public a street, and that of so proud a villeyne, took by force from him his dagger, and with the same a little cut his crown, and cracked his pate. This Italian in great haste, complained to the Mayor of this offence, which at the next Court, holden at the guildhall, by the consent of the whole senate, sent for the offender, and declaring to him his crime, commanded him to ward, whereof divers other light Merchants within the City, sore abhorring the Italian nation, for licking the fat from their beards, and taking from them their accustomed living, by reason that the said strangers imported and transported into and out of this realm, all such merchandises, commodities, and necessaries, as the English men only were accustomed to do, assembled together in great plumps, and by force compelled the Mayor to deliver the prisoner out of Newgate: and yet this multitude, with this doing nothing satiate nor appeased, like mad persons and frantic fools, ran to the several houses of divers Venetians, Lucases, and Florentines, and them spoiled, rob and rifled, without reason or measure. A lewd riot in the City of London. The More perceiving this great enormity, assembled a great number of substantial & grave Citizens, which not without great bloodshed, & maiming of sundry persons, finally appeased their rage, and caused the people to departed to their houses. The beginner of this commotion, and sudden uproar, either persuaded by his friends or fearing his chance, which for his first fact might suddenly ensue, departed to Westminster, and there registered himself as a sanctuary man. The Queen which ruled all things, hearing of this great riot and unlawful misdemeanour, sent the Dukes of Excester and Buckyngham, accompanied with many other noble men to London, with a commission of dyer and determiner, for the punishment of this outrageous offence, and seditious crime. When the Mayor of the City, the two Dukes, and the two chief justices, were set in guildhall for the performance of their commission, and began to call the empanels for the inquiry, as the use and order is, divers light witted, and less brained persons of the city, privily armed them, and by the ringing of Bow bell, thought to assemble together a great multitude of their mind and opinion, and so by force and might to take from the keepers all such prisoners, as were before apprehended, for the late committed robbery and riot, as they were going to their trial or arraignment. But this great tumult and sudden fury was by discreet and sage Citizens a little and little appeased, and finally quenched, but in the mean season, the Dukes and other commissioners, being untruly advertised, that they were in jeopardy of their lives, suddenly departed from the guildhall, and left their inquiry for that day. The Mayor on the next day perceiving how the grudge rose, called a common counsel, whereof the number was, one hundred, four score and odd persons, and by authority of the same, ordained that all wardens of mysteries should assemble their fellowship in their particular halls, where they should exhort them to the observation of the king's peace, and keeping of good order within the City: and if they espied any man, either prove or ready to raise a rumour or desirous of the deliverance of such as were accused, and in captive custody, that their names should be secretly written, and covertly delivered to the Lord Maior: which politic doing, finally ended the outrageous doing of the insolent people, after which appeasing the commissioners returned to the guildhall, where many of the robbers were attainted, and after condignly put to execution, beside divers great fines and ransoms paid, which were set upon many Merchants, for winking at these doings, or assenting to the same. The French nation, hearing of this domestical division, and civil dissension, within the realm of England, much desiring to be revenged of old displeasures, and great damages, which they had so many years borne, and sustained by the english people, appointed two Navies to invade and destroy the towns and ports, The French men invade the coasts of England. adjoining to the rivage of the Sea. The Capitayne of the one army was William Lord Pomiers, and of the other, sir Piers Bressy, a great ruler in Normandy. These two Captains, when opportunity of wether served, set up their sails at the mouth of Sayen, & there severed themselves, the one Westward, & the other Eastward, which was sir Peter de Bressy. This lusty captain sailing all the cost of Sussex, and Kent, durst not once take land, till he arrived in the downs, and there having by a certain espial perfit notice, that the town of Sandwich was neither peopled, nor fortified, because that a little before, the chief rulers of the town, were from thence departed, for to avoid the pestilential plague, which sore there infected, and slew the people, entered the haven, spoiled the town, and after such poor stuff as he there found, riffled and taken, he fearing an assemble of the country, shortly returned. The Lord Pomiers likewise took his course Westward, and by night brent certain houses in Foulnay, and with a little pillage retired into Britain. These two adventures and fortunate chances, which to them in comparison of their great expenses, in their journeys were scant worth one poor mite, or single farthing: The French writers delate, set foorth, and paint with pen, as though they had gotten Croesus' riches, and Alexander's kingdoms: forgetting how many hundred thousand pounds they had lost in few years before preceding, as to all men, being indifferent readers of this History, plainly appeareth. But verily some bread is better to the hungry person, than no bread, and a small gain of him, which desireth recovery, is a great pleasure, and therefore the French authors make of a little, much, and yet their much, (all things considered) is in effect nothing at all. The Scots also not degenerating from their old mutability, The Scots invade England. nor altering their ancient conditions, from their accustomed and usual untruth, entered into Northumberland, king james the second, then being there in person, and burned small houses, & little cottages: but in the very mids of their great enterprise, they hearing of the Duke of York, marching toward them with a great army, with much pain, and no gain in all haste reverted to their Country. Let us pass over for a time all outward invasions, and return to our own domestical debate and daily discord. First not forgetting, that while foreign enemies invaded the outward parts, and extreme confines of this troublous realm, a great conflict was attempted between the Lord Egremond, and the sons of the Earls of Salisbury: in the which fray, many persons were slain, and a great number hurt. The Lord Egremond in this great tumult could not escape, but by force was taken and brought before the kings counsel, and there the king and the Queen to show themselves to all persons indifferent, adjudged him to pay to the Earl of Salisbury a great sum of money, and for his heinous offence, done against the kings laws, he was committed to the Jail of Newgate, within the city of London, out of the which prison, by help of his fautors, he secretly escaped, and suddenly departed, to the great vexation of the Shreive's of London, at the time being. Queen Margaret whose breath ruled, and whose word was obeyed above the king and his counsel, within the realm of England, intending the destruction of the Duke of York and his friends, which devise she thought not meet to be practised near to the City of London, because she well perceived the Duke of York to be had in more estimation among the Citizens and commonalty, than the king her husband, or her own person: caused the king to make a progress into Warwick shire, for his health and recreation, and so with Hawking and hunting, came to the City of Couentrey, where were divers ways studied privily, to bring the Queen to her hearts ease, and long desired purpose: which was the death and destruction of the Duke of York, the Earls of Salisbury and Warwick. And for the furniture of this matter, all these three noble men were sent for to Coventre by the king's letters under his privy seal, to which place the foresaid Lords, suspecting no treason, nor putting diffidence in any creature, obediently resorted, but in the Serpent lurking under the grass, and under sugared speech, was hid pestiferous poison, so that if these noble men admonished by their friends, had not suddenly departed, their lives had been shortened, but by secret admonition of their good willers (to whom no earthly treasure is comparable) they avoided this net, and narrowly escaped the snare, whereupon for the security and tuition of their lives, the Duke of York departed to Wygmore in the Marches of Wales, the Earl of Salisbury resorted to his fair Castle of Middelham in the Northcountry, and the Earl of Warwick sailed to the town of Caleys. Although the bodies of these noble personages were by this seditious and fraudulent means a sunder separated as ye have heard: yet their hearts were knit and coupled in one, never forgetting, but daily studying, both how to be revenged of the old despites and malicious attempts, against them committed and imagined, and also how to compass their purposes, and to get the superiority and over hand above their evil willers, and apparent enemies: for which causes their letters never ceased, their messengers never slept, nor their purses were at no time shut, what for entertaining of old friends, and obtaining of new confederates, till king Henry and his allies were driven away, and expelled clearly out of this realm, as after shall appear. Because you have been long troubled with reading of divers divisions and seditions with in the realm, among the temporalty, I will now a little digress from my continued purpose, to declare to you an overthwart judgement given among the fathers of the spirituality against Reynolde Peacock, than Bishop of Chichester. This man somewhat learned, but better stomached, began to move questions, not privately, but openly in the Universities, concerning the Annates, Peterpence, & other jurisdictions and authorities, appertaining to the Sea of Rome, and not only put forth the questions, but declared his mind and opinion in the same: wherefore he was for this cause abjured at Paul's Cross, Reynold Peacock, bishop of Chichester, abjured at Paul's Cross. and all his books brent, and he himself kept in his own house, during his natural life. Some say that his opinion was that spiritual persons by God's law, aught to have no temporal possessions. Other writ, that he said, that personal tithes were not due by God's law: But whatsoever the cause was, in such sort as before I have declared, he was used. Thus much Hall. King Henry and his adherentes, perceiving that the Duke of York lay still, and made no open appearance of assemble or commotion, returned to London, and there called a great counsel, openly declaring how the French king perceiving the realm of England vexed, and troubled with civil dissension, and mutual discord, was not afeard to send his Admiralles on the coasts of Kent, and Devonshire, and there to spoil towns, burn houses, and murder the English people: which cause also animated the Scots to make Rhodes and incursions, into the confines and Marches of the realm, to the great loss and detriment of the kings liege people: which two Nations were set continually to grieve and vex this his realm of England, till they perceived a perfit concord, and an unfeigned amity to be concluded and knit together, between him and his consanguinity, and the other sort of the contrary part and confederacy. And to the intent that he would be the chief author of peace, and principal styrer of this virtuous concord, he promised so gently to entertain the Duke of York, and his fautors, that all old grudges, The devise for the concord and unity of the realm. being not only inwardly forgotten, but also outwardly forgiven, should be the cause of perpetual love, between them & their friends: of which concord should ensue familiarity among the Lords, and concord among the Commons, which to all utter enemies should be an inward grudge, and to this realm a great glory and profit. This device was of all men present well taken and adjudged, both honourable to the king, and profitable to his realm. Whereupon divers grave and sad persons were sent to the Duke of York, and all other the great estates of the realm, which sense the battle of Saint Alban's never met, came, nor commoned together, commanding them for reasonable causes, and great considerations, to resort unto the kings palace, without delay. At this commandment came to London Richard Duke of York, and Richard Earl of Sarisburie, accompanied with a great number of menial servants, and friends, lest peradventure they for lack of aid, might have been betrapped, or they had knowledge, or were warned. After them came from Calais to London, the Earl of Warwick, whose servitures were appareled in read Cotes, embraudered with white ragged staves. These three Lords were lodged within the City: the Duke, at Baynard's Castle, the Earl of Sarisbury at the Herber, and the Earl of warwike at his place beside the Grey friars. About the same season, with no less company of men, came to the City, the young Duke of Somerset, the Earl of Northumberland, and the Lord Clifford, whose fathers were slain at S. Albon: and after them resorted the Dukes of Ercester and Buckingham, the Lord Egremond, and most of all the nobility of this realm. The mortal hatred between the two images of Lancaster and York. The Duke of York and his mates were lodged within the City, and the Duke of Somerset and all his friends, sojourned without Temple bar, Holborn, and other places of the Suburbs: as who said, that as the jews disdained the company of the Samaritans, so the Lancastrians abhorred the familiarity of the Yorkishe lineage. After the coming of these Lords to the City, the king, the Queen, with all their family shortly followed, & were lodged in the bishops palace of London. These Lords had such great companies attending on them (for one had five hundredth, other had five hundredth, and divers four hundredth persons in a band) that continual watch was kept by the Mayor and senate of London, aswell by day as by night, for the preservation of the peace, and continuance of good order. The Lords which lodged within the City, kept a daily counsel at the black Friars, within the City. The other part sojourning without the walls, assembled likewise in the Chapter house of Westminster. Thus every part both studied his own profit and advancement, and also how to revenge things done to them, by their foes and adversaries. But the archbishop of Cauntorbury, and other virtuous prelate's, so exhorted, applied, and persuaded both the parties (although a great while they were neither herd, nor regarded) that in conclusion, they brought them to a communication, where after long alteracation, aswell of old injuries, and new displeasures, by the one faction, against the other committed, the fear of outward hostility, and foreign invasion so mollefyed their indurate hearts, that they outwardly promising to forget all old rancours, and ancient displeasures, sealed and signed writings, the one ever after to be friend to the other, and altogether to be obedient to the king, and favourers to his friends, and enemies to his enemies. This concord was so joyful to the superiors, and so embraced of the common people (who ever bear the burden when Princes be at controversy) that for the open appearance, and demonstration of this godly concord, public Processions were appointed, to be solemnly celebrated within the Church of Saint Paul, in the City of London, on the day of the Conception of our Lady, A general procession at Paul's by the King, and the Peres of the realm. in the month of March. At which solemn feast, the king in habit royal having his Diadem on his head, kept his estate in Procession, before whom went hand in hand, the Duke of Somerset, the Earl of Sarisburie, the Duke of Excester and the Earl of Warwick, and so one of the one faction, and another of the other sect, and behind the king the Duke of York led the Queen, with great familiarity to all men's sights: But woe worth dissimulation, and false flattering countenance: fie on double intendment, and cloaked adulation, which hath been the common servitures in all Palaces, both Imperial, and Regal, and by their only pestiferous venom, and secret malice, hath been the destruction of many a noble man, and the confusion of a great number of true meaning and faithful persons. But the wise man, which saith: Woe to the that hast a double heart, A dissimuling procession meant, that dissimulation once espied, should be the arrow wherewith the dissembler should be wounded. As by this cloaked Pageant, and dissembling Procession, hereafter shall plainly be declared. For their bodies were joined by hand in hand, whose hearts were far asunder: their mouths lovingly smiled, whose courages were inflamed with malice: their words were sweet as sugar, and their thoughts were all envenomed: but all these dissimuling persons, tasted the vessel of woe, as the wise man said: and few or none of this company were unblotted, or undestroyed by this dolorous drink of dissimulation. But this cankered worm and pestiferous Cockatrice, not only at this time reigned in England, but also did much harm in the Court of France: for john Duke of Alaunson, which before had been prisoner, and well entertained in the realm of England, and after Captain general of the wars in France against the English men, highly favoured, and of great estimation in the French kings house, was by such as he most trusted, and used most familiarity withal, and whom he had greatly promoted, and highly exalted, accused of high treason, as enemy to his king, john Duke of Alaunson executed in France. and traitor to his Country, alleging that he long before that time had conspired with the English men, to 'cause them once again to recover the Duchy of Normandy: whereupon by the order of the law, he there suffered death very unjustly, as divers Authors affirm, whereof one saith: that kings seeking treason, shall find land, and the denial of a princes desire, was the invented destruction of the innocent Naboth. Well let us now leave the cloaked collusion, that remained in France, and return to the open dissimulation, which now appeared in England. As fire being enclosed in a strait place, will by force utter his flame, and as the course of water astricted and letted, will flow and burst out in continuance of time: so this cankered Crocodile, and subtle serpent, could not long lurk in malicious hearts, but in conclusion she must (according to her nature appear and show herself. For after this apparent concord (according to the very nature of dissimulation) diverse noble men of birth, but not stable of word, putting from them honour, truth, and honesty, forgot their oath, and broke their promise, and advanced forth the Banner of displeasure, and the flag of malice. So a man may see, that such persons regard neither their own peculiar profit, nor the public wealth of their native Country, nor yet pass of an oath, or promise' breaking, to whom discord is pleasant, and dissension is delectable. For not long after this dissimuled amity, a certain fray, either by chance, or of a thing prepensed, A fray made upon the Earl of Warwikes servant. was made upon a yeoman of the Earls of Warwick, by a servitor of the kings, in the which the Assailant was sore hurt, but the Earls man fled. The kings meyniall servants, seeing their fellow hurt, and the offendor escaped, assembled in great number, and watched the Earl, returning from the Counsel toward his Barge, and suddenly set on him the yeomen with sword, and the Black guard with spits, and fire forks. After long fight and many of the Earls men maimed and wounded, by help of his friends, he took a Whirry, and so escaped to London: whom the Queen incontinent commanded to be apprehended, and as a captive and prisoner, to be sent to the Tower of London, where (if he had been then taken) he had shortly ended his days. By this unhappy fray, and sudden chance of malice, there arose such daily and terrible war, that every man was in trouble, and no person was in quiet. For after this displeasure done to the Earl, and the Queen's good mind toward him, by his secret friends privily revealed, he with all diligence, took his journey to Warwick, and after into Yorkshire, where he found the Duke of York, and the Earl of Salisbury, declaring to them the assault of the kings servants, and the pretenced purpose of the fraudulent Queen. After which complaint made, he fearing lest by long absence, he might be deposed or defrauded of his Captainship of Calais, with great speed embarked himself, and sailed thither, daily expecting and looking, what way the Duke of York would take, for achieving his long intended purpose. After whose departure, the Duke of York, and the Earl of Salisbury, somewhat stirred and moved with this double dealing, began to grudge and murmur: affirming that in the Queen rested nothing but fraud and feminine malice, which ruling the king at her pleasure and will, studied nothing so much, as the destruction of the nobility, and peers of the realm. After long consultation had, it was agreed, that the Earl with a warlike company, should march toward the king, & complain both to him of the manifest injury done to his son, and also of the unkind breach of the sworn amity and late agreement, in which suit, if he did prevail, he then should not omit the occasion to him given, in revenging the displeasures to him done, by the Queen and her sinister Counsellors, which evil and ungodly ordered the subjects of the whole Realm. After this devise made and concluded, the Earl of Salisburye removed from Middelham castle, accompanied with four or five thousand men, and took his way through Lancashire, and Shropshire, toward London. In the mean season the Queen, which was assisted and ruled, by the Dukes of Somerset and Buckingham, having the vigilant eye and circumspect brain, of a pollytique governor: imagined that the Earl of Warwick had kindled this fire, and begun this tumult, to the intent (according to his pretenced purpose) to set the Duke of York in the siege royal, and high throne of the realm: For which causes, she being a woman of no small wit, nor little policy, conceiving in her opinion, that it was no boot to make any farther concord or league with her adversaries, and hearing of the Earl of Salisburies' setting forward, with a company of armed men and archers: assembled together a great counsel, to provide a remedy, for that imminent mischief, and (as in a multitude often times it happeneth, so many heads, so many wits) so divers were in opinion, that neither people nor weapon should be stirred, till the Earl approached: doubting whether he came to demand war or peace, or to ask justice, and to reform wrong. Other, otherwise thought, and were of a contrary opinion, making the foundation of their argument, that the raising of people, and assemble of Soldiers by him, could signify no peace, nor treaty of concord: except a man should say, that entreating for favour with naked sword in hand, were an humble submission and a meek request: which only consideration, moved them to say, that as force with force, aught to be repelled, so he with a great power, or he came into the midst of the realm, should of necessity be encountered and (if fortune would serve) utterly destroyed. This sentence took place, and without delay, Sir james Twichet Lord Awdeley, because his signory and power lay in those parts, where the Earl should pass, was appointed to meet with him, and to give him battle, if he saw cause or place convenient, and the Queen followed after. The Lord Awdeley, according to his commission, assembled above ten thousand men, and knowing by his Spials, which way the Earl kept, approached near to him on a fair plain, called Blore heath, Blore heath field. within a mile of the town of Drayton, in the county of Salope, commonly called Sropshire. The Earl perceiving by the livery of the Soldiers, that he was circumvented and likely to be trapped with the Queen's power, determined rather there to abide the adventure with fame and honour, then farther to fly, with loss and reproach: and so encamped himself all the night, on the side of a little brook, not very broad, but somewhat deep. In the morning early, being the day of Saint Tecle, he caused his Soldiers to shoot their flights, toward the Lord Awdeleys company, which lay on the other side of the said water, and then he and all his company made a sign of retreat. The Lord Awdeley, remembering not only the trust that he was put in, but also the Queen's terrible commandment, (which was to bring to her presence the Earl of Salisbury, quick or dead) blew up his trumpet, and did set foorh his vaward, and suddenly passed the water. The Earl of Salisbury which knew the sleights and policies of warlike affairs, suddenly returned, and shortly encountered with the Lord Awdeley and his chief Captains, or the residue of his army could pass the water. The fight was sore and dreadful. The Earl desiring the saving of his life, and his adversaries coveting his destruction, fought sore for the obtaining of their purpose, but in conclusion, the Earls army, as men desperate of aid and succour, so eagerly fought, that they slew the Lord Audeley, and all his Captains, and discomfited all the remnant of his people. In this battle were slain xxiiij hundredth persons, but the greatest plague lighted on the Chesshire men, because one half of the shire, was on the one part, and the other on the other part, of the which number were sir Thomas Dutton, sir john Dunne, & sir Hugh Venables. But the Earls two sons, the one called sir john Nevell, and the other sir Thomas, were sore wounded, which soberly iourneiing into the North Country, thinking there to repose themselves, were in their journey apprehended by the queens friends, and conveyed to Chester: but their keepers delivered them shortly, or else the March men had destroyed the gales. Such favour had the Commons of Wales, to the Duke of York's band and his affinity, that they could suffer no wrong to be done, nor evil word to be spoken of him or his friends. Also this year one named johannes Fauscius, a , Printing. first found out the noble science of Imprinting in the City of Mentz. But Polidore saith, it was first invented by one johannes Euthenlergius, a knight, who also within xuj years after did invent the ink which the Printers now use. After this battle, the Duke of York not only perceiving that the destruction of him and his friends was intended (as by this last conflict was apparently declared) but also remembering, that all his counsels and privieintents, were now opened to the king and the Queen, thought it meet neither longer to dissimule, nor farther to keep silence: did therefore with a courageous heart, as well for the obtaining of the crown, as for the tuition and safeguard of him & his friends, determine no longer to sleep in his den, but with all diligence to set forth his business and advance forth his banner. And therefore sending for the Earl of Salisbury his fellow and compear in all his doings, counsels, and fortunes (after long communication had of the Queen's misgovernance, and how she without their assent, did all things at her will and pleasure) determined to raise a great army, and by fine force either to die or win their purpose. What should I say, men were assembled, friends were sent for, and a puissant army was gathered, both of Northern men and Welshmen, which in good order came into the Marches of Wales, adjoining to Shropshire, where they determined either to abide their enemies, or to meet them if they marched forward. The king was not ignorant of this assemble, nor yet unaduertised of the Duke's intent: wherefore to resist the mischief at the beginning, he caused commissioners to be made, and sent into every part of the realm, where he suspected either to have assured friends, or indifferent favourers, for men and money: by reason of which commandment, a great number was assembled. Many for the love they bore to the king, but more for the fear that they had of the Queen, whose countenance was so fearful, and whose look was so terrible, that to all men, against whom she took a small displeasure, her frowning was their undoing, and her indignation was their death. The king accompanied with the Dukes of Somerset & Excester, and other of the line of Lancaster, determined clearly to set on the Duke of York and his confederates, and them by force either utterly to vanquish, or by policy to attrap, and bring to confusion, whereupon in hope of good luck, the king with his army by long marching, came near to the Duke of York, which was strongly encamped, a little from the town of Ludlow, near adjoining to the confines of Wales, to whom not long before, was come his trusty friend Richard earl of Warwick, with a great number of expert men in martial feats, whom he had brought with him from Calais, whereof two were men of approved policy, in the wars of Normandy and Guienne, the one called Andrew Trollop, and the other john Blunt. These armies thus lying, the one in the view and sight of the other, studied all means and policies, how to take advantage each of other, and how with less jeopardy, the one might set on the other. The Duke perceiving by reason of his expert Captains, away how he might easily dampnifie and discomfit his enemies, thought no longer to sleep his purpose, but manfully to give the onset and so with his secret friends and Captains, determined the next morning early to begin the battle, and set on the king and his army, or he were ready or in array. But of this devise succeeded nothing, nor of this imagination proceeded any effect: For Andrew Trollop and other the Calicians, which were men of great knowledge and of much experience, and had lived by the king's wages, more than a few years, perceiving now that they should fight against their sovereign Lord himself (whose friend they esteemed before that time, the Earl of Warwick ever to have been taken and reputed, and not his enemy or destroyer) in the dead of the night, before the day of battle secretly departed from the Duke's Camp, & submitted themselves to the King, admonishing him of all things prepared and devised, for his loss and destruction. If these ancient Captains were welcome to the king, or if he joyously them received, I refer that to all men, which have relief in their distress, or have a sudden good chance, when they think lest upon it. When the Duke of York was advertised of their departing, no marvel though his senses were moved, and his wits disturbed, as a man that suddenly riseth out of a trance, woteth not what to do or say: For he first considered the power and authority of the king, and saw that Andrew Trollop of his friend was suddenly transformed into the image of his extreme enemy, whose force and policy, as much now discomforted him, as by the trust which he put in him, he was before encouraged: wherefore he evidently perceiving, that all his counsel and purpose, was by the forenamed Andrew, revealed and disclosed thought it better for him and his to departed in surety, then to abide the chance, of mutable Fortune, which turneth the wheel at her will and pleasure: whereupon he with his younger son Edmond earl of Rutland, secretly departed into Wales, and so passed into Ireland, where he was with all joy and honour gladly received. The Earl of March, son and heir apparent to the foresaid Duke, accompanied with the Earls of Salisbury and Warwick, and sir john Wenlock, stolen away the same night, and came into Devonshire: where by the means of john Dinham Esquire (which after was high Treasurer of England, in the time of king Henry the vij) they bought a ship, which cost. C.x. Marks at Exmouth, and sailed to Gernsay, and after came to Calais, and were let in at the postern, and joyfully welcomed of their friends. The next day in the morning, the king being advertised of the departing of the Duke of York and his partakers, caused all his horsemen to follow them by every passage, but they were neither seen nor espied, as they that followed made report. The king perceiving that the Lords were escaped, pardoned all the poor soldiers, saving certain Ring leaders, whereof some he punished and fined, and some he hanged and quartered. After this, he removed to Ludlowe, and there dispatched his host, and spoiled the town and the Castle, and sent the Duchess of York, with her two younger sons, to be kept in ward, with the Duchess of Buckyngham her sister, where she continued a certain space. After this, he proclaimed these lords traitors to him, enemies to their Country, and rebels to the Crown: confiscating all their lands, goods and offices, committing the governance of the North parts, to the Earl of Northumberland, and the Lord Clifford, as to his trusty and most faithful friends, and of his town of Calais, he made captain Henry the new Duke of Somerset: but the old husband man sayeth, that as to hasty sowing often time deceiveth, so to late, never well proveth. For in this business, protracting of time only, hurted and harmed the king and his sequel. For if he at the beginning, had dispossessed his adversaries of that refuge and hold, no doubt but that he had either tamed or vanquished them, with little labour and small danger. The Duke of Somerset, rejoicing much in his new office, elected divers hardy and valiant soldiers, and with great pomp sailed toward Calais: and when he thought surely to have entered into the Haven, the artillery shot so fiercely, both out of the town and Risebanke, that he suffering there a sore repulse, was feign to land at Whitsandbay, and sent word to the Captains of the town, to receive him as the king's lieutenant, and showed to them his letters patents, but neither he nor his writing was once regarded or looked on: so of necessity he resorted to the Castle of Guysnes, daily skirmishing with the garrison of Calais, more to his loss than gain. After his arrival, as is aforesaid, divers of his Mariners, owing more good will to the Earl of Warwick, than to this young Duke, conveyed their ships into the Haven of Calais, and in them divers of the Earl of Warwick's enemies, as janyn Fendill, john Fellow, and divers other, and presented them to the said Earl, which incontinent caused their heads to be stricken off. This daily conflict, still continuing between the Lords, which sojourned at Calais, and the Duke of Somerset, lying at Guisnes, no small number of the commonalty, daily resorted to the Earl of March and his confederates: by reason whereof, although they daily lost people, and had slain many, yet their number was restored, and the gap ever filled, which was the continual loss, and daily detriment to the Duke of Somerset. Yet he like a valiant Prince, nothing less minding, then for lack of aid to be expelled from the great office and renowned authority, which the king had to him given, in the parts beyond the sea, sent letters to the king, and messengers to the Queen, desiring of them aid and succour, in defence of the quarrel and lawful assistance. His posts were not unheard, nor his requests unprovided. For without delay Richard Lord Rivers, and sir Anthony Wooduile his valiant son, which after was Lord Scales, accompanied with four hundred warlike persons, were appointed to pass the Seas, and to be coadjutors to the Duke of Somerset. These martial Captains endeavouring themselves to the point, for the which they were assigned came to the port of Sandwiche, and there abode the wind and the weather, which obeyeth neither king, nor serveth Emperor. The Earls of March and Warwick, and other being at Calais, had knowledge of all these doings, and secret conventicles: wherefore to prevent the Duke's purpose, they sent john Dinham the valiant Esquire, with a small number of men, but with a multitude of courageous hearts, to the town of Sandwiche, which suddenly entered the same, and took the Lord Rivers in his bed, and his son also: robbing houses, The town of Sandwich with certain Lords is taken. and spoiling ships of great riches and merchandise, and beside this, they took the principal ships of the king's navy then lying at the Port, well furnished with ordinance & artillery, but not without the favour of the Mariners, which favoured more the one part then the other. But although john Dinham, captain of the lords part, was sore hurt and maimed on his leg, by reason whereof he ever after halted, and somewhat limped: yet his courage and policy was so much, that he vanquished his enemies, and brought the ships royal jaded with prey and prisoners, to the town of Calais, and them presented to the Earl of March, not knowing then that the Lord rivers daughter should be the Earls wife, which then had an husband living, nor thinking that her father for her sake, should after be destroyed. But who can know the secrets of God, or without him, declare the chance that after shall ensue. After this booty gotten, and good luck obtained, divers of the best ships taken in the haven of Sandwich, were well victualled and manned, and with them the Earl of Warwick, transfreted and sailed into Ireland, to common with the Duke of York, of his great affairs and business. The weather was so fair, and the wind so favourable to the Earls purpose, that within less than xxx days, he passed and repassed from Calais to Develine, and ascertained the Earls of March and of Salisbury, what was the Duke of York's devise and intent, both for his entry and theirs, into the realm of England. The Earl of Warwick had come to short home to tell these tidings, if the Duke of Exeter, which being admiral of the sea, lay in the west Country to stop the Earls passage, might have had his own will: but the Captains of his Navy murmoured against him, and the Mariners dispraised and disdained him, glad to hear of the Earl of Warwikes good success, by which occasion he neither would nor durst once meddle or cope with the Earls Navy. During this time, the king called a Parliament, in the City of Coventre, A Parliament holden at Coventry. in the which the Duke of York, and all his confederates were attainted of high treason, and their goods and lands confiscate and forfeited: and to prohibit their landing in all ports, haven towns were watched, and the sea costs were garnished with Bekons. And sir Simon Montfort with a great crew was appointed to keep the downs, and the five Ports, and all men passing into Flaundyrs, were upon pain of death prohibited to pass by Calais, lest the Lords there should borrow of them any money, as they did priest of the Merchants of the staple xviij M. pound late before, which was a great displeasure to the king, and a more corrosey to the Queen. The Lords lying at Calais were not ignorant of all these doings and provisions, but daily were ascertained what was done in the king's privy chamber: wherefore first they sent a company to Sandwiche, which conquered the town, and apprehended sir Simond Mountfort, and brought him with all his Mates to the haven of Calais, where incontinent he with twelve of his chief fellows, lost their heads on the sands, before Risebanke. After the kings navy gained, and his Captains on the arrival of the Sea taken and destroyed, the Lords lying at Calais, hoping in their friends within the Realm, determined to pass the sea, and to land in England. And after they had put the Castle and town of Calais, in sure and safe custody to their only use, they passed the sea and landed at Sandwiche. And so passing through Kent, there came to them the Lord Cobham, john Guildefforde, William Peche, Robert Horn, and many other gentlemen, which conveyed them to the City of London. But the fame of their landing once known, gentlemen repaired, and yeomen resorted out of all the South parts of the Realm: upon which rumour, Thomas Lord Scales, a man in great favour with the King and Queen, accompanied with the Earl of Kendal a Gascoigne, and the Lord Lovel, resorted to London, with a great company of armed men: declaring to the Mayor of the City, that their repair only was to defend, and keep the City, from the spoil and robbery of such traitors, as the king was credibly informed, would thither make access: to whom the Mayor answered, that he well knew both his oath, and bounden duty toward his sovereign Lord and Prince, and needed neither of prompter, nor yet of coadjutor, either to defend or govern the City, to him committed in charge. With which answer, the Lord Scales and his associates not a little displeased, entered into the Tower of London, daily with new inventions, doing displeasures and damages to the Citizens of the City, whom they sore suspected, rather to favour then to hate, the Earls of March, and Warwick, and other of their band and affinity. Which Earls with a great army came shortly to London, and were of the Mayor and Citizens joyously received, to whom resorted the Archbishop of Cantorbury, the Bishops of London, Ely, and Excester, with many Prelates and religious persons. These Lords nothing slacking the purpose, that they came for, daily consulted and assembled together in the house of the grey Friars within the City. And after long debating, and secret consultation had, it was agreed, that they with their whole puissance should march forward, toward the King: determining either by force or fair means, to bring their purpose to a conclusion. When this counsel was dissolved, the Earls of March & Warwick, Thomas Lord Fauconbridge, Henry Lord Borchier, called earl of Ewe, with a great number of men, which came out of Kent, Essex, Surrey & Sussex, to the number as some writers affirm of xxv M. persons departed from London, toward the King, lying at Coventre, than called the Queen's secret arbour, leaving behind them to keep the Londoners in their fidelity, from reverting from their part the Earl of Sarisbury, the Lord Cobham, and Sir john Wenlocke: which Lord Cobham, with certain Aldermen of the City so kept the West side against the Tower, and Sir john Wenlocke with other, so vigilantly watched the East part toward Saint Katheryne's, that no person either could issue out, or enter in, to the great displeasure of the Lord Scales and his company, which daily shot their ordinance out, and had likewise great ordinance shot at them, to the hurt, and no pleasure of both parts. The king not ignorant of all these doings, assembled a great army, and accompanied with the Duke of Somerset, which was lately come from Guisnes, and the Duke of Buckingham, and divers other great Lords of his part and faction, came to the town of Northhampton, where the Queen encouraged her friends, and promised great rewards to her helpers: for the king studied nothing but of peace, quiet and solitary life. When the kings host was assembled, and that the Queen perceived that her power was able to match with the force of her adversaries, The battle of Northampton. she caused her army to issue out of the town, and to pass the river of Seine, and there in the new field, between Harsyngton and Sandifforde, the Captains strongly embarked themselves with high banks, and deep trenches. The Earl of March being lusty, and in the flower of his courageous youth, lying between Towceter and Northampton, determined to set on the king's army, without longer protracting of tyme. And in the night season he removed his camp toward Northampton, and in marching forward set his men in good order of battle, whereof the vawewarde was conducted by the Earl of Warwick, which either by strength or stealth maugre the Lord Beamond, which kept a strait going toward the kings camp, entered freshly, and began the battle about vij of the clock, the ix day of july. After whom followed the Earl of March, with the banner of his father. This fight continued in doubtful judgement, till the hour of nine, at which time the kings army was scattered, and discomfited, and of the same slain, and drowned in the river, few less than ten thousand tall English men, and the king himself left alone disconsolate, was taken and apprehended, as a man borne, and predestinate to trouble, misery, and calamity. At this battle were slain, Humphrey Duke of Buckingham, john Talbot Earl of Shrewesbury, a valiant person, and not degenerating from his noble parent: Thomas Lord Egremond, john Viscont Beaumond, and Sir William Lucy, which made great haste to come to part of the fight, and at his first approach was stricken in the head with an Axe. divers other Gentlemen were slain in this civil battle, whose names are not remembered nor published by any author that I have read. Beside these dead persons, many were taken prisoners, because they left their horses, and descended to fight on foot. The Duke of Somerset and other, which narrowly escaped, fled with the Queen and prince Edward, into the Bishopric of Durham, in which place they determined to gather a new army and power, and if no hope were of recovery, than they agreed to fly into Scotland: there to abide a time of better luck. The Earls being victors in this bloody battle, conveyed the king that night again to the town of Northhampton, and the next day with great solemnity and small comfort, they set forward the king, and by easy journeys brought him to London the xuj day of july, where he was faintly received, and feebly welcomed, and was lodged in the Bishop's Palace. After whose coming to the City, the Tower of London was delivered to the Earl of March, upon a certain composition. But the Lord Scales, susspecting the sequel of the delivery of the same, took a Whirry privily, intending to have fled to the Queen. But he was espied by diverse watermen belonging to the Earl of Warwick, which waited for his foorthcomming on the Thames, and suddenly taken, and shortly slain with many darts and daggers, and his body left all bloody and naked at the gate of the Clynke, which after was buried in the Church adjoining. Then were divers persons apprehended, and indited of treason, whereof some were pardoned, and some executed: But Thomas Thorpe, second Baron of the Exchequer, great friend to the house of Lancaster, and extreme enemy to the family of York, was taken disguised in a Monks apparel, with a shaven crown, and so brought to the Earl of Warwick, which sent him to the tower of London, where he long remained. During this trouble was a Parliament summoned to begin at Westminster in the month of October next following. Before which time, A parliament holden at Westminster. Richard Duke of York being in Ireland, by swift currers, and flying posts, was advertised of the great victory, gained by his part at the field of Northhampton, and also knew that the king was now in case to be kept, and ordered at his pleasure and will: Wherefore losing no time, nor slugging one hour, he sailed from Develyn to Chester with no small company, and by long journeys came to the City of London, which he entered the friday next before the feast of Saint Edward the Confessor, with a sword borne naked before him, and took his lodging in the Kings own Palace, whereupon the common people babbled, that he should be King, and that King Henry should no longer reign. During the time of this Parliament, the Duke of York, with a bold countenance, entered into the Chamber of the peers, and sat down in the throne royal under the cloth of estate (which is the kings peculiar seat) and in the presence aswell of the Nobility, as of the spirituality (after a pause made) said these words in effect. My singular good Lords, The Duke of yorks Oration made to all the Lords of the Parliament. marvel not that I approach unto this throne. For I sit here as in the place to me by very justice lawfully belonging, and here I rest, as he to whom this Chair of right appertaineth, not as he, which requireth of you favour, partiality, or bearing, but equal right, friendly indifferency, and true administration of justice: for I being the party grieved, and complainant, can not minister to myself the Medicine, that should help me (as expert Leches and Chirurgeons may) except you be to me both faithful aiders, and also true counsellors. Nor yet this noble realm, and our natural Country shall never be unbuckled from her daily fever, except I (as the principal Physician, and you as true and trusty Appothecaryes') consult together, in making of the potion, and try out the clean and pure stuff, from the old, corrupt and putrefied drugs. For undoubtedly, the root and bottom of this long festered canker, is not yet extirpate, nor the feeble foundation of this fallible building, is not yet espied, which hath been, and is, the daily destruction of the Nobility, and the continual confusion of the poor Commonalty of this realm and Kingdom. For all you know (or should know) that the high and mighty Prince King Richard the second, was the true and undoubted heir, to the valiant Conqueror, and renowned Prince King Edward the third, as son and heir to the hardy knight and courageous Captain, Edward prince of Wales, Duke of Aquitain and Cornwall, eldest son to the said king Edward the third, which King was not only in deed, but also of all men reputed and taken, as the very true and infallible heir, to the wise and politic prince king Henry the third, as son and heir to king Edward the second, son and heir to King Edward the first, the very heir and first begotten son of the said noble and virtuous prince, king Henry the third. Which king Richard of that name the second, was lawfully and justly possessed of the Crown, and Diadem of this Realm and Region, till Henry of Derby, Duke of Lancaster, and Herforde, son to john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, the fourth begotten son, to the said king Edward the third, and younger brother to my noble ancestor Lionel Duke of Clarence, the third begotten son of the said king Edward, by force and violence, contrary both to the duty of his allegiance, and also to his homage, to him both done and sworn, raised war and battle, at the Castle of Flynt in North-wales against the said king Richard, and him apprehended and imprisoned within the Tower of London. During whose life and captivity, he wrongfully usurped and entruded upon the royal power, and high estate of this realm and region, taking on him the name, style, and authority of king & governor of the same. And not therewith satisfied and contented, compassed and accomplished the death and destruction of his natural Prince, and most worthy sovereign Lord, not as a common homicide and butcherly murderer, but as a regicide and destroyer of his king. After whose piteous death and execrable murder, the right and title of the Crown, and superiority of this realm, was lawfully reverted and returned to Roger Mortimer, earl of March, son and heir to Lady Philip, the only child of the above rehearsed Lionel, Duke of Clarence, to which Rogiers daughter called Anne, my most dearest and well-beloved mother, I am the very true and lineal heir, which descent all you cannot justly gain say, nor yet truly deny. Then remember this, if the title be mine, why am I put from it: if I be true heir to the crown (as I am in deed) why is my right withholden: if my claim be good, why have I not justice: for surely learned men of great science and knowledge, say and affirm, that lineal descent, nor usurped possession can nothing prevail, if continual claim be lawfully made, or openly published. For avoiding of which scruple & ambiguity: Edmond earl of March, my most well-beloved Uncle, in the time of the first Usurper, in deed, but not by right, called king Henry the fourth by his Cousins, the Earl of Northumberland, and the Lord Percy, he being then in captivity with Owen Glendore, the rebel in Wales, made his title and righteous claim, to the destruction of both the noble persons. Likewise my most dearest Lord and father, so far set forth that right and title, that he lost his life and worldly joy, at the town of Southampton, more by power, then indifferent justice. whose death, I coming to my full age, have never desisted to pursue my title, and require my right, which by means of sinister counsel and injust detention, I can neither obtain nor recover. So that of fine force, I am compelled to use power in stead of prayer, and force in stead of request (not as I said before) for my private emolument and peculiar profit, but to restore peace, love, and quietness to this our natural region: which ever sith the first ungodly usurpation of the forenamed Henry, untruly called king Henry the fourth, hath been clearly banished, and out of the same injustly exiled. What murders and manslaughters hath been perpetrated and committed within this Country, sith the beginning of that ungracious usurpation: what number of noble men have been slain, destroyed, and executed, sith that unfortunate day: it is to lamentable and to manifest. For although Henry of Lancaster Earl of Derby, took upon him the Sceptre and the crown, and wrongfully bear the name and style of a king, and was not much tyckeled with mine Uncle, the Earl of March, at that time being within age: Yet was he never in surety of himself, nor had, or enjoyed any perfit quietness, either in mind or in body: for surely a corrupt conscience feeleth never rest, but looketh when the sword of vengeance will descend and strike. His son also called King Henry the fift, obtained notable victories, and immortal praises, for his noble acts done in the realm of France: yet God for the offence of his untrue parent suddenly touched him, unbodiing his soul in the flower of his youth, and in the glory of his conquest. And although he had a fair son, and a young apparent heir: yet was this Orphan such a one, as preachers say, that God threatened to send, for a punishment, to his unruly and ungracious people: saying by his prophet Esay: I shall give you children to be your princes, and infaunts without wisdom, shall have the governance of you. The prophet lied not, if you note all things in an order: For after this Henry the fift (whose fame no man can justly reprove or deface) succeeded his son whom all we have called our natural prince, and obeyed as his heir: in whose time and wrongful reign, I require you diligently to consider, with what great torments and afflictions God hath whipped and scourged this miserable Isle, yea, with such and so many scourges and plagues, as no nation (the Egyptians only except) were ever tormented, or afflicted withal. I will not speak of rebellious murders and oppressions, which of late have been done, and exercised here among us: but I will declare and manifest to you how the crown and glory of this realm, is by the negligence of this silly man, and his unwise counsel, minished, defaced, and dishonoured. Is not Normandy, which his father got, regained and conquered again, by the insolency of him, and his covetous counsel? Is not the whole Duchy of Acquitayne by two hundred and odd years, peaceably possessed by the kings of this realm, in one year and a little more, gotten out of our hands and signiory? What should I speak of Angeow & Main, or the loss of the Isle of France, with the rich City of Paris. Alas it is to apparent, neither will I molest you with the recital of all the particulars thereof: But now in the mids of this affliction, and to make an end of the same, God of his eneffable goodness, looking on this country, with his eyes of pity and mercy, hath sent me in the truth to restore again his decayed kingdom, to his ancient fame and old renown. Whereof here in open parliament, according to my just and true title, I have and do take possession of this royal throne, not putting diffidence, but firm hope in God's grace, that by his divine aid, & the assistance of you the peers of this realm, I shall beautify and maintain the same, to the glory of him, honour of my blood, and to the public wealth, as well of you all here present, as of all the poor commons and subjects, of this kingdom and Regiment. When the Duke had thus ended his Oration, the Lords sat still like Images graven in the wall, or dumb Gods, neither whispering nor speaking, as though their mouths had been sowed up. The Duke perceiving none answer to be made to his declared purpose, not well content with their sober silence, advised them well to digest and ponder the effect of that which he had said, and so neither fully displeased, nor all pleased, departed to his lodging in the king's Palace. While he was thus declaring his title in the Chamber of the Peres, there happened a strange chance in the very same time, amongst the commons in the neither house, than there assembled: for a crown which did hung in the middle of the same to garnish a branch, to set lights upon, without touch of any creature or rigour of wind suddenly fell down, and at the same time also fell down the crown, which stood on the top of the Castle of Dover: as a sign and prognostication that the crown of the realm should be divided and changed, from one line to another, such was the judgement of the common people. The Lords of the realm, forgot not the Duke's demand, nor long protracted the time, to see some good end, in so weighty a cause: wherefore divers Lords, as well spiritual as temporal, with many grave and sage persons of the commonalty daily assembled at the black Friars and other places, to treat and common of this matter, being of no small importance. During which time, the Duke of York, although he and the king, were both lodged in the Palace of Westminster, yet for no prayer or intercession, he would once visit or see the king, till some perfit conclusion were taken, in this great and weighty purpose, saying and affirming, that he was subject to no man, but only to God, and he was his Lord and superior, and none other, I will a little space leave the Lords consulting together, and speak of outward attempts and foreign doings. This civil dissension within the realm of England, did much animate and encourage james the second of that name, king of Scots, to make war on the English nation, partly for the displeasure which he conceived for the death of Edmond Duke of Somerset his mother's brother, and partly to show himself amongst his people, to be both valiant and courageous. This king james from his first rule, began to enter into suspicion with William earl Douglas, a man both of great kin and more power, ever mistrusting that he nothing more desired, then to deprive him from his authority, William E●l● Dougla● murdered. and to usurp the same. This cankered suspicion was so rooted in the king's heart, that suddenly it branched out, in so much that the king sending for the Earl (which trusting on his own innocency, humbly came to his presence) caused him shamefully to be slain and murdered, with which injury, his two brethren, Archibald earl of Murrey, and Hugh Earl of Ormount, not a little pricked and encouraged with the Earls of Angus and Morthone, being all of one line and surname, made open war on the said king james: but in conclusion he prevailed, and suppressed the great power of the Douglasses. And then thinking himself a king, without either peer or fere, assembled a great army, and entered into the Marches of Northumberlande, and besieged the Castle of Roxborough, and there caused his new Bombard lately cast in Flaunders, called the Lion and divers other pieces to be shot against the Castle, whereof one being weak and slender, broke in pieces, and one of the fragments slew the king, standing amongst a great company of his people, King james of Scotland slain with a piece of a Gone. and wounded the Earl of Angus. The Scots not dismayed with the death of their King, seeing the Castle easy to be won, manfully assaulted and with much pain got it, and the same long defended, till Richard Duke of Gloucester it conquered and destroyed. This king james of Queen Mary his wife left three sons, james which succeeded him, Alexander Duke of Albany, and john. This young king james, was put under the tuition of james Kenede, Bishop of Saint Andrew's, which during his nonage, ruled the realm to the kings great honour, but more to his own profit and peculiar gain: For he made sumptuous houses, and builded Colleges, which this young pupil king james, neither could, nor was able to do. The death of Charles the french King. About this very season, and during this unnatural controversy within the Realm of England: Charles the French king, which only by trouble and calamity got to him a perpetual name, and amongst his Nation above the stars exalted, ended the point of his fatal fine, which Prince in his youth, never regarded wanton pastime, nor lascivious dalliance, for his wits were set, and his industry only applied, to recover again his Princely inheritance: So that more plainly then in a Glass, all men may perceive that pain often profiteth, and labour commonly availeth, but idleness seldom, and dalliance never. To this Charles succeeded king Lewis, of that name the xj of whose doings you shall hear after: and shall both study and marvel, at the strangeness of his demeanour, and the crafty policy of his secret compasses. Now I will return to the great counsel of the Lords, celebrated about London, for the Duke of York's claim. After long arguments made, and deliberate consultation had among the Peers, Prelates, and commons of the realm: 146●/39 upon the vigil of all Saints, it was condescended and agreed, by the three estates, for so much as king Henry had been taken as king, by the space of xxxviij years and more, that he should enjoy the name and title of king, and have possession of the realm, during his life natural: And if he either died or resigned, or forfeited the same, for infringing any point of this concord, than the said Crown and authority royal, should immediately dissende to the Duke of York, if he than lived, or else to the next heir of his line or lineage, and that the Duke from thenceforth should be Protector and Regent of the land. Provided always, that if the king did closely or apertly study or go about to break or altar this agreement, Articles of agreement between king Henry the sixth, and Richard Duke of York. or to compass or imagine the death or destruction of the said Duke or his blood, than he to forfeit the crown, and the Duke of York to take it. These articles with many other, were not only written, sealed and sworn by the two parties: but also were enacted in the high court of Parliament. For joy whereof, the king having in his company the said Duke, road to the Cathedral Church of saint Paul, within the City of London, and there on the day of all saints, went solemnly with the Diadem on his head in procession, and was lodged a good space after in the Bishop's Palace, near to the said Church. And upon the Saturday next ensuing, Richard Duke of York, was by the sound of a trumpet, solemnly proclaimed heir apparent to the crown of England, and Protector of the realm. After this, the Parliament kept at Coventry the last year, was declared to be a devilish counsel, and only celebrated for the destruction of the nobility, and no lawful Parliament, because they which were returned, were never elected, according to the due order of the law, but secretly named by them, which desired more the destruction, than the advancement of the public wealth and common profit. When these agreements were done and enacted, the king dissolved his parliament, which was the last parliament that ever he ended. Such was the pleasure of almighty God, that king Henry being a good and virtuous man, which had tasted innumerable adversities and calamities of the world, should be deprived of his terrestrial crown, to be recompensed with an heavenly garland, and a joyful place: for surely a perfit good man, although he be plagued with a thousand displeasures cannot be but blessed. The Duke of York well knowing, that the Queen would spurn and impugn the conclusions, agreed and taken in this Parliament, caused her and her son, to be sent for by the king: but she being a manly woman, using to rule and not to be ruled, and thereto counseled by the Dukes of Excester and Somerset, not only denied to come but also assembled together a great army, intending to take the king by fine force, out of the lords hands, and to set them to a new school. The Protector lying in London, having perfit knowledge of all these doings: assigned the Duke of Norfolk and the Earl of Warwick, his trusty friends, to be about the king, and he with the Earls of Salisbury, and Rutland: with a convenient company, departed out of London the second day of December, Northward, and sent to the Earl of March his eldest son to follow him with all his power. The Duke by small journeys came to his Castle of Sandall, beside Wakefield on Christmas eve, and there began to assemble his tenants and friends. The Queen being thereof ascertained, determined to couple with him while his power was small, and his aid not come: And so having in her company, the Prince her son, the Dukes of Excester and Somerset, the Earl of Devonshire, the Lord Clifforde, the Lord Rosse, and in effect all the Lords of the Northpart, with xviij thousand men, or as some writ, xxij. thousand, marched from York to Wakefield, and bad base to the Duke, even before his Castle, he having with him not fully five thousand persons, determined incontment to issue out, and to fight with his enemies, and although sir Davy Hall, his old servant and chief Counsellor, advised him to keep his Castle, and to defend the same with his small number, till his son the Earl of March were come with his power of Marchmen and Welsh soldiers, yet he would not be counseled, but in a great fury said, a Davy, Davy, hast thou loved me so long, and now wouldst have me dishonoured? Thou never sawest me keep fortress when: I was Regent in Normandy, when the dolphin himself, with his puissance came to besiege me, but like a man, and not like a bird enclosed in a Cage, I issued and fought with mine enemies, to their loss ever (I thank God) and to my honour: If I have not kept myself within walls, for fear of a great and strong Prince, nor hide my face from any man living, wouldst thou that I for dread of a scolding woman, whose weapon is only her tongue, and her nails, should enclose myself, and shut my gates? Then all men might of me wonder, and all creatures may of me report dishonour, that a woman hath made me a dastard, whom no man ever to this day could yet prove a coward: and surely my mind is, rather to die with honour, then to live with shame, for of honour cometh fame, and of dishonour riseth infamy: Their great number shall not fear my spirits, but encourage them, for surely I think that I have there, as many friends as enemies, which at joining, will either fly or take my part: Therefore advance my Banner, in the name of God and saint George, for surely I will fight with them, though I should fight alone. The Earl of Salisbury and other his friends, seeing his courage, resolved themselves to his opinion, and ordered their men, and set them forth in warlike fashion, for their most advantage. The Duke of Somerset and other of the Queen's part, knowing perfectly, that if the Duke got the victory, their days were minished, and their livings left bore, like men quickened and wicked forward, for the safeguard of their lives, and defence of their goods, determined to abide the chance, and to espy their most advantage and so appointed the Lord Clifforde to lie in the one stolen, and the Earl of Wiltshire in the other, & they themselves kept the main battle. The Duke of York with his people, descended down the hill in good order and array, and was suffered to pass forward, toward the main battle: but when he was in the plain ground, between his Castle and the Town of Wakefield, he was environed on every side like a fish in a Net, The battle of Wakefield. or a Deer in a Buckstall: so that he manfully fighting, was within half an hour slain and dead, and his whole army discomfited, The duke of York slain. and with him died of his trusty friends, his two bastard Uncles, sir john and sir Hugh Mortimer, sir Davy Hall his chief Counsellor, sir Hugh hastings, sir Thomas Nevel, William and Thomas Aparre, both brethren, and two thousand and eight hundredth other, whereof many were young Gentlemen, and heirs of great parentage in the South part, whose lineages revenged their deaths, within four Months next and immediately ensuing. In this conflict was wounded and taken prisoner, Richard earl of Salisbury, sir Richard Limbrike, Ralph Stanley, john Harow, captain Hauson, and divers other. While this battle was in fighting, a priest called Sir Robert Aspall, Chaplain and Schoolmaster to the young Earl of Rutland, the second son to the abovenamed Duke of York, scarce of the age of twelve years, a fair Gentleman, and a maidenly person, perceiving that flight was more safeguard, then tar●yng, both for him and his Master, secretly conveyed the Earl out of the field, by the Lord Cliffordes band, toward the Town, but or he could enter into a house, he was by the said Lord Clifforde espied, followed, and taken and by reason of his apparel, demanded what he was. The young Gentleman dismayed, had not a word to speak, but kneeled on his knees craving mercy, and desiring grace, both with holding up his hands, and making a dolorous countenance, for his speech was gone for fear. Save him said his Chaplain, for he is a Prince's son, and peradventure may do you good hereafter. With that word, the Lord Clifforde marked him and said: by God's blood, thy father slew mine, and so will I do thee and all thy kin, and with that word, struck the Earl to the heart with his Dagger, and bad his Chaplain bear the Earls mother and brother word what he had done and said. In this act the Lord Clifforde was accounted a tyrant, and no gentleman, for the property of the Lion, which is a furious and an unreasonable beast, is to be cruel to them that withstand him, and gentle to such as prostrate or humiliate themselves before him. Yet this cruel Clifforde, not content with this, came to the place where the dead corpse of the Duke of York lay, and caused his head to be stricken off, and set on it a Crown of Paper, and so fixed it on a pole, and presented it to the Queen, not lying far from the field, in great despite and much derision, saying: Madam, your war is done, here is your kings ransom, at which present was much joy, and great rejoicing, but many laughed then, that sore lamented after, as the Queen herself, and her son: And many were glad then of other men's deaths, not knowing that their own were near at hand, as the Lord Clifforde, and other. But surely, man's nature is so frail, that things passed be soon forgotten, and mischiefs to come, be not foreseen. After this victory by the Queen and her part obtained, she caused the Earl of Salisbury, with all the other prisoners, to be sent to Pomfret, and there to be beheaded, and sent all their heads, and the Duke's head of York, to be set upon poles, over the gate of the City of York, in despite of them, and their lineage: whose children shortly revenged their father's quarrel, both to the Queen's extreme perdition, and the utter undoing of her husband and son. This end had the valiant Lord, Richard Plantagenet Duke of York. The Earl of March so commonly called, but after the death of his father in deed and in right very Duke of York, lying at Gloucester, hearing of the death of his noble father, and loving brother, and trusty friends, was wonderfully amazed, but after comfort given to him, by his faithful friends and sure allies, he removed to Shrewesbury, and other towns upon the River of Severne, declaring to them the murder of his father, the jeopardy of himself, and the unstable state and ruin of the Realm. The people on the Marches of Wales, which above measure favoured the lineage of the Lord Mortimer, more gladly offered him their aid and assistance, than he it either instantly required, or heartily desired, so that he had a puissant army, to the number of xxiij thousand, ready to go against the Queen, and the murderers of his father. But when he was setting forward, news were brought to him, that jasper Earl of Penbroke, half brother to king Henry, and james Butler, earl of Ormond and Wiltshire, had assembled together a great number, both of Welsh and Irish people, suddenly to surprise and take him and his friends, and as a captive to convey him to the Queen. The Duke of York called Earl of March, somewhat spurred and quickened with these novelties, retired back, and met with his enemies in a fair plain, near to Mortimer's cross, not far from Herford East, on Candlemas day in the morning, Mortimer's Cross. at which time the Sun (as some writ) appeared to the Earl of March like three Suns, and suddenly joined all together in one, and that upon the sight thereof, he took such courage, that he fiercely set on his enemies, and them shortly discomfited: for which cause, men imagined that he gave the Sun in his full brightness for his cognisance or Badge. Of his enemies were left dead on the ground, three thousand, and viii. hundredth. The Earls of Penbroke and Wiltshire fled, and Sir Owen Tewther, father to the said Earl of Penbroke, which Owen had married king Henry's mother (as you have heard before) with David Floyde, Morgan ap Reuther, and divers other were taken and beheaded at the City of Harfforde. During this season the Queen was greatly encouraged with the victory, obtained late at Wakefield, partly because the Duke of York, her utter enemy was rid out of the world, and partly, because she perceived the Lords of the North Country to adhere and cleave to her part and faction: Wherefore with a great multitude of Northern people, she marched toward London, of whose approach the Londoners were nothing glad: For some affirmed that she brought that rusty company, to spoil and rob the City: other said that she would be revenged, of such as favoured the Duke of York. So the poor Citizens hanging between the water and the fire, were much amazed, but the Magistrates and governors caused great watches to be kept, and good order to be observed. The Queen still came forward with her Northern people, intending to subvert and defeat all conclusions and agreements, enacted and assented to, in the last Parliament. And so after her long journey, she came to the town of Saint Alban's: whereof the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Warwick, and other whom the Duke of York had left to govern the king in his absence, being advertised, The battle of Saint Albon. by the assent of the king, gathered together a great host, and set forward toward Saint Albon, having the king in their company, as the head and Chieftain of the war, and so not minding to defer the time any farther, upon Shrove-tuesday early in the morning, set upon their enemies. Fortune that day so favoured the Queen, that her part prevailed, and the Duke & the Earl were discomfited, and fled: leaving the King accompanied with the Lord Bonuile, and Sir Thomas Kiryell of Kent, which upon assurance of his promise, tarried still and fled not, but their trust them deceived. For after the victory obtained, and the King brought to the Queen, they two were detained as prisoners, and so continued till the kings departing from that town. In this battle were slain xxiij hundredth men, and not above, of whom no noble man is remembered, save Sir john Grace, which the same day was made Knight, with twelve other at the Village of Coluey. Happy was the Queen in her two battles, but unfortunate was the King in all his enterprises, for where his person was present, there victory ever fled from him to the other part, and he commonly was subdued and vanquished. When Queen Margaret had thus well sped, first she caused the King, to dub Prince Edward his son Knight, with xxx other persons, which in the morning fought on the Queen's side, against his part. After she sent to the Mayor of London, commanding him without delay, to sand certain Cartes, laden with Lenten victual, for the refreshing of her and her army. The Mayor, incontinent made provision, jaded Cartes, and sent them toward the Queen. But the movable Commons, which favoured not the Queen's part, stopped the Cartes at Cripplegate, and boldly said, that their enemies which came to spoil and rob the Citizens, should neither be relieved, nor victayled by them. And notwithstanding gentle advertisement to them given, of the mischiefs which might ensue of their doings: yet they remained still in one obstinate mind and wilful will, not permitting the carriages to pass or go forward. During which controversy, diverse of the Northern horsemen came and rob in the Suburbs of the City, and would have entered at Creplegate, but they by the Commoners were repulsed, and beaten back, and three of them slain: whereupon the Mayor sent the Recorder to the kings Counsel to Barnet, to excuse the matter, and the Duchess of Bedford, and the Lady Scales, with divers sad fathers of the spirituality, went to the Queen to mollify her rancour, and assuage her melancholy, which she had conceived against the City. At this humble request, the Queen and her Counsel appointed certain Lords and Knights, with four hundredth tall persons, to ride to the City, and there to view, and see the demeanour and disposition of the people: and divers Aldermen were appointed to meet them at Barnet, and to convey them to London. But whatsoever man purposeth, God disposeth: for all these devices were shortly transmuted into an other form, because true report was brought, not only to the City, but also to the Queen, that the Earl of March had vanquished the Earls of Penbroke and Wiltshire, and that the Earl of Warwick, in whom rested the chief trust of that faction, after the last conflict had at Saint Alban's, had met with the said Earl of March at Chipping Norton, by Cottesolde, and that they with both their powers were coming toward London. These true tales turned the Queen's purpose, and altered all her long devised intents, insomuch that she little trusting Essex, and less Kent, but London lest of all, with her husband and son, departed from Saint Alban's, into the North Country, where the root and foundation of her aid and refuge only consisted. But at the day of her departing, she caused the heads of the Lord Bonuile, and Sir Thomas Kiriell, to be cut of, in the presence of her son, contrary to the mind and promise' of her husband, but amongst men of war, faith or oath, seldom is performed. The Duchess of York, seeing her husband and son slain, and not knowing what should succeed of her eldest sons chance, sent her two younger sons, George and Kychard over the sea, to the City of Wtrechte in Almaigne: where they were of Philip Duke of Burgoyne well received and feasted, and so there they remained till their brother Edward had obtained the realm, and gotten the regiment. During which time divers Merchants mistrusting the mutation of the world, fled out of the realm, amongst whom, Philip Malpas taken. one Philip Malpas a man of great riches, sailing into Flaunders, was taken by john Columme a French man, and paid four thousand Marks for his ransom. The Earls of March and Warwick, having perfit knowledge, that the king and Queen with their adherentes, were departed from saint Alban's, determined first to ride to London, as the chief Key and common spectacle to the whole realm, thinking there to assure themselves of the East and West part of the kingdom, as king Henry and his faction nesteled and strengthened him and his allies, in the North parts: meaning to have a buckler against a sword, and a southrenes Bill, to countervail a Northern bastard. And so these two great Lords, resolving themselves upon this purpose, accompanied with a great number of men of war, entered the City of London, in the first week of Lent. What should I declare how the Kentishmen resorted: how the people of Essex swarmed, and how the Counties adjoining to London, daily repaired to see, aid, and comfort this lusty Prince and flower of Chivalry, as he in whom the hope of their joy, and the trust of their quietness only then consisted. This wise and prudent noble man, perceiving the most part of the Realm, to him friendly and adherent, minding to take time when time served, called a great counsel both of Lords spiritual and temporal, and to them repeated the title, and right that he had to the realm, and dignity royal: rehearsing the articles of the agreement, not only concluded between King Henry, and his Noble father, Richard Duke of York, by their writings signed and sealed: but also corroborated and confirmed by authority of the high Court of Parliament: the breaches whereof, he neither forgot, nor omitted undeclared. After the Lords had considered and weighed his title and declaration, they determined by authority of the said counsel, for as much as king Henry contrary to his oath, honour and agreement, had violated and infringed the order taken and enacted in the last parliament, and also because he was insufficient to rule the realm, and unprofitable to the common wealth, he was therefore by the aforesaid authority, deprived and dejected of all kingly honour, and regal sovereignty. And incontinent, Edward earl of March, son and heir to Richard Duke of York, was by the Lords in the said counsel assembled, named, elected, and admitted, for king and governor of the realm: on which day, the people of the Earls part being in their muster in saint john's field, and a great number of the substantial Citizens there assembled to behold their order: suddenly the Lord Fawconbridge which took the Musters, wisely declared to the multitude, the offences and breaches of the late agreement done and perpetrated by king Henry the sixth, and demanded of the people, whether they would have the said king Henry to rule and reign any longer over them: To whom they with a whole voice, answered nay, nay. Then he asked them, if they would serve, love, and obey the Earl of March, as their earthly prince, and sovereign Lord. To which question they answered, yea, yea, crying king Edward, with many great shouts and clapping of hands. The Lords were shortly advertised of the loving consent which the commons frankly and freely of their free will had given, whereupon incontinent, they all with a convenient number of the most substantial commons, repaired to Baynard's Castle, making just and true report to the Earl of their election and admission, and the loving assent of the faithful commons. The Earl after long pausing, first thanked God of his great grace and benefit, then to him declared and showed, and the Lords and commons also, for their hearty favour, and assured fidelity, and notwithstanding that like a wise prince, he alleged his insufficiency for so great a room and weighty a burden, as lack of knowledge, want of experience and divers other qualities to a governor appertaining: yet in conclusion he being persuaded by the archbishop of Cauntorbury, the bishop of Excester and other Lords, then being present, granted to their petition, and took upon him the charge, and upon the next day, being the fourth day of March, he as king road to the Church of Saint Paul, and there offered. And after Te deum song, with great solemnity, he was conveyed to Westminster, and there sat in the Hall, with the Sceptre royal in his hand, where to all the people which there in great number were assembled, his title and claim to the crown of England was declared by two manner of ways: the first, as son & heir to Duke Richard his father, right enheritor to the same: the second, by authority of Parliament and forfeiture committed by king Henry. Whereupon it was again demanded of the commons, if they would admit and take the said Earl as their prince and soveriegne Lord, which all with one voice cried, yea, yea. Which agreement concluded, he entered into Westminster Church under a canopy, with solemn procession, King Edward the fourth proclaimed king of England. and there as king offered and after the homages taken of all the nobles there present, he returned by water to London, and was lodged in the Bishop's Palace: daily making provision to go Northward against his adverse faction and open enemies, and on the morrow he was proclaimed king, by the name of king Edward the fourth, throughout the City. While these things were in doing in the Southpart, King Henry being in the Northcountry, thinking because he had slain the Duke of York, the chief Capitayne of the contrary lineage, that he had brought all thing to purpose and conclusion as he would, assembled a great army, trusting with little pain, and small loss, to destroy the residue of his enemies, whom he esteemed to be of no force. But he was sore deceived: for out of the dead stock, sprang a strong and mighty branch, which by no means could either be broken, or made sear: which was this king Edward the fourth, which was so beloved and favoured of the people, that no man was spoken of, no person was remembered but only he: for he was so much esteemed, both of the nobility & commonalty, for his liberality, clemency, integrity, and courage, that above all other, he was extolled & praised to the very heaven. By reason whereof men of all ages & of all degrees to him daily repaired, some offering themselves and their men to jeopard their lives with him, & other plenteously gave him money, to support his charges and maintain his war. By reason whereof, he assembled together a puissant army, to the intent to give to his enemies a fierce and a sharp battle, & so in one day to obtain his purpose, & make an end of all his trouble. When his army was ready, & all things prepared, he departed out of London the twelve day of March, and by easy journeys came to the castle of Pomfret, where he rested, appointing the Lord Fitzwater to keep the passage at Ferybridge, with a great number of tall personages. Let no man think or yet imagine, that either the counsel of king Henry, or his vigilant Queen, either neglected or forgot to know or search what their enemies did, but they prepared to their power all the men, that they either could persuade or allure to their purpose to take their part, And thus thinking themselves furnished, committed the governance of the army to the Duke of Somerset, the Earl of Northumberland, & the Lord Clifford, as men desiring to revenge the death of their parents slain at the first battle of S. Albon. These noble Captains, leaving king Henry, his wife & son, for their most safeguard in the City of York, passed the river of Wharfe with all their power, intending to prohibit king Edward to pass over the river of Air, & for the more expedition & exploit of their purpose (after many comparisons made between the Earl of Northumberland, and the Lord Clifford, both being in lusty youth, & of frank courage) the Lord Clifford determined with his light horsemen, to make an assay to such as kept the passage of Ferybridge, & so departed from the great army on the Saturday before Palmsonday, & early or his enemies were ware, got the bridge, and slew the keepers of the same, & all such as did withstand him. The Lord Fitzwater hearing the noise, suddenly rose out of his bed, and unarmed, with a polar in his hand, thinking that it had been a fray amongst his men, came down to appeses the same, but or he either began his tale, or knew what the matter ment, he was slain, & with him the bastard of Salisbury, brother to the Earl of Warwick, a valiant young gentleman, & of great audacity. When the Earl of Warwick was informed of this feat, he like a man desperate mounted on his hackney, & came blowing to king Edward, saying: sir, I pray God have mercy of their souls, which in the beginning of your enterprise have lost their lives, and because I see no succours of the world, I remit the vengeance & punishment to God our creator and redeemer, & with that lighted down and slew his horse with his sword, saying: let him fly that will, for surely I will tarry with him that will tarry with me. The lusty king Edward, perceiving the courage of his trusty friend the Earl of Warwick made proclamation that all men, which were afraid to fight, should incontinent departed, & to all them that tarried the battle, he promised great rewards with this addition, that if any Soldier, which voluntarily would not abide, & in or before the conflict fly, or turn his back, that then he that could kill him, should have a great reward, and double wages. After this proclamation ended, the Lord Fawconbridge, sir Water Blont, Robert Horn with the forward, passed the river at Castelforde three miles from Ferebridge, intending to have environed, The conflict at Ferrebridge. and enclosed the Lord Clyfforde, and his company, but they being thereof advertised, departed in great haste toward king Henry's army, but they met with some that they looked not for, and were attrapped or they were ware. For the Lord Clyfforde, either for heat or pain, putting of his Gorget, suddenly with an arrow (as some say) without an head, was stricken into the throat and incontinent rendered his spirit, and the Earl of Westmerlandes brother and all his company almost were there slain, at a place called Dintingdale, not far from Towton. This end had he which slew the young Earl of Rutland, kneeling on his knees: whose young son Thomas Clifforde, was brought up with a Shepperd, in poor habit, and dissimuled behaviour ever in fear, to publish his lineage or degree, till king Henry the vij obtained the Crown, and got the diadem: by whom he was restored to his name and possessions. When this conflict was ended at Ferebridge, the Lord Fawconbridge, having the forward, because the Duke of Norfolk was fallen sick, valiantly upon Palmsunday in the twilight, set forth his army, and came to Saxton, where he might apparauntlye perceive the host of his adversaries, which were accounted lx M. men, and thereof advertised king Edward, whose whole army, they that knew it, and paid the wages, affirm to be, xlviij. M.uj C. and lx persons, which incontinent with the Earl of warwike set forward, leaving the rearward under the governance of Sir john Wenlock, and Sir john Dynham and other. And first of all he made proclamation, that no prisoner should be taken, nor one enemy saved. So the same day about nine of the clock, which was the xxix day of March, being Palm-Sunday, both the hosts approached in a plain field, between Towton and Saxton. When each part perceived other, The conflict at Saxton on Palm sunday. they made a great shout, and at the same instant time, there fell a small suit or snow, which by violence of the wind was driven into the faces of them which were of king Henry's part, so that their sight was somewhat blemished and minished. The Lord Fawconbridge, which led the forward of king Edward's battle (as before is rehearsed) being a man of great policy and of much experience in martial feats, caused every archer under his standard, to shoot one flight (which before he caused them to provide) and then made them to stand still. The Northern men feeling the shot, but by reason of the Snow, not well viewing the distance between them and their enemies, like hardy men shot their sheaf arrows as fast as they might, but all their shot was lost, and their labour vain, for they came not near the Souththren men, by xl tailors yards. When their shot was almost spent, the Lord Fawconbridge marched forward with his archers, which not only shot their whole sheaves, but also gathered the arrows of their enemies, and let a great part of them fly against their own Masters, and another part they let stand on the ground, which sore noyed the legs of the owners, when the battle joined. The Earl of Northumberland, and Andrew Trollop, which were chieftains of king Henry's Vawgard, seeing their shot not to prevail, hasted forward to join with their enemies: you may be sure the other part nothing slacked, but valiantly fought with their enemies. This battle was sore fought, for hope of life was set on side on every part, and taking of prisoners was proclaimed as a great offence, by reason whereof every man determined, either to conquer or to die in the field. This deadly battle and bloody conflict, continued ten hours in doubtful victory. The one part sometime flowing, and sometime ebbing, but in conclusion king Edward so courageously comforted his men, refreshing the weary, and helping the wounded, that the other part was discomfited and overcome and like men amazed fled toward Tadcaster bridge to save themselves: but in the mean way there is a little brook called Cock, not very broad, but of a great deepness, in the which, what for haste of escaping, and what for fear of followers, a great number were drent and drowned, in so much that the common people there affirm, that men alive passed the river upon dead carcases, & that the great river of Warfe, which is the great sewer of that brook, & of all the water coming from Towton, was coloured with blood. The chase continued all night, The battle of Towton or Sherborne. and the most part of the next day, and ever the Northern men, when they saw or perceived any advantage, returned again and fought with their enemies, to the great loss of both parties. For in this three days were slain (as they that knew it wrote) on both parts xxxuj. M.vij. C.lx and xuj persons, all English men and of one Nation, whereof the chief were the Earls of Northumberland and Westmoreland, and the Lord Dakers, A great slaughter of Englishmen. the Lord Welles, sir john Nevel, Andrew Trolop, Robert Horn, and many other Knights and esquires, and the Earl of Devonshire taken prisoner, but the Dukes of Somerset and Excester fled from the field and saved themselves. This conflict was in manner unnatural, for in it the son fought against the father, the brother against the brother, the Nephew against the Uncle, and the tenant against his Lord, which slaughter did sore and much weaken the puissance of this realm, considering that these dead men, when they were living had force enough to resist the greatest princes power of all Europe: But also gave a courage to outward enemies, and foreign Potentates, to invade and make war in this realm, which thing was not unlikely to have ensued, if either Lewis the french king had been at this time quiet in his realm, or james king of Scots had been of age and Master of himself, yet thanked be God, for although the gate of a conquest were opened, yet it was shut again or it was espied. After this great victory, king Edward road to York, where he was with all solemnity received: and first he caused the heads of his father, the Earl of Salisbury, and other his friends to be taken from the gates, and to be buried with their bodies. And there he caused the Earl of Devonshire and three other to be beheaded, and set their heads in the same places. After that, he sent out men on light horses, to espy in what part king Henry lurked, which hearing of the discomfiture and loss of his friends, departed incontinent with his wife and son, to the town of Barwike, and leaving the Duke of Somerset there, came to the kings Court of Scotland, requiring of him and his counsel, aid, succour, relief and comfort. The young king having compassion on the miserable fate and great mischance of this sorrowful man, not only comforted him with fair words and friendly promises, but also assigned to him a competent pension to live on, during the time of his abode within the Realm of Scotland. King Henry considering the great humanity, showed to him by the Scottish king, in whom only now consisted the whole hope and especial trust of his aid and succour, thought to bind the said king with some great benefit to his part, King Henry the six. delivered the town of Barwike into the hands of james king of Scotland. and for the cause delivered to him the town of Barwike upon tweed: which town the Scots many years had desired, but yet they neither by force nor fair promises, could obtain their desire or purpose before that time. Some writers affirm that he not voluntarily, but constrained by necessity, rendered the same town, or else he could not be permitted once to enter, or have any succour in the realm of Scotland. But whatsoever the cause was: after king james had taken possession of the town, he friendly entertained and faithfully supported the part and faction of king Henry, and concluded a marriage between his sister and the young prince of Wales, which marriage, Philip Duke of Burgoyne, enemy to Queen Margaret's father, laboured much to break and interrupt: but by the consent of both the friends the matrimony was agreed, but it was never solemnized, as after you shall hear. When king Henry was somewhat settled in the realm of Scotland, he sent his wife and his son into France, to king Reyner her father, trusting by his aid and secure to assemble a great army, and once again to possess his realm and dignity, and he in the mean season determined to make his abode in Scotland, to see and espy, what way his friends in England would study or invent for his restitution and advancement. But whether it were his destiny or his folly, he so imprudently demeaned himself, that within short space, he came into the hands of his mortal enemies. Queen Margaret thus being in France, did obtain and impetrate of the young French king, that all fautors and lovers of her husband and the Lancastreall band, might safely and surely have resort into any part of the realm of France, prohibiting all other of the contrary faction, any access or repair into that Country. Thus you have heard the variable chance and lamentable history of King Henry the sixth, which had reigned over this realm xxxviij years and odd Months, which the tenth year after his deposition, was again erected to his throne and estate royal, as after shall be declared. Now leaving king Henry with the Princes of his faction, consulting together in Scotland, and Queen Margaret his wife gathering men together in France, I will return to the acts of King Edward. Edward the fourth. AFter this great victory by King Edward obtained at the battle of Towton, as aforesaid, he returned like a triumphant Conqueror, with great pomp unto the City of London, where, the fourth day of March. 1460. by sound of Trumpet he was proclaimed king of this Realm, and the xxix day of june next following, he was at Westminster with all solemnity crowned, and anointed king, by the name of king Edward the fourth. And in this year he called his high court of Parliament, whereby the estate of the Realm was wholly set in good order, and specially such things as appertained to the common wealth, which before were to much neglected and decayed. During the time of this civil and intestine war, he caused all statutes and ordinances made by king Henry the sixth, (which either touched his title or his profit) to be annihilate and frustrate. In the which Parliament the Earl of Oxford far stricken in age, The Earl of Oxford and his son put to death. and the Lord Awbrey Veer his son and heir, whether it were for malice of their enemies, or they were suspected, or had offended the king, they both, and diverse of their counsellors, were attainted and put to execution, which caused john Earl of Oxford ever after to rebel. And afterward he created his two younger brethren Dukes, George duke of Clarence and Richard Duke of Gloucester. that is to say: Lord George, Duke of Clarence, Lord Richard, Duke of Gloucester, and Lord john Nevell brother to Richard earl of Warwick, he first made Lord Montacute, and afterwards created him Marquis Montacute. Beside this, Henry Bourchier, brother to Thomas archbishop of Cauntorbury, was created Earl of Essex, and William Lord Fawconbridge, was made Earl of Kent. To this Lord Henry Bourchier being a noble man in martial acts, highly approved and renowned, Richard Duke of York, long before this time, had given his sister Elizabeth in marriage: Having a firm hope, and a sure confidence, that he and his generation should be a perpetual aid to the Duke and his sequel, aswell in prosperity as adversity, associate together in all chances of fortune, which trust he did not defraud, as afterward appeared to this king Edward the fourth, son to the said Duke Richard, which for his assured fidelity, made him Earl of Essex: to the end that both he the father, and his son should ever be to him, both an aid and a bulwark. This Earl Henry, begat of Lady Elizabeth his wife, four sons, William, Thomas, john, and Henry, and one daughter named Isabella, which lived but a small season. In the which sons, in compassing and bringing great things to pass, there lacked no industry, nor providence: and they were hardy, strong, and courageous: But in Lord William, the eldest son of Henry, all these virtues were surely planted and engraven: Which William espoused Lady Anne Woodwile, descended of an high parentage, whose mother Ia●uet was daughter to Peter of Luxenborough, earl of Saint Paul, by whom he had Lord Henry afterward earl of Essex, and Cicile, and Isabella, which died unmarried: Cicile was married, to Walter Lord Ferrer of Chartley. But now to return to the purpose. Ye have heard before in the xxxviij year of the reign of king Henry the sixth, that the Lords borrowed of the Merchants of the Staple xviij thousand pound, the which money the Staplers did now sue for unto king Edward to be repaid unto them, for that they said they disburssed the same in his affairs: But their suit was smally regarded, and shortly after they were willed to silence and to demand it no more. And this year in the end of September, the king sent the Earl of Kent and other into Briteyn, who shortly after won the Isle of Conquer. When all these chances thus luckily happened to king Edward, and all things in manner were framed as he would have them: Henry Duke of Somerset, sir Ralph Percy, & divers other, being in despair, The duke of Somerset and sir Ralph Percy submit themselves unto king Edward the fourth. and out of hope of all good chance, that might happen to king Henry the sixth came humbly & submitted themselves, whom he gently entertained & lovingly received. Of which deed, the duke shortly repent him, & so did some of the other. All this season was king Henry the sixth in Scotland, which to have the more aid and comfort of the Scottish king, he delivered unto him the town of Barwike, (as you before have heard) which had been continually in the possession of the English men, from the time of king Edward the first, which with hardy courage, manful assaults, and slaughter of many thousands of Scots, valiantly conquered the same. This same season also, Queen Margaret being in France, by the means of her father & friends found such friendship at the French kings hands, that she obtained a crew of five hundredth Frenchmen, which was but a small number for her purpose, and yet a greater number than her husband or she were able to entertain in wages, of their own Coffers. She thus being accompanied, with these boasting frenchmen, of whom sir Piers Bracy, a Briteyne Knight was captain, set up her sails, and with a prosperous wind arrived in Scotland, where she and her company were welcome to her husband and son. Then the Queen and her company thinking to do some great enterprise, Queen Margaret with her company arriveth at Tinmouth. sailed toward New Castle, and landed at Tinmouth. But whether she were afraid of her own shadow, or that the frenchmen cast to many doubts, the truth is, that the whole army returned to their Ships, and a tempest rose so suddenly, that if she had not taken a small carvel, and arrived safe at Barwike: she had never vexed king Edward after, as she did with a new invasion, nor yet she had not lived all her old age in misery, wretchedness, & calamity, as she did, losing both her husband, her son, her realm, and her honour. And although at that time fortune was so favourable to her, yet her company were with stormy blasts driven on the shore before Banborough Castle, where they set their ships on fire, and cowardly fled to an Island, called holy Island, where they were so assailed by the bastard Ogle, an Esquire called john Manners, with other of king Edward's retinue, that many of them were slain, and almost four hundredth taken prisoners, and put to ransom. But the Captain Bracy more coward than courageous, happened by chance of a fisherman, and so came to Barwike to Queen Margaret his Mistress: whether she gave him thanks or no, I doubt, but sure I am, he none deserved, yet she made him Capiteyn of Alnewike castle, which he with his fresh men kept till they were rescued. This chance little amazed the Queen, nor in any thing abated her haut courage. For incontinently she obtained a great company of Scots, and other of her friends and so bringing her husband with her, and leaving her son called Prince Edward, in the town of Barwike, entered Northumberland, and took the Castle of Bambrough, and stuffed it with Scots, and made thereof captain sir Ralph Grey, and came forward toward the Bishopric of Durham. The duke of Somerset refuseth king Edward and ●●et● unto king Henry. When the Duke of Somerset heard these news, he without delay refused king Edward, and road in post to his kinsman king Henry the sixth: verifying the old proverb: kin will creep where it may not go: Refusing the surety of his estate, which king Edward did promise' him, for the uncertain gain which he hoped to get, by supporting king Henry: with him fled also sir Ralph percy, and many other of the kings friends, but many more followed him, for covetousness of spoil and rapine: insomuch that the puissance of king Henry, was thought to be of as much force, as the strength & army of his enemy king Edward. The which army was judged to be the greater, because he spoiled, & burned towns, and destroyed fields wheresoever he came. King Edward (as you could not blame him) was with these doings nothing content: wherefore like a wise Prince, intending to stop the gut of king Henry's power, or it made any further issue: prepared all munitions, convenient for the war, rigged and appareled a great navy of ships, of which some were victualed at Lyn, and some at Hull, and they were furnished with Soldiers. When his army by the sea was thus warlikely set forward: he sent the Lord Montacute (whom both for his hardiness and sage conduit in martial affairs, he much trusted and believed) into Northumberland, there to raise the people to withstand his enemies. And after this, he in his royal person, accompanied with his brethren, and a great part of the nobility of his Realm, not without a great and puissant army, marched toward his enemies, and came to the City of York, sending a great quantity of his faithful subjects, to the aid of the Lord Montacute, lest peradventure he giving to much confidence to the men of the Bishopric and Northumberlande, might by them be deceived and surprised. The Lord Montacute, forgot not the office of a good captain, and being well furnished with such as he knew would neither fly backward, nor stand still looking on, thought no longer to tract the time, but with a valiant courage marched forward toward his enemies, and encountered with the Lord Hungerford, the Lord Roos, sir Ralph percy, and divers other, Hegeley Moor. at a place called Hegely Moore. Where suddenly the said Lords, in manner without stroke striking fled, and only sir Ralph Percy abode, and was there manfully slain, with divers other, saying, when he was dying: I have saved the bird in my bosom: meaning that he had kept, both his promise and oath to king Henry the sixth. The Lord Montacute seeing fortune thus prosperously leading his sail, was advanced with hardy courage toward his enemies, and then in passing forward, he had by his espials perfect intelligence, that king Henry with all his power, was encamped in a fair plain called Livels, on the water of Dowill in Exhamshire. It was no need to bid him haste haste, as he that thought not to lose the occasion to him so manifestly given, & therefore in good order of battle, The battle at Livels, or the water of Dowill in Exhamshire. he manfully set on his enemies in their own camp, which like desperate persons, with no small courage received him. There was a sore fought field, and no party by a long tract, could get any advantage of the other, till at the last, the Lord Montacute crying on his men to do valiantly, entered by plain force the battle of his enemies, and broke their array, which like men amazed, fled hither and thither, desperate of all succour. Exham field. In which flight and chase, were taken Henry Duke of Somerset, which before was reconciled to king Edward, the Lord Roos, the Lord Molyus, the Lord Hungerford, sir Thomas Wentworth, sir Thomas Huse, sir john Finderne, and many other. King Henry was this day the best horseman of his company: for he fled so fast that no man could overtake him, and yet he was so near pursued, that certain of his Henchmen and followers were taken, their horses being trapped in blue velvet: whereof one of them had on his head, the said king Henry's Helmet. Some say his high Cap of estate, called Abococket, garnished with two rich Crowns, which was presented to king Edward, at York the fourth day of May. The Duke of Somerset, was incontinently for his great mutability and lightness, beheaded at Exham, The duke of Somerset beheaded. the other Lords and knights were had to New Castle, and there after a little respite, were likewise put to execution. Beside these persons, divers other to the number of xxv were executed at York, and in other places: whereby other fautors of king Henry's party, should be out of all trust of all victory, considering that their Captains had hopped heedless. From this battle escaped king Henry the sixth, sir Humphrey Nevell, William Taylboys, calling himself Earl of Kent, sir Ralph Grey, and Richard Tunstall, and divers other, which being in fear of taking, hide themselves and lurked in dens and holes secretly. They were not so closely hid, but they were espied: For the Earl of Kent was taken in a close place in Riddesdale, and brought to New castle, and there with an Axe lost his head. Sir humfrey Nevell after long lurking in a Cave, was taken in holderness, and at York beheaded. Thus every man almost that escaped, was after taken and scourged: so that it should seem that God had ordained all such persons as rebelled against king Edward, to have in conclusion, death for there reward. After this battle called Exhamfielde, King Edward came to the city of Duresme, to the intent to be more nearer to his enemies, if they would make any farther attempt: and sent from thence in Northumberlande the Earl of Warwick, the Lord Montacute, the Lords, Fawconbridge and Scrope, and divers other, to recover such Castles and fortresses as his enemies, there held, and with force defended. These Lords first besieged the castle of Alnewike, which sir Piers Bracy and the Frenchmen, by force and strong hand kept, & in no wise would yield, sending for aid to the Scots, whereupon sir George Douglas, earl of Angus, with xiij M. men well chosen, in the day time rescued the Frenchmen out of the castle, the Englishmen looking on, which thought it much better to have the castle, without loss of their men, then to lose both the castle and their men, considering the power of the Scots, and their small number: and so they entered the castle and manned it, and after the said lords, besieged the castle of Dunstanbrough, and by force took it, and john Goys, servant to the Duke of Somerset captain of the said castle, was taken and brought to York: where, with a Hatchet he was beheaded. These Lords also took by force, the strong Castle of Bamberough, & in it sir Ralph Grace, which was before sworn to King Edward, The disgrading of a knight. for the which perjury to both the Princes, he was disgraded of the high order of knighthood at Dancastre, by cutting of his guilt spurs, renting his Coat of arms, and breaking his sword over his head: and finally, there his body was shortened, by the length of his head. After this victory, king Edward returned to York, where, in despite of the Earl of Northumberlande, which then lurked in the realm of Scotland, he created sir john Nevell, Lord Montacute, earl of Northumberlande, and in reproof of jasper earl of Penbroke, he created William Lord Herbert earl of the same place: but after when by mediation of friends the Earl of Northumberlande, was reconciled to his favour, he restored him fully to his possessions, name, and dignity: and not intending thereby to diminish the honour of his friend, he preferred sir john Nevel, to the style of Marquis, Montacute, & so by that means, he was in estate and degree higher, than the Earl of Warwick his elder brother, but in power, policy, and possessions, far base and lower. Although King Edward might now think, all things to be in a good case, and himself also to be of puissance sufficient against all his enemies, (for that he had obtained so great a victory:) yet did he provide with all diligence, that neither king Henry, nor Queen Margaret his wife, should by any means remain in England: lest the sight, with the persuasions of them, and especially, with old friends and allies, might altar and change the minds, and also win the hearts of the mutable commonalty. Wherefore he edified bulwarks, and builded fortresses on every side and part of his realm, where might be any place apt and meet, for an army to arrive or take land. Beside this, he wrote to all them in the South parts of his realm, that in no wise they should receive the said Queen, nor any thing should help or minister to her: and if any did presume or attempt, privately or openly, to infringe his will and commandment, the offenders should be taken as his adversaries, and punished as his utter enemies. And on that part that marcheth upon Scotland, he laid watches and espyalles, that no person should go out of the realm, to King Henry and his company: which then lay sojourning in Scotland. But whatsoever jeopardy or peril might be construed or deemed, to have ensued by the means of king henry: all such doubts, were now shortly resolved and determined, and all fear of his doings were clearly put under and extinct. For he himself, whether he were past all fear, or was not well established in his perfit mind, or could not long keep himself secret, in a disguised apparel, boldly entered into England. He was no sooner entered, but he was known and taken of one Cantlowe, and brought toward the King, whom the Earl of Warwick met on the way, by the king's commandment, and brought him through London, to the tower, King Henry the sixth taken and committed to the Tower of London. and there he was laid in sure hold. Queen Margaret his wife hearing of the captivity of her husband, mistrusting the chance of her son, all desolate and comfortless, departed out of Scotland, and sailed into France, where she remained with Duke Reyner her Father, till she took her infortunate journey into England again: where she lost both husband and son, and also all her wealth, honour, and worthy felicity. The new Duke of Somerset & his brother john, sailed into Flaunders, where they also lived in great misery, till Duke Charles, because he was of their kin, and descended of the house of Lancastre by his mother, succoured them with a small pension, which to them was a great comfort. The Earl of Pembroke went from country to country, not always at his hearts ease, nor in security of life, or surety of living. Such an unstable and blind goddess is fortune: for when he that sitteth highest on the wheel falleth to the ground all that be underneath fall also, and can neither have aid nor help of her, nor yet of themselves. After the taking of king Henry the uj and the departing of his wife, this Realm was in more quietness, and tranquilytie, because that men of the contrary part and faction, durst not once attempt nor yet move any new tumult or conspiracy, considering that both the head was fallen, and the chief members fled, and vanquished. Wherefore king Edward, being clearly out of doubt, of all hostility and danger, set all his mind the whole four years following, for both amending things prejudicial to the common wealth and also for stablishing of things, meet and necessary, for the people of his Realm and dominion. And first of all, The liberality of king Edward. following the old ancient adage which sayeth, that the husbandman aught first to taste off the new grown fruit: he distributed the possessions, of such as took part with king Henry the uj to his soldiers and captains, which he thought had well deserved it. And beside, he left no point of liberality unshowed, by the which he might allure to him, the benevolence and loving hearts of his peoples: and in especial to his nobility, he gave both large and precious gifts and rewards. And because that he would gladly have the love of all men, aswell noble as ignoble, aswell of rich as of poor, he showed himself more familiar, both with the Nobility & the Commonalty, than (as some men thought) was convenient either for his estate, or for his honour: which gentleness and friendly familiarity he ever after used. The laws of the realm, King Edward the fourth devised the names of the coins in part he reform, and in part he newly augmented. The coin both of Gold & of Silver, which yet at this day is currant, he newly devised and divided: For the Gold he named Royals, and Nobles, and the Silver he called Groats, and half groats. After this he caused open Proclamation to be published, that all persons which were adherent to his adversaries part, and would leave their armure, and submit themselves wholly to his grace and mercy, should be clearly remitted, pardoned, and released: and they that obstinately would so refuse, should have such pains, as by the law to such transgressors was assigned and appointed. What profit this gentle entertaining of his people brought him to, and what good will and fixed hearts of the people, he obtained by this kind and friendly handling, all men may easily conjecture. For only by the favour and aid of the people, ever after in all his wars, he was a victor and a conqueror: so that all enterprises afterward against him attempted, had either evil success, or were soon refelled, as afterward you shall perceive. When he had brought his realm into this estate, he surely thinking, and no less trusting, but that he was set in the sure stall, stable throne, and unmovable Chair of the crown of his realm and kingdom, was not only desirous of himself, being a prince of haute courage, young, lusty, and sanguine of complexion, to have a wife, but was also daily solicited, required, and motioned of the peers and nobility of the realm, to join with such a Make, as should be both to his honour, and contentation, and also for the security and establishment of the royal succession, and continuance of his progeny, in his new possessed Country, and late recovered kingdom. Whereupon like a wise and circumspect Prince, very desirous of a Queen, but more thirsting for such a Make, by the aid of whose parents, allies, and confederates: he being joined with them in perfect affinity, might little or nothing doubt the attempts of his adversary king Henry, nor yet the malice of his secret friends and privy fautors. This matter (as it was of great weight and unportaunce) hanging long in consultation: Amongst other it was moved, to send to james the third king of Scots, for the obtaining of the fair Lady Margaret his sister, to the intent, that on that side, king Henry his adversary, should be destitute of all aid, refuge, succour, and comfort: but whether it were for a privy sickness, or an open impediment, to him and his Counsel declared, or by them spied, this motion vanished, and took no farther effect. Then (as many men have said, and few or none have written) it was farther consulted, that the Lady Elizabeth, sister & heir apparent, to Done Henry king of Castle (which afterward was his heir in deed, and married to Done Fernando, king of Arragon) was a marriage for him most convenient, and them that should lineally succeed him, considering that if he might obtain the kingdom of Castle, of the which his great Grandmother was one of the heirs, as daughter to Done Peter, late King of Castle, (by the valiant knight, Edward Prince of Wales, restored to his Signiory, Realm, and Kingdom) then were he in case, not only able to defend himself and his realm of England, against all foreign enemies, and utter invasions, but also he should be of puissance sufficient to invade, and likely to recover the Duchy of Guien, yea and whole Acquitain, being his own true and lawful inheritance, with the aid only of the castilians, putting the English men to little travail and less charge. This motion thus set forward, seemed highly to redound, both to the honour of the king, and the high advancement of, the estate of the Realm: Considering the high parentage of the woman. And this marriage agreed upon (which seemeth more likely to be entreated of then concluded.) The Earl of Warwick was sent into Spain, well instructed, & no less accompanied for the conclusion of the said marriage. But who so will diligently consider, the youth and appetite of king Edward, & the tender age & minority of this noble damosel: may evidently perceive, that it was neither decent nor convenient for him nor his realm, to abide and tarry the maturity and decent full age of this noble princes, nor that he being a prince, well cherished, of lusty courage, and apt to generation, would or could live sole & unmarried without a wife, till she were of age, meet and convenient for his bed. For it appeareth on her goodly Sepulture, in the City of Granado (where she is buried) and also divers famous and notable Historiographers, both of Spain and other regions writ and affirm, that she changed this transitory life, in the year of our Lord. 1506. being fifty years of age, one month lacking. By which report she should be borne in the year of our Lord .1456. And when the Earl of Warwick was sent for the marriage of king Edward, in the beginning of the third year of his reign, the year of our Lord was 1463. so that then she was six and not fully seven years, at which time king Edward had fully accomplished xxiiij years and more. The treaty of which marriage although it be not unpossible, yet for the causes aforesaid, it seemeth not a little unlikely. But admit that this marriage was moved, as it peradventure might be, and that the Earl of Warwick sailed into Spain (as he did not in deed) of likelihood his legation was frustrate, The treaty of a marriage for king Edward the fourth. and came to none effect: but sure it is that the same year, he came to king Lewis the xj. then being French king, lying at Tours, and with great honour was there received, and honourably entertained: of whom, for king Edward his master, he demanded to have in marriage the Lady Bona, daughter to Lewis Duke of Savoy, and sister to the Lady Carlot than French Queen, being then in the French court. This marriage seemed politicly devised, and of an high imagination to be invented, if you will well consider the state and condition of king Edward's affairs, which at this time had king Henry the sixth in safe custody, in the strong Tower of London, and the most part of his adherentes, he had as he thought, either overthrown or destroyed, Queen Margaret only except, and Prince Edward her son, which were then soiorneiing at Angiers with old Duke Reyner of Anjou her father, writing himself king of Naples, Scicile, and jerusalem, having as much profits of the letters of his glorious style, as rents and revenues out of the said large and rich Realms and dominions (because the King of Arragon took the profits of the same, and would make no account thereof to Duke Reyner.) King Edward therefore thought it necessary to have affinity in France, and especially by the Queen's sister: trusting that by the said Marriage, Queen Margaret whom the same Queen Carlot little or nothing regarded, although her father was called a king & she a Queen, and none of both having subjects, profits nor dominions, should have no aid, succour, nor any comfort of the French king, nor of none of his friends nor allies, wherefore Queen Carlot much desirous to advance her blood and progeny, and especially to so great a prince as king Edward was, obtained both the good will of the king her husband, and also of her sister, so that the matrimony on that side was clearly assented to, The marriage concluded for King Edward the fourth. and the Earl of Dampmartine appointed with other to sail into England, for the clear finishing of the same. After these things thus concluded, the Earl of Warwick was dismissed and highly rewarded, and for the great and noble courage that was in him, he obtained such favour of the king, the Queen, and the Nobles of France, that when he fled out of England, he was there honourably received, friendly maintained, and lovingly succoured, as you shall perceive hereafter. But now consider the old proverb to be true that saith: that marriage is destiny. For during the time that the Earl of Warwick was thus in France, and had concluded a marriage for king Edward: The king being on hunting in the Forest of Wychwood beside Stonnystratford, came for his recreation to the manor of Grafton, where the Duchess of Bedford sojourned, than wife to Sir Richard Wooduile, Lord Rivers, on whom then was attending a daughter of hers, called dame Elizabeth Grey, Widow of sir john Grey knight, slain at the battle of Saint Albon, by the power of king Edward. This widow having a suit to the king, either to be restored by him to some thing taken from her, or requiring him of pity, to have some augmentation to her living, found such grace in the king's eyes, that he not only favoured her suit, but much more phantasied her person, for she was a woman more of formal countenance, King Edward falleth in love with the Duchess of Bedford'S daughter, and after married her. then of excellent beauty, but yet of such beauty and favour, that with her sober demeanour, lovely looking, & feminine smiling, (neither to wanton nor to humble) beside her tongue so eloquent, and her wit so pregnant, she was able to ravish the mind of a mean person, when she alured and made subject to her, the heart of so great a king. After that king Edward had well considered all the linyaments of her body and the wise and womanly demeanour that he saw in her, he determined first to attempt, if he might provoke her to be his sovereign Lady, promising her many gifts and fair rewards, affirming farther, that if she would thereunto condescend, she might so fortune of his paramour and Concubine, to be changed to his wife and lawful bedfellow: which demand she so wisely, and with so covert speech answered and repugned, affirming that as she was for his honour far unable to be his spouse and bedfelowe: So for her own poor honesty, she was to good to be either is Concubine or sovereign Lady: that where he was a little before heated with the dart of cupido, he was now set all on a hot burning fire, what for the confidence that he had in her perfit constancy, and the trust that he had in her constant chastity, and without any farther deliberation, he determined with himself clearly to marry with her, after that ask counsel of them, which he knew neither would, nor once durst impugn his concluded purpose. But the Duchess of York his mother letted it as much as in her lay, alleging a precontract made by him with the lady Lucy, and divers other lets: all which doubts were resolved, and all things made clear and all cavillations avoided. And so privily in a morning he married her at Grafton, where he first phantasied her visage. And in the next year after, she was with great solempnitye crowned Queen at Westminster the xuj day of May. Her father also was created Earl Rivers, and made high Constable of England: her brother Lord Antony, was married to the sole heir of Thomas Lord Scales, and by her he was Lord Scales. Sir Thomas Grey, son to Sir john Grey, the Queen's first husband, was created Marquis Dorset, and married to Cicilie, heir to the Lord Bonuile. Albeit this marriage, at the first appearance was very pleasant to the king, but more joyous to the Queen, and profitable to her blood, which were so highly exalted, yea, and so suddenly promoted, that all the nobility, more marveled then allowed, this sudden rising. Yet who so will mark the sequel of this Story, shall manifestly perceive, what murder, what mystery, and what trouble ensued by reason of this marriage, for it cannot be denied, but for this marriage king Edward was expulsed the Realm, and durst not abide: And for this marriage was the Earl of Warwick, Incommodities that sp ang of king Edward's marriage. and his brother miserably slain: By this marriage were king Edward's two sons declared bastards, and in conclusion prived of their lives: And finally by this marriage, the Queen's blood was confounded and in a manner utterly destroyed. The French king and his Queen were not a little discontent (as I can not blame them) to have their sister first demanded, and then granted, and in conclusion rejected and apparently mocked, without any cause reasonable. Wherefore shortly to appeses her dolour, they married her to john Galence, Duke of milan, where she lived in great felicity. But when the Earl of Warwick had perfit knowledge by the letters of his trusty friends, that king Edward had gotten him a new wife, and that all that he had done with king Lewis in his ambassade for the conjoining of this new affinity, was both frustrate and vain, he was earnestly moved and sore chafed with the chance, and thought it necessary that king Edward should be deposed from his crown and royal dignity, as an inconstant Prince, not worthy of such a kingly office. All men for the most part agreed, that this marriage was the only cause, why the Earl of Warwick bore grudge, and made war on king Edward. Other affirm that there were other causes, which added to this, made the fire to flame, which before was but a little smoke. For after that king Edward had obtained his kingdom (as it was then thought) by the only help and mean of the Earl of Warwick, he began to suspect, yea, and to doubt him, fearing lest he being in such authority and estimation of the people, as he well might work him pleasure or displeasure, when he thereunto were minded, wherefore he thought it convenient a little, & a little to pluck away and minish the power and authority, which he and his predecessors had given to the Earl, to the intent that he then might do at his pleasure, both at home and in outward parties, without fear or dread, without check or ●aunt, whatsoever to his own mind seemed most convenient. By this a man may see that often it chanceth, that friends for one good turn will not tender another, nor yet remember a great gratuity and benefit in time of necessity to them showed and exhibited: But for kindness they show unkindness, and for great benefits received, with great displeasure they do recompense. Of this the Earl of Warwick was nothing ignorant, which although he looked for better thanks and greater benefits at king Edward's hands: yet he thought it best to dissimule the matter till such a time were come, as he might find the king without strength, The displeasure between king Edward the fourth, and the Earl of Warwick. and then to imbrayd him with the pleasure that he had done for him. And farther it erreth not from the truth that king Edward did attempt a thing once in the Earls house, which was much against the Earls honesty (whether he would have deflowered his daughter or his Niece, the certainty was not for both their honours openly known) but surely such a thing was attempted by king Edward. But whether the injury that the Earl thought he had taken at king Edward's hands, or the disdain of authority that the Earl had under the king, was the cause of dissolution of their amity and league, truth it is, that the privy intentions in their hearts broke into so many small pieces, that England, France, and Flaunders, could never join them again, during their natural lives. The Earl of Warwick being thus moved, inflamed, and set against the king, lest in his fury, his purpose might he eyspyed and brought to naught, determined himself, covertly dissimuling, so long to suffer all such wrongs and injuries, as were to him done, till he might spy a time convenient, and a world after his own appetite, for the setting forth of his enterprise, and accomplishing of his purpose: whereupon he sailed into England, and with reverence saluted the king, as he was wont to do, and declared his Ambassade & the exploit of the same, without any spot of grudge to be perceived, as though he were ignorant of the new matrimony. And when he had tarried in the Court a certain space, more for to show that he was the same person, and of the same good mind toward the king, as he was before the time of his Ambassade, then for any great affection that he bore, either to the king or to the Queen, he obtained licence of the king to departed to his Castle of Warwick, both for his health and recreation, whether with great honour he was accompanied with divers of the kings familiar servitors, as though none inward grudge or covert dissimulation had been hidden between them, where he remained till all his privy imaginations were made open, The birth of the Lady Elizabeth wife to king Henry the seventh and mother to king Henry the eight. and all his enterprises were ready to be set forward. And in the end of this year, that is to say, the xj day of February, the Queen was delivered of a young and fair Lady, named Elizabeth, which afterward was wife to the noble Prince king Henry the seventh, and mother to king Henry the eight. When king Edward had reigned this, full the term of five years, not all in pleasure, nor yet so in displeasure, but either by policy or friendship, he ever was superior, and had the upper hand of his enemies: He daily studied and applied his whole mind with all labour and diligence to obtain the love, favour, and amity of outward princes. First to have a rowland for an Oliver, for the French king whom he knew not to be his friend, by reason of the refusal of his queens sister, he procured an amity with Henry, King Edward licensed a certain number of Sheep to be transported into Spain. king of Castle, and john king of Arragon. At the concluding of which amity he granted licence and liberty for certain cotsolde Sheep to be transported into the Country of Spain (as people report) which have so there multiplied and increased, that it hath turned the commodity of England much to the Spanish profit, and to no small hindrance of the lucre and gain which was before times in England, raised of wool and fell. Beside this to have an amity with his next neighbour the king of Scots, he wyncking at the town of Barwyke, was content to take a truce for fifteen years. But Lord what happy chance and good luck had king Edward, for beside these new friends and confederates (of the which, some were more farther off, than he could call to for help with a whistle, when he stood in most danger and distress) Fortune beside all his expectation provided him even at his elbow, a brother in law, a perpetual ally and friendly neighbour: which offered alliance and new amity, if he had either refused or miss, surely of all his other supposed friends, for all their league, in his extreme necessity, had clearly left him without comfort. This happy chance came by this occasion. In this same season was Lord and Prince in Flaunders, Brabant and Zelande, Philip Duke of Burgoyn. and other the low Countries there about, Philip Duke of Burgoyne, a man as he was of great age and years, so was he had in much honour, great estimation and high reverence amongst all kings and Princes in his days: which Duke as you have heard before, was enemy mortal to king Henry the sixth. This Duke had only one son legitimate, called Charles Earl of Charoloys, a man of such haute courage and audacity, as few or none was in his time: For how he discomfited king Lewis the xj then the French king at the battle of Montleherrie, the Frenchmen hath not yet forgotten. The land of Luke also hath in fresh memory his sore scourge and cruel plague. This Earl Charles was at this time a Widower, having only a sole daughter, & no son, wherefore both by his father and himself and the companions of the order of the golden fleece, being of their counsel, it was thought not only expedient but much more necessary, that he should take a wife, yea and in such a place, as they might by that matrimony have both alliance and aid against all their outward enemies, and especially against the French king, whom they knew daily to wait, and watch like a Serpent, how he by fraud might swallow or catch them or their possessions: upon which communication it was declared by certain, there being present, that king Edward of England had a fair Virgin to his sister, called Lady Margaret, a Lady of excellent beauty, whose good qualities, beside the gifts of nature, grace and fortune, were so seriously set forth to Duke Philip, and the Earl of Charoloys his son, that both the father and the child judged that marriage to be the most meetest matrimony in Christendom, not only for the excellent virtues imprinted in the person of the noble Virgin, but also for the great profit, alliance and continual friendship that should grow and rise between the realm of England, and the Duke's lands. After this marriage was fully resolved upon, the Duke appointed his bastard son Lord Antony, commonly called the bastard of Burgoyn, chief Ambassador for this purpose: a man of great wit, courage, valiantness and liberality, which being richly furnished of plate, and apparel, Anthony the Bastard son of Philip Duke of Burgoyne. necessary for his estate, having in his company gentlemen and other expert in all feats of chivalry, and martial prowess, to the number of four hundredth horses, (as the Brabanders writ) took his ship, and with prosperous wind arrived in England, where he was of the Nobility received, and with all honourable entertainment conveyed to the kings presence, which like a Prince, that knew what appertained to his degree, lovingly welcomed, and familiarly embraced him, and other Nobles that came with him. And after his Commission seen, and his message declared, the king gave to him a gentle answer for that time, and so the Ambassadors departed to their lodging, where they kept a great household, and made triumphant cheer. You may think that king Edward was not so unwise, nor yet so unpurveyed of counsel, to forsake this beneficial alliance, thus frankly to him proffered and granted, but that he and all his counsel endeavoured themselves to bring the same to pass (the Earl of Warwick only except) which bearing his hearty favour to the French king by evil reports, did as much as in him lay to hinder this marriage and affinity, of whose good will the Earl Charles was well informed. But for all his opinion at a certain day, the king sent for the Ambassadors, and there declared to them how he gladly did both accept & grant their loving request & demand, promising them in the word of a prince, that he would be during his life friend to the friends of the Duke and the Earl, and enemy to their adversaries and enemy's, which words much pleased the Burgonions. After this he caused the Lady Margaret his sister to be sent for, which being richly appareled, accompanied with a great multitude of Ladies and gentlewomen, entered into the kings great Chamber with so sober a demeanour, so fair a visage, so loving a countenance, and so princely a port, that she was esteemed for her parsonage and qualities, both of the Burgonions and other, A marriage concluded between Charles the son of Philip Duke of Burgoyne and Lady Margaret sister to king Edward the fourth. not to be unworthy to match in matrimony, with the greatest Prince of the world. And after the king, she and the Ambassadors, had commoned a good tract of time, the Lord Anthony Bastard of Burgundy, contracted openly the said Lady Margaret, for and in the name of his brother the Earl Charles, and there in the name of the Duke his father, and the Earl his brother, he presented to the Lady Margaret a rich and a costly jewel, which she joyously received with great thanks given, both to her father in law, and her new contracted husband. After this marriage thus concluded and contracted. The Bastard of Burgoyne, A Challenge. a man of a haute courage, challenged Anthony Lord Scales, brother to the Queen, a man both equal in heart and valiantness with the Bastard, to fight with him both on foot and on horseback, the Lord Scales gladly received his demand, and promised him on the oath of a Gentleman, to answer him in the field at the day appointed: Like challenges were made by other Burgonions, to the gentlemen of England, which were not refused. The king intending to see this martial sport, and valiant challenge performed, caused lists royal for the Champions, and costly galleries for Ladies to look on, to be newly erected in West Smithfield in London. And at the day by the king assigned, the two Lords entered within the Lists well mounted, richly trapped, and curiously armed. On which day they ran together certain courses with sharp Spears, and so departed with equal honour. The next day, they entered the field, the Bastard sitting on a bay courser, being somewhat dim of sight, and the Lord Scales had a grey courser, on whose schaffron was a long and a sharp pike of steel. When these two valiant persons coped together at the Tornay, the Lord Scales horse by chance or by custom, thrust his pike into the nostrils of the horse of the Bastard, so that for very pain he mounted so high, that he fell on the one side with his master, and the Lord Scales road round about him, with his sword shaking in his hand, till the king commanded the Marshal to help up the Bastard, which openly said, I cannot hold by the Clouds, for though my horse failed me, surely I will not fail my counterpanion. And when he was remounted, he made a countenance to assail his adversary, but the king either favouring his brother's honour then gotten, or mistrusting the shame which might come to the Bastrad, if he were again foiled, caused the Heralds to cry, a Lostel. and every man to departed▪ The Morrow after, the two noble men came into the field on foot, with two Pole-axes, and there fought valiantly like two courageous Champions, but at the last, the point of the Axe of the Lord Scales happened to enter into the sight of the helmet of the Bastard, and by fine force might have plucked him on his knees, the king suddenly cast down his warder, and then the marshals them severed. The Bastard not content with this chance, very desirous to be revenged, trusting on his cunning at the Polaxe (the which feat he had greatly exercised, and therein had a great experiment) required the king of justice, that he might perform his enterprise: the Lord Scales not refused it. The king said he would ask counsel, and so calling to him the Constable, and martial, with the officers of Arms, after long consultation had, and laws of arms rehearsed, it was declared to the Bastard for a sentence definitive, by the Duke of Clarence, than Constable of England, and the Duke of Norfolk earl Martial, that if he would prosecute farther his attempted challenge, he must by the law of Arms be delivered to his adversary in the the same case and like condition, as he was when he was taken from him, that is to say, the point of the Lord Scales Axe to be fixed in the sight of his helm, as deep as it was when they were severe. The Bastard hearing this judgement, doubted much the sequel, if he should so proceed again, wherefore he was contented to relinquish his challenge, rather than to abide the hazard of his dishonour. Other Challenges were done, and valiantly achieved by the English men, which I pass over. When all these courageous acts were thus with joy accomplished, sorrowful tidings were brought to the Bastard, that Duke Philip his father was passed this transitory life, Philip duke of Burgoyn dead. of which tidings he was not a little sorrowful, and thereupon taking his leave of king Edward and his sister, the new Duchess of Burgoyne, liberally rewarded with Plate and jewels, with all celerity he returned to the new Duke Charles his Nephew, accounting to him what exploit he had made in his Ambassade & message, which answer was to the great contentation and accomplisment of the desire of the said Duke, and thereof most heartily thanked the Lady for her consent, as for the thing that he most desired, not forgetting to gratify king Edward for his preferment and furtherance in his loving request. Now to return to Charles Duke of Burgoyn, which with great victory, and triumph, returned from the conquest of the land of Luke to Bruseles, he not forgetting the contract, which his bastard brother the Lord Anthony had made in his name, with the noble Princess Lady Margaret, sister to Edward King of England, devised always how he might with all honour and royalty, have her received into his country. And first he wrote to the king of England, to send her over the sea with all diligence, according to the pact and league between them concluded, which being nothing slack, and especially in such a cause, as so highly magnified his blood, prepared ships and all things necessary, for the honourable conduit of her and her company, and so accompanied with the Dukes of Excester, and Southfolke, and their wives, being both her sisters, and a great company of Lords, and Ladies, and other to the number of five hundred horses, and in the beginning of june departed out of London to Dover, and so sailed to Scluce, where she and her company were received, and from thence conveyed to Bruges, where marriage was celebrated and solemnized. After the departure of this Lady Margaret. Sir Thomas Cook late Mayor of London, which before had been accused of treason by a servant of the Lord Wenlockes, called hawkins, and at the request of the said Lady Margaret, was suffered upon surety to go at large, was now arrested, and sent to the Tower, and his goods seized by the Lord Rivers, than treasurer of England, and his wife put out of his house, and she was committed to the charge of the Mayor, where she lay a great while after. And after the said sir Thomas was brought from the Tower to the Guildhall and there arraigned of treason, and was quit by sundry inquests, and yet after was committed to the Counter in Bredstrete, and from thence to the King's bench in Southwark, where he lay until his friends did agreed with Sir john Brandon, than keeper of the said prison, to take him home to his place, where to his great charge he remained prisoner long after. In which time he lost great riches, and two places, the one in the country, the other in London, besides a great value of jewels, Plate, and money, with sundry rich merchandises, as clothe of Gold, Silver, Velvet, Satin, and other silks. And finally after many persecutions, and losses, he was compelled by a fine set upon him for misprision of treason to pay unto the king eight thousand pound, and so set a large. But shortly after he was newly troubled by the Queen, who demanded of him of every thousand pound that he paid to the king for his fine, one hundredth mark that was due to her, for the which he was compelled also to agreed, to his exceeding charges, beside his great and long vexation. But now let us return to the History of the Earl of Warwick, who at his return from beyond the sea, for the continual grudge that lurked in his stomach, toward king Edward, ye must think that of very necessity it would at length either burst the vessel, and by some means issue out, as it did now even at this time: he being at his town of Warwick, accompanied with his two brethren the Marquis Montacute, and the archbishop of York, framed communication to make them merry and to pass forth the time two or three days, at the last having occasion to speak of the king and his doings and proceedings, he then first moved and excited them by all ways possible to help and aid, and to restore king Henry the sixth, to the Crown and royal dignity again. And after the Earl of Warwick had uttered a number of flattering and glozing words, the archbishop consented unto him, but the Lord Marques could by no means be reduced to take any part against king Edward, till the Earl had both promised him great rewards and high promotions, and also assured him of the aid, and power of the greatest Princes of the Realm. Even as the Marquis unwillingly, and in manner constrained, gave his consent, to this unhappy conjuration, at the enticement and procuring of the Earl, so with a faint heart, and less courage, he always showed himself enemy to king Edward, except in his last day: which lukewarm heart, and double dissimulation, was both the destruction of him, and his brethren. The Earl of Warwick being a man of a great wit, far casting and many things foreseeing, either perceived by other, or had perfit knowledge of himself, that the Duke of Clarence, bore not the best will to king Edward his brother, (as he did not in deed) thought first to prove him a far off, as it were in a problem, and after to open to him (if he saw him flexible to his purpose) the secret imaginations of his stomach: thinking that if he might by policy, or promise, allure the Duke to his party, that king Edward should be destitute, of one of his best Hawks, when he had most need to make a flight. So at time and place convenient, the Earl began to complain to the Duke, of the ingratitude and doubleness of king Edward, saying that he had neither handled him like a friend, nor kept promise with him, according as the estate of a Prince required. The Earl had not half told his tale, but the Duke in a great fury answered, why my Lord, think you to have him kind to you, that is unkind, yea, and unnatural to me being his own brother, think you that friendship will make him keep promise where neither nature nor kindred, in any wise can provoke, or move him, to favour his own blood? Think you that he will exalt and promote his Cousin or ally, which little careth for the fall or confusion, of his own line and lineage? This you know well enough, that the heir of the Lord Scales he hath married to his wives brother, the heir also of the Lord Bonuile and Harrington, he hath given to his wives son, & the heir of the Lord Hungerford, he hath granted to the Lord Hastings: three mariges more metre for his two brethren and kin, then for such new foundlings, as he hath bestowed them on. But by sweet Saint George I swear, if my brother of Gloucester would join with me, we would make him know, that we were all three one man's sons, of one mother, and one lineage distended which should be more preferred and promoted, then straunges of his wife's blood. When the Earl of Warwick had hard the Duke's words, he had that which he both sore thirsted, and lusted for, and then began boldly to disclose to the Duke, his intent and purpose, even at the full, requiring him to take part with him, and to be one of the attempted confederacy. And lest the Duke might think, that the matter was lightly, and uncircumspectly begun, he declared to him, how warily, how secretly, how speedily all things concerning this purpose, had been compassed, studied, and foreseen, requiring him in so great, and urgent a cause both to take pain and travail, and also to study with all circumspection and foreseeing, how these things thus begun might be brought to a certain and final conclusion. The duke of Clarence entereth into a confederacy against his own brother King Edward. And the rather to win the Duke's heart, the Earl beside divers and many fair promises made to the Duke, offered him his eldest daughter (being of ripe age, and elegant stature) in marriage with the halfedele of his wives inheritance. The Duke at the persuasion and request of the Earl, promised to do all things which he would or could, in any manner require, or desire. After that the Duke and the Earl had long consulted, concerning their strange and dangerous affairs, they first determined to sail to Calais, of the which town the Earl was chief captain, where his wife and two daughters then sojourned, whom to visit, the Duke of Clarence being in amoures had no small affection. But the Earl continually remembering the purpose that he was set on, thought to begin and set forward the same, before his departure: wherefore he appointed his brethren the Archbishop, and the Marquis that they should by some mean in his absence, stir up some new Commotion or Rebellion, in the County of York, and other places, near thereabouts, so that this civil war should seem to all men, to have begun without his assent or knowledge, he being in the parts beyond the Sea. When all these things were thus determined, and in grave counsel allowed, the Earl and the Duke sailed directly to Calais, where they were solempnlye received, and ioyouslye entertained of the Countess, and of her two daughters. And after that the Duke had sworn on the Sacrament to keep his promise and pact inviolate, made and concluded with the Earl of Warwick, he married the Lady Isabel, eldest daughter to the said Earl, in our Lady Church at Calais, with great pomp & solemnity. After which marriage so solemnized, the Duke & the Earl consulted sadly together, by what means they should continued the war, (which as it was by them appointed) was quickly and within few days begun in Yorkshire, not without great rumour and disturbance, of all quietness in that Country. A commotion. The mother of this pernicious commotion, was uncharitie, or very impiety, for there was in the City of York, an old and a rich Hospital, dedicated unto saint Leonard, in the which Almosehouse the poor and indigent people were harboured and refreshed, and the sick and impotent persons were comforted and healed. For this good purpose and charitable intent, all the whole province of York, gave yearly to this Hospital certain measures of corn, in manner as an oblation of the first fruits of their new grain, thinking their gift given to so good a place, and for so good a purpose, should be to them meritorious, and before God acceptable. Certain evil disposed persons, of the Earl of Warwikes faction, intending to set a broil in the Country, persuaded a great number of husbandmen, to refuse and deny to give any thing to the said Hospital, affirming and saying, that the corn that was given to that good intent, was not expended on the poor people, but the Master of the Hospital waxed rich with such almose, & his priests waxed fat, and the poor people lay lean without succour or comfort. And not content with these sayings, they fell to doings, for when the Proctors of the Hospital, according to their usage went about the Country, to gather the accustomed corn, they were sore beaten, wounded, and very evil entreated. Good men lamented this ungodly demeanour, and the perverse people much at it rejoiced, and took such a courage, that they kept secret conventicles, and privy communications, insomuch that within few days, they had made such a confederacy together, that there were assembled to the number of xu thousand men, even ready priest to set on the City of York. When the fame of this commotion and great assemble, came to the ears of the Citizens of York, they were first greatly astonished: but leaving all fear aside, they were in a great doubt and uncertainty, whether it were best for them to issue out of their walls, and to give battle to the rebels, or to keep their City, and repulse the violence of their enemies, by the manful defending of their walls and ports. But the Lord Marques Montacute, governor and precedent of that Country for the king, did shortly put the Citizens out of all fear and suspicion of invasion, for he taking speedy counsel, considering the opportunity of the time, with a small number of men, but well chosen, encountered the rebels before the gates of York: where after a long conflict, Robert Hulderne a rebel beheaded. he took Robert Hulderne their captain, and before them commanded his head there to be smitten off, and then he caused all his soldiers (because it was dark, to enter into the City of York) and after their long labour to refresh them. Here is to be marveled why the Marquis thus put to death, the Captain and ruler of the people, stirred and raised up by him, and the fellows of his conjuration and conspiracy. Some say he did it to the intent, that he would seem faultless and innocent of all his brothers doings and privy imaginations: But other affirm and say, that he for all his promise made to his brother, was then fully determined to take part with king Edward, with whom (as it shall after appear) he in small space entered into great grace and high favour. The people being nothing abashed at the death of their Capitayne, but rather the more eager and fierce, by fair and gentle speech and crafty persuasions: found the means to get to them Henry, son and heir to the Lord Filz Hugh, and Sir Henry Nevell, son and heir to the Lord Latimer, the one being Nephew, and the other Cousin germane to the Earl of Warwick. Although that these young Gentlemen, bore the names of Captains, yet they had a Tutor and governor called Sir john Conyers a man of such courage and valiantness, Sir john Coniers a chief Capteyne of the rebels. as few was in his days, in the North parts. And first considering that they could not get York for want of ordinance and artillery, which they did lack in deed, they determined with all speed to march toward London, intending by the way to raise such a fantasy in the people's hearts, that they should think that king Edward was neither a just Prince to God, nor profitable to the common wealth of the realm. When king Edward (to whom all the doings of the Earl of Warwick and the Duke his brother were manifest) was by divers letters sent to him, certified that the great army of the Northern men, were with all speed coming toward London. Therefore in great haste he sent to William Lord Herbert, whom within two years before, he had created Earl of Penbroke, that he should without delay encounter with the Northern men, with the exstremitie of all his power. The Earl of Penbroke, commonly called the Lord Herbert, was not a little joyous of the king's letters, partly to deserve the King's liberality, which of a mean gentleman, had promoted him to the estate of an Earl, partly for the malice that he bore to the Earl of Warwick, being the sole obstacle (as he thought) why he obtained not the Wardship of the Lord Bonuiles' daughter and heir, for his eldest son. Whereupon he being accompanied with his brother Sir Richard Herbert, a valiant knight, and above six or seven thousand Welshmen well furnished, marched forward to encounter with the Northern men. And to assist and furnish him with archers, was appointed Humffrey Lord Stafforde of Southwike (named, but not created) Earl of Devonshire, by the King in hope that he valiantly would serve him in that journey, and with him he had eight hundred archers. When these two Lords were met at Cottishold, they made diligent inquiry to here where the Northern men were, and so by their espials they were ascertained, that they were passing toward Northampton, whereupon the Lord Stafforde, and Sir Richard Herbert with two thousand well horsed Welshmen, said: they would go view and see the demeanour and number of the Northern men, and so under a woods side, they covertly espied them pass forward, and suddenly set on the rearward: but the Northern men with such agility so quickly turned about, that in a moment of an hour the Welshmen were clean discomfited and scattered, and many taken, and the remnant returned to the army with small gain. King Edward being nothing abashed of this small chance, sent good words to the Earl of Penbroke, encouraging and bidding him to be of good cheer, promising him not all only aid in short time, but also he himself in person royal, would follow him with all his puissance and power. The Yorkshire men being glad of this small victory, were well cooled and went no farther Southward, but took there way toward Warwick, looking for aid of the Earl, which was lately come from Caleis, with the Duke of Clarence his son in law, and was gathering and raising of men, to secure his friends and kinsfolk. The king likewise assembled people on every side, to aid and assist the Earl of Penbroke and his company. But before or any part received comfort or succour, from his friend or partaker, both the armies met by chance, Banbery stalled. in a fair plain, near to a town called Hedgecot, three mile from Banbery, wherein be three hills, not in equal distance, nor yet in equal quantity, but lying in manner, although not fully triangle: the Welshmen got first the West hill, hoping to have recovered the East hill: which if they had obtained, the victory had been theirs, as their unwise prophesiers promised them before. The Northern men encamped themselves on the South hill. The Earl of Penbroke and the Lord Stafforde of Southwike, were lodged at Banbery the day before the field, which was S. james day, and there the Earl of Penbroke, put the Lord Stafford out of an Inn wherein he delighted much to be, for the love of a damosel that dwelled in the house: contrary to their mutual agreement by them taken, which was, that whosoever obtained first a lodging, should not be deceived nor removed. After many great words and cracks, had between these two capitains, the Lord Stafforde of Southwyke, in great despite departed with his whole company and band of archers, leaving the Earl of Penbroke almost desolate in the town, which with all diligence returned to his host, lying in the field unpurveyed of archers, abiding such fortune as God would send and provide. Sir Henry Nevell son to the Lord Latimer, took with him certain light horsemen, and skirmished with the Welshmen in the evening, even before their camp, where he did divers valiant feats of arms, but a little to hardy, he went so far forward that he was taken & yielded, and yet cruelly slain: which unmerciful act, the Welshmen sore rued the next day or night. For the Northern men being inflamed and not a little discontented, with the death of this noble man, in the morning valiantly set on the Welshmen, and by force of archers caused them quickly to defend the hill into the valley, where both the hosts fought. The Earl of Penbroke behaved himself like a hardy Knight, and an expert captain, but his brother sir Richard Herbert so valiantly acquitted himself, that with his Pole-axe in his hand (as his enemies did afterward report) he twice by fine force passed through the battle of his adversaries, & without any mortal wound returned. If every one of his fellows and companions in arms, had done but half the acts, which he that day by his noble prows achieved, the Northern men had obtained neither safety nor victory. Beside this, behold the mutability of fortune, When the Welshemen were at the very point, to have obtained the victory (the Northern men being in manner discomfited) john Clappam Esquire, servant to the Earl of Warwick, mounted up the side of the East hill, accompanied only with five C. men gathered of all the rascal of the town of Northampton & other Villages about, having borne before them the standard of the Earl, with the white Bear, crying a Warwick a Warwick. The Welshmen thinking that the Earl of Warwick had come on them with all his puissance, suddenly as men amazed fled: the Northern men them pursued and slew without mercy, for the cruelty that they had showed to the Lord Latymers son. So that of the Welshemen there were slain above five thousand, beside them that were fled and taken. The Earl of Penbroke, sir Richard Harbert his brother, A great slaughter of Welshemen. and divers Gentlemen were taken, and brought to Banbery to be beheaded, much lamentation, and no less entreaty was made to save the life of Sir Richard Herbert, both for his goodly parsonage, which excelled all men there, and also for the noble chivalry, that he had showed in the fields the day of the battle, insomuch that his brother the Earl, when he should lay down his head on the block to suffer, said to sir john Coniers, and Clappam: Masters, let me die, for I am old, but save my brother, which is young, lusty, and hardy, meet and apt to serve the greatest prince of Christendom. But sir john Coniers and Clappam, remembering the death of the young knight sir Henry Nevell, cousin to the Earl of Warwick, could not hear on that side but caused the Earl and his brother, with divers other Gentlemen, to the number of ten, to be there beheaded. The Northamptonshyre men, with divers of the Northern men by them procured, in this fury made them a captain, and called him Robin of Riddisdale, and suddenly came to the manor of Grafton, where the Earl Rivers, father to the Queen then lay, Robin of Riddesdale. whom they loved not, and there by force took the said Earl, and sir john his son, and brought them to Northampton, and there without judgement struck off their heads, whose bodies were solemnly interred in the black Friars at Northampton. When King Edward was advertised of these unfortunate chances, he wrote in all haste to the Shreive's of Sommersetshyre, and Devonshire, that if they could by any mean take the Lord Stafford of Southwike, that they upon pain of their lives, should without delay put him in execution, which accordingly to the kings commandment, after long inquiry and search made, found him hid in a village in Brentmarche, called _____ where he was taken and brought to Bridgewater, Hedgecot● field commonly called Banbery field. and there cut shorter by the head. This was the order, manner, and end of Hedgecot field, commonly called Banberie field, fought the morrow after Saint james day, in the eight year of King Edward the fourth, the which battle ever since hath been, and yet is a continual grudge between the Northern men, and the Welshemen. After this battle the Northern men resorted toward Warwick, where the Earl had gathered a great multitude of people, which Earl gave high commendations to sir john Coniers, and other Captains of the North much rejoicing, that they had obtained so glorious a victory, requiring them to continued as they had begun. The King likewise sore thirsting to recover his loss late sustained, and desirous to be revenged of the deaths and murders of his Lords and friends, marched toward Warwick with a great army, and ever as he went forward his company increased, because he commanded it to be noised and published to the common people, that his only intent was to destroy, and utterly to confounded the unhappy stock of such pernicious persons as would disturb and bring in thraldom, the quiet commons and peaceable people. The Earl of Warwick had by his espials perfect knowledge how the king with his army was bend toward him, and sent in all haste possible to the Duke of Clarence (which was not far from him with a great power) requiring him that both their hosts might join in one, for as far as he could imagine, the time of battle was very near. The Duke hearing these news, in good order of battle, came and encamped himself with the Earls host. When all things were ready prepared to fight: by the means of friends, a mean was found how to common of peace, for the which letters were written from each part to the other, declaring their griefs and the very bottoms of their stomachs: Heralds spared no horse flesh in riding between the king and the Earl, nor in returning from the Earl to the King: The king conceiving a certain hope of peace in his own imagination, took both less heed to himself, and also less feared the outward attempts of his enemies, thinking, and trusting truly that all things were at a good point, and should be well pacified. All the kings doings were by espials declared to the Earl of Warwick, which like a wise and politic captain intending not to lose so great an advantage to him given, but trusting to bring all his purposes to a final end and determination, by only obtaining this enterprise: in the dead of the night, with a chosen company of men of war, as secretly as was possible set on the kings field, killing them that kept the watch, and or the King were ware (for he thought of nothing less than of that chance that happened) at a place called Wolney, four mile from Warwick, he was taken prisoner, and brought to the Castle of Warwick. And to the intent that the kings friends might not know where he was, nor what was chanced of him, King Edward the fourth taken prisoner by the Earl of Warwick. he caused him by secret journeys in the night to be conveyed to Middelham Castle in Yorkshire, and there to be kept under the custody of the archbishop of York his brother, and other his trusty friends, which entertained the king, like his estate, and served him like a Prince. But there was no place so far off, but that the taking of the King was shortly known, which news made many men to fear, and greatly to dread, and many to wonder and lament the chance. King Edward being thus in captivity, spoke ever fair to the archbishop, and to the other keepers (but whether he corrupted them with money or fair promises) he had liberty divers days to go on hunting, and one day, on a plain there met with him sir William Stanley, sir Thomas of Brough and divers other of his friends, King Edward scapeth out of prison. with such a great band of men, that neither his keepers would, nor once durst move him to return to prison again. Thus as you have heard was king Edward delivered: Some say that he was set at large by the Earls consent and commandment, as who say I had him in my keeping, and might have destroyed him, but yet of mine own free-will and gentleness, without pact or ransom, I am contented to set him at liberty and to deliver him. This doing might seem to be some countenance of truth, if the Earl after this had left of from prosecuting the war by him newly begun: But for a truth this good chance happened to king Edward, by the ill luck of king Henry, for surely by this ill fortune a man may plainly conjecture, that the extreme point of decay of his house and estate was apparently at hand, considering that neither by man's policy, nor by worldly riches his unhappy predestinate chance could not be put by, such was God's pleasure, for if you consider how that the Earl of Warwick and his friends, only to the intent to aid, conserve and defend king Henry the sixth have dispended their substances, adventured their lives, and taken pains intolerable, having a sure determination, fixed in their minds, that as long as king Edward lived, that king Henry's faction should never prospero, and yet now when he was by the Earl taken prisoner and in captivity, he by fortune escaped, or was wilfully delivered. By this you may plainly perceive that the luck of king Henry was infortunate, and that all that was done for him, and in his quarrel, ever redouned to his misfortune and detriment, ever noting this, that when things contrived and imagined come to an unlucky success, all the senses of our bodies are there by anger, fear, or madness ravished, & in manner distracted from themselves. But to return to the purpose. When King Edward had escaped the hands of his enemies, he went strait to York, where he was with great honour received of the Citizens and there tarried two days to prepare some small army, to accompany him in his journey, but when he perceived that he could have no host meet and convenient to pass to London, through the midst of his enemies (as he was appointed to do) he returned from York to Lancaster, where he found the Lord Hastings his Chamberlain well accompanied. He then with the aid of the Lord hastings, and such other as drew to him, being well furnished, with speedy journeys, came safe to his City of London. When the Earl of Warwick and the Duke of Clarence, had knowledge how the king by treason of them that they put in trust, was escaped their hands, and that in one moment of time, all their long studies and forecasts were brought to none effect or conclusion, they waxed angry, and chafed without measure, & by and by calling together all their chief friends began to consult again of new, and to inquire the state of their enemies, to the intent that they might make a beginning of a new war, which they conjectured to have taken an end when the king was brought into captivity. The minds of these Princes were much satisfied, and their courage greatly kindled, by reason that a great number of men having more pleasure in discord then in concord, loving better strife than unity, offered themselves to begin new war of their own desire and request. King Edward took even like study for the wars as his enemies did, minding either to bring them to conformity or reason, by dent of sword, or else by power of battle utterly to destroy and exstirpate them and their affinity, to the intent that all men might lead a more quiet life, and live in more safety and rest: for Churches and Temples were every where rob and spoiled, houses burnt, and men slain in every place, all the realm was replenished with blood, slaughter, sorrow, and lamentation. Cornefields were destroyed, Cities & towns were made desolate and languished with famine and dearth, beside many other things, which happen by the cruelty and fury of war and rebellion. This tumult and trouble in the common wealth of this realm sore vexed and troubled many, but in especial the nobility much lamented and pitied the state of the commonalty, which with all diligence road between the king, the Earl and the Duke to reconcile them each to other, and exhorted them rather to deserve the love of all men, by keeping of peace and unity, then by fight and unnatural war to destroy the realm, and win the hatred and malice of all the nation: The authority first of the Nobility of the realm, and secondarily their charitable motion, so mitigated the minds, both of the king, the Duke and the Earl, that each gave faith to other to go and come, safely without jeopardy. In which promise the Duke and the Earl having perfect trust and confidence, came both to London, accompanied with to small a number of men, in comparison to the great danger that they were in. And at Westminster, the king, the Duke and the Earl had a long communication together, for some end to be taken or made between them: But they fell at such great words with such imbrayding and casting in the teeth of old benefits showed, or of old unthankfulness received, that in a great fury, without any conclusion they departed, the king to Canterbury, and the Duke and the Earl to Warwick, where the Earl of Warwick prepared a new host to rise in Lincolnshire, and made thereof captain sir Robert Welles, son to Richard Lord Welles, an expert man in arms, and very politic in war. These news suddenly brought to the King, did not a little vex and tickle him, because he ever fervently hoped that his adversaries would rather come to some honest conditions of concord, than so rashly and so suddenly to renew the war. And the more rumour that was spread (contrary to his expectation) of this new begun battle, the sooner he gathered together an host for the resistance of the same, and out of hand he sent to Richard Lord Welles, willing him upon the sight of his letters with all haste to repair unto him, which oftentimes he had excused by sickness and debility of his body. But when that excuse served not, he thinking to purge himself sufficiently before the King's presence, took with him Sir Thomas Dymock, which had married his sister, & so together came to London. When he was come up, his friends certified him that the King was with him highly discontented. Wherefore for very fear, he with his brother in law took sentuary at Westminster, intending there to abide till the Prince's ire were somewhat assuaged & mitigate. King Edward which thought to pacify all this busy tumult, without any farther bloodshed, promising both those persons their pardons, caused them upon his promise to come out of Sentuary to his presence, and calling to him the Lord Welles, willed him to writ to Sir Robert his son to leave of the war, and not to take the Earls part. And in the mean season, he with his army went forward toward his enemies, having with him the Lord Welles, and Sir Thomas Dymock, and being not passed two days journey from Stamford, where his enemies had pitched their field, had perfect knowledge that Sir Robert Welles nothing moved with his father's letters, still kept his camp, abiding the king and his power. The king having high indignation at his presumption, and minding to be revenged in part, contrary to his faith and promise caused the Lord Welles, father to the said Sir Robert, and sir Thomas Dymock, A great dishonour to a Prince. to be beheaded there, to the terrible example of other, which shall put their confidence in the promise of a Prince. When sir Robert Welles hard that the King drew near, and that his father and sir Thomas Dymock were beheaded, he stood first in a great perplexity, studying whether he should give battle or not, because it was both perilous and doubtful to fight with so great an army, before the Earl of Warwick with his power were assembled, but yet having a young and a lusty courage, and with manly boldness stirred and pricked forward, he set on his enemies. The battle was sore fought on both parts, and many a man slain, and in conclusion, while Sir Robert was exhorting and provoking his men to tarry, which were in manner discomfited, and ready to fly, he was environed and beset about with his enemies, and so was taken, and with him sir Thomas Delaund Knight, and many more. After his taking, the Lincolnshire men amazed, threw away their coats, the lighter to run away and fly, and therefore this battle is yet there called Loscote field. Loscots' field. The king glad of this victory, commanded out of hand sir Robert Welles and divers other, to be put to execution in the same place. The fame was, that at this battle were slain ten thousand men at the lest. The Earl of Warwick lay at this time at his Castle of Warwick, and was coming with a huge host the next day toward his army in Lyncolneshire, but when he hard say that they had fought sooner than he thought either they could or would, and that his party was overthrown and vanquished: Although he might now be discouraged, yet he thought it necessary to dissimule the case, because oftentimes in battle, vain things be regarded before true, and to the intent to comfort certain of his company (being in despair and ready to fly) both in word and deed, he gathered together and prepared a new host, and with all the study and industry that he could practise or use, he imagined how to compass Thomas Lord Stanley, which had married his sister, that he might be one of the confederacy and conjuration: which thing when he could not bring to pass, for the Lord Stanley had answered him plainly, that he would never make war against king Edward, he thought to spend no longer time in waste, and mistrusting that he was not able to meet with his enemies, he with the Duke of Clarence his son in law, departed to Excester, and there tarrying a few days, and perceiving that all things lacked, which were apt and necessary for the war, determiend to sail to king Lewis the French king, to renew the familiar acquaintance, which he had with him, when he was there of Ambassade for the marriage of King Edward as you have heard, having a sure confidence and hope, either to have a great aid of the French king, or else to incense him earnestly to make battle against king Edward. And resting upon this opinion, they hired ships at Dartmouth in Devonshire, well armed, and at all points trimmed and decked. And when wind and weather served them, the Duke and the Earl with their wines, and a great number of servants plucked up the sails, and took their way first toward Caleys where the Earl of Warwick was chief Capitayne, and thought there to have left his wife and daughters, till he had returned out of France. This sudden departing of King Edward's adversaries, did not only vex and bite him at the very stomach, but also did kindle and quicken him to look the more diligently to his affairs and business, and especially, because that the absence of the Earl of Warwick, made the common people daily more and more to long and be desirous to have the sight of him, and presently to behold his parsonage. For they judged that the Sun was clearly taken from the world, when he was absent: In such high estimation among the people, was his name, that neither no one man, they had in so much honour, neither not one person they so much praised, or to the Clouds so highly extolled. What shall I say? His only name sounded in every song, in the mouth of the common people, and his person was represented with great reverence, when public plays, or open triumphs should be showed, or set forth abroad in the streets: which hearty favour, was the apparent occasion why his faction and company within a few days, marvelously increased and augmented. For the which cause, the King was vexed with a double mischief, for he doubted much, whom he should most fear of two, either the familiar enemies abiding at home, or the outward foes, lingering beyond the sea: but chiefly he provided to withstand the Earl of Warwikes landing. And first he wrote to Charles Duke of Burgoyn, which had married the Lady Margaret his sister, to help that the earl nor his company, should have neither aid nor refuge in any part of his, nor his friends territories, or Dominions. These tidings were joyful to the Duke of Burgoyn, as to him which (according to the old proverb) hated the Earl of Warwick, worse than the cur dog, or serpent: partly, because he was the overthrower and confounder of the house of Lancaster, of the which the Earl was lineally descended, by the Duchess his mother, partly because the Earl had such high offices, and was so renowned in England, that King Edward the Duke's brother in law, might not do liberally all things in his Realm, as he himself would (which the Duke esteemed to be a great bondage.) And partly, because the Earl withstood with all his power and might, the conclusion of the marriage, between the kings sister and the said Duke: But the chief rancour was, because the Earl of Warwick favoured the French king, whom the Duke loved not, for at his last being in France, he promised the French King to be friend to his friends, and utter enemy to his foes and adversaries. This rooted hatred, and cankered malice, which the Duke bore to the Earl, caused him to attempt more displeasures, and to invent more mischiefs against the Earl, than either King Edward could imagine, or was of the Duke required, as you shall plainly perceive, by the sequel of this History. Now let us speak of the Earl of Warwikes doings. The Earl as you have heard before, sailed from Dartmouth toward Calais, where he was Captain general, and with a prosperous wind came before the town, in which fortress was deputy for the Earl, the Lord Vawclere a Gascoigne, beside divers of the Earl of Warwikes servants, which bore great offices and authorities in the town. This Vawclere, whether he did it by dissimulation, The duchess of Clarence delivered of a son upon the sea, before the town of Calais. or bearing his good mind to King Edward (as by the sequel hereof I doubt whether he did or not) In steed of receiving of his master with triumph, he bent and discharged against him, divers pieces of ordinance, sending him word, that he should there take no land. This navy thus lying before Calais at anchor, the Duchess of Clarence was there delivered of a fair son, which child the Earls Deputy uneath would suffer to be christened within the town, nor without great entreaty, would permit two wagons of wine to be conveyed aboard to the Ladies lying in the haven. This was a great rigour and extremity, for the servant to use against the master, or the inferior to use against the superior, for the Earl hoped, and nothing less mistrusted, then to be assured and purveyed in that place: But he was feign to keep the Seas, without comfort or aid of any of his servants. The King of England was quickly advertised of the refusal that Monsire de Vawclere made to his captain the Earl of Warwick, which manful doing, so much pleased the King, that incontinent he made him chief Captain of the town of Calais, by his letters patents, which were sent to him out of hand, and thereof discharged clearly the Earl, as a traitor, and a rebel. Duke Charles of Burgoyne, lying at Saint Homer's (which would needs have an hour in the Earl of Warwikes boat) being advertised also of Monsire de Vawcleres refusal made of his master, sent to him his trusty servant, Philip Comines the writer of this History. Philip de Comines (which wrote all these doings in a Chronicle) and gave to him yearly a thousand Crowns in pension, (a small reward God wot, for so high a service, as untruly to keep his master from his office) praying and requiring him, to continued in truth and fidelity toward King Edward, as he had showed and begun. The Messenger found him so toward, and of such conformity, that he was content to swear in his presence, truly to take King Edward's part against all men, and only to his use to keep and defend the strong town of Calais. But the said Philip de Commines sore mistrusted Monsire de Vawclere, because he sent word to the Earl of Warwick privily, lying at Whitsandbay, that if he landed he should be taken and lost, for all England (as he said) took part against him, the Duke of Burgoyne and all the Inhabitants of the town, were his enemies, the Lord Duras the kings Marshal, and all the retinue of the garrison were his adversaries: so that for a final conclusion, his only safeguard and comfort, were to withdraw him and his company into France, where he knew he should be highly received, and better welcomed, and as for the town of Calais, he should take no thought, for the said Monsire de Vawclere promised thereof to make him a good reckoning, when time and opportunity should serve. This counsel was profitable to the Earl of Warwick, but not to the king of England, and less pleasant to the Duke of Burgoyn: which Princes might very well think both the office of the Capitainship of Calais, and the pension of the thousand Crowns (if it were paid) on such a deep dissembler, to be evil employed. The Earl of Warwick as he was both before his departure out of England, determined, and also now by Monsire de Vawclere, newly counseled and advised, with his navy sailed toward Normandye, and in the mean way, rob, spoiled, and took many rich ships of the Duke of Burgoyns countries, (which sore nettled the Duke, and caused him to prepare a strong, and a great army on the sea, to take the Earl prisoner, as he returned homeward) and at the last with all his navy, and spoil, he took land at Deep in Normandye, where the governor of the country for the French king, friendly welcomed him, and lovingly entertained him, certifying king Lewis of his landing and arrival. King Lewis a great season before, had so much marveled at the public fame, and common renown, of the noble acts, and high prows, of the Earl of Warwick, and he thought nothing might more pleasantly happen, or chance toward him, then to have a cause, or occasion to him ministered, whereby he might do the Earl some profit or pleasure. Which long lust according to his desire, was now likely to take effect, to his contentation, and the Earls great commodity: wherefore being joyous of his landing in France, he sent unto him certain Princes, which declared to him on the king's behalf, that as the king had long time sought ways, and means, how to do him pleasure, aid, and comfort: So seeing that now the time was come, that the Earl had necessity of all those things, he assured him that he would neither forget him, nor yet desist to do for him any thing, which might be consonant to his request and friendly desire, requiring him with the Duke his son in law, to take pain to come to his Castle of Amboys, set on the River of Leyre, affirming that they should neither loose their labour, nor think their journey to have evil success in the conclusion. When Duke Charles knew that the Earl was landed in Normandy, he sent in all haste a Post to King Lewis, with whom he was then joined in a league, requiring him neither to help with men nor money, the Earl of Warwick, nor the Duke of Clarence, open enemies to King Edward, his fellow, friend, and brother in law, and his perpetual ally, and trusty confederate, adding thereto sharp words, and threats, if he would in any case, be to them a refuge or succour. The French king did not only contemn his proud words, and laughed at his threatening, and bold bragging, but soberly answered, that without breaking of any league, or treaty, he lawfully might and would help his friends: Of which number, he affirmed the Earl of Warwick to be one, which thing if he did, he said, it should be neither cost, charge, nor burden to the Duke of one blank. When the Duke had certified the king of England of this answer, he was suddenly in a dump, and began earnestly, to imagine and consider who were his friends, and who were his foes, apprehended some, whom he thought guilty, and began with them to question, who were friends to his enemies, and of their conjuration (which was the occasion that many fearing themselves, fled unto Sanctuary) and many trusting the kings pardon, submitted and yielded themselves to the King's clemency. Amongst whom, john Marques Montacute, humbly yielded himself, and vowed to be ever true to the king (as he had done before time) whom he with much humanity and fair words, did receive and entertain, to the intent to draw and allure the hearts of other men, to join and knit with him, against all hostility and utter enemies. While these things were thus treated in England, the Earl of Warwick and the Duke of Clarence, road with great pomp toward Amboyse, where the French King lay, and by the way, the people gathered together, and in great number flocked, to see and behold, the person and visage of him of whose valiant acts, and wonderful doings, their ears had many times been filled and replenished. When he came to the king's presence, he was with all kindness of courtesy and humanity received and welcomed. To whom by long tract of time, he declared the causes, and considerations of his coming into France. King Lewis aswell having now delectation, with the presence of his friend, as he was accustomed to rejoice and be joyous, when he hard either laud or praise of him in his absence, promised him his power, his riches, and all things that he might, or could do, to help him in his trouble, and to refresh him in his adversity. When Queen Margaret, which sojourned with Duke Reyner her Father, called king of Sicily. etc. Hard tell of the Earl of Warwick and the Duke of Clarence, had abandoned England, and were come to the French Court, hoping of new comfort, with all diligence came to Amboyse, with her only son Prince Edward, and with her, came jasper earl of Pembroke, & john earl of Oxenford, which after divers long imprisonments, lately escaped, fled out of England into France, and came by fortune to this assemble. After that they had long commoned, and debated divers matters, concerning their surety and wealth, they determined by mean of the French king, to conclude a league and a treaty between them. And first to begin with all, for the more sure foundation of the new amity, Edward prince of Wales, wedded Anne second daughter to the Earl of Warwick, which Lady came with her mother into France. This marriage seemed very strange to wisemen, considering that the Earl of warwicke, had first disherited the father, and then to 'cause his son to marry with one of his daughters, whose sister the Duke of Clarence before had married, which was ever extreme enemy to the house of Lancaster: whereupon they divined that the marriage of the Prince, should ever be a blot in the Duke's eye, or the marriage of the Duke, a mote in the eye of the Prince, each of them looking to be axalted, when the Earl on him smiled, and each of them again thinking to be overthrown, when the Earl of him lowered. After this marriage, the Duke & the Earl took a solemn oath, that they should never leave the war, until such time as king Henry the sixth, or the Prince his son, were restored to the full possession and Diadem of the realm, and that the Queen and the Prince, should depute and appoint the Duke and the Earl, to be governors and conservators, of the public wealth, till such time as the Prince were come to man's estate, and of ability, meet and convenient, to take upon him so high a charge, and so great a burden. There were many other conditions concluded, which both reason, and the weightiness of so great a business, required to be set forward. While these Lords were thus in the French Court, there landed at Calais a damosel, belonging to the Duchess of Clarence, (as she said) which made Monsire de Vawclere believe, that she was sent from king Edward to the Earl of Warwick, with a plain overture and declaration of peace. Of the which tidings, Vawclere was very glad for the Earls sake, whom he thought (by this peace) to be restored to all his old possessions, rooms, and dignities. But he was sore by this damosel deceived for her message (as it after proved) was the beginning of the Earls confusion. For she persuaded the Duke of Clarence, that it was neither natural, nor honourable to him either to condescend or take part against the house of York, (of which he was lineally descended) and to set up again the house of Lancastre, which lineage of the house of York, was not only by the whole Parliament of the realm declared to be the very and indubitate heirs of the Kingdom, but also king Henry the sixth and his blood affirmed the same, and thereupon made a composition, which of record appeareth. Furthermore she declared, that the marriage of the Earls daughter with prince Edward, was for none other cause but to make the Prince king, and clearly to extinguish all the house of York, of whom the Duke himself was one, and next heir to the Crown, after his eldest brother, and his children. These reasons, and the marriage of the Prince to the Earls daughter, so sank in the Duke's stomach, that he promised at his return, not to be so extreme an enemy to his brother, as he was taken for, which promise' afterward he did not forget. With this answer the damosel departed into England, the Earl of Warwick thereof being clearly ignorant. When the league was concluded (as you before have heard) the French King lent them ships, money, and men, and that they might the surer sail into England, he appointed the Bastard of Burgoyn Admiral of France with a great Navy, to defend them against the army of the Duke of Burgoyne, which was stronger than both the French Kings Navy, or the English fleet. King Reyner did also help his daughter to his small power, with men, and munitions of war. When this army (which was not small) was gathered and come together to Harflete, at the mouth of the river of Seyne, abiding wind and weather. The Earl of Warwick received letters out of England, that men so much daily and hourly desired and wished for his arrival and return, that almost all men were in harness, looking for his landing: wherefore he was required to make haste, yea, haste more than haste, although he brought no succour with him. For he was farther assured, that assoon as he had once taken land, there should meet him many thousands (as after it proved in deed) to do him what service or pleasure they could or might: When the Earl had received these letters, he not a little regarding such an offer, and so many great benefits to him even at hand apparently proffered, fully determined with the Duke, and the Earls of Oxenford and Penbroke (because Queen Margaret and her son, were not fully yet furnished for such a journey) to go before with part of the Navy, and part of the army, and to attempt the first brunt of fortune and chance, which if it well succeeded, then should Queen Margaret and her son, with the residue of the Navy and people follow into England. The Earl of Warwick thinking this weighty matter, not worthy to be lingered, but to be applied with all diligence possible, taking his leave of the French king Lewis, giving him no small thanks, both on the behalf of King Henry, and also for his own part, and so being dismissed, came where his Navy lay at Anchor, commanding his men to go on ship board, minding to take his course toward England. The Duke of Burgoyne which was not content that the Earl of Warwick and his company was succoured and aided of the French king against his brother in law, king Edward of England, to withstand that army, and to take the Earl of Warwick prisoner, if it were possible. He prepared such a great Navy, as lightly hath not been seen before, gathered in manner of all Nations, which army lay at the mouth of Seyne, ready to fight with the Earl of Warwick, when he should set out of his harborough. See the work of God, the same night before the Earl departed, there rose such a sudden wind and a terrible tempest, that the Duke's ships were scattered one from another, some drowned, some weather driven into Scotland, so that two of them were not in company together in one place. In the morning next following, the weather waxed fair, and the wind prosperous, The Earl of Warwick returneth into England. whereupon in hope of a bone voyage, the Earl and his company hoist up their sail, and with good speed landed at Dartmouth in Devonshire, from which place he passed into France, almost the sixth month last passed. Before this time the Duke of Burgoyne Charles, which more hated the Earl of Warwick, and envied his prosperie, than he loved king Edward, saving for his aid that he trusted of in time of necessity, wrote to King Edward, both of the doings of the Earl of Warwick in France, and of his army and power, & also certified him by his trusty servants of the place, where the Earl purposed with all is people to take land, King Edward passed little on the matter, trusting to much to the movable commons of his Realm, and without any army laid, either to keep the Earl from landing, either to encounter with him at the first arrival, to the intent that his friends should not draw in heaps to him for his strength, left all purveyance for defence alone, and road on hunting, hawking, and using all manner of pastimes, with Ladies and Damosels, for his disport and solace that could be imagined or invented. When the Earl of Warwick had taken land, he made a proclamation in the name of king Henry the sixth upon high pains, commanding and charging all men apt, or able to bear armour, to prepare themselves to fight against Edward Duke of York, which contrary to all right, justice, and law, had untruly usurped the crown and imperial dignity of this realm. It is almost incredible to think how soon the fame of the Earls landing was blown over, thorough all the whole realm, and how many thousand men of war, at the very first tidings of his landing, were suddenly assembled and set forward to welcome him. When he was thus, according to his desire, fully furnished on every side with his kindred and friends, he took his way toward London, where he judged and faithfully believed, to find more open friends then privy enemies. When King Edward knew of the Earls landing, and of the great repair of the people, that to him incessantly without intermission did resort, he then began to think on his business, and studied how to find a remedy for a mischief (but this was to late.) And first he wrote to the Duke of Burgoyne, requiring him to have a vigilant eye to the sea, and so to see the streams kept and scoured with his Navy, that the Earl neither should nor might return again into France, if he should be again propulsed out of the realm. And as for the doings in England he bade let him alone, for he was both of puissance and ability, sufficient to overcome and defend all his enemies and rebels, within his own realm and country. This saying little or nothing pleased the Duke of Bourgogne's messengers, for they thought that it had been much more profitable to king Edward to have circumspectly foreseen afore, and provided to stop his landing, then now suddenly to abide the fortune of battle, which is ever doubtful and uncertain. King Edward accompanied with the Duke of Gloucester his brother, the Lord Hastings his chamberlain, which had married the Earls sister, and yet was ever true to the King his Master, and the Lord Scales brother to the Queen, sent out Curriers to all his trusty friends, for the furniture of able persons, meet for the war & convenient for the defence of his own royal person, intending if he might by any policy, or subtle engine to cirumvent or trap the Earl of Warwick, knowing perfitly that if he had once mastered the chief Belwether, the flock would soon be disperse. Of them that were sent for, few in effect came, but the greatest heads winked and said they could not, but they meant they would not come. King Edward being in perplexity, and in diffidence of raising any army, with such trusty friends as he had departed into Lincolnshire, King Edward's flieth for fear of the Earl of Warwick. consulting what was best to be done, but suddenly or he was fully determined on any certain purpose, news were brought to him, that all the towns, and all the Country adjoining was in great roar, and made fires and sang songs, crying, King Henry, King Henry, a Warwick, a Warwick: King Edward was much abashed with these new tidings, and more and more his espials and Messengers declared and accounted to him, that all the Realm was up, and by open Proclamation commanded to make war against him, as enemy to king Henry and the Realm: wherefore his near friends advised and admonished him to fly over the sea to the Duke of Burgoyn, his brother in law, there to tarry till God and fortune should send him better luck and chance, he being somewhat ruled by his counsel, but much more quickened by having knowledge, that some of the Earl of Warwikes power, was within half a days journey, and less of his tail, with all hast possible passed the washeses (in greater jeopardy than it beseemed a Prince to be in) and came to the town of Lynne, where he found an English ship and two Hulks of Holland ready (as fortune would) to make sail and take their journey, whereupon being in a marvelous agony, and doubting the mutability of the towns men, taking no farther leisure for his sure succour and safeguard, with his brother the Duke of Gloucester, the Lord Scales, and divers other his trusty friends entered into the ship, without bag or baggage, without cloth sack, or ma●e, and perchance with a great purse and little treasure, for he nor his had no leisure to provide, according to their degrees and estates. Thus the King being accompanied with one small ship of his own, and two Hulks, and vij or eight hundredth persons with him having no provision, and but small store of money, sailed toward Holland. At which time the Easterlynges were mortal enemies, aswell to the Englishmen, as to the French nation, and had done the last years past much prejudice and damage to the English merchants, both in taking and spoiling of Ships. And as the King with sail and ower was making his course as fast as he could possible, the Easterlynges, which had many Ships of war on the sea, him espied (according to the old proverb) one ill cometh never alone, and with vij or eight gallant Ships, began to chase the king and his company. The kings Ship was good with sail, and so much got of the Easterlynges, that she came on the coast of Holland, and so descended lower, before a town in Holland called Alquemare, and there cast Anchor as near the Town as was possible, because they could not enter the Haven at an ebbing water. The Easterlynges also approached the English ship as near as their great ships could come at the low water, intending at the flood to have obtained their prey, and so they were likely to do, if Monsire de Gronture, governor for Duke Charles in Holland had not at that season been personally present in those parties. A strange chance happening to King Edward●. O what a miserable chance and strange luck was this to happen so suddenly to a king, and in especial to such a king, as by his own valiantness and prowess had overcome his foes, and destroyed his enemies in more than five or six great and mortal battles. First to be persecuted, exiled, and expulsed his own Realm and Kingdom, by his own servants, subjects, and kinsmen. Secondarily, being destitute of all help and comfort, flying to his only friend and brother in law Duke Charles, for refuge and succour, to be chased on the sea by his mortal enemies and deadly foes, and like to be taken prisoner, and brought into captivity, which thing, if it had happened (as God would that it should not) he had lain long unraunsomed, (King Henry being restored to his pristinate estate and dignity royal) or else he had died prisoner in great wretchedness and misery. These sour sauces he tasted as a penance for his wanton living, and negligent overseeing of things, that he might well have foreseen and prevented, but his mind was so given to pastime, dalliance, and sensual pleasure, that he forgot the old adage, saying in time of peace, provide for war, and in the time of war, provide for peace, which thing if he either had well remembered, or politicly provided for, he had not been chased and expulsed his Realm within xj days as he was in deed. King Edward thus lying at Anchor in great fear of the Easterlynges, was by great chance comforted and relieved, or he witted how, for the same time lay in the town of Alquemare the Lord Gronture, chief governor of Holland for Duke Charles of Burgoyne, which being incontinent advertised of the kings arrival, and also of the great jeopardy that he was in, prohibited first the Easterlynges in no wise on pain of death, to intermit or meddle with any English men, which were both the Duke's friends and allies: which commandment so vexed and troubled the Easterlings, making sure reckoning to have had their prey and prise, a King, a Duke, divers Barons, and rich gentlemen, that they cried out of God, railed and cursed the Duke and his officer, and in a rage hoist up their sails, and without more expectation of good luck, departed home to their Country. The Lord Gronture came aboard the ship where King Edward was, and him honourably saluted, and required him to come to land, offering him his service with all pleasures that he could do or imagine to be done. The King him heartily thanked, and was well revived and comforted with his words, and so he with all his company were set on land, and well refreshed. The Lord Gronture like a noble man, considering in what poor estate and necessity the King and his people were in, ministered to them abundantly all things convenient and necessary, according to every man's estate and degree, at the Duke's charge and cost. And after they had been well refreshed, and newly appareled, he conducted them to the Hage, a rich town in Holland where they arrived on the Church holy day, not long after Michaelmas. The Lord Gronture, of all this adventure wrote to the Duke his Master, which thereat, was at the first so abashed and amazed, to see the Earl of Warwick, whom he hated more than a Crocodile, to have the upper hand of his brother, that he had rather heard of King Edward's death, then of his discomfiture, and in especially by the Earl of Warwick, whom he more feared and disdained, than any one man living, yet he willed the Lord Gronture, to see him and his company well entertained at the Hage, till he sent for them. Now let all English men consider (as before is rehearsed) what profit, what commodity, & what help in distress, the marriage of the Lady Margaret, King Edward's wife, sister to the Duke Charles, did to him in his extreme necessity: and but by that mean uncurable extremity, for his allies and confederates in Castle and Arragon, were to far from him, either speedily to fly to, or shortly to come fro with any aid or army. The French king was his extreme enemy, and friend to King Henry, for whose cause, in the King of Scots (for all the league between them) he did put little confidence and less trust. The steeds and all Eastland were with him at open war, and yet by this marriage, God provided him a place to fly too, both for refuge and for relief. When the fame was spread of King Edwardes flying, innumerable pe●ple resorted to the Earl of Warwick to take his part, but all king Edward's trusty friends went to divers Sentuaryes, daily looking and hourly harkening, Prince Edward the son of King Edward the fourth, borne in the sentuary of Westminster. to here of his health and prosperous return, who afterward served him manfully and truly. Amongst other, Queen Elizabeth his wife, almost desperate of all comfort, took sentuary at Westminster, and there in great penury forsaken of all her friends, was delivered of a fair son called Edward, which was with small pomp, like a poor man's child christened and baptized, the Godfathers being the Abbot & Prior of Westminster, and the Godmother, the Lady Scrope. The Kentish men rebel. The Kentishemen this season, whose wits be ever movable at the change of Princes, came to the Suburbs of London, and spoiled houses, rob berehouses, & by the counsel of sir Geoffrey Gates, and other Sentuary men, they broke up the kings Bench, and delivered prisoners, and at the last fell at Radclefe, Lymehouse, and saint Katheryns, to burning of houses, slaughter of people, and ravishing of women: which small sparkle had grown to a great flame, if the Earl of Warwick with a great power had not suddenly quenched it, and punished the offenders: which benefit by him done, caused him much more to be praised and accepted among the Commons than he was before. When he had settled and put an order in all things, according as he thought most convenient. Upon the, xii. day of October he road to the Tower of London, which was to him without resistance delivered, and there took king Henry the sixth out of the ward, where he before was kept, and brought him into the kings lodging, and there was served, according to his degree. And the xxv day of the said month, the Duke of Clarence accompanied with the Earls of Warwick, Shrewesbury, and the Lord Stanley, and other Lords and Gentlemen, some for fear, and some for love, and some only to gaze at the wavering world, resorted with a great company to the Tower of London, and from thence with great pomp brought King Henry the sixth appareled in a long Gown of blue Velvet, through the high streets of London, to the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, the people on the right hand and on the left hand, rejoicing and crying, God save the King, as though all thing had succeeded as they would have it, and when he had offered as kings use to do, he was conveyed to the palace of the Bishop of London, and there kept his household like a king. King Henry the sixth again restored to his kingly estate. King Henry the sixth thus again recovering (by the means only of the Earl of Warwick) his Crown and dignity royal, began newly to reign, likely within short space to fall again, and to taste more of his accustomed captivity, and usual misery. This ill chance and misfortune, by many men's opinions happened to him, because he was a man of no great wit, such as men commonly call an innocent man, neither a fool, neither very wise, whose study always was more to excel other, in Godly living and virtuous example, then in worldly regiment, or temporal dominion, insomuch, that in comparison to the study and delectation that he had to virtue and godliness, he little regarded, all worldly power and temporal authority: But his enemies ascribed all this to his coward stomach, affirming that he was a man apt to no purpose, nor meet for any enterprise, were it never so small: But whoso ever despiseth or dispraiseth, that which the common people allow and marvel at, is often taken of them for a mad and undiscreet person, but notwithstanding the vulgar opinion, he that followeth, & embraceth the contrary, doth prove both sad and wise (verifying Salomons Proverb) the wisdom of this world, is foolishness before God. Other there be that ascribe his infortunity, only to the stroke and punishment of God, affirming that the Kingdom, which Henry the fourth his Grandfather wrongfully got, and unjustly possessed against king Richard the second and his heirs, could not by very divine justice, long continued in that injurious stock: And that therefore God by his divine providence, punished the offence of the Grandfather, in the sons son. When king Henry had thus obtained again, A parliament called by king Henry the sixth wherein king Edward is declared a traitor. the possession and dominion of the realm, he called his high Court of Parliament to begin the xxvi day of November at Westminster, in the which king Edward was declared a Traitor to his Country, and usurpor of the realm, because he had unjustly taken on him, the crown and Sceptre, and all his goods were confiscate and adjudged forfeit: and like sentence was given against all his partakers and friends. And beside this, it was there enacted that extreme punishment should be done without delay over such persons, as for his his cause were taken or apprehended, and were either in captivity, or went at large upon trust of their sureties, amongst whom Lord john Typtoft, earl of of Worcester Lieutenant for King Edward in Ireland, exercising there more extreme cruelty (as the fame went) then princely pity, or charitable compassion, and in especial on two infants, being sons to the Earl of Desmond, was either for treason to him laid or malice against him conceived, attainted and beheaded. Beside this, all statutes made by King Edward were clearly revoked, abrogated, and made frustrate. The Crowns of the Realms of England and France, was by the authority of the same Parliament entailed to King Henry the sixth, and the heirs Males of his body lawfully begotten, and for default of such heir Male of his body begotten, than the said crowns and dignities were entailed to George Duke of Clarence, and to the heirs Males of his body lawfully engendered, and farther the said Duke was by authority aforesaid enabled to be next heir to his father, Richard Duke of York, and to take by descent from him all his lands, dignities, and pre-eminences, as though he had been his eldest son and heir, at the time of his death. jasper Earl of Penbroke, and john Earl of Oxenford, and divers other by king Edward attainted, were restored to their old names, possessions, and ancient dignities (keep them even as long as they might.) Beside this, the Earl of Warwick as one to whom the common wealth was much beholding, was made ruler and governor of the realm, with whom as fellow and companion was associated, George Duke of Clarence his son in law. So that by these means the whole estate, both of the realm, and the public wealth of the same, were newly altered and changed. To this parliament came the Lord Marques Montacute, excusing himself that only for fear of death, he declined to king Edward's part, which excuse was so accepted that he obtained his pardon, which after was the destruction of him and his brother: For if he had manfully and boldly taken king Edward's part, surely he being an open enemy, had much less hurted, then being a feigned & coloured friend: for such things as we see before our eyes, we be well ware off, and seldom things before known, do us any hurt. Queen Margaret kept from landing in England by cruel tempests. Queen Margaret, after that the Earl of Warwick was sailed into England, ever forecasting and doubting the chance that might happen, did never cease to pray to God, to sand victory to her friends and confederates: which when she knew by her husbands letters to be obtained, she with Prince Edward her son and her train, entered their ships, to take their voyage into England: but the Winter was so sore, the weather so stormy, and the wind so contrary, that she was fain to take land again, and defer her journey till another season. Her enemies said, that it was Gods just provision, that she which had been the occasion of so many battles, and of so much manslaughter in England should never return thither again, to do more mischief. Her friends on the other side, said that she was kept away, and her journey impeached by Sorcerers and Necromanciers: thus as men's imaginations ran, so their tongues clacked. In this season jasper earl of Penbroke, went into Wales, to visit his County of Penbroke, where he found Lord Henry, son to his brother Edmond earl of Richmond, having not fully ten years of his age complete, which was kept in manner like a captive: but well and honourably educated, and in all kind of civility brought up, by the Lady Harbert, late wife to William earl of Penbroke, beheaded at Banbery, as you before have heard, This Lord Henry was he, that after king Richard, brother to King Edward, was vanquished and overthrown, obtained the crown and regality of this realm, whom we aught to believe, to be sent from God, and of him only to be provided a king, for to extinguish both the factions and parts, of King Henry the sixth, and of King Edward the fourth (which had almost brought the Nobility of this realm to a final destruction, and an utter decay.) And this jasper Earl of Penbroke as aforesaid took this child being his Nephew, out of the custody of the Lady Harbert, and at his return brought the same child to London, to king Henry the sixth, whom when the king had a good space by himself, secretly beholden and marked, both his wit and his likely towardness, he said to such princes, as were then with him: Lo, surely this is he, to whom both we and our adversaries leaving the possession of all things, shall hereafter give room and place. So this good man showed before, This was king Henry the sevently. the chance that should happen, that this Earl Henry so ordained by God, should in time to come (as he did in deed) have and enjoy the kingdom, and the whole rule of the realm. As I have showed to you before, what things were done in England after that king Henry had obtained the new possession of his old kingdom, thinking surely to have possessed and enjoyed the same longer season then either he did, or could by his adversaries be permitted or suffered to do: so must I of necessity declare unto you, what great perplexity, what sudden trouble, and what great store of imaginations, the landing of king Edward in Friesland, brought to and encumbered with all, Charles Duke of Burgoyne: and how deceitfully for his own advantage he dissimuled, first with king Edward, and after with his party adverse, and how that he openly denied aid to king Edward, when he privily ministered great and large succours to him and his. I think you would not, that these things should be forgotten: And first call to your remembrance, how that Duke Charles had before this (as you have heard) great intelligence or conference with Monsire de Vawclere, as he list himself to be called, either chief captain of Caleys, or else deputy Capitayne to the Earl of Warwick, which had promised to him by the Duke, a pension yearly of a thousand Crowns, to the intent to stand still true to king Edward, and to relinquish king Henry, but in especial to abandon the Earl of Warwick. The Duke although that he had small confidence, but rather great diffidence in the oath and promise of Monsire de Vawclere: thought it necessary to know in what case Caleys stood, and what alterations were there, because it was his next neighbour (for that time Bulleyn, and Bullenoys, and all Artoys, were in the hands of Duke Charles) as a pledge delivered to his father, as is before rehearsed. Wherefore in all haste (before he sent for king Edward or spoke with him) he sent his trusty counsellor Philip de Comines Lord of Argenton, accompanied with two gentlemen to Caleis, which two gentlemen favoured more the party of Lancaster then of York. The Lord of Argenton met with the people of the Country of Bullenoys, flying from every part like wild Dear: for the Earl of Warwick had now lately sent to Caleys, four hundred Archers on horseback, which forayed and spoiled all the Country of Bullenoys. The Duke's messengers, which had not seen so sudden a change of worldly things, durst not keep on their journey, but the same night tarried at Turnoham, and sent to Monsire de Vawclere for a safe conduit, and also wrote to the Duke of the fear that they were in. The Duke sent word to Philip de Comines, that he and his withal speed, should pass toward Caleis, and if they there were taken, he would shortly for a ransom, buy or redeem them again. For he passed little either of the pain of his servant, or of his charge and expense, so that his purpose might be served. When this word was brought to the messengers at Turnhan, at the same time they received a letter from Monsire de Vawclere, with loving words and gracious terms, declaring that they might safely come, and freely departed, as before they were liberally accustomed: so that sir Philip and his companions came to Caleis, without any meeting or solemn entertaintment contrary to the old fashion that he had seen. When they entered into the town, they might perceive every man did wear the Earl of Warwikes badge, and on every door were set white Crosses, and ragged staves, with rhymes and poesies, which purported the French King, and the Earl of Warwick were all one. These things seemed very strange, and nothing pleasant to the Burgonions. The Lord Vawclere sent for them to dinner the next day being well accompanied, and did wear on his Cap, a white ragged staff of Gold enamyled, and so did many other, and he that could have it neither of Gold nor of Silver, had it of silk or cloth. This badge was taken up within one quarter of an hour, after the news came out of England: such is the mutation of the common people, like a reed with every wind bowing and bending. While these Burgonions lay thus in Caleys, they had knowledge that the Earl of Warwick had prepared four thousand valiant men, to make frontier war on the Duke's Countries, whereof by post they certified the Duke, which so fumed and smoked at the matter, that he witted neither well what to do, nor of whom to ask comfortable or wholesome counsel. For war he was compelled to have with the French King, which had taken from him certain towns: and if he succoured king Edward, he was sure that with the Earl of Warwick, he should have no peace: and if he left king Edward his confederate and ally, in the time of his tribulation, destitute of aid and succour, all the world of him might speak shame, unfaithfulness and dishonour. When the Duke had well advised this matter, he wrote to his messengers, that they should require to have the league made between the two realms, kept and observed, with divers other privy instructions. Philip de Comines, being wise and well learned, declared to the counsel of Caleys, that the Duke his Master not a little marveled why the English men should over run, and destroy his Countries, having a league so sure, so strong, and with so many words of efficacy enforced, lately made between the two Countries, their territories and dominions, affirming that the mutation of the Prince, is no dissolution of the league: For although the princes be named, as chief contractors in every treaty and amity concluded, yet the Countries are bounden, and the subjects shall make recompense, if any thing be altered wrongfully out of his course. And the rather to obtain their desire, they caused all the merchants goods of England, being in the Duke's Countries, to be attached for the redress of the spoil, that the English men had done in the Duke's Country. Which sore grieved the Merchants, and much hindered their voyages: beside this, the Merchants of the Staple of Calais, wrote to the king, and to the Earl of Warwick: how, if their wool and fell at Calais, were not sold and uttered, as it was wont to be (the greatest part whereof, was bought by the Duke's subjects and Vassals for ready money) the Soldiers of the garrison, should lack their wages, the King should not be paid his custom, and the Merchant in conclusion should stand in adventure both of loss of stock and credence. These persuasions mollified the Earl of Warwikes mind, and especially, because the King had no great store of money to furnish Caleys withal, which store if he had had, surely the Duke of Burgoyne for all the league, had been a little disturbed, and grievously molested. But considering that all things were not correspondent at this time to the Earls appetite: he was content that it should be thus condescended and agreed, that the alliance made between the realm of England and the Duke's dominions, should still remain inviolated, saving in the steed of Edward, should be put for the king, this name Henry. This conclusion thus brought to an end, came (even as a man would wish) to pass, for the Duke of Burgoyns purpose, for at this same time, the French king had won from him, the fair town of Anias, and saint Quintines, so that if the Duke should have had war both with France and England, he had been likely to have been shortly a poor Duke, or else utterly undone and brought to destruction. And to pacify and please the Earl of Warwick, whom he never loved and less favoured: he wrote lovingly to him, declaring that as he was lineally descended, and naturally procreated of the noble stock and family of Lancaster, by his Grandmother, being daughter to the high and mighty Prince john of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster: so was he by nature bound, and by alliance enforced to maintain and defend the said noble house and lineage, during his life, as ever he hath done, both in word and deed, against all manner of persons and estates: furthermore, promising to bear his good heart, loving mind, and friendly favour, to king Henry the sixth and his sequel, before all other Princes and Potentates, with many other flattering terms and glozing words: which fair promises, I think neither the Duke himself inwardly minded, nor yet the Earl outwardly believed. Now to return to king Edward, being in the Duke of Burgoyns land, which, although he were out of his country, yet did he never despair but had a firm hope, to have a just and ready occasion to him given, how to obtain his kingdom, and dominion, and that in short space. For partly, he hoped of a great help, of his brother in law, the Duke of Burgoyn, and partly he was daily solicited, by the letters, and messages of men of his faction in England, to return with all speed, promising him company and comfort. Many other there were which either for fear of the rigour of the law, which they had offended, or else disdaining that the world was so altered: or else being brought into king Edward's favour, had hope to exercise their polling rooms, as they did before his flying out of England, daily came to him from England, and provoked him more and more, to take his journey homeward. King Edward in manner ravished with their golden promises, came to the Duke of Burgoyn, to the town of Saint Poll, and there declared to him what great intelligence he had in the realm of England, and what assured friends he had in the same, requiring him to aid him with speed, as his only trust, and sole hope of relief was in him, being not only his brother in law, but each being companion of others order: for the king wore the golden Fleece, & the Duke wore the Garter. The Duke of Somerset, which was cousin german removed to the Duke of Burgoyn, and brought up and had a pension in the Duke's house. (For surely the Duke of Burgoyn loved better the house of Lancastre, than the house of York) sore laboured to the contrary, affirming that it was both ungodly, and unnatural, to exalt and set up a stranger, having no right, and to depose and deprive his natural kinsman, having a just title descended to him, from the king his father, and the king his Grandfather, from his sceptre and regality. Duke Charles was in a great perplexity, not knowing well what to say, whether consanguinity should prevail more, or affinity, or nature before favour, not willing if he might, to displease any of both the parties. But because the war was overt at his nose, with the French king: he concluded openly (but intending another thing secretly) to aid the Duke of Somerset, and other that were with him, taking of them certain promises, for things to be done against the Earl of Warwick: when they should espy their time, most apt and convenient: The Duke of Somerset joyous of these news, sailed into England, and made report to king Henry. King Edward was present, and heard all this determination, which brought him into a great heaviness and a deep perplexity: howbeit he was privily advertised by a friend, that these cloaked dissimulations, were only for this cause, that Duke Charles would in no wise, have war with both the realms at once, and further, if the said Duke were put to the worse, or vanquished by the French king, than he were not able, neither to aid, nor to succour king Edward. Wherefore to blind withal the French king, which sore desired, that the Duke might have war with England: for than he knew that his enterprise, were more then half gotten. The Duke declared openly, that he would in no wise minister any succours to king Edward, straightly charging and commanding, upon pain of the heart, that no man should once pass the sea with him, or in his army. But all this proclamation notwithstanding when the Duke saw that king Edward, upon hope of his friends, would needs repair into England again (he having compassion of his unfortunate chance) caused privily to be delivered to him fifty. M. Florence, of the cross of Saint Andrew, and further caused four great ships to be appointed for him, in the haven of Vere in Zelande, which is free for all men to come to, and the Duke hired farther for him xiiij ships, of the Esterlinges, well appointed, and for the more surety, took bond of them to serve him truly, till he were landed in England, and xu days after. Of which returning, the Easterlings were glad, trusting that by that mean, if he obtained again the possession of the realm, they should the sooner come to a concord and a peace, and to the restitution of their liberties, and franchises, which they claimed to have within England. The Duke of Burgoyn as men reported, cared not much on whose side the victory fell, saving for payment of his money. For he would often say, that he was friend to both parts, and each part was friendly to him. In this year, Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus was borne in Holland, in a town called Roterdame, as saith Carion, and he died in the year of our Lord 1536. So it appeareth that he lived lxvij years. Here Polidore noteth as followeth. This present year saith he, Sixtus, the fourth of that name, Bishop of Rome, being informed by james the third king of Scotland, that the Scottish Bishops had no Metropolitan within his realm of Scotland, for at that time, and long before, the archbishop of York was Metropolitan and primate of Scotland. And now saith he, forasmuch as there are in a manner continual wars between England and Scotland, or else Civil wars in their several realms, by reason whereof his Clergy could not resort nor have free access in causes and matters of religion, to confer with their Primate, & Metropolitan, that therefore the Pope would assign him a Metropolitan within his own realm and dominion: The Archbishop of york was Metropolitan of Scotland. And the said Sixtus appointed the Bishop of Saint andrew's to be Metropolitan of Scotland, and so the Archbishop of York lost his jurisdiction in the realm of Scotland, wherewithal George Nevil, then being Archbishop of York was not a little offended, for he had under his obedience xii Bishops, that is to say. The Bishop of Glasco. The Bishop of Rosse. The Bishop of Brichyn. The Bishop of Dunkeld. The Bishop of Dunblan. The Bishop of Alerdyne. The Bishop of Catnes. The Bishop of Galoway. The Bishop of Orkeney. The Bishop of Murray. The Bishop of the Isles. The Bishop of the Isle of Man which is thought to be of the Diocese of York. King Edward having now in a readiness only, two thousand men of war, beside mariners, in the spring of the year, sailed into England, and came on the coast of Yorkshire, to a place called Rauenspur, and there setting all his men on land, he consulted with his Captains, King Edwardes landing. to know to what place, they should first for succour resort unto: for he imagined that no way could be for him sure, having so small a company of soldiers. After long debating, it was concluded, that divers persons having light horses, should scour the country on every side, to see if by any persuasions. they might allure the hearts of the rustical and uplandish people, to take king Edward's part, and to wear harness in his quarrel: which with all diligence, followed their commission. It seemeth somewhat to lean to the truth, that king Edward being a wise and circumspect Prince, would not have been so foolish hardy, as to enter England with half a handful of men of war, except he had been sure of speedy succour and faithful friendship: In which argument there is no doubt, but that the Duke of Clarence and he, were secretly agreed before, and that the Marquis Montacu●e, had secretly procured his favour, of which privy signs, and cloaked workings, open tokens, and manifest doings, afterward appeared. The light Horsemen, which were sent about, after they had felt the minds and intents, of the rude people (as much as they might) they returned to king Edward the next day, making relation that all the towns round about, were permanent and stiff on the part of king Henry, & could not be removed: and that it was but a folly farther to solicit or attempt them, considering that when they were moved and exhorted to be true to king Edward, not one man durst speak for fear of the Earl of Warwick. Which answer, when king Edward had perfectly digested, of very necessity he changed his purpose: for where before his claim was to be restored to the Crown and kingdom of England, now he caused it to be published, that he only claimed she Duchy of York, to the intent that in requiring nothing, but that which was both just and honest, he might obtain the more favour of the common people. It was almost incredible to see what effect this new imagination (although it were but feigned) sorted and took upon the first opening (such a power hath justice even amongst all men) when it was blown abroad that king Edward's desire was not for the kingdom, but only required his just patrimony and inheritance of the Duchy of York. By reason whereof, all men moved with mercy and compassion, began out of hand either to favour him, or else not to resist him, so that he might obtain his Duchy of York. When he had found these means to pacify men's minds, and to reconcile their hearts, he determined to take his journey toward York, and so went to Beverley. The Earl of Warwick which then lay in Warwikeshire, being informed that king Edward was landed, and going toward York, with all haste wrote to the Marquis Montacute his brother, which had lain at the Castle of Pomfret all the last winter, with a great company of Soldiers, giving him warning, and advertising him in what peril their whole affairs stood in, if their enemy should obtain the possession, or enter into the City of York, willing and commanding him to set on king Edward with all expedition, and bid him battle, or else to keep the passage, that he should pass no farther, till he himself had gathered a greater host, which with all diligence, he was assembling to come and join with his brother the Marquis. And because that the Earl knew not by what way his enemies would take their journey, he wrote to all the towns of Yorkshire, and to the City also, commanding all men on the kings behalf, to be ready in harness, and to shut their gates against the kings enemies. King Edward without any words spoken to him, came peaceably near to York, of whose coming, when the Citizens were certified, without delay they armed themselves, and came to defend the Gates, sending to him two of the chiefest Aldermen of the City, which earnestly admonished him on their behalf to come not one foot nearer, nor rashly to enter into so great a jeopardy, considering that they were fully determined, and bend to compel him to retract with de●t of sword. King Edward well marking their message, was not a little troubled and unquieted in his mind, and driven to seek the furthest point of his wit, for he had both two mischievous and perilous chances, even before his eyes, which were hard to be avoided, one was, if he should go back again, he feared lest the rural and common people for covetousness of prey, and spoil, would fall on him, as one that fled away for fear and dread. The other was, if he should proceed any farther in his journey, then might the Citizens of York issue out with all their power, and suddenly cirumvent him, and take him: wherefore he determined to set forward, neither with armour nor with weapon, but with lowly words, and gentle entreatings, requiring most heartily the messengers that were sent, to the Citizens, that he came neither to demand the realm of England, nor the superiority of the same, but only the Duchy of York, his old inheritance, the which Duchy, if he might by their means recover, he would never let pass out of his memory their friendship and gentleness. And so with fair words and flattering speech he dismissed the Messengers, and with good speed he and his followed so quickly after, that they were almost at the gates as soon as the Messengers. The Citizens hearing his good answer, that he meant nor intended nothing prejudicial to king Henry, nor his royal authority, were much mitigated and cooled, and began to common with him from their walls, willing him to convey himself into some other place without delay, which if he did they assured him, that he should have neither hurt nor damage, but he gently speaking to all men, and especially to such as were Aldermen, whom he called worshipful, and by their proper names them saluted, after many fair promises to them made exhorted and desired them that by their favourable friendship, he might enter into his own town, of the which he had both his name and title. And thus all the whole day was consumed in doubtful communication. The Citizens partly won by his fair words, and partly by hope of his large promises, fell to this pact and convention, that King Edward would swear to entertain his Citizens of York after a gentle sort and fashion, and hereafter to be obedient, King Edward's oath of obedience to king Henry the sixth. and faithful to all king Henry's commandments and precepts, that then they would receive him into their City, and aid and comfort him with money. King Edward (whom the Citizens called only Duke of York) being glad of this fortunate chance, the next morning entered in at the gate where the Mayor and Aldermen stood ready to receive him, and there they ministered unto him a solemn oath, which he took upon the holy Gospels, which was to observe the two Articles above mentioned and agreed upon, when it was far unlike, that he either intended or purposed to observe any of them, which plainly afterward was to all men manifest, evidently perceiving, that he took no more study or diligence for any one earthly thing, than he did to persecute King Henry, and to spoil him of his Kingdom. So it is daily seen that aswell Princes, as men of lesser reputation, led by blind avarice, and devilish ambition, forgetting the scruple of conscience, and the end of all honesty, use to take an oath by the immortal God, which they know perfectly shall be broken & violate hereafter, before the oath be first made or sworn: yet these persons (as examples thereof be not very strange to find) at one time or other be worthily scourged for their perjury, insomuch oftentimes that the blot of such offence of the parents is punished in the sequel and posterity as shall appear hereafter in the life of Richard the third. When King Edward had appeased the Citizens, and that their fury was past, he entered into the City, and clearly forgetting his oath, he first set a garrison of Soldiers in the town, to the intent that nothing should be moved against him by the Citizens, and after he gathered a great host by reason of his money. When all thing was ready, according as he desired, because he was informed that his enemies did make no great preparation to resist him, he thought it necessary therefore, with the more speed and diligence to make haste toward London: and as it were for the nonce, he left the right way toward Pomfret, where the Marquis Montacute with his army lay and took the way on the right hand, not fully four mile from the camp of his enemies. And when he saw that they made no stirring, nor once showed themselves in sight, he returned into the common high way again, a little beyond their camp, and came safely to the town of Nottyngham, where came to him sir William Parr, sir Thomas a Borough, sir Thomas Montgomerye, and divers other of his assured friends with their aids, which caused him at the first coming to make Proclamation in his own name king Edward the fourth, boldly saying to him, King Edward breaketh his oath. that they would serve no man but a King. This Proclamation cast a great shame and dolour into the hearts of the Citizens of York, for that they might apparently perceive, that they were seduced, and for their good will unhonestly (if it might be said) deluded and mocked. But when the fame was blown abroad, that king Edward, without any detriment was in safety come to Nottyngham, Princes and noble men on all sides began to fall to him, firmly believing, that either the Marquis Montacute, bearing favour to king Edward, would not once with him encounter, or that he was afraid to set on or to give battle, knowing not to what part his Soldiers would incline. But whatsoever the occasion was, the most part thought it more for the security and advantage of themselves, to take part and join with king Edward, being at all points furnished with men of war, rather than to cleave to King Henry, and to be always in jeopardy both of life and land. King Edward (as you can not blame him) being with these good fortunes encouraged, and with his army furnished at all points, came to his town of Leycester, and there hearing that the Earl of Warwick, accompanied with john Earl of Oxford, were together at Warwick with a great power, and were both determined to set on him, he politicly imagining to prevent their invention, determined in great haste to remove his whole army, hoping surely, either to give them battle, either to allure and bring to his side his brother George Duke of Clarence, and to common with him in some privy place, before he came to his confederates: lest peradventure he should be by them trapped and compassed, knowing that the Duke was in nothing constant. In this very season, to tell you how the Earl of Warwick was displeased, and grudged against his brother the Marquis, for letting king Edward pass, it were to long to writ: for where he himself had politicly provided and foreseen all things, the Marquis nevertheless where the power of their enemies first began together, never moved foot, nor made resistance as he was commanded, but besides this, suffered them with so small a number of Soldiers, before his eyes, and in his open sight, without any battle to pass by: wherefore the Earl considering that king Edward did daily increase his power (as a running river by going more and more augmenteth) thought it most necessary for him, to give him battle with speed, and thereupon he called together his army, and in all hast sent for the Duke of Clarence to join with him, which had gathered and assembled together a great host about London. But when he perceived that the Duke lingered, and did all things negligently, as though he were in doubt of war or peace, he then began somewhat to suspect that the Duke was of his brethren corrupted and lately changed, and therefore without delay marched forward toward Coventrie, to the intent to set on his enemies. In the mean season, king Edward came to Warwick, where he found all the people departed, and from thence with all diligence advanced his power toward Coventrie, and in a plain by the City he pitched his field. And the next day after that he came thither, his men were set forward, and marshaled in array, and he valiantly bade the Earl battle: which mistrusting that he should be deceived by the Duke of Clarence (as he was in deed) kept himself close within the walls. And yet he had perfect word that the Duke of Clarence came forward toward him with a great army, king Edward being also thereof informed, raised his camp, and made toward the Duke. And lest that there might be thought some fraud to be cloaked between them, the king set his battles in an order, as though he would fight without any longer delay, the Duke did likewise. When each host was in sight of other, Richard Duke of Gloucester, brother to them both, as though he had been made Arbitrer between them, first road to the Duke, and with him commoned very secretly: from him he came to king Edward, and with like secretness so used him, The Duke of Clarence reconcileth himself to his brother king Edward. that in conclusion no unnatural war, but brotherly friendship was concluded and proclaimed, and then leaving all armour and weapon aside, both the brethren lovingly embraced, and familiarly commoned together. It was no marvel that the Duke of Clarence, with so small persuasion, and less exhorting, turned from the Earl of Warwikes part, for as you have heard before, this ambergris was laboured and concluded by a Damsel when the Duke was in the French Court, to the Earls utter confusion. After this King Edward caused to be proclaimed, that the Duke and all that came with him, should be taken as his true friends, without fraud or ill suspicion. But this notwithstanding, Perjury is punished by almighty God. it seemeth that God did neither forgive nor forget to punish the Duke with condign punishment, for violating and breaking his oath solemnly, and advisedly taken and made to the Earl of Warwick, for God not many years after, suffered him like a perjured person to die a cruel and a strange death. Then was it concluded amongst the three brethren to attempt the Earl of Warwick, if by any fair means he might be reconciled or by any promise won to their part: To whom the Duke of Clarence sent divers of his secret friends, first to excuse him of the act that he had done, secondarily to require him to take some good end, now while he might with King Edward. When the Earl had hard patiently the Duke's message, Lord, how he detested and accursed him, crying out on him, that he contrary to his oath, promise, and fidelity, The Earl of Warwick a man of great courage. had shamefully turned his face from his confederates and allies: But to the Duke's Messengers he gave none other answer but this, that he had liefer be always like himself, than like a false and a perjured Duke, and that he was fully determined never to leave war till either he had lost his own natural life, or utterly extinguished and put under his foes and enemies. From thence King Edward thus being furnished of a strong host, went without any manner of diffidence or mistrust toward London (where after it was known that the Duke of Clarence was come to his brethren, and that all they came together in one knot to the City, such a fear rose suddenly amongst the Citizens, that they were driven to their wit's end, not knowing either what to do or to say, but at the last very fear compelled them to take King Edward's part. The self-same season, the Earl of Warwick sent Letters to King Henry, to the Duke of Somerset, the archbishop of York, and other of his counsel, that they should keep the City from their enemy's hands, by the space of two or three days after the coming of their enemies, and that he shortly would be at hand, with a puissant army. They as they were commanded defended the City strongly, but it was to small purpose, for the Citizens in the same time began earnestly to consult, what part they should follow for their most indemnity: and in conclusion, when they considered that King Henry was such an innocent person, as of himself was not most apt to rule and govern the public wealth of the realm. And that on the other side, King Edward by no other men's teaching, but only by his own policy and wit could order the realm and govern the Kingdom. And farther that King Edward was such a person as was able both to defend himself and also all his, from injury and hostility: whereupon all men were glad to lean to him, and to take his part, wherefore they concluded to receive him into the City: which determination being blown abroad (as the nature of the people is ever to delight in novelties) the commonalty could not be compelled by no commandment to tarry at home, but ran in heaps out of the City to meet him, and saluted him as their king and sovereign Lord. When the Duke of Somerset and other of King Henry's friends saw the world thus suddenly changed, every man fled, and in haste shifted for himself, leaving King Henry alone, King Henry the sixth again taken and committed to prison. as an host that should be sacrificed, in the Bishop's Palace of London, adjoining to Paul's Church, not knowing of whom, nor what counsel to ask, as he which with trouble and adversity was clearly dulled, in which place he was by king Edward taken, and again committed to prison. This was a sudden change, for the same day the archbishop of York to the intent that the people might more firmly stick on his side, caused him to ride about London, apparelled in a gown of blue Velvet, with a great company crying king Henry, king Henry (which sight as much pleased the Citizens, as a fire painted on the wall warmed the old woman) not knowing that or night, his triumphing should be turned to trembling, and his solemnity converted into mourning, such chance was to him provided. King Edward returned to London again the xj day of April, six Months after that he had sailed into Flaundyrs, and first calling before him a great assemble of people, highly commended the fidelity of the Citizens, which they constantly bore unto him, rendering to the Aldermen most hearty thanks for that, that they had kept, and caused the people to continued, and be permanent in their good minds and loyalty toward him, blaming farther and rebuking as well Merchant strangers as English men, whom he knew to have pressed, and lent money to king Henry, for the arraiing and setting forth of a new army against him. But when he had grievously with terrible words declared to them their seditious crime and traitorous offence, The wisdom of king Edward. he bade them be of good comfort, and to expel all fear, for he released to them both the punishment of their bodies and loss of goods, and granted to them pardon for their faults and offences, by which gentle mean, he reconciled to him the hearts of the whole multitude, obtaining that by fair and loving words, which he could not have achieved with sharp strokes, and bloody wounds. The Earl of Warwick pondering that the gain of the whole battle stood in making haste, with all diligence followed his enemies, hoping (that if they were let never so little, with any stop or tarrying by the way) to fight with them before they should come to London: the which he thought, should be much to his advantage, considering that he perfectly knew the City to be destitute of men of war for defence, and to have no manner of munitions, to set on the walls or Towers, so that they were not able to abide a siege, and for that cause, ever they inclined to the victorious and stronger part. But when he following his enemies, had passed a great part of his journey, he was informed that king Edward peaceably was entered into London, and had taken, and sent King Henry to prison again: which things deeply considered, he saw that all cavillations of necessity, were now brought to this end, that they must be committed to the hazard and chance of one battle, wherefore, he rested with his army, at the town of Saint Albon, partly to refresh his Soldiers, and partly to take counsel what was best to do. In the Earls army were john Duke of Excester, Edmond earl of Somerset, john earl of Oxenford, and john Marquis Montacute, whom the Earl his brother well knew, not to be well minded (but sore against his stomach) to take part with these Lords, and therefore stood in a doubt, whether he at this time, might trust him or not, but the brotherly love between them, washed away and diminished all suspicion: But whatsoever opinion the Earl conceived of him or any other, the Earl as a man past all fear, determined courageously to set on his enemies. And from Saint Alban's, he removed to a village in the mean way, between London and Saint Alban's, called Barnet, being ten mile distant from both the towns. Barnet field. This town standeth on an hill, on whose top is a fair plain for two armies to join together. On the one part of this plain, the Earl of Warwick pitched his field, tarrying for his enemies. The rumour of the Earls coming, was spread in an instant over all London, which quickened King Edward not a little: wherefore with all speed he adjoined to that host, that he brought with him first to London, a company of picked, and chosen persons, strong, young, and meet for all assays, beside other new aids, that were then come to him: Harness, weapons, horse, and all other engines and instruments meet for the war, he neither forgot nor slackly furnished. What shall I say more, he determined clearly to spend all his riches, yea, and all that he could imagine upon the chance of this battle: Firmly believing, that this conflict should knit up the knot of all his labour, and bring him to quietness. So with a puissant army, he marched forward, and to put his people in ure, that they might be the more ready to fight, whensoever they should encounter with their enemies, he divided them in four parts, and he brought with him also King Henry the sixth. On Easter eve at after noon he came to Barnet, and there not far from his enemies, he encamped his army, and lest his enemies should compel him to fight that night, he environed his camp with new fortifications, and trenches, for tarrying that night was to him a singular profit, and to his enemies a great damage, considering the longer he tarried, the more people came to his aid. Thus both the armies lodged that night on the plain, but not out of their harness, for their tents were so near together, in the which, what for neighing of horses, & talking of men, none of both the hosts could that night take any rest or quietness. At the breaking of the day, the Earl of Warwick set his men in array, in this manner: in the right wing he set the Marquis Montacute, and the Earl of Oxenford, with certain horsemen, and he with the Duke of Excester, took the left wing, and in the midst between both, he set Archers, and to them he appointed the Duke of Somerset to be captain. And when he had set his men in an order, he encouraged his men to fight, with many comfortable words, willing them to strive with a good and fierce courage, and to remember that they fight, not only for the liberty of the Country, against a tyrant, which wrongfully and against all right, had invaded and subdued this realm, but that they fight in the quarrel of a true & undoubted king, against a cruel man, and a tyrannous usurper, in the cause of a Godly, and a pitiful Prince, against an abominable manqueller, and bloody butcher: In which cause being so good, so godly, and so just, God of very justice must needs be their shield and defence. King Edward likewise ordered his battles. In the forward he set the Duke of Gloucester, the middleward, he himself with the Duke of Clarence having with them king henry, did rule and govern, the Lord Hastynges led the reward, and besides these three battles, he kept a company of fresh men in store, which did him great pleasure, and this done, he encouraged his men, saying: that their adversaries were only Traitors to the realm, spoilers of the poor commonalty, and people destitute of all grace, good fortune, and good living. Which mischievous persons, if they should prevail through the faintness of your hearts, all you gentlemen and richmen, were in jeopardy of your lives, all mean men in doubt of robbing and spoiling, and all inferior persons in hazard of perpetual bondage and servitude. When the day began to spring, the trumpets blewe up courageously, and the battle fiercely began, Archers first shot, and bill men followed them. King Edward having the greater number of men, valiantly set on his enemies. The Earl on the other side, remembering his ancient fame and renown, manfully withstood him. This battle on both sides was sore fought, and many slain, in whose rooms succeeded ever fresh, and fresh men. In the mean season, while all men were together by the ears, ever looking to which way fortune would incline. The Earl of Warwick after long fight, wisely did perceive his men to be over pressed, with the multitude of his adversaries: wherefore he caused new men to relieve them that fought in the forward, by reason of which succours, king Edward's part gave a little back (which was the cause that some lookers on, and no fighters, galloped to London, saying: that the Earl had won the field) which thing when king Edward did perceive, he with all diligence sent fresh men to their succours. If the battle were fierce & deadly before, now it was crueler, more bloody, more fervent, and fiery, & yet they had fought from morning almost to noon, without any part getting advantage of other. King Edward being weary of so long a conflict, & willing to see an end, caused a great crew of fresh men (which he had for this only policy, kept all day in store) to set on their enemies: but although the Earl saw these new succours, of fresh men to enter the battle, being nothing afraid, but hoping of the victory (knowing perfectly that there was all king Edward's power) comforted his men being weary, sharply quickening, and earnestly desiring them with hardy stomachs, to bear out this last and final brunt of the battle, and that the field was even at an end. But when his soldiers being sore wounded, wearied with so long a conflict, did give little regard to his words, he being a man of a mind invincible, rushed into the midst of his enemies, where as he (adventured so far from his own company, to kill and slay his adversaries, that he could not be rescued) was in the midst of his enemies, stricken down and slain. The Marquis Montacute, thinking to succour his brother, which he saw was in great jeopardy, and yet in hope to obtain the victory, was likewise overthrown and slain. After the Earl was dead, his part fled, and many were taken, but not one man of name, nor of nobility. Some authors writ, that this battle was fought so near hand that king Edward was constrained to fight his own person, and fought as sore as any man of his party, and that the Earl of Warwick, which was wont ever to ride on horseback, from place to place, from rank to rank, comforting his men, was now advised by the Marquis his brother, to relinquish his horse, & try the extremity by handy strokes, which if he had been on his horseback, might fortune to have escaped. This end had Richard Nevell, earl of Warwick, whose stout stomach, and invincible courage, after so many strange fortunes, The death of the Earl of Warwick. and perilous chances, by him escaped, caused death before he came to any old age privily to steel on him, and with his dart to take from him all worldly affections: but death did one thing, that life could not, for by death he had rest, peace, and quietness, which his life ever abhorred, and could not suffer nor abide. On both parts were slain at this battle, more than ten. M. men. Of prisoners, the number could not be certainly known: On the King's part were slain sir Humphrey Burchier, son to the Lord Barnes, else no man of estimation. The occasion of this great slaughter was, because that where King Edward was wont, after the battle obtained, to cry: save the commons, and kill the Captains, now he spared them not, because they not only so highly favoured the Earl of Warwick, but also because they came with the Earl, against him in battle. After this field ended, the Duke of Somerset, with john Earl of Oxenford, were in all post haste, flying toward Scotland, but fearing the jeopardies, that might chance in so long a journey, altered their purpose, and turned into Wales, to jasper earl of Pembroke, every man fled whether his mind served him. The Duke of Excester with much difficulty, escaped into westminster dysguised, and there took Sentuarye. King Edward after this victory, although he wan it not without great effusion of blood, aswell on his own part, as the part of his enemies was greatly rejoiced, & comforted: and after the manner of a victorious conqueror leading with him king henry like a captive, in most triumphant manner, on Easter day at after noon, made his entry solemnly into the City of London, and at the Church of saint Paul, offered his standard, and rendered to almighty God, for his great victory, most humble and hearty thanks. The dead bodies of the Earl, and the Marquis, were brought to London in a coffin, and before they should be buried, by the space of three days, they lay open visaged, in the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, to the intent that all men might evidently perceive, that they unfeignedly were dead, lest peradventure the common people hereafter, hearing of some dissimuling person, to take on him the name of the Earl of warwicke, thinking him to be living, might stir a new sedition, and rebellion. The common people said, that the king was not so jocund, nor so joyous, for the destruction of the Earl, but he was more sorrowful, for the death of the Marquis, whom both he knew, and it appeared to other, to be inwardly his faithful friend. For whose only sake, he caused both their bodies, to be with their Ancestors, solemnly buried at the Priory of Bissam. In the mean season, Queen Margaret having knowledge, that all things in England, were now altered and brought into trouble & broil, by reason of king Edward's late return into the realm: gathering together no small company of hardy, and valiant soldiers, determined with all haste and diligence, with Prince Edward her son, to sail into England, but yet once again (such was her destiny) being letted for lack of prosperous wind, and encumbered with to much & rigorous tempest, a day after the fair as the common proverb saith, landed at the port of Weimouth, in Dorset shire. When she had passed the sea and taken land, it was to her declared, how that king Edward had gotten again the Garland, and that king Henry her husband, was desolately left post alone, and taken prisoner, how the Earl of Warwick and his brother were both slain, and dead, and all their army destroyed, scattered, or taken, and in conclusion, that her part had sustained, the most bitter plague, and scourge, considering both the chance and the time, that in many years before, had been read or seen. When she hard of these miserable chances, and misfortunes, so suddenly one in another's neck, to have taken their effect, she like a woman all dismayed for fear fell to the ground, The Queen taketh heavily the death of the Earl of Warwick and the misfortune of her husband. her heart was pierced with sorrow, her speech was in a manner passed, all her spirits were tormented with Melancholy. The calamity and misery of her time, she detested, and abhorred her unstable and contrariant fortune, she steadfastly blamed and accused her painful labour, her care of mind, turned into infelicity she much lamented, and bewailed the evil fate and destiny of her husband, which iminentlye before her eyes she saw to approach, she accused, reproved, and reviled, and in conclusion, her senses were so vexed, and she so afflicted, and cast into such an agony, that she preferred death before life, rather desiring sooner to die, then longer to live, and peradventure for this cause, that her enterior eye saw privily, & gave to her a secret monition of the great calamities, and adversities, which then did hung over her head, and were likely incontinent to fall and succeed, which other persons, neither looked for, nor regarded. This Queen Margaret might well consider and think, that these evil adventures chanced to her for the most part, for the unworthy death of Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, Uncle to her husband: Of the which mischance, although she were not the very occasion and provoker, yet she greatly offended in that she consented thereto, and did not save his life, when she ruling all other, might conveniently have stayed and letted it. For surely he being a live, and having the moderation and governance of the common wealth, king Henry had never wavered in so many hazards, and jeopardies of his life as he did. I would desire of God that all men would in equal Balance ponder and indifferently consider the causes of these misfortunes and evil chances, the which being elevate in authority, do meet and measure, justice and injury, right and wrong, by high power, blind authority, and unbridled william. But now to the purpose, when Queen Margaret saw, that to bid battle was to no purpose, and in manner in despair of the wealth of herself, and her son: she with the Prince and her company, departed to a sentuary there by called Beauliew in Hamshyre (where was a Monastery of Monks, Beauliew in Hampshire. of the order of Cisterciens) and registered herself and hers, as persons there privileged. When it was known that she was landed, Edmond Duke of Somerset with Lord john his brother, Thomas Courtney Earl of Devonshire, the which before ever took the contrary part, whose sudden changing, shortly turned to his own confusion, jasper earl of Penbroke, john Lord Wenlocke (a man made only by King Edward) and john Longstrother, Prior of saint john's in England, came in great haste to Beauliew, and presented themselves to the Queen. Although that she were almost drowned in sorrow and plunged in pain, yet when she saw and beheld these noble and princely personages to resort unto her presence, she was somewhat comforted and greatly revived. And first, lest it should be laid to her charge, that she had done any thing misaduisedly: she declared and showed the cause, why she could not come to them in time, as she gladly would have done, and for what purpose and intent, she had then taken the privilege of sentuary: Beseeching them all to study, and provide with all diligence, for the wealth and conservation of her only jewel the Prince her son, and where for this time, she despaired to do any thing by force of arms, that might be to her profit, she thought it most convenient for her (if the time of year and her enemies did not let or stop her) to sail again into France, and there to tarry till God would send her better luck. After that the Duke and other with comfortable words, somewhat had eased the dolorous heart of this unfortunate Queen: the said Duke began with a long process to enter communication of war to be renewed, and with all haste possible, and extreme diligence, lest their company by tarrying might be diminished, and king Edward's power increased and augmented, considering that all this time, he had no army gathered together, for so much that at the last battle, the very strength of his chief soldiers, was weakened: And that notwithstanding, that fortune shone on him in obtaining the victory against the Earl of Warwick, yet now it was not likely that he should obtain again a like victory: affirming farther, that the more number of the nobility, bore toward king Henry her husband, their good minds and fired hearts, and would help him both with men and money. And of his own free will, if she would take upon her, the name of Capitayne against her enemies, as she before that often times had enterprised: he offered a great power of able men, at his own expense and charge, promising that the two Earls should assure her of a far greater number of valiant and expert warriors, than she would esteem. And when he had showed that, the victory was now (if they list) in their hands, he merrily required them all, to be of hardy heart and good cheer, and because the matter required great expedition, he thought it not necessary farther to reason the cause of battle, but determined out of hand how the battle should be given and ordered. The Queen whose mind gave her, that this motion, should come to no good conclusion, answered: that she could well allow this sentence, if she thought that there might happen no great loss to some other, than the loss of her own life. But she suspected that while they would help things that they most phantasyed and affected, the life of Prince Edward her son, in whom, all the whole hope of that family stood and remained, should be in peril and jeopardy: and therefore she either thought it necessary to defer the battle till another time, or else to convey her son into France again, there to lie sure and secret, till the chance of the first battle were tried and assayed. And no marvel, although the natural mother, much minded and studied for the safeguard and tuition of the life of her son, pondering that next her husband, whom she reputed for clean undone, and utterly cast away, she had nothing more to be beloved, nothing more dearer, nor nothing to be made more off. Thus this prudent and politic Queen required the Chiefteynes expert in martial feats, that they should before hand consider with themselves, discreetly and advisedly of these things by her first moved, and after that done, if they thought it convenient to give battle, she would to there agreement with all her heart be conformable: But there was no longer disputation of the matter, for the Duke said that there was no need to waste any more words, for all they were determined (while their lives lasted) still to keep war against their enemies, and therefore that thing which with great counsel and deliberation is concluded, aught to be advanced and set forward with a whole consent and agreement. Thus every man together clearly bend and encouraged to the battle, gathered his power by himself. The Duke through all his dominions, raised a chosen company of men of war: likewise did the Earl of Devonshire, the Earl of Penbroke, who went into Wales to his earldom, to prepare his people with all diligence. The Queen, at the last was brought into this hope of good fortune, that she said, well be it, and so as the Duke had advised her, she with her company departed to , intending there to make her abode, till more of her affinity were together assembled. But whether soever she went, few or none had thereof knowledge, mistrusting lest her counsel should by some Caryfale, be published and opened to her adversaries, before she came to the place appointed. When king Edward knew that Queen Margaret was landed in England, & that the Duke of Somerset with her complices had prepared a new army, out of hand he dispatched certain couriers on light horses, into every part to see what number his enemies were, and what way they intended to take. The Spies, according to their instructions, searched and sought the parts by West, and made relation diligently at their return, what they had known and seen. The king being in a great agony, because he knew not what way his enemies took, determined, surely to encounter them at some one place before they came to London. And upon this conclusion, with such an army as he had gotten about London, he set forward into Oxfordshire, and there seeking a place apt and meet to pitch his tents, was conducted to Abyndon, where he encamped himself, commanding all men appointed for the war, with all diligence to follow him to that place. All the kings host there being assembled and gathered into one company, news were brought to him, that his enemies were come to , and there did sojourn and tarry purposely to augment and increase their number of such as daily to them did resort: wherefore the king without delay removed strait to Marleborough, being distant from xu miles, making haste and great diligence, if by any possibility he might to give them battle before they returned into Wales, whether he thought (as they intended in deed) that they would take their journey to join themself with the Earl of Penbroke, which had gathered a great host in those parties. When the Queen knew that king Edward was come so near to her, she tarried not long at , but removed in great haste to Bristol: and sent out certain horsemen, to espy whether she might safely pass over the river of Severne by Gloucester into Wales, whether she determined first to go to augment her army, and then without any delay, with spear and shield, courageously to set on her enemies, wheresoever they would abide. They that were sent, returned to her again, declaring that the town of Gloucester was under the obeisance of Richard Duke of Gloucester, the kings brother, and that although they had solicited the Lord Beauchampe of Powike, which lay there in the Castle, and had the rule of the town, and the towns men first by rewards, after by menacing, either to take their part, or peaceably to suffer her to pass over their bridge, they were therewithal, neither once moved, nor once would speak comfortably to the Messengers. When she hard these news, she shortly departed from Bristol with her army, to a proper town on Severne side, called Tewksbury, leaving Gloucester unassaulted, lest peradventure she might there spend her time with much loss and little gain, but in her passage toward Tewksbury, the Lord Beauchampe took from her rearward more ordinance than she might have well spared, which did to her no small prejudice. When the Queen was come to Tewksbury, and knew that King Edward followed her with his horsemen at the very back, she was sore abashed, and wonderfully amazed, and determined in herself, to fly into Wales, to jasper earl of Pembroke: But the Duke of Somerset, willing in no wise to fly backward, for doubts that he casted might chance by the way, determined there to tarry, to take such fortune as God would send, and being fixed in a fair Park, adjoining to the town, he pitched his field against the will and consent of many other Captains, which would that he should have drawn aside, for a while till the Earl of Penbroke with his army were with him associate, but his will served for his reason, and so the chance followed. The Duke of Somerset intending to abide the battle, like a politic warrior, trenched his camp round about of such an altitude, and so strongly, that his enemies by no means easily could make any entry, and farther perceiving that his part could never escape without battle, determined there to see the final end of his good or ill chance: wherefore he marshaled his host in this manner: he and the Lord john of Somerset his brother led the forward: The middle ward was governed by the Prince, under the conduit of the Lord of Saint john's, and Lord Wenlocke (whom King Edward had highly before preferred, and promoted to the degree of a baron.) The rearward was put in the rule of the Earl of Devonshire. When all these battles were thus ordered and placed, The battle of Tewkesburie. the Queen and her son Prince Edward road about the field, encouraging their soldiers, promising to them (if they did show themselves valiant against their enemies) great rewards and high promotions, innumerable gain of the the spoil, and booty of their adversaries, and above all other fame and renown through the whole Realm. King Edward likewise which the day before was come within a mile of Tewksbury, put his brother the Duke of Gloucester in the forward, and himself in the middleward, the Lord Marques, and the Lord hastings led the rearguard. The Duke of Gloucester, which lacked no policy, valiantly with his battle assaulted the trench of the Queen's Camp, whom the Duke of Somerset with no less courage defended, the Duke of Gloucester for a very politic purpose, with all his men recoiled back. The Duke of Somerset, perceiving that: like a Knight more courageous than circumspect, came out of his trench with his whole battle, and followed the chase, not doubting but the prince and the Lord Wenlocke, with the middleward had followed just at his back. But whether the Lord Wenlocke dissimuled the matter for King Edward's sake, or whether his heart served him not, still he stood looking on. The Duke of Gloucester taking the advantage that he adventured for, turned again face to face, to the Duke of Sommersets battle, which (nothing less thinking on, then of the return) were within a small season shamefully discomfited. The Duke of Somerset seeing his unfortunate chance, returned to the middleward, where he seeing the Lord Wenlocke standing still, A terrible stroke. after he had reviled him, and called him Traitor, with his Axe struck the brains out of his head. The Duke of Gloucester entered the trench, and after him the King, where after no long conflict, the Queen's part went almost all to wreck, for the most part were slain. Some fled for succour in the thick of the Park, some into the Monastary, some into other places. The Queen was found in her Chariot almost dead for sorrow, the Prince was apprehended and kept close by sir Richard Crofts: the Duke of Somerset, and the Lord Prior of Saint john's, were by force taken prisoners, and many other also. In the field and chase were slain Lord john of Somerset, the Earl of Devonshire, sir john Delues, sir Edward Hampden, sir Robert Wychingham, and sir john Lewkenor, and three thousand other. After the field ended, King Edward made a Proclamation, that who so ever could bring Prince Edward to him alive or dead, should have an annuity of an hundred pound during his life, and the Prince's life to be saved. Sir Richard Croftes, a wise and a valiant Knight, nothing mistrusting the kings former promise, brought forth his prisoner prince Edward, being a goodly feminine, and a well featured young Gentleman, whom when King Edward had well advised, he demanded of him, how he durst so presumptuously enter into his realm with banner displayed. The prince being bold of stomach, and of a good courage, answered saying, to recover my father's Kingdom and enheritage, from his father and grandfather to him, and from him, after him, to me lineally descended. At these words King Edward said nothing, but with his hand thrust him from him, (or as some say, struck him with his gauntlet) whom incontinent, they that stood about, which were George Duke of Clarence, Richard Duke of Gloucester, Thomas marquis Dorset, and William Lord hastings, suddenly struck & cruelly murdered him. The bitterness of which murder, some of the doers, after in their latter days tasted and assayed by the very rod of justice and punishment of God. His body was homely interred with the other simple corpses, in the Church of the Monastery of black Monks in Tewksbury. This was the last civil battle that was fought in King Edward's days, which was fought the third day of May, then being Saturday. And on the Monday next ensuing was Edmond Duke of Somerset, john Longstrother Prior of saint john's, sir Garuays Clifton, sir Thomas Tressham, and twelve other Knights, and Gentlemen beheaded in the Market place of Tewksbury. Queen Margaret brought prisoner to London. Queen Margaret like a prisoner was brought to London, where she remained till king Reyner her father ransomed her with money, which sum (as the French writers affirm) he borrowed of king Lewis the xj and because he was not of power nor ability to repay so great a duty, he sold to the French king and his heirs the kingdoms of Naples, and both the Sciciles, with the County of province, which is the very title that king Charles the seventh made, when he conquered the realm of Naples. After the ransom paid, she was conveyed into France with small honour, which with so great triumph & honourable entertainment, was with pomp above all pride, received into this Realm xxviij years before. And where in the beginning of her time, she lived like a Queen, in the middle she ruled like an Empress, toward the end she was vexed with trouble, never quiet nor in peace, and in her very extreme age she passed her days in France, more like death then life, languishing and mourning in continual sorrow, not so much for herself and her husband, whose ages were almost consumed and worn, but for the loss of prince Edward her son (whom she and her husband thought to leave, both overlyver of their progeny, and also of their kingdom) to whom in this life nothing could be either more displeasant or grievous. After this battle, king Edward rendered to God his most humble thanks, and with good diligence returned toward London, for he was informed how one Thomas Nevel, Thomas Nevil Bastard to the Lord Fawconbridge rebelleth. Bastard son to Thomas Lord Fauconbridge the valiant Capitayne, a man of no less courage than audacity (who for his evil conditions was such an apt person, that a more meeter could not be chosen to set all the world in a broil, and to put the estate of the realm in an ill hazard) had of new begun a great commotion. This Bastard was before this time appointed by the Earl of Warwick to be Viceadmyrall of the sea, and had in charge so to keep the passage between Dover and Calais, that none which either favoured King Edward or his friends should escape untaken or undrowned. And when by the death of the Earl of Warwick, he was brought into poverty, he rob both on the Sea and the land, as well his enemies as also his friends: By reason whereof he got together a great Navy of ships, and spoiled on every side, and at the last took land in Kent, and gathered together a great company of Kentish men, such as were most meet for his purpose, and so marched toward London, where the Essex men having wild whey worms in their heads, joined them with him, saving that their coming and quarrel was to deliver out of captivity king Henry the sixth and to bring him to his wife, but whatsoever their outward words were, their inward cogitations were only hope of spoil, & desire to rob and pill. For the Bastard himself assaulted the drawbridge of London, and a Capitayne of his called Spising scaled Algate with the Essex men, harnessed in their wife's Cheesecloutes, which assaults were deadly given, and manfully resisted, in so much that on both parts many were slain and hurt, but at the last the Citizens put back the rebels, and slew and wounded a great number of them, and drove the Bastard from all his prey to his ships, lying at Radclyffe, which having a good and prosperous wind, made sail with all haste, and roved on the Sea, as before he was accustomed. This stirring, although it were but little to think on at the first, yet if it had begun not long afore, it had brought all king Edward's business into a doubtful difference: for king Edward in these his last battles was twice more than fortunate for that, that he at sundry and several times (and not all at one time) was persecuted and invaded of his enemies: for surely, at the time when the Earl of Warwick with his pitched army was coming toward London, if Queen Margaret with her company had taken land (which enterprise she thrice in great jeopardy courageously attempted.) Then if she had set on behind, while the Earl of Warwick gave the onset before both at one moment, or if Edmond Duke of Somerset had not given battle at Tewkesburie, before jasper Earl of Penbroke was come with his train, or if Bastard Fawconbridge had vexed the Londoners even at that time: One or the other of these two things should consequently have followed, that king Edward must of necessity once again fly out of the realm, or else with shame and rebuke yield himself, either to slaughter or captivity: But as in all mean chances and small gains, good luck is desired and praised, so much more in battle, is good fortune to be most made off, and chiefly to be advanced. Bastard Fawconbridge taken and beheaded Now to return to Bastard Fawconbridge, wavering hither & thither in the doubtful surges of the Sea, as sure of his life on the water as on the land, which either thinking that no man would see him, or that all men were blind, and could not espy him (and especially in so secret a place) came into the open haven of Southampton, and there took land, where he was not long untaken, but shortlier beheaded. When jasper Earl of Penbroke was credibly ascertained that Queen Margaret had lost the battle at Tewksbury, and that there was no more trust of any comfort or relief to be had for the part of poor king Henry, he with such men of war as he was bringing to his confederates, returned back out of the way to the town of Chepstow, where he tarrying, bewailing and lamenting, that haste to much hasted, and that unpurveyed and blind will had at the final conclusion, not only destroyed and brought to nought all king Henry's estate, riches and pre-eminence, but farther had left all his friends ready to toss the waves of fortune, and to seek their living where they might safely get them, began to think and provide what way was best to take. King Edward at this season, not being out of fear of the Earl of Penbroke, sent privily into Wales, Roger Vaughan, a man there both strong of people and of friends, to the intent by some guile or engine suddenly to trap and surprise the Earl: Roger Vaughan suddenly taken and beheaded but he having intelligence of certain friends, how that the watch was privily laid for him, suddenly in the same town, took Roger Vaughan, and without delay stroke of his head, so Roger Vaughan, by God's providence, received the death himself, which he by deceit prepared for the other. The Earl in good haste departed thence to Penbroke, whom incontinent Morgan Thomas, by king Edward's commandment so strongly besieged, and so environed his Castle with a ditch and a trench, that he could not lightly fly or escape thence: but he was after eight days delivered, and the siege raised by his faithful and trusty friends David Thomas, brother to the foresaid Morgan, and from thence conveyed to Tynbye, a Haven town in Wales, where he getting convenient ships for to transport him and his over the Sea into France, with his Nephew Lord Henry earl of Richemond, and a few of his familiars took ship, and by fortunes leading landed in Britain. After his arrival, he first went to Duke Frances of Britain, The Earl of Penbroke with the earl of Richmond fly into Britain. and him reverently saluted, expounding to him the cause, the case, and the necessity of their thither coming, committing the lives, the goods, and all the chances both of him and his Nephew, wholly to the Duke's discretion and ordinance. The Duke received both the Earls with all benignity, and showed to them no less honour, favour, and humanity, with such entertainment as if they had been his natural brethren, and giving to them his faith, that being with him, they should sustain no manner of wrong, nor no injury should be to them by any creature offered: assuring them, that they might within his dominions, at all times, and in all places, go in safe and good surety. When King Edward had appeased, by the means afore rehearsed, his kingdom and people, to the intent that there should insurge hereafter, no new commotion within the realm again: he made a journey into Kent, and there sat in judgement on such, as in the last tumultuous business, took part with bastard Fauconbridge, where many were, (not unworthy) straightly punished and ransomed, which business once performed, to the intent that all men might see apparently, that undoubted peace was come into the realm, and that all fear of exterior hostility, was banished, and exiled for ever: Poor King Henry the sixth, a little before deprived of his Realm, and Imperial Crown, was now in the Tower of London, spoiled of his life, King Henry the sixth slain in the tower. and all worldly felicity, by Richard Duke of Gloucester (as the constant fame ran) which, to the intent that king Edward his brother should be clear out of all secret suspicion, of sudden invasion, murdered the said king with a Dagger. But whosoever was the manqueller of this good man, it shall appear, that both the murderer, and the consenter, had condign and not undeserved punishment, for their bloody stroke, and butcherly act: and because they had now no enemies risen, on whom they might revenge themselves, as you shall hereafter perceive, they exercised their cruelty, against their own selves, and with their proper blood, imbrued and polluted their own hands, and members. The dead corpse of king Henry, with bills and glaives pompeously (if you call that a funeral pomp) was conveyed from the Tower, to the church of Saint Paul, and there laid on the Beer, where it lay the space of one whole day, and the next day, without Priest or Clarke, Torch or Taper, singing or saying, it was conveyed to the Monastery of Chertesey, being distant from London xu mile, and there was buried, but after he was removed to Windsor, and there in a new vault, newly buried. This King Henry reigned full xxxviij years, and xvij. days, and after that he repossessed his kingdom six months, and so he lived in all xlix years and three months, having by his wife one only son, called Edward Prince of Wales. King Henry was of stature goodly, of body slender, to which proportion, all other members were correspondent: his face beautiful, The description of king Henry the sixth. in the which continually was resident, the bounty of mind, with which he was inwardly endued. He did abhor of his own nature, all the vices, as well of the body, as of the soul, and from his very infancy, he was of honest conversation and pure integrity, no knower of evil, and a keeper of all goodness: a despiser of all things, which be wont to cause, the minds of mortal men to slide, fall, or appair. Beside this, patience was so rooted in his heart, that of all the injuries to him committed, (which were no small number) he never asked vengeance nor punishment, but for that rendered to almighty God, his hearty thanks, thinking that by his trouble, and adversity, his sins were to him forgotten, and forgiven. What shall I say, that this good, this gentle, this meek, this sober, and wiseman, did declare and affirm, that those mischiefs, and miseries, partly came to him for his own offence, and partly for the heping of sin upon sin, wretchedly by his ancestors and forefathers: wherefore, he little or nothing esteemed, or in any wise did torment or vex himself, what so ever dignity, what honour, what state of life, what child, what friend he had lost, or miss, but if it did but sound an offence toward God, he looked on that, and not without repentance, and both mourned and sorrowed for it: This king Henry was of a liberal mind, & especially, to such as loved good learning, and them whom he saw profit in any virtuous science, he heartily favoured and embraced: wherefore he first holp his own young scholars, to attain to discipline, and for them he founded a solemn school at Eton, a town next unto Wyndsore, in the which he hath established, an honest college of sad Priests, with a great numbered of Children which be there, of his cost frankly, and freely taught, the rudiments and rules of Grammar. Beside this, College of Eton. he edified a Princely College, in the university of Cambridge, called the King's College, for the further erudition, of such as were brought up in Eton, which at this day so flourisheth, in all kinds, as well of literature, as of tongues, The king's College. that above all other, it is worthy to be called, the Prince of Colleges But now to return to king Edward, which was relieved of the most part, of his pricking fear, and inward suspicion, to the intent that no print, or shadow, should remain of the adverse faction, in his realm. He diligently inquired, and searched out, all the fragments and leavings, of his enemy's part, intending to express, and utterly to extinguish them. And first to begin with all, he sent George Nevell, brother to the Earl of Warwick, and Archbyshope of York, under a strong conduit, to the Castle of Guisnes there to be kept in extreme captivity, where he long continued, and at the last by friendship delivered: which of very pensiveness and grudge of mind, shortly after deceased, whom Laurence , and after him Thomas Rotheram, in the See of York, did ordinarily succeed. Beside this, john earl of Oxenford, john Earl of Oxford committed prisoner to the Castle of Hams. which after Barnet field, both manfully got, & valiantly kept, Saint Michael's Mount in Cornwall: either for lack of aid, or persuaded by his friends, gave up the Mount, and yielded himself to King Edward (his life only saved) which to him was granted: but to be out of all doubtful imaginations, King Edward sent him over the sea, to the Castle of Hams, where, by the space of twelve years, he was in strong prison, miserably kept, and diligently looked to. Many other beside these, in divers parts of the realm, being very little or nothing suspected: were either committed to prison, or grievously fined and taxed. Beside this, lest his neghbors' Country, might be an harbour, or receptacle of his foes and adversaries, he concluded a new league, with james the third King of Scots, for the term of twenty years. And yet, whatsoever he thought in his imagination, for all his busy devices, and polletique forecastings: The Earl of Richmond & Penbroke arrived in Briteyn. his mind and fantasy, was not clearly exhonorate and dispatched, of all fear and inward trouble: For tidings were brought to him, that the Earls of Penbroke and Richemond, were arrived in Briteyn: and there of the Duke, highly cherished and entertained. This thing nipped King Edward hardly at the very stomach, as though his mind casting some evil to come after: did signify before, that the Earl of Richemond, should once attain to the Crown and diadem of the realm: which mischief, when he had well digested, he secretly sent wise and close Messengers to the Duke of Briteyne, the which should not stick, to promise' the Duke great and sumptuous rewards, (knowing that meed many things corrupteth) so that he would deliver, both the Earls into their hands and possession. The Duke gladly heard them that were sent, but when he knew the two Earls to be a pray, of such a great value, he determined not to deliver them, but rather to entertain them with him more diligently, than they were accustomed. The Duke answered the Ambassadors, that it stood not with his honour, nor he would not deliver the two Earls, to whom he was bound and obliged, by his faith and promise: but this he promised to do for the kings pleasure, that they should be kept, and with such vigilant persons continually watched, that the King should have no manner of cause, once to think, that they could or should attempt any thing, that might sound, either to his displeasure or prejudice. When the Messengers saw, that they could not obtain that which they desired, like wise men held themselves contented with that, which by the Duke was offered, and so returned into England. The King wrote to the Duke of Briteyn, lovingly requiring him, to accomplish with all speed, that which he of his own motion offered, promising him not only, men and great rewards, but yearly to reward him with a full hand, and a well stuffed purse. The Duke perceiving the sweet gain, which rose to him, by the abode of the two English Earls, in his Country: lest they for any cause, should abandon his Dominions, and seek succours in some other foreign Region, caused the one to be separated from the other: and removed from them such English men, as were daily on them attendant, and came with them into Briteyn, and in their places appointed Britons, to be their servitors, to minister, and continually to attend and wait on them. When King Edward had thus politicly (as he thought) compassed the Duke of Briteyn: he thinking nothing less, then to take a damage at the Duke of Bourgogne's hand, yea, and such a damage, as by all similitude, was both like, continually to grieve the realm of England: and further to be an occasion, of a common stop, and putting back of the commodities, grown within this realm, to be transported into outward parts, North, Eastward, was yet eftsoons brought into a new doubt and perplexity. For the declaration whereof, you must understand, that Lewis the French king, had a brother called Charles, which was not the wisest, nor yet a man of the greatest experience: and of a certain courtesy, loved better to have other men to rule him, than he to take upon him to rule other. And although that the king at this time had no son, nor other brother, but him, his open heir apparent: he little favoured, and less loved him, nothing giving him of his good will, for his part and portion, of his father's lands, but that to the which he was compelled by his counsel, and that he gave him this month, in the next month, he would by flattery, or by threatening, by war or corruption of his brother's servants, obtain and bring to his hands, and possession again. For first he gave him the Duchy of Berry, and after that whole Normandy, whereof in no long time, he bereft him the possession, regiment, and title, without any cause given, on the party of young Charles. And when the said Charles, had afterward departed with the Countries of Brye, and champaign, by a fraudulent feat: King Lewis caused him to relinquish the same, and to take for his parentage, the Duchy of Guien, and so was called and named the Duke of Guienne. This evil entreating of the Duke of Guienne, by the French King his brother, caused divers other princes, of no small puissance, to favour, aid, and succour the said Duke, of the which the chief were, Charles Duke of Burgoyne, France's Duke of Briteyn, and Lewis Earl of Saint Poll, Constable of France. This Duke of Guienne, by the soliciting of his adherentes, sore laboured to have in marriage, the sole daughter and only heir, of Charles Duke of Burgoyne, by whom he hoped to be Lord and sovereign, of all Duke Charles inheritance. To the furtherance of this marriage, holp with all his power, the Duke of Briteyn, as who said, that it should be only his act. The Constable of France on the other part, thought that he alone, was able to compass this marriage, and to have only the thanks of the Duke of Guienne. The French King did all that he could, to let and stop this marriage: for if his brother had obtained the young Lady with all her possessions, than he saw well enough, that the Duke of Guien, being joined with the Duke of Briteyn, should be strong enough, or at the lest of puissance to encumber the French king and his children. But king Edward of England, sore smoked, when he heard first tell of this marriage, & not without a cause: For he considered, that the French King had no heir male, but one weak boy, and that the Duke of Guienne, was likely to wear the crown of France, after his brother or nephew. And if this marriage should proceed, all Burgoyn, Brabant, Holland, Zealand, Flaunders, and all the low Countries, where the English men for the most part, made their martes, and uttered there their ambergris, should be united and annexed to the Crown of France, and in the hands of the old and ancient enemies of the realm: For so had poor England, and little Calais, been continually in the danger of their enemies, almost with them environed round about. These things considered, king Edward and his Counsel, took the matter in great earnest, and seriously wrote to Duke Charles, that if he would conclude any marriage in France, to the hurt and prejudice of the realm of England: that he should know that he had, not only broken his league and amity, but also find, that he had been better to have dissimuled, with the best friend that he had, then privily without reason, to have iuggeled with the realm of England. The Duke of Burgoyne made reasonable answers, and honest excuses, but the Counsel of England, in no wise would give credit thereto: ever surmising that the marriage should take effect. And certainly at this season, the English men had rather have taken part, with the French King then with the Duke of Burgoyne: if it had not been only, to impeach and stop this marriage, so much the English men disdained, to have the house of Burgoin, conjoined and united to the crown of France. But the Duke of Burgoyn dallied, and dissimuled with all parties, in this matter, giving them fair words, and making large promised, by the which he first deceived other, and in conclusion himself. He promised his daughter, to Nicholas Duke of Calaber, with whom, he had rather have had her buried, then bedded. Duke Philbert of Savoy, had an outward answer assuredly, when nothing was so minded inwardly. Maximilian Duke of ostrich, and after king of Romans, son to the Emperor Frederick, could never obtain during the life of Duke Charles, but only glozing and painted promises, but all words, writings and promises, Comines Counsellor to Duke Charle●. what soever they were, clearly set aside, he was surely fixed and determined (as Comines his Counsellor doth writ) that no marriage as long as he lived, should sort to any effect, at the lest by his consent. Now let us leave the Duke of Burgoyne about his affairs for a while, and return to king Edward: which in the xiij year of his reign called his high Court of parliament, at his Palace of Westminster, in the which, all laws and ordinances, made by him before that day were corroborated and confirmed: and such Laws made by him, as King Henry the sixth, had caused to be abrogated and adnichilated, he again revived and renewed. He made farther laws as well for the confiscation of the goods of the rebels to his person, as also for the restoring of such as fled out of the realm, for the quarrel and occasion: which by his adversaries, as traitors to their king and Country, a little before were of high treason attainted, and to death condemned. Toward his charges of late sustained, a competent somme of money was demanded, and frankly granted: and in conclusion, all inward grudges and open discords, the which had of long continued, in the hearts of the Nobility, which now were very few (the more part being consumed in the wars) he clearly extirped, and brought to unity and concord. King Edward holp to this agreement, as much as in him lay: And to the intent that other men should forget injuries to them done, and put away all rancour and malice: following his good and godly example, A general pardon. he clearly pardoned almost all offences, and all men then being within the realm, he frankly discharged, although they had taken part with his adversaries against him, of all high treasons and crimes. While King Edward was thus setting an order, and pacifying of all things, which were out of square: Charles Duke of Burgoyne, whose spirit was never in quiet, desiring as well to amplify, and enlarge his territories and dominions, lying on the side of the river of Ryne, toward high Burgoyne, as also to recover again Amias and other towns, which the French king more by fraud, than by feats of war, had from him wrongfully usurped: and further above all things, coveting to have the French king to have some great shame, loss, or hindrance, could not invent no one way so apt and meet for his imagined purpose, as to entice and persuade the king of England by his Ambassadors, to make war upon the said king and his Country: for the recovering of his old right and ancient title in the same, by the French king and his father, against all right and equity, witholden and detained. King Edward began a little to hearken on that side, not so much for to help the Duke of Burgoyne (to whom he was much bound, for his aid in the time of his exile, as you before have heard) as for to be revenged of king Lewis, whom he reputed for his mortal enemy. First for aiding the Earl of Warwick and his complices against him: secondarily, for the long maintaining and fostering of Queen Margaret, and her son Prince Edward (whom for a farther affinity, he made Godfather to his son Charles the dolphin) within his Countries and dominions. Whereupon, when he had consulted with the Nobility & the chief and sage persons of the realm (which in manner have a certain natural inclination to make war in France, either for hope of great spoil and gain, or of a certain privy canker engendered in the hearts of their forefathers, in time long passed, and after by lineal succession descended into the stomachs of their Nephews) he answered the Duke's messenger, that in the beginning of the year, he would landlord at Calais with such a puissant army, that the french king should well perceive that he lacked neither men, nor that his men lacked stomachs, both for to revenge their sovereign's quarrel, & also to recover his right. And for a truth, at this season there was mortal war between king Lewis and the Duke of Burgoyne: And more likely to fall between him and other, for king Lewis of nature was hard of speech, and churlish in answer, froward and ungentle as well to his friends as to his foes. By reason whereof many great men within the realm of France, not content with his gross rudeness, and rude dissimulation began to have intelligence, and to clean to the Duke of Burgoyne, amongst whom was Lewis of Luxenbo●ough, earl of Saint Paul, and Constable of France, which being confedered with the Duke and other noble men, determined so to vex & scourge King Lewis with some plague, by the which either he should be transformed into a man, clear altered from his old qualities, or else should be in jeopardy both of loss of life and realm, for it was determined that France should be set on and assaulted both with outward enemies, and inward dissimulers. All these things the Duke of Burgoyne with King Edward, did communicate, to the intent the sooner to allure and provoke him, to enterprise the war, according to his desire. These things as tokens of victory before, encouraged King Edward, and enforced him in manner to make war on France, and so with all expedition prepared all things necessary, both for water and land. And because no small sum of money was sufficient for so great a charge, and that the money the year before to him advanced by the realm, was consumed in his household, and other necessary affairs, he conceived a new devise in his imagination, by the which engine he might covertly persuade and entice his rich friends to give and grant him some convenient sum of money toward his great charges, and incredible costs, which thing if they did not willingly assent to, he then would impute to them much unkindness, whereupon he caused his officers to bring to him the most rich persons, one after another, and to them he explained the cause, and the purpose, and the necessity of the war began, and the faintness and weakness of his treasure, and the great importunate lack of money, heartily requiring them for the love and affection that always they had borne to him, being their natural Prince, of their own gratuity and free-will to give to him some aid of money, for maintenance of his war and army: what should I say more? This invention came to this effect, that some calling to their remembrance, the benefits of him received, some with shame, some with fear moved and encouraged, gave to him liberally both of their substance and treasure, which without grudge he could not have otherwise obtained. But here I will not let pass a pretty conceit that happened in this gathering, in the which you shall not only note the humility of a king, A merry note. but more the fantasy of a woman. King Edward had called before him a Widow, much abounding in substance, and no less grown in years, of whom he merrily demanded what she gladly would give him toward his great charges? By my truth quoth she, for thy lovely countenance thou shalt have even twenty pound, the king looking scarce for the half of that sum, thanked her and lovingly kiss her, whether the flavor of his breath did so comfort her stomach, or she esteemed the kiss of a King, so precious a jewel, she swore incontinently that he should have twenty pound more, which she with the same will paid that she offered it. The king willing to show that this benefit was to him much acceptable, and not worthy to be put in oblivion, A benevolence called this grant of money a benevolence, notwithstanding that many with grudge and malevolence gave great sums toward that new found benevolence. But the using of such gentle fashions toward them, with friendly prayer of their assistance in his necessity, so tempted them that they could no otherwise do, but frankly and freely yield and give him a reasonable aid. And here I find noted that Doctor Woodlarke, Provost of the king's College in Cambridge, did at this time build Katheryn Hall in Cambridge. When all things convenient for such an enterprise were in a readiness. king Edward with his army went to Dover, King Edward passeth over with an army into France. where he found five hundred ships and Hoys, ready to transport him and his army over the sea. And so he himself with his nobility warlikey accompanied, passed over between Dover and Calais, the fourth day of july, and landed at Calais with great triumph, his army, horses, and munitions of war scarce passed over in twenty days (whom the French men bragged should have been taken if they had well considered the chance before, as they knew it after.) When king Edward with all his army royal, was without any trouble landed, and in surety, he caused every man according to his degree, to be ordered and lodged. This army by the writing of Comines, was the fairest and the strongest army that passed out of England into France many years before, for the men were so well armed, and so surely in all things appointed, and provided, that the French nation were not only amazed to behold them, but much more praised them, and there order. In this army, were iu C. men of arms, well horsed, A great army. of the which the most part were barded and richly trapped, after the most Galiarde fashion, having many horses decked in one suit. There were farther xu M. Archers, bearing bows & arrows, of the which a great part were on horseback. There were also, a great number of fighting men, and other, aswell to set up tents & Pavilions (where of the Englishmen had great plenty) as to serve their artillery & to enclose their camp, or other wise to labour. And in all this army there was not one page. The King of England was at his arrival highly displeased with the Duke of Burgoyn, which in the word of a Prince, promised him to meet him at his landing with two. M. men of arms, and light horsemen, beside a great number of Lance knights, and Halberdiers, and that he would have began the war three months before the kings transporting, The Duke of Burgoyne besiegeth the town of Nuyce. the more to vex and grieve the French king, and to 'cause him to seek his wits. The Duke of Burgoyn at this season, lay at siege before the strong town of Nuyce, with a puissant army, against whom were of Nuyce assembled the Emperor Fredrick, and almost the whole Empire, for the rescue of the town, to whom the king of England sent the Lord Scales in post, requiring him to leave his void siege before the strong town of Nuyce, and to return in all haste with his people and army to make war in France, according to his promise, and oath, declaring farther that the time passed and the Summer would be lost, with this charge the Lord Scales departed in all haste toward the Duke, whom we will leave, riding toward Nuyce for a while. O France, France, how much art thou bound to laud and praise thy Saviour, for thy deliverance, in the time of thy affliction. For if God had not permitted the cancared heart of the Duke, to be indurate, nor his weak brain to be vexed, nor yet his ambitious affection to be inflamed, so that he with all his power had joined with the army of England on the one side, having on the other side, the Duke of Britain with his power: These three princes had been like to have made France, either to bow, or to break. Before king Edward departed from Dover, he sent to the French king an officer of arms (whom Comines untruly calleth Garter borne in Normandy, for the room of Gartier was never given to no stranger) which herald delivered to the French king with all dew reverence, a letter of defiance, both for the style and the penning excellently indited, which the Frenchmen would scant believe to be framed by an Englishman. The letter required the French king, King Edward sendeth a letter of def●aunce unto the French king. to tender to the king of England, the realm of France to him of right, and by lineal inheritance, appertaining, and belonging, to the intent that he might put again the church, the Nobility, and the commons, into their ancient estates, and liberties, and to disburden, and exonerate them of the great charges, travails, & labours, that they now were in. And in case that he did refuse so to do, than he did protest the harm that should ensue, in the form and manner, that in such a case is requisite, and accustomed to be done. King Lewis read the letter secretly to himself, and after all alone in a great study withdrew himself into his wardrobe, and sending for the English Herald, said to him, sir, I know, and well wots, that the king of England your master, is neither descended in these parts of his own free motion, nor yet of us required, but only enticed and provoked by the Duke of Burgoyn, & somewhat enforced by the commons of his realm. But now you may see that the season of the year passeth, and the Duke of Burgoyn is in poor estate, returning from Nuyce all most discomforted. The Constable also, with whom the king your sovereign Lord, I am sure hath some intelligence, for favour that your master hath married his Niece, is not so sure a friend as he is taken for, and if all the world knew how I have promoted him, and what I have done for him, they would little think, that he would so untruly handle me as he doth, for I assure you, he is a deep dissimuler, and in continual dissimulation intendeth to lead his life, entertaining all men for his own profit. And although the king your master be unsure of all his other promises, yet of one thing he shall be sure, that is, he shall be ever dissimuled withal, & therefore I say to you, and not to your master, that he were better have a peace with an old enemy, than the promises and familiarity of a new dissimuling friend, which peace most pleaseth God, and is the thing that I most do desire. When he had said, he gave to the Herald three hundred Crowns, promising him a thousand crowns, if any good appointment came to pass. The Herald being more covetous of the crowns, then secret, according to the duty of his office, promised to do all things that in him say, not doubting but that the king his master would be conformable to any reasonable offer, advising the French king (after king Edward were once landed) to sand him a Herald, to fetch a save conduit and passport, for such as should labour and travail in that treaty. And that the said Herald should first resort to the Lord Standley, or to the Lord Haward, for the conducting of him to the kings presence, when the Herald should depart, the king gave him a piece of Crimosen Velvet of xxx yards long, commanding and straightly charging, that no man should be so hardy once to comen with him, but to let him pass in all gentle fashion. When the Herald was gone, king Lewis calling to him vij or eight of his familiars, caused the letter to be read, of the which he was but a little afraid and less abashed, considering the English Herald had showed him plainly how to enter into the port of the treaty, and in manner how to gain and conquer the fortress, of which information he was not a little joyous, and wisely and secretly according to the same, when he saw his time, he prosecuted his purpose. In this very season, the Lord Scales came to the Duke of Burgoyne before Nuyce, accounting to him his message, as he was commanded. The Duke of Burgoyne, being so sore set to conquer the town of Nuyce, answered the Lord Scales, that his honour was lost, and shame should be spoken of him through all christendom, if he should raise his field and break his siege, but he hoped shortly to gain the town, and then with triumphant victory, to come to aid king Edward with his whole army: with this answer the Lord Scales departed, which only answer was comen without any other augmentation, to all such as king Edward sent, to have the Duke to keep his promise. What a folly was this in Duke Charles, to besiege a town impregnable, even at the same time when the English men at his request had passed the sea, which thing all the time of his regiment, he had both travailed in, and sore required, and never could compass till this season, and also all things being well disposed for his purpose, both in Britain & in other places, except he more regarded to conquer a new town, then to defend all his old possessions and signiories. But shortly after by the Bishop of Rome's authority, he left Nuyce unconquered, but losing a great number of his people, and the remnant he sent into Lorraine and Barroys, there to lie and trouble Duke Reyner of Lorayn, which a little before had defied him, lying before Nuyce. And he himself with a small company came to king Edward before Calais, with whom king Edward at the first coming began somewhat to be grieved, laying to his charge that at his motion, request, and desire, he with all his army had passed the Seas only to the intent with mortal war, to plague and scourge the proud realm of France. And that he leaving all things (which should molest or trouble the French king) a part, applied himself to matters of Lorraine, and extern Nations, more than to revenge the open injuries to him done by his neighbour the French king. The Duke excused himself with jeoparding the loss of his honour, if he had returned from Nuyce, and also that of necessity, he was compelled to leave his army in Lorraine, to be revenged over Duke Reyner, which had him before Nuyce with spiteful words and railing terms defied and detested: affirming farther, that now in the beginning with a small company, a great enterprise might be gained. In proof whereof he delivered to the king letters of credence, sent from the Constable of France, which willed the king to give credit and perfit faith to the Duke, in making relation of such secrets as were to him given in charge to declare to the kings own person. First he showed that although the Constable had promised to the king and the Duke, to tender up to them the town of Saint Quintines, yet it had not come to so good effect, if it had been yielded, the Duke being in Germany, as it now shall, the King and the Duke being both personally present, at the deliverance. Wherefore he exhorted the king to set forward, and to display his Banner, and to set forth his standard. And so by his motion, the king accompanied with the Duke, his army departed out of Calais, and passed by Boleyne to Perone, where the English men thought themselves of the Duke, more like enemies than friends to be entertained, for at the gates entered but a few that were appointed, the remnant lodged in the fields, better purveyed of their own, then of the Duke's provision. The king of England thinking surely that the Constable meant all truth, and the sooner induced to that credence, because the Constable was great Uncle to the Queen his wife, where in very deed, he nothing less minded than troth, removed his Camp from Peron, the Duke of Burgoyne being in his army, The Constable of France. a deep dissembler. and marched toward Saint Quintines: certain English men ran before the town, against whose coming they thought that the bells should have been rung, and the gates set open. But when they approached the town, the artillery began to shoot, and they of the town came out both on foot and horseback, and skirmished with the English men, of which two or three were slain. This welcome seemed bury strange to king Edward, pondering together yester days promise', and this days doing. The Duke would not that the king should desist from his purpose, because the town was not yielded at the sight of a handful of people, which thing he said, although the Constable would gladly have done, at the first, yet he would have a colour to do it, as though it should appear that he did it by very compulsion and force: and therefore if the King would make but semblance to besiege the town, he would warrant, that incontinent it should be rendered. The king of England perceiving that he was deluded in his first enterprise, thought it more surer to hear the fair words of the Constable, and the Duke, then to give credit to their untrue and deceitful doings. The English men returned to their camp, very ill content, murmuring against the Constable, calling him Traitor, perjured and untrue Gentleman. Beside this anger, there came the next day another corsie, that smarted a little sorer, for Duke Charles of Burgoyne, by whose means king Edward had taken upon him this war, either perceived that all the Constable's promises were but fair sun shining, sweetly spoken, and sourly performed, or else he saw that he himself lacked men or money, to proceed farther with King Edward in his journey: took his leave suddenly of the king of England, saying that he must needs visit, and see his army in Berroys, promising shortly with all puissance to return again to the great advantage and commodity of them both, and so in haste departed. This departing was both displeasant and strange to the king of England, considering that in hope to have the Duke his continual fellow in arms, and to have his counsel in the order of his people (which of late had not frequented the war of France, nor yet perfectly knew the force, the agility and the manner of the French nation) had passed the Seas, raised his Standard, and by the Duke's procurement entered into the land of his enemies, and now to be left alone without guide or leader, without aid or succour, in the middle of his foes, he could no less think, but that the Duke neither used him like a Prince, nor yet kept his promise like a true man, which unstable & dissimuling working, caused, yea, & rather enforced king Edward both to think that he never thought, and to do that he never intended to do. The English men sore murmured against the Constable, & no less against the Duke, saving they determined never to give confidence to the Constable's words, and greatly doubted, whether they might give any credit to the Duke's promise. Thus lay the English men in the fields, when the cold nights began to wax long, without any gain of conquest, which caused the common people, which be not always content with hardness, rather to desire to turn homeward, then to proceed any days journey forward. The French king which was both wily and witty (and especially for his own purpose) knew by his espials, the untrue refusal made by the Constable, the unfriendly departing of the Duke of Burgoyn, and the daily murmuring of the English men, against them both: wherefore he thought now, that it was very expedient, to follow the counsel of the English Herald, in sending for a safe conduit, for meeting of Ambassadors, to common of a treaty, if it might be well compassed. But yet to avoid all doubts, he raised an army, and the more he perceived the power of his enemies to increase, the more he studied how by power to resist them, and over that army he made captain, Monsire Robert de Estotevile, a valiant man, whom, he sent into Arthoys, to defend the frontiers there, against the king of England's entry and invasions: and he himself tarried still at Senlis. The French king being thus privily desirous of peace, although he outwardly showed the countenance of Mars: meaning quietness, and setting forth war, caused a varlet to be subornated, in a cote armure of France (which for haste, was made of a Trumpet banner) because king Lewis was not much desirous, nor greatly passed on honour, and seldom had in his Court, either officer of Arms or Trumpet: which varlet was well encouraged, and no less instructed, how to do his message (which was delivered to him in writing) both with a bold countenance, and a sober demeanour. This counterfeit Herald, although he was but a varlet in deed, was both witty and well spoken, and so road in sad manner, near to the English army, and there put on his cote of Arms. The English outscourers perceiving by his cote, that he was an officer of Arms, gently saluted him, and inquired of him, whether his journey lay: he sadly answered, that his message was from the French king, to the King of England. Then was he conveyed to the tent, where the Lord Haward, and the Lord Stanley, with other were at dinner, where he was highly entertained, and no less welcomed. And after dinner, he was brought before the King, in whose presence, with a bold audacity, and no fearful speech, he declared first his credence, because he was an officer of Arms, (to whom, credit by the law of all nations aught to be given) and secondarily, he published the things, to him given in charge and commandment, saying. Right high and mighty Prince, if your excellent wisdom did perfectly know: what inward affection, and fervent desire, the King my Master hath always had, to have a perfect peace, a sure unity, between your noble person, and your Realm, and his honourable parsonage, and his Dominions, you would (and for truths sake) should confess & say, that never Christian Prince, more thirsted for an amity, to the intent that the subjects of both the Realms, quietly living under two Princes, confederate and combined together, in an indissoluble confederacy and league, may mutually embrace each other in their hearts, and frequent each others Princes, territories, and Dominions, with their Merchandises and wares: And finally, the one to live with the other, as friend with friend, and brother with brother, in continual love, rest, and tranquillity. And for his part he doth affirm and say, that sith he received first the Crown of his Kingdom, he never attempted nor yet once imagined, any war, or thing prejudicial toward your royal person, your realm, or your people. If you peradventure will say, that he supported, and maintained the Earl of Warwick, against your Majesty, he surely that doth and will deny: For he aided him against the Duke of Burgoyn, whom, he knew not only to be his extreme enemy, but also to lay in wait, both by sea and land, either to take him, or utterly to destroy him. Which Duke of Burgoyne, only for his own cause, hath excited and solicited your highness, to come over the troublous Seas, to the intent to cause (yea, in manner to compel) the King my master, to condescend to such treaty and appointment, as should be to his only profit, and neither to your honour, nor yet to your gain. For if he and such other, as daily flattered him for their peculiar profits, (as he had many in deed, that daily sucked at his elbow) had once obtained the thing, that they breathed for, all your affairs were put in oblivion, and left at large for them, or their assissance, even as they be at this day. Hath not the Duke of Burgoyne caused you, first to come into France: after to set forward your army, and in conclusion, for lack of his promise, to lose the fair season of the year, and to lie in the fields in Winter? Which war if it continued, shall neither be profitable to you, nor yet to our nobility: And finally to both the Realms, and especially to Merchant men, shall bring both misery, poverty, and calamity. Came the Duke of Burgoyn from Nuce to Calais, only to visit you? Road he all that post haste, only to blind you? Returned he back into Loreyn again for any cause, but only to leave you desolate, and to abandon you? Did he or the Constable keep any one promise with you? Why do you then believe, and yet still trust them, in whom you never found faith nor fidelity? But if God will it so ordain, that you and my Master, may join in a league and amity, I dare both say and swear, that the fine steel never cleaved faster to the Adamant stone, than he will stick and clasp with you, both in wealth and woe, in prosperity and adversity: And if it shall please you, to hearken to any reasonable treaty, I being a poor man, shall on jeopardy of my life (which is my chiefest treasure) undertake, that this communication shall sort, and come to such an effect, that both you and your Nobility, shall be glad and rejoice, and your Commons shall be contented and pleased, and they that have deceived you, shall be both abashed and ashamed: Most humbly beseeching your highness, if your pleasure shall incline this way, that I may have a sure safeconduyte, for one hundred horses, for such personages as the King my Master shall send to you, with farther intimation of his mind & purpose. And if your pleasure shall be, to have the communication in any place, indifferent between btoh armies, than I shall warrant you, a like safe-conduct for your men, as you do sand for ours. When he had accomplished his message and instructions, the King of England and his counsel, highly commended his audacity, his tongue, and his soberness, giving to him in reward, a fair guilt cup, with a hundred angels: delivering him a safe-conduct, according to his request, and demand, with the which, he with speed departed, having with him an English Herald, to bring a like safe-conduct, from the French king. After both the Princes had diligently consulted on this matter, and that the safeconduites, were delivered on both parts. The Ambassadors met at a village beside Amias, where were sent by the king of England, the Lord Hawarde, sir Thomas Sentliger, Doctor Morton, after Chancellor of England, and Cardinal. For the French king were sent, the Bastard of Bourbon Admiral of France, the Lord of saint Pierre, the Bishop of Eureux called Heberge. It may of some be not a little marveled at, why the French king thus laboured, and sought for peace, and did make so humble, and large offers as he did: But if they consider in what case, the realm of France stood in at that time, having the king of England, the Duke of Burgoyn, the Duke of Britain, their enemies, and all furnished to set upon them at one instant: They may say, that the French king was both wise and circumspect, to humble himself for advantage, or else if God had not helped: the realm of France had been troubled, and tossed in great jeopardy, and dangerous extremity. The Ambassadors met at the place appointed, the English men demanded, the whole realm of France, or at the lest Normandy, and whole Aquitaine, the allegations were well proved by the Englishmen, and pollytiquely defended by the French men, so that with arguments, without conclusion the day passed, and the Commissioners departed, and made relation to their Masters. The French king and his counsel, would in no wise consent, that the king of England, should have any part, or parcel of land, within the realm of France: but rather fully determined, to put himself, & his whole realm in hazard, and adventure: so loath, yea more afeard, then loath, he was to have the Englishmen, to be his next neighbours. The Commissioners at the next meeting, concluded & agreed upon certain articles, which were by both the Princes, accepted and allowed. Articles agreed upon by the king of England & the French king. It was covenanted and agreed, that the French king should pay to the king of England without delay .lxxv. M. Crowns of the sun, & yearly fifty M. Crowns to be paid at London, during king Edward's life. And farther it was agreed, that Charles the Dolphin, should marry the Lady Elizabeth, eldest daughter to king Edward, and they two to have for the maintenance of their estates, the whole Duchy of Guienne, or else fifty Thousand Crowns, yearly to be paid within the tower of London, by the space of ix years: and at the end of the said term, the Dolphin and his Dophines', peaceably to enjoy the whole Duchy of Guienne, and of that charge the French king against the king of England, then to be clearly exonerate. And further, it was agreed and appointed, that the two Princes, both for the increase of love, and for the continuance of amity should interview each other, in some place most expedient, and meet, for so great a purpose: and after their meeting each of them to take a corporal oath, in presence of the other. This peace to endure ix years between both the realms, and inviolably to observe and keep all things, concluded, agreed, and appointed. And on the king of England's part, were comprised as allies in the league, the Dukes of Burgoyne, and Briteyne, if they would assent. And that after the whole sum aforesaid, was to King Edward paid: he should leave in hostage the Lord Haward, and sir john Cheyney master of his horstes, till he with all his army, was passed over the sea. This peace much rejoiced the French king, to whom, nothing could be either more pleasant, or more acceptable, then to have the English men in short space (how shortly he cared not) clearly avoided, and transported out of his Realm: imagining ever that by their tarrying, they would so like the wholesome and sweet air of his fruitful Country, that a great number would be continually sick and vexed till they returned: wherefore, to rid them with all hasty speed, he borrowed the said sum of .lxxv. M. Crowns, of every man that might lend a portion. King Edward likewise, although he was of puissance strong enough, to achieve a great enterprise on his enemies, and farther encouraged, because he was renowned for the famous acts, by him before time brought to pass, in so many battles: Desiring also, rather to have war, with the French nation being the old and ancient enemy, to the English name and blood: yet when he called to his remembrance, that the civil war had so consumed and wasted his substance and treasure, that if urgent necessity should require, he were of scant ability to furnish and set forth a new army: knowing his treasury at home, to be so void and faint, that it was not able long to wage his Soldiers, thought it both reasonable and profitable, to obey to necessity, and to abstain from battle, seeing both honourable offers was to him offered, and agreements of advantage to him motioned: Considering chiefly beside all this, that neither the Duke of Burgoyne, nor the Constable of France, did, nor would observe or perform the promises by them made and sworn. Whereupon he and the most of his counsel agreed to this conclusion and concord. But the Duke of Gloucester and other, to whom the French nation, was more odious than a toad, whose sword thirsted for French blood, detested, abhorred, and cried out on this peace, saying: that all their travail, pain, and expenses, were to their shame lost and employed, and nothing gained, but a continual mock, and daily derision of the French King, and all his Minions. This imagination took effect without delay, for a Gentleman of the French kings Chamber, after the peace was concluded, did demand of an English man, how many battles King Edward had vanquished, and he answered nine: wherein he himself personally had been. A great honour said the French man: But I pray you, quoth he, smiling: how many hath he lost? the English man perceiving what he meant, said: one which you by policy and by no strength have caused him to lose. Well said the French man, you may ponder in a pair of Balance, the gain of the nine gotten battles, and the rebuke of this one in this manner lost: for I tell you, that we have this saying, the force of England hath, and doth surmount the force of France: but the engenious wit of the French men, excel the dull brains of Englishmen. For in all battles you have been the gainers, but in league and treaties, our wits have made you losers: so that you may content yourselves, with the loss in treaties, for the spoil that you got in wars and battles. This communicaiton was reported to the French King, which privily sent for the English man (as saith Hall) to supper, and not only made him good cheer, but also gave him a thousand Crowns, to praise the peace, and to help to maintaince the same: yet nevertheless, he being not a little moved with these brags, declared all the communication to the Duke of Gloucester, which swore, that he would never have set foot out of England, if he had not thought to have made the frenchmen, once to have assayed the strength and puissance of the English men: But whatsoever he thought, all things were transformed into another kind, than he could imagine. The Duke of Burgoyne being informed, that there was a peace entreating between the two kings: came in no small haste from Luxenborough only accompanied with sixteen horses, into the king of England's lodging, whereof the king being not a little abashed, seeing both his sudden coming, and his fierce countenance, like one that would rather bite than whine, demanded of him the cause, of his so sudden coming. The Duke sharply answered, to know whether he had, either entered into any communication, or only had absolutely concluded a peace, between the French king and him. King Edward declared, how that for sundry, and diverse great and urgent causes, touching aswell the universal public wealth, of the whole Christianity as their own private commodity, and the quietness of their realms, he and the French king had concluded a peace and amity, for term of ix years, in the which were comprised, as fellows and friends, both he and the Duke of Britain, requiring him to condescend, and agreed to the same. O Lord, quoth the Duke of Burgoyn, have you thus done in deed? have you passed the seas, entered into France, and without killing of a poor fly, or burning of a seely sheep cote, have taken a shameful truce: did your noble ancestor, king Edward the third, ever make army into France (as he made many) in the which he did none either gain victory in battle, or profit in conquering, Cities, Towns, Countries. That victorious Prince, as dear kin to me, as to you king Henry the fift, I mean whose blood you have, either rightfully or wrongfully, God knoweth, exstirpate and destroyed, with a small puissance entered into France, conquered whole Normandy, and not alonely conquered it, but peaceably kept it, and never would either common, or agreed to any league, till he had the whole realm of France offered him, and was thereof made Regent and heir apparent, & you without any thing doing, or any honour, or profit gaining, have condescended to a peace, both as honourable, and as profitable to you, as a Pesecode, and not so wholesome as a Pomegranate: think you that I either moved you, or once enticed you, to take this journey for my peculiar advantage, or commodity (which of my power am able, to revenge mine own causes, without help of other) but only to have you recover, your old rights, and possessions, which were from you both unjustly, and wrongfully withholden. And to the intent that you shall know, that I have no need of your aid, I will neither enter into your league, nor take truce with the French King, till you be passed the sea, and have been there three months. When Duke Charles and said, he furiously threw down his Chair, and would have departed. But the king him stayed and said: Brother Charles, sith you have spoken at leisure, what you would, you must and shall here again what you would not: And first, as concerning our entry into France, no man living knoweth that occasion, neither so well, nor hath cause half so well to remember it as you: For if you be not forgetful, ye remember how the French king for all your power, took from you the fair town of Amias, and the strong Pile of Saint Quintines, with divers other towns, which you neither durst, nor yet were able, either to rescue or defend. Sigh which time, how he hath plagued you, how he hath taken from you your friends, yea, of your privy Chamber, and secret counsel (by whom all your secrets be to him revealed and made open) you know or have better cause to remember, and not to forget them. And when you determined, to besiege the town of Neuse, you thought yourself, in a great doubt, whether you should lose more at home, by your absence (the French King dreaming, and waiting like a Fox for his prey) or else gain more in Germany, by your power and presence, and to keep the Wolf from the fold, that is the French King, from your Castles and Dominions, was the chief and principal cause, why you so fair prayed me, and so sore laboured and enticed me to pass over the sea, promising Mountains of Gold, which turned into snow, and wasted into water, boasting that ye would sand horsemen and footmen, and yet showing neither Lackey nor Page. If we had made our enterprise for ourself solely, and in our one quarrel, think you that we would have tarried your coming? Nay, nay, you should have well known, if we had intended a conquest, that we would have so strongly invaded, and set on the Realm of France, that your Countries of Flaunders, and Brabant, should have had cause enough to wonder at, trusting that, that which we had gotten, we would have kept aswell as any of our ancestors have done: But because the very occasion of the war was yours, and that you did not prosecute the same, the French King, which never offended me nor my subjects (except in maintaining the Earl of Warwick, for the displeasure that you bore him against me) offered me, being destitute of all your succour and aid, both honourable and honest conditions of peace, which offers I was in manner enforced by very reason to accept, and so have concluded a truce, which God willing I will both keep and observe. God sand you joy, quoth the Duke, and suddenly took his horse, and road again to Lurenborough. After this day the king and the Duke, never loved, and never saw each other, such is the end of untrustiness and promise breaking. The Constable of France, fearing jest that by this conclusion he might be reputed of the French king untrue, as he had well deserved it: Wherefore he sent his confessor to King Edward, with letters of credence, requiring him heartily little to regard the French kings words, and less to trust to his promise, affirming that the French king would no longer keep promise then king Edward were on that side of the sea: and rather than he should agreed with the French king, for a small sum of money, he offered to lend him fifty thousand crowns, with many other fair proffers. The king of England made answer that the truce was concluded, and that he would nothing change, concerning the matter, and that if he had kept promise with him, he would not have made that appointment nor agreement. Then was the Constable in manner on all sides in despair, but yet he wrote to the French king by his messengers, beseeching him to give no credit or belief to any tale told or feigned against him, without hearing his answer, affirming that the king had always known his truth and fidelity toward the crown of France, and so should he still find him tills his dying day, promising and warranting him, if that it should stand with his pleasure, that he would so compass the Duke of Burgoyne, that they two should utterly destroy the king of England and his army or they returned. The counsellors of the French king made answer, that their master and the king of England were joined and confedered in a sure amity: wherefore they would in no wise know or condescend to any thing that might be either prejudicial, or once sound to the detriment of the English men: But they said, that the king their master much trusted the Constable, and that for his sake he would talk with them in his privy Chamber. The French King before their entry into his chamber, caused the Lord of Countay servant to the Duke of Burgoyne, accompanied with the Lord of Argenion, one of his privy counsel, to stand secretly behind a ceiling or a hanging in his chamber, and he himself sat in a Chair, directly before that place, so that whatsoever were purposed to him, they standing behind the cloth, might easily see and here the same. Lewis de Crevell and his fellow entered into the King's Chamber of nothing thinking less than of the spirits enclosed: they declared what pain their master had taken for the French kings sake, to sand, move, and entice the Duke of Burgoyne to leave, and clearly to forsake the king of England, which Duke they found in such a rage and fury against the English men, that at their request, he was not only utterly determined to forsake and refuse their amity, but also would send out adventurers and Lance knights, to rob and spoil them in their returning. And in speaking these words (thinking surely much to please the king) the said Lewis counterfeited the fashion and gesture of the Duke of Burgoyn, and began to stamp with his foot on the ground, and beat with his fist on the table, swearing by Saint George that the King of England was not extracted of any noble house, but was a yeoman's son, and that when he was not worth one halfpenny, he was restored to his kingdom, and made king only by his aid, reproving and reviling him with such ill words, and so shameful terms, that all the hearers abhorred it. The French king feigning that he was thick of hearing, caused him to rehearse his saying again, which so counterfeited the very gesture of the Duke's angry countenance and roaring voice, that no man hath seen a better counterfayture or Player in any Comedy or Tragedy. The Lord of Contay was sore displeased to see his master made a ●esting stock, but he kept all these things secret, till his return to his master. When the Pagiaunt was played, the king bade the messengers of the Constable, to have him commended to his brother their master, and to declare to him that as news rose and grew, he would thereof advertise him, and so gave them licence to depart to their master, who thought himself now to be in great surety of his estate, when in deed he was never so near his fall and perdition: Esteeming the Duke of Burgoyne to be his assured friend, which hated him more than a paynim, or a Turk, accounting also the French King to have no ill suspicion in him, which neither trusted nor yet believed any word, writing or message that was either written or sent from him: Such end hath all dissimulation, such fruit springeth of doubled dealing and crafty conveying: for if either the Constable had been faithful to the King his master, as of bounded duty and allegiance he aught to be, or else had kept his promise, made to the king of England and Duke of Burgoyne, and had not dallied and dissimuled with them, he had surely in his extremity been aided, succoured and comforted of one of these three at the jest, where now he was of all three forsaken, and yet not forsaken, but sought for, looked for, and watched for, not for his profit or promotion, but for his undoing and destruction: Now let us leave of the Constable, and return to the conclusion of the peace. When all things were appointed, written and established, the peace was proclaimed in both the camps, and the king of England, the sooner to consummate the amity by oath as it was agreed, came within half a league of Amias, where the French king was, which to the intent to obtain the more favour of the Englishmen, sent into their army a hundred Cartes laden with Wine, the best that might begotten. And farther, because the English men resorted to the town of Amyas, both for their pastime and business, he ordained at the very entry of the gate of the town, two great and long tables, to be set on every side of the street, where the Englishmen should pass, and every table was abundantly furnished with all sorts of delicate viand, and especially of such as would provoke an appetite to drink, there lacked no wine of no sort, servitors were ready to serve and minister all things necessary. And farther to accompany and familiarly to entertain the English nation, at every table were appointed five or six gentlemen, of the best companions of the whole country, not only to see them served without lacking, but also to drink and make good cheer, and keep company with them, and ever as they entered into the town, they were taken by the bridles and in manner enforced to drink, wheresoever they came, they paid no money, but were set scot free, which cheer lasted three or four days, to the French kings cost, and in conclusion to his no small unquieting. For one day they entered into the town of Amyas ix M. English men well armed, so that no French man durst once forbidden them to enter. Their occasion of entering into the town was only to refresh them, and to buy things necessary for their businesses and affairs. When the French King was thereof informed, he was somewhat vexed and more amazed, fearing either the loss of his town or hurt of his people: he sent to the English Captains requiring them to withdraw their soldiers to their camp, the Captains performed the king's desire, as much as in them lay, but if they sent out twenty, ten came back again, and brought more company with them. The French king sent monsieur de Guye, Martial of France, and other into the town to see the englishmen's behaviour, they found some drinking, some singing, and some sleeping, so that they might perceive, that they meant neither deceit nor untruth: yet the French king which of his nature was very suspicious, & especially toward the English men, came to the gate of Amyas, strongly accompanied, and caused three hundred men of arms to be kept secretly in their Captains houses, and other company he set on the portal, where the English men entered, a small number God wots, to have resisted the great company of English men, if they had either intended any thing toward the French king or his town, The king of England was privily informed of the French kings doubtful imagination and untrue suspicion: wherefore he sent word to him, that he should make a proclamation, that no English man should enter into the town upon a pain. The French king made answer, that it neither stood with his honour, nor yet with any princely humanity, that he should forbidden his friends (as he called them) to take their pleasure in his town, but if it might please the king of England, to appoint certain of the yeomen of his crown, to stand at the gate, and to appoint, not only who should enter, but also the number of them, he thought that this moderation should be both surety and pleasure to both the parties. Which request the king of England with quick speed caused to be performed, to the great quietness of the French king and his counsel, casting farther perils than reason required. You have still in your remembrance, how an article of the treaty was, that the two princes should interview, and meet in a place by both parties to be appointed. The king of England appointed the Lord Haward, and sir Thomas Sentliger, and a Herald: for the French king were assigned the Lord Bonchace, and the Lord of Argenton. When they had viewed the river, they agreed the most convenient and surest place to be at Picquogny, on the water of Some three leagues fro Amyas. The town standeth low, and the river passeth through. On that side the French King should come, the Country fair and open, and so likewise the other part was very pleasant: but toward the river there was a cawsye of two arrow shots in length, which was environed with marshes, surely it was a dangerous passage to convey a prince in a strange realm, by such a straight, if the French men had meant any fraud, but verily the king of England had so great a trust and confidence in the honour and promise' of the French king and his nobility, that he would upon their assurance have adventured farther than this, if his will might have been performed. Then it was concluded by these four commissioners, that a large bridge should be made over the river of Some, in the middle of which bridge was made a great strong grate of timber, like to the grate where the Lions be kept, the holes of which grate did extend into no longer quantity, then that a man might easily put through his arm, which bridge was made and covered with boards, only to keep of the weather, that under the coverture, there might stand twelve persons on every side of the grate, which extended from the one side of the bridge, even directly to the other, so that there was no way for one prince to come to the other (as was in the grate, where john Duke of Burgoyn was slain) and over the river was only one ferry Bote. When the bridge and all other things necessary were ended and performed for so great a purpose, and well and diligently viewed on both the sides, there were appointed twelve noble personages to be attendant on every prince to the bars, and four English men were assigned to stand with the French men on the bridge, to see their doing and behaviour, and likewise four French men were limited to the English men for that same cause and policy. At the day appointed, which was the xxxj day of August, each king approached the river side with his army, so that each army might see other. The Frenchmen say and writ, that the army of the English men was greater and much fairer than their battle, but they excuse it (in this case as they do in all other) saying that the fourth part of their army was lacking, you may allow their excuse if it please you. When the token of meeting by the shot of the Artillery was known, the French king with twelve noble men entered the bridge, and came to the closure, with whom was john Duke of Bourbon, and the Cardinal his brother, a prelate more meet for a Lady's Carpet, then for an Ecclesiastical Pulpit, and ten other, amongst whom the Lord of Argenton was in like apparel, as the French king ware, for so was his pleasure that day to have him adorned. The King of England came all a long the causey that I have spoken of well accompanied that he seed well to be a king, and with him was his brother the Duke of Clarence, the Earl of Northumberland, the Bishop of Ely his chancellor, the Lord hastings his Chamberlain, and eight other Lords. King Edward and four other were apparelled in cloth of Gold frisked, having on his bonnet of black Velvet a Fleur-De-Lys of Gold, set with very rich and orient stones, he was a goodly, fair, and a beautiful Prince, beginning a little to grow in flesh, and when he approached near the grate, he took of his Cap, and made a low and solemn obeisance: the French king made to him an humble reverence, but after his fashion somewhat homely. An interview between the king of England and the French king. King Lewis embraced king Edward through the barriers saying: Cousin you be right heartily welcome into these parties, assuring you that there is no man in the world that I have more desired to see and speak with, then with you, and now lauded be almighty God, we be here met together for a good and godly purpose, whereof I doubt not, but that we shall have cause to rejoice. The king of England him thanked and answered to his words so soberly, so gravely, and so princely, that the French men there at not a little mused. The chancellor of England made there a solemn oration, in laud and praise of peace, concluding on a prophecy, that said that at Py●quegny should be concluded a peace, both honourable and profitable to the realms of England and France. The Chancellor opened the letters of both their agreements to the treaty, demanding of them if they therewith were contented, they answered yea, than each Prince laid his right hand on the Missal, and his left hand on the holy Cross, and took there a solemn oath, to observe and keep the treaty of the truce for ix years concluded between them, with all their confederates and allies comprised, mentioned and specified in the same, and farther to accomplish the marriage of their children, with all things thereon depending, according as it was agreed and concluded between their ambassadors: when the oath was taken and sworn, the French King said merrily to King Edward, brother if you will take pain to come to Paris, you shall be feasted and entertained with Ladies, and I shall appoint you the Cardinal of Bourbon for your confessor, which shall gladly assoil you of such sins, if any be committed. The King of England took these words pleasantly and thankfully, for he was informed that the Cardinal was a good companion, and a chaplain meet for such a daliing pastime. When this communication was merrily ended, the French king intending to show himself like a master amongst his servants, made all his company to draw back from him, meaning to common with the king of England secretly, the English men withdrew them without any commandment, than the two kings commoned alone secretly, I think not to the profit of the Constable of France. The French King demanded of King Edward, whether the Duke of Burgoyne would accept the truce, King Edward answered that he would once again make an offer, and then upon the refusal, he would refer and report the truth to him. Then king Lewis began to speak of the Duke of Britain, whom he would fain have excepted out of the league. To whom the King of England answered: Brother I require you to move no war to the Duke of Britain, for on my fidelity, in the time of my need and adversity, I never found a more friendly, sure and steadfast lover than he. Then king Lewis called his company again, and with most lowly and amiable commendations, took his leave of the king of England, speaking certain friendly words to every Englishman. King Edward doing likewise to the Frenchmen, they both at one time departed from the barriers and mounted on horse back, and departed the French King to Amias, and Kin●●ward to his army, to whom was sent out of the French kings house all th●●s necessary for a Prince, in so much that neither Torches nor Torchettes lacked unsent. When the French King was departed from Piequegny, he called to him the Lord of Argenton, saying, by the peace of God, the king of England is an amorous and a fair prince, he at the first beck would gladly see Paris, where he might fortune to find such pleasant or talkative Dames, which with fair words, and pleasant pastimes might allure him to their fantasies, that it might breed an occasion in him to come over the sea again, which I would not gladly see, for his progenitors have been to long and to often both in Paris and Normandy (on this side the sea) therefore I love neither his sight, nor his company, but when he is at home, I love him as my brother, and take him as my friend. The French king after this departing, sore desirous to make war on the Duke of Britain, which he could not do, except he were left out of the treaty: wherefore he sent the Lord Bouchage, and the Lord of S. Pierre, to the king of England, entreating him by all ways and motions possible, to leave the Duke of Briteyne for his alley, and not to have him comprehended in the league: the king of England hearing them so seriously, and so fervently speak against the Duke of Briteyne, with an earnest countenance answered, saying: My Lords I assure you, if I were peaceably at home in my realm, yet for the defence of the Duke of Briteyne and his Country, I would pass the Seas again, against all them that either would do him injury, or make war upon him. The French Lords nothing farther saying, much marveled why the king of England, so surely clave to the Duke of Briteynes party: But they knew not (or else at the lest remembered not) that Henry Earl of Richmond, was within the power and Dominion of the Duke of Briteyne, whom king Edward's fantasy ever gave him, would make once a title to the Crown of England, as next heir to the house of Lancaster: For he knew well, that if the Duke of Briteyne, would transport him into England, where he had both kinsfolk and friends, with never so small an aid (yea, although it were but a shadow of an army) then were he enforced, newly to begin again a conquest, as though he had never won the Crown, nor obtained the possession of the Realm, which was the very cause, why he stack so sore on the Duke of Briteynes part. The same night the Lords returned to Amias, and reported to their Master king Edward's answer, which therewith, was not the best pleased, but pleasure or displeasure, there was no remedy, but to dissimule the matter. This same night also, there came the Lord Haward, and two other of the King of England's Counsel (which had been helpers forward of the peace) to the French king to suppur. The Lord Haward said to the French king, secretly in his ear, that if it stood with his pleasure, he could persuade the king of England, to come to Amias, yea, peradventure as far as Paris, familiarly and friendly to solace himself with him, as his trusty friend and faithful brother. The French king, to whom this motion was nothing pleasant, calling for water, washed and rose without any answer making: but he said to one of his Counsel, that he imagined in his own conceit, that this request would be made: the English men began again, to com●●n of that matter, the French men politicly broke their communication, saying: that the king with all speed must march forward, against the Duke of Burgoyn. Although this motion seemed, only for to increase love, and continual amity between the Princes, yet the French men having in their perfit remembrance, the innumerable damages & hurts, which they of late days had sustained by the English nation: whereby continual hatred increased, against him in France, thought by policy and wisdom, with fair words, and friendly countenance, to put by this request, and to motion them rather, to departed homeward, then to prick them forward to Paris. This peace was said to be made, only by the holy Ghost, because that on the day of meeting, a white Dove sat on the very top of the King of England's Tent: whether she sat there to dry her, or came thither as a token given by God, I refer it to your judgement. At this treaty and meeting, was not the Duke of Gloucester, nor other Lords, which were not content with this truce, but the Duke came afterward to Amias, with divers other Lords of Engalnd, to the French King, which both highly feasted them, and also presented them with plate and horses, well garnished. King Lewis considering, what gain the Englishmen had gotten, by making war in France, and what misery, and what poverty, the French nation had suffered, by reason of the said wars, determined clearly, rather to pacify and entertain the English nation, by fair words, and great rewards, (although it were to his great charge) then by to much hardiness, to put himself, his nobility, and realm, in a hazard, by giving them battle, as his predecessors, had unwisely done at poitiers, and at Agincort: wherefore, to buy peace, he granted to king Edward, for a yearly tribute fifty thousand Crowns, as is mentioned before, to be paid at London, which accounting a Crown at four shillings, amounteth to ten thousand pound. And to have the favour and good will, of his chief counsellors, he gave great pensions, amounting to the somem of xuj thousand Crowns a year, that is to say: to his Chancellor, to the Lord Hastynges, his chief Chamberleyn, a man of no less wit, than virtue, and of great authority with his Master, and that not without a cause: For he had aswell in time of adversity, as in the fair flattering world, well and truly served him, and to the Lord Hawarde, to sir Thomas Mountgomerie, to sir Thomas Sentliger, to sir john Chemey, master of the kings horses, to the Marquis Dorset, son to the Queen, and divers other, he gave great and liberal rewards, to the intent to keep himself, in amity with England, while he wan and obtained his purpose and desire in other places. These persons had given to them great gifts, beside yearly pensions: For the lord of Argenton his Counsellor, affirmeth of his own knowledge, that the lord Haward, had in less than the term of two years, for reward in money and plate xxiiij M. Crowns, & at the time of his meeting, he gave to the Lord Hastynges, the kings chief Chamberlain, as the frenchmen writ, a hundredth Marks of silver made in Plate, whereof every Mark is eight ounces sterling: but the English writers affirm, that he gave the said Lord hastings xxiiij dozen boulles, that is to say, xii. dozen guilt, and xii. dozen ungilte, every Bowl weighing xvij nobles, which gift, either betokened in him, a great liberal nature, or else a great and especial confidence, that he had in the said Lord Chamberleyn. Beside this, he gave him yearly, two thousand Crowns pension, the which some he sent to him, by Piers Cleret, one of the Masters of his house, giving him in charge, to receive of him an acquittance, for the receipt of the same pension, to the intent that it should appear in time to come, that the Chancellor, Chamberleyn, Admiral, Masters of the horses, to the King of England, and many other of his counsel, had been in fee and pensionaries, of the French king, whose yearly acquittances (the Lord Hastynges only except) remain of record to be showed, in the Chamber of accounts, in the Palace of Paris. When Piers Cleret had paid the pension to the Lord Hastynges, he gently demanded of him an acquittance, for his discharge, which request when he denied, he then only required of him a letter of three lines, to be directed to the King, testifying the receipt of the pension, to the intent that the king his Master, should not think the pension to be embezzled. The Lord hastings although he knew, that Piers demanded nothing but reason, answered him: Sir this gift cometh only, of the liberal pleasure of the king your master, and not of my request: if it be his determinate wiwl, that I shall have it, than put you it into my sleeve, and if not, I pray you tender to him his gift again: For neither he nor you, shall have either letter, acquittance, or scrow, signed with my hand, of the receipt of any pension, to the intent to brag another day, that the king's Chamberlain of England, hath been pencionarie, with the French king, and showed his acquittence, in the Chamber of accounts, to his dishonour. Piers left his money behind, and made relation of all things to his master, which although that he had not his will, yet he much more praised the wisdom and policy of the Lord Hastynges, then of the other pensionaries, commanding him yearly to be paid, without any discharge demanding. When the King of England had received his tribute, and his nobility their rewards of the French King: he trussed up his tents, and jaded all his baggage, and departed toward Calais, but or he came there, he remembering the crafty dissimulation, and the untrue dealing of Lewis Earl of S. Poule, high Constable of France, intending to declare him, to the French King, in his very true likeness, and portraiture: sent unto him two letters of credence, written by the said Constable, with the true report of all such words and messages, as had been to him sent, and declared by the said Constable & his Ambassadors, which letters, the french King gladly received, and thankfully accepted, as the chief instrument, to bring the Constable to his death: which he escaped no long season after, such is the end of dissimulers. The return of king Edward into England. When King Edward was come to Calais, and had set all things in an order, he took ship, & sailed with a prosperous wind, into England, and was received by the Mayor of London, and the Magistrates clad in Scarlet, and v. C. commons, appareled in Murry, the twenty-three. day of September, in the xiv. year of his reign, upon black Heath, and so conveyned with a great triumph, through the City of London unto Westminster, where after his long labour, he reposed himself a while: every day almost talking with the Queen his wife, of the marriage of his daughter, whom he caused to be called Dolphinesse: thinking nothing surer, than that marriage to take effect, according to the treaty. The hope of which marriage, caused him to dissimule and do things, which afterward chanced greatly to the French kings profit, and smally to his. When king Edward was arrived in England, the French King thinking by no mean possible, to have his will on the Constable, but only by the Duke of Burgoyn, determined to conclude a truce, for ix years, upon covenant, every man to have his own: but the Ambassadors, would not have the truce proclaimed, thinking thereby, to save the Duke from perjury, which had sworn, never to conclude a peace, till the King of England head been three months in his realm, after his return from Calais. The King of England, was of all these doings, ascertained by his friends: wherefore, in all hast he sent sir Thomas Mountgomerie, a wise, and a sage knight, to the french king, being then at Vernyns, concluding with the Duke of Burgoyns Ambassadors, requiring him to take none other truce, with the Duke Charles, then that which was by them concluded, desiring him farther, in no wise to departed with saint Quintines, to the Duke: Offering that if he would, any longer continued the war▪ against the said Duke, that he would for his pleasure, and the Duke's displeasure pass the seas again, the next Summer: so that the French King, should pay to him fifty thousand Crowns, for the loss which he should sustain, in his custom by reason that the wols at Calais, because of the war, could have no vent, nor be uttered, and also pay half the charges, and half the wages of his Soldiers, and men of war. The French King, most heartily thanked the King of England, of his kind offer, and faithful friendship, excusing him, that the peace was already assented to: howbeit, it was the very same peace, that was between them concluded, saving only, that the Duke would be a contractor in the league, and not comprehended in the same, as another Princes alley. This matter was thus answered, and faintly excused, and with the same, sir Thomas Mountgomerie dispatched, which was with plate conveniently rewarded: and with him returned, the Lord Hawarde, and sir john Cheiney, which were hostages with the French King, till king Edward were returned into England. The French king marveled not a little, at king Edward's offers, and thought it perilous to 'cause the Englishmen to pass the sea again, and to join with the French men, whom they never loved, conjecturing farther, that the Englishmen, and the Burgonions, would soon agreed, by reason of their old acquaintance and familiarity, and by chance, both become enemies to the French men: wherefore, in avoiding of all ambiguities, he determined to conclude the truce. When King Edward had after this manner established, as well his affairs of outward war, as his private, and particular business at home: notwithstanding, that he being the most valiant, & fortunate victor, of such and so many terrible and bloody battles, might think to lead his life, in perfect quietness, and sure safety: Yet considering, Henry Earl of Richmond that Henry the young Earl of Richmonde, one of the offsprings, of the blood of king Henry the sixth, was yet living and in good health, he judged himself, to be far from his purpose, and that only thing, did so vex and trouble his joy and felicity, that he thought himself never to be in a sure estate. Wherefore, he determined yet once again, to solicit and move, France's Duke of Britain, either for gifts, promises, or prayers, to deliver the Earl into his hands. Wherefore he sent Doctor Stillyngton, & two other, his Ambassadors, well laden with no small some of Gold, with all haste to the Duke of Britein: And to the intent that their desire should appear more honest, in the open face of the world. he willed them to declare to the Duke, that their request, to have the Earl delivered to them, was only for this purpose, to join with him alliance by marriage, & so to extirpate & pluck up, all the dregs and leavings of the adverse part, and contrary faction. The Duke gently hard the Ambassadors, and first he began to deny, and after to excuse, why he might, nor aught not agreed to their request: but inconclusion, what with prayers requiring, and moneys soliciting, the Duke being wearied and overcome, delivered the Earl to the Ambassadors, whom in his letters he highly commended, to king Edward, not thinking that he delivered the sheep to the wolf, but the son to the father, believing surely, without scruple or doubt, that king Edward would give in marriage to him Lady Elizabeth his eldest daughter, whom in deed he married, after her father's death, as you hereafter shall here. When the Ambassadors had the prey that they so much desired, they departed to the town of Saint Malo, standing on the sea side, where they reckoned to have taken shipping, and so to have sailed into England. The Earl of Richmond knowing, that he was going toward his death, for very pensiveness, and inward thought, fell into a fervent and sore ague. In this very season, one john Cheulet, so esteemed among the Princes of Briteyn, as few were in all the Country, and in much credit, and well accepted with the Duke, was when these things were thus concluded, for his solace in the Country, but being thereof certified, being chafed with the abomination of the fact: resorted to the Court, and familiarly came to the Duke's presence, and there stood so sadly, and so pale, without any word speaking, that the Duke was much amazed, and suddenly marveled at his sad and frowning countenance, and demanded of him what should signify, that dumpishenesse of mind, and inward sighing, the which by his countenance manifestly appeared: he modestly answered, most noble and redoubted Lord, this paleness of visage, and deadly look, doth prognosticate the time of my death to approach and be at hand, which if it had chanced to me, before this day, I assure you, it had much less hurted me. For than had I not been preserved, to feel the dolorous pangues which a fact by you done (that I thought impossible to be obtained) hath imprinted in my stomach: so that I well perceive, that either I shall lose my life, or else live in perpetual distress, and continual misery: For you my singular good Lord, by your virtuous acts, and noble feats, have gotten to you, in manner an immortal fame: which in every man's mouth, is extolled and elevated, above the high Clouds, but alas me seemeth (I pray you pardon me my rudeness) that now that you have obtained, so high a laud and glory, you nothing less regard then to keep and preserve the same inviolate, considering that you forgetting your faith and faithful promise, made to Henry earl of Richmond, hath delivered the most innocent young gentleman, to the cruel tormentors, to be afflicted, rend in pieces, and slain: wherefore all such as love you, of the which number I am one, cannot choose but lament and be sorry, when they see openly the fame and glory of your most renowned name, by such disloyalty & untruth against promise, to be both blotted and stained, with a perpetual note of slander and infamy. Peace mine own good john, quoth the Duke, I pray the believe me, there is no such thing like to happen to the Earl of Richmond: for King Edward hath sent for him, to make of him, being his suspect enemy, his good and fair son in law. Well, well, quod john, my redoubted Lord, give credence to me: the Earl Henry is at the very brink to perish, whom if you permit once to set but one foot, out of your power and dominion, there is no mortal creature able hereafter to deliver him from death. The Duke being moved with the persuasions of john Cheulet, which either little believed, or smally suspected King Edward, to desire the Earl, for any fraud or decept, or else seduced by blind avarice and love of money, more than honesty or wisdom would require, did not consider, what he advisedly did, or what he advisedly should have done. Wherefore, withal diligence, he sent forth Peter Landoyse, his chief treasurer, commanding him to stay the Earl of Richmond, in all hast possible. Peter not slugging, nor dreaming his business: came to the English Ambassadors, to Faint Malos, there abiding the wind. And first he invented a cause of his coming, and kept with them a long communication, to protract the time, till his men in the mean season, had conveyed the Earl (almost half dead) into a sure Sanctuary, Henry Earl of Richmond taketh sentuary. within the town, which in no wise might be violated: where he being delivered, from the continual fear of dreadful death, recovered his health, and in good plight was brought to the Duke. Here a man may evidently perceive the old Greek Proverb to be very true, which is that a man, to a man shall sometime be as a God, for the young Earl Henry without desert delivered to his death, suddenly by the labour of john Cheulet, and the favour of the good Prince was preserved, saved and delivered. God grant that such examples may be a doctrine and mirror to such as be rulers above other, lacking counsellors to monish and warn them of their duty and office. That they remembering this good act, may learn to take into their counsel and family, such as will well and truly admonish and warn them, and they likewise with good mind and glad intent to be followers of the same. The English Ambassadors complained and murmured, that they were both spoiled of their money and merchandise, requiring Peter Landoyse that they in no wise should return so deluded without prey or penny. The treasurer effectuously promised them, that the earl should be surely kept in the Sentuary, into the which he escaped (by their negligence as he laid to their charge) or else should be again in the Duke's house put in prison, so that they should not need no more to fear him then his shadow. And so the king of England for his money, purchased the keeping of his enemy by the space of three days and no more. King Edward in the mean season, sore longing, and desiring to know what effect his embassage took with the Duke of Britain, was therefore every hour troubled and unquieted with hearkening and looking, and at the last was certified from thence, how the Earl of Richemond was delivered, and at a point to be brought home to him as prisoner in captivity: but that he escaped, which news he took most grievously, but after being somewhat appeased, when he had heard that he should be safely kept in prison, determined clearly hereafter to banish that care out of his mind and fantasy, and to employ all his whole study and diligence for the keeping of his house, after a more bountiful and liberal proportion, then before he was accustomed. And when he had sufficiently stored his chest with treasure, remembering his honour, lest he peradventure should be noted with the spot of Nigardship, he showed himself like a liberal and beneficial Prince to his commons, and like a good and a profitable king to the common wealth, and to the poor people of his realm and dominion. Now as this good king Edward sought & studied daily and hourly to bring himself to quietness & rest, and his realm to a continual amity, and a perpetual peace, so likewise at the same time Charles Duke of Burgoyn, whose wit never loved peace, nor yet was weary or abhorred trouble, whose intolerable pains in the wars were to him pleasure, & especially where he thought to obtain any new signiory, or else to be revenged of ancient enemies, for old griefs and displeasures to him done. So that desire of rule mixed with hatred and malice, joined with covetousness, kindled and provoked so his courage this year, that he partly to be revenged of the Duke of Lorraine & the Swytchers, and partly for the covetous desire that he had to certain lands, lying between his low countries of Brabant and Flaunders and his Duchy of haute Burgoyn, assembled a great army and a mighty puissance, & besieged a town called Granson in Lorraine, which when he had received, without mercy like a tyrant he caused all the inhabitants cruelly to be put to death, whereof hearing the Switchers manfully encountered with him, Charles Duke of Burgoyne had many overthrows, and at the last slain. and discomfited his whole army, where the Duke lost both honour, praise, and such abundance of riches, that few princes in his time were able to show such jewels, and so many, and of such high price and value. And after not content with these chances, but ever in hope of revenging, he fought with the Switchers again at Morrot, where of xviij M. good men of war, he lost ten thousand, beside them that were wounded and hurt: yet this fierce and courageous Capitayne, more courageous than circumspect, gathered again a new army, and contrary to the minds of his whole counsel, in the deep of winter, besieged the town of Nancy, belonging to the Duke of Lorraine, where he was encountered with the said Duke and the Switchers, and there by them again overcome, discomfited and slain. Grantson, Morrat, Nancy. Thus in one year he lost three great battles, the first at Grantson, where he lost honour, and all his riches: the second at Morrat, where he lost honour, and almost all his men: the third at Nancy, where he lost life, honour, riches, men, and all worldly felicity, on the vigil of the Epiphany. This end had the valiant heart and stout courage of Duke Charles of Burgoyne, who in his time could never agreed with peace and concord, till death more puissant than life may resist, brought his body to quietness, which body is interred in the Church of saint George in Nancy, leaving behind him one sole daughter lawfully begotten to be his heir, which afterward was married to Maximilian Archeduke of ostrich. At this battle were taken Anthony and Bauldwyn, bastard brethren to Duke Charles, whom the French king bought of the Duke of Lorraine, to the intent that they should not withstand his pretenced purpose in Flaunders. If any man were sorry of the Duke of Burgoyns death, you may be sure that he was not so inwardly sorry, as the French king was in heart joyous and glad: For now having peace with England, he knew no creature that was able to match with him, in earnest or in game, & because he would lose no time, he under colour that women be not able to enjoy any thing, that is or hath been appertaining to the Crown of France, took of the young damosel of Burgoyne the towns of Moundedier, Perone, Abbevile, Monstreul, Roy, and all the towns on the river of Some: Beside this, he with no great pain obtained Hesding, Arras, and the town of Bulleyn, with the County of Bullonoys, which king Charles his father had before engaged, and empledged to Duke Philip of Burgoyne, as before is mentioned. But this wily and witty king Lewis, coming to the town of Bulleyn, perceived that if it were fortified with a garrison, it should not only be an ill neighbour to the towns of Calais and Guysnes, but also a port necessary and convenient for all his subjects, when they should be, either by enemies assailed, or by stormy tempestuous weather driven on the narrow Seas: wherefore to cast a sure Anchor, knowing the Lord Bartrame de la tour, earl of Auluerie, to be the very true and undubitate heir of the said town and Country: He first obtained of him his right and title in the same, rewarding him with a greater sum, and a more yearly value of revenues, in the County of Forest and other places. And after to the intent to have a port ever open upon England, he annexed the same town of Bulleyne, and the County of Bullonoys, with the parts adjacent to the crown and regality of France. And because the forenamed town and County were holden of the earldom of Artoys, he changed the tenure, and solemnly avowed to hold the same town & County of our Lady of Bulleyn, and therefore did homage to the Image in the great Church called our Lady Church in Bulleyn, offering there a Heart of Gold, weighing two thousand Crowns, ordaining farther, that all his heirs and successors, at their entry into the estate and dignity royal, by themself, or their deputy should offer a Hart of like weight and value, as a relief and homage done, or made for the same town and County. You may be sure that the king of England would not have suffered the French king to have builded such a covert nest so near his town of Calais, and the territories of the same, except his league had bound him, or that he had to much affiance in the French king, whose heart was double, & whose wit was ever inconstant, but surely the hope of the preferment of his daughter, both brought him to blindness, and dotage. Let these doings over pass and see how politicly the French king wrought for his advantage. During these doings in the low parts, he caused the Duke of Lorraine to enter into high Burgoyn with a great army, which by policy and promises brought the whole Duchy under obedience of the French king, which then claimed to have the order and marriage of the young Lady, as a pupil, ward, and orphan, appertaining to the Crown of France, for the which title after rose no small mischief and trouble in Flaunders, and the countries there about. Let us leave a while to speak of outward business, and return to our own. In this year, then being Mayor of London sir Ralph joslyn draper, the wall of the City of London, that is to say, from Creplegate to Bishopsgate, was builded, at the costs, and charges of the Citizens. In the xvij year of king Edward, there fell a sparkle of privy malice, between the king, and his brother the Duke of Clarence, whether it rose of old grudges before time passed, or were it newly kindled, and set a fire by the Queen or her blood, which were ever mistrusting and privily barking at the king's lineage, or were he desirous to reign after his brother: to men that have thereof made large inquisition, of such as were of no small authority in those days, the certainty thereof was hid, and could not truly be disclosed, but by conjectures, which as often deceive the imaginations of fantastical folk, as declare truth to them in their conclusion. The fame was that the king or the Queen, or both, sore troubled with a foolish prophesy, and by reason thereof began to stomach and grievously to grudge against the Duke: The effect of which was, after king Edward should reign, on whose first letter of his name should be a G. and because the Devil is wont with such witchcrafts, to wrap and entangle the minds of men which delight in such devilish fantases, they said afterward that that Prophesy lost not his effect, when after king Edward, Gloucester usurped his kingdom. Other allege this to be the cause of his death: That of late, the old rancour between them being newly revived (the which between no creatures can be more vehement then between brethren, especially when it is firmly fixed and rooted) the Duke being destitute of a wife, by the means of Lady Margaret, Duchess of Burgoyn, his sister, procured to have the Lady mary, daughter, and heir to Duke Charles, her husband, to be given to him in matrimony: which marriage king Edward (envying the felicity of his brother) both again said and disturbed. This privy displeasure was openly appeased, but not inwardly forgotten, nor outwardly forgiven, for that, notwithstanding a servant of the Dukes was suddenly accused (I can not say of truth, or untruly suspected by the Duke's enemies) of poisoning, sorcery, or enchantment, and thereof condemned, and put to taste the pains of death. The Duke which might not suffer the wrongful condemnation of his man (as he in his conscience adjudged) nor yet forbear, nor patiently suffer the unjust handling of his trusty servant, daily did oppugn, and with ill words murmur at the doing thereof. George duke of Clarence drowned in a But of Malmsey in the tower. The king much grieved and troubled with his brother's daily complaints, and continual exclamation, caused him to be apprehended, & cast into the Tower, where he being taken and adjudged for a traitor, was privily drowned in a Butt of Malmsey. But sure it is, that although king Edward were consenting to his death, and destruction, yet he much did both lament his infortunate chance, and repent his sudden execution. In as much, that when any person sued to him for pardon or remission, of any malefactor condemned to the punishment of death, he would accustomably say and openly speak, O infortunate brother, for whose life not one creature would make intercession, openly speaking, and apparently meaning, by the means of some of the nobility he was surcumuented, and brought to his confusion. This Duke left behind him two young infants, engendered of the body of the daughter to Richard late Earl of Warwick, which children by destiny, or by their own merits, following the steps of their ancestors, succeeded them in like misfortune, and semblable ill chance. For Edward his heir, Edward earl of Warwick. whom King Edward had created Earl of Warwick, was xxiij years after in the time of King Henry the seventh, attainted of treason, and on Tower hill beheaded. Margaret his sole daughter was married to sir Richard Pole knight, being much bound to king Henry the seventh, for her advancement in marriage, beside manifold benefits, by her of him received: But most of all obliged to that excellent Prince king Henry the eight, for restoring her aswell to the name and title of Countess of Salisbury, as to the possessions of the same: Margaret Countess of Salisbury. she forgetting the miserable chance of her father, and less remembering the kindness and kindred of her said sovereign Lord, committed against his majesty and his realm, abominable and detestable treason, for the which she was in open Parliament, adjudged and attainted, and sixty and two years after her father was put to death in the Tower, she on the green within the same place, with an Axe suffered execution. In whose person died the very surname of Plantagenet, which from Geoffrey Plantagenet, so long in the blood royal of this realm, had flourished and continued. After the death of this Duke, A great pestilence. by reason of great heat and untemperate air, happened so fierce and so quick a Pestilence, that fifteen years war past, consumed not the third part of the people, that only four months miserably and pitifully dispatched, and brought to their sepulture. You have heard not long before, how the French king not only claimed the rule, governance, and marriage of the young Princess, and damosel of Burgoyne, but also how he, what with policy, and what with force, had plucked from her the fairest feathers of her tail, that is to mean, whole haute Burgoyne, and the strong towns of Picardy, which in time to come might (as they were very like) happen to prove ill neighbours to the English nation. All these things were politicly pondered, and ripely digested by the wise counsellors of England, which first considered the old amity, between the house of England and Flaunders, and the daily intercourse, traffic and commutation, which no small season had been practised, frequented, and exercised, mutually and friendly between the subjects, and all nations having resort to either of the said Countries, saw it open before their eyes, that if the French king, either by force or by conjunction of marriage to Charles earl of Angulesme (to whom he promised his good will, for the obtaining of the young Princes) should get the upper hand of the damosel or of her signories and dominions, that then damage might ensue to the whole realm of England, both for uttering of their commodities in those parts, and also for the impediment or stop of their intercourse, beside new imposi●ions and gables, to be set within the said Countries, upon the Merchants, their goods and wares. Wherefore the whole Nobility and sage fathers, made humble request to king Edward to help and aid they young Lady and Princes of Burgoyne, alleging that as far as they could perceive, the marriage of his daughter with the Dolphin, was but dissimuled and feigned, for in the treaty concluded at Picquegnie, between him and king Lewis, it was appointed, agreed, and openly sworn, that the French king, within a year following, should sand for the Lady Elizabeth, entitled Dophinesse of Vien, to be conveyed into France, which year with four more were passed and gone, without any word speaking of her sending for, or going into France. The Queen of England also had written in this season to the Lady Margaret, Duchess of Burgoyne, for the preferment of her brother Anthony earl Rivers, to the marriage of the young damosel, but the counsel of Flaunders, considering that he was but an Earl of a mean estate, and she the greatest enheritrice of all Christendom at that time, gave but deaf hearing to so unmeet a request: the which desire, if the flemings had but given good ear to, or with gentle words delayed the suit, she had both been succoured and defended with a good number, and not sustained so great loss as she did. Whether king Edward were not content with this refusal, or that he trusted more the French kings promise', than all his Counsel could see cause, or that he was loath to lose his yearly tribute of fifty thousand Crowns, he would in no wise consent to send any army into Flaunders against the French king: But he sent Ambassadors to king Lewis with loving and gentle letters, requiring him to conclude some reasonable peace, or else at the lest to take a certain truce with her at his request. The Ambassadors of England, were highly received, bountifully feasted, and liberally rewarded: But answer to their desire had they none, but that shortly the French king would sand Ambassadors, hostages, and pledges to the king of England their Master, for the concluding and performance of all things, depending between them two: So that their sovereign Lord and they, should have good cause, to be contented and pleased. All these fair words, were only delays to protract time, and in the mean season, to win towns and countries, from the damosel, or any aid or succour could be to her administered. And beside this, to stay king Edward, from taking part with her. He wrote to him, A great offer made by the French king to king Edward the fourth. that if he would join with him in aid, or personally make war, in any part of the Lady's territories, or dominions, that then king Ewarde, should have, and enjoy, to him and his heirs, the whole county, and Country of Flaunders, discharged of all homage, superiority, and right to be claimed by the French king, and his heirs and successors, and farther, he should have the whole Duchy of Brabant, whereof the French king offered, at his own charge and cost, to conquer four, the chief and strongest towns, within the said Duchy, and them in quiet possession, to deliver to the king of England, granting farther to pay to him, ten thousand Angels, toward his charges, besides munitions of war and Artillery, which he promised to lend him, with men and carriage, for the conveyance of the same. The king of England answered, that the towns of Flaunders were of no small strength, nor of no little quantity, very uneasy to be kept, when they were conquered: and of no less force was the Duchy of Brabant, with whom his subjects were both loath, and not very willing to have war there, considering that thither was one of their common trafficques and ventes, of all their Merchandise: But if the French king would make him partner of his conquest in Picardy, rendering to him part of the towns, already gotten and gained, as Boleine, Mounstrell, and Abbeuile, than he would surely take his part, and aid him with men at his own costs and charges. While this matter was in answering, and replying again, the French king spoiled the young Princes of towns and Regions, and of the best Captains that her father left, as the Lord cords and other: wherefore for pure necessity of aid and strength, she married with Maximilian, son to Fredrick the Emperor, which to his power, sore resisted the french king, for making any invasions into Flaunders, or other his wife's lands and signiories. This Princess conceived of her husband, in the first year of her marriage, a fair Lady called Margaret, whom king Lewis so phantesied, either to have a public peace with Maximilian her father, by the which he might stay all war and hostility between them, and so by that mean peaceably to enjoy the Countries and towns, by him stolen and faintly conquered, or else imagining by that only damosel, in conclusion to conjoin the whole Country of Flaunders, and the other dominions thereunto appertaining to the crown of France, (as he had no few times, before attempted and assayed.) That he clearly forgetting his promise made, written, and sworn to the King of England, for the marriage of his daughter, solicited privily the Lords of Flaundyrs, to have the said Lady Margarete to be conjoined in matrimony with the Dolphin his son, writing and sending to the king of England fair promises and flattering letters, when his purpose was clearly vanished out of England and fixed in Flaunders, as you shall hereafter well understand. King Edward in the xix year of his reign, forgetting as well all exterior invasions, as civil war, and intestine trouble: which before that time, he had abundantly tasted, and more than he was willing had both felt and had in continual experience, began first more than he was before accustomed, to search out the penal offences, as well of the chief of his Nobility, as of other Gentlemen, being propritaries of great possessions, or abundantly furnished in goods, beside Merchants and other inferior persons. By the reason whereof, it was of all men adjudged more than doubted, considering his new fame of riches, and his greedy appetite of money and treasure, that he would prove hereafter a sore and an extreme prince amongst his subjects, and this imagination in especial, wandered through the heads of all men, that after his brother the Duke of Clarence was put to death, he should say, that all men should stand and live in fear of him, and he to be unbridled and in doubt of no man. But his new invented practice, what for other foreign and outward affairs, and what for the shortening of his days in this transitory world (which were within two years after consumed) took some, but no great effect. Howbeit experience teacheth, that prosperity often times is as great a trouble as a mischief, and as unquiet a profit to the possessioners of riches and such as have the fruition of the same: as poverty and adversity are profitable & laudable, in other persons which can with patient stomach, and meek heart, bear and suffer the storms and surges of evil fortune, and perverse mischance. Here I find noted that about this time, that one Thomas Island a Sheriff of London, builded of his own costs the great conduit in Cheap in London. After this king Edward having all things brought to that effect, which he had long desired, except the marriage of his daughter with Charles the dolphin, much studied and no less desired to have this affinity, according to the appointment made and concluded, to be accomplished and solemnized, and therefore not only wrote, but sent divers messengers to the french king for the performance of the same. The French king which never intended to have that marriage take effect, considering that the Dolphin, was much younger than the Lady Elizabeth, and for other causes sent Ambassadors to the king of England with fair words, and frivolous delays, making his excuse that he had not sent for the king's daughter to be married to his son the Dolphin, according to the league and treaty concluded by the occasion of his great troubles, and busy wars enterprised in high Burgoyne, and the low countries, so that he was disgarnished as well of his nobility, as of other men of honour to receive her into his realm, according to her estate and degree: promising faithfully, shortly to send for her, and to convey her with such a pomp and royal train, that it should be to both their honours and lands, and to the high contentation of the king of England and his Queen, which he no less than her husband desired, and sore longed to see the conclusion of the said marriage take effect. These Ambassadors were well feasted, and likewise rewarded, and so took their leave. And within a convenient season after, he sent other Ambassadors, which were never in England before, to the intent that if their predecessors, had said or concluded any thing, (although they were authorized so to do) yet if it might turn, to the French kings prejudice or damage, they might without blame, excuse themselves by ignorance, of that matter, affirming that they had no commission to common, or else once to enterprise, to meddle with that matter. Or if he perceived that any thing was like to be concluded, which sounded not to his pleasure or profit, he would send for his Ambassador, in great haste, and after send another, with new instructions nothing depending on the old. This fashion king Lewis, used with all Princes, to whom he sent any Ambassadors, by the which he compassed many things, to his purpose and to their loss: But most of all, he thus dallied with the king of England concerning this marriage, only to the intent, to keep him still in amity, above all other Princes. And for a truth the king of England being of no suspicious nature, so much trusted, and gave to him so much confidence, that he thought the Sun, would sooner have fallen from his circle, than that king Lewis, either would have dissimuled, or broken his promise with him. But who sooner breaketh promise, than he that is most trusted, or who sooner deceiveth, than he to whom most credence is attributed. And on the other part, who is so soon beguiled, as he that lest mistrusteth, and who sooner falleth, than he that casteth no peril, but as in nothing, mistrusting, is no small lightness, so into much trusting, is to much folly: wherefore if king Edward had either not to much trusted, or mistrusted the French kings fair promises, (as I would he had done in deed) the Crown of France, had not so increased in possessions and dominions, to the great glory, and strength of that realm, nor the Princes of Burgoyn, had not so been plucked, harried, and spoiled, of her fair towns and Castles as she was, which chance, she being destitute of friends, and without comfort of defenders, by patience perforce, was compelled to suffer and sustain. Thus is the league made with Lewis the French king, fraudulently glossed and dissimuled. Thus is the oath made, and sworn upon the holy Evangelists, violated, and contrary to the word, and honour of a Prince, broken and falsefyed: by which untrue dealing, and covert dissimuling, with his especial and trusty friend, all men may easily see, and more apparauntlye then in a glass behold that the very natural condition of the French nation, is pleasantly to flatter, plentifully to reward, and gloriously to gloze, till they have once obtained, their pretenced purpose, and have their ambitious desire accomplished and satisfied, and that gain once gotten on their side, neither oath holdeth, nor friendship continueth, nor yet humanity and kindness before showed, is once regarded, or of them remembered: wherefore (saith Hall) mine advise is, let all men trust them, as they find them. And in this very season, james the third of that name king of Scots, sent into England a solemyne embassage, for to have the Lady Cicile, King Edward's second daughter, to be married to his eldest son, james prince of Scotland, Duke of Rothesay, and Earl of Caricke. King Edward and his counsel, thinking that this affinity should be as well honourable as profitable to the realm, did not only grant to his desire and demand, but also before hand disbursed certain sums of money, to the only intent, that the marriage should hereafter neither be interrupted nor broken, upon this condition that if the said matrimony by any fortune or chance should in time to come, take no success nor perfection: or that king Edward would notify to the king of Scots or his counsel, that his pleasure was determined to have the said marriage, to be infringed and dissolved: Then the Provost and Merchants of the town of Edinburgh, should be bound for the repayment of the said some again. All which things were with great deliberation concluded & sealed, in hope of continual peace. But this king james being a man of a sharp wit, more wedded to his own opinion then reason would scarce bear, would neither hear nor give credit to them, that spoke contrary to his own fantasy, or his imagined opinion: And to the intent that no man should find fault with his doings, or reprehend his acts, he promoted and made counsellors, men of base lineage and low blood, and in especial Cochrane and his company, by whose evil advise and mischievous instigation, he so punished and grieved his nobility, both with imprisonment, exactions and death, that some of their voluntary will went into exile, and other feigning cause to departed, fled into other lands, and strange Countries. For the Duke of Albany called Alexander, brother to king james, was exiled into France, but passing through England, he tarried with king Edward as you shall here. The Earl of Mar a wise and politic counsellor, was in Edinburgh beheaded: And beside this he forgetting his oath, promise and affinity, concluded with king Edward, caused armies to be made into England, spoiling, burning, and killing the king's faithful subjects: at the which unprincely doing, the king of England being not a little moved and chafed, determined to be revenged on him by battle and dent of sword. Yet notwithstanding, because king james craftily excusing himself, alleging the mischief late committed to be attempted & done without his consent, knowledge, or counsel, this matter had been lightly pacified and blown over, if the Duke of Albany being with King Edward, had not incensed and provoked him to make war on the Scottish king his brother, both to revenge the injuries of late, to the said King done, contrary to all laws of arms and princely demeanour, and also to help to restore the said Duke to his possessions and dominions again: out of the which he was by the king his brother dispossessed and rejected, promising to king Edward great aid and assistance, when his army was once entered into the confines of Scotland. King Edward being thus persuaded by the Duke, and trusting on his aid, was somewhat agreeable to this: but the inward remembrance how that king james, had supported against him, with men and money, his old enemy king Henry the sixth: and also trusting, that if Alexander Duke of Albany by his aid should vanquish his brother, and obtain the Crown of Scotland, he would be always to him, sure, faithful, and trusty: which did so inflame his courage, and set his heart on fire, that he determined with all diligence, with an army royal, to invade the Country of Scotland, and make the king to know that he had neither honourably nor truly kept his league and promise: Wherefore, all the winter season, he mustered his soldiers, prepared his ordinance, rigged his ships, and left nothing appertaining to the war unpurveyed or unlooked for: so that in the beginning of the year, all things were prepared, and no thing was miss. And when all things appertaining, to the furniture of such an enterprise, were put in a readiness, and ready to be set forward: King Edward appointed, to be chieftain of his host, and Lieutenant general, his brother Richard Duke of Gloucester, The king se●●eth a gr●●t army to invade Scotland. and to him associated, Henry the fourth Earl of Northumberland, Thomas Lord Stanley, Lord Steward of his household, the Lord Lovel, and the Lord Greystocke, and divers other noble men and Knights. These valiant Captains set forward in May, and made such diligence, with politic conveyance of their soldiers: beside the troublous carriage of their ordinance, that they came to the town of Alnewicke, in Northumberland, about the beginning of july, where they first encamped themselves, and marshaled their host. The forward was led by the Earl of Northumberland, under whose Standard were, the Lord Scrope of Bolton, sir john Middleton, sir john Dichfield, and divers other Knights, esquires and Soldiers, to the number of six thousand, and seven hundred men. In the middle ward was the Duke of Gloucester, and with him the Duke of Albany, the Lord Lovel, the Lord Greystock, sir Edward Wooduile, and other, to the number of five thousand, and eight hundredth men. The Lord Nevell was appointed to follow, accompanied with three thousand men. The Lord Stanley, led the wing on the right hand of the Duke's battle, with four thousand men, of Lancashire, and Chesshire: The left wing was guided by the Lord fitz Hew, sir William a Parr, sir james Harryngton, with the number of two thousand men, & beside all these, there was a thousand men appointed to give attendance on the ordinance. This royal army, not intending to sleep, but to give the Scots knowledge of their arrival in those parties, came suddenly by the water side, to the town of Berwicke, and there what with force, and what with fear of so great an army, took and entered the town: But the Earl Bothwell, being captain of the Castle, would in no wise deliver it, neither for flattering words, nor for menacing brags: wherefore, the Captains deliberately consulting together, planted a strong siege, and environed it round about. When this siege was thus laid, the two Dukes, and all the other Soldiers, except the Lord Stanley, sir john Elrington, treasurer of the kings house, sir William a Parr, and four thousand men, that were left behind to keep the siege before the Castle, departed from Berwick toward Edinburgh: And in marching thitherward, he brent and destroyed in Scotland more than xliiij towns. While these things were in doing, King james of Scotland, having small confidence in his Commonalty, & less trust in his Nobility, did voluntarily enclose himself into the strong Castle of Maidens in Edinburgh, perfectly trusting there to be out of all doubts and danger, except famine, or treason should 'cause him violently to open the ports or gates: wherefore the Duke of Gloucester entered into the town, and at the especial request & desire of the Duke of Albany, saved the town, & the inhabitants of the same, from fire, blood, and spoil, taking only such presents as the merchants gently offered him, and his Captains: Causing Gartier, principal king at arms, to make a public Proclamation at the high Cross, in the Market place of Edinburgh, in the which he warned and admonished, james king of Scots, to keep, observe, and perform all such promises, compacts, covenants, and agreements, as he had concluded and sealed to, with the high and mighty Prince Edward, by the grace of God king of England. etc. And also to make condign and sufficient recompense to his Subjects, for the great tyranny, spoil, and cruelty, that he and his people had perpetrate, and committed contrary to his league, within the marches and territories of his Realm of England, before the first day of August next ensuing. And farther without delay to restore the high & mighty Prince Alexander, Duke of Albany, his natural brother to his estate, and all his offices, possessions, and authorities, in as ample and liberal manner, as he before occupied and enjoyed the same: or else the high and valiant prince Richard Duke of Gloucester, Lieutenant general, and chieftain for the king of England, was ready at hand to destroy him, his people and country with slaughter, fire, and famine. King james would make no answer, neither by word nor by writing, knowing that his power now failed, either to perform the request demanded, or to defend his country being with such a puissant army invaded. The Lords of Scotland, lying at Hadington with a great puissance, hearing the king of England's reasonable desire, determined first to practise with the Duke of Gloucester for a peace, and so to have the castle of Berwicke to their part and after by some means to allure the Duke of Albany, from the English amity, and upon this motion, the two day of August, they wrote to the Duke of Gloucester, that the marriage between the Prince of England should be accomplished in all points, according to the covenants agreed, and the instruments thereof engrossed, requiring farther that a peace from hence forth might be lovingly concluded between both the Realms. The Duke of Gloucester wisely and circumspectly certified them again, that as touching the article of marriage, to take effect between their Prince and the Lady Cicilie of England, he knew not the determinate pleasure of the king his master and brother, either for the affirmance or denyaunce of the same, but he desired full restitution of all such sums of money, as for the said marriage before time had been disbursed, or pressed out in loan. And where the said Lords desired to have a peace concluded from thenceforth, between both the said realms. He first required to have the Castle of Berwick to him delivered, at the lest if he did agreed to the said peace, that then his siege lying about the said Castle, should be hereafter in any wise, neither troubled, vexed, nor molested, nor the king of Scots, nor none of his subjects, nor any other by his procurement or provoking, should aid, comfort, or assist with victual, ordinance, or otherwise the captain, Constable, or soldiers of the said Castle, during the siege. The Lords, Prelates, Barons, and estates of the realm of Scotland, perceiving and well pondering, both the answer and the demands of the Duke of Gloucester, sent to him sufficiently instructed with these conclusions the reverend father Andrew, earl of Murray, and the Lord john Darnell, which thus answered, that where the said Duke desired repayment of the sums of money delivered in part of payment for the contract of marriage, to be made between the Prince of Scotland, and the kings daughter of England: the time of lawful contract of marriage is not yet come, because of the minority of the said Prince and Princess. And the fault hereof is, that no day was appointed for the money, to be paid before the contract began. And if the king your brother would demand farther assurance, either for the contract to be made, or for the payment of the money, they promise' thereunto, according to reason to agreed. Secondarily as touching the Castle of Berwick, they said, all we knew well enough, that it is the old inheritance of the Crown of Scotland, of many hundredth years past, and that our sovereign Lord hath right thereunto. And if it be alleged, that it belonged to the realm of England by conquest, it is well known that it standeth in Scotland, and over the Scottish ground. The Duke notwithstanding their sa●yngs, would condescend to no peace, without the Castle of Berwick were rendered to the king of England, and so the Messengers departed, and on the same day the archbishop of Saint Andrew's, the Bishop of Dunkelle Colyn, earl of Argyle, Lord Cambell, and Lord Andrew, Lord Auandale, chancellor of Scotland, wrote unto the Duke of Albany a solemn and authentical Instrument, signed and sealed with their seals, binding their bodies, lands, and goods, to the said Duke, that if he would hereafter be obedient to the king of Scots, and keep and observe his faith and promise to be made to the said Lords, that he should not only be restored to all his lands, hereditaments, offices and possessions, which he enjoyed at the day of his departure out of Scotland, but also should have and enjoy to him, and his servants and familiars, a free and a general pardon, which restitution and pardon, they likewise promised to be ratified and approved by the King and the three estates assembled at the next Parliament. The Duke being glad to be restored again to his old estate and possessions, and especially in his own native Country, received their offer, which was truly performed, and so took his leave of the Duke of Gloucester, thanking him (as he was no less bound) for the great labour, travail and pain, that he had taken in his own person for his restitution. And promised both by word, and by writing of his own hand to do and perform all such things, as he before that time had sworn and promised to king Edward, notwithstanding any agreement, now made or to be made with the Lords of Scotland: and for the performance of the effect of the said Schedule, he again took a corporal oath before the Duke of Gloucester, and sealed the writing the third day of August, in the English camp at Levington, besides Hadington, & departed to his own possessions. After he was thus restored and reconciled, the Lords of Scotland proclaimed him great Lieutenant of Scotland, and in the kings name made Proclamation, that all men should be ready, upon pain of death within eight days at Craushanes, both to raise the siege before the Castle, and for the recovering again of the town of Berwick. The Duke of Albany wrote all this preparation to the Duke of Gloucester, humbly requiring him to have no mistrust in him, promising to keep his oath and promise, made to King Edward and to him. The Duke of Gloucester wrote to him again, that it should neither be honourable nor commendable in him, to help to raise the siege, at the laying whereof he was counsellor and partner, nor yet to reward the king of England with such a displeasure for his kindness, costs, and expenses, to him in his extreme necessity, lovingly showed, and liberally exhibited. But he assured him in the word of a Prince, that if he and all the power of Scotland attempted to come to raise the siege, planted before the Castle of Barwike, that he himself with his army would defend the besiegers, or else die in the quarrel. The counsel of Scotland sagely and politicly saw before, that if they should come to raise the siege, that the Duke of Gloucester would with them shortly encounter, and that if they lost the field, both the strength of the realm was brought to an imbecility, the nobles sore minished, and the Castle lost and taken. And on the other side, if they obtained victory, nothing was gotten but the poor town of Barwike, & they were likely soon to be invaded with a greater power shortly again, wherefore they sent Lion king at arms to the Duke of Gloucester, offering to him as they thought, two offers very reasonable, the one was, that if he would promise' on his honour, to subvert and cast down the town walls of Berwick, they would likewise raze, and clearly deface the walls, Towers, and ports of the Castle, or else the Duke of Gloucester to put in a capitain, and a garrison of men of war into the town, and the Duke of Albany, likewise to do with the castle, for the Tuition of the same. And farther the foresaid Lion desired an abstinence of war to be taken, till the two Dukes might have communication, of this and other grave matters, concerning the wealths of both the Realms. The Duke of Gloucester refused both the offers, saying, that he had long maintained the siege before the Castle of Berwick, to no small waist and consuming of his brother's treasure and riches, and to the great travail & pain of the Lords, Gentlemen, and men of war, that continually made there abode and daily residence, at the said siege: wherefore he said, that he in this point was firmly resolved, not to depart till the castle were yielded by appointment, or taken by force, or else his siege were by the power of Scotland raised, or he and his army vanquished: wherefore he would by no mean hearken to the petition of the Scottish Lords, concerning the abstinence of war, till he were either vanquished or possessed of the Castle of Berwick. With which answer the Herald departed, and thereof made relation to the Lords and counsel of Scotland. When the Duke's answer was of them well digested, they evidently perceiving that the Castle of Berwick was the only maker of the peace, and that the not delivery of the same, should be the norice and continuer of war and hostility: considering farther, that the nobility nor commons of Scotland, did not draw together by one line, nor were sorted in one level, electing and choosing the better part, and rejecting and avoiding the worse, agreed and determined to deliver the Castle of Berwick to the English party, so that there should be truce or abstinence of war taken and concluded for a determinate season. And thereupon they sent to the Duke of Gloucester a league indented, which was dated the xxiiij day of August, in the year of our Lord a. M. CCCC. lxxxij. in the which it was contracted and agreed between the Duke of Gloucester, lieutenant general for the king of England, and Alexander Duke of Albany, lieutenant for james king of Scots, that an especial abstinence of war should be kept and observed betwixt the realms of England and Scotland and the people of the same, aswell by sea, as by land, to begin the eight day of September next ensuing, & to endure till the fourth day of November, next following. And in the mean season, the town and Castle of Berwick, to be occupied, and be in the real possession of such as by the king of England's deputy should be appointed and assigned with all and singular such bounds, limits, and territories as the English nation, last used and possessed, when the Castle and town were in the subjection of the Englishmen, and all other marches & bounds, being in difference between the said realms, to stand and to be holden in like ease and condition, as they were before the last truce concluded. The Duke of Gloucester, which well perceived that the Scots more granted to his demands, for relief of their own necessity, then to gratify him or the king his brother in any point: like a wise counsellor, took his advantage when it was offered, and especially because these things made for his long desired purpose. The recovery of the town & the Castle of Barwike. First the delivery of the Castle of Berwick, he voluntarily without counsel (as a pray privily gotten) both accepted and allowed, and for that only cause he did not refuse the abstinence of war but to that gently agreed. As touching the possession, to be kept in the lands depending in variance between the realms (commonly called the batable ground) he would not, nor durst not conclude with the Duke of Albany, without having farther intelligence of the king his sovereign lords pleasure and counsel, meaning thereby ever to keep them, as suitors to him, and he no farther to seek on them, and in the mean season to let that matter be in suspense. When he had sealed to the first two Articles, & that they were sent again to the Lords of Scotland, they them gladly received, and with good will embraced, and likewise truly performed the same: for the Castle of Berwick was incontinent delivered to the Lord Stanley, and other thereto appointed, which therein put both English men and Artillery, sufficient for the defence of all Scotland for uj months. By this means as you have hard, the Englishmen repossessed again the town and castle of Berwick, which xxj years before by king Henry the sixth was to the Scots, as you have hard, given up & delivered. And jest peradventure the Duke of Gloucester might think that the Duke of Albany did not in all things set forward, prefer, and advance his first requests, and demands, made and required of the Lords of Scotland, and in especial one which was for the assurance to be made for the repayment to the king of England, of all such sums of money, as he had before hand pressed and disbursed to the king of Scots for the marriage to be solemnized and consummate between their children, as before is rehearsed. Therefore the said Duke of Albany caused the Provost and Burgesses of Edinburgh to make a sufficient instrument obligatory, to King Edward, for the true satisfaction and contentation of the same money, which he also sent by the said Provost to the Duke of Gloucester to Alnewyke. When the Duke of Gloucester had thus obtained his purpose, and received writings signed and sealed for the performance of the same, he sent the instruments▪ to king Edward his brother, which much commended both his valiant manhood, and also his prudent policy in conveying his business, both to his own purpose, and also to the profit of the realm. King Edward not a little mused, and much more debated with his counsel, whether it were more profitable and honourable to him and his realm, to suffer the said mentioned marriage to take effect, and proceed to a conclusion, or else to require a repayment and redelivery of the sums of money laid out for the same purpose. After long consultation had, and it was considered in what case the realm and the king of Scots stood in, for it was well known that he and his Nobility were at great discord as you before have heard: it was considered farther, that if the nobility prevailed and got the sovereignty, the line and succession of james the third were likely to be utterly extirpate, and disinherited for ever: It was also alleged that the Prince of Scotland never condescended, nor as he himself said would agreed to this motioned marriage. These things thus debated, the king by great advise, refused and revoked all things to be done for the more forwardness of the said matrimony, and elected and chose the repayment of all such sums of money, as for the occasion of the said betrusted marriage was paid, and before hand contented and delivered. And according to the words of the obligation, made by the town of Edinburgh, he sent Garter his principal king at Arms and Northumberlande Herald, to declare and intimate to the Provost and Burgesses of Edinburgh, the determinate refusal of the matrimony, and the election and choice of the repayment of the money and duty. And for the farther overture of the whole conclusion, Garter was instructed by writing what he should say and declare: and so by convenient journeys came to the town of Edinburgh, eight days before the feast of all Saints, where he openly said as followeth: I Garter king at arms, The message of Garter King at Arms. servant, protector and messenger unto the most high and mighty prince, my most dread sovereign Lord, Edward by the grace of God, King of England and of France, and Lord of Ireland, by virtue of certain letters of procuracy here ready to be showed by me, by my said sovereign Lord made and given, make notice and give knowledge unto you Provost, Burgesses, Merchants and commonalty of the town of Edinburgh in Scotland, that where as it was sometime commoned & agreed, between my said sovereign Lord on the one party, and the right high and mighty prince james king of Scots on the other party, that marriage and matrimony should have been solemnized and had between james the first begotten son of the said king of Scots, and Lady Cicilie daughter to my said sovereign Lord the king of England. And for the said marriage to have been performed, certain and divers great sums of money, have been paid and contented by my said sovereign Lord: which sums of money in case of refusal of the said marriage, by my said sovereign Lord to be made and declared, ye the said Provost, Burgesses, Merchants and commonalty, and every one of you are bound and obliged by your letters under your common seal of your town of Edinburgh, to repay unto his highness under like form, and at such terms as they were first paid. So that the king my sovereign Lord would make notice and knowledge of his pleasure and election, in taking or refusing of the said marriage, of the repayment of the said sums of money, before the feast of Alhalowes next to come, like as in your said letters, bearing date at Edinburgh the fourth day of August last passed, it was contained all at large. The pleasure and election of my said sovereign Lord, for divers causes and considerations him moving, is to refuse the accomplisment of the said marriage, and to have the repayment of all such sums of money, as by occasion of the said betrusted marriage, his highness had paid. The said repayment to be had of your Provoste, Burgesses, Merchants, and commonalty, and every of you, your heirs and successors, according to your bond and obligation afore rehearsed. And therefore I give you notice and knowledge by this writing, which I deliver to you within the term in your said letters ●●●itted and expressed to all intents and effects, which thereof may ensue. When Garter had thus declared all things given to him in charge, the Provost or other Burgesses made answer, that they now knowing the kings determinate pleasure, would according to their bond, prepare for the repayment of the said sums, and gently entertaining Garter conveyed him to Barwike, from whence he departed to new Castle, to the Duke of Gloucester, making relation to him of all his doings, which Duke with all speed returned to Sheryhutton, and there abode. Shortly after Garters departing, the Duke of Albany, thinking to obtain again the high favour of the king his brother, delivered him out of captivity and prison, wherein he had a certain space continued (not without the Duke's assent, which besieged him in the Castle of Edinburgh a little before) and set him at large, of whom outwardly he received great thanks, when inwardly nothing, but revenging and confusion was in the king's stomach incorporate, so that shortly after in the king's presence, he was in jeopardy of his life, & all improvided for dread of death enforced to take a small Balinger & to sail into France, The Duke of Albany in danger of his life, is forced to sly into France and shortly after was there s●aine. where shortly after riding by the men of arms, which encountered at the Tilt, by Lewis then Duke of orleans, after French king, he was with mischarging of a spear, by fortunes perverse countenance pitifully slain and brought to death, leaving after him one only son named john, which being banished Scotland, inhabited and married in France, and there died. How sorrowful is it to writ, and to remember the chances and infortunites that happened within two year in England and Scotland, between natural brethren. For king Edward set on by such as envied the estate of the Duke of Clarence, forgetting nature, and brotherly friendship, consented to the death of his said brother. james king of Scots, putting in oblivion that Alexander his brother was the only Organ and instrument by whom he obtained liberty and freedom, seduced and led by vile and malicious persons, which maligned at the glory and indifferent justice of the Duke of Albany, imagined and compassed his death and exiled him for ever: what a pernicious Serpent, and what a pestiferous Scorpion is that devilish whelp, called privy Envy? Against it no fortress can defend nor cave can hide, no wood can shadow, nor foul can escape, nor no beast can avoid, her poison is so strong. Wherefore let every indifferent person search histories, read Chronicles, look on authors, as well holy as profane, and they shall apparently perceive, that neither open war, daily famine, nor accustomed mortality, is not so much an enemy, nor so great a mall to destroy, and overthrow high power and Nobility, as is rooted malice, inward grudge, and dissimuled hatred. Although that king Edward were glad & joyous of all the prosperous success of all enterprises in the realm of Scotland, yet even now his Fever tertian, of the which he had languished sore, sith his voyage royal into France, was suddenly turned into a uncurable quartain: For where he was before tossed between hope and despair, that the matrimony of his daughter and Charles the Dolphin, should come to the solemnization, according to the league, between him & the french king, concluded at Picquegnie: Now he was out of all doubt. For the Lord Haward which was returned out of France, with many fair words & painted promises but without tribute or conclusion of the marriage, certified the king of his own knowledge: how that he being present, saw the Lady Margaret of ostrich, daughter to Duke Maximilian, son to the Emperor Frederick, received into France, with pomp more than Imperial, by the Duke of Bourbon, the Lord Delabret, and many other Lords and magistrates of the realm, and so with great triumph, conveyed to Amboyse, where the dolphin lay, and there was to him contracted and espoused. King Edward now being certain, how the French king had with pleasant language, & colourable answers, foded him forth, and alured him to give credence, to his dissimuling words, neither meaning as he said, nor showing what he meant, determined with himself, no longer to suffer so apparent wrong, nor so intolerable an injury. Wherefore, he called his Nobility together, and declared to them the manifold wrong, which he had received of late at the hands of the French king, and how he untruly and unprincely, had broken the league and amity, aswell in denying the payment of the tribute, as also in refusing the accomplisment of the marriage of his daughter, according as in the treaty was concluded. Requiring them therefore to study how to revenge and punish so great a villainy, offered to their native Country. The nobility not a little glad of this motion, answered: that their whole desire was to fight with the French men, whom they often times had vanquished, and overcome in battle, and that for the dignity and fame of their Country, they would let nothing be unattempted, offering him in an instant, to be ready in harness, to fulfil his mind and desire. When the king knew the toward minds of his subjects of the Temporalty, he moved the spirituality (because by the ecclesiastical laws, they be prohibited to wear armure) to aid him with money, for maintenance of his wars, & suppressing of his enemies, who also condescended to his request. And in this year I found noted that Edmond Shaw Goldsmith who had been Mayor of London, of his own costs redefied Cripplegate in London. But now behold, while king Edward was intentive, & employed his whole labour diligence, and industry, to furnish & set forward this war, which he newly had attempted & begun: whether it was with the melancholy, & anger that he took with the French king, for his untruth and unkindness, or were it by any superfluous surfeit (to the which he was much given) he suddenly fell sick, and was with a grievous malady taken, yea, so grievously taken, that his lively spirits began to fail, and war feeble, which weakness when he perceived, he called together all his nobles, which that time were about London, and said unto them as in the history of king Edward the fift shall be at large declared, and so shortly after departed unto God, and was buried at Windsor. Edward the fift. KIng Edward of that name the forth, after that he had lived. Liij. years and vij Months, This story from the beginning of this ●●ng, and a part of Richard the third as shall appear by a note in the mergent was written by sir Thomas Moor when he was undersheriff of London, and now of late conferred & corrected by his own cop●e. and vj. days, and had reigned king xxij years, one month & viii. days, as is afore expressed, died at Westminster the ix day of April, the year of our redemption .1463. leaving much fair issue, that is to wit. Edward the Prince xiij years of age: Richard Duke of York two year younger, Elizabeth whose fortune and grace was after to be Queen, wife unto King henry the seven. and mother unto king Henry the eight Cicilie not so fortunate as fair: Bridget, which representing the virtue of her, whose name she bore, professed and observed a religious life in Dertforde a house of close nuns: Anne that was after honourably married unto Thomas then Lord Hawarde, and after Earl of Surrye, and Katheryn which long tune tossed in either fortune, sometime in wealth, and often in adversity, at the last, if this be the last (for yet she liveth) is by the beningtye of her Nephew king henry the eight in very prosperous estate, and worthy her birth and virtue. After that this noble Prince was deceased at Westminster as aforesaid, The burial of king Edward the fourth. he was with great funeral honour and heaviness of his people from thence conveyed and interred at Windsor. A king of such governance and behaviour in time of peace (for in war each part must be others enemy) that there was never any prince of this land attaining the Crown by battle, so hearty beloved with the substance of the people: nor he himself so specially in any part of his life, as at the time of his death. Which favour and affection yet after his death, by the cruelty, mischief and trouble of the tempestuous world that followed, highly toward him more increased. At such time as he died, the displeasure of them that bore him grudge for king Henry's sake the sixth, whom he deposed was well assuaged, & in effect quenched, in that that many of them were dead in more than twenty years of his reign (a great part of a long life) and many of them in the mean season grown into his favour, of which he was never strange. He was a goodly parsonage and very princely to behold: The description of 〈◊〉 Edward the fourth. Of heart courageous, politic in counsel, in adversity nothing abashed, in prosperity rather joyful then proud, in peace, just and merciful, in war, sharp and fierce, in the field, bold and hardy, and nevertheless no farther than wisdom would, adventurous. Whose wars whoso well consider, he shall no less commend his wisdom where he voided, than his manhood where he vanquished. He was of visage lovely, of body mighty, strong and clean made, howbeit in his later days with over liberal diet, somewhat corpulent and bowrelye, and nevertheless not uncomely. He was in youth greatly given to fleshly wantonness: From which health of body in great prosperity and fortune without a special grace hardly refraineth. This fault not greatly grieved the people: for neither could any one man's pleasure, stretch and extend to the displeasure of very many, and was without violence, and over that in his later days blessed and well left. In which time of his later days, this realm was in quiet & prosperous estate, no fear of outward enemies, no war in hand, nor none toward, but such as no man looked for. The people toward the Prince not in a constrained fear, but in a willing and loving obedience among themselves, and the commons in good peace. The Lords whom he knew at variance, himself in his deathbed appeased. He had left all gathering of money (which is the only thing that withdraweth the hearts of the English men from the Prince) nor any thing entered he to take in hand by which he should be driven thereto: For his tribute out of France he had before obtained. Tribute. And the year fore going his death he had obtained the town of Barwike, And albeit that all the time of his reign, he was with his people so benign, courtesy, and so familiar, that no part of his virtues was more esteemed, yet that condition in the end of his days (in which many princes by a long continued sovereinty decline to a proud port from debonair behaviour of their beginning) marvelously in him grew and increased: so farforth that in the Summer last that ever he saw, his highness being at Wyndsor in hunting sent for the Mayor and Aldermen of London unto him, A noble and gentle prince. for none other errand but to have them hunt, and to be merry with him, where he made them not so stately, but so friendly & so familiar cheer, & sent venison from thence so freely into the City, that no one thing in many days before got him more hearts, or more hearty favour among the common people, which oftentimes more esteem, and take for great kindness a little courtesy than a great benefit. So deceased as I have said, this noble king, in that time, in which his life was most desired, whose love of his people and entire affection towards him, had been to his noble children (having in themselves also as many gifts, of nature, as many princely virtues, as much goodly towardness as their age could receive) a marvelous fortress and sure armour, if division, and dissension of their friends, had not unarmed them, and left them destitute, and the execrable desire of sovereignty, provoked him to their destruction, which if either kind, or kindness had holden place, must needs have been their chief defence. For Richard the Duke of Gloucester, by nature their uncle, by office their protector, to their father beholden, to themselves by oath and allegiance bounden, all the bands broken, that bindeth man and man together without respect of God or the world, unnaturally contrived to bereave them, not only of their dignity, but also of their lives. But forasmuch as this demeanour ministereth in effect all the whole matter, whereof this special story shall entreat, it is therefore convenient somewhat to show you ere we farther go, what manner of man this was that could find in his heart so much mischief to conceive. Richard Duke of York, a noble man and a mighty, Richard Duke of york how he challenged the Crown. began not by war but by law to challenge the Crown, putting his claim into the Parliament, where his cause was either for right or favour so farforth advanced, that king Henry his blood (albeit he had a goodly Prince) utterly rejected, the Crown was by authority of Parliament entailed unto the Duke of York and his issue male in remainder immediately after the death of king Henry. But the Duke not enduring so long to tarry, but intending under pretext of dissension and debate arising in the realm, to prevent his time, and to take upon him the rule in king Henry's life, was with many Nobles of the realm at Wakefield slain, Richard Duke of york slain at wakefield. leaving three sons, Edward, George, and Richard. All three as they are great states of birth, so were they great & stately of stomach, This was King Edward the fourth. greedy, and ambitious of authority, and impatient of partners. Edward revenging his father's death, deprived king Henry, and attained the Crown. George duke of Clarence. George Duke of Clarence was a noble Prince, and at all points fortunate, if either his own ambition had not set him against his brother, or the envy of his enemies, his brother against him. For were it by the Queen and the Lords of her blood, which highly maligned the kings kindred (as women commonly not of malice, but of nature hate them whom their husbands love) or were it a proud appetite of the Duke himself intending to be king: at the last heinous treason was there laid to his charge, and finally were he faulty or faultless, attainted was he by Parliament, and judged to the death, and thereupon hastily drowned in a Butt of malmsey (as is aforesaid) whose death king Edward (albeit he commanded it) when he witted it was done, pitifully bewailed it, and sorrowfully repented it. The description of king Richard the third. Richard the third son, of whom we now entreat, was in wit and courage equal with either of them, in body and prowess far under them both, little of stature, evil featured of limbs, crook backed, his left shoulder much higher than his right, hard favoured of visage, and such as is in states called warlike, in other men, otherwise, he was malicious, wrathful, envious, and from afore his birth ever froward. It is for truth reported, that the Duchess his mother had so much a do in her travail, that she could not be delivered of him uncut: and that he came into the world with the feet forward, as men be borne outward, and (as the fame runneth) also not untothed: whether men of hatred report above the truth, or else that nature changed her course in his beginning, which in the course of his life many things unnaturally committed, I cannot tell. None evil captain was he in the war, as to the which his disposition was more meetly then for peace. Sundry victories had he, and sometime overthrows, but never in default as for his own person, either of hardiness or of politic order: Free was he called of dispense, and somewhat above his power liberal: with large gifts he gate him unsteadfast friendship, for which he was feign to pill and spoil in other places, which got to himself steadfast hatred: He was close and secret and a deep dissimuler, lowly of countenance, arrogant of heart, outwardly compinable where he inwardly hated, not letting to kiss whom he thought to kill: despiteous & cruel, not for evil will always, but oftener for Ambition, and either for the surety or the increase of his estate: Friend and foe was much what indifferent unto him: where his advantage grew, he spared no man's death, The death of King Henry the sixth. whose life withstood his purpose. He slew with his own hands king Henry the sixth being prisoner in the Tower of London, as men constantly say, and that without commandment or knowledge of the king, which would undoubtedly, if he had intended that thing, have appointed that Butcherly office to some other then to his own borne brother. Some wise men also ween that his drift covertly conveyed, lacked not in helping forth his brother Duke of Clarence to his death: which he resisted openly, how be it somewhat (as men deemed) more faintly than he that were heartily minded to his wealth. And they that thus deem, think that he long time in king Edward's life forethought to be king, in case that his brother (whose life he looked that evil diet should shorten) should happen to decease (as in deed he did) while his children were young. And they dame that for this intent, he was glad of his brother's death the Duke of Clarence, whose life must needs have hindered him so intending, whether the same Duke of Clarence had kept him true to his nephew the young king, or enterprised to be king himself. But of all this matter concerning the Duke of Clarence, there is no certainty, and whos● divineth upon conjectures, may as well shoot to far, as to short. Howbeit this I have by credible information learned, that the self night in which king Edward died, one Mistlebrooke long before morning came in great haste to the house of one Pottier, dwelling in Redcrosse street without Crepelgate: And when he was with hasty rapping quickly let in, he showed unto Pottier that king Edward was departed: by my troth man quod Pottier, then will my master the Duke of Gloucester be king. What cause he had so to think, hard it is to say, whether he being towards him any thing knew that he such a thing purposed, or otherwise had any inckeling thereof: for he was not likely to speak it of nought. But now to return to the course of this history, were it that the Duke of Gloucester had of old foremynded this conclusion, or was now at erst thereunto moved, and put in hope by the occasion of the tender age of the young Princes his nephews (as opportunity and likelihood of speed, putteth a man in courage of that he never entented) certain it is that he contrived their destruction, with the usurpation of the Regal dignity upon himself. And forasmuch as he well wysted, and holp to maintain a long continued grudge and heart brenning between the Queen's kindred and the King's blood, either party envying others authority, he now thought that their division should be (as it was in deed) a fortherly beginning to the pursuit of his intent, and a sure ground for the foundation of all his building, if he might first under the pretence of revenging, abuse the anger and ignorance of the one party, to the destruction of the other: and then win to his purpose as many as he could: and those that could not be won, might be lost ere they looked therefore. For of one thing was he certain, that if his intent were perceived, he should soon have made peace with both the parties, with his own blood. King Edward in his life albeit that this dissension between his friends somewhat yrked him, yet in his good health he somewhat the less regarded it, because he thought whatsoever business should fall between them, himself should always be able to rule both the parties. But in his last sickness, when he perceived his natural strength so sore enfeebled, that he despaired of all recovery, than he considering the youth of his children, albeit he nothing less mistrusted than that which happened, yet well foreseeing that many harms might grow by their debate, while the youth of his children should lack discretion of themselves, and good counsel of their friends, of which either party would counsel for their own commodity, and rather by pleasant advise to win themselves favour, then by profitable advertisement to do the children good, he called some of them before him that were at variance, and in especial the Lord Marques Dorset the Queen's son by her first husband, and Richard the Lord Hastings a noble man, than Lord Chamberleyn, against whom the Queen especially grudged, for the great favour the king bore him, and also for that she thought him secretly familiar with the king in wanton company. Her kindred also bore him sore, as well for that the king had made him captain of Calais, which office the Lord Rivers, brother to the Queen claimed of the kings former promise, as for divers other great gifts which he received, but they looked for. When these Lords with divers other of both the parties were come in presence, the king lifting up himself, and under set with pillows, as it is reported, said on this wise unto them. My Lords, my dear kinsmen and allies, in what plight I now lie, you see, The exhortation of king Edward in his death bed & I well feel: by which the less while I look to live with you, the more deeply am I moved to care in what case I leave you, for such as I leave you, such are my children like to find you. Which if they should as God forbidden, find you at variance, might hap themselves to fall at war, ere their discretion would serve them to set you at peace. Ye see their youth, of which I reckon the only surety to rest in your concord. For it sufficeth not that all you love them, if each of you hate other. If they were men, your faithfulness would happily suffice: but childhood must be maintained by men's authority, & slipper youth under propped with elder counsel, which neither can they have, but you give it, neither can you give it, if ye agreed not. For where each laboureth to break that the other maketh, and where hatred is of each others counsel, there must it needs be long ere any good conclusion go forward. And also while either party laboureth to be chief, flattery shall have more place, then plain and faithful advise, of which must needs ensue the evil bringing up of the Prince, whose mind in tender youth infect, shall readily fall to mischief and riot, and draw down this noble realm to ruin, but if grace turn him to wisdom: which if God sand, than they that by evil pleased him before best, shall after fall farthest out of favour, so that ever at the last, evil drifts drive to nought, and good plain ways prospero. Great variance hath there long been between you, not always for great causes. Sometime a thing right well intended, our misconstruction turneth it to worse: or a small displeasure done unto us, either our own affection or e●ill tongues maketh it much more grievous. But this wots I well, that ye never heretofore had so great cause of hatred, as ye have now of love. That we be all men and all christian men, this will I leave unto preachers to tell you (& yet I wots not whether any preachers words aught more to move you, than his that is by and by going to the place that they all preach off.) But this shall I desire you to remember that the one part of you is of my blood, the other of mine allies, & each of you with other either of kindred or affinity, which spiritual kindred of affinity, if the sacraments of Christ's church bear that weight with us, that I would God they did, should no less move us to charity, than the respect of fleshly consanguinity. Our Lord forbidden that ye love together the worse for the self same cause that ye aught to love together the better. And yet that happeneth sometime: and no where find we so deadly debate as among them which by nature and law, aught most best to agreed together: Such a pestilent Serpent is ambition, Ambition. and desire of vain glory and sovereignty, which among states where he once entereth, creepeth so far forth, till with division and variance he turneth all to mischief. First longing to be next to the best: Afterward equal with the best, and at the last chief and above the best. Of which immoderate appetite of worship, and thereby of debate and dissension, what loss, what sorrow, what trouble hath within these few years grown in this realm, I pray God as well to forget, as we well remember. Which things if I could as well have foreseen as I have with my more pain than pleasure proved: By God's blessed Lady (that was ever his oath) I would never have won the courtesy of so many men's knees with the loss of so many men's heads. But sithence things passed cannot be called again, much aught we the more to beware, by what occasion we have taken so great hurt before, that we eftsoons fall not into that occasion of danger again. Now be those griefs passed, & al● is (God be thanked) quiet, and likely right well to prospero in wealthful peace under your Cousins my children, if God sand them life and you love. Of which two things the less loss were they, by whom though God did his pleasure, yet should the realm always find kings, and peradventure as good kings. But if you among yourselves in a child's reign fall at debate, many a good man shall perish, and happily he to, and ye to, or this land find peace again: wherefore in these last words that ever I look to speak to you or with you, I exhort and require you all for the love that ye have ever borne to me, for the love that I have ever borne to you, and for the love that our Lord and saviour Christ beareth to us all, from this time forward, all griefs forgotten, each of you love other. Which I verily trust you will, if you any thing earthly regard, either God or your king, affinity or kindred, this realm your own Country, or your own surety. And therewithal the king not able to endure any longer to sit up, laid him down on his right side, his face toward them: and none was there present that could refrain from weeping. But the Lords comforting him with as good words as they could, and answering for the time, as they thought to stand with his pleasure, there in his presence, as by their words appeared, each forgave other, and joined their hands together, when (as it after appeared by their deeds) their hearts were far asunder. Assoon as the king was departed, Edward the Prince cometh toward London. Edward the Noble Prince his son drew towards London, which at the time of his father's decease, kept his house at Ludlow in Wales: which Country being far of from the law and recourse to justice, was begun to be far out of good rule and waxed wild, so that Robbers and Rivers walked at liberty uncorrected. And for this encheason the Prince was in the life of his father sent thither, to the end that the authority of his presence, should refrain evil disposed persons from the boldness of their former outrages. And to the governance and ordering of this young Prince at his sending thither, Sir Anthony wooduile Lord Rivers, brother to the Queen was there appointed sir Anthony Wooduile Lord Rivers and brother to the Queen, a right honourable man, as valiant of hand as politic in counsel. And there were adjoined unto him other of the same party, and in effect every one as he was nearest of kin unto the Queen, so was he planted near about the Prince. That drift was by the Queen not unwisely devised, whereby her blood might in the youth of the Prince be rooted in his favour. But all this the Duke of Gloucester turned unto their destruction, and upon that ground he set the foundation of all his unhappy building. For whom soever he perceived either at variance with them, or bearing himself their favour, he broke unto them, some by mouth, some by writing and secret messengers, that it neither was reason, nor in any wise to be suffered, that the young King their master and kinsman should be in the hands and custody of his mother's kindred, sequestered in manner from their company and attendance, of which every one of them aught him as faithful service as they, and many of them of far more honourable part of kin than his mother's side: whose blood (quoth he) saving the kings pleasure, was full unmeet to be matched with his: which now to be as who say removed from the king, and the less noble to be left about him, is (quoth he) neither honourable unto his majesty, nor unto us, and also to his grace no surety to have the mightiest of his friends from him, and unto us no little jeopardy to suffer our well proved evil willers to grow in over great authority with the Prince in his youth, namely which is light of belief and soon persuaded. Ye remember I trow king Edward himself, albeit he was a man of age & discretion, yet was he in many things ruled by the bend, more than stood either with his honour or our profit, or with the commodity of any man else, except only the immoderate advancement of themselves: which whether they thrusted after their own weal, or our woe, it were hard I ween to guess. And if some folks friendship had not holden better place with the king than any respect of kindred, they might easily have trapped and brought to confusion some of us or this: and why not as easily as they have done some already, as near of his royal blood as we are? But our Lord hath wrought his will, and thanks be to his grace that peril is past. Howbeit, as great is growing, if we suffer this young king in our enemy's hand, which without his witting might abuse the name of his commandment to any of our undoing, which thing God and good provision forbidden. Of which good provision none of us hath any thing the less need for the late made atonement, in which the kings pleasure had more place, than the party wills. Nor none of us I believe is so unwise or overseen, to trust a new friend made of an old foe: Or to think that an hourly kindness, suddenly contract in one hour continued, should be deeper settelled in their stamackes, than a long accustomed malice many years rooted. With these words and writings, and such other, the Duke of Gloucester soon set on fire them that were of themselves i'the to kindle, and in especially twain, Edward Duke of Buckingham, and Richard Lord hastings and Chamberlanie, both men of honour and of great power. The one by long succession from his ancestry, the other by his office, and the kings favour. These two not bearing each to other so much love, as hatred both unto the queens part: in this point accorded together with the Duke of Gloucester, that they would utterly amove from the kings company all his mother's friends, under the name of their enemies. This being concluded, the Duke of Gloucester understanding that the Lords which were about the king, intended to bring him up to his coronation, accompanied with such power of their friends that it should be hard for him to bring his purpose to pass, without the gathering and assemble of people, and in manner of open war, whereof he witted the end was doubtful, and in which the king being on their side, his part should have the face and name of a rebellion: He secretly therefore by divers means, caused the Queen to be persuaded and brought in mind, that it neither was need, and also should be jeopardous the king to come up so strong. For where as now every Lord loved other, and none other thing studied upon, but about the coronation and honour of the king: If the Lords of her kindred should assemble in the king's name much people, they should give the Lords an occasion, between whom had been before some debate, to fear and suspect, lest they should gather this people, not for the kings safeguard, whom no man impugned, but for their destruction, having more regard to their old variance, then to their new atonement: For which cause they should assemble on the other party much people again for their defence, whose power she witted well stretched far, and thus should all the realm fall on a roar. And of all the hurt that thereof should ensue, which was likely not to be little, and the most harm there like to fall where she jest would, all the world would put her & her kindred in the wight, and say that they had unwisely and untruly also broken the amity and peace that the king her husband had so prudently made between his kin and hers in his death bed, and which the other party faithfully observed. The Queen being in thus wise persuaded such word sent unto her son, and unto her brother being about the king, and over that, the Duke of Gloucester himself and other Lords the chief of his bend, wrote unto the king so reverently, and to the Queen's friends there so lovingly, that they nothing earthly mistrusting, brought the king up in great haste, but not in good speed, with a small company. Now as the king passed towards London, from the town of Northampton, leaving behind him the Lord Rivers, the kings uncle, who thought the next day to be with the king at stony Stratforde, ten miles from thence, thither came the Dukes of Gloucester, and Buckingham. So was there made that night much friendly cheer between these Dukes, and the Lord Rivers, a great while. But incontinently that they were openly departed with great courtesy, and the Lord Rivers lodged, the Dukes secretly, with a few of their most privy friends, set them down in counsel, wherein they spent a great part of the night. And at their rising in the dawning of the day, they sent about privily unto their servants in their Inns and lodgings, giving them commandment to make themselves quickly ready, for their Lords were ready to horseback. Upon which Messages many of their folks were attendant, when many of the Lord Rivers servants were unready. The Dukes also at that time, had taken the Keys of their Inn into their custody, that none should pass forth without their licence. And also in the high way toward stony Stratford, where the king lay, they had bestowed certain of their folk to stop the passage, that no person should pass from Northampton toward stony Stratforde, but should be either stayed, or compelled to return again, until they should give other licence: because said they, that the Dukes themselves intended for the show of their diligence, to be the first that should attend that day upon the kings highness out of that town: thus bore they folk in hand. But when the Lord Rivers understood the Gates to be closed, and the ways on every side beset, neither his servants, nor himself suffered once to go out, and perceiving well that so great a thing without his knowledge could not be begun for nought, comparing also with himself this manner of doing present, with the last nights cheer, in so few hours, so great a change, which he marvelously misliked. Howbeit, sith he could not get away, and to keep himself close he would not, lest he should seem to hide himself for some secret fear of his own fault, whereof he saw no such cause in himself, he determined upon the surety of his own conscience to go boldly unto them, and to inquire what this matter did mean. Whom assoon as they saw, they began to quarrel with him, and said, that he intended to set distance between the king and them, and to bring them to confusion, but it should not lie in his power. And when he began, as he was a very well spoken man, in goodly wise to excuse himself, they tarried not the end of his answer, The Lord Rivers committed to ward. but shortly took him and put in ward, and that done went forthwith to horseback, and took the way to stony Stratford, where they found the king with his company ready to leap on horseback, and to departed forward and to leave that lodging for them, because it was to straight for both companies. And assoon as they came in his presence, they light down with all their company about them. To whom the Duke of Buckingham said, go afore Gentlemen, and yeomen, keep your rooms. And thus in a goodly array they came to the king, & on their knees in humble wise saluted his grace, which received them in very joyous and amiable manner, nothing earthly knowing nor mistrusting as yet: But even by and by in his presence, they picked a quarrel to the Lord Richard Grace the kings other brother by his mother, Richard lord Grace apprehended. saying that the Lord Marques his brother, and the Lord Rivers his Uncle, had compassed to rule the king and the realm, and to set variance among the states, and to subdue and destroy the noble blood of the realm. Toward the accomplishing whereof, they said that the Lord Marques had entered into the Tower of London, and thence taken out the kings treasure, and sent men to the sea. All which things these Dukes witted well, were done for good purposes, and necessary by the counsel at London, saving that somewhat they must say. Unto which words the king answered, what my brother Marquis hath done, I cannot tell: But in good faith I dare well answer for my Uncle Rivers, and my brother here, that they be innocent of any such matters. Yea my liege, quoth the Duke of Buckingham, they have kept their dealing in these matters far from the knowledge of your good grace. And forthwith they arrested the Lord Richard Grace, and sir Thomas Vaughan knight, in the kings presence, and brought the king and all back unto Northampton, where they took again further counsel. And there they sent away from the king whom it pleased them, and set new servants about him, such as liked better them then him. At which dealing the king wept, but it booted not. And at dinner the Duke of Gloucester sent a dish from his own table to the Lord Rivers, praying him to be of good cheer, all should be well enough. And he thanked the Duke, and prayed the Messenger to bear it to his Nephew the Lord Richard Grace, with the same message for his comfort, as one to whom such adversity was strange: But himself had been in all his days in ured therewith, and therefore could bear it the better. But for all this comfortable courtesy of the Duke of Gloucester, he sent the Lord Rivers, and the Lord Richard, with sir Thomas Vaughan into the North Country to divers places into prison, The death of the Lord Rivers and divers other. and afterward, they were all sent to Pomfret Castle, where in the end they were beheaded. In this wise the Duke of Gloucester took upon himself the order and governance of the young king, whom with much honour and humble reverence, he conveyed upward toward the City of London. But anon the tidings of this matter came hastily to the Queen a little before the midnight following, and that in the sorest wise, that the king her son was taken, her brother, her son, and her other friends arrested, and sent, no man witted whether, to be done with, God wots what. With which tidings, the Queen in great flight, and heaviness, bewailing her child's reign, her friend's mischance, and her own infortune, cursing the time that ever she was dissuaded the gathering of power about the king, The Queen taketh sanctuary. goat herself in all the hast possible with her young son and her daughters out of the palace of Westminster, in which she them lay, into the Sanctuary, lodging herself and her company there in the Abbot's place. Now came there one in likewise not long after midnight from the Lord Chamberleyn, unto the archbishop of York, than Chancellor of England, to his place not far from Westminster. And for that he showed his servants that he had tidings of so great importance, that his master gave him in charge not to forbear his rest, they letted not to wake him, nor he to admit this messenger unto his bed side. Of whom he heard that those Dukes were gone back with the kings grace from Stony Stratforde unto Northhampton: Notwithstanding, Sir quoth he, my Lord, sendeth your Lordship word, that there is no fear: For he assureth you that all shall be well. I assure him quoth the archbishop, be it as well as it will, it will never be so well as we have seen it. And thereupon by and by after the messenger was departed, he caused in all the haste, all his servants to be called up, and so with his own household about him, and every man weaponed, he took the great seal with him, and came yet before day unto the Queen. About whom he found much heaviness, rumble, hast and business, carriage, and conveying of her stuff into the Sentuary, Chests, Coffers, Packs, Ferdels, Trusses, all on men's backs, no man unoccupied, some lading, some going, some discharging, some coming for more, some breaking down the walls to bring in the next way, and some yet drew to them that holp to carry a wrong way. The Queen herself sat alone allow on the rushes all desolate, and dismayed, whom the archbishop comforted in the best manner he could, showing her that he trusted that the matter was nothing so sore as she took it for, & that he was put in good hope, and out of fear by the message sent him from the Lord Chamberleyn. Ah, woe worth him quoth she, for he is one of them that laboureth to destroy me and my blood. Madam quoth he, be ye of good cheer, for I assure you, if they crown any other king than your son, whom they now have with them, we shall on the morrow crown his brother, whom you have here with you. And here is the great Seal, which in likewise as that noble Prince your husband, delivered it unto me, so here I deliver it unto you, to the use and behoof of your son, & therewith he took her the great Seal, and departed home again, yet in the dawning of the day: By which time he might in his chamber window see all the Thamis full of boats of the Duke of gloucester's servants, watching that no man should go to the Sentuary, nor pass unserched, and examined. Then was there great commotion, and murmur aswell in other places about, and specially in the City, the people diversly devining upon this dealing. And some Lords, Knights, and gentlemen, either for favour of the Queen, or for fear of themselves, assembled in sundry companies, and went flocking in harness: and many also, for that they reckoned this demeanour attempted, not so specially against the other Lords, as against the king himself in the disturbance of his coronation: therefore they assembled by and by together, to common of this matter at London: At which meeting, the archbishop of York fearing that it would be ascribed (as it was in deed) to his overmuch lightness, that he so suddenly had yielded up the great seal to the Queen, to whom the custody thereof nothing appertained, without especial commandment of the king, secretly sent for the great Seal again, and brought it with him after the customable manner. And at this meeting the Lord hastings, whose troth toward the king no man doubted, nor needed to doubt, persuaded the lords to believe that the Duke of Gloucester was sure & fastly faithful to his prince, and that the Lord Rivers, and Lord Richard with the other Knights were for matters attempted by them against the Duke of Gloucester, and Buckingham put under arrest for their surety, not for the kings jeopardy: and that they were also in safeguard, and there no longer to remain, then till the matter were, not by the Duke's only, but also by all the other Lords of the king's counsel indifferently examined, and by their discretions ordered, and either judged or appeased. But one thing he advised them to beware, that they judged not the matter to far forth, ere they knew the truth, nor turning their private grudges into the common hurt, irriting and provoking men unto anger, and desturbing the king's coronation, toward which the Dukes were coming up, that they might peradventure bring the matter so far out of joint, that it should never be brought in frame again. Which strife if it should hap, as it were likely to come to a field, though both parties were in all other things equal, yet should the authority be on that side, where the King himself is: with these persuasions of my Lord hastings, whereof part himself believed, of part he witted the contrary: these commotions were somewhat appeased, but specially, by that that the Dukes of Gloucester and Buckingham, were so near and came so shortly on with the king, in none other manner, nor with none other voice or semblance, then to his coronation, causing the fame to be blown about, that these Lords & knights that were taken, had contrived the destruction of the Dukes of Gloucester & Buckingham, and of other the noble blood of the realm, to the end that themselves would alone demean and govern the king at their pleasure. And for the colourable proof thereof, such of the Duke's servants as road with their carts of their stuff, which were taken, among the which stuff no marvel though some were harness, which at the breaking up of such an household must needs be brought away, or cast away, they showed to the people all the way as they went and said: lo, here be the barrels of harness, that these traitors had privily conveyed in their carriages to destroy the noble Lords withal. This diverse, (although it made the matter to wise men more unlikely) well perceiving that the entendours of such a purpose would rather have had their harness on their backs, then to have bound them up in barrels, yet many of the common people were therewith right well satisfied, and said it were almose to hung them. When the king approached near the City, the Mayor, and Aldermen and five hundred commoners received his grace reverently at Harnesay Park, The King coming to London. and so conveyed him to the City, where he entered the fourth day of May, in the first and last year of his reign, and was lodged in the bishop of London's Palace: but the Duke of Gloucester bore him in open sight so reverently, The Duke of Gloucester made Protector. saying to all men as he road, behold your Prince and sovereign Lord, and made such semblance of lowliness to his Prince, that from the great obloquy that he was in so late before, he was suddenly fallen in so great trust that at the counsel next assembled, he was made the only chief ruler, and thought most meet to be Protector of the king and his realm: so that, were it destiny, or were it folly, the Lamb was betaken to the Wolf to keep. At which counsel the Archbishop of York was sore blamed for delivering the great seal to the Queen, & the seal taken from him and delivered to Doctor john Russell Bishop of Lincoln, a wise man and a good, & of much experience, and one of the best learned men undoubtedly that England had in his time, & divers lords & knights were appointed to divers rooms, the Lord chamberlain & some other kept the rooms that they were in before, but not many. Now were it so that the Protector (which always you must take for the Duke of Gloucester) sore thirsted for the achieving of his pretenced enterprise, and thought every day a year till it were performed, yet durst he no farther attempt, as long as he had but half his pray in his hand, well witting that if he deposed the one brother, all the realm would fall to the other, if he remained either in Sanctuary, or should happily be shortly conveyed to his farther liberty. Wherefore incontinent at the next meeting of the Lords in counsel, he purposed to them that it was a heinous deed of the Queen, and proceeding of great malice toward the king's counsellors, The Protectors persuasion. that she should keep the king's brother in Sanctuary from him whose special pleasure and comfort were to have his brother with him, and that to be done by her to none other intent, but to bring all the Lords in an obloquy and mumur of the people, as though they were not to be trusted with the king's brother, which Lords were by the whole assent of the Nobles of the Realm appointed as the kings near friends to the tuition of his royal person, the prosperity whereof (quoth he) standeth not alonely in keeping from enemies and evil diet, but partly also in recreation and moderate pleasure, which he can not take in his tender youth in the company of old and ancient persons, but in the familiar conversation of those that be not far under nor far above his age, and nevertheless of estate convenient to accompany his noble majesty, wherefore with whom rather then with his own brother? and if any man think this consideration light (I am sure no man so thinketh that loveth the king) let him consider that sometime without small things, greater cannot stand, and verily it redowneth greatly to the dishonour both of the kings highness, and of all us that be about his grace to have it run in every man's mouth, not in this realm only, but also in other lands (as evil words walk far) that the king's brother should be feign to keep sanctuary. For every man will judge that no man will so do for naught, & such opinion once fastened in men's hearts, hard it is to be wrested out, and may grow to more grief than any man here can divine. Wherefore me thinketh it were not the worst to sand to the Queen some honourable and trusty parsonage, such as tendereth the king's weal and the honour of his counsel, and is also in credit and favour with her: for all which considerations none seemeth more meetly to me, than the reverend father here present, my Lord Cardinal archbishop of York, who may in this matter do most good of all men, if it please him to take the pain, which I doubt not of his goodness he will not refuse for the king's sake and ours, and wealth of the young Duke himself the kings most honourable brother, and for the comfort of my sovereign Lord himself my most dear Nephew, considering that thereby shall be ceased the slanderous rumour and obloquy now going abroad, and the hurts avoided that thereof might ensue, and much rest and quietness grow to all the realm. And if she percase be so obstinate and so precisely set upon her own will and opinion, that neither his wise and faithful advertisement can move her, nor any man's reason satisfy her, then shall we by mine advise by the king's authority fetch him out of that prison, and bring him to his noble presence, in whose continual company he shall be so well cherished and so honourably entreated, that all the world shall to our honour and her reproach, perceive that it was only malice, frowardness, and folly, that caused her to keep him there. This is my mind for this time, except that any of you my Lords any thing perceive to the contrary, for never shall I by God's grace so wed myself unto mine own will, but I shall be ready to change it upon your better advises. When the Protector had said, all the counsel affirmed that the motion was good and reasonable, and to the king and the Duke his brother honourable, and a thing that should cease great mumur in the realm, if the mother might by good means be induced to deliver him: which thing the archbishop of York, whom they all agreed also to be most convenient thereunto, took upon him to move her, and thereto do his uttermost endeavour. Howbeit, if she could in no wise be entreated with her good will to deliver him, than thought he and such other of the spirituality as were present, that it were not in any wise to be attempted to take him out against her will, for it would be a thing that should turn to the great grudge of all men and high displeasure of God, if the privilege of that holy place should now be broken, which had so many years been kept, which both kings and Popes so good had granted, so many had confirmed, and which ground was more than five hundred years ago sanctified by saint Peter himself, in his own person (saith Sir Thomas Moor) in spirit accompanied, with a great multitude of Angels by night so specially hallowed and dedicated to God, for the proof whereof they have yet in the Abbey, saint Peter's Cope to show, and from that time hitherward, was there never so undevout a king, that ever enterprised the sacred privilege to violate, nor so holy a Bishop that durst presume the Church of the same to consecrated: and therefore, quoth the Archbishop, God forbidden that any man should for any earthly enterprise break the immunite and liberty of that sacred Sanctuary, that hath been the safeguard of so many a good man's life, and I trust quoth he we shall not need it, but for any manner of need I would we should not do it, I trust that she with reason shall be contented, and all thing in good manner obtained. And if it hap that I bring it not so to pass, yet shall I further it to my best power, so that you all shall perceive my good will, diligence and endeavour: But the mother's dread and womanish fear shall be the let, if any be. Nay womanish frowardness, quoth the Duke of Buckingham, for I dare take it on my soul, that she well knoweth that she needeth no such thing to fear, either for her son or for herself. For as for her, here is no man that will be at war with women, would God some of the men of her kin were women to, and then should all be soon in rest. Howbeit there is none of her kin the less loved for that they be of her kin, but for their own evil deserving. And put the case that we neither loved her nor her kin, yet there were no cause why we should hate the kings noble brother, to whose grace we ourselves be of kin, whose honour if she as much desired as our dishonour, and asmuch regard took to his wealth, as to her own will, she would be as loath to suffer him to be absent from the king as any of us be, for if she had any wit, as would God she had as good will, as she hath froward wit: she would think herself no wiser than some that are here, of whose faithful minds she nothing doubteth, but verily believeth and knowledgeth, that they would be as sorry of his harm as her own self, and yet they would have him from her, if she abide there. And we all I think be content that both her children be with her, if she come from thence, and abide in such place where they may be with their honour. Now then, if she refuse the deliverance of him to follow the wisdom of them, whose wisdom she knoweth, whose truth she well trusteth: it is easy to perceive that frowardness letteth her, and not fear. But go to, suppose that she feareth (as who may let her to fear her own shadow) the more she feareth to deliver him, the more aught we to fear to leave him in her hands, for if she cast such fond doubts that she fear his hurt, then will she fear that he shall be fet thence, for she will soon think that if men were set (which God forbidden on so great a mischief) the Sanctuary will little let them, which Sancturay good men as me thinketh might without sin, somewhat less regard than they do. Now then, if she doubt lest he might be fetched from her, is it not likely enough, that she will send him somewhere out of the Realm? verily I look for none other. And I doubt not but she now as sore mindeth it, as we mind the let thereof. And if she might hap to bring that purpose to pass, as it were no great mastery to do, we letting her alone, all the world would say that we were a sort of wise counsellors about a king, to let his brother be cast away under our noses. And therefore I ensure you faithfully, for my mind, I will rather maugre her stomach fetch him away, then leave him there till her fear or fond froward fear convey him away, and yet will I break no Sanctuary, for verily sith the privilege of that place and other of that sort have so long continued, Of Sanctuary men. I would not go about to break it, and in good faith if they were now to begin, I would not be he that should go about to make them: yet will not I say nay, but it is a deed of pity that such men as the chance of the sea, or their evil debtor have brought into poverty, should have some place of refuge to keep their bodies out of danger of their cruel creditors. And also if it fortune the Crown to come in question as it hath done before this time, while each part taketh other for traitors, I think it necessary to have a place of refuge for both. But as for thieves and murderers, whereof these places be full, and which never fall from their craft, after they once fall thereunto, it is pity, that ever Sanctuary should serve them, and in especial wilful murderers, whom God commandeth to be taken from the Altar, and to be put to death. And where it is otherwise then in these cases, there is no need of sanctuaries, appointed by God in the old law. For if necessity of his own defence, or misfortune drive him to that need, than a pardon serveth him, which either is granted of course, or the king of pity & compassion giveth. Then look me now how few sanctuary men there be whom necessity or misfortune compelleth to go thither? And then see on the other side, what a sort there be commonly therein of such, whom wilful unthriftiness hath brought to nought? what a rabble of thieves, murderers, and malicious heinous traitors be there? and that in two places specially, the one at the elbow of the City, and the other in the very bowels. I dare well avow it, if you way the good that they do, with the hurt that cometh of them, ye shall find it much better to lose both, then to have both. And this I say, although they were not abused (as they now be, and so long have been) that I fear me ever they will be while men be afeard to set to their hands to the amendment, as though God and Saint Peter were the patrons of ungracious living. Now unthrifts riot and run in debt upon boldness of these places, The abuse of Sanctuaries yea, and rich men run thither with poor men's goods, there they build, there they spend and bid their creditors go whistle. men's wives run thither with their husbands Plate, and say they dare not abide with their husbands for beating, thieves bring thither stolen goods and live thereon. There they devise new robberies nightly and steal out and rob, rive, and kill men, and come again as though those places gave them not only a safeguard for the harm that they have done, but a licence also to do more mischief: howbeit much of this great mischief (if wise men would set their hands thereunto) might be amended, with great thanks of God, and no breach of the privilege. The conclusion is, sith it is so long a go, I wot not what Pope, nor what Prince, more piteous than politic, hath granted it, and other men since of a certain religious fear have not broken it, let us take a pain with it, and let it stand a Gods name in his force, as far forth as reason will, which is not fully so far forth as may serve to let us of the fetching forth of this noble man to his honour and wealth, out of that place in the which he neither is nor can be a sanctuary or privileged man. A sanctuary ever serveth to defend the body of that man that standeth in danger abroad, not of great hurt only, but also of lawful hurt: for against unlawful hurts and harms, no Pope nor king intended to privilege any one place, for that privilege hath every place. Knoweth any man any place wherein it is lawful for one man to do another man wrong? That no man unlawfully take hurt that liberty the king, the law, and very nature forbiddeth in every place, and maketh to that regard for every man every place a Sanctuary, but where a man is by lawful means in peril, there needeth he the tuition of some special privilege, which is the only ground and cause of all Sanctuaries, from which necessity this noble Prince is far, whose love to his king, nature, and kindred proveth, whose innocency to all the world his tender youth affirmeth, and so Sanctuary as for him is not necessary, nor none he can have. Men come not to Sanctuary as they come to baptism, to require it by his Godfathers, he must ask it himself that must have it, and reason, sith no man hath cause to have it, but whose conscience of his own fault maketh him have need to require it. What will then hath yonder babe which if he had discretion to require it if need were, I dare say would be now right angry with them that keep him there? And I would think without any scruple of conscience, without any breach of privilege, to be somewhat more homely with them that be there Sanctuary men in deed, for if one go to Sanctuary with another man's goods, why should not the king leaving his body at liberty, satisfy the party of his goods even within the Sanctuary, for neither king nor Pope can give any place such a privilege that it shall discharge a man of his debts being able to pay. And with that diverse of the clergy that were there present, whether they said it for his pleasure, or as they thought, agreed plainly by the law of God, and of the church, that the goods of a sanctuary man, should be delivered in payment of his debts, and stolen goods to the owner, and only liberty reserved to him to get his living with the labour of his hands. Verily, quoth the Duke, I think you say very truth. And what if a man's wife will take sanctuary, because she list to run from her husband, I would think if she can allege none other cause, he may lawfully without any displeasure done to saint Peter, take her out of saint Peter's church by the arm. And if no body may be taken out of sanctuary because he saith he will abide there, then if a Child will take sanctuary, because he feareth to go to school, his master must let him alone. And as simple as that example is, yet is there less reason in our case then in it, for there, though it be a childish fear, yet is there at the lest some fear, & herein is no fear at all. And verily I have often hard of sanctuary men, but I never heard before of sanctuary children: and therefore, as for the conclusion of my mind, whosoever may deserve to have need of it, if they think it for their surety let them keep it, but he can be no sanctuary man that hath neither discretion to desire it, nor malice to deserve it, whose life nor liberty can by no lawful process stand in jeopardy, and he that taketh one out of sanctuary to do him good, I say plainly he breaketh no sanctuary. When the Duke had done, the temporal men wholly, and the most part of the spiritual men also thinking no hurt earthly meant toward the young Babe, condescended in effect, that if he were not delivered, he should be fetched out. Howbeit, they thought it all best in avoiding of all manner of rumour that the Lord Cardinal should first assay to get him with her good will. And thereupon all the counsel came to the Star chamber at Westminster, and the Cardinal leaving the Protector & other Lords in the Star chamber, departed into the sanctuary to the Queen, accompanied with certain Lords, were it for the respect of his honour, or that she should by the presence of so many, perceive that this errand was not only one man's mind, or were it for that the protector intended not in this matter to trust one man alone, or else if she finally were determined to keep him, some of the company had peradventure some secret instruction incontinent maugre her will to take him and to leave her no respite to convey him, which she was likely to mind after this matter broken to her if time in any wise would have served her. When the Queen, and these Lords were come together in presence, the Cardinal showed unto her, that it was thought to the lord protector and the whole counsel that her keeping of the king his brother in that place highly sounded, not only to the grudge of the people and their obloquy, but also to the importable grief and displeasure of the king his royal majesty to whose grace it were a singular comfort to have his natural brother in company, and it was their dishonoures' and theirs and hers also to suffer him in Sanctuary, as though the one brother, stood in danger, and peril of the other. And he showed her farther, that the whole counsel had sent him to require of her the delivery of him, that he might be brought to the king his presence at his liberty, out of that place which men reckoned as a prison, and there should he be demeaned according to his estate and degree, and she in this doing should both do great good to the realm, pleasure to the counsel, profit to herself, succour to her friends that were in distress, and over that which he witted well she specially tendered, not only great comfort and honour to the king, but also to the young Duke himself, whose both great wealth it were to be together, aswell for many greater causes, as also for their both disport, and recreation, which things the Lords esteemed not light, though it seemed light, well pondering that their youth without recreation and play cannot endure, nor any estranger for the convenience of both their ages and estates so meetly in that point for any of them, as the either of them for the other. The queens answer. My Lord (quoth the Queen) I say not nay, but that it were very convenient that this gentleman whom you require were in the company of the king his brother, and in good faith me thinketh it were as great commodity to them both, as for yet a whi●e to be in the custody of their mother, the tender age considered of the elder of them both, but in especial the younger, which besides his infancy that also needeth good looking to, hath a while been so sore diseased with sickness, and is so newly rather a little amended then well recovered, that I dare put no person earthly in trust with his keeping, but myself only, considering that there is as the physicians say, and as we also found, double the peril in the resiluation that was in the first sickness, with which disease, nature being sore laboured, foreweried, and weakened, waxeth the less able to bear our a new surfeit. And albeit, there might be founden other that would happily do their best unto him, yet there is none that either knoweth better how to order him then I, that so long have kept him, or is more tenderly like to cherish him then his own mother that bore him. No man denieth good Madam, quoth the Cardinal, but that your grace of all folk were most necessary about your children, and so would all the counsel not only be content, but also glad that you were, if it might stand with your pleasure to be in such place as might stand with their honour. But if you appoint yourself to tarry here, then think they it more convenient the Duke of York were with the king honourably at his liberty to the comfort of them both, then here as a Sanctuary man to their both dishonour and obloquy, sith there is not always so great necessity to have the child to be with the mother, but that occasion sometime may be such that it should be more expedient to keep him else where, which in this well appeareth, that at such time that your most dearest son, than Prince, and now king, should for his honour and good order of the Country keep household in Wales, far out of your keeping, your grace was well content therewith yourself. Not very well content (quoth the Queen) and yet the case is not like, for the one was then in health and the other is now sick, in which case I marvel greatly why my Lord Protector is so desirous to have him in keeping, where if the child in his sickness miscarried by nature, yet might he run into slander and suspicion of fraud. And they call it a thing so sore against my child's honour and theirs also, that he abideth in this place, it is all their honours there to suffer him to abide where no man doubteth he shall be best kept, and that is here while I am here, which as yet intend not to come forth and jeopard myself after my friends, which would God were rather here in surety with me, than I were there in jeopardy with them. Why Madam (quoth the Lord Haward) know you any thing, why they should be in jeopardy? Nay verily, (quoth she) nor why they should be in prison neither, as they now be, but I trow it is no great marvel though I fear lest those that have not letted to put them in durance without colour, will let as little to procure their destruction without cause. The Cardinal made a countenance to the Lord Haward that he should harp no more upon that string: and then said he to the Queen, that he nothing doubted but those Lords of her kin the which remained under a rest, should upon the matter examined do well enough, and as toward her Noble person, neither was, nor could be any manner of jeopardy. Whereby should I trust that (quoth the Queen) in that I am guiltless, as though they were guilty, in that I am with their enemies better beloved than they, when they hate them for my sake, in that I am so near to the king, and how far be they of that would help, as God sand grace they hurt not. And therefore as yet I purpose not to departed hence: as for this gentleman my son, I mind he shall be where I am till I see further, for I assure you for that I see some men so greedy without any substantial cause to have him, this maketh me much more further and scrupulous to deliver him. Truly Madam (quoth the Cardinal) the further that ye be to deliver him, the further be other men to suffer you to keep him, lest your causeless fear, might 'cause you farther to convey him, and many be there that think he can have here no privilege, which can have neither will to ask it, nor yet malice nor offence to need it. And therefore, they reckon no privilege broken, although they fetch him out of Sanctuary, which if you finally refuse to deliver him, I think verily the counsel will enfraunches him, so much dread hath my Lord his Uncle, for the tender love that he beareth him, lest your grace should send him away. Ah Sir, The Queen. quoth the Queen, hath he so tender a zeal to him, that he feareth nothing, but lest he should escape him? Thinketh he that I would sand him hence, which is neither in the plight to send out? and in what place could I reckon him sure, if he be not sure in this Sanctuary? whereof was there never tyrant yet so devilish, that durst attempt to break the privilege, and I trust God is now as strong to withstand his adversaries, as ever he was. But my son can deserve no Sanctuary you say, and therefore he can not have it, forsooth the Lord Protector hath sent a goodly gloze, by the which that place that may defend a Thief, may not save an innocent: but he is in no jeopardy nor hath no need thereof, I would God he had not. Troweth the Protector (I pray God he may prove a Protector, rather than a destroyer, whereunto his painted process draweth) that it is not honourable, that the Duke bide here? if were more comfortable to them both that he were with his brother, because the king lacketh a play fellow, yea be you sure, I pray God sand them both better play fellows then him that maketh so high a matter upon such a trifleing pretext, as though there could none be found to play with the king, but if his brother which had no lust to play for sickness, must come out of this sanctuary, & out of his safeguard to play with him, as though that Princes so young as they be, could not play without their peers, or children could not play without their kindred, with whom for the more part they agreed much worse than with strangers. But the child you say cannot require the privilege, who told the Protector so? Ask him and you shall hear him ask it, and so shall he if he will. Howbeit, this is a strange matter, suppose he could not ask it, and think he would not ask it, and imagine he would ask to go out, if I say he shall not: Note if I ask the privilege but for myself, I say, that he that against my will taketh out him, breaketh Sanctuary. Serveth this liberty for my person only, or for my goods to? you may not from hence take my horse from me, if I stole him not, nor own you nothing: then followeth it, that you may not take my child from me, he is also my ward, for as far as my learned counsel showeth me, he hath nothing by dissent holden, by knights service, but by socage, than the law maketh me his garden, then may no man lawfully (I suppose) take my ward from me out of this place, without the breach of Sanctuary, and if my privilege could not serve him, nor he ask it for himself, yet sith the law committed to me the custody of him, I may require it for him, except the law give the infaunt a garden only for his goods, discharging him of the cure and safe keeping of his body, for which only both goods and lands serve. And if examples be sufficient to attain privilege for my child, I need not far to seek: For in this place in which we now be, and which is now in question, whether my child may take benefit of it? Mine other son now king, was borne and kept in his Cradle & preserved to a more prosperous fortune, which I pray God long to continued. And as you all know, this is not the first time that I have taken Sanctuary: For when my Lord my husband was banished and thrust out of his kingdom, I fled hither being great with child, and here I bore the Prince, and when my Lord my husband returned safe again, and had the victory, than went I hence to welcome him home. And from hence I brought my babe the Prince unto his father, when he first took him in his arms: And I pray God that my sons Palace may be as great a safeguard to him now reigning, as this place was sometime to the king's enemy: In which place I intend to keep his brother, sith man's law serveth the garden to keep the infant, and the law of nature willeth the mother to keep the child, and God's law privilegeth the Sanctuary, and the Sanctuary privilegeth my son, sith I fear to put him to the Protectors hands, that hath his brother already, which is (if both failed) inheritor to the crown as heir Male, as he saith. The cause of my fear no man hath to do to examine, and yet fear I no farther than the law feareth, which as learned men tell me, forbiddeth every man the custody of them, by whose death he may inherit less land than a kingdom. I can say no more, but whosoever he be that breaketh this holy Sanctuary, I pray God sand him shortly need of Sanctuary, when he may not come to it, for I would not that my mortal enemy should be taken out of Sanctuary. The Cardinal perceived that the Queen waxed ever the longer the farther of, and also that she began to kindle and chafe, and speak sore biting words against the Protector, and such as he neither believed, and also was loath to hear, he said to her, for a final conclusion, that he would no more dispute the matter, & if she were content to deliver the Duke to him and to the other Lords there present, he durst lay his own body & soul both in pledge, not only for his surety, but also for his estate, and surely he knew nor suspected no cause but he might so do, (but he knew not all.) And further he said, if she would give him a resolute answer to the contrary, he would therewith departed incontinent, and shift who so would with this business afterward, for he never intended further to move her in the matter, in the which she thought that he and all other also, save herself, lacked either wit or truth. Wit if they were so dull that they nothing could perceive what the Protector intended, and if they should procure her son to be delivered into his hands, in whom they should perceive towards the child any evil will intended, than she might think all the counsel both evil advised and of little fidelity to their Prince. The Queen with these words stood a good while in a great study, and forasmuch as she saw the Lord Cardinal more readier to departed then the remnant, and the Protector himself ready at hand, so that she verily thought that she could not keep them there, but he should be incontinent taken thence: and to convey him else where, neither had she time to serve her, nor place determined, nor persons appointed to convey him, and so all thing was buredie, when this message came so suddenly on her, nothing less looking for, then to have him out of Sanctuary, which she knew now men to be set in all places about, that he could not be conveyed out untaken, and partly as she thought it might fortune her fear to be false: so well she witted it was either needless or bootless. Wherefore if she should needs go from him, she deemed best to deliver him, and specially of the cardinals faith she nothing doubting, nor of some other Lords whom she saw there, which as she feared lest they might be deceived, so well was she assured, that they would not be corrupted: then thought she that it would make them the more warily to look to him, and the more circumspectly to see his surety, if she with her own hands betook him to them of trust, and at the last she took the young Duke by the hand, and said unto the Lords, my Lord quoth she, and all my Lords, neither am I so unwise to mistrust your wits, nor so suspicious to mistrust your truths: of the which thing I purpose to make you such a proof, that if either of both lacked in you, might turn both me to great sorrow, the realm to much harm, and you to great reproach. For lo, here is quod she this Gentleman, whom I doubt not but I could keep safe if I would; whatsoever any man say, and I doubt not also but there be some abroad so deadly enemies unto my blood, that if they witted where any of it lay in their own body, they would let it out: we have also experience that the desire of a kingdom knoweth no kindred, The desire of a kingdom knoweth no kindred. the brother hath been the brother's bane, and may the Nephews be sure of the Uncle? each of these children are others defence, while they be a sunder, and each of their lives lieth in others body: keep one safe and both be sure, and nothing to both more perilous then both to be in one place: for a wise Merchant never adventureth all his goods in one ship. All this notwithstanding here I deliver him and his brother in him, to keep to your hands, of whom I shall ask them both before God and the world. Faithful you be and that I wot well, and I know you be wise and of power and strength to keep him, if you list to keep him, for you lack no help of yourselves, nor need to lack no help in this case, and if you cannot elsewhere, then may you leave him here: But only one thing I beseech you, for the trust that his father put you in ever, and for the trust that I put you in now, that as far as you think that I fear to much, ye be well aware that you fear not as far to little. And therewithal she said to the child, farewell mine own sweet son, God send you good keeping, let me once kiss you or you go, for God knoweth when we shall kiss together again, and therewith she kissed him, and blessed him, and turned her back and wept, going her way, leaving the poor innocent child weeping as fast as the mother. O deep and wretched dissimulation. When the Cardinal and the other Lords had received the young Duke, they brought him into the star Chamber, where the Protector took him into his arms and kissed him with these words: now welcome my Lord even with all my very heart, & he said in that of likelihood even as he inwardly thought, & thereupon forthwith brought him to the king his brother into the Bishop's palace at Paul's, and from thence through the City honourably into the tower, out of which after that day they never came abroad. When the Protector had both the children in his hands, he opened himself more boldly both to certain other men, and also chief to the Duke of Buckyngham, although I know that many thought that this Duke was privy to all the Protectors counsel, even from the beginning: and some of the Protectors friends said, that the Duke was the first mover of the Protector to this matter, sending a privy messenger unto him straight after king Edward's death: But other again which knew better the subtle wit of the Protector, denied that he ever opened his enterprise to the Duke, until he had brought to pass the things before rehearsed. But when he had imprisoned the queens kinsfolks, and gotten both her sons into his own hands, The Protector discloseth now all his purpose. than he opened the rest of his purpose with less fear to them whom he thought meet for the matter, & especially to the Duke, who being won to his purpose, he thought his strength more than half increased. The matter was broken unto the Duke by subtle folks, & such as were their crafts masters in the handling of such wicked devices, who declared unto him that the young king was offended with him for his kinsfolks sakes, and that if he were able he would revenge them: who would prick him forward thereunto, if they escaped (for they would remember their imprisonment) or else if they were put to death, the young king without doubt would be careful for their deaths, whose imprisonment was grievous unto him. And that with repenting, the Duke should nothing avail, for there was no way left to redeem his offence by benefits: but he should sooner destroy himself then save the king, who with his brother and kinsfolks he saw in such place imprisoned, as the Protector might with a beck destroy them all, and that it were no doubt, but that he would do it in deed, if there were any new enterprise attempted, and that it was likely, The policy of the Protector. that as the Protector had provided a privy guard for himself, so had he espials for the Duke, and trains to catch him, if he should be against him, and that peradventure from them whom he least suspected. For the state of things, and the dispositions of men were then such that a man could not tell whom he might well trust, or whom he might fear. These things & such like, being beaten into the Duke's mind, brought him to that point, The entrance into one mischief provoketh the going forward with more. that where he had repent the way that he had entered, yet would he go forth in the same. And sithence he had once begun, he would stoutly go thorough, and therefore this wicked enterprise which he believed could not be avoided, he bent himself, and went through, and determined that since the common mischief could not be amended, he would turn it as much as he might to his own commodity. Then it was agreed that the Protector should have the Duke's aid to make him king, A compact made between the Protector and the Duke of Buckingham. and that the Protectors only lawful son should marry the Duke's daughter. And that the Protector should grant him the quiet possession of the earldom of Hertford, which he claimed as his inheritance and could never obtain it in king Edward's time. Beside these requests of the Duke, the Protector of his own mind promised him a great quantity of the king's treasure and of his household stuff. And when they were thus at appoint between themselves, they went about to prepare for the coronation of the young king, as they would have it seem: And that they might turn both the eyes and minds of men from perceiving of their drifts, they had caused the Lords being sent for from all the parts of the realm, to come thick to that solemnity. But the Protector and the Duke, after that they had set the lord Cardinal the Archbishop of York, A subtle practice. than lord chancellor, the Bishop of Ely, the Lord Stanley, and the Lord hastings, than Lord Chamberleyn, with many other noble men, to comen and devise about the coronation in one place, as fast were they in another place contriving the contrary, and to make the Protector King. To which counsel albeit there were called very few, and they very secret: yet then began there, here and there some manner of muttering amongst the people, as though all thing should not long be well, though they witted not what they feared nor wherefore: were it, that before such great things men's hearts (of a secret instinct of nature) misgiveth them, as the sea without wind sometime swelleth of himself before a tempest: or were it that some one man happily somewhat perceiving, filled many men with suspicion though he showed few men what he knew: howbeit somewhat the dealing itself made men to muse on the matter, though the counsel were close, for little and little all folk drew from the Tower where the king was, and drew to Crosoies' place in Bishopesgate street, where the Protector kept his household. The Protector had the resort, and the king in manner desolate. While some made suit unto them that had the doing, some of them were by their friends secretly warned, that it might happily turn them to no good to be to much attendant on the king, without the Protectors appointment, which removed diverse of the king his old servants from him, and set new in their rooms about him. Thus many things coming together, partly by chance, and partly by purpose caused at length, not common people only, which waver with the wind, but wise men also and some Lords, to mark the matter, and muse thereupon: in so much that the Lord Stanley, which afterward was Earl of Derby, wisely mistrusted it, and said to the Lord Hastynges, that he much misliked these two several counsels, for while we, qoud he, talk of one matter at the one place, little wot we whereof they talk in the other: peace my Lord, quoth the Lord hastings, on my life never doubt you, for while one man is there, which is never thence, neither can there be any thing once minded that should sound amiss toward me, but it should be in mine ears or it were well out of their mouths. This meant he by Catesby which was near of his secret counsel, and whom he familiarly used in his most weighty matters, putting no man in so special trust as him, reckoning himself to no man so lief, sith he witted well there was no man to him so much beholding as was this Catesby, which was a man well learned in the laws of this land, and by the special favour of the Lord hastings in good authority, and much rule bore in the counties of Leicester, and Northampton, where the Lord hastings power lay. But surely great pity was it that he had not had either more truth, or less wit, for his dissimulation only, kept all that mischief up, in whom if the Lord hastings had not put so special trust, the Lord Stanley and he with diverse other Lords had departed into their countries, & broken all the dance, for many evil signs that he saw, which he now construed all for the best, so surely thought he that there could be no harm toward him in that counsel intended where Catesby was. Catesby. And of truth the Protector and the Duke of Buckingham made very good sembleaunce unto the Lord hastings, and kept him much in their company. And undoubtedly, the Protector loved him well, and loath was to have lost him, saving for fear, jest his life should have quailed their purpose, for that which cause he moved Catesby, to prove with some word, cast out a far off, whether he could think it possible to win the Lord hastings to their part. But Catesby, whether he assayed him, or assayed him not, reported unto them that he found him so fast, and heard him speak so terrible words that he durst no farther break, & of a truth the Lord hastings of very trust showed unto Catesby the mistrust that other began to have in the matter. And therefore, he fearing jest their motions might with the Lord Hastings minish his credence, whereunto only all the matter leaned, procured the Protector, hastily to rid him, and much the rather, for that he trusted by his death to obtain much of the rule which the Lord hastings bore in his country, the only desire whereof, was the thing that induced him to be the procurer and one of the speciallest contrivers of all this horrible treason. Whereupon the Lord Protector caused a counsel to be set at the Tower on the friday, The counsel in the tower. the thirteen day of june, where was much commoning for the honourable solemnity of the coronation, of the which the time appointed approached so near that the pageants were a making day and night at Westminster, and victual killed, which afterward was castaway. These Lords thus sitting, commoning of this matter, the Protector came in among them first about nine of the clock, saluting them courteously, excusing himself that he had been from them so long: saying merrily that he had been a sleper that day. And after a little talking with them, he said to the Bishop of Ely, my Lord you have very good strawberries in your Garden at Holborn, I require you let us have a mess of them. Gladly (my Lord quoth he) I would I had some better thing as ready to your pleasure as that, and with that in all haste he sent his servant for a dish of Strawberries. The Protector set the Lords fast in commoning, and thereupon praying them to spare him a little, and so he departed and came again between ten and xj. of the clock into the Chamber, all changed with a wonderful sour angry countenance, knitting the brows, frowning and fretting and gnawing on his lips, and so set him down in his place. All the Lords were dismayed, and sore marveled of this manner and sudden change, and what thing should him ail. When he had sitten a while, thus he began: What were they worthy to have that compass and imagine the destruction of me being so near of blood to the king, and Protector of this his royal realm? At which question, all the Lords sat sore astonished, musing much by whom the question should be meant, of which every man knew himself clear. Then the Lord Hastynges as he that for the familiarity that was between them, thought he might be boldest with him, answered and said, that they were worthy to be punished as heinous traitors whatsoever they were, and all the other affirmed the same, that is (quoth he) yonder Sorceress, my brother's wife and other with her, meaning the Queen, at these words many of the other Lords, were sore abashed which favoured her, but the Lord Hastynges was better content in his mind that it was moved by her then by any other that he loved better, albeit his heart somewhat grudged, that he was not afore made of counsel of this matter, as well as he was of the taking of her kindred, and of their putting to death, which were by his assent before devised to be beheaded at Pomfret, this self same day, in the which he was not ware that it was by other devised, that he himself should the same day be beheaded at London: then said the Protector, ye shall all see in what wise that Sorceress and other of her counsel, as Shore's wife with her affinity have by their sorcery and witchcraft wasted my body, and therewith plucked up his Doublet sleeve to his elbow on his left arm, where he showed a werishe withered arm, and small, as it was never other. And thereupon every man's mind sore misgave them, well perceiving that this matter was but a quarrel, for well they witted that the Queen was both to wise to go about any such folly, and also if she would, yet would she of all folk make Shore's wife lest of her counsel, whom of all women she most hated, as that Concubine whom the king her husband most loved. Also there was no man there present, but knew that his arm was ever such sith the day of his birth. Nevertheless the Lord Hastynges, which from the death of king Edward kept Shore's wife, whom he somewhat doted in the kings life, saving as it is said, that he, that while forbore her for reverence toward his king, or else of a certain kind of fidelity toward his friend: yet now his heart somewhat grudged, to have her whom he loved, so highly accused, and that as he knew well untruly, therefore he answered and said, certainly my Lord, if they have so heinously done, they be worthy of heinous punishment, what quoth the Protector, thou servest me I ween with if and with and, I tell thee they have so done, and that will I make good on thy body traitor. And therewith (as in a great anger) he clapped his fist on the board a great rap, at which token given, one cried treason, without the Chamber, and therewith a door clapped, and in came rushing men in harness as many as the Chamber could hold. And anon the Protector said to the Lord Hastynges, The Lord hastings arrested. I arrest thee traitor, what me, my Lord quoth he? yea, thee traitor quoth the Protector. And one let fly at the Lord Stanley, which shrunk at the stroke and fell under the Table, or else his head had been cleft to the teeth, The Lord Stanley wounded. for as shortly as he shrank, yet ran the blood about his ears. Then was the archbishop of York, and Doctor Morton bishop of Ely, and the Lord Stanley taken, and divers other which were bestowed in divers Chambers, save the Lord Hastynges (whom the Protector commanded to speed and shrive him apace) for by Saint Paul (quoth he) I will not dine till I see thy head off, it booted him not to ask why but heavily he took a priest at adventure, and made a short shrift, for a longer would not be suffered, the Protector made so much haste to his dinner, which might not go to it till this murder were done, for saving of his ungracious oath. The Lord Hastynges, beheaded in haste. So was he brought forth into the green beside the Chapel within the Tower, and his head laid on a log of Timber, that lay there for building of the Chapel, and there tyrannously stricken off, and after his body and head were interred at Windsor by his master king Edward the fourth. A marvelous case it is to hear, either the warnings that he should have voided, or the tokens that he could not void. For the next night before his death, the Lord Stanley sent to him a trusty and secret messenger at midnight in all the haste, The Lord stanley's dream. requiring him to rise and ride away with him, for he was disposed utterly no longer for to abide, for he had so fearful a dream in the which he thought that a Boar with his tusks, so razed them both by the heads that the blood ran about both their shoulders, and forasmuch as the Protector gave the Boar for his cognisance, he imagined that it should be he. This dream made such a fearful impression in his heart, that he was thoroughly determined no longer to tarry, but had his horse ready, if the Lord Hastynges would go with him: So that they would ride so far that night, that they should be out of danger the next day. Ah good Lord (quoth the Lord hastings) to the messenger, leaneth 〈◊〉 Lord thy master unto such trifles, and hath such faith in dreams, which either his own fear phantasieth, or do rise in the nights rest, by reason of the days thought. Tell him it is plain withcraft to believe in such dreams, which if they were tokens of things to come, why thinketh he not that we might as likely make them true by our going, if we were caught and brought back, (as friends fail flyers) for then had the Boar a cause likely to raze us with his tusks, as folks that fled for some falsehood, wherefore either is there peril, nor none there is in deed, or if any be, it is rather in going then abiding. And if we should needs fall in peril one way or other, yet had I liefer that men should see it were by other men's falsehood, then think it were either our own fault or faint feeble heart, and therefore go to thy master, and commend me to him, and pray him to be merry & have no fear, for I assure him, I am assured of the man that he wotteth of, as I am sure of mine own hand. God sand grace (quoth the messenger) and so departed. Certain it is also, that in riding toward the Tower the same morning, in which he was beheaded, his horse that he accustomed to ride on stumbled with him twice or thrice almost to the falling, which thing although it happeneth to them daily to whom no mischance is toward, yet hath it been as an old evil token observed as a going toward mischief. Now this that followeth was no warning but an envious scorn, the same morning ere he were up from his bed where Shore's wife lay with him all night, there came to him sir Thomas Haward son to the Lord Hawarde (which Lord was one of the priviest of the Lord Protectors counsel and doing) as it were of courtesy to accompany him to the counsel, but of truth sent by the Lord Protector to hast him thitherward. This sir Thomas, while the Lord hastings stayed a while commoning with a priest whom he met in the Towerstrete, broke the Lords tale, saying to him merrily, what my Lord? I pray you come on, wherefore talk you so long with that priest, you have no need of a priest yet, and laughed upon him, as though he would say, you shall have need of one son: But little witted the other what he meant (but or night these words were well remembered by them that heard them) so the true Lord hastings little mistrusted, and was never merrier, nor thought his life in more surety in all his days, which thing is often a sign of change: but I shall rather let any thing pass me then the vain surety of man's mind so near his death, for upon the very tower wharf, so near the place where his head was of not so far of as a man might well cast a ball, a pursuivant of his own called hastings met with him, and of their meeting in that place he was put in remembrance of another time, in which it happened them to meet before together in the same place, at which other time the Lord hastings had been accused to king Edward by the Lord Rivers the Queen's brother, insomuch that he was for a while, which lasted not long, highly in the kings indignation, forasmuch as he now met the same pursuivant in the same place, the jeopardy so well passed, it gave him great pleasure to talk with him thereof with whom he had talked in the same place of that matter, and therefore he said: Ah hastings, art thou remembered when I met thee here once with an heavy heart. Ye my Lord (quoth he) that I remember well, and thanked be to God they got no good, nor you no harm thereby, thou wouldst say so (quoth he) if thou knewest so much as I do, which few know yet, and more shall shortly, that meant he that the Earl Rivers and the Lord Richard, and Sir Thomas Vaughan should that day be beheaded at Poumfret, as they were in deed which act he witted well should be done, but nothing ware that the axe hung so near his own head. In faith man (quoth he) I was never so sorry nor never stood in so great danger of my life as I did, when thou and I met here, and lo the world is turned now, now stand mine enemies in the danger as thou mayst hap to hear more hereafter, and I never in my life merrier nor never in so great surety, I pray God it prove so (quod hastings, prove quod he? doubtest thou that) nay may I warrant thee, and so in manner displeased, he entered into the Tower, where he was not long on live as you have heard. O Lord God the blindness of our mortal nature, when he most feared, he was in most surety, and when he reckoned himself most surest, he lost his life, and that within two hours after. Thus ended this honourable man a good knight and a gentle, of great authority with his Prince, The description of the Lord Hastings. of living somewhat dissolute, plain and open to his enemies, and sure and secret to his friend, easy to beguile, as he that of good heart and courage foresaw no perils, a loving man and passing well beloved, very faithful and trusty enough, but trusting to much was his destruction as you may perceive. Now flew the fame of this lords death through the City and farther about, like a wind in every man's ear, but the Protector immediately after dinner (intending to set some colour upon the matter) sent in all the haste for many substantial men out of the City into the Tower, and at their coming himself with the Duke of Buckyngham stood, harnessed in old evil favoured Briganders, such as no man would ween that they would have vouchsafed to have put on their backs, except that some sudden necessity had constrained them. Then the Lord Protector showed them, that the Lord Hastynges and other of his conspiracy had contrived to have suddenly destroyed him and the Duke of Buckyngham there the same day in counsel, & what they intended farther, was yet not we●l known, of which their treason he had never knowledge before ten of the clock the same forenoon, which sudden fear drove them to put on such harness as came next to their hands for their defence, and so God had helped them, that the mischief turned upon them that would have done it, and thus he required them to report. Every man answered fair, as though no man mistrusted the matter, which of truth no man believed. Yet for the further appeasing of the people's minds, he sent immediately after dinner an Herald of arms with a Proclamation to be made through the City of London which was proclaimed in the king's name, The Protectors proclamation. that the Lord hastings with divers other of his traitorous purpose had before conspired, the same day to have slain the Protector, & the Duke of Buckyngham sitting in counsel, and after to have taken upon them the rule of the king, and the realm at their pleasure, and thereby to pill & spoil whom they list uncomptrolled, and much matter was there in the Proclamation devised to the slander of the Lord Hastynges, as that he was an evil Counsellor to the kings father, enticing him to many things highly redouning to the diminishing of his honour, and to the universal hurt of his realm by his evil company & sinister procuring and ungracious example, aswell in many other things, as in vicious living & inordinate abusion of his body, both with many other and especially with Shore's wife, which was one also of his secret counsel of this heinous treason, with whom he lay nightly, and namely the night passed next before his death, so that it was the less marvel if ungracious living brought him to an unhappy end, which he was now put to by the commandment of the king his highness, and of his honourable and faithful Counsel, both for his demerits being so openly taken in his false contrived treason, and also lest the delaying of his execution might have encouraged other mischievous persons partners of his conspiracy, to gather and assemble themselves together, in making some great commotion for his deliverance, whose hope now being by his well deserved death politicly repressed, all the realm shall by God's grace rest in good quiet and peace. Now was this Proclamation made within two hours after he was beheaded, and it was so curiously indited, and so fair written in Parchment in a fair set hand, and therewith of itself so long a process, that every child might perceive that it was prepared and studied before, (& as some men thought by Catesby) for all the time between his death & the Proclamation proclaiming, could scant have sufficed unto the bore writing alone, albeit that it had been in paper, and scribbled forth in haste at adventure. So that upon the proclaiming thereof, a certain Scholmayster standing by and comparing the shortness of the time with the length of the matter, said to them that stood about him, here is a gay goodly cast, foul cast away for haste: And a Merchant that stood by him said that it was written by inspiration and prophesy. Now then by and by, as it were for anger and not for covetous, the Protector sent Sir Thomas Hawarde to the house of Shore's wife (for her husband dwelled not with her) which spoiled her of all that ever she had, above the value of two or three thousand marks, Shore's wife and sent her body to prison. And the Protector had laid for the manner sake that she was a counsel with the Lord Hastynges to destroy him. In conclusion, when no colour could fasten upon these matters, than he laid heinously to her charge that thing that she could not deny, for all the world knew that it was true, and that notwithstanding every man laughed to here it then so suddenly, so highly taken, that she was nought of her body. And for this cause as a godly continent prince clean and faultless of himself, sent out of heaven into this vicious world, for the amendment of men's manners, he caused the bishop of London to put her to open penance, going before a Cross on a Sunday at Processession with a taper in her hand. In the which she went in countenance and pace so womanly, and albeit she was out of all array saving her kirtle only, yet was she so fair and lovely, and namely, when the wondering of the people cast a comely read in her cheeks, of the which she before had most miss, that her great shame wan her much praise amongst them that were more amorous of her body, then curious of her soul, and many good folk that hated her living, and were glad to see sin corrected, yet pitied they more her penance, then rejoiced in it, when they considered that the Protector did it more of corrupt mind, then of any virtuous affection. This woman was borne in London, well friended, honestly brought up, The description of Shore's wife. and very well married, saving somewhat to soon, her husband an honest, and a young Citizen, godly, and of good substance, but forasmuch as they were coupled or she were well ripe, she not very fervently loved for whom she never longed, which was the thing (by chance) that the more easily made her to incline to the king's appetite, when he required her. Howbeit the respect of his royalty, the hope of gay apparel, ease, pleasure, and other wanton wealth was able soon to pierce a soft tender heart: but when the king had abused her, anon her husband being an honest man, and one that could his good, not presuming to touch a kings concubine left her up to him altogether. When the king died, the Lord hastings took her, which in the king's days albeit that he was sore enamoured with her, yet he forbore, either for a Princely reverence, or for a certain friendly faithfulness. Proper she was, and fair, nothing in her body that you could have changed, but if you would have wished her somewhat higher. This say they that knew her in her youth, some said, & iduged that she had been well favoured, and some judged the contrary, whose judgement seemeth like as men guess the beauty of one long before departed, by a scalp taken out of a charnel house, and this judgement was in the time of king henry the eight, in the eighteen year of whose reign she died, when she had nothing but a reviled skin and bone. Her beauty pleased not men, so much as her pleasant behaviour for she had a proper wit, and could both read and writ, merry in company, ready and quick of answer, neither muete, nor full of babble, sometime taunting without displeasure, The description of king Edward's three Concubines. but not without disport. King Edward would say that he had three concubines, which in diverse properties diversely excelled, one, the merriest, the other the wyliest, the third the holiest harlot in the realm as one, whom no man could get out of the Church to any place lightly, but if it were to his bed, the other two were somewhat greater personages than mistress Shore, and nevertheless of their humility were content to be nameless and to forbear the praise of these properties. But the merriest was Shores wife in whom the king therefore took great pleasure, for many he had, but her he loved, whose favour to say the truth (for it were sin to lie on the devil) she never abused to any man's hurt, but to many men's comfort, and relief. For where the king took displeasure, she would mitigate and appease his mind, where men were out of favour, she would bring them into his grace, for many that had highly offended, she obtained pardon, & of great forfeitures she got remission, & finally, in many weight suits she stood many men in great stead, either for none, or for very small reward: and those rather gay then rich, either for that she was content with the deed well done, or for that she delighted to be sued unto, and to show what she was able to do with the king, or for that that wanton women, and wealthy be not always covetous, I doubt not some man will think this woman to be to slight a thing to be written of, among so grave and weighty matters, which they shall specially think that happily saw her in her age, and adversity, but me seemeth the chance so much more worthy to be remembered, in how much after wealth she fell to poverty, and from riches to beggary unfriended, out of acquaintance, after great substance, after so great favour with her Prince, after as great suit and seeking to with all those, which in those days had business to speed as many other men were in their times, which be now famous only by the infamy of their evil deeds, her doings were not much less, albeit they be much less remembered, because they were not evil, for men use to writ an evil turn in marble stone, but a good turn, they writ in the dust, which is not worst proved by her, for after her wealth, she went begging of many that had begged themselves, if she had not helped them, such was her chance. The Lord Rivers and other beheaded Now was it so devised by the Protector and his counsel, that the same day that the Lord chamberlain was beheaded in the Tower of London and about the same hour should be beheaded at Poumfret the Earl Rivers and the Lord Richard the queens son, sir Thomas Vaughan, and sir Richard Haute, which as you heard were taken at Northampton and Stony Stratford by the consent of the Lord Hastings, which execution was done by the order and in the presence of sir Richard Ratclife knight, Richard Ratclife knight. whose service the Protector specially used in the counsel, & in the execution of such lawless enterprises, as a man that had been long secret with him, having experience of the world, and a shrewd wit, short and rude in speech, rough and boisterous of behaviour, bold in mischief, as far from pity as from all fear of God. This knight brought these four persons to the scaffold at the day appointed, and showed to all the people that they were Traitors, not suffering the Lords to speak, and to declare their innocency, lest their words might have inclined men to pity them, and to hate the Protector and his part, and so without judgement and process of the law caused them to be beheaded, without other earthly guilt, but only that they were good men and true to the king & to nigh kin to the Queen, in so much as sir Thomas Vaughan going to his death, said: A woe worth them that took the prophecy that G. should destroy king Edward's children, meaning that by the Duke of Clarence Lord George, which for the suspicion is now dead, but now remaineth Richard G. Duke of Gloucester, which now I see is he that shall and will accomplish the prophecy, and destroy king Edward's children and all their allies and friends, as it appeareth by us this day, whom I appeal to the high tribunal of God for his wrongful murder and our true innocency. And then Ratcliff said, you have well appealed, lay down your head, ye quoth Sir Thomas, I die in right, beware you die not in wrong, and so that good knight was beheaded and the other three, and buried naked in the Monastery at Poumfret. When the Lord Hastings & these other Lords and knights were thus beheaded and rid out of the way, than the Protector caused it to be proclaimed that the coronation for divers great and urgent causes should be deferred till the second day of November, for than thought he, that while men mused what the matter ment, and while the Lords of the realm were about him, out of their own strengths, and while no man wist what to think, nor whom to trust, or ever they should have time and space to digest the matter, and make parts, it were best hastily to pursue his purpose, and put himself in possession of the Crown, or man could have time to devise any way to resist. But now was all the study, this matter being of itself so heinous might be first broken to the people in such wise as it might well be taken. To this counsel they took divers such as they thought meet to be trusted and likely to be induced to that part, and able to stand them in stead, either by power or by policy. Among whom they made a counsel Edmond Shaa then Mayor of London, Edmond Shaa mayor of London which upon trust of his own advancement, where he was of a proud heart highly desirous, took on him to frame the City to their appetite. Of spiritual men they took such as had wit, and were in authority amongst the people for opinion of their learning, and had no scrupulous conscience. Doctor Shaa named Ralph. Amongs these had, they took Ralph Shaa Clerk, brother to the Mayor, and Friar Pynkie provincial of the Augustine Friars, both Doctors in divinity, both great Preachers, both of more learning than virtue, Friar Pinkie. of more fame than learning, and yet of more learning than truth. For they were before greatly esteemed among the people, but after that, never none of these two were regarded. Shaa made a sermon in praise of the Protector before the coronation, and Pynkye made one after the coronation, both so full of tedious flattery, that no good man's ears could abide them, Pinkye in his sermon so lost his voice, that he was fain to leave off and come down in the midst, Doctor Shaa by his sermon lost his honesty, and soon after his life, for very shame of the world, into the which he durst never after much come abroad, but the Friar forced for no shame, and so it harmed him the less. Howbeit, some doubt and many think that Pynkye was not of counsel before the coronation, but after the common manner fell to flattery after, namely because his Sermonde was not incontinent upon it, but at Saint Mary Spittle the Easter after. But certain it is that Doctor Shaa was of counsel in the beginning, in so much that they determined that he should first break the matter in a sermon at Paul's cross, in which he should by the authority of his preaching, induce the people to incline to the Protectors ghostly purpose. But now was all the labour and study in the devise of some convenient pretext, for which the people should be content to depose the Prince and accept the Protector for King. In which divers things they devised, but the chief thing, and the weight of all that invention rested in this, that they should allege bastardy in King Edward himself, or in his children, or both, so that he should seem disabled to inherit the crown by the Duke of York and the prince by him. To lay bastardy in King Edward, sounded openly to the rebuke of the Protectors own mother, which was mother to them both. For in that point could be none other colour, but to pretend that his own mother was an adulteress, but nevertheless he would that point should be less and more finely and closely handled, not even fully plain and directly, but touched a slope craftily, as though men spared in that point to speak all the truth for fear of his displeasure. But that other point concerning the bastardy, they devised to surmise in King Edward his children, that would he should be openly declared and enforced to the uttermost. The colour and pretext whereof cannot be well perceived, except we first repeat some things long before done about king Edward his marriages. After king Edward the fourth had deposed king Henry the sixth, and was in peaceable possession of the realm, determining himself to marry (as was requisite) both for himself and for the realm, he sent over in Ambassade the Earl of Warwick, and divers other noble men to the French king to entreat a marriage between the king and the Lady Bona sister to the French Queen, then being in France, as before in the story of King Edward the fourth ye have heard. In which thing the Earl of Warwick found the parties so toward and willing, that he speedily without any difficulty according to his instructions, brought the matter to a good conclusion. Now happeneth it in the mean season, there came to make a suit to the king by petition Dame Elizabeth Grace (which after was his Queen) than a Widow, Dame Elizabeth Grace. borne of noble blood, specially by her mother, which was Duchess of Bedforde, which was married to Sir Richard Wooduile, Lord Rivers, her Father. Howbeit this dame Elizabeth being in service with Queen Margaret, wife to king Henry the sixth, was married to one john Grace Esquire whom king Henry made Knight at the last battle of Saint Alban's, but little while he enjoyed his knighthood, for at the same field he was slain. After when that king Edward was king and the Earl of Warwick being on his Ambassade, this poor Lady made suit to the King to be restored to such small lands as her husband had given her in jointure, whom when the King beheld and heard her speak, as she was both fair and of good favour, moderate of stature, well made, & very wise, he not all only pitied her, but also waxed enamoured on her, and taking her afterward secretly aside, began to enter into talking more familiarly, whose appetite when she perceived, she virtuously denied him, but that she did so wisely and that with so good manner & words so well set, that she rather kindled his desire then quenched it. And finally after many a meeting and much wooing and many great promises she well espied the king his affection toward her so greatly increased, that she durst somewhat the more boldly say her mind, as to him whose heart she perceived more fervently set then to fall of for a word. And in conclusion she showed him plain, that as she witted herself to simple to be his wife, so thought she herself to good to be his Concubine. The king much marveling of her constancy, as he that had not been wont else where so stiffly said nay, so much esteemed her continency and chastity, that he set her virtue in stead of possession and richesse: And this taking counsel of his own desire, determined in all possible haste to marry her. And after that he was thus appointed, and had between them twain insured her, than asked he counsel of his secret friends, and that in such manner that they might easily perceive that it booted not to say nay. Notwithstanding the Duchess of York his mother was so sore moved therewith, that she dissuaded that marriage as much as she possibly might: The kings mother. alleging that it was his honour, profit and surety, to marry in some Noble progeny out of his realm, whereupon depended great strength to his estate by that affinity, and great possibility of increase of his dominions. And that he could not well otherwise do, considering the Earl of Warwick had so far forth entered into the matter all ready, which was not like to take it well if all his voyage were in such wise frustrate, and his appointment deluded. And she said farther, that it was not princely to marry his own subject, no greater occasion, leading thereunto no possessions, nor other commodity depending thereupon, but only as a rich man would marry his maiden only for a little wanton dotage upon her person. In which marriage many men commended more the maidens fortune then the man's wisdom, and yet she said that there was more honesty than honour in this marriage, for as much as there is not between a Merchant and his maid so great a difference as between a king and his subject, a great Prince and a poor Widow. In whose person, although there were nothing to be misliked, yet was there said she, nothing so excellent but that it might be found in divers other that were more meetly (quoth she) for your estate: yea and maidens also, the only Wydowhed of Dame Elizabeth Grace (although she were in all other points and things convenient for you) should suffice as me thinketh to refrain you from her marriage, sith it is an unfitting thing & a great blemish to the sacred majesty of a Prince, that aught as near to approach priesthood in cleanness, as he doth in dignity, to be defiled with bygamy in his first marriage. The kings answer to his mot●er. The king made his mother an answer part in earnest and part in play merrily, as he that wist himself out of her rule: & albeit he would gladly that she should take it well, yet was he at a point in his own mind, took she it well or otherwise. Howbeit somewhat to satisfy her he said, the albeit marriage being a spiritual thing it aught rather to be made for the respect of God, where his grace inclineth, the parties aught to incline to love together (as he trusted it was in his case) rather then for the regard of any temporal advantage: yet nevertheless him seemed that this marriage well considered not to be unprofitable, for he reckoned the amity of no earthly nation to be so necessary for him as the friendship of his own, which he thought likely to bear him so much the more hearty favour, in that he disdained not to marry with one of his own land: and yet if outward alliance were thought so requisite, he would find the means to enter thereunto much better by other of his kin where all the parties could be contented, then to marry himself wherein he should nearer happily love, and for the possibility of possessions, lose the fruit and pleasure of this that he had already. For small pleasure taketh a man of all that ever he hath beside, if he be wived against his appetite, and I doubt not (quoth he) but there be as you say other that be in every point comparable with her, and therefore I let not them that like them to marry them, no more is it reason that it mislike any man that I marry where it liketh me. And I am sure that my Cousin of Warwick, neither loveth me so little, to grudge at that that I love, nor is so unreasonable to look that I should in choice of a wife, rather be ruled by his eye then by mine own, as though I were a ward that were bounden to marry by the appointment a garden. I would not be a king with that condition to forbear mine own liberty in choice of mine own marriage. As for possibility of more inheritance by new affinity in strange lands, is often the occasion of more trouble than profit. And we have already title by that means, so much as sufficeth to get and keep well in one man's days. That she is a widow and hath already children: By God his blessed Lady, I am a Bachelor and have some to, and so each of us hath a proof, that neither of us is like to be barren. And therefore Madam, I pray you be content, I trust to God she shall bring forth a young Prince that shall please you. And as for the bigamy, let the Bishop hardly lay it to my charge when I come to take orders, for I understand it is forbidden a priest, but I never witted that it was forbidden a Prince. The Duchess with these words nothing appeased, and seeing the king so set on that she could not pluck him back, so highly she disdained it, that under pretext of her duty to Godward, she devised to disturb this marriage, & rather to help that he should marry one dame Elizabeth Lucy, whom the king not long before had gotten with child: wherefore the king his mother objected openly against this marriage (as it were in discharge of her conscience) that the king was sure to dame Elizabeth Lucy, Elizabeth Lucy. and was her husband before God, by reason of which words such obstacle was made in that matter, that either the Bishop durst not, or the king would not proceed to the solemnisation of the marriage, till his fame were clearly purged, and the truth well and openly testified. Whereupon Dame Elizabeth Lucy was sent for, and albeit she was by the king his mother and many other put in good comfort to affirm that she was assured to the King, yet when she was solemnly sworn to say the truth, she confessed she was never insured. Howbeit she said, his grace spoke such loving words to her, that she verily hoped that he would have married her, and that if such kind of words had not been, she would never have showed such kindness to him, to let him so kindly get her with child. This examination solemnly taken, when it was clearly proved that there was no impediment to let the king to marry, wherefore he shortly after at Grafton beside stony Stratford married the Lady Elizabeth Grace very privily, The kings marriage. which was his enemy's wife, and had prayed heartily for his loss, in the which God loved her better than to grant her her bone, for than had she not been his wife: And after that she was crowned Queen, than her father was created Earl Rivers, and her son created Marquis Dorset. But when the Earl of Warwick understood of this marriage, he took it so highly, that thereof ensued much trouble and great bloodshed as is declared before in the story of king Edward the fourth. I have rehearsed this marriage somewhat the more at length, because it might thereby the better appear upon how slipperss a ground the Protector builded his colour, by which he pretended king Edward his children to be bastards, but the invention, as simple as it was liked them to whom it sufficeth to have somewhat to say, while they were sure to be compelled to no larger proof than themselves list to make. Now to return where I left, as I began to show you, it was by the Protector and his counsel concluded that this Dortor Shaa should in a sermon at Paul's Cross signify to the people, Doctor Shaas sermon. that neither king Edward himself, nor the Duke of Clarence were lawfully begotten, nor were the very children of the Duke of York, but begotten unlawfully by other persons, by adultery of the Duchess their mother. And that Dame Elizabeth Lucy was the very wife of king Edward, and so Prince Edward and all the children begotten on the Queen were bastards. And according to this devise, Doctor Shaa the Sunday after at Paul's cross in a great audience (as always a great number assembled to his preaching) came into the Pulpit taking for his Theme. Spuria vitulamina non agent radices altas. Sapien. 4. that is to say, Bastard slips shall never take deep roots: whereupon when he had showed the great grace that God giveth and secretly infoundeth in right generation after the laws of matrimony, than declared he that those children commonly lacked the grace (and for the punishment of their parents) were for the most part unhappy which were gotten in baste, and specially in adultery, of which, (though some by the ignorance of the world and the truth hid from knowledge) have enherited for a season other men's lands, yet God always so provideth that it continueth not in their blood long, but the truth coming to light, the rightful enheritors be restored, and the bastard slips plucked up or it can be rooted deep. And when he had laid for the proof and confirmation of this sentence, examples taken out of the old testament and other ancient Histories, than began he to descend to the praise of the Lord Richard, late Duke of York, calling him father to the Lord Protector and declared his title to the crown by inheritance, and also by entail authorized by Parliament after the death of king Henry the sixth. Then showed he that the Lord Protector, was only the right heir, of his body lawfully begotten. Then declared he that king Edward was never lawfully married to the Queen, but his wife before God was dame Elizabeth Lucy, and so his children were bastards. And besides that, that neither king Edward himself, nor the Duke of Clarence (amongst them that were secret in the Duke of York's household) were never reckoned surely to be the children of the noble Duke, as those that by their favours more resembled other known men then him, from whose virtuous conditions he said also that king Edward was far off. But the Lord Protector (quoth he) that very noble prince, the special patron of knightly prowess, aswell in all princely behaviour, as in the lineaments and favour of his visage representeth the very face of the noble Duke his father. This is (quoth he) the father's own figure, this is his own countenance, the very print of his visage, the sure undoubted Image, the plain express likeness of this noble Duke. Now was it before devised, that in the speaking of these words, the Protector should have come in amongst the people to the sermon ward, to the end that these words, so meeting with his presence, might have been taken amongst the hearers, as though the holy ghost had put them in the preachers mouth, and should have moved the people even there to have cried king Richard, king Richard, that it might have been after said, that he was specially chosen by God, and in manner by miracle: but this devise quailed, either by the Protectors negligence, or the preachers over hasty diligence. For while the Protector stayed by the way, tarrying, lest he should have prevented these words, the Doctor fearing that he should come or his sermon could come to those words, hasting his matter thereto, he was come to them, and past them, and entered into other matters or the Protector came, whom when he beheld coming, he suddenly left the matter which he had in hand, and without any deduction thereunto out of all order, and out of all frame, began to repeat those words again. This is the very noble prince, the especial patron of knightly prowess, which aswell in all princely behaviour, as in the lineaments and favour of his visage, representeth the very face of the noble Duke of York his father. This is the fathers own figure, this is his own countenance, the very print of his visage, the sure and undoubted image, the plain express likeness of that noble Duke, whose remembrance can never die while he liveth. While these words were in speaking, the Protector accompanied with the Duke of Buckingham, went through the people up into the place where the Doctors commonly stand in the upper story, where they heard out the Sermon: but the people were so far from crying king Richard, that they stood as they had been turned into stones, for wonder of this shameful Sermon: after which once ended, the preacher gate him home, and never after durst look out for shame, but kept him out of sight as an Owl, and when he asked any of his old friends, what the people talked of him, although that his own conscience well showed him that they talked no good, yet when the other answered him, that there was in every man's mouth of him much shame spoken, it so struck him to the heart, that in few days after, he withered and consumed away. Then on the tuesday after next following this sermon, being the xvij day of june, there came to the guilded hall of London, the Duke of Buckingham and divers Lords, and knights more than happily knew the message they brought. And there in the east end of the hall, where the hoystinges be kept, the Duke and the Mayor, and the other Lords sat down, and the Aldermen also, all the commons of the City being assembled and standing before them. After silence commanded upon a great pain in the Protectors name. The oration o● the Duke of Buckingham made to the Citizens of London. The Duke stood up, and as he was well learned, and of nature marvellously well spoken, he said to the people, with a clear, and a loud voice: Friends, for the zeal, and hearty favour that we bear you, we become to break of a matter right great, and weighty, and no less weighty, then pleasing to God, & profitable to all the realm, nor to no part of the realm more profitable, then to you the Citizens of this noble City. For why, the thing that you have long lacked, and as we well know sore longed for, that you would have given great good for, that you would have gone far to fetch: that thing be we come hither to bring you, without your labour, pain, cost, adventure, or jeopardy. What thing is that? Certes, the surety yo your own bodies, the quiet of your wives & daughters & the safeguard of your goods, Of all which things in time passed you stood in doubt. For who was there among you all that could reckon himself Lord of his own good, among so many gins, & traps as were set therefore, among so much pilling and polling among so many taxes & tallages, of the which there was never end, or oftentimes no need or if any were, it grew rather of riot, or of unreasonable waist, than any necessary or honourable charge, so that there was daily plucked, & peeled from good & honest men great substance of goods, to be lashed out among unthrifts so far forth the fifteens sufficed not, nor any usual terms of known taxes, but under an easy name of benevolence & good will, the commissioners so much of every man took, as no man would with his good will have given. Benevolence As though the name of benevolence had signified, that every man should pay not what he of himself of his good will lust to grant, but what the king of his good will lust to take, who never asked little, but every thing was haunsed above the measure, amerciaments turned into fines, fines into ransoms, small trespasses, into mesprision, mesprision into treason, whereof I think that no man looketh that we shall remember you of examples by name, as though Burdet were forgotten which was for a word spoken, in haste cruelly beheaded. Burdet. This Burdet was a Merchant dwelling in Chepeside, at the sign of crown, which now is the sign of the flower de lose over against supper lane: This man merrily in the ruffling time, between king Edward the fourth, and king Henry the sixth, said to his own son, that he would make him inheritor of the crown, meaning his own house: but these words king Edward made to be misconstrued, and interpreted, that Burdet meant the Crown of the realm: wherefore within less space than four hours, he was apprehended, judged drawn and quartered in Chepeside, Merkam chief justice by the misconstruing of the laws of the realm for the prince's pleasure, with no less honour to Merkam chief justice then, which lost his office, rather than he would assent to that judgement: then to the dishonesty of those, that either for fear, or flattery, gave that judgement. What need I to speak of sir Thomas Cook Alderman, Of this sir Thomas Cook ye may read afore in the seventh year of king Edward the fourth. and Mayor of this noble City, who is of you either for negligence that wotteth not, or so forgetful, that he remembreth not, or so hard hearted that he pitieth not that worshipful man's loss? What speak I of loss, his wonderful spoil, and undeserved destruction, only because it happened those to favour him, whom the prince favoured not. We need not rehearse of these any more by name, sith I doubt not that here be many present, that either in themselves, or nigh friends have known aswell their goods as their persons greatly endangered, either by feigned quarrels or small matters aggravated with heinous names, and also there was no crime so great, of which there could lack a pretext. For sith the king preventing the time of his inheritance attained the crown by battle, it sufficed in a rich man for a pretext of treason, to have been of kindred or alliance, near of familiarity, or longer of acquaintance with any of those, that were at any time the king's enemies which was at one time or another more than half the realm. Open war. Thus were neither your goods, neither lands in surety, and yet they brought your bodies in jeopardy, beside the common adventure of open war, which albeit, that it is ever the well and occasion of much mischief, yet is it never so mischievous as where any people fall in division, and at distance among themselves, and in no realm earthly so deadly, & so pestilent, as when it happeneth amongst us. And among us never continued so long dissension nor so many battles in any season, nor so cruel, nor so deadly fought, as were in the kings his days that dead is. God forgive it his soul. In whose time, and by whose occasion, what about the getting of the garland, keeping it, losing, and winning again, it hath cost more English blood, then hath the twice winning of France. Civil war. In which inward war amongst ourselves hath been so great effusion of the ancient noble blood of this realm, that scarcely the half remaineth, to the great enfebling of this noble land, beside many a good town ransacked and spoiled by them that have been going to the field, or returning from thence, and peace long after, not much surer than war. So that no time was there in the which rich men for their money, & great men for their lands, or some other, for some fear or for some displeasure were out of peril. For whom trusted he, that mistrusted his own brother? Whom spared he, that killed his own brother? Or who could perfectly love him, if his own brother could not? What manner of folk that he most favoured (we shall for his honour spare to speak of) howbeit, this ye wots well all, that whoso was best, bore ever the jest rule, and more suit in his days was to Shore's wife, a vile and abominable strumpet, then to all the Lords in England, except unto those that made her their protector, which simple woman was yet well named, and honest, till the king for wanton lust, and sinful affection, bereft her from her husband, a right honest young man, and substantial amongst you. And in that point which in good faith I am sorry to speak of, saving that it is in vain to keep counsel in that thing, that all men knoweth, the king his greedy appetite was insatiable, and every where over all the realm intolerable. For no women was there any where young or old, poor or rich, whom he set his eye upon, whom he any thing liked, either for person, or beauty, speech, pace or countenance, but without any fear of God, or respect of his honour, murmur or grudging of the world, he would importunately pursue his appetite and have her, to the great destruction of many a good woman, and great dolour to their husbands and friends, which being honest people of themselves, so much regarded the cleanness of their houses, the chastity of their wives, and children, that them were liefer to loose all that they have beside, then to have such a villainy done to them. And albeit that with this, and other importable dealing, the realm was in every place annoyed, yet specially you the Citizens of this noble City, as for that amongst you is most plenty of all such things as minister matter to such injuries, as for that you were nearest at hand, sith that near here about was his most common abiding. And yet be ye the people whom he had as singular a cause well and kindly to entreat, as any part of his realm: not only for that the prince by this noble City, London is the special Chamber of the Prince. as of his special chamber, and renowned City of this realm, much honourable fame receiveth amongst all other nations, but also for that, yea not without your great cost & sundry perils and jeopardies in all his wars bore ever your especial favour to his part: which your kind minds borne to the house of York, sith he hath nothing worthily requited you, there is of that house now, which by God his grace shall make you full recompense, which thing to show you, is the whole some and effect of our errand. It shall not I wot well need, that I rehearse unto you again that you already have heard of him that can better tell it, and of whom I am sure ye will better believe it (and reason it is that it so be) I am not so proud to look therefore that you should receive my words of so great authority as the preachers of the word of God, namely a man so cunning, and so wise, that no man wotteth better what he should do & say, and thereto so good and virtuous that he would not say the thing, which he witted he should not say in the pulpit, namely, into the which no honest man cometh to lie: which honourable preacher ye well remember, substantially declared to you at Paul's Cross on Sunday last paste, the right and title of the most excellent Prince Richard Duke of Gloucester now Protector of this realm, which he hath unto the crown of the kingdom of the same. For that worshipful man made it perfectly and groundly open unto you, that the children of king Edward the fourth were never lawfully begotten, for as much as the King (living his very wife dame Elizabeth Lucy) was never lawfully married to the Queen their mother, whose blood, saving that he set his voluptuous pleasure before his honour, was full unmeetely to be matched with his (the mingling of which two bloods together hath been the effusion of a great part of the noble blood of this realm, whereby it may well be seen, that marriage was not well made of which there is so much mischief grown. For lack of which lawful copulation, and also of other things which the said worshipful Doctor rather signified then fully explained, and which thing shall not be spoken for me, as the thing that every man forbeareth to say that he knoweth, in avoiding the displeasure that my noble Lord Protector bearing as nature requireth a reverence to the Duchess his mother. For these causes before remembered I say, that for lack of issue lawfully coming of the late noble Prince Richard Duke of York, to whose royal blood the crowns of England and of France, are by the high authority of a parliament entailed, the right and title of the same is by just course of inheritance according to the common law of this land, dissended and come unto the most excellent prince the Lord protector, as to the very lawful begotten son of the fore-remembered noble Duke of York. Which thing well considered, and the knightly prowess of him pondered, with many virtues which in his noble person singularly do abound: The nobles and commons also of this realm, and specially of the North parts, not willing any bastard blood to have rule of the land, nor the abusions in the same before used and exercised any longer to continued, have fully condescended and utterly determined to make humble petition unto the puissant prince the Lord protector, that it may like his grace at our humble request, to take upon him the guiding and governance of this realm, to the wealth and increase of the same, according to his very right and just title, which thing I wot well he will be loath to take upon him, as he whose wisdom well perceiveth, the labour and study both of mind and body that shall come therewith to him, whosoever shall occupy that room. I dare say he will if he take it (for I warrant you that room is no child's office) and that the great wise man well perceived, when he said Vae regno, cuius Rex puer est, woe to that realm whose king is a child, wherefore so much the more cause have we to thank God, that this noble parsonage, which is so righteously entitled thereto, is of so sad age, and thereto of so great wisdom, joined with so great experience, which albeit, he will be loath as I have said to take upon him, yet shall he to our petition in that behalf the more graciously incline, if ye the worshipful Citizens of this City, being the chief City of the realm, join with us the Nobles in our said request, which for your own weal we doubt not but that ye william. And yet nevertheless we pray you so to do, whereby ye shall do great profit to all this realm: Beside that, in choosing them so good a King, it shall be to yourself a special commodity, to whom his majesty shall ever after bear so much the more tender favour in how much he shall perceive you the more prove and benevolently minded toward his election: wherein dear friends, what mind you have we require you plainly to show us? When the Duke had said and looked that the people whom he hoped that the Mayor had framed before, should after this flattering preposition made, have cried king Richard, king Richard, all was still and muete, and not one word answered to: wherewith the Duke was marvelously abashed, and taking the Mayor near unto him, with other that were about him privy to the matter, said unto them softly. What meaneth this, that the people be so still? Sir quoth the Mayor, percase they perceive you not well, that shall we amend quoth he, if that will help, and therewith somewhat louder rehearsed the same matter again, in other order and other words so well and ornately, and nevertheless so evidently and plain, with voice, gesture, and countenance so comely and so convenient, that every man much marveled that heard him, and thought that they never heard in their lives so evil a tale so well told. But were it for wonder or fear, or that each looked that other should speak first, not one word was there answered of all the people that stood before, but all were as still as the midnight, not so much as rouning among them, by which they might seem once to common what was best to do. When the Mayor saw this, he with other partners of the counsel, drew about the Duke and said that the people had not been accustomed there to be spoken to, but by the Recorder, which is the mouth of the City, and happily to him they will answer. With that the Recorder called Thomas Fitz William, Thomas Fitz William Recorder of London. a sad man and an honest, which was but newly come to the office, and never had spoken to the people before, and loath was with that matter to begin, notwithstanding thereunto commanded by the Mayor, made rehearsal to the commons of that which the Duke had twice proponed himself, but the Recorder so tempered his tale, that he showed everything as the Duke his words were, and no part of his own, but all this no change made in the people, which alway after one, stood as they had been amazed. Whereupon the Duke rouned with the Mayor and said, this is a marvelous obstinate silence, and therewith turned to the people again with these words. Dear friends we come to move you to that thing which peradventure we so greatly needed not, but that the Lords of this realm and commons of other parts might have sufficed, saving such love we bear you, and so much set by you, that we would not gladly do without you, that thing in which to be partners is your weal and honour, which as to us seemeth you see not or way not: Wherefore we require you to give us an answer, one or other, whether ye be minded as all the nobles of the realm be, to have this noble Prince now Protector to be your king. And at these words the people began to whisper among themselves secretly, that the voice was neither loud nor base, but like a swarm of Bees, till at the last, at the neither end of the hall a bushment of the Duke's servants & one Nashfield, and other belonging to the Protector, with some apprentices and lads that thrusted into the hall amongst the press, began suddenly at men's backs to cry out as loud as they could, King Richard, King Richard, and there threw up their Caps in token of joy, and they that stood before cast back their heads marvelling thereat, but nothing they said. And when the Duke and the Mayor saw this manner, they wisely turned it to their purpose, and said it was a goodly cry, and a joyful, to here every man with one voice & no man saying nay. Wherefore friends (quoth the Duke) sith we perceive that it is all your whole minds to have this noble man for your king, whereof we shall make his grace so effectual report, that we doubt not but that it shall redounded to your great wealth and commodity. We therefore require you that to morrow ye go with us, and we with you to his noble grace, to make our humble petition and request to him in manner before remembered. And therewith the Lords came down and the company dissolved and departed the more part all sad, some with glad semblance that were not very merry, and some of them that came with the Duke, not able to dissemble their sorrow, were fain at his back to turn their face to the wall, while the dolour of their hearts braced out of their eyes. Then on the morrow the Mayor and Aldermen, and chief Commoners of the City in their best manner appareled, assembled themselves together at Paul's, and resorted to Bainerds Castle where the Protector lay, to which place also according to the appointment repaired the Duke of Buckingham and divers Nobles with him, besides many knights and gentlemen: And thereupon the Duke sent word to the Lord Protector of the being there of a great honourable company to move a great matter to his grace. Whereupon the Protector made great difficulty to come to them, except he knew some part of their errand, as though he doubted and partly mistrusted the coming of such a number to him so suddenly, without any warning or knowledge, whether they came for good or harm. Then when the Duke had showed this to the Mayor and other, that they might thereby see how little the Protector looked for this matter, they sent again by the messenger such loving message, and there so humbly besought him to vouchsafe that they might resort to his presence to propose their intent of which they would to none other person any part disclose. At the last he came out of his Chamber, and yet not down to them, but in a Galory over them, with a Bishop on every hand of him, where they beneath might see him and speak to him, as though he would not come near them, till he witted what they meant. And thereupon, the Duke of Buckingham first made humble petition to him on the behalf of them all, that his grace would pardon them, and licence them to purpose unto his grace the intent of their coming without his displeasure, without which pardon obtained, they durst not be so bold to move him of that matter. In which, albeit they meant as much honour to his grace as wealth to all the realm beside, yet were they not sure how his grace would take it, whom they would in no wise offend. Then the Protector, as he was very gentle of himself, and also longed sore apparently to know what they meant, gave him leave to purpose what him liked, verily trusting for the good mind that he bore them all, none of them any thing would intend to himward wherewith he aught to be grieved. When the Duke had this leave and pardon to speak, than waxed he bold to show him their intent and purpose, with all the causes moaning them thereunto, as ye before have heard. And finally, to beseech his grace that it would like him of his accustomed goodness, and zeal unto the realm, now with his eye of pity to behold the long continued distress and decay of the same, and to set his gracious hand to the redress and amendment thereof, by taking upon him the Crown and governance of the realm, according to his right and title lawfully descended unto him, and to the laud of God, profit and surety of the land, and unto his grace so much the more honour and less pain, in that that never Prince reigned upon any people that were so glad to live under his obeisance, as the people of this realm under his. When the Protector had heard the proposition, he looked very strangely thereat and made answer, that albeit he knew partly the things by them alleged to be true, yet such entire love he bore to king Edward and his children, & so much more regarded his honour in other Realms about, than the Crown of any one, of which he was never desirous, so that he could not find in his heart in this point to incline to their desire, for in all other nations where the truth were not well known, it should peradventure be thought that it were his own ambitious mind and devise to depose the Prince, and to take himself the Crown, with which infamy he would in no wise have his honour stained for any Crown, in which he had ever perchance perceived much more labour and pain, than pleasure to him that so would use it as he that would not and were not worthy to have it. Notwithstanding, he not only pardoned them of the motion that they made him, but also thanked them for the love and hearty favour they bore him, praying them for his sake to give and bear the same to the Prince, under whom he was and would be content to live, and with his labour and counsel as far as it should like the king to use it, he would do his uttermost devoyer to set the realm in good estate which was already in the little time of his protectorship (lauded be God) well begun in that the malice of such as were before the occasion of the contrary, and of new intended to be, were now partly by good policy, partly more by God his special providence, than man's provision, repressed and put under. Upon this answer given, the Duke of Buckyngham by the Protector his licence a little rounded, as well with other noble men about him as with the Mayor and Recorder of London. And after that (upon like pardon desired and obtained, he showed aloud unto the Protector, for a final conclusion that the realm was appointed that king Edward his line should no longer reign upon them, both for that they had so far gone that it was now no surety to retreat and for that they thought it for the weal universal to take that way, although they had not yet begun it. Wherefore if it would like his grace to take the crown upon him, they would humbly beseech him thereunto, and if he would give them a resolute answer to the contrary (which they would be loath to here) then must they seek and should not fail to find some other noble man that would. These words much moved the Protector, which as every man of small intelligence may weet would never have inclined thereto: but when he saw there was none other way but that either he must take it, or else he and his both to go from it, he said to the Lords and commons, sith it is we perceive well that all the realm is so set (whereof we be very sorry) that they will not suffer in any wise king Edward his line to govern them, whom no man earthly can govern against their wills: And we also perceive that no man is there to whom the crown can by so just title appertain as to ourself as very right heir lawfully begotten of the body of our most dread and dear father Richard, late Duke of York, to which title is now joined your election, the nobles and commons of the realm, which we of all titles possible take for most effectual, we be content and agreed favourably to incline to your petition and request, and according to the same, here we take upon us the royal estate of pre-eminence and kingdom of the two noble realms, England, and France, The Protector taketh upon him the royal estate and Kingdom of this realm. the one from this day forward by us and our heirs to rule, govern and defend, the other by God his grace and your good help to get again, subdue and establish for ever in due obedience unto this realm of England, the advancement whereof we never ask of God longer to live than we intend to procure and set forth. With this there was a great cry and shout, crying king Richard, king Richard, and so the Lords went up to the King. But the people departed talking diversly of the matter, every man as his fantasy gave him, but much they marveled of this manner of dealing, that the matter was on both parts made so strange, as though never the one part had communed with other part thereof before, when they witted that there was no man so dull that heard them, but he perceived well enough that all the matter was made between them. Howbeit, some excused that again, saying: all thing must be done in good order, and men must sometime for the manner sake not be a known what they know. For at the consecration of a Bishop, every man perceiveth by payment of his Bulls, that he intendeth to be one, yet when he is twice asked whether he will be a Bishop, he must twice say nay, and at the third time take it upon him, as compelled thereto by his own wil And in a stage play, the people know right well that he that playeth the sowdaine, is percase a souter, yet if one of acquaintance perchance of little nurture should call him by his name, while he standeth in his majesty one of his tormentors might fortune break his head for marring of the play. And so they said, these matters be kings games, as it were stage plays, and for the most part played upon scaffolds, in which poor men be but lookers on, & they that wise be, will meddle no farther, for they that step up with them when they cannot play their parts, they disorder the play and do themselves no good. Richard the third. AFter that the Protector had taken upon him the royal estate, pre-eminence and kingdom of this realm, as is aforesaid in the history of king Edward the fift, he the next day following with a great train, went on foot to Westminsterhall, & there when he had placed himself in the Court of the king's Bench, he declared to the audience, that he would take upon him the crown there in that place where the king himself sitteth, & ministereth the law, because he considered, that it was the chiefest duty of a king to minister the laws. Then with as pleasant an oration as he could, he went about to win the hearts of the nobles, the merchants, & artificers, and in conclusion all kind of men, but special the Lawyers of this realm. And finally to the intent that no man should hate him for fear, and that his deceitful clemency might get him the good will of the people, when he had declared the discommodity of discord, and the commodity of concord, and unity, he made on open proclamation, that he did put out of his mind all enmities, and that he there did pardon all offences committed against him. And to the intent that he might show a proof thereof, he commanded that one Fog, whom he had deadly hated, should be brought before him, who being brought out of the Sanctuary, for thither had he fled for fear of him. In the sight of the people he took him by the hand, which thing the common people rejoiced at, and praised: But wise men took it for a vanity. And in his return homeward, whom so ever he met, he saluted: for a mind that knoweth itself guilty, is in a manner dejected to a servile flattery. When he had begun his reign the xix day of june, in the year of our Lord .1483. after this mockish election, than was he proclaimed king openly by sound of trumpet the next day following, and the sixth day of july next ensuing, was solemnly crowned at Westminster. And that solempnitye was furnished for the most part with the self same provision that was appointed for the coronation of his nephew. But forasmuch as the manner of the same coronation came unto my hands, & also for that no mention is made of the manner of the Coronation of any prince in all this Chronicle, I thought it not amiss in this place to express the same. The fourth day of july he came to the tower by water with his wife, and there he created Edward, his only begotten son, a child of ten years old, Prince of Wales, and john Hawarde, a man of great knowledge, and virtue, (aswell in counsel, as in battle) he created Duke of Norfolk, and sir Thomas Haward his son, he created Earl of Surrey, & William Lord Barkley was then created Earl of Nottingham, and France's Lord Lovel was then made viscount Lovel and the kings chamberlain, and the Lord Stanley, was delivered out of ward for fear of his son the Lord Strange which was then in Lancasshire gathering men (as it was said) and the said Lord was made steward of the king's household, and likewise the archbishop of York was delivered. But Morton Bishop of Ely was delivered to the Duke of Buckingham to keep in ward, which sent him to his manor of Brecknock in Wales, from whence (as ye shall after here) he escaped to king Richard's confusion. The same night the king made xvij knights of the , whose names were these. Sir Edmonde the Duke of Suffolk's son. Sir George Grace the Earl of Kentes son. Sir william the Lord Souches son. Sir Henry Burgany. Sir Christopher willoughby. Sir William Barkley. Sir Henry Banington. Sir Thomas Arondell. Sir Thomas Boleyn. Sir Brews of Clifton. Sir william Say. Sir Edmond Bedingfield. Sir William Enderby. Sir Thomas Lekenor. Sir Thomas of Vrmon. Sir john Browne. Sir William Barkley. The next day being the fift day of july the king road through the City of London toward Westminster with great pomp, being accompanied with these Dukes, earls, Lords, and knights, whose names follow. Edward Prince of Wales the kings only son. Dukes. The Duke of Norfolk. The Duke of Buckyngham The Duke of Suffolk. Earls. The Earl of Northumberland The Earl of Arondell The Earl of Kent The Earl of Surrey The Earl of Wiltshire The Earl of Huntingdon The Earl of Nottyngham The Earl of Warwick The Earl of Lyncolne. Lords. The Lord Lisle Viscount The Lord Lovel Viscount The Lord Stanley The Lord Audeley The Lord Dakers The Lord Ferrer of Chertley The Lord Powes The Lord Scrope of Vpsale The Lord Scrope of Bolton The Lord Grace Cotener The Lord Grace of Wilton The Lord Sturton The Lord Cobham The Lord Morley The Lord Burgany. The Lord Sowche The Lord Ferrer of Croby The Lord Welles The Lord Lomney The Lord Matreuers The Lord Harbert The Lord Becham. Knights. Sir james Tyrrell Sir William Knyvet Sir Thomas Aborow Sir William Standley Sir William Aparre Sir George Browne Sir Robert Middleton Sir john Heningham Sir Nicholas Latimer Sir Thomas Monghonbrey Sir Thomas Delamer Sir Gilbert Debnam Sir Terry Robsart Sir William Brandon Sir john Sauell Sir Henry Wentfoord Sir Edward Standley Sir Henry Seyntmonte Sir William Young Sir Thomas Bowser Sir Henry Winkfielde Sir Thomas Wortley Sir john Seyntlowe Sir Charles of Pilkinton Sir james Haryngton Sir john Asheley Sir Thomas Barkley Sir Richard Becham Sir William Hopton Sir Thomas percy Sir Robert Dimock Sir john Cheyney Sir Richard Ludlow Sir john Eldryngton Sir William Sands Sir Richard Dudley Sir William Seyntlowe Sir Thomas Twaightes Sir Edmond of Dudley Sir Ralph Ashton Sir Richard Charlyngton Sir Thomas Graye Sir Philip Barkley Sir Robert Harington Sir Thomas Gressley Sir Richard Hartcourt Sir William Noris Sir Thomas Sellinger Sir Richard Hodylston Sir john Conyas Sir William Stoner Sir Philip Courtney Sir William Gaskoyn Sir Richard Amedylton Sir Roger fines Sir George Vere Sir Henry percy Sir john Wood Sir john Aparre Sir john Grace Sir john Danby Sir Richard Taylebushe Sir john Ridet Sir john Hearing Sir William Stoner Sir Richard Enderby Sir john Barkeley Sir james Strangwishe Sir Ralph Carubreke Sir john Constable Sir Robert Elyard Sir Richard Derell Sir john Gilford Sir john Lekenor Sir john Morley Sir john Hewes Sir john Boleyn Sir Edmond Shaa Alderman. On the morrow being the sixth day of july, the king with Queen Anne his wife, came down out of the white Hall into the great Hall at Westminster, and went directly to the kings Bench. And from thence the king and the Queen going upon ray cloth barefooted, went unto Saint Edward's Shrine, and all his Nobility going with him, every Lord in his degree. And first went the trumpets, and then the heralds of Arms in their rich Coats, and next followed the Cross with a solemn Procession, the priests having fine surplice, and grey Amysses upon them. The abbots and Bishops mitred and in rich Copes, and every of them carried their Crosiers in their hands. The Bishop of Rochester bore the Cross before the Cardinal. Then followed the Earl of Huntingdon, bearing a pair of guilt Spurs, signifying Knighthood. Then followed the Earl of Bedford bearing Saint Edward's staff for a Relic. After them came the Earl of Northumberland bore headed, with the pointless sword naked in his hand, which signified mercy. The Lord Stanley bore the Mace of the Constableship. The Earl of Kent bore the second sword on the right hand of the king naked, with a point which signified justice to the Temporalty. The Lord Lovel bore the third sword on the left hand with a point, which signified justice to the Clergy. The Duke of Suffolk followed with the Sceptre in his hand, which signified peace. The Earl of Lincoln bore the Ball and Cross, which signified a Monarchy. The Earl of Surrey bare the forth sword before the king in a rich scabbard, and that is called the sword of estate. Then went three together, in the midst went Garter king at arms in his rich Coat. And on his left hand went the Mayor of London bearing a Mace, and on his right hand went the Gentleman Usher of the privy chamber. Then followed the Duke of Norfolk bearing the kings crown between his hands. Then followed king Richard in his robes of purple Velvet, and over his head a Canopy borne by four Barones' of the five ports, and on every side of the king there went one Bishop, that is to say, the Bishop of , and the Bishop of Durham. Then followed the Duke of Buckyngham bearing the king's train, with a white staff in his hand, signifying the office of the high Steward of England. Then there followed a great number of Earls and Barons before the Queen. And then came the Earl of Huntingdon, who bore the Queen's Sceptre, and the Lord Lisle Viscount bore the rod with the doff, which signifieth innocency. The Earl of Wiltshire bore the Queen's crown before her. Then followed Queen Anne daughter to Richard earl of Warwick in robes like to the king, and having a canopy over her head, and on every corner of the same was a Bell of Gold. And on her head was a Circlet of Gold, set with many precious stones. The Countess of Richmond bore the Queen's train. And after them came the Duchess of Suffolk in her robes of estate, and on her head a Chronicle of Gold. Then followed the Duchess of Norfolk apparelled in like manner as was the Duchess of Suffolk, and then followed twenty Ladies richly appareled, and after them a great number of knights and Esquires, and then a great number of Typstaves, and passed forward until they came unto Saint Edward's Shrine to their seats of estate. And shortly the king and the Queen sat down in their seats of estate. And forthwith there came up before the King & the Queen both priests and Clerks, that song most delectable and excellent Music. And so soon as this was done, the King and Queen were shifted from their robes, and had divers places open from the middle upward, in which places they were anointed. And that being done, the King and Queen changed their robes into cloth of Gold. And then forthwith the Cardinal being accompanied with all the Bishops, crowned the King and Queen with great solemnity, with the crown of Saint Edward, and then they sang Tedeum and the Organs went, and then they put upon the king Saint Edward's Cope (as an holy relic.) And the Bishops delivered to the king the Sceptre in his right hand, and the Ball with the Cross in his left hand, and to the Queen the Sceptre in her right hand, and the rod with the Dove in her left hand. And then the Cardinal and Bishops went to Mass, and the King and Queen went to their seats again. And shortly after came up before the king two Bishops and kneeled down before him a little while, and then they arose up and kissed the King one after another: on every side of the king stood a Duke, and one every side of the Queen stood a Bishop. And before the king stood the Earl of Surrey with a sword in his hand, and before the Queen was a Lady kneeling. And there kneeled before the Queen's seat the Duchess of Norfolk and sundry other Ladies. And so they sat still until the Pare was given, and then the King & Queen dissended and came down to the high altar, and there received the Sacrament, the same being divided between them. And then they went up unto S. Edward's Shrine, and there the king offered saint Edward's crown with many other relics. And then the king returned again to his seat, and the Lords set his own crown upon his head. And so in order as they came they departed to Westminster hall, and so to their Chambers for a season. During which time the Duke of Norfolk came into the hall, his horse being trapped to the ground in cloth of Gold as high Marshal, and voided the Hall. About four of the clock the King and Queen entered the Hall, and the King sat in the middle, and the Queen on the left hand of the table, and on every side of her stood a Countess, holding a cloth of pleasance when she list to drink. And on the right hand of the King sat the archbishop of Caunterburie. All the Ladies sat on one side at a table, in the middle of the hall, and at the table against him sat the chancellor and all the Lords. At the table next the Cupboard sat the Mayor of London. At the table behind the Lords sat the Barones' of the five Ports. And at the other boards sat divers noble and worshipful personages. When all persons were set, the Duke of Norfolk earl Martial, the Earl of Surrey Constable for that day, the Lord Stanley Lord steward, sir William Hopton Treasurer, and sir Thomas Percy controller came in and served the King solemnly with one dish of Gold, & another of Silver, and the Queen all in guilt Vessel, and the Bishop in Silver. At the second course came into the hall sir Robert Dymmock the king's Champion making proclamation, that whosoever would say that King Richard was not lawful King, he would fight with him at the utterance, and threw down his gauntlet, and then all the hall cried King Richard, King Richard. And so he did in three parts of the hall. And than one brought him a Cup of Gold with Wine covered, and when he had drunk as much as he would, he threw out the rest and departed with the Cup. After that the heralds cried a largesse thrice in the hall, and so went up to their stage. At the end of dinner the Mayor of London served the king and Queen with hippocras, and had of each of them a Cup of Gold with a cover of Gold. And by that time all was done it was dark night, and so the King and Queen returned to their Chambers, and every man to his lodging. Incontinent after this feast he sent a solemn Ambassade to Lewis the French king to conclude a league and amity with him, trusting also to obtain the tribute that king Edward his brother had before out of France. But the French King so abhorred him and his cruelty, that he would neither see nor here his Ambassadors, & so in vain they returned home again. Now after this triumphant coronation, there fell mischiefs thick and thick, & as the thing evil gotten is never well kept, so through all the time of his usurped reign, never ceased their cruel murder, death, and slaughter, till his own destruction ended it. But as he finished his time with the best death and most rightwise, that is to say his own, so began he with the most piteous and wicked, I mean the lamentable murder of his innocent Nephews the young king and his tender brother, whose death and final fortune hath nevertheless so far come in question that some remained long in doubt whether they were in his days destroyed or no. Not for that only that Parkyn Warbeck by many folks malice, and more folks folly so long space abusing the world, was as well with princes as with poor people reputed and taken for the younger of these two: But for that also that all things were in late days so covertly demeaned, one thing pretended and another meant, Close dealing is ever suspicious. that there was nothing so plain and openly proved, but that yet for the common custom of close and covert dealing, men had it ever inwardly suspect, as many well sergeant jewels, make the true mistrusted. Howbeit, concerning the opinion, with the occasions moving either party, we shall have place more at large to entreat, in the story of the late Noble Prince of famous memory king Henry the seventh, in the process of Parkyn. But in the mean season, for this present matter I shall rehearse to you the dolorous end of these two Babes, not after every way that I have heard, but after that way that I have so heard by such men and such means as me thinketh it were hard but it should be true. King Richard after his coronation, taking his way to Gloucester, to visit in his new honour, the town, of which he bore the name before of old, The destruction of king Edward's children. devised as he road to fulfil that thing which he before had intended. And forasmuch as his mind gave him that his nephews living, men would not reckon that he could have right to the realm: he thought therefore without delay to rid them, as though the killing of his kinsmen might end his cause, and make him a kindly king. Where upon he sent one john green, john Grene. Robert Brakenburie Lieutenant of the Tower. whom he specially trusted, unto sir Robert Brakenburie, constable of the tower, with a letter and credence also, that the same sir Robert in any wise should put the two children to death. This john green did his errand to Brakenbury, kneeling before our Lady, in the Tower, who plainly answered that he would never put them to death, to die therefore. With the which answer john green returned, recounting the same to king Richard at Warwick yet on his journey, wherewith he took such displeasure, & thought, that the same night, he said, to a secret page of his: Ah, whom shall a man trust? they that I have brought up myself, they that I went would have most surely served me, even those fail me, & at my commandment will do nothing for me. Sir quoth the page, there lieth one in the palet chamber without, that I dare well say, to do your grace pleasure, the thing were right hard that he would refuse, meaning this by sir james Tirrell, which was a man of right goodly parsonage, and for the gifts of nature worthy to have served a much better Prince, if he had well served God, & by grace obtained to have as much truth and good will, as he had strength and wit. The man had an high heart, and sore longed upward, Authority loveth no partners. not rising yet so fast as he had hoped being hindered and kept under by sir Richard Ratcliff, and sir William Catesby, which longing for no more partners of the Prince's favour, namely not for him, whose pride they knew would bear no peer, kept him in secret drifts out of all secret trust: which thing this page had well marked, and known: wherefore, this occasion offered, of very special friendship spied his time to set him forward, and in such wise to do him good, that all the enemies that he had (except the Devil) could never have done him so much hurt and shame, for upon the Pages words, king Richard arose (for this communication had he sitting on a jaques, a convenient carpet for such a counsel) and came out into the palet chamber, where he did found in bed the said james Tyrrell, james Tyrell. and sir Thomas Tyrell, of person like, & brethren of blood, but nothing of kin in conditions. Then said the king merely to them, what sirs, be you in bed so soon? and called up james Tyrrell, and broke to him secretly his mind, in this mischievous matter, in the which he found him nothing strange. Wherefore on the morrow he sent him to Brakinburie with a letter by the which he was commanded to deliver to the said james all the keys of the Tower for that night, to the end that he might there accomplish the king's pleasure in such things as he there had given him in commandment. After which letter delivered and the keys received, james appointed the next night ensuing to destroy them, devising before & preparing the means. The Prince assoon as the Protector took upon him to be king, and left the name of Protector, was thereof advertised and showed, that he should not reign, but his uncle should have the crown. At which word the prince sore abashed began to sigh, and said: Alas I would mine uncle would let me have my life, The lamentable words of the young king. although I lose my kingdom. Then he that told him the tale used him with good words, and put him in the best comfort that he could, but forthwith he and his brother were both shut up, and all other removed from them, one called black Will, or William Slaughter only except, which were set to serve them, and four other to see them sure. After which time, the Prince never tied his points, nor any thing wrought of himself, but with that young babe his brother lingered in thought & heaviness, till this traitorous deed delivered them of that wretchedness. For james Tyrrell devised that they should be murdered in their beds and no blood shed: to the execution whereof, he appointed Miles Forest one of the four that before kept them, a fellow flesh bred in murder before time, and to him he joined one john Dighton, his own horsekeeper, a big, broad square, Miles Forest. john Dighton. and strong knave. Then all the other being removed from them, this Miles Forest, and john Dighton about midnight, the seely children lying in their beds, came into the chamber, and suddenly lapped them up amongst the clotheses, and so bewrapped them, and entangled them, keeping down by force the featherbed & pillows hard unto their mouths, that within a while they smored, and stifled them, & their breaths failing, they gave up to God their innocent souls, into the joys of heaven, leaving to the tormentors their bodies, dead in the bed, which after the wretches perceived, first by the struggling, with the pangs of death, & after long lying still to be thoroughly dead, they laid the bodies naked out upon the bed, & fetched james Tyrell to see them, which when he saw them perfectly dead, he caused the murderers to bury them at the stair foot, The young king and his brother murdered. meetly deep in the ground under a great heap of stones. Then road james Tyrrell in great haste to king Richard, and showed him all the manner of the murder, who gave him great thanks, and as men say, there made him knight, but he allowed not their burial in so vile a corner, saying that he would have them buried in a better place, because they were a kings sons: Lo the honourable courage of a king, for he would recompense a detestable murder with a solemn obsequy. Whereupon a priest of Sir Robert Brakenbury's took them up, and buried them in such a place secretly as by the occasion of his death (which was very shortly after) which only knew it, the very truth could never yet be well and perfectly known. Some say that king Richard caused them to be taken up, and closed them in lead, & to put them in a Coffin full of holes, hooked at the ends with two hooks of iron, and so cast them into a place called the black deeps, at the Thames mouth, so that they should never rise up nor be seen again. This was the very truth unknown by reason that the said priest died so shortly, and disclosed it never to any person that would utter it. And for a truth, when sir james Tyrrell was in the Tower for treason committed against king Henry the seventh: both he and Dighton were examined together of this point, and both they confessed the murder to be done in the same manner as you have heard, but whether the bodies were removed, they both affirmed they never knew. And thus as I have learned of them that much knew, and little cause had to lie, were these two noble Princes, these innocent tender children, borne of the most royal blood, and brought up in great wealth, likely long to live, to reign & rule in the realm, by traitorous tyranny taken and deprived of their estate, shortly shut up in prison, and privily slain and murdered by the cruel ambition of their natural Uncle and his dispiteous tormentors: which things on every part well pondered, God gave this world never a more notable example, either in what unsurety standeth this worlds weal, or what mischief worketh the proud enterprise of an high heart, or finally what wretched end ensueth of such dispiteous cruelty. For first to begin with the ministers, Miles Forest, The end of the murderers of king Edward's children. at Saint Martin's le grand, by piece meal miserably rotten away, john Dighton lived at Calais long after, no less disdained and hated then pointed at, and there died in great misery: But Sir james Tirrell was beheaded at the Tower hill for treason: And king Richard himself was slain in the field, hacked, and hewn of his enemy's hands, harried on a horseback naked being dead, his hear in despite torn and tugged like a cur Dog. And the mischief that he took in less than three years, of the mischief that he did in three months be not comparable, and yet all the mean time spent in much trouble and pain outward, and much fear, dread, and anguish within. For I have heard by credible report, of such as were secret with his chamberers that after this abominable deed done, he never was quiet in his mind, The out and inward troubles of Tyrants. he never thought himself sure where he went abroad, his body privily fainted, his eyen whirled about, his hand ever on his dagger, his countenance and manner like always to strike again, he took evil rest on nights, lay long waking and musing, foreweried with care and watch, rather slumbered then slept, troubled with fearful dreams, suddenly sometime start up, leapt out of his bed and looked about the Chamber, so was his restless heart continually tossed and tumbled with the tedious impression and stormy remembrance of his abominable murder and execrable tyranny. King Richard by this abominable and mischievous act, thinking himself well relieved both of fear and thought, would not have it kept counsel, but within a few days caused it to run in a common rumour that the two children were suddenly dead, and to this intent as it is to be deined, that now none heir male being alive of king Edward's body lawfully begotten, the people would be content with the more patient heart, and quiet mind to obey him and suffer his rule and governance: but when the fame of this detestable fact was revealed, and demulged through the whole realm, there fell generally, such a dolour and inward sorrow into the hearts of all the people, that all fear of his cruelty set aside, they in every town, street, and place, openly wept, and piteously sobbed. And when their sorrow was somewhat mitigate, their inward grudge could not refrain but cry out in places public, and also private, furiously saying, what creature of all creatures is so malicious and so obstinate an enemy either to God, or to Christian religion, or to humane nature, which would not have abhorred, or at the lest abstained from so miserable a murder of so execrable a tyranny. To murder a man is much odious, to kill a woman is in manner unnatural, but to slay and destroy innocent babes, and young infants, the whole world abhorreth, and the blood from the earth crieth, for vengeance to almighty God. If the common people cried out, I assure you the friends of the Queen, and her children made no less exclamation and complaint with loud voice, lamentably crying and saying, alas what will he do to other, that thus shamefully murdereth his own blood without cause or desert? whom will he save when he slayeth the poor Lambs committed to him in trust? now we see and behold that the most cruel tyranny hath invaded the common wealth, now we see that in him is neither hope of justice nor trust of mercy, but abundance of cruelty and thirst of innocent blood. But when these news were first brought to the infortunate mother of the dead children yet being in Sanctuary, no doubt but it struck to her heart, like the sharp dart of death: for when she was first informed of the murder of her two sons, she was so suddenly amazed with the greatness of the cruelty, that for fear she sounded and fell down to the ground, and there lay in a great agony like to a dead corpse. And after that she came to her memory, and was revived again, she calling by name divers times her sweet babes, accounted herself more then mad that she delivered her younger son out of the Sanctuary to his enemy to be put to death, thinking that next the oath made to God broken, and the duty of allegiance toward her children violated, she of all creatures in that point was most seduced and deceived. After long lamentation, when she saw no hope of revenging otherwise, she kneeled down and cried on God to take vengeance for the deceitful perjury, as who said that she nothing mistrusted but once he would remember it. What is he living that if he remember and behold these two noble infants without deserving, so shamefully murdered, that will not abhor the fact, yea and be moved and tormented with pity and mercy. And yet the world is so frail, and our nature so blind that few be stirred with such examples, forgetting and little considering, that oftentimes for the offences by the parents perpetrate and committed, that sin is punished in their line and posterity. This chance might so happen to this innocent children, because king Edward their father and parent offended in staining his conscience: he made his solemn oath before the gate of the City of York (as you have heard before) and promised and swore one thing by his word, thinking clean contrary in his heart, as after did appear. And afterward by the death of the Duke of Clarence his brother, he incurred (of likelihood) the great displeasure toward God. After this murder this perpetrated & that the had visited his town of Gloucester which he for his old dignity both loved and with ample liberties and privileges endued and garnished, he took his journey toward the County of York, where the people abusing his lawful favour, as he both favoured and trusted them in his heart, had of late presumed to attempt divers roots and riots contrary to his laws and enfringing of his peace, and upon hope of his maintenance, were so exalted, that no Lord, were he never of so great power could either pacify or rule them till the king himself came personally thither to set a concord and an unity in that Country, and so he by long journeying came to the City of York, where the Citizens received him with great pomp and triumph, and made divers days plays and Pagiaunts in token of joy and solace. Wherefore King Richard magnified and much commended them and also did show himself apparently before them in habit royal with Sceptre in hand and Diadem on his head, and made proclamation that all persons should resort to York on the day of the Ascension of our Lord, where all men should both behold him and his Queen and Prince in their high estates and degrees, and also for their good wills should receive many thanks. A proud and foolish procession. At the day appointed the whole Clergy assembled in Copes richly revested and so with a reverent ceremony went about the City in Procession, after whom followed the king with his Crown and Sceptre apparelled in his circote rob royal accompanied with no small number of the Nobility of his Realm: after whom marched in order Queen Anne his wife likewise crowned, leading on her left hand Prince Edward her son, having on his head a Demy Crown appointed for the degree of a Prince. The king was had in that triumph in such honour, and the common people of the North so rejoiced that they extolled and praised him far above the stars. After this solemn feast and glorious pomp he kept great counsels there, as well for the ordering of the Country in time to come, as for the brydeling and punishing of such as there had misgoverned themselves: and farther of the gentlemen of that Country, he augmented the number of his household, ministers and servants, in the which persons he put his whole trust and affiance. When all things were thus discreetly ordered, he returned by Notyngham, and after came to London: whom more for dread then for love, the Citizens received in great companies. Thus king Richard by a new invented cruelty and late practised tyranny obtained and grew to high praise and honour, and then by the admiration and judgement of the common multitude, he was most esteemed to be exalted into heaven, when he covertly had intelligence that he was like to loose his estate, and could by no means have long continuance in his usurped power: For assuredly after the death of king Edward's children, when any blustering wind, perilous thunder, or terrible tempest chanced or were apparently like to happen: Suddenly the people having in there fresh memory the mischievous act of their king and Prince, would openly speak and cry that God did take vengeance, and punish the poor English men for the crime and offence of their ungracious king, whom they blamed, accursed, and wished to have extreme tortures. Although king Richard hard often of these slanderous words and malicious sayings and knew well by what persons they were spoken, yet he durst not with strong hand be on the first inventors revenged, knowing that some time it is no wisdom to refuse or disdain them that tell a ruler his duty, or declare to him his misbehaviour toward the common wealth or counsel him to amend and change his ill life. After this great felicity, he fell again into a great fear and pensiveness of mind, & because he could by no means either correct or amend things that were passed, he determined by doing his duty in all things to his commons, to blot and put out of memory that note of infamy, with the which his fame was justly spotted & stained, and to 'cause the people to conceive so good an opinion in him, that from thence forth no calamity or trouble should be adjudged to happen to the common wealth, either by his negligence or by his misgovernance (although it is hard and strange shortly to turn and pluck out such qualities and usages as have of long time been engraven in a man's mind and rooted in his manners and conditions.) Therefore whether it was for the performance of his former intent of amendment, or (as the common fame slew abroad) that he took great repentance of his mischievous acts, and devilish doings, and pretended to have the name of a good and virtuous man, by reason that he showed himself more just, more meeker, and more liberal (especially amongst the poor people) then before he had accustomed to do, and so by this means he surely trusted first to obtain of God forgiveness, and after to remove by little and little the enmity and inward grudge that the common people bore in their minds toward him, and in conclusion, to obtain their friendly love and assured favour. He furthermore began and enterprised divers things as well public as private, the which he being prevented by sudden death did neither accomplish nor bring to conclusion, for he begun to found a College of a hundred priests, which foundation with the founder shortly took an end. To please the common people also, he in his high Court of Parliament enacted divers and sundry good laws and profitable statutes and in especial one against strangers and foreign wrought wares, not to be transported into this realm, which commodious act for the common wealth if he had lived he fully purposed to have advanced and set forward and put in execution. But afterward evidently to all persons it appeared, that only fear (which is not a master long in office and in continual authority) and not justice, caused king Richard at that very time to wax better and amend his sinful life, for shortly the goodness of the man which was but painted and deceivable, suddenly waxed cold and vanished away. And from thenceforth not only all his counsels, doings and proceed, suddenly decayed and sorted to none effect: But also fortune began to frown and turn her wheel downward from him, The death of Edward the son of king Richard. in so much that he lost his only begotten son called Edward in the third month, after he had created him Prince of Wales. And shortly after he was unquieted by a conspiracy, or rather a confederacy between the Duke of Buckingham and many other gentlemen against him as ye shall here: Grudge between the Duke of Buckingham and King Richard. But the occasion why the Duke and the king fell out, is of divers folk diversly pretended. This Duke as you have heard before assoon as the Duke of Gloucester after the death of King Edward was come to York, and there had solemn funeral service done for king Edward, sent to him a secret servant of his called Persall, with such messages as you have heard before. And after the Duke of Buckyngham came with three hundred horse to Northampton and still continued with him, as partner and chief organ of his devices till after his coronation, they departed to all seeming very friends at Gloucester. From whence assoon as the Duke came home, he so highly turned from him and so vehemently conspired against him, that a man would marvel whereof the change grew in so short space. Some say this occasion was that a little before the coronation, the Duke required the King amongst other things to be restored to the Earl of Herfordes' lands: And for as much as the title which he claimed by inheritance, was somewhat interlaced with the title of Lancaster, which house made a title to the crown, and enjoyed the same three discentes, as all men knew, till the house of York deprived the third king, which was Henry the sixth, king Richard somewhat mistrusted and conceived such an indignation, that he rejected the Duke's request with many spiteful and knappish words, which so wounded the Duke's heart with hatred and mistrust, that he could never after endure to look right on king Richard, but ever feared his own life, so far forth, that when the Protector should ride to his coronation, he feigned himself sick, because he would do him no honour. And the other taking it in evil part, sent him word to rise and ride, or he would make him to be carried. Whereupon gorgeously appareled and sumptuously trapped with burning cart naves of Gold embroidered, he road before the King through London with an evil will and worse heart. And that notwithstanding he rose the day of the coronation from the feast, feigning himself sick, which King Richard said was done in hate and spite of him. And therefore men said that each of them ever after lived continually in such hatred and distrust of other, that the Duke looked verily to have been murdered at Gloucester, from which he in fair manner departed: but surely such as were right secret with both, affirm all this to be untrue, and otherwise men think it unlikely, the deep dissimuling nature of both these men well considered. And what need in that green world the Protector had of the Duke, and in what peril the Duke stood if he fell once in suspicion of that tyrant, that either the Protector would give the Duke occasion of displeasure, or the Duke the Protector occasion of mistrust: And surely men think that if king Richard had any such opinion conceived in him, he would never have suffered him to avoid his hands or escape his power: but very true it is that the Duke of Buckyngham was an high minded man, and evil could bear the glory of another, so that I have heard of some that saw it, that he at such time as the crown was set upon the Protectors head, his eye could never abide the sight thereof, but wried his head another way: but men said he was not well at ease, and that was both to king Rycharde well known and well taken, nor any demand of the Duke's request uncourteously rejected, but gently deferred, but both he with great gifts and high behests in most loving & trusty manner departed from the King to Gloucester. This every man judged as he thought, but soon after his coming home to Brecknock, having there by king Richard's commandment Doctor Morton Bishop of Ely, who before as you have hard was taken at the counsel at the tower, Doctor Morton Bishop of Ely, which afterward was Cardinal Morton. waxed with him very familiar, whose only wisdom abused his pride, to his own deliverance, and the Duke's destruction. The bishop was a man of great natural wit, very well learned, and of honourable behaviour, lacking no wise ways to win favour. He was first upon the part of King Henry, while that part was in wealth, and neither le●t it nor forsook it in no woe, but fled the realm with the Queen and the Prince. And while King Edward had king henry in prison, he never returned but to the field at Barnet: after which field lost and utterly subdued and all part takings extynguished, king Edward for his fast faith & wisdom, was not only content to receive him, but also wo●ed him to come, & had him from thenceforth both in secret trust, and special favour whom he nothing deceived. For he being after king Edward's death first taken by the tyrant king Richard, for his truth to king Edward found the mean to set the Duke of Buckingham in his top, & joined Gentlemen together in aid of the Earl of Richmonde, which after was named king Henry the seventh: First devising the marriage between the Lady Elizabeth, daughter to king Edward the fourth, by the which his faithful & true service declared to both his masters at once, was an infinite benefit to the realm, by the conjunction of the bloods of Lancaster, and York, whose several titles had long iniquieted the realm. This man afterward escaped from the Duke of Buckingham, and fled the realm, and went to Rome, never minding to meddle with the world, till king Henry the seventh sent for him, and after made him archbishop of Caunterburye, and chancellor of England, and after was made Cardinal, & lived well to all men's judgements, and died well. But to return to the former purpose he by the long, and often changes, as well of prosperity, as adverse fortune, had gotten by great experience the very mother and mistress of wisdom, and deep insight in politic and worldly drifts, whereby perceiving now the Duke to common with him, fed him with fair words, and many pleasant praises, and perceiving by the grief of their communications, the Duke's pride now and then to baulk out a little, braid of envy toward the glory of the king, and thereby feeling him easy to fall out, if the matter were well handled, he craftily sought the ways to prick him forward taking always the occasion of his coming, & also keeping himself close within his bands that he rather seemed to follow him then to lead him. For when the Duke began first to praise, and boast the king, & show how much profit the realm should take by his reign. Bishop Morton answered, surely my Lord, folly it were for me to lie, for I am sure if I would swear the contrary, ye would not once believe me, but if the world would have gone as I would have wished, that king Henry's son had had the crown & not king Edward, then would I have been his true & faithful subject, but after that God had ordained him to loose it, and king Edward to reign, I was never so mad with a dead man: to strive against the quick, so was I ever to king Edward a faithful and true chaplain, & glad would have been that his children should have succeeded him, howbeit if the secret judgement of God, have otherwise provided, I purpose not to spurn against the prick, nor labour to set up, that God pulleth down. And as for the late protector, & now king: and with that word he left, saving that he said, that he had already meddled to much with the world, and would from that day meddle with his book and beads, and no further. Then longed the Duke sore to hear, what he would have said, because he ended with the king, and there so suddenly stopped, and exhorted him familiarly, between them both to be bold and to say whatsoever he thought, whereof he faithfully promised there should never come hurt, and peradventure more good than he would ween. And that he himself intended to use his faithful secret advice, & counsel, which he said was the only cause for the which he procured of the king to have him in his custody, where he might reckon himself at home, or else he had been put in the hands of them with whom he should not have found like favour. The Bishop right humbly thanked him, and said, in good faith my Lord, I love not much to talk of Princes, as of a thing not all out of peril, although the word be without fault, forasmuch as it shall not be taken as the party meant it, but as it pleaseth the Prince to construe it. And ever I think on Aesop's tale, that when the Lion had proclaimed that on pain of death there should no horned beasts come into the wood, one beast that had a bonche of flesh growing out of his head, fled a great pace: the Fox that saw him fly with all the haste, asked him whether he fled? In faith quoth he, I neither wot, ne reck, so I were once hence, because of the proclamation made against horned beasts. What fool quoth the Fox, the Lion never meant it by thee, for that which thou hast is no horn in thy head. Not marry quoth he, I wots that well enough, but if he say it is a horn where am I then? The Duke laughed merely at the tale, and said, my Lord I warrant you, neither the Lion, nor the Boar shall pick any matter at any thing here spoken, for it shall never come near their ears. In good faith, sir said the bishop, if it did, the thing that I was about to say taken aswell as before God I meant, it could deserve but thank, and yet taken as I ween it would, might happen to turn me to little good, and you to less. Then longed the Duke much more to weet what it was, whereupon the bishop said. In good faith my Lord, as for the late Protector, sith he is now king in possession, I purpose not to dispute his title, but for the wealth of this realm, whereof his grace hath now the governance, and whereof I myself am a poor member, I was about to wish that to those good abilities whereof he hath already right many, little needing my praise, yet might it have pleased God for the better store to have given him some of such other excellent virtues meet for the rule of the Realm, as our Lord hath planted in the person of your grace, and there left of again. Hitherto is written by sir Thomas Moor, that is to say, from the beginning of the history of king Edward the fift until this mark * saving one place which is noted in the first year of this king. The Duke somewhat marvelling at his sudden pauses, as though they were but Parentheses, with a high countenance said: my Lord I evidently perceive and no less note your often breathing, and sudden stopping in your communication, so that to my understanding your words neither come to any direct or perfect sentence in conclusion, whereby either I might perceive & have knowledge what your inward intent is now toward the king, or what affection you bear toward me. For the comparison of good qualities ascribed to us both, (for the which I myself knowledge and recognize to have none, nor look for no praise of any Creature for the same) maketh me not a little to muse, thinking that you have some other privy imagination, by love or by grudge engraved and imprinted in your heart, which for fear you dare not, or for childish shamefastness you be abashed to disclose and reveal, and especially to me being your friend, which on my honour do assure you to be as secret in this case as the deaf and dumb person is to the singer, or the tree to the hunter. The Bishop being somewhat bolder, considering the Duke's promise, but most of all animated and encouraged because he knew the Duke desirous to be exalted and magnified, & also he perceived the inward hatred and privy rancour which he bore toward king Richard, was now boldened to open his stomach even to the very bottom, intending thereby to compass how to destroy and utterly confounded king Richard & to deprive him of his dignity royal, or else to set the Duke so a fire with the desire of ambition, that he himself might be safe & escape out of all danger & peril, which thing he brought shortly to conclusion, both to the king's destruction, and the Duke's confusion, & to his own safeguard, & finally to his high promotion. And so (as I said before) upon trust & confidence of the Duke's promise, the Bishop said: my singular good Lord, sith the time of my captivity, which being in your grace's custody, I may rather call it a liberal liberty more than a strait imprisonment, in avoiding idleness mother and nourisher of all vices, in reading books and ancient pamphlets, I have found this sentence written, that no man is borne free and in liberty of himself only, for one part of duty he oweth or should own to his parents for his procreation due by nature: another part, to his friends and kinsfolk for nearness of blood: But the native Country in the which he tasted first the sweet airs of this pleasant and flattering world after his nativity, demandeth as a debt by a natural bond not to be forgotten, which saying causeth me to consider in what case this realm my native Country now standeth, and in what estate and assurance before this time it hath continued: what governor we now have, and what ruler we now have, and what ruler we might have, for I plainly perceive the realm being in this case must needs decay and be brought to utter confusion. But one hope I have incorporate in my breast, that is, when I consider and in my mind do diligently remember, and daily behold your noble parsonage, your justice and indifferency, your fervent zeal and ardent love totoward you, the great learning, pregnant wit, and goodly eloquence, which so much doth abound in the person of your grace, I must needs think this Realm fortunate, yea twice more than fortunate, which hath such a prince in store, meet and apt to be a governor, in whose person being endued with so many Princely qualities, consisteth and resteth the very undoubted similitude and image of true honour. But on the other side, when I call to memory the good qualities of the late Protector, and now called king, so violated and subverted by tyranny, so changed and altered by usurped authority, so clouded and shadowed by blind and insa●iable ambition, yea and so suddenly (in a manner by a metamorphosis) transformed from politic civility, to detestable tyranny: I must needs say and justly affirm, that he is neither meet to be a king of so noble a realm, nor so famous a realm meet to be governed by such a tyrant: Was not his first enterprise to obtain the Crown begun by the murder of divers noble, valiant, true, and virtuous personages? O a holy beginning to come to a mischievous ending, did he not secondarily proceed contrary to all laws of honesty, shamefully against his natural mother, being a woman of much honour, and more virtue, declaring her openly to be a woman given to carnal affection, and dissolute living, which thing if it had been true (as it was not in deed) every good and natural child would have rather mumned at, then to have blasted abroad and especially she being alive. Declaring furthermore his two brethren, and his two nephews to be Bastards, and to be borne in adultery, yet not therewithal this content: After that he had obtained the garland for the which he so long thirsted, he caused the two poor innocentes his Nephews committed to him (for especial trust) to be murdered and shamefully to be killed. The blood of which seely and little babes daily cry to God, from the earth for vengeance. Alas my heart sobbeth, to remember this bloody and cruel monster, what surety shall be in this realm to any person either for life or goods under such a cruel Prince, which regardeth not the destruction of his own blood, and then less the loss of other. And most especially as oftentimes it chanceth, where a covetous or a cruel Prince taketh suspicion, the smallest swerving that is possible (if the thing be misconstrued) may be the cause of the destruction of many guiltless persons: and in especial of noble and wealthy personages, having great possessions and richesses: Such a Lord is Lucifer when he is entered into the heart of a proud Prince, given to covetousness and cruelty. But now my Lord to conclude what I mean toward your noble person, I say and affirm, if you love God, your lineage, or your native Country, you must yourself take upon you the Crown and Diadem of this noble Empire, both for the maintenance of the honour of the same (which so long hath flourished in fame and renown) as also for the deliverance of your natural Country men, from the bondage and thraldom (worse than the captivity of Egypt) of so cruel a tyrant and arrogant oppressor. For thus I dare say, if any foreign Prince or Potentate, ye the Turk himself would take upon him the regiment here and the crown, the Commons would rather admit and obey him, then to live under such a blood supper and child killer: but how much more joyful and glad would they be to live under your grace, whom they all know to be a ruler meet and convenient for them, and they to be loving and obedient subjects meet to live under such a governor: despise not, nor forsake not so manifest an occasion so lovingly offered. And if you yourself knowing the pain and travail that appertaineth to the office of a king, or for any other consideration, will refuse to take upon you the Crown and Sceptre of this realm: Then I adjure you by the faith that you own to God, by your honour, and by your oath made to Saint George, patron of the noble order of the gartier (whereof you be a Companion) and by the love and affection that you bear to your native Country and the people of the same, to devise some way how this realm now being in misery may by your high discretion and Princely policy, be brought and reduced to some surety and convenient regiment under some good governor by you to be named or picked out. For if you could either devise to set up again the lineage of Lancaster, or advance the eldest daughter of king Edward to some high and puissant Prince, not only the new crowned king shall small time enjoy the glory of his dignity, but also all civil war should cease, and peace, profit and quietness should be set forth and embraced. When the Bishop had thus ended his saying, the Duke sighed and spoke not of a great while, which sore abashed the Bishop and made him change colour: which thing when the Duke apperceived, he said, be not afraid my Lord, all promises shall be kept, to morrow we will common more: The wisdom of a Prince. let us go to supper, so that night they commoned no more, not a little to the unquieting of the Bishop, which now was even as desirous to know the Duke's mind and intent, as the Duke longed the day before to know his opinion and meaning. So the next day, the Duke sent for the Bishop, and rehearsed to him in manner (for he was both witty and eloquent) all the communication had between them before, and so paused a while, and after a little season putting of his bonnet he said: O Lord God creator of all things how much is this realm of England and the people of the same bounden to thy goodness, for where we now be in vexation and trouble, and with great storms oppressed, sailing and tossing in a desperate ship without good master or governor: but by thy help good Lord I trust or long time pass that we shall provide for such a ruler, as shall be both to thy pleasure, and also to the maintenance and defence of this noble Realm. And then he put on his Bonnet, saying to the Bishop, my Lord of Ely whose true heart and sincere affection toward me at all times, I have evidently perceived and known, and now most of all in our last prime communication, and secret devising, I must needs in heart think and with mouth confess and say, that you be a sure friend, a trusty Counsellor, a vigilant foreseer, a very lover of your Country, & a natural Countryman: for which kindness for my part, I most lovingly tender to you my hearty thanks now with words: hereafter trusting to recompense and reward you with deeds, if life and power shall serve. And sith at our last communication, you have disclosed, and opened, the very secrets and privities of your stomach, touching the Duke of Gloucester now usurper of the Crown, and also have a little touched the advancement of the two noble families of York and Lancaster: I shall likewise not only declare and manifest unto you, all my open acts, attempts, and doings, but also my privy intents, and secret thoughts. To the intent that as you have unbuckled your Bonget of your privy meanings, and secret purposes to me: so shall all my cloudy working, close devices, and secret imaginations, be (as clear as the Sun) revealed, opened, and made lightsome to you. And to begin, I declare: that when king Edward was deceased, to whom I thought myself little or nothing beholding, (although we two had married two sisters) because, he neither promoted nor preferred me (as I thought I was worthy and had deserved) neither favoured nor regarded me, according to my degree and birth: For surely I had by him little authority, and less rule, and in effect nothing at all: which caused me less to favour his children, because I found small humanity, or none in their parent. I than began to study, and with good deliberation, to ponder and consider, how and in what manner this realm should be ruled and governed. And first I remembered an old proverb worthy of memory, that often ruth the realm, where children rule, and woman govern. This old adage so sank, and settled in my head, that I thought it a great error and extreme mischief to the whole realm, either to suffer the young king to rule, or the Queen his mother to be a goughnour over him, considering that her brethren, and her first children (although they were not extract of high and noble lineage) took more upon them, and more exalted themselves by reason of the Queen, than did the kings brethren, or any Duke in his Realm: Which in conclusion turned to their confusion. Then I being persuaded with myself in this point, thought it necessary both for the public and profitable wealth of this Realm, and also for mine own commodity and better stay, to take part with the Duke of Gloucester: Whom I assure you I thought to be as clean without dissimulation, as tractable without injury, as merciful without cruelty, as now I know him perfectly to be a Dissimuler, without verity, a Tyrant without pity, yea and worse than the Tyrant Phaleres', destitute of all truth and clemency: And so by my means, at the first counsel holden at London, when he was most suspected of that thing that after happened, (as you my Lord know well enough) he was made Protector and defender, both of the King and of the realm, which authority once gotten, and the two children partly by my policy brought under his governance, he being moved with that gnawing and covetous Serpent, desired to reign & never ceased privily to exhort and require (yea and some times with threatening terms) to persuade me and other Lords as well spiritual as temporal, that he might take upon him the crown, till the Prince came to the age of four and twenty years, and were able to govern the realm, as an able and sufficient king: Which thing when he saw me somewhat stick at, both for the strangeness of the example (because no such precedent had been seen) and also because we remembered that men once ascended to the highest type of honour and authority will not gladly descend again, he then brought in instruments, authentic Doctors, Proctors, and notaries of the law, with depositions of divers witnesses testifying king Edward's children to be Bastards, which depositions then I thought to be as true, as now I know them to be feigned, and testified by persons with rewards untruly subornate. When the said depositions were before us read and diligently heard, he stood up bore headed saying: Well my Lords, even as I and you sage and descreete counsellors would that my Nephew should have no wrong: So I pray you do me nothing but right. For these witnesses and sayings of famous Doctors being true. I am only the undoubted heir to the Lord Richard Plantagenet Duke of York, adjudged to be the very heir to the crown of this realm by authority of parliament, which things so by learned men to us for a verity declared, caused me and other to take him for our lawful and undoubted prince and sovereign Lord. For well we knew that the Duke of Clarence son, by reason of the attainder of his father was disabled to inherit, and also the Duke himself was named to be a bastard, as I myself have heard spoken, and that upon great presumptions more tunes than one: so again by my aid and favour, he of a Protector was made a King, and of a subject made a governor, at which time he promised me on his fidelity, laying his hand in mine at Baynard Castle, that the two young Princes should live, and that he would so provide for them, and so maintain them in honourable estate, that I and all the realm aught and should be content. But when he was once crowned king, and in full possession of the whole realm, he cast away his old conditions as the Adder doth her skin, veryfiing the old proverb, honours change manners, as the parish priest remembreth not that ever he was parish Clarke. For when I myself sued to him for my part of the Earl of Harfordes' lands, which his brother king Edward wrongfully detained and withheld from me, and also required to have the office of the high Constableship of England, as divers of my noble ancestors before this time have had, and in long descent continued. In this my first suit showing his good mind toward me, he did not only first delay me, and afterward denay me, but gave me such unkind words, with such taunts and retaunts, ye in manner, check and check mate to the uttermost proof of my patience. As though I had put him down and not set him up: yet all these ungratitudes and undeserved unkindness, I bore closlye and suffered patiently and covertly remembered, outwardly dissimuling that I inwardly thought, and so with a painted countenance I passed the last summer in his last company, not without many fair promises, but without any good deeds. But when I was credibly informed of the death of the two young innocents, his own natural Nephews contrary to his faith and promise, to the which God be my judge I never agreed nor condescended. O Lord how my veins panted, how my body trembled and how my heart inwardly grudged, in so much that I so abhorred the sight and much more the company of him, that I could no longer abide in his Court, except I should be openly revenged. The end whereof was doubtful, and so I feigned a cause to depart, and with a merry countenance and a despiteful heart I took my leave humbly of him (he thinking nothing less than that I was displeased) and so returned to Brecknock to you. But in the journey as I returned, whether it were by the inspiration of the holy ghost, or by Melencolous disposition, I had divers and sundry imaginations how to deprive this unnatural Uncle, and bloody Butcher, from his royal seat and princely dignity. First I phantasied that if I list to take upon me the crown and imperial Sceptre of the realm, now was the time propice and convenient. For now was the way made plain, and the gate opened, and occasion given, which now neglected, should peradventure never take such effect and conclusion. For I saw he was disdained of the Lords temporal, abhorred and accursed of the Lords spiritual, detested of all Gentlemen, and despised of all the commonalty: so that I saw my chance as perfitly as I saw my own Image in a glass, that there was no person (if I had been greedy to attempt the enterprise) could nor should have won the ring or got the goal before me. And on this point I rested in imagination secretly with myself two days at Tewkesburie. And from thence so journeying I mused and thought that it was not best nor convenient to take upon me as a conqueror, for than I knew that all men and especially the nobility, would with all their power withstand me, both for rescuing of possessions and tenors, as also for subverting of the whole estate, laws, and customs of the realm: Such a power hath a Conqueror as you know well enough my Lord. But at the last, in all this doubtful case there sprang a new branch out of my head, which surely I thought should have brought forth fair flowers, but the son was so hot that they turned to dry weeds, for I suddenly remembered that Lord Edmond Duke of Somerset my Grandfather was with king Henry the sixth in the second and third degrees from john Duke of Lancaster lawfully begotten: So that I thought sure my mother being eldest daughter to Duke Edmonde, that I was next heir to king Henry the sixth of the house of Lancaster. This title pleased well such as I made privy of my counsel, but much more it encouraged my foolish desire, and intent, in so much that clearly I judged, and in mine own mind was determinatlye resolved, that I was the undoubted heir, of the house of Lancaster, and thereupon concluded, to make my first foundation, and erect my new building. But whether God so ordained, or by fortune it so chanced while I was in a maze, either to conclude suddenly on this title, and to set it open amongst the common people, or to keep it secret for a while, see the chance: as I road between worcester and Bridgenorth, I encountered with the Lady Margaret, Countess of Richmonde, now wife to the Lord Stanley, which is the very daughter and sole heir, to Lord john Duke of Somerset my grandfathers eldest brother. Which was as clean out of my mind as though I had never seen her, so that she and her son the Earl of Richmonde be both bulwark and portcolice between me, and the gate, to enter into the majesty royal and getting of the Crown. And when we had commoned a little concerning her son, as I shall show you after, and were departed, she to our Lady of worceter, and I toward Shrewesberie: I then new changed and in manner amazed, began to dispute with myself, little considering that thus my earnest title was turned even to a Tittill not so good as est amen. eftsoons I imagined whether I were best to take upon me, by the election of the nobility, and commonalty, which me thought easy to be done, the usurp or king thus being in hatred, & abhorred of this whole realm or to take it by power, which standeth in fortune's chance, and hard to be achieved and brought to pass. Thus rumbling and tossing, in the waves of ambiguity, between the stone, and sacrifice, I considered first the office, duty, and pain of a king, which surely I think that no mortal man can justly, and truly observe, except he be called, elected, and specially appointed by God, as king David, and divers other have been. But farther I remembered that if I once took on me the sceptre, and the governance of the realm: That of two extreme enemies I was daily sure but of one trusty friend (which now a days begun a pilgrimage) I was neither assured, nor credibly ascertained (such is the world's mutation) for I manifestly perceived that the daughters of king Edward and their allies, and friends, which be no small number, being both, for his sake much beloved, and also for the great injury, and manifest tyranny done to them, by the new usurper, much lamented, and pitied, would never cease to bark if they cannot bite at the one side of me. Semblable my Cousin the Earl of Richmonde, his aids and kinsfolk, which be not of little power, will surely attempt like a fierce greyhound, either to bite or to pierce me on the other side. So that my life and rule should ever hung by a hear, never in quiet, but ever in doubt of death or deposition. And if the said two lineages of York and Lancaster, which so long have strived for the imperial Diadem should join in one against me, than were I surely mated and the game gotten. Wherefore I have clearly determined, and with myself concluded, utterly to relinquish all such fantastical imaginations concerning the obtaining of the crown. But all such plagues, calamities and troubles (which I feared and suspected) might have chanced on me if I had taken the rule and regiment of this realm, I shall with a reredemayne so make them rebound to our common enemy that calleth himself King, that the best stopper that he hath at tennyce shall not well stop without a fault: for as I told you before, the Countess of Richemonde in my return from the new named King, meeting me in the high way, prayed me first for kindred sake, secondarily for the love that I bore to my Grandfather Duke Humphrey, which was sworn brother to her father, to move the King to be good to her son Henry earl of Richemond, and to licence him with his favour to return again into England: and if it were his pleasure so to do, she promised that the Earl her son should marry one of king Edward's daughters at the appointment of the king, without any thing to be taken or demanded for the said espousals, but only the kings favour, which request I soon over passed and gave her fair words and so departed. But after in my lodging when I called to memory with a deliberate study, and did circumspectly ponder them, I fully adjudged that the holy ghost caused her to move a thing (the end whereof she could not consider) both for the security of the realm, as also for the preferment of her child, and the destruction and final confusion of the common enemy king Richard. Which thing, she neither than thought I am sure, as I by her words could make conjecture, nor I myself cast not her desire to be so profitable to the realm as I now do perceive, but such a Lord is God, that with a little sparkle he kindled a great fire, and so finally to declare to you the very conclusion to the which I am both bend and set, my mind is, and my power and purse shall help, that the Earl of Richmond very heir to the house of Lancaster (in the quarrel of the which lineage, both my father and Grandfather lost their lives in battle) shall take to wife Lady Elizabeth eldest daughter to king Edward, by the which marriage both the houses of York and Lancaster may be obtained and unite in one, to the clear establishment of the title to the crown of this noble realm. To which conclusion, if the mothers of both parties and especially the Earl himself, and the Lady will agreed, I doubt not but the bragging Boar, which with his tusks raseth every man's skin, shall not only be brought to confusion as he hath deserved but that this Empire shall ever be certain of an undoubted heir, and then shall all civil and intestine war cease, which so long hath continued to the paring of many men's crowns, & this realm shall be reduced again to quietness, renown, and glory. When the Duke had said, the Bishop, which favoured ever the house of Lancaster, was wondrous joyful, and much rejoiced to here this device, for now came the wind about even as he would have it, for all his imagination tended to this effect to have king Richard subdued, and to have the lives of king Edward, & king Henry the sixth again raised & advanced. But Lord how he rejoiced to think how that by this marriage the lineages of York and Lancaster should be conjoined in one, to the very steadfastness of the public wealth of this realm. And lest the Duke's courage should suage, or his mind should again altar, as it did often before, as you may easily perceive by his own tale. He thought to set up all the sails that he had, to the intent that the ship of his pretenced purpose might come shortly to some sure port: And said to the Duke, my Lord, sith by God's high provision and your incomparable wisdom and policy, this noble conjunction is first moved, now is it convenient, yea and necessary to consider, what personages and what friends we shall first make privy of this high device, and politic conclusion. By my truth, quoth the Duke, we will begin with my Lady of Richmond the Earls mother which knoweth where he is, either in captivity or at large in Britain. For I heard say that the Duke of Briteyne restored him to liberty immediately after the death of king Edward, by whose means he was restrained. Scythe you will begin that way (said the Bishop) I have an old friend with the Countess, a man sober, secret, and well witted, called Reignold Brey whose prudent policy I have known to have compassed things of great importance, for whom I shall secretly send, if it be your pleasure, and I doubt not he will gladly come, and that with a good william. So with a little diligence the bishop wrote a letter to Reignold Brey, requiring him to come to Brecknock with speed, for great and urgent causes touching his mistress: and no other thing was declared in the letter. So the messenger road into Lancashire where Brey was with the Countess and Lord Thomas Stanley her husband, and delivered the letter, which when he had read, he took it as a sign or token of some good fortune to come, and so with the messenger he came to the Castle of Brecknock, where the Duke and the Bishop declared what thing was devised, both for to set the realm in a quiet steadfastness, as also for the high preferment of the Earl of Richemond son to his Lady and mistress: Willing her first to compass how to obtain the good will of Queen Elizabeth, & also of her eldest daughter bearing the same name: and after secretly to sand to her son into Briteyne to declare what high honour was prepared for him if he would swear to marry the Lady Elizabeth assoon as he was king, and in royal possession of the Realm. Reignold Brey with a glad heart forgetting nothing given to him in charge, in great haste and with good speed returned to the Countess his Lady and Mistress. When Brey was departed, and this great doubtful vessel once set abroach, the Bishop thirsting for nothing more than for liberty: When he saw the Duke pleasant and well minded toward him, he told the Duke that if he were in his Isle of Elye, he could make many friends to further that enterprise, and if he were there, and had but four days warning, he little regarded the malice of king Richard, his Country was so strong. The Duke knew well all this to be true, but yet loath he was that the Bishop should departed, for he knew well that as long as the Bishop was with him, he was sure of politic advise, sage counsel, and circumspect proceeding. And so he gave the Bishop fair words, saying that he should shortly departed, and that well accompanied for fear of his enemies. The Bishop being as witty as the Duke w●s wily, did not tarry till the Duke's company were assembled, but secretly disguised in a night departed (to the Duke's great displeasure) and came to the See of Ely, where he found money and friends, and so sailed into Flaunders, where he did the Earl of Richemond good service, and never returned again, till the Earl of Richemond after being king, sent for him, and shortly promoted him to the See of Cauntorburie. Thus the Bishop wound himself from the Duke when he had most need of his aid, for if he had tarried still, the Duke had not made so many blabs of his counsel, nor put so much confidence in the Welshemen, nor yet so rashly set forward without knowledge of his friends as he did, which things were his sudden overthrow, as they that knew it did report. When Reignold Brey had declared his message and privy instruction to the Countess of Richemond his Mistress, Reignold Brey. no marvel though she was joyous and glad both of the good news, and also for the obtaining of such a high friend in her sons cause as the duke was: wherefore she willing not to sleep this matter, but to further it to the uttermost of her power and ability, devised a means how to break this matter to Queen Elizabeth then being in Sanctuare at Westminster. And thereupon she having in her family at that time for the preservation of her health, a certain Welshman called Lewis learned in physic, which for his gravity and experience, was well known & much esteemed amongst great estates of the rea me: with whom she used sometime liberally & familiarly to talk, now having opportunity and occasion to break her mind unto him of this weighty matter, declared that the time was come that her son should be joined in marriage with Lady Elizabeth daughter and heir to king Edward, and that king Richard being taken and reputed of all men for the common enemy of the realm, should out of all honour and estate be rejected, and of his rule and kingdom to be clearly spoiled and expulsed: and required him to go to Queen Elizabeth (with whom in his faculty he was of counsel) not as a messenger, but as one that came friendly to visit and consolate her, and as time and place should require to make her privy of this devise, not as a thing concluded, but as a purpose by him imagined. This physician did not long linger to accomplish her desire, but with good diligence repaired to the Queen being still in the sanctuary at Westminster. And when he saw time convenient for his purpose, he said unto her: Madam, although my imagination be very simple, and my devise more foolish, yet for the ent●er affection that I bear toward you and your children, I am so bold to utter unto you a secret and privy conceit, that I have cast and compassed in my fantastical brain. When I well remember, and no less consider the great loss and damage that you have sustained by the death of your noble and loving husband, and the great dolour, & sorrow that you have suffered, by the cruel murder of your innocent children: I can no less do of bounden duty, then daily to study, and hourly imagine, not only how to bring your heart to comfort and gladness, but also devise how to revenge the righteous quarrel of you, and your children on that bloody bloodsupper, and cruel tyrant king Richard. And first consider, what battle, what manslaughter, what mischief hath risen in this realm, by the dissension between the two noble houses of York and Lancaster, which two families (as I have contrived) if they may be joined in one, I think, ye and doubt not but your line shall be again restored to the pristinate estate and degree, to your great joy and comfort, and to the utter confusion of your mortal enemy the usurped king. You know very well Madam that of the house of Lancaster, the Earl of Richemond is next of blood, which is living and a lusty young Bachelor, and to the house of York your daughters now are heirs: if you could agreed and invent the mean how to couple your eldest daughter with the young Earl of Richemond in matrimony, no doubt but the usurper of the realm should be shortly deposed, and your heir again to her right restored. When the Queen had hard this friendly motion (which was as far from her thought as the man that the rude people say is in the Moon) Lord how her spirits revived, and how her heart leapt in her body for joy and gladness. And first giving laud to almighty God as the chief author of her comfort, secondarily to Master Lewis as the deviser of the good news and tidings, instantly besought him that as he had been the first inventor of so good an enterprise, that now he would not relinquish nor desist to follow the same: requiring him farther (because he was appertaining to the Countess of Richemond, mother to the Earl Henry) that he would with all diligent celerity resort to her, than lodging in her husband's place within the City of London, and to declare on the Queen's behalf to the Countess, that all the friends and fautors of King Edward her husband, should assist and take part with the Earl of Richemond her son, so that he would take a corporal oath after the kingdom obtained, to espouse and take to wife the Lady Elizabeth her daughter, or else Lady Cecile, if the eldest daughter were not then living. Master Lewis with all diligence so sped his business that he made and concluded a final end and determination of this enterprise between the two mothers, and because he was a Physician and out of all suspicion and misdeeming, he was the common currer and daily messenger between them aiding and setting forth the invented conspiracy against king Richard. So the Lady Margaret Countess of Richemoud brought into a good hope of the preferment of her son, made Reygnold Bray her most faithful servant chief solicitor and privy procurer of this conspiracy, giving him in charge secretly to inveigle and attract such persons of the nobility to join wish her and take her part as he knew to be ingenious, faithful, diligent and of activity. This Reygnolde Brey within a few days brought unto his lure (first of all taking of every person a solemn oath to be true and secret) sir Gyles Daubenei, sir john Cheiney knight, Richard Guylforde and Thomas Rain esquires and divers other. The Countess of Richemond was not so diligent for her part, but Queen Elizabeth was as vigilaunt on the other side and made friends and appointed Counsellors to set forward and advance her business. In the mean season the Countess of Richemond took into her service Christopher Vrswike an honest and a wise priest, and after an oath of him to be secret taken and sworn, she uttered to him all her mind and counsel, adhibiting to him the more confidence and truth for that he all his life had favoured and taken part with king Henry the s●xt, & as a special jewel put to her service by sir Lewis her Physician. So the mother studious for the prosperity of her son, appointed this Christopher Vrswike to sail into Britain to the Earl of Richemond and to declare and utter to him all pacts and agreements between her and the Queen agreed and concluded: But suddenly she remembering that the Duke of Buckyngham was one of the first inventors, and a secret founder of this enterprise, determined to send some parsonage of more estimation than her Chaplain, and so elected for a messenger Hugh Conwey Esquire and sent him into Britain with a great sum of money to her son, giving him in charge to declare to the Earl the great love and especial favour that the most part of the nobility of the realm bore toward him, the loving hearts and benevolent minds which the whole commonalty of their own free will frankly offered & liberally exhibited to him, willing & advising him not to neglect so good an occasion apparently offered, but with all speed and diligence to addict & set his mind and full intention how to return home again into England where he was both wished & looked for, giving him farther monition and counsel to take land and arrival in the principality of Wales, where he should not doubt to found both aid, comfort and friends. Richard Guylford, jest Hugh Conwey might fortune to be taken or stopped at Plymouth, where he intended to take shipping, sent out of Kent Thomas Ram with the same instructions: & both made such diligence, and had such wind and wether, the one by land from Caleys, & the other by water from Plymouth, that within less than an hour both arrived in the Duke of britains court, & spoke with the Earl of Richmond, which from the death of king Edward went at his pleasure and liberty, and to him counted and manifested the cause and effect of their message and ambassade. When the Earl had received this joyful message, which was the more pleasant because it was unlooked for, he rendered to God his most hearty thanks, hoping that such things as he with busy mind and careful intent had wished and desired should now come to pass, and now being put in comfort of his long longing, he broke to the Duke of Britain all his secrets and privy messages which were to him declared, advertising him that he was entered into a sure and steadfast hope to obtain and get the crown and kingdom of the realm of England desiring him both of his good will and friendly help toward the achieving of his offered enterprise, promising him when he came to his intended purpose to tender to him again equal kindness and condign recompense. Although the Duke of Britain before that day by Thomas Hutton Ambassador from king Richard had both by money & prayers been solicitted and moved to put again into safe custody the Earl of Richmonde, he nevertheless promised faithfully to aid him, and his promise he truly performed. Whereupon the Earl with all diligence sent into England again Hugh Conwey and Thomas Ram, which should declare his coming shortly into England, to the intent that all things which by council might be for his purpose provided, should be speedily and diligently done, and that all things doubtful should of his friends be prudently foreseen, in avoiding all engines and snares which King Richard had or might, set in disturbance of his purpose, and he in the mean season would make his abode still in Britain, till all things necessary for his journey were prepared and brought in a readiness. In the mean season the chieftains of the conjuration in England began together many enterprises: Some in convenient fortresses put strong garrisons: Some kept armed men privily, to the intent when they should have knowledge of the Earls landing, they would begin to stir up the war: Other did secretly move and solicit the people to rise and make an insurrection: Other (amongst whom john Morton Bishop of Elye then being in Flaunders was chief) by privy letters and cloaked messengers, did stir and move to this new conjuration, all such which they certainly knew to have a rooted hatred or to bear a cankered malice toward king Richard and his proceedings. Although this great enterprise were never so privily handled and so secretly amongst so circumspect persons treated, compassed and conveyed, yet knowledge thereof came to the ears of king Richard, which with the sudden chance was not a little moved and astonied. First because he had no host ready prepared: Secondarily, if he should raise an army so suddenly, he knew not where to meet his enemies, or whether to go, or where to tarry. Wherefore he determined to dissemble the matter as though he knew nothing till he had assembled his host, & in the mean season either by the rumour of the common people, or by the diligence of his espials to search out all the counsels, determinations, intents, and compasses of his close adversaries, or else by policy to intercept and take some person of the same conjuration, considering that there is no more secret nor hid espial then that which lurketh in dissimulation of knowledge and intelligence, or is hidden in name & shadow of sergeant humanity and feigned kindness. The Duke of Buckingham conspireth against King Richard. And because he knew the Duke of Buckingham to be the chief head and aid of the conjuration, he thought it most necessary to pluck him from that part, either by fair promises or open war. Whereupon he addressed his loving letters to the Duke, full of gentle words, and most friendly speech, giving farther in charge to the messenger that carried the letter, to promise' to the Duke on his behalf, golden hills, and silver rivers, and with all gentle and pleasant means to persuade, and exhort the Duke to come to the Court. But the Duke as wily as the king, mistrusting the fair flattering words, and the gay promises to him so suddenly, without any cause offered, knowing the crafty casts of king Richard's bow, which in divers affairs before time he had seen practised, required the king to pardon him, excusing himself that he was so diseased in his stomach that scant he could take either refection or rest. King Richard not being content with this excuse would in no wise admit the same, but incontinent directed to the Duke other letters, of a more rougher & haughtier sort, not without taunting and biting terms, & checking words, commanding him all excuses set apart, to repair without any delay to his royal presence. The Duke made to the messenger a determinate answer that he would not come to his mortal enemy, whom he neither loved, nor favoured: and immediately prepared open war against him, and persuaded all his complicies and partakers that every man should in his quarter with all diligence raise up the people and make a commotion. And by this means almost in one moment Thomas Marques Dorset came out of sanctuary where he sigh the beginning of king Richard's days had continued, whose life by the only help of sir Thomas Lovel Esquire, was preserved from all danger and peril in this troublous world, gathered together a great band of men in Yorkshire. Sir Edward Courtney and Peter his brother Bishop of Excester, raised another army in Devonshire, and Cornwall. In Kent, Richard Guylforde and other Gentlemen, collected a great company of Soldiers, and openly began war. But king Richard which in the mean time had gotten together a great strength and puissance, thinking it not most for his part beneficial to disparse and divide his great army into final branches, and particularly to persecute any one of the conjuration by himself, determined all other things being set aside, with his whole puissance to set on the chief head which was the Duke of Buckingham. And so removing from London, he took his journey toward Salisbury, to the intent that in his journey he might set on the Duke's army, if he might know him in any place encamped or in order of battle arrayed. The king was scarce two days journey from Salisbury when the Duke of Buckingham accompanied with a great power of wild Welshmen, whom he being a man of great courage and sharp speech in manner against their wills had rather thereto enforced and compelled by Lordly and straight commandment then by liberal wages and gentle retainer, which thing was the very occasion why they left him desolate, and cowardly forsook him. The Duke with all his power marched through the Forest of Deane intending to have passed the river of Severne at Gloucester, and there to have joined in army with the Courtneys, and other Western men of his confederacy and affinity, which if he had done, no doubt but king Richard had been in great jeopardy either of privation of his realm, or loss of his life or both. But see the chance, before he could attain to Severne side, by force of continual rain and moisture, the river rose so high that it overflowed all the Country adjoining, insomuch that men were drowned in their beds, and houses with the extreme violence were overturned, children were carried about the fields, swimming in Cradles', beasts were drowned on hills, which rage of water lasted continually ten days, in so much that in the Country adjoining, they call it to this day, the great water, or the Duke of Buckingham's great water. The great water. By this flood the passages were so closed that neither the Duke could come over Severne to his Complices, nor they to him, during the which time, the Welshemen lingering idly and without money, victual, or wages, suddenly scattered and departed: and for all the Duke's fair promises, threatenings, and enforcements, they would in no wise neither go farther nor abide. The Duke being thus left almost post alone was of necessity compelled to fly, and in his flight was with this sudden fortune marvelously dismayed: and being unpurveyed, what counsel he should take, and what way he should follow, like a man in despair not knowing what to do, of very trust and confidence conveyed himself into the house of Humphrey Banaster his servant beside Shrewesburie, whom he had tenderly brought up, and whom he above all men loved, favoured, and trusted, now not doubting but that in his extreme necessity he should find him faithful, secret, and trusty, intending there covertly to lurk till either he might raise again a new army, or else shortly to sail into Briteyne to the Earl of Richemond. But when it was known to his adherentes which were ready to give battle, that his host was scattered and had left him almost alone, and was fled and could not be found, they were suddenly amazed and stricken with a sudden fear, that every man like persons desperate shifted for himself and fled, some went to Sanctuary and to solitary places, some fled by Sea, whereof the most part within a few days after arrived safely in the Duchy of Briteyn. Among which number were these persons, Peter Courtney Bishop of Excester, and Sir Edmond Courtney his brother, by king Henry the seventh after created Earl of Devonshire, Thomas Marques Dorset, john Lord Welles, Sir john Burchier, Sir Edmond Wooduile, a valiant man in arms, brother to Queen Elizabeth, Sir Robert Willoughby, Sir Giles Daubeney, Sir Thomas Arundel, Sir john Cheyney and his two brethren, Sir William Barkeley, Sir William Brandon, and Thomas his brother, Sir Richard Edgecombe, all these for the most part being Knights, john Halwell, and Edward Poynynges a politic captain. At this very season john Morton Bishop of Ely, and Christopher Vrswike priest, & an other company of noble men sojourned in Flaunders, and by letters and Messengers procured many enemies against King Richard, which using a vigilant eye, and a quick remembrance, being newly come to Sa●isbury, having perfect notice and knowledge how the Duke was fled, and how his complices intended to pass out of the Realm. First he sent men of war to all the next ports and passages to keep straightly the sea coast, so that no person should pass outward, nor take land within the Realm without their assent and knowledge. Secondarily, he made proclamation, that what person could show and reveal where the Duke of Buckingham was, should be highly rewarded, if he were a bondman, he should be enfranchised and set at liberty, if he were of free blood, he should have a general pardon, and be rewarded with a thousand pounds. Furthermore, because he understood by Thomas Hutton, which as you have heard was newly returned out of Briteyn, that France's Duke of Briteyn not only refused to keep the Earl of Richmond as a prisoner at his contemplation, and for his sake, but also that he was ready to aid and succour the said Earl with men, money, and all things necessary for his transporting into England: Wherefore he rigged and sent out Ships of war well furnished and decked with men and artillery, to scour and keep that part of the Sea that lieth against Briteyn, to the intent that if the Earl of Richemond would adventure to sail toward England, either he should be taken captive, or be beaten & driven from the coast of England. And moreover, to the intent that every coast, way, passage, and corner, should be diligently watched and kept, he set at every doubtful and suspected place men of war, to seek, search, and inquire if any creature could tell tidings of the Duke of Buckingham, or of any of his confederation, adherents, fautors, or partakers. While this busy search was diligently applied and put in execution, Humphrey Banaster (were it more for fear of loss of life and goods, or attracted and provoked by the avaricious desire of the thousand pounds) he bewrayed his guest and Master to john Mitton then Sheriff of Shropshire, Humphrey Banaster servant unto the Duke of Buckingham betrayed his master. which suddenly with a strong power of men in harness apprehended the Duke in a little grove adjoining to the Mansion of Humphrey Banaster, and in great haste and evil speed conveyed him appareled in a peeled black Cloak to the City of Shrewesburie, where King Rycharde then kept his household. Whether this Banaster bewrayed the Duke more for fear then covetous, many men do doubt: but sure it is, that shortly after he had betrayed the Duke his master, his son and heir waxed mad and so died in a Boar's Sty, his eldest daughter of excellent beauty was suddenly stricken with a foul lepry, his second son very marvelously deformed of his limbs and made lame, his younger son in a small puddle was strangled and drowned, and he being of extreme age arraigned and found guilty of a murder, and by his clergy saved. And as for his thousand pound king Richard gave him not one farthing, saying that he which would be untrue to so good a master, would be false to all other, howbeit some say that he had a small office or a Farm to stop his mouth withal. The Duke being by certain of the kings Counsel diligently upon interrogatories examined what things he knew prejudicial to the king's person, opened and declared frankly and freely all the conjuration without dissimuling or glozing, trusting because he had truly and plainly revealed and confessed all things that were of him required, that he should have licence to speak to the king which (whether it were to sue for pardon and grace, or whether he being brought to his presence would have sticked him with a dagger as men then judged) he sore desired and required. But when he had confessed the whole fact and conspiracy upon Alsoulen day without arraignment or judgement, he was at Salisbury in the open market place on a new Scaffold beheaded and put to death. This death (as a reward) the Duke of Buckyngham received at the hands of King Richard, The Duke of Buckingham beheaded. whom he before in his affairs, purposes and enterprises had helped sustained and set forward above all Gods forbade. By this all men may easily perceive that he not only loseth both his labour, travail and industry, and farther staineth and spotteth his line with a perpetual ignomonie and reproach, which in evil and mischief assisteth and aideth an evil disposed person, considering for the most part that he for his friendly favour should receive some great displeasure or infortunate chance. Beside that God of his justice in conclusion appointeth to him a condign pain and affliction for his merits and deserts. While these things were thus handled and ordered in England, Henry earl of Richemond prepared an army of five thousand manly Britons, and forty well furnished ships. When all things were prepared in a readiness, and the day of departing and setting forward was appointed, which was the twelve day of the month of October, the whole army went on Shipboard and halsed up their sails, and with a prosperous wind took the Sea: But toward night, the wind changed and the weather turned, and so huge and terrible a tempest so suddenly rose, that with the very power and strength of the storm, the ships were disparcled, severed and separate a sunder: some by force were driven into Normandy, some were compelled to return again into Britain. The ship wherein the Earl of Richemond was, associate only with one other Bark was all night tossed and turmoiled. In the morning after when the rage of the furious tempest was assuaged, and the ire of the blustering wind was some deal appeased, about the hour of noon the same day, the Earl approached to the south part of the realm of England, even at the mouth of the haven of Pole, in the County of Dorcet, where he might plainly perceive all the sea banks and shores garnished and furnished with men of war and Soldiers, appointed and deputed there to defend his arrival and landing, as before is mentioned. Wherefore he gave strait charge and sore commandment, that no person should once presume to take land and go to the shore, until such time as the whole Navy were assembled and congregate. And while he tarried and lingered, he sent out a Shipbote toward the land side to know, whether they which stood there in such a number and so well furnished in apparel defensive were his foes and enemies, or else his friends and comforters. They that were sent to inquire, were instantly desired of the men of war keeping the coast (which thereof were before instructed and admonished) to dissende and take land, affirming that they were appointed by the Duke of Buckyngham there to await and tarry for the arrival and landing of the Earl of Richemond, and to conduct him safely to the Camp, where the Duke not far of say encamped with a mighty army and an host of great strength and power, to the intent that the Duke and the Earl joining in puissances and forces together, might prosecute and chase King Rycharde being destitute of men, and in manner desperate, and so by that means, and their own labours to obtain the end of their enterprise which they had before begun. The Earl of Richemond suspecting their flattering request to be but a fraud (as it was in deed) after that he perceived none of his ships to appear in sight, he weighed up his anchors and halsed up his sails, having a prosperous and strainable wind and a fresh gale sent even by God to deliver him from that peril and jeopardy, and arrived safe and in security in the Duchy of Normandy, where he to refresh and solace his soldiers and people, took his recreation by the space of three days, and clearly determined with part of his company to pass all by land again into Britain. And in the mean season he sent Ambassadors to the French King called Charles the eight which newly succeeded his father king Lewis the xj not long before departed to God; requiring of him a safe-conduct and licence to pass through his Country of Normandy into Britain. The young king having compassion of the misfortune of the Earl of Richemond, not only gently granted and assigned to him a passport, but also liberally disbursed to him a convenient somme of money for his conduit and expenses necessary in his long journey and passage. But the Earl trusting on the French kings humanity, adventured to send his ships home into Britain, and to set forward himself by land on his journey, making no great haste till his messengers were returned, which being with the benefit so comforted, and with hope of prosperous success so encouraged, marched toward Britain with all diligence intending there to consult farther with his lovers and friends of his affairs and enterprises. When he was returned again into Britain he was certified by credible information that the Duke of Buckynham had lost his head, and that the Marquis Dorset and a great number of Noble men of England had a little before inquired and searched for him there, and were now returned to Vannes. When he had heard these news thus reported, he first sorrowed and lamented the first attempt, and setting forward of his friends, and in especial of the nobility not to have more fortunately succeeded. Secondarily, he rejoiced on the other part that God had sent him so many valiant and prudent Captains to be his companions in his martial enterprises, trusting surely and nothing doubting in his own opinion, but that al● his business should be wisely compassed, and brought to a good conclusion. Wherefore he determining with all diligence to set forward his new begun business departed to reeves and sent certain of his privy servitors to conduct and bring the Marquis and the other noble men to his presence. When they knew that he was safely returned into Bryteyne, Lord how they rejoiced, for before that time they missed him and knew not in what part of the world to make inquiry or search for him. For they doubted and no less feared jest be had taken land in England, and fallen into the hands of King Rycharde in whose person they knew well was neither mercy nor compassion. Wherefore in all speedy manner they galloped toward him, and him reverently saluted, which meeting after great joy and solace, and no small thanks given and rendered on both parts, they advisedly debated and commoned of their great business and weighty enterprise, in the which season the feast of the nativity of our Saviour Christ happened, on which day all the English Lords went with great solemnity to the chief Church of the City, and there each gave faith and promise to other. The Earl himself first took a corporal oath, and on his honour promising that incontinent after he should be possessed of the crown and dignity of the realm of England, he would be conjoined in matrimony with the Lady Elizabeth daughter to king Edward the fourth. Then all the company swore to him fealty, and did to him homage as though he had been that time the crowned king and anointed Prince, promising faithfully and firmly assuring that they would not only lose their worldly substance, but also be privated of their lives and worldly felicity, rather than to suffer king Rycharde that tyrant longer to rule and reign over them. Which solemn oaths made and taken, the Earl of Richemond declared and communicated all these doings to Frances Duke of Britain, desiring and most heartily requiring him to aid him with a greater army to conduct him into his Country, which so sore longed and looked for his return, and to the which he was by the more part of the nobility and commonalty called and desired (which with God's aid, & the Duke's comfort) he doubted not in short time to obtain, requiring him farther to priest to him a convenient somme of money, affirming that all such sums of money which he had received of his especial friends, were spent and consumed in the preparation of the last journey made toward England, which sums of money after his enterprise once achieved, he in the word of a Prince faithfully promised to repay and restore again. The Duke promised him aid and help, upon confidence whereof he rigged his ships, and set forth his Navy well decked with ordinance, and warlikely furnished with all things necessary, to the intent to sail forward shortly, and to loose no time. In the mean season, King Richard apprehended in divers parts of the realm certain gentlemen of the Earl of Richmond's faction and confederation, which either intended to sail into Britain toward him, or else at his landing to assist and aid him. Amongst whom, sir George Browne, sir Roger Clyfforde and four other were put to execution at London, and sir Thomas Sentliger which had married the Duchess of Exeter the kings own sister, and Thomas Ram and divers other were executed at Excester. Beside these persons, diverse of his household servants, whom either he suspected, The Earl of Richemond attainted in Parliament. or doubted, were by great cruelty put to shameful death. After this, he called a parliament, in the which he attainted the Earl of Richmond and all other persons which were fled out of the realm for fear, or any other cause, as enemies to him, and to their natural country, and all their lands goods, and possessions, were confiscate and seized to the king's use. And yet not content with this pray, which no doubt was of no small valour, and moment, he laid on the people's necks a great tax and tallage, and surely necessity to that act in manner him compelled. For what with purging and declaring his innocency concerning the murder of his Nephews toward the world, and what with cost to obtain the love and favour of the commonalty (which outwardly glossed, and openly dissimuled with him) he gave prodigally so many and so great rewards, that now both he lacked, and scarce witted honestly how to borrow. In this troublous season, nothing was more marveled at, then that the Lord Stanley had not been taken and reputed as an enemy to the King, considering the working of the Lady Margaret his wife, mother to the Earl of Richmonde, but forasmuch as the enterprise of a woman was of him reputed of no regard or estimation, & that the Lord Thomas her husband had purged himself sufficiently to be innocent of all doings and attempts by her perpetrated, and committed, it was given him in charge to keep her in some secret place at home, without having any servant or company, so that from thence forth she should never send letter nor messenger to her son, nor any of his friends, or confederates, by the which the king might be molested or troubled, or any hurt or prejudice might be attempted against his realm and commonalty. Which commandment was a while put in execution & accomplished according to his dreadful commandment. Yet the wild worm of vengeance wavering in his head, could not be contented with the death of diverse Gentlemen suspected of treason, but also he must extend his bloody fury against a poor gentleman called Collyngborne, for making a small rhyme of three of his unfortunate counsellors, which were the Lord Lovel, Sir Richard Radclyffe, his mischievous Minion, and sir William Catesbey his secret seducer, which Meeter or rhyme was. The Rat the Cat and Lovel our dog, Rule all England under the hog. Colingborne executed. Meaning by the Hog, the dreadful wild Boar, which was the kings cognisance, but because the first line ended in Dog, the Metrician could not observing the regiments of meeter end the second verse in Boar, but called the Boar an Hog. This poetical schoolmaster corrector of Breeves and longs, caused Collingborne to be abbreviat shorter by the head, and to be divided into four quarters. King Richard being thus tormented, and tossed in his own conceit and imagination, called to his remembrance that confederations, amities, and other honest bands and packs, made, concluded, and appointed between Princes, and politic governors, are the cause efficient and especial introduction that their realms & countries are fortified with a double power, that is to say, with their own strength and the aid of their friends, devised with himself to practise a league and amity with the king of Scots, which not long before had made divers incursions and roads into the realm of England, where although he got little, yet surely he lost not much, and thereupon sued to have a truce or peace concluded, which came even as king Richard had wished it. Wherefore commissioners were assigned for both parts to meet at Nothingham the seven day next ensuing, at which time came thither for the King of England john bishop of Lincoln chancellor of England, Richard bishop of saint Ass, john Duke of Norfolk, Henry earl of Northumberlande, Thomas Lord Stanley, George Stanley, Lord Strange, john Grace, Lord Powes, Richard Lord Fitzhugh, john Gunthorpe, keeper of the kings privy seal, Thomas Barow, master of the rolls, Sir Thomas Brian chief justice of the common place, Sir Richard Ratcliffe knight, William Catesby, and Richard Salkeld esquires. And for the king of Scots, were deputed Colyn Earl of Ergile, Lord Camplell and Lord chancellor of Scotland, William bishop of Aberdene, Robert lord Lyle, Laurence Lord Oliphant, john Drummond of Stobhall, Archibalde Qwhitelator Archdeacon of Lowdene and Secretary to king james, Lion King at Arms and Duncane Duncas. These counsellors divers times met, and after long debating, demanding, and denying, in the end of September they fully concluded a peace, the Articles whereof are to long here to rehearse. When this league and amity was thus concluded, finished, and sealed with all due circumstances thereunto required. Although king Richard judged and deemed himself somewhat the more stronger and quieter by force of this new amity, and concluded confederacy, yet to augment more the familiarity begun between the king of Scots and him, and to have a double string for his Bow, he entreated a new alliance and marriage to be concluded between the Prince of Rothsay, eldest son to the king of Scots, and Lady Anne de la Pole, daughter to john Duke of Suffolk, and Lady Anne sister to king Richard, which sister he so much favoured, that he studying all the ways by the which he might advance her offspring and lineage, did not only procure and seek means how to make her daughter a Princess, and consequently a Queen, but also after the death of his son, he proclaimed john Earl of Lincoln his nephew and her son, heir apparent to the Crown of England, disenheriting king Edward's daughters, whose brethren before as you have heard he shamefully killed & murdered. The king of Scots having need of friends, but not so much need as king Richard, which was of necessity compelled to seek aiders, and to entertain fautors, the one for favouring of flatterers, and base borne persons, and the other not only for tyranny and unnatural homicide, but also for the usurpation of the Crown being of all the realm detested and disdained, gladly accepted, and joyously consented to king Richard's desire and conjunction of amity. Wherefore the said Princes sent their Ambassadors and Counsellors again to the town of Nottingham, where the said marriage was by writings and instruments, covenanted, condescended, and agreed, and affiaunces made and taken by Proctors, and Deputies on both parts, and she immediately called Princes of Rothsaye, which name she shortly lost by the short life of king Richard her loving uncle. Here may well be noted the unnatural love and disordered affection which this kind kinsman showed to his blood: For he not remembering the tyranny that he had executed against his brother's sons, the wrong and manifest injury that he had done to his brother's daughters, both in taking from them their dignity, possessions, and living, thought it should redound greatly to his honour and fame, if he promoted his sisters child (to whom he was nothing bound in conscience to make restitution) to the dignity of a Queen, rather than to prefer his brother's daughter whom he had untruly and by force disinherited, & of all their right deprived, to the marriage of a mean esquire: such was his brotherly kindness, and such was his large conscience towards his brother's children. After this league and marriage thus concluded and agreed, the king of Scots disdeining that the strong Castle of Dumbarre should remain in the English men's hands and possession, wrote a gentle letter to King Richard, declaring to him that where in the league concluded between them, it was agreed and appointed that he should within xl days next ensuing, express and declare his opinion and meaning concerning the Castle of Dunbarre, whether the said Castle should be occupied and stand still in the hands of the English men, during the whole time of the truce, or else for the term of six months only. He now certified king Richard by his letters, that he was content that he and his should enjoy the possession of the said Castle quietly and peaceably during the said truce and amity: Nevertheless he required him for the love and familiarity that now both by treaty and alliance was sprung and knit between them, that he would redeliver the said Castle into his hands, which was untruly possessed of the English Nation by delivery of the rebels and Traitors, contrary to all right, equity, and conscience. King Richard dallied with pleasant letters, and fair words, and so foded forth the king of Scots, that he never had Dunbar delivered while king Richard lived, after whose death, whether it were by treason or by appointment, the Castle was rendered to the King of Scots, to his great contentation and rejoicing. Albeit this league and amity thus covenanted and concluded, it might manifestly seem to all persons, that all conjurations and confederacies against king Richard were extinct and put to silence, and in especial considering, that the Duke of Buckingham and his allies were made out of his way, some by death, and some by banishment and exiling into far Countries and Regions. Yet king Richard more doubting then trusting to his own people and friends, was continually vexed, tossed, and unquieted, with fear of the return of the Earl of Richemond and his complices and fautors, which daily dread and hourly agony, caused him to live in doleful misery, ever unquiet, and in manner in continual calamity. Wherefore he intending to be relieved and to have an end of all his doubtful dangers, determined clearly to extirpate and pluck up by the roots all the matter & ground of his fear and doubts. Wherefore after long and deliberate consultation had, nothing was for his purpose and intent thought either more necessary or expedient then once again with price, prayer, and rewards, to attempt the Duke of Briteyn in whose territory the Earl of Richemond then abode, to deliver the said Earl into his hands, by which only means he should be discharged of all fear of peril, and brought to rest and quietness both of body and mind. Wherefore incontinent he sent certain Ambassadors to the Duke of Briteyn, which took upon them (beside the great and ample rewards that they brought with them into Britein) that king Richard should yearly pay and answer the Duke of all the revenues, rents, and profits of the signories, lands, and possessions aswell belonging and appertaining to the Earl of Richemonde, as to any other Noble or Gentleman, which then were in the Earls company, if he after that time would keep them in continual prison and restrain them from liberty. The Ambassadors furnished with these and other instructions, arrived in Briteyne and came to the Duke's house, where with him they could have no manner of communication concerning their weighty affairs, by reason that he being faint and weakened by a long and daily infirmity, began a little to wax idle and weak in his wit and remembrance. For which cause Peter Landoyse his chief Treasurer, a man both of pregnant wit & great authority, ruled and adjudged all things at his pleasure & commandment, for the which cause (as men set into high authority be not best beloved) he excited and provoked against him the malice & evil will of the Nobility of Briteyn, which afterward for divers great offences by him during his authority perpetrate and committed, by their means was brought to death, and confusion. The English Ambassadors moved their message and request to Peter Landoyse, Peter Landoyse. and to him declared their masters commandment, instantly requiring, and humbly desiring him (in whose power it lay to do all thing in Briteyne) that he would friendly assent to the request of king Richard, offering to him the same rewards and lands, that they should have offered to the Duke. This Peter which was no less disdained than hated almost of all the people of Briteyne, thought that if he did assent and satisfy king Richard's petition and desire, he should be of power and ability sufficiently to withstand and refel the malicious attempts and disdainful inventions of his envious adversaries. Wherefore he faithfully promised to accomplish king Richard's request and desire, so that he kept promise with him, that he might be able to withstand the cankered malice of his secret enemies. This act that he promised to do, was not for any grudge or malice that he bore to the Earl of Richemonde, for as you have heard before, he delivered him from peril of death at Saint Malos, when he was in great doubt of life and jeopardy, but as cause riseth we ever offend, and that cursed hunger of gold, and execrable thirst of lucre, and inward fear of loss of authority, driveth the blind minds of covetous men and ambitious persons to evils and mischiefs innumerable, not remembering loss of name, obloquy of the people, nor in conclusion the punishment of God for their merits, and deserts. But fortune was so favourable to the public wealth of the realm of England, that this deadly and dolorous compact took none effect or place. For while Posts ran, and letters were sent to and fro for the finishing of this great enterprise between king Richard and Peter Landoyse, john Morton Bishop of Ely sojourning then in Flaunders, was of all this crafty conveyance certified by his secret and sure friends: Wherefore he sent Christopher Vrswike (which at that very season was come out of Briteyne into Flaunders) to declare to the Earl of Richemonde how all the deceit and crafty working was conveyed and compassed, giving him in charge to counsel and advise the Earl in all haste possible with all his company to retire out of Briteyne into France. When these news were brought to the Earl he then kept house in Vannes, and incontinent dispatched again Christopher Vrswike to Charles the French king, requiring him that he and his, might safely pass into France, which desire being obtained, the messenger shortly returned to his Lord and Prince. The Earl well perceiving that it was expedient and necessary with all speed and diligence, to look to this weighty matter, calling very few to counsel, he made inquiry and search of all secret and by ways, and sent before all his noble men, as though for a certain familiarity and kindness they should visit and comfort the Duke, which then for recreation and change of air, lay on the borders and confines of France. And secretly he gave charge to the Earl of Pembroke which was the leader and conductor of his company, that when they approached the marches and limits of Briteyn, they should divert and take the next way into France. The noble men somewhat suspicious of things newly imagined, without any tarrying, scouring the ways as fast as their horses could run, came out of the Duchy of Briteyn, into the Duchy of Angeou in the dominion of France, where they tarried the Earls coming, which two days after departed out of Vannes, only accompanied with five servitors, as though he had gone secretly to visit a familiar friend of his in a small Village adjoining. No man suspected that he would departed, considering that a great multitude of English men were left and continued in the City, but after that he had passed directly five miles forward, he suddenly turned into a solitary Wood next adjoining, where clothing himself in the simple Coat of his poor servant, made and appointed his said minister, leader and master of his small company, and he as an humble Page diligently followed and served his sergeant governor, never resting nor themselves refreshing, except the baiting of their horses, till they by ways unknown, now this way, now turning that way, came to their company, abiding them in Angiers. The fourth day after the Earl of Richemonde was thus departed, that crafty merchant Peter Landoyse, trusting still after his prey, promised by king Richard, was ready to set forward his crew of soldiers, which he privily had consigned with certain trusty captains for that only purpose appointed and elected, to perform and achieve his pretenced enterprise, dissimuling and feigning them to be conducted and hired by him to serve the earl of Richmonde, and him to conduit in his return toward his native country, meaning none other thing but to apprehend him and the other Noble men in his retinue, which no such fraud suspecting, nor yet any treason imagining, unware and unprovided and destitute of all aid, and them to cast and commit suddenly into continual captivity and bondage, to the intent that by this wretched & naughty act, he might satisfy the charitable request, & loving desire of good king Richard, more for his own profit then king Richard's gain. But when this crafty disembler Peter Landoyse, which was no wylier than an old Fox, perceived that the Earl was departed, (thinking that to be true that he imagined) Lord how couriers ran into every coast, how light horsemen galloped to every strait, to follow & detain him, if by any possibility he could be pursued and overtaken, and him to apprehend and bring captive into the City of Vannes. The horsemen made such diligence, and with such celerity set forward their journey, that nothing was more likely than they to have obtained, ye and seized their pray. For the Earl of Richmond was not entered into the realm of France, scarce one hour, but the followers came to the limits and confines of Briteyne, and durst adventure no further, but vainly without their desire sorrowfully returned. At which season were left at Vannes about the number of three English men, which not being called to counsel, and unaware of this enterprise, but knowing of the Earls sudden departure were so incontinently astonied, that in manner they were all in despair both of him and their own surety and safeguard. But fortune turned her sail, and otherwise it happened then their fear them encumbered. For the Duke of Briteyne now being somewhat recovered, was sore displeased, and nothing contented that the Earl of Richmond was in his dominion so uncourteously tracted and entreated, that he should be by fraud and untruth compelled to leave and fly out of his Duchy and Country contrary to his honour. Wherefore he took great displeasure with Peter Landoyse his Treasurer, to whom (although he knew not and was ignorant that all the drift was driven and devised by him) he laid the fault and imputed the crime. Wherefore he sent for Edward Wooduile, and Edward Pownynges valiant esquires of England, and delivered unto them money sufficient for their conduit, willing them to convey the rest of the English men being in Briteyn, to the Earl of Richmondes' presence. When the Earl was thus furnished and appointed with his trusty company, and was escaped all the dangers, Labirinthes, and snares that were set for him, no marvel though he were jocund and glad of the prosperous success that happened in his affairs. Wherefore, lest he should seem to be blotted with the note of ingratitude, he sent divers of his Gentlemen to the Duke of Briteyne, the which should publish and declare to him on the behalf of the Earl, that he and his, were only by his benefit and favour conserved and delivered from the imminent danger that they were like to be trapped in. Wherefore at that time he rendered to him his most hearty thanks in words, trusting and not doubting but in time to come liberally to recompense him with acts and deeds. After this the Earl took his journey to Charles the French king, lying then at Langes upon the river of Leyre, to whom after great thanks given for manifold pleasures by him to the Earl showed, he disclosed and manifested the cause and occasion of his access and repair to his person. After that he required of him help and succour, to the intent that by his immortal benefit to him at that time showed, he might safely return to the nobility of his realm, of whom he was greatly called to take upon him the crown and Sceptre of the realm, they much hated and abhorred the tyranny of king Richard. King Charles promised him aid and comfort, and bade him be of good courage and make good cheer, for he assured him that he would gladly show to him his benevolent mind and bountiful liberality. Which king from thence removed to Mountargis, leading with him the Earl of Richemonde, and all the Noble personages of his retinue and faction. While the Earl was thus attendant in the French Court, john Vere Earl of Oxford (which as you have heard before was by king Edward kept in prison within the Castle of Hams) so persuaded james Blount capitain of the same fortress, and Sir john Fortescewe Porter of the Town of Caleys, that he himself was not only dismissed and set at liberty, but they also abandoning and leaving their fruitful offices, condescended to go with him into France to the Earl of Richemonde and to take his part remaining in the Castle before his departure, he fortified the same both with new munitions and new Soldiers. When the Earl of Richemond saw the Earl of Oxford, he was ravished with an incredible gladness, that he being a man of so high nobility, of such knowledge and practice in feats of war, and so constant, trusty, and assured (which alway had studied for the maintenance and preferment of the house of Lancaster) was now by God's provision delivered out of Captivity and imprisonment, and in time so necessary & convenient come to his aid, succour and advancement, in whom more surer than any other he might put his trust and confidence, and take less pain and travail in his own person. For it was not hid from him that such as had ever taken part with king Edward before this time, came to do him service either for malice that they bore to king Richard, or else for fear to live under his cruel rule and tyrannous governance. Not long after the French king returned again to Paris, whom the Earl of Richemonde followed, intending there to solicit his matter to the conclusion. Whereupon he besought king Charles to take upon him the whole tuition and defence of him and his cause, so that he and his company being by his means aided and comforted, should confess and say, their wealth, victory and advancement to have flowed and budded forth of his bountifulness and liberality, which they would God willing shortly reacquite. In the mean season divers English men which either fled out of England for fear, or were at Paris to learn and study good literature and virtuous doctrine, came voluntarily and submitted themselves to the Earl of Richemond, and vowed and swore to take his part. Amongst whom was Richard Fox a priest, a man of great wit and no less learning, whom the Earl incontinent received into secret familiarity, & in brief time erected and advanced him to high dignities and promotions, and in conclusion he made him Bishop of Wynchester. In the mean season king Richard was credibly advertised what promises and oaths the Earl and his confederates had made and sworn together at Renes, and how by the Earls means all the English men were passed out of Britain into France. Wherefore being sore dismayed and in a manner desperate, because his crafty Chevesaunce took none effect in Britain, imagined and devised how to infringe and disturb the Earls purpose by another mean, so that by the marriage of Lady Elizabeth his Niece he should pretend no claim nor title to the crown. For he thought if that marriage failed, the Earls chief comb had been clearly cut. And because that he being blinded with the ambitious desire of rule before this time, in obtaining the kingdom, had perpetrate and done many cursed acts and detestable tyrannies, yet according to the old Proverb, let him take the Bull that stolen away the Calf, he thought all facts by him committed in times passed to be but of small moment and not to be regarded in comparison of that mischievous imagination, which he now openly began and attempted. There came into his ungracious mind a thing not only detestable to be spoken of in the remembrance of man, but much more cruel and abominable to be put in execution. For when he revolved in his wavering mind how great a fountain of mischief toward him should spring if the Earl of Richemond should be advanced to the marriage of his Niece, which thing he heard say by the rumour of the people that no small number of wise and witty personages enterprised to compass and bring to conclusion. He clearly determined to reconcile to his favour his brother's wife Queen Elizabeth either by fair words or liberal promises, firmly believing her favour once obtained, that she would not stick to commit (and lovingly credit) to him the rule and governance both of her and her daughter, & so by that means the Earl of Richemond of the affinity of his Niece should be utterly defrauded and beguiled. A subtle and lewd practice of king Richard. And if no ingenious remedy could be otherwise invented to save the innumerable mischiefs which were even at hand and like to fall, if it should happen Queen Anne his wife to departed out of this present world, than he himself would rather take to wife his Cousin and Niece the Lady Elizabeth, then for lack of that affinity the whole realm should run to ruin, as who said, that if he once fell from his estate and dignity, the evytie of the realm must needs shortly ensue and follow. Wherefore he sent to the Queen being in sanctuary divers and often messengers, which first should excuse and purge him of all things before against her attempted or procured, and after should so largely promise' promotions innumerable, and benefices, not only to her but also to her son Lord Thomas Marquis Dorset, that they should bring her if it were possible into some wan-hope, or as men say into a fools paradise. The messengers being men both of wit and gravity, so persuaded the Queen with great and pregnant reasons, what with fair and large promises, that she began somewhat to relent, and to give to them no deaf ear, in so much that she faithfully promised to submit and yield herself fully and frankly to the kings will and pleasure. And so she putting in oblivion the murder of her innocent children, the infamy and dishonour spoken by the king her husband, the living in adultery laid to her charge, the bastarding of her daughters, forgetting also the faithful promise and open oath made to the Countess of Richmond mother to the Earl Henry, blinded by avaricious affection and seduced by flattering words, The inconstancy of Queen Elizabeth. first delivered into king Richard's hands her five daughters, as Lambs once again committed to the custody of the ravenous Wolf. After she sent letters to the Marquis her son being then at Paris with the Earl of Richemond, willing him in any wise to leave the Earl and without delay to repair into England, where for him were provided great honours and honourable promotions, ascertaining him farther that all offences on both parties were forgotten and forgiven, and both he and she highly incorporate in the King's heart. Surely the inconstancy of this woman were much to be marveled at, if all women had been found constant, but let men speak, yet women of the very bond of nature will follow their own kind. After that king Richard had thus with glorious promises and flattering words pleased and appeased the mutable mind of Queen Elizabeth, which knew nothing less than that he most intended, he caused all his brother's daughters to be conveyed into his palace with solemn receiving, as though with his new familiar and loving entertainment they should forget, and in their minds blot out the old committed injury and late executed tyranny. Now nothing was contrariant and obstacle to his devilish purpose, but that his mansion was not void of his wife, which thing he in any wise adjudged necessary to be done. But there was one thing that so much feared and stayed him from committing this abominable murder, because as you have heard before, he began to counterfeit the image of a good and well disposed person, and therefore he was afeard lest the sudden death of his wife once openly known, he should lose the good and credible opinion which the people had of him, without desert conceived and reported. But in conclusion evil counsel prevailed in a wit lately minded to mischief, and turned from all goodness. So that his ungracious desire overcame his honest fear. And first to enter into the gates of his imagined enterprise, he abstained both from the bed and company of his wife. After he complained to divers noble men of the realm, of the infortunate sterylitie and barrenness of his wife, because she brought forth no fruit and generation of her body. And in especial he accounted to Thomas Rotheram Archbishop of York (whom lately he had delivered out of ward & captivity) these impediments of his Queen & divers other, thinking that he would reveal & open to her all these things, trusting the sequel hereof to take his effect, that she hearing this grudge of her husband, & taking therefore an inward thought, would not long live in this world. Of this the Bishop gathered (which well knew the complexion and usage of the king) that the queens days were short, and that he declared to certain of his secret friends. After this he procured a common rumour but he would not have the author known) to be published and spread abroad among the common people that the Queen was dead, A rumour spread abroad of the queens death. to the intent that she taking some conceit of this strange fame, should fall into some sudden sickness or grievous malady, and to prove if afterward she should fortune by that or any other ways to lose her life, whether the people would impute her death to the thought or sickness, or thereof would lay the blame to him. When the Queen heard tell that so horrible a rumour of her death was sprung amongst the commonalty, she sore suspected and judged the world to be almost at an end with her, and in that sorrowful agony, she with lamentable countenance and sorrowful cheer, repaired to the presence of the king her husband, demanding of him, what it should mean that he had judged her worthy to die. The king answered her with fair words, and with smile and flattering leasings comforted her, bidding her to be of good cheer, for to his knowledge she should have none other cause. But howsoever that it fortuned, either by inward thought and pensiveness of heart, or by infection of poison (which is affirmed to be most likely) within a few days after the Queen departed out of this transitory life, The Queen wife to king Richard the third suddenly dead. and was with due solemnity buried in the Church of Saint Peter at Westminster. This is the same Anne one of the daughters of the Earl of Warwick, which as you have heard before at the request of Lewis the French king, was married to Prince Edward son to king Henry the sixth. The king thus (according to his long desire) loosed out of the bonds of matrimony, began to cast a foolish fantasy to Lady Elizabeth his Niece, making much suit to have her joined with him in lawful matrimony. But because all men, and the maiden herself most of all, detested, and abhorred, this unlawful, and in manner unnatural copulation, he determined to prolong and defer the matter till he were in a more quietness. For all that very season he was oppressed with great, weighty, and urgent causes, and businesses on every side, considering that daily part of the nobility sailed into France to the Earl of Richmond: Other privily favoured and aided certain of the conjuration, so that of his short end, few or none were in doubt. And the common people for the most part were brought to such desperation, that many of them had rather be reputed and taken of him in the number of his enemies, then to abide the chance and hazard to have their goods taken as a spoil of victory by his enemies. Amongst the noble men whom he most mistrusted, these were the principal, Thomas Lord Stanley, Sir William Stanley his brother, Gilbert Talbot and six hundred other, of whose purposes although king Richard were not ignorant, yet he gave neither confidence nor credence to any one of them, and lest of all to the Lord Stanley because he was joined in matrimony with the Lady Margaret, mother to the Earl of Richmond, as afterward apparently ye may perceive. For when the said Lord Stanley would have departed into his country to visit his family and to recreate and refresh his spirits (as he openly said) but the truth was to the intent to be in a perfit readiness to receive the Earl of Rychemond at his first arrival in England: the king in no wise would suffer him to departed before that he had left as an hostage in the Court, George Stanley Lord strange his first begotten son and heir. While king Richard was thus troubled and vexed with imaginations of the trouble● us time that was like to come: Lo, even suddenly he heard news that fire was sprung out of the smoke, and the war freshly begun, and that the Castle of hams was delivered into the hands of the Earl of Richmond, by the means of the Earl of Oxenford, and that not only he, but also james Blount captain of the Castle, were fled into France to aid the Earl Henry. Wherefore he thinking it great policy to withstand the first brunt, sent the most part of the garrison of Caleis, to recover again, by force the Castle of Hams. They which were in the Castle perceiving their adversaries to approach, prepared munitions and engines for their defence, and sent also to the Earl of Richemond, to advertise him of their sudden invasion, requiring him of hasty aid and speedy succour. The Earl steping not this first begun assault, sent the earl of Oxenford with an elected company of soldiers to raise the siege, and rescewe the Castle: Which at their first arriving, pitched their camp not far from their enemies. And while king Richard's men gave vigilant eye, waiting lest the Earl of Oxenford should take any advantage of them that lay on that side of the Castle. Thomas Brandon with xxx approved men of war, by a marish which lay on the other side, entered into the castle. The soldiers within greatly encouraged, and much comforted by this new succour and aid, grieved the enemies by shooting from the walls more than they were accustomed to do. And they of the Castle vexed their enemies on the forepart: the Grle of Oxenford no less molested and unquieted them on the other part, which was the occasion that king Richard's men offered of their own mere motion, licence to all being within the Castle to depart in safety with bag and baggage nothing excepted: which condition the Earl of Oxenford coming only for that purpose to deliver his loving friends out of all peril and danger, & chiefly of all, his old hostess jane Blount wife to james Blount the capiteyne, would in no wise forsake or refuse. And so leaving the Castle bore and ungarnished, both of victual and artillery, came safe to the Earl of Richmond sojourning in Paris. During this time, king Richard was credybly informed of his inquisitors and espyalles that the Earl of Richmond was with long suit in the court of France sore wearied, & desiring great aid, could obtain small relief: In so much that all thing went so far backward, that such things as were with great diligence, and no less deliberation, purposed, and determined to be set forward, were now dashed and overthrow to the ground. King Richard either being to light of credence, or seduced and deluded by his crafty taletellers, greatly rejoiced as though he had obtained the overhand of his enemies, with triumph and victory, and thought himself never so surely delivered of all fear and dreadful imaginations, so that he needed now no more once for that cause either to wake or break his golden sleep. Wherefore he called home again his ships of war, which he had appointed to keep the narrow Seas, and dispatched all such Soldiers as he had deputed to keep certain garrisons, and to stop certain passages as you have heard before. Yet lest he might for lack of provision be suddenly trapped, he straightly charged and gave in commandment to all noble men and in especial such as inhabited near to the sea coast, and on the Frontiers of Wales, that according to the usage of the Country, they should keep diligent watch and strong ward, to the intent that his adversaries in no wise should have any place opportune, easily to take land without defence or rebutting back. For the custom of the Countries adjoining near to the sea is (especially in the time of war) on every hill or high place to erect a Bekon with a great Lantern in the top, which may be seen and discerned a great space of. And when the noise is once bruited that the enemies approach near the land, they suddenly put fire in the Lanterns and make shouts and outrages from town to town, and from village to village. Some run in post from place to place admonishing the people to be ready to resist the jeopardy, and defend the peril. And by this policy the fame is soon blown to every City and town, insomuch that aswell the Citizens as the rural people be in short space assembled and armed to refel and put back the new arrived enemies. Now to return to our purpose, king Richard thus somewhat eased of his accustomed pensiveness, began to be somewhat more merrier, and took less thought and care for outward enemies than he was wont to do, as who say, that he with politic provision should withstand the destiny which hung over his head, and was ordained in brief time suddenly to fall. Such is the force and puissance of divine justice, that every man shall less regard, less provide, less be in doubt of all things, when he is most nearest punishment, and next to his mischance for his offences and crimes. About this season, while the Earl of Richemond was desiring aid of the French king, certain noble men were there appointed to rule the realm of France during the minority of king Charles, which amongst themselves were not of one opinion. Of which dissension, Lewis Duke of orleans was the chief stirrer, which because he had married Lady joane sister to the French king, took upon him above other the rule and administration of the whole realm. By reason of which controversy, no one man only was suffered to rule all: wherefore the Earl of Richemond was compelled to make suit to every one of the counsel severally one after another, requiring and desiring them of aid and relief in his weighty business, and so his cause was prolonged and deferred. During which time, Thomas marquis Dorset which was as you have heard enticed by his mother to return again into England, partly despairing in the good success of the Earl of Richemond, & partly one rate and vanquished with the fair glozing promises of king Richard: secretly in the night season stolen out of Paris, and with all diligent expedition took his journey toward Flaunders. When relation of his departure was made to the Earl of Richemond, and the other noble men, no marvel though they were astonished and greatly amazed. Yet that notwithstanding they required of the French king that it might be leeful to them in his name and by his commandment to take and stay their Companion, confederate, and partaker of all their counsel, in what place within his realm and territory so ever they could find him. Which petition once obtained, they sent out Curriers into every part, amongst whom Humphrey Cheiney playing the part of a good blood hound, followed the tract of the flyer so even by the sent, that he overtook and apprehended him not far from Compeigne and so what with reason, and what with fair promises being persuaded, he returned again to his Companions. The Earl of Richmond unburdened of this misadventure, lest by lingering of days, and prolonging of time, he might lose the great opportunity of things to him offered and ministered: also lest he should further wound or molest the minds of his faithful and assured friends, which daily did aspect and tarry for his coming, determined no longer to protract and defer the time, but with all diligence and celereity to attempt his begun enterprise, and so obtaining of king Charles a small crew of men, and borrowing certain sums of money of him, and of divers other his private friends. For the which he left as debtor, or more likelier as a pledge or hostage, Lord Thomas Marques Dorset (whom he half mistrusted) and Sir john Burchier, he departed from the French Court, and came to the City of Rouen. While he tarried there making provision at Harflete in the mouth of the river of Seyne for all things necessary for his navy, tidings were brought to him that king Richard being without children, and now Widower, intended shortly to marry the Lady Elizabeth his brother's daughter, and to prefer the Lady Cicile her sister to a man found in a Cloud, and of an unknown lineage and family. He took these news as a matter of no small moment (and so all things considered) it was of no less importance than he took it for. For this thing only took away from him and all his Companions their hope and courage that they had to obtain an happy enterprise. And therefore no marvel though it nipped him at the very stomach: when he thought that by no possibility he might attain the marriage of any of king Edward's daughters, which was the strongest foundation of his building, by reason whereof he judged that all his friends in England would abandon & shrink from him. Wherefore making not many of his counsel, after divers consultations he determined not yet to set forward, but to tarry and attempt how to get more aid, more friends, and more stronger succours. And amongst all other, it was thought most expedient to allure by affinity in his aid as a Companion in arms, Sir Walter Herbert, a man of an ancient stock, and great power amongst the Welshemen, which had with him a fair Lady to his sister, of age ripe to be coupled in matrimony. And for the achieving of this purpose, messengers were secretly sent to Henry earl of Northumberland (which had before married another sister of Sir Walter Harbertes) to the intent that he should set forward all this device and purpose, but the ways were so narrowly watched and so many spies laid, that the Messenger proceeded not in his journey and business. But in the mean season, there came to the Earl a more joyfuller message from Morgan Kidwelly learned in the temporal law, which declared that Rice ap Thomas, a man of no less valiantness than activity, and john Savage an approved captain, would with all their power be partakers of his quarrel. And that Reignold Brey had collected and gotten together no small sum of money for the payment of the wages to the Soldiers and men of war: admonishing him also to make quick expedition, and to take his course directly into Wales. The Earl of Richemond because he would no longer linger and weary his friends, living continually between hope and fear, determined in all convenient haste to set forward, and carried to his ships armour, weapons, victual, and all other ordinances expedient for war. After that all thing was in a readiness, the Earl being accompanied only with two thousand men and a small number of ships, weighed up his anchors and halsed up his sails, in the month of August, and sailed from Harflet with so prosperous a wind that the seventh day after his departure he arrived in Wales in the evening, M●lford H●uen. at a port called Milforde Haven, and incontinent took land and came to a place called Dalle, where he heard say that a certain company of his adversaries were laid in garrison, to defend his arrival all the last winter. And the Earl at the son rising removed to harfford west, being distant from Dalle not fully ten mile, where he was joyfully received of the people, and he arrived there so suddenly that he was come and entered the town at the same time when the Citizens had but knowledge of his coming. Here he heard news which were as untrue, as they truly were reported to him in Normandy, that Rice ap Thomas, and john Savage with body and goods were determined to aid king Richard. While he and his company were somewhat astonished of these new tidings, there came such message from the inhabitants of the town of Pembroke that refreshed, and revived their frozen hearts and daunted courages. For Arnold Buttler a valiant captain, which first asking pardon for his offences before time committed against the Earl of Richemonde, and that obtained, declared to him that the Penbrochians were ready to serve and give their attendance on their natural and immediate Lord jasper earl of Pembroke. The Earl of Richmond having his army thus increased, departed from Herforde west to the town of Cardigan being five mile distant from thence. While the soldiers were refreshing and trimming themselves in their camp, strange tidings sprung among them without any certain author, that sir Walter Herberd which lay with a great crew of men at Carmarden, was now with a great army ready to approach and bid them battle. With which news the army was sore troubled, and every man assayed his armure and proved his weapon, & were priest to defend their enemies. And as they were in this fearful doubt, certain horsemen which the Earl had sent to make inquiry and search, returned and reported all the country to be quiet and no let nor impediment to be laid or cast in their journey. And even at the same time the whole army was greatly recomforted by reason that the coming of Richard Griffyth, a man of great nobility, the which notwithstanding that he was confederate with Sir Walter Herbert, and Richard ap Thomas, yet at that very instant he came to the Earl of Rychmonde with all his company, which were of no great number. After him the same day came john Morgan with his men. Then the Earl advanced forward in good haste, making no repose or abode in any one place. And to the intent to pass forward with sure and short expedition, he assaulted every place where his enemies had set any men of war, which with small force, and less difficulty he briefly did overcome and vanquish. And suddenly he was by his espials ascertained that Sir Walter Harbert and Rice ap Thomas were in harness before him ready to encounter with his army and to stop their passage. Wherefore like a valiant Capitein he first determined to set on them, and either to destroy or to take them into his favour, and after with all his power and puissance to give battle to his mortal enemy king Richard. But to the intent his friends should know in what readiness he was, and how he proceeded forward, he sent of his most secret and faithful servants with letters and instructions to the Lady Margaret his mother, to the Lord Stanley his brother, to Sir George Talbot, and to other his trusty friends, declaring to them, that he being succoured and helped with the aid & relief of his friends, intended to pass over the river of Severne at Shrewsburie, and so to pass directly to the City of London, requiring them as his special trust and confidence was fixed in the hope of their fidelity, that they would meet him by the way with all diligent preparation, to the intent that he and they at time and place convenient might communicate together the deepness of all his doubtful and weighty business. When the Messengers were dispatched with these commandments and admonitions, he marched forward toward Shrewsburie, and in his passing there met and saluted him Rice ap Thomas with a goodly band of Welshemen, which making an oath and promise to the Earl, submitted himself wholly to his order and commandment. For the Earl of Richemond two days before made to him promise, that if he would swear to take his part and be obedient to him, he would make him chief governor of Wales, which part as he faithfully promised and granted, so after that he had obtained and possessed the realm and Diadem, he liberally performed and accomplished the same. In the mean time, the Messengers that were sent, diligently executed the things given to them in charge, and laden with rewards of them to whom they were sent, returned to him the same day that he entered into Shrewsburie, and made relation to him that his friends were ready in all points to do all things for him which either they aught or might do. The Earl Henry brought in good hope with this pleasant message, continued forth his intended journey, and came to a little town called Newport and pitching his camp on a little hill adjoining, reposed himself there that night. In the Evening the same day came to him Sir George Talbot, with the whole power of the young Earl of Shrewsburie then being in ward, which were accounted to the number of two thousand men. And thus his power increasing, he arrived at the town of Stafford, & there paused. To whom came Sir William Stanley accompanied with a few persons, and after that the Earl and he had commoned no long time together, he reverted to his Soldiers which he had congregate together to serve the Earl, which from thence departed to Lichefielde, and lay without the Walls in his camp all the night. The next Morning he entered into the town, and was with all honour like a Prince received. A day or two before, the Lord Stanley having in his band almost five thousand men, lodged in the same town, but hearing that the Earl of Richemond was marching thitherward, gave to him place, dislodging him and his, and repaired to a town called Adreslone, there abiding the coming of the Earl, and this wily fox did this act to avoid all suspicion, being afraid lest if he should be seen openly to be a fautor or aider to the Earl his son in law before the day of the battle, that king Richard which yet did not utterly put in him diffidence and mistrust, would put to some cruel death his son & heir apparent George Lord Strange whom king Richard as you have heard before, kept with him as a pledge or hostage, to the intent that the Lord Stanley his father should attempt nothing prejudicial to him. King richard at this season keeping his house in the Castle of Notyngham was informed that the Earl of Richemonde with such banished men as fled out of England to him were now arrived in Wales, and that all things necessary to his enterprise were unprovided, unpurveyed and very weak, nothing meet to withstand the power of such as the king had appointed to resist him. This rumour so enflated his mind, that in manner disdaining to here speak of so poor a company, determined at the first to take little or no regard to this so small a sparkle, declaring the Earl to be innocent and unwise, because that he rashly attempted such a great enterprise with so small and thin a number of warlike persons, and therefore he gave a definitive sentence, that when he came to that point that he should be compelled to fight against his will, he either should be apprehended a live, or else by all likelihood he should of necessity come to a shameful confusion, and that he trusted to be shortly done by Sir Walter Harbert and Rice ap Thomas, which then ruled Wales with equal power and like authority. But yet he revolving and casting in his mind that a small war begun and winked at and not regarded, may turn to a great broil and trouble, and that it was prudent policy not to contemn and disdain the little small power and weakness of the enemy, be it never so small, thought it necessary to provide for after claps that might happen and chance. Wherefore he sent to john Duke of Norfolk, Henry earl of Northumberland, Thomas earl of Surrey, and to other of his especial and trusty friends of the Nobility, which he judged more to prefer and esteem his wealth and honour then their own riches and private commodity, willing them to muster and view all their servants and tenants, and to elect and choose the most courageous and active persons of the whole number, and with them to repair to his presence with all speed and diligence. Also he wrote to Robert Brakenbury Lieutenant of the Tower, commanding him with his power to come to his army and to bring with him as fellows in arms, Sir Thomas Burchier, and Sir Walter Hungerforde, and divers other Knights and esquires in whom he cast no small suspicion. While he was thus ordering his affairs, tidings came that the Earl of Richemonde was passed Severne & come to Shrewsburie without any detriment or encumbrance. At which message he was sore moved and broiled with Melancholy and dolour, and cried out, ask vengeance of them that contrary to their oath and promise had so deceived him. For which cause he began to have diffidence in other, in so much that he determined himself out of hand the same day to meet with, and resist his adversaries. And in all hast sent out Spials to view and espy what way his enemies kept and passed. They diligently doing their duty, shortly after returned, declaring to the king that the Earl was encamped at the town of Lichfield. When he had perfit knowledge where the Earl with his army was sojourning, he having continual repair of his subjects to him, began incontinently without delay to marshal and put in order his battles (like a valiant captain and polletique leader) and first he made his battles to set forward five and five in a rank, marching toward that way where his enemies as was to him reported intended to pass. In the middle part of the army he appointed the traffic and carriage appertaining to the army. Then he (environed with his guard) with a frowning countenance and cruel visage mounted on a great white courser and followed with his footmen, the wings of horsemen coasting and ranging on every side: And keeping this array, he with great pomp entered the town of Leycester after the son set. The Earl of Richemond raised his camp and departed from Lychefield to the town of Tomwoorth thereto near adjoining, and in the mid way passing, there saluted him Sir Walter Hungerford, and Sir Thomas Burchier knights, and divers other which yielded and submitted them to his pleasure. For they being advertised that king Rycharde had them in suspicion and jealousy, a little beyond stony Stratford left and forsook privily their Captain Robert Brakenbury, and by wandering by night, and in manner by unknown paths and uncertain ways searching, at the last came to the Earl Henry. divers other noble personages, which inwardly hated king Richard worse than a Toad or a Serpent, did likewise resort to him with all their power & strength. There happened in this progression to the Earl of Richemonde a strange chance worthy to be noted: A strange chance that happened to the Earl of Richemond. for albeit that he was a man of haute and valiant courage, and that his army increased, and daily more and more he waxed mightier and stronger, yet he was not a little afeard, because he in no wise could be assured of his father in law Thomas Lord Stanley, which for fear of the destruction of the Lord Strange his son (as you have heard) as yet inclined to neither party. For if he had gone to the Earl, and that notefied to king Richard, his son had shortly been executed. Wherefore he accompanied with twenty light horsemen lingered in his journey, as a man musing and imagining what was best to be done. And the more to aggravate his pensiveness, it was showed him that king Richard was at hand with a strong power and a great army. While he thus heavily dragged behind his host, the whole army came before the town of Tomworth, and when he for the deep darkness could not perceive the steps of them that passed on before, and had wandered hither and thither, seeking after his company, and yet not once hearing any noise or whispering of them, he turned to a very little Village, being about three miles from his army, taking great thought and much fearing lest he should be espied, and so trapped by king Rychard's scout watch. There he tarried all night, not once adventuring to ask or demand a question of any creature, he being no more amazed with the jeopardy and peril that was passed, then with this present chance, sore feared that it should be a prognostication or sign of some infortunate plague afterward to succeed. As he was not merry being absent from his army likewise his army much marveled and no less mourned for his sudden absence. The next morning early in the dawning of the day he returned, and by the conduit of good fortune espied and came to his army, excusing himself, not to have gone out of the way by ignorance, but for a policy devised for the nonce he went from his Camp to receive some glad message from certain of his privy friends and secret allies. This excuse made, he privily departed again from his host to the town of Aderstone, where the Lord Stanley and Sir William his brother with their bands were abiding. There the Earl came first to his fatherinlaw, in a little close, where he saluted him, and Sir William his brother, and after divers and many friendly embracings, each rejoiced of the state of other, and suddenly were surprised with great joy, comfort, & hope of fortunate success in all their affairs, and doings. afterward they consulted together how to give battle to king Richard if he would abide, whom they knew not to be far off with an huge army. In the evening of the same day, sir john Savage, Sir Brian Sanforde, Sir Simon Digby, and many other, leaving king Richard, turned and came to the part of the Earl of Richmonde, with an elect company of men. Which refusal of king Richard's part, by men of such experience, did augment and increase both the good hope and the puissance of the Earl of Richmonde. In the mean season, King Richard (which was appointed now to finish his labour by the very divine justice and providence of God, which called him to condign punishment for his mischievous deserts) marched to a place meet for two battles to encounter by a Village called Bosworth, not far from Leycester, and there he pitched his field, refreshed his soldiers and took his rest. The fame went that he had the same night a dreadful and a terrible dream, The dream of king Richard the third. for it seemed to him being a sleep that he saw divers images like terrible Devils which pulled and haled him, not suffering him to take any quiet or rest. The which strange vision not so suddenly struck his heart with a sudden fear, but it stuffed his head and troubled his mind with many dreadful and busy imaginations. For incontinent after, his heart being almost damped, he prognosticated before the doubtful chance of the battle to come, not using the cheerfulness and mirth of mind, and of countenance as he was accustomed to do before he came toward the battle. And lest that it might be suspected that he was abashed for fear of his enemies, and for that cause looked so piteously, he recited and declared to his familiar friends in the morning his wonderful vision and terrible dream. But I think this was no dream, but a punction and prick of his sinful conscience, for the conscience is so much more charged and aggravate as the offence is greater and more heinous in degree. Now to return again to our purpose, the next day after king Richard being furnished with men and all habiliments of war, bringing all his men out of their camp into the plain, ordered his forward in a marvelous length, in which he appointed both horsemen and footmen to the intent to imprint in the hearts of them that looked a far off, a sudden terror and deadly fear, for the great multitude of the armed Soldiers: and in the fore front he placed the archers like a strong fortified trench or Bulwark: over this battle was Capytaine john Duke of Norfolk with whom was Thomas Earl of Surrey his son. After this long vanguard followed King Rycharde himself, with a strong company of chosen and approved men of war, having horsemen for wings on both the sides of his battle. After the Earl of Richemond was departed from the communication of his friends as you have heard before, he began to be of a better stomach and of a more valiant courage, and with all diligence pitched his field just by the camp of his enemies, and there he lodged that night. In the morning betime he caused his men to put on their armure and apparel themselves ready to fight and give battle, and sent to the Lord Stanley (which was now come with his band into a place indifferently between both the armies) requiring him with his men to approach near to his army and to help to set the Soldiers in array, he answered that the Earl should set his own men in a good order of battle while he would array his company, and come to him in time convenient. Which answer was made otherwise then the Earl thought or would have judged, considering the opportunity of the time, and the weight of the business, and although he was therewithal a little vexed, & began somewhat to hung the lip, yet he without any time delaying compelled by necessity, after this manner instructed and ordered his men. He made his forward somewhat single and slender, according to the small number of his people. In the Frount he placed the archers, of whom he made Capitayne john Earl of Oxford: to the right wing of the battle he appointed Sir Gylbert Talbot to be the leader: to the left wing he assigned Sir john Savage, and he with the aid of the Lord Stanley accompanied with the Earl of Penbroke having a good company of horsemen, and a small number of footmen: For all his whole number exceeded not five thousand men, beside the power of the Stanleys', whereof three thousand were in the field under the Standard of Sir William Stanley: The king's number was double as much and more. When both these armies were thus ordered, and all men ready to set forward, king Richard called his Chieftains together and to them said. The oration of King Rycharde the third. Most faithful and assured fellows and friends, although in the adoption and obtaining of the Garland, I being seduced and provoked by sinister counsel did commit a naughty and detestable act. Yet I have with strait penance and salt tears (as I trust) clearly purged the same offence, which abominable crime I require you of friendship as clearly to forget, as I daily do remember to lament the same. If you will now diligently call to remembrance in what ease and perplexity we stand, and in what doubtful peril we be in: Then, I with you, and you with me, must needs this day take labour & pain to keep and defend with force, that pre-eminence and possession which by your prudent devices I have gotten and obtained. I doubt not but you know, how the Devil, continual enemy to humane nature, disturber of concord and sour of sedition, hath entered into the heart of an unknown Welshman, (whose father I never knew nor him personally saw) exciting him to aspire and covet our realm, crown, and dignity, and thereof clearly to deprive and spoil us and our posterity: ye see farther how a company of traitors, thieves, outlaws, and runagates of our own nation be aiders and partakers of his fact and enterprise, ready at hand to overcome and oppress us: You see also what a number of beggarly Britons and faint hearted Frenchmen be with him arrived to destroy us, our wife's and children. Which imminent mischiefs and apparent inconveniences, if we will withstand and refel, we must live together like brethren, fight together like Lions, and fear not to die together like men. And if you consider and wisely ponder all things in your mind, you shall perceive that we have manifest causes, and apparent tokens of triumph and victory. And to begin with the Earl of Richmond Capitayne of this rebellion, he is a Welsh milksop, a man of small courage and of less experience in martial acts and feats of war, brought up by my brother's means and mine like a Captive in a close cage in the Court of France's Duke of Britain, and never saw army, nor was exerised in martial affairs, by reason whereof he neither can nor is able of his own wit or experience to guide or rule an host. For in the wit and policy of the Capitayne, consisteth the chief adeption of the victory and overthrow of the enemies: wherefore advance forth your standards, and every one give but one sure stroke, and surely the journey is ours. And as for me, I assure you, this day I will triumph by victory, or suffer death for immortal fame. This exhortation encouraged all such as favoured him, but such as were present more for dread then love, kissed them openly, whom they inwardly hated, other swore outwardly to take part with such, whose death they secretly compassed, and inwardly imagined, other promised to invade the king's enemies, which fled and fought with fierce courage against the king: other stood still and looked on, intending to take part with the victors, and overcomers. So was his people to him unsure and unfaithful at his end, as he was to his nephews untrue and unnatural in his beginning. When the Earl of Richmond knew by his fore-riders that the king was so near embattled, he road about his army, from rank to rank, from wing to wing, giving comfortable words to all men, and that finished (being armed at all pieces saving his helmet) mounted on a little hill so that all his people might see and behold him perfectly, to there great rejoicing. For he was a man of no great stature, his countenance was cheerful and courageous, his hear yellow, like the burnished gold, his eyes grey, shining, and quick, prompt and ready in answering, but of such sobriety, that it could never be judged whether he were more dull than quick in speaking (such was his temperance.) And when he had over looked his army over every side, he paused a while, and after with a loud voice, and bold spirit spoke to his companions, these or like words following. If ever God gave victory to men fight in a just quarrel? The oration of king Henry the seventh or if he ever aided such as made war for the wealth, and tuition of there own natural country? or if he ever succoured them which adventured there lives for the relief of innocentes, suppressing of malefactors, and apparent offenders? Not doubt my fellows, and friends, but he of his bountiful goodness will this day sand us unchangeable victory, and a luckey journey over our proud enemies, and arrogant adversaries: for if you remember, and consider the very cause of our just quarrel, you shall apparently perceive the same to be true, godly, and virtuous. In the which I doubt not but God will rather aid us (ye and fight for us) then see us vanquished and overcome, by such as neither fear him, nor his laws, nor yet regard justice or honesty. Our cause is so just that no enterprise can be of more virtue, both by the laws divine & civil, for what can be a more honest, goodly, or godly quarrel then to fight against a Captain, being an homicide, and a murderer of his own blood, and progeny? an extreme destroyer of his nobility, and to his and our country, and the poor subjects of the same, a deadly mall, a fire brand, and a burden untolerable? beside him, consider who be of his band and company such as by murder and untruth committed against there own kin and lineage, ye against their Prince and sovereign Lord have disherited me, and you, and wrongfully detain and usurp our lawful patrimony, and lineal inheritance: For he that calleth himself king, keepeth from me the Crown and regiment of this noble realm and country, contrary to all justice and equity. Moreover I assure you, that there be yonder in that great battle, men brought thither for fear, and not for love, soldiers by force compelled, & not with good will assembled: persons which desire rather the destruction, than salvation of their master and Capitayne: And finally a multitude whereof the most part will be our friends, and the lest part our enemies. For truly I doubt which is greater, the malice of the soldiers toward there captain, or the fear of him conceived of his people: for surely this rule is infallible, that as ill men daily covet to destroy the good, so God appointeth the good to confound the ill, and of all worldly goods the greatest is, to suppress tyrants, and relieve innocents, whereof the one is ever as much hated, as the other is beloved. If this be true (as clerks preach) who will spare yonder tyrant, Richard Duke of Gocester untruly calling himself king, considering that he hath violated, and broken both the law of God and man, what virtue is in him, which was the confusion of his brother, and murderer of his Nephews? what mercy is in him that slayeth his trusty friends, aswell as his extreme enemies? Who can have confidence in him, which putteth diffidence in all men? If you have not read, I have heard clerks say, that Tarquin the proud for the vice of the body lost the kingdom of Rome, & the name of Tarquin banished the City for ever: yet was not his fault so detestable as the fact of cruel Nero, which slew his own mother, & opened her entrails to behold the place of his conception. Behold yonder Richard which is both Tarquin and Nero: Ye a tyrant more than Nero, for he hath not only murdered his nephew being his king & sovereign lord, bastarded his noble brethren, and defamed the womb of his virtuous and womanly mother, but also compassed all the means and ways that he could invent how to deflower, and carnally to know his own Niece under the pretence of a cloaked matrimony, which Lady I have sworn, and promised to take to my make and wife, as you all know and believe. If this cause be not just, and this quarrel Godly, let God the giver of victory judge & determine. Therefore let all fear be set a side, and like sworn brethren let us join in one, for this day shall be the end of our travail and the gain of our labour either by honourable death, or famous victory: And as I trust, the battle shall not be so sour, as the profit shall be sweet. Remember the victory is not gotten with the multitude of men, but with the courages of hearts & valiantness of minds. The smaller that our number is, the more glory is to us if we vanquish, if we be over come, yet no laud is to be attributed to the victors, considering that ten men fought against one. And this one thing I assure you, that in so just and good a cause, and so notable a quarrel, you shall find me this day, rather a dead carrion upon the cold ground, than a free prisoner on a carpet in a Lady's chamber. Let us therefore fight like men. And now advance forward true men against traitors, pitiful persons against murderers, true inheritors against usurpers, the skorges of God against tyrants, display my banner with a good courage, march forth, and begin the battle like hardy conquerors, the battle is at hand, and the victory approacheth, and if we shamefully recoil or cowardly fly, we, and all our sequel be destroyed, and dishonoured for ever. This is the day of gain, & this is the time of loss, get this day victory, and be conquerors, and lose this days battle, and be villains, and therefore in the name of God and saint George let every man courageously advance forth his standard. These cheerful words he set forth with such gesture of his body and smile countenance, as though all ready he had vanquished his enemies, and gotten the spoil. He had scantly finished his saying, but the one army espied the other, The battle between king Richard and king Henry the seventh. Lord how hastily the Soldiers buckled their Helms, how quickly the Archers bent their Bows, and frushed their feathers, how readily the Byllmen shook their Bills, and proved their staves, ready to approach and join when the terrible Trumpet should sound the bloody blast to victory or death. Between both armies there was a great marish which the Earl of Richemond left on his right hand, for this intent that it should be on that side a defence for his part, and in so doing he had the Sun at his back and in the faces of his enemies. When king Richard saw the Earls company was passed the marish, he commanded with all haste to set upon them, than the Trumpets blewe, and the Soldiers shouted, and the kings Archers courageously let fly their arrows, the Earls Bowmen stood not still, but paid them home again. The terrible shot once passed, the armies joined, and came to hand strokes, where neither Sword nor Bill was spared, at which encounter the Lord Stanley joined with the Earl. The Earl of Oxford in the mean season fearing lest while his company was fighting, they should be compassed and circumvented with the multitude of his enemies, gave commandment in every rank that no man should be so hardy as go above ten foot from the Standard, which commandment once known, they knit themselves together, & ceased a little from fight: the adversaries suddenly abashed at the matter, and mistrusting some fraud or deceit, began also to pause and left striking, and not against the wills of many which had liefer have had the king destroyed then saved, and therefore they fought very faintly or stood still. The Earl of Oxford bringing all his bend together on the one part, set on his enemies freshly again, the adversaries perceiving that, placed their men slender and thin before, and thick and broad behind, beginning again hardly the battle. While the two forwards thus mortally fought, each intending to vanquish and convince the other, king Richard was admonished by his espials, that the Earl of Richemond accompanied with a small number of men of Arms was not far of, and as he approached and marched toward him, he perfectly knew his parsonage by certain demonstrations and tokens which he had learned and known of other. And being inflamed with ire, and vexed with outrageous malice, he put his Spurs to his horse and road out of the side of the range of his battle, leaving the avauntgardes fighting, and like a hungry Lion ran with spear in rest toward him. The Earl of Richemonde perceived well the king furiously coming toward him, and because the whole hope of his wealth and purpose was to be determined by battle, he gladly proffered to encounter with him body to body, and man to man. Sir William Brandon father to Charles Duke of Suffolk. King Richard set on so sharply at the first brunt, that he overthrew the Earls standard bearer, & slew sir William Brandon his standard bearer, (which was father to sir Charles Brandon by king Henry the eight created Duke of Suffolk) and matched hand to hand with Sir john Cheiney, a man of great force and strength which would have resisted him, but the said john was by him manfully overthrown, and so he making open passage by dent of Sword as he went forward, the Earl of Richmond withstood his violence & kept him at the sword point without advantage longer than his companions either thought or judged, which being almost in despair of victory, were suddenly recomforted by Sir William Stanley, which came to succours with three. M. tall men, at which very instant king Richard's men were driven back & fled, and he himself manfully fighting in the middle of his enemies was slain and brought to his death as he worthily had deserved. In the mean season, the Earl of Oxford with the aid of the Lord Stanley, after no long fight discomfited the forward of king Richard, whereof a great number were slain in the chase and flight, but the greatest number which (compelled by fear of the king, & not of their mere voluntary motion) came to the field, gave never a stroke, & having no harm nor damage, safely departed, which came not thither in hope to see the king prospero & prevail, but to here that he should be shamefully confounded & brought to ruin. In this battle died few above the number of a thousand persons: And of the Nobility were slain john Duke of Norfolk, which was warned by divers to refrain from the field, insomuch that the night before he should set forward toward the king, one wrote on his gate. jacke of Norfolk be not to bold, For Dickon thy master is bought and fold. Yet all this notwithstanding he regarded more his oath, his honour, and promise' made to king Richard, like a Gentleman, and a faithful subject to his Prince, absented not himself from his master, but as he faithfully lived under him, so he manfully died with him to his great fame and laud. There were slain beside him, Water Lord Ferrer of Chartley, Sir Richard Ratcliff, and Robert Brakenbury lieutenant of the Tower, and not many Gentlemen more. Sir William Catesby learned in the laws of the realm, and one of the chief Counsellors to the late king, with divers other were two days after beheaded at Leycester. Amongst them that ran away, were Sir France's Viscount Lovel, and Humphrey Stafford, and Thomas Stafford his brother which took Sanctuary in Saint john's at Gloucester. Of captives and prisoners there was a great number, for after the death of king Richard was known and published, every man in manner unarming himself, and casting away his habiliments of war, meekly submitted themselves to the obeisance and rule of the Earl of Richemond: of the which the more part had gladly so done in the beginning if they might have conveniently escaped from king Richard's espials, which having as clear eyes as Lynx, and as open ears as Midas ranged and searched in every quarter. Amongst these was Henry the fourth Earl of Northumberland, which whether it was by the commandment of king Richard putting diffidence in him, or he did it for the love and favour that he bore unto the Earl, stood still with a great company and intermitted not in the battle, which was incontinently received into favour and made of the Counsel. But Thomas Haward Earl of Surrey which submitted himself there, was not taken to grace, because his father was chief counselor, and he greatly familiar with King Richard, but committed to the Tower of London, where he long remained, and in conclusion delivered, and for his truth and fidelity after promoted to high honours, offices, and dignities. On the Earl of Richemondes' part were slain scarce one hundredth persons, amongst whom the principal was Sir William Brandon his Standard bearer. This battle was fought at Bosworth in Leycester shire the xxij day of August, the whole conflict endured little above two hours. Bosworth field. King Richard as the fame went, might have scaped and gotten safeguard by flying: For when they which were next about his person saw and perceived at the first joining of the battle the Soldiers faintly and nothing courageously to set on their enemies, and not only that, but also that some withdrew themselves privily out of the press and departed. They began to suspect fraud, and to smell treason, and not only exhorted but determinately advised him to save himself by flight: and when the loss of the battle was imminent and apparent, they brought to him a swift and a light horse to convey him away. He which was not ignorant of the grudge and ill will that the common people bore toward him, casting away all hope of fortunate success and happy chance to come, answered (as men say) that on that day he would make an end of all battles, or else there finish his life. Such a great audacity, and such a stout stomach reigned in his body, for surely he knew that to be the day in the which it should be decided & determined, whether he should peaceably obtain and enjoy his kingdom during his life, or else utterly forego and be deprived of the same. And so this miser at the same very point had like chance and fortune, as happeneth to such which in place of right justice, and honesty, following their sensual appetite, love, use, and embrace, mischief, tyranny, and unthriftiness. Surely these be examples of more vehemency, than man's tongue can express, to fear and astone such evil persons as will not live one hour vacant from doing and exercising cruelty, mischief, or outrageous living. When the Earl had thus obtained victory, and slain his mortal enemy, he kneeled down & rendered to almighty God his hearty thanks. And afterward being replenished with incomparable gladness, ascended up to the top of a little Mountain, where he not only praised & lauded his valiant soldiers, but also gave unto them his hearty thanks, with promise of recompense for their fidelity and valiant facts, willing and commanding all the hurt and wounded persons to be cured, and the dead carcases to be delivered to the sepulture. Then the people rejoiced & clapped their hands crying up to heaven, king Henry, king Henry. When the lord Stanley saw the good will and gladness of the people, he took the Crown of king Richard which was found amongst the spoil in the field, and set it on the Earls head, as though he had been elected king by the voice of the people, King Henry the seventh crowned in the field. as in ancient times passed in divers realms it hath been accustomed, and this was the first sign and token of his good luck and felicity. I must put you here in remembrance how that king Richard putting some diffidence in the Lord Stanley, which had with him as an hostage the Lord Strange his eldest son which Lord Stanley as you have heard before, joined not at the first with his son in laws army, for fear that king Richard would have slain the Lord Strange his heir. When king Richard was come to Bosworth, he sent a Pursuivant to the Lord Stanley, commanding him to advance forward with his company, and to come to his presence, which thing if he refused to do, he swore by Christ's passion that he would strike off his sons head before he dined. The Lord Stanley answered the Pursuivant that if the king did so, he had more sons alive, and as to come to him he was not then so determined: When king Richard heard this answer he commanded the Lord Strange incontinent to be beheaded, which was at that very same season when both the armies had sight each of other. The Counsellors of king Richard pondering the time and cause, knowing also the Lord Strange to be innocent of his father's offence, persuaded the king that it was now time to fight and not time to execution, advising him to keep the Lord Strange as a prisoner till the battle were ended, and then at leisure his pleasure might be accomplished. So as God would king Richard broke his holy oath, and the Lord was delivered to the keepers of the king's Tents to be kept as a prisoner, which when the field was done and their master slain, and proclamation made to know where the child was, they submitted themselves as prisoners to the Lord Strange, & he gently received them and brought them to the new proclaimed king, where of him and of his father he was received with great joy and gladness. After this, the whole camp removed with bag and baggage, and the same night in the Evening king henry with great pomp came to the Town of Leycester. Where aswell for the refreshing of his people and soldiers, as for preparing all things necessary for his journey toward London, he rested and reposed himself two days. The shameful carrying of the dead corpse of king Richard. In the mean season, the dead corpse of king Richard was as shamefully carried to the town of Leycester, as he gorgeously the day before with pomp and pride departed out of the same town. For his body was naked and despoiled to the skin, and nothing left about him not so much as a clout to cover his privy members, and was trussed behind a Pursuivant of arms called Blaunche sanglier or white Boar, like a Hog or a Calf, the head and arms hanging on the one side of the horse, and the legs on the other side, and all by sprinkled with mire and blood, was brought to the grey friars Church within the town, and there lay like a miserable spectacle: but surely considering his mischievous acts and ungracious doings, men may worthily wonder at such a captive, and in the said Church he was with no less funeral pomp, and solemnity interred, than he would to be done at the burying of his innocent Nephews, whom he caused cruelly to be murdered, and unnaturally to be quelled. When his death was known, few lamented, and many rejoiced, the proud bragging white Boar (which was his badge) was violently razed and plucked down from every sign and place where it might be espied, so ill was his life, that men wished the memory of him to be buried with his carrion corpse: He reigned two years, two months, and one day. Thus ended this Prince his mortal life with infamy and dishonour, which never preferred fame or honesty, before ambition, tyranny, and mischief. And if he had continued still Protector, and suffered his nephews to have lived and reigned, no doubt but the Realm had prospered, and he much praised and beloved, as he is now abhorred and despised, but to God which knew his inward thoughts at the hour of his death, I remit the punishment of his offences committed in his life. Henry the seventh. AS soon as the Earl of Richemond returned from the field aforesaid, and was entered into the town of Leycester, he was there by sound of Trumpets proclaimed King of this realm, by the name of King Henry the seventh, which was the xxij day of August. 1485. Now after the king Henry had not only obtained the triumphant battle aforesaid against his malicious enemy King Rycharde, but also by that glorious victory he got the Diadem and possession of the state royal and princely pre-eminence of this famous Empire and renowned kingdom as aforesaid. He having both the ingenious forecast of the subtle Serpent, and also fearing the burning fire like an infant that is a little singed with a small flame: Edward Plantagenet Earl of Warwick, son and heir to George duke of Clarence committed to the Tower of London. did first before his departure from Leycester sand Sir Robert Wylloughby knight to the manner of Sheryhutton in the County of York, for Edward Plantagenet Earl of Warwick, son and heir to George Duke of Clarence then being of the age of xu years, whom king Richard had kept there as a prisoner during the time of his usurped reign, and surely the king was not afeard without a cause, for he much mistrusted lest by this young man, some evil disposed and envious persons of his glory and advancement, might invent some new occasion of renewing of battle against him, which being even from his infancy with many encumbrances and troubles vexed & endangered, desired nothing more heartily than now to live in peace and quietness. Sir Robert Willoughby according to his commission received of the Constable of the Castle, the Earl Edward, and him conveyed to London, where the youngling borne to perpetual calamity was incontinent in the Tower of London put under safe and sure custody. There was beside him in the same Castle of Sheryhutton the Lady Elizabeth eldest daughter to king Edward, whom King richard foolishly phantasiing and devilishly doting did intend to marry as you before have heard, but the damosel did not only disagree and refuse that matrimony, but abhorred and detested greatly his abominable desire. At the which most importunate and detestable concupiscence, the common people of the realm so much grudged and maligned that they did not only attribute the fault and crime to the king, but much more cried out and blamed his privy Counsellors which did not descent, but consent to so pernicious a counsel, and so shameful a conclusion: But God of his only goodness preserved the christian mind of that virtuous and good virgin, and from that shameful and filthy act, did graciously protect and defend her: The which Lady not long after accompanied with a great number as well of noble men as honourable Matrons, was with good speed conveyed to London and brought to her mother. In the mean season, the king removed forward by journeys toward London, King Henry entereth into London. and even as he passed, the common people on every side of the ways assembled in great numbers, and with great joy clapped their hands and shouted, crying king Henry, king Henry. But when he approached near the City, the Mayor, the Senate, and the Magistrates of the same being all clothed in Violet, met him at Shordiche, and not only saluted and welcomed him with one voice in general, but every person particularly pressed and advanced himself, gladly to touch and kiss that victorious hands which had overcome so monstrous and cruel a tyrant, giving lands and praisings to almighty God, and rendering immortal thanks to him, by whose mean & industry the common wealth of the realm was preserved from final destruction & perpetual calamity, & the authors of the mischief rooted up and plucked away. And with great pomp and triumph he road through the City to the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, where he offered his three Standards. In the one was the image of Saint George, in the second was a read fiery Dragon, beaten upon white and green Sarsenet, the third was of yellow Tarterne, in the which was painted a dun Cow. After his prayers said and Te deum song, he departed to the bishops Palace and there sojourned a season, during which time, plays, pastimes and pleasures, were showed in every part of the City. When these solempnities and giving of thanks were done and passed: according as other kings had been accustomed, he congregated together the sage Counsellors of his realm: in which counsel like a Prince of just faith and true of promise, detesting all intestine and civil hostility, appointed a day to join in matrimony the Lady Elizabeth heir of the house of York, with his noble parsonage heir to the line of Lancaster: which thing not only rejoiced and comforted the hearts of the nobles and gentlemen of the realm, but also gained the favour and good minds of all the common people, much extolling and praising the kings constant fidelity, and his politic devise, thinking surely that the day was now come that the seed of seditious factions, and the fountain of civil dissension should be stopped, banished, and clearly extinguished. After this, he with great pomp was conveyed to Westminster, and there the thirty day of October was with all ceremonies accustomed, anointed and crowned King by the whole assent as well of the commons as of the Nobility, King Henry the seventh crowned king and was named king Henry the seventh of that name, Fredrick the third then being Emperor of Almaigne, Maximilian his son then being newly elected king of Romans, Charles the eight french King. Charles the eight reigning over the French nation, and james the third ruling the realm of Scotland. james the third king of Scots. Which kingdom he obtained and enjoyed as a thing by God elected and provided, & by his especial favour and gracious aspect compassed and acheeved. In so much that men commonly reported that .797. years passed, it was by a heavenly voice revealed to Cadwallader last king of Brytons that his stock and progeny should reign in this land and bear dominion again: Whereupon most men were persuaded in their own opinion that by this heavenly voice he was provided and ordained long before to enjoy and obtain this kingdom, which thing king Henry the sixth did also show before, as you have heard declared. Wherefore he being by right and just title of temporal inheritance, and by the provision of divine purveyance thus crowned and proclaimed king: First of all using the antic example of the Athenians, which is to pardon and put out of memory all crimes and offences before time against him or his laws perpetrated or committed, A parliament holden at Westminster and a general pardon granted. he called his high court of Parliament at westminster the seventh day of November for the stablishing of all things as well concerning the preservation and maintenance of his royal person, as the administration of justice and preferment of the common wealth of this realm and dominion, in the which he caused to be proclaimed that all men were pardoned acquitted and clearly discharged of all offences, pains of death and executions, and should be restored to their lands and movable goods, which would submit themselves to his clemency & by oath be bound truly to serve and obey him as their sovereign Lord, & who so would be obstinate and refuse to return to his part, should be accepted and taken as a public enemy to him and his Country. By reason of which proclamation, a great number that came out of divers Sanctuaries and privileged places obtained grace, forgetting clearly the diversity of factions and voice of partaking. After this he began to remember his especial friends and fautors, of whom some he advanced to honour and dignity, and some he enriched with possessions and goods, every man according to his desert and merit. And to begin, jasper his Uncle earl of Pembroke, he created Duke of Bedforde, Thomas Lord Stanley he promoted to the Earl of Derby, and the Lord Chandew of Britain his especial friend he made Earl of , Sir Gyles Dawbeny was made Lord Dawbeny, sir Robert Wylloughby was made Lord Brook which be in their degree Barons and Peers of the realm. And Edward Stafford eldest son to Henry late Duke of Buckyngham, he restored to his name, dignity and possessions, which king Richard did confiscate and attainted. Beside this, in this Parliament was this notable act assented to and concluded as followeth. An act of Parliament for the establishment of the inheritance of the crown. To the pleasure of Almighty God, wealth, prosperity and surety of this Realm of England, and to the singular comfort of all the king's subjects of the same, in avoiding all ambiguities and questions: Be it ordained, established and enacted by this present parliament, that the inheritance of the Crown of this realm of England, and also of France, with all the pre-eminence and dignity royal to the same appertaining, and all other signiories to the king belonging beyond the sea, with the appurtenances thereto in any wise due or ppertayning, shall rest, remain and abide in the most royal person of our now sovereign Lord king Henry the seventh, and in the heirs of his body lawfully coming, perpetually with the grace of God so to endure, and in none other. And beside this act, all attaynders of this king, enacted by king Edward and king Richard were adnichilated, and the record of the same adjudged to be defaced and put out of memory, and all persons attainted for his cause, and occasion, were restored to their goods, lands, and possessions. And in conclusion, diverse of the acts made in the time of king Edward, and King Richard were annulled and revoked and other more expedient for the utility of the common wealth were made and concluded. When all things necessary were discreetly ordered and the parliament for the time dissolved, the king thought it not necessary to put in oblivion his friends and hostages being beyond the sea: wherefore with all diligence he redeemed the Marquis Dorcet, and Sir john Bourchier whom he had left as pledges at Paris for money there before borrowed. And sent also into Flaunders for john Morton Bishop of Elye. These acts performed, he established in his house a grave counsel of wise and politic men, by whose judgement, order, and determination, the people might be governed according to justice and equity, and that all causes might be finished and ended there, without great bearing or expense in long suit. And for hearing and deciding these causes justly and speedily, he swore of his counsel divers noble and discrete persons, which for their policy, wit, and singular gravity, were highly esteemed and renowned, whose names follow, jasper Duke of Bedforde, john earl of Oxenford, Thomas Stanley, earl of Derby, john Bishop of Ely, Sir William Stanley, Lord chamberlain of his household, Counsellors to king Henry the seventh. Sir Robert Willoughby, Lord Brooke, Lord steward of his household, Gyles Lord Dawbeney, john Lord Dynham after made treasurer of England, Sir Reignold Brey, Sir john Cheiney, Sir Richard Guildforde, Sir Richard Tunstall, Sir Richard Edgecomb, Sir Thomas Lovel, Sir Edmond Pownyngs, Sir john Risley, with diverse other wise men, which as the time required he called to his counsel and service now one, and now another. Although by this election of wise and grave counsellors all things seemed to be brought to a good and perfect conclusion, yet there lacked a wrist to the harp, to set all the strings in a monochord and tune, which was the matrymoney to be finished between the king, The marriage of king Henry with the Lady Elizabeth daughter of king Edward the fourth. and the Lady Elizabeth, daughter to king Edward, which like a good Prince according to his oath and promise, he did both solem●nise and consummate in brief time after, that is to say, on the xviij day of january. By reason of which marriage peace was thought to descend out of heaven into England, considering that the lines of Lancaster and York, being both noble families equivolent in riches, fame, and honour, were now brought into one knot and connexed together, of whose two bodies one heir might succeed, which after their time should peaceably rule and enjoy the whole monarchy and realm of England. These things thus passed, albeit that apparently all things seemed to be reduced to a good point and set in a sure stay. King Henry being made wise and expert with troubles and mischiefs before past, remembered that it was wisdom to fear and provide for the crafty wiles and lurking traps of his secret enemies, remembering all men for the most part imbrued and exercised in planting of division and sowing dissension, can not lightly leave their pestiferous appetite, and seditious occupation: Wherefore, for the safeguard and preservation of his own body, he constituted and ordained a certain number aswell of good archers as of divers other persons being hardy, The first yeomen of the crown now called yeomen of the Guard. strong and of agility to give daily attendance on his body, whom he named Yeomen of the crown, which precedent men thought that he learned of the french king when he was in France: For men remember not any king of England before that time which used such a furniture of daily soldiers. Yet forasmuch as to avoid and eschew all doubtful dangers and perils unlooked for, little availeth outward war, except there be a sure stay, and a steadfast backstande at home, aswell for the safeguard and security, as for the good governance of such as be left behind. A parliament He therefore summoned again his great court of parliament, whereto he would that there should be elected the most prudent and gravous persons of every county, City, port, and Borough, and in especial such as he in all his dangers, calamities, miseries and tumultuous affairs, used, trusted, and favoured, as partakers, counsellors, and companions both of his woe, and adversity, and also of his triumph and glorious victory, whose minds and studies he perfectly knew to be fixed and set in the politic regiment, and prudent governance of the public wealth of his realm and dominion. Not forgetting, but having in fresh memory that he for that cause principally was so sore desired, and instantly called of the English nation his natural countrymen. Esteeming it as a chief and principal part of his duty to see his realm, both adorned and beautified with good and profitable laws, and statutes, and also to flourish in virtuous exercises, and good and civil manners, which should be an occasion to 'cause all men to hope, that all thing would continually amend, from evil to good, from good to better, and from better to the best. This sure foundation king Henry laid at the beginning of his reign, intending thereon continually to build. In this same year a new kind of sickness came suddenly through the whole region, even after the first entering of the king into this Isle, which was so sore, so painful and sharp, that the like was never heard of, to any man's remembrance before that tyme. The sweeting sickness For suddenly a deadly and bourning sweat invaded their bodies and vexed their blood, & with a most ardent heat infested the stomach, and the head grievously: by the tormenting and vexation of which sickness, men were so sore handled, and so painfully pangued, that if they were laid in their bed, being not able to suffer the importunate heat, they cast away the sheets and all the clotheses lying on the bed. If they were in their apparel and vestures, they would put of all their garments even to their shirts. Other were so dry that they drank the cold water to quench their importunate heat & insatiable thirst. Other that could or at the lest would abide the heat and stintch (for in deed the sweat had a great and strong savour) caused clotheses to be laid upon them as much as they could bear, to drive out the sweat, if it might be. All in manner assoon as the sweat took them, or within a short space after yielded up their ghost. So that of all them that sickened, there was not one amongst an hundredth that escaped: Insomuch, that beside the great number which deceased within the City of London, two Majors, successively died of the same disease within eight days and six Aldermen. And when any person had fully and completely sweated xxiiij hours (for so long did the strength of this plague hold them) he should be then clearly delivered of his disease: Yet not so clean rid of it, but that he might shortly relapse and fall again into the same evil pit, yea again and twice again, as many a one in deed did, which after the third time died of the same. At the length by study of Physicians and experience of the people driven thereunto by dreadful necessity, there was a remedy invented: For they that survived, considering the extremity of the pain in them that diseased, devised by things mere contrariaunt, to resist and withstand the furious rage of that burning furnace, by lukewarm drink, temperate heat, and measurable clotheses. For such persons as relapsed again into the flame after the first deliverance, observed diligently and marked such things as did them ease and comfort at their first vexation, and using the same for a remedy and Medicine of their pain, adding ever somewhat thereto that was comfortable and wholesome. So that if any person ever after fell sick again, An order and remedy for such as have the sweating sickness. he observing the regiment that amongst the people was devised could shortly help himself, and easily temper and avoid the strength and malice of the sweat. So that after the great loss of many men, they learned a present and a speedy remedy for the same disease and malady, the which is this: If a man on the day time were plagued with the sweat: then he should strait lie down with all his clotheses and garments, and lie still the whole xxiiij hours. If in the night he were taken, than he should not rise out of his bed for the space of xxiiij hours, and so cast the clotheses that he might in no wise provoke the sweat, but so lie temperately that the water might distill out softly of the own accord, and to abstain from all meat if he might so long sustain and suffer hunger, and to take no more drink neither hot nor cold, then will moderately quench and delay his thirsty appetite. And in this his amending, one point diligently above all other is to be observed and attended, that he never put his hand or foot out of the bed to refresh or cool himself, the which to do is no less pain then short death. So you may plainly see what remedy was by the daily experience devised and invented for this strange and unknown disease, the which at that time vexed and grieved only the realm of England in every town and Village as it did divers times after. But lv. year after, it sailed into Flaunders, and after into Germany, where it destroyed people innumerable for lack of knowledge of the English experience. And this year the great conduit in Cheap in London, at the charges and expenses of Thomas Ilam Alderman of London, was newly edified and made. And also this year the Cross in Cheap was newly builded, and towards the charges thereof, one Thomas Fisher Mercer gave five hundredth Marks. When all things by the king were appeased at London, and that he had set and appointed all his affairs in good order and sure state, as he with himself conjectured, he thought it best to make his progress into the other quarters of his realm, that he might weed, rote out and purge the minds of men spotted and defiled with the contagious smoke of dissension, and privy factions, and especially the County of York, which were privy fau●ors and comforters of the contrary part, and not without a cause. For king Richard more loved and regarded the Northern men, than any subjects within his whole realm, which thing to king Henry was not unknown: Wherefore he the more studied to keep them in due obeisance and faithful obsequy, whom he knew of long custom to have borne their hearts and favourable minds to his adversaries: therefore in the prime time of the year he took his journey towards York, and because the feast of Easter approached, he turned to the City of Lincoln, where he tarried during the solemnity of that feast: and making there his abode, he was certified that the lord Lovel, and Humphrey Stafford were departed out of Sanctuary in Colchester: but to what place or whether, no man as yet could tell. For which cause the king little regarding the tale, went forth his appointed journey to York: And assoon as he was there received and settled, it was bruited, and openly showed to the king himself, that France's Lord Lovel, France's Lord Lovel. was at hand with a strong and mighty power of men, and would with all diligence invade the City: also that the forenamed Humphrey Stafford, Humphrey Stafford. Thomas Stafford. and Thomas his brother were in Worcester shire, and there had raised a great band of rude and rustical people, and had cast lots what part should assault the Gates, what men should scale the walls of the City of Worcester, and who should keep the passages for letting of rescues and aiders. At the first hearing of this, the king esteemed if for vain and uncertain, and therefore was with it but little moved: Rebellion. but after that he was certified by the letters of credence sent from his friends, that all was true that was by the common voice spoken & published, he was afflicted with no small fear. And surely not without a cause, for he wisely considered that he had neither a competent army ready prepared, nor harness, nor weapons, for them that were present. And also he was now in such a doubtful place, where he neither could nor might conveniently gather an host together, considering that in the same City, the memory of king Richard his mortal enemy was yet recent and lively, and not all forgotten of his friends, but because the matter required diligent speed, lest that by long tarrying the power of his adversaries by daily aids might be increased and multiplied, he commanded the Duke of Bedford with three thousand men not strongly armed, to do a great enterprise (for their breast plates for the most part were made of tanned leather) to encounter and set upon them with all haste and diligence, and made him privy what he himself intended to do. After this the king gathered together an host in every place where he might retain them. The Duke setting forward after the fashion of an eager and fierce captain, came nigh to the Tents and camp of his enemies, where he consulted and communicated his mind with certain Captains and sage soldiers of his company, by what way he might train and allure them to peace, without battle or bloodshedding. After which deliberation and advice had, if was decreed that the heralds should proclaim openly, that all such should have grace and pardon that would cast down their weapons and harness, and as faithful Subjects submit themselves to their natural sovereign Lord. The which proclamation availed and much profited: For the Lord Lovel: either for some fear or diffidence that he had in his people and soldiers, or fearing himself on his own behalf, fled privily in a night from his company, and left them without a head, as a flock of sheep without a shepherd, which departure when it was to his army disclosed, they put off their armure and came directly to the Duke, every man humbly submitting himself and desiring pardon for their offences, wholly trusting in the king's mercy and favourable goodness. So by this politic wisdom and wise means of the good Duke, this great rage & fierce rout of sturdy and valiant traitors which was prepared against the king & were like to have been the slaughter of many a man, were pacified and repressed & brought to good conformity and obedient subjection. And the Lord Lovel chieftain and chief leader of this tumult and rebellion, fearing more peril and danger, than renown or fame of chivalry, never tarrying the doubtful chance of battle, fled in all post haste into Lancashire, and there for a certain space loitered and lurked with Sir Thomas Broughton knight, which in those quarters bore great swinging, and was there in great authority. Humphrey Stafford also hearing of this mischance happened to the Lord Lovel, in a great dolour and agony: and for fear, in like manner fled and took Sanctuary in a village called Culnaham, two miles from Abingdon. But because the Sanctuary was not a sufficient defence (as it was proved before the justices of the king's bench) for traitors, Humphrey Stafforde taken out of the sanctuary and executed. he was taken by force from that place, and brought to the Tower, and from thence conveyed to Tyburn and there put to execution: But his younger brother Thomas, that was with him, was pardoned and remitted, because he was thought not to have done it of his own will and malicious mind, Thomas Stafford pardoned. but thorough the evil counsel and mischievous persuasion of his elder brother. After that the king had thus by policy of his Counsel appeased and repressed this tumultuous sedition which greatly vexed and unquieted his spirits, and had reduced to reason and conformity the rude and babbling people of the North parties, and in especial the inhabitants of the County of York, The birth of Prince Arthur. he returned to London, and shortly after that to Winchester, where Queen Elizabeth his wife was delivered in the month of Seytember, of a fair Prince named Arthure at his baptism. Of which name English men no more rejoiced then outward nations and foreign Princes trembled and quaked, so much was that name to all nations terrible and fearful: And from Winchester he returned back again to London. In this mean time, of a small matter and the same altogether being false and feigned, there was an open path, and an apparent high way made for a greater inconvenience to ensue. The which matter for the subtle juggling and crafty conveyance of the same, no less deceitful, then leaguer demesne in the hand of a juggler, was to be esteemed amongst all wise men at the first a very bold and over presumptuous an act to be attempted: But the time well weighed, and considered, it was not so monstrous that it were worthy great wondering and admiration, considering that many persons of late, either borne in the womb of continual dissension, or nourished with the milk, or sucking the paps of civil sedition, could not live well in rest, and less forbear their usual custom of moving strife and daily debate. Among the which ungracious flock, there was one sir Richard Simond priest, a man of a base and obscure family, which from his birth delighted in fraud and crafty conveiing, and yet was he well learned, Sir Richard Symond a Priest. but not so well learned as wily, nor so wily as ungracious. Which Sir Richard Symond had allected a scholar called Lambert Symenell, Lambert Symenell. one of a gentle nature, and pregnant wit, to be the organ and conduit by whom he would convey his false feigned enterprise and attempt. The Devil chief master of mischief, put in the wicked mind and venomous brain of this most pernicious, disloyal, and traitorous person, to commence, and devise how he might make his child and Scholar Lambert to be the right inheritor to the Crown of England, and so thereof to make him King, and to promote himself to the chief archbishopric, or some high potestate within the realm. The chief foundation of his occasion was (by the which he was the more bold) that the fame went, and many men surely supposed King Edward's children not to be dead, but to be fled secretly into some strange place, and there to be living, and that Edward Earl of Warwick son and heir to the Duke of Clarence, either was or should be put to death shortly. These rumours although they were false and vain, and without all likelihood of verity or truth, encouraged this Priest much, to think and judge the time to be come that this Lambert might assume and take upon him the person and name of one of King Edward the fourth's Children, and to claim and make title both to the Realm, and Kingdom, having sure knowledge that neither friendship should want, nor aid should lack: and considering that cankered hatred rooted and founded upon mischievous factions and seditious divisions be so perdurable and in manner everlasting, that they can never be clearly expirpate or digged out of their rotten hearts, but that they will with hand and foot, tooth and nail further if they can their pretenced enterprise. And this poor priest brought into this foolish paradise through his own fantastical imagination, informed and taught the child diligently at Oxenford where he went to School, both instructing him with princely behaviour, civil manner and fruitful literature, declaring to him of what high parentage, and of what noble progeny he was lineally dissended, thus persuading and teaching him his lesson clerkly and craftily for his purpose, that the people hearing the child thus rehearsing his stock so sagely, might the rather give credit to his deceitful pretence and false coloured invention: Sun after the rumour was blown abroad that Edward the young Earl of Warwick was broken out of prison. And when Sir Symond heard of this, he now intending thereby to bring his invented purpose to a conclusion, changed the child's name of baptism, and called him Edward after the name of the young Earl of Warwick, the which were both of one years and of one stature, and then he with his pupil sailed into Ireland, there opening his mind, and declaring his matter to certain of the Irish nobility, whom he knew by true fame and report to bear but little favour to king Henry nor his partakers, and having oath and promise of aid to him sworn and made, he showed them that he had saved and preserved the Duke of Clarence son from death, and had for very good will brought him into that Country and region where he knew that both king Edward and all his stock were favoured and loved above all other. This matter was believed strait of the nobility which so showed and published this feigned fable and imagined juggling from one to another, till at the last it was accounted to be as true as the Gospel without any controversy. Thomas Gerardine lord Chancellor of Ireland. In so much that the Lord Thomas Gerardyne Chancellor of all the Country defrauded by this illusion under the colour of plain truth, received him into his Castle, and with honour and reverence him entertained as one that descended from the high progeny of the blood royal, and began much to aid and help him. First calling together all his friends and lovers and such other as were of band or affinity, declaring first to them the coming of this child, and after affirming that the crown and sceptre of the realm of right appertained to this young Prince as sole heir male left of the line of Richard Duke of York: Exhorting and desiring them both for the child's sake and his own, as he was true inheritor to the crown, to help and assist him to obtain the Garland and possession of the same by his Grandfather to him lineally descended. And so after communicating the same matter with other of the nobility, every man promised according to his power, aid of money, men and munitions. By this means the same was shortly bruited throughout all Ireland, and every man was willing to take his part and submit themselves to him, calling him of all hands king. So that now they of this sect thus compassed and sorted, thought to have in other places their companions and fortherers of their malicious purpose, and strait forth they sent into England certain privy messengers to desire them, whom they knew to have been true and faithful friends to king Richard, now to continued in their accustomed love and faithful friendship toward his Nephew and to help the child with treasure and substance as far as they conveniently might. Margaret Duchess of Burgoyne & sister to king Edward the fourth. And that his power might be the stronger to overcome his enemies and to obtain his pretenced purpose, he and his confederates sent messengers into Flaunders to the Lady Margaret sister to king Edward, and late wife to Charles the Duke of Burgoyne, to further his purpose with all her power and help. This Duke Charles having no children by this Lady Margaret, left one sole daughter named Mary behind him, begotten of his first wife daughter to the Duke of Burbone, which was married to Maximilian son to Frederick th● Emperor, on which wife he had engendered two children, the one philip, and the other Margaret. The which two children after the death of the Lady Marie their mother, this Lady Margaret late wife to Duke Charles so entirely beloved, & so motherly nourished, that she both for her motherly love toward the young children, & also for the good administration of justice in their Countries was highly reputed and esteemed, and bore great authority and swinging through all Flaunders and the low Countries thereto adjacent. This Lady Margaret although she knew the family and stock of the house of York to be in manner destroyed and utterly defaced by her brother king Richard, yet not being satiate nor content with the long hatred and continual malice of her parents which subverted and overthrew almost the progeny and lineage of king Henry the sixth, and the house of Lancaster, nor yet remembering the new affinity and strong alliance that was lately concluded, by the which the heirs of both the houses and progenies were united and conjoined together in lawful matrimony, like one forgetting both God and charity, inflamed with malice, invented and practised all mischiefs, displeasures and damages that she could devise against King Henry the seventh. And farther in her fury and frantic mood (according to the saying of the wise man, there is no malice equivalent nor above the malice of a woman) she wrought all the ways possible how to compass his destruction as the principal head of her adverse part and contrary faction. Therefore this Lady knowing of this tumultuous sect and conspiracy, prepared and suddenly devised against king Henry (although she knew it to be but a feigned and painted matter and not worth two straws) yet (having such an occasion to work her malice upon) she promised gladly to the messengers not only to maintain, aid, further and secure their purposed intent with money and substance, but with all the labour and pain that she might, to encourage, stomach and entice many other to be aiders, assisters and partakers of the same conspiracy, and shortly to join with the Chievetaines of the said enterprise. When king Henry was certified of these doings by messengers sent into England, no marvel although he was none otherwise than he had occasion, sore vexed and moved, considering that by the disobeyed and fraud of such a dunghill knave, and vile borne villeyne, so great a sedition should be excited and stirred against him: Nevertheless, he like a circumspect and prudent Prince, well considering and foreseeing, that if this enterprise came to pass, that the final end would be the bloody and mortal war, in the which for the most part, the large camp of all mischief is commonly opened and showed, many innocent men on both parts should perish and come to ruin and confusion without desert or offence. For which reason before all things he determined to attempt and prove, if that he might without any battle or stroke stricken (the end whereof is ever doubtful) to pacify and reduce these rebels to reason and due subjection, before that this evil newly planted weed should stray and wander over the good herbs of his whole realm. Therefore he called his whole counsel together at the Charterhouse beside his royal manner called Richemond, Richemond the kings lodging. and there consulted how to pacify this sudden rage secretly begun, without any more disturbance or open trouble: which motion of all men was thought meet to be assayed and prosecuted with effect. And that before any other thing were attempted and begun, A general pardon. that a general pardon should be published to all offenders that were content to receive the same, and after would be true, loving and obedient to the king their sovereign Lord according to their bounden duty and allegiance: Thinking that if that pardon were any longer space delayed or prolonged, that in the mean season (as the proverb sayeth, Sir Thomas Broughton knight. tarrying draweth peril) Sir Thomas Broughton knight which had hid and kept the Lord Lovel from the king a great season, and was at hand with divers of his friends, in so troublous and perilous a time, utterly despairing of pardon and remission, and as men without hope of any grace, setting all on six and seven, should suddenly move a new insurrection against him, and unquiet him in some place, where he had lest resistance: Whereupon the king gave a general pardon throughout all England (without exception of any offence) yea even to them that had committed high treason against his majesty and royal person. Furthermore, after long consultation had and all things well considered, it was thought by the whole senate for the time then present most necessary and convenient to avoid that erroneous rumour, rumbling and blasting abroad, that the son of the Duke of Clarence was in England, and that he personally should be showed abroad in the City and other public places, whereby the untrue opinion falsely affirming that he was in Ireland might be amongst the commonalty repressed, and accounted as a vain and imagined fable. In this solemn counsel divers and many things of the realm were there debated and concluded: The Lady Elizabeth wife to king Edward the fourth condemned to forfeit & loose all her lands because she had submitted herself to king Richard and amongst other, it was determined that the Lady Elizabeth wife to king Edward the fourth, should loose and forfeit all her lands and possessions, because she had voluntarily submitted herself and her daughters wholly to the hands of King Richard, contrary to the promise made to the Lords and nobles of this realm in the beginning of the conspiracy imagined against king Richard, which at her desire and request left all that they had in England, and fled to King Henry into Briteyne, and there received a corporal oath of him to marry her eldest daughter, which offer she abode not by, but made it frustrate and void. through whose double doings it had like to have succeeded, that neither the marriage could take place, nor yet the Noble men which at her request took king Henry's part, might not return again without jeopardy of life, but live still in perpetual banishment and miserable exile. This was a grievous offence and a heinous crime: howbeit the sequel thereof well digested, it was thought by some men that she deserved not by equity of justice so great a loss and so great a punishment: For surely she did not so great hurt or hindrance to king Henry and his confederates by her reconciliation to king Richard, but ten times more she profited and advanced their cause. For by her submission made to him, he neglecting Gods laws, honest order and christian religion, presuming to heap mischief upon mischief, desired of her the marriage of her daughter his natural niece, which thing he would not have thought likely to have obtained: The Queen & her daughters still for fear of him continuing in Sanctuary. Which unlawful desire (considering for that intent he had rid his wife out of the world) provoked the ire of God and the sword of vengeance against him, whereby his final ruin and destruction shortly after ensued to his miserable confusion, and to the exaltation of king Henry and advancement of his whole company. By this folly and inconstancy of the Queen, she incurred the hatred and displeasure of many men, The death of the Lady Elizabeth wife of king Edward the fourth. & for that cause lived after in the Abbey of Barmandsey beside Southwark, a wretched and a miserable life, where not many years after she diseased, and is buried with her husband at Windsor. Such are all worldly chances, now in prosperity and abundance, mutable and changeable, and full of inconstancy: And in adversity often change from evil to good and so to better, to the intent that they that be in wealth and flow in the abundance of all things, shall not think themselves in surety to tarry still in that degree and state: and that they that be in misery and calamity shall not despair and mistrust God, but live in hope, that a better day of comfort and gain will once appear and come. And yet although fortune ruleth many things at her will and pleasure, yet one work that this Queen hath made cannot be forgotten nor put in oblivion. At what time that king Edward her husband reigned, she founded and erected a notable College in the university of Cambridge, for the finding of scholars desirous of good literature and learning, and endued it with sufficient possessions for the long maintenance of the same, which at this day is called the Queen's College, a name surely meet for such a place, The queens college in Cambridge. wherein scholars diligently studying in all doctrine and sciences, prove excellent Clerks, and come to great honours. When all things in this counsel were seriously concluded and agreed to the king's mind, he returned to the City of London, Edward Earl of warwicke showed openly through the streets of London. giving in commandment that the next Sunday ensuing, Edward the young Earl of Warwick should be brought from the Tower through the streets of London, to the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul. This young Gentleman (as he was commanded) showing himself openly to every body in the Procession time tarried there the high mass, having communication openly with many noble men, and with them in especially that were suspected, and thought to have been partakers of the commotion against the king, to this purpose and effect, that they might perceive the fond Irishmen, for a vain shadow and untrue fiction unadvisedly to procure and move war against him and his realm, without any just cause or lawful occasion. Howbeit to evil disposed persons or brainless men, this medicine nothing availed nor profited. The Earl of Lyncolne son to john de la Poole Duke of Suffolk. For the Earl of Lyncolne son to john de la Pole Duke of Suffolk, and Elizabeth sister to king Edward the fourth, thinking it not meet to neglect and omit so open an occasion of new trouble and mischief offered, determined to uphold, fortify, and bolster the intent and purpose of the Irish men, Elizabeth sister to king Edward the fourth. lest that they might be seduced, and caused to desist and leave off their begun enterprise: And doubtless the man being of great wit and intelligence, and of no small judgement, but half infected with the venomous scab of the late civil battle, could not with a quiet mind suffer king Henry being principal head of the contrary faction to reign in quiet, but consulting with Sir Thomas Broughton, and certain other of his trusty friends, purposed to sail into Flaunders to his Aunt the Lady Margaret Duchess of Burgoin, late wife to Duke Charles, trusting by her help to make a puissant army of men, and to join with the Companions of the new raised sedition. Therefore, after that the king had dissolved the Parliament, which then was holden: he fled secretly into Flaunders to the Lady Margaret, France's lord Lovel. where France's Lord Lovel landed certain days before. And there they being altogether, every man according to his mind reasoned, and debated what was best to do. After long communication had, this final conclusion was agreed upon, that the Earl of Lyncolne and the Lord Lovel should go to Ireland, and there attend upon her counterfeit nephew, and to honour him as a king, and with power of the Irishmen to bring him into England, and sending for all their friends, should without delay give battle unto king Henry: So if their doings had good and prosperous success, than the foresaid Lambert (misnamed the Earl) should by the consent of the Counsel be deposed, and Edward the true Earl of Warwick to be delivered out of prison, and after by the authority and aid of his friends of the Nobility, should be published, proclaimed, and anointed king. But king Henry thinking his Nobles to be well appeased with the sight of Edward the very son of the Duke of Clarence, nothing mistrusting any man to be so foolish to invent, feign, or counterfeit any thing more of him, or any so mad or undiscrete (especially of his realm) as to believe that Lambert was very Edward, only minding the suppressing of the wretched Irish men, studied how to subdue and repress there bold enterprise. And hearing suddenly that the Earl of Lincoln with other were fled, and gone to his adversaries, being therewith suddenly moved: thought even with strong hand and martial power to overcome his enemies and evil willers, whose maliciousness he could by no counsel nor policy eschew nor avoid. And being thus determined, he commanded certain of his Captains to prepare an host of men out of every part of his Realm, and them to bring and conduit into one place assigned, that when his adversaries should come forward, he might with his populous multitude and great power suddenly set on them, and so overcome and vanquish them altogether. And mistrusting that other would follow the Earl of Lyncolne into Flaunders, he caused the East parts, and all the borders thereabouts to be diligently kept, that none other might escape or give them secure. And coming to the town of Saint Edmondes bury, Thomas Marques Dorcet taken and sent to the Tower. he was certified that the Lord Thomas Marques Dorcet was coming to excuse and purge himself before him, for certain things that he was suspected to have done lightly when he was in France. To whom the king did sand the Earl of Oxford to apprehended him riding on his journey, and to convey him to the Tower of London, to try his truth, and prove his patience: For if he were his friend, as he was in deed, he should not be miscontented to suffer so little a reproach, and rebuke for his Prince's pleasure: If he were not his friend, there to tarry in safety that he might do no damage nor hurt to him. And from thence the king went forth to Norwiche, and so to Walsyngham, and shortly after he returned to London In this mean time the Earl of Lincoln and the Lord Lovel, had gotten by the aid of the Lady Margaret, Martin Sword a captain of the Germans. about two thousand Almains, with Martyne Sword a noble man in Germany, and in martial feats very expert, to be their cheveteyne, and so sailed into Ireland. And at the city of Dyvelyn, they caused young Lambert to be proclaimed and named King of England, after the most solemn fashion, as though he were there of the very heir of blood royal lineally borne and descended. And so with a great multitude of beggarly Irishmen, Lambert landeth in England with a great power of men. all most all naked and unarmed saving skeins and mantles, of whom the Lord Thomas Gerardine was captain and conductor, they sailed into England with this new found king, and landed for a purpose at the pile of Fowdrey within little of Lancaster, trusting there to be aided with money by Sir Thomas Broughton one of the chief companions of this unhappy conspiracy. The king not sleeping his matters, but mistrusting and smelling the storm that followed, before the enemies arrived, dispatched certain horsemen throughout all the west parts of the realm, chiefly to attend the coming and arrival of his enemies: secondarily to wait for such espials as came out of Ireland, and them to apprehended and compel to show and declare the secrets of their enemies. When he had gathered all his host together, over the which, the Duke of Bedforde, and the Earl of Oxenford, were chief captains, he went to Coventry, where he being, his light horsemen according to their duty returned & certified him that the Earl of Lyncoln was landed at Lancaster with his new king. The which when the king understood was so, he consulted with his nobility and counsellors to know if it were for the best to encounter with them out of hand, or to let them drag a while, for this matter both required counsel and also speed. After they had laid their heads together, and well debated the matter, it was determined that they should set upon them without any further delay, lest that their power by long sufferance, and delaying of time, might be augmented and greatly multiplied. And so after such advisement taken, he removed to Nottyngham, & there by a little wood called Bowers, he pitched his field: to whom shortly after came the Lord George Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury, the Lord Strange, sir john Cheynie, valiant captains, with many other noble, and expert men of war. For the king had commanded, and given in charge before, that all persons of the counties adjoining that were able and of strength to carry weapon, should be ready in an hours warning, in case that any need should require. Therefore picked fellows, and hardy personages, and such as were like men, were chosen in all the haste, and of this sort a great army was assembled and gathered together: So the kings army was wonderfully increased, and from time to time greatly augmented. In this space, the Earl of Lyncoln being entered into Yorkshire, passed softly on his journey without the spoiling, or hurting of any man, trusting thereby to have some company of people resort unto him: but after that he perceived few or none to follow him, and that it was to no purpose to return back, considering his enemies were all ready to set upon him, he determined firmly to try the fortune of battle, remembering that the chance of war doth stand ever upon uj or seven. & that king Henry not two years before with a small power of men, vanquished king Richard and all his mighty army. And hereupon putting a sure confidence upon his company, directed his way from York to Newarke upon Trent, to the intent that there he (as he trusted) augmenting his company might set upon the king, whom he knew to be but two days journey from him. Albeit, before he came there, king Henry was in his bosom and knew every hour what the Earl did, and came the night before that he fought, to Newarke, and there approached near his enemies, sooner than they looked for him, and there tarrying a little, went three miles farther and pitched his field & lodged there that night. The Earl of Lincoln certified of his coming, was nothing afeard, but kept still on his journey, and at a little village called Stoke nigh to the king and his army planted his camp. The next day following, the king divided his whole number into three battles, and after in good array approached nigh to the town of Stoke, where was an equal and plain place for both the parties to deraign the battle. When the place was appointed and ordained to try the uttermost by stroke of battle, the Earl set forth his army, and giving a token to his company, set upon his adversaries with a manly courage, desiring his soldiers that day to remember his honour, and their own lives. And so both the armies joined and fought earnestly and sharply, insomuch that the Almains being tried and expert men of wars and martial feats, were in all things, aswell in strength as policy equal and equivolent with the English men: but as for Martin Sward their chief captain and leader, not many of the English men, both for valiant courage of a stout stomach and strength, and nimbleness of body was to be compared or resembled with his manhood. Of the other side, the Irish men, although they fought hardily, and stuck to it valiantly, yet because they were after the manner of their Country almost naked, without harness or armure, they were stricken down and slain like dull and brute beasts, whose deaths and destructions was a great discouraging and abashment to the residue of the company. Thus they fought for a space so sore and so eagerly of both parts, that no man could well judge to whom the victory was like to incline: The battle of Stoke. but at length, the kings forward being full of people and well fortified with wings, which only both began and continued the fight, set upon the adversaries with such a force and violence, that first they oppressed and killed such Captains one by one as resisted their might and puissance, and after that put all the other to fearful flight, the which were either apprehended as captives and prisoners in their flight running away, or else slain and brought to confusion in a small moment. But when this battle was finished, and fought out to the extremity, The Earl of Lincoln and Lord Lovel slain. than it well appeared what high prowess, and manly stomachs was in the kings adversaries. For there their chief Captains, the Earl of Lyncolne, and the Lord Lovel, Sir Thomas Broughton, Martin Sword, and the Lord Gerardine captain of the Irish men were slain and found dead. Martin Sword slain. Howbeit, some affirm that the Lord Lovel took his horse and would have fled over Trent, but he was not able to recover the further side for the highness of the bank, and so was drowned in the river. There were killed at that battle with their five captains before rehearsed, of that party about four thousand: Of the king's part there were not half of them which fought in the forward, and gave the onset, slain or hurt: Lambert and sir Symond his master taken. Then was Lambert the youngling which was falsely reported to be the Duke's son of Clarence, and his master Sir Richard Simond priest, both taken, but neither of them put to death, because that Lambert was but an innocent poor soul, a very child, and was not of age to do any such enterprise of his own device, and the other was a priest, which yet to the intent he might remember that the stone oftentimes falleth on the head of him that casteth it into the air, and that many a man maketh a rod for his own tail when he intendeth it for another, this priest for penance was committed to perpetual prison and miserable captivity. But this Lambert in conclusion was made the kings falconer, after that he had been a turn brooch, and executed such vile offices in the king's kitchen and Scullarie for a space. And thus was all the high enterprise that Lady Margaret had devised and set forth at this time, turned to nought and brought to none effect, and to an evil conclusion. Of which chance, when she was advertised and informed in the Country of Flaunders, she was very sorry at the heart & much lamented and bewailed, that her imagined purpose sorted to such an infortunate end and effect, incontinently devising, practising, and imagining some great and more difficile enterprise, by the which she might vex and unquiet yet once again the king of England & his whole region: Which purpose, even as she invented it, so she set it forward, as shall be showed hereafter plainly. After that king Henry had thus assuaged and appeased these matters being of so great a moment and weight, with no great motion, tumult, or trouble, he commanded that no man should kill or slay the Earl of Lyncolne, but that he should be brought to him alive, to the intent that he might show and bewray both the fountain and original beginning of this seditious conspiracy. But the fame is, that the soldiers would not so do, fearing lest peradventure the saving of his only life (as it should have been in deed) the life of many other should have been lost, or at the lest in jeopardy. This battle was fought on a Saturday being the xuj day of june. In the which year also Thomas Burchier archbishop of Cauntorbury died, into whose room john Morton late Bishop of Elye, john Morton Bishop of Ely. a man of equal learning, virtue and policy with his predecessors, whom Alexander of that name the sixth Bishop of Rome created Cardinal, and the king preferred him to the office of the high chancellor of England: Now to return to my purpose. After this victory, than the king did execution of such rebels and traitors as were taken in the field, either at the battle, or in the chase. And shortly after, he went into Yorkshire, and there coasted the Country, overthwart, searching by his espials and privy enquyries, whether his adversaries gathered any other army against him, intending earnestly to weed out, and purge his land of all seditious seed, and double hearted fruit, if it were possible, and such as were found culpaple in any one point, were committed to prison, and either punished by fine or extinct by death. In the midst of August he by journeying arrived at Newcastle upon Tyne a very proper town, situate on the hither part of Northumberland, where he tarried the remnant of the Summer, and being there, sent in Ambassade into Scotland to king james the third, Richard Fox Bishop of Excester. Richard Fox which not long before was made Bishop of Exeter, and with him Sir Richard Edgecombe knight controller of his house. The summary of their commission was to conclude a truce for a time, or a long league and amity. For king Henry esteemed it both honourable & profitable if he might have perfit peace and assured amity with Princes adjoining and his next neighbours. And before all other, king james of Scotland, to the intent that his subjects having knowledge of the amity and despairing utterly to have any refuge, comfort or secure of the Scots, or other their neighbours adjoining, contrary to their old usage, might the better be continued in the faith, duty and loyalty towards their Prince and sovereign Lord. The Ambassadors when they were come into Scotland to the king, were of him both gently entertained, and after the most loving fashion received and fully hard. To whom at the first he showed the good heart and mind, that he himself continually bore, and yet did intent to show towards king Henry, although his subjects were of a contrary mind and opinion, plainly protesting and declaring to them his Vassals to be both by nature & wilful disposition, divers and contrary ever to the English nation: thinking surely that they for the most part would never consent and long agreed with the English men, according to their old subtle dealing: wherefore lest that he should offend or minister cause of occasion to them (as in deed all men were not his friends in Scotland at that time) he desired the Ambassadors to be content with a truce and abstinence of war for seven years not only in open audience, A ●●uce taken with Scotland for seven years. but on his honour promised firmly in secret communication, that he for his part would keep continual peace with the king of England during their lives, but apparently he promised that or these seven years should be passed and fully finished, that he would renew again the truce for other seven years, so that king Henry and he should live in peace, and most assured amity, during their natural lives. And this did king james conclude with king Henry, because that he knew himself, his acts, yea and his name to be had in such despite and hatred of the more part of his disloyal people, that nothing (whatsoever he did) was esteemed, regarded, well spoken of or had in any price: Such was the malicious heart burning of the Scots against their natural Lord. The Ambassadors perceiving the hearty mind and faithful benevolence of this king towards their master king Henry, accepted and assented to his offer, and ratefyed the same: And returning home showed the king all the matter in order as it was proponed and concluded. With which tidings, he perceiving the king of Scots good mind towards him, and apparently perceiving that as that tempestuous and stormy season required, it was not to his small commodity and profit, rejoiced marvelously that his Ambassade came to so good an effect: & shortly recoiled back again from Newcastle to York, and so toward his City of London. And in the way being at Leycester, divers Ambassadors sent from Charles the French King came to his presence, Ambassadors sent from Charles the French king. which declared and showed to him that their King Charles had recovered many towns, Cities and garrisons which before that time were possessed and holden of Maximilian king of Romans and Archeduke of Austryce, and that he now moved battle against France's Duke of Briteyn, because he kept, aided and succoured in his territory and dominion divers noble princes and high personages of the realm of France, which were Traitors and rebels against him, his realm and signiory, of the which the chief leader was Lewis Duke of orleans: Lewis duke of Orliance. And therefore he desired him for the old friendship and familiarity practised between them, that he would either aid, assist, and help him, or else stand neuter between both parties, neither helping nor hurting any of both parts. King Henry well remembering that although he had found much friendship at the French kings hand in his necessity, and that by him partly and his he obtained his kingdom, yet for as much as he espied upon what unsure ground this quarrel was begun against the Brytones, with this message was not well contented nor yet pleased. For he which saw as far in the French king's breast as his Physician did in his urine, knew perfectly that he had neither occasion by any just title to invade the duchy of Briteyne, nor yet any displeasure ministered to him, by reason whereof he might justly have any shadow to make a quarrel to the Duke of Briteyne, but only to delate, amplify and spread forth his aucthorie, dominion, and possession. For the French king and his counsel knew well that Duke Frances was an impotent man, sore diseased and well stricken in age, and had never any heir male to inherit and possede his Duchy, wherefore they determined by some means easily to compass that the Duchy of Briteyne should shortly come under their rule and subjection, and so without ground or good cause made open war against the Duke and his Nation. King Henry perceiving that this new attempted enterprise nothing sounded to his profit, calling to mind and considering, that if the Duchy of Briteyn and the people of the same which had been ever friendly and loving to the English Nation, and was always for their intercourse to his realm both necessary and profitable, should come under the thraldom and subjection of the French king, that damage more than profit were like to ensue and follow, determined with himself to aid and take part with the Duke, perceiving well that all his affairs was now in peril and set in a broil and hazard. The occasion that moved him thereunto was, the kindling of the fatherly love and tender affection which the Duke ever showed him, sith his first arrival and entering into Briteyne, and his fidelity to him always apparently showed during the time of his there abiding and residence. On the other part when he remembered the great benefit that he had taken and received at the French kings hand by his bountiful and princely liberality, thought it both necessary, honest, and consonant to reason, to forget the unthankful offence against the Duke of Briteyn committed, and to persuade and advise the French king to desist from vexing and invading the Duke of Briteyne, lest any scruple or spark of ingratitude might grow or kindle between them two. This matter was so doubtful and so full of ambiguities, that the king in long consultation left no question nor doubt unasked nor undiscussed, and yet no answer nor no conclusion could satisfy or please his doubtful mind and gentle heart, loath to offend any of them, of whom he had received either benefit or friendship: But in conclusion, he fell to this full determination, that if battle should needs succeed and follow, than he of very duty was specially bound not to deny nor forsake the Duke of Briteyne, to whom he was so much beholding, but to aid, assist, and comfort him with all his power, and openly to keep from him all wrongs and injuries, and to defend and resist all his adversaries and enemies. Yet in the mean season, lest he should of the other part make his high friend his extreme enemy, his answer was to the Ambassadors that he would take travail and study both to his great pain and cost, that between the French king their sovereign Lord, and the Duke of Briteine, both being his indifferent friends some gentle pacification, or friendly accord might be concluded and taken. And so assoon as the kings Ambassadors were dismissed, Christopher Vrswike. he sent on message Christopher Vrswike to Charles the French king: First to declare in his behalf how joyous he was of the victory that he had obtained upon Maximilian king of Romans. Secondarily, what tumult and insurrection was here in England, and how by mere force and manhood he had vanquished and repressed the rebels and traitors, & either destroyed or brought to subjection the whole rabblement and number. thirdly, offering himself as a mean and intercessor of peace and amity between the French King Charles and the Duke of Briteyne: giving him farther in charge, that if he should perceive the French king to give open ear to his request, and to incline to his desire, that then he should without delay resort to the Duke of Briteyn, and desire him to be content at his desire to endeavour himself to an honourable peace and concord, rather than to war and doubtful dissension, which peace with God's grace he little doubted, the Duke being willing, shortly to compass and bring to conclusion. While Christopher Vrswike was traveling in this commission, king Henry returned with great triumph to his City and Chamber of London, having the victory and overhand of his enemies, and rebellious adversaries, whereof the Citizens were very glad, & greatly rejoiced. And soon after this, the king bountifully and liberally rewarded all such persons, which not only did hazard their goods, their possessions, livings, & substance, but also their lives & bodies in his defence and quarrel. And not long after, he delivered Thomas Marquis Dorset out of the Tower of London, Thomas lord Marques Dorcet delivered out of the Tower. accepting him to his high favour & old familiarity, because his truth and fidelity had been tried and proved by sundry and divers arguments and assays. During this time, the king for the perfit love and sincere affection that he bore to his Queen and wife Lady Elizabeth, The coronation of Queen Elizabeth. caused her to be crowned & anointed Queen on saint Katherine's day in November with all solemnity to such a high estate and degree appertaining. In the mean season Christopher Vrswike was come to the french king lying at Tholouse, and of him after the most loving & friendly fashion that could be, received and entertained. And assoon as he had showed and declared his message, the French king showed himself outwardly, although inwardly he otherwise intended, to be therewith contented and that very well pleased that the king of England should be the mean of peace, and Arbitre● indifferent between the Duke and him. This answer made, the English Ambassador took his journey straight thence as he was commanded into Briteyne, and showed the Duke upon his masters behalf all things given him in charge and commission: But the Duke (because himself had been long sick, and thereby his memory and wit was decayed and appaired) he appointed to hear the message with other of his Counseilers, Lewis Duke of orleans which was fled thither out of France. When this Duke had heard the Ambassadors declare their message, perceiving that it touched a peace which he thought sounded neither to his profit nor pleasure, wherefore he being somewhat tickled with the message answered and said, that it was more meet and convenient that king Henry (considering and remembering the great kindness and humanity that he had received at the Duke's hand) should withal the power and strength he might, help the Duke of Briteyne being by the Frenchmen invaded with iron, fire, and blood, then to attempt or procure any fryvelous or vain composition or concord. Yea and although he had neither received nor remembered any benefit done to him by the Duke, yet should he consider that the Country of Britain was in manner a Bulwark and a strong wall for the English men in defence of the French men, the which if it should come into the hands of the French nation, than were his continual enemies next to the gate of his realm, which thing he would not suffer if he remembered the proverb that saith, when thy neighbours house is a fire, thy staff standeth next the door. After that Christopher Vrswike had received this answer than he returned again into France, and there tarried certain days, declaring to king Charles what answer was made to him by the Briteyns, and shortly after returned into England again. While these things were thus in doing, the French king besieged with a great puissance the strong City of Nauntes in Briteyne. And the more greedier that he was of his purpose, and the more hast he made for gaining his pray, so much the more did he exhort the king of England with letters, writings and fair words, by sundry and divers messengers for to treat and conclude a peace, betwixt the Duke of Briteyne and him, fearing lest when he had almost run his race, King Henry would put him beside his saddle, whom he did half suspect to be a back friend of his, and prove and ready to take the Britons part. Wherefore he sent in Ambassade Barnarde a Scot borne, called the Lord Daubeny, in all haste to King Henry, to desire him in any wise to make some end whatsoever it were of this war and controversy. And thereupon the king being desirous of the same, which had rather all things might be ended by peace then by dint of sword, lest that he should be driven to take part with the Brytons against the French nation, Ambassadors sent first to the French king, & then to the Duke of Briteyn. elected among all other three Ambassadors. The first was john Saint, Abbot of Abyndon, john lily borne in Luke, the Bishop of Rome's Collector, and Doctor of law, and Richard Edgecombe knight, a fatherly, wise and a grave parsonage, which for the renewing of the old amity, were commanded first to repair to the French king, and after that to the Duke of Briteyne, to whom he gave a long commission with sufficient instructions. But or ever these Ambassadors proceeded on their journey, john Lily fell sick on the gout, so that he was not able to travail in so long a journey, and so weighty a business, for whom was elected and chosen Christopher Vrswike, and so they three sailed into France (as they were commanded) and when they had commoned a space with the French king, concerning the form of the peace and concord to be concluded, richard Edgecombe, and Christopher Vrswike, departed straight to the Duke of Briteyne, thinking, ye and nothing doubting, but they should knit up the knot, and final conclusion of their Ambassade, according to their own request and desire, but all their hope was vain, and turned to a vanity. For the Duke upon great deliberation, constantly denied and refused every condition by them offered or demanded. Which things, when they succeeded not according to their expectation, the Ambassadors returned back to the French king again, and there to him declared what was their answer and final resolution, and yet making there abode in France, they declared to the king of England by their letters all their acts and exploit. But or their letters came to the king's hands, Sir Edward Lord Wooduile Uncle to the Queen, a valiant Capitayne, Edward lord Wooduile. and a Champion, either abhorring ease and idleness, or inflamed with ardent love and affection toward the Duke of Briteyne, desired very earnestly of king Henry, that if it were his will and pleasure, that he with a convenient number of good men of war might transport himself into Briteyne for the aid & defence of Duke Frances, the kings assured and proved friend. And jest it should sow or kindle any dissension or ingratitude between the French king & him, he said that he would steal privily over, without any licence or passport, as though no man should think or doubt but he were fled the realm, But the King which had a firm confidence, that peace should be made by the politic provision & wise invention of his elected Ambassadors, would in no wise give the bridle to his hasty desire, but straightly forbade him to attempt any such enterprise, thinking that it stood not with his honour to offend the French king, to whom he would show as much amity and humanity as he might. Yet this Lord Wooduile having plain repulse and denial of the king, could not thus rest, but determined to work his business secretly without any knowledge of the king, & went strait into the Isle of Wight, whereof he was made ruler and captain, and there gathered a crew of tail and hardy personages, to the number of four hundred, and with prosperous wind and wether, arrived in Britain, and joined himself with the Brytons against the French power and nation. The rumour of this doing was soon blown into the court of France, which made the Ambassadors of England not smally abashed, who knowing perfectly the French hearts to be prove and ready at all times to revenge and do out rage's to such as displeased them, were suddenly afraid lest the common people could not withhold their hands from quareling or fraiing. Albeit the law of arms and the truth itself did defend and preserve them from injury. But whiles the Ambassadors were in this perplexity, and fear of danger, and whiles the Frenchmen suspected this fact to be done by a cautel of king Henry, there came other new messengers from him to the French king, to purge himself to his friend of the suspected ingratitude, certifying him that the lord Wooduile without his knowledge or consent, was sailed over in to Britain with so small a number of men, which small handful, neither becomed a prince to send or set forward, neither yet could do to the britains, any great aid or secure: To the which message and excuse, albeit the French King gave but small credence, yet he somewhat mitigate of his anger, dissimuled the matter (according to the French nature) with a flattering countenance. So the Ambassadors renewing a league and amity between their king and him for twelve months, returned into England again, and showed the king all such things as they had either heard or seen there. The king of England well perceived by the report of his newly returned Ambassadors, that the French king wrought all his feats by subtle craft and cloaked collusion, treating and mocioning peace and concord, when he desired nothing so much as discord, and war, and that purpose he advanced and set forward with sail and ower, to the vttermust point of his ability. Wherefore king Henry being assured of all the French kings acts and doings, determined now with all speed to set forth out of hand all such things as here before he had concluded, concerning the war of Britain, as you have heard. Wherefore he called his high court of Parliament, and there first consulted with the peers and communality of his realm, for the aiding of the Duke of Briteyn. Then for the maintenance of the wars, divers sums of money were granted and given, beside certain decrees and and acts made for the profit of the common wealth. And assoon as the Parliament was ended, he caused musters to be had in certain places of his realm, & soldiers meet for the war to be put in a readiness. Yet lest peradventure he might seem willingly to break the amity, which was between the french king & him, he sent divers notable Ambassadors into France, to certify the French king, that of late he had kept a solemn Parliament, in the which it was condescended and agreed by the Lords temporal and spiritual, & knights of counties, and magistrates of Cities, and boroughs of his realm, not only considering the relief, comfort, and aid that he had received at the Duke's hand, both for the safeguard of his life, and for the recovering of his inheritance and kingdom, but also remembering that Britain of ancient time was subject and vassal to the realm of England, which country also hath been friendly, and aiders to the English nation when it was vexed, both with toreyne powers and domestical sedition, to aid, comfort, and assist the British nation with all their strength, might, and ability against all their enemies, friendly admonishing him that he should either cease from his war in Britain newly begun, or else not to be grieved if he did agreed (as reason would) to the judgement and determination of the Lords and Prelates of his realm, assuring him in the word of a king that his army should only descend in the Duchy of Britain, not to invade or make war in the French kings realm or territories, but only to defend the Duchy of Britain. With these commandments the English Ambassadors departed, and declared to the french king all the mind and will of their king and sovereign Lord. Which message he dissimuled as little to regard as the biting of a flee, as though the Englishmen in the battle, which he knew to be at hand, could do no enterprise (as it happened in deed) either necessary to be feared, or worthy to be remembered. The cause of his so saying was this he knowing that his army was puissant and strong in Britain, and that the britains had but a few English men with the Lord Wooduile, of whom he passed little, and seeing that England had not yet sent any army thither for the Duke's succour, judged surely that his army would do some great exploit (as they did in deed) before either the Duke should be purveyed or any aid ministered. And as he imagined, so it followed, for the french men so sore oppressed the country of Britain, and brent and destroyed Cities, and besieged the town of Fongeres, so that the Duke of Britain was encouraged by the Duke of orleans, and other rebels of the French king manfully to fight and give battle to the French army. And so the xxv day of july they set forward, and came to a town which the Frenchmen had gotten, called saint Aulbyne. The battles of Fongiers in Briteyn●. The Frenchmen were not ignorant of their coming, but put themselves in a readiness. Of which army was Captains, the Lord Lewis of Trevoyle, viscount of Thonars a Gascoin, Adryan Lord of Mountfalcoysse. On the Britons part were chiefeteynes, Lewis, Duke of orleans, and the Prince of Orange, which because they and other of the Frenchmen were all on horseback, were mistrusted of the Britons, lest they would at their most need fly. Wherefore they descended on foot, and the Duke and the Prince put themselves in the battle of the Almains: The Marshal of Rieux was appointed to the vanguard. The middle ward was delivered to the Lord Dalebret, and the rearguard to the Lord Chateaw Bryand, and to make the frenchmen believe that they had a great number of English men (notwithstanding there were but four hundredth with the Lord Wooduile) they appareyled a thousand and seven hundredth Britons in Cotes with read crosses, after the English fashion, when both the armies were approaching to the other, the ordinance shot so terribly and with such a violence, that it sore damaged and encumbered both the parties. When the shot was finished, both the vauntgardes joined together with such a force, that it was marvel to behold. The Englishmen shot so fast, that the French men in the forward, were same to recoil to the battle where their horsemen were. The rearward of the French men, seeing this first discomfiture began to fly, but the Captains retired their men together again, & the horsemen set fiercely on the Briteynes, and slew the most part of the footmen. When the forward of the Briteynes perceived that their horsemen nor the Almains came not forward, they provided for themselves and fled, some here, and some there, where they thought to have refuge or succour. So that in conclusion the French men obtained the victory, and slew all such as ware read Crosses, supposing them all to be English men. In this conflict were slain almost all the English men, and six thousand Briteynes. Amongst whom were found dead the Lord Wooduile, and the Lord james Galeas borne in Naples. And of the Briteynes there were slain the Lord of Leon, the Lord Mountfort, the Lord Pontlabbe and many noble and notable persons of the British nation. Of the French nation were slain twelve hundred persons. The Prince of Orange, and the Duke of orleans were taken prisoners, which Duke (although he were next heir apparent to the Crown of France) should have lost his head, if Lady jane his wife which was sister to Charles the French king, had not obtained pardon and remission of his trespass and offence. Howbeit, he was long after kept prisoner in the great Tower at Bourges in Berry. This infortunate meeting chanced to the Briteynes on a Monday, being the xxvij day of july. in the year of our redemption .1488. and in the fourth year of king Henry the seventh. An army sent by the king of England to aid the Duke of Briteyne. When these news were brought into England, the king foreseeing what was like to chance, thought it necessary to hasten and set forward the matter before concluded, wherefore with all speed he sent Robert Lord Broke, Sir john Cheyney, Sir john Middleton, Sir Ralph Hilton, Sir Richard Corbet, Sir Thomas Leighton, Sir Richard Laton, and Sir Edmond Cornwall, all lusty and courageous Captains with eight thousand men well armed, and warlike furnished to aid and assist the Briteynes against the French men. These jolly men of war had such prosperous wind that they arrived in Briteyn even as they would wish or desire. But when the French men knew of their landing, whom they knew by no small experience (and especially so long as they were fresh and lusty) to be of great courage: Wherefore at the beginning they were all blank, and for fear kept themselves craftily and politicly within their camp. And after that, they sent forth a small company of light horsemen, the which to weary and abate the stout stomachs of the English men, made in divers places of the army, skirmishes, outcries, and alarms. So for a certain space they used this kind of dallying with the English men, but ever the loss turned to the French men. France's Duke of Briteyne ●●ceased. But behold, while this war was thus set forward, France's Duke of Briteyn departed out of this life, so that the Englishmen were in a doubtful Labyrinth, and in a great ambiguity. For the chief rulers of the Briteynes, being some of them corrupted with money, and some stirred with desire of division and controversy, fell into division among themselves, so that they seemed not to regard the defence of their natural Country, but rather minded the destruction and utter confusion of the same. Which division the English men perceiving, and also considering that it was in the midst of Winter, in the which time it was not wholesome for men to lie in the frosty and moist fields, they were compelled in manner by necessity, within five months that they went forward, to return back again into England. After this Charles the French king having thus the upper hand of the Briteynes, perceiving that Maximilian King of Romans laboured to have in marriage, Anne sole heir to France's Duke of Briteyne, for her younger sister was late dead, which he thought was neither for his profit, nor advantage, concluded a peace with the Briteynes. By which treaty he had the Lady delivered into his possession, and after her deliverance, he refusing the marriage of the Lady Margaret, daughter to the foresaid king of Romans, espoused the Lady Anne Duchess of Briteyn, by which means the Duchy of Britein was annexed to the Crown of France, as hereafter shall appear when it took effect, which was not two years after. Now to the money laid out, as concerning the charge of this battle. It was decreed by the three estates (as you have heard) before that any soldiers were sent into Briteyne, that for the expense of that war, every man should be taxed and assessed at the sum of his substance, & should pay the tenth penny of his goods, for the maintenance of the war in Briteyn. Which money the most part of them that dwelled in the Bishopric of Durham and Yorkshire, refused utterly to pay, either thinking themselves overcharged with the greatness of the same, and therewith grieved, or excited and procured through the evil counsel and seditious persuasion of certain persons, which privily conspired against the king, to put him to new trouble and business. Therefore such as were by the king's commandment made Collectors and gatherers of the sum taxed, after that they could not get the money according to the extractes to them by the Commissioners delivered, made their complaint privily to Henry the fourth Earl of Northumberland, chief ruler of the North parties. And he immediately upon the knowledge thereof, signified to the king's grace by his letters, that the people greatly grudged and murmured, making open proclamation that they have been charged of late years with innumerable incommodities and oppressions, without any default or desert, and that now there was a huge some required of them, which neither they were able to satisfy so great a demand, nor yet would once consent to pay any one penny of the said sum required. Rebellion for the payment of a Tax The king commanded the Earl in any wise by distress or otherwise according to his discretion, to exact the money of the people, and by compulsion to enforce such to payment as whyned most at it, jest that it might appear that the decrees, acts and statutes, made and confirmed by him and his high Court of Parliament, should by his rude and rustical people be contemned and despised. The rude, rash, and unadvised people, hearing this answer of the king, by and by, violently set upon the Earl, by the procurement of a simple fellow called john of Chambre, john of Chambre murdered Henry the fourth Earl of Northumberlande. whom the Earl entreated with fair words to come to reason, but they laying to his charge that he was the chief author and principal causer of this tax and tribute paying, both him and divers of his household servants, furiously and shamefully murdered & killed. divers affirm that the Northern men bore against this G●le continual grudge, sith the death of king Richard, whom they entirely loved and highly favoured, which secret Serpent caused their fury to wade farther than reason could retract or restrain. Although this offence were great and heinous, yet there succeeded after a more mischief and a greater inconvenience. For incontinent the Northern men to cloak this murder and manslaughter, Sir john Egremond knight, rebelleth. by a violence put on their armure and assembled in flocks, and elected to them a Capitane called Sir john Egremonde knight, a person no less seditious than factious, and desirous of trouble, and ordered themselves like men of war, and passing by the Countries, they published and declared that they would bid battle to the king, only for the defen●e of their common liberty and freedom, which he would pluck, and by his extreme power take from them. But when their cause should be decided with blows and handstrokes, their fury was assuaged and cooled, their hearts were in their heels, and their stomachs as cold as any stone, and every one wished that this tumult were quenched, which was now already not smoking but inflamed: And in conclusion every man ran away, some this way, and some that way, as men amazed when they lack counsel. When every man was returned, the matter was ended as they imagined, but while they diligently laboured to save their lives by flight, they sought their own destruction. For the most part of them were punished by death or by imprisonment for the same offence. For the king hearing of this tumultuous business, sent forth Thomas Earl of Surrey, whom not long afore he had delivered out of the Tower, and received to his grace and special favour (as he was both for his wit and fidelity well worthy) with a competent crew of men into the North parts, john a Chambre taken and beheaded. which skirmished with a certain company and discomfited them, and took a live john a Chambre the first beginner of this rebellion. The king himself road after the Er●e into Yorkshire, of whose coming the slaves and sturdy rebels were so abashed and afraid, that they fled more and less, which afterward were apprehended and greeuou●ly punished, according to their demerits and deserving. Yet the king of his magnificent mind, pardoned the innocent and rural people, and plagued and executed the inventors of the mischief, and the furtherers of the same. For john a Chamber was hanged at York upon a gibbet, set upon a square pair of Gallows, like an Archetraytour, and his complices and lewd disciples were hanged on the lower Gallows round about their master, Sir john Egremond fled into Flaunders. to the terrible example of all other. But Sir john Egremond, whom these seditious persons preferred to be their Capitayne, fled into Flaunders to the Lady Margaret Duchess of Burgoyne, which ever envied the prosperity of king Henry. When this foolish enterprise was thus quenched, the king gave commission and charge to Sir Richard Tunstall knight, a man of great wit, policy and discretion, to gather and receive the subsidy to him due of the people, and he himself returned shortly to London, leaving the Earl of Surrey to rule the North parts, perceiving well the English men, not so much to grudge at the payment of the tax or tribute, as they did groan at the excessive and importable sum upon them assessed, remembering the old proverb, love me little and love me long. Before this time, Maximilian king of Romans, which as you have heard in the time of king Edward the fourth, Maximilian king of Romans. had contrary to the mind and will of the French king espoused Lady Marie, daughter and heir to Lewis the French king, and by her had issue a son called Philip and Margaret which was affied to Charles the seventh French king & by him repudiate & forsaken was so sore offended & greatly grieved with the Flemings, but most of all with the Gauntoys & Brugians, for keeping from him perforce his son & heir duke Philip, which neither by gentle request nor cruel menace would deliver the son to his natural father and lawful parent. Wherefore the king Maximilian assembled a company of Almains & Ouerlanders (for he did not greatly put his confidence in the Brabanders nor Hollanders) & made sharp war on the Flemings, in the which he little prevailed. For the Flemings sent to the French king for aid & succour, which being glad of the request, sent Philip de Creuecure Lord Desquerdes, commonly called the Lord cords into the confines of Flaunders with a great army of men, to aid and succour the Flemings trusting by that means, to obtain both the possession of the young infant Duke Philip & the whole country of Flaunders. Wherefore Maximilian intending to allure the Flemings from the French men, began first to practise with them of Bruges, of which town the gravest men, soon condescended and agreed to reason, requiring him to come to their town, and sent to him with their request, the Scult called Peter Longoll with divers other, to advertise him that at his coming thither, he should found them conformable to his will & request. Upon trust whereof he entered into the town smally accompanied, thinking that the lords & Senate would joyously have received and welcomed him. But the matter turned clean contrary, for the light witted persons, to whom peace was treason, taking this occasion to them offered, cried to harness. When they which had brought the king into the town, saw the tumult of the people, & that no man came to their relief, they left their lord post alone, & fled into corners. The warden of the Smiths was the chief of the rout, which bade the king to take patience a while, Maximilian taken prisoner in the town of Bruges. & he should have a gentle imprisonment, & so conveyed him to the house of john Grosse, judge of the audience. Then the Almains were all banished the town, & the lords of Gaunt were sent for, which tarried not long. When they had the prey that they expected, first divers Citizns which they thought favourable to Maximilian they beheaded. Matthew Spert, one of his chief counsellors & trusty friends, Matthew Spert. was sent to Gaunt, & there put to death. Then john Capenoll a busy Merchant, would in all haste have ridden to induct the French king as their sovereign lord, to whom the most part would in no wise agreed nor consent, nor yet intended to dishinherit the young duke Philip of his grandfathers inheritance. When execution was done of the wise and sad counsellors, Note how that the subjects charge their Prince. the new made rulers caused their Prince king Maximilian to be brought to the town house, and there they laid to his charge, that he had not observed the treaty, which they of Gaunt and Bruges had concluded with the French king. Secondarily, they alleged that he put high Almains in offices and great authority, which without their assent would have changed and enhanced their coin and money to their great prejudice and detriment. Many other fond and foolish articles they laid to him, which the ears of every honest creature knowing the duty of the subject to his prince, would abhor and detest, to the which he so wisely and boldly answered, that in part he assuaged their malice, and mitigated their rage. Insomuch that he was more gentler entreated than he was before. For if his answer had been to them displeasant, or if he had menaced them but one word, I think in their fury they would have dispatched him out of his life and land. The Gauntoys would have delivered him to the French king, but the Brugians would not assent. They of Gaunt desired to have him in their custody in Gaunt, but the Citizens of Bruges utterly denied his delivery. Wherefore the Gauntoys in great displeasure departed. After whose departure the Brugians were content to set him at liberty, so that he and divers of his nobility should swear on the holy Sacrament, not only to remit, pardon and forgive all offences perpetrated and committed by them of Flaunders, but also should swear and promise, neither to remember nor revenge the same. This oath he swore in the great Church of Bruges, and the Lord of Raveston called Philip Mounseur, and the Lord of Bevers and divers other swore the same, adding thereunto, that if he did attempt any thing contrary to his oath and promise, than they swore to take part with the good towns of Flaunders against him and his adherents. And upon this promise he was delivered, and frankly set at liberty. Frederick the Emperor But Frederick the Emperor could not forget the reproach and despite that was showed to him in his son, & the great injury and wrong that was done to his son, partly to his dishonour, scourged Flaunders with sharp war and mortal afflictions (Maximilian lying in quiet, and nothing attempting) but Philip Mounseur, Lord of Raveston, the which took his oath with king Maximilian, to show that the war was renovate without his knowledge and assent, forsook Maximilian his Lord, and took the towns of Yper & Scleuse with both the Castles of the same Haven, which he manned, and viteyled, & kept two years against the power of Maximilian till he rendered them to Sir Edward Pownynges, sent thither by the King of England, as you shall hereafter well perceive. Beside this, the foresaid Philip not only exacted and stirred the Gauntoys, Brugians & other towns of Flaunders, to rebel against their sovereign Lord, but also sent to the Lord cords to aid him to conquer such towns of Flaunders, as were not of their opinion and confederacy. This Lord cords, which untruly revolted from Duke Charles of Burgoyne, being his bringer up and chief preferrer to Lewis the French king (as you have heard before) was glad of this, and so sent to the aid of the Flemings eight thousand Frenchmen, willing them to take and conquer such towns, as were in the way between France and Burges, or Calais and Burges. The captains following his devise, besieged a little walled town, called Dipenew, to whom came four thousand flemings with victual and artillery, sent from Philippe Mounseur. They laid siege on the Northside of the town in a Mary she ground, then being dry, and so deeply ditched their camp, and so highly trenched it, on which trench they laid their Ordinance, that it was in manner impossible to enter into their camp, or to do them any displeasure or damage. The king of England was daily advertised of these doings, which nothing less desired then to have the English pale and territory environed with French fortresses. For he perceived well that if the frenchmen got Dipenewe, they would afterward assail Newport and Grauelyng, and consequently, what with force, and what with corruption of rewards, their purpose was to have the possession of Duke Philippe and all Flaunders, which should not be to the profit of him nor his subjects. Wherefore suddenly with great expedition he sent over to the Lord Dawbeney to Calais, the Lord Morley with a Crew of valiant archers and soldiers to the number of a thousand men, with privy instructions, what they should do. When they were landed, they pupblished and said that they came to defend the English pale, if the Frenchmen or flemings would attempt any maistryes there. But their enterprise was all otherwise. For on a Tuesday at the shutting of the gates at night, the Lord Dawbeney Chiefetayne of the army, the Lord Morley, Sir james Tirrell, Capitayne of Guysnes, Sir Henry Willoughby, Sir Gylbert Talbot, Sir Humphrey Talbot, Martial of Calais, and divers other Knights, and esquires, and other of the garrison of Hams, Guysnes and Calais, to the number of two thousand men, or there about, issued privily out of Calais, and passed the water of Grauelyng in the morning betimes, and left there for a stolen and to keep the passage, sir Humphrey Talbot with six score Archers, and came to Neweport, where they found the sovereign of Flaunders, with six hundred Almains, and there they commoned, and paused that night. On the next day as they came secretly toward Depinew (see the chance) at a place of execution, near the high way, was a Gauntoys (which was come out of the army for a spy, and apprehended by them of Dipenew) led to hanging which amongst the English men knew sir james Tyrrell, and called to him for comfort and succour, promising him that if he would save his life, he would guide them where they should enter on the Gauntoys, to their honour and advantage, and he would be the first assaylaunt of all the company. When his promise was regarded, after request made to the Borough masters and Captains of the town, he was pardoned but not delivered. The next day in the morning, after they had ordered their army, their guide conveyed them out at the Southgate of the town by a high bank set with willows, so that the Gauntoyes could not well espy them, and so secretly came to the end of the Camp of their enemies, and there paused. The Lord Dawbeny commanded all men to send their horses and Wagons back, but the Lord Morley said he would ride till he came to handstrokes (but he was deceived) so they passed on till they came to a low bank and no deep ditch, where their Ordinance lay, and there the Archers shot altogether every man an arrow, and so fell prostrate to the ground, their enemies discharged their Ordinance all at once, and overshot them, the Archers rose and shot again, and bet them from their Ordinance. The Almains leapt over the ditch with their morish pikes, the English men in the forefront waded the ditch, and were helped up by the Almains, and set on their enemies, and slew and took many prisoners. The other English men hasted by the causey to enter in at the North gate of the Camp, where the Lord Morley being on horseback in a rich Coat was slain with a Gone. When his death was known, The Lord Morley slain. every man killed his prisoner, and slew all such as did withstand them to the number of eight thousand men, insomuch that of two thousand that came out of Bruges (as the flemish Chronicle reporteth), there came not home an hundred. There were slain in the said place two chief Captains, George Peccanet, and Anthony Nyewnhome. On the English part was slain the Lord Morley, and not an hundred more. This was called Dixmew field. The English men took their ordinance and sent it to Newport with all their spoil and great horses. And by the way hearing certain Frenchmen to be at Ostend, they made thitherward, but the French men fled, and so they burned part of the town, and came again to Newport, where the Lord Dawbeny left all the English men that were hurt or wounded, and carried with him the dead Corpses of the Lord Mor ey, and buried it honourably at Calais. The English men had a great victory. This field was profitable to the English men, for they that went forth in cloth, came home in silk, and they that went out on foot, came home on great horses, such is the chance of victory. The Lord cords being at Yper with, xx. thousand men was sore discontent with this overthrow: wherefore he thinking to be revenged, came and besieged the town of Newport strongly (the which captain Monseur de Marwede, before captain of Dipenew, and all the Gentlemen of Westflaunders, and the three principal Cities of Flaunders, and victualed the French host so well, that all things was to good cheap) they without shot at the walls, and broke them in many places, and they within sore grieved them without with their artillery. But the English men that were hurt at Dixmewe field before, and might either stand or draw Bow, never came from the walls. One day the Frenchmen gave a great assault to a Tower, and perforce entered it, and set up the Banner of the Lord cords: But as God would, during the time of the assault there arrived from Calais a Bark with lxxx fresh English Archers, which came strait to the Tower. The women of the cowne, perceiving the English men come, cried with lamentable and loud voices, help Englishmen, help Englishmen, shoot Englishmen, shoot Englishmen, so that, what with the help of such as before were wounded and hurt men, and of the courageous hearts of the new come Archers. and the stout stomachs and diligency of the women, which as fast as the English men struck down the enemies, the women were ready to cut their throats, they wan again the Tower, and slew the French men, and rend the Banner of the Lord cords, and set up the Penon of saint George. Then the Frenchmen, supposing a great aid of Englishmen, to have been come to the town by sea, left the assault. And the night following the covetous Lord cords (which so sore longed for Calais, that he would commonly say, that he would gladly lie seven years in hell, so that Calais were in the possession of the French men) broke up his siege and shamefully returned to Hesding. And the English men glad of this victory, returned again to Calais. james king of Scots in great hatred of his subjects. This year also, the realm of Scotland suffered an infectious and mortal plague, because the name of james the third, king of Scots was so odious, so hated and disdained of the whole Nobility of the realm of Scotland, chiefly because they perceived that he set more by vile borne villains and light persons, then by the Princes and Nobles of his realm, as I have declared to you in the history of king Edward the fourth, which mischief, and ungrate discommodity, after they had tolerated and patiently suffered no small time to their great grudge and displeasure. They now thought it most expedient for their purpose and welfare, even by force of arms to recover their former liberty, and ancient freedom. Therefore making privily a conspiracy together against their Prince and sovereign Lord, compassed his death and destruction. Yet that it might not be thought that they did intend the destruction of their native Country, they made the kings son named after his father james, Prince of Rothsay (a child borne to goodness and virtue) their captain, in manner against his will, openly protesting, that they purposed the confusion and deposing of an evil king, and wretched Prince, and not the subversion and destruction of their Country: by which crafty imagined invention, they might either cloak or put away from them all suspicion, of their purposed untruth and shameful disloyalty. Whereof the king being credibly informed, was vexed and sore tormented in his mind for this cause in especial, that he should have civil dissension with his own subjects and native Countrymen, yea, and against his own son being made captain of that untrue and perverse company, whom next to himself he loved, favoured, and honoured, imagining with himself that this commotion sounded to none other effect, but that the head should fight and strive with the other members and parts of the natural body: and yet on the other side, not to resist shortly their new begun enterprise, might easily encourage and inflame the malicious hearts of his domestical enemies, with more boldness to attempt farther mischief and inconvenience. Therefore to the intent to make a plaster for both these sores to be healed: First to appease and assuage the fury and rumour of the people, being this in a rage, he prepared an arm of men. After that he sent Ambassadors to his son and the Nobility assembled with him, for a love, peace, concord, and unity to be concluded amongst them. Also he sent letters so the king of England and the French king, requiring them that they would vouchsafe with their good and Godly counsel to help and assay to mitigate and assuage this furious enormity of his rude and savage people, which was practised and begun through the persuasion and procurement of certain pernicious and seditious persons. And besides this, he wrote to the Bishop of Rome Innocent for the same matter, in the which he earnestly desired and prayed him that he would of his goodness send some one Legate to these rebels of his Nobility, to charge and command them, that they setting aside all war and hostility, to embrace quietness, rest, and unity. This miserable decrepit and aged king, The miserable estate of james king of Scots. thinking that both delaying and continuance of time, and also the entreating and hearty prayers of his friends and allies would quench their inordinate wildness and furious rage, and persuade them to sobriety and good conformity, had rather with these, and other semblable medicines remedy this young springing sore, than he would have it experimented, & tried with civil battle, which he thought to be a thing both ungodly and unnatural. For all this, no medicine, no counsel, no wholesome precepts could appease or pacify the angry minds and raging wits of the Scottish Nobility, so much were they addicted and bend to this folly and unreasonable madness. Insomuch, as to the messengers sent from him to them being their sovereign Lord they made this unreasonable and unhonest answer, that is: if he would resign the title of his Crown and Realm, and depose himself of his royal dignity, than they would common with him of a peace, or else their ears were stopped from hearing of any entreaty or persuasion. The same answer brought the Ambassador of England and France to their Princes, which sore lamented the perverse fortune and mischance of their friend the Scottish king, as though they had been partakers of his affliction: But Adrian the Bishop of Rome's Legate, of whom we will speak more hereafter came to late, and as who should say, a day after the fair. james the third king of Scots shamefully slain and murdered. When nothing could move or pierce the stony hearts or frosty minds of the nobility of Scotland: In conclusion they met together in a pitched field, where after great slaughter of many men, the poor seely king fled into a Mill for succour, whether he was followed and prosecuted, and there shamefully murdered, and unreverently, (not like a Prince, or a crowned king) left stark naked like a stinking carrion. james the fourth king of Scots consented to the murder of his own father. Then the Princes of Scotland being saciat and filled with the blood and slaughter of their sovereign Lord and king (thinking that they had well revenged the old displeasures to them done and committed by king james the third) set up in the throne and estate royal, the Prince his son, & named him james the fourth of that name. Before this time, as you have heard, Innocent Bishop of Rome had sent in Legacy Adrian of Castilia, a man of Heturia, borne in the town of Cornete, called in the old time Newcastle, which should have gone to Scotland, to have pacified by his authority and commandment this troublesome business, moved and stirred between the king and his subjects. Yet this man, although he made many great journeys, when he came to England, was informed of the king, (to whom he had certain commandments and messages to say from the romish Bishop) that he came to late to accomplish the commission of his Legacy, assertaining him that the Scottish king was dead, gently advising him, that he should not move one foot farther but tarry still in England, where he was not passed two days, but that he was plainly certified by the Bishops of Scotland of the kings death. This Adrian tarried certain months after this in England, and was made much off, and highly commended and lauded to the king by john Morton Bishop of Cauntorbury, which for the good learning, virtue, and humanity, that he saw and perceived to be in him, showed to him all points of humanity and friendship, that a friend might do to a friend. And upon his commendation, the king thinking this man worthy to be looked upon, and meet to do the king pleasure, much phantasied and more favoured this Legate Adryan, insomuch that he was Orator and solicited his cause, both to Innocent, and also to Alexander the sixth, Bishops of Rome. And after this, for his diligent service, he so loved and favoured him, that he made him Bishop of Herford, and shortly after that resigned and given over, he promoted him to the Bishopric of Welles and . And not long after this Adryan was returned with these honours to Rome, where he was promoted successively by all the degrees of spiritual dignities, into the College and society of Cardinals. For Innocent first made him his Collector in England, and also one of the seven Prothonotaries. Adrian a Cardinal of Rome. After this Alexander the sixth had him as one of his privy counsel, and promoted him to the degree of a Cardinal: But who is that I pray you that will marvel at this, which aswell may be given to fools and dizerdes, as to wise and learned men? There is another praise of this Adrian, and the same in manner eternal: The man was of profound learning, and knowledge, not vulgar, but strange, new, and difficile, and in especial he was a man of a ripe judgement, in electing and choosing fine terms, and apt and eloquent words, which first of our time, after that golden world of Tully, moved men with his writing to imitate and follow the most approbate, and allowed authors that were of eloquency, and taught the trade and phrase to speak fine, pure, fresh, and clean latin, so that by his example and document, eloquence flourisheth at this hour in all places of Christendom, wherefore after my judgement, saith Hall, he is not worthy to be put in oblivion: but now to my purpose. The british affairs in the mean season, because that all discord was not appeased, began again now to flow out and to trouble, and set all things in a new broil and business. For Maximilian king of Romans being without a wife, before this time, made suit to France's Duke of Briteyn, to have in marriage the Lady Anne his daughter, to the which request the Duke gently condescended. And one, which by proxy wooed for him: to the intent that the Lady should perform that she promised on her faith and honour, he used a new invention and trick, after this manner. When the Lady did take her Chamber, the night after the affiance, she was laid naked in the Bride bed, in the presence of divers noble Matrons and Princes, called thither as witnesses. The Procurator or Deputy for the husband which represented his person, was laid in the place of her husband, A fond ceremony in the accomplisment of matrimony. and put one of his legs into the bed up to the hard knee, in the sight and company of many noble personages, as who said that the virgin had been carnally known and so the matrimony perfit and consummate, and they two as man and wife. But this fond new found ceremony was little regarded, and less esteemed, of him that only studied and watched how to surrept and steal this Turtle out of her mewe and lodging. For Charles the French king (as no man can blame him) was desirous and greedy to be coupled in marriage, with so great an inheritor, and reputing the marriage made with Maximilian, to be of no validite and effect, the more busily and incessantly he made sharp war, and scourged the Briteynes, to the intent he might both have the Lady and her Dominions also at his will and pleasure. But he imagined that the king of England would cast a trump in his way, and be an impediment to his purpose, by sending into Briteyn a new army of English men, for he had intelligence by his privy fautors. King Henry, and Ferdinando king of Spain, were fully decreed to aid, assist, and defend the Duchess and Duchy of Briteyn, in all jeopardies and adventures, to the intent that they against their will and affection should not be by force compelled to submit themselves to the subjection & grievous yoke of the French king, for the which cause, these two Princes were joined in a league and confederacy, to resist, and to remove this manifest wrong and apparent injury. Wherefore he sent in all post hast the Lord Frances of Luxenborough, Charles Marignane, and Robert Gagime, minister of the bone homes of the Trinity, to king Henry for a peace to be confirmed and had, which when they came before the kings presence, were accepted and entertained after the best manner. And when they were demanded of the effect of their message, their request was that king Charles, as chief and supreme Lord over the signory and Duchy of Briteyn, might without any spot of ingratitude to be imagined or conceived by king Henry, lawfully order and depose at his will and pleasure, the marriage of Lady Anne of Briteyne, as his ward and Orphan, without any let and disturbance of the king of England, or any of his allies and confederates. King Henry thereto would not condescend, but still harped on this string, that the virgin, which was lawfully knit in matrimony with Maximilian king of Romans, should not be compelled against her will and promise (being contrary to all law, right and equity) to take any other person then him to her spouse and husband, for that it was clearly repugnant to all verity and law, both of God and man. So when they had lingered the time, and consumed many days in vain arguments and superfluous reasons, without any of their requests obtained: after long debating and consultation, they were resolved on this point, lest it should be thought that all their Legation had been in vain, & brought to no efficacy or purpose, a form of a league and amity should be drawn with conditions, clauses and covenants. And for the farther furtherance of that purpose, it was thought necessary and expedient that the king of England should sand Ambassadors to the French king, which in his name, and by his authority might briefly conclude and finish the league and treaty that was in communication framed and begun. Whereupon king henry dismissed the French Ambassadors laden with great and large rewards into their Country, and dispatched and sent strait after them by his commission and authority, Thomas earl of Ormond, and Thomas Go●dst●n Prior of Christ's Church in Cauntorbury his Ambassadors to Charles the French king, instructing them fully of all things that he would have either moved or determined. Alexander Bishop of Rome. In this mean space, Alexander Bishop of Rome the sixth of that name which succeeded after Innocent, a man full of diligence, and of wit pregnant, sent Lionel Bishop of Concord Legate, to the French king for certain matters, among other things, gave him in charge to conclude a peace and unity between king Charles and king Henry. When he had declared his message to the French king fully, and had easily obtained all things that he required, than he began to move unto the French king and his nobles, with a long and prolix exhortation to make and conclude a perpetual peace, between him and the king of England. And when he perceived the French men to make no great denial of his request, he determined to attempt and move King Henry to consent and agreed to the same desire and petition: and took his journey towards England, and at Calais he encountered the Ambassadors both of England and of France, which received him into the town of Calais, with many ceremonies and great reverence. Where after they had communed the matter a certain space, as concerning their affairs and business, they departed toward the French king, and the Bishop was transported into England. The king honourably and gently entertained this Legate Lionel, and gave good ear to his pleasant and eloquent oration, wherein he persuaded him with many flattering and glozing words, to enter into a league and amity with king Charles of France, and the French Nation. To the which request, the king made answer that he would be glade and joyous, if it might be compassed and brought about (after long trouble and pernicious dissension) to live in peace and mutual amity withal christian men. Bishop Lionel, perceiving the king's mind and intent went back again to France with all speed and diligence (and as it was meet and decent for the Bishop of Concord) he determined to extirpate and drive out of the king's memory all old reckonings and injuries done to him heretofore, and plant if it might be, in his heart and mind, the very goodly and gracious grain of concord and unity. The English Ambassadors then being with the french king purposed and set forth articles and conclusions of peace. The french men prudently made answer, so that on both parties the matter was politicly and artificially proponed and answered. The English Ambassadors, to the intent that they might assent and obtain a few things, which they much desired, required and demanded many great and divers things. The french men on the other side, minding to assent to no one demand, at the end, did deny and refuse all the English men's desires, and conditions, and were sore angry and moved with their great requests and high demands. And in the mean season, trusting more to their Coffers then to their chivalry, as the manner of their Country is, for to obtain their purpose, they spared not to disburse and launch out treasure, gifts, and rewards innumerable, which is the very cause that they conquer more with crowns of Gold, then with spear and shield, or dint of sword in battle. So that shortly after the french king sent to the noble men of Briteyne great and many rewards, soliciting and praying them all to become his subjects and vassals. And in especial he alured and enticed the Lady Anne by such honourable Matrons and Ladies, as had the governance and education of her, to confirm herself true to him in due obedience and love, and not disdain to be coupled in such a noble marriage, with so high and mighty a Prince, as king Charles was. And lest peradventure the damosel fearing the rigour of the Ecclesiastical laws would not consent to him for offending her conscience and breaking of her promise: To avoid that scruple, he caused divers to persuade and put in her head and tittle in her ear, that the marriage made with Maximilian was of no strength and less efficacy, considering that it was concluded and made without the consent and will of him, which is the chief Lord and aught to have the governance over her as his ward, and the whole Duchy of Briteyn, assuring her that she was deluded, and that the marriage with Maximilian was never consummate nor perfit. And this was the very cause that no sure concord or peace could be concluded and agreed between these two Princes. And where as the french king had long kept with him the Lady Margaret, daughter to Maximilian & her solemnly espoused at Amboys, he said that that marriage might be lawfully dissolved again, because the Lady was of that age, that she could neither be given nor yet taken in marriage, for the which cause he might lawfully forsake and honestly put her from him. By this craft and persuasion they led and enticed the fair maiden, suspecting none evil, and brought her to this point, that in conclusion, she being proclaimed by divers, Princes of Briteyne, subornate and corrupted with meed contrary to their duty and allegiance, was content to condissende and agreed to that the French men demanded, and not only to submit herself to the French king, but also to take him to her make and husband, by the reason whereof war might cease, which with violency and impression of the same, had troubled and afflicted all her whole Country. To this marriage agreed all the Nobility of Briteyne, which held of the French part, thinking it verily for the advancement of the common weal and their ease, because to trust to the power of Maximilian, which was of no puissance, they thought it vain and of no efficacy. And when the French king had compassed and ordered his matters of this fashion, privily with the Lady Anne, he hastened the marriage with all the expedition and diligence that was possible: So that the English Ambassadors returned again to their Country, and nothing done or agreed upon their matter. King Henry, still patiently forbearing and suffering till such time that he perceived more plainly what way the world went: and understanding before the return of his Ambassadors, that the Frenchmen meaned none other but plain guile, and deceit, determined no more with peaceable messages, but with open war to finish and determine all controversies and displeasures between him and the French king. Wherefore he summoned his court of Parliament, A parliament and there declared first the cause why he was justly provoked to make war against the French king: And after desired them of their benevolent aid of men and money for the maintenance of the same. The cause of this battle, every man did allow, and to the setting forth of the same promised all that they could make. The king commending them for their true and loving hearts, to the intent he might not aggravate the common people, with paying of great taxes, and sums of money, whom his mind was ever to keep in favour, would first exact money by a little and a little of the benevolent mind of the richer sort, and this kind of exaction was first practised by king Edward the fourth, A benevolence. as it ap●reth before in his story. Therefore he consulted with his friends, to invent how to gather together a great sum of money, and published abroad that by their open gifts, he would measure and search their benevolent hearts and loving minds toward him, so that he that gave most should be judged to be his most loving friend, and he that gave little, to be esteemed according to his gift. So by this means the king gathered innumerable sums of money, with some grudge of the people for the extremity showed by the commissioners in diverse places. Philip Mounsure. You have heard before how Philip Mounsure, Lord of Ravestone by the aid of Bruges and Gaunt had taken the town, and two Castles of Scluce and was become adversary to Maximilian, by reason of the three chief Cities of Flaunders: Now ye shall understand that he did not only so fortify as well with munitions as men, both the town and the two Castles, but also got into the Haven diverse ships and Barks, and by this means he spoiled and took prisoners all nations, passing either by sea or by land to the mart at Andwarp, or into Brabant, Zealande, or Frislande, and was ever plentifully viteyled out of France and Pycardy to the great damage of the English men, which were spoiled daily, and taken prisoners: Which thing Maximilian king of Romans could not well remedy, nor the king of England without great cost and loss of men. For to it behoved an army, both by sea and land, for when he was set for by land, he fled to the sea: And when he was chased on the sea, he sought refuge in his two strong Towers, and ever he had succours from Bruges and Gaunt. Now was a little town two mile from Bruges, and a head spring to Scluce. The king of Romans did oftentimes attempt the apprehending of this town, to the intent that the Brugians should have no recourse to the Haven of Scluce, nor the Sluysians should have no succour out of the town of Bruges. But there were slain a great number of gentlemen of Germany, for they within made no sign of defence, till all their enemies were in their danger, and so slew and destroyed them. There was a great Duke in Almaigne, called Duke Albert of the upper Saxony, a great friend to the king of Romans, which made himself Neuter, and never intermitted with the affairs of Flaunders, a man of no less policy, then valiant hardiness. This Duke required of the Lords of Bruges, that he might enter peaceably into their town, according to his estate, with a certain number of men of arms to communicate with them divers matters of great weight, and of no small importance, and sent before his carriages and harbingers to make provision. The estates of Bruges little doubted to admit so small a number into so populous a company, ye though the number were double, and especially, because they heard say that he would lodge in the town all night, wherefore no man thought of that crafty policy that he had invented. His elected and warlike company entered into the City in good order, and he followed, they that went before inquired after Inns and lodgings, as though they would repose themselves there all night, and so went forth still in order ask for lodging, till they came to the gate that goeth directly toward the foresaid town of Dam, distant from Bruges a Flemish mile, which is called the Bulwark of Bruges. The Captains and inhabitants of the town of Dam suspecting no harm to come out of Bruges, thinking that their friends knowing some sudden chance coming, to have sent to them aid and succours, and so nothing mistrusting, did let them enter, and took the town of Dam, and so that town, which could not be won by force of arms, was by a slight and policy attrapped and surprised, to the great detriment, and displeasure of the town of Bruges, for now had they no recourse to the Sea, which stop so continuing, no doubt, but the town of Bruges must needs fall in ruin and utter decay. When Duke Albert of Saxony had gotten Dam, he certified the king of England that he would besiege Sluyse by land, if it pleased his majesty to minister any aid by the sea. King Henry which was wise, and forecasting in all his affairs, remembering that Sluyse was the den of thieves to them that traverse the seas toward the East parties, incontinent dispatched sir Edward Powninges, (a valiant Knight and hardy Captain) with twelve ships well furnished with bold soldiers, and strong artillery. Which sir Edward sailed into the haven, and kept Philip Mounsure from starting by the sea. The Duke of Saxon besieged the one Castle, lying in a Church over against it, and the English men assaulted the less castle daily, and issued out of the ships at the ebb, and although they stood in the water to the knees, yet they never gave their enemies one day to rest or play by the space of twenty days, and every day slew some of their adversaries, and on the English part were slain, Verre brother to the Earl of Oxford and fifty more. The Lord Philip of Ravestone, had made a bridge of Boats between both the Castles, by the which one might succour the other. Which Bridge the English men in a night set on fire. Then he perceiving that he must needs lose his Castles by force, and that the flemings could not aid him, yielded the Castles to Sir Edward Pownyngs, and the town to the Duke of Saxony, upon certain conditions. When the Duke and the English captain met in the town, there was between them great salutations and sir Edward kept the Castles a while, of whom the Almains demanded stipend and salary, because that the Duke had nothing to pay. Then these two Captains so handled them of Bruges, that they were content not only to submit themselves to the Lord Maximilian, but also to pay and dispatch the Almains. And so sir Edward Powninges tarried there a long space, and returned to the king before Boleyn. And so they which by reasonable order, would not be governed: by unreasonable conditions were brought to conformity and order. The vi day of April this present year, the king commanded all the nobility of his realm, to assemble at the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul in London, The recovery of the City of Granado from the Turks. where after Te Deum solemnly song, the Archbishop of Cauntorbury standing on the steps before the Queen door, declared to the people, how the famous City of Granado, which many years had been possessed of the Moors or Mawritane nation, being infidels & unchristined people, and now of late besieged by a great time by Donfernando and Elizabeth his wife, King and Queen of Spain, Arragon and Castille. And the said infidels, by reason of this siege brought to great penury and misery, for lack of victual and necessary viand, perceiving that all succours were clearly stopped and kept away from them, and so brought into utter despair of aid or comfort: after long consultation had amongst them, rendered themselves and their City, to the said king. About this season, Maximilian king of Romans having the upperhand of the flemings, by the aid of the king of England (as you have heard before) intended to revenge himself of the french king, for that he had forsaken and put away his daughter Lady Margaret, and sent her home to him, intending as he thought to take to his wife the Lady Anne of Briteyn. But because he was not of sufficient ability of himself to sustain and furnish the war, he determined to desire king Henry to take part with him. Whereupon he sent james Cantibald Ambassador, a man of great gravity. to exhort and require the king of England, to enter his company and society in arms, faithfully promising on his honour that he would in semblable matters of his, take his part with ten thousand men at the lest, for the space of two years whensoever he should require him. And because it is his chance to try the fortune of battle and to move the war, he promised to certify King Henry six Months before that he would invade or occupy the territory of his enemies. And by this message Maximilian greatly inflamed and set a fire King Henry's heart to bear with him. And as he was minded before this time as you have heard to aid and assist the Britons in the extremity of their peril, he now reckoned the time to be come, that he must collect an army to help them now at a pinch in their most peril and danger, to the intent to restore again the british nation to their ancient liberty, and to expulse the French nation, which thirsted for the blood and destruction of the poor Brytons, and he was the more ardently thereunto encouraged, because he perceived Maximilian himself so earnestly set and bend toward that enterprise, and therefore he made his answer to james the Ambassador, that he would be ashamed to be found slack or unprovided at any time of Maximilian his fellow and companion in arms. And so these matters well brought to effect on both parties, the King dismissed the Ambassador from his presence. This year the gate in London called Creplegate, Creplegate. was new builded at the cost and charges of Sir Edmond Shaw Knight late Mayor of London. And the said year was the beautiful conduit in Gracious street, Gracious streere conduit. builded by the Executors of Sir Thomas Hill knight and Grocer of London, and late Mayor of the said City, as doth appear by certain Verses written upon the same conduit. And this year in julie was Henry the kings second son borne at Grenewiche beside London, which succeeded his father in the kingdom of England by the name of king Henry the eight. In this very season Charles the french king received Lady Anne as his pupil into his hands, and with great solemnity her espoused, having with her for her dower the whole country of Briteyn: Charles the French king espouseth Lady Anne Duchess of Briteyne. and so by this mean the Britons became subject to the french king. Maximilian being certified of this, fell into a great rage and agony, for that he was not content with the forsaking and refusing of his daughter Lady Margaret, but also had taken and ravished away from him his assured wife Lady Anne Duchess of Briteyne. And calling upon God for vengeance and punishment for such an heinous and execrable fact, cried out and railed on him, wishing him a thousand deaths. Yet after that he was pacified, and came to himself again, & had gathered his wits together, he thought it was most expedient to revenge his honour and dignity so manifestly touched with dint of sword. And being in this mind, sent certain Ambassadors to King Henry with his letters, desiring him with all diligence to prepare an army, and he himself would do likewise, to invade the French kings realms with fire, sword and blood. King Henry hearing of this, and putting no diffidence in the promise of Maximilian, whom he knew to have a deadly hatred and long grudge against the French king, caused a muster to be made in all the parts of his realm, and put his men of war in a readiness armed and weaponed, according to their feats: beside this he rigged, manned and victualed his Navy ready to set forward every hour, and sent curriers into every shire to hasten the soldiers to the sea side. After the message was declared, there came without any delay an huge army of men, as well of the low sort & commonalty, as other noble men, harnessed and armed to battle, partly glad to help their prince & do him service, and partly to buckle with the French men, with whom the English men very willingly desire to cope & fight in open battle. And immediately, as monition was given, every man with his band of Soldiers repaired to London. After that all this army was arrayed, and even ready to set forward, An army provided for the aid of Maximilian against the French king. whereof were chieftains and leaders, jasper Duke of Bedford, & john earl of Oxford beside other, the king sent Christopher Vrswike his Aulmoner, and sir john Ryseley knight to Maximilian, to certify him that the king was all in a readiness, and would shortly arrive in the continent land, assoon as he were advertised that Maximilian and his men, were ready and prepared to join with him. The Ambassadors sailed into Flaunders, and after their message done, they sent two letters in all haste to king Henry, the which not only sore unquieted and vexed him, but also caused him to take more thought, care and study on him than he did before: for they declared that no Prince could be more unprovided or more destitute of men & armure, nor no more lacking all things, appertaining to war, than was Maximilian, Maximilian unable to make any provision for the war, utterly against his promise made to king Henry. and that he lay lurking in a corner, sore sick of the flux of the purse, so that he had neither men, horses, munitions, armure nor money, nevertheless his mind and will was good, if his power and ability had been correspondent, and therefore there was no trust to be put in his aid or puissance. Their letters both dismayed and made sorrowful the king of England, which like a prudent Prince did well consider, that it were both jeopardous and costly, for him alone to enterprise so great a war. And on the other part, if he should desist and leave of his pretenced purpose, all men might call him coward and recreant Prince. Beside this, he thought that his own nation would not take his tarrying at home in good nor favourable part, considering that sith they had given so large money for the preparation of all things necessary and convenient for the same, they might conceive in their heads and imagine, that under colour and pretence of a dissimuled war, he had exacted of them notable sums of money, and now the treasure was once paid, than the war was done, and his coffers well enriched, and the commons impoverished. King Henry brought into great perplexity. So that at this time he doubted and cast perils on every side and part, and beside this, he was not a little sorry that Maximilian author of this war did absent himself, and defraud him of his society and assistance. And while he studied and mused what counsel he should best take in such a doubtful case, he like a grave Prince, remembering the saying of the wiseman, work by counsel, and thou shalt not repent thee, assembled together all his Lords and other of his private counsel, by whose minds it was concluded and determined, that he should manfully and courageously persever and proceed in this broached and begun enterprise, recording well with themselves, and affirming plainly that all chivalry and martial prowess, the more difficile and heard it is to attain to, the more renowned is the glory, and the fame more immortal of the vanquisher and obteyner. Therefore by this counsel of his friends and Senate, he made proclamation that every man should set forward into France, and yet opening how Iudasly Maximilian had deceived him, lest that they knowing the whole fact, should not be so courageous to go toward that battle and proceed forward on their journey. And therefore to provide and foresee all perils and dangers that might ensue, he so strengthened and augmented his army in such number before he took ship, that he with his own power might discourage and overcome the whole puissance of his adversaries. The noble & valiant courage of king Henry the seventh. When he had thus gathered and assembled his army, he sailed to Calais the sixth day of October, and there encamped himself, tarrying there a certain space to see his men harnessed and appareled, that neither weapon nor any engine necessary for his journey should be neglected. At which place all the army had knowledge by the Ambassadors, which were newly returned out of Flaunders (for they did not know of it before) that Maximilian could make no preparation for lack of money, and therefore there was no succour to be looked for at his hand. At the which report, the English men were nothing abashed nor dismayed, trusting to their own puissance & company. In the mean season, although the French king was as well with courage replenished, as with men furnished meet to try a battle, yet all this notwithstanding he made semblance, as though he desired nothing more than peace, being not ignorant that peace to be obtained was of no small valour and price, and yet he determined to make more expense in getting of peace, then in setting forth of war, and regarded so much the less the treasure to be dispensed for the acquiring of unity and concord, forasmuch as he was afraid that he being diligent to resist the invasion of the English men, that the Britons whereof the most part bore the yoke of his subjection contrary to their hearts and minds, would suddenly rebel and set themselves at liberty, and pluck their heads out of his collar, and set up another Duke & governor. And at the same very time he was invited and desired of Lewis Sforcia Duke of Milan, to war against Ferdinand king of Naples, at whose desire he was priest & joyous, thinking that he had that occasion sent to him from God, for the which he long before thirsted & sore wished. The which kingdom he pretended to be due to him by succession, and intended long before to acquire and conquer it by force of arms, as his very right and inheritance. For when rain Duke of Angeou last king of Scicile, departed without any heir male of his wife lawfully begotten, he did adopt to his heir of all his realms and Dominions, Lewis the xj father to the third king Charles, to the intent that he should deliver Queen Margaret his daughter out of the hands of king Edward the fourth, as you have well before perceived, wrongfully and without cause disenheriting his Cousin, Godson, and heir, Rene Duke of Lorraine, and Bar. For the which cause he did the more busily procure and labour for the amity, favour, and friendship of his neighbours round about him, that when all things were appeased and set in good stay at home, he might the better employ his whole force and puissance on his war in Italy. Wherefore being much desirous to have all things pacified and set in a perfit concord and security, he sent Philip Creveceur Lord cords his chief Counsellor and diligent officer to entreat and persuade the king of England to be reconciled and made again as a new friend to the french king. The French king entreateth the king of England for peace. He not forgetting his message, sent letters to king Henry before he passed the sea, and arrived in the firm land, by the which he notified to him, that he of his bounden duty and observance, which he aught to the King his master, and to the profit of his realm, would take pain to invent some mean and way, that his highness and king Charles his master being dissevered in amity, and made extreme enemies, only for the cause of Maximilian newly elected king of Romans, should be reducted and brought again into their pristine estate and accustomed familiarity, doubting not to bring his ship to the port desired, if it might stand with his pleasure to send some of his counsellors to the confines and borders of the English pale, adjoining to France, there to here what reasonable offers should be declared and proffered: which conditions of peace should be so reasonable and so ample, that he doubted not, but that he might with his great honour break up his camp, and retire his army back again into his own signory and dominion. The king of England gravely considering that Britain was clearly lost, and in manner irrecuperable, being now adjoined to the Crown of France by marriage, which Duchy his whole mind was to defend, and that Maximilian what for lack of money, and what for mistrust that he had in his own subjects, lay still like a Dormouse nothing doing, perceiving also that it should be both to his people profitable, and to him great honour to determine this great war without loss or bloodshed, appointed for commissioners the Bishop of Excester, and Gyles Lord Dawbeney to pass the seas to Calais, to comen with the Lord cords of articles of peace to be agreed upon and concluded. When the Commissioners were once met, they so ingeniously and effectuously proceeded in their great affairs, that they agreed that an amity and peace should be assented to and concluded, so that the conditions of the league should be equal, indifferent, and acceptable to both parts as after shall be declared. While the Commissioners were thus consulting on the Marches of France, Boleyne besieged. the king of England as you have heard, was arrived at Calais, where he prepared all things necessary for such a journey. And from thence he removed in four battles, near to the town of Boleyn, and there pitched his tents before the town, in a place meet and convenient, and determined to give a great assault to the town. In the which fortress was such a garrison of warlike Soldiers, that valiantly defended the town, and the same so replenished with artillery and munitions of war, that the loss of the Englishmen assaulting the town, should be greater damage to the realm of England, than the conquering and gaining of the same should be gain or profit. Howbeit the kings daily shot, razed and defaced the walls of the said town: But when every man was priest and ready to give the assault, a sudden rumour rose in the army, that a peace was by the commissioners taken and concluded, which brute as it was pleasant and delectable to the French men, so it was to the English nation bitter, sour, and dolorous, because they were priest and ready at all times to set on their enemies, and refused never to attempt any enterprise, which might seem either to be for their laud or profit: they were in great fumes, angry, and evil content, railing and murmuring amongst themselves, that the occasion of so glorious a victory to them manifestly offered, was by certain conditions to no man, nor yet to the king commodious or profitable, refused, put by and shamefully slacked: But above all other, divers Lords and Captains, encouraged with desire of fame and honour, trusting in this journey to have won their spurs, which for to set themselves and their band the more gorgeously forward, had exchanged and borrowed divers and sundry sums of money, and for the repayment of the same, had mortgaged and laid to gauge their lands and possessions, sore grudged and lamented at this sudden peace, and spoke largely against the kings doings, A peace concluded with France. saying and affirming, that he as a man fearing & dreading the force and puissance of his enemies, had concluded an inconvenient peace without cause or reason: But the king as a wise man & most prudent Prince to assuage the indignation & to pacify the mumur of the people, declared what damage and detriment, what loss and perdition of many noble Captains and strong Soldiers must of necessity happen and ensue at the assault of a town, and especially when it is so well fortified with men and munitions, as the town of Boleyne at that present time was: protesting farther, that he might be justly accused and condemned of iniquity and untruth, except he did prefer the safeguard of their lives, before his own wealth, health, and advantage. When he had thus prudently quieted and appeased the minds of his men of war, he returned back again with his whole army to the town of Calais, where he began to smell certain secret smoke, which was like to turn to a great flame, without it were well watched and politicly seen to. For by the crafty invention and devilish imagination of the Lady Margaret, Duchess of Burgoyn, a new idol was set up in Flaunders, Margaret Duchess of Burgoyne. and called Richard Plantagenet, second son to king Edward the fourth, as though he had been resuscitate from death to life, which sudden news more stack and fretted in his stomach, than the battle which now was set late forward, Richard Plantagenet duke of York, second son of king Edward the fourth. and more pain he had (not without great jeopardy of himself) to appease and quench this new sprung conspiracy, then in making peace with the French king his enemy. And so he was content to accept and receive (and not to offer and give) the honest conditions of peace of his enemy proffered except he would at one time make war both at home in his own Country, and also in foreign and extern nations. Wherefore king Henry foreseeing all these things concluded with the French king, to the intent that he being delivered of all outward enmity, might the more quickly provide for the civil and domestical commotions, which he perceived well to be budding out. The conclusion of the peace was thus, that the peace should continued both their lives, and that the French king should pay to king Henry a certain sum of money in hand, The conclusion of the peace. according as the Commissioners should appoint for his charges sustained in his journey: Which (as the king certified the Mayor of London by his letters the ix day of November) amounted to the sum of seven hundred xlv thousand ducats, which is in sterling money. C.lxxxuj. M.CC l. pound, & also should yearly for a certain space pay or cause to be paid, for the money that the king of England had sent and exspended in the tuition and aid of the Briteynes xxv M. Crowns, which yearly tribute, although the French king were afterward vexed and troubled with the wars of Italy, yet he yearly satisfied, contented and paid the same, even unto the time of his son king Henry the eight. Also in this sojourning and besieging of Boleyne (which we spoke of before) there was few or none killed, saving only one john Savage knight, which going privily out of his pavilion with Sir john Rifely, road about the walls to view & see their strength, was suddenly trapped and taken of his enemies. And he being inflamed with ire, although he were captive, of his high courage disdained to be taken of such vileynes, defended his life to the uttermost and was manfully (I will not say wilfully) slain and oppressed, albeit sir john Riseley fled from them and escaped their danger. The king having put all things in an order beyond the Seas, did then with speed return into England, and first of all things he elected into the society of saint George, commonly called the order of the Garter, Alphonse Duke of Calabres son, according to his desire, which Alphonse was son and heir to Ferdinand king of Napels, and after king of the same realm, till he was overcome by king Charles. Alphonse son and he●●e to Ferdinando king of Naples made knight of the Gartier. And after, the king sent Christopher Vrsewike, Ambassador with the Gartier, collar, mantel, and other habiliments appertaining to the companions of the said noble order. Which Ambassador arriving at Naples, delivered to the Duke the whole habit, with all the ceremonies and due circumstances thereunto belonging. Which the Duke very reverently received, and with more reverence revested himself with the same in a solemn presence, thinking that by this apparel and investiture, he was made a friend and companion in order with the king of England, whose friendship obtained, he feared nothing the assaults or invasions of his enemies. And this was the cause that he desired so much to be companion of that noble order, firmly believing that the king of England sovereign of that order, should be aider and maintainer of him against the French king, whom he knew would pass the mountains and make war on him. But this custom of assistance in orders was, either never begun, or before clearly abolished: For in our time there have been many noble men of Italy, companions as well of the Golden Flese in Burgoyne, as of the order of Saint Mighell in France, that have been banished and driven away from their natural Country, and yet have not been aided by the sovereign nor companions of the same order. For surely the statutes and ordinances of all the said orders doth not bind them to that case, but in certain points. After this the Duke dismissed the Ambassador, and rewarded him most Princely. But now let us return to the new son of king Edward: And first to declare his lineage and beginning you must understand that the Duchess of Burgoyn so nourished and brought up in the seditious and unhappy factions of false contrivers and founders of discord, could never cease nor be in quiet, except she should trouble and unquiet the king of England, for no desert or displeasure by him to her committed, but only because he came and descended of the house of Lancastre, ever being adverse and enemy to her line and lineage. For which only cause she compassed and invented how to cast a scorpion in his bosom, and to infect his whole realm with pestiferous discord. To the intent that he being vanquished and brought to confusion, both the boiling heat of her malicious heart might be fully saciated with his innocent blood, and also advance and prefer some darling of her faction to his Empire, rule and dignity. And principally remembering that the Earl of Lincoln, which was by her set forth and all his company had small fortune and worse success in their progression and enterprise, contrary to her hope and expectation she began to devise and spin a new web. And as the devil provideth venomous sauce to corrupt banquets, so for her purpose she espied a certain young man, of visage beautiful, of countenance demure, of wit subtle, Peter Warbeck commonly called Perkin Warbeck. crafty and pregnant, called Peter Warbeck. And for his dastard cowardness of the Englishmen, in derision called Perkin Warbeck, according to the duche phrase, which change the name of Peter to Perkin, to younglings of no strength nor courage: Which young man traveling many countries, could speak English and many other languages, and for his baseness of stock and birth was known of none almost, and only for the gain of his living from his chiledhoode was of necessity compelled to travail diverse realms and regions. Therefore the Duchess thinking to to have gotten God by the foot, when she had the devil by the tail, and adjudging this young man to be a meet organ to convey her purpose, and one not unlike to be the Duke of York, son to her brother king Edward, which was called Richard, kept him a certain space with her privily, and him with such diligence instructed, both of the secrets, and common affairs of the realm of England, and of the lineage, dissent & order of the house of York, that he like a good Scholar not forgetting his lesson could tell all that was taught him promptly without any difficulty: & beside, he kept such a princely countenance, and so counterfeit a majesty royal, that all men in manner did firmly believe that he was extracted of the noble house and family of the Dukes of York. For surely it was a gift given to that noble progeny as of nature in the root planted that all the sequel of that line and stock did study and devise how to be equivalent in honour and fame with their forefathers and noble predecessors. When this Duchess had framed her cloth meet for the market, and imagined that all things was ready and prepared for the confusion of King Henry, suddenly she was informed that the said king of England prepared a puissant army against Charles the French King. Then she considering the opportunity of the time, as who would say, a time wished and a day desired to achieve and bring to pass her malicious invention. Perkin Warbeck arrived in Ireland. Wherefore she sent Perkyn Warbeck, her new invented mammet first into Portugal, and so craftily into the realm of Ireland, to the intent that he being both witty and wily might move, inveigle and provoke the rude and rustical Irish nation (being more of nature inclined to rebellion then to reasonable order) to a new conflict & a seditious commotion. This worshipful Perkin, arriving in Ireland, whither it were more by his crafty wit, or by the malicious exhortation of the salvage Irish governors, within short space entered so far into their favours, and so seriously persuaded and alured them to his purpose, that the greatest Lords and Princes of the country gave such faith and credit to his words, as that thing had been true in deed, which he untruly set forth & declared: And as though he had been the very son of king Edward, they honoured, and exalted him with all reverence and due honour, promising unto him aid, comfort and assistance of all things to the feat of war, necessary and appertaining. In the mean season these news were made known to Charles the French king, then being in displeasure with king Henry, which without delay sent for Perkin into Ireland, to the intent to send him against the King of England which was invading France (as you before have heard. The French king entertaineth Perkyn. ) This fleming Perkin was not a little joyful of this message, thinking by this only request to be exalted into heaven, when he was called to the familiarity and acquaintance of Kings and Princes: and so with all diligence sailed into France, with a very small navy, not so small as smally furnished. And coming to the king's presence was of him royally accepted, & after a princely fashion entertained, & had a guard to him assigned, whereof was governor the lord Congreshal. And to him at Paris resorted sir George Nevell bastard, Sir john Tayler, Roland Robinson and an hundred English rebels. But after that a peace, as before is said was appointed and concluded betwixt him and the king of England, the said king Charles dismissed the young man, and would no longer keep him. But some men say which were there attending on him, that he fearing that King Charles, would deliver him to the king of England, beguiled the Lord Congreshall, and fled away from Paris by night. But whether he departed without the French kings consent or disassent, he deceived in his expectation, and in manner in despair, returned again to the Lady Margaret his first foolish foundress. The Duchess thinking every hour from his departure a whole year, until such time as she heard from him, and effectuously desiring to know which way Lady fortune turned her wheel, hearing him to be rejected out of the French court was in a great agony and much amazed: But when she was ascertained of his arrival in Flaunders, she no less revived, than he that hath in stead of the sword of execution, a pardon and restitution of his life. And at his coming to her presence, she received him with such gladness, and with such a comfort (as in deed she could dissemble alone above all other) as though she had never seen nor known him before, that what in trust to prefer him to the pre-eminence by her imagined, and what for the hope that she had to destroy king Henry, she fell into such an unmeasurable joy, that she had almost lost her wit and senses. And that this her gladness might be notefied and made apparent to every man, she first rejoiced of her nephews health and welfare: And secondarily she much thrusted and sore longed, not once, but divers and sundry times in open audience, and in solemn presence to hear him declare and show by what means he was preserved from death and destruction, and in what Countries he had wandered and sought friendship: And finally, by what chance of fortune he came to her court and presence. To the intent that by the open declaration of these feigned fantasies, the people might ●e persuaded to give credit and belief that he was the true begotten son of her brother king Edward. And after this ●hee assigned him a guard of thirty persons in Murrey and blue, Perkyn was named the Prince of England. and highly honoured him as a great estate, and called him the white Rose, Prince of England. By reason whereof the Nobility of Flaunders were to him diligent, and with due reverence did him all the pleasure that lay in their power or offices. And to be short, the more that this poetical and feigned invention was shadowed with the pretence of sincere verity, the more faith and assured credence, was given to it. In so much, that many one thought him to be preserved, only by the will and mighty power of almighty God, and to be conveyed at the first danger by some faithful friend of king Edward his father into some strange Country, and so escaped the violent tyranny of his Uncle king Richard. The fame and brute of this iuggeled miracle was almost in one moment blown over all the Country of Flaunders, but in England it was blazed in every place sooner than a man could think or devise it: In which Country more than in other places it was received for an undoubted truth, and that not only of the common people, but also of divers noble and worshipful men, of no small estimation, which swore and affirmed it to be true. After this brute that Richard son to King Edward was yet living, and had in great honour amongst the flemings, there began sedition to spring on every side. For not only they that were in Sanctuaries, for great and heinous offences by them committed, but also many other that were fallen into debt, and doubting to be brought to captivity and bondage, assembled together in companies, and were passed over the Sea into Flaunders to their counterfeit Richard son to King Edward, otherwise named Perkyn Warbeck. After this many of the noblemen conspired together some through rashness and hasty credit induced thereunto, some being so earnestly persuaded in their own conceit, as though they knew perfectly that this Perkin was the undoubted son of king Edward the fourth, solicited, stirred and alured to their opinion all such as were friends and favourers of the house of York. Other through indignation, envy and avarice, ever grudging and thinking they were not sufficiently rewarded for their pains and parts taken in the king's behalf and quarrel. Other whom it grieved and vexed to see the world stand still in one stay, and all men to live in peace and tranquillity, desirous of some change, ran headling into that fury, and seditious conjuration. This rumour and vain fable of this twice borne Duke Richard, Vain rumours causeth great troubles. divided all England, and drew the realm into partakings and several factions, so that the minds of all men were vexed either with hope of gain and preferment, or with fear of loss and confusion. Albeit the king and his counsel and other his faithful friends, not a little marveled that any person (being in his right wit) could induce in his mind or find in his heart falsely to think that such a pernicious fable & feigned matter should have any truth in it. Notwithstanding many of the Noble men (as he well then perceived) took and reputed it to be a thing true and unfeigned. So that he then saw as far as Lynx with his bright eyes, that this new invented fable would make some broil and discord in his realm: Except it were manifestly published and openly declared to be a feigned fable, and a crafty imagined mischief. Other persons, to whom war, sedition, and strife, were as pleasant as delicate fare, were very joyous of these news, believing no fraud nor deceit to be hidden under this golden tale, and therefore they determined to sand messengers, to the Lady Margaret to know when richard Duke of York might come conveniently into England, to the intent that they being thereof certified, might be in a readiness to help and secure him at his first arrival. So by the common consent and agreement of the conjured confederates, sir Robert Clifford knight, & sir William Barley were sent into Flaunders, which plainly showed to the Duchess all the secret intents and privy counsels of the friends and favourers of the new found Duke. Sir Robert Clifford and Sir William Barley procured the setting up of Perkyn Warbeck. The Duchess this message did gladly accept, & lovingly embrace, and of their tidings was not a little joyous, easily by her persuasion inducing to their heads, that all things that were spoken of Duke Rycharde were true and unfeigned. And afterward brought them to the sight of Perkyn, the which counterfeited the countenance and the manner and fashion of Rycharde Duke of York, praising his virtues and qualities, with the which he was endued above the Moon. The said Sir Robert Clifford, when he had seen and well advised the young man, believed surely that he was extracted of the blood royal, and the very son of king Edward the fourth, and thereof he wrote a letter of credit and confidence into England to his companions and fellows of his conspiracy, & to put them out of all doubt he affirmed that he knew him to be king Edward's son by his face and other lineaments of his body. And when these letters came to England, the Chieftains of this business, to the intent to stir the people to some new commotion and tumult, & to set forth some cause of matter apparent, caused it openly to be divulged & published, that it was true and not feigned that was spoken and said abroad of the Duke of York: but it was done by such a secret craft, that no man could tell who was the author and founder of that rumour. When the king perceived that this vain fable was not vanished out of the mad brains of the comen people, he thought it expedient both for the safeguard of himself and also of his Country, to provide some remedy to repress this imminent mischance, not a little suspecting, that some conspiracy had been concluded and agreed, because that Sir Robert Clyfford had late fled privily into Flaunders. Wherefore he sent certain knights that were chosen and picked men of war, with a band of Soldiers into every part to keep the shores and the Sea costs surely, that no man might pass over into any foreign land beyond the Sea, nor repass into this realm without search or passport or save conduit by him given, & all straits passages, and buy paths were kept and searched, so that no man unapprehended could pass to the Sea coast, nor make any conventicle or assemble without he were espied and taken. And to the intent that many men, being both of England and other places for very malice by this new invention inflamed and indurate, should no farther run in their madness, he secretly sent wise espials to all the Cities of the lower France, within the archduke's dominion, and the confines of the same, to search and pry out of what progeny this misnamed Richard was dissended and brought forth, promising highly to reward and thank such persons, which would manifest and open the secret doubts and devices of the same matter: and beside this he wrote to his trusty friends to do the same. So they sailing into france divided and severed themselves every man into a limit and province. And when certain of them repaired to the town of Turnay, they were there certified by the testimony of many honest persons that this feigned Duke came but of a low stock, and of a base parentage, and was named there Peter Warbeck. And so shortly after the kings inquisitors returned in England, reporting to the king what they had known and heard: Of which thing the king was also more plainly certified by his trusty and faithful friends, both by letters and trusty messengers. Whereupon seeing that now the fraud was openly espied, he determined to have it published and declared with all diligent celerity, both in the realm of England, and also in all parts beyond the sea, in the provinces of foreign Princes, and strange Potentates. And for the same cause he sent to Philip Archeduke of Burgoyn, and to his counsellors (because that he was not yet of full age, apt and convenient to take the regiment of his Countries and seignories) Sir Edward Powninges, a valiant knight, and Sir William Warram Doctor of the laws, a man of great modesty and learning, that they should openly to them declare, that the young man being with the Lady Margaret, was descended of a base and obscure parentage, and that he had falsely and untruly usurped the name of Richard Duke of York, which long before was murdered with his brother Edward in the Tower of London, by the commandment of King Richard their Uncle, as many men living can testify. And to think and say otherwise then this that apertly is known, it were the highest point and degree of madness, forasmuch as it is probable by an invincible reason, and an argument infallible, that king Richard their natural uncle, in dispatching and destroying Prince Edward the eldest son of king Edward his brother, was in no surety of his realm or usurped dominion, if he had permitted Richard the younger son to live and continued: For than might he as next heir to his brother have lawfully and by just title claimed the Sceptre and Diadem royal, which was his fathers, and after divoluted to his elder brother. And therefore they should desire the archduke, and the Princes of his Counsel, that it would please them to give no credit, nor themselves suffer any more to be blinded or seduced with such mere impostures and crafty illusions being full of untruth and apparent falsehood, nor yet to aid or assist such a crafty merchant, which had falsely feigned his name and stock, and in especially against him, which in few years passed, had succoured and relieved Maximilian their Lord being sore oppressed, and almost overcome, both with the extort power and puissance of the French king, and also with the civil discord, and intestine rebellion of his own subjects and Vassals. With these commandments the Ambassadors sailed into Flaunders, and were there gently received, and lovingly entertained of the archduke Philip and his Counsel. And after that they were commanded to declare the intent of their Legation, Doctor William Warram priest, made before them a pleasant and an eloquent oration, showing therein discreetly the mind and desire of the king his master: And in the latter end of his oration, he a little rebuked the Lady Margaret, and hit her on the thumbs, saying that she now in her old age, within few years had produced and brought forth two detestable monsters, that is to say, Lambert (of whom rehearsal was made before) and the other Perkin Warbeck. And being conceived of these two great babes, was not of them delivered in eight or nine months as nature doth require, and as all other women commonly do, but in the. C. and lxxx months, she brought them forth out of her womb: for both these at the lest were fifteen years of age before that she would be brought in bed of them and show them openly. And when they were newly crept out of her womb they were no infants, nor sucking children, but lusty younglings, and of age sufficient to bid battle to kings. Although these taunts and jests did anger and trouble the Lady Margaret, yet Perkin was more vexed and encumbered with the things declared, in this oration, and in especial because his fraud, and false feigned juggling was brought to light & opened: yet the Duchess being therewith more incensed than quenched, nothing refraining her old malice and cankered hatred, but intending to cast hot Sulphur to the new kindled fire, determined clearly to arm and set forward pretty Perkin against the king of England with spear and shield, might and main. When the Ambassadors had done their message, and the archduke's Counsel had long debated whether Perkyn were the true son of King Edward the fourth, they answered the Ambassadors: that to the intent to have the love and favour of the King of England, assuredly after that time, the archduke nor they would neither aid nor assist Perkyn nor his Complices, in any cause or quarrel. Yet notwithstanding, if the Lady Margaret persisting and continuing in her malice towards the king, would be to him aiding and helping, it was not in their power to let or withstand it, for because she in the lands assigned to her for her dower, might frankly and freely do and order all things at her own will and pleasure without contradiction of any other governor. When this answer was given to them, they returned again into England. After that, King Henry looking circumspectly to his matters, purposed to pacify the storms and blasts that he perceived to be growing, rather by policy and counsel, then by doubtful war and manslaughter, if his nobility would thereunto condescend. For he well considered that of one business riseth another, and of one small sparkle cometh a great flame. And therefore straight he sent forth certain espials into Flaunders, which should feign themselves to have fled unto the Duke of York, and by that means search forth and seek out the whole intent of their conjuration, and after what way they intended to proceed in the same. Other were sent also to allure and entice Sir Robert Clifforde, and William Barley to return into England, promising to them frank and free pardon of all offences and crimes committed, and promotions and rewards, for obeying to the kings request. These Spies so travailed in their affairs and business, that they brought to pass all things to their masters desire. For first they had perfit knowledge of the names of certain conspirators against the king. After they persuaded sir Robert Clifford to leave off that foolish opinion, which had no sure ground nor foundation to stay itself upon. Albeit William Barley could not be brought from his begun enterprise, but that he would go forward headlong with the same, which tarried not long in that lewd opinion. For within two years after this, he repenting him of his folly, being reclaimed, and having pardon given him of the king, repaired home to his native Country, detesting him and his foolish blindness. When the espials had sped their purpose, one after another stolen away privily from the feigned Duke, and returned into England, bringing with them the names of certain, which were chief of that conspiracy. Other tarried still behind to accompany sir Robert Clifford, when he returned again into England, whose return marvelously discomfited and abated the courages, and hearts of the coniurators, for they perceived daily that their enterprise more and more fainted, and that they were by a little and little damnified and hurted. And yet they saw no man whom they might perfitly put diffidence in, nor yet once mistrust. When the king had knowledge of the chief Captains of this tumult by the overture of his spies, which were returned, he caused them all to be apprehended, The chief of the conspiracy to have advanced Perkyn Warbeck and to have deposed king Henry the seventh. and brought to London before his presence. Of the which the chief were john Ratcliff Lord Fitzwater, sir Simond Mountforde, sir Thomas Twhaytz knights, William Dawbney, Robert Ratcliff, Thomas Cressenor, and Thomas Astwood. Also certain priests and religious men, as sir William Richeford Doctor of divinity, and sir Thomas poins, both Friars of Saint Dominic'S order, Doctor William Sutton, sir William Worsely Deane of Paul's, and Robert Leyborne, and sir Richard Lessey. Other that were guilty of the same crime, hearing that many of their company were taken, fled and took Sanctuary. And the other that were taken were condemned all of treason, of the which there was beheaded, Sir Symound Mountford, sir Robert Ratcliff, and William Dawbeney, as authors and chief Captains of this business. The rest were pardoned, Also sir john Ratcliff Lord Fitzwater, was pardoned of his life, but after that he came to Calais, and there laid in hold, he was beheaded, because he corrupted the keepers with many promises to have escaped out of the same intending as was thought to have gone to Perkyn. King Henry of England, partly grieved with the king of Romans for breaking his promise, when he should have associated him in his journey against the French king, and partly displeased with the flemings, but principally with the Lady Margaret, for keeping and setting forward Parkyn Warbeck, not only banished all flemish wares, and merchandises, King Henry the vii forbade the trade of English men into Flaunders. out of his realm and dominions, but also restrained all English merchants from their repair and traffic, into any of the lands and territories of the king of Romans, or the archduke his son, causing the Mart of Merchandises and commodities of this Realm to be kept at his town of Calais. The mart kept at Calais. The King of Romans and the Archeduke his son banished out of Flaunders all English wa●es. Wherefore the said king and his son banished out of their lands and seignories all English clotheses, yarn, tin, lead, and other commodities, upon great forfeitures and penalties. The restraint made by the king sore grieved and hindered the Merchants, being adventurers: For they by force of this commandment had no occupying to bear their charges and support their continuance and credit. And yet one thing sore nipped their hearts, for the Easterlynges which were at liberty, brought into the realm such wares as they were wont and accustomed to do, and so served their customers through out the whole realm: By reason whereof the masters being destitute of sale and traffic, neither retained so many covenant servants and apprentices as they before were accustomed, and in especial, Mercers, Habardashers, and Clothworkers, nor yet gave to their servants so great stipend and salary, as before that restraint they used to do. For which cause the said servants intending to work their malice on the Easterlynges, the Tuesday before Saint Edward's day came to the Stiliard in London, A riot made upon the Easterlings. and began to rifle and spoil such Chambers and Warehouses as they could get into: so that the Easterlynges had much a do to withstand and repulse them out of their gates. And when their gates were shut and made fast, the multitude rushed and beat at the gates with Clubs and levers to have entered, but the Easterlynges by the help of Carpenters, and Smiths, which came to their aid by water out of the Borough of Southwark had so strongly shored and fortified themselves, that they could not prevail. The Mayor of London hearing of this riot, assembled the Magistrates and officers of the City together, and so being furnished both with men and weapon, set forward toward the Stiliard. Assoon as the coming of the Mayor was declared and known to the riotous persons, they fled away like a flock of sheep: howbeit he apprehended divers of the malefactors, and committed them to several prisons. And upon the inquiry before the kings Commissioners, there were found guilty above lxxx servants & apprentices (and not one householder) which were confederate together to make this attempt, and sworn in no wise to discover or reveal the same: Whereof, some that were the Chiefteynes and beginners of this mischievous riot, were sent to the Tower, and there long continued. But in conclusion, because none of their masters were found trespassers of this naughty act, the king of his goodness pardoned their offence, and restored them to their liberty. 1494/1● Shortly after, sir Robert Clifford, partly trusting on the King's promise, and partly mistrusting the thing, because he knew that divers that were accused to be partakers of that faction and conspiracy were put in execution: and therefore perceiving that there could not be a more pernicious nor more desperate begun thing then that devilish enterprise, return dsodeynlye again into England. The king being certified before of his coming, went straight to the Tower of London the morrow after the day of Epiphany and there tarried till such time that sir Robert Clifford was there presented to his person, which thing he used under this pretence, that if Sir Robert C●ifford had accused any of the Nobility to be partakers of this naughty fellowship and devilish pretence, that then every such person might be called thither without suspection of any evil, & there strait to be attached & cast in hold. But before I go any farther I will show the opinion that at that time ran in many men's heads of this knights going into Flaunders. Some men held this opinion, that king Henry for a policy did sand him as a spy to Flaunders, or else he would not have so soon received him into his grace and favour again: Nevertheless, this is not like to be true by divers reasons and apparent arguments, first after that attempt begun by sir Robert, he was in no small danger himself, and by that he was not a little noted, and his fame blemished, but also his friends were suspected and had in a jealousy. Secondarily he was not after that in so great favour, nor so esteemed with the king as he had been in times past, because he was blotted and marked with that crime and offence. And therefore he bearing his favour to the house of York intending in the beginning to administer displeasure to king Henry, sailed to the Lady Margaret, Sir Robert Clifforde greatly abused with the opinion that he had of Perkyn. etc. being seduced and brought in belief that Perkyn was the very son of king Edward. But to my purpose, when sir Robert came to the presence of the king, he kneeling on his knees most humbly, beseeched him of grace and pardon, which he shortly obtained. And after that being required of the manner and order of the conjuration, and what was done in Flaunders, he opened every point to his knowledge, & after disclosed the names, as well of the aiders and fautors as of the devisers and beginners. Amongst whom he accused sir William Stanley, whom the King had made his chief chamberlein, and one of his privy counsel. When he had so said, the king was greatly dismayed and grieved, that he should be partaker in that grievous offence, considering first that he had the governance of his chamber, and the charge and comptrolment of all such as were next to his body, and also calling to remembrance the manifold gentleness and friendship, which he had received at his hand, but in especial not forgetting that benefit above all other, that only by his aid and succour, he had vanquished and overthrown his mortal enemy king Richard. Wherefore, at the beginning he could in no wise be persuaded nor believe that he was such a privy conspirator, or malicious offender, but when the crime was openly proved and probably affirmed, than the king caused him to be restrained from his liberty in his own Chamber within the quadrate Tower. And there appointed him by his privy counsel to be examined. In which examination he nothing denied, but wisely and seriously did consent and agreed to all things laid to his charge, if he were in any of them culpable or blame worthy. The report is, that this was his offence. When communication was had between him, and this sir Robert Clifford, as concerning Perkin which falsely usurped the name of king Edward's son, Sir William Stanley said and affirmed there, that he would never fight nor bear armour against the young man, if he knew of a truth that he was the undoubted son of king Edward the fourth. This point argueth and proveth him at that time, being moved with melancholy, to bear no great good will to king Henry, whereof suspicion first grew, and after this ensued the accusation of Sir Robert Clifforde. Then the king doubting what to do with him, did consult and breath with himself of this sudden chance. For he feared least that his brother Lord Thomas Stanley, in whom he had found great friendship, would take this matter grievously. And if he should remit that fault, that he abusing his lenity and mercy, would be the more bolder to offend, and trespass more highly. Albeit at the last, severity took place, and mercy was put back, and so he was arraigned at Westminster, and adjudged to die, and according to that judgement was brought to the Tower hill the xuj day of February, Sir William Stanley beheaded. and there had his head stricken off. What was the occasion and cause why the sincere and faithful mind that sir William always before bore to king Henry, was turned into cankered hatred and despite, and why the especial favour that the king bore toward him was transmuted into disdain and displeasure, divers men allege divers causes, affirming that when king Henry (what other mutual benefits the one had received of the other, I will now pretermit and overpass) in that battle in the which he bereft king Richard both of his life and his kingdom, being associate and accompanied but with a small number, and circumvented by king Richard's army, and in great jeopardy of his life, this Sir William being sent from the lord Stanley his brother with a good company of strong and hardy men (which Lord Stanley was near the field with a great army) came suddenly and fortunately to the succours of king Henry, and saved him from destruction, and overthrew king Richard as before you have heard. Surely this was a benefit above all benefits to be remembered, by the which king Henry was not only preserved alive, but also obtained the Crown and kingdom, which great benefit, after the kingdom once obtained, he did neither forget, nor yet left unrewarded. For the Lord Thomas Stanley he invested with the sword of the county of Derby, and beside other great gifts and offices given to William Stanley, he made him his chief Chamberleyn. This Sir William, although he were in great favour with the king, and had in great and high estimation, more remembering the benefit done to the king, than the rewards and gratuities of his liberality received, thinking that the vessel of Oil (according to the Gospel) would overflow the brims, and as some say, desiring to be Earl of Chester, and thereof denied, began to grudge and disdain the king his high friend: and one thing encouraged him much, which was the riches and treasure of king Richard, which he only possessed at the conflict of Boswoorth: by reason of which abundance of riches, and great power of people, he set nought by the king his sovereign Lord and Master. When the king perceived that his stomach began to canker and wax rusty, he was with him not a little displeased, and so when both their hearts were inflamed with melancholy, both lost the fruit of their long continued amity and favour. And so it often chanceth, that when men do not consider nor yet regard the great benefits to them exhibited, they render again hatred for liberality, and for bread given, they yield again a Scorpion. Now to return to the matter. At this time the king thought it best, yea and very necessary, not only to take heed about him, but also to use some sharp punishment and correction of the offences of his subjects, to the intent that the late begun sedition might the sooner be repressed, and for this cause specially that some persons void of all honest fear and reverent dread, had taken such courage and audacity to them, that they feared not to speak evil of their king and sovereign Lord, with most spiteful and contumelious words, as though they neither feared nor would obey him, or his precepts and commandments, expecting daily and hourly the arrival and landing of the feigned Richard Duke of York, now lately risen from death to life. But when knowledge of the slanderous and opprobrious words were brought to the kings ears, he caused divers persons to suffer condign punishment for their heinous offences, whereby their complices well perceiving that their enterprise had no prosperous success nor took any good effect, and especially such as rashly began to make masteries, and farther seeing what preparation was made and provided against their troublous commotion and frantic enterprise, they of their own swinge pacified themselves, & began to turn to their king and natural liege Lord. After the death of Sir William Stanley, Gyles Lord Dawbeney, a man of great fidelity and circumspection, was elected and made the kings chief chamberlain. When the king had thus politicly weeded out the evil and corrupt hearts of his English subjects, and had pacified and brought all his realm to a peaceable and a quiet life. Then he perceived that it was necessary also to purge and cleanse his realm of Ireland, to the intent that the venomous seed sown and planted two years past, amongst the wild and savage Irish persons by Perkin Warbeck might be clean digged and rooted up. Wherefore he sent sir Henry Deane, late Abbot of Langtony, a man of great wit and diligence (whom he made Chancellor of the Isle) and Sir Edward Pownynges knight, with an army of men into Ireland, to search and purge all such towns and places where Perkyn was received, relieved or favoured. And if they espied any of his affinity or faction, than he would they should be punished with all extremity to the terrible example of all other that would incline to that unfortunate part. And first, after their arrival into Ireland, they called in the kings name the nobility of that country to a counsel, where they being assembled all together, the Chancellor with a gentle exhortation required them first to persist in due obedience and fidelity towards their king, and to aid his Capitayne Sir Edward Pownynges with their might, power, and strength, against such rebels which either through blindness and folly, or else through desire and appetide to do evil, sustained and aided Perkin with harness, men, or money. Every man promised openly to help with all their power and might: But they promised not so quickly, but they performed it as slowly, for few or none either aided or assisted him, as who would say, that they loved the English nation more with their outward countenance, than in their inward hearts and minds. But when they heard that sir Edward Pownyngs was come to persecute all such as were fautors and friends to Perkin Warbeck, there was no man, although he were but a little defiled with that seditious infection, but he fled out of hand into woods and marises for the defence and safeguard of themselves, there consulting together, after the manner of their Country, in what places they might best lie in wait to hurt and skirmish with the English men, or else if need should so require to fight with them hand to hand. In Ireland there be two kind of men, one soft, gentle, civil, In Ireland are two manner of people. and courteous: And to these people, as to the most richest, and best nurtured persons, doth many merchant men of the countries adjoining, daily resort. But because the most resort thither is of the English nation, the Irish men follow and counterfeit their civil manners, and honest conditions. And by reason of the common trade and intercourse between them, they have learned the English tongue, and can both speak and understand it. And all this kind of people is under the subjection and dominion of the king of England. The other kind is clean contrary from this, for they be wild, rustical, foolish, fierce, and for their unmannerly behaviour, and rude fashions, are called wild and savage Irishmen. And these men have many governors and several rulers, which keep continual battle, and daily war amongst themselves, for the which cause they be more fierce, more bold and hardy than the other Irish men, and they be very desirous of new things, & strange sights and gazings, and after robbery, theft, and rapine, & in nothing so much delighting as with tumultuous, sedition, and continual strife. And to these wild Colts, Perkyn showed himself first, easily persuading them to believe that he was the same very person whom he falsely feigned & counterfeited. Wherefore Sir Edward Pownynges according to his Commission, Sir Edward Powninges. intending to punish such as have been aiders and advancers of Perkins foolish enterprise, with his whole army, marched forward against this wild Irishmen, because that all other being faulty of that offence, fled and resorted to them for succour and defence, to the intent that they both together might be able to resist and defy there enemies: But when he saw that his purpose succeeded not as he wished it, both because the Irish lords sent him no succour, according to their promises, & also considering that his number was not sufficient to set on the wild people being dispersed amongst woods, mountains, and marises, was of necessity compelled to recoil and return fretting and vexed in his stomach, Gerard Earl of Kildare. because he suspected that gerald earl of Kyldare being then the kings Deputy, was the cause and occasion that he had no succours nor aid sent to him, and so he was informed of such as bore to the Earl no good william. And therefore suddenly he caused the Earl to be apprehended, and as a prisoner brought him in his company into England: Where when he was examined and certain matters of treason laid to his charge, he avoided them all, & clearly (such was his wit and innocency) quit himself, and laid the burden in other men's necks: Whom the king dismissed and sent him into Ireland again, there to be his Deputy and Lieutenant as he was before. The king like a politic Prince had many great and weighty considerations, which refrained him from using of any severity or extremity against this Earl, contrary to the minds & wills of his malicious adversaries. One was the great authority and swinge that he bore amongst the Irish nation: Also the condition and state of the time, wherein he savoured some sedition to be in brewing: and chief of all the assured hope and affiance that he conceived in him. So that now the king being out of all fear of battle, did take his progress into Lancashire the xxv day of june, there to recreate his spirits and solace himself with his mother the Lady Margaret, wife to the Earl of Derby, Margaret mother to king Henry the seventh wife to the Earl of Derby. which then lay at Lathome in that Country. While these things were thus done in England, Perkyn Warbeck then being in Flaunders, although he had taken great sorrow and care for that his crafty conveyance was espied and openly known, and also that king Henry had afflicted and punished divers of his confederates and allies, and thereby in despair of all the aid and succour that was to him promised and appointed: yet he determined not to leave the hope and trust that he had conceived in his mad head to obtain the Crown and realm of England, and so gathering a great army of valiant Captains of all nations, some bankeroutes, some false English Sanctuary men, some thieves, robbers, and vagabonds, which leaving their bodily labour, desiring only to live of robbery and rapine, came to be his servants and soldiers. And so being furnished with this rabblement of knaves, took such ships as his friends had provided for him, and departed out of Flaunders, intending to arrive in England wheresoever the wind brought him. And by chance of fortune he was driven upon the kentish coast, where because the sea was calmed, he cast his anchors, and there made his abode, and sent certain of his retinue to the land to signify to all the Country, that he was so furnished of all things meet and convenient for his enterprise, Perkin with such power as he could make attemteth to land in Ke●t. that their was no doubt but the victory would incline to his part. And by this means to make search and inquiry whether the kentish men would take his part and follow him as their Captain, which before times was not timorous nor afraid of their own mind in troublous seasons to move war against their Princes. The Kentishmen hearing that this feigned Duke was come, and had heard that he was but a painted Image, doubting a space what to do, whether to help him, or to resist his power, at the last remembering what evil chances their forefathers had, and how small a profit such as have rebelled have gained, thought it neither expedient nor profitable for them to aid and assist him that came rather to spoil, destroy, and waste the Country, then to conquer it for their wealth and commodity. And this they firmly conjectured because he had none other with him but Alienes and strange people, which would take and account every Church, Town, chapel, house, and every private man as a pray and a lucre, and not as their native Country. Wherefore they fearing the sequel, determined still to abide true to their king and prince, and to fall upon such as were new come to land out of their ships. And while they were assembling of themselves together, other should by fair promises allure and call unto them the great number out of the ships, and so give them battle. And so using this guile, they promised all to follow him, and to fight under his banner: Howbeit the prolonging of time drove Perkin into a suspicion, which well remembered that a communality is not accustomed sagely to consult, but suddenly and rashly to run headlong ever into rebellion and new stirred commotion. Wherefore Perkyn determined not once to set foot out of his ship till he saw all thing sure without any danger. And although he minded not to take land himself, The sudden apprehension of Perkyns people. yet he suffered certain of his Soldiers to go on land, which persons being a pretty way from their ships, were suddenly trapped and compassed by the Kentishemen, and at one stroke vanquished and driven back to their ships, and there were taken prisoners an hundredth, and lx persons, whereof four were named Captains, Mountforde, Corbet, Whitebelt, Quintine or otherwise Genyn. Which rebels were brought by sir john Pechy Sheriff of Kent, to London railed in ropes like horses drawing in a Cart. The execution of Perkyns Captains. And after upon their arraignment, confessed their offence, and were executed, some at London, and other in the towns adjoining to the sea Coast. Wherefore Perkyn failing of his purpose, fled back into Flaunders, and there tarried, Perkyn flieth into Flaunders consulting with his friends until such time as he had better prepared for things to come, more prudently than he had done before tyme. In this very season departed to God Cicile Duchess of York, Cicile Duchess of York mother to king Edward the fourth deceased. mother to king Edward the fourth & king Richard, at her Castle of Barkamstede, a woman of small stature, but of much honour and high parentage, and was buried by her husband in the College of Fodringey. The king being advertised that his enemies had made entrance into his realm, left off his progress, and purposed to return to London again, but being certified the next day after of the lucky speed and fortunate, chance, continued and went forth of his progress, sending to them Sir Richard Gilforde, both to praise the fidelity and manhood of the people, and also to tender to them his most hearty thanks for their good service to him done, with faithful promise not to forget them hereafter in their suits, requests, and petitions. Also that they might not have any success hereafter into those parts, the king commanded the watches to be kept all along the Sea coasts, and Bekons to be erected according to the ancient usage and custom of the Country. Peter and his Captains taking counsel together in Flaunders, were of one assent resolved to this point, that there was nothing more surer to them, then to proceed quickly with their intended enterprise. And when they perceived that their was neither people, town, nor Country in England that would associate them in their fantastical frenzy, which nothing was assuaged, lest that by delaying of time and long space, king henry might fortify and make strong all dangerous places, and passages with Soldiers and men of war, which thing they heard say that he neither forgot nor foreslowed, and beside that he was not a little afeard, that his long tarrying should discomfort his privy friends within the realm of England. Wherefore he gathered together his ungracious company, and determined first to sail into Ireland, there to augment his number. And from thence if it were possible to sail into the west parts of England. And if there were any let or impediment in that place, than he determined to sail straight into Scotland, knowing that seldom or never is perfit concord and amity between the Scots and the English nation. When this gentle counsel was dissolved, and wind and weather served, he set up his sails, and having a prosperous gale after his fantasy, sailed into Ireland, where he reposed himself a space. And remembering that the hope of victory consisted not whole in the Irish nation, The arrival of Perkyn Warbeck first in Ireland and then in Scotland. which being naked men without harness or armure, were not able to combat with the Englishmen: wherefore when the wind served him, he departed from Corffe and arrived in Scotland, and coming to the kings presence, with great solemnity, framed his tale after the form and fashion following. The oration of Perkyn Warbeck made to james the Scottishe king. I think it is not unknown to you, most noble king and puissant prince into what ruin the stock, house, and family of Edward the fourth of that name king of England, is now of late brought to, and fallen in, either by God's permission, or by divine punishment, whose undoubted son (if you know not already) I am, and by the power of almighty God, preserved alive to this hour, from the mighty hand of a tyrant. For my father king Edward when he died, appointed his brother Richard Duke of Gloucester to be our governor, protector, and defender, whom the more that he loved, and studied to advance and promote, the better he thought that he would love, favour, and tender his children. But alas my infortunate chance, I may say, how hath his trust been turned into treason? and his hope turned into hindrance? All men know, and I feel. Our Uncle was not the tutor and preserver of our stock and lineage, but the confounder and destroyer of our blood and progeny. For that tyrant blinded and glutted with the desire of ruling and sovereinetie, commanded Edward my brother and me to be slain, and dispatched out of this mortal life. Whereupon that person, to whom the weighty and cruel charge was committed and given, to oppress and destroy us poor innocent infants, the more that he abhorred this heinous and butcherly offence, the more he feared to commit it. And so wavering in mind, and doubtful what to do, at the length, willing in part to saciate the bloody thirst of the unnatural tyrant, and in part to abstain from so mischievous and detestable homicide, destroyed my brother, and preserved me, like the good priest josada which saved little joas when all the children of the blood royal, were commanded by Athalia the Queen to be slain and utterly destroyed. And farther, to the intent that my life might be in a surety, he appointed one to convey me into some strange Country, where when I was furthest of, and had most need of comfort, he forsook me suddenly (I think he was so appointed to do) and left me desolate alone without friend or knowledge of any relief or refuge. And so king Richard did obtain the crown as a pray mischievously gotten, by the dispatching away of my brother and me. So that I thus escaping, by reason of my tender infancy, forgot almost myself, and knew not well what I was, but after long wandering from Country to Country, and from City to City, I perceived and learned a little and little what was my estate and degree, and so in conclusion came to mine own Aunt the Lady Margaret lying in Flaunders, which was sometime married to Charles Duke of Burgoyne, which joyfully received and welcomed me, as the only type and garland of her noble stirpe and lineage, but forasmuch as she being only dowager of the Duchy of Burgoyn, and having nothing but her dower proper unto herself, was not of power to help me with men and muniments of war as she would gladly have done for the recovery of my father's realm and rightful inheritance, I therefore am driven to seek farther aid and secure. And therefore by her counsel and advertisement, with this small handful of men of war and Soldiers, I am repaired to your presence for succours, of whom (as the public fame is spread over the whole world) there was never man by wrong or injury banished or driven out of his Country, region, or inheritance, or by extort power and tyranny kept out of the same (as I myself from mine infancy have been) whose request was frustrate and repulsed at your hand. Therefore by the majesty of your realm and Country, I desire, and hearty with prayer as I can, I beseech and exhort you to help & relieve me now in my extreme necessity. And if it chance me by your aid and secure to recover and possess my father's realm and dignity, not only I, but all the kings of our lineage which hereafter shall obtain the same, shall be so much bound unto you, that they must needs think that doing to you all the pleasure and benefits that they can, yet with all the thanks that can be given, your great kindness can never be recompensed. When he had thus said, the king bade him be of good comfort, The answer of the king of Scots. and promised him that whatsoever he were, it should never repent him of his coming to him. And after this the king assembled his counsel together, and demanded of every man severally what they said, of these things which Perkyn had both declared and required, or whether they would take any farther deliberation to advise themselves what to do in so great and weighty a matter. They that were of greatest experience and of the wisest sort did prove by many apparent arguments that his sayings were but dreams and fantasies, and of no force nor truth, and therefore they thought if not convenient to encumber themselves with any longer consultation. Another sort, which was not very great, neither of wit nor experience, but greater in number, esteemed this matter very profitale to the common wealth, considering it ministered to them occasion to make war in England. And although they had knowledge what good success Perkyn had enjoyed in all his former attempts, yet they esteemed that now all things should succeed according to their expectation, if his cause (although it were as light as a feather) were assumed and taken in hand to be defended, considering that when the war was once open and begun, and if Perkyn did prevail, he would deny nothing convenient to his friends and helpers. Or else at the lest they doubted not but king Henry would make to them large and ample offers and conditions of peace, rather than king james should take part with his adversary and mortal enemy. When this counsel was given by the more number, it was well accepted, and the Scottish king, whether he were blinded by error, or else did dissimule the matter, began to have Perkin in great honour, Perkin called Duke of York. and caused him openly to be called Duke of York. Also, that this might be more apparent to the people that he was so in deed, he caused Lady Katheryn daughter to Alexander earl of Huntley, his nigh kinsman and of a high lineage in Scotland, to be espoused to him. And this asfinitie he caused to be made for this end and purpose, Perkyn marrieth with Katherine the daughter of Alexander earl of Huntley. partly that he might extenuate the evil will and malice which was like to succeed of this matter, for that it might be notoriously blasted and known abroad, that he had peace and amity with the King of England, and partly lest he might be accused of to much light credence, if Perkyn were found and proved to be another man than he was reported. When all things were prepared for the war: This Perkin swelling with joy that he after his own fantasy had made the Scots to be his partakers. And to the intent that they should put no diffidence in the sequel of his enterprise, and to encourage them the more, he pronounced surely that he should have great succour and aid of his friends in England, sent even from the farthest part thereof, assoon as ever the Trumpet of war was blown. The Scots although they had but little confidence and less trust in his words, yet putting their hope more in the gain of spoil then in the gaining of the victory by battle, armed themselves in all the haste, and marched toward the confines and borders of England. Albeit the Scottish king minding not to be to rash, The Scottish king with an army aideth Perkin and entereth into England. mistrusted the English men knowing Perkin to be arrived in Scotland, had laid some army for the defence of the fraontiers, sent out certain light horsemen to espy and search if the husbandmen of the Country were assembled in armure to defend their enemies. The horsemen ranging over the fields and plains belonging to their enemies, seeing all things quiet returned to their king, and certified him that now was the time most apt and convenient to invade the realm and set on the English nation. Then the Scottish king marching toward England with all his puissance, first proclaimed openly, that all such should only be pardoned that would take part and submit themselves to richard Duke of York, and fight in his cause and quarrel. And to the intent to discourage and daunt the hearts of the poor commons, so that for very fear they should be enforced and compelled to submit themselves to this new found mammet, they made so cruel and deadly war and that not like men, whose nature is to be satisfied with the slaughter of men, and to be merciful to the impotent and sick persons, brent towns, spoiled houses and killed men and children, and delighted with the sweetness of spoil and prays, wasted all the Country of Northumberlande, and had gone forth farther▪ but that they perceived no aid or secure to come out of England to attend upon this new Duke. And the soldiers being fully laden with blood and spoil, refused to go one foot farther at that time, and the Country rose on every part, which made the king suspect some army to approach. Wherefore he determined rather to return with his assured game, then to tarry the new named Dukes unsure and uncertain victory, and so he returned again into Scotland. It is a world to remember in this place of a certain kind of fond mercy and foolish compassion, by the which Perkin was so sore moved that it seemed him to regard nothing more than the commodity of another man. For while the Scottish king thus vexed and harried the poor inhabitants of the borders of Northumberland, so that nothing was heard but roaring, weeping and lamenting. This new invented Duke being returned into Scotland, even like himself, which wrought all thing with fraud and deceit, perceiving that no concourse nor resort of Englishmen showed themselves in open appearance, to minister to him any aid or succour, and fearing not a little that the box of his crafty dealing, and bag of his secret counterfeiting should be disclosed and set in an open glass, by reason whereof he should be hated and had in contempt and disdain of the Scottish people, as though he had been thereunto provoked by a natural inclination and pity (to the intent to hide and cloak his subtle subornation) cried out openly, O, my stony and hard frozen heart which art not once moved nor yet afflicted with the loss and slaughter of thine own natural subjects and vassals. And at that glorious sighing, he beseeched the Scottish king that from thence forth he would not afflict and plague his people, nor deform and deface his natural realm and country with such terrible fire, flame and havoc. As who would say, that he being overcome with the perfit love of his native Region, began now to have compassion and to lament the cruel destruction of the same. The Scottish king which began to perceive which way the wind blewe, answered him again, Sir me thinketh you take much pain, and very much imagine how to preserve the realm of another prince which is not yours (but I think you would gladly have it) but my mind giveth me that you be as far from the obtaining of the same, as you be near the soil and sight of the Country, considering that you call England your land and realm, and the inhabitants thereof your people, and subjects, and yet not one man, neither gentleman nor yeoman will once show himself to aid or assist you in the war begun for your cause, and in your name within your realm, to the which you be both (as you say) inheritor, and by your people desired and called unto. And so the king reproved the lightness of this young fond foundling, and every day more and more neglected and less phantasied and gave credit to him, noting well and wisely that neither his words, with his deeds, nor the sequel of facts with his promises were neither agreeable nor consonant. The Nobles inhabiting in the north parts, hearing the clamour of the common people, and perceiving that they fled to avoid the cruelty of the Scots, were suddenly abashed, and fortified their holds, and manned their fortresses ready to defend their enemies, laying ambushments in the ways, where they imagined that their enemies would resort. And without delay certified the king, of the Scots invasion and enterprise. The king was not a little abashed at this sudden chance, and troubled also with his own business at home, not only fearing his outward enemies but also his own nobles and natural subjects lest any of them would step from him to the other part, and put him to farther trouble and vexation. Wherefore assoon as he heard these news, considering the matter to be of no small importance and meet to be foreseen, with all diligence prepared remedies to resist and withstand the first brunt of so great a surge newly begun. But the sudden retreyte of the Scots again assuaged all the Englishmen'S swift and speedy provisions: For when they were once laden with prays and spoils, they returned home again or the English men could assemble together. 1496/1● When the King was truly certified that the Scottish King was returned, he giving praise to his captains and other inhabiting on the bordures of his realm, which had duly and truly served him at that time, did stay to overtake, and to be revenged for the malicious invasions of the Scottish king. And yet fearing lest his enemies should be encouraged with this great gain of spoils and prays, he determined by dent of sword and mortal war to revenge and reform the manifest injury and apparent wrong to him by king james and his people done and committed. Wherefore he assembling his court of parliament, declared the cause of the instant war, and what remedy he himself had invented and devised, persuading with many strong arguments and reasons, that it should be for the profit and benefit of the public & common wealth to prosecute & follow the war by his mortal enemies begun & attempted. To this opinion all his nobility (which were no less offended with this proud brag of the Scottish nation than he himself) did willingly agreed and gladly assent. And to the maintenance of the war and toward the charges of the same, a certain subsidy and tax of money was with one assent by the whole parliament liberally & freely given and granted: A mutiny of the people for a small tax. Which payment although it was but easy and small, yet many of the common people which ever abhor such taxes and exactions, grudged sore to pay the same. At this parliament also and convocation, there was such certain laws, acts and statutes confirmed and made, as were thought most necessary and expedient for the public weal of the realm. And thus the king dissolving his court of parliament, and prepared for war out of hand. In this mean season the king of Scots not sleeping his matters because he perceived well that the Englishmen would shortly revenge their loss & harm, with no less diligence gathered an host and puissant army, that either he might withstand and resist the English power invading his realm & country, or else of fresh enter upon the borderers: and going forth to spoil, rob & make havoc again. And so these two valiant Princes minded nothing more than the one to hurt and prejudice the other. But the king of England sore pricked and wounded with the injury to him committed, was so sore moved against the scottish King, that he would not respite nor defer one hour till he were revenged. And so prepared a puissant and strong army to invade Scotland, and thereof ordained for chifetaine Gyles Lord Dawbeney his chief chamberlain, a man of no less wit than policy and of no less policy than hardiness. When the Lord Dawbeney had his army assembled together and was in his journey forward into Scotland, he suddenly was stayed and revoked again, by reason of a new sedition and tumult begun within the realm of England for the subsidy which was granted at the last parliament for the defence of the Scots, which of the most part was truly satisfied and paid. But the Cornish men inhabiting in the lest part of the realm, and the same part also barren and without all pleasantness, complained and grudged greatly, affirming that they were not able to pay such a great some as was of them demanded. And so what with anger, and what with sorrow, forgetting their due obeisance, began rashly to speak of the king himself. And after leaving the matter, A rebellion in Cornwall. lamenting, yelling and crying, maliciously said that the King's counsel was the cause of this polling and shaving. And so being in this rage menaced to death the aucthoures (as they imagined) of this mischief and sorrow, whom they threatened shortly to dispatch out of this world. And so being in a roar two of the same affinity, the one called Thomas Flamock gentleman, learned in the laws of the realm, Thomas Flamock. Mighell joseph. & the other Mighell joseph a smith, men of high courages and stout stomachs, took upon them to be captains of this ungracious flock and seditious company. Who cried out that it was a shame (for a small commotion made of the Scots, which was assuaged and ended in a moment) they should be exacted and polled, and such great exactions laid upon their necks, and especially on the Cornishmen, which they affirmed to be but poor men, and being in a barren and unfruitful country gate their living hardly by mining and digging tin and metal out of the ground both day and night with great turmoil and labour: And therefore they had rather die and suffer extreme punishment, then live in such calamity and wretchedness. And they laid the fault and cause of this exaction to John Morton archbishop of Cantorburie, and to sir Reignold Brey, john Morton archbishop of Cauntorburie. Sir Reignold Brey. because they were chief of the kings privy counsel. Such rewards have they that be in great authority with kings and princes. For if any thing proceed well according to the mind and pleasure of the commonalty, that is ever referred and gratefied to the king or governor. But contrariwise, if any thing be done, either by chance or by counsel that soundeth not well in their ears, or is contrary to their opinion or fantasy, they will say it strait to the counsel saying that they have persuaded him to do this and that. These Captains exhorted the common people to put on harness, and not to be afeard to follow them in this quarrel, promising them that they should do no damage to any creature, but only to see punishment and correction done to such persons which were the authors and causers that the people were molested and vexed with such unreasonable exactions and demands. And if they perceived any person (as they espied many in deed) which did impugn and reprove their mad, unreasonable and seditious counsel, affirming that it was the highest point of madness for a man to put his life in hazard for that thing, which he aught meekly and humbly to require and desire of his Prince and sovereign Lord. Then they called them dastards, fools, and cowards, and taunted and rebuked them with most shameful reproaches. So these unhappy Captains nothing more desired then to bring their flock and themselves to final perdition and utter confusion. With these brags and motions a great part of the people were elevate and encouraged, and condescended to do as the Captains and the most of the multitude would agreed and appoint. Then the Captains praising much the hardiness of the people, when all things were prepared meet for their unfortunate journey, set forward with their army, and came to Tawnton, where they slew the Provost of Peryn which was one of the Commissioners of the subsidy, and from thence came to Welles, and so intended to go to London where the king than sojourned. When the king was advertised by his Collectors and officers of all these doings and attempts, he was marvelously astonied, & especially because at that one time he was environed with double war, both extern and intestine. And because peril did depend on both, he was in great doubt which of both he should most regard. And as he was musing of this matter he was ascertained that james Twichet Lord Awdeley and divers other of the Nobility were associate with the Cornishemens, james Twichet lord Audeley chie● of the rebels. and were in great haste and no good speed marching toward London. The king perceiving the civil war to approach and draw nearer and nearer, almost to his very Gates, determined with all his whole power to resist and repress the same. And after that tumult appeased and suppressed he would with all expedition set upon Scotland. Wherefore he revoked again the Lord Dawbeney, which as you have heard, was with a puissant army going into Scotland, whose army he increased and multiplied with many picked and fresh warriors, that he might the better, and with less labour overcome these rebels. Also mistrusting that the Scots might now (having good opportunity seeing him troubled with this civil discord) invade the realm again, and so spoil and destroy the borderers, he appointed the Lord Thomas Haward Earl of Surrey, a puissant and politic Capitayne (which was taken prisoner at the overthrow of king Rycharde as you have heard, and after set at liberty, and within two years next after was made high Treasurer of England, after the death of john Lord Dynham) to gather a band of men in the county Palantine of Durham, and they with the aid and help of the inhabitants adjoining and the borderers, to drive out and expel the Scots from of the borders, if they should fortune again to invade, until such time that the Cornishmen were subdued and pacified (which he thought easy to be done) he might send to them the foresaid Lord Dawbeny again with all his power and army. When the Nobles of the realm heard of this tumultuous business and commotion, they came to London, every man with as many men of war as they could put in a readiness to aid the king if need should be: In the which company, there was the Earl of Essex, the Lord Mongey with divers other. At this time and season, Charles the French king returning from the wars that he had at Naples, sent Ambassadors to inform the king of the prosperous success and victory that he had obtained in Italy, and gave to them in charge to desire of the king of England nothing so much as the continuance of his amity and favour toward their master and sovereign Lord. For the French king sore desired to continued in perfit peace and amity with the king of England. And not without a cause, for he had so vexed and cumbered himself and his people with such Italian snares and crafty engines, out of the which at this day his successors can not clean be rid, and delivered. When the king was informed that king Charles Ambassadors were come to Calais, he sent certain of his Nobility, honourably to receive them, and so to convey them to Dover, and there for a policy to make their abode till the rebellion were extinct and suppressed, and not one word thereof to be sounded in the ears of the Ambassadors: Which commandment was circumspectly kept and observed. And now the Cornishe men departing from Welles (where they received their chief captain, james Lord Audeley) went to Salisbury and from thence to Winchester, and so to Kent, where they looked for help, but they were deceived: for the Earl of Kent, George Lord of Burgany, john Brooke Lord Cobham, Sir Edward Pownynges, Sir Richard Guildeford, Sir Thomas Burchier, john Peche, William Scot, and a great number of people were not only priest and ready to defend the Country from all mischief and destruction, but also bend and determined to fight and combat with such as would not be obedient to their natural sovereign Lord, and to his laws and precepts. Also the kentish men themselves, partly remembering that other commotions have been to their damage and great hindrance, and partly being under the defence of their nobility, as under the Earl and other, would not so much as come near to the rebels, nor yet either make countenance or once speak to any of them, to the intent that the king should in no wise conceive any point of untruth or treason in the poorest of them. Which thing so daunted and dismayed the hearts and courages of many of the brute and rural Cornishemens (which seeing themselves deceived and defrauded of their chief hope and succours, and fearing the evil; chance that might happen to them) that they to save themselves fled privily in the night from their own company and Companions. The Captains of the rebels perceiving that they could have no aid of the kentish people, putting their only hope to their own power and fortitude (for s●re●y they were men of great strength, and of no less force than valiant courage) brought them to black heath four miles from London, and there in a plain upon the top of an hill they ordered their battles, either ready to fight with the king if he would assail them, or else to assault and beaten the City of London: For they thought verily that the king was so afraid of their puissance, that he minded nothing less than to encounter with their army. And therefore being inflamed with arrogancy, nothing mistrusting, but firmly believing that the victory was sure in their hands, they determined to enter into the City of London and to assault the Tower, wherein the king (as they thought) had priui●y enclosed himself. But king Henry wrought clean contrary to their mind, for he never thought to give them battle till he had them far from their dwellings and Country, so that they should be out of all hope, of aid and comfort. Blackheth fie●●. And when they were with their long and tedious journey wearied and tired, and that their fury were somewhat assuaged and fell to repentance of their mad commotion, and frantic progression, than he would in some place convenient for his purpose compass and enclose them to his advantage and their destruction as he did in deed afterward. In the mean season there was great fear through the City, and cries were made, every man to harness, to harness, some ran to the gates, other mounted on the walls, so that no part was undefended, and continual watch was kept by the Magistrates of the City, lest the rebels being poor and needy would descend from their camp, and invade the City, and spoil and rob the riches and substance of the Merchants. But the king delivered and purged their hearts out of this fear, for after that he perceived that the Cornish men were all the day ready to fight and that upon the hill, he sent strait john Earl of Oxford, Henry Burchier Earl of Essex, Edmond de la Poole Earl of Suffolk, and Sir Ryes ap Thomas, and sir Humphrey Stanley noble warriors, with a great company of archers and horsemen to compass the hill on the right side & on the left, to the intent that all by ways being stopped and forclosed, all hope of flight should be taken from them: and incontinent, he being as well encouraged with manly stomach and desire to fight, as furnished with a populous army, and store of artillery, set forward out of the City and encamped him in Saint George's field, where he the friday at night then lodged. On the Saturday in the morning, he sent the Lord Dawbeney with a great company to set on them early in the morning, which first got the bridge at Detford Strande which was manfully defended by certain Archers of the rebels, whose arrows as is reported were in length a full yard. While the Earls set on them on every side, the Lord Dawbeney came into the field with his company, The Lord Dawbeney taken prisoner by the Cornish men, but they set him again at liberty. and without long fight the Cornishe men were overcome, but first they took the Lord Dawbeney prisoner, and whether it were for fear or for hope of favour, they let him go at liberty without any hurt or detriment. There were slain of the rebels which fought and resisted two thousand men and more, and taken prisoners an infinite number, and amongst them the black Smith and chief Captains which shortly after were put to death. Mighel joseph the black smith taken & executed. This Mighell joseph, surnamed the black Smith one of the Captains of this dunghill, and draff sacked ruffians, was of such stout stomach and haute courage, that at the same time that he was drawn on the Hardle toward his death, he said (as men do report) for that mischievous and ungracious act, he should have a name perpetual, and a fame permanent and immortal. So (you may perceive) that desire of vain glory and fame, inflameth, and encourageth aswell poor and mean persons, as the hearts of great Lords and puissant Princes to travail and aspire to the same. Some affirm that the king appointed to fight with the rebels on the Monday, and preventing the time by policy, set on them upon the Saturday before, being unprovided and in no array of battle, and so by that policy obtained the field and victory. When this battle was ended, the king wanted but three hundred of all his company that were slain at that present conflict. Also the Captains apprehended and taken he pardoned, saving the chief Captains and first authors of that mischief, to whom he would neither show mercy nor lenity. james Lord Audeley drawn and hanged. For he caused the Lord Audeley to be drawn from Newgate to the Tower hill in a Coat of his own arms painted upon paper, reversed and a●l to torn, and there to be beheaded, the xxviij day of june. And Thomas Flamock, Thomas Flamock and Mighell joseph hanged drawn and quartered. and Mighell joseph he commanded after the fashion of traitors to be drawn, hanged, and quartered, and their quarters to be pitched on stakes and set up in divers places of Cornwall, that their sore punishments and terrible executions for their traitorous attempts and foolish hardy enterprises, might be a warning for other hereafter to abstain from committing like crime and offence. But because he was certified that their Countrymen being at home in Cornwall were by this scourge little mollified or quieted, and were ready to move again and begin new commotions and conspiracies, if any ungracious or evil minded person would either move or prick them forward, he turned his purpose, and caused them to be set up in London and other places, lest that by such means he should wrap himself in more trouble at that time when he went about with all his wit and counsel to repress and assuage all domestical and civil sedetion, to the intent that he might the more seriously and intentively set forward a puissant army against the bragging and unfaithful Scots, being content at that time, that fortune had so smiled on his side. While this business was thus handled in England, the king of Scots being certified of it by his espials, that there was none army raised in England, either to withstand his power or destroy his Country, and hearing also that king Henry and his Nobles were vexed and sore troubled with the commotion of the Cornishe men, and in a civil discord and dissension amongst themselves: The Scots invade England. Wherefore he thought it necessary to anticipate the war before hand. For well he knew, that assoon as king Henry had subdued and overturned his adversaries, that he would with his whole puissance invade his Realm and dominions: And therefore he invaded the frontiers of the realm of England, wasting the Country, burning the towns and murdering the people, sparing neither place nor person. And while his light horsemen were riding to forage, and destroy the Bishopric of Durham, and there burned all about, he with another company went about to assault the castle of Norham standing on the river of tweed, which divideth England and Scotland. The Bishop of Durham which at that time was Richard Fox, had well furnished it both with men & munitions, Richard Fox Bishop of Durham. wisely foreseeing and imagining, that the Scottish king (as soon as he knew that there was civil discord and unnatural war moved within the realm of England) would with all his power invade and harry the borders and countries adjoining to his land. This Richard Fox was before called Bishop of Excester, and for his singular virtues and great gravity was after that made Bishop of Bath and Welles, and last of all, promoted and exalted to the Bishopric of Durham. The Bishop from time to time advertised the king of all things that there chanced (which then was at London) and sent in all post hast to the Earl of Surrey to come to rescue, which was then in Yorkshire and had collected a great army and a warlike company. When the Earl heard of these news, he perceiving that all things were not void of jeopardy, made no long tarrying, but with all diligence marched forward, and after him followed other noble men out of all quarters of the North, every one bringing as many as they could gather for the defence of their natural Country and Region. Amongst whom the chief rulers and leaders were these whose names ensue. Ralph Earl of Westmoreland. Thomas Lord Dacres. Ralph Lord Nevell. George Lord Strange. Richard Lord Latimer. George Lord Lumley. john Lord Scrope. Henry Lord Clifford. George Lord Ogle. William Lord Conyers. Thomas Lord Darcy. ¶ Of knights. Thomas Baron of Hylton. Sir William Percy. Sir William Boulmer. Sir William Gascoigne. Sir Ralph Bygod. Sir Ralph Bowes. Sir Thomas a Parr. Sir Ralph Elerker. Sir john Constable. Sir john Ratclyffe. Sir john Savell. Sir Thomas Strangueys. with many other well proved and warlike men, which although in degree they were not equal with these great Lords and knights, yet in manhood and policies of war and valiant courage, they were to them in all feats equivalent. The number was little less than twenty thousand men, beside the Navy whereof the Lord Brooke was admiral. When the Scots had divers days assaulted and beaten the Castle of Norham, to the no little detriment and damage thereof, and could make no battery to enter into the same, they determined of their own mind to raise their siege and return, and that so much the sooner because they heard say that the Earl of Surrey was within two days journey of them with a great puissance. Wherefore king jamy thought it to small purpose to tarry any longer in besieging the Castle, raised his siege and returned into his own realm: When the Earl knew of the kings return, he followed after with all haste possible, trusting surely to overtake him and to give him battle. When the Earl was entered into Scotland, he overthrew and defaced the Castle of Cawdrestenes, the tower of Hetenhall, the tower of Edington, the Tower of Fulden: and he sent Norrey king at arms to the Capitayne of Hayton Castle, which was one of the strongest places between Berwyke aod Edinburgh to deliver him the Castle, which he denied to do, affirming that he was sure of speedy succours and swift aid. The Earl perceiving the denial, laid his ordinance to the Castle, and continually bet it from two of the clock in the morning till five at night, in such wise that they within rendered up the fortress, their lives only saved. And when the Earl had received the Scots, he with his miners razed and overthrew the Castle to the plain ground. The Scottish king was within a mile of the siege, and both knew it and saw the smoke, and yet would not once set a foot forward to save or rescue his Castle. And while the Earl lay at Hayton, the king of Scots sent to him Marchemount, and another Herald, desiring him at his choice either to fight with whole puissance against puissance, or else they two to fight person to person, and hand to hand, requiring that if the victory should fall to the Scottish king, that then the Earl should deliver for his ransom the town of Berwyke, with the Fyshegarthes' of the same. The Earl joyously, like a courageous capitain received this message and made answer, that he was ready in the plain field to abide the battle with his whole army, praying him to come forward with his puissance, and after that he thanked him heartily of the honour that he offered him, for surely he thought himself much honoured that so Noble a Prince would vouchsafe to admit so poor an Earl to fight with him body to body, ascertaining him farther that the town of Berwick was the king his masters and not his, that which he neither aught nor would say to pledge nor gage without the king's assent, but he would put his body in pledge which was more precious to him then all the towns of the world, promising on his honour, that if he took the king prisoner in the singular Combat, that he would release to him all his part of his fine and ransom, and if it chanced the king to vanquish and apprehend him, he would pay gladly such a ransom as was meet and convenient for the degree of an Earl. And when he had rewarded and dismissed the Heralds, he set his army in a readiness, abiding the coming of the king of Scots, and so stood all day. But the Scottish king not regarding his offers, nor performing his great cracks and boasts, being afraid to cope with the English nation, shamefully and suddenly fled in the night season with all his power and company. When the Earl knew that the King was returned, and had been in Scotland six or seven days, being daily and nightly vexed with continual wind and unmeasurable rain, could not 'cause his people to continued in that tempestuous and unfertyle and barren region, with good advise retreated again with his whole army to the town of Berwick, and there dispersed his army every man into his Country, Peter Hialas an Ambassador from Ferdinand king of Spain sent to entreat a peace between England and Scotland tarrying there himself till he knew the pleasure of the king in furthering or protracting the wars of Scotland: But in the mean season one Peter Hyalas a man of no less learning then prudent wit and pregnant policy, was sent Ambassador from Ferdinand King of Spain, unto the King of Scots, to move and entreat a peace and an unity to be had between him and the king of England. For of King Ferdinand and Elizabeth his wife (to which women none other was comparable in her time) there was nothing more desired nor wished then by the conjunction of marriage between Arthure Prince of Wales heir apparent to king Henry, and Lady Katheryn the daughter of king Ferdynand and Queen Elizabeth a new affinity and alliance might be knit and begun between the realm of England & the Country of Spain. And also he favoured somewhat the King of Scots, for which cause he offered himself as a mean and mediator of a peace between both the princes, their territories and dominions. This Peter Hyalas solicited and moved by all honest means and devices king james to assent to a unity and concord: and when with long soliciting he conceived some good hope to grow in this weighty business he wrote unto the king of England, that it would please him to send one of his Nobility or counsel to be associate with him in concluding with the Scottish king. The king of England which ever (so it were not to his dishonour, hurt or detriment) was not only a lover of peace, but also a nourisher, and a furtherer of amity and quietness, and especially at this time when he was vexed with the civil sedition of his own proper sheep and flock, committed the charge of this weighty matter to Richard Fox Bishop of Durham, which lay on the English borders in his castle of Norham. Richard Fox Bishop of Durham. The Bishop according to the kings appointment went honourably into Scotland, where he and Peter Hyalas at the town of jedwoorth reasoned with the Scottish commissioners as concerning this peace to be had. Six hundred conditions were purposed on the one part & the other, but after long protracting of time & much debating and arguing, not one was accepted nor allowed, and one thing above all other dashed the whole treaty: For King Henry instantly required to have Perkin Warbeck the fountain and chief cause of all this tumult and unquietness, the perturber of him and his whole realm: But the king of Scots firmly denied to consent to any article that might sound to his reproach or dishonour: And also now he began to smell and savour the juggling and false counterfeiting of his new gest Perkyn Warbeck: Yet because that Perkin was allied to him by matrimony, he thought it both unhonest, unreasonable and unnatural to betray his ally, and deliver him to death and confusion. Wherefore when they had reasoned the matter and divers other urgent and weighty causes by divers days of meeting, and that for the contrariety of opinions, no firm peace could be concluded. In stead of peace a truce was concluded for certain years upon condition that james King of Scots should convey Perkin Warbeck out of his realm, signiories and dominions. While these things were reasoned and at the last concluded in the confines of England and Scotland, king Henry caused the Ambassadors of the French King, to be brought to his presence, and he them received with all benignity, which as it is showed before were stopped at Dover of their journey until such time as the insurrection of the Cornishmen were suppressed and extinguished. And with like entertainment he embraced at the same very season the Lord of Camphire & other Ambassadors of Philip Archeduke of Ostrich and Duke of Burgoyne, coming to him for the conclusion and continuance of an amity, A peace and treaty of the enter course concluded between the house of Ostrich and Burgoyne with King Henry the seventh for the free traffic into the low Countries. and to have the English merchants to resort to their country again, which from thence before were prohibited and forbidden. Which request being very agreeable to the quietness and tranquillity of his realm, and especially at that time, he did favourably grant and benignly assent unto. And so being confederate & allied by treaty & league with all his neighbours marching on every side of his realms and regions, he gratified with his most hearty thanks King Ferdynand and the Queen his wife, for they were the mediators, organs & instruments by the which the truce was concluded between the Scottish King and him, and rewarded Peter the ambassador liberally and bountifully. So the Englishmen resorted again into the archduke's Dominions and were received into Andwarp with general procession, The English Merchants received into Andwarp with general procession. so glad was the Town of their returning, which was by their absence sore hindered and impoverished, at the time that this unity and concord was made, which was the year of our Lord a thousand four hundred xcvij and the xiij year of king Henry's reign. james king of Scots perceiving now that he was by Perkyn manifestly deluded, according he had faithfully promised, so he now duly performed it. For he calling to his presence the foresaid Perkin Warbeck, declaring to him what benefits & commodities he had received of his princely liberality and gentleness, gently required him to departed out of the realm into some other country where he might make his abode more surely and more quietly, until such time as fortune would provide a more prosperous wind to set forward the sails of his purpose and desire, declaring unto him that he compelled in manner by necessity had concluded a league and concord with the king of England, and by the treaty, the refuge that he should have had of him and his country, was not only to him prohibited and forbidden, but also it was agreed and condescended that neither the king of Scots, nor any by his procurement or in his name should make war on the King of England, which war he gladly took in hand for Perkyns sake, having sure confidence and perfit trust to have been aided and assisted with Perkyns friends in England. But when he perceived that all was in vain, and that all his word●s were but wind, he exhorted him not to be displeased to departed, lest his tarrying might be to him a detriment and a breaking of the treaty between him and king Henry lately concluded: wherefore with many fair words he desired him to departed. This Perkin knowing the king's pleasure was very sore amazed, Perkyn is dispatched out of Scotland. seeing there was no help to be looked for hereafter in Scotland. Albeit remembering the great benefits which he had received heretofore of the Scotishe king, which he thought himself never able to requite and deserve, that he might not seem to him ingrate or not willing to follow his desire, he was content at his intercession to departed. And shortly after sailed into Ireland with his wife and family, there determining with himself either to sail into Flaunders to the Duchess of Burgoyne, or to join and take part with the Cornishmen. But how so ever it was, while he lay in Ireland doubting what to do, he had intelligence by certain messengers that the Cornishmen for all their discomfiture and plague not to be appeased, but sore to grudge and murmur against king Henry, and that they were prove and ready to renew the war against the King and the Prince: Perkin saileth into Cornwall. Where he not intending to forsake so fair an occasion so manifestly offered, he having with him four small ships and not above six score men, sailed into Cornwall and there landed in the month of September and came to a town called Bodman, and their did so solicit, provoke, & stir the mutable and wavering people, what with fair words and large promises, that he gathered to him above three thousand persons, which immediately called him their Capitayne, and said that they would take his part and follow him to the death, and in all things obey his precepts and commandments. The Perkin was well encouraged and made proclamations in the name of king Richard the fourth as son to king Edward that last died. The Cornishe men again rebel and have Perkyn for their captain. And by the advise of his three counsellors, john Heron mercer a bankrupt, Richard Scelton a Tailor and john Asteley a Skrevener, men of more dishonesty then of honest estimation, determined first of all to assault and beat all walled & strong towns and fortresses, & them to receive into his possession and signory for his farther security and defence: And that enterprise achieved, than he would augment his host and march forward against all persons that durst once offer themselves to withstand him. When he & his imprudent counsel were fully resolved on this point and conclusion, they in good order went strait to Excester, Perkyn and his company assaulteth the town of Excester. which was the next City that he could approach to, and besieged it, & because he lacked ordinance to make a battery to raze & deface the walls, he studied all the ways possible how to break and infringe the gates, and what with casting of stones, heaving with iron bars & kindling of fire under the gates, he omitted nothing that could be devised for the furtherance of his ungracious purpose. The Citizens perceiving their town to be environed with enemies & like to be inflamed, began at the first to be sore abashed, and let certain messengers by cords down over the wall which should certify the king of all their necessity and trouble. But after that, taking to them lusty hearts and manly courages they determined to repulse fire by fire, & caused faggots to be brought to the inward part of the ports and posterns and set them all on fire, to the intent that the fire being inflamed on both the sides of the gates, might aswell exclude their enemies from entering, as include the Citizens from running or flying out, and that they in the mean season might make trenches and rampires to defend their enemies in stead of gates and Bulwarks. Thus all the doings and attempts of the rebellious people had evil success in their first enterprise: and thus by fire the City was preserved from flame and burning. One fire hat●●ictorie ● overthroweth another fire. Then Perkyn being of necessity compelled to leave the gates, assaulted the Town in divers weak and unfortefied places, and set up ladders, attempting to climb over the walls and to take the City, thinking surely to compel the Citizens either by fear or for lack of succour to tender themselves and yield the town. But the Citizens being nothing so minded, so courageously like valiant champions defended the walls, that they slew above two hundred of his seditious soldiers at this assault. Assoon as the messengers of Excester came to the kings presence and showed their instructions, he hasted with his host toward Excester with as much haste as the gravity of the cause did require. And sent the Lord Dawbeney with light horsemen before to certify all men of his coming at hand. But in the mean season Lord Edward Corteney Earl of Devonshire and Lord William his son, a man of great force and valiantness, accompanied with sir Edmond Carew, sir Thomas Trenchard, sir William Courtney, sir Thomas Fulforde, sir john Halewell, sir john Croker, Water Courteney, Peter Egecombe, William Sentuaure, with all speed came into the City of Excester and holp the Citizens, and at the last assault the Earl was hurt in the arm with an arrow, and so were many of his company, but very few slain. Perkyn flieth from Exeter. When Perkyn with his lewd capitains saw that the City of Excester was so well fortfied both with men and munitions, and that in manner impregnable, fearing the sequel of this matter, departed from Excester with his lousy army to the next great town called Tawnton, and there the twenty day of September he mustered his men as though he were ready to fight: but his number were sore minished. For when the poor and needy people saw the great defence which was made at Excester, and that no man of honour nor yet of honesty drew to him, contrary to the promise and assurance, made by him and his counsellors to them at the beginning, they withdrew themselves by sundry secret companies from him, in providing their own safeguard. Which thing when Perkyn perceived, he put small trust & less confidence in the remnant of his army, as afterward it did apere because the most part of his soldiers were harnissed on the right arm and naked all the body and never exercised in war nor martial feats but only with the spade and shovel. When the king heard he was gone to Tawnton, he hastened after him with all speed. Perkyn besieged Tawnton. Thither came to the king, Edward Duke of Buckingham, a young Prince of a great courage & of a singular good wit, and him followed a great company of noble men, knights, and esquires, prepared and ready with all things necessary for the field and battle. Amongst which number was Sir Alexander Baynam, Sir Mawrice Barkeley, Sir Robert Tam●, Sir john Guise, Sir Robert Poyntz, Sir Henry Vernon, Sir john Mortimer, Sir Thomas Tremayle, Sir Edward Sutton, Sir Amise Pawlet, Sir john Bickenell, Sir john Sapcotes, Sir Hugh Lutterell, Sir Frances Cheyney, and many other knights, esquires and valiant personages. When the king approached near the town of Tawnton, whether he would not defer and put off the battle, or whether he doubting the turn of fortunes wheel, sent before him Robert Lord Brooke lord Steward of his house, Gyles Lord Dawbeney his chief Chamberleyn, and sir Rice ap Thomas, to set on his enemies, and begin the battle, and he with his power followed, to the intent that when the armies coped and joined together, he either should with new succours refresh● his own army, or else set on the back of his enemies or they could espy him. Albeit the king had no great need to use such policy if he had known what sequel had ensued. For assoon as Perkyn was informed that his enemies were ready to give him battle, he that nothing less minded then to fight in open field with the kings puissance, Perkin flieth and taketh Sanctuary at Bewdley. dissimuled all the day time with his company, as though nothing could make him afeard, and about midnight being accompanied with lx horsemen, departed from Tawnton in post to a Sanctuary town beside Southampton called Bewdeley, and there he and john Heron, and other registered themselves as persons privileged. But whether Perkyn did this for fear, lest his men should forsake him, or for the cowardness of his own timorous courage, it is as much uncertain, as it is probable and sure, that the king took by his flight great commodity and quietness, by reason that he was not enforced to fight with the Cornish men, whose hearts and courages were so increased and inflamed by deadly desperation that they earnestly determined and were steadfastly bend either to win victory and overcome their enemies, or else not one of them all to live any day or hour longer. When king Henry knew that Perkin was fled and departed, he sent after him the Lord Dawbeney, with five hundred horsemen toward the sea side to stay him before he should come there. But Perkyn whom the matter touched at the quick, made such haste with the swiftness of his horse, and sharpness of his spurs, that he was so far passed on his way before, that no person could tell tidings of him, before he registered and disclosed himself in the Sanctuary. But his chief Captains which fled, could not so craftily escape, for the most part of them were apprehended, and as captives and wretches miserably presented to the king. When the residue of the common people could neither see Perkin nor yet the Standards nor guide-homes of their Captains, not knowing where he was become, doubting whether he were fraudulently slain, or fearfully fled, witted not what council to ask or what way was most surest to follow and take. But when they were ascertained of his most shameful flight, every person oppressed with this common mischief, common fear, and common peril, casting away their armure, submitted themselves to the king, holding up their hands in ask mercy, offering and promising him, faith, loyalty and obeisance. To whom the king of most gentle heart and lenity, not only granted pardon but received them to his favour. And so the king being a conqueror without manslaughter or effusion of christian blood, road triumphantly into the City of Excester, and there not only lauded and praised the Citizens of Excester, but also rendered to them his most hearty thanks, as well for their duties done, as for their valiantness. And there also he afflicted and put in execution diverse Cornish men which were the authors and stirrers up of this new insurrection and false conspiracy. The horsemen that were sent, without any stop or stay, in short space came to Saint Mighelles mount, and there (as chance was) found Lady Katheryn Gorden wife to Perkyn, and brought her straight like a bond woman and captive to the king. And the king wondering at her beauty and amiable countenance, thought her a pray more meet for the chief captain than for the mean Soldiers, began then a little to fantasy her person, and sent her incontinently, accompanied with a goodly sort of sad matrons and gentlewomen (because she was but a young woman) to London to the Queen as a true and undoubted token of his triumph and victory. And while he reposed himself at Excester, he judged that he had nothing won, nor yet plucked up the root of this seditious rebellion, except he could get into his possession the chief head and type of this pestiferous faction and business. Wherefore he environed the Sanctuary which Perkyn was in, round about with two companies of light horsemen, wise and discrete persons, to the intent to bereave and pluck from Perkyn all hope of flight and escaping away. And after that, he attempted this young foundling by trusty and politic messengers, if he having pardon and remission of all mischievous and heinous offences by him done against the king and his Realm, would gladly submit himself to the king, and be to him faithful true and obedient. Perkyn being now destitute of all hope, failing of his dwelling place, and lacking comfort, aid, and refuge, considering that he was now brought to the very point and prick of extremity, that he witted not how nor whether to fly into any Country for succour, and also he was in utter despair to have hereafter any prosperous chance, or fortunate success in his enterprise, because he had so often attempted, and so many times had been foiled and vanquished, Perkyn submitted himself to the King. wherefore he having his pardon to him offered, and trusting to the open promise of men, of his own will frankly and freely departed out of Sanctuary and committed himself to the kings pleasure, and so by this means this great heat was quenched and appeased. Then was the king very glad that this war was ended, and took his journey immediately toward London, not without a great concourse of people meeting him out of every quarter to see this Perkin as he were a Monster, because he being an alien of no ability by his poor parents (although it was otherwise talked and dissimuled) durst once invade so noble a realm, and it to infect with such lies and leasings, and chiefly of all that he by his crafty subornations had persuaded divers aswell noble as ignoble (not without the confusion and undoing of many of them) to believe and say that he was the very same person that he feigned and painted himself to be. keepers were appointed to look to Perkyn. But when the king was come to London, he appointed certain keepers to attend on him which should not (the breadth of a nail) go from his person, to the intent that he might neither convey himself out of the land, nor fly any whether, nor yet provoked and procured by other, should be able to sow again no new sedition nor seditious tumult within his realm and countries. When these tidings came to the Lady Margaret in Flaunders that Perkyn her dear darling had no good luck but loss, both of his enterprise and her great studious furtherance, and was brought into captivity, she was not well pleased with them, but wept and lamented his unlucky speed, and cursed her infortunate chance. When these things were brought to pass according to the king's mind, he did not forget that there was not a more delectable and pleasant thing, nor a larger rain of mischief given to the vulgar people, then to have a sure hope and trust that they may offend without any punishment or correction: Wherefore to the intent hereafter to observe his people in due obeisance and subjection, he shortly caused inquiries to be made of divers offences. Whereupon divers persons as well in Sommersetshire as Devonshire were accused and presented that they had aided both with men and money the Cornish Traitors, not only after their discomfiture in returning homeward, but also in their marching forward, intending to make battle against the king being their sovereign and liege Lord. All which offenders he determined to plague and scourge according to the quantity of their crime and offence, with great fines and sore assessments. Commissioners Thomas Lord Darcy Amis Paulet knight, Robert Sherborne Deane of Paul's. And therefore he committed this charge to Thomas Lord Darcie, to Amis Paulet knight, and Robert Sherborne Deane of Paul's, after Bishop of Chichester. These Commissioners like a whirlwind tossed and pierced the Coffers and substance of all the inhabitants of both the Countries, to the intent that no person being imbrued or spotted with the ink of that abominable crime, should escape the pain which he worthily had deserved: but they were gentle and remiss to a great number, and specially to such as offended by cohertion and fear, rather than of malicious heart or envious mind. Yet were they to none so favourable but they were thought for their defaults worthy of some punishment, so that equity therein was very well and justly executed. In this year a sudden chance, ye a thing of no moment nor worthy to be regarded had almost so kindled again the old displeasure and grudge between king Henry and king james of Scotland, that they could scarce keep their hands, and bridle their courages from war and fight. The first motion of this displeasure was thus: Certain young men of the Scots came armed unto Norham Castle, and beheld it wondrous circumspectly, as though they had been desirous to know what was done there within: But when the keepers of the Castle could not perceive any hostility or damage towards them or theirs, and seeing them departed of their own accord, determined it not convenient to move any question to them nor once to stir out. But when they came again the next day and viewed it likewise, the keepers of the said Castle suspecting some fraud to lurk in their looking, demanded of them what was their intent, & why they viewed and advised so the Castle. The Scots even like themselves, answered them proudly and rustically with many disdeynfull words. Insomuch that after their blustering and blowing answers made, the English men being vexed and moved therewithal, replied to them with hard and manly strokes, and after many a sore blow given and taken on both parts, and divers Scots wounded and some slain, the Scots oppressed with the multitude of the English people, fled as fast as their horses would carry them. When they came home and certified the king of the same, he was therewith sore moved and angry, Marchemount a Hetavide of Scotland. and swore by sweet Saint Ninyan there was nothing to him more inconstant and unsteadfast than the observing of the league by the king of England, and sent word thereof to king Henry in all haste by Marchmount his Herald. The king of England which nothing more embraced and desired then quiet tranquillity and perfit love and amity with all Princes being his neighbours and borderers, to the intent that he might live in his latter days in an honest and quiet life after so many labours and vexations even from his infancy drawn and exercised in, made him answer that it was not done through his default, neither by his counsel nor knowledge, but rather by the rash folly of the keepers of the Castle, requiring him for that cause not to think the league infringed, promising in the word of a king to inquire of the truth, and who were the malefactors. And if the offence were found to be begun on the party of the keepers of the Castle, he assured him that they should for no meed or favour escape pain and punishment. This answer although it were more than reasonable, could not mitigate or assuage the Scots anger and outrageousness, for the which cause richard Bishop of Durham, Richard Bishop of Durham. which was more heavy than all other because that this discord was renewed again between these two Princes by occasion of castle keepers, he therefore thought it best first to assuage and cool the furious rage of the Scottish king, and wrote many letters to him, requiring him of peace and unity. The king perceiving both the good will and constant gravity of the Bishop, appeased his fury and answered gently to the bishops letters by writing again to him, saying, that because he had many secret and privy things in his mind which he would communicate only with him touching the cause now in variance, he therefore required him to take pain to come into his Country, trusting that he should think his labour well bestowed. The Bishop was very glad and sent word to the king his master, of king james desire, who esteemed the request and cause both just and reasonable, and therefore willed him to accomplish the Scottish kings honest desire. When he came into Scotland, he was received with all humanity that could be thought of the king himself at an Abbey called Melrose. And there, after that the king for a countenance had complained much of the cruelty and slaughter that was used towards his men late at Norham, he easily remitted the offence and pardoned it, and began secretly to common without any witnesses or arbitrers near hand with the Bishop alone. And first declared to him what old and just causes have moved him before this, to seek alliance and amity with king Henry, which now he desired much more to have confirmed and corroborated for the farther maintenance of love and increase of friendship, which thing he doubted not, but should sort to a fortunate effect and good conclusion, if the king of England would vouchsafe to give to him in matrimony his first begotten daughter the Lady Margaret, upon which point he determined not long agone to send his Ambassadors into England, Lady Margaret eldest daughter to king Henry the seventh. which thing he would the sooner do if he knew this bishops mind and intent ready to further his loving purpose. The Bishop answered but few words, saying that when he were returned to the king his master, he would do the best in the matter that lay in his power. Which words animated much the king, and put him in good hope to send his Ambassadors to the king of England to sue for the said matrimony to be concluded. When the Bishop had taken his leave, and was come to the king, he declared to him in order all the communication between king james and him. This request pleased the king very much, to whom peace was ever a sovereign medicine, and determined surely to minister occasion of war to no man, nor would have any Prince to provoke him to the same. Now began the fatal day of the death of Perkyn Warbeck, Perkin warbeck. Edward cry of Warwick. and Edward Earl of Warwick to approach: For after this fact done and committed, one fierce and strong wave devoured and swallowed both their lives not long a sunder, as you shall hear by the continuation of this story. Perkyn, whether it grieved him to be kept in ward, or else that he was instigated and enticed by some of his old friends to stir more coals, and begin some new seditious faction, or at the lest, because he would wilfully waste and cast away himself, studied how to escape and fly away, having perfit hope that he should find occasion to bring all things well to pass, if he could convey himself once out of the English men's hands. And although he were not ignorant, that he neither could dove nor imagine any thing, but the king would both hear of it and know it: Yet he seduced with hope of evasion and scaping, which was the chief comfort of his captivity, had liefer put all things in a proof and hazard, ●ather than longer to suffer the present calamity and daily misery. And so deceiving his keepers took him to his heels, by the which he brought himself into a straighter custody and prison, and wrapped himself into tortures and punishments: For when he came to the Sea costs, and had gone but a little forward on his journey, when the rumour of his flight was spread abroad, every buy way and lane was set abroad with the King's guard, which had the custody of his body. Wherefore he being sore abashed with the clamour of them that searched and made inquiry for him, and being in a manner destitute of wit and counsel, altered of necessity from his pretenced journey, and came to the house of Bethlem, called the Priory of Shene beside Richemond in Southrey, and committed himself to the Prior of the Monastery, requiring him for God's sake to ask and desire his life and pardon of the king's majesty. The Prior which for his virtuous qualities was had in great estimation, moved with the calamity and infortunate state of this man, came to the king and showed him of this Perkin, whose pardon he humbly craved, and frankly obteyteyned it. Incontinent after this, Perkyn was brought to the Court again to Westminster with many a curse and reproach, and was one day set fettered in a pair of stocks, before the door of Westminster hall, and there stood one whole day, not without innumerable reproaches, mocks and scornings. And the next day was carried through London, and set upon a like scaffold in Cheap by the Standard, with like gins and stocks as he occupied the day before, and there stood all day and read openly his own confession written with his own hand, the very Copy whereof hereafter ensueth. First it is to be known, The confession of Perkin as it was written with his own hand. that I was borne in the town of Turney in Flaunders, and my father's name is john Osbeck, which said john Osbeck, was controller of the said town of Turney, and my mother's name is Katheryn de Faro. And one of my Grandsires upon my father's side was named Diryck Osbeck which died, after whose death my Grandmother was married unto Peter flame, that was receiver of the forenamed town of Turney, and Deane of the Boatmen that row upon the water or river, called Leschelde. And my Grandsire upon my mother's side was Peter de Faro, which had in his keeping the keys of the gate of S. john's within the same Town of Turney. Also I had an Uncle called master john Stalyn, dwelling in the parish of Saint Pyas within the same town, which had married my father's sister, whose name was jone or jane, with whom I dwelled a certain season. And after I was led by my mother to Andwerp for to learn Flemmishe, in a house of a cousin of mine, an officer of the said town, called john Stienbeck, with whom I was the space of half a year. And after that I returned again to Tourney, by reason of the wars that were in Flaunders. And within a year following I was sent with a Merchant of the said town of Turney named Berlo, to the mart of Andwarpe where I fell sick, which sickness continued upon five Months. And the said Barlo set me to board in a Skinner's house, that dwelled beside the house of the English nation. And by him I was from thence carried to barrow mart, and I lodged at the sign of the old man, where I abode the space of two Months. And after this the said Barlo set me with a Merchant of Middelborough to service, for to learn the language whose name was john Strewe, with whom I dwelled from Christmas till Easter, and then I went into Portyngale, in the company of Sir Edward Bramptones' wife, in a ship which was called the queens ship. And when I was come thither, than I was put in service to a Knight that dwelled in Lushborne, which was called Peter Vacz de Cogna, with whom I dwelled an whole year, which said knight had but one eye. And because I desired to see other Countries, I took licence of him, & then I put myself in service with a Briton, called Pregent Meno, the which brought me with him into Ireland, and when we were there arrived in the town of Cork, they of the town, because I was arrayed with some clotheses of Silk of my said masters, came unto me and threaped upon me that I should be the Duke of Clarence son, that was before time at Develin. And forasmuch as I denied it, there was brought unto me the holy Evangelists and the cross by the Mayor of the town, which was called john le Wellen, and there in the presence of him and other I took my oath as the truth was, that I was not the foresaid Duke's son, nor none of his blood. And after this came unto me an English man, whose name was Stephen Poytron, with one john Water, and laid to me in swearing great oaths, that they knew well that I was king Richard's Bastard son: To whom I answered with like oaths, that I was not. And then they advised me not to be afeard, but that I should take it upon me boldly, and if I would so do, they would aid and assist me with all their power against the king of England, and not only they, but they were assured well that the Earls of Desmond, and Kildare, should do the same. For they forced not what part they took, so that they might be revenged upon the king of England, and so against my will made me to ●earne English, and taught me what I should do and say. And after this they called me Duke of York, second son of king Edward the fourth, because king Richard's bastard son was in the hands of the king of England. And upon this the said john Water, Stephen Poytron, john Tiler, Hubert Burgh, with many other, as the foresaid Earls, entered into this false quarrel. And within short time after, the French king sent an Ambassador into Ireland, whose name was Loyte Lucas, and master Stephyn Fryam, to advertise me to come into France. And thence I went into France, and from thence into Flaunders, and from Flaunders into Ireland, and from Ireland into Scotland, and so into England. When night of the same day, which was the xu day of june was come (partly because the king had pardoned him his life, and partly because he should no more run away, & put the king in doubt of any mistrust or misfortune to come) he was committed to the Tower of London, where his wickedness boiling so hot within his cankered stomach, would not suffer him to escape the punishment and vengeance of God, but shortly after was most justly and worthily put to death, as hereafter shall be showed. Edward Plantagenet Earl of Warwick, of whom ye have heard before, being kept in the Tower almost from his tender age, that is to say, from the first year of the king to this xu year, out of all company of men and sight of beasts, in so much that he could not decern a Goose from a Capon. And where as he by common reason and open appearance, could not by his own doings seek his death and destruction, yet by the drift and offence of another man, he was brought to his end and confusion. For a Friar Augustin on the border of Suffolk called Patrick, to the intent to bring this Earl into disdain and hatred, had a certain scholar called Ralph Wilford, whom he greatly favoured, and in whose head he ever distilled and infused this foolish and fantastical conceit, that if he would follow his counsel and advise, he would easily convey him to the kingdom of England. The scholar like a good disciple, did not deny to follow his masters discipline and counsel, but more and more desired and put his Master in remembrance to perform and accomplish with all speed, that thing which of his own liberality, he before had to him both promised and assured, saying, what Mecock or dastard is so sore afeard of transgressing the law, or dreadeth punishment, the which to obtain a kingdom will not attempt to do, and suffer all things that is possible to be assayed and tasted? So that when they between themselves secretly had taken a crafty deliberation and counsel of their enterprise, and had devised in their foolish wits, Patrick a Friar the conveyer away of Edward Earl of Warwick. how it should be brought to pass, they went both together into Kent (which Country in ancient time hath not been dull in setting forth of new fantastical fantasies) and there begun this young mammet to tell privily to many that he was the very Earl of Warwick, and lately gotten out of the Tower, by the help of this Friar Patrick. To the which sayings when the Friar perceived hope to be given, he declared it openly in the Pulpit, and desired all men of help. But the head of this sedition was Summer topped, that it could have no time to spring any higher, the master and the scholar being both apprehended and cast into prison, and attainted. Of the which two, the scholar was hanged on Shrove tuesday, at Saint Thomas of waterings, and the Friar was condemned to perpetual prison and captivity. For at that time here in England, so much reverence was attributed to the holy orders, that a priest, although he had committed high treason against his sovereign Lord and to all other, offenders in murder, rape or theft, which had received any of the three higher holy orders, the life was given, & the punishment of death released. The chief cause of this favour was this, because Bishops of a long time and season did not take knowledge, nor intermit themselves with the search and punishment of such heinous and detestable offences, by reason whereof they did not disgrace and deprive from the holy orders such malefactors, and wicked persons, which without the ceremony, by the canonical law could not be put to death. Furthermore, what should a man say, it was also used that he that could but only read (yea although he understood not what he read) how heinous or detestable a crime so ever he had committed (treason only except) should likewise as affines and allies to the holy orders be saved, & committed to the Bishop's prison. And to the intent that if they should escape, & be again taken, committing like offence, that their lives should be no more to them pardoned, it was ordained that murderers should be brent on the brawn of the left hand with an hot iron signed with this letter M, Murderer's to be brent in the hand with an M. a●d thieves with a T. and thieves in the same place with this letter T, so that if they, which were once signed with any of these marks or tokens, did again commit like crime and offence, should suffer the pains and punishments, which they had both merited and deserved. Which device was enacted and established in the Parliament kept in the second year of this kings reign, and taken as I conjecture of the French nation, which are wont if they take any such offender, to cut off one of his ears, as a sure token and mark hereafter of his evil doing. And the charge of keeping such offenders, that be only inprisoned by their offences, because it soundeth to spiritual religion, is committed to the Bishops and rulers of the spirituality, with a penalty set upon them, if any such prisoner do afterward escape. The which act and privilege did nourish and increase abundantly the sect and swarm of thieves and murderers, for after that time there were an hundredth ways practised and invented, how at one time or another, to deliver or convey them out of prison and captivity, by making their purgation (by what sleight and means they care not) of such offences as before they were convinced and found guilty, Purgation of Convicts. if no man be present to say exceptions to the same. For if the party offended and hurt be absent at the day of the purgation making, the thief or murderer truly found guilty from the beginning, shall be both excused and set at liberty. And oftentimes the sooner, because the Bishop would not lose so great a sum as an hundred pound, for the escape of a poor knave, scant worth a Dandiprat: But now to return to our matter again. Perkyn (of whom rehearsal was made before) being now in hold, could not leave with the destruction of himself, and confusion of other that had associate themselves with him, but began now to study which way to fly and escape. For he by false persuasions and liberal promises, corrupted Strangweyes, Strangweys' Blewet, Astwood and long Rogier keepers of Perkin were corrupted. Blewet, Astwood and long Rogier his keepers, being servants to sir john Dygby Lieutenant. Insomuch that they (as it was at their are i●ement openly proved) intended to have slain the said Master, and to have set Perkyn and the Earl of Warwick at large, which Earl was by them made privy of this enterprise, and thereunto (as all natural creatures love liberty) to his destruction assented. But this crafty device and subtle imagination, being opened & disclosed, sorted to none effect, and so he being repulsed and put back from all hope and good luck with all his complices and confederates, and john Awater, sometime Mayor of Corffe in Ireland, one of his founders, and his son, were the sixteen day of November arained and condemned at Westminster. And on the three and twenty day of the same month, Perkyn and john Awater drawn to Tyburn and executed. Perkyn and john Awater were drawn to Tyburn, and there Perkyn standing on a little scaffold, read his confession, which before you have heard, and took it on his death to be true, & so he and john Awater asked the king forgiveness and died patiently. This was the reward of the pernicious Ally of Perkyn Warbeck, which in his life with false persuasions and untrue surmises had brought many noble personages to death and utter perdition, so at his death he brought with him other of the same sort to their not undeserved punishment. And amongst other Edward Earl of Warwick, which as the fame went, consented to break prison, & to departed out of the Realm with Perkyn (which in prisoners is high treason) was the xxj day of the said month arraigned at westminster before the Earl of Oxford, then high counsel of England, of the said treason, which whether it were by the enticement of other or of his own free will (many men doubt because of his innocency) confessed the fact & submitted himself to the kings mercy. And upon his confession he had his judgement, and according thereunto, the xxviij day of November. M. cccc.xcix. was brought to the scaffold on the Tower hill, and there beheaded. Edward Er●e of Wa●wick beheaded. The fame after his death sprang abroad, that Ferdinand king of Spain would never make full conclusion of the matrimony to be had between Prince Arthur & the Lady Katheryn his daughter, nor sand her into England as long as this Earl lived. For he imagined that as long as any Earl of Warwick lived, that England should never be cleansed nor purged of civil war and privy sedition, so much was the name of Warwick in other Regions, A great death. had in fear and gelosye. The next year after there was a great plague, whereof men died in many places very sore, but espcially & most of all in the City of London, where died in that year thirty thousand. Also in this year was burned a place of the kings called the manner of Shene, situate and lying nigh the Thames side, The m●nour of Shene brent. which he after builded again sumpteouslye and costly, and changed the name of Shene, and called it Richemond, because his father and he were Earls of Richemond. The King perceiving this plague and courageous disease, rather to increase then decrease, whether it was to avoid the occasion of the sicknsse, or to allure the Archduke of Burgoyn to common with him, he personally took his ship at Dover, in the beginning of May, & sailed to Calais, to the intent to provide and see the watches, which have been accustomed to be diligently kept and maintained against the incursions of his adversaries, and there he made politic ordinances and straight laws. While the King lay thus at Calais, the archduke Philip sent to him divers notable personages, not alonely to gratify and welcome him into those parts, but also to declare that the said Archeduke offered to repair personal●y to his presence, with such a number as the King should appoint, so that it were within no walled town or fortress. For he had before divers times made denial so the French king to enter into any of his walled towns, and if he should, as ●e gladly would come to the town of Calais, it might be a precedent to the French king to desire like meeting, what chance thereof might fall, every man could not judge. The king gently entertained the Ambassadors, but more thankfully accepted the archduke's offer, and so appointed the place at Saint Peter's Church without Calais. Upon the Tuesday in Penticost week, the archduke came thither with a convenient company. The King and the Queen with many a lusty Lord and Lady road thither to welcome him. And when the king approached, the Duke at his lighting offered to hold his stirrup, which the king in no wise would suffer to be done. When the king was dissended from his horse, he and the archduke embraced each other with most princely familiarity, and then the Queen and all the Nobles saluted him. What banqueting, what mirth, and what pastime there was, I overpass. But to conclude there was communication of marriages, treating of farther corroberation of leagues, requests, of tolls in Flaunders to be minished, with many other things, touching the intercourse and traffic of both their realms. And when all things were set in an order, the two Princes lovingly took their leave and departed, the king to Calais, and the archduke to Saint Omers. After this departing, the French king Lewis the twelve, sent to visit the king, the Lord Gronthouse governor of Picardy, and the Lord Merueiliers, Bayly of Amyas, which declared to the king the getting of milan, and taking of the Duke, which Lords were highly feasted, and with great rewards departed. Soon after when this plague was slaked, the king returned again to England, about the end of june: And being come into England, soon after there came to him one Gasper Pous, a Spaniard (both for learning and good behaviour very excellent) sent from Alexander Bishop of Rome, which should show the English men the right way to heaven. A year of jubilee. Therefore that year was called the year of jubilee, which was the year of our Lord a thousand five hundred. And to the intent that the people of far Countries might be eased of their labour and travail in coming thither, the charitable father sent his Legates into every Country to distribute the heavenly grace (as he called it) to all Christian people, which either letted by war, enemies, infirmity, weakness, or tediousness of the long journey, were not able to perform their journey to the holy City of Rome. But this benevolent liberality was not frank & freely given: For the holy Bishop Alexander, with helping and looking to the health of men's souls, thought somewhat to do for his own private commodity and singular wealth, and therefore he limited and set a certain price of this his grace and pardon: and to the end that the king should not hinder nor let his purpose, he offered part of this his gain unto the king. And that the people might the sooner minish their purses, and enrich his Chests, he promised that he would in the beginning of the year make war in all the haste against the great Turk. By this means and policy, this Alexander got and heaped up a great sum of money, and yet no battle begun against the Turk, which in the mean season had taken, conquered, and destroyed many regions, Cities, & towns belonging to Christian men. About this time died three Bishops in England, john Morton Bishop of Cauntorbury, Thomas Langton Bishop of Winchester, and Thomas Rotheram Bishop of York. After him succeeded Thomas Savage Bishop of London, in whose place succeeded Doctor William Warham of whom we made mention before. And Henry Deane Bishop of Sarisburie was made archbishop of Cauntorbury. Also Richard Fox Bishop of Durham, was preferred to the Bishopric of Winchester. Also this year two notable marriages were concluded and agreed upon, but neither solemnized now, nor consummate as you shall hear afterward. The Lady Margaret affied to Ia●es the fourth king of Scots. For king Henry granted his daughter Lady Margaret to james the fourth king of Scots. And Ferdinand king of Spain gave his daughter Lady Katherine to Arthur prince of Wales, son and heir apparent to the king of England. And it is to be considered that king Henry did not join this affinity with the king of Scots without cause: For he desiring nothing more, then to pass over the remnant of his life in peace, rest, and tranquillity, The Lady Katheryn affied to Arthur Prince of Wales. imagined in himself that by this conjunction and co●plement of matrimony, no war or hostility hereafter should be attempted either against him or his Dominions by the Scottish king or his nation, having sure trust that none other of his enemies or of his rebels should hereafter be received or maintained in the Dominions and territories of his son in law. And amongst all other articles this was concluded and appointed, that no English man should enter into Scotland, without letters commendatory of their own sovereign Lord, or save conduit of his warden of the Marches, and that prohibition was in like manner given to the Scots. You have heard before, 1●0●/17 how that the marriage was agreed between Prince Arthure of England, and the Lady Katheryn of Spain, and how the king her father promised to sand her with great honour into England: He now this year according to his promise conveyed her with a puissant navy toward England, where she arrived in the port of Plymmouth the second day of October, then being Saturday. When the king was certified of her arrival, incontinent he sent both for Prince Arthur his son into Wales to repair to London, and sent divers great Lords and knights to convey her with triumph toward her spouse and husband. The receiving into London of the Lady Katheryn who afterward married with Prince Arthur the king's eldest son. And upon the twelve day of November, she was conveyed from Lambeth through London with all triumph and honour that could be devised or imagined, to the Bishop's palace, by the cathedral Church of Saint Paul's. And because I will not be tedious to you, I pass over the wise devices, and the prudent speeches, set forth in seven goodly pageants, erected and set up in divers places of the City. I leave also the sweet harmony, which sounded with heavenly noise on every side of the street. I omit farther, the costly apparel both of goldsmith's work and embraudery, the rich jewels, the massy Chains, the stirring horses, the beautiful bards, and the glittering trappers, both with bells and spangles of gold. I will not molest you with rehearsing the rich arras, the costly tapestry, the fine clotheses both of gold and silver, the pleasant silks, which did hung in every street where she passed, the wine that ran continually out of the conduits. But to resort unto the history. While this princess sojourned for her recreation in the Bishop's palace of London, not without visitation of the king, the Queen and the kings mother, there was erected in the body of Saint Paul's Church, a long bridge made of timber, extending from the West door of the Church, to the step at the entering into the Quere, which was six foot from the ground. On the said bridge or stage, even directly before the consistory of the church was elevate a place like a mount, for eight persons to stand upon, compassed round about with steps to ascend and dissend, which was covered with fine read worsted, and in likewise were all the rails of the said stage. On the Northside of this mount was a place furnished for the king and Queen and such other as they appointed. On the Southside of the same mount stood the Mayor & the Magistrates of London. When all preparation was made, and all things set in an order. Upon the day of Saint Erkenwalde, then being Sunday, the said Lady was led to the same mount, and there prince Arthur openly espoused her, The marriage of prince Arthur with the Lady Katheryn. both being clad in white, both lusty and amorous, he of the age of fifteen and more, and she of the age of xviij or there abouts. After the matrimony celebrated, the prince and his wife went up into the Quere, and there heard a solemn mass, song by the archbishop of Cauntorbury, This after his father was king Henry the eight. associate with xix Prelates mitred. And after the mass finished, the Bride was led homeward to the bishops palace, by Henry Duke of York, being then a goodly young prince, & the Legate of Spain. Next after followed the Lady Cicile sister to the Queen, supporting the train of the spouse. After whom followed above an hundred Ladies and Gentlewomen gorgeously appareyled and richly adorned. There was kept that day a sumptuous feast, but when night was come, this lusty prince and his beautiful Bride were brought and joined together in one bed, and there did that act, which to the performance and full consummation of matrimony was most requisite and expedient. In so much that his familiar servitors, which had then neither cause nor reward to lie or feign, declared openly that in the morning he called for drink, which he before times was not accustomed to do. At which thing one of his Chamberlains marveling, required the cause of his drought. To whom he answered merrily saying, I have this night been in the midst of Spain, which is a hot region, and that journey maketh me so dry, and if thou hadst been under that hot climate, thou wouldst have been drier than I Then shortly after the king and the Queen with the new wedded spouses, went from Baynard's Castle by water to Westminster, on whom the Mayor and Commonalty of London, in Barges garnished with standards, streamers, and pennons of their devise, gave their attendance. And there in the palace were such martial feats, and valiant jousts, as before that time was of no man had in remembrance. Of this royal triumph Lord Edward Duke of Buckyngham was chief challenger, and the Lord Thomas Grey Marquis Dorcet was chief defender, which with their aids and companions, bore themselves so valiantly that they obtained great laud and honour, both of the spaniards and of their Countrymen. Ambassadors sent from the Scots▪ for the marriage of the Lady Margaret. During the time of these jousts and triumph, were received into London, an Earl, a Bishop, and divers noble personages, sent from the king of Scots into England, for the conclusion of the marriage between the Lady Margaret the king's daughter and him. Which Earl by proxy in the name of king james his master, affied and contracted the said fair Lady. Which assurance was published at Paul's Cross, the day of the conversion of S. Paul, in rejoicing whereof Te deum was song, & great fires made through the City of London. Which things as you have heard, being fully finished and accomplished the Ambassadors as well of Spain as of Scotland, took their leave of the king, and not without great rewards departed into their Countries. When the Ambassadors were departed, the king intending to advance the honour and reputation of the prince his son, furnished him with men and money largely, and sent him again into Wales, where he was before, to keep liberal hospitality, and to minister to the rude Welshmen indifferent justice. And lest by reason of lack of experience he might err, he appointed to him wise and expert counsellors, as sir Rycharde Poole his kinsman, which was his chief Chamberlain, with whom were associate sir Henry Vernon, Sir Richard Croftes, Sir Davy Philip, Sir William Vdale, Sir Thomas Englefelde, Sir Peter Newton knights, john Waleston, Henry Matyon, & Doctor William Smyth who was Precedent of his Counsel, and Doctor Charles, both were with him associate, the one was afterward Bishop of Lyncolne, and the other Bishop of Herford. But as of one Fountain cometh often both joy and sorrow, so I leave here to speak more of joy of this marriage, considering the chance that shortly after succeeded. A few Months before the marriage of Prince Arthur, Edmond Poole Earl of Suffolk, son to john Duke of Suffolk, and Lady Elizabeth sister to King Edward the fourth, being stout and bold of courage, and of wit rash and heady, was indited of homicide and murder, for slaying of a mean person in his rage and fury: And although the king pardoned him whom he might justly have condemned for that offence, yet because he was brought to the King's Bench bar and arraigned (which fact he reputed to be a great maim and blemish to his honour) took it seriously, and shortly after for this displeasure, stead into Flaunders, without any licence or safe conduit given him of the King, to the Lady Margaret his Awnt on the mother's side. Nevertheless, whether he was stirred by his privy friends thereunto moved by the king, or whether he trusting on his innocency and truth feared no danger nor penalty, he returned again, and excused himself so to the king that he was thought to be guiltless and inculpable in any crime that could be objected to him, and therefore he was permitted to go frankly at his liberty and pleasure. But when this marriage of prince Arthur was kept at London with great pomp and solemnity, and that all the nobility were set on pleasure and solace, and the king himself was principally given to joy and rejoicing. This Edmonde, either for that he had been at great and excessive charges at the same triumph and solemnity, and by reason thereof sore charged with debt. Either solicited, alured & provoked by that old venomous Serpent the Duchess of Burgoyn, ever being the sour of sedition, and beginner of rebellion against the king of England, or else provoked and pricked with envy, which could not patiently with open eyes see and behold king Henry, being of the adverse line to his lineage, so long to reign in wealth and felicity, in conclusion with his brother Rycharde fled again into Flaunders. This sad chance (I think) happened among the great joys and solaces of king Henry, lest that he might not by overmuch gladness suddenly forget himself: Which displeasure at an other time before to have chanced, it is manifest and well known to you. When the King understood certainly that this Earl was departed and returned again, he was not a little vexed and unquieted, mistrusting that some new tumultuous business should be begun again, and chief therefore blamed himself of foolish folly that he had given him his pardon for his offence, lately committed. Although it was manifest enough that he did it for this purpose, that he might dissemble and wink at the matter so long until such time, he had some sure token and perfit knowledge of his conjuration, the which he perceived now to be surely attempted and begun. Assoon as Edmond de la Poole Earl of Suffolk was fled again into Flaunders, Sir Robert Curson, Edmond de la pool Earl of Suffolk. whom the king had promoted to the order of knighthood, and made captain of Hams Castle, a valiant and a circumspect man, dissimuling himself to be one of that conspiracy went into Flaunders, doubtless to espy what was done there by the Lady Margaret against king henry. This opinion was settled in every man's head at the first broaching of the matter, and so yet continueth, grounding upon this principle, that he neither vexed nor molested with any point of displeasure or injury by his Prince or any other fled to the king's enemies. And after all things were known, pacefied & suppressed, he willingly returned and was received into high favour with the King his master and sovereign Lord. Howbeit, the king like a wise Prince, knowing the faithful intent of this sir Robert, & intending to put him out of all jealousy and suspicion with the Lady Margaret, and Edmond de la Poole, caused the said Earl and the said Sir Robert Corson, and five persons more to be accursed at Paul's cross the first Sundaye of November, as enemies and rebels to him and his realm. But howsoever it chanced, whether it were for the easing of his heart, or for some privy policy, the King after the marriage of his son Prince Arthur, was so vigilant, and so intentive, that he espied and tried out such as he knew, partly to be the inventors of mischief against him, and partly to bear no good will toward his person, that he could readily name and rehearse their names and surnames, whereof a great part were within few days after apprehended and taken. And among them, Lord William Courtney, son to Edward earl of Devonshire, a man of great nobility, estimation and virtue, which married Lady Katheryn, daughter to King Edward, Lord William brother to Edmond, earl of Southfolke, sir james Tyrrell, Sir john Windham. Both these Williams before rehearsed were rather taken of suspicion and jealousy, because they were near of blood to the coniurators, then for any proved offence or crime. Wherefore the Lord William son to the Earl of Devonshire, after the death of king Henry the seventh, was delivered and set abroad at liberty, by the noble and famous Prince King Henry the eight, son to the said king, with whom after he was in great favour and estimation: but shortly after, when he began to exercise himself in martial feats and warlike study he sickened of a disease, called Pluresis, of which malady because it was strange & rare to the Physicians of England, he at the kings Manor of Greenwich deceased, leaving one son behind him, to continued his stirpe and family. The Lord William, brother to Edmond the Earl of Southfolke had also greater favour showed in prison, james Tirr●ll, john Windham. than he had before. And sir james Tyrrell, and john Windham, because they were Traitors and so attainted the sixth day of may, they were on the Tower hill beheaded. But when the Earl of Southfolk hard that some of his friends were put to execution, and some other committed to perpetual prison and captivity, he was in a great agony and fear of himself. And so being clearly desperate to have any fortunate success in his pretenced enterprise, wandered about all germany and France for aid and succour, proving if he could find any aid or secure at their hands. But when he perceived no steadfast ground to catch anchor hold upon he submitted himself under the obeisance and defence of Philip Archeduke of Ostrich and Burgoyne and earl of Flaunders: But Richard his brother being an expert and politic man, so craftily conveyed, and so wisely ordered himself in this stormy tempest, that he was not attrapped either with net or snare. The King, not yet being out of doubt of all domestical and seditious civil discord, studied busily how to restrain & keep in a strait closure divers malefactors, which being partakers of this conspiracy fled to sundry sanctuaries, tarrying there till a fair day came to advance forward their enterprise. Whereupon he devised to keep the gates of all sanctuaries & places privileged, shut & well locked, so that none should issue out from thence to perturb and unquiet him, his realm or people. And for that intent he both wrote and sent Ambassadors to Alexander then Bishop of Rome, desiring him by his authority to judge and decern all Englishmen, being fled to Sanctuary or other places for treason, as enemies to Christ's faith, and seismatiques to Christian religion, & as common perturbers of the quiet people, and Capytaines and provokers of traitorous rufflings inhibiting & prohibiting the refuge & privilege of Sanctuary to all such persons as once had enjoyed the immunity & liberty of the same, & after had fled out, & eftsoons returned again. Which thing after that the bishop had granted, it was greatly to the quietness and comfort of king Henry, & many through the fear of that reproach, converted themselves to goodness & due subjection of their Prince: Other also that were in security, & out of all peril & danger, durst not hazard themselves for fear of galtroppes or slipping into the fire. When the King by his high policy had compassed and framed his affairs thus to his purpose, suddenly happened a lamentable chance & loss to the King, Queen, and all the people. For that noble Prince Arthure, the kings first begotten son, after that he had been married to the Lady Katherine his wife five months, departed out of this transitory life, The death of Prince Arthur. in his Castle of Ludlowe, and with a great funeral obsequy was buried in the cathedral Church of Worcester. After whose death the name of Prince belonged to his brother the Duke of York, for that his brother died without issue, and so without any creation aught to be called, except some cause apparent were the let and obstacle of the same. Howbeit the said duke upon suspicion of his brother's wife to be with child, and that doubtfully thought by the expert and sage men of the Prince's counsel, was by a month and more delayed from his title, name, and pre-eminence, in the which season the truth might to women easily appear. It is reported that this Lady Katheryn thought and feared such dolorous chance to come: For when she had embraced her father, and taken her leave of her noble and prudent mother, and sailed towards England, she was continually so tossed and tumbled hither and thither, with boisterous winds, that what for the rage of the water, and contrariety of the winds, her ship was prohibited divers times to approach the shore and take land. The next year after Queen Elizabeth, lying within the Tower of London, was brought a-bed of a fair daughter on Candlemas day, which was there christened and named Katheryn, The birth of the Lady Katheryn. and the xj day of the same month, the said most virtuous Princes and gracious Queen there deceased, and was with all funeral pomp carried through the City of London to Westminster, The death of Queen Elizabeth. and there buried, whose daughter also tarried but a small season after her mother. After the death of this noble Princes, which for her great virtue was commonly called good Queen Elizabeth, Sir Reignolde Bray dead. departed Sir Reignolde Bray knight of the Garter, a very father of his Country, a sage and a grave person, and a fervent lover of justice. In so much that if any thing had been done against good law or equity, he would after an humble fashion plainly reprehend the king, and give him good advertisement how to reform that offence, & to be more circumspect in another like case. Of the same virtue and honest plainness was john Morton archbishop of Cauntorbury, which Bishop died as (it is showed above) two years before. john Morton archbishop of Canterbury. So these two persons were ever restrayners and refrayners of the kings wilful scope and unbridled liberty, where as the rude and ignorant people say and affirm, that their counsel infected and corrupted the kings clean and immaculate conscience, contrary to his princely disposition & natural inclination. Such is ever the error of the common people: but surely as long as the king would here and obey such as warned him of his office royal and kingly duty, he could in no wise err or serve aside. About this time also died henry archbishop of Cauntorbury, Henry Archbishop of Cauntorburie. whose room Doctor William Warram Bishop of London supplied. And to the Bishopric of London was elected William Barnes, after whose death succeeded Richard Fitzjames. In which year the xviij day of February, the king at his Palace of Westminster, with all solemnity created his only son Henry Prince of Wales, Henry prince of Wales. earl of Chester. etc. which noble youngling succeeded his father, not only in the inheritance and regality, but also was to him equal in honour, fame, learning and policy. Maximilian the Emperor, hearing that Queen Elizabeth was deceased, Maximilian the Emperor sent his Ambassadors to the king. sent into England a solemn Ambassade of the which Lord Cazimire, Marquis of Bradenburgh his Cousin, accompanied with a Bishop, an Earl, and a great number of gentlemen well apparelled, was principal Ambassador, which were triumphantly received into London, and was lodged at Crosbyes' place. This Ambassade was sent for three causes, one to visit and comfort the king, being sorrowful and sad for the death of so good a Queen and spouse. The second for the renovation of the old league and amity. The third which was not apparent, was to move the king to marry the emperors daughter the Lady Margaret, Duchess dowagar of Savoy. The first two took effect, for the King upon Passion Sunday, road to Paul's in great triumph, the said Marquis riding on his left hand. And there the Bishop made to the King an excellent and comfortable Oration, concerning the death of the Queen. And there also the king openly swore to keep the new renovate league and amity, during their two lives. But the third request, whether the let was on the man's part or woman's side, never sorted to any effect or conclusion. And so these things done, the Ambassadors returned sumptuously and honourably rewarded. All this Winter was preparation made for the conveyance of the Lady Margaret, affied to the king of Scots into Scotland. The Lady Margaret eldest daughter unto the King, affied unto the king of Scots was conveyed into Scotland. And when all things were ready and priest, the king removed the last day of june from Rychemond, having in his company his said daughter, and came to Colyweston, where the Countess of Richmond his mother then lay. And after certain days of solace ended, the king gave her his blessing with a fatherly exhortation, and committed the conveyance of her to the king her husbands presence to the Earl of Surrey: and the Earl of Northumberlande was appointed as warden of the Marches to deliver her at the Confines of both the Marches. Thus this fair Lady was conveyed with a great company of Lords, Ladies, Knights, Esquires and Gentlemen, till she came to Berwick, and from thence to a Village called Lambreton kirk in Scotland, where the king with the flower of Scotland was ready to receive her, to whom the Earl of Northumberland, according to his commission delivered her. The Scots that day, I assure you were not behind the Englishmen, but far above, both in apparel and rich jewels and massy Chains: But above other the Earl of Northumberland, what for the riches of his Coat, being goldsmiths work, garnished with pearl and stone, and what for the costly apparel of the Henxmen and galant trappers of their horses, besides four hundred tall men, well horsed and apparelled in his colours, that he was esteemed both of the Scots and English men, more like a prince than a subject. Then was this Lady conveyed to the town of Edinburgh, and there the day after, king james the fourth, in the presence of all his nobility espoused the said fair princess, and feasted the English Lords, and showed to them jousts and other pastimes, very honourably, after the fashion of his rude Country. When all things were done and finished according to their commission, the Earl of Surrey with all the English Lords and Ladies returned into their Country, giving more praise to the manhood, then to the good manner and nurture of Scotland. In this year began the new work of the king's Chapel at Westminster, which is one of the most excellent pieces of work, wrought in stone, that is in Christendom. In this year the king kept his high Court of Parliament, in the which divers acts were concluded, which were thought necessary and expedient for the preservation of the public weal. And among other things, A parliament. it was determined that thieves and murderers duly convicted by the law to die, should be burned in the hand, and committed to the bishops custody as I have before declared. After this certain money was granted to the king, by the whole Parliament, and the goods of men outlawed were forfeited and confiscated. There was also called (as the manner is) a congregation of the Clergy, to the intent, that they with their Treasure and Money might advance and prefer the common wealth of the realm. Hitherto we have showed you rough and sharp battles, pernicious and seditious strife, tumult, and the death of many noble and mean persons▪ Now therefore let us here rehearse, the contention of familiar things, the gnawing at the hearts, and the fretting of minds and of vows, promises and requests made of divers persons. King Henry, now drawing to age, and before this time ever vexed and provoked with the scrupulous stings of sedition and civil commotion, insomuch that he more detested and abhorred intestine and private war, than death or any thing more terrible. Wherefore he determined so politicly to provide that all the causes of such unquietness and mischief to come, should be rooted out and banished: which imagination and purpose he doubted not to compass and bring to effect, if he made low and abated the courage of his subjects and vassals, and especially of the richest sorts, remembering the old proverb, that men through abundance of riches wax more insolent and headstrong, and that nothing is more to them acceptable or desirous, than abundance of treasure and plenty of money, which people either for fear of losing, or hope of gaining of worldly riches desire either peace or war. But to the intent that men might not think nor report that he which is their King instituted of God to revenge all injuries to them done and committed, should oppress and wrongfully poll and exact money of his subjects, he devised with himself by what honest mean he might perform it. Execution of penal laws. And thus devising with himself, it came into his head that the Englishmen did little pass upon the observation and keeping of penal laws and statutes, made and ordained for the preservation of the common utility and wealth. And therefore, if inquisition were had of such penal statutes, there should be few noble men, merchants, Farmers, Husbandmen, Graziers nor Occupiers, but they would be found transgressors and violatours of the same statutes. After that he had taken this council, he sought out the penal laws, and put them in execution, and they that were found offenders, were easily at the beginning fined and scourged. After that he appointed two Masters and surveyors of his forfeits, Richard's Empson knight. Edmonde Dudley Esquire. the one sir Richard Empson, and the other Edmond Dudley, both learned in the laws of the Realm. And these two persons contended, which of them by most bringing in might most please and satisfy his masters desire and appetite. Wherefore in the beginning, they armed with a company of accusers (commonly called Promoters) which brought to them the names of the offenders, Promoters. esteemed and regarded so much the gain of money, that they clearly forgot and banished out of their remembrance their duty present, the peril that might ensue, and the thank and good will that they might have obtained, Extremity is extreme injury. and yet they had warning of divers sage persons to close their hands from such uncharitable doings and cruel extremity, according to the Adage, the extremity of justice is extreme injury. The King, after he had gotten a large and ample sum of money, having pity of the people, which cried to God daily for an end of their pilfering, of his clemency and gracious goodness toward his end thought it best, and thus determined, King Henry caused restition to be made of such money as came by Promoters. that these two extreme officers should be deprived of that office, and the money from whom it was unjustly exacted and extorted to be wholly restored and delivered again: Which being prevented with death, commanded it by his last will & testament to be duly and truly performed, but in the mean season many men's coffers were emptied. 1505/2● In this very season, and the year of our Lord .1505. Elizabeth Queen of Castle, wife to Ferdinand king of Arragon died without any issue male, by reason whereof the inheritance of Castle (because that Kingdoms be not partible) descended to Lady jane her eldest daughter by king Ferdinando, the which was married to Philip Archduke of Ostrich & Burgoyne, and Earl of Flaunders. Which kingdom he obtained by his wife, and had the possession of the same, and was named, reputed, and taken, as king of Castle and Lyon. Wherefore the year following, about the sixth day of january, having a great navy prepared, he sailed out of Flaunders with his wife toward Spain, but he had sailed no great way before that a sore tempest, by reason of contrariety of winds suddenly arose, so that the whole navy was tossed & chased with the waves, and sudden surges. In so much the wind having the mastery, dispersed & separated the ships asunder into divers places on the coast of England. The kings ship with two other vessels were blown by tempest on the West part of the realm to the port of Weymouth in Dorsetshire. Then king Philip which was not expert, and had not frequented the Seas before, being wearied and unquieted both in mind and body, entering the ship boat to refresh and repose himself a little, came a land contrary to the mind of his counsel and Captains, The landing of Philip Archeduke of Aus●●●che in the West parts of England. which foresaw and knew well that the same landing should be the occasion of longer tarrying there. When it was known that strange ships were arrived, there came thither a great number aswell of Noble men, as of rural persons that dwelleth about that coast, to repulse and beat away him if he were their enemy. But when they perceived he was their friend and lover, and driven thither by force of weather, Sir Thomas Trenchard knight, the chief of that company, went to Philip king of Castle with all humanity and lowliness, ●●uityng and desiring him (if he would so vouchsafe) to visit his Manor and Mansion, which was even nigh at hand, trusting thereby to have great thanks of the king his master, if he could protract and 'cause him to tarry there, until such time as king Henry were certified of his arrival, to whom with all diligent celerity, he sent divers posts to notify to his grace of king Philip's landing. This rumour being farther blown abroad of this strange Prince's coming, in a short space there assembled together a great multitude of people all a long the sea coast. And among other there came first Sir john Carew with a goodly band of picked men. Which Sir john and Sir Thomas Trenchard entreated the king of Castle, not to departed until such time as he had spoken with king Henry his loving and faithful friend and ally, assuring him that he would repair thither within two or three days at the most. King Philip excused himself by the necessity of his weighty enterprise and importunate cause, affirming that long tarrying in matters of gravity and doubtful, aught to be excluded: wherefore he alleged that protracting of time might turn him to great prejudice, denying at the first to expect and tarry the coming of the king of England: but yet being persuaded by reason in himself, that he might be let and interrupted, if he would proffer once to go aboard to his ships again, at their gentle desire and loving contemplation, assented to their humble petition and request. When king Henry was informed of his landing, he was replenished with an exceeding gladness, partly for to renew the old familiarity and acquaintance, which they used at their last meeting, and partly for that he trusted that his landing in England should turn to his profit and commodity. Therefore first he wrote many and divers letters to sir john Carew, and sir Thomas Trenchard, willing and warning them withal kindness of humanity to entertain the king of Castle, till he in person approached in some place meet and convenient for the enteruiewing and entertaining of so noble a parsonage. Beside this he sent the Earl of Arundel with many Lords and knights to accompany and attend upon him. Which earl, according to the kings letters received him with three hundred horses all by Torch light to the great admiration of all the strangers. King philip seeing no remedy, but that he must needs tarry and abide, would no longer gaze after king Henry's coming, but took his journey towards Wyndsore Castle where the king lay. And five Mile from Wyndsore, the Prince of Wales accompanied with five Earls and divers Lords and Knights, and other to the number of five hundred persons, most gorgeously apparelled and richly mounted, received him after the most honourablest fashion of entertainment. And within half a mile of Wyndsore, the king accompanied with the Duke of Buckyngham, and a great part of the Nobility of his realm, saluted and welcomed him, and so conveyed him to the castle of Wyndsore, where beside many triumphs & pastimes showed, he was made companion of the noble order of the Gartier. After him came to Wyndsore his wife Queen jane, sister to the Prince's Dowager, late wife to Prince Arthur. And after they two had concluded and renovate their old league, and made a perpetual peace and continual amity together: King Henry desired him to have Edmond de la pool Earl of Suffolk his rebel to be delivered into his hands and possession. To whom the king of Castle answered a while, that he was not within his rule or dominion, and therefore it lay not in his power to tender or deliver him. Although he considered it to be a heinous and great offence to be the occasion and author of the death of his guest, which came to him for succour and was received under his protection and defence, yet when he perceived that neither excuse, nor yet reasonable argument could be accepted or allowed of king Henry (which promised faithfully of his own offer to pardon, Edmond de la pool, of all pains and executions of death) he promised and granted to do and accomplish all king Henry's desire and request: And so incontinent caused the said Edmond secretly to be sent for. After this king Henry intending to protract the time till he might possess his pray, which he sore desired, conveyed the king of Castle unto the City of London, that he might see the head City of his realm, and there led him from Baynard's Castle by Cheap to Barking, and so returned by Watling street again, during which time there was shot a wonderful peal of Gonnes out of the Tower, into the which he would not enter, because (as you have heard before) he had avowed not to enter the fortress of any foreign Prince, in the which a garrison was maintained: And there tarrying a little space, returned back with him. Then from London the king brought him to Richemonde, where were many notable feats of arms proved both at the tilt and at the journey and at the barriers. Edmond de la pool sent back again into England and committed to the Tower. In the mean season, Edmond de la pool which ever feared and mistrusted, that the arriving in England of King Philip should be his fatal end and final destruction, perceiving well that there was no farther hope to be had in foreign princes and potentates, and trusting that after his life to him once granted, that king Henry would briefly set him at liberty and freedom, was in manner content to return again into his native Country, casting in his mind farther, that if his hope and trust were defrauded and refelled, yet at the last he was sure to end his life, and be buried in the Country, where he first entered into his variable world. When all pacts and covenants between the kings of England and Castille were appointed, covenanted and agreed: King Philip took his leave of King Henry, rendering to him most hearty thanks for his high cheer and princely entertainment. And being accompanied with divers Lords of England, came to the City of Excester, and so to Fulmouth in cornwall, and there took his ship and sailed into Spain, where he shortly being taken with a sudden disease, departed out of this transitory life, The death of king Philip. being then but xxx years of age. He had by his wife Queen jane, six children, two men children, Charles and Ferdinand, and four daughters, Elinor, Isabella, Marie and Katherine. He was a man of stature convenient, of countenance amiable and lovely, The description of King Philip of body somewhat crass and corpulent, quick witted, bold and hardy stomached. This tempest that the king of Castle had, was wonderful strange to many men, because the violency of the wind had blown down an Eagle of Brass, being set to show and manifest on which part the wind blew, for a pinnacle or spire of Paul's Church. And in the falling the same Eagle broke, and battered another Eagle that was set up for a sign at a Tavern door in Chepeside. And hereupon, men that were studious of strange tokens and monstrous wonders, did take an opinion that the Emperor Maximilian, which at that time gave an Eagle in his arms, should have a great loss, which so happened in deed: For he lost his only begotten son Philip, newly called to the kingdom of Castle. Also, shortly after the departing of king Philip, the king of England began to suspect Sir George Nevell Lord of Burgeyney, and Sir Thomas Grene, of Grenes Norton knight, that they were confedered fautors, and partakers, in the beginning with Edmond de la Poole; and so upon this suspicion, they were commanded to the Tower. But shortly after when they had been tried and purged of that suspicion and crime, he commanded them both to be set at liberty. But Sir Thomas green fell sick before, and continued in the Tower in hope to be restored aswell to his health, as he was to his liberty, and there died. The Lord of Burgeyny for his modesty, wit, and goodness (because the king found him like himself) always true, faithful, and constant, was of his sovereign Lord more esteemed, favoured and regarded than he was before. In this year also Sir Thomas Kneesworth Mayor of London at his own charges builded the conduit at Bishopsgate. And also he gave to the company of the Fishmongers certain tenements, for the which they are bound to find four scholars, whereof two to be in Cambridge, and two to be in Oxford, and either of them to have four pound a year for their exhibition. etc. After this, the king having peace aswell with foreign Princes, 1●06/2● for the term of three years, as disburdened and purified of all domestical sedition, began to be diseased with a certain infirmity and weakness of body, which thrice in the year, The ●●●●ting sickness c●me once again. but specially in the spring time sore vexed and tormented him. And because for the most part the harm & evil that chanceth to the Prince, is parted and communicate to his subjects and people, the old sweating disease whereof you heard before amongst the Commons of the realm, came again. Howbeit by the reason of the remedy that was invented by the death of many a creature in the beginning, it did less hurt and displeasure to the people at this time than it did before. A pestilent plague. But now the third plague equal with the pestilence ensued by the working of the Masters of the forfeitures, by the king appointed as I showed you before. By whose means many a rich and wealthy person, by the extremity of the laws of the realm, were condemned and brought to misery. This matter (saith Hall) is as wonderful to be heard, as pitiful and miserable to be done, and yet it is called the law, where as it is rather perverse abuse and disorder of a law: politicly at the beginning invented to 'cause the people the sooner to confirm themselves to such as demand their right of them, but craftily practised to the utter confusion of many by untrue officers. An extreme ●awe. For if a man put his adversary in suit before the judges, of which complaint or action he neither thinketh nor hath knowledge, if he appear not at the last calling of the exigent, which is called in a shire where he never came (for how can he appear, if he be ignorant of the prosecution of the cause, and devil two hundredth miles from that place) then doth he forfeit all his substance and movables, and his body to captivity as an enemy and rebel to the laws of his Country. And yet the Prince shall enjoy the goods so confiscate, and the party complainant or plaintiff that is wronged recovereth not one mite, outlawries and yet loseth both his pain and costs. And all such persons that be so condemned & adjudged, be called outlaws, that is deprived of all laws of the land, to the which he was by the custom of the Country inheritable. These outlawries, old recognizances of the peace and good abearing, escapes, riots and innumerable statutes penal, were put in execution and called upon by Empson and Dudley, A plucking banquet. so that every man both of the spirituality and temporalty, having either land or substance was called to this plucking banquet, according to the Psalmist saying, all declined and fell together, and no man although he were never so clear and guiltless, in conclusion durst adventure a trial, seeing the experience of them that passed before. This is meant by Promoters. For these commissioners had such a guard of false perjured persons appertaining to them, which were by their commandments em●anyeled on every quest, that the king was sure to win whosoever lost. Learned men in the law, when they were required of their advise, would say, to agreed is the best counsel that I can give you. By this undue means, these persons filled the kings Coffers and enriched themselves. And at this unreasonable and extort doings, all sorts and degrees of men from the highest to the lowest murmured, grudged and at the last cried out: But the good king in his last days considered and pardoned his poor subjects of such uncharitable yokes and ponderous burdens as they were laden withal, as after shall appear. In this season Alexander Bishop of Rome departed out of this world, and for him was elected Frances borne Senes, Nephew to Pius the second, and was called Pius the third, whom king Henry had made a little before, Proctor for his realm in the Court of Rome. The king being glad of his high promotion and dignity, sent sir Gylbert Talbot knight, Richard Bear Abbot of Glascenburie, and Doctor Robert Sherborne Deane of Paul's, to declare to him what gladness entered into the kings heart, when he heard tell of his high preferment and honour. But this Bishop Pius did not tarry the gratulations of these Ambassadors, for within a month after that he was installed, he rendered his debt to nature, having small pleasure of his promotion. At this time also died Giles, Lord Dawbeney, The death of Giles Lord Daubency. the kings chief chamberlain, whose office Charles bastard son of Henry last Duke of Somerset occupied and enjoyed, a man of a good wit & great experience. And this year about Christmas the Baker's house in Warwick Lane in London was brent, the which fire came so suddenly, and brent so fervently that the Mistress of the house being a widow with two women servants were therein brent. Sun after, the king caused Guy Vbald Duke of Urbine to be elected knight of the order of the Garter, a noble warrior, and in the Greek and Latin tongues excellently learned. And this order and dignity the Duke desired instantly to have, that he might be equivalent in all degrees of honour and nobility with his Father, duke Frederick a Prince in his time of high renown and estimation, which was received and chosen into that order by king Edward the fourth. And because it was noised that july the second, a januway borne, was after the death of Pius, elected to be Bishop of Rome. The king intending to stop two gaps with one bush, sent Sir Gilbert Talbot and the other two Ambassadors, principally to bishop july, and by them sent also to the Duke of Vrbyne, the whole habit & collar of the noble order of the Gartier. When Duke Guy was revested with the habit, and had taken his oath, according to the statutes of the order: He sent sir Balthaser de Castelio Knight a Mantuan borne, his Orator to king Henry, which was for him installed, according to the ordinances of that famous order. While these things were in doing, Lewis the French king mistrusting that he should never have man child, married his eldest daughter Lady claud to Frances de Valois, dolphin of Vien and Duke of Angulesme: Which Lady was promised a little before to Charles the king of castle. When king henry knew of this, he thought b●st to marry his daughter Lady mary to this Charles king of Castle, being almost both of one age▪ and therefore Ambassadors were sent to and fro, and at the last, the marriage was concluded and confirmed by the means of the Bishop of Winchester, The Lady Mary promised to Charles king of Castille. chief Ambassador for the king at Calleyce, and so the Lady Mary being of the age of ten years, was promised to king Charles. For conclusion of which marriage, the Lord of Barow, and divers great Ambassadors were sent into England from the Emperor Maximilian, which had great rewards and returned. Now approached the end and term of the three years of peace that I spoke of before▪ at which time King Henry thought his fatal day to be at hand: For his sickness increased daily more and more, so that he might easily perceive that death was not far of tarrying his pray: Therefore like a good Prince, desiring to exhibit some gratuity to his people that he might be had in memory after his disease, granted of his great liberality a general pardon to all men, A general pardon for all offences done, & perpetrated against his l●wes and statutes. But because murderers and thieves were not only offenders to him, but also to other, he excepted them and some other out of his pardon. He paid also the fees of all prisoners in the gales in and about London, abiding there only for that duty. He paid also the debts of all such persons as say in the Counters of London, or Ludgate for xl shillings and under, and some he relieved that were condemned in ten pound. For this his goodness and pity showed to his people, being sore vexed with his inquisitors, pollers and promoters, general Procession was had daily in every City and parish, to pray to almighty God, for the restoring of his health, with long continuance of the same. Nevertheless, he was so consumed with his long malady, that nature could no longer sustain his life, and so he departed out of this world. The death of king Henry the seventh. the xxij day of April in his Palace of Richmond, the which was the year of our Lord .1509. his corpse was conveyed with all funeral pomp to Westminster, and there buried by the good Queen his wife in a sumptuous and solemn Chapel, which he not long before had caused to be builded: he reigned xxiij years and more than seven months, and lived lij years. He had by his Queen Elizabeth eight children, four men, and four women children, of the which three remained alive behind him. Henry Prince of Wales, which after him succeeded, and was king, Lady Margaret Queen of Scots, & Lady Mary promised to Charles king of Castle. He was a man of body but lean and spare, albeit mighty and strong therewith, of parsonage and stature, somewhat higher than the mean sort of men be, The description of king Henry the seventh. of a wonderful beauty and fair complexion▪ of countenance merry and smiling, especially in his communication, his eyes grey, his teeth single, and hear thin, of wit in all things quick and prompt, of a princely stomach, and haute courage. In great perils, doubtful affairs and matters of weighty importance, supernatural, and in manner divine, for such things as he went about, he did them advisedly, and not without great deliberation and breathing, to the intent that amongst all men, his wit and prudence might be noted & regarded. For he was not ignorant that his acts & doings were specially noted and marked with the eyes of many a person: and therefore a Prince aught as far to excel and surmount all mean personages in wisdom and policy, as he precelleth other in estate and dignity. For what man will give credit or regard to him, whom he hath proved to be light, wild, and lascivious of conditions? Besides this, he was sober, moderate, honest, affable, courteous, bounteous, so much abhorred pride and arrogancy, that he was ever sharp and quick to them, which were noted or spotted with that crime. And there was no man with him, being never so much in his favour, or having never so much authority, that either durst or could do any thing as his own fantasy did serve him, without the consent and agreement of other. What shall I say more? Although his mother were never so wise (as she was both witty and wise) yet her will was bridled, and her doings restrained. And this regiment he said he kept, to the intent that he worthily might be called a king, whose office is to rule & not to be ruled of other. He was also an indifferent & sure justicer, by the which one thing, he alured to him the hearts of many people, because they lived quietly and in rest out of all oppression and molestation of the Nobility and rich persons. And to this severity of his was joined and annexed a certain merciful pity, which he did often show to such as had offended, and by his laws were hindered and merced: for such of his subjects as were fyned or amerced by his justices to their great impoverishing, he at one time or another did help relieve, and set forward: whereby it appeared that he would have the same penalties for other offences and crimes revived and stirred up again, which was a plain argument that he did use his rigour only (as he said himself) to bring low, and abate the high stomachs of the wild people, nourished and brought up in seditious factions, and civil rebellions, and not for the greedy desire of richesse, or hunger of money, although such as were afflicted would cry out, and say, that it was done more for the desire of gain and profit, then for any prudent policy, or politic provision. Surely, this good and modest Prince did not devour and consume the substance and riches of his realm, for he by his high policy, marvelously enriched his realm and himself, and yet left his subjects in high wealth and prosperity. The proof is whereof manifestly apparent by the great abundance of gold & silver, yearly brought into this realm, both in plate, money and bullion, by Merchants passing and repassing out and into this realm with Merchandise. To whom he himself of his own goodness lent money largely without any gain or profit, to the intent that Merchandise being of all crafts the chief art, and to all men, both most profitable and necessary, might be the more plentifuller used, haunted, and employed in his realms and dominions. And so this king living all his time in the favour of Fortune, in high honour, riches and glory, and for his noble acts and prudent policies, worthy to be registered in the book of fame, gave up his ghost at the last, which undoubtedly is ascended into the celestial mansion, where he hath the sure fruition of the Godhead, & the joy that is prepared for such as shall sit on the right hand of our saviour, ever world without end. About this time (saith Polydore) knowledge of good letters, as well of the Latin as of the Greek by continual wars being sore decayed in Italy, increased greatly in Germany, France and Scotland, in so much (saith he) that the germans, who were counted in time passed but the meanest learned men, are now as may appear by their writings most excellent. And for the furtherance and increase of learning, about this time Margaret Countess of Richemond and Derby and mother unto this king Henry the seventh, a woman of most virtuous life, at the motion of john Fisher sometime Bishop of Rochester builded two Colleges in Cambridge, the one called Christ's College, the other Saint john Evangelists, and endued the same with goodly possessions for the maintenance of learning. And in the same University also not long before, john Alock Bishop of Ely builded a College, and named the same jesus College. And here, although in this Chronicle in divers places there is mention made of the foundation of sundry Colleges both in Cambridge and Oxford, yet for as much as I was by my friend ascertained of the foundation of all the several Colleges in Oxford, I thought it best to place them here altogether, minding to do the like for Cambridge when I shall have the true knowledge of the Colleges of the same. ¶ In Oxford are these Colleges and halls following, with the names of the Founders of the same, and the years they were founded in. 1 Christ's Church. Founded in the year of our Lord .1529. by Thomas Wolsey archbishop of York and Cardinal, and afterward had lands given for the maintenance of the same by king Henry the eight. 2 New College. Founded by William Wickham Bishop of Winchester in the year of our Lord .1375. 3 Magdaleyn College. Founded by William Waynflete Bishop of Wynchester, & chancellor of England .1456. And he founded also Magdaleyn Hall. 4 Alsoulen College. Founded by Henry Chicheley, archbishop of Cauntorbury in the year of our Lord .1437. 5 Corpus christi College. Founded by Richard Fox Bishop of Wynchester in the year of our Lord .1516. 6 Martin College. Founded by Walter Martin Bishop of Rochester in the year of our Lord .1276. 7 Oriall College. Founded by Adam Browne, brought up in the University of Oxford by king Edward the second .1323. 8 Queen's College. Founded by Robert Eglisfelde chaplain to Philip king Edward the thirds wife .1340. 9 University College. Founded by Alured king of the Saxons as appeareth before in his story, but other say that the same was founded by William archdeacon of Davelmense in the year of our lord .872. 10 Brazen Nose. Founded by William Smith Bishop of Lyncolne in the year of our Lord .1513. 11 Lyncolne College. Founded by Richard Fleming Bishop of Lyncolne, and increased by Thomas Rotheram Bishop of the same Sea .1420. 12 Excester College. Founded by Walter Stapleton Bishop of Excester .1316. and the same time he builded Heart's hall. But Excester College is much increased by Sir William Peter late Secretary to king Henry the eight .1566. 13 Hearts Hall. Founded by Walter Stapleton Bishop of Excester .1316. and the same time he builded Heart's hall. But Excester College is much increased by Sir William Peter late Secretary to king Henry the eight .1566. 14 Trinity College. Founded by Sir Thomas Pope knight in the year of our Lord .1566. 15 Bayly College. Founded by john Bailioll king of Scots in the year of our Lord .1263. 16 S. john's College. Founded by Sir Thomas white, late Mayor and Alderman of London .1557. The divinity School in Oxford was builded by Humffrey Duke of Gloucester the which beside the excellency of the work, was a foundation of no small charge. ¶ There are also in Oxford six other halls, whose names are these: Marry Hall. Broad gates. New End. Gloucester Hall. Alborne Hall. white Hall. which halls are so ancient that the Founders of them are not known. Henry the eight. AFter the death of the Noble Prince king Henry the seventh. Henry the eight his son began his reign the xxij day of April, in the year of our Lord, 1509. and in the xviij year of his bodily age, & was proclaimed king the next day following, henry the eight proclaimed king. being the xxiij day of April in the year aforesaid. And first of all (as Polydore noteth) the king being young as aforesaid, but yet in all his years had been brought up in good letters, did therefore prudently for the good government of the realm, elect and choose of the most wisest and gravest personages to be of his privy counsel, namely such as were of his father's dear and familiar friends, whose names were. 1 William Warram archbishop of Cauntorburie and chancellor of England. 2 Richard Fox Bishop of Wynchester. 3 Thomas Hawarde earl of Surrey and treasurer of England. 4 George Talbot Earl of Shrewesburie, The counsellors of King Henry the eight. and Lord Steward of the King's household. 5 Charles Somerset Lord chamberlain. 6 Sir Thomas Lovel. 7 Sir Henry Wyatt. 8 Sir Thomas Ruthall. 9 Sir Edward Poynyngs. unto whom he committed the charge and governance of the affairs of the whole realm. These grave and wise Counsellors fearing lest that great and infinite abundance of wealth, might be a harm unto the good nature of their young king, for unto no king at any time before, was left greater or the like riches aswell of ready coin as also in jewels and movables as was left unto him. And therefore the aforesaid counsellors very prudently and diligently travailed so with him, that they pruoked him to be present with them and to be privy of their counsels and devices, and so daily acquainted him with the politic affairs of the realm, that by little and little he of his own accord applied himself to rule and govern, the which at the first he seemed utterly to abhor, as the young and untamed Ox rejecteth the yoke. Then the said Counsellors travailed with great care to put in execution the last will and testament of king Henry deceased. And first of all, the king's grace by his proclamation made the xxv day of Apryll ratified & confirmed all the pardons granted by his father, & also pardoned all persons that were then in suit for any offence whatsoever it was, treason, murder, and felony except. And farther in the said proclamation was contained, that if any man had sustained injury or loss of goods by the Commissioners before appointed, as appeareth in the xix year of king Henry the seventh, that he should make his humble supplication unto the king's grace, and therein express their grief, and he was ready not only to hear them, but also to 'cause satisfaction to be made. When this proclamation was published and known abroad, all such from whom any thing had been exacted or taken, whether it were by right or wrong, speedily came unto the Court, and every man alleged and showed just occasion that they had to complain. But the Counsel examined and tried their causes, and such as they found to be manifestly & openly injured, to them they made due restitution. The which thing being blown and bruited amongst the common people, lord how they resorted in great flocks and heaps, & rushed into the court with the rest, whether they had been justly punished or not, and they also with horrible & great exclamation cried out upon the Commissioners, yea and many of them that most exclaimed were such as had been touched nothing at all. But the rage and cry of the people was so grievous against the Commissioners, whose names were Richard Empson Knight and Edmond Dudley Esquire, Richard Empson▪ Edmond Dudley. that the Counsel to cease and quiet the rage of the people were enforced to apprehended and commit to the Tower of London the aforesaid Empson and Dudley, and being called before the Counsel and other the justices, where they (as Polidor saith) being both learned in the laws of the realm, pleaded for themselves, namely sir Richard Empson which was the elder, who said, as followeth. I am certain right honourable, The f●●yng of Richard Empson. you are not ignorant how expedient & profitable unto man's life be good and wholesome laws, without the which neither private house may be maintained, nor public weal duly and orderly governed. Even those laws among us by the oversight and negligence of Magistrates, partly were depraved, and now in some part abrogate and clean out of memory, the which evil increasing daily more and more, king Henry the vij (now deceased) a most prudent and politic prince (as ye all know) endeavoured to redress, who unto us committed the charge to see, and provide that the common and accustomed laws might be maintained and executed, and such as were depraved and out of use might be reduced and restored into their pristinate state: And that such persons as had violated & transgressed any of them, should suffer condign and worthy punishment: We therefore as faithfully and uprightly as we could have according to our commission executed our office truly unto the great commodity of the public weal: Wherefore we most humbly beseech your Honours that of your goodness and love of justice, ye will vouchsafe to determine no grievous or cruel sentence against us, but rather counsel and conclude how thankfully to recompense and requited our great travail and pains. These their sayings unto many that were wise, virtuous and discrete seemed to be very good and right, but unto other and that unto the greatest number, who supposed that the examination and execution of laws being done through avarice and covetousness and for filthy desire of gain, they judged that even they by putting in execution with exstremytie the laws to the loss of many an honest man's goods, should now be recompensed with the loss of their heads, who within three days after were beheaded at the Tower hill, but their bodies with their heads were buried, that is to say, Richard Empson at the White Friars, Empson and Dudley beheaded. and Edmond Dudley at the Black Friars in London aforesaid. And immediately after the execution of the afore said persons there were (saith Polidor) by reason of the exclamation of the people apprehended and taken a great number of such as had given for their (own wealth and commodity) their special attendance upon the aforesaid Commissioners, in the informing and promoting of many honest men's vexations (commonly called Promoters) and they were committed to sundry Prisons, Promoters. and many of them set on the Pillory, and other had papers set on their heads, and so carried throughout the City of London, and again committed to prison, where miserably many of them ended their lives. And some other of them were constrained to pay most grievous fines, and for none ability to pay the same, were committed and condemned to perpetual prison. Master Hall in his Chronicle nameth divers of the said Promoters, and for that to their infamy, I wish them perpetual memory, I will here make mention of halls words. After (saith he) the apprehendsion of Empson, and Dudley, there were divers Promoters apprehended, as Canby, Page, Promoters set on the Pillory. Smith, Derby, Wright, Symson, and Stocton, and divers other, of the which the most part aware papers, and stood on the Pillory: But (saith he) the craftiest knave of them all (meaning they were knaves all) called john Baptist Brimalde, escaped and went to Westminster, and there took Sanctuary. Now all things being in a readiness for the burial and funeral of king Henry the seventh, King Henry the seventh buried at Westminster. he was the twelve day of May with all solemnity buried at Westminster in the Chapel that he himself had builded, which is a most sumptuous and princely piece of work. When the funerals of King Henry the seventh was finished, then was great preparation made for the coronation of king Henry the eight, the which was appointed to be done on Midsummer day next ensuing. During which time the king was moved by some of his Counsel, that it should be honourable and profitable to his Realm, to take to wife Lady Katheryn, late wife to Prince Arthur his brother deceased, lest she having so great a dowry, might marry out of the realm, which should be unprofitable unto him: By reason of which mo●ion, the king being young, King Henry the eight marrieth with Lady Katheryn his brother's Wife. & not understanding the law of God, espoused the said Lady Katheryn the third day of june, the which marriage was dispensed with by Pope july, at the request of her father king Ferdinando (and as Hall saith) contrary to the opinion of all the Cardinals of Rome that were divines. This marriage of the brother's wife was much murmured against in the beginning, and ever more and more searched out by learning and Scripture, so that at the last by the determination of the best universities in Christendom, it was adjudged detestable and plain contrary to God's law, as shall be showed after twenty years. The coronation of king Henry and Queen Katherine. Now was come the time of the coronation, wherefore king henry and his wife Queen Katheryn were according to the sacred observance and ancient custom, anointed and crowned by the archbishop of Cauntorbury at Westminster the xxiiij day of june. During the time that this coronation with noble triumphs and goodly shows solemnized to the great rejoicing of all men, a sudden occasion of sorrow happened, Margaret Countess of Richemond dead. as often times it cometh in experience that sweet and delicate meat in the end is tempered with sour sauce, for at this time Margaret Countess of Richemonde and Darbye, Grandmother unto the king ended her life, by whose death the public weal was greatly endamaged, for she being a woman of singular wisdom and policy, and also of most virtuous life, perceiving that the king by reason of his youthful and lusty years could not execute and minister his office and function, did from the beginning so provide and study at all times that she brought to pass that such men as were the worthiest and of most integrity and godliness was advanced to highest authority and bore the chiefest sway in the ministration of the causes of the public weal: And where before lest the public weal should sustain detriment, or by any means go to wreck, the same was guided and governed by the advice of many, as aforesaid: But now the administration thereof was committed only unto two, that is to say, Richard Bishop of Winchester, & Thomas earl of Surrey, between whom was secret grudges, and privy malice, the which contention of authority, did daily more and more increase, for the studies and affections of these two were divers and contrary. The Bishop of Winchester as (saith Polidor) contented himself with his own possessions, and therefore endeavoured the more earnestly to the service of the common weal: But the Earl (saith he) sought to come to higher estate, and therefore applied and studied to please the king, more for preferment sake, then for the zeal he bore to the common weal. But the Bishop being a man of great wisdom, although he had no good opinion of the Earl, yet perceiving him to be greatly beloved and favoured of the king, did dissemble and bare himself so warily, that nothing appeared outward, whatsoever was though inward. The Earl in wisdom being nothing inferior unto the Bishop, did in like manner dissemble his grief towards the Bishop. Howbeit at the length by the travail of the grave and worthy Counsellor Sir Thomas Lovel, all the old Counsellors were again restored and placed in good and loving order, and the common weal well governed. john Colet Deane of Paul's. In this time also the right famous and learned divine john Colet Deane of Paul's Church in London (the son of Henry Colet Mercer and late Mayor of London) of his own great costs and charges builded in the East end of Paul's Churchyard in the said City one free Grammar school, with one Master and Usher for the education and bringing up of youth in learning, and builded also two fair Tenements joining to the said School for the said Master and Usher to inhabit in, and endued them with goodly pensions, and committed the charge and oversight of the good government and continuance of the said School unto the Masters and wardens of the worshipful company of the Mercers for the time being to be ordered and kept according to such ordinances and statutes as he had drawn for the good government of the same, which said company of the Mercers have to their great praise hitherto ordered the same to God's high honour and to the benefit of the common weal and to the well bringing up of many an honest poor man's child. This man in his time was a great and diligent Preacher of God's blessed wor●e and did in those days much reprehend and rebuke the slothfulness of the Clergy, and he was the first in his time that taught to the people the Articles of their faith and the Commandments of almighty God, and the Lords prayer in English, for the which he was not at that time well thought of by sundry of the Bishops and clergy, who then favoured in the common people ignorance better than knowledge. This year Henry the first son of King henry was borne at Richemond upon Neweyers day to the great rejoicing and comfort of the whole realm, Henry the first borne son of king Henry the eight. for the joy and honour of whose birth great fierce were made and divers vessels of wine set in the streets of London for such as would taste thereof. And that at the same time were kept noble and triumphant jousts and sundry other pastimes, but the xxij day of February next following God called to his mercy the said child to the great heaviness of the King and Queen, and all the realm. Notwithstanding the king like a wise Prince took it with much quietness, and the rather to comfort the Queen: But the Queen like a natural woman made much lamentation. This year in February came from king Ferdinando the kings father in law, and king of Arragon and Castille, certain Ambassadors, Ambassadors from King Ferdinando which made request to the king: on the behalf of the king their master, to have an aid of xu hundred Archers, with valiant Captains to govern and conduyt them, for his intent was to make war on the Moors being Infidels, and enemies unto Christ's faith. The king and his Counsel hearing this request, thought it much honourable to aid a Christian Prince, (and in especial his friend and fatherinlawe) against the enemies of Christ's law, gently granted them their request. When tidings was spread in the Court of this journey against the Infidels, the Lord Thomas Darcey, knight of the order of the Garter made humble suit to the king to be captain general of that crew or army. The king and his Counsel for his great valiantness and approved wisdom, granted his request. And many other Lords and knights made suit to be in the same journey: But the king answered them that he would retain them still with him for other greater purposes. There were appointed at this time to go with the Lord Darcye, Lord Anthony Grace, brother to the Marquis Dorcet, Henry Guylford, Weston Browne, William Sidney, esquires of the kings house, Sir Roger hastings, Sir Ralph Elderkare and divers other Gentlemen to be Captains. The Lord Darcy and all the other Captains took their leave of the king, and went into their countries to provide for all things meet and necessary for the voyage. The king at this time being lusty, young, and courageous, A jousts at Grenewiche. greatly delighted in feats of chivalry, insomuch that he made a challenge of jousts against all comers to be proclaimed at his Manor of Greenwich to be holden there the three first days of May then next ensuing, which noble courage all young persons highly praised: But the ancient fathers much doubted considering the tender youth of the King, and divers chances and misfortunes that might happen by reason of horse and armour: Insomuch that it was openly spoken that steel was not so strong, but it might be broken, nor no horse could be so sure of foot but he may fall: yet for all these doubts the lusty Prince proceeded in his challenge, and honourably and valiantly to his great praise and renown achieved the same. The Lord Darcie and other appointed to the voyage aforesaid made such diligence that they and all their people were ready at Plymmoth by the midst of may, The Lord Darcye is sent into Spain with an army to the king of Arragon. and there mustered their soldiers before the Lord Brooke and other the king's commissioners, the said Lord Darcie as Capitayne general ordained for his Provost Martial, Henry Guylford Esquire, a lusty young man and well-beloved of the king. Now when the wind served to their purpose they passed to the sea with four ships royal, and the wether so favoured them that they arrived within ten days next following being the first day of june, at the Port of Kales in Southspayne, and immediately the Lord Darcie dispatched to the king of Arragon two Gentlemen called john Bartholomew and William Symond, with letters to certify the King of their arrival, and what pain they had taken to come into his Country, in fulfilling the king their masters commandment. The messengers did so much that they came unto the king beside the City of Civil, where he than lay & declared unto him how the Lord Darcie by the king their masters appointment, was come thither with xuj hundred Archers, according to the said king of Arrogons' request, and lay still at Kales to know his pleasure. The king of Arragon answered them gently, that the Lord Darcie and all the other that were come from his most best beloved son were welcome, and heartily thanked them of their pains, and prayed the messengers to return to their Capitayne, showing him that the king in all haste would sand his counsel unto him, and so they departed from the king, and made report to the Lord Darcie, which kept his ship in great estate and would not land, but only suffered such as were sick and feeble, and few other to go a land. And those English that went a land fell to drinking and were scarce masters of themselves, some ran to the stews, some broke hedges and spoiled Orchards and Vineyards, and did many other outrageous deeds: wherefore the chief of the town of Kales came to complain to the Lord Darcie in his ship, which sent forth his provost Martial, who with much a do brought them again on board to their ships. The next day following being Saturday, a Bishop and other of the king's counsel arrived at Kales and there abode until Wednesday next following, at which day the Lord Darcie took land, and was honourably received of the king of Arragon's counsel, and on the morrow highly feasted both at dinner and supper. And after supper the Bishop declared the king of Arragon's pleasure saying: my Lord Capitayne, the king my master in most humbie wise giveth you thanks for your great pains and traua●e, as much as though he proceeded in his pretended enterprise: But he with the advise of his counsel circumspectly considering the surety of his own realms and dominions, hath perfit knowledge that his adversary of France, prepareth to invade his Countries in his absence: wherefore he intending not to leave his realms void of men and ships (which might be a great comfort to his enemies to invade) hath therefore taken an abstinence of war with the Moors until another time. Well said the Lord Darcie, sith it is fully concluded that we shall do no service to your master, we may not say against his determination, considering that we were sent to him: But surely it is against my heart, which ever hath desired to fight against God's enemies: But with your conclusion, I and all mine must be consent. You do as you should do, said the Bishop, and the king my master giveth like thanks to the king his son, and to you all as though he had proceeded on his journey. And you shall have wages for all your soldiers, and if it shall please you to come to the Court, you shall receive high thanks of the king, and such cheer as there can be made you. That is not my desire said the Lord Darcie, for my men shall not say that I brought them out of their Country, and now to do myself pleasure to leave them without an head, as men of me forsaken? Nay, nay my Lord, the Banquet is not my desire. So the Lords parted for that night, and the next day in the morning was sent wages to conduct the army into England, with divers gifts given to the Lord Darcie and other Gentlemen. The same day being the xiiij day of june and Friday, An evil fray begun upon a lo●lishe occasion. and Englishman desired of a maid that had been at the bakers to buy bread for her masters store, and not to cell, to have a loaf for his money, she answered that she had none to cell, he said he would have one, and followed her: And when she perceived that, she cried, a force, a force. The towns men of Kales Males suddenly rang their common Bell, and all the town went to harness, and the few English men that were on land went to their Bows. The spaniards cast darts and sore annoyed the Englishmen, and they likewise hurt and slew divers spaniards. Then the Captains of England for their part, and the Lords of the counsel for their part took such pain that the Fray was ceased, and but one English man slain, and of the Spaniards divers slain. Then all the English men were commanded to go on board of their ships. The Lords of Spain came to the Lord Darcie, saying: Sir we pray you sith you know the king's pleasure, that you with all your people will go with your ships away, for we perceare you ●we us some displeasure. Then he boldly answered saying, that he would all the world knew, that he was as able to conduct his men homeward, as he was to bring them out of their Country, without the king of Arragon's wages (saving his honour) and as for the Fray, it was against his will, and without his knowledge: And so that night he and all his men went aboard their Ships. When this journey was come to this point, Henry Guylfoord, Weston Browne, and William Sidney Esquires, young and lusty Gentlemen, desired licence to see the Court of Spain, which was to them granted: And then they departed from Kales and came to the Court of the king of Arragon, where they were highly entertained, and he dubbed Henry Guylford and Weston Brown knights, and gave to Sir Henry Guylford a Canton of Granado, and to Sir Weston Browne an Eagle of Sicill on a chief to the augmentation of their arms. William Sidney so excused himself that he was not made knight. And when they had sojourned there a while, they took their leave of the king and Queen and so returned through France into England, The return of the Lord Darcye. where they demeaned themselves so, that they had the king's favour, notwithstanding it was thought to the contrary. In this mean time the Lord Darcie the xvij day of june sailed toward England and arrived at Plymmoth, and came to the king at Windsor in the Month of August, and thus ended this voyage. During the time that the lord Darcy was in Spain, the Lady Margaret Duchess of Savoy & daughter to Maximilian the Emperor and governor of the countries of Flaunders, Margaret Duchess of Savoy. Brabant, Holland, and Seland, & other the low Country's appertaining to Charles the young Prince of Castle, then being of tender age sent in the end of May to the king of England, to have xu hundred Archers to aid her against the Duke of gelders, which sore troubled the Countries afore said. The king tenderly regarding the request of so noble a Lady, and also for that there was then a communication of marriage to be had between the young prince Charles and the Lady Marie his sister, Sir Edward Poynyngs Knight sent with a power to ●●de the Duchess of Savoy. most gently granted her request, and appointed Sir Edward Poynynges knight of the Garter, and controller of his house, a valiant Capitayne and a noble warrior to be Lieutenant and conductor of the said xu hundred Archers, which being accompanied with the Lord Clinton his son in law, Sir Mathewe Browne, Sir john Digby, john Werton, Richard Wetherili and Shirley Esquires, and divers tall Gentlemen and yeomen, well known and tried to the said number of xu hundred, took their shipping at Sandwiche the xviij day of july, and landed at Armew the xix day, not without some trouble by reason of a storm. And being landed he sent Lancaster an Herald to advertise the Lady of their arrival, which forthwith sent to them Lord Bresly knight of the T●yson (the which is commonly called the golden fleece) and divers other to welcome them, and so conducted them to barrow, where the Lord of the town made them great cheer. And the same day at after noon came the Lady Margaret to barrow, where the Capitayne with all his under Captains received her at the gate, whom she welcomed most heartily, and so she did all the Soldiers which stood along ranged in the street. And the next day following she saw all the company shoot: And the same night the Capitayne and other took his leave of her and departed to Rossynda●e, and on Thursday being the last day of july he came to Buldike, and that day the Lady Margaret came thither. And the next day the whole army of Almains, Flemings and other appertaining to the said Lady, met with the Englishmen without Buldike, where they set forth in order, the Lady Margaret being present, who there took her leave of all the Captains and went to Buldike, whom Sir Edward Poynyngs conducted to the gate, and then returned to the army. The army to the number of ten thousand of the Lady's part, and xu hundredth English men passed through Brabant, and came the tenth day of August next following before a little Castle standing on the higher side of the river of Mase, called Brimuoyst, strongly Bulwarked, in the which were an hundred men belonging to the Bastard of Gelder's, with a captain called Langhessell van Gelder, which rob and spoiled all the parts of Brabant. They within shot fiercely at the army as it passed by, but did them little hurt. The same night Thomas Heart chief Gonner of the English part, made his approach with his ordinance, and in the morning beaten down as much as might be beaten down for the Bulwarks, and the next day being the xj day of August, the Castle was assaulted valiantly and taken by force, and the captain and lxxx and odd men were slain, and xix taken, of the which a xj were hanged. john Morton Captain of an hundred English men, and one Guyot an Esquire of Burgoyn, crying Burgoyn, Saint George, there was one Englisheman slain and no more. The xiij day of August, the army ferried over the river of Maze into the land of Gelder's, and there sojourned at a little Church that night, and the next day they came to a town called Eske, belonging to the Bastard of Gelder's, where all the people were fled, and there was undermined and cast down a little Castle standing upon the said river newly builded. The xx. day of August they brent the town of Eske, and all the Country round about it, and came at the last to a town called Strawly, a strong town & double ditched and walled, and within it three hundred lx good men of war beside the Inhabitants, which at the first coming shot Gonnes fiercely, and hurt many, and there they planted their siege. Sir Edward Poynyngs which ever was in the forward with his archers, caused faggots to be made, and Trenches to be digged, and his men were so diligent, that his Trench in the Morning approached so nigh the town gate, that they within were half dismayed, and desired to speak with the Lords, and so they did, and the xxiij day of August were six men sent out of the town to treat, and six Hostages delivered for them, and then it was agreed that all men of war should departed the Town with a white stick in their hands, and to forfeit all other things: And all the Town dwellers to be prisoners at the will of the Prince of Castille. The next day after that the men of war were departed, early in the Morning Sir john Digby knight, and john Norton Esquire took possession of the town with two hundredth Englishmen. And at after noon, the Admiral of Flaunders, Sir Edward Poynynges, and the Lord Discilstaine chief Captains of the Army, with all other noble men with Tromyets, and their heralds in their Coats of arms before them, as Arthoys, Lancaster, and Ostrich, entered the town, and in the town Hall took the oath of the Inhabitants, and that night returned again to the army. The xxuj day of the said month, Sir john Digby, and john Norton came out of the town with all their Englishmen, and for them entered a captain called Younker Oats, with two hundredth and fifty Almains to keep there a garrison, the which day the army went before Venlowe, and they sent Arthoys with a Trumpet to summon the town: But they would not hear them speak, but shot Gonnes at them. The xxviij day the army removed unto the Northside of Venlowe, and part went over the water, and made Trenches to the water. The captain of the English men made Trenches even to the town diche, and the Artillery bet down the Towers of the walls. The siege thus continuing not without daily skirmishes xxix days, Sir Edward Poynynges, and Sir john Digby dined one day with Mounsire de Romy, and all other English Captains and petty Captains dined with an Almain called Clene Anderlyne, except sir Matthew Browne, and john Fog which kept the field, & Richard Wethrill which kept the Trench, and was sore beset. And in the dinner time they of the Town issued out upon the English men, and hurt and took one Sheldwiche of Cauntorbury prisoner, and one Miles: But the English men slew and hurt many of them, and compelled them to return by force of arrows, and so they recoiled with one prisoner. For Miles which was led between two of the Gelder's, perceiving rescue coming, after as he came to an hill, thrust the two Gelder's down the hill before him, and so ran back to his company, which the two Gelder's that led him perceiving, came to Sheldwiche and slew him. After long siege laid to this town, and no good done, for the town was so great that they had not men enough to compass it, they all agreed to break up their siege and army for that year, and so departed. Sir Edward Poynynges went to the Court of Burgoyn, where he was highly entertained of the young Prince, and of the Lady Margaret his Aunt, and received great gifts and thanks for his pains. And after that Sir Edward Poynynges with all the other Captains of the English men had been highly feasted, The return of Sir Edward Poynyngs. and more praised for their valiantness, than he with all his company returned into England, and had lost by war and sickness not fully an hundredth persons. In june the king being at Leycester, tidings was brought unto him, that Andrew Barton a Scottish man and a Pirate of the Sea, saying that the Scots had war with the Portugese's, did rob every nation, and so stopped the kings streams, that no Merchant almost could pass. The king being greatly moved with this crafty Pirate, sent Sir Edmond Haward Lord Admiral of England, and Lord Thomas Haward, son and heir to the Earl of Surrey, in all the haste to the Sea, which hastily made ready two ships, and without any longer abode took the Sea, and by chance of weather were severed. The Lord Hawarde lying in the Downs, perceived where Androw was making toward Scotland, and so fast the said Lord chased him, that he overtook him, and there was a sore battle: Andrew Barton & Scottish pirate taken and slain. The English men were fierce, and the Scots defended themselves manfully, but in the end the Lord Haward and his men entered the main deck, and in conclusion Andrew was taken, being so sore wounded that he died there, and the remnant of the Scots were taken, with their Ship called the Lion. All this while was the Lord admiral in chase of the Bark of Scotland called jenny Pirwyn, which was wont to sail with the Lion in company, and so much did he with other that he laid him aboard and fiercely assailed him, and in the end the Lord Admiral entered the Bark and slew many and took all the rest. Thus were these two ships taken and brought to Blackewall the second day of August, and all the Scots were sent to the bishops place of York, and there remained at the kings charge until other order was taken for them. After this the King sent the Bishop of Winchester and certain of his Counsel to the Archbishop of York's place where the Scots were prisoners. And there the Bishop rehearsed to them, where as peace was yet between England and Scotland, that they contrary thereunto as thieves and Pirates had rob the kings subjects within his streams: wherefore they had deserved to die by the law and to be hanged at the low water mark. Then said the Scots we knowledge our offence and ask mercy and not the law: Then said a Priest we appeal from the king's justice to his mercy. Then the Bishop asked him if he were authorized by them to say so? and they cried all yea, yea: Then said he you shall found the king's mercy above his justice. For where ye were dead by the law, yet by his mercy he will revive you: Wherefore ye shall depart out of this realm within twenty days, upon pain of death if ye be found here after twenty days, and pray for the King, and so they passed into their country. The King of Scots hearing of the death of andrew Barton and taking of his two ships was wonderful wrath, and sent letters unto the king, requiring restitution according to the league & amity. The king wrote with brotherly salutation to the King of Scots, for the robberies and evil doings of Androw Barton and that it became not one Prince to say a breach of a league to another prince in doing justice upon a Pirate and a thief: and that all the other Scots had deserved to die by justice if he had not extended his mercy: and with this answer the Scottish Herald departed home. During this season there began great war between Pope july and the French king Lewis the twelve. The occasion began by one john Bentivoyle a great Lord of Italy, which kept the City of Bolonia le grace from the Pope which by the aid of the French king gate the said City from the aforenamed john Bentivoyl. But afterward because the said Pope july took peace with the Venetians, the French king turned from the Pope and made war on him on the behalf of john Bentivoile, and took from him again the said City of Bolonia. The king of England wrote often to king Lewis of France to desist from the persecuting of the Pope which was his friend and confederate. King Henry the eight taketh the Pope's part. To the which writing the French king gave little ear: wherefore the king sent him word to deliver his lawful inheritance, both of the Duchy of Normandy and Guyan and the Countries of Anieow and Main, and also of his Crown of France, else he would come with such a power, that by fine force he would obtain his purpose. For all these writings the French king made wars still in Italy, and the king could have of him no certain answer. Wherefore after great deliberation had, he by the advice of his counsai e determined to make war on the French king and his Countries, and calling to him Maximilian the Emperor and Ferdinando king of Arragon and divers other Princes, he made great preparation both by Sea and land, and fortified his Frontiers against France, and set forth ships to the Sea for defence of his Merchants, which were daily in jeopardy under a pretenced peace of the French king Lewis the twelve. The fifteenth day of januarie next following the King held his high Court of Parliament at Westminster and there was granted unto him toward the maintenance of his wars with France two fifteens of the temporalty and two Dimes of the clergy. Newbolt ● yeoman of the Guard hanged. And during the time of this parliament one Newbolt yeoman of the kings guard whom the King highly favoured, slew wilfully a servant of the Lord Willoughbyes in the Palace of Westminster, where he hung two days in example of other. About this time one Hierome Bonuyse which was borne in Luke and was a Factor in London for merchants of that nation and played Bankrupt, Hierome Bonu●se an Italian. and had been conveyed out of the realm for debt, was now in such favour with Pope july, that he made him his Collector and Procter in England, & so he kept a great port and oftentimes resorted to the king and his counsel for the Pope's affairs which then was sore troubled by the French king, so that he knew both the Pope's council and the kings, and falsely and untruly resorted in the night unto the French Ambassadors lying in London, and to them discovered what the king and Pope intended, which was not so closely done but the king knew it: and so he was laid for, and was taken commoning with one of the said Ambassadors late in the night, and was brought to the Tower of London, where he remained until by the suit of his friends he was delivered, and shortly for shame he voided the realm. The King of Arragon, which also had war with the French king, and hearing that his son, the king of England would make war in France, did writ to him that the Duchy of Guyan was his true inheritance, which adjoined to his country of Biskey: wherefore if the king of England would intend to recover his Duchy first, and sand an army of men to Biskeye, and so to begin at Bayon, which is the kaye of Guyan, he would aid them with ordinance, horsemen, and beasts for carriage, with other necessaries appertaining to the same. The king and his counsel putting their affiance in the promise of the king of Arragon prepared a noble army all of footmen & small ordinance trusting to the king of Arragon for the aid of horsemen and great ordinance, and of the same made captain the noble Lord Thomas Graye Marquis Dorset to whom he assigned many other Gentlemen as after shall apere. The King now greatly studying to furnish his war which he had begun against the French King, caused Sir Edward Haward his admiral, with all diligence to take the Sea, which with all speed possible, made ready diverse goodly and tall ships, as the Sovereign and other to the number of xviij beside little ships: and in his company were Captains, Sir Weston Browne, Griffith Donne, Edward Cobham, Thomas Wyndam, Thomas Lucye, William Pirton, Henry Sherborne, Stephin Bull, George Witwange, john Hopton, William Grimstone, Thomas Draper, Edmond Cook, john Bordet, with divers other. When all these were shipped, they sailed to Dover, and skowred the seas, and so came before Portesmouth about the midst of may. Guyot of Guy an Almaigne. The third day of may a gentleman of Flaunders called Guyot of Guye came to the King with five hundred Almains all in white, which was cut so small that it could scarce hold together. After they had mustered at the Blackheath, the king made him knight, and gave him a great chain and a yearly pension, and sent him with his band to Southampton, there to tarry the coming of the Marquis Dorcet. The Marquis Dorset saileth with an army into Biskey. About mid may the Lord Marques Dorset and other noble men appointed by the king for the journey of Biskey as the Lord Haward son and heir to the Earl of Surrey the Lord Brooke, the Lord Willoughby, the Lord Ferrer, the Lord john, the Lord Anthony, and the Lord Leonard Greye, all three brethren to the Marquis, Sir Griffith Aprice, Sir Maurice Barkeley, Sir William Sands, The Baron of Burforde, Sir Richard cornwall, his brother William Husey, john Melton, William Kingston Esquires, Sir Henr Willoughby and divers other with Soldiers to the number of ten thousand men, came to Southampton and there mustered, and having a fresh wind they were all shipped and passed to the Sea the xuj day of May, and he with all his Navy arrived in Biskey at a Port called Passagh, south-west of Fountrabye: And the third day of june the Lord Marques and all his whole company landed and took the field, & him wisely embateled for his safeguard. The Biskeyns that brought victual to the army, said to the Soldiers, Sirs you are arrived here in trust that the king of Arragon will help you with ordinance and carriages, we here of no preparation that he maketh, nor never sent us word to prepare for your coming, of the which we marvel much. These words ran daily through the Host, which made many men sad and to muse, and the Biskeyns sore feared lest the Englishmen would destroy their Country, because their king kept not promise' with them. But the Marquis made such straight proclamation, that no soldier durst do any injury unto them. Within three days after the army had lain in the field, there came to him an Earl and an other Noble man to welcome him and his company. Then the Lord Capitayne removed his field, and took another place ne●er Fountraby, more plenteous of Water and Wood, and there pitched his field, every day looking for aid of the king of Arragon, but he heard of none. Then he called a counsel and devised how they might have Beasts to draw ordinance and carriages. Then one Sir john Style an Englishman caused to be bought two hundred Malettes and Asses of such price as the Spaniards gained greatly: but when they were put to carry, they would neither bear nor draw, for they were Beasts which were not exercised before. Then the Lord Marquis much lamented the chance: for if he had had ready two hundred drawing Beasts, he might have run a great way into Guyan with his power, which then was not fortified neither of men, of war, nor munition, nor artillery. The frenchmen of Bayon, hearing of the English men's camp, made a great ascrie between the river of Saint Maria and Bayon: the English men perceiving the same, passed the river in good order of battle, all being on foot for lack of the horsemen that the king of Arragon promised, and so with arrows chased the Frenchmen on horseback that they fled, and many horses foundered, and many a man was bruised or they came to Bayon, at the which the English men laughed and lamented. First to see their towardness, second, to remember what they might have done, if they had had horses meet for their purpose: yet all this notwithstanding, they retired to their Camp in such order, that the spaniards wondered much, both at their fierce courage and sober order. The king of Naverre hearing of the puissant army of the English men lying in Biskey so near to his Country, was sore troubled, and wondered much what the matter should mean: wherefore, he sent to the Lord Marques, a Bishop and divers other, to show to him and all his counsel, that if it pleased them, his Country should send them victual, and all things necessary for their money, and to do any other pleasure that they could do, A gentle offer made by the king of Naverre. which might be to the pleasure of him and all his army, so that his realm should be sure of any invasions to be made by his people. The Marquis being captain general, with the advise of the other Lords and counsel, much highly thanked the king of Naverre of his good will, aid, and comfort, which things only they required: and if it pleased him that his people will and may victual us, we shall not only pay them for it, but also warrant their passing and repassing for us and ours in safety, and that by us no prejudice shall be done to his realm, nor by our consent. With which answer the king of Naverre was joyous, and suffered his people to victual, and resort to the host, with all things necessary and belonging to the same, in great winds and storms, for that time happened much wind and rain, which sore encumbered the soldiers, that lay nightly on the bore ground, for every man had not a tent or pavilion, whereof some were lame, and some deaf, with other diseases. When the army had lain there xxx days, in the second month there came from the king of Arragon, a Bishop and other nobles of his counsel: but when it was known that it was the same Bishop that made the answer to the Lord Darcie at Kales Males, as you have heard the last year, than many said, he came for no good but for delays: but he required the lord Marquis to take patience, for shortly such preparation should be made, that he should see and prove, that it should be to the honour of his master, and his great renown. To whom the Marquis answered, that upon confidence of the king of Arragon's promise, that they should lack no beasts meet for drawing, and horsemen, the king of England had sent him and his companions thither, whereof we have trusted sith our first hither coming, which things if we had had, we had done other enterprises than we have done: for now we have lain here in Camp, to the great charge of our master the king of England, and to no profit, and to our loss and great hurt. For at our arrival the Country of Guyan for the which we came, was unprovided of men of war, munitions, and ordinance, by reason whereof, (if all things had been accomplished of the part of your master as we trusted) we might have had that which we came for, and if our commission had not been to follow the king your masters will, as to whom we be sent, I assure you we would have done otherwise or this: but now the Frenchmen have fortified, victualed, and manned their towns, and we have spent time and done nothing at all, lingering for the king your master, to the loss of us and great blemishing of our honours. The Bishop perceiving that the English Captains were courageous and discontent with their idle abode, flatteringly desired them to tarry a while for the best, for a back enemy said he, is to be regarded. Then said the Lord Marques captain general, if we knew the kings intent, it would suffice us. Then said the Bishop, you shall know it shortly: and so he departed from the army. The army this lingering, ever desirous to be at the business that they came for, their victual was much part Garlic, and the English men did eat of the Garlic with all meats, and drank hot wines in the hot weather, and did eat all the hot fruits that they could get, which caused their blood so to boil in their bellies, that there fell sick three thousand of the flux, and thereof died xviij hundred men. The Lord Marques and other Captains perceiving this mischief, sent to the king of Arragon certain Lords of the host to know his pleasure. The which answered them with gentle fashion, The Lord Marques sendeth to the king of Arragon for performance of his promise. that the counsel of England and his counsel, had taken an order in all thing of late, and how the Duke Dalva a great Prince of Spain, should shortly with an army royal join with them, and so to proceed in their enterprise. With which answer and small cheer, the Lords of England departed, and made report to their captain according, which thought it very sleight, but ever he regarded his masters commandment, and counseled all the Lords to be content with the same. The army lying thus, still, and the sickness not slaked, the people being idle, some evil disposed persons said, that every Captain was allowed viii. pence for every common Soldier, which was untrue, for they had allowed only six pence, and so began to gather companies. The lords perceiving this, took with them their trusty servants, and took the beginners of the mischief, which were of the retinue of the Lord Willoughby, and put them in ward. When they were arrested, other of like evil disposition began to crack and face: which thing being perceived, the Lord Marquis by the advise of other Captains caused search to be made, and so found out the beginner of the mischief, which was delivered to William Kingston Esquire, than Provost Martial, and so was put to death to the terror of all other. The English men thus lying idly abiding the aid of the king of Arragon, tidings came daily into the host, how the Duke Dalva was coming with a great puissance to join with the English army, and so to invade Guian: the English Captains were joyful of these tidings, not so much for the aid of the Spaniards, which they little regarded, but for the beasts for Carriage of great Artillery. Now they thus looking for the Duke Dalva, A sleight and deceit used by the king of Arragon. heard every day how he marched toward them, and was within a days journey or little more of them, of the which the English men were marvelous joyful, but the Duke which pretended another thing, suddenly removed his army in a night with such diligence that he entered the realm of Naverre, and was before the City of Pampilona the chief City of Naverre, before the king witted of it, which nothing suspected of that policy. Thus the king was suddenly trapped, supposing the army of Spain to have been raised to invade Guyan, and having nothing defensible for the war, in the night fled out at a postern into France, where he after died. The City of Pampilona and all the Country of Navarre, being unprovided of artilarie and other defences, yielded themselves to the spaniards, and thus was the realm of Naverre won, which thing made the Lord Marques and his company not a little to marvel. So shortly after came to the Lord Capitayne of the English men, divers Lords sent from the king of Arragon, which said: The king our sovereign Lord sendeth to you great gramercy, and highly thanketh you for your pain, and so it is, that by God's grace and your good abode, he with his power hath taken and conquered the realm of Naverre, and if that country had not been taken, they might have intercepted all such ordinance and victual, as the king of Arragon our master might have sent to you, but now you be in such a surety and his puissance with you, and yours with his, that ye may safely join, which you shall see shortly, yea & he himself in proper person to join with you. Well said the Lord Marques captain general, we have sojourned long here abiding his coming, and if the commission and express commandment of the king my sovereign Lord were not, that I should do nothing without the assent of the king your master, I assure you that the French men should have known that English men had been here, and not to have lain so long in idleness as we have done: but if the king your master do as you report, it shall be much to his honour and to our great comfort, and so the Lords of Spain departed. Thus the army lay till the month of October, and Winter began sore to increase, and the Lord Marques Capitayne general fell sore sick, and then the Lord Haward had under him the whole governance of the army, to whom were sent divers Lords of the privy Counsel of Spain, saying: the king our Master sendeth you word, that he would gladly come to you, but the season is spent, the ground is so moist that carriage can not be conveyed, the fields so barren that beasts can not feed, and the weather so troublous that people can not well lie abroad in camp: therefore he would desire you all these things considered, to break up your field, and sever yourself to the towns and villages of his Country, till the spring of the year, at which time there shall resort to you, fresh succours out of England, and he himself will be with you with all ordinance necessary, as becometh to such an army, and then shall proceed the first pretenced enterprise, to the honour of the king your master and ours, and not to your small fame and renown. When this message was heard by the whole Counsel, no man was contented, but the Lord Hawarde which had the whole governance under the Marquis said: What report of honour can we make of the king of Arragon your master, for at his desire we be come hither, & here have lain in camp a long space, ever tarrying for performance of his promise, and yet nothing hath he performed, our people be dead of the flux in great number: we gentlemen each one doth much lament this long idleness, by reason whereof many a tall man having nothing to do, but abiding your masters pleasure, hath false into some mischief, or by sickness, or else for misdoing executed by justice. What shall the king our master report of our slothfulness, which hath spent him innumerable treasure and nothing gained? And yet we would make Winter war, and the king of Arragon your master us denieth of such things as he promised, and willeth us like Cowards to our dishonour to raise our camp without any notable act done on the Frenchmen, for which cause we came. The spaniards perceiving the grudge of the English men, said that time passed could not be revoked, and that they had not lain idly, for the frontiers of Guyan had sustained such damage, as in many years they shall not recover again, and all this while the frenchmen durst not meddle with you, so that you have lost no honour, and if you tarry here this Winter by your daily skirmishing, they shall receive great damage: during which time, the king our master hath commanded, that things meet and necessary for you shall be at your commandment, and in the spring of the year, he shall join with you, so that your enemies & his shall well know your puissance, for he taketh all enemies to you, to be his, so with fair words the counsel of Spain departed. Then the Lord Haward being chief, because the Marquis was sick, counseled with all the other Lords and Captains, and so in the end of October they agreed to break up their Camp, and so they did, and the Lord Marques and his people went to Saint Sebastian, the Lord Haward and his retinue to Rendre, and the Lord Willoughby to Garschang, Sir William Sands and many other Captains to Fountrabie, and so every Capitayne with his retinue were severed in divers Villages. The English soldiers, what for sickness, and what for misery of the Country, ever desired to return into England. The king of England advertised by the king of Arragon of his intent, and how he would set forward the first spring, sent Wynsore his Herald of arms to his army willing them there to tarry, and that he would sand them new aid, under the conduit of the Lord Harbert, his Chamberlain: which letter when it was read, the Soldiers began to murmur and grudge after such a sort, saying: that they would not abide and die of the flux in such a wretched Country, to be defrauded and mocked of the king of Arragon the next year, as they were this year, and spoke such outrageous words, that the captain could not stay them, insomuch that they in a fury had slain the Lord Haward and divers other, if they had not followed their minds, The English army returneth again into England against the mind of their Captain general. and so they hired ships and put the Lord Marquis in one, which was so weak that he asked where he was: and then every man shipped, which was in November, and in the beginning of December they landed in England. The king of Arragon was sore discontent with their departing, for they spent much money and substance in his Country, and said openly, that if they had tarried, he would have invaded Guyan, and the English men were glad that they were departed out of such a Country, where they had little health, less pleasure, and much loss of time: but by their lying there, the king of Arragon stolen the realm of Naverre, and the English men left as much money there, as he sent into England with his daughter. When the Marquis sailed into Spain in the month of may, the same time Sir Edward Hawarde Lord Admiral of England, as you have heard before, sailed toward Britain, and on Trinity Sunday arrived at Bertram Bay in Britain, with twenty great ships, and suddenly set his men on land: then the britains made an ascrie, and set their Beacons on fire, and shot out of a Bulwark that they had fortified at the point of the Bay: but the English men which were in the ship of William Goustone Grocer of London, took first land maugre them all, and all other after, and so manfully they set on the Bulwark that they wan it, and the Britons fled and many slain. Then the admiral set his men in an order, and passed in the Country seven Miles, burning and wasting towns and villages: and in his return he skirmished with divers men of arms and slew divers of them, and notwithstanding the Britons fought valiantly for defence of their Country, yet they lost and nothing wan: and so the Lord Admiral returned to his ship. Upon Monday the xxiij day of May he landed in the morning, and commanded to burn the Lord Piers Meguns place, and the town of Conket and divers other places, and chased the Brytones to the Castle of Breast, and for all assembles and shows that the Britons made, yet they suffered the English men peaceably to return with their prays & gains. The Britons seeing the hurt that the navy of England did to them, said: alas the King of England hath ever before this time succoured us, and now he intendeth to destroy us, shame come to him that is the cause thereof. The first day of june the English men took land in Croyton Bay: then the Lords of Britain sent word to the Lord Admiral, that if he would abide, they would fight with him in plain field. The Admiral rewarded the messenger, and said, go say to them that sent thee, that all this day they shall find me here tarrying their coming. Then he to encourage divers Gentlemen dubbed them knights, as Sir Edward Brooke, brother to the Lord Cobham, Sir Griffithe Down, Sir Thomas Wyndam, Sir Thomas Lucy, Sir William Pirton, Sir Henry Shirborne, Sir Stephen Bull, Sir john Burdett: Then the Lord Admiral highly encouraged his men when he saw the Britons come, which were ten thousand at the lest, the English men but only xxv C. or few above, bidding them remember the honour and renown that should come to them, if they gained the journey, and yet if they were slain, their valiantness was to be praised, and their true diligence to do their master service much to be allowed. When the Britons saw the order of the English men, and their Banners displayed, they were suddenly astonished: then a Gentleman of Briteyn of much experience, advised the other Captains not to fight, but to return a little and to take a strong ground, and to watch the Englishmen, when they returned to their ships, and then to take the advantage. And so the Captains began to return: and when the Commons saw them return, all they ran away as fast as they might, supposing that their Captains had seen or known some great peril toward them, because they were not privy of their Captains' Counsel. And when they came home to their houses, some said the battle was great, and some said that the Englishmen were xl. thousand. The Lord Admiral seeing this chance, when night came departed to his ships: but yet they knew not why they fled, till after he heard the truth. The Gentlemen of Briteyn called a great counsel, saying: that the Englishmen daily wasted the Country on the Sea cost, and that there was no trust in the Commonalty, and that the Gentlemen alone could not defend the Country: wherefore, they concluded to send a Messenger to the Lord Admiral, desiring him of a safe-conduct for divers persons to speak with him, the which he gently granted. Then certain Lords of Briteyn took a Boat, and came to the ship of the Lord Admiral, where he was set withal the Counsel of the Captains about him. Then they desired him humbly to surcease of his rigorous and cruel war, and especially of burning of towns which to you is no profit, and if you will have the Castle of Breast, it shall be at your commandment, so that you be able to defend it, and we desire nothing so much as peace. Nay said the Lord Admiral, we are sent hither to make war and not peace. Then they humbly required him for God's sake to grant them peace for six days, so that they might sand to the king their Lord, to advertise him of their trouble and calamity. Then the Lord Admiral answered, that Gentlemen aught to defend their Country by force, rather than to sue for peace: with the which saying the Britons were ashamed: yet they heartily thanked him, and so he made them a banquet, and they departed: and they sent a land for fresh water and other fresh victuals, and then hearing that there were men of war upon the sea, he coasted from them alongst all the coasts of Normandy, still scouring the Seas, so that no enemy appeared: & at the last came and lay by the Isle of Wight, to see if any enemies would appear on the English coast: during which time divers ships kept the North seas, under the conduit of Sir Edward Ichyngham, john Lewis, and john Loveday, which diligently scoured the seas. The king ever remembering his wars, caused all his Ships and Galies to be rigged and prepared, with all manner of ordinance and artillery, meet for ships of war. And amongst all other, he decked the Regent a ship royal, as chief ship of that navy, and then caused Soldiers meet for the same ships to muster on Black heath, and he appointed Captains for that time, Sir Anthony Oughtred, Sir Edward Ichingham, William Sidney, and divers other Gentlemen, which shortly shipped and came before the Isle of Wight, but in their passage a Galley was lost by negligence of the Master. The King desiring to see his navy together, road to Portesmouth, and there he appointed Captains for the Regent, Sir Thomas Knivet, Master of his horse, and Sir john Carew of Devonshire. And to another ship royal called the Sovereign, he appointed sir Charles Brandon, and Sir Henry Guildford, and with them in the Sovereign were put lx of the tall'st yeomen of the kings Guard, and many other Gentlemen were made Captains. The king made a great banquet to all the Captains, & every one swore to another ever to defend, aid, and comfort one another, without failing, and this they promised before the king, which committed them to God, and so with great noise of Minstrelsy they took their ships, which were xxv in number of great burden, and well furnished of all things. The French king hearing what damage the English men had done in Briteyn, strongly furnished his Navy in the Haven of Breast, to the number of xxxix sail, and for chief ordained a Caricke of Breast, appertaining to the Queen his wife, which was Duchess and heir of Briteyne called Cordelier, which was a strong ship furnished in all points, and so they set forward out of Breast, the tenth day of August, and came to Briteyne Bay, in which place the self same day, the English navy was arrived. When the English men perceived the French navy to be out of Breast Haven, than the Lord Admiral was very joyous, than every man prepared according to his duty, the Archers to shoot, the Gonners to loose, the men of arms to fight, the Pages went to the top castle with Darts: thus all things being provided and set in order, the Englishmen approached toward the frenchmen, which came fiercely forward, some leaving his Ancre, some with his foresail only to take the most advantage: and when they were in sight, they shot ordinance so terribly together, that all the Sea coast sounded of it. The Lord Admiral made with the great Ship of Deep, and chased her still: Sir Henry Guylford and sir Charles Brandon, being in the Sovereign, made with the great Caricke of Breast, and laid stem to stem to the Caricke, but by negligence of the Master, or else by smoke of the ordinance, or otherwise, the Sovereign was cast at the stern of the Caricke, with which advantage the French men shouted for joy: but when Sir Thomas Knivet which was ready to have boarded the great ship of Deep, saw that the Sovereign had miss the Caricke, which sir Anthony Oughtred chased hard at the stern, and howged her in divers places, and set a fire her powder as some say, but suddenly the Regent grappeled with her a long board, and when they of the Caricke perceived that they could not departed, they let slip an Ancre, and so with the stream the ships turned, and the Caricke was on the weatherside, and the Regent on the lie side, the fight was very cruel, for the Archers of the English part, and the Crossbows of the French part did their uttermost: but for all that the English men entered the Caricke, The Carick and the Regent burned. which seeing a Varlet Gonner being desperate, put fire in the Gunpowder, as other say, and set the whole ship of fire, the flame whereof, set fire in the Regent, and so these two noble ships which were so grappeled together that they could not part, were consumed by fire. The French navy perceiving this fled in all haste, some to Breast, and some to the Isles adjoining. The English men in manner dismayed, sent out Boats to he poe them in the Regent, but the fire was so great that no man durst approach, saving that by the james of Hull were certain frenchmen that could swim saved. This burning of the Caricke was happy for the French navy, or else they had been better assailed of the Englishmen, which were so amazed with this chance, that they followed them not. The captain of this Caricke was sir Piers Morgan, and with him ix hundred men slain and dead: And with sir Thomas Knyvet, and sir john Carow, were seven hundred men drowned and brent, and that night all the English men lay in Bartram Bay, for the French fleet was sparkked as you have heard. The Lord admiral called all the Captains together, desiring them not to be ashamed with this chance of war, for he thought now that this was the worst fortune that could happen to them, therefore to study how to be revenged, and so they concluded all to go to the Sea, which they did, and on the coast of Britain took many ships, and such as they could not carry away they set on fire, small and great to a great number on all the coast of Britain, Normandy and Picardy, and thus they kept the Sea. The king of England hearing of the loss of the Regent, caused a great ship to be made such another as was never seen before in England, and called it henry grace de dieu. Henry grace de dieu. The French King hearing that his fleet was thus divided, and of the loss of his great Caricke, he sent to a knight of the Rhodes called Prior john, which had three Galies of force, with divers foists and Rowgalies so well ordinaunced and with such pieces as was not seen in ships before his coming: for he lay one the coast of Barberye, to defend certain of the religion of the Rhodes coming to Tripoli, A parliament where, n●t was agreed that the king himself would enter France with an army royal. and at the French kings request came into Britain and their tarried. In November the king called his high court of Parliament, and there was concluded that the king himself in person, with an army royal would invade his realm of France, with Fire and Sword, which thing being known to his Subjects, and especially to such as should go with him, no man can doubt, but that preparation was made of harness, weapon, artillery, banners, and all other things necessary for such an enterprise. And after the Purification of our Lady, the king created Sir Charles Brandon Viscount Lisle. In March following, the kings Navy of ships royal, and other meet for the war set forth to the number of. lcij. beside other Balangers: the Lord Admiral was chief, and with him Sir Water Devereux Lord Ferrer, Sir Weston Browne, Sir Edward Ichyngham, sir Antony Poyntz, sir john wallop, sir Thomas Windam, sir Stephen Bull, William Fitz William, Arthur Plantagenet, William Sidney Esquires, and divers other noble and va●iant Captains: they sailed to Portesmouthe, and there lay abiding wind: during which time the King sent into Flaunders for such things as he needed, and caused them to be brought to Calais against his coming. When the wind served, the Navy royal of England weighed anchor and made sail into Britain, and came into Bertram Bay, and there lay at Anchor in the sight of the French Navy. Now you must understand, that all the great Navy which the French king had prepared, la●e in the Haven of Breast, so well furnished in all things, that no doubt it was a wonder to see: but when they were ready to set forth, and saw the English fleet on the coast, they determined to save themselves in Breast haven. Then the Englishmen determined clearly to se● on them in the haven, and so in good order of battle sailed forward, but at the first entry one ship, whereof Arthur Plantagenet was captain, fell on a blind Rock and braced a sunder, by reason whereof, all the other stayed to the great displeasure of all the remnant, and not to the little joy of the French men which shot at them without doing any harm. So the English Captains perceiving that the Haven was dangerous to enter without an expert Lodesman cast about and returned to their harbour at B●rtram Bay again. The French men perceiving that the English men intended to assail them, moored their ships as nigh to the Castle of Breast as they could, and set Bulwarks on the land on every side to shoot at the Englishmen. Also they frapped together xxiiij great Hulckes, that came to the Bay for salt, and set them on a row, to the intent that if the Englishmen would have assaulted them, they would have set them on a fire, and let them drive with the stream amongst the English Navy. Prior john also lay still in Black Sable or Whitesande Bay, and plucked his Galies to the shore, and set his Basilyskes and other ordinance in the mouth of the Bay, which Bay was bulwarked on every side, that by water it was not possible to be won. The Lord Admiral perceiving the Navy of France to lie this in fear and not willing nor daring to come abroad, but to lie as prisoners in a Dungeon, wrote to the king to come thither in person, and to have the honour of so high an enterprise: which writing the kings counsel nothing allowed, for putting the king in jeopardy upon the chance of the sea. Wherefore the king wrote sharply to him to accomplish the which appertained to his duty: which caused him to take courage & to put things in adventure as after you shall hear. As you have heard before, the Lord Admiral of England lay stil● on the coast of Britain in the Bay, called Bartrames Bay, so that for fear of him and the English Navy, neither the great ships in Breast haven durst once move to the sea ward, nor yet Prior john for all his strong galleys would once set out a sail: saving now and then send forth his small foists, to make a show before the English Navy, which chased them to their Bay, but because the English ships were so great they could not enter the Bay, and so manned out Boa●es and took o●● of the best foists, and that with great danger, for the Galies and the B●●arks shot all at one time, that it was a wonder how the English men escaped. The Admiral of England perceiving the French men's policy, called a counsel, and there determined first to assail Prior john and his Galies, lying in Whitsand Bay, and after to set on the remnant in the haven of Breast. The first was appointed that Water Lord Ferrer, Sir Stephin Bull and other Captains, should go a land with a convenient company, to assault the Bulwarks of Whitsand bay, while the Lo●d Admiral entered with row Barges and little Galies into the Bay, so that the Frenchmen should be assailed both by water and land. Thus was it fully agreed by the whole counsel: but alas, this Noble captain counseled by a Spanish knight called Sir Alphons Charant (which said that he might enter the Bay with little jeopardy) called to him William Fitz William, William Cook, john coley, and Sir Weston Browne, as the chief and his most trusty friends, and declared to them that the matter was little, and the honour great, if they only took on them that enterprise, and let no●e other know of it. They like men of ha●te courage and desiring honour, gladly assented: so on the xxv day of April, the said Admiral put himself in a small row Barge, with three other small rowing ships, and his own ship Boat, and so rowed suddenly into the Bay, where Prior john had moored his Galies just to the ground, which Galtes with the Bulwarks on the land, shot so terribly that they that followed were afraid: but assoon as he came to the Galies, he entered and drove out the French men. William Fitz William within his ship was sore hurt with a quarrel. The Bay was very shalows, and the other ships could not enter, for the tide was spent, which thing the frenchmen perceiving, and that there could come no succour to the Admiral, with Moris' pikes entered again the Galies, and fought with the English men in the Galies. And the Admiral perceiving their approaching, The death of sir Edward Haward lord Admiral of England. thought to have entered again into his row Barge, which by violence of the tide was driven down the stream, and so with a pike was thrown over the board and so drowned, and there the sorenamed Alphons was slain, and all the other Boats and vessels scaped hardly, for if they had tarried, the tide had failed them, and then all had been l●st. The Lord Ferrer and other Captains much were grieved with this chance, and some said he did it without counsel, and so he hath sped. And therefore although that they would have set on the Navy in Breast haven, yet having no Admiral nor commission, they determined to do no farther till they knew the king's pleasure, and so sailed into England. The French Navy perceiving that the English men made toward England, came out of their Havens, and prior john set forth his Galies and Foists, and coasted Britain and Normandy, and crossed over to the coast of Sussex and all his company, and landed on the sea coast, and set fire on the poor Cottages. The gentlemen that dwelled near, shortly raised the Country, and came to the coast and drove Prior john to his Galies. This was all the hurt that this stout Capitayne of so great fame did to England, saving he rob certain poor Fishermen of Whyting. The king hearing of the death of his Admiral was not a little sorry, considering both the nobility of his birth, and the valiantness of his person, but all sorrow availeth not when the chance is past. The Lord Thomas Hawarde made Lord Admiral. Therefore the king hearing that the French Navy was abroad, called to him the Lord Thomas Hawarde, elder brother to Sir Edward Haward late Admiral, and son and heir apparent to the Earl of Surrey, and made him Admiral, willing him to revenge his brother's death, which with great reverence, thanked the king of the high trust that he had put in him. And then immediately went to the sea, and so nobly and ●alyaunt●y did scour the sea, that the French men had no lust to keep the coast of England, for he fought with them at their own ports. The king which had all things necessary and meet for the war, intending to pass the sea in proper person, appointed the valiant Lord George Talbot Earl of Shrewesburie, and high steward of his household to be captain general of his forward, and in his company were Lord Thomas Stanley Earl of Derby, Lord Decowrey Prior of Saint john's, sir Robert Radcliffe, Lord Fitzwater, the Lord hastings, the Lord Cobham, sir Rice ap Thomas, sir Thomas Blount, sir Richard Sachiverell, sir john Dighby, sir john Askew, sir Lewis Bagot, sir Thomas Cornwall, and many knights and esquires and soldiers, to the number of eight thousand men, which all passed the sea to Calais in the middle of May. The Lord Herbert called sir Charles Somerset, chief Chamberlain to the king: the end of the same month with uj M. men passed the Sea in whose company were these Earls, of Northumberland Percy, of Kent Grace, of Wiltshire Stafford, the Lord Fitzwater, the Lord Dudley, the Lord Delaware, sir Thomas West his son, sir Edward Husey, sir Robert Dimmoke, sir Davy Owen, with many other Gentlemen, some with spears on horseback, some with pikes on foot, some with dimilances, and this was the rearward. Such good diligence was made that these two Captains withal their company, furnished with artillery, powder, tents, carriages, & all things necessary for the wars were landed at Calais the last day of May. After they had sojourned certain days in Calais, and that all things requisite were ready, they caused a Trumpet to blow and made Proclamation, that every man should departed out of the town, and so to begin the camp. The Earl of Shrewesbury with his company first took the field, after him followed the Lord Herbert with his company, in manner of a rearward. And after him followed the valiant Rice ap Thomas, with five hundred light horse and Archers on horseback, and joined him to the forward. Then was there order taken what persons should conduit the Vittaylers, that came from Calais, and who should conduit the Vittaylers that came out of Flaunders, for without sufficient conduit no creature durst bring any victual to the army. These two Lords thus embattled removed the xvij day of june to Sandisfielde, and on the xviij day they came to Margison, on the far side of the water, as though they would have passed straight to Bulleyn, but they thought otherwise, for the next day they took another way, and coasted the Country with such diligence, that the xxij day of june, The siege of 〈◊〉. they with all their people, ordinance, and habiliments of war, were come before the strong City of Tirwin, & pight their tents a mile from the town, & for that night embattled themself: and as certain Captains were in counsel, in the Lord Harbertes Tent, suddenly out of the town was shot a Gone, the Pellet whereof slew a noble captain called the Baron of Carew, sitting there in counsel, which sudden adventure dismayed much the assembly. But the Lord Harbert valiantly comforted them, saying: this is the chance of war, if it had hit me you must have been content, a noble heart in war is never afeard of death. All the Country of Artho●s, and Picardy, fortified their holds, and made shows as the English army passed, but they durst not once assail them. The City of Tirwyn was strongly fortified with walls, rampires, Bulwarks, with divers fortresses in the ditches, which were so broad and so plum steep that was wonder to behold. The Lord Pountremy was captain General, and with him were within the City six hundred horsemen furnished, and two thousand and five hundred Almains, beside the Inhabitants of the City, the walls and towers were full of ordinance, which did oftentimes great displeasure to the Englishmen. The Earl of Shrewsburie laid siege to the town, on the Northwest side, and the Lord Harbert on the East side or end ward, the French men issued out of the town, and skirmished with the Englishmen, but the Archers shot so fast that they drove the frenchmen into the City, and slew and took divers of them. The Lord Harbert which lay in the open sight of the Town, having no hill or other thing to succour or defend him, caused great Trenches to be made, and so maugre his enemies, he approached very near the City: likewise the Earl of Shrewsbury with the forward, got into an hollow ground or valley near to the City. Daily the frenchmen shot at the Englishmen, and divers times issued out and skirmished, and ever they lost by skirmishing, but by shooting of ordinance they hurt divers Englishmen. Wherefore the Lords commanded the pioneers to raise a great Trench, in which they laid the great Ordinance, and daily as they might they approached: Sir Rice ap Thomas with the horsemen daily scoured the Country, and many times encountered with the frenchmen, and slew and took divers prisoners, so that the frenchmen drew not toward the siege, but turned another way. Upon the Monday being the xxvij day of june xxiiij Cartes charged with victual, were by the garrison of Calais conducted to Guisnes, and there the crew of the Castle and town of Guisnes with three hundred footmen, under the conduit of sir Edward Belknap, all being in number four hundred lx men, set forth to conduit the said victuals to the army lying before Tirwin, and so they passed to Arde. And while the Cartes passed the town, the horsemen fell a drinking in the way, and the footmen were all out of order. The Duke of Vandosme captain general of Picardy, which lay in a ambushment in the Forest side of Guysnes with eight hundred light horsemen, took his advantage, and set on the victuallers: the Carters perceiving that, loosed their horses and fled to the town, which was but a mile off, and left their Cartes. Sir Nicholas Vaux captain of Guisnes did all he could, to bring the footmen in an order: but the frenchmen set on so quickly that they could not set them in order, the horsemen of Guisnes which were but only xxiiij took their Spears and joined with the Frenchmen: The Archers of England which passed not lx, shot manfully, and a noble captain called Baltier Del●en and divers other, but the French men were so many in number, and in good order, that they slew eight Gentlemen of the Garrison of Guisnes, and xxx Archers slain, and many hurt, and so they distrussed the victuals, and caused sir Nicholas Vaux, and sir Edward Belk●appe to fly toward Guisnes. This misadventure fell by tarrying of the horsemen, and breaking of array, for if the Archers had tarried together, it had happened otherwise, for the few Archers that h●lde together, slew and hurt divers frenchmen: for on the field lay lxxxvij great horse, which never went thence, by the which it appeared that the frenchmen went not quite away without loss. When tidings of this misadventure came to the Lords at the siege, they were not a little displeased: and sir Rice ap Thomas caused his Trumpet to blow to the stirrup, and he with his horsemen sought the Duke of Vandosme all the Country, which hearing of the coming of sir Rice, with great haste retreated back to Bangey Abbey, where the French kings great army lay. Sir Rice hearing that he was returned came the next day again to the siege. The rumour of this skirmish sprung all the English pale toward Flaunders, where the towns fired their Bekons, and rang alarm, divers honourable men that had passed the Sea with companies of Soldiers, and were in Calais, marched forward in order of battle, but hearing of the departure of Mounsire de Vandosme, they rested. Then was new provision made for victual, and sent daily from Calais to Tirwyn by such conduit, that the French men would no more meddle, and the army also was well vi●tayled out of Flaunders and Henawlde. The army of England thus lay before the strong Town of Turwin: The kin● hims●l e passeth into Flaunce. the noble king of England not forgetting his enterprise prepared all thing ready to pass the Sea in proper person, and caused Sir john Wiltshire to purvey for three hundred Hoys to carry over his Artillery and habiliments of war and all his ships of war were on the sea scouring every c●ast of his realm. And when all things were priest, he accompanied with many noble men and sy●e hundred archers of his guard, all in white gabberdines and capes, departed from his Manor royal of Greenwich the. ●v. day of june and so he and the Queen with small journeys came to Dover Castle and there rested, and made the Queen governor of the realm, and commanded William Warram then Bishop of Cantorburie and Sir Thomas Lovel a sage knight and divers other, to give there attendance on the Queen. And commanded the Earl of Surrey to draw toward the north parts jest the Scots would make any enterprise in his absence. Then the king took leave of the Queen and of the Ladies which made such sorrow for the departing of the Lords their husbands, that it was great dolour to behold, and so he with all his army took ship the last day of june being the day of Saint Paul. In the morning when the king was shipped and made sail, all the army followed to the number of four hundredth ships, and the wind was so that they were brought even on the coast of Picardy open upon Saint johnes Roade, and with the flood they haled along the coast of Whitesand with Trumpets blowing and Gonnes shooting, to the great fear of them of Bulleyne which plainly might behold this passage, and so came to Calyce haven. The King was received into a Boat covered with Arras, and so was set on land. He was apparelled in an almain rivet crested and his vanbrace of the same, and on his head a chapeau montabin with a rich coronal, the fold of the chapeau was lined with crimson Satin, and on that a rich brooch witht the image of Saint George, over his rivet he had a garment of whit cloth of Gold with a read cross, and so he was received with procession and with his deputy of Calyce called sir Gilbert Talbotte, and all other nobles and gentlemen of the town and country, and so entered in at the Lantern Gate and passed the streets till he came to Saint Nicholas Church, and there he alighted and offered, and from thence he went to the Staple june where he supped. When the king entered Caleyce, all the banished men entered with him and were restored to the liberty of the Town. To tell of the gunneshote of the Town and of the ships at the kings landing it was a great wonder, for men of good estimation reported that they heard it at Dover. The King lying thus in Calyce, all his army except a few of his counsel and other that gave their attendance on him, lay encamped at Newnam bridge, in which Camp about a xj of the clock at night there rose an escry, so that the Town of Calyce began alarm, with that the King waked and came to the walls, and demanded what the matter ment, the yeomen of the tents, called Richard Gibson, showed him how that certain horsemen and footmen of France proffered to come over the Haven, and the archers that lay next the sea side entered into the water & defended the passage, with which defence the Frenchmen returned, and so the king was satisfied. But after this a Frenchman of Whitsand Bay and one of Bullain were taken, the one called Charles de Bone, the other Peter Vernowne, which confessed that from the town of Whitsand came lx horsemen and two hundred footmen of the garrison of Bullayne and the country adjoining, intending to pass by Rice Bank at the low water Mark, over the Haven of Calais at ● certain Ford showed to them by a spy which served the yeoman of the tents with victuals, and showed them that the tents were pitched under Calyce walls between the town and the camp, so that they might burn them quickly or the town could issue, or the camp remove. But the Englishmen kept so good watch as you have heard that their enterprise came to none effect. The morrow after being the first day of july, the noble Lord Haward, admiral of England landed at Whitsand Bay, & entered, spoiled and brent the town, and returned to his ships for all the Bullonoys, and so recompensed the imagination that the Bailie of Whitsand and the Bullonoise had enterprised for the burning of the king's tents. On Friday at night blewe such a storm that severed all the navy, and some were drowned. Upon the eight day of july, the Lord Marques Dorset, earl of Essex, the Lord Lisle road into Flaunders, and there took the musters of the Lord Linny, the Lord Walon, son to the Lord of Barow, and bastard Emery which with their retinue were then admitted into the kings wages, and the Lord Linny with a hundred and fifty spears was appointed to go to the Lord Harbert: and the Lord Walon, and Bastard Emery with their bonds were appointed to go to the Earl of Shrewsbury lying before Tirwin: These strangers were warlike persons on light horses. While the siege lay thus before Tirwin as you have heard, the French men divers times issued out on horseback, and many a staff was broken, and many a proper feat of arms done. Likewise the Almains on foot would divers times issue out, with Handgonnes, and Moris●pikes and assail the Englishmen, but by force of the archers, they were ever driven home again, and every day the Englishmen shot at the town and did them much displeasure. The xxj day of july (when all things by counsel had been ordered concerning the order of battle) the king passed out of the town of Calais, in goodly array of battle, and took the field: And notwithstanding that the forward, and the rearward of the kings great army were before Tyrwin as you have heard: Yet the king of his own battle made three battles after the fashion of the war, the Lord Lisle marshal of the host was Captain of the forward, and under him three thousand men. Sir Richard Carew with three. C. men was the right hand wing to the forward, and the Lord Darcy with three hundred men, was wing on the left hand, the scourers and fore-riders of this battle were the Northumberland men on light geldings. The Earl of Essex was Lieutenant General of the Spears, and sir john Pechy was Vicegovernour of the horsemen: before the king went eight hundred Almains all in a plump by themselves: after them came the Standard with the read Dragon, next the Banner of our Lady, and next after the Banner of the Trinity, under the same were all the kings household servants, than went the Banner of the arms of England, borne by sir Henry Guilforde, under which Banner was the king himself, with divers noble men and other to the number of three thousand men. The Duke of Buckyngham with six hundred men was on the kings left hand, equal with the Almains, in likewise on the right hand was sir Edward Pownynges, with other six hundred men equal with the Almains. The Lord of Burgayne with eight hundred men, was wing on the right hand, sir William Compton with the retinue of the Bishop of Winchester, and Master Wolsey the kings Almoner to the number of eight hundredth was in manner of a rearward, sir Anthony Oughtred, This was afterward Cardinal Wolsey. and sir john Nevell with the kings spears that followed, were four hundred, and so the whole army were xj thousand, and three hundred men. The Master of the ordinance set forth the kings artillery, as Falcons, slings, Bombards, Cartes with Powder, stones, Bows, Arrows, and such other things necessary for the field, the whole number of the Carriages were xiij hundredth, the leaders and dryvers of the same were xix hundredth men, and all these were reckoned in the battle, but of good fighting men, there were not full ix thousand. Thus in order of battle the king road to Seutreyca and there lodged the first night, on Friday the garrison of Bulleyne mustered nigh to Fines Mill, and were askried by the Northumberland men, which marched toward them, but the Frenchmen returned. On Saturday the host removed to Hambwell and there rested. On Sunday, and on Monday he entered into the French ground nigh to Arde, and there every Gentleman had on his coat of arms, and these tidings were brought to the king that the French army approached, which tidings pleased him well, for he desired nothing but battle. Tuesday the xxuj day of julie the king passed forward in order of battle, and ever the French men coasted a far off to take the English men at some advantage, but they kept them so close in order, that they could not find them out of array. Howbeit, by negligence of the Carters that mistoke the way a great curtal called the john Evangelist, was overthrown into a deep pond of water, and could not quickly be recovered. The king hearing that his enemies approached, leaving the Gone (because the master Carpenter said that he would shortly way it out of the water) set forward his host, and in good order came to Dornham where is a fair castle standing in a wood country, the Frenchmen were ever lureking in the woods viewing the king's conduit and order as he passed, and so he left the town of Dornham on his right hand, and came to a Village on a little river where the ordinance was pitched. And when the king came to the river he perceived that many gentlemen made danger to enter into the river: The noble courage and valiantness o● a King. Wherefore he alighted down of his horse and without any more abode entered the river, than all other entered and came over. Then was tidings brought to him that the Frenchmen were near at hand, and would fight that night: the king still abode in order of battle, ever looking for the coming of the Frenchmen, and at night word was brought that they were recoiled, and then he entered into his tent. Wednesday the xxuj day of july she releffe of the spears brought in askrie, wherefore the king commanded to blow to the standard, and advanced his banner and took a fair field or bank, abiding the coming of the Frenchmen. The Captains general of the army of the French king were the Lord de la palace, and the Lord of Piens, accompanied with the Duke of Longuy●e, the Earl of saint Polle, the Lord of Floringes, the Lord Cleremound, and Richard de la Pole Traitor of England, son to the Duke john of Suffolk: with these Captains were coming a xj thousand footmen, and four thousand horsemen, all priest in battle and came within two miles of the king of England, and there the footmen s●aled and came no farther: certain horsemen to the number of three thousand & above marched forward and at the end of a wood showed themselves open in the sight of the English army. The king perceiving their demeanour, commanded all his footmen not to remove, but to stand still. The Frenchmen removed and came somewhat nearer to a place of execution: then the master Gonner shot of a piece of artillery or two. As the king lay thus still abiding his enemies, and that the horsemen stood still in sight, the great army of France approached, which the Englishmen could not descry because of an hill that was betwixt them. The Northern men ran to the Frenchmen, which manly encountered with them, and struck some of them down, and maugre all their power brought certain prisoners to the king of England. The Earl of Essex captain of the kings spears, with two hundred spears lay in a stolen, if the french men had come nearer. Then suddenly appeared in s●ght a great company of horsemen, and the king knew not what they were: but at the last it was perceived that it was the valiant knight sir Rice ap Thomas with his retinue, which came to the king about noon: which gently received him and sent him to the Earl of Essex, which incontinently departed and compassed the hill, and came to the Earl, and when they were joined, they drew them about the hill accompanied with Sir Thomas Gylford captain of two hundred Archers on horseback, to the intent to have set on the French men, which perceiving that, and doubting a more number to come after, suddenly drew back and joined them with the great battle. Then the Earl of Essex and the English horsemen followed them till they came near the great army of France, and then stayed, and sent light horsemen to know the conduit of the French army. When the French men of arms were returned to their battle, both the footmen and horsemen recoiled in order of battle, and went back apace. The English stirrers perceiving this, followed three leagues and returned to the Earl, making report of that they had seen, and then he broke up his stolen and came to the king, declaring to him how the Frenchmen were recoiled. This day was called the dry Wednesday, for the day was wonderful hot, and the king and his army were in order of battle from six of the clock in the morning, till three of the clock in the after noon, and some died for lack of moisture, and almost in general every man was burned about the mouth with heat of the stomach, for drink lacked, and water was not near. After this, the king removed toward Tirwyn, having his horsemen behind him, lest the french men should suddenly set on him behind, and as the king was setting forward, the Lord Walowne of Flaunders came to the king with his horsemen which were in the kings wages, and the king declared to him what had chanced. As the army passed by negligence the same day in a Lane, was overthrown one of the kings great Bombards of Iron, called the read Gon, and there left: When the night began to approach, the king rested and took his camp two miles from Saint Omers on the northside. On the Thursday being the xxviij day of july the master Carpenter with an hundred Carpenters and labourers without knowledge of the Marshal went to way up the great Gone that was in the pond as you have heard, and by force of engines drew it up and laid it on a Cart ready to carry: But suddenly out of a wood issued eight hundred Frenchmen with spears, crossbows, and handgonnes, and assailed the poor labourers which valiantly defended themselves: but oppressed with multitude, the most part was slain and the remnant taken, and they and the piece of ordinance carried to Bulleyne. This misadventure fell, for the master Carpenter would work all of his own head without counsel, with which chance the king was sore displeased. The Frenchmen joyous of this chance, assembled a great number to take the other Gone that lay still in the high way. Wherefore the Lord Barnes being Capitayne of the pioneers and labourers hearing of the misadventure, and considering that the other Gone was lying behind, prepared all manner of engines to recover the same. The morrow after the king intending to raise his Camp, but when he heard of the great piece of Ordinance that was left behind, and that the French men assembled together, he was in a great musing and so tarried and commanded the Almains to retreat back, and to secure them that went for the piece of Ordinance. The Almains went forth and stayed within two Mile, where the piece of Ordinance lay, and farther they would not go. The Earl of Essex with his company of spears, Sir Rice ap Thomas, with his company, sir john Nevell with the Northumberlande men, set forward to help the Lord Barnes for recovery of the Gone. And suddenly the Northern horsemen espied where all the great army of the French men were coming forward, and so reported to the Earl of Essex, that to Sir john Pechy Lieutenant of the horsemen and spears and other Captains, which were in the place where the said Gone was left with a hundred horsemen, which hearing thereof sent word to Sir Rice, and he hearing thereof desired the Earl of Essex to come and to take ground in that place where he was, which removed in great haste: In the mean season by the diligent labour of the Lord Barnes, the piece of Ordinance was raised and carted, and forth was it carried, by this time the French army appeared in sight. When the Earl of Essex saw the great number of the Frenchmen, in all haste he sent to the Lord Walon, willing him with his company to come to their aid, the Lord Walon said to the messenger, go tell your Capitayne that I come hither to serve the king of England more than one day, and therefore I would all the English men would return, for with the great power of France they be not able to fight, for I esteem them ix or ten ●housand men at the lest: with this answer the messenger departed and made relation to the Earl of Essex and other Captains, which therewith were sore discontent: by this time the scowrers of the French part were come hard to the hands of the English men: then began the light horsemen to skirmish, there was following and rescuing on both parties, and in open sight some of both parties slain. Then marched forward the whole battle of the Frenchmen with standards, pennons, and banners wavering, and sumptuous bards, and rich harness glittering, the men of arms in great number were in ranges a long ready to chase and charge. Sir Rice ap Thomas being a man of great experience, sagely perceived in what case the matter stood, said to the Earl of Essex, sir we be not seven hundred horsemen, let us not be to foolish hardy, our commission was to fet the Gone and none other, let us follow the same, the Earl agreed thereto, and so softly and not in flying manner retreated and followed the Gone. The Frenchmen perceiving that, cried all is ours, let us follow, then pricked forward two thousand men of arms, and came just to the backs of the English men, than the English men cried Saint George, and cast themself about and made return to the French men, Sir William Tyler, and Sir john Sharpe, were the first that charged and after all the other English men, there was a dreadful chase, for the men of arms of France fled so fast, that glad was he that might be foremost, the whole host seeing their horsemen returning in flight, suddenly in great haste returned without any more doing. Then the Earl of Essex staled to an hill, and there caused his Trumpet to blow to the Standard for fear of subtle dealing: and when they were gathered together unto array, he returned. The xxix day of july the king with his army came to Arkus, and there embattled himself in a strong ground, and to him came the Earl of Essex and the other Captains with the gone, and made report of their adventure, which thanked them heartily, and there he lay till Monday in which time came many noble men of Flaunders to visit him, and many of the common people came to see him. Mundaye the first day of August, the King removed his camp to a village middle way between Saint Omers and Tyrwine, and there fell such a rain that the ordinance could scarce be removed, the arable ground was so soft. Thursedaie the fourth day of August, the king in good order of battle came before the City of Tyrwyn and planted his siege in most warlike wise, Tyrwyn besieged. his camp was environed with artillery, as Falcons, serpentines, cast hagbushes, and tried harrows, spien trestyles, and other warlike defence for the safeguard of the camp. The king for himself had a house of timber with a chimney of Iron, and for his other lodgings he had great and goodly tents of blue water work garnished with yellow & white, & divers rooms within the same for all officers necessary, on the top of the Pavilions stood the kings beasts holding fanes, as the Lion, the Dragon, the Greyhound, the Antelope, the Donne Kowe: within all the lodging was pointed full of the suns rising, the lodging was a hundred xxv foot in length. The King lying before Tirwyn, his great ordinance sore beat the town walls, and they within likewise shot out of the town ordinance, and slew divers Englishmen in the trenches, among which shots they had one gone that every day and night was ordinarily shot at certain hours without fail: this gone was of the Englishmen called the whistling gone, but it never did harm in the kings field. The siege thus lying before the City of Tirwyn, Sir Alexander Baynam a captain of the Miners, caused a my to be enterprised to enter into the town, but the Frenchmen perceiving that, made a countermine and so destroyed the other mine, and divers Miners slain within the same. The French army ever hoved a far to take the Englishmen at advantage as they went a foraging, and many a skirmish was done, and many good feats of arms achieved on both sides, and divers prisoners taken. Among the Frenchmen were certain light horsemen called Stradiotes with short styrropes, beaver hats, small spetes, and sword like Semiteries of Turkey: divers times the Northern light horsemen under the conduit of sir john Nevell skirmished with these stradiottes and took divers of them prisoners, and brought them to the king. While the King lay thus before Tirwyn, the Capitayne of Bullen knowing by his Espials that many of the garrison of Caleice were with the king at the siege, and also that daily victuals were brought out of England to Caleyce to secure the camp, imagined a great enterprise, and sent for all the men of war under his dominion and rule, and declared to them what honour they should obtain if they hurted or spoiled the out parts of Caleice, the king of England being on that side the Sea. The men of war perceiving the good courage of the Capitayne, assented to his purpose, and so with all diligence they to the number of a thousand men in the evening set forward, and came to Newnam bridge by three of the clock in the morning and found the Watchmen that kept the Bridge a sleep, and so entered the Bulwacke and slew the watchmen, and took the ordinance of the Bridge and then ●et the Bridge fall, so that all entered that would. The captain of Bulleyne kept sixth hundred men for a stolen at the bridge, and sent the other into the marishes and meadows where the cattle fed, and some of the french men came to Calais gate, and were escried of the watch, and so rang alarm: the English soldiers ran to the walls, and saw the Frenchmen without the town walls: then they knew that Newnam bridge was lost, and would have issued out, but Sir Gylbert Talbot Deputy there, would not suffer any gate to be opened. Now it happened that without Calais gates were Richard Hunning and Richard Bricks of the Caterie, and three or four of the king's servants which lay there to sand provisions to the host: which hearing of this alarm, called to them the king's bakers, and cowpers and a few shipmen, lay in the haven, and courageously followed the Frenchmen. The English men were not passed six score persons, and set on the Frenchmen as they were a foraging or they might assemble together, and siue them down right and took no prisoners in manner, and so they came to Newnam bridge and took it, & put the Frenchmen back. But or the English men had thus gathered themselves together, the Frenchmen had foraged all within the river up to saint Peter'S, and had driven away the cattle and the ordinance of Newnam bridge, and so passed till they came where the stolen lay, and there they tarried looking for there company that were gone a foraging to Calais walls. About five of the clock in the morning, the gate of Calais called Bulleyne gate was opened, and then issued out one Culpoper the under Marshal with two hundred archers, with the Banner of Saint George, and with great haste came to Newnam bridge, where they found the king's servants, and the other that had won the bridge, and then they altogether marched toward the Frenchmen which kept the stolen. The frenchmen thought it had been their own company that had returned, till they saw the banner of Saint George, than they knew that their company were overthrown, and that they must needs fight or dye. Then the English men though they were the smaller number, valiantly set on the Frenchmen, which with great force them defended, but at the last they were all discomfited, and xxiiij slain and twelve score taken prisoners and their ordinance and whole booty recovered. The folly of a Cowper. These prisoners were brought to Calais, and there sold in open market: Among all other a Cowper of the town of Calais bought a prisoner of this booty that dwelled in Bulleyn, and had of the prisoner a hundred Crowns for his ransom, and when the money was paid, the Frenchmen prayed the Cowper to see him safe delivered and to conduit him out of danger, the Cowper gently granted and without any knowledge of his friends, all alone went with the french man till he came beyond the causey and there would have departed: but the Frenchman perceived that the Cowper was aged, and that no rescues were me, by force took the Cowper prisoner and carried him to Bulleyn, and made him pay two hundredth Crowns for his ransom, thus through folly was the poor Cowper deceived. The xj day of August being Thursday, the king lying at the siege of Tirwyn, had knowledge that Maximilian the Emperor was in the town of Air. The king prepared all things necessary to meet with the Emperor in triumph. The noble men of the kings camp were gorgeously appareled, their coursers barded of cloth of Gold, of Damask and broidery, there apparel all Tissue, cloth of Gold and Silver, and goldsmiths work, great Chains of Bawdericks of gold, and Bells of Bullion, but in especial the Duke of Buckingham, he was in purple Satin, his apparel, & his bard full of Antelops and Swans of fine gold Bullion & full of spangles, and little Bells of gold, marvelous costly & pleasant to behold. The king was in a garment of great riches in jewels, as pearls & stone, he was armed in a light armure, the master of his horse followed him with a spare horse the henchmen followed bearing the king's pieces of harness, every one mounted on a great courser, the one bore the helm, the second his graungard, the third his spear, the fourth his axe, and so every one had something belonging to a man of arms: the apparel of the ix henchmen were white cloth of gold and crymsyn cloth of gold richly embrawdered with goldsmiths work, the trappers of the coursers were mantel harness coulpened, and in every vent a long Bell of fine gold, & on every pendant a deep tassel of fine gold in bullion, which trappers were very rich. The king & the Emperor met between Air and the camp, in the foulest weather that lightly hath been seen. The Emperor gently entertained the king, & the king likewise him, and after a little communication had between them, because the weather was foul, departed for that tyme. The Emperor and all his men were at that day all in black cloth, for the Empress his wife was lately diseased. After that the king was thus returned to his camp, within a day or twain there arrived in the army a king at arms of Scotland called Lion with his coat of arms on his back and desired to speak with the king, A letter of defiance sent by the king of Scots to king Henry the eight. who within short time was by Garter chief king at arms brought to the kings presence, where he being almost dismayed seeing the king so nobly accompanied, with few words, & meetly good reverence, delivered a letter of defiance to the king, which received the letter & read it himself, & when he had read it, without any more delay he himself answered after this sort. Now we perceive the king of Scots our brother in law & your master to be the same person whom we ever took him to be, for we never esteemed him to be of any truth and so now we have found it, for notwithstanding his oath, his promise in the word of a king, & his own hand & seal, yet now he hath broken his faith & promise to his great dishonour and infamy for ever, and intendeth to invade our realm in our absence, which he durst not once attempt our person being present. Therefore tell thy master, first that he shall never be comprised in any league wherein I am a confederate, & also that I suspecting his truth (as now the deed proveth) have left an Earl in my realm at home, which shall be able to defend him and all his power, for we have provided so, that he shall not find our land destitute of people as he thinketh to do: but thus say to thy master, that I am the very owner of Scotland, and that he holdeth it of me by homage, and in so much as now contrary to his bounden duty he being my vassal, doth rebel against me, with Gods help I shall at my return expulse him his realm, and so tell him. Sir said the king of Arms, I am his natural subject, and he my natural Lord, and that he commandeth me to say, I may boldly say with favour, but the commandments of other I may not, nor dare not say to my sovereign Lord, but your letters may with your honour sent declare your pleasure, for I may not say such words of reproach to him whom I own only my allegiance and faith. Then said the king, wherefore came you hither, will you receive no answer? yes said Lion, your answer requireth doing, that is, that immediately you should return home: well said the king I will return to your damage at my pleasure, and not at thy masters summoning. Then the king commanded Garter to take him to his Tent and make him good cheer. And forthwith King Henry wrote to him an answer with very sharp and grievous words reproving his untruth. After the defiance declared by the king of Scots herald, the king of England wrote to the Queen and other which he had left behind of his counsel, to prepare in all haste for the defence of the said king of Scots, which did so with great diligence as you shall hear hereafter. While the king lay thus at siege before Turwyn, the Frenchmen studied all the ways possible to victual the Town of Turwyn, & imagined in a night by some way to convey victual to the Town: wherefore every day they sent their Stradiates to espy by which way they might take their most advantage, and many times the English horsemen met with the Stradiates & slew divers of them. The French king would in any wise that the king of England should be fought with all, wherefore he sent the Duke of Vandosme, The Duke of Longuile with divers other valiant capitains of Blangeoy. Then was there a conclusion taken that the Duke of Alencon should with five thousand men fight with the Earl of Shrewesburie, or else to keep that neither he neither the Lord Harbert should aid or come to the kings battle, and with the king should skirmish the Duke of Vandosme and Longuile, while in the mean season the carriages with victual might enter the town. For accomplishing of this enterprise, the Frenchmen made great purveyance and all on horseback, this was not so secretly concluded, but the king of England had an inkling thereof, and sent word to the Emperor which lay at Air and knew nothing of this device: and desired him to come to the Camp to have his advise, which gladly answered that he would come the morrow after. The king continually sent forth his light horses to seek the country and to see if any appearance were, and they ever brought tidings of such thing as they saw, so that always it was foreseen that the king nor his people should be taken unpurveyed, nor the Frenchmen should not come on them suddenly unaskryed. Maximilian the Emperor was retained by king Henry the eight as his soldier. While these things were thus in communication, the Emperor Maximilian and all his servants which were retained with the king of England in wages by the day, every person according to his degree, and the Emperor as the kings Soldier ware a Cross of saint George with a Rose, and so he and all his train came to the kings camp the xiij day of August being Friday, and there was received with great magnificence and brought to a Tent of cloth of Gold all ready appareled according to his estate, for all the tent within was seeled with cloth of Gold and blue velvet, and all the velvet was embroidered with. H. K. of fine Gold, and his Cupboard was richly furnished, and officers appointed to give on him attendance: and there he tarried till Sunday, and from thence he went again to Air for his pleasure. The king and his Counsel were informed by their espyalles, and also it was confessed by certain prisoners, how the French army which lay at Blangeoy intended to victual the City of Tirwyn. Wherefore on Friday at night the xiij day of August, the Duke of Buckingham, the Earl of Essex, the Marquis Dorset, the Lord of Burgayny, the Lord Willoughby, and divers other Gentlemen, with six thousand men on foot, and the Lord Walon, and the Lord Ligny with their horsemen, were laid at Gingate on the southside of Tirwyn, where they were all night in order of battle, awaiting the rescue of the City, but the English men were escried, and so the French men broke their purpose for that time: and so the Duke of Buckingham and his companions returned to the camp. Monday the xuj day of August by infortune, without any cause known, there fell a great debate between the Almains of the kings field, and the English men, insomuch that they fell to fighting, and many men slain, the Almains suddenly ran to the kings ordinance and took it, and embattled themselves, and bend the ordinance against the king and his camp. The English men were greatly unquieted with this matter: insomuch that the Archers set forward to have joined with the Almains, and they likewise prepared their Pikes, but the Captains took such pain that the fray was appeased, and all things done for that time, but as this commotion was in trouble, the Emperor came from Air, and saw all the demeanour of both parties, and was glad to see the discrete handling of the Captains. After the Emperor was come to the kings field, the king called the Emperor and all the Lords of his Counsel together, asserteining them that he was credibly informed that the frenchmen intended to rescue the City of Tirwyn: wherefore it was agreed that the master of the ordinance should in haste make five Bridges over the water, for the army to pass over, to the intent to besiege the City on that side: the Carpenters did so their devoir that night, so that by day all the Bridges were made, so that all the horsemen passed over and escried the Country. On Tuesday the xvij day of August, the king raised his camp, and with great ordinance, and all other artillery and carriage he passed the river, and to him came sir john Nevell with his light horsemen, and told him that behind the Tower of Gyngate was a great plump of horsemen. In the mean season, as Sir John Nevell told the King these tidings, by another way was the Earl of Essex, sir john Peche, and the kings Spears passed and skirmished with the plump of Spears that Sir john spoke of, and there were many proffers made on both sides, but in conclusion the French men were compelled to leave their stolen and one horseman taken and sent to the king, which in hope of pardon of his ransom, showed how that the French army with their full power and strength were coming from Blangeoy the number of fifteen thousand horsemen of arms to aid Tirwyn on that side of the water. And to the intent that the army of the Lord Stuarde, and the Lord chamberlain should not aid the king, there were appointed five thousand of the xu thousand horsemen on the other side of the water. As these tidings was told, came one from Sir Rice, and said that a prisoner that he had that day taken confessed that the City should be rescued the same day, & that he had escried a number of horsemen to his judgement upon the point of six thousand. Then suddenly came the Northern men which affirmed that they had seen the French army in order of battle coming forward, but they judged them not passed twelve thousand men. Then the kings field was pitched, and the ordinance set, but some counseled the king to take down his Tents, but the king said I will this day that my field be made and set in as royal wise as may be, and all my rich Tents set up, which was done. Then the king called the Lord Darcy, and commanded him to keep his field, treasure, ordinance, and other stuff, which was loath to go from his master but by straight commandment. Then every man prepared himself to battle resorting to the Standard, the horsemen marched before the footmen by the space of a mile, still came couriers bearing tidings that the French army approached. The king bade set forward and to advance his Banner in the name of God and Saint George. The Almains seeing this (to what purpose it was not known) suddenly embattled themselves on the left hand of the king, & left the breast or tront of the kings battle bore. As the king was thus marching forward toward the battle, to him came the Emperor Maximilian with xxx men of arms, he and all his company armed in one suit with read Crosses: Then by the counsel of the Emperor the king caused certain pieces of small ordinance to be laid on the top of a long hill or bank for the out scowrers: Thus the kings horsemen and a few Archers on horseback marched forward. The King would feign have been afore with the horsemen, but his Counsel persuaded him the contrary, and so he tarried with the footmen accompanied with the Emperor. The Frenchmen came on in three ranges xxxuj men's thickness and well they perceived the kings battle of footmen marching forward: the Earl of Essex Capitayne of the horsemen, and Sir john Peche with the kings horsemen and the Burgonions to the number of a xj hundredth stood with banner displayed in a valley. The Lord Wallon and the Lord Ligny with bastard Emery and their bend to the number of four hundred horsemen severed themselves and stood aside from the Englishmen: so than the English men were but seven hundred, yet they with banner displayed removed up to the top of the hill, and there they met with sir john Gylford a hundred tal●e Archers on horseback, which had askryed the Frenchmen. Now on the top of the hill was a fair plain of good ground, on the left hand a low wood, and on the right hand a fallow field. The Lord Wallon and the Burgonions kept them a loof, then appeared in sight the Frenchmen with banners and standards displayed. Then came to the Captains of the Englishmen of arms, an English officer of arms called Clarenseur and said in God's name set forward, for the victory is yours for I see by them they will not abide, and I will go with you in my coat of Arms. Then the horsemen set forward, and the Archers alighted and were set in order by an hedge all along a Village side called Bomye: the Frenchmen came on with xxxiij standards displayed, and the Archers shot a pace and galled their horses, and the English spears set on freshly, crying Saint George, and fought valiantly with the Frenchmen and threw down their standard, the dust was great and the cry more, but suddenly the Frenchmen shocked to their standard and fled, and threw away their spears, sword, and mazes and cut of the bards of their horses to run the lighter, when the hinder part saw the former part fly they fled also, but the sooner for one cause which was this. As the English horsemen mounted up the hill, the stradiates were coming downwards on the one side of the hill before the French host, which suddenly saw the banners of the English horsemen, and the kings battle following upward, thinking to them that all had been horsemen, than they cast themselves about and fled, the Frenchmen were so fast in array that the Stradiates could have none entry, & so they ran still by the ends of the ranges of the French army: and when they behind saw the fall of the standards and their Stradiates in whom they had great confidence return, they that were farthest of fled first, than up pranced the burgonions and followed the chase: this battle was of horsemen to horsemen, but not in equal number, for the frenchmen were ten to one, which had not been seen before time, that the English horsemen gate the victory of the men of arms of France. The French men call this battle the journey of Spurs, The journey of Spurs. because they ran away so fast on horseback. This battle was the xuj day of August, in the which battle was taken the Duke of Longuile, Joys brother to the Earl of Dunoys, which had married the Marquis of Rutilons' heir, the Lord Cleremounde, and many other noble men, to the number of twelve score, and all brought to the kings presence, and likewise all the standards and banners, were brought to the king. The Burgonions kept their prisoners and brought them not to sight. The fame went that Mounsire de la palace was by them taken and let go. The Englishmen followed the chase three mile long from the field to a water in a valley, and there a Frenchman said to sir Gyles Capell, that one day they would have a day, which answered him again in French that it was a brag of France: and so the Englishmen returned to the king, which was coming forward, who gave them thanks with great praisings for their valiantness, and there he made Sir john Peche Bannaret, and made john Car knight, which was sore hurt, and sir john Peche had his guydehome taken, and divers of his men hurt, they followed so far. Then the king retreated to Gingate, to whom came Sir Rice, and showed him how hot the Frenchmen had skirmished with him all day on the other side of the river, and how the Earl of Shrewesbury with Banner displayed was all day priest in order of battle to have fought with the Duke of Alencon, and the Earl of Saint Poll, and the Lord Florenges, which with five thousand men as you have heard were appointed to rescue the town on that side where the Lord of Shrewsbury lay, and to let him to come to aid the king, but how soever that it happened they stood still and came not down, but only skirmished with sir Rice: the City of Tirwyn was this day in hope of aid, and when they saw their helpers coming near, they the same day proudly issued out on the Lord Harbart, and skirmished with his people very valiantly, and they within also shot out ordinance of all parts. The Lord Harbert and his Captains courageously defended them, and so sore they set on the French men, that they drove them by force to their gates for all their succours, and many of them were slain: this night the king sent for the Duke of Longuile, and the Lord Cleremounde, and divers other noble men, and the Duke supped at the kings board that night. Then the Frenchmen after this discomfiture assembled together and returned to Blangoy twelve mile from the cost and there talked of their losses, and because they knew not who were taken, and who were slain, therefore they sent an Herald to the King to know the number of the prisoners, the king's counsel according to their desire sent to them the names. The king being ascertained that the French kings purpose was yet again to give him battle, commanded the best of the prisoners should be conveyed to the town of Air in Flaunders: but when the English men had brought them thither, the Capitayne denied that the English men should enter the town with prisoners of France, with whom he & his Country had peace: but if the Frenchmen would desire lodging for their ease, they should be permitted to enter. But the English men in a fury answered, that if you will not suffer us to keep our prisoners, we will slay them: then the frenchmen meekly prayed the Capitayne to suffer the English men to enter, and swore to their keepers to be true prisoners, and so they entered, and after were conveyed into England. The Lord Powntremy of the house of Bresquy Capitayne general of Tyrwyn perceived the discomfiture of the French party, and perceived how the Earl of Shrewsburie and the Lord Harbert had brought thither great ordinance so near the town, that nearer it could not be brought, and that in the walls was such battery that it was not like to continued, yet he manfully defended the City and shot Gonnes every day as he was accustomed and never was in despair, till the xviij day of the said month, he saw the king remove his Camp from Gyngate and laid his Camp on the South side of the town between their rescue and the town: then when he saw this, and considered that his succours were put back, and that the town was sore feebled, and that the king's greatest ordinance was bend against the town, he therefore by the advise of other Captains sent to the Earl of Shrewesburie and the Lord Harbert a Trumpet, desiring abstinence of war for a day, they incontinent sent to the king to know his pleasure, the king answered that he would not grant till he knew the consideration: then the captain sent word that with safeconduct he would come and speak with the king's counsel, which to him was granted, than he sent certain Commissioners which offered to deliver the town with all the ordinance and munitions without any fraud, so that the towns men that would there devil might have life and goods safe, and that the men of war might departed with horse and harness, for goods they said they had none, and there horse and harness was of little valour to so great a prince. After that the king and his counsel had debated this matter, it was answered the commissioners, that although the king knew their penury of victual and the daily mortality among them, and that the town by reason of great batteries was not able long to resist, yet because they asked mercy he would not extend rigour, The City of Tyrwyn yielded to king Henry. and granted their request: so that they delivered the town with all the ordinance, as they had promised, to the which all they were sworn, and so returned. And the same night the Earl of Shrewsburie entered the town and had the walls and towers and the Banner of saint George was set in the highest place in sign of victory, and the Lord Powtremy with all the garrison departed with horse and harness according to the appointment. Then the Lord George Talbot Earl of Shrewesburie, with three hundred men searched the town for fear of treason or that any inconvenience might be unto the king and his people: and after that he saw all thing sure, he called all the towns men together, and swore them to be true to the king of England. When all this was done, the king on the xxiiij day of August entered into the City of Tyrwyn at ix of the clock before noon with great triumph and honour, his person was apparelled in armure guilt and graven, King Henry the eight entereth into Tirwin. his garment and bard purple Velvet full of borders, & in all places traversed with branches in running work of fine Gold, the branches were of hawthorn wrought by goldsmiths craft, wound with a branch of Roses, and every flower, leaf, and Bury, were enbossed: after whom followed his Henxmen with the pieces of armure accustomed. Thus with great glory this goodly Prince entered and took possession of the town of Tyrwyn, and was received at the Cathedral Church with procession, and there dined in the bishops palace, and at after noon returned to his Camp, leaving in the town the Earl of Shreswesburie with his retinue. The xxuj day of August the king removed again to Gyngate, and there it was agreed that the walls, gates, Tirwyn burned. bulwarks and towers of Tyrwyn should be defaced, razed and cast down: of which conclusion the Emperor sent word to Saint Omers, and to Air, which being joyous of that tidings (for Tyrwyn was to them a scourge) sent thither Pioneers with all manner of instruments, and so they and the English Pioneers broke down the walls, gates, and towers of the foundation, and filled the ditches, and fired the town, except the Cathedral Church and the Palace, and all the ordinance was by the king sent to Air, to be kept to his use. After this, it was concluded that the king in person should lay his siege to the City or town of Turney: wherefore he set forward three goodly battles, the first was conducted by the Earl of Shrewesburie, the second battle the king led himself with whom was the Emperor. The rearward was conducted by the Lord Harbert: and so the first night they lay in Camp beside Air, which night victual was scant, divers English men tarried in Tyrwyn when the king was passed for pillage, and fired certain houses, on whom came suddenly the French Stradiates, and some they slew, and some they cast into the fire, they that fled, scaped narrowly. Wednesday the xiiij day of September the king and his army came to Beatwyn, and there had plenty of all things, and on the morrow he with his army passed forward and came to a strait, where was a ford and all the carriages must needs come down a steep hill to the ford and so to the strait, where as one Wagon scarce alone might pass, and the weather was hot, and the beasts had not drunk all day: wherefore at the ford the horses would drink maugre their leaders, and so the carriages went not all whole together which was a doubtful case, but yet by wise order they passed the straight, and so did the army, and came to a place between Canon and Cambline, and there lodged that night in a plain barren ground, and the next day he removed his Camp, and the forward passed a bridge called pount Auandien into Flaunders side, and there lay, the king lay at the other end of the bridge on Arthoys side, and the rearward lay in a fair ground behind the king. Saturday the xvij day of September, tidings came to the king how the frenchmen had assembled a great puissance, and would fight with the king, wherefore the king caused his forward to remove farther, and sent the Almains to keep the passage. Then the great ordinance passed the bridge of pount Auandien, and the king was removed from thence, and as his tents were taking up, an ascrye was made that the enemies were in sight, which noise was suddenly seized, & sir William Sands with seven hundred Englishmen and strangers was appointed to keep the Bridge, and certain ordinance was to him appointed. When the king and all the carriages were passed, than the Lord Harbert removed over the Bridge, and encamped him behind the king by a fair Hill, when the king was encamped and all things in order, there came to him a noble man of Flaunders called the Lord Ravesten, which after his humble reverence done, showed the king that the young Prince of Castille Charles, and the Lady Margaret governess of the said Prince, most heartily desired him for his pastime after his long travail, to come and repose in his town of Lisle, and to see his brother the Prince, and the Ladies of the Court of Burgoin, saying that it became not Ladies to visit him in his martial camp, which to them was terrible. The king gently granted his request, and then he sent his officers thither to make provision, and appointed the Duke of Buckingham, the marquis Dorset, the Earl of Essex, and the the Lord Lisle, and divers other to give their attendance on him, and committed his camp to his counsel. Then he mounted on a Courser, his apparel and bard were cloth of silver of small quadrant cuts, traversed and edged with cut cloth of gold, and the border set full of read Roses, his armure fresh and set full of jewels, the Master of his horse Sir henry Guilforde, and the Henxmen followed as you have heard before, and the Coursers richly appareled, and so were many Captains that waited on the king: by the way met the king, the Lord Ravesten with many noble men, and a mile without the town, there met with him the Burgesses of Lisle, and presented to him the keys of the town, saying, that the Emperor their sovereign Lord had so commanded them to do. The king praised their obedience to their sovereign, and thanked the Emperor and them for so high a present as the keys of such a town. Nevertheless he had such confidence in them, that he trusted them no less than his own subjects, and so delivered the keys to the Provost of the town which was well accompanied: then met the king a great number of Nobles of Flaunders, Brabant, Holland, and Henawde, which nobly received him. After them came the County Palatine, or palsgrave, one of the electors of the Emperor, with xxx. horses, all his men gorgeously appareled after the fashion of his Country, and humbly saluted the king. At the gate of Lisle the captain of the town stood with a garrison in armure well appointed, all the streets were set on both sides with burning Torches and divers goodly Pagiants pleasant to behold: thus he passed thorough the town with his sword and maces borne before him, and alighted at the hall door with his sword borne, where met with him the Emperor, the Prince of Castle, and the Lady Margaret, and humbly saluted him: Then for reverence of the Emperor, the King caused his sword to be put up and his Maces to be laid down, then was the King and all other Nobles lodged and feasted according to their degrees. In the town of Lisle was a noise that three Gonners with Handgonnes should have slain the king: For which rumour many were attached, but nothing proved, but when this tidings came to the camp, they were never merry till they saw the king again, great was the cheer with Banquets, Plays, Comedies, Masks, and other pastimes, that was showed to the king in the Court of Burgoyn, and so in solace he sojourned there Sunday, and Monday, the xix day of September: the twenty day he sent word that his army should remove toward Tournay, and so they removed to a place convenient between Tournay and Lisle, and certain Captains were appointed to keep the passage at the Bridge of Auandien. After that the king had tarried at Lisle three days, and had well reposed himself, he took his leave and thanked the Emperor, & the young Prince and the Lady Margaret, & all the Ladies, of all his high cheer and solace, & about six of the Clock at night, he departed out of Lisle, and the noble men brought the king forth and so returned, and then the Capitayne shut the Gates. When the king was a mile and more out of the town, he asked where his camp lay? and no man there could tell the way, and guide had they none, the night was dark and misty: thus the king tarried a long while and witted not whether to go, at last they met with a victualler coming from the camp, which was their guide and brought them thither. The master of the ordinance shot divers pieces of ordinance but they were not heard, but in safety the king with all his company returned. The xxj day of September the king removed his camp toward Tournay, and lodged within three miles of the City, on a corn ground by the river. The which night came to the king the Emperor, and the palsgrave, which were lodged in rich Tents, and nobly served of all vyandes and things necessary. The people about Tournay were with their goods fled to the City, and yet the City had no men of war to defend it, but with multitude of Inhabitants the City was well replenished, the King commanded Sir Rice and his horsemen to view one quarter, and the Earl of Essex and his company another quarter, and the Lord Walowne and the Lord Ligny the other quarters: so the xxij day of September these four Captains at one time were seen openly with banners displayed before the town, and there made a long stolen and returned. The king sent Gartier king of arms, and a Pursuivant of arms with a Trumpet to summon the City, which declared that the king of England and of France commanded them to yield to him his City and to receive him as their natural Lord, or he would put them and their City to sword, fire and blood. To whom they prowde●y answered, that they took no City of him to keep, nor none would they tender, with which answer he departed. Then they fortified their walls, and made provision for victual, corn, wine, and artilarie, and for all fortifications that might be gotten. And the City of itself was strong, well walled, and turryted with good Bulwarks and defences: But when they saw the king with such a puissance draw near their City, King Henry besiegeth the City of Tournay. they were sore abashed, and called for a general counsel: then the Provost said, brethren you know how that the king of England sent an Herald to summon us to tender to him this City, or else he would put it and us to the sword, fire, and blood, we answered we would be at defence: now he is come in our sight to fulfil the message sent by his Herald, and now is come the time of our defence, and in this matter standeth three mischiefs, one is our bounden duty and allegiance that we own to our sovereign Lord king Joys of France, the second the lives of us, our wives, children and neighbours, the third how to defend the final destruction of this ancient City, which is likely to fall, which City was never conquered, and now our City is whole (your lives in safety, your goods your own) determine whether you will have war or peace. Then the common people cried all war, war, war, than said the Provost take compassion of wives and children and of the old folk, consider if you have no quick rescue, you can not continued against yonder puissance, although your courages were as good as Hector's or Achilles, this the wisest of the city & I have considered. Then suddenly was there in the counsel a vauntparier, a butcher which hearing this, called a great number of his affinity & went out of the counsel, and so out of the gates and set fire of the suburbs on all sides. When the counsel saw the minds of the commons and that their ways might not be followed, than they comforted the people and maintained them for their defence. The king raised his camp and came in array of battle before Tournay, the Earl of Shrewesburie with the forward was a little space on the right hand breast with the king's battle, and the Lord Harbert with the rearward on the left hand in like manner, the day was fair and the harness glistered and banners waved, that they of the City was sore afraid: thus stood the kings battles in array before Tournay. Then the king commanded his great ordinance to be carried in the way passing toward the city, and so every thing according to his commandment was accomplished. Then the king himself with a few persons road between his ordinance and the town, and road in great adventure so near the walls, that he might view the walls and the towers very well: they shot out of there towers pieces of ordinance and hurt such as came within their level. Then they rung the alarm Bell, which was heard well in the field. Then the citizens issued out at the gate by the river and manfully proffered to skirmish, but they with archers were soon driven back to their gates. The English carriers that came with the hacbushers to take ground, ran to the gates of Tournay▪ and took certain Wagons with beer and victual, and yet the Turnoyes durst not resist, although they were in greater number than the men of carriage. In this skirmish the horse of the Lord john Grace brother to the Marquis Dorset, which went to defend the Cariours was slain with a Gone, and he not hurt. After that the king in person had thus in jeopardy adventured himself and viewed the town, he caused immediately xxj pieces of great artillery to be brought in a plain field before the town, and when they were charged, they were immediately shot, and the most part of the stones fell within the City, and so they shot divers shots one after another. Then the King with all his battle planted his siege on the north part of the City: The Earl of Shrewesburie with his battle warded toward the southside of the river and there lay that night. The Lord Harbert with the rearward planted his battle on the West side of the City, and with great ordinance daily bet the walls and towers of the City. On the morrow being the xxiij day: the Lord Talbot earl of Shrewesburie accompanied with the noble men of his battle whose names you have heard at his first passing the sea, passed over the river of Tournay, and planted his his siege on the Southside stretching to the East end of the City, and bend his artillery against the walls of the City. Thus was the City of Tournay besieged on all parts, and ever in hope of rescue valiantly defended herself. Now must I leave the King at the siege of Tournay, and divert to things done in England in his absence, and declare how the king of Scots invaded the realm of England, and how he was defended and taught withal, and in conclusion slain the seventh day of this month of September. When the king of England was determined in his high court of Parliament to pass the sea, The Lord Thomas Hawarde was appointed in the kings absence to provide to withstand the malice of the deceitful Scots. in proper person for the recovery of his realm of France, he and his counsel forgot not the old pranks of the Scots which is ever to invade the realm when the king is out of the realm: and also he had knowledge that at Camphor in Zelande the Scots daily shipped long spears called Colleyne Clowystes, armour and artillery, which dealing made his grace and his counsel to doubt: notwithstanding that the king of Scots was sworn on the Sacrament to keep the peace, yet for voiding all doubts, the king appointed the Lord Thomas Hawarde Earl of Surrey son to the Lord john Hawarde Duke of Norfolk and high treasurer and Marshal of England, to be his Lieutenant in the North parts against the said king of Scots, if he fortuned to invade (as he did in deed) according to the old Traitorous accustom of his Progenitors, and that the said Earl should raise the powers of the country of Chesshire, Lancasshire, Northumberland, Westmoreland, & Comberland, besides other aid, to be appointed by the Queen. And when the king should take shipping at Dover he took the Earl by the hand, and said, my Lord I trust not the Scots, therefore I pray you be not negligent, then said the Earl I shall so do my duty, that your grace shall find me diligent, and to fulfil your will shall be my gladness. After the departure of the King, the Queen returned to London, and the Earl of Surrey attended upon her, and shortly sent for his Gentlemen and tenants, which were five hundred able men, which mustered before Sir Thomas Lovel knight, the xxj day of july, and the xxij day he road through London northward, and came to Dancaster, and there commanded Sir William Bulmer knight to make haste to the Marches of Scotland, and to lie in the Castles and Fortresses on the Frontiers with two hundred Archers on horseback: For the Earl by open tokens daily perceived that the Scots intended war. Then the said sir William with all speed departed and came to the Borders, and the Earl came to Pomfret, the first day of August, & there tarried. After that sir William Bulmer was come to the Borders, one day in August, the Lord chamberlain and Warden of Scotland with seven or eight thousand men with banner displayed entered into England, and brent and harried a great pray in Northumberland: that he ring, Sir William Bulmer called to him the Gentlemen of the borders with his Archers, and all they were not a thousand men. And when they were near assembled, they brought themselves into a Brome field, called Mylfield, where the Scots should pass. And as the Scots proudly returned with their prey, the Englishmen broke out, and the Scots on foot like men them defended, but the Archers shot so wholly together, that they made the Scots give place, and five or six hundred of them were slain, and four hundred and more taken Prisoners, & the pray rescued beside a great number of geldings that were taken in the country, and the Lord Hume, Lord chamberlain fled, and his banner taken. This was the first open token of war, showed by the Scots, which called this journey the ill Road. The Earl of Surrey being at Pomfrete, called to him the most part of the Gentlemen of the Counties to him appointed as is before rehearsed, declaring to them the kings high commandment, showing them, that he being there the kings Lieutenant must needs have aid and counsel: Wherefore he swore the most wisest and expert Gentlemen in such causes of the kings counsel and his for that time, for the better complishing of his charge and purpose, and for to bring every thing in due order: first they took a determination with sir Philip Tilney knight, Treasurer of the wars, how the charges should be paid, and secondarily with sir Nicholas Applyard, Master of the ordinance, for the conveyance of the kings royal ordinance, powder, and artillery to Newcastle, and so forward as the case should require, which sir Nicholas by William Blacknall Clercke of the kings spycerie, sent the said ordinance and artillery to Durham before, so that all things, concerning that office were in a readiness. The Earl forgot not to sand to all Lords Spiritual and Temporal, knights, Gentlemen, or other which had tenants, or were Rulers of Towns or liberties (able to make men) to certify what number of able men horsed and harnessed, they were able to make with in an hours warning, and to give their attendance on him, and also he laid Posts every way, which Posts stretched to the Marches of Wales to the counsel there, by reason whereof, he had knowledge what was done in every coast. The Earl was informed by the Lord Dacers, of the numbering and preparing of men in Scotland, and proclamations sounding to the breach of peace, and yet though he considered that the Road made by the Lord Chamberlain of Scotland into England, being distrussed by sir William Bulmer as is afore rehearsed, was an open breach of the perpetual peace: yet the said Lord Dacers advised the Earl for many and weighty causes, not to raise or stir the powers of the country, to him appointed, till he might perceive and openly know the subtle purpose and intent of the Scots aforesaid, jest if the Scots had perceived the Englishmen ready to fight, they would have desisted of their purpose for that time, till the Englishmen were returned to their countries, and then suddenly to rise again. Then the Earl knowing that the town of Barwick was strong enough, sent to the captain of Norham, certifying him that if he thought the Castle in any danger or debility, he would put himself in a readiness to rescue it, if it were besieged, the captain wrote to the Earl, thanking him and prayed God that the king of Scots would come with his puissance, for he would keep him play till the time that the King of England came out of France to rescue it, which answer rejoiced the Earl much. After the King of Scots had sent his defiance to the king of England, lying before Tyrwyn, as you have heard, he daily made his musters, and assembled his people over all his realm, whereof the brute was that they were two hundred. M. but for a surety they were an hundred thousand good fight men at the jest, & with all his host and power entered into England (and threw down piles) the two and twenty day of August, and planted his siege before the castle of Norham, & sore abated the walls. The Earl hard tidings thereof the five and twenty day of August. Then he wrote to all the Gentlemen of the shiers aforesaid, to be with him at Newcastle, the first day of September next with all their retinue according to the certificate. On the morrow, he with his five hundred men came to York, and the xxuj day he went toward Newcastle, and notwithstanding that he had the foulest day and night that could be, and the ways so deep, in so much that his guide was almost drowned before him, yet he never ceased, but kept on his journey to give example to them that should follow. He being at Durham was advertised how the king of Scots with his great ordinance had razed the Walls of the Castle of Norham, and had made three great assaults three days together, and the Capitayne valiantly defended him, but he spent vainly so much of his ordinance, bows and arrows, and other munitions that at the last he lacked, and so was at the sixth day compelled to yield him simply to the kings mercy. This Castle was thought impregnable, if it had been well furnished, but the Scots by the undiscrete spending of the captain, took it in six days: this chance was more sorrowful to the Earl then to the Bishop, owner of the same. All that night the wind blewe courageously, wherefore the Earl doubted lest, the Lord Hawarde his son great Admiral of England should perish that night on the sea, who promised to land at Newcastle with a thousand men, to accompany his father, which promise' he accomplished. The Earl the xxx day of August came to Newcastle: thither came the Lord Dacres, Sir William Bulmer, sir Marmaduke Constable, and many other substantial gentlemen, whom he retained with him as Counsellors, and there determined that on Sunday next ensuing, he would take the field at Bolton in Glendale, and because many Soldiers were repairing to him, he left Newcastel to the intent that they that followed should have there more room, and came to Alnewicke the third day of September, and because his Soldiers were not come, by reason of the foul way he was feign to tarry there all the fourth day being Sunday, which day came to him the Lord Admiral his son, with a company of valiant capitains and able Soldiers and Marinars, which all came from the Sea, the coming of him much rejoiced his father, for he was very wise, hardy, and of great credence and experience. Then the Earl and his Counsel with great deliberation appointed his battles in order with wings and with Riders necessary. First, of the forward was captain the Lord Haward, The order of the battle made by the Earl of Surrey in the absence of king Henry against james king of Scots. Admiral of England, with such as came from the sea, and with him Sir Nicholas Appleyarde, sir Stephen Bull, sir Henry Shereburne, sir William Sidney, sir Edward Echyngham, the Lord Clifforde, the Lord Conyers, the Lord Latimer, the Lord Scrope of Vpsaile, the Lord Egle, the Lord Lomley, sir William Bulmer with the power of the Bishopric of Durham, sir William Gascoigne, sir Christopher Warde, sir john Eueryngham, sir Thomas Metham, sir Water Griffith, and many other. Of the wing on the right hand of the forward, was captain Sir Edmond Haward knight Marshal of the host, and with him Bryan Tunstall, Ralph Brearton, john Laurence, Richard Bold esquires, and sir john Both, sir Thomas Butler knights, Richard Donne, john Bygod, Thomas Fitzwilliam, john Claruys, Bryan Stapleton, Robert Warcop, Richard Cholmeley, with the men of Hull, and the King's tenants of Hatfielde, and other. Of the wing of the left hand, was captain, sir Marmaduke Constable with his sons, and kinsmen, sir William Percy, and of Lancashire a thousand men. Of the rearward was Captain the Earl of Surrey himself, and with him the Lord Scrope of Bolton, sir Philip Tylney, sir George Darcy, sir Thomas Barkebey, sir john Rocliffe, sir Christopher Pikering, Richard Tempest, sir john Stanley with the Bishop of Elyes' servants, sir Brian Stapulton, Lionel Percy, with the Abbot of Whitbyes' tenants, Christopher Clapham, sir William Gascoine the younger, sir Guy Dawney, master Magnus, master Dalbyes' servants, sir john Normavile, the Citizens of York, sir Ninian Markanuile, sir john Willoughby with other. Of the wing on the right hand in the rearward was captain, the Lord Dacres with his power. On the left hand wing in the rearward, was sir Edward Stanley knight, with the residue of the power of the County Palantine & of Lancaster. And when all men were appointed, and knew what to do: The Earl and his Counsel concluded and determined among other things, to send Rogue Cross, pursuivant of arms with a Trumpet to the King of Scots, with certain instructions, and willed him to show the said king, that where he contrary to his oath and league, and unnaturally against all reason and conscience hath entered and invaded this his brother's Realm of England, and done great hurt to the same, in casting down Castles, Towers, and houses, brenning, spoiling and destroying the same, and cruelly murdering the king of England his brother's subjects. Wherefore he the said Earl will be ready to try the rightfulness of the matter with the king in battle by Friday next coming at the farthest, if he of his noble courage will give him tarrying, and abode: And the same the said Earl promiseth as he is true knight to God, and the king of England his master. And before Rogue Cross should departed with the said instructions, the said Lord Admiral gave him in credence to show the said king of his coming, and part of his company on the sea with him: and that he had sought the Scottish navy then being on the sea, but he could not meet with them, because they were fled into France, by the coast of Ireland. And in as much as the said King had divers and many times caused the said Lord, to be called at days of truce, to make redress for Andrew Barton, a Pirate of the Sea, long before that vanquished by the same Lord Admiral, he was now come in his own proper person to be in the vanguard of the field, to justify the death of the said Andrew, against him and all his people, and would see what could be laid to his charge the said day, and that he nor none of his company should take no Scottish noble man prisoner, nor any other, but they should die if they came in his danger, unless it were the kings own person, for he said he trusted to none other courtesy at the hands of the Scots. And in this manner he should find him in the vanguard of the field, by the grace of God, and Saint George, as he was a true knight. Yet before the departing of Rogue Cross with the said instructions and credence, it was thought by the Earl and his Counsel, that the said king would feign and imagine some other message, to sand an Herald of his with the same, only to view, and oversee the manner and order of the kings royal army, ordinance and artillery, then being with the Earl, whereby might have ensued great danger to the same, and for the eschewing thereof, A good policy. he had in commandment, that if any such message were sent, not to bring any person, coming therewith, wiihin three or two mile of the field at the highest, where the said Earl would come, and here what he would say: And thus departed Rogue Cross with his Trumpet appareled in his Coat of arms. On Monday the fift day of September, the Earl took his field at Bolton in Glendale, as he had appointed, where all the noble men and Gentlemen met him with their retinues, to the number of xxuj M. men, and about midnight next ensuing, came the Trumpet, which went to Rogue Cross, and declared how the king of Scots, after the message done to him by Rogue cross according to his instructions, the said king detained him, and sent one Ilay a Herald of his with him unto the Earl, to declare to him the said kings pleasure, to whom the Earl sent York Herald at arms, to accompany the said Ilay, at a Village called Mylo, two miles from the field, until the coming thither of the said Earl the next morrow. The sixth day of September, early in the morning, the Earl accompanied with the most part of the Lords, Knights and Gentlemen of the field, every man having with him but one man to hold his horse, and so the said Herald met with the Earl, and with blunt reverence declared to him that he was come from his master the king of Scots which would know whether the Earl sent any such message by Rogue Cross, the Earl justified the same, saying farther, that Rogue Cross had the same message of him in writing signed with his own hand, whereunto the said Ilay said. As to the abiding for battle between that and Friday, than next following, the king his master bade him show to the Earl, that he was as welcome as any noble man of England unto the same king, and that if he had been at home in his town of Edenbourgh, there receiving such a message from the said Earl, he would gladly have come and fulfilled the said Earls desire: And the Herald assured the Earl on the king his masters behalf, that the same king would abide him battle at the day prefixed, whereof the said Earl was right joyous, and much praised the honourable agreement of the said royal king, & esteemed the same to proceed of an high and nob●e courage, promising the Herald that he and good surety with him, should be bound in ten thousand pound sterling to keep the said day appointed, so that the king would found an Earl of his, and thereto a good surety with him to be bound in like sum for the performance of the same: And furthermore, the Earl bade the Herald to say to his Master, that if he for his part kept not his appointment, than he was content, that the Scots should Baffle him, Baffulling what it is. which is a great reproach among the Scots, and is used when a man is openly perjured, & then they make of him an Image painted reversed, with his heels upward, with his name, wondering, crying, and blowing out of him with horns, in the most despiteful manner they can, in token that he is worthy to be exiled the company of all good creatures. Then Ilay delivered to the Earl a little Cedule, written with the king's secretaries hand unsigned, the tenor whereof followeth. ¶ As to the causes alleged of our coming into England, again our band and promise (as is alleged) thereto we answer, our brother was bound also far to us as we to him. And when we swore last before his Ambassade, in presence of our counsel, we expressed specially in our oath, that we would keep to our brother, if our brother kept to us, and not else, we swear our brother broke first to us, & sith his break, we have required divers times him to amend, and lately we warned our brother as he did not us, or he broke, & this we take for our quarrel, and with God's grace shall defend the same at your affixed time, which with God's grace we shall abide. And for as much as the king kept still Rogue Cross with him, who was not yet returned, the same Earl caused the said Ilay to be in the keeping of Sir Humphrey lisle and York Herald, in the same village, until the time that a servant of the said Ilay might ride in all haste to the King of Scots, for the delivering of the said Rogue Cross. Then the Earl joyous of the kings answer, returned to his Camp, and set forward five mile, to a place called Woller Hawgh, in such order of battle, as even then he should have fought, and there lodged for that night, three little miles from the king of Scots, and between the king and him was a goodly and large corn field, called Mylfelde, which was a convenient and fair ground for two hosts to fight on, there every host might perceive other. The morrow being Wednesday, the vij day of that Month, the king of Scots caused his great ordinance to be shot at the English army, but it hurt neither man nor beast. When the king of Scots saw that Ilay was detained, he sent away Rogue Cross to the Earl, by whom, and other of the borderers he was advertised that the king lay upon the side of a high mountain, called Fleddon on the edge of Chevyot, where was but one narowfield for any man to ascend up the said hill to him, & at the foot of the hill lay all his ordinance. On the one side of his army was a great marish, and compassed with the hills of Chevyot, so that he lay to strong to be approached of any side: except the English men would have desperately run on his ordinance, which matter well considered by the Earl and his son, and other of the counsel there they called to them Rogue Cross, and sent him the next day to the king of Scots, willing him to show the king, that the said Earl, with divers of the king's nobles and subjects had advanced themselves to give battle to his grace, trusting that according to his promise, he would advance himself and his army to join the battle, which as yet he hath not done. Wherefore he desired the king that he might have knowledge by noon that day, whether he of his noble courage would descend the hill where he lay, and to give battle or not: and if he say that I shall not know his intent, or will, say that he will keep the ground: then show him that he perceiveth well that that place is no indifferent ground for two armies to fight, and therefore I will look for no more of his delays. The same day being our Lady day the Nativity, Rogue Cross departed to the king of Scots, which would not hear him speak, but sent one of his servitors to hear his message. Which servitor after he had disclosed the same to the king, made answer, that it beseemed not an Earl, after that manner to handle a king, and that he would use no sorcery, nor had no trust of any ground. You have heard before how Ilay the Scottish Herald was returned for Rogue Cross, and assoon as Rogue Cross was returned, he was discharged, but he tarried with York an English Herald making good cheer, and was not returned that morning that Rogue Cross came on his message, wherefore Rogue Cross and his Trumpet were detained by the servant of Ilay, which the day before went for Rogue Cross, assuring them that if Ilay came not home before noon, that he was not living, and then they should have their heads stricken off, than Rogue Cross offered that his servant should go for Ilay, but it would not be accepted, but as hap was Ilay came home before noon, and showed of his gentle entertainment, and then Rogue Cross was delivered, and came to the English army, and made report as you have heard. Then the English men removed their field on the water of Till, and so forth over many hills and straights, marching toward the Scots on another side, and in their sight the Scots burned certain poor Villages on the other side of the marsh. The English men always leaving the Scottish army on the left hand, took their field under a wood side, called Barmer wood, two mile from the Scots, and between the two armies was the river of Till, and there was a little hill that saved the English men from the gunshot, on which hill the Lord Admiral perfitly saw and discovered them all. In the evening of the same day it was concluded between the Earl and his counsel, and most part of the army thereto agreed, that the Vanguard with the ordinance should pass over again to the water of Till, at a bridge called Twysell bridge the ix day of September, and the rearward to pass over at Mylford, putting themselves as nigh as they could between the Scots and Scotland, and so to give battle to the Scots on the hill, called Floddon hill. Friday the said ninth day, the Lord Admiral, Floddon field. like a valiant knight passed over Twysell bridge with the vanguard, marching toward his enemies, like diligence was made by the Earl for passing over at Mylford with the rearward, saying to his Captains, new good fellows, do like English men this day, take my part like men, which part is the king's part, and I wist you would not, I will in my own person fight with the king of Scots, rather to die honourably by his cruelty, then to live in shame, or that any reproach should be laid to me hereafter. To whom they answered, that they would serve the king and him truly that day. The English army that day had no victual and were fasting, and two days afore they had only drunk water, and could scarce get any other sustenance for money, and yet they kept array on horseback from five of the clock in the morning, till four of the clock at after noon, and were always in the sight of the Scots. The king of Scots perceiving the Englishmen, marching toward Scotland, thought that they would have entered into Scotland, and burn and foray the plentiful country called the March, for so was he made believe by an Englishman named Gyles Musgrave which was familiar with the king of Scots, and did it for a policy to 'cause him to come down from the hill: Wherefore the said king caused his Tents to be removed to an other hill in great haste lest the Englishmen should have taken the same hill: And at their departing they set tire on their litter & other filthy ordure according to their custom, and of the fire and smolther did rise such a smoke so thick and so dark, that the one host could not perceive the other, for the wind did drive the smoke between the two armies, the Scots ever keeping the height of the hill on the edge of the Cheuiot, and the Englishmen passed forward still in the low ground, and ever in the covert of the smoke, insomuch that both the hosts were very near together, within the space of a quarter of a mile, before one of them could perceive another for the smoke. Then, when the Englishmen had passed a little brook, called Sandyfforde, which is but a man's step over, and that the smoke was passed, and the air fair and clear, each army might plainly see one another at hand. Then the Lord admiral perceived four great battles of the Scots all on foot with long spears like moorish pikes: which Scots furnished them warlike, and bend them to the forward, which was conducted by the Lord admiral, which perceiving that, sent to his father the Earl of Surrey his Agnus dei that hung at his breast that in all hast he would join battle, even with the brunt or breast of the vanguard: for the forward alone was not able to encounter the whole battle of the Scots, the Earl perceiving well the saying of his son, and seeing the Scots ready to descend the hill advanced himself and his people forward, and brought them equal in ground with the forward on the left hand, even at the brunt or breast of the same at the foot of the hill called Bramston, the English army stretched East and West, and their backs North, and the Scots in the South before them on the foresaid hill called Bramstone. Then out braced the ordinance on both sides with fire, flame, and hideous noise, and the master Gonner of the English part slew the master Gonner of Scotland, and beat all his men from their ordinance, so that the Scotishe ordinance did no harm to the Englishmen, but the Englishmen'S artillery shot into the midst of the king's battle and slew many persons, which seeing, the king of Scots and his noble men, made the more haste to come to joining, & so all the four battles in manner descended the hill at once. And after that the shot was done, which they defended with Pavishes, they came to handstrokes, and were encountered severally as you shall here. First on the English side next the West, was sir Edmond Haward knight Marshal of the host chief Captain of a wing of the right hand of our vanguard, and was encountered with the Chamberlain of Scotland with his battle of spears on foot, to the number of ten M. at the lest, which fought valyant●y, so that they by force caused the little wing to fly, and the same Sir Edmond three times felled to the ground, and left alone, saving his standard bearer, & two of his servants, to whom came john Heron bastard sore hurt, saying there was never noble man's son so like to be lost as you be this day, for all my hurts I shall here live and die with you, and there the said Sir Edmond Haward was in a great danger and jeopardy of his life, & hardly escaped, and yet as he was going to the body of the Vanguard he met with Davie Hume, and slew him his own hand, and so came to the Vanguard. Secondly, Eastward from the said battle was the Lord admiral with the vanguard, with whom encountered the Earls of Crafforde and Mountroos, accompanied with many Lords and knights and Gentlemen all with spears on foot, but the Lord admiral and his company acquitted themselves so well, and that with pure fight, that they brought to ground a great number, and both the Earls slain. Thirdly, Eastward from the Lord admiral was the Earl of Surrey, Capitayne general, to whose standard the king of Scots in his own person marched, being accompanied with many Bishops, Earls, Barons, knights and Gentlemen of the realm, with a great number of Commons, all chosen men with spears on foot, which were the most assuredly harnessed that hath been seen, and that the tallest and goodliest personages withal, and he abode the most dangerous shot of arrows, which sore them noyed, and yet except it hit them in some bore place it did them no hurt. After the shot ended, the battle was cruel, none spared other, & the king himself fought valiantly. O what a noble and triumphant courage was this for a king to fight in a battle as a mean soldier: but what availed his strong harness, the puissance of his mighty Champions with whom he descended the hill, in whom he so much trusted that with his strong people and great number of men, he was able as he thought to have vanquished that day the greatest Prince of the world, if he had been there as the Earl of Surrey was, or else he thought to do such an high enterprise himself in his person, that he should surmount the enterprises of all other Princes: but howsoever it happened God gave the stroke, and he was no more regarded than a poor Soldier, for all went one way. So that of his own battle none escaped, The king of of Scots slain, and all his Nobles taken or slain. but Sir William Scot knight his chancellor, and sir john Forman knight, his Sergeant Porter, which were taken prisoners, and with great difficulty saved. This may be a great mirror to all Princes, how that they adventure themselves to such a battle. Fourthly, Eastward was sir Edward Stanley knight, Capitayne of the left wing with the said Earl, which claim up to the top of the hill called Bramston, or the Scots wist, and with him encountered the Earls of Huntley, Lennoux and Arguile, with a great number of Scots, which were sore fought withal, which perceiving the Earl of Huntly took a horse and saved himself, if he had tarried he had been likely to have gone with his company: such as fled, the said Sir Edward and his people followed them over the same ground, where the Earls battle first joined, & found there the Scots, which were by the Earls battle slain before, and suddenly left the chase and fell a spoiling, and spoiled the king of Scots, and many that were slain in his battle, but they knew him not, and found a cross and certain things of his, by reason whereof some said that he was slain by that wing, which could not be true, for the prisoners of Scotland testified that the kings battle fought only with the Earls battles, but for a truth this wing did very valiantly: wherefore it was thought that the said sir Edward might that day not have been miss. All these four battles in manner fought at one time, and were determined in effect, little in distance of the beginning and ending of any of them one before the other, saving that sir Edward Stanley, which was the last that fought, for he came up to the top of the hill, and there fought with the Scots valiantly, and chased them down the hill over that place, where the king's battle joined. Beside these four battles of the Scots were two other battles, which never came to hand strokes. The victory at Flodden field against the Scots. Thus through the power of God on Fridaye, being the ix day of September, in the year of our Lord .1513. was james the fourth king of Scots slain at Bramstone (chiefly by the power of the Earl of Surrey, lieutenant for king Henry the eight, King of England, which then lay at the siege before Tournay) and with the said king were slain. The Archbishop of saint andrew's, the king's Bastard son. The Bishop of the Iles. The Abbot of Inchaffrey. The Abbot of Kylwenny. ¶ Erles. The Earl Mountroos. The Earl of Crafford. The Earl of Arguyle. The Earl of Lennoux. The Earl of Glencarre. The Earl of Catues. The Earl of Castles. The Earl of Bothwell. The Earl Arrell Constable of Scotland. The Earl Addill. The Earl Athel. The Earl Morton. ¶ Lords. The Lord Lovet. The Lord Forbos. The Lord Elueston. The Lord Roos. The Lord Inderby. The Lord Sentclere. The Lord Maxwell, and his four brethren. The Lord Daulney. The Lord Seympyll. The Lord Borthick. The Lord Bogony. The Lord Arskyll. The Lord Blakkater. The Lord Cowyn. ¶ Knights and gentlemen. Sir john Douglas. Cuthbert Home Lord of Fastcastell. Sir Alexander Seton. Sir Davy Home. Master john Grant. Sir Dunkyn Caufelde. Sir Saunder louder. Sir George louder. Master Martial. Master Key. Master Ellot. Master Cawell Clark of the Chancery. The Dean of Ellester. Mack, Kene. Mack, clean, and many other Gentlemen, which be unknown, because no officer of arms of Scotland would come to make search for them: and if the day had been longer by three hours, (for it was four of the clock at after noon or the battles joined) or that the English men had had victuals so that they might have bidden still together, they had not alonely made the greatest distress of Scots by death and taking, that the like hath not been seen in one day: but also within a little while might have put the realm of Scotland in such a misery & trouble, that for ever they should have been ware how to enter the realm of England, and specially the king being absent: for the English men wanted no good will, for of the Scots they five twelve thousand at the lest of the best gentlemen and flower of Scotland, and of the English side were slain and taken not fifteen hundred men, as it appeared by the book of wages when the soldiers were paid. Thus the Earl of Surrey accomplished his promise at his day prefixed with the king of Scots, to his great fame and honour. After that the field was fought and the Scots fled, many English men followed them into Scotland, & were so far that they witted not which way to return, and so were taken prisoners of the Scots that were in the two battles that fled first and never fought. Also divers were taken by the Lord chamberlain of Scotland, which fought with the wing of sir Edmond Haward, and were carried with him to the number of three score. Of the Scots that fled, some passed over the water of tweed at Caudestreme ford, and other by the dry marches, during the time of the fight, and the night after, many men lost their horses, and such stuff as they left in their tents and pavilions by the robbers of Tyndale and Tyvidale. The Lord Dacre with his company stood still all day unfoughten withal. When the field was done and the scout watch brought word that there was no more appearance of the Scots, but all were returned. The Earl thanked God with humble heart, and called to him certain Lords and other Gentlemen and them made knights, as sir Edmond Haward his son, and the Lord Scrope, sir William Percy and many other. Then the Earl and the Lord Admiral departed to Barmer wood, and appointed sir philip Tylney knight with the company of the Lord Admiral and the company of the Lord Scrope of Bolton, the Lord Latimer, old sir Marmaduke Constable, sir William Percy, Sir Nycholas Applyard, and their companies, and a few other to keep the place where the field was, for saving of the English ordinance, and the ordinance that was taken from the Scots, which was five great Curtalles, two great culverins, four Sacres, and six Serpentynes, as fair ordinance as hath been seen, beside other small pieces. Well known it was by them that fought, and also reported by the prisoners of Scotland, that their king was taken or slain, but his body was not found till the next day, because all the mean people as well Scots as English were stripped out of their apparel as they lay on the field, yet at the last he was found by the Lord Dacres, who knew him well by his privy tokens, in that same place where the battle of the Earl of Surrey and his first joined together. This king had divers deadly wounds, and in especial one with an arrow, and another with a Bill as appeared when he was naked. After that the body of the king of Scots was found and brought to Berwick, the Earl showed it to sir William Scot his chancellor, and sir john Forman his Sergeant Porter, which knew him at the first sight, and made great lamentation. Then was the body bowelled, embawmed and sere, and secretly amongst other stuff conveyed to Newcastle. But the same day the Lord Admiral came to the field, and there some Scots appeared on an hill: but William Blackenall which was the chief doer and ruler of all the ordinance shot such a peal, that the Scots fled, or else the Lord admiral had been in great jeopardy: and then all the ordinance was brought in safety to the Castle of Cytell, and there remained for a time. After this noble victory the Earl wrote first to the Queen (which had raised a great power to resist the said king of Scots) of the winning of the battle, for then the body of the king of Scots was not found, and she yet being at the town of Buckyngham, had word the next day after that the king of Scots was slain, and a part of his coat armour to her sent, for which victory she thanked God, and so the Earl after that the North part was set in a quietness, returned to the Queen with the dead body of the Scottish king, and brought it to Richemond. Now let us return to the King of England lying before Tournay which the xxv day of September received the Gauntelet and letters of the Earl of Surrey, and knew all the dealing of both parties. Then he thanked God and highly praised the Earl and the Lord Admiral and his son, and all the Gentlemen and commons that were at that valiant enterprise: Howbeit, the king had a secret letter that the Chesshire men fled from sir Edmond Haward, which letter caused great heart burning and many words, but the king thankfully accepted all thing, and would no man to be dispraised. So on the Mundaye at night the six and twenty day of September, the Lord Harbert and the Earl of Shrewesburie made great fires in their armies in token of victory & triumph: and on Tuesday the xxvij day, the Tent of cloth of Gold was set up, and the king's Chapel sang mass, & after that Te Deum, and then the Bishop of Rochester made a sermon and showed the death of the king of Scots and much lamented the ill death and perjury of him. The king of England lying thus before Tournay, caused his great ordinance to be planted round about the City, and divers trenches were cast and rampires made, and the Lord lisle, and the Lord Wyloughby were appointed to maintain the ordinance, with their bends, and the Earl of Kent was lodged before the Gate called port Valencien, so that the Citizens could not issue out, nor no aid could come in. The ordinance daily bet the gates, towers, and Walls, which made a great battery: and a few Englishmen assaulted the port coquerell, but they were to few in number, and if they had been more in number, they had taken the town as the Tournasyns confessed after. The Citizens of Tournay considering their estate, came together to counsel, and there the Provost said, friends and brethren of this noble City, I can not to much praise your truth and fidelity to your sovereign Lord the King of France, considering how manfully you have defended this City sith the beginning of this siege, but alas, although it be written on the Gates graven in stone, jammes ton ne a perdeu ton pucellage, that is to say, thou hast never lost thy maydenhed: yet if this City had not been well furnished, and ever at the day appointed sure of rescue, it could not have continued: now you see that rescue faileth, our Gates be razed, our Towers beaten down, our chief Tower like to fall, so that if this perilous siege continued, or else if our enemies assault us, we be not able to defend us: wherefore now, all these things considered, I would know whether you will treat with the king of England or abide the chance. Then they which at the last counsel cried war, war, now cried peace peace, yet all were not agreed: Then one wise man said, sirs if the town be assaulted once again with a great number, surely it will be taken: you saw the experience at the last assault, and then consider if it be taken by force who is there that can say he is sure of his life: but by entreaty, the king of England is so merciful, that he may fortune to save both life and goods. Then finally all agreed to treat. Then the Provost sent to the king a Trumpet, desiring safeconduct for him, and certain other to come & to speak with him, which request was to him granted. Then the Provost of the City accompanied with a xj with him of the best of the City, came to the army and spoke with the lords of the counsel, and after they were brought to the king's presence, the Provost kneeled down and all his company, and said: Right high and mighty Prince, although the City of Tournay is strong, well walled, well replenished with people, victuals, artillery, yea and the people in fear and dread of nothing, yet we know that against your great puissance it can not continued long, although it were ten times as strong as it is, wherefore we knowing by report your honour, your wisdom, your justice, and noble heart, are content to become your subjects and vassals, so that we may have and enjoy our old laws, customs, liberties, and franchises, under you as we have before this done under other Princes. Then the king answered, we have well heard your petition, we will common with our Counsel, and make you answer: and when he had commoned with his counsel, he answered saying: Sirs, he that asketh mercy of us shall not be denied, seeing you come to treat, we remit you to our Counsel. Then they went into the Tent of counsel, and there the Tournasyns fell at a point, and in conclusion, The City of Tou nay yielded to the King. they yielded the City, and ten thousand pound sterling for the redemption of their liberties, and so departed to the City, making relation of the king and his noble courage. On Thursday the xxix day of September, the king was in his rich Tent of cloth of Gold under his cloth of estate, to whom came the Citizens of the City, & were sworn to him & became his subjects. Then the king appointed the Lord Lisle, the Lord Burgayny, the Lord Willoughby to take possession, which with six thousand men entered the City, and took the Market place and the walls, and searched the houses for fear of treason: and then master Thomas Wo●sey the kings Almoner called before him all the Citizens young and old, & swore them to the king of England, the number whereof was four score M. Thus the king of England by conquest came to the possession of the City of Tournay: On Sunday the second day of October, the king entered the City of Tournay at port Fountain, and four of the chief of the City over him bore a Canopy with all the arms of England, every person was in his best apparel, the Ladies and Gentlewomen lay in the windows beholding the king and his nobility, every Citizen had in his hand a staff Torch, the king himself was richly appareled in rich armure on a barded courser: thus the king with his nobility all richly appareled with his sword borne before him, his Heralds and sergeants of arms with Trumpets and Minstrelsy entered the City, and came to our Lady Church, and there Te deum was song. Then the king called to his presence, Edward Guildford, William Fitzwilliam, john Dauncy, William Tiler, john Sharpe, William Huse, john Savage, Christopher Garnish, and divers other valiant esquires, & gave to them the order of Knighthood, and then went to his lodging, & at after noon he came to the Market place, where was prepared for him a place: then he caused a Proclamation to be made in his name, king of England & of France, that no man should grieve the Citizens, during which Proclamation the Turnasins scarce looked up, nor showed once to him any amiable countenance which was much marked: the cry finished, the king departed to his camp leaving the city in safe keeping. This week the king road to see the Castle of Morton, and there his grace took great pleasure. The king remembering the great cheer that the prince of Castle, and the Lady Margaret had made him at Lisle, which was but xii. mile English from Tournay, desired the said Prince and Lady with divers other to come to him to his City of Tournay, and made preparation for the same, and appointed a jousts whereof he himself would be one, and caused a Tilt to be made in the Market place. While these things were preparing, the king and his Counsel ordered for the sure keeping of the City of Tournay, and there ordained sir Edward Pownyngs knight of the order of the Garter, to be his Lieutenant with four hundred archers, with Captains, horsemen, and artillery convenient, and to have aid of Henawde and other the kings friends adjoining, and of his guard he left there four hundred Archers, and ordinance was appointed for the defence of the same. Monday the xj day of October, the king without the town received the Prince of Castle, The Lady Margaret received and welcomed by king Henry the eight into Tournay. the Lady Margaret and divers other Nobles of their Countries, and them brought into Tournay with great triumph. The noise went that the Lord Lisle made request of marriage to the Lady Margaret Duchess of Savoy, & daughter to the Emperor Maximilian, which before that time was departed from the king with many rich gifts & money borrowed, but whether they proffered marriage or not, she favoured him highly: there the Prince and Duchess sojourned with great solace by the space of ten days. During which time, A jousts. the xviij day of October, began the jousts, the king and the Lord Lisle answered all comers. The twenty day of October, the Prince of Castle and the Lady Margaret with many great gifts to them given returned to Lyle with all their train, After that the king was informed that all directions were taken and put in order for the sure keeping of the City of Tournay, he took the same to sir Edward Pownyngs knight which valiantly kept it in good order and justice. The king and his counsel before this had considered that the Frenchmen would give them no battle, and that winter approached, which was no time to lie at siege at other towns, concluded to keep Tournay safely, and to break up his camp for that Winter, and to begin again war in the spring of the year: this was a full conclusion taken by the king and his counsel, The king returneth into England. and so the king and all his people (except such as were appointed to be with sir Edward Pownyngs) departed out of Tournay the twenty day of September: and the king and the noble men made such speed, that shortly they came to Calais, and thither came the Lord Admiral, whom the king heartily thanked of his pains, and there every man was paid of his wages and conduit money, and ships prepared for the passage, and so the xxiiij day of September the king with a privy company took ship, and the same day landed at Dover, and shortly after all his people followed, than he with a small company road to Richemonde in post to the Queen, where was such a loving meeting that every creature rejoiced. A great death or mortality in England. This season began a great mortality in London and other places, where much people died: All this Winter the kings navy kept the seas, and rob and spoiled the frenchmen on their coasts. When the king was thus returned he forgot not the good service that many a Gentleman did at the battle of Bramston, wherefore he wrote to them his loving letters, with such thanks and favourable words, that every man thought himself well rewarded. And on the day of the Purification of our Lady at Lambeth, the King created the Earl of Surrey Duke of Norfolk, with an augmentation of the arms of Scotland, and sir Charles Brandon Vicont Lisle, he created Duke of Suffolk, and the Lord Haward high Admiral he created Earl of Surrey, & sir Charles Somerset Lord Harbert, his chief chamberlain, he created Earl of Worcester: and after that at another day he made sir Edward Stanley for his good service, Lord Montaygle, The description of Thomas Wolsey, which afterward was made Cardinal. and in March following was master Thomas Wolsey the kings Almoner consecrated Bishop of Lyncolne, which thereto was named on New Year's day before: this man was borne at Ipswich, and was a good Philosopher, very eloquent and full of wit, but in pride, covetousness, and ambition, he excelled all other as you shall here hereafter. In the time of king Henry the seventh, father to king Henry the eight, It was concluded between the said king, and king Philip of Castle, son to Maximilian the Emperor, and king of Castle and his wife, that Charles his eldest son should marry the Lady Mary daughter to the king of England with a dowry to her appointed, at which time they were both young: Now at the kings return from Tournay, he made preparation to send the said Lady his sister to the Prince of Castille. But the Counsel of Flaunders answered, that concerning herself they would gladly receive to be espoused to their Prince, for she was then one of the fairest Ladies of the world: but as concerning the articles of her dower, they could not fulfil without the assent of the king of Arragon and the realm of Castle (which as was said, minded to have him married in Spain.) The king like a loving brother would not sand his sister wildly without a dower assured, took the first agreement between the king her father, and king Philip his father to be of none effect, sith the spaniards would not confirm the same, and the cause was, by reason that king Philip was not naturally borne to be their king, but was king in the right of his wife, and so they were not bound to his agreements made without their consent. So thus the king of England retained still his sister and all the preparation that he had done for her conveyance, which was very costly. This season the Lady Margaret Queen of Scots late wife to King james the fourth slain at Bramstone, and sister to the king, wrote to the king to have compassion of her and his two Nephews her sons, for she was in fear lest he would have invaded her realm. The king moved with brotherly compassion, sent her word that if the Scots kept peace he would keep peace, if they would have war he would likewise have war, & so with that answer the messenger departed. In the spring time of the year the king wrote his letters to all the noble men and Gentlemen saying that he would shortly pass again into France in his own person, wherefore every man prepared himself meet for that journey: the flemings hearing thereof, made purveyance for wagons, victual, and other things which turned them to great loss for that voyage broke of as you shall here. All this season Sir Richard Whethill and sir john Tremayle kept so the English Pale that the Frenchmen durst not meddle, and yet they spoiled to base Bollen. Closures made of the common fields about London. Before this time the towns about London as Islington, Hoxston, Shordyche and other, had so enclosed the common fields with hedges and ditches, that neither the young men of the City might shoot, nor the ancient persons might walk for their pleasure in the fields, except either their bows and arrows were broken or taken a way, or the honest and substantial persons arrested or indicted, saying that no Londoner should go out of the City but in the high ways. This saying sore grieved the Londoners and suddenly this year a great number of the City assembled themselves in a morning, and a Turnar in a fools coat came crying through the City, shovels and spades, and so many people followed that it was wonder, and within short space all the hedges about the towns were cast down, The Closures suddenly overthrown and the ditches filled, and every thing made plain, the workmen were so diligent. The kings counsel hearing of this assembly came to the Grey Friars, and sent for the Mayor and the counsel of the City to know the cause, which declared to them the nuisance done to the Citizens, and their commodities and liberties taken from them, & though they would not, yet the commonalty and young persons which were damnified by the nuisance would pluck up and remedy the same. And when the kings counsel had heard the answer, they dissimuled the matter, and commanded the Mayor to see that no other thing were attempted, and to call home the Citizens, which when they had done their enterprise, came home before the king's counsel & the Mayor departed without any more harm doing, and so after the fields were never hedged. The king at this season sent again into Flaunders for the performance of the marriage of the young Prince of Castle and the fair Lady Marry his sister, and showed how he had prepared all things necessary and convenient for such an high estate. The counsel of Flaunders answered that they would not receive her that year, with many subtle arguments, by reason whereof the perfit love between England and the low countries was much slaked. The Cap of maintenance. The nintene day of May was received into London a Cap of maintenance and a sword sent from Pope july, with a great company of nobles and Gentlemen, which was presented to the king on the Sunday than next ensuing with great solemnity in the Cathedral Church of saint Paul About this time, the wars yet continuing between England and France, Prior john (of whom you have heard before in the fourth year) great captain of the French navy, with his Galeis and Foystes charged with great Basilyskes and other great Artyllerye came on the borders of Sussex and came a land in the night at a poor village in Sussex called Bright Helmstone, and or the watch could him ascry he set fire on the town and took such poor goods as he found: then the watch fired the beacons and people began to gather, which seeing, Prior john swooned his Trumpet to call his men aboard, and by that time it was day: then six Archers which kept the watch followed Prior john to the sea, and shot so fast, that they beat the Galimen from the shore, and prior john himself waded to his Foist, and the Englishmen went into the water after, but they were put back with pikes or e●se they had entered the Foist, but they shot so fast, that they wounded many in the Foist and Prior john was shot in the face with an Arrow, and was likely to have died, and therefore he offered his image of wax before our Lady at Bolleyn with the English arrow in the face for a miracle. When the Lord admiral of England had heard these news he was not content and sent sir john Wallop to the sea incontinent with divers English ships, Sir john Wallop a valiant captain. which sailed to the coast of Normandy and there landed and brent xxj villages and towns with great slaughter of people, and brent ships and boats in the havens of Traport, Stapils & in every place. This sir john Wallop quit himself so, that men marveled of his enterprises, considering he had at the most but eight hundred men and took land there so often. In the month of june the Lord Powntremy that was captain of Tyrwyn with banner displayed and great ordinance, with a great army came into Pycardy near to Arde. Sir Nicholas Vaux captain of Guysnes considering that the frenchmen had such ordinance thought that they would have besieged Guysnes, and wrote thereof to the king which incontinent provided a great army for the rescue. And when every thing was ready and the army forward, the Lord Pountremie raised his camp and departed without any more doing, but for all that the king sent over Sir Thomas Lovel knight with six hundred men to Calais for the more strength of that Town and other towns and Castles being within the English Pale and the Marches there. The French king this year appointed to Richard de la Pole traitor of England & banished the realm twelve M. Lanceknights to keep Normandy, Richard de la Poole, Traitor to England. and also to enter into England & to conquer the same, where they made such a riot that many of them were slain and he was fain to carry them to Saint Malos in Britain to take ship: for the French men would fain have been rid of them they cared not how, their conditions were so vile and shameful, but by the reason that the French king suyde for the peace this journey took none effect. The French King by an Herald wrote to the king of England, that he marveled greatly why he made him so sore war, and brent and took his towns, slew and rob his people without any cause given on his part, wherefore he required the king to grant safecondite to his Ambassadors, which should entreat the cause: whereupon in june the French king sent a commission with the Precedent of Rouen and certain other Nobles of France to entreat peace and alliance between both the Princes: and farther because they knew that the marriage was broken between the Prince of Castle and the Lady Mary (as you have heard) they desired the said Lady to be espoused to the French king, affirming a great dower of sureties for the same, with great treasures: so much was offered that the king moved by his counsel, and especially by the Bishop of Lincoln Wolsey, consented upon condition that if the said French king Joys died, than she should if it pleased her, return into England again with all her dower and riches: after such entreaty, the Indentures were sealed and the peace proclaimed the seventh day of August, and the king in presence of the French Ambassadors sworn to keep the same, and likewise there was sent an Ambassade out of England to see the French king swear the same. The Duchmen hearing these news were sorry, and repented them that they received not the Lady, and spoke shamefully of this marriage, that a feeble old and pocky man should marry so fair a Lady, but the voice of people let not Princes purposes. By the conclusion of this peace was the Duke of Longuyle and other prisoners delivered, The Lady Marie sister to king Henr● the eight affied to the French king paying their ransom, and the said Duke affied the Lady Mary in the name of king Lewis his Master. This Duke was highly entertained in England of many noble men and had great cheer, but when they came into France with the Queen he would scarce know them. Then when all things were ready for the conveyance of this noble Lady, the king her brother in the month of September with the Queen his wife and his said sister and all the court came to Dover and there tarried, for the wind was troublous, and the weather fowl, in so much that a ship of the kings called the Libeck of ix hundred Ton was driven a shore before Sandgate and there braced, and of six hundred men scantly escaped three hundred, and yet the most part of them were hurt with the wreck. When the weather was fair than all her wardrobe, stable, and riches was shipped, and such as were appointed to give their attendance on her, as the Duke of Norfolk, the Marquis Dorset, the Bishop of Durham, the Earl of Surrey, the Lord Delawar, the Lord Barnes, the Lord Montaigle, the Marquis four brethren, sir Morice Barkeley, sir john Peche, sir William Sands, sir Thomas Bulleyn, sir john Car & many other knights, Squires gentlemen and Ladies, all these went to ship, and the said Lady took her leave of the Queen in the castle of Dover, and the king brought her to the sea side and kissed her and betook her to God, and the fortune of the sea, and to the governance of the French king her husband. Thus the second day of October at the hour of four of the clock in the morning this fair Lady took her ship with all her noble company: and when they had sailed a quarter of the sea, the wind rose and severed some of the ships to Calais, and some into Flaunders, and her ship with great difficulty was brought to Bulleyn, and with great jeopardy at the entering of the haven for the master ran the ship hard on shore, but the boats were ready and received this noble Lady, and at the landing Sir Christopher garnish stood in the water, and took her in his arms, and so carried her to land, where the Duke of Vandosme and a Cardinal with many estates received her, and her Ladies, and welcomed all the noble men into that Country, and so the Queen and all her train came to Bulleyn, and there rested, and from thence she removed by divers lodgings till she came almost within three Mile of Abuyle beside the Forest of Arders, and there King Loys upon a great courser met with her, and she would have alighted but he would not suffer her, and welcomed her into his Country, and when he had seen her beauty (which he so long desired) and talked with her a little space, than he returned to Abuile by a secret way, and she was with great triumph, procession, and Pagiantes received into the town of Abuyle the eight day of October by the dolphin, which received her with great honour, she was appareled in cloth of silver, her horse was trapped in goldsmiths work very richly. After her followed xxxuj Ladies, all their Palfreys trapped with crimson Velvet, embrawdered: after them followed one Chariot of cloth of Tissue, the second cloth of gold, and the third crymosyn Velvet embrawdered with the king's arms and hers full of Roses. After them followed a great number of Archers, and then Wagons laden with their stuff. Great was the riches in plate, jewels, money, apparel, and hangyngs that this Lady brought into France. The Monday next following, the same king Lewis married the Lady Mary in the great Church of Abuyle, both apparelled in goldsmiths work. After the mass was done, there was a great banquet and feast, and the Ladies of England highly entertained. The Tuesday being the tenth day of October all the English men except a few that were officers with the said Queen were discharged, which was a great sorrow for them, for some had served her long in hope of preferment, and some that had honest rooms, left them to serve her, and now they were without service, which caused them to take thought, in so much some died by the way returning, and some fell mad, but there was no remedy. After the English Lords had done their commission the French king wylled them to take no longer pain, and so gave to them good rewards, and they took their leave of the Queen and returned. Then the dolphin of France called Lord Frauncys Duke of Valois, The dolphin of F●aunce caused a solemn jousts to be proclaimed. and by his wife Duke of Britain, for the more honour of the marriage, before the English men departed from Abuyle, caused a solemn jousts to be proclaimed which should be kept at Paris, in the month of November next ensuing, and that he with his ix aids should answer all comers, being Gentlemen of name and of arms, first to run five courses at the Tilt with pieces of advantage, and also five courses at Random with sharp spears, and twelve strokes with sharp sword, and that done, he and his aids to fight at the barriers with all gentlemen of name and of arms. First six foins with hand spears, and after that eight strokes to the most advantage if the spear so long held, and after that twelve strokes with the sword, & if any man be unhorsed or be felled with fight on foot, than his horse & armure to be rendered to the officers of arms, and every man of this challenge must set up his arms and name upon an arch triumphant, which sha●l be made at the place where the jousts shall be, and farther shall writ to what point he will answer to one or to all. When this proclamation was reported in England by the noble men that returned from the marriage: the Duke of Suffolk, the Marquis Dorset and his four brethren, the Lord Clinton, sir Edward Nevell, sir Gyles Capell, Thomas Cheney and other sued to the king to be at the challenge, which request, he graciously granted. Then the Lords and knights prepared all thing necessary for their enterprise, and shipped their horses and harness, and did so much by journey, that they came to Paris, at the end of the month of October, which were heartily welcomed of the king and the dolphin: but most of all, of the French Queen, which then lay at saint Denyce, and was not yet crowned nor entered into Paris. The dolphin desired the Duke of Suffolk and the Lord Marques Dorset, whose activity he knew well by report, to be two of his immediate aids, which thereto assented. Therefore was erected an Arch of wideness at the Tournels beside the street on saint Anthony, directly before the Bastell, on the which were set four Targets or scutcheons, the one silver and he that set his name under that shield, to run at the Tilt according to the articles: he that put his name under the golden Target, should run with the sharp spears and fight with sharp sword: they that put their names to the black shield, should fight a foot with spears and sword for the one hand. And he that touched the tawny shield should cast a spear on foot with a Target on his arm, and after to fight with a two hand sword: on this arch about stood the arms of the king and the Queen, and beneath them stood the arms of the dolphin and his aids, and underneath stood the four scochions that you have heard of, and under them all the arms and names of such as set their names to any of the said four scochions. While all these things were preparing, the Lady Mary of England the fift day of November then being sunday, was with great solemnity crowned Queen of France in the monastery of saint Denice, and the dolphin all the season held the crown over her head, because it was of great weight to her grievance, at which coronation were the Lords of England, and according to their degrees well entertained. The manner of the receiving of the Queen into Paris, and of her coronation. Monday the sixth day of November, the said Queen was received into the City of Paris after the order that followeth. First the Guard of the City met with her without saint Denice, all in coats of goldsmiths work with ships guilt, and after them met her all the priests and religious, which were esteemed to be three thousand. The Queen was in a Chair covered about (but not over her person) in white cloth of Gold, the horses that drew it covered with cloth of Gold, on her head a coronal all of great Pearls, her neck and breast full of jewels, before her went a Guard of Almains after their fashion, and after them all noble men, as the dolphin, the Duke of Alencon, the Duke of Bourbon, the Duke of Vandosme, the Duke of Longevyle, and the Duke of Suffolk, the Marquis Dorset, five Cardinals and a great number of estates, & about her person road the king's guard which were Scots. Thus was this Queen received into Paris and so conveyed into the Cathedral Church and there offered, & from thence to the Palace, and from thence she went to her lodging for that night, for whom was provided a great supper, and the Heralds cried a largesse, and had to them given a ship of silver and guilt, and other Plate to the value of two hundred mark, and after supper began dancing and pastime. On the morrow began the jousts, and the dolphin with his aids entered the field, their apparel and bards were cloth of gold, cloth of silver and crymsyn Velvet cantled together all in one suit, they showed themselves before the king and Queen who were in a goodly stage, and the Queen stood so that all men might see her and wondered at her beauty, and the king was feeble and lay on a couch for weakness. Then entered the counter part by a rail for cumbering the place. These jousts continued three days, in the which were answered three hundred and five men of arms, and every man ran fi●e courses, and with sharp spears, divers were slain, and not spoken off: the English Lords and knights did as well as the best of any the other. At the Random and Tournay the Duke of Suffolk hurt a Gentleman that he was like to die, the marquis stroke Mounsire Grew an Albanoy with his spear and piersed his head piece and put him in jeopardy: the Duke of Suffolk in the tornay overthrew a man of arms horse and man, and so did the Lord Marques another, and yet the Frenchmen would in no wise praise them. At this tornay the dolphin was hurt in the hand, so that he could not perform his challenge at the barriers, and put one of his aid in his room, the next day after began the fight at the barriers, and because the dolphin was not present, the Duke of Suffolk and the Lord Marques Dorset that day began the field, and took the barriers with spears in hand abiding all comers. The dolphin brought a man secretly, which in all the Court of France was the tallest and the strongest man, and he was an Almaigne, & put him in the place of an other person, to have had the Duke of Suffolk rebuked. The same great Almaigne came to the bars fiercely with face hid, because he would not be known, and bore his spear to the Duke of Suffolk with all his strength, and the Duke him received, and for all his strength put him by strong strokes from the barriers, and with the but end of the spear struck the Almain that he staggared, but for all that the Almaigne struck strongly and hardly at the Duke, and the judges suffered many more strokes to be fought then were appointed, but when they saw the Almaigne reel and staggar, than they let fall the rail between them. The Lord marquis Dorset at the same time, even at the same bar fought with a gentleman of France that he lost his spear, & in manner withdrew: When the rail was let fall, these two noble men put up their vysers and took air, and then they took sword with point and edges abated, and came to the barriers, and the Almaigne fought sore with the Duke, which imagened that he was a person set on for the nonce, but the Duke by pure strength took him about the neck, & pummeled him so about the head that the blood issued out of his nose, and then they were parted, and the Almaigne was conveyed by the dolphin lest he should be known. These two noble men of England that day fought valiantly divers feats, and the French men likewise nobly them defended, but it happened the Lord Marques one tune to put for his aid his youngest brother called the Lord Edward Grace of the age of xix year, and to him was put a gentleman of France of great stature and strength to the intent to pluck him over the bars, but yet the young Lord was of such strength, power and policy, that he so struck his adversary that he disarmed him, all the face bore. Thus was these enterprises finished to the laud of all parties, and the English men received much honour and no spot of rebuke, yet they were privily set at and in many jeopardies: for the declaration of this triumph, he that saw it can tell how goodly the coursers trotted, bounded and quickly turned: How valiantly the men of arms behaved themselves and how the Duke of Bourbones bend was apparelled and bassed in tawny Velvet, and cloth of silver cloudy, the bend of the Earl of Saint Polle apparelled and barded in purple Velvet all to cut on purple Satin, the infant of Arragon, son to Frederick last king of Naples, and his bend all in cloth of Gold and silver paled. This Lord was but young but was very toward. The Duke of Vandosme & his bend in cloth of Gold, and plunket Velvet. The dolphin and his aids were every day new apparelled at his cost, one day in silver and Gold, another in Crimesyn Velvet and yellow Velvet, and another day in white Velvet and green, some day mixed with Satin, some day embrawdered, some day pounced with Gold, and so every day in change as the workers fantasy could devise, but the Englishmen had ever on their apparel read crosses to be known for love of their country: at this triumph the county Galeas came into the place on a jennet trapped in blue Satin and he himself likewise apparelled and ran a course with a spear, which was at the head five inches on every side square, that is twenty inches about, and at the but nine inches square, that is six and thirty inches, this spear was massy timber and yet for all that he ran clean along course and slightly avoided it to his great honour. Also there was another Gentleman called Anthony Bownarme which came into the field all armed, and on his body brought in sight ten spears, that is to wit, three spears set in every stirrup forward, and under every thigh two spears upward, and under his left arm was one spear backward, and the tenth in his hand, and when he came before the Queen he let his horse run, and never stopped till he had taken every spear after other and broken it on the ground, and he never stopped his horse till all were broken, this Gentleman was highly praised, and so he was worthy: when all this great triumph was done, the Lords of England took their leave and were highly thanked of the king, Queen, dolphin, and all the Lords, and so departed & came into England before Christmas. In November the Queen was delivered of a Prince which lived not long after. Richard Hun committed to the Lollards' Tower and murdered. This year in December there was one Richard Hun, a merchant Taylor of London in Lollards' Tower, by the commandment of the Bishop of London, called Richard Fitzjames, and Doctor Horsey his Chancellor. And shortly after, the said Hun was found dead hanging by the neck in a girdle of silk, within the said Tower: Of this story ye may read at large in the book of the Monuments of the Church. A Parliament This year and the fourth day of October, the king began his high court of Parliament, and sir Thomas Nevell was then speaker, in this Parliament was divers acts made, but in especial two, which were much spoken of, the one was the act of apparel, and the other the act of labourers, of these two acts was much commoning and much business arose, for the labourers would in no wise labour by the day, but all by task and in great, and therefore much trouble fell in the Court, and in especial in harvest time, for then husband men could scase get workmen to help in their Harvest. This Parliament continued till Easter, in the which divers subsidies were granted to the king toward his great costs and charges, that he had been at in his voyage royal in France. Cardinal Benbrick poisoned at Rome. This year died at Rome by poison, as was reported the archbishop of York and Cardinal, called Doctor Benbricke, which was the kings Ambassador there: this was a wise man, and of a jolly courage. The king than gave the said archbishopric to Thomas Wolsey, Thomas Wolsey made Archbishop of york. then Bishop of Lincoln, which at that time bore all the rule about the king, and what he said was obeyed in all places. And when he was once archbishop, he studied day and night how to be a Cardinal, and caused the king and the French king to write to Rome for him, and at their requests he obtained his purpose as you shall here afterward. At this time was much commoning, and verily as it appeared it was intended, that the king in person would pass the sea to Calais, and there on the marches of the same, the French king & Queen to come and see the king their brother, and for the same journey many costly works were wrought, and much rich apparel provided for, and much preparation made against the next spring: but death, which is the last end of all things let this journey, for before the next spring, the French king died at the City of Paris, The death of Lewis the french king. the first day of january, when he had been married lxxxij days. And when the king was advertised of the death of the French king, he caused a solemn obsequy to be song for him in the cathedral Church of Saint Paul with a costly Hearse, and many noble men being present. And after he sent a letter to comfort the Queen his sister, requiring to know her pleasure whether she would continued still in France or return into England again. And when he was advertised of her purpose, which was to return into England. He sent the Duke of Suffolk, sir Rycharde Wingfield, and Doctor West, with a goodly band of yeomen, all in black to Paris, France's the first of that name french king. which were well received of the new French king Frances the first of that name, and declared to him, that according to the covenants made at the time of the marriage between king Loys and the Lady Mary, sister to the king of England, they demanded to have the said Queen delivered to them with her dower, and showed their commission for the receipt of her: the Counsel of France according to the appointment assigned to her a dower, and the Duke of Suffolk put in officers, and then she was by endenture delivered to the Duke, which behaved himself so to her, that he obtained her good will to be her husband, and thereupon he wrote to the king her brother, The Duke of Suffolk marrieth the Lady Marie the French Queen and sister unto King Henry the eight. meekly beseeching him of pardon of his request, and humbly requiring him of his will and consent, at which thing the king a while stayed, and at the last by the mean of the French Queen herself, and other great friends on the Duke's part: After long suit it was agreed that the Duke of Suffolk should bring her into England unmarried, and at his return to marry her in England: but for doubt of change he married her secretly in Paris as it was said. After that the Duke of Suffolk had received the French Queen with her dower appointed, and all her apparel, jewels, and household stuff delivered, he with the Queen took their leave of the French king, leaving Doctor West, nominate Bishop of Ely, for the conclusion of the new league to be made between the king of England, and the new French king called Frances the first, and so passed through France to Calais, where she was honourably entertained. And after with great honour married to Lord Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk openly: howbeit, some said he was married privily before at Paris, in the house of Cluigny. Against this marriage many men grudged, and said it was a great loss to the realm that she was not married to the Prince of Castle: but the wisest sort was content, considering that if she had been married again out of the realm she should have carried much richesse with her, and now she brought every year into the realm ix or ten thousand marks: but whatsoever the rude people said, the Duke behaved himself so, that he had both the favour of the king and of the people, his wit and demeanour was such. This Summer the king took his progress Westward, The king goeth on his progress. and visited his towns and Castles there, and heard the complaints of his poor commonalty, and ever as he road he hunted and liberally departed with venison: and in the midst of September he came to his Manor of Okyng, and thither came to him the archbishop of York, whom he heartily welcomed, and showed him great pleasures: And while he sojourned there, a letter was brought to the archbishop from Rome, certifying him how he was elected to be a Cardinal, which incontinent showed the same to the king, disabling himself in words, though his intent was otherwise, and so the king did encourage him, and willed him to take the order on him, and so called him my Lord Cardinal, but his Hat, Bull, nor other ceremonies were not yet come. A parliament In the month of November, the king assembled his high Court of Parliament at Westminster, Statute of labourers. and divers acts made in the Parliament the sixth year amended and altered, and especially the act of apparel, and the act of labourers, Statute of array. as by the book of statutes more plainly appeareth. And at the end of this Parliament, the archbishop of Cauntorburye perceiving that the archbishop of York meddled more in his office of Chauncelorship than it became him to suffer, except he would adventure the kings displeasure, and seeing also that the said Bishop of York coveted to bear all the rule, and to have all the whole authority, considering also his own great age, gave up into the kings hands his room of Chancellor, and delivered to the king the great Seal, which delivered the same to the archbishop of York, and made him Chancellor. And assoon as he was Chancellor, he directed commissions into all Shires, for to put the statute of apparel and the statute of labourers in execution. And he himself one day called a Gentleman named Simon Fitzrichard, and took from him an old jacket of Crymosyn Velvet, and divers brooches, which extreme doing caused him greatly to be hated, and by his example many cruel officers for malice, evil entreated divers of the kings subjects, insomuch that one Shining Mayor of Rochester, set a young man on the Pillory for wearing of a riven shirt. The cardinals Hat received. In the end of this month was sent into England the Cardinal's Hat, and received by Gentlemen of Kent, and brought to London with such triumph, as though the greatest Prince of Christendom had been come into the realm. And on a Sunday at Saint Peter's Church at Westminster, he received the Habit, Hat, and Pillar, and other vain glorious trifles, appertaining to the order of a Cardinal. And when he was once a perfit Cardinal, he looked then above all estates, so that all men almost hated him, and disdained him. Then after the Parliament sir Edward Pownynges laboured to be discharged of the keeping of the City of Tournay, for there he was ever sickly, and so he was discharged, and sir William Blunt Lord Mountioy was sent thither. And for Martial there was appointed sir Samson Norton. And when the Lord Mountioy was come thither, and sir Samson Norton, there happened such a riot that the City was in great jeopardy, the very cause was unknown, but all the Soldiers, except such as were of the kings guard rebelled, and put the Lord Mountioy in jeopardy of his life. And in conclusion to appease the people, sir Samson Norton was banished the town for ever. And affer the City was appeased, and every thing thought to be forgotten, divers were executed, & divers banished the town and some fled and were banished both England and the town. This year was the new league between the king and the French king openly proclaimed through the City of London with a Trumpet. Margaret the Queen of Scots and elder sister of King henry the eight married unto Archibald Douglas Earl of Angus. This year also, Margaret Queen of Scots, wife to james the fourth, slain at Bramston the fift year of the king, and elder sister to the king, after the death of her late husband married Archibald Douglas Earl of Angus, without the king her brother's assent, or the Counsel of Scotland, for the which he was not well pleased. But after that, there fell such a strife between the Lords of Scotland, that she and her husband like banished persons came into England, and wrote to the king for mercy and comfort. The king ever inclined to mercy, sent them apparel, vessel, & all things necessary, willing them to lie still in Northumberland, till they knew farther of his pleasure: Margaret the daughter of the Queen of Scots begotten by the Earl of Angus. And so they lay still at Harbottell, and the Queen was delivered of a fair Lady called Margaret, and all the Country were commanded by the king to do them pleasure. This year the xviij of February, at Greenewiche was borne a fair Princes, and christened with great solemnity, and named Mary. The birth of Lady Mary which afterward was Queen of England. This year died the king of Arragon father to the Queen, for whom was kept a solemn obsequy in the Cathedral Church of Paul's. Ye have heard the last year how the Queen of Scots with her husband was come for succour into England, and lay at Harbottell in Northumberland, till the kings pleasure was to send for them. So he like a natural brother sent for her & her husband to come to his Court for their solace. For the which kindness the Earl humbly thanked the king, and promised to give his attendance on the Queen his wife to the Court: whereupon the king sent William Blacknall Esquire, Clerk of his Spicery, with silver vessel, plate and other things necessary for the conveyance of her, and sent to her all manner of officers for her estate convenient. The Earl of Angus suddenly flieth from the Queen his wife into Scotland. And when she was ready to departed, she asked for her husband, but he was departed into Scotland and left her alone, nothing remembering his promise, which sudden departing much made her to muse: howbeit the Lords of England greatly encouraged her to keep her promise with the king her brother: and so after she was somewhat appeased, she set forward, & in every town she was well received, & so on the third day of May she made her entry into London, riding on a white palfrey (which the Queen of England had sent to her) behind sir Thomas Par richly beseen, and with great company of Lords and Ladies, she road through the City to Baynard's Castle, and from thence she was conveyed to Greenwich, and there received joyously of the King, the Queen, the French Queen her sister, and highly was she feasted. And when the king heard that the earl of Angus her husband was departed, he said, it was done like a Scot This Queen sometime was at the Court, and sometime at Baynard's Castle, and so she continued in England all this year. This month of May were sent out of England twelve hundred Masons, The great costs that the king bestowed on Tournay. and Carpenters, and three hundredth labourers to the City of Tournay: for the king and his Counsel considering that the garrison that was kept there, was chargeable, and therefore it was determined that there should be builded a Castle to chastise the City if they rebelled, and to minish the garrison. And therefore these workmen were sent thither, which this year began a strong Castle, and wrought still on it. This year by the Cardinal were all men called to account that had the occupying of the kings money in the wars or else where, justice ministered by Cardinal Wolsey. not to every man's contentation, for some were found in arrearages, and some saved themselves by policy and briborye, and waxed rich, and some innocentes were punished. And for a truth he so punished perjury with open punishment and open papers wearing, that in his time it was less used. He punished also Lords, Knights, and men of all sorts for riots, bearing and maintaining in their countries, that the poor men lived quietly, so that no man durst hear for fear of imprisonment: The poor people perceived that he punished the rich, than they complained without number, and brought many an honest man to trouble and vexation. And when the Cardinal at the last had perceived their untrue surmises and feigned complaints for the most part, he then waxed weary of hearing their causes, and ordained by the king's commission, divers under Courts to here complaints by bill of poor people. The one was kept in white Hall, the other before the kings Almoner Doctor Stokesley, a man that had more learning, than discretion to be a judge. The third was kept in the Lord treasurer's chamber beside the Star Chamber, and the fourth at the Rolls at the after noon. These Courts were greatly haunted for a time but at the last the people perceived that much delay was used in these Courts, and few matters ended, and when they were ended, they bond no man by the law, than every man was weary of them and resorted to the common law. In the month of October came into England Matthew Bishop of Sedonon and Cardinal, called commonly the Cardinal of Swyshes, from the Emperor Maximilian. This Cardinal was a wise man and of great boldness, and was well entertained in the Court & of the king. And at his contemplation and for old love, the king lent to the Emperor Maximilian a great sum of money: whereof the company of Friscobald, and Anthony Caveler Genevoy undertook the exchange, but they paid not the Emperor at his day, notwithstanding they had received the money of the king. This Friscobald and Anthony Caveler by means of rewards, given to great Lords of the Counsel borrowed of the king xxx thousand pound and had long days for the payment: but Friscobalde was shortly consumed, and Anthony Caveler could not be seen, and so the king was not paid at his days, and many English Merchants were by these men undone, for they spent liberally of every man's goods. In this season the Genoese, Frenchmen and other strangers said and boasted themselves to be in such favour with the King and his counsel, that they set nought by the rulers of the City: and the multitude of strangers was so great about London, that the poor English artificers could scarce get any living: And most of all the strangers were so proud, that they disdained, mocked and oppressed the Englishmen, which was the beginning of the grudge. For among all other things there was a Carpenter in London called Wylliamson, which bought two stock Doves in Cheap, and as he was about to pay for them, a Frenchman took them out of his hand, and said they were not meat for a Carpenter: well said the English man I have bought them, and now paid for them, and therefore I will have them, nay said the Frenchman I will have them for my Lord the Ambassador, and so for better or worse, the Frenchman called the English man knave, and went away with the stock Doves. The strangers came to the French Ambassador, and surmised a complaint against the poor Carpenter, and the Ambassador came to my Lord Mayor, and said so much, that the Carpenter was sent to prison: and yet not contented with this, so complained to the king's counsel, that the king's commandment was laid on him. And when sir john Baker knight and other worshipful persons sued to the Ambassador for him, The pride of French men. he answered by the body of God that the English knave should lose his life, for he said no English man should deny that the French men required, and other answer had they none. Also a Frenchman that had slain a man, should abjure the realm and had a cross in his hand, and then suddenly came a great sort of Frenchmen about him, and one of them said to the Constable that led him, sir is this cross the price to kill an English man. The Constable was somewhat astonished and answered not. Then said another Frenchman, on that price we would be banished all by the mass, this saying was noted to be spoken spitefully. Howbeit, the Frenchmen were not alonely oppressors of the English men, for a Lombarde called Frances de bard, enticed a man's wife in Lombarde street to come to his Chamber with her husbands plate, which thing she did. After when her husband knew it, he demanded his wife, but answer was made he should not have her, than he demanded his plate, and in like manner answer was made that he should neither have plate nor wife. And when he had sued an action against the stranger in the Guyldehall, the stranger so faced the English man, that he fainted in his suit. And then the Lombard arrested the poor man for his wife's board, while he kept her from her husband in his chamber. This mock was much noted, & for these & many other oppressions done by them, there increased such a malice in the English men's hearts: that at the last it braced out. john Lyncolne the first author of the insurrection of evil May day. For amongst other that sore grudged at these matters, there was a broker in London called john Lyncolne, which wrote a bill before Easter, desiring Doctor Standiche at his sermon at saint Marie Spittle the Monday in Easter week, to move the Mayor and Aldermen, to take part with the commonalty against the strangers. The Doctor answered that it became not him to move any such thing in a sermon. From him he departed, and came to a Cannon in saint Mary spittle, a Doctor in divinity, called Doctor Bele, & lamentably declared to him, how miserably the common artificers lived, & scarce could get any work to found them, their wives and children, for there were such a number of artificers strangers, that took away all their living in manner. And also how the English Merchants could have no utterance for their ambergris, for the Merchant strangers, bring in all silks, cloth of Gold, Wine, Oil, Iron, and such other merchandise, that no man almost buyeth of an English man, And also outward they carry so much English wool, Cloth, Tin, and Lead, that English men that adventure outward, can have no living: Which things said Lyncolne hath been showed to the counsel, and cannot be heard. And farther said he, the strangers compass the City round about, in Southwark, in westminster, Temple bar, Holborn, Saint Martins, Saint john's street, Algate, Tower hill, and saint Katheryne's, and forest all the market, so that no good thing for them cometh to the market: which is the cause that English men want and starve, and they live abundantly in great pleasure. Wherefore said Lyncolne master Doctor, sith you were borne in London, and see the oppression of the strangers, and the great misery of your own native Country, exhort all the Citizens to join in one against these strangers, raveners and destroyers of your Country. Master Doctor hearing this, said he much lamented the case, if it were as Lyncolne had declared, yes said Lyncolne that it is and much more, for the Dutchmen bring over Iron, Timber, Leather and Weynskot ready wrought, as Nails, Locks, Baskets, Cubbordes, Stools, Tables, Chests, Girdles, with Points, saddles and painted clotheses, so that if it were wrought here, the English men might have some work and living by it. And beside this they grow into such a multitude that it is to be looked upon, for I saw on a Sunday this Lent six hundred strangers shooting at the Popyngay with Crossbows, and they keep such assemblies and fraternities together, and make such a gathering to their common box, that every Butcher will hold plea with the City of London: well said the Doctor, I will do for a reformation of this matter as much as a priest may do, and so received lyncoln's bill and studied for his purpose. Then Lyncolne very joyous of his enterprise went from man to man, sa●yng that shortly they should hear news, and daily excited young people and artificers to bear malice to the strangers. When Easter came and Doctor Bele should preach, the Tuesday in Easter week, he came into the Pulpit, and there declared that to him was brought a pitiful bill, and read it in this wise. To all you the worshipful Lords and masters of this City, A bill put up by john Lincoln to a Preacher at the Spittle. that will take compassion over the poor people your neighbours, and also of the great importable hurts, losses, and hindrances, whereof proceedeth the extreme poverty to all the kings subjects that inhabit within this City and suburbs of the same, for so it is that the aliens and strangers eat the bread from the poor fatherless children, and take the living from all the artificers, and the intercourse from all merchants, whereby poverty is so much increased that every man bewaileth the misery of other, for crafts men be brought to beggary, and merchants to neediness: wherefore the premises considered, the redress must be of the commons, knit and unyte to one part, as the hurt and damage grieveth all men, so must all men set to their willing power for remedy, and not to suffer the said aliens so highly in their wealth, and the natural borne men of this region to come to confusion. Of this letter was more, but the Doctor read no farther, and then began Coelum coeli domino, A Sermon made by doctor Bele. terram autem dedit filiis hominum, and upon this text he entreated, that this land was given to English men, and as birds would defend their nest, so aught English men to cherish and defend themselves, and to hurt and grieve aliens for the common weal. And upon this text pugna pro patria, he brought in, how by God's law it was lawful to fight for their Country, and ever he subtly moved the people to rebel against the strangers, and break the king's peace, nothing regarding the league between Princes and the king's honour. Of this sermon many a light person took courage, and openly spoke against strangers. And as the Devil would, the Sunday after at Grenewiche in the king's Gallery was France's de bard, which as you hard kept an English man's wife and his goods, and yet he could have no remedy, and with him were Domyngo, Anthony Caveler, and many more strangers, and there they talking with sir Thomas Palmer knight, jested and laughed how that Frances kept the English man's wife, saying that if they had the majors wife of London, they would keep her: Sir Thomas said, sirs you have to much favour in England. There were divers English Merchants by, and hard them laugh, and were not content, in so much as one William Bolt a Mercer said, well you whoreson lombards, you rejoice and laugh, by the mass we will one day have a day at you, come when it will, and that saying the other Merchants affirmed. This tale was reported about London, and the young and evil disposed people said, they would be revenged on the Merchant strangers, as well as on the artificers strangers. On Monday the morrow after, the king removed to his manor of Richemonde. Upon this rumour the xxviii day of April, diverse young men of the City assaulted the Aliens as they passed by the strets, and some were stricken and some buffeted, and some thrown in the canel. Wherefore the Mayor sent diverse persons to ward, as Stephyn Studley skinner, and Bets and Stephenson and diverse other, some to one Counter, and some to another, and some to Newgate. Then suddenly was a common rumour, and no man could tell how it began, that on May day next, the City would rebel and slay all Aliens, insomuch as divers strangers fled out of the City. This brute ran so far that it came to the kings counsel, insomuch as the Cardinal being Lord Chancellor, sent for john Rest Mayor of the City, john Rest Mayor of London. and other of the counsel of the City, and demanded of the Mayor in what case the City stood, to whom he answered that it was well and in good quiet: Nay said the Cardinal, it is informed us that your young and riotous people will rise and distress the Strangers, hear ye of no such thing? Not surely said the Mayor, and I trust so to govern them that the kings peace shall be observed, and that I dare undertake, if I and my brethren the Aldermen may be suffered. Well said the Cardinal, go home and wisely foresee this matter, for if any such thing be you may shortly prevent it. The Mayor came from the Cardinal at four of the clock in the after none on May even, and demanded of the officers what they heard, divers of them answered that the voice of the people was so, and had been so two or three days before. This hearing the Mayor sent for all his brethren to the guild hall in great haste, and almost seven of the clock or the assemble was set. Then was declared to them by Master Brooke the Recorder how that the kings counsel had reported to them that the Commonalty that night would rise, and distress all the Aliens and strangers that inhabited in the City of London: the Aldermen answered they hard say so, but they mistrusted not the matter, but yet they said it was well done to foresee it. Then said the Recorder, it were best that a substantial watch were set of honest persons, householders, which might withstand the evil doers. An Alderman said, that it was evil to raise men to harness, for if such a thing were intended, they could not tell who would take their part. Another Alderman said, that it were best to keep the young men asunder and every man to shut his doors, and to keep his servants within. Then with these opinions was the Recorder sent to the Cardinal before eight of the clock, and then he with such as were of the kings counsel at his place, commanded that in no wise watch should be kept, but that every man should repair to his own house, and there to keep him and his servants till seven of the clock of the morning: with which commandment, the said Richard Brooke Sergeant at the law and Recorder, and sir Thomas Moor, late under shrive of London, and then of the kings counsel, came to the Guild hall half hour and before nine of the clock, and there showed the commandment of the kings counsel. Then in all haste, Evil May day. every Alderman sent to his ward that no man should stir after nine of the clock out of his house, but to keep his doors shut, and his servants within till seven of the clock in the morning. After this commandment, sir john Mondye Alderman came from his ward, and sound two young men in Cheap playing at Bucklers, and a great company of young men looking on them for the commandment was then scarce known, for than it was but nine of the clock. Master Mondy seeing that, bade them leave, and the one young man asked him why? and than he said thou shalt know, and took him by the arm to have had him to the Counter. Then all the young men resisted the Alderman, and took him from master Mondy, & cried prentices and clubs. Then out of every door came clubs and weapons and the Alderman fled, and was in great danger. Then more people arose out of every quarter, and out came Servingmen, and Watermen, and Courtiers, and by a xj of the clock there were in Cheap six or seven hundred. And out of Paul's Churchyard came three. C. which witted not of the other, and so out of all places they gathered, and broke up the Counters, and took out the prisoners, that the Mayor had thither committed for hurting of the strangers, and came to Newgat and took out Studley and Petyt, committed thither for that cause. The Mayor and sheriffs were there present, and made Proclamation in the kings name, but nothing was obeyed. Thus they ran a plump through Saint Nicholas Shambles, and at saint Martin's gate there met with them sir Thomas Moor and other, desiring them to go to their lodgings: And as they were entreating, and had almost brought them to a stay. The people of Saint Martin's threw out stones and bats, and hurt divers honest persons, that were persuading the ryotus people to cease, and they bade them hold their hands, but still they threw out bricks and hot water. Then a Sergeant of Arms called Nicholas Dounes, which was there with Master Moor, entreating them, being sore hurt, in a fury cried down with them. Then all the misruled persons ran to the doors and windows of saint Martins, and spoiled all that they found, and cast it into the street, and left few houses unspoiled. And after that they ran headlong into Cornhill by Leaden Halle, to the house of one Mutuas a Frenchman or Picarde borne, which was a great bearer of Frenchmen, were they Pyckpursses, or how evil disposition soever they were of, and within his gate, called Grenegate, dwelled divers Frenchmen that kalendred Worsted, contrary to the king's laws: and all they were so borne out by the same Mutuas, that no man durst meddle with them, wherefore he was sore hated, and if the people had found him in their fury, they would have stricken of his head: but when they found him not, the Watermen, and certain young persons that were there fell to rifling: some ran to Blanchchapelton, and broke the strangers houses, and threw shoes and boots into the street: Thus from ten or a leaven of the clock, continued these royotous people, during which time a knight called sir Thomas Parr, in great haste went to the Cardinal and told him of this riot which incontinent strengthened his house with men and ordinance. And after, this knight road to the king to Richmond, and made the report more than it was: Wherefore the King hastily sent to London, and was truly advertised of the matter, and how that the riot was ceased, and many of the doers apprehended. But while this ruffling continued, Sir Richard Cholmeley knight lieutenant of the Tower, no great friend to the City in a frantic fury loosed certain pieces of ordinance, and shot into the City, which did little harm howbeit his good will appeared. About three of the clock, these riotous persons severed themselves and went to their places of resort, and by the way they were taken by the Mayor and the Heads of the City, and some sent to the Tower, and some to Newgate, and some to the Counters, to the number of three hundred, some fled and especially the Watermen, and Servingmen, but the poor prentices were taken. About five of the clock, the Earls of Shrewsbury and Surrey, which had heard of this riot, came to London with such strength as they had, so did the Inns of Court, and divers noble men: but or they came, all the riot was ceased, and many taken as you have heard. Then were the prisoners examined, and the sermon of Doctor Bele called to remembrance, and he taken and sent to the Tower, and so was john Lincoln: but with this riot the Cardinal was sore displeased. Then the fourth day of May was an Oyer and determiner at London before the Mayor, the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Surrey and other. The City thought that the Duke bore them grudge for a lewd priest of his, which the year before was slain in Cheap, insomuch the Duke then in his fury said, I pray God I may once have the Citizens in my danger: and the Duke also thought that they bore him no good will, wherefore he came into the City with xiij hundredth men in harness to keep the Oyer and determiner. A Oyer and determiner. And upon examination, it could never be proved of any meeting, gathering, talking or conventicle at any day or time before that day, but that the chance so happened without any matter prepensed of any creature saving Lyncoln, and never an honest person in manner was taken but only he. Then Proclamations were made that no women should come together to babble and talk, but all men should keep their wives in their houses. All the streets that were notable stood full of harnessed men, which spoke many opprobrious words to the Citizens, which grieved them sore: and if they would have been revenged, the other had had the worse, for the Citizens were two hundred to one: but like true subjects they suffered patiently. When the Lords were set, the prisoners were brought in through the streets tied in ropes, some men, some lads, some children of xiij year. There was a great mourning of fathers and friends for their children and kinsfolk. Among the prisoners many were not of the City, some were priests and some husbandmen and labourers, and they were all arraigned of Treason. The cause of the Treason was, because the King had amity with all christian Princes, that they had broken the truce and league contrary to the statute of king Henry the fift. Of this treason divers were indited, and so for that time the Lords departed. And the next day the duke came again, and the Earl of Surrey with two thousand armed men, which kept the streets. When the Mayor, the Duke, and the Earl of Shrewsbury and Surrey were set, the prisoners were arraigned, and xiij found guilty of high treason, and adjudged to be hanged, drawn and quartered, & for the execution hereof, were set up a xj pair of Gallows in divers places where the offences were done, as at Algate, at Blanchechapelton, Gracious street, Leaden hall, and before every Counter one, and at Newgate, at Saint Martyns, at Aldersgate, at Bishopsgate. This sight sore grieved the people to see gallows set up in the king's Chamber. Then were the prisoners that were judged, brought to the places of execution, and executed in most rigorous manner, for the Lord Edmond Haward, son to the Duke of Norfolk, and knight Mershall showed no mercy, but extreme cruelty, to the poor younglings in their execution, and likewise the Duke's servants spoke many opprobrious words, some bad hung, some bad draw, some bad set the City on fire, but a●l was suffered. john Lincoln with other put to death. On Thursday the vij day of May was Lyncolne, Shyrwyn, and two brethren called Bets, and divers other adjudged to dye. Then Lincoln said, my Lords, I meant well, for, and you knew the mischief that is ensued in this realm by strangers, you would remedy it, and many times I have complained, and then I was called a busy fellow: now our Lord have mercy on me. Then all the said persons were laid on the Hardelles, and drawn to the standard in Cheap, and first was john Lyncoln executed, and as the other had the rope about their necks, there came a commandment from the king to respite execution. Then the people cried, God save the king. Then was the Oyer and determiner deferred till another day and the prisoners sent again to ward, and the harnessed men departed out of London, and all things quiet. The xj day of May the king came to his Manor of Greenwich, where the recorder of London, & divers Aldermen came to speak with his grace, and all aware Gowns of black colour. And when they perceived the King coming out of his privy Chamber into his Chamber of presence, they kneeled down and the Recorder said: Our most natural, benign, and sovereign Lord, we know well that your grace is displeased with us of your City of London for the great riot late done: we ascertain your grace, that no●e of us, nor no honest person were condescending to that enormity, and yet we, our wives, and children, every hour lament that your favour should be taken from us, and forasmuch as light and idle persons were the doers of the same, we most humbly beseech your grace to have mercy of us for our negligence, and compassion of the offenders for their offence and trespass. Truly said the king, you have highly displeased and offended us, and ye aught to wail and be sorry for the same, and where ye say that you the substantial persons were not consenting to the same, it appeareth to the contrary, for you never moved to let them, nor stirred once to fight with them, which you say were so sma●l a number of light persons, wherefore we must think, & you cannot deny, but you did wink at the matter, but at this time, we will grant to you neither our favour nor good will, nor to the offender's mercy, but resort to the Cardinal our chancellor, and he shall make you an answer, and declare our pleasure, and with this answer the Londoners departed and made relation to the Mayor. The xviij day of this month the Queen of Scots, which had been at the Court, and at Baynard's Castle, a whole year at the kings charge, The Queen of Scots returneth into Scotland to her husband. and was richly appointed of all things meet to her estate, both of jewels, Plate, Tapestry, Arras, Coin, Horses, and all other things of the kings gift and liberality, departed out of London toward Scot●ande with great riches, albeit she came into England with much poverty, and she entered into Scotland the xiij day of june, whom her husband received at Barwick: but the English men smally him regarded. All her charges within the realm, coming to the Court and returning, were of the kings purse. Thursday the xxij day of May, the king came into Westminster hall, King Henry the eight came to Westminster hall, and there sat himself in judgement. for whom at the upper end was set a cloth of estate, and the place hanged with Arras, with him was the Cardinal, the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk the Earls of Shrewsbury, of Essex, Wiltshire and of Surrey, with many Lords and other of the kings Counsale. The Mayor and Aldermen, and all the chief of the City were there in their best livery (according as the Cardinal had them appointed) by ix of the clock. Then the king commanded that all the prisoners should be brought forth. Then came in the poor younglings and old false knaves bound in ropes all along, one after another in their shirts, and every one a Halter about his neck, to the number of four hundred men, and xj women. And when all were come before the king's presence, the Cardinal sore laid to the Mayor and commonalty their negligence, and to the prisoners he declared that they had deserved death for their offence: Then all the prisoners together cried mercy gracious Lord, The king pardoneth all the rebels. mercy. Then the Lords altogether besought his grace of mercy, at whose request the king pardoned them all. And then the Cardinal gave unto them a good exhortation to the great gladness of the hearers. And when the general pardon was pronounced, all the prisoners shouted at once, and altogether cast up their Halters into the Hall roof, so that the king might perceive they were none of the discretest sort. Here is to be noted that divers offenders which were not taken, hearing that the king was inclined to mercy, came well appareled to Westminster, and suddenly striped them into their shirts with halters, and came in among the prisoners willingly, to be partakers of the kings pardon, by the which doing, it was well known that one john Gelson yeoman of the Crown, was the first that began to spoil, and exhorted other to do the same, and because he fled and was not taken, he came in the rope with the other prisoners, & so had his pardon. This company was after called the black Wagon. Then were all the gallows within the City taken down, and many a good prayer said for the king, and the Citizens took more heed to their servants. After this, suddenly there came a plague of sickness, The swea●ing sickness called the sweating sickness. This malady was so cruel that it killed some within three hours, some within two hours, some merry at dinner, and dead at supper. Many died in the kings Court, the Lord Clinton, the Lord Grey of Wilton, and many Knights, Gentlemen, and officers. For this plague Mighelmas term was adjourned, and because that this malady continued from july to the mids of December, the king kept himself ever with a small company, and kept no solemn Christmas, willing to have no resort for fear of infection: but much lamented the number of his people, for in some one town half the people died, and in some other town the third part, the Sweat was so fervent, and the infections so great. In the beginning of this year, Trinity term was begun at Oxenford, where it continued but one day, and was again adjourned to Westminster. The term kept at Oxen●ord. This year came to Calais from Pope Leo, a Legate de latere, called Laurence Campeius, commonly called the Cardinal Campeius, for to exhort the king to make war on the Turk. And likewise the said Leo sent three other Legates forth at that time for the said purpose, Cardinal Campeius sent into England. one into France, another into Spain, and the third into Germany. When the Cardinal of York knew that there was coming a Legate into England, which should have a greater pre-eminence than a Cardinal, he whose ambition was never satisfied, caused a Bishop and certain Doctors to pass the Sea to Calais to welcome him, and to show to him that if he would have the Pope's purpose, to take any effect in England, he should in any wise send in post to Rome, to have the said Cardinal of York to be Legate also, and to be joined in commission with him, which thing was done (not without good rewards) so that in thirty and five days, the Bull was brought to Calais. During which time the Cardinal of York sent to the Legate to Calais, read cloth to cloth his servants, which at their coming to Calais, were but meanly appareled. And when all things were ready, he passed the Sea and landed at Dover, and so kept forth his journey toward London. At every town as they passed, he was received with procession, and accompanied with all the Lords and Gentlemen of Kent. And when he came to Blackheth, there met him the Duke of Norfolk, with a great number of Prelates, knights and Gentlemen, all richly apparelled. And in the way he was brought into a rich Tent of cloth of Gold, where he shifted himself into a rob of a cardinal, edged with ermines, and so took his Moil riding toward London. The night before he came to London, the Cardinal of York, to furnish the carriages of the Cardinal Campeius, sent to him twelve Mulets with empty Coffers covered with read, which twelve Mulets were led through London, amongst the Mulets of Campeius, which were but eight and so these twenty Mulets passed through the streets, as though they had been full of treasures, apparel, and other necessaries. And when they came into Cheap, one of the Mulets broke from her keeper, and overthrew the Chests, and overturned two or three other mulet's carriages, which fell with such a violence, A soul defacing of the Cardinal's honour. that divers of them unlocked, and out of some fell old hosen, broken Shoen, and roasted Flesh, pieces of bread, Eggs, and much vile baggage: at which sight the boys cried, see, see, my Lord Legates treasure, and so the Muleteers were ashamed, and took up all their stuff, and passed forth. And about three of the clock at after none, on the xxix day of july the said Legate entered the City, and in Southwark met him all the Clergy of London, with Crosses, Sensers, and Copes, and sensed him with great reverence. The Mayor and Aldermen, and all the occupations of the City in their best liveries stood in the streets, and him highly honoured: to whom sir Thomas Moor made a brief oration in the name of the City: And when he came to Paul's, there he was received by bishops Mitred, and under a Canopy entered the Church: which canopy his servants took for their fees. And when he had offered he gave his benediction to all the people, and took again his Mule, and so was with all his train aforesaid, conveyed to place, and there rested: where he was welcomed of the Cardinal of York. And on Sunday next ensuing, these two Cardinals as Legates, took their Barges and came to Grenewiche, each of them had beside their Crosses two pillars of Silver, two little Axes guilt, and two cloak bags embroidered, and the Cardinal's Hats borne before them. And when they came to the king's hall, the Cardinal of York went on the right hand: and there the king royally appareled and accompanied, met them even as though both had come from Rome, and so brought them both up into his Chamber of presence, and there was a solemn oration made by an Italian, declaring the cause of the Legacy to be in two articles, one for aid against God's enemies, and the second for reformation of the Clergy. And when mass was done, they were had to a Chamber, and served with Lords and knights, with much solemnity: and after dinner they took their leave of the king and came to London, and road through the City together in great pomp and glory to their lodgings. When the Cardinal of York was thus a Legate, he set up a Court, The cardinals court called the Court legantine. and called it the Court of the Legate, and proved Testaments, and heard causes to the great hindrance of all the Bishops of the realm. He visited Bishops and all the Clergy, exempt and not exempt, and under colour of reformation he got much treasure, and nothing was reform, but came to more mischief: for by example of his pride, priests and all spiritual persons waxed so proud, that they wore Velvet, and silk, both in Gowns, jackets, Doblets, and shoes, kept open lechery, and so highly bore themselves by reason of his authorities and faculties, that no man durst once reprove any thing in them, for fear to be called heretic, and then they would make him smoke or bear a Faggot. And the Cardinal himself was so proud, that he thought himself equal with the king: and when he had said Mass, he made Dukes and Earls to serve him of Wine with a say taken, and to hold the Basin at the Lavatories. Thus the pride and ambition of the Cardinal and Clergy was so high, that in manner all good persons abhorred and disdained it. This year the French king wrote to the King of England, that if it were his pleasure, he would sand an Ambassade into England, to common with the king and his counsel for the redeeming of the City of Tournay, and other things: which answered the messenger, that the Ambassade of the French king should be right heartily welcome to him. And so the French king sent into England the Lord Bonneuet, high Admiral of France, and the Bishop of Paris as chief Ambassadors accompanied with many noble men, and young fresh Galaunts of the court of France, Ambassadors sent out of France to the king of England. to the number of lxxx. and more, and then came a great number of rascal peddlers, and juellers, and brought over Hats and Caps, and divers Merchandise uncustomed, all under the colour of the trussery of the Ambassadors. After that these noble men were landed at Dover, they were received by the Nobles and Gentlemen of the Country, and so conveyed from lodging to lodging till they came to Blackheth, and before them went their carriages and people in great number, to the sum of twelve hundred one an other, which was thought to be to many for an Ambassade. These Gentlemen of France were very fresh. The Earl of Surrey receiveth the Ambassadors Monday the xxvij day of September, the Earl of Surrey high admiral of England, in a coat of rich Tissue cut on cloth of silver, on a great courser richly trapped, and a great whistle of Gold, set with stones and pearl, hanging at a great and massy Chain baudrick wise, accompanied with an hundred and lx Gentlemen, richly apparelled, on goodly horses came to Blackheth, and there amiably received the Ambassadors of France. The young gallants of France had coats guarded with one colour, cut in ten or twelve parts very richly to behold: and so all the English men accoupled themselves with the French men lovingly together, and so read to London. After the two Admyralls followed xxiiij of the French kings guard, whom accompanied xxiiij of the king's Guard. And after them a great number of archers, to the number of four hundred. And in this order they passed through the City to tailors hall, and there the chief Ambassadors were lodged, and the remnant in Merchants houses about. When these Lords were in their lodgings, than the French harder men open their wares, and made Tailors hall like to the pawned of a mart. At this doing many an English man grudged, but it availed not. The last day of September, the French Ambassadors took their Barge, & came to Grenewiche. The admiral was in a Gown of cloth of silver raised, furred with rich Sables, and all his company almost were in a new fashion garment, called a Shemew, which was in effect a Gown, cut in the middle. The Gentlemen of France were brought to the king's presence, where the Bishop of Paris made a solemn oration: which being ended, and answer made thereto, the king highly entertained the Admiral and his company, and so did all the English Lords and Gentlemen. The Ambassadors being daily in counsel at Grenewiche, the other Gentlemen danced and passed the time in the Queen's chamber with Ladies and Gentlewomen. After long counseling and much desiring of the French king and his counsel, An agreement that the City of Tournay should again be delivered to the french men. it was agreed that the City of Tournay should be delivered to the French king, he paying six hundred thousand Crowns for the City, and four hundred thousand Crowns for the Castle, the which the king had builded, but it was not fully performed: and also he should pay xxiij thousand pound Tourneys, the which sum the Citizens of the City of Tourney aught to the king of England for their liberties and franchises. Upon these agreements to be performed it was concluded that the City of Tourney should be delivered to the French king. The Frenchmen the sooner to come to their purpose, made a pretence of marriage to be had, between the Dolphin, son and heir to the French king and the Lady Mary the kings daughter, which was agreed upon this condition, that if they both consented at lawful age, then to be firm and stable, or else not: for than they were both very young. And so all matters were concluded, and the Earl of Worcester and the Bishop of Ely appointed to go into France for the delivery of the City of Tourney, and performing of the other agreements. And for the sure payment of the sums of money to be paid to the king of England, upon the said agrements, there were four Gentlemen of the realm of France, left in England for hostages: whose names were Mounsire Memorancy, monsieur Monpesart, monsieur Moy, Mounsier Morret. Of the which four the two first named were of noble blood, but the two last were but of mean houses. And because they were young, there was ancient Gentlemen appointed governors to them. When all things were concluded and sealed, the King and all the Ambassadors richly apparelled, and the two Legates road solemnly to the Church of Saint Paul from the Bishop of Durhams place: and there was made from the West door to the Quere door of the Church, equal with the highest step, a haute pace of timber twelve foot broad, that the king and the Ambassadors might be seen. And there the Cardinal of York sang high Mass, and had his cloth of estate of tissue: his Cupboard set with Basins all guilt covered: his place was five steps high. At the first lavatory, three Earls served him, and at the second two Dukes and a Marquis, and with the assay taken, they gave him wine, and after water. And when the Mass was done, the Cardinal Campeius and he gave to the people (as they said) clean remission. And after that done, Doctor Place the kings Secretary a man very eloquent, made a goodly Oration in praise of peace: and that done, the king and all his Nobles and Ambassadors went to the Bishop's palace to dinner, where they were highly feasted. And after dinner, the king road again to the Bishop of Durhams place. After diverse jousts and feasts made, the said Ambassadors by the king and the Lords: Sir Thomas Exmew Mayor of London, made to them a costly dinner at the goldsmiths hall, which dinner they highly praised, it was so well ordered. And when time came, they took their leave of the king, the Queen, Great and rich gifts given by the king to the Ambassadors of France. and the kings Counsel, and delivered into the king's possession their four hostages as you have heard before: at which departing the king gave to the Admiral of France a garnish of guilt vessel, a pair of covered Basins guilt, twelve great guilt bowls, four pair of great guilt Pots, a standing Cup of Gold, garnished with great Pearl: and to some other also, he gave plate, to some chains of Gold, to some rich apparel, and to some great horses with rich bards, so that every gentleman was well rewarded: which liberality the strangers much praised: and after that all their trusses were ready they departed toward the sea, and took ship and landed at Boleyn. Sun after their departing, Ambassadors sent from the king of England unto the french king. the Earl of Worcester being the kings Chamberlain: The Bishop of Ely, the Lord of Saint john's, sir Nicholas Vauxe, sir john Pechy, Sir Thomas Bulleyn as Ambassadors from the king of England, accompanied with lxx knights and gentlemen and yeomen, to the number of four hundred and above, passed the sea with some storms, and came to Calais, and passed through Picardy with great and kind entertainment in all places till they came to Paris, where they were nobly received, every man matched with a like pere: and after they were brought to the French kings presence, where the Bishop of Elye made a solemn Oration, as concerning the marriage and the peace: he did it with such a bold spirit that the Frenchmen much praised his audacity. P●●ce conclu●●●. The conclusion of this peace was this, that henry king of England, France's king of Frenchmen, and Charles king of Castle had sworn a perpetual peace, during their lives. And if it should happen any of the three to violate the league in any point and to move war: then the other two should join together and make war against the violater or breaker of the peace. After all things concluded, the Earl of Worcester, and with him Sir Nicholas Vaux, sir john Pechy, sir Edward Belknap, with many other knights took their leave of the French king, and road to Tournay, where they were well received. Then began the Captains and the Soldiers to mourn, knowing that the town should be yielded to the French king, and many a young Gentleman, and many a tall yeoman, wished that they had not spent their time there. And the next day after, the said Earl discharged sir Richard jernyngham of his office of captain, and commanded every man to be obedient to the kings pleasure, and to prepare to return into England. The eight day of February, the Lord Chastileon came near to the City of Tournay with xxj hundredth men in harness. The Earl of Worcester sent sir Edward Belknap to know his commission, and there he showed him his Commission, which was to receive the City of Tournay. Then sir Edward Belknap desired him to sand his commission to the Earl of Worcester, which he refused to do, saying it was sufficient to show it: well said sir Edward Belknap you must understand that we have a commission from the king our Master to deliver you the City at a day appointed: wherefore we must show the king of England both your commission that you had authority to receive it from the french king, & also that you by your indenture sealed with your seal of arms, shall confess that you received the City as a gift, & not rendered as a right to the King your Master, or else be you sure that the City shall not be delivered. The man●r of the delivery of Tournay. Then the Lord Chastileon was wondrous wrath that he was no better believed: And so daily were great messages sent to the City from him to the Earl of Worcester, and answers were sent of the English part. But when the day approached, he had full answer that he must deliver his commission, and also seal the indenture, or else the English men would not put him in possession of the town, for their commission was otherwise. The French Captains perceiving that if they disagreed at the day, that doubts might follow: wherefore they sent their commission, and sealed their indenture, and sent it likewise in the morning, and came forward with their Banners displayed: whereof hearing the Earl, he sent word that the City was neither yielded, nor gotten, but delivered for confederation of marriage, and therefore they should not enter with Banners displayed. Then were the Frenchmen angry, but there was no remedy but to roll up their Standards and Banners. And when they came to the Gates, there their commission and Indenture were solemnly read openly: and then the french men entered with Drumslades, and minstrelsy without any Banner: And then to Mounsire Chastileon was delivered the Castle, and there he ordained watch and ward in every part. Thus was the City of Tournay delivered the eight day of February in the tenth year of the reign of the king, and many a tall yeoman that lacked living fell to robbing, which would not labour after their return. During this time remained in the French Court, Nicholas Carew, Frances Bryan, and divers other of the young Gentlemen of England, and they with the French king road daily disguised through Paris, throwing eggs, stones, and other foolish trifles at the people, which light demeanour of a king was much discommended and gested at. And when these young gentlemen came again into England, they were all French, in eating, drinking, and apparel, yea and in French vices and brags, so that all the estates of England were by them laughed at: the Ladies and gentlewomen were dispraised, so that nothing by them was praised, but if it were after the French turn, which after turned them to displeasure as you s●all here. After the kings Ambassadors were returned, and Tournay delivered to the French men, upon the conditions aforesaid, the hostages that were here left for the payment of the great sums and performance of the conditions comprised in the league (of the which one was, that if the marriage took none effect, than the City of Tournay should be redelivered upon repayment of the same some) the said hostages knew not in what case they stood, but when they knew it, they were very heavy and sorrowful: howbeit they dissimuled the matter in the best wise they could. In the end of March the king sent for all the yeomen of the guard that were come from Tournay, and after many good words given to them, he granted to them four pence by the day without attendance, except they were specially commanded: and yet for all this the commonalty said that the king was evil counseled to give away the City of Tournay, because the maintaining of a garrison there should have nourished and brought up men and younger brethren in feats of war to the great strength and defence of the Realm. This year the twelve day of February died the Emperor Maximilian, The death of Maximilian Emperor. for whom the king caused a solemn Obsequy to be done at Paul's Church, all the Nobles of the realm, and knights of the Garter being present, of which order the said Emperor was one. In the beginning of this year, the king with all the knights of his order being in England, road on double horses, with the Henxcemen following the king, from Colbroke to Wyndsore in gorgeous apparel, and there he kept with great solemnity the feast of Saint George, and dined in the hall. And the Bishop of Winchester Prelate of the order sat at the boards end alone. The king was solemnly served, and the surnap cast like the feast of a coronation. All things were plenteous to strangers that resorted thither. At the Mass of Requiem was offered, the banner and other hachementes of honour belonging to Maximilian the Emperor late deceased. After this feast ended, the king came to Richemond, and so to Greenwich, and there lay all May. In which month the kings Counsel secretly commoned together of the kings gentleness and liberality to all persons: by the which they perceived that certain young men in his privy Chamber, not regarding his estate nor degree, were so familiar and homely with him, and played such light touches with him, that they forgot themselves: Which things although the king of his gentle nature suffered, and not reproved it: yet the kings Counsel thought it not meet to be suffered for the king's honour, and therefore they altogether came to the king, beseeching him all these enormities and lightness to redress. To whom the king answered, that he had chosen them of his Counsel, both for the maintenance of his honour, and for the defence of all thing that might blemish the same: wherefore if they saw any about him misuse themselves, he committed it to their reformation. Then the kings Counsel caused the Lord Chamberleyn to call before them Carew (and another who yet liveth, & therefore shall not at this time be ●amed) with divers other also of the privy Chamber, which had been in the french Court, and banished them the Court for divers considerations, la●yng nothing particularly to their charges. And they that had offices were commanded to go to their offices: which discharge out of the Court grieved sore the hearts of these young men, which were called the kings Minions. Then was there four sad and ancient knights, put into the king's privy Chamber, whose names were sir Richard Wingfield, sir Richard jernyngham, sir Richard Weston, and sir William Kingston: and divers officers were changed in all places. Then sir john Pechy was made deputy of Calais, and sir Richard Wingfield thereof discharged, and Nicholas Carew made Captain of Rice bank, and commanded to go thither, which was sore to him displeasant. These young minions which was thus severed from the king, had been in France, and so highly praised the French king and his Court, that in a manner they thought little of the king and his Court, in comparison of the other, they were so high in love with the French Court, wherefore their fall was little moaned among wise men. This was Charles the fift of that name. This year in the month of june was elected to be Emperor Charles King of Castle, and nephew to the Queen, by the whole assent of the electors of the Empire: Although the French king sent his great Master to 'cause him to be elected to the high majesty of the Empire: yet his Ambassador and great master of his household called Gonffier Lord of Bo●sy, and brother to William Gonffier Lord Bonneuet Admiral of France, which was Ambassador in England the last year as you have heard, did not so his message that it took any effect. The king which had sent Doctor Place his Secritory for the advancement of his nephew the King of Castle to the dignity Imperial, because he had the Duchy of Ostrik, and many other seignioryes in Almain, was very joyous of this election, and caused a solemn Mass to be song at Paul's the vij day of july: at which Mass was present the Cardinal Campeius, the Cardinal of York, the Duke of Buckingham, of Norfolk, and Suffolk, with the Ambassadors of Spain, France, Venice, and Scotland. And after Mass was done, the Choir sang Te deum, and then all the Lords departed to Baynard's Castle to dinner, and that night were solemn fieres made through London, and great plenty of Wine given by Italians, Duchemen, and spaniards, for these news. This Summer the Queen desired the King to bring to her Manor of Havering in the Bower of Essex, the Gentlemen of France being hostages. And for their welcomming she purveyed all things in the most liberallest manner: and especially she made to the king such a sumptuous banquet, that the king thanked her heartily, and the strangers gave it great praise. The King lying there did shoot, hunt, and run daily with the hostages, to their great joy. In the Month of November, the king came from Lambeth to Westminster hall, & so to the star chamber, & there were before him the Lord Ogle, the Lord Haward, sir Matthew Browne, sir William Bulmer, & john Scot of Camerwell, for divers riots, misdeameanors and offences, and especially the king rebuked Sir William Bulmer knight, because he being the kings servant sworn, refused the king's service, and became servant to the Duke of Buckingham, saying: that he would none of his servants should hung on an other man's sleeve, and that he was as well able to maintain him as the Duke of Buckingham, and that what might be thought by his departing, and what might be supposed by the Duke's retaining, he would not then declare. The knight kneeled still on his knees, crying the king mercy, and never a noble man there durst entreat for him, the king was so highly displeased with him. Yet at the last when other matters were heard, the king moved with pity forgave the said sir William his offence, saying, that we will that none of our servants shall belong to any other person, but to us, nor we will not that our subjects repined or grudge at such as we favour, for our pleasure we will have in that case as us liketh, for one we will favour now, and another at such time as us shall like: and therefore Sir William, if you serve us heartily, you shall not be forgotten, and for this time we pardon you. Likewise he pardoned the lord Edmond Haward, and Sir Mathewe Browne their offences, which were indicted of riots, and maintenance of bearinges of divers misdoers within the County of Surrey: but the Lord Ogle humbly beseeched the king of his mercy, to whom he answered. Sir your matter concerneth murder of our subject, which great offence is not only to us but to God, and therefore we remit you to the common law. And then he rose and went to his Barge, and by the way he made james Yarfford Mayor of the City of London knight, and so he with all his counsel came to Lambeth. The four Gentlemen hostages of France, daily resorted to the court and had great cheer, and were well entertained, and every time they moved, stirred and required the king to pass the Sea, and to meet with the French king their master, whom they praised highly, affirming that if the king and he might once familiarly common together, that there should such a constant love rise and increase between them, which afterward should never fail. This request was oftentimes heard and little regarded, but yet by the means of the Cardinal at the last, in the end of February it was agreed that the king in person should pass the sea to his Castle and Lordship of Guisnes, and there in may next coming between Guisnes and Arde, the king and the French king should meet. When this was fully concluded, the king wrote letters to all such Lords, Ladies, Gentlemen, and Gentlewomen as should give their attendance on him and the Queen: which incontinent put themselves in a readiness, after the most costliest fashion, for the furniture of the same meeting. Then were sent to Guysnes under the rule of sir Edward Belknap three thousand artificers, which builded out of the earth on the plain before the Castle of Guysnes, the most goodliest Palace of timber that ever was wrought in the same place, and so curiously garnished without and within. Beside this, provisions were made within the realm of England and in Flaunders for victual, wine and all other things necessary for the same. And yet beside all this orleans king at arms in France came into the Court of England and made Proclamation, that the king of England and the French King, in a camp between Arde and Guysnes, with xviij aids in june next ensuing, should abide all comers being gentlemen, at the Tilt, at Torney, and at barriers, and like proclamation was made by Clarenseaux king at arms in England, and in the Court of France, and in the Court of Burgoyne, and in divers other Courts and places in Almain, and italy. For furnishing of the jousts, there was devised a Tilt, and all things necessary for that enterprise, in a goodly plain between Guysnes and Arde. During the time of these preparations, news were brought to the king that Charles his Nephew elected Emperor of Almaigne would shortly departed out of Spain by sea, and come by England to go into Germany to receive his first Crown at Acon. Wherefore the king caused great provisions to be made at every Haven, for the receiving of his well-beloved Nephew and friend, and daily provisions were made on all sides for these noble meetings of so high princes: and especially the Queen of England, and the Lady Dowagar of France, made great cost on the apparel of their Ladies and Gentlewomen. In this year the King being informed that his realm of Ireland was out of order, discharged the Earl of Kildare of his office of Deputy and thereunto (by the means of the Cardinal as men thought) was appointed the Earl of Surrey Lord Admiral, to Whom the Cardinal did not own the best favour. Wherefore the said Earl of Surrey in the beginning of April took leave of the king, and the Duke of Norfolk his father, and passed into Ireland, and had with him divers Gentlemen, that had been in the garrison of Tourney, and one hundred yeomen of the kings guard, and other to the number of a thousand men. Where he by his manhood and wisdom, brought the Earl of Desmond and divers other rebels to good conformity and order: and there he continued in great hardness two year and more, in which space he had many battles and skirmishes with the wild Irish. When it was concluded that the kings of England and France should meet, as you have heard, then both the kings committed the order and manner of their meeting, and how many days they should meet, and what pre-eminence each should give to other, to the Cardinal of York. The king intending and persevering in purpose to meet with France's the French king, great and rich provisions were made, wherefore the noble King and the Queen with all the noble Court, removed the xxj day of May being on Mondaye, from their Manor of Grenewhich, toward the the Sea side, and so on Fridaye being the xxv day of May, arrived at the City of Cauntorbury intending there to keep his Whitsontyde. Charles Emperor landed in England. Sun after his coming to Cauntorburie, tidings were brought that Charles Empeour elect, was on the Sea, in sight of the coast of England, wherefore officers of the king were sent with great diligence to the Castle and Town of Dover, to be there in a readiness against the arrival of the Emperor. The Lord Cardinal, came to the town of Dover in haste with a noble repair, abiding the coming of the Emperor, which Emperor, the Saturday being the xxuj day of May arrived with all his navy of ships royal on the coast of Kent, direct to the town or port of Hieth the said day by noon, where he was hailed by the noble knight sir Willam Fitzwilliam, vice Admiral of England, with six of the kings ships well furnished, which lay for the safeguard of passage between Dover and Calais, at the cost and charges of the king of England: Calmness of the wether and lack of wind caused that the Emperor might not so soon take land at the port of Dover, as he would have done. Notwithstanding towards the even he departed from his ships, and entered into his boat coming towards the land, where in his coming to land: on the sea the Lord Wolsey Cardinal and Legate met and received him with such reverence as to so noble a Prince appertained. Thus landed the Emperor Charles, under the cloth of his estate of the black Eagle all splayed on rich cloth of Gold. In his retinue with him, were many noble men, and many fair Ladies of his blood, as princes and Princesses, and one Lady as chief to be noted, was the princes of Amnion with many other Nobles which landed with him in high & sumptuous manner and great riches in their apparel: great joy made the people of England to see the Emperor, and more to see the benign manner and meekness of so high a Prince. When the Emperor had thus taken land, the Lord Cardinal was as conduyt to the same noble Emperor from the shore of Dover unto the Castle there: then were all persons cheered with the best that there in the town might be. After the departing of the Emperor to the land from his Navy, the apparel of every ship then showed, as Flags, Banners, Streamers, and Targetes, than the mighty ordinance of every of them broke out by force of fire as though the sea had brent, marvelous was the noise of the gonnes. The Emperor being thus in the Castle of Dover, with hasty tidings came to the king where as he was at Cantorbury, who hasted him towards the noble Emperor. And so came riding early in the morning to the castle of Dover, within which castle the king alighted: the Emperor hearing the king to be come, came out of his chamber to meet with the king, and so met with him on the stairs or he could come up: where each embraced other right lovingly: then the king brought the Emperor to his chamber, where as there coming was of gladness. Sun after these two noble Princes on the Whitsondaye early in the morning took their horse and road to the City of Cauntorburie, the more to solemn the feast of Penticost, but specially to see the Queen of England his Aunt was the intent of the Emperor. The noble personages of the realm of England and the Queen with her beautiful train of Ladies received and welcomed the same Charles elect Emperor, whose person was by the king conveyed to a fair and pleasant chamber where the said Emperor apparelled him right richly. Then the noble retinue of the said Emperor aswell of Lords as of Ladies were lodged, aswell as there might be, with joy and much gladness, & there in Cauntorburie sojourned the Emperor and all his train with the king, until the Thursday in the same week. The last day of May being Thursday, the Emperor took leave of the king and all the Ladies, and gave great thanks, and so read to Sandwiche, and there took his ships, the wind to him was liking, whereby he sailed into Flaunders. Then the same day, the king of England made sail from the port of Dover and with a goodly navy landed at Calais at the hour of a xj of the clock and with him the Queen and Ladies and many Nobles of the realm. And so was the king received into the chequer and there rested: great repair of noble men came to the town of Calais from the French Court, to see the king and to salute him, which were of his grace, Princely entertained. Mondaye the fourth day of june the kings grace with all the nobles and the Queen with her train of Ladies as other, removed from Calais to his Lordship royal of Guisnes, which was so Noble and royal a lodging as before had not been seen, for it was a Palace: the Palace was quadrant, and every quadrant of the same Palace was three hundred xxviij. foot long of a size, which was in compass xiij hundredth, and twelve foot about. The d●scription of the new palace made by the king of England at Guynes for the receiving of the french king. This Palace was set on stages by great cunning and sumptuous work. At the entering into the Palace before the Ga●e, on the plain green was builded a fountain of enbowed work, guilt with fine gold, and Bice, ingrailed with antic works, the old God of Wine called Bacchus birling the wine, which by the conduits in the earth ran to all people plenteously with read, white, and claret wine, over whose head was written in letters of Roman in gold, Faicte bonne cheer quy vouldra. On the other hand or side of the gate, was set a pillar, which was of ancient Roman work, borne with four Lions of Gold, the pillars wrapped in wreath of Gold curiously wrought and intrayled, and on the sommet of the said Pillar stood an Image of the blind God Cupid, with his Bow and arrows of love ready by his seeming, to strike the young people to love. The foregate of the same palace or place with great and mighty masonry by sight was arched, with a Tower on every side of the same portered by great craft, and inbattelled was the gate and Tower, and in the fenesters, and windows were Images resembling men of war ready to cast great stones: Also the same gate or Tower was set with compassed Images of ancient Princes, as Hercules, Alexander and other by entrayled work, richly limned with gold and albin colours, and well and warily was made over the gate so●●es, and enforced with battailmentes, and in the same gate a lodge for the Porter: which there appeared and other, sumptuously appareled like unto kings officers. By the same gate all people passed into a large Court fair and beautiful, for in this Court appeared much of the outward beauty of this palace, for from the first water table to the raising or res●n pieces, was bay windows on every side mixed with clear Stories, curiously glazed, the posts or monyelles of every window was guilt. Thus the outward part of the place delighted the eyes of the beholders, by reason of the sumptuous work. Also the Tower of the Gate as seemed, was builded by great masonry, and by great engine of man's wit, for the sundry countenances of every Image that their appeared, some shooting, some casting, some ready to strike, and firing of Gonnes, which showed very honourably. Also all the said quadrants bays, and edifices, were royally entraled, as far as unto the same Court appertained. And direct against the Gate was devised a halpas, and at the entry of the stair was Images of sore and terrible countenances, all armed in curious work of Argentine. The bay of the same halpas pendant by craft of trimmer, & under the trimmer, antic Images of gold environed with verdour of Olyffes cast in compass, mounstring their countenances towards the entering of the palace. The stair of the said halpas was cast of passage by the wentes of broad steps, so that from the first foot or lowest step, a person might without pain go unto the highest place of the same halpas. On every hand was there Chamber doors and enterings into the Chambers of the same Palace, which were long and large and well proportioned, to receive light and air at pleasure: the roofs of them from place to place, and Chamber to Chamber were siled and covered with cloth of Silk, of the most fair and quick invention that before that time was seen, for the ground was white engrailed, inbowed and batoned with rich clotheses of Silks knit, and fret wilh cuts and braides and sundry new casts, that the same clotheses of silk showed like bullions of fine burned Gold, and the Roses in lossenges: that the same roof, was in kindly course, furnished so to man's sight, that no living creature might but joy, in the beholding thereof, for from the jaw piece of the said siling: which 〈◊〉 was guilt with fine gold, were works in paan paled, all the walls to the crest encountering the clear stories, the same crest which was of large deepness, the work was antic knots with bosses cast & wrought with more cunning than I can write, all which works and overages were guilt: and to set it the more to the glory, the flourishing Bise was comparable to the rich Amell. Also to the same Palace was reared a Chapel with two closets, the Choir of the said Chapel siled with cloth of Gold, and thereon frete ingrailed bend clotheses of Silk, all was then Silk and gold. The altars of this Chapel were hanged with rich revesture of cloth of gold of Tissue, embroidered with pearls. Over the high altar was hanged a rich Canaby of marvelous greatness, the altar was appareled with five pair of Candlesticks of gold, and on the altar an halpas, and thereon stood the Sacrament all of fine gold, and on the same halpas stood twelve Images of the bigness of a child of four years of age all gold: And all the Copes and vestments so rich as might be prepared or bought in the City of Florens, for all the Copes and vestments were but of one piece, so woven for the purpose, cloth of Tissue and powdered with read Roses purled with fine gold: the Orfrys set with pearls and precious stones. And all the walls and desks of this Chapel were hanged with right cloth of gold, and three rich great Crosses were there ready to be borne at festival times, and Basyns, and Sensers, Gospelers, Paxes, Crewets, holy water vessels, and other ornaments all of gold. Also in the first Closet was a traverse for the kings person of cloth of Gold: And within that the kings place and Chair, with Cushions of cloth of Gold: before the traverse was an altar of presence, which altar was adorned with cloth of brouderie and rich Pearls and precious stones, set in goldsmiths work of fine Gold. On the altar was a desk or halfpace, whereon stood a Crucifix of fine Gold, with an Image of the Trinity, an Image of our Lady, and twelve other Images all of fine Gold and precious stones, two pair of candlesticks of fine Gold, with Basins, Crewettes, Paxes, and other Ornaments: the said Closet was hanged with Tappets embraudered with rich work, fret with pearls & stones, the roof of the same Closet was sieled with work of Inmouled, guilt with fine Gold and Senapar and Bice. The second Closet was for the queens person, the which was as well trimmed and beautified as the other Closet was. And from this palace or place into the mighty and strong fortress and Castle royal of Guisnes, was a gallery for the secret passage of the king's person into a secret lodging within the same castle, the more for the kings ease. And finally to this palace was joined all houses of offices, that to such an honourable court should appertain. In this palace as ye have heard, was the king's grace lodged and all the nobles after their degrees. And for that the town of Guysnes was little, and that all the noble men might not there be lodged, they set up tents in the field, to the number of twenty and eight hundred sundry lodgings, which was a goodly sight. Thus was the king in his Palace royal at Guysnes. France's the French king was with all his Nobles of the realm of France, come to the town of Arde, where was prepared for his coming, many tents, hales and pavilions, & the same were set and pight in the field. On the French party also, there was at the same town of Arde builded the French kings lodging full well, but not finished, much was the provisions in Picardy on every part through all. The French king commanded his lodging to be made, a little out of the town of Arde in the territory of an old castle, which by the war of old time had been beaten. On the same place was re-edified a house of solace and sport, of large & mighty compass, which was chiefly sustained by a great mighty mast, whereby the great ropes and tackle strained, the same mast was stayed. All the roof of the same house hung on the same mast, and with tackle was strained and borne, by the supporters of the same mast or tree, the colours of the same was all blue, set with stars of Gold foil, and the Orbs of the heavens by the craft of colours in the roof, were curiously wrought in manner like the sky, or firmament, and a crescent strained sumdeale towards the town of Arde, this crescent was covered with frets and knots made of ivy Bushes, and box branches and other things that longest would be green for pleasure. In this time Lord Thomas Wolsey Cardinal and Legate a Latere as the kings high Ambassador road with noble repair of Lords, Gentlemen and Prelates to the town of Arde, to the French court where of the french king, the same Lord Cardinal was highly entertained. Of the nobleness of this Cardinal, the frenchmen made books, showing the triumphant doings of the Cardinal's royalty. The pomp and pride of Cardinal Wolsey. The number (as they writ) of the Gentlemen, knights and Lords, all in crimson Velvet, with the marvelous number of chains of Gold, the great horse, Mules, coursers, and carriages, that there were, which went before the Cardinals coming into Arde with sumpters & Coffers. Of his great crosses and pillars borne, the Pillow bear or case broudered, the two Mantles, with other the Ceremonial offices, with a great and honourable number of bishops giving their attendance, the mighty and great number of servants, as yeomen, grooms, all clothed in Scarlet, who so readeth of the French book, shall find the same wonderfully set forth. The king of England being at the Castle of Guisnes in the new palace, many noble men of the French court resorted to his grace, to see him and the Queen, and to salute them: who of the king were well entertained When the Lord Cardinal had sojourned at Arde in the French court by the space of two days, and the high and urgent princely causes in counsel declared, the Lord Cardinal took his leave of the French king, and of all the French court, and repaired unto the Castle of Guysnes, where he found the king of England his sovereign Lord. And the same king by his letters patents, had given full power and authority to the same Lord Cardinal, concerning all matters to be debated, touching the king and the realm, and also gave unto the same Cardinal, full strength, power, and authority, to affirm and confirm, bind and unbind, whatsoever should be in question, between him and the French king, as though the king in proper person had been there presently. When the Lords of the French counsel, saw the high and great authority that the Cardinal had, they showed it unto the French king, The great credit and authority that was committed to Cardinal Wolsey both by the King of England and the french king. who incontinent commanded his commission to be made, of like power and authority, that the king of England had given unto the said Lord Cardinal: the same power and authority had the said Cardinal, given to him by Frances the french king, and affirmed by the counsel royal of France. Then hastily was sent to the king of England the French kings patent, for the Lord Cardinal said humbly to the French king, that he would no such power receive, without the consent of the king of England his sovereign Lord: but when the king of England and his counsel had seen and viewed the french king's patent, and it well considered, than he sent the same patent of power to the Lord Cardinal with full assent: then the Lord Cardinal the power received with much gladness. It was highly esteemed and taken for great love that the french king had given so great power to the king of England's subject. Thursday the seventh day of june, in the Vale of Andren, within the Lordship royal of Guysnes, before day, was set and pight a royal rich Tent, all of cloth of Gold, and rich embroudery of the king of England's, and divers other hales and pavilions: the same rich Tent of Gold, was within hanged of the richest Arras, newly contrived and made, that ever before was seen, and a presence of the kings estate, with two Chairs and rich Cushyns therein: the ground was spread with Carpets of new Turkey making all full of beauty. At the hour of meeting appointed, the Lords of England set their people and servants in good array of battle, in a plain field directly before the Castle of Guysnes. The king of England commanded that his Guard should be set in the breast of the battle, or bend of footmen and so it was done. This battle of footmen conducted themselves so in order, that from the first to the last, never a person of the footmen broke his place or array, but kept themselves so well, that never servingmen themselves better demeaned. The servingmen thus set in order in the field, on the left hand of the king of England, somewhat toward the Marres, long while thus abiding, in which time the castle of Guisnes shot a warning piece to the town of Arde, and in likewise the town of Arde gave warning to the castle of Guysnes. The me●yng and encounter ●●ch● king of England and the French king. And forthwith the king of England with all the court of the nobles of the realm mounted on horseback, and marched towards the Valley of Andern in honourable order, all gentle men, Squires, Knights, and Barons, road before the king and Bishops also, the Dukes, marquis and Earls, gave attendance next the king. The French king on his party marched toward the encounter with all the rufflers and gallants of the French Court. In which time came to the French king some report, that caused him to tarry, and a light from his horse, than the French men were very doubtful, and in a stay so still rested, until a Lord of France called Mounsire Morret, the said Morret came to the French king, and showed him the very fidelity of the king of England, whereby the French king mounted on horseback, and the better encouraged, marched towards the place appointed of encounter. Thus in marching the one king to the other, to the king of England came Lord George Nevell Lord Aburgheny, and openly said, sir ye be my king and sovereign, wherefore above all I am bounden to show you truth, and not to let for none, I have been in the French party, and they be more in number, double so many, as ye be: with that was the earl of Shrewsburie Lord Steward ready and said, sir whatsoever my Lord of Burgheny saith, I myself have been there, and the Frenchmen be more in fear of you and your subjects, than your subjects be of them: wherefore said the Earl, if I were worthy to give counsel, your grace should march forward, so we intend my Lord said the king: then the officers of arms cried on afore, then in short while was the king on the bank of Anderne: then every gentleman as they road took his place, and stood still side by side, their regard or face towards the Vale of Andern. Then the king of England showed himself some deal forward in beauty & parsonage, the most goodliest prince that ever reigned over the realm of England: his grace was appareled in a garment of cloth of silver of Damask, ribbed with cloth of Gold, so thick as might be, the garment was large, and pleated very thick, and canteled of very good entail, of such shape and making, that it was marvelous to behold. The courser which his grace road upon, was trapped in a marvelous vesture of a new devised fashion, the trapper was of fine Gold in Bullion, curiously wrought, pounced and set with antic work of Roman Figures. Attending on the king's grace of England, was the master of his horse, by name sir Henry Guylford, leading the kings spare horse, the which horse was trapped in a Mantellet bront and back place, all of fine Gold in Scifers, of devise with tenrils on cordels pendaunt, the saddle was of the same suit and work, so was the Hedstall and reins. After followed ix henchmen, riding on Coursers of Naples the same young Gentlemen were apparelled in rich cloth of Tissue, the coursers in harness of marvelous fashion, scaled in fine Gold in Bullion, and all the same horse harness were set full of trembling spangles that were large and fair. The Lord Marques Dorset bore the king's sword of estate before the king's grace, the Lord Cardinal did his attendance. Thus in little time, abiding the coming of the French king and his, the which in short time came with a great number of horsemen, freshly apparelled, the French king and his retain, put themselves in place appointed, direct against the English party, beholding every other of both nations, the French men mused much of the battle of the footmen, and every of the French men to other spoke of the multitude of the English men which seemed great, yet were not they so many as the French party. When the French king had a little beholden the Englishmen, he put himself somewhat before his people, that were there on him attendant, the Duke of Bourbon bearing a naked sword upright, the Lord Admiral of France, & the County Cosmen Galias, Master of the french king's horse, and no more persons gave their attendance in passing with the French king: when it was perceived that the french king's sword was borne naked, than the king of England commanded the Lord Marques Dorset to draw out the sword of estate, and bear it up naked in the presence, which was so done. Then up blewe the Trumpets, Sagbuttes, Clarions, and all other Minstrels on both sides, and the kings descended down toward the bottom of the valley of Andern, in sight of both the nations and on horseback, met and embraced the two kings each other: then the two kings alighted, and after embraced with benign and courteous manner each to other, with sweet and goodly words of greeting: and after few words, these two noble kings went together into a rich Tent of cloth of Gold, that there was set on the ground for such purpose: thus arm in arm went the french king Frances the first of France, and Henry the eight king of England and of France, together passing with communication. When these two princes were in the Tent before rehearsed, the french king said, my dear brother and Cousin, thus far to my pain have I travailed to see you personally, I think verily that you esteem me as I am. And that I may to you be your aid, the realms and signiories show the might of my person: Sir said the king of England, neither your realms nor other the places of your power, is the matter of my regard, but the steadfastness and loyal keeping of promise, comprised in Charters between you and me: that observed and kept, I never saw Prince with my eyen, that might of my heart be more loved. And for your love I have passed the seas, into the farthest frontier of my realm to see you presently, the which doing now gladdeth me. And then were the two kings served with a banquet, and after mirth, had communication in the banquet time, and there showed the one the other their pleasure. After the two kings had ended the banquet, they came forth in open sight and there departed with their company, the king of England to Guysnes, the French king to Arde. And sundry days were kept sundry and royal jousts and other pastimes: the particulars whereof I omit because mention is before made of sundry of them. Mondaye the xj day of june, the two Queens of England and of France came to the Camp, where either saluted other right honourably, and went into a stage for them prepared, The meeting of both the Queens of England and France. right curiously hanged, and specially there was for the Queen of England, a Tapet all of pearl called Huges Dike, which was much looked at for the costliness of the same. And after sundry meetings of the said two kings many days, and sundry great feasts and banquets, that the one king had made to the other. They in the end gave unto each other sundry rich and costly gifts and jewels, Gifts given by the french king and the king of England. as first. The king of England gave to the French king a colour of jewels of precious stones, called Balastes, the Sanker, furnished with great Diamantes and Pearls. The French king gave to the king of England a Bracelet of precious stones, rich jewels and fair, and so departed the said two noble kings, the said xxiiij day of june, which was Sunday and Midsomerday. During this triumph so much people of Picardy and West Flaunders drew to Guysnes to see the king of England and his honour, to whom victuals of the court were in plenty, the Condette by the gate ran wine always, there were vagabonds, Plowmen, labourers and of the Bragarie, Wagoners and Beggars that for drunkenness lay in routs & heays, so great resort thither came, that both knights and Ladies that were come to see the nobleness, were fain to lie in hay and straw, and held them thereof highly pleased. From the court of the Emperor, nor of the Lady Margaretes court, nor of Flaunders, Brabant, nor Burgoyne, came never a person to answer to the challenge: By that it seemed that there was small love between the Emperor and the French king: Moreover Mounsire Fayot captain of Bullein with Mounsire Chattelon did their devoir to have taken the town of saint Omer, of which doing was thought no goodness to the Emperor. ● meeting concluded to be had in England between the Emperor and king Henry. Monday the xxv day of june, the king of England and the Queen and all the court removed from Guysnes to the town of Calais and there made the king his abode, where was concluded the meeting of the Emperor with the king, wherefore was made new and great provisions. In the time of the triumph there was a muttering that the town of Calais should be rendered into the French kings hands, & for truth the Frenchmen so spoke and said, wherewith many Englishmen were grieved. King Henry d●●chargeth a great part of his train. While the king lay thus in Calais he considered the charge of his nobles, and thought that less number of servants would now serve them for the time of his abode, and so caused the Cardinal to call all the Gentlemen before him which in the kings name gave to them thanks with much commendations, and for eschewing of cost, because the king tarried but the emperors coming, he licenced them to send home the half number of their servants and bade them after their long charges to live warily, this term warily was amongst the most part taken for barely, at which saying the Gentlemen sore disdained. The King rideth to graveling to visit the Emperor. Thus in Calais rested the king and the Queen until the tenth day of july. Then the kings grace with goodly repair road to the town of graveling in Flaunders there that night to rest and see the Emperor, on the king were weighting the Lord Cardinal, Dukes, Marquises, Earls, Bishops, Barons, Knights, and Gentlemen. The noble Emperor passed the water of graveling, and at a place called Waell, there he mei and received the king of England, the Emperor made such semblant of love to all the court of England that he won the love of the Englishmen, and so passed the Emperor and the king of England to graveling, where the king lodged the best that might be, all Lords, Gentlemen, yeomen and all sorts of Englishmen from the highest to the lowest were so cheered and feasted, with so loving manner that much they praised the Emperor's court. In graveling was the Emperor's Aunt Margaret, she welcomed the king and other noble men of the realm. When the French king and his Lords had knowledge of the meeting of the Emperor and the king of England in the town of graveling, they were therewith greatly grieved, as by many things appeared, for after the Englishmen were in France disdained, and in their suits there greatly deferred and had little right and much less favour, so from day to day still more and more began heart brenning, and in conclusion open war did arise between the two realms. Wednesday the xj day of july, The Emperor cometh to Calais. the Emperor and the Lady Margaret came with the king of England to the town of Calais, the Emperor and the Lady Margaret were lodged in Staple hall, and all Gentlemen and other lodged in other places right well prepared of all necessaries for their coming: and for solas was builded a banqueting house lxxx foot round, after a goodly devise, builded upon Masts of ships in such manner as I think was never seen, for in it was the whole spear portrated, which by reason of the great wind that blewe, could not be achieved, the same day at night were sundry rich Masks and goodly shows both of noble men and of Ladies. Tuesday the twelve day of july, because the banquet house could not be finished, the Emperor and the Lady Margaret supped with the king and the Queen at the chequer, where the same night after Supper reveled lxxxxuj. Maskers: after the revels was a banquet: After which banquet the king brought the Emperor and the Lady Margaret to the Staple, and after withdrew him. Friday the xiij day of july, the Emperor did intend to have departed from Calais, but the counsel was such that he departed not that night. The charters before time concluded, there were red, and to the Emperor declared all the whole articles of high peace and league tripartite, to which the French king had assented and fully contented, and for the more exemplification of the same, he sent the Lord de Roche with letters of credence to signify to the Emperor's Majesty that to the same articles he the French King promised in the word of a king as Prince faithful, to observe and keep for him and his realm and Subjects. Thus by the Lord de Roche in the Emperor's presence and before the king of England in the name of his master, their showed the French kings will in the town of Calais with many high and urgent causes concerning the Princes, whereby the Emperor went not out of Calais that night, by which abode the Emperor's Servants were much in doubt of the Emperor's person. Saturday the xiiij day of july, about noon the Emperor took leave of thee Queen of England his Aunt and of her train of Ladies, the king with all his nobles conducted the Emperor on his way to a village towards Flaunders called Waell, where the Emperor embraced the king, and him betook to almighty God, and the King gave to him a Courser of Naples richly appareled. The King took leave of the Duchess of Savoy great aunt to the Emperor, The return of the King into England. and of all Nobles of the Emperor's Court, and so departed, small time in Calais the king abode, but in goodly haste shipped, & with the Queen and all other Nobles in safety took land. And after passed the time of Summer with hunting and other sports honourably, and made no great jests this year. This year the king kept his Christmas at his Manor of Greenwich with much nobleness and open Court. And the ten day of February in his own person jousted to all comers, and the twelve day his grace and the Earl of Devonshire with four aids answered at the Tourney all comers which were xuj persons, noble and rich was their apparel, but in feats of arms the king excelled the rest. The duke of Buckingham accused. In this time was Edward Duke of Buckyngham accused to the king of high treason, wherefore the kings grace by the advice of his counsel, sent and directed his letters to the said Duke, being at his Manor of Thornbury in the County of Gloucester, that incontinent he should come to his presence all excuses laid aside. Also the king gave commandment to sir William Compton, sir Richard Weston, and sir William Kingston knights for the kings body, to take with them secret power and also sergeants at arms, and that they should wisely take heed that while the Duke received the king's letters, he should not convey himself, which they wisely accomplished. The said Duke upon the sight of the kings letters removed, and so journeyed till he came to Windsor, and there offered at Saint George, and always not far from him awaiting his demeanour, were the same knights lying. The Duke lodged in Windsor for that night, and as it was well proved, he marvelously seared, insomuch that he called unto him a servant of the kings named Thomas Warde, the same Thomas Warde was gentleman Harbinger for the king, and demanded of him what he made there, who answered saying, that there lay his office, there the Duke perceived that he could not escape. And so much was he in spirit troubled, that as he was at breakfast, his meat would not down, yet he made good countenance, and shortly took his horse, and so road till he came to Tothill besides Westminster where he took his Barge: before this time was the Duke's Chancellor taken and as a prisoner kept in the Tower, which had confessed matter of high treason concerning the kings person. When the Duke was in his Barge, he commanded to land at my Lord cardinals bridge, where he landed with four or five of his servants, desiring to see the same Lord Cardinal, but he was answered how the same Lord was diseased, well said the Duke, yet will I drink of my lords wine or I pass, than a Gentleman of my Lords brought the Duke with much reverence into the Seller, where the Duke drank. When he saw & perceived no cheer to him was made, he changed colour and so departed to his Barge, saying to his servants, I marvel where my Chancellor is, that he cometh not to me, not knowing that he was in prison. The Duke thus in his Barge coming towards London, sir Henry Marney captain of the kings Guard, The Duke of Buckingham attached of treason, and brought to the Tower. on him attending an hundred yeomen of the kings guard in a Barge on the river of Thames met the same Duke, and without abode boarded the Duke's Barge, and him in the King's name attached. And then from him were put his servants, and the Duke was brought to the Hay wharf, and there landed, the Duke's servants were commanded to go to the Manor of the Rose in Saint Laurence Pountnay, and there to abide till the kings pleasure were further known. Sir Henry Marnay brought the Duke through Thames street to the Tower of London, the people much mused what the cause might be, and for troth till it was known, among them was much speaking. There was also attached a Monk of a Charterhouse besides Bristol called Henton, also Master john Delaker the Duke's Confessor, and the Duke's Chancellor before mentioned, all were in the Tower prisoners. The xuj day of April was the same Duke brought to the Tower. Alas the while that ever ambition should be the loss of so noble a man, and so much in the king's favour, by him all the Lords and other may beware how they give credence to false prophecies or false hypocrites. For a Monk of the Charterhouse showed the duke that he should be king of England, which to the kings person could be no higher treason. Alas that ever he gave credence to such a false Traitor. In this time inquiries were made in divers shires of Edward Duke of Buckyngham being prisoner in the Tower of London, where by the Knights and Gentlemen, there he was indited of high treason for certain words spoken by the same Duke in Blechyngly to the Lord Aburgany, and the same Lord was attached for consailment, and so was the Lord Montague the kings Cousin, and both led to the Tower. And sir Edward Nevell knight, brother to the said Lord Aburganey forbidden the kings presence. The Duke of Norfolk was made by the kings letters patents high Steward of England, to accomplish the high cause of appeal of the Pier or Pieres of the realm, and to decern and judge the causes of the Peers. etc. Wherefore shortly after was made in Westminster hall a scaffold for the Lords, and a presence for a judge, railed, and counter railed about, The arraignment of the Duke of Buckingham. and barred with degrees. The Duke of Norfolk was chief judge, and many Peers of the realm, as the Duke of Suffolk, the marquis Dorcet, the Earls of Worcester, Devonshire, Essex, Shrewsbury, Kent, Oxford, and Derby, the Lord of Saint john's, Lord Delaware, Lord Fitzwarren, Lord Willoughby, Lord Broke, Lord Cobham, Lord Harbert, and the Lord Morley, sat as Peers and judges upon the same Duke of Buckyngham. When the Lords had taken their places, sir Thomas Lovel, and sir Richard Chomley knights, brought the Duke to the bar with the Are of the Tower before him, who humbly bore headed reverenced the Duke of Norfolk, and after all the Lords and the kings learned Counsel. Then the Clerk of the counsel said, sir Edward Duke of Buckingham, hold up thy hand, thou art indicted of high treason, for that thou traitorously hast conspired and imagined as far as in thee lay to shorten the life of our sovereign Lord the king: of this treason how wilt thou acquit thee, the Duke answered by my Peers. And when the inditement was openly read, the Duke said it is false and untrue, and conspired and forged, to bring me to my death, and that will I prove, alleging many reasons to falsify the indictment, and against his reasons the kings Atturnay alleged the examinations, confessions, and proofs of witnesses. The Duke desired the witnesses to be brought forth, then was brought before him sir Gilbert perk priest his Chancellor, first accuser of the same Duke, Master john Delacourt priest, the Duke's confessor, and his own hand writing laid before him to the accusement of the Duke. Charles Knivet Esquire, Cousin to the Duke, and a Monk, Prior of the Charterhouse besides Bath, which like a false hypocrite had induced the Duke to the treason, and had divers times said to the Duke, that he should be king of England, but the Duke said, that in himself he never consented to it. divers presumptions and accusements were laid to him by Charles Knivet, which he would feign have covered. The depositions were read, and the deponentes were delivered as prisoners to the officers of the Tower. Then spoke the Duke of Norfolk, and said my Lord, the King our sovereign Lord hath commanded that you shall have his laws ministered with favour and right to you: Wherefore if you have any other thing to say for yourself, you shall be heard. Then he was commanded to withdraw him, and so was led into Paradise a house so named. The Lords went to counsel a great while and after took their places. Then said the Duke of Norfolk to the Duke of Suffolk, what say you of Sir Edward Duke of Buckyngham touching the high treasons that he hath been arraigned of? the Duke of Suffolk answered, he is guilty, and so said the Marquis, and all the other Earls and Lords: Thus was this Prince Duke of Buckingham found guilty of high treason by a Duke, a Marquis, seven Earls, and twelve Barons. The Duke was brought to the bar sore chafing and sweat marvelously, after he had made his reverence, he paused a while. The Duke of Norfolk as a judge said, sir Edward, you have heard how you be indicted of high treason, you pleaded thereto not guilty, putting yourself to the Peers of the realm, the which have found you guilty: then the Duke of Norfolk wept and said, you shall be led to the kings prison and there laid on a Hardell, The duke of Buckinghans' judgement. and so drawn to the place of execution, and there to be hanged, cut down alive, your members to be cut off & cast into the fire, your bowels brent before you, your head smitten of, and your body quartered and divided at the kings will, and God have mercy on your soul. Amen. The Duke of Buckingham said, my Lord of Norfolk, you have said as a traitor should be said unto, but I was never none, but my Lords I nothing malign for that you have done to me, but the eternal God forgive you my death and I do: I will never sue to the king for life, howbeit he is a gracious Prince, and more grace may come from him than I desire. I desire you my Lords and all my fellows to pray for me. Then was the edge of the Axe turned towards him, and so led into a Barge, The Duke of Buckingham is led through London to the Tower. sir Thomas Lovel desired him to sit on the Cushyns and Carpet ordained for him, he said nay, for when I went to Westminster, I was Duke of Buckingham, now I am but Edward Bowhen the most caitiff of the world. Thus they landed at the Temple, where received him sir Nicholas Vause, and sir William Sands Baronet's, and led him through the City, who desired ever the people to pray for him, of whom some wept and lamented, and said this is the end of evil life. God forgive him, he was a proud Prince, it is pity that he behaved him so against his king and liege Lord, whom God preserve. Thus about four of the clock he was brought as a cast man to the Tower. Friday the xvij day of May, about xj of the Clock. This Duke with a great power was delivered to john Kyeme, and john Skevington sheriffs, who led him to the Scaffold on Tower hill, where he said he had offended the kings grace through negligence and lack of grace, and desired all noble men to beware by him, and all men to pray for him, and that he trusted to die the kings true man. Thus meekly with an Axe he took his death. Then the Augustyne Friars took the body and head, The Duke of Buckingham beheaded. and buried them. About this time Frances the French king made open war against the Emperor Charles both by land and sea. The Provinces of Arragon, The French king maketh open war upon the Emperor. Castle, and all Spain, Germany, Brabant, Flaunders, and the steads maintained the party of the Emperor. The kings highness considering the murder and effusion of Christian blood, and the trouble that might ensue to all princes of Christendom, by invasion of the great Turk, sent the Cardinal of York his Chancellor by name Thomas Wolsey to his town of Calais to entreat an amity & peace between those two mighty princes. For this voyage great preparation was made, not only for the Cardinal, but also for the Earl of Worcester then Lord Chamberleyn, the Lord of Saint john's, the Lord Ferrer, the Lord Harbert, the Bishop of Duresme, the Bishop of Ely, the Primate of Armicane, sir Thomas Bulleyn, Sir john Peche, sir john Hussey, sir Richard Wingfielde, sir Henry Guylforde, and many other Knights, esquires, Gentlemen, Doctors, and learned men that accompanied him. And thus honourably accompanied he road through London the xxv day of july, and at Thomas. Beckets Church the Mayor and Aldermen took leave of him, praying God to s●nde him good speed. Thus passed he to Cauntorbury where the Archbishop, of Cauntorbury, and other Prelates received him in pontificalibus and brought him to his lodging under a Canopy to the Bishop's palace. The eight day of july he came to Dover: the twenty day, he and the other Lords with their ret●nues took passage, and arrived at Calais in safety, where the Lord deputy and the Counsel received them with much honour, and lodged the Cardinal in the Staple hall. Shortly after whose arrival, came thither the chancellor of France and the County de palace with four hundred horse, as Ambassadors from the French king, and likewise from the Emperor came great Ambassadors and when they sat in counsel, the emperors Ambassade showed their commission and power. And even so did the French kings Ambassade, which was more larger than the emperors commission. Thus when the grudges were declared on both sides, when the Emperor's Ambassadors consented to peace, the French kings would not. And when the french Ambassadors consented to peace, the Emperors would not. The Cardinal then would have knitted the Emperor, the king our sovereign Lord, the french king, and the Bishop of Rome in a league and amity together: the other Ambassadors had no such commission, especially the Bishop of Rome's, whereupon letters were sent to Rome in all haste, and the Frenchmen tarried in Calais, till he returned and beheld the town, with which the counsel of Calais were not contented. Hereupon the Cardinal road to the Emperor accompanied with his Ambassadors (and left the French Ambassadors in Calais to abide his return) and passed by Grauelyng, Dunkirk, Newport, Owdenborow, and sundry times in the way he was encountered and received with noble men. And without Bruges he was received with many noble men, and many Lords and other of the Emperor's court, and a mile without Bruges the Emperor his own person met him, and showed to him and to the other Lords and Gentlemen of England gracious countenance, and so accompanied the Cardinal into the town, where great multitude of people beheld them, and so road to the emperors palace where he lighted, and first embraced the Cardinal, and after all the Lords, Knights and Gentlemen of England. It is to suppose the Emperor knew of the commission given to the said Cardinal, which had the king's power as if his grace had been present, Cardinal Wolsey carried the great seal with him out of England. and also had the great seal with him, which had not been seen before, or else the Emperor would not have done him so high honour and reverence. The English Lords, knights, esquires, yeomen of the king's Guard and other being to the number of four hundred and three score horse, were well lodged every man after his degree, and every lodging furnished with fuel, Bread, Bear, Wine, beeves, Muttons, Veles, Lambs, Venison, and all manner of dainty viand, as well in fish as flesh, with no lack of spices and banquetings dishes. The next day after the great cheer made to the Lord Cardinal and to all his Lords, knights, gentlemen, and all other Lords and knights of England (in whose presence) the Cardinal made his proposition concerning peace to be had between the said Emperor and the French king declaring the calamities, misery, and wretchedness that came by war: and the commodities, benefit, and wealth that came by peace, concord and tranquillity, which proposition continued a great while: and when the Cardinal had made an end, the Emperor himself answered and said: The law of God bindeth every man to claim and ask his right, and that the same law bindeth no man to hold, keep, and withstand another man's right. Our Cousin of France doth withhold our rights and patrimonies, which we have princely desired, and eftsoons will, and if he will tender to us our said rights and patrimonies, we are contented to have peace with him and his subjects, if not, we trust in God & our right that the troubles by your fatherhed rehearsed, shall come upon him and his adherents. And for the titles of our regality, to put that to the Bishop of Rome, we do consider that king Edward of England the third of that name of noble memory, warred by just title to recover the realm of France from Philip de Valois, which title by intercession was put to the Bishop of Rome and his Court to discuss, and expended there by the space of twenty and three years undetermined, notwithstanding great pursuit and labour was made to have it ended: Such like time should be to us tedious, wherefore we intend by the aid of God to follow our title. The Cardinal replied and declared the league that was between the three mightiest princes of the world, that is to say, the Emperor, the king our sovereign Lord Henry the eight, and the French king, and how that to the Prince that first moved war, the other two should be enemies unto him, and said, behold the mighty power and puissant realm, riches, ships, victuals, and ordinance, Lords, chivalry, horsemen, archers, and commonalty, this is in the high and mighty king of England my sovereign Lord, and he that first war beginneth, by the said league my said sovereign Lord to his honour may lawfully spread his Banner, and make war in defence of his friend. For this and other things my sovereign Lord desires of your highness and Majesty the consent of peace. My Lord Cardinal, said the Emperor, I esteem most the honour of my dear Uncle the king of England and trust in his assurance, that neither his royal person, his realm, his power, Navy, nor ordinance shall be but to our aid in assisting in our tried title, nor will consent to any thing in dishonouring us or our Empire: God defend but we should humble ourself to his request, our high honour reserved. Lord God who may esteem more higher injuries and wrongs than we in our person, our predecessors, and our loving subjects have endured by the house of France. My Lord Cardinal said the Emperor, their pride with our honour we may and must reprehend and overthrow by the help of God: with these words the counsel broke up. All the Lords and men of honour of England that day dined in the emperors Court. When they were set and served, it came to pass that an honourable man of the Emperors as he sat at dinner said thus. It is thought that the kings Majesty of England intendeth to make a peace. Alas that ever he should imagine a thing so much to the dishonour of the Emperor. The king is his Uncle, is it not come to his hearing that all the world heareth? It was so that by the assent of the Bishop of Rome and other Princes to make peace with us, the French party after the battle of Gyngate obtained by Maximilian then Archeduke of Osteriche, where every noble man of us fought with the Frenchmen quarter naked, and slew of them a marvelous number. They desired the daughter of Maximilian named Margaret to wife, which Lady is Duchess of Savoy and yet living, and she being like an Emperor's child was delivered into their hands as Queen of the realm, with divers towns in Picardy rendered with her and part of high Burgonie, and treasure marvelous. Now sithen the same Maximilian had spoused jane daughter and heir of France's Duke of Britain, which land the Frenchmen over ran and spoiled, and she constrained to sue unto Charles king of France for a safeconduict to pass through his realm to Maximilian her spouse, and upon the same safe conduct granted, the said Lady jane passing through France with a small company, was by the same Charles taken at Amboys, and there married her against her will, whereupon he forsook the Lady Margaret and sent her again to her father the Emperor without redylivery or rendering again the towns that were delivered with her. And where as the Duke of Gelder is subject to the Emperor, is he not yet at this day by the procurement of the French king, rebel? And where also by just title the realm of Naples aught to be united to the crown of Castle, did not the French king feign a journey into the holy land pretending title by jeniamy brother to the great Turk being then Captive in Rome, and by a crafty treaty obtained the said jeniamy, and so passed into Naples without peril, and seized all the land into his hands, and then prisoned he the same jeniamy? Thus to the great damage of Castle, he made claim to Naples by Margaret Queen of England late wife to Henry the sixth. The king of Nauerne is evermore vassal to the house of Arragon and Castille, yet the French king caused him to rebel, hoping thereby to subdue the said Countries. Of late days the French king by false treason caused sir Robert de la March to submit himself to the Emperor's majesty, who received him upon his oath & fidelity, pardoning all offences past, is not this false traitor returned, and is of the French party? how may that Court, that counsel, that king, that realm that consenteth to treason and perjury by maintenance of traitors be called honourable? hath not the French king sworn, and is bounded never to retain the Switchers in wages to make war against the Emperor? and yet doth at this day: And albeit that his majesty speaketh not of these things, yet he well considereth them. I trust verily said this noble man that God saith, vive Burgoigne, every man that heard this rehearsal, knew that it was true, howbeit he was not answered, but some English knights said, Sir you have said well, and as God will all must be. Thus was this narration ended. In this season the Emperor got the town of Mewzon: Also of the emperors party a great army arrived in the Duchy of Milan, and also the Emperor's power besieged the Noble City of Messiers, but the captain called Franciscus was suspected of treason, for he removed with the host from the siege without knowledge of the Emperor. The Emperor made a siege volant about the City of Tournay, for the rescue whereof and also of Monsieurs, the French king made a great army and himself in person. During this siege the Frenchmen took a Spaniards ship laden with English men's goods at Margate within the king's streams, not without great slaughter on both parties, yet the Frenchmen were a hundred and three score men, and of Spaniards and English men only xxv The King of Denmark Christianus came to see the Emperor his brother in law (being a stately prince) and means was made by the Lord Cardinal that they spoke together without any great sign of amity. The Lord Cardinal after he had sojourned in Bruges by the space of xiii. days and concluded divers matters with the Emperor and accomplished his commission: he took leave of his majesty, and likewise did all the noble men of England, and after convenient journeys arrived with all his company at Calais, where the Ambassadors of France tarried him, and immediately after his arriving he treated with them of peace, yet not so earnestly as he did before, and that perceived well the said Ambassadors, and wrote thereof to the French king, yet the wealth and prosperity of both the realms and their subjects were highly reasoned between the Cardinal and the said Ambassadors, especially for fishing, whereupon was concluded that the subjects of both the princes might freely fish on the sea, and repair to any port of the one or the other prince without robbing, spoiling, or taking unto the second day of February next. The French king with a mighty army and himself in person repaired to the Country of Cambray, minding to pass the straights, The French king setteth forth with a great power against the Emperor. but they were withstanded by the Emperor's power, yet he continued there from October unto November without any thing doing, to the great displeasure of the French king. The Duke Daleson hearing that, made preparations with the Almains to pass the marrys by the point Dassans & there the Almains had made bridges of Pipes & vessels, and brought thither their great ordinance. The Emperor being in the town of Valencian and thereof advertised, caused strong watch to be made, and as they would have passed, the Bastard Emery, and the Capitayne of Gaunt with twelve hundred men met with them, where was a great conflict and many men slain, and at the last the Almains were put to flight and their bridges and other provisions broken: Of the french party were slain in this conflict xiiij hundred men, and of the Burgonians were slain the Bastard Emery, the captain of Gaunt and four hundred men. The Lord Cardinal after he had long treated with the Ambassadors of France, and could bring them to no conformity of peace, he sent to the Emperor the Lord of saint john's, and sir Thomas Boleyn knight to advertise his majesty thereof. Likewise the said Lord Cardinal sent to the French king the Earl of Worcester, and the Bishop of Ely to exhort his grace to peace, he heard them, but he gave them but few words to answer, and after they had been nineteen. or twenty days in his host, they took leave and returned to Calais. During the continuance of the Cardinal in Calais all writers and patents were there by him sealed and no Shreive's chosen for lack of his presence. The king of Hungary sent an Ambassador to the kings highness for aid against the Turk, whom the Cardinal honourably entertained during his abode in Calais. His coming was for aid as men said against the French king. The Lord Cardinal after the return of the English Ambassadors from the Emperor and from the French king took shipping and landed at the port of Dover, the xxvij day of November, and there took his journey to Blechyngly, where the kings grace welcomed him, giving him also thanks for his great pains and travail. The last day of December the Cardinal accompanied the Emperor's Ambassadors to the court where they were honourably received and highly feasted during their abode there, and many sumptuous and gorgeous disguilinges, interludes and banquetes made in the same season. This year was a great pestilence and death in Londn and other places of the realm, and many noble Captains died, as the Lord Broke, A great pestilence. Sir Weston Browne, Sir john Hecon, Sir john Peche and many other people. The Bishop of London, Doctor Fitz james, likewise deceased this year, and Doctor Tunstall was preferred to the same benefice The Lord Thomas Hawarde Earl of Surrey, came out of Ireland to the court the xxv day of januarie, when he had been there the space of xx. months in great travail and pain, and often times sore troubled by the wild Irish, howbeit by his nobleness and manhood he brought the Lords of Ireland to the kings due obeisance, and had of them many victories to his perpetual laud and praise. The French men rob and spoiled the kings subjects and merchants upon every coast of the Sea. The Frenchmen this year spoiled and shamefully rob the kings subjects on every coast of the Sea, so that wheresoever the king road his poor subjects came with lamentations and cries showing his grace of the cruelty of the frenchmen and of their inhuman dealing with them, but ever the French Ambassadors promised restitution of every thing, but none was restored. In this month of january the king commanded all his ships of war to be made in a readiness, which was done with all diligence. About this time the Duke of Albany arrived in Scotland, notwithstanding that the French king swore unto the Cardinal that he should never come into Scotland without the king our sovereign lords consent, but for all that he had commission from the French king although the French king wrote to the king that he was entered Scotland without his assent. King Henry the eight writeth a book against Luther. About this time the king wrote in Latin a vehement book against Martin Luther and confuted his judgement, touching Indulgences, and defendeth the Bishop of Rome's authority, and in the end reproveth all his disputations concerning the Sacraments of the Church. The which book the Pope liked so well that the second day of February, the king being at Grenewhich, came thither the Cardinal with a Legation from Leo Bishop of Rome, and also his Ambassador, on whom weighted many a noble man, the king met with them at his chamber door welcoming them as though they had both come from Rome. Then said the Cardinal, high and victorious king it hath pleased our Lord God to endue your grace with a great multitude of manifold graces as a king elect in favour of the high Heaven, and so appeareth presently by your noble person, so form & figured in shape and stature with force and pulcritude, which signifieth the present pleasure of our Lord God wrought in your noble grace. And further he praised his wisdom, This title defender of the faith▪ was received from july Bishop of Rome. prudence, and learning, with many other goodly words in the praise of his most noble grace. And finally the Cardinal declared how the said Bishop of Rome had sent his highness an Act in Bull under lead, declaring therein his grace to be the defender of the Christian faith and his successors for evermore. And when his grace had received the said Bull and caused it to be read and published, he went to his Chapel to here Mass accompanied with many nobles of his realm and also with Ambassadors of sundry Princes, the Cardinal being revested to sing Mass, the Earl of Essex brought the Basin with water, the Duke of Suffolk gave the assay, the Duke of Norfolk held the towel, and so proceeded to Mass. And that done he gave unto all them clean remission and blessed the King and the Queen and all the people: then was the Bull eftsoons declared, and trumpets blue, the shawms and saggebuttes played in honour of the kings new style. Thus his highness went to dinner. In the mids whereof the king of Heralds and his company began the largesse, crying. Henricus dei gratia rex Anglie, & Francie defensor fidei, & dominus Hibernie. Thus ended the dinner, with much abundance of victual and wine, to all manner of people. The ten day of February, the Lord hody chief Baron of the kings Exchequer gave over his office, and for him was admitted by the Cardinal, master john Fitzjames, a right honourable man and well learned. In this time was much business between the Emperor and the French king, wherefore the king sent to the sea six good ships, well manned and victualed for the war: the Admiral was called Christopher Coo, a man expert on the Sea, for safeguard of the Merchants, and other the kings subjects, that were grievously spoiled and rob on the sea, by Frenchmen, Scots, and other rovers. This time the eight day of February, the Lord Dacres Warden of the Marches of Scotland, entered into Scotland with five hundred men, by the kings commandment, and there proclaimed that the Scots should come into the kings peace, by the first day of March following, or else to stand at their perils, the Duke of Albany being then within five miles, with a mighty power of Scots. The xj day of February, Sir George Nevell, Lord a Burgayny, being then prisoner in the Tower was brought to Westminster, and there in the kings Bench confessed his inditement of misprision, in the cause of Edward late Duke of Buckyngham to be true, and after the open confession thereof, led again to the Tower. The Lord Montacute the kings cousin, was about this time reconciled to his grace's favour, which had been prisoner in the Tower, with sir Edward Nevell knight, this sir Edward Nevell was forbidden the kings presence, for bearing favour to the Duke of Buckingham. This year the second of March, certain noble men of the Empire arrived in England to pass into Spain, who were honourably received, and in honour of them great jousts and triumphs were made, and that finished, and done, they took their leave and departed on their journey. Also this time commission was given throughout the realm, General musters taken throughout all the realm, and men sworn what value and substance they were of. for general musters to be had, to know what power might be made within the same and also men sworn of what substance and lands they were of, and the Cardinal advertised of the same: not without grudging of the people, and marveling why they should be sworn for their own good. The City of London was this month advertised of the coming of the Emperor, wherefore was made great preparation: and the Citizens sent the king's grace one hundred tall men well harnessed, to furnish his navy, appointed to keep the narrow seas. The French king certified the kings highness, by his letters dated in March, how the Grand captain of France, the County de Palais, The French king certefieth king Henry of a lie. Mounsire de Lescue, and other noble men of France, had won the town of Milan, which was not true, for within five or six days after, it was evidently known that the French men were beaten back, and had won nothing, to their great shame and reproach. Moreover the same season the French king wrote his letters to the signory and commonalty of Gean, to send him three characts, and six Galyes furnished for the wars, unto his port of Breast, to maintain his wars against the foresaid Emperor, who made him by their letters such a reasonable excuse, that he was contented to spare them for that tyme. A gracious and a merciful act of king Henry the eight. The kings highness kept this year his Easter at his Manor of Richemonde, and caused his Amner to make inquiry, eight miles round about the said Manor, what poor people was in every parish. And for the eschewing of murder, that most commonly fortuned every good Friday, by reason of the great resort of poor people, his grace caused them to be refreshed with his almose at home at their houses. About this time a rover or thief of Scotland, called Duncan Camel, was after long fight taken on the sea, by a Squire of Cornwall called master john Arondell, and presented to the kings highness, who committed him to the tower of London, where he remained prisoner a long season after. Preparation made for war. The king like a Prince which foreseeth all things, saw what war was like to ensue, caused the Earl of Surrey his high Admiral, to put in readiness his navy, both for the conducting of the Emperor into England, and also for the defence of his subjects, which were daily rob and spoiled on the sea, which Lord Admiral took such diligence with the help of Sir William Fitzwilliam his vice Admiral, that all the ships by the beginning of April, were rigged and trimmed, and in especial the Henry grace of Due, the kings great ship, was brought out of the river of Thames into the Downs, ready to sail whether God and the king would. The justices of Assize poisoned by an infectious air. In this year at the Assize kept at the Castle of Cambridge in Lent, the justices, and all the Gentlemen, Bailiffs, and other, resorting thither, took such an infection, whether it were of the savour of the prisoners, or of the filth of the house, that many Gentlemen, as sir john Cut, sir Gyles Alyngton Knights, and many other honest yeomen thereof died, and almost all which were their present, were sore sick and narrowly escaped with their lives. And this year also died Sir Edward Pownynges, Knight of the Garter, Sir john Pechy, and Sir Edward Belknap, valiant Captains which were suspected to be poisoned, at a banquet made at Arde, when the two kings met last. A pestilence and dearth. This year also, was not without pestilence nor dearth of Corn, for Wheat was sold this year in the City of London, for twenty shillings a quarter, and in other places for xxuj shillings eight pence. And in the same year in December, died Leo Bishop of Rome, for whom was chosen, one Adrian borne at Vtrike the emperors school master. And in the same month Gawan Douglas Bishop of Dunkell in Scotland, fled out of Scotland into England because the Duke of Albany was arrived in Scotland, and had taken upon him to be governor of the king, and the realm, to whom the king assigned an honest pension to live on. But when the king was advertised, that the Duke of Albaine was arrived in Scotland, and had taken the rule of the young king his realm, and he much doubted the sequel of the matter, considering the Duke to be heir apparent to the Crown of Scotland: Wherefore he sent Clarenseaux king at Arms into Scotland, with commandment, that he should declare to the Duke of Albany, that his pleasure was, that he should departed the realm of Scotland for two causes, the one, because it was promised by the French king, at the last meeting, that he should not come into Scotland, the second was, that the king of England was uncle to the king of Scots, and by the very bond of nature, aught to defend his nephew. Wherefore his nephew being young, and in the custody of him, to whom if he should die, the realm of Scotland should descend, he doubted lest he might be brought out of the way, as other Dukes of Albany before had served the heirs of Scotland: and if he would not avoid Scotland, than Clarenseaux was commanded to defy him, which accordingly did defy him at holy Rode house in Edinburgh to the which he answered, that neither the French king, nor the king of England, should let him to come into his natural Country, by their agreement: also as touching the young king, he said, that he loved him as his sovereign Lord, and him would keep and protect against all other. When Clarenseaux had reported his answer to the king, than he knew well that all this was the French kings doing, wherefore he provided in all things accordingly. The Earl of Anguish of Scotland that had married Lady Margaret, the king our sovereign lords sister, late wife unto king james of Scotland, that was slain at Floddon field, was by the Duke of Albany, sent by a coloured Ambassade into France, where shortly after his arriving, he was by the French king committed to prison, and his brother likewise, which escaped after as you shall hear. Also the sixth day of March, the French king commanded all English men's goods being in Bordeaux, to be attached and put under a rest: The French King attacheth th● English men's goods. and likewise detained the king's tribute, which he should have out of France, and also the French Queen's Dowry, and when the king sent to him for it he ever gave fair words, and made delays, but none was paid, and ever the Ambassador promised fair. The king this year kept the day of saint George with great solemnity, at his manor of Richmond, where were elected to the order of the Garter, Done Ferdinando brother to the Emperor, and Archduke of Oystrike, and sir Richard Wyngfield knight by the emperors means, to the which the Emperor had given two hundred pound pension, out of the house of Burgoyne, which sir Edward Pounynges before had of the emperors gift. During this war between the Emperor and the French king, and the king of England lying still an entreator between them, the English men were rob on both sides, and when their wines were laden at Bordeaux, and ready to departed, they were attached, and the Merchants put in prison: the poor fisher men on the coast of England, sometime met with the french men and them spoiled, but to no recompense of that they had taken. The Merchants of England, that had factors at Bordeaux, complained to the king of England, and showed him how the French king, contrary to his league and his safeconduyt under his seal, by his people, had taken their goods & imprisoned their factors and friends, & can have no remedy. Likewise complained all the Merchants, how their ships were restrained, in every port of France, and their goods rifled, and could have no redress. The king and his counsel were sorry to here the complaints of the Merchants, and so concluded to send for the French Ambassadors, to whom the Cardinal said: sir how is this chance happened? you have promised ever in the name of the king your master that all leagues, promises, and covenants should be kept, and that full restitution should be made of every hurt and damage, and that firm peace and amity should be kept: but contrary to your saying, our Merchants be rob and spoiled, yea, although he had granted his safeconduyt, yet they be rob, and stayed at Bordeaux, is this the peace that you and your master hath promised to be kept? is this the amity that he was sworn to keep? Is this the word of a king? Is this the strength of a Prince to break his safeconduyte? And where you advised our Merchants to sue in France for restitution, and did warrant them to be restored, you have put them to cost and loss, for they have sued there long, and spent their goods, without any redress, and now you have imprisoned them, and kept both them and their goods, is this justice? is this restitution? And all this was your procurement, and now see what is come of your promise, surely this may not be suffered, and beside this the king is informed, that the king your master hath spoken by him, foul and opprobrious words, yea, in the hearing of the English men which were sore grieved to hear such words, and were not able to be revenged. The Ambassador of France said, that it was not so as it was reported: well said the Cardinal, if you note the Counsel of England so light, as to tell fables, you be misadvised, but I pray you how often times hath the king written to your master, for restitution of such robberies as hath been done, and yet can have no redress? Wherefore he granted letters of mark, which may stand with the league, but Mounsire Chastilion hath taken Merchants of England prisoners, and hath sent certain hither for their ransom, this is open war and no peace. Master Precedent Polliot or Pulteyne the french Ambassador, answered, that surely the matters which were alleged against his master the French king, were but forged matters and not true: but he said that for a truth, daily in the Court of France, were complaints made against the Englishmen for great robbeberies done by them, as well on land as sea, affirming it to be done in the Emperor's quarrel, and yet the French king for the love he beareth to England, letteth his subjects to be unheard, although he daily lament the great injury, done to him and his subjects by English men: and therefore my Lord I pray you believe no such tales, till I have told you the truth. Then the Cardinal called the four hostages, that lay here for the payment of money for Tournay, and they four were delivered, to my Lord of saint Ihones, to sir Thomas Lovel, to sir Andrew Wyndsore, and to sir Thomas Nevell, every knight one to keep safe, and none of their country to speak with them privily, and the Ambassador was commanded to keep his house in silence, & not to come in presence, till he was sent for, which order sore abashed the French hostages, and the Ambassador, but there was no remedy, and commandment was given to the Mayor of London, to attach all the Frenchmen, body and goods, and them to keep in prison, till he heard farther of the kings pleasure: All the frenchmen in London were attached and committed to pr●son. then were all the Frenchmen in London and about, arrested and brought to prison, so that all the prisons in and about London, were full of them, some of them escaped by speaking dutch, and said they were Flemings borne, which was not tried. The king for safeguard of his Merchants sent xxviij goodly ships to the Sea, well manned and trimmed for the wars, and seven other ships he sent toward Scotland, which entered the firth, and proffered to enter into the Scottish ships that lay in the haven, but the Scots ran their ships on land, and the English men followed with boats and landed, and set the ships on fire, and at Lithe took certain prisoners, which they brought into England, and still the kings great Navy kept the narrow Seas, for than was neither peace between England and France, nor open war as you have heard. The coming of Charles the Emperor to Calais. The king had perfit knowledge, that Charles the Emperor would be at the king's town of Calais, the xxiij day of may, to pass thorough England into Spain, wherefore the king sent the Marquis Dorcet, accompanied with divers knights and gentlemen, to receive him at Calais, Note here the state of Cardinal Wolsey. which in all hast sped him thither. Likewise the Cardinal took his journey toward Dover the twenty day of May, and road through London, accompanied with two Earls xxxuj Knights, and a hundred Gentlemen, eight Bishops, ten abbots, thirty chaplains, all in Velvet and Satin, and yeomen se●en hundred, and so by journeying he came to Dover the xxuj day being Monday. In the mean season tidings were brought to the king, that the French king had sent a great army toward Calais, and the men of war lay at Abuile, Munstrell, Bullein and about, near the English pale. Wherefore the king like a prince that foresaw all, and intending not to be deceived, wrote to his Nobles, and Cities and towns, to prepare certain men of war in a readiness, which was shortly done, and so they were sent to the Navy, so that they might shortly be at Calais if need required. On Sunday the xxv day of may, the Lord Marques Dorset, the Bishop of Chichester, and the Lord de Laware, with other noble men, at the water of Grauelyng, received the Emperor in the name of the king of England, and so the Emperor embraced them, and he having in his company many noble men, came toward Calais, where at the Turnepike in the Lordship of Mark, he was received of sir Edward Guylford Marshal of Calais, with fifty men of arms richly beseen, and also a hundred archers on horseback, then in passing forward toward Calais, the ordinance shot terribly, & into Calais he was received with procession, and then by the Lord Barn deputy there, and the counsel of the town: And after he was received by the Mayor and Aldermen of the town, and lastly of the Mayor and Merchants of the staple, and so conveyed to the chequer, and there lodged. On the Monday, he and all the Nobles of Spain, Flaunders, and Germany, took ship at Calais and landed at Dover, at four of the clock at after noon, and with him the Duke Daluay, the prince of Orange, the County of Nassaw, the County Vascord, the Lord Egmonde, and the Marquis of Brandenbrough, all in one ship boat. The Cardinal received him on the Sands, accompanied with three hundred Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen of England: the Emperor embraced the Cardinal, and took him by the arm, and so passed forward and took horses, and road together to Dover Castle, where they were lodged. The English Harbingers diligently lodged the emperors train, every man according to his degree. The king of England was come to Cantorburie, the xxvij day of May, and received by the Archbishop: and hearing of the emperors arrival, with a small company on the Wednesday, being the ascension even, he road to Dover, and with much joy and gladness the Emperor and he met, and there tarried the ascension day, and on Friday, the king brought the Emperor aboard on his new ship, called the Henry grace de dieu, a ship of xv. hundred and rowed about to all his great ships, which then lay in Dover road, the Emperor and his Lords, much praised the making of the ships, and especially the artillery, they said, they never saw ships so armed. The same day at after none, the two noble princes marched forward to Cantorbury, where the Mayor and Aldermen received them, without the town, with a solemn oration, to whom the Emperor's Secretary answered ornatly. Then the Princes with their sword borne naked before them, and the Emperor on the right hand, entered the City of Cantorburye, and so with procession were brought to Christ's church, where the archbishop and twelve Prelates mitred, received them under a Canopy, and so they offered to the sacrament, and the Emperor was brought to the Bishop's palace, where he lay for that night, and the king lodged at saint Augustine's. The morrow after, these Princes removed to Sityngborne, and the next day to Rochester, where the Bishop received them with the whole Covent, and on Monday they came to Gravesend by one of the clock, where they took their Barges, and there were thirty Barges appointed, for the strangers, and so by six of the clock they landed at Grenewhiche, the same Mondaye the second day of june, where the Emperor was of the king newly welcomed, and all his nobility, and at the hall door the Queen and the Princes, and all the Ladies, received and welcomed him: and he asked the Queen blessing (for that is the fashion of Spain, between the Aunt and Nephew) the Emperor had great joy to see the Queen his Aunt, and in especial his young Cousin germane the Lady Mary. The Emperor was lodged in the kings lodging, which was so richly hanged, that the Spaniards wondered at it, and specially at the rich cloth of estate: nothing lacked that might be gotten, to cheer the Emperor and his Lords and all that came in his company, were higly feasted. The Wednesday, the more to do the Emperor pleasure, was prepared a jousts royal: and as the king was arming him, there came one George Luffkin and showed him that there was one come from his Ambassador in France, the king called for the messenger, and he delivered the letters, which the king read, and said to sir William Compton, tell the Emperor that I have news, if it pleaseth him to come hither: Sir William Compton went and told this to the Emperor, which without delay came to the king, which showed him the letters from Sir Thomas Cheyney his Ambassador, wherein was contained the definitive answer, made aswell to Sir Thomas Cheney, as to Clarenseaux king at arms of England, by the French King, to the kings requests: for you shall understand, that the king of England by his Ambassador, had often times demanded, both his tribute and his lawful debt, and also restitution to be made to his subjects grieved, and farther also the league was broken, by making war on the Emperor, so that now by the league the king of England should be enemy, to him that first brake, and did take part with the other, yet he had so much compassion, on shedding of Christian blood, that he would not enter war but show himself a mediator, and an entreator between them. And upon this sir Thomas Cheyney had often moved the French king, and also moved him to take peace with the Emperor for two years, so that some mediation of peace might be entreated in the mean season: to all this the French king answered, we have well considered your masters desire, to the which we nothing agreed, nor hold us content with his request. Sir said the Ambassador, the king my Master shall be advertised of your answer by me, wherefore I beseech your grace of safe-conduct, to return into England: then said the king, there is an officer of Arms come out of England, let him come and he shall be herd and have an answer, to which thing sir Thomas Cheiney answered not, but with reverence departed, and so on the xxj day of May, the said officer called Clarenseaux king at Arms, came to the French kings chamber at Lions, which was accompanied with many noble men and Gentlemen, and then Clarenseaux put on his coat of Arms, and desired licence to speak, and liberty according to the law of Arms, which was to him granted: then he declared that where the French king was bound by league tripartite to keep peace with the Emperor, and with the king of England, & whosoever first broke, the other two to be enemies to him, to the which league the French king was sworn, which league he apparently had broken, by makng war on the Emperor, by Sir Robert de la March, and by himself in person. Wherefore the king by that league must be his enemy, and take part against him. Also he declared, the French king kept away the kings rents, and debts, due to him. Also that he detained the Dower of the French Queen. Also that contrary to his promise, he had sent the duke of Albany into Scotland: Also that contrary to justice he had imprisoned Merchants, having his safe-conduct, where they should have gone in safety, seeing there was no war proclaimed, between him and the king his Master: all these articles with many more, the king my master is ready to prove. Nay said the French king I began not the war, nor sent Robart de la March to make war, but commanded him to the contrary, and or I made war in proper person, his war was open, and he had our town of Tournay strongly besieged, and as touching the Duke of Albany, it hath cost me xl thousand Frankes to keep him out of Scotland, but I could not let him to go into his own country. Thus the French king excused his untruth. Clarenseaux king at arms giveth the french king desiaunce in the king's name of England. Then said Clarenseaux, sir I am farther charged to tell you, that the king my sovereign Lord, holdeth you for his mortal enemy, from this day forth and all your adherents: well said the French king, I looked for this a great while agone, for sith the Cardinal was at Bridges, I looked for no nother, but you have done your message: then the French king rose and departed, and Clarenseaux was conveyed to his lodging, and shortly after, Sir Thomas Cheiney and he by a safe-conduct departed and came to Bulloyne, and there Mounsire Fayett captain there, stayed them both till the Ambassador of France, which had lain in England, were clearly delivered out of Calais. The whole circumstance of the demands and defiance, and the French kings answer, was contained in the letter, which was brought to the king, which showed it to the Emperor (as you have heard) but while the King and the Emperor looked on the letter a sudden noise rose amongst both their subjects, that it was a letter of defiance sent to them both by the French king, which was nothing so. Thus now was the war open of all parties, between England and France, and Spain. The coming of the Emperor into London. On Friday the sixth day of june, the king and the Emperor, with all their companies marched toward London, where in the way, a mile from Saint George's bar was set a rich Tent of cloth of Gold, in which Tent were two lodgings, one for the Emperor, & another for the king, where these two Princes shifted them. And when the Heralds had appointed every man their rooms, than every man set forward in order, richly appareled in cloth of Gold, Tissue, Silver, Tynsell, and Velvets of all colours. There lacked no massy Chains, nor curious Collars: an Englisheman and a stranger road ever together, matched according to their degrees. Before the Emperor and the king, were borne two sword naked, than the two Princes followed in Coats of cloth of Gold, embraudered with Silver, both of one suit: after them followed the kings Henxcemen, in coats of purple Velvet, pieled and paned with rich cloth of Silver, and with them were matched the Emperor's Henxcemen, in equal number, in coats of crimoson Velvet, with two guards, the one gold, and the other silver: then followed the Captains of the guards, than the Emperor's guard on the right hand, and the English guard on the left hand, and so in this order they went forward, and in the way the Mayor john Milborne, and his brethren, in fine Scarlet and well horsed, met with the Emperor and the king where one sir Thomas Moor knight, An oration made by sir Thomas Moore to the Emperor. and well learned, made to them an eloquent Oration, in the praise of the two Princes, and of the peace and love between them, and what comfort it was to their subjects, to see them in such amity, and how that the Mayor and Citizens, offered any pleasure or service that in them lay, next their sovereign Lord. When this was done, they came into Southwark, where the clergy received them in Copes, with Crosses, and Sensers, and so kept the one side of the street, all the City through. When they came by the Marshalsea, and the kings Bench, the Emperor desired pardon of the King, for the prisoners, and he at the emperors request, pardoned a great number of them. When they were almost at the bridge foot, there was a stay, the king demanded the cause, and it was told him, that the Heralds had appointed two gentlemen to ride together, one was the Ambassador from the Marquis of Mantua, to the Emperor, & the other from the City of Seynes, to the Emperor also, and the City, and the Marquis were not friends, the Emperor incontinent, sent his Lord Chamberleyn to them, saying: that if they would that day do him honour, he would thank them, & if they would not ride as they were appointed, he prayed them to departed. When the lord Chamberleyn had told this message, they road forth and made no more courtesy. When they were come to the draw bridge, there were set Targets, of the arms of the Emperor and his dominions, richly painted, and on the other side, stood one great Giant, representing Hercules, with a mighty Club in his hand, and on the other side stood another Giant, representing Samson, with the jaw bone of an Ass in his hand. These two Giants held a great Table, in the which was written in golden letters, all the emperors style. From the draw bridge these two Princes passed, to the mids of the bridge, where was raised a fair edefice, with Towers embattled and Gates, all like Masonry, of white and black, like Touch and white Marble: above this building was a fair pageant, in the which stood jason all in harness, having before him a golden fleece, and on the one side of him stood a fiery Dragon, and on the other side stood two bulls which beasts cast out fire continually, and in a tower on the one side stood a fair Maid representing the Lady Medea, which was very strangely and richly appareled. And when they had beheld this Pagiaunt, they came to the Conduit at Gracious street, and from thence to Leaden hall, and to the Conduit in Cornhill, and so to the great Conduit in Cheap, and to the Standard and little Conduit in Cheap, where at every of them were very rich, sumptuous, and costly Pagiantes. And all the way as they went the Citizens well appareled stood within rails set on the left side of the streets, and the Clergy on the right side in rich Copes, which sensed the Princes as they passed, and all the streets were richly hanged with clotheses of gold, silver, Velvet and Arras, and in every house almost Minstrelsy, and in every street were these two verses written in letters of Gold. Carolus, Henricus, vivant defensor uterque Henricus fidei, Carolus Ecclesie. Which verses were also written in other Tables in Golden letters, as ensueth. Long prosperity To Charles and Henry Princes most puissant: The one of faith The other of the Church Chosen defendant. When they were past the little Conduit they came to the west end of Paul's Church and there they alighted, & there was a canopy ready under which they two stood and were received by the archbishop of Cauntorbury, and xxj Prelates in pontificals and so they offered at the high altar and returned to horseback, and came to the black Friars where the Emperor was lodged in great royalty: All his nobles were lodged in his new palace of Bridewell, out of the which was made a Gallery to the Emperor's lodging, which Gallery was very long, & that Gallery & all other galleries there were hanged with Arras. The kings Palace was so richly adorned of all things, that my wit is to dull to descrive them, or the riches of the hangyngs, or the sumptuous building and gilting of Chambers. On Whitsonday the eight day of june the Emperor and the king with great honour road to the Church of Saint Paul, and there heard high Mass. When Mass was done they returned to Bridewell, where the Emperor was highly feasted. The same Sunday at after noon the two princes went by water to Westminster, and road to the Church, and in riding all the sanctuary men cried mercy and pardon, they were so hasty and pressed so near that the sergeants at Arms could seize keep them from touthing the Emperor and the king: The Cardinal gave them a gentle answer which contented them for a tyme. They were received with Procession into the Abbey and heard Evensong & beheld king Henry the seventhes' Chapel and then went into Westminster hall, at the largeness whereof the Emperor much marveled, than they turned to Brydewell and there supped. On Monday they dined in Southwark with the Duke of Suffolk and hunted there in the Park, and road to the Manor of Richemond to their lodging and the next day to Hampton Court, where they had great cheer, and from thence on Thursday to Windsor, where he hunted Friday & Saturday. And on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday the Princes and their counsel sat most part in counsel, & on Corpus Christi day, they with great triumph road to the College of Wyndsore where the Emperor ware his mantle of the Garter and sat in his own stall, and gave to the Heralds two hundred crowns: that day both the princes received the sacrament, and after Mass both swore to keep the promises and league each to other, for the which amity great joy was made on both parties, and after the Mass was ended they went to dinner, where was great feasting. On Friday they departed out of Windsor, and by easy journeys came to Wynchester, the xxij day of june, and in the way thither, the Emperor hunted the Hart. Before the Emperor was come to Wynchester, the Earl of Surrey admiral of England with all the kings Navy was come to Hampton, and with him the Lord Fitz Water, the Baron Curson, Sir Gyles Capell, Sir Nicholas Carew, sir Richard Wyngfield, Sir Richard jernyngham, Frances Bryan, Anthony Browne, john Russell, of which many were of the kings privy chamber: these with many more departed from Hampton with thirty ships well manned and ordinaunced in the end of june, noising that they should only scour the seas for safeguard of the Emperor and his Navy: But they had privy instructions to go to another place as you shall hear after. All this while was the war on the parties of Picardy hot, and the Capitayne of Bullayn called Fayet wrote ever mocking letters to the garrison of Calais, and said: if the garrison of Calais would issue out, he would meet with them half way with four thousand men. Whereupon sir Edward Guyldford Marshal of Calais, whom the captain of Bulloyne called the firebrand, because it was his badge, set forth out of Calais the eleven day of june with twelve hundred men, and went out of Calais, and sent a Pursuant to the captain of Bullayne certifying him that he was coming with his firebrand, and bade him keep promise. This officer declared the message to him, but he came not. Forth marched Sir Edward till he came to Marguison and tarried to see whether the Capitayne of Bullayne would come or not, and when he saw he came not, he set fire in the town, and the light horsemen forerayed the beasts and pillage, and brent Villages all about, which was well perceived in the Country a far off, and toward night all the crew came home with good pillage, and on the morrow sir Edward Guyldford delivered a prisoner frank and free, on condition he should tell the captain of Bulloyne that he had been at Marguison with his firebrand, which truly did his message, for the which the Capitayne broke his head: all the Castles and fortresses in the English pale were well manned and vytailed and lacked no artillery, so that the French men could do them no harm. When the Emperor and the king lay at bishops Waltham they jointly sent letters of defiance to the Duke of Lorraine, as Alye and confederate with the French king. The first day of july the Emperor's Navy sailed before Hampton, which were. C.lxxx. goodly ships. The Emperor taketh his leave and departeth out of England. When the Emperor's ships were come, he took leave of the king, and had great gifts given him and much money lent to him, and so the sixth day of july he took his ship, so with all his navy he made sail toward Spain where he arrived in safety the tenth day after. The king about this very time sent to the City of London to borrow twenty thousand pounds, which sore chafed the Citizens, but the sum was promised, and for the payment the Mayor sent for none, but for men of substance. Howbeit the companies sold much of their plate. This sum was paid, and the king sent his letter promising payment of the same, and so did the Cardinal. The poor men were content with this payment and said, let the rich churls pay, for they may well. Like loan was practised through all the realm, and privy seals delivered for the repayment of the same. This season the xxj day of may was the City of Geane gotten by the Emperors captain called Octaviano de Columna, The City of Gean gotten by the Emperor. which had with him four thousand and four hundred spaniards, five thousand Italians, and four thousand Lanceknightes: and in the City was taken Porter de Navarro the French kings familiar Capitayne, and all the Lords of Geane which favoured the French king were taken prisoners or slain, and especially one Octaviano Farragoso, which ruled there for the French king, was evil punished: the spoil of the City that the soldiers had, was four thousand ducats beside the pillage, which was a great thing Now let us return to the Lord admiral of England which departed from Hampton as you have heard, The manner of the assauting of Morlesse in France and how the same was gotten. and so with his navy sailed and scoured the Seas, and at the last came on the coast of Britain, and commanded the wisest Masters and Mariners to boy the haven of Morles, which was done, and so the next night all the fleet came to the haven of Morles in safety and moored their ships together. Then all men were commanded to harness and to advance their standards, and all soldiers to give their attendance on their Captains, and then the Lord admiral appointed and caused xiiij pieces of ordinance called Falcons to be brought to land and drawn forth with strength of men. Then when all men that should go forward were landed, the Lord admiral with banner displayed took land on the East side of the haven the first day of july, and with him a fair band of soldiers, to the number of seven thousand, whom the said Lord Admiral and sir Richard Wingfield brought in good order of battle, and caused Christopher Morres the Master Gunner to see all things ready prepared, and then about eight of the clock the first day they marched toward Morles in good order of battle with banners displayed. The alarm rose in the Country and came to the town of Morles whereby the gentlemen of the country showed themselves pricking, but when they heard the Guns they fled as though they never used war. They of Morles armed themselves and went to the walls and shut the gates and laid ordinance where was most jeopardy. The Englishmen had gone .v. long mile and were now come to the suburbs of the town: then the English Archers shot, and the Britons them defended: then the admiral commanded the town to be asaulted, than the Lord Fitzwater and the Baron Curson quartered the town on all sides, the Englishmen shot with long bows, & the Britons with Crossbows, which defended themselves manfully. Before the port Morue● where is a Meason de Dieu * That is an Hospital. . At this gate gave the assault Sir Richard Wingfielde, Nicholas Carew, Frances Bryan, sir john Wallop and all their bends, having with them three pieces of ordinance called Falcons, which the Master Gunner often times shot, but the Britons had set the gate full of Arcubushes, than the Gunner said, have at the wicket, and in the smoke of the guns let us enter the gate, the Gentlemen assented, than the said Sir Christopher Gunner struck the lock of the wicket, so that it flew open, then in the smoke ran to the gate the said Christopher and the other forenamed Gentlemen, Morles as●●●●● and go●●●n. and when Christopher came to the gate he found the wicket open and entered, and the gentlemen followed, the Britons defended themselves, but they were put back and slain, then was the great gate opened and then entered the soldiers that were on the other side of the town. When the Britons on the walls saw the town gotten, some fled at the Postern, & some by another way, the best way that they could. The Earl of Surrey with Banner displayed took the market place. Then the soldiers fell to pillage and rifled the chests and aware houses of Merchants, for the town of Morles was very rich, and specially of linen cloth, the Gentlemen suffered the soldiers to do what they would. When the soldiers had taken their pleasure of the town as much for a truth or more than they could bear away. The Lord admiral commanded the Trumpets to blow, and commanded all men to set fire in all places of the town, the fair Market place was set on fire, and eth suburbs brent ardantly. Wherefore all men were commanded to their standards, and about six of the clock the army retreated, and as they passed they brent divers villages and places. And when night approached they drew together and all night lay on land abiding their enemies. And the next day with honour they took their ships, and when all men were shipped and few or none miss: The Lord Admiral commanded xuj or xvij ships small and great lying in the haven to be brent. Then they sailed forth and came to anchor before saint Polle de Lion, than he commanded that the Foist and other small ships and great boats should be manned to enter into an harborough for ships called Pympoll or Pimpole, which was soon done, the boats entered the place and some landed, but then the Brytons were to strong, and so they took their boats and bet the Britons on the shore, and the Britons shot great ordinance at the Englishmen, but it did them no harm, and yet the Englishmen brent a ship of two hundred and many small vessels. When time came the whole fleet sailed into the haven of Breast and with barks and row barges entered the haven and took ●ande, nd some Englishmen did so much that they set fire in houses near the Castle. And even as the Englishmen sailed by the coast, the Britons them askried and fortified the landing places, yet daily the englishmen skirmished with the Britons and came safely to their ships again: with this war was all the Duchy of Britain sore troubled. When the Lord admiral had won the town of Morles as you have heard: He called to him certain squires whom for their hardiness and noble courage he made knights, first Sir Frances Bryan, sir Anthonye Broune, sir Richard Cornwall, sir Thomas Moore, sir Gyles Huse, sir john Russell, sir john Raynsford, sir George Cobham, sir john Cornwalles, sir Edward Rigley and divers other, and after he wrote letters to the king of his good speed: in the which he much praised all the gentlemen and soldiers for their hardiness. When he had sailed a while on the seas, he had letters sent from the king that he should retreyte, and so he came withal his fleet under the Isle of Wight to a place called the Kow, and then he departed from his ship and came to Estamstede the one and twenty day of july to the king, of whom he was well welcomed you may be sure. And so on Monday the three and twenty day of july the king and he came to London to the cardinal's place and there sat in counsel to determine what should be done. After this the King dined with the Cardinal the xxiij day of july, where he rehearsed that he had knowledge that the Admiral of Britain was in Morles with a hundred horsemen & a hundred crossbows, and yet he fled, & the king much commended the Lord admiral for his pain and hardiness, and praised them of his guard, and specially l which left pilfering and never went from the Lord captain. On the third day of july while this enterprise was done at Morles, certain Frenchmen to the number of three hundredth horsemen came near to the Castle of Guisnes, and kept themself in a close covert, and so appeared eight or ten horsemen, and came near Guisnes: out of the Castle came eight English Archers, and issued out of the Gate, and fell with the French horsemen in skirmish: to the Frenchmens' rescue came four men of Arms and skirmished with the Archers which were afoot. Then out of Guisnes issued twelve Dimilances all Welshemen, and ran boldly to the frenchmen in rescue of the footmen. Then the whole bend of French men issued out and set on the Welshemen, the footmen shot while arrows lasted and were feign to fight with sword, the Welshemen kept themselves together, and entered into the bend of Frenchmen, and broke their spears, and then fought so with sword, that they made away, so that they escaped from the bend of three hundred horsemen, and of the Frenchmen were slain three men, and five horse, the footmen were overpressed, and sold their lives dear, for the French men slew them all, and would take none prisoner, they were so angry with the killing of their horse. Also the xxv day of july, sir William Sands Treasurer of Calais, and Sir Edward Guilforde Martial, with Banners spread, issued out of Calais with xiiij C. men, and went into the French pale looking for Mounsire Foyat, which was a great mocker and a coward: But when he appeared not, they went to Whitsandbay, and set it on fire, and the people fled to the Church which was fortified and stood at defence, the body of the Church was won, and then they took the steeple, and some yielded themselves, but the remnant by counsel of a priest maintained so long, that the steeple was fired, and then the priest cried for succour, but it was to late, and so the French people was feign to leap the steeple, and divers perished, and they that were saved were led to Calais as prisoners. Farther the xxiij day of the same month, Thwaites a captain of an English Ship took land beside Bulleyn, and went up three mile into the Country to a town called New Castle and forayed all the Country, and in his return set fire on the town and brent a great part thereof maugre the Bullenoys, and with his bows and men which only was vi. score, he put back lxxx Hagbushes and three hundred men of war of the Country and so came to their Ship with all the booty and lost no man, notwithstanding they were sore followed to their ship. On the uj day of july the Cardinal sat in the star Chamber at Westminster, where he said, my Lords it is reason that you should know the honourable enterprise done by the Lord Admiral and his company in Briteyne which hath despoiled and destroyed the great town of Morles in Briteyne with all the villages and Country adjoining to the same, which is in the French Dominion, which mischief had never risen if Frances the French king had kept his oath and promise. For he is bound that he should never retain the Swyches from the Emperor, nor that he shall not invade any of the Emperor's lands or dominions, which he hath done, for he hath invaded the Country of Henaude and Cambrices, and taken Heding and Fountraby with many other injuries. For when the king sent me and other to his great costs the last year to Calais to treat an unity and peace between them, all our sayings were by the French king turned into a mockery. Also contrary to his promise he hath suffered Duke john of Albany to enter the realm of Scotland to the great peril of the young king, Nephew to our sovereign Lord, and also intendeth to marry the Queen of Scots contrary to the kings honour. The said French king also withholdeth the kings duties, and his sister's Dower: wherefore or necessity the king is entered into war, for no Prince will suffer the wrong that the French king offereth him, as an untrue and forsworn Prince, wherefore for your own wealth you must now aid your Prince, trusting to punish and chastise him to your great honour and fame. All Frenchmen and Scots imprisoned. Then by commandment were all Frenchmen and Scots imprisoned, and the goods seized, and all such as were denizens were commanded to show their letters patents, and such as were allowed had all their goods and the other not, and all Frenchmen and Scots that had married English women, the wife's & children had half the gods delivered unto them, and every denizen to find surety for his good abearing, and all the other if they would be bailed to find sureties for their truth and allegiance, or else to be kept in prison, for the ports were so kept that they could not fly. The king now being entered into the wars, thought not to sleep and let the French king alone, wherefore by his letters he commanded certain persons with their powers to come to London in August. They that were appointed came accordingly, every man with such a number as to him was appointed, and when they had mustered at London before the kings Commissioners, they were near twelve thousand men with the Pioneers, and they were sent to the Lord admiral which lay at Dover with four thousand men, but because Harvest was not done, the victual at Calais was to little for so great an army, wherefore they lay in Kent at towns there a good space, which made victual dear there. In this Summer the Lord Rosse, and the Lord Dacres of the north which were appointed to keep the borders against Scotland, did so valiantly, that they burned the good town of Kelsey, and lxxx villages and overthrew xviij towers of stone with all their Barnkyns or Bulwarks. The king also in this month was credibly informed that the Duke of Albany prepared an army royal of Scots and Frenchmen to invade England. Wherefore the king appointed the Earl of Shrewsbury his Lord Steward to be his Lieutenant general against the said Duke and his invasions, which directed his letters to the shires of York, Derby, Stafford, Shropshire, and all other beyond Trent, that all men should be in a readiness. The twenty day of August, the Cardinal sent for the Mayor, Aldermen, The Cardinal useth the Citizens cruelly and grievously. and the most substantial Commoners of the City of London, where he declared to them that the king had appointed Commissioners through the whole realm of England for to swear every man of what value he is in movables, the more to be in readiness for the defence of this realm. And the king for the love he beareth you, would have sit with you himself, but for certain other affairs in his wars to be done is letted, and so hath appointed me your Commissioner. Wherefore in convenient time certify me the number of all such as be worth one hundred pounds and upward, to the intent I may swear them of their values: for first the king asketh of you your loving hearts and due obeisance, the which shall appear by your conformity to his requests, and when the value is taken, he desireth only the tenth part of goods and lands, which is the least reasonable thing that you can aid your prince with. I think every one of you will offer no less. As for the spirituality, every man is in the shires sworn, & shall and will gladly pay the fourth part to the king, and live on the three parts. Now to your part I am sure you will not grudge, therefore name me the men of substance, and for the meaner sort, meaner Commissioners shall be appointed. Sir (said a Merchant) if it may please you, how shall this tenth part to the king be delivered, in money, plate, or jewels? the Cardinal said at a value. O my Lord said the Aldermen, it is not yet two months sith the king had of the City twenty M. pound in ready money in loan, whereby the City is very bore of money, for God's sake remember this, that rich Merchants in ware be bore of money: Well said the Cardinal, this must be done, and therefore go about it. So the Aldermen resorted to their Wards, and named such as they judged to be of that value, which came before the Cardinal, and most humbly besought him that they might not be sworn for the true value of their substance for the true valuation to them was unknown, and many honest men's credence was better than his substance, and therefore they doubted the peril of perjury. Well said the Cardinal, sith you dread the crime of perjury, it is a sign of grace, and therefore I will for you borrow of the king a little. Make you your bills of your own value, likely to report your fame, and then more business needeth not: for you see what two costly armies the king hath ready against both France and Scotland, therefore now show yourselves like loving subjects, for you be able enough. And I dare swear the substance of London is no less worth than two Millions of gold. Then said the Citizens, we would to God that it were so, and the City is sore appaired by the great occupying of strangers. Well said the Cardinal it shall be redressed if I live: But on Saturday next I shall appoint one to receive your Bills, and he that is of credence more than of substance, let him resort to me, and I will be secret and good to him. Thus the Citizens departed in a great agony saying, that at the last loan sum lent the fift part, and now to have the tent part was to much. And here note well that the twenty thousand pounds that was lent, was not taken as the twenty of every man's substance, but it should be allowed as part of the tenth part, and this valuation should perform up the whole tenth part. Great was the mourning and murmuring of the common people, as it is ever insuche cases of payments. But in the end one Doctor Tonnys, a Secretary to the Cardinal, Hast begetteth repentance. came to the Chapter house of Paul's, & to him the Citizens brought in their Bills, and on their honesty they were received, which values afterward turned them to displeasure. The spirituality made suit to the Lord Cardinal, that no Temporal men should sit to examine them, to be made privy to their possessions and goods: Wherefore Bishops and Abbots were appointed Commissioners to take the value of their substance. In this season was great plenty of victual sent to Calais, and to the Lord admiral were sent Tents, and Pavilions, some of lxx lodgings for him and other noble men. The Friday being the xxij day of August, certain Welshmen were lodged at a poor village named Cause, because in Calais was very narrow lodging, and the same night four hundred Frenchmen passed by Calais haven for lack of good watch, and came into the same Village, and set fire in the house where the Welshemen lay, which ran away naked into the marsh and saved themselves, but their horses were taken. This chance happened for lack of good watch. The Lord admiral with a goodly company of soldiers entereth into France. When the Lord Admiral had brought all his men out of the ships, and that all the soldiers were come out of England, and the ordinance set on land, than came into Calais haven xiiij ships out of Spain from the Emperor, which set on land three hundred spaniards, which were sent to serve the Lord Admiral, and under him they were put. When all things were ready, the Lord Admiral set in order his battles, and for the forward he appointed sir Robert Ratclyffe Lord Fitzwater, for Capitayne, and with him divers knights and gentlemen, which Capitayne kept his men in very good order. After that battle followed the ordinance, artillery and other trusses with victual and all necessaries, and for the Capitayne of the horsemen was appointed sir Edward Guylford, by whom the currers and vewers of the Country were appointed. The middle ward led the Lord Admiral himself, and in his company the Lord Edmond Haward his brother, with many worshipful knights, squires and tall yeomen: The last battle was led by two valiant knights of the Garter, sir William Sands, and sir Richard Wyngfield, and with them was sir Richard jernyngham with many other. In good order of battle they passed over Newnam bridge the xxx day of August to a place called Calkewell, and there lodged between the Windmill and the marish. The same day came to the Lord admiral a certain number of wild persons, as men out of service and prentices that ran from their masters and other idle persons, and him desired that they might be retained in the king's wages, to whom he answered that the king had appointed the number of such as should have wages, which was fully complete, and advised them to return into England and not to loiter there. Then said a tall yeoman, my Lord here be many good fellows, that with your favour would jeopard to get or lose, for their mind is to be revenged on the Frenchmen, enemies to the king & his realm. Good fellow said the Lord Admiral, their minds be good, but if for lack of conduit they should be cast away, it were a loss to the king, and a great courage to the French men. Then all the company cried, let us go in the name of God and saint George: then after counsel taken, Adventures. he gave them a Penon of saint George and bade them adventure (of which they were called adventurers) and farther bade them that if they got any booty they should ever bring it to the army, and they should be paid to the uttermost, and then he gave them money and commanded them weapons and so the said xxxj day, the said adventurers four hundred in number and more, set forward before the host, but how they did, you shall hear afterward. Monday the first day of September the army removed toward Guisnes, which day was very hot and drink lacked, and water was not near, so that some died for faintness, and this night they lay at Guysnes. Tuesday the second day of September the army passed toward Arde: And in the golden Valley where the king of England and the French king met two years before, there met with the army of England two Captains of the Burgonions, the one called the Earl of Egmond the Seneschal of Henaude, and the Lord of Bavers Admiral of Flaunders with five hundred horsemen, like men of war. The Lord Admiral in gentle manner received these two Captains and their company, and so they joined themselves to the English army, and the same day they took lodging at Arde south from the town, where they were well victualed, and there lay Wednesday all day, and the Burgonions lay under the Castle of Mountorrey. The next day they removed to the Vale of Lyekes, and there encamped themselves. Sir George Cobham the same day with two thousand men, by the Admiralles commandment came to the town of Selloys, and set fire in the town, and when the town was on fire he assaulted the castle. They within made resistance, but it availed not, for the walls were entered and the soldiers taken, and the castle set on fire, and with Gunnepowder overthrew the walls: then with haste he removed to a town called Brune bridge and set it on fire, and also brent a town called Senekerke, and also the towns of Botyngham and Manstier, and so returned to the Lord Admiral which gave him great thanks. The French men appeared in plumps, but yet they durst not rescue their towns. On Saturday the Lord Admiral removed with the whole army to a ground beside saint Nerbyns, and there lay all Sunday, being the seventh day of September, where he sent divers companies out, which foraged the countries and brent many Villages as far as they might travail: the Lord Admiral caused the town of Narbyn to be brent, and took the Castle and razed it and utterly destroyed it. On Monday the eight day, he removed to Dauerne and brent all the towns as he passed, and lying there he brent the town of Dauerne, and cast down the Castle of Columberge, and the castle Rew, but the Churches of Dauerne and a house of nuns were saved by his commandment. The same day was brent Saint Marie de Boys and all the country twelve Mile about was of light fire, the people fled and left towns and Castles full of Wine, corn, and all other necessaries, so that in Dauerne the Englishmen found great plenty, which or they went away they set a fire. The ix day of September the whole army came before the town of Boyardes in the which was a Church more liker a castle then a Church, for it was deep dyched with draw bridges and with Bulwarks fortified and lopes very warlike. The Admiral beholding it said, this is like no house of prayer. Then he commanded his people to enter the dyches, and pluck down the draw bridges, and set fire in the Church, and with Gunpowder overthrew it, and brent the town and all the villages adjacent to the same, the people cried and fled, well was he that might save himself. The ten day they came to the town of Vaus, which was nigh the town called Foucamberge, and there a company of Frenchmen were escried, for out of a wood they showed themselves, but they tarried not long, but without proffer of encounter they departed. Wherefore the whole army took their camp, and there lay till the xiij day which was Saturday, every day sending plumps out to set fire in the Country, and on that day they took the way to Fring or fringings, and there brent the town and destroyed the Castle which was very strong. The Sunday being the xiiij day, the Lord Admiral with his company in great rain and ill weather passed by hills and valleys very painfully, and with great labour came to a town called Blaniow, and there tarried Monday all day, and there all day counseled the Captains both of England and Flaunders or Burgoyn, what was best to be done. Message from Heding. On Tuesday in the morning came a Trumpet from the Castle of Hedyng and desired to speak with the Capitayne, which incontinent sent for him: my Lord Capitayne said the Trumpet, the Capitayne of Hedyng desireth you to come thither and see the place, and on the walls he will bring you good luck, and he prayeth you not to hurt the Dear in his Park, and for any other hurt you can do him he careth not: well said the Lord Admiral, The answer. I will sand him answer by my Trumpet. Incontinent he called a Trumpet, and bade him go to Hedyng to Mounsire de Bees, and to say to him that he will come to the Castle of Heding, and if he slay any of my men with his artillery, let him trust me, that if I get the Castle, I will save neither man, woman, nor child. So with that message the Trumpet departed and declared it to Mounsire de Bees, which said that it was spoken of noble courage, and so the Trumpet returned, and the same day the camp was removed and the whole army came about the Castle of Heding, Hedyng besieged. at which time the town of Hedyng was sore infect with pestilence, wherefore a general commandment was given, that no man should once come into the town, howbeit some of the Burgonious did & set fire in the houses. When the siege was planted, the ordinance was very light for the ways were so deep and the ground so wet, that the great ordinance could not be carried. This thing was well debated by the Lord Admiral and the Captains. After they had been there a xj days, first they considered that the castle could not be obtained without great ordinauce, which in no wise could then be carried, and also if they with the light ordinance shooting should spend all their powder and not get the Castle, then in them might be reckoned great folly, and also they should be in great jeopardy to pass without ordinance, and further the plague began sore in the army, wherefore they determined to leave the siege and return. But while they lay at the town, they beat down roffes, galleries, chimneys, & such other things as the light ordinance would beat down, which sore defaced the beauty of the Castle. They also destroyed all the Dear in the Park, which were fallow deer, and left none for the captain. The English men were clearly determined to have assaulted the castle, The cause why the Castle was not assaulted. if the Burgonions would have done the same: but they refused, which seeing the Englishmen left the assault alone: For though the English men had gotten it, it should have been delivered to the Emperors use by the treaty, for he claimed it as his inheritance, which caused the Englishmen to leave the assault. And so the xxij day of September they reared the siege and set themselves in good order of battle and passed still onward, The siege raised. till they came to Dorlans, and brent the town, and razed the castle, and from thence came to the good town of Darrier and brent and spoiled the same. Thus he brent all the way as he passed: and ever the weather was worse, and men fell sick, wherefore the Burgonions and the Spaniards returned into Flaunders about Betwyn. Then the Lord admiral saw that it was no time to keep the field, turned backward in good order of battle, and came to Calais the sixteen day of October. And while he lay at Calais he sent out sir William Sands, Sir Morice Barkeley, sir William Fitzwillyam with three thousand men, which brent Marguyson which was newly edified and fortified, they brent also the town of saint johnes Rhode and Temple town, and many Villages. A great pray taken. At this voyage were taken many prisoners xiiij M. sheep xiiij C. great cattle, as Oxen and kine, and xiij hundred Hogs, and seven. C. Mares and horses, with this great booty this crew returned to Calais in safety. Then the Lord Admiral sent sir john Walop with ix hundred men to saint Omers to lie there and at Guysnes, Hams, and at Mark, and at Oy he left another number, and left Captains to over see them, and all the Soldiers had a Months wages paid them, and so returned into England. The adventurers tarried still and got many good prays, and brought to the garrisons, and lacked nothing: they were much dread of all the common people, for of them they had great prays, and daily learned feats of war which made them the bolder. When the Lord Admiral had set all things in an order on that side the sea, he took ship and with the Navy came into the river of Thames, The Lord Admiral returneth into England. and so to the king, of whom he was well welcomed and not unworthy. Scots banished the realm. In this season were banished out of Southwark twelve Scots, which had dwelled there a long season, and were conveyed from parish to parish by the Constable like men that had abjured the realm, and on their uttermost garment a white Cross before and another behind them. Thus were they conveyed through London North ward, till they came to Scotland. While the Lord Admiral was thus in France destroying the country, the noble Earl of Shrewsburie Lord George Talbot, and Steward of the king's household prepared by the king's commandment a great army toward Scotland: for the king was informed that Duke john of Albany (which in the parliament of Scotland was made Lord governor of the realm, and of the young king during his nonage) had raised a mighty and puissant host of Scots, to the number of four score thousand men, as after was well known, which were warlike appointed, and that he with five hundred Frenchmen with hand Guns and other great artillery was coming forward to invade the west marches of England adjoining toward Scotland. Wherefore the king sent word to the Earl of Shrewsburie, which with all diligence like a noble captain set forward toward York, and wrote to the Earls of Northumberland, Westmoreland and Derby, to the Lord Dacres, Lumley, Clyfforde, Scrope, Latemer, Ogle, Darcy, Conyers, and to all other gentlemen, to be ready within eight hours warning with all their powers, and so in iorniing, he with his power which was great, came to the City of York abiding the ordinance and the Lords, and all other things necessary in such a case. In the mean season, the Scots were come nigh to the City of Carleyle & lodged them nigh the water of Eske, not far from Sulway sands, and there made their abode. The Earl of Westmoreland, the lord Dacres, the Lord Roos, the Lord Mountaigle, with the knights of Lancashire, Westmoreland, and Cumberland, were ready with xxviij thousand men to have given them battle. When the Scots saw that they could not enter into England without battle, the Lords of Scotland drew to counsel, and amongst all one wise man said, my Lords, hither we be come by the commandment of my Lord Governor the Duke of Albany, The saying of a Scottish Earl. but for what cause the war is we should know: you all remember that the last war was to the realm of Scotland much prejudicial: For king james the fourth brought the realm of Scotland to the best that ever it was: and by his war it was brought to the worst almost that may be, for by that war was he and his nobility slain, which Scotland sore lamenteth: Wherefore by mine advice let us go to the Duke, and know of him the cause. Then they all came to the Duke's Court, and the Earl of Arrayn an ancient man spoke for them all and said, my Lord Governor, by your will and commandment here is assembled almost all the Nobility of Scotland with their power upon a pretence to enter into England, my Lords here would know the cause and quarrel why this war is begun, if it might please your goodness, it should well satisfy their minds. The Duke studied a good while, and said: this question would have been demanded or now: The answer of the Duke of Albany. For well you know that I for the very love that I bear to the realm of Scotland, of the which I have my name, honour and lineage. I have passed the seas out of the noble realm of France into this realm of Scotland. One great cause to bring you to a unity when you were in division: By reason of which division your realm was likely to be conquered and destroyed. Also the French king by my suits and intercession will join with you in aid against the English Nation: And when this war was determined in the Parliament, you made me captain, authorizing me to invade England with banner displayed: then was no question demanded of the right or quarrel, & that that I have done is by your assent & agreement, and that I will justify: but to answer your demand, me think that you have just cause to invade England with fire, sword, and blood, if you be not to forgetful, and without you will bear dishonour and reproach for ever: For you know that this realm of Scotland is our inheritance as a portion of the world allotted to our nation and ancestors whom we succeed: Then where may be better war then to maintain this our natural inheritance: is not daily seen the great invasions that the English men on us make, the great manslaughters, and murders, with robberies, and spoils that they do daily? Is not this a cause of war? To defend the Country is the office of a king, the honour of noble men, and the very service of chivalry, and the duty natural of the commonalty. For I think it a just quarrel if we might conquer the realm of England and annex it to our realm and make a Monarchy: For sith the beginning of our habitation in this Isle of Briteyne, that nation and we have been enemies, and us they have ever hated, and yet we have withstood them till at the last battle of Branxston, where we be chance lost our sovereign Lord, and many noble men, but that was by treason of his Lord Chamberleyn, and yet I think we wan the field: which murder I think all we noble men aught to revenge. Therefore I would that ye should courageously advance yourself in this quarrel to get honour and to be revenged. Then a sad man called the Precedent of the counsel said, my Lord, Fortune of war is led by him that all leadeth, and he striketh the stroke, we can work no miracles, and here are the Lords of England ready to encounter us, and surely they will fight, for their power shall increase daily and ours is at the highest. And if God give us the victory as I trust he will, yet have we not won the field: For ready coming is the Lord Talbot earl of Shrewesbury so much dread in France as you know well, with a great puissant army, and there is no doubt but the king of England will sand or bring an other army, if we should chance to get the first battle: if we get the second field that will not be without the loss of many nobles, by reason whereof the realm shallbe weaker. And if we be overcome how many shall be slain God knoweth: They that flee are worthy to be reputed as traitors to the king and so by wilfulness and foolish hardiness the realm shall be in jeopardy to be undone, and I say while the king is within age, we aught to move no war, sith by war we may bring him to destruction. Alas said the Duke here is all the puissance of Scotland: if we return we shall encourage our enemies, and the realm of Scotland shall ever be rebuked and defamed. All this communication in counsel was written by one sir Loather Priest and Scot and Secretary to the Queen of Scots, which was a Secretary there in the host at that time, to a Scottish Priest that dwelled in London: and farther he wrote that the Scottish king did much for the French kings pleasure to draw the Lords of England with their powers toward the party and to put the king of England to charges, so that he should not invade France. After this communication, the Queen of Scots which doubted the sequel of this matter, sent word to the Duke, and him required to common of a peace with the warden of the English Marches, which sent an Herald to the Lord Daker then warden of the west Marches, the Lord Daker agreed, and upon hostages went to the Duke of Albany into his camp, where the Queen of Scots by that time was come, and so there was an abstinence of war taken for a season: and in the mean time the Duke and the Queen promised to sand Ambassadors to the king of England to conclude a peace: A truce taken with the Scots. And thus the Scots returned into their houses. This truce was taken the xj day of September between England and Scotland, this xiiij year of the king. The Earl of Shrewsbury hearing of the truce by the Lord Dacres letters, returned with all his company, sorry that he had not gone forward on the Scots. In this season the Commissioners sat for the loan of the tenth part of every man's substance in every shire, the people were sworn and some advanced themselves more than they were worth of pride, not remembering what was coming, and the Commissioners did what they could to set the people to the uttermost, which afterward turned the people to much heaviness, and by reason of this great sums of money were levied, but the most part were not content, because the loan was so suddenly paid. But under the value of .v. pound no man lent a penny. The war thus continuing between the French king and the king of England, there was a valiant captain Constable of the Castle of hems under the Lord Mountioy called sir Richard Whethill, the Frenchmen him somuch hated, that they devised a policy to take him, and so on Christmas day at night there issued out of Bulleyn two hundred horsemen, and three hundred footmen, and so much they travailed that altogether were come to a place where Hops grew, near Hams Castle called Cat Hal. When they were come thither, they kept themselves covert, and in the morning they broke up the Turn pike by Saint Gertrudes: Then sent they into Hams Marsh ix or ten footmen to take cattle. In the Castle the alarm rang, but the embushement kept them still close: The Constable perceived what the alarm ment, and armed him, and so did his archers and took his horse, and three Gentlemen went on foot by him. The French men of purpose drived the cattle here and there, as though it would not be driven, sir Richard Whithill pursued them. When the drivers saw him, they drove the cattle into a great field: then were the bushment of horsemen and footmen between them and Saint Gertrudes, and they suddenly broke out on them, and the three Gentlemen on foot fought valiantly, but they were slain, the knight alighted and fought on foot manfully, but he was borne down with Pikes, and sore wounded, and so was compelled to yield himself prisoner: by that time were xxx archers come out of the Castle, and when they saw the great number of the Frenchmen, than they knew that their captain was betrayed, and so returned. About this time the Duke of Albany sailed out of Scotland into France, and the French king so much favoured him, The duke of Albany returned. that as it was showed to the king of England for truth, that when the French king road through Paris he road on the one hand and Richard de la Polle a Traitor to England and by parliament attainted on the other hand, and that the Duke had asked of the French king five thousand horsemen and ten thousand Almains, and that he had promised the French king that if he had those xu thousand men, he would do one of these three things, either slay the king of England in battle, or else take him prisoner, or else drive him out of his realm. These were shameful brags of a noble man and very foolish. Ye have heard before how truce was taken by the Duke of Albany and the Lord Dacres for a season between England and Scotland, and that Ambassadors should be sent to the king of England, so it was that in October according to their accustomed doubleness they sent three personages of small behaviour as it seemed, as Ambassadors from Scotland: they were smally regarded and shortly departed. There commission was to know whether the same time or abstinence of war was by the king assented to or not, Ambassade from Scotland. and other Commission had they none. Thus they meant craftily as you may perceive, for in such troublous time they may steal unpunished, which they may not do in time of peace. Wherefore the king to be sure of them sent for Henry the fift Earl of Northumberland, and him made warden of the whole Marches, which thankfully accepted the same, and so departed Lord warden. But howsoever it happened he made suit to the king and his Counsel and never left, till he was discharged of the same, & then the Earl of Surrey Lord Admiral of England was made general warden, and the Lord Marquis Dorcet was made warden of the East Marches and middle, and the Lord Dacres of the West Marches: which three Lords sped them thither the sixth day of March for the defence of the Borders. For refusing of this office the Earl of Northumberland was not regarded of his own tenants, which disdained him and his blood, and much lamented his folly, all men esteemed him without heart, or love of honour and chivalry. The loan gathered. The king out of hand sent Commissioners to gather the loan, this was called the practising of the loan, which sore emptied men's purses. In the same month were musters taken through the realm, and every man commanded to be ready within a days warning to do the king service in harness, which caused every man of honesty to by harness and weapon. A road made into Scotland by the English men The Lord Marques Dorset warden of the East Marches between England and Scotland, accompanied with sir William Bulmer, and sir Arthur Darcie, and many other noble men, the second day of April, then being shear Thursday, entered into Tivedale, and so ten mile into Galoway, and brent on every side towns and villages, and the Scots in great number showed themselves on the hills, and did not approach, and so he all that night tarried in the Scottish ground, and on good Friday returned with their boty which was four thousand head of neat into England, when they had brent Grymslay, Mowhouse, Dufford mills Ackeforth, Crowling, News manner, Midder Crowling, Marbottell, Low Bog, Sefforth Manner, Middyl rig, Primsed, Broket, Shawes Haruel, wide open Haught, and other towns and villages, and yet lost not many men. A parliament The xu day of April began a Parliament at the black Friars in London, and that day the mass of the holy ghost was song, all the Lords being present in their Parliament robes. And when Mass was finished the king came into the Parliament Chamber and there sat down in the seat royal or throne, and at his feet on the right side sat the Cardinal of York, and the Archbishop of Cauntorbury, and at the rail behind stood Doctor Tunstall Bishop of London, which made to the whole parliament an eloquent oration, declaring to the people the office of a king. First he must be a man of judgement, according to the saying of the prophet David Deus judicium tuum regi da. etc. Also he must be a man of great learning, The oration of Doctor Tunstal bishop of London. according to the saying of the Prophet. Erudimini qui iudicatis terram. According to which sayings, he said that God had sent us a prince of great judgement, of great learning, & great experience, which according to his princely duty forgot not to study to set forward all things which might be profitable to his people and Realm, lest there might be laid to his charge the saying of Seneca. Es rex & non habes tempus esse rex? Art thou a king and hast no time to be a king? which is as much to say, as art thou a king, and dost nothing profitable to thy people? Art thou a king and seest the people have an insufficient law? Art thou a king and wilt not provide remedy for the mischief of thy people? These things have moved the kings highness to call this his high Court of Parliament both for the remedy of mischiefs which be in the common law, as recoveries, foreign vouchers, and corrupt trials. And for making and ordering of new statutes which may be to the high advancement of the common wealth, wherefore he willeth the Commons to repair to the common house, and there to elect them a speaker, or their common mouth, and to certify the Lord Chancellor of the same, which should thereof make report to the kings most noble grace, which should declare his pleasure when he would have him presented before his person. This was the cause of the parliament he said, but surely of these things no word was spoken in the whole Parliament, and in effect no good act made, except the grant of a great subsidy were one, but according to this instruction the Commons departed to the common house, and chose for their speaker Sir Thomas Moor knight and presented him the Saturday after in the Parliament Chamber, The oration of Sir Thomas Moore. where he according to the old usage disabled himself both in wit, learning, and discretion, to speak before the king, and brought in for his purpose how one Phormio desired Hannibal to come to his reading, which thereto assented, and when Hannibal was come, he began to read, de re militari, that is of Chivalry: When Hannibal perceived him, he called him arrogant fool, because he would presume to teach him which was master of Chivalry, in the feats of war. So the speaker said, if he should speak before the king of learning, and ordering of a common wealth and such other like, the king being so well learned, and of such prudence and experience, might say to him as Hannibal said to Phormio. Wherefore, he desired his grace that the commons might choose them another speaker: the Cardinal answered, that the king knew his wit, learning and discretion, by long experience in his service: wherefore he thought that the commons had chosen him as the most meetest of all, and so he did admit him. Then sir Thomas Moor gave to the king his most humble thanks, and desired of him two petitions: the one if he should be sent from the Commons to the king on message, and mistake their intent, that he might with the kings pleasure resort again to the Commons, for the knowledge of their true meaning: the other was, if in communication and reasoning any man in the common house should speak more largely then of duty he aught to do, that all such offences should be pardoned, and that to be entered of record, which two petitions were granted, and so thus began the Parliament and continued as you shall here. Because an evil chance happened to the great rebuke of all Christian Princes, I intend briefly to declare the same miserable chance. The Rhodes besieged. In the beginning of this year Sultan Solyman Pac called the great Turk, which was but the eight of the line of Ottoman, the first that took upon him to be a great captain or ruler. And to whom Sultan Solyme his father had lost the empires of Constantinople, Trapesonde, Alexandry, and Babylon, with many divers kingdoms and realms: which Sultan Soliman the year before had gotten the town of Belgrado being the key of Hungary. Why the Turk coveted the Rhodes. Because he saw all the great Princes in Christendom now at discord, thought it most for his honour and profit to make war on the Isle of the Rhodes, and to take the same, which Isle had been kept by the space of two hundred xiiij years by the brethren or knights of the order of Saint johnes of jerusalem. divers things moved him to take this enterprise. One was because this Isle stood so that the religious of the same oftentimes took and destroyed his ships as they came with gold and other riches from Egypt, Sirie and other the East parties to Constantinople, so that by them of that Isle he sustained more hurt then by all Christendom, because the said Isle stood in the entry toward Constantinople. Another motion was, because his father when he died charged him to assay to take the Rhodes for to be revenged of the shame that they had done to his grandfather Mahomet the great Turk which was with dishonour beaten from the siege of the Rhodes. But the greatest occasion of all was, the exhortation of a great Counsellor of the religion called Andrew admiral borne in Portyngale, which knew the whole estate and in what case the town stood in: The cause why this Andrew Admiral bore malice to his religion, was because after the death of Friar Fabrica de Laretto Lord master of their religion, he was not elected to that honour, but one Philip de Vyllyars de Lisle Adam of France was named to be Lord Master, wherefore the said Andrew provoked the Turk to come to the Rhodes. The great Turk seeing so great an occasion offered and desiring honour and also knowing the fortress of the Rhodes to lack munitions (for surely the brethren of the said order were both of such wealth and pride, and also lived after such an ungracious and ungodly fashion, that they neither took heed of their vow and solemn Profession, nor also did foresee the thing to come, so that the great wealth of them, and their evil living blinded them that they thought the Turk durst not once attempt to set on their garrison, and so they being elevate in this point of pride, left their town unfurnished and were suddenly surprised (as you shall here) wherefore the said Turk covertly provided for three hundred sail, in the which he carried all his artillery and all other things necessary: in the which army were lx thousand Miners and Pioneers prepared for the only intent to dig and mine: all the rest of the army of the Turk came by land to a place called Fiseo, which standeth so directly against the Rhodes, that a fire may be seen from the one side to the other, The Turks letter. from which place the Turk sent letters to the above named Phillipe de Vylliers Lord Master of the said religion, signifying to him that he would have the said Isle for the great damage that they had done to him and to his people, and if they would yield to him the said Isle, he promised on his faith and by Mahomet his first Prophet, they should have no damage nor hurt by him, and that they that would departed should go in safety, and they that would tarry and serve him should have good wages, and if they refused this to do, he swore that he would subvert the walls of their fortress and destroy them all and make them slaves; which letter was dated at Constantinople the first day of june. The said Lord Master and his company were greatly abashed of this letter, but yet like hardy Gentlemen they intended to defend them, and made all the preparations that they could do in so short a space, and wrote to all Princes christian of their need and distress. But the Turk like a wily serpent knowing the great division amongst the Christian Princes, so that he knew that they could sand no succours to the Rhodes, sent two hundred. M. Turks which arrived in the Isle of the Rhodes on Midsummer day which was the feastful day of the Rhodians in honour of saint john Baptist, which sudden coming sore abashed the rhodians being but six hundred knights and .v. M. other meet to bear arms: yet of noble courage and trusting in God, they determined to defend the enemies of God, and the xxviij day of july the Turk arrived there in his own person, which much encouraged his people. When the Turk was arrived, he bent his ordinance toward the town and did no great harm, when he saw that the walls were of that defence that ordinance did little harm, he caused all his Pioneers to cast earth one bank over another still, Th●●●●●ts till they came within a bowshot of the wall. And although that many of the pioneers were slain with ordinance of the town they never ceased till they had made a bank of earth higher by ten soot then the wall of the town, 〈…〉 ●ol●●●g 〈◊〉. and they there laid their ordinance, so that no person durst stir on the walls or bulwark, & thus with mountains of earth was the town environed, and behind the mountains lay the Bassaus and chief Captains of the Turk which were ever ready to take their advantage, and daily did shoot into the town and bet down houses, and slew the people in the streets, The mines. for they upon this mount might easily see into the town. Beside this, the Turk caused so many mines to be made in divers places, that they within, were not able to make countermines for lack of people, in so much as women were set at work to dig and carry, by reason whereof a great part of the walls were overthrown. And if they within had not made countermines, The ●●●●s the town had been gotten within a short space. Also the Turks in September gave to the rhodians four great assaults like valiant warriors, but the Christian men within, so valiantly defended them, that at every assault they lost at the lest two thousand men, and at the fourth assault they lost ten thousand Turks and more. The great Turk seeing the loss of his men at the assaults, sent for Mustaphaph Basshaw, through whose counsel he took on him this enterprise and much blamed him that he made him believe that he might have the town within twelve days or in a month at the most, wherefore in that fury he would have put him to death, if the other Basshawes had not entreated for him: but in conclusion the Turk determined clearly to raise his siege and to departed, and so had done if that same night sir Andrew admiral that you have heard of before and a jew being within the Rhodes had not written letters and shot them out on quarrels into the Turks army. A vile traitorous act. By which letters the Turks knew the necessity of the town and feebleness of the people, which caused him to change his purpose. But this treason was esspyed, and the Traitors taken and put to terrible execution, Trason espied. and the Turk caused so many mines to be made, that although some took none effect, yet by some he overthrew both bulwarks, walls and towers, so that he might enter into the town: and so on saint Andrew's even he caused a great assault to be given, which was very fierce, but yet the Christian men so valiantly defended them that they slew three thousand Turks and more, and kept them from entering that day, but the Citizens of the Rhodes after this assault came to the Lord Master, and prayed him to have compassion of them, their wife's and children, and showed him that if the town were taken by assault (as it was like to be) that they all should be cruelly murdered, the Lord Master much regarded his honour, and comforted the people with fair words, but by chance about the same time the great Turk sent a letter into the Rhodes, willing them to deliver the town, and they all should have their lives and goods, and they that would tarry should tarry in quiet, and they that would departed, should safely departed. When this letter was known, than the people cried out on the Lord Master, to take the offer, wherefore he calling all his counsel together, seeing that it was not possible to keep the town longer, both for lack of artillery and victual, and also because his number was so minished, The yielding up of the Rhodes. that scarce he had Soldiers to keep the walls: wherefore he by great advise determined to take the Turks offer, and so sent to him two of his religion, for the farther conclusion and assurance of the same, which well entertained them, and had writings sealed of all things that they desired, to which two knights. Aymeche Basshaw swore by his faith that there was slain at the siege lxiiij M. Turks, and xl thousand dead of mortality and more. And so on Christmas day, the great Turk himself entered into the Rhodes, and took possession thereof, and the Lord Master and all his religion, the first day of january took ship and sailed to Candy, and so in conclusion came to Rome, and there declared his chance and adventure. Thus was the town and the Isle of the Rhodes taken by the great Turk, which was a great succour to all christian men, resorting into the East parts of the world, which chance was much lamented thorough all christendom, and much blame put in all Princes, because they sent no succour nor aid to the Isle. And this year the Bishop of Duresme died, Cardinal Wolsey made Bishop of Durham. and the king gave the said bishopric to the Cardinal, and he resigned the Bishopric of , to Doctor john Clerk master of the Rolls, and he made sir Henry Marney his Vicechamberleyn Lord privy seal, and after created him Lord Marney. In the end of this year, Doctor Blithe Bishop of Chester, was attached for treason, but he quited himself. And about this season, the Cardinal of York being Legate, proved Testaments, and did call before him all the executors & administrators of every Diocese within the realm, The Court Legantine. so that the Bishops and ordinaries, did prove no great wills in their Diocese, except he were compounded with, not to their little disadvantage. Also by his power Legantine he gave away all the yearly profits of benefits belonging to spiritual persons, by the which doing, he not only had the hatred of the spiritualty, but also he ran into the danger of the Praemunire, which he sore after repent, as it shall appear in the xxj year of this king. The Parliament being begun, as you have heard before rehearsed, the Cardinal accompanied with divers Lords, as well of the spirituality, as of the temporalty, came the xxix day of April into the common house, where he eloquently declared to the commons, The Cardinal's oration. how the French king Frances, the first, called the most christened king, had so often times broken promise with the king of England, and his well-beloved Nephew Charles the Emperor, that the king of his honour could no longer suffer. For first he declared, that the meeting of the said two princes at Guysnes, the said French king was sworn, to keep all the articles contained in the tripartie league, made between him, the Emperor, and the king of England sith the which time, he hath made war on the emperors dominions, by Robert de la March his captain. He also hath withholden the tributes and other payments, which he should pay to the king of England, for redemption of Tournay and Tirwin, and not with this content, hath not alonely rob and spoiled the king's subjects, but also hath sent john Duke of Albany into Scotland to make war and to invade this realm, wherefore the king of necessity, was driven to war and defence, The demand. which in no wise could be maintained, without great sums of money, and he thought no less than eight hundred thousand pound, A great subsidy. to be raised of the fift part of every man's goods and lands, that is to say four shillings of every pound, for he said that the year following, the king and the Emperor should make such war in France, as hath not been seen. After that he had declared his matter at length, exhorting the commons to aid their prince, in time of necessity, he departed out of the common house. The morrow after, sir Thomas More being speaker, declared all the Cardinal's oration again to the commons, and enforced his demand strongly, saying: that of duty men aught not to deny to pay four shillings of the pound. But for all that, it was denied and proved manifestly, that if the fift part of substance of the realm, were but eight hundred thousand pound, and if men should pay to the king the fift part of their goods, in money or plate it was proved, that there was not so much money out of the king's hands, in all the realm, for the fift part of every man's goods, is not in money nor plate: For although five men were well moneyed, five thousand were not so, the Gentlemen of lands, hath not the fift part of the value in coin: the Merchant that is rich of Silk, wool, Tin, Cloth, and such Merchandise, hath not the fift part in money, the husband man is rich in corn and cattles, yet he lacketh of that some. Likewise victuallers and all other artificers, be rich in household stuff, and not in money: and then consequently, if all the money were brought to the king's hands, than men must barter cloth for victual, and bread for cheese, and so one thing for another: then consider that after this valuation, the king hath had by the way of loan two shillings of the pound, which is four hundred thousand pound, A strange reckoning. and now to have four shillings of the pound, which amounteth in the whole twelve hundredth thousand pound, which first and last is six shillings of the pound, which is almost the third part of every man's goods, which in coin cannot be had within this realm, for the proof whereof was alleged, that if there were in England, but fifteen thousand parishes, and every parish should give a hundred Mark, that were but fifteen hundred thousand Mark, which is but ten hundred thousand pound, and how many parishes be in England one with another, able to spare a hundred Marks, out of Cities and towns: and where it is written, that in England there be xi thousand parish Churches, it was proved that there were not xiij M. parish Churches at this day. Then account the whole some cannot amount above ten hundred thousand pound, and the king demandeth eight hundred thousand, and he according to this valuation, hath had four hundred thousand pound, therefore it was thought, the some was impossible to be levied, and if all the coin were in the king's hands, how should men live: Also the king had of the spiritual men the last year, four shillings of the pound. After long reasoning there were certain appointed, to declare the impossibility of this demand to the Cardinal, which according to their commission, declared to him substantially the poverty & scarcenesss of the realm: all which reasons and demonstrations, he little regarded, and then the said persons most meekly beseeched his grace, to move the king's highness, to be content with a more easier some, to the which he currishly answered, that he would rather have his tongue plucked out of his head with a pair of pinsons, then to move the king to take any less some: with which answer, they almost dismayed, came and made report to the common house, where every day was reasoning, but nothing concluded. Wherefore the Cardinal came again to the common house and desired to be reasoned withal, to whom it was answered, that the fashion of the neither house was, to hear and not to reason, but among themselves. Then he showed the realm to be of great riches, first because the kings customs were greater now, than they were before time: also he alleged sumptuous buildings, plate, rich apparel, of men, women, children, and servants, fat feasts, and delicate dishes, which things were all tokens of great abundance: with which repeating of men's substance, as though he had repired or disdained, that any man should farewell, or be well clothed but himself, the commons greatly grudged. And when he was departed out of the house, it was proved, that honest apparel of the commodities of this realm, abundance of plate, and honest viands, were profitable to the realm, and not prodigal. After long debating, the commons concluded to grant two shillings of the pound, of every man's lands or goods, that was worth twenty pound, or might dispend twenty pound to be taken for the king and so upward of every twenty shillings, two shillings, and from xl shillings to twenty pound, of every twenty shillings, twelve pence, and under xl shillings of every head xuj years and upward four pence, to be paid in two years. This grant was reported to the Cardinal, which therewith was sore discontent, and said, that the Lords had granted four shillings of the pound, which was proved untrue, for in deed they had granted nothing, but hearkened all upon the commons. Then a knight called sir john Hussye of Lincolnshire, said, to please the Cardinal somewhat, A tranks offer of a Gentleman. let us gentlemen of fifty pound land and upwards, give to the king of our lands twelve pence of the pound, to be paid in three year: with which motion divers gentlemen were sore discontent. And when the question was asked, ten or twelve of the Gentlemen said yea, and when the nay should be asked, the commons said nothing, for they would not condemn, nor let the Gentlemen to charge themselves, and so by ten or twelve persons, the gentlemen were burdened, with twelve pence more than other, for the which grant, sir john Hussye had much evil william. After this grant made, the xxj day of May, because of Whitsontyde, the Parliament was prorogued to the tenth day of june: During which prorogation, the common people said to the Burgesses, Sirs, we hear say you will grant four shillings of the pound, we advise you to do so that you may go home, with many evil words and threatenings. And in this season, the Cardinal by his power Legantine, dissolved the Convocation at Paul's, called by the archbishop of Cauntorbury, and called him and all the clergy, to his Convocation to Westminster, which was never seen before in England, whereof master Skelton a merry Poet wrote. Skelt●n. Gentle Paul lay down thy Sword: For Peter of Westminster hath shaven thy Beard. When the parliament was begun again, the landed men of fifty pound and upward, seeing that they were charged, with twelve pence of every pound of their lands, moved that all such as were worth fifty pound in goods and upward, should pay also twelve pence of the pound, in the fourth year. At the which motion was much reasoning, and at the last the xxvij day of june, the question was asked, and doubtful it was, whether the yea or nay were most, A hard trial than was the house divided, and all the commons severed themselves, from the knights of the shears, so that one yea part remained only in the knights of the Shire, and the commons stiffly affirmed that the motioners of this demand, were enemies to the realm. At the last the Speaker called them altogether, and after long persuading, and privy labouring of friends, it was agreed that twelve pence of the pound should be paid the fourth year, of fifty pound in goods. After this the Parliament the xxxj day of july, was adjourned to Westminster, and there continued till the xiij day of August, and that day at ix of the clock in the night dissolved. During the time of this Parliament the xxvij. day of April, was sir Arthur Plantagenet, Bastard son to king Edward the fourth, at Bridewell created Viscount Lisle, in the right of his wife, which was wife to Edmond Dudley beheaded. This year Christian king of Denmark with his wife, which was sister to the Emperor Charles, Christian king of Denmark. and his three children, with xviij ships arrived in Flaunders, clean banished out of his realms and dominions, by his Uncle Frederick Duke of Holst, and his own subjects, for his cruelty as is written. Which Christian with his wife, was well entertained of the Duchess of Savoy, and a pension assigned to him to live on, in Brabant and Holland, During the time of his there sojourning, he made much suit to come into England, to see and speak with the king, which request was to him granted, and so he and his Queen, with four Gentlewomen, The king of Denmark's coming into England. and a train of forty persons, poor and evil apparelled, landed at Dover the xu day of june, where he was nobly received, by the Earl of Devonshire, and the Bishops of Excester, and Rochester, and divers knights and esquires, and so brought to Grenewiche: where the king and Queen, standing under their clotheses of estate, received them into the great hall of Grenewiche. And he dined with the king, and she with the Queen, both set under the cloth of estate, and were sumptuously served of all delicate viands. And when he had sojourned there a season, every day feasted at the Court, he was conveyed to London, and lodged at place, where he hearing of the watch in London, on saint Peter'S even, desired to see it, and so was accompanied with the Duke of Suffolk, the Earls of Oxford, Essex and Kent, and divers other Lords and Ladies, and brought into the King's head in Cheap, where the City of London made to him and his wife a costly banquet. And when he had seen the watch, he said, I would to God I had so many archers, Pikes, and Halberdiers, as I saw this night, The king of Denmark commendeth the watch of London. than I trust I would punish such, as have wrongfully dispossessed me, of my realm and Country. And after he had solaced himself in London, he resorted to the king, of whom he had many great gifts, and likewise had his wife of the Queen her Aunt, and so took their leave, and were conveyed to Dover. And when he had been in England xxij days, he took shipping, and sailed again into Flaunders, praising much the king of England and his Court. During all this season, and session of the Parliament, the war was fierce, both between England and France, and England and Scotland, in so much that each part, did as much as in them lay, to hurt the other. For on the borders of Scotland lay the valiant Earl of Surrey, Scotland sore harried and spoiled. great Admiral of England, and the Marquis Dorset, and his three brethren, Sir William Compton, and sir William Kyngston, with divers other knights and esquires, sent to them by the king, which daily invaded the realm of Scotland, and threw down the Castle of Wedorberne, the Castle of West Nesgate, the Castle of Blakkater, the Tower of Mackewalles', the tower of East Nesgate, and many other, and brent to the number of xxxvij villages, and harried the Country from the East Marches to the West, and never had skirmish: but they oftentimes showed themselves in plumps, waiting their advantage, howbeit in all this journey were few English men lost. Wherefore the Lords perceiving that the Scots intended not to make any army into England, fortified the frontiers on every part, with men and all things necessary for defence, for stealing or other small roads. After all which things set in a perfectness, they returned toward the king, and came to the end of the Parliament. In this season, the Frenchmen having a great desire, A ship sonken with stone in Calais haven to have the king's town of Calais, devised first to destroy the haven, by the which they supposed, that Calais might have been lightly gotten, for fault of rescue. Whereupon they jaded an old Ship of four hundred Ton, with great Cane stone, in the port of Deep, which Ship had no Mast, but came with a foresail, as though the mast had been cut, and cast over the board in the sea in a tempest. And when she came before Calais, every man that saw her, thought she had been weather driven, and lost her mast by tempest, and so about ten of the clock at night the xxiiij day of May, the said Ship came before Calais haven, as though she would enter for harborough, and so was entering and miss the Channel, and turned to the sands, toward Rise bank, and the Frenchmen supposing that they had been in the very channel, launched out their Boat, and suddenly set the ship on fire, and leapt into their Boat and so scaped by the shore. When they of Calais saw the fire, they were sore troubled, and at the last when the water was gone, they perceived the Ship consumed, and the goodly Cave stone lying whole. Wherefore the Lord Barnes Deputy of Calais, the Lord Barkley Lieutenant of the Castle, the Lord Sands Treasurer of Calais, and other commanded all the labourers that might be gotten, to break the remnant of the Ship, and to carry away the stone, and so the said stone was brought to Calais: whereupon the said Captains sent a letter, to the captain of Bulleyne, by Ca●ice pursuivant at arms, desiring him to give thanks, to Mounsire Lodowyke Capitayne of Deep, for the sending of so fair a Ship, and goodly stone to Calais, which stone the said Lords sent word, they had received into the town of Calais, and that it did them much profit, for the fortification of the said town, desiring him to sand more, and they would receive it on the same price. To the which letter, the Capitayne of Bulleyne answered, I have nothing lost, nor they have nothing gotten of me, tell him that hath lost, with which answer the pursuivant departed. Whereupon the Englishmen being grieved, there issued out of Calais an hundred light men of war, called aventurers, and came near Bulleyn, and obtained a great booty, whereof the garrison of Bulleyn being advertised, issued out and followed the Englishmen, and sharply them encountered. The Englishmen shot so, that the French men which were five hundred, lighted and fought sore, so that as it appeared evidently, that there were dead on the ground xluj Frenchmen, and xxij English men, and the Frenchmen took twenty English men prisoners, the residue of the English men kept them together, and so came to Calais, the Capitayne of this enterprise was one Latheberie. The Lord Sands treasurer of Calais, intending to be revenged on the Frenchmen, called the Counsel of Calais to him, and declared to them how the Frenchmen, and in especial Mounsire de Bees captain of Bulloyne, daily imagined to destroy the English pale, and that they on the English part, had nothing done yet against them, wherefore he advised them all to do some act, and he himself would be present, and foremost man. Whereupon it was concluded and commanded, that every man should be in a readiness, at the sounding of a Trumpet, upon which warning, the said Lord Sands the ninth day of july early in the morning, sent forth two hundred light horses, through the English pale, to stop the people from going, the one toward the other, lest his enterprise should be escried, and so the people were kept in all that day, and in the evening about seven of the clock, he himself with a Capitayne called Guyot, Thomas Pa●mer, Ripton, Ralph Broke and other, set forward with light ordinance and victual, and embattled themselves in good array, and marched toward Sandifield by a xj of the clock, and there refreshed themselves, and in good order, they came to the water of Sclaukes, not far from Bulleyn, which was the tenth day of july. When they were escried Alarm was rung all the country, and the captain of Bulleyne sent forth lxx men of Arms, and four hundred footmen with morris pikes, Crossbows, and hand guns, wherefore captain Guyot was sent with his band of horsemen, to aid the English footmen, which were far behind, and captain Ripton, was appointed to fight with the Frenchmen, and sir Thomas Palmer, and Ralph Broke, with the remnant of the horsemen, stood for a stolen. Then captain Ripton proffered forward with the spears of Calais, and the Frenchmen came on valiantly, than began a sore skirmish, the Frenchmen both horsemen and footmen, defended the passage at the water of Sclaukes, which is but a gut made by force of land water, but after long fight the Englishmen got over the water by pure force, and took the Frenchmens' standard, and a Gentleman which was a man of arms of B●lleine, called Charles de Maruiele, and ever Sir Thomas Palmer and Ralph Broke, stood and aided where necessity was most. Thus this skirmish continued from four of the clock in the morning, till nine of the clock, before noon, and ever the Frenchmen increased, but at the last they retreated themselves toward Bulleyne, in which return divers of them were slain. Or the skirmish was ended, came the Lord Sands with the footmen, with his spear on his thigh, and his helm on his head, and greatly encouraged his company: during which conflict, divers of Picardye had gathered them together, and had taken the church of Odirsaell, which was well fortified, and a strong place: whereof the Lord Sands being advertised, he marched thitherward, and in the way burned all that might be brent, and sent an officer at arms, to them that kept the church of Odirsaell, to yield the church to him, which to him answered that they would stand at defence: then he commanded an assault, which quickly was done, and the Frenchmen defended themselves, with hand gonnes, Crossbows, and pikes, so that the Englishmen could not enter. Then the Lord Sands commanded a curtal, which he had with him, to be shot to the church, and pierced it through: then they within saw that their defence could not hold, yielded themselves body and goods. Out of the Church came lxxij. Frenchmen, which were taken as prisoners, and all the goods which they had carried into the church were taken for a booty. Thus by one of the clock, the said tenth day of july, was the church of Odirsaell taken. In this while also, had the Frenchmen manned the steeple of Odingham, which was a very strong Tower, much like a Castle, to whom the Lord Sands sent an officer at arms, to command them to yield the fortress, to whom they answered, that they were Frenchmen, and to him they would not yield, and if he came thither, they would withstand him: whereupon he and his army marched thitherward, and about four of the clock at after noon, he assaulted the steeple, and the Frenchmen themselves valiantly defended, but suddenly by a chance unknown, the steeple was a fire, and the Frenchmen fled down to the choir, than the Englishmen lightly entered the body of the church, and assaulted the Frenchmen, which cried mercy and yielded themselves, and at twelve of the clock at midnight the assault ended, and there were yielded out of the church forty prisoners. After which time the Lord Sands encamped himself, and made good watch for fear of enemies, and in the morning called to him all the Priests, which were in both churches, and stood at defence, and said to them, that they aught not to be men of war, & not withstanding he had them as prisoners, yet for God's sake he released them, admonishing them, that if ever after they were taken at defence, they should be hanged on the next gallows: after which monition done, he delivered them freely. Hard●ngham Castle brent and spoiled. About eight of the clock in the morning, he marched forward in good order of battle, and came to the Castle of Hardingham, the which he brent and spoiled, and so the xj day of july he and his company which passed not xii. hundred men, of which he had lost but only twelve returned to Calais with great store of bestial and pillage. This same season, the French king sent an army of xviij thousand men, towards the parties of Flaunders, which secretly enterprised to take a place called Newdike, which is a strong passage, between France and Flaunders, kept by the flemings, whereof they being advertised, arraysed a great power of xiij thousand and came to the passage, and slew of the Frenchmen six hundred: then the Frenchmen recoiled, and severed themselves: some went to Mount Orry, and some to Saint Omers, and some brent the Suburbs, they within Mount Orry defended themselves, and hurt the captain of Bulloyne, called Mounsire de Bees and slew his horse: wherefore the Frenchmen went thence and brent a village called Arkus: thus was all the frontiers full of frenchmen, in so much that in the month of August, they bet into the town of Guysnes, the scourers and the scoutwatch, whereof began Alarm, and the Frenchmen which were many in number, alighted as though they would give assault mayntenaunt, and fiercely proffered toward the Ditches, but when the ordinance began once to shoot, it was no need to bid them go. Then the Englishmen courageously followed the chase, but suddenly out came an embushement of Frenchmen and took two Englishmen, and thus all the army of France, removed to Gyngate beside Tyrwyn. The French king seeing the king of England, daily more and more encouraged to make war on him and his dominions, and that the Scots did nothing to his pleasure, for lack of the Duke john of Albany, whom the Scots called their Governor. He therefore caused great preparation to be made on all parties for men, Ships, Harness, and Artillery, for the sending of the Duke john of Albany into Scotland, which Duke of a great presumption promised to the French king to drive the king of England out of his realm, as before ye have heard, which promise was not kept. The king of England, hearing that the Duke of Albany, should pass into England, to make war on his realm, thought to have him met on the seas, and therefore he prepared a fleet of tall and strong ships meet to encounter with the said Duke and his power, and made Admiral of that journey, sir William Fitzwilliam, and with him sir Frances Brian, sir Anthony Poynez, Sergeant , john Hopton, William Gunstone, Anthony Knivet, Thomas West, and other, which with great diligence lay in wait to meet with the said Duke of Albany, and as they sailed on the French coast, they determined to land, to do some harm to Tray port, and as they hovered there, they were espied: then the captain of the town fired the Beakens, sent for aid of all the fortresses about, and strengthened and manned the town very warlike. This notwithstanding, sir William Fitzwilliam and other Captains, left not their enterprise, and so the xxiij day of August being Sunday, at seven of the clock in the morning, they took land in the Haven of Trayport, at whom the Frenchmen shot out ordinance, quarrels, and stones, the Englishmen in the Boats shot likewise, and encouraged by their Captains, assaulted the Frenchmen in their Bulwarks, the French men them valiantly defended, and the English Captains as men without fear, them assailed, and yet the number was nothing equal, for the English men were but seven hundred men, and the French men six thousand. For the well fight of the Frenchmen, their Bulwarks were taken, and their ordinance seized, and all that were about, fled to the town of Trayport, and ever the Englishmen followed shooting arrows at them, and slaying them, in which skirmish Sergeant had his Bow in his hand stricken with a Gone. Then the Captains cried Saint George, to the Gates of Trayport, than every man advanced forward, and as they were going, Christopher Morres master Gonner, espied a piece of a Mast, which he caused to be taken up, and then Anthony Knevet, and Frances Neudigate, with their men, ran with the said Mast to the Gate, but the Gate was so strong, that it could not be broken: and also at every loop lay a piece of ordinance, which continually shot at the Englishmen, which caused them to leave the gate, and then they set fire in the suburbs, which was a fair street and all was brent, and while the Suburbs brent, the Englishmen went to the haven, and would have had out the ships, but water lacked, wherefore they set fire on them, & brent there vij fair ships, beside other. All this while was there skirmishing at the Gates, and much murder on both sides, for the Frenchmen in flying from their Bulwarks to the town, lost lxxx persons, and many were hurt with arrows. The men of the Country came thither still, insomuch as the number became very great, which sir William Fitzwilliam perceiving, caused his trumpet to blow a retreat, and with such prisoners, pillage, and ordinance as they had gotten, they returned to their Boats, and the Captains sent their Soldiers before, the Frenchmen perceiving the Englishmen returned, issued out and found on land, Frances Neudigate, Thomas Vagham, Sergeant Rot, and other Captains to the number of twelve and ran hastily toward them in great number, which perceiving that, bended themselves to cell their lives dear. Sir William Fitzwilliam perceiving the great jeopardy that they were in, turned his boat toward the land, and discharged his ordinance, and with much pain saved these gentlemen, and them took into Boats, notwithstanding a great number of French men, which were in the water to let him: and thus the whole army returned to their ships, after they had been five hours on land, and brought with them xxvij pieces of fair ordinance, which were in the Bulwarks, and lost of their men not fully twenty persons, and then every captain took his own ship, and coasted the seas, ever looking for the Duke of Albany, but they heard no tidings of him. In the Parliament (as you have heard) it was concluded, that the king of necessity, must needs make strong war on the realm of France, wherefore the noble Charles Duke of Suffolk, Charles Duke of Suffo●k entered with an army into France. was appointed as captain general, to pass with an army royal into France, in the end of August, which with all diligence, prepared all things necessary for such a royal enterprise: and for the forniture of this army, there were appointed to give their attendance on him, the Lord Montacute, and sir Arthur Pole his brother, the Lord Harbert son to the Earl of Worcester, the Lord Ferrer, the Lord Marnay, the Lord Sands, the Lord Barkeley, the Lord Powes, and Baron Curson, and of knights, Sir Richard Wingfield, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, sir john Veer, sir Edward Nevel, sir William Kingston, sir Richard Weston, sir Andrew Winsore, sir Anthony Wingfielde, sir Edward Guildford, sir Edward Grivel, sir Edward Chamberleyn, sir Thomas Luce, sir Euerard Dighby, sir Adrian Foscew, sir William Skevyngton Master of the ordinance, sir Thomas Cheyney, sir Richard Cornwall, sir William Courtney, sir William Sidney, sir Henry Owen, all these lords and knights, with many other knights and courageous esquires, and active Gentlemen, came according to the king's commandment at last, with all their people and retinue to Dover, where they mustered at several times, as they passed to the sea, and so the number taken, that is to say of dimilances, six hundred, of Archers on horseback, two hundred, of Archers on foot three thousand, of Billmen five thousand, of pioneers and labourers two thousand six hundred: and when the view was taken on the other side of the sea, there were adjoined to this number xvij hundred, which might be spared out of the Fortresses, and crews of Hams, Guysnes, and Calais, so that all the army were xiij thousand, and an hundredth well harnessed, and appareled for the war, the pioneers only except: But the Duke himself arrived at Calais, the xxiiij day of August, with his retinue and Counsel abiding the army, and caused all things, as victual and other, to be prepared for the same. Much commoning was in England, whether this army should go, because that no man except a few, knew the secretness: some said to Bulleyn, some to Paris, and so every man judged according to his own opinion, as the common use is. In this season, because the mortality was great in Calais, the Duke of Suffolk caused his army to be lodged in Tents and Pavilions, upon the fair green beside Saint Peter's Church for their more health, and he accempanyed with divers noble men, the eight day of September road to Grauelyng, and thither came to him Christian king of Denmark, and the Lord Isilsten, captain general of Flaunders, which amiably entertained the said Duke, and after they had secretly commoned of divers matters, concerning divers armies to invade France, in sundry places, the Duke took leave of the king and other, and came to Calais. A riot at Calais. While the army lay without Calais, they daily came into the town, and so it happened that a simple fellow cut a purse, as he made to buy apples, which incontinent was taken, and brought to the majors house to ward, which thing divers Welshmen perceiving, and not knowing what appertained to justice, ran in great companies to the majors house, & would have broken the house, the Officers of the town entreated, and the Welshmen more and more approached, the number of the Welshmen were so great, that the watch of Calais struck alarm. Then the Lord deputy and the Lord Sands, did all that in them lay, to bring them to conformity, but they were so rude that they nothing them regarded, the priests brought forth the Sacrament, which also was not regarded. The Sacrament. Wherefore the Lord Ferrer was staightly commanded to appease their rage, for with him they came thither, which with great pain and entreaty them appeased: and then all the Welshemen were commanded to the field, and to departed the town and so were all other Captains, and afterward divers of the head rioters were apprehended and sore punished for example. And when all things necessary were prepared, the Duke issued out of Calais and took the field, & ordained his marshal, and captain of the vanguard, the Lord Sands, captain of his right wing sir William Kingston, and captain of his left wing, sir Euerard Dighby, sir Edward Guyldford Marshal of Calais, was captain of all the horsemen, sir Richard Wingfielde captain of the rearward: then the Duke with all his army, as captain of the middle ward, with Standards, Banners, and Pennons displayed, marched forward in good order of battle, and came to a place called Kalkewell, and there lodged the nineteen. day of September. In which place divers Soldiers, as carriers, and up land men, which were unmeet for the war, (for every thing to them was pain) fell sick and diseased, wherefore the Duke gave them leave by passport to return. And on the xxij day of September, he took up his camp and came to Hamswell, and their pitched his field, he thus lying in abode for the army of Flaunders, which promised to join with him, which as then were not come to Saint Omers. He intending not to lie still ydle●y, The Castle called Bell Cas●el as●auted, taken and spoiled. sent Clarenseaur king at Arms, to summon the Castle called Bell Castle, to yield to him, or else he would destroy it with fire and sword, the officer of Arms did his message accordingly, to whom the Captain answered, that he would deliver no Castle to the Duke, and if the Duke came thither, he should nothing get, for he said he was sure of such rescues, that should not be to the Duke's advantage: which with this answer returned toward the Duke, and in the way he met the Lord Sands, and the Lord Ferrer, in array of battle, with five hundred horsemen, and a thousand footmen, to whom he rehearsed the answer, than said the Lords, we must compel him, if otherwise he will not. Then the Master of the ordinance was commanded to prepare for a battery, which was done, and thither came five hundred horsemen of Burgonions, and five hundred footmen, than the ordinance with great difficulty was brought near the Castle, and although it were night, the Guns seized not, and bet the place sore, they within defended the best that they might, and when the day began to spring, the Lords caused to blow to the assault, which hearing, the captain of the Castle said to his Companions, that they were not able to abide the assault, and that their succours failed them, wherefore of necessity they must deliver the Castle, whereto they agreed, and so he yielded the Castle, his life only saved, and all other at the mercy of the Duke, which pardoned them, and took them as prisoners and delivered the Castle to sir William Skevington, which was shortly razed down to the ground, the xxvij day of September. Monday being the xxviij day of September there was a Proclamation made in the army, how that France's Duke of Bourbon, and Constable of France, France's Duke of Bourbon did suddenly become English against the French King. was become friend to the king of England, and enemy to the French king, and was sworn to the king of England, and had in his wages for the king of England ten thousand Almains to invade France, or to let the French kings purposes, and for this intent to him was sent money in no little somme, but the common people said, that never was French man true to England, howbeit he was true as long as he lived. To make this proclamation more apparent, you must understand that in this season the French king was ruled by his mother the Countess of Angulesme, and the admiral of France called Lord Bonyvet, which as was reported and said, loved the said Lady as his Paramour, of which all the Court of France spoke much. These two persons so ruled the king, that what they said was done, and no judgement nor sentence passed in the Parliament at Paris without their assent, so that nothing was done without them, at which thing the nobles of France sore disdained, and especially the Lord France's Duke of Bourbon and Constable of France, which having a suit for the earldom of Montpelyer, could not be heard speak nor his counsel neither. At the last he being sore displeased with this unkind and unjust handling, came to the French king beseeching him of justice and favour, which flattering him said, that all that was in his power to do he would gladly accomplish, and other answer had he none, and to increase his grudge the more, the French kings mother made a title to the whole Duchy of Bourbon and Avernus, and the admiral and she so enticed the king, that he said openly that the Duke of Bourbon shortly should be as poor as the meanest gentleman in France, which words reported to him, caused him to hate mortally the French king and his mother, and so in displeasure departed into his own Country. The king of England being hereof advertised, sent to the Duke of Bourbon a knight of his chamber called sir john Russell, a man well languaged, which wisely and covertly so behaved himself, that he came to the Duke to Molyns, and knew all his intent how he would forsake his king, This Sir john Russel was after Lord privy seal, and after Earl of Bedford. and serve the king of England and the Emperor against the French king, and thereupon took his oath. The French king not mistrusting the allegiance of the Duke of Bourbon, sent to the Duke to prepare him to go into Italy, for he had prepared a great army to pass the Mountains against the Duke of Milan, in which army he had six thousand men of arms, and xxv thousand footmen. The Duke hearing hereof feigned himself sick, and the French king passing by Molyns, visited and comforted him: to whom the Duke promised to come shortly after to Lions with all his power, and caused an horselitter to be carried empty three days amongst a certain of his Soldiers, as though he were there, but he himself fled secretly into the County of Burgoyne pertaining to the Emperor, where he retained ten thousand Almains to invade France, assoon as the French king was passed the Mountains. When the French king heard of this, he sent the admiral into Italy with his army, and sent his great master to seize all the Duke's lands. Of all these doings Sir john Russell brought true word, for he was present with the Duke, and also saw the French army, and returned unespied, wherefore he deserved and had of the king and his counsel great thanks. Whereupon the king caused the proclamation to be made in the army, that they might know that all the power of France should not trouble them. For what with the wars of Italy and for the Duke of Bourbon's power they might do what they lust, and be unfought withal, which so proved after. Which tidings much encouraged the English soldiers. After this proclamation, there were tidings brought to the army for a truth, that one Iherom Viscount, a great familiar friend with the Duke of milan enticed by the French king, had almost slain France's Duke of milan with a dagger behind at his back, with the which doing the French king above all persons feigned himself to be most displeased. The morrow being the xxix day of September the Duke with his whole army removed to Arde and there lodged, and the last day of September he removed to a Village called Arlke, and from thence the first day of October he came to a village between Tyrwyn and saint Omers, called Esqwerdes or cords, where the Duke lay and encamped himself abiding his enemies. Now must I return to tell you what was done between England and Scotland this same season. While the Duke of Suffolk was thus invading the realm of France. The Scots thinking the war turned into France, and that nothing should be attempted against them, began to rob and spoil on the Marches of England, whereof the king hearing sent again thither the valiant Earl of Surrey, Treasurer and admiral of England, which in all hast sped him to the West Marches, and sent for an army of six thousand men, and with banner displayed entered by the dry Marches, beating down Castles and fortresses on every side. And although the Scots be men of high courage, yet they seeing the wise conduit of the Noble Earl of Surray and his chosen company, durst not once encounter with him, and so he passed quietly through the dales, till he came to the strong town of jedworth, in which lay a great garrison of Scottish men, which did all the hurt they could to the Englishmen, and hardly in great number skirmished with the English men, so that on both parties divers were slain, but in the end the Abbay, castle, and town of jedworth were brent, and all razed a sunder in the open sight of the Scots. And after this he would not return but encamped himself in the Scottish ground abiding battle, and lay there from the xxij day of September, to the xxv day. During which time he sent the Lord Daker of Gyldersland to a strong hold of Doncar called Fernhurst, The Cas● of Fernhurst in Scotland taken. the which Castle stood very evil to come to, for the ways were hilly, stony, and full of Marshes, and the Scots had bend their ordinance that way: yet for all that the English men so fiercely set on that they got the Castle, notwithstanding that the Scots fought valiantly, and many of them were taken, as Dan Car the Lord, the Lord of Gradon and divers other which was there taken, and so the Lord Daker returned with his prisoners, and then he was ordained to keep the watch that night, which set his watches and his wards surely. In the night suddenly three hundred good Geldyngs broke out of a pasture, which were in custody of the said Lord Dacres camp, and as beasts wood and savage ran enraged, and notwithstanding that men did as much as they might to stop them, yet they ran as though they were in array of battle, whereof the noise in the night was so great, that the army sounned alarm, A strange chance. the horse still in array ran to the camp where the Earl lay, and bore down many persons in their way, and so suddenly ran away, whether it was unknown: the Lord Dacres men said that the Devil was seen amongst them: and after the third day the Earl returned into England. When the Earl of Surrey departed from the borders in August as you have heard heretofore: The Scots wrote to the Duke of Albany of all their affairs, which was coming into Scotland. But when he heard that the Navy of England lay in a wait to fight with him, he durst not adventure, but sat still: And when he heard there was no Captains of name on the borders of England toward Scotland, he devised by policy that all his ships should be removed to the haven of Breast, The crafty policy of the Duke of Albany. and said himself and caused it to be noised that he would not sail into Scotland that year. So ran the voice all the coasts of Normandy and Britain, and so passed till the end of September. The king of England was informed by such as knew none other, that the Duke of Albany had broken his journey, and would not pass that year into Scotland. Wherefore the king of England in the midst of September caused his ships to be laid up in Havens till the next spring: The Duke of Albany being thereof advertised, boldly then took his ships and shipped his people, and with lxxij sail in sight passed by the West parts of England, and coasted Wales, and with great labour landed at Kyrcowbre in the West part of Scotland with all his people, the xxj day of September, which were in number three thousand or there about, Richard de la pool. and with him was the Traitor Richard de la pole. When it was known in Scotland that the Lord Governor was landed, much gladness there was amongst the people. Then the Duke was highly received and his people well cherished, and then began a parliament. The Duke of Albany landeth in Scotland. The king of England hearing that the Duke of Albany was landed in Scotland and was unfought withal, was not a little displeased, and suspected that such as informed him that the Duke would not pass that year, had deceived him, but there was no remedy: Wherefore he made provisions and put all things in a readiness, if he would attempt any thing against him and his realm. The Duke of Albany governor of Scotland being in the parliament of the realm with great eloquence declared to them the love and favour that France's the French king bore to the realm of Scotland, in somuch that he being advertised of the great murders, slaughters, and burnings done by the Englishmen, thought that he suffered no less hurt and damage than they did, accounting himself one of their members, and them likewise the members of him and his realm, and for the revenging of the same, he to be partner as their member, and for the more credit he showed the French kings letter, affirming his declaration. When the letters were read, there start up a Baron of Scotland called the Lord Forbos, which said: the realm of Scotland for the love of France suffereth great pain as daily doth appear, for our Nobles be daily slain or taken, our Commonalty murdered, our lands overrun our houses and fortesses brent and razed, the profits of our lands we lose: which mischief we need not to have had but for the love of France, & what helpeth France? A far friend is not soon fet? A mighty neighbour may be a cruel enemy. I affirm this, if we would keep amity with the realm of England we were out of all these dangers. God forbidden said the Duke of Albany that Scotland ever should seek a new friend or proffer their amity, to the destroyers of their country and nation, but you my Lords of Scotland are sufficient of yourselves to maintain your lands, liberty and freedom against your common enemies the Englishmen. And therefore now let us together revenge the hurts done to us and our country: and I on mine honour shall go with you, and therefore I have brought with me both treasure, men, and artillery into this realm. I think not but we shall so do that all christendom shall speak of our noble conquest. To the Duke's request all the court of parliament agreed, and then were commissions sent through Scotland and cries made that all men should assemble at Doglas dale with victual for xxviij days. The Duke of Albany raiseth a great power of Scotland against king Henry and the realm of England. The Scots in all hast prepared, so that the Lords were come to the place appointed the xviij. day of October, with victual, guns, and all other artillery, and so came by easy journeys to the river of tweed on a ground beside Hume castle, and from thence came to Cawdestrene and there lodged. All this doing the king of England knew well, wherefore with all diligence he caused to be assembled the people of the North part beyond Trent whereof there were three thousand bearing coats of arms with their power and strength, which all were commanded to resort to the Earl of Surrey with speed. The noble Marquis Dorset Thomas was appointed to keep Berwick with six thousand men, lest the Scots would thereto say siege. The Duke of Albany which lay on the frontiers hearing of the Earl of Surreyes' preparing, sent to him an Herald promising him of his honour to give him battle, and if he took him in battle he would put him to courteous ransom and his body to be safe: To whom the Earl answered, that much he thanked the Duke of his offer, and that he would abide battle, promising him that he would give him battle if he durst abide: and if that the said Duke were taken prisoner by him or his men he would strike of his head and sand it to the king of England his Master, A bitter and yet a valiant answer made by the Earl of Surrey unto the Duke of Albany. and bade that he should trust to none other, at which answer the Duke of Albany and the Scots took great despite. The Earl of Surrey being at Alnwike, to him came the Earls of Northumberland and Westmoreland, the lord Clyfford, the lord Dacres, the lord Lumley, the Lord Ogle, the lord Darcy, and many noble knights, squires, and yeomen, to the number of xl M. And from the king's court was sent to be at the battle sir Nicholas Carew master of the horse, sir Frances Bryan, sir Edward Baynton and divers other. All this army lay on the borders abiding the Scots coming into England which lay still in Scotland, and did nothing till the last day of October being Saturday. The night before the Scots had sent over the water into England three or four thousand men, to say siege to a little Castle called the Castle of Work, which standeth near the border: the great ordinance of Scotland sore bet the Castle, and Dan Car and the Frenchmen which came out of France with the Duke of Albany gave to the Castle a strong assault: within the Castle was sit William Lyle with a hundred persons, but the Scots were so many in number that they got the uttermost ward called the Barnkyns where the Beasts and barns were, which seeing, the captain sent in all haste to the Earl of Surrey advertising him of their distress, which in all hast assembled his Capytaines to rescue the Castle, thereby hoping that Duke john of Albany would enter into England. The Frenchmen and Scots lay still about the Castle continually shooting ordinance, Sunday and Monday the first and second day of November, and then the Scots thinking the place assaultable, courageously set on the Castle and by strength entered the second ward. Sir William Lile perceiving that the Scots had gotten the false brayes and that nothing remained but only the inner ward or Dungeon, said to his company, Sirs for our honour and manhood let us issue and fight with the proud Scots & stately frenchmen, for more shall our honour be to die in fight then to be murdered with guns, to the which his company that were left agreed: for of his hundred men he had lost almost forty at the other assaults. Then they issued out boldly and shot courageously as men that shot for a vantage, and with shooting and fight they drove their enemies clean out of the place and slew of them, and chiefly of the Frenchmen three hundred which lay there dead in sight when the Earl came thither, beside such as died of wounds and were drowned. Then the Scots removed their ordinance, in great haste over the water, and by that time was the Earl of Surrey come with five thousand men on horseback and all his great army followed and was very sorry that his enemies were gone, and much praised Sir William Lyle for his valiantness. When the Duke of Albany and the Lords of Scotland knew that the Earl of Surrey approached with his puissant army, they thought it not convenient to jeopard all the nobility of Scotland in one field, considering their chance ten years before, and therefore they concluded to return, and so on the second day of November in the night the Duke with all his army retreated more for his surety then honour. The Scots r●●●e and fly again into Scotland. The horsemen of Scotland kept the fords that no man should pass to grieve the footmen as they returned, and when all the baggages were gone they cast themselves in a plump and returned. When the day appeared, than the Englishmen might plainly see the Scots how they fled fifty men's thickness, many a lusty Englishman would fain have followed them on horseback, and so would the Earl of Surrey with all his heart, but his commission was only to defend the realm and not to invade Scotland, which thing him sore displeased. Thus broke up the great army of Scotland to the great rebuke of the Duke of Albany and the nobles of Scotland which two years together had made brags and assembles and durst not abide battle. The Scots made much brags that they had beaten down the walls of Work castle, but they spoke nothing of their men that they left there, nor how cowardly they returned and would not abide. After this return Queen Margaret of Scotland and mother to the young king, sent to her brother the king of England for an abstinence of War to be taken between the realm of England and Scotland, to the intent that some way might be taken, that an amity might be had between them: which request was to her granted, and so the great army of England was dissolved & the Earl of Surrey returned to the coast. In this season, A p●●●●t sent by ●he 〈◊〉 to the ●i●g. the Emperor Charles sent to the king of England two Mules trapped in crimson Velvet curiously enbroudered, all the Buckles, stiroppes and all such other garnishyngs were silver and gilt of marvelous cunning work. He sent also xj Genets full goodly to behold, trapped with russet velvet richly wrought, and four Spears, and two javelins of strange timber and work richly garnished, and five brace of Greyhounds: and to the Queen he sent two Mules, with rich trappers & high chairs after the Spanish fashion, all these presents were thankfully received both of the King and Queen. Now let us return to the Duke of Suffolk which lay at cords or Esqwerdes the twenty day of September, and thither came to him the army of Flaunders, whereof was Captain the Lord of Isilsteyne, which had with him of Spaniards, Almains, Cleves and other, three thousand footmen, and five hundred horsemen well appareled for the wars in all points. The Duke of Suffolk being thus furnished passed forward in wet weather making bridges and ways, ever looking for battle, and on the xvij. day of October he sent the Lord Sands Marshal of his army, The t●wne 〈…〉. and with him three thousand men to a good town called An●er, which accompanied with divers knights and gentlemen in good order of battle marched toward the town. The French men perceiving the Englishmen coming toward their town, fled out as fast as they might, and left the town desolate: then entered the Englishmen, and had there a great booty, and took the Castle called Bonegard, & therein put a garrison of Englishmen, whereof was captain the Lord Leonard Grace brother to the Marquis Dorset to conduct victuallers to the army, which now was far from any succours of the English part. In this town was an Abbay of Monks which received humbly the Lords and Nobles of England, which to them did no hurt nor damage, and then they returned to the Duke. After this, the xix day, the Duke with his army, passed to a village called Qwede: and there after long counselling it was determined that the whole army should pass to a strong town and well fortified called Bray, which town was well ordinaunced, and had in it xuj C. men of war, the Captain thereof was called Adrian, and for succours to the town were come Mounsire Pontdormy, the Viscount Lernerdam, the Viscount Turraine, Mounsire Applyngcort, and Mounsire Dampney, with five hundred horsemen, so that in the town beside the Inhabitants were two thousand good men. This town standeth on the river of Some xxiij English mile from Arras, and xiiij miles above Amias: This town was well ditched and strengthened on every side. The twenty day of this month, The town of Bray besieged. the Duke commanded all his great ordinance to be brought by four of the clock in the morning before the town of Bray, they that had the charge thereof so manfully acquitted them, that notwithstanding all the damage that their enemies could do, brought the ordinance before the town at the hour appointed. Then each part shot dreadfully at other, but the English Gunners shot so well, that the walls of the town were beaten down and razed with the ordinance, insomuch that by ix of the clock the town was made assaultable. Then the Duke caused to blow to the assault. Then the Englishmen and flemings, and Burgonions leapt forth quickly, and notwithstanding that the ditches were deep, yet they so courageously entered by the good comfort of the Lord Sands, and other noble men that they got the ditches. The frenchmen perceiving that the town should be gotten, hastily made trains of Gunpowder from street to street, and house to house, saying that the Englishmen after their entry into the town would fall to pillage, and then suddenly sudden fire should destroy them. This was the provision of the Frenchmen: by this time the Englishmen were entering on the walls, and the Frenchmen stood yet at defence with Pikes, Crossbows, Handgunnes, and Halberds, The town of Bray taken by the Duke of Suffolk and destroyed but they were to weak, for on all parties entered the Englishmen, and suddenly the Frenchmen fled, and the Englishmen followed and killed and slew in every part. Now you must understand that this town of Bray standeth on the river of Some which is there divided in divers branches, and between every branch is a marish ground, where on the farsyde of the town was fortified a Bulwark full of ordinance to keep the passage over the water, and the Frenchmen had loosed the planks of the bridge near a mile above Bray, and the horsemen of France passed by a mill which was to the French footmen a great aid, for they stood and kept the passage till the footmen were come over the bridge, and then they plucked away the planks of the bridge, so that no man should follow, but ever the English men followed, and cast planks on the bridge, and passed over the bridge, in which passing divers were drowned, but with great travail all men passed, horsemen and footmen, and fiercely assaulted the Bulwark, and took it with all the ordinance, and in it was taken, captain Adrian, and captain Vlterlew. The English horsemen followed the Frenchmen, and divers of them were slain and taken, sir Robert jernyngham broke a spear of the Lord Pountdormy. The Lord Leonard Grace did valiantly that day. You must remember that when the Frenchmen issued out of the town, they forgot not to lay a match to the train of Gunpowder which they had made, which in short space set the town all on fire, so that when the Englishmen returned again, all was on fire, so that there they had little profit but Wine, which to them did great pleasure. Thus was the town of Bray taken, and destroyed the twenty day of October. The Duke considering that little succours were for him and his Soldiers in the town of Bray, because the said town was consumed with fire, he therefore commanded the bridges to be well repaired for to pass over the great river of Some into the realm of France: and when the passage was sure, the Lord Sands the xxj day of October in the morning was priest to pass over with the vaward. Then some Gentlemen said that they would pass no farther forward, and divers Soldiers were of the same opinion. It was asked why they should fear, and they answered that if they were passed over the river, they were past all succours and victual, none could be brought to them. By reason of this noise, the Soldiers stayed, which the Lord Sands perceiving, said to the Welshemen which were evil willing to pass the river: Sirs said he, behold what I do, and with that he took a Banner of Saint George, and said, as many as love the king of England, and be true to him and to the Crown, follow me, & then he and sir William Kingston set forward and passed the water, which there runneth in three streams, than all other persons courageously followed, with the ordinance and victuals. After the forward followed the Duke and all his battle: At this time the army was sore minished by reason many were diseased, and from the host departed, so the host was not of that strength that it was at the setting out of Calais. When the Englishmen were passed, then followed the Burgonions in good order, and so that night this army came to a town called Kappe, and there encamped themselves, all the Inhabitants were fled both out of the town and Castle: there the Englishmen found a hundred ton of Wine, and other good pillage. The garrison that lay at Anchor, knowing that the Duke was passed the river of Some, razed the town and Castle, and came and joined with the Duke's army at Kappe. There the Duke caused Proclamations to be made in the army that all the people of France that would victual the army of England should be well entreated, and have their victuals well paid for, and safe going and coming, by the which Proclamation the host was well victualed, for the people of the country resorted with all things necessary. The Duke thus lying at Kappe sent to the town of Roy to yield them to the king of England. The town of Roy yielded to the Duke. The town perceiving that their power was not able to withstand the great army of the Duke, assented to deliver the town to the Duke. This was a strong town well walled, ditched and ordinaunced, but not manned: the Duke sent thither sir Richard Cornwall, and other with four hundred men to receive the town, which went thither in good array, and had the town to them delivered, and then they set the Banner of Saint George in the highest part of the town, and full well this garrison kept the town of Roy till the Duke came thither with his whole army. The Duke and his army the xxv The town of Lyhome taken. day of the said month removed to a village called Lyhome, & had there great pillage: for this town was much haunted of Merchants, & there kept great markets. The next day he removed to Davenker, and the xxvij day he removed and came before the strong town of Mountdedier, where for defence of war lacked neither ditches, walls, nor bulwarks: The horsemen of the English army road about the town to view it, at whom the Captains caused divers pieces to be loosed, which showed well their strength. The Duke sent an officer of arms to summon the captain to deliver the town: the officer departed, and with him a trumpet which blewe before the Gate, but no person would answer, because they would have no summons made to them: the officer of Arms returned and made report. Then the Duke's skyrrers made proffer afore the town, out of the which issued a great company of horsemen and skirmished with the Duke's horsemen, and fought valiantly, but at the last xl of the horsemen were taken, with which the Lord Roche Baron captain of the town was sore displeased, yet he thought him able to maintain the town against the whole army. Then the Duke of Suffolk pitched his field and laid his siege round about the town of Mountdedier, The town of Mountdedier besieged. and kept good watch and ward on every side: which thing the Lord Roche Baron perceiving, comforted his men of war, and bade them not be afraid, but to be of good courage, and said that the Duke there should get nothing. When the Duke had thus planted his siege, he considered that he was far from rescue and that lying still and nothing doing was not profitable, he knew also by report of the prisoners that in the town of Mountdedier were two thousand footmen, and one thousand horsemen: wherefore he sent for all the Lords and Captains of his army, and much praised their hardiness, and said that the noble courage that he saw in them did much advance him to set forward in all things, the praise where of should be to them, and not to him, and therefore now he encouraged them again to continued still in their valiant doing, for with God's grace he intended to bend his ordinance the next morning before the town, to the which all the Lords agreed, and praised much the Duke's courage and forwardness. Sir William Skevington Then was sir William Skevyngton knight, Master of the ordinance, commanded to prepare for the battery, which with all diligence made trenches, and prepared all things meet for the purpose. In this season sir john Walop knight, Sir john Walop. had with him almost a thousand proper men and hardy, having little wages or none which lived alonely on their adventure, wherefore of some they were called adventurers, Adventurers. of some they were called Kreekers. These men were light, Kreekers. hardy, and politic, and by their manhood and hardiness had rob many towns, taken many prisoners, with great booties, and daily brought to the army horses, mares, victual, cloth, corn, and other necessaries which might not be miss. Of this company the Frenchmen, and especially they of villages, and passengers were sore afraid, for they were never idle, but doing something in one part or other. The Lord Pountdormy, or Pountremy, hearing Mountdedier was besieged, called to him divers great Lords and Captains to the number of five hundred men of Arms and dimy Lances, and a great number of footmen, intending to bring Gunpowder and other necessaries to the town of Mountdedier: and as they were thither coming by night, Thomas Palmer, captain of the scout watch of the English army them as●ryed and skirmished with them although they were more in number: manfully fought the French men, but for all that, they were compelled to fly back, and then the Englishmen them followed, and slew divers, and two Spears were broken on the brother of the Lord Pountdormy, but by the swiftness of his horse he saved himself, and in this chase were an hundred prisoners taken, which much rejoiced the English men. When the master of the ordinance had all things ready, at the hour of four of the clock in the morning, he discharged the ordinance continually in such fashion, that by eight of the clock the xxviij day of October the walls were made low, and the town assaultable. All which while, the great ordinance shot still out of the town till the walls and town were beaten down. The captain of the town perceiving this, called to him all the Captains, declaring to them that their town was in four hours made assaultable, and that surely the Englishmen would assault the town which should be to their confusion, wherefore he asked their advise what was best to be done, all they answered, do as you will: Then he went into a Tower, and caused a Trumpet to blow, and set forth a Banner of truce. Then the Duke commanded the ordinance to cease. Then sir William Skevyngton came to the walls and demanded what they would, and the lord Roche Baron said, that if it pleased the Duke for the love of the king of England, and his honour, to grant to him and the other Gentlemen that were there, licence to departed with life, bag and baggage, they would deliver the town of Mountdedier. Then sir William Skevyngton made report to the Duke which thereto consented, saying: they be men of war, their riches is not great. The town of Mountdedier yielded and taken. Then the Lord Sands and divers other were appointed to receive the town, and so they entered and set Standards on the top of the Gates, and took the keys of all the strong houses, Towers, and Bulwarks. The French men were ready to departed with trussages, and carriages, with Crossbows, Pikes, and Handgunnes, with which doing the Lord Sands and the Englishmen which were within the town were not content, & said that the Frenchmen should pass without weapon: on this point was much alteration, and the Frenchmen were stayed, but the Lord Roche Baron gave many fair words, and passed forward with a read standard, with a white Cross before him, that seeing sir Thomas Palmer, ran to the standard and plucked it in pieces. Then said the Lord Roche Baron, that it was ungently done: to whom he answered that he should bear no standard there like a conqueror. Then after long disputation, the Frenchmen said, that it was promised them that they should have their weapons and baggage, and so upon that they were suffered to departed. The footmen likewise had a standard before them, which was rend by sir Robert jernyngham. The number which departed truly accounted, were two thousand footmen, five hundred horsemen and odd, well and warlike appointed, and they left much baggage behind them, because they saw the Englishmen so fast come into the town, they were in fear of loss of all. When the Frenchmen were departed, the Duke with his whole army entered the town and there the English men found fine Featherbeds, nappery, coverings, and much household stuff, and especially of Wine great plenty, and there the army rested till the last day of October, and then were all the gates of the town razed and thrown down, and all the Bulwarks likewise, than the Duke caused all the ordinance to be taken, and so removed to the town of Roye, where he and all his army rested for a while: whereof they were glad, for they had travailed sore, and the weather was wet and cold. On the feast of all saints called Alhalon day, the Duke in the chief Church of Roye made knights, the Lord Harbert, the Lord Powes, Oliver Manners, Arthur Pole, Richard Sands, Robert jernyngham, Robert Salisbury, Edmond Benyngfield, Richard Corbet, Thomas Wentworthe, William Storton, Water mantel, George Warran, Edward Seymour after earl of Hartford, and Duke of Somerset, and most worthy governor of the kings majesties person, and Protector of all his realms, dominions and subjects. The morrow after, the army removed to a place called Needle, there the Burgonions began to wax weary, and so did the Englishmen, for every day was foul weather, and rain both day and night. Wherefore divers companies fell to grudging saying, now you may see that by our removing we shall be led from place to place all this Winter, which is to the utter loss of our lives: for daily we see that of our company dieth no small number (and truth it was that some died but not many) they said farther, the Burgonions have the great gain, and do lest for it, for they have Wagons and carry their booties to their Country, which is near hand, and we go before and fight, and we have no means to convey any thing into our Country for lack of carriage, and so we beat the bush and they take the birds. This grudge was seized by gentle words for a time. In these journeys was commonly spoken that the Duke of Bourbon with his ten thousand Almains would have invaded France and so joined with this army, but the truth was contrary, for he turned his host another way and went into province and laid siege to Marcelles, whereof the Duke being advertised, not a little mused, and also seeing his men daily fall sick, was sorry, and yet he so comforted them that every man was glad to follow his will and intent. On the six day of November the Lord Sands being Capitayne of the forward, and the Duke of the middle ward, and sir Richard Wyngfield captain of the rearward came in order of battle priest to fight, to a village called Veane, and there rested for that night, and the morrow after the whole army returned again over the water of Some, and came to a place called Beaufford: At this passage the Duke made knights, john Dudley, and Robert Vtreyght Esquires. This john Dudley was after made Earl of warwick and Duke of Northumberland. The eight day the Duke removed to a place called Mount saint Martyne, a very meet place for an army, and then was the Duke's instructions looked upon by the capitains, and they perceiving that they heard nothing of the Duke of Bourbon's coming, aid nor counsel, all they thought and determined to sand the Lord Sands in post to the king, to declare all the case as it stood and their necessity, according as he himself knew and saw in all points: which Lord Sands took great pain, and made good diligence toward the king, and while he was riding, the Duke removed his army to a place called Permount and there lodged for a time to rest, and the army was well victualed, but ever the Welshemen muttered and grudged more and more. A great frost After the great rains and winds that had fallen, came a fervent frost, so sore that many a soldier died for cold, some lost fingers and some toes, but many lost their nails of their hands, which was to them a great grief. The Duke all this notwithstanding remembering that he came not thither to lie still, the xiij day removed to a place two Mile from the Castle of Bowhen and still it frised, in so much that the Master of the Ordinance was compelled of necessity to set the wheels of his ordinance on Hardels for sinking. The welshmen waxed weary. In the morning the Welshemen set out a shout and cried home, home, the Krekers hearing that, cried hung hang. For which matter division was like to have fallen, but by policy it was ceased. Sir Edward Gyldford captain of the horsemen viewed the Castle of Bowhen or Boghan, which ever was thought to be impregnable, but he judged it might be won, for the Castle was environed with marises, so that to no man's judgement it was possible to win it: But now he perceived that the Fr●st was so great and strong that it might be besieged, and all that night it friezed again: wherefore he desired the Duke to give him leave to assault it, which thereto agreed. Then he caused the ordinance to be set forth over the marish. When they within the Castle perceived that the marish failed them, they were sore dismayed. Then sir Edward Guildford shot three great pieces at the castle, and the Castilian shot three pieces again. Then as the English Gonners were preparing to the battery, the Capitayne seeing his Castle could not hold by reason that the marsh failed, and that he could defend none assault, delivered the Castle to him to the behoof of the Emperor, and the king of England, and after a small communication had between the said sir Edward Guildforde and the Capitayne, the Capitayne with all his retinue departed, leaving behind the ordinance of Bombards, The Castle of Bowhen or Boghan is yielded to the king and the Emperor. Curtawes, and demi Curtaux, Slinges, Canons, Volgers, and other ordinance, there were lxxuj pieces, plenty of pellets and powder. The Duke of Suffolk perceiving that this Castle stood on the border of Henaude: Wherefore the more to please the Henawders he made Captain of the same Castle of Boghan the Seneshal of Henaude, to the behoof of the Emperor and the king of England. In this place the army was evil victualed, because the Frenchmen had stopped the water of Some, that no victual should pass over the river: wherefore the Duke sent to them of Henaude, and especially to them of Valencien to have aid of victual, which of their little sent to the army a little, but yet it did them some service, and all this while the fervent frost with bitter winds continued, which caused many people to die: yet still lay the army abiding the answer of the Lord Sands, which as you have heard road in post, and so much travailed that he came to the king of England to his Castle of Wyndsore, and there declared to the king his message, which was that his people which were in the French ground abode much misery, for the weather was wet, the ways deep, long nights and short days, great journeys and little victual, which caused the soldiers daily to die. Also they trusted when they passed the seas according to their instructions to have aid of the Duke of Bourbon (of whom sith their departing they never heard word) wherefore the Duke of Suffolk and other nobles of your army hath sent me to your highness to declare their state and condition, their good will to tarry, and the evil chances which daily happeneth to them by God and not by their enemies. Well said the king, all this we knew before your coming: wherefore we have appointed the Lord Mountioy with six thousand men, to pass the seas for the relief of our army, which Lord Mountioy is almost in a readiness: For we will in no wise that the army shall break. Then the king came to Westminster to the Cardinal's place, and there received letters from the Duke of Suffolk by sir Robert jernyngham, of the getting of the Castle of Boghan or Bowen: wherefore incontinent it was by the king and his counsel determined that the Lord Mountioy should make speed, which did such diligence that many of his Soldiers were come to London well harnessed and weaponed ready to pass the seas. The duke of Suffolk breaketh up his army, and returneth against the mind of king Henry the eight. Wherefore the king sent in all haste sir Robert jernyngham again to declare to the Duke the king's pleasure and what aid was coming toward him. But or sir Robert jernyngham could come to the Duke, the army was removed from Bohan and brent the town, and so came to the City of Valencine in Henaude, and there laid up their ordinance, and from thence came to the City of Tournay (which then was under the Emperor and out of the French kings hands) and so took their journey homeward thorough Flaunders and the army there broken and dispatched. But when the Duke met with sir Robert jernyngham at Bridges in Flaunders and knew the kings mind and intent, he did what he might to retreat the soldiers, which could not be, for many English men shipped at Andwarpe, and many at Scluce, and at Newport and other Havens, and they that were at Calais were stayed for a time, but when the Duke saw that he could not bring all his army together scarcely the fourth part, he then licenced the remnant to departed. Of this breaking up of the army were letters sent to the king, which incontinent stopped the Lord Mountioy and sent his men into the Country again. The Duke and other Captains hearing of the king's displeasure, were sore abashed, and did writ to their friends that they had perfit knowledge that the Duke of Bourbon had broken up his camp for the extremity of the Winter, and also showed that their soldiers died, and vitayle failed, which caused them to break the army, for of truth the soldiers would not abide: with which reasons the king was somewhat appeased, and so on good hope the Duke came to Calais the twelve day of December, and there abode long, till their friends had sued to the king for their return. And when it was granted, and that they were returned, the Duke and the Captains came not to the king's presence in a long season, to their great heaviness and displeasure: But at the last all things were taken in good part, and they well received, and in great love, favour, and familiarity with the king. While the Duke of Suffolk was in France and the Earl of Surrey on the Marches of Scotland, the Cardinal sent out commissions in the month of October through the realm, that every man that was worth xl pound should pay the whole subsidy before granted out of hand, and before the days of payment. This payment was called an Anticipation, which is to say, An anticipation. a thing taken, or a thing coming before his time or season: This term was new to the communalty, but they paid well for their learning, for their money was paid out of hand without delay. The king this year kept his Christmas solemnly at his Castle of Wyndsore and thither came to him the third day of january the Earl Pountiver of the royal blood of britain and pretending to be Duke of the same, which was near Cousin to the Duke of Bourbon and banished France. This Earl came hastily from the Duke of Bourbon and was well entertained and feasted of the king, and after answer made to him by the king, he went to the Cardinal to Hampton court, and so with great speed returned to the said Duke into the country of Province. In the same season was brought to the court a Gentleman of Scotland called Andrew Steward taken on the sea with divers letters by one Water jago a yeoman of the kings, with divers letters from the Duke of Albany to the French king, by reason whereof the king knew much of their counsel. This Gentleman paid ransom and was very soon redeemed. The xix day of january six fair ships of France well appointed met with a ship of the kings of England called the Caterine Galley a ship of forty ton, the Capitayne whereof was one john Mariner, with a small company, for many of his company were a land: But he so encouraged his men that all fear was set aside, and ever as the Frenchmen approached, they bet them of with arrows, pikes, and fight, and still they continued from four of the clock in the morning till nine of the clock, and ever on the coast of England, and the Englishmen did the best they could to save themselves: For by that time she had spent her powder, arrows with shooting, and her byls with hewing, and her pikes with keeping them of from coming aboard, and all the company almost sore hurt, and the captain wounded to the death so that they had no other remedy but to sail. This chase was perceived by one called capitain Markam, Capitayne of the Bark of Sandwyche haven and with good wind came to rescue the Kateryne Galley. The six ships perceiving that, left their chase and made with the Bark of Sandwiche. The captain courageously comforted his men and made the quarters of his ship defensible. The Frenchmen set on fiercely, and their tops were higher than the top of the English ship. Out went the ordinance, quarrels and darts of the French ships: the Englishmen shot fiercely again and when the Frenchmen proffered to enter, the Englishmen bet them of with bills. The Frenchmen at the last with a great gun bet down the top of the Bark and slew the men in the same, and lastly they struck down his Mast. This conflict continued from ten of the clock till two at after noon. Then he could make no shift, but to sail: and ever the Englishmen shot arrows, and while the Englishmen had any arrows the Frenchmen durst not enter: But when their arrows were spent, the Frenchmen came aboard all at once and entered the Bark. In this fight were slain of French men out of hand xxvij and lxxx sore hurt, and of the Englishmen were slain twenty-three. What should I say, the Englishmen fought valiantly but they were to weak for six tall ships. Wherefore they were taken and brought to Deep for a price, but the Frenchmen said they never bought price so dear. After this john Marmer capitain of the Kateryn Galley died and many frenchmen that were hurt died at Deep, so that neither part won greatly. In the last month called December were taken certain Traitors in the City of Coventrie, An insurrection moved at Coventry. one called Frances Philip Schoolmaster to the king's Henxmen, and one Christopher Pykering clerk of the Larder, and one Anthony Maynuile Gentleman, which by the persuasion of the said Frances Philip, intended to have taken the kings treasure of his subsidy as the Colectors of the same came toward London, and then to have raised men and taken the Castle of Kyllingworth, and then to have made battle against the king: wherefore the said Frances, Christopher and Anthonye were hanged, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn the xj day of February, the residue that were taken, were sent to the City of Coventry and there were executed. One of the kings Henxmen called Dygby which was one of the conspirators fled the realm, and after had his pardon. The xvij day of january there was a fair or marquet at the town of Marguyson in the French kings dominions beside Calais, and for defence of the people and their merchandise, there were appointed two hundred men in harness well weaponed: the Soldiers of Guysnes hearing of this, departed in the night and came near to the town of Marguyson, and closely kept themselves till the Market was fair and at the best, than the Englishmen which were lxx Archers and bills, set suddenly on the Market, that seeing the Frenchmen stood manfully at their defence with handguns and pikes, but the English men shot so wholly together that they drove the Frenchmen out of the town, and would for succours have taken the church but the Englishmen were between them and the Church, so that they had none other remedy but to flee and many French men were slain. captain john de pound, and captain john de Babage and divers other were taken prisoners, and divers Merchants that were there to cell their goods were also taken, and all their goods brought in Frenchmens' wagones' to Guysnes and no Englishman slain but divers were sore hurt. The first day of February the valiant knight sir Robert jerningham and with him fifty demilances of the garrison of Calais scoured the country to Odirsaell and there took a hundred head of Beasts, by that doing an askry rose through the country, whereby the Frenchmen gathered together to the number of twelve score, and or Sir Robert and his company came to Hounding bridge they were beset round about, so that of necessity they must fight, the Frenchmen set on with handguns, Crossbows and pikes, and for a while there was a strong encounter, but the Englishmen as men desperate (because of the number) fought so fiercely that they caused the Frenchmen to give back and slew many of them and took xiiij prisoners, and in the chase they took seven more which made up one and twenty. Then the said sir Robert returned with his booty and prisoners and lost no man, but almost all were hurt. The ten day of March the king having a new harness made of his own devise and fashion, such as no Armourer before that time had seen, thought to assay the same at the tilt, and appointed a jousts to serve him. On foot were appointed the Lord Marques Dorset and the Earl of Surrey, the king came to the one end of the tilt, The jeopardy that the king was in at a jousts. and the Duke of Suffolk to the other: then a Gentleman said to the Duke, sir the king is come to the tiltes end. I see him not said the Duke on my faith, for my Headpiece taketh from me my sight: with these words God knoweth by what chance, the King had his spear delivered him by the Lord Marques, the visor of his Headpiece being up & not down nor fastened, so that his face was clean naked. Then the Gentleman said to the Duke, sir the king cometh, than the Duke s●t forward and charged his spear, and the king likewise unadvisedly set toward to the Duke: the people perceiving the kings face bore, cried hold, hold, the Duke neither saw nor heard, and whether the king remembered that his visar was up or no, few could tell: Alas what sorrow was it to the people when they saw the spleters of the Duke's spear strike on the kings Hedpeece: for on a surety the Duke struck the king on the brow right under the defence of the Headpece on the very coif, skull, or bassenetpece whereunto the barbet for power or defence is charneld, to which coif or basinet never Armourer taketh heed, for it is evermore covered with the visar, barbet and volant piece, and so that piece is so defended that it forceth of no charge: But when the spear on that place lighted, it was great jeopardy of death insomuch that the face was bore, for the Duke's spear broke all to shivers, and bore the kings visar or barbet so far back by the counterbuff that all the kings Headpece was full of spleters. The Armourers for this matter were much blamed, and so was the Lord Marquis for the delivering of the spear when his face was open, but the king said that none was to blame but himself, for he intended to have said himself and his sight. The Duke incontinently unarmed him, and came to the king, showing him the closeness of his sight, and swore that he would never run against the king more: But if the king had been a little hurt, the kings servants would have put the Duke in jeopardy. Then the king called his Armourers and put all his pieces together and then took a spear and ran six courses very well, by the which all men might perceive that he had no hurt, which was great joy and comfort to all his subjects there present. In this year the king sent the Lord Morlay, sir William Hosy knight, and Doctor Lee his Almoner to Done Ferdinando Archeduke of Ostrich, and brother to the Emperor Charles, with the order of the Garter, which in the town of Norrynberge received the same, where then were all the princes of Germany assembled at a counsel or diet, against the bishop of Rome, against whom the germans put a hundred grieves. The xiij day of April one captain Brearton one of the Captains of the adventurers at Guysnes with xuj tall men, came to a village called Waste, and there took a booty of beasts, by which taking an askrie arose, and by chance certain of the garrison of Bulleyn were then abroad, and by the cry of the people came where the English men were, the Frenchmen were two hundred horsemen, and with great cries environed the English men about, so that the Englishmen could make no defence. Then Captain Brearton called to the captain of the frenchmen, and said, sir I am a Gentleman, and this enterprise was mine, I have brought these good fellows to this jeopardy, wherefore we yield us all prisoners to you, and so they delivered their weapons, the captain was a Gentleman and gently them received, then to the men of war drew all the peysantzes or churls of the Country nigh hand to the number of vij or eight score, which desired to buy the Englishmen that were taken, the frenchmen were content, and took money, than the Englishmen were delivered to the uplandish people, and the men of war road away. When the men of war were departed the rybandes with Pikes, captain Brearton murdered. javelins, and knives, fell on the Englishmen which had no weapon, & them slew all xvij and cut them in pieces the most shamefully that ever was seen. When knowledge hereof was brought to the captain of Guisnes sir john Gage, he sent for the adventurers, willing them to revenge their Captains death. So all the adventurers the xiiij day gathered together to the number of xl archers and pikes, and by good guide the next day in the morning they came to the same village of Waste, and there took xxxvij prisoners, and most part were at the murder of Brearton and his company, and of the xxxvij they slew xxxuj and so they left one, and carried him with them, The murder revenged. but or they departed they set the town on fire, and spared nothing, their ire was so great: the men of war of France costed the English men, but they would not meddle with them in that rage. When they came to Guysnes they swore the Frenchman that was left on live, to declare their message to the captain of Bulleyn, which was that after that day they would save neither man, woman, nor child, that came to their hands for the great cruelty that the Peysantzes had done to captain Breerton and his company, with which message the frenchmen were discontent, and said that the villains deserved to have vengeance for their cruelty. In this year through books and prognostications made and calculate by Astronomers, the people were sore afraid for the said writers declared, that this year should be such Eclipses in watery signs, and such conjunctions, that by waters and floods many people should perish. Insomuch that many persons victualed themselves and went to high grounds for fear of drowning, Bolton prior of faint Bartholomewes' builded a house upon Harowe of the hill for fear of a flood. and specially one Bolton, which was Prior of Saint Bartholomewes' in west Smithfield in London, builded him an house upon Harow of the hill, only for fear of this flood, and thither he went and made provision for all things necessary within him, for the space of two Months: But the faithful people put their trust & confidence only in God. And this rain was by the writers prognosticate to be in February, wherefore when it began to rain in February, the people were much afraid, and some said now it beginneth, but many wise men which thought that the world could not be drowned again, contrary to God's promise, put their trust in him only, but because they thought that some great rains might fall by inclinations of the stars, and that water mills might stand still and not grind, they provided for meal, and yet God be thanked there was not a fairer season in many years, and at the last the Astronomers for their excuse said, that in their computation, they had mistaken and miscounted in their number an hundred years. The Emperor Charles which also was enemy to the French king, seeing the great army that the King of England his confederate had in France, thought it was to him honourable to make war also on that part of France that joineth to Spain, and in especially he imagined how to recover the town of Fountraby, which the Frenchmen before that time had gotten: wherefore he assembled a great puissance, and made captain the Lord Barnardine de Belasco Constable of Castille, which with great diligence came before the town of Fountraby which was strongly fortified, and the captain thereof was a Navarroys: but when the captain and his company saw the town besieged with such a puissance, and also that the sea was so narrowly kept that they could not have victual nor succour, they determined to give up the town: but yet the captain of a high stomach shot out his ordinance, and sent his trumpet to the Captain of the Spaniards to know what prisoners he had of his, and for the communication thereof he desired abstinence of war till he had commoned with the Counsel of the Spanish host, which to him was granted. Then was communication for five days, and nothing ended, for the Spaniards were haute on the one side, and the Frenchmen proud on the other side, but on the sixth day it was concluded that the town should be delivered with ordinance and Artillery, and all the men of war to departed with bag and baggage, and so the xxvij day of February was the town of Fountraby brought again to the hands of the Emperor, and he that was captain of Fountraby was afterward restored to his lands in Naverre by the Emperor, and became his man. The Bishop of Rome called Pope Clement seeing the great wars that were this year on all parties, and in especial between the Emperor and the king of England on the one party, against France's the French king and his allies, An archbishop sent from the Pope to entreat peace between the Emperor and king of England & the French king. sent an archbishop of the realm of Naples first to the French king, and after to the Emperor, which declared to the French king the manifold mischiefs that rise by war, the great stroke of vengeance that God will strike for unjust war and specially for the death of innocents and effusion of Christian blood, and showed farther, that the said French king made daily war on the Emperor, and the King of England without cause, but only because he himself would do no right to them, nor to their subjects. The French king after counsel taken answered, my Lord Legate, we assure you that we make no war, but war is made on us, & we ●●and at the defence, notwithstanding our right is kept from us, both the Duchy of Milan, and realm of Naples, by the Emperor, and the usurped Duke, to the which we have good title, and the king of England warreth on us without cause, notwithstanding that we have given him and many Lords of his Counsel divers fair pensions, not because we be afraid of him, but because we would have his love and amity, & when we perceived that he took part with the Emperor our mortal enemy, we withdrew our pensions as with right we might, and now with all his power he would conquer our good will, which is against reason, and we claim nothing of him. Well said the Ambassador, I will first speak with the Emperor, & after with the king of England, and then I will declare to you their rights and demands, with which the French king seemed to be content. Then the said Ambassador took his leave and in post came to the Emperor in Spain, and there exhorted him to peace with many goodly reasons, affirming that the war was unjust and without reasonable cause made on the French king, as the said king affirmed. Then the Emperor like a noble prince answered, that the wars were never of his beginning: For the French king or he witted had taken the town of Fountraby, and also had sent an army to conquer the realm of Nauerne, and not with this contented, retained the Swyches which be the emperors subjects, and caused them to be enemies to the Empire, and he also withheld the Duchy of haute Burgoyne, and the County of Arthoys with divers other Countries, and signories belonging to him: wherefore his quarrel was always just, and because the College of Rome should perceive the whole cause of his wars, he delivered to the said Ambassador a schedule, with which he departed, refusing all gifts which the Emperor offered him, & came again to the French king, and rehearsed to him the Emperors saying, but the french king himself highly excused and said, that he might not lose that that his predecessors left him, & so the Bishop of Rome's Ambassador took his leave and came into England. In the beginning of this xuj year, the king lay at his Manner of Newhall in Essex, and there kept the feast of saint George, and hearing that the Bishop of Rome's Ambassador was coming into England, removed to his Manner of Grenewiche where the said archbishop and Legate came to him, and was highly entertained, which declared wisely and eloquently the message and intent of his master, which was to make a peace and concord between the princes of christendom, and especially between the Emperor, the king of England and the French king, & for that cause he had been with the Emperor, & also with the French king, which as he said affirmed, that without cause the king of England made on him war, considering that he to the intent to have the more amity and favour of you and your nobles hath liberally given to you and them honourable pensions, which by no duty as he affirmeth you can nor may claim, but of his benevolence and bounty. Also he sayeth that you claim his crown, realm, and possessions, which toucheth him highly, and of yours he claimeth nothing, and therefore he thinketh of right you aught not to make him war. Wherefore may it please your highness to tell me your mind, and I shall it declare to the whole Court of Rome God willing and forget nothing. A declaration of the kings right to the crown of France, and to the trib●●e o● the 〈◊〉 and ●●●tain other rights. Then the King called to him his counsel and after divers consultations had, the Ambassador was sent for, and there was showed to him many records, proving the king of England to be inheritor to the realm of France by blood, and also confirmed by divers Charters in the time of king Charles the seventh. And as concerning the pension, to him was showed divers Charters, that it was no pension of friendship, but due rent for the Duchess of Normandy and Guyan, and the Countries of Anjou and Maine, which are the king of England's very inheritance. furthermore there were showed to him divers bonds of the said French kings for the payment for the City of Tournay, and other duties which he aught to the king of England, all which articles to fulfil, the French king hath oftentimes been required by Ambassadors, and yet he ever dissembled, and would not conform himself to reason: of all these things were notes written and delivered to the Bishop of Rome's Ambassador, which took his leave of the king and returned in post accompanied but with three persons. By reason of the coming of this Ambassador men hoped that peace should ensue, but it succeeded not this year: for the third day of may the garrison of Bulleyne with divers other in the most secret wise that could be, came to a place within the English pale called Sentricas, and suddenly struck up a Drum or Drounslade: the people hearing this in the night were sore abashed, some fled naked and some clothed, the most part fled to the Church, and the frenchmen them followed, and took. xx●. prisoners, and then set fire on the Church: By this time was all the pale raised, which thing the Frenchmen perceiving, left their booty and returned in all haste with their prisoners to Bulleyn. Tirwyn besieged. In this season the Lords of Flaunders lay at the siege before Tyrwyn, and were likely to have taken it by famine, whereof the French king being advertised assembled an army of xxij thousand horsemen and footmen under the conduit of the Duke of Vandosme, and the Lord Pountdormy, and the French king himself came down to Amyas, and there caused it to be noised that he would besiege the town of Valencyen in Henaude, where the Duke of Suffolk the last year had left the king of England's ordinance. The king of England hearing of this, said, that if the French king besieged Valencyen, he in person would go thither for to rescue his ordinance. The Lord fines and other Lords of Flaunders which lay before Tyrwyn with ix thousand men were advertised of the French army, but because of the fame that the host should go to Valencyen, they sent for no more succours. When the Frenchmen had all things ready, they left the way to Valencyen and took the way directly to Tyrwyn. When the Lords of Flaunders perceived that, they were sore abashed, and then they knew that they were deceived, and that they were not able to abide the puissance of the French army. Wherefore they raised their siege, and put themselves in order of battle on the Southeast side of Tyrwyn: the French army passed forward the sixth day of may toward Tyrwyn and made no semblance to fight: Howbeit some of them skirmished with the horsemen of Flaunders, but they at the last entered the town, whereunto they were welcome, and the Lords of Flaunders departed sore displeased, but there was no remedy. Then ran a brute that the French army would lay siege to Guysnes: wherefore the king caused men and all other things to be put in a readiness for the speedy rescue thereof if it had so chanced. But the Frenchmen took a better advise. In this Month of May sir Robert jernyngham captain of Newnam bridge commoned with Christopher Coo, a Capitayne of divers English ships that kept the Sea, which then was in Calais haven for victual, and said, captain Coo you know how the Bulleyners have visited near to Calais the English pale, and have burned Sentrycas. If you will promise' to set many of your men a land at the haven of Bulloyne the xix day of may, I with as many as I can furnish will meet with you there in Base Bulleyne at the time and hour between us appointed, to the which the said Christopher agreed and faithfully promised, and so prepared accordingly every thing necessary and so sailed toward Bulleyn, sir Robert jernyngham sent word of this enterprise to sir William Fitzwilliam captain of Guysnes to know if he would aid any part toward this journey, which sent word that he would be at the same adventure himself: then all the gentlemen desired him to be Captain of that enterprise, which he thankfully and with heart received: then all the men of war and the adventuturers and the bailie of Mark assembled together, so that when all were come together, they were three hundred horsemen, and of the Country and Mark three hundred and of the aventurers. C.lx and so one an other they were seven hundred men. All these persons met at an hour appointed at Sandyngfield: the night was short so that it was day or they came near Bulleyne all set in good order of battle, but they were escried before they came near Bulleyne, and so it chanced that Christopher Coo with his ships which had wind at will, was come with his four ships before Bulleyne somewhat before day, the Bulleners that kept the watch him espied, & then he manned his Boats and with men and ordinance stretched toward the land, by that time was all base Bulloyne in harness ready to defend the Englishmen from landing, but Capitayne Coo did what he might, and almost all the people of Bas● Bulleyn were on the shore, that seeing the garrison, made them ready and bend their ordinance. Sir William Fitzwilliam hearing the Gonnes toward the haven side, knew well that Christopher Coo was in his business, and so encouraged every man to do well and marched forward with as much speed as might be, in so much that all the English men were on the hills before Bulleyne in sundry plumps, than issued out the horsemen of Bulleyne between the Castle and Cardons Tower, the light horsemen of the English part them encountered, there was a good fight, the French men shot with Crossbows, and the English men with long bows, and the great ordinance shot terribly, the English men approached the town walls, this skirmish was fierce and ever the archers aided the horsemen. While the horsemen were thus skirmishing, the eight score adventurers which were hardy and valiant men cast themselves about and came to base Bulleyne, and there they were hardily received of the French men, yet notwithstanding they lost their barriers and the English men entered, there was shooting on all sides, and a strong fight. The Frenchmen cried Bulleyne, and the English men saint George Calais: but at the last the French men were driven back and many slain, and xliiij taken prisoners, and so they returned to their captain sir William Fitzwilliam. All this while was Christopher Coo on land on the sea coast, and bet the French men up to the town, and when the tide turned, he with all his came again in safety to their ships. The English horsemen after long fighting took three of the Frenchmen of arms, and the other recoiled to the town. By this time by reason of the alarm was all the Country of Picardy raised and much people resorted to Bulleyne on all sides, which doing sir William Fitzwilliam wisely perceiving, by the sound of a Trumpet brought all his men together in a plump, and then sent them hither and thither to fet his drifts of beasts that were near in the Country on every side, which was quickly done, for the adventurers brought Oxen, Cows, Horses, and many other pillages, and brent the granges and villages, and so met together, and with their booty returned in safety. The Tuesday following, being the last day of May, sir William Fitzwilliam, with a hundred and fifty horsemen, and the adventurers, and a hundred other persons more, came to a place called Samer de Boys, the said Capitayne wisely considered, that in that place the frenchmen had divers times lurked, and taken at advantage the English men, wherefore he laid his horsemen, & his archers on horseback in a wood, in a wait if the french men followed the stolen: then he sent forth the adventurers, which passed farther than the captain would that they should have done, and suddenly they were escried: then on came the Frenchmen, the adventurers swore that they would not fly, but bent themselves to defend their enemies, which were three hundred horsemen. The French men knew well their hardiness, but yet they called them crackers, which by missounding was commonly called Krekers, for a surety these men were hardy, and full of policy, and very far would jeopardy, the Frenchmen sent about a Valley, a hundred of the best horsemen, and two hundred footmen, than were the Krekers between two bends of the french men: sir William Fitzwilliam, being assured of the conduit of the french men, much doubted the chance of the adventurers, wherefore in great haste sent for his stale of horsemen that he had left covered: and the frenchmen that were before the Krekers, came and set on very fast, in hope of their horsemen that were gone about an hill in the Valley. The Englishmen them valiantly defended, then as the horsemen had compassed the hill, the adventurers were come on a plain: then the horsemen that were come to sir William Fitzwilliam, set on the french horsemen, there was a hard and a fierce encounter, for the french men fought sore, but at length they fled, and in the chase were taken luj horsemen, and xliiij slain one and other, and many English men sore hurt and divers slain, thus the Krekers scaped a narrow hazard. In june, sir William Fitzwilliam, Capitayne of Guysnes, sir john Wallop, and Sir john Gage, secretly called to them ix C. men of war such as they trusted, and on Midsummer day, passed the low Country of Picardy unto the Castle of Hardyngham, or Rigsam and they carried with them but one piece of ordinance called a Curtal, this Gone they bend against the castle, which was well furnished with harness, ordinance, and all other artilierie, and things needful, and the Capitayne also was a valiant and hardy gentleman. The Englishmen ever shot that piece and removed it from place to place with great pain, & in conclusion made a battery of the walls, so that they might assault it, than the Trumpet blewe to the assault, and the Capitayne with his company stood at defence: then Sir john Wallop, & sir john Gage with the aventurers or Krekers entered the ditch▪ and the archers shot at every loop arrows, and the Frenchmen likewise shot quarrels: the Englishmen set up Ladders to the walls, but the frenchmen threw them down, at this assault was slain a Gentleman called Butler, and xu other English men, but for all that the assault was not left, for some climbed by pikes, and some amended the Ladders, and cried again to the assault: but sir William Fitzwilliam chief captain of this enterprise, perceived that they lacked engines and other things for the speedy assault of the Castle, and not willing to loose his men without cause, caused them to stay, while he and other Captains counseled together, and as they were concluded once again to attempt the assault, they heard news that two thousand horsemen, and two thousand footmen, were at hand to fight with them, they then perceiving that nine hundred men being weary, were no power to encounter with four thousand Frenchmen, they in good order returned to the English Fortresses. Mounsire de Bees captain of Bulloyne, well considered all the enterprises, that the Englishmen had done in Pycardy and France, now of late: he determined to requited them, to his honour and fame, and for that purpose, sent for the Earl of Dampmartine, the Lord Pountremie, and the Lord chastilion, which concluded to enter the English pale, and to show themselves before Calais. Wherefore they assembled all the men of arms and Soldiers, of the garrisons about and so they were eight hundred good horsemen, and with Pikes, Guns, and Crossbows eight hundred footmen: and when all this company was assembled Mounsire de Bees as captain of this journey, with the other Lords, the fourth day of August with banner displayed, came toward Calais in the evening: and the next day in the morning by six of the clock, they came to a village within the English pale, called Bonyngs. Then the Alarm rose through all the English pale, and so came to Calais. These lords of France sent out their fore-riders to search and over see the country, & then they laid an embushement of three hundred horsemen, at the said town of Boninges, and with that bend abode Mounsire Pountremy and Mounsire de Bees road to Kalkewel with three hundred fresh horsemen, and all the footmen with banner displayed, and foraged all the Country, of which three hundred spears, they let one hundred go at large and kept the residue with them. When the Alarm came to Calais, every man made to horse and harness. Then sir Robert jerningham with lxxx horsemen with all speed, road out of Calais to behold the company of the Frenchmen. And he sent forth his light horsemen, which met with the skourers of the French men, and because the French men seemed a few in number, the English fore-riders proffered toward them, which fled toward Sandiffielde, and the Englishmen chased after, not being of knowledge of the ambushments, that lay at Bonynges, and Kalkewell. When sir Robert jernyngham saw his light horsemen chase, he followed after soft, to keep his horse in breath. Then suddenly the French men that were in chase returned, for some of their aid was near them. When the Englishmen which passed not xuj horse, saw the Frenchmen return, they encountered with them manfully, but to the frenchmen came still more and more, so that the Englishmen were constrained to fly another way, to the high land in great jeopardy, for the Frenchmen them pursued, but by the help of the light geldings, the Englishmen got the Sea side, or sea sands beyond scales: Then were the Englishmen glad and returned, and fought with the Frenchmen hand to hand, for the frenchmen behind followed not the chase, but only twenty horsemen, and with pure fighting the Englishmen took one of the French horsemen, and came with him to Calais, and so were saved. When sir Robert jernyngham saw his men in chase (as you have heard) and saw that they were in great jeopardy, he advanced for their rescue all that he might, which was the saving of the light horsemen, for the French men left them, to encounter with sir Robert jerningham, and so it was that he went so far forward, that the Frenchmen were between him and Calais. And when he saw all the bends and ambushments break out, he said to his company: sirs Saint George to borrow, let these French galantes know what we English men be: Sir said his company, they shall buy us dear. Then he marched toward the high land: Then approached a great number of horsemen of France, the Englishmen them valiantly received, and manfully defended, but ever the Frenchmen came fresh and fresh, so that the Englishmen being weary and oppressed with multitude, were feign to fly: and in this chase was taken Thomas Cheyney an Archer, whose horse was tired, and two other Archers on horseback, one called George Karre, and the other rowland Atkinson, and three other of the English pale: sir Robert and the remnant saved themselves the best that they could. When sir Robert was returned, the Frenchmen souned their trumpet, and recoiled to Bulleyn, and sent word to Calais, that they would visit them oftener. Sir Robert jerningham remembering this chance, thought to be revenged of the same, and so advising himself to what place he should repair, he remembered that when soever the Englishmen made any journey to Marguyson, the Frenchmen would fly over the water or creak, to a high ground by boats, and there as it were in an Island save themselves, because on that side they might ever have succours, for the creke or water, is beyond the town of Calais. Therefore the said sir Robert caused five great boats to be carried in Wagons, and so he with other Captains, of Calais, and Guisnes, to the number of three hundred footmen, with the Kreekers, and lx horsemen the twelve day of August, with Banners displayed, took their way to the town of Margison, and in the night the light horsemen gave alarm to the town of Bulleyn, and took two Soldiers prisoners, and brought with them certain Cat-tail to their company. Then the Englishmen marched forward, toward Margison, that seeing the Frenchmen, took their Boats in trust of the water, and passed over, the Englishmen perceived that, and lanced their Boats, and so like adventurers entered, and by force passed, and so more and more, till a hundred lx were passed over: the Country began to gather, so that the Frenchmen were three hundred, which fought with the Englishmen, and would have letted the Boats to land, but the Archers on the other side drove them back, and the Englishmen slew at the first encounter lx men, and took xl prisoners, yet the Frenchmen that fled met with new succours, and then began a new battle, and the Frenchmen fought hardily, but at the end they fled, the most poorest of the people, on the other side of the water, fled to the Church, and abode at their defence, than was there fire set in the Church, than the French men leapt out of the Church, to their destruction, for of three hundred there was saved but sixty on live. The whole power of Bulleyn was come down, near to the place: but when they perceived that it was to late, and that the Englishmen were returned, they came no further. Thus was sir Robert jernyngham even with the Frenchmen, and brought a good booty, and many prisoners to Calais, which sore grieved the captain of Bulleyn. The Frenchmen perceiving, that they got little at the Englishmen'S hands, thought to take their advantage of the flemings, wherefore they assembled of the garrisons, of Bulleyn and Tirwyn, five hundred footmen, and three hundred horsemen, and so in good order marched toward saint Omers & they sent to go a foraging one hundred footmen, and as many horsemen, and the rest kept themselves in a stolen. These Frenchmen came by Arkus, nigh to saint Omers, and foraged all the Country, the alarm sprang all the Country to Turnahan, the captain of Turnahan sent word to Sir William Fitzwilliam, captain of Guisnes, that the Frenchmen were abroad, which made answer, that if the Frenchmen came near to him, surely he would speak with them, with which answer the captain of Turnahan being encouraged, sent forth two hundred flemings on foot, still the Frenchmen marched toward Turnahan, the flemings that were sent from Turnahan, marched toward the way, where the Frenchmen should come, thinking that when the captain of Guisnes had set on them, that then they would have lain in the chase at the receipt. The said captain of Guisnes valiantly marched forward, with a hundred horsemen and four hundred footmen, intending to meet with the frenchmen, and suddenly as he was passing forward, word was brought him that the Earl of Damarten, with the garrisons of Mustrel and Abui●e, to the number of vj. C. horsemen, were coming forward toward Guysnes. This hearing sir William Fitzwillyam, swore that the Earl should not take pain to come to Guysnes, for he would meet him on the way: by this mean he left his first enterprise, & marched toward the Earl of Damartin. The Frenchmen of Tirwin being thereof advertised by a Spy, called all the people together, and with their booty came on forward toward Turnahan, and suddenly they askryed the poor Flemings, which were sent out of the Castle of Turnahan, and when they perceived the Frenchmen, coming toward them, they turned their backs, and fled like sheep: the Frenchmen followed a pace, & slew the most part of them, for few escaped. The captain of Guysnes came to a fair green, five mile from Guysnes, and there in good order of battle, tarried for the Earls coming, which hearing that the captain of Guysnes, was ready to receive him, made his return backward, without any thing doing: when the captain knew the truth of the Earls returns, he then in all haste, sped him to meet with the Frenchmen, that were coming to Turnahan, and in the mean way, he heard tidings of the chance of the flemings, and how the Frenchmen were recoiled toward Tirwin, which adventure sore him displeased, but there was no remedy, wherefore he returned to Guysnes again, very sorry that the Frenchmen went away unfought withal: The Frenchmen little meddled after this time, wherefore let us now return, and show what wars were kept on the frontiers, between England and Scotland, in this season. The one and twenty day of may being Trinity Sunday five hundred Scots in the morning by several fords, The Scots enuadeth England. entered into England, and lay covertly by the high way, to distress Merchants and Market men, that should pass to Berwick, that day to the fair: for every Trinity Sunday, there is kept a great Fair, which the Scots knew well, and as they lay thus lurking, they rob many Merchants, and took rich prisoners but at the last they were perceived, than the Alarm rose, and people began to gather, the Scots drew together toward Branxstone, and the Englishmen them assailed, which so manfully them defended, that if the young Lord of Fulbery, had not come with one hundred light horsemen, the Scots had gone away with their booty, but then began a sore fight, many were hurt on both sides, and some slain, and at the last the Scots fled, and in the chase there were two hundred Scots taken prisoners, and the residue fled and saved themselves. After this the fift day of july, sir john a Fenwicke, Leonard Musgrave, and bastard Heron, and divers other, gathered together ix hundred men and entered into Scotland, in the country called the March, and rob and spoiled all the country, and by chance the same season, the Scots had assembled two thousand men, to invade England, and none of these knew of other, till they by adventure met together. Then began a strong medley, for the Scots fought valiantly a great while, and the Englishmen them hardly assailed, and at the last by fine force, caused them to leave the ground and fly, and in the fight were taken two hundred Scots, and many slain, of the which prisoners divers were Gentlemen Sir Ralph of Fanwicke, Leonard Musgrave, and Bastard Heron, with xxx other Englishmen well horsed, followed so far the chase, that they were past rescues of their company, which perceiving the Scots suddenly returned, and set on the Englishmen, which oppressed with multitude, were soon overcome, and there was taken sir Ralph a Fanwicke, Leonard Musgrave, and six other, and Bastard Heron, and seven other slain, the remnant by chance escaped: the other Englishmen with their two hundred prisoners, returned safely into England: the slaying of the Bastard Heron, was more pleasure to the Scots, than the taking of the two hundred was displeasure, they hated him so. The seventh day of july the Lord Maxwell of Scotland, and Sir Alexander Iorden, with banner displayed, and Scots to the number of four thousand, entered into England at the west Marches by Carleile, and began to burn on every side: then the Englishmen assembled on every side and so they were in number two thousand men, and fiercely set on the Scots, there was a great fight, for the space of an hour, at the last the Englishmen broke the array of the Scots, and them discomfited, and took three hundred Scots prisoners, the Englishmen that had taken prisoners, went away with their prisoners: For sir Alexander Iorden and his son & divers were taken prisoners, & by their departing, the company of the Englishmen was much minished, the Lord Maxwell being a politic man, perceiving that, and suddenly called his people together, and them encorraged, and began a new skirmish, and recovered all the prisoners almost, and took divers English men prisoners, this was the chance of war. After this journey, in the court of parliament of Scotland, A parliament holden by the Scots where in they show many causes for the which they aught to bear with Fraun●e before England. was much commoning of the wars, which were between England and Scotland: some of the Nobles said, that France never did so much good to Scotland in twenty years, as Scotland had lost by England, in one year, for the love and cause of France: wherefore they thought it convenient to make a perpetual league of amity, with the King of England, and to leave the French kings part. Other Nobles which had pensions in France, declared the old amity between France and Scotland, and how the French king, brought up many Gentlemen of Scotland in his Court, giving them great livings, which the king of England would not do: they also alleged the franchise, and privileges that the Scots have in France, and specially they showed, that if the king of Scots should break with France, and then if it happened the king of England, to invade Scotland, which being without aid of any friend, might well by the power of England be conquered. After many long reasons it was thought expedient, to sue to the king of England for a truce, which was done, and a truce granted till saint Andrew's day. This year the first day of September, was Doctor Thomas Hannibal Master of the Rolls, received into London, with Earls and Bishops, A Rose brought from Rome. and divers other nobles and gentlemen, as Ambassador from Clement Bishop of Rome, which brought with him a Rose of Gold (the which sayeth Sledane was consecrated as is accustomed three weeks before Easter) for a token to the king, of the great love that he bore unto him, the people as he passed thought to have seen the Rose, but it was not showed, till he came to the king to Wyndsore, on the day of the Nativity of our Lady, on which day after a solemn Mass song by the Cardinal of York, the said present was delivered to the king, which was a tree forged of fine gold, & wrought with branches, leaves and flowers, resembling Roses: this tree was set in a pot of Gold, which pot had three feet of antic fashion: the pot was of measure half a pint, in the uppermost Rose, was a fair Saphier loop pierced, the bigness of an acorn, the tree was of height half an English yard, and in breadth it was a foot. The said Ambassador in delivering the same rose, made an oration, declaring the good mind, love and favour, that the Bishop of Rome bore to the king, in token whereof he sent him that present, which the king thankfully received, and delivered it to him again, and so he bore it open before the king, from the College to the great chamber, and there delivered it to the master of the jewel house, and so there ended his Legation. Before this time in the Month of july, Lord Archebalde Douglas Earl of Anguish, which had married the Queen of Scots, sister to the king of England, and was sent into France by the Duke of Albany, and there kept, contrary to his will and pleasure, and from thence hardly escaped, and came to the king of England, to his manor of Grenewiche, and there besought him of his aid and comfort, to whom the king made a gentle answer. This Earl was not in the favour of his wife the Queen of Scots, wherefore she caused him to be sent into France: some said that she loved the Duke of Albany better than him, but whatsoever the matter was, she wrote to the french king, that if the Earl ever came again into Scotland, that the french king should have no pleasure in Scotland, that she might let, so that the Earl being in France, was in jeopardy of his life. Wherefore secretly he fled and came into England as you have heard, and one day at the Castle of Wyndsore he declared, that in the counsel of France when he was there, they happened in communication, to talk of the wars that were then, between the Emperor and the french king, and between the king of England and the french king: there was a Lord of the counsel that stood up and said, it were better that one person suffered, rather than all the realm should be daily in this mischief. Then was it asked, what he meant by that one person, he answered, that if the french Queen, which was lame and ugly were dead, that then ways might be found, that the french king should marry the Emperor's sister, and to have with her the Duchy of Milan, and then with the money of her marriage, the king of England should be paid, and so a peace might be concluded: to this no answer was made, but whether this were true or false, for a truth the french Queen was dead the xuj day of july, & was buried at S. Device. The Duke of Bourbon this Summer made sharp war on the french kings dominions, and did high enterprises: wherefore the king of England sent his letters to divers Lords and gentlemen in this season, the tenor whereof ensueth. The tenor of the kings letters sent to divers gentlemen in England. Trusty. etc. For as much as (our Lord God be thanked) our army, under the leading of our Cousin the Duke of Bourbon, hath not only entered the realm of France, gaining and attaining many towns, Cities, Castles, and places, with the whole country of Province, without any resistance of our ancient enemy the french king, but also goeth daily marching, and continually doth chase, and drive before them such men of war, as our said enemy hath prepared for his defence, in resistance of our Cousin the Duke of Bourbon, and our said army. In such wise that it is thought undoubtedly, now to be most convenient time and season, either in our person (although the year be somewhat past) or by a lieutenant with a puissant army to invade France on the other side, both for the recovering of the Crown, and to compel our said enemy, to knowledge his obstinate, wilful, and erroneous demeanour, wherefore we will and command you to be ready with such power as you shall be able to make, upon the next proclamation to be made, dated the tenth day of September. After which letters sent forth, every man made preparation accordingly, and the people murmured and said, that it were much better, that the king should maintain his wars with his own subjects, and spend his treasure on them, then to trust the Duke of Bourbon, being a stranger to spend his money. The king being at Wyndsore, to him came sir Anthony Fitz Herbert one of the justices of the common place, a man of excellent learning in the law, as appeareth by his works, sir Ralph Egerton knight, Doctor Denton Deane of Lichfield, which in the beginning of this year, were sent as Commissioners into Ireland, which so wisely endeavoured themselves, that they reform many injuries done in the Country, and brought divers of the wild Irish by fair means to a submission, and made by the kings authority, the Earl of Kildare deputy of the land, before whom the great Oneele bore the sword, and the Lord Piers Butler, called earl of Ormound, which was Deputy of Ireland, was by the said commissioners, made high Treasurer of Ireland. And when they had set all things in good order, in the month of September they took shipping, and in the same month came to the king, which gave them his hearty thanks for their good doings. In this Month the king sent master john Magnus' priest, and Roger Ratcliff Esquire into Scotland, for the surety of his nephew the king of Scots, for divers Lords of Scotland, wrote to the king, that they doubted the surety of their king, because the Duke of Albany, which was heir apparent to the realm of Scotland, had the king in governance, and also they thought, he being a Frencheman borne, should not rule their realm: wherefore they amongst themselves, murmured sore in this matter. The Duke hearing that the Lords of Scotland, had written to the king of England, and also that they repined and grudged at his doings, suddenly with all the treasure that he could make, departed from Scotland, and sailed into France, with which departing the Commons were nothing sorry, and soon after his departing, the Ambassadors of England were joyously received into Scotland, and there the said Ambassadors tarried, till March twelve month, in which time, there were many conclusions driven, between the two realms: now let us return to France. The xxiiij day of September, three horsemen of the garrison of Bulleyn, which well knew the Haven of Calais, came at a deep tide, and passed over Calais haven, by Rise bank in the night, and went behind the East Windmill, and then took land, and went to a little village called Middleway, and passed the Turn Pikes, and entered into a Whelershouse, and took the man and the wife, and twenty pound in money sterling, and went away clear without ascrie or perceiving of the watch of Calais, and no man witted where they were become, till the Trumpet of Bullein brought word, and demanded the ransom. The last day of September, fifty light horsemen of Calais, appertaining to sir Robert jernyngham, road toward Bulleyn, and passed the water of Marguison, and came to the water of Sclakes near Bulleyn, where suddenly they encountered lx Frenchmen, of the garrison of Bulleyn, there was shooting with long Bows and Crossbows on every side, strong was the fight, but at the last the Frenchmen fled, the Englishmen followed, and took three light horsemen, and when they perceived the alarm on every side, they put themselves in array, and with their booty came to Calais. The same day sir Thomas Palmer, with lx horsemen of Guisnes, encountered with the captain Bertram, leader of the horsemen of the Earl Dammartyn, with lx horsemen, there was a strong fight two hours together, but in the end the frenchmen fled, and the Englishmen followed, and took xviij prisoners, and xuj good horse, and with this booty they returned to Guisnes. In this busy season, the adventures hearing what the horsemen on their parties had done, and especially perceiving that the English horsemen had taken good prisoners, commoned amongst themselves, what was to be done: then one of their Captains said openly: sirs you see how long we have been here, and wages we have none, our living riseth on the gain of our enemies, and sith our beginning, we have had good chance in all our enterprises, God be thanked: now the Winter draweth near, let us now adventure to get some good booty, to make us merry with, in the cold weather, and if you will, we shall enterprise a thing, that I trust to us shall be profitable. Then all the company cried forth, forth. Then with a Banner of saint George, they marched toward a village, lying toward Moustrell, having only xxv light horsemen, to be their scourers, and they were not fully two hundred men. This company following their scourers, went far on and had gotten a fair booty, of Oxen, Cows and other bestial, and were near at their return, and by chance the same day, was the Earl of Dammartyn, & the captain of Moustrell, with the power of the Duke of Vandosme, going toward Saint Omers, to burn and destroy that Country, and for that purpose they had gathered together xu hundredth horsemen, and eight hundredth footmen, howbeit, the footmen were a large mile behind the horsemen. The Frenchmen on horseback espied the English horsemen, which perceiving the great number fled, and as the said Frenchmen marched forward, they espied the adventurers on foot, and made toward them: the Englishmen seeing the great number of the horsemen, studied to get some hedge, or strong place to fortify them, but there was no such place in sight, and also they had no such time so to do, wherefore the Captain said: Good fellows and brethren, we have of long time been called adventurers, now is the time come of our adventure, the Frenchmen will not ransom us for nothing, we be amongst them so feared: if any thing save our lives, it must be God and our hardiness, and therefore said he, if you see me begin to fly, slay me out of hand. Then every man cried God mercy, and made themselves priest to the defence. The Frenchmen came on, on every side, the Englishmen shot their arrows, and defended them aswell as they could: the frenchmen perceiving that the Englishmen kept themselves so close, caused divers of the horsemen to light a foot, and so they did, and fought with their spears against the pikes, and shot with Crossbows, on every side. Alas the while, for while the Englishmen had arrows to shoot, they were not broken, but close without peril, but when their arrows were spent, the Englishmen fought valiantly, and slew many Frenchmen that lighted on foot, but in the conclusion the horsemen entered, and killed them all in manner, The end of the adventurers. because there were so many of their company slain, and took few of them prisoners. This was the end of these Companions, called the Krekers or adventurers, which were as hardy men, as ever served Prince or captain. The Duke of Bourbon, with the Marquis of Picardy, in the month of October, with a great puissance, laid siege to the strong town of Marcell in Province, and lay there a great space. The French king raised a great army, and swore that he would raise the siege, whereof hearing the Duke of Bourbon, sent for the Marquis of Piscare, and his other Captains, and declared to them that his intent was to give the French king battle: the Marquis of Piscare said that the French kings puissance was great, and theirs small, and said: although the Duke of Bourbon, which was a banished man from his Country, had no other remedy to revenge him, but by battle, yet he said he would not put all the emperors men, of the which he had the guide, in such a hazard, till the remnant of the emperors power were come. Well said the Duke of Bourbon, than you do not as you have written, both to the Emperor, and to the king of England, which shall be a reproach to your honour: Nay said the Marquis, I will keep me from reproach. Then said Doctor Richard Pace, Ambassador for the king of England: my Lord you have had the King my masters wages, I would be glad to hear what way you would take: I will tell you said the Marquis, the French king hath a great army gone into Italy, and he himself followeth with another, not to come to fight with us, I dare assure you: but only to take the Duchy of Milan unprovided, which shall do him more pleasure than he had slain all us. Also the Emperor shall lose more than ten Marceles be worth, and the French kings power shall be more elated, that he will not set by the Emperor, nor the king of England. Therefore my advice is, to break up this siege, and with all speed to prevent him in Italy, and if we be entered the towns, and put munitions in the same, he shall lie a cold in the fields, and then you shall see what shall become of him, when his beasts die, and his victual spent. To this counsel the Duke and all the Captains agreed, and so broke up the siege, and with all hast departed into Italy, and fortified all the towns in the Duchy of Milan, with men and other necessaries. The French king hearing of this, with all his army passed the Mountains and camped near to Milan. It chanced in this month of November the xiij day, about the town of Calais, there fell a great mist, in which mist the Frenchmen came to a village called Kause beside Newnam bridge, and took xl beasts, than the Alarm was brought to Calais, which hearing, the Marshal of Calais, called to him sir Robert jerningham, and they had with them a. C.xx. horsemen, and sent sir Anthony Browne to tell the Captain of Guisnes, what they intended to do, but they tarried not for the company of Guisnes, but marched so far forward, that they came to the water of Sclakes, which is near Bulleyn, and there they set their stale. And in the morning betime, they sent forth a Gentleman called Richard Lamberd with twenty light horsemen on swift geldings, and they came by moon light near Bulleyn, and then they saw the men of Bulleyn and other thereabout put out their beasts into the field. Then the Englishmen with great diligence brought all the beasts together, and so began to drive them together toward their ambushment. Then the alarm began at Bulleyn, and the men of war issued out of the town, and fought with the Englishmen, their horses were fresh: wherefore they had a great advantage, but in conclusion three Frenchmen were slain, and their horses taken, and so the light horsemen came with their cat-tail, near to the ambushment, and the Frenchmen followed, that seeing, the Englishmen that kept the stolen, came in all haste and rescued their light horsemen, and drove the Frenchmen back, and then made return with their beasts, and as they were returning, they had word brought to them, how that sir William Fitzwilliam captain of Guisnes with his retinue, were besieging a pile called the Castle of Capell, wherefore they sped them thither in all haste, and when they were come thither, the captain of Guysnes them heartily welcomed, and then they concluded to give an assault to the Castle, and so with good courage set on, the french men defended it very valiantly a great while, but at the last the Englishmen got over the ditches, and scaled the walls, but the Frenchmen still them defended, till the Englishmen had gotten to the highest of the Dungeon, and then was there slaying a pace. For there were liii persons slain out of hand, in revenging the great obstinacy of the Frenchmen, and the Castle was razed and brent. Then sir William Fitzwilliam with his booty, and sir john Wallop Marshal of Calais, and sir john jernyngham returned, he to Guisnes, and they to Calais. The same day xiiij Burgonions, and xiiij Spaniards, all horsemen of Guisnes, came to the Church of Falske, not far from Durnam at high Mass time, and there drew their sword, and so much did, that all the men in the Church, to the number of fifty, yielded themselves prisoners, of the which number they took eight persons with them, which should be gauges for the remnant, and with these eight they came to Guisnes. Ambassadors sent from james the fift king of Scots. The xix day of December were received into London, Lord Gilbert Kevet Earl of Castles, sir Robert Cockeburne Bishop of Dunkell, and the Abbot of Campskenell, Ambassadors from james the fift king of Scots, by the Bishop of Lyncolne, the Lord of Saint Ihones, and divers other noble men, and were conveyed to their lodgings at Tailors Hall. The xxiij day of December, the said Ambassadors were conveyed to Grenewiche, accompanied with the said Lords by water, and when they came to the utter gate, they were received of the officers of the house, and so passed through the haul, which was well furnished with people, and so through the uttermost chamber, into the great chamber of presence, where they were received and welcomed of all the Princes and Nobles of the realm, and within a short space the king came forth, and set himself in a throne of three steps high, under his cloth of estate, which was very rich, but his apparel was exceeding rich, both of goldsmiths work and pearl, and stone, which the Scots well advised, and then they wisely and humbly made their obeisance, and the Bishop in good plain Latin made a solemn oration, in the which he declared, that although the realm of Scotland and he had often times heard the renown and fame of him and his Court, both for the gifts of grace and nature, which were in his person, yet he said that his princely countenance, his lovely favour, which he himself did see, did much surmount the fame and name, which he hath heard of report. He declared further, that although fortune had him favoured in conquering of regions, and vanquishing of battles, yet that thing was not so honourable to him, nor profitable to his realm, as was a good peace, which pleaseth both God and man, and for that cause he showed, that king james the fift his Nephew and fellow to the king of England, had sent them his Ambassadors, to entreat a peace, so that a convenient marriage might be made, between him and the Lady Marie daughter to the king, which should be a link necessary, to knit together the realm of Scotland and England, in perpetual love and amity. To which oration, the Bishop of London Doctor Tunstall answered and said: that the king was at their desire, content to have peace upon reasonable conditions, and as touching marriage of his daughter, he would so answer them, that they should be contented. Then the king rose from his place and welcomed them, and all the honest persons of the train, and after communication had, they took their leave for that time, and so took their Barge and came to London. Friday the xxx day of December the Earl of Castles one of the Scottish Ambassadors took his leave and departed toward Scotland: for to comen with the counsel of Scotland, for things which were not in their commission, and left behind him the Bishop of Dunkell, and the Abbot of Campskenell: some said the article was, that the Scots should forsake the French king, and that the king of Scots should come into England, but whatsoever it was every man knew it not. In this month the Cardinal as Legate, by his power legantine, The observant Friars would not obey the Cardinal. would have visited the friars observants, but they in no wise would therein condescend, wherefore xix of the same religion, were accursed at Paul's Cross, by one of the same religion, called Friar Forest. Of this Friar Forest ye shall here more hereafter, in the thirty year of this king. In this season the French king was in Italy with all his Nobility, milan yielded to the French king and to him was Milan yielded, but because of pestilence he would not enter, but departed and laid siege to the strong town of Pavia, whereof was Capitayne a valiant Spaniard called Anthony de Leva. The French king's mother being Regent of France, perceiving that the king her son with all his good capitains were in Italy, doubted that the king of England, in the next spring time would invade France. Wherefore she by the advise of the counsel of France, did so much with the king of England, john jokin a privy messenger. that her Stuard of household called john jokin, had a safe-conduct to come into England, which was kept close in the house of Doctor Lark, a prebendary of saint Steuens, and every day privily spoke with the Cardinal and so secretly he remained till the xxiiij day of januarie, Mounsire Brynyon an Ambassador from France. at which day came into London, the Precedent of Rouen called Mounsire Brynion, as an Ambassador from Frances the french king, and was lodged with john jokyn: this john jokyn was kept privy, because that no man should know that there was any man of France, here to solicit any cause for the French king, which after grew to great trouble. For he showed himself to strangers, which favoured the french party, and so at last it was openly known to the king's counsel, and almost to all men: but when the emperors Ambassador knew this dark dealing, The Cardinal did now grow in suspicion. he mused not a little & said, that the Cardinal did drive privy drifts, and that by his means only, john jokyn was come into England, to entreat a peace in secret manner, or the king's friends might know it, and all people said that john jokyn was but a cast away of Ieane, and had no living to live on, but of the Lady Regent, and marveled why he should be kept close, and so much cherished of the Cardinal. For this keeping close of this jokyn, Englishmen were rebuked at the Mart in Flaunders and Brabant. The Emperor's Ambassador, and the Bishop of Rome's Ambassador also sore murmured, why this john jokyn should be kept as a spirit in close, considering that there was open war between the two kings, & feared that the king's counsel should be corrupt. This john jokyn was much with the Cardinal, but never was seen with the king nor his counsel, but for all the secretness, Mounsire Prat the emperors Ambassador knew all the offers that he made for peace (which in deed were very great) and how he had offered pensions to divers young men about the king, of the which some were very glad, and so the noise by reason of such offers ran, that a peace was likely to ensue in short space. Mounsire Pratt wrote of this matter in all haste to the Emperor, in the which letters he highly commended the king of England for his steadfastness: Mounsire Prat the Emperor's Ambassador. but he said some of the kings counsel loved neither the Emperor nor the king of England, and wrote to him farther all the manner of the secret keeping of john jokyn. These letters at last were brought to the Cardinal, by what chance it was not openly known, and so he sent for Mounsire Pratt, and declared to him the matter, which answered him that he was counsellor and Ambassador to the Emperor, and that it was his part, to ascertain the Emperor of every thing, that was or might sound prejudicial to his majesty, but howsoever that his answer was taken, he was not favoured with the Cardinal, but he said openly that it was not well meant to the Emperor to stop his packet with letters and to open them, and the spaniards said, that the Emperor sent them not into England to sleep, but to do him service. The Bishop of Rome's Ambassador wrote to his master, that peace was likely to be concluded between England and France, and willed him to be the first friend to the French king, rather than the second. Of which writing came harm after, as you shall hear. In this Month tidings came to the king, how the Marquis of Piscaire in italy, had gotten from the french king a Castle, called the Castle saint Angel, which was a great fortification of his siege at Pavia. There was in this month a Fleming in Hedding Castle, which came oftentimes to saint Omers, and promised them if they would come to Hedding, he would deliver the Castle: upon this word they of saint Omers gathered together seven hundred footmen, and five hundred horsemen, and pointed with the spy, that the fourth day of February, they would come thither, and when the false knave knew the day, he told Mounsire Pontdormie captain of Hedding, Treason at Hedding Castle. which incontinent filled the castle with men of war, and laid bushements on every side, and had laid the ordinance, all on the one side of the Castle, that way that the Flemings should come. The men of war of saint Omers were conveyed by their spy, mistrusting nothing, to a postern which was little used, and when there were as many in, as the french men thought sufficient, they let fall the Portcolis: Then Mounsire Pontdormie cried, slay, slay, than the Flemings witted that they were betrayed, and put themselves to fight for their lives, that seeing Mounsire Pontdormie, commanded to fire the ordinance in such haste and fury, that the flame was so great and fierce, that it brent the said Lord Pontdormie, and xxvij of his companions all Gentlemen, the train was so hastily fired, that they had no leisure to avoid. In the fight ten of the Flemings were slain, and thirty kept themselves so hardily together, that their lives were granted them, and so was taken as prisoners, the remnant that entered, leapt over the Castle wall, and so saved themselves, and told news to their horsemen, which were without, which hearing the mischance, returned toward saint Omers. Sunday the fift day of March, were received into London, Mounsire de Beaver Lord of Camphor, admiral of Flaunders, Ambassadors of Flaunders. and the Precedent of Malines, called Master john de la Coos, and Master john de la Gache, as Ambassadors from the Lady Margaret, in the name of the Emperor, for causes of the low countries, of Brabant, Flaunders, and Zealand: and on Tewesday they were brought to the king to Bridewell, which nobly them entertained, and then they showed how the Emperor's majesty had commanded them to obey the king of England, as Protector and Governor, wherefore they and all theirs, were at his commandment, and if they had done otherwise, and not obeyed him as their governor, they asked him mercy, than the king and they talked together secretly, and then they departed. These Ambassadors demanded three things. 1 First, they demanded the Lady Mary the kings only daughter, Articles demanded of king Henry in the behalf of the Emperor. to be delivered to them out of hand, and she to be named Emprise, and to take possession of all the low countries, and to be governor of the same, this article was not agreed to, for causes. 2 Also that all such sums of money, as the king should give with her in marriage for a dower to be made to her, should be paid incontinent this article was also denied. 3 thirdly, that the king of England himself, should pass the Sea and make war in France, the next Summer, to this the king said he would take advisement. Thursday the ix day of March, at seven of the clock in the morning there came a Gentleman in post, from the Lady Margaret Governess of Flaunders, and brought letters, showing how that the four and twenty day of February, the siege of Pavia, where the French king had lain long, was raised by force of battle, and the French king himself taken prisoner, and how by the Duke of Bourbon, The French king taken prisoner at Pavia. the Viceroy of Naples called Myngnovale, and the Marquis of Piscaire, and other the Emperors Capitains' the whole power of France was discomfited, and how the Duke of Albany with seven thousand men, was going to Naples, and how the Bishop of Rome was become French against the Emperor, The Bishop of Rome become French against the Emperor. and had sent his Cousin in aid of the French king, with a great power. The same day the Precedent of Rouen and john jokin, were going to the court (for they had not yet spoken with the king) and in Holborn in their way was tidings brought them, of the taking of the king their Master, & of the loss of the field, which hearing this misadventure, returned to their lodging sorrowful, and within short space returned to the Regent of France. It was thought surely that the king of England, would have had peace with the French king, if this chance had not happened, for all the people of England, grudged against Flaunders, for their evil entreating, in the time of war, & also the king was displeased with them, for enhaunsing his coin there, which was a cause that money was daily conveyed out of the realm, & many other causes there were of grudge. A triumph for the taking of the French king. Saturday the xj day of March, in the City of London for these tidings, were made great fires and triumph, and the Mayor and Aldermen road about the City with trumpets, and much wine was laid in divers places of the City, that every man might drink, and on Tower hill the Ambassadors of Rome, of Flaunders, and Venice, had a great banquet made in a goodly tent, which pleased them well, and as they returned homeward, all the streets were full of harnessed men and Cressets, attending on the Constables, which they praised much. Sunday the twelve of March, the king accompanied with the Ambassadors, of Rome, of the Emperor, of Scotland, & Venice, of Milan & Florence, road in his estate to Paul's Church, and there the Cardinal sang Mass, & a xj Prelates weighted on him in pontificals, & after Mass was done, the quere sang Te deum, & the Minstrels played on every side, & when all was done, the king returned to Bridewell, and there kept a solemn dinner. The Bishop of Scotland was much marked this day, for whensoever he came to the court before this time, his apparel was sumptuous, his hood was ever Velvet or crimson satin: but after the taking of the French king, he ware only black chamlet, by which token men judged his French heart. From the ix day of March to the xuj day, the king had no more letters, of the manner of battle of Pavia, and that day he received a letter from the Duke of Bourbon, by a Gentleman called Gropayne: when the king had red the letter, The true report of the taking of the French king. he came into the Queen's chamber, and their the said Gropaine declared the manner of the siege, and how well it was planted, and how the Emperor's men entered the French camp by force, and threw down their bastilles, and fought with the Frenchmen, within their camp, and took their king prisoner in the same, and many other which was marvel. For when the French king entered Italy, he had in his guard xj hundred men, and of spears furnished two thousand three hundred & fifty, and of light horsemen eight hundred and twenty and of footmen lvij thousand and of these the Duke of Albany had but eight thousand so that there remained with the French king nine and forty thousand, nine hundred and fifty men, whereof was taken xiiij thousand and more, beside the great riches, and the goodly ordinance, which were twelve great Bombards of brass, and four and twenty great Canon pieces xxiiij double Curtalles, four double Canon pieces, two middle Canon pieces, and eight other pieces. After the field was done, the French king was put in the custody of the Viceroy of Naples, which much comforted him, and praised his valiantness, and prayed him to be content, for he should have a gentle end, than he desired to wright to his mother, which was to him granted, the very words were these. To advertise you of my infortunate chance nothing is left but the honour, and the life that is saved, The french king's letter written to his mother when he was prisoner. and because some other news shall recomfort you, I have desired to writ to you this letter, the which liberally hath been granted to me: beseeching you to regard the extremity of yourself, in ensuing your accustomed wisdom. For I hope that at the length God will not forget me, to you recommending your little infants and mine, supplying you to give saufeconduite, to pass and return from Spain, to this bearer that goeth toward the Emperor, to know in what wise I shall be entreated, and thus right humbly to your good grace, I have me recommended: This subscribed by your humble and obedient son Frances. This season the Cardinal obtained licence of the Bishop of Rome, The Cardinal first began to suppress abbeys. to suppress divers abbeys, to the intent to erect two Colleges, one at Oxford and another at Ipswich, and to endue them with the lands: which Colleges he began so sumptuously, and the scholars were so proud, that every person judged, that the end would not be good, as you shall here, five years hereafter. The Earl of Castles which was sent into Scotland, returned into England, the xix day of March, but because the French king was taken, The Scots returned into Scotland. his commission for the most part was determined, and so he and all his company took their leave of the king and without any reward returned into Scotland, the fourth day of April. In this month of March, the king sent Cuthbert Tunstall Bishop of London, and sir Richard Wingfield, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Ambassadors sent to the Emperor. and knight of the Garter, into Spain to the Emperor, for great causes concerning the taking of the french king, and in especial for wars to be made on France, on every side. For so the king of England and his Counsel were agreed and determined: and the same month the Ambassadors, departed again into Flaunders. The Counsel remembering that it was determined, that the king in proper person should pass the sea, they considered that above all things, great treasure & plenty of money, must needs be had in a readiness: wherefore by the Cardinal were devised strange Commissions, Commissions. and sent in the end of March to every shire, and Commissioners appointed, which were the greatest men of every shire: & there were privy instructions sent to them, to say & order the people, & the tenor was, that the sixth part of every man's substance, should without delay be paid in money or plate, to the king, for the furniture of his war: wherefore the Cardinal, as chief Commissioner for London, sent for sir William Bayly knight, than Mayor of the City, and the Aldermen, and divers head Commoners, and said to them in manner following. You the kings well-beloved friends and subjects, The proposition of the Cardinal. of the City of London. I must declare to you, how the king contrary to his own mind and will, but compelled of very force, is determined to enter into a new war, and for the more explanation of the truth, you shall understand, that after that Fraunces the French king that now is, had obtained the Crown and sceptre of the realm of France, he most humbly sued to the king our master for peace, love and amity, promising upon the Evangelists to keep the league then concluded, and also to pay to Lady Mary Queen dowager of France, her due pension and dowar, to her granted by king Lewis her husband. After this he by his Ambassadors, humbly desired the City of Tournay which king Lewis before time had lost: the king which would that the City of Tournay, should be no cause of grudge, between him and the French king, consented that for certain sums of money, it should be delivered. And farther the more to bind amity between them, the king was content, that a communication of marriage should be had, between the dolphin of France, and the Lady Marie, Princes of England, yet for to entreat more love, familiarity, and acquaintance, the king to his great cost and charge passed the sea, and met in person with the French king, thinking that by reason of personal sight and actual communication, the more stable and firm love, should grow between them, then by writing at which time it was undoubtedly thought, that there could no more love be knit between two persons. There were covenants made and sworn, and the king our master said to the French king: Brother, now that you and I be thus knit, The saying of the King of England. I require you to keep firm peace, & amity, with my nephew the Emperor: and also suffer not Duke john of Albany, to go into Scotland, for putting the young king my nephew in jeopardy of his person, wherefore if you love me, in especial keep these two articles: if you observe these articles, and all other covenants between us agreed, I assure you there had never Prince a surer friend, than you shall have of me. Then the French king laid his hand in mine (said the Cardinal) and swore by the oath of a king, The oath of the French king. he would observe and keep firmly, these points with many more, and after the kings were departed, and that the Emperor was come to the king to Calais: the French king sent Mounsire de la Roche Baron with letters, declaring that he was in perfect league and amity with the Emperor, and this notwithstanding, he within less space then half a year, sent Robert de la March to invade the Emperor's land, and made war in Naverre, and other places. The king our master hearing this, of his mere charity sent me, and other Nobles with a great train to Calais, to know by whom the war began, for he promised to be enemy to him that broke first. To which place came from the French king, his Chancellor, and Mounsire de la palace, and many other noble men. And from the Emperor came his Chancellor, and the Lord Chevers, and there in open counsel, the Emperor's Ambassadors did show the French kings letters, signed and sealed, by the which he enforced & began the war: to which point the french Ambassadors could not answer. What should I say, the war was open on both parties, I sent to the French king Ambassadors, to entreat peace, but in no wise he would consent: wherefore I with my company returned. In the mean season (although I doubted nothing, the French kings faith toward our Master) yet for a more surety I obtained a safe-conduct for the English Merchants, that they should go to Bordeaux, and upon surety of that, our Merchants passed, yet he contrary to his safe-conduct, took the merchants goods, and put their bodies in prison, which the Turk would not have done. The king sent gently to him his Herald Clarenseux, desiring him to redress all these enormities, and to pay him his sums of money, due to him, and to the Queen his sister, for her dowar, which to do he refused and denied, which things you know, the king of his honour might not suffer. Wherefore mightily he hath these three years, kept war continually both on land and sea, and invaded France with two armies royal, and bet their towns, Castles and fortresses, destroyed the people, and passed the water of Some, and proffered battle to the Frenchmen, in their own Country, and hath brought the Country in such penury and wretchedness, that in many years it will not be recovered. And the more to hurt and damage the French king, the king hath in wages the Duke of Bourbon, which was the greatest strength on the french part: by whose power and aid of other, which had great sums of money of the king our master, the French king in person is now taken, and all his nobles in effect, before Pavia, and kept as prisoner to the Emperor and the king our master, and that for great reason: for our master sent sir Gregory de Cassado his Ambassador, to the Viceroy of Naples, and to the Duke of Bourbon, and the Marquis Piscaire, with a hundred thousand Crowns, so that they would fight with the French king: For the which money they assented, and so gave battle, in the which they slew twelve thousand men, & drowned seven thousand, and xiij thousand taken prisoners, and now sith God hath given us victory, the king remembering the saying of the Poet that saith: It is more mastery to use victory gotten, then to get it, thinketh it necessary now in all haste, to make an army royal, and he in person to pass the seas, and to recover his right inheritance, both of the Crown of France as of Normandy, Guienne, Gascoigne, Anjou, and Maine, the writings whereof comprehending the very title, you may see here present if ye list, but I doubt not but you know them well enough. And now I ask you this question, whether that you think it convenient, that the king should pass with an army or not, for the king will do by the advise of his subjects: to the which many said yea, yea. Well said the Cardinal, then must he be made able to go like a Prince, The Cardinal's demand of a subsidy. which cannot be without your aids, and for to show you what the Archbishop of Cantorbury and I, which be primates of the realm have done, we have given of our lands, and all lands appertaining to the Church, the third part, and the temporal Lords, have given of lands and go●des, the sixth part, and to jeopard their bodies in pain and travail, and n●w sith they which shall adventure their lives, doth proffer the sixth part, what should they give which abide at home? Forsooth I think that half your substance were to little, not meaning that the king so asketh. For he demandeth only no more of fifty pound, the sixth part, and so upon every fifty, above fifty pound, to what sum soever it amount to, the sixth part, that is three shillings four pence of the pound, and from twenty pound, to fifty pound, and so upward two shillings and eight pence of the pound, & from twenty pound to twenty shillings. xii. pence of the pound, and thus to be levied according to the first valuation, as appeareth by your own valuation, which is but a small matter to the thing that is meant. Then they being astonied, at last the one said, my Lord, si●●e the last valuation, divers Merchants be decayed, by the seas, and suretyship, and other ways, so that valuation can not be had. Then answered the Cardinal, sirs, speak not to break that thing that is concluded, for some shall not pay the tenth part, and some more, it were better that some should suffer indigence, than the king at this time should lack, and therefore beware and resist not, nor ruffle not in this case, for it may fortune to cost some their heads: The cardinals threatenings. But I will speak to the king to be good to you, so that if he go not over the sea in person, than you shall have your money redelivered, but first let the money be gathered, and lay it where you will, and it the king need i● not, you may take it again. When the Cardinal had thus persuaded the Mayor and his brethren and other head Cominers, they took their leave, and every day after by the space of a fortnight, he sent for a certain number of Comyners, and told them like tale, but some spoke such words to him, and some going from him, that they were sent to ward. The 〈◊〉 of the Clergy Now were Commissioners sent to the clergy, for the fourth part of their lands and movables, and in every assembly the priests answered, that they would pay nothing, except it were granted by convocation, otherwise not: for they said that never king of England did ask any man's goods but by an order of the law, and this commission is not by the order of the law: wherefore they said, that the Cardinal and all the deres thereof, were enemies to the king, and to the common wealth. This infamy was spoken in preachings, and every where. The grudge of the common people. When this matter was opened through England, how the great men took it, it was marvel, the poor cursed, the rich repugned, the light wits railed, but in conclusion, all people cursed the Cardinal, and his coadherentes as subversor of the laws and liberty of England. For they said, if men should give their goods by a commission, than were it worse than the taxes of France, and so England should be bond and not free. It happened in this time at reading in Berkshire, that the commissioners sat for this money to be granted, and the people in no wise would consent to the sixth part: but of their own mere mind, for the love they bore to the king, they granted the twelfth part, that is twenty pence of the pound, the commissioners hearing this, said they would sand to the Cardinal, desiring him to be content with this offer, and so the Lord Lisle wrote the letter, so that sir Richard Weston would bear it, the which letter at the request of the gentlemen of the Country, the said sir Richard took upon him to carry, and road to the Cardinal: which therewith was sore grieved, and said, Stowre words of the Cardinal but because that the Lord Lisle wrote, that the matter was but communed of, and not concluded, it should cost the Lord Lisle his head, and his lands should be sold to pay the king the values, that by him and you foolish commissiones he had lost, and all your lives at the kings will: these words sore astonished sir Richard Weston, but he said little. Sir Richard Weston. Then the Cardinal wrote letters to all commissioners of the realm that they should keep their first instruction, and in no wise to serve one jot, upon pain of their lives, and every man to be valued, according to the valuation taken in the xiiij year. This last point sore touched the City of London, Precedents are dangerous. for the Cardinal in the xiiij year sent one Doctor Tunes his secret Chapeleine, to the Chapter house of Paul's, promising to the Londoners, that whatsoever they valued themselves at, that no man should know it but the king, the Cardinal, and he, upon which promise, many persons for their more credit, and to be higher esteemed valued themselves at a greater substance than they were worth: thinking never to lend or pay by that confession, for the loan and the subsidy were paid, according as men were sessed, and not by master Tunes book, when men valued themselves, not knowing what should succeed. Now in this time was that subtle valuation laid to their charge, which when they perceived, they murmured much and said, they would pay nothing, except the king's laws, under which they were borne, so determined it: But this notwithstanding, commissioners went out to every shire, for the levy of the said money, but for all that could be persuaded, said, lied, and flattered, the demand could not be assented to, saying, that they that sent forth such commissioners were subverters of the law, The muttering of the people. and worthy to be punished as Traitors. So that in all the realm were Bills set up in all places: Some Bills said that the king had not paid that he borrowed: Some said that the subsidy amounted triple, more than he had bestowed: other said whatsoever was granted, no good came of it: and other said that the Cardinal sent all the money to Rome, thus was the muttering through all the realm, with curses and weepings, that pity it was to behold. During this season that the commissioners sat, and that the Bishop of London, and other the king's Ambassadors were abiding wind to sail into Spain to the Emperor (as you have heard rehearsed) Mounsire Pratt the emperors Ambassador, which was sore angry for john jokyns coming into England, as you have hard before, departed privily out of the realm of England, the ix day of April, without speaking with the king or the Cardinal, and so much did by safe-conduct, that he passed through France in post, and came to the Emperor before the Ambassadors of England came thither, and whether it was by his report or otherwise, the accustomed favour that the Emperor and his counsel showed to the English men, began then to decay, and to show themselves unkind to the English nation without cause, as you shall hereafter perceive. In this year the king following of his Hawk, The jeopardy the king was in. leapt over a ditch beside Hychyn, with a poll and the poll broke, so that if one Edmond Moody, a footman had not leapt into the water and lift up his head, which was fair in the clay, he had been drowned: but God of his goodness preserved him. The death of Thomas Duke of Norfolk. This year at Whitsontyde died Thomas Duke of Norfolk, and was honourably buried at Thetsord in Suffolk. In the beginning of this xvij year, the commissioners in all shires sat, for the levy of the sixth part of every man's goods, but the burden was so grievous, that it was denied, and the commons in every place were so moved, that it was like to have grown to a rebellion. When this mischief was showed to the king, he said that he never knew of that demand, and therefore with great diligence, he sent his letters to the City of London, and to all other places, in the which the king gently wrote, that he would demand no some certain, but such as his loving subjects would grant to him of their good minds, toward the maintenance of his wars: wherefore the Cardinal, the twenty and six day of April, sent for the Mayor of London, the Aldermen and counsel of the same, with the most substantial persons of the common counsel, and when they were come to his place at Westminster, he said: the king our sovereign Lord, most graciously considereth the great love, zeal, and obedience, which you bear unto him, and where like loving subjects, without any grudge or again say, of your loving minds you have granted the sixth part, of all your goods and substance, freely to be paid, according to the first valuation, the which loving grant and good mind, he so kindly accepted, that it was marvel to see. But I myself do consider the great losses, and other charges that daily hath, and doth to you grow, and that notwithstanding any loss or charge that happeneth to you, yet you never withstood nor again said, any of the king's demands or commissions, as it appeareth now of late, of which doings, The saying of the Cardinal to the Londoners. I have highly the king informed, for the which he gave you hearty thanks. Then I kneeled down to his grace, showing him both your good minds toward him, and also the charges that you continually sustain, the which at my desire and petition, was content to call in, and abrogate the same commission, and where he by reason of your own grants, might have demanded the said some as a very debt, yet he is content to release and pardon the same, and will nothing take of you, but of your benevolence: wherefore take here with you the kings letter, and let it be read to the commons, and I doubt not but you will gladly do, as loving subjects should do. Here note, that if the Cardinal had not said, that the king had released and pardoned the first demand, the Citizens would have answered the Cardinal, that they never made no such grant, and for a surety no more they did not: and so they held their peace, and departed toward London, sore grudging at the lying of the Cardinal, and openly saying that he was the very cause, and occasion of this demand, and would pluck the people's hearts from the king. The common counsel. The xxviij day of April, in the common counsel of the City, was read the king's letter, according to the effect above rehearsed, wherefore the Citizens sent four Aldermen, and twelve Comminers to Hampton court to give thanks to the Lord Cardinal, which for business as was said could not speak with him, wherefore they returned not content. Then every Alderman assembled his ward, in their places accustomed, and gently moved them of a benevolence to be granted to the king, the which they openly denied, saying: that they had paid enough before, with many evil words. The eight day of May, the Cardinal again sent for the Mayor and his brethren, which showed them what they had done: then said the Cardinal, you have no such commission to examine any man, I am your commissioner, I will examine you one by one myself, and then I shall know the good will that you bear to your prince, for I will ask of you a benevolence in his name. The answer made to the Lord Cardinal by a counsellor of the City of London. Then was it answered to the Cardinal, by a counsellor of the City, that by the law there might no such benevolence be asked, nor men so examined, for it was contrary to the statute made the first year of Richard the third, also some persons coming before your grace, may for fear grant that, that all days of their life they shall repent, and some to win your favour, will grant more than they be able to pay of their own, and so run in other men's debts, so that by dreadful gladness, and fearful boldness, men shall not be masters of themselves, but as men dismayed, shall grant that, that their wife's and children shall sore rue. The Cardinal heard this saying very patiently, and answered: Sir I marvel that you speak of Richard the third, which was an usurper and a murderer of his own Nephews: then of so evil a man, how can the acts be good, make no such allegations, his acts be not honourable. And it please your grace said the counsellor, although he did evil, yet in his time were many good acts made, not by him only, but by the consent of the body of the whole realm, which is the Parliament. Then Sir William Bayly Lord Maior kneeled down and besought his grace, that sith it was enacted by the common counsel of London, that every Alderman should sit in his own ward, for a benevolence to be granted, which he perceived to be against the law, that the same act by the same common counsel, might be revoked and no otherwise: well said the Cardinal I am content. But now will I enter into the king's commission: you Mayor, and you master Aldermen, what will you give? my Lord said the Mayor, I pray you pardon me, for if I should enter into any grant, it might fortune to cost me my life: your life said the Cardinal, that is a marvelous word, for your good will toward the king, will the Citizens put you in jeopardy of your life, The flattering of the Cardinal. that were strange: For if they would that way, then must the king come with strong power them to oppress, wherefore speak no more such words, and with that he studied a little and said: My Lord Mayor, let you and your Citizens, if you be grieved with any thing in this demand, humbly and after a good fashion come to me, and I shall so entreat you that you shall be content, and no displeasure arise, and so I pray you show your neighbours, and so the Mayor for that day departed. The Mayor did wisely not to assent to grant to any thing, for although he and the Aldermen had assented, the common counsel would never have assented. So on the next morrow, it was declared to the common counsel, that their act that was made that every Alderman should sit for a benevolence to be granted, was against a statute law: whereupon the said act was annulled: and then was it declared, that every man should come to the Cardinal, and to grant privily what he would, with this saying the Citizens were sore grieved, than the Mayor gently showed them, how he durst warrant, that they should be entreated gently, and exhorted them to go thither when they were sent for, which saying nothing pleased them: and then in a fury they would have had Richard Gresham, and john Hewster Mercers, and Richard Gibson Sergeant at arms and merchant Taylor, banished out of the common counsel, and so without answer made, what they would do, they departed home. In the same season through all the realm, this demand was utterly denied, so that the Commissioners could bring nothing to pass, and yet they assayed both by fair ways and foul: some spoke fair and flattered, other spoke cruel and threatened, and yet could not bring their purpose about. For in Kent the Lord Cobham was Commissioner, and handled men roughly, and by reason one john Skudder, answered him clubbishly, he sent him to the Tower of London: For which doing the people muttered, and grudged against the Lord Cobham, and said expressly, that they would pay no money, and then they began to account the loans and subsidies granted, so that they reckoned the king's treasure innumerable, for they accounted that the king had taken of this realm, twenty fifteens, sith the xiiij year of his reign, and in this grudge, they evil entreated sir Thomas Bulleyn at Maidestone. In Essex the people would not assemble before the Commissioners in no houses, but in open places: and in Huntingdon shire, divers resisted the Commissioners to sit, which were apprehended, and sent to the Fleet. Insurrection in Suffolk. The Duke of Suffolk sat in Suffolk this season in like commission, and by gentle handling he caused the rich Clothiers to assent, and grant to give the sixth part, and when they came home to their houses they called to them their Spinners, Carders, Fuller's, weavers, and other artificers, which were wont to be set a work, and have their livings by cloth making, and said, Sirs we be not able to set you a work, our goods be taken from us, wherefore trust to yourselves, and not to us, for otherwise it will not be. Then began women to weep, and young folks to cry, and men that had no work, began to rage, and assemble themselves in companies. The Duke of Suffolk hearing of this, commanded the Constables, that every man's harness should be taken from them, but when that was known, than the rumour waxed more greater, and the people railed openly on the Duke of Suffolk, and sir Robert Drury, and threatened them with death, and the Cardinal also, and so of Lanam, Sudbery, Hadley, and other towns about, there rebelled four thousand men, and put themselves in harness, and rang the bells alarm, and began to gather still more: then the Duke of Suffolk perceiving this, began to raise men, but he could get but a small number, and they that came to him said, that they would defend him from all perils, if he hurt not their neighbours, but against their neighbours they would not fight: Yet the Gentlemen that were with the Duke did so much, that all the bridges were broken, so that their assemble was somewhat letted. The Duke of Norfolk pa●ifieth the Commons. The Duke of Norfolk, high Treasurer and Admiral of England, hearing of this, gathered a great power in Norfolk, and came toward the Commons, and of his nobleness he sent to the Commons, to know their intent, which answered that they would live and die in the kings causes, and to the king to be obedient: When the Duke witted that, he came to them, and then all spoke at once, so that he witted not what they meant. Then he a●ked who was their captain, and bade that he should speak: then a well aged man of fifty years and above, asked licence of the Duke to speak, which granted with good william. My Lord said this man, whose name was john Grene, sith you ask who is our captain, poverty. Necessity. forsooth his name is Poverty, for he and his Cousin Necessity, hath brought us to this doing, for all these persons and many more, which I would were not here, live not of ourselves, but all we live by the substantial occupiers of this Country, and yet they give us so little wages for our workmanship, that scarcely we be able to live, and thus in penury we pass the time, we, our wives, and children, and if they by whom we live, be brought in that case, that they of their little, can not help us to earn our living, then must we perish, and die miserably. I speak this my Lord for that the clothmakers have put all these people, and a far greater number from work, the husbandmen have put away their servants, and given up household, they say, the king asketh so much, that they be not able to do as they have done before this time, and then of necessity must we die wretchedly: wherefore my Lord, now according to your wisdom consider our necessity. The Duke was sorry to here their complaint, and well he knew that it was true: then he said, neighbours sever yourselves a sunder, let every man departed to his home, and choose forth four that shall answer for the remnant, and on my honour, I will sand to the king, and make humble intercession for your pardon, which I trust to obtain, so that you will departed, than all they answered they would, and so they departed home. At the two Duke's requests, Commissioners of great authority were sent to them, than the Duke of Norfolk, and the Duke of Suffolk, came to Bery, and thither came many people of the Country, in their shirts, and halters about their necks, meekly desiring pardon for their offences: the Dukes so wisely handled themselves, that the Commons were appeased, and in especial one Master jermyn, took much pains in riding and going, between the Lords and Commons: then the demand of money seized in all the Realm, for well it was perceived, that the Commons would none pay. After this, the two Dukes came to London, and brought with them the chief Captains of the rebellion, which were put in the Flete, and then the king came to Westminster, to the Cardinal's place: Whereupon this matter, he assembled a great Counsel, and openly he said, that his mind was never, to ask any thing of his Commons, which might sound to his dishonour, or to the breach of his laws, wherefore he would know of whom it was long, that the Commissions were so strait, to demand the sixth part of every man's substance: the Cardinal excused himself and said, The excuse of the Cardinal. that when it was moved in counsel, how to make the king rich, the kings Counsel, and especially the judges said, he might lawfully demand any some by Commission, and that by the assent of the whole counsel it was done, and took God to witness, that he never maligned nor desired the hindrance of the Commons, but like a true counselor, devised to enrich the king: And the spiritual men say, that it standeth with God's law, for joseph caused the king of Egypt, to take the fift part of every man's goods, but because every man layeth the burden from him, I am content to take it on me, & to endure the fame and noise of the people, for my good will toward the king, and to the comfort of you my Lords, and other the king's Counsellors, but the eternal God knoweth all. Well said the king, some have informed me that my realm was never so rich, and that there should never trouble have risen of that demand, and that men would pay at the first request, but now I find all contrary, than every man held his peace. The king was sore moved, that his subjects were thus stirred, and also he was informed of the denial, that the spiritual men had made, The king sore moved. and of their sayings, wherefore he thought it touched his honour, that his counsel should attempt, such a doubtful matter in his name, and to be denied both of the spirituality and temporalty, for although some granted for fear, before the Commissioners, yet when they were departed, they denied it again. Then the king said, I will no more of this trouble: Let letters be sent to all shires, that this matter may no more be spoken of, I will pardon all them that have denied the demand, openly or secretly: Then all the Lords kneeled down, The pardon of the great demand. and heartily thanked the king. Then letters were sent to all commissioners to cease, with instructions how to declare the kings pardon. In which declaration was showed, that the Cardinal never assented to the first demand, and in the instructions was comprehended, that the Lords and the judges, and other of the kings Counsel, devised the same demand, and that the Cardinal followed the mind of the whole Counsel, these two points were contrary one to another, which were well marked. And farther the instructions were, that at the humble petition, and supplication of the Cardinal, the said great sums, which were demanded, by the kings authority royal, were clearly pardoned and remitted, wherefore the Commissioners willed the people to pray for the Cardinal: but the people took all this for a mock, and said God save the king, for the Cardinal is known well enough, the Commons would hear no praise spoken of the Cardinal, they hated him so much. The saying to the Mayor of London. The xix day of May the Cardinal sent for the Mayor and his brethren and certain commoners, and made the Mayor to sit down by him, and then declared, that where the king was determined, in proper person to pass the sea into France, for which cause he asked of the Citizens of London, and his other subjects, an aid toward his charges, to which request (he said) that the Londoners were at all times conformable, like loving subjects, but sith the king considereth, the great fall of the French King, which is yet prisoner, and that daily he hath suit made to him for peace, greatly to his honour and profit, for I trust that all his right and title, shallbe to him delivered which thing once agreed, I trust you shall have peace, and therefore at my humble request, the king hath pardoned you, of all these sums of money, that of you were demanded: & if his grace had not passed the seas, although the money had been gathered, surely it should have been restored again, and consequently the king thanketh you as heartily, as any Prince may thank his subjects: and forasmuch as peace, is not yet concluded, I counsel you to show yourselves, enemies to the Frenchmen, and to say that you be the kings, body and goods at his will and pleasure, so that your loving minds towards him, may to the Frenchmen appear, you wots well what I mean said the Cardinal. The preati●●eate of the Cardinal. Then the Mayor and his company kneeled down and most heartily thanked the king and him, and so departed. The next day all this was rehearsed to the common counsel, which humbly thanked the king for the pardon: but two things them sore displeased, one was that the Cardinal bade them say, they were the kings body and goods, they said that they used no dissimulation, for they would not say they were the kings, but they thought and were the kings in deed, and not in saying: the second was, that the Cardinal excused himself, that he was ignorant of the first commission: For all they knew and were present, when he himself made to them the first motion, and what soever was said by the Recorder, in his excuse, was taken as a cloak for the rain, and a dissimulation or a mock. for wisemen perceived all the handling of the matter: after the king had pardoned every offendor. The xxix day of May the Lords sat in the Star chamber, and thither were brought one Devereux a Gentleman of Huntingdon shire (which would not suffer the commissioners to sit, as you have heard) and john Scudder of Kent, these two were brought from the Tower, bore footed in their shirts through London, to the Star chamber, and there the Cardinal showed them their offences, with terrible words: and after that, he showed the kings mercy extended to them, and declared their pardon, and so they were delivered. The morrow after being the xxx day, were the chief of the rebels of Suffolk, brought to the Star chamber bar, and there the king's counsel learned, laid sore to them their offence, but the Cardinal declared for them the kings pardon: then the kings Attorney, asked sureties for their good abering, they answered that they could find none, than said the Cardinal I will be one, because you be my country men, and my Lord of Norfolk will be another, and so they were discharged, and had money to bring them home: Now here is an end of this commission, but not an end of inward grudge and hatred, that the commons bore to the Cardinal, and to all those Gentlemen, that vehemently set forth that Commission & demand. In this troublous season, the uplandish men of Germany, An insurrection in Germany. called the Bowers, rose in a great number, almost an hundredth thousand, and rebelled against the Princes of Germany, of which a great number were slain and destroyed. In April last passed, the Tyndall men, with the aid of the Scots, to the number of eight hundred, did daily great robberies in England. For to repress this nest of thieves were sent, sir Richard Bulmer, and sir Christopher Dacres, with a great company of English men, and to them divers men came, and submitted themselves, but the great thieves kept them in the Mountains of Cheuiot, and daily skirmished with the Englishmen, and could not soon be taken: but after long lying abroad, they severed, and many of them were taken. You have heard before how the Cardinal suppressed many monasteries, of the which one was called Beggam in Sussex, Riot at Beggam. the which was very commodious to the country: but so befell the cause, that a riotus company, disguised and unknown, with painted faces and visors, came to the same Monastery, and brought with them the Canons, and put them in their place again, and promised them that whensoever they rang the Bell, that they would come with a great power and defend them. This doing came to the ear of the king's counsel, which caused the Canons to be taken, and they confessed the Captains, which were imprisoned, and sore punished. The Cardinal about this season, by his power Legantine, sent a Chapeleyne of his, called Doctor john Aleyn, a man of more learning than virtue, or good conscience, to visit all places religious: this priest road in his Gown of Velvet, with a great train, & was received into every house of religion with procession, as though the Legate had been there, & took such great sums for his visitation, that the religious sore were grieved, and murmured much against it, and in especial, for they were charged with great sums of money to the king, and now this sudden visitation or * Predation, that is a robbery. Predation, clean shaved them. The common people spoke much against this, and also they said, that the Cardinal by visitations, making of abbots, probates of testaments, granting of faculties, licenses, and other pollings in his Courts Legantines, had made his treasure equal with the kings, and yet every year he sent great sums to Rome: this was their communication ever against the Cardinal and his high authority, and the spiritual men most disdained it. Elizabeth Blunt the mother of the Duke of Richemond. You shall understand, the king in his fresh youth was in the chains of love, with a fair damosel called Elizabeth Blunt, daughter to Sir john Blunt knight, which damosel in singing, dancing, and in all goodly pastimes, exceeded all other, by the which goodly pastimes, she wan the king's heart: and she again showed him such favour, that by him she bore a goodly man child, of beauty like to the father and mother. This child was well brought up like a Prince's child, and when he was six year of age, the King made him Knight, and called him Lord henry Fitz Roy, and on Sunday being the xviij day of june, at the Manor or place of Bridewell, the said Lord led by two Earls, was created Earl of Notyngham, and then he was brought back again by the said two Earls: then the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk led him into the great chamber again, and the king created him Duke of Richemond and Somerset: The creation of the Duke of Richmond and the same day was the Lord Henry Courteney Earl of Devonshire, and Cousin germane to the king, created Marquis of Excester, and the Lord Henry Brandon, son to the Duke of Suffolk and the French Queen the king's sister, a child of two year old, was created Earl of Lincoln, and sir Thomas Manners Lord Roos, was created Earl of Rutland, and sir Henry Clifforde, was created Earl of Cumberland, and the Lord Fitz Water sir Robert Radcliffe was created Viscount Fitz Water, and sir Thomas Bulleyne Treasurer of the King's household, was created Viscount Rocheford, and at those creations were kept great feasts and disguisings. The Cardinal reformeth the kings household. After this the Cardinal took upon him as the kings chief counsellor, to see a reformation in the order of the king's household, wherein he made certain ordinances. He also made all new officers in the house of the Duke of Richemond, which was then newly begun: Also at that time he ordained a counsel, and established another household for the Lady Marie, then being Princess of the realm, so that all thing that was done, was done by him, and without his assent nothing was done: he took so much upon him, and made the king believe that all things should be to his honour, and that he needed not to take any pain, so that to him was the charge of all things committed, at the which wise men becked, and light men laughed, thinking great folly in his high presumption. And at this time, the said Cardinal gave to the king the lease of the manor of Hampton Court, which he had of the lease of the Lord of saint Ihonnes, and on which he had done great cost. Therefore the king of his gentle nature, licenced him to lie in his Manor of Richemond at his pleasure, and so he lay there at certain times: but when the common people, and in especial such, as had been king Henry the seventhes' servants, They called him Boochers' Dog because he was a Boochers' son. saw the Cardinal keep house in the Manor royal of Richemond, which king Henry the seventh so highly esteemed, it was a marvel to hear how they grudged and said, see a Boochers' Dog lie in the Manor of Richemond: these with many opprobrious words were spoken against the Cardinal, whose pride was so high that he nothing regarded, and yet was he hated of most men. In this season the French kings mother Regent of France, and the three estates of the realm, assembled together, concerning the estate of their realm: First, they sent a solemn Ambassador to the Emperor, with articles (as they thought reasonable) for the deliverance of the French king, and also for a peace, they sent also a messenger to the king of England, for a safe-conduct for an Ambassador to be sent into England, for a treaty of peace, which to the messenger was granted and delivered. Then came over as Ambassador from France, john jokyn now called Mounsire de Vaux, which as you have hard in the last year, john jokin now called monsieur de Vaux Ambassadors from France. was kept secret in Master Larks house, and when he came into England, he was welcomed of the Cardinal, and there between them were such communications, that at the suit of the said john jokyn, a truce was concluded, from the xiij day of july for forty days, between England and France, both on the sea and on the land. Full well witted john jokyn what he meant, when he desired peace for forty days, for in that season the Picards might have a quiet harvest to carry in their corn, which they should not have, A truce ●eken with France for forty days. if the garrisons of Calais and Guysnes: and other within the English pale, had n●t been restrained from war, and also the Fishermen of Deep, Bulleyn and Traiport, had quiet fishing, by this truce, for the Navy of England, was come home to harbour, this truce grieved the men of war on both parties, it was so sudden that they witted not well what to do. When the flemings hard tell of truce, and that they were not comprehended in the same, they began to rail and said, that the king of England had not done truly with them, to take a truce without their knowledge: the English men answered, that they had no Ambassador in England, and if that they had had any, they should have been made privy, but the king would sand them no word of his affairs, if they would not send to know, for he aught their master, nor yet them no such service. The French men in this season, enterprised to enter into Flaunders, by Newdike, but they were manfully defended by the flemings, and because the French men passed by the English pale, and had nothing done to them, the Flemyngs were sore displeased with the English men of Calais. In the latter end of july came into England Mounsire Bryond, chief Precedent of Rouen, and was brought to the cardinals presence at the Manor of Richmond, and when his commission was showed, it was doubted whether the authority were sufficient, because the king his master was prisoner in Spain: but then he showed authority, given to the Lady Regent, and certain nobles of the realm of France, by the French king in open Parliament, before his going into Italy for all things that did or might concern the realm during his absence. When the commission was thought reasonable, then was rehearsed to the Frenchmen their doubleness, their unsteadfastness, and how they had behaved themselves toward the king of England: then they answered, if we have offended you, you have us punished, for you have brent our towns, slain our people, destroyed our Country, so that you have brought the low parties to a long misery without recovery, and therefore sith we be the leesers for our offence, yet we sue for peace, lest we be more punished. After long consultation, they offered many offers: first to pay all such sums of money as were due, both for the yearly tribute, and also for the City of Tournay, and the French Queen's dower, and farther to recompense the king of England his expenses done in the wars. A truce concluded with France by the Lady Margaret for five months. During this treaty, word was brought to the king of England, that there was a truce suddenly concluded, between the realm of France and the Lady Margaret Duchess of Savoy, and governor of Flaunders and the low Countries, for the space of five Months, so that no intercourse should be between them for Merchants, but by safe-conduct, and that this Proclamation was proclaimed at saint Omers, the first day of August, whereupon the king was contented, that a peace should be taken from the xiv. day of August, to the first day of December, which was proclaimed in London: and by this truce every English man without safeconduyt might pass into France, and they likewise into England. When this truce was proclaimed, the people murmured and said, now hath the French men gotten their fishing quietly, and if they had been kept from that, they had been undone, and so with fair words they help themselves, which if we have war again, shall hurt us, for this Herring shall victual their towns the next year. This the common people talked, but it was to no purpose. This year the king sent Doctor Henry Standishe, Bishop of saint Ass and sir john Baker knight into the realm of Denmark, Ambassador's ●●to Denmark to common and entreat with the nobles of the Country for the reduction of king Christiern, to his realm, crown, and dignity, but all that could be said or persuaded could not bring the Danes to any reason, they hated him so for his great cruelty, and in especial for the great tyranny that he committed at St●keholme in Sw●then, where he desired a great number of his nobles to a banquet, and after the banquet, struck of their heads. When the Ambassadors of England saw that they could not bring him in again: they than began to require, that his son might have the crown and dominion, which never them offended, and was of progeny borne of Lady Isabella, sister to the Emperor Charles the fift which also made great labour and instance for the same: but the Danes answered they would none of his procreation, for they said, the son would follow the father, or else at the lest he would revenge his father's wrong, and so with this answer they departed. So much did the Ambassadors of France, both by offers and entreaties, that the king of England and his counsel, did condescend to appease, and the more sooner because they saw if war should continued, money must be demanded of the commons, which had liefer rebel then pay any more money, Peace concluded and proclaimed between the king of England and France. as you have heard in the last year. When peace was concluded then were proclimations of the same, sent to every City and good town, and the viii. day of September this peace was proclaimed solemnly with a trumpet through the City of London, the effect whereof was, that upon humble suit and large proffers, made by the Lady Regent of France, and the three estates of the same, a peace, league, and amity, was concluded between both the kings of England and France, and their countries and subjects, so that the subjects of either realm may lawfully pass and repass, into the others realm and dominions, to by and cell frankly and freely, without let or interruption, and that this league in no wise, was a breach of the league taken with the Emperor and the Lady Margaret, Governess of Flaunders in no point, but that the said Emperor and Lady Margaret, and all other the kings old & ancient confederates and allies, were comprehended in the same, and for due restitution to be made to the frenchmen, there was appointed the reverend father Cutberd Bishop of London, & for restitution to be made to the Englishmen, was appointed the chief Precedent of Rouen. And on the xj day of September, was a truce concluded in Spain, A truce proclaimed in Spain between the Emperor and the french king. in a town of Vale Dolito, between the Emperor and the French king, from that day to the end of December next ensuing, at which time the Emperor had not seen the French king, which was conveyed by sea out of Italy into Spain, to a Castle called Madrill, and there remained: and shortly after fell sore sick, and was in great jeopardy, for the which the Frenchmen cared little, for they said that if he died, they should pay no ransom, and then their realm should be quiet. This peace between England and France, nothing pleased the Flemyngs, wherefore when they had drunk well, they spoke largely, and boasted how they had victualed the English armies, and found them carts and carriages, and thought it not kindly done, to refuse them as old friends and make peace with old enemies, but they did not consider what money the Englishmen left in their country, nor how the Frenchmen for dread of the Englishmen, would not invade Flaunders, so that they lived quietly, all this they considered not. In the same month this peace was proclaimed, in Paris, Lions, The conclusion of the peace. Rouen and Amias: by this peace the king of England, should receive at certain days twenty hundred thousand Crowns, which then was four hundred thousand pound sterling, of the which one payment of fifty thousand pound was paid in hand. After this peace taken, all the men of war, that were about the retinue of Calais, Hams & Guysnes, were called home, and the ships brought into the havens, and many a Creker witted not how to live. In the month of October were sent into France, Ambassadors sent out of England into France. Sir William Fitzwilliam Treasurer of the king's house, and Doctor Taylor, as Ambassadors from the king of England, and were received through France very honourably, and by long journeys at the last, came to the City of Lions the 24 day of November, where to them were presented, Wine, Fish, Flesh, and Wax, and they were visited with divers noble men. And on the xxuj day they were conveyed to the court by two Earls, and at the gate received with two Cardinals, and so brought to the Lady Regent, which with much honour them received, and then they delivered the kings letters, which she took in great reverence, and so with her counsel, departed into her privy chamber, and there tarried almost two hours, and then came out again, to whom Doctor Taylor made an eloquent oration in Latin, of the commodities of peace, and declared that the king his Master for very love, and not for no dread nor need did not condescend to peace. To whom the Bishop of Besanson, Chancellor to the Lady Regent made answer: And that done, the Ambassadors were feasted, and served with men of great estate, and after that they were conveyed to their lodgings. And on Sunday next ensuing, the Ambassadors were conveyed to the Court, The league sworn. and from thence the Lady regent and all the Court, road solemnly to the cathedral Church of Lions, and there a Cardinal sang a solemn Mass, and after that Mass was done, the Lady Regent took the two Ambassadors, the one on the right hand, and the other on the left hand, and so went up to the high Altar, and there she laid her hand on the Canon and Crucifix of the Mass book, and there swore to observe, fulfil, and keep all the articles and agreements, concluded in the league and treaty of peace by her Commissioners. And when this was done, the Bishop of Bisanson made an eloquent sermon, taking for his anthem. Quis est homo qui vult vitam: diligit dies videre bonos, inquirere pacem. etc. In this sermon he much praised the king of England, which assented to peace, & lauded the Cardinal whom he called the Legate of God, for counseling him to peace: for now was France free, and all hostility seized, and when this sermon was done, Te deum was song, and then the trumptes blue, and all other instruments musaicall, and then the Lady Regent, with all her train returned to the palace, and there were the Ambassadors highly feasted, and then Sir William Fitzwilliam took his leave, and came shortly into England, leaving behind him Doctor Taylor, which tarried there till the French king was delivered. When the articles of peace, were known to the Emperor and his counsel, full well witted they that the king of England now would be friend to the French king, wherefore he and his subjects, showed themselves more strange and unkind to the Englishmen, than they had been accustomed. Insomuch that the English Merchants, put up a supplication to the Emperor, showing him how their goods were taken, by letters of Mark, their ships restrained, new impositions taken of them, and most of all they complained, that by an act made in Spain called Premetica which ordaineth that every cloth, should be of a certain number of threads, the clotheses of England here could not be sold, to the great hindrance of the English merchants: For the Clothiers of England know not the number appointed by the statute, and when they make cloth, they know not to what country that cloth shallbe sold, of these things the English Merchants desired a redress. At a day appointed the Englishmen had an answer delivered them in writing, containing certain articles. The first if any wrongs be done unto you, our justice is open in every place. The second, as touching letters of Mark, we will be advised by our Counsel. The third, as touching your ships we freely grant that you shall have our friendship liberally, so that with your own ships and goods, you may go at your pleasure, passing or making abode. And as touching customs, or impositions of new: The accident may 'cause us so to do, but that shall be in suspense. And finally as touching our Premetica, made by the Lords of our counsel, and by us affirmed, we will not break, but we will suffer to the intent that you English Merchants, may bring true and well made cloth, for the which you shall be the better welcome: this was the very answer that the English Merchants had, The king keepeth a s●ill house. of the Emperor and his Counsel. In this Winter was great death in London, wherefore the Term was adjourned, and the king for to eschew the plague, kept his Christmas at Eltham with a small number, for no man might come thither, but such as were appointed by name: this Christmas in the king's house, was called the still Christmas. But the Cardinal in this season, lay at the Manor of Richmond, and there kept open household, to Lords, Ladies, The Cardinal keepeth open household and all other that would come, with plays and disguising in most royal manner: which sore grieved the people, and in especial the kings servants, to see him keep an open Court, and the king a secret Court. The Cardinal came to Eltham the eight day of january, The Cardinal reformeth the kings household. and tarried there till the xxij day. In which season the Cardinal, and other of the king's counsel, sat for a direction to be taken in the kings house, and first it was considered, that the great number of the yeomen of the guard were very chargeable, and that there were many officers far stricken in age: which had servants in the Court, and so the king was served with their servants, and not with his own servants, which was thought not convenient. Wherefore first the officers servants, were put out of the Court, and many old officers were put to live in their Countries, but the king of his bounty enhanced their livings, for he that had three pound wages, had six pound annuity, without attendance, and he that had xl shillings, had four pound, and so every man after that rate, and young men were put in their rooms. Then was there lxiiij of the guard, which had twelve pence the day checked, put out of that wages, and they had six pence a day unchecked, and should dwell in their Countries, and come not at the Court, till they were sent for, except it were for suits: in the which the Cardinal promised them, to be their helper: Alas what sorrow, and what lamentation was made, when all these persons should departed the Court. Some said that poor servants were undone and must steal: Some said that they were found of the reversions of the officers service, so that for them was nothing more set out at the dresser, and it was great charity to find them. Other said that the yeomen of the guard, which were put out, were now not able to find themselves and their horse, to do the king service. Other said, that now they would poll, and pill in their Countries, and oppress the poor people, thus every man had his saying. At this season the Cardinal made many ordinances, concerning the kings house, which be at this day called the statutes of Eltham, the which some said were more profitable than honourable. This month of january was peace concluded, A peace made between England and Scotland. between the realms of England and Scotland, for three years, and six Months, of the which the Scots were very glad, and especially the borderers, for they were sore hurt by this war. All this year was continual suit made to the Emperor, and his Counsel, by the Lady Regent of France, and all the realm there, for the deliverance of France's the French king, and after many communications which took none effect, was sent into Spain of Ambassade, the noble Lady Margaret, late Duchess of Alencon, sister to the French king, with a great company of Nobles and honourable personages. The Emperor Charles met the said Lady in the Market place of the City of Toleto, and her right heartily welcomed, and after that the Duchess and her company had refused to agreed to certain articles, which the French king had offered himself, the said Duchess had licence of the Emperor, to go to Madrill, where the french king was kept as prisoner, & there to know his mind. When she was there, she and other devised such a way, that the French king should have scaped, and post horses were laid every where: Lady Margaret Duchess of Alaunson devised ways for the French king to escape. this was not so secret, but the Emperor was thereof informed, and took certain French men, which confessed how all things should have been brought to pass. The Duchess of Alencon hearing that her privy devise was opened, on post horses with all speed returned into France, leaving the whole matter at large. But for all this the Lords of France ceased not daily to sue for the deliverance of their sovereign Lord, and at last to the Emperor was delivered a book for the French kings deliverance. For the Emperor said he would nothing demand of him, for having him he had more than he could give him. Then the French king and his Counsel, offered a book containing many articles to the Emperor: and when the Emperor had well understand the contents of the same, he said to the French Ambassadors, is this the full will and ag●rement of your Master, they answered yea: well said the Emperor, if this be his own offer, I trust that he will keep it. Then the Emperor thought best to bring the French king to more liberty and to visit him himself, which he had not done but in the time of his sickness. Where the xiiij day of Februarye, the Emperor accompanied with the great Constable of France, the Duke of Enphantaso, the Duke of Civil, the Duke of Nasso, the Duke of Aluoy, the Duke of Arberkirke, the Duke of Medena, the Duke of Massedonia, the Marquis of Aguler, the Marquis Villafranca, the Marquis of Sturgus, the Earl of Barselona, the Earl of Bonivent, the Earl of jenever, the Earl of Salenas', the Earl of Arrowffe, the Earl of salvator, and twelve Bishops, and a great number of Nobles, came to the Castle of Madrill, to whom was the French king brought with a noble repair, to whom the Emperor made low reverence, and declared to him how all victories consist in the hand of God, and where great debate, war, and strife, had long continued between them, he said it was the very handy work of God, to deliver him to captivity, so that by his restraint of liberty, a general peace should be concluded through all christendom and now sith you have offered us reasonable conditions, we intending not your punishment, nor restraint of your liberty, have gently received your offers, signed with your own hand. And soon after a peace was concluded between the Emperor and the French king, and the same openly proclaimed through all Spain, France, Flaunders, and the emperors Dominions, whereof their subjects were glad, and made fires and triumphs through all their Countries. The king of England also showed himself to be very glad of the said peace. Wherefore he hearing that the French king was at a point to be delivered, sent a knight of his Chamber, called sir Thomas Cheyney to the French king, certifying him of the great gladness that he had of his delivery, and also the comfort that he had for the conclusion of peace: of which kind remembrance, the French king much rejoiced. The French king took his leave of the Emperor, and took his journey into France ward, and came to Victoria, in which season the fame went, that the dolphin which should have been delivered, as one of the hostages, for the French king his father was diseased, and so the French king was stayed for xu days, till the truth was known: other said that the cause was that there were between Fountraby and Bayon xxx thousand men, and doubted least if he had been brought down to Fountraby, he might have been rescued: but whatsoever the cause was, he was restrained as you have heard: but shortly after he was delivered and returned into France the xxj day of March which was taken the xxiiij day of February in the year last passed. After that the Emperor had concluded, and taken his leave of the French king, he road to the fair City of Civil, and there he with great triumph married Lady Isabella daughter to king Emanuel of Portyngale, The marriage of the Emperor. with whom he had great treasures and sums of money, and great friendship of the Portugese's, for he had xj hundred thousand Ducats with her marriage. When this marriage was known in England, the Englishmen sore murmured, that the Emperor being at Windsor, in the xiiij year of the king, had faithfully promised to marry the Lady Mary, daughter to the king of England. But for a very truth the emperors Counsel was not content with the answer made to Mounsire de Bevers the last year, and so counseled the Emperor, not to tarry for the Lady Mary which was young: and also they said that she was begotten of the king of England by his brother's wife. And also an act was made in Spain, that he should not departed the Country, till he had issue. All these things were laid to him, which caused him to incline to marriage, and seeing the great offer that the king of Portugal made to him, he was thereto agreeing, and so married the Lady Isabella sister to king john of Portugal. The xxviij day of April, in the beginning of this xviij year, came to the Court to Grenewiche, Mounsire Brenion chief Precedent of Rouen, and john jokyn now called Mounsire de Vaux, which Precedent of Rouen, before the king set in a Throne, and accompanied with all his Nobles, and the Ambassadors of Rome, of the Emperor, of Venice and Florence being there present, made in the Latin tongue a solemn oration, The oration of the Precedent of Rouen the effect whereof was that he showed, how dreadful the wars had been between the realms of England and France, what great loss the realm of France had sustained by the said wars: He declared farther of what power the king of England was, and what conquest he might have made in France, the king being prisoner, and knowledged the king of England's right in the wars, & their wrongs, where he humbly thanked him of his pity & compassion that he had on them in their necessity & affliction, that he would consent to peace. To this oration the chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, by name sir Thomas Moore made answer saying: The answer of sir Thomas Moor to the Ambassadors oration. that it much rejoiced the king, that they first considered how by his power he might have oppressed, and how by his pity he had relieved them: wherefore he would hereafter that for kindness, they should show him none unkindness, but inviolately to keep that league which was concluded. The next day after being Sundaye, The peace sworn. the Cardinal song a solemn Mass in the kings Chapel of Grenewiche, and after Mass the king swore before the French Ambassadors, the four Ambassadors above rehearsed being present, that he should keep the peace and league concluded, between him and his brother and perpetual alley the French king, during his life and a year after, and after Mass to all Ambassadors was made a great feast. Because all this Summer the king took his pastime in hunting, and nothing happened worthy to be written of: I will return to the French king, now come again into his realm. The French king is returned into his realm. When he was at Paris he said and wrote to the Emperor, that he would observe and keep his promises in every point, but what he thought I will not judge: For shortly after he set forth a book, called the Apology or defence against the convention or agreement made between the Emperor and him at Madrill, The untruth of the french king. alleging that he was compelled to make that agreement, or else he should never have been delivered: He alleged farther that the Lawyers of his realm clearly determined, all promises and covenants made by any persons to his own hurt, with him that is more of power than he, to be made by compulsion, & so of none effect and not to be performed. He also said that the Governors of the law, determined that no oath or promise is of any effect, where a man is in jeopardy of life, or of perpetual imprisonment or bondage, and most in especial when it is done by compulsion or threatening. Moreover he said that he might give away nothing appertaining to his crown, without the assent of his peers, and the three estates of his realm (to the which he was sworn at the time of his coronation, which would thereto in no wise assent, and therefore he said that his oath and promise was void, and so he declared it to the Viceroy of Naples, being then with him as Ambassador for the Emperor, and offered for his raumsome to pay as much money as ever French king paid, with divers other articles of new devised. When these articles came to the Emperor, he them refused and said, that he had desired nothing impossible of the French king, and if he might not, or would not keep the appointment between them made, yet he bade him keep that point of covenant, which only depended in his will, that was that he should yield himself prisoner again, and so he should have his children delivered: and then he would reasonably common with him of new articles of agreement, The French kings apology. and as to the Appollogie set forth by the French king that his oath and promise was void, and made by compulsion and threatening, it was answered by another book called the Refutation or Overcoming of the Appollogie, The emperors Refutation. of the convention of Madrill. Which two works were so eloquently set forth, with such and so many persuasions and allegations, both on the one part and the other, that it would cumber a wise man (except he were perfectly indifferent) to judge to which part he should most incline, and give credence, therefore I leave it at large. After that the French king was delivered, and the peace concluded, the Emperor was fully determined to pass the seas into Italy, and so to Rome, and there to be crowned Emperor, wherefore hearing the Bishop of Rome, called Pope Clement the seventh, The Pope stirreth up new wars. a man of great wit and vice, and of little virtue or learning: much doubted in himself what damage might come to him, if the Emperor had both Nables, Scicill, and the Duchy of Milan, and also were crowned Emperor. Wherefore he sent to the Venicians, and to the Florentines, and to Frances Sforce Duke of Milan, which had committed treason against the Emperor, and was deprived by judgement of his name and dignity, and the same given to the Duke of Bourbon, but yet by power he kept much of the possession: and declared to them, by what puissance the Emperor would come into Italy, and what great possessions he had there, at every end of Italy, so that if he were once crowned Emperor, he would look to have the signiory of all Italy: wherefore they consulted and debated for their own surety, how to banish him and his all Italy by power: and as they were debating of this matter, they hard word how the French king was returned into France, and sought all ways and means how to break with the Emperor. When they saw so open an action offered to them, with all diligence they sent their several Ambassadors, that is to say, the Pope twain, the Duke of Venice called Andrew Gritty, one (which was his secretary) and the Florentines one, and the Duke of Milan one, these five Ambassadors came to the French king, and declared what joy & gladness their masters had of his safe return into his realm, and then they showed to him how they by the Bishop of Rome's exhortation had devised a league, which should set a perpetual peace between all princes christian, and for the more expedition, they had set forth and agreed upon articles, for the whole league. When the French king saw the articles it was as he would have it, for he thought by the whole power of the Confederates, his children should be delivered, and he yet again once to have a meddling in Italy: Wherefore with great gladness and solemnity, he entered into the league, and swore to keep it, and gave to the Ambassadors great rewards. When this League was thus concluded, it was sent to the king of England, which with great deliberation like a wise prince, consulted much with his counsel of this weighty matter, and when all things were fully perceived, he answered to the Ambassadors, that he thanked much the confederates of their good will, but he would not enter into the league, because he would be an indifferent entreator between both parties and a mean for a peace: and so he wrote to the Emperor, which heartily thanked him, and took it for great kindness: The holy league of Clement. this league was called the holy league of Clement. When the Bishop of Rome saw that this league was concluded, because he would show that he and the confederates, had just cause of war against the Emperor for things done in Italy, he sent to him a letter, dated at Rome the xxiij day of june: But for as much as this is no part meant to the story of England to entreat of the affairs of Italy, I will for a while leave the Pope and the Emperor, and again return to our matters of England. This summer was great grudge against Merchant strangers in London, in so much that if the matter had not been well pacified, Grudge in London against Merchant strangers. much business might have followed, the cause of the grudge was this, there was an act made in the fourth year of king Henry, that no stranger should bring in no Wine nor woad in any aliens ship: so that the English men after that went to Tholose, and brought much woad to London, and served all the clothiers repairing to London: and now in this year by means of gentlemen about the king, the strangers had licence to bring in woad in strangers bottoms, so that all London was full of their woad, and also they sent their woad into the country, so that the English men's woad in London lay unbought: wherefore sir john Aleyn knight being Mayor, sent for a great sort of strangers which were the chief Merchants of all, and showed unto them what gains they had gotten in the City, by reason whereof they should advance the City, and not hurt it, wherefore he willed them to cell their woad to the Merchants of London, and they should be paid incontinent and not to resort to other places in the Country with their woad, to the hindrance of the Londoners. The strangers proudly answered the Mayor, that they would seek every place for their advantage, and so in mocking manner departed. The Mayor perceiving that, called a common counsel in the month of August, and there were many bills laid against the strangers, and at last it was enacted, that no Citizen or free man, should buy or cell in no place, nor exchange nor meddle with certain strangers, called Anthony Bonuice, Laurence Bonuice, Anthony Vivald, Anthony Caveler, Frances de Bard, Thomas Calnecant, and a great sort more whose names I let pass, and if any person did meddle or occupy with them contrary to this act, he should lose his freedom and liberty in the City of London: by which act the strangers were so bridled, that they came to a reasonable point and conclusion. In this season the angel Noble was just the sixth part of an ounce Troy so that six Angels were just an ounce, The first enhancing of the Angel. which was forty shillings sterling, and the Angel was worth two ounces of Silver, so that six Angels were twelve ounces, which was but forty shillings in Silver: but in Flaunders, Braband, and Zealand, the Angel was worth seven shillings four pence, so that Merchants daily carried over much money to the great hindrance of the merchandise of this realm, for most men carried Gold, and when it was there, it was loss in every noble eight pence to bring it hither again: and when the English men spoke to the rulers there, to leave the enhaunsing of the king's coin, they laughed them to scorn. The king and his counsel perceived to what end this enhauncement in Flaunders, if it were not met with shortly would bring the riches of this realm: wherefore in the month of September, he by proclamation, enhanced the Angel to seven shillings four pence, and the Royal to a xj shillings, and the crown to four shillings & four pence, and this proclamation was made through all England: and to bring out of Flaunders the great number of English Gold which was there, the king by proclamation again the fift day of November, The second enhancing. enhanced the Angel to seven shillings six pence, and so every ounce of Gold should be xlv shillings, and that an ounce of Silver should be three shillings nine pence in value. This year on Mighelmas even, Thomas Hind which was chosen Sheriff before, was called to take his oath, but he made default, wherefore one Simon Rice was chosen which refused, then was one George Robinson Mercer chosen, which took his oath not to be able. The commons were in such a fury, that they swore that they would have a Mercer. Master Nicholas Lambert an Alderman and Grocer, which had a dispensation for the shrievalty for that year, seeing this discord, said to the commons, masters although my time be not come, yet to appease your strife, if you will choose me I will take it, and so he was chosen with great thanks. In this season a sudden rumour began in Spain, that the Emperor would have war with the king of England, whereof hearing the English Merchants, which lay in Spain at divers Ports, concluded to sand to Doctor Edward Lee, Ambassador for the king of England in the emperors Court to know the certainty, which gently answered them, that he trusted that there was no such cause, of the which they should be afeard, for the king his master and the Emperor were yet in perfit love and amity, and farther he sent them word, that the king of England was not entered into the league of Italy with the confederates, as they would have him, for he laboureth to make a universal peace, which he could not conveniently do, if he were protector or a contractor in the league, this answer he sent to them from Granado, the fift day of September. The xiij day of january came to the Court, Don Hugo de Mendosa a great man borne in Spain of a noble family, this person was sent as Ambassador from the Emperor to the king of England with large commission, for the Emperor put it to the king of England's determination, whether his demands which he required of the French king, were reasonable or not, and for the declaration thereof, and for to know the king of England's request and entreaty concerning the peace, was this Noble man sent into England, which many times consulted with the king and his counsel, and he tarried here two years full. In this year the second day of March were received into London, Ambassadors from the French king. with a great company of noble men, the Bishop of Tarbe, France's Viscount of of Tornaye, and Master Anthony Vescy, second precedent of Paris, as Ambassadors from the French king, and so brought through London to the Tailor's hall and there lodged, and afterward were conveyed to Greenwich to the king, where they were right heartily entertained, and after their letters read and their requests heard, they departed for a season to London The French Ambassadors having their recourse to the king and his counsel, much laboured to have in marriage the Lady Mary daughter to the king, and after long counseling, Of this motion grew all the trouble between Queen Katheryn and king Henry her husband. that matter was put in suspense because the precedent of Paris, doubted whether the marriage between the king and her mother, being his brother's wife were good or no: of this first motion grew much business or it were ended, as you shall hear afterward. The common people repugned sore against that demand, for they said that she was heir apparent to her father, and if he should die, they would have no Frenchman to be king of England, and thus the common people spoke, as their minds served them. On the xiiij day of March were conveyed from London to Greenewiche, by the Earl of Rutland and other, Ambassadors from the king of Hungary. the Lord Gabriel de Salamanka Earl of Ottonbrough, john Burgrave of Siluerberge, and john Faber a famous Clerk, after Bishop of Vien, as Ambassadors from Don Fernando, brother to the Emperor, newly elect king of Hungarye and Beam, after the death of his brother in law king Lewis, which was slain by the Turk the last Summer, as you have heard before: this company was welcomed of the high Officers, and after brought into the kings presence, all the nobility being present, and there after great reverence made, the said Clerk Master Faber made a notable oration, taking his ground of the Gospel, An oration made by master Faber. Exiit seminare semen suum, and of that he declared how Christ and his disciples went forth to sow, and how that seed was good that fell into the good ground, and brought forth good fruit, which was the Christian faith: and then he declared how contrary to that sowing, Machomet had sown seed, which brought forth evil seed, and showed from the beginning, how the Turks have increased in power, what realms they had conquered, what people they had subdued even to that day: he declared farther what acts the great Turk then living had done, and in especial he noted the getting of Belgrade, and of the Rhodes, and the slaying of the king of Hungarye, to the great rebuke (as he said) of all the kings christened: he set forth also what power the Turk had, what diversities of companies, what armure, what Captains he had, so that he thought, that without a marvelous great number of people, he could not be overthrown wherefore he most humbly beseeched the king, The answer as saint George's knight, & defender of the faith, to assist the king his Master, to that godly war and virtuous purpose. To this oration the king by the mouth of Sir Thomas Moore answered, that much he lamented the loss that happened in Hungary, and if it were not for the wars, which were between the two great Princes, he thought that the Turk would not have enterprised that act, wherefore he with all his study would take pain, first to set an unity and peace throughout all Christendom, and after that he both with money and men, would be ready to help toward that glorious war, as much as any other Prince in Christendom. After this done the Ambassadors were well cherished, and divers times resorted to the Court, and had great cheer and good rewards, and so the third day of May next ensuing, they took their leave and departed homeward. After that the Ambassadors of France were departed, the king sent an other Ambassade into France (that is to say) Sir Thomas Boleyn knight, Viscount of Rocheforth, and sir Anthony Browne knight, which came to Paris to the Bishop of , which lay in France as Ambassador for the king of England, and then these three went to the Court, and saw the french king in person swear to keep the league and amity concluded between him and the king of England, and there they had great cheer and Masks showed unto them, but little rewards were given, and so the Viscount Rochforth returned into England, and so did the Bishop of shortly after, leaving sir Anthony Browne behind for a lieger. In this month of May the tenth day, the king sent sir Frances poins knight, as Ambassador from the king of England, to Charles the Emperor, and with him he sent Clarenseaux, king at arms, to demand the one half of the treasure and ordinance which was taken at Pavia, for somuch as that war, was made as well at the kings charge, as the emperors charge: he demanded also the Duke of orleans, to be delivered to him, and also it was demanded that the Emperor should deliver the Bishop of Rome which was taken this month as you shall here, and also should bring his army out of Italy, & if he refused to do any of these points, than Clarenseaux in the kings name of England should make to him defiance. When it was known that war was like to be had between the Emperor and the king of England, the Commons of England sore lamented the chance, for all merchandise were restrained to pass into any of the emperors Dominions, and the Merchants were desired by the Cardinal to keep their martes at Calais, to the which in no wise they would assent. This same month the king sent two fair ships, Ships sent to seek strange Regions. well manned and victualed, having in them divers cunning men, to seek strange Regions: and so forth they set out of the Thames the twenty day of May, if they sped well you shall here at their return. The xxij day of May came in post to the king out of France, the Bishop of Tarbie, this Bishop brought to the king of England, the Articles which the French king now offered to the Emperor, which were contrary to the articles sworn at Madrill in the xvij year of the king, and farther he moved the king of England to be enemy to the Emperor, which request (as all men say) was much furthered by the Cardinal, because of the wars in Italy, between the Pope and the Emperor: this Bishop made short tarrying with the king, for in post again he returned to Paris, to sir France's Poynes, and Clarenseaux, which tarried there for him, and so they all took their journey toward Spain. And soon after, there were letters brought to the king of England from the French king, of his affairs in Italy: but Sundaye the second day of june, the king received letters at the Castle of Wynsore, by the which he perceived all the order and manner of the sacking of Rome, and taking of the Pope: Wherefore the king was sorry, and so were many Prelates: but the Commonalty little mourned for it, and said that the Pope was a Ruffian, and was not meet for the rowne: wherefore they said that he began the mischief, and so he was well served. But the Cardinal which took this matter highly, called to him the Prelates, and the Clergy, and much mourned the fall of the Bishop of Rome, & saw how the people grudged against the spirituality, for their great pride, pomp, and all living: Wherefore he came to the King, and said: Sir by the only calling of God you be made defender of the Christian faith, now consider in what state the Church of Christ now standeth: See, how the head of the Church of Rome is in captivity: See, how the holy fathers be brought into thraldom, and be without comfort: now show yourself an aid, and a defender of the Church, and God shall reward you. The king answered, my Lord, I more lament this evil chance, The kings answer. than my tongue can tell, but where you say that I am defender of the faith, I assure you, that this war between the Emperor and the Pope is not for the faith, but for temporal possessions and dominions, and now sith Bishop Clement is taken by men of war, what should I do? The Cardinal hath of the king to relieve the Pope twelve score thousand pound. my person nor my people cannot him rescue, but if my treasure may help him, take that which to you seemeth most convenient: for the which offer the Cardinal thanked the king on his knee, and thereupon the Cardinal caused to be gathered together of the kings treasure twelve score thousand pound, which he carried over the sea with him, as you shall here after. Then the Cardinal sent Commissions, as Legate to all Bishops, commanding that they should 'cause in every parish Church, solemn Processions to be made for the relieving of the Pope, and moved the people to fast three days in the week, but few men fasted, for the Priests said, that their commandment was, to exhort the lay people to fast, and not to fast themselves: Prayer and fasting. and the lay people said, that the Priests should first fast, because the very cause of the fasting, was for a Priest, but none of both almost fasted. Longland bishop of Lincoln findeth fault with the kings marriage. This season began a fame in London, that the kings confessor, being Bishop of Lincoln, called Doctor Longland, and divers other great Clerks had told the king that the marriage between him and the Lady Katheryn, late wife to his brother, Prince Arthure, was not good, but damnable, and the king hereupon should marry, the Duchess of Alencon, sister to the French king, at the town of Calais this Summer, and the Viscount Rochforth had brought with him the picture of the said Lady, and that at his return out of France, the Cardinal should pass the Sea to go into France to fetch her. This rumour sprang so much, that the king sent for sir Thomas Seymer Mayor of London, and straightly charged him to see that the people should seize of this communication, upon pain of the kings high displeasure. But whatsoever the Commons talked, it was concluded by the king & his Counsel, that the Cardinal should pass into France, as his high Ambassador, but for what cause no person knew but the king, till his return. Then was much preparation made at Calais, for the receiving of the Cardinal, but the common saying was that the king would come to Calais, and meet with the French king, and for that cause such preparation was made, but he came not there at all, and always the people commoned as they durst of the kings marriage. The Cardinal rideth toward France. The third day of july, the Cardinal of York, passed through the City of London, accompanied with many Lords, and Gentlemen, to the number of twelve hundredth horse, toward the Sea side, and at Cauntorburie he rested, and there to the people declared the destruction of Rome, and how the Pope was in captivity with many Cardinals: wherefore he caused a Litany to be song by the Monks of Christ's Church, after this manner. S. Maria, A new found Litany. ora pro Clement Papa. S. Petri, ora pro Clement Papa. and so forth all the Litany: then he exhorted the people to fast and pray for his deliverance, which few did. The xj day of May, the Cardinal with all his train, took shipping at Dover, and the same day landed at Calais, where he was received with Procession, and with the whole garrison of the town. barrels of Gold. When the Cardinal was landed, there were set on land xuj Barrels all full of Gold of the king's money, which were delivered to the Captain of the Castle in charge: of this money the people much grudged, and said this money shall be spent out of the realm, and yet English men shall have no part nor profit of it, but only it shall be spent for the cardinals pleasure, and the French kings, and the Pope's profit. The Cardinal was so sore displeased with the Emperor for keeping the Pope in prison (although it were against his will and knowledge) that he imagined all the ways and means possible, how to hurt and damage the Emperor, and therefore he sent for the English Merchants, willing them to keep the Mart at Calais, but they answered that the town of Calais, was a town of war, and all Merchants must have liberty at all hours of the night, in the Mart season, which they could not have at Calais: also the haven is not able to receive great Hulks, and Carickes that come to a Mart: but some Merchants to please the Cardinal, The Mart to be kept at Calais. brought their clotheses to Calais, and so caused their friends of Andwarpe to come to Calais, and to say, that they had bought the merchants clotheses, and there at Calais paid the custom, and so carried them to the town of Andwarpe at the English men's charge, and there sold them to the great loss of the Englishmen. While the Cardinal lay in Calais, the Frenchmen daily resorted to Calais, to welcome the Cardinal, and suddenly there upon a noise sprang that Calais should be delivered, to the French King, which vain saying, made many men muse. But the xxij day of july, the Cardinal departed out of Calais, and with him was the Lord Cutberd Tunstall bishop of London, the Lord Sands, Chamberlain to the king, the Earl of Derby, sir Henry Guildford, sir Thomas Moor, with many knights and squires, to the number of twelve hundred horse & in the carriages lxxx Wagons, and lx Moils and sumpter horses, and at Sandifield met with him the County Brian governor of Picardy, and Mounsire de Bees, captain of Bulleyn, with four hundred men of arms, well appareled, with Banners displayed, & all well horsed, which with trumpets and melody received the Cardinal, and at Marguison there met him the Cardinal of Lorayn, and six Bishops, and xl Gentlemen, The receiving of the Cardinal to Bulleyne. well furnished, and in their company four hundred horse, and so they road forth to Bulleyn, where the Burges them received. And at the gate was made a Pagiaunt, in the which was a Nun called holy Church, and three Spaniards, and three Almains had her violated, and a Cardinal her rescued, and set her up of new again. Another Pagiaunt, was a Cardinal giving a Pax to the king of England & the French king, in token of peace, in another Pageant was the Pope, lying under, and the Emperor sitting in his Majesty, and a Cardinal pulled down the Emperor, and set up the Pope. When wise men saw this Pagiaunt, they smiled and said, well can the French king flatter, for hard it were for one Cardinal to subdue him that hath pulled down the Master of all Cardinals. Many words were spoken in reproof of this Pagiaunt, but still with great triumph road these two Cardinals together, to the Abbey under a Canopy borne over them, and there lodged. The morrow being the three and twenty day he with all his train removed toward Muttrell, and two mile without the town there met with him the Bailiffs, and there to him was made a solemn Oration, and when he came to the town he was received with the Clergy, and there the English men had straight lodging the number was so great, and so the morrow he removed toward Abbevile where he was of the Bailiff and advocates of the town, and then of the garrison of men of war of the town, received with procession, and Pagiants to his praise under a canopy, and so brought to the Church, and after to his lodging, and all the Canapies were set with T C for Thomas Cardinal, and so were all his servants coats. The third day of August in the City of Amias, came the French king in a coat of black Velvet upon white Satin, and tied with laces aglated with gold, and with him the king of Naver, and the Cardinal of Bourbon, the great Master, the Duke of Vandosme, monsieur de Guise, and Monsire Vaudemount his brother, and the French kings mother, with many Lords and Ladies, which were there solemnly received. And on Sunday the fourth day of August, the Cardinal came fro Pickqueny toward Amias, in which town he lay the night before, and in the way he was received with the provost of the City, and many honourable personages of the City, and after them came the justices and Advocates and with an eloquent Oration saluted him, and when he was within half a mile of the town, the French king himself with all his nobles met with him, and lovingly embraced him, and welcomed him, and after took all the nobles of England by the hand, and so brought the said Cardinal to Amyas: where for him were devised many Pagiauntes, to his praise, and ever he was called Cardinalis Pacificus, the peaceable Cardinal, and so was written at the gate of his lodging. The French king brought the Cardinal to his lodging, and he would have brought the king to his Court again, but he would in no wise suffer him, but left him in his lodging, and the same night the Cardinal road to visit the French kings mother, and there he had long communication and so departed to his lodging. The fift day of August, the Cardinal with the great estates of France was conveyed to the French kings Court, where he was of the French king most honourably received, which Court was then kept at Amyas, and there remained more than three weeks daily conferring with the French kings counsel, and at the last with great solemnity a Charter of peace was sealed by the French king, and delivered to the Cardinal. Now will I return to sir France's Poynes, and Clarenceaux which were at this time arrived in Spain, in the town of Vale Dolife, the third day of july, where they found Doctor Lee the kings Almoner, there Ambassador for the king of England, and with him tarried till the sixth day of july, and then sir France's Poynes was brought to his presence, & delivered the king his masters letter, and beside that prayed his Majesty to consider what the king of England had done for him since his tender age, how that he holp him at all times with money & treasure, & how that at such time as the Lords of Spain would not receive him as their king during his mother's life, yet by the kings mean & his great labour and cost, he was to that realm received: And also how the king of England had always defended and protected the countries of Flaunders, Brabant and Zealand, against all persons, and in the quarrel of the Emperor he had strongly invaded the realm of France, so that by his invasion at home, the Emperor had obtained great victory in foreign places, which he could not have done, if all the whole realm of France had been without any enemies at home: wherefore the king desired him as reason would, the one half of the battle of Pavia and also for his part he required the Duke of orleans to be delivered to him, and also to pay to the king forty thousand pound, which he aught to him as money lent, towards his charges: and farther that he should deliver the Pope, and make him a reasonable amendss, and no farther to make war on him or his dominions. The Emperor after this demand answered, The Emperor's answer sir we assure you that the love of our Uncle of England, toward us and the manifold benefits that we have received of him and by his means we shall never forget, and although our power be not able to recompense the same, yet our good will shall never fail, to endeavour us to do him pleasure: and as concerning his letters we with our counsel shall take advice, and we trust you shall have a reasonable answer, during which time, you may repose you, and all things necessary shall be at your commandment: with this answer sir Frances departed at this time. When it was known in Spain, that the king of England, was allied with the French king, the Spaniards spoke largely and said that they cared not for the king of England, and said farther that all this was the drift of the Cardinal by reason whereof the English Merchants were evil entreated in Spain, but the Emperor perceiving this, gave a general commandment, that all Englishmen should be ordered and reputed as his loving friends. In this very month tidings was brought to the Emperor, how the inhabitants of Turnay conspired to destroy Mounsire Delanoys their captain, and devised to bid him to a banquet, and so to slay him and all that loved the Emperor, but as God would, he had knowledge of this treason, and took the chief Captains, and did on them sharp execution, for fear whereof many fled into France. The Emperor within a day or twain called to him Doctor Lee, and Sir Frances poins the king of England's Ambassadors, and said, my Lords, we have perceived the king your masters requests, which be great and of a weighty importance, wherefore we intend with all speed to writ to the king our Uncle, and when we have received answer from him, we shall deliver you of such things as you demand, praying you in the mean season to take patience, and so for the time they departed. By this time was it known that the Cardinal of England was with the French king, The Cardinal laboureth to help the French king against the Emperor. and full well knew the Emperor that the Cardinal would do all for to aid the French king, and to damage him, yet had he a great pension of the Emperor. The English Merchants fearing the sequel of this matter, conveyed away their goods daily out of the emperors dominions: but still the English Ambassadors came to the emperors Court, and one day the Emperor said to them, my Lords, I marvel how the king mine Uncle is moved against me and my subjects, I assure you I will not war with him, I trust in his faithful promise, and his accustomed goodness, and his people I take as my friends. If he love the French king I may not so do, for he to me is untrue and keepeth no just promise, and we never compelled him to make any offer, but his offer was of his own motion, and he also sworn to maintain the same, which he now refuseth, and to our great prejudice hath persuaded against us our dear uncle of England by perverse imaginations, which I trust will never be our enemy. This many times the Emperor would common with the English Ambassadors, which lay in Spain. But now must I return to the Cardinal of England which lay at Amyas, A great counsel holden at Amyas in France, at the which the Cardinal was present. there was a great counseling from day to day: First how the Pope should be delivered, and the sea of Rome brought to a quietness: secondarily how to bring the Emperor to some reasonable agreement, so that the French kings children might be delivered. It was well considered that the Emperor had a great foredell by reason of the said two hostages, which fordele might perchance so stomach him, that he would agreed to no new conditions nor agreements. Then it was answered on the other side that if a great army were sent into Italy which might drive the Emperor's power out of Italy, than that army should set the Pope at liberty, and also drive the Emperor to come to their purpose, or else he should lose both the realms of Naples and Scicile, and the Duchy of milan and other dominions, wherefore the French king determined to sand an army royal into Italy under the conduit of Mounsire Odyt de Lawtrick Earl of Foys, which was appointed afore in june to go to the borders of Italy with a small number, but now to him was assigned eight thousand Britons with notable Captains of the same country, and eight thousand Normans with like Captains, and eight thousand Gascoynes, and six thousand Burgonions, three thousand Savosyns, eight thousand Swychers and Almains, and six thousand Pycardes of which men were five thousand horsemen under the conduit of Mounsire Galyos, and in this army went Sir Robert jernyngham and john Carew of Hakam, and lxxx other English gentlemen, which were sent thither by the Cardinal from Amyas. When this army was assembled, English money delivered. the Cardinal delivered the king of England's money that he had brought out of England in barrels as you have heard, with which money was this army paid two Months before hand, and the remnant was delivered to Sir Robert jernyngham, which was called Treasurer of the wars. In this army were three thousand carriage men, and adventurers four thousand, so that when they were over the Mountains, they were, lix. thousand men, and some writers say a hundred thousand. This army was called in Latin Excercitus Angliae & Gallorum Regum, pro Pontifico Romano liberando congregatus, that is to say, the army of the kings of England and France, gathered for the deliverance of the Bishop of Rome, and so was this army reputed. Although few people knew at the beginning in England of the conveying of the money over the sea, yet when the English coin was the common payment of the army it was then openly known: then many men said alas, so much money spent out of the realm, and of this charge the realm shall not be one penny the better, the king hath had of us a loan and that is not paid, and the great subsidy was granted to make the king rich, and now is that money to help our old enemies and the Pope, which never shall do us good, this the people spoke and much worse. While the Cardinal was with the French king, the Pope sent to him a Bull, and made him Vicar general under him through all the king of England's dominions, and there by a Bull he created Anthony de Prato Bishop of Sens and Chancellor to the French king a Cardinal with great solemnity. The Cardinal for his solace road with the French king to Compeigne and Mountdedier, and was ever highly feasted of the king and his mother, and of the Chancellor of France, and of all the nobility. Then was it concluded by the Cardinal and the French kings counsel what articles of offer should be sent to the Emperor, which if he refused, then open defiance to be made to him in the name of both the kings. The Cardinal took his leave of the French king & his mother (which told him that a noble Ambassade should be shortly sent again into England from the realm of France for fortifying of all the conclusions) and so the said cardinal with great rewards returned with all his train, The return of the Cardinal into England. and by journeys the l●st day of September he came to Rychemond to the king of England, and there ascertained the king of all his doings, but so could no Lord that then was in commission with him, for they knew nothing of all his doings, which sore grieved their stomachs. The Cardinal which much rejoiced in this peace, came the first day of the Term into the star chamber, and there by his commandment were present the Lords spiritual and temporal of the king's counsel, and the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London, and the judges of the law, and all the justices of peace of all shires then being at Westminster. And then he said, how much is the realm of England bound to God for the high peace that now is concluded? A high peace, yea such a peace as was never concluded between no realm, for by my labour and industry I have knit the realms of England and France in such a perfit knot that it shall never fail, for the three estates of France (which here we call a Parliament) have affirmed the same, & therefore now my lords be merry, for the king shall never more charge you with wars in France, nor the Mayor & other Merchants shall never be charged farther with expenses, so that with exactions for wars of France you shall no more be charged, for the king shall have no need, because that he by this league shall be the richest prince of the world for I assure you he shall have more treasure out of France yearly, than all his revenues and customs amount to, yea and count his wards, forfeits and all such casualties. Now sith you have such an honourable peace and such a profitable peace, A peace sealed with a seal of Gold how much be you bound to him which hath brought this peace about, for this peace is in secula seculorum. And because this peace is so noble, it is sealed with a seal of Gold, and so he caused all there present to look on the seal, which was the very great seal of France printed in fine Gold: at this tale many a man after laughed to think how the cardinal lied, for they knew that that he said was for his own glory, and nothing should follow as he said. The French king according to his appointment sent the Lord Annas of Momorancie great master of his house, A great Ambassade sent from the French king to the king of England. and after that high Constable of France, and the Bishop of Bayon, the chief Precedent of Rouen, and Mounsire de Hunyers, as his Ambassadors to the king of England accompanied with lx gentlemen well appointed, which the xiiij day of October landed at Dover, whose servants demeaned themselves so in passing through Kent, that much business was to lodge them in London, but the Cardinal commanded corporations of the City to provide lodging for them, which was never seen before, where at the people murmured sore, saying that the Cardinal was all French. So on the twenty day of October the said Ambassadors were met on Black heath by the Marquis of Exeter, the Bishop of London, the viscount Rochforde, and Lord Mountioy with many men of honour and gentlemen, to the number of five hundred horses and more. The Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London, and the chief commoners on horseback in their Gowns met the said Ambassadors at saint George's bar, and there was made to them a solemn oration, and so from thence they were conveyed through London to the Bishop of London's palace, and there and near there about they were well lodged. A present given by the City to the French Ambassadors. The Citizens of London presented them with five fat Oxen. ●x. sheep, twelve Swans, twelve Cranes twelve Fesantz, four dosyn of Partridges, twenty loaves of Sugar, comfits, and other spice, and Wax, and eight Hoggesheades of Wine with many other things, which I cannot rehearse. On Tuesday being the xxij day of September, the said Ambassadors were conveyed by water to Grenewiche, where before the king sitting under his cloth of estate the foresaid Mounsire Bayon precedent of Rouen made an eloquent proposition in the which he much thanked the king for sending so high an Ambassador as the Cardinal was, a man of such prudence and wit as it appeared by the knitting of the league, that like to him could none be found, for by his only mediation the two princes were accorded so surely as never were princes before that time, so that by this confederation the Pope and his Cardinals which were in captivity and thraldom should by the power of these two Princes be delivered, and all the emperors power should be clean banished and driven out of Italy, and the Pope should be restored to his old estate and dignity again. When this oration was done and an answer made to the same, the king welcomed all the gentlemen of France, and then they had Wine and spice brought to them, whereof they took part and drank, and so departed to their Barge. Daily these Ambassadors repaired to the Cardinal's place and there were highly entertained, and the morrow after saint Simons day and Jude, the Bishop of Bayon and a great number of the French gentlemen dined at the majors feast, & so they tarried in London till Alhalonday, on which day the king accompanied with the Ambassadors of France and all his nobility road to the Cathedral Church of saint Paul, where the Cardinal sang Mass, & after Mass done the people were desired to pray, that by their prayers Pope Clement might the sooner be delivered out of captivity: and when that was done the king of England before the altar swore to keep and perform the league. The common people said what need all this swearing, the French king was once sworn and all his nobility, yea and all his good towns, but yet they broke with us, and so will they again when they see an advantage. The next day the great master and all his company took their leave of the king (except the Bishop of Bayon which abode as Ambassador in England) and were highly rewarded, The Ambassadors departed. and so passed to Dover and took ship there and landed at Bulleyn. After that the Frenchmen were departed the commons spoke sore against the Cardinal and said that the Frenchmen did never good to England, and for the Cardinal's pleasure we should forsake our old friends and receive our old enemies. When the Cardinal heard of these sayings he was not content, wherefore he sent a commission to the Mayor of London to command all men not to talk of the kings affairs and business, or of the Queen, or of the king's counsel. And if any person spoke or talked of any of these matters, than he to be taken and brought to the Cardinal. When this commandment was once known, every man mistrusted other and no man durst break his mind to other. Now let us speak of the army that the Lord Lawtrick had into Italy at the charges of the king of England and the French king for the deliverance of Pope Clement. The Army that was in Italy at the charges of the king of England. The Lord Lawtrick after that his whole army was com● to him to Lions, and that all things necessary were in readiness than he set forward with great diligence: but or he had passed the Mountains, the Venicians army was come into Lombardy abiding the coming of the Frenchmen, and in the mean season, they marched toward the Emperor's army which lay at the City of milan. Whereof hearing Anthony de Leva with eight hundred Almains and Spaniards on foot, and as many Italians marched forward to meet with them, and by force caused them to take the town of Meligna for refuge, where he hearing that john de Medici's with a great number were coming toward the Venetians, he in the evening or his enemies were ware suddenly set on the said john de Medici's, which began to set his men in an order, but he was so enclosed that he could do nothing, but took his horse and fled, and left his company alone, which were slain almost all, and lost four great pieces of ordinance, which Anthony de Leva carried with him to Milan. In which season the Lord Lawtrick with his army was passed the mountains and was come to the City of Aster abiding the Swichers, where he heard tell how that Lewis Earl of Lodron with a great crew of Almains was come to the town of Boske nigh Alexandrie, with money and victual to aid the Almains that kept Alexandrie: wherefore he sent his horsemen to stop them that they should not pass to Alexandry, and after them he followed with his whole army, and besieged them in Boske, which a certain days defended, but at the last they yielded the town, and became Soldiers to the Lord Lawtricke. In this same season Andrew Dory admiral of the French navy, lay before the haven of Geane, and kept the Genoese from all Merchandise and victuals, which to the City might repair, and in especial he letted certain ships of corn which lay at Hont de Ferry, between Gone and Savona, to come to Gene. The Genoese which lacked corn, and were on the land side besieged by a Citizen of their own which was on the French part called Cesar Fulgosus, imagined how to bring the ships of corn into the City, and when they saw that Andrew Dorye had but xvij Galyes. They prepared six Galleys to fight with Andrew Dory, during which fight the ships with corn should enter the haven. When the Galleys were abroad, a sudden tempest rose with such a violence, that Andrew Dory was feign to take the Port of Savona for his succour, and so the ships of corn came safe into the haven of Gone, and all the Galleys in safety: this good was Fortune to Geane at this tyme. When the Citizens of Geane were thus victualed, they took to them good courage & in warlike manner issued out against Cesar Fulgosus which knew well that they had little more than three. C. spaniards that could skill of the war, and as for the remnant were neither of stomach, nor of experience in war, wherefore he boldly set on them, and while they were fight without, the Citizens within which be ever mutable, suddenly cried France, France, which clamour came to the ears of Adurnus which was imperial, wherefore he retired back into the City to appease the rumour, but their enemies followed them in such haste that both entered together, and so Geane was become French. Then thither came the Lord Lawtrick, and put there a captain with a retinue for the safe keeping of the City. Then Adurnus Duke of Geane which was in the Castle with divers of the emperors friends, and lacked victual, and saw no comfort of res●●e, yielded the Castle upon condition to departed with bag and baggage, and so they did. In the mean season certain Frenchmen which were left at Boske defaced the town, and then came before Alexandrie, and there kept a siege volant that no aid nor succour should come to the town, till the whole army were assembled to besiege the town. But for all that purpose, by the Downs of Alexandrie, Albericke Barbian with five hundred soldiers came into the town, which much comforted the garrison there, which was in manner dismayed because their aid at Boske had failed them. The Frenchmen besieged the town and bet it with ordinance, and they within manfully defended it, and made new countermures, so that their enemies could not enter without jeopardy. But at the last the Venicians brought thither great pieces of ordinance which so sore bet the walls, that Baptist Lodryn the captain saw that he was not able to defend it, and so he delivered the town upon this composition, that he and his should departed with bag and baggage, and he nor his to wear no harness against the French king, nor his confederates by the space of six Months. Then the Lord Lawtrick delivered the town to Frances Sforcia according to the league, which Frances put there a convenient garrison. Thence that army removed to Belgrasse which to them was yielded and also delivered to the Duke of Milan, and from thence he removed toward the City of Myllain, whereof hearing Anthony de Leva fortified the Castle of milan, and sent Lewis Barbian to defend the City of Pavia. When the Lord Lawtricke was within eight mile of Milan, he suddenly returned toward Pavy, which men judged to be done for the displeasure that was done there to the Frenchmen when their king was taken, and so the xix day of September they besieged Pauye, and daily between them were great skirmishes, but at the last they bet the walls so with great ordinance, that they made the town assaultable. Then the Frenchmen threw into the ditches faggots, and empty pipes, and shortly entered the town. The captain perceiving the town entered, The great Tower of Pavia taken by the french and spoiled. opened the gate and yielded himself prisoner. Then the French men slew and killed on every side, rob and spoiled houses, and Churches, and spared no person nor place, and of cruelty ransomed one man five or six times, and the Gascoynes which were most cruel, set fire on the fair houses, and had brent the whole City, if the Lord Lawtricke after seven days spoiling had not commanded them to cease. When Pavy was thus taken and spoiled, the Lord Lawtricke determined with the Cardinal Innocent Legate of Bonony, which was come for the deliverance of the Pope incontinent to pass to Rome, and to drive away all the emperors power from thence, and to restore the Pope to liberty. France's Sforcia Duke of Milan hearing of this determination, came to the Lord Lawtricke to Pavia and required him first to rid the Duchy of milan of the Emperor's soldiers rather than to go forward and leave his enemies behind him. The Lord Lawtricke answered that he was of the same opinion, but the commission that he had of the French king and the king of England, was, that with all speed he should go forward to deliver the Bishop of Rome, which done he faithfully promised that he would return and expulse all the Emperor's power out of Lombardy, and in the mean season he would that the Duke and the Venicians should besiege Anthony de Leva in the Castle of milan. Duke Frances seemed to be content with this answer, but yet he perceived that the French king cared not for his restoring lest he should be imperial. So for the time the Duke dissimuled the matter, and took possession of the City of Pavia. When the Lord Lawtricke had lain xuj days at Pavia, he dismissed the Swychers which in no wise would go with him to Rome, wherefore he marched forward with his own army and came to pleasance where he concluded a league with Alphons Duke of Ferrer, and Frederick Marquis of Mantua, so that then he knew well he might pass in safety: and in good order of battle he marched toward Rome for the finishing of his enterprise. But or he was passed out of Lombardie, The Emperor delivereth the Pope out of Prison. the Emperor had sent letters to the Bishop of Rome, and excused himself that he neither willed nor commanded such mischief to be done, and straightly commanded his Captains to deliver him. The prince of Orange and other Captains of the emperors hearing his commandment, took agreement with the Pope and his Cardinals, and so he and twelve Cardinals were bound to perform certain articles to the number of xj and then he was delivered out of the Castle Saint Angel the tenth day of December, Clement Pope delivered. and was conveyed to Ornyet, where after he had paid certain money for the soldiers wages, he was put at full liberty, and the emperors people departed from him, and thence he removed to Ancona. When tidings was brought into England of his deliverance, the Cardinal in great haste caused Te Deum to be song on New Year's day in the kings Chapel, and declared openly that he was escaped, and said not delivered, which made many men to muse: and on Sunday the fift day of january, the Cardinal with great triumph came to the Church of Saint Paul in London, and on him attended divers prelate's of the Clergy, and there Te Deum was song again, and after that Doctor Capon openly declared, how that Bishop Clement had been long kept in distress by fault of tyrants and Infidel's, and so kept as prisoner to the behoof of Charles the Emperor, till now of late through the prayers of good christian people, he was escaped the hands of his enemies, for which cause he willed all men to give thanks to God: That night were great fires made in the kings Court, and in all London. Shortly after this, truth was known, that the Pope was delivered by composition, and not freely escaped as the Cardinal had blown abroad, but men said that he could not leave his lying. While the Lord Lawtreck was thus passing toward Naples, The return and report of Sir France's Poynes. Sir Frances poins knight, which was sent with Clarenseaux king of arms into Spain to the Emperor, returned into England before Christmas, in the end of December, and left Clarenseaux behind, to bring farther answer from the Emperor of things demanded, whereof he said he would take longer advice or he would answer. This sir Frances reported that the Emperor so much favoured and esteemed the king of England, that at his only request and contemplation, he had released and discharged twelve articles, which were most grievous and disprofitable to the French king, not for the French kings sake, but at the intercession of the king of England: yet this notwithstanding the Cardinal so inveigled the king, that he so highly favoured the French king, that all his causes he took and reputed as his own, and did all that he might, to bring the french kings purposes about. The Emperor before this time had written to the French king, and also advertised thereof the French Ambassadors that lay in Spain, that he would that the French king should send to him a definitive answer, if he would withdraw his people out of Italy or not, and let the Duchy of Milan alone, and to cease of all invasions or not, and this answer to be taken for a defiance. Then the French Ambassadors before day showed to the Emperor, the proffer which the French king offered to him in articles, as you have heard before, in the conclusion taken at Amias by the French king and the Cardinal in August last passed. Which proffers when the Emperor had heard and seen, The emperors answer to the foresaid articles. he said to the Ambassador, we thought surely that our Cousin the French king and we, had been at a full conclusion, when the league and appointment was agreed at our town of Madrill: for when he sued for his deliverance to us, he and his counsel offered us certain proffers, which we never demanded, but we of pity having compassion of his affliction, accepted the said offers, and agreed to his deliverance, which articles he promised in the oath of a king, and also on the holy Evangelists, to perform to the uttermost, and them inviolately to observe and keep. Whereupon we clearly remitted, and delivered him into his country, of all which promises he hath performed none, wherefore we take him as perjured, and not worthy to be trusted, and now he offereth new offers, which he can not perform, as for the money we believe he is able to pay, but as for the money due for the kingdom of Naples, we know no such duty, for it is our inheritance, although king Charles the seventh, by subtlety once usurped the same, which he long not enjoyed: as to release his title to milan, that release is void, for the Duchy is imperial, and in our gift as many other signiories be: and as touching Tournay, ours it is of right and now in our possession: So that in all these things he would release and tender things that he had not: and as to the withdrawing of his army out of Italy, he shall not need, for we trust that our army shall expel them all Italy, maugre their hearts. And as touching the king of Naver, the Duke of Gelder, and Robert de la March, we of pity let them alone till we see our time, and then they shall know our puissance: And as touching his offer to aid us with a navy, we trust we have such a navy provided, that we shall need none of his: and where he saith he will marry our sister Queen Alienor, daughter of Portyngall, if he had been true, that he might have done or this, but now we intend not to give her to our enemy: and as touching her daughter to be married to the dolphin, that we leave in suspense for this time: But where he saith that he will defend us, that toucheth our honour, for well knoweth he that our own might and puissance, hath ever defended us, & him and his power hath defaced and vanquished, wherefore we need not of his defence, which is not able to defend himself: and as touching the king of England's debt, we shall reasonably answer his Ambassadors, for that toucheth not the French king: But now my lords Ambassadors said the Emperor, let the French king your Master fulfil the promise that he was sworn to, as a true Prince aught to do, and then he shall have his children delivered, or else according to his oath, let him yield himself prisoner again, and so shall his honour and truth be saved or else not, so with this answer the Ambassadors departed. Nevertheless they daily sued to the Emperor and his counsel to take the offers which were proffered by the french king, and amongs other things the war was sore laid to the French Ambassadors charge, for that that the French king made war on the emperors possessions, without cause and without defiance, to which accusement they answered that that army was procured by the Cardinal of England, when he was at Amyas, for the delivery of Clement Bishop of Rome, and that the king of England bore the most charge. When the Emperor heard this answer, The Cardinal procured war against the Emperor for the delivery of the Bishop of Rome. he sent for the Ambassador of England, and to him said: My Lord Ambassador, I much marvel why the king your master hath so great love to the French king, his new reconciled friend, and withdrawn his love from me, that am his Cousin and alley: How fortuneth this that your old ancient enemies be now in favour and your old friends cast out of favour. I see well there is indignation had at our estate, and ways sought to grieve us, which we hope to withstand: The saying of the Emperor unto the king of England's Ambassadors. But who would have thought that our Uncle of England, would have made war on us? How would he have us grant his requests and desires for the French king, seeing he showeth himself our open enemy? Then the Ambassador discreetly answered, that he neither heard nor knew of such doings, on his faith and honour. Well said the Emperor, if it be true that is reported, mine Uncle is not the Prince that I have taken him for, and if he be mine enemy, I must withstand him, and in a great fury, the Emperor withdrew him from the Ambassador to his privy chamber. Daily the Ambassadors both of England and of France, solicited the Emperor and his counsel, to accept the French kings offers, which made ever answer, that they would not trust to the new promise, seeing that the old promise which was sworn, was not observed and kept. Now whosoever indifferently shall consider the articles which were offered in the treaty of Madrill, and the articles offered now at Amias, shall openly perceive, that the greatest thing which the French king refused to do, was the delivery of the Duchy of Burgoyne and the County Charoloys, for declaration whereof, the french king sent for all the nobles of both the countries, and declared to them this promise and concord taken with the Emperor, which answered that no realm or dominion could be transferred to any foreign prince or person without the sentence, agreement, and submission of the nobles, and commons of the same country, and therefore they would never assent to that alteration: This answer was delivered to Lord Charles de la Noa Viceroy of Naples, than Ambassador for the Emperor in France, which thereof certified the emperors counsel. But the Emperor and his counsel thought this to be but a deceit, in so much as the French king had only called such of Burgoyne as him pleased, and not the substantial of the country. And farther the Emperor so much desired the Duchy of Burgoyne, because he was the very heir there of blood descended from Duke Philip, son to king john of France, that by no means he would have that article broken, but that he would have that Duchy. The french king perceived his mind and offered to him great sums of money for the redeeming of that article, the king of England also offered to be surety for the payment: but all this could not move the Emperor but he would have Burgoyne, and all the said treaty and agreement performed. The king of England considering how much he had done for the Emperor, and calling to his remembrance, both that the Lords and commons of Spain, would not have taken him as king (his mother living (although she were Lunatic) because she was heir, without his great labour and intercession, & also that he holp him to be elected Emperor, which the French king had obtained, if he had not put thereunto his aid, and sent Doctor Richard Place his Secretary to the Electors of Franckeforde, Richard Place Secretary. and most of all that he at all times, had succoured the said Emperor with money and was not paid, wherefore he was not a little displeased with the Emperor's wilfulness, but more with his unkindness, and perceived clearly, that sith by his means he was so exalted, that now he had forgotten all the kindness to him showed, wherefore he thought to make him to know himself by wars, the sooner to bring him to accomplish his request, and to make him to remember his old kindness, and so by the advice of the Cardinal of York (which loved not the Emperor, Di●laune●s made to the Emperor. for the Bishop of Rome's case) and other of his counsel, he sent word to Clarenseaux king at arms, to make defiance to the Emperor, and so guian Herald for the French king and the said Clarenseaux for the king of England, the xiiij day of january, in the City of Burgues in Castille, came before the Emperor being nobly accompanied with Dukes, Marquesses, Earls, and Barons, in his great hall, and there made their defiaunces. When the defiances were made by both the kings of Arms, as you have heard, all the nobles which were present, as the Constable of Castille, the Duke of Massedonia the Duke of Inuancaso, the Duke of Alberkirke, the Duke of Civil, the Duke of Nassaw, or Nazareth, the Duke of Aluoy, the Marquis of Sturgus the Marquis of Agular, the Marquis of Villafranca, the earl Barcelon, the Earl of Salamatero, the earl Bonivent, the Earl Arowen, the Earl Agulard, the Earl Salienas, the Earl Genever, with six great Lords Commendatories Crossed, & many other noble men & Gentlemen, for a truth to the number of seven hundred at the lest: all these drew out their swords and swore that the defiaunces, then made should be revenged, and said to the Emperor: Sir if the despite of this defiance be unrevenged. the infamy and rebuke thereof shall remain to us and our heirs for ever, wherefore our lands, lives and lordships, shall be at your commandment, and while any line of your succession remain, this ignominy shall be ever new and not die, till you have obtained the double honour, against all your enemies. When the Emperor was thus defied, the war was proclaimed in Civil, in Valedolite, in Burgus, and other places through all Spain: But when the common people heard of this defiance, they wrong themselves by the beards and swore, that all their lands and goods, should be spent for the honour of the Emperor, and to be revenged on the French king, whom they called the perjured Prince, and so the common people cried in the streets, now is come the time, that Spain shall be renowned, and revenged on the Frenchmen for their falseness, and wrong doings. But alas said they, why should we make war with the English nation, which ever loved us and never offended us: but this defiance proceedeth not of them, The Cardinal is accused to be the only author of this war. but only of the French king, and of the cardinal of England, which is sworn French: thus the Spaniards talked, and ever excused the king of England and accused the Cardinal, and said that he had a great pension out of Spain and that notwithstanding, because he might not have the Bishopric of Toledo, he caused all this war. This proclamation of war was proclaimed with banners displayed, in the which were painted a read sword, & a Cresset burning, against the French king and his partakers, not meaning the king of England, by express name, but it was rehearsed in the proclamation, that the king of England had menaced, and defied the Emperor, The English merchants arrested in Spain. in the French kings quarrel. Then were the English Merchants in Spain attached and their goods put in safe custody, and to them was said that they were stayed only, till the Emperor was advertised how his subjects were ordered in England. Tidings of this was first known in France, and from thence letters were sent to the French Ambassadors in London, how both the Ambassadors of France and of England, being in Spain, and Guienne and Clarenseaux officer at Arms, were retained by the Emperor as prisoners, which report was false, for they were at liberty, and well cherished, and in especial the English Ambassadors and Clarenseaux, were friendly entertained in all places. When the Cardinal heard this report he was too light of credence (which he repented afterward) and was sore therewith moved, and in his fury the twelve day of February, he caused Don Hugo de Mendosa, the Emperor's Ambassador, to be taken out of his house, in Saint Swithines lane in London, and to be brought to sir john Dances place in Mark lane, as a prisoner, and his house with his goods were kept by the cardinals servants, till the kings pleasure were farther known. The morrow after being the xiij day of February, The Cardinals saying in the Star Chamber. the Cardinal being in the Star chamber, called before him all justices of the peace, and other honest personages to a great number, and to them said: My Lords and all you the kings loving subjects, his grace's pleasure is that I should declare to you, how that his highness, not of his own seeking, but rather against his will and intent, is entered into war. For the elect Emperor Charles the fift, hath him so handled & moved, that he must of necessity with him make war. First it is not unknown to you all, how good the King hath been to him, sith his infancy, how he hath defended his low countries during his nonage? Yea, what pain the king took by his Ambassadors, to solicit the Lords of Spain, which refused to take him as their king, while his mother lived, and by the kings only labour, he came to the kingdom of Spain, what it cost the king to help him to be Emperor, we that be his counsellors can tell, for if the king had not been, surely the French king had been Emperor. Beside all these kindnesses, he hath lent to the said Emperor, divers great sums of money, to defend his countries, and what profit his countries have by the resort of Englishmen thither, you that be Merchants can tell, for these things with many more profits, commodities, & gratuities, the king of him is so little regarded, that I am half ashamed to report it. True it is that Fraunces the French king, was to him prisoner (which chance hath happened to many high Princes) the king our master, highly regarding the peace of christian Princes, by which peace God might the more be glorified: desired the Emperor to take some reasonable end for his deliverance, and for that purpose hath sent to him sundry Ambassadors, which gave them ears, but dallied with them, and nothing would do at all, and regarded no more his requests, than I would the desire of my servant (and peradventure not so much) so that for all gratuities and friendships to him, by the king our sovereign Lord, at all times showed, he showeth himself ingrate and ungentle, and for kindness rendereth unkindness, as for the french king I assure you, he hath humbled himself as much as a prince may, his honour saved. He hath offered him so great offers, that except he should give him his realm and crown, he can offer no more larger, which offers I assure you, sore minish the beauty of his crown, which I shall briefly declare unto you. For he offereth to pay five hundred thousand pounds sterling, whereof three hundred thousand, to be paid in hand, for the remnant sufficient Bankers to be bound, and farther to discharge the Emperor, of all such sums of money, as he oweth to the king of England, and to deliver him a sufficient acquittance for the same. Also where the French king should have out of the kingdom of Naples an hundred thousand Crowns yearly, the French king will release the same pension, with all the arrearages which are no small some. Also he will release his whole title and right which he hath to the Duchy of milan, his very inheritance, and never he to challenge or claim the same nor his posterity. Also where the County of Flaunders may lawfully appeal to the parliaments of France, from judgements given by the Emperor or his justices, he is content to release the same superiority and resort, which is a great minishment to the prerogative royal or the realm of France, for which of you (said the Cardinal) would consent that the king should release his sygnioritie or superiority of Wales, Ireland or Cornwall, Idare say you would rather spend your lives and goods. Farther, where the French king bought of the king the City of Tournay, for six hundred thousand Crowns, and odd, yet he is content to yield and release the same City to the Emperor for ever, yea, and beside this, he offereth to take to wife, Elinor Queen Dowager of Portugal, without any dower, yea, in her Kirtle, and to endue her with ten thousand Marks sterling by the year, and farther that the child if it be a Male, which shall be gotten of them two, shall be Duke of Burgoyn, and be partaker of all the honours of France, which is a great thing: Also that the dolphin his son and heir, shall marry the daughter of the said Lady Elinor, without any treasure to be received for the same, which proffer is worth two hundred thousand Marks sterling. Furthermore, he will lend the Emperor Ships and Mariners, to convey him to Rome, and also defend him against all men, yea, what will he do more, although the king of Navarre have married his own sister, whose Kingdom the Emperor keepeth by force, yet he offereth neither to aid nor comfort him against the Emperor, but in his quarrel to be against him: Also he offereth to forsake his old and approved friends, Sir Robert de la March, and the Duke of Gelder's, which faithfully hath served the realm of France, and all for the Emperor's sake. But the Emperor said he, is so indurate, so unkind, and wilful, that he neither regards these reasonable requests, nor yet the kings prayers nor requests, but answered and said: that if the French king can do all this, he shall have his children. So that the Emperor will trust no man, but every man must trust him: Yet the French king offereth farther, to withdraw the puissant army of the Lord Lawtrick in Italy, and yet the same passeth prosperously forward, and is like to do the Emperor more disadvantage, than I will now rehearse: but the Emperor is so proud, and his people so cruel, that he nothing regardeth these offers: for what a cruelty was this, to pull down God's Vicar of Rome, and persecute the holy fathers by extreme tyranny, violated the holy Sacrament, and threw the hosts down on the Aultare, and like robbers took the Pixe: and farther in the Church, they violated Virgins, and stupred Matrons, and despoiled the holy Relics of the City of Rome. And like as the king in hunting time hath slain three hundred Dear, and the garbage and paunches be cast round about, in every quarter of the Park, so (said the Cardinal) every street lay full of the privy members and genitures of the Cardinals and holy Prelates: the whole history were to abominable to tell. Yet notwithstanding all these offers motioned, and nothing regarding this detestable tyranny, the which every good Christian man abhorreth, he will incline to no reason, I am sure that I could show you twenty articles of promise, which he hath broken with the king: so that I assure you he keepeth no promise with our sovereign Lord, also contra ius Gencium, which I am sure the great Turk would not do, he keepeth prisoner the kings Ambassador Doctor Lee, the French Ambassador, & the Ambassador of Venice: and forasmuch as the Emperor refuseth these offers, which amount to eight Kings ransoms, I trust by this war, we shall bridle him, and bring him to peace, and this occasion of war, I would all you should declare in your Country. When the Cardinal had said, some knocked other on the elbow, The murmur of the people. and said softly he lieth, other said, that evil will said never well, other said that the French Crowns made him speak evil of the Emperor, but they that knew all that you have heard before said, that it was shame for him to lie in such an audience. The common people much lamented, that war should arise between the king & the Emperor, and especial their consideration was, because the Emperor's dominions, had helped them with corn, & relieved them with grain, when they could have no corn, or little out of France. And in this rumour were divers ships come out of Flaunders, and that parties, laden with Hearing, Sturgeon, & all other victual necessary: beside eight fair ships, which were laden with corn, all the said ships, & all the ships of Spain, Ships arrested. were stayed and arrested, and their sails taken from them, and put in safe custody. This doing was much talked of by Merchants, which frequented the emperors Dominions, for they knew and openly said, that the let of the intercourse of Merchants, should turn to the great loss of the Princes, but yet the English men were content to obey their King and his Counsel. The declaration of war in England against the Emperor, and the restraint of ships of the emperors subjects, were shortly known to the Lady Margaret Duchess of Savoy, and aunt to the Emperor, which was governor of Flaunders, Brabant, and Zealand, and of all the low Countries: wherefore she by the advice of the emperors Counsel to her associate, caused all the English men, and their goods and ships to be restrained, and they and their goods were put in safe keeping. Thus the poor Merchants suffered great loss, for the doings of their Princes, as Horace saith: Quicquid delirant Reges, plectuntur achivi. whatsoever kings do, the Commons be punished. Now after this sudden storm, which the Cardinal had moved openly against the Emperor for evil entreating of the kings Ambassador, he had perfect knowledge that the Emperor, both did the king's Ambassador great honour, and also that he never restrained him from his liberty, whereupon he caused the Emperor's Ambassador, which before was restrained of his liberty, to be sent to his own lodging again, and said that by the report made by the French Ambassadors, he him restrained, and now sith he knew the truth, he motioned the king for his deliverance. The emperors Ambassador, called Don Hugo de Mendosa, dissimuled the matter by apparent signs: and the Cardinal the more to avoid suspicion on his behalf, toward all the world, said: the king was informed by the French Ambassadors, that the Ambassadors of both Princes were put in prison, and further he said, that Clarenseaux had made the defiance to the Emperor without the king's commandment, but only did it by the motion of the French Ambassadors, to accompany the French Herald, and for this presumptuous act, he should suffer death at Calais at his return: all these excuses the Cardinal showed to the Emperor's Ambassador, which certified the Emperor of every point, and sent the letter by post into Spain, which letters were opened & copied, by the captain of Bayon, as the post passed that way. And when Clarenseaux returned homeward out of Spain, the captain gently showed to him the copy of the letters, that the Emperor's Ambassador had written. Clarenseaux made a feared Think you not but Clarenseaux was dismayed, to here his days so short: yet he trusting in his truth, and grace of his Prince, passed forward and came to Bullein, where he heard word again of the danger that he was in, wherefore like a wise man he left Calais, and took a ship at Bulleyn, and landed at Rye, and came secretly to Hampton Court, where the king lay, and by friendship of sir Nicholas Carew, one of the kings privy Chamber, he was brought to the kings presence, or the Cardinal witted of his return, and to him showed the three letters, which the Cardinal had sent to him, charging him to make the defiance, or he did intimate the war. He declared further, that neither the Ambassadors of the king, nor the French king, nor he were never sequestered from liberty, but gently entertained, and to the king he showed a chain to the value of seven hundred Ducats, which the Emperor had given him, and showed also the Copy of the Emperor's Ambassadors letters, which he had at Bayon. The wise saying of the king. When the king had heard all the circumstance of his declaration, he mused a great while, and said, O Lord jesus, he that I trusted most, told me all these things contrary, well Clarenseaux, I will be no more of so light credence hereafter, for now I see perfectly, that I am made to believe the thing that was never done. Then the king sent for the Cardinal and privily talked with him, The king now beginneth to smell the falsehood of the Cardinal but whatsoever he said to him the Cardinal was not very merry, and ever after that time, the king mistrusted him. When the king and his counsel had well digested the emperors answer, and his gentle demeanour toward the king's Ambassadors, and also had pondered that the low Countries of the Emperor, were glad to please the king of England and his subjects: wherefore the king commanded sir john Style knight, to discharge all the Dutchmen and their ships, and to deliver their sails, and gave them license to return: Nay said the Dutchmen, the Spaniards and we be the emperors subjects, why should not they be also discharged? Sir john Style answered them, that his commission was only to discharge them. The Dutchmen fearing that the frenchmen would take the seas before them and so to stop them departed hastily, cursing the cardinal as author of this war. When the Lady Margaret hard tell, how the dutch nation with their Ships and goods were released, and not the Spaniards, she sent for the English merchants, and to them said: Sirs, sith the king your master hath delivered only the Dutchmen, and not the Spaniards, we release your bodies free to go at your liberty, but your goods shall remain till we know what shall become of the spaniards, and when they be delivered come for your goods, and you shall have them delivered, thus the English men departed, and came to the king, and declared to him and his counsel how they were entreated. This war with the Emperor was displeasant, both to Merchants and clothiers, for the Merchants durst not adventure into Spain, Complaint of the Clothiers. sith April last passed, and now was come the xj day of March, wherefore all broad clotheses, Kerseiss, and Cottons, lay on their hands. In so much as when the clothiers of Essex, Kent, Wiltshire, Suffolk, and other shires which use cloth making, brought clotheses into Blackwell hall of London, to be sold as they were wont to do: few Merchants or none bought any cloth at all. When the Clothiers lacked sale, than they put from them their spinners, carders, tuckers, and such other that live by clothworking, which caused the people greatly to murmur, and especially in Suffolk, for if the Duke of Norfolk had not wisely appeased them, no doubt but they had fallen to some riotous act. When the king's counsel was advertised of this inconvenience, the Cardinal sent for a great number of the Merchants of London, and to them said: Sirs the king is informed, that you use not yourselves like Merchants, but like Graziers and artificers, for where the clothiers do daily bring clotheses, to your market for your ease, to their great cost, and there be ready to cell them, you of your wilfulness will not buy them as you have been accustomed to do: what manner of men be you said the Cardinal? I tell you that the king straighly commandeth you to buy their clotheses, as before time you have been accustomed to do, upon pain of his high displeasure. The Merchants answered, my Lord you know well that we have had no trade outward this twelve Months past, and we have so many clotheses in our hands, that we know not how to utter them, therefore it were great loss to us to buy any more: wherefore we trust you will not move us to buy the thing which we can not utter, for in all places our vent is stopped and forbidden. Well said the Cardinal, if you will not buy the clotheses at Blackwell hall, they shall be brought to the white hall at Westminster, and so you of London shall loose the liberty, and the king shall buy them all, and cell them to Merchant strangers. Then answered a wise Merchant, my Lord, the king may buy them as well at Blackwell hall, if it please him, and the strangers will gladlier receive them there, then at Westminster: You shall not order that matter said the Cardinal, and first I will send into London, to know what clotheses you have in your hands, and that done the king and his counsel shall appoint who shall buy the clotheses I warrant you, with this answer the Londoners departed. When the clothiers hard that the Cardinal took their part, they waxed proud, and spoke evil of the Merchants, and when the Merchants came to buy clotheses, the Clothiers set them hire, than they were accustomed to be sold: but at length they were feign both to abate the price, and also to seek of the Merchant men, for all the Cardinals saying. If this war was displeasant to many in England (as you have heard) surely it was as much or more displeasant, to the towns and people of Flaunders, Brabant, Holland, and Zealand, and in especial to the towns of Andwarpe and Barrow, where the Martes were kept, and where the resort of English men was, for they said that their Martes were undone, if the Englishmen came not there, and if there were no Mart, their Ships, Hoys, and Wagons might rest, and all artificers, Hosts, and Brokers might sleep, and so the people should fall into misery and poverty: of these things daily complaints were made to the Lady Margaret, and the emperors counsel, which wisely pondered the complaints, and after long consultation had, they appointed certain Ambassadors to go to the king of England, and entreat for a truce, or abstinence of war, which Ambassadors came into England, and associated themselves with Don Hugo de Mendosa, Ambassador there for the Emperor: the one Ambassador was Provost of cassel, and the other master john Lay sovereign of Flaunders: these three Ambassadors came to the king the xxix day of March to Richemond, and after reverence done, the Lord Hugo de Mendosa said to the king, The saying of Hugo de Mendosa. sir the Emperor's Majesty so much knowledgeth himself bound to your grace, for manifold kind acts and benevolences done and showed to him sith his tender age, that he in no wise will take the defiance, done by your Herald as a paremptory intimation of war, till he had heard farther of your pleasure, and therefore his counsel hath sent hither these two noble persons and me, to know your determinate answer, and final resolution in that behalf. The king after a good advisement had, answered and said: The kings answer. Of war I am nothing joyful, and of war I am less fearful, I thank God I have no cause to care for war, for I have both men and money, and all thing ready prepared for the same, (which things I know that other princes lack, for all their high words) and therefore to that question of war I could soon agreed, but or I make you a determinate answer, some part of my mind I will declare to you, and I tell you although your master be a great Emperor and a mighty prince, I cannot nor may not suffer him to bear down and destroy the realm of France, which is our true inheritance, and for the which our brother and alley the French king, payeth us yearly a great pension and tribute, wherefore we of justice and equity, must maintain that land, out of which we have so fair a rent, and such a profit. Then said the Provost of cassel, yea sir and it please you to call to your remembrance, the old and ancient love and familiarity which hath been between your realm, and the houses of Burgoyne and Flaunders, and the low countries, I assure you the people of all those Countries will live and die with you, above all men next their sovereign Lord, wherefore most noble prince never consent, that old love that hath so long continued, be now broken and separated: we say this for no fear, for we be well furnished for war, both of men and strong Castles, all which before this time hath been at your commandment, and therefore the love that we have ever borne you, we continued and offer you now to continued: and where we offer you choice of war or peace, at your pleasure, surely the Emperor meaneth that for your honour, as though you should command which you would: and if you chose war, we have commission to entreat for peace, and you chose peace, we have like commission to thank you, and to offer us and ours at your commandment. Then said the Lord Hugo de Mendosa to the king, sir of very right the Emperor and his countries aught to have your love and favour, before the French king and his Nation: for the Frenchmen in the time of their affliction, made humble suits and requests to your grace, which they never would do in the time of their prosperity, but the Emperor hath ever continued one man at all times, wherefore he is better to be trusted, than they which never were long true to you. Well said the king, sith I have well perceived the intent of your coming, I will be advised, and then I will make you an advised answer, and in the mean season I am content that there be an abstinence of war for a time, so the Ambassadors departed for a season, and the Provost of Cassels, daparted to the Lady Margaret with this answer. After this the king which was wise, well learned, and a far casting Prince, consulted with his Counsel of this matter, and there after long debating it was considered, that the king was rich, strong, and puissant enough to make war with any Prince Christian, and that no Prince could hurt him by war or invasion, therefore some thought it best to have war, but the king and the wiser sort considered that if he had war with the Emperor, that his merchants should lose much, and if they lost, the Clothiers and the Clothworkers, of which were a great multitude should lose and be brought to extreme poverty. For it was considered that the Emperor was Lord of all Spain, Naples, Sardinia, and so southward to Epuskaia, and likewise northeastwarde from Gravelyn, to Rye and Revel, so that English merchants passing on those costs were ever in danger. Also no Alame could come into England, but through his dominions, by reason whereof cloth making should decay. Wherefore the king considered, if the merchants lost, the poorer sort should lose, and at length he should lose in his customs. Wherefore leaving the glory of war, he took mercy on his subjects and concluded to take a peace for a time, till farther communication might be had between his counsel and the Emperors. And upon this point letters were sent into Spain, France, and Flaunders, and so this matter continued undetermined till answers were brought from outward parts. In this season the bishop of Bayon which afterward was Bishop and Cardinal of Paris being Ambassador from the French king, and sojourning in London, The suit of the French Ambassadors heard tell how the emperors Ambassadors made much suit to the king and his Counsel, wherefore he came to the Court, and desired to speak with the king, and so was brought to the kings presence, to whom he said: pleaseth your highness to consider the great and high peace that is concluded between you and your loving brother, and perpetual ally the French king my master, which is ratified and confirmed by the three estates of the realm of France, by the which you have yearly twenty thousand pound sterling, which realm you have promised to defend against all persons. Now in showing your love that ye bear to the French king and his subjects, if you would make sharp war on the Emperor's subjects, I assure you the whole realm of France would take it so thankfully, that it should never be forgotten. The king's answer. Well said the king, as touching the league and amity between my brother of France and me, it shall be inviolately kept for me, but sir to enter into war it needeth no counsel, but how to end war with honour and profit, men must needs study. As touching the defence of the realm of France, I assure you it shall be defended to my power, though it be to my loss, and my study is no less to have a peace which might be more honourable to your master then to mine own self. With which saying the Ambassador held him well contented. So that you may perceive that the great pension and profit that the king of England had out of France with the great league and amity concluded and sworn, was the very cause why the king of England so much held with the French king and not for mere love. For this matter was daily great counsels, and one day the Emperor's Ambassador was present, another day the French kings Ambassador was present, but the Cardinal was ever on the French part. So thus continued this daily counsels with great study. In the same season, a French Crayer of xxx Ton, manned with xxxviij. Frenchmen, lay at Margate to wait for a pray of some Fleming that should come out of the river of Thames, and by chance a Crayer of Armew which was appointed to waft the fisher boats between graveling, & ostend, was come by North of Goodwin sands, to Northsand head, and so came to Gravesend and took in bread. This Crayer was of xxviij ton and had in her xxiiij flemings: When she was victualed she made to the sea ward, and suddenly she espied the Frenchmen which hoved under a sail. The flemings mistrusted, and incontinent put themselves in a readiness, and came so nigh ●hat he hailed the Frenchman than the Frechman shot a piece of ordinance, and with that laid the Fleming aboard, there was sore fighting, for the Frenchmen had Crossbows, and the flemings had Handgunnes. The Frenchman fell of and would have been gone, that seeing the Fleming whistled, and after the Frenchman made sail. Now the wind was so straynable East, that the Frenchman could sail no whether, but into the Thames, and so he did and the Fleming followed, and before Gravesend the Fleming boarded the Frenchman, and there they fought again, but away again went the Frenchman, and the Fleming after with all his sails and so farly sailed the Frenchman, that he ran along the Tower wharf as though he would have riven his ship, the Fleming set on and entered the ship for any thing the Frenchman could do, and cried I have taken the thief. Sir Edmond Walsingham lieutenant of the Tower was on the Wharfe, and saw them fight, called his men and entered the ships, A ship chased to the tower wharf. and took both the Captains and their men. The Fleming boldly challenged his prize, for he said that open war was between France and Flaunders, and said farther, that the Frenchman was a Pirate: The king's counsel took up the matter and made an end between them. This chance was much talked of that two ships should sail in chase from Margate to the Tower Wharfe, because that before time such a like thing had never been heard. Now let us return to the Lord Lawtricke, which had gotten many towns in Italy, and had with his great army besieged the City of Naples and so it happened that the Prince of Orange and other Captains the xix day of April set on a great part of the French army, and notwithstanding their hardiness, the Emperor's army obtained the victory, so that from that time forth the french men lost, what by pestilence which then was great in Italy, and what by sudden skirmishes. The king kept the day of saint George with the companions of the order of the Garter with great solemnity at his Manor of Richemond, where to him came tidings of the army of the Lord Lawtricke in Italy, which letters showed that the Lord Lawtricke had sent the Lord Peter de Navarro the third day of March last passed to a great town called Melffe with ten thousand Frenchmen, and within the town were eight hundredth spaniards good men of war: The Lord Peter de Navarro besieged the town, and after gave to the same a great assault, but the spaniards so defended them with ordinance and resistences, that they slew five or six thousand Frenchmen, and caused them to retreat. The Lord Lawtricke hearing this, came in person with a great number to the town of Melffe, and marvelously bet the town with ordinance and then gave to it a great and fierce assault, and therewith so sore that the Spaniards were put back, yet they defended them, so that it was marvel to behold, for they slew and destroyed four. M. Frenchmen. The French army entered the town on all sides, and yet the Spaniards kept the market with their ordinance as long as they might, but at the last being oppressed with multitude, they all were slain without mercy, so cruel were the Frenchmen: Melff taken by the frenchmen. In this town was taken the Prince of Melffe, a noble man pertaining to the Emperor. Thus was the town of Melffe taken and spoiled, not greatly to the French men's profit, for they lost almost ten thousand men which sore diminished their power. Although that this season was an abstinence of war taken between the king of England and the Lady Margaret, so that the dutch Nation might safely come and go into England, and the Englishmen might safely repair thither, yet between the French men and the flemings was hot war on the Frontiers, and many a prisoner taken, and many men slain, and likewise the one part took the other on the seas, and sometime the Frenchmen would spoil English ships, saying that they had Flemings goods or Spaniards goods, and likewise the Flemings would enter the English ships, and say they had Frenchmens' goods, so the English men lost, till the king sent ships to keep the sea: But for a truth the spaniards were strong on the sea, and to the French men did much harm. The King perceiving that there was nothing concluded between the Emperor and him, thought not to be behind hand, wherefore he ordained that the Lord Sands should pass to Guisnes with a thousand soldiers that was five hundred archers, and five hundred horsemen, and that the Duke of Suffolk should pass over after with a great army to invade Flaunders. These Lords made much preparation, and mustered their men at the Mantles beside saint john's and was ready to departed, but the emperors Ambassador and the Ambassador of Flaunders, so much did with the king and his counsel (and the French king also assented) that truce was taken between England, Flaunders, and the countries of Pycardy on this side the water of Some for eight Months, the peace to begin the first day of May, and to endure to the last day of February. This peace was proclaimed in London, the xix day of june, so that now all English men might lawfully pass into the low Countries but not into Spain: which sore grieved Merchants that haunted that parties. In the same proclamation was farther contained, that if a final peace were not fully agreed between the said three princes within the said eight Months, that then all Merchants should have two Months after to pass into their own countries with their wares and merchandises in safety. The Emperor son inclined to this peace, for he saw that by the Mart many of his friends in high Dutchland and other places took great profit, and especially his own low Countries, wherefore he thought not to hurt his friends, for the displeasure he bore to his enemies of France, and also to show himself loving to the king of England he was content to take this peace. In this season the Duke Charles of Gelder's perceiving the Emperor was at war with France, raised a great power of horsemen and came to a great town of Holland called the Hage, where the law and justice is kept for that country, by reason whereof the town was very rich, and suddenly he entered the town without resistance, and spoiled and rob the town, and slew divers persons and with much riches jaded their Wagons and so departed and carried with him divers rich prisoners. The Lady Margaret governess of the low countries hearing of this raised a great power under the conduit of the Lord Isylsteinge, which Lord with a great puissance entered Gelderland and took the town of Hatton, the Castle of Howting and forayed and destroyed the country lastly on Whitsonday, being the last day of may, the Gelder's gave battle to the Lord Isylsteinge and fought valiantly as any men could do, but yet by fortune of war they were overcome and fled, and were chased a great way and many slain. This chance was while the treaty of peace was in England. In the very end of May began in the City of London the sickness called the sweeting sickness, & afterward went through all the realm almost, The ●●eating sickness of the which many died within five or six hours. By reason of this sickness the term was adjourned and the circuits of Assize also. The king was sore troubled with this plague, for divers died in the court, of whom one was Sir France's Poynes, which was Ambassador in Spain, and other, so that the king for a space removed almost every day, till at the last he came to Tytynhangar a place of the Abbot of saint Alban's, and there he with a few determined to bide the chance that God would sand him, which place was so purged daily with fires, and other preservatives, that neither he nor the Queen nor none of their company was infected of that disease, such was the pleasure of God. Sir William Compton In this great plague died sir William Compton knight, and William Cary Esquire, which were of the kings privy chamber, and whom the king highly favoured and many other worshipful men and women in England. By reason of this plague the watches which were wont to be kept yearly in London on saint Ihons' eve at Midsummer & saint Peter's eve, Midsummer watch in London was laid down this year. whereby the king & his counsel commanded to be left for that year, wherefore the Armourers made great suit to the king and declared their great hindrance which was not so much considered as the mischief that might have ensued if that so great a number should have assembled together in the hot time, & the plague of sweeting reigning. Now let us leave England all this summer season troubled & vexed with this sweeting sickness, & let us return to the affairs of Italy. In this season was through all Italy a universal war, famine and pestilence, or a morreyn whereof the people died in every place, and in especially in the Duke's army which caused the most part of the Almains to return into their country, wherefore the Duke wisely considered the chance and saw that his army was greatly minished by death, and saw farther that for lack of victual and money he was not able to convey the remnant of his army to Naples, by the advise of Anthony de Leva concluded to return, and so shortly after in good order returned, and lost more by the pestilence then by his enemies. The French king was advertised by the Lord Lawtrick how his people decayed sore before Naples, and how the Duke of Brunswike was coming to raise the siege and rescue the City, wherefore the French king sent Lord France's Earl saint Paul brother to the Duke of Vandosme with eight thousand men to follow the Duke of Brunswyke to Naples, and if he went not to Naples, than he should join himself with France's Sforcia Duke of milan and the Venetians, and so expel Anthony de Leva and all the emperors soldiers out of Lombardy. The Spaniards within Naples were advertised that new succours were coming to the Frenchmen, wherefore they determined to fight with them or their new aid came, and so one day they issued out of the City and fought with the Frenchmen and slew many of them, but by force they were compelled to return. The Lord Lawtricke knew well that the City could not hold long for lack of victual (for a surety if victual had not come by Sea, the town had been yielded) wherefore the Lord Lawtrike suffered his army to lie still in the plain field all the heat of the Summer and brought them not to the shadow, by reason whereof there fell such a disease amongst his army, that they died daily in great number and he himself fell sick & left the army and lay at Verse, The death at Naples. of the which mortality there died in the French camp above xxiiij M. men, beside the most part of all their horses & beasts of which number as divers writers do agreed there died above five thousand Gentlemen, amongst whom there died the Lord Vademount brother to Anthony Duke of Lorraine, the Lord of Grauntmount, the Capitayne Malyac, the Lord Lavall of the Dolphenye, the captain Luper, the Lord Charles Vyvone, Lord of Chateygneray son to the Lord Andrew of Vyvone Seneschal of Poytew, & many other noble men of name. During which plague the town of Cap (which most of all the towns in the realm of Naples held on the French part) became imperial and turned to the Emperor's part: Whereof hearing the Lord Lawtrick, made therefore great sorrow, and being somewhat amended of his disease, took his horse and came to visit the Camp, and when he saw his number so minished and his Camp so desolate of people that he perceived that his enterprise could not be performed, he fell into such a melancholy that his sickness took him more fervently than before, so that within two days after, which was the one and twenty day of August he died at _____ and his body was sere and conveyed after into France. The Marquis of Saluce which was lieutenant under the Lord Lawtricke called to counsel the Earl Guy of Rancon and Peter de Naver and other Captains that were left, The return of the king of England and the French kings camp out of Italy. & after long consultation they considered their number to be to small either to keep the siege or to abide battle, for they passed not five thousand in all. Wherefore they concluded to leave the siege and to return, and so the five and twenty day of August they broke up their Camp and returned toward France, in which return the Spaniards ever coasted them, and when they took any Frenchmen at advantage, they either slew or took them. Thus was the end of this journey by reason of the great mortality, which if it had not happened, the City and the whole realm of Naples had been recovered: For the city of Naples could not have holden ten days, after the army removed as they confessed after. Now was th' king fully informed that he li●ed in adultery. Now let us return to the king of England which was in a great scruple of his conscience and not quiet in his mind, because that divers Divines well learned secretly informed him that he lived in adultery with his brother's wife to the great peril of his soul, and told him farther that the Court of Rome could not dispense with God's commandment and precept. These things were talked among the common people sith the first day of his marriage as you have heard before, insomuch that now the kings counsellors advised him to know the truth. Wherefore he like a wise Prince for quieting of his conscience called together the best learned of the realm which were of several opinions, wherefore he thought to know the truth by indifferent judges lest peradventure the Spaniards in favour of the Queen would say that his own Subjects were not indifferent judges: wherefore he wrote his cause to Rome because the best clerks in Christendom were there, and also he sent to all the universities of Italy and France and to the great Clerks of all Christendom to know their opinions, and desired the Court of Rome to send into his realm a Legate to hear the cause debated which should be indifferent and of a great judgement. At whose request the whole consistory of the College of Rome sent hither Laurence Campeius a Priest Cardinal, a man of great wit & experience, but more learned in the papal law then in divinity, which was sent as Legate into England the ten year of this king as you have heard in the said year, and with him was joined in commission the Cardinal of York and Legate of England, and so this Cardinal Campeius by long journeys came into England, and much preparation was made to receive him triumphantly into London, but he was so sore vexed with the Gout that he refused all such solempnities, and desired heartily that he might without pomp be conveyed to his lodging for his more quiet and rest, & so the ninth day of October he came from saint Mary Ouereis by water to the Bishop of Baths place without Temple bar where he lodged the last time he was in England: Where he was visited of the Cardinal of York and diverse other estates and prelate's. And after he had rested him a season and was somewhat relieved of his pain, he was brought to the kings presence then lying at Bridewell by the Cardinal of York, Cardinal Campeius cometh to London and was carried in a Chair of Crimosin Velvet borne between four persons for he was not able to stand, and the Cardinal of York and he sat both on the right hand of the kings throne, and there one Frauncisco Secretary to Cardinal Campeius made an eloquent Oration in the Latin tongue, in the which he rehearsed, The Oration. first with what cruelty the Emperor's soldiers had handled the Pope, what tyranny they had showed to the Cardinals and Priests, what sacrilege and spoil they had committed in saint Peter's Church, how they had violated Virgins, ravished men's wives, and in conclusion spoiled, rob and tormented all the Romans and inhabitants in the City of Rome: and farther he showed what friendship the College of Rome found at the king's hands and the French kings in the time of that tribulation, that if they had not joined together, the City of Rome with all their governors had been brought to utter ruin and decay, for the which he said that Pope Clement and all his College of Cardinals and the Senators of the City with all the Citizens rendered to the king their hearty thanks, and promised him their love, favour, and amity perpetual. This oration (as concerning the trouble of Rome) was set forth with such lamentations, & such abominable acts and tyrannies, that the most part of the hearers thought it more eloquent than true. The answer. To the which oration Doctor Fox Provost of Cambridge made a discrete answer: And as to the first point he declared that the king much lamented to hear his friends yea or any other christian men to be ordered or handled with such tyranny & oppression: And as touching the second point he said, that the king did but the duty of a Christian Prince to relieve his friends being in captivity, for the which he would that the whole City of Rome should give thanks to God and not to him. After which answer made, the two Legates commoned secretly with the king a long space, and after departed to their lodging. Of the coming of this Legate, the common people being ignorant of the truth, and especially women, and other that favoured the Queen, talked largely, and said that the king would for his own pleasure have another wife, and had sent for this Legate to be divorced from his Queen, with many foolish words, insomuch that whosoever spoke against the marriage was of the common people abhorred and reproved, which common rumour and foolish communications were related to the king, wherefore he like a prudent Prince and circumspect doer in all his affairs, and willing all men to know his intent and purpose, caused all his nobility, judges, and Counsellors, with divers other persons to come to his Palace of Bridewell on sunday the eight day of November at after noon in his great chamber, and there to them said as near as my wit could bear away these words following. Hall. The kings Oration concerning his first marriage, Our trusty and well-beloved subjects both you of the nobility, and you of the meaner sort, it is not unknown to you how that we, both by God's provision, and true and lawful inheritance have reigned over this realm of England almost the term of twenty years, During which time we have so ordered us, thanked be God, that no outward enemy hath oppressed you nor taken any thing from us, nor we have invaded no realm, but we have had victory and honour, so that we think that you, nor none of your predecessors never lived more quietly, more wealthy, nor in more estimation under any of our noble progenitors: But when we remember our mortality, and that we must die, than we think that all our doings in our life time are clearly defaced, and worthy of no memory, if we leave you in trouble at the time of our death. For if our true heir be not known at the time of our death, see what mischief and trouble shall succeed to you and your children. The experience whereof some of you have seen after the death of our noble Grandfather king Edward the fourth, and some have heard what mischief and manslaughter continued in this realm between the houses of York and Lancaster, by the which dissension this realm was like to have been clearly destroyed. And although it hath pleased almighty God to send us a fair daughter of a noble woman and me begotten to our great comfort and joy, yet it hath been told us by divers great Clerks, that neither she is our lawful daughter, nor her mother our lawful wife, but that we live together abominably and detestably, in open adultery, insomuch that when our Ambassade was last in France, and motion was made that the Duke of orleans should marry our said daughter, one of the chief Counsellors to the French king said. It were well done to know whether she be the king of England his lawful daughter or not, for well known it is, that he begat her on his brother's wife, which is directly against God's law and his precept. Think you not my Lords that these words touch not my body and soul, think you that these doings do not daily and hourly trouble my conscience and vex my spirits, yes we doubt not but and if it were your own cause every man would seek remedy when the peril of your soul, and the loss of your inheritance is openly laid to you. For this only cause I protest before God & in the word of a Prince, I have asked counsel of the greatest Clerks in Christendom, and for this cause I have sent for this Legate, as a man indifferent only to know the truth, and to settle my conscience, and for none other cause as God can judge. And as touching the Queen, if it be adjudged by the law of God that she is my lawful wife, there was never thing more pleasant, nor more acceptable to me in my life, both for the discharge and clearing of my conscience, and also for the good qualities and conditions the which I know to be in her. For I assure you all, The praise of the Queen. that beside her noble parentage, of the which she is descended (as all you know) she is a woman of most gentleness, of most humility and buxumnesse, yea, and of all good qualities appertaining to nobility, she is without comparison, as I this twenty years almost have had the true experiment, so that if I were to marry again, if the marriage might be good, I would surely choose her above all other women: But if it be determined by judgement that our marriage was against God's law & clearly void, than I shall not only sorrow the departing from so good a Lady and loving companion, but much more lament and bewail my infortunate chance, that I have so long lived in adultery to God's great displeasure, and have no true heir of my body to inherit this realm. These be the sores that vex my mind, these be the pangs that trouble my conscience, and for these grieves I seek a remedy. Therefore I require of you all as our trust and confidence is in you, to declare to our subjects our mind and intent, according to our true meaning, and desire them to pray with us, that the very truth may be known for the discharge of our conscience, and saving of our soul, and for the declaration hereof, I have assembled you together, and now you may departed. To see what countenance was made amongst the hearers of this Oration it was a strange sight, for some sighthed and said nothing, other were sorry to here the king so troubled in his conscience. Other that favoured the Queen much sorrowed that this matter was now opened, and so every man spoke as his heart served him, but the king ever laboured to know the truth for discharge of his conscience. Shortly after this, The saying of the Legate the two Legates came to the Queen at the same place of Bridewell, and declared to her how they were deputed judges indifferent between the king and her, to here and determine whether the marriage between them stood with God's law or not. When she heard the cause of their coming, no marvel though she were astonied, for it touched her very near. And when she had paused a while she answered. Alas my Lords is it now a question whether I be the kings lawful wife or no? When I have been married to him almost twenty years, The queen's answer. and in the mean season never question was made before? divers Prelates yet being alive, and Lords also, and privy Counsellors with the king at that time, then adjudged our marriage lawful and honest, and now to say it is detestable and abominable, I think it great marvel: and in especial when I consider what a wise Prince the kings father was, and also the love and natural affection, that king Ferdinando my father bore unto me: I think in myself that neither of our fathers, were so uncircumspect, so unwise, and of so small imagination, but they foresaw what might follow of our marriage, and in especial the king my father, sent to the Court of Rome, and there after long suit, with great cost and charge, obtained a licence and dispensation, that I being the one brother's wife, and peradventure carnally known might without scrupule of conscience, marry with the other brother lawfully, The Queen imputeth the cause of her divorce unto Cardinal Wolsey. which licence under lead I have yet to show, which things made me to say and surely believe, that our marriage was both lawful, good and Godly: But of this trouble I only may thank you my Lord Cardinal of York, for because I have wondered at your high pride and vain glory, and abhor your voluptuous life, and abominable Lechery, and little regard your presumptuous power and tyranny, therefore of malice you have kindled this fire and set this matter abroach, and in especial for the great malice that you dear to my nephew the Emperor, whom I perfectly know you hate worse than a Scorpion, because he would not satisfy your ambition and make you Pope by force, and therefore you have said more than once, that you would trouble him and his friends, and you have kept him true promise, for of all his wars and vexations, he only may thank you, and as for me his poor aunt and kinswoman, what trouble you put me to, by this new found doubt, God knoweth to whom I commit my cause according to the truth. The Cardinal of York excused himself, The Cardinal excuseth himself. saying, that he was not the beginner, nor the mover of the doubt, and that it was sore against his will, that ever the marriage should come in question, but he said that by his superior the bishop of Rome, he was deputed as a judge to here the cause, which he swore on his profession to here indifferently, but whatsoever was said, she believed him not, and so the Legates took their leave of her and departed. These words were spoken in French, and written by Cardinal Campeius Secretory, which was present, and by me (saith Hall) translated as near as I could. The king notwithstanding that his mind was unquiet, yet he kept a good countenance toward the Queen, with as much love, honour, and gentleness, as could be showed to such a princess, but he abstained from her bed till the truth was tried, according as his ghostly counsel had advised him, which was to him no little pain, for surely he loved her as well, as any Prince might love his wife, and she him again, and therefore it was great pity, that their marriage was not good. The more to quicken his spirits, and for recreation, the king kept his Christmas at Grenewiche, with much solemnity and great plenty of Viands, & thither came the two Legates, which were received by two Dukes and divers Earls, Barons and gentlemen, to whom the king showed great pleasures, both of jousts, Tornays', Banquets, Masks, and disguisings, and on the Twelve day he made the lawful son of Cardinal Campeius borne in wedlock, Cardinal Campeius son made knight. knight, and gave him a collar of. S.S. of Gold: but the Queen showed to them no manner of countenance, and made no great joy of nothing, her mind was so troubled. This doing in England was spread over all Christendom by letters, and in every region except Spain, and the Emperor's dominions, they adjudged the king a wise, a virtuous, and a prudent Prince, for trying out of the truth, considering that the question was not only doubtful to learned men in divinity, but upon the uncertainty of the same, depended the ruin of his realm, and the succession of the same, which was a weighty thing to consider, and no wisdom to let so great a doubt lie undiscussed. After Christmas and all Lent till Easter, was none other thing commoned of, but only of the king's marriage, the Archbishop of Cauntorburie sent for the famous Doctors of both the Universities to Lambeth, & there were every day disputations, and commoning of this matter, and because the king perceived and knew well, that the Queen was wedded to her own opinion, and that he would that she should do nothing without counsel, he bade her choose the best Clerks of his realm, to be of her counsel, and licenced them to do the best on her part that they could, The Queen is licensed to retain counsel against the king her husband. according to the truth: then she elected William Warham archbishop of Cauntorbury, and Nicholas West Bishop of Elie, Doctors of the laws, and john Fyssher Bishop of Rochester, and Henry Standishe Bishop of saint Ass, Doctors of Divinity, and many other Doctors and well learned men, which for a surety like men well learned: defended her cause as far as learning might defend it. In the beginning of this year, in a great Hall within the black Friars of London was ordained a solemn place, for the two Legates to sit in, with two Cheyres covered with cloth of Gold, and Cusshions of the same, and a Dormant table railed before, like a solemn Court, The Courts at the Black Friars. all covered with Carpets and Tapissery: on the right hand of the Court was hanged a cloth of estate, with a chair and Cusshions of rich Tissue, for the king, and on the left hand of the Court, was set a rich chair for the Queen. When the place was ready, the king and the Queen were ascited by Doctor Samson, to appear before the Legates, at the forenamed place, the twenty and eight day of May, being then the morrow after the feast of Corpus Christi, in proper person, or by their Proctors. At the day assigned, the Legates came to the forenamed place, with Crosses, Pillars, Axes, and all the ceremonies belonging to their degrees, and after that they were set (the Cardinal of York sitting on the right hand) their commission was read, and the cause of their coming thither openly declared, the effect whereof was, that the Court of Rome was instructed, that great Clerks and learned men had informed the king, that his marriage with his brother's wife was unlawful, damnable, and directly against the law of God, wherefore they were directed and appointed by the said Court, to be judges in the cause, and to hear what on both parties could be alleged: after this was done, the king was called by name, for whom two Proctors appeared, than the Queen was called, which within short space, being accompanied with the four Bishops and other of her counsel, and a great company of Ladies and gentlewomen following her, came personally before the Legates, and after her obedience, sadly and with great gravity done, The Queen appealed. she appealed from them, as judges not competent for that cause, to the Court of Rome, and after that done, she departed again. Notwithstanding this appeal, the Legates sat weekly, and every day were arguments on both parts, and nothing else done. The king which only desired to have an end in this matter, for discharge of his conscience, came to the Court the of june, and the Queen also, where he standing under his cloth of estate, said these words in effect following: My Lords, The kings Oration. Legates of the sea Apostolic which be deputed judges, in this great and weighty matter, I most heartily beseech you, to ponder my mind and intent, which only is to have a final end, for the discharge of my conscience: for every good christian man knoweth what pain and what unquietness he suffereth, which hath his conscience grieved, for I assure you on mine honour, that this matter hath so vexed my mind, and troubled my spirits, that I can scantly study any thing, which should be profitable for my realm and people. And for to have a quietness in body and soul is my desire and request, and not for any grudge that I bear to her that I have married, for I dare say that for her womanhood, wisdom, nobility, and gentleness, never prince had such another, and therefore if I would willingly change, I were not wise: wherefore my suit is to you my Lords at this time, to have a speedy end, according to right, for the quietness of my mind and conscience only, and for no other cause as God knoweth. When the king had said, the Queen departed without any thing saying, than she was called, to know whether she would bide by her appeal, or answer there before the Legates, her Proctor answered, that she would bide by her appeal, that notwithstanding, the counsellors on both sides every day almost met, and debated this matter substantially, so that at the last the Divines were all of opinion, that the marriage was against the law of God, if she were carnally known by the first brother, (which thing she clearly denied) but to that was answered, that Prince Arthur her husband, confessed the act done, when he called for drink early in the morning, saying: that he had been in Spain that night, which was a hot country, meaning that he had carnally used her, farther at the time of the death of Prince Arthur, she thought and judged that she was with child, and for that cause the king was deferred from the title and creation of the Prince of Wales, almost half a year, which thing could not have been judged, if she had not been carnally known. Also she herself caused a Bull to be purchased, in the which were these words, Vel forsan cognitam, which is as much to say, as peradventure carnally known, which words were not in the first Bull granted by july, at her second marriage to the king, which second Bull with that clause was only purchased, to dispense with the second matrimony, although there were carnal copulation before, which Bull needed not to have been purchased, if there had been no carnal copulation, for then the first Bull had been sufficient. When the Divines on her side, were beaten from that ground, than they fell to persuasions of natural reason, how this should not be undone, for three causes: one was because if it should be broken, the only child of the king, should be a Bastard, which were a great mischief to the realm: Secondly the separation should be a cause of great unkindness, between her kindred and this realm. And the third cause was, that the continuance of so long space, had made the marriage honest: These persuasions with many other, were set forth by the Queen's counsel, and in especial by the Bishop of Rochester, which stood stiff in her cause, but yet Gods precept was not answered, wherefore they left that ground and fell to pleading, that the Court of Rome had dispensed with that marriage: To this some Lawyers said, that no earthly person is able to dispense with the positive law of God. When the Legates had heard the opinions of the Divines, and saw that their opinion for the most part was against the Matrimony, and that now the question was brought to dispute, the authority of the Court of Rome, they began a little to quicken: For they considered that if they should say and determine, that the Court of Rome might not dispense in that case, that few men would think, that they might dispense in any other case, which should be to them a great loss and hurt. Wherefore they dissimuled the matter, and ever told the king, that he should have an end shortly, and tracted forth the time with Orations and Sophistical arguments, till August began to approach: then Cardinal Campeius said, that they might not sit after july, till October, all which season was a vacation in the Court of Rome, and their Court being a member of the Court of Rome, they must needs do the same: this saying was reported to the king, which by that saying knew perfitly that he should then have no end, and then he complained to the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, and other nobles of his counsel, how he was delayed, and willed them at the next Session, to require them, to make an end of the cause, and what judgement soever they gave, he would gladly accept it, for the quietness of his conscience. These noble men came to the place, where the Legates sat, An oration made by Cardinal Campeius to delay the king's suit. the thirty day of August, being Friday, whereas Cardinal Campeius, declared in eloquent Latin, and swore on his honour and faith that he bore to the church of Rome, that the course of the courts there be, at the end of july, to suspend all causes, till the fourth day of October, and if any case be treated, and judged in the mean season, that judgement to be clearly void, and therefore he required the king to take patience till that time, trusting that then they should proceed toward sentence, so that he should be contented: the Noble men desired them to make an end, whatsoever it were, that day or the next day, which was the last day of july: but they answered that they could sit no more till October, which answer sore displeased the noble men, which the king had sent thither, insomuch that Charles Duke of Suffolk, The saying of Charles Duke of Suffolk. seeing the delay, gave a great clap on the Table with his hand and said: by the Mass, now I see that the old said saw is true, that there was never Legate nor Cardinal, that did good in England, and with that saying all the Temporal Lords departed to the king, leaving the Legates sitting one looking on the other sore astonished, because they saw the Temporal Lords departed in anger. You may be sure, that the king was not well content, when he heard of this delay, but yet like a wise Prince, he took it patiently, trusting to have an end in October ensuing: But when he heard tell, that a letter was sent for the Cardinal Campeius, that he should with speed, return into Italy, and that he provided for his journey: Then he openly perceived, that the Legates dissimuled the time to have the matter in the Court of Rome, for the maintenance of their authority, knowing perfitly, that there he should be foded forth with arguments so long that he should be in manner weary, and also all that time, he should be unquiet in his conscience, which was the greatest care, that he had, but the second care that he took, was to see the Cardinal of York (whom he so highly favoured and trusted, The promotions given to the Cardinal of York. and whom he had so highly promoted, both to the archbishopric of York, and the bishoprics of Wynchester, Duresme, and the Abbey of saint Albon, with many other great dignities and promotions, beside the chancellorship of England) so unfaithfully to dissimule with him, and not to open the very truth, which caused him clearly to cast him out of his favour, in the which he had long been. The king frowning upon the Cardinal every man was in his neck. When the Nobles and Prelates perceived, that the kings favour was from the Cardinal sore minished, every man of the kings Counsel, began to lay to him such offences, as they knew by him, and all their accusations were written in a Book, and all their hands set to it, to the number of thirty and four, which Book they presented to the king. When the king saw the Book he marveled not a little, for by the articles contained in the same, he evidently perceived the high pride and covetousness of the Cardinal, and saw openly with what dissimulation and cloaking, he had handled the king's causes: how he with fair lying words, had blinded and defrauded the king, most untruly, which accusations sore moved the king against him, but yet he kept it close for a time, and so the king road on his progress with the Queen to Woodstock. And at the feast of the nativity of our Lady, he came to Grafton, beside Stony Stratforde, and thither came the two Legates, and were but meanly received, saving that the king made to them good semblance, and in especial to Cardinal Campeius, because he came into England at his request: and after dinner the said Campeius took his leave of the king, and then the king him conveyed to the Chamber door, and there they departed, and the Cardinal of York also went with his companion to Tocester, and on the morrow he came to Grafton to speak with the king, which was then riding out on hunting, and he sent him word by Henry Norreis, that he should accompany Campeius to London, and when the king came to London, he would more common with him: thus almost dismayed the Cardinal of York, returned to his companion to Tocester, and so they came together to London, where to the Cardinal Campeius, were delivered great rewards, and so he took his journey toward the Sea side, Where the kings counsel, caused his chests and carriages to be opened to see what letters the Cardinal of York had sent to the court of Rome, and there were but a few letters found, for they were sent before in post, but in many chests were found, old hosen, old coats, and such vile stuff, as no honest man would carry to have it, which search much displeased Campeius, and the more because his coffers were likewise opened in Cheap, by the rashness of a Moil, as you have heard in the tenth year of the king. Thus departed out of England in high displeasure, the crafty Cardinal Campeius, leaving behind him his subtle fellow, which after their departing from the king at Grafton, The last time the Cardinal came to the kings presence. never saw the king, nor came in his presence. This great Session of the Legates, was communed of through Christendom, and in especially in Spain, and other the Emperor's dominions, which sore grudged that the Queen should be divorced from the king: and surely the most part of the lay people of England, which knew not the law of God, The king now beginneth to favour Lady Anne Bulleyn. sore murmured at the matter, and much the more, because there was a Gentlewoman in the court, called Arm Bulleyne, daughter to Sir Thomas Bulleyne, Viscount Rocheford, whom the King much favoured in all honesty, and surely none otherwise, as all the world well knew after. The king which all the twenty year past, had been ruled by other, and in especial by the Cardinal of York, began now to be a ruler and a king, yea, a king of such wit, wisdom, and policy, that the like hath not reigned over this realm, as you shall plainly perceive hereafter: as well for the setting forth of true doctrine, as also for the augmentation of his Crown. For when he perceived, how the Cardinals had handled him, and saw plainly that the law of God was clear, that he might not marry his brother's wife, thought to send his Ambassadors to all the Universities in France, and Italy, to know their determinations, and for that cause he sent Doctor Stokesley, and Doctor Fox, two great Clerks into France, which sped as you shall here hereafter declared, when the matter serveth. The king continually studying on this matter, The king beginneth to rule. called a counsel of the chief of his Nobles, to begin at Westminster, the first day of October next ensuing, and also summoned a Parliament, to begin the third day of November, then immediately following, and declared that the same Counsel, should devise divers acts, necessary and needful to be passed at the said Parliament, for reformation of certain exactions, done by the Clergy to the lay people, to which Counsel and Parliament, the Cardinal was warned and summoned, which much comforted him, that he outwardly little abashed: and so he and all the Counsel, came to the counsel Chamber at Westminster, and there divers days commoned of divers things, but nothing was fully concluded, and there the Cardinal showed himself, The cardinals pride abated. much more humblyer than he was wont to be, & the Lords showed themselves more higher and stranger, than they were wont to be, but for all that he abashed not his countenance, but came into Westminster Hall with all his train, the first day of the Term: but none of the kings servants would go before, as they were wont to do, and so he sat in the Chancery, but not in the Star Chamber, for all the Lords and other the kings Counsel, were gone to Windsor to the king, where they informed the king, that all things that he had done almost, by his power Legantine, were in the case of the Praemunire and provision: and that the Cardinal had forfeited all his lands, tenements, goods, and chattels to the king: Wherefore the king willing to order him, according to the order of his laws, The Cardinal in the Praemunire. caused his attournay Christopher Hales to sue out a writ of Praemunire against him, in the which he licensed him to make an attorney. And farther, the xvij day of November, he sent the two Dukes of Norfolk & Suffolk, to his place at Westminster, to fetch away the great Seal of England, which he was loath to deliver, if there had been any remedy, but in conclusion he delivered it to the two Dukes, which delivered the same to Doctor Taylor master of the Rolls, to carry it to the king, which so did the next day: and beside this the king sent sir William Fitzwilliam knight of the garter, and treasurer of his house, and doctor Stephin Gardiner, newly made secretary, to see that no goods should be embesiled out of his house: and further ordained that the Cardinal should remove to Ashire beside Kingston, there to tarry the king's pleasure, and to have all things delivered to him, which were necessary for him, but not after his old pompous & superfluous fashion: For all his goods were seized to the kings use. When the seal was thus taken from the Cardinal, the Dukes of Norfolk & Suffolk, with many Earls, bishops, and Barons, came into the Star Chamber, the xix day of October, where the Duke of Norfolk declared that the kings highness, for divers and sundry offences, had taken from him the great Seal, and deposed him of all offices, & lest that men might complain for lack of justice, he had appointed him and the Duke of Suffolk, with the assent of the other lords to sit in the Star Chamber, to here and determine causes indifferently, and that of all things the king's pleasure and commandment was, that they should keep their hands close, from any rewards taking, or maintenance, and so that week they sat in the Star Chamber, and determined causes. On the _____ day of the same month, the Cardinal removed out of his house called York place, The Cardinal●●s removing from Yorks place. with one Cross, saying, that he would he had never borne more, meaning that by his Cross, that he bore as Legate, which degree taking was his confusion, as you see openly, and so he took his barge and went to Putney by water, and there took his horse, and road to Asher, where he remained till Lent after. During which time, he being called on for an answer in the kings Bench, to the Praemunire, for giving benefices by prevension, in disturbance of men's inheritance, and divers other open causes in the Praemunire: he according to the kings licence, constituted john Scute, and Edmond jenny, apprentices of the Law, his attournayes, which by his own warrant signed with his hand, confessed all things concerning the said suit, for they were to open to be cloaked or hidden, and so judgement was given, that he should forfeit all his lands, tenements, goods, and cattles and should be out of the kings protection, but for all that the king sent him a sufficient protection: and of his gentleness left to him the bishoprics of York and Winchester, and gave to him plate and stuff convenient for his degree, and the Bishopric of Duresme, he gave to Doctor Tunstall Bishop of London, and the Abbey of Saint Alban's, he gave to the Prior of Norwich, and to London he promoted Doctor john Stokesley, than Ambassador to the Universities, for the kings marriage, as you have heard before. For all these kindness showed to the Cardinal, yet he still maligned against the king, as you shall perceive hereafter, by his untrue doings, which brought him to confusion. The xxiij day of October, the king came to his manor of Greenwich, and there much consulted with his Counsel, for a meet man to be his Chancellor, so that in no wise he were no man of the spirituality, and so after long debate, the king resolved himself upon sir Thomas Moor knight, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, a man well learned in the tongues, and also in the common Law, whose wit was fine, and full of imaginations, by reason whereof, he was to much given to mocking, which was to his gravity a great blemish. Sir Thomas Moor made chancellor. And then on the Sunday the xxiiij day of the same month, the king made him his chancellor, and delivered him the great Seal, which Lord chancellor the next morrow after, was led into the chancery, by the two Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, and there sworn, and then the Mace was borne before him A parliament. This year the king of England began his high Court of parliament, the third day of November. On which day he came by water to his place of Bridewell, and there he and his nobles put on their robes of parliament, and so came to the black friars Church, where a Mass of the holy ghost was solemnly song by the kings Chapel, & after the Mass, the king, with all the Lords of the parliament, and commons which were summoned to appear at that day came into the parliament chamber, where the king sat in his Throne or seat royal, and sir Thomas Moor his chancellor standing on the right hand of the king behind the bar made an eloquent oration, declaring that like as a good Shepherd, An oration made by sir Thomas Moor. which not alonely keepeth and attendeth well his sheep, but also foreseeth and provideth for all thing, which either may be hurtful or noisome to his flock, or may preserve and defend the same against all perils that may chance to come, so the king which was the Shepherd, ruler, and governor of his realm, vigilantly foreseeing things to come, considered how divers laws before this time were made now by long continuance of time and mutation of things, very insufficient, and unperfit, and also by the frail condition of man, divers new enormities were sprung amongs the people, for the which no law was yet made to reform the same, which was the very cause why at that time the king had summoned his high Court of Parliament: and he resembled the king to a Shepherd, or herdman for this cause, for if a prince be compared to his riches, he is but a rich man, if a prince be compared to his honour, he is but an honourable man: but compare him to the multitude of his people and the number of his flock, than he is a ruler, a governor of might and puissance, so that his people maketh him a prince, as of the multitude of sheep, cometh the name of a Shepherd: as you see that amongst a great flock of sheep some be rotten and faulty, which the good Shepherd sendeth from the good sheep, so the great weather which is of late fallen as you all know, so craftily, so scabbedly, ye & so untruly iuggeled with the king, that all men must needs guess and think that he thought in himself, that he had no wit to perceive his crafty doing, or else that he presumed that the king would not see nor know his fraudulent juggling and attempts: but he was deceived, for his grace's sight was so quick and penetrable, that he saw him, yea and saw through him, both within and without, so that all thing to him was open, and according to his desert he hath had a gentle correction, which small punishment the king will not to be an example to other offenders, but clearly declareth that whosoever hereafter shall make like attempt or commit like offence, shall not escape with like punishment. And because you of the common house be a great multitude, and cannot speak all at one time: Therefore the king's pleasure is, that you shall resort to the neither house, and there amongst yourselves according to the old and ancient custom to choose an able person to be your common mouth and speaker, and after your election so made to advertise his grate thereof, which will declare to you his pleasure what day he will have him presented in this place. After this done, the commons resorted to the neither house, and they those for their speaker Thomas Audeley Esquire and attorney of the Duchy of Lancaster, Thomas Audeley chosen speaker. and the same day was the Parliament adjourned to Westminster. On the uj day of the same month the king came into the parliament chamber and all the Lords in there robes, and there the commons of the neither house presented their speaker, which there made an eloquent oration which consisted in two points, the first was, An Oration. that he much praised the king for his equity and justice, mixed with mercy and pity, so that none offence was forgotten and left unpunished, nor in the punishment the extremity nor the rigour of the law not cruelly extended, which should be a cause to bridle all men from doing like offences, and also a comfort to offenders to confess there crime and offence, and an occasion of amendment and reconciliation. The second point was, that he disabled himself, for lack of wit, learning and discretion to so high an office, beseeching the king to 'cause his commons to resort eftsoons to their common house, and there to choose an other speaker for that parliament. To this the king (by the mouth of the Lord chancellor) answered that where he had disabled himself in wit and learning, his own ornate oration there made, testified the contrary, and as touching his discretion and other qualities, the king himself had well known him and his doings, sith he was in his service, to be both wise and discreet, and so for an able man he accepted him, and for the speaker he him admitted. When the commons were assembled in the neither house, they began to common of their griefs, wherewith the spirituality had before time grievously oppressed them, both contrary to the law of the realm, and contrary to all right, and in especial they were sore moved with six great causes. The great charge of the Probate of sir William Comptons' Testament. 1 The first for the excess fines, which the ordinaries took for probate of Testaments, insomuch that sir Henry Guilforde knight of the Garter and controller of the king's house, declared in the open Parliament on his fidelity that he and other, being executors to Sir William Compton knight, paid for the probate of his will to the Cardinal and the archbishop of Cauntorburie a thousand Mark sterling: after this declaration were showed so many extortions done by ordinaries for probates of wills, that it were to much to rehearse. 2 The second cause was the great polling and extreme exaction, which the spiritual men used in taking of corpse, presents, or mortuaries, for the children of the defunct should all die for hunger and go a begging, rather than they would of charity give to them the seely cow which the dead man aught if he had but only one, such was the charity then. 3 The third cause was, that priests being surveyors, stewards and officers to bishops, Abbots, and other spiritual heads, had and occupied Fermes, granges, and grazing in every country, so that the poor husbandmen could have nothing but of them, and yet for that they should pay dearly. 4 The fourth cause was that abbots, Priors, and spiritual men kept tan houses, and bought and sold Wool, cloth, and all manner of Merchandise, as other temporal Merchants did. 5 The fift cause was because that spiritual persons promoted to great benefices, and having their living of their flock, were lying in the Court in Lords houses, and took all of the parishioners, and nothing spent on them at all, so that for lack of residence both the poor of the parish lacked refreshing, and universally all the parishioners lacked preaching, and true instruction of God's word, to the great peril of their souls. 6 The sixth cause was to see one priest being little learned to have ten or twelve benefices and to be resident on none, and to know many well learned scholars in the University, which were able to preach and teach, to have neither benefice nor exhibition. These things before this time might in no wise be touched nor yet talked of by no man except he would be made an heretic, or lose all that he had for the bishops were chancellors, and had all the rule about the king, so that no man durst once presume to attempt any thing contrary to their profit or commodity. But now when God had illumined the eyes of the king, and that their subtle doings was once espied: then men began charitably to desire a reformation, and so at this parliament men began to show their grudges. Whereupon the Burgesses of the parliament appointed such as were learned in the law, being of the common house, to draw one bill of the probates of Testaments, another for Mortuaries, and the third for none residence, pluralities, and taking of Fermes by spiritual men. The learned men took much pain, and first set forth the bill of Mortuaries, which passed the common house, and was sent up to the Lords. To this bill, the spiritual Lords made a fair face, saying that surely Priests and Curates took more than they should, and therefore it were well done to take some reasonable order, thus they spoke because it touched them little. But within two days after was sent up the Bill concerning probates of Testaments, at the which the archbishop of Cauntorburie in especial, and all other Bishops in general both frowned and grunted, The saying of john Fisher Bishop of Rochester. for that touched there profit, insomuch as Doctor john Fisher Bishop of Rochester, said openly in the parliament chamber these words: my Lords, you see daily what bills come hither from the common house, and all is to the destruction of the Church, for God's sake see what a realm the kingdom of Boheme was, and when the Church went down, then fell the glory of the kingdom, now with the commons is nothing but down with the Church, and all this me seemeth is for lack of faith only. When these words were reported to the commons of the neither house, that the Bishop should say that all their doings were for lack of faith, they took the matter grievously, for they imagined that the Bishop esteemed them as heretics, and so by his slanderous words would have persuaded the temporal Lords to have restrained their consent from the said two bills, which they before had passed, as you have heard before. Wherefore the commons after long debate, determined to send the speaker of the parliament to the king's highness, with a grievous complaint against the Bishop of Rochester, and so on a day when the king was at leisure, A complaint made to the king. Thomas Audeley the speaker for the commons and thirty of the chief of the common house, came to the king's presence in his palace at Westminster, which before was called York place and there very eloquently declared what a dishonour to the king and the realm it was to say that they which were elected for the wisest men of all the Shires, Cities, and boroughs within the realm of England should be declared in so noble and open presence to lack faith, which was equivalent to say, that they were infidels and no christians, as ill as Turks or Sarasms, so that what pain or study soever they took for the common wealth, or what acts or laws so ever they made or established, should be taken as laws made by paynims and heathen people, and not worthy to be kept by christian men: wherefore he most humbly besought the king's highness, to call the said Bishop before him and to 'cause him to speak more discreetly of such a number as was in the common house. The king was not well contented with the saying of the Bishop, yet he gently answered the speaker, that he would send for the Bishop and sand them word what answer he made, and so they departed again. After this the king sent for the Archbishop of Cauntorbury, and six other Bishops and for the Bishop of Rochester also, and there declared to him the grudge of the commons, to the which the Bishop answered that he meant the doings of the Bohemians was for ●acke of faith, The bishop's excuse. and not the doings of them that were in the common house, which saying was confirmed by the Bishops being present, which had him in great reputation, and so by that only saying the king accepted his excuse, and therefore sent word to the commons by sir William Fitzwilliam knight Treasurer of his household, which blind excuse pleased the commons nothing at all. Probate of Testaments. After this divers assembles were kept between certain of the Lords and certain of the commons, for the bills of probates of Testaments, and the mortuaries: the temporalty laid to the spiritualty there own laws and constitutions, and the spirituality sore defended them by prescription and usage, to whom an answer was made by a Gentleman of Grey's june: the usage hath ever been of thieves to rob on shooters hill, ergo is it lawful? with this answer the spiritual men were sore offended, because there doings were called robberies, but the Temporal men stood still by there sayings, in so much the said Gentleman said to the archbishop of Cantorbury, that both the exaction of probates of Testaments, and the taking of Mortuaries, as they were used, were open robbery and theft: after long disputation, the Temporal Lords began to lean to the commons, but for all that, the bills remained unconcluded a while. In the mean season there was a bill assented by the Lords, and sent down to the commons, The loans 〈◊〉. the effect whereof was, that the whole realm by the said act, did realease to the king, all such sums of money as he had borrowed of them at the loan, in the fifteen year of his reign (as you have heard before) this bill was sore argued in the common house, but the most part of the Commons were the kings servants, and the other were so laboured to by other, that the bill was assented to. When this release of the loan was known to the Commons of the Realm, Lord so they grudged, and spoke ill of the whole parliament, for almost every man counted it his debt, and reckoned surely of the payment of the same, and therefore some made there wills of the same, and some other did set it over to other for debt, and so many men had loss by it, which caused them sore to murmur, but there was no remedy. The king like a good and discrete Prince, seeing that his commons in the parliament house had released the loan, intending somewhat to requited the same, granted to them a general Pardon, of all offences, certain great offences and debts only except: also he aided them for the redress of their grieves against the Spiritualty, and caused two new bills to be made indifferently both for the probate of Testaments & Mortuaries, which bills were so reasonable that the Spiritual Lords assented to them although they were sore against their minds, and in especial the probate of Testaments sore displeased the Bishops, & the mortuaries sore displeased the persons & Vicars. After these acts thus agreed, the Commons, made another act for pluralities, of benefices none residence, buying and selling, and taking of fermes by Spiritual persons, which act so displeased the Spiritualty that the Priests railed on the Commons of the common house, and called them Heretics and Schismatics, for the which diverse priests were punished. This act was sore debated above in the parliament chamber, and the Lords spiritual would in no wise consent. Wherefore the king perceiving the grudge of his Commons, caused eight Lords and eight of his Commons to meet in the Star Chamber at an after none, and there was sore debating of the cause, insomuch that the Temporal Lords of the upper house, which were there, took part with the Commons, against the Spiritual Lords, and by force of reason caused them to assent to the bill with a little qualifiing, which bill the next day was wholly agreed to in the Lord's house, to the great rejoicing of the lay people, and to the great displeasure of the spiritual persons. During this parliament was brought down to the commons, the book of articles which the Lords had put to the king against the Cardinal, the chief articles were these. First that he without the king's assent had procured to be a Legate, Articles proponed against Cardinal Wolsey. by reason whereof he took away the right of all Bishops and spiritual persons. Item, in all writings which he wrote to Rome, or any other foreign Prince, he wrote Ego & Rex meus, I and my king, as who would say that the king were his servant. Item, that he hath slandered the Church of England in the Court of Rome, for his suggestion to be a Legate, was to reform the Church of England, which as he wrote was Facta in reprobum censum. Item, he without the kings assent, carried the kings great Seal with him into Flaunders, when he was sent Ambassade to the Emperor. Item, he without the kings assent, sent a Commission to sir Gregory de Cassado, knight, to conclude a league between the king & the Duke of Farrare, without the kings knowledge. Item that he having the French Pocks, presumed to come and breath on the king. Item, that he 'cause the Cardinal's hat to be put on the kings coin. Item, that he would not suffer the kings Clerk of the Market, to sit at Saint Alban's. Item, that he had sent innumerable substance to Rome, for the obtaining of his dignities to the great enpoverishment of the realm. These Articles with many more, were read in the common house, & signed with the Cardinal's hand, and was confessed by him: And also there was showed a writing sealed with his Seal, by the which he gave to the king all his movables and unmovables. On the day of the conception of our Lady before Christmas, the King at York place at Westminster, in the Parliament time, created the Viscount Rochforth earl of Wiltshire, and the Viscount Fitzwater, was created Earl of Sussex, and the Lord Hastynges, was created Earl of Huntyngton. When all things were concluded in the Parliament house, the king came to the Parliament Chamber the xvij day of December, and there gave his royal assent, to all things done by the Lords, and Commons, and so prorogued his Court of Parliament, till the next year. After the Parliament was thus ended, the king removed to Greenwich and there kept his Christmas with the Queen in great triumph: with great plenty of Viands, and divers disguysyngs and Interludes, to the great rejoicing of his people. The king of England being advertised that the Emperor and the Bishop of Rome were together at Bononie, determined to send thither a solemn Ambassade, both to declare to them the law of God, and the determination of the universities, and also to require the Bishop of Rome to do justice according to the truth, and also to show to the Emperor that the king did not move this matter for any displeasure that he bore to him or the Queen his Aunt, but only for the discharge of his conscience, and for the quietness of his realm. When this purpose was agreed by the kings counsel, the king appointed sir Thomas Bulleyne late created Earl of Wiltshire, and Doctor Stokesley elected Bishop of London, and Doctor Edward Lee, his Almoner, two great Clerks, for his Ambassadors, and with them he sent divers Doctors both of the law and divinity. These Ambassadors made great preparation, & about the beginning of February they set forward, and so much they travailed, that they came to Savoy where the Duke in the fair town of Cambrey, caused them honourably to be received and feasted. So they passed the Mountains, and so through the duchy of Milan, and by long journeys they came to Bononie in Lent, where they were honourably received by the Master of the emperors house, and divers Lords and Gentlemen belonging to the Pope, and within short space the said Ambassadors were first conveyed to the Pope, and there declared their message, and showed the determination of the great Doctors, and famous Universities. The Pope's answer. Pope Clement which was a man of no learning, but of a great wit, made to them a gentle answer, and said that he would here the matter disputed when he came to Rome, and according to right he would do justice. But his intent was all contrary, for he knew well that if he should give sentence, that Pope july could not dispense with the breach of God's law, that then the authority of the Court of Rome would little be regarded, and also he feared the Emperor's displeasure, if he should give sentence against his aunt, so that for fear of losing authority, and of the Emperor's displeasure, Bishop Clement durst not judge according to God's law. After they had been with the Pope, they came to the Emperor, which them gently received, and after they had done their message, he answered them, that he in no wise would be against the law of God; and if the court of Rome would adjudge that the matrimony were not good, he would be content, but he thought all otherwise, for he solicited the Pope and all the Cardinals which were his friends to stand by the dispensation, which he judged to be as strong as God's law. After this answer they took their leave of the Emperor, which the next week after departed out of Bononie toward Almain in good order of battle, he himself in gilt harness, and his Nobles in white harness, with rich coats and trappers very curiously be seen. After that the Emperor was gone out of Bononie, the Ambassadors of England took their leave of the Bishop of Rome, which went toward Rome again, and returned toward England, through the Duchy of Myllain, which were received by the Earl Lodovick, great Counsellor to the Duke of milan, which Earl conducted them through the whole Duchy of Milan, and paid all their charges by the Duke's commandment. And when these Ambassadors were passed the Mountains, they received letters from the king, which appointed the Earl of Wiltshire to go Ambassade to the French king, which then lay at Bordeaux making provision for money for the redeeming of his children: and the Bishop of London was appointed to go to Milan, and other Universities in Italy to know their opinions in the king's case, and the king's Almoner was appointed to return into England, and so he did, thus was the end of this Ambassade. You have heard before, how the Cardinal was attainted in the Praemunire, and how he was put out of the office of the Chancellor, and lay at Asher: In this Lent season the king by the advice of his Counsel licensed him to go into his Diocese of York, and gave him commandment to keep him in his Diocese, and not to return Southward without the kings special licence in writing. So he made great provision to go Northward, and appareled his servants newly, and bought many costly things for his household, and so he might well enough, for he had of the kings gentleness the bishoprics of York, and Winchester, which were no small things, Thomas Crumwel came into the king's service. but at this time divers of his servants departed from him to the kings service, and in especial Thomas Crumwell one of his chief Counsel, and chief doer for him in the suppression of Abbeys. After that all things necessary for his journey were prepared, he took his journey northward till he came to Southwell, which is in his Diocese, and there he continued this year, ever grudging at his fall as you shall here after: but the lands which he had given to his Colleges in Oxford, and Ipswich, were now come to the kings hands, by his attainder in the Praemunire, and yet the king of his gentleness, and for favour that he bore to good learning, erected again the College in Oxford, and where it was named the cardinals College, he called it the kings College, and endued it with fair possessions, and put in new statutes and ordinances, and for because the College of Ipswiche was thought to be nothing profitable, therefore he caused that to be dissolved. The last Summer while the peace was treated at Cambray, as you have heard before, Ferdinando brother to the Emperor, recovered certain towns which the Turks had taken from him in Hungry, and put to flight his enemy john de Vainoda, which falsely named himself king of Hungary. This Vainoda destitute of all succours fled to Sultan Soliman the great Turk, desiring him of succour, to recover Hungary again. The Turk being glad to have an occasion to destroy Hungary, assembled a puissant army, and entered into Hungary, and made proclamation, that what town or City would not obey king john as their king, should be put to fire and sword. This proclamation feared the Hungarians, that all in manner yielded themselves subjects to the Vainoda, the City of Bude only except: which at the last was yielded by composition, that they should departed with bag and baggage, but for all their safe-conduct signed with the great Turk's hand, they were first rob of the janizers, and after that shamefully slain. Cruelty of the Turks. When the Turk had thus Bude in possession, he left there the Vainoda and Lewis great Bastard son to the Duke of Venice, with five thousand footmen, and two thousand horsemen, and he with all hast entered into Austrice, where his people committed such cruelty and tyranny, as never hath been heard nor written, for of some they put out the eyes, of other they cut of the noses and ears, of other they cut off the privy members, of women they cut off the Paps, and ravished Virgins, and of women great with child, they cut their bellies and brent the children: Beside this, as they passed they brent corn, trees, houses, and all that would be brent, to make the Country desolate, and at the last the xxij day of September, the Turks army came nigh to Vienne, a rich and a famous City in Austrice. The fame was, that he had two hundred and fifty thousand men in his army, and xxv thousand Tents in the sight of the City. And forasmuch as here is a good occasion given somewhat to speak of the vile tyranny of the Turks, and namely for that I have heard divers say (but I trust they did not so inwardly think, as they outwardly spoke) that it were no great matter if the great Turk were prince of all Christendom, for we should live under him in a better and quieter state of life than we do now, into the which error God forbidden that any Christian person should be carried: Therefore the better to express the monstruous tyranny of the Turk, I have here thought meet to show the words of Sebastian Munster as he expresseth the same in his learned book of Cosmography. Sebastian Munster describeth the Turks tyranny. When (saith he) the Turk goeth to war, he hath always with him a great troop of people called Marcquynyons, which are byars and sellers of such prisoners as shall fortune to be taken, whom they call slaves and bondmen: And also there goeth with them a great number of Sword plaiyers and Masters of Fence. And in hope to have some slaves, they do carry with them a great number of chains, shakles, bolts and couples of Iron, and among their chains some are of such length that they may carry fifty or three score persons in one chain, and one Villeyn shall have the leading of so many. Marquinion is a byar and cellar of Christian prisoners, whom they call slaves. These pilferers, I mean the Marcquynions and Swordplayers so soon as any number of prisoners be taken, they cell and make merchandise of them, as they may lawfully do by their law, upon this condition that they shall pay unto the Turk the tenth prisoner or Sclave, and the rest they may retain to their use and commodity. They have no merchandise among them that is of greater trade, nor of greater gain, than the biing and selling of slaves and bondmen. Biing and selling of prisoners and Bondmen is a great merchandise in Turquy. And such prisoners as cometh into the Turks hands, be they males or females he useth them after this sort, he selleth the aged and rude unto husbandmen, and the young boys he committeth unto divers schools to be taught in some arts or crafts, and the young wenches he sendeth also into certain places to be taught to sow and knit, and such other exercises, to the intent that afterward they may serve in the common weal more commodiously. And first he causeth them all to deny their faith and then to be circumcised: and then are they trained up in their ceremonies unto the which by nature they are soon drawn, & after he causeth them to understand the laws of the land. And if there be in them any strength of body and courage of mind, than he causeth them to be sent to the wars and calleth them janissaries that is deniers of the faith. And if they have no quick spirit and yet mighty of body, than they are brought up and exercised in shooting, and have skolemaisters appointed to make them excellent therein, and they are forced to tender an account of their exercise with great extremity, for those which hit not the white, have so many times as they miss, so many lashes with a whip, and some they bring up in sword playing, and in the exercise of other weapons. The maiden children that are any thing beautiful are taken to be their concubines and Harlots, or at the lest to wait and attend upon them, The evil usage of Maiden children. to whom they commit most loathsome and filthy business, such as to hear the same named would abhor any honest good ear. When they have new slaves, they begin with terrible punishments, The Turks practise all means to win the Christians to be circumcised. and afterwards with grievous threatenings, and if that prevail not, than they use gentle words and fair promises to procure them to be circumcised. And as soon as they bring that to pass, than they use them with much more gentleness. And if any attempt to escape, the pain of fire is ordained for him. They do licence the slaves willingly to marry, but the children that they bring forth are sold at the discretion of the master, wherefore the wise and sage be well advised before they marry. They do cruelly entreat those that will not be circumcised. Priests and Gentlemen are evil entreated of the Turks. The estate of them which have no handy crafts is very evil, for they shall learn nothing there (except they be circumcised) wherefore the priests and such as are students, and the Gentlemen which have been brought up without occupations, are in the worst state of all other when they happen into their hands: For the Marcquinion will lay out nothing for them, nor dispend any thing upon them, because when he should cell them, he knoweth not who will give any thing for them. These are carried barehedded, barefooted and almost all naked. They draw them through the frosts, snows and other the rocks and Mountains, both in heat and cold, and they have never rest until they die, or else that they chance upon an unhappy master. There is none so blessed nor fortunate of what estate, age, beauty or art soever he or they be of, that may be suffered to go into a lodging, if he chance to fall sick by the high ways side. And if any be sick, they force him to go on foot, and if he can not, they set him upon an evil favoured jade: O cruel and uncharitable Turks. And if he cannot ride nor hold fast, than they bind him overthwart the horse like a Male behind a Saddle. And if he die, than such clotheses as he hath upon him, they pull off and throw him into the next ditch. But to go forward, they do not only lead them captives and prisoners in chains (as is aforesaid) but also they manacle their hands with such long Bolts as keepeth the one of them from the other a whole yard space, for fear that one of them should fight with another, and also for fear lest they should throw stones at their keepers. And when night draweth on, then also they fetter their legs and turn them upside down, so that they lie openly in the fields gaping into the air, and there must rest to abide what weather soever cometh. The entertainment of the women is somewhat more gentle: An ungentle and most shameful entertainment of women kind. they that are strong, march afore on foot (but not unmanackled) and such as are but tender and weak, they set them on horses: And if they be not able to abide the shaking of the horse, they put them into Baskets, and carry them as men carry quick wildfowl: But the night is most grievous unto them. For when they are shut up in close places, they are compelled to suffer the filthy company of the Marcquinious, most beastly to abuse them, for all the night long is heard among them most pitiful cries and lamentations made by the young persons as well Males as Females, The Turks are most filthy Sodomites. whom they most wickedly enforce and filthily order, yea they are so villainous that they spare not their own little children of six or seven year of age, so wicked, vile and prove is that nation unto that abominable sin against nature. The poor Christians are led like beasts to be sold in the Market. Assoon as day light cometh, then must they march forward like droves of beasts or sheep, and to the Market they go. The Merchants come together and agreed upon a price: But before the Merchant pay his money: the slave shall be striped stark naked that his master may see him, and then he beholdeth all his members, and gropeth and feeleth all his joints, to see if there be any fault or main in him. If the Merchant do not like him, Shameless Turks. then is he returned again unto the charge of the Marcquinion. And thus shall he be always used until such time as a Merchant buyeth him outright. And when the bier hath bought him, he may at his pleasure put him to what slavery or grievous labour he himself lust, be it never so vile, and also to use such punishment of him, as putting on fetters or collars of iron, Tirannoius Turks. and whipping naked with rods made of Wyers or any other cruel punishment that he can devise, not forcing though he die thereof. If any chance to be taken with their wives and family, those the great Lords do willingly buy to put them into their deyries, & to have the oversight of their grounds, their wines and their Pastures, but the children that are borne of them are bond. And finally, when the Turk hath taken any Province of christendom as he hath done to many (if almighty God had been pleased to the contrary) all the goods of the inhabitants, The Turk is bloody and unmerciful. as well movable as immovable are his pray and share. And first of all he rooteth out and destroyeth all noble personages, and namely such as are of the blood royal. And if he kill not the Ecclesiastical ministers, he taketh from them both their goods and honours and livings, and leaveth them to the wonderment of the world, to go a begging. The Gospel may not be preached in Turquy. Sermons and preaching of the Gospel of Christ is utterly forbidden through all Turkey: neither shall it be lawful for any christian man to bear any office in Turkey: Neither to carry any arms, nor to go apparelled like a Turk. If any do rail or outrage at a christian man, or at jesus Christ, he must be content and hold his peace. And if any chance to talk or common any thing against their religion, Mahomet is the Turks Saviour. the same shall be circumcised in spite of his heart. And if any open their mouth to speak against Mahomet, the same shall be brent quick. The christians do pay the fourth part of all their fruits, Impositions that the Turk setteth upon the poor Christians. not only for the rent of their lands, but also for the gain and profit that they receive of their handy crafts and occupations. Besides this, they pay another imposition, which is set upon them by the poll, for so many heads as every christian hath in his house, so many ducats he shall pay yearly unto the Turk. If the parents be not able to pay it, then will they take away she children, and cell them to pay that money, and so bring them into servitude and bondage. The other number that are fast in Chains they go from house to house begging their almose, and if by that means they cannot get wherewithal to pay, then are they put in perpetual prison, and never more suffered to come abroad. And thus much writeth Munster of the tyranny of the Turks. At the beginning of the siege, the Turk sent certain to the Lords of the town, and willed them to yield the town unto him, and they should depatt with bag and baggage, and if they would keep it by force, The Turk assaulteth the City of V●e●ma. he would surely have it and put them all to the sword. Now in the City was captain Duke Philip of Bavier, earl Palatine of the Rind, and nephew to the palsgrave elector, a young man of Noble courage, and with him were twenty thousand Almains, and two thousand horsemen, which nothing feared the Turks threatenings. The Turk perceiving their boldness, bend his great ordinance, which were three hundredth pieces against the walls, and commanded the town to be assaulted: the Turks gave a great assault, but the Christian men valiantly defended them, so that the Turks were compelled to fly, and many of them were slain. The fourth day of October, the Turk bent all his ordinance against the wall, which so shook the wall, that all men within supposed that the walls would have fallen down, but they did little harm, which was soon amended. The sixth day of October eight thousand christian men issued out of the town, and came where the Turks Miners were working, and slew a great number and destroyed the mines. The same day the Turks gave a great assault to the City: the Christian men valiantly them defended, and threw down great logs, and bars of iron, and slew many Turks. Thus the Turks assaulted the City a leaven times, and so many times they were beaten away, but the great and terrible assault was the twelve day of October, at the which assault the christian men so valiantly defended themselves, and slew and hurt so many of the Turks, that after that day for no commandment that the Turk could give, they would no more give assault. The Turk perceived well both the strength of the City, and the courage of the Captains within, and also the Winter there was much more colder than in his countries, which sore troubled him & his people, wherefore he called his Counsel, and concluded to break up his siege and to departed, and so the xiiij day of October he shot great stones into the City all day till night: and about ten of the clock in the night he caused his tents to be taken up, and set fire on the straw, and such other stuff, and so removed all his army, toward Bude, saving fifty thousand horsemen which tarried all the next day behind, carrying with him a great number of Christian prisoners, The number of the turks that died. which he put to the mines, and such other vile service. At this siege the Turk lost by murder, sicken esse, and cold, above lxxx thousand men, as one of his Bassades did after ward confess. Thus was the City of Vienne defended against the great Turk, and all his power, which was to him a great displeasure, and in especially because he never besieged City before, but either it was yielded, or taken. The Isle of Malta first given to the order of the Knights. In this year the Emperor gave to the Lord Master of saint john's of jerusalem, and his brethren, the Island of Malta, lying between Scicile, and Barbary, there to employ themselves on Christ's enemies, which lord Master had no place sure to inhabit there, sith he was put from the Rhodes by this Turk that besieged Vienne, as you have heard before. In this year, the wild Irishmen knowing the Earl of Kildare to be in England, entered his land, and spoiled and brent his Country, and divers other Countries, and the Earl of Ossery being the kings Deputy, made little resistance, for lack of power, wherefore the king sent the Earl of Kildare into Ireland, and with him Sir William Skevyngton knight, Master of the kings ordinance, and divers Gunners with him, which so politicly ordered themselves, that their enemies were glad to offer amendss and to treat for truce, & so sir William Skevyngton the next year returned into England leaving there the Earl of Kildare for the kings deputy. The Emperor as you have heard the last year, passed out of Italy into Germany and was received with great honour and triumph into the City of Ausborough or August, where in june were present all the electors and almost all the Princes of the Empire: there was kept a great counsel, for the Princes of Germany were of two several opinions, and of several names, the part that favoured the Pope and all things done by his authority were called Catholical, and the other part which followed and preached only the Gospel of Christ were called evangelical. Of these and other things concerning our faith there were many counsels: but cardinal Campeius the Pope's Legate would not suffer the evangelical perscus (whom he called Lutherans) to argue against the Catholical men (whom the evangelical persons called Papists) lest by opening of the scripture the authority of the Court of Rome should have been damned, and therefore the Emperor put of the matter till another time: But this matter was not so let slip, for of this motion men so searched the law of God that within a few years after, many people refused the Pope for the head of the Church and forsook him and his pardons. A proclamation. On the xix day of September in the City of London was made this proclamation. The king's highness straightly chargeth and commandeth that no manner of person of what estate, degree or condition soever he or they be of, do purchase or attempt to purchase from the court of Rome or else where, nor use and put in execution, divulge, or publish any thing heretofore within this year passed, purchased, or to be purchased hereafter, containing matter prejudicial to the high authority, jurisdiction and prerogative royal, of this his said realm, or to the let, hindrance or impeachment of his graces noble and virtuous intended purposes in the premises, upon pain of incurring his highness indignation and imprisonment and farther punisment of their bodies for their so doing at his grace's pleasure, to the dreadful example of all other. This proclamation was much mused at, and every word of the same well noted. Some said that it was because that the Queen had purchased a new Bull for the ratification of her marriage, other said that it was made because the Cardinal had purchased a Bull to curse the king, if he would not restore him to his old dignities, and that the king should suffer him to correct the spirituality and he not to meddle with the same. This invention sounded most to the truth as you shall here afterward. In October the river of Tiber was of such an height that in Rome and other places about Rome almost twelve thousand persons were drowned, The City of Rome, and Zealand, Holland & Brabant overflown with great wa●ers and in the next month Zelande, Holland and Brabant were sore noyed with waters, and many people and much cattle were drowned. You have heard in the last year, how the Cardinal of York was attainted in the Praemunire, and that notwithstanding the king had given him the bishoprics of York and Winchester, with great plenty of substance, and had licensed him to lie in his Diocese of York. He being thus in his Diocese grudging at his fall, and not remembering the kings kindness showed to him, wrote to the Court of Rome, and divers other Prince's letters in reproach of the king, and in as much as in him lay, he stirred them to revenge his cause against the king and his realm, insomuch that divers opprobrious words of the king, was spoken to Doctor Edward Kerne the kings Orator at Rome, and it was said to him that for the cardinals sake, the king should have the worse speed in the suit of his matrimony. The Cardinal also would speak fair to the people to win their hearts, The pride of the Cardinal. and declared ever that he was unjustly, and untruly ordered, which fair speaking made many men believe that he said true, and to Gentlemen he gave great gifts to allure them unto him. And to be had in the more reputation among the people, he determined to be installed or enthronized at York, with all the pomp that might be, & caused a throne to be erected in the Cathedral Church in such an height and fashion as was never seen, and sent to all the Lords, abbots, Priors, Knights, esquires, and Gentlemen of his Diocese, to be at his manor of Cawod the sixth day of November, and so to bring him to York with all manner of pomp and solemnity. The king which knew his doings and privy conveyance, all this year dissimuled the matter to see what he would do at length, till that he saw his proud heart so high exalted, that he would be so triumphantly installed, without making the king privy, yea and in manner in disdain of the king, thought it not meet nor convenient to suffer him any longer to continued in his malicious and proud purposes and attempts: wherefore he directed his letters to Henry the sixth Earl of Northumberland, willing him with all diligence to arrest the Cardinal, and to deliver him to the Earl of Shrewsbury great steward of the kings household: When the Earl had seen the letter, he with a convenient number came to the Manor of Cawod, the fourth day of November, and when he was brought to the Cardinal in his Chamber, he said to him, my Lord, I pray you take patience, for here I arrest you. Arrest me said the Cardinal, yea said the Earl, I have a commandment so to do: you have no such power said the Cardinal, The cardinal arrested. for I am both a Cardinal and a Legate de Latere, and a Peer of the College of Rome, and aught not to be arrested by any temporal power, for I am not subject to that power, wherefore if you arrest me, I will withstand it: well said the Earl, here is the kings Commission (which he showed him) and therefore I charge you to obey, the Cardinal somewhat remembered himself and said, well my Lord, I am content to obey, but although that I by negligence fell into the punishment of the praemunire, and lost by the law all my lands and goods, yet my person was in the king's protection, and I was pardoned that offence, wherefore I marvel why I now should be arrested, and specially considering I am a member of the sea Apostolic, on whom no temporal man aught to lay violent hands: well I see the King lacketh good Counsel. Well said the Earl when I was sworn Warden of the Marches, you yourself told me, that I might with my staff arrest all men under the degree of a king, and now I am more stronger, for I have a Commission so to do which you have seen. The Cardinal at length obeyed, and was kept in his privy Chamber, and his goods seized, and his officers discharged, and his Physician called Doctor Augustine, was likewise arrested, and brought to the Tower by sir Walter Welshe, one of the kings Chamber. The sixth day of November he was conveyed from Cawod to Sheffielde Castle, and there delivered to the Earl of shrewsbury's keeping, till the kings pleasure were known: Of this attachment was much commoning amongst the common people, wherefore many were glad, for surely he was not in the favour of the commonalty. When the Cardinal was thus arrested, the king sent Sir William Kyngston knight, Capitayne of the Guard, and Constable of the Tower of London with certain of the yeomen of the Guard to Sheffeld, to fetch the Cardinal to the Tower. When the Cardinal saw the Capitayne of the Guard, he was sore astonied and shortly became sick, for than he perceived some great trouble toward him, and for that cause men said that he willingly took so much quantity of strong purgation that his nature was not able to bear it: The Cardinal dead and buried at Leicester. But Sir William Kyngston comforted him, and by easy journeys he brought him to the Abbay of Leicester the xxvij day of November, where for very feebleness of nature caused by purgations and vomits he died the second night following, and in the same Abbay lieth buried. This Cardinal as you may perceive in this story was of a great stomach, for he counted himself equal with Princes, The description of the Cardinal. and by crafty suggestion got into his hands innumerable treasure: He forcedlitle on Simony and was not pitiful and stood affectionate in his own opinion: In open presence he would lie and say untruth, and was double both in speech and meaning: He would promise' much and perform little: He was vicious of his body and gave the clergy evil example: He hated sore the City of London and feared it: It was told him that he should die in the way toward London, wherefore he feared lest the commons of the City would arise in riotous manner and so slay him, yet for all that he died in the way toward London. The authority of this Cardinal set the Clergy in such a pride that they disdained all men, wherefore when he was fallen they followed after as you shall hear. After the Cardinal was dead, the king removed from Hampton Court to Grenewiche, where he with Queen Katheryn kept a solemn Christmas, and on the twelve night he sat in the hall in his estate, whereas were divers Interludes, rich Masks and disports, and after that a great Banquet. And after Christmas he came to his Manor of westminster, which was called York place, for after that the Cardinal was attainted in the Praemunire and was gone Northward, he made a feoffment of the same place to the king, and the Chapter of the Cathedral Church of York by their writing confirmed the same feoffment, and then the king changed the name and called it the king's Manor of Westminster and no more York place. The whole Clergy of England ever supported and maintained the power legantine of the Cardinal, wherefore the king's counsel learned said plainly that they were in the Praemunire, the spiritual Lords were called by process into the king's Bench to answer, but before their day of appearance they in their Convocation concluded an humble submission in writing, and offered the king a hundred thousand pound to be their good Lord, and also to give them a pardon of all offences touching the Praemunire by act of parliament, the which offer with much labour was accepted, The king first named supreme head. and their pardon promised. In this submission the Clergy called the king supreme head of the Church of England, which thing they never confessed before, whereupon many things followed after as you shall here. When the parliament was begun the sixth day of january, the pardon of the spiritual persons was signed with the kings hand and sent to the Lords, which in time convenient assented to the Bill and sent it to the commons in the lower house, and when it was read, divers froward persons would in no wise assent to it, except all men were pardoned, saying that all men which had any thing to do with the Cardinal were in the same case: the wiser sort answered that they would not compel the king to give them his pardon, and beside that it was uncharitably done of them to hurt the Clergy, and to do themselves no good, wherefore they advised them to consent to the Bill and after to sue to the king for their pardon, which counsel was not followed, but they determined first to send the speaker to the king or they would assent to the Bill, whereupon Thomas Audely speaker for the commons with a convenient number of the common house came to the king's presence and there eloquently he declared to the king how the commons sore lamented and bewailed their chance to think or imagine themselves to be out of his gracious favour, because that he had graciously given his pardon of the Praemunire to his spiritual subjects and not to them, wherefore they most humbly besought his grace of his accustomed goodness and clemency to include them in the same pardon. The king wisely answered that he was their prince and sovereign Lord, and that they aught not to restrain him of his liberty, nor to compel him to show his mercy, for it was at his pleasure to use the extremity of his laws or mitigate and pardon the same, wherefore sith they denied to assent to the pardon of the spiritual persons, which pardon he said he might give without their assent by his great seal, he would be well advised or he pardoned them, because he would not be noted to be compelled to do it: with this answer the speaker and the commons departed very sorrowful & pensive, and some light persons said that Thomas Crumwell which was newly come to the favour of the king had disclosed the secrets of the commons, which thing caused the king to be so extreme. The king like a good prince considered how sorrowful his Commons were of the answer that he had made them, & thought that they were not quiet, wherefore of his own motion he caused a pardon of the Praemunire to be drawn, and signed it with his hand and sent it to the common house by Christopher Hales his atturnay, which Bill was soon assented to. Then the Commons lovingly thanked the king and much praised his great wisdom that he had denied it to them when they unworthily demanded it, and had bountifully granted it when he perceived that they sorrowed & lamented. While the Parliament sat, on the xxx day of March at after noon there came into the common house the Lord Chancellor and divers Lords of the spirituality and Temporalty to the number of twelve, and there the Lord Chancellor said, you of this worshipful house I am sure be not so ignorant but you know well that the king our sovereign Lord hath married his brother's wife, for she was both wedded and bedded with his brother prince Arthure, and therefore you may surely say that he hath married his brother's wife, if this marriage be good or no many Clerks do doubt. Wherefore the king like a virtuous prince willing to be satisfied in his conscience and also for the surety of his realm hath with great deliberation consulted with great Clerks, and hath sent my Lord of London here present to the chief Universities of all Christendom to know their opinion and judgement in that behalf. And although the universities of Cambrige and Oxford had been sufficient to discuss the cause, yet because they be in his realm and to avoid all suspicion of partiality, he hath sent into the realm of France, Italy the Pope's dominious, and Venisians to know their judgement in that behalf, which have concluded, written and sealed their determinations according as you shall here read. Then Sir Bryan Tuke took out of a box twelve writings sealed, and read them word by word translated out of latin into the English tongue. After these determinations were read, there were showed above an hundred books drawn by Doctors of strange Regions, which all agreed the kings Marriage to be unlawful, which were not read, for the day was spent. Then the Chancellor said: Now you of this common house, may report in your countries what you have seen and heard and then all men shall openly perceive that the king hath not attempted this matter of will or pleasure, as some strangers report, but only for the discharge of his conscience and surety of the succession of his realm: this is the cause of our repair hither to you, and now we will departed. When these determinations were published, all wise men in the realm much abhorred that marriage: but women and such as were more wilful than wise or learned, spoke against the determination, and said that the universities were corrupt and enticed so to do, which is not to be thought. The king himself sore lamented his chance and made no manner of mirth nor pastime as he was wont to do, and dined and resorted to the Queen as he was accustomed, and minished nothing of her estate, and much loved and cherished their daughter the Lady Mary: but in no wise he would not come to her bed. When Ester began to draw near, the parliament for that time ended, and was prorogued till the last day of March, in the next year. In the Parliament aforesaid was an act made, that whosoever did poison any person should be boiled in hot water to the death: The Act of Poisoning. which act was made because one Richard Roose, in the parliament time had poisoned divers persons at the Bishop of Rochester's place, which Richard, according to the same act, was boiled in Smythfield the Teneber Wednisday following, to the terrible example of all other. This winter season, on the xxuj day of january, in the City of Luxborne in Portugal, An earthquake. was a wondrous Earthquake, which destroyed many houses and Towers, and slew many people by the falling down of the same, the kings palace shook so, that he and the Queen and the Ladies fled out of their Palace, without any servants, and sought succour where they might get it, and suddenly the quaking ceased: Then the Kockes opened, and out sprang the water, than the ships in the haven were like to have perished: Then the Earth quaked again, and did more harm than before, and at night it ceased: By which Earthquake, many men were murdered and destroyed. When the university aforesaid, and a great number of clerks and well learned men had determined the kings marriage to be unlawful, detestable, and against Gods law, as you have heard, the king willing the Queen to have knowledge of the same, Message sent to the Queen sent to her divers Lords of the counsel the last day of may being the Wednesday in whitson week: the which Lords, in her chamber at Greenewiche, declared to her all the determination as you have heard, and asked her whether she would for the quietness of the kings conscience, put the matter to four Prelates, and four Temporal Lords of this realm, or abide by her appeal. The Queen answered: the king my father which concluded my marriage, I am sure, was not so ignorant but he asked counsel of clerks and well learned men before he married me the second time: for if he had had any doubt in my marriage, he would not have disbursed so great a treasure as he did, and then all Doctors in manner agreed my marriage to be good, insomuch that the Pope himself, which knew best what was to be done, did both dispense and ratify my second marriage again whose doings I marvel that any man will speak or writ: And as to the determination of the University, I am a woman and lack wit and learning to answer to them, but to God I commit the judgement of that, whether they have done justly or percially: for this I am sure, that neither the kings father, nor my father would have condescended to our marriage, if it had been declared to be unlawful: and where you say that I should put the cause to eight persons of this realm for quietness of the king's conscience, I pray God send his grace a quiet conscience: and this shall be your answer: That I say I am his lawful wife, and him lawfully married, and by the order of the holy Church I was to him espoused as his true wife, although I was not so worthy, and in that point I will abide till the Court of Rome which was privy to the beginning have made thereof a determination and final ending. With this answer the Lords departed to the king, which was sorry to hear of her wilful opinion, and in especial that she more trusted to the Pope's law, then in keeping the precepts of God. The king like a politic prince, perceived that the Merchant strangers, and in especial Italians, Spaniards & portingalings daily brought Oade, Oil, Silk, Clotheses of Gold, Velvet, and other Merchandise into this realm, and therefore received ready money, which money they ever delivered to other Merchants by exchange, and never employed the same money on the commodities of this realm, so that thereby the king was hindered in his custom outward, and also the commodities of his realm were not uttered, to the great hindrance of his subjects: wherefore he caused a proclamation to be made in Midsummer Term, according to an old statute made in the time of king Richard the second: A proclamation of Exchange. That no person should make any exchange contrary to the true meaning of the same Act and statute, upon pain to be taken the kings mortal enemy, and to forfeit all that he might forfeit. After this proclamation, many clotheses and other commodities of this realm were well sold, but shortly after Merchants fell to exchange again, and the Proclamation was shortly forgotten. The king and the Queen after Whytsontide removed to Windsor, and there continued till the xiiij day of july, on which day the king removed to Woodstock and left her at Wyndsore, where she lay a while, and after removed to the Moor, and afterward to Estamstede: and after this day the king and she never saw together. Wherefore the common people daily murmured and spoke their foolish fantasies. But the affairs of princes be not ordered by the common people, nor it were not convenient that all things were opened to them. The king sendeth certain Lords to the Queen to persuade her to consent to the divorcement. After this the king sent certain Lords to the Queen to Estamstede, to advise her to be confirmable to the law of God, and to show unto her, that all the Universities had clearly determined, that the Pope could in no wise dispense with her marriage, and therefore the dispensation to which she most trusted of all, was clearly void and of none effect. These, with many more causes and advisements were declared to her, which nothing moved her at all, but still she said: Truly I am the kings true wife, and to him married: and if all Doctors were dead, or law, or learning so far out of man's mind at that time of our marriage, yet I can not think that the Court of Rome, and the whole Church of England would consent to a thing unlawful and detestable (as you call it) but still I say I am his wife, and for him will I pray. With this answer the Lords departed, and came to the King and made report as you have heard. This marriage was not alonely talked of in England, but in France Spain, Italy, yea, through all christendom in manner, and especially in the emperors Court, in so much as a great Marquis of Spain said to Sir Nicholas Haruy knight being the king's Ambassador in the Emperor's Court at Gaunt: My Lord Ambassador of England, I marvel not a little why the king your master dallieth so with the emperors Aunt, she is descended I assure you of a noble blood, and high parentage, the emperors Majesty may not nor will not suffer such injury to be done to his blood and lineage, that she should whole xxij years and more serve him as his wife and bedfellow, and now to reject her, what princely manner is that, therein is neither love nor loyalty? For if a poor varlet had so long served a Prince, what heart could he have then rejected him or put him from him? it can not be said that your king is well counseled: the matter is much marveled at amongst Christian Princes, and think her not to be honestly handled nor honourably: And if it be so that she be not his wife (because she was once his brother's wife) as your Doctors say and affirm, than no man can excuse your king nor say but that she hath been evil handled, and kept like a Concubine or Paramour for the bodily appetite, which is a great spot, shame and rebuke to her, and to her whole lineage, which spot no ways can be sponged out nor recompensed, for shame in a kindred can by no treasure be redeemed: If the king your master remember well this matter, he shall find that it transcendeth far above the loss of earthly possessions, I would he would be better advised. The English Ambassador answered: My Lord, my commission extendeth not to answer this matter, but to inform you of the truth, An Answers. I will somewhat say beside my commission: First I say to you, that the king my master never meant in this matter but honourably, truly, and virtuously, both for the pleasure of God and the profit and surety of his realm, nor never was nor will be any Prince that ever was better contented and pleased with a woman than he hath been with her, nor never prince more loved, cherished, nor honoured a woman then the king my master hath done her, and would with heart, mind, and will her still keep as his wife, if God's law would suffer it: My Lord if you remember well all thing, you shall find that this doubt was first moved in the counsel of Spain, when the Emperor and the King of England were agreed, that the Emperor should marry the Lady Marie the king's daughter: Upon that communication this doubt was put to the emperors counsel, whether she were the kings lawful daughter or not, because that it was well known that he had married his brother's wife. This matter was not so secret but it spread into the counsel both of France and Flaunders to the great defamation of the king of England, and to the great uncertainty of the succession of his realm, whereof when he was advertised, I think never prince took it more sorrowfully nor more heavily, and for satisfying of his conscience, he called his Clergy and felt their opinions, and not trusting his own subjects only (which I ensure you be excellently learned) sent to all the Universities of France, Italy, and divers other realms to know their judgements in this case, and surely the king my master sore lamenteth this chaun●e, and bewaileth the time misspent if it so succeed, for than is his realm destitute of a lawful heir begotten of his body, which is the greatest displeasure that may come to a prince: the marriage was well meant both of the king's father and the Queen's Father, and they married together by the advise and counsel of their friends, and lovingly continued together as man and wife without any scruple or doubt, till you of Spain moved first the question and put the marriage in ambiguity, and therefore you cannot with honour think but that the king hath done like a wise prince to search out the solution of your doubt, which so near toucheth his soul and the surety of his realm: And all thing that he hath done, he hath done by great advisement, and with a great deliberation, wherefore no reasonable man can say but he hath done like a wise and virtuous prince. The Marquis hearing this answer said, that the king did wisely to try the truth, and was somewhat ashamed of that that he had spoken, as I was informed by them that were present. The Clergy granted to the king frankly of themselves one hundred thousand pound, to be pardoned of the praemunire. You have heard before how the Clergy in their convocation had granted to the king the some of one hundred thousand pound to be pardoned of the Praemunire: for levying of the which some, every Bishop in his Diocese called before him all the Priests as well chantry and parish Priests, as persons and vicars, amongst whom Doctor john Stokesley Bishop of London, a man of great wit and learning, but of little discretion and humanity (which caused him to be out of the favour of the common people) called before him all the Priests within the City of London, whether they were Curates or Stipendaries, the first day of September being Friday, in the Chapter house of saint Paul, at which day the Priests appeared, and the bishops policy was to have only six or eight priests together, and by persuasion to have caused them to grant some portion toward the payment of the foresaid one hundredth thousand pound, but the number of the priests was so great, for they were six hundred at the least, and with them came many Temporal men to hear the matter, that the Bishop was disappointed of his purpose: for when the Bishop's Officers called in certain priests by name into the Chapter house: with that a great number entered, for they put the Bishop's Officers that kept the door a side. After this the Officers got the door shut again: then the priests without said: We will not be kept without, and our fellows be within: we know not what the bishop will do with them. The Temporal men being present stomoked and comforted the priests to enter, so that by force they opened the door, and one struck the bishops Officer over the face and entered the Chapter house, and many Temporal men with them, and long it was or any silence could be made: & at last when they were appeased, the Bishop stood up and said: Brethrens, I marvel not a little why you be so heady and know not what shall be said to you, therefore I pray you to keep silence and to hear me patiently: The bishops sa●yng. My friends all, you know well that we be men frail of condition and no Angels, and by frailty and lack of wisdom we have misdemeaned ourselves toward the king our Sovereign Lord and his laws, so that all we of the Clergy were in the Praemunire, by reason whereof, all our promotions, lands goods, and cattles, were to him forfeit and our bodies ready to be imprisoned, yet his grace moved with pity and compassion, demanded of us what we could say why he should not extend his laws upon us, than the fathers of the clergy humbly be sought his grace of mercy, to whom he answered that he was ever inclined to mercy: then for all our great offences we had little penance, for where he might by rigour of his law have taken all our livelihood, goods and cattles, he was contented with one hundred. M. pounds to be paid in five years: and although that this somme be more than we may easily bear, yet by the rigour of his laws we should have borne the whole burden: Wherefore my brethren, I charitably exhort you to bear your parts of your livelihood and salary toward the payment of this some granted. Then it was shortly said to the Bishop: My Lord twenty nobles a year is but a bore living for a priest, for now victual and every thing in manner is so dear, that poverty in manner enforceth us to say nay: beside that, my Lord we never offended in the Praemunire, for we never meddled with the cardinals faculties, let the Bishops and abbots which have offended pay. Then the Bishop's officers gave to the priests high words, which caused them to be the more obstinate. Also divers temporal men which were present comforted the priests, and bade them agreed to no payment. In this rumour, divers of the Bishop's servants were buffyted and stricken so that the Bishop began to be afraid, and with fair words appeased the noise, and for all things which were done or said, there he pardoned them and gave to them his blessing, and prayed them to departed in charity. And then they departed thinking to hear no more of the matter, but they were deceived, for the Bishop went to sir Thomas Moor then being Lord Chancellor (which greatly favoured the Bishop, and the Clergy) and to him made a grievous complaint and declared the fact very grievously, whereupon commandment was sent to sir Thomas Pargitor Mayor of the City, to attach certain priests and temporal men, and so xu priests, and five temporal men were arrested, of the which, some were sent to the Tower, some to the Fleet, and other prisons, where they remained long after. In this season were divers preachings in the realm, Thomas Abel. one contrary to another concerning the king's marriage, and in especial one Thomas Abel Clerk, both preached and wrote a Book, that the marriage was lawful, which caused many simple men to believe his opinion: This Abel was the Queen's Chaplain, and wrote this book to please her withal: Wherefore the king caused a determination of the Universities, and all the judgements of great Clerks to be compiled into a Book, and to be printed, which Book did satisfy the minds of all indifferent and discrete persons: But some men were partial, that neither learning, nor reason could satisfy their wilful minds. This year the king kept his Christmas at Greenwich with great solemnity, but all men said that there was no mirth in that Christmas, because the Queen and the Ladies were absent. After Christmas, the xu day of january the Parliament began to sit and amongst divers griefs which the Commons were grieved with, A Parliament. they sore complained of the cruelty of the Ordinaries, for calling men before them Ex officio: that is, by reason of their office: For the Ordinaries would sand for men, and lay accusations to them of Heresy, and say they were accused, and lay Articles to them, but no Accuser should be brought forth, which to the Commons was very dreadful and grievous: for the party so assisted must either abjure or be burned, for Purgation he might make none. When this matter and other Exactions done by the Clergy in their Courts were long debated in the common house, at the last it was concluded and agreed, that all the griefs which the temporal men were grieved with, should be put in writing, and delivered to the king, which by great advice was done: Wherefore the xviij day of March the Common speaker accompanied with divers Knights and Burgesses of the Common house, came to the kings presence, and there declared to him how the Temporal men of his realm were sore aggrieved with the cruel demeanour of the prelate's and Ordinaries, which touched both their bodies and goods, The speaker of the parliament in the name of the commons delivereth to the king certain articles against the Clergy. all which griefs, the Speaker delivered to the king in writing, most humbly beseeching his grace to take such an order and direction in that case, as to his high wisdom might seem most convenient. Further he beseeched the king to consider what pain, charge and cost, his humble subjects of the neither house had sustained sigh the beginning of this Parliament, and that it would please his grace of his Princely benignity to dissolve his Court of Parliament, that his subjects might repair into their Countries. When the king had received the supplication of the Commons, he paused a while, and then said: it is not the office of a king which is a judge to be to light of credence, The kings sa●yng. nor I have not, nor will not use the same: for I will hear the party that is accused speak or I give any sentence: your Book containeth divers articles of great and weighty matters, and as I perceive it is against the Spiritual persons and prelate's of our Realm, of which thing you desire a redress and a reformation, which desire and request is mere contrariaunt to your last petition: For you require to have the parliament dissolved and to departed into your countries, and yet you would have a reformation of your griefs with all diligence. Although that your pains have been great in tarrying, I assure you mine hath been no less than yours, and yet all the pain that I take for your wealths, is to me a pleasure: therefore if you will have profit of your complaint, you must tarry the time, or else to be without remedy: I much commend you that you will not contend nor stand in strife with the Spiritual men, which be your Christian brethren but much more me thinketh that you should not contend with me, that am your sovereign Lord and king, considering that I seek peace and quietness of you: For I have sent to you a Bill concerning wards and primer season, in the which things I am greatly wronged: Wherefore I have offered you reason as I think, yea, and so thinketh all the Lords, for they have set their hands to the Book: Therefore I assure you, if you will not take some reasonable end now when it is offered, I will search out the extremity of the law, and then will I not offer you so much again: With this answer, the Speaker and his company departed. The cause why the king spoke these words was this: Daily men made feoffments of their lands to their uses, and declared their wills of there lands with such remainders, that not alonely the king, but all other Lords lost their Wards, Marriages, and reliefs, and the king also lost his primer season, & the profit of the livery, which was to him very prejudicial, & a great loss: wherefore he, like an indifferent Prince, not willing to take all, nor to loose all, caused a Bill to be drawn by his learned counsel, in the which was devised, that every man might make his will of the half of his land, so that he left the other half to the heir by descent. When this Bill came first amongst the Commons, Lord how the ignorant persons were grieved, and how shamefully they spoke of the Bill, and of the kings learned Counsel: But the wise men which understood & saw the mischief to come, would gladly have had the Bill to be assented to, or at the lest to have put the king in a surety of the third or fourth part, which offer I was credibly informed the king would have taken: But many froward and wilful persons, not regarding what might ensue (as it did in deed) would neither consent to the Bill as the Lords had agreed & set to their hands, nor yet agreed to no reasonable qualification of the same, which afterward they sore repent: For after this, the king called the judges, and best learned men of his realm, & they disputed this matter in the Chancery, and agreed that land could not be willed by the order of the Common law: Whereupon an act was made, that no man might declare his will of no part of his land: Note here what it is to stand with a Prince. which Act sore grieved the Lords and Gentlemen that had many children to set forth. Therefore you may judge what mischief cometh of wilful blindness, and lack of foresight in so great causes. This Parliament was prorogued till the tenth day of April, in the which Parliament was an Act made, Bulls of Rome carried greater treasure out of England●. that Bishops should pay no more Annates or money for their Bulls to the Pope: for it was openly proved, that there was paid for the Bulls of Bishops, since the fourth year of king Henry the seventh, the kings father, till this year, one hundredth lx thousand pound sterling, beside all other Dispensations, and pardons, whereof the sum was incredible. When the Parliament was begun again after Easter, there came down to the Common house the Lord Chancellor, the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, the Earls of Arundel, Oxford, Northumberland, Rutland, Wiltshire, and Sussex, and after they were set, the Lord Chancellor declared, how the king was advertised by his Counsel, and in especial by the Duke of Norfolk, how on the Marches between England and Scotland was very little habitation on the English side, but on the Scottish side was great habitation, and the Scots dwelled even just on the Border, by reason whereof they invaded England divers times, and did to the kings subjects great hurt, and displeasure: Wherefore the king intended to make dwelling houses there, and also to make new divers piles and stops to let the Scottish men from their invasions, to the great commodity of all his people there dwelling, which things could not be done without great cost: Wherefore considering the kings good intent, he said that the Lords thought it convenient to grant to the king some reasonable aid toward his charges, and prayed the Commons to consult on the same, and then he and all the Lords departed. After their departure, the Commons considering the kings good intent, lovingly granted to him a fifteen toward his charges, but this grant was not enacted at this Session, because that suddenly became a Pestilence in westminster, wherefore the Parliament was prorogued till the next year. In this year was an old Tolle demanded in Flaunders of English men, called the Tolle of the Hound, which is a River and a passage: Tolle of the Hound. The Tolle is twelve pence of a farthel. This Tolle had been often times demanded but never paid: insomuch that king Henry the seventh, for the demand of that Tolle prohibited all his subjects to keep any Mart at Andwarpe or Barow, but caused the Martes to be kept at Calais: at which time it was agreed that the said Tolle should never be demanded, so that the English men would resort again into the Duke's Country, and after that, it was not demanded till now: Wherefore the King sent Doctor Knight, and other to Calais, and thither came the emperors Commissioners, and the matter was put in suspense for a tyme. Ye have heard before how the king had purchased the Bishop of York's place, which was a fair bishops house, but not meet for a king: The boylding of the kings house called Saint james. Wherefore the King purchased all the Meadows about saint james, and all the whole house of saint james, and there made a fair Mansion and a Park, and builded many costly and commodious houses for great pleasure, which now is called saint james house. In the beginning of this year, the Lady Anne Bulleyne was so much in the king's favour, that the common people which knew not the kings true intent, Lady Anne Bulloyne. said and thought that the absence of the Queen was only for her sake, which was not true: for the king was openly rebuked of preachers for keeping company with his brother's wife, which was the occasion that he eschewed her company, till the truth were tried. The king calleth the Speaker and certain other of the common house unto him and delivereth them the answer that the clergy made to articles delivered to the king the last year. The last day of April the parliament sitting, the king sent for Thomas Awdeley speaker of the common house, and certain other, and declared to them, how they had exhibited a book of their grieves, the last year against the spirituality, which at their requests, he had delivered to his spiritual subjects, to make answer there to, but he could have no answer, till within three days last passed, which answer he delivered to the speaker saying: we think their answer will smally please you, for it seemeth to us very slender, you be a great sort of wisemen, I doubt not but you will look circumspectly on the matter, and we will be indifferent between you. And for a truth their answer was very Sophistical, and nothing avoiding the griefs of the lay people: and farther the king said, that he marveled not a little, why one of the parliament house spoke openly of the absence of the Queen from him, which matter was not to be determined there, for he said it touched his soul, and wished the matrimony to be good, for than had he never been vexed in conscience, but the Doctors of the Universities said he, have determined the marriage to be void, and detestable before God, which grudge of conscience, caused me to abstain from her company, and no foolish or wanton appetite: for I am said he xlj year old, at which age the lust of man is not so quick, as in lusty youth: and saving in Spain and Portyngall it hath not been seen, that one man hath married two sisters, the one being carnally known before, but the brother to marry the brother's wife was so abhorred amongst all nations, that I never heard it, that any christian man did it, but by myself: wherefore you see my conscience troubled and so I pray you report: so the speaker departed, and declared to the commons the kings saying, both of the spiritual men's answer, and also concerning the kings marriage, which slight answer displeased the commons. The occasion why the king spoke of this marriage, was because one Temse in the common house, moved the commons to sue to the king to take the Queen again into his company, and declared certain great mischiefs, as in Bastarding the Lady Marie the king's only child, and divers other inconveniences, which words were reported to the king, which was the cause that he declared his conscience. The king ag●●e sendeth for the spraker and other and delivereth them an other for the Clergy. The xj day of May, the king sent for the speaker again, and twelve of the common house, having with him eight Lords, and said to them, well-beloved subjects, we thought that the Clergy of our realm had been our subjects wholly, but now we have well perceived that they be but half our subjects, yea, and scarce our subjects: for all the Prelates at their consecration made an oath to the Pope, clean contrary to the oath that they make to us, so that they seem to be his subjects, & not ours, the copy of both the oaths I deliver here to you, requiring you to invent some order, that we be not thus deluded of our spiritual subjects. The speaker departed, and caused the oaths to be read in the common house, the very tenor whereof ensueth. ●the to the Pope. I john Bishop or Abbot of A. from this hour forward, shall be faithful and obedient to Saint Peter, and to the holy Church of Rome, and to my Lord the Pope, and his successors Canonically entering, I shall not be of counsel nor consent, that they shall lose either life or member, or shall be taken or suffer any violence, or any wrong by any means, their counsel to me credited, by them their messengers or letters, I shall not willingly discover to any person: the papacy of Rome, the rules of the holy fathers, and the Regalie of saint Peter, I shall help and retain, and defend against all men: the Legate of the Sea Apostolic, going and coming, I shall honourably entreat, the rights, honours, privileges, authorities of the Church of Rome, and of the Pope and his successors, I shall 'cause to be conserved, defended, augmented, and promoted, I shall not be in counsel, treaty, or any act, in the which any thing shall be imagined against him, or the Church of Rome, their rights, states, honours, or powers. And if I know any such to be moved or compassed, I shall resist it to my power, and as soon as I can, I shall advertise him, or such as may give him knowledge. The rules of the holy fathers, the decrees, ordinances, Sentences, dispositions, reservations, provisions, and commandments Apostolic, to my power I shall keep and cause to be kept of other: Heretics, Sismatikes, and rebels to our holy father and his successors, I shall resist and persecute to my power, I shall come to the Synod, when I am called, except I be letted by a Canonical impediment, the lights of the Apostles I shall visit yearly personally, or by my deputy, I shall not alien nor cell my possessions without the Pope's counsel: so God me help and the holy evangelists. I john Bishop of A. utterly renounce and clearly forsake all such clauses, words, sentences, and grants, Oath to the king. which I have or shall have hereafter of the Pope's holiness, of and for the bishopric of A. that in any wise hath been, is or hereafter may be hurtful, or prejudicial to your highness, your heirs, successors, dignity, privilege, or estate royal: and also I do swear that I shall he faithful and true, and faith and truth I shall bear to you my sovereign Lord, and to your heirs kings of the same, of life and limb, and earthly worship above all creatures, for to live and die with you and yours, against all people, and diligently I shall be attendant to all your needs and business, after my wit and power, and your counsel I shall keep and hold, knowledging myself to hold my Bishopric of you only, beseeching you of restitution of the temporalties of the same, promising as before, that I shall be faithful, true, and obedient subject to your said highness heirs, and successors during my life, and the services and other things due to your highness, for the restitution of the temporalties of the same Bishopric I shall truly do and obediently perform, so God me help and all saints. The opening of these oaths, was one of the occasions, Sir Thomas Moore discharged of the Chauncelorship. why the Pope within two year following, lost all his jurisdiction in England, as you shall hear afterward. The xiiij day the parliament was prorogued till the fourth day of February next ensuing. After which prorogation, Sir Thomas Moor Chancellor of England, after long suits made to the king to be discharged of that office the sixteen day of May, he delivered to the king at Westminster, the great seal of England, and was with the kings favour discharged, which seal the king kept till Whitsontyde following, and on the Monday in Whitsun week, Thomas Awdeley Lord keeper of the seal. he dubbed Thomas Awdeley speaker of the parliament knight, and made him Lord keeper of the great Seal, and so was he called. The king understanding that the Pope and French king met at Marcelles thought it meet first to talk with the French king. The king being in progress this Summer was advertised that the Pope and the French king had appointed to meet at Marcelles in Province, in the beginning of the next spring, wherefore the king like a wise and politic prince, thought it convenient to speak with the French king in his own person, before the Pope and he should come together, and to declare to him both the determination of the Universities and Doctors, concerning his matrimony, and also the general counsels, which ordained such causes, to be tried in the provinces and Countries, where the doubt should rise, trusting that the French king should 'cause the Pope to incline to God's law, and to leave his own traditions, and void dispensations, whereupon both the princes concluded to meet in October following, between Calais and Bulleyn: wherefore the king of England sent out his letters to his nobility, A meeting appointed of the French king and the king of England between Calais and Bulleyne. prelate's, and servants, commanding them to be ready at Cauntorburie, the xxuj day of September, to pass the Seas with him, for the accomplishing of the interview between him and his brother the French king. Many men were sorry to hear, that the king should pass the Sea in winter, and especially in October, when the seas be rough, but their sayings letted not his purpose: for he marched forward from Ampthill to Wyndsore, where on Sunday being the first day of September, he created the Lady Anne Bulleyn, Lady Anne Bulleyne made Marchiones of Penbroke. Marchiones of Penbroke, and gave to her one thousand pound land by the year, and that solemnity finished, he road to the College to Mass, and when the Mass was ended, a new league was concluded and sworn, between the king and the French king, Messire Pomoray the French Ambassador then being present. After which oath taken. A new league Doctor Fox the kings Amner made an eloquent oration in Latin, in praise of peace, love, and amity: which done the Trumpets blewe, and the king returned to the castle, where was kept a solemn feast. From thence the king removed to Greenwich, & so forward to Canterbury, where at the day appointed, he found ready furnished all such as were commanded to pass the sea with him, well & richly adorned, both they and their servants. The tenth day of October, the king came to Dover, and on the xj day in the morning being Friday, at three of the clock, he took shipping in Dover road, and before ten of the clock the same day, he with the Lady Marchiones of Penbroke landed at Calais, where he was honerably received with procession, and brought to Saint Nicholas Church, where he heard Mass, and so to his place called the Exchequer, where he lodged, and on the Sundaye after came to Calais, the Lord Roche Baron, and Mounsire de Mountpesat, messengers from the French king, advertising the king of England, that the French king would repair to Abuile the same night marching toward Bulleyne, of which tidings the king was very glad: but suddenly came a messenger and reported that the great Master of France, and the archbishop of Rouen, with divers noble men of France were come to Sandifield, intending to come to Calais, to salute the king, from the king their master. He being thereof advertised, sent in great haste the xu day of October, the Duke of Norfolk, the Marquis of Excester, the Earls of Oxford, Derby, and Rutland, the Lord Sands, and the Lord Fitzwater, with three hundred Gentlemen, which honourably received the French Lords at the English pale, and so brought them to the king's presence in Calais, which stood under a rich cloth of estate of such value that they much mused of the riches. The king (as he that knew all honour and nurture) received the French Lords very lovingly and amiably, and with them took a day and place of meeting: these Lords were highly feasted, and after departed to Bulleyn. While the king lay thus in Calais, he viewed the walls, towers, and Bulwarks, and devised certain new fortifications, for the maintenance and defence of the town. The town of Calais had at this season xxiiij C. beds, and stabling for two thousand horses, beside the villages adjacent. The twenty day of this month, the king being advertised, that the French king was come to a Village called Marguison nigh to the English pale, marched out of Calais the next day after, accompanied with the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, and with the Marquis of Dorcet and Excester, the Earls of Arrondell, Oxford, Surrey, Essex, Derby, Rutland, Huntingdon, and Sussex, and diverse Viscountes, Barones', knights of the Garter, and Gentlemen, freshly apparelled, and richly trimmed, and so passed toward the place, appointed for the interview, leving behind them the greatest part of the yeomen of Calais, because that Bulleyne was to little for both the trains. For the Frenchmen said their train was twenty thousand horse, which caused the Englishmen to cast many perils, and especially because it was bruited abroad, that the French king should say the king of England was once his enemy, and maintained the Emperor and the Duke of Bourbon against him & now was become his most friend. The rehearsing of these old grudges, many Englishmen suspected, and very loath that the king should go to Bulleyne, but the king continued still in his journey, and came to Sandingfield, and a little from that place in a valley, The meeting of the french king and the king of England. was the French king nobly accompanied with three hundred horse, and not many more. The kings train waved on the left hand, to give the French king and his train the right hand: likewise did the French part, to give the Englishmen the right hand: so the two kings with all loving honour, met with bore heads, and embraced other in such fashion, The kings apparel. that all that beheld them rejoiced. And at their meeting the French king said openly, to the king of England: Sir you be the same person, that I am most bound to in the world, and sith it hath pleased you, in person to visit me, I am bound in person to seek you, and for the very friendship, that I have found in you, I am yours and will be, and so I require you to take me: The saying of the French king. the king of England soberly answered, if ever I did thing to your liking I am glad, and as touching the pain to come hither to see you, I assuer you it is my comfort, yea, and I had come farther to have visited you. Then the kings embraced the Lords and estates, as the French king the Lords of England, and the king of England the Lords of France, and that done, they set forward toward Bulloyne, and in riding they cast of Hawks called Sakers, to the Kites, which made to them great sport. And in a valley beyond Sandingfielde, the king of Naver met the kings, and there they alighted and drank, and after that they mounted on horseback, and with hawking and other princely pastime, they came near to Bulleyne, where on a hill stood ranged in a fair band, the number of five hundred men on horseback, of whom the chief were, the French kings three sons, the Dolphin, The French kings three sons. the Duke of orleans, and the Duke of Angulesme, and on them gave attendance, the admiral of France, and three Cardinals, with diverse other nobles of France, these three Princes marched forward, and welcomed the king of England: which them well beheld and lovingly them received, as he that could as much nurture, as any Prince that ever was. Then the French king said to his children openly: My children I am your father, but to this Prince here you are as much bound, as to me your natural father, for he redeemed me and you from captivity: wherefore on my blessing I charge you, to be to him loving always. The king of England ceased the French kings tale, The kings coming to Bulle●ne. and embraced the young Princes, each after other. Then all the noble company came to Bulleyne, where was a great shot of Artillery, for on the one side they shot great pelletes, which made a great noise: then these two Princes offered at our lady of Bullein and the French king brought the king of England to his lodging, in the Abbay directly against his own lodging, where the king of England had diverse chambers richly furnished. Every man was appointed to his lodging (which there was very straight) according to his degree, and great cheer was made to all the Englishmen: the Poultries, Larders, Spiceceis, and sellers of wine were all open, and likewise Hay and Litter, and all other things, ask and have, and no man durst take any money, for the French king paid for all. In the Church of Bulleyn was a travers set up by the French king, open on every side saving it was sieled with blue velvet, embraudered with flower Delices' of gold, the pillars were hanged with the same work: On the French kings right hand, was another travers sieled, and curtened all of white Satin, embraudered with Cables cast, of cut cloth of Gold, embraudered and gilted after the fashion that Mariners cast their ropes: this travers was valenced of like work, and fringed with fine gold. Daily the kings heard their Masses in these traverses, and commonly they went together to Mass. divers times the kings commoned together in counsel, and sometime in the morning or the Princes were stirring, their Counsels met, and sat together a great while. While the king of England lay thus at Bulleyn, the French king to show himself loving to the noble men of England, the xxv day of October, called a Chapter of the Companions of his order, called Saint Michael, of whom the king of England was one, and so there elected Thomas Duke of Norfolk, and Charles Duke of Suffolk, to be companions of the said Order, which were brought into the said Chapter, and had their Collars delivered to them, and were sworn to the Statutes of the Order, their obeisance to their sovereign Lord, always reserved: which Dukes thanked the French king, and gave to the officers of Arms two hundred Crowns a piece. And these two kings rested at Bulleyne, Monday, Tewesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and on Friday the xxuj day of October, they departed out of Bulleyn to Calais: the French kings train was twelve hundred persons, and so many horse or more, and without Calais two mile, met with them the Duke of Richmonde, the kings vastard son of England, a goodly young Prince, and full of favour and beauty, with a great company of noble men, which were not at Bulleyn, so the Duke with his company, embraced the French king, and so did other noble men, than the Lords of England set forward, as the dukes of Richmond, Norfolk, and Suffolk the Marquis of Excester, the Earls of Arundel, Oxford, Surrey, Derby, Worcester, Rutland, Sussex, and Huntingdon, the Viscountes of Lisle, and Rochforde, the Bishops of London, Winchester, Lincoln, and , the Lord William Haward, the Lord Matreverse, the Lord Montacute, the Lord Cobham, the Lord Sands, the Lord Bray, the Lord Mordant, the Lord Leonard Grace, the Lord Clinton, and sir William Fitzwilliam knight, treasurer of the king's house, & sir William Paulet, This Sir William is he that now is Lord treasurer of England. Comptrolof the same, with a great number of knights, beside the lusty esquires, and young Gentlemen. These noble personages and Gentlemen of England accompanied the French Lords to Newnam Bridge, where as Thomas Palmer captain of the Fortress, with a fair company of Soldiers saluted the kings, and so they passed toward Calais: where at their coming, that what out of the town and Castle, and what out of Ricebancke, and the Ships in the Haven, the Frenchmen said they never heard such a shot: and when they were entered the Mill gate, all the Soldiers of the town stood on the one side, apparelled in read and blue, and on the other side of the streets, stood all the serving men of England in coats of French Tawny, with their Lords and masters devices embraudered, The receiving of the French king into Calais. and every man a Scarlet Cap and a white feather, which made a goodly show: there were lodged in Calais that night, beside the town dwellers, eight thousand persons at the lest. The King of England brought the French king to his lodging, to the Staple Inn, where he was most honourably lodged, and all things furnished that belongs to the same. If the French king made good cheer to the king of England, and his train at Bulleyn, I assure you he and his train, were requited at Calais, for the plenty of wild foul, Venison, fish, and all other things which were there, it was marvel to see, for the kings Officers of England, had made preparation in every place, so that the Frenchmen were served, with such multitude of divers fishes, this Friday and Saturday, that the Masters of the French kings household, much wondered at the provision. In likewise on the Sunday, they had all manner of flesh, foul, spice, Venison, both of fallow Dear, and read Dear, and as for wine they lacked none, so that well was the English man that might well entertain the French man: the Lords of France never fetched their viands, but they were sent to them, and often time their proportion of victual was so abundant, that they refused a great part thereof. While the kings were thus in Calais, The traverses. they road every day to saint Marie Church, where were set two traverses, the one for the french king: the other for the king of England. The Sunday at night, The supper made to the French king. the French king supped with the king of England. The French king was served with three courses, and his meat dressed after the French fashion, and the king of England had like courses after the English fashion, the first course of every king was xl dishes, the second lx the third lxx which were costly and pleasant. After supper, was a sumptuous and royal mask. The Tewesday next following, being the xxx day of October, the two kings departed out of Calais, and came near to Sandingfield, and there alighted in a fair green place, where was a Table set, and there the English men served the French men of wine, hippocras, fruit, and spice abundantly. When the two kings had commoned a little, they mounted on their horses, and at the very entering of the French ground, they took hands, and with Princely countenance, The kings departure. loving behaviour, and hearty words, each embraced other, and so there departed. While the king of England was in the French kings dominions, he had the upper hand, and likewise had the French king in his dominion, and as the French king paid all the English men's charges at Bulleyn, so did the king of England at Calais, so that every thing was recompensed: saving that the king of England gave to the French king, divers precious jewels, and great horses, and to his Nobles great plenty of Plate, for the which I could never here, that he gave the king of England any other thing, but the white Gown, as you have heard, but to the Lords of the king's counsel, he gave certain Plate and Chains. When the king was returned to Calais, many Gentlemen took ship to sail into England, but the wind was so contrariant, that divers of them were driven back again into Calais, and divers into Flaunders, and in November rose such a wind, out of the North and Northwest, that all the ships in Calais haven were in great jeopardy, and in especial the Hoys, at which season was such a spring tide, A great flood in Holland and Zealand. that it broke the walls of Holland, and Zealand, and drowned divers towns in Flaunders, insomuch that the water rose three foot above the Wharfe, where the Key stood in Andwarp: This storm continued till the fourth day of November, but for all that the wind changed not. The eight day rose such a wind, tempest, and thunder, that no man could conveniently stir in the streets of Calais: much lamentation was made for them that had taken ship into England, for no man knew what was become of them. On Sunday the weather was fair, the king caused his bed and other things to be shipped, and intended to departed, but suddenly rose such a mist, that no Master could guide a ship, and so he tarried that day. On Tewesday at midnight he took ship, and landed at Dover the morrow after, being the xiiij day of November, at five of the clock in the morning, wherefore the Saturday after, was song Te Deum in the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul in London: The Lord keeper of the great seal, The king married to Lady Anne Bulleyn. the Mayor of London, (and divers other noble and sad persons, which made their abode in London, for the governance of the realm in the king's absence) being present. The king after his return, married privily the Lady Anne Bulleyn, on saint Erkenwaldes day being the last day of April. When the king should pass over the sea, he considered that the Scots had rob his subjects, both by sea and land, and that no redress was made for the same, imagined that in his absence they would attempt some outrageous enterprise against his people, wherefore like a prudent Prince, to be in a surety, he sent sir Arthur Darcy knight, with three hundred tall men to Berwick, to defend the invasions of the Scots. The Scots hearing of his coming, came into Northumberland, by the middle Marches, and came to a place called Fowbery, and in their journey fired certain villages and returned. Sir Arthur Darcy hearing of this adventure, Margaret Queen of Scots divorced from the Earl of Angus, and married to another. was nothing content. Now at this season their lay at Barwike, Archibalde Douglas Earl of Angus, which had married the Queen of Scots the kings sister, and was vanished Scotland, and she was from him divorced, and married to another. The Scotes bragged of their enterprise, & said that sir Arthur had brought them good luck, and said, that he and the Earl of Angus, slept well in Berwick: they hearing of this brag, made a road with four hundred men into Scotland, and set a village on fire: then shortly assembled together eight hundred Scots. When the Englishmen perceived the Scots, they caused their trumpet to blow a retreat, and the Earl and twenty with him, showed himself on a hill, even in the face of the Scots, and the trumpet blewe at their backs, so that the Scots thought that there had been two companies, which caused the Scots to fly, and the Englishmen followed, and slew a great number, and took many prisoners, and brought them to Berwick the twenty day of October. The king this year kept his Christmas at Greenwich, and after Christmas sir Thomas Awdeley, Lord keeper of the great Seal, Sir Thomas Awdeley made chancellor. was made Chancellor of England, and when the Parliament began, because the office of the Speaker was void, Humphrey Wingfielde of Gray's Inn, was elected Speaker of the Parliament, which was presented according as you have heard of the other Speaker before. In the which Parliament was made an act, that no person should appeal for any cause out of this realm, All appeals to the Court of Rome forbidden. to the Court of Rome, but from Commissary to the Bishop, and from Bishop to Archbishop, and from Archbishop to the King, and all causes of the King, to be tried in the upper house of the Convocation. Queen Katheryn called Prince's Dowager. And in the same Parliament was enacted, that Queen Katheryn should from thenceforth, be no more called Queen, but princes Dowagar of prince Arthur. In this Summer season last passed, died William Warham Archbishop of Cauntorbury, Thomas Cranmer elected archbishop of Cantorbury. and to that Bishopric was named Doctor Thomas Cranmer, the kings chaplain, a man of good learning, and of a virtuous life, which also not long before, was the kings Ambassador to the Bishop of Rome, which was consecrated in Lent. After the King perceiving his new wife Queen Anne, The Lady Anne Bulleyne openly published to be Queen. to be great with child, caused all officers necessary, to be appointed to her, and so on Easter eve, she went to her Closet openly as Queen, with all solemnity, and then the king appointed the day of her coronation, to be kept on Whitsun Sunday next following, and writings were sent to all shrives, to certify the names of men of forty pound, to receive the order of knighthood, or else to make a fine: the assessment of which fines, were appointed to Thomas Cromwell, master of the kings jewel house, Thomas Cromwell master of the king's jewel house. and Counsellor to the king, and newly in his high favour, which so politicly handled the matter, that he raised of that sessing of fines, a great sum of money to the kings use: Also the king wrote letters to the City of London, to prepare Pagiauntes against the same coronation. The king in the beginning of this xxv year, kept the day of Saint George, at his Manor of Greenwich, with great solemnity, and the Court was greatly replenished, with Lords, Knights, and with Ladies and Gentlewomen, to a great number, with all solace and pleasure. You have heard the last year, how the Parliament had enacted, that no person should after a day, appeal to Rome for any cause, whatsoever it were, and that the Queen, now called the prince's Dowager, had appealed to the court of Rome, A question of Appeals. before the act made, so that it was doubted, whether that appeal were good or not. This question was well handled in the parliament house but much better in the Convocation house, but in both houses it was alleged yea, and by books showed, that in the Counsels of Chalcedon, Africa, Toletane, and divers other famous Counsels in the primative Church yea, in the time of Saint Augustine, it was affirmed, declared, and determined, that a cause rising in one province, should be determined in the same, and that neither the patriarch of Constantinople, should meddle in causes moved in the jurisdiction of the patryarcke of Antioch, nor no Bishop should entermit, with in an others province or country: which things were so clerkly opened and so cunningly set forth to all intentes, that every man that had wit, and was determined to follow the truth, and not affectionate nor wilfully wedded to his own mind, might plainly see that all apples made to Rome, were clearly void and of none effect: which doctrines and counsels, were showed to the Lady Katerin Princes Dowager, but she (as women love to loose no dignity) ever continued in her old song, trusting more to the Pope's partiality, then to the determination of Christ's verity. Queen Katherine divorced at Dunstable. Whereupon the archbishop of Cauntorbury, accompanied with the Bishops of London, Wynchester, , Lincoln, and diverse other great Clerks, in a great number road to Dunstable, which is six mile from Ampthil, where the prince's Dowager lay, and there by a Doctor called Doctor Lee, she was assisted to appear before the said Archbishop, in cause of matrimony, in the said town of Donstable, & at the day of appearance she would not appear, but made default, and so she was called peremtorye, every day fifteen days together, and at the last for lack of appearance, and for contumacy, by the assent of all the learned men there being present, she was divorced from the king, and there marriage declared to be void and of none effect, which sentence given, the archbishop and all the other returned whether it pleased them. In the month of may Pope Clement sent an Orator to the king at Grenewhich certifying him that he had appointed a general counsel to be kept at Mantua the year following, The Pope sendeth to the king to advertise him that he had summoned a general counsel to be kept at Mantua. and thereof had advertised all princes christian, requiring the king likewise as he did all other princes christian for the universal wealth of all Christendom, and for the quieting of opinions newly grown, to appear there personally: to the which it was answered that it was both jeopardous for the king, and for his whole realm to have their Prince absent for fear of invasions by outward enemies, The kings answer. but he said he would sand thither a sufficient procuraty and convenient Proctors, and desired to see the Orator's commission. When he with an evil will had showed his commission, there appeared neither place nor time of the counsel. For the king knew well before his coming that the Marquis of Mantua had made a full denial to the Pope that he would have no such assemble to be kept in his City nor dominions, for divers great and urgent causes, and so the Pope's Orator departed with an uncertain answer to an uncertain demand, but not unrewarded. The King being advertised by the French king how that he and the Pope should meet at Niece in june following, A solemn Ambassade sent to acompanye the French king to meet with the Pope at Niece. thought it convenient to sand a solemn Ambassade to the French king both to accompany him to Niece, and also to common with the Bishop of Rome concerning his unlawful stay in the kings divorce: whereupon he appointed the Duke of Norfolk, the Lord Rocheford brother to the new Queen, Sir William Pawlet controller of the king's household, sir Anthony Browne, and Sir Frances Bryan knights to be his Ambassadors, which made great provision for that purpose, and so with the number of. C.lx horses came to Dover and so to Calais on Whitsun even (on which day the Queen made her entry through the City of London toward her coronation) where they made their abode a certain space, and passed through all France till they came to Lions, where they remained a space as you shall hear after. This very season was daily skirmishing between the borderers of the Marches of England and Scotland, and yet no war proclaimed, The Scots rob and spoil upon the borders of England. and many robberies, murders and manslaughters done on both parts, and although the Commissioners of the realms of England and of Scotland at Newcastel upon Tine were entreating a truce & amity, yet during the communication the Scots ceased not to rob both by sea and land, and took divers little boats laden with corn and fish, whereof hearing the king of England, he decked and victualed divers ships of war, and sent them to the North seas to defend his subjects. The Scots hearing that the English Navy was come on their cost, in all haste fled home to their harbour, but yet the English men followed them, and fetched many of their prays out of their havens maugre of their heads. In the beginning of may the king caused open proclamations to be made that all men that claimed to do any service or execute any office at the solemn feast of the coronation, by the way of tenor, Proclamations made for provision of the queens coronation. grant or prescription should put their grant three weeks after Easter in the Star chamber before Charles Duke of Suffolk for that time high steward of England and the Lord Chancellor and other commissioners. The Duke of Norfolk claimed to be Earl Martial and to exercise his office at that feast. The Earl of Arrondell claimed to be high Butler and to exercise the same: the Earl of Oxford claimed to be chamberlain: the Viscount Lisle claimed to be Panter: the Lord Burgaine to be chief Larderer, and the Lord Bray claimed to be Almoner, and sir Henry Wyatt knight claimed to be Ewrer: All these noble personages desired their offices with their fees. Beside these the Mayor of London claimed to serve the Queen with a Cup of Gold and a Cup of assay of the same, and that twelve Citizens should attend on the Cupboard and the Mayor to have the Cup, and Cup of assay for his labour, which petition was allowed. The fi●e Ports claimed to bear a Canopy over the queens head the day of the coronation with four guilt Bells, and to have the same for a reward, which also to them was allowed. divers other put in petty claims which were not allowed, because they seemed only to be done at the king's coronation. All this season great purveyance was made of all manner of Victuals, and Lords, knights and Squires were sent for out of all Countries, which came to London at their day with a great number of people. After that the king's highness had addressed his gracious letters to the Mayor and commonalty of the City, signifying to them that his pleasure was to solemnize and celebrated the coronation of his most dear and well-beloved wife Queen Anne at Westminster the Whitsonday next ensuing, willing them to make preparation as well to fetch her grace from Grenewiche to the Tower by water as to see the City ordered and garnished with Pagiauntes in places accustomed, for the honour of her grace. When she should be conveyed from the Tower to Westminster, there was a common counsel called, and commandment was given to the Haberdashers (of which craft the Mayor sir Stephen Peacock then was) that they should prepare a Barge for the Bachelors with a wafter and a Foist garnished with Banners and streamers, likewise as they use to do when the Mayor is presented at Westminster on the morrow after Simon and jude. Also all other crafts were commanded to prepare Barges and to garnish them not alonely with their Banners accustomed, but also to deck them with Targets by the sides of the Barges, and to set up all such seemly Banners and Bannorets as they had in their halls or could get meet to furnish their said Barges, and every Barge to have minstrelsy, according to which commandments great preparation was made for all things necessary for such a noble triumph. The xix day of May the Mayor and his brethren all in Scarlet, and such as were knights had collars of Esses and the remnant having good Chains, The Mayor and the companies resort to Greenewiche and attended upon the Queen to the tower. and the counsel of the City with them assembled at saint Marie hill, and at one of the clock dissended to the Newstayre to their Barge, which was garnished with many goodly Banners and streamers, & richly covered, in which Barge were Shawms, Shagbushes and divers other instruments, which continually made goodly armony. After that the Mayor and his brethren were in their Barge seeing that all the companies to the number of fifty Barges were ready to wait upon them. They gave commandment to the companies that no Barge should row nearer to another then twice the length of the Barge upon a great pain. And to see the order kept, there were three light Wheryes prepared, and in every one of them two officers to call on them to keep their order, after which commandment given they set forth in order as hereafter is described. First before the majors Barge was a Foist or Wafter full of ordinance, in which Foist was a great Dragon continually moving, and casting wild fire: and round about the said Foist stood terrible monsters and wild men casting fire, and making hideous noises: Next after the Foist a good distance came the majors Barge, on whose right hand was the Bachelors Barge, in the which were Trumpets and divers other melodious Instruments. The decks of the said Barge and the sailyardes and the top Castles were hanged with rich cloth of Gold and silk. At the foreship and the stern were two great banners rich beaten with the arms of the king and the Queen, and on the top castle also was a long streamer newly beaten with the said arms. At three of the clock the Queen appeared in rich cloth of Gold & entered into her Barge accompanied with divers Ladies and gentlewomen, and incontinent the Citizens set forwards in their order, their Musicians continually playing, and the Bachelors Barge going on the Queen's right hand, which she took great pleasure to behold. About the Queen's Barge were many Noble men, as the Duke of Suffolk, the Marquis Dorset, the Earl of Wiltshire her father, the Earls of Arrondell, Derby, Rutland, Worcester, Huntyngton, Sussex, Oxford, and many Bishops and noble men every one in his Barge, which was a goodly sight to behold.. She thus being accompanied rowed toward the Tower, and in the mean way the ships which were commanded to lie on the shore for letting of the Barges shot divers peals of Gonnes, and or she landed there was a marvelous shot out of the Tower as ever was hard there. And at her landing there met with her the Lord Chamberlain with the officers of arms and brought her to the king, which received her with loving countenance at the postern by the water side, and kissed her, and then she turned back again and thanked the Mayor and the citizens with many goodly words, and so entered into the Tower. After which entry the Citizens all this while hoved before the Tower, making great melody and went not a land, for none were assigned to land but the Mayor, the Recorder and two Aldermen. But for to speak of the people that stood on every shore to behold the sight, he that saw it not, will not believe it. On the next day being Whitsun even, the queens majesty accompanied with a great number of Lords and Ladies richly appointed, The coronation of queen Anne. came through the City of London which was richly beautified, and so passed to Westminster. And there in the mids of the hall she was taken out of her Chariot, and then she gave her hearty thanks to the Lords and Ladies, and to the Mayor and other that had given their attendance on her and so withdrew herself with a few Ladies to the Whitehall to the king by water. The next day being Sondaye, she was crowned with all the solemnity and honour, that ever Queen of this realm was, and was as royally served. And so soon as dinner was done, which was almost six of the clock at night, the Queen privily returned by water to the king being at the White hall. Then two days after were holden before the king's gate royal jousts. And on Wednesday, the king sent for the Mayor & his brethren to Westminster, & there he himself gave to them hearty thanks, with many goodly words On Midsummer day after, the Lady Mary the French Queen died in Suffolk, who was the late wife of Lewis the twelve, and after married to Charles Duke of Suffolk. The seventh day of September being Sunday, between three and four of the clock at after noon, the Queen was delivered of a fair Lady which day the Duke of Norfolk came home to the Christening, The christening of the Lady Elyzabeth. and for the Queen's good deliverance, Te deum was sung incontinently, and great preparation was made for the Christening: and the Mayor and his brethren and xl of the chief of the Citizens, were commanded to be at the Christening, the Wednesday following, upon which day the Mayor sir Stephen Peacock, in a gown of Crimosin Velvet, with his collar of SS, and all the Aldermen in Scarlette with Collars and Chains, and all the Counsel of the City with them, took their Barge after Dinner, at one of the clock, and the Citizens had another Barge, and sorrowed to Greenwich, where were many Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen assembled. All the walls between the kings place and the Friars, were hanged with Arras, and all the way strawed with green Rushes: the friars Church was also hanged with Arras. The font was of silver, and stood in the mids of the Church, three steps high, which was covered with a fine cloth, and divers Gentlemen with Aperus, and Towels about their necks, gave attendance about it, that no filth should come in the font, over it hung a square Canopy of crimson Satin, fringed with gold, about it was a rail covered with read Say: between the Quire and the body of the Church, was a close place with a pan of fire, to make the child ready in: when all these things w●re ordered, the child was brought to the hall, and then every man set forward: First the citizens two and two, than gentlemen, Esquires, & Chapeleins, next after them the Aldermen, and the Mayor, alone: next the Mayor the kings Counsel, the kings Chapel in Copes: then Barons, Bishops, earls, than came the Earl of Essex, bearing the covered Basins guilt, after him the Marquis of Excester with the Taper of Virgin wax, next him the Marquis Dorset, bearing the salt, behind him the Lady Mary of Norfolk, bearing the Cresom, which was very rich of pearl and stone, the old Duchess of Norfolk bore the child, in a mantel of purple Velvet, with a long train furred with Armine. The Duke of Norfolk, with his Marshal rod, went on the right hand of the said Duchess, and the Duke of Suffolk on the left hand, and before them went the officers of Arms: the Countess of Kent bore the long train of the childes mantel, and between the Countess of Kent, and the child, went the Earl of Wiltshire on the right hand, and the Earl of Derby on the left hand, supporting the said train: in the mids over the said child was borne a Canopy by the Lord Rochfort, the Lord Husee, the Lord William Haward, and by the Lord Thomas Hawarde the elder: After the child followed many Ladies, and gentlewomen. When the child was come to the Church door, the bishop of London met it with divers Bishops, and abbots mitred, and began the observances of the Sacrament. The Godfather was the Lord Archbishop of Cantorbury: the Godmothers were the old Duchess of Norfolk, and the old March●onesse of Dorcet Widows, and the child was named Elizabeth. And after that all thing was done, at the Church door the child was brought to the Font, and christened, & this done, Garter chief king at arms cried aloud, God of his infinite goodness, sand prosperous life and long, to the high and mighty Princes of England Elizabeth: and then the Trumpets blew, than the child was brought up to the Aultare, and the Gospel said over it: and after that immediately the Archbishop of Cauntorbury confirmed it, the marchioness of Excester being Godmother, the Archbishop of Cauntorbury, The gifts that the Godfathers and Godmothers gave to the Lady Elizabeth now our gracious sovereign lady and Queen at the time of her christening gave to the Princes a standing Cup of gold, the Duchess of Norfolk gave to her a standing Cup of gold, fretted with pearl: the marchioness of Dorcet gave three gilt Bowls, pounced with a cover: and the marchioness of Excester, gave three standing Boulles graven, all gilt with a cover. Then was brought in Wafers, Comfits, hippocras, in such plenty, that every man had as much as he would desire. Then they set forwards, the trumpets going before in the same order, toward the king's place, as they did when they came thitherward, saving that the gifts that the Godfather, and the Godmothers gave, were borne before the child by four persons, that is to say: First sir john Dudley, bore the gift of the Lady of Excester: the Lord Thomas Haward the younger, bore the gift of the Lady of Dorcet: the Lord Fitzwater, bore the gift of the Lady of Norfolk, and the Earl of Worcester, bore the gift of the archbishop of Cauntorbury, and all the one side as they went, was full of staff Torches, to the number of five hundred, borne by the Guard, and other of the kings servants, and about the child were borne, many other proper Torches borne by Gentlemen: and in this order they brought the Princes to the Queen's Chamber, and tarried there a while, and at the last the Dukes of Norfolk, and Suffolk, came out from the king, thanking the Mayor of London and his brethren, and commanded them to give all the other thanks in the kings name: and from thence they were had to the Seller to drink, and so went to there Barges. About this season was espied a new found Saint, and holy Hypocrite, Elizabeth Barton the holy Maid of Kent. called the holy Maid of Kent, which by the great labour, diligence, and pain taking of the Archbishop of Cauntorbury, and the Lord Cromwell, and one called master Hugh Latimer, a divine (which shortly after was made Bishop of Worcester) the juggling and crafty deceit of this Maid, was manifested and brought to light: whereupon after divers examinations, she with all her adherentes, were in November brought to the star Chamber: whose names were these, Elizabeth Barton, which was she that called herself the holy Maid of Kent, Richard Master, priest, person of Aldington in the County of Kent, Edward bocking, Doctor in Divinity, Monk of Cauntorbury, Richard Dering, also Monk of Cauntorbury, Edward Thwaites Gentleman, Thomas Laurence, Register to the Archdeacon of Cauntorbury, Henry Gold, person of Aldermary, Bachelor of Divinity, Hugh Rich Friar observant, Richard Risby, and Thomas Gold Gentleman. These all being in the star Chamber, before divers of the kings Counsel, confessed their feigned hypocrisy, and dissimuled sanctity, and traitorous purposes and intents, and they were there by the king's counsel adjudged, to stand at Paul's Cross, where they with their own hands, should severally deliver each of them to the preacher that should be appointed, a bill declaring their subtle, crafty, and superstitious doings. Which then the next Sunday after, they all above rehearsed, standing on a stage at Paul's Cross, made for that purpose did accomplish: but for their treasons committed, the matter thereof was respited to the Parliament next following, where all they abovesaid, with other as after ye shall here, were attainted by act of Parliament, and suffered death as traitors, by hanging, drawing, and quartering at Tyburn. In September the king of Scots, A meeting between the English Ambassadors and the Scots. sent his Commissioners to the town of New Castle, where were for the king of England Commissioners, sir Thomas Clifford, and Doctor Magnus, and sir Ralph Elderkare. And first the Scots without any long communication, demanded great amendss, saying, that the Englishmen had rob and spoiled them to their loss, and that greatly, and said that the king of England of his honour, must needs make satisfaction, if he would be called honourable. Then it was answered, that notwithstanding the leagues, written, sealed and sworn, the Scottish nation would never keep peace, insomuch, while we be here entreating, your people are robbing: wherefore the king demandeth of you, the goods and prisoners taken contrary to the peace, wherefore we here deliver you a writing, which the Scots received, and at their next meeting they said, that the ships to them were lawful prizes, by reason that the Earl of Anguish, was maintained in England, which is rebel to our king, and the Earl and you have done to us much scathe, and we have taken a few ships, in recompense of some part of our great losses, which we may not deliver, and therefore we pray you demand them not: but here we deliver you our book, which amounteth to a greater some by ten thousand mark. The English Commissioners received the book, and in the same the Scots demanded, recompense for burning their towns, and destroying many of their strong Piles, above xxiiij which were destroyed from the xxiiij day of Apill, in the last xxiiij year of the king, to the xxx day of April. The English Commissioners answered, that if the Scots would send to the king of England, they doubted not, but they should have a good answer for the king of England bade them choose peace or war: so they agreed to send to both their kings letters of their doings, which in haste was done. And after much suit of the Scots part, when they had much demanded, & little or nothing was granted, they then being weary of war desired peace, A peace concluded with the Scots. which was concluded during both the kings lives, and the twenty day of May, in the next year of the king following, it was openly proclaimed, to the great commfort & rejoicing of all lovers of peace. The xviij day of December, the Duke of Suffolk was sent by the king and his Counsel, to Bugden beside Huntingdon, where the Lady Katherine Princes Dowager lay. For the king was advertised, and had good proofs of the same, that she of froward mind would consent neither to the determination of the Universities, nor yet to the whole convocation of the realm, but being counseled by a few spaniards, which had little learning, did all that she could to infringe the determination of the said Universities and Clergy. Insomuch that she wrote to the Pope, and to other Potentates, to grieve the king and his realm, because he would not follow her mind, and break the commandment of God. Wherefore the kings Counsel motioned the king, that such as were about her, and moved her thereto, should be put from her, for they thought it no reason, that she should have such liberty to work that thing, by the which the king and his realm, might have detriment or damage. Wherefore the said Duke was sent to her, which showed to her openly, Articles of her suits to the Pope, and how she sought means to grieve the king and his realm, which hereafter she should not be suffered to do. For the same time was a Curse sent from the Pope, which accursed both the king and the whole realm, which Curse the bearer thereof, The Pope accursed the king and his realm. being not belike the hardiest man that ever showed himself in front of battle, thought it a great deal more better for him to bestow it without the king's dominons, and therefore set it up in the town of Dunkercke in Flaunders, where it was taken down by William Lock Mercer of London. The Queen answered the Duke very highly and obstinately, William Locum Mercer. with many high words, and suddenly in a fury she departed from him, into her privy chamber and shut the door. He seeing that, broke all the order of the Queen's Court, and discharged a great sort of her household Servants, and yet left there a convenient number, to serve her like a Princes. There was great lamentation among them that departed, The prince's Dowager was very heady and wilful. but there was no remedy. Then they that remained to serve her, were sworn to serve her as a Prince's Dowager, and not as Queen, some said that they were sworn to her as Queen, and otherwise they would not serve, and so they departed. Other that were sworn to her as Princes, and remained there, she them utterly refused for her Servants, wherefore she remained with the less number of Servants. The king kept his Christmas at Greenewiche, A parliament with great solemnity, and after Christmas began the parliament. In which parliament Elizabeth Barton called the holy Maid of Kent, with all her aiders and abetters, of whom ye have heard before, was attainted, and her great and grievous offences appeareth in the statute made in this present parliament and the one and twenty day of April next following she with her adherents were drawn to Tyburn and there executed. And at the place of execution, and the present time that she suffered she said these words, hither am I come to die, and I have not been the only cause of mine own death, which most justly I have deserved, but also I am the cause of the death of all these persons which at this time here suffer: and yet to say the truth I am not so much to be blamed, considering it was well known unto these learned men, that I was a poor wench without learning, and therefore they might have easily perceived that the things that were done by me could not proceed in no such sort, but their capacities and learning could right well judge from whence they proceeded, and that they were altogether feigned: but because the things which I feigned was profitable unto them, and therefore they much praised me and bore me in hand that it was the holy ghost, and not I that did them, and then I being puffed up with their praises, fell into a certain pride and foolish fantasy with myself, and thought I might feign what I would, which thing hath brought me to this case, and for the which now I cry God and the kings highness most heartily mercy, and desire all you good people to pray to God to have mercy on me, and all them that here suffer with me. In this parliament also was made the act of succession for the surety of the crown, to the which every person being of lawful age should be sworn upon the pain expressed in that act, as in the same ye may most evidently see. Monday the xxiij day of March in the parliament time were solemnly received into London as Ambassadors from james the fist king of Scots, the Bishop of Aberdyne, the Abbot of Kynlos, and Adam Otterborne the kings Attorney, with divers Gentlemen on them attendant, which were brought to the tailors hall and there lodged. And on the day of the Annunciation of our Lady they were brought to the kings place at Westminster, where they showed their Commission and Message, for the which the king appointed them days to counsel. And shortly after commissioners were appointed as you shall hear. The xxx day of March the Parliament was prorogued, and there every Lord and Burgess and all other, were sworn to the act of succession and subscribed their hands to a Parchment fixed to the same oath. This Parliament was prorogued till the third day of November next. After this, commissions were sent over all England to take the oath of all men and women to the act of succession, at which few repined, except Doctor john fisher, sir Thomas Moor knight late Lord Chancellor, and Doctor Nicholas Wylson Parson of saint Thomas Apostles in London: wherefore these three persons after long exhortation to them made by the Bishop of Cauntorbury at Lambeth, and express denial of them to be sworn, they were sent to the Tower where they remained and were oftentimes motioned to be sworn: but the Bishop and sir Thomas Moor said that they had in their writings written the princess Dowager Queen, and therefore they might not go against that, and the Doctor said that he in preaching called her Queen, which he would not with say, howbeit at length he was very well contented, and dissembled the matter and so escaped: But the other twain stood against all the realm in their opinion. In this year it chanced that two Merchant strangers fell in love with a Harlot which was called Wolves wife, and this Harlot had often haunted the strangers chambers. And so on a time the said Harlot appointed these strangers to come to Westminster, and she had prepared for them a boat, in the which boat was but one man to row, which was a strong thief, and in the end of the boat lay Wolf her husband covered with a leather that boat men use to cover their Cushions with, and so these strangers sat them down mistrusting nothing, and when this boatman had brought them as far as a place that is called the Turning tree, suddenly stepped up the said Wolf and with his dagger thrust the one of them thorough, the other cried out to save his life, and offered a great sum of money to the boatman and him to save life, but no proffers would be heard, nor mercy would they extend, but as cruel murderers without pity slew the other also and bound them face to face, and so threw them into the Thames in the aforesaid place, where they were long after before they were found. But immediately the Harlot Wolves wife went to the strangers chambers, and took from thence so much as she could come by. And at the last she and her husband as they deserved, were apprehended, arraigned and hanged at the foresaid turning tree, where she hanged still & was not cut down, until such time as it was known that beastly and filthy wretches had most shamefully abused her being dead. The ninth day of july was the Lord Dacres of the North arraigned at Westminster of high treason, where the Duke of Norfolk sat as judge and high Steward of England. The Lord Dacres of the North. The said Lord Dacres being brought to the bar with the Axe of the Tower before him, after his indictment read, not only improved the said indictment as false and maliciously devised against him and answered every part and matter therein contained, but also so manly, wittily, and directly confuted his accusers which there were ready to avouch their accusations, that to their great shames, and to his great honour, he was found that day by his peers not guilty, for the which undoubtedly the commons exceedingly joyed and rejoiced at, insomuch as there was in the Hall at those words not guilty, the greatest shout and cry of joy that the like no man living can remember that ever he heard. The xiiij day of August was a great fire at Temple bar and diverse houses brent. And the xvi day of the same month was burned the kings stable at Charing cross otherwise called the Mewse, The Mewse wherein was brent many great Horses and great store of hay. In this year the third day of November the kings highness held his high court of parliament, in the which was concluded and made many and sundry good, wholesome, and godly statutes: but among all, one special statute, The Pope abolished. which authorized the kings highness to be supreme head of the church of England, by the which the Pope with all his College of Cardinals with all their Pardons and Indulgences was utterly abolished out of this realm. In this parliament also was given to the kings highness the first fruits and tenths of all dignities and spiritual promotions. The first fruits and tenths g ●en to the king. And in the end of the same parliament the kings majesty most graciously granted (and willed it by the same parliament to be established) his most gracious and general free pardon. This year also came in the great admiral of France: which admiral was honourably received, and at his departing was liberally rewarded. In this time died the Earl of Kildare prisoner in the Tower: Thomas Fitzgarard rebelleth. And even at the same time Thomas Fitzgarard his son began to rebel against the king and took all the kings Ordinance, and sent Ambassadors to the Emperor to have entreated him to take part with him. Also he slew the Bishop of Develin and brent and rob all such as would not obey him: But at the last he was apprehended and had as he deserved as after shall appear. In the beginning of this year the Duke of Norfolk and the Bishop of Ely went to Calais, and thither came the Admiral of France. And the xix day of june was three Monks of the Charterhouse hanged, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn, and their quarters set up about London for denying the king to be supreme head of the Church. Their names were Exmewe, Myddlemore and Nudigate. These men when they were arraigned at Westminster, behaved themselves very stiffly and stubbornly, for hearing their indictment read how traitorously they had spoken against the king's majesty his crown and dignity, Exmewe Middlemore Nudigate. they never blushed nor abashed at it, but very foolishly and hypocritically knowledged their treason which maliciously they avouched, having no learning for their defence, but rather being asked divers questions, they used a malicious silence, thinking as by their examinations afterward in the Tower of London it did appear, for so they said, that they thought those men which was the Lord Cromwell and other that there sat upon them in judgement to be heretics and not of the Church of God, and therefore not worthy to be either answered or spoken unto. And therefore as they deserved, they received as you have heard before. Also the xxij day of the same month john fisher Bishop of Rochester was beheaded, and his head set upon London bridge. john Fisher Bishop of Rochester beheaded. This Bishop was of very many men lamented, for he was reported to be a man of great learning and a man of very good life, but yet wonderfully deceived, for he maintained the Pope to be supreme head of the Church, and denied the king's title therein, who albeit he was learned, yea, and that very notably learned, yet have you heard how he was deceived with Elizabeth Barton that called herself the holy Maid of Kent, and no doubt so was he in the defence of that usurped authority, the more pity. Also the sixth day of july was sir Thomas Moore beheaded for the like treason before rehearsed, Sir Thomas Moor beheaded. which as you have heard was for the denying of the king's Majesty supremity. This man being learned as you have heard before, was Lord chancellor of England, and beside his learning he had a great wit, and in talking very pleasant and merry conceited, and that even to his last hour: Insomuch as at his coming to the Tower, one of the officers demanded his upper garment for his fee (meaning his Gown) and he answered, he should have it, and took him his Cap, saying it was the uppermost garment that he had. Likewise, even going to his death at the Tower gate, a poor woman called to him and besought him to declare that he had certain evidences of hers in the time that he was in office (which after he was apprehended she could not come by) and that he would entreat she might have them again, or else she was undone. He answered good woman have patience a little while, for the king is so good unto me that even within this half hour he will discharge me of all businesses, and help thee himself. Also when he went up the stairs on the scaffold, he desired one of the Shreive's officers to give him his hand to help him up, and said, when I come down again, let me shifted for myself as well as I can. Also the hangman kneeled down to him ask him forgiveness of his death (as the manner is) to whom he said I forgive thee, but I promise' thee that thou shalt never have honesty of the striking of my head, my neck is so short. Also even when he should lay down his head on the block, he having a great grey beard, striked out his herd and said to the hangman, I pray you let me say my beard over the block lest ye should cut it. This year in the time that the king went his progress, which was to Gloucester, The king of Scots made knight of the Garter. and so Westward, the king of Scotes was installed at Wyndsore by the Lord Erskyn his procurator. And in October following Stephyn Gardiner Bishop of Winchester was sent Ambassador into France, where he remained three years after. In November was a solemn Procession through the City of London of all the priests and religious in and about the City, The death of the Prince's Dowager. for the recovering of the French king to his health. And the eight day of january following, died the princes dowagar at Kimbalton, and was buried at Peterborough. Queen Anne brought a bed before her time. And in February following, was Queen Anne brought a bed of a child before her time, which was borne dead. The fourth day of February the king held his high Court of Parliament at Westminster, in the which was many good and whole some statutes and laws made and concluded. Abbeys of the value of three hundred Mar●es and under given to the king. And in this time was given unto the king by the consent of the great and fat abbots, all religious houses that were of the value of three hundred Mark and under, in hope that their great monasteries should have continued still: But even at that time one said in the Parliament house, that these were as thorns, but the great abbots were putrefied old Okes, and they must needs follow: and so will other do in Christendom quod Doctor Stokesley Bishop of London or many years be passed. About this time saith Sleydan, the king of England sent certain Ambassadors into Germany to the Protestants to conclude a league with them, among the which Ambassadors was chief Edward Fox Bishop of Herford. And after great conference and long communication had, at the last it was agreed that the king and they were content to enter into league upon these conditions: 1 First that the king should set forth the pure Doctrine of the Gospel which they professed at Aspurge, and maintain the same with them in a lawful Counsel if any such shall be. 2 That neither of them admit the calling or place of a Counsel, but by common assent: nevertheless if it may appear by certain and manifest reasons that any such counsel is like to be, as hath been declared to Peter Paul, Verger, the Bishop's Legate, that it be not refused: But in case the Bishop continued his purpose, that then his enterprise be letted, and by open protestation to be refused. 3 And like as the king hath joined himself to their religion, so likewise to join with them in league also, and to be called the Patron and defender of the same. 4 That common opinion of the supremacy of the Bishop of Rome, to be utterly rejected for ever. 5 If any war be attempted against either part, for religion or other cause, that no aid be given unto him that enforceth the same. 6 That for the defence of the league, the king shall pay one hundred thousand Crowns, whereof the one half the confederators shall and may employ when need shall require, and the rest of their charges to be borne of their own money which they shall contribute among them: But if the war shall long endure, and the force of the enemy drive them to it: then the king to disburse two hundred thousand Crowns, forasmuch as they if the like chance should fortune, stand also bound, not only to spend their goods but their blood and life also. And of this some also, the like consideration to be had as before, and that it be not employed to any other use, then to defend the league, and the remainder to be restored when the war is finished. 7 That the Ambassadors shall writ to the king hereof, and when they know his mind, to advertise the Duke of Saxon, and Landgrave Vanhesse thereof, that after a common Ambassade may be sent unto him. Now when the Ambassadors had sent these requests unto the king they departed to Wyttenbergh. And shortly after came letters from the king of England to the Protestants, purporting the kings mind therein, and the Ambassadors do advertise the Prince elector hereof. And the twelve day of March at Wittenbergh, whether the Duke was at that time come, speaking first many things of the kings great good will, the Ambassadors declare how that the most part of the requests do content him, if a few might be amended. And albeit that in England all thing is quiet, neither is there any cause wherefore the king should fear any man, and if haply any cause hath been, the same is now taken away by the death of his wife forsaken, nevertheless to recover and maintain the true Doctrine, he doth not refuse to defray the some of money which they require, so that the league go forward, and hereof he will treat more at large with their Ambassadors. And where they offer unto him this honour, that he should be defender and patron of the league, he giveth them great thanks, and acknowledgeth their good william. And although he understand with how much envy and displeasure, the same is annexed, yet for the common wealths sake, he could be content if they can agreed upon the first and second demand. For unless there be an uniformity in doctrine, he supposeth that this charge cannot be greatly to his honour: But he would chiefly wish that the learned of his realm and theirs might be wholly of one opinion. And where he seethe well that the same will not be, unless certain places of the confession and Apology of their doctrine may before by private talk be something qualified: Therefore he desireth them instantly to sand their Ambassadors, and amongst them some one that is excellently learned, which may confer with his Divines of the whole doctrine and ceremonies, and determine the matter. And where he showeth himself so liberal unto them, he requireth again, that in case any man attempt war against him: First they will aid him either with five hundred horsemen, or else with ten ships well manned and furnished for four months. Furthermore, that upon his own charges they shall provide for him two thousand horsemen, and five thousand footmen. Now when the Duke had heard the Ambassadors, he answered them that in as much as these things concern not him alone, but his comforts also, he will make them privy unto it, and use their counsel in the same. But shortly after as will appear in the year following, the king having condemned his wife Queen Anne of Adultery & incest, But (saith Sleydan) unjustly as it is supposed and proved since, caused her head to be stricken off, after she had borne him a daughter that beautiful Lady Elizabeth now Queen of England. And with her were executed certain Gentlemen of the kings privy Chamber, Norreys, Weston, Brewton, and one Marks, which Marks contrary to his conscience, for hope of preferment, subscribed to a bill, whereby he condemned both himself, and all the rest. And he was provoked thereunto by the lord Admiral Fitzwilliams, that was after Earl of southhampton, who said unto him, subscribe Marks, & see what will come of it, & he subscribed, and received therefore a reward unlooked for. And also the lord Rochefort the Queen's brother, through the false accusation of the strumpet his wife, which afterwards suffered therefore according to her deserts, was in like manner put to death. Which doleful tragedy took clean away the former purposed Ambassade that should have been sent into England. On May day were a solemn jousts kept at Greenwich, and suddenly from the jousts the king departed having not above uj persons with him, and came in the Evening from Greenwich to his place at Westminster. Of this sudden departing many men mused, but most chiefly the Queen, who the next day was apprehended and brought from Greenwich to the Tower of London, Queen Anne sent to the Tower. where after she was arraigned of high treason, and condemned. Also at the same time was likewise apprehended, the Lord Rocheford brother to the said Queen, & Henry Norrys, Mark Smeton, William a Bruton, & sir Frances Weston, all of the kings privy Chamber. All these were likewise committed to the Tower, and after arraigned & condemned of high treason. And all the Gentlemen were beheaded on the scaffold at the Tower hill: But the Queen was with a Sword beheaded within the Tower. And these following were the words that she spoke the day of her death which was the xix day of May .1536. Good Christian people, I am come hither to die, The words of Queen Anne Bulleyn at her death. for according to the law and by the law I am judged to die, and therefore I will speak nothing against it. I am come hither to accuse no man, nor to speak any thing of that whereof I am accused and condemned to die, but I pray God save the king and sand him long to reign over you, for a gentler nor a more merciful prince was there never: and to me was ever a good, a gentle, and sovereign Lord. And if any person will meddle of my cause, I require them to judge the best. And thus I take my leave of the world & of you all, and I heartily desire you all to pray for me. O Lord have mercy on me, to God I commend my soul. And then she kneeled down saying: to christ I commend my soul, jesus receive my soul divers times, till that her head was stricken of with the sword. The week before Whitsontyde the king married Lady jane daughter to the right worshipful sir john Seymer knight, Lady jane Seymer married to the king. which at Whitsuntide was openly showed as Queen. In the parliament season Lord Thomas haward without the kings assent affled the Lady Margaret Douglas daughter to the Queen of Scots and Niece to the king: Lord Thomas Haward committed to the tower. for which presumptuous act he was attainted of treason, and an act made for the like offenders, and so he died in the Tower, and she was long there as prisoner. In the time of this parliament, the Bishops and all the Clergy of the realm held a solemn convocation at Paul's Church in London, where after much disputation & debating of matters they published a book of religion entitled. Articles devised by the king's highness etc. In this book is specially mentioned but three Sacraments, with the which the Lincolnshiremen (I mean their ignorant priests) were offended, & of that occasion depraved the kings doings. And this was their first beginning, as ye shall plainly here. After this book which passed by the kings authority with the consent of the Clergy, was published, certain Injunctions were that time given whereby a number of their holy days, was abrogated and specially such as fell in the Harvest time, the keeping of which was much to the hindrance of the gathering in of corn, hay, fruit, and other such like necessary and profitable commodities. These articles thus ordained and to the people delivered. The inhabitants of the North parts being at that time very ignorant and rude, The insurrection in Lincolnshire. knowing not what true religion meant, but altogether nuzzled in superstition and popery, and also by the means of certain Abbots and ignorant Priests not a little stirred and provoked for the suppression of certain Monasteries, and for the extirpation and abolishing of the Bishop of Rome now taking an occasion at this book, saying see friends now is taken from us four of the seven Sacraments, and shortly you shall loose the other three also, and thus the faith of holy Church shall utterly be suppressed and abolished and therefore suddenly they spread abroad and raised great and shameful slanders only ●● move the people to sedition and rebellion, and to kindle in the people hate ●ll and malicious minds against the kings majesty and the magistrates o●●he realm, saying, let us fully bend ourselves to the maintenance of rel●●●on, and rather than to suffer it thus to decay, even to ●ye in the fi●●●. And amongst them also were to many, even of the nobility that did not a little provoke and stir up the ignorant & rude people the more stiffly to rebel and stand therein, faithfully promising them both aid and succour against the king and their own native country (like foolish and wicked men) thinking by their so doing to have done God high pleasure and service. There were also certain other malicious and bulye persons who added Oil (as the adage saith) to the Furnace: These made open clamours in every place where opportunity served, that Christian religion should be utterly violate, despised and set a side, and that rather than so, it behoved and was the parts of every true Christian man to defend it even to the death, and not to admit and suffer by any means the faith (in the which their forefather's so long and so many thousand years have lived and continued) now to be subverted and destroyed. Amongst these were many priests which deceived also the people with many false fables & venomous lies and imaginations (which could never enter nor take place in the heart of any good man, nor faithful subject) saying that all manner of prayer and fasting and all God's service should utterly be destroyed & taken away, that no man should marry a wife or be partaker of the Sacraments, or at the length should eat a piece of roast meat, False and slanderous rumours. but he should for the same first pay unto the king a certain somme of money, and that they should be brought in more bondage and in a more wicked manner of life, than the Saracens be under the great Turk. With these and such other like errors and slanderous tales, the people thus instructed (or as I may trulier speak) deceived and mocked, being to light of credit, incontinent to the help and maintenance of religion once established and confirmed, they stiffly and stoutly did conspire and agreed: And in a part of Lincolneshyre, first they assembled and shortly after, joined into an army, being (as it was supposed) of men apt and fit for the war, in number above twenty thousand. Against these traitorous rebels, with all the haste and speed that might be (after he heard thereof) the kings royal majesty, in his own proper person, furnished with a goodly and warlike army, lacking nothing that to such a company should appertain, marched toward them. But these rebels hearing that his majesty was present with his power and army royal, feared what would follow of this matter, and such as were noble men and Gentlemen, that before favoured them began to withdraw themselves, so that they were destitute of Captains, & at the last they in writing made certain petitions to the king's majesty, professing that they never intended hurt toward his royal person. The king's majesty received their petitions and made answer unto them as followeth. First we begin and make answer to the four and six articles, because upon them dependeth much of the rest, The king's answer to the rebels of Lincolnshire concerning choosing of counsellors, I never have read, heard, nor known, that princes counsellors, and prelate's should be appointed by rude and ignorant common people, nor that they were persons meet nor of ability to discern and choose meet and sufficient counsellors for a prince: how presumptuous then are ye the rude commons of one shire, and that one of the most brute and beastly of the whole realm, and of the lest experience to find fault with your prince for the electing of his counsellors and prelate's, and to take upon you contrary to God's law and man's law to rule your prince, whom ye are bound by all laws to obey and serve with both your lives, lands and goods: and for no worldly cause to withstand? the contrary whereof you like Traitors and rebels have attempted and not like true subjects as ye name yourselves. As to the suppression of religious houses and Monasteries, we will that ye and all our subjects should well know that this is granted us by all the nobles spiritual and temporal, of this our realm, and by all the commons in the same by act of Parliament, and not set forth by any counsellor or counsellors upon there mere will and fantasy, as ye full falsely would persuade our realm to believe. And where ye allege that the service of God is much diminished, the truth thereof is contrary, for there be no houses suppressed where God was well served, but where most vice, mischief and abomination of living was used, and that doth well appear by there own confessions subscribed with their own hands in the time of their visitations, and yet we suffered a great many of them (more than we needed by the act) to stand wherein if they amend not their living, we fear, we have more to answer for then for the suppression of all the rest. And as for the hospitality for the relief of the poor, we wonder ye be not ashamed to affirm that they have been a great relief of the poor people, when a great many of the most part hath not past four or five religious persons in them, and divers, but one which spent the substance of the goods of their houses in nourishing of vice, and abominable living. Now what unkindness and unnaturalitie may we impute to you and all our subjects that be of that mind, that had liefer such an unthrifty sort of vicious persons, should enjoy such possessions, profits and emoluments, as grow of the said houses, to the maintenance of their unthrifty life, than we your natural prince, sovereign Lord and king, which doth and hath spent more in your defences of our own, than six times they be worth? As touching the act of uses, we marvel what madness is in your brain, or upon what ground ye would take authority upon you to 'cause us to break these laws and statutes, which by all the nobles, knights, and Gentlemen of this realm (whom the same chiefly toucheth) hath been granted and assented to: seeing in no manner of things it toucheth you the base commons of our realm. Also the grounds of all those uses were false, and never admitted by any law: but usurped upon the prince, contrary to all equity and justice, as it hath been openly both disputed and declared by all the well learned men in the realm of England in Westminster hall: whereby ye may well perceive how mad and unreasonable your demands be, both in that and in the rest, and how unmeet it is for us and dishonourable, to grant or assent unto, and less meet and decent for you in such a rebellious sort to demand the same of your prince. As touching the fifteen which ye demand of us to be released, think ye that we be so faint hearted, that perforce ye of one shire (were ye a great many more) could compel us with your insurrections and such rebellious demeanour to remit the same? or think ye that any man will or may take you to be true subjects, that first make and show a loving grant, and then perforce would compel your sovereign Lord and king to release the same? the time of payment whereof is not yet ●ome, ye, and seeing the same will not countervail the tenth penny of the charges, which we do and daily sustain for your tuition and safeguard: make you sure by your occasions of these your ingratitudes, unnaturalness and unkindness to us now administered, ye give us 'cause which hath always been as much dedicated to your wealth as ever was king, not so much to set or study for the setting forward of the same, seeing how unkindly and untruly ye deal now with us, without any cause or occasion: and doubt ye not, though you have no grace nor naturalness in you to consider your duty of allegiance to your king and sovereign Lord, the rest of our realm we doubt not hath: and we and they shall so look on this cause, that we trust it shall be to your confusion, if according to your former letters you submit not yourselves. As touching the first fruits, we let you wit, it is a thing granted us by act of parliament also, for the supportation of part of the great and excessive charges, which we support and bear for the maintenance of your wealths and other our subjects: and we have known also that ye our commons have much complained in times past, that the most part of our goods, lands and possessions of the realm, were in the spiritual men's hands: and yet bearing us in hand that ye be as loving subjects to us as may be, ye cannot find in your hearts that your prince and sovereign Lord should have any part thereof (and yet it is nothing prejudicial unto you our commons) but to rebel and unlawfully rise against your prince, contrary to the duty of allegiance and God's commandment, Sirs remember your follies and traitorous demeanours, and shame not your native Country of England, nor offend no more so grievously your undoubted king and natural prince, which always hath showed himself most loving unto you, and remember your duty of allegiance, and that ye are bound to obey us your king, both by God's commandment and law of nature. Wherefore we charge you eftsoons upon the foresaid bonds and pains, that ye withdraw yourselves to your own houses, every man, and no more to assemble contrary to our laws and your allegeaunces, and to 'cause the provokers of you to this mischief, to be delivered to our Lieftenaunts hands, or ours, and you yourselves to submit you to such condign punishment as we and our nobles shall think you worthy: for doubt you not else that we and our nobles can nor will suffer this injury at your hands unrevenged, if ye give not place to us of sovereignty, and show yourselves, as bounden and obedient subjects, and no more to intermeddle yourselves from henceforth with the weighty affairs of the realm, the direction whereof only appertaineth to us your king, and such noble men and counsellors as we list to elect and choose to have the ordering of the same, and thus we pray unto almighty God, to give you grace to do your duties, to use yourselves toward us like true and faithful subjects, so as we may have cause, to order you thereafter, and rather obediently to consent amongst you to deliver into the hands of our lieutenant a hundred persons, to be ordered according to their demerits, at our will and pleasure, then by your obstinacy and wilfulness, to put yourselves, your wives, children, lands, goods, and ca●ttels, besides the indignation of God, in the utter adventure of total destruction, and utter ruin, by force and violence of the sword. After the Lincolnshire men had received this the kings answer aforesaid, made to their petitions, each mistrusting other who should be noted to be the greatest meddler, even very suddenly they began to shrink, Doctor Makerell otherwise called Capitayne. Cobbler. and out of hand they were all divided, and every man at home in his own house in peace: But the Captains of these rebels escaped not all clear, but were afterward apprehended, and had as they deserved: he that took upon him as captain of this rout named himself captain Cobbler, but it was a Monk called Doctor Makerel, with divers other, which afterward were taken and executed. All these things thus ended, the Country appeased, and all things in quiet, the kings majesty retired, and broke up his army. A new insurrection in the North. But see, even within six days following, was the king truly certified, that there was a new insurrection made by the Northern men, which had assembled themselves into a huge and great army of warlike men, & well appointed both with Captains, horse, harness, and artillery, to the number of forty thousand men, which had encamped themselves in Yorkshire: And these men had each of them to other bound themselves by their oath, to be faithful and obedient to his captain: they also declared by their Proclamations solemnly made, that this their insurrection, should extend no farther but only to the maintenance and defence of the faith of Christ, and deliverance of holy Church sore decayed and oppressed, and also for the furtherance aswell of private as public matters in the realm touching the wealth of all the kings poor subjects. The Rebels named their enterprise an holy and blessed pilgrimage. They named this their seditious and traitorous voyage, an holy and blessed Pilgrimage: they had also certain Banners in the field, whereupon was painted Christ hanging on the cross on the one side, and a Chalice with a painted Cake in it on the other side, with divers other Banners of like hypocrisy, and feigned sanctity: the soldiers also had a certain cognisance or badge, embroidered or set upon the sleeves of there coats which was the similitude of the five wounds of Christ, and in the midst thereof was written the name of our Lord, and this the rebellious garrison of Satan, with his false and counterfeated signs of holiness, set forth and decked themselves, only to delude and deceive the simple and ignorant people. After that the kings highness was credibly certified of this new insurged resurrection, he making no delay in so weighty a matter, caused with all speed the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, the Marquis of Excester, the Earl of Shrewsbury with other, accompanied with his mighty and royal army, which was of great power and strength, forthwith to set upon the rebels: But when these noble Captains and Counsellors approached the rebels, and perceived their number, and saw how they were bend to battle, they practised with great policy to have pacified all without blood shedding, but the Nothren men were so stiff necked, that they would in no wise stoup, but stoutly stood & maintained their wicked enterprise, wherefore the Nobles abovesaid perceiving and seeing none other way to pacify these wretched rebels, agreed upon a battle, the battle was appointed, and the day was assigned: but see, the same night which was the night before the day of the battle appointed, fell a small rain nothing to speak of: but yet as it were by a great miracle of God, A true miracle of God. the water which was but a very small ford, and that men in manner the day before, might have gone drishod over, suddenly rose of such a height, deepness, and breadth, that the like no man that there did inhabit, could tell that ever they saw it so afore, so that the day even when the hour of battle should come, it was impossible for the one army to come at the other. After this appointment made between both the arms (disappointed as it is to be thought only by God, who extended his great mercy, and had compassion on the great number of innocent persons, that in that deadly slaughter had like to have been murdered) could take no place: Then by the great wisdom and policy of the said Captains, a communication was had, and a pardon of the kings Majesty obtained, for all the Captains and chief doers of this insurrection, and they promised that such things as they found themselves aggrieved withal they should gently be heard, and their reasonable petitions granted, and that their articles should be presented to the kings Majesty, that by his highness authority, and wisdom of his Counsel, all things should be brought to good order and conclusion: and with this order every man quietly departed, and those which before were bend as hot as fire to fight, being letted thereof by God, went now peaceably to their houses, and were as cold as water. A domino factum est istud. In this time of insurrection, and in the rage of, even when the king's army and the rebels were ready to join, the kings Banner being displayed, and the kings Majesty then lying at Windsor, there was a Boocher dwelling within five mile of Windsor, which caused a priest to preach, A Boocher and a Priest hanged at Windsor. that all such as took part with the Yorkeshiremen, whom he named God's people, did fight and defend God's quarrel, and farther the said Boocher in selling of his meat, one did bid him a less price of a sheep than he made of it, he answered nay by God's soul, I had rather the good fellows of the North had it among them, & a score more of the best I have: This priest and Boocher were accused to the king's majesty Counsel of the treasons abovesaid on the Monday in the morning, & the same day they were both sent for, which confessed their treasons, and so according to the law marshal, they were adjudged to die: and so the said Monday, they were both examined, condemned, and hanged, the Boocher was hanged on a new pair of Gallows set on the Bridge end before the castle gate: and the priest was hanged on a tree at the foot of Windsor bridge. A great frost. This year in December was the Thames of London all frozen over, wherefore the kings Majesty with his beautiful spouse Queen jane, road throughout the City of London to Greenwich: And this Christmas the king by his Messengers and Heralds, sent down to the North his general pardons to all capital offenders: and shortly after came Ask to London, and so to the Court to the King: this Ask was the chief captain of the last rebellion in the North, Ask a rebel of the North. and now both pardoned of the king, and his grace received him into his favour, and gave unto him apparel and great rewards, but as after ye shall perceive, Ask enjoyed not the king his new friends kindness a year and a day, and pity it was that he had any favour at all, for there lived not a verier wretch aswell in person, as in conditions and deeds, specially against his anointed governor and sovereign Lord. The third day of February, was Thomas Fitz Garrad late Earl of Kildare, and five of his Uncles, drawn, hanged, and quartered at Tyburn, for high treason. Also in the said month, Nichol Musgrave, Thomas Tilbie, A new rebellion in Westmoreland. with other began a new rebellion at Kirbie Staphan in Westmoreland, with eight thousand persons, and besieged the City of Carlisle, from whence they were beaten, with the only power of the City, and in their returning the Duke of Norfolk who then was made Lieutenant of the North, encountered with them, and took the Captains, and according to the law martial, arraigned threescore and fourteen of them, and hanged them on Carlisle walls, but Musgrave escaped. And in the same month of February began yet another insurrection, by the enticement of sir France's Bygod, a man no doubt that loved God, and feared his Prince, with a right obedient & loving fear: Sir France's Bigod. but now being deceived, and provoked thereunto by false rebellious persons, it was his fortune to taste of the end which appertaineth to rebels: such are men when God leaveth them to their selves, and when they will enterprise the doing of that thing which Gods most holy word utterly forbiddeth: This Bygod was apprehended and brought to the Tower of London, & this last rebellion began in Setrington, and in Pikeryn Leigh, and Scarborough. Also in the latter end of this year, the Lord Darcy, Ask, Robert Ask taken. Sir Robert Constable, Sir john Bulmer and his wife, sir Thomas Percy brother to the Earl of Northumberland, sir Stephen Hamelton, Nicholas Tempest, Esquire, William Lomley, son to the Lord Lomley, began again to conspire, although they before had every one of them their pardons: and now they were all taken and brought to the Tower of London. In this year one Robert Packyngton, Mercer of London, Robert Packyngton. a man of good substance, and yet not so rich as honest and wise, this man dwelled in Chepeside at the sign of the Leg, and used daily at four of the clock Winter and Summer to rise and go to Mass at a Church then called saint Thomas of Acres (but now named the Mercer's Chapel) and one morning among all other, being a great misty morning such as hath seldom been seen, even as he was crossing the street from his house to the Church, he was suddenly murdered with a Gone, which of the neighbours was plainly heard, and by a great number of labourers at the same time standing at Soper lane end, he was seen go forth of his house, and also the clap of the Gone was hard, but the deed doer was never espied nor known, but many were suspected, but none could be found fawtie: howbeit it is true, that forasmuch as he was known to be a man of great courage and one that both could speak and also would be heard: and that the same time he was one of the Burgesses of the City of London & had talked somewhat against the covetousness and cruelty of the Clergy, he was had in contempt with them, and therefore most like by one of them thus shamefully murdered, as you perceive that Master Honne was in the sixth year of the reign of this King. In june the Lord Darcy and the Lord Hossey were arraigned at Westminster before the Marquis of Excester, The Lord Darcy, & lord Hosey condemned of high treason. then high Stuard of England, and they were both found guilty and had their judgement as in cases of high treason. Shortly after were also arraigned sir Robert Constable, Sir Thomas Percy, Sir France's Bigod, Sir Stephen Hamelton, sir john Bulmer and his wife, which some reported was not his wife, but his paramour, also William Lomley, Nycholas Tempest, and the Abbots of jerney and Rivers, and Robert Ask, and all found guilty of high treason, and all put to death at Tyburn, saving sir Robert Constable, which was hanged in chains on Beverley Gate at Hull, and Ask was also hanged in chains at York on a Tower, and sir john Bulmers Paramour was brent in Smithfield in London: And in the latter end of june, was the Lord Darcy beheaded at Tower hill and shortly after was the Lord Hossey beheaded at Lincoln. Lord Crumwett made knight of the Garter. This year at the feast of saint George, was the Lord Cromwell made knight of the Garter. In October on S. Edward's even was borne at Hampton Court the noble Imp prince Edward, The birth of Prince Edward late our sovereingne Lord & king Edward the sixth. whose godfathers at the christening were the Archbishop of Cantorburie, & the Duke of Norfolk & his Godmother the Lady Mary the kings daughter, and at the bishoping was Godfather the Duke of Suffolk: At the birth of this noble prince was great fires made through the whole realm, and great joy made with thanks giving to almighty God which had sent so noble a prince to succeed in the crown of this realm. But Lord what lamentation shortly after was made for the death of his noble and gracious mother Queen jane, Queen jane departed. which departed out of this life the xiv. day of October next following: and of none in the realm was it more heavilier taken then of the king's majesty himself, whose death caused the king immediately to remove unto Westminster where he mourned and kept himself close and secret a great while: Queen jane buried. and the eight day of November the corpse of the Queen was carried to Wyndsore with great solemnity, and there was buried in the mids of the Queer in the Castle Church: And at the same time was made in Paul's a solemn Hearse for her, where was a mass and dirigie, and in like manner was sung a Mass and dirigie in every parish church in London. The king's majesty kept his Christmas at Grenewiche in his mourning apparel, and so was all the Court till the morrow after Candelmas day and then he and all other changed. Also this year the Viscount Beauchamp was created Earl of Hertford and sir William Fitzwilliam high Admiral created Earl of Southampton. james king of Scots married the french king's Daughter. This year james king of Scots married the Lady Magdalene, the French kings eldest daughter. In may there was a Friar called Friar Forest, one of the observant Friars, but he might have been more truelier named as after shall appear, an obstinate Friar, this obstinate Friar had secretly in confessions declared to many of the king's subjects that the king was not supreme head & being thereof accused & apprehended, Friar Forest condemned and brent. he was examined how he could say that the king was not supreme head of the Church, when he himself had sworn to the contrary, he answered that he took his oath with his outward man, but his inward man never consented thereunto: at this answer the lords who examined him looked very strangely at the dissimulation of the Friar, but being farther accused of divers heretical and damnable articles, that he held contrary to the scripture of God, he was after sundry examinations convinced and confuted, and gladly submitted himself to abide the punishment of the Church: But upon this his submission, having more liberty then before he had, as well to talk with whom he would, as also who that would to talk with him, certain such outward men as he was so talked with him and so incensed him, that the outward Friar was so far from his open submission as ever he was, and when his abjuration was sent him to read and look upon, he utterly refused it, and obstinately stood in all his heresies, and treasons before conspired. All gentle means that was possible to be sought for his reconciliation was had, but the more gentler that the magistrates were to him, the more obstinate was the Friar, and would neither argue nor answer: wherefore justly he was condemned, and after for him was prepared in Smithfield in London a Gallows on the which he was hanged in chains by the middle and armholes all quick, and under the Gallows was made a fire, and so he consumed and brent to death. At his coming to the place of execution, there was prepared a great Scaffold, on which sat the nobles of the realm, and the king's majesties most honourable counsel, only to have granted pardon to that wretched creature, if any spark of repentance would have happened in him: there was also prepared a Pulpit where a right reverend father in God and a renowned and famous Clerk the bishop of Worcester called Hugh Latimer, declared to him his errors and openly and manifestly by the scripture of God confuted them, Hugh Latymer Bishop of Worcester and with many good and godly exhortations moved him to repentance, but such was his frowardness that he neither would hear nor speak: And a little before the execution, a huge and a great Image was brought to the gallows, which Image was brought out of Wales, and of the Welshmen much sought and worshipped: This Image was called Daruell Gatheren, A prophecies of Daruell Gatheren. and the Welshemen had a prophesy that this Image should set a whole Forest a fire, which prohesie now took effect, for he set this Friar Forest on fire and consumed him to nothing. This Friar when he saw the fire come and that present death was at hand, caught hold upon the ladder, which he would not let go, but so unpatiently took his death, that no man that ever put his trust in God never so unquietly nor so ungodly ended his life: if men might judge him by his outward man, he appeared to have little knowledge of God and his sincere truth, and less trust in him at his ending. Upon the Gallows that he died on, was set up in great letters these verses following, David Daruell Gatheren, As saith the Welshmen Fetched outlaws out of hell. Now is he come with spear and shield, In harness to burn in Smithfielde For in Wales he may not devil. And Forest the Friar That obstinate liar That wilfully shall be dead. In his contumacy, The Gospel doth deny The king to be supreme head. In july was Edmond Coningsbye attainted of treason, for counterfeiting of the kings Sign Manuel: And in August was Edward Clifford for the same cause attainted and both put to execution as Traitors at Tyburn. And the Sunday after Bartelmewday, Cratwell a Hangman hanged. was one Cratwell Hangman of London, and two persons more hanged at the Wrestling place on the backside of Clerkenwell beside London, for robbing of a Booth in Bartelmew fair, at which execution was above twenty thousand people as I myself judged saith Hall. In this month of August, the king of Scots married the Lady mary late Duchess of Longuile. And in September by the special motion of the Lord Cromwell all the notable Images unto the which were made any special Pilgrimages and Offerings, Idolatrus Images suppressed. were utterly taken away, as the Images of Walsingham, Ypswiche, Worceter, the Lady of Wilsdon, with many other. And likewise the Shrines of counterfeated Saints, as the Shrine of Thomas Becket and diverse other. All sergeant religions suppressed. And even forthwith by the means of the said Cromwell all the orders of superstitious and begging Friars, as White, Grace, Black, Augustine, Croched Friars, and likewise all the puling nuns, with their Cloisters and Houses were suppressed and put down. In this season, suit was made by the Emperor to the kings majesty that he would take to wife the Duchess of milan, but in this matter the Emperor's counsel so dallied with the king that shortly he left of that suit: of the which breaking of with the Emperor, the Duke of Cleve heard, and therefore forthwith he made suit to the kings majesty, for his fair sister the Lady Anne: undoubtedly the Emperor's counsel thought by a cautel to have brought the King to sue to the Bishop of Rome for a licence which thing the kings majesty soon smelled and perceived, whereabout they went. The third day of November were Henry Marquis of Excester and earl of Devonshire, The Lord Marquis of Excester and other accused and condemned of high treason. and sir Henry Poole knight and Lord Mountagew and sir Edward Nevell brother to the Lord Burgany sent to the Tower which three were accused by sir Gefferie Poole brother to the Lord Mountagew, of high treason, and the two Lords were arraigned the last day of December, at Westminster before the Lord Awdeley of Waldon, Lord Chancellor, and then high Steward of England, and there found guilty, likewise on the third day after was arraigned Sir Edward Nevell, Sir Geoffrey Poole and two Priests called Croftes and Collyns, and one Holland a Mariner and all attainted, and the ninth day of january were the said two Lords and Sir Edward Nevell beheaded at the Tower hill, and the two priests and Holland were drawn to Tyburn and there hanged and quartered, and Sir Geoffrey Poole was pardoned. On Ashewednesday were john johnes, john Potter, and William Manering, hanged in the Prince's Liveries, because they were the prince's Servants, on the South side of Paul's Churchyard for killing of Roger Cholmeley Esquire in the same place of malice pretenced. Also on the third day of March, was sir Nicholas Carew of Beddington, in the County of Surrey knight of the Gartier, and Master of the kings horse, Sir Nicholas Carew beheaded. before attainted of treason, beheaded at the Tower hill, where he made a goodly confession, both of his folly and superstitious faith, giving God most hearty thanks that ever he came in the prison of the Tower, where he first savoured the life and sweetness of Gods most holy word, meaning the Bible in English, which there he read by the mean of one Thomas Philip's then keeper of that prison, but before he was a Citizen and Pointmaker of London, which Philips two years before had been there prisoner himself, Thomas Philips. and sore troubled as well by sir Thomas Moore as also by Doctor Stokesley Bishop of London, who often times examined the said Philip's, and laid many articles to his charge, but he so wisely and coldly used himself, that he maugre their evil wills, escaped clearly their hands. At this time the Pope summoned a general counsel to be holden at Mantua. The answer of king Henry the eight for coming to the general counsel. And hereunto king Henry in the name of himself & his Nobles publisheth a writing, saying that where there is a Counsel called by the Bishop of Rome, the which he hath none authority to do, and called at such a time, when mortal war is between the Emperor and the French king, and the place appointed at Mantua, whether it is neither safe nor commodious for all men to come. He in deed desireth a Christian counsel with all his heart, but unto the bishops counsel, he will neither come himself nor yet sand his Ambassadors: for this is always their fashion, that for their own lucre sake, they will in such manner of assemblies oppress Chryst and his verity: And for his part he will have nothing to do with the Bishop of Rome, nor regardeth no more his decree, than the writing of any other Bishop: adding that counsels were wont to be called by the authority of the Emperor and kings, which manner aught to be restored especially at this time when the Bishop hath so many grave persons to accuse him. Yet nevertheless can he neither be reprehended without the danger of a man's life, nor accused presently: but in a lawful counsel: neither is their any provision made for him or his by safe-conduct, although there were yet manifest dangers that should let him that he could not come: For it is no news to the Bishops to falsify their faith, and to sprinkle and defile themselves with innocent blood. And albeit it should be lawful for others to repair thither, yet were it no safety for him, whom the Bishop hath laid wait for, whom he hateth deadly, whom he seeketh to bring in hatred with other kings, for none other cause assuredly, then for that his Tyranny is exiled out of his realm, and his yearly revenues taken away, which thing in very deed he taketh in most evil part, & so much the worse for that he feareth jest other kings warned through his example, will hereafter do the like. The ninth day of March, the king created at Westminster sir William Pawlet knight Treasurer of his household, Lord Saint john, Sir William Paulet Lord Saint john. Sir john Russell, Lord Russell. and sir john Russell controller of his house, Lord Russell. The same time the king caused all the Havens to be fortified, and road to Dover, and caused Bulwarks to be made on the Sea coasts, and sent commissioners throughout all the realm, to have his people muster: Bulwarks made by king Henry the eight. and at the same season on Easter day, was there three score unknown ships lying in the downs, wherefore all Kent arose, and mustered in harness the same day. The eight and twenty day of April, began a Parliament at Westminster, in the which Margaret Countess of Salisbury, Gertrude wife to the Marquis of Excester, Reignolde Poole Cardinal, Margaret Countess of Salisbury. brother to the Lord Mountagew, sir Adrian Foskew, Thomas Dingley knight of saint johnes, and divers other were attainted of high treason, which Foskew and Dingley were the tenth day of july beheaded. The kings highness which never ceased to study and take pain both for the advancement of the common wealth of this his realm of England, of the which he was the only supreme governor and head, Cardinal Poole. and also for the defence of the same, was lately informed by his trusty and faithful friends, that the cankered and cruel serpent the Bishop of Rome, by that Archetraytor Reignolde Poole, enemy to God's word, and his natural Country, had moved and stirred divers great Princes and Potentates of Christendom to invade the realm of England, and utterly to destroy the whole nation of the same: wherefore his Majesty in his own person, without any delay took very laborious and painful journeys towards the sea, coasts. Also he sent divers of his nobles and Counsellors to view & search all the Ports and dangers on the coasts, where any meet or convenient landing place might be supposed, aswell on the Borders of England, as also of Wales. And in all such doubtful places, his highness caused divers and many Bulwarks, Bulwarks made. and fortifications to be made. And further his highness caused the Lord Admiral earl of Southampton to prepare in readiness ships for the sea, to his great cost and charges. And beside this, to have all his people in a readiness, he directed his Commissions throughout the realm to have his people mustered, and the harness and weapons seen and viewed, to the intent that all things should be in a readiness, if his enemies would make any attempt into this realm: And amongst other, one Commission was directed to the right worshipful sir Thomas Forman knight, Mayor of London, and his brethren, for to certify all the names of all men between the ages of lx and xuj and the number of harnesses, weapons, with their kinds and diversities: Whereupon the said Lord Maior and his brethren, every one having with them one of the Counsel or learned men of the City repaired to their wards, end there by the oath of the common counsel and Constables of the same ward took the number of the men, harnesses, and weapons, according to their Commission. And after that they had well viewed their Books, and the number of the persons, they thought it not expedient to admit the whole number of such as were certified for able and apt persons for to muster: Wherefore then they assembled themselves again, and chose out of the most able persons, and put by the other, and specially all such as had no harness, nor for whom no harness could be provided. But when they were credibly advertised by the kings Counsellor Thomas Lord Cromwell knight of the noble order of the Garter Lord privy Seal (to whose prudence and goodness the City was much bounden) that the king himself would see the people of the City Muster in a convenient number, and not to set forth all their power, The great Muster in London. but to leave some at home to keep the City. Then eftsoons every Alderman repaired to his ward, and there put aside all such as had jacks, coats of Plate, coats of Mail, and Briganders, and appointed none but such as had white harness, except such as should bear Morishe pikes, which had no harness but skulls: and they appointed none but such as had white harness, neither did they admit any that was a stranger, although they were Denizens. When it was known that the king would see the muster, Lord how glad the people were to prepare, and what desire they had to do their Prince service, it would have made any faithful subjects heart to have rejoiced. Then every man being of any substance provided himself a coat of white Silk, and garnished their Bassenets with tur●es like Caps of Silk set with Ouches, furnished with Chains of Gold and feathers: other gylted their Harness, their halberds, and Pole-axes. Some, and especial certain Goldsmiths had their breast plates, yea and their whole harness of silver bullion. The Constables were all in jornets of white Silk, with Chains, and Battle Axes. The meaner sort of people were all in coats of white cloth curiously trimmed with the Arms of the City before and behind. The Lord Maior himself was in a fair Armour the crests thereof were gilt, and over that a coat of black Velvet with half sleeves, and so was sir Roger Cholmley knight Recorder of London, and all the other Aldermen and Sheriffs, and such as had been Sheriffs, all well mounted on stirring horses richly trapped and covered, with Battle-axes in their hands, and Mases and Chains about their necks. The Lord Maior had four footmen all in white Silk, cut, ruffed, and pounced: he had also two Pages well mounted on stirring Coursers, richly trapped and apparelled in coats of crimson Velvet, and cloth of Gold paled, with Chains of Gold, the one bearing his helm, and the other his Axe. He also had. xuj. tall men on foot with gilt halberds, whose Doublets were white silk, and hosen, doublets, and shoes all white, cut after the Almain fashion, puffed and pulled out with read sarsenet, every one having a white leather jerkin all to cut, and Chains about their necks, with feathers and Brooches on their Caps. The Recorder and every Alderman had about him four Halberds trimmed warlike. The Chamberlain of the City, and the Councillors of the same and the Alderman's Deputies, which were appointed to be Wyffelers on horseback, were all in white Damask Coates on their harness, mounted on good horses well trapped, with great Chains about their necks, and proper javelins or Battle-axes in their hands, and Caps of Velvet richly decked. The Wyffelers on foot, four hundred proper and light persons all apparelled in white Silk or jerkins of leather cut, with white Hose and shoes, every man having a javelin or Slaughsword to keep the people in array and Chains about their necks, and white feathers in their Caps. The Minstrels were all in white, with the arms of the City, and so was every other person at this Muster without any diversity, saving the Lord Maior, the Recorder and his brethren, who had Crosses of Velvet or Satin pyrled with gold. The Standard bearers were the tallest men of every ward, for whom were made xxx new Standards of the devise of the City beside banners. When every thing was prepared, every Alderman mustered his own ward in the fields, viewing every man in his harness, and to 'cause such as could shoot, to take Bows in their hands, and the other Bills or Pikes. The eight day of May, according to the kings pleasure, every Alderman in order of battle with his ward came into the common field at Mile end, and then all the Gonnes severed themselves into one place, the Pikes in another, and the Bowmen in another, and likewise the Billmen, and there ringed and snayled, which was a goodly sight to behold: for all the fields from white Chapel to Myle end, and from bednal green to Ratclyffe, and to Stepney were all covered with harness, men, and weapons, and in especial the battle of Pikes seemed to be a great Forest. Then every part was divided into three parts, the Pikes in three parts, and so the other. Then were appointed three battles, a forward, middleward, and rearward. The order of the Must r in going. About eight of the clock in the morning marched forward the light pieces of ordinance, with stone and powder, after them followed the Drums, and Fyffes, and immediately alfer them a Guydon of the arms of the City. Then followed master Sadler captain of the Gunners, upon a good horse in harness, and a coat of Velvet with a Chain of Gold, and four halberds about him apparelled as before is rehearsed. Then followed the Gunners four in a rank, every one going five foot a sunder, every man's shoulder even with another, which shot altogether in divers places very cheerfully, and especially before the kings Majesty, which at that time sat in his new gate house at his Palace at Westminster, where he viewed all the whole company: In like manner passed the second and third battles, all well and richly appointed. They passed as is said, the foremost captain at ix of the clock in the morning by the little Conduit entering into Paul's Church yard, and so directly to Westminster, and so through the Sanctuary, and round about the Park of Saint james, and so up into the field, and came home through Holborn: and as the first captain entered again to the little Conduit, the last of the Muster entered Paul's Churchyard, which then was four of the clock at after noon. The number was xu thousand, beside Wyffelers and other waiters. In August the great Only and Odonele entered into the English pale in Ireland, and brent almost twenty mile within the same: wherefore the Lord Grey then Deputy there, The great Only and Odonele. assembled a great power and met with them the xxx day of August and put them to flight: And therefore the king sent over five hundred fresh soldiers to aid his deputy. Ambassadors sent out of Germany for the conclusion of a marriage between the king and the Lady Anne of Cleve. In the end of September the xuj day of that month came to London Duke frederic of Bavyre County of Palantine or Palsgrave of the Ryne, and the xviij day came to London, the Marshal of Duke john Frederick prince Elector of Saxony, and the Chancellor of William Duke of Cleve, Gulycke, Gelder and Berry: the Palsgrave was received and conducted to Wyndsore by the Duke of Suffolk: & the other were accompanied with other nobles, and the xxiij day of the same month they all came to Wyndsore, where eight days they continually were feasted and hunted, with all pleasure that might be showed unto them: and the Palsgrave shortly departed and was honourably rewarded: and at that season was concluded the marriage between the king and the Lady Anne, sister to Duke William of Cleve, and great preparation was made for the receiving of her. Hugh Fer●ngdon, Rugge, ●nyon. The xiiij day of November Hugh Feringdon Abbot of reading and two Priests, the one called Rugge, and the other Onion, were attainted of high treason, for denying the king to be supreme head of the Church, and were drawn, hanged and quartered at Reding. This Abbot was a stubborn Monk and utterly without learning. Richard Whiting Abbot. The same day was richard Whiting Abbot of Glascenbury likewise attainted and hanged on Tower hill beside his monastery, for the said case and other great treasons, which also was quartered: john Beche Abbot. and the first day of December was john Beche Abbot of Colchester put to execution for the same confederacy and treason. In December were appointed to wait on the kings highness person fifty Gentlemen called pensioners or Spears, like as they were in the first year of the king. pensioners. The xj day of December at the Turnepike on this side Grauelyng was the Lady Anne of Cleve received by the Lord Lisle, The receiving of thee, Lady Arm of Cleve. Deputy of the town of Calais, & with the spears and horsemen belonging to the retinue there, all being fresh and warlike apparelled, and so marching toward Calais a mile and more from the town met her Grace the Earl of Southampton great Admiral of England, and appareled in a Coat of purple Velvet cut on cloth of Gold, and tied with great Aglets and Trefoils of gold, to the number of four hundred, and baudrick wise he ware a chain, at the which did hung a whistle of Gold set with rich stones of a great value. And in his company thirty Gentlemen of the king's household very richly apparelled with great and massy chains, and in especial sir Frances Brian, and sir Thomas Seymers chains were of great valour and strange fashion. Beside this the Lord Admiral had a great number of Gentlemen in blue Velvet and crymosyn Satin, and his yeomen in Dammask of the same colours, and the Mariners of his ship in Satin of Bridges, both coats and slops of the same colours, which Lord Admiral with low obeisance welcomed her, and so brought her into Calais by the Lantern gate, where the ships lay in the haven garnished with their banners, pencils and flags, pleasantly to behold. And at her entry was shot such a peal of Gonnes, that all the retinue much marveled at it. And at her entry into the town, the Mayor of the town presented her with an hundred Mark in gold. And before the Staple hall stood the Merchants of the Staple well appareled, which likewise presented her with an hundred sovereigns of Gold in a rich Purse, which heartily thanked them, and so she road to the king's place called the chequer, and there she lay fifteen days for lack of prosperous wind. During which time goodly jousts and costly banquets were made to her for her solace and recreation. And on saint john's day in Christmas, she with fifty sail took passage about none and landed at Deal in the downs about five of the clock, where sir Thomas Cheiney lord Warden of the Ports received her, and there she tarried a space in a Castle newly built, and thither came the Duke and Duchess of Suffolk, and the Bishop of Chichester, with a great number of knights and Esquires and Ladies of Kent and other which welcomed her grace, The landing of the Lady Anne of Cle●● & so that night brought her to Dover Castle, where she rested till Monday: on which day for all the storm that then was she marched toward Cauntorburie, and on Baram down met her the archbishop of Cauntorbury accompanied with the Bishop of Ely, saint Ass, saint Davies and Dover, and a great company of Gentlemen well appareled, and so brought her to saint Austin's without Caunterburie, where she lay that night: and on the next day she came to Syttyngburne and there lodged that night. And as she passed toward Rochester on New years even on Reynam down, met her the Duke of Norfolk and the Lord Dacre of the South, and the Lord Mountioye with a great company of knights and Esquires of Norfolk and Suffolk, and the Barons of the Exchequer, all in coats of Velvet with chains of Gold, which brought her to Rochester, where she lay in the Palace all New years day. On which day the king which sore desired to see her grace accompanied with no more than eight persons of his privy chamber, and both he and they all appareled in Marble coats privily came to Rochester, The king secretly meeteth and saluteth the Lady Anne of Cleve. and suddenly came to her presence, which therewith was somewhat astonished: but after he had spoken and welcomed her, she with most gracious and loving countenance and behaviour him received and welcomed on her knees, whom he gently took up and kissed: and all that afternoon commoned and devised with her, and that night supped with her, and the next day he departed to Grenewiche, and she came to Dartford. The receiving of the Lady Anne of Cleave at Blackheth. On the morrow being the third day of january, and Saturday in a fair plain on blackheths, more nearer the foot of shooters hill, than the ascendent of the hill called blackheth hill, was pitched a rich tent of cloth of Gold and divers other tents and pavilions, in the which were made fires and perfumes for her and such Ladies as should receive her grace: and from the tents to the Park gate of Greenwich were all bushes and firs cut down, and a large and ample way made for the show of all persons. And first next to the park pale on the East side, stood the Merchants of the Stilyard: and the West side stood the Merchants of jean, Florence and Venice, and the Spaniards in coats of Velvet. Then on both sides of the way stood the Merchants of the City of London and Aldermen with the counsellors of the said City to the number of a. C.lx which were mixed with the Esquires: pensioners. Next upward toward the tents stood knights: than the fifty gentlemen pensioners, and all this sort were appareled in Velvet and chains of Gold, truly accounted to the number of twelve. C. and above, beside them that came with the king and her grace, which were sixth hundred in Velvet coats and chains of Gold. Behind the Gentlemen stood the serving men in good order, well horsed and appareled, that whosoever had well viewed them might say that they for tall and comely personages and clean of limb and body, were able to give the greatest prince in Christendom a mortal breakfast if he were the king's enemy: And of this sort the Gentlemen appertaining to the Lord Chancellor, the Lord privy Seal and the Lord Admiral and divers other Lords, beside the costly liveries and comely horses, aware chains of gold. Thus was the lane ordered in ranks, from the Park gate toward the cross on the heath, which was between the ranks and the tents, and in this order they continued till the king and she were returned. About twelve of the clock her grace with all the company which were of her own nation to the number of a hundred horse, accompanied with the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, the archbishop of Caunterburie and other Bishops, Lords and knights, which had received and conveyed her as you have heard before, came down shooters hill toward the tents, and a good space from the tents met her the Earl of Rutland her Lord Chamberleyn, sir Thomas Denyce her Chancellor, and all her counsellors and officers, amongst whom Doctor Day appointed to be her Almoner made to her an eloquent oration in Latin, presenting to her on the kings behalf all the officers and servants: which oration was answered unto by the Duke her brother's secretary there being present: which done, the Lady Margaret Douglas, daughter to the Queen of Scots, the Lady Marques Dorcet, daughter to the French Queen being Nieces to the king, and the Duchess of Richemond, and the Countess of Rutland and Hetfford with divers other Ladies and gentlewomen, to the number of .lxv. sa●●●ed and welcomed her grace, which alighted out of her Chariot, in the which she had ridden all her long journey, and with most goodly demeanour and loving countenance gave to them hearty thanks and kissed them all, and after all her counsellors and officers kissed her hand, which done, she with all the Ladies entered the tents, and there warmed them a space. When the king knew that she was arrived in her tent, he with all diligence set out through the park. And first issued the king's trumpets, than the king's officers being sworn of his counsel, next after them followed the gentlemen of the kings privy chamber, some appareled in coats of Velvet embroidered: other had their coats guarded with chains of Gold, very rich to behold, which were well horsed and trapped: after them ensued Barons, the youngest first, and so Sir William Hollys knight Lord Maior of London road with the Lord Par being youngest Baron. Then followed Bishops appareled in black Satin. Then immediately followed the Earls, and then Duke Philip of Bavier and County Palantine of the , richly appareled with the livery of the Toysant or Golden Fleece about his neck. Then followed the Ambassadors of the French king and the Emperor, next followed the Lord Privy Seal, Lord Cromwell, and the Lord Chancellor: then Garter king of Arms, and the other Officers of Arms and the Serieauntes at Arms gave their attendance on every side of the Lords: which Lords for the most part were appareled in purple velvet, the Lord Marques Dorcet in the same suit bore the king's sword of estate. After him a good distance followed the king's highness mounted on a goodly Courser, trapped in rich cloth of Gold traverced lattice wise square, all over embraudered with Gold of Damask, pyrled on every side of the embraudery, the buckles and pendents were all of fine Gold. His person was appareled in a coat of purple Velvet, somewhat made like a frock, all over embraudered with flat Gold of damask with small lace mixed between, of the same gold, and other laces of the same so going traverse wise, that the ground little appeared: about which garment was a rich guard very curiously embraudered, the fleeves and breast were cut, lined with cloth of gold, and tied together with great buttons of Diamonds, Rubies, and Orient Pearl, his sword and sword girdle adorned with stones and especial Emeralds, his night cap garnished with stone, but his bonnet was so rich of jewels that few men could value them. Beside all this he ware in baldric wise a collar of such balistes and Pearl that few men ever saw the like: and about his person ran ten footmen all richly appareled in goldsmith's work. And notwithstanding that this rich apparel and precious jewels were pleasant to the nobles and all other being present to behold, yet his Princely countenance, his goodly parsonage and royal gesture so far exceeded all other creatures being present, that in comparison of his person, all his rich apparel was little esteemed. After him followed his Lord chamberlain, than came Sir Anthony Browne Master of his Horse, a goodly Gentleman and a comely parsonage, well horsed, trapped, and richly appareled, leading the king's horse of estate by a long reign of Gold, which horse was trapped in manner like a bard with crimson velvet and satin, all over embroidered with gold after an antyke fashion, very curiously wrought. Then followed the pages of honour in coats of rich tinsel and crimson Velvet paled, riding on great Coursers all trapped in crimson Velvet, embroidered with new devices and knots of gold which were both pleasant and costly to behold. Then followed sir Anthony Wyngfield Capitayne of the Guard, and then the Guard well horsed and in rich coats. In this order the king road to the last end of the rank, where the spears or pensioners stood: and there every person that came with the king, placed himself on the one side or the other, the king standing in the mids. When her grace was advertised of the kings coming, she issued out of her tent being appareled in a rich gown of cloth of gold raised, made round without any train after the Dutch fashion, and on her head a Gall, and over that a round Bonnet or cap set full of Orient Pearl of a very proper fashion, and before that she had a cornet of black Velvet, and about her neck she had a partelet set full of rich stone which glystered all the field. And at the door of the Tent she mounted on a fair Horse richly trapped, with her footmen about her in Goldesmythes work embroidered with the black Lion, & on his shoulder a Carbuncle of gold, and so she marched toward the king: which perceiving her to approach came forward somewhat beyond the Cross on black Heth, and there paused a little in a fair place till she came nearer: then he put of his Bonnet, and came forward to her, and with most lovely countenance and princely behaviour saluted, welcomed and embraced her to the great rejoicing of the beholders: and she likewise not forgetting her duty, with most amiable aspect and womanly behaviour received his grace with many sweet words and great thanks and praisings given to him. And while they two were thus commoning, the fifty pensioners and the Guard departed to furnish the Court and Hall of Greenewiche. And when the king had talked with her a little while, he put her on his right hand, & so with their footmen they road as though they had been coupled together. O what a sight was this to see so goodly a Prince and so noble a king to ride with so fair a Lady of so goodly a stature and so womanly a countenance, and in especial of so good qualities, I think no creature could see them but his heart rejoiced. Now when the king and she were met and both their companies joined together, they returned through the ranks of the knights and esquires which stood still all this while and removed not, in this order: First her Trumpets went forward, which were twelve in number beside two Kettle drums on horseback, then followed the kings Trumpets, than the kings Councillors, than the Gentlemen of the privy chamber, than the Gentlemen of her Grace's country in coats of Velvet, all on great horses: after them the Mayor of London in crimson velvet with a rich collar, coupled with the youngest Baron, than all the Barons, next following Bishops than Earls with whom road the Earls of Ouersteyne and Waldocke of her country, than Dukes and the Archbishop of Cauntorbury, and Duke Philipe of Bauire, next followed the Ambassadors, than the Lord Privieseale and the Lord Chancellor, than the Lord Marquis with the king's sword, next followed the king himself equally with his fair Lady, and behind him road sir Anthony Browne with the kings horse of estate as you heard before, and behind her road Sir john Dudley Master of her horses, leading her spare palferay trapped in rich Tissue down to the ground: after them followed the Henxemen or Pages of honour, than followed the Lady Margaret Douglas, the Lady Marques Dorcette, the Duchess of Richmounde and Suffolk, the Countesses of Rutland and Hertforde, and other Countesses: Then followed her Grace's Chariot in the which she road all her journey, well carved and guilt with Arms of her country curiously wrought and covered with cloth of gold, all the horses were trapped with black velvet, and on them road Pages of honour in coats of velvet, in the which Chariot road three ancient Ladies of her country: next after the Chariot followed six Ladies and Gentlewomen of her Country all richly apparaled with caps set with Pearl, and great Chains of divers fashions, after the usage of their Country, which were very fair of face, and with them road six Ladies of England well beseen. Then followed another Chariot likewise gilded, and furnished as the other was: after that Chariot followed ten English Ladies well apparelled, next them another Chariot all covered with black cloth, and in that four Gentlewomen which were her Grace's Chamberers: then followed all the remnant of the Lady's Gentlewomen, and Maidens in a great number, which did wear that day French hoods: last of all came another Chariot all black, with three Launders appertaining to her grace: next after followed a Horslitter of cloth of Gold and crimson Velvet upon Velvet paled, with horses trapped accordingly which the king sent her, than followed the serving men of her train, all clothed in black and on great horses. In this order they road through the ranks, and so through the Park, and at the late friars wall all men alighted saving the king, the two Masters of the horses and the Henxmen which road to the hall door, and the Ladies road to the Court gate. And as they passed they beheld on the wharf how the Citizens of London were rowing up and down on the Thames even before them, every craft in his Barge garnished with Banners, Flags, Streamers, Pencelles, and Targets, some painted and beaten with the kings Arms, some with her Grace's arms, and some with the Arms of their Craft or Mystery: Beside the Barges of every Craft, there was a Barge made like a ship, called the Bachelors Barge, decked with cloth of Gold, pennons, pencelles, and Targets, in great number, on whom waited a Foist that shot great pieces of Artillery. And in every Barge was divers sorts of Instruments, and children and men singing, which sang and played altogether, as the king & the Lady passed on the Wharfe, which sight and noise they much praised and allowed. When the king and she were within the utter Court, they alighted from their horses, and the king lovingly embraced her, and kissed her, bidding her welcome to her own, and led her by her left arm through the hall which was furnished beneath the hearth with the king's Guard, and above the hearth with the fifty pensioners with their Battle-axes, and so brought her up to her prive Chamber, where he left her for that tyme. And assoon as the king and she was entered the Court, was shot out of the Tower of Greenwich and thereabout, a great peal of Guns. When the kings company and hers was entered the Park, as you have heard, than all the horsemen on Blackheth broke their array, and had licence to departed to London, or to their lodging. To see how long it was or the horsemen could pass, and how late it was in the night ere the footmen could get over London Bridge, I assure you it was wondrous to behold, the number was so great. Thus this noble Lady remained unmarried until the Tewesday following being the day of the epiphany: On which day about eight of the clock in the morning, his Grace being apparelled in a Gown of cloth of gold, raised with great flowers of silver, furred with black gennets, his coat Crimosin Satin, all to cut and embroidered, and tied with great Diamonds, and a rich collar about his neck, came solemnly with his nobility into the Gallary next the Closets, and there paused. Then the Lords went to fetch the Lady Anne, which was apparelled in a Gown of rich cloth of gold, set full of large flowers of great and orient pearl, made after the Dutch fashion round, her hear hanging down, which was fair, yellow, and long: On her head a coronal of gold replenished with great stone, & set about full of branches of Rosemary. And about her neck and middle, jewels of great value and estimation: In this apparel she going between the Earl of Ouersteyn, and the Grand Master Hostoden, which had the conduit and order of the performance of her marriage, with most demure countenance and sad behaviour, passed through the king's Chamber, all the Lords going before her, till they came to the Gallary where the king was, to whom she made three low obeisances and courtesies. Then the Archbishop of Cauntorbury received them, and married them together, and the Earl of Ouersteyn did give her: and about her marrying Ring was written: GOD SAND ME WELL TO KEEP. When the marriage was celebrated, they went hand in hand into the kings Closet, and there heard Mass, and offered their Tapers, and after Mass had wine and spices, and that done the king departed to his Chamber, and all the Ladies waited on her to her Chamber, the Duke of Norfolk going on the right hand, and the Duke of Suffolk on the left hand of her grace. After ix of the clock, the king with a gown of rich Tissue lined with crimson Velvet embroidered, came to his Closet, and she in her hear in the same apparel that she was married in, came to her Closet with her Sergeant of Arms, and all her Officers, like a Queen, before her. And so the king and she went openly on Procession, and offered and dined together. And after dinner she changed into a Gown like a man's Gown, of Tissue with long sleeves girt to her, furred with rich Sables, her narrow sleeves were very costly, but on her head she had a Cap as she ware on the Saturday before with a Cornet of , which Cap was so rich of Pearl and stone, that it was judged to be of great value. And after her fashion, her ladies and gentlewomen were apparelled very rich and costly with Chains of divers fashions, and in this apparel she went that night to Evensong, and after supped with the king: and after supper were Banquets, Masks, and divers disports, till the time came that it pleased the king and her to take their rest. The Sunday after were kept solemn jousts, which much pleased the strangers. On which day she was apparelled after the English fashion, with a French Hood, which so set forth her beauty and good visage, that every creature rejoiced to behold her. When the Earl of Ouerstein, and other Lords and Ladies which had given their attendance on her grace all that journey, and had been highly feasted of the King and other Nobles very sumptuously, they took their leave and had great gifts given to them, both in money and plate, and so returned toward their country, leaving behind them the Earl of Waldock, and divers other gentlemen and Damosels, which were retained with her grace, till she were better acquainted in the realm. The fourth day of February next ensuing, the king and she came to Westminster by water, accompanied with many Nobles and Prelates in Barges on whom the Mayor and his brethren in scarlet, and twelve of the chief companies of the City, all in Barges garnished with Banners, Pennons, & Targets, richly covered and replenished with musicans, gave their attendance, and by the way all the ships shot their ordinance, and out of the Tower was shot a great peal of Guns, in goodly order. The xxiij day of February, were four readers sent for to the Star Chamber, of every house of the four principal Inns of Court one, where sat the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Privy seal, and xiiij of the chief of the kings Counsel, and there the Lord Chancellor declared, Sir john Shelton, Sir Humfrey Browne, Sir Nicholas Hare. how Sir john Shelton knight, had by the advise of sir Humphrey Browne knight the kings Serieaunt, sir Nicholas Hare knight, the kings Counsellor, and Speaker of the Parliament, and William Coignesby Esquire, attournay of the Duchy of Lancaster, all being his servants and of his fee, declared a fraudulent will of his lands, contrary to the statute made, Anno xxvij to the great hindrance of the kings prerogative, and the true meaning of the said statute, and also to the evil example of all other, that should defraud their Lords of their signiories. Wherefore the said sir Humfray Brown, and sir Nicholas Hare, were that day by the whole Counsel of the king dismissed of their Offices and service to the king, and sent to the Tower: and within three days after was William Coignesby sent thither, where they remained ten days, and after were delivered: but they three lost all their Offices, that they had of the king. The twelve day of April began a Parliament, and sir Nicholas Hare was restored to the office of Speaker, in the which was freely granted without contradictions, four fifteens and a subsedle, of two shillings of lands, and xii. pence of goods, toward the great charges of Bulwarks. The xviij day of April, Thomas Lord Cromwell created Earl of Essex. at Westminster was Thomas Lord Cromwell created Earl of Essex, and made great Chamberlein of England, which ever the Earls of Oxenford had, which promotions he enjoyed short time, as in the next year may appear. In this Parliament also the religion of saint john's in England, which of most men was named the knights of the Rhodes, was dissolved, whereof hearing sir William Weston knight, Prior of saint john's, for thought died on the Ascension day, being the fift day of May. In this month was sent to the Tower, Doctor Wilson, and Doctor Samson Bishop of Chichester, for relieving of certain Traitorous persons, which denied the king's supremacy: Richard Farmer Grocer condemned in a Praemunire. and for the same offence was one Richard Farmer Grocer of London, a rich and wealthy man, and of good estimation in the City, committed to the Marshal See, and after in westminster hall was arraigned and attainted in the Praemunire, and lost all his goods. Thomas lord Cromwell committed to the Tower. The ninth day of july, Thomas Lord Cromwell, late made Earl of Essex, as before you have heard, being in the counsel chamber, was suddenly apprehended and committed to the Tower of London, the which many lamented, but more rejoiced, and specially such, as either had been religious men, or favoured religious persons, for they banqueted, and triumphed together that night, many wishing that that day, had been seven year before, and some fearing lest he should escape, although he were imprisoned, could not be merry. Other who knew nothing but truth by him, both lamented him, and heartily prayed for him: But this is true, that of certain of the Clergy, he was detestably hated, and specially such as had borne swinging, and by his means was put from it, for in deed he was a man, that in all his doings seemed not to favour any kind of Popery, nor could not abide the snuffing pride of some prelate's, which undoubtedly whatsoever else was the cause of his death, did shorten his life, and procured the end that he was brought unto: which was that the xix day of the said Month, he was attainted by Parliament, and never came to his answer, which law many reported, he was causer of the making thereof, but that is false and untrue: The articles for the which he died, appeareth in the Record, where his attainder is written, which are to long to be here rehearsed, but to conclude he was there attainted of heresy, and high treason. And the xxviij. day of july was brought to the scaffold on the Tower hill, where he said these words following. The words of the Lord Cromwell spoken at his death. I am come hither to die, and not to purge myself, as may happen, some think that I will, for if I should so do, I were a very wretch and miser: I am by the law condemned to die, and I thank my Lord God that hath appointed me this death, for mine offence: For sithence the time that I have had years of discretion, I have lived a sinner, and offended my Lord God, for the which I ask him heartily forgiveness. And it is not unknown to many of you, that I have been a great travailer in this world, and being but of a base degree, was called to high estate, and since the time I came thereunto, I have offended my prince, for the which I ask him heartily forgiveness, and beseech you all to pray to God with me, that he will forgive me. O father forgive me, O son forgive me, O holy ghost forgive me: O three persons in one God forgive me. And now I pray you that be here, to bear me record, I die in the Catholic faith, not doubting in any article of my faith, not nor doubting in any Sacrament of the Church. Many have slandered me, and reported that I have been a bearer of such as hath maintained evil opinions, which is untrue, but I confess that like as God by his holy spirit, doth instruct us in the truth, so the Devil is ready to seduce us, and I have been seduced: but bear me witness that I die in the catholic faith of the holy Church. And I heartily desire you to pray for the king's grace, that he may long live with you, in health and prosperity. And after him that his son prince Edward that goodly imp, may long reign over you. And once again I desire you to pray for me, that so long as life remaineth in this flesh, I waver nothing in my faith. And then made he his prayer, which was long, but not so long, as both Godly and learned, and after committed his soul into the hands of God, and so patiently suffered the stroke of the Axe, by a ragged and boocherly miser, which very ungodly performed the office. sergeants Feast. On saint Peter'S even, was kept the sergeant feast at saint Ihones with all plenty of victual. At which feast were made ten Serieauntes, The Lords & Commons of the parliament bloden to the sergeants feast. three out of Grey's Inn, and three out of lyncoln's Inn, and of every of the Temples two. At which feast were present, all the Lords and commons of the parliament, beside the Mayor and the Aldermen, and a great number of the commons of the City of London. The morrow after Midsummer day, the king caused the Queen to remove to Richemond, purposing it to be more for her health, Queen Anne divorced, and called Lady Anne of Cleve. open air and pleasure: but the sixth day of july, certain Lords came down into the neither house, which expressly declared causes, that the marriage between the king and her was not lawful, and in conclusion, the matter was by the convocation clearly determined, that the king might lawfully marry where he would, and so might she: and so were they clearly divorced and separated, and by the parliament enacted and concluded, that she should be taken no more as Queen, but called the Lady Anne of Cleve. In this year the Lord Leonard Grey, Lord Leonard Graye. brother to Thomas Lord marquis Dorset, being the king's Lieutenant in Ireland, practised sundry feats for his profit, as in delivering Traitors being hostages, and especially his Nephew _____ Fitzgarard, brother to Thomas Fitzgarard before executed, and also caused such of the Irish men, as he had intelligence with all, to invade such of the king's friends, as he favoured not: Wherefore the king sent for him, and he mistrusting and seeing no refuge, wrote to the king's enemies to invade the English pale after his departure. And also he kept the king's treasure to his own use, without retaining soldiers according to his commission, wherupon when he came to London, he was sent to the Tower. In july the Prince of Salerne, in the realm of Naples, and the Lord Lois Devola, came into England to see the king, which had high there and great rewards, and so departed. And after them came Done Frederick Marquis of Padulla, brother to the Duke of Farrare, and the Prince of Macedonia, and the Marquis of Terra Nova, and Mounsire de Flagy, and sixteen other Gentlemen, from the Emperor's Court into England to see the king, which on the day of Mary Magdalene came to the Court to Westminster, and were highly feasted and well entertained, and with great rewards departed. The twenty and eight day of july as you have heard before in this year, was the Lord Cromwell beheaded, Lord Hungerford beheaded. and with him likewise was beheaded the Lord Hungerford of Heytesburie, which Lord Hungerford at the time of his death, seemed to be very unquiet in his mind, and rather in a frenzy then otherwise. The thirty day of july, were drawn on herdels out of the Tower to Smithfielde, Robert Barnes Doctor in divinity, Barns, Garard and jerom. Thomas Garet and William Iherome Bachelors in Divinity: powel, Fetherston, and Abel. The first three were drawn to the stake, there before set up, and were burned: and the latter three drawn to the gallows, likewise there set up, and were hanged, headed, and quartered. powel, Fetherstone, and Abel. The last three which were powel, Fetherston, and Abel, were put to death for treason, and in their attainder, is special mention made of their offences, which was for the denying of the king's supremacy, and affirming that his marriage with the Lady Katheryn was good: These with other were the treasons, that they were attainted of, and suffered death for. The fourth day of August Thomas Epsam, sometime Monk of Westminster, Thomas Epsam an obstinate Monk. which had been prisoner for treason, three years and more in Newgate, came before the justices of jail delivery at Newgate, & would not ask the kings pardon, nor be sworn to be true to him, wherefore his Monks garment was plucked from his back, and he repried till the king knew his malicious obstinacy: and this was the last Monk that was seen in his clothing in England. In this month were certain Commissioners sent by the king into Ireland, to inquire of the Lord Leonard Grace, which certified divers articles against him, as ye shall hear in the next year following. Katherine Haward showed as Queen The eight day of August, was the Lady Katheryn Haward, Niece to the Duke of Norfolk, and daughter to the Lord Edmond Haward, showed openly as Queen at Hampton Court, which dignity she enjoyed not long, as after ye shall hear. A great death and strange sickness. In the latter end of this month was universally through the realm great death, by reason of new hot Agues and Flixes, and some pestilence, in which season was such a drought, that Welles & small rivers were clean dried, so that much Cattles died for lack of water: and the Thames was so shallow, and the fresh water of so small strength, that the salt water flowed above London bridge, till the rain had increased the fresh waters. Ralph Egerton hanged On the xxij day of December, was Ralph Egerton servant to the Lord Audeley chancellor, hanged, drawn, and quartered, for counterfeiting of the kings great seal, & had sealed a great number of licenses for Demzens, Thomas Harman. & one Thomas Harman that wrote them, was also executed: for the statute made the last parliament was very extreme against strangers, and namely against those which were not Denizens, which caused them to offer to Egerton great sums of money to help them to be Denyzens, the desire whereof caused him to practise, that which brought him to the end, that before is declared. The building of the Castle of Arde. In the end of this year the French king made a strong castle at Arde, and also a bridge over into the English pale, which bridge the Crew of Calais did beaten down, and the French men re-edified the same, and the English men bet it down again. And after the king of England sent fifteen hundred workmen, to wall and fortify Guysnes, and sent with them five hundred men of war, with Captains to defend them. The 'noys ran in France, that there were fifty thousand English men landed at Calais with great ordinance: wherefore the French king sent in all haste, the Duke of Vandosme, and divers other Captains, to the Frontiers of Picardy to defend the same. The king of England hearing thereof, sent the Earls of Surrey and Southampton and the Lord Russell, his great Admiral into the marches of Calais, to set an order there: and after them sent two. C. light horsemen of the borderers of Scotland: whom the french men called stradiates, which Lords when they had set all things in a good order shortly returned. In the beginning of this year, five Priests in Yorkeshyre began a new rebellion, with the assent of one Leigh a Gentleman, A new rebellion. and nine Temporal men, which were apprehended, and shortly after in diverse places put in execution, insomuch that on the xvij day of may, Leigh Tatersall Thornton Sir john Nevell the said Leigh and one Tatersall, and Thornton, were drawn through London to Tyburn, and there were executed. And sir john Nevell knight, was executed for the same at York. On the same day was Margaret Countess of Salisbury, Margaret Countess of Salisbury beheaded. which had been long prisoner in the Tower, beheaded in the Tower, and she was the last of the right line and name of Plantagenet. The ninth day of june, were Damport and Chapman, Damport. Chapman. two of the king's Guard, hanged at Greenewiche by the friars Wall, for robberies in example of all other. During this season, The Lord Leonard Grace condemned. the commissioners that before were sent into Ireland, to inquire of the Lord Grace, certified twenty articles of high treason against him, whereupon he was arraigned and tried by knights, because he was a Lord of name, but no Lord of the parliament: howbeit he discharged the jury, and confessed the indictment, and thereupon was judged, and after beheaded at the Tower hill, where he ended his life very quietly and godly. In this season was arraigned and condemned three Gentlemen, mantel, Roydon, Frowdes. called mantel, Roydon, and Frowdes, and were hanged at Saint Thomas of Wateringes. Likewise was Thomas Fines Lord Dacres of the South arraigned before the Lord Audeley of Walden, than Chancellor of England, and that day Stuard of the same at Westminster, and there before the said Lord Chancellor and his Peres, he confessed the indictment, The Lord Dacres of the South hanged and so had judgement to be hanged. And the twenty and nine day of june, being Saint Peter's day at after noon, he was led on foot, between the two sheriffs of London, from the Tower through the City to Tyburn, where he was strangled, as common murderers are, and his body buried in the Church of Saint sepulchres. The cause of the death of this noble man, and the other Gentlemen, was a murder of a simple man, and an unlawful assembly made in Sussex. Great moan was made for them all, but most special for mantel, who was as witty, and as toward a Gentleman, as any was in the realm, and a man able to have done good service. This Summer the king kept his progress to York and passed through Lincolnshire, Submissions where was made to him an humble submission by the Temporalty, confessing their offence, and thanking the king for his pardon: and the town of Staunforde gave the king twenty pound, and Lyncolne presented forty pound, and Boston fifty pound that part which is called Linsey gave three hundred pound, and Kestren and the Church of Lincoln gave fifty pound. And when he entered into Yorkshire, he was met with two hundred Gentlemen of the same Shire, in coats of Velvet, and four thousand tall yeomen, and Serving men, well horsed: which on their knees made a submission, by the mouth of sir Robert Bowes, and gave to the king nine hundred pound. And on Barnesoate met the king, the archbishop of York, with three hundred Priests and more, and made a like submission, and gave the king six hundred pound. Like submission was made by the Mayor of York, Queen Katherine beheaded. New Castle, and Hull, and each of them gave to the king an hundred pound. When the king had been at York twelve days, he came to Hull, and devised there certain fortifications, and passed over the water of Homber, and so through Lincoln Shire, and at Alhalontide came to Hampton Court. At this time the Queen late before married to the king called Queen Katheryn Hawarde was accused to the king of dissolute living before her marriage, with France's Diram, and that was not secretly, but many knew of it. And sit her marriage she was vehemently suspected with Thomas Culpeper, which was brought to her chamber at Lincoln in August last in the progress time, by the Lady Rocheford, and were together alone, from a xj. Culpeper, Diram, Lord William Haward Katherine Tilney, Elizabeth Tilney, Boulmer, Restwoold, Walgrave, William Asby Damport, Margaret Benet, of the clock at night, till four of the clock in the morning, and to him she gave a Chain, and a rich Cap. Upon this the king removed to London, & she was sent to Zion, and there kept close, but yet served as Queen. And for the offence confessed by Culpeper and Diram, they were put to death at Tyburn, the tenth day of December. And the two and twenty day of the same month, were arraigned at Westminster, the Lord William Hawarde and his wife, which Lord William was Uncle to the Queen, Katherine Tilney which was of counsel of her having to do with Diram, Elizabeth Tilney, Boulmer, Restwoulde, the Queen's women, and Walgrave and William Asby, and Damport Gentlemen, and servants to the old Duchess of Norfolk, and Margaret Benet a Butter wife, all indicted of misprision, for concealing the evil demeanour of the Queen, to the slander of the king, and his succession: all they confessed it, and had judgement to perpetual prison, and to loose their goods and the profit of their lands, during their lives: howbeyt shortly after, diverse of them were delivered by the kings pardon. Petitions made to the king by the parliament house. The xuj day of january the Parliament began, in the which the Lords and Commons assented, to desire of the king certain petitions. 1 First that he would not vex himself with the Queen's offence, and that she and the Lady Rocheford, might be attainted by parliament. Agnes Duchess of Norfolk, Katheryn Countess of Brigwater. 2 Also because protracting of time, which the more should be to his unquietness, that he would under his great seal, give his royal assent, without tarrying the end of the parliament. 3 Also, that Diram and Culpepper, before attainted by the common law, might also be attainted by parliament. 4 Also, that Agnes Duchess of Norfolk, and Katheryn Countess of Bridgewater her daughter, which were for concealing the said offence committed to the Tower, Indicted of misprision, and the Lord William and other, arraigned of the same, might be likewise attainted. 5 Also, that whosoever had spoken or done any act, in the detestation of her abominable living, should be pardoned. To the which petitions the king granted, saying that he thanked the Commons, that they took his sorrow to be theirs. Whereupon the Queen and the Lady Rocheford were attainted by both the houses. And on Saturday being the xj day of February, the king sent his royal assent, by his great Seal: and then all the Lords were in their Robes, and the common house called up, and there the act read, and his assent declared. And so on the thirteen day, these two Ladies were beheaded on the green, Queen Katherine and the Lady Rocheford beheaded. within the Tower with an axe, and confessed their offences, and died repentant. And shortly after the king married the Lady Katheryn Parr that had been wife to the Lord Latimer, and she was sister to the Marquis of Northampton. At this Parliament the king was proclaimed king of Ireland, The king proclaimed king of Ireland. which name his predecessors never had, but were always called Lords of Ireland. In the beginning of March died sir Arthur Plantagenet Viscount Lisle bastard to king Edward the fourth, in the Tower of London unattainted, when he should have been delivered, and put at his liberty. And the twelve day of the said month, sir john Awdeley son and heir to the said Lord Lisles wife, was at Westminster created Viscount Lisle. The Parliament sitting, George Ferrer. in Lent one George Ferrer Bourgeoys for the town of Plymouth, was arrested in London upon a condemnation, at the suit of one white, Whereupon the Serieaunt at Arms of the common house, was sent to the Counter in Breadstreet to fetch him: but the Clerks would not deliver him, wherefore the Serieaunt and his man, would have brought him away perforce. divers of the sheriff's officers there present, withstood the Serieaunt, so that they fell to quarreling: and the sergeant man was sore hurt. After the fray ended, the Sheriffs of London, whose names were Rowland Hill, and Henry Suckly came to the counter, and first denied the delivery of the prisoner, howbeit afterward they delivered him. But this matter was so taken in the common house, that the Sheriffs and the Clerk, and five officers, and the party plaintiff, were sent to the Tower, and there lay two days, and were delivered again by the Speaker and common house. In this year james earl of Desmond came to the king, and was honourably entertained and well rewarded. james earl of Desmond in Ireland. And in September the great Onele came to Greenwich, where he and a captain of the North parts of Ireland called Magannysse, and the Bishop of Cloar, The great Only. made their submission in writing, confessing their offences, and promising to serve the king and his heirs truly: which submission by the king considered, he upon the first day of October created at Greenwich the said sir Eustacen Onele called great Onele (because he was the chief of his lineage called Onele) Earl of Tereowen, commonly called Tyron, and gave him a great Chain, Eustacen Onele called great Onele made Earl of Tereowen. and made Magannysse and his Cousin knights, and gave them both Chains, and he gave to the Lord Mathias, son to the Earl, the baronies of Duncan. At this season the kings Majesty prepared for war into Scotland, the cause why this war was made is most manifestly declared by that which followeth, which the kings Majesty published by this title. A declaration containing the just causes and considerations of this present war with the Scots, wherein also appeareth the true and right title that the kings most royal Majesty hath to his sovereignty of Scotland. And it beginneth thus. ¶ Being now enforced to the war, which we have always hitherto so much abhorred and fled, by our neighbour and nephew the king of Scots, one who above all other, A declaration of the cause of war with Scotland set forth by the king. for our manifold benefits towards him, hath most just cause to love us, to honour us, and to rejoice in our quietness: We have thought good to notify unto the world his doings and behaviour in the provocation of this war, and likewise the means and ways by us to eschew and avoid it, and the just and true occasions, whereby we be now provoked to prosecute the same, and by utterance and dimulging of that matter, to disburden some part of our inward displeasure and grief, and the circumstances known, to lament openly with the world, the infidelity of this time, in which things of such enormity do breast out and appear. The king of Scots our nephew and neighbour, whom we in his youth and tender age preserved and maintained from the great danger of other, and by our authority and power conducted him safely to the real possession of his estate, he now compelleth and forceth us for preservation of our honour and right, to use our puissance and power against him. The like unkindness hath been heretofore showed by other insemblable cases against God's law, man's law, and all humanity: but the oftener it chanceth, the more it is to be abhorred, and yet in the persons of Princes for the rarity of them can so happen but seldom, as it hath now come to pass. It hath been very rarely and seldom seen before, that a king of Scots hath had in marriage a daughter of England: We can not, ne will not reprehend the king our father's act therein, but lament and be sorry it took no better effect. The king our father in that matter minded love, amity, and perpetual friendship between the posterity of both, which how soon it failed, the death of the king of Scots, as a due punishment of God for his unjust invasion into this our realm, is and shall be a perpetual testimony to their reproach for ever, and yet in that present time could not the unkindness of the father extinguish in us the natural love of our nephew his son, being then in the miserable age of tender youth: but we then forgetting the displeasure that should have worthily provoked us to invade that realm, nourished & brought up our nephew to achieve his father's possession and government, wherein he now so unkindly useth & behaveth him towards us, as he compelleth us to take armour and war against him. It is specially to be noted, upon what grounds, and by what means we be compelled to this war, wherein among other is our chief grief and displeasure, that under a colour of fair speech and flattering words, we be in deeds so injured, contemned and despised, as we aught not with sufferance to pretermit and pass over. Words, writings, letters, messages, ambassades, excuses, allegations, could not more pleasantly, more gently, ne more reverently be devised and sent, then hath been made on the king of Scots behalf unto us, and ever we trusted the tree would bring forth good fruit, that was of the one part of so good a stock, and continually in appearance put forth so fair buds: and therefore would hardily believe or give ear to other, that ever alleged the deeds of the contrary, being nevertheless the same deeds so manifest, as we must needs have regarded them, had we not been so loath to think evil of our nephew, whom we had so many ways bound to be of the best sort toward us. And therefore having a message sent unto us the year passed from our said nephew, and a promise' made for the repairing of the said king of Scots unto us to York, and after great preparation on our part made therefore, the same meeting was not only disappointed, but also at our being at York, in the am thereof, an invasion made by our said Nephew his subjects into our realm, declaring an evident contempt and despite of us: We were yet glad to impute the default of the meeting to the advise of his Counsel, and the invasion of the lewdness of his subjects: and according thereunto gave as benign and gentle audience to such Ambassadors, as repaired hither at Christmas afterward, as if no such causes of displeasure had occurred, specially considering the good words, sweet words, pleasant words, eftsoons proponed by the said Ambassadors, not only to excuse that was past, but also to persuade kindness and perfit amity to ensue. And albeit the king of Scots having contrary to the article of the league of amity, received and entertained such rebels, as were of the chief and principle, in stirring the insurrection in the North against us with refusal before time, upon request made to restore the same: yet nevertheless upon offer made, the said Ambassadors, to send commission to the Borderers, to determine the debates of the confines in the same, with so great a pretence of amity, and so fair words, as could be in speech desired: we were content for the time to forbear to press them over extremely in the matter of rebels. Albeit we never remitted the same, but desirous to make trial of our said Nephew in some correspondence of deeds, condescended to the sending of Commissioners to the Borders, which to our great charge we did, & the king of Scots our said Nephew the semblable. Where after great travail made by our Commissioners, this fruit ensued, that being for our part challenged a piece of our ground, plainly usurped by the Scots, and of no great value, being also for the same showed such evidence, as more substantial, more authentic, more plain and evident cannot be brought forth for any part of ground within our realm. The same was nevertheless by them denied, refused, and the evidence only for this cause rejected, that it was made (as they alleged) by Englishmen. And yet it was so ancient, as it could not be counterfeit now, and the value of the ground so little, and of so small weight, as no man would have attempted to falsify for such a matter. And yet this denial being in this wise made unto our Commissioners, they nevertheless by our commandment departed as friends fro the Commissioners of Scotland, taking order as hath been accustomed for good rule upon the Borders in the mean tyme. After which their recess, the Lord Maxwel, Warden of the West Marches of Scotland, made proclamation for good rule, but yet added therewith that the Borderers of Scotland should withdraw their goods from the Borderers of England: And incontinent after the Scottish men Borderers, the fourth of july, entered into our realm suddenly, and spoiled our subjects, contrary to our leagues, even after such extremity, as it had been in time of open war. Whereat we much marveled, and were compelled therefore to furnish our Border with a garrison for defence of the same. james Leirmouth Ambassador from the Scottish king. Whereupon the king of Scots sent unto us james Leyrmouth, Master of his household, with letters devised in the most pleasant manner, offering redress and reformation of all attemptates. And yet nevertheless at the entry of the said Leyrmouth into England, a great number of the Scots, than not looked for, made a foray into our Borders, to the great annoyance of our subjects, and to their extreme detriment, wherewith, and with that unseemly dissimulation, we were not a little moved, as reason would we should And yet did we not finally so extremely persecute and continued our said displeasure, but that we gave benign audience to the said Leyrmouth, and suffered ourself to be somewhat altered by his words and fair promises, tending to the persuasion that we ever desired to found the king of Scots such a nephew unto us, as our proximity of blood with our gratuity unto him did require. In the mean time of these fair words, the deeds of the Borderers were as extreme as might be, and our Subjects spoiled: and in a road made by sir Robert Bows for a revenge thereof, the same sir Robert Bows with many other taken prisoners, and yet detained in Scotland, without putting them to fine and ransom, as hath been ever accustomed. And being at the same time a surseasaunce made on both sides, at the suit of the said Leyrmouth for a season: the Scots ceased not to make sundry invasions into our realm in such wise, as we were compelled to forget fair words, and only to consider the king of Scots deeds which appeared unto us of that sort, as they aught not for our duty in defence of our subjects, ne could not in respect of our honour, be passed over unreformed: and therefore put in a readiness our army, as a due mean whereby we might attain such a peace, as for the safeguard of our Subjects we be bound to procure. After which preparation made, and knowledge had thereof, the king of Scots ceased not to use his accustomed mean of fair words, which in our natural inclination wrought eftsoons their accustomed effect, evermore desirous to find in the king of Scots such regard and respect to be declared in deeds as the correspondence of natural love in the nephew to such an Uncle, as we have showed ourself towards him, doth require. Wherefore upon new request and suit made unto us, we determined to stay our army at York, appointing the Duke of Norfolk our Lieutenant, the Lord Privieseale, the Bishop of Durham, and the Master of our horses, there to common, treat, and conclude with the Ambassadors of Scotland. for an amity and peace upon such condition, as by reason and equity were indifferent, whereby the war might be eschewed, being by sundry invasion of the Scots than opened and manifest. In this communication between our and their Commissioners, after divers degrees of commission, showed by the Scots, and finally one that was by our commissioners allowed, matters were proponed for conclusion of amity, nothing difficile or hard of our part, but so agreeable to reason, as the Commissioners of Scotland said, they doubted not, but if it might be brought to pass, that the king of Scots our Nephieu, might have a meeting with us, all matters should easily be componed and determined. Whereupon they left speaking of any articles of amity, and the Ambassadors of Scotland made much outward joy in communication of meeting, they showed themself in words, fashion and behaviour much to delight in it, to rejoice in it, & therewith thought it easy and facile to be concluded and accomplished and for their part they took it then for a thing passed, a thing concluded, and most certain to take effect, and only desired six days to obtain answer from their Master, and our army from that time to stay and go no further: Whereunto our Commissioners then agreed. After these six days was sent a Commission out of Scotland, Subtle and crafty Scots with power to conclude a meeting precisely at such a place, as they knew well we would not, ne could not in Winter observe and keep, wherewith when our Commissioners were miscontent, the Ambassadors of Scotland to relieve that displeasure, and to temper the matter, whereby to win more time, showed forth their instructions, wherein liberty was given to the Ambassadors to exceed their commission in the appointment of the place, and to consent to any other that by our Commissioners should be thought convenient, which manner of proceeding, when our Commissioners refused, alleging that they would not conclude a meeting with men, having no commission thereunto. The Ambassadors of Scotland upon pretence to sand for a more ample and larger commission agreeable to their instructions for appointment of the place, obtained a delay of other six days to sand for the said ample Commission without restraint of place. And after those six days they brought forth a new commission, made in a good form, and without exception: But therewith they showed also new instructions, containing such a restraint as the former commission did contain, so as the liberty given to the Commissioners in the commission was now at the last removed and taken away by the instructions, with addition of a special charge to the Ambassadors not to exceed the same. And thus first the Ambassadors of Scotland seemed to have will and desire to conclude a place seemly and convenient, which for want of commission they might not do, and at the last might have concluded a meeting by virtue of their commission, and then for fear of the commandment in their second instructions they durst not. And so they showed their first instructions partly to excuse their king, who should seem secretly to will more, then in the commission he did openly profess. And then with an ample commission from the king, they showed their secret instructions for defence of themselves why they proceeded not according to their commission, not ●aring how much they charged therein their king, whose fault they disclosed to discharge themselves, trusting that by benefit of the winter approaching, and the time lost in their communication their Master should be defended against our power for this year, without doing for their part that by honour, right, law, and leagues they be obliged and bound to do. And in this mean time our Subjects being taken prisoners in Scotland could not be delivered upon any ransom, contrary to all custom and usage of the borderers in the time of peace and war, and in this mean time stayed a great part of our army already pressed, and in our wages to go forward. In this time Ambassadors (as ye have heard) assembled to talk of an amity but concluded none. The treating of amity was put over by communication of a meeting. The communication of meeting was so handled by alteration of commission and instructions on their behalf, as it appeareth a plain devise only invented for a delay, which hath given us light, whereupon more certainly to judge the king of Scots inward affection towards us, whose deeds and words well weighed and considered, doth us plainly to understand, how he hath continually laboured to abuse us with sweet and pleasant words and to satisfy the appetites of other at home and abroad with his unkind and displeasant deeds. In his words he professeth an indissoluble amity, he allegeth kindred, he knowledgeth benefits, only the fault is that he speaketh another language to all the world in deeds, and thereby so toucheth us in honour and denegation of justice, as we be enforced and compelled to use the sword, which God hath put in our hand as an extreme remedy, whereby to obtain both quietness for our subjects, and also that is due unto us by right, pacts and leagues. We have patiently suffered many delusions, and notably the last year when we made preparation at York for his repair to us: But should we suffer our people and subjects to be so often spoiled without remedy? This is done by the Scots whatsoever their words be. Should we suffer our rebels to be detained contrary to the leagues without remedy? This is also done by them whatsoever their words be. Should we suffer our land to be usurped contrary to our most plain evidence, only upon a will, pride, and arrogancy of the other party? This is done by them whatsoever their words be. And all these be over presumptuously done against us, and give such signification of their arrogancy, as it is necessary for us to oppress it in the beginning, lest they should gather further courage to the greater displeasure of us and our posterity hereafter. And yet in the entreating of this matter, if we had not evidently perceived the lack of such affection as proximity of blood should require, we would much rather have remitted these injuries in respect of proximity of blood to our Nephew, than we did heretofore the invasion of his father. But considering we be so surely ascertained of the lack thereof, and that our blood is there frorne with the cold air of Scotland, there was never prince more violently compelled to war than we be, by the unkind dealing, unjust behaviour, unprincely demeanour of him that yet in nature is our Nephew, and in his acts and deeds declareth himself not to be moved therewith, ne to have such earnest regard to the observation of his pacts and leagues, ne such respect to the entertainment of the administration of justice, as natural equity bindeth, and conservation of amity doth require: which we much lament and be sorry for, and use now our force and puissance against him, not for revengement of our private displeasure (being so often deluded as we have been) but for recovery of our right, the preservation of our subjects from injuries, and the observation of such leagues as have passed between us, firmly trusting, that almighty God under whom we reign, will assist and aid our just proceed herein to the furtherance and advancement of the right, which we doubt not shall ever prevail against wrong, falsehood, deceit, and dissimulation. Hitherto it appeareth how this present war hath not proceeded of any demand of our right of superiority, which the kings of Scots have always knowledged by homage and fealty to our progenitors even from the beginning: But this war hath been provoked and occasioned upon present matter of displeasure, present injury, present wrong ministered by the Nephew to the Uncle most unnaturally, and supported contrary to the deserts of our benefits most unkindly. If we had minded the possession of Scotland, and by the motion of war to attain the same, there was never king of this realm had more opportunity in the minority of our Nephew. Ne in any other realm a prince that hath more just title, more evident title, more certain title, to any realm that he can claim, than we have to Scotland, not devised by pretence of marriage, not imagined by covenant, nor contrived by invention of argument, but lineally descended from the beginning of that estate established by our progenitors, and recognized successively of the kings of Scotland by deeds, words, acts and writings continually almost without interruption, or at the lest intermission, till the reign of our progenitor king Henry the sixth, in whose time the Scots abused the civil war of this realm, to their licence and boldness, in omitting of their duty: which for the proximity of blood between us, we have been slack to require of them, being also of ourself inclined to peace, as we have ever been always glad, rather without prejudice to omit to demand our right if it might conserve peace, then by demanding thereof to be seen to move war, specially against our neighbour, against our Nephew, against him whom we have preserved from danger, and in such a time as it were expedient for all christendom to be unite in peace, whereby to be the more able to resist the common enemy the Turk. But for what considerations we have omitted to speak hitherto of the matter, it is nevertheless true, The king of Scots have always acknowledged the kings of England to be their Superior Lords that the kings of Scots have always knowledged the kings of England superior Lords of the realm of Scotland, and have done homage and fealty for the same. This appeareth first by history, written by such as for confirmation of the truth in memory, have truly noted and signified the same. Secondly it appeareth by instruments of homage made by the kings of Scots, and divers notable personages of Scotland, at divers and sundry times sealed with their Seals, and remaining in our treasury. Thirdly it appeareth by registers & Records judicially and authenticly made, yet preserved for confirmation of the same. So as the matter of title being most plain, is furnished also with all manner of evidences for declaration thereof. First as concerning histories, which be called witnesses of times, the light of truth, and the life of memory, and finally the convenient way and mean, whereby the things of antiquity may be brought to men's knowledge, they show as plainly this matter as could be wished or required, with such a consent of writers, as could not so agreed upon an untruth, containing a declaration of such matter as hath most evident probability and appearance. For as it is probable and likely, that for the better administration of justice amongst rude people, two or more of one estate might be rulers in one Country unite, as this Isle is: so is it probable & likely, that in the beginning it was so ordered for avoiding dissension, that there should be one superior in right, of whom the said estates should depend. According whereunto we read how Brute, Brute of whom this realm was first called Britain. of whom the realm then called Britain took first that name (being before that time inhabited with Giants, people without order or civility) had three sons, Locrine, Albanact, and Camber, and determining to have the whole Isle within the Ocean sea to be after governed by them three, appointed Albanact to rule that now is called Scotland, Camber the parties of Wales, and Locrine that now is called England: unto whom as being the elder son, the other two brethren should do homage recognizing and knowledging him as their superior. Now consider if Brutus conquered all this Island, as the history saith he did, and then in his own time made this order of superiority as afore: how can there be a title devised of a more plain beginning, a more just beginning, a more convenient beginning for the order of this Island, at that time specially when the people were rude, which cannot without continual strife and variance contain two or three rulers in all points equal without any manner of superiority, the inward conscience and remorse of which superiority should in some part dull and diminish the perverse courage of resistance and rebellion. The first division of this Isle we found it written after this sort without cause of suspicion why they should writ amiss. And according hereunto we found also in histories set forth by divers, how for transgression against this superiority, our predecessors have chastised the kings of Scots, and some deposed, and put other in their places. We will here omit to speak of the rudeness of the antiquity in particularity, which they cared not distinctly to commit to writing, but some authors, as Antonius Sabellicus amongst other diligently enserching, what he might truly write of all Europe, and the Islands adjoining, over and beside that which he writeth of the nature, manners, and conditions of the Scots, which who so list to read, shall find to have been the very same in times past, that we find them now at this present, he calleth Scotland part of England, which is agreeable to the division aforesaid, being in deed as in the land continual without separation of the sea, so also by homage and fealty unite unto the same, as by particular declarations shall most manifestly appear by the testimony of such as have left writing for proof and confirmaiion thereof. In which matter passing over the death of king Humber, the acts of Dunwald king of this realm, the division of Belin and Brene, the victories of king Arthur, we shall begin at the year of our Lord .900. which is .642. years past, a time of sufficient ancienty from which we shall make special declaration and evidence of the execution, of our right and title of superiority, evermore continued and preserved hitherto. Edward the first before the conquest, son to Alured king of England had under his dominion and obedience the king of Scots. The homages of the Scots done to the kings of England from time to time. And here is to be noted, that this matter was so notorious and manifest, as Maryan a Scot writing that story in those days, granteth, confesseth, and testifieth the same, & this dominion continued in that state xxiij year: At which time Athelstaine succeeded in the crown of England, and having by battle conquered Scotland, he made one Constantine king of that party, to rule and govern the Country of Scotland under him, adding this princely word, To make a king is more honourable then to be a King. that it was more honour to him to make a king, then to be a king. Twenty and four years after that, which was the year of our Lord 947. Eldred king our progenitor, Athelstaines brother, took homage of Irise then king of Scots. Kynald king of Scots. Thirty years after that, which was in the year of our Lord .977. king Edgar our predecessor took homage of Kinald king of Scots. Here was a little trouble in England by the death of Saint Edward king and martyr, destroyed by the deceit of his mother in law: but yet within memory. Forty years after the homage done by Kynald to king Edgare, Malcolme king of Scots. that is to say, in the year of our Lord .1017. Malcolme king of Scots did homage to Knute our predecessor. After this homage done the Scots uttered some piece of their natural dispotion, whereupon by war made by our progenitor saint Edward the Confessor xxxix year after that homage done, that is to say, the year of our Lord .1056. Malcolme king of Scots was vanquished, and the realm of Scotland given to Malcolme his son by our said progenitor saint Edward: unto whom the said Malcolme made homage and fealty. Within xj years after that William Conqueror entered this realm, William the Conqueror. whereof he accounted no perfect conquest, until he had likewise subdued the Scots, and therefore in the said year, which was in the year of our Lord a thousand lxviij the said Malcolme king of Scots did homage to the said William Conqueror, as his superior by conquest king of England. Xxu. years after that, which was the year of our Lord. M.xciij. the said Malcolme did homage and fealty to William Rufus, son to the said William Conqueror: and yet after that was for his offences and demerits deposed, and his son substitute in his place, who likewise failed of his duty, and therefore was ordained in that estate by the said William Rufus, Edgar brother to the last Malcolme, and son to the first, who did his homage and fealty accordingly. Seven years after that, which was in the year of our Lord. M.C. the said Edgar king of Scots, did homage to henry the first, Edgar king of Scots. our progenitor. Xxxvij. year after that David king of Scots did homage to Matilde the Emperatrice, as daughter and heir to Henry the first. David king of Scots. Wherefore being after required by Stephen, then obtaining possession of the realm, to make his homage, he refused so to do, because he had before made it to the said Matylde, and thereupon forbore. After which Dauyds death, which ensued shortly after, the Son of the said David made homage to the said King Stephyn. fourteen years after that, William king of Scots. which was in the year of our Lord. M.cl William king of Scots, and David his brother, with all the Nobles of Scotland made homage to Henry the seconds son, with a reservation of their duty to Henry the second his father. Xxu. years after that, which was in the year of our Lord. M.Clxxv. William king of Scotland, after much rebellion and risistence, according to their natural inclination, king Henry the second, then being in Normandy, William then king of Scots knowledged finally his error, and made his peace and composition, confirmed with his great seal, and the seals of the Nobility of Scotland, making therewith his homage and fealty. Within xu years after that, which was the year of our Lord. M. C.lxxxx. the said William King of Scots, came to our City of Cauntorburye, and there did homage to our noble progenitor King Rycharde the first. fourteen years after that, the said William did homage to our progenitor king john, upon a hill besides Lyncolne, making his oath upon the Cross of Hubert then Archbishop of Cauntorbury, being there present a marvelous multitude assembled for that purpose. Alexander king of Scots. Xxuj. years after that, which was in the year of our Lord. M.cc.xuj. Alexander king of Scots married Margaret, the daughter of our progenitor Henry the third, at our City of York, in the feast of Christmas: at which time the said Alexander king of Scots repaired to the said feast of coronation, and there did his duty as aforesaid. john Bayli●ll king of Scots. Within xxviij years after that, which was the year of our Lord. M.CC.lxxxij. john Balliol king of Scots, made his homage and fealty to the said king Edward the first, our progenitor. After this began Robert Bruise to usurp the crown of Scotland, and to move sedition therefore, against them of the house of Balliol, which made for a season some interruption in the said homage: but yet no intermission without the terms of memory. For within xliiij, year after, which was the year of our Lord. M.ccc.uj. Edward Balliol after a great victory had in Scotland against the other faction, and enjoying the Crown of Scotland made homage to our progenitor Edward the third. David Bruse king of Scots. And twenty years after that, which was in the year of our Lord. M.CCC.xxvi. David Bruse, who was ever in the contrary faction, did nevertheless in the title of the Crown of Scotland, whereof he was then in possession, make homage to our said progenitor Edward the third. Within ix years after this, Edward the third, to chastise the infidelity of the Scots, made war against them: where after great victories, Edward Balliol having the just and right title to the realm of Scotland, E●ward Baylioll ● ng of Scots. surrendered clearly the same to our said progenitor at the town of Rokisbrough in Scotland: where our said progenitor accepted the same, and then caused himself to be crowned king of Scotland, and for a time entertained it, and enjoyed it, as very proprietary and owner of the realm, as on the one party by confiscation acquitted, & on the other part by free will surrendered unto him. And then after the death of our said progenitor Edward the third, began seditions and insurrections in this our realm, in the time of our progenitor Richard the second, which was augmented by the alteration of the state of the said Richard, and the devolution of the same, to Henry the fourth, so as the Scots had some leisure to play their vagues, and follow their accustomed manner. And yet Henry the fift for recovery of his right in France commanded the king of Scots to attend upon him in that journey. And in this time the realm of Scotland being descended to the house of the Stewards, of which our Nephew directly cometh, james Steward king of Scots, james Stuard king Scots. in the year of our Lord. M. CCCC.xxiij. made homage to Henry the sixth at Windsor. Which homage was distant from the time of the other homage made by David Bruse lx years and more, but far within the fresh memory of man. All which homages and fealties as they appear by story to have been made and done at times and season as aforesaid: so do there remain instruments made thereupon and sealed with the seals of the kings of Scotland testifying the same. And yet doth it appear by story, how the Scots practised to steal out of our treasury divers of these instruments, which nevertheless were after recovered again. And to the intent ye may know of what form and tenor the said instruments be, here is inserted the effect in word and sentence as they be made, which we do, to meet with the cavellation and contrived evasion of the Scots, alleging the homage to have been made for the earldom of Huntyngdon, which is as true as the allegation of him that is burnt in the hand, to say he was cut with a Sickle. And therefore the tenor of the homage is this. I john. N. king of Scots shall be true and faithful unto you Lord Edward by the grace of God king of England, The oath that the king of Scots taketh when he doth his homage. the noble and superior Lord of the kingdom of Scotland, and unto you I make my fidelity of the same kingdom of Scotland, the which I hold, and claim to hold of you: and I shall bear to you my faith and fidelity of life and limb, and worldly honour against all men, and faithfully I shall knowledge, and shall do to you service due unto you of the kingdom of Scotland aforesaid, as God so help and these holy Evangelists. Now for the third part touching records and registers, Of this ye may read more in the xxiv. year of king Edward the first we have them so formal, so authentical, so seriously handled, and with such circumstances declaring the matters, as they be & aught to be a great corroboration of that hath been in stories written and reported in this matter. For amongs other things, we have the solemn act, and judicial process of our progenitor Edward the first, in discussion of the title of Scotland, when the same was challenged by twelve competitors: That is to say. Florentinus comes Holandie, Patricius de Dumbar comes de Merchia, Willielmus de Vesty Willielmus de Ros Robertus de Pinbeny Nicholaus de Souls Patricius Galightly. Rogerus de Mundeville joannes de Comyn. D. joannes de hastings joannes de Balliolo Robertus de Bruse Ercius rex Norwegie. And finally after a great consultation and mature deliberation, with discussion of the allegations proponed on all parties, sentence was given for the title of Balliol, according whereunto he enjoyed the realm. But for confirmation of the duty of the homage before that time observed by the king of Scots, it appeareth in those records how when those competitors of the realm of Scotland repaired to our said progenitor, as to the chief Lord for discussion of the same, in as much as the authority of the judgement to be given depended thereupon: It was then ordered that the whole parliament of Scotland, spiritual, temporal and of all degrees assembled for that purpose, and considering upon what ground and foundation the kings of Scotland had in times past made the said homages and recognition of superiority, the said parliament finding the same good and true, should if they so denied it, yield and give place, and by express consent recognize the same. At which parliament was alleged unto them, as appeareth in the same records, not only these acts of the Princes before those days, and before rehearsed: but also besides the testimony of stories, the writings and letters of foreign princes, at that time reciting and rehearsing the same: whereupon the said parliament did there agreed to this our superiority, and ensuing their determination did particularly and severally make homage and fealty with proclamation, that whosoever withdrew himself from doing his duty therein, should be reputed as a rebel: And so all made homage and fealty to our progenitor Edward the first. The realm of Scotland was in the time of the discussion of the title ruled by Guardians deputed by him and all Castles and holds were surrendered to him as to the superior Lord in the time of vacation, benefices, offices, fees, promotions passed in that time from the mere gift of our said progenitor, as in the right of this crown of England, Sheriffs named and appointed, writs and precepts made, obeyed, and executed: and finally all that we do now in the Duchy of Lancaster, the same did our progenitor for the time of our contention for that title in the realm of Scotland, by the consent of an agreement of all estates of the realm assembled and consulted with for that purpose. At which time the Bishops of saint Andrew's and Glascoo were not as they now be archbishops, but recognized the archbishop of York, which extended over all that Country. Now if the Scots will take exception to the homage of their princes as made in war and by force which is not true: what will they say or can they for shame allege against their own parliament, not of some but of all confirmed and testified by their writings and seals? whereunto nothing enforced them, but right and reason, being passed in peace and quiet without armour or compulsion. If they say they did it not, they speak like themselves, if they say they did it, then do they now like themself, to withdraw their duty, not so much to be blamed, as to be amended. Thus appeareth unto you the beginning of the right of superiority, with a perpetual continuance, without intermission within memory, certain omission and forbearing upon the grounds and occasions before specified we deny not. Whereby they have many times sought and taken their opportunities to withdraw the doing of their duty in knowledge of our superiority over them, which to avoid, they have not cared what they said or alleged, though it were never so untrue: lying always in a wait when they might annoyed this realm, not without their own great danger, peril, and extreme detriment. But as they detracted the doing of their duty, so God ever granted unto this realm force to compel them thereunto within memory, notwithstanding any their interruption by resistance, which unto the time of our progenitor Henry the sixth never endured so long as it made intermission within time of mind, whereby the possession might seem to be impaired, from the time of Henry the sixth unto the seventh year of our reign, our realm hath been for a season lacerate and torn by diversity of titles till our time and sithence by war outwardly vexed and troubled: The story is so lamentable for some part thereof, as were tedious to rehearse. sithen the death of our progenitor, Henry the sixth our Grandfather Edward the fourth reigned, who after great travails to attain quietness in this realm, finally in the time of preparation of war against Scotland, died. Richard the third than usurped for a small time in years, whom the king our father by the strength of God's hand overthrew in battle, and most justly attained the possession this realm, who nevertheless after the great tempestuous storms, finding all matters not yet brought to a perfit quiet and rest, ceased and forbore to require of the Scots to do their duty thinking it policy rather for that time to assay to tame their nature by the pleasant conjunction and conversation of affinity, then to charge them with their fault, and require duty of them, when opportunity served not, by force and fear to constrain and compel them. And thus passed over the reign of our father, without demand of this homage. And being our reign now four and thirty years, we were xxj year letted by our Nephew his minorite, being then more careful how to bring him out of danger, to the place of a king, then to receive of him homage when he had full possession of the same. Wherefore being now passed sithence the last homage made by the king of Scots to our progenitor henry the sixth a hundred xxij year, at which time the homage was done at Windesore by james Steward, than king of Scots, as afore luj of these years the crown of this realm was in contention, the trouble whereof engendered also some business in the time of the king our father, which was xxiiij year: And in our time xxj year hath passed in the minority of our Nephew. So as finally the Scots resorting to their only defence of discontinuance of possession, can only allege justly but xiij year of silence in the time of our reign, being all the other times sithence the homage done by james Steward, such as the silence in them had they been never so long, could not have engendered prejudice to the loss of any right, that may yet be declared and proved due. For what can be imputed to king Edward for not demanding homage being in strife for that estate, whereunto the homage was due? What should Richard the third search for homage in Scotland, that had neither right ne leisure to have homage done unto him in England? Who can blame our father, knowing the Scots nature, never to do their duty but for fear, if he demanded not that of them, which they would eschew if they might, being his realm not clearly then purged from ill seed of sedition, sparkled and scattered in the cruel civil wars before. Law and reason serveth, that the passing over of time not commodious to the purpose, is not allegeable in prescription for the loss of any right. And the minority of the king of Scots hath endured xxj years of our reign, which being an impediment on their part, the whole prescription of the Scots, if the matter were prescriptible, is thus deduced evidently to xiij years, which xiij year without excuse we have ceased and forborn to demand our duty, like as the Scots have likewise ceased to offer and tender the same. For which cause nevertheless we do not enter this war, ne mi● to demand any such matter, now being rather desirous to rejoice and take comfort in the friendship of our Nephew, as our neighbour, then to move matter unto him of displeasure, whereby to alienate such natural inclination of love, as he should have toward us. But such be the works of God, superior over all, to suffer occasions to be ministered, whereby due superiority may be known, demanded and required, to the intent that according thereunto all things governed in due order here, we may to his pleasure pass over this life to his honour and glory: which he grant us to do, in such rest, peace, and tranquillity, as shall be meet and convenient for us. The king sendeth a great army into Scotland. When the king had set forth the declaration of the cause of his war as is above mentioned. Then he sent forth the Duke of Norfolk lieutenant general, accompanied with the Earls of Shrewisburie, Derby, Comberland, Surrey, Hertford, anguish, Rutland, and the Lords of the North parts, and sir Anthony Browne Master of the kings Horse, Sir john Gage controller of the kings house, and twenty thousand men well appointed, which entered Scotland the xxj day of October, and tarried there eight days without battle, and brent the towns of Paxton, Ramrige, Styne, Gradyn, Shylles, Lang Ednem, Newton, Skitshell, Newthorne, Smellem Spittle, the two Merdens, Slederike, and the two Broxlawes, Florys and the Fair croft, Edeem Spittle, Roxborough, Kelsey and the Abbey, Lang Spronstow, riden, & Hadyngton. And while the Duke was at Farneton in Scotland, the forth day there came to speak with him half a mile from the host, from the king of Scots, the Bishop of Orkeney and james Leiremouth Master of the household, to entreat peace, but they agreed not. And the army lay so long in Scotland as they might for hunger and cold without any countenance of harm, and so for necessity returned to Berwick. And all this journey the Standard of the Earl of Hampton which died at new Castle, was borne in the forward, because he was appointed captain of the same. The king of Scots hearing that the army was returned, raised an army of xu thousand chosen men of all parts of his realm under the guiding of the Lord Maxwell warden of his west Marches, boasting to tarry as long in England, as the Duke did in Scotland. And so on Friday being Saint Katheryns even, they passed over the water of Eske, and brent certain houses of the Greves on the very border. Thomas bastard Dacres with jacke of Musgrave sent word to sir Thomas Wharton warden for the king on the west Marches, to come on to succour them: howbeit the said two valiant Captains, although the Scots entered fiercely, yet they manfully and courageously set on them, with an hundred light horse, and left a stolen on the side of a hill, wherewithal the Scots were wonderfully dismayed, either thinking that the Duke of Norfolk had been come to the West marches with his great army, or else they thought that some greater army came, The victory at the water of Eske. namely when they espied sir Thomas Wharton, coming with three hundred men only. But at that time, so God ordained it to be, that they at the first bront fled, and the Englishmen followed, and there were taken prisoners the Earls of Casselles, and Glancarne, the Lord Maxwell, Admiral and warden, A great number of the Nobility of Scotland taken prisoners the Lord Fleming, the Lord Sommerwell, the Lord Oliphant, the Lord Grace, sir Oliver Senclere the kings minion, john Rosse Lord Oragy, Robert Eskyn son to the Lord Eskyn, Car Lord of Gredon, the Lord Maxwelles two brethren, john Lesley Bastard to the Earl of Rothus, This was called the battle of Solemn Mass. and two hundred Gentlemen more, and above eight hundred common people, insomuch that some one man, yea, and women had three or four prisoners. They took also xxiiij Guns, four Cartes with spears, and ten pavilions. This was only the handstroke of God, for the Cardinal of Scotland promised them heaven for destruction of England. The death of the Scottish king. The king of Scots took a great thought for this discomfiture, and also because that an English Herald called Somerset was slain at Dunbarre, which things together he took so unpatiently, that he died in a frenzy. Although many reported that the king himself was at this bickering, and there received his deaths wound, and fled therewith into Scotland. But howsoever it was, true it is as is aforesaid he died, and the Queen his wife was delivered of a daughter, The birth of Mary daughter to the king of Scots. on our Lady even before Christmas called Mary. Of the prisoners aforesaid xxiiij of the chief of them, were brought up to the Tower of London, and there were two days. And on saint Thomas day the Apostle before Christmas, they were solemnly conveyed through London to Westminster, where the kings Counsel sat, and there the Lord Chancellor, declared to them their untruth, unkindness, and false dissimulation, declaring farther how the king had cause of war against them, both for the denying of their homages, and also for their traitorous invasions without defiance, and also for keeping his subjects prisoners without redemption, contrary to the old laws of the Marches, for which doings, God as they might perceive had scourged them: Howbeit the king more regarding his honour, than his Princely power, was content to show to them kindness, for unkindness, and right for wrong. And although he might have kept them in strait prison, by just law of Arms, yet he was content that they should have liberty to be with the nobles of his realm, in their houses. And so according to their estates, they were appointed to Dukes, earls, Bishops, Knights and other Gentlemen, which so entertained them, that they confessed themselves never to be better entertained nor to have had greater cheer. But after their new gladness, tidings came to them, of the death of their king, which they sore lamented, and hearing that he had left an only daughter his heir, they wished her in England, The first motion of the marriage of the heir of Scotland with prince Edward heir of England began of the Scots. to be married to the prince the king's son. The King and his Counsel, perceiving the overture now to be made, which way without war these two realms might be brought into one, sent for all the prisoners few lacking, to his Manor of Hampton Court, on saint Stephen's day, where they were so well entertained, both of the king and his nobles, that they said, they never saw king but him, and said that God was better served here, then in their Country: howbeit their Kirkmen preached, that in England was neither Mass, nor any service of God. And they promised the king, to do all that in them lay with their friends to perform as much as he required. Whereupon not without great rewards, they departed toward Scotland on New Year's day, and by the way they saw the Prince, and came to Newecastell to the Duke of Suffolk, who upon hostages delivered them, and so they entered Scotland and were well and gladly welcomed. Likewise the Earl of Angus, which was banished Scotland, and had of the kings Fee, yearly a thousand mark, and Sir George Douglas his Brother had five hundredth Mark. These were accepted into Scotland, and restored by the last kings will, and the Earl of Angus and divers of the Lords that were prisoners, were made of the privy Counsel of the realm, by the Earl of Arrein, governor of the young Queen, and the realm, as next heir apparent: notwithstanding that the archbishop of Saint andrew's and Cardinal, enemy mortal to the king and realm of England, for the Bishop of Rome's authority (and partly set on by the French king, for the same cause) had forged a will, that the King had made him Governor, associate with two Earls of his affinity, both of the realm and of the young Queen, contrary to the laws of Scotland. Whereupon the said Earl of Arrain, according to his right, with the help of his friends, took upon him the rule of Governor, and put the said false Cardinal in prison, and delivered sir Robert Bowes and other prisoners, by their bands, according to the custom of the Marches. And so in March next following, the Scots began their Parliament. All this year there was neither perfit peace, nor open war, between England and France, but ships were taken on both sides, and Merchants rob. And at the last the merchants goods on both parties were seized, and likewise the Ambassadors of both realms were slayed: howbeit shortly after, the Ambassadors were delivered, but yet the Merchants were rob, and no war proclaimed. In the end of this year, came from the Governor of Scotland as Ambassadors, sir William Hambleton, james Leyrmouth, and the Secretary of Scotland, whose message was so meanly liked, that they were sane to send an Herald into Scotland, for other Ambassadors, and so hither came the Earl of Glancarne, and sir George Douglas, and whatsoever their answer was, sir George returned in post, and within twenty days, came again with an honest answer, but that honesty endured a small tyme. In the beginning of this year on Trinity Sunday, was a new league sworn between the king and the Emperor at Hampton Court, to be friends to their friends, A peace concluded between the Emperor and the king of England. Certain Irish Lords come into England. and enemies to their enemies. The third day of june came to the Court, from the realm of Ireland, the Lord Obryn, the Lord Macke William Brough, the Lord Macke Gilpatrick. And in july the said Obryn was created Earl of Townon, and Lord Macke William was created Earl of Claurikard, and sir Dunon Obryn was made Baron of Ebranky, and so with rewards they took their leave, and returned. Also the same month the Scottish Ambassadors returned with great rewards. At this season the king and the Emperor sent Garter and Toyson kings at arms to demand certain things of the French king, which if he did deny, War with France. then to defy him, but he would not suffer them to come within his land, and so they returned. Whereupon the said demands were showed to the Ambassador at Westminster. And in july the king sent over six thousand tall men, Laundersey. whereof was Capitayne general, sir john Wallop, and sir Thomas Seymour Martial, and sir Richard Cromwell Capitayne of the horsemen, which assaulted a town called Laundersey, unto the which assault came the Emperor in proper person. And shortly after came down the French king in proper person with a great army, and offered the Emperor battle, by reason whereof the siege was raised, and straight the Frenchmen victualed the town, which was the only cause of their coming. For the next day the Emperor being ready at the hour appointed to give battle, & the french men made great show, as though they would have come forward, but they dallied of all that day, and in the night they ran away, and trusted some to their horses, and some to their legs like tall fellows. And in this time by reason of a statute that was lately made, commonly called the statute of six articles, there was many men in trouble namely at Wyndsore, but for this and such other that concern religion, I refer you to the book of the monuments of the Church published by master Fox. The Lords of Scotland who in the last year (as you have heard) were taken prisoners in England were at New years tide released and sent home ransom free into Scotland upon their oaths and promise to do that in them lay for the conclusion of a marriage to be had between Mary the sole and only heir of Scotland, and Edward the prince and heir of England, who immediately upon there return did cause to be summoned & convocated a parliament in Scotland, and in the same concluded, agreed & determined the aforesaid marriage, and confirming their act under their great seal, sent the same unto king Henry the eight. And for the better conclusion and solemnisation thereof: there was time and place appointed: But hereunto the Cardinal of saint Andrew's would not agreed: wherefore the Lords committed him to safe custody, and shortly after by the means of the French King, the Lords of Scotland went from all that they had done, and namely the Lord Hamelton the governor, who went both from his oath and promise, the which was the occasion that king Henry made again new provision for war, and sent into Scotland a great power to their no little loss and detriment, as in the year next following shall be showed. This year was in London a great death of the pestilence, A pestilence. and therefore Mighelmas term was adjourned to saint Albon, Mighelmasse term kept at saint Alban's and there was it kept to the end. In the week of Christmas came to the king to Hampton Court Ferdinando de Gonzaga Viceroy of Cicile prince of Malfeta Duke of juano captain general of the chivalry and army of the Emperor Charles, which came to the king to appoint what time the army and the Emperor should be ready to invade France, and the appointment taken he departed, and had for his reward a. C.liij ounces in golden plate, and four thousand three ounces in guilt plate, which all was very curiously wrought. And all the time that he lay here, he lay at the king's cost. The Sunday before Christmas was Lord William Parr, Lord William Parr created Earl of Essex. brother to the Queen, which had married the daughter and heir of Lord henry Burchier earl of Essex, at Hampton Court, created earl of Essex. And sir William Parr knight Uncle to them both, was made Lord Parr of Horton and Chaumberlayne to the Queen. And on newyear's day was sir Thomas Wriothesley the kings secretary, made Lord Wriothesley of Tychefield. Also this year was open war proclaimed with France, and licence given to the kings subjects to seize upon the French men and their goods as in like cases before had been accustomed. This year the king sent a great army into Scotland by sea, and he made the Earl of Hertfford Lieutenant general of the same. And the Viscount Lisle high admiral, which valiant Captains so sped them, A great army sent into Scotland. that the third day of May the Lord Admiral arrived with all his Fleet, which was two. C. sail in the Fryth, where he landed divers of his men, and there took divers vessels, which after did high service. And shortly they approached unto the town of Lyth where they landed their men, and marched forward in three great battles, whereof the Lord Admiral led the vaward, the Earl of Shrewsbury the arerewarde, and the Noble Earl of Hertford being Lieutenant, of the battle: Where they found the Scots assembled to the number of six thousand horsemen beside footmen to stop the passage of the army. And at the first the Scots made toward the English men as though they would have set on the vaward, but when they perceived the English men so willing to encounter with them, namely the Cardinal who was there present, which perceived the devotion the English men had to see his holiness, after certain shot on both sides, they made a sudden retreat, and leaving their artillery behind them fled toward Edinburgh. The first man that fled was the Cardinal like a valiant Champion, and with him the Governor, the Earl of Huntley, Murrey and Bothwell, with many other great men of the realm. And shortly after the English men maugre all the Scots might do, Lith taken and spoiled. entered the town of Lith where that night the army encamped them, and there they found such riches as they thought not to have found in any town of Scotland. The next day the Army went towards Edinburgh town, and when they approached near, the Provost of the town accompanied with one or two Burgesses, and two or three Officers at arms desired to speak with the king's Lieutenant, and in the name of all the town said, that the Keys of the town should be delivered unto his Lordship conditionally that they might go with bag and baggage and the town to be saved from fire: Whereunto answer was made by the said Lieutenant, that where as the Scots had so manifestly broken their promises confirmed by oaths and Seals and certified by the whole Parliament, as is evidently known to the whole world, he was sent thither by the kings highness to take vengeance of their detestable falsehood, to declare and show the force of his highness sword to all such as should make any resistance unto his grace's power sent thither for that purpose: And therefore he told to them resolutely that unless they would yield up the town frankly without condition, and cause man, woman and child, to issue into the fields, submitting them to his will and pleasure, he would put them to the sword and their town to the fire. The Provost answered that it were better for them to stand to their defence. Whereupon commandment was given to the said Provost and Officers at Arms upon their peril to departed. And forthwith the Lord Lieutenant sent to the vaward that they should march towards the town which courageously set forward, and the English Gonners manfully set on the gates, specially sir Christopher Morice, that they did beat the Scots from their Ordinance, and so entered the gate called Cany gate by fine force and there slew a great number of the Scots: And finally it was determined by the said Lord Lieutenant utterly to ruinated and destroy the said town with fire, Edenbrough brent and spoiled. which thing immediately was attempted, but because night was come, the army withdrew to their camp, & then a fresh the next day set fire where none was before, which continued that day and two days after burning. And shortly after came unto this army by land four thousand light horsemen sent by the king, which after they were come, the army forsook their ships and sent them whom laden with spoil and gun-shot which they found there, and dislodged their Camp out of the town of Lith, and set fire in every house, and brent it to the ground: and so returned home by land, through all the main country of Scotland, burning and destroying every pile, fortress and Village that was in their walk, and so with great honour to the great rejoicing aswell of the kings majesty as of all his faithful and loving subjects, they returned again into England with the loss scant of forty persons: and because their great exploit may be the better known, here shall follow the names of the chief boroughs, Castles and towns brent and desolated by this royal army. The Borough and town of Edinburgh with the Abbey called holy Rood house, and the kings palace adjoining to the same. The Abbey of New bottle: part of Muskleborough town, with the Chapel of our Lady Lawret. Hadington town with the Friars and Nonry. Lawreston with the grange, the town of Lith brent, and the haven and Pier destroyed, the Castle and village of Cragmiller, Preston town and the Castle, a Castle of Oliver Sancklers, the town of Dumbarre. Drilaw, Broughton, Dudiston, Beverton, Markle, Hatherwike, Bowland, Blackborne, Wester Crag, Chester fells, Stanhouse, Travent, Trapren, Belton, Butterden, Raunto, Enderleigh the pile and town, Crawnend, The Ficket, Shenstone, Kirkland hill, East Barnes, Quickwood, Bildy and the Tower, Also towns and villages brent upon the Sea by the English Fleet, which I cannot name the half. Kinkone, Saint Minetes, The Queen's Ferry, part of Petynwaynes, the Brent Island, with many other whose names I could not come by. In this year also the kings Majesty prepared two great armies to France, the one was conducted and led by the Duke of Norfolk, A great camp at Muttere● and the gentle Lord Russell Lord privy seal, which encamped at Muttrell and besieged the town, where they lay a long time, and left the town as they found it: The other army was led by the valiant Duke of Suffolk which was the king's lieutenant of that army, and being accompanied with the Lord Chamberleyn, the Earl of Arondell Martial of the field, and sir john Gage controller of the king's house, Bulleyne besieged. & sir Anthony Browne master of the king's horses, with divers & many other Captains: the xix day of july encamped before Bulleyn on the East side of the same upon the hill, where after many sharp skirmishes they gained first the old man, and shortly after base Boleyn. The fourteen day of july the king's majesty in his royal person passed the seas from Dover to Calais, The king in his own person encampeth himself before Bulleyne. and the six and twenty day encamped himself before Bulleyn, on the North side within less than half a mile of the town, where his grace remained till the town was surrendered unto his majesty: the which town he so sore assaulted and so besieged with such abundance of great ordinance, that never was there a more valyaunter assault made, for beside the undermining of the Castle, tower and walls, the town was so beaten with ordinance, that there was not left one house whole therein: and so sore was laid to the charge of the Frenchmen that after the king had assaulted them by the space of a Month, they sent forth of the town to the king two of their chief Captains, called Semblemound, and Mounsire de Haies, which declared that the chief Capitayne of the town with his retinue was contented to deliver the town unto his grace, so that they might pass with bag and baggage, which request the king's majesty, mercifully granted them. And so on the next day, the Duke of Suffolk road into Bul●eyn, to whom in the king's name, they delivered the keys of the town. And at after none departed out of Bulleyne all the French men. The number of the men of war, that were strong and galant, that came out of the town were of horsemen lxvij of footmen xv. C.lxiii. of Genners eight hundred, of hurt men lxxxvij of women and children xix C.xxvij: So there was in all that came out of the town, four thousand, four hundred, fifty and four, beside a great number of aged, sick, and hurt persons, that was not able to go forth of the town. The last person that came forth, was Monsire de vervin, grand captain of the town, which when he approached near the place where the king stood, he alighted from his horse, and came to the king. And after he had talked with him a space, the king took him by the hand, & he reverently kneeling upon his knees, kissed his hand, & afterward mounted upon his horse, & so departed. The xviij day, the king's highness having the sword borne naked before him, The kings entrance into Bulleyn. by the Lord Marques Dorset, like a noble and valiant Conqueror road into Bulleyn, and all the trumpeters standing on the walls of the town, sounded their Trumpets, at the time of his entering, to the great comfort of all the kings true subjects, the same beholding. And in the entering, there met him the Duke of Suffolk, and delivered unto him the keys of the town, & so he road toward his lodging, which was prepared for him on the South side of the town. And within two days after, the king road about all the town within the walls, and commanded that our Lady Church of Bulleyn, should be defaced & plucked down, where he appointed a Mount to be made, for the great force & strength of the town. When the King had set all things there in such order, as to his wisdom was thought best, he returned, to the great rejoicing of all his loving subjects. In the mean season, that the king lay before Bulleyn, and was like to have conquered the same, as at the last he did, as before you have heard, the Emperor took a peace with the French king, to the no little grief and displeasure of the kings Majesty, and that was the cause that the King so suddenly broke up his army, aswell at Bulleyne, as also at Mutterell, and so he returned. Shortly after, divers and many sharp skirmishes were made by the Frenchmen at Bulleyn namely by the dolphin, The Dolphin stealeth upon Bulleyne and did much hurt. who with a great power in the night season stolen upon Base Bulleyn, taking there a great sort of sick persons, and women in there beds, whom without mercy they slew. Howbeit so manfully the Englishmen, which escaped out of Base Bulleyn behaved themselves, getting weapons out of the high town, that they beat the French men again out of the Base Town, and after with the help of the high town, they slew a great number of them, and so again possessed quietly, the said Base town: Beside I say this skirmish and many more, Mounsire de Bees came with xu thousand men, and encamped right against the town on the other side of the water, intending there to have builded a fort. But the fourth day of February, he was set upon in his own Camp, by the most valiant and fortunate Earl of Hertford, and Lord Lisle, the Lord Grace and other: at whose coming the said Monsire de Bees, with all his puissance fled, leaving behind them all their Ordinance, Tents, and Plate. The seventh day of june, a great army of Frenchmen, came near to the haven of Bulleyn, and skirmished with the English men, to the no great gain of the Frenchmen: The building of the new Fort at Bulloyne. but this army which was accounted to the number of twenty thousand there encamped, began again to build a Fort, which before they departed accomplished the same. In june the Lord Lisle Admiral of England, with the English fleet entered the mouth of Sain, and came before new Haven, where the great army of France lay, which were two hundred ships, and xxuj Galleys of force, whereof the Bishop of Rome had sent twenty well furnished with men and money, to aid the French king. The Englishmen being but an hundred lx sail, and all great ships, did not determine to set on the whole navy, but shot certain pieces of ordinance at them, which caused the Galleys to come abroad, and shot at the Englishmen, which Galies had great advantage, by reason of the calm weather: twice each part assaulted other with ordinance, but suddenly the wind rose so great, that the Galies could not endure the rage of the seas: and the Englishmen were compelled to enter the main seas, for fear of flats, and so sailed unto Portesmouth, where the king than lay, for he had knowledge by his espials, that the French army intended to land in the Isle of Wight, wherefore he repaired to that cost to see his realm defended. After the departing of the English navy from New haven, the Admiral of France, called the Lord Danibalt, a man of great experience, halsed up his sails, and with his whole navy, came to the point of the Isle of Wight, called Saint Helenes' point, and there in good order cast their Ankers, and sent xuj of his Galies daily to the very Haven of Portesmouth. The English navy lying in the haven, made them priest and set out towards them, and still the one shot at the other. But one day above all other, the whole navy of the Englishmen made out, and purposed to set on the Frenchmen: but in their setting forward, The mary Rose browned. a goodly ship of England called the mary Rose, was by to much folly drowned in the mids of the Haven, for she was laden with to much ordinance, and the ports left open, which were very low, and the great ordinance unbreeched, so that when the ship should turn the water entered, and suddenly she sank. Sir George Carew knight drowned. In her was Sir George Carewe knight, captain of the said ship, and four hundred men, and much ordinance. At the same time certain of the Frenchmen landed in the Isle of Wight, where there captain was slain and many other, and were both to their great loss and pain, driven again to their Galleys. The king perceiving the great navy of the French men to approach, sent letters for men into Hampshire, Somerset shire, Wiltshire, and divers other places adjoining: which repaired to his presence in great numbers, well furnished with armure and victual, and all things necessary, so that the Isle was garnished, and all the Frontiers on the Sea coast, furnished with men in great number. The French Captains having knowledge, by certain fishermen which they took, that the king was present, and also of the great power that he had in readiness, they disanchored, and sailed alongst the coasts of Sussex, and a small number of them landed in Sussex, which never returned to their ships, for they were taken up by the way. When they had searched all the coast, and saw men ever ready to receive them, they turned the stern, and returned home again, without any act worthy to be written, done, or enterprised: saving that in this mean time their new Fort against Bulleyn, was strongly furnished and finished. The number of the Frenchmen, as divers prisoners that were taken in the Isle of Wight, and in Sussex did report, were lx M. And at this time the French king wrote to the Emperor, and declared to him that his army had gotten the Isle of Wight, the Ports of Hampton, & Portesmouth, and divers other places, which writing was as true, as the French king hath in all his leagues and promises been to the king of England. The Earl of Hertford entered with an army into Scotland. In August following, the noble Earl of Hertford entered again into Scotland, with twelve thousand men, and destroyed all the towns in the middle Marches, and passed to the west Marches, to the great detriment and loss of Scotland, and destroyed Coldingham Abbey: and yet the Frenchmen and Scots which lay at Kelsey, durst not once encounter with him. The death of Charles duke of Suffolk. In this month died Charles, the noble and valiant Duke of Suffolk, a hardy Gentleman, and yet not so hardy, as almost of all estates and degrees of men, high and low, rich and poor, heartily beloved, and his death of them much lamented, he was buried at Windsor. A Parliament The xxiiij day of November, a Parliament began at Westminster, by authority whereof, was granted to the king a subsidy of two shillings viii. pence of the pound, of movable goods, and four shillings the pound in land, to be paid in two year. And all Colleges, chantries, and Hospitals, were committed to the king's order, during his life, to altar and transpose: which his grace at the prorogation of the Parliament, promised to do to the glory of God, and the common profit of the realm. Treyport burned. A little before this time, the noble and valiant Lord Lisle, Lord Admiral, landed in Normandy, and brent the suburbs of Treyport, and divers villages along the Sea coast, and destroyed and took almost all the ships in the haven, which was a rich and a goodly pray, and so returned without any damage. The French king sore moved with these doings, sent Mounsire de Bees with twelve M. men, which entered into the English pale, beside Gravelyn, and brent Mark and divers small villages, and then returned. Ever in manner were skirmishes and Alarms between high Bulleyn, and the new builded Fortress, but the loss ran ever on the Frenchmens' side. This year was means made by the Emperor, that certain Ambassadors of England and France might meet to common of a peace, whereupon the king of England sent to Guisnes, Cuthbert Bishop of Durisme, sir William Paget his Secretory, and doctor Tregonell. And the French king sent to Arde a Bishop, the chief precedent of Rouen, and a Notary, but no conclusion came to effect. Wherefore the king having perfit knowledge, how the Frenchmen intended to build a new Fortress on Saint john's road, between Bullein and Calais: which thing had not only sore distrussed Calais, but daily had put Bulleyn in trouble. Wherefore he meaning to prevent so great a mischief, sent over the noble Earl of Hertford, The Earl of Hertford and the Lord Lisle sent to Bulleyn. and the valiant Lord Lisle Admiral, and many valiant Captains, with seven thousand good Soldiers, which got the road but two days before the French men appointed to have been there, and in that place encamped themselves. Mounsire de Bees leader and conductor of all the French affairs, encamped himself beside Hardilow, and durst not once come forth to set on our men, notwithstanding his former preparation and device. These things thus hanging, many great skirmishes were daily between the Bullenois, and the French Bastilion: and one day the one part lost and the other gained, and likewise the losers regained: but in one skirmish were lost xuj English Gentlemen, and lxxx other, although there were slain three rascal Frenchmen, and in this skirmish was slain, Sir George Pollard slain Sir Ralph Eldarkare slain. sir George Pollard. And in a like journey was slain sir Ralph Elderkare, captain of the light horsemen, with a few other Englishmen, but yet a great multitude of French men, at that time lay on the ground. The xxiiij day of December, the kings Majesty came to the Parliament house, to give his royal assent, to such acts as there had passed, where was made unto him by the Speaker, an eloquent oration, to the which it hath ever been accustomed, that the Lord Chancellor made answer, but at this time it was the kings pleasure, that it should be otherwise, for the king himself made him answer, as followeth word for word, as near as I was able to report it. ALthough my Chancellor for the time being, hath before this time used, King Henry the eight his answer to the speaker of the Parliament. very eloquently and substantially, to make answer to such orations, as hath been set forth in this high Court of Parliament, yet is he not so able to open and set forth my mind and meaning, and the secrets of my heart, in so plain and ample manner, as I myself am and can do: wherefore I taking upon me to answer your eloquent oration Master Speaker, say that where you in the name of our well-beloved Commons, hath both praised and extolled me, for the notable qualities, that you have conceived to be in me, I most heartily thank you all, that you have put me in remembrance of my duty, which is to endeavour myself to obtain and get such excellent qualities, and necessary virtues, as a Prince or Governor should or aught to have, of which gifts I recognize myself, both bore and barren: but of such small qualities, as God hath endued me withal, I tender to his goodness my most humble thanks, intending with all my wit and diligence, to get and acquire to me such notable virtues, and princely qualities, as you have alleged to be incorporate in my person: These thanks for your loving admonition and good counsel first remembered, I efsones thank you again, because that you considering our great charges (not for our pleasure, but for your defence, not for our gain, but to our great cost) which we have lately sustained, aswell in defence of our and your enemies, as for the conquest of that Fortress, which was to this realm most displeasant and noisome, and shall be by God's grace hereafter, to our nation most profitable and pleasant, have freely of your own minds, granted to us a certain subsidy, here in an act specified, which verily we take in good part, regarding more your kindness, than the profit thereof, as he that setteth more by your loving hearts, then by your substance. Beside this hearty kindness, I cannot a little rejoice when I consider, the perfit trust and sure confidence, which you have put in me, as men having undoubted hope, and unfeigned belief in my good doings, and just proceedings for you, without my desire or request, have committed to mine order and disposition all chantries, Colleges, Hospitals, and other places specified in a certain act, firmly trusting that I will order them to the glory of God, and the profit of the common wealth. Surely if I contrary to your expectation, should suffer the ministers of the Church to decay, or learning (which is so great a jewel) to be minished, or poor and miserable people, to be unrelieved, you might say that I being put in so special a trust, as I am in this case, were no trusty friend to you, nor charitable man to mine even Christian, neither a lover of the public wealth, nor yet one that feared God, to whom account must be rendered of all our doings. Doubt not I pray you, but your expectation shall be served, more Godly and goodly than you will wish or desire, as hereafter you shall plainly perceive. Now sithence I find such kindness, on your part toward me, I cannot choose, but love and favour you, affirming that no prince in the world more favoureth his Subjects, than I do you, nor no subjects or Commons more love and obey their sovereign Lord, than I perceive you do me, for whose defence my treasure shall not be hidden, nor if necessity require my person shall not be unadventured: yet although I with you, and you with me, be in this perfit love and concord, this friendly amity cannot continued, except both you my Lords temporal, and you my Lords spiritual, and you my loving subjects, study and take pain to amend one thing, which surely is amiss, and far out of order, to the which I most heartily require you, which is, that charity and concord is not amongst you, but discord and dissension, beareth rule in every place, Saint Paul sayeth to the Corinthians, and in the xiij Chapter, Charity is gentle Charity is not envious, Charity is not proud, and so forth in the said Chapter: Behold then what love and Charity is amongst you, when the one calleth the other Heretic and Anabaptist, and he calleth him again Papist, hypocrite and Pharasey. Be these tokens of charity amongst you? Are these signs of fraternal love between you? Not, not, I assure you, that this lack of charity amongst yourselves, will be the hindrance and assuaging, of the fervent love between us, as I said before, except this would be salved, and clearly made whole. I must needs judge the fault and occasion of this discord, to be partly by negligence, of you the fathers and Preachers of the spirituality. For if I know a man which liveth in adultery, I must judge him a lecherous and a carnal person: If I see a man boast and brag himself, I cannot but deem him a proud man. I see here daily that you of the clergy preach one against another, teach one contrary to another, inveigh one against another without charity or discretion. Some be to stiff in their old Mumpsimus, other be to busy and curious, in their new Sumpsimus. Thus all men almost be in variety and discord, and few or none preach truly and sincerely the word of God, according as they aught to do. Shall I judge you charitable persons doing this? Not not, I cannot so do: alas how can the poor souls live in concord, when you preachers sow amongst them in your sermons, debate and discord? Of you they look for light, and you bring them to darkness. Amend these crimes I exhort you, and set forth God's word both by true preaching and good example giving, or else I whom God hath appointed his Vicar, and high minister here, will see these divisions extinct, and these enormities corrected, according to my very duty, or else I am an unprofitable servant, and an untrue officer. Although I say the spiritual men be in some fault, that charity is not kept amongst you, yet you of the temporalty, be not clean and unspotted of malice and envy, for you rail on Bishops, speak slanderously of Priests, and rebuke and taunt Preachers, both contrary to good order, and Christian fraternity. If you know surely that a Bishop or Preacher, erreth or teacheth perverse doctrine, come and declare it to some of our Counsel or to us, to whom is committed by God the high authority to reform and order such causes and behaviours: and be not judges yourselves, of your own fantastical opinions, and vain expositions, for in such high causes ye may lightly err. And although you be permitted to read holy Scripture and to have the word of God in your mother tongue, you must understand that it is licenced you so to do, only to inform your own conscience, and to instruct your children and family, and not to dispute and make Scripture a railing and taunting stock, against Priests and Preachers (as many light persons do) I am very sorry to know and here, how unreverently that most precious jewel the word of God is disputed, rhymed, song, and iangeled in every Alehouse and Tavern, contrary to the true meaning and doctrine of the same. And yet I am even as much sorry, that the readers of the same, follow it in doing so faintly and coldly: for of this I am sure, that charity was never so faint amongst you, and virtuous and godly living was never less used, nor God himself amongst Christians was never less reverenced honoured, or served. Therefore as I said before, be in charity one with an other, like brother and brother, love dread and serve God (to the which I as your supreme head, and sovereign Lord, exhort and require you) and then I doubt not, but that love and league, that I spoke of in the beginning shall never be dissolved or broken between us. And to the making of laws which be now made and concluded, I exhort you the makers, to be as diligent in putting them in execution, as you were in making and furthering of the same, or else your labour shallbe in vain, and your common wealth nothing relieved. Now to your petition, concerning our royal assent, to be given to such acts as hath passed both the houses. They shall be read openly, that ye may hear them. Then were they openly read, and to many his grace assented, and divers he assented not unto. This the kings Oration was to his Subjects there present such comfort, that the like joy could not be unto them in this world. And thus the acts read, as the manner is, and his assent given, his grace rose and departed. In this time there was by the French men, a voyage made toward the Isle of Brasile, Bark Ager with a ship called the Bark Ager, which they had taken from the English men before. And in their way they fortuned to meet suddenly with a little Craer, of whom was master one Goldyng, which Goldyng was a feat and hardy man. The Bark perceiving this small Craer to be an English man, shot at him and bouged him, wherefore the Craer drew strait to the great ship, and six or seven of the men leapt into the Bark. The Frenchmen looking over the board at the sinking of the Craer, nothing mistrusting any thing that might be done by the Englishmen. And so it fortuned that those Englishmen, which climbed into the ship, found in the end thereof a great number of lime pots, which they with water quenched, or rather as the nature thereof is, set them a fire, & threw them at the French men that were aboard, and so blinded them, that those few Englishmen that entered the ship, vanquished all that were therein, and drove them under hatches, and brought the Bark clearly away again into England. In the Month of April, by means of divers princes, an assemble was had, between both the realms of England and France at Guysnes and Arde. A peace concluded between England and France. There were for the king of England, the Earl of Hertford, the Lord Lisle Admiral, Sir William Paget Secretary, and Doctor Wotton Deane of Cauntorbury. And for the French king, the Lord Clado Doneball admiral and Marshal of France, the Bishop of Eureux, a Precedent and a Secretary. After long debating and divers breeches, a peace was concluded, and proclaimed in the kings Court, and in the City of London on Whitsonday, with sound of Trumpets. And likewise was it done at Paris and Rouen. For the performance whereof, the Viscount Lisle admiral, with the Bishop of Duresme, and divers Lords, and above an hundred Gentlemen, all in Velvet coats and chains of gold, went to Paris, and were there solemnly received and feasted, and shortly returned. Ambassadors of France. After whose return, the Admiral of France, accompanied with the Bishop of Eureux, the Earls of Nauntevile, and Villiers, and divers great Lords, beside two hundred gentlemen well appointed, took his Galley at Deep, and having in his company twelve fair Galies, well trimmed and decked, sailed into England, and never took land, till he came to Grenewiche, where he was received by the Earls of Essex, and Derby, the xix day of August. And the next day, he with all his Galies, landed at the Tower Wharfe, and on all the banks by the water side, lay pieces of ordinance which shot of, but especially the Tower of London, where was shot a terrible peal of ordinance. And from thence he road through London, in great triumph, the Mayor and the crafts standing in the streets in good order, to the bishops Palace of London, where he lodged till Bartholomew even, on which day he was conveyed toward Hampton Court, where in the way the prince having with him the archbishop of York, the Earls of Hertforde, and Huntyngdon, and above two thousand horse, met him and embraced him, in such lowly and honourable manner, that all the beholders greatly rejoiced and much marveled at his wit and audacity, and so he came to the Court, giving the prince the upper hand as he road. And at the utter gate of the Court, the Lord Chancellor, and all the kings counsel received him, and brought him to his lodging. On Bartholomew day, the king richly apparelled, welcomed him, and in great triumph went to the Chapel, where the league was sworn and signed. To tell you of the costly banquet houses that were built, and of the great banquets, the costly Masks, the liberal huntings that were showed to him, you would much marvel, and scant believe. But on Friday following, he being rewarded with a Cubborde of Plate, to the value of twelve hundred pound, returned to London, and on Sunday took his Galies and departed. Beside this divers of his company, had much plate, and many horses and Greyhounds given them. Also the Admiral had given to him, of the City of London, two Flagons guilt, & two parcel guilt, to the some of an hundred and six and thirty pound, beside Wine, Wax, and Torches: and thus with liberal rewards and honourable entertainment they returned into France. Although this peace pleased both the English & the French nations, yet surely both mistrusted the continuance of the same, considering the old proverb, that which the eye seethe, the heart ruth, for the French men still longed for Bulleyn, and the Englishmen minded not to give it over: in so much as during the admirals of France being in England, the captain of the new Fortress began to make a Pile, even at the very haven mouth of Bulleyne: called Chatylyons Cardeyne: but the Lord Grace Capitayne there, put away the workmen, and took away their tools, and filled the Trenches, to the Frenchmens' great displeasure. And after the French king caused upon a great pain, that all the Trenches and new inventions, should be cast down and filled by his own people, lest he should seem to be the breaker of the peace. About Mighelmasse this present year, Thomas Duke of Norfolk, and Henry Earl of Surrey his son and heir, upon certain surmises of treason were committed to the Tower of London. And immediately after Christmas following, the king then lying in extremities of death, the said Earl was arraigned in the guild hall before the Lord Maior of London, the Lord Chancellor of England, and divers other Lords and judges, being there in commission. The special matter objected against him, was for bearing certain arms supposed to belong to the king, and to the prince. The bearing whereof he denied not, but justified the same, as of right appertaining unto him, and all his ancestors Dukes of Norfolk, and by them borne time out of mind, without challenge or empechment. But yet to his indictment he pleaded not guilty. And for that he was no Lord of the Parliament, he was enforced to be tried by a common inquest of his country, which found him guilty, and thereupon he had judgement of death, and shortly after was executed at the Tower hill. The Duke his Father came never to any trial, but was attainted by Parliament without answer, whose attainder was after upon great consideration reversed, in the first year of Queen Mary. This case was to be lamented aswell for the innocency of the old Duke, who had been a most valiant and true servant to the Crown of England, as also for his son, who was a Gentleman endued with great learning, and many excellent virtues. The king as aforesaid now languishing and lying in the extremes of death, made his last will and testament, where in he not only yielded himself unto almighty God, but also took order, that during the minority of his son Prince Edward, his Executors, who were to the number of xuj whose names shall after be showed, that they, I say, should also be the counsellors and aiders of the said Prince in all his affairs, aswell private as public, their names were these. Thomas Cranmer, archbishop of Cauntorburie. Thomas Wriothesley, Lord Chancellor. Sir William Pawlet knight of the order, Lord Saint john, and Lord great Master. Sir Edward Seymer knight of the order, Earl of Hertforde, high Chamberleyn of England. Sir john Russell knight of the order, Lord Privy seal. Sir john Dudley knight of the order, and Viscount Lisle and high Admiral of England. Cuthbert Tunstall Bishop of Durham. Sir Anthony Browne knight of the order, Master of the horse. Sir Edmond Mountagew knight, chief justice of the common place. Thomas Bromley knight, one of the justices of the kings Bench. Sir Edward North knight, Chancellor of the Augmentations. Sir William Paget knight of the order, chief Secretary. Sir Anthony Denny knight. Sir William Herbert knight. Sir Edward Wootton knight, treasurer of Calais. Nicholas Wootton, Dean of Cauntorbury, and York. So soon as the aforesaid noble king had finished his last will and testament, as aforesaid, he then yielded his spirit to almighty God, and departed this world the xxviij day of january in the xxxviij year of his reign, and in the year of our Lord. 1546. Whose corpse according to his will was conveyed with all funeral pomp to the College of Windsor there to be interred. The description of king Henry the eight. This Prince of all other that ever reigned over this realm, was most renowned and famous, and whatsoever he attemped, the same had most prosperous success, aswell in wars, as in all other matters of great importance, wherein he dealt far above all other Princes, as may appear throughout the whole discourse of his history. Of parsonage he was tall and mighty, not gross, but in a comely proportion, in wit and memory most excellent. Of such majesty tempered with humanity and gentleness, as was comely in so great and Noble a Prince. In knowledge of good letters, he far passed all the kings of this realm that had been before him, and for his magnificence and liberality, he was renowned throughout all the world. Edward the sixth. AS soon as God had called to his mercy king Henry the eight as aforesaid, the executors of the said king with other of the nobility, assembling themselves together, did first by sound of Trumpet in the City of London the xxviij day of januarie. 1546. proclaim Prince Edward, who was then at Bishops Hatfield, King of this Realm, by the name of Edward the sixth king of England, France, and Ireland, defender of the faith, and of the Churches of England and Ireland in earth the supreme head, he being then but ix years of age, and yet endued with notable virtues and great learning. Shortly after the Earl of Hertford with other of the Lords resorted to Hatfield aforesaid, and from thence conducted the king with a great and right honourable company to the Tower of London. During the time of whose abode there, for the honour of his majesty, and surety of his royal person, Edward earl of Hertforde one of his Uncles on the mother's side, was by order of the Counsellors aforenamed, or the more part of them, Edward earl of Hertford created duke of Somerset and Protector. with the assent of the kings Majesty, not only created Duke of Somerset, but also openly named and published Governor of his royal person, & Protector of all his realms, dominions, and subjects, whose advancement was well allowed of all the noble men saving of Thomas Wriothesley Earl of Southampton, Chancellor of England, who for his overmuch repugning to the rest in matters of Counsel, was not only deprived from his office of Chancellor, but also removed from place and authority in Counsel, and the custody of the great Seal of England, which only belongeth to the Lord Chancellor, was by order aforesaid committed to William Lord Saint john, great master of the kings household, and one of the kings Executors as aforesaid. Soon after great preparation was made for the kings coronation, The coronation of king Edward. the which was performed and done at Westminster, the xxv day of February next following (being then Shrovesunday) with all the solemnity and honour that might be, the particulars whereof I overpass because the like hath been before rehearsed in this book in other kings times. The coronation being finished, the kings Majesty by the advice of his Uncle the Protector, and other of his privy Counsel, minding first of all to seek Gods high honour and glory, did therefore intend a reformation in religion, Injunctions. and did not only set forth by certain Commissioners or Visitors sundry Injunctions for the removing of Images out of all Churches to the suppressing and abandoning of all Idolatry and superstition within his realms and dominions, but also certain Homilies, or Sermons, Homilies. to be usually read in the Church unto the people, which were by his said Visitors accompanied with certain Preachers, throughout the realm for the better persuasion of the people published and put in ure. At Easter next following, The communion in both kinds. he set out also an order throughout all the realm, that the supper of the Lord should be ministered to the lay people in both kinds, that is to say, both in Bread and Wine. These things done, the said Lord Protector, with the rest of the counsel, calling to mind the evil usage and dalliance of the Scots concerning the matter of marriage between the kings majesty and the Lady Mary heir of Scotland, which as you have before heard in the xxxv year of king Henry the eight, was concluded by parliament in Scotland, thought it not for the kings honour to be in such manner deluded by them. Considering therefore how honourable and profitable it should be for the quietness and safety of both the realms, that these two princes might join in matrimony did devise sundry ways and means to bring the same to pass, and the rather for the charge which king Henry before his death (as it is said) had given them. But the Lords of Scotland were so corrupted by the French king and abused by the Scottish clergy, & namely by Cardinal Beton, that they fled from all that they had before promised. Wherefore now was prepared a great and puissant army to pass by land into Scotland under the conduction of the Lord Protector as general, War with Scotland. and the Earl of Warwick lieutenant of the army. And in like manner was appointed a navy to pass by Sea, whereof the great Galley and xxiiij tall ships were well furnished with men and munitions for the war, besides many Merchant's ships and other smaller vessels which served for the carriage of victual. And of this fleet the Lord Clinton was Admiral, and sir Thomas Woodhouse Vice-admiral. Now assoon as the Army by land was in a readinsse and set forward to be by a day appointed at Berwicke, the Lord Clinton with his navy set also forward by Sea, and by God's help had so good passage that they arrived in safety at Berwick in time convenient, and there attended upon the army which went by land and passed along the sea coast in such manner as the army passed by land. So that always as the army by land lacked vittaylles, the ships were at hand to victual them. The army that travailed by land marched out of Berwick the fourth day of September, and in good array passed forward into Scotland five days journey, before they could understand of any army assembled in Scotland. And in their passage they took and razed down to the ground certain Castles and holds, as Douglasse, Anderwicke, Thonetone and the town of Hadington, which town of Hadington, was afterward fortified and kept with a garrison of soldiers as in the course of this history shall after appear. The Scottish army. In this mean season the Scots had assembled a puissant host, esteemed to the number of thirty thousand men, who to forestall our army from further invasion into the country, encamped themselves upon a straight near to a little river called Eske, four miles on this side the City of Edinburgh, minding there to attend our coming, because there was none other way convenient for our army to pass. The ix day of September both the armies came within the sight of each other, not distant by estimation above two miles, the river of Fryth lying on the East, and a hill called Fauxcide Bray on the West, whereon standeth a little Castle, and the scottish camp north from us upon the River of Eske aforesaid within four miles of Edinburgh. And at this time our men were in no readiness to fight, nor did not then think they should have battle. Insomuch that the Duke of Somerset lord Protector, standing and viewing the Scots how they advanced themselves towards battle, said unto the Earl of Warwick who then was with him, that for his life the Scots meant nothing less than to fight at that time. But here I think it not a miss before I go any further to the declaration of the fortune of this battle being at hand, something to degress and show what the Lord Protector had done a little before this unprovided battle, and I do the rather note it, for that I am persuaded that by reason thereof, the success was the more prosperous. Ye have heard a little before the setting forward of this war, how to avoid bloodshed and to draw the inconstant nation of the Scots to conformity and unity, & specially in a matter to none more profitable and beneficial then to themselves, which was to have advanced and set forth that marriage, that they themselves had by the consent of their whole parliament agreed unto. And for the confirmation of the same had given forth to king Henry the eight the great Seal of Scotland, as before ye have heard. The kings majesty by the advice of the Lord Protector and other of the privy counsel had had with them many and sundry conferences, and had sent unto them many and sundry Ambassadors, and used all the means that was possible to have reduced them to the performance of their promise, rather than to hazard their country upon a conquest. And now seeing no travail could prevail, they were enforced to suffer the two devouring serpents of the earth, that is the sword and fire to be let loose and to use their accustomed rage and fury, with consumption of richesse, liberty and life. The dyscreete Protector thought yet as the last refuge and mean to attain peace not only himself, A prayer published for the avoiding of the effusion of Christian blood. but also to move all other by prayer to call upon the aid and mercy of almighty God, that it might please his divine majesty to mollify the hard hearts of the Scots for the better avoiding of the shedding of innocent and Christian blood. And for this purpose he caused a special prayer to be made, which being imprinted was published and commanded with all reverend devotion to be said in all the Churches of England. But now to return again to the battle, ye heard that the Armies on both sides approached so near, that the one was in the others sight: ye heard also that the Lord Protector was of opinion, that it was not meant of the Scots to fight at that time, but only that they made a show of themselves, which he termed to be but a Scottish brag, howbeit it proved far otherwise. For suddenly the Scots being encamped in a valley by the river of Eske, arose and made great haste up the hill, minding to have obtained the hill, the wind, and the son, which if they had gotten, than our men had been much hindered, the which thing the Englishmen perceived, who as then were not in good array, neither could their army of footmen come so soon to the recovery of the hill as they would. Wherefore to stop the Scots of their purpose, the Lord Grace being Captain of the horsemen, was forced (partly out of order) to set forward, and to give the onset upon the Scots, only to stay them from the hill. The which English horsemen nobly and valiantly encountered with the Scots footmen, but the Scots stood so close, and were so defended with their Pikes, that our men could not enter. By reason whereof divers of the English Gentlemen that gave the onset were overthrown and slain, the which when they that followed perceived, they recoiled, and in running back, ran through a piece of the English army of footmen (which by this time had recovered the hill, and were behind the English horsemen) and hurt many of them, howbeit the footmen broke not their array, but stood still in good order in the face of the Scots. The Scots perceiving the English footmen to have recovered the hill, and seeing the whole army ready to give them the onset, and the vaward marching towards them, suddenly (of what occasion no man certainly can tell) they forsaking their weapons, and their former places fled, the which when our men perceived, they with a great shout cried they fly, they fly, & therewithal they fled in deed speedily, and our men pursued after in chase as fast, namely our horsemen, and followed so eagerly and with such fierceness, that they overtook many and spared in deed but few. And the chase continued almost the length of five miles, and all the way was covered with dead men, Pikes, Muskelborough field. jacks, Skulls, Swords, Bucklers, Daggers, & other weapons, and the river made read with blood. And at this battle called Muscle borough field, near unto a place called Pinkerslough, there were slain, as some of the Scots themselves confessed xiiij thousand Scots, among the which number as it was well known by credible report, there were slain of noble men, Lords, lords, and Gentlemen xxuj hundred and above, and there were taken prisoners of the Scots xu hundred, whereof many were Gentlemen. And among other the Earl of Huntley was one, who was taken by sir Ralph Auane. And within less than two years following, he made his escape, and got again into Scotland. And of the Englishmen there were slain not above one hundred persons. After this battle finished, with victory to the great honour of the Lord Protector, the Earl of Warwick, and other the noble & valiant Captains there present, and to the high honour of the king's Majesty, and the realm of England, the said Lord Protector, considering of virtue and well doing, the proper meed and due reward to be honour, aswell therefore for reward to them that had before done well, as also to encourage other hereafter to do the like, did adorn many Lords, Knights and Gentlemen, with dignities as followeth. bannerets, or (as I think) rather Baronet's. Sir Ralph Sadler Sir Frances Brian Sir Ralph Auane ¶ Knights. Knights made. The Lord Grace of Wilton. The Lord Edward Seymer. The Lord Thomas Haward The Lord Waldike Sir Thomas Dacres Sir Edward hastings Sir Edmond Bruges ¶ Knights. Sir john Thin Sir Miles Partridge Sir john Conway Sir Gyles Poole Sir Ralph Bagnall Sir Oliver Laurence Sir Henry Gates Sir Thomas Chaloner. Sir Frances Fleming Sir john Gresham Sir William Skipwith Sir john Buttes Sir George Blagge Sir William France's Sir Frances Knolles Sir William Thorborow Sir George Haward Sir james Wilford Sir Ralph Copinger Sir Thomas Wentworth Sir john Maruen Sir Nicholas Strange Sir Charles Sturton Sir Hugh Askew Sir Frances Dalmyn Sir Richard Townley Sir Marmaduke Constable Sir George Audeley Sir john Holcroft Sir john Wentworth Sir Thomas Danby Sir john Talbot Sir Rowland Clerk Sir john Horsley Sir john Forster Sir Henry Hossey Sir Water Bonham Sir Robert Brandlyn Sir james Granado Sir Christopher Dies Sir Peter Negro Sir Alonso de vile. The noble men and other that were Officers, and had the conduction of the aforesaid army were these. The Duke of Somerset Lord Protector, general of the army, captain of the battle, wherein were four thousand footmen. The valiant Lord Lisle, earl of Warwick, Lord Lieutenant of the army, and had the forward, wherein were three thousand footmen. The Lord Dacres had the rearward, wherein were three. M. footmen. The Lord Grace of Wilton was high marshal of the army, and captain general of all the horsemen, being in number four thousand. Sir Ralph Sadler knight, treasurer of the army. Sir Frances Brian knight, captain of the light horsemen, in number two thousand. Sir Ralph Avane knight, lieutenant of all the men of Arms, and demilances. Sir Thomas Darcy knight, captain of all the kings majesties pensioners and men of arms. Sir Richard Lee knight, deviser of the fortifications. Sir Peter Mewtas knight, captain of the Harkebussiers, which were in number six hundred. Sir Peter Cambo knight, captain of two hundred Harkebussiers on horseback. Sir France's Fleming knight, Master of the Ordinance. Sir james Wilford knight, provost Martial. Sir George Blagge, and sir Thomas Holcroft Commissioners of the Musters. Edward Shelly the Lord Gray's Lieutenant of the men of arms of Bulleyn, who was the first that gave the onset, and died most honourably in the aforesaid battle. john Brenne captain of the pioneers, being in number xiiij C. Thomas Audeley and Edward Chamberleyn, Harbingers of the field. The Officers that attended upon the navy that passed by Sea were these. The Lord Clinton Lord admiral of the fleet. Sir William Woodhouse knight his Vice-admiral. There were in the army of great ordinance xu pieces, and of carriages ix hundred Cartes, beside many Wagons, whereof the commissary general was George Ferrer. The next day after this battle, the Lord Protector with the army marched forward to the town of Lithe, where they remained ten or xii days, and there began to make Trenches and fortifications: But because Winter approached, & the season of the year served not, it was thought good in time to return home to the Borders. And in their returning, first they took a Castle called Lowthair, and placed for captain thereof sir Hugh Willoughby. And from thence they marched to the Castle of Hunes, where was showed some face of resistance, but when the Englishmen had planted their ordinance and artillery, they yielded, and there was placed captain Edward Dudley esquire, son and heir to the Baron Dudley. And from thence they passed to the Castle of Rokesborough, which being a place very meet to keep frontier war, the same being yielded, was forthwith by the Englishmen fortified, & there was made Captain, sir Ralph Bulmer, and so he returned unto Berwick, and thither came unto him, these lords and Gentlemen of Scotland, and submitted themselves unto the king of England's obedience and took their oath, whose names follow. The lard Cefford The Lard of Fernyhurst The lard of Grencechard The Lard of Huntill The Lard of Huntley The Lard of Markston The Lard of Boniworth The Lard of Ormeston The lard of Malesteines The Lard of Warmdsey The Lard of Linton The Lard of Egerston The Lard of Marton The Lard of Mowe The Lard of Ryddell The Lard of Remersyde ¶ Gentlemen. George Trombill john Holyburton Robert Car Robert Car of Greidon Adam Kirton Androw Meither Saundyr Sporenose Mark Car George Car Alexander Mackdowell Charles Rothirford Thomas Car Water Holiburton Richard Hanganside Androw Car james Douglas james Car john Car. A Lard in Scotland, is a degree next under a knight, which we call an Esquire, or such a one as is Lord of a town. After that the Lord Protector had done all the things before expressed, he then departed from Berwicke to Newcastle, and there calling to remembrance the worthy service done by certain other gentlemen who before at the making of knights had withdrawn themselves from the preferment of honour, and yet were right worthy thereof, did therefore direct his letters with authority to the Earl of Warwick, then remaining at Berwick for the coming of the Scottish Commissioners, to adorn and advance to the order of knighthood these persons following, which was done accordingly, whose names were these sir Andrew Corbet a right grave and valiant Gentleman, a careful captain over his soldiers, and very skilful in his piece, and also a strong and worthy Archer, sir Arthur Mainwaring a politic capitain, sir Thomas Nevell the Lord Nevil'S brother. Sir Anthony Strelly, and sir Richard Verney. During the time that the Lord Protector was occupied with the Scots as aforesaid, the Lords of the counsel that remained in England, with great help of Thomas Cranmer archbishop of Cantorburye, and other at the Clergy of the realm, greatly furthered and advanced religion, and namely the books of homilies and Paraphrase of Erasmus, the which Stephyn Gardener Bishop of Winchester and other were much offended as ye may read at large in the book of the Monuments of the Church. But to return, when the Lord Protector had put all things in order in Scotland as aforesaid, and had fortified the forts and Castles upon the borders, he returned into England, and the Citizens of London hearing of his coming determined to receive him, and convey him through the City with much joy and triumph. But he having knowledge thereof was offended therewith, and forbade any such triumph to be made for him, for said he if any thing hath been done to the honour of the realm, it was gods doing, and willed them to give him the praise. Soon after the coming home of the Lord Protector, A parliament at Westminster. the kings majesty called his high court of parliament, and held the same at Westminster the four and twenty day of November in the first year of his reign, and there continued the same until the four and twenty day of December than next following. And in this parliament among other things, there was given unto the kings majesty all Colleges, chantries and Free Chapels to be bestowed and used at his pleasure. And also in the same parliament was repealed the statute of six articles made in the time of king Henry the eight, and diverse other tending to that effect. And in the end of this year died Frances the French king, France's the French king dead. for whom a solemn obsequy was kept in Paul's in London, and henry his son succeeded him in that kingdom. And here once again to remember the affairs of Scotland, the king and his counsel considering the surety of the same did not only consist in making of good defence upon the borders, did therefore devise for the subjection of the inner part of that land to have some special fort or place for the better pacefiing and keeping quiet of that country. And in conclusion they thought it meet to fortify the town of Haddyngton, to the which with all speed was sent a garrison to defend the same. A little before Ester next following, the king by his Lieger in France was credibly certified that the French king made great provision to go into Scotland, for the removing of the English garrison that kept the town of Haddington as after ye shall here. The king hearing these news, caused new musters to be made, and a new army to be raised, to be sent into Scotland for the defence of Haddington. A new army to go into Scotland. And for this provision there were first certain letters sent from the king's majesty unto certain Citizens of London, who before had been ceased at a certain valour of goods. And in the superscription of the said letters, the king named every one to whom he wrote Esquire, requiring them to have in a readiness by a day appointed certain Demylaunces, esquires made in London. and certain light horsemen, with all the furniture that to them belonged. Of the which letters certain of the said Citizens were very joyous because of their new dignities, in that they were made esquires which is as much to say as horsemen: But the graver sort could well have forborn that preferment, Midsummer watch. and have remained footmen as they were before. And this year the watch in London, which had not been used nintene years before was again kept by sir john Gressham then Mayor of London, both on the even of saint john Baptist, and also on the even of saint Peter next following as bravely and freshly as it had been at any time set out before. And the same was much beutefied with the company of horsemen above mentioned. Soon after this, the king was certified that Mounsire de Essy Lieutenant to the French king, and Peter Strozy and Mounsire Dandelot and a Dutch captain called the Ringrave, with ten thousand men were arrived in Scotland, Haddington in Scotland besieged by the French. and had besieged the town of Haddington: wherefore in all hast possible the King set forward his army. But before the army could come, there went from Berwicke under the guiding of sir Robert Bowes and sir Thomas Palmer knights xiij hundred horsemen, where of were seven hundred men of arms, and dimilances. The Frenchmen having knowledge of their coming, laid a bushment for them, and the most part of them were either taken or slain, Sir Robert Bowes and sir Thomas Palmer taken namely sir Robert Bowes and sir Thomas Palmer were taken prisoners, howbeit for all this overthrow, our Englishmen manfully and valiantly defended the town of Haddington and often skirmished with the Frenchmen, and put them to the worse. The siege of this town of Haddington by the French men was long, fierce and terrible, and the battery was so great that no part of the walls of the town were left unbeaten down. Notwithstanding by the manly and valiant courage of the Englishmen, Sir james Wilforde a valiant captain. and namely of sir james Wilford who was captain of that town, whatsoever was in the day beaten down by the Frenchmen, the same was again fortified in the night by the Englishmen, although the slaughter of our men there was so great, that they filled up their ditches, and made their rampires with the dead English carcases. And this siege continued from the xxviij day of june unto the twenty day of August next following, and then came thither the Earl of Shrewesbury with the army afore mentioned, The Earl of Shrewesbury victualeth Haddington. which were to the number of fifteen thousand, of the which there were five thousand Almains, whose captain was named Cortpennie. The French men fly from the siege of Haddington. The Frenchmen and Scots knowing of the coming of the English army, departed with speed from the siege of the said town of Haddyngton, much commending and praising the English Captains and soldiers, and specially one captain of the Frenchmen, at his departure, came to the town of Haddyngton, desiring audience and said, God prospero you ye are good soldiers, the honour is yours, and the shame is ours, the which praise of enemies being void of all partiality and affection, is commonly most true. So that after the Earl had well victualed the town, and furnished the same with fresh and lusty soldiers, he then departed into England. After whose departure, the Englishmen kept the said town valiantly, both against the Scots and Frenchmen▪ and held the same until the twenty day of September, in the third year of the reign of this king Edward. And then it so chanced by reason of tumults and rebellion among ourselves in sundry places within the realm, that the king was forced to sand the Earl of Rutland, accompanied with three thousand Almains, Haddington razed and destroyed by the Englishmen. and three thousand Borderers to the said town of Haddington, who razed the same down to the ground, and brought from thence all their ordinance, with all their bag and baggage to Berwick in all peaceable and quiet manner. After the return of the soldiers from Haddyngton, A pestilence. there happened in London a great mortality by pestilence, and divers were buried in the morning before day, and late in the evening, and that in very close manner. Wherefore a commandment from the king was directed to the Churchwardens, and Curates of every Parish in London, prohibiting that no corpse should be buried before six of the clock in the morning, nor after six at night. And that there should be at the burying of every corpse, one Bell rung by the space of three quarters of an hour at the lest. The kings Majesty shortly after this, A parliament. summoned his high Court of Parliament to be holden at Westminster upon prorogation the fourth day of November, in the second year of his reign, and there continued the same unto the, xiv. day of March next following, which was in the third year of his reign. And in this Parliament the use of the Mass was clean forbidden, and a book made for the uniformity of divine service, and the administration of the Sacraments in the English tongue, was published & set forth. Sir Thomas Seimour attainted and executed. And in this Parliament also was attainted sir Thomas Seymer, called Baron Seymer of Sudley, brother to the Lord Protector, high Admiral of England. The causes and articles objected against him, are expressed in the book of statutes. And the twenty day of March next following, which was in the third year of the king, he was beheaded at the Tower hill, and then it was commonly talked, that the fall of the one brother, would be the overthrow of the other, as soon after it came to pass. After the end of this Parliament, and at the end of the next term, the Lord Protectors grace, and the rest of the kings privy and learned counsel being present in the star Chamber, called before them all the justices of peace, and knights of the shire, where the Lord rich being then Lord Chancellor, made unto them this Oration following. It hath been used and accustomed before this time, to call at certain times the justices of peace before the kings majesties counsel, to give unto them admonition and warning, diligently as is their duty, An exhortation or rather an admonition given to the justices of Peace. to look to the observing of such things as are committed to their charge, according to the trust which the kings Majesty hath in them. Howbeit at this time we call you not before us of custom, but rather of necessity: for hearing daily and perceiving as we do, the great negligence and little heed which is taken and given to the observation of the good and wholesome laws and orders in this realm, whereupon much disorder doth daily ensue, and the king's majesties Proclamations, and orders taken by the Counsel (as we are advertised) not executed, the people brought to a disobedience, and in a manner all his majesties study and ours in setting a good and most godly stay to the honour of God, and the quiet of the realm, spent in vain, and come to nothing. The which as we have great hope and trust not to be altogether so, yet so much as it is, and so much as it lacketh in keeping the realm in a Godly order and stay, we must needs impute and lay the fault thereof in you which are the justices of peace in every shire. To whom we are wont to direct our writings, and to whose trust and charge the king's Majesty hath committed the execution of all his Proclamations, of his acts of Parliament, and of his laws. We are informed that many of you are so negligent, and so slack, in that that it doth appear that you do rather look as it were through your fingers then diligently see to the execution of the said laws and proclamations. For if you would according to your duties, to your oath, to the trust which the kings Majesty hath in you, give your diligence and care toward the execution of the same most Godly statutes, and Injunctions, there should no disobedience, no disorder, nor evil rule be begun, or arise in any part of the realm, but it should by and by be repressed, kept down, and reform. But it is feared that the thing itself giveth occasion thereunto, that divers of you do not only set forth, but rather hinder, so much as lieth in you, the kings majesties proceedings, and are content that there should arise some disobedience, and that men should repined against Godly orders set forth by his Majesty, you do so slackly look to the execution of the same: So that in some shires which be farther of, it may appear that the people have never heard of divers of his majesties Proclamations, or if they have heard, that you are content to wink at it, and to neglect it, so that it is all one as though it were never commanded. But if you do well consider and remember your duties, first to almighty God, and then to the kings Majesty, the wealth of the whole realm, the safeguard and surety of your own selves: you must needs see, that except such orders as the kings Majesty hath set, and hereafter shall appoint to be kept: Neither the Realm can be defended, if the enemy should invade, nor in peace it can not stand, but upon the contempt of good and wholesome laws, all disorder and inconveniences should come: The people should be wild and savage, and no man sure of his own. And if at any time there was occasion, and cause to be circumspect and diligent about the same, there was never more time than now. How we stand in Scotland ye know, and that other foreign power maketh great preparation to aid them, and in deed doth come to their aid, whereof we are surely informed and certified. Wherefore if there should not be good order and obedience kept in the realm, the realm were like utterly to be destroyed. Never foreign power could yet hurt, or in any part prevail in this realm, but by disobedience and misorder within ourselves. That is the way in the which god will plague us, if he mind to punish us. And so long as we do agreed among ourselves, and be obedient unto our Prince & to his godly orders & laws, we may be sure that god is with us & that foreign power shall not prevail against us nor hurt us: wherefore once again and still we must and do lay this charge upon you that are the best of the shire and justices of the peace, that with so convenient speed as you can, that you do repair down into your countries, & you shall give warning to the Gentlemen of the shire that have no necessary business here, that they repair down each man to his country, and there both you and they, who be reckoned the stay of every shire, to see good order and good rule kept. Provide that your Sessions of jail delivery and quarter Sessions be well kept, and there in your meetings to be such that justice may be well and truly ministered, the offenders and malefactors punished according to the laws of the realm without any fear of any man, rather than for favour ye shall suffer those to escape which with their evil example might bring other to the like mishap. And that all Vagabons, all lewd & light taletellers & seditious bearers of false news of the kings Majesty or of his counsel, or such as will preach without licence, be immediately by you repressed and punished. And if there should chance any light or lewd fellows to make any routs or riots or unlawful assemblies, any seditious meetings, uproars or uprisings in any place, by the seditious and devilish motion of some privy Traitors, that you and they appease them at the first, and apprehend the first authors and causers thereof, and certify us with speed. The lightness of the rude and ignorant people must be repressed and ordered by your gravity and wisdom. And here you may not (if any such thing chance) dissemble with those such lewd men, and hide yourselves, for it shall be required of you if such misorder be, and surely without your aid and help, or your dissembling, such misorder cannot be. Nor we do not say that we fear any such thing likely to chance: But we give you warning before, lest it should chance, we have to much experience in this realm what inconvenience cometh of such matters. And though some light persons in their rage do not consider it, yet we doubt not but you way it and know it well enough. And if it should chance our enemies (who is maintained by other foreign power and the Bishop of Rome) suddenly to arrive in some places of England, either driven by tempest, or of purpose to do hurt, ye aught to see such orders kept by firing of their Beacons, as hath already been written unto you by our letters, to repulse the same in so good array as you can, as we do not doubt but ye will for the safeguard of your country, so that the enemy shall have little joy of his coming. And for that purpose ye shall see diligently that men have horse, harness, and other furniture of weapon ready, according to the statutes and good orders of the realm and the kings majesties commandments, and so for this time ye may departed. Here is to be noted, that according to the old adage, Man purposeth but God disposeth. Man purposeth but God disposeth. The cause that the former and earnest admonition was made, specially at this time, was only for fear of the landing of foreign powers within this realm. For true it is, that the kings majesty by the advice of the Lord Protector and other of his Counsel minded this year the conquest of Scotland, and for the same had made great provision aswell beyond the sea in Germany, from whence he had five thousand lanceknights, whose captain was Cortpeny, of whom mention is made before at the rasing and defacing of the town of Haddyngton in Scotland: Beside these also were made other great provisions within the realm. And the Scots at this time being in great fear of England, made such suit to the Pope, and the French king, that they granted them great aid, and the French king was with his power in a great readiness. But behold the wonderful work of God: That which was feared and of us purposed, came not to pass, and that which was least feared, & little or nothing thought upon, suddenly happened, to the great danger of the destruction of the whole realm of England (if almighty God had not helped us with the mighty arm of his defence) which chanced by intestine and civil war among our selves, as after ye shall here. By reason whereof those strangers which before were prepared at the kings majesties great costs and charges for the conquest of Scotland, were employed as necessary men to suppress the rebellion of our own nation, and to save England from destruction, such are the works of the Lord against man's policy. The kings Majesty as aforesaid purposing the invasion of Scotland, made now great provision for the same. But in this as he did ever before, he used all gentle means and policies to win them without shedding of blood, if it were possible: wherefore he now wrote unto them a solemn Epistle exhortatory, to move them to the consideration of themselves, and the state of their Country. The Copy of which Exhortation followeth word for word as is was written, and the title thereof was this. An Epistle exhortatory sent to the Scots. ¶ Edward by the grace of God Duke of Somerset, earl of Hertford, Viscount Beauchampe, Lord Seymer, Uncle to the king's highness of England, Governor of his most royal person, and Protector of all his realms, dominions, and subjects, Lieutenant general of all his majesties Armies, both by land and sea, Treasurer and earl Marshal of England, governor of the Isles of Gernesey, and jersey, and knight of the most noble order of the Garter, with others of the counsel of the said most high and noble Prince Edward, by the grace of God, of England, France, and Ireland king, defender of the faith, and in earth under Christ, the supreme head of the Churches of England and Ireland. To the Nobility and Counsellors, Gentlemen, and the Commons, and all other the inhabitants of the realm of Scotland, greeting and peace. Considering with ourselves the present state of things, and weighing more deeply the manner and terms wherein you and we do stand. It maketh us to marvel what evil and fatal chance doth so dissever your hearts, and maketh them so blind and unmindful of your profit, and to still conciliate and heap to yourselves most extreme mischiefs. The which we whom ye will needs have your enemies, go about to take away from you, and perpetually to ease you thereof. And also by all reason and order of necessity, it should be rather more convenient for you to seek and require moderate agreements of us, whom God hath hitherto according to our most just, true and Godly meanings and intents, prospered and set forward with your affliction and misery: Then that we being superiors in the field, Masters of a great part of your realm, should seek upon you. Yet to the intent that our charitable minds and brotherly love should not cease by all means possible to provoke and call you to your own commodity and profit. Even as the father to the son, or the elder brother to the younger brother: And as the loving Physician would do to the mistrustful and ignorant patient: We are content to call and cry upon you, to look on your state, to avoid the great calamity that your country is in, to have us rather brothers than enemies, and rather Countrymen, than Conquerors. And if your Governor or Captains shall retain and keep from you this our exhortation as heretofore they have done our Proclamation, tending to the like effect for their own private wealth and commodity, not regarding though you be still in misery, so they have profit and governance over you, and shall still abuse you with feigned and forged tales: Yet this shall be a witness afore God and all Christian people, betwixt you and us: that we professing the Gospel of jesus Christ, according to the doctrine thereof, do not cealse to call and provoke you, from the effusion of your own blood, from the destruction of the realm of Scotland, from perpetual enmity and hatred, from the final destruction of your nation, and from servitude to foreign nations: to liberty, to amity, to equality with us, to that which your writers hath always wished might once come to pass. Who that hath read the stories in times past, and doth mark and note the great Battles fought between England and Scotland, the incursions, roads, and spoils, which hath been done on both the parties. The realm of Scotland five times won by one king of England. The Scottish kings sons taken prisoners, some slain in battle, some for very sorrow and discomfort upon loss, dying and departing the world: and shall perceive again that of all nations in the world, that nation only beside England, speaketh the same language, and as you and we be annexed & joined in one Island: so no people are so like in manner, form, Language, and all conditions as we are. Shall not he think it a thing very unmeet, unnatural, and unchristian, that there should be betwixt us so mortal war, who in respect of all other nations be and should be like as two brethren of one Island of great Briteyne? And though he were a stranger to both, what would he think more meet than if it were possible one kingdom to be made in rule, which is one in language, & to be divided in rulers which is all one in Country. And forsomuch as two successors cannot concur and fall into one, by no other manner of means then by marriage, whereby one blood, one lineage, and parentage is made of two, and an indefesible right given of both to one, without the destruction and abolishing of either. If God should grant that whatsoever you would wish other then that which now not by fortune hath chanced, but by his infinite mercy, and most inscrutable providence, as careful for you he hath given unto you. The which thing that you should also think to come of his disposition, and not by blind fortune, how unlikely hath it been, and how suddenly hath it turned, that the power of God might be showed. Your last king being a prince of much excellency and young, whom you know after a promise broken contrary to his honour, and misfortune by God's just judgement following upon it, God either by sorrow or by some means otherwise at his inscrutable pleasure, did take away from you, had three children: Did not almighty God as it were to show his will and pleasure to be, that the long continued war and enmity of both the nations should be taken away, and knit in perpetual love and amity, take the two men children of those babies being distant the one from the other, A matter worthy to be noted. & in diverse places both as it were at one time, and within the space of four and twenty hours leaving but one maiden child and princes. When the most wise and victorious Prince late our king and Master king Henry the eight in other of his marriages not most fortunate, had by his most lawful and most virtuous wife Queen jane, his other two wives before that marriage departed this world, and never surmise nor question made of that marriage sith that time to this day, nor so much as all her life time, name or motion to or of any other wife, one Prince of so high expectation, of so great gifts of God, the right and undoubted heir of the realm of England and his majesty only of male issue left behind him to succeed the imperial crown. If nothing else had been done, what can any wise or any Christian man that thinketh the world to be governed by God's providence and not by fortune, think otherwise but that it was God's pleasure it should be so that these two realms should join in marriage, and by a godly Sacrament make a godly, perpetual, and most friendly unity, and concord, whereby such benefits as of unity and concord cometh, may through his infinite grace come unto these realms. Or if any man of you or of any other nation doubteth hereof (except you look for miracles) to be done herein, and yet if ye mark all the possibilities of the natures of the two Princes, the children already had, the doubtful chance lest each of them should have a son, or both daughters, or not of meet ages, with other circumstances both of the party of this realm of England and that of Scotland, which hath not chanced in eight hundred years, it must needs be reckoned a great marvel and a miracle. But let it be no miracle seeing that God doth not now speak in Oracles, as a 'mongst the jews he did: And present prophecies now a days be but either not certain or else not plain: what more certainty can be had of Gods will in this case then the before rehearsed doth bring: But if God himself should speak: what could he speak more, than he speaketh in these? Call you them providences or chances, if you be still afflicted and punished, may he not say, I of mine infinite mercy and love to your nation had provided a right heir and a prince to the one, and a right heir and Princes to the other to be joined in my holy laws, and by the law of nature and the world to have made, and unity concord and peace, in the which Isle of both the realms, you refused it, you loved better dissension than unity, discord then agreement, war then peace, hatred then love and charity. If you do then therefore smart for it, whom can you blame, but your own election? But because some of those who maketh hereunto impediments, cannot but confess that there appeareth God's providence herein, and opportunity and occasion given to unity of both the realms: yet may hereafter say, and heretofore have said, that the fault herein is, that we seek not equality nor the marriage, but a conquest, we would not be friends but be Lords. Although our proclamations at the last wars doth enough declare the contrary, yet here we protest and declare unto you and all Christian people to be the kings majesties mind our Masters by our advise and counsel not to conquer, but to have in amity, not to win by force but to conciliate by love, not to spoil and kill, but to save and keep, not to dissever and divorce, but to join in marriage from high to low both the realms, to make of one Isle one realm in love, amity, concord, peace and charity. Which if you refuse and drive us to conquer, who is guilty of the bloodshed? who is the occasion of the war? who maketh the battles, the brenning of houses, The Scots by the consent of a parliament granted their great Seal for the confirmation of marriage to be had between Mary the heir of Scotland and Prince Edward heir of England. and the denastation which shall follow? Can it be denred but that we have the great seal of Scotland granted by the parliament of Scotland for the marriage which should be made with assurances and pledges until the performances. And this in the time that the late king of most famous mamory our sovereign Lord king Henry the eight did reign, and in the time of the same your Governor, who now is the Earl of Arreigne, who then being a chief doer and labourer therein for the high and inestimable benefit of that realm. So soon as he was by the late Cardinal of saint Andrew's and others, with certain vain fears and hopes and greediness of dignity perverted, revolted from his first agreement, and put all the realm to the loss of such holds and fortresses as are now taken from you, and to the loss of a fought field, for the which we are sorry if otherwise peace might have been concluded, for his own private lucre and retchlessness of that noble realm. And what end can you look for of these manner of procedings, but such success as heretofore hath been experimented and assayed? we offer love, we offer equality and amity, we overcome in war and offer peace, we win holds and offer no conquest, we get in your land, and offer England. What can be more offered and more proffered, than intercourse of merchandises, and interchange of marriages, the abolishing of all such our laws as prohibiteth the same, or might be impediment to the mutual amity. We have offered not only to leave the authority, name, title, right, or challenge, of Conqueror, but to receive that which is the shame of men over commed, to leave the name of the nation, and the glory of any victory (if any we have had, or should have of you) and to take the indifferent old name of Briteynes again, because nothing should be left on our part unoffered, nothing on your part unrefused, Britain was the first name of England and Scotland. whereby ye might be inexcusable. And all the world might testify, all other means not being able to do any thing, after many other ways and remedies attempted, battle of us to be taken as an extreme refuge, to attain right and reason amongst Christian men. If any man may rightfully make battle for his espouse and wife. The daughter of Scotland was by the great Seal of Scotland promised to the son and heir of England? If it be lawful by God's law to fight in a good quarrel, and for to make peace: This is to make an end of all wars, and to conclude an eternal and perpetual peace, which to confirm we shall fight, and you to break, is it not easy to discern who hath the better part? God and the sword hath already and shall hereafter if there be no remedy try it. Who so willeth the marriage to go forward: Who so mindeth the peace and tranquillity of both the realms: who willeth no conquest to be had, but amity and love to go forward, we refuse no man: Let him bring his name, and his pledge of good service in this quarrel, he shall not only be received to the amity, but shall have sufficient defence against the adversaries, and recompense of his living if he sustain any loss. We neither do nor intend to put any man from his lands, tacks, or offices: unless he will needs resist, and so compel us thereunto. What face hath this of conquest? we intend not to disinherit your Queen, but to make her heirs inheritors also to England. What greater honour can you seek unto your Queen then the marriage offered? what more meeter marriage than this with the kings highness of England? What more sure defence in the none-age of your Queen for the realm of Scotland, then to have England your patron and Guarrison? we seek not to take from you your laws, nor customs: but we seek to redress your oppressions, which of divers ye do sustain. In the realm of England divers laws and customs be according to the ancient usage thereof. And likewise France, Normandy, and Gascoigne hath sundry kind of orders. Hath all the realms and dominions that the Emperor now hath one custom, and one sort of laws? These vain fears and fantasies of expulsion of your nation, of changing the laws, of making a conquest, be driven into your heads, of those who in deed had rather you were all conquered, spoiled, and slain, than they would loose any point of their will, of their desire of rule, of their estimation, which they know in quietness would be seen what it were, as it were in a calm water. Now in this tumult of discord, when the realm is tossed up and down with waves and surges of battle, famine, and other mischiefs which the war bringeth, they think they cannot be espied. But look on them you that have wit and prudence, & consider the state of your Queen, and realm. You will not keep her sole and unmarried, the which were to you great dishonour. If you marry her within the realm, that cannot extinguish the title which we have to the Crown of Scotland. And what dissension, envy, grudge, and malice that shall breed among you is easy to perceive. You will marry her out of the realm, our title remaineth, you be subjects to a foreign Prince of another Country, and of another language: And us ye have your enemies even at your elbow, your succours far of from you. And be we not in the bowels now of the realm? have we not a great part thereof either in subjection or in amity and love? who shall come into your realm but he shall be met with, and fought with, if need be even of your own nation, who be faithful and true to the realm of England in the way of this most Godly union by marriage. And if any foreign power, Prince, or Potentate, or whosoever be your aider to nourish still discord, send you an army also: How shall they oppress you, fill your houses, waste your grounds, spend and consume your victual, hold you in subjection, and regard you as slaves which without them could not live, and will take your Queen to bestow as they lust, and specially if their ruler or king (as perchance he may be) in other wars be otherwise occupied, to be a pray to us, and a true conquest. Then it shall be to late to say, we will have a marriage, and no conquest: we wish peace and amity: we are weary of battle and misery. The stubborn overcomed must suffer the victor's pleasure, and partinacite will make the victory more insolent, whereof you yourself have given the cause. If they sand money and Captains, but no soldiers: First if they be Captains, who ruleth, and who doth obey? who shall have the honour of the enterprise and if it be well achieved: But whether it be well achieved or not, which number is that which shall be slain? whose blood shall be shed? their money peradventure shall be consumed, and their commandments obeyed: But whose bodies shall smart for it? whose lands shall be wasted? whose houses burned? what realm made desolate? Remember what it is to have a foreign power within you? a strong power of your enemies upon you, you as it were the Camp and plain betwixt them to fight on, and to be trodden upon both of the victor and the overcomed. And imagine you see before your eyes your wives, and daughters in danger of the wantonness and insolency of the Soldiers: The proud looks of the Captains, and Soldiers whom you call to help you: the contempt you shall bring your nation in: And then take heed lest in deed that follow which you fear, that is, that you shall be by them conquered: that ye shall be by them put from your holds, lands, tacks, and offices: That your laws by them shall be altered: that your nation shall by them be destroyed. Consider in this realm: did not the Britons call in the Saxons for help, & by them were put out? Where be the Pictes, once a great nation betwixt you & us? how did the nation of France put out the Galls out of all France? how got the Turk first all Grecia, & now a late all Hungary, but being called in for to aid and help. And did not the Goths by like means get all Italy, and the Lombard's one part thereof now called Lombardie? what look you for more? Needy soldiers, & having their weapons in their hands, and knowing that you cannot live without them, what will they not command you to do? what will they not encroach upon you? what will they not think they may do? and what will they think that you dare do? This foreign help is your confusion, that succour is your detriment, the victory so had is your servitude. What is then to be thought of loss taken with them? the strangers & foreign soldiers shall oppress you within: our power and strength without: and of your own nation, so many as love quietness, godliness, & the wealth of your realm, shall help also to scourge & afflict you. Is it not better to compose and acquit all this calamity & trouble by marriage: To end all sorrows and battles by such and so honourable a peace? Hath the Emperor Spain & Burgundy not by title of marriage? How holdeth the French king Britein now lately annexed to that crown, but by title of marriage? How hath all the great princes of the world happily & with quiet made of two kingdoms one, of divers lordships one: Of nations always at war with themselves, or else in doubtful peace, one well governed kingdom, rule, and dominion, but by that most Godly, most quiet, & most amiable composition of marriage? Two means there is of making one rule whereto title is pretended, and perfect agreement betwixt two nations: Either by force and superiority, which is conquest, or by equality and love, which is by parentage and marriage. Ye hate the one, that is conquest: and by refusing the other, you enforce upon you hatred & malice. You will not have peace: you will not have alliance: you will not have concord, and conquest cometh upon you, whether ye will or no. And yet if all things were considered, we fear it will appear, that it were better for you to be conquered of us, then succoured of strangers, less loss to your goods, less hurt to your lands, less dishonour to your realm. This nation which is one in tongue, one in Country and birth, having so little diversity to occupy the whole, than other powers to come into you, neither like in language, ne yet like in behaviour, who should rule over you, and take you to be but their slaves. But we eftsoons and finally declare and protest unto you, that although for the better furtherance of this Godly purpose of uniting the realms, and for the sure defence of them which favoureth the marriage, we are compelled for the time to keep holds and to make fortifications in your realm: yet the king's majesties mind and determinate pleasure is with our advise and counsel to be as before is declared, that where favour may be showed, not to use rigour, if by conditions you will receive this amity offered, not to follow conquest, for we desire love, unity, concord, peace, and equality. Let neither your Governor, nor your Kirkemen, nor those who so often hath falsified their faith and promise: and by treachery and falsehood be accustomed to prorogue the time, feed you forth with fair words and bring you into the snare, from whence they cannot deliver you. They will peradventure provide for themselves with pensions in some other realm, & set soldiers strangers in your holds to keep you in subjection, under the pretence to defend them against us. But who provideth pensions for you? How are you defended when they be fled away? Who conquereth you when the strange Captains hath your Holds? when your land is wasted, and the Realm destroyed, and the more part kept from you? Who will set by the marriage of the Queen to buy a title with the war of England, to marry the name, another mighty king holding the land? If we two being made one by amity, be most able to defend us against all nations, and having the sea for wall, the mutual love for garrison, and God for defence should make so noble and well agreeing monarchy, that neither in peace we may be ashamed, nor in war afraid of any worldly or foreign power why should not you be as desirous of the same, and have as much cause to rejoice at it as we? If this honour of so noble a Monarchy do not move you to take and accept amity? Let the grief and the danger of the aforenamed losses fear you to attempt that thing which shall displease God, increase war, danger your realm, destroy your land, undo your children, waste your grounds, desolate your countries, and bring all Scotland either to famine and misery, or to subjection and servitude of another nation. We require but your promised Queen, your offered agreement of unity, the joining of both the nations, which God of his infinite clemency and tender love that he hath declared to bear to both the nations hath offered unto us both, and in manner called us both unto it, whose calling and provocation we have and will follow to the best of our powers, and in his name and with his aid, admonition, exhortation, requests and Ambassades not being able to do it and to find stableness in promises, we shall not willing, but constrained pursue the battle, chastise the wicked and malicious by the angry Angels of God, the fire and sword. Wherefore we require and exhort all you who hath love to your country, pity of that realm, a true heart to your Queen and mistress, regard of your honours and promises made by the great seal of Scotland, and who favoureth the peace, love, unity and concord, and that most profitable marriage to enter, and to come to us, and declaring your true and godly hearts thereunto, to aid us in this most godly purpose and enterprise: Be witness of our doings, we refuse no man, temporal, nor spiritual, Lord ne Lard, Gentleman ne other who will aid this our purpose, and minish the occasion of slaughter and destruction: To whom we shall keep the promises heretofore declared, & further see reward and recompense made according to the desert. And for a more sure proof and plainer token of the good mind and will which we bear unto you. That which never yet before was granted to Scotland in any league, truce, or peace betwixt England and Scotland, because ye shall have proof of the beginning of love and amity of both the realms. The kings highness considering the multitude of them which is come to his majesties devotion, and of them that be well wi'lers and aiders of this godly enterprise, hath by our advice and counsel granted and by these presents do grant, that from hence forth all manner of Merchants and other Scottishmen, who will enter their names with one of the wardens of the marches and there profess to take part with us in this before named godly purpose to his own commodity, and to serve all such as be of the same agreement: may lawfully and without any trouble and vexation enter into any port, creak, or haven of England, and there use their traffic of merchandise, buy and cell, bring in the commodities of Scotland, and take and carry forth the commodities of England as liberally & as freely, and with the same and none other custom or payments therefore, than Englishmen and the kings subjects doth at these presents: minding further upon the success hereof, to gratify so the furtherers of this most godly enterprise and union, that all the world may be witness of the great zeal and love which his highness doth bear towards you and your nation. And all this the kings highness by our advise & counsel hath willed to be declared unto you, and given in commandment unto us and all his lieutenants, wardens, Rulers, and other head Officers, Ministers and subjects to see executed and done according to the true purport, effect and meaning thereof. Far you well. Sun after this, A proclamation for Enclosures. the kings Majesty by the advice of the Lord Protector, and the rest of his counsel, that is to say, about the beginning of june, set forth a proclamation against Enclosures, for that a great number of poor men had complained of Gentlemen and other, that they had taken from them, Common of Pasture and Common Fields, and had enclosed them into Parks and pasture, and other such like for their own commodity and pleasure, to the utter undoing of the poor men. This proclamation tending to the help and relief of the poor, commanded that such as had so enclosed the commons, should upon a pain by a day assigned lay them out again: But I think there were but few that obeyed the proclamation, which thing the poor men perceiving, and seeing none amendment follow upon the proclamation, rashly without order took upon themselves to redress, and so gathering themselves together made them Captains and broke down those inclosurs, and cast down ditches, and in the end played the very part of Rebels and Traitors. But because the first stir and commotion was made in the West parts of this realm, namely in Cornwall having to their Captains, Insurrection in Cornwall. Humphrey Arondell, Wynslade, Holmes, and Bery, it shall be very meet first to entreat of them. Humphrey Arondell, Winslade, Holmes, Bery. These Rebels I say demanded not only the enlarging of Commons and disparking of Parks as is abovesaid: But they were chiefly offended with the alteration of religion, and desired again to have the Mass, and to have the statute of six articles restored unto them. And although the kings majesty sent unto them most gentle letters to 'cause them to be quiet, and also sent sundry Messages unto them, with very good admonitions, yet their rage was such, that nothing could stay them: But that they put themselves in array, and purposed to have come thorough the realm to the king, but they were stayed at the City of Excester, which City they besieged almost by the space of six weeks, and the Citizens thereof manfully and politicly to their great praise withstood them and gave them the repulse. And first for the pacefiing of these rebels the kings majesty sent by his commission the right honourable the Lord Russell, Lord privy Seal as his Lieutenant, and the Lord Graye of Wilton, with a number of valiant soldiers, among whom was three thousand of the Lance knights that came out of Germany. And first the said Lord Russell when he came thither sent unto them the kings majesties proclamation, the effect whereof was. That all such persons as were there unlawfully assembled, and did not within three days next after the proclaiming thereof, yield and submit themselves to the Lord Privy Seal (the kings Lieutenant) they should from thence forth be deemed accepted and taken for Rebels and Traitors against his most royal person, and his imperial crown and dignity, & farther the king's majesty for a more terror to the rebels, and the encouragement of such of his good subjects as should help and aid to apprehend and take any of the said Rebels: he by his said proclamation did grant and give all the Offices, Fees, goods and possessions, that the same Rebels had at and before their apprehension. This proclamation notwithstanding, the said rebels, continued in their obstinacy and Traitorous purpose. Wherefore yet once again the kings majesty for avoiding of the shedding of Christian blood, sent unto them a most gentle and loving message in writing, to have reduced them again to their obedience, but it would not be. The message was as followeth. The kings message to the Rebels of Cornwall & Devonshire Although knowledge hath been given to us and our dearest Uncle Edward Duke of Somerset, Governor of our person and Proteetor of all our realms dominions and subjects, and to the rest of our privy Counsel of diverse assemblies made by you, which aught of duty to be our loving Subjects, against all order of law, and otherwise then ever any loving or kind subjects hath attempted against their natural and liege sovereign Lord: Yet we have thought it meet at this very first time, not to condemn and reject you as we might justly do, but to use you as our subjects, thinking that the Devil hath not that power in you, to make you of natural borne Englishmen, so suddenly to become enemies to our own native country: Or of our subjects to make you Traitors: or under pretence to relieve yourselves to destroy yourselves, your wife's, children, lands, possessions and all other commodities of this your life. This we say, that we trust that although you be ignorantly seduced, ye will not be upon knowledge obstinate: And though some amongst you (as ever there is some Cockyll amongst good corn) forget God, neglect their Prince, esteem not the state of the realm, but as careless desperate men delight in sedition, tumult & wars: yet nevertheless the great part of you will here the voice of us your natural Prince, and will by wisdom and counsel be warned and cease your evils in the beginning, whose ends will be, even by God almighty's order, your own destruction. Wherefore as to you our subjects by ignorance seduced we speak, and be content to use our princely authority, like a father to his children, to admonish you of your faults not to punish them, to put you in remembrance of your duties, not to avenge your forgetfulness. Disorder in Subjects. First your disorder to rise in multitudes, to assemble yourselves against other our loving subjects, to array yourselves to the war: who amongst you all ●an answer for the same to almighty God, charging you to obey us in all things? Or how can any good English heart answer us, our laws, and the rest of our very good loving and faithful subjects, who in deed by their obedience make our honour, estate and degree? Ye use our name in your writings, Abusing of the kings name. and abuse the same against ourself: what injury herein do you us to call those which love us to your evil purposes, by the authority of our name? God hath made us your king by his ordinance and providence, by our blood and inheritance, by lawful succession and our coronation. But not to this end, as you use our name, we are your most natural sovereign Lord & king Edward the sixth, to rule you, to preserve you, to save you from all your outward enemies, to see our laws well ministered, every man to have his own, to suppress disordered people, to correct Traitors, thieves, Pirates, Robbers and such like: yea to keep our realms from other Princes, from the malice of Scots, of French, of the Bishop of Rome. Thus good subjects our name is written, thus it is honoured and obeyed, this majesty it hath by God's ordinance, not by man's: So that of this your offence we cannot writ to much, and yet doubt not but this is enough from a prince to all reasonable people, from a royal king to all kind hearted and loving subjects, from the puissant king of England to every natural English man. Your pretence, which you say moveth you to do thus, Fez causes. and wherewith you seek to excuse this disorder, we assure you is either all false, or so vain that we doubt not, that after that ye shall hereby understand the truth thereof, ye will all with one voice knowledge yourselves ignorantly led, and by error seduced: And if there be any one that will not, then assure you the same be rank Traitors, enemies of our crown, seditious people, heretics, papists, or such as care not what cause they have to provoke an insurrection so they may do it, nor in deed can wax so rich with their own labours and with peace, as they can do with spoils, with wars, with robberies, and such like, ye with the spoil of your own goods, with the living of your labours, the sweat of your bodies, the food of your own households wives and children: Such they be, as for a time use pleasant persuasions to you, and in the end will cut your throats for your own goods. You be borne in hand that your children, though necessity chance, Baptism. shall not be christened but upon the holy days, how false this is learn you of us. Our book which we have set forth by the free consent of our whole parliament in the English tongue teacheth you the contrary, even in the first leaf, yea the first side of the first leaf of that part which entreateth of Baptism. Good subjects (for to other we speak not) look and be not deceived: They which have put this false opinion into your ears, they mean not the christening of children, but the destruction of you our christened subjects. Be this known unto you, our honour is so much that we may not be found faulty of one jot or word: Prove it, if by our laws ye may not christian your children when ye be disposed upon necessity every day or hour in the week, then might you be offended, but seeing you may do it how can ye believe them that teach you the contrary? What think you they mean in the rest, which move you to break your obedience against us your king and sovereign, upon these so false tales and persuasions in so evident a matter? Therefore you all which will knowledge us your sovereign Lord, and which will here the voice of us your king, may easily perceive how you be deceived, and how subtly Traitors and Papists, with their falsehood seek to achieve and bring their purpose to pass with your help: Every Traitor will be glad to dissemble his treason and feed it secretly, every Papist his popery and nourish it inwardly, and in the end make you our subjects partakers of treason and popery, which in the beginning was pretended to be a common weal and holiness. Sacrament of the body. etc. And how are you seduced by them, which put in your heads, the blessed Sacrament of Christ's body, should not differ from other common bread? If our laws, proclamations and statutes be all to the contrary, why shall any private man persuade you against them? we do ourself in our own heart, our counsel in all their profession, our laws and statutes in all purposes, our good subjects in all our doings most highly esteem that Sacrament, and use the communion thereof to our most comfort. We make so much difference thereof from other common bread, that we think no proftie of other bread, but to maintain our bodies: But this blessed bread we take to be the very food of our souls to everlasting life. How think you good subjects, shall not we being your Prince, your Lord, your king by God's appointment with truth more prevail, then certain evil persons with open falsehood? Shall any seditious person persuade you that the sacrament is despised, which is by our laws, by ourself, by our counsel and by all our good subjects, esteemed, used, perticipated and daily received? If ever ye were seduced, if ever deceived, if ever Traitors were believed, if ever Papists poisoned good subjects it is now. It is not the christening of children, not the reverence of the Sacrament, not the health of your souls that they shoot at good subjects: It is sedition: It is high treason, it is your destruction they seek. How craftily, how piteously, how cunningly soever they do it, with one rule, judge ye the end which of force must come of your purposes. Disobedience to a king is disobedience to almighty God. Almighty God forbiddeth upon pain of everlasting damnation, disobedience to us your king, and in his place we rule in earth. If we should be slow? would God err? If your offence be towards God? think you it pardoned without repentance? Is God's judgement mutable? Your pain is damnation, your judge is incorruptible, your fault is most evident. Likewise are ye evil informed in divers other articles, as for confirmation of your children, for the Mass, for the manner of your service of matins and Evensong: Whatsoever is therein ordered hath been long debated and consulted by many learned Bishops, Doctors, and other men of great learning in this realm concluded, in nothing so much labour and time spent of late time, nothing so fully ended. Service in the English tongue. As for the service in the English tongue hath manifest reasons for it, and yet perchance seemeth to you a new service, and in deed is none other but the old. The self same words in English which were in Latin, saving a few things taken out, so fond that it had been a shame to have heard them in English, as all they can judge which lust to report the truth. The difference is that we meant Godly, that you our subjects should understand in English, being your natural Country tongue, that which was heretofore spoken in Latin, then serving only them which understood Latin, and now for all you which be borne English. How can this with reason offend any reasonable man, that he should understand what any other saith, and so to consent with the speaker? If the service in the Church were good in Latin, it remaineth good in English, for nothing is altered, but to speak with knowledge, that before was spoken with ignorance, Knowledge is better than ignorance. and to let you understand what is said for you, to the intent ye may further it with your own devotion an alteration to the better, except knowledge be worse than ignorance: So that whosoever hath moved you to mislike this order, can give you no reason nor answer yours if ye understood it. Wherefore you our subjects remember we speak to you being ordained your Prince and king by almighty God, if any wise we could advance God's honour more than we do, we would do it, and see that ye become subjects to God's ordinance. Obey us your Prince, and learn of them which have authority to teach you, which have power to rule you, and will execute our justice if we be provoked. Learn not of them whose fruits be nothing but wilfulness, disobedience, obstinacy, and destruction of the realm. For the Mass, we assure you, The Mass. no small study nor travail hath been spent by all the learned Clergy therein, and to avoid all contention thereof, it is brought even to the very use as Christ left it, as the Apostles used it, as holy fathers delivered it: in deed somewhat altered from that the Popes of Rome for their lucre brought to it. And although you may here the contrary of some Popish and evil men, yet our Majesty which for our honour may not be blemished nor stained, assureth you that they deceive you, abuse you, and blow these opinions into your heads, for to furnish their own purposes. And so likewise judge you of confirmation of Children, Confirmation of children. and let them answer you this one question. Think they that a child christened is dampened because he dieth before bishoping. Mark good subjects what inconvenience hereof cometh? Our doctrine therefore is founded upon true learning and theirs upon shameless errors. To conclude, beside our gentle manner of information to you, whatsoever is contained in our book, either for Baptism, Sacrament, Mass, Confirmation, and service in the Church is by Parliament established, by the whole Clergy agreed, yea by the Bishops of the realm devised, and further by God's word confirmed. And how dare you trust, yea how dare you give ear without trembling to any singular person to disallow a Parliament? A subject to persuade against our Majesty, or any man of his single arrogancy against the determination of the Bishops, and all the Clergy, any invented argument, against the word of God. But now you our subjects, we resort to a greater matter of your unkindness, a great unnaturalness, and such an evil, that if we thought it had not been begun of ignorance, and continued by persuasion of certain traitors amongst you, which we think few in number, but in their doings busy, we could not be persuaded but to use our sword and do justice. And as we be ordained of God for to redress your errors by avengement: But love and zeal yet overcometh our just anger, but how long that will be God knoweth, in whose hand our heart is, and rather for your own causes being our christened subjects, we would ye were persuaded then vanquished, taught, then overthrown, quietly pacified, then rigorously persecuted. Ye require to have the statute of six articles revived, Six articles. and know you what ye require? Or know ye what ease you have with the loss of them? They were laws made, but quickly repent, to bloody they were to be borne of our people: and yet at the first in deed made of some necessity. O subjects how are ye trapped by evil persons. We of pity because they were bloody took them away, and you now of ignorance will ask them again. You know full well that they helped us to extend rigour, and gave us cause to draw our sword very often. And since our mercy moved us to writ our laws with milk and equity, how be ye blinded to ask them in blood? But leaving this manner of reasoning, and resorting to the truth of our authority, we let you wit, the same hath been annulled by Parliament with great rejoice of our subjects, The authority of a parliament. and not now to be called in question. And dareth any of you with the name of a subject stand against an act of Parliament, a law of the realm? What is our power if laws should be thus neglected, or what is your surety if laws be not kept? Assure you most surely, that we of no earthly thing under the heaven make such reputation as we do of this one, to have our laws obeyed, and this cause of God to be thoroughly maintained, from the which we will never remove a hears breadth, nor give place to any creature living: But therein will spend our own royal person, our Crown, Treasure, Realm, and all our state, whereof we assure you of our high honour: For herein resteth our honour: herein do all kings knowledge us a king: And shall any one of you dare, breath, or think against our Kingdom and Crown? In the end of this your request (as we be given to understand) ye would have them stand in force until our full age. To this we think that if ye knew what you spoke, ye would not have uttered the motion, nor never given breath to such a thought. For what think you of our kingdom? Be we of less authority for our age? Be we not your king now as we shall be? Shall ye be subjects hereafter, and now are ye not? Have we not the right we shall have? If ye would suspend and hung our doings in doubt until our full age: ye must first know, as a king we have no difference of years, but as a natural man and creature of God we have youth, and by his sufferance shall have age. We are your rightful king, your liege Lord, the sovereign Prince of England, not by our age, but by God's ordinance, not only when we shall be xxj years of age, but when we were of ten years. We possess our crown not by years, but by the blood and dissent from our father king Henry the eight. If it be considered, they which move this matter, if they durst utter themselves would deny our kingdom. But our good subjects know their prince, and will increase, not diminish his honour, enlarge his power, not abate it, knowledge his kingdom, not differ it to certain years. All is one to speak against our crown, and to deny our kingdom, as to require that our laws may be broken unto xxj years. Be we not your crowned, anointed and established king? wherein be we of less majesty, of less authority or less state than our progenitors kings of this realm? Except your unkindness, your unnaturalness will diminish our estimation? We have hitherto since the death of our father by the good advise and counsel of our dear & entirely beloved Uncle the Duke of Somerset, our Governor and Protector kept our estate, maintained our realm, preserved our honour, defended our people from all enemies. We have hitherto been feared and dread of our enemies, yea of Princes, kings and nations. Yea, herein we be nothing inferior to any our Progenitors, which grace we knowledge to be given us from God, and how else, but by good obedience, good counsel of our magistrates, by the authority of our kingdom of England, hitherto hath gained honour during our reign: It hath won of the enemy & not lost. It hath been marveled that we of so young years have reigned so nobly, so roaylly, so quietly. And how chanceth that you our loving subjects of that our country of Cornwall, and Devonshire, will give first occasion to slander this our realm of England, to give courage to the enemy to note our realm of the evil of rebellion, to make it a pray to our old enemies, to diminish our honour which God hath given, our father left, our good Uncle and Counsel preserved unto us? What greater evil could ye commit, than even now when our foreign enemy in Scotland, and upon the sea seeketh to invade us, to do our realm dishonour then to arise in this manner against our law, to provoke our wrath, to ask our vengeance, and to give us an occasion to spend that force upon you, which we meant to bestow upon our enemies, to begin to slay you with that sword that we drew forth against Scots and other enemies? To make a conquest of our own people, which otherwise should have been of the whole realm of Scotland? Thus far we have descended from our high majesty for love, to consider you in your simple ignorance, and have been content to send you an instruction like a father, who of justice might have sent you your destructions like a king to rebels. And now we let you know, that as you see our mercy abundantly, so if ye provoke us further, we swear to you by the living God, ye shall feel the power of the same God in our sword, which how mighty it is, no subject knoweth, how puissant it is, no private man can judge, how mortal it is, no English man dare think. But surely, surely, as your Lord and Prince, your only king and master, we say to you, repent yourselves, and take our mercy without delay, or else we will forthwith extend our princely power, and execute our sharp sword against you, as against Infidels and Turks, and rather adventure our own royal person, state, and power, than the same shall not be executed. And if you will prove the example of our mercy, learn of certain which lately did arise, pretending some griefs, & yet acknowledging their offences, have not only received most humbly their pardon: but feel also by our order, to whom all public order only appertaineth, present redress of their griefs. In the end we admonish you of your duties to God, A godly and Princely admonition. whom ye shall answer in the day of the Lord, and of your duties towards us, whom ye shall answer by our order, and take our mercy whilst God so inclineth us, lest when ye shall be constrained to ask, we shall be to much hardened in heart, to grant it you. And where ye shall here now of mercy, mercy, and life: ye shall then here of justice, justice, and death. Written the eight of july, in the third year of our reign. Although they received from the kings Majesty this loving Message, and most Princely and gentle admonition, Obstinacy in rebels. yet was their froward and indurate hearts such, that they stood still at the sword point. Wherefore the right valiant Lord Russell, and the Lord Grace, with their whole power set upon them, and they to their powers withstood them very stoutly, and at the first were many of the strangers slain and hurt: But at the length the rebels were distressed, taken, and executed, and their four chief Captains first named in this discourse, that is to say, Homffrey Arondell, Wynslade, Execution of rebels. Holmes, and Bury, were taken and sent to London and there according to their deserts had judgement as traitors, and were drawn, hanged and quartered at Tyburn. And many of the people of that Country that were doers or maintainers of this rebellion, were executed among themselves, and many put to great synes, and loss of offices and livings, as they had right well deserved. The Mayor of Bodmyn in Cornwall hanged. And among other the offenders in this rebellion I thought it well to note twain for the manner of their execution seemed strange. The first was one Bowyer who was Mayor of a town in Cornwall called Bodmyn. This Mayor had been busy among the rebels, but some that loved him said that he was forced thereunto, and that if he had not consented to them, they would have destroyed him and his house. But howsoever it was, this was his end. On a certain day Sir Anthony Kingston being Provost-marshall in the field wrote his letter unto the said Mayor declaring that he and certain other with him would come and dine with him such a day. The Mayor seemed to be very joyous thereof and made for him very good preparation. And at the time appointed, Sir Anthony Kingston with his company came and were right heartily welcomed to the Mayor. And before they sat down to dinner, sir Anthony calling the Mayor a side showed him that their must be execution done in that town, and therefore willed him with speed to 'cause a pair of Gallows to be made, that the same might be ready by the end of dinner. The Mayor went diligently about it, and caused the same to be done. When dinner was ended Sir Anthony called the Mayor unto him and asked him if that were ready that he spoke to him of, and he answered it was ready. Then he took the Mayor by the hand and prayed him to bring him to the place where the same was, and he so did. And when sir Anthony saw them, he said unto the Mayor, think you they be strong enough? yea Sir said he, that they are. Well then said sir Anthony get you even up to them for they are provided for you, the Mayor cried I trust you mean no such thing to me, Sir saith he there is no remedy you have been a busy Rebel, and therefore this is appointed for your reward, so that without longer respite or tarrying, there was the Mayor hanged. At the same time also and near unto the place, there was a miller who had been a very busy Varlet in that rebellion, whom also Sir Anthonye Kingston sought for: But the miller had warning, and he having a good tall fellow to his servant called him unto him and said, I must go forth, if their come any to ask for me, say that thou art the owner of the Mill, and that thou hast kept the same this four years, and in no wise name not me. The servant promised his Master so to do. Afterward came sir Anthony Kingston to the miller's house and called for the Miller, the servant answered that he was the Miller. Then said Master Kinston how long hast thou kept this Mill, and he answered three years. Well then said he come on thou must go with me, and caused his servants to lay hands on him, and brought him to the next tree, saying you have been a rebellious Knave, and therefore here shall you hang. Then cried he & said that he was not the Miller, but the Miller's servant, well than said he you are a false knave to be in two tales, therefore hang him up said he, and so he was hanged. After he was hanged, one being by, said to sir Anthony Kingston, surely this was but the Miller's man, what then said he? could he ever have done his Master better service than to hung for him. In this mean time the whole realm in a manner in every shire were gathered together in unlawful assemblies, as Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Common rebellion. Middlesex, Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, whose Captains were, Oxfordshire Berkshire, Middlesex, Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk. Robert Kette a Tanner, and William Kette his brother, against whom was sent by the kings majesty the Lord Marquis of Northhampton, being slenderly provided of all things necessary for such an enterprise. Which being perceived of the Rebels, they took courage thereby the more stoutly to withstand them. Nevertheless he entered the City of Norwich, and lying there one night, he was sore assaulted by the rebels, Robert Kett William Ket which in number were three times as many as came with him. By reason whereof he was forced to retire, with the loss of diverse of his company, namely of the gentle Lord Sheffalde, who by the said rebels was cruelly murdered, to the great discomfort of the said Lord Marques, and other Gentlemen that at that time attended upon him. And after the said rebels being puffed up with vain glory, did use towards the Gentlemen of that country great cruelty, in fetching them out of their houses and brought them to their camp, and compelled some of them to be their counsellors, whether they would or not, as Sergeant Gaudy, Sergeant Catlyn, and many other: But yet they trusted them not so well, but they clapped a pair of Fetters upon their heels, to keep them safe when they had them from stepping away. And the place where the common meeting and counsel was kept, was at a certain tree, which they called the tree of Reformation. After that the Lord Marques having the repulse as aforesaid, Sir john Dudley Earl of warwick. was returned. Then the kings Majesty sent that valiant and warlike knight sir john Dudley Earl of Warwick against them with a greater number, & better furnished: Who also had with him two thousand of the Launceknights that we spoke of before, which were retained to go into Scotland: which Lance knights at that journey did great and good service, and fought valiantly and manfully, although many of them were slain. Now when the Earl of Warwick, who was not only a valiant and hardy Gentleman, but also wise and politic, was come near to the rebels, he marched forward in so good order, that the rebels began to fear. But yet as men desperate they gathered themselves together, and stoutly set forth and adventured the battle with the said Earl, who being a very politic captain, assaulted them first with the said strangers, being footmen on the front, whilst he and his horsemen gave the charge on the flank of their battle, whereby the battle of the said rebels began to break, and in conclusion was utterly scattered, and a great number of them slain, and Kette their chief captain put to flight. Nevertheless the residue, as desperate men reinforced the battle, meaning to make trial of a new field. But the Earl loath to proceed to the destruction of the whole number, considering that they were our own Nation and people, did very mercifully sand an Herald unto them, saying, that if they would deliver unto him such as were their Captains and chief heads, the rest should receive the kings most gracious pardon, and have free liberty to departed every man to his house and Country. The which pardon they would not at the first seem to receive, until they saw the said Earls main battle to approach, and the horsemen with the strangers ready to give a new onset, whereof they standing in fear, yielded themselves unto the kings mercy and pardon, who according to the Earls promise' made by his Herald, were all pardoned, saving certain to the number of xxiiij Robert Ket and William Kette taken and executed. chief stirrers in this rebellion, who were presently executed. And after Robert Kett, and William Kett his brother, which before were fled, were taken, and brought first to the Earl, and then sent up to the king to Westminster, and from thence they were sent again into Norfolk, and there executed according to their merits. Thus was this rebellion of Norfolk by the singular providence and manhood of this noble Earl pacified by the punishment of a few, without any loss of life, lands, or goods, to any other of the Country. The French king practiseth the getting of Bulleyne. During the time of these commotions and stirs in England, the French king understanding of the same, did not only stay his power for going into Scotland, but being in great desire to have again Bolleyne, he thought now was the time, or else never, wherefore with all speed possible he directed his letters to all his nobles, knights and Captains that they should upon the sight of the said letters, put themselves in a readiness, and attend upon him with such power and furniture as they were able to make in the county of Bollonoys, the first day of September next following. At which time the king came to Monstrell, where he found the Constable of France and Mounsire de Aumale putting their army in a readiness. And the next day following, the French king being accompanied with the said Lords and their power, set forward toward Bolleyn, and after came and besieged sundry piles and forts which the English men had there builded and won them, and namely one Castle, which the English men called able Neufe or new Haven, wherein as saith the writer of the Annals of France, were four Ensigns of English men, which being sore beaton with the Canon, yielded to the French king. And likewise Boleyne Bark and Blackness, the which forts when the French king had recovered, and had furnished them with men and munition for defence, he then returned into France with great triumph. In this mean time, while the French king was thus occupied about Bolleyn in France, the king's majesty was still occupied in quieting and pacefiing of his rebellious people in England, and finally to pacify them and to set them all at rest, the king published his graces most general and free pardon to all rebels, so that they would forthwith upon the publication of the said pardon, every man to return to his house and country, which they gladly did, and so this seditious and most dangerous rebellion seized. Marry Stuart Queen of Scots conveyed into France. Also in this busy time, Marry Stuart Queen of Scots was conveyed by Sea out of Scotland into France, and there the xix day of April .1548. was married in our Lady Church in Paris with great triumph and solemnity unto Frances the dolphin, eldest son unto king Henry the second of that name French king. After these hurly burlies were pacified and quieted, The counsel withdraw themselves into private conferences. many of the Lords of the realm, as well counsellors as other misliking the government of the Protector, began to withdraw themselves from the Court, and resorting to London, fell to secret consultation for redress of things, but namely for the displacing of the said Lord Protector, and suddenly of what occasion many marveled and few knew, every Lord and Counsellor went thorough the City weaponed, and had their servants likewise weaponed attending upon them in new lyverings to the wondering of many. And at the last, a great assemble of the said Counsellors was made at the Earl of Warwikes lodging which was then at Ely place in Holborn, whether all the Confederates in this matter came privily armed, and finally concluded to possess the Tower of London, which by the policy of Sir William Paulet Lord Treasurer of England was peaceably obtained for them, who by order of the said Confederates, immediately removed Sir john Markam then Lieutenant of the Tower, and placed in that room sir Leonard chamberlain. And after that the said counsel was broken up at Ely place, the Earl of Warwick removed forthwith into the City of London, and lay in the house of one john York Citizen of London, who was then chief master of the Mint in Southwark in Suffolk place, which York was shortly after by the aid of the said Earl of Warwick made by the king knight, by the name of sir john York. The Lord Protector hearing of the manner of the assembly of this counsel, The Protector removeth in haste with the king to Windsor. & of the taking of the Tower which seemed to him very strange and doubtful, did presently the said night remove from Hampton Court, taking the king with him unto the Castle of Wyndsore, and there began to fortify the same. The Lords of the Counsel being then in London as aforesaid conferred with the Mayor of London and his brethren, first willing them to 'cause a good and substantial watch by night, and a good ward by day to be kept for the safeguard of the City, and the ports and gates thereof, which was consented unto: and the Companies of London in their turns warned to watch and ward accordingly. Then the said Lords and counsellors demanded of the Lord Maior and his brethren five hundred men to aid them to fetch the Lord Protector out of Wyndsore from the king. But thereunto the Mayor answered that he could grant no aid without the assent of the common counsel of the City. Whereupon the next day, a common counsel was summoned to the guildhall in London. But in this mean time, the said Lords of the counsel assembled themselves at the Lord majors house of London, who then was sir john Amcotes Fishemonger, and William Lock Mercer, A proclamation publishes against the Lord Protector. and sir john Aileph Shiriefes of the said City. And there the said Counsel agreed and published a proclamation forthwith against the Lord Protector, the effect of which proclamation was as followeth. First, that the Lord Protector by his malicious and evil government was the occasion of all the sedition that of late had happened within the realm. The loss of the king's pieces in France. That he was Ambitious and sought his own glory, as appeared by his building of most sumptuous and costly houses, and specially in the time of the king's wars, and the king's soldiers unpaid. That he esteemed nothing the grave counsel of the Counsellors. The he sowed sedition between the nobles, the gentlemen & commons. That the nobles assembled themselves together at London for none other purpose, but to have caused the Protector to have lived within limits, and to have put such order for the king's majesty as appertained, whatsoever the Protectors doing were, which (as they said) were unnatural, ingrate and Traitorous. That the Protector slandered the counsel to the king, and did that in him say to cause variance between the king and his nobles. That he was a great Traitor, and therefore the Lords desired the City and the commons to aid them to take him from the king. And in witness and testimony of the contents of the said proclamation, the Lords subscribed their names and titles, being sixteen in number. After the aforesaid proclamation was proclaimed, the Lords or the most part of them continuing and lying in London, came the next day to the guildhall during the time that the Lord Maior & his brethren, sat in their court or inner chamber, and entered and commoned a long while with them, and at the last, the Mayor and his brethren came forth unto the common counsel, The kings letter read to the Citizens. where was read the kings letter sent unto the Mayor and Citizens, commanding them to aid him with five hundred men, and to sand the same to his Castle at Windsor: and to the same letter was adjoined the kings hand and the Lord Protectors. On the otherside by the mouth of the Recorder, it was requested that the Citizens would grant their aid rather unto the Lords, for that the Protector had abused both the kings majesty and the whole Realm, and without that he were taken from the king, and made to understand his folly, this realm was in great hazard, and therefore required that the Citizens would willingly assent to aid the Lords with five hundred men, hereunto was none other answer made but silence. But the Recorder (who at that time was a worthy Gentleman called Master Brooke) still cried upon them for answer. At the last stepped up a wise and good Citizen and said, A Citizen's tale told in the common counsel in London. in this case it is good for us to think of things past to avoid the danger of things to come. I remember, saith he, in a story written in Fabians Chronicle, of the war between the king and his Barons, which was in the time of king Henry the third, and the same time the Barons as our Lords do now demanded aid of the Mayor and City of London, & that in a rightful cause for the common weal, which was for the execution of divers good laws, whereunto the king before had given his consent, and after would not suffer them to take place, and the City did aid the Lords, & it came to an open battle, wherein the Lords prevailed and took the king and his son prisoners, and upon certain conditions, the Lords restored again the king and his son to their liberties. And among all other conditions, this was one that the king should not only grant his pardon to the Lords, but also to the Citizens of London, which was granted, yea and the same was ratified by act of parliament. But what followed of it? was it forgotten? no surely, nor forgiven during the kings life, the liberties of the City were taken away, Strangers appointed to be our Heads and Governors, the Citizens given away body and goods, and from one persecution to another, were most miserably afflicted, such it is to enter into the wrath of a prince, as Solomon saith, the wrath & indignation of a Prince is death. Wherefore forasmuch as this aid is required of the kings majesty, whose voice we aught to harken unto, for he is our high shepherd, rather than unto the Lords: and yet I would not wish the Lords to be clearly shaken of, but that they with us and we with them may join in suit and make our most humble petition to the kings majesty, that it would please his highness to here such complaint against the government of the Lord Protector as may be justly alleged and proved. And I doubt not, but this matter will be so pacified, that neither shall the king, nor yet the Lords have cause to seek for further aid, neither we to offend any of them both. After this tale, the commons stayed, and the lord Maior and his brethren for that time broke up, and afterward commoned with the Lords. The Lords sat the next day in counsel in the Star Chamber and from thence they sent Sir Phillipe Hobby, Sir Philip Hobby sent to the king by the Lords. with their letter of credence to the kings majesty, beseeching his highness to give credit to that which the said Sir Philip should declare unto his majesty in their names: and the king gave him liberty to speak, and most gently heard all that he had to say. And truly he did so wisely declare his message, and so gravely told his tale in the name of the Lords, but therewithal so vehemently and so grievously against the Protector, who was also there present by the king, The Lord Protector committed to prison in Windsor Castle. that in the end, the Lord Protector was commanded from the kings presence and shortly was committed to ward in a Tower within the castle of Windsor called Beauchampes Tower. And soon after were stayed Sir Thomas Smith, Master whaley, Master Fissher, and many other Gentlemen that attended upon the Lord Protector. And the same day, the Lords of the Counsel came to Wyndsore to the king, The Lord Protector committed to the Tower. and the next day they brought from thence the Lord Protector and the other that were there stayed, and conveyed them through the City of London with as much wonderment as might be unto the Tower, where they remained prisoners. Shortly after the Lords resorted unto the Tower, and there charged the Protector with sundry articles, which for tediousness I omit. Shortly after this, A parliament. the king's majesty called his high Court of parliament, and held the same at Westminster, the xxiiij day of November, in the third year of his reign, and there continued the same until the first day of February next following, An act for unlawful assemblies. which was in the fourth year of his grace's reign. And among other things there enacted and concluded, one statute was made for the punishment of rebels and unlawful assemblies, the which law was made by occasion of the late rebellion that had happened in manner throughout the realm the year passed, and was not thought nor meant to have touched any Noble man, and specially none such as the Duke of Somerset was, which after as it shall appear it did, and by that statute he was condemned within two years next after. After the end of this parliament, the Earl of Warwick having then highest authority, and the rest of the Lords of the counsel, calling to remembrance how the last year in the time of rebellion, the French king had entered into Bullonoys, and won divers of the English forts there, being of great importance for the defence of the town and Country, the default whereof was imputed to the negligent government of the Lord Protector. And forsomuch as they well understood that the French king upon further practice, had placed a Capitayne called the Rhynegrave with divers regiments of Almaigne, lanceknights and certain ensigns of Frenchmen, to the number of four or five thousand at the town of Marguyson, being the midway between Bolleyn and Calais, to the great peril and danger as well of the County of Bullonoys as also of Calais, Guysnes and all the low country. The king therefore for the defence of the said Frontiers, caused all the strangers, which had served that year against the rebels, being to the number of two thousand, to be transported over the Sea to the Marches of Calais. And at Christmas next following by order of the said Earl and of the Counsellors aforesaid, A power sent over to resist the French. France's Earl of Huntyngdon with sir Edward Hastynges his brother, Sir james Croft, Sir Leonard Chamberleyn, and divers other Capytaines and soldiers to the number of three thousand were sent over to the Marches of Calais to join with the said strangers, minding with as convenient speed as they might to remove the Camp; and otherwise to annoyed the French. And about the seventh day of February certain commissioners appointed for this treaty, Commissioners sent to treat of peace that is to wit, the Earl of Bedford, the Lord Paget, Sir William Peter the kings chief Secretary, and sir john Mason arrived at Calais: By reason of whose coming, the Earl of Huntyngdon and the army sent over before for the defence of the Frontiers were countermanded from any further attempt, so that little or nothing was done in that voyage, saving certain skirmishes at divers times, not much material to be written of. These commissioners being thus arrived, passed from Calais to Bolleyne, there to meet with the commissioners appointed by the French king where as a certain house was newly erected for the said treaty to be had, which was upon the side of Boleyn haven next to France, where after divers meetings and conferences of the commissioners of either party, a final peace was at the last concluded between both the realms. But chief among other things, for the restitution of Bolleyn and Bollonoys unto the French, which was upon certain conditions following. A peace concluded with France. First that the French king should yield and pay to the king of England a certain some of money, and the same to be paid at two payments, as it was then agreed, and for the same somme, the king of England should tender the town of Bolleyne, and all the Forts thereto adjoining, which he then enjoyed, with all such artillery and munition as was there found at the taking of the same unto the french king. And for the sure payment of the said sums, the french king sent into England for hostages and pledges, the County of Angwyn, Lewis the Lord of Vendosme his brother, the Vidame of Charters, and Duke de Aumale and other. And on saint Marks day next following, being the xxv day of April about eight of the clock in the morning, Boleyn given up to the french king. the English men did deliver to the french men the possession of Bolleyn, and the Castles and Forts in the County of Bollonoys according to the agrements and articles of the peace afore mentioned. And the fifteen day next following, the French king entered into the said town of Bolleyn, with Trumpets blown, The entrance of the french king into Bulleyne. and with all the royal triumph that might be, where he offered one great Image of Silver of our Lady in the Church there, which was called our Lady Church. The which Image he had caused specially to be made in the honour of the said Lady, and caused the same to be set up in the place where the like Image before did stand, the which before was taken away by the English men at the winning of the town. Soon after this agreement, the Duke of Somerset late Protector, The Duke of Somerset delivered out of the Tower. was delivered out of the Tower, and because of suspicion of displeasure and hatred that was thought to be between the Earl of Warwick, A marriage made between the Duke of Somersets daughter and the Duke of northumberlands son. and the Duke of Somerset, a mean was found that their friendship should be renewed through alliance, and a marriage was concluded between the Earl of Warwick's eldest son, and the Duke of Sommersets eldest daughter, the which marriage was solemnized at Shene, the king being then present. After the solemnity of this marriage, there appeared outwardly to the world great love and friendship between the Duke and the Earl, but by reason of Caritales and flatterers, the love continued not long, howbeit many did very earnestly wish love and amity to continued between them. About this time there was at Feversham in Kent a Gentleman named Arden most cruelly murdered and slain by the procurement of his own wife. And she for the same fact was burned at Cauntorbury, Arden murdered. and certain other that were the doers thereof were hanged in divers places of the realm. At this time also the kings Majesty called his high Court of Parliament, and held the same at Westminster the xxiij day of january, A parliament in the fift year of his reign, and there continued the same until the xu day of April in the sixth year of his reign. In this Parliament the book of common prayer, which in some part had been corrected and amended, was newly confirmed and established. And in the end of this Parliament there chanced a great and contagious sickness to happen in the realm, which was called the sweating sickness, The sweating sickness. whereof a great number of people died in a small time, namely in the City of London. And it seemed that God had appointed the said sickness only for the plague of Englishmen, for the most that died thereof were men and not women nor children. And it so followed the Englishmen, that such Merchants of England as were in Flaunders and Spain, and other Countries beyond the sea were visited therewithal, and none other nation infected therewith. And it began first in April in the North parts, and so came through the realm, and continued until September next following. The disease was sudden and grievous, so that some being in perfit health in one hour, were gone and dead within four hours next following And the same being hot and terrible enforced the people greatly to call upon God, and to do many deeds of Charity: But as the disease ceased, so the devotion quickly decayed. At this time also, The embasing of the Coin the kings Majesty with the advice of his privy Counsel, and having also great conference with Merchants and other, perceiving that by such coins and copper moneys as had been coined in the time of the king his father, and now were commonly currant in the realm, and in deed a great number of them not worth half the value that they were current at, to the great dishonour of the kings Majesty and the realm, and to the deceit and no little hindrance of all the kings majesties good subjects, did now purpose not only the abasing of the said copper moneys, but also meant wholly to reduce them into Bollion, to the intent to deliver fine & good monies for them. And therefore in the month of july by his grace's Proclamation, he abased the piece of twelve pence commonly called a Teston unto ix pence, & the piece of four pence unto three pence. And in August next following, the piece of ix pence was abased to six pence, and the piece of three pence unto two pence, and the penny to an half penny. The Duke of Somerset again aprehended and committed to the Tower. The xj day of October, there was a great creation of Dukes & Earls, as the Lord marquis Dorset was created Duke of Suffolk, the Earl of Warwick made Duke of Northumberland, & the Earl of Wiltshire made Marquis of Winchester, & sir William Herbert master of the horse, was made Earl of Pembroke, and divers Gentlemen were made knights. The xuj day of the said month being Friday, the Duke of Somerset was again apprehended, and his wife also, and committed to the Tower, and with him also were committed sir Mighell Stanhop, sir Thomas Arondell, sir Ralph Auane, sir Miles Partridge, and other, for suspicion of treason and felony, whereof, they all were shortly after indicted, and so standing indicted, the second day of December next following, the said Duke was brought out of the Tower of London with the Axe of the Tower borne before him, with a great number of Bills, glaives, Holbardes, and Pole-axes, attending upon him, and so came into Westminster Hall, where was made in the middle of the Hall a new Scaffold, where all the Lords of the king's Counsel sat as his judges, and there was he arraigned and charged with many articles both of treason and felony. And when after much mild speech he had answered not guilty, he in all humble manner put himself to be tried by his Peers, who after long consultation among themselves, gave their verdict that he was not guilty of the treason, but of the felony. The people there present which was a great number, hearing the Lords say not guilty, which was to the treason, thinking most certainly that he was clearly acquitted, and chief for that, immediately upon the pronouncing of those words, he that carried the Axe of the Tower, departed with the Axe, they made such an outcry and joy, as the like hath not been heard, which was an evident declaration of their good wills borne towards him: But nevertheless, he was condemned to the death, whereof shortly after he tasted. The felony that he was condemned of, was upon the statute made the last year against rebels and unlawful assemblies, wherein among other things is one branch, that whosoever shall procure the death of any Counsellor, that every such attempt or procurement shall be felony. And by force of that statute the Duke of Somerset being accompanied with certain other, was charged that he purposed and attempted the death of the Duke of Northumberlande, the Lord Marques, the Lord of Pembroke, and others of the privy Counsel, the which by statute was felony. The Duke of Somerset condemned returneth to the Tower. After the Duke was thus condemned, he was again returned to the Tower, and landed at the Crave of the Vintrye, and so passed through London, where were both exclamations, the one cried for joy, that he was acquitted, the other cried out that he was condemned. But howsoever they cried, he was conveyed to the Tower of London, where he remained until the xxij day of january next following. The Duke being condemned as is aforesaid, the people spoke diversly and murmored against the Duke of Northumberlande, and against some other of the Lords for the condemnation of the said Duke, and also as the common fame went, the kings majesty took it not in good part: wherefore aswell to remove fond talk out of men's mouths, as also to recreate and refresh the troubled spirits of the young king, it was devised that the feast of Christ's Nativity, commonly called Christmas then at hand, should be solemnly kept at Greenewiche with open household, and frank resort to the Court, (which is called keeping of the Hall,) what time of old ordinary course, there is always one appointed to make sport in the Court, called commonly Lord of Misrule, whose office is not unknown to such as have been brought up in noblemen's houses, and among great house keepers, which use liberal feasting in that season. There was therefore by order of the counsel a Gentleman both wise and learned, whose name was George Ferrer appointed to that office for this year: George Ferrer master of the king's pastimes. who being of better calling then commonly his predecessors had been before, received all his commissions and warrauntes by the name of the Master of the kings pastimes. Which Gentleman so well supplied his office, both in show of sundry sights and devices of rare invention, and in act of divers interludes and matters of pastime, played by persons, as not only satisfied the common sort, but also were very well liked and allowed by the counsel and other of skill in the like pastimes: But best of all by the young king himself, as appeared by his princely liberality in rewarding that service. This Christmas being thus passed and spent with much mirth and pastime, wherewith the minds and ears of murmorers were meetly well appeased, according to a former determination as the sequel showed, it was thought now good to proceed to the execution of the judgement given against the Duke of Somerset touching his conviction and attainder of the felony afore mentioned. Whereupon the xxij day of january than next following being Friday, he was brought out of the Tower, and according to the manner delivered to the sheriffs of London, The execution of the Duke of Somerset. and so with a great company of the Guard and other with weapons, was brought unto the Scaffold, where he should suffer. And there nothing changing voice nor countenance, but in a manner with the same gesture that he partly used at home kneeling down upon both his knees, and lifting up his hands erected himself unto God. And after that he had ended a few short prayers, standing up again and turning himself towards the East side of the Scaffold, he uttered to the people these words in effect. dearly beloved Masters and friends, I am brought hither to suffer, The Duke of Sommersets saying to the people. albeit that I never offended against the king, neither by word nor deed, and have been always as faithful and as true unto the realm as any man hath been. But forsomuch as I am by a law condemned to die, I do acknowledge myself as well as other to be subject thereunto. Wherefore to express and testify my obedience, which I own unto the laws, I am come hither to suffer death, whereunto I willingly offer myself, giving most hearty thanks unto the divine goodness, as if I had received a most ample and great reward: For this it is thought good in the sight of the most merciful father now to grant me this time of repentance, & to acknowledge myself, who might through sudden death have stopped my breath, that I should neither acknowledge him nor myself, in which behalf I worthily with my whole heart tender thanks unto him. And moreover gentle friends, there is yet some what that I must put you in mind of, verily as touching religion, which so long as I was in authority I did always diligently set forth unto you, neither do I repent me of my doings, but rather thereof take most abundant and true occasion of rejoicing, now that the state of Christian religion seemeth to draw most near unto the form of an order of the primative Church. Of which thing I do not only rejoice, but also interpret it as a great benefit given of God both unto you and me, most heartily exhorting you all that this which is most purely set forth unto you, you will with like thankfulness accept & embrace and set out the same in your livings, which thing if you do not, great mischief and peril will follow. A sudden fear amongst the people. And when he had spoken the aforesaid words, suddenly a terror and fear possessed all men's hearts, and surely the people present were so dismayed, that they ran together upon heaps, and fled as though they had seen some armed men to make resistance and cried out, jesus save us, jesus save us. Those which tarried still in their places knew not where they were. The diverse and sundry noises of those which cried out, made the sudden tumult much more confused than it would have been, albeit of itself it was troublesome enough, for as every man thought himself to be in danger, so he cried out, so many and sundry noises were heard, this way and that way they come. In the mean time whilst these things were thus in doing, the people by chance espied one sir Anthony Browne knight, riding toward the scaffold, which was the occasion of a new noise: For when they saw him coming, even at that time, they suspected that which was not true, & yet notwithstanding, it was that which they all wished for, that the king by that messenger, had sent his Uncle pardon, and therefore with great rejoicing they cried out pardon, pardon is come, God save the king. The truth of this hurly-burly grew hereof, as it was after well known. The manner and custom is that when such executions are done out of the Tower, the inhabitants of certain Hamlets round about London, as Hoggsdon, Newyngton, Shordiche and other are commanded to give their attendance with weapons upon the Lieutenant. And at this time, the Duke being upon the scaffold by eight of the clock in the morning, the people of one of the Hamlets came late, and coming through the postern gate espying the Duke on the scaffold, made haste and began to run, and cried to their fellows that were behind come away, come away. The people suddenly beholding them to come running with weapons, and knew not the cause cried away, away, by reason whereof the people ran every way, not knowing whether nor wherefore. The Duke in the mean time standing still both in the same place and mind where he was before with his Cap which he shook with his hand made a sign unto the people, that they should keep themselves quiet, which thing being done and silence obtained, he spoke to them the second time in this manner. dearly beloved friends, The second speech of the Duke of Somerset to the people. there is no such matter here in hand as you vainly hope or believe, it seemeth thus good unto almighty God, whose ordinance it is meet and necessary that we all be obedient unto, wherefore I pray you all to be quiet and without tumult, for I am even now quiet, and let us join in prayer unto the Lord for the preservation of our noble king, unto whose majesty I wish continual health with all felicity and abundance and all manner of prosperous success, whereunto the people cried out Amen. Moreover saith the Duke, I wish unto all his counsellors the grace and favour of God, whereby they may rule all things uprightly with justice, unto whom I exhort you all in the Lord to show yourselves obedient, the which is also very necessary for you under the pain of condemnation, and also most profitable for the preservation and safeguard of the king's majesty. And forsomuch as heretofore, I have had often times affairs with divers men, and that it is heard to please every man, therefore if there be any man that hath been offended or injured by me, I most humbly require and ask him forgiveness. But especially almighty God, whom throughout all my life I have most grievously offended. And unto all other whatsoever they be that have offended me, I do with my whole heart forgive them. And once again dearly beloved in the Lord I require you that you will keep yourselves quiet and still, lest thorough your tumult you might 'cause me to have some trouble, which in this case would nothing at all profit me, neither be any pleasure unto you. For albeit the spirit be willing and ready, the flesh is frail and wavering, and through your quietness, I shall be much more the quieter: But if that you fall to tumult it will be great trouble and no gain at all unto you. Moreover I desire you to bear me witness that I die here in the faith of jesus Christ, desiring you to help me with your prayers, that I may persever constant in the same unto my lives end. Then he turning himself about kneeled down upon his knees, unto whom Doctor Cox which was there present to counsel and advertise him, delivered a certain s●roll into his hand, wherein was contained a brief confession unto God, which being read he stood up again on his feet, without any trouble of mind as it appeared, and first bade the Shreive's farewell, than the Lieutenant of the Tower, and certain other that were on the scaffold, taking them all by the hands. Then he gave the executioner certain money, which done, he put of his Gown, and kneeling down again in the straw, untied his shirt strings, and then the executioner coming to him, turned down his collar round about his neck, and all other things which did let and hinder him. Then he covering his face with his own handkerchefe, lifting up his eyes unto heaven, where his only hope remained, The death of the Duke of Sommerses. laid himself down along and there suffered the heavy stroke of the axe, which dissevered the head from his body, to the lamentable sight and grief of thousands that hearty praised God for him, and entirely loved him. This Duke was in high favour and estimation with king Henry the eight, of whom he received sundry high and great preferments, by reason that the said king had married the Lady jane his sister, by whom he had issue king Edward the sixth. He was not only courteous, wise and gentle, being daily attendant at the Court, but forward and fortunate in service abroad, as may well appear in his sundry voyages both in France and Scotland, he was of nature very gentle and pitiful, not blemished by any thing so much as by the death of the Admiral his natural brother, which could not have been without his consent. 1551/6 Sir Ralph Auane, Sir Miles Partridge, Sir Mighel Stanhop, Sir Thomas Arondel The xxuj day of February next following, for the like felony that the Duke of Somerset was condemned, were also executed and hanged on a gallows near unto the scaffold on Tower hill, sir Ralph Auane, and sir Miles Partridge knights. And the same day was for the same cause and matter sir Mighell Stanhop, and sir Thomas Arondell beheaded on the scaffold. Not long after the death of the said Duke and his complices, it chanced the reverend father in God Master Doctor Ridley then Bishop of London to preach before the kings Majesty at Westminster. In the which sermon he made a fruitful and Godly exhortation to the rich, to be merciful unto the poor, and also moved such as were in authority to travail by some charitable way and mean to comfort and relieve them. Whereupon the kings Majesty being a Prince of such towardness and virtue for his years, as England before never brought forth, and the same also being so well treyned and brought up in all Godly knowledge, aswell by his dear Uncle the late Protector, as also by his virtuous and learned Schoolmasters, was so careful of the good government of the realm, and chief to do and prefer such things as most specially touched the honour of almighty God. And understanding that a great number of poor people did swarm in this realm, and chief in the City of London, and that no good order was taken for them, did suddenly and of himself sand to the said Bishop assoon as his Sermon was ended, willing him not to departed until that he had spoken with him (and this that I now writ was the very report of the said Bishop Ridley) and according to the kings commandment, he gave his attendance. And so soon as the kings Majesty was at leisure, he called for him, and made him to come unto him into a great Gallery at Westminster wherein to his knowledge, and the king also told him so, there was present no more persons than they two, and therefore made him sit down in one chair, and he himself in another, which as it seemed were before the coming of the Bishop there purposely set, and caused the Bishop maugre his teeth to be covered, and then entered communication with him in this sort, first giving him most hearty thanks for his Sermon and good exhortation, and therein rehearsed such special things as he had noted, and that so many that the Bishop said, truly, truly, for that was commonly his oath, I could never have thought that excellency to have been in his grace, A most noble and virtuous saying of a Prince. that I beheld & saw in him. At the last the king's Majesty much commended him for his exhortation for the relief of the poor, but my Lord saith he, ye willed such as are in authority to be careful thereof, and to devise some good order for their relief, wherein I think you meant me, for I am in highest place, and therefore am the first that must make answer unto God for my negligence if I should not be careful therein, knowing it to be the express commandment of almighty mighty god, to have compassion of his poor and needy members for whom we must make an account unto him. And truly my Lord I am before all things most willing to travail that way, and I doubt nothing of your long and approved wisdom and learning, who having such good zeal as wisheth help unto them, but that also that you have had some conference with others what ways are best to be taken therein, the which I am desirous to understand, and therefore I pray you say your mind. The Bishop thinking least of that matter, and being amazed to here the wisdom and earnest zeal of the king, was, as he said himself so astonished, that he could not well tell what to say. But after some pause, said, that as he thought at this presence for some entrance to be had, it were good to practise with the City of London, because a number of the poor there are very great, and the Citizens are many and also wise. And he doubted not but they were also both pitiful and merciful, as the Mayor and his brethren, and other the worshipful of the said City, and that if it would please the kings Majesty to direct his gracious letter unto the Mayor of London, willing him to call unto him such assistance as he should think meet to consult of this matter, for some order to be taken therein, he doubted not but good should follow thereof. And he himself promised the king to be one that would earnestly travail therein. The king forthwith not only granted his letter, but made the Bishop tarry until the same was written, and his hand and signet set thereunto, and commanded the Bishop not only to deliver the same letter himself, but also to signify unto the Mayor that it was the king's special request and express commandment, that the Mayor should therein travail, and assoon as he might conveniently give knowledge unto him how far he had proceeded therein. The Bishop was so joyous of the having of this letter, and that he had now an occasion to travail in that good matter, wherein he was marvelous zealous, that nothing could more have pleased and delighted him: Wherefore the same night he came to the Mayor of London, who then was sir Richard Dobbes knight, & delivered the kings letter, and showed his message with effect. The Mayor not only joyously received this letter, but with all speed agreed to set forward this matter, for he also favoured it very much. And the next day being Monday, he desired the Bishop of London to dine with him, and against that time the Mayor promised that he would send for such men, as he thought meetest to talk of this matter, and so he did. And sent first for two Aldermen, and six Commoners, and afterward were appointed more to the number of xxiiij And in the end after sundry meetings, (for by the mean of the good diligence of the Bishop, it was well followed) they agreed upon a book that they had devised, wherein first they considered of ix special kinds or sorts of poor people, and those they brought into these three degrees. Three degrees of poor. The poor by impotency. Degrees of poor. Poor by casualty. Thriftless poor. 1 The poor by impotency are also divided into three kinds, that is to say. 1 The fatherless or poor man's child. 2 The aged, blind, and lame. 3 The diseased person, by lepry, dropsy. etc. 2 The poor by casualty are also three kinds, that is to say. 4 The wounded Soldier. 5 The decayed householder. 6 The visited with grievous disease. 3 The thriftless poor are three kinds, that is to say. 7 The rioter that consumeth all. 8 The vagabond that will abide in no place. 9 The idle person, as the Strumpet & other. Christ's Hospital. For these sorts of poor were provided three several houses, first for the innocent and fatherless, which is the beggars child, and is in deed the seed & breeder of beggary, they provided the house that was the late Grey Friars in London, and now is called Christ's Hospital, where the poor children are trained in the knowledge of God and some virtuous exercise to the overthrow of beggary. Saint Thomas hospital. For the second degree, is provided the Hospital of Saint Thomas in Southwark, and Saint Bartholomewe in West Smithfielde, where are continually at the lest two hundred diseased persons which are not only there lodged and cured, but also fed and nourished. Bridewell. For the third degree, they provided Bridewell, where the Vagabond and idle strumpet is chastised and compelled to labour, to the overthrow of the vicious life of idleness. They provided also for the honest decayed householder, that he should be relieved at home at his house, and in the parish where he dwelled by a weekly relief and pension. And in like manner they provided for the lazar to keep him out of the City from clapping of dishes, and ringing of bells, to the great trouble of the Citizens, and also to the dangerous infection of many, that they also should be relieved at home at their houses with several pensions. Now after this good order taken, and the Citizens by such means as was devised, willing to further the same. Then report thereof was made unto the king's Majesty: And his grace for the advancement thereof, was not only willing to grant such as should be the overseers and governors of the said houses a corporation and authority for the government thereof: King Edward the sixth founder of the hospitals in London. But also required that he might be accounted as the chief Founder and Patron thereof: And for the furtherance of the said work and continual maintenance of the same, he of his mere mercy and goodness granted, that where before certain lands were given to the maintenance of the house of the Savoy, founded by king Henry the seventh, for the lodging of pilgrims and strangers, and that the same was now made but a lodging of loiterers, vagabonds and strumpets that lay all day in the fields, and at night were harboured there, the which was rather the maintenance of beggary, than the relief of the poor, gave the same lands being first surrendered into his hands by the master and fellows there, which lands were of the yearly value of six hundred pound, unto the City of London, for the maintenance of the foundation aforesaid. And for a further relief, a petition being made to the kings Majesty for a licence to take in mortmain, or otherwise without licence lands to a certain yearly value, and a space left in the patent for his grace to put in what some it should please him: he looking on the void place called for pen and ink, and with his own hand wrote this sum, A blessed king. in these manner of words (four thousand marks by year) and then said in the hearing of his counsel, Lord God I yield thee most hearty thanks that thou hast given me life thus long, to finish this work to the glory of thy name. After which foundation established, he lived not above two days. By example of which act of this virtuous young king, Sir William Chester knight. sir William Chester knight and Alderman of London, & john Calthrop Citizen and Draper of the said City, at their own proper costs and charges made the brickwalls & way on the backside, john Calthrop Draper. that leadeth from the said new Hospital unto the Hospital of S. Bartholomewes': and also covered and vaulted the town ditch from Aldersgate to Newgate, which before was very noisome & contagious unto the said Hospital. This Hospital, being thus erected and put in good order, Richard castle Shoemaker. there was one Richard castle Alias Casteller Shoemaker dwelling in Westminster, a man of great travail and labour in his faculty with his own hands, and such a one as was named the Cock of Westminster, for that Winter and Summer he was at his work before four of the clock in the morning. This man thus truly and painfully labouring for his living, God blessed and increased his labours so abundantly, that he purchased lands and tenements in Westminster to the yearly value of xliiij pound. And having no child, with the consent of his wife (who also yet liveth and is a virtuous and good woman) gave the same lands wholly to Christ's Hospital aforesaid to the relief of the innocent and fatherless children, and for the succour of the miserable sore and sick harboured in the other Hospitals about London, whose example God grant many to follow. About this time there were three noble ships set forth and furnished for the great adventure of the unknown voyage into the East, by the North seas. The great doer & encourager of which voyage was Sebastian Gaboto an English man, borne at Bristol, but was the son of a Genua. Sebastian Gaboto. These ships at the last arrived in the country of Muscovia, not without great loss & danger, and namely of their captain, who was a worthy & adventurous gentleman called sir Hugh Willoughby knight, who being tossed & driven by tempest, was at the last found in his ship frozen to the death and all his people. But now the said voyage and trade is greatly advanced, & the merchants adventuring that way are newly by act of parliament encoporated & endued with sundry privileges and liberties. Three notable marriages. About the beginning of the month of May next following there were three notable marriages concluded, & shortly after solemnized at Durham place. The first was between the Lord Guildford Dudley, The first marriage. the fourth son of the Duke of Northumberland, & the Lady jane eldest daughter of Henry Duke of Suffolk and the Lady Frances his wife, who was the daughter of Mary second sister to king Henry the eight, first married to Lewis the French king, & after to Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk. The second marriage, The second marriage. was between the Lord Harbert son and heir of William earl of Pembroke, and the Lady Katherine second daughter of the said Lady Frances by the said Henry Duke of Suffolk. The third marriage. And the third was between Henry Lord Hastings, son and heir of France's Earl of Huntingdon, and Katheryn youngest daughter of the Duke of Northumberland, which three marriages were compassed and concluded chief upon purpose to change and altar the order of succession to the crown, made in the time of king Henry the eight, from the said kings daughters, Marry, & Elizabeth, and to convey the same immediately after the death of king Edward to the house of Suffolk in the right of the said Lady Frances: wherein the said young king was an earnest travaller in the time of his sickness, and all for fear that if his sister Mary being next heir to the crown, should succeed, that she would subvert all his laws and statutes made concerning religion, whereof he was most careful: For the continuance whereof he sought to establish a meet order of succession by the alliance of great houses by way of marriage, which nevertheless were of no force to serve his purpose. For tending to the disherison of the rightful heirs they proved nothing prosperous to the parties, for two of them were soon after made frustrate, the one by death, the other by divorce. In this mean while the king became every day sicker than other of a consumption in his lungs, so as there was no hope of his recovery, whereupon those that then bore chief authority in counsel, with other Prelates & nobles of the realm, calling to them divers notable persons learned, aswell in divinity as in the laws of the land, namely, Bishops, judges, & other, fell to consultation upon this weighty case, and lastly, concluded according to the device of king Edward's will, to declare the said Lady jane eldest niece of king Henry the eight, and wife to the said Lord Guildford to be rightful heir in succession to the crown of England without respect had to the statute made in the xxxv year of king Henry the eight: The true meaning of which statute, they did impugn & overthrow by divers subtle and sinister constructions of the same, to disinherit the said kings sisters to whom the succession of the crown of England of right appertained, aswell by the common laws of this realm, as also by the said statute made in the said xxxv year of the king, as aforesaid. To which new order of succession all the said kings counsel, with many Bishops, Lords, Doctors & judges of the realm, subscribed their names without refusal of any, except sir james Hales knight one of the justices of the common place, who being called to this counsel would in no wise give his assent either by word or writing, as ye shall here more in the history of Queen Mary. The death of King Edward the six●. Now when these matters were thus concluded, & after confirmed by a number of hands as aforesaid, than the noble prince king Edward the sixth by long lingering sickness and a consumption of his lungs as aforesaid approached to his death, and departed out of this life the sixth day of july in the vij year of his reign, after he had reigned & nobly governed this realm uj years .v. months, & eight days. And a little before his departing, lifting up his eyes to god, he prayed as followeth The prayer of King Edward the sixth at his death. Lord God deliver me out of this miserable and wretched life, and take me among thy chosen: howbeit not my will, but thy will be done. Lord I commit my spirit to thee. O Lord thou knowest how happy it were for me to be with thee: yet for thy chosen's sake, if it be thy will sand me life & health that I may truly serve thee. O my Lord bless thy people and save thine inheritance. O Lord God, save thy chosen people of England. O my Lord God defend this realm from Papistry and maintain thy true religion, that I and my people may praise thy holy name. And therewithal he said I am faint, Lord have mercy upon me and take my spirit, and so he yielded up to God his ghost the sixth day of july. The Lady jane proclaimed Queen. Immediately after the death of king Edward, the aforesaid Lady jane was proclaimed Queen of this realm by the sound of trumpet, that is to say, the ix day of july, at which Proclamation were present the Lords of the Counsel, the Mayor of London with other. The Lady Mary a little before lying at Honesoon in Hartfordshire having intelligence of the state of the king her brother, and of the secret practice against her, by the advice of her friends with all speed took her journey toward her house of Kneinghall in Norfolk, intending there to remain until she could make herself more strong of her friends and allies: nevertheless understanding by them that she could not lie there in surety, being a place open and easy to be approached, The Lady mary flieth into Suffolk. removed from thence unto her Castle of Framingham standing in a wood Country, and not so easy to be invaded by her enemies. So soon as the Counsel heard of her sudden departure, and considering that all came not to pass as they supposed. They caused speedily a power of men to be gathered together. And first they agreed that the Duke of Suffolk, father to the new made Queen, should have the conduction and leading of that army. But afterwards upon further considerations it was devised, that the Duke of Northumberland should have the charge of this great enterprise, which Duke having commission from the whole counsel, without mistrust of that which after fortuned, took in hand that unhappy voyage to his own destruction as in the history of Queen Mary shall appear. So that setting apart the fear of all perils (which in other less cases he never used) when all things were in a readiness he being accompanied with no small number of Lords and Gentlemen, set forward on his journey, passing to Cambridge, & from thence to S. Edmondsbury. The Lady Mary being then at Fremyngham, hearing of this preparation against her, gathered together such power of the noble men & other her friends in that country as she could get. And first of all the noble men that came unto her aid, were the Earls of Sussex, Bath, and Oxford, the lord Wentworth, sir Thomas Cornewallis, sir Henry jerningham, sir William Walgrave, with divers other gentlemen & commons of the Counties of Norfolk, & Suffolk. In this mean season the Lord Windsor, sir Edmond Peckham, sir Robert Drury, & sir Edward Hastings, raised the commons of the shire of Buckingham, to whom resorted sir john Williams, which afterward was Lord Williams of Tame, & sir Leonard Chamberleyn with the chief power of Oxfordshire. And out of Northamptonshire came sir Thomas Tressham & a great number of gentlemen out of divers parts whose names were to long to rehearse. These captains with their companies being thus assembled in warlike manner marched forward towards Norfolk to the aid of the Lady Mary, & the further they went, the more their power increased. The Lords of the counsel being in this mean while at London, after they understood how the better part of the realm were inclined, & hearing every day news of great assemblies, began to suspect the sequel of this enterprise: so that providing for their own surety without respect of the Duke (who was now at Bury) they fell to a new counsel, and lastly, by assent made proclamation at London in the name of the Lady Mary, by the name of Mary Queen of England, France, and Ireland defender of the faith, and of the Churches of England and Ireland supreme head. Of which proclamation after the Duke of Northumberland being then at Bury was advertised by letters from the counsel, he incontinent according to a new order received from them, returned with his power again to Cambridge, & forthwith upon his coming thither proclaimed the said Lady Mary Queen: which proclamation made a sudden change of minds in his army, for they that late before seemed most forward in that quarrel, began first to fly from him, and so every man shifting for himself, he that late before was furnished of such multitude of Soldiers, was suddenly forsaken of all saving of a few whose perils were joined with his. Queen Mary. Marry eldest daughter of king Henry the eight by the Lady Katheryn of Spain, his first wife, and sister unto king Edward the sixth by the father s●de, began her reign the sixth day of july, which day the king her brother died, and she was proclaimed at London (as is before remembered in the end of the history of king Edward the sixth) the twenty day of july. 1553. And the xxiiij day of the said month next following, was also proclaimed in Cambridge by john Duke of Northumberlande, as is afore mentioned, which proclamation made by the said Duke at Cambridge notwithstanding, The duke of Northumberland apprehended at Cambridge. for that he was appointed general of the army in the quarrel of the Lady jane of Suffolk, he was by the Mayor of Cambridge, & one sergeant at arms arrested of treason. And the xxviij day of the said month he with john Earl of Warwick his eldest son and two other of his sons, & divers other lords & gentlemen, namely William Marquis of Northampton, France's Earl of Huntingdon, sir john Gates captain of the guard to king Edward the sixth, Sir Thomas Palmer & other more brought prisoners from Cambridge aforesaid by the Earl of Arondel, & so conveyed to the tower of London. The Duke of Northumberland arraigned. And the xuj day of August next following, the said Duke, & the other before named (the Earl of Huntingdon except) were brought into Westminster hall, & there arraigned of high treason before Thomas Duke of Norfolk high steward of England. And being brought to the bar, he used great reverence to his judges, & protesting his faith and allegiance to the Queen's Majesty, whom he confessed to have grievously offended, he said that he meant not to speak any thing in defence of his fact, but would understand first the opinion of the Court in two points. 1 The first, whether a man doing any act or thing by authority of the prince's counsel, & by warrant of the great Seal of England, and nothing doing without the same, may be charged with treason for doing any thing by such warrant? 2 The second, whether any such persons as were equally culpable in that crime & those by whose letters & commandments he was directed in all his doings, might be his judges or pass upon his trial as his years? Whereunto was answered: as to the first, that the great seal (which he laid for his warrant) was not the seal of the lawful Queen of the realm, nor passed by her authority, but the seal of an usurper, & therefore could be no warrant to him. And to the second, that if any were as deeply to be touched in the case as himself, yet so long as no attainder were of record against them, they were nevertheless persons able in law to pass upon any trial, & not to be challenged therefore, but at the prince's pleasure. After which answer the duke using a few words, declaring his earnest repentance in the case, and moving the duke of Norfolk to be his mean to the Queen for mercy, without further answer confessed the indictment, by whose example the other lords arraigned with him did in the like manner, & thereupon had judgement: so that the xxij day of the said month of August, the said duke, sir john Gates, & sir Thomas Palmer, at the tower hill were executed, and all the rest shortly after were pardoned by the Queen who (as it was reported) could also have been content to have spared the said duke's life as well as the rest, for the special favour that before time she did always bear unto him. After that Queen mary was thus with full consent of the Nobles, and Commons of the realm proclaimed Queen she being then in Norfolk at her Castle of Framingham, repaired with all speed toward the City of London, & the third day of the said month of August she came to the said City, and so to the Tower. Where the Lady jane of Suffolk late afore proclaimed Queen, with her husband the Lord Guildford a little before her coming, were committed to ward, The Lady jane and the Lord Guilforde imprisoned. and there remained after almost five Months. And by the way as the Queen thus passed, she was joyfully saluted of all the people without any misliking, saving that it was much feared of many, that she would altar the religion set forth in the time of king Edward her brother, whereof then were given just occasions, because (notwithstanding divers laws made to the contrary) she had daily Mass and Latin service said before her in the Tower. At her entry into the Tower there were presented to her certain prisoners, Prisoners pardoned & released. namely Thomas Duke of Norfolk attainted of treason by parliament in the last year of King Henry the eight, whose attayndor in the first Parliament of this new Queen for great causes was reversed and made void. Also Edward Courtney son and heir of Henry Marquis of Excester Cousin germane to king Henry the eight, and Cuthbert Tonstall Bishop of Durham with other persons of great calling: But specially Stephen gardener Bishop of Wynchester, Stephyn Gardyner made chancellor of England. whom she not only released of imprisonment, but also immediately advanced and preferred to be Lord Chancellor of England, restoring him also to his former estate and bishopric, and removed from the same one Doctor Poynet, who a little before was placed therein by the gift of king Edward the sixth. Edward Courtney made Earl of Devonshire. And touching Edward Courtney, she not only advanced him to the earldom of Devonshire, but also to so much of his father's possession as there remained in her hands, whereby it was then thought of many, that she bore affection to him by way of marriage, but it came not so to pass (for what cause I cannot give any reason) but surely the subjects of England were most desirous thereof. Upon the receiving of this new Queen, Bishops deposed and Bishops restored. all the Bishops which had been deprived in the time of king Edward the sixth her brother for the cause of religion, were now again restored to their bishoprics. And such other as were placed in king Edward's time removed from their Seas, and other of contrary religion placed. Edmonde Boner Bishop of London. Amongst whom Edmond Bonner Doctor of the laws, late afore deprived from the Sea of London and committed prisoner to the Marshalsea by order of king Edward's counsel, was with all favour restored to his liberty and Bishopric, and Nicholas Ridley Doctor in Divinity late before advanced to the said Sea by the said king was hastily displaced and committed prisoner to the Tower of London. Nicholas Ridley Bishop of London. The cause why such exstremitie was used toward the said Bishop Ridley more than to the rest, was for that in the time of the Lady jane he preached a Sermon at Paul's cross by the commandment of king Edward's Counsel, wherein he dissuaded the people for sundry causes from receiving the Lady Marie as Queen. Sun after the restitution of Doctor Bonner to his Bishopric he appointed one late a chaplain of his called Doctor Borne to preach at Paul's Cross, who was then promoted to the Queen's service, Born Bishop of Bath and not long afterward made Bishop of . The said Doctor taking occasion of the Gospel of that day, spoke somewhat largely in the iustefiing of Bishop Bonner being present at the sermon, which Bishop (as the said Preacher then openly said) for a Sermon made upon the same text and in the said place the same day four years afore passed, was most unjustly cast into the vile Dungeon of the Marshalsea among thieves, and there kept during the time of king Edward's reign. This matter being set forth with great vehemency, so much offended the ears of part of the audience, that they broke silence, and began to murmur and throng together, in such sort as the Mayor and Aldermen with other of the wiser sort then present, feared much an uproar. During which muttering one more fervent than his fellows, A Dagger thrown at the preacher. threw a Dagger at the Preacher, but who it was, came not to knowledge. By reason of which outrage the Preacher withdrew himself from the Pulpit, and one Master Bradford at the request of the Preachers brother and others, standing there, took the place and spoke so mildly to the people, that with few words he appeased their fury. And after the said Master Bradforde and Master Rogers although men of a contrary religion conveyed the said Preacher into Paul's School, and there left him in safety. The next Sondaye following for fear of a like tumult or worse, order was taken that the Queen's Guard should be present in the place to defend the Preacher with weapon, The Guard appointed for the defence of the Preacher. whereupon the wiser men perceiving such a number of weapons, and that great peril was not unlike to ensue by such appearance of late not accustomed, would not be present at the Sermon: By reason whereof, there was left a small auditory. Wherefore afterward there was a commandment given by the Lord Maior, that the ancients of the companies should be present at the next Sermon in their liveries, and so they did, whereby all became quiet. Thomas Cranmer archbishop committed to the Tower. Sun after this, Thomas Cranmer archbishop of Cantorburye, and late before of king Edward's privy counsel, was committed to the Tower of London, being charged with Treason, not only for giving advice to the disinheriting of Queen mary, but also for aiding the Duke of Northumberland with certain horse and men against the Queen in the quarrel of the Lady jane of Suffolk. The last day of September next following, the Queen passed from the Tower through the City of London unto Westminster. The coronation of Queen Marie. And the next day being the first of October, she was crowned at Westminster by Stephyn Gardiner Bishop of Winchester (for the archbishops of Cauntorbury and York were then prisoners in the Tower) as before ye have heard. At the time of whose coronation, A lewd general pardon. there was published a general pardon in her name being interlaced with so many exceptions, as they that needed the same most, took smallest benefit thereby. In which pardon were excepted by name no small number, not only of Bishops and other of the clergy, namely the archbishops of Cauntorbury and York, the Bishop of London, but also many Lords, Knights and Gentlemen of the laity, beside the two chief justices of England, called Sir Roger Cholmeley, and Sir Edward Mountagew, and some other learned men in the law, for counseling, or at the lest consenting to the deprivation of Queen Mary, and aiding of the aforesaid Duke of Northumberlande in the pretenced right of the aforenamed Lady jane, the names of which persons so being excepted I have omitted for shortness sake. Commissioners at the Dean of Paul's house. Assoon as this pardon was published, and the solemnity of the feast of the coronation ended, there were certain commissioners assigned to take order with all such persons as were excepted out of the pardon & others to compound with the Queen for their several offences, which commissioners face at the Dean of Paul's house at the west end of Paul's Church, and there called before them the said persons apart, and from some they took their Fees and offices granted before by king Edward the sixth, and yet nevertheless putting them to their fines, and some they committed to ward, depriving them of their states and livings, so that for the time to those that tasted thereof, it seemed very grievous, God deliver us from incurring any such danger of law again. A parliament. The fift day of October next following the Queen held her high court of parliament at Westminster which continued until the xxj day of the said month. In the first Session of which parliament there passed no more acts but one, and that was to declare Queen Marie lawful heir in descent to the crown of England by the common laws next after her brother king Edward, and to repeal certain causes of treason, Treason, felony, Praemunire, felony and Praemunire contained in divers former statutes, the which act of repeal was for that Cardinal Poole was specially looked for (as after ye shall hear) for the reducing of the Church of England to the Pope's obedience, and to the end that the said Cardinal, now called into England from Rome might hold his Courts Legantine without the danger of the statute of the praemunire made in that case, whereinto Cardinal Wolsey (when he was Legate) had incurred to his no small loss, and to the charge of all the Clergy of England for exercising the like power. The which act being once passed, forthwith the Queen repaired to the parliament house, & gave thereunto her royal assent, and then prorogued the parliament unto the xxiiij day of the said month, in which second Session were confirmed and made divers and sundry statutes concerning religion, whereof some were restored and other repealed. At this time many were in trouble for religion, Sir james Hales troubled for religion. and among other sir james Hales knight one of the justices of the common place, which justice being called among other by the Counsel of king Edward to subscribe to a device made for the disenheriting of Queen Mary, and the Lady Elizabeth her sister, would in no wise assent to the same, though most of the other did. Yet that notwithstanding, for that he at a quarter Sessions holden in Kent gave charge upon the statutes of king Henry the eight and king Edward the sixth in derogation of the primacy of the Church of Rome abolished by king Henry the eight, was first committed prisoner to the kings Bench, then to the Counter, and last to the Fleet, where, whether it were through extreme fear, or else by reason of such talk as the warden of the Fleet used unto him of more trouble like to ensue, if he persisted in his opinion (or for what other cause God knoweth) he was so inwardly troubled and vexed, that he sought to rid himself out of this life, which thing he first attempted in the Fleet, by wounding himself with a Penknife, well near to the death. Nevertheless afterward being recovered of that hurt, he seemed to be very conformable to all the Queen's proceedings, & was thereupon delivered of his imprisonment, and brought to the Queen's presence, who gave him words of great comfort. Nevertheless his mind was not quiet (as after well appeared) for in the end he drowned himself in a river, Sir james Hales drowned himself. not half a mile from his dwelling house in Kent, the river being so shallow that he was feign to lie grovelling before he could dispatch himself, whose death was much lamented. For beside that he was a man wise, virtuous, and learned in the laws of the Realm, he was also a good and true minister of justice, whereby he gate him great favour and estimation among all degrees. During the aforesaid Parliament, about the xviij day of October, there was kept at Paul's Church in London a public disputation appointed by the Queen's commandment, A disputation in Paul's Church. about the presence of Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar, which disputation continued six days, Doctor Weston then being Prolocutor of the convocation, who used many unseemly checks and taunts against the one part, to the prejudice of their cause. By reason whereof the disputers never resolved upon the artitles proponed, but grew daily more and more into contention, without any fruit of their long conference, and so ended this disputation with these words spoken by Doctor Weston Prolocutor, it is not the Queen's pleasure that we should spend herein any longer time, and ye are well enough, for you have the word, and we have the sword. But of this matter ye may read more in the book of the Monuments of the Church. Cardinal Poole sent for to Rome. At this time was Cardinal Poole sent for to Rome by the Queen who was very desirous of his coming, aswell for the causes before declared as also for the great affection that she had to him being her near kinsman and consenting with her in religion. This message was most thankfully received at Rome, and order taken to send the said Cardinal hither with great expedition. But before his coming, Queen Mary had married Philip Prince of Spain, as after shall appear. The Counsel devised for the receiving of the Cardinal. But here to touch somewhat of the coming of the said Cardinal, when he was arrived at Calais, there was a conference had amongst the Counsalors of the Queen for the manner of his receiving. Some would have had him very honourably met and entertained, as he was in all places where he had before passed, not only for that he was a Cardinal and a Legate from the Pope, but also for that he was the Queen's near kinsman of the house of Clarence. Nevertheless, after much debating, it was thought meetest, first for that by the laws of the realm (which yet were not repealed) he stood attainted by Parliament: And also for that it was doubtful how he being sent from Rome should be accepted of the people, who in xxv years before had not been much acquainted with the Pope or his Cardinals: that therefore until all things might be put in order for that purpose, he should come without any great solemnity unto Lambeth, where in the archbishop's house his lodging was prepared. Thomas Cranmer. The Lady jane of Suffolk. The Lord Guylford. In November next following, Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Cantorbury, notwithstanding that he had once plainly refused to subscribe to king Edward's will in the disinheriting of his sister Mary (alleging many reasons and arguments for the legitimation of both the kings sisters) was in the guildhall in London arraigned and attainted of treason, namely for aiding the Duke of Northumberlande with horse and men against the Queen as aforesaid. And the same time also the Lady jane of Suffolk (who for a while was called Queen jane) and the Lord Guyldford her husband were in like manner arraigned and attainted, and then again returned to the Tower, from whence they never came but to the Scaffold. An Ambassade sent from the Emperor. In the beginning of january next following, Charles the fift Emperor, sent into England an honourable Ambassade, among whom was county Ayguemont, and many other noble men, with full commission to conclude a marriage between Philip the prince of Spain his son and heir, and Queen Mary as you have heard: which Ambassade took such place that shortly after all things were finished accordingly. But this marriage was not well thought of by the Commons, nor much better liked of many of the Nobility, who for this, and for the cause of religion, conspired to raise war rather than to see such change of the state. Of the which conspiracy though there were many confederates, yet the first that showed force therein, Rebellion in Kent. was one sir Thomas Wyatt a knight in Kent, who by open Proclamations published there that the Queen and her Counsel would by this foreign marriage bring this realm into most miserable servitude and bondage of strangers. The xxv Sir Thomas Wyatt knight. day of january next following news were brought to the Court of this stir begun by the said Sir Thomas Wyat. And forthwith after this it was known that Henry Duke of Suffolk father to the Lady jane (which Lady jane was yet alive) was suddenly departed from the Court with his two brethren into Warwikeshire, and Leycestershire, there to raise and gather a power of those Countries to join with Sir Thomas Wyat. The Queen hearing of these tumults did first by her proclamation declare the said Duke of Suffolk, The Duke of Suffolk and sir ●homas Wyatt proclaimed traitors. and sir Thomas Wyatt with other Traitors. And forthwith she sent into the City of London for six hundred men, which because they ware white Coats, on their armours were called the white Coats of London. These white Coats with certain untrusty Captains were sent into Kent under the conduction of Thomas Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Duke of Norfolk sent against sir Thomas Wyat. for whose better surety the Queen had assigned certain of her Guard to attend, which in great haste set forward, and having marched almost to Rochester, Wyatt with all his company being in the town, the said Captains with the white Coats, suddenly revolted from the said Duke, and went strait to the aid of Wyatt, whereby the said noble Duke being thus forsaken by his unfaithful fellowship, was forced to return again to London, and so to the Court without any effect of his journey: which repulse unto him being then an aged man, and fortunate before in all Wars, impressed such dolour of mind, that he lived but short while after. In this mean time as before you have heard, the Duke of Suffolk being come from London into Leycestershire, and Warwikeshire with a very small company (as the saying was) took upon him there to publish a Proclamation in his daughter's name, purposing thereby to have persuaded the subjects, that Queen Marie intended to turn the succession, of the Crown of England unto strangers, namely unto spaniards, which Proclamation notwithstanding, the people kept themselves quiet. Queen Mary understanding of this, sent France's Earl of Huntyngdon to raise power in those parts to withstand the said Duke, the which Earl sped his time so well that he prevented the said Duke from entering the City of Coventrie, where he had great hope of aid among the common sort: By reason whereof, he being now disappointed of his enterprise, with his two brethren, the Lord Thomas and the Lord john Graye fled from thence to a Manor of his called Astley six miles from Coventry, and committed himself to a man of his being keeper of his park, called Nicholas Laurence, Henry Duke of Suffolk apprehended. the which keeper bestowed the Duke his Master in a hollow Oak within the said park, where he remained two or three days undiscovered, until the said keeper (as it is said) disclosed his case to the said Earl, who immediately apprehended the said Duke, and brought him prisoner to the Tower of London. After that sir Thomas Wyatt had prevailed against the Duke of Norfolk, as is aforesaid, and had increased his number with the six hundred white coats with their Captains and other of the Queen's Guard, being well encouraged, advanced forward with his people the first of February towards the City of London, where he trusted to have found great aid and succour, which came not so to pass. The Ambassadors fly for fear of Wyatt The Emperor's Ambassadors, of whom ye have heard before, hearing of Wyattes hasty approaching to London sped themselves away by water, and that with all haste. The Queen then lying at her Palace of white Hall beside Westminster, and hearing of her enemies so near, was counseled for her safeguard to take the Tower of London, whereunto she would by no means be persuaded: Nevertheless to make herself more stronger of friends in the City, so soon as the said Ambassadors were departed (which was the first day of Februarye) she came to guildhall in London, against which time, order was taken by the Lord Maior that the chief Citizens in their Liveries should be there present. After the Queen had taken her place in the said Hall and silence made, she with very good countenance uttered in effect unto them this Oration following. Queen Mary's oration. I am (quoth she) come unto you in mine own person to tell you that which already you do see and know, that is how traitorously and seditiously a number of kentish rebels have assembled themselves against both us and you: Their pretence (as they said at the first) was only to resist a marriage determined between us and the Prince of Spain. To the which pretenced quarrel and to all the rest of their evil contrived articles ye have been made privy. Sithence which time, we have caused divers of our privy counsel to resort eftsoons to the said rebels, and to demand the cause of this their continuance in their seditious enterprise: By whose answers made again to our said counsel, it appeared that the marriage is founden to be the lest of their quarrel, for they now swerving from their former Articles, have bewrayed the inward treason of their hearts, as most arrogantly demanding the possession of our person: the keeping of our Tower: And not only the plasing and displeasing of our counsellors, but also to use them and us at their pleasures. Now loving Subjects, what I am ye right well know, I am your Queen, to whom at my coronation when I was wedded to the realm and to the laws of the same (the spousal ring whereof I have on my finger, which never hitherto was, nor hereafter shall be left of) ye promised your allegiance and obedience unto me, and that I am the right and true inheritor to the crown of this realm of England, I not only take all Christendom to witness, but also your acts of parliament confirming the same. My father (as ye all know) possessed the regal estate by right of inheritance, which now by the same right dissended unto me. And to him always ye showed yourselves most faithful and loving subjects, and him obeyed and served as your liege Lord and king, and therefore I doubt not but you will show yourselves likewise to me his daughter, which if ye do, then may you not suffer any Rebel to usurp the governance of our person, or to occupy our estate, especially being so presumptuous a Traitor as this Wyatt hath showed himself to be, who most certainly as he hath abused mine ignorant Subietes to be adherentes to his traitorous quarrel, so doth he intend by colour of the same to subdue the laws to his will, and to give scope to all rascal and forlorn persons to make general havoc and spoil of your goods. And this farther I say unto you in the word of a Prince, I cannot tell how naturally the mother loveth her child, for I was never the mother of any: But certainly if a Prince and governor may as naturally and as earnestly love subjects as the mother doth the child, then assure yourselves, that I being your sovereign Lady and Queen do as earnestly and as tenderly love & favour you. And I thus loving you cannot but think that ye as hearty and faithfully love me again: And so joining together in this knot of love and concord, I doubt not but we together shall be well able to give these rebellions a short and speedy overthrow. And as concerning the case of my intended marriage, against which they pretend their quarrel, ye shall understand that I entered not into the treaty thereof without advice, of all our Privy Counsel, yea and by assent of those, to whom the king my father committed his trust, who so considered and weighed the great commodities that might ensue thereof, that they not only thought it very honourable, but also expedient both for the wealth of our realm, and also of all you our loving subjects. And as touching myself (I assure you) I am not so desirous of wedding, neither so precise or wedded to my will, that either for mine own pleasure I will choose where I lust, or else so amorous as needs I must have one, for God I thank him (to whom be the praise thereof) I have hitherto lived a Virgin, and doubt nothing but with Gods grace shall as well be able so to live still. But if as my progenitors have done before, it might please God that I might leave some fruit of my body behind me to be your Governor, I trust you would not only rejoice thereat, but also I know it would be to your great comfort. And certainly, if I either did know or think that this marriage should either turn to the danger or loss of any of you my loving subjects, or to the detriment or impairing of any part or parcel of the royal state of this realm of England, I would never consent thereunto, neither would I ever marry while I lived. And in the word of a Queen I promise' and assure you, that if it shall not probably appear before the nobility and commons in the high court of parliament that this marriage shallbe for the singular benefit and commodity of all the whole realm, that then I will abstain not only from this marriage, but also from any other whereof peril may ensue to this noble realm. Wherefore now as good and faithful subjects pluck up your hearts, and like true men stand fast with your lawful prince against these rebels, both our enemies and yours, and fear them not, for I assure you, that I fear them nothing at all, and I will leave with you my Lord Hawarde and my Lord Treasurer to be assistentes with my Lord Mayor for the defence and safeguard of the City from spoil and sa●eage, which is the only scope of this rebellious company. After this oration ended, and the Citizens seeming well satisfied therewith, the Queen with the Lords of the counsel returned to Whitehall from whence she came. And forthwith the Lord William Haward was assosciate with the Lord Mayor of London, whose name was Sir Thomas White, for the protection and defence of the City. And for more surety, William Earl of Pembroke. as well of her own person, as also of her Counsellors and good subjects, the said Queen prepared a great army to meet with the said rebels in the field, of which army William earl of Pembroke was made general: which Earl with all speed requisite in such a case, prepared all things necessary to such a service belonging. A general pardon. At this time also the Queen published a proclamation which contained a general pardon to all them that would forsake Wyatt and his adherentes and return to her. And also in the same was promised an hundred pound land a year to him or them and to their heirs that could take Wyatt prisoner and bring his body quick or dead to the Queen or her counsel. Wyatt with his people placed themselves in Southwark During this great preparation of defence, as well within the City of London by the Mayor and his brethren, as also without by the Earl of Pembroke appointed Capitayne general for the Queen, Wyatt with his rebels drew near to the City and entered into Southwark the third day of February, what time the Lord Maior in great haste and no less good policy (whose soever the devise was) caused the draw bridge of London to be hewn down and thrown into the Thames, for fear that some light headed Citizens and other rascal people ever apt to rebellion should have issued and joined in aid of the said rebels. Wyatt taketh his journey to Kingston. After that Wyatt with his complices had lain two days in Southwark, and saw no possibility of entering into the City, he then altered his journey, on the Tuesday next being Shrovetewesday, early in the morning, he took his way to Kyngston upon Thames, where he found a great part of the bridge broken, which nevertheless he caused to be made again with such expedition as was marvelous, so that he and all his company with carriages and artillery were passed over in safety or any news thereof came to the Court. And with no less celerity and speed marched forwards the same night towards London, which with such aid as he hoped for there, he thought to have surprised upon the sudden. Nevertheless before he came within six miles of the City, staying upon a piece of his great artillery which was dismounted by the way: his coming was discovered before day, William earl of Pembroke General of the Field. whereby the Earl of Pembroke being general of the Queen's army (as is aforesaid) was with his men in good order of battle in saint james field beside Westminster two or three hours before Wyatt could reach thither: The Earl having understanding by his espials what way Wyatt would march, placed his army in this order. First in a field on the West side of Saint james were all his men of arms and Demy Lances: over against whom in the Lane next to the Park were placed all the light horsemen. All which hands of horsemen were under the charge of the Lord Clinton being Martial of the field. The great Artillarye was planted in the midst and highest place of the causey, leading from the Park Corner toward Charing Cross. The main battle where the Earl was with the Queen's standard in the field on the northside of the said causey. And the vanguard on the southside of the causey, next to the house of Saint james with certain field pieces, lying on the flanks of each battle. After that both the armies were in sight, and that the great artillery began to thunder from either side, without harm (as it happened to any of both) Wyatt perceiving that he could not come the fore right way without great disadvantage, when he was come to the Park corner, he leaving the causey, swerved and took the neither way toward Saint james, which being perceived by the Queen's horsemen who lay on either side of him, they gave a sudden charge, Sir Thomas Wyatte eskapeth the field. and divided his battle asunder hard behind Wyat's ensigns, whereby so many as were not passed before with Wyatt, were forced to fly back towards Brainford, and certain of his company which escaped the charge passed by the backside of Saint james towards Westminster, and from thence to the Court, and finding the Gates shut against them stayed there a while, and shot of many Arrows into the Windows, and over into the garden, nevertheless without any hurt there that was known: Whereupon the said Rebels over whom one Knyvet was captain perceiving themselves to be to few to do any great feat there, departed from thence to follow Wyatt who was gone before towards London. And being on their way at Charing Cross, were there encountered by sir Henry jerningham captain of the Queen's Guard, Sir Edward Bray Master of the ordinance, A skirmish at Charing Cross. and Sir Philip Paris knights, which were sent by the order of the Earl of Pembroke with a band of Archers, and certain field pieces for the rescue of the Court, who encountered the said rebels at Charing Cross aforesaid. After they had discharged the field pieces upon them, joined with those rebels half armed, and half unarmed at the push of the Pike, and very soon dispersed their power, whereof some fled into the Lane toward Saint Giles, and some on the other side by a Brewhouse towards the Thames. In this conflict which was the chief trial of that day, there was not found slain to the number of twenty of those rebels, which happened by reason that upon their joining with the Queen's Soldiers, the one part could not be discerned from the other, but only by the mire & dirt taken by the way, which stack upon their garments coming in the night, wherefore the cry on the Queen's part that day was, down with the Dangle tails. But now to return to Wyatt, of whom ye heard before, how being come to the Park corner, and perceiving the peril apparent if he should have marched straight upon the Earls battles which were ranged on either side of the causey, did therefore politicly turn from the great causey, marching along the wall of the house of saint james towards London, which could not have been without his no little loss of many of his train, if those that had the charge on that side the field had been as forward in service as the Earl with his battle and the horsemen afore showed themselves to be. Nevertheless Wyatt following his purposed enterprise, which was to have entered into London, where he hoped of great aid, marched forward with the small company that was left him as far as a common Inn called the Bell Savage, near to Ludgate, believing to have found some ready there to have received him, wherein his hope was much deceived, finding the said gate fast shut, and strongly guarded with a number aswell of most honest Citizens, as also of other bands of the Queen's assured friends: Whereupon Wyatt who coming towards the City made himself sure of his enterprise, now desperate of the same, was feign to turn his face, retiring back again to Temple bar, where he with the rest of his retinue determined (as it seemed) to try their last fortune. The Earl of Pembroke who all this while kept his force together in the field, hearing of Wyat's approach to London, sent to him an Herald called Clarenseaux, with great commination to desist from his rebellious enterprise: which Herald did his Message accordingly. Albeit that some said he promised the said Wyatt his pardon, which should not seem to be true, aswell for that the Herald had no such commission, as also that it was not like that the said Wyatt being then disarmed of all his forces would have refused mercy in such a case. For true it is, that he with a very few of his forlorn fellowship, not many above the number of one hundred persons, stood still as men amazed in the gate of Temple bar, till such time as sir Maurice Barkley knight, by chance riding towards London upon his horse with foot-cloth, without any armour, finding the said Wyatt there, persuaded him to repair to the Court, and to yield himself unto the Queen, whose advice he followed, and incontinent mounted up on the said sir Maurice horse behind him, Sir Thomas Wyatt submitteth himself to the Queen. and so road to the Court voluntarily, and not forced by any to yield himself prisoner. This coming of Wyatt to the Court being so little looked for, was great cause of rejoice to such as late before stood in great fear of him. But more than marvel it was to see that day the invincible heart and constancy of the Queen herself, The great stomach and courage of Queen mary. who being by nature a woman, and therefore commonly more fearful than men be, showed herself in that case more stout than is credible. For she notwithstanding all the fearful news that were brought to her that day, never abashed, insomuch that when one or two noble men being her Captains, came with all haste to tell her (though untruly) that her battles were yielded to Wyatt: she nothing moved therewith said, it was your fond opinion that durst not come near to see the trial: saying farther, that she herself would enter the field to try the truth of her quarrel, and to die with them that would serve her, rather than to yield one jot unto such a traitor as Wyatt, and prepared herself accordingly. But by the apprehension of Wyatt, that voyage took none effect, for after his coming to the Court, he was immediately committed to the Tower. The army that lay in saint james field discharged. Assoon as the taking of Wyatt was known, the army whereof mention is made before that lay in saint james field were discharged, and every man licensed to departed to his home. And forthwith proclamation was made, as well in the City of London as in the suburbs of the same, that none upon pain of death should keep in his or their houses any of Wyat's faction, but should bring them forth immediately before the Lord Maior and other the Queen's justices. By reason of which proclamation, a great multitude of the said poor caitiffs were brought forth, being so many in number, that all the prisons in London sufficed not to receive them, so that for lack of place they were feign to bestow them in divers Churches of the said City. And shortly after were set up in London for a terror to the common sort, because the white coats being sent out of the City (as before ye have heard) revoked from the Queen's part to the aid of Wyatt, twenty pair of gallows, on the which were executed in several places to the number of fifty persons, which Galowesses remained standing there a great part of the Summer next following, to the great grief of good citizens, and for example to the commocioners. The execution of the Lady jane of Suffolk, and the Lord Guylford her husband. The twelve day of February next following the Lady jane of Suffolk and the Lord Guylforde her husband who before (as you have heard) were attained of Treason, the one for the usurpation of the estate royal as Queen, the other as a principal adherent to her in that case, according to the judgement given against them suffered execution of death, that is to wit, he at the Tower hill upon the scaffold, and she within the Tower, whose deaths were the rather hastened, for that the Duke (of Suffolk father to this Lady, had of late (as ye have heard) raised a new stir and commotion in his Country, making proclamation in the name of his daughter as Queen, which was the shortening of her life, who else was like enough to have been pardoned. This gentle young Lady endued with singular gifts both of learning and knowledge as patient and mild as any Lamb came to the place of her execution. And a little before her death being upon the scaffold uttered these words. Good people I am come hither to die, The words of the Lady jane at her death. and by a law I am condemned to the same. My offence against the Queen's highness was only in consent to the devise of other, which now is deemed Treason, but it was never of my seeking, but by counsel of those who should seem to have further understanding of things than I, which knew little of the law, and much less of titles to the crown: But touching the procurement and desire thereof by me or on my behalf, I do wash my hands in innocency thereof before God, and the face of all you (good christian people) this day, and therewith she wrong her hands, wherein she had her book. Then said she I pray you all good christian people, to bear me witness, that I die a true christian woman, & that I look to be saved by none other means, but only by the mercy of God in the blood of his only son jesus Christ. And I confess that when I did know the word of God, I neglected the same, and loved myself and the world, and therefore this plague and punishment is justly and worthily happened unto me for my sins. And yet I thank God of his goodness that he hath given me a time and respite to repent. And now good people while I am a live, I pray you assist me with your prayers. And then kneeling down she said the Psalm of (Miserere mei deus) in English, and then stood up and gave her maiden (called mistress Eleyn) her Gloves and Hankerchefe, and her book she gave to master Bruges then Lieutenant of the Tower, and so untied her Gown, and the executioner pressed to help her of with it, but she desired him to let her alone, and turned her towards her two Gentlewomen, who helped her of therewith, & with her other attires, and they gave her a fair Handkerchefe to put about her eyes. Then the executioner kneeled down and asked her forgiveness: whom she forgave most willingly. Then he willed her to stand upon the straw, which done she saw the block, and then she said I pray you dispatch me quickly. Then she kneeled down saying, will you take it of before I lay me down? whereunto the executioner answered, no Madam, than tied she the Handkerchefe about her eyes, and feeling for the block she said, where is it, where is it? One of the standers by guided her thereunto, and she laid down her head upon the block, and then stretched forth her body, and said. Lord into thy hands I commend my spirit, and so finished her life in the year of our Lord .1553. the twelve day of February. The same day a little before this young ladies execution, the Lord Guilforde her husband who was a very comely tall Gentleman, was executed on the Scaffold at the Tower hill, as aforesaid, whose dead Carcase lying in a Car in straw, was again brought into the Tower, at the same instant that the Lady jane his wife went to her death within the Tower, which miserable sight was to her a double sorrow & grief. Thus these two simple young souls suffered ignorantly for that, which their parents & other had unhappily brought about to the utter subversion of them & their famelies. Henry Duke of Suffolk arraigned and executed. The xvij day of February next following, Henry Duke of Suffolk father to the aforesaid Lady jane was arraigned at Westminster and condemned of high treason, and the xxj day of the same month, was beheaded at the Tower hill. At the time of whose condemnation, were also for the same conspiracy condemned many Gentlemen and Yeomen, whereof some were executed at London, The Lord Thomas Grey executed. & some in divers other places of the realm. And among other, the Lord Thomas Grace brother to the Duke being taken in North-wales was brought to London and there executed. The xxiij day of the same month, there were brought out of the Tower, Marshalsea, kings Bench, and other prisons of the kentish rebels, and such as were of Wyat's faction to the number of four hundred prisoners, The Kentish Rebels pardoned. with halters about their necks to Westminster, where the Queen's pardon was declared unto them, which they joyfully received, & yielded most humble thanks to God and the Queen, and so were discharged. The xu day of March next following, the Lady Elizabeth the Queen's sister, and next heir to the Crown, was apprehended at her Manor of Ashridge for suspicion of Wyattes conspiracy, Lady Elizabeth. and from thence being that time very sick, was with great rigour brought prisoner to London, & shortly after committed to the Tower, where also the Lord Courtnay earl of Devonshire (of whom before is made mention) was for the like suspicion committed prisoner. And not long after Queen mary partly offended with the Londoners, as favourers of Wyattes conspiracy, and partly perceiving the more part of them nothing well inclined towards her proceedings in religion, A parliament summoned to be kept at Oxford. which turned many of them to loss, summoned a Parliament to be holden at Oxford, as it were to gratify that City, which with the University, town, and Country, had showed themselves very forward in her service, but specially in restoring of the religion called Catholic. For which appointed Parliament there to be holden, great provision was made, aswell by the Queen's Officers, as by the towns men, & inhabitants of the country round about. But the Queen's mind in short space changed, and the same Parliament was holden at Westminster in April next following, A parliament holden at westminster. wherein the Queen proponed two special matters: the one for the marriage to be had between her & prince Philip of Spain: the other for the restoring again of the Pope's power and jurisdiction in England. As touching her marriage, it was with no great difficulty agreed upon, but the other request could not be so easily obtained. Thomas Cranmer, Hugh Latimer, and Nicholas Ridley, sent as prisoners to Oxford. The ten day of April following, Thomas Cranmer archbishop of Cauntorbury, Nicholas Ridley late Bishop of London, and Hugh Latimer once Bishop of Worcester, who had been long prisoners in the Tower, were now conveyed from thence, and carried to Windsor, and afterward to the University of Oxford, there to dispute with the Divines and learned men of the contrary opinion. Two days after their coming unto Oxford, which was the twelve day of the said month, A convocation divers learned men of both the Universities were sent in commission from the convocation (which during this Parliament was kept in Paul's Church in London) to dispute with those prisoners in certain articles of religion. The names of them that were in Commission were these following. Oxford Doctor Weston Prolocutor, Cole, Chedsey, Pie, Harpesfield, Smith, Cambridge Young, Seton, Watson, Commissioners. Atkynson, Thecknam, Sedgeswike, The xiij day of April, these disputerrs assembled themselves in saint mary's Church to convent the three persons above named, upon certain articles of religion, who being brought out of prison before them, were severally one after another examined of their opinions, upon the articles proponed unto them, whereof ye may read in the book of Monuments of the Church more at large, and there find the whole proceeding in that matter. Sir Thomas Wyatte of whom mention is made before, Sir Thomas wyatt arraigned. was about this time brought from the Tower unto Westminster, and there arraigned of high treason: The Earl of Sussex, Sir Edward hastings and Sir Thomas Cornewallys with other being his judges. The effect of whose Indictment among other things specially was, that he the xiiij day of February last before, with force of armed multitude and Ensigns displayed, had at Brainford raised open war against our sovereign Lady the Queen traitorously pretending and practising to deprive her of her crown and dignity. And the question was demanded of him, whether he was guilty or no? whereat he stayed, and besought the judges that he might first ask a question before he answered directly to the point. And he was licenced so to do. The question was, that if he should confess himself guilty whether the same should not be prejudicial unto him, so as he by that confession should be barred from uttering of such things as he had more to say. Whereunto it was answered by the Court, Master Wyatte (said they) ye shall have both leave and leisure to say what you can. Then my Lords (quoth he) I must confess myself guilty, as in the end the truth of my case must enforce me, I must acknowledge this to be a just plague for my sins, which most grievously I therefore have committed against God, who suffered me thus brutely & beastly to fall into this horrible offence of the law. Wherefore all you Lords & Gentlemen with other here present, note well my words. Lo here & see in me the same end which all other commonly had, which have attempted like enterprise from the beginning. For peruse the Chronicles through, and you shall see that never rebellion attempted by subjects against their prince and country from the beginning did ever prospero or had better success, except the case of king Henry the fourth, who although he became a Prince: yet in his act was but a Rebel, for so must I call him. And though he prevailed for a time, yet was it not long, but that his heirs were deprived and those that had right again restored to the kingdom and crown, and the usurpation so sharply revenged afterward in his blood, as it well appeared that the long delay of God's vengeance was supplied with more grievous plague in the third and fourth generation. For the love of God all you Gentlemen that be here present, remember and be taught as well by examples past as also by this my present infelicity and most wretched case. O most miserable mischievous, brutish and beastly furious imaginations of mine. I was persuaded that by the marriage of the Prince of Spain, the second person of this realm, and next heir to the crown should have been in danger, and that I being a free borne man, should with my Country have been brought into the bondage and servitude of Aliens and Strangers: which brutish beastly opinion than seemed to me reason, & wrought in me such effects, that it led me headlong into the practice of this detestable crime of treason. But now being better persuaded, and understanding the great commodity and honour which the realm should receive by this marriage, I stand firm and fast in this opinion, that if it should please the Queen to be merciful unto me, there is no subject in this land that should more truly and faithfully serve her highness than I shall, nor no sooner die at her grace's feet in defence of her quarrel. I served her highness against the Duke of Northumberlande, as my Lord of Arondell can witness. My Grandfather most truly served her majesties Grandfather, and for his sake was upon the rack in the Tower. My father likewise served king Henry the eight, to his good contentation, and I also served him, and king Edward his son. And in witness of my blood spent in his service I carry a maim. I allege not all this to set forth my service by way of merit, which I confess but duty: But to declare to the whole world, that by abusing my wits in pursuing my misadvised opinion, I have not only overthrown my house, and defaced all the well doings of me and my ancestors (if ever there were any) but also have been the cause of mine own death & destruction. Neither do I allege this to justify myself in any point, neither for an excuse of my offence, but most humbly submit myself unto the Queen's majesties mercy & pity, desiring you my Lord of Sussex and you Master hastings withal the rest of this honourable bench to be means to the Queen's highness for her mercy, which is the greatest treasure that may be given to any Prince from God, such a virtue as God hath appropriate to himself, which if her highness vouchsafe to extend unto me, she shall bestow it on him, who shall be most glad to serve truly, and not refuse to die in her quarrel: For I protest before the judge of all judges I never meant hurt against her highness person. The queens Attorney which was Master Griffen. Then said the Queen's attorney, master Wyatt ye have great cause to be sorry and repentant for your fault, whereby you have not only undone yourself and your house, but also a number of other Gentlemen, who being true men might have served their prince and Country: yet if you had gone no farther, it might have been borne withal the better. But being not so contented to stay yourself, you have so procured the Duke of Suffolk (a man soon trained to your purpose) and his two brethren also, by mean whereof without the Queen's greater mercy, you have overthrown that Noble house. And yet not so stayed, your attempt hath reached as much as in you lay to the second person of the realm, in whom next to the Queen's highness resteth all our hope and comfort, whereby her honour is brought in question, and what danger will follow, and to what end it will come, God knoweth: Of all this you are the author. Wyatt answered as I will not in any thing justify myself, Wyattes answer. so I beseech you I being in this wretched estate, not to overcharge me, or to make me seem to be that I am not. I am loath to touch any person by name, but that I have written, I have written. Then said the judge, master Wyatt, The judge. master Attorney hath well moved you to repent your offences, and we for our parts wish you the same. Then said sir Edward Hastings master of the Queen's horse, Sir Edward Hastynges. master Wyatt, do ye remember, when I and master Cornewallys were sent unto you from the Queen's highness to demand the cause of your enterprise, and what you required? were not these your demands, that the Queen's grace should go to the Tower and there remain, and you to have the rule of the Tower, & her person with the treasure in keeping. And such of her counsel as you would require to be delivered into your hands, saying that you would be trusted, and not trust? which words when Wyatt had confessed. Then said the Queen's Solicitor, master Wyatt your presumption was over great, This was master Cordall now master of the Rolls. and your attempt in this case hath purchased you perpetual infamy, and shall be called Wyat's rebellion, as Watte Tilers was called Watte Tilers rebellion. Then said the Attorney master Wyatt, were you not privy to a devise whereby the Queen should have been murdered in a place, where she should walk, I do not burden you to confess this, for thus much I must say on your behalf, that you misliked that devise? That (said Wyatt) was the devise of William Thomas, William Thomas. whom ever after I abhorred for that cause. Then was a letter showed, which Wyatt being in Southwark had written to the Duke of Suffolk, that he should meet him at Kingston bridge, and from thence to accompany him to London, although he came with the fewer number. Wyatt at the first did not seem to remember any such letter, but when it was showed him, he confessed his hand. Then was it demanded of him among other things why he refused the Queen's pardon when it was offered him. The confession of Wyat. My Lords quoth he: I confess my fault and offence to be most vile & heinous, for the which, first I ask God mercy, and next unto him my sovereign liege Lady and Queen, whom I have most grievously offended, appealing wholly to her mercy, without the which I cannot challenge any thing, such is my offence already committed. And therefore I beseech you to trouble me with no more questions, for I have delivered all things unto her grace in writing. And finally here I must confess, that of all the voyages wherein I have served, this was the most desperate and painful journey ever I made. And where you asked why I did not receive the Queen's pardon when it was offered unto me, O unhappy man what shall I say? when I was once entered into this devilish desperate adventure, there was no way, but to wade through with that I had taken in hand, for I had thought that other had been as far forward as myself, which I found far otherwise: So that being bend to keep promise with all my confederates, none kept promise with me: For I like a Moil went through thick and thin with this determination, that if I should come to any treaty, I should seem to bewray all my friends. But whereto should I spend any more words? I yield myself wholly unto the Queen's mercy, knowing well that it is only in her power to make me (as I have deserved) an open example to the world with Watte Tyler, or else to make me perticipant of that pity which she hath extended in as great crimes as mine, most humbly beseeching you all to be means for me to her highness for mercy, which is my last and only refuge. The will of God be done on me. Upon this confession without further trial he received the judgement accustomed in cases of Treason, which was to be hanged drawn and quartered. And the xj day of April next following he was brought to the Tower hill, and there was pardoned of his drawing and hanging, The execution of Sir Thomas Wyat. but had his head stricken of, & his body cut in four quarters & set up in divers places about the City, & his head was set upon the gallows at Hay hill beside Hide park. But here by the way is to be noted, that he being on the Scaffold ready to suffer, he declared that the Lady Elizabeth and sir Edward Courtney Earl of Devonshire whom he had accused before (as it seemed) were never privy to his doings so far as he knew, or was able to charge them. And when Doctor Weston being then his confessor told him that he had confessed the contrary unto the counsel: he answered thus, that I said than I said: But that which I say now, is true. This was the end of Wyatt and his conspiracy. Sir Nicholas Throkmorton. The xvij day of April next following, Sir Nicholas Throkmorton knight was brought from the Tower to the Guildhall in London, and there arraigned of high treason as adherent and principal counsellor to the said Wyatt and the Duke of Suffolk and the rest, in the afore remembered conspiracy against the Queen. But he so stoutly, and therewithal so cunningly answered for himself, as well in cleared of his cause, as also in defending & avoiding such points of the laws of the realm as were then alleged against him, that the quest which passed upon his life and death found him not guilty, with which verdict the judges and counsel there present were so much offended, that they bound the jury to appear at a day in the star Chamber before the Lords: By whose award, some of them were committed to the Tower, and some other to the Fleet, where they lay unto the xiiij day of November next following, and could not be set at liberty until they had paid such fines as were taxed upon them, which you may be sure were not small. William Thomas arraigned and condemned. William Thomas of whom mention is made before in the history of Sir Thomas Wyatte with certain other, were arraigned and condemned for the conspiring of the murder and killing of the Queen upon the sudden. And for that offence the said William was the xviij day of may drawn hanged and quartered at Tyburn. The xix day of may next following the Lady Elizabeth Sister to Queen Mary was delivered out of the Tower and committed to the custody of Sir john William's knight, afterward Lord Williams of Tame, by whom her grace was more courteously entreated, than some would: wherefore shortly after she was committed to the Manner of Woodstock under the custody of sir Henry Benyngfielde of Oxenborough in the county of Norffolffe knight, The Lady Elizabeth delivered out of the Tower and sent as prisoner to Woodstock. at whose hands she found not the like courtesy: Who (as it was well known) used his office more like a Jailer, than a Gentleman and with such rigour as was not meet to be showed to such an estate. But here is to be noted not so much the uncivil nature of the man, as the singular lenity and gracious clemency of that gentle and virtuous Princes, who afterward (as shall appear) coming to the possession of the crown as her rightful inheritance, was at that time so far from revenge of injuries received, Sir henry Ben●ngfield knight that where as diverse princes have requited much less offences with loss of life, she never touched him, either with the danger of life, either loss of lands or goods, nor never proceeded further than to discharge him of the Court, which many thought, was the thing that pleased him best. At whose departing from her presence, she used only these words or the like in sense, God forgive you that is past and we do, and if we have any prisoner, whom we would have hardly handled and straightly kept, than we will sand for you. The xix day of july next following, Phillipe Prince of Spain, son and heir unto Charles the fift of that name Emperor of Rome, passing out of Spain arrived at Southampton. The arrival of Philippe Prince of spain at Southhanton And the fourth day after he took his journey to Winchester, and came thither in the evening, where going to the church he was honourably received of the Bishop and a great number of the Nobles of the Realm. The next day he came to the sight of Queen Mary, with whom he had long and familiar talk, and the xxv of the said month being the day of saint james (whom the Spaniards call their patron) the marriage between them was in the said City of Winchester in most honourable manner solemnized. Philippe Prince of Spain and Queen mary married. At which time the Emperor's Ambassador being present, openly pronounced that in consideration of that marriage the Emperor had granted and given to the said Prince his son the kingdom of Naples. etc. Jerusalem with divers other states and signiories. The solemnity of that marriage ended, the king of Heralds called Garter openly in the Church in the presence of the king, the Queen, the Lords as well of England as Spain, and all the people being present, solemnly proclaimed the title & style of these two princes as followeth. The title of king Philip and Queen Mary. Philip and Mary by the grace of God king and Queen of England France, Naples, jerusalem and Ireland, defenders of the faith, Princes of Spain and Sicily, archdukes of ostrich, Dukes of Milleyn, Burgundy and Brabant, Counties of Haspurge, Flaundyrs and Tiroll. The proclamation being ended, the Trumpets blue and the king and the Queen came forth of the Church hand in hand, and two sword borne before them, and so returned to their Palace. And assoon as the seasting and solemnity of the said marriage was ended, the king and Queen departed from Winchester, and taking Hampton Court in their way, came from thence by water into Southwark, and so over London bridge through the City of London unto Westminster. At which time the City was bewtefied with sumptuous pagiaunts and hanged with rich and costly Silks and cloth of gold and silver. The twelve A parliament. day of November next following began a Parliament at Westminster, to the which the King and the Queen road in their Parliament robes. During the time of this Parliament Cardinal Poole (of whom mention is made before) arrived in England about the xxiiij Cardinal Poole. day of the said month, who being received with much honour in all other Countries that he had passed, was here in England received with no great show, for the causes afore declared. And shortly after he was restored by a special act of Parliament to his former estate and dignity (whereof he was deprived by king Henry the eight.) After which act passed, this Cardinal came into the Parliament house, being at that present kept in the great Chamber of the Court of Whitehall, for that the Queen by reason of sickness was not able to go abroad (where the king and Queen sitting under the cloth of estate, and the Cardinal sitting on the right hand, with all the other estates of the realm being present) and the knights and Burgesses of the common house being also called thither, the Bishop of Winchester being Lord Chancellor spoke in this manner. The words of the Bishop of Winchester Lord Chancellor. My Lords of the upper house, and you my Masters of the neither house, here is present the right reverend father in God, my Lord Cardinal Poole Legate a latery, come from the Apostolic sea of Rome, as Ambassador to the King and Queen's Majesties, upon one of the weightiest causes that ever happened in this realm, and which pertaineth to the glory of God and your universal benefit. The which Ambassade their majesties pleasure is to be signified unto you all by his own mouth, trusting that you will receive and accept it in as benevolent and thankful wise, as their highnesses have done, and that you will give attentive and inclinable ears unto his grace, who is now ready to declare the same. So soon as the Lord Chancellor had ended his tale, the Cardinal began and made a long and solemn oration, the which for shortness sake I have collected into these few articles. The effect of the Cardinal's Oration. First, he yielded most hearty thanks to the King and Queen, and next unto the whole Parliament, that of a man exiled and banished from this common weal, they had restored him again to be a member of the same, and to the honour of his house and family. And of a man having no place, neither here nor else where within the realm, to have admitted him into place where to speak, and to be heard. Secondly, that his special coming was for the restitution of this Realm to the ancient estate, and to declare that the Sea Apostolic hath a special care of this realm above all other, and chief for that this Island first of all other provinces of Europe, received the light of Christ's religion from the Sea of Rome. Thirdly, he exhorted that though the realm had swerved from the Catholic unity, that yet being better informed we aught to return into the bosom of the Church most open to receive all penitentes. For the persuasion whereof, he brought a number of old examples, what peril and hurt hath happened unto them that have swerved and gone from the Church of Rome, namely Greece and Germany. etc. Fourthly, how much we are bound to God for the King and Queen's Majesties, and how miraculously God had saved and defended our Queen from her enemies in most dangerous times: And also that he hath provided to join with her in marriage, such a noble prince as king Philip was, and one of her own religion. Fiftly, he ●●horted them all to the obedience of these two princes, and to call upon God for issue to be had between them, adding that king Philip's father the Emperor had among other princes travailed most, for the restitution of the peace and unity of the Church: But as almighty God said unto David, though he had a mind and will to build his Temple, yet because he had shed blood, he should not build it, but his son Solomon should build it. And so because the Emperor hath had so many wars, and shed so much blood, therefore he could not attain to bring perfect peace to the Church. But truly (said he) this gracious prince king Philip his son (as I conceive) is appointed of God to it, considering now the calling of him to be joined with so Catholic a princes, as is the Queen of this realm, one without all doubt sent likewise of God for the restoring of the said realm to the unity of the Church, from whence it hath erred and gone astray, as it doth and may manifestly appear. Sixtly he protested that his Commission was not to prejudice any person, for he came not to destroy, but to build: he came to reconcile, and not to condemn: he came not to compel, but to call again: he came not to call any thing in question all ready done: But his commission was of grace and clemency to all such as would receive it. For touching all matters past and done, they should be cast into the Sea of forgetfulness, and never more to be thought upon. Finally (said he) the mean whereby to receive this high benefit, is first to revoke and repeal all such laws as are impediments, blocks, and bars to this most gracious reconciliation. For like as he himself had no place to speak there, before such laws were abrogated and removed as stood in his way, even so they could not receive the grace offered from the Sea Apostolic, until those like impediments of laws made against the Sea of Rome were clearly abolished and repealed. And so in conclusion advertised them, first for the glory of God, and next for the conservation and surety of the wealth and quietness of the whole realm, that they should earnestly travail therein, and that then he would make them participant of the benefit of his commission. The next day, A supplication exhibited to Cardinal Poole by the Parliament house. the whole Court of Parliament drew out the form of a supplication, and the next day following that, the King and Queen, and the Cardinal with all the Nobles and Commons being assembled again in the great Chamber of the white Hall aforesaid. The Bishop of Winchester there declared what the Parliament had determined concerning the cardinals request, and then offered to the king and Queen the said supplication, the copy whereof followeth. WE the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and the Commons in this present Parliament assembled, representing the whole body of the realm of England, and dominions of the same, in the name of ourselves particularly, and also of the said body universally, offer this our most humble supplication to your Majesties, to this end and effect, that the same by your grace's intercession and mean, may be exhibited to the most reverend father in God, the Lord Cardinal Poole Legate, sent specially hither from our most holy father Pope julio the third, and the sea Apostolic of Rome, wherein we do declare ourselves very sorry and repentant of the long Schism and disobedience happening in this realm and the dominions of the same, against the said Sea Apostolic, either by making, agreeing, or executing of any laws, ordinances or commandments against the primacy of the same Sea, or otherwise doing or speaking that might impugn or prejudice the same. Offering ourselves and promising by this our supplication, that for a token & knowledge of our said repentance, we be and shall be ever ready under and with the authorities of your Majesties, to the uttermost of our power, to do that shall lie in us for the abrogation and repealing of all the said laws and ordinances made or enacted to the prejudice of the Sea Apostolic, aswell for ourselves, as for the whole body whom we represent. Whereupon most humbly we beseech your Majesties, as personages undefiled in offence of his body towards the said See, which nevertheless God by his providence hath made subject to you, so to set forth this our humble suit, as we the rather by your intercession may obtain from the See Apostolic by the said most reverend father, aswell particularly as generally, Absolution, Release, and Discharge from all dangers of such Censures and sentences, as by the laws of the Church we be fallen into. And that we may as children repentant, be received into the bosom and unity of Christ's Church, so as this noble Realm, with all the members thereof, may in this unity and perfect obedience to the See Apostolic, and Popes for the time being, serve God and your Majesties to the furtherance and advancement of his honour and glory. Amen. This supplication being first openly read, the same was by the chancellor delivered to the king and Queen with petition to them to exhibit the same to the Lord Cardinal. And the king and Queen rising out of their seats and doing reverence to the Cardinal did deliver the same unto him. The Cardinal perceiving the effect thereof to answer to his expectation, did receive it most gladly at their majesties hands. And then after that he had in few words given thanks unto God, & declared what great cause he had to rejoice above all others, that his coming from Rome into England had taken such most happy success, than he caused his commission to be read (whereby it might appear that he had authority of the Pope to absolve them) which commission was very long and large. And that being done and all the parliament on their knees, this Cardinal by the Pope's authority gave them Absolution in manner following. An absolution pronounced by Cardinal Poole to the parliament house. Our Lord jesus Christ which with his most precious blood hath redeemed and washed us from all our sins & iniquities that he might purchase unto himself a glorious spouse without spot or wrinkle, and whom the father hath appointed head over all his Church. He by his mercy absolve you: And we by the Apostolic authority given unto us by the most holy Lord Pope julius the third (his Vicegerent in earth) do absolve and deliver you and every of you with the whole realm and the dominions thereof, from all heresy and Schism, and from all and every judgements, censures and pains for that cause incurred. And also we do restore you again to the unity of our mother the holy Church, as in our letters of commission more plainly shall appear. In the name of the father, the son, and holy ghost. Amen. After this general absolution received, the king and the Queen and all the Lords with the rest went into the king's Chapel, and there sang Te deum with great joy and gladness for this new reconciliation. The report of this with great speed flew to Rome, as well by the French kings letters, as also by the Cardinals, whereupon the Pope caused solemn Processions to be made in Rome, namely one, wherein he himself with all his Cardinals were present, passing with as great solemnity & pomp as might be, giving thanks to God with great joy, for the conversion of England to his Church. At what time also he not a little commended the diligence of Cardinal Poole, and the devotion of the King and Queen. And on Christmas even next following, he set forth by his Bulls, a general pardon to all such as did rejoice in the same reconciliation. The xxviij of November next following, it was commonly reported, that the Queen was quick with child, and therefore commandment was given by Edmond Bonner Bishop of London (and as it was said) not without the commandment of the Counsel, that there should be made in most solemn manner one general Procession in London, wherein the Mayor and all the companies of the City were in their liveries. At whose return to the Church of Paul's, there was song very solemnly Te Deum for joy thereof. The second day of December being Sunday, Cardinal Poole came to Paul's Church in London with great pomp, having borne before him a Cross, two Pillars, and two Pole-axes of silver, and was there solempnlye received by the Bishop of Wynchester Chancellor of England, who met him with Procession. And shortly after, king Philip came from Westminster by land, being accompanied with a great number of his Nobles. And the same day the Bishop of Winchester preached at Paul's Cross, in the which Sermon he declared that the King & Queen had restored the Pope to his right of Primacy, and that the three estates assembled in Parliament, representing the whole body of the realm, had submitted themselves to his holiness, and to his successors for ever. And in the same also he greatly praised the Cardinal, and set forth the passing high authority that he had from the Sea of Rome, with much other glorious matter in the commendation of the Church of Rome which he called the Sea Apostolic. The Sermon being ended, the king and the Cardinal riding together, returned to the Court at Whitehall: And the king had his sword borne before him, and the Cardinal had only his Cross, and no more. The xxvij of the said month the Duke of Savoy called prince of Pyamount came into England, accompanied with divers other Lords and gentlemen strangers, who were received at Gravesende by the Earl of Bedford Lord privy Seal, and conveyed by water through London bridge to white hall where the king and Queen then lay, and the ix of january next following the prince of Orange was in like manner received at Gravesend, and from thence conveyed to the Court, being at white hall. The xxij of the same month, the parliament (which began the xxij of November before) was dissolved, wherein among other acts passed there, the statute ex officio and other laws made for punishment of heretics were renyved. But chief the Pope's most liberal Bull of dispensation of Abbey land was there confirmed much to the contentation of many, who not without cause suspected by this new union to lose some piece of their late purchase. In February next following, Doctor Thirlby Bishop of Ely, and Anthony Lord Mountagew with a very honourable train of Gentlemen and other road forth of the City of London towards Rome, as Ambassadors sent from the king and Queen to confirm this new reconciliation to the Pope. William Fetherston a boy nameth himself king Edward the sixth. About this time a young stripling, whose name was William Fetherstone a miller's son, about the age of xviij years, named and bruited himself to be king Edward the sixth, whereof when the Queen and the Counsel heard, they caused with all diligence, inquiry to be made for him, so that he was apprehended in Southwark, and brought before the counsel at Hampton Court, and there examined. And it was demanded of him, why he so named himself, to the which, he counterfeiting a manner of simplicity or rather frenzy would make no direct answer, but prayed pardon, for he witted not what he said, affirming farther that he was counseled so to say and to take upon him the name, whereof he accused certain persons, but his talk was not found true, wherefore he was committed to the Marshalsea as a Lunatic fool. And the xxviij day of may next following, the aforesaid counterfeit Prince was brought in a Cart from the Marshalsea, through the City of London with a paper on his head, wherein was written that he named himself king Edward. And from thence was conveyed to Westminster, being lead round about the hall and showed to all the people there and afterward taken out of the Cart and stripped, and then whipped round about the Palace at the same Cartes tail, and without more punishment was discharged and set at liberty. But the year next following, for that he had spread abroad that king Edward was alive, and that he had spoken with him, he was again apprehended and arraigned of high treason, whereof being condemned, he shortly after was drawn to Tyburn and there hanged and quartered the xiij of March. The Lord Courtney set at liberty. About this time Edward Courtney Earl of Devonshire of whom before ye have heard, was delivered out of the Tower, and was licensed to departed into Italy, where shortly after he ended his life, being sick and dead in less than xiiij days, & was honourably buried at Padway. This Courtney was the only son and heir of Henry Marquis of Excester, Cousin Germayne to king Henry the eight as is said before, for the said king and he were dissended of two sisters Elizabeth and Katheryn, two of the daughters of king Edward the fourth, which propinquity of blood notwithstanding, the said Marquis for points of treason laid against him suffered at the Tower hill the xxx year of the reign of king Henry the eight, to the great dolour of the most of the subjects of this realm, who for his sundry virtues bore him great favour. After whose death this young gentleman his son being yet a child was committed prisoner to the Tower, where he remained until the beginning of the reign of this Queen Mary as before you have heard. This gentleman as it appeared was borne to be a prisoner, for from twelve years of age unto xxx he had scarce two years liberty, within the which time he died, and obtained quiet, which in his life he could never have. Ambassadors sent to entreat a peace between the French king and the Emperor. In the month of may next following, Cardinal Poole who had been a great labourer for peace between the French king and the Emperor, being accompanied with Stephyn Gardiner Bishop of Winchester and Chancellor of England, the Earl of Arondell high Stuard of England, and the Lord Paget, were sent by the king and Queen over the sea to Calais, and from thence went to the town of Mark, where they met with the Ambassadors of the Emperor and the French king. From the Emperor were sent the Bishop of Arras with other. From the French king was sent the Cardinal of Lorraine and the Constable of France. In this treaty Cardinal Poole sat as Precedent and Vmpiere in the name of the Queen of England. This peace was greatly laboured, where at the first there was much hope, but in the end nothing was concluded: Wherefore the xvij day of june, this assembly was dissolved, and the English Ambassadors returned again into England. In the beginning of September .1555. king Philip went over into Flaunders to the Emperor his father. And in the month of October next following, fell so great a rain, that the abundance thereof caused the Thames to swell so high, that for the space of four or five days, A great flood increased by rain. the Boats and Barges rowed over all Saint George's field, and the water rose so high at Westminster, that likewise a Boat might have been rowed from the one end of the Hall to the other. About this time the Bishops of Lincoln, Gloucester, Commissioners sent to Oxenford. and Bristol were sent in commission to Oxford by the Pope's authority, to examine Ridley & Latimer upon certain articles by them preached, which if they would not recant, and consent to the Pope's doctrine, than had they power to proceed to sentence against them as Heretics, and to commit them over to the secular power. Those two Doctors nevertheless, stood constantly to that which they had taught, and would not revoke, for which cause they were soon condemned, and after burned in the town Diche at Oxford the sixteen day of October. In the time of whose examination, because the Bishop's aforesaid declared themselves to be the Pope's Commissioners, neither Ridley nor Latimer would do them any reverence, but kept their Caps on their heads, wherefore they were sharply rebuked by the Bishop of Lincoln, and one of the officers was commanded to take of their Caps. Of these men and the manner of their death, ye may read at large in the book of the Monuments of the Church. The xxj A parliament. of October a parliament was holden at Westminster in the which among other things, the Queen being persuaded by the Cardinal (and other of her Clergy) that she could not prospero so long as she kept in her hands any possessions of the Church, did frankly and freely resign and tender unto them all those revenues ecclesiastical which by the authority of parliament in the time of king Henry had been annexed to the crown, Queen Marie refuseth the first fruits and tenths. called the first fruits and tenths of all bishoprics, benefices and ecclesiastical promotions: The resignation whereof was a great diminution of the revenues of the crown. During the time of this parliament, The death of Stephen Gardyner Bishop of Winchester. Stephyn Gardiner Bishop of Winchester and Chancellor of England died at his house called Winchester place beside Saint Mary Queries in Southwark the ninth day of November, whose Corpse was shortly after very solemnly from thence conveyed to his church of Winchester, and there buried. After whose death, The archbishop of York. Nicholas Heath archbishop of York was preferred by the Queen to the office of Chancellor. In the month of March next following, there was in manner none other talk but of the great preparation that was made for the Queen's lying in Childbed, who had already taken up her chamber, and sundry Ladies and Gentlewomen were placed about her in every Office of the Court. In so much that all the Court was full of Midwives, Norsses and Rockers, and this talk continued almost half a year, & was affirmed true by some of her Physicians, & other persons about her, which seemed both grave & credible. Insomuch that divers were punished for saying the contrary. And moreover commandment given in all Churches for Procession with supplications and prayers to be made to almighty God, for her safe delivery, yea and diverse prayers were specially made for that purpose. A rumour that Queen Mary was delivered of a Prince. And the said rumour continued so long, that at the last report was made that she was delivered of a Prince, and for joy thereof, Bells were rung, and Bonfires made, not only in the City of London, but also in sundry places of the realm. But in the end all proved clean contrary, and the joy and expectation of the people utterly frustrate: For shortly it was fully certified (all most to all men) that the Queen was as then, neither delivered of child, nor after was in hope to have any. Of this the people spoke diversly: Some said that the rumour of the Queen's conception was spread for a policy. Some affirmed that she was with child, but it miscarried: Some other said that she was deceived by a Timpanye or other like disease, whereby she thought she was with child and was not: But what the truth was I refer the report thereof to other that knoweth more. About this time Brookes Bishop of Gloucester, was by the Cardinal sent down as Commissioner from the Pope to Oxford, there to sit upon the examination of Thomas Cranmer archbishop of Cauntorbury, in such things as should be laid to his charge by john Story, and Thomas Martin Doctors in the laws, sent specially in commission from the Queen. At which ta'en, the said archbishop, making low obedience to them that sat in the Queen's name, showed no tokens of reverence to the Bishop that was the Pope's Commissioner, who nevertheless proceeded against him as judge, Thomas Cranmer archbishop of Cantorbury condemned. and convicted him of heresy. According to the which sentence the xxi. day of March following, he was disgraded by Edmonde Bonner, and Thomas Thirlby Bishops of London and Elye, sent down for that purpose, and he was burned in the same place where Ridley and Latimer before had suffered. Before his death, by the persuasion of a Spanish Friar named Friar john a reader of Divinity in Oxford, and by the Counsel of certain other that put him in hope of life and pardon: he subscribed to a recantation, wherein he submitted himself wholly to the Church of Rome, and continued in the same mind to outward appearance, until he was brought out of prison to go to the fire. Afore whose execution, a Sermon was made by Doctor Cole Deane of Paul's in saint Mary's Church in Oxford, who in the end of his sermon the said doctor Cole prayed the people to incline their ears to such things as the said Cranmer would declare unto them by his own mouth, for (saith he) he is a man very repentant, & will here before you all revoke his errors. Nevertheless, he did clean contrary, & with many tears protested, that he had subscribed to the said recantation against his conscience, only for fear of death and hope of life (which seemed to be true) for when he came to the stake, and the fire kindled, Cranmer put to death. he put his right hand into the fire, and held it there a good space, saying that the same hand should first burn, because it held the pen to subscribe against his Lord God. Immediately after the death of the said Bishop Cranmer, Cardinal Poole made archbishop of Cantorburie. Cardinal Poole was made archbishop of Cauntorbury, who during the life of the other, would never be consecrated Archbishop. Who so desireth to see more of this matter, may see the same at large in the book of the Monuments of the Church, Persecution for religion. where you shall also find that about this time many were in trouble for religion. The xxviij day of the aforesaid month of March, Newgate set on her. by the negligence of the keeper's Maid of the jail of Newgate in London, who left a Candle where a great deal of straw was, the same was set on fire and brent all the timber work on the northside of the said Gate. The Summer next following was a new conspiraice brought to light, A conspiracy which was to have raised war in the realm against the Queen, for maintenance whereof their first enterprise was to have rob the treasury of the Queen's Exchequer at Westminster, as it fell out afterwards in proof. The utterer of which conspiracy was one white, who at the beginning was made privy to the same, whereupon divers of the conspirators, namely, Henry Peckham, Daniel Dethicke, Udall, Sir Anthony Kingston knight. Throgmarton, and Captain Stanton with divers other were apprehended and executed. Moreover Sir Anthony Kingston knight was accused and apprehended for the same, and died in the way coming to London. This year the hot burning Fevers and other strange diseases which began the year before, consumed much people in all parts of England, but namely of most ancient and grave men. So that in London between the xx. of October, and the last of December, there died seven Aldermen, whose names were, Henry Heardson, sir Richard Dabbes late Mayor, Sir William Laxston late Mayor, Sir Henry Hobblethorne late Mayor, Sir john Champneys late Mayor, Sir john Aileph late Sheriff, and Sir john Gressam late Mayor. About this time came to London an Ambassador to the Queen from the Emperor of Cathay, Moscovia, and Russeland, An Ambassador out of Muscovia. who was honourably received by the Merchants of London having trade in those countries, who bore all his costs and charges from the time of his entry into England out of Scotland (for thither by tempest of weather he was driven, and there forced to land.) And after his message and Ambassade done to the Queen, he departed again with three fair ships from Gravesende into his Country, when he had remained here by the space of two Months and more. Also about this time the Lord Sturton for a very shameful and wretched murder committed by him upon two gentlemen the father & the son, The Lord Sturton apprehended for a murder & condemned and hanged at Salisburye. of the Surnames of Hargill being his near neighbours, was apprehended and committed to the Tower of London. And although the Queen seemed to favour him much, as one professing the catholic religion, yet when she understood the truth of his vile deed, she abhorred him, and commanded that he should be used according to justice. Wherefore shortly after he was brought to Westminster and there arraigned and found guilty and had judgement as a murderer to be hanged, and for the same fact were likewise condemned four of his servants. And the second day of March next following, the said Lord with his said servants were conveyed by the Queen's Guard from the Tower of London through the City, he having his arms pinioned at his back, and his legs bound under the horse belly, and so carried to Salisbury, where the sixth day of March next he was hanged in the market place of the same town, and his four servants were hanged in the Country near unto the place, where the murder was committed. A great dearth, and after great plenty. This year for the more part there was in England a great dearth, namely of corn, for Wheat and Rye were commonly sold for five shillings and six shillings a Bushel, and in some places at higher prices. But in the later end of the year toward harvest, the price fell so much, and specially after new corn was come into the Barn, that within less spare than eight weeks, from six shillings it fell to sixteen pence a Bushel and less. The return of king Philip into England. This present month of March, king Philip who a long season had been in Flaundyrs to take possession and government of the low Countries as is aforesaid, did now return into England, and passed through London, being accompanied with the Queen, and divers nobles of the realm: But because a great war was toward between him and the French king, he tarried not long here, but in the midst of Summer passing the Seas again into Flaundyrs made great provision for the same. At this time the common people began to mutter and say that king Philip sought occasions to be absent from the Queen. At which time report was made that the French king was very loath to have war with England, albeit the Queen tangling herself in herself in her husbands quarrel, Queen Mary proclaimeth open war with the french king. sent a defiance to the French king, by Clarenseaux her Herald, and not long after transported an army of one thousand horsemen, four thousand footmen, and two thousand pioneers to aid the king her husband. Of the which army William earl of Pembroke was made general, under whom many noble men and gentlemen (although divers suspected to be protestants) were by the Queen's commandment appointed to serve. 1557/5 Saint Quintine besieged. The xu day of july died the Lady Anne of Cleve at Chelsey, and was honourably buried at Westminster. The Queen's army being thus sent over, joined with the army of king Philip and besieged the town of saint quintine in France. For the rescue of which town, shortly after, that is to say the tenth of August being the day of saint Laurence, the French king sent a great army under the conduit of Duke Mountmorency Constable of France to remove the siege of the said town, and to give king Philip battle, if occasion so served. The French men pressing near the town to put in succours of more soldiers, came within the danger of king Philip's horsemen, which being led by the Counteys of Aygmond, Horn, Mansfelt & the Dukes of Brunswike to the number of five thousand men of arms beside the Swart Rutters and light horsemen gave such a furious and cruel charge upon the Frenchmen that they not able to resist the same were altogether defeated, and their battles as well horsemen as footmen put to flight, whereof king Philip having knowledge pursued them withal his forces, in which pursuit were slain of the frenchmen a great number, the chief whereof were these that follow. john of Burbone Duke of Anghien. The Viscount of Turayn. The eldest son of Roche du Main. The Lord of Chandenyer, with a great number of other gentlemen that bore arms in the field, and there were taken prisoners these following. The Duke of Mountmorencie Conestable of France and one of his sons called Mounsire de Meru. The Duke of Mountpeucieur. The Duke of Longuevyle. The Marshal of saint Androw. The Rynegrave coronal of the Almains. Roche du Main. The County Rochefoucault. The Viscount of Tourayn. The Baron of Curton. The prince of Mantua. Besides many other Gentlemen and Captains. And the xviij day of the said Month, by the special aid and help of the English men, the town of saint Quintine was taken, Saint Quintynes taken. for when the other soldiers after divers assaults were repulsed and gave over, the English men of a stout courage gave a new onset, by reason whereof the town was taken. And in reward of their well doing, king Philip granted them the saccage of the said town: But the swart Rutters which keep no rule where they be strongest, set upon the English men in taking of the spoil and killed a great number of them. This grudge was with much difficulty appeased, and men thought that if the English men, being much fewer in number had not been oppressed with the multitude of the other, that it would have grown to a great slaughter on both parts. At this siege the Lord Henry Dudley youngest son to the Duke of Northumberlande was slain with the shot of a great piece, as he stooped on the wall and steyed to rip his hose on the knee thereby to have been the more apt to the assault. After the winning of this town, news in post were brought into England to the Queen, who caused general processions to be made and Te deum to be song, giving all land and praise unto almighty God for this great victory. And in the streets of every City and town of the realm were made Bonfires with great rejoicing: Which sudden short gladness turned very shortly after to a greater long sorrow. For if aught were won by the having of saint Quintines, England ga●e nothing at all, for the gain thereof came only to king Philip. But the loss of Calais, Hams, and Guysnes with all the Country on that side the sea, (which followed soon after) was such a buffet to England as happened not in more than an hundred year before, and a dishonour wherewith this realm shall be blotted, until God shall give power to redubbe it with some like requital to the French. Doctor Weston being (as you have heard before) prolocutor of the convocation house, was at this time in displeasure with Cardinal Poole, Doctor Weston. and other Bishops, because he was unwilling to resign his Deanery of Westminister to the Queen, whose purpose was to place there (as in old time before) the religion of Monks, whom in deed he favoured not, although in all other things he stood with the Church of Rome. Nevertheless, by very importune suit or rather compulsion, he with his Colleges resigned the Deanery of Westminster. In recompense whereof, he was made Deane of Windsor, where not long after he was apprehended in adultery, and for that fact was by the Cardinal deprived of all his spiritual livings, from whose sentence he appealed to the court of Rome. For the following of which appeal, he sought secretly to depart the realm: but he was apprehended by the way, and committed to the Tower of London, where he remained prisoner, until by the death of Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth came to the crown, by whom he was set at liberty, and forthwith fell sick and died. The common talk was, that if he had not so suddenly died, he would have disclosed the purpose of the chief of the Clergy (meaning the Cardinal) which was to have taken up king Henry's body at Windsor to have brent it as many thought. At this time, although open hostility and war were between England and France, yet contrary to the ancient custom afore used, the town of Calais and the Forts there abouts were not supplied with any new accrues of soldiers, which negligence was not unknown to the enemy, who long before had practised the winning of the said town and country. The French king therefore being sharply nettled with the late loss of saint Quintines, and a great piece of his country adjoining, and desirous of revenge, thought it not meet to let slip this occasion: And having presently a full army in areadinesse to employ where most advantage should appear, determined with all speed to put in proof the enterprise of Calais, The Duke of Guise with a great Army cometh toward Calais. which long and many times before was purposed upon. This practice was not so secret, but that the Deputies of Calais and Guines had some intelligence thereof, and informed the Queen and her counsel accordingly. Nevertheless either by wilful negligence there, or lack of credit, by the Queen's cu●osayle here: this great case was so slenderly regarded, as no provision of defence was made until it was somewhat to late. The Duke of Guise being General of the French Army, proceeded in this enterprise with marvelous policy. For approaching the English Frontier under colour to victual Bulleyne and Arde, he entered the same upon a sudden, and took a little Bulwark at Sandgate by assault, and then divided his army into two parts, sending one part with certain pieces of great artillery along the Dounes by the sea side, towards Rise Bank: & the other part furnished also with battery pieces, marched straight forth to Newnam Bridge: meaning to batter these two Fortris both at one time, which thing he did with such celerytie, that coming thither very late in the evening: he was master of both by the next Morning, whereat the first shot discharged at Newnam bridge, Newnam Bridge taken by the French. the head of the master Gunner of the piece, whose name was Horseley, was clean stricken of. The captain considering the great power of the French army, & having his Fort but slenderly manned to make sufficient resistance, fled to Calais: And by the time he was come thither: the other part of the French arm that went by the sea side with their battery had won Rice Bank, Rice Bank taken by the French. being abandoned to their hands. The next day, the Frenchmen with five double & Camnones' three Culverins began a battery from the sand Hills next Rice Bank, Calais besieged. against the town of Calais & continued the same by the space of two or three days until they made a little breach of the wall, next unto the Water Gate, which nevertheless was not yet assalutable, for that which was broken in the day, was by them within the town made up again in the night stronger than afore. But the battery was not begun there by the French, for that they intended to enter in that place, but rather to abuse the English to have the less regard to the defence of the Castle, which was the weakest part of the town, and the place where they were ascertained by their espyalles to win an easy entry. So that while our people travailed fondly to defend that counterfeit breach of the town wall: the Duke had in the mean season planted xu double Cannons against the Castle, which Castle being considered by the rulers of the town to be of no such force as might resist the battery of the Cannon (by reason it was old and without any rampires) it was devised to make a train with certain Barrels of powder to this purpose, that when the frenchmen should enter (as they well knew that there they would) to have fired the said train and blown up the keep, and for that purpose left never a man within to defend it. But the Frenchmen at their entry espied the train and so avoided the same, so that devise came to no purpose, and without any resistance they entered the Castle, and thought to have entered the town by that way: But by the prows and hardy courage of sir Anthony Ager knight and Marshal of the town with his soldiers they were repulsed and driven back again into the Castle, and so hard followed after, that our men forced them to close and shut the Castle gate for their surety, Sir Anthony Ager and his son slain. lest it should have been recovered against them as it was once attempted by Sir Anthony Ager, who there with his son and heir, and a pursuivant at Arms called Calais with divers other to the number of xu or xuj Englishmen lost their lives. The same night after the recoil of the Frenchmen, whose number so increased in the Castle, that the town was not able to resist their force. The Lord Wentworth Deputy of Calais, sent a pursuivant called Guynes unto the Duke of Guise requiring composition, which after long debate was agreed upon in this sort. First that the town with all the great artillery, victuals, and munition, should be freely yelden to the French king, the lives of the inhabitants only saved, to whom safeconduct should be granted to pass where they listed, saving the Lord Deputy with fifty such other as the Duke should appoint to remain prisoners, and be put to their ransom. The next morning, the Frenchmen entered and possessed the town, Calais delivered to the French. and forthwith all the men, women, and children, were commanded to leave their houses, and to go into the two Churches of our Lady and Saint Nicholas upon pain of death, where they remained a great part of that day, and one whole night, & the next day until three of the clock at after none, without either meat or drink. And while they were thus in the Churches, A grievous Proclamation made up the Duke of Guise against the inhabitants of Calais. the Duke of Guise in the name of the French king, in their hearings made a proclamation, straightly charging and commanding all & every person that were Inhabitants of the town of Calais, having about them any money, plate, or jewels, to the value of one groat to bring the same forthwith, and lay it down upon the high Altars of the said Churches upon pain of death, bearing them in hand also that they should be searched: By reason of which Proclamation there was made a great and sorrowful offertory. A sorrowful offertory. And while they were at this offering within the Churches, the Frenchmen entered into their houses, and rifled the same, where was found inestimable riches and treasure: But specially of ordinance, armour and other munition. About two of the clock the next day at after noon, being the seventh of january, all the English men (except the Lord deputy, and the other reserved for prisoners) were suffered to pass out of the town in safety, being guarded through the army with a number of Scottish light horsemen. There were in this town of Calais five hundred English Soldiers ordinary, and no more. The garrison of soldiers that were in Calais. And of the towns men not fully two hundred fight men, (a small garrison for the defence of such a town) and there were in the whole number of men, women, and children, as they were counted (when they went out of the Gate) four thousand and two hundred persons. But the Lord Wentworth Deputy of Calais, Sir Ralph Chamberleyn captain of the Castle, Harlestone Captain of Ricebanke, Nicholas Alexander captain of Newnambridge, Edward Grymstone the controller, with other of the chief of the town to the number of fifty (as aforesaid) such as it pleased the Duke of Guise to appoint, were sent prisoners into France. Thus have ye heard the discourse of the overthrow and loss of the town of Calais, the which enterprise was begun and ended in less than viii. days, to the great marvel of the world, that a town of such strength and so well furnished of all things as that was, should so suddenly be taken and conquered: But most specially in the winter season, what time all the Country about being marsh ground is commonly overflown with water. The said town was won from the French, by king Edward the third, in the time of Philip de Valois then French king. And being in the possession of the kings of England two hundred xj years, was in the time of Philip and Mary, King and Queen of England, lost within less than eight days, being the most notable fort that England had: For the winning whereof king Edward aforesaid in the xxj year of his reign was feign to continued a siege one whole year and more, wherefore it was judged of all men, that it could not have come so to pass without some secret treachery. Here is also to be noted, that when Queen Mary and her Counsel heard credibly of the French men's sudden approach to that town, she with all speed possible (but somewhat to late) raised a great power for the rescue thereof, which if wind and weather had served, might happily have brought succour thither in tyme. But such terrible tempests than arose and continued the space of four or five days together, that the like had not been seen before in remembrance of man, A terrible tempest. wherefore some said that the same was done by necromancy, and that the Devil was raised up, and become French (the truth whereof is known to God) but very true it is that no ship could brook the Seas by reason of those extreme storms and tempests. And such of the Queen's ships as did adventure the passage, were so shaken and torn with violence of weather, as they were forced to return with great danger, and with the loss of all their tackle and furniture. Thus by negligence of the Counsel at home, conspiracy of traitors else where, force and false practice of enemies, helped by the rage of most terrible tempests, of contrary winds and weather, this famous Fort of Calais was brought again to the hands and possession of the French. So soon as this Duke of Guise, contrary to all expectation, had in so few days gained this strong town of Calais (afore thought impregnable) and had put the same in such order as best seemed for his advantage: proud of the spoil, and pressing forward upon his sudden fortune, without giving long time to the residue of the Captains of the forts there, to breath upon their business, the xiij day of the said month, with all provision requisite for a siege, marched with his army from Calais unto the town and fort of Guynes, five miles distant from thence. Of which town and Castle, at the same time, there was captain a valiant Baron of England called William Lord Grace of Wilton, who not without cause suspecting a siege at hand, and knowing the town of Guynes to be of small force, as being without walls or Bulwarks, compassed only with a trench before the French men's arrival had 'cause all the inhabitants of the town to avoid, and so many of them as were apt to bear arms, he caused to retire into the Castle, which was a place well fortified with strong and massy Bulwarks of Brick, having also a high and mighty tower of great force and strength, called the Keep. The town being thus abandoned, the french men had the more easy approach to the Castle who thinking to find quiet lodging in those vacant houses entered the same without any fear. And being that night at their rest (as they thought) a chosen band of Soldiers appointed by the Lord Grace, issued out by a postern of the said Castle, and slew no small number of their sleepy guests, and the rest they put out of their new lodgings, and manger the Duke and all the French power, consumed all the houses of the town with fire. That notwithstanding the said Duke with all diligence began his trenches, and albeit the shot of the great Artillery from the Castle was terrible, and gave him great impeachment: yet did he continued his work without intermission, and for examples sake wrought in his own person as a common Pioneer or labourer. So that within less than three days, he brought to the number of xxxv battery pieces, hard to the brim of the Castle ditch to batter the same on all sides, aswell forthright as a cross. But his principal battery he planted against the strongest Bulwark of all called Mary Bulwark, thinking by gaining of the stronger, to come more easily by the weaker. His battery being thus begun, he continued the same by the space of two days with such terrible thundering of great artillery, that by report of Rabutyne a French writer, there were in those few days discharged well near to the number of eight or nine thousand Canon shot. Through the violence whereof, by the twenty day of the said month, the said great Bulwark was laid wide open, and the breach made reasonable and easy enough for the assault. Nevertheless, the said Duke being a man of war, and nothing ignorant what devices be commonly used in Forts and towns besieged, to entrap and damage the assaylaunts, afore he would put the persons of his good soldiers to the hazard of the assault, caused the breach to be viewed once or twice by certain forward and skilful soldiers, who mounting the top of the breach brought report that the place was saultable. Nevertheless, to make the clime more easy, he caused certain Arquebussiers to pass over the ditch, and to keep the defendants occupied with shot, while certain pioneers with mattocks and shovelles made the breach more plain and easy, which thing done accordingly, he gave order to Mounsire Dandalot coronal of the French footmen, that he with his bands should be in readiness to give the assault when sign should be given. In which mean time the Duke withdrew himself to an higher ground, from whence he might plainly discover the behaviour as well of his soldiers in the assault giving, as also of the defendants in answering the same. And perceiving not so many of the English part appearing for defence (as he looked for) gave order forthwith that a regiment of his most forward lanceknights should mount the breach to open the first passage, and that Mounsire Dandalot with his bands of the French should back them, which order was followed with such hot haste and desperate hardiness, that entering a deep ditch full of water, from the bottom whereof to the top of the breach was well forty foot, without fear either of the water beneath, or the fire above, they mounted the breach. And where as the Duke had prepared divers bridges made of plank boards borne up with Casque and empty pipes tied one to another for his men to pass the said ditch, many of the said assailants without care of those bridges plunged into the water, and took the next way to come to the assault. Which hot haste notwithstanding, the said assailants were in this first assault so stoutly repulsed and put back by the defendants being furnished with great store of wild fire and other frycasyes for the purpose, that they were turned down headlong one upon an other, much faster than they came up, not without great waste and slaughter of their best and most brave soldiers, to the small comfort of the stout Duke, who (as is said before) stood all this while upon a little hill, to behold this business: wherefore not enduring this sight any longer, as a man arraged ran amongst his men, so reproving some, and encouraging other, that the assault was foot hot renewed, with much more vehemence and fury then before, and with no less obstinacy and desperation received by the defendants, whereby all the breach underneath was filled with french carcases. This notwithstanding, the Duke still redoubled his forces with fresh companies, and continued so many assaults one upon an other, that at the last charge being most vehement of all the other, our men being tired and greatly minished in their number by slaughter & bloody wounds, were of fine force driven to avoid, and gave place of entry to the enemy, which was not done without a marvelous expense of blood on both sides: For of the French part there were slain and perished in these assaults above the number of eight or nine hundred, and of the English but little lesser, amongst whom the greatest loss lighted upon the Spaniards who took upon them the defence of the said Mary Bulwark, insomuch (as the report went) that of five hundred brave soldiers which king Philip sent thither for succours under the conduit of a valiant Capitayne Spaniard, called Mountdragon: there were not known to have comen away any number worth the reckoning, but either slain, maimed or taken. These outrageous assaults were given to the Castle of Guynes on the day of saint Sebastian the twenty of january aforesaid. Afore the end of which day, there were also gained from the English two other principal Bulwarks of the said Castle, which being likewise made assaultable by battery were taken by the Almains and entered into by the breaches. The Lord Graye with his eldest son and the chief capitains and soldiers of the said Garrison, who kept the inner ward of the Castle (where the most high and principal Tower called the Keep stood) thinking themselves in small surety there, being a place of the old sort of fortification, after they saw the utterward possessed by the enemy, and such a number of the most forward soldiers consumed and spent, and no likelihood of any more aid to come in time, by the advise of the most expert soldiers there, concluded for the best to treat with the Duke for composition, according to the which advise he sent forth two gentlemen with this message in effect. That the Duke being a man of war, and serving under a king, should not think it strange if the Lord Grace being likewise a man of war and serving his prince in like manner, did his devour in well defending the place committed to his charge, so far foorth as to answer and bide the assault: Considering that otherwise he could never save his own honour, neither his truth and loyalty to his prince: In respect whereof according to the law of arms, he required honourable composition, which message though it was well accepted of the Duke: yet he deferred his answer until the morrow, what time the messengers repairing to him again, composition was granted in this sort. First, that the Castle with all the furniture thereof, aswell victuales, as great artillery, powder and all other munitions of war, should be wholly rendered without wasting, hiding or minishment thereof. Secondarily, that the Lord Grace with all the Captains, Officers, and other having charge there, should remain prisoners at the Duke's pleasure to be ransomed after the manner of war. thirdly, that all the rest aswell soldiers as other should safely departed with their armour and baggage to what parts it seemed them best: Nevertheless to pass without sound of Drum or Trumpet or displaiing of any Ensigns, but to leave them behind. These conditions being received and approved on either party, the day following, that is to wit, the two and twenty day of the said month of january, all the soldiers of the said fortress, aswell English as Strangers with all the rest of the inhabitants and other, except the Lord Graye Sir Arthure his son, Sir Henry Palmer knight, Mountdragon above named Capitayne of the spaniards and other men of charge reserved by the composition, departed with their bag and baggages, from thence towards Flaunders. At whose issuing forth, there was esteemed to the number of eight or nine hundred able men for the war, part English, part burgonions, with a small remnant of spaniards. After the winning of this town and Castle, the Duke advising well upon the place, and considering that if it should happen to be regained by English men, what a noisome neighbour the same might be to Calais now being French, and specially what empeachement should come thereby for the passage thither from France, considering also the near standing thereof to the French kings fortress of Arde, so that to keep two garrisones so nigh together, should be but a double charge, and not only needless, but also dangerous for the cause afore rehearsed. Upon these considerations (as the Frenchmen writ) he took order for all the great artillery victuales and other munition to be taken forth, and the Castle with all the Bulwarks and other fortifications there, with all speed to be razed and thrown down, and the stuff to be carried away and employed in other more necessary places. Hams Castle. Then rested nothing within all the English Pale on that side unconquered but the little castle or Pile called Hams, which though it were but of small force, made by art & industry of man's hand, & being altogether of old workmanship without Rampires or Bulwarks: yet nevertheless by the natural situation thereof, being on all sides environed with Fens and Marsh grounds, it could not easily be approached unto, either with great ordinance for the battery, or else with any army to encamp there for a siege, having but one straight passage thereto by a narrow causye traversed and cut through in divers places, with deep ditches always full of water, which thing being well foreseen by Edward Lord Dudley then Capitayne there, having as good cause to suspect a siege there as his neighbours had, Edward lord Dudley. afore the Frenchmennes coming to Guynes: caused all the Bridges of the said Causey being of wood to be broken, to give thereby the more impeachment to the French, if they should attempt to approach the same, as shortly after they did, and kept divers of the passages: But to deliver the Duke and his soldiers from that care, there came to him glad news from those that had charge to watch the said causey, how the captain having intelligence of the rendering of Guynes, secretly the same night, had conveyed himself, with his small garrison by a secret passage over the marish into Flaunders: whereby the Duke being now past care of any further siege to be laid, in all that Frontier took order forthwith to seize the said little Fort into his hands, as it was easy to do, when there was no resistance. When this piece was once seized by the French, then remained there none other place of defence or strength of the English on all that side the Sea for the safeguard of the rest of the country, whereby the French king became wholly and thoroughly Lord and Master of all the English Pale, for now (as ye have heard) there was neither town, Castle, nor other Fortress more or less on that side (saving Boötes' Bulwark near to Grauelyng which now king Philipe keepeth as his) but that it was either taken away by force, Boötes' Bulwark. or else abandoned & left open to the enemy. And (as the Frenchmen writ) beside the great riches of Gold and Silver Coin, jewels, Plate, wools, and other Merchandise (which was inestimable) there were found three hundred pieces of Brass mounted on wheels, and as many pieces of Iron, with such furniture of powder, pellets, Armour, victuals and other munitions of war, scarcely credible. Thus have you heard the whole discourse of the conquest of the noble town of Calais, with all the English fortresses and Country adjoining made by the Duke of Guise, the news whereof when they came to the French king, no need to ask how joyfully they were received, not only of him and all his Court, but also universally through the whole Realm of France. For the which victory there was (as the manner is) Te deum song, and bonfires made every where, as it is wont to be in cases of common joy and gladness for some rare benefit of God, insomuch that shortly upon this conquest there was a public assembly at Paris of all the states of France, who frankly in recompense of the kings charges employed in winning of Calais and the places aforesaid, and for maintenance of his wars to be continued afterwards, granted unto him three Millions of French crowns, whereof the Clergy of France contributed one Million beside their bismes. And no marvel though the French did highly rejoice at the recovery of Calais out of the Englishmen'S hands: For it is constantly affirmed of many, that be acquainted with the affairs of France, that ever sithen the same town was first won by English men, in all solemn Counsels assembled to treat upon the state of France, there was a special person appointed to put them in remembrance from time to time of Calais, as it were to be wished, that the like were used in England until it were regained from the French. Now seemed every day a year to the French king until he personally had visited Calais, and his new conquered country: Wherefore about the end of january aforesaid, he took his voyage thither accompanied with no small number of his Nobility. And immediately upon his arrival there he perused the whole town and every part thereof from place to place, devising with the Duke of Guise for the better fortification thereof, what should be added to the old, and what should be made new, Mounsire de Thermes made captain of Calais. and what should be taken a way. And after order taken for that business, he placed there a noble and no less valiant knight called monsieur de Thermes to be Capitayne of the town, and so departed again into France. After the French kings departure from Calais, he made great haste for the accomplishment of the marriage, moved between Frances his eldest son called the Dolphin, and Mary Stewart daughter and sole heir of james the fift, late king of Scotland, which Princes if Scots had been faithful of promise (as they seldom be) should have married with king Edward the sixth: For the breach of which promise began all the war between England and Scotland, as you heard in the latter end of the life of king Henry the eight, and in the beginning of king Edward the sixth. This marriage (though it be not of my matter) I thought not to omit, for that many things were meant thereby, which thanks be to God never came to effect. But one special point was not hidden to the world, that by mean of the same, the realm of Scotland should for evermore have remained as united and incorporate to the Crown of France, and that as the son and heir of every French king doth succeed to the inheritance and possession of a country called the dolphin, and is therefore called Doulphyn. And like as the principality of Wales appertaineth to the eldest son of England, who therefore is called the Prince of Wales. Even so the Doulphyn & heir of France should thereby have been king of Scotland for evermore. Which name and title upon this marriage was accordingly given to France's dolphin and heir apparent of France to be called king Doulphyn. The meaning whereof was utterly to exclude for evermore any to be king of Scotland, but only the eldest son of France. The marriage of the Queen of Scots with the dolphin. This memorable marriage was solemnized in the City of Paris, the xxiiij day of April in the year of Christ .1558. with most magnific pomp and triumph, and honoured with the presence of the most part of the Princes, Prelates, Lords, and Barons of both the realms, as it were for a confirmation of this new alliance, which as it was much to the advantage and benefit of France, so nothing could be more prejudice and derogation of the crown to Scotland, as a devise tending to the perpetual abolition and extinguystment of the name and estate of kings in that realm. But now to return to the matters of England, from which I have in part digressed. The news of this conquest of Calais, were not so joyfully received in France, as they were generally grievous and displeasant to the whole realm of England: But specially to Queen Mary, who being a Princes of heart and courage more than commonly is in womankind, thought herself so much touched in honour by the loss of her said town and possessions on that side the sea, as she counted her life irksome, until the same were either recovered again, or the loss redubbled with some like victory against the French elsewhere. In respect whereof, she ceased not to travail aswell with king Philip her husband, as with her own privy counsel and the Lords of the realm, what way should be best to revenge this injury, and specially now whilst the French king was occupied in war with king Philip, to endamage some of his countries by way of invasion and to surprise some of his towns upon the sudden. And among sundry devices, none was thought so fit to be attempted, as an Haven town in Britain called Breast, Breast in Britain. which in the time of king Richard the second and long before was kept and maintained with an English garrison until the said king rendered the same to the French king again by composition. This town aswell for the convenient situation, always ready to receive fresh succours and victualling out of England by Sea, as also for that it was known to the Queen and her counsel at that present not to be furnished with any Garrison of Soldiers sufficient to repulse the power of a Prince upon the sudden, was thought the best mark to be shot at for the time. Wherefore upon this case well debated, The Lord Clinton Admiral. there was immediate order given to Edward Lord Clinton then high Admiral of England, with all expedition to prepare himself with all the Queen's ships of war, furnished with soldiers, munition and victual, to join with the admiral of king Philip, who had like order from the said king to join with the Navy of England, for the achieving of this enterprise. But before I declare to you the adventure of these two great Navies by sea: it shall not be impertinent to touch some accidents in the mean time by land. Whiles king Philip being absent from the low country, was (as you have heard) occupied with his wars in France, Mounsire de Thermes captain of Calais. monsieur de Thermes the new Capitayne of Calais, being a man very expert in the wars (whose property is never to neglect any time of advantage) cast in his mind how during king philip's absence, to do some singular service to the French king. And espying well the beastiality of the flemings his Neighbours, how little they understood the great weakening of their country by the loss of Calais, and that there was no new provision made for the defence thereof more than was before, whilst Calais was English, by the loss whereof, their Frontiers was now become open for the French at all times to enter: He therefore taking out of Calais so many of his soldiers as might be spared from thence, adjoining to them all the forces of the French Garrisons in Artoys, Bullenoyse, and Picardy, whereof (besides the Soldiers of Calais being to the number of seven hundred footmen, and three hundred light horsemen Scottish) there were assembled fourteen Ensigns of the French, and high Dutch, with xiij or xiij hundred Swart Rutters and men at Arms of France, amounting in the whole to the number at the lest of xiij or xiiij thousand fight men, entered into Flaunders with full determination to spoil and waste all king Philip's country along the Sea coast, and namely a proper Haven town called Dunkirck, and with like purpose to have surprised the town of graveling if occasion would so serve. This Capitayne following his enterprise, of a policy passing by the town of Grauelyng, laid siege to a little town not far from thence called Berghes, which he wan in a small time and with small resistance, leaving the saccage of the same unto his Soldiers, where they found many good booties. Dunkircke besieged, taken & brent by the French And without long staying they marched forth to Dunkirck aforesaid, and planting a siege in like manner there, battered the same so sharply with the Cannon, that within less than four days he became Master of the town, which he in like manner put to the sack, where was found more plenty of spoil and good booties, then in any place before, so far forth as the meanest slaves and Lackeys came away rich. And after, setting the town a fire (whereby all the country about were marvelously put in fear) in his return homewards he took the straight way to Grauelyng. And staying his Army there certain days by reason of sudden sickness coming upon him, there were daily skirmishes between the French and the Garrison men of graveling. During this pastime, County Egmond. the County Ayguemount (whom we call Egmond) lieutenant General for king Philip in the low country, with all ●ast possible assembled all the power aswell of king Philipes Garrisons as also of men of war in the low country to the number of xiiij or xv. thousand footmen, and two or three thousand horsemen, whereof there were fifteen hundred Swart Rutters, determining so to affronted the French, that either they should pass no farther into the country, or at the lest way to impeach them from the siege of Grauelyng, whereof there was great appearance. Mounsire de Thermes hearing of this power assembled (though scarcely well recovered) made all possible haste toward Grauelyng, where he was no sooner arrived, but that he saw his enemies ready ranged in the field. By reason whereof, leaving of the pursuing of his intended siege: his study was now nothing else but how he might bring home his company in safeguard to Calais. The County of Egmond, espying the Frenchmen bent to march away with the spoil of the country, cut between them and home, placing his battles in such order, that the Frenchmen had no way to pass, but upon the Sands between the town & the sea: where as by good chance lay a great Fleet of Queen mary's ships of war, English ships ano● the French. within the danger of whose gun-shot, the Frenchmen had no shift but to pass as their journey lay. And so being forced either to famish or to fight at disadvantage, monsieur Thermes without staying any longer, caused his Vanguard to pass over the river somewhat near the town to avoid the shot of the English ships. And staying upon the further side for the residue of his battles there came such thick Hayleshot of Artillery out of the town of the one side and from the English ships on the other side, that there was a full battery made upon the Frenchmen on all sides, which they nevertheless abode without breaking order for the time, when suddenly appeared before them two great troupes of horsemen of xu A valiant onset given upon the Frenchmen by County Egmond. hundred a piece, part Swart Rutters and part Burgonions, whereof the one in front, and the other in flank, gave strong charges, upon the French Vanguard, who being well backed with their other battles (whereof the most part had then passed the River) stoutly repulsed these two first troupes, though not without loss of many their best soldiers. So thus both parts being at a stay, and severed somewhat a sunder: The County Egmond himself with xviij hundred men of Arms, and his foot battles following, afore the French had well recovered breath, recharged upon them with all his forces together so terribly that he shokt all their battle, and the number fell to a main flight without further trial. So by that time that the footmen on either side came to the push of the Pique, the victory was soon had, by reason (as the French men report) that the Almains beaten back with artillery aswell of the town as of the ships aforesaid, broke their order and came not to the Shock, whereby the whole charge of the battle rested upon the French bands only. This field was fought the xiij day of july .1558. upon the Sea Sands, A great victory. near to Grauelyng, wherein besides those that were slain, being esteemed to the number of five thousand fight men: There were taken prisoners Mounsire de Thermes captain of Calais, Mounsire Senarpont Capitayne of Bulleyne, French Prisoners. Mounsire Villebone Governor of Picardy, Mounsire Annebault, Mounsire Moruillers, and Mounsire Chanly, beside a multitude of Gentlemen, and valiant Captains, and soldiers, but specially the bands of Calais went to wreck, so as very few returned home to bring tidings: which gave such a terror to the soldiers remaining in Calais: that it is verily believed that if the Admirals of England and Flaunders had been present there with their Navies, as the said other few ships of England were, and upon this sudden had attempted Calais with the aid of the County Egmond having his power present: the town of Calais might have been recovered again with as little difficulty & haply in as short a time as it was before gained by the Duke of Guise. But the said admiral as it appeared; knew nothing thereof, wherefore following their prescribed course, and joining together at the place appointed, sailed from thence with prosperous wind and wether, and by the xxix day of the same month and in the said year with seven score Ships of war appeared by break of the day before the haven of Conquest commonly called Conquer in Britain, standing upon the mouth of the River that cometh from Breast: At whose arrival there (as the manner is) they sounded their Trumpetes, and with a thundering peal of great ordinance gave aloud Salve to the Britain's. And by eight of the clock the same morning, maugre all the power of the country being assembled there in Arms, Conquest or Conquer taken & brent. with many pieces of great Artillery to defend the entry of their port: The Englishmen manning forth their Shipboates, with many valiant Captains and soldiers, recovered landing and within short time became Masters of the said town of Conquer, which they put to the saccage with a great Abbey and many pretty towns and Villages near there abouts, where our men found great store of pillage and good booties. But the flemings being covetous of the spoil, passing further into the land, before they could recover their ships again, were encountered by the power of the Country, by whom there were slain of them to the number of four or five hundredth. A great slaughter of Flemings. The Admiral's perceiving the power of the Country greatly to increase, and having intelligence that the Duke of Estamps the french king's lieutenant in Briteyne, was very near coming on with a great number of horsemen and footmen, esteemed to be about twenty thousand (as the frenchmen themselves affirm) thought not best to attempt any assault against the town of Breast, or to make longer abode there. Wherefore after they had set fire on the town of Conquer and all the Villages thereabouts, they embarked themselves, and took the sea again with their booties all in safety (except the flemings) thinking to do some further exploit elsewhere upon the coast. But by this time there were such numbers of people raised in all those parts for defence of the same coasts, that the admirals afterwards attempting in divers places to land their men, and finding each where more appearance of loss then of gain, returned home without atcheeving their pretenced enterprise. In this mean while king Philip and the French king with two most puissant armies affronted each other near unto the water of Some, either of them being obstinately bend to drive the other out of the field, for which cause they entrenched their Camps. During which time, there was nothing done between them worthy memory, more than daily skirmishes of no great account. Nevertheless the Country of France could not but sustain extreme damage in so long sustaining such a main multitude, specially of men of war which those two mighty kings had assembled. And day by day came fresh companies to either party, so as it was thought a thing impossible that such two princes being so near could departed without some cruel bloody battle to determine their quarrels: But God in whose hands are the hearts of kings (when least hope was) converted their obstinate minds from war to peace, which came chiefly to pass by the mediation of the Duchess of Loreyn, who had been a long and earnest travailer to that end, and never ceased until by her intercession both the said kings appointed special Commissioners to treat upon peace. So that after divers conferences, they at last concluded upon all controversies except the matter of Calais, whereof Queen Mary by her Ambassadors required restitution: But the French party would in no wise here thereof. By reason of which difficulty, this treaty could not come to any good conclusion. King Philip thinking himself bound in honour to stand in that case with the Queen his wife, who for his sake had entered into a needless war against France, and thereby lost her said town with all the Country adjoining as you have heard before, did therefore stay a long time, before he concluded peace with the French king. Queen Marie seeing no likelihood nor having any hope of the restitution of Calais, and considering also that most of her affairs had but hard success, conceived an inward sorrow of mind, by reason whereof about September next she fell sick of a hot burning Fever, which sickness was common that year through all the realm and consumed a marvelous number, as well noble men, as Bishops, judges, Knights, Gentlemen and rich farmers: But most of the Clergy and other ancient and grave persons. In which, while the Queen lay languishing of a long sickness, and so continued until the xvij of November next between the hours of five or six in the morning, and then ended her life in this world at her house of saint james beside Westminster, when she had reigned five years, four Months and a xj days, and in the xliij year of her bodily age. And the same day about six of the clock in the evening died cardinal Pool, Legate of the Bishop of Rome, late afore made archbishop of Cauntorbury, at his house over against Westminster called Lambeth. The description of Cardinal Poole. This Cardinal was dissended of the house of Clarence, that is to say, one of the younger sons of Margaret Countess of Salisbury, daughter of George Duke of Clarence, brother to king Edward the fourth. The death of this said Queen made a marvelous alteration in this realm, namely in the case of religion, which like as by the death of king Edward the sixth it suffered a change from the establishment of his time: So by the death of this Queen it returned into the former estate. Queen Elizabeth. WHen true knowledge was had that Queen Mary was deceased, who left her life in this world the xvij day of November as is before mentioned in the latter end of her history in the time of a Parliament, the Lords that were assembled in the upper house, being resolved according to the laws of the land to declare the Lady Elizabeth, sister to the said Queen Mary, to be very true and lawful heir to the crown of England, sent immediately to the Speaker of the said Parliament, willing him with the Knights and Burgesses of the neither house without delay to repair unto them into the upper house, for their assents in a case of great importance. Who being come thither, after silence made (as the manner is) the archbishop of York Chancellor of England whose name was Nicholas Hethe Doctor in divinity, stood up and pronounced in effect these words following. The cause of your calling hither at this time is to signify unto you, that all the Lords here present are certainly certified that God this present Morning hath called to his mercy our late sovereign Lady Queen Mary, which hap as it is most heavy and grievous unto us, so have we no less cause an other way to rejoice with praise to almighty God, for that he hath left unto us a true, lawful and right Inheritrice to the crown of this Realm, which is the Lady Elizabeth second Daughter to our late sovereign Lord of noble memory King Henry the eight, and sister unto our said late Queen, of whose most lawful, right and title in the succession to the crown (thanks be to God) we need not to doubt. Wherefore, the Lords of this house have determined with your assents and consents to pass from hence into the Palace, and there to proclaim the said Lady Elizabeth Queen of this Realm, without farther tract of time. Whereunto the whole house answered with evident appearance of joy, crying, God save Queen Elizabeth, long may Queen Elizabeth reign over us. And so this parliament being dissolved by the act of God, the said Lords immediately calling unto them the Kings and principal Heralds at Arms, went into the Palace of Westminster, and directly before the hall door in the fore noon of the same day, after several sounding of Trumpets made in most solemn manner, proclaimed the new Queen, by this name and title. Elizabeth by the grace of God Queen of England, France and Ireland, defender of the faith. etc. to the great comfort and rejoicing of the people, as by their manors and countenances well appeared. After which proclamation made at Westminster, the said Lords with all speed repaired into the City of London, where like Proclamation was made in their presence at the Cross in Cheap, with no less universal joy, and thanks giving to God of the hearers. In this place I intend to conclude and end this my rude and unlearned work, not worthy the name of a Chronicle, praying the gentle Reader to pardon me in that I do not pass forth with the declaration of the History of this most gracious and virtuous Princes, in such manner as I have done with other before, for divers causes do move me to stay here, not only for that my work already is come to a full volume, but also for that her graces proceed in her government been such and so great as require a larger discourse of matter. As first to consider how her Majesty finding this realm in hostility with France, with how great felicity and no less providence of counsel she brought both realms to peace. And the town of Calais before lost (as you have heard) in the time of her sister, by an honourable peace concluded with the French king, she brought to pass either to have the same again restored within a certain time prefixed, or else the said French king to forfeit and pay unto her certain great sums of money, reserving nevertheless the right and title of the said town and country to the realm of England. And perceiving that by the loss of the said town and by other occasions this realm was much disfurnished of Armour and munition: She of her high policy and with no small charges provided a new furniture & store thereof in a much more large proportion. And in like manner espying in time the subtle compass of the French king in landing of men of war in Scotland, whereof might have ensued peril of invasion into England that way, did nobly & prudently prevent the same to the utter frustration of all his fine and secret devices: besides the quailing and disappointing the house of Guise, of their attempts in France, tending to the utter destruction of all such in that realm as would not profess the Pope's religion, wherein if the late Duke had prevailed, it was not unlike, but that he encouraged thereby, would have made some further enterprise to the small quiet of this realm. Add hereunto the benefit inestimable which this realm hath received by the converting of the base and copper moneys into fine Silver and Gold: but specially the most merciful government and rule sithence her coming to the state of Queen, wherein the evil doer hath not his free scope, nor the honest person kept from justice: neither yet any rigour or extremity used in cases, though some of them have nearly touched the surety of her highness person. These things I say with many other being of so great importance require to be handled in a higher manner of style than is for me to writ. And better is little or nothing to be said by me in these and many other most honourable and Princely affairs, then for lack of learning and eloquence in expressing, to darken or rather deface the excellency of the same. And farther also, I am certified that there are sundry men of excellent knowledge and learning, that purpose the setting forth of her highness History, so that duty bindeth me having respect unto the honour of her Majesty and this noble Realm of England here to stay, referring the desirous Reader that would understand such particular things as have passed in the time of her Grace's reign, unto such brief notes as are set forth in the small Abridgements of Chronicles of our tyme. And here most heartily beseeching Almighty God to preserve her Majesty in most prosperous and honourable estate long to live and reign over us, and also to keep and preserve all her highness most honourable counsellors and to prospero them in all their affairs both public and private. I finish and make an end in the year of our Lord 1568. the xviij day of March and in the xj year of the reign of this most noble and virtuous Princess Elizabeth our most dread and sovereign Lady. FINIS. A Table declaring the reigns of every king of this Realm, sithen the conquest, and the years of our Lord, and Months and days of their beginning, and also the names and surnames of all the Majors, and Sheriffs of London, with the year and day of their entrance into their charge. And for the better understanding of this Table, the same is divided into four parts or titles. The first is the years of our Lord, than the Months and days wherein every King began his reign, than the years of the King's reign, and lastly, the names of the Bailiffs, Sheriffs and Majors, placed justly upon the very day of the month, wherein every of them entered into their office. And for example, I would know in what year of our Lord King Henry the eight began his reign, and in what month and day, and who w●●t that Sheriffs also Mayor of London. First I seek our among the Kings, and at the last, I find King Henry the eight and the first title I find the year of our Lord that he began his reign in, which was .1509. and the xxij day of the month of April. And immediately followeth the month of September, and the xxviij day, wherein George Monnoux and john Ducket entered into their office of Shirivaltie, and likewise followeth in the same year the month of October the xxviij day, wherein Thomas Bradburie entered into his office of the mayoralty of London. And thus may ye in like manner found a true account of the years of any King, Sheriff, or Mayor of London. King Richard the first beginneth his reign in the year. 1189. The years of our Lord. Months and days. The years of the King. Bailiffs. 1189 March. 25. july. 6. Septem. 28. 1 Henry Cornhill, Richard Riverie. B. 1190 March. 25. july. 6. Septem. 28. 2 john Herlson, Roger Duke. B. 1191 March. 25. july. 6. Septem. 28. 3 William Havershall, john Bucknot. B. 1192 March. 25. july. 6. Septem. 28. 4 Nicholas Duke, Peter Nowley. B. 1193 March. 25. july. 6. Septem. 28. 5 Roger Duke, Richard Fitzaleyn. B. 1194 March. 25. july. 6. Septem. 28. 6 William Fitzisabell, William Fitzarnold. B. 1195 March. 25. july. 6. Septem. 28. 7 Robert Besaunt, jokell joshua. B. 1196 March. 25. july. 6. Septem. 28. 8 Gerard Antiloch, Robert Duraunt. B. 1197 March. 25. july. 6. Septem. 28. 9 Roger Blunt, Nicholas Ducket. B. 1198 March. 25. july. 6. Septem. 28. 10 Constantine Fitzarnold, Robert le Beam. B. King john beginneth high reign in the year. 1199. 1199 March. 25. April. 6. Septem. 28. 1 Arnold Fitzarnold, Rich. Fitzbartholomew. B. 1200 March. 25. April. 6. Septem. 28. 2 Roger Dorcet, james Bartholomew. B. 1201 March. 25. April. 6. Septem. 28. 3 Walter Fitzalis, Simon of Aldermanburic. B. 1202 March. 25. April. 6. Septem. 28. 4 Norman blundel, john of Ely. B. 1203 March. 25. April. 6. Septem. 28. 5 Water Browne, William Chamberlain. B. 1204 March. 25. April. 6. Septem. 28. 6 Thomas Hauerill, Hamond Brond. B. 1205 March. 25. April. 6. Septem. 28. 7 john Wolgrave, Richard of Winchester. B. 1206 March. 25. April. 6. Septem. 28. 8 john Holyland, Edmond Fitz Gerrard. B. 1207 March. 25. April. 6. Septem. 28. 9 Roger Winchester, Edmond Hardell. B. Here came in the first Mayor and Sherreves of London 1208 March. 25. April. 6. Septem. 28. October. 28. 10 Peter Duke, Thomas Nele, Sherreves. Henry Fitzalwin, Maior. 1209 March. 25. April. 6. Septem. 28. October. 28. 11 Peter le joshua, William Blound, S. Henry Fitzalwin, M. 1210 March. 25. April. 6. Septem. 28. October. 28. 12 Adam Whetley, Stephen le Gras, S. Henry Fitzalwin, M. 1211 March. 25. April. 6. Septem. 28. October. 28. 13 john Fitz Pet, john Garland, S. Henry Fitzalwin, M. 1212 March. 25. April. 6. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 14 Randolph Eyland, Constantyne le joshua. S. Henry Fitzalwyn. M. 1213 March. 25. April. 6. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 15 Martin Fitzalys, Peter Bate. S. Roger Fitzalwyn. M. 1214 March. 25. April. 6. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 16 Solomon basing, Hugh basing. S. Roger Fitzalwyn. M. 1215 March. 25. April. 6. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 17 john Travers, Andrew Newland. S. William Hardell. M. King Henry the third beginneth his reign in the year. 1216. 1216 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 1 Benet Coventry, William Bluntmers. S. james Alderman, Solomon basing. M. 1217 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 2 Thomas Bokerell, Ralph Hollyland. S. Robert Serle. M. 1218 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 3 john Waylle, josenus Spycer. S. Robert Serle. M. 1219 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 4 Richard Wymbledye, john Waylle. S. Robert Serle. M. 1220 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 5 Richard Reynger, joseus le joshua. S. Robert Serle. M. 1221 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 6 Richard Reynger, joseus le joshua. S. Robert Serle. M. 1222 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 7 Richard Reynger, Thomas Lambert. S. Robert Serle. M. 1223 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 8 William joiner, Thomas Lambert. S. Richard Reynger. M. 1224 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 9 john Travers, Andrew Bokerell. S. Richard Reynger. M. 1225 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 10 Roger Duke, Martin Fitzwylliam. S. Richard Reynger. M. 1226 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 11 Stephyn Bokerell, Henry Cobham. S. Richard Reynger. M. 1227 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 12 Stephyn Bokerell, Henry Cobham. S. Roger Duke. M. 1228 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 13 Walter Winchester, Robert Fitz john. S. Roger Duke. M. 1229 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 14 Richard Fitzwylliam, john Woodborne. S. Roger Duke. M. 1230 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 15 Mighell of saint Eleyn, Walter of Enfeld. S. Andrew Bokerell. M. 1231 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 16 Henry Edmonton, Gerrard Bat. S. Andrew Bokerell. M. 1232 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 17 Symond Fitzmare, Roger Blont. S. Andrew Bokerell. M. 1233 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 18 Ralph Ashwy, john Norman. S. Andrew Bokerell. M. 1234 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 19 Gerrard Bat, Robert Ardell. S. Andrew Bokerell. M. 1235 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 20 Henry Cobham, jordane Coventrie. S. Andrew Bokerell. M. 1236 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 21 john Toleson, Gerrard Cordwayner. S. Andrew Bokerell. M. 1237 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 22 john Wyllhall, john Goundresse. S. Richard Reynger. M. 1238 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 23 Reymond Bongey, Ralph Ashwy. S. William joiner. M. 1239 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 24 john Gysors, Myghell Tony. S. Gerrard Bat. M. 1240 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 25 john Voyle, Thomas Duresme. S. Reymond Bongey. M. 1241 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 26 john Fitz john, Ralph Ashye. S. Reymond Bongey. M. 1242 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 27 Hugh Blont, Adam basing. S. Ralph Ashye. M. 1243 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 28 Ralph Spycer, Nicholas Bat. S. Mighell Tony. M. 1244 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 29 Robert Cornhill, Adam Bewly. S. john Guysors. M. 1245 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 30 Simon Fitzmary, Laurence Frowyke. S. john Guysors. M. 1246 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 31 john Voyle, Nicholas Bat. S. Piers Alyn. M. 1247 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 32 Nycholas joy, Geoffrey Wynton. S. Mighell Tony. M. 1248 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 33 Ralph Hardell, john Toleson. S. Roger Fitzroger. M. 1249 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 34 Humffrey Basse, William Fitzrichard. S. john Norman. M. 1250 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 35 Laurence Frowyke, Nicholas Bat. S. Adam basing. M. 1251 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 36 William Durham, Thomas Wynborne. S. john Toleson. M. 1252 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 37 john Northampton, Richard Picard. S. Nycholas Bat. M. 1253 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 38 Robert Belyngton, Ralph Ashwy. S. Richard Hardell. M. 1254 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 39 Stephyn Oystergate, Henry Walmode. S. Richard Hardell. M. 1255 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 40 Matthew Bokerell, john Minor. S. Richard Hardell. M. 1256 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 41 Richard Ewell, William Ashwy. S. Richard Hardell. M. 1257 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 42 Thomas Fitzrichard, Robert Cathelion. S. Richard Hardell. M. 1258 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 43 john Adrian, Robert Cornhill. S. john Guysors. M. 1259 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 44 Adam Brown, Richard Coventrie. S. William Fitzrichard. M. 1260 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 45 john Northampton, Richard Pickard. S. William Fitzrichard. M. 1261 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 46 Philip Walbroke, Richard Tayler. S. Thomas Fitzthomas. M. 1262 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 47 Robert Mountpiller. Osborne Buckcessell. S. Thomas Fitzthomas. M. 1263 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 48 Thomas Lamforde, Edward Blont. S. Thomas Fitzthomas. M. 1264 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 49 Peter Armiger, Gregory Rokesley. S. Thomas Fitzthomas. M. 1265 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 50 Thomas de la ford, Gregory Rokesley. S. William Fitzrichard. M. 1266 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 51 john Adrian, Lucas Bitencote. S. Alien Zowche. M. 1267 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 52 Thomas of basing, Robert of Cornhill. S. Aleyn Zowche. M. 1268 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 53 William of Durham, Water Harvey. S. Aleyn Zowche. M. 1269 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 54 William Hadstock, Anketill de Aluerne. S. Thomas Fitzthomas. M. 1270 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 55 Walter Potter, john Taylor. S. john Adrian. M. 1271 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 56 Gregory Rokesley, Henry waleys. S. john Adrian. M. 1272 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 19 Octo. 28. 57 Richard Paris, john Bedyll. S. Walter Heruie. M. King Edward the first beginneth his reign in the year. 1273. Novem. 16. 1 1273 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 2 john Horn, Walter Porter. S. Walter Harvey. M. 1274 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 3 Nicholas Wynchester, Henry Coventrie. S. Henry waleys. M. 1275 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 4 Luke Batencourt, Henry Frowyke. S. Gregory Rokesley. M. 1276 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 5 john Borne, Ralph Blont. S. Gregory Rokesley. M. 1277 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 6 Robert de Brasy, Ralph Fenour. S. Gregory Rokesley. M. 1278 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 7 john Adrian, Water Langley. S. Gregory Rokesley. M. 1279 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 8 Robert basing, William Mercer. S. Gregory Rokesley. M. 1280 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 9 Thomas Box, Ralph Moor. S. Gregory Rokesley. M. 1281 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 10 William Faringdon, Nicholas Winchester. S. Gregory Rokesley. M. 1282 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 11 William Mazerer, Nycholas Wynchester. S. Henry Waleys. M. 1283 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 12 Ralph Blont, Hawkyn Betuell. S. Henry Waleys. M. 1284 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 13 jordane Goodchepe, Martin Box. S. Henry Waleys. M. 1285 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 14 Stephyn Cornhill, Robert Rokesley. S. Gregory Rokesley. M. 1286 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 15 Walter Blunt, john Wade. S. Ralph Sandwiche. Custos. 1287 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 16 Thomas Cross, William Hawteyn. S. Sir john Briton. C. 1288 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 17 William Herfford, Thomas Stanes. S. Ralph Sandwiche. C. 1289 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 18 William betake, john of Cauntorburie. S. Ralph Sandwiche. C. 1290 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 19 Fowlk of S. Edmond'S, Solomon Langford. S. Ralph Sandwiche. C. 1291 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 20 Thomas Roman, William de lyre. S. Ralph Sandwiche. C. 1292 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 21 Ralph Blont, Hamond Box. S. Ralph Sandwiche. C. 1293 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 22 Henry Ball, Ellice Russell. S. Ralph Sandwiche. C. 1294 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 23 Robert Rokesley, Martin Awbrey. S. Ralph Sandwiche. C. 1295 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 24 Henry Box, Richard Gloucester. S. Sir john Briton. C. 1296 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 25 john Donstable, Adam Harlyngbury. S. Sir john Briton. C. 1297 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 26 Thomas Sulffe, Adam of Fullam. S. Sir john Briton. C. 1298 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 27 john of Stortford, William of Stortford. S. Sir john Briton. C. 1299 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 28 Richard Resham, Thomas Sely. S. Henry waleys. M. 1300 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 29 john Armencer, Henry Fringrith. S. Elice Russell. M. 1301 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 30 Luke Hauering, Richard Champneys. S. Elice Russell. M. 1302 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 31 Robert Caller, Peter Bosham. S. john Blont. M. 1303 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 32 Hugh Pourt, Symond Paris. S. john Blont. M. 1304 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 33 William Combmartyn, john of Burford. S. john Blont. M. 1305 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 34 Roger Paris, john Lyncolne. S. john Blont. M. 1306 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 16. 35 Reynold Doderill, William Causon. S. john Blont. M. King Edward the second beginneth his reign in the year. 1307. 1307 March. 25. julie. 7. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 1 Simon Belet, Godfrey de la conduit. S. john Blont. M. 1308 March. 25. julie. 7. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 2 Nicholas Pygot, Mighell Drury. S. john Blont. M. 1309 March. 25. julie. 7. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 3 William basing, john Butteler. S. Nicholas Faringdon. M. 1310 March. 25. julie. 7. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 4 james of saint Edmondes, Roger Palmer. S. Thomas Roman. M. 1311 March. 25. julie. 7. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 5 Simon Crop, Peter Blackney. S. Richard Rosham. M. 1312 March. 25. julie. 7. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 6 Simon Merwood, Richard Wylforde. S. john Guysors. M. 1313 March. 25. julie. 7. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 7 john Lambyn, Adam Lutkyn. S. john Guysors. M. 1314 March. 25. julie. 7. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 8 Adam Burden, Hugh Bayton. S. Nicholas Faringdon. M. 1315 March. 25. julie. 7. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 9 Stephyn of Abyngton, Hamond Chickwell. S. john Guysors. M. 1316 March. 25. julie. 7. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 10 Hamond Goodcheape, William Redyng. S. Stephyn of Abyngdon. M. 1317 March. 25. julie. 7. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 11 William Caston, Ralph Palmer. S. john Wengrave. M. 1318 March. 25. julie. 7. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 12 john Prior, William Furnex. S. john Wengrave. M. 1319 March. 25. julie. 7. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 13 john Pountney, john Dalling. S. john Wengrave. M. 1320 March. 25. julie. 7. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 14 Simon Abyngdon, john Preston. S. Hamond Chickwell. M. 1321 March. 25. julie. 7. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 15 Reynold at the conduit, William Prodham. S. Hamond Chickwell. M. 1322 March. 25. julie. 7. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 16 Richard Constantine, Richard Hackney. S. Hamond Chickwell. M. 1323 March. 25. julie. 7. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 17 john Grantham, Richard of Ely. S. Hamond Chickwell. M. 1324 March. 25. julie. 7. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 18 Adam Saresburie, john of Oxford. S. Nicholas Faringdon. M. 1325 March. 25. julie. 7. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 19 Benet Fullham, john Cawston. S. Hamond Chickwell. M. 1326 March. 25. julie. 7. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 20 Gilbert Morden, john Cotton. S. Richard Breteyn. M. King Edward the third beginneth his reign in the year. 1327. janu. 25. 1 1327 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 2 Richard Rotyng, Roger chancellor. S. Richard Breteyn. M. 1328 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 3 Henry Darcy, john Hawden. S. Hamond Chickwell. M. 1329 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 4 Simon Frances, Henry Combmartyn. S. john Grantham. M. 1330 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 5 Richard lazar, Richard Gisours. S. Symond Swaland. M. 1331 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 6 Robert Ely, Thomas Whorwood. S. Symond Swaland. M. 1332 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 7 john Mocking, Andrew Awberey. S. john Pountney. M. 1333 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 8 Nycholas Pike, john Husband. S. john Preston. M. 1334 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 9 john Hamond William hazard. S. john Pountney. M. 1335 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 10 john Kyngston, Walter Turk. S. Reignold at conduit. M. 1336 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 11 Walter Morden, Richard Vpton. S. Reynold at conduit. M. 1337 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 12 William Brickleswoorth, john Northhall. S. john Pountney. M. 1338 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 13 Walter Neale, Nicholas Grave. S. Henry Darcy. M. 1339 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 14 William Thorney, Roger Frosham. S. Andrew Awbrey. M. 1340 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 15 Adam Lucas, Bartholo. mary. S. Andrew Awbrey. M. 1341 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 16 Adam Lucas, Bartholo. mary. S. Andrew Awbrey. M. 1342 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 17 Richard Barking, john Rokesley. S. john Oxenford. M. 1343 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 18 john Lufkyn, Richard Kyslyngbury. S. Simon Frances. M. 1344 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 19 john Stuard, john Aylesham. S. john Hamond. M. 1345 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 20 Geoffrey Wychyngham, Thomas Legget. S. john Hamond. M. 1346 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 21 Edmond Hempnall, john Gloucester. S. Richard lazar. M. 1347 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 22 john Croyden, William Clopton. S. Geoffrey Wychyngham. M. 1348 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 23 Adam Bramson, Richard Basyngstoke. S. Thomas Legget. M. 1349 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 24 Henry Picard, Simon Wolseley. S. john Lufkyn. M. 1350 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 25 Adam Bury, Ralph Lynne. S. William Turk. M. 1351 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 26 john Not, William Worcester. S. Richard Kyllyngbury. M. 1352 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 27 john Wroth, Gybbon Stayndrop. S. Andrew Aubery. M. 1553 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 28 john peach, john Stodeney. S. Adam Frances. M. 1554 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 29 john Welde, john little. S. Adam Frances. M. 1355 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 30 William Tottyngham, Richard Smert. S. Thomas Legget. M. 1356 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 31 Thomas Forster, Thomas Brandon. S. Simon Frances. M. 1357 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 32 Richard Nottyngham, Thomas Dosell. S. Henry Pickard. M. 1358 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 33 Stephyn Candishe, Bartho. Frostling. S. john Stody. M. 1359 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 34 john Barnes, john Burys. S. john Lufkyn. M. 1360 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 35 Simon Bedyngham, john Chichester. S. Symond Duffeld. M. 1361 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 36 john Denys, Walter Burney. S. john Wroth. M. 1362 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 37 William Holbeche, james Tame. S. john Peche. M. 1363 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 38 john of saint Alban's, james Andrew. S. Stephyn Candishe. M. 1364 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 39 Richard Croyden, john Hiltoft. S. john Notte. M. 1365 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 40 Simon Mordant, john of Motforde. S. Adam of Bury. M. 1366 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 41 john Bukylswoorth, john Dreland. S. john Lufkyn. M. 1367 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 42 john Warde, William Dickman. S. john Lufkyn. M. 1368 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 43 Richard Torgold, William Dickman. S. james Andrew. M. 1369 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 44 Adam Wymbyngham, Robert Gyrdeler. S. Symond Mordon. M. 1370 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 45 john Pyele, Hugh Holdiche. S. john Chichester. M. 1371 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 46 William Walwoorth, Robert Gayton. S. john Barnes. M. 1372 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 47 Robert Hatfielde, Adam Staple. S. john Barnes. M. 1373 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 48 john Philphot, Nycholas Brembre. S. john Piele. M. 1374 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 49 john Aubery, john Fisshye. S. Adam Bury. M. 1375 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 50 Richard Lions, William Woodhouse. S. William Walwoorth. M. 1376 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 25. 51 john Hadley, William Newport. S. john Warde. M. King Richard the second beginneth his reign in the year. 1377. 1377 March. 25. june. 21. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 1 john Northampton, Robert Land. S. Adam Staple. M. 1378 March. 25. june. 21. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 2 Andrew Pickman, Nycholas Twiford. S. Nicholas Brember. M. 1379 March. 25. june. 21. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 3 john Boseham, Thomas Cornewallys. S. john Philpot. M. 1380 March. 25. june. 21. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 4 john Helysdon, William Ba●et. S. john Hadley. M. 1381 March. 25. june. 21. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 5 Walter Ducat, William Knight hood. S. William Walwoorth. M. 1382 March. 25. june. 21. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 6 john Rote, john Hind. S. john Northampton. M. 1383 March. 25. june. 21. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 7 Adam balm, john Sely. S. john Northampton. M. 1384 March. 25. june. 21. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 8 Simon Wynchecombe, john Moor. S. john Northampton. M. 1385 March. 25. june. 21. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 9 Nicholas Exton, john French. S. Nycholas Brember. M. 1386 March. 25. june. 21. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 10 john Organ, john Churchman. S. Nycholas Brember. M. 1387 March. 25. june. 21. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 11 William Stonden, William Moor. S. Nycholas Exton. M. 1388 March. 25. june. 21. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 12 William Venour, Hugh Fostalse. S. Nycholas Exton. M. 1389 March. 25. june. 21. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 13 Thomas Austyn, Adam Gathill. S. Nycholas Twyford. M. 1390 March. 25. june. 21. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 14 john Walcote, john Loveney. S. William Venour. M. 1391 March. 25. june. 21. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 15 john Frances, Thomas Vyvent. S. Adam balm. M. 1392 March. 25. june. 21. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 16 john Cadwoorth, Henry Vamer. S. john Hind. M. 1393 March. 25. june. 21. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 17 Gilbert Mansfielde, Thomas Newton. S. William Stonden. M. 1394 March. 25. june. 21. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 18 drew Barentyne, Richard Whytyngdon. S. john Hadley. M. 1395 March. 25. june. 21. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 19 William Bramton, Thomas Knolles. S. john French. M. 1396 March. 25. june. 21. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 20 Roger Ellice, William Sheryngham. S. William Moor. M. 1397 March. 25. june. 21. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 21 Thomas Wylford, William Parker. S. Adam balm. M. 1398 March. 25. june. 21. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 22 William Askam, john Woodcock. S. Richard Whityngton. M. 1399 March. 25. june. 21. 23 King Henry the fourth beginneth his reign in the year. 1399. Septem. 28. Septem. 29. Octo. 28. 1 john Wade, john Warner. S. Drew Barentyn. M. 1400 March. 25. Septem. 28. Septem. 29. Octo. 28. 2 William Waldern, William Hyde. S. Thomas Knolles. M. 1401 March. 25. Septem. 28. Septem. 29. Octo. 28. 3 john Wakell, William Ebot. S. john Frances. M. 1402 March. 25. Septem. 28. Septem. 29. Octo. 28. 4 William Venour, john Fremyngham. S. john Chadwoorth. M. 1403 March. 25. Septem. 28. Septem. 29. Octo. 28. 5 Richard Marlowe, Robert Chicheley. S. john Walcot. M. 1404 March. 25. Septem. 28. Septem. 29. Octo. 28. 6 Thomas falconer, Thomas Poole. S. William Askam. M. 1405 March. 25. Septem. 28. Septem. 29. Octo. 28. 7 William Lowche, Stephyn Spylman. S. john Hind. M. 1406 March. 25. Septem. 28. Septem. 29. Octo. 28. 8 Henry Barton, William Cromer. S. john Woodcock. M. 1407 March. 25. Septem. 28. Septem. 29. Octo. 28. 9 Nycholas Wotton, Geoffrey Brooke. S. Richard Whyttyngton. M. 1408 March. 25. Septem. 28. Septem. 29. Octo. 28. 10 Henry Pomfret, Henry Halton. S. William Stonden. M. 1409 March. 25. Septem. 28. Septem. 29. Octo. 28. 11 Thomas Duke, William Norton. S. Drew Barentyn. M. 1410 March. 25. Septem. 28. Septem. 29. Octo. 28. 12 john Law, William Chicheley. S. Richard Marlowe. M. 1411 March. 25. Septem. 28. Septem. 29. Octo. 28. 13 john Penne, Thomas Pike. S. Thomas Knolles. M. 1412 March. 25. Septem. 28. Septem. 29. Octo. 28. 14 john Raynewell, William Cotton. S. Robert Chicheley. M. King Henry the fift beginneth his reign in the year. 1413. March. 20. 1 1413 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 20. 2 Ralph Levenhinde, William Sevenock. S. William Waldren. M. 1414 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 20. 3 john Sutton, john Mychell. S. William Cromer. M. 1415 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 20. 4 john Michael, Thomas Alleyn. S. Thomas Fawconer. M. 1416 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 20. 5 William Cambridge, Alyn Euerard. S. Nycholas Wotton. M. 1417 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 20. 6 Robert Wodyngton, john Coventrie. S. Henry Barton. M. 1418 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 20. 7 Henry Read, john Gedney. S. Richard Marlowe. M. 1419 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 20. 8 Ralph Barton, john Parnes. S. William Sevenock. M. 1420 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 20. 9 Richard Whyttyngham, john Butler. S. Richard Whytyngton. M. 1421 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 20. 10 john Butteler, john Welles. S. William Cambridge. M. King Henry the sixth beginneth his reign in the year. 1422. 1422 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 1 Richard Gostyn, William Weston. S. Robert Chicheley. M 1423 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 2 William Estfield, Richard Tattersale. S. William Waldren. M. 1424 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 3 Nycholas james, Thomas Wadforde. S. William Cromer. M. 1425 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 4 Simon Seman, john Bywater. S. john Michael. M. 1426 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 5 William Mildred, john Brokle. S. john Coventrie. M. 1427 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 6 john Arnoldes, john Higham. S. john Raynewell. M. 1428 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 7 Henry Frowyke, Robert Otley. S. john Gydney. M. 1429 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 8 Thomas Dushouse, john Abbot. S. Henry Barton. M. 1430 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 9 William Russee, Ralph Holland. S. William Estfielde. M. 1431 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 10 Walter Chertsey, Robert Large. S. Nycholas Wotton. M. 1432 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 11 john Aderley, Stephyn Browne. S. john Welles. M. 1433 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 12 john Olney, john Paddesley. S. john Parneys. M. 1434 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 13 Thomas Chalton, john King. S. john Brockley. M. 1435 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 14 Thomas Barnewell, Simon Eyre. S. Roger Otley. M. 1436 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 15 Thomas Catwoorth, Robert Clopton. S. Henry Frowyke. M. 1437 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 16 Thomas Morsted, William Gregory. S. john Michael. M. 1438 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 17 William Chapman, William Hallies. S. William Estfield. M. 1439 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 18 Hugh Dicket, Nicholas Ewe. S. Stephyn Browne. M. 1440 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 19 Robert Martial, Philip Malpas. S. Robert Large. M. 1441 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 20 john Sutton, William Wetynghale. S. john Paddesley. M. 1442 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 21 William Combrys Richard rich. S. Robert Clopton. M. 1443 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 22 Thomas Bewmond, Richard Norden. S. john Thyrley. M. 1444 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 23 Nycholas Wylforde, john Norman. S. Thomas Catwoorth. M. 1445 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 24 Stephyn Foster, Hugh Wiche. S. Henry Frowyke. M. 1446 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 25 john Derby, Godfrey Felding. S. Simon Eyre. M. 1447 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 26 Robert Horn, Godfrey Boloyn. S. john only. M. 1448 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 27 William Abraham, Thomas Scot S. john Gydney. M. 1449 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 28 William Catlow, William Marrow. S. Stephyn Browne. M. 1450 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 29 William Hulyn, Thomas Canyngs. S. Thomas Chalton. M. 1451 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 30 john Middleton, William Dere. S. Nycholas Wyforde. M. 1452 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 31 Matthew Philip, Christopher Warton. S. William Gregory. M. 1453 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 32 john Walderne, Thomas Cook. S. john Norman. M. 1454 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 33 34 john Field, William Taylor. S. Stephyn Foster. M. 1455 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 35 john Young, Thomas Oulgrave. S. William Marrow. M. 1456 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 36 john Steward, Ralph Verney. S. Thomas Canynges. M. 1457 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 37 William Edward, Thomas Reyner. S. Godfrey Boloyne. M. 1458 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 38 Ralph josselyn, Richard Medtham. S. Thomas Scot M. 1459 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 39 john Plommer, john Stocker. S. William Hulyn. M. 1460 March. 25. August. 31. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 40 Richard Fleming, john Lambert. S. Richard Lée. M. King Edward the fourth beginneth his reign in the year. 1461. March. 4. 1 1461 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 4. 2 john Lock, George Ireland. S. Hugh Wiche. M. 1462 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 4. 3 William Hampton, Bartholomew james. S. Thomas Cook. M. 1463 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 4. 4 Robert Basset, Thomas Mustchamp. S. Matthew Philip. M. 1464 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 4. 5 john Tate, john Stone. S. Ralph joslyn. M. 1465 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 4. 6 Henry Wever, William Constantyne. S. Ralph Verney. M. 1466 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 4. 7 john Browne, Henry Brice, I. Stockton. S. john Young. M. 1467 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 4. 8 Humffrey Heyford, Thomas Stalbroke. S. Thomas Oulgrave. M. 1468 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 4. 9 Simon Smith, William Harlot. S. William Taylor. M. 1469 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 4. 10 Richard Gardyner, Robert Drop. S. Richard Lee. M. 1470 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 4. 11 john Crosby, john Warde. S. john Stockton. M. 1471 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 4. 12 john Alyn, john Chellye. S. William Edward. M. 1472 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 4. 13 john Browne, Thomas Bledlowe. S. Richard Hampton. M. 1473 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 4. 14 William Stocker, Robert Bellysdon. S. john Tate. M. 1474 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 4. 15 Edmond shaw, Thomas Hill. S. Richard Drop. M. 1475 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 4. 16 Hugh Prince, Robert Colwiche. S. Robert Basset. M. 1476 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 4. 17 Richard Rawson, William Horn. S. Ralph josselyn. M. 1477 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 4. 18 Henry Colet, john Stocker. S. Humffrey Heyford. M. 1478 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 4. 19 Robert Herding, Robert Byfelde. S. Richard Gardyner. M. 1479 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 4. 20 Thomas Ilam, john Warde. S. Bartholomew james. M. 1480 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 4. 21 William Danyell, William Bacon. S. john Browne. M. 1481 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 4. 22 Robert Tate, W. Wyking, R. Chawry. S. William Haryot. M. 1482 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. March. 4. 23 William white, john Matthew. S. Edmond shaw. M. King Edward the fift beginneth his reign in the year. 1483. 1483 March. 25. April. 9 1 King Richard the third beginneth his reign in the year. 1483. June. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 1 Thomas Norland, William Martin. S. Robert Byllysdon. M. 1484 March. 25. june. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 2 Richard Chester, T. Briteyn, Ralph Astry. S. Thomas Hill. M. 1485 March. 25. june. 22. 3 King Henry the seventh beginneth his reign in the year. 1485. August. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 1 john Tate, john Swan. S. Hugh Brice. M. 1486 March. 25. August. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 2 john Percyvall, Hugh Clopton. S. Henry Colet. M. 1487 March. 25. August. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 3 john Fenkyll, William Remyngton. S. William Horn. M. 1488 March. 25. August. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 4 William Isaac, Ralph Tynley. S. Robert Tate. M. 1489 March. 25. August. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 5 William Capell, john Brooke. S. William white. M. 1490 March. 25. August. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 6 Henry Cote, R. Revel, Hugh Penberton. S. john Matthew. M. 1491 March. 25. August. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 7 Thomas Wood, William Browne. S. Hugh Clopton. M. 1492 March. 25. August. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 8 William Purchase, William Welbeck. S. William Martin. M. 1493 March. 25. August. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 9 Robert Fabian, john Wynger. S. Ralph Astry. M. 1494 March. 25. August. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 10 Nycholas Alwyn, john Warner. S. Richard Chawry. M. 1495 March. 25. August. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 11 Thomas Knéeswoorth, Henry Summer. S. Henry Colet. M. 1496 March. 25. August. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 12 john shaw, Richard Haddon. S. john Tate. M. 1497 March. 25. August. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 13 Bartholomew Reed, Thomas Wyndought. S. William Purchase. M. 1498 March. 25. August. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 14 Thomas Bradbury, Stephyn Ienyngs. S. john Percyvall. M. 1499 March. 25. August. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 15 james Wylfoord, Richard Brond. S. Nicholas Alwyn. M. 1500 March. 25. August. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 16 john Hawse, William Stede. S. William Redyngton. M. 1501 March. 25. August. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 17 Laurence Aylmer, Henry Hede. S. john shaw. M. 1502 March. 25. August. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 18 Henry Keble, Nycholas Nynes. S. Bartholomew Reed. M. 1503 March. 25. August. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 19 Christopher Hawes, R. Wattes. T. Granger. S William Capell. M. 1504 March. 25. August. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 20 Roger Acheley, William Browne. S. john Wynger. M. 1505 March. 25. August. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 21 Richard Shore, Roger Grove. S. Thomas Knéeswoorth. M. 1506 March. 25. August. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 22 W. Copynger, T. johnson, W. Fitzwilliam. S Richard Hadden. M. 1507 March. 25. August. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 23 William Butteler, john Kyrkbie. S. William Browne. M. 1508 March. 25. August. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 24 Thomas Armew, Richard Smyth. S. Stephyn Ienyngs. M. King Henry the eight beginneth his reign in the year. 1509. 1509 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 1 George Monour, john Ducket. S. Thomas Bradbury. M. 1510 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 2 john Mylborne, john Rest. S. Henry Keble. M. 1511 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 3 Nicholas Shelton, Thomas Myrfyn. S. Roger Acheley. M. 1512 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 4 Robert Holdernes, Robert Fenrother. S. William Copynger. M. 1513 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 5 john Daws, I. Bridges, Roger Basfoord. S. William Browne. M. 1514 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 6 james Yarfford, john Mondy. S. George Monox. M. 1515 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 7 Henry Worley, Richard Grace, W. bailie. S. William Butteler. M. 1516 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 8 Thomas Seymour, Richard Thurston. S. john Rest. M. 1517 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 9 Thomas Baldry, Richard Simon. S. Thomas Exmew. M. 1518 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 10 john Alyn, james Spencer. S. Thomas Myrffyn. M. 1519 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 11 john Wilkynson, Nicholas Partridge. S. james Yarfford. M. 1520 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 12 john Skevyngton, john Keble. S. john Bruge. M. 1521 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 13 john Briteyn, Thomas Pargetour. S. john Mylborne. M. 1522 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 14 john Rudston, john Champneys. S. john Mondy. M. 1523 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 15 Mighell English, Nicholas Ienyngs. S. Thomas Baldry. M. 1524 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 16 Ralph Dodmer, William Roche. S. William bailie. M. 1525 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 17 john Calton, Christopher Askew. S. john Allyn. M. 1526 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 18 Stephyn Peacock, Nichas Lambert. S. Thomas Seymer. M. 1527 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 19 john Hardy, William Hallies. S. james Spencer. M. 1528 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 20 Ralph Wareyn, john Long. S. john Rudston. M. 1529 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 21 Mighell Dormer, Walter Champion. S. Ralph Dodmer. M. 1530 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 22 William Dauncie, john Chopping. S. Thomas Pargetour. M. 1531 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 23 Richard Gresham, Edward Altham. S. Nicholas Lambert. M. 1532 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 24 Richard Reynold, I. Martin, Ni. Pyncheon. S. Stephyn Peacock. M. 1533 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 25 William Forman, Thomas Kytson. S. Christopher Askew. M. 1534 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 26 Nycholas Lewson, William Denham. S. john Champneys. M. 1535 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 27 Humphrey Monmouth, john Cotes. S. john Alleyn. M. 1536 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 28 Richard Paget, William Bowyer. S. Ralph Warreyn. M. 1537 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 29 john Gresham, Thomas Lewyn. S. Richard Gresham. M. 1538 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 30 William Wylkynson, Nicholas Gibson. S. Walter Forman. M. 1539 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 31 Thomas Fayrry, Thomas Huntlow. S. William Hollys. M. 1540 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 32 William Laxston, Martin Bowes. S. William Roche. M. 1541 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 33 Rowland Hill, Henry Suckley. S. Mighell Dormer. M. 1542 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 34 Henry Hoblethorn, Henry Amcotes. S. john Coates. M. 1543 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 35 john Toules, Richard Dabbes. S. William Bowyer. M. 1544 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 36 john Wylfoord, Andrew jud. S. William Laxston. M. 1545 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 37 George Barnes, Ralph Allyn. S. Martin Bowes. M. 1546 March. 25. April. 22. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 38 Richard jeruys, Thomas Curtys. S. Henry Hoblethorne. M. King Edward the sixth beginneth his reign in the year. 1547. janu. 28. 1 1547 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 28. 2 Thomas white, Robert Chertsey. S. john Gresham. M. 1548 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 28. 3 William Lock, john Ayleph. S. Henry Amcotes. M. 1549 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 28. 4 john York, Richard Turck. S. Rowland Hill. M. 1550 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 28. 5 Austyn Hind, john Lyon. S. Andrew jud. M. 1551 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 28. 6 john Lambert, john Cowper. S. Richard Dabbes. M. 1552 March. 25 Septem. 28. Octo. 28. janu. 28. 7 William Garet, john Maynard. S. George Barnes. M. Queen Marie beginneth her reign in the year. 1553. 1553 March. 25. july. 6. M. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 1 Thomas Offley, Wyllliam Hewet. S. Thomas white. M. 1554 March. 25. july. 6. M. 2 King Philip beginneth his reign in the year. 1554. july. 25. P. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 1 David Woodroffe, William Chester. S. john Lyon. M. 1555 March. 25. july. 6. M. july. 25. P. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 3 2 Thomas Leigh, john Machym. S. William Garrard. M. 1556 March. 25. july. 6. M. july. 25. P. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 4 3 William Harper, john white. S. Thomas Offley. M. 1557 March. 25. july. 6. M. july. 25. P. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 5 4 Richard Malory, james Altham. S. Thomas Curteys. M. 1558 March. 25. july. 6. M. july. 25. P. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. 6 5 john Halse, Richard Champion. S. Thomas Leigh. M. Queen Elizabeth beginneth her reign in the year. 1559. Novem. 17. 1 1559 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 17. 2 Thomas Lodge, Roger Martin. S. William Hewet. M. 1560 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 17. 3 Christopher Draper, Thomas row. S. Sir William Chester. M. 1561 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 17. 4 Alexander Auenon, Humffrey Baskeruyle. S. Sir William Harper. M. 1562 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 17. 5 William Alener, Richard Chamberleyn. S. Sir Thomas Lodge. M. 1563 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 17. 6 Edward Banks, Rowland Heyward. S. Sir john white. M. 1564 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 17. 7 Edward jackman, Lionel Ducket. S. Sir Richard Malorie. M. 1565 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 17. 8 john Rivers, james Hawes. S. Sir Richard Champion. M. 1566 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 17. 9 Ri. Lambert, Ambros Nycholas, john Lang. S Sir Christopher Draper. M. 1567. March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 17. 10 Thomas Ramsey, William Bond. S. Sir Roger Martin. M. 1568 March. 25. Septem. 28. Octo. 28. Novem. 17. 11 Robert Harding, I. Oleph, james Bacon. S. Sir Thomas row. M. FINIS. A Table for the second Volume of this Chronicle. A ABell, Bachelor in divinity. 1252. Abbeys suppressed. 1226. Abbot Egelsyne. 2. Absolution given to the Parliament house. 1346. ¶ Act for unlawful assemblies. 1313. ¶ Admonition to the justices of Peace. 1291. Adrian an English man Bishop of Rome. 51. Adrian a Cardinal of Rome. 884. Adventurers. 1069. 1098. ¶ Agnes Duchess of Norfolk. 1254. ¶ Albert Duke of Holland. 461. Aldermen. 124. 217. Alsoulen College. 592. Alexander Archbishop of York. 375. Alexander Bishop of York. 886. Alexander King of Scots. 110. 169. Alexander Bishop of Lincoln. 42. Alexander Ramsey. 325. Alianour Mother to King Richard the first. 82. ¶ Ambassadors. 224. 226. 230. 231. 1121. Ambition. 760. Amery, a knight. 287. ¶ Andrew Earl of Carlisle hanged. 203. Andrew Forgusa a traitor. 488. Andrew Barton a Pirate. 960. Anne of Cleve married to King Henry the eight. 1243. divorced 1250. died and was buried. 1352 Anne Boleyne beloved of King Henry the eight 1182. made Marchiones. 1210. married to King Henry the eight. 1214. published Queen. 1215. Crowned. 1218. sent to the tower. 1228. beheaded Anselme archbishop of Cauntorburie. 35. dieth. 36. Anselme archbishop of York. 23. Anticipation. 1102. Anthony Bastard son of philip Duke of Burgoyne. 669. Anthony Wooduyle Lord Rivers. 761. committed to Warde. 764. beheaded ibidem. Anthony Kingston knight apprehended. 1351. Anthony Ager and his son slain at Calais. 1355. ¶ Appeals to Rome forbidden. 1259. ¶ Aquyteyn lost. 624. ¶ archbishops' of Cauntorbury are named by the Pope Legatinati. 53. Arde Castle builded. 1252. Arden murdered. 1315. Argenton. 25. Arms of Frafice quartered with England. 241. Arms of king Richard. 395. Army sent into Spain. 962. Army into France. 975. Army into Scotland. 1268. 1272. 1289. Arques Castle. 90. Arthur Prince of wales. 860. affied to Katherine daughter of Ferdinand king of Spain. 935. dead. 939. Arthure son of Geostrey Plantagenet. 96. his pedigree. 98. his death ibidem. Articles between king Henry the sixth and Richard Duke of York. 647. the Duke slain. 649. Articles exhibited in Parliament against King Richard the second. 400. Articles of agreement between the French king and Henry the fift king of England. 480. Articles of peace with France. 308. 725. Articles in the behalf of the Emperor. 1123. Articles or conditions offered to the King of England by the Duke of orleans. 438. Articles proponed by the Percies against king Henry the ord. 422. Articles proponed against William Duke of Suffolk. 647. Articles published by the Duke of Gloucester against Henry Bishop of Winchester. 113. and the bishops answers to the same with the determination of the Parliament which were Arbitrators between them. 514. 515. 516. 517. 518. 519. Articles proponed to the justices. 352. Articles against Mortimer. 223. Articles against Cardinal Wolsey. 1189. 1197. dead. 1198. his description. 1198. Articles against the Clergy. 1205. ¶ Ask, rebel in the North. 1234. taken. 1235. executed. Assizes when they were first ordained. 77. B Baffling what it is. 997. Bailioll College in Oxford. 169. Bailiefes rule the City of London. 83. Bamborough Castle. 26. Barnet Field. 703. Baron's war. 133. 139. 140. Barons assemble at Sherborne. 199. fly and are taken. 201. executed. 202. Barkeley Castle. 217. Bark Ager. 1280. Barnard College. 592. Barnes a Doctor. 1251. Barels of Gold. 1150. Battle of Estrevelyn. 181. 196. Battle of Vyron Fosse. 238. Battle of Vernoyle. 505. Battle of Fongiers in Briteyn. 875. Battle of Northampton. 641. Battle of Agincourt. 454. Battle of Otterborne. 381. Battle of Shrewsburie. 422. Battle of Herrings. 532. Battle of Fankerk. 181. Battle of Towton. 656. Battle at Banbury. 676. Battle of chastilion. 623. Battle of S. Albon. 627. 651. Battle of Stoke. 868. Battle of Cressy. 271. Battle of Tewkesburie. 709. Battle of Poitiers. 294. Battle of Lyncolne where Mawde the Empress had a great victory. 43. 44. Battle of wakefield. 649. Battle of Solome Moss. 1268 Battle at Sluice. 242. Battle of Crauant. 500 Battle of Euesham. 148. Battle of Furneyes in Flaundyrs. 180. Battle of Lewis in Sussex. 146 Battle of Livelles. 661. Battle of Methfen, 190. ¶ Beaulieu in Hampshire. 706. Bell Castle taken. 1089. Benevolence. 791. 888. Berwick won. 176. Berwick yielded to the Scots. 197. Berwick recovered. 752. Berwick castle taken 228. recovered by the Scots 326. recovered again by the Englishmen 328. Bertrand slew king Richard the first. 95. Beverley. 444. ¶ Bishops deposed and Bishops restored. 1327. Bishops became great Purchasers. 85. Bishop of Duresme made Erl. 85 Bishops deprived. 11. ¶ Blaunchetaque. 169. 452. Black Smith. 915. Blackheth Field. 618. 917. Blank charters. 398. Blue beard. 609. Blore heath. 636. ¶ Boleyne besieged. 894. & recovered. 1273. given up again to the French king. 1314. Bolton Prior of S. Bartholomewes'. 1108. Boötes' Bulwark. 1360. Born Bishop of . 1327. Boston brent. 165. Boswoorth Field. 849. Bow Church steeple. 161. Bowyer Mayor of Bodwyne. 1308. ¶ Brent heath. 618. Breast in Briteyne besieged. 318. 1362. Breast given up. 385. Bridewell. 40. 1322. Browne. 444. ¶ Bulwarks made by king Henry the eight. 1239. Burial of King Henry the fift. 496. Burdet put to death. 791. Bury. 1301. Butlerage what it is. 134. Building of saint james. 1207. C CAlice besieged. 277. won. 286. sold. 287. but yet defended. 288. besieged by the Duke of Burgoyn. 571. but defended: besieged by the Duke of Gwise and won from the English. 1354. Cambre besieged. 237. Cane besieged and taken. 263. Cauntorburie brent. 52. Canutus a Dane. 16. captain Cobbler. 1233. Cap of Maintenance. 1008. Carlisle made a Bishop's sea. 40. Cardinal Bembrick. 1014. Cardinal Campeius. 1026. 1175. Cardinal's Hat received. 1017. Cardinal Poole. 1239. 1330. 1343 made archbishop of Cauntorburie. 1351. dieth 1366. Cardinal Wolsey. 1038. 1048. 1057. 1079. 1122. 1125. 1127. 1067. 1130. 1152. 1153. 1163. 1177. 1182. 1183. Castles destroyed and razed to the ground. 50. Catesby. 778. ¶ Chapman. 1253. Challenge. 670. Chalons Castle. 94. Charles the sixth French King dead. 496. Charles the fift Emperor received into London. 1061. Charles de Bloys Duke of Briteyn. 287. Charles the French king deceased. 496. Charles the seventh proclaimeth himself king of France. 497. Charles the fift Emperor. 1032. landeth in England. 1034. Charles Duke of Burgoyne married to the Lady Margaret sister to king Edward the ord. 670. Charles Duke of Burgoyne slain. 740. Charles Duke of Suffolk. 1088. 1095. dieth. 1276. Chesshire men guard the king. 389 Chirbourgh taken. 263. Christopher Vrswike. 871. Christopher Moresby. 453. Christian king of Denmark. 1083 Churches in England. 1081. ¶ Cicile Duchess of York deceased. 909. Citizens given away by the king to the Prince. 151. and forced to fly the City. 152. Citizens banished for ever. 167. citizens spoil Citizens. 156. Civil sedition. 415. Civil war. 792. ¶ Clare hall in Cambridge. 311. Clergy. 437. ¶ Colyngborne executed. 829. College of Eton. 714. College called the king's College. 714. Colleges in Oxford. 950. Communion in both kinds. 1284. Compeigne besieged. 544. Commotion. 674. Companions. 311. Combat. 346. 396. 594. Commissioners. 1339. Conduyt in Cornhill. 426. Conduyt in Fleetstreet. 580. Conduyt in gracious street. 891. Conspiracy against King Henry the fourth. 409. Conspiracy. 22. Constantyne the Son of Arnulph. 119. Constantyne an Isle in Normandy. 262 Contention for the Primacy. 13. 37. 75. 86. Contention for the election of the Pope. 78. Contention in the election of the Archbishop of Cauntorbury. 99 Convocation at London. 36. Coronation of William Conqueror. 1. Conquer taken and brent. 1364. Coronation of king Henry the sixth at Westminster. 541. at Paris. 548. Coronation of Queen Katherine. 488. Coronation of Queen Elizabeth wife to King Henry the seventh. 872. Corfe Castle. 217. Coin advanced. 230. and abased. 1315. Countess of Salisbury. 251. Court legantine. 1027. 1080. Counsel at Nottyngham. 251. 389. Counsel of Constance. 444. Counsel of Laterane. 110. Counsel of the City of London called the common counsel, 98. Coventry. 16. 1103. Counsellors to king Henry the eight. 951. County Ayguemond. 1330. 1364. ¶ Cranmer arraigned and condemned of treason. 1130. Cratwel a hangman hanged. 1237 Creation of Dukes. 394. Creplegate. 891. Crotoye brent. 271. ¶ Cuthbert Tonstall Bishop of London. 1076. Culpepper executed. 1254. Cursing. 113. D DAmport. 1253. 1254. Dane ghelt released. 40. 41. Danes are chased. 10. David king of Scots. ●49. David son of Malcolyn king of Scots. 45. David prince of Wales. 123. David Brother to Llewellyne prince of Wales hanged. 166. Dearth of Corne. 99 168. 197. ¶ Defiance made to the Emperor. 1162. Degrees of poor. 1321. Deposition of king Edward the second. 215. ¶ Dionyce Morbeck knight took the French king. 298. Diram executed. 1254. Disgrading of a knight. 662. Displeasure between king Edward the fourth, and the Earl of Warwick. 667. The Earl slain. 705. Dissension among the Barons. 147. Dissimulation. 11. Dissension between the king and the parliament. 349. Division between Lancaster and York. 625. 633. Dixmew Field. 882. ¶ Doctor Bele. 1020. Donkerk brent by the french. 1363. Dover brent by the french. 171. ¶ Duke of Buckingham conspireth against king Richard. 813. beheaded. 826. Duke Dalva Prince in Spain. 965. Dunbarre won. 177. Duresme besieged by the Scots and brent. 250. Durant the Pope's Legate. 104. ¶ Dry summer. 292. E EArthquake. 36. 125. ¶ Ebbing and flowing. 441. ¶ Edinburgh castle taken. 228. 177. 1272. Edgar Athcling, 1. 8. Edgar the son of Malcolyne king of Scots. 24. Edmond Dudley. 942. 952. Edmond de la pool Earl of Suffolk. 938. 944. Edmond Boner Bishop of London. 1327. Edmonde Sha Goldsmithe. 755. 785. Edmond Earl of Kent slain. 435. Edmond Mortymer apprehended 415. died without issue. 421. Edmonde Crowcheback second son to king Henry the third. 159. Edmonde brother to king Henry the sixth, created earl of Richemonde. 624. Edmond Earl of Lancaster. 175. created Duke. 180. Edmond of Woodstock. 204. apprehended. 222. Edward the first crowned at Westminster. 162. dieth. 192. his description. 192. Edward the second crowned. 193. taken and imprisoned. 212. 213. deposed. 215. murdered. 218. his description. 193. Edward the third borne. 195. deposed his father. 215. reigneth king. 216. goeth into France. 225. is made Vicar of the Empire. 234. Coined Gold and silver in Andwarpe. 235. conquered Calais. 282. dieth. 322. his issue. 333. Edward the fourth, proclaimed king. 653. 658. 758. taken prisoner. 678. escapeth ibidem, flieth. 688. landeth again in England. 697. possesseth again the crown. 702. passeth with a great army into France. 719. returneth again. 736. he dieth. 760. his description. 756. description of his concubines. 784. Edward the fift. 756. cometh to London. 767. murdered. 804. Edward the sixth born. 1236. crowned. 1283. dieth. 1323. Edward Longshanke. 123. Edward of Carnarvan the first son of king Edward the first. 166. Edward le bruise slain. 203. Edward Prince of Wales and eldest son of king Edward the third commonly called the black prince. 255. Edward the first son of prince Edward. 312. Edward the son of king Henry the sixth borne. 624. Edward the son of Richard the third dieth. 808. Edward Earl of Warwick. 742. Edward Plantagenet Earl of Warwick. 853. 865. beheaded. 929. 933. Edward Lord Wooduyle. 873. Edward Pownyngs knight. 907 960. Edward Hawarde Lord Admiral dieth. 972. Edward Boughen Duke of Buckyngham accused. 1044. attached. 1045. arraigned, condemned and executed. 1046. 1047. Edward Duke of Somerset complained upon by the Lords. 1311. committed to the Tower. 1313. delivered from thence. 1315 again committed to the Tower 1316. condemned and executed. 1317. Edward Lord hastings. 780. 781. Edward Courtney created Earl of Devonshire. 1327. 1348. Edward Lord Dudley Capteyn of Hams. 1360. Edwin Earl of middle England. 1. 7. ¶ Egelwinus Bishop of Duresme. 12. Elizabeth daughter to king Henry the eight, borne. 1219. committed to the Tower. 1338. removed to Woodstock. 1342. restored to the possession of the crown of this realm. 1357. Elizabeth Lucye Queen, wife to king Edward the fourth. 788 condemned. 864. dieth. 940. Elizabeth wife to king Henry the seventh, daughter of king Edward the fourth, and mother to king Henry the eight, borne. 668. Elizabeth Barton called the holy Maid of Kent. 1221. Elizabeth Tilney. 1254. Elyzabeth Blunt mother of the Duke of Richemond. 1136. Elianour Cobham Duchess of Gloucester, wife to Humffrey called the good Duke of Gloucester. 587. Elinor wife to king henry the second. 50. Ely made a Bishop's sea. 36. ¶ England made tributary to the Bishop of Rome. 108. English Merchants received into Andwarp with procession. 922. Intercourse between the house of Burgoyne and England. 922. ¶ Epistle exhortatory. 1294. ¶ Earl Baldwyn. 44. earl of Salisbury slain. 531. ¶ esquires made in London. 1289. Estrevelyn Castle. 248. ¶ Eustace the son of king Stephyn. 84. Eustace Bishop of Ely. 103. Eustace Earl of Tirwyn. 1255. Evil May day. 1022. ¶ Exactions. 397. Exeter besieged by Perkin. 923. Excester College. 224. Exham Field. 661. Exmewe. 1225. F FAmine. 10. 16. 27. 197. Faulques earl of Angiers. 39 ¶ Felony. 1329. Fernehurst Castle taken. 1091. Feribrig. 655. Fetherston Bachelor of Divinity. 1252. ¶ Fines for fornication. 28. First fruits and tenths given to king Henry the eight. 1225. ¶ Flaundyrs drowned. 35. Floddon Field. 999. Floreyns'. 256. Flood in Holland & Zealand. 1214. ¶ Folkemote. 128. 131. 135. 137. 164. Forest of Wynsor. 30. Forest made by William Conqueror. 10. 12. Fortune frowneth. 33. Fort of Boleyne. 1275. ¶ Frances the French king. 1289. France's Lord Lovel. 865. France's Duke of Bourbon. 1090 France's Bygod knight. 1235. Frenchmen enter into Scotland. 355. 359. invade England. 630. Frederick Emperor submitteth himself to the Pope. 78. 79. Frewareyn. 121. Frost. 435. Frowdes. 1253. Friar Forest. 1236. Friar Pynky. 785. G GAret a Bachelor in divinity. 1251. Gavell kind. 3. Gavestone beheaded. 195. ¶ Gedwoorth Forest 228. Gentlemen that came in with William the Conqueror. 3. Geoffrey of Charney knight. 288. Geofferey Poole. 1238. Geoffrey the son of king Henry the second made Bishop of Lincoln. 79. Geoffrey Plantagenet. 47. 52. George Nevell archbishop of york Primate of Scotland. 69 George Duke of Clarence. 658. drowned in a Butt of Malmsey. 742. George Carewe knight drowned. 1275. George Ferrer Master of the king's pastimes. 1317. George Pollarde Knight slain. 1277. ¶ Gifts corrupt the wise. 206. Gilbert Middleton knight. 197. Gilbert Bishop of London. 56. Giles Bishop of Herfford. 103. Giles Lord Dawbeney. 947. gysor's Castle. 36. 94. ¶ Gobyn a grace a French man. 269. Godfrey of Harecourte knight. 262. 275. Golden Fleece. 544. Gonnes invented. 345. ¶ Gtanado recovered from the Turks. 888. Gravesende brent. 329. Gravesend Bishop of London. 382 Grey Friars first came into England. 40. Great conduit in Cheap. 166. 745. Griffith the son of lewelyn prince of Wales. 125. ¶ Gualo the Pope's Legate. 113. Gualther Manney knight. 288. Guyot of Guye an Almayn. 962. guilded hall builded. 434. 440. Gutlford Dudley Lord, condemned of treason. 1330. Guynes taken by the French. 1357. H HAddyngton. 1290. 1291. Half● pence & farthings lack in England. 165. Hardyngham castle brent. 1086. Harflew. 263. 451. Hearts hall. 224. ¶ Henry the first crowned. 31. had a fall from a horse and died. 41. Henry the second crowned. 49. was punished with rods by Monks. 75. & hath a son named Henry borne. 51. who was crowned king in his father's life. 77. and the said son raiseth war against his father. 77. and the said son is once again crowned with his wife. 81. and shortly died. 81. and soon after the father died in Normandy. 82 Henry the third crowned. 117. crowned again. 119. married his daughter to Alexander king of Scots, of whom he took homage for all Scotland. 126. married his eldest son Edward to Alianour the kings sister of Spain. 127. The king taken by his Barons. 146. he was the first that kept a Parliament of the three estates. 147. died. 162. Henry the fourth first Earl of Derby banished, and after the death of his father was Duke of Lancaster. 397. returneth out of France. 398. and claimeth the crown, and is possessed of the same by the name of Henry the fourth. 406. and crowned king 407. marrieth jane Duchess of Briteyn. 419. purposeth a voyage to jerusalem, but dieth in Westminster. 442. his issue ibidem his description ibidem. Henry the fift crowned. 443. claimeth the crown of France 445. winneth a great victory at the battle of Agincourt. 454. marrieth the Lady Katherine daughter to the French king and is proclaimed heir and Regent of France. 480. he dieth. 493. his description. 495. Henry the sixth borne at Wyndsore 490. proclaimed king. 496. james Stuart king of Scots doth homage unto him for Scotland. 501. crowned at Westminster. 541. crowned in Paris. 548 returneth out of France. 553. a description of king Henry the sixth. 595. and a description of his wife ibidem, Richard Duke of York claimeth the crown. 618. the birth of Prince Edward king Henry the sixt's son. 624. division between the two houses of Lancaster and York. 625. 633 king Henry flieth and delivereth the town of Berwick to the Scots. 657. taken and committed to the tower. 662. restored again to the crown 690. is again committed to the Tower 702. is murdered 713. 758. Henry the seventh first Earl of Richemond 737. 738. landeth at Milforde haven. 841. claimeth the crown and slayeth Richard the third in the field, and there was crowned 852. again crowned at Westminster 855. married to the Lady Elizabeth daughter to king Edward the fourth, 856. he dieth 948. and is buried at Westminster 953. his description 948. Henry the eight second son to king Henry the seventh, borne 891. created Duke of York 936. proclaimed prince of Wales 640. proclaimed king of this realm, 951. married the Lady Katherine his brother's wife 953. crowned 954. taketh the Popes part 961. passeth into France with a great army 975. besiegeth Tirwyne 981. defieth the King of Scots 983. Tirwyne yielded 988. besiegeth Torney 991. the Scottish king slain 1001. Tornay yielded 1005. returneth into England 1006. received from the Pope a Cap of maintenance and a sword 1008. marrieth his second sister to Lewis the French king 1010. meeteth with the Emperor at Calais 1043. writeth against Luther 1052. and is made defender of the faith ibidem, receiveth from the Pope a Rose of Gold 1115. named supreme head 1199. meeteth with the French king at Calais 1213. marrieth Lady Anne Bulleyne 1214. banisheth the Pope with all his authority 1225. divorced from Queen Katherine 1216. he hath the first fruits and tenths given unto him of the Clergy 1225. married to Lady jane Seymor 1229. married to the Lady Anne of Cleve 1248. divorced 1251. married to the Lady Katherine Hawarde 1252. proclaimed king of Ireland, and married to the Lady Katheryn Parr 1255. besiegeth Boleyne and winneth the same 1273. he dieth 1282. his description ibidem. Henry Duke of Normandy 47. Henry the sixth of that name Emperor 87. Henry son of king john borne. 115. Henry Grace a dieu a ship 970. Henry Duke of Herfforde banished 399. Herfford West besieged 418. Henry Lord Scrope beheaded 449. Henry Hotspur slain. 425. Henry Mortymer 452. Henry Earl of Warwick made Duke of Warwick 591. Henry Duke of Somerset submitteth himself to king Edward the fourth 659. refuseth King Edward 660. beheaded. 661. Henry archbishop of Cauntorburie 940. Henry Earl of Devonshire created Marquis of Excester 1136. Henry Graye Duke of Suffolk apprehended and executed 1338. Henry Benyngfelde knight 1343. Henry bishop of Winchester made cardinal 523. Hedgecote Field 677. Hedyng besieged 1070. Hegeley Moor 660. ¶ Hid of land what it is 16. Hierom Bonevise 961. Hilarius Bishop of Chester 56. ¶ Holy land 232. Homages of the Scots 42. 54. 97. 162. 172. 179. 181. 193. 227. 229. 232. 501. 1262. Homages and Fealty done by the Frenchmen 549. homilies 1283. Homffrey Duke of Gloucester made Protector of England 495. 496. 498. 597. 825. 859. Homffrey Browne knight 1249. Homffrey Arondell captain of rebels 1301. Holmes Captain of rebels 1301. Hospital of saint Bartholomewes' first founded 33. 434. Hospital of saint Katheryns founded 122. Hospitals of Christ, S. Thomas the apostle & Bridewell 1322. ¶ Hubert archbishop of Cauntorburie. 99 Hubert of Burgh chief justice of England 121. Hugh Earl of Shrewsburie slain. 29. Hugh Mortimer a rebel 51. Hugh Spencer the father, and Hugh Spencer the son 198. 202. 211. 213. Hugo de Mendosa 1168. Hugh Feryngdon Abbot 1242. Hugh Latimer Bishop of Worcester. 1237. 1338. I jack Shepherd. 335. jack straw 335. jack Cade 620. slain 624. james Lord Audeley 299. james Pipe knight 304. james prince of Scotland 433. james king of Scots murdered 576. james fines Lord Say beheaded 610. james king of Scots slain 646. james the third king of Scots 746. 855. 882. 884. james Tyrell 804. james Twichet Lord Audeley 916 drawn and hanged 618. james the fourth king of Scots slain in battle 1001. james earl of Desmond 1255. james Leyrmouth a Scot 1257. james Hales knight 1329. james the fift king of Scots died of pensiveness 1268. james Wilford Captain of Haddyngton 1290. jane Seymor married to King Henry the eight. 1229. brought a bed and died. 1236. jane daughter of the Duke of Suffolk proclaimed Queen 1324. condemned of Treason 1330. executed 1337. jaques bastard of Bourbon 464. jaques Dartuell 244. 258. 259. 260. jaques of Ormond 453. jasper created Earl of Pembroke 624. flieth 715. ¶ Idleness 311. Idolatrous Images suppressed 1238. ¶ Jews crucified a child 46. jews' were compelled to bury all in one place 79. slain and murdered 83. condemned for crucifying of a child 127. ¶ Ignorance mother of superstition 92. ¶ Iherom of prague 444. Iherom a Bachelor of Divinity 1251. ¶ Insurrection in Norwich 595. Innocent Bishop of Rome the third of that name 108. Insurrection at Coventrie 1103. Insurrection in Suffolk 1132. Insurrection in Lincolnshire 1229. and in the North 1233. in Westmoreland 1235. in Cornwall 1301. Injunctions 1283. ¶ john king of England crowned 107. saileth into Normandy 96. taketh homage of the King of Scots 97 looseth Normandy 98. banisheth the Monks of Cauntorburye 100 the Pope writeth to King john 101. he is interdicted and all his realm 103. he is acurssed 105. 118. submitteth himself to the Pope 108. England made tributary to Rome ibidem. The interdiction released 109. Barons of England rebel against king john 111. death of king john 116. description of king john ibidem. john Duke of Burgoyne 429. 435. 436. 467. 478 john Bailioll king of Scots resigneth the kingdom of Scotland to king Edward the first 178. sent to the Tower of London 179. john Duke of Bedforde. 437. 464. 495. 499. dieth. 566. john Mowbray Duke of Norfolk. 522. john Holland Duke of Excester 408. john common a good Knight murdered 189. john Cardinal of Rome. 40. john of Henault knight 207. 209 210. 216. 219. 221. john Earl of Northumberlande 429. john Ferrer of Groby 453. john Poydras. 196. john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster 244. 397. john the French king 296. 297. john Copland taketh the king of Scots. 280. john Mynsterworth knight 321. john Wall a rebel 330. john Holland 337. john Goleford knight 378. john Salisbury knight 378. john Beaushamp knight 378. john Fortham B. of Elye. 379. john Bush Knight a flatterer 390. john Wiclyffe 444. john Husse 444. john Oldcastell 444. 468. john Hosbalton 453. john Holland Earl of Huntyngdon 464. jone la Puzella. 534. 542. 545. john Buchet 546. john Lord Talbot 557. created Earl of Shrewesburye 588. slain 623. john Mortymer 611. john Duke of Alencon 634. john Conyers a rebel 675. john Earl of Oxford taken prisoner 714. john green a murderer 803. john Dighton 804. 805. john Morton Bishop of Elye 869. 915. 940. john of Chamber a murderer 877. taken and headed 878. john Wyndham beheaded 938. john Wallop knight 1009. 1098. john Rest Mayor of London 1021 john Lyncolne 1019. 1024. john Russell Knight and after Lord privy Seal and earl of Bedford 1090. 1239. john jokyn 1121. john Fisher Bishop of Rochester 1187. 1225. john Beche Abbot 1242. john Shelton knight 1249. john Nevell knight 1253. john Dudley first Earl of Warwick and Duke of Northumberland 1100. 1309. 1326. ¶ Isabella daughter to the French king 312. Isabella the wife of king Edward the first 204. 207. 210. ¶ jubilee at Rome 934. judges and justices condemned 380. jurisdiction of the Bishop of Rome 381. jousts holden in Smithfield 303. jousts at Oxford 409. K KAtheryn mother to king Henry the sixth 574. Katheryn daughter to king Ferdinand married to Arthure Prince of Wales 935. married to king Henry the eight 953. crowned 954. divorced 1216. 1226. Katheryn Hawarde marrieth with king Henry the eight 1252. beheaded 1254. Katheryn Tilney 1254. Katheryn Countess of Bridgewater 1254. Katheryn Parr married to king Henry the eight 1255. ¶ Kenelwoorth castle 153. 215. ¶ Kilbrige Castle 229. ¶ knights Fee in land 16. Knights made 1286. ¶ Krekers 1098. L LAmbert Symenell 861. 866. taken 868. Lanfranke archbishop of Cauntorburie 11. 22. Lands belonging to the crown are taken in again 50. Lancton Bishop of Chester 183. 194. Laurence Ducket hanged in Bow Church. 166. Laundersey 1270. Laws altered 7. Laws made against ruffians and thieves 35. Lawyers plead in French 312. ¶ Leigh 1253. Leonard Lord Grace 1251. 1253. Lewis the French kings son 111. Lewis the French king dieth 1015. Lewis Dolphin of Vyenne 579. Lewis the French king a great dissembler. 746. Lewis Duke of orleans 435. murdered 436. 870. Ll. wellyn Prince of Wales. 99 128. 163. Letters from the Pope to the king 184. and from the king to the Pope 186. and from the Nobles to the Pope 187. Litany for the Pope 1150. ¶ liberties of London 19 125 129. 152. 167. Lions kept in the Tower 82. and they all died 577. Lionel the son of king Edward the third 236. Lionel Duke of Clarence 311. Lion king of Armony 369. Lionel Vere Duke of Ireland 375. Lithe taken and spoiled 1272. Little john 84. ¶ London a great part brent. 16. is the Chamber of the prince 792. Longland Bishop of Lyncolne 1150. Lords and gentlemen banished 50. Lord Stanley wounded. 780. Lord Hastings 779. 780. 781. Lord Dacres arraigned and acquitted. 1224. Lord Hungerford beheaded 1251. Lord Sturton hanged 1351. Losecote Field. 681. Loss upon losie 316. Loviers. 266. M MAces of Silver and gilt 235. Maddock hanged 175. Magdalene a Counterfeytor of king Richard the second 411. Maior and Shreive's of London. 115. Malcolme king of Scots. 10. 23. 24. 51. Malta an Isle 1195. Male assize Castle. 38. mantel. 1153. Margaret jordane the Witch of Ely. 587. Margaret the wife of king henry the sixth, taken prisoner and brought to London 710. Margaret Countess of Salisbury 741. Margaret Duchess of Burgoyn. 862. 895. Margaret eldest daughter of king Henry the seventh, and sister to king Henry the eight 928. affied to the king of Scots 938. married 941. married again 1017. Margaret mother to king Henry the seventh. 908. 954. Margaret Duchess of Savoy. 958. Margaret the Daughter of the Queen of Scots. 1017. Margaret Countess of Salisbury 1239. 1253. Margaret Benny 1254. Marry Sister to king Henry the eight, affied and married to the French king 1010. married to Charles Duke of Suffolk. 1015. Marry the eldest daughter of king Henry the eight borne 1017. proclaimed Queen 1326. refuseth the first fruits 1349. proclaimeth war against the French King 1352. looseth Calais 1354. dieth 1366. Marry Rose drowned. 1275. Marry the daughter of the king of Scots 1269. promised to king Edward the sixth 1269 conveyed into France 1310. married to the dolphin 1361. Marriages made 1315. 1323. Marcarus Earl of Northumberland. 1. 12. Maros an Abbey in Scotland brent. 358. Martin Sward 866. 868. mart kept at Calais. 903. 1151. Matthew Redmayn. 343. Mawde Empress. 42 46. Matthew Spert. 879. Maximilian taken prisoner 879. Maximilian served King Henry the eight. 984. Maximilian dieth 1031. ¶ Measures made and reformed. 32. Merkam chief justice of England. 791. Message sent to the rebels. 1302. ¶ Midsummer watch. 1290. Middlemore 1225. Mighelmas Term kept at saint Alban's. 1271. Mighell Ioseph. 915. 918. 1325. 1326. Mighell de la pool. 347. 350. 375. 376. Mighell Stanhop knight. 1320. Miles Forest. 804. 805. Miles Partridge knight. 1320. Milleyne yielded to the French king. 1121. Miracle feigned. 598. ¶ Mould the daughter of Margaret Queen of Scots. 8. Molyners' slain. 377. Monsters. 114. Money salueth sores. 127. 206. Moreyn of Cat-tail. 16. Morton Bishop of Ely. 809. Mortymers taken and committed to the Tower. 201. Mortymers Cross. 650. Mottons of Gold 305. Mounfire de Therm●s made captain of Calais by the French king. 1361. ¶ Muskleborough Field 1286. Muster in London 1240. Mutterell besieged 1273. Murder upon Murder. 138. N NEwbolt hanged. 961. Newgate builded. 434. 498. brent. 1351. New Castle upon Tyne. 15. Newnam bridge lost. 1354. ¶ Nicholas Dagwoorth knight. 378. Nicholas Carewe knight. 1238. Nicholas Hare knight. 1249. Nicholas Ridley Bishop of London committed to the Tower. 1327. 1338. brent 1349. Nicholas Throkmorton knight. 1342. Nicholas Hethe archbishop of york. 1349. ¶ Normandy lost. 646. Noryngcourt Castle. 94. Norwiche spoiled. 154. Nottyngham counsel. 373. ¶ Nudigate. 1225. O observant Friars. 1121. Obstinacy in rebels. 1307. ¶ Octobone a Legate. 123. ¶ Odo Bishop of Bayon. 22. ¶ Oliver Manney a valiant knight. 491. ¶ Order of the Garter. 257. Oration of earl Baldwyne. 44. Oration of the Earl of Arondell. 66. Oration of the Duke of Buckyngham made to the Citizens of London. 790. Oration of king Richard the third 846. Oration of king Henry the seventh. 847. Oration of Sir Thomas Moor. 1185. Oration of Thomas Audeley. 1185. Oration of king Henry the eight. 1278. orleans besieged. 530. ¶ Osmond Bishop of Salisbury. 14. ¶ Oath to the Pope. 1208. Oath to the king. 1209. ¶ Owen Glendor rebelleth. 415. 418. dieth. 425. Owen Tether. 574. Oxford. 1026. P pall, what it is. 13. Palm Sunday Field. 655. Pandolph the Pope's Legate. 104. 113. Pardon granted to the Citizens of London. 152. 717. Parliament at Northampton. 46. 153. 221. Parliament house new made at Westminster. 390. Parliament at Wynchester. 90. 149. at Oxford. 143. at Berwick. 179. at Norham 173. at Cauntorbury. 184. at Salisbury. 222. at Brusels. 240. at Rouen. 542. at Shrewsbury 166. 394. at Bury 596. at Coventry 640 at Leycester 512. 647. at york. 202. at Westminster. 161. 164. 188. 198. 199. 215. 227. 141. 292. 315. 320. 349. 379. 386, 389. 437. 461. 576. 627. 642. 691. etc. Parish Churches in England 1081. Paskall Bishop of Rome. 37. Patrick a Friar. 931. Paul's brent. 16. 589. and in the third year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, which was the year of our Lord 1560. ¶ Penance enjoined to King. Henry the second. 74. pensioners. 1143. Perducas Dalbret knight. 340. Perkyn Warbeck. 908. 909. 910. 911. 912. 925. 926. 929. 933. Perjury. 41. Pestilence. 27. 197. 291. 431. 557. 742. 933. 946. 1006. 1051. 1054. 1271. Peter Wakefield a false prophet 106. Peter pence. 108. Pembroke Hall in Cambridge. 320. Peter Landoys. 832. Peter Hialas Ambassador from Spain. 921. ¶ Philip the French king. 118. dieth. 291. philip daughter of the Earl of Henauld married to Edward the third. 221. dieth 314. philip Hall. 453. philip Malpas Alderman of London. 612. 652. Philip Duke of Burgoyne. 668. dead. 671. Philip Commines. 683. philip Mounsire 888. philip Archeduke of ostrich. 943. philip Prince of Spain married to Queen Marie. 1343. ¶ Plymmoth spoiled by the French men. 427. ¶ Pierce of Gaveston. 193. 194. 195. Pirates. 434. ¶ Pope john deposed. 444. Pope abolished. 1225. Portgreves. 83. Pounthoyse besieged. 580. Possessions in France lost. 640. 641. 642. powel a Doctor. 1252. ¶ Praemunire. 1329. Precedents are dangerous. 1128. Pride of priests. 28. Priests put from their wife's. 35. 40. Primacy of Cauntorburie. 12. Printing. 637. Princes are subject to time. 50. Prince Edward commonly called the black prince. 294. Prince's Dowager. 1215. Prisoners exchanged. 45. Prisoners pardoned. 1327. Promoters. 91. 94●. 946. 953. Probate of Testaments. 1188. Provision for the poor in London. 1321. Q QVarentyne taken. 263. ¶ Queen Katheryn divorced. 1216. Queen Elizabeth the wife of king Edward the fourth, inconstant 836. taketh sanctuary. 765. Queen's College in Cambridge. 865. Quenehithe farmed. 126. Queen Mary's Oration at the Guildhall. 1332. R RAdcock Bridge. 377. Ragman. 222. Ralph Ratcliff knight. 376. Ralph Shaa Doctor. 785. 789. Ralph Vernon knight. 376. Ralph Egerton hanged. 1152. Ralph Elderkar knight. 1277. Ralph Auane knight. 1320. Ransom of the French king. 308. ¶ Rebellion in Normandye. 7. in England. 22. 330. in Kent. 690. in Lyncolne. 859. in Cornwall. 914. in Yorkshire. 1253. in Kent. 1331. in Lyncolneshire. 1229. Rees prince of Wales. 23. 92. Reformation in apparel. 234. Reignold Bereson. 73. Reignold Fitzure. 73. Reignold of Greystoke. 453. Reignold Peacock Bishop of Chichester. 622. Reignold Graye. 819. 915. 940. Reignold Bishop of Durham. 32. Reynold Earl of Chester. 118. reins besieged. 307. Restwold. 1254. ¶ Rhodes first recovered. 194. besieged. 1077. lost. 1079. Rhoan besieged. 469. and won 473. ¶ Richard the first called Cenre de Lion borne. 52. proclaimed king. 82. goeth into the holy land 84. charged by the French king with many offences. 89. taken & ransomed 90. saileth into Normandy 93. wounded to death 95. Richard the son of prince Edward, which afterward was king Richard the second. 313. maketh great provision for the defence of England. 365. saileth into Ireland. 398. submitteth himself to the Duke of Lancaster. 399. resigneth the crown 402. and is deposed. 405. murdered 412. Richard the third crowned. 799. murdered his Nephews. 804. procureth the death and destruction of his wife. 837. slain in the field. 852. his description. 758. Richard Earl of Cornwall. 128. 161 Richard Lyon. 335. Richard Earl of Arondell. 375. 387. 392. Richard Plantagenet Duke of York. 522. made Regent of France. 567. claimeth the crown 618. 643. slain. 649. Richard Plantagenet Duke of york, second son to king Edward the fourth. 895. Richard Earl of Cambridge beheaded. 449. Richard Briton. 73. Richard Scrope archbishop of york beheaded. 430. Richard Whytington. 433. Richard Beauforde Bishop of Wynchester. 599. Richard Beauchamp Earl of Warwick Regent of France 550. slain. 580. Richard Nevell Earl of Warwick sent to conclude a marriage for king Edward the fourth. 664. the marriage concluded in France. 665. But king Edward refuseth the same and marrieth with the Lady Elizabeth Greye, who was the daughter of the Duchess of Bedford. 666. displeasure between king Edward and the Earl of Warwick. 667. taketh king Edward prisoner. 678. is slain. 704. Richard Ratclyffe knight. 784. 829. Richard Lord Graye apprehended. 764. Richard Duke of Gloucester made Protector. 767. Richard Symond a priest. 861. Richard Fox Bishop of Excester. 869. is made Bishop of Durham. 919. 921. 928. Richard Empson. 942. 952. Richemonde the kings Palace. 863. Richard de la pool. 1009. 1092. Richard Honne. 1014. Richard Pace Secretarij. 1162. Richard Whiting Abbot. 1242. Richard Farmer Grocer. 1250. Richard castle Shoemaker. 1323. Risebank lost. 1354. ¶ Robert Bald●ck. 202. Robert le Bruise. 189. 191. 195. 218. 356. Robert Tresilian chief justice. 351. 375. hanged. 379. Robert Acton knight. 444. Richard Hulden a rebel. 674. Robert Clyfford knight. 899. Robert Packyngton. 1235. Robert Bowes knight. 1290. Robert Ket. 1310. Robin Mendmarket. 431. Robin of Ryddesdale. 677. Robynhood. 84. Robert Veer Duke of Ireland. 348. Robert Sale a valiant knight. 338. Robert Knolles Knight. 304. 315. Robert king of Cicile. 244. Robert de Arthoys Earl of Richmond. 207. 229. 256. Robert Grosthead Bishop of Lincoln. 125. Robert Earl of Gloucester. 46. Robert of Bolisme earl of Shrewsbury. 35. Robert Losaunge bishop of Thetford. 30. Robert Earl of Northumberland. 26. Robert Curthoyse. 21. 39 Robert Duke of Normandy. 33. 34. Robert Canoll knight. 340. Rochel yelden to the french king. 318. Rochester bridge. 432. Roger Bishop of Salisbury. 42. Roger Leyborne knight. 149. Roger Mortimer Earl of March condemned and executed. 223. Roger Mortymer. 347. 510. Roger Claringdon knight. 419. Roger Vaugham knight beheaded. 712. Rokesborough in Scotland. 229. Rosamond. 76. Rose brought from Rome. 1115. Roydon. 1253. Ryebrent. 318. 324. riol besieged. 204. Ryon castle taken. 171. S Sanctuary. 768. 769. 770. 771. 772. 774 775. Sarisbury use. 14. Sarisburie Minster builded by king john. 119. Savoy brent. 335. Saint Quintines taken. 1353. ¶ Scots. 42. 182. 18. 0184. 279. 316. 278. 303. 355. 359. 322. 631. 983. 1256. 1259. 1268. Sebastian Gaboro. 1323. sergeants feast 1251. ¶ Shene brent 933. Sheep transported into Spain 668. Sigismond Emperor 460. Ships sent to seek strange Regions 1149. Ships arrested 1165. Shore's wife 783. ¶ savage 135. Skelton 1082. ¶ Southampton brent. 237. ¶ Staple of wols. 293. Statute of Mormayn. 164. Stephin king of England. 41. is taken. 44. Stephyn Langton made by the Pope archbishop of Cauntorburie. 100 excommunicated. 110. died. 121. Stephyn Gardyner Bishop of Winchester made chancellor. 1327. dieth. 1349. Stigand archbishop of Cauntorburie. 2. 10. 11. Stocks market in London builded. 437. Strange sights. 29. 35. 97. 202. Strangers avoided the realm. 50. punished. 168. Sturton a Lord hanged. 1351. ¶ Subsedies are odious 241. 242. 522. 1080. Submission of the Scots. 174. 175. ¶ Swanus king of Denmark. 9 Sweeting sickness. 857. 125. 1173 1315. ¶ Synod of the Clergy. 14. Simony. 31. Simon Swynsted a Monk. 116. Simon of Langiers a Friar. 307. Simon Burley knight. 378. T TAtersall. 1253. Taxes beget rebellion. 8. 85. 313. 317. ¶ Tempest. 23. 39 54. 79. 247. 1356. ¶ Theobald Archbishop of Cauntorburie 48. dieth. 53. Thomas Pickering. 453. Thomas Fitzwylliam recorder of London. 792. 794. Thomlyn Fowlke. 304. Thomas Abel. 1205. Thomas Broughton knight. 863. Thomas Montacute Earl of Salisbury. 498. Thomas Palmer knight. 1290. Thomas Grace knight. 449. Thomas Fitzgararde Knight. 1225. Thomas Duke of Ex●●ster dieth. 523. Thomas Cook Alderman. 791. Thomas Gerardyn. 86●. Thomas Fines Lord Dacres of the South. 1253. Thomas Wage knight. 218. Thomas Arondell knight. 1320. Thomas Becket. 53. 55. 57 58. 59 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 67. 68 69. 70. 71. 72. slain. 73. Thomas Philips. 1238. Thomas Harman hanged. 1252. Thomas Flamocke. 915. hanged 918. Thomas Mowbraye Duke of Norfolk banished, 396. Thomas Hawarde made Lord Admiral. 973. giveth battle to the Scots. 995. dieth Duke of Norfolk. 1129. Thomas Duke of Norfolk sent against sir Thomas Wyatt 1331. and shortly altar died. ibidem. Thomas Duke of Lancaster beheaded. 201. Thomas Duke of Gloucester. 375. apprehended. 388. murdered. 394. Thomas Arondell archbishop of Cauntorbury. 382. banished 390 returneth. ●98. Thomas Becham Earl of warwick 375. arrested. 387. banished 393. Thomas Duke of Clarence. 429. 437. slain. 489. Thomas Trevet knight. 378. Thomas Nevell rebelleth. 711. Thomas Moor knight. 1060. 1706. made chancellor 1184. discharged of the Chauncelorship 1209. beheaded. 1226. Thomas Duke of Excester. 437. Thomas Percy Lord Stuard. 399. Thomas Cromewell. 1191. made master of the jewel house 1215. knight of the Garter 1236. earl of Essex. 1249. committed to the Tower and executed. 1250. Thomas Audeley speaker of the Parliament. 1185. keeper of the great seal 1210. made chancellor. 1215. Thomas Wolsey made the king's Almoner. 977. archbishop of york. 1014. his description 1007 look more in this word cardinal. Thomas Marques Dorcet. 866. 872. Thomas Stafford. 859. Thomas Seymour Knight and Lord Admiral attainted and executed. 1291. Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Cauntorburie. 1215. 1328. 1338. 1350. 1351. Thomas Wriothesley Earl of Southampton. 1283. Thomas Wyatt Knight rebelled 1331. arraigned. 1339. executed. 1341. Thames Frozen. 47. 159. Thurston Abbot of Glascenburie. 15. Thurston archbishop of York. 37. 42. ¶ Tirwyn besieged 981. 988. burned. 989. ¶ Tolle of the hound. 1207. Tourney besieged. 145. 991. yielded. 1005. and restored to the French. 1030. ¶ Traffic in Flaundyrs forbidden. 903. Treason will break forth. 14. 410. 556. 1329. Tret what it is. 131. Trey port burned. 1276. Tribute. 108. Trinity Abbey in Norwich brent. 161. Trinity hall in Cambridge. 29●. Troylebaston. 183. Truce with France. 247. Truce with Scots. 248. ¶ Turks are cruel. 1192. V Variance between king john and the Archbishop of York. 97. Variance between the Constable of the Tower and the City of London. 138. Variance between the Duke of Gloucester and the Bishop of Winchester. 512. 587. ¶ Victory upon the Scots. 176 Victories of king Henry the fifth. 465. 466. 468. 489. Vienna assaulted. 1195. Villenort. 244. Viron Fosse battle. 238. ¶ Vlmes Castle. 25. ¶ Unnatural war. 33. University of Loveyne founded. 528. W. WAles. 23. divided into shires 166. rebel. 170. Walgrave. 1254. Walref Duke of Northumberlande. 14. Wallyngford Castle 43. Walter Stapleton Bishop of Excester. 207. 211. Walter Bishop of Wynchester. 103 Walter Selby knight. 197. Wantonness banished out of the Court. 32. Wars between king Rufus and his brother Robert. 25. Wars with France. 38. 124. 230. 233. 313. 354. 447. 448. 1055. 1068. 1270. War with the Scots. 227. 416 1284. Wards and marriages granted to the king. 120. Wardmote. 129. Wat Tiler. 335. ¶ weights and measures. 154. Westminster hall builded. 28. Whitington College. 433. William Conqueror crowned. 1. saileth into Normandy. 7. set great taxes on the people. 8. builded four Castles. 9 he died. 17. his description. ibidem. William Rufus crowned. 21. builded Westminster hall. 28. slain. 30. his description. 31. William Earl of Henault. 261. William Bishop of London. 19 103. William Thracy. 73. William king of Scots. 54. made a road into England. 75. William Longshamp Bishop of Ely. 89. William with the long beard. 91. hanged. 92. William de Bruce hanged. 122. William waleys made captain of Scotland. 180. 184. William Serle a murderer of the Duke of Gloucester. 429. William Montague knight. 250. William Elman knight. 378. William Scrope Earl of Wiltshire high Treasurer of England beheaded. 399. William Huddleston. 453. William Hall. 453. William Lister a rebel. 338. William de la pool Marquis of Suffolk. 592. made Duke of Suffolk. 594. beheaded. 609. William Brandon knight the father of Charles Brandon that afterward was Duke of Suffolk. 850. 851. William earl Doughlasse murdered. 646. William Stanley Knight beheaded. 905. William Briton. 73. William Skevyngton Knight. 1098. William Lock Mercer. 1222. William Ket a rebel. 1310. William Lord Parr created Earl of Essex. 1271. William Lord Haward. 1254. William Thomas a rebel. 1341. condemned and executed. 1342. William Compton knight. 1173. 1186. William Asby. 1254. William Paulet knight controller of the kings house. 1213. made Lord Treasurer. 1239. and then Earl of Wyltshire, and after created Marks of Wynchester. 1316. William Chester knight. 1323. William Earl of Pembroke. 1333. William thorn. 1. William Barley knight. 899. William Fetherston nameth himself king Edward the sixth. 1348 ¶ Woodstock Park. 39 Wolstane Bishop of Worcester. 11. Worcester brent. 37. Wynsore Castle. 256. Wyatt rebelleth. 1334. 1335. 1336. 1339. 1342. Wyeron Castle. 93. Wynslade a rebel. 1301. Y Yeomen of the crown. 857. York and the Country about it destroyed. 10. FINIS. Faults escaped in the second Volume. Folio. line. Faults. Corrections. Folio. 81. line. 39 for of Sewer, read, as Sewer Folio. 273. line. 42. for caused to be made, read, caused a proclamation to be made Folio. 378. line. 16. for persons that lie in wait, read, or persons that lay in wait Ibidem. line. 34. for after they had such, read, after they had had such Folio. 690. line. 1. for wife Sister, read, Sister, wife Folio. 1317. line. 1. for exclamations, read, both acclamations and exclamations Foli. 1354. line. 45. for five double and Cannons, read, five double Cannons and Ibidem. line. 48. for assalutable, read, assaultable ¶ And where thou shalt find divers of the numbers of the Pages false, I pray thee gentle Reader by the conference of the numbers that go before and those that follow, correct the same. device of Richard Grafton SUSCIPITE IN SITV VERBUM JACO I Imprinted at London by Henry Denham, dwelling in Paternoster row, for Richard Tottle and Humffrey toy. Anno. 1569. the last of March. Seen and allowed according to the order appointed. ¶ Cum privilegio ad imprimendum solum.