THE LIFE OF THE MOST HONOURABLE AND VIRTUOUS LADY THE LA. MAGDALEN VISCOUNTESSE MONTAGVE.  
Written in Latin, and published soon after her death, By RICHARD SMITH, Doctor of Divinity, and her Confessor.  
And now translated into English, by C. F.  
Mulier timens Dominum, ipsa laudabitur.  Prou. 3. 
Permissu Superiorum, M. DC. XXVII.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE ANTONY-MARIA, Viscount Montague, My very good Lord, and Master.  
RIGHT HONOURABLE,  
HAVING finished this little Translation, the Author of the Work, whose Will was to me a Commandment to undertake the same, did also enjoin me to address it to the protection of some worthy Patron; which once resolved, I made no difficulty of the choice. For as your Lord. ᵖ may of due justice challenge the whole interest of all my actions and labours, this subject in particular hath most proper relation, before any other, unto your Lordiship. For besides that it contains many passages of the life, and to the Honour of your Lo. ps most Worthy, and Honourable Grandfather, so near, and dear unto your Lordship; this Honourable Lady (whose Virtuous Life is the scope of this treatise) though she were not the natural author of your Lord. ps life, as in Consanguinity descending from her; yet did she prove herself a true and tender Mother, and Grandmother (which many even natural Parents neglect) in preserving both your Lord. ᵖ, and your Honourable Father's life: and what her sincere affection and continual care, was of your Lord. ᵖ in your tender years, none can better testify then your Lo.p. And though your Lo.p were not nourished with the milk of her breasts, yet your Lo.p hath sucked the true taste of her Virtues, and made yourself an heir of her Honourable talents. I hope therefore that your Lord. ᵖ, in regard of the Subject, will favour and countenance the Work, & bear with the rudeness of the style, which yet I presume containeth nothing but Truth: and therein is the more conformable to this Worthy, and Honoured Lady, who though exteriorly affected no curiosity, yea prudently shunned it; yet contained in her, the sincerity of true Virtue & Piety. I beseech Almighty God, to grant your Lord. ᵖ all Happiness and Prosperity, for your present Comfort, and eternal Felicity for your future Glory.  
Your Lord. ps most obliged Servant, C. F.   

THE PREFACE OF THE AUTHOR to the devout Reader.  
THOSE ancient Fathers (devout Reader) who by their writings, either gave ornament to the Christian Religion, or defended it against Heretics, did also accustom to commend to writing the lives of such pious women of their times, as either by affinity, or familiarity were conjoined unto them. Whereof, whosoever hath been but indifferently 
The cause of this Worke.  conversant in the works of S. Hierome, S. Augustine, S. Gregory, or others, cannot be ignorant. For these most holy men understood, that thereby they did satisfy their own devotion, gave honest intermission to 
We judge virtues by the mind not by the sex.  their graver studies, praised God in his Saints, and finally by these examples induced others to piety. I imitating their proceed, though in a far meaner degree, omitting for the present, my writing against our modern Heretics, (which also by enjoined employments, I was 
Hier. de obit. Marcellae.  enforced to interrupt) have undertaken to write the life of the right Virtuous Lady Magdalen, with whom I familiarly conversed many years, and was her Confessor. 
The manner of writing.  In writing whereof, as I have endeavoured to avoid barbarous language, so have I purposely abstayned from the pleasing vein of eloquence, & the flourishes of Rhetoric. For as the one useth to offend the ears of the Reader, and sometimes to avert him from reading the matter written: so the other by overmuch delighting maketh him less attentive to the matter itself, and sometimes makes him doubtful of the truth thereof. The beauty of a chaste Matron ought to be as free from painting as from uncleanness. Let those be adorned with words whose life is not adorned with deeds. Our Magdalen doth so shine with Virtues, that she needeth not the splendour of a pleasing discourse. Yea rather, as she ever abstained from painting, & never made use of a lookingglass: so is it requisite that all unnecessary flourish of speech be shunned in the description of her life. My principal aim shallbe at the truth, that I writ nothing, but what 
The fidelity of this writing.  myself have seen, or have received from the mouth of this Lady herself, or of other witnesses worthy of credit: so that with S. Hierome writing the life of S. Paula, I may call JESUS to witness, and his Saints, & the very Angel who was Guardian, and companion of this admirable Woman, that I speak nothing for favour, nothing in flattering manner; but what I am to say, I speak as a testimony, and less than her merits. And that which may be a great satisfaction to indifferent Readers, what I here commit to writing, I uttered before a great audience at the funeral of the Lady Magdalen, her familiar acquaintance there present; and diuulging it within the space of 19 months after her death, if I lie, I may be disproved by the mouth, eyes, & testimony of all that knew her; and especially of Heretics, who sith they could not endure true glory to be attributed unto her living, would less permit false honour to be feigned on her, dead. Therefore their silence in this matter may be an assured testimony 
That the live so some pious people may be written.  unto posterity of the truth of my discourse. But as I fear not calumniators of the truth, so do I desire to satisfy others, who perhaps think that the life's only of such persons ought to be recorded, whose worthy Sanctity meriteth that they be enroled in the Catalogue of Saints. From the judgement of these I cannot but descent, considering, that not only the lives of S. Paula, and S. Marcelia, but also of Blesilla, Fabiola, and the like are written 
For example.  by that most grave Father. S. Hierome; and the life of S. Monica by her Son S. Augustine, whiles he feareth that she was yet detained in the pains of Purgatory. And with good reason; for as God's power doth not only shine in the composition of the sun and moon, but appeareth also in the fabric of the lesser stars: so his heavenly grace doth not only give a lustre in the perfection of famous Saints, but shineth even in the worth of every pious person. Besides the sun and moon, to have added also stars unto the heavens, was not the least increase of their ornament; and so to record the lives of some pious people, willbe some addition to the glory of God 
For the honour of God.  and of his Church. And as men for the most part do rather admire then climb the highest mountains, who yet by the lownes of little hills are invited to ascend: so, more do commend, then imitate the virtues of famous Saints, who yet with no great difficulty aim at the piety of less virtuous persons. And unto these I propose a woman, not famous for rudeness of habit, or rigour of diet, or severity of discipline, or abnegation of the 
For edification of our neighbour.  world; but one that was humble, chaste, meek, patiented and pious, neither resplendent by miracles, but abounding with virtues: so that they who despair to imitate the admirable sanctity of S. Mary Magdalen, may see themselves capable to attain the piety of Magdalen Viscountesse Montague. Neither yet do I unroll her in the number of Saints, or the Blessed: Mine intention is only for the glory of God, & edification of my neighbour, sincerely to commend her life to writing; whether she deserved the opinion of sanctity, let others judge. Thus much (devout Reader) I desired to premonish thee, before thou takest in hand, the reading of the life of our Magdalen. Make thou the benefit thereof, and farewell.   

THE LIFE OF THE LADY MAGDALEN VISCOUNTESSE Montague.  

Of the Birth of the La. Magdalen Viscountesse Montague, and her Education under her Mother.  
CHAP. 1.  
THE most Ho. ble and Virtuous Lady Magdalen Viscountesse Montague, was borne in England, of most Noble & Catholic parents, at Naward Castell, the Mansion-house of her Father, scituat in the County of Cumberland, not far from the borders of Scotland, the year of 
The Father of the La. Magdalen.  Christ 1538. the 20. of january. Her Father was William Lord Dacre, Baron of Ghisland, a man, besides the most ancient Nobility of his family, of such power and estate, as that he possessed seven Baronyes (which scarce any Noble man of England ever had) and was of eminent authority 
His nobility.  in the North parts of England, and both himself and his ancestors of very famous esteem in England, in regard of their notable prowess in matters of war, for the safety and honour of their Country. Neither was he of less 
His piety.  piety towards God, for when King Henry the VIII. calling a Parliament, purposed by the voices of both Houses to renounce the obedience to the Church of Rome, and by an unheard of Precedent to arrogate unto himself the title 
Saunder. de schism. l. 1. p. 120.  of head of the Church of England, fearing lest the Lord Dacre would not only refuse to assent unto his lust, but by his example and authority would animate others to the defence of the ancient faith, he took order to have him called in question for treason; wherein notwithstanding he was easily declared innocent. And when afterwards the King told him, that by the consent of Parliament he was made Head of the English Church, and demanded his opinion what he thought thereof; scoffingly deriding the vanity of the King, he answered: Hereafter then when your Majesty offendeth, you may absolve yourself. Another time when Queen Elizabeth the daughter of Henry, exceeding her Father, endeavoured utterly to exterminate Catholic Religion out of England, the Lord Dacre exhorted the Nobility not to give consent to such an enormous act, and to certain of them offered himself and his forces for defence of the Catholic Religion. Her Mother was a woman of like Nobility and Piety, the daughter of N. Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury; whose ancestors for their 
The Mother of the La. Magdalen.  most heroical victories gotten in France, are exceeding famous both in the French & English Chronicles. And so terrible hath the name of Talbot been heretofore unto the French, that Mothers and nurses to still their crying children, accustomed to say, Talbot cometh. Of these most noble ancestors descended the La. Magdalen Montague, which I relate not, as though she did much esteem thereof, but because, though Nobility do not augment the valour of virtue, yet it doth add a kind of lustre, and ornament unto it, and maketh it to appear more gracious in the sight of man. For, as we may say with the Poet: Gratior est claro veniens de sanguine Virtus. Virtue hath more grace, when it descends of noble race. For as a pearl is of great price, though it be hidden under the earth, or covered with ordure be trodden under foot; or to use S. Hieromes words: A jewel glittereth in loathsome 
Epist. 2●.  matter, and the splendour of a most pure pearl shineth even in dirt; yet it is more gracious and delectable, when it is set in gold. So virtue is very estimable with whatsoever ragged poverty it is joined; but where it is vested with Nobility, as it were with purple, it doth move a greater admiration; and as the Sun in a clear day dispersing the clouds, doth far and near dilate the beams of his light. For as nothing appeareth more pleasing and beautiful to those that cast up their eyes, than the heavens in a clear night glittering with diverse stars: so to us casting down our sight, nothing appeareth more gracious, than Nobility, adorned, and as it were glittering with diverse degrees of virtue. For Nobility illustrated with Virtues, is a heaven situate on earth adorned with stars. Which in these times we may aver to be so much the more true, as the conjunction of Virtue with Nobility is more rare. There was a time when Kings, Queens, and Princes, 
Many holy Kings & Queens in England in time past.  men and women in England, as they excelled others in dignity, so did they endeavour to exceed them in virtue: whence we may find recorded among the Saints, near twenty Kings of England, and as many Queens, but of King's children, Princes & noble persons more than may be numbered. But now (O grief) our Princes saruing from the faith of their predecessors, the Nobility also (for the most part) degenerate from the piety of their ancestors. Wherefore this noble woman deserveth the greater praise before God and men, who would not stain her Nobility with vices and impious heresy, but endeavoured with all her forces to adorn and illustrate it with virtues, and the purity of the Catholic faith, as in the discourse of her life shall appear. Till the thirteenth year of her age she had her education in her Father's house, under the pious government of her Mother, where although, as well in regard of her youthful years, as by example of her sisters, and the custom of other Noble Virgins, as also by the delight of the pastime, she might have been induced to 
She deligteth not in hunting.  the sports of hawking and hunting, she notwithstanding contemning all this pleasure, made choice by example of the B. Virgin, rather to abide in quiet repose at home, then after the manner of profane Diana, by chase wild beasts and foul, to stray in the mountains and forests; & so without a teacher she fulfilled the counsel which S. Hierome giveth to Virgins: Let her never go forth, lest those 
Epist. ad Laet●●….  who wander about the city do find her, lest they strike, and wound her, and bereave her of the veil of her chastity.   

Of her Education, under the Countess of Bedford.  
CHAP. II.  
When she was now thirteen years of age, she was by her Father commended to the Countess of Bedford, to be educated under the prudent discipline of that Catholic and Religious Lady. Of whom she accustomed to make this relation, which for the instruction of other women, I thought very requisite to commit 
A barren woman immoderately desireth children.  to writing. Whereas she was barren, & had a vehement desire to have a child, she for a long time both by herself & others besought Almighty God to vouchsafe to grant her a son. But as Christ said to his disciples, Nescitis quid petatis, ye know not what ye ask; & as S. Augustine witnesseth, God sometimes in anger granteth our petition: so this pious woman by the ill event experienced, that she knew not what she asked, and instead of a benefit, requested a punishment of God. For she brought forth a 
She is punished by them.  son, but such a one, as not only fell into heresy, which she did extremely abhor, but did oftentimes so impiously behave himself towards his Mother, as that she would sometimes with exceeding grief and tears publicly confess, that she grievously offended God, when desiring a son, she had not added this condition, If it might be for his glory, and her comfort; and therefore (said she) I am justly punished by the thing I immoderately desired. Which may be a document to pious parents, that sterility is not always to be esteemed as a punishment inflicted of God, nor that children are always to be reputed as a gift, and testimony of divine favour; and that they should demand no temporal thing of God, but as far forth as his divine providence forseeth it to be agreeable to his pleasure, and profitable for them. But let us return to the La. Montague. She lived three years under the said Countess, whom she so diligently attended, that she did not only perform the office of her gentlewoman, but in the absence of her chambermaid, discharged her service also, being ready every hour of the night whensoever the Countess called (which by reason of her old age and infirmities she often did) to rise out of her bed, and diligently to attend her. Yea the right Noble Virgin being delicately educated, did not disdain, of her own accord, and unknown to the Countess, to perform that base kind of service, which curious ears refuse to hear related. So much had God prevented her with his benedictions, and 
Her rare humility and duty.  had endued her with such humility, even in that age, wherein, as being the flower of youth, women are ordinarily puffed up in pride and insolency. And this act she sometimes accustomed to relate to her grandchildren without blushing, yea with a kind of complacence, by such example to exhort them to humility.   

Of her living at the Court, under Queen Mary, and of her Marriage unto the Viscount Montague.  
CHAP. III.  
When in this manner she had spent three years in all virtue and piety, under the discipline of the Countess of Bedford, it happened that K. Edward the sixth being dead (whose childhood certain impious men abused to overthrew Catholic Religion in England) Queen Mary, not without evident miracle, & the great benignity of God, against all power and policy of heretics, obtained the Kingdom of England; and expelling perfidious heresy, reestablished the ancient and true Religion. She admitted Magdalen to the Court, and to 
She is Maid of honour to Q Mary.  the number of her noble wayting-women (who are usually called Ladies of Honour) where her virtue and virginal modesty got, not only more ample place to demonstrate itself, but also found greater occasion and example of progress and increase. For at that time the Court of England was a school of virtue, a nursery of purity, a mansion of piety. The Queen herself did shine 
What the Court of England was under Q Mary.  as the Moon in all kind of virtue, whose praises all histories do record. Her Ladies and women did glitter as the stars; and what shining stars they were, the Reader may conjecture by what I will relate of one of them from the mouth of the La. Magdalen. She accustomed to arise from her bed very early, and attiring herself with all possible speed, hastened to the Chapel, where kneeling against a wall, and the other part of her face covered with her head attire, she accustomed to spend certain hours in devout prayer, and to shed abundance of tears before Almighty God. And yet withal, would she not be any time absent from any office of piety prescribed to her, & her companions. Neither was she content in this sort to spend the day, but arose from her bed in the night, and prostrate on the ground applied herself to prayer a good part of the night. Which, when the La. Magdalen had once perceived, she finding her devotion to be discovered, no otherwise then if she had been apprehended in 
Rare devotion of of one of the maids of honour.  some notorious jewd fault, falling on her knees, with many tears she besought her for the honour of God, that she would not bewray her secret exercises of piety to any creature whiles she lived. O humble, O truly pious virgin, and truly a Maid (as she was called) of Honour! for she was a maid of Honesty, of Purity, and of Piety. O happy Court with such Courtiers! and happy England with such a Court, which for virtuous life, gave not place to many Cloisters, & whence, as from a fountainhead, examples of piety did flow into all Provinces of England! Would to God this purity had continued in our Virgin Courtiers, and the Mother thereof, the Catholic Religion, had still flourished; then had not the Court of England been spotted with the notorious infamy of lasciviousness, as soon after it was. But that I may express my grief in this cause, I desire my Countrymen to consider the notable purity of the maids of Honour under Queen Mary, and the infamous reproaches which some 
The difference of the Court under a Catholic and an heretical Queen.  of them have incurred under Q. Elizabeth; and they will find what difference there is between a most chaste Religion, and a most impure Heresy. Under such a worthy Queen, and with such Companions the La. Magdalen being educated, she had scarce lived two years in the Court, but that the rare virtues, and ornaments both of her body and her soul, drew the hearts of many principal Courtiers to affect her. Among whom, two especially at one time did earnestly seek her in the way of 
divers desire to marry the La. Magdalen.  marriage. The one was Sir john Arundel knight, commonly (for his great wealth & authority) called the Great; who afterward under Q. Elizabeth, suffering long imprisonment for the Catholic Faith, died a glorious Confessor. He was so inflamed with chaste affection towards this Lady, that he would never desist to solicit her, till he understood that her espousals with another were published. Then having lost his hope, though not his affection, he came to her, and congratulating her espousals, wished her the most fortunate and happy marriage that ever woman had. The other was Antony, Lord Viscount Montague, the issue of the most famous marquis Montague (who descended both of the house of Lancaster, and of the most ancient Nobility of England) one of the privy Council of the Queen, and knight of the most Noble Order of the garter. This Nobleman, before he opened his desire unto the La. Magdalen, sought by letters, the consent of the Queen, who with no small commendations of her Maid, wrote him this answer: Having considered 
The letter of Queen Mary.  her person, her virtuous report, birth, great number of friends and other benefits which this Alliance will bring unto you, with other like motives, which I perceive you prudently ponder, I confess that I so favour this matter, as I do not only give free consent, that you treat with her thereof, but also, so fit do I esteem this match to each of you, that with my hart I wish it a happy conclusion; & shall exceedingly joy, that you have found so convenient a wife, and she so fortunate a condition. The most Ho. ble Viscount having in this sort obtained first the consent of the Queen, & then of the Lady, of her Parents, and friends, married her in 
She is married to the Viscount Montague  London at the King's house called S. james, the Queen herself with a great train of the Nobility being present. This than was that Isaac, whom God prepared for this most chaste Rebecca, of whose heroical Virtues, I will briefly note some few, which I received from this Lady's mouth, because they give some light to the relating of her Piety.   

Of the worthy Virtues of the Viscount Montague, husband of the La. Magdalen.  
CHAP. IU.  
THe first Virtue that occurreth to be related of this 
A rare affection unto chastity in the Viscount.  Noble man, is his rare affection unto chastity. For when (his Mother being dead) his Father kept a Concubine, as soon as this young Gent. understood thereof, he went alone to his Father, and on his knees besought him to leave that course of life, so hateful unto God, damnable to his soul, and dishonourable to all his friends; and to take to wife some honest Gentlewoman, with whom he might live honourably before men, and in the favour of God. To whom his Father smiling, said: Thou dost give me such counsel, Son, as will be thirty thousand pounds out of thy way. But the pious youth answered, that he nothing regarded that loss, whereby he might gain his Father's soul and reputation. And so much did the pious admonition of the Son prevail with the Father, that dismissing his Concubine, he married a wife, with whom he spent the rest of his life honestly. And the Son in this one act shown great piety towards his Father, religion towards God, and with contempt of riches an admirable love of chastity, even at that time when, heresy being newly crept into England, in a manner all the youth was corrupted with all kind of lascivious liberty. Neither was this a sparkle, which after a little blaze is suddenly extinguished, but a true flame of affection unto chastity, and a firm purpose rather to hazard his life, than his chastity. For when afterward he was Ambassador in Spain, and was fallen into a most perilous and molestfull disease, and the Physicians gave judgement, that he could not recover, unless he had the company of a woman; and at that time there lying directly over against his lodgings a most beautiful English quean, who by all lascivious allurements endeavoured to induce him to lewdness; notwithstanding, neither by the Counsel of the Physicians, nor the persuasion of others, 
He preferreth Chastity before his life.  nor the wanton allurements of the quean, nor the love of his life could he be moved, to prefer the health of his body before the safety of his soul, or the love of his life before his charity unto God; but utterly rejecting all lewd Counsel, he was never quiet till he had banished the quean out of those lodgings. O holy man! O chaste joseph, whom neither the pleasure of sin, nor the impunity and secrecy of the fact, nor the hope of health, nor the fear of death could induce to incur the loss of his chastity, to violate his faith plighted to his wife, or to offend God. And albeit, being shortly after by the Queen recalled into his Country, he recovered of this disease, who yet would not esteem him equal, or very like to B. Leopoldus, and other most holy men, who chose rather to lose their lives, then to abuse their bodies incontinently? And this his worthy chastity was accompanied with equal, or rather greater love of God's worship and Religion. For when K. Edward the sixth (or rather others in his name) abolishing the religion of his predecessors, as an other jeroboam, had erected a new Altar, and set up golden calves (I mean a new worship, or rather superstition) and almost all people, either for affectation of novelty, or for fear of punishment flocked to that new and enormous superstition, this pious youth would not stain himself with such heinous crime; but like an other Tobias sought out the service of God, practised by his Parents, and both devoutly, and publicly, and with due reverence frequented the same. For which matter being 
He is committed to prison for the service of God.  committed to prison, he was so far from being dejected therewith, that adorning his chamber with tapestry, he thereby gave his persecutors assurance, that his purpose was, rather with Daniel to live in prison, then to abstain from the divine service of his God. Neither did he alone so constantly embrace the Catholic Religion, but did also animate others to the like constancy. For when his Father by the impious advice of some others, for to avoid the offence of Heretics, was persuaded to absent himself from the Parliament, that day when under Edward the sixth it was consulted of changing Religion; when the virtuous young Gent. understood thereof, he never desisted till by prayers, tears, and such other reasons as he could, he had wrought his Father to go to the Parliament, and courageously to give his voice for the true Religion. And when afterward under Q. Mary the true Religion did flourish again, none was more studious than he to advance the Catholic faith. For which his zeal, and other virtues worthy of such employment, he especially was chosen 
He is sent Ambassador to the Pope.  of that Queen to go Ambassador to the Pope, and desiring pardon of the schism past, to promise future obedience in the name of the whole kingdom. Which he performed to his exceeding praise, the honour of his nation, the glory of God, and the applause of the Christian world. But when a few years after (with grief be it spoken) by commandment of Queen Elizabeth, there 
He exhorteth the Nobility to maintain the Catholic faith  was consultation again among the Nobility of the Realm for suppressing the Catholic Faith, this most Noble Viscount, making a grave, eloquent, and pithy oration, exhorted them not to permit themselves to be carried away with every wind of new doctrine, nor to dissolve that, which themselves so very lately had ratifyed, and with solemn ceremony had promised inviolably to observe; nor to abolish that Religion, wherein all their Christian ancestors lived with such splendour, and died with such piety, to embrace that which a small number, & they base, voluptuous, turbulent men of no reputation, & disagreeing among themselves, had invented, and which had never set foot in England, had not in famous lust, and greediness of church-good depraved K. Henry the VIII. But when he perceived the principal of the Nobility of the realm, partly being deluded with the vain hope of marrying the Q. partly blinded with the covetous desire of earthly riches, not to admit good Counsel, but like the deaf aspe to stop their ears (as the Psalmist saith) at whatsoever voices sweetly enchanting, what he could not persuade others, himself constantly maintained, & observed. And if sometime afterward he went to heretical Churches, it was not so much to be imputed to him, as to his Priest, a learned and piousman indeed, but too fearful, who supposing it expedient something to give to the time, durst not determine such a fact to be sin. For when that Priest being dead, he had entertained another, who with Priestly courage told him that it was a grievous offence and hateful to God and the Church, & pernicious to his soul, to be present at heretical service, he was so far from defending his fact, that (as I received from the mouth of one that was present) instantly putting of his hat, & falling on his knees, both with gesture of his whole body, & with his tongue, he most humbly submitted himself to the censure of the catholic Church, and piously promised never thence forward to be present at heretical service, which all the rest of his life he exactly observed. Many other notable things might be related of this right Nobleman, but that mine intended subject calleth me another way, and therefore I will add only one thing, that the Reader may understand in what pious manner this worthy man ended his holy life. When it pleased God to purge the rust of his sins in this life, he permitted him to fall into a tedious, troublesome, and lingering kind of infirmity, whereof he died. Which in the opinion of many, happening unto him by witchcraft, (from which opinion himself seemed not to descent) though certain Sorcerers promised to restore him to his former health, if he would but give way thereto; he not only refused to consent to their iniquity, but detesting all helps of the slaves of Satan, severely forbade his friends ever to use such detestable remedies, for the recovery of his health. And so declaring, not only in words with the Psalmist, but even in deeds: Meliorem sibi misericordiam 
Psal. 62.  Dei esse super vitas, That God's mercy was better to him then life, being by a long trial purged, he piously ended his life in our Lord.   

Of the mutual love between the La. Magdalen, and her Husband; of her issue, and of her rare Charity towards her husband's children.  
CHAP. V.  
BY the aforesaid piety of the Viscount, it willbe easy for the Reader to make a conjecture of the conversation of his Lady, who being of her own nature and 
The exceeding love between the La. Mag. and her husband.  education addicted unto piety, by the further iuducements of her husband's example, more speedily ran the course of virtue. They lived together in great love and amity 36. years: and whiles I was writing this, I lighted by chance on a letter of D. Langdales, who was for many years their Confessor, wherein, in testimony of their love and piety he thus speaketh unto them: Far ye well, most loving couple, of one mind, of one love, & (which is rare in this world) of one piety. She (as S. Augustine left written of S. 
Confess. l. 9 c. 9  Monica) being joined to a husband, served him as her Lord; and God made her beautiful, and reverently amiable, and admirable to her husband. Her husband had by her eight children, Sir George Browne, & Sir Henry Browne honourable knights, and Elizabeth wife to the Lord Dormer; of whose praises 
The children of the La. Magdalen.  because they yet live (according the Counsel of the wiseman) I willbe silent; the residue died either infants or unmarried, leaving no issue, excepting Mrs. jane Browne most like her mother in virtue, married to Francis Lacon Esquire, to whom she brought forth many children. And 
Fateor nulla sic amabat liberos. Higher, de Sancta Paula.  howbeit the La. Magdalen most tenderly loved her children and (what she could without injury to others) carefully aimed at their preferment; yet her husband having by a former wife one only Son, of exceeding tender constitution and infirm, who only was to precede her Sons in his Fathers in heritance, she had nevertheless so solicitous a care of his health, as if he had been her own child. Yea his Son, the present most Honourable Viscount 
Her worthy charity towards her son in-law.  Montague, both by words (as I understand) and by writings (as we shall hereafter recite) imputeth the benefit of his own, and his Father's life to the rare piety of this Mother-in-law, which is also confimed by the testimony of others. And when also, by an offence which her husband conceived, occasion was presented whereby she 
Infrac. 16.  might exceedingly have raised the fortunes of her own children, she was so far from making use thereof, to the 
She preserveth the life of her sonne-in la, and of his son.  injury of her Son-in-law his child, that she pacified her husband, and reduced him into favour. So much did either the love of her husband, whom she affected in all his children, or the engrafted Nobility of mind, or finally the love of God, and equity prevail with her. In which proceeding she shown a worthy example to all Mothers-in-law; and so much therefore did she purchase the love of the present Viscount, that none of her own children exceeded him in filial affection. And though, at the time that her husband died, she seemed in the judgement of many, to be nearer death herself; yet so much force did love add unto her, that arising out of her bed, she held him in her arms whiles he yielded up his last breath. And as S. Hierome writeth of the most noble widow S. Paula: She so bewailed him, as if she would have died with him; she so betook herself to the service of God, as she seemed to have wished his death. For whereas formerly obliged to wedlock, she was constrained to think 
Her piety and gratitude towards her husband deceased.  (as the Apostle saith) how also to please her husband, now that band being dissolved, and having gotten a more settled freedom of exercising her virtue, she applied herself more attentively to the service of God. Neither yet did she neglect the care of her husband's soul, for whom she twice every week caused Mass to be said, and herself said the office of the dead; every year she procured a solemn Aniversary on the day of his departure, & most frequently when she took her repast, and often at other times, even to the last day of her life, she was most gratefully mindful of him, using these, or the like words: God be merciful to his soul who left me this. But now leaving her husband let us come to her virtues. Whereof before I begin to speak, this I must profess, that I neither know them all, nor can I according to their worth express any one of them. For if the most eloquent Father S. Hierome confessed, that although all his members were converted into tongues, & all his joints did sound with humane voice, yet could he deliver nothing worthy the virtues of S. Paula: What may I hope for, 
In vita S. Paulae.  who am not worthy to carry the books of S. Hierome, & yet am to write the life of that widow, who as she did equal S. Paula in Nobility, so did she imitate her in virtues. I will therefore partly imitate those painters, who being to describe some Army on a tablet, do draw the just proportion of some few soldiers, but of the residue they make appear only their heads, or the upper part of their helmets, or the points of their spears, whereby they intimate the number of the soldiers to be great, which they can rather propose to the understanding of the beholders, then exhibit to their eyes. Thus I see I must endeavour in writing the life of this pious Lady, that I may describe some few of her virtues most apparent unto me, but the rest I must leave to be conceived in the secret judgement of the Reader. Although even in this I shall easily find the Pencil of the Painter more fortunate than my Pen, for he can draw the just stature and true proportion of all the members, at least of some of the soldiers; whereas my Pen cannot fully and entirely describe any one virtue of this pious Lady. Which that I speak without amplification is apparent to all that knew her, and the prudent Reader may easily conceive as much, by what I am to relate.   

Of the excellent Humility of the La. Magdalen.  
CHAP. VI  
BEcause, as the most grave Doctor of the Church S. Hierome writeth in the life of S. Paula: The first, or chief 
In act ho● 30.  virtue of a Christian is Humility. And as S. chrysostom saith; It is the Root, Mother, and Nurse, the support, and bound of all good things; therefore being to write the virtues of this pious woman, let us begin with her Humility. That she was eminent herein, is apparent by her speech, her conversation, 
Her humility in speech.  attire, and acts. For her speech was mild and peaceable, and free from all contention, and more ready to give way to, then to contend even with her inferiors. Neither did she disdain to speak unto any, yea 
In her conversation.  when she walked abroad, she sometimes took occasion of discourse with such poor people as she casually met with all, and sometimes went to their houses, and familiarly discoursed with them of their affairs. She shunned not the conversation of any honest person, yea she 
In her apparel.  visited the poor, thereby to get them the more estimation among their neighbours. Her attire, after the death of her husband, when she was not bound to please the eyes of any man, was such, that as S. Hierome writeth of S. Paula: Who had not known her, would not take her to be who she was, but to be the meanest of the handmaids. On working days, she had her head dressed with plain linen, covered with an ordinary Hat, used in England commonly, by seruing-Maydes. But on Feasts (in honour of the Days) she put on a French-hood. Her gown in Summer was of say, in winter of Cotton, on which, to keep her shoulders from cold, she commonly wore a course Irish mantle. She never wore knit stockings, either of silk, worsted, & woollen, but 
She never adorned herself by a glass.  only and altogether of Kersie. Her smock was of rude & coarse linen, such as noble women would esteem a penance to wear. She never in her life dressed her head, or adorned herself by a glass, which in a woman, especial Noble, and a Courtier, may be esteemed as a miracle, sith women otherwise devout, have been subject to this defect. In so much, as S. Hierome writeth of Blesilla; That she looked all the day in a glass, to see what she wanted. For what do women more anxiously aim at, than to adorn their face, who, dum moliuntur (as he said) dum comuntur, dum 
In vita Paulae.  pectuntur, annus est. A year doth but suffice to adorn, attire & beautify themselves. And whereof should that woman be proud, who neglects her face? That it may be less admirable, that our Magdalen was free from that imperfection, whereunto even S. Paula in her youth was subject, by the confession of S. Hierome, to wit, of painting her face with cheek varnish, ceruse, or other like colour. For her endeavour was to adorn her soul with virtues, and the glass wherein she daily beheld the same, was her conscience, as by that which we shall hereafter relate, shall more clearly appear. And that we may speak a little of 
Her acts of humility.  the acts of her humility, what I pray you, was that which we formerly mentioned, when in her tender youth, unbidden, & unknown to her Lady, she freely performed such a base office? What was that other act, which she frequently exercised, as to be present at the travel of diverse mean, and poor women, and herself girded with an apron diligently to assist them? These certainly were worthy and evident testimonies of profound humility; yet of all the rest is this most excellent, known only to myself. Whereas she had made choice to use me in the Sacrament of Confession, I advised her of a certain method of discussing her conscience, more convenient for her (in mine opinion) then that she had formerly used. Wherein I did perhaps so imperfectly express my meaning, that the pious Lady understood me to suspect, that she did not sincerely discover her sins, but did conceal something requisite to be opened. And what (think you) did this Lady, no less eminent in Estate then in Nobility, so deeply touched (as to her seemed) in her honour, and so injustly condemned (as she conceived) of so heinous a crime as is sacrilege, and the abuse of almighty God in the Sacrament? and this by him whom she so much esteemed, as before any other she chose him for guide & Pastor of her soul? What did she I say? did she by countenance, word, act, or gesture discover any sign of offence? Yea, did she excuse herself, or ask what moved me to give so grievous a censure of her? None of all these; but making most humble reverence, departed, and so remained a whole week, showing in all that time no token of displeasure. But yet, when almighty God had by this means tried 
A rare humility in secret.  the humility, and patience of his servant, thereby perhaps to let me know what an humble soul he had committed to my care, he suggested unto her in her next confession to ask me, for what cause I suspected that she had concealed something in confession, more fearing my judgement, then relying on her own innocency, and doubting that I did perceive something, which she saw not in herself. O submissive humility! O profound resignation of the soul of this great Lady! And truly great, because in her own eyes she was so little. Some Penitents perhaps would have taken it grievously, to have been questioned of such lesser faults whereof their consciences accused them; others would take it offensively, to be examined of those crimes, whereof there might be just suspicion that they were guilty; but this humble and truly penitent woman, was content not only to be examined of her sins (yea this she very much desired) but even (as she conceived) to be condemned, not of some sleight defect, but of a most grievous crime; and out of her humility, more feared the judgement of her Confessor, then confided in the testimony of her own conscience. And therefore if according to the greatness of her Humility, we will measure the worth of her other virtues, (as he did who by the foot-step of Hercules aimed at his whole stature) we may without any other argument collect, that the rare submission of this soul was consequently accompanied with many excellent virtues. For where God laid so solid a foundation of humility, out of all doubt he built a notable edifice of virtue. For where there is much Humility, there is much Sanctity. Whence the most sacred Mother of Christ, and his Precursor, as they exceeded all other in humility, so did they precede them in sanctity. Of this her Humility than it proceeded, that she frequently 
An humble saying and deed.  accustomed to say, that she was a sack of dung; and when in her last sickness her drink did once displease her, suddenly reprehending herself, and bitterly weeping, she said: Why should I mislike my drink for whom any drink is too good? And she at length had gotten so perfect a victory over Pride, that a little before her death, with great confidence in God, & consolation of mind, she told 
She triumpheth over pride.  me, that thence forward she feared not pride. O happy woman, who in earth cold triumph over that vice which threw the highest Cherubims down from the highest place of heaven, and cast our first parents out of Paradise, and then which, Piety hath not a more capital enemy! For as it is most difficult to suppress a flame; so is it heard not to glory when one hath done any thing worthy of praise. How highly then hath God now elevated this woman, who promised to exalt the humble? and how justly might she challenge a place of the lapsed Angels, who by humility ascended thither, whence they by pride did fall?   

Of her notable Chastity.  
CHAP. VII.  
THE next virtue of this pious woman whereof we are to speak, is her Chastity. This in both sexes is most precious; for as the Scripture witnesseth, There is no sufficient 
Ecclesiast. c. 29.  worthy esteem of a continent soul: Yet doth it especially shine in women, as the principal flower in their garland, so that the same scripture saith: Gratia super gratiam, mulier 
Cap. 26.  sancta & pudorata. But a woman wanting this virtue, tanquam stercusin via conculcabitur, as the same scripture saith. 
Cap. 9  But this woman's Chastity did equal her humility, whereof in the time of her virginity, of her wedlock, and of her widowhood, she gave evident testimonies. For whiles she lived a maid of honour in the Court, on a time King Philip who had married Queen Mary, youthfully opened a window, where by chance she was washing her face, and sportingly putting in his arm, which some other would perhaps have taken as a great honour, and rejoiced thereat, she knowing that the condition of virgins was not unlike unto flowers, which with the least touch do lose of their beauty, having more regard of her own purity, then of the King's Majesty, she took 
She sharply rejecteth the King's jesting.  a staff lying by, and strongly struck the King on the arm. Which fact the prudent King did not only take without offence, but it was the increase of her honour and esteem. And in what manner, think you, would she have disdained any other, who so rejected the King? or what would she not have done against the King, attempting any lewdness, who so entertained him jesting? When she was married, she so carried herself, that as S. Hierome writeth of S. Paula: She was an example to all Matrons, & so behaved herself, that the tongues even of ill speakers never durst forge any ill of her. For who could speak any dishonest thing of her? who ever heard impute speech of her mouth? who could charge her with any wanton cast of her eye? who could discover in her any unchaste affection? Yet did she not want occasions of incontinency, whiles her hushand was thrice out of England, nor did there want lewd solicitors, even of the chiefest rank of England, whose discourse when she perceived to tend thereunto, she with a certain pious indignation so rejected them, that they durst not twice attempt the same. And this her chastity was so perspicuous, and well known, that it so repressed the inclinations, and bridled the tongues even of shameless 
She bridleth the wantonness of shameless persons.  persons, as that they were ashamed to attempt, or utter any lewd matter in her presence. And albeit she chose not the highest degree of Chastity, which is Virginity; that, perhaps may rather be ascribed to want of advice and counsel (whereof she often lamented to have been destitute in her youth) then of desire to follow the best. For when, being 18. years of age, and newly married, her husband was sent to that famous siege of S. Quintius, she made a firm resolution, if he should dye, never to know any other man: so that we may judge of her, as S. Hierome writeth of S. Paula: Having once entered Matrimony, she never thought of other thing day or night, but, the fruit of marriage being rendered, how to attain the second degree of chastity. For her husband being dead, the Lord Cobham, a man of great estate, honour, and authority in the realm, did most earnestly 
She refuseth second Marriage.  seek her in marriage, and offered her a very fair dowry, but she gave him so resolute a denial, that thence forward she was no more solicited by suitors. This example is not ordinary in England, in this so corrupt an age, where sometimes women of honour, after the death of their husbands, not finding others equal to themselues in dignity, do marry even their servants, or men of mean condition. In this manner lived this Hon.ble Lady all her life, without reprehension (as S. Paul speaketh) in the midst of a crooked and perverse Nation, among whom she shined as light in the world. And 
Phil. 2.  albeit these be arguments of rare chastity, yet I will add one far more singular & eminent, the truth whereof though it depend on her only testimony, yet sith God doth divide to every one (as the Apostle saith) according as he will, & imparteth 
1. Cor. 12.  greater gifts unto his servants; and she being so worthy a Lady, as whosoever knew her, could have no suspicion that for vain glory she would delude her confessor, I little fear, but that it will find credit with the unpartial Reader; & this it was: that in all her life she never 
The La. Madge never felt the rebellion of the flesh.  felt the involuntary stings, or (as they call it) rebellion of the flesh, whereby her mind should be provoked to lust. O singular chastity! O what kind of taste of the state of innocence! O wonderful arguments of God's love towards this woman! For with what purity did God beautify her soul, who so adorned her flesh? what treasure did he lay up in so rich a chest? what pure Tabernacle of the holy Ghost was that soul, which inhabited so pure and chaste a body? Neither yet is this all, that in this kind I can relate of this chaste woman, but as S. Hierome saith of himself writing the life of S. Paula: I am constrained to omit many things, lest I should exceed the belief of things, and by detractors be reputed a liar. But what chaste soul, think you, had she, who was freed from that interior, and cruel enemy of her chastity? And if some time the enemy did suggest that unto her soul, whereto her flesh did not allure her; if she were waking, she did instantly not only reject it from her mind, but even with spitting, or some exterior sign, did declare how much she detested it. But if it happened in her sleep, when reason had not power to give her assistance, yet did her body so strive and labour to expel that filthy suggestion, that it awakened her mind, after which the victory was easy. O happy woman, whose very flesh (in which, even in holy men, as the Prophet 
Psal; 7.  speaketh) there is no soundness, but their loins are filled with illusions, and their reines do afflict them even unto night) was free from turpitude! S. Gregory esteemed it a rare degree of chastity, 
6. Moral. c. 17.  When God's grace (saith he) perfectly rewardeth some abstinent, not to feel the stings, or violence of the motions of the flesh. But this woman felt neither the violence of the motions, nor the motion itself. O what jewel of chastity did the earth lose! how much did heaven gain by her death! But now let us consider her patience.   

Of her singular Patience.  
CHAP. VIII.  
Our Saviour affirmeth Patience to be so necessary to every man, that he declareth, that therein we shall possess our souls; as if without it, man were not master 
Luc. 1.  of himself, but were carried hither and thither with the blind fury of affection: and this virtue in the La. Magdalen was not inferior to the former. For it appeared admirable 
Her continual patience.  to all that knew her, not for a certain time, nor in some company, nor upon certain occasions, but in all the whole course of her life. Nor did she carry herself patiently towards strangers only, or her equals, but even towards her familiars, and her very servants; from reprehending of whom, if they had offended her, she accustomed 
She would nor chide her servants lest she should be angry.  to abstain, lest (as she often said) she should be moved to anger; being more careful of her patience and tranquillity of mind, then of conscruing her temporal estate. For when any matter was committed deserving reprehension, she accustomed to say to one: Go, and chide such a one. And so fare was she from the vice of chiding, that she understood not all the words which brawling 
A mild speech of the Lady.  people accustom to use; and therefore when not long before her death, she heard one woman scolding with another, she openly said, that till that day she never heard such kind of speeches. She used to say: A good word is as easily spoken, as an evil. And 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of her 
Her notable patience tow●●●… 〈…〉.  〈…〉 not only 〈◊〉 the 〈…〉 would 〈…〉 him 〈…〉 which 
Patience overcometh adversaries.  her 〈…〉 him. It was doubtless an act of great patience, 〈…〉 ●●●meles an injury of her servant, but a greater to conceal it; but the greatest, in that she accustomed to induce her adversaries by benefits to acknowledge their fault. And so much did this her Patience prevail with two of her notorious adversaries, that upon their knees they asked her pardon 
People of all ages and conditions delighted in her conversation.  of their offence. And this her patience was in her so much the more admirable, as she was by nature choleric, and so much choler was found in her body after her death, that such as saw it, and knew her most meek manner of living, were exceedingly amazed thereat. So mild and sweet was her conversation, that she alured people of all conditions to her company; and, which was to be admired, every age, every degree, and both sexes did seem equally to be surprised with the love of her company; and she did so accommodate herself to the civil comportments of every one, that yet she admitted nothing unworthy of herself, or unbeseeming her age and gravity. She was very unwilling to offend any by word, gesture, or act; yea to take from others occasion of complaining, whatsoever seemed molestfull, she took it herself: and that which S. Augustine calleth a great gift of God in his 
She concealeth the discord of others.  Mother, that when one had secretly complained unto her of another: She would speak nothing of the one unto the other, but what might tend to their reconciliation; this, in this woman was rare and perspicuous. And this kind of Patience she exercised, not only when she had her perfect health, but even in her grievous sickness, as shall appear 
9 Conf. c. 9  hereafter in our relation of her extreme infirmity, wherein not content with the torments which her disease did inflict, she often invocated almighty God with these words: 
Excellent patience.  O Lord, more pain, and more patience.   

Of her prompt Obedience.  
CHAP. IX.  
HOw obedient the pious Lady was, may easily be collected by what we have related of her singular humility. For what would she disdain to do, who had so humble a conceit of herself? what commandment would she refuse to perform, who uncommaunded executed the most baste kind of service? And how seriously may we think she obeyed her husband, who so diligently attended her Lady? Out of doubt, she both piously obeyed her parents, for which almighty God blessed her with long life, and carefully submitted herself to her husband, & solicitously fulfilled his will, whereupon she often said, that 
The saying of the La. of her obedience.  she left her will at S. james, which was the place of her Marriage. Besides she religiously submitted herself to her Confessor, whereof I could allege many examples, but I will be content with one. This humble and obedient Lady, by counsel of her Physician, and by admonition of her Confessor in her last infirmity, and even on Ash-wednesday (which she never did in her life before, and did piously abhor it) was persuaded to eat flesh. She than preferred the request of her Confessor, before 
She feareth scandal.  her own will, and her most ancient and Religious custom. Yet she did this with such caution & fear of scandal, that she commanded her little Grandchilds to be out of the way, least being uncapable of understanding the cause wherefore she did eat flesh, they might afterward abuse her example. For which cause also, when a Protestant coming into her chamber, found her eating of flesh in the lent, she forgot not to advertise him, that she did not eat flesh for gluttony, or in contempt of the precept of the Church, but rather in obedience to the Church, which, by counsel both of the spiritual and temporal Physicians, giveth leave to the infirm to eat flesh. Another time also, when to comfort and encourage her, it was told her, that she being so extreme weak, and eating flesh by the counsel of both her Physicians, might merit more by eating, than others by fasting, she requested to forbear such kind of speech, lest people over prone to give way to gluttony, should contemn fasting. But when it was answered her, that not simple eating, but only eating of obedience was preferred before fasting, for so much as in fasting, is abstinence from meat, but in eating of obedience, is abnegation of ones own will, which people prefer before even the most delicate meat; and that her example was not of simple eating, but of eating upon obedience against her own will, wherein she was not like to have too many imitators; when (I say) she heard these words, she was silent, and shown 
A most obedient saying.  herself ready to be disposed of any way, often using these words: Do with me what you please, for I will no longer have my will. And certainly such was her obedience all the time of her tedious infirmity, either in abstaining 
Notable obedience in her sickness.  from that which she desired, or in accepting what was offered her, that it moved great admiration in all the women that attended her, who found no more difficulty in governing her, then if they had attended an innocent child.   

Of her Liberality towards others.  
CHAP. X.  
OMitting to speak of her liberality towards her brother, and kindred, or of her hospitality towards Noble persons, because this is accustomed to be attributed rather to nature then to virtue, I will only speak of her liberality towards others. She maintained a great family, which consisted of eighty persons, and sometimes more, and almost all Catholics. And these she maintained not only for her honour (as is the manner of noble persons) 
Her great family.  but also to support them in the Catholic Religion; and to these she allowed not only plentiful food, and competent wages, but (which is much more to be esteemed) afforded them the same benefit of the word of God, and the Sacraments, that herself enjoyed; and as fare as she could secured them from vexations, & persecution of Heretics. 
How many benefi●tes proceed of maintaining a Catholic family.  Which kind of liberality is fare to be preferred before even the distribution of very great sums of money in alms. For in this kind of alms, only money is given, but in the pious liberality of this Lady, not only money is bestowed but meat, lodging, defence from persecution, the exercise of Religion, and the use of the Sacraments and a visible Church or Company of Catholics is assembled, and conserved. She maintained three Priests in her house, and gave entertainment to all that repaired to her, & very seldom dismissed any without the gift of an Angel; she redeemed two out of prison at her own cost, and attempted the like for others, and gave money to other Catholics both in common & particular. Her alms distributed every second day at her gates unto the poor, were plentiful, and such, as some of the richer Protestant's did calumniate that they augmented 
Her alms  the number of beggars, and nourished their idleness. When she desisted from her prayers, she accustomed to spend much time in sowing shirts or smocks for poor men and women, in which exercise she seemed to take much pleasure; sometimes also when she had leisure she visited the poor in their own houses, and sent them, either medecines, or meat, or wood, or money as she perceived their need; and when she could not perform this herself, she sent her waiting women. Which kind of Charity she omitted not even in her greatest, and last infirmity, but even then enquired how it fared with the poor, and lamented their infirmities, when herself of all other needed most commiseration.   

Of her Zeal and Constancy in supporting, and professing the catholic Faith.  
CHAP. XI.  
HOw grateful is is unto God to profess his faith, it appeareth by those words of Christ our Saviour: Every one that shall confess me before men, I also will confess him before my Father. And also on the contrary, how odious it 
Matth. 10.  is unto God to deny his faith, is evident by that which followeth: But he that shall deny me before men, I also will deny him before my Father which is in heaven. But how constant the La. Magdalen was, not only in keeping, but even in professing the faith of Christ, is evident, not by one act, but by the whole progress of her life. For in those times, so turbulent, & so exceeding subject to mutation under the Kings Henry the VIII. and Edward the six, and Q Elizabeth, she remained most constant in her faith. And if in the beginning of the reign of Q. Elizabeth she went sometimes to heretical Churches, that may rather be imputed to the defect of instruction, then want of zeal. For when she understood it to be unlawful, she did most constantly abhor it. And albeit that under Q. Elizabeth she endured no other persecution for matter of Religion, then that she was once accused to the pretended Bishop of Canterbury, her house twice searched, and her Priest once taken, and imprisonned; yet was she prepared to suffer whatsoever it should please God, and did expose herself to the peril thereof. For whereas she had two goodly Mansion houses, the one upon the Thames side near London-bridge, in which, from the first beginning of persecution 
The house of the La. Magd. a common refuge for Priests.  by Q. Elizabeth was a common retire for Priests coming in, and going out of England; and also a refuge for such as resided in London; wherein also one Priest had his residence, to minister the Sacraments to such Catholics as resorted thither. In this house happened a matter worthy observation, which by the way I thought requisite to relate. When in the chapel of this house (which sometime appertained to the Canons-Regular) some persons did dig in the place where the high Altar had formerly stood, under the same altar, or near thereunto they found a leaden coffin, & within it the body of a Religious man lapped in linen, and bound hard with cords, there buried many years before, so sound, flexible, and of so lively a colour, as it seemed alive. The La. Magdalen, as herself told me, putting her fingers into his mouth, did a little pull out his tongue, which was fleshly red and dry; & another with a knife cut a slash in the flesh, which within seemed very sound and fatty, no sign appearing either of Balm, or any other thing that could conserve that body from corruption. And of this matter many eye witnesses worthy of credit are yet living. In her other house, which, being distant four miles from Hastings, of that famous field which there was fought between William the Conqueror and King Herald, is called Battle, where herself with her family did for the most part reside, she kepr three Priests, one of whom was M. Thomas More, great grandchild, and direct heir of that famous Sir Thomas More sometime Lord Chancellor of England, & a most worthy Martyr; who seeking to participate rather of the virtues, then of the lands of his great grandfather, having resigned unto his younger brother a most ample patrimony, & being worthily adorned with learning & virtues, and made Priest, devoted himself wholly to the conversion of his Country; in which industry he hath laudably employed himself these 20. years. Another was M. Thomas Smith Bachelor of divinity, a man no less venerable for his learning, worthy piety, and unwearyed endeavour in helping his Country, then for his gravity of years. The third was myself. These did minister the word of God and the Sacraments, not only to the La. Magdalen, and her family, but to all Catholics repairing thither. She built a chapel in her house (which in suc● persecution was to be admired) and there placed a very fair Altar of stone, whereto she made an ascent with steps 
She built a chapel with a Quire in her house.  and enclosed it with rails: and to have every thing conformable, she built a Choir for singers, and set up a pulpit for the Priests, which perhaps is not to be seen in all England beside. Hear almost every week was a sermon made, and on solemn feasts the sacrifice of the Mass was celebrated with singing, and musical instruments, and sometimes also with Deacon & subdeacon. And such was the concourse and refort of Catholics, that sometimes 
Solemn Mass celebrated.  there were 120 together, and 60. communicants at a time had the benefit of the B. Sacrament. And such was the number of Catholics resident in her house, and the multitude 
The resort of Catholics.  and note of such as repaired thither, that even the heretics, to the eternal glory of the name of the La. Magdalen, gave it the title of Little Rome. O happy woman, and true maintainer of the Roman faith, who, where the very name of Rome is to most so odious, that they use all 
The house of the La. Mag. called little Rome.  their industry and utmost endeavour to extinguish it; there, she did not only preserve the memory there of, but made it so famous, as she deserved to have the title thereof given to her house. Let others nominate their houses by what titles they please, this only title of Little Rome, given by Heretics unto thy house, O Honourable Magdalen, by reason of the Roman faith there professed, appeareth more famous, and more illustrious than all other titles! Whiles she was present either at Mass or Sermon, she did not conceal herself for fear to be betrayed by some false brother, as it sometimes happeneth in England, but she did serve God publicly in the sight of all, that by her example she might encourage all; and when she walked abroad, by her Beads, or Cross which she used to wear about her neck, she professed herself to be a Catholic, even to whatsoever Heretical beholders; and so manifest was her religion, that scarce any in England had heard ●●r name, who knew her not also to be a Catholic. She ●●●dered none from hearing Mass in her house, if any Catholic had but the least knowledge of them, using these words: Let these poor people come, they desire comfort as much as we. And that which to others did strike a fear of troubles, was unto her occasion of great joy: to wit, when on festival days, she saw a great number of Catholics in her Chapel, in so much as she would sometimes shed 
She offereth leave to print Catholic books in her house.  tears for joy, and would thank God, that by her means so many pious souls received spiritual consolation. Yea so far stretched the fortitude of this blessed woman, in propagating the Catholic faith, that she twice offered me leave to set up a Press to print Catholic books in her house; which had been done but that it was most difficult, and almost impossible in such an ample family to to conceal such a matter from Heretics. This her courageous Constancy bred her great Envy, in her Heretical neighbours: wherewith some of them being moved, presented her name, and the names of almost all her family so the judges in public assizes, for not observing the law of coming to Church every month. By which law it is commanded, that whatsoever person of the age of 16. years shall abstain, for a month, from the Protestant Churches, shallbe confined within the compass of five miles of his house, and shall pay, at the choice of the King, either 20. ●● every month, or two thirds of his lands & tenements, with the loss of all his goods: & if he keep any Catholic 
The La. Mag. first of all the Nobility in England accused upon the statute of going to heretical Churches  servant, he shall pay beside for each one, 10. ●● every month, Upon which law the La. Magdalen was the first of the Nobility, that ever in England was accused in public judgement. But she was so far from being terrified with this most hard proceeding, or dismissing of any of her servants, that, having intelligence thereof, with a pleasing Countenance she said: If the King will have two thirds of mine estate, I will joyfully live with the rest, and I thank God, who hath permitted me to enjoy it hitherto, and now permitteth that it be taken from me, for profession of his faith. When there was danger of searching her house, she was more solicitous of her Priests then of herself, and when in the time of that notorious powder-treason, she was terrified with extreme 
Her manly courage in present peril.  and imminent dangers, that she should not be able to keep a Priest in her house, she did not yet give way thereunto, but dismissing the advertiser, with a manly courage and full of confidence in God, she said to her Confessor: Let us say the litanies, and commit this matter to God. And as well at other times often, as when she lay in her extreme infirmity, 
She reduceth two of her nearest kindred unto the Church.  she strictly commanded her children, encouraged her servants, and importunately exhorted all persons, to neglect the wealth of the world, constantly to retain the Catholic faith, and to repose their hopes in God. At which time Almighty God gave unto her this consolation, that by her example and admonitions she reduced two of her nearest kindred into the lap of the church. And certainly it is to be much attributed to her Piety, that whereas she left living above thirty of her children, Nephews 
She desireth her children might suffer death for the Catholic faith.  and Nieces, she left them all constant professors of the Catholic faith. And albeit she most tenderly affected her children; yet she so much preferred faith before nature, that she would often say, she should exceedingly rejoice to see any of them to dye for the Catholic faith. Neither do I doubt, but if Almighty God had tried her, we should have seen in her the courage of the Mother of the Maccabees.   

Of her notable Piety towards God.  
CHAP. XII.  
THe nurse of all Virtue is piety & devotion towards God, which in the Lady Magdalen was very remarkable. For she was every day present at the morning and evening service which by her Priests was daily said 
The devotion of the La. Mag. unto the Mass.  in her chapel. For the most part, she did every day hear three Masses, & more would willingly have heard, if she might: and such was her affection to this divine sacrifice, that when upon any occasion in the winter it was said before day, she in that cold and unseasonable time, could not contain herself in her bed, but rising, endured not to be absent from that heavenly Sacrifice. In her private devotions, she did every day say three offices, 
Her daily private prayers.  that is, of the B. Virgin, of the Holy Ghost, and of the Holy Cross; whereto she added at least three Rosaries, the jesus Psalter, the 50. prayers of S. Brigit, which because they begin with O, are commonly called her 15. O's, and the common Litanyes; and finally sometimes the office of the dead. Which prayers, when in her infirmity she could not say herself, she procured to be said by others, distributing to every one a part. And that I may 
What time she spent in prayer.  comprehend much in few words, she spent a very great part of the day, and much of the night in prayer. For rising early in the morning, she for the most part employed the rest of the time, even till the hour of dinner in prayer, and sometimes she would retire herself alone after dinner into the chapel to pray; as also before supper she spent an hour, or often two hours in prayer; and before she went to bed she omitted not the Litanyes, and the examen of her conscience. And I have some times observed that on Christmas Eve at night, from an hour before midnight till a little before dinner, she never went out of the Chapel but only a little to attire herself; but was all that time watchfully employed in prayers, and devout actions. She was often found in her chamber prostrate on the ground in prayer, howbeit she accustomed, when the heat of devotion did move her, to shut the doors. In the night also, when others took their sleep, she was heard of her women to say her Beads, which to that end did always hang at her bed's side. And as S. Hierome writeth of S. Lea, She instructed her family more by example then by word, & with her piety induced all to devotion. And although 
Epist. 24.  she was by privilege of her age exempted from fasting, yet did she piously observe all the fasts of the Lent, the 
She did often fast.  Ember days, and whatsoever other, either commanded by the Church, or introduced by the pious custom of the Country, as are the fasts of Fridays, and some others: to all which, of her own devotion she added some wednesdays. O right pious woman, and imitating that holy widow, which did not departed from the Temple, serving 
Luc. 1.  God day and night, in fasting and prayer! And she was so moved with love unto prayer and devotion, that the care of worldly estate was tedious unto her, which she would willingly have imposed upon some other, & did sometimes confer with me of that matter, that she might wholly devote herself unto God, but that there were some impediments which herself could not remove. She shown a respective reverence to her Priests, for the honour of 
Her exceeding reverence to her Priests.  God, and did most humbly on her knees, morning and evening ask their benediction, which she did also observe towards other Priests at their coming & going. Which honour exhibited to our Priests from the beginning of the English Church, as testifieth S. Bede in the third book of his History, and 26. Chap. but long time intermitted, their frequent deaths for the catholic faith hath reduced; for within 30. years, above 120. secular Priests have been crowned with Martyrdom in England. Every Sunday, and festival day beside, she did purge her sins by holy Confession; which she performed 
She frequently confessed & with great contrition.  with great preparation of mind, and discussion of her conscience. She opened her sins with exceeding sincerity, and bewailed them with such abundance of tears, that whosoever had seen them, would have thought her another sinful Magdalen, but the hearer of her sins thought of the innocency of S. john going into the wilderness, lest he should maculate his life with the least idle word. For what she confessed were sometimes so small, that I thought it necessary, to advice her to accuse herself of some former sins, fearing least otherwise there might want matter of absolution. And yet as I said, she did so bitterly lament them, that she forced me to tears; for which cause I desired to hear her confession before I confessed my own sins. For in her, as S. Hierome writeth. of S. Paula, Thou wouldst believe to be fountains of tears, the so bewailed slight sins, as thou wouldst think her to be guilty 
In vita Paulae.  of grievous crimes. Every year, at lest once, whiles I had care of her, she made a general confession of all her sins, not upon any scruple, but that she might obtain that, which the Prophet, having already obtained pardon of his sin, requested when he said: Wash me more from my iniquity, 
Psal. 50.  and clenfe me from my sin; and with all, that she might the more humble herself, and have her sins always before her eyes. And albeit she was very solicitous in discussing her conscience; yet she did frequently request me, that if I perceived any vice in her conversation, I should not omit to admonish her thereof. And she was so severe towards herself, that she would desire more penance than was enjoined her, and would say, that she never 
She desired more penance than was enjoined her.  met with a Confessor that would enjoin her sufficient satisfaction. And for that reason perhaps, for some Months before her last sickness, she accustomed every week after her confession to give me ten shillings, to distribute in alms, so to supply that which to her seemed wanting in the imposition of her penance. Concerning which Money, this happened worthy of observation, that when she was sick, & could not according to that custom give 
An admirable thing concerning the money she gave for satisfaction.  me every week that certain sum, she commanded one of her servants, to deliver me such money as he had of hers, which money came not to a farthing more, nor less than ten shillings, for every week she lived. This than was the piety of this worthy woman in confessing frequently, in confessing with great sincerity, contrition, and desire of satisfying God for her sins; whereto was answerable her like devotion towards the most B. Sacrament of 
Her piety towards the Sacrament of the Eucharist.  the Eucharist. For when in this manner she had purged her soul from sin, she came with an hungry desire to receive the bread of life, and with what external reverence, and humiliation of body, she both came to the sacred Altar of Christ, and returned thence, with what tears in her eyes, and with what reverence in her countenance she received that sacred banquet; they well perceived who beheld her. But with what in teriour piety, and with what inflamed charity towards God, she entertained her Saviour in her heart, he only saw, who seethe the secrets of hearts.   

Of the admirable Providence of God, towards the La. Magdalen.  
CHAP. XIII.  
AS this holy woman had a peculiar care to serve & please God, so it appeareth that correspondently he had a particular providence, and care over her, whereof I will allege a few examples. Whiles she was a married woman she fell into an extreme, and continual grief & affliction of mind, upon the ruin of her family procured (as she sometimes said) by him in whom she had placed the hope of best relief thereof; which melancholy affliction being such as exceeded the art of all Physicians, and the counsel and comfort of her friends, almighty God at length compassionating his servant, vouchsafed to cure her by another means. For in a dream (as she particularly 
God cureth her tedious affliction.  related unto me) it was clearly and manifestly demonstrated unto her, what she should do to be freed of her inward grief. Which when she had performed, (it being a very pious action) she was instantly cured of that affliction of mind, which no humane art, medicine, or counsel could prevail in. Of this trial, as she often confessed, she obtained a better knowledge of herself, and more benefit than of any other thing; in so much that she confidently affirmed, that by her own experience, she had learned that God worketh all things for our good. And by this means almighty God did marvelously free her from spiritual desolations, & did convert them to her advantage and consolation; neither did he less protect her from her corporal enemies. For whereas some few years before her death certain Protestant's, in hatred of her Religion, sought the destruction of her, and all her family, yet did they not prevail in their malice. For the principal of them Sir 
The judgement of God upon the heretics that sought the ruin of the La. Mag.  Tho. May, being a Knight and justice of peace, and having given commandment for apprehending the servants of the La. Magdalen, was himself a little after ignominiously convented before public authority, and cast into prison for debt, where he lay long, and at the setting forth of this work, was shamefully dismissed of the Commission of the Peace. But the author & firebrand of all evils was Nicholas Cobbe, who a little after he began to seek the ruin of the La. Magdalen, had a knife thrust into his belly by his own wife; & being for some heinous fact apprehended by officers, and even by heretics pursued to punishment, did at length by letters beg pardon of the La. Magdalen; and what affliction yet expecteth him, almighty God knoweth. The third inveterate Heretic called N. Benet, who perceiving that nothing, of what himself and his Confederates had conspired against the devout Lady, took effect, on a market-day held at Battle, falling on this knees before the gatehouse of the Viscountesse, did vomit out his bitter imprecation, praying God to confound her, and all her family. But the dart which the impious fellow cast against heaven, did soon fall upon his own head. For the third day after going early in the morning out of his house, he drowned himself in a pit at the town's end, towards London: Whereupon being taken up by Protestants, & by their judgement found guilty of his own death, he was buried like a dog in the high way. At another time also when (as before is said) 
Note the speedy judgement of God.  she was called in question for not going to heretical service, she was so fare from incurring any detriment thereby, as that it wrought her more security than before. For the King's Council by their public letters addressed to the Attorney General dated the 19 of April 1607. commanded that no sentence should proceed against her. Which letters because they testify both the true allegiance of the Lady Magdalen to the King in temporalityes, and also that her molestation was merely for Religion, I will here setdowne part of them, out of the original which is 
The La. Mag. questioned for religion, is otherwise faithful to her Prince.  in my custody. For so much (say they) as the Lady Montague the wife of Antony Viscount Montague deceased, is lately called in question for default of conformity in Religion according to the laws of this Kingdom; in regard that she is a Noble-woman, aged, and by reason of her fidelity, in the time of Q. Elizabeth, was never called in question, it pleaseth the King's Majesty that in her old years she be free from molestation. These therefore, shallbe to require you, that you forthwith do procure the accusation which is presented against her in the County of Sussex or else where, to be removed by writ of Certiorari, into his Majesty's Court of the King's bench, & thereby you shall have power to stay all process against her person, grounded upon that presentment, or whatsoever other, till we shallbe further certified. And in the same manner, when under pretence of search for the powder-traytors, Protestants did often search her house, she obtained letters from the King's Council dated the 5. of April 1606. And subscribed by ten of the same Council, that none besides four by herself nominated, should search her house. By which 
The La. Mag. exposing herself to peril for religion became more free from danger.  letters she obtained, that herself, whose house especially was always free to all Catholics, & who, in admitting Catholics to the Sacraments, exposed herself to danger more than all others, proved thence forward to be more free from peril then any else. Whiles she lay in London in the year 1606. a Protestant seeing one go into her house, whom he suspected (but falsely) to be one of those whom the King had proclaimed guilty of the powder-treason, declared the same to the King's Council, who instantly authorized Officers that most watchfully beset both hers, and the adjoining houses, from Wednesday at two of the clock in the morning, till Saturday noon following, and in that time very diligently searched hers, but especially her neighbour's houses. The Lady magdalen's Priest was then absent, who was gone towards Battle, she intending immediately to follow him; but understanding that two of her family were fallen grievously sick, instantly taking horse, returned to London, the same day that the search began. But almighty 
Her Priest twice even miraculously escaped the hands of heretics.  God so protected the Lady Magdalen, that at the very instant when the Priest, suspecting no danger, entered into the house, the watchmans for a quarter of an hour were gone aside. And even two days after when it was esteemed most dangerous for him to remain there any longer, he went again out of the house in the midst of the watch, not one of them apprehending him, albeit amongst them there were three that knew him well, to be a Priest, and did speak of him to each other, and with their fingers pointed at him. Not many months after the same Priest going from the house of the Viscountesse at Battle, was discovered to the aforesaid impious Cobbe, & 
Again an other time  the Priest being scarce out of sight, Cobbe having a vehement malicious desire to apprehend him, ran every way to hire a horse to pursue him; but Almighty God did so preserve the Lady Magdalen, that he permitted not any Protestant, though her grievous enemies, to lend Cobbe a horse, nor suffered him to follow the Priest a foot, or by outcry (as is the manner in England) to raise the people to pursue him; whereas the Priest, not suspecting any danger, walked on a foot pace, expecting one that was to accompany him, might easily have been apprehended. Both which escapes the Priest himself ascribed to the piety of this Lady whom God protected, lest her Priest being taken, her life had been brought in question for entertaining him. With the rehearsal of one admirable thing which happened in her house, I will end the discourse of these things. There stood upright against a 
An admirable thing of an Altarstone.  wall a great marble stone, which in Catholic times had been an Altarstone for the service of almighty God; and a woman of curiosity desirous to see that side thereof which rested against the wall, so drew the stone towards her, as it fell upon her. And albeit the stone was of that huge greatness and weight, as eight men could hardly with whatsoever levers remove it from one place to another, and nothing lay between it and the woman that might save her from the fall of it, yet was it so taken up without the least hurt of the woman, as if a bed of feathers, not so huge a stone, had fallen upon her. Whereupon the stone was by commandment of the Lady Magdalen, removed into the Chapel, consecrated again to divine service, and applied to his former use. But now, though with grief, let us come to declare her death. For who (as S. Hierome writeth of S. Paula) can with unwatered eyes relate the death of the Lady Magdalen?   

Of her happy Passage unto God.  
CHAP. XIIII.  
When she had piously and blessedly lived complete 70. years, & had seen her third generation, and above thirty persons of her issue, and all by the grace of God Professors of the Catholic faith, the next day after her birthday, to wit, the 21. of january of the year 1608. at which time there was such an extreme frost 
An extreme frost in England.  in England, that the River Thames being frozen, men, horses, and carts passed over upon the ice, yea meat being roasted thereon, people did banquet there, as upon the firm land; at such time (I say) as the frost gave such a general 
The Lady Magd. falleth into a palsy.  horror, the Lady Magdalen fell into a Palsy, whereby she lost the motion of the right side of her body, and much wanted the use of her tongue. Within two days, the most prudent Lady perceived her disease to be mortal, neither yet did she desire any medicine, or sent for 
How she prepared for death.  any Physician, but calling for her Confessor, desired to participate of all the sacraments of Christ, which in such case are requisite. Which having with exceeding devotion & tranquillity of mind received, & delivering her last will and testament to one, she prepared herself for death, requesting that thence forward she might be free from all molestation of temporal affairs. But almighty God, for the greater glory of his name, for her merit, and our edification, did prolong her infirmity for eleven whole weeks, to wit, till the eight of April. In which time it cannot 
Her admirable meekness and patience.  be uttered, what admirable patience she shown, both in words and deeds, never wayward, or tedious, but always thankful, even to the meanest of her servants, when they had done any thing about her; and oftentimes even in her extremest torments, praying God to increase both her pain and patience. Her accustomed prayers (as before I said) she distributed amongst her friends. She heard Mass every day, at which time she would be lifted up in her bed, which she omitted not, even the last day of her life. There did hang at her beds feet a silver Cross 
Her devotion in her sickness.  guilded, of Christ crucified, which was sometimes her Grandmothers, the famous Countess of Shrewsbury; to it she did very frequently lift her eyes, and sometimes (as she could) her hands, without uttering a word, but with great signs of devotion: sometimes she would double those petitions of the Pater noster: Fiat voluntas tua sicut in caelo & in terra. Dimitte nobis debita nostra, sicut & nos dimit●imus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem. At other times she prayed with us, or gave ear to the reading of the Passion of Christ, or some pious book, and now & then would admonish us to put her in mind of heaven, & heavenly things. Sometimes she enquired the estate of other sick persons; & as occasion was presented, she did exhort Catholics to constancy in their faith; and sometimes also she spoke to Heretics of embracing the Catholic faith. But how much at that time she was inflamed with the love of God, even by this it may appear, that once she exceedingly loathing a certain potion, when after many importunate requests one had desired her to take the same for his love, who for her drank vinegar & gall, presently without giving any answer, she took the cup and drank it all up; so suddenly did the memory of the Passion of Christ make that seem sweet, which before was very loathsome unto her. She so little feared death, that from the beginning of her sickness, to us who much desired her life, she seemed too much to desire her death; & therefore when we did propose unto her the examples of 
She rather wisheth than feareth death  S. Paul, S. Martin, and others, who for the consolation of their friends were content to live, she would humbly answer: The will of God be done. And when once, she falling into a sound, her servant cried out in lamentation; as soon as she returned to herself, she reprehended her, saying: Weep not for me, but weep for thy sins, and I command thee that thou pray not for my life. O singular confidence of a pure conscience! O contempt of this life, and desire of the future! After this patiented and pious manner did the La. Magdalen spend that tedious time of her grievous infirmity, wherein certain things were observed, which perhaps may seem special marks of her excellent piety towards God, and 
The body of the Lady Magd. breathed a sweet odour.  of his divine favour towards her. For albeit there was nothing about her, that could produce any sweet odour, yea every day ointment applied to her neck and arm for cure of the Palsy, which gave a loathsome smell, yet one day her body seemed to yield a pleasing savour, which not only Catholics, but even some Protestants which then by accident were present, did feel, and admiring, demanded whence that sweet odour was. To others it seemed another kind of savour, yet most delicious and beyond all common savours. To me it seemed much like sweet balm, so that reflecting on the odour of virtue which she left behind her both to Catholics and Protestants, I reputed that saying of Ecclesiasticus to be fulfilled in her: Sicut balsamum aromatizans odorem dedi. Another time also of her sickness, a certain very 
A most delicious savour came forth of the place where he accustomed to pray.  grave & pious man kneeling to pray without the Chapel, but behind the place wherein she accustomed to pray did five or six times feel a certain breathing of the most delicious savour that ever he felt in his life, to come forth of the Chapel; which savour he likened to the gum of the balme-tree, yet far exceeding all earthly odour, and filled him with exceeding admiration and pleasure. But what do we admire so sweet a savour to proceed from the place where the Lady Magdalen accustomed to pray, when she (as the Apostle saith) Was a sweet odour of Christ in every place? Another thing which to me seemeth worthy of consideration, was, that whereas the Physician three or four days before her death, gave us hope, either of recovering her health, or at least of prolonging her life, neither indeed did there appear to us any sign of imminent death; nevertheless the seaventh of April, which was the day before her death, she requested me to entreat my brethrens the other Priests (for we were then five) that we would all that day say mass for her in honour of the Blessed Virgin: and I demanding of her, to what end 
The admirable perfection of the La. Magd.  she desired those masses to be celebrated; That (said she) I may have no will but the will of God, and that his most sacred will may be fulfilled in me, either in life, or death. O admirable perfection of this woman, prepared either to live or dye, as it should please God, and of herself desirous of neither, but only of the fulfilling of his divine pleasure! And behold, whereas before this time (as is said) we saw no signs of imminent death, not long after the celebration of the Masses, the very pangs of death did assault her, neither did they ever leave her, till they bereft her of this mortal life. And albeit those pangs were very violent and continual from Thursday three of the clock in the after 
Death speedily ensued after she said she was prepared for life or death.  noon, till almost midnight of the day following, which was the eight of April, when she gave up her Ghost; yet did she persevere with the same admirable patience and tranquillity of mind. In so much that the Friday morning, being asked how she had passed the precedent night, she answered: The best of all that ever I passed. For the most prudent woman perceived death to draw on, and that night to open unto her a day which was never to have end. Whiles her senses continued, she prayed with us, & in one hand she held a Cross till her forces failed; in the other a hallowed light, which she held so fast even after her death, that without force it could not be wrested from her. Her last words which could be understood, were 
She peaceably departeth.  those of our Saviour: Into thy hands (O Lord) I commend my spirit; which without any resistance or reluctation she peaceably yielded up, a little before midnight: at which time, as the Scripture saith, There was a clamour made, Behold the 
Matt. 25.  bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet him: she with the holy women, within the Octaves of our Lord's Resurrection, arose out of this valley of tears, & her lamp being prepared, entered, as we hope, with the Bridegroom to the Marriage. Her bowels were buried at Battle where she died, in the monument of her husband's Father, and her body honourably carried to Midhurst, and there laid in the Sepulchre of her husband.   

Of the shape of her Body, and Mind.  
CHAP. XV.  
OF Stature she was very tall, so that (as Saul amongst men) she among women of middle stature appeared from the shoulders upward, & yet very upright; neither did she stoop in the least manner even till her death, her very body being erected by her upright mind. She was fat and gross in body; her head was round, & in regard of the greatness of her body seemed little; her hair in her youth was fair and inclining to yellow, her face beauttfull and long, her forehead flat, her eyes sharp, & of the colour of an hasel-nut; and her sight so continued, as in her last days, she could discern a tower fifteen miles of, and with spectacles could cut even the finest linen cloth by a thread: and in the same manner had she the use of all the residue of her senses. Her nose was strait and sharp, and somewhat short, and her chin great; her countenance very grave and venerable, and her gate upright, sober, and full of Majesty. And this was the external form of her body. But concerning her mind, she was of a sharp wit, and of a notable memory, which yet she said was decayed by her foresaid long and tedious affliction. She was also of a profound judgement, and of a stout and manly courage, so that of her may be said, that which is written of S. Thomas of Canterbury, viz: She was humble, but 
A●●…d Su●ium tom. ●.  amongst the humble, for among the potent and proud, she seemed more lofty, and potent. And thus far, to my ability, I have described the life of this pious woman: now let us hear other men's opinions of her.   

Other men's judgements of her.  
CHAP. XVI.  
FIrst, the most Reverend Archpriest of England M. 
The judgement of the Archpriest and other Priests of England.  George Birckhed in his letters directed to me, lamented her death, as it were (said he) of a great Mother in Israel; & the Priests in England did every where extol her as the worthy Patroness of the holy faith, and the singular ornament of the Catholic religion in England. A Catholic man of worthy piety, and a man of good judgement, albeit he formerly had known her well, yet visiting her in her sickness, and observing her singular patience and piety, said, he would not for any money have miss the sight 
Also of a Catholic Nobleman.  of such her excellent virtue. But above all, the most clear and evident testimony of the virtues of the La. Magdalen may be gathered out of the letters of the present most honourable Viscount Montague, whose testimony is the more estimable, in that she was the stepmother of his Father, and himself (as all that know him can witness) most free from flattery, and a most constant Professor of the Catholic faith, for which he hath often been imprisoned, 
Of the right honourable the Viscount Montague.  and at the setting forth hereof was prisoner in his own house. This then so worthy a man, the year before the death of the La. Magdalen, sending his daughters to visit her, in this manner wrote unto her: Most loving La. and Grandmother, as in my former letters I mentioned, I now in most humble and dutiful manner send these my children unto your most Honourable Ladyship, most earnestly desiring, that every one of them in their degree may so carry themselves towards your Ladyship, that in some part they may express that care which I have always had, to plant in them so much love, and such dutiful respect 
The La. Mag. preserved the life of the Viscount & of this Father.  towards your most Noble and worthy person, as both from them and me, is justly due unto her, by whose singular care, and tender affection, I do not only believe (as I have partly heard and partly experienced) that my worthy Father's life, and mine, as by the most principal earthly instrument, were preserved; but also do acknowledge so many worthy offices both in matter of temporalities, and in other things of greater moment, in reconciling and conserving (whensoever occasion was offered) the most wished favour of my right Noble 
She reconcileth and conserveth the favour of his Grandfather towards him.  Grandfather towards me; so that scarce any La. that was Mother of so many children, nor any of less virtue, ever performed the like. Which certainly enforceth me exceedingly to honour and admire your person. In other letters also written in the year 1606. when he was requested by the La. Magdalen, to vouchsafe to be Executor of her Will & Testament, he answered, that although he did neither desire, nor would willingly see the mournful day of the death of the La. Viscountesse; yet if almighty God should so dispose, Such fidelity (said he) as I own unto my own hart, the same I promise to perform towards your honourable Ladyship. Which he did afterwards most abundantly perform in deeds. For he did not only exactly execute her testament, but did give mourning apparel to all his family, whereof the number was great, distributed a good sum of money for her soul, maintained the 
The Viscount promised and performed.  whole family of the La. Magdalen for three months after her death, and diverse her principal seruans he entertained into his own service, and some of them he rewarded with stipends for their service done unto her; & such was the love between him and the Viscountesse, as they may be an example to all stepmother's, and Sonnes-in-law. 
The opinion of Q. Marry  And this was the worthy testimony both in words and deeds of this Viscount, touching the Virtues of the La. Magdalen. What esteem Queen Mary of famous and worthy memory had of her, is formerly alleged. From whose judgement in this matter (though almost in all other goodness she was far different) her sister Q. Elizab. did not disagree. For thus the La. Scudamore, a Lady of her bedchamber, in her name wrote to the La. Magdalen: The 
Also of Q Elizabeth.  Queen commanded me to signify to your La. that she is persuaded she fareth much the better for your prayers, and therefore desireth you, ever hereafter to be mindful of her in your prayers. What esteem the King's Council had of her, appeareth by the forerecited letters. And the worst that in their judgement any Protestants, though her peevish enemies, said of her after her death, was that which doubtless was her greatest honour, to wit, that she was an earnest Papist. I will conclude these testimonies with the judgement of a certain worthy Catholic, who albeit in the life of the La. Magdalen 
The judgement of a worthy Catholic  he seemed little to favour her, yet she being dead he doubted not to say, That she left nor her like in all England. And truly of her we may use those words of S. Augustine touching his Mother S. Monica: Whosoever of thy servants (O God) did know her, did in her much praise, honour, and love thee, because they perceived thy presence in her hart, the fruits of her holy conversation testifying the same. She was the wife of one husband, 
Confess. l. ●. c. 9  sherendred mutual affection to her parents, she governed her house piously, she had her reputation in good works, she gave her children good education; as often as she saw them stray from thee, so often did she bear them anew. And all which things to be most true in this pious woman, all that knew her, will testify with me.   

THE CONCLUSION.  
But now magdalen's box is broken, and the house is filled with the odour of her ointment; now the lantern of Gedeon is broken, and the light appeareth which darkeneth the sight of the Madianites; now the body of our Magdalen is dissolved, and her most rare and fragrant virtues dilate themselves more clearly, and more abundantly. England may lament, that it hath lost such a pillar of Faith, so worthy an ornament of Religion, such a rare example of virtues. Nay it may rather rejoice, that once it had, or rather hath such a one. And certainly the La. Magdalen may rejoice, that she hath found the thing so long, and so much desired, that having left the world, she is more absolutely joined to almighty God. A happy 
The La. Mag. happy touching the world.  woman (no doubt) touching the world; in that she was of noble birth, married to a man of worthy fame and honour, for a long time enoyed wealth, honour, prosperous health and fortune, long life & worthy issue. Happy touching her body; to whom God had given a sound, beautiful, and healthful a body. Happy touching her soul, 
Touching her body.  being endued with a most piercing wit, an excellent memory, a profound judgement, a stout and manly courage. But most happy towards God, who had given her so much grace, as to make use of her birth, honour, marriage, 
Touching her soul.  wealth, beauty, issue, and finally of all the gifts & graces of her body and soul, to the glory of God, & her eternal felicity. If then (as the scripture testifieth) they are Blessed 
Most happy towards God.  who die in our Lord; how blessed shall we esteem this woman, who not only died, but also lived in our Lord; and not for a short time, but all her life; and that not indifferently, but most piously and religiously; and that in the land of Hus, where is the hour and power of darkness, where piety is sharply impugned, and freedom given to vice. Rest now therefore, O Magdalen, from thy labours, from thy frequent fasts, and daily devotions, and from thy other exercises of piety; rest from the implacable 
The La. Magd. dieth the day before the translation of S. Monica.  hatred, curses, accusations, and inquisitions of Heretics: For thy works of mercy, piety, chastity, humility, faith, hope, and charity do follow thee. But because this pious widow was translated (as I hope) to a better life, the day before the translation of that most holy widow S. Monica, to whom she may be resembled, I will conclude my writing of her, with the same words which S. Augustin concluded his, of his Mother S. Monica: 
Confess. l. 9 c. 11  which is thus: albeit being revived in Christ, her flesh not yet dissolved, she lived so, as thy name (O God) may be praised in her faith and conversation, yet dare I not say, that from the time thou didst reg●●●●● are her by baptism, no word proceeded from her mouth, against thy precept, and woe to the laudable life of men, if, thy mercy removed, thou discuss the same. Therefore, O God of my hart, forgetting a little her good acts, for which I joyfully give that thankes, I no● implore thee for the sins of my (Lady;) hear me by the cure of our wounds, which hung on the Cross, and sitting at thy right hand mediateth for us. She desired memory should be made of her at thy Altar, where she assisted without one days intermission, where she knew that holy oblation to be dispensed whereby the debt whereto we were subject was canceled, to which Sacrament of our redemption thy handmaid eyed her soul by the bond of faith. And inspire. O my Lord God, inspire thy servants my brethren, thy children my masters, that as often as they shall read this, they be mindful at thy Altar, of (the Lady Magdalen) thy servant, with (Antony) sometime her husband. Amen.  
Of the day, place of birth, death, and burial of the La. MAGDALEN Viscountesse MONTAGVE.  
The twentith day of january, first vital breath her gave;  
The eight of April stopped it quite, & brought her to her grave:  
Naward life did first afford, which Battle took away;  
And Midhurst yieldeth to her Corpse rest, till the judgement day.   
FINIS.