onely could finish that Treaty which they had for many years spun out Men take several ways to the ends they propose themselves Some that of confidence others that of respect and caution c. when indeed the main businesse is to suit our selves with our own times which this Lord did and no man better untill looking into the depths of the late Faction he declared at the Council-Table 1639. that they aimed at the ruine of Church and State And viewing the state of the Kingdome he advised That Leagues might be made abroad and that in this inevitable necessity all wayes to raise money should be used that were lawful Wherefore he was one of those few excluded the Indempnity by the Faction and had the honour to dye banished for the best Cause and Master in those foreign Countries where he suffered as nobly for the Crown of England in his later dayes as he had acted honourably for it in his former When he never came off better than in satisfying the Spanyards about toleration reducing the whole of that affair to these two Maximes 1. That Consciences were not to be forced but to be won and reduced by the evidence of Truth with the aid of Reason and in the use of all good means of Instruction and perswasion 2. That the causes of Conscience wherein they exceed their bounds and grow to matter of faction lose their nature and that Soveraign Princes ought distinctly to punish those foul practices though overlaid with the fairer pretences of Conscience and Religion One of his Maximes for Treaty I think remarkable viz. That Kingdomes are more subject to fear than hope And that it 's safer working upon them by a power that may awe the one than by advantages that may excite the other Since it 's another rule that States have no affections but interest and that all kindnesse and civility in those cases are but oversights and weaknesse Another of his rules for Life I judge useful viz. That since no man is absolute in all points and since men are more naturally enclined out of envy to observe mens infirmities than out of ingenuity to acknowledge their merit He discovereth his abilities most that least discovereth himself To which I may add another viz. That it is not onely our known duty but our visible advantage to ascribe our most eminent performances to providence since it not onely takes off the edge of envy but improves the reason of admiration None being lesse maliced or more applauded than he who is thought rather happy than able blessed than active and fortunate than cunning Though yet all the caution of his life could not avoid the envy of his advancement from so mean a beginning to so great honours notwithstanding that it is no disparagement to any to give place to fresh Nobility who ascend the same steps with those before them New being onely a terme saith one onely respecting us not the world for what is was before us and will be when we are no more And indeed this Personage considering the vanity and inconstancy of common applause or affronts improved the one and checked the other by a constant neglect of both Observations on the Life of Sir Dudly Carleton SIr Dudley Carleton was born in Oxford-shire bred in Christs-Church in Oxford under Dr. King and afterwards in relation of Secretary to Sir Ralph Winwood in the Low-Countreys where he was very active when King James resigned the cautionary Towns to the States Here he added so great experience to his former Learning that afterwards our King employed him for twenty years together Ambassador in Venice Savoy and the United Provinces Anne Gerard his Lady Co-heir to George Gerard Esquire accompanying him in all his Travels as is expressed in her Epitaph in Westminster-Abby He was by K. Charles the first to balance the Duke of Buckingbam's enemies in the House of Peers with the Lord Mandevil now Earl of Manchester and the Lord Grandison created Baron of Imbercourt in Surrey and afterwards Viscount Dorchester marrying for his second Wife the Daughter of Sir Henry Glenham the Relict of Paul Viscount Banning who survived him He succeeded the Lord Conway when preferred President of the Council in the Secretary-ship of State being sworn at White-Hall December 14. 1628. and dying without Issue Anno Dâ—m 163 ... Much ado he had to remove a State-jealousie that was upon him That he insisted on the restitution of some Towns in Cleves and â—uliers to gratifie the Spanyards at that time in â—reaty with us more to remove a Church-jealouâ—e that in negotiating an accommodation in Reâ—gion he designed the undermining of the Reâ—onstrants then in so much power there In which â—atter he was at a losse whether his Majesty should â—terpose by Letter or Message The former he said was most effectual but the later lesse subject to 〈◊〉 constrâ—â—â—on considering Barnevel's interest in â—he State But he had a Chaplain one Mr. Hales that kept this Controversie even on the one hand while he balanced the State-interest on the other equally carefull that the United Provinces should not be over-run by the Armies of Spain and that they should not be swallowed up by the protection of France Watchful was his eye there over the West-India Company Diligent his carriage upon any accommodations from Spain which he apprehended always as a design to distract that people then in regard of their unsetlednesse but too apt upon any dispute to fall into faction Great his industry in reconciling Sir Horace Vere and Sir Edward Cecil for the honour of the English Nation and the advancement of the common service Sincere his services to the Prince Elector and his Lady Exact his rules of Traffique and Commerce and dexterous his arts of keeping the States from new alliances notwithstanding our likely Marriage-treaty with Spain especially since the Prince of Orange bluntly after his manner asked Qui at ' il vestre Marriage And indeed he behaved himself in all Employments so well becoming a man that understood so many Languages that was so well versed in Ancient and Modern History t 〈…〉 had composed so many choice pieces of Politi 〈…〉 that was so well seen in the most practical Mathe 〈…〉 ticks and added to these a graceful and charm 〈…〉 look a gentle and a sweet elocution that noâ— withstanding his and his brother Bishop Carle 〈…〉 rigidnesse in some points kept him to his dyinâ— day in great favour and most eminent service aâ—â— sailing in nothing but his French Embâ—â—â—â— becauâ—â— there he had to do with Women L 〈…〉 g behind him this observation That new Common-wealâ—â— are hardly drawn to a certain resolution as 〈◊〉 knowing not how to determine and remaining 〈◊〉 in suspence take ordinarily that course rather whiâ—â— they are forced to than what they might choose fâ—â— themselves And this eminent service when 〈◊〉 assisted the Earl of Holland in France viz. That 〈◊〉 paâ—ified the high difference there upon which 〈◊〉 revolt of
as too much power to be trusted for a mortal man within the known Limits of Law that so Subjects may be at a certainty how to square their Loyalty and Obedience He always upheld that Prerogative saying That the discretion of the Scepter as Guardian for the general good of the Commonwealth must be trusted against all Emergencies with the management of its own might concluding always thus Submission is our Duty and Confidence our Prudence Bishop Bancroft of Oxford said in King Charles the first his time Eâ—â—empore occubui quo mallem Episcopatus rationem coram Deo dare quam Episcopatum coram bominibus exercere Judge Stamford said in Q. Mary's time In quae reservamur tempora det Deus ut Magistratus rationem coram eo reddam potius quam Magistratum coram hominibus exerceam His Book containeth two parts One of The Pleas of the Crown the other of The Kings Prerogative In him saith Mr. Fulbeck there is force and weight and no common kinde of stile in matter very few have gone beyond him in method none have overtaken him in the order of his writing he is smooth yet sharp pleasant yet grave and surely his method may be a Law to the Writers that succeed him Observations on the Life of Sir John Jeffrey SIr Iohn Ieffrey was born in Sussex where he left behind him a fair Estate to his Daughter He so profited in the Study of our Municipal Law that he was preferred secondary Judge of the Common Pleas and thence advanced by Queen Elizabeth in Michaelmas-Term the nineteenth of her Reign to be Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer which place he discharged for the Term of two years to his great commendation He le 〈…〉 one Daughter and Heir married to Sir Edward Montague since Baron of Boughton by whom he had but one Daughter Elizabeth married to Robert Barty Earl of Lindsey Mother to the truly honourable Montague Earl of Lindsey and Lord great Chamberlain of England This worthy Judge died in the 21 of Queen Elizabeth This was he who was called the Plodding Student whose industry perfected Nature and was perfected by experience He read not to argue onely for that is vanity nor to believe and trust for that is easiness nor to discourse for that is idle but to weigh and consider for that is prudence He had his Studies for pleasure and privacy for ornament and converse and for judgement and business To spend too much time on his Book was sloth to talk by Book was affected and to act by it was humoursome and Scholar-like Four things he would say helped him 1. His Inclination It 's a great happiness to a man saith Aristotle when his Calling is one of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of those things that agree with his nature 2. Method 3. Religion with that just and composed mind that attends it 4. A great happiness in all the four faculties that make a Lawyer 1. A sharp invention and clear apprehension to search all the circumstances of a case propounded 2. Judgement to examine and weigh the particulars invented and apprehended for truth lieth in things as Gold in Mines 3. Memory to retain what is judged and examined 4. A prompt and ready delivery of what is conceived and retained set out with ingenuity and gravity Oratio praesta non audax What he said was close and pinching and not confident and earnest allowing passion not to disturb either the method or delivery of his discourse but to quicken it To speak well and much he said was not the work of one man yet if a Philosopher be eloquent said Cicero we must not despise him if he be not he must not affect it so that he can comprehend in words what he conceiveth and speak them plainly that he may be understood His Latine and French were Grammatical his Rhetorick Natural his Logick Reason The first opened the terms the second pressed the vigour the last collected and disposed of the Axiomes Grounds and Rules of the Law and all prepared him for that comprehensive Profession in the ashes whereof the sparks of all other Sciences were raked up His gesture and habit was grave but not affected speaking as much to the eye as his tongue did to the ear the gesture being a great discoverer of the constitution and a great direction to business what a man misseth in the speech he may sometimes find in the looks His temper was moderate and sober a Vertue and a seasoning of all others attended with the Lawyers gift and that is Patience Modest he was but not fondly bashful his prudence and not his softness His humility begat affableness his affableness society that conference conference parts and they acquaintance and that practice and practice experience experience renown and that preferment Sir John's inclination was studious his minde constant solid and setled and able to dive into the whirl-pools of that intricate and perplexed Faculty his thoughts being orderly and his conceptions methodical his search comprehensive avoiding Epitomes as the banes of Learning Nullus illi per otiam dies exit partem noctium studiis vindicat non vacat semno sed succumbit oculos vigilia fatigatos cadenteque in opere detinet Considerable were the Parts he had but more so the making up of those he had not his covering of his defects being of no less importance then the valuing of good Parts which he did three ways 1. By caution ingeniously and discreetly waving and putting off things improper 2. By colour making his Defects his Vertues and his Faults his Endowments And 3. By that freedom of Spirit that daunts the weakest and prevaileth with the wisest He proposed to himself five things to enquire into in order to that compleatness he arrived unto 1. The ancient Maximes and Principles or the more ancient Customs that make up the Common Law of England 2. The Acts and Constitutions that make up its Statute-Law 3. The particular Priviledges Liberties Immunities and Usages of Counties Burroughs Cities c. that doe swerve from this Law 4. The ancient Grounds and Reasons as far as History can direct of all these our Law being an exact Reason 5. The most satisfactory explanations of the Law 1. From Commentaries as Bractons 2. Abridgements as Stathams 3. History as the years and terms of the Common Law And 4. From more particular Tracts that handled their peculiar subjects as Fortescue Glanvil Britton Fleta Littleton which he thought not unprofitable to read though dangerous to rely upon with the Lord Cooke not liking those that stuff their mindes with wandering and masterless reports For as he said they shall find them too soon to lead them to error Beginning with the terms of Art and then to the matter perusing what is antiquated and observing what is suitable to the present constitution and complexion It 's my Lord Cook 's Rule That for the most part the latter Judgements and Resolutions are the surest and therefore
3. Making him Knight of the Order of the Garter Anno 1589. 4. Appointing him Treasurer of England 1599. He was Chancellor of the University of Oxford where he entertained Qu Elizabeth with a most sumptuous Feast He was called the Star-chamber-Bell so very flowing his invention and therefore no wonder if his Secretaries could not please him being a person of so quick dispatch faculties which yet run in the blood He took a Roll of the names of all Sutors with the Date of their first Addresses and these in order had their hearing so that a Fresh-man could not leap over the head of his Senior except in urgent Affairs of State Thus having made amends to his house for his mispent time both in increase of Estate and Honour being created Earl of Dorset by King James he died on the 19th of April 1608. The Lord Buckburst was of the noble house of the Sackvils and of the Queens consanguinity his Father was that provident wise man Sir Richard Sackvil or as the people then called him Fill-sack by reason of his great wealth and the vast Patrimony which he left to this his son whereof he spent in his youth the best part until the Qu by her frequent admonitions diverted the torrent of his profusion he was a very fine Gentleman of person and endowments both of Art and Nature His elocution is much commended but the excellency of his Pen more for he was a Scholar and a person of quick faculties very facete and choice in his phrase and style He was wise and stout nor was he any ways insnared in the factions of the Court which were all his time very strong He stood still in grace and was wholly intentive to the Queens service and such were his abilities that she received assiduous proofs of his sufficiency As 1. In his Embassie to France whereas the Queen-Mother complemented him he behaved himself very worthy of his Mistrisses Majesty and his own Peerage there he had an experienced Tuscan Calacanti by name to deal with that Florentine Queen Montmorancy's brother to undermine the Guises and his own great parts to grapple with old Hospital He began that subtle piece the French Match under pretence whereof we balanoed and understood Europe and Walsingham finished it 2. In his Negotiations in the Low-Countries where he watched Leicester and the Commanders he observed the States and their changeable and various Interests accommodating the present emergencies and suiting their occasions They that censure this Nobleman's death consider not besides the black worm and the white day and night as the Riddle is that are gnawing constantly at the root of the tree of Life There are many insensible diseases as Apoplexies whose vapors sodainly extinguish the animal spirits and Aposthumes both in the upper and middle Region of man that often drown and suffocate both the animal and vital who are like embodied Twins the one cannot subsist without the other If the animal wits fail the vital cannot subsist if the vitals perish the animals give over their operation and he that judgeth ill of such an act of Providence may have the same hand at the same time writing within the Palace-walls of his own body the same period to his lives Earthly Empire The End of the Observations upon the Lives of the Statesmen and Favourites of England in the Reign of Queen Eliz. THE STATES-MEN and FAVOURITES OF ENGLAND IN The Reign of King James Observations on the Lives of the Cliffords Earls of Cumberland THE name hath been for three Ages ancient and Noble and in this last Age Warlike and serviceable They had the government of the North in their own right for an hundred yeares and the hereditary Sheriff-dome of Westmorland in right of the Viponts their Relations for two Henry the first Earl of Cumberland was raysed by Henry the Eighth to that Honour 1525 for his service at Tournay and Berwick Henry his son was by Queen Mary honoured with the Garter for his conduct against Wyat and by Queen Eliz. graced with peculiar favours for his Industry Integrity and Vigilance in the North. As Nature so Nobility subsists and grows by the same thing that it is made of Vertue that creates supports it Observations on the Life of the Lord George Clifford GEorge Clifford Lord Clifford Vesoye c. Earl of Cumberland was son to Henry second Earl of that Family by his second Lady a person wholly composed of true honour and valour whereof he gave the world a large and clear demonstration It was resolved by the judicious in that Age The way to humble the Spanish greatness was not in pinching and pricking of him in the Low-Countries which onely emptied his veins of such blood as was quickly re-filled But the way to make it a Cripple for ever was by cutting off the Spanish s 〈…〉 ews of War his Monies from the West-Indies the back-door robs the house In order whereunto this Earl set forth a small Fleet on his own cost and adventured his own person therein being the best born Englishman that ever hazarded himself in that kinde His Fleet may be said to be bound for no other Harbour but the Port of Honour though touching at the Port of Profit in passage thereunto I say touching whose design was not to enrich himself but impoverish the Enemy He was as merciful as valiant the best metal bends best and left impressions of both in all places where he came Queen Eliz. Anno 1592 honoured him with the dignity of the Garter When King James came first out of Scotland to Yorke he attended him with such an equipage of Followers for number and habit that he seemed rather a King than Earl of Cumberland Here happened a Contest between the Earl and the Lord President of the North about carrying the Sword before the King in Yorke which Office upon due search and enquiry was adjudged to the Earl as belonging unto him and whilest Clifford's Tower is standing in Yorke that Family will never be therein forgotten His Anagram was as really as literally true Georgius Cliffordius Cumberlandius Davidis regno clarus cum vi fulgebis He died Anno 1605. leaving one Daughter and Heir the Lady Anne married to the Earl of Dorset This noble person taught the world That the Art of making War hath not a positive form and that it ought to be diversified according to the state of Occurrences They that will commit nothing to Fortune nor undertake any Enterprize whose event appeareth not infallible escape many dangers by their wary conduct but fail of as many successes by their unactive fearfulnesse It 's uselesse to be too wise and spend that time in a grave gaze on businesse that might serve the speedy dispatch of it Neither was our Peer great onely in the atchievements of the Field to please higher spirits but gaudy at Court to astonish and ravish the lowest making noble expences when necessary and appearing splendid on the important
all of them with a number of Courtiers ascended into the same Room the blood yet remaining where the King related the Story which was confirmed by them And afterwards kneeling down with tears of Contrition for his Sins to God and thankfulnesse for this Mercy using many pious Ejaculations embraced all these Actors in the former Tragedy when the poor fellow also kist the King's hand These circumstances gave occasion then that this whole story was freshly revived to the common Satisfaction of the whole Countrey and our Engglish Courtiers And in especial unto the very reverend Bishop and nobly born James Mountague then present to whom the King addressed himself in this Relation and from whose Mouth I received these particulars at his return into England And thus much we have by word of mouth somewhat I shall add out of writings for more satisfaction This Treason was attempted the fourth of August 1600. And though there followed sundry Suspitions and Examinations of several other Persons supposed Abbettors and Contrivers yet it lay undiscovered tanquam è postliminio until eight years after by the circumspection principally of the Earl of Dunbar a man of as great wisdome as those times and that Kingdome could boast of upon the person of one George Sprot Notary-publick of Ayemouth in Scotland from some words which at first he sparingly or unawares expressed and also by some papers which were found in his house whereof being examin'd with a little ado he confessed and was condemned and executed at Edenburgh the 12th of Aug. 1608. A Relation I conceive not common but in my hands to be produced and written by that learned Gentleman William Hart then Lord Justice of Scotland and Principal in all the Acts of Judicature herein Neither of these Lords professed any skill in Politicks yet neither wanted a strong judgement which they could make good use of in time and place convenient giving testimonies in those Employments they had of a strict secrecy a great moderation and a happy compliance with opportunity Qualities exceedingly well lodged in men of Interest and Command especially in these two who neither too easily closed with others resolutions nor too obstinately adhered to their own Observations on the Fall of Sir Tho. Lake A Great Estate this Gentleman had honestly got and a greater esteem being King James his right hand and the Scots both hands that with which they begged and that with which they bestowed the instrument of the meaner sorts relief and the greaters bounty untill that Malice and Revenge two violent passions over-ruling the Weaker Sex concerning his Wife and daughter involved him in their quarrell the chief and onely cause of his ruine He had by his Wife sons and daughters His eldest married unto the Lord Baron Rosse in right of a Grandmother the son of Thomas Earl of Exeter by a former venter And upon the credit of Sir Thomas Lake he was sent Embassador Extraordinary into Spain in a very gallant Equipage with some hopes of his own to continue Lieger to save charges of transmitting any other In his absence there fell out an extream deadlyâ—ewd â—ewd 't is no matter for what between the Lady Lake and the Countess of Exeter A youthful Widow she had been and vertuous and so became Bedfellow to this aged gowty diseased but noble Earl And that preferment had made her subject to Envy and Malice Home comes the Lord Rosse from his Embassie when being fallen into some neglect of his Wife and his kindred I conceive upon refusal of an increase of allowance to her settlement of Joynture which was promised to be compleated at his return not long he stayes in England but away he gets into Italy turns a professed Roman Catholick being cozened into that Religion by his publick Confident Gondamore In this his last absence never to return the Mother and Daughter accuse the Countess of former Incontinency with the Lord Rosse whilest he was here and that therefore upon his Wives discovery he was fled from hence and from her Marriage-Bed with other devised Calumnies by several designes and contrivements to have poysoned the Mother and Daughter This quarrel was soon blazon'd at Court to the King 's â—are who as privately as could be singly examines each party The Countess with tears and imprecations professeth her Innocency which to oppose the Mother Lake and her Daughter counterfeit her hand to a whole sheet of Paper wherein they make the Countess with much contrition to acknowledge her self guilty crave pardon for attempting to poyson them and desire friendship with them all The King gets sight of this as in favour to them and demands the time place and occasion when this should be writ They tell him that all the parties met in a visit at Wimbleton the house of the Lord of Exeter where in dispute of their differences she confesses her guilt of attempting their poison And being desirous of absolution and friendship being required thereto consents to set down all Circumstances therein under her own hand which presently she writ at the Window in the upper end of the great Chamber at Wimbleton in presence of the Mother and Daughter the Lord Rosse and one Diego a Spaniard his confiding Servant But now they being gone and at Rome the King forthwith sends Mr. Dendy one of his Serjeants at Armes sometimes a Domestick of the Earl of Exeters an honest and worthy Gentleman post to Rome who speedily returns with Râ—sse and Diego's hand and other testimonials confirming That all the said Accusation and Confession Suspitions and Papers concerning the Countesse were notorious false and scandalous and confirms it by receiving the Hoast in assurance of her Honour and his Innocency The King well satisfied sends to the Countesses Friends and Trustees for her Joynture and Estate who comparing many of her letters with this Writing do confesse it counterfeit Then he tells the Mother and Daughter That this writing being denied by her and their testimonies being parties would not prevail with any belief but any other Additional witnesse would give it sufficient credit To which they assure him That one Sarah Swarton their Chamberesse stood behind the Hanging at the entrance of the Room and heard the Countess read over what she had writ and her also they procure to swear unto this before the King To make further tryal the King in a hunting journey at New-part near Wimbleton gallops thither views the Room observing the great distance of the Window from the lower end of the Room and placing himself behind the Hanging and so other Lords in turn they could not hear one speak loud from the window Then the Housekeeper was call'd who protested those Hangings had constantly furnisht that Room for thirty years which the King observed to be two foot short of the ground and might discover the woman if hidden behind them I may present also the King saying Oaths cannot confound my sight Besides all this the Mother and Daughter counterfeit
graceful Eloquence doth meet a There were two sorts of these Knights the first made by way of encouragement the second by way of Reward Sir Ralph was of the second sort and the last that survived of that sort b That of the Queens Marriage c Luther Melancthon Carolostadius b The Creed The Lords Prayer and the Commandments e Saith Sir Richard Baker f Per celebriora Anglorum Gymnasia artes excoluit * Being called Bifrons Janus g Cecil was the first * Mr. More in the printted Life of his Grand-father Sir Tho. More page 334. * That is from Will. Molineux Knight of Sefton in Lancashire Cic. pro Archiâ Poetâ * When Cardinal * One of the house of York * He is made Viscount Rochford * They were 50 with an Archer a Demilance and a Constillier apiece They and their horses being vested in Cloth of Gold * Of Bretany and Normandy a Master of the Ordnance who was killed the first night before Therouene Edw. 6. Bacons Ess 116. The Duke of Somerfet's march a The same day that 30 years ago they were beaten at Flodden b He made the first and last Bannerets The Lady Stanhope c Whom they put in new Liveries d For contriving the death of a Privy 〈…〉 Counsellour There was another of his name Sheriff Nephew to this Knight in 25 of H 8. Lord Bacon's Essayes a A Duffeild b Recommending to him the care of three thrings 1. His God 2. His Soul 3. His Company Full. Hist Cambr. p. 119 Vid. Full. Eccl. Hist Edw. 6. T. F. p. 9. This story is related from the mouth of his Grandchild the Earl of Warwick that last was See Ep. ad Lect. Lees Plees des Coron Eth. l. 10. c. 7. Vid. Waterhouse in Fortesc de laud. Leg. Angl. Vid. Cok. in Littl. Prefat Q. Mary Here William Cordel doth in rest remain Great by his Birth but greater by his Brain Plying his studies hard his Youth throughout Of Causes he became a Pleader stout His Learning deep such Eloquence did vent He was chose Speaker to the Parliament Afterwards Knight Queen Mary did him make And Counsellour State-Work to undertake And Master of the Rolls Well worn with Age Dying in Christ Heaven was his utmost Stage Diet and Clothes to poor he gave at large And a fair Alms-House founded on his charge Fuller Eccles Hist B. 8. Cent. 15. Cambd. Eliz. an 1576. The things that overthrow a Favourite * The first of these loved Alexanders interest the other his person * France Spain and England Cicero * He meant land Anno H. 8. 24. Mach Prince p. 56. 6 Viz. The Lord Tho. Seymour Hist Camb. p. 131. * His Mother was Daughter to the Duke of Clarence and Granchild to Edward the IV Full. Hist Cent. 16. p. 14. * Governor of Biâ—â— * Kept at Black Fryars Upon Record in Sir Rob. Cotton's Library * As Ecclesia poenitentia Episcopus Sacrificium Pontifex * Viz. Those of his Diocess * In King H. 8's time when they rise against the Resormation * When the rising was there Q. Eliz. a Descended of the Roman Cecilii say some b Grays Inne c Fuller Holy State ex Arist l. 2. de Coelo c. 4. 10. d Camb. Eliz. anno 15 79. 80. Take all there 's but one Jove above him He Is Rich Fair Noble King of Kings and free My Inferiour shall not fear my Superiour shall not despise me * Cicely Daughter of Thomas Bourchier late Earl of Essex Verulam's Essays Cambden Eliz. 13. K. H. 4. K. Jaâ—es * In Opposition to him of Spain In Ll. a They say his father married a Familiar of King Henry's See his Negotiation in France in his Letters to Cecil in The compleat Embassador See Fuller in his Worthies * Causa virtus à Deo vel ipse Deus Vol. 3. p. 95â— * Camb. Eliz. 1560. Bacon Ess 7. Oct. 15. 1565. * Sir Tho. By the learned industrious and ingenious Edward Waterhouse Esquire of Siâ—n Colledge a Which he made out from Dr. Wottons Discourse on that subject at Cambray b To which Queen Elizabeth addeth a saying of Valentinians Have the French for thy Friend not for thy Neighbor c De jure Reg. apud Scotos d About moneys transported beyond Sea Cambden Eliz. 1566 * Cambd. Eliz. anno 1577. * The Marquess of Northampton the Earl of Bedford John Grey of Pyrgo Sir William Cecil and Sir Tho. Smith * The Doctors Parker Bill May Cox Grindal Whitehead Pillington and Sir Tho. Smith * At Cambray * Who put Cardinal Wolsey then but a Schoolmaster in the Stocks His Eliz. 1584. * As Cyrus at Thermopylae Crassus in Parthia therefore Alexander had exact Maps always about him to observe Passages Streights Rocks Plains Rivers c. Nethersole Fun. Orat. Prince Hen. p. 15 16 17. * Sir Rob. Naunton in his Fragmenta Regalia a 2 Sam. 20 2â— b 1 King 4. 6. c 1 King 12 d Ibidem See Davies of Ireland and Ware and Powel of Wales H. W. Sir Robert Naunton F. B. a Leicester See Sir H. Wottons Observalions b He was one of them whose Natures disclose but slowly c Under Dr. Whitgift a His Eliz. to which Cambden gave but the language and the transcript a From the mouth of Mr. Ramsey Minister of Rougham in Norfolk who married the widow of Mr. Giles Fletcher sou to this Doctor * In his volume of English Navigations P. 473. †Camb. in his Eliz. Anno 1583. when he was Agent in Muscov as afterward Ambassador K. James In his Book called The Declination of Monarchs Sir Robert Naunton ' s Fragmenta a Adversus perduelles a Where he was Bridegroom a Witnesse his entertainment at London H. Holland p. 39. a Domanda assai che non Manchera poi calare Proverb Hisp apud Insig D. Howeilum de legatis Psal 104. 3 a In the life of Richard the second b Sir John Davies in Disc of Ireland pag. 39 c. * Vere's Commentaries a Therefore the Yoke is their supporter * Cambdeâ— Eliz. Anno 1587. Idem Anno 1600. * The Eâ— of Essex The Loâ— Nortis Plau. in Aularia * Though some observe that his digressions marred his repute and had broke his neck had he lived in any Kings reign but King James's * Vid. Duke of Buckingham's Life K. Charls Compleat Instructions for a States-man given by L. B. to D. B. a Sir Hen. Wotton's life of the Duke of Buckingh a 1. Of the Prerogative Royal. 2. Priviledges of Parliament 3. The proceedings in Chancery 4. The power of the Star-Chamber * Being not used to the Common-Prayer * In Tiberioâ— a As about the Petition of Right in reference to which he Sergeant Glanvile satâ—â—fiâ—d the Lords Admin Card. de Rich. p. 283. F. O. p. 12. 〈◊〉 O. 134. a See the Eaâ—â—â—f Northampton's Speech b See Lord Spencer c Nobly communicated to all ingenious persons by the honourable H Howard of Norfolk greater in his own worth than in any tiâ—â—es a See his late Majesties recomdation to him at his departure from Hamton-court * In France 1629. * At Perroâ—s Aleppo a So saith the Historian but I think as much against them as against the K. Not onely because the welfare of K. people are inseparable but also because there is not a more common saying among the people than defend me and spend J. H. * 〈◊〉 T. C. a The most pious learned wise and Reverend Father in God the Lord Arch-Bishop of Cant. was his Domestick E 〈…〉 E 〈…〉 Meditat. 2. Exemplified by his Chaplain Tho. Pritter 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vid. crudit J. H. de legaâ—s p. 25. a Since published
to his honour for when the people talked oddly out of envy to his Daughter now visibly in favour and pity to Queen Katharine Sir Thomas adviseth his Majesty to forbid his Daughter the Court and declare that those proceedings were more to satisfie his Conscience and secure Succession then to gratifie any other more private respect so far to his Daughters discontent that she would not come near the King until her Father was commanded not without threats to bring her thither who by representing the common danger to them both obtained at length saith my Lord Herbert though not without much difficulty the consent of his unwilling Daughter to return where yet she kept that distance that the King might easily perceive how sensible she was of her late dismission Sir Thomas would have married her to the Lord Percy but the King and Cardinal forbad it deterring old Northumberland from it and he his son Many Love-Letters between King Henry and Anne Bolen are sent to Rome one Letter between the Cardinal and his Confederates is fetched thence by Sir Thomas his Dexterity who advised Sir Francis Bryan then Resident to get in with the Popes Closet-keepers Courtezan and shew her the Cardinals hand by which she might finde out and copy his Expresses as she did to his ruine and our Kings great satisfaction To which Letter is annexed a Declaration under his hand and the Lords Darcy Mountjoy Dorset and Norfolk of 44 Articles against the great Cardinal His hand being now in he must through He adviseth the King to consult the Universities of Christendome He goeth in person when made Earl of Wiltshire to the Pope and contrives that a Declaration of the whole Kingdome in Parliament should follow him which so amused his Holiness with our Earls stratagems that he was asleep as it were until the state of England was quite altered To this he addes the peace with France and the interview with King Francis where his Daughter is married privately and her Brother made Viscount Rochford Convening a Parliament to his mind at Black-fryers and advancing an Arch-bishop to his purpose in Canterbury he is secure of the Church and of the Kingdom whereof the first hallowed the action and the second confirmed it Observations on the Life of Sir Edward Howard HE set out with his Fathers Reputation and came home with his own Britain feels his Arm to this day and the French his success Desperate were his Undertakings yet happy rash his Engagements yet honourable it being his Maxime That never did Sea-man good that was not resolute to a degree of madness The French Fleet he pursueth to the Haven under their own Forts closely Sir Edward considering the order wherein the French lay thought fit to advertise his King and Master thereof advising him withal saith my Author to come in person and have the glory of this Action but the Kings Council taking this Message into consideration and conceiving that it was not altogether fear as was thought but stratagem and cunning that made the French thus attend their advantage thought the King was not invited so much to the honour as to the danger of this Action therefore they write sharply to him again commanding him to do his duty whereof that brave person was so sensible that he landed 1500 men in the sight of 10000 and wasted the Country until being too confident he fell a while after into his enemies hands the Lord Ferrers Sir Thomas Cheyney Sir Richard Cornwal and Sir John Wallop looking on but not able to relieve him Four Reasons he would usually give against a War with the Low-Countries 1. The decay of Trade 2. The diminution of Customes 3. The strengthening of France 4. The loss of their industry and inventions and so of the improvement of our Commodities and Manufactures In the youth of this State as of all others Arms did flourish 〈…〉 in the Middle-age of it Learning and in the Declining as Covetousness and Thrift attend Old Age Mechanick Arts and Merchandize and this Gentleman was made for each part being not so much a Souldier as a Scholar not so much a Scholar as a Merchant But a private spirit is most unfortunate and as my Oracle assures me whereof men of that temper all their time sacrifice to themselves they become in the end themselves sacrifices unfortune whose wings they thought by their wisdome to have pinioned Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey SIr Thomas Howard was this Kings prime Counsellour a brave and an understanding man who was obliged to be faithful to his Master because an Enemy to Winchester emulation among Favourites is the security of Princes Four motives he offered for a Marriage with the Princess Katharine 1. A League with Spain against the growing power of our dangerous Neighbour France 2. The saving of much time and expence in Marriage by her being here 3. The consideration of that vast sum of Money that must be exported if she goeth away And 4. The great Obligation laid on the Pope by that Dispensation which would secure to him the King and his Posterity not otherwise Legitimate but by his Authority His Estate was much wasted in the service of Henry the seventh and as much improved by the treasures of Henry the eighth which amounted in the beginning of his Reign to 11800000 l. i. e. at the rate of money now adays six millions and an half which he dispensed so thriftily that old Winchester could not trapan him and yet so nobly that young Henry was pleased with him Sir William Compton set up the Kings Rich Life-guards under Bourchier Earl of Essex as Captain and the valiant Sir Jo. Peachy who kept Calais in so good order with 300 men as Lieutenant but this wary Earl put them down again When News was brought that Empson and Dudley were slain it was this Earls opinion that his Majesty had done more like a good King then a good Master When the narrow Seas whereof the Kings of England have been very tender were infested this old Treasurer and Earl-Marshal cleared it by his two sons Edward and Thomas saying The King of England should not be imprisoned in his Kingdome while either he had an Estate to set up a Ship or a son to command it In three weeks did he settle the North against the Invasions of James the fourth now inclining to the French and in a fortnight did he raise 40000 l. to pay the Army now ready to mutiny insomuch that when King James denounced War against King Henry he said He had an Earl in the North that would secure his Kingdome as he did with much resolution prudence and success at Flodden-Field where he saw a King at his feet and a whole Kingdome at his mercy where he was forced to fight so barren the Country where yet he pitched upon the most advantagious place and time so great his Command of himself and so noble his Conduct He sends Rouge
calling the City and the Kingdome to their assistance by a Proclamation The Protector fleeth with the King and a Guard to Hampton-Court the City sometimes resolved to assist the Lords out of malice to the Protector sometimes to forbear out of such consideration of its many misfortunes in opposing Kings set forth not with more Integrity by George Stadlow then Eloquence and Life by John Ayliffe They delay Sir Anthony Wingfield Captain of the Guard perswardes the King of the Lords moderation and and Loyalty the Duke is to answer for himself the Laywers charge him with removing Westminster-hall to Somerset-house where he kept a Court of Requests and determined Title of Lands the Souldiers with the detaining of their pay and betraying our-French Garisons the States-men with the engrossing of all Authority The Earl of Warwick vigilantly but closely manageth all discontents to his designe with this great advantage that he was subtle close and implacable while the other was free-spirited open-hearted humble hard to distrust easie to forgive His friend the Lord Russel is absent he is first tryed and acquitted but with the loss of his Protectorship Treasurership Marshalship and 2000 l. of Land more But Warwick's designe for the Crown ripening and Somerset being the most eminent obstruction in his way having weakned before he ruines him now he chargeth him with Treason to make a noise and with Felony to do execution the Council is packed he looseth his life for a small crime and that on a nice point subtilly devised and packed by his enemies forgetting to ask the benefit of the Clergy that had saved it This Person as Mr. Fuller charactereth him was religious himself a lover of all such as were so and a great promoter of the Reformation Valiant and successful generally beloved by Souldiers envied by States-men though the most conscientious of them all doing nothing irregularly but in complyance with the necessities of Government open to dangers as one that could not be jealous better to act then designe to perform then plot When he was discharged of Treason there was so loud a shout in Westminster-hall as was heard to Long-acre when condemned of Felony there was a silence and amazement for three hours Beheaded he was on Tower-hill with no less praise for his piety and patience then pity and grief of the spectators His Death was attended with many signes and wonders and his Name with an indelible character his house being called Somerset-house to this day though solemnly proclaimed by King James Denmark-house because inhabited by the King of Denmark and his Sister Surely saith my Author this Duke was well beloved since his Name made such indelible impression on 〈…〉 house whereof he was not five years in possession Death hath this also That it openeth the Gate 〈◊〉 good Fame and extinguisheth Envy Philip asked Demetrius if he did not fear to lose his head He answered No for if he did the Athenians would give him one immortal He should be statued in the Temple of Eternal Fame Nil non Mortale tenemus Pectoris exceptis ingeniique bonis En ego cum Patria caream vobisque domoque Raptaque sint adimi quae potuere mibi Virtute attamen ipse mea comitorque fruorque Caesar in hoc potuit juris habere nibil Quilibet hanc saevo vitam mihi finiat ense Mâ— tamen extincto fama perennis erit All that we hold will die But our brave Thoughts and Ingenuity Even I that want my Country House and Friend From whom is ravished all that Fate can rend Possess yet my own Genius and enjoy That which is more then Caesar can destroy Each Groom may kill me but whensoe'er I die My Fame shall live to mate eternity Brave men never die Worth begets in weak and â—ase minds Envy in the Magnanimous Emulation in Posterity Renown A Renown that is as the beams about the Sun or the glory about an holy picture that shews it to be a Saint though it be no essential part it riseth from the body of that Vertue which cannot chuse but shine and give a light through all the clouds of errour and destruction And though sometimes the mists and vapours of the lower earth impede the light it gives yet there will be apparent Rays that shew there is Desert unseen which yeilds those â—leams of brightness to the whole Horizon that it moves and shines in which survive to a glorious kind of immortality when the Good Man is dead and gone a Good Name being the embalming of the Vertuous to an eternity of love and gratitude among posterity For my own Honour saith the Royal Martyr I am well assured that as mine Innocence is clear before God in point of any calumnies they object so my Reputation shall like the Sun after Owls and Bats have had their freedome in the night rise and recover its self to such a degree of splendour as those feral birds shall be grieved to behold nd unable to bear Observations on the Lives of the Pars. SIr William Par Uncle and Lord Chamberlain to Queen Katharine Par was by King Henry the Eighth created Baron Par of Horton he left two Daughters onely married into the Families of Tressam and Lane His Relation called him to Court but his Age forbid him the pleasures and his own Reservedness the freedom of that place before which he preferred the pious peaceable and hospitable way of the Countrey where Popularity affected him more then he affected it No man being more beloved by the vulgar no man less in love with them It being his Observation 〈…〉 ther then his Countrey-man Sir gue's saying That if you do the common sort of people nineteen courtesies together yet you may lose th 〈…〉 love if you go but over the stile before them His Cousin Sir William was brought by his Sister to Court and advanced by his Brother to Honour being for his Majesties sake as well as his own made Lord Far of Kendal Earl of Essex by King Henry the Eighth and Marquess of Northampton by King Edward Queen Mary deprived him of his Estate and Honour for siding with the Lady Jane and Queen Elizabeth restored him to both for favouring the Protestant Religion His Delight was Musick and Poetry and his Exercise War being a happy composure of the hardest and softest Discipline equally made for Court and Camp for Delight or Horrour But his skill in the Field answered not his industry nor his success his skill Yet King Edward called him His Honest Uncle and King Henry His Integrity The whole Family was made by a Marriage but died Issueless The common Rule of Favourites is to bring in all their Relations about them to adorn and support them but this Marquess would say A wall that hath a firm Bottom had need of no Buttress and that which wants it is often rather thrust down then upheld by it The Antiquaries crouch as though they upheld the Church when they are
Edward the sixth when Prince and is charactered by Mr. Cambden Vir antiqua serenitate He observeth him also to be happy in his Daughters learned above their Sex in Greek and Latine namely 1. Mildred 2. Anne 3. Kathering married unto William Cecill Lord Treasurer of England Nicholas Bacon Lord Chancellour of England Henry Killigrew Thomas Hobby Knights Ralph Rowlet 4. Elizabeth 5. Sir Anthony Cooke died in the year of our Lord 1576. leaving a fair Estate unto his Son in whose name it continued till our time Gravity was the Ballast of his Soul and General Learning its Leading In him met the three things that set up a Family 1. An Estate honestly gotten in the City 2. An Education well managed in the University And 3. Honour well bestowed at Court Yet he was some-body in every Art and eminent in all the whole circle of Arts lodging in his soul His Latine fluent and proper his Greek critical and exact his Philology and Observations upon each of these Languages deep curious various and pertinent His Logick rational his History and Experience general his Rhetorick and Poetry copious and genuine his Mathematiques practicable and useful Knowing that souls were equal and that Women are as capable of Learning as Men he instilled that to his Daughters at night which he had taught the Prince in the day being resolved to have Sons by Education 〈…〉 or fear he should have none by birth and lest he wanted an Heir of his body he made five of his minde for whom he had at once a Gavel-kind of 〈…〉 ffection and of Estate His Childrens maintenance was always according 〈…〉 o their quality and their employment according 〈…〉 o their disposition neither allowing them to live 〈…〉 bove their fortunes nor forcing them against their 〈…〉 atures It is the happiness of Forreigners that 〈…〉 heir Vocations are suited to their Natures and 〈…〉 hat their Education seconds their Inclination and 〈…〉 o th byass and ground do wonders It 's the un 〈…〉 appiness of English-men that they are bred ra 〈…〉 her according to their Estates then their temper 〈…〉 nd Great Parts have been lost while their Calling 〈…〉 rew one way and their Genius another and 〈…〉 hey sadly say Multum incolae fuere animae nostrae 〈…〉 e have dwelt from home Force makes Nature 〈…〉 ore violent in the return Doctrine and Discourse 〈…〉 ay make it less importune Custome may hide 〈…〉 r suppress it nothing can extinguish it Nature 〈…〉 en in the softer Sex runs either to Weeds or 〈…〉 erbs careful was this good Father therefore sea 〈…〉 onably to water the one and destroy the other 〈…〉 ch was done by his grave Rules more by his 〈…〉 raver life that Map of Precepts Precepts teach 〈…〉 ut Examples draw Maxima debetur pueris reve 〈…〉 ntia was Cato's Maxime Three things there 〈…〉 e before whom was Sir Anthony's saying I can 〈…〉 ot do amiss 1. My Prince 2. My Conscience 〈…〉 My Children Seneca told his Sister That 〈…〉 ough be could not leave her a great portion be would 〈…〉 ve her a good pattern Sir Anthony would write 〈…〉 o his Daughter Mildred My example is your inberitance and my life is your portion His first car 〈…〉 was to embue their tender souls with a knowing serious and sober Religion which went with the 〈…〉 to their graves His next business was to in 〈…〉 their younger years to submission modesty and obedience and to let their instructions grow wi 〈…〉 their years Their Book and Pen was their Recreation the Musick and Dancing School the Cou 〈…〉 and City their accomplishment the Needle i 〈…〉 the Closet and House-wifry in the Hall and Kitching their business They were reproved b 〈…〉 with reason that convinced and checked th 〈…〉 wrought as well an ingenious shame as an unfeigned sorrow and a dutiful fear Fondness never loved his Children and Passion never chastised the 〈…〉 but all was managed with that prudence and discrâ—â—tion that my Lord Seymour standing by one daâ— when this Gentleman chid his Son said Some 〈◊〉 govern Families with more skill then others do Kingdomes and thereupon commended him to the Government of his Nephew Edward the sixth Su 〈…〉 the Majesty of his looks and gate that Awe governed such the reason and sweetness that love obliged all his Family a Family equally afraid 〈…〉 displease so good a Head and to offend so great 〈…〉 their marriage they were guided by his Reas 〈…〉 more then his Will and rather directed by 〈…〉 Counsel then led by his Authority They we 〈…〉 their own portion Parts Beauty and Breedi 〈…〉 bestow themselves His care was that his Daughters might have compleat Men and that their Husbands might be happy in compleat Women nev 〈…〉 promising yet always paying a great Dowry Their spirit and business kept them from that weak pass 〈…〉 of love that embaseth Mankind their Noble con 〈…〉 se improved that friendly love that perfecteth 〈…〉 and their marriage compleated that Nuptial 〈…〉 ve that makes it He said first and his Grand-childe my Lord Bacon after him That the Joys of Parents are Secrets and so are their Griefs and Fears Children sweeten Labours but they embitter Misfortunes they encrease the care of Life and m 〈…〉 gate the remembrance of Death Very providently did he secure his Eternity by leaving the 〈…〉 age of his nature in his Children and of his 〈…〉 ind in his Pupil The Recreations he indulged were moderate lawful sober becoming useful â—nd seasonable the Expences he allowed not so ilâ—iberal as to acquaint them with shifts make them 〈…〉 ort with mean company nor surfeit when they came to plenty nor yet so prodigal but that they were taught how to live in the world The Books he advised were not many but choice the business â—e pressed was not reading but digesting The King of Sweden's men were but six deep and Sir Anthony's exercises were not thick but methodical and armed the Diet he prescribed moderate in Apparel he allowed for necessity for decency and in some cases for magnificence provided that it were neither too costly nor too vain neither above the Purse nor beyond the Calling nor besides the Estate Sir Anthony took more pleasure to breed up States-men then to be one Contemplation was his Soul Privacy his Life and Discourse his Element Business was his Purgatory and Publickness his torment yet so serviceable was he in Edward the sixth's time that he was an Exile in Queen Mary's An Exile whose exemplary resolution supported Religion whose obliging Authority maintained Peace and whose inexhaustible charity provided for the Poor at Zuricke and Frankford A Sussex and not a Kentish Knight having spent a great Estate at Court and brought himself to on 〈…〉 Park and a fine House in it was yet ambitious to entertain not the Queen but her Brother at it and to that purpose had new-painted his Gates with a Coat of Arms and a Motto
and could not brook the obsequiousness and assiduity of the Court at that time He had more favour then he courted and he courted more rather to comply with the Queens humour then his own inclination then he desired He would say and that saying did him no good saith Sir Robert Naunton That he was none of the Reptilia being made rather to march as a Souldier then to creep as a Courtier But Civility must allay Nature in a Courtier Prudence regulate it in a States-man and modest submission check and soften it in a Subject It 's as dangerous to be stubbornly above the Kindnesses as it is to be factiously against the Power of Princes Willoughby got nothing Stanley lost all by his haughtiness which when it cannot be obliged is suspected But his service in France Holland and on the Borders compounded for his roughness so that to he who could not endure he should be high at Court were pleased he should be so in the Field Stiffness which displeased when looked on as Pride at home took when heard to be Resolution abroad Each Nature is advanced in its own Element Leicester among the Ladies my Lord Willoughby among the Souldiers It 's a step to Greatness to know our own way to it to exercise and shew our proper Vertues as he did his Magnanimity in these two instances among many others 1. When one challenged him then sick of the Gout he said That though he were lame in his feet and hands yet he would carry a Rapier in his teeth to fight his Adversary 2. Having taken a Spanish Gennet designed a present to that King and being offered either 1000l or 100 l. a year in exchange for it he nobly answered If it had been a Commander he would have freely released him but being onely a Horse he saw no reason be could not keep a good Horse as well as the King of Spain himself Sir Christopher Hatton was to an excess a Courtier and my Lord Willoughby so a Souldier Observations on the Life of Sir Philip Sidney HE was Son to Sir Henry Sidney Lord Deputy of Ireland and President of Wales A Person of great Parts and in no mean grace with the Queen His Mother was Sister to my Lord of Leicester from whence we may conjecture how the Father stood up in the place of Honor and Employment so that his Descent was apparently Noble on both sides For his Education it was such as Travel and the University could afford for after an incredible proficiency in all the Species of Learning he left the Academical life for that of the Court whither he came by his Uncles invitation famed aforehand by a Noble report of his Accomplishments which together with the state of his Person framed by a natural propension to Arms he soon attracted the good opinion of all men and was so highly prized in the good opinion of the Queen that she thought the Court deficient without him and whereas through the fame of his deserts he was in the election for the Kingdome of Poland she refused to further his advancement not out of Emulation but out of fear to loose the Jewel of her times He married the Daughter and sole Heir of Sir Francis Walsingham then Secretary of State a Lady destinated to the Bed of Honour who after his deplorable death at Zutphen in the Netherlands where he was Governour of Flushing at the time of his Uncles being there was married to my Lord of Essex and since his death to my Lord of St. Albans all persons of the Sword and otherwise of great Honour and Vertue He had an equal temperament of Mars and Mercury Valour and Learning to as high a pitch as Nature and Art could frame and Fortune improve him so Dexterous that he seemed born for every thing he went about His representations of Vertue and Vice were not more lively in his Books then in his Life his â—ancy was not above his Vertue his Humours Counsels and Actions were renowned in the Romancer Heroick in the States man His Soul was as large as his Parents and his Complexion as Noble an equal Line of both the modesty of the Mother allaying the activity of the Father A man so sweetly grave so familiarly staid so prettily serious he was above his years Wisdome gained by travel Experience raised from Observations solid and useful Learning drawn from knowing Languet his three years Companion and choicest Books accomplished him for the love of all and the reverence of most His Converse was not more close at home then his Correspondence abroad equally mixed with Policy Pleasure Wisdome and Love his Worth being penned up and smothered within the narrowness of his fortune sallied not out to discontent but pleasure sweetning the Affairs of State with the Debonnairness of the Stage his Romance being but Policy played with Machiavil in jest and State-Maximes sweetened to a Courtiers Palate He writ men as exactly as he studied them and discerned humours in the Court with the same deep insight he described them in his Book His Infant-discourses teach men O what had his riper years done He put Life into the dead Notions of Ancestors made Philosophy practicable joyned the Arts as closely in him as they are in themselves His Book is below his Spirit a Spirit to be confined with Kingdomes rather then Studies to do what was to be written then onely to write what was to be done All eyes were upon him but his own at first in all Affairs he was the last at last he was the first obliging all men that ever he saw and seeing all that were worth obliging All were pleased with his Arcadia but himself whose years advanced him so much beyond himself as his Parts did beyond others He condemned his Arcadia in his more retired judgement to the fire which wise men think will continue to the last Conflagration His private Correspondence with William of Nassau about the highest Affairs of Europe was so exact and prudent that he assured Sir Fulke Grevil he deserved a Kingdom in Forreign Parts though he had not an Office in England The Earl of Leicester held his Authority in the Low-Countries by his Counsel when alive and gave it over when he was dead Sir Francis Walsingham was so much overshot by him in his own Bow that those with whom Sir Philip were acquainted with for his sake were his friends for Sir Philips King James was honoured when King of Scotland with his friendship Henry the fourth with his correspondence Don Juan highly obliged with his Visits the King of Spain himself concerned in his death whom England he said lost in a moment but could not breed in an Age. The Universities were proud of his Patronage the Field of his Presence the Studious in all Parts communicated with him the Hopeful were encouraged by him all excellent Persons thronged to him all serviceable men were entertained by him and he among them a Prince whose minde was great
In Love-Letters to her notwithstanding that Queen Elizabeth bid him take care what pillow he rested his head on 2. In his Mediations at Court so importune for her that the Queen would say The Queen of Scots shall never want an Advocate while Norfolk lives And 3. By some private transaction with the Pope and Spaniard to which Leicesters craft trepanned him against his friend Cecils advice which in a dangerous juncture cost him his life For the people wishing for the security of the succession in a Protestant and an English hand that the good Duke were married to the Mother and his onely Daughter to her young Son subtile Leicester and Throgmorton laid a Train for the plain man by Conferences with Murray Cecil c. until a Plot was discovered and the Duke notwithstanding Cecils advice to marry a private Lady retiring to Norfolk to finish the Match with the Queen was upon Letters taken with Rosse surprized and committed to the Tower he saying I am betrayed and undone by mine own whilst I knew not how to mistrust which is the strength of wisdome After a solemn Tryal he is beheaded for Indiscretions rather then Treasons loosing his head because he wanted one Never any fell more beloved or more pitied such his singular Courtesie such his magnificent Bounty not unbecoming so great a Peer High was his Nobility large his Interest singularly good his Nature comely his Person manly his Countenance who saith Cambden might have been a great strength and Ornament to his Country had not the cunning practices of his malicious Adversaries and slippery hopes under colour of publick good diverted him from his first course of life His death was a blot to some mens Justice to all mens Discretion that were concerned in it as generally odious though quietly endured which proves saith one That the common people are like Rivers which seldome grow so impetuous as to transcend the bounds of Obedience but upon the overflowing of a general Oppression Observations on the Life of Sir Nicholas Throgmorton SIr Nicholas Throgmorton fourth Son of Sir George Throgmorton of Coughton in Warwick-shire was bred beyond the Seas where he attained to great experience Under Queen Mary he was in Guild-hall arraigned for Treason in compliance with Wiat and by his own wary pleading and the Juries upright Verdict hardly escaped Queen Elizabeth employed him her Leiger a long time first in France then in Scotland finding him a most able Minister of State yet got he no great Wealth and no wonder being ever of the opposite party to Burleigh Lord Treasurer Chamberlain of the Exchequer and Chief Butler of England were his highest Preferments I say Chief Butler which Office like an empty-covered Cup pretendeth to some State but affordeth no considerable profit He died at Supper with eating of Sallats not without suspicion of poyson the rather because it happened in the house of one no mean Artist in that faculty R. Earl of Leicester His death as it was sudden was seasonable for him and his whose active others will call it turbulent spirit had brought him unto such trouble as might have cost him at least the loss of his Personal Estate He died in the 57 year of his Age Febr. 12. 1570. and lieth buried in the South-side of the Chancel of St. Martin Cree-church London A stout and a wise man that saw through pretences and could look beyond dangers His skill in Heraldry appears in his grim Arguments against the King of France in right of his Queen of Scots Usurping of the Arms of England and his experience in History in his peremptory Declarations of the Queen of Englands Title in right of her twelve Predecessors to those of France But his Policy much more by putting Montmorency the great Enemy of the Guizes upon perswading his Master out of the humour of wearing those Arms with this Argument That it was below the Arms of France to be quartered with those of England those being comprehensive of these and all other of his Majesties Dominions An Argument more suitable to that Prince his ambition then convincing to his Reason Wise men speak rather what is most fit then what is most rational not what demonstrates but what perswades his and takes But being endangered in his Person affronted in his Retinue and served with nothing at his Table but what had the Arms of England quartered with those of France he dealt underhand with the Earl of Northumberland to understand the scope the Reformed propounded to themselves their means to compass what they aimed at and if at any time they were assisted upon what terms a League might be concluded between the two Kingdomes The Advices collected from all his Observations he sent to the Queen were these 1. That she should not rest in dull Counsels of what is lawful but proceed to quick Resolutions of what is safe 2. That to prevent is the policy of all Nations and to be powerful of ours England is never peaceable but in Arms. 3. That how close soever they managed their Affairs it was a Maxime That France can neither be poor nor abstain from War three years together Francis Earl of Bedford bore the state of the French Embassy and Sir Nicholas the burden who gave dayly Directions to Sir Thomas Challoner in Spain Sir Henry Killigrew in Germany and Sir Thomas Randolph and Sir Peter Mewtas in Scotland to the two first to enjealous the Princes of those Countries and to the last to unite the Nobility of Scotland he in the mean time suffering himself to be taken prisoner by the Protestants at the battle of Dreux that he might with less suspition impart secret Counsels to them and receive as secret Advices from them until discovering their lightness and unconstancy they secured him as a person too cunning for the whole Faction and too skilful in raising Hurley-burleys and Commotions When the young Queen of Scots would needs marry the young Lord Darley he told her that was long to be deliberated on which was to be done but once And when that would not do he advised 1. That an Army should appear upon the borders 2. That the Ecclesiastical Laws should be in force against Papists 3. That Hertford should be secured and 4. That the Lord Dudley should be advanced But the Queen being married to the Lord Darley an easie and good-natured man whom Queen Elizabeth wished to her Bed next Leicester and affronted by her subjects Throgmorton disputes the Queens Authority and non-accountableness to any against Bucbanans damned Dialogue of the Peoples power over Kings until smelling their designe of revolt to the French and cruelty upon the Queen he perswaded her to resigne her Government saying That her Resignation extorted in Prison which is a just fear was utterly void The next news we hear of this busie man was in his two Advisoes to the Queen of Scots friends 1. To clap up Cecil whom they might then he said deal