an Emperour it was more none was dismissed ever in discontent from Sir William Paget a Secretary of State The King was not happier in his abilities to serve him than he was in their dexterity who waited upon him These are my eyes saith the discreet man these are my right hands For his service he would chuse a Man before a Scholar a Traveller before a Home-bred Parts he preferred in his Office a Presence in his Chamber Parts and Presence in the Closet Beecher was King Henry the Eighth his Map of England so well skilled he was in our English Customs Trade Improvements Situation Interest and Inclination Paget was his Table of Germany France and Rome so exact an account could he give of their Situation Havens Forts Passages Provision Policies Revenue and Strength secured he was in King Henry's changeable times by his forein Travels and Employments Escape he did King Edward's Reformation by his Moderation and peaceableness He complied with Queen Mary's Zeal out of conscience and submitted to Queen Elizabeth's Authority out of Duty and Allegiance being one of those moderate men that looked upon the Protestants primitive Foundations of Faith Duty and Devotion as safe and on the Papists superstructures as not damnable Whose life was Grotius and Cassander's Wish An Accommodation to the Christian World Privacy is the Favourites Inâ—erest and concealment his â—are Sir William wished for success for his Masters sake but dissembled it for his own He is the man that loseth neither his Privacy nor his Reputation Quiet was his temper though noble his resolution Troublesome is a witty man on a stage as a Monkey in a cup-board of glass Placed sweet and composed is the prudent Man like an Intelligence in the Heavens or a god in the World Up he went but by just degrees that if down he must he might do so with the same leasure and safety When he had managed the Secrets and Negotiations of Henry the Eighth with Dexterity and Faithfulness the Lands of King Edward the Sixth with Skill and Improvement the Purses of Queen Mary Qâ—een Elizabeth with good Husbandry and Caâ—e When he had lived enough to his Countries to his Sovereigns to his Friends and the Publique Good he retired to live to Himself first and then to his GOD. Observations on the Life of Sir Richard Morisin SIr Richard Morisin born in Essex or in Oxfordshire was brought up at Eaton Cambridge and Inns of Court He was so skilful in Latine and Greek and in the Common and Civil Law that he was often employed Embassador by King Henry the VIII and Edward the VI unto Charles the Fifth Emperour and other Princes of Germany which he dischargeâ— with all honesty and ability After the death of King Edward the VI he was forced to fly beyond the Seas and returning out of Italy died at Strasburgh on the 17. of March 1556. Three things made a compleat man in those days 1. A publick School where their School-fellows Genius's instruct much more tâ—an their School-masters pains where a man attains at once to Learning Prudence and a Spirit 2. A comprehensive insight into Tongues and Sciences by the first whereof they unlocked Men and by the second Things â— 3 Travel where they saw what they read and made that a solid apprehension and observation which was before but a fluid notion and a floating imagination Our Knight was happy in all Three but so compleat in the last that he had the Virtues and Port of a German as if he had been a Native of that place and loathed the Vices as if he had never seen it Thereby he could get so far within that people that he saw all their Intrigues and be yet so reserved that they could see nothing The ablest German Divines guided his conscience and the greatest Statesmen his Negotiation He kept under the Emperour by the Princes the French by the Emperour and the Pope by them all So much service did the good Knight to King Henry the Eighth in his Wise Katharine's Case and so much the whole Kingdom in that of Religion that he equally fled Qâ—een Mary's wrath and her Religious Persecutions His strong paâ—ts set off his comprehensive knowledge his resolute spirit his parts and his presence and mode all King Henry always chusing an Embassador that might represent his Person as well as his power And Sir Richard had his Hegh in Germany as well as Henry in England His knack was his foresight which made that an Adviso in England which was hardly a known design there saying usually His Master maintained not Embassadors so much to write Histories as Prophecies The Trejans sent to condole with Caesar for his Son that was dead two years ago he thanked them and condoled with them for Hector that was slain as many hundred years Our Embassador in France adviseth Sir Richard of a Battel fought a Week before and he in answer makes a large discourse of the Battel of Spurs fought many years before and adds I and You are not here to tell old stories Two things he said he was troubled with Envy and Malice and two Remedies he had against them Patience and Resolution Always he wheeled with the first Mover yet he had private motions of his own Singular but modest So faithful he was that he would dâ—clare his Opinion yet so wary that he would not stand in it against his Prince knowing that if he did it out of prudence he rendered the Princes Ability suspected if out of his own sagacity it blemished his Integrity Both equal inconveniencies to intimate the Master Unable or the Servant Corrupt When others pressed for an over-strict Reformatiâ—n this Gentleman urged That Distempers in the Body and State are reduced by Physicians and Politicians not to what they should be but to what they can be Freedom Moderation and Impartiality are the best tempers of Reforming Counsels and Endeavours What is acted singularly must offend more than it pleaseth a study to gratify some men being a likely way to injure all The novelty of excessive and immoderate undertakings giving not so much content to the vulgar of a present Age as the mischiefs of them give offense to the Generations of future times And Melancthon's discourse to him was to this purpose That the Reformation of hearts should go before that of Churches and men should try that on their own hearts which they design upon the Church For Deformities within will soon betray the Pretenders of publique Reformation to such private designs as must needs hinder the publique Good It would be an easie matter for Favouâ—iâ—es to reform Kings Palaces saith Malvezzi if it were not a hard thing to reform their own houses One asked him Why his Embassie tended so much more to preserve his Masters Dominions than to augment them And he replyed what is fathered on Henry the Fourth That getting is a Chance but Keeping is a Wit After a long reâ—idence abroad he thought of
than they were Vertue though obscure may satisfie me it must be renowned or it câ—nnot serve otheâ—s But action is the life of things and good dispoâ—itions are rather a mans Inclinations than his Vertue Both therefore are in their Courage regular in their Conduct observant in their Addresâ—es obliging in their Passions even in their Enjoyments severe and in their Services equal Sir Thomas Mannors first weakned the Northern Rebels by such discreeâ— Propositions as met with many of their Humours and Interests and then resolved to engage them but that the little Brook Dua swelled miraculously to a River bâ—tween both Armies And at the same time Sir Ralph Evers held Scarborough â— Castle where he had no Souldiers but his own Servants nor any sustenance for twenty days but bread and water For this service he is made Lord Warden of the Marches as Sir Thomas is Lord Governour of the North. Both did his Majesty as much service in Peace for his Revenue as in War for his Security Both against the Cardinal's way of raising Money which was but the relieving of a present need by laying the foundation of a lasting inconvenience being veâ—y careful that their Master did not lose in the president what he gained in the money Observations on the Life of Sir John Baker THere is one of this Name remarqueable in every Kings Reign since the Conquest here is one now renowned in this 1. For Integrity to be neither awed nor corrupted 2. For a Spirit publick as Nature neither moved with particular respects nor terminated in a private Design The French were so insolent in London the eighth year of Henry the Eighth that when one Williamson a Carpenter was about to pay for two Pigeons he bought a Frenchman takes them out of his handâ— saying They were no meat for Carpenters but for my Lord Embassadour who concerned himselâ— so muâ—h in the case that he had Williamson imprisoned Sir Iohn sued to the Embassadour for the man who answered That the English Knave deserved to be hanged for denying any thing to a French man Whereupon Sir Iohn replied You know not that you are in London A noâ—able reply considering that the City was up next day against Strangers in so dâ—sâ—erate a tumult that none could suppress but Sir Thomas More and none settle but Sir William Kingston and Sir Iohn Baker No sooner had he allayed the disorder at home but he with the Bishop of St. Asaph are sent to appease a Rebellion abroad I mean in Denmark though in vain when the Kings cruelty exceeded their apology and ruine was more elegiable with that people than duty or obedience Where he observed these six Maximes in order to a newly conquer'd Kingdome 1. That the Royal Line should be extinguished 2. That the old Customs in Lawes and Taxes should be observed 3. The Prince must be there to observe their humours in person 4. That the Officers be moderate and honest 5. That there be Colonies planted in one or two places that are the Keys of the Sâ—ate 6. That the Neighbours should be weakned and divided and the In-land Forts demolished As he would have composed the troubles of forreign Princes so he served the necessities of his own being the most successfull Commissioner for the Benevolence in the Countrey and the most active Agent for the loan in London Wherefore I finde him Chancellour of the Exchequer An. 1545 and one of the assistants to the Trustees for King Edward 1547. Judge Mountague was the onely person that durst dispute King Edward's Will Judge Hales and Sir Iohn Baker were the onely Councellours that durst refuse it the first whereof stood to the Law against â—ower the second to his Allegiance against Interest and both to the rights of the Crown which are lasting rather than the Designes of some Favourites that are as momentary as their Greatness and as uncertain as their Grandeur This constant and firm resolution to stick to his Duty and Lâ—yalty brought him to his Grave in peace and honour having been a faithful Councellour and Servant to King Henry the eighth King Edward the sixth Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth Observations on the Life of Sir William Kingstons HE was one of the greatest Courriers at Masks and Revels one of the best Captains at Sea and one of the most valiant and Skilful Commanders by Land None more pleasing to the English Ladies none more terrible to the Fâ—ench King Cunningly did he discover the King of Spains Designe upon Navarre to his Majâ—sty by preâ—ending a Revolt to that King of Spain and as cunningly did he draw the French Troops into a snare by counterfeiting a retreat towards Britany His Advice had saved the Admiral at Brest and his Foresight did rescue Sir Edward Belknap near Guisâ—es He was Knighted for his Service at Tournay and made Marshal for his Success at Flodden He was one of them that perswaded the City to its duty at Shoreditch and if that would not do he was to command it from the Tower being Commissiâ—ner in the fiâ—st place Aug. 2. and Lieutenant of the second September 6. The Multitude is rather to be awed than reasoned with Some Princes have disarmed their Subjects others have divided them a third sort have obliged them others yet have kept up Plots amongst them but all have built and commanded Fortresses to secure themselves It were well if Love did it 's necessary that Fear should guide this World The King condescended one day to Just with him and he though invincible to fall by his Majesty You must let a Prince be a Prince in every thing So complaisant he was that he was one of the six Maskers at Court at 50 and yet so grave that when divers young men that were familiar with the King after the French mode were banished he kept his Station as one of the stayed men at 30. He was one of the 16 that attended the King in his first Interview with the Emperour and one of the 40 that waited on him in the two last with the King of France narrowly escaping at the last that poyson as some thought or ill vapours as others conclude whereof the open-hearted Lord Brooks the valiant Sir Edward Poynings reserved Sir Iohn Pechy and active Sir Edward Belknap died whereupon with his advice all French-men were put to their Fines and all Scotch to their ransome Neither was he onely for shew but service too leading the Right Wing of the Army at Guisnes when Sir Everard Digby commandeth the Left the Lord Sands the Vanguard Sir Edward Guilford then Marshal of Callis the Horse Sir Richard Wink-field the Rear and the Duke of Suffolk the main Battle Where his Assaults on Cappe and Roy spake him a Souldier as his underhand correspondence with the Lord Iâ—â—lstein argued him a States-man Sir Thomas Maunors the first Earl of Rutland of that Name discovered and Sir William Kingston told His Majesty the Cardinals Plots against the Kings
purely heroick often stout but never dislâ—â—al so vehement an opponent of the Spaniard as when that Match fell under consideration he would sometimes rouze to the trepidation of King Iames yet kept in favour still for that King knew plain dealing as a Jewel in all men so was in a Privy-Councellor an ornamental duty An instance of his familiar converse with King Iames was that the King observing that he naturally hated a Frog threw one into his neck and he in requital caused a Pig of an equal disgust with the same Prince to be put under his Close-stool where though it produced no extraordinary ill effect for the present yet after the prank had been descanted upon and worst of Interpretations made by some the title of Iews being at that time bestowed on the Scots the King was much affected with it and the more because it was done at Wilton the Earls own house Though Kings when free and sociable break out to sprightful and facetious extravagancies with Courtiers yet must they not presume lest their words are interpreted not by their meaning but others jealousie free spirits cannot be too circumspect And the same true-heartedness commended him to King Charles with whom he kept a most admirable correspondence and yet stood the firm Confident of the Commonalty and that not by a sneaking cunning but by an erect and generous prudence such as rendred him as unsuspected of ambition on the one side as of faction on the other being generally beloved and regarded Observations on the Life of the Lord Conway EDward Lord Conway succeeded to his Father's Martial skill and valour who was under the Earl of Leicester Governour of Ostend and twisted therewith peaceable Policy in State-affairs so that the Gown and the Sword met in him in most eminent proportion and thereupon King Iames advanced him one of the principal Secretaries of State For these his good services he was by him created Lord Conway of Ragleigh in this County and afterwards by King Charls Viscount Killultagh in the County of Antrim And lastly in the third of King Charles Viscount Conway of Conway in Carnarvenshireâ— England Ireland and Wales mutually embracing themselves in his Honours and not long after President of the Councel Upon the breâ—â—â— with Spain King Iames and the Duke of Buckingham both judged it very convenient to have a Martial Secretary neither was there any man fitter â—or their turn than this Gentleman who was as able to direct them in the Affairs of War abroad as he was ready to be directed by them in those of Peace at home Being one of those three remarkable Servants that King Iames used to jest upon vizâ— a Lord Treasurer meaning the Earl of Suffolâ—â— that could not cast Account a Chaplain meaninâ— Doctor Preston that could not read Pâ—â—â—â—â—â— and a Secretary meaning this Lord that 〈◊〉 not write his name Sir Richâ—rd Weston beat the Bush in the Affair of the Palatinate but Sir Edward catched the Hare his rough humour being more suitâ—ble to that business Or indeed it having been always more successful to be bold than wary to be free for all occasions than to be obstinate to some ruleâ— Fortune saith Machiavel is a Miâ—triss that isâ— sooner won by those that ruffle and force her than by others that proceed coldly Indeed he was charged with treachery and cowardize in the action against the Scots 1640. but he came off with his honest animosity saying If he mighâ— but fight their whole Army he would settle Scotland in six months or lose his head being in that of my Lord of Canterbury's opinion who assured his Majesty they would not hold out four a motion that if as easily entertained by that gracious King as it was effectually pursued by the bloody Usurpers a sad experience hath taught us and them would have prevented much mischief there more here especially since it was that wise Prince his judicious observation That they and their Confederates were a people lost by favour and won by punishment Observations on the Lives of the Digges MAster Leonard Digges was one of excellent Learning and deep judgement His â—iâ—d most inclined him to the Mathematicks and he was the best Architect in that age for all manner of Buildings for conveniency pleasure state strength being excellent at Fortifications Lest his Learning should dye with him for the publick profit he printed his Tectonicon Prognostick General Stratiotick about the ordering of an Army and other Works He flourished Anno Dom. 1556. and dyed I believe about the Reign of Queen Elizabeth when as in most growing times Arts were drowned in action Nothing else have I to observe of his name save that hereditary Learning may seem to run in the velâ—s of his Family witness Sir Dudly Digs of Chilham-Castle made Master of the Rolls in the year 1636. whose abilities will not be forgotten whilest our age hath any remembrance This Knight had a younger son of a most excellent wit and a great judgment Fellow of All-Souls in Oxford who in the beginning of our Civil Wars wrote so subtile solid a Treatise of the difference between King and Parliament that such Royalists who have since handled that Controversie have written plura non plus yea aliter rather than alia of that Subject The Son writes down those Rebellions that the Father countenanced The Father I say who by a bold impeachment against his Majesties chief Minister of State to his face taught a discontented People to draw a bolder against his Mâ—jesty himself Wherefore it was that after his undutiful Prologue Against his Majesties Prerogative in favouring his Servants the Preface to more disloyal methods against his right in governing his people he and Sir Iohn Elliot were whispered out of the Lords House when they were hottest against the Duke to speak with a Gentleman and thence sent immediately by two Pursevants that attended to the Tower where and in the Country this Gentleman lay under just displeasure until it was thought fit to take off so dangerous a piece of boldness and eloquence upon the growing distempers of the age by favour and preferment to a Neutrality at least if not to the just measures of his duty But our observation here is this That faction is one of those sins whereof the Authors repent most commonly themselves and their posterities are always ashamed Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Ridly Dr. LL. THis Knight and Doctor was born at Ely in Cambridge-shire bred first a Scholar at Eaton in Buckingham-shire then Fellow of Kings-Colledge in Cambridge He was a general Scholar in all kind of Learning especially in that which we call Melior Literatura He afterwards was Chancellor of Winchester and Vicar-general to the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury His memory will never dye whilst his Book called The view of the Ecclesiastical Laws is living a book of so much merit that the Common Lawyers notwithstanding the difference betwixt the professions will ingenuously
â—he Sâ—â—â—e that they are so because they know nothing beyond their own time whereas if the most discontented peâ—son did but compare his own dayes with those before he must coâ—feâ—s that there wants nothing in the general frame of our Government particular persons miscarriages must be always allowed to make us most happy but thankfulness content and the continuance of these blessings under our dread Soveraign for whom it 's as much our interest as our duty to pray according to St. Chrysostoms Liturgy that God would give him strength victory health safety length and tranquillity of dayes or in Tertullian's form Long life a secure government safe Court valiant Army faithful Senate good People quiet world what-ever he can desire as a King or as a man Or once more in Lactantius his words That God will keep him who is the keeper of all things in his Dominions to his Felicity and our Tranquillity The End of the Observations upon the Lives of the Statesmen and Favourites of England in the Reign of K. Charls I. a Sâ— Anthonies under Nâ—w-Hall b Christ-Church a He Married Mr. Colts Daughter of New-Hall b Whereby he was double reader c On St. Aug. de civitate Dei d He was made Chancellour of that Dutchy e Queen Katherine said so f A fellow at Bruges would undertake to answer any question Sir Thomas put up this Whether Averia capta in Withernamia sint irreplegiabilia to that Thrasces great amazement g He built a Chappel at Chelsey and hired an Almes-House there h With the cause attested by the Attorney in tokâ—n wherof when one Tubb brought him a Snbpoena to subscribe finding it frivolous he writ under it a tale of a Tub. a When Master thereofâ— b When Knight of the Garter c When Vicar General d Sâ—ow Sur. London a As when one said he was accused for disloyalty to the King he said He would stab him with his Dagger if he were 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 soâ—t and the last that survived of that sâ—rt a Luther Melancthon Carolostadius b The Creed The Lords Prayer and the Commandments e Saith Siâ— Riâ—h Baker f Per celebriora Angloâ—um â—ynâ—nasia â—â—tes exâ—luit * Being called Bifrons g Cecil was the first * Mr. More in the printed Life of his Grandfather Sir Thomas More pag. 334. * One of the house of York * He is madeâ— Viscount Rochford * They were 50. with an Archer a Demilance and a Constillier apiece They and their horses being vested in Cloath of Gold a Of Bretany aâ—d Normandy a Master of the Ordinance who was killed the first Night before Therovene Bacons Esâ— 116. The Duke of Someâ—set's maâ—â—h a The same day that 30. yâ—ars ago they were beaten at Flodden b Hâ— made the fiâ—st and last Bannerets The Lady Sâ—anhope c Wâ—â—m tâ—â—y put in â—â—w Liâ—erâ—â—s d For contriving the death of a Privy Counsellour There was aâ—other of his name Sheriff Nephew to this Knight in 25 of H. 8. Lord Baâ—on's Essâ—yes a A Duffeild b Recommending to him the care of three things 1. His God 2. His Soul 3. His Company This story is related from the mouth of his Grandchild the Earl of Warwik that last was Vid. Coâ— in Littl. Presat Fuller Eâ—cles Hist. B. â— Cont. â—â— Cambd. Eliz. aâ—â— 1576. The things that overthrow a Favourite * The first of these loved Alexanders interest the other his person France Spain and England Cicero †He means Land Anno 〈◊〉 8.24 Mach Prince p. 56. b Viz. The Lord Tho. Seymour Hist. Camb. p. 131. * His Mother was Daughter to the Duke of Clarence and Grandchild to Edward the IV. Full. Hiâ—â—â— Cent. 19â— p. 14â— * Governor â—f Bies * Kept aâ— Black Fiâ—ars * As Ecclesia poeniteniia Episcopus Sacrificium Pontifex * Viz Those of his Diocess * In King H. 8's time when they rise againsâ— the Reformation * When the rising was there a Descended of the Roman Cecilii say some b Grayâ— Inne c Fulleâ— Holy State ex Aristâ— l. 2. de Coelo c. 4 â— â— d Camb. Eliz. anno 1579. 80. * Cicely Daughter of Thomas Bourchiâ—â— late Earl of Essex Verulam's Essays Camden K. H. â— K. Jamesâ— * In Opposition to him of Spain a They say his father married a Familiar of King Henry's see Fuller in his Worthies * Causa Virtus â— Deo vel ipse Deus Oct. 1 65. * Sir Tho. â—ythe learned industrious and ingenious Edward Waterhouse Esquire of Sion-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 Tho. Smith * The Doctors â—arker Bill May Cox Grindal Whiâ—e-head Pillington and Sir Tho. Smith * Aâ— Cambray * Who put Cardinal Wolsey then but a Schoolmaster in the Stocks * As Cyrus aâ— Thermopylae Crastus in Parihia therefore Alexander had exact Maps always aboue him to observe Passages Streights Rocks Plains Rivers c. Nethersol Fâ—n Orat. Prince Hen. p 15 16 17. * Sir Rob. Naunton in his Fragmenta Regalia a 2 Sam. 2â— 24. b 1 King 4. 6. c King 12 d Ibidem See Daves of Ireland and Waâ—e and Powel of Wales a Leicester See Sir H. Wottons Observatiâ—ns b He was one of them whose Natures disclose bâ—t slowly c Vnder Dr. Whitgift a His Eliz. â—o which Cambden gave but the language and â—he transcript a From the mouth of Mr. Ramsey Minister of Rougham in Norfolk who married the widow of Mr. Giles Fletcher son to this Doctor * In his volume of English Navigationâ— p. 374. †Camb. in his Eliz. Anno 158â— when he was Agent in Muscov as afterward Ambassador â— In his book called The Declination of Monarchs Sir Robert Naunton's Fragmenta a Adversus perduelles a Where he was Bridâ— groom a Witness his entertainment at London H. Holland p. 39. a Domanda assai chenâ—n Mancherapoi calare Proverb â—ip apud Insiâ— D. 〈…〉 de legatâ—â— a Domanda assai chenâ—n Mancherapoi calare Proverb â—ip apud Insiâ— D. 〈…〉 de legatâ—â— Psa. 104.3 a In the life of Richard the second b Sir John Davies in Disc. of Iâ—eland p. 39 c. * Vâ—re's Commâ—ntaries a Tâ—erefoâ—e the Yoke is their supporter * Cambden Eliz. An. 1587. Idem Anno 1600. * The Earl of Essex a The Lord Norris 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 K. James's a He was born Jan. 22. 1560. at York-house in the Strand * Vid. Duke of Buckingham's Life a Benedict â—â—â—unchâ—m an Alderman of London's Daughter and Coheir Compleat instructions for a states-man given by L. B. to D. B. * Sir Hen. Wotton's life of the Duke of Bucking * 1. Of the Prerogative Royal. 2. Priviledges of Parliament 3. The proceedings in Chancery 4. The pâ—wer of the Sâ—arâ—hamber * Being not used to the Common-Prayer * In Tiberio * As about the Petition of Right in reference to which he Sergeant Glanvile satisfied the Lords Admin Card. de Rich. p. 283. â— O. 134. a See the Ea of Northamptons Speech b See Lord Spencer * Nobly communicated to all inge nious persons by the honourable H. Howard of Norfolk greater in his own worth than in any titles * Sâ—e his late Majeâ—â—â—â—s reâ—ommâ—nâ—â—â—â—n to him at his departure from Hamton-Court * In 〈◊〉 1629. * At Peâ—ross and Aleppo * So saith the Historian but I think as much against them as against the K. not only because the welâ—are of K. and people are inseparable â— but also because there is not a more common saying among the people than defend me and spâ—nd me * The most pious learned wise and Reverend Father in God the Lord Arch-Bishop of Cant was his Domestick 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Meditar 2. Eâ—umplified by his Chaplain Tho. Fritter