State-Worthies OR THE STATES-MEN And FAVOURITES OF ENGLAND Since the Reformation Their PRUDENCE and POLICIES SUCCESSES and MISCARRIAGES ADVANCEMENTS and FALLS During the Reigns of King HENRY VIII King EDWARD VI Queen MARY Queen ELIZABETH King â—AMES King CHARLES â— The Second Edition with Additions LONDON Printed by Thomas Mâ—lbourâ— for Sâ—â— Speed in Thread-needle-street neer the Royal-Exchange 1670. TO The HOPE of ENGLAND It s Young Gentry Is most humbly Dedicated The HONONUR of it It s ANCIENT STATESMEN A Renowned Ancestry TO An Honourable Posterity Whitehall BY permission and License of the Right Honourable Mr. Secretary Morice This Book may be Printed and Published Jo Cook TO THE READER Courteous Reader FOr bestowing some vacant hours by that excellent Personages direction to whom I am equally obliged for my Employment and my Leasure in an attempt so agreeable to the Lord Verulam's judgment which may be seen in the next page and so pursuant of Sir Robert Naunton's designe which may be traced in the following Book Another person's abilities might have gained applause and my weakness may deserve an excuse notwithstanding my years if yet any man be too young to read and observe or my profession if yet a Divine should not as times go be as well read in Men as Books Especially since I gratifie no man's fondness writing not a Panegyrick but an History Nor pleasure any persons malice designing Observations rather than Invectives Nor tyre any man's patience setting down rather the remarkes of mens publick capacities than the minute passages of their private lives but innocently discourse the most choice instances our ENGLISH Histories afford for the three great Qualifications of men 1. Noblenesse in behaviour 2. Dexterity in business and 3. Wisdome in Government among which are twenty eight Secretaries of State eight Chancellours eighteen Lord Treasurers sixteen Chamberlains who entertain Gentlemen with Observations becoming their Extraction and their hopes touching 1. The rise of States-men 2. The beginning of Families 3. The method of Greatness 4. The conduct of Courtiers 5. The miscarriages of Favourites and what-ever may make them either wise or wary The Chancellour of France had a Picture that to a coâ—mon eye shewed many little heads and they were his Ancestorsâ— but to the more curious represented onely one great one and that was his own It 's inâ—ended that this Book should to the vulgar Reader express several particulars i. e. all this last Ages Heroes but to every Gentleman it should intimate onely one and that is himself It 's easily imaginable how unconcerned I am in the fate of this Book either in the History or the Observation since I have been so faithful in the â—irst that is not my own but the Historians and so careful in the second that they are not mine but the Histories DAVID LLOYD The Lord Bacon's Iudgment of a Work of this nature HIstory which may be called just and perfect History is of three kinds according to the object it propoundeth or pretendeth to represent for it either representeth a Time a Person or an Action The first we call Chronicles the second Lives and the third Narrations or Relations Of these although the first be the most compleat and absolute kind of History and hath most estimation and glory yet the second excelleth it in profit and use and the third in verity and sincerity For history of Times representeth the magnitude of Actions and the publick faces or deportments of persons and passeth over in silence the smaller passages and motions of Men and Matters But such being the workmanship of God as he doth hang the greatest weight upon the smallest wyars Maxima è minimis suspendens it comes therefore to pass that such Histories do rather set forth the pomp of business than the true and inward resorts thereof But Lives if they be well written propounding to themselves a person to represent in whom actions both greater and smaller publick and private have a commixture must of necessity contain a more true native and lively representation I do much admire that these times have so little esteemed the vertues of the Times as that the writing of Lives should be no more frequent For although there be not many Soveraign Princes or absolute Commanders and that States are most collected into Monarchies yet are there many worthy personages that deserve better than dispersed Report or barren Elogies For herein the invention of one of the late Poets is proper and doth well inrich the ancient fiction For he feigneth that at the end of the thread or web of every mans Life there was a little Medal containing the person's name and that Time waiteth upon the Sheers and as soon as the Thread was cut caught the Medials and carried them to the River Lethe and about the bank there were many Birds flying up and down that would get the Medials and carry them in their beak a little while and then let them fall into the River Onely there were a few Swans which if they got a Name would carry it to a Temple where it was consecrate THE TABLE A Pag. SIr Thomas Audly 72 Fiz-Allan Earl of Arundel 415 Master Roger Ashcam 613 Arch-Bishop Abbot 746 Sir Edmund Anderson 803 Bishop Andrews 1024 Sir Walter Aston 932 Sir Robert Armstroder 951 Philip Earl of Arundel 953. B. CHarles Brandon Duke of Suffolk 27 Sir Thomas Bollen 137 Edw. Stafford D. of Bucks 159 Sir Anthony Brown 164 Sir David Brook 386 Sir John Russel 1 E. of B. 442 Sir John Baker 460 Sir Will. Cecil L. Burleigh 473 Arch-Bishop Bancroft 704 Sir Nich. Bacon 470 Thomas Lord Burge 591 Sir Thomas Bromley 609 Sir Richard Bingham 612 Tho. Sackvil L. Buckhurst 677. Sir Fulke Grevil L. Brook 727 Sir Thomas Bodley 805 John L. Digby E. of Bristol 838 G. V. Duke of Buckingh 843 Sir Francis Bacon 828 Sir John Bramston 926 Lord Chief-Iustice Banks 960 C. ARch-Bishop Cranmer 35 T. Cromwel Earl of Esâ—ex 57 Sir William Compton 145 Sir Thomas Cheyney 466 Sir John Cheek 191 Sir William Cordel 369 Sir Anthony Cook 373 Sir W. Cecil L. Burleigh 473 Sir Thomas Challoner 534 Sir James Crofts 569 Cliffords Earls of Cumberland 721 Sir R. Cecil E. of Salisbury 730 Sir George Calvert 750 Sir Arthur Chichester 753 L. Cranfield E. of Mid. 778 Sir Robert Cary 794 Doctor Richard Cosin 817 Lord Chief Justice Cook 820 Lord Cottington 906 Sir Dudly Carleton 910 Lord Conway 919 Sir Julius Caesar 934 Earl of Carnarvan 1014 The Cary's Lords Viscounâ—s Faulklands 938 Lord Capel 1021 Sir John Culpepper 1042 Sir Georgâ— Crook 949 James Hay E. of Carlisle 774 Sir Thomas Coventry 978 Sir John Cook 944 L. Herbert of Cherbury 1017 D. SIr Thomas Darcy 130 T. Grey Marquess of Dorset 152 Dudly D. of Northumberland 420 W. Devereux E. of Essex 486 Edward Earl of Derby 547 Sir William Drury 558 Doctor Dale 564 Sir James Dier 595 Secretary Davison 624 Sir G. Hume E. of Dunb 740 Sir
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
an Habitation at home which he no sooner began at Cashobery in Hertfordshire but King Edward going out of the World the good Knight was forced out of his house and the Kingdom He was the first that said Policy is not the learning of some Rules but the Observation of Circumstances with a present minde in all junctures of affairs which he would say was their happiness only that had good memories For when one â—aid he had seen much heard more and read most You were said he a more compleat man could you say I remembered as much Secretary Walsingham would say My Lord stay a little and we shall have done the sooner Secretary Cecil said It shall never be said of me That I will defer till to morrow what I can do to day And Sir Richard Morisin Give me this day and take the next your self Noble was his Resolution when he said He scorned to take pensions from an Emperour of Germany since an Emperour of Germany took pay of the King of England His stature was something tall and procured him reverence his temper reserved and commanding security to his person and his business He that knoweth to speak well knoweth also where he must hold his peace said the old Graecian Think an hour before you speak and a day before you promise said this English-Roman With Ferdinand the Emperour he prevailed for the Popes assistance and with Maximilian for his Masters against the French Never was his Master Henry so high as to set him above treating nor his Sovereign Edward so low as to make him afraid of War although he looked upon the way of Treaties as a retiring from fighting like Beasts to arguing like men whose strength should be more in their understandings than in their Limbs I have said a great Prince greater confidence in my Reason than in my Sword and am so resolved to yield to the first that I thought neither my self nor others should use the second if once we rightly understood one another It 's humane to use Reason rather than Force and Christian to seek peace and ensue it Christian was his Temper and Religious his carriage so charitable that he relieved the Conâ—essors as though he had been none himself and so constant that he continued his sufferings as if there were no other Much good did his Countenance do the Exiles in the Courts of Forein Princes and more his Authority at the Troubles of Frankford where his Motive to love was the hatred of the Enemy Observations on the Life of Doctor Nicholas Wotton NIcholas VVotton Son to Sir Robert born at Bockton-malherb in the County of Kent a place so named from some noxious and malignant Herbs growing therein was bred in Oxon Doctor of the Civil Laws and was the first Dean of the two Metropolitan Churches of Canterbury and York He was Privy-Counsellour to â—our successive Sovereigns viz. King Henry the VIII King Edward the VI. Queen Mary Queen Elizabeth He was employed thirteen several times in Embassies to Forein Princes Five times to Charles the Fifth Emperour Once to Philip his Son King of Spain Once to Francis the First King oâ— France Once to Mary Queen of Hungary Governess oâ— the Netherlands Twice to William Duke of Cleve Once to renew the peace between England France and Scotland Anno 1540. Again to the same purpose at Cambray Anno 1549. Once sent Commissioner with others to Edenburgh in Scotland 1560. He refused the Aâ—chbishoprick of Canterbury proferred him in the first oâ— Queen Elizabeth He died Ianuary 26. in 1566. being about seventy years of Age and was buried in Canterbury Iusâ—inian reduced the Law of Nations to one Body and Doctor Wotton comprehended them in one Soul Publick was his spirit and such his thoughts That profession that was designed for the settlement of the Woâ—lds commerce was now confined to a Bishops Court a Churchwardens Oath or a rich man's will when this excellent Person first enlarged it as far as the Sea in the Cases of the Admiralty and as wide as the world in the Negotiations of Embassie Others were trusted with the Interest of Princes He with that of Nations He that saw him would think he could deny nothing so modest Scholar-like his looks He that heard him would judge he would grant nothing so undeniable his Reason so irrefragable his Arguments His speech was as ready as his resolution was present His apprehension quick and clear his method exact his reading vast and indefatigable his memory strong as to things though not to words tenacious his clocution copioâ—s and flowing What siâ— Henry Wotton said of sir Philip Sidney I may say oâ— Nicholas Wotton That he was the very measure of congruity What that Counsellour writ to the French King in a great sheet when he required his advice that our Doctor advised our Princes in several Discourses viz. Modus a meanâ— Sir said King Henry to him now not forty years old I have sent a Head by Cromwel a Purse by Wolsey a Sword by Brandon and I must now send the Law by You to treat with my Enemies Augustus lamented for Varus his death because he said Now I have none in my Countrey to tell me the truth With Wotton went off that faithfulness that Peasants have and Princes want None more resolute abroad none more bold and down-right at home His plain dealing saved King Henry some Treasure King Edward the North Qâ—een Mary Calice for a while and Qâ—een Elizabeth her Faith and Crown A Virtue that made him the Overseer of most Forein Ministers Actions abroad and one of the sixteen Executors of King Henry's Will and Testament at home Gardiner was sly and close but Wotton prudent and wise In the Treaty at Calice there are two things remarkable of our Doctor 1. That he first insisted on the peace with France before that of Scotlandâ— 2. He would say Rather give away Calice than reserve a Right in it fifteen years hence for never was the Interest of any Nation so constant as to keep a promise half so many â—ears Indeed Sir William Cecil's reach went no further for a Layman than Doctor Wotton for a Church-man Therefore they two were pitched upon for the management of the Intrigues and Affairs oâ— Scotland Many envied this happy man but none could be without him who was â—he Oracle of both Laws at Councils who could sum up the merit of any Cause recollect the circumstances of any Affair and shew Tables of Trade Commerce Situations Counsels Revenue Interest c. the readiâ—st and exactest of any in England But all these Qualifications must die and he with them leaving it as his Advice First To Church-men To understand well the Common and Canon-Law as well as the Divine by the first whereof they might understand their right as by the second they infoâ—med themselves and otheâ—s of their duty Secondly To Statesmen Travel and History Thirdly To Embassadors 1. A good Puâ—se 2. A noble and sober Train â—
to Richard Bishop of London The two main Principles that guide humane Nature saith Judge Dodderidge are Conscience and Law By the former we are obliged in reference to another world by the latter in relation to this Pâ—iests and Judges are the Dispensers of â—hese Principles No Prince more unhappy in his Priests than King Henry whose unhappiness it was that all the juggle prevarication and imposture of his time was in the Pulpit none more happy in his Judges to whose Reason his People were more willing to submit than they were to hearken to his Clergy's Instruction among whom none more renowned than Sir Iohn Fitz-Iames who was so fearful of the very shadow and appearance of corruption that it cost his chief Clerk his place but for taking a Tankard after a signal Cause of 1500 l. a year wherein he had been serviceable though not as a Bribe but as a Civility Caesar would have his Wife without suspicion of lewdness and Fitz-Iames his servants without the appearance of corruption What was Law alwayes was then a Resolution Neither to deny nor defer nor sell justice When our Judge came upon the Bench he knew no more then Melchisedech or Levi Father or Mother neither Friend nor Interest for when his Cousin urged for a kindness Come to my House saith the Judge I will deny you nothing come to the Kings Court and I must do you justice And when the Attorney-General bespake his favour in a publick Cause Trouble not your self said he I 'le do the King right The King is cast the Attorney expostulates the Judge satisfieth him That he could not do his Majesty Right if he had not done justice His Pâ—udence so tempeâ—ed his zeal for his Sovereign that he over-strained not the Prerogative to bring in fears and jealousies of Tyranny on the one hand and his Integâ—ity so balanced his Popularity that he never depressed it to broach bold opinions and attempts of Liberty on the other complying with none of those humours that an Imaginary dread of oppression or a dangerous presâ—mption of freedom may transport to irregular excesses either for the one or against the other As his Majesty was secured by his Loyalty so his Subjects were by his Patience a Virtue he carried with him to the Bench to attend each circumstance of an Evidence each allegation of a Plea each plea in a Cause hearing what was impertinent and observing what was proper His usual saying as Sergeant Mandevil reports it being We must have two souls as two sieves one for the Bran the other for the flour the one for the Gross of a Discourse the other for the Quintessence The same day that there was no Cause to be tried in the Chancery in Sir Tho. More 's time there were but three in the Kings Bench in Sir Iohn Fitz-Iames his time the reason whereof some imagine was Cardinal Wolsey's extraordinary power that engrossed all Causes to his Legantine Court others know it was the Judges Integrity who was too honest to allow as that Age was too plain to contrive delays and obstructions Lewis the Eleventh of France would say when he was advised to take Revenge of those that had affronted him before he came to the Crown That it became not the King of France to revenge the Injuries done to the Duke of Orleans A Person that had noâ—oriously wronged Sir Iohn when a Templer in the case of his Chamber was to be tried before him for his whole Eâ—tate when a Judge the Adversaries among other shifts made use of this old Qâ—arrel whereupon Sir Iohn said It doth not become a Iudge upon the Bench to revenge a wrong done in his Chamber Two things upheld him in those boysterous times 1. Silence 2. Patience both wary Virtues that seldom endanger their Owner or displease their Superiours The Peâ—ple of those times would live and die with the Pope and Council and this Judge with the King and Parliament The grand Article of his Faith was I believe as the Church beleives and the great Rule of his Practice was I will live as the Law directs He was a tried Man whose Faith and Honour was above his Life and Fortune whose Generosity was above that first temptation of Money as his Spirit was above the second of Danger No fear here of delivering up Priviledges to day for fear of the King or Prerogative to morrow for fear of the Subject No an unbiass'd Temper between both make up this honest man who came on to preferment with great Expectations and went off with great Applause being one of the three men of whom it is said That because they never pleased their Master in doing any thing unworthy they never displeased him in doing any thing that is just When base compliance goeth off with the contempt of those it hath humoured a Noble Resolution comes off with the Reverence of those it hath discontented Observations on the Life of Sir William Molineux SIr William Molineux Junior Descendent from Sir William Molineux Knight of Sefton in Lancashire flourished under King Henry the Eighth being a man of great command in Lancashire bringing the considerable strength thereof to the seasonable succour of the Duke of Norfolk with whom he performed signal service â—a Flodden-Field The Image of whose mind he was as well as the Portrait of his body Peculiar was our Knight for nobly forgiving his Enemies if reconcilable and refusing ignobly to be revenged of them though obstinate for honestly would he betray the Villanies of them that dishonestly offered to betray them to him as Fabricius delivered up to Pyrrhus though a sworn Enemy the Physician that would have Poysoned him Lewis the 11th discovered to the Duke of Burgundy though his mortal Foe the conspiracy that would have ruined him And Queen Elizabeth of England with King Philip of Spain gave Henry the great of France when Friends with neither of them notice of two Plots upon his person that would have ruined him It is confessed on all sides that the Scots lost the day by not keeping their Ranks but not agreed on the cause thereof Buchanan who commonly makes the too much Couâ—age of his Country-men the cause of their being conquered imputes it to their indiscrete pursuing of the English routed at the first Others say They did not break their Ranks but were broken unable to endure the Lancashire Archers and so forced to sunder themselves In this Battel the Scottish King and chiefest Gentry were slain the English losing scarce any the Scots scarce any but of prime note The King aâ—terward wrote his Gratulatory Letter to Sir William Molineux in form following TRusty and Well-Beloved We greet you well And understand as well by the Report of Our Right Trusty Cousin and Counsellour the Duke of Norfolk as otherwise what acceptable service You amongst Others lately did Vs by your valiant Towardness in the assiâ—ting of Our said Cousin against Our Enemy late King of Scots and how couragiously you as a
absent in France which was not only against Christian Charity but Roman Justice Festus confessing it was not fashionable amongst them to deliver any Man to die before he which is accused have the accusers face to face and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him It was well for this Lord that he was detained in France till his ransome was paid and Queen Mary dead who otherwise probably had lost his life if he had had his liberty But Queen Elizabeth coming to the Crown he found the favour or rather had the justice to be tryed again and was acquitted by his Peers finding it no treachery cowardise or carelessness in him but in Sir Iohn Harlston and Sir Ralph Chamberlain the one Governour of Risebank the other of Calis-Castle for which they were both condemned to die though their Judgment was remitted This Lord was the only Person I have read of who thus in a manner played Rubbers when his Head lay at stake and having lost the fore recovered the after-game He died a very aged Man 1594. Thus far Mr. Fuller Two ways a Courtier advanceth himself the first that more leisurely slow though sure of watching Offices Preferments and Dignities that may by steps bring them to the Kings Presence The second that more quick and short but most practised of following the Court for such extraordinary Commissions and particular services to the Empire as may without the danger of delays that must be fatal amidst so many Competitors recommend him to his favour It was below Sir Thomas his Estate to stoop to that first method it suited more with his activity to embrace the second Two usually-inconsistent qualities he had The closeness of an Agent and The Valour of a Souldier To Rome he was sent in disguise and to Treport with an Army so graceful his carriage so insinuating his affability so clear and well-weighed his discourse so searching and comprehensive his Judgment so gravely Aiery so Majestically pleasant his countenance so becoming his gate and apparel so watchful his Negotiations so winning his Addresses so discrâ—etly smart his Reparties darting a suddain lustre and vigour to the darkness and heaviness of his graver Dâ—scourses neither common nor unsavoury neither affected nor far-fetched neither abusive of others nor mis-becoming himself so discreet and well-managed his complaisance with reâ—erence to circumstances Person Place Time matter and cause that he had Cardinal Senhault's Secretary to bring him to the Pope's Closet the Emperour's Agent Randolphus to introduce him to Court that he won Fryar Paul to shew him the mysteries of the Church Engineer Palvino to represent the Popâ—'s Cities Towns Fortificationâ— Havens Harbours Aâ—tiquities Seminaries Exercises Ships Treasure Armories Arsenals Magazines having always by him a Card of the Territories and the Pope's Bed-chamber-man to shew him all the Papers and Transactions that concerned Henry the eighth So well experienced his Conduct so well disciplined his Army so watchful and industrious his Nature so good his pay though he pawned at once in Normandy his own Estate to satisfie his Souldiers so noble his rewards of vâ—lour and service it being his rule That every man should enjoy as much as he could conquer so prevalent his example that he did more with 2000 Men in three Moneths than the Duke of Suffolk had done with 8000 in three years The Duncery and idleness of the Monks in his time as he writes himself made Erasmus a Student the sloth and carelesness of Commanders in Sir Thomas his time made him a Souldier Edward the third of England having sent to France to demand the Crown by Maternal Right the Council there sent him word That the Crown of France was not tied to a Distaff To which he replyed That then he would tie it to his Sword Sir Thomas Wentworth demanding Normandy in right of the Dukes thereof Kings of England was told That Dukedomes were never given away in France by the Wills of the Dead Nay then replyed he we will have them against the Wills of the Living It 's written of our Henry the fifth that he had something of Caesar in him which Alexander the Great had not That he would not be Drunk and something of Alexander the Great which Caesar had not That he would not be Flattered Sir Thomas had both their Virtues none of their Vices Non tam extra Vitia quam cum summis Virtutibus Though he could not avoid misfortune and prosper yet he could yield to it and retire that experienced File that could not withstand the enemies â—hot could fall down and escape it Privacy at once secured and supported this unfortunate Gentleman It is much to know how to lead and bring on successfully it 's more to retreat and come off handsomely and give over a bad game Since he heard ill I hear no more of him but this One being designed an Agent waited upon this knowing and experienced Lord for some Directions for his conduct and carriage he delivereth himself saith my Author thus To secure your self and serve your Country you must at all timesâ— and upon all occasions speak truth for as he added you will never be believed and by this means your truth will secure your self if you be questioned and puâ— those you deal with who will still hunt counter to a loss in all their disquisitions and undertakings Observations on the Life of Sir Clement Paston SIr Clement Paston was a Souldier and a Souldiers Son Valour running in the Blood for three Generations and maturated by Noble and Heroick Actions for Glory and Success Designed he was by his Friends for the Gown but by his own Nature for Armour Born for Action rather than Contemplation VVhen his Father asked him what he would desire of him he desired a Horse and a Sword He was tried in the King of France his service in Henry the Seventh's time for his overthrow in Henry the Eighths He was the first that made the English Navy terrible and the last that made our Army so He took the Admiral of France and saved him of England 30000 Crowns he received by way of Ransome from the first aâ—d 1000 l. by way of Gratitude from the other A Cup he would shew that the first gave him every Holy-day and a Ring of the seconds every Christmas Two Kings made use of his Person and two Queens of his Counsel which he gave even on his Death-bed His advice was short but resolute his words few but pertinent his discourse commanding and Souldier-like his word the Decree of the Medes King Henry the Eighth called him His Champion the Protector in Edward the sixth's time His Souldier Queen Mary Her Sea-man and Queen Elizabeth Her Father VVhen Wyat was overthrown he would deliver himself up to a Gentleman and therefore only to Sir Clement Paston The two great Interests of Souldiers is Pay and Honour He mortgaged his Estate twice to satisfie them for the one and pawn'd his credit
had his Eye upon the turns flexures and points of things and business and his state and interest ready to correspond He knew when to proceed when to make a stand and when to retire It 's said of Grandees That they are the first that find their own Griefs and the last that find their Faults Our Lord was quick in both and hath taught us this That certainly Men of great fortunes are strangers to themselves and while they are in the puzzle of business have no time to tend the welfare either of Body or Soul and that they must with-draw from this World before they retire into another For Illi mors gravis incubat qui not us nimis omnibus ignotus moritur sibi There are no more Remarques of this Personage than that he was the Father of this Apophthegme Well done if warily and Great-Grandfather to the present Earl of Warwick Observations on the Life of Sir John Mason HE had his Birth at Abingdon and his Education at Oxford His Birth commended him to All-Souls and his Breeding to the Court His Study was like his Inclination rather active than contemplative his present thoughts foreseeing and providing for his future Employments But Industry and Parts may prepare a Man it is opportunity and occasion that must advance him and never had a Man fairer opportunity never made a Man better use of it None but Mr. Mason would the University pitch upon to complement Henry the Eighth none but Mr. Mason could please him although he was as great a Scholar as he was a King and as much an Humorist as both as he was inclined so he studied as he studied so he writ not with a Pedants impertinence but a States-man's prudence so elegant was his Latine that a Critick would have advanced him Professor so various his Learning that Cranmer would have preferred him Prebend and yet so grave and wise the matter and composure of his speech that the King designed him a States-man When King Henry the Eighth came to Oxford Sir Iohn is deputed to congratulate his coming who considering that a Man cannot every Day speak to Kings contrived saith my Author the matter of his speech most Man-like politick and pertinent the phrase of it polite and majestick so that what with his comely presence his becoming carriage his flowing expression his graceful elocution he gained that applause from the Court and University that the one was as eager to have him as the other was loth to part with him the University was proud of him but King Henry commanded him and disposeth of him in Forein parts to add practical experience to his speculative studies It was the excellent way of that time to pick out the choice youths of both Universities and maintain them some years abroad to make such Observations as might render them serviceable at homeâ— Dwelt with Books he had long enough now he must converse with Men and open his recluse and retired soul to a practicable and social temper by debonairness and freedom too long mewed up with study and melancholy Think and speak he could very well already now he must learn to act and live Books furnished Travel must enlarge and settle his soul. Four things made a States-man in those Days 1. The University and good Letters 2. The City and Converse 3. The Court and Freedom of spirit 4. Travel and Observation It was the politick Discipline of those days to selecâ— saith mine Author the pregnancies of either Vniversity ana breed them iâ— Forein parts for publicâ— Employments Agreeable whereunto Mr. Mason iâ— sent beyond sea with Instructions to guid him and a pension to support himâ— With Order 1. To keep exact correspondence with the Secretary at home 2. To entertain 1. The most eminent Scholar who might represent the Church 2. The ripest Undersecretary who might decipher to him the State 3. The ablest Souldier and Sea-man that might open to him the Interest of both Nations 3. To take an exact account of the Havens Forts Cities Avenues Passages Ways Treasure and Interest of the place he lives in 4. To follow the respective Embassadors Directions in every Court 5. To appear in each place upon any solemnity Civil or Military suitable to the occasion all charges to be defrayed from the English Exchequer His Pension was two hundred and twenty pounds a year his Circuit was France the Netherlands and Italy his Commission was to engage any knowing person of those respective Courts that could transcribe their Edicts or Orders give exact Intelligence make any Interest or had any influence upon their respective Governments His Rules were 1. To correspond with his Majesties Agents 2. To have few and choice Acquaintance 3. To make Collections of and Observations upon the Histories the Laws Customs and the most considerable States-men Governours and Great Men with their Relations and Dependencies in those Courts 4. To give a monethly account of such Remarques as occurred at large to the Secretary and in brief to the King and Cardinal His first undertaking was in France where his Gravity was too severe beyond the dalliances of that place His next was to Italy where he shewed as great a reach in countermining as the Inhabitants of that place do in managing their plots None designs saith the Character further off than the Italian None seeth said Sir Tho. Audley further off than Sir John Mason His last Voyage was to Spain where he out grav'd the Don Himself and then returned with the Italians quickness the Spaniards staidness the Frenchmans Ayr the Germaâ—s Resolution and the Dutchmans Industry Qâ—alities that demonstrated he understood other Countreys and could serve his own Thâ—re thâ—s pregnant Gentleman being at some distance could look more inwardly into the Constitution Situation Interest State and Complexion of his own Countrey and being near could discern those of other parts wiâ—h the mutual aspect of England upon them and theirs upon it They that livâ—d in those times say that none understood the affairs of England and France together with their mutual advantages or disadvanâ—â—ges better than Sir Iohn Mason He that had seen the mysteries of four Courts might be trusted with those of one as he was in King Henry the Eighth's time in the capacity of a Privy Counsellour and in Edward the Sixth's in the Trust of chief Secretary At the Board none clearer in his Proposals in his Office none quicker for Dispatch Let me hear Sir Iohn Mason said the King Let us to Sir Iohn Mason said the Subjects so much the reputation of his prudent integrity with the one and of his familiar access with the other Four things he said kept him in under all the Revolutions during the four Princes Reigns whom he served 1. That he thought few Things would save a Man 2. That he was always intimate with the exactest Lawyer and ablest Favourite 3. That he spake little and writ less 4. That he had attained to something which each party esteemed
difference ended was Is not this easier than going to London or Ludlow When a man fretted against himself or other My Friend he would say take it from me a weakman complains of others an unfortunate man of himself but a wise man neither of others nor of himself It was his Motto I 'll never threaten To threaten an Enemy is to instruct him a Superiour is to endanger my person an Inferiour is to disparage my conduct Old servants were the Ornament and stay of his Family for whom he reserved a Copyhold when aged a service when hopeful an Education when pregnant Twice was he sent underhand to France and once to Scotland to feel the pulse of the one and to embroyl the other It 's for setled Kingdomes and for Wealthy men to play above-board while the young State as the young Fortune should be least in sight He and Sir Thomas Randolph amuse the Queen of Scots with the hope of the Crown of England and the King of France by a League with his protestant subjects to whose aâ—sistance Sir Adrian Poynings arrives as Field-marshal and the Earl of Warwick as General Sir Nicholas Arnold had disposed Ireland to a settlement when Justicer and Sir Henry Sidney formerly Justicer and Treasurer was now to compleat it as Dâ—puty being assisted in Munster by Sir Warham St. Leiger and elsewhere by the brave Earl of Ormond having procured his Antagonist the Earl of Desmond to be called to England in order of a peace and tranquility Great was his Authority over far greater his love to and esteem of the Soldiers with whom he did wonders against Shane Oneals Front while Randolph charged his Rear until the wild Rebels submits and is executed When he resigned his Authority and Honour to Sir William Drury he took his farewel of Ireland in these words VVhen Israel departed out of Egypt and the house of Jacob from a barbarous people A singular man he was saith the Historian and one of the most commendable Deputies of Ireland to whose Wisdome and Fortitude that Kingdome cannot but acknowledge much though it is as impatient of Deputies as Sicily was of old of Procurators Observations on the Life of Sir John Puckering HE was born at Flamboroughead in Yorkshire second Son to a Gentleman that left him an Estate neither plenteous nor penurious his breeding was more beneficial to him than his portion gaining thereby such skill in the common Law that he became the Queens Sergeant speaker in the house of Commons and at last Lord Chancellour of England How he stood in his Iudgement in the point of Church-discipline plainly appeareth by his following speech delivered in the house of Lords 1588. You are especially commanded by her Majesty to take heed that no Ear be given nor time afforded to the wearisome sollicitations of those that commonly be called Puritans where with all the late Parliaments have been exceedingly importuned which â—ort of men whilst that in the giddiness of their Spirits they labour and strive to advance a new eldership they do nothing else but disturb the good repose of the Church and Commonwealth which is as well grounded for the body of Religion it self and as well guided for the discipline as any Realm that confesseth the truth And the same thing is already made good to the world by many of the Writings of godly and learned men neither answered nor answerable by any of these new fangled Refiners And as the present case standeth it may be doubted whether they or the Iesuits do offer more danger or be more speedily to be repressed For albeit the Iesuites do empoyson the hearts of Her Majesties Subjects under a pretext of Conscience to withdraw them from their Obedience due to Her Majesty yet do they the same but closely and in privy-corners But these men do both teach and publish in their printed Books and teach in all their Conventicles sundry Opinions not onely dangerous to a Well-setled Estate and the Policy of the Realm by putting a Piâ—e between the Clergy and the Layty but also much derogatory to her sacred Majesty and her Crown as well by the diminution of her ancient and lawful Revenues and by denying Her Highness Prerogative and Supremacy as by offering peril to her Majesties safety in her own Kingdome In all which things however in other Points they pretend to be at war with the Popish Iesuites yet by this separation of themselves from the unity of their fellow subjects and by abasing the Sacred Authority and Majesty of their Prince they do both joyn and concur with the Iesuites in opening the Door and preparing the way to the Spanish Invasion that iâ— threatned against the Realm And thus having according to the weakness of my best understanding delivered Her Majesties Royal pleasure and wise direction I rest there with humble Suit of her Majesties most gracious Pardon in supplying of my defects and recommend you to the Author of all good councel He died anno Domini 1596 charactered by Mr. Cambden Vir Integer Hiâ— Estate is since descended according to the solemn settlement thereof the Male Issue failing on Sir Henry Newton who according to the Condition hath assumed the surname of Puckering Sir Thomas Egerton urged against the Earl of Arundel methodically what he had done before in and since the Spanish Invasion Sir Iohn Puckering pressed things closely both from Letters and Correspondence with Allen and Parsons that few men had seen and from the saying of my Lord himself which fewer had observed who when Valongers Cause about a Libel was handled in the Star-chamber had said openly He that is throughly Popish the same man cannot but be a Traytor A man this was of himself of good repute for his own Carriage but unhappy for that of his servants who for disposing of his Livings corruptly left themselves an â—ill name in the Church and him but a dubious one in the State David is not the onely person whom the iniquity of his heels that is of his followers layeth hold on Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Bromley SIr Thomas Bromley was born at Bromley in Shropshire of a right ancient Family He was bred in the Inner Temple and made before he was forty years of age General sollicitor to Queen Elizabeth and afterwards before he was fifty succeeded Sir Nicholas Bacon in the Dignity of Lord Chancellour yet Bacon was not missed while Bromley succeded him and that loss which otherwise could not have been repaired now could not be perceived Which Office he wisely and learnedly executed with much discretion possessing it nine years and died anno 1587 not being sixty years old My Lord Hunsdon first employed this Gentlâ—man and my Lord Burleigh took first notice of him He had a deep head to dive to the bottome of the abstruse Cases of those times and a happy mean to manage them with no less security to the Estate than satisfaction to the people A man very industrious in his
and the Duke of Buckingham employed Embassadour to Venice where he negleâ—ted his own interest to attend his Majesties employment the reason that he dyed rich onely in the just conscience of his worth and the repute of his merk Coming from Venice he was appointed Lieger of France and designed Secretary of State had not Death prevented him at Paris being accomplished with all qualifications requisite for publick Employment Learning Languages Experience Abilities and what not King CHARLES hearing of his death commanded his Corps to be decently brought from Paris into England allowing the expences of his Funeral and enjoyning his neerest Relations to attend the performance thereof These accordingly met his body at Bulloign in France and saw it solemnly conveyed into England where it was interred in the Chappel of the Castle of Dover His REX PLATONICUS or his Latiâ—e account of King Iames his six dayes stay at Oxford speaks his Learning and his Instructions for Travel his experience He observing his Predecessors failings retrenching his expences satisfying himself with a repute of nobleness while in his way to preferment and others with the expectation of his bounty When preferred he seemed liberal that he might not be despised abroad but he was neer that he might not be odious at home His prodigality it may be might have satisfied the curiosity of a few Strangers while he incurred the displeasure of all his friends Besides a close wary man may be bountiful at his pleasure but the munificent cannot be so easily sparing for if his occasions or fortunes check his profuseness all his gallantry is in his first action of good husbandry Caution in expences if it be a vice is one of those saith the Italian that never disinherited a man Nay of the two saith Machiavel It 's more discretion to hold the style of miserable which begets an infamy without hatred than to desire that of Liberal which being maintained by necessitous courses procures an infamy with hatred As never did Statesman a brave action that seemed illiberal so never did he any such that was not so Yet four things our Knight spared no cost in I. Intelligence He could afford he said a golden key for the Pope's Cabinet 2. Books his Study was his Estate 3. In watching the Spaniards saying The Indies will pay for this And 4. Entertaining knowing men often applauding the Emperour's maxim That had rather go fifty miles to hear a wise man than five to see a fair City And this he was eminent for that he saw nothing remarkable in Foreign parts that he applyed not to his own Countrey Sir Henry Wotton being not more curious in picking up small Rarities to pleasure particular persons than Sir Isaac Wake was industrious to observe any useful invention that might improve the publick good Observations on the Life of the Lord Cottington SIr Francis Coâ—tington being bred when a youth under Sir Stafford lived so long in Spain till he made the garb and gravity of that Nation become his and become him too He raised himself by his natural strength without any artificial advantage having his parts above his learning his Experience above his Parts his Industry above his Experience and some will say his Success above all So that at last he became Chancellor of the Exchequer Baron of Hanworth in Middlesex Constable of the Tower 1640. and upon the resignation of Doctor Inxon Lord Treasurer of England gaining also a very great Estate Very reserved he was in his temper and very slow in his proceedings sticking to some private Principles in both and aiming at certain rules in all things a temper that indeared him as much to his Master Prince Charls his person as his integrity did to his service Nor to his service only but to that of the whole Nation in the Merchandize whereof he was well versed to the trade whereof he was very serviceable many ways but eminently in that he negotiated that the Spanish Treasure which was used to be sent to Flanders by the way of Genoa might be sent in English Bottoms which exceedingly enriched England for the time and had it continued had made her the greatest Bank and Mart for Gold and Silver of any Common-wealth in Europe Indeed the advantage of his Education the different Nations and Factions that he had to deal with the direct opposition of Enemies the treachery of Friends the contracts of Statesmen the variety and force of Experience from the distinct knowledge of the natures of the people of several Countreys of their chief Ministers of State with their Intrigues of government made him so expert that the Earl of Bristol and Sir Walter Aston could do nothing without him and he only 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 cauâ—ion c. when indeed the main business is to suit our selves with our own times which this Lord did and no man better until 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 Kingdom he advised That Leagues might be made abroad and that in this inevitable necessity all ways 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 Spaniards 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 Consciences wherein they excâ—ed 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 preâ—ences of Conscience and Religion One of his Maxims for Treaty I think remarkable viz. That Kingdoms are more subject to fear than hope And that it 's safer working upom them by a power that may awe the one than by advaâ—tages that may excite the other Since it 's aâ—other rule that States have no affections but interest and that all kindness and civility in those cases are but oversight and weakness 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
Robert Dudley 761 John L. Digby E. of Bristol 838 The Digges 921 Earl of Danby 9â—8 E. THomas Cromwel Earl of Essex 57 W. Howard L. Effingh Sir Ralph Ewers 458 W. D. Earl of Essex 486 D. Devereux E. of Essex 634 Sir Thomas Edmonds 962 L. Chancellour Egerton 755 Sir Clement Edmonds 772 Sir T. Ereskin E. of Kelly 782 F. SIr Jeffery Fenton 626 661 Sir John Fineux 81 Doctor E. Fox Secretary 86 Sir Edward Fines 408 Sir John Fortescue 556 Doctor Giles Fletcher 662 The Carys Lords Viscounts Faulkland 938 Sir John Finch 971 G. THo Grey Marquess of Dorset 152 Ste. Gardiner Bish. of Winch. 451 John Grey of Pyrgo 569 Lord Grey of Wilton 571 Sir Henry Gates 569 Arthur Gray Baron of Wilton 588 Sir Humphrey Gilbert 626 Sir Fulk Grevil L. Brook 727 Oliver Saint-John Grandison 767 H. SIr William Herbert 457 D. Walter Haddon 627 Sir Tho. Howard 131 of Surrey Norfolk Sir Ed. Howard 141 of Surrey Norfolk Sir Th. Howard 142 of Surrey Norfolk Wil. Howard L. Effingh 401 Sir G. Hume E. of Dunb 740 James Hay E. of Carlisâ—le 774 Henry Howard Earl of Northampton 780 Sir John Ramsey Earl of Holderness 782 Sir Nicholas Hyde 931 Christopher Lord Hatton 521 Lord Hunsdon 526 Sir Richard Hutton 967 W. Marquess Hertford 969 Lord Howard Earls of Nottingham 735 Henry E. of Holland 987 Marquess Hamilton 1005 Sir Ralph Lord Hopton 1008 L. Herbert of Cherbury 1017 Arch-Bishop Heath 526 I. Sir John Fitz-James 114 Sir William Fitz-James 123 Sir John Jefferies â—21 Sir Arthur Ingram 798 Arch-Bishop Juxon 1038 K. SIr William Kingston 462 Sir Henry Killigrew 584 The Knowls 617 Sir T. Ereskin E. of Kelley 782 L. SIr Anthony St. Lieger 89 Earl of Liecester 518 Sir Thomas Lake 777 788 Sir Ja. Ley E. of Marlb 943 Earl of Lindsey 975 Arch-Bishop Laud 991 Lord-Keeper Littleton 1003 M. SIr Thomas Moor 42 Sir Rich. Morison 102 Sir William Molineux 118 Sir Henry Marney 147 Sir John Mason 208 Sir Edward Mountague 404 Sir Thomas Mannors 458 Sir Walter Mildmay 554 â—ir Roger Manwood 576 Lord Mountjoy 664 L. Cranfield E. of M. 778 Bishop Mountague 800 Sir Henry Martin 925 Sir Ja. Ley E. of Marlb 943. M. Earl of Manchester 1027 N. DUdley D. of Northumberland 420 Duke of Norfolk 540 Lord North 564 The Norrices 617 H. Howard E. of Northampton 780 Lord Howard Earl of Nottingham 735 Sir Robert Naunton 795 Sir Francis Nethersole 795 W. Noy Atturney-General 892 Sir Augustine Nichols 929 O. SIr Thomas Overbury 796 H. Vere Earl of Oxford 810 P. EEmund Plowden 573 Sir William Paget 99 Sir Ed. Poynings 248 The Parrs 187 Sir Clement Paston 202 Sir John Portman 397 Sir Amias Pawlet 568 Sir William Pelham 599 Sir Barn Fitz-Patrick 412 Sir William Peter 430 Cardinal Pool 435 Sir John Perrot 510 Sir William Pickering 530 G. Earl of Pembrook 552 William Lord Pawlet 593 Sir John Puckering 607 Sir John Packington 616 L. Chief-Iustice Popham 759 Westons Earls of Portland 914 Will. E. of Pembrook 917 Sir Paul Pinder 964 R. LOrd Rich 204 Sir Tho. Randolph 564 Sir John Russel 1. E. of B. 442 Tho. Ratcliffe E. of Sussex 490 Sir William Russel 629 Sir â—homas Roper 630 Sir Walter Rawleigh 670 Sir Joh. Ramsey E. of Hold 782 Sir Thomas Ridley 923 Esme Duke of Richmond 957 Edw. E. of Rutland 667 Sir Thomas Roe 1035 Iudg Richardson 97â— S. CH. Brandon D. of Suffolk 27 Sir Richard Cecil E. of Salisbury 730 Sir Ralp Sadler 95 Sir Tho. Wriothesly 1. E. of Southampton 111 Sir Edw. Stanly 136 Sir Ch. Somerset 150 Sir Thomas Smith 560 R. Earl of Somerset 742 Ed. Stafford D. of Bucks 159 The Seymours 172 Sir Will. Stamford 216 T. Ratcliff E. of Sussex 490 Sir Philip Sidney 501 Sir Henry Sidney 602 Sir Th. Howard 131 of Surrey Norfolk Sir Ed. Howard 141 of Surrey Norfolk Sir Th. Howard 142 of Surrey Norfolk Fr. Talbot E. of Shrewsb 533 Sir John Smith 668 Th. Sackvil L. Buckhurst 677 E. of Suffolk 792 Sir Thomas Smith 724 Lord Spencer 841 Oliver Saint-John L. Grandison 767 Sir John Savil 895 Lord Say 972 Sir T. W. E. of Strafford 980 T. BIshop Tonstal 531 Fr. Talbot E. of Shrewsbury 533 Sir Nich. Throgmorton 543 V. SIr Henry Umpton 632 H. Vere E. of Oxford 810 The Veres 812 Sir H. Vane Senior 965 G. V. D. of Buckingham 843 W. CArdinal Wolsey 1 Sir Thomas Wyat 76 Doctor Nich. Wottâ—n 107 Sir Tho. Wriothâ—â— 1. E. of Southampton 111 Sir Robert Wingfield 157 Sir Thomas Wentworth 197 Doctor Tho. Wilson 390 Ste. Gardiner Bishop of Winton 451 Lord Willoughby 497 Sir Francis Walsingham 513 Sir Edward Waterhouse 536 Sir Will. Fitz Williams 549 L. Gray of Wilton 571 Sir Christopher Wray 578 E. of Worcester 581 Arth. Gray Baron of Wilton 588 Sir William Wâ—ad 601 Sir Ralph Winwood 826 Bishop Williams 897 Sir Isaac Wake 904 Westons Eaâ—ls of Portland 914 Sir Henry Wotton 1029 Lord Wilmot 1035 Sir T. Wentworth Earl of Strafford 980 Robert Earl of Warwick 987 Y. SIr Henry Yelverton 799 STATE-WORTHIES OR THE STATES-MEN and FAVOURITES OF ENGLAND IN The Reign of King Henry the VIII Observations on the Life of Cardinal WOLSEY CArdinal Wolsey was not so great in his Fortune as he was mean in his Original his honest and industrious Parents helped him to a good Constitution and a large Spirit two hopeful steps to greatness though one hath said of him Brave Priest whoever was thy Sire by kind Wolsey of Ipswich nere begat thy mind His Ambition gave him the opportunity to encrease his parts he was as pregnant at Ipswich-School as he was promising in Magdalen Colledg where he was Batchelour of Arts at 15 years of Age and therefore called the Boy-Batchelour His Industry and parts advanced him to a command over Noble men of the Marquess of Dorset's Family as School-master as his Policy promoted him to an Imperiousness over Kings in the quality of Statesmen The first step to Greatness in a Scholar is Relation to a Nobleman The best Education for the Court is in the Palace Nature made him capable the School and University made him a Scholar but his Noble Employment made him a Man At Oxford he read Books at my Lord 's he read Men and observed Things His Patrons two Parsonages bestowed upon him was not so great a Favour as the excellent principles instilled into him he being not more careful to Instruct and Educate the young Men then their Father was to Tutor him his Bounty makes him Rich and his Recommendation Potent His Interest went far his Money farther Bishop Fox was Secretary to K. Henry the seventh and he to Bishop Fox the one was not a greater Favourite of the King 's than the other was his as one that brought him a Head capable of all Observations and a Spirit above all Difficulties Others Managed the Affairs of England Wolsey understood its Interest His Correspondence
their feet again His familiarity and the easie access to him made him popular his pliant temper kept him a Favourite until he died in the full favour of his Prince though as Cardinal Pool observed Theâ— who were highest in the Kings favour had their heads nearest danger He had a becoming Bluntness not unlike his Masters which we call Free-heartedness in Courtiers Conscience and Christian simplicity in Clergy-men Valour in Souldiers He died anno 1544. and was buried at Windsor much beloved and lamented of all for his Bounty Humility Valour and all Noble Vertues since the heat of his Youth was tamed by his reduced Age whose two Sons Henry and Charles died within twelve hours one of the other of the sweating sickness at Cambridge 1550. He knowing that learning hath no enemy but ignorance did suspect always the want of it in those men who derided the habit of it in others like the Fox in the Fable who having lost his tayle by mischance perswaded others to cut theirs as a burthen But he liked well the Phylosophers division of men into three Ranks some who knew good and were willing to teach others these he said were like Gods among men others who though they knew not much yet were willing to learn these he said were like men among Beasts and some who knew not good and yet dispised such as should teach them these he esteemed as Beasts among men The most miserable men he esteemed them who running their head into a bush of confident ignorance suppose that none see their weakness because they are not willing to take notâ—ce it of themselves 1. A Calm Greatness is next the happiness of Heaven Give me the man that by a fair and calm course is rising to an higher state yet content with his pâ—esent fortune 2. Integrity out-lasts Power and Plainness survives Policy An honest heart keeps the head on the shoulders a Noble and clear Vertue is lasting 3. It 's likeness that makes the True-love-knot of friendship When a Prince finds another of his own disposition what is it but the same soul in a divided body what finds he but himself inter-mutually transposed And Nature that makes us love our selves makes us with the same reason love those that are like us for this is a Friend a more sacred Name than a Brother 4. He that hath a mind contentedly good enjoyeth in it boundless possessions He is great indeed that is great in a brave soul. Vitam quae faciunt beatiorem Iucundissime Martialis haec sunt Resâ— non parta Labore â—sed relicta Non ingratus Ager focus perennis Lis nunquam toga rara mens quieta Vires Ingenuae salubre Corpus Prudens simplicitas pares amici Convictus facilis sine arte Mensa Nox non ebria sed soluta curis Non tristis torus attamen pudicus Somnus qui faciat breves tenebras Quod sis esse velis nihilque malis Summum ne metuas diem nec optes Observations on Thomas Cranmer Lord Archbishop of Canterbury CRanmer had a Noble Blood quickning and raising his spirits as he had an indefatigable industry to improve it He was a Gentleman born in Arselecton in Nottinghamshire and a Noble-man brâ—d in Iesus-Colledg in Cambridg His Ancestors were no less eminent at Cranmers-hall in Lincolnshire than he was at Lambeth in Surrey They came in with the Conquest as one Cranmer a French Ambassadour in Henry the eighths time at the Archbishops Table made it evident and he with the Reformation His Education was as Gentile as his Birth only his mild spirit meeting with a severe Master his memory was weakened and his spiritfulness allayed but the austerity of the School was sweetned with the exercises of the Country which his Father indulged him when he was young and he indulged himself when aged handling his great Horse as nimbly his Bow and Net as dexterously as any man in his family His Marriage withdrew him from the Colledge and consequent Church-preferment as the Kings did him from the Church it self He whose marriage forbid him a Fellowship in Iesus-Colledge had a Lecture in Buckingham-House for his Parts and Reputation where at once he prepared others for publick Employments and himself also He lived as soberly at the Dolphine-Tavern with his Wife whatever the Papists have surmized as he did studiously at Buckingham-house with his Scholars His Name was so famous that Wolsey was not more solicitous to transplant him as an Ornament to Oxford then Fisher was to retain him in Cambridg where he was eminent for the Arts moâ—e for Divinity which when as one of the three Censors he examined Candidates he said he expected not in the difficult trifles of Lumbard but in the sacred sense of Scriptures the ancient Doctrine of Fathers the grave Canons of Councils the solid Politeness of the Greek and Hebrew Learning and which he lived as well as he taught in his sober temperance his mild meekness so placable so courteous that to offend him was the way to ingratiate with him his discreet moderation his grave resolution equally above the frowns and smiles of fortune Thus qualified he was by a Pâ—ovidence commended to his Majesty for there being a Plague in Cambridge as there was all over England Dr. Cranmer retired to Waltham with two of his Pupils the sons of one Mr. Cressy where upon the Kings Progress thither he met with his Chaplain and Almoner Dr. Fox afterwards Bishop of Hereford who lodging with him at Mr. Cressy's discoursed the Kings Divorce Cranmer conceived that the speediest course were to prove the unlawfulness of the Maâ—ch by Scripture whence it would follow that the Pope at first had no power to dispense therewith and that thâ— Universities of Chriâ—tendâ—m would sooner and truer decide the case than the Courâ— oâ— Rome This passage Fox reports to the King who well pleased thereat professeth that this man had the Sow by the right Ear Glad was the King to see him indeed he had a comely Person and a pleasing Countenance more to hear him inlarge himself on the former Subject That it was above the Popes pâ—wer to dispense with Gods Word in the Kings Case What he said to the King he was sent to make it good to the Pope whither invested with the Aâ—ch-Deaconry of Taunton â— he went with Thomas Bullein Earl of Wiltshire whose fiâ—st Address to the Pope was to present a Book of Cranmers proving Gods Law indispensible with by the Pope â— the Author is preferred to the great Title of Supreme Poenitentiary and the Treatise is promised a Consideration and Debate But the Pope delaying according to Cranmer's Advice ten Universities declaring against him the Embassador returns to England and the Dispuâ—ant goes to Vienna where in Osâ—anders House whose Kinswoman he had married he confirmed those that wavered satisfied those that doubted and won those that contradicted in King Henry's Cause But he served not King Henry more faithfully in Germany than he provided
for him honourably in England where the Kings Cause waited for his Assistance and the See of Canteâ—bury for his Acceptance He was willing to promote Religion he was unwilling for some Formalities he scrupled to advance himself but after seven Weeks delay it being as fatal to reâ—use King Henry's Favours as to offer him Injuâ—ies he is Archbishop in his own Deâ—ence in which capacity to serve the King and salve his own Conscience he used the Expedient of a Protestation to this purpose In nomine c. Non est nec erit meae voluntatis aut intentionis per hujusmodi Iuramentum Iuramenta qualiter verba in ipsis posita sonare videbuntur me obligare ad aliquid ratione eorundem post hac dicendum faciendum aut attestandum quod erit aut esse videbitur contra legem Dei vel contra Regem aut Rempublicam legesve aut Praerogativa ejus quod non intendo per hujusmodi juramentum quovis modo me obligare quò minùs liberè loqui consulere consentire valeam in omnibus singulis Reformationem Ecclesiae prorogativam Coronae concernentibus ea exequi reformare quae in Ecclesia Anglicana reformanda videbuntur This Protestation he made three times once at the Charter-House another time at the Altar and a third time at the receiving of his Pall. In his place he was moderate between the Superstition of Rome and the Phrensies of Munster As he was cheif Instrument in beginning the Reformation so he was in continuing it He withstood the Six Articles and though the King sent five prime Ministers of State to comfort him would not be satisfied until he saw them mitigated in King Henry's time and repealed in King Edward's Gardiner would have questioned him for entertaining forein Hereticks and promoting Domestick Schisms the Northern Rebels accused him for subverting the Church but the King upheld him against both suppressing the One and checking the Other and advising the good Man whom he called Fool for his meek disposition to appeal to him Whereupon Russel cried The King will never suffer him to be imprisoned until you find Him guilty of High Tâ—eason He is to be pitied for his intermediate failings but renowned for his final constancy The King having declared before all his Servants that Cranmer was his best Servant he employeth him in his best service the Reformation of Religion wherein all others failed but the King Cromwel and Brandon backed him so far that he had the Bible the necessary Offices of the Church translated into English He had both Universities at his command He brought the Lords House and Convocation to his Lure and was invested with a Power 1. To Grant Dispensations in all things not repugnant to Gods Law nor the Kings safety 2. To determine Ecclesiastical Causes He as charitably as politickly advised the King to accept of Bishop Fisher's partial Subscription considering his Learning and Reputation As he is King Henry's Instrument at Dunstable to divorce him from Queen Katharine so he is at Lambeth to divorce him from Anna Bullein He promoted in the Convocation all Primitive Doctrines and condemned all new-fangled Opinions He was so charitable that he interceded with the King for his Enemies so munificent that he made the Church and his own House a Refuge for Strangers particularly for P. Fagius P. Martyr Martin Bucer c. The King loved him for his Integrity the People for his Moderation He was called the Kings Father and was Queen Elizabeth's Godfather His Piety reduced the Câ—urch and his Policy the State He spake little to others he conferred much with himself Three words of His could do more than three hours discourse of others He would say as Victorinus There is a time to say nothing there is a time to say something but there is never a time to say all things That King who awed all Others feared Him A Second to the Eternal Power is the Wise Man uncorrupt in his Life He was the Executor of God's Will in King Henry's Life-time and the first of His after his Death As He spurred King Henry to a Reformation so King Edward did Him whose Prudence was not so forward as the Others Zeal who looked at what was Lawful as He did at what was Convenient He maintained the Churches Power as resolutely against Bishop Hooper's Scruples notwithstanding potent Intercession as he reformed its Corruptions against the Popes Interest notwithstanding a general Opposition He allowed not the least Errour in nor the least contempt of the Church He restored its primitive Doctrine and Discipline lest it should be an impure Church he upheld them lest it should be none He was one of fourteen that compiled the Common-Prayer He was One of Two that set out the Homilies and the only man that published the Institution of a Christian man and other good Books With his Advice King Edward did much and designed more He was the chief Author of King Edward's Injunctions and the first Commissioner in them He was President of the Assembly at Windsor for Reformation and of the Council at London His Aâ—ticles were strict and seveâ—e as much grounded on the Canon of Scripture as on the Canons of the Church He convinced more Papists with his Reason and Moderation than others by their Power His Heart never failed him in his Life and it was not burned at his Deaâ—h He did so much for the Protestant Religion in King Henrys Days that he foresaw he should suffer for it in Qâ—een Mary's He was unwilling to wrong Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth therefore he refused at first to sign King Edwards's Testament but Duke Dudley's Will He was willing to continue the Protestant Religion therefore he signed it at last It was a Bishop that was one of the first that abolished Popery in England and one of the last that died for Protestantisme It was a Bishop that maintained the Protestant Cause with Arguments while he lived with his Blood when he died This prelates endeavor for Reformation is shadowed by this Mystical Relation The Castle of Truth being by the King of Ierusalem left to the guard and keeping of his best Servant Zeal the King of Arabia with an infinite host came against it begirt it round with an unreasonable Seige cuts ofâ— all passages all reliefs all hopes of friends meat or munition which Zeal perceiving and seeing how extremity had brought her to shake hands with despair he calleth his Council of War about him and discovered the â—ffliction of his state the puissance of his Enemies the violence of the siege and the impossibility of conveying either messages or Letters to the great King his Master from whom they might receive new strength and incouragement Whereupon the necessity of the occasion being so great they concluded that there was no way but to deliver up the Castle though upon some unwholsome conditions into the hand of the Enemy but Zeal staggereth at the resolution and
Let any man think as he pleaseth I like this room well 15. It 's easier to prevent than redress Indeed throughout his Works he argueth sharply he reasoneth profoundly he urgeth aptly stateeth exactly expresseth himself elegantly and diâ—courseth learnedly He would rather convince than punish yet he would rather punish than indulge them his Epitaph be speaking him grievous to Hereticks Thieves and Murtherers When King Henry scrupled his fiâ—st marriage Sir Thomas told him That neither he nor my Lord of Durham were so fit to advise him in that case as St. Augustine St. Jerome and the other Fathers His advice was so unseasonable that it opposed the King yetâ— so grave and honest that it pleased him His Experience and Prudence had a fore-fight next door to Prophecy and from the unquiet times oâ— King Henry did he guess the ruine of King Charles He would say that it would never be well in England until the same course obtained there that did in Syria where Zeleucus was so severe against Innovators that he enacted that if any Man made a proposition for a change in their policy he should make it with an Halter about his Neck that if he failed to justify it by reason he should justify his attempt by suffering because as some Philosophers hold that there is not so much as an Aspin Leaf stirreth in one part of the World but it maketh some alteration in the whole the efficacy of it like Drake and Cavendish compassing the Globe of the Earth and making the eighth Sphere of Heaven tremble so wise men know that every change in a State altereth the constitution and the effects of an Innovation in the body politick circleth as do those of a new Imprâ—ssion according to Harvey's method upon a body natural though I must confess that many new proposals are opposed not for the distant effects of them feared in the Common-wealth but for some neer influence they may have upon some Mens private Interest It hath been given out that the burning of our Heaâ—hs in England did hurt their Vines in France bâ—t wise Men looked upon this pretense â—s a meer scare-crow or made-dragon the hurt it did was neerer home to destroy the young moore-fowles and spoyl some young burgesses game He converted many with his Arguments more with his Prayers which workt wonders of reformation on the erroneous as they did of recovery on the weak He wished three things to Chriâ—tendome 1. An Universal Peace 2. An Uniform Religion 3. A Reformation rather of Lives than Religion He never aâ—ked any thing of his Majesty but Employment and nevâ—r took any thing more acceptable than Service His Alms were liberal to his Neighbours and good works numerous towards God He would take no Fees from the poor and but moderate ones from the Rich. All London was obliged to him for his Counsel at home and all England for his Peace at Cambray where he out-did expectation The King raised him to the Chancellorship but not to his own opinion he professed he would serve his Majesty but he must obey his God he would keep the Kings conscience and his own His Wisdome and Parts advanced him his Innocence and Integrity ruined him his Wit pleased the King but his Resolution crossed him Wolsey was not so proud and reserved as Sir Thomas was open and free to the meanest his mind was not so dazled with honour but he could fore-â—ee his â—all When his â—onâ— complained how little they gained under him I will do juâ—â—ice said he for your sakes to any man and I will leave you a blessing decâ—eeing one day against his own son that would not hear reason Fiâ—st he offered the Judges the Reformation of Grievances and when they refused he did it himself No Subpoena was granted but what he saw no Order but what he pâ—rused nothing passed from â—im towards the suâ—ject but what became a good Magistrate nothing towards his Master but what became a faithful servant Neither King nor Qâ—een could corrupt neither could the whole Church in Convocation fast â—n any thing upon him To one who told him of hiâ— Detractâ—rs he said Would you have me punish those by whom I reap more benefitâ— than by all you my friends Peâ—fect Patience is the Companion of tâ—ue Peâ—fection But he managed not his trust with more integrity and dexterity than he left it with honour leaving not one cause undecided in the Chancery foreseeing that he could not at once conâ—ent his Majesty and his own heart His Servanâ—s upon his fall he disposed oâ— as well as his Children and his Children he taught to live soberly in a great estate and nobly in a mean one He never put an Heretick to death when Châ—ncellour neither would he suffer Heresies to live when a private man When my Lord Cromwel came to him in his retirement he advised him to tell â—he King what he ought not what he can do so shall you shew your self a true and faithful servant and a right worthy Councellour for if a Lyon knew his own strength hard were it for any man to rule him The King feared him when he could not gain him therefore he was â—iâ—ted in his â—ormer carriage and present temper whicâ— continued constant to his duty and even under his changes He was open-hearted to all that came yet so wary in his discourse with the Maid of Kent â—hat his enemies confessed he deserved rather hâ—nor tâ—an a check for that matter When the Duke oâ— Norfolk told him that the wrath of a Prince is death he said Nay if that be all you must die to morrow and I to day He behaved himself at all Examinations at once wisely and honestly When Archbishop Cranmer told him he must obey the King which was certain rather than follow his conscience that Lesbian rule which was uncertain he replyed It 's as certain that I must not obey the King in evil as that I must follow my conscience in good When the Abbot of Westminster told him his conscience should yield to the wisdom of the Kingdom he said He would not conform his conscience to one Kingdom but to the whole Church He underwent his sufferings with as much cheerfulness as his preferment pleasing himself with his misfortunes and enjoying his misery resolving to obey God rather than man to leave others to their own consciences to close with the Catholick Church rather than the Church of England and to submit to general Councils rather than â—o Parliaments Mr. Rich put to him this Question Whether if the Parliament made a Law that he were Pope would he not submit to it and he replyed If the Parliament made another that God should not be God would you obey it Though he could not own the Kings Supremacy yet he would not meddle with it either in his Writings or discourse shewing himself at once a civil man a good Christian and a noble Confessour His soul was well setled his stature was
that Princes honour them most that have most and the People them onely that employ most A Prince hath more reason to fear money that is spent than that which is hoorded because it is easier for Subjects to oppose a Prince by Applause than by Armies Reward said Sir Ralph when he was offered a sum of money should not empty the Kings Coffers neither should Riches be the Pay of Worth which are meerly the Wages of Labour He that gives it emâ—aseth a Man he that takes it vilifieth himself who is so most Rewarded is least Since Honour hath lost the Value of a Reward Men have lost the Merit of Virtâ—e and both become mercenary Men lusting rather after the Wealth that buyeth than after the Qualities that deserve it Two things he observed broke Treaties Iealousie when Princes are successful and Fear when they are unfortunate Power that hath need of none makes all confederacies either when it is felt or when it is feared or when it is envied Three things Cato repented of 1. That he went by water when he might go by land 2. That he trusted a Woman with a secret 3. That he lost Time Two things Sir Ralph relented for 1. That he had communicated a secret to two 2. That he had lost any hour of the morning between four a clock and ten He learned in King Henry the Eighth's time as Cromwel's Instrument what he must advise in point of Religion in Queen Elizabeth's time as an eminent Counsellour His Maxime being this That Zeal was the Duty of a private Brest and Moderation the Interest of a publick State The Protestants Sir Ralph's Conscience would have in the commencement of Queen Elizabeth kept in hope the Papists his Prudence would not have cast into Despair It was a Maxime at that time in b another case That France should not presume nor Spain be desperate He saw the Interest of this State altered six times and died an honest Man The Crown put upon four Heads yet he continued a Faithful Subject Religion changed as to the publick constitution of it five times yet he kept the Faith A Spartan one day boasted that his Country-men had been often buried in Athens The Athenian repliedâ— But we are most of us buried at home So gâ—eat was Sir Ralph's success in the Northern Wars that many a Scotch man found his Grave in England so exact his conduct and wariness that few English men had theirs in Scotland the same ground giving them their Coffin that did their Cradle and their Birth that did their Death Our Knights two incomparable Qualities were Discipline and Intelligence the last discovered him all the Enemies advantages and the first gave them none His two main designs were 1. An Interest in his Prince by service 2 An Alliance with the Nobility by Marriage upon which two Bottoms he raised himself to that pitch of Honour and Estate that time could not wear out nor any alterations embezle he bequeathing to his Woâ—shipful Posterity the blessing of Heaven upon his Integrity the love of Mâ—nkinde for his Worth and as Mr. Fuller saith a Paâ—don granted him when he attended my Lord Cromwel at Rome for the sins of his Family for three immediate Generations expiring in R. Sadler Esquire lately dead His last Negotiation was that in Scotland during the troubles there about Queen Mary So searching and piercing he was that no Letter or Adviso passed whereof he had not a Copy so civil and obliging that there was no Party that had not a Kindness for him so grave and solid that he was present at all counsels so close and industrious that his hand though unseen was in every motion of that State and so successful that he left the Nobility so divided that they could not design any thing upon the King and the King so weak that he could not cast off the Queen and all so tottering that they must depend on Queen Elizabeth Three things he bequeathed such as may have the honour to succed him 1. All Letters that concerned him since of years filed 2. All Occurrences since he was capable of Observation registred 3. All expenses since he lived of himself booked Epaminondas was the first Graecian and Sir Ralph Sadler was one of the last English-men Observations on the Life of Sir William Paget SIr William Paget was born in the City of London of honest Parents He was so able and trusty a Minister of State that he was privy Counsellour to four successive Princes He was Secretary to King Henry the Eighth who employed him Embassador to Charles the Emperour and Francis King of France King Edward the Sixth made him Chancellour of the Durchy Comptroller of his Houshole and created him Baron of Beaudefert Queen Mary made him Keeper of the Privy-Seal Queen Elizabeth highly respected him dispensing with his Attendance at Court in favour to his great Age. Duke Dudley in the days of King Edward ignominiously took from him the Garter of the Order saying He was not Originally qualified for the same But this was restored unto him by Queen Mary He died very old Anno 1563. and was buried in Lichfield His Education was better than his Biâ—th his Knowledg higher than his Education His Parts above his Knowledg and his Experience beyond his Parts A general Learning furnished him for Tâ—avel and Travel seasoned that Learning for Employment His Master-piece was an inward Observation of other Men and an exact knowledge of Himself His Address was with state yet insinuating His Discourse free but weighed his apprehension quick but staid His ready and present mind keeping its pauses of thoughts and expressions even with the occasion and the emergency neither was his carriage more stiff and uncompliant than his Soul Gundamore could not fit King Iames so well as Sir William did Charles the Fifth who in a rapture once cried He deserved to BE a King as well as to REPRESENT One and one day as he came to Court Yonder is the Man I can deny nothing to Apollonius coming to Vespatian's Gate betimes in the morning and finding him up said Surely this man will be Emperour he is up so early This Statesman must needs be eminent who was up the earliest of all the English Agents in discovering Affairs and latest in following those Discoveries Three sorts of Embassadors the Emperour Charles observed were sent him from England the first was Wolsey whose great Train promised much as his great Design did nothing The second was Morisin who promised and did much The third Paget who promiâ—ed nothing and did all What Scholars observed then of three Divines that a Statesman hath set down of our three Agents the first was words without matter the second was matter without words the third was words and matter Quick and regular were his Dispatches when Secretary pleasing all with his proceedings even when he could not but displease many with his Decision It was much none went away ever sad from Augustus
whom his arguments and his own Interest drew off from France Sir Robert helping him to some Observations touching the breach of the Article of Cambray as his pretense to this alteration and offering him what men and money he pleased as his encouragement to this undertaking Sending in the mean time one Nicolas West D. L. and Dean of Windsor to feel the Pulse of all the Princes in Christendome and advising upon an entire reflection on their several Interests the repair of our frontier Towns and Forts an Army ready in the North and a constant Parliament He is Deputy of Calice and Viceroy of France What the French lost in the Fieâ—d they got by Treaty until Sir Richard's time whose Policy went as far as his Masters Power in that Accord Which tyed up they said the French Kings hands behind his back and the Scotch between his legs Yea he almost perswaded Maximilian out of his Empire 1615. though he wished the King not to accept of until the French were out of Italy Some do bettâ— by Friends or Letters Sir Robert best by himselâ— observing that he never failed but when he iâ—â—trusted others with what he could do himself hâ—â— person breeding regard and his eye seeing morâ— than any he could employ and his present minâ— being more ready in his own affairs upon any aâ—â—teration to come on draw back or otherwise acâ—comodate matters than any Substitute who seeâ—â— not the bottom of things nor turn to occasionsâ— He had about him his Blades and Gallants to exâ—postulate his Orators and fair-spoken-men tâ— perswade his close and subtile ones to enquiâ—â— and observe his froward men to perplex anâ— his plain Agents to report Attendants for alâ— services whose experience made them knowing and confident Doctor West Pace Lee and Gardener's way was the Circuit afar off Sir Robert's was the Surprize quick and nicked No man observing time more closely no man watching Natures tempers interests advantages and ends more indeâ—atigably It was the observation of those dayes That Sir Robert Wingfield was the best to prepare and ripen Designs and Sir Thomas Bolen to execute them But that Age was two boysterous and he too wary to advance beyond the reputation of a knowing Agent in which câ—pacity he lived or of a resolved Patriot with which honour he dieth Observations on the Life of Edward Stafford Duke of Buckingham HIs Blood was high his Revenue large and he was born to adorn the Court rather than to serve it He vied with the King in Gallantry and with the Cardinal in Pride of the one he speaks irreverently That Women governed him more than he did the Kingdome of the other indiscreetly That Francis governed France and Harry England and Wolsey both adding That the Commonalty might well complain when we had two Kings to maintain That which ruineth the world ruineth him his Tongue Fate never undid a man without his own indiscretion and her first stroke is at the Head Abroad none more Gorgeous at Home none more Noble at Court splendid among his Tenants Prince-like to his Relations impartial A Servant always pulled down the house of the Staffords and now one Knevet his Steward whom he had discharged for oppressing his Tenants undoeth him for his Father in-law the Earl of Northumbeâ—land is set under a Cloud and his Son-in-law the Earl of Surrey is removed on pretense of honourable employment out of the way and Wolsey's malice at the Duke hath its full scope who now deals with Knevets discontent to discover his Masters life and suggest that the Duke by way of discourse was wont to say how he meant to use the matter that if King Henry died without issue he would attain the Crown and punish the Cardinal George Nevil Lord Abergavenny his Son-in-law impeached him to save himâ—elf His Title to the Crown was his Descent from Anne Plantagenet Daughter of Thomas of Woodâ—tock Son to Edward the third His Accusation was 1. That he had conferred with a Cunning Man Hopkins Monk of Henton concerning the future state of this Realm who advised him to Popularity for he should have all if he had but the love of the People the Wizard confirming this by Revolutions and the Duke rewarding it with great encouragment 2. That he disparaged the present Government and used Arts to secure the succession 3. That he had threatned King Henry with the same Dâ—gger that should have murthered Richard the third He denied the Charge very eloquently and disclaimed his Life very rashly his foolish words rather than any designed malice deserving rather pity then judgement Much lamented was he by the People and as much was the Cardinal maliced being now called by the whole multitude The Butchers Son When Buckingham fell three things fell with him 1. The Splendour of the Court. 2. Hospitality and good Landlords in the Country And 3. The High-Constableship of England All Greatness is subject to Envy but none more than that which is insolent and affected being never its self without its pomp and shew Plain and modest Greatness is only safe A Witch then blasts a man when most prosperous and the Envious the onely Wizard in the world when most glorious Wise men therefore have eclipsed themselves that they might not be gazed on and great Ones have shrunk and suffered themselves to be oveâ—-born to be secure Vain-glorious men are the scorn of the Wise the admiration oâ— Fools the Idols of Parasites and the envy of the Unworthy the Busie the Unfortunate the Ambitious and the Rivals He lives well that lives in peace and he is safely gâ—eat that is great in his Conscience Anger sure is but a weakness in any man it belongeth so much to the Aged and the Childish and an indecency in a Nobleâ—man yet it might have been a Gallantry in this Duke had it noâ— 1. Revealed secrets and so betrayed him And 2. Spoke bitterly and dangerously and so abused him So far will Discontent carry Nature that it easily believes what it wisheth So much doth a Prophetick Vanity sway English-men that have the most of men of any in the world in Divinations and an itch to know things to come that the wittiest Sir Thomas More the most devout Bishop Fisher the wisest Cardinal Wolsey and the most Noble the Duke of Buckingham have been undone by hearkening after Pâ—edictions the two first of Elizabeth Barton the third of Iohn Sacheveril and the fouâ—th Monk Hopkins Always are these Divinations like the Astâ—ologers in Rome by seveâ—e Laws forbidden yet alwâ—ys aâ—e they by vain persons obtruded Many Wives wo England hardned many a Male-content to his ruine in King Henry the eighth's time When HEMPE is spun England is done encouraged many a Papiâ—t to his undoing in Queen Elizabeths time Leo Nullus confirmed many a deluded soul to hiâ— downfal in our days It was as fatal to this great man to trust his Steward as his Wizard the one deluded the other betrayed him It undoeth a man to
Honour to be of Prince EDWARD's special Council for the future By his Order he had as his share of Abbey-Lands Battle-Abbey in Sussex enjoyed by his Heirs Males in a direct Line to this day And by his Authority he had the Honourable Garter He was the fiâ—st man that durst bring his Master the sad news That He must die And no wonder he durst do it for the next news is That he is dead himself How darest thou to be so plain said Heliogabalus to the Courtier Because I dare die said he I can but die if I am Faithful and I must die though I Flatter Tâ—is Gentlemans humour of crossing present proceedings was prettily reproved by King Hen. the Eighth's little story of a poor Woman drowned by mischance whose dead body whilst her Neighbours sought for down the River her Husband who knew her condition better than they advised them to seek up the River for all her life long she loved to be contrary to all others and he presumed she would swim against the stream being dead The End of the Obseâ—vations upon the Lives of the Statesmen and Favourites of England in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth THE STATES-MEN and FAVOURITES OF ENGLAND IN The Reign of King Edward the VI. Observations on the Lives of the Seymours EDward Seymour and Thomas Seymour both Sons of Sir John Seymour of Wolful in Wiltshire I joyn them together because whilst they were united in affection they were invincible but when divided easily overthrown by their Enemies EDward Duke of Somerset Lord Protector and Treasurer of England being the elder Brother succeeded to a fair Paternal inheritance He was a valiant Souldier for Land-service fortunate and generally beloved by Martial Men. He was of an open nature free from jealousie and dissembling affable to all people He married Anne Daughter to Sir Edward Stanhop a Lady of a high mind and haughty undaunted spirit THOMAS SEYMOUR the Younger brother was made BARON of Sudley and by Offices and the favours of his Nephew King Edward the sixth obtained a great Estate He was well experienced in Sea-Affairs and made Lord Admiral of England He lay at a close postuâ—e being of a reserved nature and more cunning in his carriage He married Queen Katherine Pâ—rr the Widow of King Henry 8. Very great the Animosities betwixt their Wives the Dutchess refusing to bear the Queens Trainâ— and in effect justled with her for precedence se that what betwixt the Train of the Queen and lonâ— Gown of the Dutchess they raised so much dust at the Court as at last put out the eyes of both their Husbands and occasioned their Executionâ— Their Sisters Beauty commended them to the Kingâ— favours but a frail support that which is as lasting only as a Phancy and only as certain as Passion therefore their Parts recommended them to his service Affection shall lead me to Court but I 'le take care that Inâ—erest keeps me there Sir Edward Seymours temper suited with the Kings Inclinations and his spirit with his times both high both stirring In the throng of Courtiers there aâ—e but three steps to raise a man to observations 1. Some pecuâ—iar sufficiency 2. Some particular exploit and 3. An especial Friend This Noble Person shewed the first with advantage in that draught of Military Discipline presented to Henry the eighth wherein the embattling is most remarkable viz. Twenty two compleat Companies make up four Squadrons eveâ—y Squadron of Pikes and Musquets being drawn up apart the Pikes and Colours on the left hâ—nd and the Musqueteers on the right These Squadrons make up a Brigade to be drawn up as followeth viz. Ten Corporalships of Musqueteers being 34 Rots divided into five Plattons every Platton being nine or so in front led by a Major and every division by a sufficient Commander Next after these Thirty six Rots of Pikes are to follow being twelve Corporalships with their Colours following them till they are drawn up even in front with the 32 Rots of Musqueteers This makes the Right Wing of the Brigade 2. The Battel of Pikes moveth forward in division doing in all respects as the former till they range even in front with the Pikes of the Right Wing Then the oâ—her 32 Rots of Musqueteers belonging to the middle Squadron who are appointed to make the Battel of the Brigade are led up as the first Musqueteers in all points but at a reasonable distance behind the Pikes of their own Squadrons Then the last Squadron of Pikes marcheth up in all respects observing the same order until they have attained to range in front even with oâ—her â—ikes This being done the Battel or middle Squadron oâ— Pikes and Musquets advanceth in one body until it 's clear of the Wings Lastly the Surplus of the three Squadrons being 48 Rots of Muâ—quetâ—eâ—s are drawn up behind the Brigadâ—e where they are to attend the Commands of their Officers to guard the Baggage or Cannon to be Convoâ—es for Ammunition or Victuals to the rest or continue a reserve to wait upon all occasions 2. Eminent was his ability for this Draught more eminent for his performance agreeable to it in Britain where he sate before a Town six weeks to no purpose while it expected relief from Italy But at last he inâ—inuates a jealousie between the Pope and the French King touching that City that obstructed all relief He with aâ— much speed and policy sets upon the two main Scâ—â—res for defense of the Town and took them bâ—th battering the Town and Castle with that violence and noise that they say it was heard 100 miles off A Train of Powder is laid to blow them up when they should enter but this succeeded not For the French in passing the Ditch had so weted their cloaths that dropping upon the Train the Powder would not take fire and so all things conspiring to crown his valour with success he takes the Castle first and then dividing the Town and weakning it by several assaults at once brought it to his own terms Here his Valour had been eminent but that his conduct was more and his Conduct renowned but that his nobleness towards the Conquered his civility and obligingness towards the Souldiery and his integrity towards all persons had out-done that There are but two things that a subject can honestly oblige his Prince in 1. Keeping his subjects in peace at home 2. Keeping his enemies under abroad 1. Those soft but prudent Acts of Peace 2. Those resolved but well-managed wayes of War Sir Thomas wanted neither a resolution for the one nor a temper for the other But sufficiency and merits are neglected things when not befriended Princes are too reserved to be taken with the first appearances of worth unless recommended by tryed judgments It 's fit as well as common that they have their Counsellours for persons as well as things His Sister therefore was married on Whit sunday and he is on the Tuesday following created Viscount Beauchamp But
at Court often to encourage them for the other getting his Commanders always power and authority enough to do their Masters business but never enough to do their own There being always a contest between the Populacy and the Souldiers whom nothing reconciles but downright force and necessity it was death to his Followers to be irregular because one of their miscarriages exasperates a million and distastes a Kingdom so necessary is a strict Discipline in the Camp and an impartial Justice in the Countrey Outward occasions help Fortune a Man 's own temper makes it when there be as my Lord Bacon writes no stops or restiveness in a Man's mind but that the wheels of that keeps even with those of fortune Sir Clement and Cato Major were both of a make both having tantum robur corporis animi ut quocunque loco nati essent fortunam sibi facturi viderentur Observations on the Life of the Lord Rich. HE must needs be preferred who was so richly descended and nobly allied as to shew at Court upon his first appearance sixty Noblemen and Knights of his Relation and a hundred and fifty thousand Pound a Year Revenue among his Friends He was more beholding to the Temple for his Law than to the Universities for his Learning His severe and active Nature aspiring above the pedantiqueness of a Scholar to the usefulness of a States-man I could never endure saith he those Studies that furnish me only with unactive thoughts and useless discourse that teach me only to think and speak His staid and solid parts commended Him to Cromwel and Cromwel recommended him to King Henry the Eighth He was Solicitor-General to His Majesty and Steward to his Master Cromwel was the Mâ—wl and Rich the Hammer of Abbeys He laid open to the Monks their faults and his Master made use of it to force them to a surrendry For as he said when those Religious Societies saw they had faults enough discovered to take away their Lands they had wit enough to give them up His Counsels overthrew Popery and his Deposition cut off Sir Thomas More for being sent to Sir Thomas after much discourse with him he asked him this subtle Question Whether he would acknowledge the King Supream Head if it were enjoyned by an Act of Parliament Sir Thomas asked him again If the Parliament enacted that God should not be Lord whether he should consent to it And those words undid him He saw that the Protestant Religion was the Interest of England as well as the Doctrine of Scripture and therefore he carried it on in point of policy as Archbishop Cranmer did in point of conscience King Henry the eighth admired his distinct reasoning and stayed judgment and Queen Anne Bullen was taken with his graceful eloquence and ingenious discourses In the morning his plyant soul that could answer all the turnings and windings of business was as reserved and solid as that of a demure States-man in the evening as chearful and merry as that of a Debonair Courtier He was the wisdome of the Court in the Presence and its wit in the Closet its Oracle there and its pleasure here King Henry the eighth made him one of his Legators and King Edward the sixth one of his Council Under him he carried on the Protestant Religion in point of conscience which others managed in point of interest He designed the degrees of the Reformation and he set out its method than whom none more zealous in things necessary none more moderate in things indifferent Active he was but wary stirring but cautious To him the Reformers resorted in point of Law as to Cranmer and Ridley in point of Religion Such his Prudence that the Protector made him his Friend such his Integrity that the King made him Chancellour where his Decrees were just his Dispatches quick his Judgments speedy his Sums of Debates â—ull and satisfactory his Sentences irreversible his Assistants in the Rolls anâ— other Courts able and honest None more complyant to Reason none more stiff in things againsâ— Reason He would do any thing for King Edward the sixth's interest nothing for Duke Dudley's ambition therefore he observing the course of Affairs would rather resign his Place than his Integrity when he could not with a safe conscience keep it he with a contented mind parted with it being honoured with the Barony of Leez and enriched with the Western Abbies it being the Prudence of that time to interest the Nobility in the Papal Revenues that so they might be engaged against the Authority R. Rich Lord Chancellour saith my Author then living in Great St. Bartholomews though outwardly concurring with the rest began now secretly to favour the Duke of Somerset and sent him a Letter therein acquainting him with all passages at the Council-board subscribing the same either out of hast or familiarity with no other Direction save To the Duke enjoyning his servant a new Attendant as newly entred into his Family safely to deliver it The Man made more hast than good speed and his Lord wondring at his quick return demanded of him where the Duke was when he delivered him the Letter In the Charter-house said the servant on the same token that he read it at the Window and smiled thereat But the Lord Rich smiled not at the Relation as sadly sensible of the mistake and delivery of the Letter to the Duke of Norfolk no great friend of his and an utter enemy to the Duke of Somerset Wonder not if this Lord rose early up the next morning who may be presumed not to have slept all Night He hieth to the Court and having gotten admittance into the Bed-chamber before the King was up fell down on his Knees and desired that his Old Age might be eased of this burthensome Office pleading that there ought to be some preparatory intervals in States-men between their temporal business and their death in order to which he desired to retire to Essex there to attend his own Devotions Nor would he rise from the ground till the King had granted his Request And thus he saved himself from being stripped by others by first pulling off his own Cloaths who otherwise had lost his Chancellours place for revealing the secrets of the Council-board There are few places so impregnable but Nature hath left in them some place or other by which they may be taken none being armed at all points so well but there is some way left whereby he may be surprized He is the strongest that hath fewest accesses He was a wise Man that said Delay hath undone many for the other World Hast hath undone more for this Time well managed saves all in both But there is a Wheel in things which undoeth all those that have not a Wheel that answereth it in their Souls I mean a great capacity to comply and close with those grand Vicissitudes that with small and unobserved circumstances turn round the World which this great Man was Master of who
England since the Reformation their Rise and Growths Prudence and Policies Miscarriages and Falls during the Reigns of Henry the eighth King Edward the sixth Queen Mary Queen Elizabeth King Iames and King Charles the first in Octav. by D. Lloyd A. M. The Precedency of Kings in Folio by Iames Howel Esquire The Description of Tangier with an account of the Life of Gayland Usurper of the Kingdom of Fez in Quarto The Golden Coast or a Description of Guiney in Quarto An Abridgement of the three Volumns of Sir George Crookes Reports in Octavo An Abridgement of the Reports of Sir Francis More in Octavo The Compleat Lawyer by William Noy of Lincolns-Inne in Octavo The Tenants Law a Treatise of great use for Tenants and Farmers of all kinds and all other persons whatsoever Wherein the several Natures Differences and kinds of Tenures and Tenants are discussed and several Cases in Law touching Leases Rents Distresses Replevins and other accidents between Landlord and Tenants and Tenant and Tenant between themselves and others especially such who have suffered by the late conflagration in the City of London by R. T. Gent. in Twelves Memories of the Lives Actions Sufferings and Deaths of those Noble Reverend and excellent Personages that suffered by Death Sequestration Decimation or otherwise for the Protestant Religion and the great Principle thereof Allegiance to their Sovereign in our late intestine Wars in Folio by D. Lloyd A. M. Arithmetical Recreations by W. Leybourne in Twelves The Reports of Sir Henry Hobart in F. The Compleat Copy-holder by the Lord Cooke in Octavo Machiavels Discourses and Prince in Twelves The Roman History of Lucius Florus in English in Octavo The City and Country Purchaser and Builder with directions for purchasing building and improving of Lands and Houses in any part of England in Octavo by Stephen Primate Gent. A brief Chronicle of the late intestine War in the three Kingdoms of England Scotland and Ireland from the years of our Lord 1637. to the year 1663. in Fol. by Iames Heath Gent. The new Academy of Complements erected for Ladies and Gentlemen containing variety of Complements and Letters fitted to the occasions of all persons of both Sexes with an exact Collection of the newest and choicest Songs a la mode both Amorous and Jovial in Twelves Systema Agriculturae being the whole Mystery of Husbandry made known by I. W. Gent. in Folio The Kings Primmer containing easie and pleasant directions for the reading of English in Thirty two Kings Psalter stored with observable varieties fit either for the School or for the Closet all which are profitable plain and pleasant in Octavo The Life and Death of that matchless Mirrour of Heroick Vertues Henrietta Maria de Bourbon late Queen to King Charles the first and Mother to the most Magnificent Prince King Charles the second in Twelves An Advertisement To all Gentlemen Booksellers or others WHereas Samuel Speed Bookseller hath lately disposed himself to a whole-Sale trade for Books not making any appearance of that imployment as â—ormerly he did These are to Certifie That those persons that please to apply themselves to him for Books shall be as well used as by any person whatsoever and whosoever hath any Study or Library of Books or Copies either in Manuscript or such as have been already Printed to dispose of shall receive from him the full value thereof to the said Parties ample satisfaction FINIS THE States-Men Favourites OF ENGLAND IN The Reign of Q. MARY Observations on the Life of Sir William Cordel SIR William Cordel where ever he was born had a fair Estate at Long-Melford in Suffalâ— and lieth buried in that fair Church under a decent Monument We will tranâ—late his Epitaph which will perfectly acquaint us with the great Offices he had and good Offices he did to Posterity Hic Gulielmus habet requiem Cordelliae avito Stemmate qâ—i elanus claâ—iâ—r ingeâ—io Hiâ— Studiis primos consumpsit foâ—titer dunos Mox causarum strenâ—â—â— actor eratâ— Tanta illi doctrina inerat facundia tanta Vâ— Parlamento publica linguaforet Postea factus Eques Reginae arcana Maria Conâ—ilia Patriae grande subibat opus Factus est Custos Rotulorum urgente senecta In Christo moriens cepit ad astra viam Pauperibus largus victum vestemque ministrans Insuper Hospitii condidit ille domum 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 He was made Master of the Rolls November the fifth in the fifth of Queen Mary continuing therein till the day of his death the 23 of Queen Elizabeth Eight weeks and upwards passed between the Proclaiming of Queen Mary and the first Parliament by her assembled duâ—ing which time two Religions were together set on foot Protestantism and Popery the former hoping to be continued the latter labouring to be restored And as the Jews Children after the Captivity spake a middle Language betwixt Hebrew and Ashdâ—d so during the foresaid Interim the Churches and Chappels in England had a mixt celebration of their Divine Service between Reformation and Superstition The â—ame day there was a Mass sung for Edward the Sixth's soul in the Tower and the English Service for his Burial in Westminster No small justling was there between the zealous Promoters of these contrary Perswasions The Protestants had the Law on their side and the Papists the Prerogative These the Queens Opinion the other her Promise Besides seeing by the Fidelity of the Suffolk and Norfolk Protestant Gentry the Queen was much advantaged for the Recovery of her Right they conceived it but reason that as she by them regained the Crown so they under her should enjoy their Consciences Thus it is in the Evening Twilight wherein Light and Darkness at first may seem very equally marched but the later in a little time doth wholly prevaiâ— The Catholick canvass for the next Parliament upon the Queens credit and authorityâ— the Reformed upon the Nations Inclination The Body of the Kingdom meets and chuseth our Knight for Speaker whose temper was a Representative of the Parliament as that is of the Kingdom A temper made up of an equal mixture of Loyalty and Piety that could at once stand to their Religion and submit to their Soveraign Render to Caesar what was Caesars and to God what was Gods Long did he expect that the Queen would comply with the Parliament and as long did she stay for their compliance with her Unite they could not unanimously among themselves dissolved they are therefore peaceably
by her But Cordel was too Popular to be neglected and too honest to be corrupted Useful Parts will finde Preferment even when the Dissenting Judgement findes not Favouâ— The Speaker of the unhappily healing Parliamâ—nt was made Master of the Rolls in Queen Maries days and of a more happily healing one was made so in Charles the Second's Reign The one was of that Primitive Faith that was before the Modern names of Papists and Protestants the other of a Moderation that was elder than the new Heats of Disciplinarians and Anti-Disciplinarians The miscarriages of Authority are chiefly sixâ— 1. Delay 2. Faction 3. Roughness 4. Corruption 5. Ambition And 6. Private Designs No delay hindred where set times of hearing were observed access was easie the order and method of business uninterrupted No corruption where there durst be no suspicion of it insomuch as that it was heinous to offer a Bribe to him as to take it in another Here was severity that awed men to a discontent but no austerity that sowred them to discontent all was smooth and grave pleasing and becoming yet nothing easiâ— or soft it being worse to yield to importunities that are dayly than to be bought with money which comes but seldom Vâ—rtue in Ambition is violent but in Authority as here it was calm and settled He â—ided with no Faction in his rise but balanced himself by all He had no design when he lived but to be spent in the Publick Service and none when he dyed but to spend himself in publick charity a charity that is at once the continued blessing and grace of that worshipful Family Cato Major would saâ— That wise men learn more of fools than fools do of wise men And King Charles the first would say That it was wisdom in fools to jest with wise men but madness for wisemen to iest with fools And Sir william Cordel bequeathed us this Oâ—servation There is no man that talks but I may gain by him and none that holds his toâ—gue but I may lose by him Observations on the Life of Sir Anthony Cooke SIr Anthony Cooke greâ—t Grandchilde to Sir Thomas Cooke Lord Mayor of London was born at Giddy-Hall in Essex where he finished a fair House begun by his great Grandfather as appeareth by this Inscription on the Frontispiece thereof AEdibus his frontem Proavus Thomas dedit olim Addidit Antoni caetera sera manus He was one of the Governors to King Edward the â—ixth when Prince and is charactered by Mr. Cambden Vir antiqua â—erenitate He observeth him also to be happy in his Daughters learned above their Sex in Greek and Latine namely 1. Mildred married unto William Cecil Lord Treasurer of England 2. Anne married unto Nicholas Bacon L. Chancellour of England 3. Katherine married unto Henry Killigrew K t 4. Elizabeth married unto Thomas Hobby K t 5. 〈◊〉 married unto Ralph Rowlet K t Sir Anthony Cooke dyed 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. Honor 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 Mathematicks 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 for fear he should have none by birch and lest he wanted am â—eir of his body he made five of his mind for whom he had at once a Gavel-kind of affection and of Estate His Childrens maintenance was always according to their quality and their employment according to their disposition neither allowing them to live above their fortunes nor forcing them against their natures It is the happiness of Forreigners that their Vocations are suited to their Natures and that their Education seconds their Inclination and both byass and ground do wonders Iâ—s the unhappiness of Englishmen that they are bred rather according to their Estates than their temper and Great Parts have been lost while their Calling drew one way and their Genius another and they sadly say Multum incola fuere animae nostrae We have dwelt from home Force makes Nature more violent in the return Doctrine and Discourse may make it less importune Custom may hide or suppress it nothing can extinguish it Nature even in the softer Sex runs either to Weeds or Herbs careful was this good Father therefore seasonably to water the one and destroy the other Much was done by his grave Rules more by his graver life that Map of Precepts Precepts teach but Examples draw Maxima debetur pueris reverentia was Cato's Maxime Three things there are before whom was Sir Anthony's saying I cannot do amissâ— 1. My Prince 2. My Conscience 3. My Children Seneca told his Sister That though he could not leave her a great portion he would leave her a good pattern Sir Anthony would write to his Daughter Mildred My example is your inheritance and my life is your portion His first care was to embue their tender souls with a knowing serious and sober Religion which went with them to their graves His next business was to inure their youngâ—r years to submission modesty and obedience and to let their instructions grow with their years Their Book and Pen was their Recreation the Mâ—sick and Dancing School the Court and City their accomplishment the Needle in the Closet and House-wifry in the Hall and Kitchings their business They were reproved but with reason that convinced and checked that wrought aswell an ingenious shame as an unfeigned sorrow and a dutiful fear Fondness never loved his Children aâ—d Passion never chastised them but all was managed with that prudence and discretion that my Lord Seymor standing by one day when this Gentleman chiâ— his Son said Some men govern Families with more skill than others do Kingdoms and thereupon commended hiâ— to the Government of his Nephew Edward the sixth Such the Mâ—jâ—stie of his looks and gate that Aâ—â— governed such the reason and sweetness that love obliged all his Family a Family equally afraid to displease so good a Head and to offend so great In their marriage they were guided by his Reason more than his Will and rather directed by his Counsel than led by his Authority They were their own portion Parts Beauty and Breeding bestow themselves His care was that his Daughters might have compleat
Artificial and careless freedome that opened others 2. A natural gravity that shut him up and was more capable of observing their Vertues and escaping their Vices Peter Earl of Savoy came to do his homage to Otho the fourth in a double attire on the one side Cloth of Gold on the other shining Armour the Emperour asked him what meant that Lindsey-Woolsey he answered Sir the attire on the right side is to honoâ—r your Majesty that on the left is to serve you Sir William Peter returns with those Gayeties of carriages on the one hand that might adorn a Court and with those abilities on the other that might support it His first employment was the Charts the Lattin Letters and the Forreign Nâ—gotiation the next was Principal Secretary In which Office Wriothesly was rough and stubborn Paget easie Cecil close Mason plain Smith noble Peter was smooth reserved resolved and yet obliging Both the Laws he was Doctor of and both the Laws he made use of the Civil Law to direct Forreign Negotiations and the other to give light to Domestick Occasions In the Kings absence in France 1554. Craumer and Thorleby are to assist the Queen in matters of Religion the Earl of Hertford in Affairs of War the Lord Parr of Horton and Doctor Peter in the Civil Government whose Maxime it was It is the interest of the Kings of England to be the Arbiters of Christendome Thus much he was to the Queen by Henry the eighth's Deputation and no less to King Edward by his Will A man would wonder how this man made a shift to serve four Princes of such distant Interests as King Henry King Edward Queen Mary Queen Elizabeth untill he recollects the French King who enquired of a wise man how he might govern himself 〈◊〉 his Kingdome the wise man took a fair large sheet of Paper and instead of an infinite number of Precepts which others use to offer upon that subject he onely writ this word Modus A Mean In King Henry's time he observed his Humour in King Edward's he kept to the Law in Queen Mary's he intended wholly Sâ—ate-affairs and in Queen Elizabeth's he was religious his years minding him of death and his death of his faith He moved with the first Movers in most transactions to his apparent danger yet he had motions of his own for his real security Able he was at home and very dexterous abroad particularly at Bulloin The Philosophers exercising their Gifts before an Ambassador he asked one that was silent what he should say of him Report to your King saith he that you found one among the Graecians that know how to hold his tongue Ah said Mounsieur Chatillon we had gained the last 200000 Crowns without Hostages had it not been for the man that said nothing meaning Secretary Peter Neither was he better at keeping his own counsel than at discovering other mensâ— as appeared by the intelligence he had that the Emperour had â—ent ships to transport the Lady Mary into Germany in case the King would not allow her the practice of her Religion though three men knew not that Designe in the German Court whereupon he fetched her two Leez and thence under the notion of preparing for Sea-matters he sent over five thousand pounds to relieve the Protestants Active he was about the Will in compliance with his duty to King Edward but as nimble in his intelligence suitable to his Allegiance to Queen Mary whom he assisted in two Particulars 〈◊〉 In making the Maâ—ch 2. In searching the bottom of Wiat's Insurrection therefore 1. When the Church-lands went against her conscience Sir William Peter must be sent for 2. When the Pope sent another Legate to turn out Pool he must be sent for who advised her to forbid him this Land as she very resolutely did As serviceable was he to Queen Elizabeth till his Age not being able to go through the difficulties and his Conscience being impatient of the severities of those â—â—â—ie and harsh times he retired to Essex where his Estate was great and his Charity greater both which he bequeathed his Son Iohn who was by King Iames made Baron of Writtle in that County Observations on the Life of Cardinal Pool HIs Extraction was so high that it awakened King Henry the Eighth's Jealousies and his Spirit so low that it allayed it When he reflected on his Royal Relation he was enjealousied to hard thoughts of restraint and security when he observed his modest Hopefulness he was obliged to those more mild of Education and Care as more honourable than the other and as safe Religion and Study would enfeeble that spirit to quiet contemplation which more manlike exercises might ennoble for Business and Action It was but mewing him up in a study with hopes of a Mitre and there would be no danger of his ambition to the Crown The Privacies of the School and Colledge made him a stranger to the transactions of Court and he was two follow his Book that he might not understand himself His preferments were competent to content him and yet but mean to expose him Three things concurred to his escape from King Henry's Toyl 1. His Relation's ambition that could not endure he should be wrapped in Black that was born to be clothed in Purple 2. His own Inclination to adde Experience to his Learning 3. The Kings Policy to maintain him abroad who could not safely keep at home No sooner arriveth he at Paris than the Pope caresseth him as a person â—it to promote his Interest The House of York supports him as one that kept up their Claim and the general Discontent crieth him up as one that was now the hope of England and might be its Relief That he might not come short of their Expectation or his own Right his large capacity takes in the Learning of most Univeâ—sities observeth the way of most Nations and keeps correspendence with all eminent men The first of these improved his Learning the second his Experience the third his Converse The Marquess of Exeter the Lord Mountacute Sir Nicholas Carew Sir Edward Nevil Sir Geoffery Poole would have made him a King but to gain him a Crown they loft their own Heads and Pope Iulius made him a Kings Fellow but he was never Head of this Church since he put the Red Hat on this Cardinal The King had him declared for a Traytor in England and he him excommunicated for an Heretiâ—k at Rome His Friends are cut off by the King at home and the Kings Enemies cheâ—ished by â—im abroaâ— But Princes are mortal though their hatred not so For before the Kings deatâ— he would needs be reconciled to Pool and as some thought by him to Rome wherefore he sends to him now in great esteem in Italy desiring his opinion of his late Actions clearly and in few words Glad was Pool of this occasion to dispaâ—ch to him his Book de Vnione Ecâ—lesiarum inveighing against his Supremacy and concluding with an advice
Negative to even Voices and from even Voices to a Dispuâ—ation and upon that to a Determinâ—tion on the Kings â—ide for which we find him now Bishop of Winchester Archbishop Cranmer's Assistant at pronouncing the Divorce at the Priory of Dunstable and one of the two Embassadors at the Interview between King Francis and King Henry As he had declared himself by writing so he drew up a Form whereby others might declare themselves by oath for the Kings Supremacy And as he owneth the Kings Authority so he maintaineth it in his Apology for Fisher's Death But because no power is lasting when Religion is not venerable the wary Bishop promotes the Statutes of six Articles in the House of Commons in spight of Cromwel and Cranmer and urgeth the retaining of some essential Latin words in the translation in the Convocation Words for their genuine and native meaning â—nd for the Majesty of the matter in them contained not to be Englished Though he could not keep the word from shining yet he had wit enough to keep it in a daâ—k Lanthorn to keep the Laity at their distance and bear up the Will-worship of Rome Hâ—d he kept here King Henry had been satisfied but when his success improved his boldness and that precipitated his undertakings he must be quarreling with the Protestant Queens and so fall out with the Uxâ—rious King under whose displeasure he continued while he lived as he did under his sons afterwards First for refusing a confession of his fault and then for not subscribing some Articles proposed unto him though he owned the Supremacy the Reformation and said of the Common-Prayer That though he would not have made it so himself yet he found in it such things as satisfied his conscience and therefore he would both execute it himself and cause others of his Parishioners to do it and if he were troubled inconscience he would reveal it to the Council and not reason oâ—enly against it so that he lost his Liberty aâ—d his Bâ—shâ—prick untill he was restored to both by Queen Mary who kissed and called him her Prisoner in the Tower and likewise advanced him to the Chancellourship wherein he did more harm by others than himself keeping alwayes behindâ— the Curtain and acting in Oxford by Visitors in London by Bonner and in his own Diocess by Suffragans Onely in two Particulars he declared himself 1. Against the Princess Elizabeth saying In vain it is to lop the Branches while the Root remains 2. Against the Exiles Threatning that he would watch their supplies so that they should eat their nails and then feed on their fingers ends But threatned Folks live long and before the Confessors were brought to that Bill of fare the Bishop was eaten of worms himself dying suddenly and strangely wholly a Protestant in the point of merit who had been in other things so zealous a Papist One piece at once of his Prudence and Resolution and I have done The Lord Protector by Letters sollicited Gardiner to resign Trinity-Hall to the Kings hand who designed one Coâ—ledge out of that and Clare-Hall Most politick Gardiner saith my Author not without cause suspecting some design or casualty might surprize the Interval between the dissolution of the old and the erection of this new Foundation civilly declined the motion informing his Grace That the way to advance the study of the Law was by promoting the present Professors of that Faculty now so generally discouraged and not by founding a new Colledge for the future Students thereof seeing Trinity Hall alone could breed more Civilians than all England did prefer according to their deserts Observations on the Life of Sir William Herbert HIs Family had not endeared its self to the antient Kings by its service nor his Grandfather himself to King Henry the Seventh by his Relation more than He did Himself to King Henry the Eighth by his Merit He was a great Pattern of antient Vertue that in the greatest Fortune enjoyed the least Liberty Vigilant and careful One whose Power was attended with Sollicitude there was an Eye in the ancient Scepters and his sollicitude with Temperance he that commands himself commands the World too While some mens imprudent integrity can do no harm and others base cunning can do no good Sir William's Prudence and integrity was equally able for both as there was occasion Very close and successful were his and my Lord Shefield's Negotiations abroad Very resolute and manly his Conduct at home He was one of the twenty four Counsellours to Henry the Eighth while he lived and one of the sixteen Executors of his Will when he died All great undertakers must avoid softness and effeminacie the bane of great Natures and Actions For where there is love and pleasure there is fear and where there is fear there is that which enchains Generosity and confines Courage He had his double Diary the first for Actions the second for Observations upon them And indeed his and Sir William Kingston's Manuscripts give a great light to the History of those times In which Diary we finde what actions he did against the Scots by constant alarms with three thousand Welch and what against Ket's Rebels by notable stratagems with two thousand The man is compleat that hath a Head and a Heart As to the Faction in King Edward's time he would not concern himself looking on accusations in a Commonwealth as great advantages to check ambition and vent discontent that the one may not aspire too dangerously nor the other break out too irregularly And as little concern'd was he in King Edward's Will his business being raâ—her obeying the Sovereign that was than determining who should be He was a throughly advised man one that gazed not on the issues but enquired into the reasons and spring of Actions Very useful he was in Queen Mary's Council and no less in King Philip's War where he got St. Quintin for him and a lasting Renown for himself who died in Queen Elizabeth's time and left this plain Character behinde That he was a noble Gentleman of a trusty a free and an open Nature Observations on the Lives of Sir Thomas Mannors and Sir Ralph Evers I Joyn them both in my Observations because they agreed both in their dispositions 1. Both Nobly Religious and so blessed themselves and being a blessing unto others Their Religion was attended with Magnanimity Constancy Wisdom Prudence Valour and Counsel as the Products of it and with Success as the Issue 2. Both famous and renowned having Honour as the shadow doth the Sun going before them in their younger years to make their way to action keeping even with them in their middle age to countenance and credit their proceedings and following them in old Age to eternize and embalm them Both making their way to Honour as Agesilaus in Plutarch or Epictetus in Strabo by saying what was well and doing what was better or with Socrates by being what they appeared and appearing no more
Marriage with Queen Anne and his Designe to marry him to the Dutches of Alanzon A Designe that because it seemed to over-reach his Mâ—jesty in cunning and really did cross his Inclination in malice that incensed his Majesty to a passion which could be appeased with no less a sacrifice than the Cardinals fall in order to which the next service of this Knight is as Lieutenant of the Tower to take him to custody which he did at Leicester with a Noble resolution considering that mans greatness with a due reverence regarding his calling and with a tender compassion respecting his condition perswading him gently of the Kings Favour at that very time when he was come to be an Instrument of his Iustice. And what he did to a Cardinal now he did to Queens afterwaâ—ds never Prince commanded higher services than King Henry nor subjects discharging them more undauntedly than Sir William because therefore he was so severe a Lieutenant in â—he Tower he is made a Pâ—ovost-Marshal in the Field in which capacity after the Devonshire-Rebels defeat we have these two remarkable stories of him 1. One Bowyer Mayor of Bodmin in Cornwal had been amongst the Rebels not willingly but enforced to him the Provost sent word he would come and dine with him for whom the Mayor made great Provision A little before Dinner the Provost took the Mayor aside and whispered him in the Ear that an Execution must that day be done in the Town and therefore he must set up two Gallows The Mayor did so After Dinner Sir William Kingston thanks him for his Entertainment and then desires him to bring him to the Gallows where when they were come Sir William asked him Whether they were strong enough I I 'll warrant thee saith the Mayor Then saith Sir William get you up upon them I hope saith the Mayor you do not mean as you speak Nay Sir saith he you must die for you have been a busie Rebel And so without any more ado hanged him 2. A Miller that had been very active in the late Rebellion fled and left another to take his Name upon him Sir William Kingston calls for the Miller His Servant tells him that he was the Man Then saith he you must be hanged Oh Sir saith he I am not the Miller If you are not the Miller you are a lying Knave if you are the Miller you are a trayterous one and however you must dye And so he did Punish the Multitude severely once and you oblige them ever for they love that man onely for his Good Nature whom they fear for his Resolution Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Cheyney THree things advised men in King Henry the Eighth's days 1. Their Extraction 2. Their Wit 3. Their Comeliness and Strength For the first his Name was up since Battle-Abel-Roll as to the second it was enough that he traveiled with Wolsey and touching the third there need be no other instance than that at Paris where upon the Daulphin's Proclamation of solemn Justs the Duke of Suffâ—lke the Marquess of Dorset Sir Edward Nevil and He answered the Challenge as not long after he encountered King Henry himself at Greenwich where he had the great Honour of a strong and valiant Knight and a greater of being overthrown by his Majesty Having engaged his Majesties Person at home he had the Honour to represent it abroad where his Commission was to complement the French King about his Liberty but his Business to observe the state of that place Where he saw that a Kingdom governed by a Prince who hath under him other independent Lords as that of France is no longer safe than those Lords are either in Humour or in Purse being always in danger either from their discontent or corruption 2. That Faction is always eager while Duty is modest and temperate This Occasion ennobled his Vertue and his Vertue improved the Occasion so well that I finde him so eminent a Parliament-man the 22th of King Henry that as Sir Brian Tuge had the Honour to open the several Boxes sent from the respective Universities with their opinions about the Kings Divorceâ— so Sir Thomas had the happiness in a set Speech to insist upon them all in general and every one in particular And at Queen Anne's Coronation my Lord Vaux Sir Iohn Mordant Sir Thomas and ten more are made Knights of the Bath Having acquitted himself Nobly in Court and Council he attends the Earl of Hertford against the Scots as Commissary and Sir Iohn Wallop with Sir Iohn Rainsford as Marshal for his Services in both which capacities he is made Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports in England and with the Comptroller Sir Iohn Gage made Field-marshal and Treasurer of the Army before Bulloign And not long after Treasurer of the Houshold and one of the Assistants for the Over-seeing of King Henry's Will When some were joyning others with the Protector others for limiting him Sir Thomas would say That as Machiavel saith No Laws so No good could be done by a Governour that was not absolute without either a Restraint or a Competitor Upon the Reformation he would say That the disesteem of Religious Ceremonies argued the decay of the Civil Government good Princes have first kept their People Religious and thereby Vertuous and united both old and new Rome stand by this In a word what makes all men made him A generous industry of Minde and a well-set hardiness of Body which were attended while he lived with Honour and Success and since he is dead with Repuâ—e and Renowe Where eminent and well-born Persons out of a habit of sloath and lazâ—ness neglect at once the Noblest way of employing their times and the fairest occasions of advancing their fortunes that State though never so flourishing and glorious wants something of being compleatly happy As soon as ever therefore the Kingdom is settled sedate times are the best to improve a Common wealth as his quiet hours are the best to improve a man he and Sir William Howard addressed themselves as vigorously to the opening of Commerce and Traffick for the enriching of this Nation as they had before to the exercise of Arms to secure it Pursuing the Design with Resolution and keeping the frame of it in order with Industry their constant Spirit surmounting all Difficulties that stood in the way of their own Glory or their Countrey 's â—appiness working so well upon the Russians that they not onely obtained their Desire but gained so far upon the Affections of that people that they obtained the greatest priviledges any Tradesmen ever enjoyed in Muscovy which the Russians were not easiâ—r in the promise of than just in the execution of that promise So that the Trade is advanced not onely beyond our hopes but our very pretences too by those three particulars that never fail of success 1. Union 2. Conduct 3. Courage in enterprizes vigorously begun and watchfully pursued Until Queen ELIZABETH concerned her self so far in the
careful to maintain itâ— knowing that in vain do the brows beat the eyes sparkle the tongue threaten the fist bend and the arm strike if the belly be not fed and the back cloathed and indeed this was his Master-piece that the Queen vying Gold and Silverâ— with the King of Spain had Money or Credit when the other had neither Her Exchâ—quer saith my Author though but a Pond in comparison holding water when his River fed with a spring from the Indies was dreined dâ—y It was with his advice that that Queen paid her Obligations in Preferments rather than Money giving away not above two Largesses of that nature in her life In a word when others set in a Cloud he shined clear to his last He saw Essex dead Leicester slighted Mount-joy discountenanced and what with the Queens constant favour which lodged where it lighted and his own temper and moderation when more violent men failed he died as great a Favourite as he lived leaving his son Thomas so much Estate as advanced him to the Earldome of Exeter and his son Robert so much state-Discipline as raised him successive to be Secretary of state Master of the Court of Wards Lord Treasurer and Earl of Salisbury He was a very exact and a wary Observer of Forreign Transaction witness this passage to Sir Henry Norris Embassador in France The rare manner of your Entertainment hath moved the Queens Majesty to muse upon what score it should be being more than hath been used in like cases to her Embassadors and such as besides your own report hath been by others lately advertised And for that in such things Gueses be doubtful I pray you by your next advertise me what your self do think of it and in the mean time I know you are not untaught to judge of the difference between fair words and good deeds as the saying is Fortuna cum ad blaâ—ditur Capitum advenit His thoughts of a Rebel that submitted take in these words Of late Shane Oneal hath made means to the Lord Deputy of Ireland to be received into grace pretending that he hath meant no manner of unlawfulness towards the Queen by which is gathered that he groweth weary of his lewdness yet I think he is no otherwise to be reformed than by sharp prosecution which is intended to be followed no whit the less for any his fair Writings as reason is Of Intelligence he writes thus I doubt not but you shall have of his hand no lack of Intelligence which you must credit as you see cause by proof of the event About Embassadors Dispatches he saith He must write apart to the Secretary in matters containing trouble and business and to his Soveraign of Advice In a particular Negotiation about Pyrates he advised That the King of France and his Council might perceive that it is well known how the Pyrates are suffered to do what they will notwithstanding it be contrary to Proclamation And yet you shall so order the matter saith he to a French Ambassadour as not that you shall find fault with this manner of suffering for that ought properly to be to the Spanish or Portugal Embassador with whom you may sometime deal to understand how they do know what is done and how they do interpret it Touching the King of Scots murther he would say There are words spoken which I hold best to suppress Neither would I have you saith he to his friend utter any of these things not doubting but shortly God will cause the truth to be revealed Of an underhand Traytor he writes to his friend I pray write unto me somewhat more particularly for the proof of his trayterous speeches whereby there might be some ground made how to have him demanded Of the demanding of a Town promised in a Treaty Sir Thomas Smith went to demand Callis not that we think the Goveâ—nour will deliver it but to avoid all cavillation which they might invent for by Law it must be demanded upon the very place and being not delivered the sum of 500000 It is forfeited Mrâ— Winter shall pass secretly with him to take possession thereof if they deceive our expectation but not past three of the Council know of Winteâ—s going Concerning the unreasonable words of Princes he saith If hereof the Embassador meaning the French shall make any sinister report you may as you see cause well maintain the Queens answer to be very reasonable as having cause to mislike the manner of writing of the Queen thereon which neverthe less you may impute to the unadvisedness of the Secretary for so the Queens Majesty doth impute it Of the troubles in Scotland he observed the French made their present advantage to the damage of England and you know that Scotlaâ—d is the French King to it as Ireland is the Spanish Of Fâ—rraign News he writes to Sir Henry Norris That hâ— would be glad to have a Note of the Names of the chiefest Nobility of Frâ—nce and with whom they be married adding thereto any other thing that may belong to the knowledge of their lineage and degreeâ— as you shall think meet He writes That her Majesty being a Prince her self is doubtful to give countenance to subjects I wish saith he to have a Kalender of them who are with the Prince and also to see the Edicts that have lately passed from the King against them and that in these troublesome times wherein accidents are so diversly reported your advices were large and repeated aâ—d that we had such Articles as pass on both sides Of France he sâ—iâ—h You must think that seeing all the parts of Christendome are intentive to hear of the matters of France we cannot be careless to whom the same belongeth next of all whatsoever the end thereof shall be Of the Distractions of France thus to our Embassador in France If you told the Queen-mother so as of your own head as a thing you hear spread abroad in the world I think you mâ—ght do well and speak truly for as for the Popes Ministers their â— rofession is to prefer the Weal of their own Church before the good state of any Kingdome on earth and whatsoever come of any thing they look onely to the continuance of their own ambitious Ruling And as for other Ministers of Princes or for men of War it is a truth infallible The more they do impoverish that Monarchy of France the better they think their own Estates Of a plot discovered he writes We can truly hit no man wherefore it is necessary that you speak again with the Party that gave you this Intelligence and if the matter be of truth and not a disguising to some other purpose he can as weâ—l obtain you the knowledge of the party in certainty as thus to give a guise at him for as he hath his Intelligence of the matter which he uttered to you so may he attain to a more perfect knowledge For the Protestants he saith I pray you put them in comfort
by him his Map and his Guide the first whereof discovered to him his more obvious advantages and the second his more close dangers His great Conduct won hâ—m much esteem with those that heard of him and his greater presence more with those that â—aw him Oâ—servable his Civility to Strangers eminent his Bounty to his Followers obliging his Carriage in the Countries he marched through and expeâ—t his Skill in Wars whose end he said was Victory and the end of Victory Nobleness made up of pity and munificence It lost him his estate to redeem himself in France and his life to bear up hiâ— Râ—putation in Berwick Hâ—ving lived to all the great purposes of life but Self-interest he died 1563 that fatal year no less to the publick sorâ—ow of England which he secured than the common joy of Scotland which he awed Then it was said That the same day died the greatest Scholar and the greatest Souldier of the Nobility the right honourable Henry Mannors Eâ—rl of Rutland in his Gown and the honourable Lord Grey in his Armour both as the Qâ—een said of them Worthies that had deserved well of the Commonwealth by their Wisdome Councel Integrity and Courage Two things my Lord always avoided the first To give many Reasons for one thing the heaping of Arguments arguing a neediness in every of the Arguments by its selâ— as if one did not trust any â—f them buâ— fled from one to aâ—oâ—her helping himself still wiâ—h the last The second To breâ—k a nâ—goâ—iation to too many distinct particulâ—rs or to couch it in too compact generals by the first whereof we give the parties we dâ—al with an opportunity to look down to the bottom of our business and by the second to look round to the compass of it Happy are those Souls that command themselves so far that they are equally free to full and half discoveries of themselves always ready and pliable to the present occasion Not much regarded was this gallant spirit when alive but much mâ—ssed when dead we understand what we want better than what we enjoy and the beauty of worthy things is not in the face but the back-side endearing more by their departure than their address Observations on the Life of Edmund Plowden EDmund Plowden was born at Plowden in Shropshire one who â—xcellently deseâ—ved of our Municipal Law in hâ—s learned Writings thereon A plodding and a studious man and no wonder if knowing and able Beams in reflexion are hottest and the Soul becomes wise by looking into its self But see the man in his Epitaph â— Conditur in hoc Tumulo corpus Edmundi Plowden Armigeri Claris ortus Parentibus apud Plowden in Comitatu Salop natus est à pueritia in literarum Studio liberaliter â—st educatus in Provectiore vero aetate Legibus Iurisprudentiae operam dedit Senex jam factus annum aetatis suae agens 67. Mundo Valedicens in Christo Iesu Sancte obdormivit die Sexto Mensis Februar Anno Domini 1585. I have the rather inserted this Epitaph inscribed on his Monument on the North-side of the East-end of the Quire of semple-Church in London because it â—ath â—â—capeâ— but by what câ—sualty I cannot conjecture Masteâ— Stow in his Survey of London We must adde a few words out of the Character Mr. Cambden gives of him Vitae integritate inter homines suae professionis nulli secundum As he was singularly well learned in the Common laws of England whereof he deserved well by wriâ—ing so for integrity of life he was second to none oâ— his profession And how excellent a mâ—dley is made when Honesty and Ability meet in a man of his profession Nor must we forget how he was Tâ—easurer for the honourable Society of the middle-Temple Anno 1572 when their magnificâ—nt Hall was builded he being a great advancer thereof Finding the Coyn embased by Henry the eighth so many ways prejudicial to this State as that which first dishonoured us abroad secondly gave way to the frauds of Coyners at home who exchanged the best Commodities of the land for base moneys and exported the current moneys into Forreign parts and thirdly enhansed the prizes of all things vendible to the great loss of all Stipendiaries He offered 1â— That no man should melt any Metal or export it 2. That the Brass money should be reduced to its just value 3. That it should be bought for good by which silent and just methods that defect of our Government for many years was remedied in few moneths without any noise or what is proper to alterations of this nature discontent The middle Region of the Air is coolest as most distant from the direct beams that warm the highest and the reflexed that heat the lowest the mean man that is as much below the favour of the Court as above the business of the Country was in our Judges opinion the most happy and composed man this being the utmost of a knowing mans wish in England That he were as much out of the reach of contempt as to be above a Constable and as much out of the compass of trouble as to be below a Justice A Mean is the utâ—ost that can be prescribed either of Vertue or Bliss as in ouâ— Actions so in our State Great was the Capacity and good the Inclination of this manâ— large the Furniture and happy the Culture of his Soul grave his meen and stately his Behaviour well-regulated his Affections and allayed his passions well-principled his Mind and well-set his Spirit solâ—d his Observation working and practical his Judgement and as that Roman Heroe was more eminent whose image was missing than all the rest whose Portraictures were set up so this accomplished Gentleman is more observable because he was not a States-man than some of those that were so There is a glory in the obscurity of worthy men who as that Sun which they equal as well in common influence as lustre are most looked on when eclipsed Observations on the Life of Sir Rogeâ— Manwood SIr Roger Manwood born at Sandwich in Kent aâ—tained to such eminency in the Common Law that he was prefeâ—red second Justice of the Common Pleas by Qâ—een Elizabeth which place he dischaâ—ged with so much Ability and Integrity that not long after he was made chief Baron of the Exchequer which Office he most wisely managed to his great commendation full fourteen years to the â—ay of his death Much was he employed in matters of State and was one of the Commissioneâ—s who sate on the tryal of the Quâ—en of Scots He wrote a Book on the Forest-Laws which is highly prized by men of his proâ—ession In vacaâ—ion-time he constantly inhabited at St. Stephens in Canterbury and was bounteously liberal to the poor Inhabitants thereof and so charitable was he that he erected and endowed a fair Freâ—-school at Sandwich dying in the 35 of Queen Elizabeth anno Dom. 1593. Cloaths for necessity warm Cloaths for health cleanly for
bold as sure either by carrying the Cause to oblige the people to themselves or by suffering for it to enrage them against the Government that Sir R. Weston made it his business to take off the one and my Lord of Canterbury the other which they did with such success that as my Lord Wentworth became a great Favourite so the Lord Savile was an eminent Counsellor only finding that his young Neighbour had got the start of him he kept to one of his popular Principles always viz. a restless impetuosity towards Papists against whom he made himself famous 1. For a Disputation procured by him in Drury-Lane whither he brought Bishop Vsher under the notion of a Countrey-Parson when the Jesuites cryed There was more Learning in that Parson than in all the men in England 2. For a project offered by him in Parliament For when they taking advantage of King Charls his wants profeâ—ed to maintain five thousand men to serve his Majesty in Ireland and a proportion of Ships to secure him in England on condition of the free exercise of their Religion Sir Iohn interposed That if the King were pleased but to call on the Recusants to pay Thirds legally due to the Crown it would prove a way more effectual and less offensive to raise a mass of money It being but just that they who were so rich and free to purchase new Priviledges should first pay their old Penalties When I read of a Lord Savile going privately to Scotland 1639. subscribing to a Petition with oâ—her moderate Lords as they called them containing the very sense of the saction insomuch that it is observed the City-Petition and theirs were couched in the same words yet going to Oxford and after all being so turbulent there that his Majesty was fain to send him beyond Sea where his Majesty writes with his own hand He doubts he will rather exchange his villany than end it I am almost of that wise mans mind that there were no less than 17 particular Designs set on foot by the promotion of the late Troubles whereof though most yet not all were carried on in Westminster or to enforce something more solid that a King should say as the Italian doth If my Subject deceives me once God forgive him If a second time God forgive me and the rather because it 's fatal for Majesty to err twice Observations on the Life of Bishop Williams A Strong constitution made his pâ—rts a strict education improved them unwearied was his industry unexpressible his capacity He never saw the book of worth he read not he never forgot what he read he never loâ—â— the use of what he remembred Every thing he heard or saw was his own and what was his own he knew how to use to the utmost His extraction being Gentile his Soul large and noble his presence and carriage comely and stately his learning copious his judgement stayed his apprehension clear and searching his expression lively and effectual his elocution flowing and majestick his Proctorship when he gave the Lord Chancellor Egerton so much satisfaction in treating the Spanish Ambassador at an Act in Cambridge that thenceforward he resolved on his preferment 1612. discovered him a person above his place and his Lectures to his Pupils above his preferment Bishop Vaughan first admitteth him to his Family and then to his bosom there his strong Sermons his exact government under my Lord his plentiful observation his numerous acquaintance made him my Lord Chancellor Egerton's friend rather than his servant his familiar rather than his Chaplain Never was there a more communicative Master to instruct than my Lord Elsemâ—re never a more capable Scholar to learn than Dr. Williams who had instilled to him all necessary State-maxims while his old Master lived and had bequeathed to him four excellent Books when his Master was dead These four books he presented to K. Iames the very same time that he offered himself to the Duke of Buckingham The excellent Prince observed him as much for the first gift as the noble Duke did for the second the King and Duke made him their own who they saw had made that excellent Book his Willing was King Iames to advance Clergy-men and glad to meet with men capable of Advancemeâ—t His two Sermons at Court made him Dean of Westminster his exact state of the Earl of Somerset's Case made him capable of and the KING'S inclination to â—rust his Conscience in a Divines hand setled him in the Lord Keepers place actually only for three years to please the people who were offended with his years now but 34. and his calling a Divine but designedly for ever to serve his Majesty The Lawyers despised him at first but the Judges admired him at last and one of them said That never any man apprehended a Case so clearly took in all the Law Reason and other Circumstances more punctually recollected the various Debates more faithfully summed it up more compendiously and concluded more judiciously and discreetly For many of them might have read more than he but none digested what they had read more solidly none disposed of their reading more methodically none therefore commanded it more readily He demurred several Orders as that of my Lord Chancellor's pardon the Earl Marshal's Patent c. to let his Majesty see his judgement yet passed them to let him see his obedience He would question the Dukes Order sometimes discreetly to let him know he understood himself yet he would yield handsomly to let him see he understood him and indeed he had the admirable faculty of making every one of his actions carry prudence in the performance Necessary it was for one of his years and place to keep his distance and avoid contempt yet fatal was it to him to do so and incur envy Well understood he the interest of all his places resolutely he maintained them What saith he shall the Liberties of Westminster be infringed when the chief Favourite is Steward and the Lord Keeper Dean and I the contemptible man that must be trampled on When he was in trouble what passion what insinuation what condescention hath he at command when petitioned to how quickly he looked through men and business how exactly would he judge and how resolutely conclude without an immediate intimation from his Majesty or the Duke Many eyes were upon him and as many eyes were kept by him upon others being very watchful on all occasions to accommodate all Emergencies and meet with all humors alwayes keeping men in dependance on the Duke according to this intimation of his Cabal 287. Let him hold it but by your Lordships favour not his own power A good way had he been constant to it the neglect whereof undid him for designing the promotion of Doctor Price to the Arch-Bishoprick of Armagh he moved it to the Duke who told him it was disposed of to Doctor Vsher Whereupon he went his own way to advance that man and overthrew himself For
deep judgment of manyâ— Observations on the Lives of Sir Richard and Sir Jerome VVeston Earls of Portland SIr Richard Weston in his youth impaired his estate to improve himself with publick accomplishment but came off both a saver and a gainer at the last when made Chancellor of the Exchequer andâ— afterwards upon the remove of the Earl of Marlborough Iuly 15. in the fourth of King Charles Lord Treasurer of England His activity in Parliament made him considerable at Court none fitter to serve a Prince than he who commands the humor of the people Indeed where ever he was he discovered himself able and faithful 1. In his Forreign Employments his judgement was searching and reach admirable he being the first that smelt out the intentions against the Palatinate which were then in brewing and mashed with much art In his Domestick charge â—is Artifice was singular both in a faithful improvemâ—nt of the Incomes and a discreet moderation of the expences in his Masters Revenues In his Aspect there was a mixture of authority and modesty in his apprehensions quickness and solidity in his port and train a suitable dignity and correspondence with little noise and outward form An enemy to Complements yet very courâ—eous no flatterer yet of great power irreconcileable to frothy formality yet maintaining a due regard to his person and place A great Scholar he was and yet a great Staâ—es-man of various erudition and as large observation He secured himself much by Alliances with the best Nobility more by the love and what is more the esteem of a constant King it being one of the wonders of that time that my Lord of Canterbury and he who were at so much distance from one another should be so inward with their Soveraign but that that excellent Prince measured not his affections to his Dependants so much by a particular interest as by a publick serviceableness The necessity of the Exchequer put him upon some ways of supply that displeased the rabble though his three particular cares viz. The paying of the Navy the satisfying of the City and the Queen of Bohemia's supply three things he was very much intent upon while Treasurer obliged the wiser sort of men I know nothing he was defective in being careful to use his own words to perform all duties with obedience to his Majesty respect to the Duke and justice to the particular parties concerned But that he had so much of his Master's love and so little of his patience being grated as all Statesmen are that have to do with various interests and humours between a strong inclination of satisfying every man and the impossibility of pleasing all Considering the importunities of persons and affairs a little impatience must needs fall upon your Lordship wriâ—es Sir Henry Wotton to him unless you had been cut out of a Rock of Diamonds especially having been before so conversant with liberal Studies and with the â—reedom of your own mind In his time was the great Question agitated Whether a Prince should aim at the fear or the love of his People Although no Prince did more to oblige his People than the Excellent King Charles the I. Yet was there no Prince ever more advised to awe them For this Lord and many more who looked upon over-much indulgence as the greatest cruelty considering that men love at their own pleasure and to serve their own turn and that their fear depends upon the Princes pleasure were of opinion That every wise Prince ought to ground upon that which is of himself and not upon that which is of another government being set up in the world rather to trust its own power than stand upon others courtesie Besides two things the vulgar are taken with 1. Appearance 2. The event of things which if successful gains both their love and reverence Neither was the Father more exact in his Maxims thaâ— the Son in his of whose many infallible principles this was one That it was the safest way for the King's Majesty to proceed upon a Declaration that the Faction at Westminster was no Parliament upon his own and his most loyal Lords and Commons removal to Oxford And this another That provided the Gentry and Clergy were well principled and His Majesty that now is had a constant correspondence with the most eminent of them it was our Interest to promote his Majesties grandeur abroad and sit still at home until the Faction might be so secure as â—o divide and his Majesties Interest became so conspicuous by the Principles that were kept up at home and the State that was born abroad as to command all And really his little saying hath much in it He that will see what shall be let him consider what hath been For there are the same desires humours and interest in every age that were before it So that as Machiavel observeth It is very easie for him that with diligence â—xamineth past Occurrences to serve himself of those remedies which were in use among the Ancienâ—s Or if they fail to devise what is most like them Observations on the Life of William Earl of Pembrook HE was an ancient Gentleman of good repute and therefore well esteemed a proper person well set and of graceful deportment and therefore well beloved of King Iames and Queen Anne His inclination was as generous as his extraction and manners ancient as his Family One of his Ancestors is renowned for that he would condâ—scend to deliver his Embassies in no Language but Welch and he is commended for that he would comply with no customs in his converse but the old English though his Contemporaries make that his defect rather than his ornament proceeding from his want of Travel rather than his observance of Antiquity He having had only saith the Historian the breeding of England which gave him a conceited dislike of Forreign men their manners and mode or of such English as professed much advantage thereby so that the Scots and he were ever separate and therefore he was the only old Courtier that kept close to the Commonalty and they to him though never suspected by either of his Sovereigns not because he was not over-furnished with Abilities as that pen insinuates to be more than Loyal but because he had too much integrity to be less Being munificent and childless the University of Oxford hoped to be his Exâ—cutor and Pembrook-Colledge his Heir Pembrook-Colledge I say called so not only in respect to but also in expectation from him then Chancellor of the University and probably had not cut noble Lord died suddenly soon after according as a Fortune-teller had informed him whom he laughed at that very night he departed being his Birth-night this Colledge might have received more than a bare name from him He was saith one of his own time the very picture and Vive Essigies of Nobility his person rather Majestick than Elegant his presence whether quiet or in motion full of stately gravity his mind generous and
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
the Churches publick peace required or its indulgence to promote Christians permitted The Uniformity he pressed was not more advantageous to Religion which must of necessity have been propagated when Controversies had been turned to devotion than it was necessary for the State which cannot be secure as long as there is a mark of distinction under which all Male contents may shrowd themselves a note of separation whereby the Factions may reckon their parties and estimate their strength and a way open to popularity to the ambition of any whose interest or desperateness shall adventure to make himself head of so great a pâ—rty He was a person of so great abilities which are the designations of nature to dignity and command that they raised him from low beginnings to the highest Office the Protestant profession acknowledgeth in the Church and he was equal to it His learning appeared eminent in his Book against Fisher and his piety illustrious in his Diary He was of so publick a spirit that both the Church and Sâ—ate have lasting Monuments of the virtuous use he made of his Princes favour at his admittance into wâ—ich he dedicated all the future Emoluments of it to the glory of God and the good of men by a projection of many noble Works most of which he accomplished and had finished the rest had not the fate of the Nation checked the current of his Design and cut off the course of his Life He was not contented by himself only to serve his Generation for so he might appear more greedy of fame than desirous of the universal benefit but he endeavoured to render all others as heroick if they aimed at a capacity for his friendship For I have heard it from his Eâ—emies no great man was admitted to a confidence and respect with him unless â—he made Address by some act that was for the common good or for the ornament and gloâ—y of the Protestant faith Learned men had not a better Friend nor Learning itself a greater Advancer He searched all the Libraries of Asia and â—rom several parts of the world purchased all the Ornaments and helps of Literature â—e could that the English Church might have if possible by his care as many advantages for knowledge as almost all Europe did contribute to the grandeur of that of Rome The outward splendour of the Clergy was not more his care than their honour by a grave and pious conversation He would put them into a power of doing more good but was sore against their Vices and Vanities He scorned a private Treasure and his friends were rather relieved than raised to any greatness by him In his election of friends he was determined to the good and wise and such as had both parts and desires to profit The Church had his closest embraces if otherwise it happened their frauds not his choice deserved the blame Both Papists and Sectâ—ries were equally his Enemies one party feared and the other hated his Vertues Some censured his zeal for Discipline above the patience of the Times but his greatest unhappiness was that he lived in a factious Age and corrupt State and under such a Prince whose Verâ—ues not admitting an immediate approach for Accusations was to be wounded with those iâ— did caress But when Faction and Malice are worn out by time Posterity shall engrave him in the Albâ— of the most excellent Prelacy the most indulgent Fathers of the Churchâ— and the most injured Martyrs His blood was accompanyed with some tears that fell from those Eyes that expected a pleasure at his death and it had been followed with Miseries and the present Fears of Ruine exacted all the stock of Grief for other objects His very enemy Sir Edward Deering would confess That let him dye when he would St. Pauls would be his Monument and his Book against Fishes his Epitaph Observations on the Life of the Lord Keeper Littleton SIr Edward Littleton the eldest son of Sir Edward Littleton of Mounslow in Shropshire one of the Justices of the Marches and Chief-Justice of North-Wales was bred in Christ-Church in Oxford where he proceeded Batchellor of Arts and afterwards was one of the Justices of North-Wales Recorder of London and Sollicitor to King Charles From these places he was preferred to be Chief-Justice of the Common-Pleas and made Privy-Councellor thence advanced to be Lord-Keeper and Baron of Mounslow the place of his Nativity He died in Oxford and was buried in Christs-Church where he was bred Being a Member of the Parliament 1628. he had the management of the high presumption charged on the Duke of Buckingham about King Iames his death wherein he behaved himself so discreetly between the jealousiâ— of the People and the honour of the Court that Sir Iohn Finch would say He was the only man for taking things by a Right handle And Sir Edward Cook that He was a well-poized and weighed man His very name carried an Hereditary credit with it much plaineth out the way to all great Actions his virtue being authorizing by his nobility and his undertakings ennobled by his birth gained that esteem which meaner men attain not without a large compass of time and experience worthless Nobility and ignoble worth lye under equal disadvantage Neither was his extract so great as his parts his judgement being clear and piercing his Learning various and useful his skill in the Maxims of our Government the fundamental Laws of his Monarchy with its Statutes and Customs singular his experience long and observing his integrity unblemished and unbyassed his Eloquence powerful and majestick and all befitting a Statesman and a Lord-Keeper set off with a resolved Loyalty that would perform the harshest service his Master could enjoyn him while he stayed at London and follow the hardest fortune he could be in when at York whither he went with the great Seal he knew made to stamp Royal Commissions rather than authorize Rebellious Ordinances At Oxford he did good service during the Session of Parliament by Accommodations there and as good during their recess by his interest in the Country Observations on the Life of the Marquess Hamilton A Preacher being at a loss what to say of a party deceased concluâ—â—d his Sermon with these words There is one good quality in this man viz. That he was born and that God made him And another viz. That he is dead and we must speak noâ—hing but good of the dead I may say of this Noble-man that I have two reasons to speak well of himâ— 1. That good King Charles honoured him 3 and 2. That his wicked Subjects beheaded him otherwise I must leave these Queries as I finde them Quaere 1. Why should Duke Hamilton post without leave into Scotland when the Parliament was discontented and the Duke of Buckingham murthered in England Qu. 2. Why should Ramsey the Dukes Messenger to the King of Sweden play the Embassadour in Germany and take place of all other persons there Qu. 3. What design was that
Privy-Seal he brought the Court of Requests into such repute that what formerly was called the Alms-Basket of the Chancery had in his time well-nigh as much meat in and guests about it I mean Suits and Clients as the Chancery it self His Meditations of Life and Death called Manchester Almondo written in the time of his health may be presumed to have left good impressions on his own soul preparatory for his dissolution which happened 164 Tâ—e Office of Lord Treasurer was ever beheld as a place of great charge and profit My Lord being demanded what it might be worth per ann made this answer That it might be some thousands of pounds to him who after death would go instantly to heaven twice as much to him who would go to Purgatory and a Nemo scit to him who would adventure to a worse place But indeed he that will be a bad husband for himself in so advantagious a place will never bâ— a good one for his Soveraign Observations on the Life of Sir Henry VVotton with some Account of his Relations SIr Henry Wotton first having reâ—â— of his Ancestor Sir Robert Wotton the noble Lieutenant of Guisnes and Comptroller of Callais in King Edward the fourth's days His Grand-father Sir Edward Wotton that refused to be Chancellor of England in King Henry the Eighth's time 2. Having known his Father Sir Thomas Wotton one of the most Ingenuous modesty the most Ancient freedom plainness single-heartedness and integrity in Queen Elizabeths Reign His Brothers Sir Edward Wotton the famous Comptroller of Queen Eliz. and K. Iames his Court since Lord Wotton Baron Morley in Kent Sir Iames Wotton with R. Earl of Essex Count Lodowick of Nassaw Don Christophoro son of Antonio King of Portugal c. Knighted as an excellent Soldier at Cadiz Sir Iohn Wotton the â—ccomplished Traveller and Scholar for whom Qâ—een Eliz. designed a special favour His Uncle Nicholas Wotton Dean of Canterbury and York nine times Embassador â—or the Crown of England â—e that was one of King Henry's Execuâ—ors King Edward's Secretary of State Queen Mary's right handâ— aâ—d that refused the Arch-Bishoprick of Caâ—tâ—rbury in Queen Eliz. days 3. Being bred 1. In Winchester that eminent School for Discipline and Order 2. In New-Colledge and Queens those famous Colledges for the method of Living by rule could promise no less than he did in his solidlâ— seâ—tenticâ—â— and discreetly humoured Play at Queens called Tancredo in his elegaâ—t Lecture of the nobleness manner and use of Seeing at the Schools for which the learned Albericus Gentilis called him Henrice Mi Ocelle and communicated to him his Mathematiâ—â— his Law and his Italian learning in his more particular converse with Doctor Donne and Sir Richard Baker in the University and his more general conversation with Man-kind in travels for one year to France and Geneva where he was acquainted with Theodore Beza and Isaac Casaâ—bon at whose Fathers he lodged for eight years in Germany for five in Italy whence returning balanced with Learning and Experience with the Arts of Rome Venice and Florence Picture Sculpture Chimistry Architecture the Sâ—crets Langâ—ages Dispositions Customs and Laws of most Nations set off with his choice shape obliging behaviour sweet discourse and shaâ—p wit he could perform no less â—han he did 1. In the unhappy relation he had to the Earl of Essex first of Friend and afterward of Secretary 2. In his more happy Interest by his Secâ—etary Vietta upon his flight out of England after the Earl's apprehension with the Duke of Tuscany then the greatest paâ—ron of Learning and Arts in the world who having discovered a design to poyson King Iames as the known successor of Queen Elizabeth sent Sir Henry Wotton with notice of the ploâ— and preservatives against the poyson by the way of Norway into Scotland under the borrowed name of Octavio Baldi where after some suspicion of the Italian message discovering himself to the King by David Lindsey's means he was treated with much honour complacency and secrecy for three months Afteâ—â—hich time he returned to Florence staying theâ—e till King Iames enquiring concerning him of my Loâ—d Wotton the Comptroller the great Duke advised his return to congratulate his Majesty as he did the King embracing him in his arms calling him the best because the honest est Dissembler that he met with and Knighting him by his own name Adding withal That since he knewâ—he wanted neither Learning nor Experience neither Abâ—lities nor Faithfulness he would employ him to others as he was employed to him which accordingly he did to Venice the place he chose as most suitable to his retired Genius and narrow Estate where 1. Studying the dispositions of the several Dukes and Senators 2. Sorâ—ing of fit Presents curious and not costly Entertainments sweetned with various and pleasant discourse particularly his elegant application of Stories He had such interest that he was never denyed any request whereby he did many services to the Protestant interest with his Chaplain Bishop Biddle and Padre Pauloe's assistance during the Controversie between the Pope and the Venetians especially in transmitting the History of the Councel of Trent sheet by sheet to the King and the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury as it was written And in his three Embassies thither gained many Priviledges for the English along all those Coasts In the second of which Embassies calling upon the Emperour he had brought Affairs to a Treaty had not the Emperours success interposed whereupon he took his leave wishing that Prince to use his Victory soberly an advice his carriage indeared to his Majesty together with his person so far that he gave him a Diamond worth above a thousand pounds which he bestowed on his Hostess saying He would not be the better by a man that was an open Enemy to his Mistress so the Queen of Bohemia waâ— pleased he â—should call her Onely while abroad and writing in the Album that friends have this sentence Legat usest vir bonus peregre missus ad mentiendum reipublicae causa whereof Scioppius made a malicious use in his Books against King Iames. He loâ—t himself a while for using more freedom abroad than became his Employment until his ingenuous clear and choicely eloquent Apologies recovered him to more respect and cautiousness until he writ Invidiae Remedium over his Lodgings at Eaton-Colledge the Provostship whereof he obtained in exchange for the reversion of the Mastership of the Rolls and other places promised him Where looking upon himself in his Surplice as Charles 5. or Philip 2. in Cloysters his Study was divine Meditations History and Characters His recreation Philosophical conclusions and Angling which he called his idle time not idly spent saying he would rather live five May moneths than forty Decembers His Table was exquisite where two youths attended upon whom he made the observations that were to furnish his designed discourse of Education His Histories and Observations remarkable his Apophthegms sage and quick 1.
when cast off by the Rebels Observations on the Life of Arch-Bishop Juxon WIlliam â—Iuxon born at Chichester in Sussex was bred Fellow in St. Iohn's Colledge in Oxford where he proceeded Batchelor of Law very young but very able for that Degree afterwards becoming Doctor in the same Faculty and President of the Colledge was one in whom Nature had not omitted but Grace had ordered the Teâ—rarch of humours being admirably Maâ—ter of his Pen and Passion For his Abilities he was successively preferred by King Charles the first Bishop of Hâ—reford and London and for some years Lord Treasurer of England wherein he had Religion to be honest and no self-interest to be corrupt A troublesom place in thoâ—e times being expected he should make much Brick though not altogether without yet with very little straw allowed unto him Large then the Expences low the Revenues of the Exchequer Yet those Coffers he found empty he left filling and had left full had Peace been preserved in the Land and he continued in his Place Such the mildness of his temper that Petitioners for money when it was not to be had departed well pleased with his Denials they were so civilly languaged It may justly seem a wonder that whereas few spake well of Bishops at that time and Lord Tâ—â—asuâ—ers at all Times are liable to the complaints of discontented people though both Offices met in this man yet with Demetrius he was well reported of all men and of the truth it self He lived to see much shame and contempt undeservedly poured on his Function and all the while possessed his own soul in patience Nor was it the least part of this Prelate's honour that amongst the many worthy Bishops of our Land King Charles the first selected him for his Confessor at his Martyrdom when he honoured him with this testimony That good man He formerly had had experience in the case of the Earl of Strafford that this Bishop's Conscience was bottom'd on piety not policy â—he reason that from him â—e received the Sacrament good comfort and counsel just before he was muâ—dered I say just before the Royal Martyr was murdered a Fact so foul that it alone may confuâ—e the Error of the Pelagians maintaining that all sin cometh by imitation the Universe not formerly affording such a Precedent as if those Regicides had purposely designed to disprove the observation of Solâ—mon that there is no new thing under the Sun King Charles the second preferred him Arch-Bishop of Canterbury 1660. He died in the year of our Lord 1663. and with great solemnity was buried in St. Iohn's Colledge in Oxford to which he was a great Benefactor though a greater to Pauls and Lambeth and greatest of all to the Church which his eminence adorned and his temper secured in those times wherein roughness enraged that humour which delay and moderation broke a discreet yielding to the multitude is the securest way of Conquest They that hold together by opposition languish and moulder away by indulgence In his duty this good man went along with Conscience in Government with Time and Law He had the happiness that K. Iames admired in a Statesman of his time to do all things suavibus modis He referred his Master in the Earl of Strafford's case as he did himselâ— in all cases to his own Conscience for matter of fact and to the Judges for matter of Law who according to their Oath ought to carry themselvâ—s indifferently between the King and his Subjects The King was not more happy in this faiâ—hful servant than he was in his followers among whom there was no uncivil Austerity to disoblige the Subjects nor base Corruption to incense them They need not keep state they had so much real power nor extort they had so much allowed advantage His care was his servants and their care his business His preferments were his burthen rather than his honour advanced by him rather than advancing him and therefore he was more ready to lay them down than others to take them up Witness his Treasurers Place which when he parted with like those that scatter their Jewels in the way that they may debar the violence of greedy pursuers no less than four durst undertake when his single self sufficed for the two greatest troubles of this Nation the Treasureship of England and the Bishoprick of London Religion was the inclination and composure as well as care of his soul which he used not as the artifice of pretence or power but as the ornament and comfort of a private breast never affecting a pompous piety nor a magnificent vertue but approving himself in secret to that God who would reward him openly His devotion was as much obove other mens as his Calling his meditations equal with his cares and his thoughts even and free between his Affairs and his Contemplations which were his pleasures as well as his duty the uniform temper and pulse of his Christian soul. Neither was his Religion that of a man only but that of a Bishop too that made his Piety as universal as his Province by such assistances of power as brought carnel men if not to an obedience yet to such a degree of reverence that if they did not honour they might not despise it His justice was as his Religion clear and uniform First the ornament of his heart then the honour of his action Neither was Justice leavened with rigour or severity but sweetned with clemency and goodness that was never angry but for the pubâ—ick and not then so much at the person as the offence So ambitious of that great glory of Moderation that he kept it up in spight of the times malignity wherein he saw all change without himself while he remained the self-same still within the Idea of sobriety and temperance vertues that he put off only with his life Neither was this a defect of spirit but the temper of it that though it never provoked troubles yet it never feared them His minde was always great though his fortune not so Great to suffer though not always able to act so good his temper and so admirable his humility that none ever went discontented from him Never courting but always winning people having a passage to their hearts through their brain and making them first admire and then love him He was slow not of speech as a defect but to speak out of discretion because when speaking he plentifully paid the Principal and Interest of his Auditors expectation In a word his government as a Bishop was gentle benigne and paternal His management of the Treasury was such that he served his Prince faithfully satisfied all his friends and silenced all his enemies of which he had enough as a Bishop Greatness is so invidious and suspected though none as a man goodness is so meek and inoffensive The most thought the worse of Dr. Iuxon for the Bishops sake the best thought the better of the Bishop for Dr. Iuxon's sake Observations on the