faithfull and honest enemy or hurtful to none insomuch that this verse was rightly applied unto her Sicut spind Rosam Genuit Godwinus Egitham From prickled stalk as sweetest Rose So Egith fair from Godwin grows This Lady though accomplished with these endowments of minde and body the King notwithstanding refrained her bed committing thereby the offence forbidden by the Apostle 1 Cor. 7.5 Or if at any time he admitted her his bed it was no otherwise then David with Abishag for so much he himself on his death-bed did declare saying That openly she was his Wife but in secret embracings as his own Sister But whether it were for his debellity of body or love to Virginity I determine not certain it is he was content to hear her accused of incontinency whereof if she were guilty he could not be innocent nor can this his chastity though applauded by many be accounted otherwise then an injury and too tyrannical a trial of his Wives Vertues The King having no issue of his own and desirous to establish the Crown in the English blood sent into Hungary for his Nephew Edward the Son of Edmund Ironside who by reason of his long absence out of England was commonly called by the name of the Out-law who coming over brought with him his Wife Agatha and Edgar Margret and Christian his Children in hope of the Kingdom but his hopes with himself soon dissolved into dust for he lived but a while after so that Edward thereby was disappointed of his intentions which was to have made him his Successour in the Crown whereupon without delay he pronounced Edgar the Out-laws Son and his great Nephew Heir to the Crown and gave him to sirname Adeling a name appropriated to Princes of the blood which were born in hope and possibility of the Kingdom Whilest Edward was thus busied about settling a Successour Eustace Earl of Bulloigne who had married his Sister Goda came over into England to visit him and returning homeward at Canterbury his Harbinger dealing roughly with a Burgess for Lodgings caused his own death whereupon he in revenge killed the said Burgess with eighteen other Citizens the Canterburians herewith incensed in a great rage armed themselves killed twenty of his retinue and forc'd the Earl himself to flight who returning back again to the King exhibited grievous complaints against the Townsmen whereupon Earl Godwin was commanded to see execution done upon the offenders but he not greatly affecting the Earl was not overhasty to execute his commission but advised the King to examine the matter further before he proceeded against his true Subjects at the instigation of Strangers this Counsel though it gained him the love of the Commons procured the hatred of most of the Nobility who so incensed the King with his refusal that a day of meeting was appointed at Gloucester wherein Earl Godwin should answer his contempt The day come and the estates assembled Earl Godwin was sent for but refused to appear alledging his present service against the Welsh then ready to enter into Rebellion but they by Ambassadours clearing themselves the suspicions encreased and great preparation for War was made on both sides To the aid of the King came Leofrick Earl of Chester Siward Earl of Northumberland and Rodulf Earl of Hereford with competent forces to Godwin repaired his people of Kent and Surrey his two sons Harold and Swain bringing with them the men of Essex Norfolk Suffolk Cambridge Huntington Somerset Oxford Hereford Gloucester and Barkshires so that his Army exceeding the Kings made him so much exceed in pride as to demand Eustace Earl of Bulloign with all his French and Normans to be delivered unto him which being as good reason was denyed each side prepared themselves to battel but through the advice of some then present the matter was ended without blood-shed and referred to a Parliament to be holden at London so that now both sides seemed to be indifferently well pacified but under these ashes of dissimulation lay hidden burning coals of fire and revenge burst out into a flame for Edward with a strong guard entred London and Earl Goodwin with his sons in warlike manner came into Southwark to his own house where his great army soon dissolyed into nothing his Souldiers for the most part returning home again which when Edward understood he presently pronounced sentence of banishment upon him and his five sons without further proceeding by way of Parliament And that his wife who was daughter to Earl Godwin should have her sad share in the afflictions of her Parents brethren who were banished the realm he committed her Prisoner to the Monastery of Wilton attended onely with one maid an unjust act unbefitting a King to punish the Child for the Fathers offences contrary to the prescript Rule of God Ezek. 18.20 The soul that sinneth it shall dye the Son shall not bear the iniquity of the Father neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son Yea it was the observation of a Heathen man It is meer injustice if the father be a Rebell that the son should therefore be accounted a Traytour Yet as the Poet hath it Yet notwithstanding we see oftentimes Children are punish'd for their fathers crimes But as things violent are not long permanent so this storm of dissention betwixt King Edward and Earl Goodwin was soon blown over for the Nobles interceding for him unto the King a reconciliation was made and Earl Goodwin restored to his former Dignities but though the King forgave him his Treasons the King of kings forgot not his Perjury for he falsely swearing himself to be clear of Prince Alfreds death and wishing if he were guilty he might never swallow down one morsel of bread God himself manifested the truth and according to his wish though not his desire it happened unto him A fearful example to all foresworn wretches of Gods heavy judgements on their perjury Another Act of this Kings was touching his Mother which proclaimed him if not undutiful yet very unnatural he was troubled with an infirmity his ears were alwayes opened to the complaints of strangers and their mouths alwayes full with complaints against the English Robert Archbishop of Canterbury a Norman by birth accused Queen Emma that under colour of private devotions she had over familiarly accompanied with Alwine Bishop of Winchester The King crediting the Archbishops words forced her to wipe off this imputation to pass the triall of fire Ordeal which was by passing bare-footed and blinde-folded over nine Plow-shares glowing red hot and laid at unequal distance which she did without any hurt to the great astonishment of all the beholders in memory whereof she gave nine Mannors to the Minster of Winchester according to the number of the Plow-shares she had passed in her trial And Edward repenting the wrong he had done her bestowed on the same place the Island of Portland in Dorsetshire being about seven miles in compass for so the chance in those
England where being instructed in the Christian Religion and baptized in the Church of St. Paul by the Bishop of London with great Solemnity in the presence of six Prelates she was married to the aforesaid Gilbert of whom he had Issue this Thomas whose Life we now relate who as his Legend recites was first brought up in a Religious House of Merton afterwards was instructed in the Liberal Sciences and then sent to study in the University of Paris from whence returning home he was by Theobald Archbishop of Canterbury made his Archdeacon a place in those dayes of high degree in the English Cleargy next unto Lord Abbots and Bishops Much about that time Henry Duke of Aquitain and Normandy succeeded King Stephen in the Crown of England who in the very first year of his Reign advanced Becket to be Lord Chancellour of England in which high honour he carried himself like another King His retinue was great his Followers men of good account his House keeping such as might compare with if not surpass the greatest Earls of the Kingdom his Clothes very costly full of bravery his Furniture mighty rich his very Bridles of beaten silver Yea Fortune did seem to have made him her Darling and all things so flowed according to his desire that one would have judged him to have laid clean aside the very thought of a Clergy-man King Henry having Wars in France he served him with a Band of 700. Souldiers of his own Family besides many others with which and some additional Forces after the Kings departure he obtained a great victory At another time he himself in person unhorssed a Frenchman called Enguerranus de Creya a most hardy Souldier renowned for deeds of Arms and Chevalry for these valiant acts in reward and in further hope of his faithful service upon the death of Theobald the King made him Archbishop of Canterbury though the Monks objected against him that neither a Courtier nor a Soundier as he was both were fit to succeed in so high and sacred a Function But Thomas having obtained this dignity forgot the King who had raised him to the same For as the Poet hath it A swelling spirit hates him by whom he climes As Ivy kills the tree whereon it twines So rising men when they are mounted high Spurn at the means that first they mounted by For not long after began that great controversie between Regnum Sacerdotium the Crown and the Mytre the occasion whereof was the King being credibly informed that some Clergy-men had committed above an hundred murthers under his Reign would have them tried and adjudged in his Temporal Courts as Lay-men were but this as being contrary to the priviledges of the Church the Archbishop withstood This affront of a subject the King could not endure finding himself hereby to be but a demy-King Wherefore having drawn to his side most of the Bishops in an Assembly at VVestminster he propoundeth these Articles peremptorily urging Becket to assent to them 1. That none should appeal to the See of Rome for any cause whatsoever without the Kings licence 2. That it should not be lawful for any Archbishop or Bishop to depart the Realm and repair to the Pope upon his summons without licence from the King 3. That it should not be lawfull for any Bishop to excommunite any person that holdeth in Capite of the King without licence of the King nor grant any interdict against his Lands nor the Lands of any his officers 4. That it should not be lawfull for any Bishop to punish perjured nor false witnesses 5. That Clarks crimonous should be tried before secular Judges 6. That the King and his secular Justices should be Judges in matters of Tythes and other like causes Ecclesiastical There points so nearly touched the Papal Sovereignty that Becket resolutely denied to signe them but by the importunity of many Lords and Prelates at last he yields subscribes the Ordinance and sets his hand unto it The King hereupon supposing all contradiction ended and that Thomas would not waver in his faith called an assembly of the States at Clarendon in VViltshire to collect and enact these Laws where John of Oxenford sitting President Becket relapsed saying He had grievously sinned in that he had done and that he would not sin therein any more The King herewith vehemently incensed threatens banishment and destruction to him and his whereupon Becket once again perswaded swears in verbo Sacerdotali in the word of a Priest sincerely that he would observe the Laws which the King entituled Avitae and all the Bishops Abbots Priors and whole Clergy with all the Earls Barons and Nobility did promise and swear the same faithfully and truly to observe and performe to the King and to his Heirs for ever But the King desiring him to affix his seal to an Instrument wherein those Laws being sixteen were contained he refused saying He did promise it onely to do the King some honour verbo tenus in word onely Nor could the example of his fellow Bishops nor the perswasions of Rotrod the Popes messenger move him at all to compose these differences It may be thought a fable yet is related by divers superstitious Authors that one time during this contention certain fellows cut off the Archbishops horses tail after which fact all their children were born with Tails like Horses and that this continued long in their Posterity For may own part though I confess God is able to do this and much more yet I reckon this amongst other ridiculous miracles mentioned of him by those writers as that of Ailwardus who for stealing a great whetstone which the Author that writes it best deserved being deprived of his eyes and virilities by sentence of Law upon prayer to Saint Thomas he had all restored again Yea even a Bird having been taught to speak flying out of her cage and ready to be seized on by a Sparrow Hawk said onely St. Thomas help me and her enemy fell presently dead and she escaped But slighting these follies to return to our History the King summoning a Parliament at Northhampton Becket was cited to appear before his Majesty which he refusing upon his contempt the Peers and Prelates judged his goods confiscated to the Kings mercy He making his appearance the Parliament demanded of him an account of 30000 pounds which he received when he was Lord Chancellour to which he answered that when he was chosen to be Archbishop he was by the Kings authority freed and acquitted of all Debts and Obligations of Court and Exchequer and so delivered over to the Church of England and that therefore at that time he would not answer as a Lay-man having before had a sufficient discharge This answer of the Archbishop was like Oyl cast on fire which instead of quenching increast the Kings anger and the Prelates perceiving the Kings displeasure to tend yet to some further severity premonished him to submit himself for that otherwise the Kings Court
Consulship of Caesar and Bibulus that nothing was reported of Bibulus but all of Caesar so Longchamps Sun ecclipsed Durhams Candle his great Bell making such a sound that the other Tantony could not be heard Having thus settled his affairs in England he crosseth the Sea to Philip King of France who according to appointment was to go along with him in this journey which after some stay occasioned by the death of the French Queen they agreed on these Christian and friendly terms 1. That each of them preserve the others honour and bear faith to him for life and member and earthly dignity 2. That neither of them shall fail the other in their Affairs but that the King of France shall help the King of England to defend his Land even as he would defend the City of Paris if it were besieged and Richard King of England shall help the King of France to defend his Land even as he would defend his City Roan if it were besieged These Articles agreed on and sworn to on both sides these two great Monarchs of the West Richard the first King of England and Philip the second King of France set forwards on their journey in the description of which give me leave to light my Candle at Mr. Fullers fire and to borrow some of his expressions to inrich my stile who in his History of the holy War hath so eloquently described it nor let me be accused for a fellon or a counterfeit in mixing his Gold amongst my Alchymy since it may well pass for pay which is stamped with so currant language There attended King Richard in this journey Baldwine Archbishop of Canterbury Hubert Bishop of Salisbury Robert Earl of Leicester Ralph de Glanvile late Chief Justice of England Richard de Clare Walter de Kime c. At Tours he took his Pilgrims Scrip and Staff from the Archbishop his Staff at the same time casually brake in pieces which some construed a token of ill success Likewise when he and the French King with their trains passed over the Bridge at Lyons which brake by reason of the throng of people on the fall of the Bride this conceit was built that there would be a falling out betwixt these two Kings which accordingly happened their intercourse and familiarity breeding hatred and discontent betwixt them At Lyons these two Kings parted company Philip passing over the Alps in Italy and Richard to the Sea-side to Marseillis to meet with his Navy which being by tempest driven to other parts after six weeks stay he hireth shipping for himself and his company and passing forwards upon occasion anchored in the Mouth of the River Tyber within fifteen miles of the City of Rome yet notwithstanding he was so hot on his journey his devotion was so cold towards his Holiness that he would not vouchsafe to give him a visit but plainly told Octavian Bishop of Ostia the Popes Confessor that having better objects to bestow his eyes upon he would not stir a step to see the Pope laying to his charge many shamefull matters touching the Romish Simony and Covetousness with many other reproaches alledging that they took 700. marks for consecration of the Bishop of Mains 1500. marks for the Legative power of William Bishop of Ely and of the Archbishop of Burdeaux an infinite sum of money whereupon he refused to see Rome Yet notwithstanding this his disobedience to his spiritual Father he arived safe as Messana where he met with the French King his most Christian brother and although he lost the Popes yet found he the Almighties Blessing his Navy within few dayes after ariving safe in Cicily Tankred at this time was King of the Island a Bastard born and no wonder if climing up to the throne the wrong way he shaked when he sat down besides he was a tyrant both detaining the Dowry and imprisoning the Person of Joan Wife to William late King of Cicily and Sister to King Richard And therefore though he shewed him a fair countenance his heart was full of poysonous rancour but King Richard perceived his hypocrisie notwithstanding his vizard as dissembling goeth not long invisible before a judicious eye and being offered some abuses by the Citizens of Messana he assaults and takes the City demanding satisfaction for all wrongs done to him and his Sister Tankred seeing how the case stood thought it his best thrift to be prodigal and bestows on King Richard many thousand ounces of Gold purchasing that with his purse which by using justice he might have had for nothing King Phillip seemed nothing pleased at these dissentions yet wisely covered the fire of his anger with the ashes of discretion till such time he might show it with more advantage and thinking to forestall the market of Honour and take up all for himself he hasted presently to Ptolemais which the Christians had long besieged and with them he joyns while King Richard taking his Sister Joan and Berengaria daughter to Sanctius King of Navarr in 190. Ships and 50. Gallies puts to Sea for the holy Land but is by tempest cast upon the Coast of Cyprus where the Islanders under Cursac or Isakius their King seek to impeach his landing But King Richard speedily over-ran the Island and having taken Cursac honours him with the magnificent Captivity of silver Fetters having given him his word not to put him in bonds of Iron This Island from all antiquity was celebrated for the seat of Venus according to the Poet Venus feasts hallowed thorow all Cyprus came And Venus fair was present at the same And that it so might prove to King Richard in the joyous moneth of May he solemnly takes to Wife his beloved lady Berengaria and pawning the Island to the Templers for ready money he passeth on to Ptolemais Long time had this City been besieged by the Christians and many were the miseries that were underwent by both sides the Famine raging within and the Pestilence reigning without so that now upon King Richard arival the Turks despairing of succour and their victualls wholly spent they yielded up the City on condition to be guarded out of it safely To take possession for the French there was sent in Drogou de Merlou and an 100. men at arms and for the English Hugo de Gurnay with the like number who equally parted the City Goods and People between them Here the English cast down the Ensigns of Leopoldus Duke of Austria which he had advanced in a principal place of the Wall and threw them into the Jakes for which injury King Richard paid dearly afterwards so dangerous it is to exasperate any though far inferiour for as the fable acquaints us the Beetle may anoy the Eagle and the Mouse befriend the Lion Eighteen dayes after the taking of Ptolemais the French King returned home leaving Odo Duke of Burgundy to manage the Army in his absence pretending the air of the Countrey did not agree with his body but more likely that the air
of King Richards too great honour could not down with his too great minde Hoveden reports he was bribed by Saladine which if true let him for ever forfeit the sirname of Augustus and the stile of the most Christian Prince King Richard goes on notwithstanding the French Kings departure and fortifies the Town of Joppa where going one day a hawking to recreate himself being weary laid himself down upon the ground to fleep when suddenly certain Turks came upon him to take him but he awakened with their noise riseth up gets a horseback and drawing out his sword assaults the Turks who feigning to fly drew the King into an ambush where many Turks lay who had certainly taken him if they had known his person but one of the Kings Servants called William de Patrellis crying out in the Saracen Tongue that he was the King they presently lay hold upon him and let the King escape At this time Guy of Lusignan was possest of the City of Tyre and with it of the right of the Kingdom of Jerusalem King Richard more greedy of honour then profit exchangeth his Island of Cyprus with this hungry Prince for his Kingdome of Jerusalem and upon this title the Kings of England were stiled Kings of Jerusalem a long time after And now did King Richard long to be possest of his merchandise whereupon it was determined then should presently march towards the holy City Richard led the vantguard of his English Duke Odo commanded in the main battel over his French James of Avergne brought on the Flemings and Brabanters in the rear Saladine Serpent-like biting the heal assaulted the rear not far from Bethlehem when the French and English wheeling about charged the Turks most furiously emulation formerly poyson was here a cordial each Christian nation striving not onely to conqer their enemies but to overcome their friends in the honour of the Conquest King Richard seeking to put his courage out of doubt brought his judgement into question being more prodigal of his person then beseemed a General A great Victory they obtained of the Turks with little loss to themselves save onely of James of Avergne who here died in the Bed of Honour And now they marched up within sight of Jerusalem where King Richard intercepted the Caravan of the Saladine laden with many rich Eastern wares containing much in a little and guarded with ten thousand men whom King Richard valiantly encountring with 5000. selected Souldiers put most of them to the Sword and took three thousand Camels and four thousand Horses and Mules besides all their rich treasure and yet of all this and all that he gained in Cicily and Cyprus he brought home nothing but one Gold Ring all the rest of his wealth melting away in this hot service And now King Richard being advertised of the King of France his invading Normandy contrary to his oath at his departure inforced him though much to his grief to conclude a peace with Saladine and that upon conditions not very honourable for the Christians which was to demolish all places they had walled since the taking of Ptolemais which was in effect to undo what with much charge they had done but such was the tyranny of King Richards occasions forcing him to return that he was glad to embrace those conditions he hated at his heart and so sending his Wife Berengaria and his Sister Joan with a great part of his Army into Cicily and from thence into England he passeth himself with some few of his company by the way of Thrace and on the Coasts of Istria suffered shipwrack wherefore he intended to pierce thorow Germany by land the next way home The better to pass undiscovered he disguises himself to be one Hugo a Merchant whose onely merchandise was himself but in his journey near to Vienna was unhappily discovered by the profuseness of his expences so that the very policy of an Hoastess finding his Purse so far above his Cloaths did detect him Leopoldus Duke of Austria hearing hereof as being Lord of the Soyl seized on this royal Hero meaning now to ge his pennyworths out of him for the affront done unto him in Palestine But this booty being too great for a Duke the Emperour got him into his Custody meaning to coyn much Gold and Silver out of his most unjust affliction by sharp imprisonment Yet all the weight of their cruelty did not bow him beneath a Princely carriage Fifteen moneths imprisonment did he endure at last he was ransomed for an hundred and forty thousand marks Collen weight and delivered to his Mother Queen Elianor by the Archbishops of Mentz and Collen which last named Archbishop for joy of his deliverance did celebrate divine service after this manner Deus missit angelum Now I know that God hath sent his Angel and hath delivered thee out of the hand of Herod and from the expectation of the people c. We must not here forget how Gods judgements overtook this Duke punishing his Dominions with Fire Water Barrenness Worms and Pestilence The Fire causually burning his Towns the River of Danubius drowning then thousand of his Subjects in an overflow the Earth waxing dry and sear the Worms destroying such Fruit and Grain as grew and the stroak of Pestilence killing the principal Nobles and Gentlemen of his Dominions The Duke himself in a tilting for solemnity of his Birth-day fell off his horse and broke his leg which turning to a Gangreen he cut off with his own hands and died thereof King Richard after his return into England at the Abby of Saint Edmunds offered up the rich Imperial Standard of Cursac Emperour of Cyprus which he took among the spoils of the Griffons Camp and then marched to reduce such Castles as the servants of his Brother John held against him who ambitiously and ungratefully during his Brothers absence sought to wrest the helme of Government into his own hands fortifying the Castles of Marleborough Lancaster St. Michaels Mount Nottingham and Tichil Henry de Pumeray Captain of St. Michaels Mount hearing for certain that King Richard was come died for very fear and the rest of the Castles were reduced with some small resistance And now to show that he was an absolute King again he caused himself to be again Crowned at Winchester the King of Scotland honouring the solemnity with his presence who bare a Sword before King Richard between which two Princes there followed great amity and tenderness of love all their dayes Not long after this the King being at dinner at Westminster received advertisement that the French had laid Siege to Vernoul a strong Town of his in Normandy with which he was so moved that he swore a great oath he would never turn his head till he had confronted the French For the performance of which oath he caused the wall-right before him to be presently beaten down that so he might pass forward without turning his face never resting till with an hundred great
had won it for which cause he fortifies his Camp on all sides stopping all relief that might come to them by Sea with his Navy The French King not able to raise the Siege seeks to divert him by an invasion in England David the second King of Scots a sure friend to the French though allied to the English with an Army of threescore and two thousand enters England supposing considering what great numbers were abroad there were none left at home but Priests and Shepherds but he was utterly deceived of his expectation for at Nevils Cross in the Bishoprick of Durham he was encountred by the Archbishop of York with some Lords of the North who animated by the Queen who was there in person defeated this great Army slew the Earls of Murray and Strathern the Constable Marshall Chamberlain and Chancellour of Scotland with many other Nobles and fifteen thousand common Souldiers took King David himself prisoner together with the Earls of Douglass Fife Southerland Wigton and Menteith Thus France was not alone the stage of King Edwards Victories nor the French alone the Nation over whom he triumphed This loss of the Scots lost the French King the Town of Callis which after eleven moneths Siege was delivered up to King Edward who made Governour of the same one Aymery of Pavia and then with his Queen returned into England But good fortune attended not Edwards person alone it was likewise available in his Lievetenants Sir Thomas Dagworth in Little Brittain overthrew and took prisoner Charles de Bloys Monforts Competitor and besides many Knights and Esquires slew 700. common Souldiers Henry of Lancaster drave John Duke of Normandy King Philips eldest son from the Siege of Aquillon takes and sacks the Towns of Xaintoigne Poictou and Poityers and returns to Burdeaux with more pillage then his Army could well tell what to do withall Sir Walter Bentley puts the Marshall of France to flight with the slaughter of 13. Lords 140. Knights 100. Esquires and store of common Souldiers thus the English prosper every where and the French suffer King Edward was at that time elected King of the Romans but refused the tender as out of his way considering his French and other importunate affairs King Philip dying John his eldest son succeeds him who creates his son Charles Duke of Aquitain Edward herewith incenst bestows the same on the Prince of Wales commanding him to defend that right with his Sword against his adversaries hereupon an Army is raised for the Prince consisting of 1000. men at Arms 2000. Archers and a number of Welshmen with which he arives in Aquaitain and in emulation of his Fathers glory worketh wonders recovering multitudes of Towns and prisoners and loaden with booties returns to Burdeaux Winter being spent he again sets forth sacks spoils and destroyes where ever he goes whom to oppose King John with an Army of threescore thousand follows to Poicters and enforces him to fight the Princes army so small in comparison of his that he might say as Tygranes did of the paucity of the Romans if they come as Embassadours they are too many if to fight too few the French exceeding him six to one but what was wanting in number was made up in valor for after a long conflict they discomfitted their whole Army took King John and his Son Philip prisoners with many other Lords and about 2000. Knights and Gentlemen bearing armories slew 1700. Gentlemen whereof 52 were Bannerets and about 6000. common Souldiers of which victory a modern Poet sings Such bloody lines the English here did write Might teach posterity how they should fight The Prince with his prisoners marcheth in triumph to Burdeaux where resting a while he sets sail for England With what joy he was welcomed home may be easier immagined then expressed his acts exceeding all expection his performances afterwards as I referr to the description of his life and return again to his Father King Edward Who upon receit of the French King releases King David of his long imprisonment thinking it honour enough to have one King prisoner at once he had been here in durance the space of eleven years and was at the incessant suit of his Wife Queen Joan set at liberty yet not without a ransom of a hundred thousand markes with condition to demolish and raze down several of his Castles And now the third time on the behalf of the French two Cardinals solicite Edward for peace to which he yields but on such conditions that the Council of France will not condescend unto whereupon in great displeasure with a mighty Army he again enters France destroying all wheresoever he came and notwithstanding great offers were made him by the French yet would he not desist but concontinued inexarable God saith mine Author displeased thereat sent such a terrible storm of Hail with Thunder and Lightning upon his Hoast that it killed many of his men and horses whereupon wounded and struck with a remorse he vowed to make peace on reasonable conditions and not long after at a treaty at Bretagni concluded the same The chief Articles whereof were 1. That King Edward should have to his possession the Countries of Gascoigne Guyen Poytiers Limosin Balevile Exantes Caleis Guisness with divers other Lordships Castles and Towns without any dependancy but of God 2. That the two Edwards Father and Son should renounce all their right to the Crown of France the Dutchy of Normandy the Countries of Tourain Anjou and Maine as also to the homages of Brittain Armoricke and the Earldome of Flanders 3. That the King of France should pay for his ransom there millions of Crowns of Gold six hundred thousand in hand four hundred thousand the year following and the rest in two years after for assurance whereof a certain number of Hostages should remain in England 4. That the French should not aid nor assist the Scots against the English nor the English the Flemings against the French c. These Articles confirmed on both sides by seals and oaths King John is delivered from his imprisonment and King Edward with his Hostages returneth into England But notwithstanding seals and oaths it was not long ere these Articles were broken yet good correspondence was held during the life of King John who coming over into England to visit King Edward died of grief as one writes that the Duke of Anjou one of his pledges came not into England according as he had sworn after whom his son Charles sirnamed the Wise succeeded who with loving letters and presents works himself into the good opinion of King Edward whilest covertly he defrauds him of his interests in France it fortuned whilst his Ambassadours were in the Kngs presence news was brought him of the forcible invasion of the French in Poictow which when the King heard he commanded the Ambassadours to get them home with their deceitful presents to their treacherous Lord whose mocks he would not long leave unrevenged but King Edwards fortunes
danger being sent for by the Dolphin unto the Town of Mountstrew repaired unto him where kneeling upon his knee he was by the Dolphin charged with several misdemeanours and by the company there present most barbarously murthered before he could arise from his knee or get out his Sword This more and more exasperateth Queeen Isabel who now thinks of nothing but disheriting the Dolphin and joyning in confederacy with Philip the new Duke of Burgogne incites him to revenge his Fathers death Philip as forward as she was willing they send Ambassadors to King Henry to intreat a Peace which was concluded from the Epiphany to mid March following during which time both sides meeting at Troys in Champagne a finall conclusion was agreed upon whereof the chief Articles were as followeth 1. That King Henry should take Lady Katherine to wife 2. That Charles and Isabel should retain the name of King and Queen and should hold all their Dignities Rents and Possessions belonging to the Crown of France during their natural lives 3. That the Lady Katherine should have her Dowry in England twenty thousand Nobles and if she out lived Henry twenty thousand Franks yearly out of the Lands Places and Lordships that Blanch sometime wife to Philip Beavisal held and enjoyed 4. That after the death of Charles the Crown and Realm of France should remain unto Henry and to his Heires for ever 5. That during the Life of King Charles the faculties and exercise of the Government and disposition of the Publick utility of the Realm of France shall remain to Henry admitting to his Council and Assistance such of the English Nobility as he shall please 6. That Henry of his own power shall cause the Court of France to be kept and observed in as full Authority and in all manner of places that now or in time coming is or shall be subject to King Charles 7. Also that Henry to his power shall defend and help all and every of the Peers Nobles Cities Towns Commonalties and singular persons now or in time to come Subjects to King Charles in their Rights Customs Priviledges Freedoms Franchises belonging or due unto them in all manner of places now or in time coming subject to King Charles 8. That Henry during the life of King Charles shall not call nor write himself King of France but shall abstain from that name so long as King Charles liveth 9. That King Charles during his life shall name write and call King Henry in French in this manner Nostre treschier Filz Henry Roy d'Engleterre heretere de France and in Latine in this manner Praeclarissimus filius noster Henricus Rex Angliae Haeres Franciae 10. That King Henry shall put no impositions or exactions to charge the Subjects of France without cause reasonable and necessary c. Many other Articles were concluded on Sealed and Sworn to on both sides which for brevity I omit King Henry not long after affianced the Lady Katherine and thereupon was proclaimed Regent and Heire apparent to the Crown of France from thence both Kings with their Peers rode to Paris wherein a Parliament of the three Estates assembled all such as were guilty of the Duke of Burgundy's death were justiced The disherizing of the Dolphin confirmed and Wars against those Towns which held for him prepared and thereupon on the fourth day of June the two Kings of France and England James King of Scots who was newly arived the Duke of Burgoigne the Prince of Orange one and twenty Earls five and forty Barons with many Knights and Gentlemen and an Army consisting of French English Scottish Irish and Dutch to the number of six hundred thousand besiege Seins which after twelve dayes was rendred upon composition of life those onely excepted that were guilty of the Duke of Burgundy's death The Duke of Bedford bringing a fresh supply of men out of England they march to Monstreau which by force was entred where the body of the Duke of Burgundy undecently buried was taken up and in great Pomp interred at Dijon the Town being taken the Castle held out still during which Siege King Henry instituted Garter principal King at Arms whom he sent with offers of mercy to the Castle but was by Guiley Captain thereof reproachfully answered which so incensed Henry that he caused twelve of his principle friends to be executed at length the Castle was enforced to yield upon composition of life Those that were guilty of Burgundy's death were onely excepted From Monstreau the Army marched to Melun the Captain whereof was Signieur Barbason an absolute Souldier who countermined some and stopt other Mines made by the English and fought hand to hand with King Henry in the Barriers at length through famine he was forced to yield but being suspected to have had a hand in the murther of the Duke of Burgandy he was sent Prisoner to Paris where upon King Henry's return he was sentenced to death and had suffered had he not appealed to the Officers at Arms the Law Military forbidding That any man having his Brother in Arms within his danger should afterwards put him to death for any cause or quarrell and proved himself to be the Kings Brother in Arms for that in the Countermine he had coaped with him in Combate whereupon the sentence of death was revoked yet was he still retained in prison but at the winning of Castle Galliard nine years after he was delivered to the great joy of the French Yet notwithstanding by this quirk of Heraldry Barbason escaped so well others as little guilty had not so good luck namely Bertrand de Charmont a Gascoigne and two Monks who were all three put to death Charles the Dolphin was cited to appear at the Marble Table at Paris but not appearing he was judged guilty of Burgognes death and by sentence of Parliament banished the Realm King Henry caused a new Coin to be made called a Salute whereon the Arms of France and England were quarterly stamped then appointing his Brother Clarence the Lieutenant General of France he with his Wife Queen Katherine returned into England being received of his Subjects saith Speed as an Angel from Heaven or another victorious Caesar on earth During King Henry's abode in England a sad accident befell him in France namely the losse of his Brother Clarence who making a road into Anjou upon his return was slain together with many Lords and Gentlemen and the Earls of Suffolk and Somorset taken Prisoners King Henry having notice of this overthrow was much perplexed yet considering that nothing is more certain then that the chance of War is uncertain he leaves off womanish tears and prepares again for manly actions a Subsidy being demanded and denied in Parliament he pawns his Crown to his Uncle Beaufort Bishop of Winchester for twenty thousand pound a strange humour in the King to pawn a Crown in possession to purchase one in hope and being thus furnished with money he soon was furnished
their affections the Regent and his Council being sent unto thought it not reasonable that the English having been at all the cost should not reap the profit the Burgundian on the other side resented this repulse ill as thinking the English too nice in resentments of Honour Whilst matters stood thus betwixt the French and English there was presented unto King Charles at Chinon a young Maid about eighten years of age named Joan of Arc who pretended she was sent from God to deliver France from the English yoak whereupon she was called La pucelle de Dieu or the Maiden of God though many judged her but a meer imposter however credit is given to her words and she being armed like a man she rides to Bloyes where Forces and Victuals lay for the relief of Orleance her first attempt was successfull she with the Admirall and Marshall of France enters safe bringing fresh courage to the dying hopes of the Townsmen who upon her encouragements sally forth slew 600. of the English and adventured upon the Bastile where the Lord Talbot commanded who repelled them with great slaughter of their men but yet the next day the Earl of Suffolk gave over his Siege and dispersed his Army into their Garrisons In memory of this admirable deliverance they of that City erected a Monument where Charles the Seventh King of France and Joan the Martiall Maid were represented kneeling in Armour elevating their eyes and hands to heaven in sign of thanks and acknowledgement At this time the success of War began to be various on both sides the Lord Talbot took the Town of Laval with the Castle but this gains was small in respect of the loss they received at that time the Duke of Allanson with Joan and other great Captains take by assault the Town of Jargeux and in it the Earl of Suffolk with one of his Brothers slew another of his Brothers and 200. Souldiers and having his numbers augmented encounters the Lord Talbot at a village called Patay whom he discomfits and slew of the English above a thousand The Lords Talbot the glory of the English Scales Hungerford and Sir Thomas Rampestone were taken prisoners these losses shook the whole fabrick of the English greatness in France and caused the revolt of many Towns to King Charles who encouraged by these successes marcheth into Champaigne where by composition he taketh the Cities of Troys and Auxerre Chalous and Rheimes yield themselves in which last according to the Maids direction he was solemnly Crowned King The Duke of Bedford upon the upleasant tydings of Orleance rescued and Talbot taken opposeth himself and having an Army of ten thousand English besides Normans marcheth out of Paris sending letter of defiance to the French King affirming that deceitfully and by unjust means he had stollen many Cities and places of importance belonging to the Crown of England which he was come to justifie by Battel if he would appoint a time and place who returned answer by the Herald that he would sooner seek the Duke then the Duke should need to pursue him yet notwithstanding his brags upon the Dukes approach he marcheth away the Regent follows and overtakes him at Senlys there both the Armies encamped and embattelled yet onely some light Skirmishes passed between them for the French King either thorow sear or policy or both in the night time fled to Bray the English Souldiers deeming it fear would have pursued him but the Regent judging it to be his policy to draw him further from the City of Paris of whose fidelity he had no great assurance refused to follow him any further The Bishop of Winchester Cardinal Beaufort having at that present raised four thousand men in aid of the Pope to suppress the Bohemians who began to slight his Pontifical pomp at the request of the Duke of Glocester went over with them to the Regent for a present expedition against King Charles who by the subtil working of the Pucelle was received into Campaigne and had many Towns of importance rendred unto him Yet notwithstanding his numbers exceeded twice the Regents yet by no provocations could he be drawn to Battel but secretly fled to Crispis whereupon the Regent also returned to Paris where he staid but a while but passeth into Normandy to provide for a safe retreat there if the English by the inevitable will of God should be driven out of their other Dominions exhorting them as their ancestours had alwayes been to be true and faithful to the Crown of England In the mean while the French King was not idle but gets by practice the Town of St. Denis from whence he sends the Duke of Allanson and Joan the Martial Maid to try their Friends and Fortunes at Paris but Joans good Fortune having ascended the Meridian began now to decline for the English gave them so rough an encounter that Joan her self was wounded and the rest with much slaughter forced to fly the Regent hearing of these attempts returneth to Paris commending the Souldiers for their vigilancy and valour in resisting the French and having fresh supplies out of England marcheth to reduce Champaign to his obedience The French under the conduct of their Martial Virago attempt to raise the siege and enter in despight of the English and Burgundians that besieged it but afterwards sallying forth their troops were beaten and Joan her self taken prisoner by John of Luxemburgh a Burgundian Knight who for the value of ten thousand pounds Turnoyes and three hundred crowns yearly rent delivered her to the Regent and he to the Bishop of Beauvois in whose Diocess she was taken who judicially proceeding against her as a Sorceress and deceiver of the King and his Subjects she was condemned and afterwards burnt to death at Roan Many sundry opinions were conceived of this Woman some judging her miraculously raised up by God for the good of France others that she was but a meer Imposter we will suspend our judgement herein and refer you to the Epitaph which we finde thus written on her Here lies Joan of Arc the which Some count Saint and some count Witch Some count Man and something more Some count Maid and some a Whore Her life 's in question wrong or right Her death 's in doubt by laws or might Oh innocence take heed of it How thou too near to guilt doest sit Mean time France a wonder saw A woman rule ' gainst Salique Law But Reader be content to stay Thy censure till the judgement day Then shalt thou know and not before Whether Saint Witch Man Maid or Whore And now the Regent seeing the great success that had attended King Charles ever since his Coronation would needs have King Henry Crowned in France to see if the like effects would follow the English whereupon he is sent for over and by the Bishop of Winchester solemnly Crowned in the City of Paris such of the French Nobility as were present doing their Homage and now was France a
Monster with two heads the misery of which Nation by occasion of these Wars is thus described by Polydor Virgil. While the English and French quoth he contend for Dominion Sovereignty and life if self mens goods in France were violently taken by the Licence of War Churches spoiled men every where murthered put to death or tortured Matrons ravished Maids forcibly drawn from out their Parents arms to be deflowred Towns daily taken defaced spoiled the riches of the Inhabitants carried whither the Conquerours thought good Houses and Villages round about set on fire no kinde of cruelty left unpractised upon the miserable French omitting many other kindes of other calamities which all at once oppressed them I shall onely adde that the Commonwealth being destitute of the help of Laws which for the most part are mute in times of War and Tumults floated up and down without any anchorage of right or justice Neither was England her self void of these mischiefs who by reason of her Civil Wars every day heard the news of her valiant Childrens Funerals slain in perpetual Skirmishes and Bickerings her general wealth continually decreasing so that their evils seemed almost equall and the whole Western World ecchoed the groans and sighs of either Nations quarrels being the common argument of the discourse and compassion of all Christendom The Regent having lately buried his Wife Sister to the Duke of Burgandy did now without his privity marry the Earl of St. Pauls Daughter no friend to the Burgundian which drave him into a discontentent and that discontent did King Charles so work upon that at length he seduced him from the English side though to effect the same he was fain to stoop so low as to send him a blank and bid him set down his own conditions which were both many and unreasonable saith Serres yet worth his cost For as Aemylius saith The end of that War did redeem the French from a Forreign Government as the first assuming thereof had made the English Lords over France The Regent out-lived this revolt not long but died at Paris with whom died all the English mens good fortune in France his body was with all Funeral Solemnities buried in the Cathedral Church of our Lady at Roan on the North side of the high Altar under a sumptuous and costly Monument which Tomb certain Courtiers would have perswaded King Lewis the Eleventh to have demolisht to whom he answered God forbid I should disturb him dead who living would have disturbed us all no let his bones rest in peace well worthy to have a more stately Monument How mighty a Prince he was this his stile sheweth Regent of France Duke of Bedford Alanzon and Anjon Earl of Main Richmond and Kendale and Constable of England But which excelleth his greatness as my Authour writes was that he was one of the best Patriots and Generals that ever blossomed out of the Royal Rosiar of England He died the 14. of September 1435. The Life of RICHARD NEVIL Earl of VVARWICK THis undaunted Heroe whose Life we now relate was he who in those times made and marr'd Kings and handled their Fortunes at his pleasure and was himself a great part of those famous Civil Wars between the Houses of York and Lancaster he was the eldest Son of Richard Nevill Earl of Salisbury and by Marriage with Anne the Sister and Heir of Henry Beauchampe Earl and after Duke of Warwick was in her right created Earl of Warwick His Grandfather was Ralph Nevill Earl of Westmerland whose Daughter the Duke of York had married which might be one cause of his adhering so much to that side and the effusion of so much bloud as ensued thereon For the Wars being now ended in France which we have declared unto you in the Lives of Edward the Third Edward the Black Prince Henry the Fifth and John Duke of Bedford those uncivil Civil Wars soon after brake forth betwixt the two Houses of York and Lancaster For though during our Forreign Wars these dissentions appeared not so much as in the Embrio both sides spending their stock of valour against the common enemy these Wars being ended these Martial mindes difused to peace would still be acting though against themselves The two chief Heads of these Factions was Richard Duke of York and Henry the Sixth King of England if we may call him a head who had so faint an heart and not rather the Queen who acted all though under his name The Duke of York claiming the Crown as Heir to the third Son of Edward the Third the Line of whose eldest Son Edward the Black Prince extinguisht in the deposition and paracide of Richard the second procured by Henry of Bullingbrooke the first King of the house of Lancaster Edward the Thirds second Son dying without issue Henry pleaded the advantage of a long Reign an interrupted descent in Majesty for threescore years a Sovereignty acknowledged abroad by by all Christian Princes and obeyed at home by all Englishmen without dispute a title according to the Law Salique undubitable and which had been confirmed at the first entry of his Grandfather Henry the Fourth into the Kingdom not onely by resignation of Richard the Second but even by approbation nay particular negotiation of Edmond Duke of York Edward Duke of Aumerle and Richard Earl of Cambridge Father Uncle and Grandfather to the said Duke of York This weighty business being not the work of one day the Duke of York draws to his side the Earls of Salisbury and Warwick and the better to prepare his way he practises all means to draw the King into the hatred of the people as one insufficient to supply the room which he held but Henry's piety having placed him so high in the affections of the people he seeks to undermine him in the downfall of his friends pretending not against the King but his evill Counsellours a pretence that hath been made use of in latter times The King at that present lying very sick he neglects no advantage but by the help of his friends wrought so effectually that the Duke of Somerset was sent to the Tower this man was exceedingly hated of the Commons conceiving him the chief cause that all Normandy was surrendered into the hands of the French of which their malice the Duke of York made good use though his intentions for the removing him out of the way was the hinderance he knew he would prove to his after claim of the Crown but when the King had recovered his strength again and resumed to him his Princely Government he caused the Duke of Somerset to be set at liberty and preferred him to be Captain of Calice wherewith not onely the Commons but many of the Nobility which favoured the Duke of York were greatly offended saying that he had lost Normandy already and would also lose Calice Hereupon the Duke of York with his adherents the Earls of Warwick Norfolk and Salisbury the Lords Cobham and Fawconbridge with many
gave himself over to all licentiousness whilst Warwick had made his faction not onely mighty but monstrous being compacted of several natures for into conspiracy of this great enterprize he had drawn off the Cleargy and the Laity and most of them of affections most opposite The Archbishop of York was the principal mover because he mov'd upon the soul and made treason an act of Religion the easie multitude who build their faith upon the man not the Doctrine thinking it meritorious to rebell in regard his function seem'd to give authority to the action With him a greed the Marquess Mountague and many eminent persons of King Edwards Court whom either desire of War having never lived but in the troubled Sea of discord or want of expected recompence rendered discontented All the partakers in the calamity of the house of Lancaster most passionately at first overture embraced this motion amongst whom was Henry Holland Duke of Exeter who after his ruine with the fall of Henry the Sixth was reduced to such extremity that ragged and bare-footed he begg'd for his meat in the Low-Countries But the wonder of the world then was at the powerful sorcery of those perswasions which bewitcht the Duke of Clarence the Kings Brother to this conspiracy to whom the Earl of Warwick to tye him the faster to his side gave him in marriage the Lady Isabel his daughter and coheire to the rich Earldom of Warwick for consummation whereof they sailed over to Calice of which Town the Earl of Warwick was Captain and in which the young Lady then remained with her Mother Soon was the Ceremony past and soon did the Earl invite his Son-in-law from the softness of the Nuptial Dalliance as who had contrived this marriage for business not for pleasure and design'd the first issue of their embraces to be a monster and the most unnatural one War between Brothers Warwick having thus politickly order'd things that he left little or nothing to fortune with his Son-in-law returns to England where against his return the Archbishop of York with some other of his friends had raised a potent Army to oppose whom on Edwards side assembles a mighty power under the conduct of the Earls of Pembroke and Devonshire but they falling out at Banbury upon a trivial occasion made way for the enemy to conquer them both This overthrow was seconded with a great loss at Grafton in Northamptonshire wherein the Earl Rivers and the Lord Widdevil Father and Brother to the Queen were taken and barbarously beheaded Edward nettled with these losses raises what power he could and marches against Warwick whose pretence being that of all Rebells The good of the Kingdom yet to avoid effusion of blood seemingly is very desirous of peace but when with several overtures he had lulled the King in security in the dead of the night he sets upon his Army kills the watch and surpriseth his person buried in a careless sleep Warwick having thus gotten the prey into his hand he so long desired sends him prisoner to Middleham Castle in Yorkshire there to be kept by his Brother the Archbishop of that Sea but King Edward being of another temper then his predecessour Henry not enduring Captivity soon found a way for his own liberty for having gotten licence to hunt in the adjoyning Park he so contrived with Sir William Stanley and Sir Thomas Burgh that with a selected number they came to his rescue and took him away from his weak guard the Lord Hastings joyning to them with some forces he had raised about Lancaster they march directly to London where they were entertained with great expressions of joy The Earl of Warwick who upon the taking of the King had disbanded his Army hearing of his escape was almost distracted with a thousand several imaginations but soon by letters to the Lords of his faction he reassembles his forces and marches against the King but thorow the solicitation of some persons inclinable to peace an enterveiw was agreed on in Westminster Hall and oaths for safety being past on both sides accordingly they met but such intemperance of Language past at their meeting as rather aggravated then allayed their anger so that now they resolved the Sword alone should decide the controversie The Earl of Warwick leaving his Army under the command of Sir Robert Wells whilst he himself went to raise more men King Edward neglecting not the opportunity whilest they were thus disjoyned gives them battel and overthrows them with the loss of ten thousand of their men Sir Robert Wells was taken prisoner and soon after beheaded This overthrow struck Warwick to the heart so that having not sufficient force to withstand the King he with the Duke of Clarence sail over into France with which King as also with Queen Margret who then remained in the French Court they entred into a combination for the deposing of King Edward and setting up again King Henry And that there might not be left any tract of former discontent or path to future jealousie a marriage was concluded and celebrated between Prince Edward the Queens Son and the Lady Anne younger daughter to the Earl and for want of issue of these two the Crown to come to Clarence and his posterity Matters thus concluded and the French King supplying them with money they return into England to whom flocked almost all the Lords the Commonalty also desirous of innovation adhered unto them so that King Edward seeing himself in a manner wholly abandoned was forced to quit the Land and sail into Holland And now notwithstanding his former hostility with him Warwick restores King Henry to all his former dignity and honour a Parliament is called wherein nothing is denyed which the prevailing party thought fit to be authorized King Edward condemned for a Tyranous Usurper and all his adherents attainted of high treason the Crown is entailed upon King Henry and his Heires Males for default of which to George Duke of Clarence and his Heires for ever The Earls of Oxford and Pembroke and many others restored to their estates and titles the Duke of Clarence put in possession of the Dutchy of York and lastly the Government of the King and Kingdom committed to the Duke of Clarence and Earl of Warwick so that King Henry possest no more then the name of King and seem'd not to be set at liberty but to have changed his keeper King Edward in the mean time having hired four great Holland Ships and fourteen Easterling men of War transports his Army over into England which consisted of two thousand Dutch men and such English as accompanied him in his flight or had escaped over after him at Ravenspur in Yorkshire he landed from thence he marched to York but finding in every place where he came the people generally devoted to the House of Lancaster he fashioned his behaviour to a new art and solemnly took his oath that his intentions was not for the recovering of the Crown but
hath this worthy Princes fame been blasted by malicious traducers who like Shakespear in his Play of him render him dreadfully black in his actions a monster of nature rather then a man of admirable parts whose slanders having been examined by wise and moderate men they have onely found malice and ignorance to have been his greatest accusers persons who can onely lay suspition to his charge and suspition in Law is no more guilt then imagination as the divine Father Chrysostom faith A good man hardly suspecteth another to be evill but an evill man scarcely supposeth any to be good King Richard had three great Favourites as Princes are seldome without some and those according to the constant custom of the World must be envied Catesby Ratcliffe and Lovel King Richards own Arms being the Bore upon which one Collingborne of the West fancied this Libel which in those times was received for excellent Wit The Cat the Rat and Lovel the Dog Rule all England under a Hog But leaving such trifles to return to King Richard Henry Earl of Richmond ambitious of Sovereignty envying his prosperity practises with forreign Princes and confederates with the English Nobles for Assistance and Forces against King Richard The chief abettor in England he had on his side was the Duke of Buckingham one who had formerly constantly adhered to King Richards side but being by him denyed the Earldome of Hereford and Constableship of England grew discontented took up Arms was defeated and afterwards by Marshall Law put to death Yet did not this break the neck of Henries design but having by his fair deportment gained Force from the Duke of Brittain and some other Princes envious of the prosperity of the House of York Richmond puts forth to Sea and lands at Milford-Haven in Wales after some refreshing he marches to a Town called Haverford-West where the people who flocked to him in great number welcomed him as a Prince descended from their ancient Princes of Wales the people generally being very noble and loving to their Brittish Kindred Hither came to him with great Forces the Earl of Salop Sir Rice ap Thomas Sir Walter Herbert Sir John Savage Sir Gilbert Talbot and many others His Army thus strong and united he passes the Severne and marches to Leichfield King Richard hearing of his arrivall prepareth against him but though he thought the Nobility generally cemented to his side yet found he a general defluxion from them to the other side the Earl of Surrey the Earl of Westmerland Viscount Lovel and John Duke of Norfolk being the principall that stuck to him which last was much importuned to have fallen off from him the night before the Battel one writing this Rime upon his Gate Jack of Norfolk be not too bold For Dicken thy master is bought and sold But he regarding more his fidelity then any danger that could befall him doubles his care and diligence on the behalf of his Sovereign The Earl of Northumberland who had received great favours from the King and who had in his Name raised vaste Forces being sent for by him refused to come pretending for his disobedience certain dreams wherein he was forewarned by his Father for to fight on King Richards side But the greatest defection was in the Lord Stanley who notwithstanding he had left his Sonne George Stanley as a Pledge of his faith with the King yet revolted to the other side King Richard notwithstanding all these disadvantages having encouraged his Army gives Richmond a Battle where valiantly fighting after he had with his own hands slain Sir Charls Brandon the Earls Standard-bearer and unhorsed Sir John Cheny and shewed himself a most Heroick Person being over-powered with multitude he was slain on the place With him died the Duke of Norfolk the Earl of Surrey was taken Prisoner and the whole Army quite defeated This Battle was fought at a Village called Bosworth near to Leicester The Victor was crowned in the Field by Sir VVilliam Stanley with King Richards Crown which he as a valiant and confident Master of his right had worn that day King Richards dead body after it was most barbarously mangled and wounded was thrown behinde one upon a lean Jade and so conveyed to Leicester where at last it obtained a bed of earth honourably appointed by the order of King Henry the Seventh in the chief Church of Leicester called Saint Maries belonging to the Order and Society of Grey Friers the King in short time after causing a fair Tomb of mingled colour'd Marble adorned with his Statue to be erected thereupon And notwithstanding the times were such when this great Prince lived that he had scarcely time to sheath his sword yet left he behinde him many Monuments of his Piety He founded a Collegiate Church of Priests in Middleham in Yorkshire another Colledge of Priests in London in Tower-street near to the Church called our Lady Barking he built a Church or Chappel in Towton in Glocestershire he founded a Colledge in York convenient for the entertainment of an hundred Priests he built the high stone Tower at Westminster and when he had repaired and fortified the Castle of Carlile he founded and built the Castle of Perrith in Cumberland He began many other good Works which his sudden fatt prevented as Polidor Virgil witnesseth which Works and Monuments of Piety shew not the Acts of a Tyrant I shall end all with this Eulogy which a learned Writer gives him King Richard was a stout valiant person ever indulgent to his People careful to have their Laws duly observed his making so many good ones if they signified not some goodness in himself were evident arguments of his more then ordinary love to Law and Justice The Life of THOMAS HOWARD Earl of SURREY THomas Howard Earl of Surrey in his time the Ornament of Mars and the Muses was Son to Sir John Howard Knight first made Barron by King Edward the Fourth and afterwards Duke of Norfolk by King Richard the Third in whose quarrel he was slain This noble Earl his Son having been well educated and afterwards trained up in Court his Martial minde hating those silken pleasures admired of Courtiers he with divers other young Gentlemen went over to Charles Duke of Burgundy who then had Wars with Lewis King of France in whose quarrel he behaved himself so gallantly that he won the honour and reputation of a most expert Commander At his return King Edward for his valour bestowed on him the Order of Knighthood to whose side he constantly adhered in that great difference betwixt him and the House of Lancaster That quarrel being ended by the overthrow of VVarwick he afterwards did excellent service in the Wars betwixt him and Lewis the French King King Edward being dead and the Crown by joynt consent both of Peers and People placed on King Richards head and after confirmed by Act of Parliament he with his Father the Duke of Norfolk held firm to his side notwithstanding the many
thus victory sometimes slips thorow their fingers who have caught it in their hands Yet notwithstanding this disaster enough to have daunted a coward from prosecuting his design any further he resolveth not to give over the project but whilest he was determining what to do a golden opportunity courted him with success certain Negroes called Symerons advertised him of many Mules laden with Gold and Silver which was to be brought from Panama over the Mountains Drake who had plowed long Furrows in the Ocean expecting to have a Golden Harvest leaves competent numbers to man his Ships and with the rest of his men goes on Land intercepts the prize being weakly guarded and carries away an infinite mass of Gold hiding the Silver under ground as not portable over so high hills Then burnt he a great place of Traffique called the Cross and in it two hundred thousand pounds worth of Spanish Merchandize which done he returned with great Honour and Riches into England This his so lucky beginning gave him more hopes of prosperous proceeding wherefore in Anno 1577. he again sets forth from Plimouth with a Fleet of five Ships and sixteen hundred and four men in them and within twenty five dayes came to Canline a Cape in Barbery in his passage he took Nuno-da-Silva a Spanish Pilate whose directions he afterwards much used Hence he took their course to the Island of Brava being much troubled with tempestuous winds which in one hour vary all the points of the Compass nor was their rain less strange poured not as in other places as it were out of sieves but as out of spots so that a Butt of water falls down in a place which notwithstanding was but a frendly in jury helping them to fresh water which otherwise in that hot Climate far from Land is not so easily come by Then cutting the Line he let every one in his ships bloud there saw they that face of Heaven which the Earth hideth from our sight but therein onely three stars of the first magnitude the rest few and small compared to our Hemisphere as if God saith Mr. Fuller had on purpurpose set up the best and biggest Candles in that room wherein his civillest Guests are entertained The 16. of April he entred the River Plate in which place John Doughty the next to Drake in Authority was questioned for raising sedition in the Navy who being found guilty was beheaded Some report Leicester had given Drake in charge to make him away for words be had said against him touching the Earl of Essex The twentieth of August he passed the Magellan Straits with three ships having cast off the other two as Impediments and then entring the Pacifique Sea his ships by tempests were dispersed from each one the one whereof was never more seen the other returned home through the Straits Drake himself held on his course to Chily Coquimbo Cinnano Palma Lima upon the West of America passing the Line the first of March till he came to the Latitude 47. intending to have come by those North Seas but unseasonable weather made him alter his determination and bend his Course South-West from thence coming to Anchor 38. degrees from the Line where the King of that Countrey presented unto him his Net-work Crown of many coloured feathers and resigned therewith his Scepter of Government unto his Devotion his people so admiring our men that they sacrificed unto them as to their gods This place for the glory of England he named Nova Albion and at his departure erected a Structure as a Monument to witness what there had been done From thence the fourteenth of November he fell with Ternate one of the Isles of Molucco the King whereof entertained him curteously telling them they and he were all of one Religion in this respect that they believed not in Gods of stocks and stones as did the Portugals Here he took in certain tun of Cloves with some necessaries which they wanted But in relating the honour we must not omit the riches he got in this journey his Prizes being many and of great value which by Sir Richard Baker are thus summarily delivered Loosing from the Isle Moucha he lighted upon a fellow fishing in a little Boat who shewed him where a Spanish ship laden with Treasure lay Drake making towards it the Spaniards thought him to be their own Countrey-man and thereupon invited him to come on but he getting aboard presently shut the Spaniards being not above eight under hatches and took the ship in which was four hundred pound weight of Gold At Taurapasa going again on shore he found a Spaniard sleeping by the sea side who had lying by him twenty bars of massy silver to the value of four thousand Duccats which he bid his followers take amongst them the Spaniard still sleeping After this going into the Port of Africa he found there three Vessels without any Marriners in them wherein besides other wares were seven and fifty silver Bricks each of which weighed twenty pound Tiding it to Lime he found twelve ships in one road and in them great store of silks and a chest full of money coined but not so much as a ship-boy abroad such security there was in that Coast Then putting to sea with those ships he followed the rich ship called Cacofaga and by the way met with a small ship without Ordnance or other Arms out of which he took fourscore pound weight of Gold a golden Crucifix and some Emralds of a fingers length And overtaking the Cacofaga set upon her and took her and in her besides Jewels fourscore pound weight of Gold thirteen Chests of Silver and as one writes as much silver as would ballast a ship And now having fraughted his ship with so much wealth that a Miser would not desire any more he resolveth to return home and having a large winde and a smooth sea ran aground on a dangerous shole where his ship stuck twenty hours having ground too much and yet too little to land on and water too much and yet too little to sail in Expecting now no other then death they betook themselves to prayer the best lever at such a dead lift afterwards they received the Communion dining on Christs in the Sacrament expecting no other then to sup with him in Heaven Driven to this strait they were forced to cast out of their ship six great Peeces of Ordnance threw over-board as much wealth as would break the heart of a Miser to think on with much sugar and packs of spices making a caudle of the sea round about At last it pleased God that the winde formerly their mortal enemy became their friend which changing from the Starboard to the Larboard of the ship and rising by degrees cleared them off to the sea again for which they returned unfeigned thanks unto Almighty God Having escaped this eminent danger they bent their Course South-West to the Cape of Bone Speranco and by the West of Africa returned safe into
to Deureux he did see Thy beauties Cales but Deureux conquer'd thee The whole Navy returning home safe crowned with victory and laden with spoils yet seemed the revenge far less then the injury offered by the Spaniard wherefore the next year a third voyage was undertaken whereof the Earl of Essex was made commander in chief Their design was to intercept the Indian Fleet in their return into Spain many of the Nobility and principal Gentlemen accompanied the Earl in this expedition The ninth of July 1597. they set sail from Plimouth directing their course to Feral and the Groyne but God as a worthy Author interprets was so displeased at these nations enmities that they had not sailed forty leagues but they were encountred with such a terrible tempest that the Marriners themselves were at their wits end and the Fleet had much adoe to recover Plimouth And attempting to set out the second time the winde fell so cross that for a whole moneths time they could not get out of the Haven The 17 of August they again hoise sail but before they came in view of Spain they were disperst by another horrible tempest in which they lost two of their ships The 15 of September they fell into the Isles of Flores Evernes Fyal and Pike all which submitted themselves to the Earls devotion afterwards they sailed to Gratiosa whose inhabitants submit and finde mercy here would the Earl have tarried in expectation of the Indian Fleet had he not been most unluckily disswaded by Graves his Pilot for no sooner was he gone but the American Fleet came by wherein were forty ships and seven of them laden with Treasure these fearful sheep hearing the English wolves were abroad loath to lose their golden fleece sailed with all speed they could to Tezcera where they gained the Haven all but three ships which the English took the rest securing themselves in the Port which being impregnable The English sail from thence to Sain Michaels where they took Villa Franca a fair Town well stored with Merchandize wine wood and corn here they tarried six dayes during which space a Caraque coming out of the East-Indies and perceiving the English were there ran her self ashore unloaded her Merchandize and then fired her self October the ninth they hoist sail for England but in their passage were assailed by such a tempest that quite lost them the sight of the Spanish Fleet who likewise suffered much by the same tempest for one of their ships was cast upon Dartmouth the Souldiers and Marriners half starved in her who upon examination confessed that the Spanish Fleets intention was to seize upon some Haven in Cornwall which being nigh the mouth of the Chancel might be convenient to receive Forces from Spain but man proposeth and God disposeth for the divine providence frustrated the designs both of the Spaniard and the English The Earl of Essex upon his return was created Earl Marshal of England Hitherto have we beheld our Earl ascending the zenith of Honour but favourites of great Princes are seldom without parasites who wanting true worth in themselves make a ladder of mischief to climbe up to promotion these buz into the Earls head strange fancies and chymaera's that his deserts were far greater then his rewards that during his absence Sir Robert Cicill was made Chancellour of the Dutchy of Lancaster and Charles Lord Howard created Earl of Nottingham with relation in his pattent to the Victory in eighty eight and his good service at Cales that he was descended of the blood royal of Scotland and England and had better right to the Crown then any other of the compettitors This puts the Earl upon indirect courses and though he cannot attain to be King of England he seeks to be made a petty King of Ireland the state of which Countrey ordained to be the Sepulchre of his Father and the gulf of his own fortunes was at that present in a dangerous condition by reason Tir Oen a notorious rebell had lately atchieved such a victory with so great loss to the English as they had never felt the like since they first set footing in Ireland Whereupon a serious consultation was held on whom to send to quell the rebels Essex though he seemed not to desire the employment yet still was ready with his exceptions if any other were nominated at length it was concluded that he should be the man and an Army of twenty thousand foot and thirteen hundred horse alotted unto him with these and a great retinue besides of the Nobility he passeth into Ireland His first action after his arrival was against the Petty Rebels in the Province of Mounster contrary to his Commission which was to go immediately against Tir Oen himself but men who prefer their private fancies before publique Instructions seldom attain to their wished desires For notwithstanding he took the Castle of Cahir and drove the Rebels into the Woods and Groves adjoyning his Forces by this means were so impaired that the gain did not countervail the loss wherefore sending for fresh supplies out of England in the mean time he sendeth directions to Sir Coniers Clifford President of Connaught to set upon the Rebels in one place thereby to sever their Forces while he assaulted them in another This counsel though good yet found ill success Clifford with fifteen hundred Souldiers marching towards Belike set upon the Rebels but the Fight continuing long and the English wanting Powder were put to flight Clifford himself and many of the old Soldiers being slain In the mean time Essex receiveth fresh Forces out of England and withall a check for neglecting the Queens Command wherefore at length he setteth forth towards the borders of Vlster with thirteen hundred Foot and five hundred Horse Tir Oen not able to match him in power yet seeketh to over-match him in policy and by his Messenger desireth a parley Essex mistrusting not the poyson in the bate condescended appointing the shallow of Balla Clinch for their meeting place thither came Essex alone with whom Tir Oen had private conference a full hour and not long after by their Delegates concluded a Truce from six weeks to six weeks till May Day This Transaction more incensed the Queen who dispatcheth very sharp Letters unto him blaming his delay and letting slip every fair opportunity with which Letters he likewise receiveth advertisement that Sir Robert Cecil was made Master of the Wards a place which he expected himself This Sir Robert Cecil was a man of lame feet but of a sound head one who bare great sway in the Court and a special stickler against the Earl which exasperated him the more not that he lost the place himself but that his Adversary had attained unto it This State proceeding entred so deep into his thoughts that he studies revenge and held private consultations of returning into England with part of his Forces to surprize his Adversaries But from this dangerous course the Earl of Southamptom
dayes was set that whosoever lost the Monks ever won Several superstitious Writers render this King in his life to be of that holiness that he received power from heaven to cure many diseases amongst others the swelling of the throat commonly called the Kings-Evil a prerogative that continued hereditary to his Successours Kings of England which as they affirm was first derived from him Alluridus Rivallensis writing the life and death of this King reporteth him to be a man void of pride a lover of peace a contemner of covetousness abhorring wars and blood-shed insomuch as when he lived as a banished man in Normandy he would oftentimes say That he had rather live a private life for ever then to attain the Kingdom by the death of any man Indeed he was more fitting to be ruled then to rule being too much subject to his Subjects his familiarity causing their contempt accounting his humility to be meer simplicity though otherwise adjudged by the Poet. He 's soly wise who is not selfly wise But humble in the judgement of his eyes His innocent and harmless Government continued his Reign in length twenty three years six moneths and odd dayes he died and was buried in the Church at Westminster which he formerly had builded being after his death canonized for a Saint The Life of VVILLIAM the Conquerour WIlliam the First sirnamed the Conquerour was base son to Robert the first of that name the sixth Duke of Normandy begotten on Arlet a Skinners Daughter from whence our English word Harlot is thought to be derived when he was about seven years old his Father intending a Pilgrimage to Jerusalem assembled all his Nobles together and caused them to swear fealty to this his son William committing him to the governance of two of his Brothers and the defence of that Government to Henry the French King a strange confidence in the Duke to commit the tuition of his son that was base born to pretenders that were legitimate and a potent Monarch who desired to reannex that Dukedom to his Crown but the proximity of blood in his brothers and his former services to the French King made him so confident that in the eighth year of his Dukedom he sets forward on his voyage where entring Jewry and not able to travel he was born in a Litter on Saracens shoulders and near unto the City meeting a returning Pilgrim desired him to report in his Countrey that he was carried to heaven upon the devils back but so far he went that he never returned leaving his son a ball to be tost about in Fortunes Tennis-Court First one Roger de Tresny sought to toss him out of his Dukedom pretending the illegitimation of William which fair pretence got him many complices but the Divine Providence raised him up friends particularly Roger de Beamont by whose valour this Roger de Tresny was defeated and slain These troubles were scarce ended but far greater arose for William de Arques his base Uncle assisted by the King of France layes claim to the Dutchy but William so begirt his Castle with a strait siege that the Earl was almost famished was forced to yield and the French with disgrace returned home yet could not their ill success deter others from attempting the like but Guy Earl of Burgoyn Grand childe to Richard the Second would needs likewise try his chance in Fortunes Lottery which proved quite contrary to his expectation for he seeking to be made head of the Dukedom was for his treason made shorter by the head Duke William having thus vanquished his enemies and now grown more potent then he was before for every rebellion when it is suppressed makes the Prince stronger and the Subjects weaker comes over into England to visit his Cousen King Edward the Confessor to whom it is said Edward with the consents of Stigandus Archbishop of Canterbury the Earls Goodwin and Syward and of Harold son to Earl Goodwin promised if he dyed without issue to leave the Crown which promise was afterward ratified by the corporall oath of Harold who being at his mannor of Boseham in Suffolk one day for his recreation in a fishers boat launched forth to the Sea but by a contrary winde was driven upon the Coasts of Ponthieu in France where being taken by Earl Guido was presented to Duke William to whom he solemnly swore to assist him for obtaining the Kingdom but Edward dying the splendour of his Crown so dazeled the eyes of Harold that forgetting his former promise and oath he set the same upon his own head Duke William whose hopes were that England should be his now seeing his hopes frustrated by Harold prepares his forces against the perjured King with whom joyned many of the French Nobility and to make their endeavours the more successfull Pope Alexander the second sent him a consecrated Banner an Agnus Dei and one of the hairs of Saint Peter the Apostle Thus furnished on all sides with a Navy of 896. Ships he cuts the briney face of Neptune and arrives at Pemsey near Hasteings in Sussex from whence he sent a Monk on Ambassage to Harold who was newly returned from the slaughter of the Norwegians offering him three conditions the first was that he should resigne up the Crown or hold it as a Tributary Prince under him or else in sight of both armies to defend his Title in Person against the Duke if not to stand to the arbitrement of the Pope but Harold instead of granting his requests threatens his ruine except he forthwith returns into Normandy Both sides thus enraged the one seeking to get the other to keep that which by right belonged to another seven miles from Hasteings a bloody battel was fought wherein was slain of the English if I may credit my Author 66654. King Harold himself manfully fighting was likewise slain a Prince had he attained the Crown by right worthy to have injoyed it a longer time but his pride and ambition caused his destruction so true is that which one observes Much have I seen yet seldome seen I have Ambition go gray headed to the Grave William having thus obtained the victory of an old Duke was made a yong King being Crowned at Westminster by Aldred Archbishop of York the Year of our Salvation 1066. And now the better to secure himself in his new state he endeavours to get into his possession the strongest forts in the Kingdom and to this end takes his journey towards Dover the Lock and Key of the Kingdome as Matthew Paris calls it that by the command of so strong a place he might the more easily keep under the Natives and keep out strangers if any excited by his example should dare to attempt what he had done But the Kentish-men having notice of his intentions assembled together and at Swanscombe two miles from Gravesend met him in the forme of a moving Wood for seeing no way lay open save onely a front they agreed to carry in their hands great
intended to adjudge him a perjured person and also a traytor for not yielding temporal Allegiance to his temporal Sovereign as himself had sworn to do and accordingly the Prelates themselves by joynt consent adjudged him of perjury and by the mouth of the Bishop of Chichester disclaimed thence forward all obedience unto him as their Archbishop But Becket herewith nothing daunted caused to be sung before him the next day at the Altar that Psalm Principes fedent The Princes sit and speak against me and the ungodly persecute me c. and forthwith taking his Silver Crosier in his own hands enters armed therewith into the Kings Prefence who more and more enraged at Beckets insolency commandeth his Peers to sit in judgement on him as on a traytor and the Courtiers like Ecchoes answering the King the whole Court sounded nothing but Treason so that Becket afraid of being slain hasteth home and changing his costly Robes into course Rags passeth over into Flanders calling himself by the name of Dereman The Archbishop gone the King banishes all his Kindred out of his Dominions and he on the other side excommunicates all such as had to do against him at length the King of France with intreaty and the Pope with the terrour of the Churches censures made a full atonement and reconciliation between them the Archbishop in great triumph returned to England having been absent from his native Countrey for the space of seven years All controversies seemed now fully to be ended though the sequel thereof proved far otherwise for some excommunicated Bishops and other men of great account desiring to be absolved he refused to do it unless with this caution that they should stand to the judgement of the Church in those things for which they were excommunicated but they disdaining the pride of the Archbishop poste over into Normandy where the King was then informing him that Thomas was now grown more haughty then before that he went up and down with great Troops of men both Horse and Foot that attended on him as upon the Kings own Royal Person that to be a King indeed he wanted but the name and setting the Crown upon his head The King herewith highly incensed in a great rage said And is it possible that I cannot peaceably enjoy neither Kingdom Dignity nor Life and all this for one onely priest Cursed be all such as eat my bread since none will revenge me of this fellow These words being over-heard by four Knights Sir Morvil Sir William Tracy Sir Hugh Brito Sir Richard Fitz-urse they thinking to do the King a pleasure though as the sequel of his reign proved they could not have done him a greater injury hasted into England and in his own Church of Canterbury most barbarously murthered him being then about 48. years of age not long after he was Canonized by Pope Alexander and the day of his death being the 29. of December kept annually holy Many miracles are reported to have been done by him and his Shrine so inriched by Pilgrims which from all places came thither in devotion that at the defacing thereof in the time of King Henry the Eighth the spoil thereof in Gold and Precious Stones filled two great Chests such as six or eight strong men could do no more then convey one of them at once out of the Church Thus the Images of many men were richly clothed when many poor Christians Gods Image went almost naked so full of charity were those empty times of knowledge a shame to us who know more but practice less Draiton in his Polyolbion hath these verses on him Concerning whom the world since then hath spent much breath And many questions made both of his life and death If he were truly just he hath his right if no Those times were much to blame that have him reckoned so Stapleton a Jesuite put forth a book entituled Tres Thomas Saint Thomas the Apostle Thomas of Becket and of Sir Thomas Moor he Canonizes the two last of either of which he writes six times as much as of St. Thomas the Apostle The Life of RICHARD the First THis reign as it in part epitomizes the History of the holy War without being guilty of an omission of the most admired part of Chronical History I could not but insert Richard the first who for his inexpugnable and Lion-like heart obtained the sirname of Coeur de Lion he was a most valiant and magnanimous Prince accustomed to Wars he died in the fields of Mars of whom as a Prince we shall say nothing having so much to relate of him after he came to be King This martial Prince born in a martial age was third son to King Henry the Second and succeeded him in the Crown after his Decease his elder Brothers dying before their Father At his Coronation he commanded no Jews should be present but they desirous to see the solemnities hasted thither in great numbers but the price of their lives paid for the pleasure of their eyes the common people falling upon them and slaying a great number so ominous to the enemies of Christ was the first day of this Kings reign presaging saith one his following successes in the Jewish Countreys For intending a journey to Jerusalem not as a Pilgrim to see the City but as a Souldier to conquer the Countrey he raises an Army of thirty thousand Foot and five thousand Horse his next care was for money the sinews of War and notwithstanding his Father had left him eleven hundred thousand pound a vast sum for that age yet was it no thought sufficient for so great a journey Therefore to the end he might be able to go thorow with his work he sells the Castles of Berwick and Roxborough to the Scottish King for ten thousand pounds the Priory of Coventry to Hugh Bishop of Chester for 300. marks and the County of Northumberland to Hugh Bishop of Duresme for his Life jeasting he had made a new Earl of an old Bishop then feigning he had lost his old Seal he made a new one proclaiming that whosoever would safely enjoy those things which before time they had enrolled should come to the new Seal by which princely skill not to say cheat he squeezed much money out of his Subjects purses Having proceeded thus far towards his journey his next care was for securing the Kingdom of England in his absence On his Brother John whom he knew to be of an ambitious spirit and apt to take fire on the least occasion on him he heaped both riches and honour that by his liberality he might win him to loyalty but the chief Government of the Land he committed to William Longchamp Bishop of Ely Lord Chancellour of England chusing him for his Viceroy rather then any lay-Earl because a Coronet perchance may swell into a Crown but never a Mitre with him was joyned in Commission Hugh Bishop of Durham for the parts of England beyond Humber Yet as Suetonius reports of the
Brother Earl of Longuevile Charles Earl of Vendosme the Earls of Tankervile Salbruch Nassaw Dampmarlin La Roch with many other Lords besides two thousand Knights and Gentlemen nor did the slain come far short of the prisoners the Chiefest whereof were Peter of Burbon Duke of Athens high Constable of France John Clermont Marshall George of Charney Lord great Chamberlain the Bishop of Chalons the Lords of Landas Pons and Chambly with others to the number of 1700. Knights and Gentlemen The Prince having commended his Souldiers needed not at that time reward them giving them the rich plunder of the Field which did sufficiently recompence them for their victory This indeed whetteth a Souldiers valour when desert is recompensed with reward The English whose valour was most conspicious were the Earls of Warwick Suffolk Salisbury Oxford and Stafford the Lords Cobham Spenser Berkley Basset and Audley which last named Lord for his valour was rewarded by the Prince with the gift of five hundred marks Fee simple in England which he presently gave to four of his Esquires whereupon the Prince demanding whether he accepted not his gift he answered that these men had deserved the same as well as himself and had more need of it with which reply the Prince was so well pleased that he gave him five hundred marks more in the same kinde an example worthy of immortal memory where desert in the Subject and reward in the Prince strive which should be greatest Nor did the Prince use less humanity towards his prisoners whom he entertained in most honourable manner so that King Johns Captivity was onely restraint of his liberty being attended on like a King in the hands of his enemy for noble spirits scorn to insult over misery 't is Plebean rage that is merciless Having refreshed his Army he marcheth with his prisoners to Burdeaux where he tarried a while longer to rest his Souldiers from thence he sets sail for England ariving at Plymouth King Edward as soon as he had knowledge of the Victory caused a general Thanksgiving all over England eight dayes together giving God the thanks and glory knowing him the Author and his Son but the instrument of this unparallel'd victory By reason of these his wonderful Atchievements his name grew famous all the Christian world over to whom for succour comes Peter King of Castile driven out of his kingdom by the French with the assistance of the King of Arragon and his Bastard Brother Henry placed in his room Prince Edward considering what a dangerous president this might be against all lawful Kings that any one should be thus dis-throned having obtained leave of his Father resolveth to aid him and taking along with him an Army of thirty thousand men makes his way through the streights of Rouncevallux in Navarr accompanied with the Kings of Castile and Majorca John Duke of Lancaster his Brother with many other Knights and Gentlemen On the other side King Henry for defence of his Diadem had assembled an Army of an hundred thousand consisting of French under Glequin their famous Captain as also of Castilians both Christians and Saracens On the borders of Castile at a place called Nazers it came to a Battel where the Prince obtained a glorious Victory slew many thousands of his enemies and took above two thousand prisoners nor left he off here but proceeded so far untill he had set him in Burgus upon his Throne again The greater the benefit is of him that receives it the more monstruous is his ingratitude that doth not acknowledge it this ungrateful King notwithstanding the benefits he had received of the Prince dismissed his without money to pay his Army which constrained him in his return to Burdeaux to coin his Plate but that not supplying his present necessities he layes upon his Dominions in Gascoigne a new taxation which was the cause of a most dangerous revolt But this was not all the mischief that he accrewed by this journey for the Prince brought back with him such an indisposition of body that he was never throughly well after Some report him to have been poysoned by King Peter and probable enough he might be guilty of such wickedness whose whole course of life was so full of vice Duke John of Lancester was not freed from the suspition of hastening his death though the heat of the Countrey and the unfitness of the Season might be the principal cause How ever it was certain it is he survived not long after dying at Canterbury upon Trinity Sunday Anno 1376. aged about six and forty years a Prince excelling all the princes which went before him and surpassing in Martial deeds all the Heroes that have lived after him His body was buried at Christ-Church in Canterbury where his monument standeth leaving behinde him onely one Son who was afterwards King of England by the name of Richard the Second unless we should reckon his natural issue Sir John Sounder and Sir Roger Clarendon Knights which latter is thought to be Ancestour to the house of the Smiths in Essex The Life of Sir JOHN HAWKWOOD AMongst those many Worthies which this Martial age produced that valiant Knight Sir John Hawkwood deserveth remembrance who though of low birth by his Martial prowess purchased his own renown over the Christian world He was born at Sible Heningham in the County of Essex and was in his youth bound apprentice at London with a Taylor from whence he was prest in the musters for service of King Edward the Third and sent into France as a common Souldier where contrary to the Proverb which saith Taylors are no men he behaved himself so valiantly that he was made a Captain over a Company of Foot Souldiers and not long after upon some further good service by him performed advanced unto the order of Knighthood but a peace being concluded between the French and English and his estate not able to maintain his Title he was loath to return home again to follow his old occupation it being something preposterous from a Knight to turn Taylor again wherefore he joyned himself with the Companies called the Late-comers who being about five or six thousand made great spoil upon the East parts of France passing through Champain Burgondy and Damphin even to the very Gates of Avignion in Province From thence he departed into Lumbardy having the leading of that part of the Companies which was called the White Band with whom he served valiantly in the Wars of John Marquess of Montferrat but Lionel Duke of Clarence Son to Edward the Third King of England coming over into Italy to marry with the Lady Violanta Daughter of Galeacio Duke of Millain he forsook that service and attended the Duke to the marriage To omit their sumptuous entertainment which by Paulus Jovius upon the life of Galeacio is written at large Barnaby the Brother of Galeacio having at that time great Wars with the State of Mantua obtained of the Duke of Clarence that Sir John Hawkwood
molested or disquieted concerning the same or for refusal thereof 2. And that no free-man be taken and imprisoned or be disseised of his free-hold or liberty or his free customs or be out-lawed or exiled but by the lawful judgement of his Peers or by the Law of the Land 3. And that your Majesty would be pleased to remove the Souldiers and Marriners now billetted in divers Counties and that your people may not be so burthened in time to come 4. That the late Commissions for proceeding by Marshal Law may be revoked and annulled and that hereafter no Commission of like nature may issue forth to any person or persons whatsoever to be executed lest by colour of them any of your Majesties Subjects be destroyed and put to death contrary to Law and the Franchises of the Land All which they most humbly pray of your most excellent Majesty as their Rights and Liberties according to the Laws and Statutes of this Realm and that your Majesty would also vouchsafe to declare that all awards doings or proceedings to the prejudice of your People shall not be drawn hereafter into consequence and example Never writes a late Author of the History of the Reign of King Charles did arbritary power since Monarcy first founded so submittere faces so vail its Scepter never did the Prerogative descend so much from perch to popular lure as by this concession a concession able to give satisfaction ever so supererogation for what was amiss in all the Kings by-past government Much hoped it was that this Parliament would have had a happy conclusion but what Gregory Nazienzen complained of Councels That he never saw any one end well King Charles might with as much verity have pronounced as to his content of Parliaments not any one he summoned having had any termination other then disgustful to him for no sooner was the Petition of Right granted but the Parliament resolved upon a large Remonstrance to the King wherein they ripped up many grievances of the Kingdom accusing the Duke of Buckingham his excessive power and abuse of that power the principal cause of all those evils and dangers to which the King returned a smart answer wherewith the Commons being displeased fell down right upon another Remonstrance against Tonnage and Poundage Whereupon the King unwilling to hear of any more Remonstrances of that nature prorogued the Parliament unto October 20. During this Session the Earl of Denbigh with fifty Sail of Ships attempted the relief of Rochel but prevailing nothing a third Fleet was prepared ready whereof the Duke of Buckingham was to have the Command but being ready to embarque he was stabbed with a knife by Felton a discontented person of which as also of his unfortunate proceedings at the Isle of Rhe I refer my Reader to his foregoing Life The Duke being dead the charge of the Fleet was committed to the Earl of Lindsey a Gentleman of a gallant resolution but before his coming the Town was so blocked up by Land and barred up by Sea that it was almost unapproachable yet many gallant attempts were made by the Earl bringing up his Ships to the very mouth of the Bar but being ready to enter the pass the winde whisked about into an opposite Point which drove them dangerously foul one upon another whereupon the Rochellers hopeless of relief opened their Gates submitting themselves to the Kings mercy which was granted them The Famine and War having made such havock amongst them that of twenty two thousand souls but four thousand were left October the 20. being come the Parliament was prorogued to January the 20. following at which time they met who begun where they last left with Tonnage and Poundage for complaints came in thick and three-fold against the Customers for taking and distraining Merchants goods Great stickling was betwixt the King and Parliament concerning this business the King claiming it as a Prerogative belonging to the Crown they denying it as an infringement of the Petition of Right After much debating and high words on both sides the dissolution of the Parliament put a period to the contest Not long after by mediation of the Seignory of Venice a Peace was concluded between France and England Spain also hampred with wars and want of money made overtures of a Peace which at last was concluded and published with more then ordinary Solemnity These Wars with France and Spain had so emptied the Exchequer that the King was forced to make use of his Prerogative for a supply which was by summoning all persons who had Estates of forty pounds per annum to receive the Order of Knighthood formerly practised by several Kings though now a long disuse had made it a novelty Many of the Countrey Hobs who had gotten an estate liable to a Fine took it first as a jeast and thereupon made no appearance but their purses afterwards paid for it in good earnest This project alone bringing in to the Exchequer no less then a hundred thousand pound May the 29. 1630. the Queen was delivered of a Son who was baptized by the name of Charles having two years before miscarried of a son of the same name who lived not above an hour which occasioned Randolphs Muse thus to express her self Thy first birth Mary was unto a Tomb And sad Lucina did not aid thy womb To Heaven thou then wert fruitful now to earth Thou canst give Saints as well as Kings a birth It was now seven years and better since Charles was crowned King of England Scotland his Native Countrey had a Crown also to bestow upon him and the King adjudged it worth the going for for though saith one it conferreth no one dram of solid and real grandure to the Throne yet ceremoniated as it is with such formalities it representeth it self a serious vanity There attended him this journey the Earls of Northumberland Arundel Pembroke Southampton Salisbury Carlile Holland Monmouth and New Castle the Bishop of London Lord Treasurer Secretary Cook Vice Chamberlain with many other Gentlemen of quality June 18. 1633. he was crowned with great Solemnity at Edinburgh and having visited Ealkland Sterling and some other eminent places he returned back again into England Thus he was crowned by a Nation that afterwards snatcht it from his Royal Temples The King at his return found his Exchequer near empty whereupon he consults with his Attorney Noy for a way how to supply it he searching old Records being a man very studious that way findes an ancient precedent of raising a Tax for setting forth a Navy in case of danger to which purpose a Writ was issued out to the seveaal Counties in England for the raising of money sufficient for the setting forth of forty seven ships at which the Commons grumbled as an illegal Tax contrary unto the Petition of Right The King for his better satisfaction demands the opinion of the Judges who all of them under their hands confirmed the Legality thereof yet were not the
that sufficient and real security be given for performance of what shall be agreed upon I permit either by leaving strong Towns or other Military force into the Rebels possession until Articles be performed to give such assurance for performance of Conditions as you shall think necessary for to conclude a Peace provided alwayes that you take at least as great care by sufficient security that Conditions be performed to me And to make sure that he Peace once set all things shall return into their ancient chanels Thirdly for Ireland I confess they have very specious and proper Arguments to propose this point the gaining of no Article more conducing to their ends then this and I have as great reason in honour to take care how to answer this Accompt all the world knows the eminent inevitable necessity which caused me to make the Irish Cessation and there remain yet as strong reasons for the concluding of the Peace wherefore ye must consent to nothing to hinder me therein until a clear way be shown me how my Protestant Subjects may probably at least defend themselves and that I shall have no more need to defend my Conscience and Crown from the injuries of this Rebellion His Majesties Letter to the Duke of Richmond in pursuance of the said Instructions Richmond I thank you for the account you sent me by this Bearer and have nothing of new to direct you in but onely to remember you that my going to Westminster is not to be mentioned but upon probable hopes of procuring a Treaty with the Commons there or thereabouts and that you mention the security I ask with my coming to West And I hope I need not remember you to cajole well the Independents and Scots this Bearer will tell you how well our Western and Northern association go on to whom I refer you for other things I rest Directions for Secretary Nicolas to the same effect First for Religion and Church Goverment I will not go one step further than what is offered by you already 2. And so for the Militia more than what ye have already allowed me but even that you must observe that I must have a nomination of the full half as if the total number Scots and all be thirty I will name fifteen yet if they I mean the English Rebels will be so base as to admit of ten Scots to twenty English I am contented to name five Scots and ten English and so proportionably to any number that shall be agreed upon 3. And for gaining of particular persons besides security I give you power to promise them rewards for performed services not sparing to ingage for places so they be not of great trust but as much profit as you will with this last you are onely to acquaint Richmond Southampton Culpeper and Hide His Majesties Letter to his Commissioners at Uxbridge for procuring longer time to conclude the Treaty Right trusty c. Having received from you a particular account of your proceedings in the Treaty and observing thereby how impossible it is within the dayes limited to give such full answer to the three Propositions you are now upon as you might if upon consideration had of the rest of the Propositions you could clearly see what fruit such answers will produce in order to a blessed peace for the present and the future good and happiness of this Kingdom we have thought it fit to advise you that you propose and desire of the Commissioners with whom you treat that they will procure such further time to be allowed after the expiration of the twenty dayes as may be sufficient for you upon a full understanding one of another upon the whole to make such a conclusion that all our Subjects may reap the benefit good men pray for deliverance from these bloody distractions and be united in peace and charity and if you think fit you may communicate this our Letter to them So we bid you heartily farewel Given at our Court at Oxon. Feb. 13. 1644. Thus by these former passages all wise men may perceive how far the King declared the truth of his intentions which finding frustrate he speedily sent this Letter to the Queen His Majesties Letter to the Queen March 5th 1644. Dear Heart Now is come to pass what I foresaw the fruitless end as to a present peace of this Treaty but I am still confident that I shall finde very good effects of it for besides that my Commissioners have offered to say no more full measured reason and the Rebels have stucken rigidly to their Demands which I dare say had been too much though they had taken me Prisoner so that assuredly the breach will light fouly upon them We have likewise at this time discovered and shall likewise make it evidently appear to the world that the English Rebels whether basely or ignorantly will be no great difference have as much as in them lyes transmitted the command of Ireland from the Crown of England to the Scots which besides the reflection it will have upon these Rebels will clearly shew that reformation of the Church is not the chief much less the onely end of the Scotch Rebellion but it being presumption and not piety so to trust a good cause as not to use all lawful means to maintain it I have thought of one means more to furnish thee with for my assistance than hitherto thou hast had it is that I give thee power to promise in my name to whom thou thinkest most fit that I will take away all the Penal Laws against the Roman Catholicks in England as soon as God shall enable me to do it so as by their means or by their favours I may have so powerful assistance as may deserve so great a favour and inable me to do it But if thou ask what I call that assistance I answer that when thou knowest what may be done for it it will be easily seen if it deserve to be so esteemed I need not tell thee what secresie this business requires yet this I will say that this is the greatest part of confidence I can express to thee for it is no thank to trust thee in any thing else but in this which is the onely thing of difference in opinion betwixt us and yet I know thou wilt make make as good a bargain for me even in this I trusting thee though it concern Religion as if thou wert a Protestant the visible good of my Affairs so much depending on it I have so full entrusted this Bearer Pooly that I will not say more to thee now but that herewith I send thee a new Cypher assuring thee that none hath or shall have any Copy of it but my self to the end thou mayest use it when thou shalt find fit to write any thing which thou wilt judge worthy of thy pains to put in Cypher and to be deciphered by none but me and so likewise from him to thee who is eternally thine The Spring