brightness_n so_o in_o the_o resurrection_n the_o saint_n shall_v shine_v like_o star_n every_o one_o in_o his_o proper_a order_n and_o they_o that_o have_v instruct_v many_o to_o live_v well_o shall_v be_v as_o the_o bringhtnes_n of_o the_o firmament_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o among_o which_o rank_a saint_n thomas_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n may_v worthy_o be_v place_v canterbury_n saint_n thomas_n of_o canterbury_n who_o as_o he_o have_v be_v for_o christ_n a_o companion_n of_o their_o tribulation_n and_o patience_n so_o be_v he_o now_o in_o christ_n a_o fellow_n heir_n of_o their_o joy_n and_o consolation_n who_o merit_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n i_o have_v here_o set_v down_o the_o some_o of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n brief_o and_o succinct_o refer_v those_o that_o desire_v to_o read_v his_o act_n more_o large_o discourse_v to_o large_a volume_n of_o he_o and_o by_o he_o where_o he_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o breathe_v where_o it_o will_v with_o how_o great_a expedition_n he_o dispatch_v many_o great_a affair_n it_o appear_v by_o his_o epistle_n and_o by_o the_o write_n of_o other_o credible_a author_n also_o which_o be_v read_v with_o due_a attention_n may_v stir_v up_o we_o and_o succeed_a age_n to_o virtue_n and_o piety_n parentage_n he_o be_v bear_v in_o london_n of_o no_o mean_a parentage_n bless_a thomas_n be_v by_o birth_n à _fw-fr londoner_n a_o noble_a issue_n descend_v from_o no_o mean_a parent_n from_o his_o tender_a year_n he_o be_v endow_v with_o manifold_a grace_n of_o stature_n he_o be_v tall_a of_o personage_n comely_a of_o wit_n quick_a in_o discourse_n subtle_a and_o pleasant_a and_o in_o beauty_n of_o mind_n he_o be_v no_o less_o amiable_a in_o his_o young_a year_n such_o be_v the_o sharpness_n of_o his_o wit_n that_o he_o can_v unfold_v strange_a and_o intricate_a question_n and_o therewithal_o he_o have_v so_o happy_a a_o memory_n that_o what_o soever_o he_o read_v or_o hear_v he_o can_v easy_o make_v use_n of_o it_o when_o occasion_n be_v offer_v which_o many_o great_a clerk_n can_v not_o attain_v unto_o all_o man_n do_v admire_v the_o alacrity_n of_o his_o spirit_n especial_o in_o a_o man_n employ_v in_o so_o many_o business_n but_o thus_o do_v grace_n attend_v and_o nourish_v he_o that_o be_v reserve_v for_o so_o eminent_a a_o place_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o his_o sermon_n and_o ordinary_a discourse_n as_o he_o use_v often_o time_n to_o say_v necessary_a matter_n be_v minister_v unto_o he_o his_o mother_n also_o as_o he_o use_v to_o say_v teach_v he_o from_o his_o cradle_n to_o serve_v god_n lesson_n his_o mother_n lesson_n and_o devout_o to_o call_v upon_o the_o bless_a virgin_n mother_n of_o god_n as_o the_o direct_a of_o hiâ—â—yes_n and_o patroness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o next_o unto_o christ_n to_o put_v his_o chief_a confidence_n in_o she_o compassion_n his_o charity_n and_o compassion_n he_o have_v compassion_n on_o those_o that_o beg_v from_o door_n to_o door_n and_o releive_v they_o effectual_o so_o as_o he_o may_v say_v with_o job_n mercy_n have_v grow_v up_o with_o i_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o pity_n come_v with_o i_o out_o of_o my_o mother_n womb_n leave_v the_o school_n of_o liberal_a science_n he_o beecame_v a_o courtier_n courtier_n he_o become_v a_o courtier_n in_o which_o profession_n he_o give_v so_o great_a hope_n of_o his_o forwardness_n that_o both_o in_o the_o serious_a affair_n of_o the_o court_n and_o in_o their_o disport_n and_o recreation_n he_o excel_v far_o all_o his_o companion_n of_o his_o rank_n and_o albeit_o he_o do_v apply_v himself_o to_o the_o vain_a delight_n of_o youth_n as_o the_o frailty_n of_o that_o age_n do_v lead_v he_o yet_o be_v there_o ever_o in_o he_o a_o religious_a zeal_n and_o a_o magnificent_a mind_n religious_a he_o be_v very_o religious_a albeit_o he_o be_v beyond_o measure_n desirous_a of_o popularity_n and_o as_o we_o read_v of_o saint_n brice_n of_o tours_n although_o he_o be_v proud_a and_o vain_a and_o many_o time_n amorous_a in_o his_o word_n yet_o be_v he_o nevertheless_o a_o admirable_a pattern_n to_o be_v follow_v in_o the_o chastity_n of_o his_o body_n body_n he_o be_v chaste_a of_o body_n when_o he_o perceave_v that_o many_o thing_n be_v attempt_v in_o the_o court_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o that_o his_o live_n there_o be_v repugnant_a to_o his_o intend_a purpose_n by_o the_o instinct_n and_o conduction_n of_o grace_n rather_o than_o by_o the_o motion_n and_o advice_n of_o his_o friend_n can._n he_o be_v prefer_v to_o the_o service_n of_o theobald_n archbishop_n of_o can._n he_o prefer_v himself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o theobald_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n of_o happy_a memory_n where_o through_o his_o industry_n in_o short_a time_n he_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o number_n of_o his_o most_o familiar_a friend_n which_o be_v very_o few_o how_o many_o great_a travail_n he_o sustain_v there_o for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n how_o often_o he_o do_v visit_v the_o sepulchre_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n affair_n he_o be_v employ_v in_o meighty_a affair_n for_o the_o dispatch_n of_o necessary_a affair_n with_o what_o prosperous_a success_n he_o speed_v in_o his_o negotiation_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v relate_v especial_o by_o a_o pen_n that_o affect_v brevity_n purpose_v only_o compendiouslie_o to_o set_v down_o the_o cause_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o martyrdom_n law_n he_o study_v the_o civil_a and_o canon_n law_n for_o the_o better_a prepare_v of_o he_o that_o be_v preordain_v of_o god_n to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o prelate_n for_o the_o decyde_n of_o weighty_a cause_n and_o instruct_v of_o the_o people_n he_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o civil_a and_o cannon_n law_n and_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o experience_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a function_n the_o say_a archbishop_n make_v he_o archdeacon_n of_o the_o church_n of_o canterbury_n wherein_o he_o be_v train_v up_o cant._n he_o be_v make_v archdeacon_n of_o cant._n afterward_o when_o henry_n duke_n of_o normandy_n and_o aquitaine_n the_o son_n of_o galfride_n earl_n of_o angiou_n and_o mawlde_v the_o empress_n succeed_v king_n stephen_n in_o the_o crown_n of_o england_n the_o say_a archbishop_n obtain_v of_o the_o king_n the_o chancellorship_n of_o england_n for_o his_o archdeacon_n eng._n he_o be_v make_v lord_n chancellor_n of_o eng._n for_o he_o suspect_v the_o king_n youth_n and_o fear_v the_o malice_n of_o certain_a young_a head_n by_o who_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v direct_v lest_o that_o by_o their_o counsel_n he_o shall_v be_v incite_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o government_n of_o the_o realm_n by_o the_o law_n of_o conquest_n for_o it_o seem_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o have_v conquer_v the_o realm_n whereas_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o therefore_o the_o archbishop_n procure_v such_o a_o lord_n chancellor_n by_o who_o mean_n and_o industry_n the_o new_a king_n may_v be_v stay_v from_o attempt_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o church_n his_o malice_n temper_v and_o the_o insolency_n of_o his_o officer_n repress_v who_o under_o colour_n of_o authority_n and_o justice_n have_v conspire_v to_o make_v a_o prey_n of_o the_o church_n and_o common-weal_n e._n at_o his_o first_o entrance_n into_o that_o office_n he_o sustain_v so_o great_a and_o manifold_a difficultye_n of_o weighty_a affair_n be_v environ_v with_o so_o many_o labour_n oppress_v with_o so_o many_o affliction_n set_v upon_o with_o so_o many_o wile_n and_o expose_v to_o so_o many_o snare_n of_o the_o court_n or_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o of_o the_o courtier_n that_o he_o use_v often_o time_n with_o tear_n to_o protest_v unto_o the_o arch-bisbop_a and_o other_o his_o friend_n he_o be_v every_o day_n weary_a of_o his_o life_n and_o moreover_o that_o next_o unto_o his_o eternal_a salvation_n he_o desire_v nothing_o more_o they_o without_o note_n of_o infamy_n to_o deliver_v himself_o from_o the_o allurement_n of_o the_o court_n for_o albeit_o the_o world_n seem_v to_o applaud_v and_o flatter_v he_o with_o all_o her_o enticement_n yet_o be_v he_o never_o unmindful_a of_o his_o place_n and_o the_o church_n commit_v unto_o he_o whereby_o he_o be_v constrain_v continual_o to_o contend_v and_o strive_v weal_n his_o allegiance_n to_o the_o king_n and_o love_n to_o the_o common_a weal_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o king_n and_o second_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o common_a wealth_n both_o against_o the_o king_n himself_o and_o his_o enemy_n also_o and_o by_o diverse_a sleight_n to_o defeat_v diverse_a wile_n by_o they_o intend_v against_o he_o but_o his_o great_a grief_n be_v that_o he_o be_v without_o intermission_n to_o fight_v against_o the_o beast_n of_o
saintes_n recount_v his_o charitable_a benignity_n thus_o fare_v peter_n who_o although_o he_o be_v the_o king_n faithful_a servant_n yet_o seek_v rather_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n than_o man_n omit_v not_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lay_v to_o defend_v under_o hand_n the_o cause_n of_o saint_n thomas_n an._n dom._n 1165._o now_o follow_v the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1165._o with_o the_o xv_o indiction_n according_a to_o time_n computation_n empress_n a_o embassage_n to_o the_o pope_n from_o mawde_z the_o empress_n in_o the_o beeginning_n whereof_o a_o ambassag_n be_v send_v from_o mawde_z the_o empress_n mother_n of_o henry_n king_n of_o england_n to_o pope_n alexander_n wherein_o she_o beesought_v his_o holiness_n to_o join_v in_o league_n the_o king_n of_o france_n and_o england_n which_o if_o he_o can_v accomplish_v a_o peace_n be_v likely_a to_o ensue_v between_o the_o king_n of_o england_n and_o saint_n thomas_n when_o john_n of_o salisbury_n who_o be_v resident_a in_o alexander_n court_n have_v notice_n hereof_o he_o certifyd_v saint_n thomas_n thereof_o by_o letter_n beegin_v thus_o when_o as_o late_o i_o solicit_v my_o lord_n the_o pope_n encourage_v he_o and_o careful_o insinuate_v a_o way_n which_o meethought_v i_o understand_v for_o reduce_v to_o he_o and_o you_o the_o tranquillity_n of_o peace_n he_o answer_v that_o he_o conceive_v a_o hope_n of_o peace_n from_o word_n of_o the_o empress_n who_o upon_o a_o vow_n send_v then_o the_o abbot_n of_o saint_n martyr_n thither_o promise_v the_o king_n of_o england_n can_v easy_o be_v persuade_v to_o what_o soever_o my_o lord_n desire_v if_o his_o holiness_n will_v as_o have_v be_v long_o wish_v confederate_a the_o two_o king_n wherein_o because_o my_o lord_n the_o pope_n be_v forward_o the_o king_n of_o france_n as_o sure_o it_o semee_v will_v easy_o inclyne_v upon_o the_o pope_n conference_n with_o the_o king_n and_o that_o his_o holiness_n have_v already_o invite_v the_o king_n of_o france_n to_o keep_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o purification_n with_o he_o thus_o far_o concern_v the_o conceived_a hope_n of_o peace_n and_o add_v moreover_o that_o he_o speak_v with_o the_o king_n of_o france_n who_o he_o find_v very_o fearful_a least_o upon_o such_o occasion_n he_o shall_v be_v withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o leave_v pope_n alexander_n cleave_v to_o the_o scysmaticall_a faction_n these_o thing_n thus_o signify_v salisbury_n beeseech_v saint_n thomas_n to_o employ_v himself_o rather_o in_o prayer_n than_o the_o study_n of_o learning_n from_o who_o letter_n receive_v these_o note_n which_o in_o quadrilogus_fw-la be_v recite_v out_o of_o herebert_n concern_v saint_n thomas_n while_o he_o remain_v as_o yet_o in_o the_o monastery_n of_o pontiniacke_n he_o be_v so_o much_o affect_v to_o the_o read_n of_o holy_a scripture_n as_o daily_o after_o the_o camnonicall_a hour_n the_o sacred_a book_n be_v scarce_o ever_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n whereupon_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o love_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o labour_v employ_v therein_o he_o do_v in_o short_a time_n so_o profit_n as_o most_o often_o in_o the_o nice_a and_o obscure_a sentence_n he_o excel_v his_o instructor_n themselves_o moreover_o he_o bestow_v his_o life_n in_o study_v the_o ecclesiastical_a cannon_n which_o endeavour_n of_o he_o in_o these_o dangerous_a time_n be_v no_o whit_n please_v to_o john_n of_o salisbury_n who_o saint_n thomas_n hold_v in_o no_o small_a estimation_n as_o well_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o singular_a honesty_n as_o also_o his_o learning_n who_o confident_a of_o his_o credit_n with_o this_o saint_n admonish_v he_o in_o the_o same_o letter_n of_o these_o thing_n worthy_a remembrance_n say_v my_o counsel_n my_o desire_n my_o instant_a entreaty_n be_v that_o you_o whole_o convert_v your_o mind_n unto_o our_o lord_n 31._o cod_n vat._n lib._n 1._o ep._n 31._o and_o the_o suffrage_n of_o prayer_n because_o as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o proverbe_n the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v the_o strong_a tower_n whereunto_o if_o any_o man_n fly_v 18._o proverb_n 18._o he_o shall_v be_v deliver_v out_o of_o all_o extremity_n put_v of_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n as_o much_o as_o you_o may_v all_o other_o business_n thomas_n the_o ptofitable_a admonition_n of_o a_o friend_n to_o s._n thomas_n because_o although_o they_o seem_v maruilous_a necessary_a yet_o what_o i_o persuade_v you_o be_v more_o high_o to_o be_v prefer_v in_o regard_n it_o be_v far_o more_o necessary_a the_o law_n and_o cannon_n of_o the_o church_n do_v profit_n but_o beelieve_v i_o this_o other_o work_n be_v now_o of_o more_o importance_n those_o ornament_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o this_o season_n for_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o procurer_n of_o devotion_n as_o of_o curiosity_n do_v you_o not_o remember_v how_o in_o the_o distress_n of_o the_o people_n as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o priest_n and_o minister_n pour_v out_o their_o tear_n between_o the_o porch_n and_o the_o altar_n ibidem_fw-la joel._n 2d_o psal_n 76._o ibidem_fw-la say_v spare_v o_o lord_n spare_v thy_o people_n i_o be_v exercise_v say_v the_o prophet_n and_o i_o sweep_v my_o spirit_n in_o the_o day_n of_o tribulation_n seek_v our_o lord_n with_o my_o hand_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o spiritual_a excercise_n with_o cleanse_v and_o examination_n of_o the_o conscience_n turn_v away_o the_o scourge_n and_o obtain_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o rise_v with_o compunction_n from_o peruse_v the_o law_n and_o cannon_n nay_o i_o say_v more_o these_o exercise_n in_o school_n do_v sometime_o puff_n up_o knowledge_n to_o swell_v in_o pride_n but_o seldom_o or_o never_o inflame_v we_o with_o devotion_n i_o have_v rather_o you_o will_v meditate_v on_o the_o psalm_n and_o spend_v your_o life_n in_o saint_n gregorie_n moralle_n then_o become_v a_o philosopher_n after_o the_o scholastical_a fashyon_n it_o be_v far_o better_a to_o confer_v with_o aspirituall_a father_n for_o amendment_n of_o manner_n by_o who_o example_n you_o may_v be_v incense_v then_o to_o sift_v and_o discuss_v point_n of_o controversy_n appertain_v to_o secular_a literature_n our_o lord_n know_v with_o what_o intent_n with_o what_o devotion_n i_o suggest_v these_o thing_n accept_v they_o as_o you_o please_v but_o if_o you_o perform_v this_o god_n will_v ever_o assist_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v never_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_n what_o soever_o man_n devise_v against_o you_o our_o lord_n see_v that_o in_o these_o instant_a straight_n of_o affliction_n we_o be_v not_o to_o hope_v as_o i_o think_v in_o any_o mortal_a creature_n etc._n etc._n thus_o john_n advise_v saint_n thomas_n very_o convenient_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n s._n thomas_n oppress_v with_o extreme_a affliction_n although_o absent_a yet_o with_o letter_n do_v prosecute_v his_o business_n write_v as_o well_o to_o the_o king_n of_o england_n as_o also_o to_o the_o bishop_n who_o ought_v to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v their_o prince_n to_o the_o king_n he_o direct_v these_o letter_n which_o roger_n in_o his_o chronicle_n deliver_v in_o these_o word_n to_o his_o dread_a sovereign_a lord_n henry_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o famous_a king_n of_o england_n duke_n of_o normandy_n and_o aquitaine_n and_o eearle_n of_o aniove_n thomas_n by_o the_o same_o grace_n the_o humble_a seruamt_v of_o the_o church_n of_o canterbury_n england_n the_o letter_n of_o s._n tomas_n to_o the_o king_n of_o england_n send_v greeting_n and_o all_o wish_n of_o well-doinge_a to_o speak_v of_o god_n be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o free_a and_o well_o quiet_v mind_n which_o cause_v i_o so_o to_o speak_v to_o my_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v we_o may_v treat_v peaceable_o i_o humble_o beseech_v you_o my_o lord_n to_o endure_v with_o patience_n some_o little_a admonition_n concur_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v never_o void_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o delivery_n of_o i_o i_o be_o on_o all_o side_n beeset_v with_o extremitye_n for_o tribulation_n and_o perplexity_n have_v find_v i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o two_o most_o weighty_a and_o fearful_a matter_n plunge_v i_o say_v beetwene_v these_o two_o important_a thing_n dread_a silence_n and_o admonition_n let_v i_o cease_v to_o speak_v death_n be_v then_o threaten_v i_o nor_o can_v i_o avoid_v the_o hand_n of_o our_o lord_n say_v if_o thou_o shall_v not_o show_v the_o offendor_n his_o fault_n and_o he_o thereby_o die_v in_o his_o sin_n 3_o ezech._n 3_o i_o will_v require_v his_o blood_n at_o thy_o band_n on_o the_o other_o side_n let_v i_o admonish_v i_o see_v not_o how_o to_o eschew_v which_o god_n forbid_v my_o sovereign_n indignation_n fear_v moreover_o lest_o that_o shall_v beefall_v which_o the_o wise_a man_n foretell_v say_v when_o he_o who_o please_v not_o come_v or_o send_v to_o make_v intercession_n or_o motion_n it_o be_v to_o be_v
the_o life_n or_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n of_o s._n thomas_n archbishope_n of_o canterbury_n colloniae_fw-la m.dc.xxxix_o to_o the_o most_o reverent_a father_z in_o god_n richard_n smyth_n bishope_n of_o chalcedone_n etc._n etc._n most_o reverent_a and_o my_o most_o honour_a good_a lord_n i_o have_v always_o apprehend_v the_o life_n and_o martyrdom_n of_o that_o most_o excellent_a prelate_n and_o undaunted_a champion_n s._n thomas_n archbishope_n of_o canterbury_n a_o most_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o a_o good_a pastor_n yea_o and_o of_o a_o good_a subject_n too_o as_o one_o wise_o discern_v god_n part_n from_o caesar_n and_o give_v to_o either_o their_o own_o without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o christian_a justice_n take_v his_o own_o golden_a and_o last_o word_n for_o it_o write_v to_o king_n henry_n his_o sovereign_n prepare_v i_o be_o not_o only_o to_o die_v but_o also_o to_o suffer_v a_o thousand_o death_n and_o all_o torment_n whatsoever_o for_o christ_n sake_n yet_o whether_o i_o die_v or_o live_v 54._o cod._n vat._n l._n 5._o epist_n 54._o i_o be_o and_o shall_v ever_o be_v you_o and_o what_o ever_o become_v of_o we_o and_o we_o god_n ever_o bless_v you_o and_o your_o issue_n so_o that_o i_o have_v judge_v no_o time_n misspend_v in_o cull_v the_o piece_n out_o of_o the_o most_o authentical_a and_o best_a author_n which_o have_v concur_v to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o this_o little_a bulk_n or_o epistolarie_a process_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v appear_v most_o contentful_a and_o satisfactory_a to_o all_o and_o fit_a to_o frame_v a_o right_a judgement_n in_o any_o as_o not_o be_v crooked_a and_o fit_v to_o self_n end_n by_o artificial_a amplification_n but_o furnish_v by_o know_a fact_n and_o make_v good_a by_o so_o many_o and_o so_o irâ—eprochable_a witness_n as_o it_o can_v indeed_o be_v suspect_v to_o be_v in_o any_o part_n disguise_v or_o force_v by_o corruption_n or_o malice_n but_o to_o deliver_v a_o naked_a truth_n now_o among_o all_o those_o who_o i_o due_o reverence_n and_o honour_n in_o earth_n i_o can_v find_v none_o to_o who_o patronage_n this_o poor_a work_n of_o i_o may_v lay_v a_o more_o just_a claim_n then_o to_o your_o lordship_n like_v as_o in_o my_o judgement_n your_o lordshipe_n can_v pretend_v no_o patron_n in_o heaven_n to_o who_o you_o may_v have_v a_o more_o confident_a recourse_n or_o with_o who_o you_o may_v have_v more_o sympathy_n be_v consider_v such_o as_o he_o live_v in_o this_o earthly_a habitation_n for_o religiousnesse_n zeal_n contrie_n cause_n constancy_n none_o which_o come_v more_o home_n to_o your_o use_n in_o respect_n of_o your_o long_a delay_n in_o banishment_n and_o the_o opposition_n you_o have_v find_v even_o among_o some_o of_o your_o child_n and_o those_o domesticall_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o word_n in_o read_v it_o you_o will_v not_o fail_v before_o your_o death_n to_o read_v a_o great_a part_n of_o your_o own_o renown_a life_n may_v it_o i_o beseech_v almighty_a god_n be_v long_o contentful_a prosperous_a in_o earth_n and_o follow_v out_o with_o a_o eternal_o bless_v one_o in_o heaven_n these_o be_v and_o ever_o shall_v be_v the_o zealous_a wish_n of_o all_o good_a man_n and_o in_o particular_a of_o your_o lords._n most_o humble_a and_o devote_a servant_n a._n b._n the_o preface_n to_o the_o epistolarie_n and_o ecclesiastical_a history_n of_o saint_n thomas_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n intend_v to_o present_v unto_o your_o view_n out_o of_o that_o reverend_a a_o renown_a author_n cardinal_n baronius_n the_o great_a controversy_n between_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o england_n wherein_o the_o chief_a actor_n in_o this_o our_o disturb_a nation_n be_v that_o mighty_a king_n henry_n the_o second_o and_o our_o metropolitan_a saint_n thomas_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o in_o foreign_a country_n that_o most_o holy_a &_o wise_a pope_n alexander_n the_o 3._o and_o lewes_n the_o pious_a king_n of_o france_n with_o many_o catholic_a prince_n and_o among_o the_o scismatickes_n the_o potent_a emperor_n frederick_n with_o his_o idol_n octavian_n seek_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o intrude_v themselves_o and_o put_v their_o sickle_n into_o this_o harvest_n where_o the_o devil_n the_o father_n of_o their_o execrable_a scysme_n like_o a_o deep_a politician_n take_v advantage_n of_o their_o hellish_a discord_n have_v in_o this_o unfortunate_a island_n sow_v the_o cockle_n of_o dissension_n i_o think_v best_a in_o regard_n this_o canker_n so_o spread_v itself_o through_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o this_o history_n be_v collect_v out_o of_o the_o epistle_n write_v by_o the_o chief_a ruler_n in_o that_o age_n to_o lay_v open_a brief_o the_o state_n of_o the_o western_a church_n and_o kingdom_n unite_v therein_o whereby_o your_o mind_n receive_v light_n may_v better_o discover_v thing_n otherwise_o obscure_v first_o therefore_o to_o delineate_v the_o time_n i_o must_v somewhat_o touch_v the_o reign_n of_o pope_n adrian_n alexander_n predecessor_n who_o be_v the_o only_a man_n of_o our_o english_a nation_n that_o ever_o steer_v saint_n peter_n ship_n and_o be_v not_o only_o for_o his_o singular_a virtue_n wisdom_n and_o learning_n prefer_v to_o the_o apostolic_a sea_n but_o also_o himself_o the_o apostle_n who_o convert_v the_o norwegyans_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n i_o think_v it_o no_o unnecessary_a digression_n to_o treat_v of_o his_o origine_fw-la progress_fw-la and_o most_o high_a preferment_n at_o abbot_n langley_n in_o the_o county_n of_o hertford_n near_o king_n langley_n england_n nicolas_n breakespeare_n afterward_o pope_n adrian_n bear_v in_o england_n where_o edmund_n of_o langley_n receive_v his_o first_o breath_n from_o who_o all_o the_o king_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n have_v these_o many_o year_n descend_v be_v bear_v nicolas_n breakespeare_n who_o afterward_o exalt_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o call_v adrian_n the_o four_o rule_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n the_o whole_a christian_a world_n his_o father_n be_v robert_n breakespeare_n a_o young_a brother_n of_o the_o family_n of_o breakespeare_n who_o place_n concur_v with_o the_o name_n be_v seat_v near_o uxbridge_n in_o middelsex_n now_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o ashby_n his_o father_n say_v john_n stowe_n after_o the_o death_n of_o his_o wife_n and_o before_o the_o departure_n as_o i_o conceive_v of_o his_o son_n out_o of_o the_o realm_n profess_v a_o religious_a life_n in_o the_o monastery_n of_o saint_n abbans_n wherein_o stowe_n ignorant_o not_o malicious_o run_v into_o a_o error_n for_o pope_n adrians_n mother_n as_o shall_v be_v afterward_o show_v overlive_v he_o it_o appear_v in_o a_o counsel_n celebrate_v in_o normandy_n by_o pope_n alexander_n legate_n with_o the_o archbishop_n of_o roan_n and_o bishop_n of_o the_o same_o province_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1172._o how_o before_o that_o time_n man_n may_v enter_v into_o religion_n leave_v their_o wife_n in_o the_o world_n for_o there_o be_v make_v a_o canon_n afterward_o prohibit_v it_o and_o so_o may_v robert_n breakespeare_n in_o this_o precedent_a age_n as_o it_o be_v affirm_v be_v a_o monk_n in_o saint_n abbans_n and_o his_o wife_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a lead_v a_o retire_v life_n under_o the_o archbishop_n in_o canterbury_n the_o name_n of_o breakespeare_n be_v true_o english_a and_o about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o conquest_n invincible_o prove_v they_o be_v of_o the_o saxon_n not_o of_o the_o norman_a race_n breakespeare_n itself_o be_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n james_n the_o inheritable_a mansion_n of_o a_o knight_n and_o how_o great_a in_o forepast_a day_n god_n know_v but_o as_o saint_n thomas_n say_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o gylbert_n bishop_n of_o london_n what_o have_v a_o priest_n a_o religious_a man_n to_o do_v with_o these_o worldly_a flourish_n i_o will_v descend_v to_o his_o humiliation_n which_o be_v his_o ascent_n first_o to_o honour_n then_o to_o heaven_n baronius_n all_o that_o follow_v be_v collect_v out_o of_o card._n baronius_n leave_v as_o abraham_n his_o country_n and_o kindred_n he_o travel_v in_o his_o youth_n to_o pourchase_v learning_n and_o come_v to_o arnulate_v profess_v religion_n in_o the_o monastery_n of_o saint_n rufus_n where_o he_o be_v call_v first_o to_o be_v prior_n than_o abbot_n of_o the_o house_n whereupon_o it_o fortune_v that_o for_o serious_a occasion_n of_o the_o church_n commend_v to_o his_o charge_n he_o go_v to_o the_o apostolic_a sea_n and_o have_v full_o finish_v all_o his_o business_n and_o now_o intend_v to_o return_v pope_n eugenius_n of_o bless_a memory_n retain_v he_o there_o and_o by_o consent_n of_o his_o brethren_n alba._n pope_n eugenius_n adrian_n bishop_n of_o alba._n do_v consecrate_v he_o bishop_n of_o alba._n a_o while_n after_o see_v his_o virtue_n and_o wisdom_n he_o design_v he_o legate_n a_o latere_fw-la of_o the_o apostolic_a sea_n into_o
demand_v where_o be_v the_o archbishop_n wherefore_o the_o confessor_n of_o christ_n now_o instant_o to_o be_v crown_v with_o martyrdom_n know_v the_o first_o slanderous_a name_n to_o be_v false_o impose_v on_o he_o but_o the_o last_o agreeable_a to_o he_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o function_n descend_v the_o step_n and_o meet_v they_o say_v loe_o here_o i_o be_o and_o beehave_v himself_o with_o so_o great_a constancy_n as_o neither_o his_o mind_n seem_v any_o way_n to_o be_v move_v with_o fear_n or_o his_o body_n astonish_v with_o horror_n to_o who_o one_o of_o these_o cruel_a knight_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o fury_n say_v thou_o shall_v instant_o die_v for_o it_o be_v impossible_a thou_o shall_v long_a live_v whereunto_o the_o archbishop_n answer_v with_o no_o less_o constancy_n of_o word_n than_o mind_n i_o be_o prepare_v to_o die_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n the_o defence_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n but_o if_o you_o seek_v my_o life_n i_o forbid_v you_o on_o the_o beehalfe_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o under_o the_o pain_n of_o incur_v his_o curse_n to_o hurt_v anyway_o any_o other_o be_v he_o monk_n be_v he_o clerk_n be_v he_o layman_n be_v he_o more_o be_v he_o less_o but_o let_v they_o be_v free_a from_o the_o pain_n as_o they_o be_v no_o party_n to_o the_o cause_n these_o word_n in_o his_o suffering_n seem_v like_a to_o those_o of_o christ_n in_o his_o passion_n say_v if_o you_o seek_v i_o suffer_v these_o to_o depart_v then_o lay_v the_o kinghte_n instant_o hand_n on_o he_o to_o draw_v he_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o to_o murder_v he_o but_o can_v not_o move_v he_o wherefore_o the_o archbishop_n see_v these_o his_o executioner_n with_o sword_n ready_a draw_v as_o one_o pray_v bow_v down_o his_o head_n utter_v these_o his_o last_o word_n i_o commend_v to_o god_n our_o bless_a lady_n with_o the_o saint_n patron_n of_o this_o church_n and_o s._n device_n myself_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o church_n and_o so_o this_o martyr_n with_o a_o invincible_a mind_n and_o admirable_a constancy_n do_v not_o in_o all_o his_o torture_n speak_v one_o word_n yield_v any_o noise_n give_v any_o sigh_n or_o heave_v his_o hand_n against_o any_o blow_n but_o hold_v his_o incline_v head_n thus_o expose_v to_o the_o sword_n unmoveable_a till_o all_o be_v end_v the_o knight_n on_o the_o other_o side_n fear_v least_o the_o multitude_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n flock_v all_o about_o will_v rescue_v he_o out_o of_o their_o hand_n before_o they_o accomplish_v their_o intent_n hasten_v their_o heinous_a sin_n when_o one_o of_o they_o left_v up_o his_o sword_n to_o make_v a_o blow_n at_o the_o archishops_n head_n cut_v of_o the_o arm_n of_o a_o clerk_n call_v edward_n grimfere_v and_o wound_v with_o all_o our_o lord_n anoint_v thomas_n the_o cruelty_n use_v in_o the_o slaughter_a of_o saint_n thomas_n this_o clerk_n stretch_v out_o his_o arm_n over_o his_o father_n head_n to_o receive_v the_o blow_n or_o rather_o to_o beat_v it_o away_o as_o yet_o stand_v the_o just_a suffer_v for_o justice_n as_o a_o innocent_a lamb_n without_o murmurre_n without_o clamour_n and_o offer_v himself_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o our_o lord_n he_o pray_v to_o his_o saint_n for_o assistance_n and_o that_o none_o of_o this_o accurse_a crew_n may_v in_o forbear_v the_o archbishop_n be_v find_v guiltless_a of_o this_o foul_a crime_n the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o they_o dash_v cruel_o their_o sword_n on_o the_o head_n of_o this_o constant_a champion_n and_o break_v his_o brain_n whurl_v headlong_o down_o to_o the_o ground_n this_o oblation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o last_o the_o four_o outrageous_a with_o more_o than_o deadly_a yea_o hellish_a cruelty_n when_o the_o saint_n be_v now_o prostrate_a yea_o yield_a up_o the_o ghost_n cut_n of_o his_o shave_a crown_n break_v in_o piece_n the_o scull_n of_o his_o head_n and_o thrust_v in_o the_o point_n of_o his_o sword_n throw_v out_o on_o the_o pavement_n of_o stone_n his_o brain_n together_o with_o the_o blood_n our_o abel_n have_v therefore_o consummate_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o martyrdom_n thomas_n though_o time_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o s._n thomas_n in_o brief_a accomplish_a many_o time_n for_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o his_o exile_n now_o beeginning_n the_o a_o fore_n say_v martyr_n thomas_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n liberty_n which_o in_o the_o english_a church_n be_v almost_o whole_o perish_v combat_v even_o to_o death_n and_o dread_v not_o the_o word_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o be_v found_v on_o a_o firm_a rock_n which_o be_v christ_n he_o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o fifte_a day_n of_o christ_n nativity_n be_v the_o day_n after_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o innocent_n be_v himself_o a_o innocent_a slay_v who_o innocent_a life_n and_o death_n for_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n precious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n have_v be_v manifest_v with_o many_o miracle_n which_o not_o only_o in_o the_o place_n of_o his_o rest_n but_o in_o diverse_a other_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n be_v alsoe_o with_o admiration_n show_v the_o same_o day_n be_v the_o passion_n of_o saint_n thomas_n reveal_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o bless_a godric_n a_o anchorite_n at_o fintz-hall_n a_o place_n distant_a from_o canterbury_n above_o a_o hundred_o and_o three_o score_n mile_n hereupon_o the_o monk_n of_o the_o church_n of_o canterbury_n shut_v up_o the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n which_o remain_v in_o such_o sort_n suspend_v from_o the_o celebration_n of_o mass_n for_o almost_o a_o whole_a year_n until_o they_o receive_v the_o church_n reconciliation_n from_o pope_n alexander_n concern_v the_o martyr_n body_n the_o monk_n take_v it_o away_o place_v it_o the_o first_o night_n in_o the_o choir_n thomas_n the_o burial_n of_o s._n thomas_n perforning_n over_o it_o the_o exequy_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o it_o be_v credible_o affirm_v that_o the_o obsequy_n be_v end_v lie_v in_o the_o choir_n on_o the_o bear_n about_o the_o break_n of_o day_n he_o lift_v up_o his_o hand_n and_o give_v they_o his_o benediction_n afterward_o they_o bury_v he_o in_o a_o vault_n thus_o far_o roger_n write_v of_o the_o martyrdom_n and_o burial_n of_o saint_n thomas_n and_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o this_o most_o glorious_a martyr_n who_o conquer_v with_o his_o blood_n and_o triumph_v in_o the_o torment_n of_o a_o violent_a death_n and_o now_o renown_v with_o the_o garland_n of_o a_o most_o famous_a martyrdom_n be_v mount_v up_o to_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n leave_v to_o all_o posterite_v a_o example_n of_o singular_a constancy_n to_o fight_v even_o to_o the_o last_o gasp_n for_o maintain_v the_o church_n liberty_n but_o instant_o fall_v headelong_v on_o his_o enemy_n now_o vanquish_v and_o overthrow_v by_o their_o own_o wicked_a victory_n horror_n and_o dread_n as_o man_n afflict_v on_o all_o side_n with_o remorse_n revenge_v sin_n but_o of_o this_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o our_o late_a discourse_n as_o a_o tract_n more_o miserable_a as_o touch_v the_o time_n of_o his_o noble_a martyrdom_n although_o it_o appear_v out_o of_o so_o many_o before_o recite_v epistle_n that_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n be_v this_o self_n same_o year_n on_o the_o say_a day_n slay_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o impious_a yet_o nevertheless_o in_o some_o author_n his_o martyrdom_n be_v find_v to_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o year_n follow_v as_o in_o the_o epitaph_n recite_v by_o roger_n in_o the_o chrinicle_n of_o england_n and_o by_o robert_n de_fw-fr monte_fw-fr be_v thus_o write_v a_o thousand_o hundred_o seaventy_n one_o it_o be_v when_o prymate_n thomas_n with_o the_o sword_n be_v slay_v the_o fist_n of_o christmas_n from_o the_o world_n do_v pass_v this_o world_n fair_a flower_n who_o fruit_n with_o god_n do_v reign_v but_o where_o they_o affirm_v his_o passion_n to_o be_v in_o the_o year_n a_o thousand_o one_o hundred_o seaventy_n one_o it_o proceed_v hence_o that_o they_o begin_v their_o year_n from_o our_o lord_n nativity_n for_o they_o who_o reckon_v from_o the_o kalend_n of_o january_n or_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v true_o and_o bold_o allege_v this_o same_o to_o be_v the_o year_n of_o his_o martyrdom_n as_o the_o writer_n of_o quadrilogus_fw-la in_o these_o word_n thomas_n that_o notable_a champion_n of_o god_n archbishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o canterbury_n prymate_n of_o all_o england_n and_o legate_n of_o the_o apostolic_a sea_n suffer_v death_n in_o the_o year_n after_o our_o lord_n incarnation_n one_o thousand_o one_o hundred_o and_o seaventy_n be_v age_v fifty_o three_o on_o the_o four_o of_o the_o kalend_n of_o january_n be_v then_o tewseday_n about_o the_o eleven_o hour_n of_o the_o