way of weakening of them as who when the most sober and wise part of them draweth off are but a rude multitude and a rope of sand When a Commoner none so stiff for the subjects priviledg when a Judge none so firm to the Princes Prerogative two things however they fatally clashed of late that are solid felicities together and but empty notions asunder for what is Prerogative but a great Name when not exercised over a free people and what is priviledg but a fond imagination when not secured under a powerful King that may keep us from being slaves one to another by Anarchy while we strive to be free from his Tyranny That people is beyond president free and beyond comparison happy who restrain not their Sovereigns power to do them harm so far as that he hath none left him to do them good Careful he was of the Law for he was a Judge and as careful of his Sovereigns Right for he was a Subject No ominous clashing between Courts in his time nor setting the Kings Conscience in Chancery against his Will in the Kings Bench. A man tells Aristides to make him party in his cause that his Adversary had abused him I sit not here saith that Impartial Judge to right my self but you When a notorious enemy of Judge Fineux had a cause depending before him It might have gone against you my friend said he had you not been my Enemy His Motto was nemo prudem punit quia peccatum est sed ne peccetur Ten things which are indeed ten of the most remarkable particulars of his life raised him 1. An indefatigable industry 1. In his reading leaving behind him 23 Folio's of Notes 2. In his practice bequeathing 3502 Cases he managed himself to his Executor 2. A freedome of converse as about his business none more close so in company none more open having so compleat a command of himself that he knew to a minute when to indulge and to a minute too when to restrain himself A gay and cheerful humour a spriteful conversation and cleanâ—y manners are an exceeding useful accomplishment for every one that intends not to wind himself into a solitary retirement or be mewed in a Cloyster 3. A rich and a well-contrived marriage that at once brought him a large Estate and a larger Interest the same tie that allied him to his Wives Family engaged him to many 4. A great acquaintance with Noble Families with whose dependants he got in first devoting an hour a day for their company and at last with themselves laying aside his vacation-leisure for their service He was Steward of 129 Mannors at once and of Councel to 16 Noble-men 5. His Hospitality and Entertainments None more close than he abroad none more noble at home where many were tied to his Table more obliged by his company and discourse 6. His care and integrity in managing his Repute in promoting his Reason and Eloquence in pleading and his Success in carrying his causes 7. His eminence and activity in the two profitable Parliaments of Henry the seventh where he had the hearts and purses of the people at his command and the eye of his Sovereign upon his person It was thought a reward adequaâ—e to the greatest merit and adventure in the Grecian Wars to have leave to play the Prizes at Olympus before Kings It was judged the most ambition could aime at in King Henry the seventh's time to â—hew a mans parts before his judicious and discerning Majesty than whom none undeâ—sâ—ood Worth better none valued it higher 8. His Opposition to Empson and Dudley's tâ—o severe Prosecution of Poeâ—al Laws while Henry the seventh was living and his laying of it befoâ—e him so faithfully that he repented of it when he was a dying He is high a while that serves a Princes private interest he is always so that is careful of the publick good 9. Hiâ— entire Devotion to that sacred thing called Friendship that Bliss on this side Heaven made up of Peace and Love None a worse Enemy none a â—etter Fâ—iend Choice he was in commencing but constant in continuing Friends Mâ—ny Acquaintance but few Friends was his Oâ—servation â—â—ying He had been undâ—ne by his Acquaintance had he not been raised by his Friends 10. His care of time To day I have not reigned said the Emperour when he had done no good To day I have not lived said the Judge when he had done nothing So much he prayed Morning Evening and at Noon according to the way of those times as if he never studied so much he studied as if he never practised so great his practice as if he never conversed and so free his converse with others as if he lived not at all to himself Time of which others are so prodigally expensive was the only thing he could be honestly covetous of full whereof he died leaving this instruction to posterity That we should not complain we have little time but that we spend much either in doing nothing or in doing evil or in doing nothing to the purpose Observations of the Life of Dr. Edward Fox Secretary and Almoner to King Henry the Eighth EDward Fox born in Dursly in Gloucestershire brought up a Scholar in Eaton after fellow of Kings Colledg in Cambridge where he died Provost He was Almoner to King Henry the eighth the first that brought Doctor Cranmer to the knowledg of the King as he brought the King to the knowledge of himself Being afterwards Bishop of Hereford he was a great Instigator of the Politick and Prudential part of the Reformation and was not less able but more active than Cranmer himself yea so famous was he that Martin Bucer dedicaâ—ed unto him his Comment upon the Gospel so painâ—ul that he wrote many Books whereof that de Differentia utriusque potestatis was the chief so worthy he was that the King employed him on several Embassies into France and Germany He died May 8. 1538. In his first years none more wild in his last none more stayed The untoward Youth makes the able Man He that hath mâ—ttle to be extravagent when he cannot govern himself hath a spirit to be eminent when he can His friends devotion to the Church and relation to the Bishop of Winchester made him a Scholar his own Inclinâ—â—ion a Politician an Inclination that brake through all the ignoble restraints of pedantique studies and coercions wherewith many a great Soul in England enjoying not the fâ—eedome of forein parts but tied to such employments though never so unsuitable as their fâ—iends put them to are debased and lost to an eminency more by observation and travel than by reading and study that made him the Wonder of the Univeâ—sity and the Daâ—ling of the Court. When he was called to the Pulpit or Chair he came off not ill so prudential were his parts of Divinity when advanced to any Office of Trust in the University he came off very well so incomparable were his parts for
to Richard Bishop of London The two main Principles that guide humane Nature saith Judge Dodderidge are Conscience and Law By the former we are obliged in reference to another world by the latter in relation to this Pâ—iests and Judges are the Dispensers of â—hese Principles No Prince more unhappy in his Priests than King Henry whose unhappiness it was that all the juggle prevarication and imposture of his time was in the Pulpit none more happy in his Judges to whose Reason his People were more willing to submit than they were to hearken to his Clergy's Instruction among whom none more renowned than Sir Iohn Fitz-Iames who was so fearful of the very shadow and appearance of corruption that it cost his chief Clerk his place but for taking a Tankard after a signal Cause of 1500 l. a year wherein he had been serviceable though not as a Bribe but as a Civility Caesar would have his Wife without suspicion of lewdness and Fitz-Iames his servants without the appearance of corruption What was Law alwayes was then a Resolution Neither to deny nor defer nor sell justice When our Judge came upon the Bench he knew no more then Melchisedech or Levi Father or Mother neither Friend nor Interest for when his Cousin urged for a kindness Come to my House saith the Judge I will deny you nothing come to the Kings Court and I must do you justice And when the Attorney-General bespake his favour in a publick Cause Trouble not your self said he I 'le do the King right The King is cast the Attorney expostulates the Judge satisfieth him That he could not do his Majesty Right if he had not done justice His Pâ—udence so tempeâ—ed his zeal for his Sovereign that he over-strained not the Prerogative to bring in fears and jealousies of Tyranny on the one hand and his Integâ—ity so balanced his Popularity that he never depressed it to broach bold opinions and attempts of Liberty on the other complying with none of those humours that an Imaginary dread of oppression or a dangerous presâ—mption of freedom may transport to irregular excesses either for the one or against the other As his Majesty was secured by his Loyalty so his Subjects were by his Patience a Virtue he carried with him to the Bench to attend each circumstance of an Evidence each allegation of a Plea each plea in a Cause hearing what was impertinent and observing what was proper His usual saying as Sergeant Mandevil reports it being We must have two souls as two sieves one for the Bran the other for the flour the one for the Gross of a Discourse the other for the Quintessence The same day that there was no Cause to be tried in the Chancery in Sir Tho. More 's time there were but three in the Kings Bench in Sir Iohn Fitz-Iames his time the reason whereof some imagine was Cardinal Wolsey's extraordinary power that engrossed all Causes to his Legantine Court others know it was the Judges Integrity who was too honest to allow as that Age was too plain to contrive delays and obstructions Lewis the Eleventh of France would say when he was advised to take Revenge of those that had affronted him before he came to the Crown That it became not the King of France to revenge the Injuries done to the Duke of Orleans A Person that had noâ—oriously wronged Sir Iohn when a Templer in the case of his Chamber was to be tried before him for his whole Eâ—tate when a Judge the Adversaries among other shifts made use of this old Qâ—arrel whereupon Sir Iohn said It doth not become a Iudge upon the Bench to revenge a wrong done in his Chamber Two things upheld him in those boysterous times 1. Silence 2. Patience both wary Virtues that seldom endanger their Owner or displease their Superiours The Peâ—ple of those times would live and die with the Pope and Council and this Judge with the King and Parliament The grand Article of his Faith was I believe as the Church beleives and the great Rule of his Practice was I will live as the Law directs He was a tried Man whose Faith and Honour was above his Life and Fortune whose Generosity was above that first temptation of Money as his Spirit was above the second of Danger No fear here of delivering up Priviledges to day for fear of the King or Prerogative to morrow for fear of the Subject No an unbiass'd Temper between both make up this honest man who came on to preferment with great Expectations and went off with great Applause being one of the three men of whom it is said That because they never pleased their Master in doing any thing unworthy they never displeased him in doing any thing that is just When base compliance goeth off with the contempt of those it hath humoured a Noble Resolution comes off with the Reverence of those it hath discontented Observations on the Life of Sir William Molineux SIr William Molineux Junior Descendent from Sir William Molineux Knight of Sefton in Lancashire flourished under King Henry the Eighth being a man of great command in Lancashire bringing the considerable strength thereof to the seasonable succour of the Duke of Norfolk with whom he performed signal service â—a Flodden-Field The Image of whose mind he was as well as the Portrait of his body Peculiar was our Knight for nobly forgiving his Enemies if reconcilable and refusing ignobly to be revenged of them though obstinate for honestly would he betray the Villanies of them that dishonestly offered to betray them to him as Fabricius delivered up to Pyrrhus though a sworn Enemy the Physician that would have Poysoned him Lewis the 11th discovered to the Duke of Burgundy though his mortal Foe the conspiracy that would have ruined him And Queen Elizabeth of England with King Philip of Spain gave Henry the great of France when Friends with neither of them notice of two Plots upon his person that would have ruined him It is confessed on all sides that the Scots lost the day by not keeping their Ranks but not agreed on the cause thereof Buchanan who commonly makes the too much Couâ—age of his Country-men the cause of their being conquered imputes it to their indiscrete pursuing of the English routed at the first Others say They did not break their Ranks but were broken unable to endure the Lancashire Archers and so forced to sunder themselves In this Battel the Scottish King and chiefest Gentry were slain the English losing scarce any the Scots scarce any but of prime note The King aâ—terward wrote his Gratulatory Letter to Sir William Molineux in form following TRusty and Well-Beloved We greet you well And understand as well by the Report of Our Right Trusty Cousin and Counsellour the Duke of Norfolk as otherwise what acceptable service You amongst Others lately did Vs by your valiant Towardness in the assiâ—ting of Our said Cousin against Our Enemy late King of Scots and how couragiously you as a
strengthen his Interest abroad To which he added the Statute of Succession the Oath of Supremacy Sir William Howard's Embassy to the Scotch King the suppression of Religious Houses the War in Ireland under Sir William Sheffington and a thorow search into the bottom of the Rebellion in the North by a connivance and delay But all his services could not quit him from suspicion nor his popularity from envy The Lord Daâ—cy accuseth him to excuse himself and Cromwel seconds him â—o secure himself as unhappinesses follow one another in the same order as one wave floweâ—h after another his Nieces miscarriages threatned his fall but that the honest man as appears from a Letter the whole Council sent to Sir William Paget then resident in France was the first that declared against her and put the King upon the most safe honourable ways of trying her which satiâ—fied his Majesty so far that he employed him as câ—ief in the Treaty upon the Borders and General in the War when that Treaty failed Sir Anthony Brown upon his Recommendation being added to the Commissioners in Scotland and to the Privy-Council in England â—s Master of the King's Horse as Sir Iohn Gages was Comptâ—oller of his House Several Persons came to London for a Reward of their Scotch serviceâ— this Duke gave the King a waâ—y and grave counsel to bestow upon them as much Land as they could win in Scotland But Greatness is fatal The King is old and testy the Government disordered irregular the Duke too stifly honest to comply the Council envy him and in this Juncture his Wives passion discovereth his Minions and they to save themselves his privacies and secrets His son a man of a deep undeâ—standing of a sharp wit and great valour bred up with Henry Fitz-roy at Windsor and afterwards at Paris was beheaded before his face His Favourite Mâ—s. Holland deposed That he said many looked for the Protectorship when the King who lived and moved by Engines and Art rather than by Nature should die but he would carry it That the King did not love him because he was loved by his Country but he would follow his Fathers Lesson which was That the less others set by him the more he would set by himself That he had a Daughter for the King as well as othersâ— c. His Estate was great his power greater the King's occasions had swallowed up the one and his Enemies ambition the other notwithstanding his humble submission before the Council and his many services to the King had not his Majesties Death saved his Life As the deepest Hate is that which springs from violent Love so â—he greatest Discourtesies oft arise from the largest Favours It is indiscreet to oppress any dangerous a Prince with Kindnesses which being Fetters are Treason on that Person But Suspicion Ah sad Suspicion The Companion of the Weak or Guilty The Cloud of the Mind The Forfeiture of Friends The check of Busineâ—s Thou that disposest Kings to Tyranny Husbands to Jealousie Wise men to Irresolution and Melancholy Trust and you need never suspect But Policy and Friendship are incompatible I see where Norfolk begs that Life from the Block at last which he had ventured two and thirty times for his Sovereign Who knows the Cares that go to Bed with Statesmen Enemies Abroad Treacheâ—ies at Home Emulations of Neighbours Dissatisfaction of Friends Jealousies of most Fear of all unwelcome Inventions to palliate unjust Courses fears of Miscarriage and Disgrace with Projects of Honour and Plausibility with restless thoughts how to discover prevent conceal accommodate the Adversaries or his own Affairs Let us live and love and say God help poor Kings Observations on the Life of Sir Edward Stanley THe Stanley's service to Henry the Seventh was a sufficient pledge of their faithfulness to Henry the Eighth Honour floated in Sir Edward's blood and Valour danced in his spirits His stirring childhood brought him to Henry the eighth's company and his active manhood to his service The Camp was his School and his Learning was a Pike and Sword therefore his Masters Greeting to him was when they met Hoh my Souldier In many places did he shew himself but no where more than at Flodden where his Archers fetched down the Scots from their fastness and relieved the English from their distress the Earl of Surrey beginning the Conquest and Siâ— Edward crowning it for which the King immediately set him high in his favour and not long aâ—ter as high in the world being made Baron Stanley and Lord Mounteagle Twice did he and Sir Iohn Wallop land with only 800. Men in the heart of France and four times did he and Sir Tho. Lovell save Callis the first time by Intelligence the second by a stratagem the third by valour and resolution and the fourth by hardship patience and industry In the dangerous Insurrection by Ashe and Capâ—â—in Cobler his Zeal for the States welfare was aâ—ove scruples and his Army was with â—im before â—is Commission for which dangerous piece of â—oyalty he asked pardon and received thanks Two things he did towards the discomfiture of the Rebels whose skill in Arms exceeded â—is Followâ—rs as much as his policy did their Leaders first he cut off their provisions and then secondly sowâ—d sedition among them whilst his Majesty gained â—ime by pretended Treaties to be even with them drawing off the most eminent of the factions every day and confounding the rest He lived wiâ—h this strange opinion that the soul of Man was like the winding up of a Watch and when the String was run out the Man died and there the Soul determined but he died not so Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Bolen THe City enriched this Family their Parts raised them His Activity was as taking with King Henry as his Daughters beauty He was the Picklock of Princes upon his word only would the King model his Designs and upon his word alter them He discovered Ferdinand's underhand-treaty with Lewis and his design upoâ— Navarre aâ—d writ to his Master to press the ambiguous man to a coâ—clusion and to send over some treasure for said he the whole World iâ— now to be sold adding the necessity of a peace oâ— at least a truce with Scotland Sir Thomas Boleâ— was against the Kings going to France in person before he had some more issue or Edmund de la Poâ—â— were dispatched out of the way Sir Thomas Howard was for it it being dangerous to entrust so Noble an Army or so renowned an Action with any subject especially when Maximilian the Emperour offered to serve under his Majesty as Lieutenant and the Pope to attend him as Chaplain There is nothing more remarkable of Sir Thomâ—â— Bolen than 1. The Education of his Children his eldest son being bred at the Emperours Court his youngest with the Pope at Rome and his Daughter with Queen Mary in France 2. His Negotiation with the Lord St. Iohns in Germany where
prospect of his Life past having noted therein most Remarkables His most learned and laborious Works on the Laws will last to be admired by the Judicious Posterity whilest Fame hath a Trumpet left her and any breath to blow therein His judgement lately passed for an Oracle in Law and since the credit thereof hath causelesly been questioned the wonder is not great If the Prophet himself living in an incredulous Age found cause to complain Who hath believed our report it need not seem strange that our licentious Times have afforded some to shake the Authenticalness of the Reports of any earthly Judge He constantly had Prayers said in his own house and charitably relieved the Poor with his constant Almes The Foundation of Sutton's Hospital when indeed but a Foundation had been ruined before it was raised and crush'd by some Courtiers in the hatching thereof had not his great care preserved the same The Free-School at Theâ—ford was supported in its being by his assistance and he founded a School on his cost at Godrick in Norfolk It must not be forgotten that Doctor Whitgift afterward Arch-Bishop of Canterbury sent unto his Pupil when the Queen's Attorney a fair new Testament with this Message He had long enough studied Common Law now let him study the Law of God When he was under a cloud at Court and outed of his Judges place the lands belonging to the Church of Norwich which formerly he had so industriously recovered and setled thereon were again called into question being begged by a Peer Sir Edward desired him to desist telling him that otherwise he would put on his Gown and Cap and come into Westminster-Hall once again and plead there in any Court in justification of what he had done He died at Stoke-Poges in Buckingham-shire on Wednesday the third of September being the 83 of age whose last words were these Thy Kingdom câ—me thy Will be done The infirmities of this Judge as my Lord BACON recited them in a Letter to him were these 1. That he delighted to speak more than hear 2. That he would run out of his Profession and as he observed of Divines so it was observed of him none erred worse out of his element 3. That he conversed with Books rather than Men and onely with such men that he spake to as Scholars rather than treated as friends 4. That he obtruded those things as Novelties that were stale 5. That he would jest on men in place and insult on men in misery 6. That he made the Law lean too much to his opinion 7. That his Tenants in Norfolk were hardly used and that though he had ten thousand pounds per an he relieved not the poor 8. That in his last proceedings against Somerset he was too open and dilatory giving too much advantage and breaking out to some unadvised expressions 9. That he stood out against Power for which and other failures he was dismissed the Council-board with this expression from King Iames That he was the fittest instrument to serve a Tyrant Indeed he had some projects for the Revenue and looked for the Treasury when he was absolutely cast off though he made such shift that throw him where you would as King Iames said he fell upon his legs Observations on the Life of Sir Ralph Winwood SIr Ralph Winwood was a Gentleman well seen in most Affairs but most expert in matters of Trade and War for he was first a Soldier and then an Agent in the Netherlands where he remonstrated against Vorstius learnedly and resolutely representing as well his Masters parts as his power It was the very guize of that time to be learned the wits of it were so excellent the helps and assistants of it were so great Printing was so common the world by Navigation so open great experiments so disclosed the leisure of men so much the age was so peaceable and his Majesty after whom all writ so knowing When the Earl of Somerset was made Chamberlain by his Majesty in his Fathers place Sir Ralph Winwood was by the Queen made Secretary in his succeeding him in his Office but exceeding him in his success Fortune may begin any mans greatness but Vertue must continue it for this Favourite taking upon him to over-rule Winwood Winwood makes it his business to overthrow him to which purpose his Agents discover some secrets abroad you may understand more of England at Amsterdam than at London and he useth his Arts at home for Mr. Vilâ—iexs being now brought to Court when others were for raising him by interest Sir Ralph was for advancing him with Compliance a Compliance as he said that must either supple or break his Adversaries and either way ruine them Accordingly Sir George is directed to offer his service to the Earl of Somerset that Earl fatally tells him He would have none of his service but would break his Design These words coming so cross to the Kings inclination and the Court's plot provoked all persons to look further into Sir Ralph Winwood's Intelligence concerning Sir Tho. Overbury's death Now mens weaknesses and faults are best known by their enemies their vertues and abilities from their friends their customes and times from their servants their conceits and opinions from their familiars to whom they are least masked To all these he applyeth himself until he had discovered as much of the practices concerning Overbury as might humble the Earl and as much corruption in the conveyance of publick money to the building of Audley-End as might displace his Father An Apothecaries boy gives the first and a servant that carried the money the second both whom he surprized with the Spanish proverb Di mentura y sacaras verdad Tell a lye and find a truth Indeed the natures and dispositions the conditions and necessities the factions and combinations the animosities and discontents the ends and designs of most people were clear and transparent to this watchful man's intelligence and observation who could do more with King Iames by working on his fear than others by gratifying his pleasure When I observe how close and silent he was at the Council-Table it puts me in mind of the man that gave this reason why he was silent in a Treaty and Conference Because said he the Enemy might know that as there are many here that can speak so here is one that can hold his peace Observations on the Life of Sir Francis Bacon SIr Francis was born where we are made men bred where we are made States-men being equally happy in the quickness of the City and politeness of the Court He had a large mind from his Father and great abilities from his Mother his parts improved more than his years his great fixed and methodical memory his solid judgement his quick fancy his ready expression gave high assurance of that profound and universal knowledge and comprehension of things which then rendered him the observation of great and wise men and afterwards the wonder of all The great Queen
out his soul in words to this purpose viz. If I had served the God of Heaven as faithfully as I did my Master on earth he had not forsaken me in my old age as the other hath done He died swelling in his body as he had done in his mind the pain being really in his heaâ—t which seemed to be in his guts for when Northumberland whom he had bâ—ed and a Privy Chamber-man whom he had preferred were sent to him he could still hope that â—he King intended him Honour but when Sir William Kingston Lieutenant of tâ—e Tower who carried a restraint in his looks came to him he could not believe but he intended him Punishment keeping him only between the tickling hopes of pâ—eâ—erment pinching fear of disgrace to found his boâ—tome and to discover his Estaâ—e so well he took the first Arrest that he diâ—ected the Messengeâ—s to execute their Commission legally saying that he ought to yield himself to a Privy-Chambâ—rman on his word though not to the Earle withouâ— his Commission So ill the second that he could not govern himself tolerably Very observant he was of old Prophesies applying that When the Cow rides the Bull Then Priest beware thy skull to Hen. 8. whose armes as Earle of Richmond was a Cow and Anne Bullein whose devise was a Bull whose Love to each other was the occasion of their hatred to him And that that he should have his end at Kingston to Kingâ—ton upon Thames a Town he would not look on willingly while he lived and to Sr William Kingston a man he would not with his good will hear of when he died And fearful of new Omens Interpreting the falling of his Crosse to break Bonners head the fâ—ll of the Church to the danger of his own A serene and peaceable soul acts by solid â—eason a frighted and troubled one by fansie imagination and superstition a mind in the dark of mâ—lancholy and trouble feareth every thing The Kâ—ng not knowing his own changeble mind would have given 20000 l. he had lived and his Enemies knowing it too well gave 10000 l. that they might be sure he should dye The one aiming at a booty from his Estate as appeared afterward by his â—eward to those Servants that discovered it the oâ—her at their own security â—rom his power both to his dying day so great that indifferent men thought them enough his foes too much and he himself too litâ—le Plenty without pomp is penury to pride which Kings may make humbled God only humble He being able to take away the fire the Luâ—t within the other only to withdraw the Fuel the staâ—e without Remarkeable were his words of himself This is the just reward that I must receive for my diligent pains and study not regarding my service to God but only my respect to the King Flattery is the Common Moath of great Palaces where Alexanders friends are more than the Kings Observable his caution to the Councellors whom he advised to take heed what they should put into the Kings head for said he you can never put it out again Heinous is the crime of poysoning Fountains and such is a Kings mind in a Common-wealth Notable was the Jealousie of his Enemies who could not but believe he was alive until the Mayor and Corporation of Liecester who were called therefore to view his Corps testified under their publick Seal that he was dead But most notorious his burial that He who from his own store late might have A Palaâ—e or a Colledge for his Grave Should lye interr'd so obscurely as if all Of him to be remember'd were his fall Nothing but earth to earth no Pompous weight Vpon him but a pibble or a quait Yet though his Fortune was not great as his merit or his merit as his mind he planted things that are like to last as long as men are either to do things woâ—thy to be written in books or books are to record things worthy to be done by men His Enemies made mock defences for him on puâ—pose to overthrow him So before a serious Warr Cities use to personate their adverse party and feign mock combats and skirmishes to encourage their friends wherein you may be sure that their own side shall conquer Which puts me in mind of the Lyons answer in the Fable when the picture of a man beating a Lyon was produced to him he said If a Lyon had made this picture he would have made the Lyon aboveâ— and the man beneath Nihil est quin male narrando possit depravarier One thing he advised young men to take care of in their publick deliveries viz that they should rather proceed though more inaccurately than stop sensibly few being able to discerne the failuâ—e of a continued speech when all understand the mischance of a gross silence A Fellow having made a long Oration to his hearers of the virtues of a Feather which he affirmed to have dropped from the wing of Michael the Aâ—ch-Angel and the Feather being stolen from under his sleeve out of drollery and a Cinder put in the place of it to trye hiâ— humour he went on câ—â—fidently with his discourse telling them that though it was not the feather which he had mentioned yet it wâ—s one of the coles which St. Laurence was broyled with and had all those virtues which he had formerly ascribed to the feather When good men die suddenly it is said they are poysoned and when the bad fall unexpectedly as he did it is said they poyson themselves He died unpitied because he had lived feared being the great Bias of the Christian World Too suddain prosperity in the beginning undoeth us in the end while we expect all things flowing upon us at first we remit our care and perish by neglecting Every head cannot bear wine nor every spirit â— fortune Success eats up Circumspection How many a man had ended better if he had not begun so well It 's the Emphasis of misery to be too soon happy Prosperity growing up with experience makes a man in a firm settlement inured to all events I will ever suspect the smooth waters for deepness in my worst estate I will hope in the best I will fear in all I will be circumspect and stil. Râ—ffling Ambition reacheth great Honour a Sedate Humility supports it the Lower the Basis the higher stronger the Pyramide Love the Issue of Humility guardeth the weakest Hatâ—ed the Daughter of Pride ruines the strongest Ego Rex meus was good Grammar for Wolsey a School-Master but not for the Cardinal a States-man To be humble to Superiors is duty to Equals is courtesie to Inferiours is nobleness and to all safety it being a virtue that for all her lowliness commandeth those souls it stoops to In a word as I love Virtue so I hate Vice for her inside and her end Cardinal Wolsey is famous for two things that he never spoke a word too much and but one too little The Lord Herbert's
be too close therefoâ—e we have fâ—iends to ease our selves it ruineth a man to be too open therefore there is a secret not to be communicated to a friend When the Duke of Buckingham made Knevet his Confessour he made him his Master He that is Master of my Heart is Master of my Life If my Shirt said Metellus knew my minde I would burn it If my Servant or Friend knows my intentions I must either undo him oâ— be undone by him unless he be so much above a man as not out of weakness to discover me or so much above a sinner as not out of corruption to betray me Wild Beasts dwell in Dens Fishes be in Muâ— and Birds in Nests and a Wise Man is wrapped up in security Gyges hiâ— Ring was his wiâ—dome whereby he undeâ—stood others and was reserved himself It 's pity he ever learned to speak that knoweth not how to be silent I would first be so wise sâ—ith a Wit and Wiâ—dome of our Agâ— as to be my own Counsellour and next so secret as to be my own Counsel-keeper Some of my Servants may be of my Bed-chamber but none shall be of my closet Before I told you of this saith Charles the Fifth of a Designe discovered upon the seventeen Provinceâ— to his Favourite Lunembergh I was Emperour but now you are so But the heighth of the Dukes â—pâ—â—it was equally unfortunate with the openness of it and he fell no less because he despiâ—ed Knevet than because he trusted him Contemned Dangers ruine surely while â—hey suâ—prize us at once naked and careleâ—s as ill prepared to offend the slighted Adversary as to defend our misunderstood Selves The least Beings have their â—pleen and command our caution No creature too mean to be mischievous none too inconsiderate to be feared As long as Weakness can cling to Power and Power to Malice what Knevet would but could not that Wolsey could and would If my Enemy be strong he shall awe if weak he shall guard my Life Two things are necessary in this Life Faithful Friends or Severe Enemies Tâ—e fewer of the former men of the Dukes fortune have the more use they should make of the latter The greatest Enemy when observed may do me a great kindness the least neglected can do no little mischief Security is the only misfortune and Carelessness the only fate that distresseth the World But the Duke threw away his life in a fatal word that could not be recalled I 'le not ask the King for my Life Great need have we to guard that Tongue whence flow the issues of Liâ—e and Death and weigh those words that go abroad for the measure of our Weal or Wo our words being given us to treat with the World about either discreetly to our happiness or weakly to our ruine It hath repented men that they have spoken at all times it repented none to have been silent in King Henry's when there was no security but to the Reserved and the Pliable Dionysius the Tyrant seeing one knocked down at one blow said to his fâ—iends what a folly is it to quit so fair a command for fear of dying which lasts no longer a space Observations on the Life of Sir Anthony Brown HE was always one of the Council to King Henâ—y at home and of his Commissioners abroad no Treaty passing without his presence no Negotiation without his advice the first carrying as much Majesty with it as the second did Authority the Court having bred the one to a noble Mein as Experience had done the other to an Oracle Experience I say whereby he saw more as Alexander boasted with his eye than others comprehended in their thoughts that being knowledge in him that was but conjecture in others He was the best Compound in the World a learned an honest and a travelled man a good Nature a large Soul and a settled Mind made up of Notes and Observations upon the most material points of State he could learn at Courts of Religion among the Clergy of Discipline among Souldiers of Trade among Merchants or of the situation interest avenues and strong holds by his own eyes It 's a pleasure to stand upon the shore and to see ships tost upon the Sea it 's pleasure to stand in the window of a Castle and to see a Battel with the adventures thereof below but no pleasure is comparable to the standing upon the Vantground of Truth an Hill saith my Noble Author not to be commanded and where the air is always clear and serene and to see the Errors and Wandrings the Mists and Tempests in the Vale below That content is better felt than expressed that this Noble Person took in his own clear thoughts when it was Mist all round about him and King Henry cried What say Cromwel and Brown Vespasian asked Apollonius What was Nero's overthrow and he answered him Nero could tune the Harp well but in Government sometimes he wound the pins too high and sometimes he let them down too low Sir Anthony told Henry the Eighth That his Government had been more easie if he had either set it not so lose at first or not so strict at last as there was indeed no King so various as his Master no State so changeable as his Government An even temper begets awe and reverence whilst the wide extreams create either on the one hand contempt and insolence or on the other discontent and murmuring Haughty and violent Courts never bless the Owners with a settled Peace This deep man was Leiger in Rome six years and Agent in France ten A person of great dispatch because of an orderly method and procedure which he observed to a superstition saying Time and Method are my Masters There are saith my Oracle three parts of business Preparation Debate and Perfection The middle King Henry comunicated to the whole Council the first and last to few viz. to my Lord Cromwel and Sir Anthony Brown The highest matters were his care as the Interview in France 1533. the most eminent Statesmen his fellows as the Duke of Norfolk the Lord Rochford and the Lord Paulet thoâ—e Noble Persons bearing the state and he managing the business of the Embassies The wise man of Florence took care that Ferdinando of Naples Medices of Florence Sforza of Millain shouâ—d gain nothing of one another to the gâ—eat secuâ—ity of Italy Sir Anthony watched our Neighbours Conquestâ— Trade Approaches c. so closely that none of those Potentates Charles the Fifth or King Francis could win a spot of Ground but his Master would balance it and so secure Europe The Interviews between Princes he disallowed yet to satisfie his Master he provided for that in France so sumptuously as one that understood the foâ—mality of a Pageant was a real advantage to a Government whose Interest is as much to gain a reputation by pomp and shew as support a welfare by prudence and strength others apprehension of our greatness contributing as much to our welfare as
of so evil an aspect toward the solid foundation of the Polity of that Nation in shaking its settlement in the minds of men and as things may happen narrowing its interest unto a scanâ—ling unproportionate unto its Superstructure as undoubtedly those who are principally concerned that the Kingdom should not be a floating Delos are obliged not to admit an avowance of it being dangerous and scarce consistent with the prudence that should steer the peace of the world to bring any one of the numerous and disputable apprehensions that will be likely to the end of the world among men to be the Constitution of a Government as to its Civil interest to which otherwise all men of all persons profess they are born and indispensably engaged to an obedience to and observance of as exposing that an awful reverence whereof groweth up with all men their Temporal concerns being wrapped up in it so far as to free it to all the uncertain events of Religious Controversies especially when the principles owned by the Government and suited to the interest of a few men are so far from being diffused among a people that the greatest part of them must unavoidably and will resolvedly diâ—sent from them who otherwise acquiesce in the Civil Government and abating those opinions of not great concernment as to the substance of Religion or the peace of the Nation are willing to their utmost endeavours to the welfare thereof which is hoped consisteth not in the impossibility of a precise determination of the differences in the minds and Consciences of men who are generally confirmed in their own perswasions and into a further alienation from the things they are compelled to by compulsion and penalties and who if brought to an outward Conformity without inward perswasion without which rigour hath little influence on the minds of men will not be wanting to any opportunity offered to ease themselves of a condition which being contrary to their strong inclination they will cast off as we have known thousands do as their insupportable burthen Experience hath baffled the attempt of rigour and imposition without reason and inward satisfaction it never succeeding any where to extinguish the perswasions and opinions it was designed to extirpate which returned in a short space to make it manifest that violence hath onely laid in provisions for future troubles oppositions and animosities by ruining some provoking many obstructing trade by discouraging and hindring men to exercise their faculties or stocks inforcing few to an hypocritical compliance compassion stirr'd up in all who after the suâ—siding of the impetuous impressions of provocations abhor severity about small opinions so deeply rooted in the minds of men for a long time with great success and advantages against men come up to a resolution to suffer as appears every day by what they suffer and forget the utmost of their earthly concerns than live and dye in an open rebellion to the commanding light of God in their Consciences and think it strange that noble disposition thoughts counsel and care in uniting men by Indulgence to Loyalty and Gratitude which can be united to nothing else save an unanimous discontent under the impositions they may undergo should be all sacrified to the interest or prejudices of any one party of men whatsoever upon pretence of that tranquility and peace to which there is not a greater enemy than the fears and restlessness of oppressed multitudes nor a better friend than the satisfaction and contentedness of all men having no fears when indulged but of the disturbance of the Government which hath by its condescensions secured to them all their principal Interests in the world and made it unlikely that if they have any Conscience which their great sufferings give evidence of or reason they will joyn with any sort of men to trouble that State of things wherein they have that Liberty which they have been taught to value by their miserable condition under the want of it A way of obliging real sensible and effectual to many thousands without the least semblance of difadvantage to any one man Yea attended with assurance of peace to all â—upon the admission of counsels impartially tending to the good of all un-influenced by a mixture of fears and jealousies against which former settlement were establishedâ— Res durae regni novitas cum talia cogunt Contrary to that experience and those second thoughts which a new consideration of things may suggest unto them to alter their resolutions in compliance with the alteration of affairs always provided it be in subordination to the great Establishment which may be secured by the truth and order settled in it the abilities and worth of it the publick favour of Authority the persons maintaining it the legal priviledges and encouragements promoting it the supposed inconsiderableness of the persons opposing it and the things for which they do it the great inconveniency disadvantage and charge of carrying on the dissenting though indulged ways if it have any foundation in the Consciences or minds of men and stand not onely which is a secret not to be published on the props of Law and Power It being whatsoever some may imagine who have scarce a better argument of the truth of their own Religion than their inclination to suppress those of the contrary sâ— far from being an evidence of truth in any that they are ready to destroy those who are otherwise minded that it is a sign of error and superstition which being conscious of its own weakness is generally heightned to more or less cruelty and revenge according as men by them are steeped in folly and blindness Iâ—mâ—rtale odium nunquam sanabile bellum Ardet adhuc Ombos Tentyraâ— summus utrinque Indè furor vâ—lgo quod â—â—miâ—a vicinorum Odit uterque locus and what was the ground and occasion of the quarrel Croeodilon adorat Pars haec illa pavet saturam Serpentibus â—bin All other Nations as France Holland Poland the Palatinate Brandenburgh Hastia some parts of Denmark the Empire and most of the free Cities of it indulging their numerous and divided Dissenters upon â—heir sustaining all Offices and burthens in the Commonwealth equal with others with a freedom from Ecclesiastical Courts Censures Offices and all penalties for their dissent and an allowance for the Worship of God in their own Assembly provided by themselves and known to the Magistrates under whose Jurisdiction they are though considering the temper of the people of this Nation the impression of the principles of dissent in multitudes the resolution that their spirits are raised to the value they put â—pâ—n their Consciences and liberty of it there is no people under Heaven to whom forbearance would he more welcome useful acceptable or more sulservienâ— to Tranquility Trade Wealth and Peace An Exile whose exemplary resolution supported Religion whose obliging Authority maintained Peace and whose inexhaustible Charity provided for the poor at Zurick and Franâ—ford A Sussex and
not a Kentish Knight having spent a great Estate at Court and brought himself to one Park and a fine House in it was yet ambitious to entertain not the Queen but her Brother at it and to that purpose had new-painted his Gates with a Coat of Arms and a Motto overwritten thus OIA VANITAS in great Golden Letters Sir Anthony Cooke and not his Son Cecil offering to read it desired to know of the Gentleman what he meant by OIA who told him it stood for Omnia Sir Anthony replied Sir I wonder having made your Omnia so little as you have you notwithstanding make your Vanitas so large King Edward would say of his Tutors That Radolph the German spake honestly Sir Iohn Cheek talked merrily Dr. Coxe solidly and Sir Anthony Cooke wâ—ighingly A faculty that was derived wiâ—h his blood to his Grandchilde Bacon which informs the world of this great truth That Education doth much towards Parts Industry more Converse Encouragement and Exercise more yet but a sound temper and nature an wholesome blood and spirit derived from healthful and well-constitutioned Parents doth all Observations on the Life of Sir David Brooke DAvid Brooke Knight born at Glassenbury Son to Iohn Brooke Esq who was Serjeant at Lâ—w to King Henry the Eighth Our David was also bred in the Study of our Laws and in the first of Queen Mary was made Chief Baron of the Exchequer but whether dying in or quitting the place in the first of Qâ—een Elizabeth I am not informed He married Katherine Daughter of Iohn Lord Chandois but dyed without issue A Lawyer and a Lawyers son yet one whose zeal for the Religion of that time advanced rather â—han his Law to serve rather his Princes interest than his Court that being the happy shall I say or unhappy time when the Soveraign and the State did often consult with Judges and the Judges more often consult with the Sovereign and State Yet although a particular respect raised a general fair carriage kept him up He observed not onely things but times not onely times but persons therefore when old Poâ—nal Laws came before him he confined them in the execution that that which was made for terror should not be for rigour and the Instrument of Government should not be the snare of the People When Informers of that Court were too busie he checked them when violent prosecution cunning advantages combinations power or great counsel balanced an honest cause he set all things even His invention was good to improve his Mistresses Revenue his conscience was as tender to diminish it Q. Mary was ready of her own inclination but readier upon Sir David Brookes motion to part with the Church-Profits Patient and grave he was in hearing sparing and weighty in speaking None would direct an Evidence more orderly none moderated the length or impertinency of Pleaders more discreetly None would recapitulâ—â—â—e select collate the material points of what had been said more exactly none gave judgement more satisfactorily always commending a good Lawyer that miscarried a good way to uphold in the Client the reputation of his counsel and beat down in him the conceit of his cause He dyed with some projects in his breast for the Revenue and some for the Law whereof one was a composition for the Purveyances and another a regulation of the Wards both at that time thought till regulated as unprofitable for the Crown as they seemed to be burthensome to the subject He had a close way of discovering Concealments as he had a severe one of punishing frauds His word was One Law executed is worth twenty made None more austere in case of others wrong none more mild in that of his own and he would say What is done is done Weak men concern themselves in what is past while the wise take care of what is present and to come If a man wrongeth me once God forgive him saith the Italian if he wrongeth me the second time God forgive me Others may be even with their enemies in râ—venge he would be above them in forgiveness An enemy I say though otherwise to a perfidious and unworthy friend he was much of Cosmus Duke of Florence his temper who said You shall read that we are commanded to forgive our enemies but you never read that we are commanded to forgive our friends Many have in veighed against Usury none have done more against it than this Knight who if he had lived was resolved to reduce it to these Rules 1. That it should be declared unlawful 2. Being declared so if any practised it as men must do or Traffick will fall that there should be a penalty upon the Usurer which might amount to an Excise or Custom that would arise from that money if employed in merchandize 3. That yet if any exacted above five in the hundred they should lose the principal A rate that on the one hand would keep up the necessary Commerce of Lending and Borrowing among the Old and the Idle and yet direct men to that more neâ—essary of buying and improving Land and other Commodities that are more industrious and ingenious 4. That none yet presume this but in some principal places of merchandizing for then as my Lord Bacon hath projected it they will hardly be able to colour other mens money in the Country for no man will lend his money far off or put it into unknown hands Or Lastly That there be no money lent out upon terms but to the State which may make its advantage of it Indeed considering on the one hand that Usury decayeth the Kings Custom bringeth money to few hands damps Industry and Invention beats down the price of the land and by eating up private Estates breeds a publick poverty It were to be wished it were forbidden And on the other That Borrowers trade most that No usury no young Merchants that Without usuâ—y men must sell their Estates at under-rates more sad than usury that No borrowing no living no usury no borrowing It were wished it were regulated so that the inconveniences of it were avoided and the advantages retained and extortâ—on be checked as Traffick is encouraged Thus he that hath no private care advanceth the publick Good and the childless man is most thoughtful for Posterity Certainly the best Works and of greatest merit for the Publick have proceeded from the unmarried or the childless man who both in affection and means have married and endowed the Publick He that hath Wife and Children hath given Hostages to Fortune For they are Impediments either to Vertue or Mischief A fat man in Rome riding always upon a very lean Horse being asked the Reason thereof answered That he fed himself but he trusted others to feed his Horse Our Judge being asked what was the best way to thrive said Never do anything by another that you can do by your self Observations on the Life of Doctor Thomas Wilson THomas Wilson born in Lincolnshire was Doctor of Laws bred Fellow of
experience and acquaintance with the situation of any place the humour or interest of any People the weaknesses and strengths of any Enemy the advantages or disadvantages of any Undertaking â—ipen circumstances towards success but he is called off to a new and unacqâ—aâ—nted scene of action where he shall lose his Arâ—y beâ—oâ—e he knoweth how to employ it His friends at Court grew few and cold his foes many and active his affronts continual to disorder him by passion or sink him in despair His Commission was but short before but is none now onely three hundred men stick to him his Money failing his Noble Followers withdrawing his Common Souldiers mutiny and he is recalled And happy had he been could he have been quiet but nothing would compleat some mens Designes but his Ruine and nothing could ruine him but Honour that at once pleased his humour and wasted his Estate Earl-Marshal of Ireland he is made and thither he goeth in great state to die anno 1576 and the 36 of his Age a year fatal to that Family which none of them exceeded but the last who had been happy if he had died sooner or lived longer than he did Although Sir Walter Devereux had not that success over others which his Valour deserved yet he had that conquest of himself that Vertue onely gives shewing himself as good at the Buckler as at the Sword at suffering as well as acting All his changes from without he bore with none within his even and solid minde that fashioned its own fate enjoying its constant calm amidst all the tempests of malice and ambition Those ignoble courses were not greater Arguments of his Enemies narrowness and degeneracy than his resolved Patience was of his largeness and generousness of spirit he being as much above those smaller tricks as they were below his Adversaries We make our selves more Injuries than are offered us and the apprehension of wrong doth more harâ— than the smartest part of the wrong it self It 's the Wise-mans glory and the States-mans prudence to pass by Offences A Fool struck Cato in the Bath and when he was sorry for it Cato had forgot it for saith Seneca Melius putavit non agnoscere quam ignoscere Light Injuries are made none by a not-regarding which with a pursuing Revenge grow both to heighth and burden and live to mischief us when they might die to secure us It 's Princely saith one to disdain a Wrong who when Embassadours have offered Undecences use not to chide but deny them audience as if silence were the way Royal to revenge a Wrong The upper Region is most composed The wisest rage the least knowing that Observation and Resentment do but proâ—oke and encourage that Malice which neglect and silence deads and dissipates And it was Sir Walter 's Fathers Maxime That Discontent was the greatest weakness of a generous Soul which is always so intent upon its unhappiness that it forgets its remedies This Lord was a great instance of that Maxime That it 's an equal mischief to distrust all as to believe all although of the two the safest is to distrust for Fear had secured this Noble Person while Confidence ruined him it being a Vertue onely when men were innocent but ever since the bane of those that own it Three things undid this Earl 1. That he could not imagine he was to be ruined by his Advancement 2. That he never mistrusted an Oath 3. That he never considered that as Princes so Favourites have many eyes and long hands He that is so open as to reserve nothing from friends is renowned for Charity but he that is so to lie at the mercy of all is marked for ruine No sooner undeâ—stood my Lord of Leicester Essex his Disposition but the bitter Fool Pace could tell his Fortune begging of my Lord at his departure the making of his mourning and adding You and I have done for this world Walter Eâ—rl of Essex had been happy if he had not lived in my Lord of Leicester's time his son Robert renowned had he not been Sir Robert Cecil's Contemporary and his Grandchilde an Heroe had he not known my Lord Say and Mr. Hampden Observations on the Life of Thomas Ratâ—lif Earl of Sussex THomas Ratclif Earl of Sussex was of a very Noble and Ancient Lineage honoured through many Descenâ—s by the Title of Viscounts Fitz-Walters He was a goodly Gentleman and of a brave noble-Nature true and constant to his friends and servants noted for honesty a very excellent Souldier being one of the Queens martialists who did very good service in Ireland at her first accession tilâ— she recalled him to the Court where she made hiâ— Lord Chamberlain and though he was noâ— endowed with the cunningness and dexterity as others were yet upon his Deatâ—-hâ—d he gave his fâ—iends a caveat whom they should beware His words saith Sir Robert Naunton are these I am now passing into another World and must leave you to your Fortunes and to the Queeâ—s Graces but beware of the Gypâ—ie for he will be too hard for you all you know not the beast so well as I do His Prowess and integâ—ity drew the Souldiers after him Leicester's Courâ—ship and Cunning the Courtiers Cecil's Prudence and service the States-men This Thomas Ratclif Lord Fitz-Walter second Earl of Sussex of that surname was twice Lord Deputy of Ireland by his prudence he prevented the breaking out of an actual Rebellion in that Kingdome and no wonder if in his time it rained not War there seeing his diligence dispersed the Clouds before they could gather together Thus he who cures a disease may be skilfullest but he that prevents it is the best Physitian Being called home by the Queen to be Lord Chamberlain a constant Court faction was maintained between him and Robert Earl of Leicester these two parties dividing the Court whilst the Cecilians as Neuters did look upon them Sussex had a great Estate left by his Ancestors Leicester as great given or restored him by the Queen Sussex was the honester man and greater Souldier Leicester the more facete Courtier and deep Pollitician not for the general good but his own particular profit Great was the animosity betwixâ— them and what in vain the Queen endeavoured Deaâ—h performed taking this Earl away and so â—he competition ended New-hall in Essex was the place if not of his birth of his principal habitation he lyeth buried in the Church of St. Olives Hartstreet London The first of Queen Elizabeth found this brave Earl commanding Ireland in peace and plenty with three hundred and twenty Horse and eight hundred and sixty foot prudently garrison'd and well payd aâ—d the second employed him thither again with instructions that he should beware above all things lest the Irish being an uncivil people and therefore the more superstitious should by the cunning practices of the French be excited to Rebellion under the pretext of Religion 2. That he should fortify Ophale with Castles and Forts 3. That
he should engage the Souldiers with large possessions 4. That the Irish Nobility should hold their Estates in Fee 5. That he should improve the Queens Revenues moderately and reduce her exchequer there to the form of that in England At what time Maximilian the Emperour courted Queen Elizabeth whom all English-men wished marryed all Protestants married to a Protestant and the Earl of Leicester had designed for himself there arose a deady feud in the English Court between the Earl of Sussex that favoured the match upon common principles of government and the Earl of Leicester who opposed it upon a private design of his own certainly very great and shameful hopes do they foster who have already attained things beyond hopes The open hearted Earl would call his Antagonist an upstart that had but two Ancestors his Father a Traytor and his Grand-Father a Publican Thus the Court is divided the Earls are alwayes attended with their armed guards untill the Queen who took pleasure in the innocent Emuâ—ation of her women became feaâ—ful of the dangerous contests of her Favourites and rather skinned over than healed the rupture At the Emperours Court whither he is sent with the order of St. George he presseth the marriage closely as much out of love to his Countrey as hatred to Leicester having nothing more ordinary in his discourse than that a Forreign Prince was to be preferred before the noblest English-man for the three grand things of Honour Power and Wealth But what he promoted publickly the Lord North who was joyned with him rather â—as his guardian than his colleague opposed privately untill a few fond scruples broke the most solemn negotiations wherein yet this Earl behaved himself with a gallantry that gained him a familiarity from the Emperour a reverence from the Arch-duke a respect from the people and his Mâ—stress a kindness in that Court that stood her in great stead against the attempts of Spain and Româ— From Germany he returned with much Honour to command in the North with more wherâ— he and his old setters at Court discovered the grand plot in the Nâ—rth as Hunsdon and his old Souldierâ— at Berwick defeated it and both harassed the Scottish borders all things yielding to those two grand disposers of the World now predominant in England Wisdome and Cecil at home Armes and Hunsdon abroad and both with Sussex at home now for his approved wisdome and fidelity made privy Councellourâ— and abroad alway Lord General Of many I pitch on this one argument of the greatness of his mind that he scorned to trample the prostrate that he had a just passion but not an unworthy malice for an enemy whom he had a generous goodness to pity when unhappy as well as a brave spirit to contest with when injurious The lesser fry of adversaries railed against this great one pleaded foâ— Leicester when his practices against Aâ—jou's marriage with the Queen confined him to the Castle of Windsor And his menaces had cast him to the Tower of London had not my Lord minding more the common interest than his pâ—ivate resentments first moderated the Qâ—eens passion with Reason and thâ—n overcame it with this Jest you must allow Lovers their Iealousie Hâ— succeded his Father in his Fortune and in his Favour his Pâ—udence and Resolution promoting him to the Government of Ireland and the North his good husbandry and skill in Surveying making him justice in Eyre of all the Paâ—ks beyond Trent and is comely pâ—esence advancing him Lord Chamberlaiâ— Queen Elizabeth poyzed her State by Factions aâ—road and Parties at home her chiefest wisdâ—me lying in her general correspondence and complyance with each Party as hâ—r Interest lay in their complyance and distance from one another My Lord of Susâ—ex left his memâ—rial behind him That for Rising men to stick to a side is necessary For Great men to be indifferent is wise and this That he and my Lord of Leicester cleared and purged the Court their cross Observations refining each person that was admitted to Court none daring any injustice while Leicester observed him on the one hand and Sussex punished him on the other Then no deserving Person could be excluded by the one that could serve his Princâ— not any undeserving one admitted that might disparage him one Interest being sure to receive the one as the other was to exclude the other Divers persons saith one of equal Authority though both wicked do in experience produce more Justice than a greater Probity in a single individual hath been heard to pronounce in a divided Court the Creatures of one Party being the Enemies of another no less powerful and so they both become liable to accusation or capable of defence and from the sparkles of this clashing not onely Persons and Actions but the Publick Councils came to be refined from the Rusts and Cankers that grow by an Unanimity Faction can be as little spared in a monarchy as an Eye or an Ear as through which the Prince hath a clearer apprehension of his own and others Affairs than he can have when his followers are all agreed through the peâ—cussion of equal Factions as through that of Flint and Steeâ— all things coming to light by Debates that might either advance or eclipse a Princes glory When my Lord of Sussex could not overbear Leicester with Power he did it with Policy and by yielding to him conquered him for as he observed when â—e and his friends retired Leicester and his subdivided and he was checked more by the Ambition he taught his own Followers than by the competition of his Adversaries When Factions are carried too high and too violently it is a signe of weakness in Princes and much to the prejudice of their Authority and Business The motions of Factions under Kings ought to be like the motions as the Astronomeâ—s speak of the Inferiour Orbs which may have their proper Inclination but yet are still quietly carried by the higher motion of the Primum Mobile Queen Elizabeth had an happy time of it if it were but for this That her Favourites Divisions were her support for thereby she attained the knowledge of all things that happened so as no Suit or Dâ—signe passed the Royal Assent before she understood as much of Reason as Enemies or Friends could bring for or against it The Character this third great Lord of his Family left behind him was This year died a man of a great spirit and faithfulness to his Country and therefore none freer than he of his thoughts none sounder than he in his councels Nor did this freedome of Communication betray his future Resolutions to the discovery of his Enemies as they opened his heart to the observation of his Prince for through a seeming unconstancy not of words but of action not his weakness but his nimbleness the Bird on the wing is safe he could so often vary as it was noâ— easie to discover where or when he would be buzzing and give the blow
but shallow to his who by promoting the Queens match could hinder it who could decoy Hunsdon to Berwick Pembroke to Wales Sidney to Ireland while what with his great Train what with his growing Popularity he was called the Heart of the Court. To make his Basis equal to his heighth he enlarged and strengthened his Interest by Alliance with the chief Nobility to whom he was related By his Patronage of Learning over which he was Chancellourâ— by kindness to the Clergy whose head he seemed to be by his command over all men whom either his favours had won or his frowns awed every body being either within the Obligation of his Courâ—esies or the reach of his Injuries He advised some complyance with Philip of Spain for the match he proposed while by degrees he altered Religion so as it must be impossible designing Queen Elizabeth for his own Bed while she made his way to the Queen of Scots whose reâ—usal of him he made as fatal to her as his marriage would have been advantageous The Queen of England promising to declare her next heir to the Crown of England in case she failed of Issue upon that match Leicester trepans Norfolk to treat a match with the Scotch Queen and her to accept it to both their ruine both being engagâ—d in such foolish Enterprizes by their enemies practices as made Leicester able in the head of a new Association in the Queens defence to take off Norfolk and his Ladies head He was always beforehand with his Designes being a declared enemy to After-games His Interest was Popery until my Lord North put him upon Puritanism but his Religion neither he promoted the French and Polish match at Court and disparaged them in the Country When Cardinal Chatiâ—â—ian advertized her Majesty how Leicester drave Royal Suiters from her Court he was sent to another World He that would not hold by his favour must fall by his frown Archbishop Grindal not excepted His hand bestowed all favours and his brows all frowns the whose Court was at his Devotion and half the Council at his beck Her Majesty suspected but durst not remove him His Intelligence was good in Scotland better in Ireland best in Spain The Country was governed by his Allies and the Court by himself The Tower was in his servants hands London under his Creatures Government and the Law managed by his Confidents His treasure was vast his gains unaccountable all passages to preferment being in his hand at home and abroad He was never reconciled to her Majesty under 5000 l. nor to any Subject under 500 l. and was ever and â—non out with both All Monopolies are his who commanded most mens Purses and all mens Parts A man was oppressed if he complyed with him and undone if he opposed him In a word his designe was thought a Crown his Parts too large for a Subject his Interest too great for a Servant his depth not fathomable in those days and his Policy not reached in these Observations on the Life of Christopher Lord Hatton SIr Christopher Hatton was a Gentleman who for his activity and Person was taken into the Quâ—ens favour He was first made Vice-Chamberlain and shortly after advanced to the place of Lord Chancellourâ— A Gentleman that besides the Graces of his Person and Dancing had also the Adjectments of a strong and subtile câ—pacity one that could soon learn the Discipline and Garb both of Times and Court The truth is he had a large proportion of Gifts and Endowments but too much of the season of Envy As he came so he continued in the Court in a mask An honest man he was but reserved Sir Iohn Perrâ—t talked and Sir Christopher Haâ—ton thought His features set off his body his gate his features his carriage his gate his parts his carriage his prudence his parts and his close patience his prudence The Queen loved him well for his activity better for his parts best of all for his abilities which were as much above his experience as that was above his learning and that above his education The little the wary man did was so exactly just and discreet and the little he said was so prudent and weighty that he was chosen to keep the Queens Conscience as her Chancellour and to express her sense as her Speaker the Courtiers that envied the last capacity were by his power forced to confess their errours and the Sergeants that would not plead before him in the first by his prudence to confess his abilities The Chancellourship was above his Law but not his Parts so pregnant and comprehensive that he could command other mens knowledge to as good purpose as his own Such his humility that he did nothing without two Lawyers such his ability that the Queen did nothing without him Two things he said he wâ—s jealous of his Mistresses the Queens Prerogatives and his Mother the Churches Discipline the one that Majesty might be at liberty to do as much good and the other that Iniquity might not be free to as much evil as it pleased His enemies advanced him that they might weaken him at Court by his absence and kill him at home by a sedentariness This even and clear man observed and improved their practices closing with Malice it self to his own advancement and tempering the most perverse enmity to the greatest kindness His â—irst Preferment at Court was to be one of the fifty Pensioners whence his modest sweetness of Manners advanced him to the Privy Chamber where he had not been long but his face and tongue which most eloquent which most powerful was in those days a question made him Captain of the Guardâ— his presence and service Vice-Chamberlain and his great improvement under my my Lord Burleigh placed him in that grave Assembly the wisest Convention in Europe at that time the Privy-Council where he had not sate long when his enemies as well as his friends made him Chancellour and Knight of the Garter the one to raise him and the other by that rise to ruine him The Eagle-eyed men of those times carried up on high the Cockleshel they had a mind to crack A man of a pious Nature very charitable to the Poor very tender of dissenting Judgements saying That neither searing nor cutting was to be used in the cause of Religion very bountiful to Scholars who chose him Chancellour at Oxford very exact in his Place whence he went off though not with the applause of a great Lawyer to split Causes yet with the Conscience and comfort of a just man to do equity Take his Character from his own words those words that prevailed with the Queen of Scots to appear before the Commissioners at Fotheringaz when neither Queen Elizabeths Commission nor the Lord Chancellours Reason nor the Power of the Kingdome could perswade that good Lady to it The words are these You are accused but not condemned You say you are a Queen be it so if you are innocent you wrong your Reputation
daintyâ— that cost him less and contented his guests more His Table constant and even where all were welcome and none invited 3. His Hall was full most commonly his Gates always the one with the honest Gentry and Yeomen who were his Retainers in love and observance bringing good stomacks to his Table and resolved hearts for his service the holding up of his hand in the Northern business being as affectual as the displaying of a Banner The other with the 1. Aged 2. Maimed 3. Industrious Poor whose craving was prevented with doles and expectation with bounty the first being provided with meat the second with money and the third with employment In a word Mr. Cambden observes That Hospitality lieth buried since 1572 in this Earls Grave whence may that Divine Power raise it that shall raise him but before the last Resurrâ—ction when there will be plenty to bestow in one part of the world and no poor to be relieved poverty in the other and no bounty to relieve Neither was he munificent upon other mens charge for once a moneth he looked into his Incomeâ— and once a weak to his Disbursements that none should wrong him or be wronged by him The Earl of Derby he would say shall keep his own House wherefore it 's an Observation of him and the second Duke of Norfolk That when they were buried not a Trades-man could demand the payment of a Groat that they owed him nor a Neighbour the restitution of a peny they had wronged him They say The Grass groweth not where the Grand Seigniors Horse treads nor doth the People thrive where the Noble-men inhabitâ— But here every Tenant was a Gentleman and every Gentleman my Lords Companion such his Civility cowards the one and great penny worths to the other Noblemen in those days esteemed the love of their Neighbours more than their fear and the service and fealty of their Tenants more than their money Now the Landlord hath the sweat of the Tenants brow in his Coffers then he had the best blood in his Veins at his command That grand word On mine Honour was security enough for a Kingdome and the onely Asseveration he used It was his priviledge that he need not swear for a testimony and his renown that he would not for his honour Great was this Families esteem with the people and eminent their favour with their Soveraigns as which ever bestowed it self in obliging their Liege-people improving their interest and supporting their Throne for though they were a long time great Kings of Man and Hearts yet were they as long faithfull subjects to England Observations on the Life of Sir William Fiâ—z-Williams A Childe of Fortune from his Cradle made uâ— of confidence and reputation never unwarily shewing his Vertue or Worth to the world with any disadvantage When Britain had as little sleepiness and sloath as night when it was all day and all activity He as all young Sparks of that Age trailed a Pike in the Netherlands the Seminary of the English Soldiery and the School of Europes Discipline as a Souldier and travelled as a Gentleman until that place graced him civilly with a Command which he had honoured eminently with his service His friends checked him for undertaking an Employment so boysterous and he replyed upon them That it was as necessary as it seemed irregular for if some were not Souldiers all must be so He said He never durst venture on War with men till he had made his Peace with God A good Conscience breeds great Resolutions and the innocent Soul is impregnable None more fearful of doing evil none more resolved to suffer there being no hardship that he would avoid no undecency that he would allow Strict he was to his Commission and yet observant of his advantage never tempting a danger never flying it careful of his first life and himself but more of his other and his name When the methods of Obedience advanced him to the honour of commanding six things he was Chronicled for 1. Never making the Aged the Young or the Weak the Objects of his Rage which could not be so of his Fear 2. That he never basely killed in cold blood them that had nobly escaped his Sword in hot 3. That he never led the Souldiers without pâ—y or quartered in the Country without money 4. That though he was second to none that acted in War such his Valour yet he was the first that spake for Peace such his sweet Disposition 5. That he would never suffer that a Clergy-man should be abused a Church violated or the Dead be unburied 6. That he would never force an Enemy to a necessity always saying Let us disarm them of their best Weapons Despair nor fight an Enemy before he had skirmished him nor undertake a designe before he consulted his God his Council his Friends his Map and his History His own Abilities commended and his alliance with Sir Henry Sidney Lord Deputy whose Sister he married promoted him to the government of Ireland Once did the Queen send him thither for his Brothers sake four times more for his own sake a sufficient evidence saith my Friend of his Ability and Integrity since Princes never trust twice where they are once deceived in a Minister of State He kept up his Mistressâ—s Interest and she his Authority enjoying the Earl of Essex so much above him in honour to truckle under him in Commission when Governour of vlster and he Lord Deputy of Ireland Defend me said Luther to the Duke of Saxony with your Sword and I will defend you with my Pen. Maintain my Power saith the Minister of State to his Soveraign and I will support your Majesty Two things he did for the settlement of that Kingdome 1. He raised a Composition in Munster 2. He established the Possessions of the Lords and Tenants in Monahan Severe he was always against the Spanish Faction but very vigilant in 88 when the dispersed Armado did look but durst not land in Ireland except driven by Tempest and then finding the shore worse than the Sea But Leicester dieth and he fails when his Sun was set it was presently night with him Yra la soga con el Calderon where goeth the Bucket there goeth the Rope where the Principal miscarrieth all the Dependants fall with him as our râ—nowned Knight who died where he was born there is a Circulation of all things to their Original at Milton in Northamptonshire 1594. Observations on the Life of the Earl of Pembroke AN excellent man and one that fashioned his own Fortune His Disposition got favour and his Prudence wealth the first to grace the second and the second to support the first under King Henry the eighth whose Brother-in-law he was by his wife and Chamberlain by his place When others were distracted with Factions in King Edwards Reign he was intent upon his Interest leaning as he said on both sides the stairs to get up for his service being promoted to the master
cunning and hated all concealments and pretensions which he had sagicity enough to discover and look through but a spirit too generous to practise it none being more able for yet none more averse to that ciâ—cuâ—locution and contrivance wherewith some men shadow their mâ—in drift and purpose Speech was made to open man to man and not to hide him to promote Commerce and not betray it HOw happy is he born and taught That serveth not anothers will Whose Armour is his honest thought And simple truth his utmost skill Whose passions not his Masters are Whose soul is still prepar'd for death Vntide unto the world by care Of Publick fame or private breath Who envies none that chance doth raise Nor vice hath ever understood How deepest wounds are given by praise Nor Rules of State but Rules of Good Who hath his life from rumours freed Whose conscience is his strong retreatâ— Whose state can neither flatterers feed Nor râ—ine make Oppressors great Who God doth late and early pray More of his grace than gifts to lend And entertains the harmles day With a religious book or friend This man is freed from servile bands Of hope to rise or fear to fall Lord of himself though not of lands And having nothing yet hath all Observations on the Life of Sir John Packington SIr Iohn Packington was a person of no mean Family and of form and feature no way despiseable for he was a brave Gentleman and a very fine courtier and for the time which he stayed there was very high in the Queens grace but he came in and went out and through disassiduity lost the advantage of her favour and death drawing a vail over him utterly deprived him of recovery Had he broughtless to the Court than he did he might have carried away more than he brought for he had a time for it but he was an ill husband of opportunity His handsome features took the most and his neat parts the wisest at Court He could smile Ladies to his service and argue States-men to his designe with equal ease His reason was powerful his beauty more Never was a brave soul more bravely seated Nature bestowed great parts on him education polished him to an admirable frame of prudence and vertue Queen Eliâ—abeth called him Her Tâ—mperance and Leicester His Modesty It is a question to this day whether his resolution took the Souldiers his prudence the Politicians his complyance the Favourites his complaisance the Courtiers his piety the Clergy his integrity and condescention the People or his knowledge the learned most This new Court-star was a nine-days wonder engaging all eyes until it set satisfied with its own glory He came to Court he said as Sâ—lomon did to see its vanity and retired as he did to repent it It was he who said first what Bishop Sanderson urged afterwards That a sound Faith was the best Divinity a good Conscience the best Law and Temperance the best Physick Sir Iohn Packington in Queen Elizabeths time was vertuous and modest and Sir Iohn Packington in King Charles his time loyal and valiant the one did well the other suffered so Greenham was his Favourite Hammon his the one had a competant estate and was contented the other hath a large one and is noble this suppresseth Factions in the kingdome the other composed them in the Court and was called by Courtiers Moderation Westmerland tempted his fidelity and Norfolk his stedfastness but he died in his bed an honest and an happy man wâ—ile one of them goes off tainted on the Sâ—rffold and the other dies a beggâ—r in Flanders Observations on the Lives of the Norrises and Knowles MY Lord Norris had by his Lady an ample Issue which the Queen highly respected for he had six sons all martial brave men of haughty courage and of great experience in the conduct of military affairs Greater was not the Faction between Leicester and Sussex at court than that between the Knowles and the Norrises in the Country both Families of Oxfordshire the one resolute at Greys the other valiant at Rycote the former got great estates at home the latter attained to great honour abroad The Knowles were beloved by the Queen for their own sakes the Norrises for theirs and her own sake the Knowles were of the same blood with her Majesty the Norrises spent theirs for her 1. My Lord Norris died at Court an honest man 2. Sir Francis at Bulloign a good Souldier 3. Sir William at Berwick a brave Governour 4. Sir Thomas at Munster a wise President 5. Sir Maximilian at Bretaign an expert Engineer 6. Maximilian at Groen a renowned Heroe 7. Sir Iohn was a most accomplished General no less eminent for his safe retreats than for his resolute onsets France hath recorded this testimony of him That he brought on his men so warily as one that could bring them off and England this That he brought them off so resolutely as one that durst bring them on His fortune often overthrew his enemy and his wisdome oftner saved his friends His conduct was famous and his Discipline exact His Actions are Presidents and his Orders Laws of War to this day He was bred under Castilion and out-did him Ireland was always possessed but never conquered till Norris came who could lie on the coldest earth swim the deepest Rivers force the straightest Passes find out the most secret corners and tread the softest Bog who could endure any thing but an affront and a Superiour the first whereof upon a repulse at Court saddened his heart as the second upon another Deputies being sent over him broke it Unsuccessful he was with Don Antonio in Spain because he understood not the Country In the Low-Countries he gained experience first and then victory in Ireland he had Connaught for his Grave Mount Norris his Monument and the Letter of Queen Elizabeth to his Mother his Epitapâ— As the first eminent Norris suffered for Anne Bullen the Qu. Mother so the first eminent Knowles suffered with Protestantism her Religion Norris could not rise though he deserved his honour because of Leicester that favoured his Brother Knowles and Essex that envyed him neither could Knowles advance because of Sussex that feared and Cecil that suspected him The Knowles were deserving but modest favoured but humble powerful but quiet rather firm at Court than high allied to the Queen and faithful to the Crown Queen Elizabeth advanced Sir Francis to the Vicechamberlainship treasurership of the houshold Captainship of the Guard and the order of the Garter because she said He was an honest man and King Iames and King Charles raised his Son Sir William to the Earldome of Bambury because he was a serviceable man Honestly faithful was that family to their Mistress that was and providently so were they to their Master that should be Handsome men they were when attending at Court and valiant when called to the Camp Norrises 1. The Norrises are employed in Embassies of War wherein they were
moderate if his Life had answered his education he had been patient if his Eye had been as open upon his enemies as his Ear to his fâ—iends he had been cautious if he had been as happy in his constant converse as he wâ—s obliging in his first address he had been a Prince if he had had either less Fortune or a greater Soul eithâ—r lâ—ss of the Dove or more of the Serpent he had bid fair for a Crown or at least had saved his Head The people wished him well but they are unconstanâ— the Queen loved him but she is jealous his followers are numerous but giddy affectionate but ill advice his enemies are few but wâ—tchful on all occasions for is he pleased they swell it to pride and vain imaginations is he crossed they improve it to discontent and sedition An Army must be sent against Tyrone he is not willing that any other should lead it and unwilling to lead it himself yet over he goeth fatally for the service was knotty and his disposition smooth his power was large but that with as large a minde intangled him his Army was great but that meeting with a great designe precipitated him his Title to the Crown was defended but that lost him his head He had exact advices from friends especially fâ—om Sir Francis Bacon and great directions from his Prince but he followed his own when he should have fought the main body of his enemy he skirmisheth their Forlorns when he should have returned with a noble Conquest he stole home aftâ—r a suspitious Treaâ—y the Royal Checks that â—hould have instructed incenseth him and what was designed a chastisement he turns to a ruine Beloved he is of the people but that aggravatethâ— his rashness flattered by Courtiers but that swelleth his humour followed he is by the discontented of Church and State but that increaseth the jealousie ill advised he is by heady Cuffe and Meyriche and that hasteneth his fall humbled he is by the advancement of his Rivals and that enrageth hiâ— easie and open was his Nature close â—ctive and vigilant his Enemies Valiant he was but therefore feared Noble and obliging to all hopâ—ful men and therefore watched A great Party he had but they had no Head A Minion he was at once to Prince and People but he had no Balance A man of great peâ—formances but no designe One that had too much Religion and Fidelity to be a Traytor too good a Nature to be safe too much presumption on affections when absent to be steady He presumed too much on his own strenâ—â—h or his friends wiâ—dome whe he came out of Ireland he was too much wrought upon by his enemies when he came to London which had too much to lose to hazard a Rebellion and went not to Wales where his fathers and his own goodness had engaged 1000 Lives and Fortunes In a word Leicester's reservedness Bacon's stayedness Sir Robert Cecil's humility Sir Fâ—lke Grevil's modâ—sty added to his parts and presence his valour and liberality his good nature and large heart his favour with his Prince and popularity with the suâ—jects had raised him to a capacity with the great Earl of Warwick to set the English Crown on what head he pleased although it was the universal opinion he had no other ambition than to set it on King Iames his head which it belonged to with his own hands his designe was well principled but not well moulded he had many hands but no able heads his correâ—pondence was universal but not firm and exactâ— his Naâ—ure was active but impatient his â—nterest was popular not throughly understood he neither comprehending the Inclinaâ—ions of the Kingdome in gross in Parliament nor in the retayl in its particular divisions The Catholicks might hâ—ve been his but he was too good-natured to cajole them the State was well inclined but effeminate after so long prosperity Hope of pardon sent him to his grave with more silence than was expected from him and the peoples regret and with more sorrow than became a Qâ—een or her Kingdomes safety His party was too needy and their counsels too violenâ— Ambition and good Nature are incompatible Others counsels are never so faithful as our own When we hear others advice let our reason jâ—dge of it when great be wary when successful reserved when rising stayed especially in that Age when men were poysoned with Oyl and undone with Honey when active modest when checked yeilding when dandled distrustâ—ul when flattered feaâ—ful when great not absolute â—s my Lord would have been in point of favour against my Lord Mountjoy and valour against my Lâ—rd Norris Serve not your Followers but employ them Let others service administer to your designe not your power to theirs Let great Actions encourage greater and let honour be your merit and not your expectation Some have been busie in the enquiry of what reason the Virgin-Queen had for her kindness to Leicester and this man if there be a reason in any much less in Royal love save the affection its self that bears it true he had Vertue and suffering enough at his first arrival to engage the kindness and the pity of a worse Princess yet some then discoursed of a Conjunction of their Stars that made way for that of their minds Certainly saith Cambden the inclination of Princes to some persons and their disfavour towards others may seem fatal and guided by higher Powers A Parallel between the Earl of Essex and the Duke of Buckingham by H. W. THe beginning of the Earl of Essex I must attribute wholly or in great part to my Lord of Leicester but yet as an Introducer or supporter not as a Teacher for as I go along it will easily appear that he neither lived nor died by his Diâ—cipline Always certain it is that he drew him first into the fatal Circle from a kinde of resolved privateness at his house at Lampsie in South-wales where after the Academical life he had taken such a taste of the Rural as I have heard him say and not upon any flashes or fumes of Melancholy or traverses of discontent but in a serene and quiet mood that he could well have bent his mind to a retired course About which time the said Earl of Leicester bewrayed a meaning to plant him in the Queens favour which was diversly interpreted by such as thought that great Artizan of Court to do nothing by chance nor much by affection Some therefore were of opinion that feeling more and more in himself the weight of time and being almost tired if there be a saâ—iety in power with that assiduous attendance and intensive circumspection which a long-indulgent fortune did require he was grown not unwilling for his own ease to bestow handsomely upon another some part of the pains and perhaps of the envy Others conceived rather that having before for the same ends brought in or let in Sir Walter Rawleigh and having found him such an Apprentice as knew
for the shortest way of knowing and teaching things in every profession There was not an expert Souldier or Sea-man but he consulted not a printed or manuscript discourse of Navigation or War but he perused nor were there exacter rules or principles for both services than he drew so contemplative he was that you would think he was not active so active that you would say he was not prudent A great Souldier and yet an excellent Courtier an accomplished Gallant and yet a bookish man a man that seemed born for any thing he undertook his wit brought him to Court and kept him there for there happening a dâ—fference between him and my Lord Grey under whom he served in Ireland which was heard before the Council-Table Rawleigh stated his case with that clearness urged his arguments with that â—vidence and reason offered his Apologies with those pertinent and taking allegations and his Replies with that smartness expressed himself with that flueney and eloquence and managed his carriage and câ—untenance with that discretion that he was first the States-mens observation next her Majesties Favourite and at last her Oracle as who was equally happy in his comprehensive discourses to her of her private interest in every part of her government and in his effectuall Speeches â—o her Subjects in Parliament touching theirs in every part of their duty Two things he observed in his Mistriss 1. That she was penurious in her largesses 2. That she was choice in her Favourites Whence he concluded that there was no good to be done unless he got an estate first and then a reputation To the first we owe his Sea-voyages when his whole fortune was often put up in one shipâ— And to the last his Land-services when all his expectation depended on one action Two Rivals he observed Essex for action Cecil for counsel The one he went under abroad to outvy him the other he complyed with at home to undermine him but wanting strength though not parts to be both their Corrivals he perished because not thought to own humility enough to be their servants Cecill indeed was his friend because Essex was his enemy but he taught him That it was more safe at Court to have many enemies of equall power than one false and ambitious friend that hath attained to the absoluteness of command But this he was often heard to say he did not apprehend before his Genius had dictated it to him as he came in a Boat from the execution of the Earl of Essex which was done at the Tower Yet two wayes I finde him getting up 1. By uncouth projects in Parliament beyond expectation which though they might oblige his Mistriss together with an opinion of his irreligion lost him with the People 2. By extraordinary undertakings in Warre beyond his Commission which though performed to out-do his Generals had forfeited his head to their severity and justice had not his wit complyed with their easiness and goodness It 's a question among the Curiosoes whether his often absence from Court was his prudence or his weakness it being a quodlibet whether that distance was a greater allay to his enemies malice or his Sovereigns love while his forreign actions were not so close at her ear to his advantage as his Adversaries applications to his disparagemtnt Two things I must needs say are wonderful in him 1. The dispatch and industry of the former part of his life 2. The weakness of the latter Touching the first he that shall consider his laborious way of study immers'd in almost infinite reading and observation to which the running over of innumerable books and a vast multitude of men was necessary His Obligations to read not onely common Authors but all Records Schemes and Paper that he could come by His correspondence with Fâ—iends and Strangers his review of his own Papers which he sate close to by Sea and Land that never passed him without three transcriptions his reception of visits whether of civility or business or discourse which were numerous and great devourers of his time his agency for all sortâ— of personâ— his interest with his thrifty Mistriss being most part of his pension in which capacity he set up a kinde of Office of Address his Letters which cost him one day in the week The time lost upon his misfortunes which made it necessary for him often to break his great series and method of undertaking He I say that shall compute and sum up this the particulars whereof are nakedly told without any straining of the truth or flourish of expression must be much to seek how a man of so many actions should write any thing and one of so many writings should do any thing and more how one of so many fatall diversions could keep up a steady minde for those great but exact argumenâ—s that it hath left in the world especially when there was one very difficult particular in all his compâ—sures viz. that none of his Discourses with which his Hâ—story or other Books are embellished passed hiâ—â—xact hand before the most knowing and most learned men in that faculty to which those discouâ—â—â—s belonged had debated them before himâ— who after their departure sâ—mmed up all into those excellent pieces now abroad under his name which I blame not King Iames for envying being the nearest his own though I think not that learned Prince of so low a spirit as out of an impertinent emulation to affect Sir Walter Rawleigh the less for the great repute that followed him because of his pen which being more dangerous than his Sword I wonder that wise Prince indulged him especially since that Master Hâ—mpden a little before the Wars was at the charge of transcribing 3452 sheets of his Manuscripts as the Amanuensis himself told me who had his clâ—se chamber his fire and candle with an Attendant to deliver him the Originals and take his Copies as fast as he could wâ—ite them 2. To the second viz. the weakness of the last part of his life 1. Tâ—ere was noâ— a greater reach in that advice of his to the Queen when some were for attacqâ—ing Spain one way and some another to cut off its commerce with the Indies than there was shoâ—tness of spirit in truâ—â—ing the most hopeful part of that expedition to Sir Iâ—hn Burroughs when he suâ—k undâ—r the mâ—st disastrous himself Yet 2. That he when Capâ—â—in of the Guard Warden of the Cinqâ—e-ports Govâ—rnour of Virginia a place of his own discovery prefeâ—ments enough to satisfie a regular spirit should stand on termâ—s with King Iames against the Law of the Land the Genius of the Nation the resolution of the Nobility and Reason iâ—â—elf that knoweth there is no cautions that hold Princes but their interest and nature was a greater infirmity But 3. That he upon the Kings frown for his foâ—mer indiscretion upon him and Cobham should engage upon so shallow a Treason so improbable to hurt others or benefit themselves that if ever folly was
pleasure to those that looked on it than the other did service to those that employed it His meen deserving preferment from the favour of a Soveraign and his parts gaining it from his justice Fortune did him not so much wrong in his mean Birth as he did himself right by great merit so worthy a Prince's service and a Courts favour He read and saw what others did but not with others apprehensions his judgment of things being not common nor his observations low flat or vulgar but such as became a breast now furnishing it self for business and for government There was an ancient custom to celebrate the Anniversary of the King's Coronation with all the Shews of Magnificence and joy which the Art or Affections of the People could invent and because we are esteemed the Warlik'st Nation in the whole world to continue that just regulation we declined all those effeminacies which are so predominant in other Courts and absolutely addicted our selves to such Martial exercises as are nothing less pleasing and delightful than the other and yet fit and prepare men more for the real use of Arms and acquisition of glory Here our Knights praise came to my Lord of Carlisle's notice who first designed him a Commander but finding his Genius more courtly than Martial more learned than active recommended him to his Majesties softer services where none more obliging to the People by his industry and interest at Court none more serviceable to his Majesty by the good name he gained in the Countrey So careful was he of publick content that from five to nine his Chamber was open to all Comers where you would find him with the one hand making himself ready with the other receiving Letters and in all this hurry of Business giving the most orderly clear and satisfactory dispatches of any Statesman at that time From nine to one he attended his Master to whom he had as easie access as he gave to his People Two things set him up 1. A fair respect from his Master upon all occasions and as fair a treatment of the People He had his distinct Classis of Affairs and his distinct Officers for those Classis The order and method whereof incredibly advanced his dispatch and eased his burden which took up his day so that there remained but some hours he stole from night and sleep for his beloved and dear Studies and King Iames said he was the hardest Student in White-Hall and therefore he did not alwayes trouble his Master with business but sometimes please him with discourse If Fortune had been as kind to him as Nature greater Employments had been at once his honour and his business But from all his services and performances he derived no other advantage than the acting of them and at his death he left no other wealth behind him but that of a high reputation never arriving at those enjoyments that enhance our Cares not having time to withdraw himself from those cares that take away the relish of our enjoyments Observations on the Life of Sir Fulke Grevil SIr Fulk Grevil Son to Sir Fulke Grevil the elder of Becham Court in Warwick-shire descended from VVilloughby Lord Brook and Admiral to Hen. 7. was bred first in the University of Cambridge He came to the Court back'd with a full and fair Estate and Queen Elizabeth loved such substantial Courtiers as could plentifully subsist of themselves He was a good Scholar loving much to employ and sometimes to advance learned men to whom worthy Bishop Ovâ—ral chiefly owed his Preferment and Mr. Camâ—den by his own confession feasted largely of his Liberality His studies were most in Poetry and History as his Works do witness His stile conceived by some to be swelling is allowed lofty and full by others King Iames created him Baron Brook of Beauchamp-Court as descended from the sole Daughter and Heir of Edward Willoughby last Lord Brook in the Reign of King Henry the 7th His sad death or murther rather happened on this occasion His discontented servant conceiving his deserts not soon or well enough rewarded wounded him mortally and then to save the Law the labour killed himself verifyâ—ng the observation that he may when he pleaseth be master of another mans life who contemneth his own He lyeth buried in Warwick Church under a Monument of black and white Marble whereon he is stiled Servant to Queen Elizabeth Counsellour to King Iames and Friend to Sir Philip Sidney Though a Favourite he courts Ladies rather than Honour and pursued his study rather than his ambition being more contemplative than active Others ministred to Queen Elizabeths government this Gentleman to her Recreation and Pleasures He came to Court when all men should young and stayed there until he was old his fortune being as smooth as his spirit and the Queens favour as lasting as his merit He bred up Statesmen but was none Sir William Pickering was like to have gained the Queens Bed by studying Sir Philip Sidney had her Heart for writing and Sir Fulke Grevil had her favour for both one great argument for his worth was his respect of the worth of others desiring to be known to posterity under no other notions than of Shakespear's and Ben Iohnson's Master Chancellor Egerton's Patron Bishop Overal's Lord and Sir Philip Sidney's Friend His soul had the peace of a great fortune joyned to a greater mind His worth commended him to Majesty his affableness indeared him to the popularity his mornings were devoted to his Books his afternoons to his knowing Friends his nights to his debonair Acquaintance He was the Queens Counsellor for persons as others were for matters and things Sweet was his disposition winning his converse fluent his discourse obliging his looks gestures and expressions publick his spirit and large his soul his Genius prompted him to prepare himself for Domestick services by Forreign employments but the great Mistriss of her Subjects affections and duties forbad it and his own prudence checked it So dear was he to the Queen that when his horses were shipped at Dover for the Netherlands her Mandate by Sir Edward Dier stopped him When he went over with Walsingham he was remanded and when with Leicester he was checked He was the exact image of action and quiet happily united in him seldom well divided in any He would have acted his great principles of Government yet he could be confined only to write them He could sit down with some Poetick and polite Characters of Vertue when he was debarred the real â—â—ercises of it He had kept Essex his head on had not that unhappy man's Parasites made the Earl deaf to his â—â—â—nsels and his Enemies removed him from his pâ—â—â—â—nce under a pretence of guarding the Seas against his Enemies while his Kinsman was betrayed by his Friends Observations on the Life of Sir Robert Cecil SIr Robert Cecil since Earl of Salisbury was the Heir of the Lord Burleigh's prudence the inheritour of his favour and by
made for the benefit and ease of all frequenters of the Library that which I have already performed in sight that besides which I have given for the maintenance of it and that which hereafter I purpose to add by way of enlargement to that place for the project is cast and whether I live or dye it shall be God â—illing put in full execution will testifie so truly and abundantly for me as I need not to be the publisher of the dignity and worth of mine own institution Written with mine own band Anno 1609. Decemb. 15. Observations on the Life of Henry Vere Earl of Oxford HEnry Vere was son of Edward Vere the seventeenth Earl of Oxford and Anne Trentham his Lady whose principal habitation the rest of his patrimony being then wasted was at Heningham-Castle in Essex A vigorous Gentleman full of courage and resolution and the last Lord Chamberlain of England of this Family His sturdy nature would not bow to Court-compliants who would maintain what he spake speak what he thought think what he apprehended true and just though sometimes dangerous and distastful Once he came into Court with a great milk white feather about his hat which then was somewhat unusual save that a person of his merit might make a fashion The Reader may guess the Lord who said to him in some jeer My Lord you wear a very fair Feather It 's true said the Earl and if you mark it there is ne're a Taint in it Indeed his Family was ever loyal unto the crown deserving their Motto Vero nil Verius His predecessors had not been more implacable enemies to Spain in the Low-Countries than he was at Whiâ—e-Hall backing those arguments against the Match stoutly in the Presence-Chamber that Doctor Hackwel had urged zealously in the Pulpit and as resolutely suffering imprisonment for the one as the Doctor did suspension for the otâ—er declaring himself as freely against the Agent Gondomar as against his business the Marriage For chancing to meet Gonâ—omar at an Entertainment the Don accosted him with high Complements vowing That amongst all the Nobility of England there was none he had tendered his service to with more sincerity than to his Lordship though hitherto such his unhappiness that his affections were not accepted according to his integrity that tendered them It seems replyed the Earl of Oxford that your Lordship hath good leisure when stooping in your thoughts to one so inconsiderable as my self whose whole life hath afforded but two things memorable therein It is your Lordships modesty returned the Spaniard to undervalue your self whilest we the spectators of your Honours deserts make a true and impartial estimate thereof hundreds of memorables have met in your Lordships life But good my Lord what are those two signal things more conspicuâ—us than all the rest They are these two said the Earl I was born in the year 88 and christened on the fifth of November Neither was he a more inveterate enemy to the Church of Rome than a cordial friend to that of England for presenting one Mr. Copinger to Laneham he added to try him He would pay no tâ—thes of his Park Mr. Copinger desired again to resign it to his Lordship rather than by such sinful gratitude to betray the rights of the Church Well if you be of that mind said the Earl than take the tythes I scorn that my Estate should swell with Church-goods Going over one of the four English Colonels into the Low-Countries and endeavouring to raise the siege of Breda he so over-heated himselâ— with Marching Fighting and vexing the Design not succeeding that â—e dyed after Anno Dom. 16 He married Diana one of the Co-heirs of William Earl of Exeter afterwards to Edward Earl of Elgin by whom he left no Issue Observations on the Life of Sir Francis Vere SIr Francis Vere Governour of Bâ—il and Portsmouth was of the ancient and of the mâ—st noble extract of the Earls of Oxford and it may be a question wâ—ether the Nobility of his house or the honour of his Achievements might most commend him who brought as much glory to his name as he received honour from it He was amongst his Queens Sword-men inferiour to none but superiour to many He lived oftner in the Camp than Court but when his pleasure drew him thither no man had mâ—re of the Queens favour and none less envied He was a Solâ—ier of great wâ—rth and commanded thirty years in the service of the States and twenty years over the English in Chief as the Queens General and he that had seen the Batâ—el of Newport might there best have tâ—ken him and his nobâ—e Brother the Lord of Tilbâ—ry to the life They report that the Queen as she loved Martial men would court this Gentleman as soon as he appeared in her presence for he seldom troubled it with the noise and alarms of supplication his way was another sort of undermining as resolved in the Court as in the Camp as well to justifie his Patron as to serve her Majesty telling her the plain truth more sincerely than any man choosing as he said rather to fall by the malice of his enemies than be guilty of Ingratitude to his friends Yea and when he sued for the government of Portsmouth and some Grandees objected that that place was always bestowed on Noblemen he answered There were none ennobled but by their Princes favour and the same way he took The Veres compared Veri scipiadae Duo fulmina belli SIr Francis and Sir Horace Verâ— sons of Ieffery Vere Esquire who was son of Iohn Vere the fifteenth Earl of Oxford We will first consider severally and then compare joyntly to see how their Actions and Arms performed what their birth and bloud promised SIr Fran. was of a fiery spirit rigid nature undaunted in all danger not overvaluing the price of mens lives to purchase a victory therewith He served on the Scene of all Christendom where War was acted One Master-piece of his valour was at the Battel of Newport when his ragged Regiment so were the English-men called from their ragged Cloathes helped to make all whole or else all had been lost Another was when for three years he defended Ostend against a strong and numerous Army surrendring it at last a bare Skeleton to the King of Spain who paid more years purchase for it than probably the World would endure He dyed in the beginning of the Reign of K. Iames about the year of our Lord 16 SIr Horace had more meekness as much valour as his brother so pious that he first made peace with God before he went to war with man One of an excellent temper it being true of him what is said of the Caspian Sea that it doth never ebb nor flow observing a constant tenor neither elated nor depressed with sucess Had one seen him returning from a victory he would by his silence have suspected that he had lost the day and had he beheld
in respect of the King your Master you must be very wary that you give him true information and if the matter concern him in his Government that you do not flatter him if you do you are as great a Traytor to him in the Court of Heaven as he that draws his sword against him and in respect of the Suitors which shall attend you there is nothing will bring you more honour and more ease then to do them what right in justice you may and with as much speed as you may for believe it Sir next to the obtaining of the suit a speedy and a gentle denyal when the case will not bear it is the most acceptable to suitors they will gain by their dispatch whereas else they shall spend their time and money in attending and you will gain in the ease you will find in being rid of their importunity But if they obtain what they reasonably desired they will be doubly bound to you for your favour Bis dat qui cito dat it multiplies the courtesie to do it with good words and speedily That you may be able to do this with the best advantage my humble advice is this when suitors come unto you set apart a certain hour in a day to give them audience If the business be light and easie it may by word only be delivered and in a word be answered but if it be either of weight or of difficulty direct the suitor to commit it to writing if it be not so already and then direct him to attend for his answer at a set time to be appointed which would constantly be observed unless some matter of great moment do interrupt it when you have received the Petitions and it will please the Petitioners well to have access unto you to deliver them into your own hand let your Secretary first read them and draw lines under the material parts thereof for the matter for the most part lies in a narrow room The Petitions being thus prepared do you constantly set apart an hour in a day to peruse those Petitâ—ons and after you have ranked them into several files according to the subject matter make choice of two or three friends whose judgments and fidelities you believe you may trust in a business of that nature and recommend it to one or more of them to inform you of their opinions and of their reasons for or against the granting of it and if the matter be of great weight indeed then it would not be amiss to send several Copies of the same Petition to several of your friends the one not knowing what the other doth and desire them to return their answers to you by a certain time to be prefixxed in writing so shall you receive an impartial answer and by comparing the one with the other you shall both discern the abilities and faithfulness of your friends and be able to give a judgement thereupon as an Oracle But by no means trust not to your own judgement alone for no man is omniscient nor trust onely to your servants who may mislead you or mis-inform you by which they may perhaps gain a few crowns but the reproach will lye upon your self if it be not rightly carried For the facilitating of your dispatches my advice is further that you divide all the Petitions and the matters therein contained under several heads which I conceive may be fitly ranked into these eight sorts 1. Matters that concern Religion and the Church and Church-men 2. Matters concerning Justice and the Laws and the Professors thereof 3. Councellors and the Council-Table and the great Offices and Officers of the Kingdom 4. Foreign Negotiations and Embassies 5. Peace and War both foreign and civil and in that the Navy and Forts and what belongs to them 6. Trade at home and abroad 7. Colonies or foreign Plantations 8. The Court and Curiality And whatsoever will not fall naturally under one of these heads believe me Sir will not be worthy of your thoughts in this capacity we now speak of And of these sorts I warrant you you will find enough to keep you in bâ—siness I begin with the first which concerns Religion 1. In the first place be you your self rightly perswaded and setled in the true Protestant Religion professed by the Church of England which doubtless is as sound and orthodox in the doctrine thereof as any Christian Church in the world 2. In this you need not be a Monitor to your gracious Master the King the chiefest of his Imperial Titles is to be The Defender of the Faith and his learning is eminent not only above other Princes but above other men be but his scholar and you are safe in that 3. For the Discipline of the Church of England by Bishops c. I will not positively say as some do that it 's Iure Divino but this I say and think ex animo that it is the nearest to Apostolical truth and confidently I shall say it is fittest for Monarchy of all others I will use no other authority to you than that excellent Proclamation set out by the King himself in the first year of his Reign and annexed before the Book of Common Prayer which I desire you to read and if at any time there shall be the least motion made for Innovation to put the King in mind to read it himself It is most dangerous in a State to give ear to the least alterations â—n Government 4. Take heed I beseech you that you be not an instrument to countenance the Romish Catholicks I cannot flatter the world believes that some near in blood to you are too much of that perswasion you must use them with fit respects according to the bonds of â—atuâ—e but you are of kin and so a friâ—nd to their persons not to their errors 5. The Arch-Bishops and Bishops next under the King have the government of the Church and Ecclesiastical affairs be not you the mean to prâ—fer any to those places for any by-respects but only for their learning gravity and worth their lives and Doctrine ought to be exemplary 6. For Deans and Canons or Prebends of Cathedral Churches In their first institution they were of great use in the Church they were not only to be of Council with the Bishop for his revenue but chiefly for his Government in causes Ecclesiastical use your best means to prefer such to those places who are fit for that purpose men eminent for their learning piety and discretion and put the King often in mind thereof and let them be reduced again to their first institution 7. You will be often sollicited and perhaps importuned to prefer Scholars to Church-Livings you may further your friends in that way caeteris paribus otherwise remember I pray that these are not places meerly of favour the charge of souls lies upon them the greatest account whereof will be required at their own hands but they will share deeply in their faults who are the
and the Duke of Buckingham employed Embassadour to Venice where he negleâ—ted his own interest to attend his Majesties employment the reason that he dyed rich onely in the just conscience of his worth and the repute of his merk Coming from Venice he was appointed Lieger of France and designed Secretary of State had not Death prevented him at Paris being accomplished with all qualifications requisite for publick Employment Learning Languages Experience Abilities and what not King CHARLES hearing of his death commanded his Corps to be decently brought from Paris into England allowing the expences of his Funeral and enjoyning his neerest Relations to attend the performance thereof These accordingly met his body at Bulloign in France and saw it solemnly conveyed into England where it was interred in the Chappel of the Castle of Dover His REX PLATONICUS or his Latiâ—e account of King Iames his six dayes stay at Oxford speaks his Learning and his Instructions for Travel his experience He observing his Predecessors failings retrenching his expences satisfying himself with a repute of nobleness while in his way to preferment and others with the expectation of his bounty When preferred he seemed liberal that he might not be despised abroad but he was neer that he might not be odious at home His prodigality it may be might have satisfied the curiosity of a few Strangers while he incurred the displeasure of all his friends Besides a close wary man may be bountiful at his pleasure but the munificent cannot be so easily sparing for if his occasions or fortunes check his profuseness all his gallantry is in his first action of good husbandry Caution in expences if it be a vice is one of those saith the Italian that never disinherited a man Nay of the two saith Machiavel It 's more discretion to hold the style of miserable which begets an infamy without hatred than to desire that of Liberal which being maintained by necessitous courses procures an infamy with hatred As never did Statesman a brave action that seemed illiberal so never did he any such that was not so Yet four things our Knight spared no cost in I. Intelligence He could afford he said a golden key for the Pope's Cabinet 2. Books his Study was his Estate 3. In watching the Spaniards saying The Indies will pay for this And 4. Entertaining knowing men often applauding the Emperour's maxim That had rather go fifty miles to hear a wise man than five to see a fair City And this he was eminent for that he saw nothing remarkable in Foreign parts that he applyed not to his own Countrey Sir Henry Wotton being not more curious in picking up small Rarities to pleasure particular persons than Sir Isaac Wake was industrious to observe any useful invention that might improve the publick good Observations on the Life of the Lord Cottington SIr Francis Coâ—tington being bred when a youth under Sir Stafford lived so long in Spain till he made the garb and gravity of that Nation become his and become him too He raised himself by his natural strength without any artificial advantage having his parts above his learning his Experience above his Parts his Industry above his Experience and some will say his Success above all So that at last he became Chancellor of the Exchequer Baron of Hanworth in Middlesex Constable of the Tower 1640. and upon the resignation of Doctor Inxon Lord Treasurer of England gaining also a very great Estate Very reserved he was in his temper and very slow in his proceedings sticking to some private Principles in both and aiming at certain rules in all things a temper that indeared him as much to his Master Prince Charls his person as his integrity did to his service Nor to his service only but to that of the whole Nation in the Merchandize whereof he was well versed to the trade whereof he was very serviceable many ways but eminently in that he negotiated that the Spanish Treasure which was used to be sent to Flanders by the way of Genoa might be sent in English Bottoms which exceedingly enriched England for the time and had it continued had made her the greatest Bank and Mart for Gold and Silver of any Common-wealth in Europe Indeed the advantage of his Education the different Nations and Factions that he had to deal with the direct opposition of Enemies the treachery of Friends the contracts of Statesmen the variety and force of Experience from the distinct knowledge of the natures of the people of several Countreys of their chief Ministers of State with their Intrigues of government made him so expert that the Earl of Bristol and Sir Walter Aston could do nothing without him and he only could finish that Treaty which they had for many years spun out Men take several ways to the ends they propose themselves Some that of confidence others that of respect and cauâ—ion c. when indeed the main business is to suit our selves with our own times which this Lord did and no man better until looking into the depths of the late Faction he declared at the Council-Table 1639. that they aimed at the ruine of Church and State And viewing the state of the Kingdom he advised That Leagues might be made abroad and that in this inevitable necessity all ways to raise money should be used that were lawful Wherefore he was one of those few excluded the Indempnity by the Faction and had the honour to dye banished for the best Cause and Master in those foreign Countries where he suffered as nobly for the Crown of England in his later dayes as he had acted honourably for it in his former When he never came off better than in satisfying the Spaniards about toleration reducing the whole of that affair to these two Maximes 1. That Consciences were not to be forced but to be won and reduced by the evidence of Truth with the aid of Reason and in the use of all good means of Instruction and perswasion 2. That the causes of Consciences wherein they excâ—ed their bounds and grow to matter of faction lose their nature and that Soveraign Princes ought distinctly to punish those foul practices though overlaid with the fairer preâ—ences of Conscience and Religion One of his Maxims for Treaty I think remarkable viz. That Kingdoms are more subject to fear than hope And that it 's safer working upom them by a power that may awe the one than by advaâ—tages that may excite the other Since it 's aâ—other rule that States have no affections but interest and that all kindness and civility in those cases are but oversight and weakness Another of his rules for Life I judge useful viz. That since no man is absolute in all points and since men are more naturally enclined out of envy to observe mens infirmities than out of ingenuity to acknowledge their merit He discovereth his abilities most that least discovereth himself To which I may add another viz. That it is not onely
that he was able with his industry and money to give an account of most proceedings In the management whereof he resigned himself to the Duke's disposal professing to own no judgement or affection but what was guided by his direction His own words are these Vntil I know by your Graces favour by what compass to guide my course I can only follow his Majesties revealed will And the Duke's answer this You desire me to give you my opinion My ancient acquaintance long custom of loving you with constancy of friendship invites me to do you this office of good will My Lord of Bristol shuâ—fled the Cards well but Sir Walter Aston played them best The first set a design but the second pursued it being happy in an humble and respectful carriage which opened the breast and unlocked the hearts of all men to him He that looked downward saw the Stars in the water but he who looked only upward could not see the waters in the Stars Indeed there was in his countenance such a throne of sweetness and his words had so powerful a charm set off with so agreeable and taking gravity that the respect due to him was not lost in the love he had deserved nor the love he attained to abated by the respect he commanded being one that had gave infinite satisfaction in the Negotiations he engaged in Wherein among other things he would urge how unpolitick and unsuccessful it is for the Spaniard to meditate a conquest of Europe where all his Neighbours oppose him rather than Asia where they would all joyn with him out of Interest and Conscience both to secure him from France and carry him towards Turkey at whose doors his friend the Emperour was ready to attaque them upon any Mutiny or Rebellion then frequent among them whose strength saith Machiavâ—l lyeth more in Tradition than in any real Truth Considering the contâ—ary complexions of the people in point of Inâ—erest and Religion that can admit of no considerable coalition upon the approach of a Foreign impression Observations on the Life of Sir Julius Caesar. SIr Iulius Caesar's Father being Physitian to Qu. Elizabeth and descended of the ancient Family of the Dalmarii in Italy then living at Tottenham neer London This his Son was bred in Oxford and after other intermediate preferments was advanced Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancastâ—r and sworn a Privy-Councellor on Sunday the sixth of Iuly 1607. and afterwards was preferred Master of the Rolls A Person of prodigious bounâ—y to all of worth or want so that he might seem to be Almoner-general of the Nation The story is well known of a Gentleman who once borrowing his Coach which was as well known to poor people as any Hospital in England was so rendevouz'd about with Beggars in London that it cost him all the money in his purse to satisfie their importunity so that he might have hired twenty Coaches on the same terms Sir Francis Bacon Lord Verâ—lam was judicious in his Election when perceiving his Dissolution to approach he made his last Bed in effect in the house of Sir Iulius He continued more than twenty years Mr. of the Rolls and though heaved at by some Expectants sate still in his Place well poysed therein with his gravity and integrity Vir tantarum Elâ—â—mosynarum non movebitur a man of so great Alms and Prayers made by him and for him sâ—all not be removed Nor was it without a prosperous Omen that his chief House in Hartfordshire was called Benington that is Villa benigna the bountiful Village as one Author will have it or as another Villa beneficii the Town of good turns from the River so named running by it His Arms were these viz. Gules three Roses Argent on a Chief of the first so many Roses of the second embleming the fragrancy of the Memory he hath left behind him His Monument in great St. Hellens London being out of the road of ordinary Fancies was thus designed by himself in form of a Deed in ruffled Parchment in allusion to his Office as Master of the Rolls OMnibus Christi fidelibus ad quos hoc praesens Scriptum pervenerit Sciatis me Iulium Dalmare alias Caesarem Militem utriusque legis Doctorem Elizabethae Reginae Supremae Curiae Admiralitatis judicem unum é Magistris libellorum Jacobo Regi à Privatis Conciliis Cancellarium Scaccarii Scriniorum Magistrum hac prae senti Charta mea Confirmasse me Anuuente Divino Nâ—mine naturae debitum libenter solviturum quam primum Deo placuerit In cujus rei memoriam Manum meam Sigillum apposui Datum 27 Februarii 1635. Iulius Caesar. Here his Seal or Coat of Arms is affixed and beneath them is written Irrotulatur Caelo He dyed the twenty eighth day of April Anno Domini 1636. in the seventy ninth year of his Age. They say of Witches that they are unable to hurt till they have received an Almâ— It 's certain none ever undermined this Gentleman's insufficiency but such as were advanced by his civility a civility that secured him as well as it impowered them making his Grants to all persons double kindnesses by Expedition and cloathing his very Denials in such robes of Courtship as that it was not obviously discernable whether the Request or Denyal were most decent having this peculiar to himself That he was very cautious of Promises lest falling to an Incapacity of performance he might forfeit his Reputation and multiply his certain Enemies by his design of creating uncertain Friends Besides he observed a sure principle of rising viz. That great persons esteem better of such they have done great Courtesies to than those they have received great Civilities from looking upon this as their disparagement thâ— other as their glory Observations on the Lives of Sir Henry Sir Lucius Sir Henry Cary Lords Viseounts Faulkland A Race of accomplished men the ornaments and supports of their Countrey which they served with no lesse faithfulness and prudence in their Negotiations abroad than honour and justice in their Places at home Of such a Stock of reputation as might kindle a generous emulation in Strangers and a noble ambition in thoâ—e of their own Family Henry Cary Viâ—count Falkland in Scotland son to Sir Edward Cary was born at Aldnam in Herâ—fordshire being a most acplished Gentleman and a compleat Courtier By King Iames he was appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland and well discharged his Trust therein But an unruly Colt will fuâ—â— and chafe though neither switch nor spur meerly because back'd The Rebellious Irish will complain only because kept in subjection though with never so much lenity the occasion why some hard speeches were passed on his Government Some beginning to counterfeit his hand he used to incorporate the year of his age in a knot flourished beneath his name concealing the day of his birth to himself Thus by comparing the date of the month with his own Birth-day unknown to such Forgers he not
Knight and bred in Iesus-Colledâ—e in Cambridge He intended his Studies for Divinity till disswaded by the importunity of his friends amongst whom George Earl of Cumberland was most eminent he became Barrister of Grayes-Inne But in expression of his former Affection to Divinity he seldom if ever took fee of a Clergy-man Afterwards being Recorder of York he was Knighted and made Judge of the Common-Pleas In the case of Ship-money though he was against the King or rather for the Commons yet his Majesty manifested not the least distaste continuing to call him the honest judge This person so pious to God and chaâ—itable to â—he Poor was dissolved about the beginning of our National misery Thus God before he ploweth up a Land with the furrows of aâ— Civil War first cutteth down his old crop and gathereth them like ripe sheaves into his Barn He died at Sergâ—ants Inne and was buried at his earnest desire with â—he Common-Prayer without any Funeral-Sermon save what his own Vertues preached to posterity at St. Dunstan's in the West on the 27 day oâ— February Anno Dom. 1638. Here I learn how circumspect our counsels must be in reference to things and persons above us whiâ—h implying an overpoâ—zing of our own judgement and a debating of others in all cases is obnoxious to jealousie but in these to danger under which there are no Qualifications to patience and moderation The vertues of this happy Judge if he had cast obstinacy over-board and let his wisdom â—ack about in things capable of expedience whereby hâ— knew well both how to allay the asperities of a bad fortune and check the excesses of a good one packing up his fears and hopes in so narrow a compass as made the last less tedious and the first more portable to which he added an unaffected plainness the argument of his worth and weight a weakness and emptiness being as safely as usually concluded from too much affectation an overmuch care of the out-side being an argument of remisness in what is within it remaining sâ—ith one equally rarâ— to find a starched and formal man wise as a Woman valiant the most serious Endeavours of both being to take only the Eyes Observations on the Life of the Marquess of Hertford HE was none of those Male-contents who make the sins of their â—iper years make good the follies of their youth and maintain oversights with Treasons as he was patient under his Imprisonment for the one so he was active in his services against the other not more dutifully submitting to the severity of K. Iames for his Marriage then loyally assisting the necessities of King Charles in his Wars It 's natural to return an Injury it 's heroical to overcome it and be above it when we are below our selves It is true he was drawn in to subscribe the untoward Proposals at York but it is as true he did of his own accord declare against the unnatural War in London where the King advanced him to the tuition of the Prince and he went himself to the defence of the King at what time such his popularity that he raised an Army himself such his humility that he yielded the command of it to another as if he knew nothing but others merit and his own wants being one of those choice men that admire every thing in others and see nothing in themselves His face his carriage his habit favoured of Lowliness without affectation and yet he was much under what he seemed His words were few and soft never either peremptory or censorious because he thought both each man more wise and none more obnoxious than himself being yet neither ignorant nor careless but naturally meâ—k lying ever close within himself armed with those two Master-pieces Resolution and Duty wherewith he mated the blackest Events that did rather exercise than dismay that spirit that was above them and that minde that looked beyond them He was the easiest enemy and the truest friend whom extremities obliged while as the Reverend Bishop speaks he as a well-wrought Vault lay at home the stronger by how much the more weight he did bear He offered his life for his Prince's service in the Field and his person for his ransom at the Court and when many wished they might die for that excellent King he the Earls of Lindsey and Southampton offered That since his Majesty was presumed by the Law to do no harm himself and since he did all by them his Ministers as they had the honour to act under they might have the happiness to suffer for him Observations on the Life of Sir John Finch THis Family hath had an hereditary eminence in the study of the Law Sir Henry Finch the Author of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a learned Sergeant at Law in King Iames his time Sir Heneage Finch Recorder of London in K. Charles's time and this noble person at the same time the Queen's Attorney and Speaker of that curious knowing and rich Parliament wherein some have observed though wide I suppose that the House of Commons modestly estimated consisting of 500 could buy the House of Peers consisting of 118 thrice over Norimbergh in Germany and Florence in Italy would not of old admit of any learned men in their Councel because great learned men saith the Historian of those places are perplexed to resolve upon Affairs making many doubts full of Respects and Imaginations Semblably this Parliament was too rich and curious to do any good though this noble personage even when the House-doors were shut and he violently detained in his Chair refused to countenance their proceedings always abhorring Eliot's doctrine That men should not be questioned for offences in Parliament As if that reverend Assembly were called for no other end than that turbulent spirits might be at liberty to speak Treason once every three years When he was questioned for his opinion about Ship-money his judgement was That if the whole were in danger the whole should contribute When he was urged to read the Remonstrance against Sir R. W. 4 Car. in Parliament his opinion was That at any rate though at the highest that can be Authority must be vindicated and redeemed from contempt since the Life of Government is reputation Observations on the Life of the Lord Say WHether the first impressions of his * Tutor Schoolmasters though the most neglected are not the most inconsiderable parts of a Common-wealth the narrowness of his fortune unequal to his honour younger brothers of noble houses had need in every State to be observed the repulse 1613. other men must look to whom they are kind but Princes to whom they are unkind inclined this personage to popularity This is certain no man was better tempered for that humour than himself being in his nature severe and rigid in his carriage close and reserved in his resolutions firm and immoveable in his apprehension provident and foreseeing in his Sentiments nice and curious in his Discourse full of Fears and Jealousies
though Issuless by the Judge the Honour descended to his Grand-child He died an enemy to Bishop Williams over-ruling all his Pleas in his Chamber in a quarter of an hour and yet which was strange at that time no friend to Arch-Bishop Laud for he said The Lawn-sleeves had choaked him Observations on the Life of Sir Tho. Coventry A Competent Estate he had for his education and excellent Abilities for advancement his â—ortune was not wanting to his parts nor his parts to his fortune the one being as ready to support as the other was to raise him His staid soul was well prepared for general learning in the Schools University for his parâ—icular leaâ—ning at the Iâ—â—s of Court his skill in the study of Law called him no sooner to the Bar than his prudence to Court Take we his character from his Honour Why was he creaâ—ed Lord Coventry of Alisbury and Keeper of the great Sâ—al Why saith the Paâ—ent for his eminent fidelity for his most worthy service for his exact circumspection for his deep prudence for his constant resolution for his skill and dexterity for his integrity and industry for his immoveableness and fidelity No man more appâ—ehensive of the interest of England none more faithful to it His kindness to the Church and Clergy argued his piety his safe Counsels to his Majesty argued his moderation his dignity rather enjoyed him than he it A man he was that filled up his great capacities having digested a body of the most honest Law and a scheme of the most innocent policy that ever filled the head of an able Statesman or the heart of an upright Judge What belonged to him he knew and what he knew he practised He was as constant to his rule as he knew his rule was to him Reserved he was as the King's Councellor honest as his conscience We measure Pyramides by their shadows and this great Lord by his followers every one whereof was eminent in his way and all advanced Each Action of his though never so little yet great as himself so gravely did he manage it so solemnly did he perform it His orders were seldom reversed because mostly including the consent of Parties Few Attorney-Generals came off with less câ—nsure and few Lord Keepers with less guilt his Predecessors miscarriages being foils to set off his exactness Eminent as in most other Cafes so particularly in that of Pryn Bastwick and Burton against whom when after six weeks time given them to put in an effectual Answer they urged that their Adversaries the Bishops should not be their Judges He replyed smartly That by that Plea had they Libelled all the Magâ—strates in the Lâ—nd none should pass Censure upon them because all were made parties He had fifteen years enjoyed his Place not more proper to say that Dignity had enjoyed him so long this latter age â—ffording not one every way of more apt Qualifications for the place His front and presence bespake a venerable regard not inâ—eriour to any of his Antecessors His train and suit of Followers was disposed agreeable to shun both Envy and Contempt Vain and ambitious he was not his port was state though others ostentation Of what concerned his place he knew enough and which is the main acted conformable to his knowledge For in the Administration of Justice he was so erect so incorrupt as captious malice stands mute in the blemish of his Fame A miracle the greater when we consider he was also a Privy-Councellor A trust wherein he served his Master the King most faithfully and the more faithfully because of allâ— those Councels which did disserve his Majesty he was an earnest disswader and did much disaffect those sticklers who laboured to make the Prerogative rather tall than great as knowing that such men loved the King better than Charles Stuart So that although he was a Courtier and had had for his Master a Passion most intense yet had he always a passion reserved for the publick welfare an argument of a free noble and right-principled mind For what both Court and Country have always held as inconsistent is in truth erroneous And no man can be truly loyal who is not also a good Patriot nor any a good Patriot which is not truly loyal Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Wentworth Earl of Strafford SIr Thomas Wentworth Earl of Strafford oweth his birth to the best governed City London his breeding to the best modelled School York and a most exact Colledge St. Iohns in Cambridge his accomplishments to the best Tutors Travel and Experience and his prudence to the best School a Parliament whither he came in the most active and knowing times with a strong brain and a large heart his activity was eminent in his Country and his interest strong in Parliament where he observed much and pertinently spake little but home contrived effectually but closely carried his Designs successfully but reservedly He apprehended the publick temper as clearly and managed it to his purposes as orderly as any man He spoke least but last of all with the advantage of a clear view of others reasons the addition of his own He and his leading Confidâ—nts moulded that in a private Conference which was to be managed in a publick Assembly He made himself so considerable a Patriot that he was bought over to be a Courtier So great his Abilities that he awed a Monarchy when dis-obliged and supported it when engaged the balance turning thither where this Lord stood The North was reduced by his prudence and Ireland by his interest He did more there in two years than was done in two hundred before 1. Extinguishing the very reliques of the War 2. Setting up a standing Army 3. Modelling the Revenue 4. Removing the very roots and occasions of new troubles 5. Planting and building 6. Setling Ecclesiastical and Civil Courts 7. Recovering the hearts of the people by able Pastors and Bishops by prudent and sober Magistrates by justice and protection by obligations and rewards 8. Recovering the Churches patrimony and discipline 9. Employing most able and faithful Ministers and Instruments 10. Taking an exact view of all former Precedents Rules and Proceedings 11. An exact correspondence with his Majesty and the Favourites of England None was more conversant in the Factions Intrigues and Designs than he when a Common-wealths-man none abler to meet with them than he when a Statesman he understood their methods kenned their wiles observed their designs looked into their combinations comprehenâ—â—d their interest And as King Charls understood best of any Monarch under heaven what he could do in point of Conscience so his Strafford apprehended best of any Counsellor under the Sun what he could do in point of power He and my Lord of Canterbury having the most particular account of the state of Great Britain and Ireland of any persons living Nature is often hidden sometimes overcome seldom extinguished yet Doctrine and Discourse had much allayed the severity
the Churches publick peace required or its indulgence to promote Christians permitted The Uniformity he pressed was not more advantageous to Religion which must of necessity have been propagated when Controversies had been turned to devotion than it was necessary for the State which cannot be secure as long as there is a mark of distinction under which all Male contents may shrowd themselves a note of separation whereby the Factions may reckon their parties and estimate their strength and a way open to popularity to the ambition of any whose interest or desperateness shall adventure to make himself head of so great a pâ—rty He was a person of so great abilities which are the designations of nature to dignity and command that they raised him from low beginnings to the highest Office the Protestant profession acknowledgeth in the Church and he was equal to it His learning appeared eminent in his Book against Fisher and his piety illustrious in his Diary He was of so publick a spirit that both the Church and Sâ—ate have lasting Monuments of the virtuous use he made of his Princes favour at his admittance into wâ—ich he dedicated all the future Emoluments of it to the glory of God and the good of men by a projection of many noble Works most of which he accomplished and had finished the rest had not the fate of the Nation checked the current of his Design and cut off the course of his Life He was not contented by himself only to serve his Generation for so he might appear more greedy of fame than desirous of the universal benefit but he endeavoured to render all others as heroick if they aimed at a capacity for his friendship For I have heard it from his Eâ—emies no great man was admitted to a confidence and respect with him unless â—he made Address by some act that was for the common good or for the ornament and gloâ—y of the Protestant faith Learned men had not a better Friend nor Learning itself a greater Advancer He searched all the Libraries of Asia and â—rom several parts of the world purchased all the Ornaments and helps of Literature â—e could that the English Church might have if possible by his care as many advantages for knowledge as almost all Europe did contribute to the grandeur of that of Rome The outward splendour of the Clergy was not more his care than their honour by a grave and pious conversation He would put them into a power of doing more good but was sore against their Vices and Vanities He scorned a private Treasure and his friends were rather relieved than raised to any greatness by him In his election of friends he was determined to the good and wise and such as had both parts and desires to profit The Church had his closest embraces if otherwise it happened their frauds not his choice deserved the blame Both Papists and Sectâ—ries were equally his Enemies one party feared and the other hated his Vertues Some censured his zeal for Discipline above the patience of the Times but his greatest unhappiness was that he lived in a factious Age and corrupt State and under such a Prince whose Verâ—ues not admitting an immediate approach for Accusations was to be wounded with those iâ— did caress But when Faction and Malice are worn out by time Posterity shall engrave him in the Albâ— of the most excellent Prelacy the most indulgent Fathers of the Churchâ— and the most injured Martyrs His blood was accompanyed with some tears that fell from those Eyes that expected a pleasure at his death and it had been followed with Miseries and the present Fears of Ruine exacted all the stock of Grief for other objects His very enemy Sir Edward Deering would confess That let him dye when he would St. Pauls would be his Monument and his Book against Fishes his Epitaph Observations on the Life of the Lord Keeper Littleton SIr Edward Littleton the eldest son of Sir Edward Littleton of Mounslow in Shropshire one of the Justices of the Marches and Chief-Justice of North-Wales was bred in Christ-Church in Oxford where he proceeded Batchellor of Arts and afterwards was one of the Justices of North-Wales Recorder of London and Sollicitor to King Charles From these places he was preferred to be Chief-Justice of the Common-Pleas and made Privy-Councellor thence advanced to be Lord-Keeper and Baron of Mounslow the place of his Nativity He died in Oxford and was buried in Christs-Church where he was bred Being a Member of the Parliament 1628. he had the management of the high presumption charged on the Duke of Buckingham about King Iames his death wherein he behaved himself so discreetly between the jealousiâ— of the People and the honour of the Court that Sir Iohn Finch would say He was the only man for taking things by a Right handle And Sir Edward Cook that He was a well-poized and weighed man His very name carried an Hereditary credit with it much plaineth out the way to all great Actions his virtue being authorizing by his nobility and his undertakings ennobled by his birth gained that esteem which meaner men attain not without a large compass of time and experience worthless Nobility and ignoble worth lye under equal disadvantage Neither was his extract so great as his parts his judgement being clear and piercing his Learning various and useful his skill in the Maxims of our Government the fundamental Laws of his Monarchy with its Statutes and Customs singular his experience long and observing his integrity unblemished and unbyassed his Eloquence powerful and majestick and all befitting a Statesman and a Lord-Keeper set off with a resolved Loyalty that would perform the harshest service his Master could enjoyn him while he stayed at London and follow the hardest fortune he could be in when at York whither he went with the great Seal he knew made to stamp Royal Commissions rather than authorize Rebellious Ordinances At Oxford he did good service during the Session of Parliament by Accommodations there and as good during their recess by his interest in the Country Observations on the Life of the Marquess Hamilton A Preacher being at a loss what to say of a party deceased concluâ—â—d his Sermon with these words There is one good quality in this man viz. That he was born and that God made him And another viz. That he is dead and we must speak noâ—hing but good of the dead I may say of this Noble-man that I have two reasons to speak well of himâ— 1. That good King Charles honoured him 3 and 2. That his wicked Subjects beheaded him otherwise I must leave these Queries as I finde them Quaere 1. Why should Duke Hamilton post without leave into Scotland when the Parliament was discontented and the Duke of Buckingham murthered in England Qu. 2. Why should Ramsey the Dukes Messenger to the King of Sweden play the Embassadour in Germany and take place of all other persons there Qu. 3. What design was that
and assuring him that his Majesty would be wiâ—ling to gratifie him to the utmost of his power To whom the Earl replyed I will not dye with a Suit in my mouth to any King save to the King of Heaven By Anne daâ—ghter to Philip Earl of Pembrook Montgomâ—ry he had Charles now Earl of Carnarvan From hâ—â— noble Extract he received not more honour than he gave it For the blood that was conveyed to him through so many illustrious veins he derived to his Children more matured for renown and by a constant practice of goodness more habituated to vertue His youth was prepared for action by study without which even the most eminent parts of Noble-men seem rough and unpleâ—sant in despight of the splendor of their fortune But his ripâ—r years endured not those retirements and therefore brake out into manlike exercises at home and travel abroad None more noble yet none more modest none more valiant yet none more patient A Physician at his Father-in-Law's Table gave him the Lye which put the company to admire on the one hand the man's impudence and on the other my Lord's mildness until he said I 'll take the Lye from him but I 'll never take Physick of him He may speak what doth not become him I 'll not do what is unworthy of me A vertue this not usual in Noble-men to whom the limits of Equity seem a restraint and therefore are more restless in Injuries In the miâ—dest of horror and tumults his soul was serene and calm As humble he was as patient Honour and nobility to which nothing can be added hath no better way to increase than when secured of its own greatness it humbleth it self and so at once obligeth loveâ— and avoideth envy His carriage was as condescending as heroick and his speech as weighty as free He was too great to envy any mans parts and vertues and too good not to encourâ—ge them Many a time would he stoop with his own spirit to raise other mens He neglected the minute and little circumstances of compliance with vulgar humors aiming at what was more solid and more weighty Moderate men are applâ—uded but the Heroick are never understood Constant he was in all that was good this was his heroick expression when soliciâ—ed by his Wives Father to desist from his engagement with the King Leave me to my Honour and Allegiance No security to him worth a breach of Trust no interest worth being unworthy His conduct was as eminent in War as his carriage in Peace many did he oblige by the generosity of his mind more did he awe with the hardness of his body which was no more softned to sloath by the dalliances of a Court than the other was debauched to a carelesness by the greatness of his Fortune His prudence was equal to his valour and he could entertain dangers as well as despise them for he not only undeceived his enemies surmises but exceeded his own friends opinion in the conduct of his soldiers of whom he had two cares the one to discipline the other to preserve them Therefore they were as compleatly armed without as they were well appointed within that surviving their first dangers they might attain that experience resolution w ch is in vain expected from young and raw soldiers To this conduct of a General he added the industry of a Soldier doing much by his performances more by his example â—hat went as an active soul to enliven each part the whole of his brave Squadron But there is no doubt but personal and private sins may oft-times over-balance the justice of publick engâ—gements Nor doth God account every Gallant a fit instrument to assert in the way of war a righteous cause the event can never state the justice of any cause nor the peace of mens consciences nor the eâ—ernal fate of their souls They were no doubt Martyrs who neglected their lives and all that was dear to them in this world having no advantageous design by any innovation but were religiously sensible of those tyes to God the Church their King their Countrey which lay upon their souls both for obedience and just assistâ—nce God could and I doubt not but he did through his mercy crown many of them with eternal life whose lives were lost in so good a cause the destruction of their bodies being sanctified as a means to save their souls Observations on the Life of the Lord Herbert of Cherbury EDward Herbert son of Richard Herbert Esq and Susan Newport his Wife was born at Montgomery-Castle and brought to Court by the Earl of Pembrook where he was Knighted by K. Iames who sent him over Embassador into â—rance Afterwards K. Charles the first created him Baron of Castle-Island in Ireland and some years after Baron of Cherbury in Montgomeryshire He was a most excellent Artist and rare Linguist studied both in Books and Men and himself the Author of two Works most remarkable viz. A Treatise of Truth written in French so highly prized beyond the Seas and they say it is extâ—nt at this day with great Honour in the Popes Vatican and an History of King Henry the Eighth wherein his Collections are full and authentick his observation judicious his connexion strong and cohaerent and the whole exact He married the Daughter sole Heir of Sir William Herbert of St. Iulians in Moâ—mouth-shire with whom he had a large Inheritance in England and Ireland and died in August Anno Dom. 1648. having designed a fair Monument of his own invention to be set up for him in the Church of Montgomery according to the model following Upon the ground a Hath pace of fourteen foot square on the middest of which is placed a Dorick Column with its right of Pedestal Basis and Capitols fifteen foot in height on the Capitol of the Column is mounted an Uâ—â— with a Heart Flamboul supported by two Angels The foot of this Column is attended with four Angels placed on Pedestals at each corner of the said Hath-pace two having Torches reverst extinguishing the Motto of Mortality the other two holding up Palms the Emblems of Victory When this noble person was in France he had private Instructions from England to mediate a Peace for them of the Religion and in case of refusal to use certain menaces Accordingly being referred to Luynes the Constable and Favourite of France he delivereth him the Message reserving his threatnings till he saw how the matter was relished Luynes had hid behind the Curtain a Gentleman of the Religion who being an Ear-witness of what passed might relate to his friends what little expectations they ought to entertain from the King of England's intercession Luynes was very haughty and would needs know what our KING had to do with their affairs Sir Edward replyed It 's not you to whom the King my Master oweth an account of his actions and for me it 's enough that I obey him In the mean time I must maintain That my Master
Privy-Seal he brought the Court of Requests into such repute that what formerly was called the Alms-Basket of the Chancery had in his time well-nigh as much meat in and guests about it I mean Suits and Clients as the Chancery it self His Meditations of Life and Death called Manchester Almondo written in the time of his health may be presumed to have left good impressions on his own soul preparatory for his dissolution which happened 164 Tâ—e Office of Lord Treasurer was ever beheld as a place of great charge and profit My Lord being demanded what it might be worth per ann made this answer That it might be some thousands of pounds to him who after death would go instantly to heaven twice as much to him who would go to Purgatory and a Nemo scit to him who would adventure to a worse place But indeed he that will be a bad husband for himself in so advantagious a place will never bâ— a good one for his Soveraign Observations on the Life of Sir Henry VVotton with some Account of his Relations SIr Henry Wotton first having reâ—â— of his Ancestor Sir Robert Wotton the noble Lieutenant of Guisnes and Comptroller of Callais in King Edward the fourth's days His Grand-father Sir Edward Wotton that refused to be Chancellor of England in King Henry the Eighth's time 2. Having known his Father Sir Thomas Wotton one of the most Ingenuous modesty the most Ancient freedom plainness single-heartedness and integrity in Queen Elizabeths Reign His Brothers Sir Edward Wotton the famous Comptroller of Queen Eliz. and K. Iames his Court since Lord Wotton Baron Morley in Kent Sir Iames Wotton with R. Earl of Essex Count Lodowick of Nassaw Don Christophoro son of Antonio King of Portugal c. Knighted as an excellent Soldier at Cadiz Sir Iohn Wotton the â—ccomplished Traveller and Scholar for whom Qâ—een Eliz. designed a special favour His Uncle Nicholas Wotton Dean of Canterbury and York nine times Embassador â—or the Crown of England â—e that was one of King Henry's Execuâ—ors King Edward's Secretary of State Queen Mary's right handâ— aâ—d that refused the Arch-Bishoprick of Caâ—tâ—rbury in Queen Eliz. days 3. Being bred 1. In Winchester that eminent School for Discipline and Order 2. In New-Colledge and Queens those famous Colledges for the method of Living by rule could promise no less than he did in his solidlâ— seâ—tenticâ—â— and discreetly humoured Play at Queens called Tancredo in his elegaâ—t Lecture of the nobleness manner and use of Seeing at the Schools for which the learned Albericus Gentilis called him Henrice Mi Ocelle and communicated to him his Mathematiâ—â— his Law and his Italian learning in his more particular converse with Doctor Donne and Sir Richard Baker in the University and his more general conversation with Man-kind in travels for one year to France and Geneva where he was acquainted with Theodore Beza and Isaac Casaâ—bon at whose Fathers he lodged for eight years in Germany for five in Italy whence returning balanced with Learning and Experience with the Arts of Rome Venice and Florence Picture Sculpture Chimistry Architecture the Sâ—crets Langâ—ages Dispositions Customs and Laws of most Nations set off with his choice shape obliging behaviour sweet discourse and shaâ—p wit he could perform no less â—han he did 1. In the unhappy relation he had to the Earl of Essex first of Friend and afterward of Secretary 2. In his more happy Interest by his Secâ—etary Vietta upon his flight out of England after the Earl's apprehension with the Duke of Tuscany then the greatest paâ—ron of Learning and Arts in the world who having discovered a design to poyson King Iames as the known successor of Queen Elizabeth sent Sir Henry Wotton with notice of the ploâ— and preservatives against the poyson by the way of Norway into Scotland under the borrowed name of Octavio Baldi where after some suspicion of the Italian message discovering himself to the King by David Lindsey's means he was treated with much honour complacency and secrecy for three months Afteâ—â—hich time he returned to Florence staying theâ—e till King Iames enquiring concerning him of my Loâ—d Wotton the Comptroller the great Duke advised his return to congratulate his Majesty as he did the King embracing him in his arms calling him the best because the honest est Dissembler that he met with and Knighting him by his own name Adding withal That since he knewâ—he wanted neither Learning nor Experience neither Abâ—lities nor Faithfulness he would employ him to others as he was employed to him which accordingly he did to Venice the place he chose as most suitable to his retired Genius and narrow Estate where 1. Studying the dispositions of the several Dukes and Senators 2. Sorâ—ing of fit Presents curious and not costly Entertainments sweetned with various and pleasant discourse particularly his elegant application of Stories He had such interest that he was never denyed any request whereby he did many services to the Protestant interest with his Chaplain Bishop Biddle and Padre Pauloe's assistance during the Controversie between the Pope and the Venetians especially in transmitting the History of the Councel of Trent sheet by sheet to the King and the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury as it was written And in his three Embassies thither gained many Priviledges for the English along all those Coasts In the second of which Embassies calling upon the Emperour he had brought Affairs to a Treaty had not the Emperours success interposed whereupon he took his leave wishing that Prince to use his Victory soberly an advice his carriage indeared to his Majesty together with his person so far that he gave him a Diamond worth above a thousand pounds which he bestowed on his Hostess saying He would not be the better by a man that was an open Enemy to his Mistress so the Queen of Bohemia waâ— pleased he â—should call her Onely while abroad and writing in the Album that friends have this sentence Legat usest vir bonus peregre missus ad mentiendum reipublicae causa whereof Scioppius made a malicious use in his Books against King Iames. He loâ—t himself a while for using more freedom abroad than became his Employment until his ingenuous clear and choicely eloquent Apologies recovered him to more respect and cautiousness until he writ Invidiae Remedium over his Lodgings at Eaton-Colledge the Provostship whereof he obtained in exchange for the reversion of the Mastership of the Rolls and other places promised him Where looking upon himself in his Surplice as Charles 5. or Philip 2. in Cloysters his Study was divine Meditations History and Characters His recreation Philosophical conclusions and Angling which he called his idle time not idly spent saying he would rather live five May moneths than forty Decembers His Table was exquisite where two youths attended upon whom he made the observations that were to furnish his designed discourse of Education His Histories and Observations remarkable his Apophthegms sage and quick 1.
for him honourably in England where the Kings Cause waited for his Assistance and the See of Canteâ—bury for his Acceptance He was willing to promote Religion he was unwilling for some Formalities he scrupled to advance himself but after seven Weeks delay it being as fatal to reâ—use King Henry's Favours as to offer him Injuâ—ies he is Archbishop in his own Deâ—ence in which capacity to serve the King and salve his own Conscience he used the Expedient of a Protestation to this purpose In nomine c. Non est nec erit meae voluntatis aut intentionis per hujusmodi Iuramentum Iuramenta qualiter verba in ipsis posita sonare videbuntur me obligare ad aliquid ratione eorundem post hac dicendum faciendum aut attestandum quod erit aut esse videbitur contra legem Dei vel contra Regem aut Rempublicam legesve aut Praerogativa ejus quod non intendo per hujusmodi juramentum quovis modo me obligare quò minùs liberè loqui consulere consentire valeam in omnibus singulis Reformationem Ecclesiae prorogativam Coronae concernentibus ea exequi reformare quae in Ecclesia Anglicana reformanda videbuntur This Protestation he made three times once at the Charter-House another time at the Altar and a third time at the receiving of his Pall. In his place he was moderate between the Superstition of Rome and the Phrensies of Munster As he was cheif Instrument in beginning the Reformation so he was in continuing it He withstood the Six Articles and though the King sent five prime Ministers of State to comfort him would not be satisfied until he saw them mitigated in King Henry's time and repealed in King Edward's Gardiner would have questioned him for entertaining forein Hereticks and promoting Domestick Schisms the Northern Rebels accused him for subverting the Church but the King upheld him against both suppressing the One and checking the Other and advising the good Man whom he called Fool for his meek disposition to appeal to him Whereupon Russel cried The King will never suffer him to be imprisoned until you find Him guilty of High Tâ—eason He is to be pitied for his intermediate failings but renowned for his final constancy The King having declared before all his Servants that Cranmer was his best Servant he employeth him in his best service the Reformation of Religion wherein all others failed but the King Cromwel and Brandon backed him so far that he had the Bible the necessary Offices of the Church translated into English He had both Universities at his command He brought the Lords House and Convocation to his Lure and was invested with a Power 1. To Grant Dispensations in all things not repugnant to Gods Law nor the Kings safety 2. To determine Ecclesiastical Causes He as charitably as politickly advised the King to accept of Bishop Fisher's partial Subscription considering his Learning and Reputation As he is King Henry's Instrument at Dunstable to divorce him from Queen Katharine so he is at Lambeth to divorce him from Anna Bullein He promoted in the Convocation all Primitive Doctrines and condemned all new-fangled Opinions He was so charitable that he interceded with the King for his Enemies so munificent that he made the Church and his own House a Refuge for Strangers particularly for P. Fagius P. Martyr Martin Bucer c. The King loved him for his Integrity the People for his Moderation He was called the Kings Father and was Queen Elizabeth's Godfather His Piety reduced the Câ—urch and his Policy the State He spake little to others he conferred much with himself Three words of His could do more than three hours discourse of others He would say as Victorinus There is a time to say nothing there is a time to say something but there is never a time to say all things That King who awed all Others feared Him A Second to the Eternal Power is the Wise Man uncorrupt in his Life He was the Executor of God's Will in King Henry's Life-time and the first of His after his Death As He spurred King Henry to a Reformation so King Edward did Him whose Prudence was not so forward as the Others Zeal who looked at what was Lawful as He did at what was Convenient He maintained the Churches Power as resolutely against Bishop Hooper's Scruples notwithstanding potent Intercession as he reformed its Corruptions against the Popes Interest notwithstanding a general Opposition He allowed not the least Errour in nor the least contempt of the Church He restored its primitive Doctrine and Discipline lest it should be an impure Church he upheld them lest it should be none He was one of fourteen that compiled the Common-Prayer He was One of Two that set out the Homilies and the only man that published the Institution of a Christian man and other good Books With his Advice King Edward did much and designed more He was the chief Author of King Edward's Injunctions and the first Commissioner in them He was President of the Assembly at Windsor for Reformation and of the Council at London His Aâ—ticles were strict and seveâ—e as much grounded on the Canon of Scripture as on the Canons of the Church He convinced more Papists with his Reason and Moderation than others by their Power His Heart never failed him in his Life and it was not burned at his Deaâ—h He did so much for the Protestant Religion in King Henrys Days that he foresaw he should suffer for it in Qâ—een Mary's He was unwilling to wrong Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth therefore he refused at first to sign King Edwards's Testament but Duke Dudley's Will He was willing to continue the Protestant Religion therefore he signed it at last It was a Bishop that was one of the first that abolished Popery in England and one of the last that died for Protestantisme It was a Bishop that maintained the Protestant Cause with Arguments while he lived with his Blood when he died This prelates endeavor for Reformation is shadowed by this Mystical Relation The Castle of Truth being by the King of Ierusalem left to the guard and keeping of his best Servant Zeal the King of Arabia with an infinite host came against it begirt it round with an unreasonable Seige cuts ofâ— all passages all reliefs all hopes of friends meat or munition which Zeal perceiving and seeing how extremity had brought her to shake hands with despair he calleth his Council of War about him and discovered the â—ffliction of his state the puissance of his Enemies the violence of the siege and the impossibility of conveying either messages or Letters to the great King his Master from whom they might receive new strength and incouragement Whereupon the necessity of the occasion being so great they concluded that there was no way but to deliver up the Castle though upon some unwholsome conditions into the hand of the Enemy but Zeal staggereth at the resolution and
being loath to loose hope as long as hope had thread or hair to hold by he told them he had one friend or companion in the Castle who was so wise so valiant and so fortunate that to him and his exploits alone he would deliver up the manage of their safelty this was Prayer Chaplain to the great King and Priest of that Colony then Prayer was called for and all proceedings debâ—ted he presently armeth himself with Humility Clemency Sincerity and Fervency and in spight of the Enemy passeth his Camp comes to the King his Master and with such moving passion entereth his eares so that presently Armes are raysed which returning under the Conduct of Prayer overthroweth the King of Arabia makes spoyl of his Camp and gives to the Castle of Truth its first noble Liberty Observations on Sir Thomas More Lord Chancellour of England HE roseâ—up high because he stept out well Sir Thomas More was half way Chancellour when born to Sir Iohn More Chief Iustice. The Father's Prudence Wit and Nobleness flowed with his Blood to the Sons Veins Much Honour he received from his Family more he gave to it His Mother saw his Face shining in a Dream on her Wedding Night and his Father saw his Life so really A quick City-Spirit made him capable of great State-Employments He was saved by a Miracle and was One For his Nurse riding with him over a Water and being in some danger threw him over a Hedge where she found him not hurt but sweetly smiling upon her A Free-School seasoned his forward Childhood and the grave wise and excellent Cardinal Mortons House his Youth The One with Learning to make him a Scholar the Other with Prudence to make him a Man But the Distractions of that House were not so proper for his promising Ingenuity as the Retirements of the University where in two years time he shewed what Wonders Wit and Diligence could do in Rhetorick Logick and Philosophy The Colledge kept him strict and his Father short so that as heâ— blessed God afterward He had neither the leisure nor the means to be vicious The Cardinal said he would be Great and his excellent Genius said he would be Humble The Lord Chancellour would give place to and ask blessing of the Lord Chief Justice The Father being not more happy in his Son than the Son in his Father At 17 his wit was eminent for his Epigrams His Antilucian Oration commended by all men but Brixius for pure genuine and flowing At 18 his wisdom in overcoming his Antagonist Brixius with kindness and himself with Mortifications His fastings were frequent his watchings on the hard ground severe his Hair-cloath even in his Chancellourship course his exercises among the Carthusians in the Charterhouse for four years austere his designâ— for the Franciscan Hood and a Priesthood with his Friend Lilly solemn His prayers uninterrupted When the King sent for him once at Mass he answered That when he had done with God he would wait on his Majesty He imitated Picus Mirandula's Life and writ it He heard Dr. Collet his Confessours Sermons and followed his liâ—e whose experience was his counsel whose conversation was his life He could not away with the good Sermon oâ— a bad man Collet was his Father Linâ—â—re Lilly Grocine were his Friends He learned more by prayer than he did by study his Poems were acute his Speeches pure and copious his Latine elegant yet his head was knotty and Logical his Diet was temperate his Apparel plain his Nature tractable and condescending though very discerning to the meanest mens counsel his Vertues solid not boasted In a word the foundation of his Liâ—e was as low as the building was to be high Words and Terms being not by Nature but Imposition verborum ut nummorum those were best liked by him that were most current amongst the best Artists he fearing new words as leading to new things though the quitting of ancient and allowed expressions to affect new phrases will be no advantage at long run for whatsoever be the forms of speaking the state of things will be the same and the very argument that convinceth an erroneous person now in the old received and Orthodox Language would convince him likewise in the new wayes of speaking which he desires to introduce after it is formed and generally understood All the benefit that he could make of it would be only a little time between the suppression of the one and the introduction of the other wherein he might jugle and play Hocus Pocus under the Cloak of Homonymous and Ambiguous expressions In vulgar appellations we are to speak as the common people but in terms of Art which saith Scaliger are rudibus ingeniis acerba delicatis ridicula we are to follow the most approved Artists the Mushrome Errours and Haeresies springing up in his time he advised should be rather suppressed by Discipline than increased by disputations they who in the common principles of Religion clash ordinarily with the whole Church who so affectedly swerve from the approved rules and healthful constitutions of all orderly Common-wealths to the disturbance of all humane society and the cutting off of all Relations between man and man they who cannot preserve Unity with themselves but are ever and anon interfereing tripping up their own heels by contradictions need no just confutation or single or other adversary than God themselves and all mankind since their opinions are grounded upon their own imaginations rather than approved Authority and they interpret Scripture not according to the perpetual tradition of the Church but according to their own distempered â—ancies and that in discourses more full fraught with supercilious confidence than deep reason It were a folly to draw the saw of contenâ—ion with them especially in such a case where it is impiety to doubt and Blasphemy to dispute Quid cum illis agas qui neque jus neque bonum aut aequum sciunt â—Melius pejus prosit obsit nil vident nisi quod lubet Such daring mens opinions creating truth and falsehood by the words of their mouth being like a pillar of smoak breaking out of the top of some narrow Chimney and spreading it self â—broad like some Cloud as if it threatned to take possession of the whole Region of the Ayr darkening the skye and seeming to press the Heavens and after all this when it hath offended the eyes a little for the present the first puffe of wind or a few minutes do altogether disperse it The little Mouse stealeth up through the Elephants trunke to eat his brains the Indian Rat creepeth into the belly of the gaping Crocodile and the least opposition overthrows these great pretenders especially if you give them line and space enough to bounce and tumble up and down and tire themselves out Great he judged was the influence Religion had upon humane societies whether we consider the nature of the thing or the blessing of God without which they are