of greate Alder trees which by a certaine nature are growing cōmodious for the ground there Moreouer agayne I thinke the inhabitants of Aualonia were not so ignorāt of natural things y ◠they should beleeue y ◠Oake would continue longer in somwhat a moyst ground then the watery Alder tree which is growing in the grounde They which haue writtē of Trees willingly attribute somwhat moist groūds to be apt both for Alder Elme trees to be brought forth in thē There also remaineth another doubt which if I any thing rightly iudge shall rather seeme a plaine errour then any doubt at all Gyraldus confirmeth that Arthures Tombe was founde betwene two Pyrameds in the religious place at Aualonia In which opinion as it were so confirmed with testimonie of ancient writers euen I also remaine But I am so farre frō beleeuing any thing to be engrauē in thē which thing Arthures tombe as Giraldus declareth y ◠verie same should shew expresse or make famous that in deede vnto me may appeare nothing lesse like to be true If there had beene any such thing I pray you who more truly or more playnly should haue manifested y ◠same thē Gulielmus Meildunēsis vnto whom alone all posteritie ought to refer both their portractures inscriptions But hee in deede speaketh not so much as one worde of Arthure whome elswhere he diligently extolleth Doubtlesse it is a coniecture probable that Giraldus was vtterly ignorāt what inscriptions those Pyrameds contayned seeing he saith the letters were worne out by antiquitie or oldnes of time But I let passe Giraldus a mā truly otherwise learned a great greedy deuourer of anciēt knowledge as I am prouoked by another care not vnprofitable for the purpose Namely that I should not onely by the testimonie of two whom I haue aboue named but also by a full number of writers confirme establish and persuade as it were ratified Arthures Tombe founde Also to the end that that thing may more commodiously be done I thinke there are causes agreeable why I may more profoundly repeate all and singuler testimonies of famous men within a certaine conuenient and euydent scope of matter In which behalfe Claudius a frēchman to the end the reader may vnderstand that the credible report of Arthures Tombe found hapned euen vnto straungers vpright and perfect shall be a greate witnesse in matter aboundant Anno 1217. The bodie of Arthure that Noble king of Brittaine which had lyen buried 600. and moe yeeres was found in the Church of S. Mary at Glastenbury Heere in computation of the yeeres either by the Authors negligence or as more sincerelie the Interpreter saith by the negligence of the booke writer did there creepe in a faule error For Henry the Secōd of that name king of England dyed about the yeere after Christes byrth a thousand one hundreth and nyntie and the Tombe was founde in the first yeare of the raigne of King Richard the 1. his sonne The Cronicles of Persor Abbey doe make relation of these thinges Anno Domini 1191. the Tombe of Arthure Kinge of Brittaine was found at Glastenbury the leaden crosse vpon his brest declaring that his name was there written Iohannes Fiberius who is also commonly called Beuer writeth these thinges most briefly and by way of running it ouer Anno Domini 1191. were founde at Glastenbury the bones of Arthure Matthew Paris Moncke of the Monastery of S. Albane at the racing and seege of that most auncient Cittie Verolamium nere vnto S. Albones in the Countie of Hartford thus mentioneth of the Tombe The bones of the most famouse King Arthure were founde at Glastenbury laide vp in a certaine most auncient Tombe there about the which stoode erected two most auncient Pirameds wherein the letters were engrauen but by reason of the too much rudnesse and deformitie they could not be reade And they were found by this occasion For as they digged there to bury a certaine Moncke which with a vehement desire in his life time had before wished for this place as to be therein buried they founde a certaine close Tombe vpon the which was put a leade crosse wherein was engrauen HIC IACET INCLITVS BRITONVM REX ARTVRIVS IN INSVLA AVALONIAE SEPVLTVS But that place beinge rounde about encompassed with Marish groundes was in times past called the Isle of Aualon for truth that is the Ile of Aples Like as by Good right I fauour verie much the authoritie of this Matthew so I am sory that a fewe wordes chaunced redounding to this declaration in the inscription Certes that which he mentioneth of the Moncke I neuer hearde of before neyther doth he so farre forth perswade mee of the truth Ranulphus Higeden of Chester also maketh mention of King Arthure his Tombe I omit to mention other Authours and that with employed diligence because I would not seeme to affectate the number of witnesses in a matter so manifestly knowne and credited CAP. XVI The Translation of King Arthures bones I Remember that in my Epistle dedicatory I haue spoken of Arthures Lyneamentes three times translated Whereof which was the first because it appeareth not euident enough by the greater Church at Glastenbury from whence they write these were first of all conueyed I will somewhat more manifestly and more lightsomely notify I learned of the Monckes at Glastenbury most diligent reseruers no doubte of the Antiquitie pertayning to their Cloyster that Arthures Lyneamentes were translated into the greate Church which worke was greatly augmented by the liberallitie of Henry Plantagenet from the religiouse place but not laide in that place at that time where they now be There is a porch towardes the South parte and a Chappell from whence they go into the Treasury In this place men affirmed that Arthures bones remayned for a certaine season after that againe that they were translated into the midle Iles of the Queare By which interchaunge of time a newe stately and magnificent Tombe out of blacke Marble such as we see the Lydian or tutch stone was both heawne and cut out at that time together framed by vnaccustomed workmanshippe and witty deuise concerning which and also the translation thereof to write at this present it were vndoubtedly a needlesse thinge seeing that in the chapter before going touching Arthures Tombe founde all those matters appeare together in their order Therefore let our history apply it selfe vnto the third translation which was made in y ◠dayes of Edward sirnamed Longshanke K. of England not only the cheefest patrone of Arthures praise but also y e louer great reuerencer of his fame when as all y e Lyneamentes of them remayning in the most stately Tombe where they tooke their rest together before sauing the shinne bones of the King and of the Queene which he commaunded to be kept abroade it was no doubte a spectacle of Antiquitie very acceptable vnto
welfare of this blessed peace and the profit of this excellent practise proceede I humbly beseech you with noble Nehemias and those godly superuisors with dutifull diligence with the one hand holding your boes and with the other hand as good laborers for your Prince publique wealth to beare the burdens of your vocation towards the buylding of this earthly Ierusalem euen from the morning spring till the Starres come forth Continually I say accustome your selues to seeke this peace of the gospell and to ensue the same ryde on I say with renoume vpoÌ„ that White Horse whose sitter hauing a boe and a croune giuen him hath promisse from the mightie power of God that he shall go forth conquering and shall ouercome That Christ our King of the vâ—â—iuersall Church with his croune and septer and with the shafâ—es of his mouth or worde and gospell of peace may pearce throughout the worlde to the aduauncement of his glory which shal sit on the raineboe in his maiestie to iudge all Nations as the feare of his holynesse mutuall loue in righteousnesse and thankfulnesse for his benefites may moue all men I haue trauieled in the translation of this booke out of Latin into English with all humble true harted reuerence beseeching God to assist you right honourable Lord Deputie with his omnipotent power that as an inuincible Iosua you may continually bring in the people to the due knowledge of God and obedience of our Prince as a notable Nehemias in true feare of God without feare of foe buylde vp this earthly Ierusalem to the perfection of that perpetuall peace promised in the heauenly Ierusalem Finally that you right honourable Lord President and you right worshipfull Master Thomas Smith with your worshipfull associates Dayly praying for the peace of this Ierusalem as the amitie thereof is sweete by the vnitie of your mindes So that Hoc sit longissime vt periucundum sic cohabitare fratres in vnum I according to my humble duty hartely do pray vnto God crauing pardon of your honours and worshippes generally for this my bold dedication And beseeching you fauourably to accept the same in furderance of my poore study of dutifull well wishing towardes my Prince countrie I humbly and hartely beseech the eternall omnipotent God to multiply his manifolde mercies vpon your honours worships that being all of one dutifull minde in God towardes the maiestie of our most sacred soueraigne lady vnder her long liuing in peaceable prosperitie we may after this life attaine vnto that peaceable and perpetuall kingdome of Heauen to raigne as coheires with Christ our Lord in the glory of his Father AMEN Your Honourable Lordships and worthie Worships most humble and faithfull poore Orator RICHARD ROBINSON Citizen of London I. L. Ad Candidos Lectores Delituit certé multis Arturius annis Vera Brittannorum Gloria Lumen Honos Dispulit obscuras alacer Lelandius vmbras Sydereum mundo restituitque iubar Plaudite Lectores studiosa caterua diserti Prestitit officium candidus ille suum Hinc procul at fugiant Codrino felle tumentes Ne proprio crepitent ilia rupta malo I. L. To the Syncere Readers Many yeeres surely Arthure hidden lay Of Brittons the Glory Light Honor true Cheerely hath Leyland driueÌ„ darke shadowes away And yeelds the world bright shining Sun to view Of Learned Readers reioyce yee studious Crew He sincere did his Duetie bounden fulfill Farre hence flee those their spyte which spew Least their Intestines burst with their owne ill The Table of the names of those Authors whose testimonies this present Booke vseth Foraine writers Poets Lucanus Iuuenall Martiall Historiographers Cornelius Tacitus Paulus Diaconus Claudius Gallus IohaÌ„nes Anneuillanus Valerius Boccace Diuionensis Ponticus Virunnius Brittaine writers Theliesinus Ambrosius Maridunensis Merlinus Caledonius Melchinus Patricius Glessoburgensis Gildas Bannochorensis Anonymuâ— Nennius Samuell Beda Girouicanus Brittaine writers Asserius Meneuensis Gulielmus Meildunensis Galfridus Monemuthensis Aluredus Fibroleganus Henricus Venantodunensis Iosephus Iscanus Siluester Giraldus Matheus Parisius Iohannes Chysistoriographuâ— Gulielmus Paruus Iohannes Fiberius Thomas Vicanus Ranulphus Higedenus Mattheus Florilegus Iohannes Burgensis Thomas Melorius Scalechronica Chronica Durensia Chronica Glessoburgensia Chronica Persorana 2. Cor. 13. Nihil contra veritatem agere possumus sed pro Veritate Prou. 12. Labium Veritatis firmum in perpetuum Prou. 21. Testis autem mendax peribit Esdra â— 9. Super omnia autem vincit Veritas Certaine memorable Notes inserted into this Assertion since the Translation thereof By Ric. Ro. AS Pliny saith Ingenui pudoris est fateri per quos proseceris So I must freely confesse the friendly helps of those which profited me in this purpose First by conference with Master Steuen Batman a learned Preacher and friendlie fauourer of vertue and learning touching the praise worthie progenie of this K. Arthure he gaue me this assured knowledge on this maner taken out of his Auncient records written at Aualonia Uerses found in certaine Cronicles wherein were discourses had of Aruiragus king of Brittaine 45. yeeres after the natiuitie of Christe Twelue men in number entered the Vale of Aualon Ioseph of Aramathia was the chiefest flowre of them Ioseph the sonne of Ioseph his father did attend With other tenne and Glaston did possesse There alâ—â— this writing did witnesse that K. Arthure of greate Brittaine desceÌ„ded of the stocke of y â— saide Ioseph viz. Helarius the Nephewe of Ioseph begate Iosue Iosue begate Aminadab Aminadab begate Castellors Castellors begate Manaell Manaell begate Lambord and Vrlard and Lambord begate a sonne that begate Igerna of which woman king Vther Pendragon begate the noble and renoumed King Arthure Whereby it plainely appeareth that K. Arthure descended of the stocke of Ioseph Againe like wise of the same kindred whereof K. Arthure came proceeded these auncient Brittaines also Peter the CoseÌ„ of Ioseph of Aramathia king of Arcadia begate Erlan Erlan begate Melianus Melianus begate Arguthe Arguthe begate Edor Edor begate Lotho which maried to wife the sister of K. Arthure of whom Lotho begate 4 sonnes to wit Walwanus Agranaius Guerelies and Garelies all which were noble men of authoritie in Brittaine where they dwelt Moreouer he shewed me â—ut of his auncient records the interchaunges of king Arthures armes which hee gaue in three chiefes from the first to the third viz. His first armes he bare in a shield Gules red three Serpentes Or. gold His second hee bare in a shield Vert greene a plaine Crossargent in chiefe the figure of the Virgin Marie with Christe in her armes His third and last in a shield Azure blew three â—ownes Or. gold But after knowledge of these seuerall armes I had intelligence of a certaine French booke wherein he is reported to aue giuen a shielde Azure blew 13. Crownes Or. gold This booke beeing in an English mans handes I was not so desirous to see it but he as willingly shewed it
Cadorus the Duke of Cornwale a woman of rare beawtie Afterwards also he subdued vnto him the Saxones with most bloudy battels CHAP. III. The XII Battelles fought by Arthure NEnnius the Brittaine a writer of good and auncient credit amongst many others maketh most lightsome mention of his battels whose wordes although by the negligence of Printers and iniurie of time they be somewhat displaced yet notwithstandinge because they make much for our present matter and bring with them a certaine reuerent antiquitie I will here set them downe and in their order Arthure fought in deed against those Saxones with the gouernours of the Britaines but he himselfe was generall The first battell was at the entraunce of the floude called Gleyn alias Gledy The second third fourth and fift was vpon an other floud called Dugles which is in the Countrie of Lynieux The sixt was vpon the floud which is called Bassas The seauenth was in the wood Caledon that is Catcoit Celidon The eight in the Castle of Gwynyon The nynth was fought in the Cittie of Caerlegion vpoÌ„ Vske The tenth on the Sea shore which is called Traitheurith otherwise Rhydrwyd The eleauenth in the hill Which is called Agned Cathregonion The twelfth in the Mount Badonis wherein many were slaine by one assault of Arthure Thus farre witnesseth Nennius Iohannes the wryter of the golden historie ratifyeth the selfe same truth touching the twelue battels fought against those Saxones Aluredus Fibroleganus the historeographer also declareth the like And so these are the wordes of Henry sirnamed of Huntington in the second booke of his history Arthure the warrier in those dayes the Captaine generall of soldiours and of the rulers in Brittaine fought most valiantly against the Saxons Twelue times was he generall of the battell and twelue times got he the victory And there also But the battles and places wherein they were fought a certaine historiographer declareth Henry of Huntington seemeth here to haue hitte vpon the bréefe history of Nennius the name of whose exemplar as it seemeth was not set downe Herehence came that silence Neyther was that booke common in mens handes at that time and in this our age is surely most rare onely three exemplars do I remember that I haue seene Iohn Rhesus a louer of Antiquitie the same a diligent setter forth thereof hath a little booke entituled Gilde which booke so farre as I gather by his speach had not to Authour Gildas but Nennius The Elenchus or Registred Table of the librarie at Batle Abbey accounteth the historie of Gildas among there treasures I haue diligently enquyred for the booke but as yet haue I not found it The Reporte is that the exemplar was translated or carried to Brecknocke there to be kept Now must we report the Battels THe writer of the life of the reuerent Dubritius Archebishop of the Cittie Caerlegion vpon Vsk not vnelegantly doth coÌ„memorate such like matters When at length Aurelius the King was made away by poyson and that Vther his brother ruled a few yeares Arthure his Sonne by the helpe of Dubritius succeded in gouernement who with bold courage set vpon the Saxones in many battles and yet could he not vtterly roote them out of his Kingdome For the Saxones had subdued vnto them selues the whole compasse of the Island which stretcheth from the water of Humber vnto the Sea Cattenessinum or Scottish Sea For that cause the Peares of the Realme being called together he determined by their counsell what he might best do against the irruption of the Pagane Saxones At length by commâ—n counsell he sendeth into Armorica that is to say the letter Brittaine vnto King Hoel his Ambassadors which aduertised him at full touching the calamitie of the Brittaines who comming with fiftene thousand of armed men into Brittaine was honorably entertayned of Arthure and D. Dubritius going vnto the Cittie of Lincolne beseeged of the Saxones hauing fought y e battell there were six thousand of Saxones which eyther being drowned or wounded with weapons dyed But the others flying away vnto the wood of Caledon being beseeged by the Brittaines were constrayned to yeeld themselues and pledges being taken for tribute yearely to be paied he gaue them leaue with their shippes onely to returne into their Countrie Afterwardes within a short time the Saxones were ashamed of the league made and hauing recouered their strength they made their league as voyde and beseeged the Cittie Badon rounde about which now is called Bathe this when Arthure hearde of hauinge gathered his hoast together and beholding the Tentes of his enemies he spake thus vnto them Because the most vngodly Saxones disdaine to keepe promise with me I keping faith with my God will endeuoure to be aduenged of them for the bloud and slaughter of my Citizens Let vs therefore manfully set vpon those Traytours whom by the Mediation of Christ out of all doubt we shall ouercome with a wished triumphe And hee rushing vpon the ranckes of the Saxones beinge helped by the prayers of Dubritius in ouerthrowing many thousandes obtayned the victorie and the few which fled this garboyle he caused them to yeelde to his mercy Boccace in his booke of Lakes and Marishes thus wryteth Murais that Lake so called famous is by the victory of Arthure King of Brittaine for men say that the Scottes Pictes and Irishmen being by him beseeged were compelled to yeelde themselues there The same Authour in his viii booke of Famouse Personages maketh a notable mention of Arthure being moued with a certaine Godly zeale to the end he would not with vnthankfull silence ouerpasse so mightie a personage and so worthie a man Neyther here are those thinges which appeare in the Cronicles of a certaine writer of Digion differing from our purpose Cerdicius hauing more often conflict with Arthure if he were one moneth vanquished he more sharply assaulted in another moneth At length Arthure with irksome toyle so being awearied after the Xii yeare of Cerdicius his comming by fealtie to him sworne gaue him the Country Auonia Southwarde and Somaria which part Cerdicius called West saxony Gulielmus a Medulphi curia both a gallant writer and also a learned and which thing first in his history he as most faithfull in his first booke of the Kinges of Britaine mencioneth bringeth in by the way these testimonies of Arthure And now truly had it come to an euill passe with the Brittaines as he vnderstoode had not Ambrose onely of the Romans bene left aliue who after Vortigerus was Monarke or King with the surpassing exployt of warlike Arthure repressed the outragiouse barbarouse enemines of the Kingdome Moreouer hetherunto seeme these things to pertaine which in the fragmentes of Gildas the Brittaine are reade after this manner The Brittaines like conquerours take courage to them prouocating their enemies to fight vnto whom by
doinges Let them ouercome with powre if they can so the trueth be ours I will imitate the Noble Palme Tree which beeing pressed downe with heauie burdens yet falleth not to the ground at any time And neither at this instant doe I seeke for any reward so you vouchsafe me your courtesy good will fauour truly I may persuade my selfe I haue al thinges that I rightlie looke for And for amendes on my part also shall hereunto ensue most requisite promptitude expedite alacrity enflamed also by vertue of enment vnto like enterprises not onely but also to imparte you greater matters which shall stirre vp your learned eares and being stirred vp may long detaine them and so deâ—eyned as it were by a certaine land floude of pleasant delight therewith bring them vnto fragrant fieldes And all these thinges do I easily promise my selfe trusting in your honestie and helpe as one doubtlesse fully bent vpon hope thereof Surely my muse such as it is altogether is youres neyther tendeth â—he to any other purpose at any time but vnto your behoofe and the coÌ„moditie of all men I count it a base seruice to satisfie the common peoples humor but to performe you my continuall industrie differeth not far from a kingdome such a one as by a iust cause I may prefer euen before the kingdome of Alexander For what more reserued hee vnto him selfe wholy when he dyed of so greate Riches possessions and dominions sauing fame onely This though by many accomptes in example inferior obteyned by your meane shall I yet so earnestly aduance that nightes and dayes shall she watch for your welfare emolument And at lengthe those same most thicke mistie cloudes in deede of ignorance beeing shaken off vtterly dashed aside the light of Brittish Antiquitie with displayed beames farre and wide shall shine forth God giue you long life and wellfare most sincere fauorers of vertue and good learning FINIS LONDON Imprinted by Iohn wolfe dwelling in Distaffe Lane ouer against the signe of the Castell 1582. Gen. 9. Arist metâ—â— liber 3. Cap. 1. Trac 2. â— Reg. 7 Deut 32. Reg. 3â— 2. Reg. â— â— Reg. 23. 2 Reg. 1. Aâ—â—o â—30 Hest. Cap. 〈◊〉 2. Esd. 4 Reuel â— Deut. 31. Psal. 121. Psal. 132. William Paruus Polidorus Virgilius two aduersaries of K. Arthures fame The Authours good purpose in this worke Vther Pendragon king Art father Ouid. Epist. â— Vther Pendragon begat Arthur of Igerna the wife of Gorloys Gouernour of Cornwale and also a Virgin named Anna. Originall of Arth. name Ouid. 13. lib. Metam Fibis Iohn Stowe Then an ancient Cittie which was neere saint Albones the fouÌ„dations where of are yet apparant Iohn Stow. What time Arthur was crowned A. D. 316. Graius a writer his testimony Iohn Stow. Two Rulers of the Pictes aspire vnto Arthures kingdome Battle and victory ouer Arthur his enemies by Hoel his friend Arthure married Guenhera the daughter of Cadorus Duke of Cornwaile Iohn Stow Some iudge this to be Bathe Iohn the writer of the golden history Henry of Huntington King Artâ—ure Xij times General and Xij. times CoÌ„querour Iohn Rhesâ—s a louer of Antiquitie Iohn Stow. Iohn Stow. What time Arthure succeded Vther his Father Arthure could not cleane roote all the Saxones out of Brittaine Hâ—el King of Brittaine aides him with a powe of 15000. men Lincolne beseeged by the Saxones Their slaughter fight Bath beseeged by the Saxons K. Arthure seekes to be adueÌ„ged of the Saxones His wordes His victorie ouer them Boccace mentioneth of Arthure M. Camden Cerdicius the Saxon helde warre with Arthure Arth. friendly to his foo William of Malmsbury Arthure sore distressed had it not bene for Ambrose a Romaine Gildas Aduersaries quarrel against Arthure William of Malmesbune a friendly writer Nennius another Mordred Arthure his Nephewe put in great trust His vertues mixt with vices Hoels neece viz. Helen stolne out of Armorica Arthure reuengeth that iniury Diuionensis Arth. subduing Fraunce his Nephewe Mordred in meane time betrayeth him coÌ„federating with Cerdicius Anno. 516. Mordred crowned Arth returned into England Valerius reporting that K. Arthure vanquished 30. kingdomes K. Arthures knights of his round Table Hoel the first knight Gallouinus the second knight 〈…〉 Gallouinus buried at Dorcester His bones Gianâ—like Accordingâ— to the record of Glastenbury the name are Fugatius and Dâ—mianus This Lucius being created the first Christian King in England liued about the yere after Christ 182 William of Malmesbury his iudgment of Gallouinus Hâ—s wordes of reporte The manner of Galouinuâ— his death after the reporte of W. Malmâ—b Wiâ—liam of Malmsbury Iohn Leylands opinion to the contrarie His proofe out of a brittish Poet named Iosephâ—â— William of Malmsbury a most curious and painful searcher of Antiquitie William of Malmsbury The interpretation of Gallouinus his name Augusellus the thâ—â—d knight Iohn Stow. An auncient Cittie in Kent nere Sandwich the ruins of it yet remaine The Prowesse and valiant aduenture of him one Graius a wriâ—er witnesseth Iohn Stowe Wryters Geoffrey of MuÌ„mouth Iohn of â—orow Rossus of Warwicke Anonimus a writer Iderus the 4. knight neare of blood vnto Arthure His beneficeâ—â— towardes the Church at Glastenbury Lancelot thâ— fifth knight A faithfull friend and valiant aduenger of iniury done by Mordred vnto Arthure Syluester Giraldus his testimâ—nie of his buriall at Glastenburie Carodocus â— sixte knight Whose fame the Cronicles at Dorcester â—â—toll Cadorus the 7. Knight of the most noble progeâ—ie of the kinges of England A stoute defeÌ„der preferrer of his princes dignitie Constantine his sonne succeeded Arth. â—ldas his testimony of Constantine a degenerate child a murtherer of Innocentes Iohn Stow. Vsuall places where K. Artâ— kept his 〈◊〉 table On this side SomertoÌ„ neare vnto Glastenbury is the village Surton Camelet an old forte K. Arthure inhabited a castle at SomertoÌ„ Iohannes Anneuillanus a writer extolleth K. Arth. round table K. Arthures round table where it standeth K. Edward the first made much of that round order of Knightes in his time Roger Mortimer solemnished the same order at Kenelworth Two Bishops religiouse fauourers of K. Arthures welfare Of S. Dauid Iltutus a Godly and learned father an other religiouse fauourer of Ar. K. Arthure his iourney to Ierusalem His zeale speciall good will towardes the Church men of Glastenbury Iohn Layland a bearer with Polidorus So farre as he bringes forth the truth and other wise his enemy Alias â—â—ganus and Damianus This was king Henry the 2. Sonne of Geoffrey plantagenet brother to king Henry the first succeding him An. 1154. raigned 3. yeares 9. monethes 12. dayes and was buried of Founteuerard in Fraunce Wordes contayned in king Henry the 2. his deede of gift proceding from king Arthures beneuolence towardes the Church men at Aualonia He meaneth Robert CaxtoÌ„ who translated the history of K. Arthure K. Arthures Seale kept at Westminster in Iohn Leylandes dayes His reporte in praise thereof describing the properties The Insculpture
A Learned and True Assertion of the original Life Actes and death of the most Noble Valiant and Renoumed Prince Arthure King of great Brittaine Who succeeding his father Vther Pendragon and right nobly gouerning this Land sixe and twentie yeares then dyed of a mortall wounde receyued in battell together with victory ouer his enemies As appeareth Cap. 9. And was buried at â—lasteâ—bury Cap. 1â— An. 543. Collected and written of late yeares in lattin by the learned English Antiquarie of worthy memory Iohn Leyland Newly translated into English by Richard Robinsâ—â— Citizen of London Anno Domini 1582. LONDON Imprinted by Iohn Wolfe dwelling in Distaffe Lane ouer against the Signâ— of the Castell 1582. Insignia Illustrium Patronorum huius opusculi selectorum ARTVRVS BARO Gray de VVilton D. HENRICVS SIDNEY Illustrissimi Ordinis Garterij Miles vnus Consiliariorum D. Reg. in Principatu Walliae Praesid Magister Thomas Smith D. Reginae Custumarius Principalis in Portu London To the Right Honorable Lord ARTHVRE GRAY Baron of Wilton Lord Deputie Liefetenant Generall for the Queenes Maâ—estie in Ireland To the Right Honorable Sir HENRY SIDNEY Knight of the Honorable Order of the Garter President for her Maiestie in the 〈◊〉 of Wales To the Right worshipfull M. THOMAS SMITH Esquire Chiefe Customer for her Maiestie in the Porte of London to the Worshipfull Societie of Archers in London yearely celebrating the renoumed memorie of the Magnificent Prince ARTHVRâ— his Knightly Order of the Round Table Grace mercy Peace in the Lord Euerlastinge HAVING in mindefull memorie Right Honourable and Worshippfull that mercifull couenaunt of peace by our omnipotent Creator towardes all flesh thus manifested I do set my Raine Bowe in the cloudes it shall be as a tokeÌ„ betwene me the earth promising hereby neuer to destroy the same any more by waters how much ought maÌ„kind specially enioying by this peaceable pact from HeaueÌ„ Earth the Sea aboundance of benefittes feare God in his holines loue one an other in righteousnesse and vse these benefittes with thankfulnesse to the aduauncement of his glory For this Bowe this Rainebowe I say of his couenant and pledge of his peace left vnto vs froÌ„ the deluge as Aristotle affirmeth Naturally appeareth by reflection or giuing backe of the light of the Sunne from a cloude opposite or against the same So our heaueÌ„ly God the Father of light and giuer of grace departeth with the light of his manifolde mercies vnto mankinde from the opposite cloude of his displeasure Againe this Bowe of his couenant and pledge of his peace as it is saide by Albertus To be so much lesse in appearance as by how much the Sunne is higher in the Heauens and contrarie wise so much greater as the Sunne is lower to the earth So much lesse be the mercies of God minded of man as his mightie power appeareth out of our sight and againe so much greater seeme his mercies vnto vs as his mightie power is nere vs in sight Thirdly according to Aristotle this Rainebow of his couenant pledge of his peace As it appeareth in the Spring time in Sommer in Autume in Winter euening morning but specially in Autumne So is the performance of his mercifull couenant and peaceable pacte at all times apparant but specially in Autumne that is when mankinde laboureth most to leaue sinne and bring-forth fruites of good life as I saide fearing God in his holinesse louing one an other in righteousnesse and vsing his benefittes with thankfulnesse Thus and to this end graunting his couenant our omnipotent Creator and gratiouse God ordayning Man ruler ouer his Creatures in earth yet vnder his protection in heauen hath not onely bounde vnto him all humaine societie but hath also substituted euen his liuetenauntes godly rulers ouer the same to the foresaide effect for the aduauncement of his glory confirming the same couenant with the aucthoritie of his holie worde on this manner I will ordaine a place for my people of Israell I. And I will plant him and I will dwell with him II. And he shall be no more troubled III. And the children of iniquitie shall not vexe or afflict him any more IIII. By his word here he promised that which by his deede he performed to our forefathers Adam in Paradise Gen. 1. Noah his children Gen. 9. Abraham his seede Gen. 12. But louing his â—lect and hating their enemies he performed his promise vnto Iacob in his prouidence and vnto Laban in his iudgments Gen. 30. So did he in like manner vnto Ioseph and his vnnaturall brethren Gen. 37. Yea in his prouidence laying his right hand vpon Ephraim and in his iudgement his left hand vpon Manasses Gen. 48. Whereby as he prospered and protected his holy ones in peace and warres against their enemies we reade also in the deuine histories from time to time how and by what ordenarie meanes of power force and defence he reached vnto his feeble flocke his mightie arme to the discomforture of the enemie vtter subuertion both of their power pollicie according to his promises aforesaide Heere then memorable and praiseworthie is the prouidence of this most mightie God who promising helpe vnto the Iewes against the Gentiles vsed no kinde of speach so much as this That he would bend his Bow and dye his shaftes in bloud As who say God wilâ— make the Iewes shoote strong shootes to ouerthrow their enemies or at the least that shooting is a wonderful mightie thing whereunto the high power of God is likened This bow a weapon of defence the Raine Boe a token of truce This Bow in peace a pleasure the Raine Bowe a signe of serenitie this Bow in warres a paine to the enemie the Raine Bow at al times and to all people Gods toaken betwene him and the earth The one an instrment of mercy the other of destruction the godly haue both as their comfort and sauegarde by Gods protection the vngodly either wanting the one or hauing both haue them to their confusion and subuertion by his reiection As we reade of King Saul that he was slaine of the Philistians being mightie bow men and with him also his Sonne â—onathas who as the scripture saith neuer shot shaft in vaine And that the kingdome of Israell after Sauls death came vnto King Dauid who after he was King decreed by the first statute which he enacted That all the children of Israell should learne to shoote in the bowe according to a law made many a day before vt patet in libro iustorum a booke not now in vse to be â—ounde In his booke of Psalmes as hee saide He was at peace with them that hated peace So named hee the bow and arrowes in diuers manners meaninges as in his Psal. 7. vers 13. 14. Psal. 11. vers 2. Psal. 18. vers 13. Psal. 21. vers 12. Psal. 45. vers 6. Psal. 49. vers 9.
64. vers 3. 4. 76. vers 3. 91. vers 5. 127. vers 4. 5. Finally in his 147. Psal. vers 6. Praying to God for deliuerance from his enemies and for their destruction He saith shoot thine arrowes and consume them So yet that He neither trusted in bowe nor sworde but in the power of God Hee affirmeth it Psalme 44. vers 6. And to conclude that he had rather liue in a godly peace theÌ„ to warre against the wicked he saith in the 119. Psal. vers 15. As at a marke he will ayme to walke in the wayes of the Lord. Of this minde was not King â—osias who though leading a godly life at home in Iuda yet going vniustly to fight against Nichao King of Egipt was rather friendly dehorted by him froÌ„ his purpose then otherwise saying Leaue off to worke agaynst the Lord which is with mee least he do â—tay thee which admonition Iosias not regarding as spoken from God tasted in deed of Gods iust iudgment for being shot thorow with arrowes he was wouÌ„ded to the death incontinently I could at large here call to minde the commendation of this peaceable practise of shooting which once I as a rawe scholler reade ouer in Toxophilus and at times by tasked lessons interpreted in latine here and there but for breuitie I refer your honours and worshipes vnto the Histories there of the Ethiopian king and Cambyses king of Persia. Of Sesostris and his archers Of the Messagetanes which neuer went without their bowe and quiuer neyther in peace nor in warres Of Policrates and his one thowsand archers Of the Scithians whose whole substance and riches of a man being a yoake of Oxen and a plow a Nagge and his dogge his bowe and his quiuer were inuincible against Darius and other Monarckes To be short the Grecians Persians Athenians and the Romanes whose shooting in peace and warres was worthie of praise and fame Neyther here ought I nor will I omit with silence the deserued fame of our Ancestors in fauouringe this exercise in this our litle England long agoâ—e liuing and of latter time though breefly referring your honours worshippes vnto the histories at large as of Brute and his Troianes the first Brittaines before and after the ariuall of Iulius Caesar Claudius Vespasian Emperoures and they Romanes after them the Saxons vntill the time of Vortiger the vsurping murtherer who Gods prouidence so working for them and his iudgement vpon him by the two Brethern and valiant Brittaines Aurelius sirnamed Ambrose Vther Pendragon being burned in his Castell in Wales was occasion of the Brittaines more happier estate afterwardes But here yet by the way Right honourable and worshipfull as I applaude in this their well doing so it had beene a thing of Brittaine most worthelie to be wished for that Prince him selfe lesse opprobrius of all meÌ„ more praise worthie and most pretiouse in the sight of God if the serpent Tyrus had wanted here his vennime vncurable though his flesh proued medicinable against all other poysons as saith Cardanus in his booke of Comfort I meane if Vther Pendragon had wanted that serpentine poyson of adulterie Nigromancie murther things odible to God and good men when that most incomperable King Arthure of great Brittaine for his princely prowesse valiant vertues and triumphant victories yet prooued more Royally renoumed throughoute all the worlde in his time and to his posteritie The Hebrwes with greate and not vndeserued titles extolled their Iudas Maccabeus Homer the glory of all Greeke Poets left Hector and Achilles most commendable vnto the worlde Neyther by lesse diligence did the Grecians adorne with praise Alexander the most mightie conquerour And the Romanes aduanced the noble actes of their Caesar to the Skyes not enough The Burgonians profoundly praised Godfrey of Bulloyn for his noble valiancy as the scourge of the Sarazens in his dayes And as euery one of those are commended with due desert so in like maÌ„ner there were neuer Brittaines wanting of excellent learning and exquisite knowledge to leaue with carefull diligence and credible commendation the progenie life prowesse prosperitie and triumphant victories of our said auncient Arthure worthely published vnto the worlde And as Alexander would haue none to purtract him but Apelles nor any but Lysippus to engraue him in brasâ—e nor any but Pyrgotiles to worke him in pretiouse stone So where in not three but many Artizans as learned Gildas William of Malmsbury Nennius Diuionenses Graius Iosephus Geoffrey of Munmuth Siluester Giraldus c. performed their worthie workmanshippes in our Arthure Maur to vse the Brittaine phrase euen one English Leyland for his learned laboure laudable hath perfectly polished him in all poyntes Chusing a cheefe most perspicuouse a valiant most victoriouse a couragiouse and most conquerouse a religiouse and most redoubted Royall soueraigne King Henry the eight as sole supreme Patron and protector thereof against the cankered currish kinde of caueling carpers Bycause his elder brother being named Arthure he him selfe a most christian King for all heroicall vertues commendable the rather seemed to fauour and further the aduancement of the fame of his most renoumed auncestor this same our ancient Arthure and the knightly traine of his rounde table Hereupon by patent of his princely prerogatiue ordayned graunted and confirmed hee vnto this honorable Citie of London free electioÌ„ of a Chieftaine and of Citizens representing the memory of that magnificent King Arthure and the Knightes of the same order which should for the mayntenance of shooting onely meete together once a yeare with solemne and friendly celebration therof So much in his noble minde preuayled all prouident care of princely prowesse valiancie cheualrie and actiuitie that he not onely herein imitated the examplers of godly K. Dauid for his Israelites as before and of that noble Emperour Leo in ouerthrowing idolatrie and exalting archerie maugre the mallice of that Romane Antichrist and all his members but also inuincibly maintayned the praiseworthie practize of this shooting in peace wars by the examples of his princly progenitors As after tâ—e conquest of K. Henry II. alîas Beauclerck so sirnamed the first furtherer of K. Arthures benificencie valiaÌ„t Edward sirnamed long first vizitor of the saide Kinges tombe valiant and victorius Edward III IIII. bountious and liberall Richard II. good and gratiouse Henry the V. wise poâ—itique iust temperate and graue King Henry the Vâ—I his father Neither hath this ceased in the branch that flourished in the bole but by the milde religiouse and gratiouse King Edwarde the VI. and now last of all by the Phenix of feminine sex our most redoubted Hester and gratiouse soueraigne Ladie Queene Elizabeth laudably lasteth in force and effect whose highnesse so many yeares humbling not exalting her selfe the more by reason of her power wholy setteth her subiectes in peace preferring the same Now therefore Right honourable and worshipfull as duetie bindeth euery degree to further the
times past there was on y e sea shoare a Castle called Galouine touching which the Authour Mâ—ildunensis as aboue hath written whose footesteppes are as yet apparant But that was not the habitation of the Gyant as neyther perhappes of that Galouine of Arthures but of some latter vycegerent bearing the same name But y â— which he meÌ„tioneth of Arthures Tombe at that time is most true No one man more curiously searched forth at any time all the treasures of the library at Glastenbury This onely was here wanting in him towardes knowledge that he dying about the first yeare of the Raigne of Henry y â— second King of England knew nothing of Arthurs tombe For so much as y â— same tombe was found afterwards in y e beginning of y â— raigne of K. Richard coeurde lyon But I returne w t William Meildunensis into fauâ—ur out of the which as yet I haue not openly fallen By whome a man as in his age most learned in all kind of Good letters and of singuler wit diligence and care in searching forth Antiquitie I confesse and in deede that franckly must aâ—â—irme my selfe to haue beene oftentimes helped in the knowledge of Antiquitie Undoubtedly it is a poynte of honestie to acknowledge by whom a man profiteth It liketh me well here vnto the conclusion to adde the notation which I my selfe gather of the name of Gallouinus out of the Brittish language Walle signifieth straungers or walsh Guin Album or white Like as if a man by this phrase would dedescribe a comely elegant and beawtifull personage except a man more rightly thinke that he tooke his originall from the Saxonish rude language as Walwine signifieth Gallus Amicus Leoflwyn Charus Amicus and Aldwyne Vetus Amicus Now approcheth Augusellus of whom we haue aboue spoken a fewe wordes Who was in so feruent fauour with Arthure that hee was deseruingly made a beneficiall Gouernour ouer the Scottes This man â—endered like for like Being sent for amongst many other Princes to the end he might performe him selfe a companion with Arthure in his expedition towardes Fraunce so â—arre refused hee not his enioyned charge that with greate example of valiancie there manifested and retorning home on the Coast of Richborow with much more prowesse Mordred beinge ouercome in ciuil wars and there put to flight he falling amoÌ„gst the Hoastes with bloud lyfe endaungered valiantly behaued himselfe as y â— Authour of those bookes Schalechronica one Grayius as I suppose is none euil witnesse at al thereof And because touching the chusing out or election of those Princes vnto Arthure being obedient we haue formerly made promise it auaileth here to signifie that there were many notable elections not spoken of by him But that was most notable of all which appeared in Isca or Exceter otherwise in the Cittie of Caerlegion or Chester vpon Vske What time it was proclamed vnto wars against y e French But what haue the Muses to do with Mars vndoubtedly either little or nothing And yet if there were a iust familiaritie betweene them they shoulde rather wish well vnto Mars that for his sake they might deseruingly giue Arthure greate thankes who either restored or instituted a Learned Quier of Ecclesiasticall persons in the saide cittie of Caerlegion if Geoffrey of Munmouth Iohn Burgensis and Rossus Verouicensis declare the trueth This in meane time appeareth plaine by the historie of Anonimus the writer that Amphibalus Iulius Aarona martyres did worship Christ and also had learning in estimation in the saide cittie of Caerlegion or Chester vpon Vske From whome agayne credible it is that others receiued the same letters froÌ„ hand to hande There is also if we may beleeue credible reporte in the treasuries at Cambridge at this daye a Table of the priuiledge by Arthure sometime confirmed to the furderaÌ„ce of studeÌ„ts But as yet haue I not searched out the credite of this deede Iderus sometime a speciall fauourer of K. Arthures court comes nowe to the number of those Cheualyers This man beeing neare alyed in blood vnto Arthure performed many valyant examples of prowesse and continually did cleaue to his Princes side And at length by what hap I knowe not hee dying left a speciall welwishing vnto Arthure who also carefully accomplished his funerall at Aualonia I haue reade at Glastenburie a little booke of the antiquitie thereof gathered very dilligently by a certaine Moncke of that place In which booke he declareth many thinges of Arthures good will towardes this man departed and of y â— liberalitie or beneficiall goodnesse for y â— same his cosens sake bestowed vpon religious persons there inhabiting Of late there did hang a Table at a pillor within y â— Church of Glastenburie which accouÌ„ted Iderus amongst the Benefactors and restorers of the Church at Glastenburie Lancelot a man most famous requireth place euen amongest y â— most excellent Cheualyers to be giuen him Unto which desire I easilie graunt as one readie to speake this in his commendation that hee was a certaine vpright and faithfull friende of Arthures His valiancy appeared largely at y â— battle which was fought betweene Mordred the traytor and Arthure He liued in deede after the battle as I reade once or twice conueyed vnto Guenhera mourning at Arthures death the bodie from Ambersburie vnto Glastenburie But Gyraldus seemeth sincerely to attribute his buriall in one place or other at GlastÌ„bury as in his Speculo Ecclesiastico in his worke De Institutione Principis appeareth Although it rather seemeth to me in mine opinion y â— he tooke his firste tombe at Ambersburie Caradocus a name of noble prowesse martiall followed Arthure in his expedition towardes Fraunce And returning homewarde was slaine as it seemeth on the coast of Richborowe in the ciuill battle The Cronicles of the porte of Dorcester a worke sauouring of antiquitie makes mention of Caradocus The inhabitants of the Castle there euen at this day after a sorte renewe the memorie of Caradocus affirming that they haue in their Custodie I knowe not what Lyneamentes of his And not so contented they sette foorth Arthures Courte and Guenheras lodging Nowe ruffleth in the number and traine of Arthures noble warriours But I so y â— it be done without offence to them because I haue onely taken vpon me to name the most excellentest of them and to praise them haue purposed to ouerpasse the residue yet otherwise praise worthie and last of all to adioyne that Cadorus of Cornewale Hee was of the most noble progeny of the kinges of Brittaine and gouerned the people in the Mountayny soyles of Cornewale Undoubtedly he was a stoute defender of his princes dignitie and had perpetuall familiaritie with the Brittaines At length when hee dyed hee left after him a sonne named Constantine who after the Death of Arthure was made Ruler ouer Brittaine Hee to the ende they following
sooner should copy of eloquence faile me then magnificencie of lightsome testimony howsoeuer Be it sufficient then that we vse at this present the most famouse commendations though of fewe writers I pray you what is the cause that Trittemeus in in his breefe Crounicle maketh so excellent mention of Arthure Ddoubtlesse the cause is plaine enough For by reason he learned the same of others in plaine trouth therefore did he as thankfull commit it vnto posteritie which thing doubtlesse he would neuer haue done had he doubted of the veritie of the cause But now let Trittemius him selfe in presence speake Which Arthure excelling in great humanitie wisdome clemencie and manhood studied by all endeuour to shew him selfe beloued and reuerenced of all and to excell all because also he abounded in valiancie of minde with wonderfull liberalitie towardes all men and specially towardes Church men vnto whome for zeale to Godwardes he gaue very many benefittes yea and also rewardes He droue out of Brittaine both Saxons and Pictes He mightely subdued the Scottes Irishmen and Orcades vnto his kingdome Volateranus in his third booke of Geography honoureth the fame of Arthure diligently celebrateth his valiant actes Furthermore also Iacobus Philippus of Bergoma in his 9. booke of Cronicles aduanceth Arthures valiancie euen with most condigne commendations And neither doth Nauclerus in his history make any lesse relation of him These testimonies doubtlesse men both most learned most exercised in Antiquitie would neuer haue set downe if they had not first beene fully perswaded that Arthure in times past was aboundantly notable by all ornamentès of valiancie But such is the lewdnesse of many men and their disdainefull minde that they altogether being seduced with ignorance and that in deede very rude do not manifestly see at full but blindly neglect contemne and altogether reiect the truth Such Censors or Judges in auncient histories let them go a Godes name and let them enioy their foolishnesse at full I will not say their madnesse What if I should bring forth amâ—ngst the rest that notable testimony of Hector Boaetius a writer in our time touching y e immortall glory of Arthure Surely by this accompt nothing shal fall from his dignitie but very much shall be added therto for this cause that y â— Scots in old time I know not by what instinct of nature hated the Brittaines as y â— Prouerbe sayeth Odio Vatiniano Whereupon to be praysed of an aduersarie enemie and euen a deadly foe standeth in place of a rewarde for victory These are then his words King Arthure was no lesse famouse in glory for notable exploytes for maiestie then the Kinges of Brittaine which liued before his dayes whereupon the Brittaines during his raigne very much encreased in riches power Thus far saith Boaetiê° What iust occasion wish I here to be giuen me of Polidorus the Italian that eueÌ„ by some memorable testimony of his I might also aduaunce Arthures countinance make him looke aloft He handleth Arthures cause in deed but by the way he yet is so fainte harted luke warme so negligent y â— he makes me not onely to laugh but also to be angry as while he is contrary to truth and filled w t Italian bitternesse I know not whether he smile or be angry For he wresteth him selfe wretchedly in the aptnesse of the history which yet that he might frame after a sort he is compelled will hee nill he to come in fauâ—ur w t Geoffry of Monmouth whom before as it seemed vnto him he had in many words proceeding mightely rather of bitter stomacke then of good disgestion corrected also at his owne controlemeÌ„t Whom for y â— as an interpreter I haue once or twise only defeÌ„ded in a cause as no doubte most iust A danger in deed great might redâ—uÌ„d vpon my heade if I should passe beyond y e boundes of equity I will take heede therefore and trusting onely in y e verâ—tie of the cause I will continually beare the same aboute w t me for a bulwarcke sure defence Though Polidore hold his peace it is not needfull by and by for the whole worlde to be mute And although Italy in times past so esteemed of Arthure and yet still doth when bookes printed both of his prowesse victories as I haue learned are read in the Italian tongue yea in y â— Spanish and also in the French tongue whereupon also the English collection of Thomas Mailerius his trauaile is published abroade The aduersarie I know will say that many lyes haue crept into those bookes Wherefore this is nothing els but to Teach him which is fully taught As I contemne fables so I reuerence imbrace y e truth of the history neyther will I suffer this to be taken away from mee at any time but with losse of life Unthankfull persons I vtterly eschew and I betake me vnto those Rockes monumeÌ„ts the true witnesses of Arthures renoume and maiestie And in this behalfe Siluester Geraldus Meneuensis entertayneth me comming to him w t these wordes taken out of that worke of his called ItenerariuÌ„ He vnderstandes conclusiuely that Brecania or Brecknock rounde about is the Land so called as it were by reason of the lostis blastes from y e North winde From Zephirus or the Westerly winde it hath the mountaine places of Canter VehaÌ„ alias y e lesse Vehany froÌ„ Auster or the sontherly winde it hath hilles southwarde whereof the principall is called in the Brittaine language Cair Arture that is to say Arthures Castle by reason of the two toppes of the hilles ascendinge vpwardes shewinge them selues in maner of a Castle And because the Chaire of State is there erected in a high and harde place it is by a common name assigned vnto the high and mightie Arthure King of Brittaine These saith Siluester Giraldus Now must I take my iourney from the hilles of Brecania vnto Baldwine a Towne in olde time famouse which for foure hundreth yeares and more agone of Roger then gouernoure of Mountgomerie and Earle of Shrowsbury was called Mountgomerie Here amongest the ruinous olde Cotages of the walles is a place by common reporte knowne which the remnant of the citizens of later age do call Arthures gate Truly the people of Wales haue alwayes beene and as yet are with a certaine Gentlemanly feruent affection bent to set forth the praises of their Princes Through which title euen at this day shyneth forth the fame together also with the commendation not vulgar of Arthure sirnamed the greate who is also called in the Brittaine language Arthure Vaur Maur In the Brittish tongue signifieth great but the fond pronunciation of the welch tongue in the worde Copulatiue Maure turneth M. into V. Like as also in other wordes by reason of their proper tearming B. is oftentimes turned into V. CAP. XI The Antiquitie of Aualonia THe
the nobilitie thither resorting And to the ende now that so noble a deede of King Edwarde who neuer enough can bee commended may enioy eternall fame I will recyte al and singuler such testimonies hetherunto pertayning as were most faithfully taken out of the Arches of the Monastery of Glastenbury Authour of which things also was the same Monck of Glastenbury who had in him a most earnest care to extoll Arthure with due commendations and with a sounde faith to aduaunce vnto the posteritie these actes done by him The writer neyther wanted lightsome order nor wit in handling his matters But that age had neyther familierly Greeke nor Latine eloquence What manner thinges so euer these bee as he write them so will I recyte them in order yet pondering by the way that poynt in time conuenieÌ„t not with how greate elegancie but how worthie and howe true those thinges are which he maketh mention of Anno Domini 1276. King Edward the Sonne of Henry the thirde came with the Queene his wife vnto Glastenbury But vpon Tewsday next folowing the Kinge and all his Court was entertayned there at the Monasteries chardges On which day in the twylight time he caused to be opened Arthures Tombe where in two Coffines theire portractures and Armes being depainted thereon hee founde the bones of the saide Kinge of a wonderfull thicknesse and largenesse seperated The picture of the Queene in deede was made with a Crowne vpon her heade The Crowne of the Kinges picture was made lyinge downe with the abscision of his left eare and with the euident signes of that wounde whereof hee dyed Upon euery one of these was founde a manifest plaine inscription The day folowing namely being wednesday the Kinge shutting vp the Kinges bones and the Queene his wife the Queenes bones folded vppe in seuerall wrappers of precious preseruatiues and putting to their seales commaunded that the same Tombe should be with all speede placed before the hye Alter outwardly retayning still the heades of them both to be seene engrauen by reason of the zeale of the people inwardly setting therein such a like sentence Haec sunt ossa nobilissimi Regis Arthurij quae Anno Dominicae incarnationis 1278. Decimo calend Maij per. Dominum Edwardum Regem Angliae illustrem hic fuerunt sic collocata praesentibus Leonora serenissima eiusdeÌ„ Regis consorte filia Domini Edwardi Regis Hispaniae Magistro Gulielmo de Midleton tunc Noowiceâ—si electo Magistro Thoma de Becke Archidiacono Dorcetensi predicti Regis Thesaurario Domino Henrico de Lascey comite Lincolniae Domino Amadio comite Sabaudiae multis magnatibus Angliae Thus farre mentioneth the Mòncke of Glastenbury Go now William Paruus together with thy successour in place and stoutly deny thou that eyther Arthure liued not or was not victoriouse in times past Surely thou shalt neyther haue me partaker nor fauourer no nor yet one in loue with thine opinion nay rather errour at any time Undoubtedly it were a greate and greeuouse crime not onely worthie of stripes but also of all kinde of punishment if any man should derogate from her the glory due to his Cuntrie should enuy the fame of his Princes which haue most iustly deserued well of the common weale and should not finally stand vp with valiancy and famouse actes by all meanes to adorne and illustrate the same Truly I hope most friendly Readers it will fall out that the equitie of the cause being knowne and also y e truth I shall haue you my friendly healpeâ—s herein and that such is your good will humanitie and integritie you will also willingly render me thankes for my duety towards the commen weale In the meane time I trusting to this good fortune will doubtlesse endeuour all that I may so as hauing taken a fresh courage vnto me and that most confirmed I may bodly enterprise to â—uckle with hand to hand and by might and maine ouermatch the broode of backbyters which importunatly greeuously and enuiously murmure at and inueigh against the commendations of Arthure for so as it were to make an end of my worke haue I by all meanes determined with my selfe CHAP. XVij A confutation and ouerthrow of Slaunders rashly affirming that Arthure was not liuing HIstoriographers do contend and as yet the controuersie is before the iudge at what time Arthure florished And this contention hath so encreased and gathered force that doubts concerning vniuersall credite of the historie which declareth his exploits done as yet sticke to the feoble concepts of the Readers But this is so weake a slaunder that if needes not any diligent answere Valerius saith that he florished in the time of Zenon the Emperour But Hector Boetius reporteth in the time of Iustinian the Barbarians then inhabiting Italy Finally others write otherwise concerning the time I doe not much force vpon were it euen now Although yet from hence the time is easily gathered namely froÌ„ the raigne of Aurelius Ambrosius of whome also Paule the Deacon makes mention Perhaps some of the aduersaries will say Now comes it to passe that Paule remembreth not Arthure I answere Paule had other matters to busie himselfe with then doubtfully to make famous the Brittaines which were not as yet forsakeÌ„ of the Romans In y â— meane time he takes away nothing froÌ„ Arthures dignitie or historie because he is not named of him seeing by the way a good number of noble perosnages throughout the whole worlde are of the same Author passed ouer with silence Undoubtedly y â— seemeth to haue greate effect whereas Gildas the wryter of Brittaine wrytes nothing at all of Arthure There be which cyte the testimonie of Gildas both in his fauour and praise also But that Gildas in deede is a fabler and layde foorth as an open praie vnto filly wormes and Moathes at Oxenforde in the Lybrary Gildas his historie is published abroade of Polidorus vndoubtedlie a fragment of y â— old Gildas but it is lame out of order and maimed so farre forth as if he were now againe restored to life the father would scarce knowe his chylde It is euidently knowne that he wrote bookes which by him were entituled Cambriedos found out eight handreth yeres and more agone in the Islandes of Ireland and caried ouer in to Italy Admitte the Historie of Gildas bee true How coulde he as an eye witnesse declare any thing truely of Arthure when he him selfe saith y â— he was borne in the yeere when the battle was fought at Bathe where Arthures victorie and that in deede most famous fell vnto him as Nennius witnesseth The enemy gathereth Gildas makes no mention at all of Arthure Ergo he was neuer liuing Undoubtedly a subtile gathering such a one as this is Gildas remembreth not Aruiragus Lucius or Constantine the greate and therefore they were not liuing O strange force of Logicke And yet being hartened with this so weake argument as it