R. Baker p. 73. Sir VVilliâ—m Hâ—wkesford Knight one of the Chief Justices under Edward the fourth who dwelt at Annory in Devonshire a man of great Possessions fell into such a degree of Melancholy that one day he called unto him his keeper charging him with negligence in suffering his Deer to be stollen and thereupon commanded him that if he met any man in his Circuit at night that would not stand or speak he should not spare to kill him whosoever he were The Knight having thus laid his foundation and meaning to end his doleful daies in a certain dark night conveighed himself secretly out of his own house and walked alone in his Park The Keeper in his night walk hearing one stirring and coming towards him asked who was there but no ansâ—er made he willed him to stand wâ—ich when he would not doe the Keeper shot and killed him and coming to see who it was found it to be his Master Id. p. 300. IMMANUEL Historical Collections Century XIV HEnry Earl of Essex having let fall and lost the Kings Standard was shorn a Monk and put into the Abbey of Reding and his lands seised to the Kings use Sir Rich. Baker p. 76. When King Henry the second of England and Lewes of France met between Tarwin and Arras there suddainly happened a Thunderbolt to ligâ—t between them which made them break off their Conference and at another Meeting the like accident again happened Id. Ibid. Certain Fellows having cut off Arch-bishop Beckets Horses Tails after that fact all their Children were born with Tails like Horses and tâ—is continued long in their posterity Id. p. 82. In the raign of Henry the second there came into England thirty Germans Men and Women who called themselves Publicans who denied Matrimony the Sacraments and other Articles who being obstinate the King commanded to be marked with a hot Iron and whipped which they took patiently the Captain called Gerard singing Blessed are ye when men hate you when they had been whipt they were thrust out of doors in Winter where they died with cold and Hunger no man daring to relieve them Sir R. Baker When Richard the first had made Hugh Pudsey Bishop of Durham and for a great sum sold him the Earldom he said merrily amongst his Nobles Do not ye think me a cunning man that of an old Bishop can make a young Earl Id. p. 90. When King John in a pursuit of love to a daughter of Robert Fitz-water called Maud the fair had received a repuâ—se she not consenting to the Kings lust he is said to send a Messenger to give her poyson in a poched Egg whereof she died Id. p. 101. When Jeffry Fitz Peter Justitiar of England died who while he lived kept King John in some awe the King hearing of it sware that he was now at length King of England and with great rejoycing said Now when this man comes to Hell let him salute the Archbishop Hubert whom certainly he shall find there Idem p. 103. King John hanged up twenty and eight Welsh pledges for the falseness of their Friends Id. p. 103. A Jew refusing to lend King John Money the King caused every day one of his great teeth to be plucked out by the space of seven dayes and then he was content to give the King ten thousand Marks of Silver that the one tooth which he had left might not be pulled out p. 106. King John by the Monks Historians is represented as an Atheist for saying that after he was reconciled to God and the Pope never any thing prospered with him And that having kill'd a fat Buck should say See how this Deer prospered yet never heard Mass and that sending for aid to the King of Morocco he promised to turn Mahometan Sir Ri. Baker p. 109. In King Johns time there fell Hail-Stones as big as Goose Eggs. 109. One Simon Tharvey a great Scholar for his pride in learning became at last so utterly ignorant that he hardly could read a letter in the Book Id. p. 110. Matthew Paris relates that in the time of King John a Maid in â—eicestershire being exactly watched was found in seven years not to eat or drink but only that on Sundays she received the Communion and yet continued full and in good liking Id. p 131. Simon Montford gave King Henry the third the Lye to his face and that in the presence of all the Lords of whom the King stood in fear for passing on the Thames and suddainly taken with a terrible storm he put on shore on the next stairs wâ—ich happened to be at Durham house where Montford then lay who coming down to the King told him he need not fear the danger was past No said the King I fear not the thunder so much as I do thee Id. p. 133 Edward the first being Prince and playing when young with a friend at Chess in the midst of his game without any apparent occasion he removed himself from the place where he sate when suddainly there fell from the roof of the House a great Stone which if he had stayed in his place but never so little had beaten out his brains 138. Edward the first calling a Parliament at Salisbury admitted no Church-men in it and Edward the third at another called but four Bishops and five Abbots Id. 133. 185. John Earl of Warren being called on to shew by what Title he held his Land drew out an old rusty Sword and then said He held his Land by that and by that would hold it to his death Id. 146. King Edward the first prohibited Sea-coal to be burned in London and the Suburbs for avoiding the noysome Smoak Sir Rich. Baker p. 147. In a Synod in Edward the firsts daâ—s it was enacted that no Ecclesiastical person should have more than one benefice with cure of Souls Ibid. In the sixteenth year of Edward the first it chanced at Gascoin that as the King and Queen sate in their â—hamber upon a Bed talking together a Thunder-bolt coming in at a Window behinde them passed betwixt them and slew two of their Gentlemen that stood before them p. 148. In the eigth year of Edward the second a Parliament ordained by reason of a dearth that an Ox fatted with grass should be sold for fifteen shillings fatted with Corn for twenty The best Cow for twelve shilings A fat Hog of two years old for three shillings and four pence A fat sheep shorn one shillings and two pence unshorn one shilling and eight pence A fat Goose two pence half-peny A fat Capon two pence a fat Hen one penny But after this law provisions grew so scarce men not willing to sell that the law was quickly reversed Id. p. 160. When â—dward the third and Philip de Valoys their Armies stood encampt one against another a Hare starting out before the head of the French Army caused a great shoot to be made whereupon they who saw not the Hare but only heard the shoot
supposing it to be the onset to the battel disposed themselves to fight and fourteen Gentlemen for enconragement sake were Knighted called afterwards Knights of the Hare The Armies withdrew and never struck stroak Id. p. 171. When Edward the third had â—aken and sunk two hundred Sail of French ships the French men leaping into the Sea the French Courtiers being not willing to be Messengers of such bad news set on the Kings Jester to give notice of the overthrow Which he did thus Oftentimes he repeated in the Kings hearing Cowardly Englismen dastardly Englishmen faint-hearted Englishmen The King at last asking the reason the Fool replied Because they durst not leap out of their ships into the Seas as our brave French-men diâ— by which the King first understood of the overthrow Sir Rich. Baker p. 172. Joan second daughter to King Edward the third was married by Proxy to Alphonsus King of Castile and Leon but passing into Spain died by the way and King Alphonsus met her instead of celebrating her Espousals to solemnize her Funeral Ibid. In the Family of the Hastings Earls of Pembroke it is memorable that for many generations together no Son ever saw the Father The Father being always dead before the Son was born Id. p. 210. In the dayes of Richard the second an Image of VVax made by Negromancy spake certain words viz. The head shall be cut off lift up aloft The Feet shall be lift above the head Id. p. 222. Henry the fifth being Prince coming to rescue one of his Servants that was endited was resisted by the Lord Chief Justice whom he struck in the face For which the Lord Chief Justice committed him to the Fleet. The Prince suffered himself to be led to Prison The â—ing his Father hearing of it was exceedingly pleased that he had a Judge of such courage and a Son of such submission p 234. When King Hâ—nry the fifth Crowned his Queen the Coronation Feast was all of Fish because in Lent p. 251. William aâ— Seven Oak in Kent was taken up an Infant of unknown Parents but by Charitable people was Baptized and brought up and bound Apprentice in London and came at last to be Mayor of the City 255. In the time of Henry the fifth seven Dolphins came up the River Thames whereof four were taken Ibid. The Earl of Salisbury Montacute was so terrible in France that his very Name frighted an Army of forty thousand from the Siege of a Town The Souldiers issuing out and crying St. George of Salisbury Id. 286. In the Raign of Henry the sixth in his eighteenth year all the Lions in the Tower died In the twenty second year a deep River near Bedford stood still and for three miles was dry In his thirty sixth year it rained Bloud Sir Rich. Baker p 286. At a Sergeants Feast kept in the Raign of King Edward the fourth the Lord Treasurer was placed above the Lord Mayor The Lord Mayor presently departed with the Aldermen and the rest without tasting the Feast Id. 253. Edward the fourth sent a score of Cottswold Ews and five Rams as a Present to the King of Arragon which have there so encreased that it hath proved a great detriment to England Id. 256. Within the space of half a year one Parliament Proclaims King Edward the fourth an Vsurper and King Henry the sixth a lawful King And another Parliament Proclaims King Edward a lawful King and King Henry an Vsurper So uncertain and unstable are all humane affairs Id. p. 304. About the year one thousand three hundred eighty two the Pikes of Boots and Shooes were of such length than they were fain to be tyed up to their knees insomuch that Laws were made to restrain them that they should not be made above two inches Baker p. 310. King Henry the seventh being before by law attainted when he was Crowned King it was resolved by all the Judges that the possession of the Crown takes away all other defects p. 341. The Earl of Oxford entertained King Henry the seventh at his Castle at Heningham and at the Kings going away the Earls Servants stood in â—heir Livery â—oats and Cognisancies ranged on both sides to make the King a Lane whereupon the King called the Earl to him and said My Lord I have heard much of your Hospitality but I see it 's greater than it 's spoken these hansome Gentlemen and Yeomen that I see on both sides of me are sure your Menial Servants at which the Earl smiled and said It may please your Grace that were not for mine ease They are most of them my retainers and are come to do me Service at such a tiâ—e as this and chiâ—fly to see your Grace Whereat the King stâ—rtled a little and said By my faith my Lord I thank you for my good chear but I may not endure to have my Laws broken in my sight my Atturney must speak with you about this And it 's part of the report that it cost the Earl for his composition fifteen thousand Marks Sir R. Baker p. 356. Pope Alexander the sixth died of poyson by this accident In the two and twentieth year of Henry the seventh he went to supper in a Vineyard near the Vatican when his Son Valentinus meaning to poyson Adriâ—n Cardinal of Cornelle sent thither certain Flagons of Wine infected with poyson and delivering them to a Servant that knew nothing of the matter commanded him that none should touch them but by his appointment It happening the Pope coming in before supper and being dry called for drink his own provision being not yet come the Servant that â—ad the poysoned Wine brought it to the Pope and while he was drinking his Son Valentinus came in and drank of the same whereby they were both poysoned The Father died the Son outlived it though with long languishing Sir R. Baker p 356. In the twelfth year of Henry the seventh at the Town of St. Nâ—eds in Bedsordshire on Bartholomew day there fell Hail-stones that were measured eighteen inches about p. 360. King James the fourth of Scotland intending to War against England as he sate in his Chair an old man of a Venerable aspect and clad in a Blew Garment came to him and leaning on the Chair where the King sate said I am sent unto thee to give thee warning not to proceed in this War thou art about for if thou dost it will be thy ruine Which said he pressed through the Company vanished out of sight and could not be heard of more But the King would not be diverted and was in the year one thousand five hundred and thirteen slain at Hodderfield p. 372. Cardinal VVoolsey had a thousand people in his houshold whereof some were Lords and Knigâ—ts Baker p. 402. In the year twenty fifth of Henry the eighth one Pavier Town-Clark of Londâ—n hanged himsâ—lf Of whom Hollingshed reporteth that he had sworn a great Oath that if he thought tâ—e King would set forth the Scriptures
p. 15. Sir Fancis Drake in two years and ten months went round the world Speeds Maps p. 15. Henry Holland Duke of Excester and who had â—arried King Edward the fourth his Sister was seen to beg his bread in France Main Amber near Pensans in Cornwall is a rock which mounted on others of meaner size hath so equal a poyse that a man may move it with a push of his finger but no strength remove it Id. p. 21. At Dunster in Somersetshire a great Lady obtained of her husband so much pasture ground in common by the townes side for the good and benefit of the Inhabitants as she was able in a whole day to go about bare-footed Id. p. 23. At Calne in Wilâ—shire in the year nine hundred seventy seven a Synod was held by Dunstan against married Priests in an upper room The floor fell down only Dunstans chair stood whereupon the married â—riâ—sts lost the day though it was done by device Id. p. 25. In Salisbury Cathedral there are as many Windows as days cast marble pillars as houres and Gates as months in the year Ibid. Edward the third King of England was born in Windsor Castle and after had at the same time John King of France and David King of Scots Prisoners in it In the Chappel of which Castle lyes interred Henry the sixth and Edward the fourth Kings of England whom living the whole land could not contain At Finchamsteed in Bark-shire in the year one thousand one hundred a Well boyled up with streames of blood and fifteen dayes together continued that spring whose waters made red all other where they came to the great amazement of beholders Speeds Maps p. 27. In the year one thousand five hundred eighty one an Army of Mice so over-run the Marshes in Dengry Hundred in Essex near unto South-Minster that they shore the grass to the very roots and so tainted the same with their venemous teeth that a great Murrain fell on the cattel that grazed on it In Colchester Lucius H lena and Constantine the first Christian King Empress and Emperor in the World was born Id. p. 31. A Fish in all parts like a man was taken near Oxford in Suffolk and for six months was kept in the Castle whence afterwards he escaped and got again into the Sea Id. p. 33. Betwixt Oxford and Aldebrough in the County of Suffolk in the year one thousand five hundred fifty and five in a time of great dearth a Crop of pease grew in the rocks without tillage or sowing so that in August there had been a hundred quarters gathered and so many more left blossoming where never grass before grew or Earth was seen on the hard solid rock Id. p. 33. Between January and July in the year one thousand three hundred forty eight there died in Norwich of the plague fifty seven thousand five hundred and four p. 35. Breakespear an English-man born at Langley in Hâ—rtfordshire known by the name of Pope Hadrian the fourth whose stirrop was held by Frederick the Emperor was killed by a Fly that flew into his mouth p. 39. Before the Civil Wars between Lancaster and York in the year one thousand three hundred ninety and nine the River Owse near Harwood in Bedfordshire stood suddenly still and went not forward so that men passed three miles together on foot in t e depth of the Channel and backward the Vâ—ater swelled to a great height Speeds Map p. 41. King Offa's Leaden Tomb in t e River Owse like some fantastical thing appeareth to them that seek it not but to them that seek it it remaineth invisible Id p. 49. At Askridge in Buchingamshire was grâ—at resort to the blood supposed to floâ— out of Christs side brought out of Germany by Henry the Eldest â—on of Richard Kiâ—g of the Romanes which was afterwards discovered to be clarified Honey coloured with Saffron Id. p. 43. The Lands of Condemned Persons in some parts of Glocestershire fall to the King only for a year and a day and then revert to the right Heirs Id. p 47. In Herefordshire near Richards Castle there is a Well called Bonewell wherein aâ—e continually found little Fishes Bones but not a Finne seen and being wholly cleansed will notwithstanding have again the like whether naturally produced or in Veines thither brought none knowes Id. p 49. Marcley-Hill in Herefordshire in the â—ear one thousand five hundred seventy one moved it self in thre dayes four hundred Yards without any stay overturned Kingston Chappel and turned two wâ—ves near a hundred paces from their usual Paths p. 49. In the year one thousand four hundred sixty one on the day of the urification of the â—irgin there was a great Battel fought by James â—utâ—er Earl of Ormond against Edward Earl of March betwixt Ludlow and little Hereford before which Bâ—ttel on the same daâ— appeared in the Firmament three Suns which after a while united into one Sp. M. p. 49. Tâ—e Citizens of Coventry having offended their first Lord had their Priviledges infringed and themselves oppressed with many heavy tributes Whose Wife the Lady Godiva pittying their Estatâ— incessantly sued to her Husband for their peace which he granted on this condition that she would ride naked through the Streets of the City at Noon day which she accordingly performed letting down her Hair which covered her Body p. 53. At Newingham Regis in Warwickshire there is a Soveraign Spring against the Stone green Wounds Vlcers and Impostumes The VVater of which if drunk i th Salt looseneâ—h if with Sugar bindeth and turneth sticks that fall into it into stone Sp. M. p. 53. If any Nobleman come into the Mannour of Okam in Rutlandshire he forfeiteth one Shoe of the Horse he rideth as an Homage to the Lord Harrington Lord of it Sp. M. 59. King Henry the second at the siege of Bridge-North had been slain with an Arrow aimed at him had not Sir Hubert Sinclere received it by stepping betwixt the shaft and his Soveraign and so lost his own Life to save his Lords Sp. M. p. 71. At Pitchford in Shropshire in a private mans Yard there is a VVell whereon floateth a thick Scum of Liquid Bitumen which being clear off to day will gather the like to Morrow a lively emblem of our in-being corruption Sp. M. p. 71. King Edgar being in Chester nad the Homage of eight other Kings who rowed his Barge from St. Johns to his Palace himself holding the Helme as their Supreme p. 73. Certain Trees are reported to float in Bagmeere in Cheshire only against the death of the Heir of the Breertons and after to sink and disappear till the next like Occasion At Steingrave a little Village in Yorkshire some seventy years since was caught a Fish called a Sea-man that for certain days fed on raw Fishes but espying his opportunity escaped again into his Watry Element p. 81. There are certain Fields near Whitby in Yorkshire over which Geese flying fall down Speeds Maps p. 81.
Robe too little for the King and therefore sent in kindness to the Duke to wear grew weary of his life as disdaining to be mocked with his Brothers cast cloths and cursing the time of his unfortunate Nativity refused thenceforth to take any sustenance and so pined himself to death Sp. p. 445. 447. 452. It is reported of Henry Beauclerk that detaining the Kingdom from his brother Robert against his conscience that he stood more in fear of men whose favours he cunningly laboured to keep than of God whom he meant to please as he thought in building an Abbey for his satisfaction p. 447. Robert de Beliasme delighted in cruelty an example whereof he shewed on his own Son who being but a child and playing with him the Father for a pastime put his Thumbs in his childs Eyes and put out the balls thereof Id. p. 448. Guimundus the Kings Chaplain grieving that the Beauclerk bestowed his preferment on unworthy persons being on Rogation day to read that lesson of St. James It rained not on the earth III years and VI months it he purposely read it rained not one one one year and five one months All men laughing and wondring the King chid him and asked the reason Marry quoth he I see you bestow your preferment only on such as can read so which the King considering preferred him and was after more careful in his other Choices Speeds Hist 448. Prince William Son to the Beauclerk Richard his base Brother his Sister the Countess of Perch with many others to the number of one hundred and sixty persons perisht by ship-wrack coming from Normandy Of whom a writer speaks that God suffered not those unnatural wantons being Sodomiticâ labe fere omnes infecti to have Christian burial but were swallowed up by the Seas when her waves were most calm the Mariners in their drink striving to out-sail the Kings Ship dasht against a rock Id. p. 449. Beauclerk and the Pope at Gisory had an enterview where two youths of the Kings company Sons of the Earl of Mellent gravelled the Cardinals in disputing who had nothing to say but that there was more learning in the VVestern parts than they had thought Id. p. 449. Henry Beauclerk died at St. Dennis and was thence conveighed to Roan where he was emboweled salted and wrapped up in a Bulls hide to avoide the stench which was so intolerable that the Physitian who took out his brains was poisoned therewith and presently died whereupon it was observed that other Kings killed men in their lives but this when he was dead p. 452. Henry Fits Empress razed and cast down one thousand one hundred and fifteen Castles raised in the time of King Stephen 452. Maud the Empress to escape her enemies hands was laid in a Coffin as dead bound fast with Cords and so carried in a Horse-litter from the Devizes to Glocester and after being close girt in Oxford by King Stephen she clothed her self and her followers all in White and so in the Snow deceived the Sentinels and got safe to Wallingford Speeds Hist p. 461. King Lewes of France cast the Popes Bull whereby he required the Fruits of Vacancies of all Cathedral Churches in France into the fire saying That he had rather the Popes Bull should rost in the fire than his own soul fry in Hell p. 463. Eustace the Son of King Stephen having plundered the Monkes of Bury of their Corn and provision being set at Dinner the first bit he put into his mouth drove him into a Frenzy whereof he shortly after died p. 465. Henry the second besieging Bridgenorth had been slain with an arrow had not Hubert St. Clare cast himself between death and the King taking the arrow in his own bosome to preserve his Soveraign As Sejanus bare the ruins of a banqueting house with the peril of his life from the Emperor Tiberius p. 466. Henry de Essex Standard-bearer to Henry the second abandoning the Royal standard was challenged for it by Robert de Montford and in single battel at Reding vanquished was thereon shorn a Monk and shortly after died Id. p. 465. King Henry the second and Queen Elianor being Crowned at Worcester laid their Diadems on the high Altar as Godfry of Bulloigne would not wear a Crown of Gold at Hierusalem where Christ wore a Crown of Thorns 466. Henry the Second crowning in his life-time his Eldest Son and at the feast carrying the first dish The Arch-bishop of York saying in pleasaunce to the young King Rejoyce my fair Son for there is no Prince in the world hath such a Servitor attending on his Table as you The unnatural young man answered why wonder you at this My Father knows that he doth nothing that misbecomes him that his Father was royal born but of one side but our self are Royal born both by one side and other p. 470. Henry the second for the death of Becket submitted voluntarily to this Pennance he went three miles bare-foot so that much blood issued from his feet and received by way of discipline 80 lashes at the hands of Bishops and Monks on his bare flesh Speeds Hist p. 476. Henry the Son of Henry the second who had often rebelled against his Father when on his death-bed the Father fearing danger to himself would not come to see him but sent his ring in token of reconciliation he keeping the ring with many tears and confessing his fault at the approach of his death would needs be drawn out of his bed and laid upon another strewed with Ashes where he departed in a most penitent manner p. 478. When Hierusalem was first recovered by the Christians and when it was after fourscore years lost from the Christians a Frederick was Emperor and Vrban was Pope and Heraclius was Patriarch p. 479. When Henry the Second by the opposition of his Son Richard was fain to abandon Ments in Main he uttered these words against his Son That since he had taken from him that day the thing that he most loved in the world he would requite him for after that day he would deprive him of that thing in him which should best please a child viz. his heart and finding his Son John in the Catalogue of the Conspirators against him he bitterly cursed the hour of his birth laying Gods curse and his own upon his Sons which he would never recal for any perswasions of the Bishops and others p. 479. Henry the second being dead all his attendants fell to spoiling and left him naked of whom one saith Surely these Flies sought Honey these Wolves a Carcass They followed not the man but the spoil And when King Richard met his Fathers Corps the Corps fell fresh a bleeding p. 480. Hugh Bishop of Lincoln Visiting the Nunnery of Godstow finding a fair Herse-cloth over Rosamunds Tomb thought the Herse of a Harlot no fit spectacle for a Quire of Virgins to contemplate and therefore he caused her bones to be cast out of the Church
as unworthy for her unchast life to have Christian burial But the chast Virgins gathered them up put them into a perfumed bag and buried them laying a fair grave-stone upon them inscribed with these verses Hic jacet in Tumba Rosa mundi non Rosa munda Non redolet sed olet quae redolere solet Qui meat hâc oret signumque salutis adoret Vtque tibi detur requies Rosamunda precetur Speeds Hist p. 480. Morgan natural Son to Henry the second born of the body of the Lady Blewet being elected Bishop of Durham and going for Consecration and a dispensation because of his Bastardy the Pope advised him to own himself Blewets Son but he answered That he would not renounce his Roâ—al blood for any promotion p. 480. Maud the Empress was the daughter wife and mother of Kings all named Henry which is expressed in this distich made of her Ortu magna Viro major sed maxima prole Hic jacet Henrici filia sponsa nurus Speeds Hist 481. Richard the first though himself had rebelled against his Father yet coming to the Crown cashiered all those that had forsaken and retained those who had stood faithful to his Father though against himself and made use of them in all his affairs p. 485. Rhese ap Griffith Prince of Wales coming as far as Oxford to Visit King Richard because the King came not forth to meet him returned back into his own Country without once saluting of him Ibid. When the Emperor gave three thousand Marks a part of King Richards ransome to make Silver Censers through all the Cestertian Order they refused the gift as part of an accursed spoil p. 489. Pope Celestin Crowning Henry the Emperor held the Crown between his feet which the Emperor stooping low he put upon his head and presently with his foot struck it off and dasht it to the ground but the Cardinals catching of it up put it again on the Emperors head Sp. H. p. 485. Henry de Pumeroy having fortified St. Michael's Mount in Cornwall against King Richard in behalf of Earl John hearing of the Kings return out of Captivity died of fear Id. p. 489. Richard the first sitting at Dinner at Westminster receiving advertisement of the siege laid to Vernveil by Philip of France sware that he would not turn his face till he had gotten thither with his Army whereupon he caused the wall to be bored through and never rested till he had removed the siege Id. p. 489. The Pope writing to King Richard to release the Bishop of Beauvoys whom he kept Prisoner calling him his Son The King sent the Habergica and Curace of the Bishop to the Pope with this question See if this be thy Sons Coat The Pope replied that he was no Son of his nor of the Church but the Son of Mars and should be ransomed at the Kings pleasure p. 499. King Richard the first out of Covetousness of Treasure of which he was profered a great part but would have all went to assault a Castle where he received his deaths wound Speeds Hist p. 491. Whilst King Richard warred in France one Fulco a French Priest came to him and told him he had three very bad daughters which he wished him to bestow in Marriage or else Gods wrath would attend him When the King denied he had any daughters Yes quoth the Priest thou cherishest three daughters Pride Covetousness and Lechery The King replied My Pride I bequeath to the haughty Templars and Hospitallers my Covetousness to the white Monks of the Cesteaux Order and my Lechery to the Priests and Prelates for therein they take their greatest Felicity Id. p. 492. A Monk at Swinstead Abbey presenting King John with an Invenomed Cup whereof the King commanded him to be his taster became the diabolical instrument of his own and his Soveraigns destruction Id. p. 516. William Marshal Earl of Pembrook famous for his atchievements in Ireland had this Epitaph made on him Sum qui Saturnum sibi sensit Hibernia Solem Anglia Mercurium Normannia Gallia Martem William Longspee Earl of Salisbury upon point of death would not receive the Sacrament in his bed but on his bare knees on the ground which he bedewed with his tears The like devotion is reported of King Henry the eighth On VVilliam Longspee was made this Epitaph Flos comitum Wilielmus obit Stirps regia longus Ensis Vaginam coepit habere brevem Speeds Hist p. 524. Henry the third the same day he set sail from England did himself in person visit the poor and feeble and dealt large Almes not refusing to kiss the sick and leprous p. 527. Four Parelions together with the Sun in the year one thousand two hundred thirty and three in the moneth of April appeared from Morning till night about the parts of Hereford and VVorcestershire 529. Hubert de Burgo Earl of Kent vvas articled against to King Henry the third that he had stoln out of the Kings Jewel-house a pretious stone of wonderful value whose vertue was to make him that wore it invincible in battel and that he gave that stone to Liolin Prince of Wales the Kings Enemy Speed p. 528. Liolin Prince of Wales being threatned that if he lived not quiet King Henry the third would soon abate him answered I more fear the Almsdeeds the King gives than all the men of War he hath and the whole Clergy put together p. 530. In a great famine in the raign of Henry the third certain poor of Albaldestea in Cambridgshire while as yet the corn was green pluckt the ears in the common field to sustain their lives whereat the owners call on the Priest to curse all such but one in the Company adjured the Priest in the name of God to exempt his Corn in the sentence saying That it pleased him well that the poor driven with famine had taken his Corn and so commended that which they had left to God The Priest compelled by the importunity of the rest was entred into the sentence when by a terrible interrupting tempest of thunder lightning wind hail and rain all the Corn-fields about were desolated as if they had been trodden down with Horse and Cart and no kind of beast or fowl would feed upon the Corn thus layed but that honest and compassionate hearted man found all his Corn and ground though intermixed vvith theirs altogether untoucht and unharmed p. 532. In the year one thousand tvvo hundred thirty five there vvere brought before King Henry the third seven Jews vvho circumcised a child and purposed in contempt of Christ and Christianity to have crucified him at Easter at Norwich Speeds History p. 532. At the Marriage of Richard Earl of Cornwall brother to Henry the third there were thirty thousand Messes provided in the Cookery only and of all other things incredible plenty and yet the next day there was no sign of it p. 537. Ingetram or Coucy a great Lord in France whose daughter Alexander King
of Scots had Married was by the stumbling of his Horse in a ford cast out of his Saddle and pitcht into the depth of a River while his foot hung fast in the stirrup his Sword at the same time falling out of his sheath and running of him through did most strangely end his life by a triple death 537. The Pope desiring to come into England was denyed by Henry the third it being said That the Pope was like a Mouse in a Sachel or a Snake in ones bosome who did but ill repay their Hostes for their entertainment Id. p. 538. Five Brethren of the Marshals successively Earls of Pembroke died issueless which Matthew Paris attributeth to the Judgment of God upon them for their Fathers iniquity who detained from the Bishop of Firning certain Manours violently taken from him 539. The Popes extortions in England in the days of Hen. the third were exceeding great and heavy Insomuch that a Cardinal truly told the Pope that England was to the Pope as Balaams Ass which being so often wrung spur-galled and cudgelled it was no marvail that now at length she opened her mouth to complain And for themselves and the Roman Court they were like Ishmael every mans hand against them and theirs against every man Id. p. 539. Walter Clifford a Baron of the Marches of VVales made the Kings Officer to eat the Kings VVrit VVax and all Speeds Hist p. 540. The Pope having lain sometimes at Lions Cardinal Hugo at his going away made a Sermon of Farewel to the Citizens wherein amongst other benefits which the Pope's abode in that City had brought them he told them this was a principal That whereas at their coming thither there vvere three or four VVhore-houses in Lions now at their departing they left but one but indeed that reached from the East Gates of the City to the West p. 540. At the Marriage of Alexander the King of Scots to the Lady Margaret Daughter to King Henry the third there was given by the Archbishop of York and spent all at one meal six hundred Oxen. p. 541. When Grosted Bishop of Lincoln had written a sharp Letter to the Pope concerning the abuses of his Court The Pope in a rage swore by St. Peter and St. Paul that he could find in his heart to make that doting Prelate a mirrour of Confusion to all the World but some wiser Cardinals advised him to hush the matter for fear of stirring Coales especially since it was known that there would be a departure from the Church Id p. 543. Richard Earl of Cornwall being chosen Emperor at his accepting of it had this Expression Let me before I depart hence die and be burnt with the fire of Hell if I do accept the Empire for ambition or avarice but only to restore the Empire to a better estate which God grant and to govern them who have willingly chosen me for their Lord in a most just and honorable manner Id. p. 541. Richard Earl of Cornwall when elected King of the Romans is reported to possess so much ready coyn as would every day for ten years afford him an hundred Marks on the main stock Id. p. 545. Cedunt Togae Armis Henry the third intending to suppress his rebellious Barons made choice of Oxford as his place of Residence and banished thence all the Students to the number of fifteen thousand Speeds Hist 549. Simon Earl of Monfort a powerful Rebell took Prisoners King Henry the third Richard King of the Romans and both their Eldest Sons yielded to him by composition p. 549. A cup of Gold of ten pound weight cost hundred pound in King Henry the thirds days Edward the first while Prince warring in the holy land being wounded by a Saracen with an envenomed Knife the Lady Elianor his wife gave a rare example of conjugal affection and her immortal memory doth justly impart glory to the whole Sex For when no Medicines could extract the poyson she did it with her tongue licking daily while her husband slept his rankling wounds whereby they perfectly closed and yet herself received no harm p. 552. When Charles King of Sicily fell off from prosecuting of the holy war Prince Edward hearing of it solemnly sware that though all should forsake him yet he and his Lacquey would enter Ptolemais which he did though better attended p. 553. Edward the first being in his return from the holy land in the court of Charles King of Sicily and hearing first of the death of his Son and heir and after of his Father He much more sorrowed for his Fathers death than his Sons whereat King Charles greatly marvailing had of him this answer The loss of Sons is but light because they are multiplied every day but the death of Parents is irremediable because they are no more to be had Id. p. 554. At the coronation of King Edward the first for the more celebration of the great Feast and honor of so Martial a King there were five hundred great Horses let loose every one to take them for his own who could Speeds Hist p. 554. Upon a Marble Chair in Scone where the Kings of Scotland were used to be Crowned which Chair by King Edward the first was transported to Westminster was written this Distick Ni fallat fatum Scoti quocunque locatum Invâ—niant lapidem regnum teneatur ibidem Id. p. 558. In the year one thousand three hundred and one Cassan King of Tartars gloriously slew an hundred thousand Turks in a battel upon the Plain of Damascus and was baptized thereupon as acknowledging the Victorie to come from the Son of God p. 560. Robert Bruce intending to seize on the Crown of Scotland and being accused to King Edward the first denied it and had time and warning to escape For an Earl sent unto him Twelve Striveling pence and a sharp pair of Spurs presently upon his departure from the Kings presence which he wittily interpreted to be a symbol of flight according whereunto he escaped from London shooing his Horses backward that he might not be followed by the Prints in the Snow Id. p. 560. Robert Bruce after his seizing the Crown of Scotland was driven to that extremity by the English that he was sometimes naked and hungry without meat or drink save only water and roots of Herbs and his life perpetually in danger and yet trusting in God he never forsook himself but recovered his Kingdom p. 5â—2 Edward the first dying in his march yet commanded his Son to carry his bones through all Scotland as a terror to them and to send his Heart to the holy land with one hundred and forty Knights and their retainers because being hindred by his home Wars he could not fulfil his vow in going personally thither providing thirty two thousand pound of Silver which upon pain of eternal damnation he appointed should not be expended on any other use Speeds Hist p. 563. The Countess of Buquahan Sister to the Earl of Fife whose Office
be imployed to better purposes But the Clergy by moving the King to the Conquest of France waved the force of the bill so that it was laid asleep Id. p. 445. In the year one thousand four hundred and fifteen the twenty fifth of October being Fryday was fought the battel of Agincourt where the French had six times the number of the English and were so confident before hand that they had in their thoughts divided the spoil but received a most terrible overthrow through Gods assistance and the English Valour and the Policy of sharp stakes pitched in the ground before the Archers to break the force of the Horse-men Grafton Vol. 2. 454. When King Henry the fifth being in France heard that his Son afterwards Henry the sixth was born at Windsor not fancying the place he spake these prophetical words I Henry born at Monmouth shall small time raign and get much but Henry born at Windsor shall long raign and lose all But as God will so be it p. 490. Lewes Duke of Orleance was owner of the Castle of Coucy His Constable was the Lord of Cawny whose wife the Dukes Paramour had a child not certain which was the Father Whereon Cawny and his wife being dead a Controversy arose the next of Kin to Cawny claiming the Inheritance which was four thousand Crowns per annum This controversy depending in the Parliament of Paris the child then eight years old though instructed by his Mothers Friends both to save his Mothers credit and to enjoy so ample an Inheritance to own himself as Cawnies child yet being asked answered openly before the Judges My heart giveth me and my noble courage telleth me that I am the Son of the noble Duke of Orleance more glad I am to be his bastard with a mean living than to be the lawful Son of that Coward Cuckold Cawny with his four thousand Crowns Inheritance The next of Kin had the Estate and the young Duke of Orleance took him into his Family who after proved a most Valiant and fortunate Warrier against the English in the days of Henry the sixth and is commonly called the Bastard of Orleance p. 530. Henry Beauford Bastard Son of John of Gaunt and Bishop of Winchester was made Cardinal and by his Bulls Legantine gathered so much treasure that he was truly called the rich Cardinal but not the learned Bishop or vertuous Priest Grafton Vol. 2. p. 524. Margaret daughter to James the Fourth King of Scotland married to Lewes Dolphin of France was of so nasty a complexion and stinking breath that her husband after the first night loathed her company for grief of which she soon after died p. 575. When Francis Duke of Brittain was in treaty of Marriage with Isabel daughter of James the fourth King of Scots his counsel advised him against it because she had little Wit or Womanhood He answered being enamoured on her fair face that it was enough for a Woman to judge the difference between the Doublet and Shirt of her husband and to know him in the dark from another man p. 575. A man that counterfeitâ—d himself blind came to St. Albans and gave out that at that Martyrs shrine he had his sight restored to him Humphrey the good Duke of Glocester being there sent for him who reasoning with him asked him what colour his Gown was The blind man readily answered not only to that but to many other colours in the Room Away Fellow saith the Duke thou wast never born blind that canst presently distinguish betâ—een colours and commanded him to be set openly in the Stocks Grafton Vol. 2. p. 598. When Cardinal Beauford Bishop of Winchester lay dying he used these words Why should I die having so much riches If the whole realm would save my life I am able either by Policy to get it or riches to buy it Fie will not death be hired will Money do nothing I had hope to have worn a Triple Crown but I see the world faileth me and I am deceived I pray you all to pray for me Id. p. 599. When the stout Earl of VVarwick heard that his Bastard brother and some others were slain in the beginning of a Battel and some began to fly he came to King Edward the fourth and alighting off his Horse slew him with his Sword saying Let him fly that will for surely I will tarry with those that will tarry with me Grafton Vol. 2. p. 654. When Henry Earl of Richmond was presented being but ten years old to King Henry the sixth He observing his Towardliness said to those that were about him Lo surely this is he to whom both we and our Adversary leaving the possession of all things shall hereafter give room and place 692. Henry the sixth that good but unfortunate Prince was the same day that he rode triumphantly thorough London apparelled in a Gown of blue Velvet taken by Edward the fourth and committed to Prison p. 702. King Edward the fourth called before him an aged Widdow which was wealthy and pleasantly demanded of her what she would give him towards his great charges By my troth said she for thy lovely Countenance thou shalt even have twenty pounds The King looking scarcely for half the sum thanked her and lovingly kist her Whether the Flavor of his breath did so comfort her stomach or she esteemed the kisses of a King so pretious a Jewel she swore incontinently he should have twenty pounds more which she with the same Will paid that she offered it Id. p. 719. One Banister that had been Servant to the Duke of Buckingham betraied his Master the Duke to Richard the third whether for fear or covetousness uncertain but sure it is that shortly after his Son and heir waxed mad and died in a boar-sty His eldest daughter before of excellent beauty was stricken with a Leprosy His second Son miserably deformed and lame in his limbs His younger Son drowned in a puddle And he himself in his extream old age found gulty of a Murther and saved by his Clergy and never had one farthing of the thousand pounds King Richard promised King Richard saying That he that would be untrue to so good a Master would be false to all others p. 825. Tâ—e Lord Cordes a French Commander so sore longed to gain Calice from the English that he would commonly say that he would gladly lie seven years in Hell so that Calice were in the possession of the French p. 882. In the year one thousand four hundred twenty and seven the English Merchants that had been before restrained were received in the City of Antwerp with general procession so glad was the Town of their returning by whom they had much gain Grafton Vol. 2 p. 922. Some Frenchmen taken before Calice in the raign of King Henry the eighth of England were sold in open Market A Cooper of Calice bought one of Bulloigne and had of his Prisoner a hundred Crowns for his Ransome When the money was paid the
Frenchman praied the Cooper to see him safe delivered and to conduct him out of danger who hereupon all alone went with the Frenchman beyond the Causey and then would have departed but the Frenchman by force took the aged Cooper and carried him to Bulloigne and made him pay two hundred Crowns for his Ransome Id. p. 982. When Cardinal Campejus came into London Cardinal Wolsey sent him twelve Mules with Trunks stuffed with trash Two or three of these overturned in Cheapside and discovered the Cardinals Furniture to the great disgrace of the Cardinal and laughter of the Spectators p. 1026. When Cardinal wolsey was articled against amongst other this was one that having the French disease he came into King Henry the eighth his presence and breathed on him with his venomous breath Sir Thomas More Lord Chancellor of England was a merry and pleasant conceited Gentleman and that not only in his prosperous but adverse estate Insomuch that being sent Prisoner to the Tower one of the Officers demanding his upper garment as his Fee meaning his Gown He answered he should have it and took him his Cap saying it was his uppermost garment And going to his death at the Tower gate a poor woman called to him and besought him to declare that he had certain evidences of hers in the time he was in Offce and that he would intreat that she might have them or else she were undone He answered Good woman have patience a little while for the King is so good to me that within half an hour he will disburthen me of all businesses and help thee himself Also when he went up the Stairs of the Scaffold he desired one of the Sheriffs Officers to give him his hand to help him up and said When I come down again let me shift for my self as well as I can When the Executioner asked him forgiveness he said I forgive thee but I promise thee thou shalt never have credit in striking off my head my neck is so short And when he should lay down his head on the block he having a great gray beard stroaked it out and said to the Executioner I pray you let me lay my beard over the block lest you should cut it Grafton Vol 2. p. 1226. Ninus made an Image of his Father Belus to which he gave this Privilege that whoever being guilty bed to it should have no hurt which was the first occasion of Idolatry The Divel seeing the curiosity of people who from Ninus example did worship the Images of their dead Friends hid himself in those Images and gave answers to the people and said t ey were Gods and commanded reverence to be done to them Fructus Temporum part 1. Sibylla Delphica before the Wars of Troy prophesied that a Child should be born of a Virgin without mans Seed Idem part 1. When Ferren had killed his Brother Porren his own Mother in revenge kill'd him with her own hands Id. D. 4. Cambyses fley'd a Judge for bribery and made the Judges Son when he gave sentence to sit on a seat covered with his Fathers skin Id. part 3. E. 3. The Sea of Pamphiticum was divided for Alexander in his expedition against Darius as the red Sea was for the Israelites Id. part 3. E. 7. Regulus would not afford his Enemies peace but upon very hard Terms whereby being driven into despair they enforced themselves and worsted him Curandum imprimis ne magna injuria fiat Fortibus miseris Idem part 3. E. 8. The Romans in four hundred and forty years never had one years peace and rest but always War Id. Ibid. Scipio Nautica among other good Counsels he gave to the City of Rome these were two First that Carthage should not be destroied that thereby the Soldiers might be employed and the great ones kept from divisions and Factions The other was that the Theaters and shews should not be permitted in Rome to the corrupting of their youth Fructus Temp. part 3. F. 2. Three Suns appeared in heaven toward the East part of the World in the time of Julius Caesar the which by little and little were brought into one body betokening that Asia Africa and Europe should be united into one Monarchy Id. Ibid. At Christs birth a Well of Oyl sprang beyond Tiber by Rome and ran all day and a Golden Image fell down which when Romulus had put up in his place he said of it That it should not fall till a Maid bore a child Id. part 4. F. 7. When Herod had put to death many of his Children the Emperor hearing of it said He had rather be Herods Hog than his Child for he killed them and spared his Pigs Id. Ibid. In the time of Theodosius there was a child born in the Castle of Emons from the Navel and upwards two bodies and below one Which lived two years and then one died three days before the other Such another was born in Scotland and lived twenty seven years Fructus Temp. part 4. I. 3. About the year four hundred forty and nine a common woman bore seven children at a birth of the which one was afterwards made King of Lombardy Id part 5. N. 3. When the Emperor Justinian told Pope John the second that if he would not hold as he did that Christ had but one nature he should go into Banishment The Pope replied I desired to come unto Justinian a Christian Emperor but to me it seemeth I have found Dioclesian the persecutor of Christians but I dread not thy malice and fear not thy threatnings Then the Emperor humbled himself fell down to the ground and asked mercy and absolution Id. part 5. N. 5. Tiberius the second Emperor was exceeding charitable insomuch that his wife chid him for his liberality but be answered that he put his treasure in â—eaven and trusted in God he should never want He going by his palace in Constantinople saw in a marble pavement a Cross graven and thought it should not be trod upon and commanded the stone to be removed and found under it an inestimable treasure in Gold Fructus Temp. part 5. N. 5. Mahomet trained a Dove to pick meat out of his Ear which he gave out to be the Holy Ghost and taught a Camel to obey his beck which he bred up secretly and having writ his Alcoran in letters of Gold he tied it about her neck and let her at liberty into the Fields and when none else could come near her she suffered Mahomet to take the book and fell down on her knees and lickt his hand as formerly she had been taught Which the Vulgar took as a Miracle and so received the book believing it sent from heaven Id. part 5. N. 7. Pope Sergius his first name was Os Porci Swines snout of which being ashamed he changed it and ever since his Successors hâ—ve so done Id part 6. O. 6. The seven Electors of the Roman Emperors are Expressed in these ensuing verses Episcopi
of France having taken Cramyris his Eldest Son in battel who had rose in Rebellion against him as an example to all disobedient Children he enclosed him and his wife and Children in a House set it on fire and burned them in it Id. p. 91. Fredigund wife to King Chilperick resting on her bed her husband passing by with a little wand struck her upon the back the Queen not looking up and supposing the King gone a hunâ—ing said Landry why strikest thou me thus the King hearing these words made semblance as though he had not heard them but she perceiving it was the King for fear coâ—trived and procured his death the same day as he came from Hunting Id. p. 109. Brunchild the wife to Segebert the fourth Son of Lotharius the first King of France having been a great stickler in the French affairs and the death of no less than ten Princes was at last by the King and Peers of France condemned to be tied to a Wild Horse-tail by the hair of her head and so to be drawn till she was dead which accordingly was done Id. p. 131. Clodoveus Son of Dagobert King of France in a great dearth caused the Church of St. Dennis which his Father had covered with Plates of Silver to be covered with lead and the Silver given to the relief of the poor Id. p. 151. Aelfrid King of the VVest Saxons being naturally inclined to Incontinency praied that God would send him such a disease that might hinder his lust but not unfit him for the managing he affairs of his Kingdom And he accordingly had the disease called Ficus Fabian Hist 1. part p. 216. A noble man named Hebert having invited Charles the simple King of France to his Castle there treacherously murthered him Lewes the fifth his Son long time after attaining the Crown intends revenge Having convened his Nobles amongst which Hebert was one a Messenger brought him a letter which while he read and smiled his Nobles asked what that letter imported he told them that a Kinsman of his in England had acquainted him that a husbandman inviting his Lord to dinner treacherously slew him and desired to know of him what such a one deserved and since they were thus met he desired their opinion They all and Hebert amongst them adjudged him to a shameful death The King turning to Hebert told him Thou art the man who hast treacherously slain my Father and therefore I Judge thee out of thy own mouth and accordingly he was immediately executed Id. p. 237. King Edward Son of Edgar being slain by his step-mothers command and buried in VVimborn she intending to Visit him by way of Pilgrimage could not by any means make the Horse she rid on come nigh the place of his burial Fabian Hist 1. part p. 255. Robert Duke of Normandy being chosen King of Jerusalem hearing of the death of his Brother VVilliam Rufus King of England minding to succeed him refused Jerusalem but as Authors say for that refusal of providence never prospered after Id. 319. Philip the Eldest Son of Lewes Son of Philip King of France being a youth riding through the streets of Paris for his disport a Hog suddainly started up which frighted his Horse so that he threw him off with so great Violence that he died that night Id. p. 332. Emanuel Emperor of Constantinople when the VVestern Princes about the year one thousand one hundred and fifty went against the Saracens sold them Meal mingled with lime whereof many of the Christian Army perisht 341. King Henry the second returning out of Ireland when on VVhitsunday he was taking horse suddainly appeared unto him a Man of pale and wan colour barefoot in a white Kirtyl and said Sir King Christ greeteth thee well and commandeth thee strictly that no Market or servile work be holden upon the Sunday in the lands of thy Lordship out take what belongeth to the dressing of meat and if thou so dost all shall prosper with thee The King bad the Knight that held his Horse ask him whether he had dreamed this The man replied whether I have dreamed or no take thou heed of my saying that if thou mend not thy life thou shalt shortly hear such things as shall make thee sorry to thy lives end This spoken the man suddainly vanisht and the King not amending himself was unfortunate ever after Fabian Hist p. 349. Epitaphium H. 2. Regis Angli Sufficit hic tumulus cui non suffecerit Orbis Res brevis est ampla cui fuit ampla brevis Rex Henricus eram mihi plurima regna subegi Multiplicique modo Duxque Comesque fui Cui satis ad Votum non â—ssent omnia terrae Climata Terra modo sufficit octo pedum Qui legis haec pensa discrimina mortis in me Humanae speculum conditionis habe Quod potes instanter operare bonuÌ„ quia mundus Transit incautos mors inopina rapit Id. p. 356. Epitaphium Frederici Imper. Si probitas sensus Virtutis gratia census Nobilitas ortûs possent resistere morti Non foret extinctus Fredericus qui jacet intus Fabian Hist 2. Vol. p. 53. In the year of our Lord one thousand two hundred seventy two at Greenwich near London a Lamb was yeaned having two perfect bodies with all their members but one head Id p. 99. In the yeâ—r of our Lord one thousand two hundred eighty six a Woman in Switzerland was delivered of a Child that from the Navâ—l upwards had two compleat bodies and downward was but one and another woman bore a Child whose head and face was like a Man and all the rest of the body like a Lion Boniface the eighth minding to get the Popedom hired one of the Chamberlains to Coelestine the fifth who was a good and holy but simple man in the dead of the night to speak in a reed and say Coelestine if thou wilt be saved renounce this Pomp of the VVorld and serve me as thou didst before He having often heard the voyce took it for a Divine warning resigned the Popedom and would have retired into the VVilderness But Boniface fearing his restauration held him Prisoner and so used him that he shortly after died Id 158. The three wives of the three Sons of Philip the fair King of France which wives were Sisters Daughters to the Duke of Burgoigne were at one time accused of Spouse-breach the two eldest convict and the youngest was cleared the two wives put in Prison and the two paramours hanged The youngest vvas restored to her husband Charles after King of France but from him aftervvards divorced because her Mother vvas Godmother to her husband Fabian Vol. 2. p. 163. 189. In the third year of the raign of Philip the fifth of France the Provost of Paris having in his Prison a Picard a man of great riches vvhich vvas judged to be hanged The said Provost being hired thereunto vvith great Sums of Money took another Innocent Man and put
their money and other goods It was done so openly and so boldly as it was manifest some great men were at one end of the business The Italians after that time were not so eager upon English benefices Id. p. 111. Offa the Son of VVazmund a petty King of the Saxons who was founder of VVarwick was tall of stature and of a good constitution of body but blind till seven years old and then saw and dumb till thirty and then spake Sir Rich Baker Hist p. 8. In the Raign of King Ethelred the Danes invaded the Land under Hungar and Hubba the Nunnes of Coldingham to avoid the barbarous pullution of the Pagans deformed themselves by cutting off their upper Lips and Noses Sir Rich. Baker p. 12. King Athelstan imposed as a Tribute on the Prince of North-VVales to pay three hundred VVolves yearly which continued three years and in the fourth there was not one VVolf to be found Id. p. 16. King Aelfrid hunting found a Child in an Eaglâ—s Nest which he nâ—urished and advanced and called it Nesting Id. p. 17. In the Reign of Canutus a Law was made in the â—arliament at Oxford that upon the Sabbath day all publick Fairs Markets Synods Meetings and all secular actions should be forborn unless some urgent necessity should require Also that a Woman Convict of Adultery should have her Nose and Ears cut off Also that a Widdow marrying within a year after her Husbands decease should lose her Joynture p. 23. Canutus gave a Cross to VVinchester Church worth as much as the whole revenues of the Kingdom for a year Id. p. 23. Hochetidus which signifieth scorn and contempt is a day yearly kept in remembrance of Hardi-Canutus death being the last of the Danish Kings that Reigned in England Id p. 25. Edward the Confessor was the first that cured the Kings Evil by the touch p. 26. VVilliam the Conqueror landing first in England fell down and the day of battel his Armor was put on reversedly both things which a weak spirit would have interpreted as a bad Omen he did as a good as that by his falling he took possession and his Dukedom would be turned into a Kingdom p 32. The Saxon way of making Knights was this The party first at Evening confest himself to the Priest then he continued all night in the Church watching and applying himself to his private devotions the next morning he heard Mass and offered his Sword upon the Altar after the Gospel was read the Sword was Hallowed and with a benediction put about his neck lastly he communicated the mysteries of the blessed body of Christ and from that time he remained a perfect Knight p. 36. Stigand Arch-bishop of Canterbury would often swear he had not one Penny upon the earth when under the earth as after his death was found he had hidden great treasures Sir R. Baker p. 40. In the time of VVilliam the Conqueror Gawins body was found who was fourteen foot long and was King Arthurs Sisters Son Such a Mortality that tame Fowls for want of some to tend them turned wilde And a great Lord sitting at a feast was set upon by Mice and though he were removed from Land to Sea and from Sea to Land again yet at last was devoured by them Id. p. 42. VVilliam the Conqueror dying at Roan in Normandy his death was known the very same day at Rome which are a thousand Miles asunder Froissard relates this story There was in the time of Edward the third of England a Knight in France named Corasse who could tell any thing was done all the World over either the very dâ—y or within a day after which he did by the means of a familiar Spirit called Orthene who brought him continual intelligence for divers years together till he lost him upon this occasion He had hitherto only heard the Voice but now had a great mind to see the shape of his Intelligence The Spirit promised him that the next thing he saw when out of his Bed should be himself The Knight rising saw the first thing two straw tumbling one over the other but desiring his familiar that he might see him in such a shape that he might take more notice of him the next morning looking out of his VVindow he saw a most lean and deformed Sow which he setting his Dogs at the Sow vanished and his Spirit Orthone never came more Id. p. 44. King VVilliam Rufus trusted not to the prayers of Saints and therefore would make no intercession to St. Peter p. 51. In the Raign of VVilliam Rufus a Tempest blew down in London six hundred Houses and six beams from the Roofe of Bow-church in Cheapside were driven so deep into the ground that not above four foot remained in sight and yet stood in such rank and order as the Workmen had placed them upon the Church Also Earl Godwins Lands were swallowed with the Sea and now are called Godwin sands Id. p. 58. King Henâ—y the first forbad the wearing of long Hair in England then much used Baâ—ler p. 59. Thomas Arch-bishop of York falling desperately sick in the time of Henry the first his Physicians told him that nothing would do him good but to company with a VVoman To whom he answered that the Remedy was worse than the disease and so to keep his Virginity lost his life p. 60. In the time of Henry the first there was an Earth quaâ—e in Lombardy that continued forty dayes and removed a Town from the place where it stood a great way A Pig was farrowed with a face like a Child A Chicken hatched with four Legs The Sun so eclipsed that the Stars were seen Gerard Arch-bishop of York sleeping in his Garden after Dinner never awoke Id. p. â—2 Roger a poor Curate accidentally dispatching Mass with great celerity before Henry Beauclarks the Soldiers were so pleased with it that he took him to be his Chaplain and after made him Bishop of Sarum He built five Castles viz. Sarum Devises Sheburn Malmsbury Newark and had taken from him in ready coin forty thousand Marks p. 71. Requerius a wicked Minister in the time of King Stephen of a more wicked Abbot with his wifâ— crossing the Seas the Ship in the midst of the stream would not stir the Mariners astonished cast Lots which fell upon Requerius and so did again and again whereupon they put him and his wife and what he had out of the Ship which presently as eased of her burthen sailed away Id. p. 73. In King Stephens time there appeared two Children a Boy and a Girl clad in Green in a stuff unknown of a strange language and of a strange diet whereof the Boy being baptized died shortly after but the Girl lived to be very aged and being asked from whence they were she answered of the Land of St. Martins where there were Christian Churches but the Sun did never rise But where that Land is and how she came into England she knew not Sir
Thieves and perjured persons blind if it touch their Eyes And in Ireland there is a Lake into which if you put a pole or stake what 's above water will continue wood what in the water will be stone what still in the ground will be converted to Iron Polycronicon fol. 14 17 19 20 29 30 36. In the first year of Decius the Emperor in the year of our Lord two hundred fifty four the seven sleepers began to sleep in the mount Caelius and so slept two hundred years and rose about the last of Theodosius and were known to sleep to long by the old monies they had about them Polycronicon f. 67. Pope Leo the sixth when a Woman on Christmas day kissed his hand he was assaulted with temptation to uncleanness he thereupon cut off his hand and had iâ— again by miracle restored Id. f. 180. Cunebertus King of Lombardy consulting with one of his Secretaries how he might kill his Knight Aldo was troubled with the humming of a great Fly whose foot he cut off with a Knife Aldo suspecting nothing coming to Court was met by a halting man who said Beware Aldo if thou come to Court the King will kill thee Whereupon he fled to Saint Romans Church and took Sactuary and when the King asked him why he did so Aldo told him that he was warned by a halting man that he would kill him The King perceived it was an Evil Spirit whose foot he had cut off in the shape of a Fly and recovered Aldo to grace Id. fol. 216. Of Adhelme Bishop of Sherbone it is written that when he was tempted in his flesh he took upon him this Martyrdom that he would hold with him in his bed a fair Maid as long as he was saying the Psalter from the beginning to the end The same Adhelme having said Mass at Rome he put back his Chesible supposing his Servant had been there to have took it and the Sun-beams held it up from falling And baptizing a Child that was Fathered on Pope Sergius he demanded of the Child which was but nine dayes old if Sergius had begotten him and the Child answered that the Pope was Innocent Id. f. 213. Charles the Son of Pipin King of France having seized on much of the Churches possâ—ssions after his death an Angel shewed Eucherius Bishop of Orleance how for so doing he was tormented body and Soul in Hell then by the warning of Eucherius the Abbot of Saint Denis and Pipinas his Priest went to Charles his grave and turned off the â—tone and saw a great Dragon fly out of the grave but there was no body found Id. f. 215. When the Pope had commanded St. Bennets body to be restored to the Mount Cassin the Monks of Florence wept and fastâ—d and prayed that the body might abide with them and their prayers were heard so that the messengers that were sent for it were stricken stark blind Polycron f. 218. One Gingulphus of Burgogne left his Wife because of her spouse-breach and was afterwards slain by the Clarke that kept her When he was dead many miracles were done by him but his wife spake evil of those miracles and said When Gingulphus my husband doth miracles my Arse shall sing and so afterwards as often as she spake her lower end would sing with a foul noise Id. ibid. Wâ—en Rollo the Dane besieged Cornutum a City in Italy the Citizens trusted not in their Walls nor in their strength but they took our Ladies Smock that Charles the bald had brought with other reliques from Constantinople and set this Smock upon a Pinnacle as if it were a banner the Enemies made game and shot at it and were immediately smitten with blindness and the City thereby delivered Id. f. 228. Fifteen men and three women led a Dance in St. Magnus Church-yard at Christmas night the Priest offended at them though his daughter was one of the Company prayed that they might continue so doing for twelve months and accordingly they did without meat or drink or rest Id. f. 247. When William the Conqueror would have deprived Wulstan of his Bishoprick of VVorcester to have placed in a Norman VVulstan took his pastoral and pitcht it in the hard stone at St. Edward the Kings feet that lay there in his grave that none but himself could take it out saying A better man than thou art tooke it to mee and I take it to him again Take it away now if thou canst Id. f. 273. Geoffrey Plantagenet Earl of Anjow Father to Henry fitz Empress King of England came of the Children of a Countess that was married only for fairness of body She would seldome come to church and then would not stay the Mystery of the Mass which her Husband taking notice of appointed four Knights to hold her in the Church whereupon she threw of the mantle they held her by and left two sons that were under the right-side of the mantle and with two other Sons that were under the left-side flew out of the church window and was never seen more Polycron p. 294. Columbus having knowledg in Astronomy and being in a strait for want of victuals together wi h his whole army and foreseeing an Eclipse of the moon within few dayes to happen threatned the Indians he would send infinite plagues amongst them if they did not speedily â—câ—â—re them in token whereof they should at such a time see the moons light taken from them which they at first slighted but when they saw that the moon began to be darkned and grow so more and more and being ignorant of the Cause thereof they not only sent them supplies of victuals but threw themselves at Columbus feet and asked forgiveness Rowland Judicial Astrol p. 48. One being told by a Scholar that he should have his brains beaten out was hereupon so wary of himself that he would not lye in a House for fear the Roof should fall upon his head resolving to lye in a Tent. But that resolution lasted not long for he durst not trust himself there for fear the cross Pales should fall on his head Then he resolved to lye under some Tree but then he doubted lest in a windy night the Tree should fall on him He durst not go into a Town lest the Tyles should crack his crown so that whatsoever place he went into he was fearful of himself at last walking in the heat and putting off his Hat having a bald head a Bird with a Shell-fish in â—is claws let it fall and so beat out his brains Id. p. 189. 'T is put upon Chrysostome that he affirmes that in the East in a City called Seth near the Ocean there was a Society of men Twelve in number Students in Astrology who learning out of Balaams prophecy Numb 24.17 That a Star was to appear gave themselves from year to year to observe the Heavens and to wait for its appearance and for continuation of that observation did at the death of any of the
Mother who only seemed to overtop him He began therefore to beat into the Kings head who was a mild and soft natured Prince how hard a hand his Mother had held upon him when he lived in Normandy how likely it was that his Brother came to his Death by the practice of her and Earl Godwyn and lastly that she used the Company of Alwyn Bishop of VVinchester more familiarly than was for her Honour The King unadvisedly crediting these Tales without debating the matter seised upon all her goods and committed her to Prison in the Nunnery of Warewell banished Earl Godwyn and his Sons and commanded Alwyn upon pain of Death not to come forth of the Gates of Winchester The Queen made the best Friends she could to be called to her answer but the Archbishop so possest the King that other tryal of her Innocency might not be allowed than this She must walk over nine Plow-shares red hot in the midst of the Cathedral Church of VVinchester If either she performed not this kind of purgation or were found any thing at all hurt she and the Bishop should be esteemed guilty if otherwise the Archbishop was content to undergo such punishment as they should have endured This purgation the Queen performed and acquitted her self and the Bishop of the Crimes objected The King greatly bewailed the wrong done to his Mother asked her forgiveness on his knees restored her and the Bishop to their goods and former places and to make some satisfaction for the fault committed would needs be whipped by the Bishops there present and receive three stripes from his Mother who clearly forgave and forgot the wrong done her Emma and Alwin to shew themselves thankful gave each of them to the Monastery of Saint Swithins nine Manours in remembrance of the nine Plow-shares This gift the King Confirmed and gave two of his own The Archbishop doubting the success of this matter under pretence of sickness kept himself at Dover and as soon as he heard how the World went as well knowing England would be too hot for him he got to the Abbey of Gemetica where he was bred up and there shortly died Bp. Godw. p. 70. Upon the flight of Robert Gemeticensis Stigand thrust himself into the Archbishoprick without the usual Ceremonies and with it held VVinchester raised the Kentishmen at Saxons comb who carrying green boughs in their hands VVilliam the Conqueror was in the midst of them before he was aware and easily granted the Kentishmen to be governed by their Ancient Laws but bore a grudg against the Archbishop by whom he would not be Crowned and against whom he underhand procured Legates from Rome who deprived him and he was likewise clapt in the Castle of VVinchester and hardly used even well near famished which usage was to make him confess where his Treasure lay But he protested with Oaths that he had no money yet after his Death a little Key was found about his Neck the lock whereof being carefully sought out shewed a Note or direction of infinite Treasuries hid under ground in divers places He died in the year 1069. Lanfranck descended from Carus the Emperor was born at Papia in Lombardy being brought up in all good Learning till he came to Mans Estate when he determined to travail through France he came into Normandy rob'd by the way he got to Becco where for a maintenance he first read Logick afterward admitted to be Monk and soon Priour when he was called by Duke William to be Abbot of St. Stephens in Care and thence by the said Duke now King of England to be Archbishop of Canterbury unto whom the Pope afforded his Pall with extraordinary Favour For at his first coming he rose up unto him and met him and told him he yielded him that honour not of duty but because he had heard of his excellent Learning He governed for eighteen years laudably save one Action which was this perswading the Conqueror passing by his Eldest Son Robert to settle the Crown of England on William Rufus who afterward though advanced by him banisht him but was recalled and died 1089. Bp. Godwyn Anselm profest himself a Monk in the Abby of Becco in Normandy in which he was Prior and Abbot for seventeen years He came into England upon the invitation and earnest design of Hugh Earl of Chester then very sick and for the fame of his Learning and Piety was entertained with great respect by all King Rufus himself besides many verbal favours offered him the Arch-bishoprick of Canterbury that he had kept voyd four years verily hoping that a man given to contemplation would have refused it But Anselme accepted and the King would have retracted shewing him the burthen of so weighty a calling but Anselme kept his hold and was consecrated the fourth of Decemb. 1093. The King immediately fell out with him and for naming Vrban Pope before the King had acknowledged him charged him with high treason and convened all the Bishops and Abbots of England to Rochingham Castle where the business being proposed by the King they all forsook their Arch-bishop save Gundulphus Bishop of Rochester he was banished and at Dover plundered of all he had went to the Pope at Lions who at first stuck to him till bought by Rufus's Gold he deserted him The Pope dieth and so did Rufus whose death was miraculously signified to Anselm being in France A paper was put into the hand of his Chaplain no man knew how in which was written Gulielmus Rufus occisus est Henry the first recalled him but again banisht him and again recalled him and he died at Canterbury April 21. 1109. Bp. Godw. p. 80. Henry the first having disposed Bishopricks and given investiture and possession by delivery of the staffe and ring Anselm refuseth to consecrate such Bishops or to repute such Bishops who had been consecrated Pope Paschal the second is appealed to who would not yield one jot unto the King For when the Kings Ambassador told him that his Master would as soon lose his Crown as this Priviledge The Pope answered yea let him lose his head if he will while I live he shall never appoint Bishop but I will resist him what I may This contention cost him twice three years banishment but at last by the Importunity of Adela Countess of Bloys the Kings Sister he was not only permited to return but had all his revenues gathered in his absence and his Estate restored to him After which he lived two years and was a bitter Enemy of the married Clergy not only expelling them out of Monasteries but deprived them of their promotions confiscated their goods pronounced them and their Wives Adulterers and forced all that entred into Orders to vow chastity He writ many learned Tracts and was for the Integrity of his life and conversation admirable In Honour of whom the Pope ordained that the Archbishop of Canterburies place in all general Councils should be at his own right Foot using
On Christmas day one thousand one hundred and seventy nine at Oxen-hall in the territory of Darlington in the Bishoprick of Durham the ground heaved up aloft like unto a high Tower and so continued all that day unmoveable until the Evening and then fell with so horrible a noise that made all the Neighbour dwellers sore afraid and the Earth swallowed it up and made in the same a deep Pit now called Hell-Kettles which is there to be seen at this day There are two Catadupes or Waterfalls in the River Can never Kendale in Westmorland by which the Neighbour Inhabitants prognosticate what Weather when that which standeth North sounds clearest they expect fair Weather when that on the South they expect Mists Rain and foul p. 81. The Scots at Sollom Moss in the time of King James the Fifth for despight that Oliver Sinclere the Kings Favourite was made General gave over the Battel and yielded themselves to the English for grief whereof the King shortly after died Speeds Maps p. 87. The Women of the Isle of Man never go out of Doors but gird themselves with their Winding-sheâ—tâ— to shew that they are mindful of their Mortality Id. p. 91. Garnsey hath no venemous Creature in it and therefore when a Controversy arose to which it should belong Ireland or Scotland it was adjudged to Ireland Id. p. 94. Edmund Earl of Richmond Father to King Henry the Seventh lâ—ing interred in St. Davids quire saved the Church from defacement in the dayes of Henry the eighth Id p. 101. In a Rock or Cliff upon the Sea-side of the Island Barry near the South East Point of Glamorganshire is heard out of a little Chink the noise as it were of Smiths at work one while the blowing of Bellowes then the strokes of Hammers and sound of Anvils the noise of Grind Stones hissing of Steel-gads and the Flames of a Furnace Id. p. 105. Henry Beauclerke King of England kept his Elder Brother Robert Curthose Duke of Normandy Prisoner in Cardiff Castle the space of twenty six years Id. p. 105. Near Newton in Glamorganshire about a hundred Paces from Severn there springeth a Well where at the flowing and fulness of the Sea câ—n hardly any Water be gotten but at the Ebb and fall of the Tide it walloweth up amain Id p. 105. The Monastery of Lantony in Monmouthshire stood so solitary and amongst Hil s that the Sun was not seen to shine there but only between the Hours of one and three Speeds Map p. 107. Near Brecknock is a hill called Cadur â—rthur from the North east rock whereof whatever if not stone or of a Metalline nature that is cast down will by the wind and air be thrown back again and blown up p. 109. The River Levinney in Brecknock shire passeth through the Lake Loesavathan and mixeth not his water with it in which Meer sometimes stood a great City Id. p. 109. At Rashader Gowy in Radnorshire the Wye falleth with a great noise and there is a Market kept on the sabbath day Id. p. 111. The Salmon coming up the River to get up at down-right falls useth this policy he bendeth himself backward and taketh his tail in his mouth and with all his strength unloosing his circle on a sudden as a lath let go mounts up before the fall of the stream Speeds Maps p. 113. Some hills in Meriâ—â—â—ethshire are so high and their tops so near that sheepheards on the tops falling at odds in the morning and challenging the field for fight before they can come together to try out â—heir quarrel the day will be spent and the heat of their fury shut up with their sleep Id. p. 117. In the year one thousand five hundred seventy and five the bell in Denbigh town hall was caused to toll twice by the shaking of the earth and no harm or hindrance at all either done or taken Id. 119. Winefrids Well in Flintshire is reported to rise from the place on which St. Winefrids head fell being cut off by one that would have ravisht her Id. p. 121. In Lomund a famous Lough or lake in Scotland the waters rage most in the fairest and calmest weather Sp. Maps p. 132. In some parts of Scotland the Virginities of all new Wives were the Landlords prey till King Malcolme enacted that half a Mark should be paid for redemption Ibid. Solinus reports that the Irish were of old so given to VVar that the Mother at the birth of a man-child feedeth the first meat into the Infants mouth upon the point of her Husbands Sword and since their being Christians at baptizing their Infants they dipt not their right Armes under Water that so as they thought they might give a more deep and incurable Wound Id. p. 138. The Old Irish at every change of the Moon worshipped her bowed their Knees and made their Supplications and with a loud voice thus spake unto the Planet We pray thee leave us in as good Estate at thou findest us Id. p. 135. In Ireland in the year 1331. in a great famine on the 27th day of June there came to Land such a mighty multitude of great Sea-Fishes called Thurheads such as in many Ages had not been seen by which they were greatly relieved Id. p. 139. William Marshal Earl of Pembroke being tost at Sea vowed to erect an Abby where he â—anded which he did and called it De Voto p. 41. In the year 1316. there was so great a Famine in Ireland that they took up the dead Bodies out of their Graves and in their Sculls boyled their Flesh and fed upon it and the Women did eat their own Children p. 143. The Irish in Vlster were accustomed in Controversies and solemn protestations to swear by St. Patricks Staffe which Oath they feared more to break than if they had sworn by the Holy Evangelists p. 146. Socrates the Night before he was to die would learn Musick because he would die learning something Certain Trojans having saved themselves by Flight and having put into the Thufcan Sea anchored near to the River Tyber whose Wives being extreamly Sea-sick by the Counsel of the Lâ—dy Roma set Fire on their â—hips which necessitated their staâ— and occasioned thereupon the building of Rome peeds preface to his History The Isle of Great Britain from the â—izards point in Cornwall to Stratly-head in Scotland is six hundred twenty and four Miles The breadth from the Lands end in â—ornwall to the Island Tenet in Kent is three hundred and forty Miles In all which Island the Corn s wn soon shoots up and slowly ripens caused by the overmuch moisture of the soil and air by the endeavours of whose English Natives eight Nations have been converted to the Christian Faith Speeds History p. 156. Some observe hat Women being drowned naturally swim with their Face and fore parts downward whereas men do the contrary as if the impression of modesty were not to leave a Woman after death Margaret Wife to
made such Lamentation for it that his Mother beat him with a Taper of VVax that stood before her and that so sorely that he could never after well endure the sight of a Taper Edmund Ironside and Canute the Danes after many former battels by the Counsel of a Captain put the trial of their quarrel to their own single combat in a little Island called Alney near Glocester where after some trial of their valour they came to an agreement and divided the Kingdom between them p. 401. Duke Edrick after many false and treacherous deeds having contrived Edmund Ironsides death which was effected by thrusting into his body as he retired to a place for natures necessity a sharp Spear and having cut off his Soveraigns head he carried it to Canute with this fawning Salutation All hale thou now sole Monarch of England for here behold the head of thy Copartner which for thy sake I have adventured to cut off Canute though ambitious enough yet grieved at so disloyal a Fact replied and vowed That in reward of that service the bringers own Head should be advanced above all the Peeres of his Kingdom which high Honor while this Wretch expected soon after by the Kings command his Head bad fareâ—el to his Shoulders and was placed on the Highest Gate to overlook London Speeds Hist p. 401. Osbright a Vice-roy of Northumberland forced the Lady of Beorne Bocador a Nobleman related to the King of Denmark who flying to him to revenge his Cause he sent Hungar and Hubba whose Father Lothbroke following his Hawk in a little skiffe was carried into England taken as a Spy carried to King Edmund who preferred him and delighted in him for his skill in Hawking Which the Kings Faulconer Birrick envying at murthered him in a Wood which murder being by Lothbrokes Spaniel discovered Birrick was put in Lothbrokes Boat without Oar or Tackle and driven into Denmark accused King Edmund as the cause of his Murder which enraged Hungar and Hubba to invade England Id. p 398. Canutus established a Law that Women marrying within a year after their Husbands death should lose their Joyntures Id. p. 401. King Canutus gave great Jewels to Winchester Church whereof one is reported to be a Cross worth as much as the whole revenue of England amounted to in a year and unto Coventry he gave the Arm of St. Augustine which he bought at Papia for an hundred Talents of Silver and one of Gold Speeds Hist p. 402. Gormo Father of one Canute slain before Dublin so exceedingly loved him that he swore to kill him that brought him Newes of his Sons death which when Thira his Mother heard of she used this Policy to make it known to him She prepared mourning apparel and laid aside all princely State which the Old man perceiving he concluded his Son dead and with excessive grief ended his own Life p. 403. Hardicanute King of England was a great Epicure caused his Table to be spred with abundance of dainties four times every day which caused in the Common-wealth a riotous looseness Subjects being apt to praise their Soveraigns Vertues but to imitate their Vices Id. p. 406. King Edward the Confessor having married a virtuous and beautiful Lady Egitha Daughter of Earl Godwyn abstained her Bed saying on his own Death-bed That openly she was his Wife but as to secret embracing as his own Sister Which undue neglect of Marriage-right the Simplicity and Superstition of those times Canonized him for p. 411. One Dane made good Stamford-Bridg against all King Harolds Army and with his Axe slew forty of his Men till at last the Danish Souldier was slain with a Dart. Id. p. 415. Tosto and Harold the Sons of Earl Godwyn falling out Tosto secretly hyed himself into the Marches of VVales and near the City Hereford at Portaslith where Harold had a House then in preparing to entertain the King he slew all his Brothers Servants and cutting them peice-meal into Gobbets some of their Limbs he Salted and cast the rest into the Vessels of Meath and Wine sending his Brother word that he had furnished him vvith powdred Meats against the Kings coming thither Speeds Hist p. 413. Pope Alexander the 20. to encourage William the Conqueror to invade England sent him a consecrated Banner an Agnus Dei and one of the Haires of St. Peter and cursed all those that should oppose against him by which he was so encouraged that Landing his men in England to cut off all hope and occasion of return he fired all the Fleet. p. 415. VVilliam the Conqueror at his arrivage from Sea in England his feet chanced to slip so that he fell into the mud and bemired his hands which accident was presently construed as a lucky presage one of his Captains presently saying as Caesar did on the like occasion landing in Africk that now he had taken possession of the Land of which he should shortlâ— become King As accordingly it came to pass after he had slain Harold at Battle Abbey for mangling whose dead body he cashiered a common Souldier out of his wars and wages for ever unto which Abbey erected in memory of his conquest he granted large privileges and amongst others this that Malefactors flying thither should be secured harmless and if the Abbot chanced to come by any place where any Malefactor was to be Executed he might deliver him Speeds Hist 416. 18 33. Lewes King of France having procured the death of William Longspee Duke of Normandy was intercepted by the Normans and detained Prisoner till he had agreed to these Articles viz. That young Richard should succeed his Father in that Dukedom and that thenceforth when the King and Duke should confer together the Duke should be girt with a Sword and the King disabled either of Sword or Knife To which King Lewes bound himself by Oath Speeds Hist p. 423. Robert Duke of Normandy Father to William the Conqueror going to Hierusalem on pilgrimage and falling sick by the way was born in a litter on the Saracens shoulders when he desired a Christian Pilgrim whom he met to report what he saw which was That he was born to heaven on the Divels back p. 423. VVilliam the Conqueror at first held a hard hand on the Englishmen He instituted the ringing of the curfue Bell at eight of the Clock at night when he commanded all the English to put out the fire as a means to keep them in greater subjection Yea the Natives themselves became as strangers shaving their beards and rounding their hair and in garments behaviour and diet fashioned themselves to imitate the Normans It being a shame in those days even amongst Englishmen to be an English man Id. p. 427. William the Conqueror demanding how it came to pass that he should conquer England in one day when the Danes were so many years about it Fretherick Abbot of St. Albans answered That long peace had converted the riches of the land which should have maintained Soldiers
it was to Crown the Scottish King in her Brothers absence had stolen from her Husband with all his light Horses to set the Crown on Bruces head being taken by Edward the second was set in a wooden Cage made Crown-wise on the Walls of Barwick Castle for all to wonder at 561. The Scots at Bancksborn obtained a famous Victory over the English under Edward the second by this stratagem Before their Battalions they digged certain Trenches three foot deep and three foot broad which having fixed sharp stakes in them with their points upwards they covered so with hurdles that foot men treading warily might pass but not Horse in which King Edward's Cavalry were intrapped and so miserably slain and the battel lost King Edward the second having put to death Thomas Earl of Lancaster a Courtier of mean birth being condemned many potent Favorites pressed the King on his behalf The King brake forth into these most vehement words A Plague upon you for cursed whisperers malicious backbiters wicked Counsellors Intreat you for the life of a most notorious Knave who the longer he lives the more Villanies will he commit and would not speak a word for the life of my near kinsman the noble Earl Thomas He shall therefore dye the death he hath deserved Id. p. 569. When Queen Isabel rose in rebellion against King Edward the second her husband Adam de Olton Bishop of Hereford her bosome Counsellor at Oxford chose this Text My head my head aketh 2 King 4.19 On which he delivered to them the reason of the Queens coming with an Army concluding more like a Butcher than a Divine That an aking and sick head of a Kingdom was of necessity to be taken off and not to be tampered with by any other Physick Speeds Hist p. 574. The Commission sent to put Edward the second to death was a witty but wicked Amphibology being written and left uncomma'd in these words Edvardum occidere nolite timere bonum est which being comma'd after Timere was a command after Nolite was a prohibition and so occasioned the death of the King and the Ruine of those that did it p. 579. Edmund Earl of Kent by the practice of his Enemies was condemned to death for endeavouring to set at liberty his brother King Edward the second who was dead before and had his head stricken off at Winchester Castle Gate having stood from noon till five at night and none found to behead him till a base wretch of the Marshalsea was sent and did it p. 579. Edward the third in his Minority being over-ruled by Mortimer things went much to wrack on which was made this Rime Long beards heartless painted Hoods witless Gay Coates graceless make England thriftless When the Sea forces of Edward the third had spoiled the Abbey of St. Colmes in Scotland the whole Fleet as a punishment for that sacrilege was battered with a tempest and some of them perisht At another time the like sacrilege being perpetrated the ship in which the sacrilegious goods were sunk into the bottom without any Tempest Id. p. 581. When Edward the third and Philip of Valois had brought two mighty Armies of an hundred thousand men apiece into the Field to face one another by the mediation of Jane of Valois Sister to Philip and Mother in Law to Edward they withdrew and struck not a stroak Speeds H. p. 585. Small matters many times occasion great effects Edward the third King of England dancing with the beautiful Lady Joan Countess of Salisbury her Garter falling off the King took it up at which the Nobles smiling the King seriously said it should not be long before there should be Soveraign honour done to that Silken Tie whereupon he instituted the honor of the Garter whose Motto is Honi soit qui mal y pense p. 588. The black Prince at the battel of Cressy being overpressed and in danger the Lords that were with him sent to his Father to come and succour him Who made this answer Let them send no more to me for any adventure that may befall while my Son is alive But let him either vanquish or dye because the honor of this brave day shall be his if God suffer him to live p. 590. King Edward the third besieging Callis the Enemy turned forth fifteen hundred of the poorer sort whom the good King turned not back but relieved them with victuals and money and suffered them safely to pass through his Camp Speeds Hist 591. Henry Earl of Lancaster at the taking of the Town of Brigerack by assault had permitted every Souldier to seize any House and to convert the same and what was in it to his own proper use A certain Souldier named Reeth having broken into a House where the Moneyors had stowed all the Moneys of the Country not thinking that the Generals pleasure was that so great a Treasure should be converted to a private use He acquainted the General with it who answered That the House and all therein was his according as he had first proclaimed let them be worth what they would And when the Souldier again told him of the great Treasure there found He replied What tellest thou me of the greatness of the Treasure Go take enjoy For to give then to take it back again is childs play I have once said and my word being once passed cannot with honor be revoked Speeds Hist p. 592. It is observed of King Edward the third that he had alwayes fair weather in his passage into Erance and foul weather in his return p. 593. Henry Pecard Lord Mayor of London at one time feasted four Kings viz. of England Scotland France and Cyprus p. 594. A terrible tempest that destroyed many horse and men in Edward the third's Army occasioned him to encline to agreements of peace which before he was utterly averse to p. 595. Edward Son to the Earl of Cambridge married the daughter of the King of Portugal but afterwards neither would the Earl leave his Son behind as suspecting the Portugals Faith nor the other entrust his daughter to the Earl so that they remained disjoyned in body however united in Ceremony Wat Tylers Companions in an holy outrage burning the Savoy threw one of their felâ—ows into the flames because he had thrusts piece of stollen plaâ—â— into his bosome p. 607. When Richarâ— the second entered Scotland the Scâ—ts had so retired thâ—mselves and all their goods that when the English came they could see no quick then left but Owles 611. A Monk bestows this Epitaph on Wicklif The Divels Instrument Churches Enemy Peoples Confusion Hereticks Idol Hypocrites mirrour Schismes broacher Hatreds sower Lies Forger Flatteries sink who at his death despaired like Cain and stricken by the horrible judgment of God breathed forth his wicked Soul to the dark mansions of the black Divel Whereby Gods children may learn not to regard while they live the malice nor to expect after their death ought else but the
slanderous rancour of the wicked Speeds Hist p. 622. A Galthrop or engine with three sharp points was hid in Henry the fourths bed but he espied it and so prevented the danger 627. A Frier Minor being asked that he would do if King Richard were alive and present he confidently answered that he would fight for him till death against any whatsoever which cost him his life being drawn and hanged in his Friers weeds Id. 627. IMMANUEL Historical Collections Century IX AT Danbury Church in Essex the Divel appeared in the habit of a Minorite to the incredible astonishment of the Parishioners For at that time there was such a terrible tempest with lightnings and thunder and great fire-balls that the vault of the Church broke and half the Chancel was carried away Speeds Hist p. 628. Between Bedford and Bickleswade in the year one thousand four hundred and three sundry Monsters of divers colours in the shapes of armed men were often seen to issue out of the woods at Morning and at Noon which to suchs as stood far off seemed to encounter one another in most terrible manner but when they drew near nothing was to be found p. 629. Nero though generally hated while he was alive yet twenty years after his death an obscure fellow feigning himself Nero was so backt and countenanced by the Parthians and others that not without much difficulty the Romans could get him into their hands Speeds Hist. p. 629. Henry the fifth supposing his Father dead took the Crown that stood by him his Father reviving enquired for it which when he brought the Father said Oh Son with what right I got it God knows who forgive me the sin Howsoever it was got said the Prince I mean to keep it and defend it with my Sword as you by Sword obtained it p. 631. Henry the fifth though while Prince was wild and Companion of riotous persons yet coming to the Crown the first thing he did was the banishment of all such his old Companions ten miles from his presence Speeds Hist p. 637. Archbishop Arundel having in a synod condemned Oldcastle Lord Cobham for an Heretick and enacted that the holy Scripture should not be translated into the English tongue shortly after his tongue grew so big in his mouth that he could not speak or swallow but in horror lay languishing till he was starved to death p. 638. The Dolphin of France understanding that Henry the fifth intended to invade France sent him in scorn a Tun of Tennis Balls But the King returned answer that the Balls he should play the Gates of Paris should not be rackets strong enough to beat back and afterwards most gallantly made good his words p. 640. Ziska that famous Bohemian Protestant commanded that when dead his skin should be made the cover of a Drum to terrifie his Enemies Speeds Hist 645. Henry the fifth having vanquished the French at Azincourt returning thanks to God at Pauls in London would not have his broken Crown nor bruised Armour bore before him p. 646. Lewes the eleventh of France being perswaded to demolish the Tomb of the Duke of Bedford who had been Regent in France and was buried at Roan answered That it vvould be dishonourable to disturb him dead vvho when alive made all France tremble p. 676. Walter Earl of Athol conspired the murther of James the first King of Scotland in hopes of the Crown and Crowned he was as his Sorcerers had foretold him he should be but not with the Crown of the Kingdom but of Red hot Iron clapt upon his head being one of the tortures by which he ended at once his wicked daies and designs p. 672. Whilst the controversy between Henry the sixth and Richard Duke of York was debating in the Parliament a Crown which hung for garnishment in the middle of the roof where the Knights and Burgesses met as likewise a Crown which for the like Cause stood upon the highest Tower of Dover Castle fell down which was vulgarly construed to portend the translation of the Crown from the Lancastrian to the Yorkest which soon after came to pass p. 683. On Candlemas day in the year one thousand four hundred sixty one immediately before the Battel at Mortimers Cross where Edward Earl of March afterwards King Edw. the fourth was victorious there appeared in the Firmament three Suns which suddainly joyned in One Which occasioned to use as his device The Sun in his brightness Speeds Hist p. 684. One Walker a London Grocer for words spoken concerning his own Son to encourage him to learn his Book that he would make him Heir of the Crown meaning his own House having that sign was therefore in the eighth day of Edward the fourths Raign beheaded in Smithfield p. 684. Edward the fourth being ready to joyn battel caused Proclamation to be made That he that feared to fight might forthwith depart but if any Souldier abiding should seek to fly or turn back he should be slain by his next fellow and the slayer to receive a great reward besides the stipend of a double pay p. 687. Sir Ralph Percy being slain taking part with Henry the sixth died with these words I have saved the bird in his breast meaning his Oath made to King Henry p. 687. Richard Nevil Earl of VVarwick spent in his house in London six Oxen every day p. 689. Henry the sixth when certain Ladies presented themselves before him in a Mask with their hair loose and their breasts uncovered He then a Bachelor and able of Marriage immediately rose up and departed the presence saying Fie Fie forsooth you are to blame p. 689. When Henry the sixth lay Prisoner in the Tower a Ruffian intending his death wounded him in the side with a Sword whom being restored to his Estate he freely forgave and another striking him in the face he punished only with this reprehension Forsooth you are to blame to strike me your anointed King Sp. p. 697. Henry Holland Duke of Excester and brother in Law to Edward the fourth was driven by him out of England into Burgundy where Comines writes that he saw him running bare-legged after Burgundies train begging his bread for Gods sake And the Countess of Oxford had nothing to maintain her but the Charity of others and her own needle Speeds Hist p. 968. Edward the fourth hunting in Arrow Park belonging to Thomas Burdet Esquire among other game kill'd a white Buck that Burdet highly valued whereupon Burdet wished the Hornes in his belly that wished the King to kill it For which his words being interpreted as though he wisht them in the Kings belly he was condemned and beheaded at Tiburne p. 700. An old Prophecy that a G. should raign after an E. occasioned the death of George Duke of Clarence who on pretended Articles of Treason was condemned in Parliament and by his own choyce drowned in a But of Malmsey p. 701. The Lord Chamberlain Hastings having been of Counsel to imprison and behead the Lord
part 623. Lincoln Lincolnshire Leicestershire Huntingtonshire Bedfordshire Buckinghamshire part Hartfordshire part 1255. Chichester Sussex Hertfordshire part 250. Winchester Hampshire Surrey Wight Isles Garnsey Isles Jersey Isles 362. Salisbury Wiltshire Barkeshire 248. Excester Devon Cornwall 604. Bath and Wells Somerset 388. Glocester Glocestershire 267. VVorcester VVorcestershire VVarwick part 241. Lichfield Coventry Staffordshire Derby VVarwick part Shropshire part 557. Hereford Herefordshire Shropshire 3â—3 Ely Cambridgshire Ely Isle 141. Norwich Norfolk Suffolk 1121. Oxford Oxfordshire 195. Peterborough Northampton Rutland 293. Bristol Dorset Glamorgan 236. Landaff Monmouth Brecknock Radnor 177. St. Davids Pembrook Caermerden 308. Bangor Carnarvan Anglesy Isle Merioneth Denbigh part 107. St. Asaph Denbigh part Flintshire part 121.  York Province  York Yorkshire Nottinghamshire 581. Chester Cheshire Lancashire Richmondshire Cumberland part Flintshire part 256. Carlisle Cumberland part VVestmorland 95. Durham Durham Northumberland 135. Soder Isle of Man 17. 1084. So that the total number of the Bishopricks in England are twenty seven of the Shires fifty and two and of the Parishes nine thousand two hundred eighty and five Speeds Maps p. 6. From Basham in Sussex Earl Harold taking Sea for his delight in a small Boat was driven upon the coast of Normandy where by Duke VVilliam he was detained till he had sworn to make him King of England after Edward the Confessors death which oath being broken the bastard arrived at Pensey and with his Sword revenged the perjury at Battel in the same County where King Harold with sixty seven thousand nine hundred seventy and four English men lost their lives the Conqueror thereby recovering full possession Id p. 9. Surrey is compared unto a homespun frize cloth with a costly list for the Outverg doth much exceed the middle it self In this Shire are Oaking Oateland Nonsuch Richmond four stately Palaceâ— of the Kings besides Lambeth the Archbishop of Canterbury his house and Ocham that gave breath to VVilliam of Ocham Id. p. 11. In Hamptshire there sometimes stood a great and famous city called Silvester that now is so demolished there is no sign left of it Southampton that was the antient Clausentium in the time of Edward the third was fired by the French under the conduct of the King of Sicelies Son whom a Country-man encountred and struck down with a Club he crying Rancon that is Ransome but the Country-man neither understanding his Language nor the law of Armes laid on more soundly saying I know thee a Françon and therefore shalt thou die Id. Falmouth bay in Cornwal is so wide that an hundred Ships may therein ride at Anchor by themselves apart so that from the tops of the highest Masts they shall not see each other and lie most safely under the VVinds. Speeds Maps p. 21. When Trajan was hastening against his Enemies a poor Widdow met him and desired Justice against the Murtherer of her Son The Emperor answered that at his return he would do her Justice but saith the Widdow what if thou shouldst not return he replied his successor should That would not avail him He alighting heard her cause and did her right Boschier 5 part Accad Peccat p. 255. Some Thieves robbing an Hermits house left a Chest which they saw not The Hermit went after them with it with which they were so moved that they restored what they had taken Id. Ibid. p. 280. An Abbot travailing fell into the hands of plunderers who dismounted him and took away his Horse which done he offered them his whip telling them it might serve their turn to beat up his Horse which was slow The Thieves riding to a River their Horses would not go forward which made them mind the good Abbot whom they had wronged and returning back gave him his Horse But that man fared worse who having some part of his garments taken from him run after them threatning them that they should answer it at the day of Judgment but they deriding him who threatned them with what they thought a great vvay off took avvay the rest of his cloths from him Id. p. 28 One Eginhartus a Counsellor to Charles the great falling in love with the Emperors daughter and she vvith him they enjoying by stealth their unlavvful pleasures One morning vvhen he vvas to go avvay from the Princesses Chamber the Pavement being all covered vvith Snow he vvas afraid by his footsteps to be discovered to prevent vvhich his Mistriss took him on her back and carrying of him in that Posture met her Father vvho yet forgave them both and gave her to this Counsellor for his wife since she had been before his Harlot Id. p. 291. Alexander the Patriarch of Constantinople was so merciful that when his Secretary having stollen his goods and â—ying away was taken by Thieves his Master redeemed him for a great Sum and being returned he used him kindly so that it grew into a Proverb Nihil utilius quam Alexandro malefacere The same is reported of Archbishop Cranmer Abuse the Arch-bishop and he will ever be your Friend Diego Salazar a Spanish Captain having Conquered an Island in the Indies and taken an Antient Indian Woman whom he sent from him to carry letters to another Governor she being gone he sent after her a very fierce Mastive whom the Woman seeing run at her she sate down on the ground and thus bespoke him in her language Good Mr. Dog good Mr. Dog I carry these letters to the Governor and then added good Mr. Dog do me no harm The Dog coming to her stood still did her no harm only heaving up his leg pist on her The Spaniard knowing the nature of the Dog took it for a Miracle and so would not kill her but saved her alive Boschier Ibid. p. 299. It was a good Law of the Romans that none should make a publick feast before he had provided for the necessity of his neighbours And of the Aegyptians that every five years each family should be searcht to see what course they took to maintain themselves Adam fifteen years after the Creation begat Cain and Calmana and fifteen years after Abel and Delbora And when Abel being an hundred years old was killed Adam mourned for him an hundred years and had resolved never more to know his Wife but that God particularly will'd him and he had thirty children more and lived nine hundred and thirty years and as the other Patriarchs before the flood did eat no flesh and survived Cain who was slain by Lamech in a Bush taken for a beast And to perpetuate the knowledge of Arts and Sciences Adam and Seth made two pillars the one of Brass the other of Stone as likewise Tubal Cain and Tubal foreseeing that the World should be burnt and drowned erected two pillars more one of Brick to defend the Fire the other of Marble to defend the Water and thereon did grave the Arts and Sciences by them invented Grafton Hist p. 3 4 5. p. 11. The Tree under which Abraham
Flux saw that he should die he caused his Armor to be put upon him and so Armed and sitting in a Chair said Thus it becometh a Knight or man of honor to die and not lying in his bed as another mean man Grafton p. 181. Edward the Confessor was the first King of England that used by his touch to cure the Kings evil William the Conqueror had three Horses killed under him at Battel Abbey Field Id. p. 191. An Hide of Land containeth five yards and every yard containeth four Acres An Acre containeth forty perches in length and four in breadth And a Knights fee con aineth eight Hides which amount to one hundred and sixty Acres and is accompted a Plough Land Grafton 2. Vol. p. 16. Leofricus Duke of Mercia in the time of Edward the Confessor adorned the Church of Coventry with great riches of Gold Silver and Jewels insomuch that Robert William the Conquerors Chaplain being made Bishop thereof took from one beam in his Church the value of five hundred Marks A Tempest in the year one thousand and ninety in the raign of William Rufus blew down six hundred houses in London p. 23. William Rufus warring in Normandy when by his command an Army of twenty thousand men were gathered together at Hastings in Sussex ready to be transported he sent then word that every man paying ten shillings might return home as meaning to corrupt therewith Philip the French King to desert his brother Robert which accordingly was done and thereon Robert was fain to sue for Terms of Peace Id. p. 25. In the time of Rufus Bishopricks were bought and sold in England as other Merchandises also Priests used bushed and braided-heads and blazing clothes shining and Golden Girdles and gilt Spurs and many other enormities uncontrouled Grafton 2. Vol. p. 28. In the year one thousand one hundred and sixty were seen in England two Moons on Maunday Thursday the one in the East the other in the West and in the year one thousand one hundred and fifty six were seen two Suns and in the Moon a Red Cross about which time in Italy appeared three Suns by the space of three hours in the West and in the year following three Moons whereof the middle had a Red Cross overthwart noted as a token of the schisme among the Cardinals about the election of Alexander the third that endured twenty years As also in December in the year one thousand and two hundred in the raign of King John were seen in the Element about ten at night within the Province of York five Moons One in the East another in the West a third in the South another in the North and a fifth in the middle Hail fell as big as Hens Eggs and Spirits were seen flying in the Air like Birds with fire in their bills setting houses on fire as they flew And the last of October one thousand three hundred twenty and one the Sun for six hours together appeared as red as blood And in the year one thousand two hundred sixty and one in the raign of Henry the third the Thames was frozen so hard that men rode over on horse-back Grafton 2. Vol. p. 36. 51. 92. 98 138. 201. All Becket's Kinred both men and women were banished for his offence by Henry the second p. 68. Becket on Christmas day did excommunicate Robert de Brocke for cutting off the tail of one of his Horses the day before p. 71. When Pope Alexander trod upon the Emperor Fredericks neck the Quire blasphemously sung this verse Thou shalt walk upon the adder and the Basilisk and shall tread down the Lion and the Dragon p. 79. IMMANUEL Historical Collections Century X. HEnry the second King of England never laid any Tax or tribute on his Subjects in all his raign and yet when he died left nine hundred thousand pounds in his Treasury Grafton Vol. 2. p 81. Robin Hood and little John who is reported to be fourteen foot high two Famous Thieves lived in the time of King Richard the first p. 85. Four hundred Jews at York in the time of Richard the first cut their Master veines and bled themselves to death p. 87. In the year one thousand two hundred twenty one the men of Cathness in Scotland burnt their Bishop because he cursed them for not paying Tithes for which cause the King of Scots hanged four hundred of the chief doers gelded their children and disinherited the Earl of that Country Id. p. 119. A Jew falling into a Privy at Tewksbury on Saturday for reverence of the day which is their Sabbath would not be taken forth The Earl of Glocester hearing of it commanded that he should not be taken out on the Lords day for reverence of the Christian Sabbath and on Munday morning he was found dead Grafton Vol. 2. p. 119. When Isabel Edward the seconds Wife was returning with an Army into England had they not been driven by a Tempest to a contrary Harbour they had all miscarried their Enemies waiting at the Port they intended to land at p. 20. Edward the third tempted the Chastity of the beautiful Countess of Salisbury and had an honorable repulse p. 214. King Edward the third having streightned Calice by a Twelve-months siege proffered mercy to all except six which should come forth with Halters about their necks and be left wholly to his dispose they coming he commanded them to be beheaded but upon the earnest intercession of his Queen and Nobles he forgave them who had all voluntarily proffered themselves to that danger to save their people p. 286. King Edward the third took Sir Eustace of Richmond Prisoner with his own hand and for his valiant behaviour in the encounter he set him at liberty and gave him a rich Chapelet of Pearls to were in remembrance of him Grafton Vol. 2. p. 291. Sir James Audely having behaved himself valiantly at the battel of Poytiers the Black Prince gave him five hundred Marks a year which he presently gave his four Esquires the Prince hearing of it confirmed his gift and gave him six hundred Marks more for himself p. 299. John King of France and Edw. the 3d King of England being together at Mass when the Pax was profered to be kissed both refused to kiss first and so instead of kissing the Pax they kissed each other p. 316. In the year one thousand four hundred and eleven the Thames flowed three times in one day of which Grafton gives the reason to be great Winds Rains and Frost p. 441. At the Council of Constance was assembled of Bishops Abbots and Doctors three hundred forty six of Noble men five hundred sixty four of Knights and Esq sixteen thousand besides Servants which not accounting the Townsmen were reckoned forty five thousand persons Id. 444. In the raign of Henry the fiftâ— there was a Bill put up in the Parliament at Leicester against the Temporalties of the Clergy That that which was devoutly given and disordinately spent might
he did Id. f. 248. A Woman of Berckley in Glocestershire having long used evil Arts as she sate at a feast a Crow that she kept creked lowder than she was wont The Woman then said O my Saul is come to sorrow this day sent for her Children confest her sins and wisht them to bind her in her Coffin with Chains and if she â—ay four days to bury her but she was fetcht by the Devil out of the Church set upon a Black Horse and carried away with terrible cryes Id. fol. 257. A Citizen of Rome named Lucianus having married a Wife called Eugenia after his Wedding dinner went to the Fields and being to play put his Ring upon the Finger of an Image that stood by when he had done his play coming for his Ring he could not get it off At night Bedding his Wife something between him and his Wife lay by him and said Lye with me I am the Goddess Venus thou hast Wedded this day and so did many nights At last his Friends applied themselves to one Palumbus a Priest that was a Negromancer by whose means he got his Ring and afterward heard no more of his bed-fellow Polycron f. 247. In the Province of Apulâ—a was an Image of Marble with an head of Brass and had a Garland on which was Written The first day of May I shall have a head of Gold A Saracen Prisoner understood what it meant and came the first day of May and took notice of the shadow of the Image in length and breadth and found under the shadow a great treasure with which he paid his ransome Id. fol. 258. Patronus an Anchorite in an Abbey of Scotland The Abbey was on Fire and he might have escaped and would not go fourth but was willingly and willfully burnt But saith Trevisa the Translator of Polycronicon God grant he be not damned for his blind devotion fol. 258. Oliver a Monk of Malmsbury in his youth arrayed himself to fly as Daedalus did but fell down and lamed himself in his thighs all his life after Which he imputed to his neglect or forgetfulness in not making himself a Tail Id. 260. Walter Bishop of Hereford in the time of William the Conqueror fell in love with a Sempster of that City and when he could not prevail b words he would have forced her but she ran him into the belly with her Scissers of which he died Id. 262. Johannes de Temporibus who was Esquire to Charles the great died in the dayes of King Stephen of England when he had lived three hundred sixty and one years Id. When the Physicians and Prelates perswaded King Lewes of France to make use of a VVoman in his return from the Holy land because he was so far from his Queen and sick for want of that Evacuation He answered them That he had rather dye than live in spouse breach and so put himself in Gods hand and was suddainly made well Polycron f. 285. When one brought King Lewes a Bull from the Pope whereby was granted to the King to have the first benefice in every Cathedral Church in his realm He threw the Bull in the fire saying That he rather would that thaâ— should fry in the fire tâ—an his own Soul in Hell Id. 285. When King Richard the first of England had long chased the King of Cyprus from place to place The King proffered to yield himself so he might not be put into Irons which King Richard granted him but instead of Iron he put him into Chains of Silver Id. f. 294. Stephen Procurator of Angeow under King Richard the first consulted with a Negromancer who sent him to enquire of a Brazen head that had a Spirit enclosed He enquired shall I never see King Richard the Spirit answered No How long shall my Office endure to thy lives end said the Spirit Where shall I die in Pluma Hereupon he forbad his Servants to bring feathers near him but he prosecuting a Noble man the Noble man fled to his Castle called Pluma and Stephen following was there killed Id. f. 296. Albericus Earl of Northumberland not contented with his own estate consulted with a Friend which told him he should have Graecia whereupon he went into Greece but the Graecians knovving of it Robbed him of vvhat he had and sent him from them He after being vveary of Travail came to King Henry into Normandy vvho gave him a Noble Widdow to Wife vvhose name vvas Graecia Id. f. 296. The Epitaph of Richard the first King of England Viscera Carleolum Corpus Fons servat Ebardi Et Cor Rothomagum Magne Richarde tuum In tria dividitur unus quia plus fuit uno Non superest uno Gratia tanta Viro. Polyc. f. 299. In the year one thousand two hundred tvventy four vvhile the Bish p of London said Mass in Pauls Church fell so great thicknesâ— of Clouds and darkness vvith thundering and lightning and stink that it vvas intolerable so that the people vvent all out of the Church and left the Bishop and his Servants alone Id. f. 302. Luelline Prince of VVales vvas taken and beheaded by the English in the time of Edward the first on vvhom his Countrymen made this Epitaph Hic jacet Anglorum Tortor Tutor Venedorum Princeps VVallorum Luellinus regula morum Gemma Coaevorum Flos regum praeteritorum Forma Futurorum Dux laus lex lux populorum Ansvvered by the English VVallornm jacet hic Princeps Praedoque Virorum Proditor Anglorum fax livida secta reorum Numen VVallorum Trux dux horrenda Piorum Fax Trojanorum Stirps Mendax Causa Malorum Saint Edmund of Canterbury vvas like the Olive Tree vvhich yieldeth the Sweetness of it's Oyl to others but keepeth the bitterness in it's ovvn rinde so vvas he hard to himself and easy and gentle to others Polycr f 304. Pope Boniface the eighth vvas taken by VVilliam de Longaret a Frenchman and set upon a vvild Horse vvithout Bridle and his face to the tail and so killed vvith riding and hunger f. 310. In the raign of Edward the third about the year one thousand three hundred and sixty a Scholar in Lubeck slept continually by the space of seven years and aftervvards he avvoke and lived a long time Henry the fifth King of England erected two Houses of Religion the one called Zion the other Charter-house the River Thames parting them in which he was perpetually prayed for For when they of Zion rested Charter-house Monks began and so enterchangeably the Bells giving notice from one to the other Id. fol. 333. Constantine King of Brittain made a law that every Prince should give the tenth part of his possessions to the building and maintaining of Churches the which law he first executed and afâ—er with a Pick-axe with his own hands brake the ground of St. Peters Church in Westminster and bore twelve Baskets full of earth out of the Foundation on his own shoulders Fabian Hist 1. part p. 55. Lotharius King
him to death instead of the said Picard Which being after made knovvn to the Kings Council the Provost vvas put to the like death Id. p. 188. In the year of our Lord one thousand three hundred sixty one were seen two Castles in the Air one in the East the other in the West Out of which at Noon-tide appeared two Hosts of men to issue forth what came from the East appeared White the other Black which encountred each other and the White that seemed at first to be Victorious at last was worsted and so it disappeared Id. p. 245. In the year of our Lord One thousand three hundred ninety six upon the death of Gregory the Eleventh were chosen two Popes Urban the Sixth by the Italians and Clement the Seventh by the French Which double Head of the Romish Synagogue continued by several Elections thirty nine years Fabian p. 262. At the Siege of the Rock of Arnan in Brittaine kept by the English the Commander of the French hung a Purse and fifty Scutes of Gold on a Speares End with promise that who first entered the Town should have the said fifty Scutes of Gold which so encouraged the Souldiers that within four hours they entred and took it Id. p. 277. In a Parliament held in England in the twelfth year of Edward the Third and in the year of our Lord one thousand three hundred thirty seven it was Enacted that no man should wear any manner of Silk in Gown Coat or Doublet which could not spend of good Rents an hundred pound by the year Id. p. 214. When John King of France was Prisoner in England the three Estates of Languedock ordained that no man should wear any Furres of any great price and that women should leave their rich Attire off their heads and wear neither Pearl nor Gold upon them nor Silver upon their Girdles so long as the King remained Prisoner and also that all manner of Minstrells for that season should be put to silence Fabian p. 284. Charles King of Navar being a man of great Age and very feeble was by Counsel of Physicians sowed in a sheet washed with Aqua-Vitae to revive heat in him He that sowed the sheet taking a Candle to burn off the end of the thread suddainly the Aqua-Vitae inflamâ—d and so burnt his flesh that he shortly after died with it p. 361. Certain Noblemen disguising themselves in Linnen clothes glued to their bodies with Pitch and coloured with Oyl entred into the presence of Charles the seventh of France to make him disport by Torch-light which Garments suddenly took fire and the disguisers after much torment with great difficulty by running into waters saved themselves Fabian p. 363. Henry the fourth doing his devotions at St. Edwards Shrine vvas suddenly taken sick and so carried into the Abbots Lodging where enquiring what the Chamber in which he lay was call'd it being answered Jerusalem He presently replied I know I shall now die it being foretold him that he should die in Jerusalem and so he did p. 389. William Mandevil a Weaver of Abington having raised a Commotion against King Henry the sixth give out in a vaunting manner that he would make Priests-heads as cheap as Sheeps-heads and sell three for a penny but was himself taken Hang'd Drawn and Quarter'd Id. p. 422. IMMANUEL Historical Collections Century XII THe English and French fighting one named Bonsapriest a French Knight for fear fled and hid himself in a Covert of Bushes till the fight was ended two English men their party having the worst fled into the same Covâ—rt by whom the Knight perceiving that the French had the better he became so Couragious that he forced the said Englishmen to become his Prisoners and with them entred the French Host and bare a Countenance as if he had won them in the aforesaid fight but when his demeanour was known he was had in great derision and by the chief Captain deprived of his Prisoners Fabian p. 429. In the year of our Lord one thousand four kindred thirty six all the Lions in the Tower died which had continued a long season there Id. p. 454. In the year of our Lord one thousand four hundred and thirty nine died Sir Robert Chichley who had been twice Lord Mayor of London who by his Will appointed that on his mind day a good dinner should be provided for two thousand four hundred poor men and two pence a piece to be bestowed on them Id. p. 436. Charles the eighth of France having concluded a Marriage between his daughter Magdaline and Ladislaus King of Bohemia while the Bride with great Pomp was conveighed toward her intended Husband he was taken suddainly with sickness and died Id. p. 478. Lewes the eleventh King of France Warring against Charles Duke of Burgoigne committed the charge of his Army to John Balna Priest and Cardinal whereat the Temporal Lords disdaining the Earl of Damptmartin in their name said to the King Most Soveraign Lord it hath pleased your Highness to commit to a Spiritual man the charge of this Host and he not fearing God hath taken it upon him to the effusion of Christian blood wherefore may it like your most noble Grace to send me a Temporal man to visit his Diocess and to take the charge of his Flock which is as fit for me as the other is for him Of the which the King made game but did as to him seemed best Fabian p. 486. Charles the eighth of France being troubled with the Leprosy he commanded to be brought before him all the cunning Musicians that by their Melody he might be eased but when he had assembled a hundred and twenty yet a few Shepherds Pipes vvere to him more solace than all the other and therefore commanded them every day at a certain distance from the place he lay to play to him Fab. p. 491. One Mr. Dominick Physician to King Edward the fourth assured him that the Queen was conceived of a Son This Physician when the Queen vvas in travail vvaited in the second chamber that he might be the first that might bring tidings to the King of the birth of the Prince And when he heard the child cry he called secretly at the Chamber door to know what the Queen had To whom it was answered by one of the Ladies Whatsoever the Queens Grace hath here within sure it is that a Fool standeth there without And so confused with that answer he departed without seeing the King for that time Fab. p. 496. One William Colingborn Esquire being condemned for making this Rime on King Richard the third The Cat the Rat and Lovel our Dog Rule all England under the Hog vvas put to a most cruel death for being hanged and cut down alive his bowels ript out and cast into the fire when the Executioner put his hand into the bulk of the body he said Lord Jesus yet more trouble and so died to the geat sorrow of much people Id. p. 519. In the
said did express these words Hodiè Julianus in Persia acciditur And the time being noted it was known that he died that day Id. p. 18. An Astrologer foretold a Prelate that he should have a great fall Therefore the Prelate that he might be more safe knowing the Astrologer to be a learned man would never go higher than the lowest Room of the House would never dine or sup but on the ground when he went to bed would lie on the ground hoping by this wariness to change the position of the Stars that did threaten him but it was in vain For a while after News was brought him that he was deposed from his Bishoprick who instantly cried out Now the Astrologers prediction is come to pass for indeed I can fall no lower Id. p. 188. Biron Marshal of France vvas told by a Wizard that a Burgundian should be his death Upon vvhich prediction he gave express command That no man of that Nation should come nigh him but all vvould not help for he found the prediction true by the loss of his head vvhich a Burgundian cut off that vvas his Executioner Idem p. 188. Cuffe an excellent Grecian and Secretary to the Earl of Essex vvas told tvventy ears before his death that he should come to an untimely end at which Cuffe langhed and in a scornful manner intreated the Astrologer to shew him in what manner he should come to his end who condescended to him calling for Cards intreated Cuffe to draw out of the Pack three which pleased him who did so and drew three knaves who by the Wizards direction layd them on the table with their faces downward and then told him if he desired to see the sum of his bad fortunes to take up those cards Cuffe as he was prescribed took up the first Card and looking on it he saw the portraicture of himself Cap-aâ—pe having men compassing him about with Bills and Halbards then he took up tâ—e second there he saw the Judge that sat upon him and taking up the last Card he saw Tyburn the place of his Execution and the Hangman at which he laughed heartily but many years after being condemned for Treason he remembred and declared this Prediction Rowland Jud. Astr cond p. 189. Friar Bacon made a Head to speak and Albertus Magnus made a Statue of the perfect shape of a Man which with Wheeles and other Engines which he had cunningly and artificially wrought in it would speak and pronounce words as distinctly as if they did proceed from a man endued with sense and reason This Statue when Thomas Aquinas was sent into his chambâ—r where it lay hid heard it speak very Artificially which when he heard and looking for it and finding of it and viewing it very seriously at last struck it with a Club and broke it all to pieces which when Albertus saw he cryed out and said Thomas thou hast destroyed the work of thirty years labour and pains Id. p. 199. The Images of Pasquil and Morphirius in Rome were Statues of stone on whose breasts Verses and no Libells but true bills of the Popes and Cardinals Villanies were usually fixt But Pope Adrian would have had them flung into Tyber if Suassanus the Embassador of Charles the Emperor who favoured them had not prevented him who said to his Holiness That if they were flung into Tyber the Crocodiles and Rats and other Monstrous Serpents would catch them and sting them At which in a rage he said He would have them burnt To which the Legate replyed If you burn these Images their ashes will be blown into other Countries so that the people will take occasion to reverence those ashes for the writings sake and it will come to pass that they being dispersed through the world the sins of Rome will generally be known to all Nations At this answer his Holiness was perplext and seeing he could do no good either by drowning or burning he bid them stand in the Devils name Rowl Jud. Astr cond p. 200. Penda King of Mercia though a wicked Pagan himself yet had two most vertuous and holy Daughters Kineburgh and Kineswith Gulielm Malmsb. p. 14. when King Ethelred and his brother Alfred had encountered the Danes a whole day being parted by night early the next morning the battel was renewed and Alfred engaged in fight with the Danes sent to his brother to speed him to their help but he being in his Tent at his Devotions refused to come till he had ended Which being finished he entred the battel relieved his staggering Host and subdued his Enemies Id. p. 23. Johannes Scotus was killed by his Scholars with their Pen-knives at Malmsbury and was thereupon esteemed a Martyr Id. p. 24. when Rollo Captain of the Danes had at his Baptism received great gifts from Charles King of France he was admonished to kiss the Kings foot he instead of kneeling down took the Kings foot up in his hand and heaving of it to his mouth threw the King backward at which the Danes laughed but the French-men were offended and Rollo excused it by his Country Fashion Id p. 26. When Edgar had kill'd Earl Ethelwold his Son casually coming where his Father lay dead the King asked him how he liked that Hunting He answered well O King for that which pleaseth thee ought not to displease me The King was so pleased with that answer that ever after he had him in great esteem Gulielm Malmsh p. 33. An Emperor casually hearing a mishapen Priest reading Mass despised him for his deformity but when he repeated these words It is he that hath made us and not we our selves he checkt himself and took so great liking to the Priest that he preferred him to the Arch-Bishoprick of Colen who proved a worthy Prelate He excommunicated a Nobleman that had taken a Nun out of a Monastery and kept her as his wife This Arch-Bishop lying on his Death-bed many came to him for his Benediction and amongst them this Nobleman sent to him who hearing his name said If he shall forsake that woman he shall be absolved if not the same day and hour that I die the next year shall he Which accordingly came to pass he and his Concubine being smitten and kill'd with Thunder id p. 38. One of the Henrys Emperor having a Clergy-man in his Court that usually lay with a Concubine one day Mass being celebrating the Emperor sent to him to sing the Gospel which he refusing the Emperor banisht him and he providing to be gone was by the Emperors Commandment brought back again who commending him for his reverence to God that he more feared Gods displeasure than his threats promised him the next Bishoprick that fell in his gift p. 44. The Emperor being at Mogunce at a solemn Mass the Abbot of Fulda claimed by ancient custom to fit next the Emperor which the servants of the Arch-Bishop denying there arose a fray in which much harm was done and some bloud shed but all
Consecrated three Monks Priests viz. Dunstan Ethelwold and Ethelstan prophesied that the two first should be Bishops and the third an Impious Apostate which accordingly came to pass Id. p. 138. The Monks and Clergy of Durham being met in the days of King Ethelred to choose their Bishops they being divided it happened to be present one Edmund a man of comely presence but mean literature who in a jesting manner said Choose me and make me Bishop they accepting this though spoken in jest as a Heavenly designation agreed all in the choice of him who proved above what was expected a profitable Pastor Id. p. 157. VVaâ—stan Bishop of VVorcester in the time of VVilliam the Conqueror a man of great simplicity and integrity when he was perswaded instead of Lambskins to wear Catskins answered That he had never heard sung Cattus Dei but Agnus Dei and therefore would not change and when in his time the Church which Saint Oswald had meanly built was more stately re-edified all the rest rejoyced he was sorrowful and being asked the reason answered That former Holy men were careless of stately walls but careful of Christian souls but we neglect them and for our own glory raise magnificent structures Id. 159. VValter Bishop of Hereford in the Raign of VVilliam the Conqueror attempting to force the Chastity of a woman who being a Semster was out of pretence of cutting out work brought into his chamber was by her with her Scissers thrust into the belly with which he died Id. p. 163. Remigius translating his Sea from Dorchester in Oxfordshire to Lincolne having built his C urch and intending to consecrate it procured from the Conqueror his Royal Edict to convene all the Bishops of England to that solemnity only Robert of Hereford refused to come and declared the cause thâ—t he knew by the starres that that Church should not be consecrated in the life-time of Remigius which accordingly came to pass he dying the morrow before the solemnity vvas to be performed VV. Malms p. 165. A Barbarous Dane taking away a costly Herse-cloth that covered the Tomb of St. Ethelred and striking the marble of her Tomb with a Pickax intending a farther violence a small piece of the broken Marble flew up into his Eye and kill'd him He falling dead his Companions left him and the rest of the Sepulchres untoucht Id. p. 167. When Titus was reproved by his Friends for his over-much liberality he made this noble answer That it was not fitting that any Suitor should go sad away from the presence of an Emperor And when Trajan was blamed for beâ—ng too courteous and affable he answered that â—e would so carry himself being Emperor towards his subjects as he would have them towards him if they were Emperors and he a Subject W. Huntingd. 174. Huntingdom gives Constantine the Great this Commendation that in the beginning of his Empire he was to be compared to the best of Princes in the end puft up with prosperity to the middle sort Id. 177. When Genserick besieged Hippo St. Austin the Bishop thereof that he might not see the destruction of his City died the third month of the siege Id. Ibid. The Saxons and Picts joyning against the Britains the Britains implored the aid of Saint German who coming to them undertook the Conduct of the Army and when the battels were on joyning he commanded all his Army to cry out three times Allelujah which was no sooner the third time pronounced but the enemies fled and left a most glorious but bloodless Victory to the Britains Id. 178. In the last year of Cedwald King of Mercia there was a great fight between Birds and in the daies of King Henry the second in Normandy near Roan above a thousand Birds were found dead before the battel wherein Henry the King of England fled and left a most glorious but bloodless victory to the Britains H. Huntingd. f. 178. When Cedda Bishop of the West Saxons had excommunicated a noble man for his unlawful Marriage King Sigebert notwithstanding went to this noble mans House and dined with him whereat the Bishop being offended told the King that he should die in that House which accordingly came to pass the same noble man conspiring against him and killing of him Id. f. 191. William Rufus in the sixth year of his raign falling dangerously sick gave freely the Archbishoprick of Canterbury to Anselm and other preferments to others but being recovered repented his goodness and became worse than before and extorted from Robert Bluet to whom he had given the Bishoprick of Lincoln five thousand pound Id. f. 213. Godfry Duke of Bovillon fighting against the Infidels in the time of the Holy Wars cut off an Infidel in the middle so that one part fell into the ground the lower part was carried by the Horse he sate on into his armes At the sight of which he astonished hastily fled H. Hunt 7. f. 215. In the raign of Henry the first in a Council held by Anselm where the Clergy of England were forbid to marry a course though some thought holy yet by others judged dangerous lest whilst they aspired after a Purity above their strength they should as after they did fall into abominable and unnatural filthiness Id. 217. Queen Mawd the wife of King Henry the first hath this Commendation left her Prospera non laetam fecêre nec aspera tristem Aspera Risus ei Prospera error erant Non decor effecit fragilem nec sceptra superbam Sola potens humilis sola pudica decens Thus in English When prosperous not o'rejoy'd when crost not sad Things flourishing made her fear adverse made glad Sober though fair lowly though in throne plac't Great and yet humble beautiful yet chast King Stephen immediately before his fight at Lincoln with Robert Earl of Glocester bastard brother to Mawd the Empress as he was offering the VVax-Candle broke in his hand and the Pix fell down and broke and the Sacrament fell out which was apprehended as a foretoken of the Kings discomfiture in battel H. Huntingt f. 224. Ethelward King of the VVest Saxons and Monarch of England in the year of our Lord eight hundred fifty and five gave unto God for the Maintenance of his VVorship the tenth of all his land Roger Hoveden f. 232. Pleasures undo men at any time but to meet them at first iâ— most danger Craesus counselled Cyrus if he meant to hold the Lydians in Slavery he should then teach them to sing and play and drink and dance and dally and that would do it without his endeavour Ovids Fable of Argus points to this Wherein compare the Divel to Mercury his Pipe to pleasure Argus to man his hundred eyes to our care his falling asleep to our security Io to the Soul his transformation to the curse of God The moral is this The Divel with pleasure pipes man into Security and steals away his Soul and leaves him to the wrath of Heaven This
into the Granary and perceiving of it was exceeding angry but Boniface praying unto God immediately the Granary was again full And of St. Joscias that retiring with his Companion to the Sea side having only one loafe which being beg'd he gave away and comforted his Companion with this that they served that God that fed â—ll the Creatures and behold two ships full â—den with Victuals were driven ashore to them Id. p. 366. Simonides having buried a dead body whom â—e found on the shore was admonished by him that he should not Sail the next day He did not but saw his company drowned The â—â—me Simonides being to Sup in a House ready â—o fall down was sent for to speak with two strangers with whom going to speak the House fell down and killed all the rest Id. p. 369. Boschier relates of one that going through Church-Yards was wont to pray for the dead where once his Enemies about to set upon him were affrighted away with the appearance of them as Armed to defend him and of another that was lighted home by four Torches two going before and two behind who having brought him home told him They were of those for whom he prayed Bosch ibid. p. 369. Grafton reports that he saw the Cheeke tooth of a Man that was as great as an Hens Egg and did weigh ten ounces the Scull of which man he was credibly informed would hold five pecks of Wheat and the Shin bone was six foot in length and of a marvailous greatness Grafton Hist p. 6. Moses being a Child spurned Pharaohs Crown The Magicians counselled Pharaoh to put him to death which Pharaohs daughter prevented by excusing him as done through Childishness she putting burning Coales towards his mouth which he licked with his tongue whence he had his imperfection in his Speech p. 24. King Athelstan with a stroke of his Sword clave a stone an Ell deep which stood near to the Castle of Dunbar He having first prayed that God would give some token that the Scots ought to be Subject to the English Grafton p. 148. Guy Earl of Warwick being revealed in Vision to King Athelstan and found at VVinchester City Gate in a Palmers Weed upon the Kings Intreaty he encountred in Hide Mead with Colebrand the Danish Giant and then retired himself to his Hermitage where he lived many years and sought his relief at his Wives Gate unknown to her amongst the poor which she daily served Id. p. 150. When Methuselah had lived near five hundred years God said unto him Build thou an House if thou wilt for yet thou shalt live five hundred years And he replied For so little time as five hundred years I will build no House but rested under Trees and Hedges and so slept as he was wont to do Fructus Temporum part 1. Dioclesians daughters having killed all their Husbands were put into a Ship and half a years provision with them and came into Albion where accompanying with Devils they brought forth Giants oâ— whom was Gogmagog and Lanherigan Fructus Temp. part 1. Rheuben of the Tribe of Issachar and Ciborea his Wife were the parents of Judas Iscariot Hs Mother dreamed the night he was begat that she should bring a Child that would be a Traytor to his King and Country The Child being born they put him into a Vessel into the Sea which carried him to the Isle of Scariot and was taken up by the Queen of that Country and nourished as her own but after for killing that Queens Son was fain to fly came to Jerusalem and was entertained by Pilate who sending him to Rheuben his Fathers Garden for Apples which he gathering and not asâ—ing leave killed his Father that resisted him Pilate gave judas what Rheuben had and Ciborea his Mother to be his Wife whom he using unkindly she bemoaned the death of her Husband and exposing her Child unto the Sea whereby Judas understood she was his Mother at which being greatly troubled in Conscience and hearing of Christs Preaching and miracles followed him in hopes of ease was entertained by him and afterward proves his betrayer Fructus Temp. part 4. q. 1. The Citizens of Rochester having abused St. Austin whom Gregâ—ry sent into England by casting dirt and guts upon him Sâ— Austin prayed that all the Children that should be born in that City might have long tayls which accordingly happening Adlebrit King of Kent intreated Austin and he by his prayers procured a Remedy Id. part 5. M. 4. Pope Benedict the ninth afâ—er he was dead appeared in a horrible shape His head and his Tayl were like an Ass and the rest liâ—e a Bear and he said Be not afraid for I was a man as you are but I tâ—us appear because I lived wickedly as a beast when I was Pope Id. part 6. q. 2. Edward the Confessor King of England was a great revâ—rencer of John the Evangelist and one day coming from his devotions a Pilgrim met him and beg'd his Almâ—s The King gave him a Ring from his Finger Many years after two â—ilgrims coming from Jerusalem were accosted by another who asking them whither they travelled they answered to England Whereupon he took them a Ring and willed them to give it to King Edward They enquiring who he was he answered John the Evangelist and that they should tell tâ—e King that on Twelfth day in Christmas he should die and he happy in Heaven with him and so he disappeared These Pilgrims being then but twelve miles from Jerusalem laid them down to sleep but awaking found themselves in England delivered the Ring did their Message And the King died the same day he was forewarned of Fructus Temp part 6. q. 7. St. Bernard was Canonized by Pope Alexander and after did so many Miracles that because of the great multitude of people his Abbot forbad him to do any more and he obeyed and did no more Id. part 7. S. 3. The Water in Jacobs Well is of several Colours Three months pale as Ashes other three green as Grass three months red as Blood and three months clear as Water And among the Garamantes is a Well all day so cold that no man can drink thereof and all the night it is so hot that no man can touch it In Macedonia is a Well that extinguisheth burning brands and kindleth such as are quâ—nched In Thessaly are two Rivers sheep who drink of one shall be white of the other black of both speckled Near the Alpes is a Well called Novacris that runneth at Summer and is dry at Winter In little Brittain there is a Well the Water of which if it be taken in a Fugle Horn and poured on a Stone near to it though the weather be never so fair and dry yet it will Rain immediately In France is a Well the water of which is good for men and naught for women and so cold that by fire it cannot be made hot In Sicily there are hot baths whose waters make
Fortnight Worldly peace a great blessing but abused by most Oh saith Luther how soundly will our Gentry and Farmers in Germany pay for this before an Hundred and Fifty years come to an end but afterwards God will restore them again and beat down Popedom Luthers Coll. p. 24â— As the King of Persia laid Siege to a City that had offended him the Bishop that was therein went upon the Wall lift up his Hands to Heaven and prayed whereupon immediately the Eyes of the Horses in the whole Army were so pestered with an innumerable company of Flies stinging them that with their Riders they ran away and so raised the Siege Idem p. 245. A Frier that lived in the same Monastery with Luther used daily to conveâ— himself into a private Corner to pray Now as he became wearied and tired therewith he asked God if such his continued prayers and devotions so long a time might suffice whereupon he heard a voice that said Redde mihi mediam Lunam Solem Canis iram by which was signified Cor the Heart Luthers Coll. p. 246. A young man condemned and brought to the Block and then remitted by Julian as he rose spake these words Ah sweet Jesus am not I worthy to suffer for thy sake p. 247. It was a brave resolution of Henry Prince of Saxony who when his Brother George sent to him that if he would forsake his Faith and turn Papist he would then leave him his Heir But he made him this answer Rather than I will do so and deny my Saviour Jesus Christ I and my Kate each of us with a staff in one hand will beg our Bread out of his Countreys Idem p. 248. The Church is watered with the Blood of Martyrs Truly said Luther it would grieve me sorely if I should carry my Blood into the Grave Idem p. 268. Luther relates a story of a young man he knew at Erfort that tempting his Mothers Maid the Maid acquainted his Mother She with a pretence to school her Son lays her self in her Maids Bed and was gotten with Child by him of a Daughter which being bred abroad and when grown up brought home the young man knowing not of it married her so that she was his Daughter Sister and Wife The Vniversity was consulted with they concluded advising the Mother to repent her wickedness that seeing the married couple knew nothing of it to avoid greater offence they should continue together Idem p. 257. Galaton painted Homer Vomiting and all the rest of the Poets greedily swallowing up what he had Vomited and Aelian reckoneth all other Poets but his Apes Famous was that contention between Chrysostom on the one part and Theophilus cyril and Epiphanius on the other about the burning or not burning of Origens Books All good men yet they grew so hot that because Chrysostom would not consent to the burning Theophilus and Cyril would hardly acknowledge him a lawful Bishop And Epiphanius in bitter chiding fell to such choler as he said he hoped he should not die a Bishop To whom Chrysostom answered as eagerly again that he trusted that he should never return alive into his own Country of Cyprus Which chiding words were not so bitter in sound as afterwards they proved true indeed for both Epiphanius dyed before he came home to Cyprus and Chrysostom being put out of his Bishoprick ended his life in banishment Bishop Cooper Lincoln Serm. p. 56. Constantine the Great having assembled the council of Nice for the suppression of Arrius Heresie in which there met 318. Bishops when the Bishops put up Bills of complaint the one against the other he would not read them but burnt them all before them exhorting them to mind the matter about vvhich they came yet afterwards by pernicious flatteries vvas turned against the truth and banished Athanasius Idem p. 213. Augustus hearing that the goods of a Merchant that died much in debt were set forth to Sail he sent to buy his pillow saying That he thought it had some rare vertue in it to procure sleep seeing he that owed so much could sleep on it so quietly It is reported of Caesar to his great commendation that after the defeat of Pompey he had in his custody a Castle vvherein he found divers letters vvritten by many of the Nobles under their ovvn hands sufficient evidence to condemn them but he burnt them all that no monument might remain of a future grudge Thus doth God cancel and annihilate the sins of his penitent servants Rogers penitent Citizen p. 70. Achon a Cretian an excellent Archer vvhen a Serpent had taken avvay his Son he vvith his Arrow kill'd the Serpent but did not hurt his child Idem p. 113. Aristotle being reproved for giving an almes to a levvd person ansvvered I relieve the man not his manners Idem p. 155. Themistocles vvhen he heard that Miltiades had gotten great honour in the Marothenian battle he could not sleep because he came short of his glory And Caesar seeing Alexanders statue wept that he had done so little himself Rogers penitent Citizen p. 150. A Man coming into a Church and seeing it full of Images made of Wax demanded what might be the cause of such an unwonted sight Answer was made that those whom those Images did represent were certain persons which were saved from drowning by calling on our Lady Nay then quoth he again where be the Images of those I pray you that called upon our Lady and were drowned notwithstanding Moss of Vsury p. 99. A Minister knowing he had Vsurers in his congregation whilst he vvas preaching askt his Auditors this question whether there was any Usurer amongst them No man answered He asked again whether there were any Jakes fâ—rmer amongst them One rising up said Yea I am the man Whereupon he answered behold how vile an imployment the Vsurer's is that he is ashamed of vvhereas the other counted it no disparagement to own his Moss p. 148. An Vsurer dying the Minister of the Parish refused to bury him his Friends though very importunate could not perswade It came into their minds that the Minister had an Ass that usually carried his Masters Books after him to the Church Now they supposing the Ass vvould carry vvhat burden he had to the Church as he carried his Masters Books desired the Minister to agree to this that the Vsurer might be laid upon the Ass and that vvhere the Ass laid him he might be buried He vvas contented The Ass feeling an extraordinary burden on his back wringing him wincing and kicking be ran to the Gallows that stood near by and there cast down the Usurer Turnbal Ps 15. p. 51. Philip of Macedon being told that one Nicanor a Courtier but neglected by him had spoken reproachfully of him he sent him a large gift to relieve his Indigency Whereupon Nicanor every where talked very honourably of the King vvhich made Philip say You may see that it lyeth in our selves to be vvell or ill spoken
of Sir William Maurice common Right preface Agesilaus surprised by the Athenian Embassadors at play vvith his children asked them if they had children or not if they had he feared not their censure if they had not he desired them to suspend it till they had some Morrice preface Xenophons expedition though with little effect excited Alexander the Great to a braver and more successful invasion of Persia Idem ibid. The Spartans set a Mulct on that Musician that added one string more than ordinary to his Harp and the Lycians suffered none to propose a new Law but with an Halter about his Neck that if the reason thereof were not approved he might forthwith be hanged for offering novelties Maurice common Right p. 1. Independency is like the Boranits or Tartar Lamb though it seems to creep low towards the ground and bear wool like the Shâ—eps cloathing yet destroys all Verdency and suffers nothing to grow or prosper near it Idem p. 9. There 's none of the Fathers in which something erroneous may not be observed who are like the Birds hatched at Grand-Cair by the vvarmth of an Oven vvhich have every one some blemish Idem p. 12. Agefilaus sent Tissaphernes his thanks that by the breaking of a sworn league he had set the Gods on his side Idem p. 15. When the Jews were in the Sunshine of prosperity then the Samaritans would claim to be their Bbrethren But if once they were under a Cloud or Tempest the other would not own their Kindred Idem p. 16. Examples emulation approbation of good men very prevalent Antigonus called Zenâ— his Theatre and Aeschines never did better than when he spake in the presence of Philip. Cato kept the whole Theatre in order Idem p. 21. Ludovicus Vives tells of one that going over and scaping safely a dangerous Bridge in the Night fell down dead the next day at the apprehension of the great peril he was in Idem p. 64. When Aristippus bought a Fish at an nigh rate in the Market and another blamed his profuseness He asked what the other would have given for it Who answering such a small price Aristippus replied this is proportionably no more to me than that is to you In Rutelo nam Luxuria est in Ventidio laudabile nomen Morrice p. 75. Amphions musick brought together and laid the Stones for building the Walls of Thebes but the Independent Builders are so long a knocking that they break them to pieces and are like the Italian Musicians that were admitted to sound their Airs before Sultan Achmet who were so long in tuning their Instruments that he thought this their best musick and sent them away with contempt and indignation and frustrated of their rewards Idem p. 77. Praetextatus a Heathen told Damasus the Pope Make me Bishop of Rome and I will be a Christian Plants beaten to Powder or burnt to Ashes will not only retain the Virtue but the least warmth will raise this Dust into the visible form and figure of the Plant and the Salt extracted from the Ashes and set in Lye in the coldest Night though frozen will fix it self and configurate it self to the perfect shape of the Herb. Idem p. 92. The condition the Independents brought the Nation to might be denominated Reformation only as that Stone found on the banks of Meander is called the sober Stone because being cast into a Mans bosom it makes him stark mad Idem p. 94. Cecillius Pasius with much confidence and exultation comes to Nero and told him That it was revealed unto him in a Dream that within his ground in Africk was hid a stupendous mass of Treasure not stamped but in Bullion reposited there of old by Dido coming from Tyre This being over lightly credited and without deliberation considered of the Orators and Poets making it the subject of their declarations and recital to the people the Gallies were sent to fetch it but returned empty of any thing but shame and obloquy And as Tacitus observes the expectation of Riches was among the causes of the publick Poverty A clear Emblem of the late pretended Reformation Idem p. 94. Cardan relates of a Man in Milain vvho having in sixty years bin never vvithout the VValls yet vvhen the Duke hearing thereof sent him peremptory command never to go out of the Gates during Life He that before had no inclination to do so yet soon died of grief to be denied the Liberty of doing it Idem p. 98. Mahomet by breaking a Pillar in the Hippodrome of Constantinople filled the â—ity vvith Serpents which before were never seen there The Subverters of Government have so dealt with the Church Morrice Com. Right p. 166. Upon a deliberation in the Conclave of sending a Nuntio into a certain Kingdom One being commended for his Wisdom it was replied That a Wise-man was not fit because he could not imagine what such a people designed Idem p. 206. Prayer which is the Salt of all duties spreads it self and is united to all as Mercury is joyned to all Mettals being to them as Parmenio was to Alexander without whom he could do nothing and like Themistocles in the Honour of the battle of Salamin in all accounts the second who ever be the first Idem p. 232. To deny Rome her former praise because of present corruption or her present corruptions because of former praise-worthiness is equally irrational It 's no argument because Jordan falls into the dead Sea that therefore it never had fresher Streams Neither is Rome like the bird of Phineus that whatsoever she hath touched must be afterwards polluted Idem p. 269. Christians as to matters of Religion must not be so qualified as Guevar prescribeth courtiâ—rs To receive injuries and give thanks Nor principled to that slavish subjâ—ction as were the Persian Lords who when they received sentence of death from the Prince returned him thanks that he was pleased to remember them Idem p. 295 Galvano tells of a Tree in Mindanao whereof that side that looks toward the East is a soveraign Antidote that which looks toward the West is deadly Poyson So interessed men esteem things good or evil as they stand in aspect upon their own interest Idem p. 295. We read of a Nation that having a pure River running through their Country yet abhor to drink of it because it passeth through their Enemies Land and of the Peguans who because Dogs teeth are white do therefore make theirs black Such folly do they shew that reject the good which appears in evil and erroneous Persons Idem p. 427. In the Consulship of Julius Caesar and Bibulus because the one carried all the sway and honour from the other they dated writings Julius and Caesâ—r being Consuls no mention being made or Bibulus Idem p. 452. Most men are like the Herb Baptist which stroked gently yields sweet it hardly an unsavoury smell like the Colossus at Tarentum which will move with your finger not wag with all your
in English rather than he would live to see that day he would cut his own throat p. 405. Sir Thomas More Lord Chancellor of England his Father at the same time being a Judge of the Kings bench He would always at his going to VVestminster go first to the Kings Bench and ask his Fathers blessing before he went to sit in Chancery p. 406. Anne Bullen condemned and going to Execution called one of the Privy Chamber to her and said unto him Commend me to the King and tell him he is constant in his course of advancing of me for from a Private Gentlewoman he made me a Marquess from a Marquess a Queen and now he hath left no higher degree of Worldly honour he hath made me a Martyr Id. p. 408. Richard Read Alderman of London refusing to pay his Assessment was sent a Solâ—ier into Scotland by Henry the eighth and there taken Prisoner Id. p. 426. In the eighteenth year of Henry the eighth there was a proclamation made against all unlawful games so that in all places Tables Dice Cards and Bowls were taken and burnt bu this order continued not long for young men being thus restrained fell to drinking stâ—aling Conies and other worse misdemeanours Id. 424. About the fifteenth year of Henry the eighth divers things were brought into England whereof this Rithme was made Turkeys Carps Hops Pickerel and Bare Came into England all in one year The six Articles on which the Martyrs were put to death in the times of Henry the eighth and Queen Mary were these following They were condemned that held 1. That the body of Christ was not really present in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper after Consecration 2. That the Sacrament might not truly be administred under one kind 3. That Priests entred holy orders might marry 4. That vows of Chastity entred into upon mature deliberation might not kept 5. That private Masses were not to be used 6. â—hat Auricular Confession was not necessary in the Church p. 426. Judge Morgan who gave sentence against the Lady Jane Gray fell mad and in his raving cried continually to have the Lady Jane taken away from him and so ended his life p. 459. In the thirty seventh year of King Henry the eighth on Tuesday in Easter week VVilliam Foxly Pot-maker to the Mint of the Tower of London fell asleep and could not be waked with pinching and burning till the first day of the next Term which was full fourteen dayes and when he awaked he was in all points as if he had slept but one night and lived forty years after Id. p. 428. In the sixth year of Edward the sixth at Middleton stony eleven Miles from Bristol a woman brought forth a Childe which had two perfect bodies from the Navil upwards the Legs for both the bodies grew out of the midst where the bodies joyned and had but one Issue for the Excrement of them both They lived eighteen dayes and were women children Id. p. 448. When the Duke of Northumberland went out of London in defence of the Lady Jane he said to the Lord Graâ— See how the people press to see us but not one saith the Lord speâ—d you p. 451. Queen Elizabeth while her Sister lived being asked what she thought of those words of Christ This is my body whether she thought that was Christs body in the Sacrament after a little pause is reported to make this answer Christ was the word that spake it He took the Bread and brake it And what the word did make it Thatâ— believâ— and take it Which served her turn to escape that snare which by a direct answer she could not Sir R. Baker p. 459. Queen Mary being resolved to restore what Lands were alienated from the Church by Henry the eighth when it was told her that it would be a great diminution to the revenues of the Crown she answered she more valued the Salvation of her Soul than a thousand Crowns Id. p. 463. The day that Ridley and Latimar suffered at Oxford Gardiner would not go to Dinner though the old Duke of Northumberland invited him to dine with him till after four of the Clock and the reason was because he would first hear that they were burnt and as soon as word was brought he said Now let 's go to dinner where sitting down and eating merrily he fell into such extremity that he was taken from the Table and carried to his Bed where he continued fifteen daies without voiding any thing by Urine or otherwise which caused his tongue to swell in his mouth and so died Id. p. 463. The Lord Starton for a Murder was hanged at Salisbury in a silken Halter Id. p. 463. When Cranmer was burnt and his whole body consumed yet his heart remained untoucht with the fire 463. In Queen Maries dayes there died for Religion five Bishops one and twenty Divines and of all sorts of men and women two hundred seventy and seven p. 469. Tobâ—cco was first brought into England by one Ralph Lane in the year one thousand five hundred fifty six the twentieth of Queen Elizabeth p. 529. Lopez being executed for Treason against Queen Elizabeth at Tyburn professed that he loved the Queen as well as he did Jesus Christ which was cause of laughter to them that knew him to be a Jew Id. p. 553. Peter Bourchet a Gentleman of the Temple supposing it lawful to kill those who were Enemies to the Gospel assaults Hawkins the famous Mariner instead of Hatton and wounds him for which he was sent to the Tower where taking a brand out of the fire he struck out the brains of one of his keepers called Hugh Langworth for which fact he was condemned of Murder and his right hand cut off and nailed to the Gallows and himself thereon hanged Baker p. 564. It 's reported of Sir Thomas Cheyney Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports that his Pulse beat three quarters of an hour after he was dead as strongly as if he were alive Id. p. 577. In the third year of Queen Elizabeth a Mare brought forth a Foal with two Heads and a long Tayl growing beâ—ween them A Sow farrowed a Pig with two bodies eight feet and but one head A man-child was born at Chichester having Arms and Legs like to an Anatomy the breast and belly monstrous big about the neck a great Collar of flesh and skin growing like the Ruff of a shirt Id. p. 577. One Richard Heydock of New Colledge in Oxon a Dr. of Physick pretended to Preach in his sleep was by King James discovered to be a Mountebank Id. p. 591. Sunday the twenty fourth of October one thousand six hundred and three an Exemplar Penance was imposed on Sr. Pechsal Brockaâ— Knight which was to stand at Pauls Cross in a white Sheet holding a stick in his hand having been formerly convicted before the high Commissioner for many notorious Adulteries with divers women Id. p. 602. In the year of our Lord one thousand six