1 Swears not to re-call Gaveston 7 Is troubled at his Oath 8 Falls into Melancholy 9 Sends for Gaveston 12 Acquaints his Councel therewith 13 Their Answer Ibid. His angry Reply Ibid. His Marriage 19 His Son Edward of Windsor born 28 He vows revenge for the Death of Gaveston 32 His Speech to Lancaster 34 Calls a Parliament 36 Goes against the Scots 38 Is defeated 39 Goes against them again 42 Is angry they refuse a Peace 44 Requires two Cardinals and sends them home Ibid. Besieges Barwick 45 Leaves it again 47 Seeks a new Favorite 48 Takes Spencer 49 Barons take Arms against him 55 His Proclamation against Mortimer Ibid. Answers their Message 57 His Speech to the Parliament 58 His Answer to the Merchants Petition against Spencer 65 Opposes the Barons 69 Seizes the two Mortimers Ibid. Beats the Barons 70 Kills Hereford Clifford and Mowbray 71 Takes Lancaster and others Ibid. Is moved for revenge Ibid. His Reply upon it 72 Beheads Lancaster and twenty two more 73 Calls a Parliament 81 Repulses the Scots and invades Scotland 83 Looseth his Treasure 84 Advises with Spencer 86 Will not consent to the Queens going 90 Sad at her departure 92 Complains to the Pope 102 He suspects the City of London 120 Removes to Bristol 121 Gets into the Castle 127 Betakes to a Bark and is seized Ibid. Sent to Berkley Castle 128 Is removed in Disguise 147 His Complaint 148 Is upbraided 149 His Keepers changed 154 He is removed to Corf Castle Ibid. He is Murdered 155 The young King Crowned 142 Kingdomes resentment of the Bishop of Chesters Imprisonment 21 L. Lincolns Speech to the King 22 Death 34 Lancaster surprized 71 Beheaded with twenty two more 73 M. Sir Gilbert de Middleton Executed 43 Mortimer spoils Spencer 55 Is committed to the Tower 89 Is favoured by the Queen 142 Moves the Kings Death 151 His Answer to the Queen 152 He flings away 153 Merchants Petition 65 Mowbray killed 71 Black Monks incite the people 144 Their Captain is clapt by the heels and dies Ibid. N. Navy set out 94 P. Parliament call'd 36 Called again 81 Give the sixth Penny 82 Called by the Queen 130 They resolve to Depose the King 131 The Speaker reads the Sentence 132 Poydras of Exeter pretends himself King 40 Is Hanged at Northampton Ibid. His strange Confession Ibid. Pope sends two Cardinals to Mediate a Peace 42 They go for Scotland and are Robb'd 43 Return 44 Requited and sent home Ibid. He Excommunicates the Scots King and Kingdom Ibid. Admonishes the French King to quit the Queen 103 Prodigious sights Ibid. Ports stopt 94 Q. Queen offers to go for France 88 Favours Mortimer 89 Pretends a journey of Devotion 91 Embarks for France Ibid. Is Tainted 94 Entertain'd in France 95 Her Address 96 Enticed to return 103 Tells the French King of it Ibid. Advises on the same 104 Joyful at Artois Council 106 Her farewell to France 108 Her welcome to Heynault 109 Jealous of Treachery 113 Embarks at Dort 115 Frighted at Sea 116 Lands at Harwich Ibid. Joyns Lancaster 118 Writes to the Mayor of London 121 Is received into the City Ibid. She goes for Bristol 123 Refuses a Treaty and gives Summons 124 Takes that City 125 Batters the Castle 127 Takes the King Ibid. Sends him to Berkley-Castle 128 Her Cruelty 129 Comes to London 130 Calls a Parliament Ibid. Her Speech to Mortimer 151 Her Expostulation 153 She unwillingly consents to the Kings death 154 S. Scots adhere to Bruce 36 Refuse a Peace 44 Excommunicated Ibid. Over-run the borders 45 Opposed Ibid. Beat A. B. York 46 Invade England and Ireland 82 Are repulst and Bruce slain 83 Seize the Kings Treasure 84 Scotland Invaded by the King 83 Bishop Stapleton Beheaded 121 Sir Walter de Selby Executed 43 Sir Peter Spalden made Governour of Barwick 42 Betrays it to the Scots Ibid. Spencer taken into favour 49 His Policy 51 Commons Charge against him 61 Banished 62 His Son a Pyrate 64 They return 67 Move for Revenge 71 His Advice to the King 86 Bribes the French 99 He is taken at Bristol 125 Executed by the Multitude 126 His Son taken 127 Hanged 130 T. Tresilian Hanged 143 Y. A. B. York opposes the Scots 45 Is beaten by them 46 FINIS Cottoni Posthuma Divers Choice Pieces wherein are discussed several Important Questions concerning the Right and Power of the Lords and Commons in Parliament By the Renowned Antiquary Sir Robert Cotton Baronet London Printed by M. C. for C. Harper and are to be Sold in Fleet-street the Exchange and Westminster * April 25. 1284. †July 1307. Edw. 1's care in educating his Son Banishes Gaveston Gaveston's Original and Character Edw. 1's Dying-Speech to the Prince Barons They swear not to recal Gaveston The young King troubled at his Oath Falls into the height of melancholy The Character and danger of Court-Parasites A Courtiers Speech to the King to recal Gaveston The King sends for Gaveston Acquaints his Council therewith who labour to divert him His angry Reply The Council consent to recal Gaveston Gaveston returns The King flights his Barons They perswade him to marry The King marries and marries Gaveston to Margaret Daughter of Gilb. de Clare Earl of Gloucester by his Wife Joan of Acres Daughter to Edw. I. Creates him Earl of Cornwall And makes him chief Minister of State Gaveston imprisons the Bishop of Chester The Kingdom resent it Lincoln's Speech to the King Gaveston banished the second time and sent into Ireland Again recalled Abuses the King and Kingdom Gaveston banished the third time goes into Flanders Edward of Windsor afterwards Edw. the 3. Born 13 Oct. 1312. Gaveston again returns The Barons take up Arms. Seize Gaveston at Scarborough-Castle and behead him The King's Exclamation on the news vowing revenge Henry Laey Earl of Lincoln dies 1310. His dying-Speech to Tho. Earl of Lancaster his Son-in-Law A Parliament called The Scots adhere to Bruce 1313. The King goes in person against the Scots 1314. The King defeated at Banocksbourn near Striveling Poydras of Exeter pretends himself King and the King a Changling His strange Confession The King goes a second time against the Scots Sir Peter Spalden made Governour of Barwick Who betrays it to the Scots 1318. The Pope sends over two Cardinals to mediate a Peace Who are robbed at Derlington Sir Gilbert de Middleton and Sir Walter de Selby executed for the same Sir Josline Denvile with certain Ruffians infest the North. The Cardinals return The Pope Excommunicates the Scotch King and Kingdom King Edw. besieges Barwick A great Dearth which lasted three years The Scotch over-run the Borders The Arch-Bishop of York opposeth them and is beaten at Milton upon Swale The King leaves Barwick King seeks a new Favorite Spencer taken into favour Spencers policy The Barons incensed Clifford's Speech The Barons take Arms. Mortimer spoils Spencer's Possession The Kings Proclamatition thereon The Barons Message to the King The
must be their Warrant or else their Lives must pay a bitter Forfeit Their Forces were not yet fully ready yet they march on resolv'd to wait the Kings approach at Burton Time that runs swift to Mischief slow to Goodness at length conjoyns their Strength and several Levies which were not great and yet believ'd sufficient to give a Canvas to the Royal Army which as their Curriers told them was not mighty Soon are they brought to view each others Countenance where Friend against Friend and Son against the Father Brother against the Brother stood embattl'd such mischief follows still a Civil Discord The Kings Force far exceeds in strength and number which made the Terms of hazard far unequal The adverse part perceiving well the danger which they were in if they abide the Tryal condemn their own belief and Servants falshood who had so far fallen short in their discovery But now a second Deliberation is entertain'd which adviseth them to decline the Battle and to make a Retreat till they were re-enforced This Resolution taken from the present suspition was not more dishonourable than dangerous it gave confidence to their Enemies and dejected their own Party willing rather to try their hands than their heels where the peril seem'd indifferent But the Reasons given in excuse were grave and weighty The Earl of Lancaster had sent Sir Thomas Holland to raise his Northern Friends and Tenants who was marching up strongly and well provided so that if they could have adjourned the Battle off to his arrival it would have made the Terms more hopeful if not equal It is in the Rule of War esteem'd a weakness to affront an Enemy for a set Battle with too great disproportion in number but to recoyl without a marvelous discreet and orderly proceeding is no more than laying the disheartned Troops to a present slaughter the Experiment whereof was here apparent The Lords rise but ill and in disorder more like a Flight than a discreet Retiring Valence Earl of Pembrooke that did command in chief under the King sees this Confusion and straight lays hold of such a fair advantage He chargeth hotly on the Reer which straight was routed the Barons make a head but are forsaken which makes them flie to seek their proper safeguard With much ado they get to Pontefret whither the broken Troops at length repair for succour Holland intrusted performs the work he went for and marcht with speed hoping to give a Rescue but when he saw that their Affairs were desperate rate he thinks it his best play to change his Master and leads his Troops to get the Kings Protection As it deserv'd it gains a gracious welcome Thus all things tend to their Confusion one mischief seldom comes but many thunder The despairing Barons finding themselves hotly pursu'd repair to Council where many ways are mov'd and none embraced save that same fatal one which wrought their Ruine They leap like Fishes from the Pan that scorcht them into the raging Flames that soon consum'd them The Castle of Donstanborough was believed a strength tenable until their Friends do raise a second Army or they at worst might treat some fair Conditions they march to gain this hold but are prevented Sir Andrew Harcklaye meets them at Borough-briggs and guards the Passage Hereford and Clifford seek to force it and like inraged Lions here act Wonders twice had their angry Swords made the way open but fresh Supplies opprest them still with number till wearied not o'ercome they yield to Fortune and by a glorious Death preserve their Honour When these brave Arches fell the Building totter'd though Mowbray made a while a brave resistance till his Heroick Bloud not Valour fail'd him The surprizal of Lancaster and many other noble Knights and Barons perfects this Overthrow and ends these Civil Tumults The Prey thus seiz'd the Spencers long to taste it and like to furious Tygers act their Passions They give not their incensed Master time to deliberate on that Work which was so weighty which had the Lives of such great Peers in balance They whet on and exasperate the Kings Revenge that needs no instigation Soon is the Work resolv'd where deep Revenge hath master'd humane Judgment and Reason doth subscribe to private Malice Valence a stout and noble Gentleman hating such a barbarous Cruelty seeks to divert it and mildly thus intreats the Royal favour To win a Battle Sir it is glory to use it well a far more glorious Blessing In heat of Blood to kill may taste of Valour which yet on cooler terms may touch of Murder Laws were not made to catch offences but to judge them which are dispens'd with where the cause is weighty else none may live where many are delinquent Celestial Powers have blest you with a Conquest and do expect to see how you will use it For your own Goodness sake make known your Vertue be like to him that gave you this great Blessing and then your Mercy will exceed your Justice The savage beasts but kill to kill their hunger and will you act in blood to please your fancy The Heavens forbid the Royal Heart should harbour a thought that justly may be deemed cruel Your Sword victorious is imbrew'd with Honour let it not ravage where is no resistance to spill where you may save obscures your Glory to save where you may spill proclaims your Goodness I 'll not excuse their faults or plead their merits which both are lesser far than is your Mercy let not such branches so untimely wither which may in time be your defence and shelter Kings are but men that have their fates attend them which measure out to them what they to others Blood is a crying Sin that cries for vengeance which follows swiftly those that vainly shed it Black Apparitions fearful Dreams affright them whose guilty Souls are stain'd with deeds of darkness Oh let your purer thoughts be unpolluted that they may live to shew your Grace and Vertue and After-ages speak your worth in Glory The King had scarce the patience to hear out the Conclusion of a Theme so contrarious to his resolution and humour yet weighing the Integrity and well-deserving of the man that spake it to justifie himself and to give him satisfaction with an angry brow he makes this sudden Answer Valence but that I know you truely love me your words do touch too near your Soveraigns Honour Shall I seduced by a female pity compassion those that do attempt my ruine such actions may be goodness no discretion how many times have I declin'd my Power to win them home by mercy not by justice what hath my mildness won but flat Rebellion which had it took where then had been their virtue Say I should spare their Lives and give them freedom each slight occasion colours new eruption and I may then too late repent my kindness When my poor Gaveston was tane where was their mercy They made their Arms their
and custody to be himself dissolute licentious and ill-affected but when he falls into a second errour making more delinquents Kings where one is too much he brings all into disorder and makes his Kingdome rather a Stage of Oppression than the Theater of Justice which opens the ready way to an ensuing Misery The heart of the Subject as it is obliged so it is continued by the Majesty and Goodness of the King if either prove prostitute it unties the links of Affection those lost the breach of Duty succeeds which hunts after nothing but Change and Innovation The bridle of the Laws is too weak a restriction especially when it is infring'd by him that is most bound to protect it Neither can the King in Justice blame or punish the breach when he himself goes the way of subversion of those Precepts which should preserve his Peace and Obedience It is so singular and so weighty a Consideration that a Burthen should never be imposed upon the Subject by extent of the Prerogative that may beget a just Grievance besides the grief in payment the novelty of the act incites to a tumultuous opposition Where there is neither Law to warrant nor fit president to induce the Injustice of the demand such actions begin in Complaint which unredressed fall into an extremity which draws with it a desperate hazard If the tye of Duty and Allegeance preserve the Obedience to the Crown inviolate let him beware that is the Prime Instrument or Seducer for he must be persecuted with implacable hatred which ends not until he be made a Sacrifice to expiate and quench the fury or the endangering of his Master by his unjust Protection It is no less proper for the Majesty and Goodness of a King in case of a general Complaint to leave those great Cedars to the trial of the Law and their own purgation this makes known the integrity and equality of his Justice which should not be extended to the grubbing up of Brambles and Shrubs while monstrous Enormities of a greater height and danger scape unlopped The accumulation of his Favour though it be a property of his own Power yet ought it in some measure to be satisfactory as well in the present worth of him elected as in his future progression else in the continuance he windes himself into the danger of participating his hatred as well as protection of his Errour The eye of the Subject waits curiously upon their Sovereigns actions which if they seem to degenerate from his Wisdome and Greatness and preferring a private Inconvenience before the redress of a publick Grievance it by degrees varies the integrity of the heart and begets a liberty of Speech which fall often on the actions of Revolt and Tumult Neither is it proper if there must be a Dotage in the Royal Affections that the object of their weakness should sway and manage the Affairs of State such an Intermixture begets Confusion and Disorder accompanied with Envy Hatred and a world of Errours If the King be never so innocent yet in this course he cannot avoid the actions of Injustice Experience tells the right use of a Favourite A good Cause in the integrity of time warrants it self and needs no supporter But Imperfection Fraud Dishonesty and Weakness in true Worth fly to his protection that by his strength they may prevail which in Equity and Justice are meerly corrupt and counterfeit Money Friends or Favour engageth him and he his Master hence proceed all manner of Oppression and Disorder Let the Spring-head be never so pure and unpolluted yet such a Diver makes it foul and muddy A smooth Tongue finding a favourable hearing sets a fair gloss upon the blackest Overture Love and a seeming Goodness leads where all seems currant which hatches daily broods of grief and mischief Thus doth the Kingdom suffer so misguided Had this unhappy subject of this Story not been thus abused had he been worser far he had subsisted but when for his inglorious Minions Gaveston and Spencer who successively enjoy'd him he made the Kingdome a prey to their Insolence he found both Heaven and Earth conspir'd his ruine So great a Fall these latter times produce not a King in a potent Kingdome of his own deposed by a handful of Strangers who principally occasioned it without so much as any Kinsman Friend or Subject that either with his Tongue or Sword declar'd himself in his Quarrel But you may object He fell by Infidelity and Treason as have many other that went before and followed him 'T is true but yet withal observe here was no second Pretendents but those of his own a Wife and a Son which were the greatest Traytors had he not indeed been a Traytor to himself they could not all have wronged him But my weary Pen doth now desire a respite wherefore leaving the perfection of this to those better Abilities that are worthy to give it a more full expression I rest until some more fortunate Subject invite a new Relation AN Alphabetical TABLE A. RObert of Artois his Character Page 105 His speech 106 Arundel Hanged 130 B. Barons the Kings Speech to them 5 They swear not to recall Gaveston 7 Are slighted by the King 18 Perswade him to Marry Ibid. Take up Arms 29 Seize Gaveston and Behead him 30 They are incensed 53 Take Arms again 55 Their Message to the King 56 Appear with a Guard 58 King writes to them 66 Their Answer Ibid. They rise 69 Are beaten and fly to Pontfract 70 Are pursued and repair to Councel 71 Speech in favour of them Ibid. Bristol City desires a Treaty with the Queen 124 Is yielded to her 125 Barwick betrayed to the Scots 42 Besieged by the King 45 Deserted by him 47 Sir Barth Baldesmere's Castle seized 68 Baldock's Speech 93 Is committed to Newgate 143 C. Carlisle Earl Executed 84 Cliffords Speech 54 Killed 71 Councel labour to divert the King from re-calling Gaveston 13 They consent to re-call him 15 Cautious Speech for Gaveston 10 Chester Bishop Imprisoned 21 D. Sir Josline Denvil infests the North 43 A great Dearth 45 E. Exeter forsakes the Queen 108 F. French King breaks Peace with England 85 Receives the Queen of England 97 Threatens the King 98 Shews the Queen the Popes Sentence 103 Perswades her to Peace 104 G. Gaveston Banished 4 His Character Ibid. Re called home again 12 He returns 17 And is Married 19 Created Earl of Cornwal Ibid. Chief Minister of State 20 Imprisons the Bishop of Chester 21 Is Banisht a second time 23 Re called again 25 Is Banisht a third time 27 Returns again 29 Is seized by the Barons and Beheaded 30 H. Sir Andrew Harcklay repulses the Barons 71 Hereford killed Ibid. Earl of Heynault welcomes the Queen 110 Reproves his Brother 111 His Brothers Answer 112 Rewarded and departs the Kingdom 145 K. King Edward I. his care in educating his Son 2 He Banishes Gaveston 4 He dies 5 King Edward II. his Birth and Character
Kings Answer The Barons appear with a strong Guard The King's Speech to the Parliament The Commons Charge against Spencer The Spencers banished The Son turns Pirate The Merchants petition the King against him The Kings Answer The King writes to the Lords The Barons Answer The Londoners Petition for Spencers return The Spencers return Sir Barthol Baldsmere's Castle seised The King takes Arms. Seizes the two Mortimers The Barons rise The Barons beaten fly to Pontfrect Valens ' Speech in favour of the Lords The Kings Reply Lancaster beheaded and 22 more Good Policy to maintain a divided Faction in Court and Councel Spencer's Policy A Parliament called They give the King the sixth Peny Prodigious Sights The Scotch invade the English Borders and Ireland Are repulst Their General slain The King invades Scotland The Scotch seize the K. Treasure Earl of Carlile Executed The French King breaks his Peace with England The King adviseth with Spencer Spencer's Answer He adviseth the Queen be sent to France She offers to go She casts a wandering eye on Mortimer Mortimer in the Tower The King will not consent to her going Pretending a Journey of Devotion She embarques for France with Mortimer The King sad at the News Spencer encourageth him The Queen is tainted The Ports are stopt the Navie sent out and Watch and Ward every where The Queen entertain'd in France with seeming gladness The Queens Address The King and his Peers moved at her discourse Spencer eyes the French but fears them not He bribes them King Edward complains to the Pope The Pope admonishes the French King to quit the Queen She is enticed to return into England She tells the French King He shews her the Popes Sentence Perswades her to Peace She relates it to the Bishop Cane and Mortimer Who advise her not to return Mortimer storms The Queen moderates Robert of Artois His Speech Which infinitely joys the Queen Her Farewel to France The Bishop of Exeter forsakes the Queen Is bravely welcomed by the Earl His Brother pities the Queen and promises his Service He makes preparation The Earl condemns his haste His Answer The Queen jealous of Treachery Spencer's Agents frustrated The Queens doubts increasing she importunes the hastning her journey But without need The Queen embarques at Dort She is frighted at Sea She lands at Harwich Marching forward She is refresh'd at St. Hamonds Abbey Lancaster first joyns her The King is despairingly sorrowful his Council startled The King suspects the City of London Betakes himself to Bristow The Queen sends a mandatory Letter to the Mayor of London to keep the City for her and the Prince Bishop Stapleton beheaded by the Multitude The Queen sets out for Bristol Whence a hot Salley upon her A Treaty desired by that City Which being rejected the Queen gives them a peremptory Summons It is yielded Old Spencer Executed The King and young Spencer amaz'd The Queen batters the Castle The King and Spencer betake to a Bark but are beaten back by Weather The Bark seized The King sent to Berkly Castle Spencer insulted over The Queens Cruelty Spencer hanged Arundel the like The Queen comes to London She calls a Parliament They conclude to depose the King The Speaker makes a resignation of Homage reads the Sentence The King answers not a word The young King crowned The Queen and Mortimer bear sway They commit Baldock to Newgate Tresilian Lord Chief-Justice hanged The black Monks impatient of the King's restraint They not only incite the people but make Donhead their Captain Who is clapt by the heels and dies Sir John of Heynault and the rest rewarded They depart the Kingdom The King taken from the Earl of Lancaster delivered to Sir Morrice Berkley and Sir John Matravas They remove him in disguise The King grieved with Indignities His Complaint The King is uncivilly upbraided His Answer The Queen and Mortimer unquiet still Mortimer's ears tingle He tells the Queen the King must die She seems discontented She returns her Answer Mortimer nettled His Reply Mortimer flings away The Queens expostulation She unwillingly consents to the Kings Death The Kings Keepers changed He is removed to Corf Castle He is murdered
President will shake your Peace and wound your Honour Your wanton Minion I so lately banisht call you not back I charge you on my Blessing for his return will hasten your destruction Such Cankers may not taste your ear or favour but in a modest and chast proportion Let true-born Greatness manage great Employments they are most fit that have a native goodness Mushroms in State that are preferr'd by dotage open the Gap to Hate and Civil Tumult You cannot justly blame the Great ones Murmur if they command that are scarce fit to serve them such sudden leaps must break his neck that ventures and shake that Crown which gives his Wings their motion And you my Lords that witness this last Summons you in whose Loyal hearts your Soveraign flourisht continue still a sweet and vertuous Concord temper the heat of my youthful Successor that he may prove as good as great in Title Maintain the Sentence was by me pronounced keep still that Viper hence that harbours mischief if he return I fear 't will be your Ruine It is my last Request I dying make it which I do firmly hope you will not blemish I would say more but ah my Spirits fail me With this he fainting swoons at length recovers and sadly silent longs to hear their Answer His weeping Son and heavy drooping Barons do mutually protest a strict Observance and vow to keep with truth this grave Injunction His jealous Spirit is not yet contented until they binde it with an Oath and swear performance Scarce was it ended when he mildly leaves the world more confident than he had cause as a short passage of time made plain and evident Dead mens Prescriptions seldom tie the living where Conscience awes not those that are intrusted Mortui non mordent which gives to humane frailty a seeming uncontrouled power of such Injustice To trust to Vows or Oaths is equal hazard he that will wound his Soul with one can wave the other If Vertue Goodness and Religion tye not a Death-bed Charge and solemn Oaths are fruitless Here you may see it instanc'd This great King as wise as fortunate living had the Obedience of a Father and a Soveraign who scarcely cold in his Mother Earth was soon lost in the memory both of Son and Subject His Funeral-tears the fruits of form rather than truth newly dryed up and his Ceremonial Rites ended his Heir assumes the Crown and Scepter while all mens eyes were fixed to behold the first Virgin-works of his Greatness so many glorious and brave victorious Conquests having given this Warlike Nation life and spirit fit for present Action The youthful King being in the bravery of his years won a belief in the active Souldier that so apt a Scholar as he had shew'd himself in the Art Military during the Scotish Wars would handsel the Maiden-head of his Crown with some Out-ringing Larum that might waken the Neighbour-Provinces and make them know his Power But his inglorious Aims were bent another way neither to settle his own or conquer others He had within his breast an unnatural Civil War which gains the first preheminence in his Resolution His care is to quiet these in a Course wholly unjust and most unworthy his proper goodness Seeing himself now free and absolute he thinks it not enough unless his Will as well as his Power were equally obey'd Being a Son and a Subject his Conformity had witness'd his Obedience being now a Soveraign and a King he expects a Correspondence of the self-same nature The sad Restrictions of his dying Father so contrarious to his aims trouble his unquiet thoughts where the Idea of his absent love did hold so firm a footing With ease he can dispence with his own engagement but fears the Lords whom he conceits too firmly fixt to waver He dares not Communicate the depth of his Resolution being a secret of too great weight to be divulged he thinks intreaty an act too much beneath him and to attempt at random full of hazard In these his restless passions he out-runs the Honey-month of his Empire looking asquint upon the necessary Actions of State that requir'd his more vigilant care and foresight This kind of reclus'd behaviour makes him unpleasant to his Lords and nothing plausible to the inferiour sort of Subjects who expect the beginning Acts of a Crown to be affable and gracious which wins ground by degrees on vulgar Affections making the way sure to a willing Obedience But he esteems this as a work of Supererogation believing the bare Tye of Duty was enough without confirmation all his thoughts are entirely fixt upon his Gaveston without him he cannot be yet how to get him handsomly without a Scar is quite without his knowledge He concludes it in his secret Revolutions too great an Injustice that confines the King from the free use and possession of his nearest and dearest Affection and cannot imagine it to be reason that his private Appetite should subscribe to publick necessity In these kind of imaginary Disputations he brings himself to the height of such an inward agitation that he falls into a sad retired Melancholy while all men as they justly might wonder'd but few did know the reason Amongst these a Page of his Chamber one that had an oyly tongue a fit instrument for such a Physician adventures the care of this diseased Passion This green States-man with a fore-right look strives rather to please than to advise caring not what succeeds so he may make it the Stair of his Preferment The Court-corruption ingenders a world of these Caterpillers that to work their own ends value not at one blow to hazard both the King and Kingdom The Errour is not so properly theirs as their Masters who do countenance and advance such Sycophants leaving the integrity of hearts more honest that would sacrifice themselves in his Service in the true way of Honour wholly contemn'd and neglected which hath begotten so many desperate Convulsions that have as we may finde in our own Stories deposed divers glorious Kings from their proper Dignity and lawful Inheritance There are too many frequent Examples what mischief such Parasitical Minions have wrought to those several States they liv'd in and certainly such Revolutions succeed by a necessary and inevitable Justice for where the Royal Ear is so guided there ensues a general Subversion of all Law and Goodness as you may behold here evidently in this unfortunate King who willingly entertains this fawning Orator that thus presents his Counsel Are you a King Great Sir and yet a Subject can you Command and yet must yield Obedience Then leave your Scepter The Law of Nature gives the poorest their Affections are you restrained It is your own Injustice that makes your Will admit this separation if you command who dares controul your Actions which ought to be obeyed and not disputed Say that your wayward Lords do frown or murmur will you for this forbear your
plot a private mischief The King they knew was crafty close and cunning and thought not fit to trust too far to Rumour This makes them stand upon their guard and keep Assemblies pleading for warrant the self-same ground of rising But when their Spies in Court had given them knowledge that all was sure they need not fear their danger and that they dayly heard the Northern clamour that ecchoed loudly with the Scotish motions they draw their Forces to the King 's who thus united in person leads them to this hopeful Conquest But forehand-reckonings ever most miscarry he had those hands but not those hearts which fought his Fathers fortune Scarce had he past and left the English Borders but he beholds an Army ready to affront him not of dejected Souls or Bodies fainting but Men resolv'd to win or dye with Honour Their valiant Leader heartens on their Courage and bids them fight for Life Estate and Freedome all which were here at stake which this day gains or makes hereafter hopeless Edward that expected rather submission or some honest Terms of agreement finding a Check given by a Pawn unlook'd for plays the best of his game and hopes to win it He contemns their condition and number slighting their Power and in the memory of his Father's Conquests thinks his own certain But the success of Battles runs not in a Bloud neither is gained by Confidence but Discretion and Valour No one thing hurts more in a matter of Arms than Presumption a Coward that expects no mercy is desperate by compulsion and the most contemptible Enemy proves most dangerous when he is too much undervalu'd You may see it here instanc'd where a rabble multitude of despised Blue-caps encounter rout and break the Flower of England Eastriveline doth yet witness the fatal memory of this so great Disaster There fell brave Clare the Earl of Gloucester the valiant Clifford and stout Mawle with above Fifty Knights and Barons This bloudy day which had spilt so great a shower of Noble bloud and cropt the bravest Blossoms of the Kingdom sends the King back to Barwick with a few straggling Horse whose well-breath'd speed out-run the pursuing danger So near a Neighbourhood to so victorious an Enemy is deemed indiscretion where the Prize was believ'd so richly worth the Venture This sends away the melancholy King jaded in his hopes and dull with his misfortune If we may judge by the Event the Condition of this man was truely miserable all things at home under his Government were out of rule and order and nothing successful that he undertook by forraign Employment but where the Ground is false the Building cannot stand He planted the foundation of his Monarchy on Sycophants and Favorites whose disorderly Proceedings dryed up all that sap that should have fostered up the springing Goodness of the Kingdome and made him a meer stranger to those Abilities that are proper to Rule and Government Kings ought to be their own Surveyors and not to pass over the whole care of their Affairs by Letter of Atturney to another mans Protection such inconsiderate actions beget a world of mischief when there are more Kings than one in one and the self-same Kingdom it eclipseth his Glory and derogates from his Greatness making the Subject groan under the unjust Tyranny of an insolent oppression No man with such propriety can manage the griefs and differences of the Subject as the King who by the Laws of God Men and Nature hath an interest in their Heart and a share in their Affections When they are guided by a second hand or heard by a Relator Money or Favour corrupts the Integrity and over-rules the course of Justice followed at the heels with Complaint and Murmur the Mother of Discontent and Mischief The unexpected return of the General of this ill-succeeding Enterprize filled the Kingdom with a well-deserved Sorrow and is welcom'd with a News as strange though not so full of danger Poydras a famous Impostor a Tanners Son and born at Exeter pretends himself with a new strain of Lip-cousenage to be the Heir of Edward the First by a false Nurse chang'd in his Cradle for the King now reigning All Novelties take in the itching ears of the Vulgar and win either belief or admiration This Tale as weak in truth as probability was fortunate in neither only it exalts this imaginary King to his Instalment on Northampton-Gallows where he ends the hour of his melancholy Government with as strange a Relation which suggests That for two years space a Spirit in the likeness of a Cat had attended him as the chief Groom of his Chamber from whom in many secret Conferences he had received the truth and information of this Mystery with assurance it would bring him to the Crown of England It was as great a fault in the Master to believe as for the Servant to abuse yet the desire of the one to change his Tanfat for a Kingdom was not much out of square nor the Lying of the other since he continued but his trade which he had practis'd from the beginning It is a foul offence and oversight in them that have not Devils of their own to hunt abroad and seek where they may gain them by purchase If it be a mystery of State to know things by Prediction of such vertuous Ministers methinks they were much better kept as this Tanner kept his rather as an houshold-Servant than a Retainer which may in time bring them to a like Preferment Such Agents may seem Lambs but in the end they will be found as savage as Tygers and as false as the Camelions Till now our wanton King had never felt the true touch of a just grief but mens misfortunes alter their impressions he inwardly and heartily laments his own dishonour yet strives to hide and conceal his Sorrow lest those about him might be quite dejected It was a bitter Corrosive to think how oft his Royal Father had displaid his victorious Colours which knew not how to fight unless to conquer How often had he over-run this Neighbour-Nation and made them take such Laws as he imposed How many times had he overthrown their greatest Armies and made them sue they might become his Subjects The memory of this doth vex his Spirits and makes him vow Revenge and utter Ruine He calls to Council all his Lords and Leaders and lays before them antient Glory of the Kingdom the late Misfortune and his proper Errours and lastly his desire to right his Honour They glad to hear the King in the sense of so general a disgrace touch'd with so noble a strain do spur it on before it cool'd or the Scots should grow too proud of their new Glory The former Loss had toucht so near the quick that there is now a more wary Resolution Dispatches are sent out for a more exact and full provision a mature Consideration is thought necessary before it come to action York
which winning lost his Honour caused his downfal was in the memory of his former unfortunate proceedings sufficiently aw'd and being now given over to the sensuality of his delights entertains quickly the least apprehension of fear if his supervisor did present it so that this part of his work was no great difficulty and the second was not more uneasie The Royal Treasure is profusely spent without Accompt or Honour being but the fountain that served to water the drought of himself his herd of hungry Kindred and the swarm of Flesh-flies that became his creatures The antient Plate is without the art of Arithmetick multiplied into a world of little pieces the Jewels of the Crown do leap beyond the Sea and are ta'n Prisoners till they pay their ransome the Revenue Royal being now grown weary by Proclamation would exchange his Landlord the Prerogative the type of Soveraignty forgets his Patron and cleaves to the fingers of some musty Farmor This want was great in shew but more in substance which made the Surgeon seek to gain a plaister the Poverty of these Institutions answer not the Work-mans expectation for the Remedy began to seem as fearful as the Disease These profuse prodigalities in stead of a counterfeit brought in such a real necessity of such a height that without a speedy supply it must beget a desperate hazard Many several projections are made but they fall wholly short and like Pistols charg'd with Powder make a noise but hit not that they aim at the hope was dead unless the old and right way Parliamental did give it life and spirit Spencer knew well enough that such Assemblies was like a Ringworm on the neck of greatness a Court that in the bulk of high Corruption would breed a Palsie or a Hectick Feaver the subject here he knew would see his inside which single durst not quinch much less encounter He doubts the King would hardly be supply'd unless he were expos'd to try their mercy yet there 's no other means he must adventure This thus resolv'd he leaves it not at random or doth resign his state alone to Fortune but wisely makes the way before he run it With a reserved secrecy he hides the Platform till that his practice might receive perfection He hurries forth strange news of forraign dangers to draw the peoples eyes from private workings he makes a shew as if all things went currant and shadows o're the Royal wants with plenty yet closely wills his friends and those his creatures to get them place betimes in this great Meeting All such as were the Kings entirely these he instructeth with the self-same Counsel and courts all such as he believes are Powerful to advance his ends or else procure him danger and to let all the world know he stood right in his Masters affections he gets his Father himself and Sir Andrew Harclay a Chip of the same Block made Earls of Winchester Bristow and Carlile Baldock a mean man altogether unworthy unless it were for being a disciple of so virtuous a Patron is made Lord Chancellour of England The solemnity of this goodly Creation ended and the Plot now ripe for execution The bruit of a Parliament flies through the Kingdom and is follow'd at the heels with Writs for present Election The time limited for appearance was short which speedily drew this great Body together bleeding with the fresh memory of the loss of so many of his brave and glorious Members All Ceremonies are laid aside or handled briefly so that the time now serves to fall upon the business Their pulses being felt aloof off and their temper tryed there was a full discovery that the major part was sure the rest were heartless Then comes the King's Demand with fair pretences which pleads the greatness of his charge and present uses and shews he had on the strength of his Revenue maintain'd the Scotish Wars without assistance which had exhausted so the Royal Treasure that now He is enforc'd to try his Subjects This motion is soon seconded by such apt Scholars as learnt to get the King's or Spencer's favour others that had a hope to share the booty speak it great reason to assist their Sovereign The Commons justly grieved with their Oppressions would fain have made a head to stop this current but 't was in vain here was too weak a Party and wants a heart to put it to a tryal this swayed the King the sixth peny of the Temporalty and ends this Meeting When the knowledge of this Grant came into the Country it bred a general Murmur and quite estrang'd their loves from their subjection cursing those times that caused so sad a burden Upon the neck of this if we may give credit to those Historians that all agree and publish this relation were many fearful and prodigious Sights which maz'd the people amongst which this one was most remarkable the Sun for six hours space shew'd himself in perfect Blood and sanguin'd over The ensuing times that retain'd it in their Memory and applied it as a Prediction of the sequel believ'd it did foreshew the King's destruction which followed swiftly others conceit it as a Wonder shew'd from Heaven as a sure Token of the just Displeasure for the loss of the Noble Earl of Lancaster and his Adherents whose Blood implored Justice and sharp Vengeance Thus in amazement Man becomes a Prophet The Scots that love not rest delight in prigging and considering the Distractions of the English thought it a fit time to fall to action and with a double blow to vent their malice one strikes upon the Borders which they boldly enter but are repuls'd with little loss or damage the other doth invade their Neighbour Irish where they receive with grief a worser welcome Bruce the Kings Brother General of this Army and all his Troops are killed and broken scarce one was left to carry back the News of this Disaster The King resenting this new provocation and all the former mischiefs they had wrought him resolves once more to tempt his froward Fortune but 't was not his own Valour Spencer mov'd it that had his aim beyond his Master's meaning he knew this was the way to waste that Treasure which else might breed a fearless fulness if it succeeded well the gain and honour would be his share as well as his that won it since his advice had father'd first the action admit it should prove ill he then was guiltless it must be deem'd alone his Soveraign's Fortune whose Destiny was such to be still luckless however yet 't would keep him so in action he might at all times yield the groaning Subjects a short account how he had spent their Money Upon this a Summons is sent out to call together all the Captains and Men of war Provisions are dayly made to wait upon so constantly a resolved Journey The former Misfortune had taught him to undertake this action strong and soundly the black Ox
not 't is not much improper you let the Kingdom know the Queens departure how far it swerves from duty love or reason Dangers that be far off may be prevented with time advice and with a better leasure yet 't is discretion to catch the foretop of a growing evil look to your Ports your Navie well provided no forraign Force can wrong your Peace or Quiet For those within-door that may breed suspition the ways are easie to secure their moving Yet all this is too little if you stagger or with a drowzie coldness seem disheartned 't is life and action gives your People metal For Gods sake then great Sir leave off this Passion which wrongs your Greatness and doth maze your servants that see no cause but meerly your Opinion This Speech thus ended the King forceth himself against his disposition and cloaths his cheeks with smiles his brow with gladness with a more freedom he discourseth plainly the present state of his entangled business a Declaration is sent out to all the Kingdom that taints the Honour of the Queen but more his Judgement The Ports are all stopt up that none should follow a Medicine much too late a help improper to shut the Stable-door the Steed being stoln but 't is the nature of a bought Experience to come a day too late the Market ended The Navie is sent out to guard the Frontier and Watch and Ward is kept throughout the Kingdom These and many other grave Instructions are recommended to the Spencers wisdom whom it concern'd as deeply as their welfare they think not fit to trust the Care to others but do become themselves the Supervisors which for a time of force enforc'd their absence in which short intermiss the King relapseth to his former errour which gave him many sad and deep impressions he thinks the breach of Wedlock a foul trespass but to contemn her he so much had wronged deserv'd as much as they could lay upon him But he was guilty in a higher nature he had upheld his Parasites to brave her with too too fond a base presumptuous daring he fear'd his cruel actions stain'd with bloud would chalenge a quick and sad requital equal vengeance he saw the Subjects full of grief and passion apt and desirous to embrace Rebellion and few or none declar'd themselves to aid him unless 't were such as stirr'd by meer compulsion or private interest of their own safety Such dull conceits did so ingross his fancie that he almost despair'd of his own fortune His Minions now return'd from their employment had much ado to level these deep reckonings which lay so heavie on his guilty Conscience yet at the length he gain'd his wonted temper and acteth o'er afresh his former Errours The customary habit of transgression is like a Corn that doth infest his owner though it be par'd and cut yet it reneweth unless the Core be rooted out that feeds his tumour The guilty Conscience feels some inward motions which flashing lightly shave the hair of Mischief the scalp being naked yet the roots remaining they soon grow up again and hide their baldness the operations of the soul of true Repentance grubs up the very depth of such vile Monsters and leaves alone the scars of their abuses The French King having notice of his Sister's arrival entertains it with a wondrous plausible and seeming shew of gladness After she had well refresh'd her self and her little Son as yet a stranger to the riding of so long a journey upon a wooden horse with an Honorable attendance befitting more her Estate Birth and Dignity than the present miserable condition she was in she is waited on to Paris all the great ones and Bravery of that Kingdom are sent to give her welcome and to bring her to the King's presence When she beheld the Sanctuary of her hopes her dearest Refuge she falls upon her knee and with a sweetly-becoming modestie she thus begins her Story Her Royal Brother unwilling to suffer such an Idolatry from her that had a Father Brother Husband so great and glorious takes her up in his arms when thus she speaks her sorrow Behold in me dear Sir your most unhappie Sister the true picture of a dejected Greatness that bears the grief of a despised Wedlock which makes me flie to you for help and succour I have with a sufferance beyond the belief of my Sex outrun a world of tryals time lessens not but addes to my afflictions my burthen is grown greater than my patience yet 't is not I alone unjustly suffer my tears speak those of a distressed Kingdom which long time glorious now is almost ruin'd My blushing cheek may give a silent knowledge I too much love and honour the cause of my afflictions to express it Yet this in modestie I may discover my Royal Husband is too much abused his will his ear his heart is too too open to those which make his errours their advantage the hope of his return is lost he still must wander while such bewitching Syrens are his leaders But why do I include them as a number 't is onely one the rest are but his creatures How many of his brave and nobler Subjects have sold their lives to purchase him his Freedom All expectation fails domestick Quarrels have ta'en away their lives that strove to help it unless you please your Arms shall disinchant him he still must be abused his Kingdom grieved I had not else thus stoln to crave your favour Made to your hand you have a way is glorious to let the world behold and know your vertue Fortune presents you with a just occasion to crown your Glory with an equal Goodness would you dispute it can there be a motive more weighty than to succour these poor Ruines which else must lose their portions being Birth-right See here and view but with a just compassion two Royal Plants depress'd and like to wither both Branches of the Flower-de-luce the Root you sprang from which but in you have neither hope nor comfort Would your impartial wisdom but consider how good a work it is to help distresses a wronged Sister cannot be forsaken and an Heir of such a Crown be left unpitied In such an act of Goodness and of Justice both heaven and earth will witness your true Valour and your poor Handmaid joy in such a Brother Let it not breed suspicion that I seek you with such a weak forsaken poor attendance I was enforc'd to steal away at randome and durst not by my number be distrusted by those with Argus eyes observ'd my actions Though I am here and those behinde that love me besides the Justice of my Cause the strongest motive I bring the hearts of a distressed Kingdom that if you set me right will fight my Quarrel their Truth needs no suspect you have for Warrant their Queen and Mistris with their King that must be Then gracious Sir extend your Royal vertue I challenge by that
that had the guidance of his affairs and not to his own natural Disposition they tax the impropriety of the time when the Kingdom was under the Government of a Child and a Woman and spare no point that might advance compassion for the one or procure a dislike of the other Neither are they content with a verbal incitation but fall to matter of fact that others might move by their example They make one of their number named Donhead their Captain a good stout bold and factious Fellow one that was daring enough but knew better what belong'd to Church-Ornaments than the handsome carriage of a Conspiracy that was to be managed by Armes and not by the liberty of the Tongue whose liberality claps him by the heels where he not long after dyes before he had so much as muster'd his Covent This gathering Cloud thus dispers'd without a shower the Queen and Mortimer to take off the people from harping farther upon this string send forth divers plausible Proclamations intimating a strict charge for the reformation of divers petty Grievances and withal are divulged sundry probabilities of Forreign dangers from France and Scotland which were presently understood to be but mere fictions in respect at the same instant she frees herself of her forreign Aid which in such an occasion might have as well served to defend the Kingdome as to invade it They made it is true an earnest suit to be gone having well feather'd their nests but if the fear had been such as was bruited I think the Queen both might and would have retain'd them It may be their addiction to Arms was weary of so long a Vacation or they were desirous to shew themselves at home with honour whence they had parted with so poor an expectation and peradventure she was unwilling they should be witness of that unnatural Tragedy which she saw then broyling in Mortimer's breast though not resolved on which must have wounded her reputation in that Climate where she had won so great a belief of her Wisdome Vertue and Goodness Liberally and nobly she requites every man according to his Merit and Condition but to Sir John of Heynault whose Heroick Spirit gave the first life to this action and to the Oracle of her recovery and all those of the better sort she presents many rich Jewels and Annuities of yearly Revenue according to the quality of the time in being They hold themselves Royally requited and taking a solemn leave are honourably accompanied to Dover where they take their Farwel of the Kingdom with a much merrier eye than when they first beheld it Whoso shall wisely consider the desperate attempt of this little handful of Adventurers and their fortunate issue may justly esteem it one of the most memorable Passages of our time since it was merely guided by pity and compassion without pay without provision to attempt an act not more dangerous than hopeless yet they gave it perfection without so much as the loss of any one man and returned home glorious in honour rich in purchase not gained by pillage robbery or unjust rapine the hope and revenue of a War but by the just reward due to their Valour and Vertue The cause of so fair a progression and so successful an end may have divers probabilities likely enough to ground our judgment As the sincerity of the Intention the goodness of the Work and many other which may be alledged but the most essential may be drawn from this they were though but a small one yet an entire body composed of such as knew what appertain'd to Arms and Breeding Men that were vertuously inclin'd and aw'd with the true sense of Religion in the Wars of late years become a mere stranger where no Victory is esteem'd dishonourable no Purchase unlawful Certainly our Wars and our Plantations nearly resemble being both used as a Broom to sweep the Kingdome rather than an enterprize to adorn it which makes the event so unfortunate in War which alone falls properly within the compass of this Treatie it being the greatest and most weighty work that either gives honour or safety to a Kingdom They should be begun with Justice and managed as well with Wisdome as Valour their beginning should be with a choice care which makes the ending fortunate The number of bodies is not the Strength their fury not the Bulwork it is the Piety and true Valour of an Army which gives them Heart and Victory which how it can be expected out of Ruffians and Goal-birds that are the scum of the Commonwealth I leave to your consideration I commend his Curiosity that would not buy a piece of Plate stoln from Orphans though he might have had it at an under-value lawfully enough but more his reason which would not commix it with his own for fear lest it might occasion a punishment upon his which were innocent and not toucht with a Guilt that might in Justice challenge Vengeance But in the Military Practice it is believed so a man have shape and limbs 't is no matter though he have murder'd his own Father or committed Incest with his Mother it is his metal not his conditions gives him admittance Hence spring Treachery that forsakes his Colours Treason that betrays the Captain and at the best those actions of Bloud and Murder that cry rather for Vengeance than promise Victory A General it is true that hath his Army made to his hand cannot distinguish their conditions the first act is the errour of those entrusted yet if he in the knowledge continue and not punish the practice of so barbarous actions though it be against an enemy it must wound his Honour and endanger his Safety liable to the accompt of those transgressions which are acted by those that are under his charge without a just punishment It is an Observation remarkable that a Press coming into the Country there is a great deal of shift made in every Town and Village to lay hold of all the most notorious debauch'd Rascals to fill up the number these clear the Coast and are believed fit Champions to fight for their Sovereigns Honour and the Kingdoms Safety and the rather because in want of Pay the ruine of an Army they are best able to live by their Trade But what follows They are either led to the Slaughter or by the Divine Justice prove the ruine of the Enterprise or returning practise private Villanies with more confidence or publick Mutinies under pretence of want of Wages But I will leave them to a reformation and proceed to the Tragedy of this unfortunate King who is now taken from the Earl of Lancaster and delivered over by Indenture to Sir Morrice Berkley and Sir John Matravas They lead him back to the Cage of his first Imprisonment carrying him closely and with a reserved Secrecy lest his Friends in the knowledge of his Remove might attempt his Freedome And to make his Discovery more difficult
ruine The Warranty of Arms had a fair colour that should be levied to attempt his rescue which had a Royal stamp to raise and make them current If such a Project should be once in action it would be then too late to seek to cross it All men are apt to pity so great a King oppressed and not so much look on what he had been as what he is and being restor'd he might be The Queen whose heart was yet believed innocent of such foul Murther is or at least seems highly discontented She acknowledges his present Sufferings greater than his Offences or might become the King her Lord and Husband and holds this act of too too foul Injustice which stiles her Son a Homicide and her a Monster The crimson Guilt of such a crying action could not escape the cruel hand of Vengeance If it might be concealed from humane Knowledge the All-knowing Power of Heaven would lay it open She thinks it more than an act of Bloud to kill a Husband and a King that sometimes loved her She thinks her Son not of so ill a nature as to slip o're his Fathers Death untouch'd unpunish'd when that he was grown up in power to sift it These motives made her thus return her Answer Let us resolve dear Friend to run all hazards rather than this that is so foul and cruel let us not stain our Souls with Royal Bloud and Murder which seldome scapes unseen but never unpunish'd especially for such a fear as is but casual while we are innocent at worst our danger is but privation of this glorious shadow which Death can take when we believe it surest but if we taint the inward part with such a tincture our proper Guilt will bring continual terrour a fear that never dyes but lives still dying If Edward do get loose what need we fear him that pull'd him down when he was great at highest Why should we then resolve his Death or Murder this Help may serve when we are desperate of other Remedies which yet appears not To act so great a sin without compulsion addes to the deed and makes it far more odious nor can it plead excuse if after question'd that hath no cause but merely Supposition Say that he were a dead man gone and hopeless neither our fears or dangers are more lessen'd we are still subject to the self same hazard and have to boot our proper Guilt to cause it Those that do hate or envy us can fashion other pretexts as fair as this to shake us which we shall better crush while we are guiltless Then think upon some other course as sure more harmless ne're can my heart consent to kill my Husband Mortimer being nettled with this Reply so far wide of the aim which in his bloudy thoughts he had so constantly resolved on thought he would return the Queen as bitter a Pill as she had given him to bite on which makes him thus reply in anger Madam who hath the time to friend and doth neglect it is justly falling scorn'd and sinks unpitied Have you for this endur'd so bitter tryals to be at length a foe to your own safety Did you outrun your Troubles suffering meanly but to return unto your first condition If it be so I must approve your Reasons and say your grounds were like your project hopeful You see your glorious Morning now turn'd cloudy the Kingdom doth repine to see our Greatness yet have no hope but in the King deposed who taken away what fear can justly move us Your youthful Son we 'll rule till he grows older and in that time establish such a Greatness as he shall hardly touch or dare to question To cast a world of doubts is vain and senseless where we enforc'd must either act or perish and to be nice in that hath no election doth waste out time and not prevent the errour If you stick fast in this your tender pity I must in justice then accuse my fortune that gave my heart to such a female Weakness Is there a disproportion in this action to keep the Crown with bloud that was so gotten Is there a more restraint to keep than get by Treason If so I yield and will sit still and ruine Had Edward known or fear'd he had prevented nor you nor I had had the Power to hurt him But he neglected time and now repents it and so must we if we embrace his errour Fear is far less in sense than apparition and makes the shadow greater than the subject which makes a faintness as the Fancy leads it where is small reason to be so affected You urge it cannot be concealed or hidden I not deny but it may be discovered such deeds may yet be so contrived and acted that they prevent all proof if not suspicion But why do I spend time in this perswasion let him get free whom we so much have wronged let him examine our proceedings sift our actions perhaps he will forget forgive be reeonciled and spare your tears left that your mighty Brother should chance grow angry if you lose your Greatness you may if you be pleased abide the tryal Mortimer's resolv'd since you refuse his judgment you neither prize his safety nor his service and therefore he will seek some other refuge before it be too late and too far hopeless With this he flings away in discontentment as if he meant with speed to quit the Kingdom The amazed Queen pursues and overtakes him who seem'd unwilling to prolong the treaty Stay gentle Mortimer quoth she I am a Woman fitter to hear and take advice than give it think not I prize thee in so mean a fashion as to despise thy Safety or thy Council Must Edward dye and is there no prevention Oh wretched state of Greatness frail Condition that is preserv'd by Bloud secur'd by Murder I dare not say I yield or yet deny it Shame stops the one the other Fear forbiddeth only I beg I be not made partaker or privy to the time the means the manner With this she weeps and fain would have recanted but she saw in that course a double danger Mortimer that had now what he lookt for assures her he would undergo the act and hazard which would not have moved if not inforced by those strong motives of their certain danger He requests alone the King might seal a Warrant that he may change anew his former Keepers Sir Morice Barcklaye as it seems had been aloof off treated with but was not pliable or apt to fasten he was both careful of his Charge and Masters Safety this takes him suddenly from his custody Sir Thomas Towurlie supplies his place with his old partner they having received their new Warrant and their Royal Prisoner carry him by sudden and hasty Journeys to Cork-Castle the place that in all the world he most hated Some say that he was foretold by a certain Magician who as it