religious liberty but all was in vayne while the Pope esteemed him more worthy of a higher degree And a litle after conducted him with him to the Councell of Bari where S. Anselme by word of mouth conformable to the doctrine he had written already left the Greekish pride and perfidiousnes much abased confounded not without the vniuersall approbation of the Fathers most cleere confirmation of the Catholique Fayth From thence he returned to Rome with the Pope who calling another Councell in that Citty vpon the ensuing Feasts of Easter S. Anselme was there also illustrated not a litle the sayd assembly with his presence and authority where with the consent of all the Prelates and particular consolation of S. Anselme was thundred forth the sentence of Excommunication as well agaynst the Laity that presumed to giue the Inuestitures of Bishoprikes as agaynst the Ecclesiastiques themselues and others who receiued them at their hands or durst consecrate any persons by such wayes intruded into those dignities The Councell being ended S. Anselme hauing obtayned good leaue departed for Lyons with resolution to remaine there with the Archbishop Hugo his most intimate friend hauing now quite lost all hope of euer returning into England agayne whiles K. William liued Newes commeth to S. Anselme how K. William was sl◅yne King Henry had succeeded He returnes welcome into England where after some troubles passed ouer he dyes blessedly in his Sea of Cāterbury Chap. 17. SAint Anselme being arriued now at Lyons while he attended to his wonted exercises of vertue and assisting the Archbishop that Diocesse behold two Monks from England with tydings that K. William vpon the second of August being a hunting was shot through the hart with an arrow and had presently giuen vp the ghost Whereat S. Anselme was very sory most bitterly lamenting affirmed he would willingly haue giuen vp his owne life to haue deliuered his King from so sudden and dreadfull an end And a litle after arriued diuers Posts to S. Anselme with letters from K. Henry his Successour and the Nobility of England both Ecclesiasticall and Secular intreating him to returne backe againe with all possible diligence for that the whole Kingdome expected him with exceeding desire and that all publique businesses were differred and put off vntill his comming Whereupon S. Anselme without delay tooke his iourney towards Normandy and crossing the Seas the first thing he did he declared to the new King in plaine termes what had lately been determined in the sacred Coūcel of Rome in the matter of inuestitures of Bishops Whereat K. Henry being greatly troubled made instance to S. Anselme that for reuocation of such a decree he would returne agayne vnto the Pope called Paschalis being newly elected in place of Vrban thē deceased to which request S. Anselme made answere playnly that it was not to be sued for or possibly procured by any meanes yet notwithstanding K Henry vrging him that at least for his satisfactiō he would leade with him another Embassadour thither whome for that purpose he determined to send to his Holynes S. Anselme obeyed and being receiued by the Pope and the whole Court with great honour his companion the Kings Embassadour after he had laboured in vayne for that which his Lord pretended returned into England without effect and S. Anselme remained in France for that he heard K. Henry was exceedingly displeased for the ill successe of his affayres in the Court of Rome and had impioussy seized vpon the Archbishoprike of Canterbury despoiled S. Anselme of all his goods Howbeit after a while the same K. Henry being touched with the feare of God and true pennance restored S. Anselme into the possession of the sayd Church and very honorably receiued him againe into peace grace Which conuersion of his how gratefull it was to the diuine M◅iesty did soone appeare by a glorious victory which he got agaynst his Brother Duke Robert with other personages who had reuolted from him through which victory K. Henry did remaine absolute Lord of Normandy And in signe of gratitude caused a Parlament to be called at London in which to the extraordinary consolation of S. Anselme there present and of all good men he renounced the custome of his Predecessours concerning the Inuestiture of Churches leauing the free disposition therof to the Pope and his Delegats shewing him selfe heerin particularly to be a true and obedient child of the holy Apostolique Sea Now S. Anselme waxing dayly more and more grieued with old age and diuers infirmityes especially of the stomacke came to such weakenes as that not being able to celebrate Masse made himselfe to he carryed euery day to the Church to heare the same and in short tyme the malady increased so much as it cleerely appeared there was litle hope of his life His benediction then was required by the Bishop of Rochester for all that were present as also for the King and Queene themselues with their children and the whole Kingdome besides and he hauing giuen it with much deuotion most sweetly bowed downe his head and one of his familiars taking the Text of the Ghospell began to recite the Passion of our Lord and comming to those wordes Vos estis qui permansistis mecum in tentationibus meis ego dispono vobis sicut disposuit mihi Pater meus regnum vt edatis bibatis super mensam meam in regno meo the good Archbishop began to fetch his breath more thicke then ordinary Whereupon the standers by being aware of the approach of his last houre after the due rites and Sacraments applyed taking him in their armes they layd him downe according to the manner of those tymes vpon a Cilice and Ashes where he rendred his blessed soule to the Creatour vpon Wednesday in Holy weeke in the morning being the 21. day of Aprill in the yeare 1109. or as others would haue it 1080. and the 13. of his Bishopricke and the 76. of his age Being afterwards sockt and reuested with his Pontificall ornaments he was decently layd forth in the Church and buryed with most solemne Exequies and with the sorrow that behoued for the losse of such and so great a Prelate Many other and great miracles besides those that we haue touched are recounted of him the which notwithstanding altogether with me make him not so venerable worthy of eternall prayse as two only Qualities which he had among others in an excellent degree to wit his Discretion and Assability with all Most noble vertues without doubt and such as we haue sayd that he aboue all other gifts should be adorned withall who desires to haue open and manifest to him the Soules and consciences of his subiects and would seeke by due meanes to lead them to some good point of Perfection and Sanctity FINIS S. OTHO THE ARGVMENT THE Altar deckt with Purple did display The fire that came from heauen which vnder lay As in its mansion
most deuout King went so perseuering in holy workes as it pleased the diuine Goodnes to make him continually more great and more illustrious then euer not onely with fame and worldly honours but euen also with the gift of Curing and Prophecy and of other not ordinary miracles He being once at his pallace hard by the Church of S. Peter there came thither a certaine Irish man of a miserable forme or figure for that besides he was full of vlcers and that the nerues and sinewes of his knees were so shrunck vp and so attracted together as they had euen retorted his legs to his very backe his shancks and shins stuck close to his reynes whence he was forced with certaine Pattins in his hands to go creeping on all foure with trayling his lyms after him This man hauing thus a good while been a burden to himselfe to his owne exceeding payne and trouble and not finding any human remedy recurred deuoutly to the diuine and after he had recommended himselfe many tymes with great feruour to the Prince of the Apostles going lastly forth of the Church approaching neere to Hugoline whome we mentioned aboue being the Kings seruant and fauourit he spake vnto him thus And will you not once looke vpon me and haue you no compassion on me and do not any so great miseryes moue you a whit What wouldst thou haue me do to thee said the other when the Irish man replyed It is now six times that I haue gone in this manner as you see me heere to visit the Aultar of the Apostles in the Citty of Rome to obteyne health which yet at last S. Peter hath not denyed but only seemed to differ a while and put me off as willing to haue for company in the worke his client K. Edward for so hath he commaunded me to seeke him out and to pray him to beare me on his sacred shoulders into this Church at hand with promise that if the King may once be brought thereunto I shal recouer perfectly my lymmes Hugoline stood a while in doubt as at a thing that seemed so absurd at first yet notwithstanding did the message to his Lord who immediately gaue thankes to God for the same and without delay causing the Cripple to come before him tooke him cheerfully on his back and began to carry him to the place designed Thus hung so poore noysome a Wretch on the shoulders of so great a Monarke who with botchy hands and loathsome armes clung fast to that royall breast and neck At this sight some Courtiers fell a laughing others with a scornefull and disdaynesull eye lookt on the Irish mā as a Dissembler and Hypocrite others finally who would seeme wise began to tax the simplicity and folly of the Princes but he vnder this straung burden had not gone many steps when sudenly the nerues of the Cripple began to stretch forth themselues the bones to be setled agayne in their places the dead flesh to wax warme and the legs and feete now vnloosed from the loynes to returne agayne to their naturall place Whereby a great quantity of corrupt humours gushing out from diuers parts did very fowly defile the embrodered Robes wherwith the King was cloathed Then could not the multitude cōteyne themselues from crying out alowd Hold hold for that the Irishman is made sound the King need not to proceed any further so to weary himselfe and to moyle and soyle his robes in that manner While he on the contrary keeping the heauenly precept still fixed in his mind shutting his eares to the Sirens songs passed yet further and entring into the Temple reposed that sacrifice before the Aultar and the Wretch moreouer hauing a good summe of mony for his Viatique returned full of ioy and iubiley to Rome to giue due thanks to God and his Saints A certaine woman had kernells growing vnder her throat or as we call it the malady of the Kings Euill which continually swelling with putrifyed bloud besides the possessing of the whole with a deformed aspect gaue also forth an intolerable ◅ench a◅ane off this miserable wretch after she had tryed many wayes to be rid of this euill was finally aduertized in sleepe that her Health remained in the Kings hands who if he would but once vouchsa◅e to ◅ouch and wash the affected place she should be cured without any more ado The sick party being encouraged with such an Oracle comes to the Pallace decla◅es the dreame implores cōpassion And the King without any l◅hing of the fowle corruption beginnes with his owne fingars to stroake the tumours then hauing washed them with water he made the signe of the Crosse vpon them Whē behold in a moment the skynne being broken came forth togeather with goare bloud a great mul◅ude of wormes the ke◅els were asswaged and the ang◅ish went quite away This is certayne likewise of some blind people who hauing their Eyes spurted with the water wherein the King had washed his hands they recouered their sight in the presence of many But leauing the meruayles of this fort let vs come to some of the extraordinary reuelations which he had as follow S. Edward beholds in vision the King of Denmarke drowned in comming to inuade England With diuine iustice shewed vpon Earle Godwyn for his periury Chap. 7. The hatred of the inhabitants of Denmarke as we haue said against the English continued still And so much the more increased their rage as more happy and glorious were the successes of this good King In summe the Enuy augmented so much as that after long consults they determined to vse all endeauours to recouer the polsession agayne whence they were so shamefully thrust out In the meane tyme S. Edward being at Masse on the day of Pentecost while the Body of Christ was eleuated shewed a smiling countenāce with the eyes attentiue and fixed more then ordinary The same was much noted by the standers by the Sacrifice being ended his most familiars were so bold in confidence as to craue the occasion of such a nouelty and he with his natiue candour and humanity confessed what passed saying thus The Danes had agreed with their King to returne to their ancient exploits of armes and to come and disturbe with hostility that peace quietnes which the diuine Goodnes hath vouchsafed to affoard vs and for that they placed the foundation of the whole enterprise in their owne valour not regarding the Highest to be the only Maister and Distributer of victoryes his diuine Maiesty hath been pleased to let them see their vnmeasurable confidence Now had they their army in readynes and being iouiall and proud of a prosperous gale were at the point of hoysing sayle when the King in leauing his long Boate to board the Admirall slipping with his foote betweene both the decks fell downe into the sea was drowned without remedy deliuering his followers at once from a new sinne and vs from a new daunger And this happened iust this
to be no prouision left for the day following In which cases the Dispensiers the Cellarians and other the Ministers of the Monastery running with all anxiety vnto the holy Abbot he would answere them with a graue serene countenance that if they would but haue confidence in the diuine Goodnes he would not suffer them to want any necessaryes nor were they deceiued awhit of his promise Because euen in that very instant or shortly after you mig◅t haue seen to come from England where many of the possessions of their Conuent lay some ship well freighted with all manner of prouision or els some extraordinary almes to arriue from some deuout person or otherwise some wealthy m◅n to come and enter into Religion amongst them wherby in time what manner of wāt soeuer or disorder in this kind might be easily remedyed And forasmuch as the forsayd possessions in England for the better manage of good gouernment required somtymes the visits and presence of the Abbot himselfe S. Anselme was fayne now and then to go ◅hither being thereunto moue◅ moreouer with desire to go and visit his deere and most venerable Father and Mayster S. Lanfranke who for his most excellent vertues from the Abbot of Cadom was assu◅pted to the Archbishoprike of Canterbury Comming then to England he was receiued with much ioy and honour not only in the sayd Citty of Canterbury but in all other places wheresoeuer he passed And he alwayes according to custome shewed himselfe most sweet and affable to all accommodating himselfe to the genius and fashions of euery one so much as he would many tymes say that he who in euery thing wherein God may not seeme to be offended endeauours to consent to the will of another comes to merit exceedingly with the diuine Goodnes that as he accordes with others in the present life so with him in the future may God and all created things seeme likewise to accord But he that dispising the neighbours contentment will attend but his owne gust only shal deserue often with the iust Iudge that euen as in this world he would not seeme to conforme himselfe to the will of any so in the other shall no man accommodate himselfe to his Since euen it is sayd by our Sauiour himselfe that euery one shall receyue according to the measure he hath proportioned to others The blessed S. Anselme now being moued with such like reasons as we haue sayd did shun by all meanes to be troublesome grieuous to any howbeyt now and then he was constrayned therefore to remit somwhat of the monasticall seuerity discipline that he vsed otherwise reputing it to redound to the greater glory and seruice of God to condescend rather a litle now and then with holy equity to such Soules as he was to help then by standing too much vpon rigour to estrange and alienate them from his speach and conuersation Whence it followed through the great affection that all seemed to beare him they came at last with a very good will to receiue very holesome and spirituall aduertisements from him Which in truth haue neuer yet beene put in print nor alwayes giuen in the same manner but proportionable to the qualityes and estate of the hearers To the Monkes aboue all things he would giue to vnderstand they should not seeme to neglect the least faults and trangressions of the Institute And was wont to confirme the same with a similitude of a Viuary or Fish-trough because that euen as when the holes or chinks are not kept well stopt within them the water by and litle goes running forth the fish doth euen perish the while So in religious houses when there is no heed taken of lighter faults by litle and litle is spirit togeather with obseruance lost He taught the Clearkes how they were to maintayne the profession which euen by name they made of hauing God only for inheritance portion lot and aduised them to stand allwayes vpon their guard least through negligence or tepidity insteed of possessing God they come to inherite the Deuill To the maryed in like sort he would giue aduertisements very full of prudence and sanctity And in this doctrine of his the diuine man proceeded not after the manner of the Maisters and deep Deuines of the world who beleiue they cannot seeme to maintayne their degree and dignity if they do not still propose very high and sublime conceipts and not so easy to be apprehended of the vulgar But S. Anselme quite contrary to such by reducing the highest points to the capacity of the meaner vnderstandings and vnfolding the obscure and intricate passages and declaring them by images and materiall examples being a thing very proper to true and absolute Wisedome indeed and confirming them moreouer with potent and manifest reasons would seeme efficatiously to engrosse them in the breast and heart so as euery one heard him with great cheerefullnes and recurred to him in their doubts with the greatest confidence that might be Nor was there in England a personage at that tyme of importāce that held it not a great misfortune to haue had no occasion to heare honour and serue such a man Yea euen King William himselfe who had conquered that Nation by force of armes and was commonly held to be fierce and cruell shewed himselfe to S. Anselme so human and benigne as they were all astonished at him K. William the Conquerour being dead his Sonne William Rufus succedes And Lanfrancke the Arch-Bishop deceasing S. Anselme is chosen in his place Chap. 13. FRom this tyme forwards S. Anselme was much conuersant in England and according to the occurrences that happened he made frequent iourneys thither And among other tymes that he went into those parts one was after the death of the said King William to whom his Sonne succeeded of the same name being a person very ill enclined and who from a King became a Tyrant and among other iniquityes of his against all Iustice he doubted not to pollute his impions hands with the oppression of the Clergy and Religious with the vsurpation of the goods of the Church Whereupon it seemed good to the Earle of Chester and to other principall Lords of the kingdome to giue him a Christian admonishment by the meanes of one of so great authority as S. Anselme was and with that occasion to comfort themselues with his presence and discourses whom they wished to be the Phisitian and Gouernour of their soules S. Anselme then being so earnestly inuited and intreated by this Man and many others with the greatest instance that might be passed ouer agayne vnto Canterbury where a litle before was deceased S. Lanfrank the Arch-Bishop and where the Clergy and people were in great care and desire to supply the vacancy of that Seate with the election of some worthy and sufficient Prelate So as now at the appearing of S. Anselme began to arise a generall whisper in the whole Citty that a new Arch-Bishop was come
highest throne and thence conueighed with the same applause to the Souldiours tents Heere had he likewise the title of King afforded him with the greatest veneration and consent of all that possible might be For which benefit Geisa shewing himself to be no whit vngratful with ample donaryes with taking away the old aggreeuances with seattering of mony to the people and words of much courtesy continually obliged to him his sonne more more the harts of men and that which more imports was not behind to acknowledge the diuine goodnes with solemne sacrifice extraordinary yielding of thankes Through which in the space of a few dayes being oppressed with age with a great Catarh he dyed in the yeare of our Lord 997. and the new King as he had alwayes borne due reuerence in life to so worthy well deseruing a Father so ceased he not to performe the same after his death with deuout prayers and most sumptuous exequyes King Stephen makes peace with his Neighbours and seeks to pacify all at home but is resisted by one Cupa a Rebell whome he labours to suppresse Chap. 3. IN the meane tyme Saint Stephen applying himselfe with more liberty and exacter diligence to the gouerment the first thing he sought for was to haue the glory of God for his finall end in all his actions esteeming him euer to be no lesse a Censour and seuere Iudge then a benigne Father and bountifull rewarder And that by so much the more as he vnderstood of what importance the Example of a Prince was as well to the good direction as the ill gouerment and totall ruyne of his people And not to be at the same tyme distracted with internall and external cares and molestations and with the thoughts both of peace warre at once he earnestly laboured in the reestablishing of friendship and the Capitulations already concluded by his Father with his neighbours as well by Embassies as letters cutting off by this meanes likewise all hope of forraine succours to any male-content with the present State or who should othe◅ise be any wayes desirous of nouelty And forasmuch as he well vnderstood how the nerues and sinewes of empire and rule do principally consist in iustice as well towards God as to mortalls he trusting but litle in his owne knowledge would ordinarily recurre partly to the documēts of diuine scriptures wherin day and night he made himselfe very conuersant and partly to the counsayle of prudent and learned men such as feared God but especially of S. Adalbert who now perceiuing through diuine clemency and the valour of S. Stephen how well matters had proceeded in Hungary determined to passe ouer into other countryes more remote and which seemed to stand in more need of the light Taking then his leaue of the King though giuen with a very ill will he went his wayes with two choyce companions and no more towards Prussia where till that tyme had arriued no knowledge of the Ghospell Heere while he trauayles to deliuer the Pagans from the seruitude of the diuell from their ancient warlique exercises fierce customes of Barriers Tourneaments and the like vnto the knowledge of the true God and loue of Christian meekenes being taken by that wicked nation and tyed to a stake on the top of a high and steepy hill so transfixed with seauen launces was added to the merit of his preaching the palme of a glorious martyrdome In this interim S. Stephen ceased not also to how downe the woods and to cultiuate the deserts of that Gentility being resolued eyther to reduce all his subiects vnto the knowledge of the Creatour or in the enterprize to part with his Kingdome and life at once And for that a good part of that people being brought to be Christians rather to please the Prince and for terren ends and designes of theirs then through any deliberate consent stable will and many others by no meanes would seeme to admit of such māner of doctrine S. Stephen was enforced against his will to vse now then somewhat bitter and biting remedyes wherby he came to exasperate some Nobles in such sort as that shaking off the yo◅e of subiection partly despising the simplicity and partly hating the seuerity of the Euangelicall discipline they rose vp in armes agaynst him and in the lower Hungary began to wast rob and destroy the deuout places and persons there and such as were found to be most obedient to the name of Christ and of S. Stephen The Baron of Singia by name Cupa was the head and Captayne of the Seditious a man of exceeding power and greatly followed of many who a good while since hauing by indirect waies aspired to the Kingdome now taking occasion from these noueltyes went raysing vp the people in such sort as that what with large promises what with subtile calumnyes agaynst the persons of S. Stephen and Gheisa the Father and with horrible blasphemies agaynst the Religion brought in of new as enemy to the Gods and of their auncient ceremonies and institutes as also of the glory of the Hungarian name so alwayes mayntayned and augmented not by the way of bookes or of slouthlull ease but with hardy enterprises and expeditions of armes being not content with harrying the Champ̄enys boroughs and villages with in a few dayes he lifts vp his thorns to the assaulting euen of the walled townes nor doubts he awhit to the greater despite and contempt of the holy King to besiege the towne of Vesprinio it selfe being a Citty very especially beloued and fauoured of him Who at the first tydings of the rebellion hauing tryed with all possible meanes to temper the mynd of Cupa to winne the people and to quiet the tumults at last after many and earnest intreatyes gathering a full and competent army vnder the ensig◅es of S. Martin the glory of the Hungars and of S. George that renowned Martyr and marching along towards his Enemy he entrenches himselfe in Cupa his sight along the riuer of Gara Saint Stephen makes Vencellinus his Lieutenant Generall and giues battell to Cupa who is stayne And the Rebells being defeated the King ordaynes Bishoprickes Parishes and Monasteryes Chap. 4. SAint Stephen among other personages of quality had three noble Alman Lords with him very zealous Christians and exceeding expert in feates of Armes who from the first newes of the pious inclination of Ghiesa had volunta◅ily put themselues into his seruice to help and promote the holy Ghospell to their vtmost power One of these by name Vencellinus was by S. Stephen declared Lieutenant Generall of his forces between the other two Hun◅e and Pasna was the Cauallery or horse deuided while the charge of the Fantery or foote were distributed to excellent Collonells and Captaynes and as soone as the Souldiours had taken a little breath and repose S. Stephen was not slacke with great courage and good order to offer battayle to the perfidious Enemy Nor was Cupa
all manner of debauchnes being at last compunct and contrite for all went his wayes to Rome and there making a generall Confession of his whole life had for his penaÌ„ce to weare on his bare flesh a breast plate of steele tyed on with fiue chaynes of iron with a sheet of paper written therein wherein his more enormous crymes were conteyned signed with the seale of his Holynes and in this habit to go visit the holy places of Christendome vntill such tyme as through diuine power the bands should be vndone the writing be wholy cancelled This man obeyed with great promptnes and after he had beene at Hierusalem and other famous Monuments of Saints he came at last vnto Alba-regalâ—… there putting himself in prayer at the shrine of the holy King StepheÌ„ he determined not to arise from thence vntill he had perfectly obteyned the grace And now he had perseuered from one to nine a clock at night when sleepe through wearynes oppressed him and immediately the glorious King appeared vnto him saying Get vp friend and go thy wayes to the Chapell hard by of my sonne Emericus who through especiall priuiledge of incorrupt virginity shall obtayne thee vndoubtedly pardon of thy so great crymes he being one of the number of those who haue neuer defiled their garments but accompany the Lambe wheresoeuer he goes and who stand singing before the Throne of God that new song Which said he vanisheth the Penitent without delay passing to the Monument of Blessed Emericus had no sooner begun to frame new prayers but that in a moment his hard knots fell loose of theÌ„selues the seale broke open discouered the paper to be blank At the noyse of the cheynes falling off the Keepers of the Church others at that tyme entring to do their deuotions came running to him and some of them vnderstanding particularly by relation and the rest with their owne eyes what had happened neuer ceased to magnify God the giuer of all good and merueilous in his Saints To whome be all honour power and benediction for all eternity Amen S. EDVVARD KING THE ARGVMENT AN Orphan left and in minority Heau'en was my Guardian this did mee protect To this I did assigne my custody My raging â—…es heerby suppress't and checkt Yielding to 〈◊〉 did grant me liberty To serue my deare Aduancer and reflect On this false world which promising content Doth only yield vs matter to repent As those that in the Eternall Essence see What ere falls out what euer was before Veyl'd vnder bread Deare Lord I viewd in thee The machinations of the Prince that bore A Rauen bath'd in Martiall Gules to bee Dissolu'd I stretcht mine Empire past the shore That Albion bounds my force did Ireland tame That thought my standards fatall where they came Treasures so much I slighted that I viewd Vnmoued thereat my treasures borne away The â—…ately Fane at Thorney rays'd hath shewd My end Heau'ns glory Still it doth display A mynd with true Magnificence endâ—…'de Heerby I gaind what neuer shall decay And with a Ring espous'd me to the skie Where my Raygne done I raygne Eternally THE LIFE OF S. EDVVARD KING OF ENGLAND Written by Alred Abbot of Ridall of the Order of Cisterce S. Edward is chosen King in his Mothers wombe Ethelrede the Father dying Edmund succeeds Canutus rages Emma flies with her two yonger Sonnes into Normandy with the great towardlines of S. Edward IT pleased Gâ—… the Blessed Edward through especiall pâ—…ogatiue should be chosen King before his aâ—…pearing to the world for that at the instance of his Father Ethelred King of England a Parliament being called as wel for other publique affayres as to declare sweare to a new Prince howbeyt already there were two soÌ„nes of his of strong constitution Edmond and Alfred yet the Nobility Clergy being but little satisfyed with eyther of them with a wonderous inclination concurred to yeild homage vnto an vncertaine yssue as yet enclosed in the Mothers wombe which being born 〈◊〉 little after was called by the name of Edward True it is that Eâ—…red dying in those dayes and most cruell tempests threatning the Iland on euery side with consent of the Barons not to leaue thingâ—… altogether without a head the said Edmond tooke the rule vpon him Nor was it long but that a terrible inundation of the Barbarous Danes came rushing into England vnder the Tyrant Canutus Who beginning to put all things to fire and sword the Queene Mother whose name was Emma a Norman by natioÌ„ was conuayed for greater security with her yonger sonnes into her Fathers Country Heere the child Edward began betymes to giue forth very euident signes of the mature piety he was like to atteyne in tyme. Iâ—… reguard that hauing in scorne all childish sports he attended still among other tokens of a Christian mind to visit now this now that holy Conuent and to linck streight amityes with the most famous Seruants of God In the meane tyme in England the â—…ury of the Enemy grew day by day more cruell then other nor was now to be seen at last or heard any other then slaughters rapins bitter plaints and terrible outcrys The Temples burned the sacred habitations ruined the Guardians and Pastours oâ—… soules for feare of the worst punishments hid themselues in the most craggy and desert places Among which was Britwald Bishop of Winchester a man of great prayer and of a notable spirit Who praying one day with many teares for the health of the Kingdome and powring forth his afflicted hart with sighs and laments before the diuine presence after much wearynes of mind and body fell finally asleepe Where behold the Prince of the Apostles appeared to him from an eminent place with S. Edward before him a youth very gracious in countenance and adorned with a scepter diadem and royall manâ—…le who after he had with solemne vnction consecrated him with his owne hands gaue him many good documents withall full of verity and life and in particular exhorted him to keepe virginity reuealing to him besisides for how many yeares he should hold the dominion Now Britwald being sorely astonished at such a vision at soone as he returned agayne to himselfe tooke hart beseeched S. 〈◊〉 to vouchsafe to manifest to him some things of the estate of that miserable CouÌ„try of the end of the troubles which afflicted the same To which demaund the Apostle answered with a seren countenaÌ„ce Kingdomes O Bishop are of God he is the Lord and Maister of all he at his pleasure alters and changes gouernments for the sinnes of nations doth ofteÌ„ exalt the Hypocrit The diuine Maiesty is grieuously offended with thy people and therfore they are falleÌ„ into the hands of their most capitall aduersaryes but yet neuerthelesse God shall not be vnmindfull of his wonted mercy nor stretch forth his iust vengeance for euer vpon them because many yeares shall not passe after thy death but
the present calamityes shall cease and the wished redemption shal come to this peoplesince his eternal goodnes hath already destined a man according to his hart and wholy at his deuotion who being placed through my help in the royall Throne with the infinite consolation of the subiects shall abate the forces and bridle the Danish fury and who after he hath many wayes raysed and aduanced the Church being deere to God very acceptable to his friends and dreadfull to his enemyes shall termine his glorious life with a most holy end From this so benigne an answere together with the sight of him there promised the Bishop tooke new courage and stuck not to enquire of the Oracle it selfe of the posterity and successours of Edward To which demaund with obscure and dubious words the Apostle replyed no more but that God was Lord and after this he would prouide another according to his good pleasure Edmund with his Children are put to the sword Alfred is made away S. Edward prayes and makes a vow to God and S. Peter and Canutus with his children dying is recalled into England agayne Chap. 2. THe English troubles continuing still with ciuill discord among themselues being ioyned at last with externe warres came to be so mischeiuous and pernicious as that despising all law of fayth all vicinity of bloud all obligation of friendship al things were full of fraud factions and iealousies And euen malice proceeded so farre as that the Nobles themselues forgetting their oath shamefully renouncing their lawfull Kings and putting Edmond to the sword with his children at Nurse they continually prepared tragedyes Canutus with a wicked marriage possessing the Widdow the Wife of Edmond left nothing vntryed to confirme himselfe in the vnlawfull vsurpation of the Kingdome Wherein he had so fast a hold that Alfred for the quieting of tumults in some manner too boldly passing ouer from Normandy into his Country was with extreme cruelty made away as well by the Danes as English and at the same tyme the desolate Queene Emma dyed in her Fathers house Then Edward being depriued of all human succour on earth and fearing euery houre his last ruine from others amidst many troubles and anguishes prostrating himselfe most humbly before the diuine presence prayed in this sort Behold Lord how I haue now no more help in me and my neerest friends are farre of from me my friends and neigbours are all become my aduersaryes I haue neyther Father nor Mother in the world my Brothers and Nephewes are betrayd and slayne the widdow my kinswoman is become our aduersaryes wife So as I am left without all stay they seeke moreouer to take away my lyfe But I O Lord poore wretch am left to thee and thou shalt succour the orphan as heeretofore in a meruailous manner thou hast done to King Edwin enuironed on euery side Thou that madest S. Oswald the ornament of England of an exile to be King and by meanes of the signe of the Crosse didst subiect to him all those that hated him If thou shalt be with me and through thy protection remit me into my Fathers kingdomes thou shalt be alwayes my God and the blessed Apostle Peter shall be my especiall Protectour whose most holy reliques I do promise to visit in the Citty of Rome with his direction With this Vow S. Edward felt himselfe exceedingly reuiued and replenished with no vayne hopes For that Canutus in few daies dyed and his children also of tender age not long suruiued By occasion whereof the English as a wakened out of a dead sleepe very suddenly tooke vp armes and shaking of the yoke of intruding tyranny recalled the desired Edward into the land agayne and receyuing him with all the honour possible with one accord they placed him in the royall throne At the comming of S. Edward all good arts and Christian vertues did returne from banishment The vacant Seas were soone replenished Churches and Monasteryes repayred and the diuine seruice in short tyme brought to its auncient splendour agayne Hence through welcome peace ensued the tillage of the wast and desert champaynes and the Iudgeâ—… and Magistrats being kept in their duty more through example of the King then feare of punishments attended to administer vpright iustice to all sorts of persons The iubily and content of the present felicity was much augmented by the fresh memory of the miseryes past insomuch as not only the reasonable creatures with prayses and thankes-giuing but euen the land it selfe with extraordinary fruitfulnes the ayre with fayre and serene weather the sea with still and quiet waues and smiling countenance seemed to acknowledge him and the Cittyes daily to multiply in laudable customes riches and multitude of inhabitants Two notable examples in S. Edward of contempt of Riches With his vow of chastity maintayned in the state of Matrimony Chap. 3. IT was not long ere the fame of so great prosperity extended to the Prouinces beyond the Seas And from all the Potentates the Dane excepted for they left not their pride came very honourable Embassages from tyme to tyme to congratulate to make leagues of freindship and to establish some good correspondence with S. Edward And he the while not puffed vp with pride nor dissolute with vayne triumphs hauing alwayes the diuine Maiesty before his eyes with an euen tenour of life carryed himselfe very meeke to his domestiques reuerent to Priests gracious to the people compassionate to the afflicted and aboue all things a great Almoner a strange neglecter of money insomuch as once among the rest lying on his bed his priuate Treasurer Hugoline by name hauing vnawares left open a chest of mony in that chamber a groome of the place being inuited through the commodity of the purchase and the seeming sleepe of the Prince approaching boldly tooke away from thence a good quantity therof put it vp in his pocket and being glad of so happy a successe returned againe a second tyme and so a third When as the King who had feigned till then perceiuing Hugoline to be comming brake silence and with friendly voyce said to the wretch Get thee gone for the Treasurer comes who if he chaunce to catch thee once will not leaue thee a faâ—…thing of all thou hast At this voyce the fellow fled assoone and scarcely had got his feete forth of one doore but Hugoline entred by the other and finding so great a summe of treasure to be wanting he was euen ready at first to faynt for griefe then entring into a rage with himselfe began to rent the ayre with cryes and sighes When S. Edward arising from his bed still dissembling the matter quietly demaunded the occasion of so great a heauynes and hauing heard it Hold thy peace man said he perhaps he who hath taken it away had more need thereof then we Much good may it do him the rest I hope will serue for vs. With such quietnes he passed ouer that act Whence may
very morning and I hope in our Lord my God and his most sweet Mother their impious designes shall take no effect in my tyme this is that which our Sauiour Christ hath cleerely shewed my this day Great ioy and iubiley was this newes to the hearers especially when fending some of purpose to be fully enformed thereof they found and reported the fact the day and houre to be iust the same which was told by the King The Seruant of Christ on a tyme sitting at table and the Earle Godwyn his Father-in-law by him it happened that two Sonnes of the sayd Earle yet children the one Harold by name and Tosto the other in playing together in the presence of the King grew hot as it happens into a kind of quarell with bitter rancour their sport was turned to a Duell Harold being some what the more robustious and bold sets vpon his Brother and with both hands pulling him by the hayre of his head ouerthrew him to the ground would haue stifled him doubtles had he not beene suddenly taken forth of his hands Then S. Edward turning himself to Godwyn asked him if he did see nothing in the scuffling of these two boyes but a simple ◅ray And he affirming he did not But to me replyed the King in this childish brable of theirs farre greater things then it are represented For that as soone as both shell arriue to mans estate they shall be taken with blind Enuy and wicked Ambition as first with traynes and hidden frauds they shall seeme to sport and be in iest with one another but the stronger at last shall preuayle ◅hase away the other and then againe attempting to rebell he shall againe be suppressed by him and after he hath put him to death it shall not be long ere himselfe do likewise come to ◅uine Which to haue fallen out effectually England itselfe saw afterwards and truly may testify the same And since now we are fallen to speake of Earle Godwin it is sayd of him that he another tyme being at table with the King one of the Squires stūbling with his foote vpon a rub was ready to fall on his nose had not the other foot which stood fast vpheld him the while At which sight the standers by reflecting how one foot had helped his fellow the Earle iested Euen so it is said he when a Brother helps a Brother and one succours the other in his greatest need Whereupon replyed the King And so might my Brother likewise haue done for me had Godwin beene so pleased At these words the Traitour was afrayd and with a sad cheere sayd withall I see Syr I see very well you suspect me likewise for the death of your Brother and giue credit to those that falsely terme me a Traytour But God be the Iudge heerof who knowes all secrets and so may this morsell in my hand heer do me good as I was far from working any plot eyther agaynst thee or thy Brother K. Edward accepted the condition and gaue benediction to the meate which as soone as it came to the midst of the Earles throat stucke thereso fast as he was neuer able withall that he could do eyther to swallow it downe or to put it vp agayne so as the passages of respiration being stopt his very eyes started forth in fearfull manner Whereupon as many as were present were astonished and cleerly acknowledged the heauenly reuenge when the King sayd to them Take away this dogg as they did This wicked man among many things committed agaynst the diuine and humane lawes was growne at last to be so bold and abused so much the goodnes of the King as that to sway and rule alone through diuers calumnies he had banished by litle and litle all the friends kinsfolks that came from Normandy with the King Nor was Edward vnaware thereof but politiquely proceeding not to put things into hurly-burly referred and reserued all to the Highest as knowing certaynely he would make some demonstration therof in its time which he foretold more then once not only to others but euen to Godwin himselfe One Easter day the King sitting likewise at table where euen amidst the royall Feasts and great assemblies of people no lesse then when alone he was wont to take many occasions to enter into God he recollected himself more strictly then ordinary musing vpon the celestiall goods with an eleuated mynd acknowledged the vnworthines and basenes of all worldly things while he remained thus in this consideratiō his face was seen to be more ◅eren then vsually and his lips to moue with a modest smile and then anone to become wholy sad and pensiue the same was noted by by such as were present and the Table being taken away Duke Harold with a Bishop and an Abbot accompanying him to his chāber were so bold as to demaund what had happened to him When S. Edward answered The more a man shall seeme to subtract himselfe from transitory and externall things shall the true and essentiall make the more impression in him Behold how I amidst the precious wines and cates most delicate and amidst the lustre of vessels of gold siluer lifting the eyes of my mynd to my Lord God haue first felt myselfe to be replenished with spirituall consolation and then in vnspeakable manner haue been with the mynd raysed to the signt of very sad disaduentures which for these seauen yeares next with a sudden mutation shall hang ouer the head of mortalls Because God shall not fayle to vsit the iniquityes of the Christian people He shall deliuer them into the hands and power of the Infidels the subiects shall rebell agaynst their Lords and Kings shall lay traps for Kings Princes for Princes and in euery Country the cruell sword shall reuenge the iniuries done to the Redeemer Which things and others like to these fell out afterwards euen iust in the manner as the King had presaged And this may suffice vs for his Prophecyes S. Edward being at Masse beholds our blessed Sauiour on the Aultar And being deuoted to S. Iohn Euangelist giues a ring to a Pilgrime for his sake and dyes soone after Chap. 8. KING Edward was wōderfully deuout to all the Ecclesiasticall Sacraments and particularly to the most holy Eucharist and in this point had from the diuine Goodnes among others one notable fauour For being at Masse one day in the Monastery of S. Peter before the Aultar of the indiuiduall Trinity with one Leofricus an Earle of whome it is said that he liued very holily in the company of his wife Gothgina and founded many religious Conuents the Sauiour of the world appeared to him on the Aultar it self stretching forth his right hand gaue him his heauēly benedidiction with the signe of the Crosse while the King in bowing with his head was adoring the diuine presence The sayd Earle Leofricus was likewise made partaker of the same apparition who not knowing what passed in the
with much slouth and negligence Whereat being scandalized he determined to accuse them to the Lord himself Whereupon ascending to the top and being admitted to the Pallace he found the King with the onely attendance of one Squire and no more hauing sent away the rest of his family to reape it being then haruest tyme. The child then entring into the hall being called by the King approches neere him and sits him downe at his feete After which being pleasantly demanded by him who he was and from whence and wherefore he came he answered to all without difficulty And immediately heerupon he caused a loafe of most pure bread to be giuen him which S. Anselme eating in the King his sight felt meruaylous comfort Being afterwards awakened in the morning and reducing this vision to memory the innocent child held it to be a certayne truth no fantastical thing verily belieued he had been in Paradise indeed and had tasted of the bread of our Lord and so publikely affirmed to his companiōs He went after increasing in yeares and vertue so as for his good behauiour he was beloued of all Being sent to Schoole as he was of an excellent wit in a very short tyme he profited exceedingly in learning for his choosing of a state of life he was not yet entred into the 15. yeare of his age when he began to thinke in what manner he might best obserue the diuine precepts saue his soule and after a long discourse thereupon with himselfe he came at last to resolue there was nothing more apt for the purpose then to become a Monke to consecrate himselfe foreuer to the diuine Seruice With this determination he went his wayes to a certayne Abbot intreating him to admit him into Religion But that Prelate for feare of Gondolfus durst not receyue him And yet was not the good youth a whit coole therwith in his purpose but rather besought God he might fall into some grieuous malady to the end the Abbot by meanes thereof being moued to pitty might admit him at last The prayers of S. Anselme were more efficacious with God thē with men Being suddenly sicke then of a dangerous infirmity he besought the Abbot anew he would daigne to accomplish his desires and not suffer him to dye in the world But he fearing yet the offence aforesayd was still very stiff in the negatiue and that not without the diuine Will since the chast youth was destined to the help of other nations and for other enterprises of greater glory of Christ as we shall see anon He recouered then his perfect health for that tyme withall renewed the good purposes but afterwards what with the heate and feruour of youth and the riches and commodityes of home suffering himselfe to be carryed away with pleasures and company keeping he came wholy as it were to loose not only his Vocation and spirit he had but euen also the study of letters wherein he had been so diligent before One thing only for awhile deteyned him somewhat from complying too much with his senses therein the respect of his deere Mother whome he loand reuerenced much But after she was passed from this lyfe being then meerly without any tye at all to hold him too that frayle barke was carryed away into the waues and streames of the world S. Anselme being tyred with the bitter vsage of his Father goes into Normandy to S. Lanfranke and becomes his Scholler Chap. 2. IN his manner went S. Anselme with the greater part of mortalls into manifest perdition when the heauenly Father beholding him with the eyes of clemency to vnty him from the world permitted his Father to be so fraught with hatred and auersion from him as that equally the good and bad or rather more the good actions of S. Anselme them the bad displeased him nor was there any meanes left to pacify him with all the humility and satisfaction the yong man could yield vnto him Insomuch as seing euery day the old man to be more bitter to him and intollerable then other for feare of some great inconuenience he determined to leaue his Country Parents and friends as well to deliuer himselfe of so great tribulations and troubles as to apply himselfe anew more seriously to learning Putting himself then in order and laying his fardell on an Asse he went towards Burgundy with onely a certaine Clerke his familiar friend in his company and passing ouer Montsenese being not much accustomed to the labours of the body he felt himselfe so weary of the way and of climbing vp the hill and so afflicted withall as not hauing other sustenance he began to eate the very snow insteed of food Whereat the Clerke being moued to compassion did presently looke into his sachell to see if there were somwhat there to eate when besides all expectatiō he found therein a white and sauoury loase of bread which not in a dreame now as before but really in effect gaue to S. Anselme lyfe so as he arriued in few dayes to the place designed very safe and sound where partly in Burgundy it selfe and partly also in France for about the space of three yeares he attended to his studyes There liued in those dayes in the Monastery of Benedictins at Bec in the country of Normandy one Lanfranke an Italian by nation of the Citty of Pauia a man so famous for knowledg goodnes as many youths from diuers parts of the world repayred to him that were desirous of sound and perfect doctrine Now S. Anselme being moued with the noyse and rumour of such a one became so enflamed with desire of knowing Lanfranke by sight and to conuerse with him as he doubted not a whit to go himself in hast into that prouince And was in truth nothing deceyued of his expectation finding in that Father so rare gifts of wisedome as he tooke it for no small happynes to haue him for Mayster and to be admitted into particular familiarity with him With this occasion the feruent louer of liberall arts without sparing eyther day or night employed himselfe with singular industry to enrich his breast with sundry knowledges of high extraordinary things in giuing eare to the doctour in turning of books in gathering notes in framing Epitomes in rehearsing of thinges heard and expounding others In which occupations while he suffers much paynes and many incommodityes as it happens now of cold and now of heate now of hunger and then of sleep it came agayne into his mind that if he were a Monke as heertofore he had desire to be he should not suffer more troubles and paynes nor do more pennance then now he did while in a religious state besides he should not loose the merit of so great labours whereas in the life he then led it was more vncertayne what fruite at last he were like to gather thence Wherefore in ruminating this new purposes began to awake in his mynd of seruing God and wholy renouncing
water wherewith they were more precipitously caried away And how so answered he Is there any amongst them that is not ashamed to swallow vp such filth Whereto the other answered Do not you seeme Sir to wonder heerat This same which you se heere is the Torrent of the world wherein sensuall men are so enwrapped caryed away and by and by sayd Wouldst thou feigne behold what is a true Monke indeed Yea mary would I answered S. â—…selme When he replyed Then looke round about thee and see the walls of a Cloyster being all lyned ouer with the finest siluer and the grasse in the midst thereof all of Siluer indeed but soft and delicate and most pleasant to behold Which hath likewise another condition with all that if one resteth thereon it will gently seeme to yeild vnder him and then rising agayne be rising in like manner This place so delightfull to see to seemed to please S. Anselme beyond measure When deliberating with himselfe to choose the same for his owne habitation the Guide began to aske him agayne saying Hola Would you see now what is true Patienceâ—… And S. Anselme shewing forth as well with wordes as gestures a most ardent desire thereof the Vision vanished on a suden and 〈◊〉 returned to himselfe agayne By such apparitions he was filled with new light and with a new feruour of spirit In this meane tyme the name of S. Anselme ran not only through out all Normandy but euen likewise through the Countryes of France and Flaunders yea and passing ouer the Sea extended it selfe throughout all England so as from diuers parts many noble and learned men and Souldiours also had recourse to the diuine man and dedicated themselues to the seruice of God vnder the custody of so great a Pastour though he with great prudence tooke heed of perswading them more to this then to that Conuent contenting himselfe with drawing them onely in generall to a Religious state least they entring in without any proper deliberation of theirs to some Monastery and then finding themselues afterwards molested with molestations temptations and trauayles might chance to murmur and attribute their impatience and scandall to his persuasions Whereupon the Conuent of Bec came shortly to be amplifyed both in number of subiects and in plenty of possessions And the Abbot Herlwin being lastly arriued to extreme old age and now become decrepit withall discharged himselfe of all things touching the gouernement layd theÌ„ on the shoulders of S. Anselme expressely ordayning that he should be well prouided of horses of all other accoutrements for iourneys whensoeuer his busines required the same and all should be kept as proper for his person But he being affrighted with the name of propriety when he returned from his iourneyes would giue vp the same in common agayne nor would he euer endure that for his owne commodity the others should seeme to suffer in any thing And that no meruaile since euen in the world it selfe he was euer so amiable and courteous to all as that when he saw his friends to want any thing he would willingly supply them of his owne according to his ability For euen at that tyme also the very light of reason had dictated to him that all the riches of the world were created by the Eternall Father for the common vtility of men and that in the law of nature they belonged no more to one man then another And much more after he was offered vp to God in Religion as a perpetuall Holocaust stood he allwayes firme and constant in voluntary pouerty Not wanted he occasions inough to exercise the same in reguard that besides the aforesaid priuiledges and particularities which in vaine the Abbot Herlwin had enforced vpon him there were brought now and then no small summes of gold and siluer to spend or keepe to himselfe for his owne commodity and pleasure which yet the good religious man would neuer yield to accept of if they were not presented to the Abbot himselfe for the benefit and vse of the whole community And if the Benefactour himselfe as it would happen now and then replyed that he had as then no intention to bestow it on the Abbot or Conuent he would answere that he had no need of such things and that in that nature he would receiue nothing at all of any person liuing With these proceedings of his he did allwayes yield forth a most sweet odour of himselfe WheÌ„ce he came to be inuited vnto diuers Abbyes to make them spirituall exhortations and to resolue their doubts and to afford them his counsayle as well in publique aâ—… in priuate affayres Which the man of Christ would do with exceeding edification and good of Soules Abbot Herlwin being dead Saint Anselme is chosen in his place He is giuen much to Hospitality And goes into England to visit S. Lanfranke and King William IN the meane tyme Herlwin dyed and S. Anselme with the common consent of all the Conuent was elected for Successour But he knowing the danger of such manner of dignitye for many daies opposed himselfe with excuses reasons as efficacious as he could agaynst the sayd election After which perceyuing that he was not able to remoue the setled determination of the Monkes lamenting and sending forth sighes he cast himselfe at their feete beseeching and coniuring them through the bowels of the diuine mercy to leaue of such a thought and not to burden him with such wayght But they on the contrary being prostrate before S. Anselme besought him to haue pitty on the Conuent and to beware that with such resistance he seemed not more to regard his proper commodity theÌ„ the publike weale and vtility This perseuerance of the Monkes togeather with the memory of that which was expressely commaunded him by the Archbishop of Roan ouercame him at last otherwise there had been no meanes possible to haue brought him to accept of the Prelacy Being then consecrated without altering awhit the manner of his customes and liuing he now proceeded to promote with all diligence his subiects to the end of their vocation and with great vigilancy prouided that the least wrong in the world might not be offered to any one by the Officers and Procuratours in the causes of the Monastery Moreouer in receiuing and lodging of Ghests to which worke of charity the family of S. Benet hath euer applied it selfe with particular industry and prayse S. Anselme was among others most wondefull liberall where ability fayled he supplyed the defect with a great proâ—…ptnes of the will and withall serenity and cheeerfulnes of the countenance and likewise sometymes in case of necessity he would be taking from the refectory it selfe the meate which was prepared for the Monkes to set before strangers though ordinarily as he was a most prudent exactour of obseruance so was he very accurate in procuring that the Conuent should suffer no want howbeit often tymes things arriued to those termes as there would seeme
already and how they ought not to thinke of any other then of him Which the humble Seruant of Christ perceiuing immediately departed from thence nor could he be induced by the prayers or intreaties of any so much as to celebrate there on the Feast thē approching of the Natiuity of the most blessed Virgin From hence according to the necessity of the Churches and the request of the Peeres he refused not to go to the Court where met with much reuerence by all the Barons the King himselfe likewise with cheerfull countenance came to receiue him euen to the gate of the Pallace and after most deere kisses and louing imbraces taking him by the right hand he conducted him into a roome thereby Where sitting downe and some words of courtesy passing betweene them S. Anselme shewed his desire to haue priuate audience with him so as the standers by went immediatly forth when he without touching awhit the matters appertayning to his Monastery for which it was thought he had principally come to Court with Christian liberty be gan to discouer to the King the sinister fame that went of him nor stuck he to specify vnto him many particulars that he might the more easily come to amend them The discourse being ended he went his wayes to seeke out the Earle of Chester was enforced to remayne there for some dayes In the meane while the King fell grieuously sicke fearing death was put in mynd by his followers assoone as possible to prouide for the principall Church of the Kingdome being then without a Pastour which was that of the aforesaid Canterbury And now this counsayle seeming good to the King he nominated the Abbot Anselm and no other for the same administration The which declaration was with admirable applause receyued of all The Abbot only at the newes thereof was strooke euen dead as it were but then gathering his forces to him agayne he endeauours by all meanes possible to resist but not being able to preuayle agaynst the deliberate consent of the King and of the whole Clergy and people he was snatched vp and carryed into the Cathedrall Church and placed in the Throne with much solémnity From thence he was straight conducted to Winchester and lodged in the suburbs of the Citty there where while he remaynes in the company of Gondolfus Bishop of Rochester and of a certayne principall Monke by name Baldwin behold one night was a great fire enkindled in the neighbour-houses which with fury went consuming whatsoeuer it met with in the way It now approched to the house very neere vnto S. Anselmes Iune when some familiar friends of the Hostesse or Mistres of the house seeing so litle remedy agaynst the fire began to carry away from thence the houshold-stuffe into some safer place But the woman being full of fayth forbad the same very confidently affirming there was no such cause of feare while she had the Archbishop S. Anselme in her house At which so generous words of hers Baldwin being moued intreated the holy Father not to deny his succour to the deuout Matron but he with accustomed modesty humility answered what should I helpe her wherein I pray Go you but forth then the other replyed and make the signe of the holy Crosse agaynst the fire and who knowes whether the diuine Clemency may not happily extinguish it by that meanes When S. Anselme replyed agayne What say you by my meanes You know not what you say And yet neuertheles for feare of the imminent danger he went forth with the others and in the sight of those furious flames was constrayned by the Bishop of Rochester and Baldwin to oppose the holsome signe of the Crosse there to A strange thing he had no sooner lifted vp his hand but as likewise it is read of S. Martin that flaming and impetuous floud of fire retiring into it selfe made a stop in its course and the flames being extinguished on a sudden left the buildings halfe burnt so farre as it had gone S. Anselme endeauours to put off the charge imposed vpon him but in vayne He after falls in disgrace with the King and is banished the Court. With a miracle that happened Chap. 14. AFter all these things S. Anselme did seeke very dexterously to put off from his shoulders that new burthen of the Archbishoprique and to that end had differred till then the acceptation thereof and his full consent thereunto But so great were the motiues and coniurations made of persons of ech quality togeather with the scruple of Obedience thereunto added which was imposed vpon him heertofore by the Archbishop of Roan as that in fine a cōsent was violently extorted from him And so was the blessed Man with great ioy and solemnity consecrated by all the Bishops of England in the Metropolis of Canterbury This consecration of his was celebrated vpon the 4. of December on the feast of the glorious S. Barbara when loe the Natiuity of our Sauiour comming shortly after S. Anselme went his wayes to the King to giue him the accustomed salutation of the good New yeare of whome he was first well intreated but afterwards partly out of malice and the meere instability of the Kings owne disposition and partly by the worke and instigation of wicked Courtiers and flatterers the state of masters was quite changed and the Kings mynd began with a sudden mutation to shew it selfe much aliened from the Archbishop while to the foresayd occasions was likewise added another of no small moment which was that K. William hoping for some great present from him at his first entrance found himselfe to be quite deceiued of his expectation since S. Anselme was not willing at all to aggrieue his subiects with any exactions loanes to satisfy the disordinate appetites of the King So that perceyuing him now to be angry with him he departed from Court and retyred himselfe to a certayne Village of his called Bregge to finish and dedicate there a Church for that parish which by the death of S. Lanfranke his Predecessour was yet imperfect In which ceremony succeeded a notable accident which was that a certayne Clerke but ill disposed comming from London vnder shew of assisting at the sacred office had thrust himsele into that troupe where casting his eye on the vessell of holy Oyle but ill lookt to as it seemed he began to lay his sacrilegious hāds theron and so with silence went secretly his wayes towards his home agayne He was now gone a pretty way as he thought when cōtrary to his opinion he found himselfe still in the same assembly in the selfe same place from whence he had fled whereat wondering not a litle he puts himselfe on the way againe behold with in a while finds himselfe still in the Church of Bregge and so went turning his backe to it agayne and agayne vntill such tyme as the people being aware of those erring and wandering steps of his cast their eyes on the Clerke
a difficulty it seemed good to the King himselfe and the more principall Bishops that aboue all the Abbot of Clareuallis should be called thereto so great was the conceipt had euen at that tyme of the wisedome spirit that spake by him Being inuited then on behalfe of the King and exhorted withall by the other Abbots of his Order to whome he was euer most obedient he went his wayes thither wholy full of feare and trembling considering the waight and danger and the other qualityes of the busines And yet he felt notwithstāding great comfort in a vision which he had on his way by night wherein was represented to him a very great assembly of Ecclesiasticall persons who with sweet harmony praysed and glorifyed God from whence he conceaued firme hope that soone after would follow the desired vnion and concord of the Christian people When he came then to the place designed and that the Councell was opened the Faste◅ and deuout Processions according to Apostolicall custome being celebrated in the same first Sessi◅on with iudgment and consent resolution was made that the whole controuersy should be remitted to S. Bernard the seruant of God and nothing should be done therein but what he determined Which charge truly as vntolerable the man of God refused with great modesty but won at last through the prayers and authority of that holy multitude he accepted the same and buckles himselfe to the enterprise so much mote stout and confident in God as he was more dif◅ident and weake in himselfe So as inuoking the ayde of Heauen making a most exact inquisition and examine first of the manner and order of Election then also of the qualities and merits of the Electours as of both the elected Popes themselues he securely nominated declared Innocent for the chiefe and true Pastour to which proposition was not one in the whole Councell which opposed awhit but suddenly singing a ioyful Hymne with the accustomed prayers and thankesgiuings they all with one accord subscribed to the sayd declaration In the meane tyme Innocent being not able to resist the power and fury of the adursaryes going forth of Rome and receaued with due honour reuerence of all Tuscany he came into France and the glorious Abbot with the same greatnes of courage pa◅ed ouer into England where King Henry through the persuasion of some Prelates declared and shewed himselfe very backward and hard to accept of Innocent But the venerable Abbot after many reasons alleadged in vayne at last full of zeale fortitude sayd to him What feares your highnes doubt you to commit synne with affording obedience to Innocent Go to then do but thinke as you ought to doe to render accompt to God for your other synnes and doe you leaue this to me and I will take it vpon my charge With such an offer made that mighty King without more adoe was satisfyed and was so assured thereof as he determined to goe forth of his kindome to goe meete and humbly receaue Innocent who through Prouence and Burgundy being come to Chartres Henry came thither to kisse his feet who with great common iubiley and giue him the Apostolicall benediction While many matters touching the diuine seruice and the holy Church were there handled and defined in the sayd place behold the Popes Nuntio's to arriue thither from Germany with letters frō those Lords and those Countryes full of affectious prayers that his Holines would daigne so much as to comfort those Northerne parts with his presence since now all through the example of France and England acknowledged him for supreme guide and head of the Church militant But the Pope so soone could not affoard himselfe to those nations being with so much deuotion cōtinually entertayned and desired by the Cittyes of France through which hauing made his progresse a while he intimated a Councell in Rhems where likewise hauing ordayned many things to the honour of God he after with many solemne ceremonyes at the instance of King Lodouik the Father crowned and annointed Lodouike the sonne in the place of Philip his elder brother deceased In these and other actions the Pope would neuer suffer the glorious Abbot of Clareuallis to depart from his side yea diuers supplications of moment were presented vnto him and he would afterwardes propose them in the consistory where S. Bernard was forced to be present and to sit with Cardinalls themselues vndertaking the protection of the opppressed and shewing continually fauour to what was honest iust after which the Councell brake vp and the Pope going to meet with the Emperour Lotharius at Liege was entertayned with much solemnity and great veneration But al that ioy was changed very soone into sadnes and bitternes because while it seemed to Lotharius he had a rare oportunity without trouble and difficulty to strayten the Pope and draw him to his designes he began to make suite to recouer agayne the inuestitures of Bishopriques taken away heeretofore from the hands of Henry his Predecessour Innocent with his whole Court being strooken with so harsh a proposition and so vnexpected grew pale thereat and stood as a man wholy voyd of counsayle as seeming to him he met in Liege with a greater checke then formerly in Rome it selfe when the venerable Abbot with freedome of mind and meruaylous liberty counterposed himselfe as a solid wall to the demaund pretension of the Emperour and so well disswaded and discoursed as he soone drew him from that couetous and ambitious thought An exployt surely of a poore Monke truely glorious and hitherto vnheard or howbeyt perhapps for so happy a successe may some prayse also be giuen vnto those tymes wherein commonly the Signors and Potentates of Christendome applyed themselues of their owne accord or easily at least were brought to exalt propagate the splendour and authority of the Apostolique Sea whereas at this day O vnworthy spectacle it seemes as all were striuing to abate the same to weaken and euen to extinguish it quite But heere let vs silence all odious and vnprofitable complaints Troubles arising in the Church through the faction of the Antipope were by S. Bernard pacifyed in fauour of the true Pope with the miserable end of a cheife Party of the Schisme Chap. 14. INnocent being thus freed by meanes of S. Bernard from the anxiety he was in and hauing taken moreouer a firme purpose and a inuiolable promise of Lotharius to come with his army to Rome as soone as possibly he might to quiet the tumults there and to place him in the pontificall Throne tooke his leaue of the Church of France and ioyfully went towardes Italy making his iourney through Burgundy and by the way was pleased to visit and take Clareuallis for his Inne where receiuing much consolation of the voluntary pouerty and abstinence religious conuersation of the Monks he prosecuted his iourney and arriuing at Rome found Lotharius there ready with his army by whom being brought through
deposed some two dayes after his departure with a litle case on his breast wherein the Reliques of S. Thadeus the Apostle were conteyned being sent him that very yeare from ◅rusalem the man of God so ordayning it with hope and intention to be vnited with the Apostle in the day of the Resurrection The mourning and concourse of people at so dolorous a new◅ the preparation of the Exequies which followed the intercessios made at his shrine were a matter more easy for the pious and p◅dent Reader to imagine then for vs to describe The holy Father as his most sweet writinges demonstrate had a perpetuall and most singular deuotion towardes the most blessed Virgin the Mother of God In so much as with reason it is belieued how from that inexhaustible treasure of celestiall riches he drew the talents and graces which made him so graue and composed in his person so acceptable to the diuine Maiesty so helpfull so wise and admirable to the world FINIS S. HVGH THE ARGVMENT PHysitians say Diseases faster grow Whose mouing causes our complexions feed Whome most we trust most dangerous is the Foe Spite is more fell atty◅d in freindships weed And sooner it procures our ouerthrow Then that which doth from open foes proceed For armes or lawes or friends preuent the one The other God himselfe must shield or none More dangerous are allurements which we loue And with our perills do like serpents warme Worldly delights neglecting those aboue Because most present most our soules do harme This I discouering plainely euer stroue To free my selfe and others from the charme Of that Enchauntresse whose endearments bring Eternall griefe paines euer torturing THE LIFE OF S. HVGH BISHOP OF LINCOLNE The Parentage and Minority of S. Hugh with his Vocation entrance into the Charter-house at Grenoble Chap. I. THe blessed Hugh whose life and manners we take in hand was nobly borne in the partes of Burgundy His Father was a valiant Captaine fearing God and liuing well contented with his Pay There was not farre off from a Castle of his a Monastery of Canon-Regulars to whome he was much deuoted Heere as soone as he was depriued of his Wife he placed his sonne who was about some eight yeares old that from his tender yeares vnder spirituall standarts he might accustome himselfe vnto Christian warfarre S. Hugh was very willingly receaued by those good Fathers and put ouer to a venerable old man who was to instruct him in learning and religious discipline This man with a reuerent grauity first premonished him to beware of licencious light sports and to endeauour to anticipate the benefit of tyme with maturity of manners and sometymes would say vnto him Hugh I trayne thee vp for Christ these sportes become thee not And his admonitiōs were not in vaine the holy Ghost found such disposition in him of wit and purity as he was soone replenished with wisedome and vnderstanding whence in short tyme he came to be very gratefull to God and most deare to men In the meane while the Knight his Father touched with heauenly inspiration leauing the world retyred himselfe into the same Monastery and there attended to the seruice of God vnto his liues end But S. Hugh as soone as he arriued to the nineteenth yeare of his age at the instance of the whole Conuent hauing taken all the holy Orders except Priesthood was applyed by Superiours to the help of a certaine Parish in which office he bare himselfe in such sort as euery one framed a high conceit of his sanctity prudence but our Lord willing to lead him to a life of stricter obseruance of greater merit disposed that his Priour going for deuotion as he was wont to visit the Charter-house of Grenoble tooke S. Hugh in his company who making his prayer and now entred in the Cloister in beholding partly the solitude and silence partly also the semblance and manners of the Monkes felt immediatly such an ardent desire of passing vnto the same Rule to enkingle in his breast as not being able by any meanes to conceale or endure the flame he began presently to make secret practises and to intreate the Fathers one by one to vouchsafe to admit him into their Institute His Priour was aware heereof and calling him aside with dolourous sighes and teares in his eyes O my beloued Sonne sayd he I see well now and perceaue too well I haue brought thee hither to my great mishap and the irreparable losse of my whole flocke And as soone as they returned home againe he discouered all to the Chanons and especially to the Father of S. Hugh intreating him with great feeling to put some remedy to so great a crosse This being once vnderstood they runne presently to the younge man and more fully informed themselues of the nouelty from his owne mouth and finally pressed him so hard as they made him to promise with an Oath that he would not forsake them To which purpose by how much S. Hugh condescended against his will so much more troublesome and sharpe prickes of conscience and scuples felt he in himself on the one side the touches of a more high vocation ceased not to molest him and with reason feared he to constrist are the holy Ghost in resisting so on the other he was opposed against by fraternall charity and the promise he had made with an oath S. Hugh being assaulted a good while with this contrariety of spirits after many prayers and considerations was satisfyed at last that he was not tyed to the obseruance of his word and promise which hindered him from the greater seruice of God and his own perfection With this resolution being now returned very quiet againe to the Charter-house he did so efficaciously a new expresse his desires as those Religious men admiring so constant a teruour of his without more delay admitted him S. Hugh is made Priest then Procuratour of the house of Grenoble and lastly sent for into England by the King there Chap. 2. THe souldier of Christ being now entred into a new warre beginnes to feele new battailes all which notwithstanding through diuine succour to him were a subiect to him of glorious triumphes Especially he was molested day and night by the concupiscible part neuerthelesse to conserue his Virginity he ceased not to macerate his flesh with abstinences vigils scourges other mortifications yet sometymes refreshed with consolations againe and with heauenly sweetnes with which meanes and with humble and continuall prayer at last the fiery shafts of the enemy were quite extinguished A midst these labours the tyme of Priesthood approaching a venerable old man whome S. Hugh according to the custome of the Order through charity submission deuoutly serued demanded of him if he were willing to be a Priest or no! Whereunto he hauing sincerely answered that for his part there was nothing in the world he desired more to whome the old man replying with a seuere countenance And how
darest thou aspire to a degree whereto none how holy soeuer but through constraine is worthily aduanced At this reprehension S. Hugh being terrifyed falling flat on the ground with teares in his eyes suddenly craued pardon at which humility of his the Maister being tender and touched with the spirit of prophecy sayd Rise vp my sonne rise vp do not trouble thy selfe I know very well with what effect and with what intention thou vtteredst such wordes and I tell thee moreouer and affirme it to thee without all doubt that ere long thou shalt be a Priest and within a certaine tyme after shalt thou be a Bishop also At which presage of his the good disciple ful of blushing and confusion held his peace and a little after being promoted to the dignity of the Altar prepared himselfe with most exact diligence to the sacrifice and with the same continuing to celebrate not only slackened not but augmented his spirituall exercises and his accustomed mortifications whence he tooke such a weaknes of stomacke as euer after afflicted him sorely for the obligation of the rule and the publike assemblies of the Quire the Chapter and the like was he euer the first endeauouring in all thinges yea euen in the least to edify as many as conuersed with him In this manner hauing passed in his priuate Cell and priestly ministery about ten yeares the principall Procuratourship of the house being a charge amongst those Religious of no light importance was by Superiours imposed vpon him and which to S. Hugh layd open a new field to exercise his excellent Vertues in Because he vnderstanding very well how from his care and vigilancy depended the Religious quiet and contemplatiue life of the others abandoning quite for the loue of Christ his owne consolations attended with extraordinary care vnto all the partes of Oeconomy and of a perfect Steward making prouisions in good tymes preuenting the necessityes of euery one and especially of the sicke surueying and reuiewing the accounts of the Officialls and Factours improuing continually the possessions defending and conseruing the rights and rents and all in such manner and with that maturity as well gaue the world to vnderstand how farre he was from all particuler interest For these so rare qualityes in short tyme his fame was spread euen to the remotest Countreyes and Henry the second King of England who in those dayes was vpon founding a Monastery of Carthusians at VVhitam through the ill condition of that neighbourhood could not bring the matter to any good passe after he had with small fruite applyed two Priours of the Order vpon the enterprise being finally moued with the constant relation of the worth and sanctity of S. Hugh not fayled to send in post to that end very honourable personages to the aforesayd Charterhouse of Grenoble and among them Reginald Bishop of Bath to require him for this office To which purpose those Fathers being assembled togeather there followed an earnest dispute among them while to some it seemed not iust or reasonable for any ones sake whosoeuer to depriue their owne house of so firme a propp others iudging on the contrary with liuely reasons demonstrating how it became not Christian charity and the Euangelicall profession to haue the eye fixed vpon the commodityes only of one family and to keep that vertue enclosed in so little a space which might be extended for the benefit and saluation of foraine nations with the great augmentation of the diuine glory Among such contentions had for a while to and fro of no light moment that Part preuayled at last which would the publike and vniuersall should be preferred before the priuate and that they ought not with so harsh a repulse prouoke the displeasure of so great a King In this manner S. Hugh being otherwise an enemy to Prelacy and who protested himselfe to be wholy insufficient for such a charge was by Superiours constrained to take it vpon him and not without much teares departing from his deere Cloister in company of the sayd Embassadours he arriued sale sound at the coasts of England From thence without going to the Court trauayling by the neerest way to VVhittam the first thing he endeauoured to do was with a cheerfull countenance and with fit exhortations to comfort those few afflicted Monks whom he found there and being afterwards sent for by letters vnto the Kings prefence through diuine fauour he had such grace in the eyes of that Maiesty as that after diuers discourses thereof he brought away both for the present and future necessities a very large prouision of all thinges and besides could tell how to vse such dexterity with that people and so to purchase their loue and good opinion as that from harsh contumacious and froward in short tyme they became very gentle obedient and tractable whereby very easily both the Church became more enriched through diuine offices the house to be the better accommodated for the sustentation of the Monkes and for the splendour and ornament of the place the fabricque to be finished while S. Hugh laboured thereat with his owne handes and carrying for example and publique edification stones morter on his shoulders in so much as many seculars being inuited partly by his sweet and sanctifyed manners partly also through a gust of a retyred life and of the commodity of the buildings there abandoning the cares of the world and renouncing the proper liberty came thither to consecrate themselues vnto God by vow to oblige themselues vnto monasticall discipline The King with his whole army at Sea is deliuered by commending himselfe to the prayers of S. Hugh Chap. 3. THe king of England tooke no small cōfort at these proceedings he reioyced much in that he was not deceiued awhit in his iudgment in the election of such a one And as he was a wise and prudent King hauing very often familiar and long discourses with the Priour the more he diued into him the greater esteeme made he not only of his prudence but of his piety and perfection also holding it a great happynes to haue such a man in his Kingdome and placing a good part of his hopes in his deuout intercessions suffrages as among other tymes he cleerely shewed when as returning with a great Army from the enterprize of France he was suddenly assayled with so cruell a tempest as the fury of the winds illuding all the art of the Mariners they all betooke themselues as many as were with him according to custome to vowes and prayers and the King notwithstanding perceauing the waues to grow more rough brake forth at last into these words O if my good Hugh of the Charter-howse were now aware of this would make feruēt prayer for vs as he was wont the diuine mercy would not be so slow to our succour And a little after with other sighes he gaue not ouer but added O blessed God whom the Priour of VVhittam truly serues vouchsafe
shewed it selfe very shye and coy to the Bishop only it would be most domestike and giue forth infinite shewes of welcome it would take meate from his hand it would thrust as in a poole the head and neck within those large and ample sleeues of his and not contented therewith leauing the fresh waters and its accustomed haunts would stand all night a watching and keeping centinell at his chamber doore Moreouer it had taken vp a custome as often as the Bishop was to retyre thither to be very iocund to cry out and flap with the wings in so much as the keepers of the castle as they had been aduertized by some harbinger would be accited thereby to prepare the chambers and to put all things in order against his coming Now the last tyme that S. Hugh came thither the amourous Swan leauing its accustomed dauances would so hide it selfe with the head drooping and with other signes of sadnes and frowardly sequestring it selfe from his sight which it was neuer to behold more as the seruants were fayne to take it and bring it in by force And thus much of this new prognosticate The death and funeralls of the Venerable Bishop not without some miracles accompanying the same Chap. 11. IN those dayes was assembled at Lincolne a most famous nationall Councell and S. Hugh being then in the Citty of London vpon vrgent occasion with purpose to hye himselfe as soone as possibly he could to the sayd Assembly being there ouertaken by a suden vehement feuer was forced to keep his bed and yet in despite of the disease re-enforcing his prayers vnto God and to the most blessed Virgin and deuout colloquyes with his Angell Guardian and with the Citizens of Heauen he ceased not withall to afford gratefull audience with holsome admonitions to as many as came to visit him Being admonished to make his will It greiues mee said he for this custome of making wils introduced into the clergy I neuer had nor haue at this present any thing that is not wholy of my Church and yet that the Fiscall may not lay hand thereon let all be distributed to the poore as soone as may be whatsoeuer may seeme to others I possesse Heereupon the Feast of S. Mathew being come wherein he remembred he was consecrated Bishop he caused the celestiall Viatique and the Sacrament of Extreme vnction also to be ministred to him as thinking very probably that immediately he was to depart but it pleased our Lord to differre the same vntill the 17. day of the next moneth in which space he ceased not from deuotious for himselfe and exhortations for others and moreouer with the spirit of Prophecy very cleerely foretold the great disasters which soone after were to happen to that Kingdome and particulerly to the Clergy The foresayd terme being afterwards arriued the holy Bishop being interiourly certifyed of his departure caused besides his Chaplyns some Monks and Preists to be called to assist him and seeing them all to weep bitterly he sought with interrupted speeches but graue and affectuous withall to comfort them and laying his right hand vpon ech one he recommended them to the diuine custody And now his feeble voyce began quite to fayle when he willed that the flore being swept a crosse of hallowed ashes should be formed thereon and that a seruice should be sayd in manner of a Quier whereat being present with great attention as soone as he came to that verse of the 90. Psalme Clamabit ad me ego exaudiui cum cum ipso sum in tribulatione causing himselfe to be lifted from his bed he stretehed his withered and frozen members being mindfull of the Passion of Christ vpon the sayd Crosse and presently beginning the Canticle of Simeon very happily expired in the yeare of our Lord 1200. of his age 60. and of his Episcopall charge the 15. In this manner it pleased the Prince of Pastours to put an end to the trauailes of his most faythfull Coadiutour of whose passage into heauen some persons worthy of credit haue had vndoubted reuelation The body being spiced with Balme and other odours was in pontificall habit exposed in a Coffin ready to be carryed according to the order left by him vnto his Church but through the infinite concourse of people which pressed in to touch or at least to behold more neere that sacred Treasure there succeeding by turnes very Honourable personnages to carry the corps the way became to be so taken vp and stopt the while as it was there fayne to stay for no lesse then six dayes In approaching to Lincolne the two Kinges Iohn of England and VVilliam of Scotland who then were present came forth to meet them with a most noble trayne and both being desirous to submit their shoulders to the venerable Beer the Scottish King among others who loued him deerely powred forth a floud of teares After that in the Cathedrall were the solemne exequies celebrated with the pompe that became both the dignity of the deceased the quality of the standers by among which two crowned heads three Archbishops fourteene Bishops more then a hundred Abbots very many Earles and Barons drew the eyes of the people vpon them the diuine Prouidence so disposing that the promptnes and perseuerance of S. Hugh in taking so great care to bury the bodyes of others was thus recompenced with so magnificent and glorious a Sepulture To this were added for greater splendour new famous miracles which to recount throughout were a thing too long it may suffice for example only to add heere also that within few dayes at his monument were cured six Palsey men three blind receaued their sight and two dumbe men recouered their speach Moreouer the deposition customes and heroicall prowesse of the Saint were afterwards not only celebrated with a liuely voice by that age but by many Writers also registred with a faythfull pen to the glory of God the memory of him and the noble example incitement to posterity FINIS S. ANTONY OF PADVA THE ARGVMENT RIch LVSITANIA yields thee vitall ayre And first of others shines with such a gemme Thy countreyes Father thou dost her prepare Thou dost dispose her vnto Heaun's diademe By doctrine and example they declare How gratefull was such charity to them Thou Solons doctrine well dost ouerthrow Shewing the Countrey to her brood may owe. Padua adopts thee hers whose spacious Fanes Could not containe thy happy audience The larger fields and open spreading plaines Did seeme prepard for such a confluence Thy heauenly doctrine sweetly entertaines The hearers charm'd with golden eloquence A second Orpheus whose commanding Lyre Euen senselesse thinges do follow and admire THE LIFE OF S. ANTONY OF PADVA Taken forth of Laurence Surius Of the family and youthfull age of S. Antony and how he became be of the family of the Chanons-Regular Chap. 1. THE marueilous Mysteries of the diuine prouidence are discouered as it were through the whole pilgrimage of
his death he afterwards was chaunged agayne more then once while the same fragrancy continued still as before as well to make he sepulcher more magnificent as also to affoard others some part of the holy Reliques One of his hands was graunted to his Sister in whose Oratory remayning a while it was carryed to Salerno The head was giuen to the Fryars Preachers of Pipern It being after vnderstood that a wicked man went about to rob and to sell away the rest the Count of Fondi preuented it by taking it into his owne custody after that at the instance of his wife who was therefore in sleepe very greiuously reprehended by the Saint he consigned it to the conuent of Preachers in the same Citty of Fondi The Monkes of Fossa-noua resented the iniury and for the same hauing made many tymes complaints to the Sea Apostolike Pope Vrban the V. at last to put an end to so great quarells and contentions caused it to be transported from Fondi to Thoulouse in France to the end that Vniuersity there newly founded by the Pope might continually prosper vnder the shaddow of such a Protectour And this last Translation was the most noble and solemne of all as well for that now after a full and exact information he was canonized by Pope Iohn the XXII as also for the great number of miracles which in that Translation there followed anew The greater part of the Bishops there and Lewis Duke of Angiou being the Brother of the King of France with an infinite number of people came to meet with and receaue the sacred Pledge by all which with great preparation and exquisite pompe it was decently reposed at Thoulouse in the yeare of our Lord 1370. It hath preserued that Citty euen to these dayes from many perills of body and soule FINIS B. ANDREW B. THE ARGVMENT THE very Starre that 's placed neere the Line That parts vs from the other Hemisphere Through interposed vapours cleare doth shine When in our Zenith dimme it doth appeare Blinded we slight heau'ns ioyes which we might gaine As well as earth and with an equall paine I this perceyu'd and learn't to rayse my hart And farre aboue such fain'd contents to soare I with the World and with the Wolfe did part And tooke the Lambe whome I contem'd before And borne by zealous loue ascend the skies In fiery Carre to my Elias flyes THE LIFE OF B. ANDREVV BISHOP OF FESVLA Written by Francis his Successour and others Of the Parents of B. Andrew with the miraculous presage of his Birth and first beginnings Chap. 1. AMONG the noble families of the renowned Citty of Florence is Corsina worthily named for one spread as we find in other parts of Italy Of this bloud Nicolas and Peregrina being conioyned togeather with the holy band of Matrimony as they were both timorous and fearing God and much frequenting Churches the sacred offices had a great desire to offer vp to the high Creatour and the most B. Virgin the first-borne of their Progeny to imitate in this point also the piety of the ancient Patriarks so much celebrated in sacred Scriptures Nor did any thing hinder them from fullfilling their vow then sterility or want of fruit to present from which being deliuered through the intercession of the same Virgin they at last had a sonne in Baptisme called by the name of Andrew for being borne on the feast of that glorious Apostle But the day before his natiuity for a cleare presage as it were of thinges to come it seemed to the Mother in sleep that she was deliuered of a Wolfe which turning into the Church was by little and little transformed into a Lambe At which apparition though Peregrina remayned in some feare yet made she no kind of demonstration thereof but kept it secret vntill the tyme we shall speake of anone In the meane tyme the faythfull parents trayned vp the child in learning and much more in manners with that care as was fit for the yssue now dedicated already to the seruice of the Queene of Angells But soone might be gathered in him without doubt how prone to ech vice is human kind without the particular ayde and stay of celestiall grace Scarcely was he arriued to the vse of reason when being enflamed within by the ardours of concupiscence and by the incentiues of the false Angell and outwardly allured by sensible obiects and lewd companyes he began from the straight and direct way of saluation to bend to the spacious and large way of perdition to abhorre vertue to fly his studyes to serue the belly and dishonest pleasures to follow the dissolute to giue himselfe to pompes to handle partly cards and dice partly also his sword and armes prohibited to moue often quarells and to challenge now this man and now that into the field to wast the goods of his family and to put himselfe continually into dangers both of body and soule These manners of his euen pierced the Parents to the hart seeming very vnfit for one so conceiued through prayers brought vp for the seruice of the Mother of God In the meane while they sought now with allurements and now with menaces and agayne with reasons to pull him back from the precipices he ran into without stay but all in vayne The fierce youth had now shaken off the yoke he champed the bridle he scorned the rod finally became euery day more rebellious and refractary then other Yet for all this the diuine Clemency would not suffer so ill a bud of so good rootes should eternally perish but through meanes vnexpected reformed him on a sudden in the height of his debaâ—…shments Because hauing once among other tymes answered not only with contempt and contumacy to the holsome aduises of them that loued him so deerely but euen also with iniuryes and outrages very impiously turning his back towardes them Peregrina remembring her ancient dreame Thou art surely sayd she to him that infamous wolfe which in vision I seemed to bring forth into the world when thou wast borne At the sound of which words B. Andrew as awaked through diuine operation as it were from a deepe letargy and returning to himselfe stood still and with voyce and countenance altered turning himselfe to Peregrina I beseech you sweet Mother replyed he not to hide from me longer that monstruous prodigy which you now intimated to me whence how beyt on the one side I find my selfe terrifyed astonished as stroke with a thunderbolt yet me thinkes on the other I doe feele my selfe to burne with so ardent desire to know the full truth as I shall neuer be at rest vntill you giue me a faythfull and distinct notice thereof Then the disconsolate Matron being moued from the bottome of her hart and now brought into some hope of amendment in her Sonne Know thou sayd she my beloued Sonne that after my espousals I liued many yeares without yssue but with so great desire
Kings mynd was approching to aduertise him thereof whereof S. Edward being aware Stand still Leofrick said he stand still what thou seest I see also and then Masse being ended he added I cōiure thee O Earle for the Maiesty of him we haue both seene too day that while we are in this life thou speake not a word of this vision to the end that eyther throgh popular applause we may not fall into pride or through so rare a nouelty occasion may be giuen of murmuring to those who belieue no more then what they can touch or feele with the fingar Among these things S. Edward being now well stept in yeares and loaden with merits was certified that now at last his reward approched and his certificate was in this manner He held next S. Peter S. Iohn Euangelist the beloued Disciple of Iesus in greatest veneration insomuch as he neuer denyed any honest petition that euer was made to him in the name of S. Iohn Euangelist When among other times it happened one day his priuy Almenour being absent that a certayne Pilgrime with the sayd inuocation most importunely craued an almes of him and he not hauing any thing at hand pulling off a precious ring from his fingar very graciously gaue it him It fell out afterwards that two English men went in pilgrimage to the holy Sepulcher hauing crossed the Seas and now strayed vnawares out of their way in that errour they were ouertaken by the darke night wherein very sad and afflicted they could find neyther Guide nor Counsayle till beyond all hope appeared a venerable old man who conducting them into the Citty of Ierusalem benignely receyued them as ghests into his house and after a dainety supper brings them to their lodgings with great charity The morning being come they both hauing giuen thankes ready to take their iourney the good Host sayd to them Know Brethren you are like to haue a good voyage and shall returne safe and sound againe into your Country God shal be propitious to you I for your Kings sake in all this time will regard you still I am Iohn the Apostle that loues your King very tenderly for the excellency of his chastity You shall carry him backe this ring which he gaue me some dayes since when I appeared to him in forme of a Pilgrime and acquaint him that the day of his deposition approches and six months shall not passe ouer his head ere I put him into the company who follow the Lambe wheresoeuer he goes Which said the Apostle vanished they happily arriuing at home gaue faythfull accompt to the King of what they had heard and seene Not was the prediction vayne because S. Edward very soone after fell into his last sicknes wherein purposing to edify by all manner of wayes as many as conuersed with him now feeling himselfe to decay apace ordayned his death should be presently published though all the kingdome that his soule being loosed from prison might haue the suffrages of the faythfull assoone as might be and with this he passed to his most desired Lord on the 5. of Ianuary 1066. hauing held the scepter 23. yeares 6. months and 27. dayes He was bewayled and buryed with that feeling and concurse of the people as became such a Ruler and Gouernour Two translations haue been made of that vessell of the holy Ghost the one some 36. yeares after his pappy passage which vntil the other was the space of 60. yeares In both discoueryes not only those sacred members but euen also his Princely robe and habit appeared very whole and vncorrupted The first Translation was made to afford him a more honourable funerall The other followed at the tyme of his Canonization vnder Pope Alexander the III. When deposing the venerable Reliques there succeeded so many miracles anew as would be too long a matter far from our purpose to make narratiō of them Whence we may with reason hope through the merits and intercessions of this great Seruant of God that as so many particuler persons haue obtayned the graces which they craued euen so that most noble Kingdome all scandals being taken away and Heresies destroyed may one day be reduced to the vnion of the faythfull and to the lap of the holy Catholique Church S. ANSELME THE ARGVMENT SEe in the West Arabia's wonder bred With gorgeous lustre fayre embellished Rich in all colours which our eyes behold Vying agaynst the Sunne his natiue Gold The Phoenix of his age His Parents left And of all help and succour quite bereft Heau'n vndertooke his charge He needs not feare The want of friends whose friends whose Hopes are there Deuided from the world can England be The worlds chiefe Grace hauing espous'd in thee Or seeme discourag'd now or hartlesse growne When such a Saint is denized her owne No she may hope that though some clouds may hide A while the light it will at length be spi'de And that th' offended Sunne will glister more And spread his rayes far brighter then before When you Deare Saints shall put an helping hand That you agayne may on our Altars stand THE LIFE OF S. ANSELME ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBVRY Written by Edinerus a Monke of Canterbury vvho liued in his tyme. What the condition of S. Anselms Parents was The presage of his future life His good inclinations and first vocation to Religion Chap. I. WE being to vnfold the Life and manners of S. Anselme Archbishop of Canterbury a most noble Citty of England will first touch some things of his Parents His Father then was one Gondolfus who being borne in Lombardy of Italy and comming to liue in the Citty of Augusta Pratoria now called Aust in the confines of Piemont tooke to wife a gentlewoman whose name was Ermenberga These two consorts for riches nobility were equall but in manners and disposition far vnlike Because the husband being giuen to his pleasures was held to be no good husband for his family While the wife on the contrary being serious in the gouernment of the house and a wise dispenceresse of his goods gaue alwayes forth a most excellent odour of her life vnto her last leauing Gondolfus aliue who seeing himselfe vnloosedfrom the bands of Matrimony being now growne of great yeares became a Monke and dyed in his Monastery Of this couple S. Anselme was borne of whome as through a certayne presage of his future sanctity it is reported in his tender yeares hauing heard his Mother say that aboue in Heauen was but one God only who ruled and maynteyned the whole Vniuerse he thought with a childish imagination that the Heauens were shored vp and susteyned by the mountaynes that from the tops of them one might reach to the royall pallace of that great Monarke and as he often had this thought it happened one night that he seemed to mount vp by one of those tops to the forsayd pallace and beholds at the foote therof certaine seruants of the King reaping of corne