1 Swears not to re-call Gaveston 7 Is troubled at his Oath 8 Falls into Melancholy 9 Sends for Gaveston 12 Acquaints his Councel therewith 13 Their Answer Ibid. His angry Reply Ibid. His Marriage 19 His Son Edward of Windsor born 28 He vows revenge for the Death of Gaveston 32 His Speech to Lancaster 34 Calls a Parliament 36 Goes against the Scots 38 Is defeated 39 Goes against them again 42 Is angry they refuse a Peace 44 Requires two Cardinals and sends them home Ibid. Besieges Barwick 45 Leaves it again 47 Seeks a new Favorite 48 Takes Spencer 49 Barons take Arms against him 55 His Proclamation against Mortimer Ibid. Answers their Message 57 His Speech to the Parliament 58 His Answer to the Merchants Petition against Spencer 65 Opposes the Barons 69 Seizes the two Mortimers Ibid. Beats the Barons 70 Kills Hereford Clifford and Mowbray 71 Takes Lancaster and others Ibid. Is moved for revenge Ibid. His Reply upon it 72 Beheads Lancaster and twenty two more 73 Calls a Parliament 81 Repulses the Scots and invades Scotland 83 Looseth his Treasure 84 Advises with Spencer 86 Will not consent to the Queens going 90 Sad at her departure 92 Complains to the Pope 102 He suspects the City of London 120 Removes to Bristol 121 Gets into the Castle 127 Betakes to a Bark and is seized Ibid. Sent to Berkley Castle 128 Is removed in Disguise 147 His Complaint 148 Is upbraided 149 His Keepers changed 154 He is removed to Corf Castle Ibid. He is Murdered 155 The young King Crowned 142 Kingdomes resentment of the Bishop of Chesters Imprisonment 21 L. Lincolns Speech to the King 22 Death 34 Lancaster surprized 71 Beheaded with twenty two more 73 M. Sir Gilbert de Middleton Executed 43 Mortimer spoils Spencer 55 Is committed to the Tower 89 Is favoured by the Queen 142 Moves the Kings Death 151 His Answer to the Queen 152 He flings away 153 Merchants Petition 65 Mowbray killed 71 Black Monks incite the people 144 Their Captain is clapt by the heels and dies Ibid. N. Navy set out 94 P. Parliament call'd 36 Called again 81 Give the sixth Penny 82 Called by the Queen 130 They resolve to Depose the King 131 The Speaker reads the Sentence 132 Poydras of Exeter pretends himself King 40 Is Hanged at Northampton Ibid. His strange Confession Ibid. Pope sends two Cardinals to Mediate a Peace 42 They go for Scotland and are Robb'd 43 Return 44 Requited and sent home Ibid. He Excommunicates the Scots King and Kingdom Ibid. Admonishes the French King to quit the Queen 103 Prodigious sights Ibid. Ports stopt 94 Q. Queen offers to go for France 88 Favours Mortimer 89 Pretends a journey of Devotion 91 Embarks for France Ibid. Is Tainted 94 Entertain'd in France 95 Her Address 96 Enticed to return 103 Tells the French King of it Ibid. Advises on the same 104 Joyful at Artois Council 106 Her farewell to France 108 Her welcome to Heynault 109 Jealous of Treachery 113 Embarks at Dort 115 Frighted at Sea 116 Lands at Harwich Ibid. Joyns Lancaster 118 Writes to the Mayor of London 121 Is received into the City Ibid. She goes for Bristol 123 Refuses a Treaty and gives Summons 124 Takes that City 125 Batters the Castle 127 Takes the King Ibid. Sends him to Berkley-Castle 128 Her Cruelty 129 Comes to London 130 Calls a Parliament Ibid. Her Speech to Mortimer 151 Her Expostulation 153 She unwillingly consents to the Kings death 154 S. Scots adhere to Bruce 36 Refuse a Peace 44 Excommunicated Ibid. Over-run the borders 45 Opposed Ibid. Beat A. B. York 46 Invade England and Ireland 82 Are repulst and Bruce slain 83 Seize the Kings Treasure 84 Scotland Invaded by the King 83 Bishop Stapleton Beheaded 121 Sir Walter de Selby Executed 43 Sir Peter Spalden made Governour of Barwick 42 Betrays it to the Scots Ibid. Spencer taken into favour 49 His Policy 51 Commons Charge against him 61 Banished 62 His Son a Pyrate 64 They return 67 Move for Revenge 71 His Advice to the King 86 Bribes the French 99 He is taken at Bristol 125 Executed by the Multitude 126 His Son taken 127 Hanged 130 T. Tresilian Hanged 143 Y. A. B. York opposes the Scots 45 Is beaten by them 46 FINIS Cottoni Posthuma Divers Choice Pieces wherein are discussed several Important Questions concerning the Right and Power of the Lords and Commons in Parliament By the Renowned Antiquary Sir Robert Cotton Baronet London Printed by M. C. for C. Harper and are to be Sold in Fleet-street the Exchange and Westminster * April 25. 1284. †July 1307. Edw. 1's care in educating his Son Banishes Gaveston Gaveston's Original and Character Edw. 1's Dying-Speech to the Prince Barons They swear not to recal Gaveston The young King troubled at his Oath Falls into the height of melancholy The Character and danger of Court-Parasites A Courtiers Speech to the King to recal Gaveston The King sends for Gaveston Acquaints his Council therewith who labour to divert him His angry Reply The Council consent to recal Gaveston Gaveston returns The King flights his Barons They perswade him to marry The King marries and marries Gaveston to Margaret Daughter of Gilb. de Clare Earl of Gloucester by his Wife Joan of Acres Daughter to Edw. I. Creates him Earl of Cornwall And makes him chief Minister of State Gaveston imprisons the Bishop of Chester The Kingdom resent it Lincoln's Speech to the King Gaveston banished the second time and sent into Ireland Again recalled Abuses the King and Kingdom Gaveston banished the third time goes into Flanders Edward of Windsor afterwards Edw. the 3. Born 13 Oct. 1312. Gaveston again returns The Barons take up Arms. Seize Gaveston at Scarborough-Castle and behead him The King's Exclamation on the news vowing revenge Henry Laey Earl of Lincoln dies 1310. His dying-Speech to Tho. Earl of Lancaster his Son-in-Law A Parliament called The Scots adhere to Bruce 1313. The King goes in person against the Scots 1314. The King defeated at Banocksbourn near Striveling Poydras of Exeter pretends himself King and the King a Changling His strange Confession The King goes a second time against the Scots Sir Peter Spalden made Governour of Barwick Who betrays it to the Scots 1318. The Pope sends over two Cardinals to mediate a Peace Who are robbed at Derlington Sir Gilbert de Middleton and Sir Walter de Selby executed for the same Sir Josline Denvile with certain Ruffians infest the North. The Cardinals return The Pope Excommunicates the Scotch King and Kingdom King Edw. besieges Barwick A great Dearth which lasted three years The Scotch over-run the Borders The Arch-Bishop of York opposeth them and is beaten at Milton upon Swale The King leaves Barwick King seeks a new Favorite Spencer taken into favour Spencers policy The Barons incensed Clifford's Speech The Barons take Arms. Mortimer spoils Spencer's Possession The Kings Proclamatition thereon The Barons Message to the King The
guide him whose honest freedom might have made him go through-stitch with more reputation He esteems it a gross oversight and too deep a disparagement to have any creature of his own thought wiser than himself he had rather his Greatness than hazard such a blemish should lie open to the malice of time and fortune This made him chuse his Servants as his Master chose him of a smooth fawning temper such as might cry ayme and approve his actions but not dispute them Hence flew a world of wilde disorder the sacred Rules of Justice were subverted the Laws integrity abused the Judge corrupted or inforc'd and all the Types of Honour due to Vertue Valour Goodness were like the Pedlers pack made Ware for Chapmen Neither was it conceiv'd enough thus to advance him beyond proportion or his birth and merit but he must carry all without disputing No one may stand in his way but tastes his power Old Quarrels are ript up to make his spleen more extant The grave Bishop of Chester a man reverend for years and eminent for his Profession and Dignity is committed and could be neither indifferently heard or released upon the meer supposition that he had been the cause of his first Banishment These insolencies carried with so great a height and exprest with so malicious a liberty were accompanied with all the remonstrances of a justly-grieved Kingdom The ancient Nobility that disdain'd such an equal accuse the injustice of the time that makes him their Superiour The grave Senators are griev'd to see the places due to their worths possess'd by those unworthy and unable The angry Souldier that with his blood had purchas'd his experience beholds with sorrow Buffoons preferr'd while he like the ruines of some goodly Building is left to the wide world without use or reparation The Commons in a more intemperate fashion make known their griefs and exclaim against so many great and foul Oppressions The new-made Earl both saw and knew the general discontent and hatred yet seeks not how to cure or stop this mischief his proud heart would not stoop or sink his greatness which might perhaps have qualified the fury with an ill-advised confidence out-dares the worst of his approaching danger and is not squeamish to let the Kingdom know it The slumbring Barons startled with the murmur that ecchoed nought but fear and quick confusion at length awake and change their drowsie temper condemning their long patience that was so far unfit their Bloud and Greatness Lincoln Warwick and Pembrooke whose noble hearts disdain'd to suffer basely resolve to cure the State or make the Quarrel fatal This Mushrome must be cropt or Arms must right the Kingdom Yet before they will attempt by force they 'll feel their Soveraign's pulses who drown'd in sensual pleasure dreams not of their practice This Resolution leads them to the Court where with some sute they gain admittance where to the King brave Lincoln thus discours'd their Grievance See here my Liege your faithful though dejected servants that have too long cry'd ayme to our Afflictions we know you in your self are good though now seduced the height is such we fear a coming Ruine Let it not taint your ear to hear our sorrow which is not ours alone but all the Kingdoms that groan and languish under this sad burden One man alone occasions all this mischief 't is one mans pride and vice that crusheth thousands we hope you will not boulster such a foul disorder and for one poor worthless piece betray a Kingdom The Heavens forbid so great and fond injustice You are your own yet we believe you ours if so we may what you forget remember Kings that are born so should preserve their Greatness which Goodness makes not all their other Titles Your noble Father dying bound our Honours yet we subscribed a breach at your intreaty You promis'd then a fair and grave proceeding but what succeeds the worst of base Oppression So long as we had hope our tongues were silent we sate and sighed out our peculiar Sufferings But when we see so fond and lewd progression that seems to threaten You and all your Subjects you cannot blame us if we seek to right it Would your unpartial eye survey the present State of this late glorious Kingdom you there shall see the Face of Shame and Sorrow No place is free both Court and Country languish all men complain but none finde help or comfort Will you for him not worth your meanest favour consent the Ruine of so brave a Nation Alas Sir if you would we may not bear it our Arms that guard your Life shall keep your Honour 'T is not unjust if you your self enforce it the time admits no respite For God's sake Sir resolve us since you must part with him or us then chuse you whether The King amazed with this strange Petition believes it backt with some more secret practice He knew their Griefs were just yet loath to right them He hop'd this Tempest would o'reblow he might advise his Answer But when he saw them fixt to know his pleasure he then believes it was in vain to struggle He knew their strength that had combin'd to seek it and saw he was too weak for contradiction This made him yield he should be once more banisht Though his wretchless improvidence had laid him open to this advantage yet he was still Master of his antient King-craft which made him smoothly seem to pass it over as if he well approv'd this Sequestration which he resolves to alter as he pleased when he had made the party sure might back his actions till then he slubbers o're his private Passion The Lords whose innocent aims had no end but Reformation depart content yet wait upon the issue A second time this Monster is sent packing and leaves the Kingdom free from his Infection Ireland is made the Cage must mewe this Haggard whither he goes as if to Execution With a sad heart he leaves his great Protector vowing revenge if he may live to act it This weak Statesman here gives a sure testimony of the poverty of his Brain that in the time of his Prosperity and Height had not made sure one forreign Friend to whom he might have had a welcome access in time of his expulsion But he had handled matters so that he was alike hateful here and abroad insomuch that he believes this barbarous Climate his surest refuge But he being gone all things seem'd well reconciled the State was quiet and mens hopes were suitable to their desires which seem'd to promise a quick and speedy Reformation But the vanity of this belief vanisht away like a shadow and the intermission was little less intemperate than the former agitation This wilie Serpent continues so his forreign Correspondence that the King was little better'd by his absence which made it evident that Death alone would end his practis'd mischief Their Bodies were divided but their Affections meet with
for private Passion He is your Sovereign you must so obey him unless the Cause be just enforc'd your moving If he himself do swerve or raise combustion the Kingdoms good must give your Arms their warrant short time will let you know your own condition however do not trust the sleepy Lion I knew his ways and could as well forestal them but now I must resigne it to your wisdom Of this be sure remember my Prediction if he relapse and make a new Vice-gerent which shall leap o're your heads and you endure it The King You or the Kingdom must perish My wearied Soul would fain embrace his freedom and now my Spirits yield to Death and Nature Commend me to my noble Friends and Fellows and say Old Lincoln liv'd and died their Servant Lancaster whose noble heart was before-hand season'd receives willingly these grave Instructions and like a good Steward locks them up in the closet of his heart till time call'd upon him to give them life and action and yet he suffers not this goodly Tree to fall before assured He vows observance and as truely keeps it but erring in the time it wrought his Downfal Beginning Evils are easily supprest which grown to strength if cleans'd are cur'd with danger Twigs may be broken younger Plants removed but if once they grow Trees their Fall is fatal Things standing thus and all mens minds in suspence what would be the issue between the enraged King and jealous Lords the indifferent friends of either Party that fear'd this unkinde Division would shake the Peace and Tranquillity of the Kingdom propounded divers Overtures of reconcilement which are neither readily accepted nor absolutely refused The Kings Meditations were more fixed on Revenge than Conference yet seeing into the Quality of the time and into the suspected Affections of the Kingdom is won at length to admit of a Treaty The Barons truely rellishing the Tickle-terms they stood on which were pinn'd to the mutability of popular Faction were not estranged from the thoughts of Peace though they would not seek it Intercession and importunacy of the Mediators brings it at length to the upshot where there was such an inveterate spleen and so great an antipathy in Wills it is not thought fit to hazard this great Work on a private discussion where Recapitulations of old Wrongs or the apprehension of new Indignities might shake the Foundation The High Court of Parliament the gravest Senate of the Kingdom that had an over-ruling Power to limit the King and command the Subject is deemed the most Honourable place of this Enterview where a business of so great weight would be gravely discours'd which might assure the end and make it more authentical Whereupon it is immediately call'd and in short space assembled at London where after many interchangeable Expostulations diversly handled by the pregnant Wits and nimble Tongues of either Party a settled Agreement is concluded and many excellent Laws are enacted which both the King and Peers are sworn to maintain and keep inviolate By these discreet means the violence of this great Fire is rak'd up in the Embers which in after-times breaks out with greater rage and fury whatsoever the hidden Resolutions were the Kingdom now seem'd in a fair way to settle Peace and Quiet But a new and unexpected Accident varies this Conceit before it was cold and calls them from private Actions to maintain the Honour and Revenue of the Kingdom Edward the First that brave and valiant Monarch had thrice with his victorious Arms run through the Bowels of Scotland and brought that stubborn Nation that deny'd him Fealty and Homage into an absolute Subjection Their last precedent King Robert le Bruce had tryed the height of his fortune and with a fruitless opposition won no more than the loss of his Kingdom and his own Expulsion The Conqueror finding himself quitted of this Obstacle takes upon him the Regiment of this Kingdom with a double string to his Bow the one of antient Title the other of Conquest The Nobility of Scotland and all the inferiour Ministers of State seeing the great Effusion of Bloud spent in this Quarrel which continued seemed to threaten a general devastation of their Country submit themselves to the English Government and are all solemnly sworn to obey it Edward thus in possession confirms it by seizing the property of all the Royal Jurisdiction into his own hand removing such Officers as were not agreeable to his will and liking and giving many goodly Estates and Dignities to divers of his faithful Servants that had valiantly behaved themselves in this Service The Form of Government by him established was peaceably obey'd and continued during his Life neither was it questioned in the beginning Government of his unhappy Successor But the wary Scots more naturally addicted to a Phoenix of their own Nation seeing into the present dissentions and disorders of the Kingdom thought it now a fit time to revolt to their old Master who like a crafty Fox harbours himself under the French Kings protection the antient receptacle and Patron for that Nation No sooner is he advertised that the gate was open and unguarded and that his well-affected Subjects wished his return but back he comes and is received with a full applause and welcome All Oaths Obligements and Courtesies of the English are quite cancell'd and forgotten and this long-lost Lion is again re-invested in the Royal Dignity As-soon as he had moor'd himself in a domestique assurance he then like a provident Watchman begins to raise a strength that might oppose all forreign Invasion which he foresaw would thunder from the Borders This Martial Preparation flyes swiftly to the King and Council of England where it appears like a great Body upon a pair of Stilts more in bulk than the proportion of the strength that bare it The Pillars of the State which wisely foresaw how great an inconvenience it would be to suffer such a Member to be dissever'd that in the contestation with France would make the War a Mattachine or Song of three parts perswade their Sovereign it was not proper for his Greatness to suffer such an unworthy subversion of his Fathers Constitutions and to loose the advantage of so fair a part of his Revenue Edward that had outslept his native glory had yet a just compunction of this dishonour which seem'd to rob him of a portion of his Inheritance purchased at too dear a value He lays by his private rancour and settles himself to suppress this sudden and unlookt-for Commotion waking from that sensual Dream which had given him so large a cause of Sorrow Scarcely would he give his intentions such an intermission as might attend the levy of his Army which he had summoned to be ready with all speed and expedition The jealous Lords startled with this Alarum conceiting it but some trick of State to catch them napping they suspect these Forces under pretence of publick action might be prepared to
is made the Cabinet for this grave Council there the King soon appears attended by all the bravest and ablest Spirits of the Kingdom The act of the first conference tends to the security of Berwick the street-door of the North and principal Key of the borders This care with a full provision is committed to the Fidelity and Valour of Sir Peter Spalden who undertakes the charge being plentifully furnisht and promiseth defence against the united Power of Scotland This unfortunate King was as unhappy in Councel as in Action A short time shews this unworthy Knight to the world false and perfidious Robert le Bruce that had this Strength as a mote in his eye conceived it by force almost impregnable this made him seek to undermine it by corruption and aloof off to taste the palate of this new Governour The Hook was no sooner baited but the Trout falls a nibbling ready Money and a specious promise of an expectant Preferment makes this Conspiracy perfect which at one blow sells the Town with all its warlike Provisions and the treacherous Keeper's Reputation and Honour The Pope who with a pious and a truely compassionate eye beheld the misery of this Dissention and the unnatural effusion of so much Christian Bloud seeks to reform it and to this effect sends over two of his Cardinals to mediate a Peace and to compose if it might be the differences in question They being arrived in England come down into the North to the King by whom they are with great Ceremony according to the fashion of those Religious Times received and welcomed They discourse to him the occasion of their Employment and encline him with many excellent and vertuous motives to embrace a Peace with Scotland The greenness of the Disgrace and the late Wound yet bleeding new kept him in a long demurrer Yet the holy and milde prosecution of these holy Fathers won him at length to their Mediation with a proviso that he were not too far prejudiced in Interest and Honour With this Answer they take their leave and prosecute their Journey for Scotland but with an example full of barbarous Inhumanity they are in the way surpriz'd and robbed Infinitely is the King incens'd with this audacious act which threw so foul a stain upon the whole Nation which causeth a strict inquisition for the discovery of these Malefactors which are soon known and taken Middleton and Selby both Knights expiate the offence with their shameful Execution The persons of Embassadours amongst the most savage Nations are free from rapine but being cloathed in the habit of Religion and such a Greatness and going in a work so good and glorious certainly it was an act deserv'd so severe a punishment Immediately at the heels of this follows another Example less infamous but far more full of danger Sir Josline Denvile having wasted his estate and not able to lessen the height of his former expences gets into his society a Regiment of Ruffians terming themselves Out-laws with these he infests the North with many outragious Riots insomuch that no man that had any thing to loose could be secure in his own house from Murder Theft and Rapine A little time had brought this little Army rowling like a Snow-ball to the number of 200 all the diseased flux of the corrupted humours of those parts flye to this Imposthume An Attempt so impudent and daring flyes swiftly to the Kings knowledg Report that seldom lessens makes the danger far greater than it deserv'd The Royal ear conceits it little better than a flat Rebellion whose apprehension felt it self guilty of matter enough to work on This made an instant levy and as ready a dispatch for the suppression of the flame while it but burnt the suburbs Experience soon returns the Fear is found greater than the Cause the principal Heads and Props of this Commotion are surprized and fall under the severity of that Law whose protection they in this enterprize had absolutely disclaimed Those that more narrowly examin'd the depth of this Convention believ'd it but a masque for a designe more perillous The intemperate and indiscreet Government had alien'd the hearts of this People there was a general face of Discontent over the whole Kingdome the Ulcers fester'd dayly more and more the Scotish disaster is ascribed to the Regal weakness and all things seem'd to tend to quick confusion If this unadvised and ill-grounded disorder had tasted the general inclination in a more innocent and justifiable way it was constantly believed the King had sooner felt the publick Revolt of the whole Kingdom But this work was reserved till a farther time and the operation of those that had the opportunity of effecting it with more power and a fairer pretence of Justice It is a very dangerous thing when the Head is ill and all the Members suffer by his infirmity Kings are but men and Man is prone to Errour yet if they manage their distempers with Wisdome or Discretion so that they lye not open to publick view and censure they may be counted faults but not predictions but when the heart is gangren'd and the world perceives it it is the fatal mark of that infection which doth betoken ruine and destruction The Cardinals are now come back the hopes of Peace are desperate the Scots are on the Sunny-side of the hedge and will have no Conditions but such as may not be with Honour granted Edward inflam'd will have no farther Treaty this makes them take their leave and hasten homeward Their Losses liberally are requited and many goodly Gifts bestow'd at parting Being come to Rome they inform his Holiness of the success of their journey who takes ill the contumacy of the perfidious Scots and excommunicates both that King and Kingdom But this thunderbolt wrought a small effect where Honesty had so little an acquaintance Religion must needs be a great stranger The loss of Barwick and the disgrace of his first Overthrow calls the King to adventure a Revenge which he thinks he had too long adjourned He makes it a disputable question whether he should besiege Barwick or invade Scotland but the consideration thereof is referr'd till the moving of the Army which is advanc'd with all speed possible Men Arms and Money with all such other Provisions as were as well fit to continue the War as begin it are suddenly ready in full proportion The Army attends nothing but the King's Person or some more lucky General to lead it In the knowledg he looseth no time but appears in the Head of his Troops and leads them on making an armed hedge about Barwick before his enemies had full knowledg of his moving The Council of War thought it not expedient to leave such a thorn in the heel of so glorious an Army The Scots thought it too great a hazard to attempt the breach of so strong a body so excellently intrencht and guarded the memory of former
passages made them entertain this War with less heat but with a more solid judgment Barwick they knew was strong by Art and Nature and fully provided to hold the English play till Want and the Season of the Year did make them weary This made them leave the road-way and continue the War more by Discretion than Valour But during these passages the Divine Justice sends down the other three fatal executioners of his wrath Plague Dearth and Famine no part is free but hath his portion of one or all of these so cruel Sisters To make this misery more perfect the wylie Scots taking the advantage of the King 's fruitless encamping before Barwick like a land-flood over-run the naked Borders and boldly march forward into the Country with Fury Blood and Rapine The stuff that should stop this breach was absent with the King so that they finde no rub in their eruption The Arch-Bishop of York a Reverend Old man but a young Souldier able enough in his element but ignorant in the Rules of Martial Discipline resolves to oppose this unruly devastation he straightways musters up his Congregations and gives them Arms that knew scarce use of Iron Soon had his example collected up a multitude in number hopeful but it was composed of men fitter to pray for the success of a Battle than to fight it With these and an undaunted Spirit he affronts his Enemies and gives them an encounter making Milton upon Swale more memorable by the blood of this Disaster His Victorious and Triumphing Enemies christned this unhappy Conflict in derision The white Battle Many Religious-men with loss of their Lives purchas'd here their first Apprentiship in Arms and found that there was a dangerous difference betwixt fighting and praying The intent of this grave Bishop was certainly noble and worthy but the act was inconsiderate weak and ill-advised It was not proper to his Profession to undertake a Military Function in which his hope in reason answer'd his experience neither did it agree with the Innocency and Piety of his Calling to be an actor in the effusion of Blood though the quarrel were defensive but by compulsion But questionless he meant well which must excuse his action Too great a care improperly exprest doth often loose the cause it strives to advantage In all deliberations of this nature where so many Lives are at stake there should be a deep foresight even in matter of circumstance and the quality as well of our own as of our adversaries duely considered else with a dangerous errour we leave the success to the will of Fortune who in nothing is more tickle and wanton than in the event of Battles which are seldom gain'd by multitude the Mother of Confusion To be a General is an act of greatness and doth require a great and perfect Knowledge ripe by Experience and made full by Practice It is not enough to dare to fight which is but Valour but to know how and when which makes it perfect Discretion and Judgment sometimes teach advantage which make the weight being light the scale more even I will not deny but the most expert Leader may have all these and yet may loose a Battle since as all things are this great designe is guided by a Divine Providence and many Accidents may happen betwixt the Cup and the Lip while things are in action But he that hath a well-grounded and warrantable reason for his Engagement may lose the day and yet preserve his Honour Wise-men do censure Errours not Events of Actions which shew them good or bad as they be grounded The News of the Defeat of this Spiritual Army like the voice of a Night-raven had no sooner croakt his sad eccho in the King's ear but he straight raiseth his Army weaken'd with Famine and lessen'd with Sickness The prigging Scots seeing his going off judge his Retreat little better than a plain flight which gave them heart to set upon the fag-end of his Troops which they rout and break to the astonishment of the whole Army This done they return and think it honour enough they had done the work they came for The King doubles his pace homewards instead of Triumph glad he had got loose from so imminent a danger This blank return fill'd the Kingdom with a fretting murmur and forreign Nations thought their Valour chang'd who had so oft before o'recome this Nation Mated with grief opprest with shame and sorrow Edward exclaims against his wayward Fortune that made his Greatness like the Crab go backward while he seeks to improve the opinion of his worth he impairs and grows still leaner and when he shuns a taint he findes a mischief Sadly he now resolves no more to tempt her he lays aside his Arms for harms to feed his humour His Vanities companions of his Greatness had slept out the night of these combustions he now awakes them with a new assurance they should possess their former mansion His wandring eyes now ravage through the confines of his great Court made loose by his example Here he seeks out some Piece or Copper-metal whom by his Royal stamp he might make currant He findes a spacious choice being well-attended but 't was by such as made their tongues their fortunes Vain-glory here found none to cure it and the sick heart ne're felt the touch of Wormwood The Agents were compos'd of the just temper as was the spring that gave their tongues their motion such an harmonious Consort fits the Organ that lov'd no flats nor sharps or forc'd division No language pleas'd the King the Servants know it but that which was as smooth as Gold new burnisht Old antient truth was like a thread-bare Garment esteem'd a foul disgrace to cloath a Courtier Sincerity was no fit Master for these Revels nor honest Plainness for a seat in Council This made this King this Court and glorious Kingdom fall by degrees into a strange confusion The Infidelity of Servants cloathed in hypocrisie betrayes the Master and makes his misery greater or less dangerous according to the qualities of their employments It is an excellent consideration for the Majesty of a King in election to reflect on Goodness Truth and Ability for his attendance more than the natural parts or those that are by Art and Cunning made pliable to his Disposition The first prove the props of Greatness the other the instruments of Danger and Disorder which makes the Master at best pitied but most commonly hated and suspected Neither is it safe for the Royal ear to be principally open to one mans information or to rely solely on his judgment Multiplicity of able Servants that are indifferently if not equally countenanced are the strength and safety of a Crown which gives it glory and lustre When one man alone acts all parts it begets a world of errour and endangers not only the Head but all the Members Edward could not but know that a new President over his
Justice Though in a sinking Greatness all things conspire to work a fatal ruine yet in our Story this is the first president of this nature or where a King fell with so little Honour and so great an Infidelity that found neither Sword or Tongue to plead his quarrel But what could be expected when for his own private Vanities and Passion he had been a continual lover and a better of unjust actions and had consented to the Oppression of the whole Kingdom and the untimely Death of so many Noble Subjects It is certainly no less honourable than just that the Majesty of a King have that same full and free use of his Affections without Envy or Hatred which every private man hath in his oeconomick Government Yet as his Calling is the greatest such must his Care be to square them out by those same sacred Rules of Equity and Justice if they once transcend or exceed falling upon an extremity of Dotage or Indulgence it then occasions those Errours that are the certain Predictions of an ensuing Trouble which many times proves fatal and dangerous Let the Favourite taste the King's Bounty not devour it let him enjoy his ear but not ingross it let him participate his love but not enchant it In the eye of the Commonwealth if he must be a Moat let him not be a Monster And lastly if he must practise on the Subject let it be with moderation and not with rapine If in either of these there be an excess which makes the King a Monarchy to his Will and the Kingdom a prey to his Passion and the world take notice it be done by the Royal Indulgencie it begets not more hatred than multiplicity of errour which draw with them dangerous Convulsions if not a desperate ruine to that State where it hath his allowance and practice As there ought to be a limitation in the Affection of the one so ought there to be a like Curiosity in the quality of the other Persons of meaner condition and birth exalted above proportion as it taxeth the Kings Judgment impaireth both his Safety and Honour Neither is it proper that the principal Strengths and Dignities should be committed to the care and fidelity of one man onely such unworthy and unequal distribution wins a discontent from the more capable in ability and blood and carries with it a kinde of necessary impulsion still to continue his greatness else having the keys of the Kingdom in his hand he may at all times open the gates to a domestick Danger or a forreign Mischief The number of Servants is the Masters honour their truth and faculties his glory and safety which being severally employ'd and countenanced make it at one and the self-same time perspicuous in many and being indifferently heard do both in advice and action give a more secure discreet and safe form of proceeding Kings in their deliberations should be served with a Council of State and a Council of particular Interest and Honour the one to survey the Policy the other the Goodness of all matters in question both composed out of Integrity not Corruption these delivering truely their Opinions and Judgments it is more easie for him to reconcile and elect But when one man alone supplies both these places in private and publick all the rest follow the voice of the Drone though it be against their own Conscience and Judgment The Royal Glory should be pure and yet transparent suffering not the least eclipse or shadow which appears visibly defective when it is wholly led by a single advice never so grave and weighty let the projection if it be entertained have the teste of a Council but let the act and glory be solely the Kings which addes to the belief of his ability and more assures his greatness If the heart of Majesty be given over to the sensuality of Pleasure or betray'd by his proper Weakness or the cunning of him he trusteth yet let him not neglect the necessary affairs of a Kingdom or pass them over by Bills of Exchange to the providence of another In such an act he loseth the Prerogative of an absolute King and is but so at second-hand and by direction It is the Practique not the Theorique of State that wins and assures the Subject If the ability of that be confined or doubtful it estrangeth the will of Obedience and gives a belief of liberty to the actions of Disorder and Injustice Such an Errour is not more prejudicial in the Imbecillity than in the Example Royal Vanities finde a ready imitation so that it becomes a hazard that a careless King makes a dissolute Kingdom Mans nature is propensive to the worser part which it embraceth with more facility and willingness when it wins the advantage of the time and is led by so eminent a president From this consideration natural Weakness or temporary Imperfection should be always masked and never appear in publick since the Court State and Kingdom practise generally by his Example As in Affection so in Passion there are many things equally considerable I must confess and do believe that King worthy of an Angelical Title that could master these rebellious Monsters which rob him of his Peace and Happiness But this in a true perfection is to Flesh and Blood most impossible yet both in Divinity and Moral Wisdome t is the most excellent Master-piece of this our peregrination so to dispose them that they wait upon the Operations of the Soul rather as obedient Servants than loose and uncontrouled Vagabonds Where the Royal Passions are rebellious and masterless having so unlimited a Power his Will becomes the Law his hand the executioner of actions unjust and disorderly which end sometimes in Blood commonly in Oppression and evermore in a confused perturbation of the Kingdome The Warranty of the Law wrought to his temper not that it is so but that he must have it so justifies him not though he make a Legal Proceeding the justification of his Tyranny since the Innocency of the Subject seldome findes protection where the fury of a King resolves his ruine The rigour of humane Constitutions are to the Delinquent weighty enough let them not be wrested or inverted which makes the King equally guilty and the actor of his own Passions rather than those of Justice or Integrity He should on earth order his proceedings in imitation after the Divine Nature which evermore inclines more to Mercy than Justice Lives cannot being taken away be redeemed there ought then to be a tender consideration how they be taken lest the Injustice of the act challenge a Vengeance of the same nature As the quality of the act so is the condition of the agent considerable in point of Judicature wherein there may be sometimes those dependencies that it may be more honourable and advantageous to pardon or delay execution than to advance and hasten it howsoever it is the more excellent and innocent way to fall short of the better hand and
they disfigure him by cutting off his Hair and shaving of his Beard Edward that had been formerly honourably used and tenderly served is bitterly grieved with this Indignity and one day among the rest when they came to shave him which was attempted without fire and a cold liquor his eyes pour forth a stream of Tears in sense of his Misfortune which to the inquisitive Actors gives this answer He would have some warm water in spight of all their malice Another time in the presence of two or three of those that were as well set to be Spies over him as to guard him in a deep Melancholy Passion he thus discours'd his Sorrow Is mine offence quoth he so great and grievous that it deserves nor pity nor assistance Is Christian Charity all Goodness lost and nothing left in Subject Child or Servant that tastes of Duty Is Wedlock-love forgotten so fully all at once forsake me Admit my errours fit for reformation I will not justifie my self or censure others Is 't not enough that it hath taken from me my Crown the Glory of my former being but it must leave me void of native comfort I yet remain a Father and a Husband a Soveraign and a Master lost cannot deprive me of that which is mine own till Death dissolve me Where then is filial Love Where that Affection that waits upon the Laws of God and Nature My wretched Cares have not so much transform'd a me that I am turn'd to Basilisk or Monster What can they fear that they refuse to see me unless they doubt mine eyes can dart destruction I have no other Weapons that may fright them and these God wot have only tears to drown them Can they believe or once suspect a danger in visit of a poor distressed Captive Their hardned hearts I know are not so noble or apt to take a gentler milde impression by seeing these poor ruines thus forsaken What then occasions this so great a strangeness or makes them jealous of so poor a venture Are they not yet content in the possession of all that once was mine now theirs But by what title their Arms can better tell than can their Conscience My misled harmless Children are not guilty my Wife betrays them and false Mortimer who else I know would run to see their Father Justly I pay the price of former folly that let him scape to work mine own confusion Had he had his desert the price of Treason he had not liv'd to work me this dishonour But time will come my wrongs will be revenged when he shall fall with his own weight unpitied Thou wretched state of Greatness painted Glory that falling find'st thine own the most perfidious must thou still live and yet not worthy of one poor look It is a meer Injustice Would they would take my Life 't is that they aim at I will esteem it as an act of pity that as I live but hate mine own Condition Here with a deep sigh of scalding Passions his tears break loose afresh to cool their fury All sadly silent while he rests perplexed a stander by makes this uncivil answer whom Mortimer had placed to increase his sorrow Most gracious Sir the Queen your Wife and Children are justly jealous of your cruel nature they know too well your heat and former fury to come too near so great and sure a danger besides they are assur'd that your intentions are bent to work them hurt or some foul mischief if they adventure to approach your presence The Queen my Wife quoth he hath she that Title while I that made her so am less than nothing Alas poor wretched woman can her invention apt for mischief fashion no one excuse but this so void of reason Is there a possibility in her Suspition Can I being so resolved act a Murder or can their false hearts dream me so ill-minded I am thou seest a poor forsaken Prisoner as far from such a Power as Will to act it they too well know it to suspect my nature But let them wonder on and scorn my sorrow I must endure and they will taste their errour But fellow thou that tak'st such sawcy boldness to character and speak thy Sovereigns errours which thou shouldst cover not presume to question Know Edward's heart is as free from thine aspersions as thou or they from Truth or Moral Goodness When he had ended these words he retires himself to his Chamber sad and melancholy thinking his Case was hard and desperate when such a paultry Groom durst so affront him The Queen and Mortimer revelling in the height of their Ambition had yet a wary eye to the main which they knew principally consisted in the sure keeping of their Prisoner They see their plausible income was but dully continued there being a whispering murmur not so closely mutter'd but that it came to their ears which shew'd an absolute dislike of the manner of their proceedings Though they had all the marks and essential parts of Sovereignty the name alone excepted yet they had unquiet and troubled thoughts What they wish'd they had obtain'd yet there was still something wanting to give it perfection Such is the vanity of our imagination which fashions out a period to our desires that being obtain'd are yet as loose and restless Ambition hath no end but still goes upward never content or fully satisfied If man had all that Earth could give and were sole Monarch of the world he yet would farther and as the Giants did make War with Heaven rather than lose those Symptomes of his Nature Fear to preserve what is unjustly gotten doth give the new-made great one agitation which something limits his immense affections that do believe he must still mount up higher and else would swallow all within his compass This made this pair stop here a while to strengthen and more assure what was already gotten They know the people giddy false inconstant a feather wagg'd would blow them to commotion They see the Lords that were their prime Supporters seeming content in heart not satisfied the bough was lopt that shadow'd ore their greatness another was sprung up as large and fearful which though more noble yet no less aspiring The drooping tongue of the dejected Kingdom doth grumble out his expectations cozen'd The Grievance still continues great and heavy not chang'd in substance but alone in habit a just compassion aggravates the clamour to see their former King so hardly used short of his Honour Merit Birth and Calling These passages related tingled the ears of our great Mortimer he knew that all was now at stake which unprevented must hurl them back again with worse conditions No longer can he mince his own Conceptions but plainly tells the Queen the cause must perish Edward must dye this is the only refuge must make all sure and cleanse this sad suspicion so long as he remain'd their fear continues as would the hope of them attempt their
and custody to be himself dissolute licentious and ill-affected but when he falls into a second errour making more delinquents Kings where one is too much he brings all into disorder and makes his Kingdome rather a Stage of Oppression than the Theater of Justice which opens the ready way to an ensuing Misery The heart of the Subject as it is obliged so it is continued by the Majesty and Goodness of the King if either prove prostitute it unties the links of Affection those lost the breach of Duty succeeds which hunts after nothing but Change and Innovation The bridle of the Laws is too weak a restriction especially when it is infring'd by him that is most bound to protect it Neither can the King in Justice blame or punish the breach when he himself goes the way of subversion of those Precepts which should preserve his Peace and Obedience It is so singular and so weighty a Consideration that a Burthen should never be imposed upon the Subject by extent of the Prerogative that may beget a just Grievance besides the grief in payment the novelty of the act incites to a tumultuous opposition Where there is neither Law to warrant nor fit president to induce the Injustice of the demand such actions begin in Complaint which unredressed fall into an extremity which draws with it a desperate hazard If the tye of Duty and Allegeance preserve the Obedience to the Crown inviolate let him beware that is the Prime Instrument or Seducer for he must be persecuted with implacable hatred which ends not until he be made a Sacrifice to expiate and quench the fury or the endangering of his Master by his unjust Protection It is no less proper for the Majesty and Goodness of a King in case of a general Complaint to leave those great Cedars to the trial of the Law and their own purgation this makes known the integrity and equality of his Justice which should not be extended to the grubbing up of Brambles and Shrubs while monstrous Enormities of a greater height and danger scape unlopped The accumulation of his Favour though it be a property of his own Power yet ought it in some measure to be satisfactory as well in the present worth of him elected as in his future progression else in the continuance he windes himself into the danger of participating his hatred as well as protection of his Errour The eye of the Subject waits curiously upon their Sovereigns actions which if they seem to degenerate from his Wisdome and Greatness and preferring a private Inconvenience before the redress of a publick Grievance it by degrees varies the integrity of the heart and begets a liberty of Speech which fall often on the actions of Revolt and Tumult Neither is it proper if there must be a Dotage in the Royal Affections that the object of their weakness should sway and manage the Affairs of State such an Intermixture begets Confusion and Disorder accompanied with Envy Hatred and a world of Errours If the King be never so innocent yet in this course he cannot avoid the actions of Injustice Experience tells the right use of a Favourite A good Cause in the integrity of time warrants it self and needs no supporter But Imperfection Fraud Dishonesty and Weakness in true Worth fly to his protection that by his strength they may prevail which in Equity and Justice are meerly corrupt and counterfeit Money Friends or Favour engageth him and he his Master hence proceed all manner of Oppression and Disorder Let the Spring-head be never so pure and unpolluted yet such a Diver makes it foul and muddy A smooth Tongue finding a favourable hearing sets a fair gloss upon the blackest Overture Love and a seeming Goodness leads where all seems currant which hatches daily broods of grief and mischief Thus doth the Kingdom suffer so misguided Had this unhappy subject of this Story not been thus abused had he been worser far he had subsisted but when for his inglorious Minions Gaveston and Spencer who successively enjoy'd him he made the Kingdome a prey to their Insolence he found both Heaven and Earth conspir'd his ruine So great a Fall these latter times produce not a King in a potent Kingdome of his own deposed by a handful of Strangers who principally occasioned it without so much as any Kinsman Friend or Subject that either with his Tongue or Sword declar'd himself in his Quarrel But you may object He fell by Infidelity and Treason as have many other that went before and followed him 'T is true but yet withal observe here was no second Pretendents but those of his own a Wife and a Son which were the greatest Traytors had he not indeed been a Traytor to himself they could not all have wronged him But my weary Pen doth now desire a respite wherefore leaving the perfection of this to those better Abilities that are worthy to give it a more full expression I rest until some more fortunate Subject invite a new Relation AN Alphabetical TABLE A. RObert of Artois his Character Page 105 His speech 106 Arundel Hanged 130 B. Barons the Kings Speech to them 5 They swear not to recall Gaveston 7 Are slighted by the King 18 Perswade him to Marry Ibid. Take up Arms 29 Seize Gaveston and Behead him 30 They are incensed 53 Take Arms again 55 Their Message to the King 56 Appear with a Guard 58 King writes to them 66 Their Answer Ibid. They rise 69 Are beaten and fly to Pontfract 70 Are pursued and repair to Councel 71 Speech in favour of them Ibid. Bristol City desires a Treaty with the Queen 124 Is yielded to her 125 Barwick betrayed to the Scots 42 Besieged by the King 45 Deserted by him 47 Sir Barth Baldesmere's Castle seized 68 Baldock's Speech 93 Is committed to Newgate 143 C. Carlisle Earl Executed 84 Cliffords Speech 54 Killed 71 Councel labour to divert the King from re-calling Gaveston 13 They consent to re-call him 15 Cautious Speech for Gaveston 10 Chester Bishop Imprisoned 21 D. Sir Josline Denvil infests the North 43 A great Dearth 45 E. Exeter forsakes the Queen 108 F. French King breaks Peace with England 85 Receives the Queen of England 97 Threatens the King 98 Shews the Queen the Popes Sentence 103 Perswades her to Peace 104 G. Gaveston Banished 4 His Character Ibid. Re called home again 12 He returns 17 And is Married 19 Created Earl of Cornwal Ibid. Chief Minister of State 20 Imprisons the Bishop of Chester 21 Is Banisht a second time 23 Re called again 25 Is Banisht a third time 27 Returns again 29 Is seized by the Barons and Beheaded 30 H. Sir Andrew Harcklay repulses the Barons 71 Hereford killed Ibid. Earl of Heynault welcomes the Queen 110 Reproves his Brother 111 His Brothers Answer 112 Rewarded and departs the Kingdom 145 K. King Edward I. his care in educating his Son 2 He Banishes Gaveston 4 He dies 5 King Edward II. his Birth and Character
Cautions would be useless and to little purpose The pruning of the Branches would improve the Fruit little where the Tree was tainted in the root with so foul a Canker Too well he knew how difficult a thing it was to invert the course of Nature especially being confirm'd by continuance of practice and made habituary by custom yet he leaves no means unattempted being confident that Wedlock or the sad weight of a Crown would in the sense of Honour call him in time off to thoughts more innocent and noble Tenderness of Fatherly affection abus'd somewhat his belief and made him give his disorderly actions the best construction which suggests their progression to flow from heat of Youth want of Experience and the wickedness of those that fed him with so base impressions which with all those sweet and milde intreaties that spring from the heart of an essential love he strives to reclaim intermixing withal as great a paternal severity as might properly sute the condition of a judicious Father and the dignity of the Heir apparent of so great and glorious a Kingdom And to make him more apt and fit to receive and follow his instructions he takes from him those tainted humours of his Leprosie that seduced the easiness of his nature and mis-led his unripe knowledge too green to master such sweet and bewitching temptations Gaveston his Ganymede a man as base in Birth as in Condition he commandeth to perpetual Exile This Syren as some write came out of Gascoign but the Author whom I most credit and follow speaks him an Italian not guilty of any drop of Noble blood neither could he from the height of his Hereditary hope challenge more than a bare ability to live yet his thoughts were above measure ambitious and aspiring and his confidence far greater than became his Birthright Nature in his outward parts had curiously exprest her workmanship giving him in shape and Beauty so perfect an excellence that the most curious eye could not discover any manifest errour unless it were in his Sex alone since he had too much for a man and Perfection enough to have equal'd the fairest Female splendour that breath'd within the Confines of this Kingdom Though in the abilities of the Brain he were short of a deep and solid Knowledge yet he had Understanding enough to manage his ways to their best advantage having a smooth Tongue an humble Look and a winning Behaviour which he could at all times fashion and vary according to the condition of time and circumstance for the most advantage The youthful Prince having fixed his wandring eye upon this pleasing Object and finding his amorous Glances entertained with so gentle and well-becoming a modesty begins dearly to cherish the growing Affections of this new Forraign Acquaintance who applies himself wholly to win him to a deeper Engagement A short passage of time had so cemented their hearts that they seem'd to beat with one and the self-same motion so that the one seem'd without the other like a Body without a Soul or a Shadow without a Substance Gaveston the more to assure so gracious a Master strives to fit his humour leaving his Honour to his own protection seconding his wanton disposition with all those bewitching Vanities of licentious and unbridled Youth which in short time by the frequencie of practice begets such a confidence that they fall from that reserved secrecy which should shadow actions so unworthy professing freely a debaucht and dissolute kind of behaviour to the shame and sorrow of the grieved King and Kingdom This hastened on the Sentence of his Banishment that thought himself then most secure in the assurance of the Princes favour The melancholy apparitions of their parting gave the world a firm belief that this inchanting Mountebank had in the Cabinet of his Masters heart too dear a room and being The King knowing such impressions are easily won but hardly lost strives to take him off by degrees and labours to make him wave the memory of that dotage which with a divining Spirit he foresaw in time would be his ruine But death overtakes him before he could bring this so good a Work to full perfection The time was come that exacts the Tribute of Nature commanding him to resigne both his Estate and Kingdom When he felt those cold fore-running Harbingers of his nearly-approaching End he thus intreats his Son and Lords whose watry eyes ingirt his glorious Death-bed Edward the time draws near that callsâ— me to my Grave you to enjoy this Kingdom If you prove good with happiness 't is yours and you will so preserve it if otherwise my Pains and Glory will be your Dishonour To be a King it is the gift of Nature and Fortune makes him so that is by Conquest but Royal Goodness is the gift of Heaven that blesseth Crowns with an Immortal Glory Believe not vainly that so great a Calling is given to man to warrant his disorder It is a Blessing yet a weighty Burthen which if abused breaks his back that bears it Your former Errours now continued are no more yours they are the Kings which will betray the Kingdom The Soveraigns Vice begets the Subjects Errour who practise good or ill by his Example Can you in Justice punish them for that whereof your self are guilty But you perhaps may think your self exempt that are above the Law Alas mistake not there are Injunctions higher far than are your own will crave a Reckoning To be belov'd secures a sweet Obedience but fear betrays the heart of true Subjection and makes your People yours but by Compulsion Majestick thoughts like Elemental fire should tend still upwards when they sink lower than their Sphere they win Contempt and Hatred Advance and cherish those of ancient Bloud and Greatness Vpstarts are rais'd with Envy kept with Danger You must preserve a well-respected distance as far from Pride as from too loose a Baseness Master your Passions with a noble temper such Triumphs makes the Victor conquer others See here the Ruines of a dying Scepter that once was as you are a youthful Blossom I had not liv'd to see this snowy Winter but that I weau'd my heart from vain Temptations my Judgment not my Eye did steer my Compass which gave my Youth this Age that ends in Glory I will not say you too too long have wander'd though my sad heart hath droopt to see your Errour The time now fitly calls you home embrace it for this advantage lost is after hopeless Your First-fruit must make good your Worth if that miscarry you wound your Subjects Hopes and your own Glory Those wanton Pleasures of wild Youth unmaster'd may no more touch the verge of your affections The Royal Actions must be grave and steady since lesser Lights are fed by their Example so great a Glory must be pure transparent that hand to hand encounters Time and Envy Cast off your former Consorts if they sway you such an unnoble
his pleasure Am I your King If so why then obey me lest while you teach me Law I learn you Duty Know I am firmly bent and will not vary If you and all the Kingdome frown I care not You must enjoy your own affections I not so much as question or controul them but I that am your Sovereign must be tutor'd to love and like alone by your discretion Do not mistake I am not now in Wardship nor will be chalkt out ways to guide my fancy Tend you the Kingdoms and the publick Errours I can prevent mine own without Protection I should be loth to let you feel my Power but must and will if you too much enforce me If not Obedience yet your Loves might tender a kinde consent when 't is your King that seeks it But you perhaps conceit you share my Power you neither do nor shall while I command it I will be still my self or less than nothing These words and the manner of their delivery bred a strange distraction in which he flings away with a kinde of loose scorn for their refusal his valiant heart had yet his proper motions which tost it to and fro with doubtful hazard They sadly silent sit and view each other wishing some one would shew undaunted Valour to tye the Bell about the Cats neck that frights them but none appears They yet were strangers to their own party and the Kings conditions Their late dead Master's ways were smooth and harmless as free from private Wrongs as publick Grievance which had extinguisht all pretence of Faction and made them meet as Friends without assurance this wrought them with more ease to treat the business each one doth first survey his own condition which single could do little and yet exprest might cause his proper ruine next they measure the Kings Will and Power with his Command against which in vain were contestation where wants united strength to make it sure Lastly they examine what could at worst ensue in their consenting since it was as possible to remove him being here as stop his coming The King advertised by a private Intelligencer a fit instrument in the body of a State in the Society and Body of a Council of their staggering irresolution and finding his Pills had so kinde an Operation lays hold of the advantage and would not let the iron cool before he wrought it This brings him back with a more familiar and mild look and begets a discourse less passionate but more prevailing Temperately he lays before them the extremity of his inward trouble which had so engrost his private thoughts that he had been thereby enforced to estrange himself from them and neglected the Rights due to his Crown and Dignity He lets them know the depth of his engagement which had no aim repugnant to the Publick Good nor intention hurtful to their proper Honours and to conclude he intreats them if any of them had been truely touch'd with a disease of the same quality that they would indifferently measure his Condition by their own Sufferings So fair a Sun-shine following at the heels of so sharp a Tempest wrought a sudden innovation their yielding hearts seek to win Grace rather than hazard his Displeasure yet to colour so apparent a breach of Faith to their dead Master they capitulate certain Conditions which might seem to extenuate if not take off the stain of their dishonour as if matter of circumstance had been a sufficient motive for the breach of an Oath so solemnly and authentically sworn The King resolv'd to purchase his peace whose price was but verbal is nothing sparing to promise all and more than was demanded which they credit over-hastily though they could not be so light of belief as to imagine that he would keep his Word with the Subject that wilfully incurs a Perjury against his own Father yet in case of necessity it was by general consent agreed rather to subscribe than to endanger the Peace of the Kingdom by so unkinde and unnatural a division The King giving to each of them particular thanks having thus plaid his Masters prize departs wondrously content and jocund they seem outwardly not displeased that had obtain'd as much as they could desire and hoped the end would be fair if not fortunate The eye of the world may be blinded and the severity of humane Constitutions removed but so great a Perjury seldome escapes unpunished by the Divine Justice who admits no dalliance with Oaths even in the Case of Necessity as it evidently appears in the sequel of this Story where you may behold the miserable ruine that his principal and efficient cause had from this beginning It had been far more honourable and advantageous to the State if this young wanton King had point-blank found a flat denial and been brought to have tugg'd at the arms end the injustice of the quarrel which might in time have recollected his senses and brought him to the true knowledge what a madness it was for the loose affection of so unworthy an Object to hazard his own Dignity and alien the Love of the whole Kingdom But it is the general Disease of Greatness and a kinde of Royal Fever when they fall upon an indulgent Dotage to patronize and advance the corrupt ends of their Minions though the whole Society of State and Body of the Kingdom run in a direct opposition neither is Reason Law Religion or the imminency of succeeding danger weight enough to divert the stream of such inordinate Affections until a miserable Conclusion give it a fatal and just Repentance It were much better if with a provident foresight they would fear and prevent the blow before they feel it But such melancholy Meditations are deemed a fit food for Penitentials rather than a necessary reflection for the full stomack of Regal Authority The black clouds of former Suspicion being thus vanish'd nothing now wants to make perfect the Royal Desires but the fruition of this long-expected purchase The smooth Servant that had so pleasingly advised was not less careful in the execution of his promise He knew haste would advance the opinion of his Merit this makes him soon out-run his Journey and finde the Star of his directions to whom he liberally relates the occasion of his coming which he confirms by the delivery of his Masters Letter wherein was drawn to the life the character of his Affection and the assurance of his safety and intended promotion Gaveston being ravish'd with so sweet and welcome a relation entertains it with as much joy as the condemned Prisoner receives his Pardon at the place and hour of Execution His long-dejected Spirits apprehend the advantage of so hopeful an opportunity and spur him on with that haste that he hardly consents to one nights intermission for the repose of this weary Messenger No sooner had the Mornings-Watchman given his shrill summons of the approaching Day-light but he forsakes his weary Bed and hastens straight to
Horseback and being not well assured of his reception in the Kingdom being a banish'd man by so Juridical a Sentence he esteems it too weak an Adventure to expose himself to the hazard of the Road-way where he might with ease be intercepted This leads him to disguise himself and seek a secret passage which he as readily findes all things concurring to improve his happiness if he had had judgment and temper enough to have given it a right use Every minute he esteems ill lost till he might again be re-enfoulded in the sweet and dear embraces of his Royal Master Time that out-runs proud Fate brings him at last to the end of his desires where the interview was accompanied with as many mutual expressions as might flow from the tongues eyes and hearts of long-divided Lovers This pair thus again re-united the Court puts on a general face of Gladness while wiser heads with cause suspect the issue They esteem it full of danger to have one man alone so fully possess the Kings Affections who if he be not truely good and deep enough to advise soundly must often be the cause of Error and Disorder This strange piece had neither Nobility of Birth Ability of Brain or any Moral Goodness whereby they might justly hope he would be a stay to the unbridled youth of their Sovereign A precedent experience during the Government of their dead Master had given them a perfect knowledg that he was more properly a fit instrument for a Brothel than to be the Steersman of the Royal actions yet there was now no prevention they must hope the best and attend the issue Edward having thus regained his beloved Favourite could not shadow or dissemble his Affection but makes it eminent by the neglects of the State-affairs and the forgetfulness of the civil and ordinary Respect due to his great Barons They wait contemn'd and cannot gain the threshold while this new Upstart's courted in the Royal Chamber This kinde of usage won a sudden murmur which calls them off to close and private Meetings there they discourse their Griefs and means to right them they sift each way might break this fond inchantment or lessen this great light obscured their lustre When they had canvast all the Stratagems of State and private workings they deem'd it the most innocent and fair way to win the King to marry the interest of a Wife was thought the most hopeful inducement to reclaim these loose affections that were prostituted without or sense or honour she might become a fit counterpoise to qualifie the Pride of such a swelling greatness The major part soon jump in this opinion the rest are quickly won that fear'd the sequel On this they all together present themselves and their request and shew the reasons but touch not the true ground why they desired it After some pawse the King approves their motion yet bids them well consider it was the greatest Action of his life which as it principally concern'd his particular Contentment so did equally reflect on the general Interest of the whole Kingdom If they could find him out such a Wedlock as might adde Strength and Honour to the Crown and be withal suitable to his liking he would readily embrace it and value it as a blessing So fair a beginning encourageth them to move for Isabel the French Kings Daughter one of the goodliest and fairest Ladies of that time The King readily inclines to have it treated on which an honourable Embassage is sent to make the motion They are nobly receiv'd and willingly heard that bare this Message and the Conditions easily reconciled to a full Agreement This brings them home with a like noble Company fully authorized to receive the Kings consent and approbation This Conclusion thus made sends our new Lover into France to fetch his Mistriss where he is received like himself feasted and married with a great deal of Joy and Pleasure The Solemnity ended and a Farewel taken he hastens homewards returning seised of a Jewel which not being rightly valued wrought his ruine Infinite was the joy of the Kingdom evident in those many goodly expressions of her Welcome The excellency of so rare a Beauty could not so surprize the heart of this Royal Bridegroom but that he was still troubled with the pangs of his old Infirmity It was in the first Praeludium of his Nuptials a very disputable Question whether the Interest of the Wife or Favourite were most predominant in his Affections but a short time discovers that Gaveston had the sole possession of his Heart and Power to keep it To level their conditions and make the terms betwixt them more even he tyes this fair bullock in a yoke of the same nature marrying him to a lovely branch of the house of Gloucester whose noble heart struggled infinitely yet durst not contradict the Kings Injustice He holds his blood disparag'd by so base commixtion To take away that doubt the new-married man is advanced to the Earldom of Cornwal and hath in his Gift the goodly Castle and Lordship of Wallingford so that now in Title he had no just exception and for conditions it must be thought enough his Master loved him To shew himself thankful and to seem worthy of such gracious favour Gaveston applies himself wholly to the Kings humour feeding it with the variety of his proper appetite without so much as question or contradiction Not a word fell from his Sovereign's tongue but he applauds it as an Oracle and makes it as a Law to guide his actions This kinde of juggling behaviour had so glewed him to his Master that their Affections nay their very Intentions seem'd to go hand in hand insomuch that the Injustice of the one never found rub in the consent of the other If the King maintain'd the party the servant was ever fortunate his voice was ever concurrent and sung the same Tune to a Crochet The discourse being in the commendation of Arms the eccho stiles it an Heroick Vertue if Peace it was an Heavenly Blessing unlawful Pleasures a noble Recreation and Actions most unjust a Royal Goodness These parasitical Gloses so betray'd the itching ear that heard them that no Honour or Preferment is conceited great and good enough for the Relator A short time invests in his person or disposure all the principal Offices and Dignities of the Kingdom the Command of War and all Military Provisions were committed solely to his care and custody all Treaties forraign and domestick had by his direction success or ruine nothing is concluded touching the Government or Royal Prerogative but by his consent and approbation In the view of these strange passages the King appear'd so little himself that the Subjects thought him a Royal Shadow without a Real Substance This Pageant too weak a Jade for so weighty a burden had not a brain in it self able enough to manage such great Actions neither would he entertain those of ability to
a higher Inflammation The intervacuum of their absence hath many reciprocal passages which interchangeably flie betwixt them The King receives not a Syllable but straight returns with golden interest Infinitely are they both troubled with their division but far more with the affront of the presuming Barons that had extorted it by force yet with intreaty The King esteem'd this kinde of proceeding too great an indignity to be pocketted yet since it had the pretence of his Safety and the general Good there was not apparent Justice enough to call it to an after-reckoning But alas that needed not for his effeminate weakness had left him naked of that Royal resolution that dares question the least disorderly moving of the greatest Subject He was constant in nothing but his Passions which led him to study more the return of his left-handed Servant than how to make it good effected He lays aside the Majesty of a King and thinks his Power too slender his Sword sleeps like a quiet harmless Beast while his Tongue proves his better Champion He sends for those that had been the principal Agents in the last Sentence and treats with them severally knowing that Hairs are pluckt up one by one that are not mov'd by handfuls encountring them thus single hand to hand what with his hypocritical Entreaties and mildew'd Promises he soon gets from their relenting hearts a several Consent answerable to his desires When by untying the Bundle he had disunited the strength of their Confederacy he then with confidence makes it a general Proposition which takes so that the repeal of Gaveston's banishment pass'd currant without exception The Kings intent and the approbation of the Lords is scarcely known before like an Irish Hubbub that needs nothing but noise to carry it it arriv'd in Ireland Upon the wings of Passion made proud by the hope of Revenge and a second Greatness he flies swiftly back to the Fountain of his first Preferment Once more the breach is foder'd and this True-loves Knot enjoys his first Possession But there wanted yet that deep reach and provident foresight that should have given it assurance The King had neither enabled himself to carry things in their former height by main strength neither had he wrought his disorder'd Affections to a conformity or a more stayed temper His female Mercury lessens not his former Ambition but returns the self-same man onely improved with the desire of revenge which was naked of the means to act it so that it was quickly perceiv'd that the Kingdom must feel another fit of her Convulsion The mutual Corruptions of these two went with an equal improvidence which gave the Lords their advantage and them too late a cause of repentance Immediately on his reception the King falls into a more dangerous Relapse of his former Dotage which so fully ingross'd him that all Discourse and Company seem'd harsh and unpleasant but such as came from the mellow tongue of his Minion who invents many new Enchantments to feed and more engage his frenzie All the dissolute Actions of licentious Youth are acted Cum Privilegio This bred such a Grief and Distemper in the sorrowing heart of the Subject that a general Cloud of Sadness seem'd to shadow the whole Kingdom Those former strict Admonitions were not powerful enough to bridle this Distemper not so much as for a fair in-come the one becomes at the first dash more fond the other more insolent those whom before he onely scorn'd he now affronts with publick hatred letting them know his spleen waits but advantage He fills his Soveraigns ears with new suspition and whets him on to act in bloud and mischief It is a Dispute variously believ'd what Climate hatch'd this Vulture I cannot credit him to be an Italian when I observe the map of his Actions so far different from the disposition and practice of that politick Nation They use not to vent publickly their spleens till they do act them He that will work in State and thrive must be reserved a downright way that hath not strength to warrant it is crusht and breaks with his own weight without discretion Those that are in this trade held their Crafts-masters do speak those fairest whom they mean to ruine and rather trust close work than publick practice Wise men made great disguise their aims with Vizards which see and are not seen while they are plotting Judge not by their smooth looks or words which hath no kindred with the hearts of Machiavilian States-men Who trusts more to his will than wit may act his Passion but this mans malice is within protection Where mischief harbours close and undiscovered it ruines all her Rubs without suspition a Pill or Potion makes him sure that by plain force might have out-liv'd an Army such ends thus wrought if once suspected a neat State-lye can parget o'r with Justice But those antient times were more innocent or this great Favorite more ignorant He went on the plain way of corrupted flesh and bloud seeking to enchant his Master in which he was a perfect Work-man and the contempt of his Competitors in which he was as wilful as fearless but in the managing of his proper greatness there he appears like himself a meer Imposture going on with a full carreer not so much as viewing the ground he went on The Royal Treasure he exhausts in Pride and Riot the Jewels of the Crown are in the Lumbard that same goodly Golden Table and Tressles of so great and rich a value he surreptitiously embezzles and nothing almost left that might either make Money or improve his Glory No man may now have the Kings ear hand or Purse but he 's the Mediator his Creatures are advanc'd his Agents flourish and poorest Grooms become great Men of Worship The King hath nothing but the name while his Vicegerent hath the benefit and execution All that appertains unto the Crown and Royal Dignity are wholly in his Power so that he might justly be thought the Lessee if not the Inheritor of the Prerogative and Revenue The sense of Grief and Duty that had long contested in the Lion-hearts of the Nobility are now reconciled These strange presumptions had banish'd all possibility of a longer sufferance They vow to make this Monster shrink and let his Master know it On this well and strongly attended they wait upon the King and not with mild or fair Intreaties they boldly now make known their Wrongs and call for present Justice Edward with a steady eye beholds their looks where he sees registred the Characters of a just Indignation and the threatning furrows of ensuing danger He stands not to dispute the quarrel lest they should tear the object of their anger from his elbow without all shew of inward motion he tells themselves had power to act what was most fitting to whom he had assign'd the care should keep his Person and assure the Kingdom They beyond their expectation finding the wind in that
plot a private mischief The King they knew was crafty close and cunning and thought not fit to trust too far to Rumour This makes them stand upon their guard and keep Assemblies pleading for warrant the self-same ground of rising But when their Spies in Court had given them knowledge that all was sure they need not fear their danger and that they dayly heard the Northern clamour that ecchoed loudly with the Scotish motions they draw their Forces to the King 's who thus united in person leads them to this hopeful Conquest But forehand-reckonings ever most miscarry he had those hands but not those hearts which fought his Fathers fortune Scarce had he past and left the English Borders but he beholds an Army ready to affront him not of dejected Souls or Bodies fainting but Men resolv'd to win or dye with Honour Their valiant Leader heartens on their Courage and bids them fight for Life Estate and Freedome all which were here at stake which this day gains or makes hereafter hopeless Edward that expected rather submission or some honest Terms of agreement finding a Check given by a Pawn unlook'd for plays the best of his game and hopes to win it He contemns their condition and number slighting their Power and in the memory of his Father's Conquests thinks his own certain But the success of Battles runs not in a Bloud neither is gained by Confidence but Discretion and Valour No one thing hurts more in a matter of Arms than Presumption a Coward that expects no mercy is desperate by compulsion and the most contemptible Enemy proves most dangerous when he is too much undervalu'd You may see it here instanc'd where a rabble multitude of despised Blue-caps encounter rout and break the Flower of England Eastriveline doth yet witness the fatal memory of this so great Disaster There fell brave Clare the Earl of Gloucester the valiant Clifford and stout Mawle with above Fifty Knights and Barons This bloudy day which had spilt so great a shower of Noble bloud and cropt the bravest Blossoms of the Kingdom sends the King back to Barwick with a few straggling Horse whose well-breath'd speed out-run the pursuing danger So near a Neighbourhood to so victorious an Enemy is deemed indiscretion where the Prize was believ'd so richly worth the Venture This sends away the melancholy King jaded in his hopes and dull with his misfortune If we may judge by the Event the Condition of this man was truely miserable all things at home under his Government were out of rule and order and nothing successful that he undertook by forraign Employment but where the Ground is false the Building cannot stand He planted the foundation of his Monarchy on Sycophants and Favorites whose disorderly Proceedings dryed up all that sap that should have fostered up the springing Goodness of the Kingdome and made him a meer stranger to those Abilities that are proper to Rule and Government Kings ought to be their own Surveyors and not to pass over the whole care of their Affairs by Letter of Atturney to another mans Protection such inconsiderate actions beget a world of mischief when there are more Kings than one in one and the self-same Kingdom it eclipseth his Glory and derogates from his Greatness making the Subject groan under the unjust Tyranny of an insolent oppression No man with such propriety can manage the griefs and differences of the Subject as the King who by the Laws of God Men and Nature hath an interest in their Heart and a share in their Affections When they are guided by a second hand or heard by a Relator Money or Favour corrupts the Integrity and over-rules the course of Justice followed at the heels with Complaint and Murmur the Mother of Discontent and Mischief The unexpected return of the General of this ill-succeeding Enterprize filled the Kingdom with a well-deserved Sorrow and is welcom'd with a News as strange though not so full of danger Poydras a famous Impostor a Tanners Son and born at Exeter pretends himself with a new strain of Lip-cousenage to be the Heir of Edward the First by a false Nurse chang'd in his Cradle for the King now reigning All Novelties take in the itching ears of the Vulgar and win either belief or admiration This Tale as weak in truth as probability was fortunate in neither only it exalts this imaginary King to his Instalment on Northampton-Gallows where he ends the hour of his melancholy Government with as strange a Relation which suggests That for two years space a Spirit in the likeness of a Cat had attended him as the chief Groom of his Chamber from whom in many secret Conferences he had received the truth and information of this Mystery with assurance it would bring him to the Crown of England It was as great a fault in the Master to believe as for the Servant to abuse yet the desire of the one to change his Tanfat for a Kingdom was not much out of square nor the Lying of the other since he continued but his trade which he had practis'd from the beginning It is a foul offence and oversight in them that have not Devils of their own to hunt abroad and seek where they may gain them by purchase If it be a mystery of State to know things by Prediction of such vertuous Ministers methinks they were much better kept as this Tanner kept his rather as an houshold-Servant than a Retainer which may in time bring them to a like Preferment Such Agents may seem Lambs but in the end they will be found as savage as Tygers and as false as the Camelions Till now our wanton King had never felt the true touch of a just grief but mens misfortunes alter their impressions he inwardly and heartily laments his own dishonour yet strives to hide and conceal his Sorrow lest those about him might be quite dejected It was a bitter Corrosive to think how oft his Royal Father had displaid his victorious Colours which knew not how to fight unless to conquer How often had he over-run this Neighbour-Nation and made them take such Laws as he imposed How many times had he overthrown their greatest Armies and made them sue they might become his Subjects The memory of this doth vex his Spirits and makes him vow Revenge and utter Ruine He calls to Council all his Lords and Leaders and lays before them antient Glory of the Kingdom the late Misfortune and his proper Errours and lastly his desire to right his Honour They glad to hear the King in the sense of so general a disgrace touch'd with so noble a strain do spur it on before it cool'd or the Scots should grow too proud of their new Glory The former Loss had toucht so near the quick that there is now a more wary Resolution Dispatches are sent out for a more exact and full provision a mature Consideration is thought necessary before it come to action York
next her person and those that were her own he bribes to back him The Court thus fashion'd he levels at the Country whence he must gain his strength if need enforc'd it Here he must have an estate and some sure refuge this he contrives by begging the Custody of divers of the principal Honours and Strength of the Kingdom But these were no inheritance which might perpetuate his Memory or continue his Succession He makes a Salve for this Sore and to be able to be a fit Purchaser of Lands by the benefit of the Prerogative he falls a selling of Titles in which it was believ'd he thriv'd well though he sold many more Lordships than he bought Mannors by this means yet he got many pretty retiring places for a younger Brother within the most fertil Counties of the Kingdom This for the Private now to the Publick he makes sure the principal Heads of Justice that by them his credit might pleasure an old Friend or make a new at his pleasure If in this number any one held him at too smart a distance prizing his integrity and honour before so base a traffique he was an ill Member of State and either silenc'd or sent to an Irish or Welsh Employment It is enough to be believ'd faulty where a disputation is not admitted The Hare knows her ears be not horns yet dares not venture a Tryal where things must not be sentenc'd as they are but as they are taken The Commanders that sway most in Popular Faction as far as he durst or might without combustion he causeth to be conferr'd oâ— his Friends and Kindred and above all things he settles a sure Correspondence of Intelligence in all the quarters of the Kingdome as a necessary leading president he fills the peoples ears with rumour of forreign danger to busie their brains from discoursing Domestick Errours and sends out a rabble of spying Mercuries who are instructed to talk liberally to taste other mens inclinanations and feel the pulses of those that had most cause to be discontented For the antient Nobility which was a more difficult work to reduce to conformity laying aside the punctilio's of his greatness he strives to gain them as he won his Master but when he found them shy and nice to make his party he slights them more and more to shew his Power and make them seek to entertain his favour And to eclipse their Power by birth and number he findes the means to make a new Creation which gave the Rabble-Gentry upstart Honours as Children do give Nuts away by handfuls yet still he hath some feeling of the business Lastly he wins the King to call his Father to the Court who with the shoal of all his Kin are soon exalted while he makes all things lawful that correspond his Will or Masters Humour He thus assuming the administration of the Royal affairs his Master giving way to all his actions the incensed Lords grown out of patience appoint the rendevouz of a secret Meeting at Sharborough where they might descant their griefs with more freedom yet with such a cautelous Secrecy that this Harpy with his Lyncean eyes could not perceive their anger Assoon as they were met Thomas of Lancaster the most eminent of this Confederacy in a grave discourse lays before them the Iniquity of the time the Insolency of this new Ganymede and the Kings intemperate wretchlesness which made the Kingdom a prey to all manner of Injustice Hereford adviseth that they should all together petition the King that he would be pleased to look into the Disorders and grant a Reformation Mowbray Mortimer and the rest soar a higher pitch which Clifford thus expresseth My Lords It is not now as when brave Lincoln lived whom Edward fear'd and all the Kingdom honoured Nor is this new Lord a Gaveston or naked Stranger that only talkt and durst not act his Passions We now must have to do with one of our own Country which knows our ways and how to intercept them See you not how he weaves his webs in Court and Country leaving no means untryed may fence his greatness And can you think a verbal Blast will shake him or a set Speech will sink his daring Spirit No he is no fantastick Frenchman but knows as well as we where we can hurt him his Pride is such he 'll ne're go less a farding but he must fall a key or we must ruine Women and Children make their tongues their Weapons true Valour needs no words our wrongs no wrangling Say this unconstant King hear our Petition admit he promise to redress our Grievance this sends us home secure and well-contented until the Plot be ripe for our destruction If you will needs discourse your cause of Grievance be yet provided to make good your errour a wise man gets his guard then treats Conditions which works a Peace with ease and more assurance All Treaties vain our Swords must be our warrant which we may draw by such a just compulsion those ready then attempt your pleasure and see if words can work a Reformation I am no tongue-man nor can move with language but if we come to act I 'll not be idle Then let us fall to Arms without disputing We 'll make this Minion stoop or dye with honour This rough Speech uttered with a Souldier-like liberty by one so truly noble and valiant inflam'd the hearts of such as heard them They concur all in a general approbation and thereupon they fall to present Levies Mortimer a brave young active Spirit with his Retinue gains the maiden-head of this great Action He enters furiously upon the possession of the Spencers spoiling and wasting like a profest enemy This outrage flies swiftly to the owners and appears before them like Scoggins crow multipli'd in carriage They assoon make the King the sharer of their intelligence and increase it to their best advantage Edward sensible of so audacious an affront thought it did yet rather proceed from private spleen than publick practice which made him in the tenderness of the one and malice to the other by Proclamation thus make known his pleasure That the Actors of this misdemeanour should immediately appear personally and shew cause whereby they might justifie their Actions or forthwith to depart the Kingdom and not to return without his special License When the tenour of this Sentence was divulged and come to the knowledge of the Confederate Lords they saw their interest was too deeply at stake to be long shadow'd In the obedience of such a doom the primitiae of their Plot must receive a desperate blemish They therefore resolve as they had begun so to make good and maintain the quarrel they reinforce their Forces and draw them into a body strong enough to boulster out their doings and to bid a base to the irresolute wanton King and his inglorious Favourite whose Platforms were not yet so compleat as that they durst adventure the Tryal of
so strong a Battery Yet the more to justifie their Arms which in the best construction seem'd to smatch of Rebellion they send unto the King a fair and humble Message the Tenor whereof lets him know that Their intentions were fair and honest and that the Arms thus levied were to defend his Honour and not offend his Person The Sufferings of the Kingdom were so deep and weighty that all was like to run to present ruine unless he would be pleas'd to cure this Feaver In all humility they desire he would sequester from his presence and their usurpt authority those Instruments which acted this disorder and that their doings might receive a test by a fair Tryal To this if he give way they would attend him with all the expressions of a Loyal Duty but if his heart were hardned for denial they then intreat his pardon that would not be Spectators of the general mischief which drew too swiftly on by this Distemper The King receiving so peremptory a Message thinks this fair gloss a kind of By-your-leave in spight of your teeth He saw readily how the Game went and was loath to strike the Hive for fear the Swarm should sting him Dearly he doted on his Minion yet conceiv'd it fitter he should a little suffer than they both should ruine which probably might soon ensue if they prevailed He had no power provided to withstand them nor was he sure that time would make it stronger the Lords were well belov'd their quarrel pleasing while he had nothing but the name of King might hope assistance Now he condemns bitterly his improvidence that had not secur'd his work before he acts it Spencer that saw himself thus quite forestalled and his great foresight in a manner useless since those whom he had made were but a handful and those of the poorer sort of weaker spirits that stow themselves in tempests under Hatches knew 't was too late to think of opposition and therefore perswades his irresolute Master to subscribe to the present necessity yet so that these angry Hornets might not be their own Carvers He knew or at least believ'd his faults were not yet Capital yet could not tell what construction might be given if those which were his enemies were admitted to be his sole Judges and therefore made rather choice to be at the mercy of a Parliament than at their disposing He was not without hope to be able to make an able party in this Assembly where at worst he knew he should be sentenc'd rather by spleen than fury This resolution by the King approved an answer is return'd to the Lords That his Majesty having examin'd the contents of their Petition found therein a fair pretext of Justice and reason and that if their allegations were such as were by them pretended himself would with as much willingness as they could desire joyn in the act of Reformation But for as much as private Passion maskt it self sometimes under the vail of publike grievance and particular ends had the pretext of general Reformation he thought it expedient to make this rather a Parliamentary work than the act of his Prerogative or their inforcement which was more for their proper Honours and the good of the whole Kingdom which resolution if they thought fit to entertain he wisht them to lay down their Arms which were the marks rather of an intended violence than a real desire of Justice that done in the knowledg of their approbation he would speedily cause his Summons to be sent out for the calling together of this great Assembly The reception of this answer was not displeasing to the Barons who desir'd those might be the Judges that had equally smarted with the stripes of this affliction yet they conceiv'd it not wisdom to disband their Forces on a bare supposition which could not be yet continued without too much charge and too great jealousie To reconcile this they divide themselves every one retaining to himself a guard sufficient to assure his Person and so dispose the rest that they might be ready on the least Item Things standing thus the Writs and Proclamations for Election are sent out in which there was as much time won as might be taken without suspition Now is there stiff labouring on all sides though not visibly yet with underhand working to cause a major part in this Election which the Lords wisely foreseeing as the main spring that must keep all the wheels in their right motion had beforehand so provided for that the engines of the adverse Party serv'd rather to fright than make a breach in the rule and truth of this Election The subjects sensible of the disorders of the Kingdom and seeing into the advantage which promis'd a liberty of Reformation make choice of such as for their wisdome and integrity deserv'd it rejecting such as fought it by corruption or might be in reason suspected This made the undertakers fall short and wide of the Bow-hand The day of appearance being come the jealous Lords would not rely so much on the King 's good Nature but that they come up like themselves bravely attended with several Crews of lusty Yeomen that knew no other way to win their Landlords favour but with Fidelity and Valour These for distinction and that they might be known all Birds of a feather are suited in Cassocks with a white guard athwart which gave this the name of the Parliament of white Bends Spencer seeing the Retinue of his Adversaries makes himself a Rampire of all his Servants Friends and Kindred The jealous Citizens that sometime look beyond their Shop-board seeing such a confluence from all parts of the Kingdom and so ill-inclin'd had a kinde of shivering phantasie lest while these strong Workmen fell a hammering the Corporation might become the Anvil The Mayor to prevent the worst doubleth the Guards and plants a strong Watch to keep the Gates and Suburbs Now according to the usual Custome the Speaker is presented and the King himself doth thus discourse his pleasure which they attend e're they begun this Session My Lords and you the Commons of the Nether-House I have at this time call'd you hither to crave your aid advice and best assistance I am inform'd my Subjects are abus'd and that the Kingdoms welfare dayly suffers such actions I maintain not nor will suffer Sift out the depth of this and finde the Authors which found I 'll punish as your selves think fitting A Kingdomes weight depresseth so his Owner that many faults may scape his eye unquestion'd your Body is the Perspicil that shews him what errours be and how he may prevent them which leads both King and Subject to a settled quiet Be not too curious in your inquisition which wastes but time and feeds diseased Passion nor may you make those faults that are not which savours more of Envy than of Justice Actions of State you may not touch but nicely they walk not in the Road of vulgar
who were secretly contriving both the ruine of Himself the antient Nobility and the Kingdom their Plot was not yet ripe and he conceiv'd it in the reason of State fit to have the Birds flush before he caught them The Lords that in the first rumour suspected it had some reflection on their particular or a meer noise without ground or substance on the receipt of this Letter alter their opinion and believe there was some real cause of this suspition They knew the King was wretchless dull and sleepy and did not use to wake but when it thunder'd they think him short in depth of so much judgment as with a Jigg of State might catch them naked His Letter seem'd a character of truth but not of cunning this kept them free from boubt but not from danger They send back an answer graciously received themselves their strengths and states should wait his Pleasure These passages thus spent the Citizens that like no laws but those of profit do lay their heads together to finde out a way how to dispose things so that they might trade with safety A cunning Enginier one of the Kings own making avows there was no means but one to make things sure which was to move the King to call the Spencers home and reconcile them The sequel was not fearful since this Tryal would make them know themselves and be more quiet if not they yet might be in distance where they might be surpriz'd if they offended This Proposition findes consent and liking in the grave Brain of the deep Corporation in stead of punishment so well deserved the Thief must be preferred to free the passage yet to excuse their errour they saw the King had an itching inclination that way and were not without a hope that Spencer being by their means recalled would of a profest enemy become a sure friend to the City This gave them heart to draw up their Petition and immediately to present it to the King who having that he lookt for in outward shew seem'd nothing well contented He bids them examine well the nature of their Petition which run in a direct line in opposition against a Parliamental sentence and would incense the reconciled Barons against whose strength he could not well oppose but it must hazard him and all the Kingdom Yet if their wisdomes did think fit in their assur'd assistance he would venture since he prefer'd their good before his private Though Spencer had transgrest his will and pleasure yet their intreaty should dispense his errour in hope he would become a new-made Subject They cry God bless your Grace revoke your Judgment you shall command our lives to back your goodness Edward thus far on his way causeth a Declaration to be made containing the request of his faithful subjects and beloved Royal Chamber of London at whose importunate intreaty he thought fit out of his grace and tenderness of the general good to recal the Spencers who had given sufficient caution for their future good abearing This known soon brings them back to grace and favour their petty thefts at Sea must have a sure way to trade in they must return to shave and rob the Kingdom 't was thought more fit than they should rob the Merchants 'T is strange to see what shift this poor King made to work his own undoing But when Religion 's lost and Virtue banisht and men begin to trade with slights and falshood the end proves fatal and doth lead them blindfold into the ways that work their own destrustion The actions of a Crown are exemplar and must be perfect clean upright and honest their errours die not with them but are register'd in the story of their Lives with Infamy or Honour which consideration may in justice beget a sincerity and cautelous respect from acting under the pretence of policy those stratagems which seem but are not fruit of Royal goodness A like care must be had in the limitation of affections so that they enforce him not to those ways which at one blow take from him his Judgment and his Honour The power Majestick is or should be bounded and there is a reciprocal correspondence which gives the King the obedience the subject equal right and perfect justice by which they claim a property in his actions if either of these fall short or prove defective by wilful errour or by secret practice the State 's in danger of a following mischief The Spencers thus return'd are reinvested into their former high and wonted greatness the burnt Child fears the Fire they know their danger and not attend the Storm until they feel it Their Masters Plot they second and closely gain a strength for present Action That done they appear with confidence and by main strength seek to crush those of the adverse faction Sir Bartholomew Baldsmere is the first that tasts the Prologue they seize upon his Castle of Leedes without or Law or Title he sues to have his own but is rejected Their peremptory return and the abrogation of that Law that sent them packing was provocation enough there needed not a second motive to enflame the angry Barons but when they understood the unjust oppression of their confederate and the daily levies that were underhand made they then conceive it time to look about them They finde the fruit of dalliance and visibly see into the Kings Plot which had abus'd them condemning their credulity and coldness that had not spoil'd the brood while it was hatching The King who had so oft been catcht was now more wary and resolving to be aforehand with his business prepares his Forces He knew his Arms not Tongue must plead his Quarrel another errour in his Guard he suspects would make him liable to a more curst proceeding His Favourite that had his Spies in every corner is soon inform'd the Potion was a brewing would give him Physick if he did not prevent it the gathering Clouds portend a sudden Darkness which threaten showers of Bloud and Civil Mischief He thinks his Guilt above the Rate of Favour and vows to wade in Bloud or die or vanquish To suffer still and not to act he counts it weakness which makes him strive to be the first Invader He wins the King to march with those strong Forces their foresight had prepar'd being soon united The first Exploit seizeth the two Mortimers that with an unadvised security had plaid over their old Game anew on his Possessions Their Strength was great enough for an Incursion but far too weak to cope with such an Army Their Resolution was to give the Larum and then retreat to knit with their Confederates but they were intercepted ere they fear'd it and made the Tower the Prize of their Adventure Thus sometimes it falls out who acts Injustice is catcht in the same Net himself was weaving The Lords with this Report are strangely startl'd they see themselves forestall'd in their own Working Arms now they know
Law their Swords their Justice He had no guilt of Treason or Rebellion his greatest fault was this his Soveraign lov'd him and shall I spare those that for my sake wrought his ruine No blood must have blood their own Law be their Tryal let justice take her course I le not oppose it The deeds of Charity must so be acted that he that gives be not abus'd by giving Who saves a Viper that attempts to sting him if after stung deserves nor help nor pity What could they more have done than they have acted unless to kill the King they so much hated and shall I pardon these sought my destruction and make them fit to act a new Rebellion If it be virtue 't is a poor discretion No I will make them sure that their example may others teach the just reward of Treason Dead men do neither bark nor bite the Living Instantly he flings away and to the general grief of the whole Army signeth a dispatch for present execution without so much as the exception of any one particular of all the great ones whom this last conflict had thrown at his mercy Lancaster is beheaded at Pontefret and two and twenty others of noble blood and great eminency in other places of the Kingdom so that there was scarce a City of any note but was guilty of this bloody Massacre So many excellent lives so ingloriously lost had been able to have commanded a victorious Army while it had triumpht in some forrain conquest Thomas of Lancaster a man good and virtuous though unfortunate kept faithfully the death-bed promise he made his father Lincoln but erring in the time and manner he tasted his prediction The King that was before so apparently guilty of many puny vices by this act loseth all their memory and dyes himself in grain with the true colour of a cruel Tyrant The reaking blood of so many brave subjects so untimely spilt had a quick and bitter reckoning to the final destruction of him and all the Actors In the operations of so great a weight though the colour of justice seem a Warranty yet mercy should have preceded rigour since they were not all alike guilty In point of extremity it is more safe and Honorable to do less than we may rather than all we may the one makes known our goodness the other the cruelty of our nature which with a loathed fear thrusts a zealous and true love out of possession in the hearts of those that behold and observe our actions Had these Lords been of a disposition equally cruel Spencer had not liv'd to triumph in their misery nor they to taste his malice for it is clear when they had him at their mercy that they sought not blood but reformation and assuredly in this their last act which was rather defensive than otherwaies their intentions towards the Crown were innocent In all respects saving the levy of their Arms which was done onely to support it with more Honour as things fell out afterwards it had been happy for the King if he had lost this Battel and they had prevailed for winning it was the beginning of all his ensuing misery of which the fundamental cause as appeareth in the sequel originally sprung that this bridle being taken away he fell to those dissolute actions and injurious kind of oppression that his Government became hateful and his Name odious which wrought in time the general revolt of the whole Kingdom Fear and the suspition of the following danger kept both him and his familiars in a better temper for though they were fully as vicious yet they were less confident and more reserved which this barricado taken off finds neither bound nor limit Certainly in the Regiment of a Kingdom it is a discreet and wise consideration in Court and Councel to maintain a divided faction yea and interchangeably so to countenance them that the one may be still a fit Counterpoise to the other The King by this means shall be served with more sincerity and diligence and informed with more truth and plainness Where one particular man or faction is alone exalted and onely trusted his words be they never so erronious finde seldom contradiction and his unjust actions pass unquestion'd all men under him seeking to rise by him sing the same tune the Flock ever bleats after the voice of the Bell-weather which stands with a politick wisdome since in opposition they purchase but disgrace and ruine By these means the Royal ear is abused and the Minions acts are more daring and insolent who cares ever more how to conceal cleanly than to be sparing in doing the actions of injustice by this the judgment of the King is impaired the Honour of the Crown abused the Common-wealth suffers daily more and more which by degrees aliens and estrangeth the heart of the subject The greater the heighth is the stronger is the working to preserve it which for the most part is attended with those same State-actions of impiety and injustice hence spring murmur and hatred exasperated by a continuing Oppression which ends for the most part in a desperate conclusion Though the fury of this victorious King had so fully acted his Tragedy yet the Mortimers were spared but it was rather out of forgetfulness than pity whose deaths had been more available than all those which in so great haste had tasted his fury Some think that the Queens intercession got the respite of their execution mainly followed by Spencer who in that act irreconciliably lost her favour by the subsequent effect it seems probable enough but howsoever it was wrought it appears he was reserved to be one of the fatal executioners of the divine justice which taught his persecutor that same antient Roman Law of Talionis and gave his unfortunate Master so sad a cause of a just Repentance The Kingdom after these bloody Hurly-burlies and strong Convulsions begins now to be a little setled onely it was fill'd with grief and expectation where these aims would end that ran on with such violence The principal Pillars of the common good being taken away and those that remain'd being frighted and disheartned gave such a liberty to the now great Officers that the whole interest of the State was believed little better than the fruits of an absolute Conquest All men suffer basely yet no man dares oppose or question't The King secur'd approves his Spencers actions and makes the Regal Power the Servants warrant Hence springs the insolency of unjust oppressions and those unlawful ways to drain the subject which leave no means might fill the Royal Coffers The grieved Kingdom languisht with these burdens the great Ones suffer basely courting his vices which like a tree oregrown of immense greatness shadow'd their growth and did suppress their merit They fawn upon the time and view each other as Ships salute at Sea whose Voyage differs they were become strangers to themselves and to their fellows which stop the passage to so
not 't is not much improper you let the Kingdom know the Queens departure how far it swerves from duty love or reason Dangers that be far off may be prevented with time advice and with a better leasure yet 't is discretion to catch the foretop of a growing evil look to your Ports your Navie well provided no forraign Force can wrong your Peace or Quiet For those within-door that may breed suspition the ways are easie to secure their moving Yet all this is too little if you stagger or with a drowzie coldness seem disheartned 't is life and action gives your People metal For Gods sake then great Sir leave off this Passion which wrongs your Greatness and doth maze your servants that see no cause but meerly your Opinion This Speech thus ended the King forceth himself against his disposition and cloaths his cheeks with smiles his brow with gladness with a more freedom he discourseth plainly the present state of his entangled business a Declaration is sent out to all the Kingdom that taints the Honour of the Queen but more his Judgement The Ports are all stopt up that none should follow a Medicine much too late a help improper to shut the Stable-door the Steed being stoln but 't is the nature of a bought Experience to come a day too late the Market ended The Navie is sent out to guard the Frontier and Watch and Ward is kept throughout the Kingdom These and many other grave Instructions are recommended to the Spencers wisdom whom it concern'd as deeply as their welfare they think not fit to trust the Care to others but do become themselves the Supervisors which for a time of force enforc'd their absence in which short intermiss the King relapseth to his former errour which gave him many sad and deep impressions he thinks the breach of Wedlock a foul trespass but to contemn her he so much had wronged deserv'd as much as they could lay upon him But he was guilty in a higher nature he had upheld his Parasites to brave her with too too fond a base presumptuous daring he fear'd his cruel actions stain'd with bloud would chalenge a quick and sad requital equal vengeance he saw the Subjects full of grief and passion apt and desirous to embrace Rebellion and few or none declar'd themselves to aid him unless 't were such as stirr'd by meer compulsion or private interest of their own safety Such dull conceits did so ingross his fancie that he almost despair'd of his own fortune His Minions now return'd from their employment had much ado to level these deep reckonings which lay so heavie on his guilty Conscience yet at the length he gain'd his wonted temper and acteth o'er afresh his former Errours The customary habit of transgression is like a Corn that doth infest his owner though it be par'd and cut yet it reneweth unless the Core be rooted out that feeds his tumour The guilty Conscience feels some inward motions which flashing lightly shave the hair of Mischief the scalp being naked yet the roots remaining they soon grow up again and hide their baldness the operations of the soul of true Repentance grubs up the very depth of such vile Monsters and leaves alone the scars of their abuses The French King having notice of his Sister's arrival entertains it with a wondrous plausible and seeming shew of gladness After she had well refresh'd her self and her little Son as yet a stranger to the riding of so long a journey upon a wooden horse with an Honorable attendance befitting more her Estate Birth and Dignity than the present miserable condition she was in she is waited on to Paris all the great ones and Bravery of that Kingdom are sent to give her welcome and to bring her to the King's presence When she beheld the Sanctuary of her hopes her dearest Refuge she falls upon her knee and with a sweetly-becoming modestie she thus begins her Story Her Royal Brother unwilling to suffer such an Idolatry from her that had a Father Brother Husband so great and glorious takes her up in his arms when thus she speaks her sorrow Behold in me dear Sir your most unhappie Sister the true picture of a dejected Greatness that bears the grief of a despised Wedlock which makes me flie to you for help and succour I have with a sufferance beyond the belief of my Sex outrun a world of tryals time lessens not but addes to my afflictions my burthen is grown greater than my patience yet 't is not I alone unjustly suffer my tears speak those of a distressed Kingdom which long time glorious now is almost ruin'd My blushing cheek may give a silent knowledge I too much love and honour the cause of my afflictions to express it Yet this in modestie I may discover my Royal Husband is too much abused his will his ear his heart is too too open to those which make his errours their advantage the hope of his return is lost he still must wander while such bewitching Syrens are his leaders But why do I include them as a number 't is onely one the rest are but his creatures How many of his brave and nobler Subjects have sold their lives to purchase him his Freedom All expectation fails domestick Quarrels have ta'en away their lives that strove to help it unless you please your Arms shall disinchant him he still must be abused his Kingdom grieved I had not else thus stoln to crave your favour Made to your hand you have a way is glorious to let the world behold and know your vertue Fortune presents you with a just occasion to crown your Glory with an equal Goodness would you dispute it can there be a motive more weighty than to succour these poor Ruines which else must lose their portions being Birth-right See here and view but with a just compassion two Royal Plants depress'd and like to wither both Branches of the Flower-de-luce the Root you sprang from which but in you have neither hope nor comfort Would your impartial wisdom but consider how good a work it is to help distresses a wronged Sister cannot be forsaken and an Heir of such a Crown be left unpitied In such an act of Goodness and of Justice both heaven and earth will witness your true Valour and your poor Handmaid joy in such a Brother Let it not breed suspicion that I seek you with such a weak forsaken poor attendance I was enforc'd to steal away at randome and durst not by my number be distrusted by those with Argus eyes observ'd my actions Though I am here and those behinde that love me besides the Justice of my Cause the strongest motive I bring the hearts of a distressed Kingdom that if you set me right will fight my Quarrel their Truth needs no suspect you have for Warrant their Queen and Mistris with their King that must be Then gracious Sir extend your Royal vertue I challenge by that
purer Bloud assistance whereof my Birth-right gives me equal portion let not succeeding Ages in your Story read such a taint that you forsook a Sister a Sister justly griev'd that sought your Succour Her willing tongue would fain have moved farther but here the fountain of her eyes poured forth their treasure a showre of Chrystal tears enforc'd her silence which kinde of Rhetorick won a Noble pitie the Passions of the minde being sweetly mov'd the heart grows great and seems to sympathize their agitations which produceth a ready willingness that calls to action the foot the hand the eye the tongue the body till that the Engines slack that cause this vigour and then they all revert to their first temper The Queens discourse and tears so far prevail'd the King and all his Peers are deeply moved their longing hearts beat strongly for expression which might assure her they embrac'd her quarrel and with their Lives would venture soon a tryal Her Brother bids her cast her cares to his Protection which would make Edward know and feel his errours his greater Subjects offer her their Service and vow to be Companions of her fortune The general voice of France proclaim'd a fury strain'd to the height to punish her Oppressors This overture for a while is so hotly pursued that she poor Queen with an abused confidence believ'd things as they seemed in shew true perfect real 'T is not alone her errour but a disease all flesh and blood embraceth with ease we credit what we wish and hope for yet where so great a Consequence waits on the action there is just cause to fear and doubt the sequel Though that our aims be just discreet and hopeful yet if they be confined to certain hazard or do reflect upon the private danger of that same second hand that is engaged reason in justice strengthens the suspicion To right the Queen and to restore her Heir to ease the Subject punish the Oppressor all these are works thus far seem good and easie but these not Will but Power and Strength must compass against a potent King in his own Kingdom which if it fell out well return'd with honour if ill endanger'd France with an Invasion which might perhaps prove fatal and unhappie Wise men are mov'd in Passion not in Judgment which sifts the depth and core of such great actions weighing the danger and advantage with the hazard and dependance which if they turn the Scale or make them even takes off the edge of their propense affections which Cause asswag'd the heat of this employment Spencer whose watchful eye was fixt on Paris by his Perspectives sees the glorious welcome that waits upon the Queen and her attendants he hears no other News but what provisions were made in France to serve for War in England he is not frighted or a whit distempered he knew the French were giddy light inconstant apter for Civil Broyls than Forraign Triumphs beginning more than Men but in conclusion weaker and more uncertain far than Women he taxeth yet his own improvidence that gave the angry Queen so fair advantage 't was not the Power of France he feared nor all their threatnings but the intestine danger which seemed fearful He knew the Subjects hearts were quite estranged which did expecting long for some Combustion severity of Laws had kept them under 't was not in duty but by meer compulsion which backt by Forraign aid and such brave Leaders would break their Chains upon the least Alarum To take off France he straight select his Agents such as well knew the ways of these employments and lades them o'er with Gold and sound Instructions bidding them freely bribe and promise mountains till they had undermin'd and cross'd the Queens proceedings he bids them charily observe the quality of time and place and person proportioning their Rates with such discretion that those which most could hurt were deepest laden These Pinaces of State thus fraighted arrive at Paris where the heat was almost cool'd before their coming yet they go on to make the business surer they set upon the Pillars of the State and feel their Pulses who wrought like Wax against the glorious Sun-shine of brighter Angels which came showring downwards and struck them dumb and deaf for opposition Gold in an instant chang'd the Council's temper and conquer'd without blowes their valiant anger The Queens distressed tears are now forgotten they gave impressions these a real feeling words are but wind but here 's a solid substance that pierc'd not the ear but hearts of her assistants The Plot full-ripe to make it yet more perfect they set upon the King and shew the danger To force by Sea a passage into England was a designe as truely weak as hopeless where wants a Navie and the full provision might give a sure Retreat or certain Landing To cope at home with such a potent Kingdom requir'd an Army full of strength and mighty which must be still supply'd with Men and Money which not ready here in such abundance a Womans passion was too weak a motive to levie Arms alone on that occasion which brings no other gains but meerly Honour The English Nation were not so affected unto their Mistris Quarrel as to venture legal revenge or else intestine rapine which they must hazard if they loose or vanquish Lastly a bare relation of a female passion enforc'd the Cause which whether true or false was yet in question the Plaintiff had been heard but no Defendant These were the Reasons which are daily tender'd to take the French King off from his intentions which lov'd to talk of War but not to act it A small perswasion quickly fills his stomack that could not well digest a War with England Young Kings that want Experience have not Judgment to touch the marrow of their proper business and sound the depths of Councels For Advisers may be abused and bought and sold to mischief while Servants raise their gain from their dishonour This being so frequent 't is a Royal Virtue that hears and sees but gives no resolution in things of weight till he have reconciled his own with judgment to the Councils reasons if that it be above his reach that is in question let him not so rely upon the great ones that their words prove a Law which have their workings that aim more at their ends than his advancement As Kings have Councellors of State to ease their Burden so should they have a second help to guard their Honour a lesser body of selected good ones whose wisdomes privately inform him rightly of what in goodness is most fit his judgment State-actions fill the Purse but foul the Conscience and Policy may bloom the Profit blights the Honour which Kings should keep as tender as their Eyesight Though thus the squares that fed her hopes were altered the Queen is still led on with promis'd Succours which at the upshot meet with new excuses She seeing these delays and vain
protractions begins to doubt and fear there was some juggling yet bears it strongly with a noble Patience shewing no Discontent or least Suspicion hoping at worst that here in safety she and her Son might anchor out their troubles The Posts that daily fly 'twixt France and England had liberally inform'd the state of French Occurrents Spencer inform'd the gap was stopt on that side provides to quiet all at home if he could work it he sets upon the discontented Barons that hated him and envied more his Fortunes he courts their favour and imparts Promotions that might betray them more with shew than profit he makes the Gentry proud by giving Titles that feed ambitious mindes but not content them and takes off from the People light Oppressions but keeps afoot the greatest Grievance that kept them down from hope to shake his Greatness All sides do entertain it with a seeming gladness though well they knew it was enforced kindness While each part thus dissembles their intentions the Navie was call'd home a Charge was useless where was no fear might cause a forraign danger the Ports were open'd and the Watch surceased that day and night attended on the Frontier This haste as 't was too sudden wants assurance the rising Son was absent and still lookt for while the declining dipt his cheeks in darkness To ease this care the Queen is strongly tempted by such as seem'd her friends but were his Agents to reconcile her self unto her Husband whom henceforth she might rule as she thought fitting When this fell short she is at least intreated to send back her young Son the Kingdoms comfort which took it ill he should be made a Stranger or in the power of a forraign Nation These sweet enchantments move no whit her yielding that too well knew the Serpent that begat them her Son sent back they had the prey they lookt for and she must lack the prop must keep her upright This Project failing they fall upon a new one The King frames a Letter to his Holiness full of humility and fair obedience yet craving help and bitterly complaining that Isabel his Wife had fled his Kingdom pretending a meer Voyage of Devotion and had stoln away his Son his only comfort attended by a Crue of trayterous Rebels that strove to break the Peace of Christian Princes amongst which one being tane in actual Treason had escap'd his Prison by a lewd Inchantment whom he had cause to fear abus'd his Wedlock Lastly the French King his Alley and Brother received and kept them being often summon'd to desist and leave them The Pack of this complaint so well contrived was not opposed by the French King's Council who could be well content that by commandment their importuning Guests were fairly quitted Necessity would colour actions of unkindness if Houshold-Laws were broke or those of Nature This Letter runs from hence to Paris from thence to Rome by that same practick Agent that in this Interlude had won the Garland he bears a Picklock with him that must open the gates that were fast shut to guard the Conclave his first Arrival finds a fair reception Where Money makes the Mart the Market's easie These goodly gloses guilded o're with shadows must win belief where there was none to answer Had they been just and true the fact was odious and might in Justice challenge reformation it was enough that here it is believed so the Fact was fully proved the Reason smother'd The Cardinals that freely felt the English Bounty perswade the Pope it was both just and pious so great a Misdemeanour should be question'd that gave the Christian word so lewd Example On this flies out a present Admonition to the French King that straight he free his Kingdome of this his Sister-Queen and her Adherents on pain of disobedience Interdiction While this Device was moulding out of England the Queen receives a large but secret Summons that all her friends were ready to attend her with all things fitting on her first arrival more than the plagues of Egypt did oppress them which they nor could nor would endure longer they bid her hasten her return though her provision were not enough their Swords should fight her Quarrel She with a joyful heart receives this offer which like a precious Balm clos'd up the wounds of her sad thoughts made dull with her suspicion More to advance this weighty work declining she tells the King the tenour of this tender His clouded brow the character of Passion discover'd soon the signes of alteration which yet seem'd more of Pitie than of Anger he had but then read his Italian Summons which he plucks forth and casts his drooping Sister bidding her view and wisely there consider what danger he was in by her protection The amazed Queen when she beheld the Sentence in stead of help would rob her of her refuge she falls upon her knee imploring pitie if not to give her Aid to right her Honour which was eclipsed with so foul a Slander A showre of mellow tears as milde as April's thrill down her lovely cheeks made red with anger dearly she begs at least but so much respite until his Holiness might be informed her innocence was such sought no favour but that the Law should give upon full hearing She doth implore him that he would compare her adversaries malice with his cunning who not contented with her deep oppression sought to betray at once her Hope and Honour wrought with such art and such a close conveyance that here her Judgement had outrun her Tryal He nothing sorry for so fair a warrant that took him off from charge and future hazard and yet withal would cover such Unkindness seems to lament the cause and his condition that of necessity must yeeld obedience he could not for her sake at one blow hazard the danger of himself and his whole Kingdom Not to forsake her wholly he perswades her to entertain a Peace the King her Husband should yeeld to her Conditions he 'll effect it that had a power to force it in his denyal which he would venture if the World gainsaid it Let him quoth he then use you ill or not receive you I 'll make him know I can and will revenge it small time is left you to consider or dispute it advise with speed and let me know your answer The amazed Queen abandoned and forsaken relates at full this far unlookt-for passage unto the Bishop Cane and Mortimer their valiant hearts make good their Mistris sorrows and tell her they would set her right without the French-men bidding her not consent to her returning though it were soder'd up with showers of kindness she well enough did know her Husbands humour which would observe no Vow no Oath no Promise if Spencer once more seiz'd her in his clutches she should be surely mew'd and kept from Gadding Mortimer contains not in this strain his Passion but breaks into the
that Grievance which had abus'd the King and robb'd the Kingdom condemn'd by his own Actors as a motive in Justice fit to be reform'd and punish'd Lastly the purchase gain'd by such corruption as sold Promotions Places Justice Honour yields no assistance but doth prove a burden which bruis'd the hearts and thoughts of them that bare it Affliction fittest Physick sole Commandress for all diseased Minds polluted Bodies when she doth sharply touch the sense of our transgressions begets a Sorrow and a sad Repentance making us know our selves and our own weakness which were meer strangers to our own Conditions This she effects in all though full Repentance be a work proper to a true Contrition which by amendment makes her Power more perfect A Minde that 's prepossest by Custome hardned with a resolved Will that acts Injustice observes the first part of her Precepts sadly sorry yet 't is not for his actions but those errours laid him open to so curst a tryal The point of Satisfaction or Amendment it thinks too deep a ransome hard a sentence which easeth not but addes to his misfortune If here might end the end of mans Creation this had some colour for such crafty Wisdome but where Eternity of Bliss or Torment doth wait upon the Soul that leaves the Body a prey to Death and to a base Corruption it is an act of madness to betray it with humane Policy without Religion Actions of goodness must be truely acted not sacrificing part but all the Offering observing every point that is requir'd to make up a Repentance full and perfect This Lesson is too hard for those great Babies that suck the milk of Greatness not Religion The Fundamental part being fixt to get unjustly believes a restitution more improper which makes their cares and former labours fruitless and in an instant blights an age of gleanings These be the Meditations of a Statesman grown plump and fat from other mens Oppressions they live in doubtful pleasures dye in terrour what follows after they do feel for ever Our Councellors though they were deeply toucht with cause had yet no leasure but to deliberate their proper safety which findes a poor protection dull and hopeless Their Enemies rejoyce their Friends turn craven and all forsake the pit before the battle Necessity that treads upon their heels admits no respite they must resolve to fight or flye or suffer This makes them chuse that course which seem'd most hopeful to temporize which might beget advantage the fury of this storm in time would lessen the giddy motions of the Vulgar seldome lasted which throng to all that tends to Innovation A Kings distress once truely known would win him succour since those which break his peace not seek his ruine With these vain hopes he seeks to guard the City and make the Tower strong of all Provision knowing that he which hath but London sure though all the rest be lost may yet recover But Edward will not hear to keep the City their multitude he fear'd would first betray him He knew they were a crew of weaker Spirits for fear would sell their fathers or for profit they never sift the Justice or the quarrel but still adhere and stick to him that 's strongest had he still kept this Hold and took the Tower but with the strength he had and might have levied he then had bridled up the wavering City and kept his Adversaries at a bay too long and doubtful for their affairs which were but yet uncertain The guard of this place he commends to Stapleton Bishop of Exeter This Charge did not properly suit with his profession unless 't were thought his tongue could charm Obedience but he already had been false betray'd his Mistriss and with more reason might be now suspected It seems they had no choice and strong presumptions the City would not long remain obedient if so the fact was worse and more unworthy to leave so good a friend in such a hazard The King with Arundel and both the Spencers with small attendance get them hence to Bristow His Army was much less in his own Kingdom than those the Queen had rais'd by forreign pity This Town was strong and able well provided and had a Haven whence in occasion they might venture further But yet the King might have the same suspicion which made him leave and quit the strength of London Arundel and Winchester do undertake the City Edward and Bristow would make good the Castle here was the refuge they resolve to stick to which in the Citizens assurance seem'd defensive The Queen understanding the Royal Chamber was forsaken and left to the custody of the Bishop her old Servant that had given her the slip in her Travels quickly apprehends the advantage addressing a fair but mandatory Letter from her self and her Son to Chickwell then Lord Mayor to charge him so to reserve and keep the City to their use as he expected favour or would answer the contrary at his peril Upon the receipt of this Letter he assembles the Common-Council and by a cunning-couch'd Oration the Recorder makes known the Contents which is no sooner understood but the general Cry that observ'd the Tide turning proclaim it reason to embrace the Queens Party who was so strongly provided to reform the Disorders of the Kingdom Stapleton having gotten the knowledge of this passage sends to the Mayor for the keys of the Gates for the Kings assurance and his proper safety who being incens'd with the affront of this inconsiderate Bishop apprehends him and delivers him to the fury of the enraged multitude who neither respecting the Gravity of his Years or the Dignity of his Profession strike off his Head without either Arraignment Tryal or Condemnation This brain-sick and heady act had too far engag'd them to reconcile them they must now either adhere solely to the Queen or to taste a bitter Penance The King had an ill Memory in point of desert but the actions of so unjust a Disorder he kept registred in brass until he gain'd the opportunity of Revenge then he never fail'd it It was a mad part on so poor an occasion to act so bloody a Tragedy which took away all hope of Reconciliation if the Wheel had turned However the squares had went they were upon terms good enough so long as they contain'd themselves in any temperate condition But this was a way which incens'd the one part and not assur'd the other But the actions of this same heady monster Multitude never examine the Justice or the dependance but are led by Passion and Opinion which in fury leaves no Disorder unacted and no Villany unattempted But certainly this was a meer cunning practice of the Mayor who being underhand made sure to the adverse Party resolv'd to make it of a double use the one to help on the opinion of his devotion to the Queen in the punishment of him that betraid her the other by this action to
so far there is no Errour But when a flux of Torment follows Judgment which may be done in Speech as well as Action it gives too many Deaths to one Offender and stains the Actors with a foul dishonour To see such a Monster so monstrously used no question pleased the giddy Multitude who scarcely know the civil grounds of Reason the recollected Judgment that beheld it censur'd it was at best too great and deep a blemish to suit a Queen a Woman and a Victor Whether her Imposition or his patient Suffering were greater or became first weary he now is brought to give them both an ending upon a Gallows highly built of purpose he now receives the end of all his Torments the Cruelty was such unfit to be recorded Whether it were the greatness of his heart or it were broken he leaves the world with such a constant parting as seem'd as free from fear as fruitless plaining Four days are scarcely ended ere Arundel doth taste the self-same fortune Until the last Combustion I finde no mention in the Story of this Noble Gentleman neither could I ever read any just cause why his Life was thus taken from him unless it were a Capital Offence not to forsake his Master It was then a very hard case if it must be adjudged Treason to labour to defend his King and Soveraign to whom he had sworn Faith and Obedience suffering for preserving that Truth and Oath which they had all treacherously broken that were his Judges If it were deemed a fault deep enough to be taken in company with those that were corrupt and wicked I see yet no reason why he alone should suffer and those their other Creatures were permitted many of them unquestion'd some preferr'd and none executed But we may not properly expect Reason in Womens actions It was enough the incensed Queen would have it so against which was no disputing Her business thus dispatcht she comes to London where she hath all the Royal Entertainment due to her Greatness The Citizens do run and crowd to see her that if the Wheel should turn would be as forward to make the self-same speed to see her ruine Assoon as here she had settled her affairs and made things ready she calls a Parliament and sends forth Summons for the appearance which as soon ensued herein she makes her Husband seal the Warrant who God knows scarcely knew what she was doing but lived a Recluse well and surely guarded When this grave Assembly was come together the Errours and the Abuses of the Kingdom are laid full open which touch'd the King with a more insolent liberty than might well become the tongues of those which must yet be his Subjects Many ways of Reformation for forms sake are discussed but the intended course was fully before resolved yet it was fit there should be a handsome Introduction The issue at length falls upon the point of Necessity shewing that Edward by the imbecillity of his judgment and the corruption of his nature was unfit longer to continue the Government which was so diseased and sick that it required a King more careful and active as if the conferring it upon a green Youth little more than an Infant had been Warranty enough for these Allegations but they serv'd turn well enough where all were agreed and there was not so much as a just fear of opposition It ne're was toucht or exprest by what Law Divine or Humane the Subject might Depose not an Elective King but one that Lineally and Justly had inherited and so long enjoy'd it this was too deep a Mystery and altogether improper for their resolution A short time at length brings them all to one Minde which in a true construction was no more than a mere Politick Treason not more dangerous in the Act than in the Example The three Estates unà voce conclude the Father must be Deposed and his unripe Son must be Invested in the Royal Dignity Not a Lord Bishop Knight Judge or Burgess but that day left his Memory behinde him they could not else so generally have forgot the Oaths of their Allegiance so solemnly sworn to their old Master whom they had just cause to restrain from his Errours but no ground or colour to deprive him of his Kingdom who that day found neither Kinsman Friend Servant or Subject to defend his Interest It is probable he could not be so generally forsaken and not unlikely but that he had some in this Assembly well-affected which seeing the violence and strength of the Current knew their contestation might endanger themselves and not advantage him in his possession But this justifies them not neither in their Oaths Love or Duty which should have been sincere and eminent He that had here really express'd himself had left to Posterity an honourable Memorial of his Faith Worth and Valour Never will the remembrance of that stout and reverend Bishop dye who in the Case of Richard the Second exprest himself so honestly and bravely Civil respects though they deeply touch in particular warrant not the breach of publick engagements neither is it properly Wisdome but Craft infringeth the Laws of Duty or Honesty If that may be admitted what Perjury may not finde an excuse what Rebellion not a justifiable answer But it is clear there may not be a wilful violation of Oaths though it tend deeply to our own loss and prejudice The Resolution being now fully concluded that must uncrown this unhappy King divers of both Houses are sent unto him to make the Declaration who being come into his presence Trussel the Speaker of the lower House in the Name of the whole Kingdom makes a Resignation of all Homage and Fealty and then doth read the Sentence Edward that had been aforehand informed the better to prepare him had arm'd himself with as much Patience as his Necessity could give him with an attentive ear hears all full out which done he turns away without answering a word He knew it was in vain to spend time in Discourse or Contestation which must be the ready way to endanger his Life and in his consenting with a dangerous example to his Successours he had both their Power and his own Guilt made evident to Posterity which might have made the practice more frequent and familiar He had still a kinde of Hope that his Adversaries would run themselves out of breath when there would be both room and time to alter his condition Thus this unfortunate King after he had with a perpetual agitation governed this Kingdome eighteen years odde months and days lost it partly by his own Disorder and Improvidence but principally by the treacherous Infidelity of his Wife Servants and Subjects And it is most memorable an Army of three hundred Strangers entred his Dominion and took from him the Rule and Governance without so much as blow given or the loss of any one man more than such as perished by the hand of
ruine The Warranty of Arms had a fair colour that should be levied to attempt his rescue which had a Royal stamp to raise and make them current If such a Project should be once in action it would be then too late to seek to cross it All men are apt to pity so great a King oppressed and not so much look on what he had been as what he is and being restor'd he might be The Queen whose heart was yet believed innocent of such foul Murther is or at least seems highly discontented She acknowledges his present Sufferings greater than his Offences or might become the King her Lord and Husband and holds this act of too too foul Injustice which stiles her Son a Homicide and her a Monster The crimson Guilt of such a crying action could not escape the cruel hand of Vengeance If it might be concealed from humane Knowledge the All-knowing Power of Heaven would lay it open She thinks it more than an act of Bloud to kill a Husband and a King that sometimes loved her She thinks her Son not of so ill a nature as to slip o're his Fathers Death untouch'd unpunish'd when that he was grown up in power to sift it These motives made her thus return her Answer Let us resolve dear Friend to run all hazards rather than this that is so foul and cruel let us not stain our Souls with Royal Bloud and Murder which seldome scapes unseen but never unpunish'd especially for such a fear as is but casual while we are innocent at worst our danger is but privation of this glorious shadow which Death can take when we believe it surest but if we taint the inward part with such a tincture our proper Guilt will bring continual terrour a fear that never dyes but lives still dying If Edward do get loose what need we fear him that pull'd him down when he was great at highest Why should we then resolve his Death or Murder this Help may serve when we are desperate of other Remedies which yet appears not To act so great a sin without compulsion addes to the deed and makes it far more odious nor can it plead excuse if after question'd that hath no cause but merely Supposition Say that he were a dead man gone and hopeless neither our fears or dangers are more lessen'd we are still subject to the self same hazard and have to boot our proper Guilt to cause it Those that do hate or envy us can fashion other pretexts as fair as this to shake us which we shall better crush while we are guiltless Then think upon some other course as sure more harmless ne're can my heart consent to kill my Husband Mortimer being nettled with this Reply so far wide of the aim which in his bloudy thoughts he had so constantly resolved on thought he would return the Queen as bitter a Pill as she had given him to bite on which makes him thus reply in anger Madam who hath the time to friend and doth neglect it is justly falling scorn'd and sinks unpitied Have you for this endur'd so bitter tryals to be at length a foe to your own safety Did you outrun your Troubles suffering meanly but to return unto your first condition If it be so I must approve your Reasons and say your grounds were like your project hopeful You see your glorious Morning now turn'd cloudy the Kingdom doth repine to see our Greatness yet have no hope but in the King deposed who taken away what fear can justly move us Your youthful Son we 'll rule till he grows older and in that time establish such a Greatness as he shall hardly touch or dare to question To cast a world of doubts is vain and senseless where we enforc'd must either act or perish and to be nice in that hath no election doth waste out time and not prevent the errour If you stick fast in this your tender pity I must in justice then accuse my fortune that gave my heart to such a female Weakness Is there a disproportion in this action to keep the Crown with bloud that was so gotten Is there a more restraint to keep than get by Treason If so I yield and will sit still and ruine Had Edward known or fear'd he had prevented nor you nor I had had the Power to hurt him But he neglected time and now repents it and so must we if we embrace his errour Fear is far less in sense than apparition and makes the shadow greater than the subject which makes a faintness as the Fancy leads it where is small reason to be so affected You urge it cannot be concealed or hidden I not deny but it may be discovered such deeds may yet be so contrived and acted that they prevent all proof if not suspicion But why do I spend time in this perswasion let him get free whom we so much have wronged let him examine our proceedings sift our actions perhaps he will forget forgive be reeonciled and spare your tears left that your mighty Brother should chance grow angry if you lose your Greatness you may if you be pleased abide the tryal Mortimer's resolv'd since you refuse his judgment you neither prize his safety nor his service and therefore he will seek some other refuge before it be too late and too far hopeless With this he flings away in discontentment as if he meant with speed to quit the Kingdom The amazed Queen pursues and overtakes him who seem'd unwilling to prolong the treaty Stay gentle Mortimer quoth she I am a Woman fitter to hear and take advice than give it think not I prize thee in so mean a fashion as to despise thy Safety or thy Council Must Edward dye and is there no prevention Oh wretched state of Greatness frail Condition that is preserv'd by Bloud secur'd by Murder I dare not say I yield or yet deny it Shame stops the one the other Fear forbiddeth only I beg I be not made partaker or privy to the time the means the manner With this she weeps and fain would have recanted but she saw in that course a double danger Mortimer that had now what he lookt for assures her he would undergo the act and hazard which would not have moved if not inforced by those strong motives of their certain danger He requests alone the King might seal a Warrant that he may change anew his former Keepers Sir Morice Barcklaye as it seems had been aloof off treated with but was not pliable or apt to fasten he was both careful of his Charge and Masters Safety this takes him suddenly from his custody Sir Thomas Towurlie supplies his place with his old partner they having received their new Warrant and their Royal Prisoner carry him by sudden and hasty Journeys to Cork-Castle the place that in all the world he most hated Some say that he was foretold by a certain Magician who as it
seems was his Crafts-master that this place was to him both fatal and ominous 'T was ill in him to seek by such ill and unlawful means the knowledge of that which being known did but augment his sorrow Whatsoever the cause was his arrival here makes him deeply heavy sad and melancholy his Keepers to repel this humour and to take him off from all fear and suspicion feed him with new hopes and pleasant discourse improving his former entertainment both in his Diet and Attendance while his misgiving spirit suspects the issue Though he would fain have fashion'd his belief to give them credit yet he had such a dull cloud about his heart it could receive no comfort The fatal Night in which he suffer'd shipwrack he eats a hearty Supper but stays not to disgest it immediately he goes to Bed with sorrow heavy assoon he takes his Rest and sleeps securely not dreaming of his end so near approaching Midnight the Patron of this horrid Murder being newly come this Crew of perjur'd Traitors steal softly to his Chamber finding him in a sweet and quiet Sleep taking away his Life in that advantage The Historians of these Times differ both in the time place and manner of his Death yet all agree that he was foully and inhumanly murther'd yet so that there was no visible or apparent signe which way 't was acted A small tract of time discovers the Actors and shews evidently that it was done by an extremity of Violence they long escape not though Mortimer's greatness for the present time keep them both from question and puishment yet by the Divine Justice they all meet with a miserable and unpitied Death and the Master-work-man himself in a few years after suffered an ignominious Execution The Queen who was guilty but in circumstance and but an accessory to the Intention not the Fact tasted with a bitter time of Repentance what it was but to be quoted in the Margent of such a Story the several relations so variously exprest of their Confessions that were the Actors and Consenters to this deed differ so mainly that it may be better past over in silence than so much as touch'd especially since if it were in that cruel manner as is by the major part agreed on it was one of the most inhumane and barbarous acts that ever fell within the expression of all our English Stories fitter rather to be pass'd over in silence than to be discours'd since it both dishonoureth our Nation and is in the Example so dangerous It seems Mortimer was yet a Novice to Spencer's Art of that same Italian trick of Poysoning which questionless had wrought this work as surely with a less noise and fewer agents It had been happy if such a Villany had never gain'd knowledge or imitation in the World since it came to be entertain'd as a necessary servant of State no man that runs in opposition or stands in the way of Greatness is almost secure in his own house or among his Friends or Servants I would to God we had not fresh in our Memory so many bleeding Examples or that this Diabolical Practice might stop his career with the Mischief it hath already done But so long as the close conveyance is deemed a Politick Vertue and the Instruments by Power and Favour are protected what can be expected but that in short time it must fall under the compass of a Trade or Mystery as fit for private Murtherers as Statesmen But leaving the professors of this execrable practice to their deserts and that guilt which still torments them Thus fell that unfortunate King Edward the Second who by the course of Age and Nature might have out-run many years had not his own Disorder the Infidelity of his Subjects and the Treachery of those that had deprived him of his Kingdome sent him to an untimely Death and Ruine Many Reasons are given probable enough to instance the necessity of his Fall which questionless may be the secondary means but his Doom was register'd by the inscrutable Providence of Heaven which with the self-same Sentence punish'd both him and Richard the Second his great Grandchild who was coequally guilty of the same Errours that both betrayed them and the Peace of their Kingdome Henry the Sixth though he tasted of the same Cup of Deposition yet there was more reason to induce it Henry the Fourth his Grandfather was an Usurper and had unjustly got the Crown by pulling down the House of York and exalting that of Lancaster which in Justice brings it back again to the right Inheritour yet were not those times innocent of those enormities which occasion'd their confusion It is most true that Henry himself was a sweet harmless condition'd Man religious and full of Moral Goodness but he was fitter for a Cloister than a Crown being transported with a Divine Rapture of Contemplation that took him off from the care of all Worldly Affairs while Margaret his Wife Daughter of Reynard that stil'd himself King of Naples and Jerusalem acted her part with a like imitation though she had not a Gaveston a Spencer or a Duke of Ireland yet she had a Suffolk and a Somerset that could teach the same way to the Destruction and Deposition of her Husband These three sympathized in their Royal Inheritance in their Depositions Deaths and Fortunes and these alone since the Conquest of the Normans unless we rank into the number Edward the Fifth which must be with an impropriety since he was by Richard his Tyrannical Uncle murdered before he was Crowned If we example him with them we may it is true conclude his case most miserable that lost the Crown before he enjoy'd it or had the perfection of years to make known his Inclination The event that followed the others especially the two precedent may be fitly a Caution and Admonition to Posterity and teach them what it is to hazard a Kingdome and their own Lives by the continuing of a wilful Errour Certainly we have had other Kings fully as vicious that have out-liv'd their Vices not dying by a violent hand but by the ordinary and easie course of Nature they were more cautelous and flexible and were content in the more moderate use of their own Vices The Condition of this our Edward the subject of this Story was not in it self more hurtful than dangerous to the Peace and Tranquillity of the whole Kingdome If by Heat of Youth Height of Fortune or the Corruptions of Nature the Royal Affections flie loosely and at random yet if it extend no farther than the satisfaction of the private Appetite it may obscure the glory but not supplant the strength and safety of a Scepter But when it is not only vicious in it self but doth patronize it in others not blushing or shrinking in the justification it is a fore-running and presaging Evidence that threatens danger if not destruction It is much in a King that hath so great a Charge deliver'd over to his care
Kings Answer The Barons appear with a strong Guard The King's Speech to the Parliament The Commons Charge against Spencer The Spencers banished The Son turns Pirate The Merchants petition the King against him The Kings Answer The King writes to the Lords The Barons Answer The Londoners Petition for Spencers return The Spencers return Sir Barthol Baldsmere's Castle seised The King takes Arms. Seizes the two Mortimers The Barons rise The Barons beaten fly to Pontfrect Valens ' Speech in favour of the Lords The Kings Reply Lancaster beheaded and 22 more Good Policy to maintain a divided Faction in Court and Councel Spencer's Policy A Parliament called They give the King the sixth Peny Prodigious Sights The Scotch invade the English Borders and Ireland Are repulst Their General slain The King invades Scotland The Scotch seize the K. Treasure Earl of Carlile Executed The French King breaks his Peace with England The King adviseth with Spencer Spencer's Answer He adviseth the Queen be sent to France She offers to go She casts a wandering eye on Mortimer Mortimer in the Tower The King will not consent to her going Pretending a Journey of Devotion She embarques for France with Mortimer The King sad at the News Spencer encourageth him The Queen is tainted The Ports are stopt the Navie sent out and Watch and Ward every where The Queen entertain'd in France with seeming gladness The Queens Address The King and his Peers moved at her discourse Spencer eyes the French but fears them not He bribes them King Edward complains to the Pope The Pope admonishes the French King to quit the Queen She is enticed to return into England She tells the French King He shews her the Popes Sentence Perswades her to Peace She relates it to the Bishop Cane and Mortimer Who advise her not to return Mortimer storms The Queen moderates Robert of Artois His Speech Which infinitely joys the Queen Her Farewel to France The Bishop of Exeter forsakes the Queen Is bravely welcomed by the Earl His Brother pities the Queen and promises his Service He makes preparation The Earl condemns his haste His Answer The Queen jealous of Treachery Spencer's Agents frustrated The Queens doubts increasing she importunes the hastning her journey But without need The Queen embarques at Dort She is frighted at Sea She lands at Harwich Marching forward She is refresh'd at St. Hamonds Abbey Lancaster first joyns her The King is despairingly sorrowful his Council startled The King suspects the City of London Betakes himself to Bristow The Queen sends a mandatory Letter to the Mayor of London to keep the City for her and the Prince Bishop Stapleton beheaded by the Multitude The Queen sets out for Bristol Whence a hot Salley upon her A Treaty desired by that City Which being rejected the Queen gives them a peremptory Summons It is yielded Old Spencer Executed The King and young Spencer amaz'd The Queen batters the Castle The King and Spencer betake to a Bark but are beaten back by Weather The Bark seized The King sent to Berkly Castle Spencer insulted over The Queens Cruelty Spencer hanged Arundel the like The Queen comes to London She calls a Parliament They conclude to depose the King The Speaker makes a resignation of Homage reads the Sentence The King answers not a word The young King crowned The Queen and Mortimer bear sway They commit Baldock to Newgate Tresilian Lord Chief-Justice hanged The black Monks impatient of the King's restraint They not only incite the people but make Donhead their Captain Who is clapt by the heels and dies Sir John of Heynault and the rest rewarded They depart the Kingdom The King taken from the Earl of Lancaster delivered to Sir Morrice Berkley and Sir John Matravas They remove him in disguise The King grieved with Indignities His Complaint The King is uncivilly upbraided His Answer The Queen and Mortimer unquiet still Mortimer's ears tingle He tells the Queen the King must die She seems discontented She returns her Answer Mortimer nettled His Reply Mortimer flings away The Queens expostulation She unwillingly consents to the Kings Death The Kings Keepers changed He is removed to Corf Castle He is murdered