Barber and twelve more Condemned Drawne and Hanged VVallingford John Garleck VVilliam Berewill Thomas Putor and many more with eightie of the Countrey were Indicted by their Neighbours and Impriprisoned but forgiven by the Kings Mercie and discharged They were forgiven most by the Kings Mercie for hee had forbidden by Proclamation all men to sue or begge for them a command which the good Abbot sometimes disobeyed and hee shall bee well thanked for it No benefits can oblige some men A true rugged churle can never be made fast never bee tyed by any merit whatsoever Nothing can soften him See an unheard of shamelesness till then These lazie tender-hearted Clowns who could hardly be got to discover the guilty now runne with full speed to betray the innocent They indict the Abbot as the principall Raiser and contriver of these Tumults which struck at his own life and the being and safetie of his Monastery The Abbot as it is said sent to Tyler upon his ordinances some of the Town and Monastery but to temporize and secure himself This is now supposed by the very Traytors indeed Treason by Common Law and Statute against the King his naturall leige Lord This having not the feare of God in his heart c. but being seduced by the instigation of the Devill is compassing the death c. the deprivation and deposing of his Soveraign Lord from his Royal State c. as such Indictments use to run this must goe for levying VVar against our Lord the King adhering to comforting and aiding his enemies by open fact which are the words of the Statute of Treason declarative of the Common Law The Chief Justice abominating and cursing the treacherous malice and perfidiousness of these Bruits makes them tear the Indictment which themselves though urged are not wicked enough to swear to nay which publiquely they confess to bee false in the face of the Court Villeinage was not now abolished though so methink otherwise but by degrees extinguished since this reigne Besides the Letters of Revocation before restoring all things to their old course A Commission which the Abbot procured from the King out of the Chancery then kept in the Chapter house of this Monastery makes this manifest which speaks to this effect RIchard by the grace of God King of England and of France and Lord of Ireland c. To his beloved John Lodowick Jo Westwycomb c. We command you and every of you upon sight of these presents c. That on our part forthwith ye cause to be proclaimed That all and singular the Tenants of our beloved in Christ the Abbot of S. Albane as wâ—ll free as bond the Works Customes and Services which they to the foresaid Abbot ought to doe and of ancient time have been accustomed to performe without any contradiction murmur c. Doe as before they have been accustomed The disobedient are commanded to be taken and imprisoned as Rebels In the time of King Henry the seventh there were villains This I observe to make it appeare how little it is which the miserable common people without whom no famous mischiefe can be attained are gainers by any of their riots or seditions whatsoever the changes are their condition is still the same or worse if some few of them advance themselves by the spoiles of the publique shâ—pwrack the rest are no happier for it the insolent sight offends their eyes they see the dirt of their owne ditches Lord it over them and the body of them perhaps more deâ—pised than ever Tyler who could not but have known that nothing can be so destructive to Government as the licentiousnesse of the base Commons would doubtlesse when his owne work had been done quickly have chained up the Monster he would have perched in the Kings sacred Oake all the Forrest should have beene his Bishopricks Earledomes nay the Kingdomes had been swallowed by him instead of a just legall power by which the Kings acted an arbitrary boundlesse unlimited power must have beene set up instead of a fatherly royall Monarchy a Tyrannie after the Turkish mode a Monarchy seignioral and had he brought in upon the fall of the Christian Faith and Worship which must have followed his establishment Circumcision and the Creed of Mahomet as the spirits of men were then debased he must have been obeyed All the Kings right and more must have been his Sultan Tyler's Prerogative would have been found more grievous more heavy more killing than all the yokes and scorpions of our Kings no man when he went to sleep could assure himself that one Law would be left next morning the Ordinances of Tyler and his Council flew about in swarms killing and rooting up the Laws one Proclamation of this Tyrants was of force to blow up the ancient Foundation enough to have made men mad if ever they could wake and understand when the French had conquered Naples the people looked for a Golden World they thought their new Master would as the King of Mexico's Oath used to say do Justice to all men make the Sun to shine the Clouds to rain the Earth to be fruitfull They promise themselves Liberty and that the accustomed Imposts of their former Kings of the House of Arragon should not onely be taken off but the very word Gabelle driven out of the Kingdom theâ— should be no such thing in nature left but foolish dolts as they were they found an alteration quickly instead of a Court Cavalrie before the new Masters ill established and assured not daring to trust any thing standing Armies were continually to be kept on foot instead of one Tax intolerable of late they are oppressed with ten their backs and shoulders crack under the load Upon this fancy of these abused Italians sayes the Historian This is the custome for the most part of all people weary ever of the present condition and inconsiderately gaping after a change but they receive such wages of their fond and disorderly lightness The War undertaken against Lewis the 11 of France by the House of Burgundy Dukes of Berry Brittaineâ— and Burbon called the Weale publick was not made against the King say the Allies but against evill order injustice in the Government and for the publick good of the Realm In the Treaty for Peace these fine things are forgotten the wretched Peasants torn and ground with Taxes left to shift for themselves The Prince of the Burgaundies demands the Townes upon the Some for himselfe Normandy for the Duke of Berry and other places Offices and Pensions for the rest some overtures were made for the Weal publick sayes the History that is all the Weal publick was the least of the question the Weal publick was turned to Weal particular self seeking was the sum of the business This has been the fashion of all Rebels hitherto and will bee to the worlds end After these proceedings the Hartfordshire men betwixt the ages of 15 and 60 present themselves according to command and
by these Canibals The reverence due to the annointed heads of Kings began to fall away and naked Majesty could not guard where Innocency could not But Tyler blinded with his owne fatall pride throws himself foolishly upon the Kings sword and by his over-much hast preserves him whom he had vowed to destroy The Heathens make it a mark of the Divinity of of their Gods that they bestowed benefits upon mortal men and took nothing from them The Clownes of the Idoll upon this rule were not very heavenly they were the meeke ones of those times the onely inheritours of right the kingdom was made a prey by them it was cantoned out to erect new Principalities for the mock-Mock-kings of the Commens so their Chiefs or Captains would be called Here though the title of the Rebellion spoke fair was shown somewhat of ambition and no little of injust private interest no little of self-seeking which the good of the people in pretence onely was to give way to and no wonder for the good of the people properly was meerely to be intended of themselves and no where but amongst those was the Commonwealth Had these Thistles these Brambles flourished the whole Wood of noble Trees had perished If the violent casting other men out of their possâ—ssions firing their houses cutting off their Heads violating of all Rights be thought Gods blessing any evidence of â—â— owning the Cause these Thieves and Murderers were well blessed and sufficiently owned Such was then the face of things estates were dangerous every Rich man was an enemy mens lives were taken away without either offence or tryall their reign was but a continuation of horrible injuries the Lawes were not onely silent but dead The Idolls fury was a Law and Faith and Loyaltie and Obedience to lawfull power were damnable Servants had the rule over Princes England was near a slavery the most unworthy of free and ingenious spirits of any What I relate here to speak something of the Story I collect out of Sir John Froissart a French-man living in the times of King EDVVARD the third and his Grandchild King RICHARD who had seen England in both the reigns was known and esteemed in the Court and came last over after these Tumults were appeased and out of Thomas of Walsingham a Monk of St. Albanes in Henry the sixth's dayes who sayes Bale in his centuries of him writes many the most choice passages of affairs and actions such as no other hath met with In the main and to the substance of things I have made no additions no alterations I have faithfully followed my Authors who are not so historically exact as I could wish nor could I much better what did not please me in their order No man saies Walsingham â—an recite fully the mischiefs murders sacriledge and cruelty of these Actors he excuses his digesting them upon the confusion of the combustions flaming in such varietie of places and in the same time Tyler Litster and those of Hartfordshire take up most part of the discourse Westbrome is brought in by the halves the lesser Snakes are onely nameâ— in the Chronicle What had been more had not been to any purpose Those were but types of Tyler the Idoll â—nd acted nothing but acrording to the Original according to his great example they were Wolves alike and he that reads one knowes all Thomas of Becket Simon of Montfort the English Catalinâ— Thomas of Lancastor Rebels and Traitors of the former years are Canonised by the Monks generally the enemies of their Kings miracles â—ake their Tombeâ— illustrious and their Memories sacred The Idol and his Incendiaries are abhorred every where every History detests them while Faith Civility Honesty and Piety shall be left in the world the enemies of all these must neither be beloved nor pitied THE RUSTICK RAMPANT OR RURAL ANARCHY THe Reign of King Richard the second was but a throw of State for so many years a Feaver to whose distempers all pieces of the home Dominions contributed by fits * the forraign part onely continuing faithfull in the fourth year of his reign and fifteenth of his age the dregs and off-scum of the Commons unite into bodies in severall parts of the Kingdome and form a Rebellion called the Rebellion of the Clownes which lead the rest and shewed the way of disobedience first Of whiâ—h may truly be said though amongst other causes we may attribute it to the indisposition and unseasonablenesse of the age that the fruits of it did not take it was strongly begun and had not Providence held back the hand the blow had faln the Government had broke into shivers then The young King at this time had few besides Thomas of Woodstock his Uncle Earle of Buckingham and after Duke of Glocester but the servants of his house in ordinary about him the Lord Edmund of Langly Earle of Cambridge after Duke of York with the Lords Beauchampe Botereaux Sir Matthew Gourney with others of the Nobility and Gentry had set saile for Portugall the Duke John of Lancaster another of his Uncles was in Scotland treating a peace when this commotion brake out Though no cause can be given for Seditions those who designe publick troubles can never want pretences Polidore as much out in this story as any gives this reason for this The Poll-mony sayes he imposed by Parliament a groat Sterling upon every head was intolerable It was justly imposed and so by some to whom Law and Custome of Engl. were intolerable not to be endured but we shall find in the tyranny breaking in not onely fifth and twentieth parts and loanes forced out of feare of plunder and death but subsidies in Troops and Regiments by fifties more than Sequestrations and Compositions not under foot low sales for what had these Rascalls to give but downright Robbery and violent usurpation of Estates Thus would Polidore have it in defence of his Priests who blew the fire and thrust the silly rout into the midst of it He takes it ill that Baal valle he calls him should be supposed by I know not what flaterers of the Nobles to have filled these sailes to have let these windes out of their Caverns In the fourth yeare of this King sayes the Monk there was a grievous Tax exacted in Parliament after cause of great trouble every Religious paid half a Mark every Secular Priest as much every Lay-man or Woman 12d This might discontent the people but who prepared the Mutineers for such dangerous impressions who fell in with them after and pushed them forward will be soon found Froissart complaines of the servitude of the villanes or Bond-men now Names worne out a miserable sort of drudges frequentlâ—â— knowne here in the Saxon times excluded from any right of propriety sold and passed away with the Mannour or Lands to which they belonged bound to til the Lords ground cut downe and carry in his Corne cleanse his Ditches cover his Halle Qâ— These Fraissart make the first stirrers
Man-like together and help Truth now we have Truth to our peace and Truth shall help them in his ragges of Verses for a Rimer he would be he is as earnest for Truth They begin Iack Trewman doth you to understoâ—d That falsenes guyle hath reigned too long And Truth hath been set under a Lock And falsenes reigneth in every Flock No Man may come truth to But he must sing si dedero Many Remonstrances and Declarations flew abroad from him The Kentishmen seasoned by this Priest or Prophet of the Idol are easily tempted by the Essexians to associate in the undertakings and share in the honour of gaining Liberty pretious Liberty for the people and taking away the evill customes of the Kingdom which is the glorious Title of the tumult This was no more sayes the Monke than the Kentishmen had long wished for They are quickly ready and by the Arts used by those of Essex put all the Countrey into a combustion That they may not appeare with too much horror at the first sight they would seem to pretend to an out-side Piety they account so they tell the Kingdome and the world the professing of any thing in the sight of God the strongest obligaâ—ion that any Christian and the most solemne publick faith that any such state as a Common-wealth can give In all humility and reverence they contrive a sacred vow and Covenant They fasten the knot of their holy League with National Covenants and Oaths which themselves will first break than which there can be no stronger tie Religion consists in Faith he who loses his Faith hath lost himselfe Oaths contrary to their sworne Allegiance and former Oathes which is a most absurd impiety here God must be called upon to helps and witnesse the perfidiousnesse oathes use to end so helpe me God he who performes not his oath directly and plainly renounces God and all that is sacred and Divine to sweare to day against what wâ— were sworne to yesterday must be strange amongst Christians these impieties being once allowed there can be neither peace society nor government amongst Men safe and unindangered The wayes leading to Canterbury are beset the Pilgrimes swarming thither according to the superstition of those Ages are seized and forced to sweare with these extraordinary Workers To keep faith to King Richard whose most faithfull Servants most humble and loyall Subjects they professe themselves to be and the Commons according to their power and vocation To accept no King called John a vanity throwne in for Duke John of Lancasters sake the Kings Uncle and neglected by the Norfolke reformers who advanced King John Litstere to the Soveraignty To bâ— ready upon summons to assist the Commons the great wheele of the New State for whom this Oath was given and to be principally respected by it To induce their friends and allies to hold with them and to allow no Tax but the fifteâ—nth which say they falsly was the onely Tax their forefathers ever heard of or submitted to How sacred in all the parts this Oath will be with them which never was to be intended more then temporary will soone be discovered divâ—rsity of words cannot change the nature of things Their fiâ—st march is to Canterbury where they visit Thomas of Canterbury who lived and dyed a Rebell to his Prince and to use the words of Rogerius â— Norman in Caesarius the Monke deserved death and damnation for this Contumacy against his King the Minister of God â— fit Saint for such votaries Their kindnesse was not much they spoile his Church break up the Bishops Chamber and make a prey of all they finde pâ—otest the Bishâ—p shall give them an account of the profits of his Chancery and here they begin their audit Thus we see our New reformers are entred but Sacriledge ushers them in they break ope the Prisons and free the Saint in Bonds Baal when they haâ— done what they came for the Citizens who had entertained them willingly leave their houses to keep them company a Councell is called to resolve upon what ground the next storme should poure downe London ever false to the Prince The Wood which no doubt would lodge the Wolves is set by their Orders Tyler the Idoll who knew his Reigne would last no loâ—ger thin while these Men continued madde thought this the onely place likely to keep them so London too was the fairest mark and besides the Clownes were assured of a welcome upon a private invitation from some of the Citâ—zens whose Ancestors and Predecessours in all ages in the tumults of the Confessor S Edwards reigne in all the Barons Warres since have gained the renowned to be lovers of Reformation otherwise pure Rebellion enemies to Courtiers and Malignants enemies to the enemies of their deare Liberties which yet sometimes they pursue with too much heat and blinde zeale sometimes to their cost and repentance mistaking every where both notions and things the bridles which they without feare or wit provide for their Kings being often thrust into their owne mouthes by the new riders which themselves lift into the saddle while they growne sober Mules dare neither kick nor fling Behold the common people sayes the Knight when they be up against their Prince and especially in England among them there is no remedy for they are the perillousest people of the World and most outrageous if they be up and specially the Londoners sayes the Monk The Londoners never want fury if they be not kept in if license or insolence be permitted them The Princess Dowager of the incomparable Edward the black Prince Mother of the young King then at Canterbury hardly escapes these Savages who rudely assault her Chaire and put her and her Ladies in no small feare of Villany to be done to their persons This princess was so willing to be out of their reach that notwithstanding she was very fat and unwieldie she got to London in a day Tyler who had insinuated himselfe into the good grace of these Churles by appearing the most stirring and active of the Kennell who began and ruled the cry and was by I know not what Ceremony perhaps like that Irish election by casting an old shoe over his head declared Prince of the rabble leades them to Rochester which will not come behinde Canterbury in kindenesse The people of the Towne sayes the Knight were of the same sect it seemes the Castle once one of the strongest in the Kingdome was now neither fortified nor manned the Governour Sir John Moton yeelds himself into their hands he was one of the Kings Family of his House-hold and must be thought awed as he was into the ingagement Here the Commons might be thought ashamed of their owne choyce they offer Sir John the Generalls staffe which had he accepted he must have commanded according to the motions of the Lieutenant Generall Tilers Spirit and when this turne had been over at the least stamp of his foot have
Gods Judgments pluck them down upon their heads which themsâ—lves explain if ye faile if ye and your Officers give not obedience freely to the Protector we will send out 20000 men 20000 of our Locusts who shall burn the Towns of the children of disobedience Those of S. Albanes and Barnet whose famous deeds challenge a place in this story by themselves struck with the thunder of this edict haste to London in their journey thither at Heibury a retiring house of the Lo Prior of S. John neere Islington they finde 20000. or thereabouts casting downe the firmer parts of the house which the fire could not consume Jack Straw Câ—ptain of this hâ—rd calls these new comers to him and forces them to sweare to adhere to King Richard and the Commons How long this Oath will be sworne to we shall see and how much the safer the King will be for it We shall see too what is lost by this new Union of King and Commons by the new fellowship to observe the horrible irreligious hypocrisie of these Clownes who onely would be thought the Protectors of his Crown and Person They alâ—ne had decreed his ruine who sweare thus often to prâ—vent it to guard him from it A Treason not to be bâ—lieved by some then till it had taken The Commons were then divided into three Bodies this with Jack Straw the second at Mile end under the Eâ—sexian Princes Kiâ—kâ—y Treder Scot and Rugge the third on Tower-hill where the Idoll and Priest Baal were in chiefe This last crue grew horribly rude and haughty the Commons there were not contented to be the Kings Tasters and no more they snatch the Kings provision violently from the Purveyours he is to be starved for his own good and after Harpies or Vultures choose you whether strike high like brave birds of prey they will kill no more Flies this was the way to secure their smaller mischiefs Polydores conceit that the Archbishop and Lord Prior of S. John were sent out by the King to allay their heat is not probable Walsingham relates it thus That they demanded these two with full cryes no doubt of Justice Justice with some others Traitours by their Law a Fundamentall never to be found or heard of before to be given up to them by the King with all the earnestnesse and violence imaginable They give him his choice bid him consider of it they will either have the blood of these their Traitours or his they making all those Delinquents who attended on him or executed his lawfull commands whom say they The King with an high and forcible hand protects will not be appeased unlesse they be delivered up conjuring him to be wise in time and dismisse his extraordinary guards his Cavaliers and others of that quality who seem to have little interest or affection to the publike good Whether the Tower doores flew open at this fright or the Man-wolfes crowded in at the Kings going out to appease the party at Mile-end as Sir John Froissart tells it Wat the Idol with Priest Baal are now masters of the Tower into which on Friday the 16 of June they entred not many more than 400 of their company guarding them where then were commanded six hundred of the Kings men of Armes and six hundred Archers a Guard not so extraordinary as was necessary then all so faint-hearted so unmanned at the apparition at the sight of these Goblins they stood like the stones of Medusa remembred not themselves their honour nor what they had been The Clownes the most abject of them singly with their Clubs or Cudgels in their hands venture into all the rooms into the Kings Bed-chamber which perhaps had been his Scaffold had he been there sit lie and tumble upon his Bed they presse into his Mothers Chamber where some of the merry wanton Devills offer to kisse her others give her blowes break her head She swownes and is carryed privately to the Wardrobe by her servants Some revile and threaten the noblest Knights of the Houshold some stroke their beards with their uncleane hands which beyond the Romane patience in the same rudenesse from the Gauls is indured and this to claw and sweeten they meant it so they glose with smooth words and bespeak a lasting friendship for the time to come they must maintain the injuries done to themselves must not disturbe the usurpers of their Estates and Rights must not shew any sense of generosity of faith of honour it concerned Tyler that they should be the veryest fools and cowards breathing if they stir make any Claimes they shall be reputed seditious turbulent and breakers of the publick otherwise and plainly Tylers peace It was never heard sayes the Emperour Charles in Sleidan that it should be lawfull to despoile any man of his estates and rights and unlawfull to restore him Our Tyler and his Anabaptists thought otherwise As Walsingham they went in and out like Lords who were varlets of the lowest rank and those who were not Cowherds to Knights but to Bores value themselves beyond Kights Here was a hotchpotch of the rabble a mechanick sordid state composed as those under Kettes One of Reformation after Of Countrey gnooffes Hob Dick and Hick with Clubs and clouted shoon A medley or huddle of Botchers Coblers Tinkets Dâ—aymen of Apron men and Plough joggers domineering in the Kings Palace and rooting up the plants and wholsome flowers of his Kingdome in it This place was now a vile and nasty sty no more a Kings Palace who will value a stately pâ—le of building of honourable title or Antique memory since Constantine when it is infected with the plagu haunted by Goblins or possessed by Theeves The knights of the Court were but knights of the Carpet or Hangings No man seemed discontented all was husht and still White hall was then a Bishops Palace the Tower was to be prepared for Tylers highnesse and his Officers but the Cement of the Stratocratie of the Government by Sword and Club Law could not be well tempered with vulgar blood a servant of the Arch-bishops who had trusted himselfe to these Guards and Walls is forced to betray his Lord He brings them into the Chappell where the holy Prelat was at his prayers where he had celebrated Masse that morning before the King and taken the sacred Communion where he had spent the whole night in watching and devotion as presaging what followed He was a valiant man and pious and expected these Blood-hounds with great security and calmnesse of mind when their bellowing first struck his ears He tels his servants that Death came now as a more particular blessing where the comforts of life were taken away that life was irkesome to him perhaps his pious feares for the Church and Monarchy both alike indangered and fatally tied to the same chain might make him weary of the World and that he could now die with more quiet of conscience than ever a quiet which these
will not rule in fetters his will his violence shall be called Law and grievous slâ—very under that will falsly peace Had those whom no government never so sweet and gâ—â—cious will pleaâ—e unlesse the Supreame pâ—wer be given the people seen the confusions and dangers the câ—uelty and tyranny of these few dayes they would quickly have changâ—d this opinion The Knight performes his Embassy he uâ—ges the Idol with great earnestness to see the King and speedily He answers if thou beest so much for hast get thee back to the King thy Master I will come when I list yet â—e followes the Knâ—ght on Horse back but slowly In the way he is met by a Citâ—zen who had brought sixty doublets for the Commons upon the Publique Faith This Citizen askes him for his mony he promises payment before night presses on so near the King that his horse touched the croupe of the Kings horse Froissart reports his discourse to the King Sir King sayes the Idol seest thou yondâ—r people The King answers yes and askes him what he meanes by the question He replyes they are all at my command have sworne to mâ— Faith and Truth to doe what I will have them He and they had broke their Faith and truth to their Pâ—ince and he thinkes these men will be true to hâ—m Here though it be a digrâ—ssion too much I cannot omit a passage of the late Câ—vâ—ll Warres of France begun and continued by the Jesuitâ—d party to extirpâ—â—â— the royall Family therâ— Vilâ—ers Governour of Râ—üâ—n for the holy League tells the Duke of Mayen Captainâ— Gâ—nerall of the Rebellion That he would not obey him they were both companions and spoilers of the State together The King being levelled all men else ought to bâ—â—quâ—ll The Idoll as he that demanded so the Kâ—ight nothing buâ— Riot continues his discourse â—hu Believeâ—t thou King that these people wâ—ll depart without thy Lâ—tters The King tells him Hâ— means faâ—rly that he will make good his woâ—d his Letters are neare finished and they shall have them But the glory of the Idoll which was merely the benefit of fortune begâ—n to fade his principally was toâ— cruell too violent to be lasting Vengeance here hovered over his head and he who had been the destruction of multitudes hastens nay precipitates his own fate and ruins himself by his own fury he puts himself into the Kings power who should in his first towring had he been wisely wicked like a Vulture of the Game have flown at his throat * The judicious polit que will not begin to give over However will never venture himself in the Pâ—inces hands whom he has justly offended by treasons against his government †Charles of Burgundy confesses this to be â— great folly his Grandfather Philip lost his life at Montereau upon the Yonne by it and our Idoll shall not escape better Sir John Newton the Knight imployed to fetch him delivered his message on horseback which is now remembred and taken for an high neglect besides it seemeth the carriage and words of the Knight were not very pleasing Every trifle in omission was treason to the Idols person and new state He railes foulely drawes his Dagger and bellowing out Traitor menaces to strike the Knight who returnes him in exchange the lie and not to be behinde in blowes drawes his This the Idol takes for an intolerable affront but the King fearfull of his servant cooles and asswages the heat he commands the Knight to dismount and offer up his Dagger to the Idol which though unwillingly was done This would not take off his edge The Prince who yeilds once to a Rebell shall finde heaps of requests and must deny nothing The King had given away his Knights Dagger now nothing will content Tyler but the Kings Sword with which the Militia or power of Armes impliedly was sought This he askes then againe rushes upon the Knight vowing never to eat till he have his Head When the Nobility and Gentry of the Kingdome whom neither necessity nor misery could animate lie downe trampled on by these Villaines without Soule or motion In comes the Major of London Sir William Walworth the everlasting honour of the Nation a man who over did ages of the Roman Scaevolae or Curtii in an hours action snatches the King Kingdome out of these flames He tells the King it would be a shame to all posterity to suffer more insolencies from this Hangman this lump of bloud This the rest of the Courtiers now wakened by their owne danger For he who destroyes one man contrary to Law or Justice gives all men else reason to feare themselves and take heed are echoes to This puts daring into the young King he resoâ—ves to hazâ—rd all upon this chance This way he could not but die kingly at least lâ—ke a Gentleman with the Sword which God of whose great Mâ—jesâ—y he was a beam gave him in his hand The onely way left to avoid a shâ—mâ—full death was to run the dangâ—r of a brave one and a wise coward I will not say an honourable one considering the incâ—rtainty of things under that Iron socage Tenure wâ—uld think so The King commands the Major to arrâ—st the Buâ—cher This was charge enough and rightly understood indeed there was then no time for forme nor tryall the suspension oâ— the Courts was Tylers act his crime aâ—d he ougâ—t not to look for any advantagâ— from it an Historian sayes the Duke of Guyse's power was so much that the ordinary formes of Justice could not be observed faire Law is handsome but it is not to be given to Wolves and Tygers Tyler was a traytour a common enemy and against such sayes a Father long â—gone every man is a Souldier whosoevâ—r struck too struck as much in his owne defence in his owne preservation as the Kings and the safety of the King and People made this course necessary besides Tylers crimes were publick and notorious The generous Lord Major obeyes the sentence which was gâ—ven by the same power by which the Judges of Courts sate and acted when Justice flâ—wed down from the fountaine in the ordinary channell and which the damme head being thus troubled by this Wâ—lfe could flow no otherwise which was authority sufficient by this power Richards Captaines must fight when he has them and kill those whom the Courts of Justice connot deal with Tylerâ—aints and shâ—inkes to what he had beene he was as cowardly as cruell and could not seem a man in any thing but that he was a theef and a rebell he askes the brave Major in what he was offended by him This was a strange question to an honest man he finds it so The Major sayes Froissart calâ—s him false stinking knave and tells him he shall not speake such words in the presence of his naturall Lord the King The Major answers in full upon the accursed Sacrilâ—gious Head of the Idol with his Sword He
of which say they were one of Gold another of Azure * The Abbot prayes them to be satisfied for the time he protests they have all he has to give them he knew of no more yet he would make a search and if any such deed could be found it should faithfully be delivered to them This too was the answer of the Covent it was agreed that the Abbot should after dinner disclaime under his hand and seale in all things prejudiciall to their Liberty In memory of an old suit betwixt Abbot Richard the first and the Townsmen in the reigâ—es of William the second and Henry the first wherein the Townsmen were overthrown were laid Milstones before the doore of the * Parler These John the Barber with others tooke away as a token of victory over the Law these they break into small pieces and distribute amongst the worthies as the sacred Bread is given in the Eucharist Who could forbeare teares sayes Walsingham heaviâ—y bewailing these changes to see servants command their Lords who know not how to rule nor how to pity To see London once the noble head of our Cities become a â—â—â—e for uncleane Swine Who would not tremble to heare that the Archbishop and the Lord Treasurer should be offered victâ—mes to wicked spirits to the Kentish Idol the Kentish Saturne or Moloch and his Hob-goblings in the midst of the Kingdome Nâ—y sayes he whose heart would it not have wounded through to have seene the King of England who of right for Majesty and dignity ought to precede all Kings in the World out of feare of his head observe the nods and becks of these varlets and the Nobility and Gently mortified beasts trampled on by these scullions inslaved at their owne charge lick up their dust After dinner a sad dinner to the Monks this merdaille these stinkaâ—ds throng before the gates and demand the Charter of Liberties which the Abbot had promised them to seale which was sent and read to them in the thickest of the rout If they please to accept it this was the Abbots Complement he is ready to seale They resolved never to be pleased with much scorne and pride answer by an Esquire of the Abbot That the Abbot must appoint some Clerk of his to attend them with Ink and Parchment Themselves would dictate and after the Abbot and Covent should confirme what was done when this humour was satisfied The safety and peace of the Monastery and Monkes were as desperate as ever The old Charter which they will everlastingly believe concealed muâ—â— be produced else they will buty the Covent in the ruines of the Cloysters This Charter did certainly as they will have it conteine all their anâ—ient Liberties and priviledges and if this was true there was no great reason it should be in the Abbots keeping Here the Abbot imployes the most honourable Esquires of the Countrey as Mediatours to soften them and offers if they desire it to say Masse before them next morning and to sweare upon the Sacrament he should be about to take with what Monkes they would name that he kept from them no such Charter with his knowledge Make choice sayes he of what Liberties you can you shall have my Charters drawne they shall be granted you by it I will seale you a reall Charter instead of a fantasticall one never seene by you no where to be had The Abbot struggles in vaine against these waves this Charter of their fancies they will have Nor shall any other price redeeme the Monastery they intended the subversion of the house and wrangle thus crossely that they might seeme to have some pretences to doe it but because they had much businesse to goe about and could not be here and there too a truce was taken for that day and many of these pure brethren betake themselves to other parts some of them would not be prevailed with the Bread and Ale of the Monastery brought forth to them in huge Fats would not worke upon them to lay their fury they stayed onely for a leading hand Here an honest Burgesse interpâ—â—es Ribaulds sayes he what is it you purpose most of you here â—re forrainers of the Villages about this is the most famous mischiefe which can be acted in this Countrey this Beacon must set all on fire and it is fit we who are Burgesses and Free-men of this Towne should give the on-set by this finenesse they are gained to quit the gates and joyne to the assistance of their fellow-labourers The rest of the day is spent by their united forces in overthrowing of houses clashing of vessells and spoiling of goods according to the rule of Walter the false founder of the order At night the Lieutenants make Proclamation under the Kings Banner commanding strong Guards to be set about the Towne that they may be assured against surâ—rizes and about the river Werlam and Saint Germanes making it losse of the head to any Monke who should be found issuing from or entring the Monastery that way This was done to â—et a trap for the Prior and those who fled with him They proclaimed also that whosoever could challenge any debts due to him from the Monastery might put in his claimâ— and little proofe should be needeâ— the next day and the Burgesses of the Towne would discharge as far as the goods of the Monastery would reach Much more was Magisterially throwne in to shâ—w a cast of the present power which was no sooner done but there appeares a Farmour of the Mannor of Kingsbury belonging to this Abbey armed with his Sword and Buckler this man was much in arreares for his Farme and durst not peepe abroade from his lurking holes before these broyles which hiding of himselfe he imputes now to the injustice and câ—uâ—lâ—y of the Prior this chuffe demands one hundred Marks damages for the losses he had sustained in his absence and threatens to burne the grange of Saint Peter and Mannor-house of Kingsbury neare the Abby if he be not repaired twenty pounds he receives upon this demand and goes away swearing he would freely give it back againe for the Priors head Saturday night passed with much perplexity to the Monkes who were at their wits ends and lifes too they could not hope better things about the Charter which was no where extant but in the â—dodles of these cluster-fists But day and comfort broke out together upon them Suddenly this overflow of pride and arrogancy abated their loftinesse fell and their bristles were somewhat laid very unpleasing rumours concerning the Army were spread and the death of the Idol Tyrant Wat of stinking memory was certainely knowne and divulged and what was as stabbing that the Citizens of London growne wise and resolute either out of loyalty or which is the rather to be supposed experience of their new master began now to owne their Prince their naturall Lord unanimously and to side with him against all seditious opposers of his
Christians are to submit to let the next Casuists judge The Septuagint translation of the Bible sayes of Abimelech who slew his seaventy Brethren murder ushers usurpation in He made himselfe King by Tyranny The Monk who writes the lives of the Offaâ—s speaking of Beormred the Mercian Usurper has these words In the same region of the Mercians a certaine Tyranne rather destroying and dissipating the Nobility of the Realm than ruling c. persecuting banishing c. Lest any one especially of the Royall Blood should be advanced in his place he vehemently feared The thirty Vsurpers in the time of Gallienus are every where called Tyrannes Paulus Diaconus writing of Valentine in the time of Valentinian sayes He was crushed in Britannie before he could invade the Tyrannie and of Maximus that he was stout and valiant and worthy of the Empire had he not against the faith of his oath raised himselfe per tyrannidem by tyrannie In other places Eugenius Gratian Constance Sebastian created Tyrannes The words Tyranne and Tyrannie and tyrannous partie being used often by him are ever opposed to just and Regall power never used in any other sense Widdrington to the example of Athalia urged by Bellarmine against Kings sayes she was no lawfull Queen she had seized the Kingdome as an Usurpresse by Tyrannie the Kingdome belonged to Joash in whose right and by whose power she was justly slaine Our most learned Prelate Bishop Abbot of Salisbury tells the Cubs of Loyola Athalia had snatched had grasped and held the kingdome with no right no title but by butchery robbery rapine and forcible entry and that she was thrown down and killed by the common bounden duty and faith of Subjects to their Prince Baronius a Cardinal that the Maccabees of Levi or house of the Assamoneans may not be made Usurpers matches them with the royall line of David else sayes he absque labe tyrannidis without the stain of Tyrannie they could not meddle with the Kingdome Rodolph Duke of Suâ—via or Suabenland set up for a false Emperour by that devilish Pope Hildebrand against the Emperour Hen. the IIII. is called by the Germanes a Tyranne upon this score A full Tyrannie sayes one of our Chiefe Justices speaking of the Papall power in Church causes here has two parts without right to usurp and inordinately to rule and the Statute 28 of King Henry the 8. against the Papall Authority calls it an usurped Tyranny and the exercise of it a Robbery and spoyling of the King and his people The Statute 31 Henry 6. adjudging John Cade another Impe of Hell and successour of Wat to be a traitour whcih are the words of the title and all his Indictments and Acts to be voide speakes thus The most abominable Tyrannie horrible odious and arrant false Traytour John Cade naming himselfe sometime Mortimer he and Tyler had two Names taking upon him Royall power c. by false subtile and imagined language c. Robbing Stealing and spoyling c. And that all his Tyranny Acts Feaâ—s and false opinions shall be voyded and that all things depending thereof c. under the power of Tyranny shall be likewise voide c. and that all Indictments in times comming in like case under power of Tyranny Rebellion c. shall be voide in Law and that all Petitions delivered to the King in his last Parliament c. against his minde by him not agreed shall be put in oblivion c. as against God and conscience c. To proceed The King because all thâ—se risings were by the Ring leaders protested to be made for him and his Rights and that the forces then raised were raised by his Authority and all their actions owned by him issues out a Proclamation from London to this effect RIchard c. To all and singular Sheriffes Majors Bayliffs c. of our County of N. c. Because we are given to understand That divers of our Subjects who against our Peace c. have raised and in diverse Conventicles and Assemblies c. Do affirme That they the said Assemblies and Levies have made and doe make by Our will and Authority c. We make knowne to all men That such Levies Assemblies and Mischiefes from Our Will and Authority have not proceeded He addes they were begun and continued much to His displeasure and disgrace to the prejudice of His Crowne and dammage of the Realm Wherefore he injoynes and commands c. To take the best care for the keeping of his Peace opposing of all such Levies with a strong hand Farther He commands every man to leave such Assemblies and return home to his own house under penalty of forfeiture of Life and Member and all things forfeitable to the King c. These Clowns charge not the King to be transported Furiously and Hostilely to the destruction of the whole people which can never happen where the King is in his wits But what is fully as mad they will suppose him to Arme against his own life and power against his own peace and the peace of all that love him This Proclamation put life into the Royalists into all honest hearts and dismayes as much the Rebels yet after this the Essex Traitors gather again at Byllericay near Hatfield Peverell and send to the King now at Waltham to know whether he intends to make good his Grants of Liberties and require to be made equal with their Lords without being bound to any Suits of Court view of Frank-pledge only excepted twice the year The King and his Counsell are startled at this impudence The King answers the Agents That if he did not look upon them as Messengers he would hang them up Return sayes he to your fellow Rebels and tell them Clowns they were and are and shall continue in their Bondage not as hitherto but far more basely trampled on While we live and rule this Kingdom by Gods Will we will imploy all our Means and Power to keep you under So that your misery shall frighten all villeins hereafter And your posterity shall curse your memory At the heels of the Messengers the King sends his Unkle Thomas of Woodstock Earl of Buckingham and Sir Thomas Piercy with a body of Horse to quell them The Rebels were intrenched according to the manner of Litsters Camp in the midst of Woods Ten Lances of the Avant Currours rout them the Lords when they were come up inclose the Woods round five hundred are killed eight hundred Horses for carriage taken the broken remainders of the defeat escape to Colchester a Town ever honest and faithfull to the Prince where the loyal Townsmen would not be gotten to stir they sollicite the Townsmen saies the Monk with much intreaty great threats and many arguments neither intreaties nor threats nor arguments would move them From thence they get to Sudbury making every where such Proclamations as of old they had used where the Lord Fitzwalter whose seat was at Woodham Walters in