The places where these were erected were Breme Verda Minda Paterborne Osnabourg Hildesem and Halberstad But though he gave the Bishops power of Governing yet the Nobles did not altogether loose the power of administring in Publike affairs At last because the Saxons revolted again he removed ten Thousand of them with their Wives and Children into Brabant and Flanders and sent some French to inhabit in their roomes Charlemagne lived fifteen years after that he had united the Romane Empire to the French Monarchy yet not without many troubles For Grimoald Duke of Beneventum sought to disturbe Italy in the behalf of the Lombards but Charles prevented it betimes imploying against him his Son Pepin a Worthy and a Valiant Prince and Grimoald being vanquished was entreated withall mildnesse and being restored to his Estate he became afterwards a very affectionate and obedient servant to Charlemagne who was a Prudent Conqueror that knew as well how to use as how to get a Victory After this it followed that for some attempts made by the Venetians against the Empire of Charlemagne in the behalf of the Emperor of Constantinople or as others say upon the false information of Fortunatus Patriarch of Grado that Charlemagne commanded his son Pepin King of Italy to make Wars against them which he accordingly began with great resolution and took the Cities and Fortresses which the Venetians held within the main land and at length besieged the City of Venice it self both by Sea and by Land to the relief whereof the Greek Emperor sent a Fleet about which Authors agree not for some say that Pepin wholly took Venice Others say that he only took some Islands thereof and that the Plac◠〈◊〉 is called Rioalto defended it self How ever it was this War continued long Obeliers and Becur two great Personages being the chief Commanders for the Venetians At last Peace was concluded betwixt them and the Venetians had liberty to live after their own Lawes and customs and the Venetians won great reputation for being able to defend themselves against so potent and Victorious an Enemy Charlemagne would have the Country which he had Conquered from the Lombards to be called Lombardy that by retaining their Name he might somewhat sweeten their servile condition in the ruin of their Estate But now Charlemagne finding himself old and broken and his Children Valiant Wise and Obedient he resolved to make his last Will and Testament wherein he divided his Kingdomes between his three legitimate Sons to wit Charles his Eldest Pepin and Lewis In which he made his eldest Son Charles King of the greatest and best parts of France and Germany To Pepin he gave the Kingdom of Italy and Bavaria with some other Provinces And to Lewis he bequeathed Provence and that part of France which bordereth upon Spaine together with some other Provinces But all succeeded after an other manner then he intended God the Soveraign disposer of Kingdoms having decreed otherwise to dispose thereof He endeavoured also to reduce all his Kingdoms under one Law making choise of the Roman Laws above all others both for the dignity of the Empire and because they seemed to him to be most Just and equal But the French being loath to alter any thing in their customary Laws desired and obtained of him that they might be governed by the same So as Gaul Narbonne which comprehends Daulphine Languedoc and Provence do use the written Laws as the ancient Provinces of the Romans and the rest of France observe their customary Laws It afterwards happened that a great Fleet of Infidels which inhabited Spaine with the aid and assistance of some Africans invaded the Isles of Sardinia and Corsica in the Mediterranean Sea for the 〈…〉 whereof the Emperor Charlemagne sent commandment to his Son Pepin that he should send thither against them a valiant Captain whose name was Buoaredus who took so good order as that he drove those Infidels out of those Islands and slew five thousand of them in one Battel And with no lesse good successe the Emperor undertook an other War against the Dukes of the Bohemians and Polanders which is a part of the ancient Sarmatia who infested the Countries under his Dominions against whom he sent his Son Charles with great Forces of Burgonias Saxons and Germans And this young Charles imitating his Father Warred valiantly and with discretion against them and coming first to a Battel with the Bohemians led by Leo their Duke he overcame them as he did also at other times and at last slew Leo their Duke the like successe he had also against the Polanders so as at length they all became his Fathers Subjects And for these Victories of Charlemagne he was so much feared and renowned through the World that a great King of the East and Amurath the greatest of all the Mahomatists sent their Ambassadors with rich Presents unto him desiring peace and friendship and the like did all Christian Kings Charlemagne thus living with honour and in tranquillity Godfrey King of Demark which was a dependance of the Realm of Germany and part of Charles his Portion as was hinted before made War against him This Godfrey was a mighty Prince and commanded over a large Dominion and with great Forces came into Friesland and Saxony where he did great harm Against whom the Emperor addressing himself though he was now Old and unweildy speedily departed with a great Army but by the way news was brought him that King Godfrey was dead and that his Army was returned into their own Country And upon the same day news came also that his Son Pepin who had raigned in Italy in great prosperity was dead in the City of Millan which was an occasion of great grief to the old Emperor Then did he return to the City of Aken or Aix unto which place Ambassadors came to him from Hermigius who succeeded Godfrey in the Kingdom of Denmark humbly desiring Peace The like came also to him from the Emperor of Constantinople and others also from Ambulat a King of the Moors who raigned in a great part of Spaine to all which he returned gracious answers and granted their Petitions withall giving hearty thanks to God for that he was generally so well esteemed of But after this Sunshine an other storme returned as the clouds return after the raine For it pleased God to take away an other of hs Sons called Charles who lay on the borders of Germany for the defence thereof so as now his whole hope rested in his third Son Lewis Thus man purposeth and God disposeth Thus the Sons die before the Father Thus we see the greatest cannot free themselves from the common calamities of mankind Thus both great Kings and great Kingdoms have their Period Crownes have their compasse Kingdoms have their date Fortune her frowns Felicity her fate Thus Charlemagne lost his Children and his great Empire her best support under God For these two
All that thou sees't and readest is Divâ—â—â— Learning thus vs'd is water turn'd to winâ— Well may wee then despaire to draw his 〈◊〉 View heere the case i th Booke the Jewell finâ— P V. A. 〈…〉 THE LIFE DEATH OF ALEXANDER the Great The first Founder of the GRECIAN EMPIRE Represented by the Brazen belly of that Image Dan. 2. 32. and by a Leopard with four wings Dan. 7. 6. and by a He-Goat with a great horn between his eyes Dan. 8. 5. AS ALSO The LIFE and DEATH of CHARLES the GREAT Commonly called CHARLEMAGNE The first Founder of the FRENCH EMPIRE By SA CLARKE sometime Minister in St Bennet Fink London LONDON Printed for William Miller at the Gilded Acorn in St Pauls Church-yard near the little North Door 1665. Licensed to be Printed Roger L'Estrange THE LIFE DEATH OF ALEXANDER the Great The first Founder of the GRECIAN EMPIRE Represented by the Brazen belly of that Image Dan. 2. 32. and by a Leopard with four wings Dan. 7. 6. and by a He-Goat with a great horn between his eyes Dan. 8. 5. By Sa. Clarke sometime Minister in St Bennet Fink London Promotion comes neither from the East nor from the West nor from the South But God is the Judge He putteth down one and setteth up another Psal. 75. 6 7. LONDON Printed for William Miller at the Gilded Acorn in St Pauls Church-yard near the little North Door 1665. THE LIFE DEATH OF ALEXANDER the Great KING OF MACEDONIA ALEXANDER surnamed the Great was the Son of Philip King of Macedonia and of his Queen Olympias He was born on the sixth day of our June called by the Macedonians Lous Upon the very same day that the Temple of Diana in Ephesus was burned down whereupon the Priests Magicians and South-sayers ran about the City crying that some great Plague and mischief to Asia was surely born that day Three messengers came to King Philip presently after he had won the City of Potidaea upon the same day who brought him great Newes the first that Parmenio his Generall had won a notable Battel of the Illyrians the second that his Horse had won the prize at the Olympian Games and the third that his wife Olympias had brought him a Son that was named Alexander born at Pella in Macedonia Philip being marvellous glad to hear these newses the Southsayers much added to his joy assuring him that his Son that was thus born should be invincible He had naturally a very fair white colour mingled with red which chiefly appeared in his face and breast His skin had a marvellous sweet savour and his breath was very sweet which shewed his excellent constitution He was naturally hot and Cholerick which made him to be addicted to drink and hasty and yet was chast withall His Father was very carefull of his Education and therefore gat for him excellent Tutors as Leonidas which had the chiefest Government of him Then Lysimachus an Acarnanian and Aristotle the Best Philosopher of his time to whom Philip allowed a very Honourable stipend He delighted much in hunting divers kinds of wilde Beasts and playing at the Staff On a time while he was young Ambassadors were sent to his Father from the King of Persia and it fell out that Philip was in some journey out of his Kingdom Alexander therefore intertained them familiarly not using any childish questions to them nor enquiring about trifling and triviall matters but what distance it was from one place to another and which way they went into the higher places of Asia Also about the King of Persia himself how he behaved himself towards his enemies and what power he had c. insomuch as they were ravished with delight to hear him judging him to be of great Courage and of a Noble minde and one that was like to attempt great enterprises When at any time news was brought him that his Father had taken some famous City or had won some great Battel he was no whit glad to hear it but would say to his play-fellows Sirs My Father will do all I shall have nothing left me to Conquer with you that will be ought worth Upon a time Philonicus a Thessalian brought a brave Horse called Bucephalus to sell unto King Philip demanding thirteen Talents for him and they went into the Field to try him But the Horse was found to be so unruly and churlish that they which should have ridden him said that he would never be made serviceable For he would let no man get upon his Back nor abide any of the Gentlemens voices that were about Philip but would yerk at them with his heels whereupon Philip being afraid bad them take him away as a wilde untamable and unprofitable Beast which they had done accordingly had not Alexander that stood by said O Gods what a Horse do they turn away for lack of skill and courage to handle and break him Philip heard what he said but held his peace Alexander often repeating those words and seeming sorry that the Horse should be sent back Philip said Why doest thou controll them that have more skill and experience than thy self and that know better how to handle a Horse than thou doest Alexander answered and yet me-thinks I could handle him better than all they have done But if thou canst do no more than they replied Philip what wilt thou forfeit for thy folly I am content said Alexander to forfeit the price of the Horse Every one laughed to hear his answer and the match was made between the Father and the Son Then ran Alexander to the Horse and took him by the Bridle and turned him towards the Sun It seems he had observed how mad the Horse was to see his own shadow which was before always before his eyes as he stirred too and fro Then Alexander speaking gently to the Horse and clapping him on the back with his hand till he had left his fury and sâ—orting softly let fall his Cloke from him and lightly leaped on his back and so gat up without any danger and holding the reins of the Bridle hard without striking or stirring the Horse made him to be gentle enough And when he perceived that the fury of the Horse was calmed he put him forward and began to Gallop Then he put him to his full carrier spurring and switching him Philip at first seeing his sons confidence began to fear lest he should catch any hurt But when he saw him readily to turn the Horse at the end of his carrier and shewing bravery for what he had done all the Spectators gave a great shoot for joy and the Father fell a weeping for joy and when Alexander was allighted from the Horse his Father went and kissed him saying O Son thou must have a Kingdom that is meet for thee for Macedonia is not sufficient for thee Considering also that he was not to be rigorously dealt with and that by gentle means and perswasions
he could make him do what he would he ever sought rather to perswade than to Command him what he would have done Alexander in these his younger days was very mild and of a patient disposition insomuch as being told that some of his Friends used in secret to speak against him he said Regium est malè audire cùm benefeceris It s a Kingly thing to hear ill when one doth well King Philip being dead his son Alexander succeeded being a Prince no less Valiant by Nature than by Education being well instructed inriched with all sorts of Learning He began his Reign in Macedonia four hundred and seventeen years after Rome was built being himself about twenty years old Upon this change of the King the neighbour Nations whom Philip had oppressed adventured to endeavour the recovery of their former liberty by force of Arms the young years of Alexander giving some hope of prevailing his suspected severity encreasing the courage of others who could easilier resolve to die than to live in slavery But Alexander gave no respite to these discontented humours For after revenge taken upon the Conspiratours against his Father whom he slew upon his Tomb and the celebration of his Funerals he first engaged his Macedonians to him by freeing them from all exactions and bodily slavery other than his service in the Wars and to others that contemned his youth he used such an sterity and such clemency to the rest that having calmed these neerer discontents he presently went into Peloponnesus and so insinuated himself amongst them that by the Council of the States of Greece he was chosen Captain Generall to mannage the War against the Persians as his Father had been before him who was so intent upon that War that he had sent over into Asia part of his Army under the Conduct of Parmenio and Attalus with order to take in some place which might secure the descent of the rest Upon this enterprise against the Persians was Alexander wholly busied his restless thoughts both sleeping and waking presenting to him the Riches Honour and large Dominions which he hoped to attain thereby Yet was he again crossed and retarded by the Athenians Thebans and Lacedemonians who had united themselves against him hoping by the assistance of the Persians to recover their former liberty and they were to this encouraged by Demosthennes whom the Persian Gold had bribed thereunto This unexpected rub and loss of time was very grievous to Alexander who was troubled that he should turn his Sword from the base and effeminate Persians against the manly and famous Grecians of whose assistance in his intended Wars he had assured himself He therefore made such expedition against them that himself with his Army at his heels brought them the first news of his preparations This celerity of his made them begin to stagger and the Athenians as they were the first that moved so were they the first that fainted and by their Ambassadours sought to pacifie him Alexander was not long in resolving but admitted their excuses and made peace Having now quieted his Borderers on the South he resolved also to assure himself of those Nations which lay on the North of Macedonia viz. the Thracians Triballes Poones Getes Agrians and others who by their frequent incursions had much molested his Father and withall those after he had given them divers overthrows he made peace or brought them into his Subjection and yet could he not find the way out of Europe The Thebans which had one thousand Macedonians in Garrison in their Citadel being impatient of slavery endeavoured to force it which Alexander being informed of hastened to their succour with thirty thousand Foot all old Souldiers and three thousand Horse and presenting himself before their City he gave the Thebans time to resolve whether they would have peace or War only demanding that they should deliver up to him the two chief Incendiaries Phaenix and Prothytes which they took in such scorn that they demand Philotas and Antipater two of his chief Captains This so incensed Alexander that whilst he assailed the City before the Macedonian Garrison did the like behind and so breaking into the City he slew ninty thousand of them and sold thirty thousand more for slaves and this he did for a terrour to the other Grecians Many Arguments were used by Cleadas one of the Prisoners to disswade him from destroying the City of Thebes but all proved fruitless for he razed the City only out of his respect to learning he pardoned all of the race of Pindarus the Poet and set at liberty Timoclea the sister of Theagines who died in the defence of the liberty of Greece against his Father Philip. This Noble Woman being taken by a Thracian and ravished he threatned to kill her unless she would discover her Treasure to him She led him to a Well and told him that she had cast it therein and when he stooped to look into the well she thrust him in and stoned him to Death Alexander shortly after at a Common Council of Greece being chosen General a second time against the Persians went to visit Diogenes the Philosopher there Then returned into Macedonia where in a Town called Dios as he was wholly taken up with thoughts of subduing Asia there appeared to him in his Sleep the resemblance of the High Priest of Jerusalem who bad him be couragious and bold and speedily with his Army to put over into Asia promising that he would be his Conducter in the Conquest of the Persian Empire as Alexander himself reported All being now quieted at home Alexander leaving the Government of Macedon and Greece to Antipater in the beginning of the Spring he passed the Hellespont and being ready to dis-imbark he threw a Dart towards the Asian shore as a token of defiance commanding his Souldiers not to wast and destroy the Country or to burn those buildings which themselves were presently and in future to possess Then landed he his Army consisting of thirty two thousand foot and five thousand Horse all old Souldiers neer unto Troy where he offered a Sacrifice upon the Tomb of Achilles his Maternall Ancestor But before he left his own Country he put to death without any offence given him all his Mother in Laws Kinsmen whom his Father had greatly advanced not sparing such of his own as he suspected thinking by unjust cruelty to secure himself for the present and future Yet the end fell out contrary to the Policy which his Ambition taught him though well agreeing with the Justice of God For within a few years all that he had planted was rooted up those whom he most trusted were most Traiterous His Mother Friends and Children fell by such another merciless Sword as his own and all manner of confusion followed his dead Body to the Grave and left him there When Darius the King of Persia was informed that
with him gat nothing because he asked nothing whereupon the next time he played he threw the Ball to all but Alexander the King marvelling at it asked him why he threw not the Ball to him Forsooth said Serapion because you asked it not Alexander laughing at the jest sent him a liberall Gift As he was travelling through the Deserts of Persia himself and his Army were in great straits for want of water One of his Souldiers having two Sons ready to die of thirst sought up and down and at last found a little water wherewith he filled a leather Bottell and was running with it to his Sons but meeting Alexander by the way he filled it out into a dish and profered it to him Alexander asked him whither he was carrying it the man told him that his two Sons were ready to die with thirst But said he pray you Sir do you drink it For if my Sons die I can get more but if you die we shall not have such an other King Alexander hearing this gave him the water again and bid him carry it to his Sons Alexander in his younger dayes was so moderate and temperate that he would often open his chests and look upon his Garments to see if his mother had not provided him either delicate or superfluous Apparell Also when the Queen of Caria to shew her great love to him sent him daily variety of Dishes and Dainties and at last sent her Cooks and Bakers to him he returned them back again saying That he had no need of their service for his Master Leonidas had provided him better Cooks by teaching bim to dine and sup Frugally and sparingly Also when he had any rare and dainty Fruits or Fishes sent him from the Sea he used to distribute them amongst his Friends reserving very little or none for his own use One craving a small gift of him he gave him a whole City and when the Poor man said That it was too much for him to receive Yea said Alexander but not for me to give As he was advanceing to Conquer a Kingdom in India Taxilis who was King thereof came and met him saying O Alexander What need we fight if thou comest not to take away my food and water for which its only fit for wise men to fight If thou seekest after Riches if I have more than thou I will give thee part of mine if thou hast more than I I will not refuse part of thine Alexander being much taken with his speech said to him Go to I will contend with thee in bounty and so they mutually gave and received many Gifts At last Alexander gave him a Thousand Tallents which much grieved his Friends and rejoyced the Barbarian He shewed an admirable Example of his Chastity in the heat of his youth when having taken the Mother Wives and Daughters of Darius women of admirable beauty yet neither by word nor deed did he profer them the least indignity thinking it a greater honour to overcome himself than his Adversaries And when he looked upon other Captive Ladies that excelled in stature and beauty he merrily said Persides oculorum dolores esse That the Persian women were a disease of the eyes and yet he looked on them but as one so many Statues When he was informed that two of his Captains under Parmenio had ravished two of the Persian Ladies he wrote to him to enquire after the matter and if he found it true he should cut off their Heads as of Beasts born for the hurt of mankind He also sent him word that himself was so far from contemplating the Beautâ— of Darius his Wife that he would not so much as suffer her to be commended in his presence and that he was so carefull of their Chastity that they lived in his Camp shut up in their Tent as if they had been in a Temple At the Death of Ephestion his Favourite he did not only clipp the haire of his Horses and Mules but plucked down also the Battlements of the City walls that they might seeme to mourne for his Miâ—ions Death shewing now deformity instead of their former Beauty Porus an Indian King fighting valiently against him received many wounds and at last being overcome and falling into his enemies hands they brought him to Alexander who hearing of his coming went forth with some of his Friends to meet him and asked him what he would have him to do for him Porus answered My only desire is that thou use me like a King Alexander admiring his magnimity replyed This I will do for my own sake but what wouldest thou have me doe for thine Porus answered That all was contained in his former demand of Kingly usage Alexander was so pleased with this that he restored him to his Kingdom and gave him an other bigger than his own FINIS THE LIFE DEATH OF CHARLES THE GREAT KING of FRANCE AND EMPEROR of GERMANY By Sa. Clarke sometime Minister in St Bennet Finck London LONDON Printed for William Miller at the Gilded Acorn in St Pauls Church-yard near the little North Door 1665. THE LIFE DEATH OF CHARLES the GREAT King of FRANCE and Emperor of GERMANY PEPIN sirnamed The short the 23d King of France a wise and valiant Prince had two Sons Charles and Caroloman and five daughters Birthe who was maried to Milon Earl of Mans by whom she had great Rowland Hiltrude maried to Rene Earl of Genes by whom she had the renowned Oliver Rohard Adeline Idubergue Ode and Alix Pepin being toiled out with great Wars much broken with the care of Publike affairs and now grown Old that he might imploy his last dayes in the maintenance of Justice and Peace the burden of War he laid upon his Eldest Son Charles a wise and a valiant young Prince of whose modesty and obedience he was well assured And then retiring to Paris he was not long after surprised with sicknesse in which he recommended his two Sonnes to the Estates of France to give them portions at their pleasures and so ended his dayes Anno Christi 768. He was a Religious Prince wise moderate valiant loving to his Subjects and beloved of them happy in his Father and his Children and in his Government An excellent Patterne for other Princes who by his Example hold it for an undoubted Maxim That the strongest Fortress and best security for a Prince is the love of his Subjects and the surest bond of his Authority a respect gotten and preserved by virtue Pepin being dead the Estates of France assembled together and by their joynt consents divide the Kingdom betwixt his two Sons Charles and Caroloman by equal portions Brother 's these were of divers humors who had certainly ruined each other by this equality of power had not the death of Caroloman within three years after divolved the Goverment of the whole Realm upon Charles Charles was endowed with singular gifts both of Body and Mind which
their fell out great Wars in Spain against the Sarazins which like a Deluge threatned to over-run all Christendom I shall intermit the former till I have spoken something of this latter that I may proceed with the more clearness in the remainder of this History The motive of the Spanish War was more upon pleasure then necessity But Zeal of Religion gave a colour and shew of necessity to the Heroical designes of Charlemagne who sought to enlarge the limits of the French Monarchy by his Armes But this his Spanish War as it was undertaken upon lighter grounds so was it more painfull more dangerous and lesse successefull then that of Italy whereunto necessity and Duty had drawn Charlemagne yet did his wise and wary proceeding in the action warrant him from all blame The occasions whâ—ch moved him to bend his Forces against the Sarazins in Spain were the assurance of good successe the quiet and peace of his Realme that he might have opportunity to imploy his Souldiery the hate of the Spaniards against the Sarazins and the generall fear of all Christians least these Caterpillers should creep further into Europe This was the estate of Spain at this time The Sarazins had conquered a great part of it and were divided under diverse Commands which had the Title of Kingdoms Yet these diverse Kings being apprehensive of their common danger resolved to unite their forces against Charlemagne their common enemy and foreseeing the Tempest they sought to prevent it and to cross the designes of Charlemagne For which end they suborned King Idnabala a Sarazin being a very subtile and crafty man to insinuate himself into the acquaintance and familiarity of Charlemagne which stratagem prevailed more then all their Power and Forces Charlemagne was much quickned to this War by Alphonso surnamed the Chast King of Navar by the Asturians and Gallizians Christian People of Spain who suggested to him that the War would be easie profitable and honourable and therefore most worthy the Valour and Fortune of Charlemagne This Idnabala also under a shew of friendship laboured to hasten him to the execution of this enterprise from which he knew well he could not divert him that he might the better betray him by discovering his Counsels to the Sarazins Charlemagne being wel-affected of himself and thus excited by others assembled a Parliament at Noyon and there concluded a War against the Sarazins in Spain The army which he imployed in this action was very great both for number of men and Valour of Commanders and Cheiftaines being the most choise and worthy Captaines in all Christendom amongst whom these were of chiefest note Milon Earl of Anger 's Rowland the Son of Milon and Berthe Sister to Charlemagne Renald of Montaubon The four Sons of Aymon Oger the Dane Oliver Earl of Geneva Arnold of Belland Brabin and many others The Valour of which persons hath been fabulously related by the Writers of those dark times who for the most part were Friers concerning whom the Proverb was a Fryer a Lyer with the addition of a thousand ridiculous Tales so that the truth is hardly picked out from the midst of so much error Yet what is most probable and can be gathered out of the most authentick Authors shall be here set down They say that Charlemagne to make this undertaking more honourable in shew did at this time institute the Order of the twelve Peers of France Charlemagne being entred into Spain with his brave Army found no object for them whereon to exercise their Valour For the Sarazins resolving to make a defensive rather then an offensive War had withdrawn themselves into their Cities which they had fortified strongly The most renowned of the Sarazin Kings at this time were Aigoland Bellingan Dmises Marsile and Idnabala But this last as was said before made shew of much friendship to Charlemagne and of open hatred against the other Sarazin Kings with whom notwithstanding he held secret and strickt intelligence to betray Charlemagne unto them The first City that the French attempted was Pampelune in the Kingdom of Navarr the which they took by force but with much paines danger and losse Having sackt this City and put all the Sarazins in it to the sword they marched to Saragoce which yielded to them upon composition as did also many other small Townes being terrified with the example of Pampelune This prosperous beginning encouraged Charlemagne to advance forward relying on his wonted Fortune and good successe But as he passed thorow the Provinces of Spain like a Victorious Prince without any opposition he divided his Army and gave part of it to be conducted by Milon of Anger 's his Brother in Law who in his March near unto Bayon was set upon by Aigoland the Sarazin King who in this common danger had thrust an army into the Field and now assaulted Milon and his Troops little expecting any enemy and took him at such an advantage as he defeated him This losse was very great For Writers say that forty thousand of the French here lost their lives Milon himselfe being also slain for a confirmation of the Sarazins Victory Charlemagne was at this time afar off and so notable by any diligence to prevent the losse Yet he suppressed his grief and trouble least he should discourage the whole Army and so hastning thitherward he gathered up the remainder of those broken and dispersed Troops withall keeping the Conquered Cities and such as were Friends in their due Obedience But after this there fell out another accident Aigoland being puffed up with Pride through his late Victory marched with his Army into Gascoine and besieged Agen to divert Charlemagne from his pursuit and to draw him home to defend his own Country So as Charlemagne fearing least his own absence and the Sarazins late Victory should cause any alteration in the minds of them of Guienne being then Subjects of whom he had no great assurance he returned into France Aigoland had now continued some moneths at the siege of Agen yet had prevailed little but only in over-runing the Country which he did freely without any considerable resistance even unto Xaintonge the Country-men in the mean time retiring into the Walled Townes expected the return of Charlemagne their King Aigolands Army was very great and puffed up with the remembrance of their late Victory So as Charlemagne returning with his Forces from Spain well tired he maintained his Countries more through his authority then by present force yet did he give life to the courage of his Subjects with his presence and bridled the proud Sarazin who could not be ignorant with whom he had to deal nor where he was being environed with the enemies on all sides and in an enemies Country Hereupon Aigoland pretending an inclination unto peace gave Charlemagne to understand that he had been the first Invader and that his own comming into France was only to draw his enemy out
and he left his Nephew Rowland only with twenty thousand men to see the conditions performed And to make his passage into France the more easy he commanded him to lodge in a place of advantage in the Pyrenean Mountaines called Roncevaux and so the French Army marched backwards to France under the conduct of Charlemagne who little dreamed of such an affront as he shortly after met with Whilst the French Army were upon their retreat Marsile and Bellingand slept not but gathering together all the Forces they could they lodged them secretly in the hollow Caves of those Mountaines being places inaccessible and wholly unknown but only to the Inhabitants of those Countries They had intelligence given them by Ganes what number of men Charlemagne had left in Spaine under the command of Rowland to whom the reputation of his Uncle and the good will of the People of Spaine in the Chiefest Townes was of more use then his twenty thousand men although they were the choise of all the Army Rowland had no fear of an Enemy when as returning to his Garrison he was suddenly set upon by the Sarazins who were far more in number then the French who seing themselves thus treacherously assaulted and compassed in defended themselves valiantly against those miscreants But still fresh Troops of Sarazins issued forth of these Caves on every side in so great numbers as that in the end the French tired and spent in so long and painfull a conflict were oppressed by the multitudes rather then overcome by the Valour of their enemies Rowland in so great and extreame a danger gathering together the pieces of his shipwrack performed both the Duty of a good Commander and of a valiant and resolute souldier fighting gallantly and having beaten â—â—wn a great number where the enemies were thickest he at length came where King Marsile was whom he slew with his own hands But Belingand holding the Victory absolutely his own pursued the French with great violence in so much as Rowland not able to hold out any longer retired himself apart and finding his Death approaching he endeavoured to break his good Sword Durandall but his strength failing him he dyed of Thirst through so long and difficult a combate in that hot Country and with him dyed Oliver Oger the Dane Renald of Montaubon Arnald of Belland and other Nobles Personages who are the subject of many fabulous stories Yet the Fame of their singular virtues and prowess is engraven in the Originals of true Histories where it shall never be blotted out Charlemagne having intelligence brought him of this great and unexpected losse returned suddenly to take his revenge upon the Sarazins of whom he killed an infinite number in severall places and being informed of the Treason of Gaines he caused him to be drawn in pieces by four Horses as the only author of this miserable defeat And being transported with a just disdain and indignation for this so base an affront he had purposed to have passed on in Spain to take further revenge But the great and weighty affaires of his other Estates called him back into France to attend upon them And so ended his Spanish Wars with small successe having troubled Charlemagne at divers times for the space of fourteen years For God had appointed the limits of his designes as reserving to himself a Soveraign power over all mens enterprizes even of the greatest Charlemagne made a Tomb for his Nephew Rowland and honoured the memory of those other worthy warriers who died in the Bed of Honor with Monuments after which he was necessitated to undertake divers other Wars both in Italy and Germany in all which it pleased God to give him better successe Italy during Charles his Troubles in Spain had rebelled being provoked thereto by Adalgise Duke of â—â—eventum who endeavoured to repossesse the Race of Didier but that attempt was soon suppressed by Charlemagne to the cost of the Lombard Rebells yet shortly after ensued another War in Germany The like occasion also bred a War in Bavaria For the King Tassillon who was Son in Law to Didier King of Lombardy being eagerly pressed by his Wife and wonderfully discontented with Charlemagne shaked off the yoke of subjection and betook himself to Armes But Charlemagne surprised him with such celerity that Tassillon was forced to sue for Peace which Charlemagne granted upon condition of his subjection and loyalty But again Tassillon not able to contain himself raised a new War in another place as when we stop one breach it finds â—ent by another He stirred up the Huns and Avars a neighbouring People to Austria which was one of the Estates of the French Monarchy against Charlemagne who yet suppressed them with happy successe and Tassillon himself being again vanquished by Charlemagne and found guilty of Rebellion and Treason was condemned to lose his Estate according to the Salique Law and with him the Kingdom of Bavaria ended being now wholly incorporated into the Crown of France The Huns and Avars of whose names joyned together the word Hungary hath been made were also punished by Charlemagne and brought under the yoke of the French Monarchy They had formerly attempted by War to disquiet the Country of Austria whom Charlemagne had at divers times opposed by his Forces so that the War at times had continued for the space of eight years and the final issue was that all the Country obeyed him The Danes also the Sorabes and Abrodites and the Westphalians who had all joyned in this War of Hungary were also brought under the obedience of Charlemagne The limits of the Northen Kingdom called Austrasia were so enlarged that it was divided into two Kingdoms and the Realm of Austria which joynes upon France was called Westriech that is to say the Realme of the Weâ—â— and that which is towards Danubius was called Ostrieâ—◠〈◊〉 that is the Kingdom of the East Austria being then of a greater command then it is at this day For it contained all Hungary Valachia Bohemia Transilvania Denmark and Poland Then was the French Monachy of a vast extent But all these Nations have since either returned to their first beginning or new Lords have seized upon them Thus the French Monarchy was greatly enlarged by the prowess and Valour of Charlemagne and his Children were grown up as in age so in knowledge experience through the carefull education which their prudent Father gave them who framed them to the management of affairs intending them to provide that they might first succeed him in his virtues and afterwards in his Kingdoms But man purposeth and God disposeth France Italy Germany Spain and Hungary made the Roman Empire in the West and Charlemagne being Master of these goodly Provinces was in effect an Emperor but only wanted the Title and the soleme Declaration of this dignity And shortly after the Providence of God that gave him the former ministred opportunity to him for the
Princes like Stars of the greater magnitude did shine bright by inheriting their Fathers virtues and Valor leaving behind them Lewis their Brother with large Territories and few vertues to Govern so great an Estate After the Death of these two great Princes many enemies rose up against old Charlemagne who seemed as it were to have lost his two Armes as the Sarazins in Spaine the Sclavonians and the Normans in the Northern Regions But he vanquished them all and brought them into his obedience and subjection old and broken as he was Charlemagne all his Life time held the Church in great reverence and had imployed his Authority to beautify it and bountifully bestowed his Treasure to enrich it But this great Plenty joyned with so long and happy a Peace made the Church-men to live losely Charlemagne being himself well instructed in Religion knowing of what great importance it was to have such as should instruct others to be sound in the Faith and holy and exemplary in their lives he at sundry times called five Councels in sundry Places of his Dominions For as yet the Popes had not challenged that Power to belong to them for the Reformation and good Government of the Church As at Mentz at Rheimes at Tours at Chaalons and at Arles and by the advise of these Ecclesiastical Assemblies he made and published many Orders for the good of the Church which were gathered together in a Book called Capitula Caroli Magni A worthy President for Princes who seek true honour by virtue whereof the care of Piety is the cheifest Foundation In the Preface to this Book he thus saith that he had appointed these Constitutions with the Advice of his Presbyters and Counsellers and that herein he had followed the Example of King Josias who endeavoured to bring the Kingdom which God had given him to the worship of the true God Some of his Constitutions are these He commanded to look to and to try the learning and Conversation of such as were admitted into the Ministry He forbad private Masses Also the Confusion of Diocesses requiring that no Bishop should meddle in an others Diocesse He forbad that any Books should be read publickly but such as were approved by the Councell of Calcedon He forbad the worshipping of Saints He commanded Bishops not to suffer Presbyters to teach the People other things then what are contained in or according to the holy Scriptures And Lib. 2. Ch. 3. he saith Although the Authority of the Ecclesiasticall Ministry may seem to stand in our Person Yet by the Authority of God and Ordinance of man it s known to be so divided that every one of you in his own place and order hath his own power and Ministry Hence its manifest that I should admonish you all and you all should further and help us He admonished Bishops especially to teach both by Life and Doctrine both by themselves and the Ministers that were under them as they would answer the Contrary in their accounts at the Great Day He Ordained that the Bishop of the first See should not be called the Prince of Priests or the highest Priest or have any such Title but only should be called The Bishop of the first See That none can lay another foundation then that which is laid which is Christ Jesus and that they which lay Christ for their foundation it s to be hoped that they will be careful to shew their Faith by bringing forth good Workes He held also a great Councel in the City of Frankfort of the Bishops of France Germany and Italy which himself honoured with his own presence where by generall consent the false Synod of the Greeks they are the words of the Originall untruly called the seventh was condemned and rejected by all the Bishops who subscribed to the condemnation of it This was that Coâ—cel spoken of before called by Irene at Nice wherein the bringing of Images into Churches for devotion was established In a Word if Charlemagnes medling with Italy and his advancing the Pope for confirming that which he had taken could be excused he was unto all Princes a patterne of magnificence of Zeal in Religion of learning eloquence temperance prudence moderation c. Alâ—win saith of him Charles was a Catholick in his Faith a King in power a High Priest in Preaching a Judge in his equity a Philosopher in liberal studies famous in manners and excellent in all honesty He was so temperat that notwithstanding his great revenues he was never served at the Table with above four dishes at a meal and those of such meat as best pleased his taste which he used to the same end for which God created them which was for sustenance and to support his Body not for shew and pomp His ordinary exercise was hunting when he was at leisure in time of War and in times of peace he attended to such as read Histories to him and sometimes he heard Musick with which he was much delighted having good skill therein himself He was very charitable and a bountifull Almes-giver and so carefull to provide for the poor Christians that in Syria in Africa and in Aegypt and in other Provinces of the infidels where Christians lived he found meanes to have Almes houses and Hospitalls erected and endowed for those that were Poor But there fell out a new accident which drew our Great Charles again to Armes in his old age and that was this Alphonso King of Navarr surnamed the Chast by reason of his singular and signall temperance in that kind did inform and advertise him that there was now a very fit oportunity and meanes offered for him utterly to subdue the Sarazins in Spain Charlemagne who infinitely desired to finish this work which he had so often attempted with no great successe gave ear to the information and advice whereupon he raises an Army and marches into Spain relying on the Spaniards favour and assistance they being Christians Indeed Alphonso meant plainly and sincerely but so did not his Courtiers and Nobles nor associates who feared Charles his forces no less then they did the Sarazins if Charles prevailed the most confident of Alphonso's servants and Officers doubted to be dispossessed of their places and Governments by a new Master and therefore they laboured to cross Alphonso and to countermand Charles but the Lot was cast his Army was in the Field and he was resolved to passe on But when he was entred into Spain he encountered with so many difficulties that being discouraged he returned back into France and so concluded and put a period to all his Warlie enterprises embracing again the care of the Church and of Religion as a fit subject for the remainder of his dayes Charlemagne was threescore and eight years old when he left the Wars after which he spent three whole years in his study to prepare himself for Death in which time he read much in the Bible and
Dei or some History He was also a great Friend to Learning and therefore erected three Universities One was Padua in Italy another was that at Boulognia the third was that in Paris whereunto he was excited by our Countryman Alâ—win who was his Tutor His Sons he caused to be trained up in the Study of the Liberall Arts and his Daughters to Learne to sow and practice good Huswifery He alwayes wore a short Sword at his Girdle in the Pummel whereof was engraven his Coat of Armes with which he Sealed all his Lawes c. And used to say Behold the Sword which shall defend my Lawes and that shall be drawn and imployed against those that break them In the year eight hundred and four The King of the Scots entered into the first League which was between the two Kingdoms of France and Scotland which was confirmed by succeeding Kings which occasioned one of them to adde unto their Coat of Armes a double streak of Gules with Flower de Lisses round their Escutchion to shew that their alliance with France conduced much to the support of their Kingdome FINIS His Parentage His Birth His Education His early wisdom Bâ—cephalus broken by Alexander His mildness He comes to his Kingdom He slays his Fathers murtherers He in-tends war against Persia. He subdues the Grecians And other Nations And the Thebans A brave Example His vision He goes into Asia His cruelty Gods Justice Darius his Pride His victory at Granick He wins many Cities and Countries The Queen of Caria Adopts him He Cuts the Gordian knot He Conquers the Islands Memnon dies Good Counsel neglected The Streights of Cilicia taken Darius his Army The manner of his march His Pride and Folly Alexander beats Darius Darius his cruelty and Folly Alexanders Chastity Darius flies Alexanders great success A notable Example Darius desires peace which Alexander rejected Tyre attempted and taken Alexanders rigor Darius his second message Rejected by Alexander Gaza besieged and taken Alexanders cruelty He goes to Jerusalem and worships the High Priest His vision His favor to the Jews Egypt delivered to him His journey to Jupiter Hammon Zach. 14. 18. His Pride The power of the Gospel Alaxandria built He passeth Euphrates And Tygris Base cowardize Darius his new Army An Eclipse frightens the Macedonians Darius his Wife died Proposals to Alexander Alexanders answer His ambition His Valour They prepare to fight A Battel Darius beaten and flyes Arbela taken and much Treasure Babylon taken Base cruelty Susa taken Gross folly Alexandor beaten Barbarous cruelty Persepolis taken A foolish enterprise Alexander turns Drunkard Persopolis burnt Darius his last Army The Treason of Bessus The fidelity of the Greeks Dariuâ— discharges his Attendants Darius made a Prisoner and abused Gods Justice Alexander pursues him Darius is wounded His last words Alexanders Ambition He goes into Hyrcania Diverse submit to him Queen of the Amazons comes to him He affects a Deity For which he is scorned of his Friends He burns all the Spoils Rebellion against him Treason against him It s discovered to Alexander Philotus accused Alexanders dissimulation Philatas accused by the King Philotus condemned and tortured to death Alexanders cruelty Parmenio murthered Alexander marches forward Builds a City Wants water Bessus taken Alexanders cruelty Bessus slain He is wounded He is wounded 〈◊〉 He builds a City Menedemus slain A Rebellion Clytus slain The effect of drunknesse Dreadfull stormes His Ambition Calisthenes speaks against it And is tormented to Death He marches into India His Feasts to Bacchus He conquers many Countries His Prodigallity He sends to Porus. A Battel Porus beaten He is restored to his Kingdom His Policy He builds two Cities His Conquests He builds a City He wants food His Debauchedness He Punishes his Officers He visits the Sepulchre of â—â—rus His cruelâ—y Calanus burnt himself His marriage and â—easting Harpalus slain His Army discontented He sends for Antipater Ephestion dies Alexander dies His Will The vanity of all earthly things The confusions after his Death Gods Justice His Character His love to his Mother His Ambition Flattery He degenerated after his victories His bounty His Temperance His Chastity King Pepins Children Pepins death His Character Charles made King His Education His Valour and other vertues His Endowments Carolomans envy The State of Rome Severall Popes chosen Steven confirmed Didiers Policy The Popes Secretaries hanged The Pope sends for K. Charles Troubles in Guienne Charles subdues Hunalt Charles his Policy and Clemency Charles his marriage Carolomans death Câ—arles his second mariage Pope Adrian Didiers Policy He makes Warre against the Pope Hunalts ingratitude The Pope sends to Charles for aid Charles Arms against Didier Didier prospers in his Wars Charles calls a Parliament Enters Italy and beates Didier Charles besieges Pavia Verona The Italians submit to him Verona taken And Pavia Didier taken Prisoner Charles his moderation A Councel at Rome New troubles in Italy But suppressed Charles his Wars with the Saxons The cause of it Charles calls a Parliament The Saxons overcome And converted Charles his Wars in Spaine Charles circumvenâ—ed Charles calâ—s a Parliament His great preparations His entry into Spain Pampelune taken Milon defeated Aigoland entred France Charles returnes Aigolans Policy Aigolands dissimulation Charles returnes into Spain Aigoland overthrown and slain The Sarazins Rally â— Gyant slain A Treaty of Peace A Traytor Charles returns into France Rowland assaulted His Valor His Death Charles overcomes the Sarazins Returns into France A Rebellion in Italy His Wars in Bavaria His Victories His education of his Children A Sedition in Rome The Pope freed out of Prison Flies to Charles Charles goes to Rome Clears the Pope upon his Oath The State of the Easterne Empire Contention about Images A Counsel from them Câ—arles against Images An unnatural Mother Irene treats with Charles Irene hated and deposed Nicephorus succeeds her He treats with Charles His large Dominions His title to the Empire Naucler An agreement betwixt Charles and the Pope Charles is envied Zonar Nicephorus is slain The Saxons oft rebell Charles his Prudence Crantz in Saxon. Bishopricks erected Troubles in Italy War with the Venetians Charles makes his Will He gives Laws to his Subjects Infidels beaten And the Bohemians and Polanders His War with the King of Denmarke Pepin dies And Charles New enemies rise up His love to the Church He called five Councels His Ecclesiastical Constitutions A Councel at Frankfurt His Temperance His Exercises His Charity His last Wars His preparation for Death He makes His Will His virtues His large Dominions His Character His Zeale His blemishes His Epitaph The time of his Death His Wives and Children His devotion His care of his Children His league with Scotland