which winning lost his Honour caused his downfal was in the memory of his former unfortunate proceedings sufficiently aw'd and being now given over to the sensuality of his delights entertains quickly the least apprehension of fear if his supervisor did present it so that this part of his work was no great difficulty and the second was not more uneasie The Royal Treasure is profusely spent without Accompt or Honour being but the fountain that served to water the drought of himself his herd of hungry Kindred and the swarm of Flesh-flies that became his creatures The antient Plate is without the art of Arithmetick multiplied into a world of little pieces the Jewels of the Crown do leap beyond the Sea and are ta'n Prisoners till they pay their ransome the Revenue Royal being now grown weary by Proclamation would exchange his Landlord the Prerogative the type of Soveraignty forgets his Patron and cleaves to the fingers of some musty Farmor This want was great in shew but more in substance which made the Surgeon seek to gain a plaister the Poverty of these Institutions answer not the Work-mans expectation for the Remedy began to seem as fearful as the Disease These profuse prodigalities in stead of a counterfeit brought in such a real necessity of such a height that without a speedy supply it must beget a desperate hazard Many several projections are made but they fall wholly short and like Pistols charg'd with Powder make a noise but hit not that they aim at the hope was dead unless the old and right way Parliamental did give it life and spirit Spencer knew well enough that such Assemblies was like a Ringworm on the neck of greatness a Court that in the bulk of high Corruption would breed a Palsie or a Hectick Feaver the subject here he knew would see his inside which single durst not quinch much less encounter He doubts the King would hardly be supply'd unless he were expos'd to try their mercy yet there 's no other means he must adventure This thus resolv'd he leaves it not at random or doth resign his state alone to Fortune but wisely makes the way before he run it With a reserved secrecy he hides the Platform till that his practice might receive perfection He hurries forth strange news of forraign dangers to draw the peoples eyes from private workings he makes a shew as if all things went currant and shadows o're the Royal wants with plenty yet closely wills his friends and those his creatures to get them place betimes in this great Meeting All such as were the Kings entirely these he instructeth with the self-same Counsel and courts all such as he believes are Powerful to advance his ends or else procure him danger and to let all the world know he stood right in his Masters affections he gets his Father himself and Sir Andrew Harclay a Chip of the same Block made Earls of Winchester Bristow and Carlile Baldock a mean man altogether unworthy unless it were for being a disciple of so virtuous a Patron is made Lord Chancellour of England The solemnity of this goodly Creation ended and the Plot now ripe for execution The bruit of a Parliament flies through the Kingdom and is follow'd at the heels with Writs for present Election The time limited for appearance was short which speedily drew this great Body together bleeding with the fresh memory of the loss of so many of his brave and glorious Members All Ceremonies are laid aside or handled briefly so that the time now serves to fall upon the business Their pulses being felt aloof off and their temper tryed there was a full discovery that the major part was sure the rest were heartless Then comes the King's Demand with fair pretences which pleads the greatness of his charge and present uses and shews he had on the strength of his Revenue maintain'd the Scotish Wars without assistance which had exhausted so the Royal Treasure that now He is enforc'd to try his Subjects This motion is soon seconded by such apt Scholars as learnt to get the King's or Spencer's favour others that had a hope to share the booty speak it great reason to assist their Sovereign The Commons justly grieved with their Oppressions would fain have made a head to stop this current but 't was in vain here was too weak a Party and wants a heart to put it to a tryal this swayed the King the sixth peny of the Temporalty and ends this Meeting When the knowledge of this Grant came into the Country it bred a general Murmur and quite estrang'd their loves from their subjection cursing those times that caused so sad a burden Upon the neck of this if we may give credit to those Historians that all agree and publish this relation were many fearful and prodigious Sights which maz'd the people amongst which this one was most remarkable the Sun for six hours space shew'd himself in perfect Blood and sanguin'd over The ensuing times that retain'd it in their Memory and applied it as a Prediction of the sequel believ'd it did foreshew the King's destruction which followed swiftly others conceit it as a Wonder shew'd from Heaven as a sure Token of the just Displeasure for the loss of the Noble Earl of Lancaster and his Adherents whose Blood implored Justice and sharp Vengeance Thus in amazement Man becomes a Prophet The Scots that love not rest delight in prigging and considering the Distractions of the English thought it a fit time to fall to action and with a double blow to vent their malice one strikes upon the Borders which they boldly enter but are repuls'd with little loss or damage the other doth invade their Neighbour Irish where they receive with grief a worser welcome Bruce the Kings Brother General of this Army and all his Troops are killed and broken scarce one was left to carry back the News of this Disaster The King resenting this new provocation and all the former mischiefs they had wrought him resolves once more to tempt his froward Fortune but 't was not his own Valour Spencer mov'd it that had his aim beyond his Master's meaning he knew this was the way to waste that Treasure which else might breed a fearless fulness if it succeeded well the gain and honour would be his share as well as his that won it since his advice had father'd first the action admit it should prove ill he then was guiltless it must be deem'd alone his Soveraign's Fortune whose Destiny was such to be still luckless however yet 't would keep him so in action he might at all times yield the groaning Subjects a short account how he had spent their Money Upon this a Summons is sent out to call together all the Captains and Men of war Provisions are dayly made to wait upon so constantly a resolved Journey The former Misfortune had taught him to undertake this action strong and soundly the black Ox
Cautions would be useless and to little purpose The pruning of the Branches would improve the Fruit little where the Tree was tainted in the root with so foul a Canker Too well he knew how difficult a thing it was to invert the course of Nature especially being confirm'd by continuance of practice and made habituary by custom yet he leaves no means unattempted being confident that Wedlock or the sad weight of a Crown would in the sense of Honour call him in time off to thoughts more innocent and noble Tenderness of Fatherly affection abus'd somewhat his belief and made him give his disorderly actions the best construction which suggests their progression to flow from heat of Youth want of Experience and the wickedness of those that fed him with so base impressions which with all those sweet and milde intreaties that spring from the heart of an essential love he strives to reclaim intermixing withal as great a paternal severity as might properly sute the condition of a judicious Father and the dignity of the Heir apparent of so great and glorious a Kingdom And to make him more apt and fit to receive and follow his instructions he takes from him those tainted humours of his Leprosie that seduced the easiness of his nature and mis-led his unripe knowledge too green to master such sweet and bewitching temptations Gaveston his Ganymede a man as base in Birth as in Condition he commandeth to perpetual Exile This Syren as some write came out of Gascoign but the Author whom I most credit and follow speaks him an Italian not guilty of any drop of Noble blood neither could he from the height of his Hereditary hope challenge more than a bare ability to live yet his thoughts were above measure ambitious and aspiring and his confidence far greater than became his Birthright Nature in his outward parts had curiously exprest her workmanship giving him in shape and Beauty so perfect an excellence that the most curious eye could not discover any manifest errour unless it were in his Sex alone since he had too much for a man and Perfection enough to have equal'd the fairest Female splendour that breath'd within the Confines of this Kingdom Though in the abilities of the Brain he were short of a deep and solid Knowledge yet he had Understanding enough to manage his ways to their best advantage having a smooth Tongue an humble Look and a winning Behaviour which he could at all times fashion and vary according to the condition of time and circumstance for the most advantage The youthful Prince having fixed his wandring eye upon this pleasing Object and finding his amorous Glances entertained with so gentle and well-becoming a modesty begins dearly to cherish the growing Affections of this new Forraign Acquaintance who applies himself wholly to win him to a deeper Engagement A short passage of time had so cemented their hearts that they seem'd to beat with one and the self-same motion so that the one seem'd without the other like a Body without a Soul or a Shadow without a Substance Gaveston the more to assure so gracious a Master strives to fit his humour leaving his Honour to his own protection seconding his wanton disposition with all those bewitching Vanities of licentious and unbridled Youth which in short time by the frequencie of practice begets such a confidence that they fall from that reserved secrecy which should shadow actions so unworthy professing freely a debaucht and dissolute kind of behaviour to the shame and sorrow of the grieved King and Kingdom This hastened on the Sentence of his Banishment that thought himself then most secure in the assurance of the Princes favour The melancholy apparitions of their parting gave the world a firm belief that this inchanting Mountebank had in the Cabinet of his Masters heart too dear a room and being The King knowing such impressions are easily won but hardly lost strives to take him off by degrees and labours to make him wave the memory of that dotage which with a divining Spirit he foresaw in time would be his ruine But death overtakes him before he could bring this so good a Work to full perfection The time was come that exacts the Tribute of Nature commanding him to resigne both his Estate and Kingdom When he felt those cold fore-running Harbingers of his nearly-approaching End he thus intreats his Son and Lords whose watry eyes ingirt his glorious Death-bed Edward the time draws near that callsâ— me to my Grave you to enjoy this Kingdom If you prove good with happiness 't is yours and you will so preserve it if otherwise my Pains and Glory will be your Dishonour To be a King it is the gift of Nature and Fortune makes him so that is by Conquest but Royal Goodness is the gift of Heaven that blesseth Crowns with an Immortal Glory Believe not vainly that so great a Calling is given to man to warrant his disorder It is a Blessing yet a weighty Burthen which if abused breaks his back that bears it Your former Errours now continued are no more yours they are the Kings which will betray the Kingdom The Soveraigns Vice begets the Subjects Errour who practise good or ill by his Example Can you in Justice punish them for that whereof your self are guilty But you perhaps may think your self exempt that are above the Law Alas mistake not there are Injunctions higher far than are your own will crave a Reckoning To be belov'd secures a sweet Obedience but fear betrays the heart of true Subjection and makes your People yours but by Compulsion Majestick thoughts like Elemental fire should tend still upwards when they sink lower than their Sphere they win Contempt and Hatred Advance and cherish those of ancient Bloud and Greatness Vpstarts are rais'd with Envy kept with Danger You must preserve a well-respected distance as far from Pride as from too loose a Baseness Master your Passions with a noble temper such Triumphs makes the Victor conquer others See here the Ruines of a dying Scepter that once was as you are a youthful Blossom I had not liv'd to see this snowy Winter but that I weau'd my heart from vain Temptations my Judgment not my Eye did steer my Compass which gave my Youth this Age that ends in Glory I will not say you too too long have wander'd though my sad heart hath droopt to see your Errour The time now fitly calls you home embrace it for this advantage lost is after hopeless Your First-fruit must make good your Worth if that miscarry you wound your Subjects Hopes and your own Glory Those wanton Pleasures of wild Youth unmaster'd may no more touch the verge of your affections The Royal Actions must be grave and steady since lesser Lights are fed by their Example so great a Glory must be pure transparent that hand to hand encounters Time and Envy Cast off your former Consorts if they sway you such an unnoble
guide him whose honest freedom might have made him go through-stitch with more reputation He esteems it a gross oversight and too deep a disparagement to have any creature of his own thought wiser than himself he had rather his Greatness than hazard such a blemish should lie open to the malice of time and fortune This made him chuse his Servants as his Master chose him of a smooth fawning temper such as might cry ayme and approve his actions but not dispute them Hence flew a world of wilde disorder the sacred Rules of Justice were subverted the Laws integrity abused the Judge corrupted or inforc'd and all the Types of Honour due to Vertue Valour Goodness were like the Pedlers pack made Ware for Chapmen Neither was it conceiv'd enough thus to advance him beyond proportion or his birth and merit but he must carry all without disputing No one may stand in his way but tastes his power Old Quarrels are ript up to make his spleen more extant The grave Bishop of Chester a man reverend for years and eminent for his Profession and Dignity is committed and could be neither indifferently heard or released upon the meer supposition that he had been the cause of his first Banishment These insolencies carried with so great a height and exprest with so malicious a liberty were accompanied with all the remonstrances of a justly-grieved Kingdom The ancient Nobility that disdain'd such an equal accuse the injustice of the time that makes him their Superiour The grave Senators are griev'd to see the places due to their worths possess'd by those unworthy and unable The angry Souldier that with his blood had purchas'd his experience beholds with sorrow Buffoons preferr'd while he like the ruines of some goodly Building is left to the wide world without use or reparation The Commons in a more intemperate fashion make known their griefs and exclaim against so many great and foul Oppressions The new-made Earl both saw and knew the general discontent and hatred yet seeks not how to cure or stop this mischief his proud heart would not stoop or sink his greatness which might perhaps have qualified the fury with an ill-advised confidence out-dares the worst of his approaching danger and is not squeamish to let the Kingdom know it The slumbring Barons startled with the murmur that ecchoed nought but fear and quick confusion at length awake and change their drowsie temper condemning their long patience that was so far unfit their Bloud and Greatness Lincoln Warwick and Pembrooke whose noble hearts disdain'd to suffer basely resolve to cure the State or make the Quarrel fatal This Mushrome must be cropt or Arms must right the Kingdom Yet before they will attempt by force they 'll feel their Soveraign's pulses who drown'd in sensual pleasure dreams not of their practice This Resolution leads them to the Court where with some sute they gain admittance where to the King brave Lincoln thus discours'd their Grievance See here my Liege your faithful though dejected servants that have too long cry'd ayme to our Afflictions we know you in your self are good though now seduced the height is such we fear a coming Ruine Let it not taint your ear to hear our sorrow which is not ours alone but all the Kingdoms that groan and languish under this sad burden One man alone occasions all this mischief 't is one mans pride and vice that crusheth thousands we hope you will not boulster such a foul disorder and for one poor worthless piece betray a Kingdom The Heavens forbid so great and fond injustice You are your own yet we believe you ours if so we may what you forget remember Kings that are born so should preserve their Greatness which Goodness makes not all their other Titles Your noble Father dying bound our Honours yet we subscribed a breach at your intreaty You promis'd then a fair and grave proceeding but what succeeds the worst of base Oppression So long as we had hope our tongues were silent we sate and sighed out our peculiar Sufferings But when we see so fond and lewd progression that seems to threaten You and all your Subjects you cannot blame us if we seek to right it Would your unpartial eye survey the present State of this late glorious Kingdom you there shall see the Face of Shame and Sorrow No place is free both Court and Country languish all men complain but none finde help or comfort Will you for him not worth your meanest favour consent the Ruine of so brave a Nation Alas Sir if you would we may not bear it our Arms that guard your Life shall keep your Honour 'T is not unjust if you your self enforce it the time admits no respite For God's sake Sir resolve us since you must part with him or us then chuse you whether The King amazed with this strange Petition believes it backt with some more secret practice He knew their Griefs were just yet loath to right them He hop'd this Tempest would o'reblow he might advise his Answer But when he saw them fixt to know his pleasure he then believes it was in vain to struggle He knew their strength that had combin'd to seek it and saw he was too weak for contradiction This made him yield he should be once more banisht Though his wretchless improvidence had laid him open to this advantage yet he was still Master of his antient King-craft which made him smoothly seem to pass it over as if he well approv'd this Sequestration which he resolves to alter as he pleased when he had made the party sure might back his actions till then he slubbers o're his private Passion The Lords whose innocent aims had no end but Reformation depart content yet wait upon the issue A second time this Monster is sent packing and leaves the Kingdom free from his Infection Ireland is made the Cage must mewe this Haggard whither he goes as if to Execution With a sad heart he leaves his great Protector vowing revenge if he may live to act it This weak Statesman here gives a sure testimony of the poverty of his Brain that in the time of his Prosperity and Height had not made sure one forreign Friend to whom he might have had a welcome access in time of his expulsion But he had handled matters so that he was alike hateful here and abroad insomuch that he believes this barbarous Climate his surest refuge But he being gone all things seem'd well reconciled the State was quiet and mens hopes were suitable to their desires which seem'd to promise a quick and speedy Reformation But the vanity of this belief vanisht away like a shadow and the intermission was little less intemperate than the former agitation This wilie Serpent continues so his forreign Correspondence that the King was little better'd by his absence which made it evident that Death alone would end his practis'd mischief Their Bodies were divided but their Affections meet with
door give not his inconstant thoughts time to vary but command their Antagonist off to a third Banishment He deprived of heart and strength is enforced to obey having not so much liberty as to take a solemn Farewel Now is he sent for Flanders the Jurisdiction of the Kings Dominions are esteem'd no fit Sanctuary to protect so loose a Liver They leave him to prey and practice on the Dutch whose Caps steel'd with Liquour had reeling Craft enough to make him quiet This passage bred a supposition that he was now for ever lost the King made shew as he were well contented and men were glad to see this storm appeased that seem'd to threaten an intestine ruine This Happiness was but imaginary but it is made perfect by one more real Windsor presents the King an Heir apparent which happy News flies swiftly through the Kingdom which gives it welcome with a brave expression The Royal Father did not taste this Blessing with such a sense of Joy as it deserved Whether 't was his misgiving Spirit or the absence of his lost Jewel he sadly silent sighs out the relation such a deserving Joy could not win so much as a smile from his melancholy Brow grown old with trouble The appearance of his inward agitation was such that the greatest enemies of his Dotage were the most compassionate of his Sufferings Such a masculine Affection and rapture was in those times without president where Love went in the natural strain fully as firm yet far less violent If the circumstances of this passionate Humour so predominant in this unfortunate King be maturely considered we shall finde them as far short of possibility as reason which have made many believe that they had a supernatural operation and working enforc'd by Art or Witchcraft But let their beginning be what it will never was man more immoderately transported which took from him in this little time of his third absence the benefit of his Understanding and Spirits so fully that he seems rather distracted than inamour'd more properly without Reason than ability to command it In the circumference of his Brain he cannot finde a way to lead him out of this Labyrinth but that which depended more of Power than Wisdome Bridle his Affections he could not which were but bare embryons without possession alter them he cannot where his eye meets not with a subject powerful enough to engage him what then rests to settle this civil discord but restitution which he attempts in spight of opposition Gaveston comes back the King avows and bids them stir that durst He would protect him Princes that falsifie their Faiths more by proper inclination than a necessary impulsion grow not more hateful to forreign Nations than fearful and suspected to their own Subjects If they be tainted with a known Guilt and justifie it 't is a shrewd presumption of a sick State where the Head is so diseased A habit of doing ill and a daring Impudence to maintain it makes all things in a Politique Wisdome lawful This Position in the end cosens the professor and leaves him in the field open to shame and infamy And it stands with reason for if Vertue be the Road-way to Perfection the corruption of a false Heart must certainly be the path to an unpitied ruine The enraged Barons seeing great Cornwal return are sensible of their dishonour and think it too great a wrong to be dispens'd with yet they will have the fruit of their revenge through-ripe before they taste it He appears no Changeling but still pursues the strains of his presumption The actions of Injustice seldom lessen Progression is believ'd a moral Vertue He that hath a Will to do ill and doth it cannot look back but on the Crown of mischief This makes him not disguise his conceptions but shew them fully having withal this excellent Vertue that would be never reconciled where he once hated The Lords observing his behaviour think time ill lost in so weighty a business they draw their forces together before the King could have a time to prevent or his abuser to shun it The gathering together of so many threatning Clouds presag'd the Storm was a coming Gaveston labours to provide a shelter but 't was too late the time was lost that should assure the danger All that he could effect by his own strength or the Royal Authority he calls to his assistance but such was the general distaste of the Kingdom he could not gain a strength might seem a party The Court he knew would be a weak Protection against their Arms whose Tongues had twice expell'd him This made him leave it and with such Provision as so short a time could tender commit himself to Scarborough-Castle This Piece was strong and pretty well provided but prov'd too weak against so just a Quarrel His noble Enemies being inform'd where they should finde him follow the track and soon begirt this Fortress He seeks a Treaty they despise Conditions knowing he none would keep that all had broken All hope thus lost he falls into their power from whom he had no cause could hope for mercy The Butterflies companions of his Sun-shine that were his fortunes friends not his forsake his Winter and basely leave him in his greatest troubles The tide of Greatness gain'd him many Servants they were but hangers on and meer Retainers like Rats that left the house when it was falling The Spring adorn'd him with a world of Blossoms which dropt away when first they felt this Tempest Forsaken thus this Cedar is surpriz'd and brought to know the end of such ambition The Prey thus tane short work concludes his story left that a Countermand might come to stop their Verdict Gaverseed is made the fatal place that sacrific'd his life to quench their fury Thus fell the first glorious Minion of Edward the Second which appearing for a time like a Blazing-star fill'd the world with admiration and gave the English cause to blame his fortune that liv'd and died nor lov'd excus'd or pitied In the wanton Smiles of his lovely Mistriss he remembers not that she was blinde a â—iglet and a Changeling nor did he make himself in time a Refuge might be his Safeguard If she had prov'd unconstant constant such a Providence had made the End as fair as the Beginning But these same towering Summer-birds fear not the Winter till they feel it and then benumb'd they do confess their Errour Height of Promotion breeds Self-love Self-love Opinion which undervalues all that are beneath it Hence it proceeds that few men truely honest can hold firm Correspondence with so great a Minion his ends go not their ways but with Cross-capers which cares not how so these attain perfection Servants that are confin'd to truth and goodness may be in shew but not in trust their Agents He that will act what Pride and Lust imposeth is a fit Page to serve so loose a Master Hence it proceeds that still
they fall unpitied and those they chuse for Friends do most supplant them To secure an ill-acquired Greatness that is begot with envy grows in hatred as it requires judgment claims a goodness to keep it right and grave direction Those that are truely wise discreet and vertuous will make him so that pursues their counsel upon which Rock he rests secure untainted But this is Country-Doctrine Courts resent not where 't is no way to thrive for them are honest A Champion-Conscience without bound or limit a Tongue as smooth as Jet that sings in season a bloudless Face that buries guilt in boldness these Ornaments are fit to cloath a Courtier he that wants these still wants a means to live if he must make his Service his Revenue He that a Child in Court grows old a Servant expecting years or merit should prefer him and doth not by some by-way make his fortune gains but a Beard for all his pains and travel unless he 'll take a Purse and for reward a Pardon Though many rise it is not yet concluded they all are of so base corruption which would produce a sudden Ruine The greater Peers by birth inherit fit place in this Election The Kings favour or their intercession may advance a deserving Friend or Kinsman extraordinary Gifts of Nature or some Excellency in knowledg may prefer him that enjoys them all these beams may shine on men that are honest But if you cast your eye upon the gross body of the Court and examine the ordinary course of their gradation it will plainly appear that twenty creep in by the back-gate while one walks up by the street-door But leaving those to their fortune and that cunning conveyance must guide their Destiny when the sad tidings of this unhappy Tragedy came to the Kings ears his vexations were as infinite as hopeless and his Passion transports him beyond the height of sorrow which leads him to this bitter Exclamation Could they not spare his Life O cruel Tygers What had he done or how so much offended He never shed one drop of harmless blood but saved thousands Must he be sacrificed to calm their anger 'T was not his fault but my affection caused it which I 'll revenge and not dispute my sorrow They if I live shall taste my just displeasure and dearly pay for this their cruel errour Till now I kept my hand from blood and fatal actions but henceforth I will act my Passions freely and make them know I am too much provoked Blood must have blood and I will spend it fully till they have paid his wandring Ghost their forfeit And thou O sweet Friend whom living I so loved from thy sad Vrn shalt see thy wrong requited Thy Life as I mine own did dearly value which I will loose but I 'll repay their rigour This said he withdraws him to his melancholy Chamber and makes himself a Recluse from the Day-light His manly tears bewray his inward sorrow and make him seem to melt with height of Passion He could not sleep nor scarce would eat or speak but faintly which makes him living dye with restless torment His lovely Queen not sorry that this bar was taken away which stopt the passage betwixt her Husbands Love and her Affections is truely pensive at this strange distraction which seem'd without the hope of reconcilement His nearer Friends amazed to see his Passion resolve to set him free or loose his favour boldly they press into his Cell of darkness and freely let him know his proper errour They lay before him how vain a thing it was to mourn or sorrow for things past help or hope of all redemption His greatness would be lost in such fond actions and might endanger him and eke the Kingdom If he but truely knew what desperate murmurs were dayly whisper'd by his vain distemper he would himself appear to stay the danger and to excuse the Barons act so hateful they touch upon the Earls intemperate carriage which threatned them and all the Kingdoms ruine they shew his insolence and misbehaviour which having Honour so far above his birth and Wealth above his merit was ne're contented Lastly they tell him plainly unless he would resume more life and spirit they fear'd the Subject would make choice of one more able The unworthy touches of his Minion though but sparingly given nipt him to the Soul but when he heard the Tenour of their last Conclusion it rows'd him up for fear of Deposition This brings him forth in shew and look transformed but yet resolv'd not to forget this Trespass The Operations in his heart were not so great and weighty but that his Lords were full as close and wary So fair a warning-piece gave them their Summons in time to make a strength might keep them sure They cannot now recoyl or hope for favour their Arms must make their Peace or they must perish These circumstances made them preserve so well a respected distance that well the King might bark but durst not bite them He was resolv'd 't is true but not provided and therefore holds it wisdome to be silent the time he hop'd would change and they grow careless when they should know such wrongs are not forgotten But now brave Lincoln one of the principal Pillars of the Barons Faction follows his adversary to the grave but with a milde and fairer fortune This reverend piece of true Nobility was in Speech and Conversation sweet and affable in resolution grave and weighty his aged temper active and valiant above belief and his Wisdome more sound and excellent in inward depth than outward appearance When those pale Harbingers had seized his vital Spirits and he perceived the thought of Life was hopeless he gives Thomas of Lancaster his Son-in-Law this dying Legacy My Son quoth he for so your Wedlock makes you hear and observe these my last dying Precepts Trust not the King his Anger sleeps but dyes not he waits but time which you must likewise tender else in the least neglect be sure you perish Make good my place among the Lords and keep the Kingdom from foul Oppression which of late is frequent Your Soveraign cares not how the State be guided so he may still enjoy his wanton Pleasures have you an eye to those that seek to wrong him be not deceived with his sugar'd language his heart is false and harbours Blood and Mischief Keep your selves firm and close being well united you are secure he will not dare to touch you If he again fall on a second Dotage look to it in time 't will else be your confusion His Minions Death lies in his heart concealed waiting but time to act revenge and terrour he shadows o're but cannot hide his Malice which fain would vent it self but yet it dares not If I had lived he must have changed his copy or one of us had felt a bitter tryal yet still beware you take not light occasion or make the publick ends
for private Passion He is your Sovereign you must so obey him unless the Cause be just enforc'd your moving If he himself do swerve or raise combustion the Kingdoms good must give your Arms their warrant short time will let you know your own condition however do not trust the sleepy Lion I knew his ways and could as well forestal them but now I must resigne it to your wisdom Of this be sure remember my Prediction if he relapse and make a new Vice-gerent which shall leap o're your heads and you endure it The King You or the Kingdom must perish My wearied Soul would fain embrace his freedom and now my Spirits yield to Death and Nature Commend me to my noble Friends and Fellows and say Old Lincoln liv'd and died their Servant Lancaster whose noble heart was before-hand season'd receives willingly these grave Instructions and like a good Steward locks them up in the closet of his heart till time call'd upon him to give them life and action and yet he suffers not this goodly Tree to fall before assured He vows observance and as truely keeps it but erring in the time it wrought his Downfal Beginning Evils are easily supprest which grown to strength if cleans'd are cur'd with danger Twigs may be broken younger Plants removed but if once they grow Trees their Fall is fatal Things standing thus and all mens minds in suspence what would be the issue between the enraged King and jealous Lords the indifferent friends of either Party that fear'd this unkinde Division would shake the Peace and Tranquillity of the Kingdom propounded divers Overtures of reconcilement which are neither readily accepted nor absolutely refused The Kings Meditations were more fixed on Revenge than Conference yet seeing into the Quality of the time and into the suspected Affections of the Kingdom is won at length to admit of a Treaty The Barons truely rellishing the Tickle-terms they stood on which were pinn'd to the mutability of popular Faction were not estranged from the thoughts of Peace though they would not seek it Intercession and importunacy of the Mediators brings it at length to the upshot where there was such an inveterate spleen and so great an antipathy in Wills it is not thought fit to hazard this great Work on a private discussion where Recapitulations of old Wrongs or the apprehension of new Indignities might shake the Foundation The High Court of Parliament the gravest Senate of the Kingdom that had an over-ruling Power to limit the King and command the Subject is deemed the most Honourable place of this Enterview where a business of so great weight would be gravely discours'd which might assure the end and make it more authentical Whereupon it is immediately call'd and in short space assembled at London where after many interchangeable Expostulations diversly handled by the pregnant Wits and nimble Tongues of either Party a settled Agreement is concluded and many excellent Laws are enacted which both the King and Peers are sworn to maintain and keep inviolate By these discreet means the violence of this great Fire is rak'd up in the Embers which in after-times breaks out with greater rage and fury whatsoever the hidden Resolutions were the Kingdom now seem'd in a fair way to settle Peace and Quiet But a new and unexpected Accident varies this Conceit before it was cold and calls them from private Actions to maintain the Honour and Revenue of the Kingdom Edward the First that brave and valiant Monarch had thrice with his victorious Arms run through the Bowels of Scotland and brought that stubborn Nation that deny'd him Fealty and Homage into an absolute Subjection Their last precedent King Robert le Bruce had tryed the height of his fortune and with a fruitless opposition won no more than the loss of his Kingdom and his own Expulsion The Conqueror finding himself quitted of this Obstacle takes upon him the Regiment of this Kingdom with a double string to his Bow the one of antient Title the other of Conquest The Nobility of Scotland and all the inferiour Ministers of State seeing the great Effusion of Bloud spent in this Quarrel which continued seemed to threaten a general devastation of their Country submit themselves to the English Government and are all solemnly sworn to obey it Edward thus in possession confirms it by seizing the property of all the Royal Jurisdiction into his own hand removing such Officers as were not agreeable to his will and liking and giving many goodly Estates and Dignities to divers of his faithful Servants that had valiantly behaved themselves in this Service The Form of Government by him established was peaceably obey'd and continued during his Life neither was it questioned in the beginning Government of his unhappy Successor But the wary Scots more naturally addicted to a Phoenix of their own Nation seeing into the present dissentions and disorders of the Kingdom thought it now a fit time to revolt to their old Master who like a crafty Fox harbours himself under the French Kings protection the antient receptacle and Patron for that Nation No sooner is he advertised that the gate was open and unguarded and that his well-affected Subjects wished his return but back he comes and is received with a full applause and welcome All Oaths Obligements and Courtesies of the English are quite cancell'd and forgotten and this long-lost Lion is again re-invested in the Royal Dignity As-soon as he had moor'd himself in a domestique assurance he then like a provident Watchman begins to raise a strength that might oppose all forreign Invasion which he foresaw would thunder from the Borders This Martial Preparation flyes swiftly to the King and Council of England where it appears like a great Body upon a pair of Stilts more in bulk than the proportion of the strength that bare it The Pillars of the State which wisely foresaw how great an inconvenience it would be to suffer such a Member to be dissever'd that in the contestation with France would make the War a Mattachine or Song of three parts perswade their Sovereign it was not proper for his Greatness to suffer such an unworthy subversion of his Fathers Constitutions and to loose the advantage of so fair a part of his Revenue Edward that had outslept his native glory had yet a just compunction of this dishonour which seem'd to rob him of a portion of his Inheritance purchased at too dear a value He lays by his private rancour and settles himself to suppress this sudden and unlookt-for Commotion waking from that sensual Dream which had given him so large a cause of Sorrow Scarcely would he give his intentions such an intermission as might attend the levy of his Army which he had summoned to be ready with all speed and expedition The jealous Lords startled with this Alarum conceiting it but some trick of State to catch them napping they suspect these Forces under pretence of publick action might be prepared to
so strong a Battery Yet the more to justifie their Arms which in the best construction seem'd to smatch of Rebellion they send unto the King a fair and humble Message the Tenor whereof lets him know that Their intentions were fair and honest and that the Arms thus levied were to defend his Honour and not offend his Person The Sufferings of the Kingdom were so deep and weighty that all was like to run to present ruine unless he would be pleas'd to cure this Feaver In all humility they desire he would sequester from his presence and their usurpt authority those Instruments which acted this disorder and that their doings might receive a test by a fair Tryal To this if he give way they would attend him with all the expressions of a Loyal Duty but if his heart were hardned for denial they then intreat his pardon that would not be Spectators of the general mischief which drew too swiftly on by this Distemper The King receiving so peremptory a Message thinks this fair gloss a kind of By-your-leave in spight of your teeth He saw readily how the Game went and was loath to strike the Hive for fear the Swarm should sting him Dearly he doted on his Minion yet conceiv'd it fitter he should a little suffer than they both should ruine which probably might soon ensue if they prevailed He had no power provided to withstand them nor was he sure that time would make it stronger the Lords were well belov'd their quarrel pleasing while he had nothing but the name of King might hope assistance Now he condemns bitterly his improvidence that had not secur'd his work before he acts it Spencer that saw himself thus quite forestalled and his great foresight in a manner useless since those whom he had made were but a handful and those of the poorer sort of weaker spirits that stow themselves in tempests under Hatches knew 't was too late to think of opposition and therefore perswades his irresolute Master to subscribe to the present necessity yet so that these angry Hornets might not be their own Carvers He knew or at least believ'd his faults were not yet Capital yet could not tell what construction might be given if those which were his enemies were admitted to be his sole Judges and therefore made rather choice to be at the mercy of a Parliament than at their disposing He was not without hope to be able to make an able party in this Assembly where at worst he knew he should be sentenc'd rather by spleen than fury This resolution by the King approved an answer is return'd to the Lords That his Majesty having examin'd the contents of their Petition found therein a fair pretext of Justice and reason and that if their allegations were such as were by them pretended himself would with as much willingness as they could desire joyn in the act of Reformation But for as much as private Passion maskt it self sometimes under the vail of publike grievance and particular ends had the pretext of general Reformation he thought it expedient to make this rather a Parliamentary work than the act of his Prerogative or their inforcement which was more for their proper Honours and the good of the whole Kingdom which resolution if they thought fit to entertain he wisht them to lay down their Arms which were the marks rather of an intended violence than a real desire of Justice that done in the knowledg of their approbation he would speedily cause his Summons to be sent out for the calling together of this great Assembly The reception of this answer was not displeasing to the Barons who desir'd those might be the Judges that had equally smarted with the stripes of this affliction yet they conceiv'd it not wisdom to disband their Forces on a bare supposition which could not be yet continued without too much charge and too great jealousie To reconcile this they divide themselves every one retaining to himself a guard sufficient to assure his Person and so dispose the rest that they might be ready on the least Item Things standing thus the Writs and Proclamations for Election are sent out in which there was as much time won as might be taken without suspition Now is there stiff labouring on all sides though not visibly yet with underhand working to cause a major part in this Election which the Lords wisely foreseeing as the main spring that must keep all the wheels in their right motion had beforehand so provided for that the engines of the adverse Party serv'd rather to fright than make a breach in the rule and truth of this Election The subjects sensible of the disorders of the Kingdom and seeing into the advantage which promis'd a liberty of Reformation make choice of such as for their wisdome and integrity deserv'd it rejecting such as fought it by corruption or might be in reason suspected This made the undertakers fall short and wide of the Bow-hand The day of appearance being come the jealous Lords would not rely so much on the King 's good Nature but that they come up like themselves bravely attended with several Crews of lusty Yeomen that knew no other way to win their Landlords favour but with Fidelity and Valour These for distinction and that they might be known all Birds of a feather are suited in Cassocks with a white guard athwart which gave this the name of the Parliament of white Bends Spencer seeing the Retinue of his Adversaries makes himself a Rampire of all his Servants Friends and Kindred The jealous Citizens that sometime look beyond their Shop-board seeing such a confluence from all parts of the Kingdom and so ill-inclin'd had a kinde of shivering phantasie lest while these strong Workmen fell a hammering the Corporation might become the Anvil The Mayor to prevent the worst doubleth the Guards and plants a strong Watch to keep the Gates and Suburbs Now according to the usual Custome the Speaker is presented and the King himself doth thus discourse his pleasure which they attend e're they begun this Session My Lords and you the Commons of the Nether-House I have at this time call'd you hither to crave your aid advice and best assistance I am inform'd my Subjects are abus'd and that the Kingdoms welfare dayly suffers such actions I maintain not nor will suffer Sift out the depth of this and finde the Authors which found I 'll punish as your selves think fitting A Kingdomes weight depresseth so his Owner that many faults may scape his eye unquestion'd your Body is the Perspicil that shews him what errours be and how he may prevent them which leads both King and Subject to a settled quiet Be not too curious in your inquisition which wastes but time and feeds diseased Passion nor may you make those faults that are not which savours more of Envy than of Justice Actions of State you may not touch but nicely they walk not in the Road of vulgar
Knowledge these are high Mysteries of private workings which fore-right eyes can never see exactly You cannot blindfold judge their form or substance As all times are believ'd these may be guilty yet let your Judgments make them so not private Fancy which is the Nurse that suckles up confusion So grave a Senate should not be the meeting where men do hunt for News to feed their malice Nor may you trench too near your Soveraigns actions if they be such as not concern the Publick You would not be restrain'd that proper freedom which all men challenge in their private dwellings My Servants are mine own I 'll sift their errours and in your just complaint correct their Vices Seek not to bar me of a free election since that alone doth fully speak my Power I may in that endure no touch or cavil which makes a King seem lesser than a Subject I know those I affect are more observed and Envy waits their actions if not Hatred 't were yet Injustice they for this should suffer or for my Love not their own Errours perish What one among you would not be exalted or be to me as he whom now you aim at Reason and Nature tye me to their limits else might you share it in a like proportion Ambition that betrays poor Mans Affections stares always upwards sees nothing beneath it till striving to o'rethrow some lofty Steeple it stumbling falls in some foul Saw-pit Perhaps the Court is guilty of some Errours the Countrey is not free from worse Oppressions yet these are wav'd as acts unfit your knowledge which rob and tear the poor distressed Commons who must be still possest my greater Agents are the contrivers of this publick mischief while you by these make good your proper greatness This should not be if you conceit it rightly 't is far from Justice and a due Proportion one man should fall and thousands stay unpunisht that are more guilty far of foul transgression If you would sift and with unpartial dealing sweep from the Kingdom such unjust Oppressors it were a work of goodness worth your labour would leave to after-times a brave Example But these Assemblies think those acts improper which may reflect upon the proper freehold of those that are most nice and apt to censure I now desire it is your Soveraign speaks it you will reform this kinde of strange proceeding prejudicate not any till you finde him faulty nor shoot your darts at one where more are guilty In such a number diversly affected there are I fear too many thus affected that this advantage fits their private rancour making the Publick Good the stale and subject which aims unvail'd at nought but Innovation These busie-brains unfit to be Law-makers let graver Heads restrain by their discretions else I must make them know and feel my Power I will support and still assist your Justice but may not suffer such a fond distemper Your Priviledge gives warrant speak in freedome yet let your words be such as may become you if they flye out to taint my Peace or Honour this Sanctuary may not serve to give Protection if so some discontent or ill-affected Spirit may challenge Power to vent a Covert Treason But your own Wisdomes I presume will guide you to make this such that I may often call you What more is fit or doth remain untouch'd you still shall understand in your progression wherein let Vertue lead and Wisdome rule your temper The King having ended the several Members of this goodly Body draw together where notwithstanding this grave admonition full of implicite direction they fall roundly to their business For forms-sake they a while discourse the petty Misdemeanors of the Kingdom to make a fairer introduction into the main end of their Assembly A few Balls being tost and bandied to and fro they begin to crack the Nut where the Worm lay that eat the Kernel No sooner was the Vote of the House discover'd but informations fly in like Points by dozens no business is discours'd which toucht the dishonour of the King the grief of the Kingdom or the oppression of the Subject but straight flies upward and makes a noise that all had one beginning The general thus far questioned the particulars come to a reckoning wherein Spencer is pointblanck charg'd with Insolency Injustice Corruption Oppression neglect of the publick and immoderate advancement of his own particular Those few faint friends he had gotten into this number more to express their own abilities than with a hope of prevailing hearing these thundering aspersions rise up to justifie or if that fall short to extenuate the faults of their glorious Patron but their Oratory prov'd just like the Cause they strive to defend full of apparent falshood Those nimbler spirits that haunt the Ghosts of corrupted greatness seek not to Vndermine this great Building whose structure had so hasty and rotten a Foundation but prove in reason justice and necessity that it ought to be Demolished since it was the Spring that polluted all the lesser Fountains The places of Judicature being still marted the Purchaser must sell his Judgements which was a commerce fit for those that had the worst and were most diffident The Simoniacal trading for Spiritual promotions as it dishonoured the dignity so it must exalt such as knew better how to share their Flocks than feed them Bartring of Honour for private lucre would ruine the glory of antiquity in blood and in another age as prodigal as this make Lords as common as Drovers Possession of so many great Offices as it was an injury to those of more deserving so might it in time become a Monopoly for every new-made Vpstart Setling the strengths and Military Provision in the command of One so much insufficient must open the way to foraign loss or domestick mischief Planting of the principal Officers of the Common-wealth by one mans corrupt distribution must bring all to his guidance and the Kingdom to confusion Admission of the Royal ear to one Tongue only ties all the rest and resembles the Councel-chamber to a School where Boys repeat their Lessons These passages discours'd and Aphorism'd at large in the House at the private Committee divers fouler suspitions and aggravations are treated with a greater freedom which being again with their several proofs reported before the whole Body by the general doom he is pronunced guilty This daring favourite seeing the violence of the Tide begins to fear it and letting his Anchor fall hulls out the full Sea in the Royal Harbour he strikes his top-sail yet contemns the Winds that cause the Tempest and quarrels with their Power must be his Judges This takes away all hope of reconcilement and more inflam'd their hearts that did pursue him They know he now must fall or they must ruine Lions may not be toucht till they be sure lest breaking loose they tear those Gins that catch them This consideration begets a solemn Messenger well attended with divers Seconds
to suffer the Severity of the Law rather seem defective than an apparent taint in the suffering disposition and goodness The actions of Repentance are registred in the table of our Transgressions where none to the guilty Conscience appears more horrid and fearful than those which by an inconsiderate haste or corruption of the Will have been acted in Blood and Passion So great a height as the Majesty of a King should be cloathed with as sweet a temper neither too precipitate or too slow neither too violent or too remiss but like the beating of a healthy Pulse with a steady and well-advised motion which preserves a just Obedience and Fear in those which are vicious and begets a Love and Admiration in all especially such as so graciously taste his Goodness I have dwelt too long in this digression yet I must though it a little delay the concluding part of this History speak somewhat that is no less proper for him that shall have the happiness to enjoy so fair and large a room in the Royal affections There must be in him a correspondent worth as well of Wisdome and Obedience as of Sincerity and Truth which makes no other use of this so great a blessing but to his Soveraigns Honour and his own credit and not to advantage himself by the oppression of others or improving the particular by the ruine of a Kingdome If the Masters actions be never so pure and innocent yet if out of affection he become the Patron of the Servants misdemeanours and insolencies by protecting or not punishing he makes himself guilty and shares both in the grievance and hatred of the poor distressed Subject The general cry seeing the stream polluted ascribe it to the Fountain-head where is the Spring that may reform and cleanse it By this one particular errour of Protection he that will read the History of our own or those of Forreign Nations shall finde a number of memorable Examples which have produced Deposition of Kings Ruine of Kingdoms the Effusion of Christian Blood and the general Distemper of that part of the world all grounded on this occasion Let him then that out of his Masters Love more than his own Desert hath made himself a fortune be precisely careful that by his disorder he endanger not the stair and prop of his Preferment which he shall make firm and permanent in making Humility and Goodness the Adamant to draw the love both of his equals and inferiours Such a winning Sweetness assures their hearts which in the least contempt or insolence are apt and ready to receive the impressions of Envy and Hatred which if they once take root end not in Speculation but Actions either publickly violent or privately malicious both tending to his ruine and confusion If he stray from this Principle striving to make an imperious height beget fear and the opinion of that fear the rock whereon he builds his Greatness let him then know that the first is the Companion of Trust and Safety the other a Slave that will break loose with opportunity and advantage Neither hath it any touch of Discretion or Society with Wisdome or Moral Policy to glorifie his new-acquired Greatness with unnecessary amplifications either in multiplicity of Attendants vanity of Apparel superfluity of Diet sumptuousness of Structures or any other ridiculous eminency that may demonstrate his Pride or Ambition Wise men deride it Fools applaud it his Equals envy it and his Inferiours hate it All jumping at length in one conclusion that his Fortune is above his Merit and his Pride much greater than his Worth and Judgment But this presuming Impudence ends not here Kings themselves may suffer for a time but in the end they will rather change their Affections than to be dazled and outshin'd in their own Sphere and Element Now is this young King Crowned with a great deal of Triumphant Honour but with a more expectation of what would become of this giddy world which seem'd to run upon wheels by reason of so sudden and so great a revolution The Queen and Mortimer in this his Minority take upon them the whole Sway and Government of the Kingdome The Act wherein they express'd themselves and their new Authority first was the Commitment of Baldock the quondam Lord Chancellor who hath the Great Seal taken from him and was sent to Newgate It may be wonder'd why he was so long spared they had use of his Place though not of his Person and had no Power if they had thrust him out to have brought in another or to have executed it by Commission unless they would admit it as an act of the old King until the new were Crowned This Cage was fit for such a Coysterel but yet his place being so eminent it was believed somewhat unworthy yet succeeding time made it not much out of square when Trisilian Lord Chief Justice was hang'd for interpreting the Law against Law and his own Conscience for the Kings advantage Now the recollected spirits begin to parallel time present with that precedent and to meditate upon that act which had disrobed and put down an anointed King that had so long sway'd the Scepter to whom they had so solemnly sworn Faith and Obedience They finde the State little altered onely things are thought more handsomly carried and the Actors were somewhat more warrantable yet the Multitude according to the vanity of their changeable hearts begin already to be crop-sick wishing for their old Master and ready to attempt any new Innovation such is the mutability of the inconstant Vulgar desirous of new things but never contented despising the time being extolling that of their Forefathers and ready to act any mischief to try by alteration the succedent like Aesops Frogs if they might have their own fancy each Week should give them a new King though it were to their own destruction This occasions many unpleasing Petitions and Suits tender'd to the new King and his Protectors for the releasement of Edward's Imprisonment or at least for more freedom or a more noble usage But these touch too near the quick to beget a sudden answer As things stood they neither grant nor deny either of them carrying with it so dangerous a hazard If he were free they must shake hands with their greatness and a flat denial would have endanger'd a sudden tumult They give good words and promise more than ever they meant to perform yielding many reasons why they could not yet give a definitive resolution this for the present satisfies The black Monks are more importunate and take not this delay for an answer but being still adjourn'd over with protraction they labour to bring that about by Conspiracy which they could not do by Intreaty in their publick Exhortations they inveigh against the severity of the King's usage and invite their Auditory to set to a helping hand to the procurement of his Freedom they extenuate his Faults and transfer them to them
who were secretly contriving both the ruine of Himself the antient Nobility and the Kingdom their Plot was not yet ripe and he conceiv'd it in the reason of State fit to have the Birds flush before he caught them The Lords that in the first rumour suspected it had some reflection on their particular or a meer noise without ground or substance on the receipt of this Letter alter their opinion and believe there was some real cause of this suspition They knew the King was wretchless dull and sleepy and did not use to wake but when it thunder'd they think him short in depth of so much judgment as with a Jigg of State might catch them naked His Letter seem'd a character of truth but not of cunning this kept them free from boubt but not from danger They send back an answer graciously received themselves their strengths and states should wait his Pleasure These passages thus spent the Citizens that like no laws but those of profit do lay their heads together to finde out a way how to dispose things so that they might trade with safety A cunning Enginier one of the Kings own making avows there was no means but one to make things sure which was to move the King to call the Spencers home and reconcile them The sequel was not fearful since this Tryal would make them know themselves and be more quiet if not they yet might be in distance where they might be surpriz'd if they offended This Proposition findes consent and liking in the grave Brain of the deep Corporation in stead of punishment so well deserved the Thief must be preferred to free the passage yet to excuse their errour they saw the King had an itching inclination that way and were not without a hope that Spencer being by their means recalled would of a profest enemy become a sure friend to the City This gave them heart to draw up their Petition and immediately to present it to the King who having that he lookt for in outward shew seem'd nothing well contented He bids them examine well the nature of their Petition which run in a direct line in opposition against a Parliamental sentence and would incense the reconciled Barons against whose strength he could not well oppose but it must hazard him and all the Kingdom Yet if their wisdomes did think fit in their assur'd assistance he would venture since he prefer'd their good before his private Though Spencer had transgrest his will and pleasure yet their intreaty should dispense his errour in hope he would become a new-made Subject They cry God bless your Grace revoke your Judgment you shall command our lives to back your goodness Edward thus far on his way causeth a Declaration to be made containing the request of his faithful subjects and beloved Royal Chamber of London at whose importunate intreaty he thought fit out of his grace and tenderness of the general good to recal the Spencers who had given sufficient caution for their future good abearing This known soon brings them back to grace and favour their petty thefts at Sea must have a sure way to trade in they must return to shave and rob the Kingdom 't was thought more fit than they should rob the Merchants 'T is strange to see what shift this poor King made to work his own undoing But when Religion 's lost and Virtue banisht and men begin to trade with slights and falshood the end proves fatal and doth lead them blindfold into the ways that work their own destrustion The actions of a Crown are exemplar and must be perfect clean upright and honest their errours die not with them but are register'd in the story of their Lives with Infamy or Honour which consideration may in justice beget a sincerity and cautelous respect from acting under the pretence of policy those stratagems which seem but are not fruit of Royal goodness A like care must be had in the limitation of affections so that they enforce him not to those ways which at one blow take from him his Judgment and his Honour The power Majestick is or should be bounded and there is a reciprocal correspondence which gives the King the obedience the subject equal right and perfect justice by which they claim a property in his actions if either of these fall short or prove defective by wilful errour or by secret practice the State 's in danger of a following mischief The Spencers thus return'd are reinvested into their former high and wonted greatness the burnt Child fears the Fire they know their danger and not attend the Storm until they feel it Their Masters Plot they second and closely gain a strength for present Action That done they appear with confidence and by main strength seek to crush those of the adverse faction Sir Bartholomew Baldsmere is the first that tasts the Prologue they seize upon his Castle of Leedes without or Law or Title he sues to have his own but is rejected Their peremptory return and the abrogation of that Law that sent them packing was provocation enough there needed not a second motive to enflame the angry Barons but when they understood the unjust oppression of their confederate and the daily levies that were underhand made they then conceive it time to look about them They finde the fruit of dalliance and visibly see into the Kings Plot which had abus'd them condemning their credulity and coldness that had not spoil'd the brood while it was hatching The King who had so oft been catcht was now more wary and resolving to be aforehand with his business prepares his Forces He knew his Arms not Tongue must plead his Quarrel another errour in his Guard he suspects would make him liable to a more curst proceeding His Favourite that had his Spies in every corner is soon inform'd the Potion was a brewing would give him Physick if he did not prevent it the gathering Clouds portend a sudden Darkness which threaten showers of Bloud and Civil Mischief He thinks his Guilt above the Rate of Favour and vows to wade in Bloud or die or vanquish To suffer still and not to act he counts it weakness which makes him strive to be the first Invader He wins the King to march with those strong Forces their foresight had prepar'd being soon united The first Exploit seizeth the two Mortimers that with an unadvised security had plaid over their old Game anew on his Possessions Their Strength was great enough for an Incursion but far too weak to cope with such an Army Their Resolution was to give the Larum and then retreat to knit with their Confederates but they were intercepted ere they fear'd it and made the Tower the Prize of their Adventure Thus sometimes it falls out who acts Injustice is catcht in the same Net himself was weaving The Lords with this Report are strangely startl'd they see themselves forestall'd in their own Working Arms now they know
must be their Warrant or else their Lives must pay a bitter Forfeit Their Forces were not yet fully ready yet they march on resolv'd to wait the Kings approach at Burton Time that runs swift to Mischief slow to Goodness at length conjoyns their Strength and several Levies which were not great and yet believ'd sufficient to give a Canvas to the Royal Army which as their Curriers told them was not mighty Soon are they brought to view each others Countenance where Friend against Friend and Son against the Father Brother against the Brother stood embattl'd such mischief follows still a Civil Discord The Kings Force far exceeds in strength and number which made the Terms of hazard far unequal The adverse part perceiving well the danger which they were in if they abide the Tryal condemn their own belief and Servants falshood who had so far fallen short in their discovery But now a second Deliberation is entertain'd which adviseth them to decline the Battle and to make a Retreat till they were re-enforced This Resolution taken from the present suspition was not more dishonourable than dangerous it gave confidence to their Enemies and dejected their own Party willing rather to try their hands than their heels where the peril seem'd indifferent But the Reasons given in excuse were grave and weighty The Earl of Lancaster had sent Sir Thomas Holland to raise his Northern Friends and Tenants who was marching up strongly and well provided so that if they could have adjourned the Battle off to his arrival it would have made the Terms more hopeful if not equal It is in the Rule of War esteem'd a weakness to affront an Enemy for a set Battle with too great disproportion in number but to recoyl without a marvelous discreet and orderly proceeding is no more than laying the disheartned Troops to a present slaughter the Experiment whereof was here apparent The Lords rise but ill and in disorder more like a Flight than a discreet Retiring Valence Earl of Pembrooke that did command in chief under the King sees this Confusion and straight lays hold of such a fair advantage He chargeth hotly on the Reer which straight was routed the Barons make a head but are forsaken which makes them flie to seek their proper safeguard With much ado they get to Pontefret whither the broken Troops at length repair for succour Holland intrusted performs the work he went for and marcht with speed hoping to give a Rescue but when he saw that their Affairs were desperate rate he thinks it his best play to change his Master and leads his Troops to get the Kings Protection As it deserv'd it gains a gracious welcome Thus all things tend to their Confusion one mischief seldom comes but many thunder The despairing Barons finding themselves hotly pursu'd repair to Council where many ways are mov'd and none embraced save that same fatal one which wrought their Ruine They leap like Fishes from the Pan that scorcht them into the raging Flames that soon consum'd them The Castle of Donstanborough was believed a strength tenable until their Friends do raise a second Army or they at worst might treat some fair Conditions they march to gain this hold but are prevented Sir Andrew Harcklaye meets them at Borough-briggs and guards the Passage Hereford and Clifford seek to force it and like inraged Lions here act Wonders twice had their angry Swords made the way open but fresh Supplies opprest them still with number till wearied not o'ercome they yield to Fortune and by a glorious Death preserve their Honour When these brave Arches fell the Building totter'd though Mowbray made a while a brave resistance till his Heroick Bloud not Valour fail'd him The surprizal of Lancaster and many other noble Knights and Barons perfects this Overthrow and ends these Civil Tumults The Prey thus seiz'd the Spencers long to taste it and like to furious Tygers act their Passions They give not their incensed Master time to deliberate on that Work which was so weighty which had the Lives of such great Peers in balance They whet on and exasperate the Kings Revenge that needs no instigation Soon is the Work resolv'd where deep Revenge hath master'd humane Judgment and Reason doth subscribe to private Malice Valence a stout and noble Gentleman hating such a barbarous Cruelty seeks to divert it and mildly thus intreats the Royal favour To win a Battle Sir it is glory to use it well a far more glorious Blessing In heat of Blood to kill may taste of Valour which yet on cooler terms may touch of Murder Laws were not made to catch offences but to judge them which are dispens'd with where the cause is weighty else none may live where many are delinquent Celestial Powers have blest you with a Conquest and do expect to see how you will use it For your own Goodness sake make known your Vertue be like to him that gave you this great Blessing and then your Mercy will exceed your Justice The savage beasts but kill to kill their hunger and will you act in blood to please your fancy The Heavens forbid the Royal Heart should harbour a thought that justly may be deemed cruel Your Sword victorious is imbrew'd with Honour let it not ravage where is no resistance to spill where you may save obscures your Glory to save where you may spill proclaims your Goodness I 'll not excuse their faults or plead their merits which both are lesser far than is your Mercy let not such branches so untimely wither which may in time be your defence and shelter Kings are but men that have their fates attend them which measure out to them what they to others Blood is a crying Sin that cries for vengeance which follows swiftly those that vainly shed it Black Apparitions fearful Dreams affright them whose guilty Souls are stain'd with deeds of darkness Oh let your purer thoughts be unpolluted that they may live to shew your Grace and Vertue and After-ages speak your worth in Glory The King had scarce the patience to hear out the Conclusion of a Theme so contrarious to his resolution and humour yet weighing the Integrity and well-deserving of the man that spake it to justifie himself and to give him satisfaction with an angry brow he makes this sudden Answer Valence but that I know you truely love me your words do touch too near your Soveraigns Honour Shall I seduced by a female pity compassion those that do attempt my ruine such actions may be goodness no discretion how many times have I declin'd my Power to win them home by mercy not by justice what hath my mildness won but flat Rebellion which had it took where then had been their virtue Say I should spare their Lives and give them freedom each slight occasion colours new eruption and I may then too late repent my kindness When my poor Gaveston was tane where was their mercy They made their Arms their