so far there is no Errour But when a flux of Torment follows Judgment which may be done in Speech as well as Action it gives too many Deaths to one Offender and stains the Actors with a foul dishonour To see such a Monster so monstrously used no question pleased the giddy Multitude who scarcely know the civil grounds of Reason the recollected Judgment that beheld it censur'd it was at best too great and deep a blemish to suit a Queen a Woman and a Victor Whether her Imposition or his patient Suffering were greater or became first weary he now is brought to give them both an ending upon a Gallows highly built of purpose he now receives the end of all his Torments the Cruelty was such unfit to be recorded Whether it were the greatness of his heart or it were broken he leaves the world with such a constant parting as seem'd as free from fear as fruitless plaining Four days are scarcely ended ere Arundel doth taste the self-same fortune Until the last Combustion I finde no mention in the Story of this Noble Gentleman neither could I ever read any just cause why his Life was thus taken from him unless it were a Capital Offence not to forsake his Master It was then a very hard case if it must be adjudged Treason to labour to defend his King and Soveraign to whom he had sworn Faith and Obedience suffering for preserving that Truth and Oath which they had all treacherously broken that were his Judges If it were deemed a fault deep enough to be taken in company with those that were corrupt and wicked I see yet no reason why he alone should suffer and those their other Creatures were permitted many of them unquestion'd some preferr'd and none executed But we may not properly expect Reason in Womens actions It was enough the incensed Queen would have it so against which was no disputing Her business thus dispatcht she comes to London where she hath all the Royal Entertainment due to her Greatness The Citizens do run and crowd to see her that if the Wheel should turn would be as forward to make the self-same speed to see her ruine Assoon as here she had settled her affairs and made things ready she calls a Parliament and sends forth Summons for the appearance which as soon ensued herein she makes her Husband seal the Warrant who God knows scarcely knew what she was doing but lived a Recluse well and surely guarded When this grave Assembly was come together the Errours and the Abuses of the Kingdom are laid full open which touch'd the King with a more insolent liberty than might well become the tongues of those which must yet be his Subjects Many ways of Reformation for forms sake are discussed but the intended course was fully before resolved yet it was fit there should be a handsome Introduction The issue at length falls upon the point of Necessity shewing that Edward by the imbecillity of his judgment and the corruption of his nature was unfit longer to continue the Government which was so diseased and sick that it required a King more careful and active as if the conferring it upon a green Youth little more than an Infant had been Warranty enough for these Allegations but they serv'd turn well enough where all were agreed and there was not so much as a just fear of opposition It ne're was toucht or exprest by what Law Divine or Humane the Subject might Depose not an Elective King but one that Lineally and Justly had inherited and so long enjoy'd it this was too deep a Mystery and altogether improper for their resolution A short time at length brings them all to one Minde which in a true construction was no more than a mere Politick Treason not more dangerous in the Act than in the Example The three Estates unà voce conclude the Father must be Deposed and his unripe Son must be Invested in the Royal Dignity Not a Lord Bishop Knight Judge or Burgess but that day left his Memory behinde him they could not else so generally have forgot the Oaths of their Allegiance so solemnly sworn to their old Master whom they had just cause to restrain from his Errours but no ground or colour to deprive him of his Kingdom who that day found neither Kinsman Friend Servant or Subject to defend his Interest It is probable he could not be so generally forsaken and not unlikely but that he had some in this Assembly well-affected which seeing the violence and strength of the Current knew their contestation might endanger themselves and not advantage him in his possession But this justifies them not neither in their Oaths Love or Duty which should have been sincere and eminent He that had here really express'd himself had left to Posterity an honourable Memorial of his Faith Worth and Valour Never will the remembrance of that stout and reverend Bishop dye who in the Case of Richard the Second exprest himself so honestly and bravely Civil respects though they deeply touch in particular warrant not the breach of publick engagements neither is it properly Wisdome but Craft infringeth the Laws of Duty or Honesty If that may be admitted what Perjury may not finde an excuse what Rebellion not a justifiable answer But it is clear there may not be a wilful violation of Oaths though it tend deeply to our own loss and prejudice The Resolution being now fully concluded that must uncrown this unhappy King divers of both Houses are sent unto him to make the Declaration who being come into his presence Trussel the Speaker of the lower House in the Name of the whole Kingdom makes a Resignation of all Homage and Fealty and then doth read the Sentence Edward that had been aforehand informed the better to prepare him had arm'd himself with as much Patience as his Necessity could give him with an attentive ear hears all full out which done he turns away without answering a word He knew it was in vain to spend time in Discourse or Contestation which must be the ready way to endanger his Life and in his consenting with a dangerous example to his Successours he had both their Power and his own Guilt made evident to Posterity which might have made the practice more frequent and familiar He had still a kinde of Hope that his Adversaries would run themselves out of breath when there would be both room and time to alter his condition Thus this unfortunate King after he had with a perpetual agitation governed this Kingdome eighteen years odde months and days lost it partly by his own Disorder and Improvidence but principally by the treacherous Infidelity of his Wife Servants and Subjects And it is most memorable an Army of three hundred Strangers entred his Dominion and took from him the Rule and Governance without so much as blow given or the loss of any one man more than such as perished by the hand of
own Contentment One rough Majestick glaunce will charm their anger Admit great Edward did command Obedience he then was King your Sovereign and your Father he now is dead and you enjoy his Power will you yet still obey and serve his shadow His Vigour dull'd with Age could not give Laws to suit your Youth and Spirit nor is it proper that the Regal Power be made a stranger to his own Contentment or be debarr'd from inward Peace and Quiet Did you but truely know what 't is to be a Monarch you 'ld be so to your self as well as others What do you fear or what is it restrains you A seeming Danger more in shew than substance Wise men that finde their aims confin'd to hazard secure the worst before they give them action You have a Kingdoms Power to back a Will to guide it Can private fear suggest to shake it Alas they cannot if your self were constant Who dares oppose if you command Obedience I deny not if you be faint or stagger you may be crost and curb'd by that advantage that gives their moving-heart shew of Justice You understand your self and feel your Passions if they be such as will not brook denial why do you dally or delay to right them The more you paise your doubts the more they double and make things worse than they or are or can be appearing like your self these clouds will vanish and then you 'll see and know your proper errour Will you vouchsafe my trust I 'll fetch him hither whose absence gives you such a sad distraction You may the while secure his entertainment with such a strength may warrant your proceedings 'T were madness to ask leave to act Transgressions where Pardon may be had when they are acted If you do seek consent from your great Barons they 'll dare deny which is nor fault nor Treason and in that act you foil your hopes and action which gives their opposition shew of Justice But 't is in vain to plead the grounds of Reason since 't is your Will must give the resolution If that be fixt there needs no more disputing but such as best may bring it to perfection When this smooth Physician had prescribed so fit a Balsamum for so foul a Wound the King seems infinitely pleased in his relation he had hit his desires in the Master-vein and struck his former Jealousie between wind and water so that it sunk in the instant his love-sick Heart became more free and frolick which sudden mutation begat as great a wonder The Operations of the Fancy transport sometimes our Imagination to believe an actual possession of those things we most desire and hope for which gives such a life to the dejected Spirits of the Body that in the instant they seem cloathed in a new Habit. Such was the condition of this wanton King that in this bare overture conceits the fruition of his beloved Damon and apprehends this Golden Dream to be an essential part of his fantastique Happiness He heaps a world of promises and thanks on the Relator letting him know he waits but a fitting opportunity to give this project life and action It is a politique part of Court-wisdome to insinuate and lay hold of all the befitting opportunities that may claw the Prince's humour that is naturally vain-glorious or vicious there is not a more ready and certain way of advancement if it do shake hands with Modesty and appear with an undaunted impudent boldness He that will be a Courtier and contains himself within the modest temperance of pure Honesty and not intrude himself before he be called may like a Sea-mark serve to teach other men to steer their Course while he himself sticks fast unmoved unpitied All the Abilities of Nature Art Education are useless if they be tyed to the links of Honesty which hath little or no society in the Rules of State or Pleasure which as they are unlimited walk in the by-way from all that is good or vertuous If this Butterfly had truly laid before his unhappy Master what it had been to break the Injunctions of a dying Father to falsifie such Vows and Oaths so solemnly sworn and to irritate the greatest Peers of the Kingdom with so unworthy an action which had been the Duty of a Servant of his Masters Honour truely careful he had felt the Reward of such plain dealing either with Scorn Contempt or Passion whose flattering falsehood wins him special Grace and Favour and gains the title of an able Agent Some few days pass which seem'd o're long before the King exacts a second tryal In the interim to take away all jealousie he enters into the business of the Kingdom and with a seeming serious care surveys each passage and not so much as sighs or names his Gavaston doubting if in his way he were discovered there might be some cross-work might blast his project He knew how easie 't was if once suspected to take away the Cause might breed a difference What could so poor a stranger do that might protect him against or publick Force or private Mischief either of which he knew would be attempted before the Lords would suffer his reprisal When all was whisht and quiet and all mens eyes were fixed upon the present he calls his trusty Roger to his private presence and after some Instructions throws him his Purse and bids him haste he knew his Errand The wily Servant knows his Masters meaning and leaves the Court pretending just occasion proud of imployment posting on his Journey The King having thus far gone must now go onward he knew that long it could not be concealed such actions cannot rest in sleepy silence which made him think it fit to be the first Reporter This makes him send and call his Council who soon are ready and attend his Summons where he makes known the fury of his Passions and tells the way that he had taken to ease them So strange an act begets as great a wonder they unà voce labour to divert him and humbly plead his Fathers last Injunction to which their Faiths were tyed by deep Engagement They urge the Law that could not be dispens'd with without a publick breach of his prescription They speak the Vows and Oaths they all had taken which in consenting would make them false and perjur'd This working nothing they entreat him he would a while adjourn his resolution time might happily finde out a way might give him content and yet might save their Honours His jealous fear suspects this modest answer a temporizing must increase his sorrow while they so warned might work a sure prevention Being thus at plunge he strives to make it sure and win his Will or loose his Jurisdiction Though he were naturally of a suspicious and timerous Nature yet seeing now the interest of his Power at stake on the success of this Overture he lays aside his effeminate disposition and with angry Brow and stern Majesty doth thus discourse
his pleasure Am I your King If so why then obey me lest while you teach me Law I learn you Duty Know I am firmly bent and will not vary If you and all the Kingdome frown I care not You must enjoy your own affections I not so much as question or controul them but I that am your Sovereign must be tutor'd to love and like alone by your discretion Do not mistake I am not now in Wardship nor will be chalkt out ways to guide my fancy Tend you the Kingdoms and the publick Errours I can prevent mine own without Protection I should be loth to let you feel my Power but must and will if you too much enforce me If not Obedience yet your Loves might tender a kinde consent when 't is your King that seeks it But you perhaps conceit you share my Power you neither do nor shall while I command it I will be still my self or less than nothing These words and the manner of their delivery bred a strange distraction in which he flings away with a kinde of loose scorn for their refusal his valiant heart had yet his proper motions which tost it to and fro with doubtful hazard They sadly silent sit and view each other wishing some one would shew undaunted Valour to tye the Bell about the Cats neck that frights them but none appears They yet were strangers to their own party and the Kings conditions Their late dead Master's ways were smooth and harmless as free from private Wrongs as publick Grievance which had extinguisht all pretence of Faction and made them meet as Friends without assurance this wrought them with more ease to treat the business each one doth first survey his own condition which single could do little and yet exprest might cause his proper ruine next they measure the Kings Will and Power with his Command against which in vain were contestation where wants united strength to make it sure Lastly they examine what could at worst ensue in their consenting since it was as possible to remove him being here as stop his coming The King advertised by a private Intelligencer a fit instrument in the body of a State in the Society and Body of a Council of their staggering irresolution and finding his Pills had so kinde an Operation lays hold of the advantage and would not let the iron cool before he wrought it This brings him back with a more familiar and mild look and begets a discourse less passionate but more prevailing Temperately he lays before them the extremity of his inward trouble which had so engrost his private thoughts that he had been thereby enforced to estrange himself from them and neglected the Rights due to his Crown and Dignity He lets them know the depth of his engagement which had no aim repugnant to the Publick Good nor intention hurtful to their proper Honours and to conclude he intreats them if any of them had been truely touch'd with a disease of the same quality that they would indifferently measure his Condition by their own Sufferings So fair a Sun-shine following at the heels of so sharp a Tempest wrought a sudden innovation their yielding hearts seek to win Grace rather than hazard his Displeasure yet to colour so apparent a breach of Faith to their dead Master they capitulate certain Conditions which might seem to extenuate if not take off the stain of their dishonour as if matter of circumstance had been a sufficient motive for the breach of an Oath so solemnly and authentically sworn The King resolv'd to purchase his peace whose price was but verbal is nothing sparing to promise all and more than was demanded which they credit over-hastily though they could not be so light of belief as to imagine that he would keep his Word with the Subject that wilfully incurs a Perjury against his own Father yet in case of necessity it was by general consent agreed rather to subscribe than to endanger the Peace of the Kingdom by so unkinde and unnatural a division The King giving to each of them particular thanks having thus plaid his Masters prize departs wondrously content and jocund they seem outwardly not displeased that had obtain'd as much as they could desire and hoped the end would be fair if not fortunate The eye of the world may be blinded and the severity of humane Constitutions removed but so great a Perjury seldome escapes unpunished by the Divine Justice who admits no dalliance with Oaths even in the Case of Necessity as it evidently appears in the sequel of this Story where you may behold the miserable ruine that his principal and efficient cause had from this beginning It had been far more honourable and advantageous to the State if this young wanton King had point-blank found a flat denial and been brought to have tugg'd at the arms end the injustice of the quarrel which might in time have recollected his senses and brought him to the true knowledge what a madness it was for the loose affection of so unworthy an Object to hazard his own Dignity and alien the Love of the whole Kingdom But it is the general Disease of Greatness and a kinde of Royal Fever when they fall upon an indulgent Dotage to patronize and advance the corrupt ends of their Minions though the whole Society of State and Body of the Kingdom run in a direct opposition neither is Reason Law Religion or the imminency of succeeding danger weight enough to divert the stream of such inordinate Affections until a miserable Conclusion give it a fatal and just Repentance It were much better if with a provident foresight they would fear and prevent the blow before they feel it But such melancholy Meditations are deemed a fit food for Penitentials rather than a necessary reflection for the full stomack of Regal Authority The black clouds of former Suspicion being thus vanish'd nothing now wants to make perfect the Royal Desires but the fruition of this long-expected purchase The smooth Servant that had so pleasingly advised was not less careful in the execution of his promise He knew haste would advance the opinion of his Merit this makes him soon out-run his Journey and finde the Star of his directions to whom he liberally relates the occasion of his coming which he confirms by the delivery of his Masters Letter wherein was drawn to the life the character of his Affection and the assurance of his safety and intended promotion Gaveston being ravish'd with so sweet and welcome a relation entertains it with as much joy as the condemned Prisoner receives his Pardon at the place and hour of Execution His long-dejected Spirits apprehend the advantage of so hopeful an opportunity and spur him on with that haste that he hardly consents to one nights intermission for the repose of this weary Messenger No sooner had the Mornings-Watchman given his shrill summons of the approaching Day-light but he forsakes his weary Bed and hastens straight to
Horseback and being not well assured of his reception in the Kingdom being a banish'd man by so Juridical a Sentence he esteems it too weak an Adventure to expose himself to the hazard of the Road-way where he might with ease be intercepted This leads him to disguise himself and seek a secret passage which he as readily findes all things concurring to improve his happiness if he had had judgment and temper enough to have given it a right use Every minute he esteems ill lost till he might again be re-enfoulded in the sweet and dear embraces of his Royal Master Time that out-runs proud Fate brings him at last to the end of his desires where the interview was accompanied with as many mutual expressions as might flow from the tongues eyes and hearts of long-divided Lovers This pair thus again re-united the Court puts on a general face of Gladness while wiser heads with cause suspect the issue They esteem it full of danger to have one man alone so fully possess the Kings Affections who if he be not truely good and deep enough to advise soundly must often be the cause of Error and Disorder This strange piece had neither Nobility of Birth Ability of Brain or any Moral Goodness whereby they might justly hope he would be a stay to the unbridled youth of their Sovereign A precedent experience during the Government of their dead Master had given them a perfect knowledg that he was more properly a fit instrument for a Brothel than to be the Steersman of the Royal actions yet there was now no prevention they must hope the best and attend the issue Edward having thus regained his beloved Favourite could not shadow or dissemble his Affection but makes it eminent by the neglects of the State-affairs and the forgetfulness of the civil and ordinary Respect due to his great Barons They wait contemn'd and cannot gain the threshold while this new Upstart's courted in the Royal Chamber This kinde of usage won a sudden murmur which calls them off to close and private Meetings there they discourse their Griefs and means to right them they sift each way might break this fond inchantment or lessen this great light obscured their lustre When they had canvast all the Stratagems of State and private workings they deem'd it the most innocent and fair way to win the King to marry the interest of a Wife was thought the most hopeful inducement to reclaim these loose affections that were prostituted without or sense or honour she might become a fit counterpoise to qualifie the Pride of such a swelling greatness The major part soon jump in this opinion the rest are quickly won that fear'd the sequel On this they all together present themselves and their request and shew the reasons but touch not the true ground why they desired it After some pawse the King approves their motion yet bids them well consider it was the greatest Action of his life which as it principally concern'd his particular Contentment so did equally reflect on the general Interest of the whole Kingdom If they could find him out such a Wedlock as might adde Strength and Honour to the Crown and be withal suitable to his liking he would readily embrace it and value it as a blessing So fair a beginning encourageth them to move for Isabel the French Kings Daughter one of the goodliest and fairest Ladies of that time The King readily inclines to have it treated on which an honourable Embassage is sent to make the motion They are nobly receiv'd and willingly heard that bare this Message and the Conditions easily reconciled to a full Agreement This brings them home with a like noble Company fully authorized to receive the Kings consent and approbation This Conclusion thus made sends our new Lover into France to fetch his Mistriss where he is received like himself feasted and married with a great deal of Joy and Pleasure The Solemnity ended and a Farewel taken he hastens homewards returning seised of a Jewel which not being rightly valued wrought his ruine Infinite was the joy of the Kingdom evident in those many goodly expressions of her Welcome The excellency of so rare a Beauty could not so surprize the heart of this Royal Bridegroom but that he was still troubled with the pangs of his old Infirmity It was in the first Praeludium of his Nuptials a very disputable Question whether the Interest of the Wife or Favourite were most predominant in his Affections but a short time discovers that Gaveston had the sole possession of his Heart and Power to keep it To level their conditions and make the terms betwixt them more even he tyes this fair bullock in a yoke of the same nature marrying him to a lovely branch of the house of Gloucester whose noble heart struggled infinitely yet durst not contradict the Kings Injustice He holds his blood disparag'd by so base commixtion To take away that doubt the new-married man is advanced to the Earldom of Cornwal and hath in his Gift the goodly Castle and Lordship of Wallingford so that now in Title he had no just exception and for conditions it must be thought enough his Master loved him To shew himself thankful and to seem worthy of such gracious favour Gaveston applies himself wholly to the Kings humour feeding it with the variety of his proper appetite without so much as question or contradiction Not a word fell from his Sovereign's tongue but he applauds it as an Oracle and makes it as a Law to guide his actions This kinde of juggling behaviour had so glewed him to his Master that their Affections nay their very Intentions seem'd to go hand in hand insomuch that the Injustice of the one never found rub in the consent of the other If the King maintain'd the party the servant was ever fortunate his voice was ever concurrent and sung the same Tune to a Crochet The discourse being in the commendation of Arms the eccho stiles it an Heroick Vertue if Peace it was an Heavenly Blessing unlawful Pleasures a noble Recreation and Actions most unjust a Royal Goodness These parasitical Gloses so betray'd the itching ear that heard them that no Honour or Preferment is conceited great and good enough for the Relator A short time invests in his person or disposure all the principal Offices and Dignities of the Kingdom the Command of War and all Military Provisions were committed solely to his care and custody all Treaties forraign and domestick had by his direction success or ruine nothing is concluded touching the Government or Royal Prerogative but by his consent and approbation In the view of these strange passages the King appear'd so little himself that the Subjects thought him a Royal Shadow without a Real Substance This Pageant too weak a Jade for so weighty a burden had not a brain in it self able enough to manage such great Actions neither would he entertain those of ability to
passages made them entertain this War with less heat but with a more solid judgment Barwick they knew was strong by Art and Nature and fully provided to hold the English play till Want and the Season of the Year did make them weary This made them leave the road-way and continue the War more by Discretion than Valour But during these passages the Divine Justice sends down the other three fatal executioners of his wrath Plague Dearth and Famine no part is free but hath his portion of one or all of these so cruel Sisters To make this misery more perfect the wylie Scots taking the advantage of the King 's fruitless encamping before Barwick like a land-flood over-run the naked Borders and boldly march forward into the Country with Fury Blood and Rapine The stuff that should stop this breach was absent with the King so that they finde no rub in their eruption The Arch-Bishop of York a Reverend Old man but a young Souldier able enough in his element but ignorant in the Rules of Martial Discipline resolves to oppose this unruly devastation he straightways musters up his Congregations and gives them Arms that knew scarce use of Iron Soon had his example collected up a multitude in number hopeful but it was composed of men fitter to pray for the success of a Battle than to fight it With these and an undaunted Spirit he affronts his Enemies and gives them an encounter making Milton upon Swale more memorable by the blood of this Disaster His Victorious and Triumphing Enemies christned this unhappy Conflict in derision The white Battle Many Religious-men with loss of their Lives purchas'd here their first Apprentiship in Arms and found that there was a dangerous difference betwixt fighting and praying The intent of this grave Bishop was certainly noble and worthy but the act was inconsiderate weak and ill-advised It was not proper to his Profession to undertake a Military Function in which his hope in reason answer'd his experience neither did it agree with the Innocency and Piety of his Calling to be an actor in the effusion of Blood though the quarrel were defensive but by compulsion But questionless he meant well which must excuse his action Too great a care improperly exprest doth often loose the cause it strives to advantage In all deliberations of this nature where so many Lives are at stake there should be a deep foresight even in matter of circumstance and the quality as well of our own as of our adversaries duely considered else with a dangerous errour we leave the success to the will of Fortune who in nothing is more tickle and wanton than in the event of Battles which are seldom gain'd by multitude the Mother of Confusion To be a General is an act of greatness and doth require a great and perfect Knowledge ripe by Experience and made full by Practice It is not enough to dare to fight which is but Valour but to know how and when which makes it perfect Discretion and Judgment sometimes teach advantage which make the weight being light the scale more even I will not deny but the most expert Leader may have all these and yet may loose a Battle since as all things are this great designe is guided by a Divine Providence and many Accidents may happen betwixt the Cup and the Lip while things are in action But he that hath a well-grounded and warrantable reason for his Engagement may lose the day and yet preserve his Honour Wise-men do censure Errours not Events of Actions which shew them good or bad as they be grounded The News of the Defeat of this Spiritual Army like the voice of a Night-raven had no sooner croakt his sad eccho in the King's ear but he straight raiseth his Army weaken'd with Famine and lessen'd with Sickness The prigging Scots seeing his going off judge his Retreat little better than a plain flight which gave them heart to set upon the fag-end of his Troops which they rout and break to the astonishment of the whole Army This done they return and think it honour enough they had done the work they came for The King doubles his pace homewards instead of Triumph glad he had got loose from so imminent a danger This blank return fill'd the Kingdom with a fretting murmur and forreign Nations thought their Valour chang'd who had so oft before o'recome this Nation Mated with grief opprest with shame and sorrow Edward exclaims against his wayward Fortune that made his Greatness like the Crab go backward while he seeks to improve the opinion of his worth he impairs and grows still leaner and when he shuns a taint he findes a mischief Sadly he now resolves no more to tempt her he lays aside his Arms for harms to feed his humour His Vanities companions of his Greatness had slept out the night of these combustions he now awakes them with a new assurance they should possess their former mansion His wandring eyes now ravage through the confines of his great Court made loose by his example Here he seeks out some Piece or Copper-metal whom by his Royal stamp he might make currant He findes a spacious choice being well-attended but 't was by such as made their tongues their fortunes Vain-glory here found none to cure it and the sick heart ne're felt the touch of Wormwood The Agents were compos'd of the just temper as was the spring that gave their tongues their motion such an harmonious Consort fits the Organ that lov'd no flats nor sharps or forc'd division No language pleas'd the King the Servants know it but that which was as smooth as Gold new burnisht Old antient truth was like a thread-bare Garment esteem'd a foul disgrace to cloath a Courtier Sincerity was no fit Master for these Revels nor honest Plainness for a seat in Council This made this King this Court and glorious Kingdom fall by degrees into a strange confusion The Infidelity of Servants cloathed in hypocrisie betrayes the Master and makes his misery greater or less dangerous according to the qualities of their employments It is an excellent consideration for the Majesty of a King in election to reflect on Goodness Truth and Ability for his attendance more than the natural parts or those that are by Art and Cunning made pliable to his Disposition The first prove the props of Greatness the other the instruments of Danger and Disorder which makes the Master at best pitied but most commonly hated and suspected Neither is it safe for the Royal ear to be principally open to one mans information or to rely solely on his judgment Multiplicity of able Servants that are indifferently if not equally countenanced are the strength and safety of a Crown which gives it glory and lustre When one man alone acts all parts it begets a world of errour and endangers not only the Head but all the Members Edward could not but know that a new President over his
next her person and those that were her own he bribes to back him The Court thus fashion'd he levels at the Country whence he must gain his strength if need enforc'd it Here he must have an estate and some sure refuge this he contrives by begging the Custody of divers of the principal Honours and Strength of the Kingdom But these were no inheritance which might perpetuate his Memory or continue his Succession He makes a Salve for this Sore and to be able to be a fit Purchaser of Lands by the benefit of the Prerogative he falls a selling of Titles in which it was believ'd he thriv'd well though he sold many more Lordships than he bought Mannors by this means yet he got many pretty retiring places for a younger Brother within the most fertil Counties of the Kingdom This for the Private now to the Publick he makes sure the principal Heads of Justice that by them his credit might pleasure an old Friend or make a new at his pleasure If in this number any one held him at too smart a distance prizing his integrity and honour before so base a traffique he was an ill Member of State and either silenc'd or sent to an Irish or Welsh Employment It is enough to be believ'd faulty where a disputation is not admitted The Hare knows her ears be not horns yet dares not venture a Tryal where things must not be sentenc'd as they are but as they are taken The Commanders that sway most in Popular Faction as far as he durst or might without combustion he causeth to be conferr'd oâ— his Friends and Kindred and above all things he settles a sure Correspondence of Intelligence in all the quarters of the Kingdome as a necessary leading president he fills the peoples ears with rumour of forreign danger to busie their brains from discoursing Domestick Errours and sends out a rabble of spying Mercuries who are instructed to talk liberally to taste other mens inclinanations and feel the pulses of those that had most cause to be discontented For the antient Nobility which was a more difficult work to reduce to conformity laying aside the punctilio's of his greatness he strives to gain them as he won his Master but when he found them shy and nice to make his party he slights them more and more to shew his Power and make them seek to entertain his favour And to eclipse their Power by birth and number he findes the means to make a new Creation which gave the Rabble-Gentry upstart Honours as Children do give Nuts away by handfuls yet still he hath some feeling of the business Lastly he wins the King to call his Father to the Court who with the shoal of all his Kin are soon exalted while he makes all things lawful that correspond his Will or Masters Humour He thus assuming the administration of the Royal affairs his Master giving way to all his actions the incensed Lords grown out of patience appoint the rendevouz of a secret Meeting at Sharborough where they might descant their griefs with more freedom yet with such a cautelous Secrecy that this Harpy with his Lyncean eyes could not perceive their anger Assoon as they were met Thomas of Lancaster the most eminent of this Confederacy in a grave discourse lays before them the Iniquity of the time the Insolency of this new Ganymede and the Kings intemperate wretchlesness which made the Kingdom a prey to all manner of Injustice Hereford adviseth that they should all together petition the King that he would be pleased to look into the Disorders and grant a Reformation Mowbray Mortimer and the rest soar a higher pitch which Clifford thus expresseth My Lords It is not now as when brave Lincoln lived whom Edward fear'd and all the Kingdom honoured Nor is this new Lord a Gaveston or naked Stranger that only talkt and durst not act his Passions We now must have to do with one of our own Country which knows our ways and how to intercept them See you not how he weaves his webs in Court and Country leaving no means untryed may fence his greatness And can you think a verbal Blast will shake him or a set Speech will sink his daring Spirit No he is no fantastick Frenchman but knows as well as we where we can hurt him his Pride is such he 'll ne're go less a farding but he must fall a key or we must ruine Women and Children make their tongues their Weapons true Valour needs no words our wrongs no wrangling Say this unconstant King hear our Petition admit he promise to redress our Grievance this sends us home secure and well-contented until the Plot be ripe for our destruction If you will needs discourse your cause of Grievance be yet provided to make good your errour a wise man gets his guard then treats Conditions which works a Peace with ease and more assurance All Treaties vain our Swords must be our warrant which we may draw by such a just compulsion those ready then attempt your pleasure and see if words can work a Reformation I am no tongue-man nor can move with language but if we come to act I 'll not be idle Then let us fall to Arms without disputing We 'll make this Minion stoop or dye with honour This rough Speech uttered with a Souldier-like liberty by one so truly noble and valiant inflam'd the hearts of such as heard them They concur all in a general approbation and thereupon they fall to present Levies Mortimer a brave young active Spirit with his Retinue gains the maiden-head of this great Action He enters furiously upon the possession of the Spencers spoiling and wasting like a profest enemy This outrage flies swiftly to the owners and appears before them like Scoggins crow multipli'd in carriage They assoon make the King the sharer of their intelligence and increase it to their best advantage Edward sensible of so audacious an affront thought it did yet rather proceed from private spleen than publick practice which made him in the tenderness of the one and malice to the other by Proclamation thus make known his pleasure That the Actors of this misdemeanour should immediately appear personally and shew cause whereby they might justifie their Actions or forthwith to depart the Kingdom and not to return without his special License When the tenour of this Sentence was divulged and come to the knowledge of the Confederate Lords they saw their interest was too deeply at stake to be long shadow'd In the obedience of such a doom the primitiae of their Plot must receive a desperate blemish They therefore resolve as they had begun so to make good and maintain the quarrel they reinforce their Forces and draw them into a body strong enough to boulster out their doings and to bid a base to the irresolute wanton King and his inglorious Favourite whose Platforms were not yet so compleat as that they durst adventure the Tryal of
just a quarrel The private end was now the thing in fashion the publique was forsaken as a monster The Commons whose home-bred looks are the true Index of all that dwells within and honest plainness do more than murmure out these oppressions They gape to catch the turning tide and would have moved but find no one would give them heart or leading Oft do they make attempts but yet discreetly to try if they could finde a staff to lean to but 't was in vain the Law was such a terrour that he that stirs and sticks was sure of drowning Now do the Learned Sages see their errour that hung themselves in Chains so great and many making a Lime-twig for each several feather now do they blame those Laws themselves enacted not like a Watch but as a Paper-Army to keep the good still in the worst condition as if the multiplicity had been the glory where Laws are made to catch not ease the subject If that great volume of the Law draw forth his engines what subject can untoucht escape his rigour Spencer that knew himself thus hated and that the general cry proclaim'd his baseness sinks not his height nor would go less a farding but makes his mischief like himself still foul but greater with reason yet suspects and fears the sequel His Mistris sate on thorns which made her startle he knows the Wheel would turn almost with touching This calls his Wits together and puts them on the rack for a Confession what was the way might best assure this danger The King 's weak humour naturally wanton he makes more vicious and apparent guilty hoping to make him alike hateful that in the Change they both might run one fortune A pretty Policy that makes it lawful to wound his Master that thereby he may scape the hand of justice or at the least may make the hazard equal The King he knew was too indulgent but not tender or of a heart enough to work the safety of his Servants as he observ'd in the Case of his Predecessor Gaveston and his own late experience To give him a more real engagement and pin himself fast by necessity he egges him on to all those actions that were more than most odious in practise and hateful in the eye of the subject feeding him in the mean time with a vain belief that the Kingdom was generally ill-affected and sought his deposition which there was no better way to repress than by holding them short and making severity rather than paternal love the Hand-maid of his Scepter In all the actions of State whatsoever carried a fair gloss or prov'd well he takes it upon his proper care and diligence if the success were ill or not prosperous it must be esteemed either the will weak advice or fortune of his Master in all complaints that spake unjust oppression he seemed to share the grief but made the cause the Kings not his which must obey him he guilds his proper actions o're with shews of kindness fullying the Royal with his grossest errours who sat and slept or winkt at these disorders This was the substance of his first conceptions but yet this was too weak to make a ground-work on which he might rely his false proceedings Time daily chang'd and new occurrents happen might win another faction to pursue him for to prevent this fear he fetcht a Compass and leaves the beaten way of blood and malice such of the great ones as were yet remaining and out of reason might be most suspected or did but cross his way by private practice he sends to feed the Worms and kiss their Mother who knew not her own Children so transformed When that the Blossomes dropt away the Gardens glory the season being sweet and mildly pleasant all men admir'd but quickly knew the reason some unkind hand had tainted that which fed them This was too much but yet he wades in deeper His Brain is subtle cunning wary an active stirring Wit a quick invention an heart grown proud in mischief full of falshood that dwelt within a conscience knew no bounder from these he hammers out another project that works upon the King as well as subject This hath two forms though of a different temper yet both resembl'd nearly in dependance The first must keep the Crown in fear the Kingdom busied with forraign danger or domestick trouble The second holds it still in want the Coffers empty to keep the subject poor as they supply it security in one might keep him careless and peace with plenty make the other wanton From these being marshal'd with a sound discretion he thinks the way was easie to assure his greatness within his brest alone was lockt the secrets of the prime Plots of State and waighty business the Councellors that were but meerly Cyphers knew but the strains of slight and vulgar motions he sat alone at Helm and steer'd the Compass which fancies in his thoughts a vain impulsion he must be still employ'd or all would ruine if in the agitations of the King or Kingdom puzzl'd with motions of the present danger he could assure each party from these Harpyes it needs must adde much to his faith and wisdome and make his station far more strong and sure the resty mindes that kick at present greatness may then turn Craven and approve his judgment he that conceits he could command the Planets doubts not to make such trifles light and easie His principles thus laid he falls to action with a loose scorn he continues the French correspondence slighting their Treaties and desire of Friendship the Marriage of a Sister was not powerful to set things right betwixt these Warlike Nations there was no open War but private grudges which made the State uncertain robb'd the Merchant heart-burning on all sides while both strain courtesie who should begin to set the balance even The Scots that were not sure but yet were quiet he irritates afresh for new combustions but this was done with such a neat conveyance that all men see the Smoke yet feel no Fire And to the Lords at home that stood spectators he pares off from his greatness some few chippings and gives them here and there to feed their longings that they might thus be still if not contented he gives away his female Kindred for new Friendship and makes the Portion great though nothing yet in Title which turn'd the world backward in appearance while January and June were dancing Trenchmore Those fixed stars that mov'd not with this Comet but kept aloof and did preserve their distance these he contemns and scorns with such proud usage that they may seek his grace or seem to threaten some jealous danger to his fearful Master Great Impositions daily are divulged and some imposed are not fully levied to make the Commons fear not feel their ruine No circumstance is left that but induced to make the Soveraign fear the subject hate him The King whose Arms ne'er thriv'd but in the conflict
plot a private mischief The King they knew was crafty close and cunning and thought not fit to trust too far to Rumour This makes them stand upon their guard and keep Assemblies pleading for warrant the self-same ground of rising But when their Spies in Court had given them knowledge that all was sure they need not fear their danger and that they dayly heard the Northern clamour that ecchoed loudly with the Scotish motions they draw their Forces to the King 's who thus united in person leads them to this hopeful Conquest But forehand-reckonings ever most miscarry he had those hands but not those hearts which fought his Fathers fortune Scarce had he past and left the English Borders but he beholds an Army ready to affront him not of dejected Souls or Bodies fainting but Men resolv'd to win or dye with Honour Their valiant Leader heartens on their Courage and bids them fight for Life Estate and Freedome all which were here at stake which this day gains or makes hereafter hopeless Edward that expected rather submission or some honest Terms of agreement finding a Check given by a Pawn unlook'd for plays the best of his game and hopes to win it He contemns their condition and number slighting their Power and in the memory of his Father's Conquests thinks his own certain But the success of Battles runs not in a Bloud neither is gained by Confidence but Discretion and Valour No one thing hurts more in a matter of Arms than Presumption a Coward that expects no mercy is desperate by compulsion and the most contemptible Enemy proves most dangerous when he is too much undervalu'd You may see it here instanc'd where a rabble multitude of despised Blue-caps encounter rout and break the Flower of England Eastriveline doth yet witness the fatal memory of this so great Disaster There fell brave Clare the Earl of Gloucester the valiant Clifford and stout Mawle with above Fifty Knights and Barons This bloudy day which had spilt so great a shower of Noble bloud and cropt the bravest Blossoms of the Kingdom sends the King back to Barwick with a few straggling Horse whose well-breath'd speed out-run the pursuing danger So near a Neighbourhood to so victorious an Enemy is deemed indiscretion where the Prize was believ'd so richly worth the Venture This sends away the melancholy King jaded in his hopes and dull with his misfortune If we may judge by the Event the Condition of this man was truely miserable all things at home under his Government were out of rule and order and nothing successful that he undertook by forraign Employment but where the Ground is false the Building cannot stand He planted the foundation of his Monarchy on Sycophants and Favorites whose disorderly Proceedings dryed up all that sap that should have fostered up the springing Goodness of the Kingdome and made him a meer stranger to those Abilities that are proper to Rule and Government Kings ought to be their own Surveyors and not to pass over the whole care of their Affairs by Letter of Atturney to another mans Protection such inconsiderate actions beget a world of mischief when there are more Kings than one in one and the self-same Kingdom it eclipseth his Glory and derogates from his Greatness making the Subject groan under the unjust Tyranny of an insolent oppression No man with such propriety can manage the griefs and differences of the Subject as the King who by the Laws of God Men and Nature hath an interest in their Heart and a share in their Affections When they are guided by a second hand or heard by a Relator Money or Favour corrupts the Integrity and over-rules the course of Justice followed at the heels with Complaint and Murmur the Mother of Discontent and Mischief The unexpected return of the General of this ill-succeeding Enterprize filled the Kingdom with a well-deserved Sorrow and is welcom'd with a News as strange though not so full of danger Poydras a famous Impostor a Tanners Son and born at Exeter pretends himself with a new strain of Lip-cousenage to be the Heir of Edward the First by a false Nurse chang'd in his Cradle for the King now reigning All Novelties take in the itching ears of the Vulgar and win either belief or admiration This Tale as weak in truth as probability was fortunate in neither only it exalts this imaginary King to his Instalment on Northampton-Gallows where he ends the hour of his melancholy Government with as strange a Relation which suggests That for two years space a Spirit in the likeness of a Cat had attended him as the chief Groom of his Chamber from whom in many secret Conferences he had received the truth and information of this Mystery with assurance it would bring him to the Crown of England It was as great a fault in the Master to believe as for the Servant to abuse yet the desire of the one to change his Tanfat for a Kingdom was not much out of square nor the Lying of the other since he continued but his trade which he had practis'd from the beginning It is a foul offence and oversight in them that have not Devils of their own to hunt abroad and seek where they may gain them by purchase If it be a mystery of State to know things by Prediction of such vertuous Ministers methinks they were much better kept as this Tanner kept his rather as an houshold-Servant than a Retainer which may in time bring them to a like Preferment Such Agents may seem Lambs but in the end they will be found as savage as Tygers and as false as the Camelions Till now our wanton King had never felt the true touch of a just grief but mens misfortunes alter their impressions he inwardly and heartily laments his own dishonour yet strives to hide and conceal his Sorrow lest those about him might be quite dejected It was a bitter Corrosive to think how oft his Royal Father had displaid his victorious Colours which knew not how to fight unless to conquer How often had he over-run this Neighbour-Nation and made them take such Laws as he imposed How many times had he overthrown their greatest Armies and made them sue they might become his Subjects The memory of this doth vex his Spirits and makes him vow Revenge and utter Ruine He calls to Council all his Lords and Leaders and lays before them antient Glory of the Kingdom the late Misfortune and his proper Errours and lastly his desire to right his Honour They glad to hear the King in the sense of so general a disgrace touch'd with so noble a strain do spur it on before it cool'd or the Scots should grow too proud of their new Glory The former Loss had toucht so near the quick that there is now a more wary Resolution Dispatches are sent out for a more exact and full provision a mature Consideration is thought necessary before it come to action York
bitterness of Anger taxing the French as base unkinde persidious that knew not what belong'd to love or valour The Queen that knew the danger mildly calms him letting him truely understand his weakness that in such provocation might beget surprisal when they must be sent back without prevention Though that her heart were fir'd and swoln with anger she temporizeth so 't was undiscovered a whispering murmur mutter'd from the Courtiers says that she should be sent with speed for England she feigns to make provision for her Journey yet unresolved which way to scape or whither yet with this preparation she beguil'd the French that had cozen'd her for they had bargain'd to see her safe at home and re-deliver'd Being thus irresolute of means of friends of succour unprovided the Master failing she attempts the Servants who sing their Masters tune by rote verbatim they cannot give her single help or comfort Declining misery that once is sinking findes it self shunn'd like some infectious Fever and goes alone in shades and silent darkness Fortune's bright Sun-shine walks with more professors than her resplendence hath or beams or streamers but if her glory sink or be eclipsed they shun her fall as children do a Serpent and yet such tryals guide not wretched Man's election Affection that forsakes in choice the Judgement is led alone by form and not by substance which doth betray with ease where it is trusted if Vertue guide the chooser the beginning is mutual goodness which still ends in glory The very height and depth of all Affliction cannot corrupt the worth of such a Friendship that loves the Man more than it loves his Fortunes The raging Storms and Winds may blow and batter yet still this goodly Rock makes good his Station The correspondencie of firm Affections is purely innocent sincerely grounded if Private ends or Worldly aims o'er-weigh them they then are but a meer Commerce and Traffick which hold no longer than the Bargain is driving Where Truth apparently doth warrant Love and Friendship it lives and dies but never changeth Colour But to proceed the Queen in this Distraction findes past her hope an unexpected Comfort this Heaven can do when flesh and bloud 's at weakest Robert of Arthois a man both wise and valiant that loved Goodness for her own sake not for fashion at her first coming tender'd her his Service he was a well-resolved steady States-man not led by Complement or feign'd professions he had been absent during all this passage returning hears and pities her Condition blaming her Nations falshood and her misfortune which he resolves to help out with his best Counsel he seeks and findes the Queen whom sadly musing he interrupts and thus revives her spirits Great Queen It is the more excellent part of Wisdome with an equal Vertue to entertain the different kindes of Fortune this Peregrination of ours is a meer composition of Troubles which seem greater or less as is the quality of that heart that bears them I must confess you have too great a portion the Justice of your Grief doth truely speak it but Tears and Sorrow are not means to right them Just Heaven doth graciously behold and pity those that do with an active Hope implore it and work as well as pray the deeds of Goodness your tender Sex and former great Condition have been a stranger to these bitter tryals a little time will make them more familiar and then you will confess your Passions errour They soonest perish yield to their Afflictions and see no journeys end that tire with burden For your own Vertues sake resume your spirits your Sorrows are not such as you believe them Behold in me your true and faithful Servant a resolution fixt to run your fortune you may no longer hazard your abode or being in this unworthy and unthank-ful Climate paved o're and closely made to your destruction Wherefore if my advice may sway your judgment let speed and care prevent so sure and great a danger Near to this place the Empire hath his Confines where many Princes are may yield you Succour at worst you there may finde a sure Protection which in your Native Soil is more than doubtful I will not yet presume to teach your judgment that can much better sway your own Condition Only I lay before you truly my Conceptions which have no other aim than for your Safety Your Wisdome may direct your best advantage which I will second with my Life and Fortunes Infinitely was the Queen joy'd with his Relation which weighing the quality of the man that spake it seem'd justly worth embracing She findes it was sincere not light or verbal which makes it self a partner of her Sorrows she doubles many Thanks and gentle Proffers of true requital which her Son performed when he himself was forced to leave his Country Straight she provides to follow his directions and with a wary and secret carriage settles her self for her intended Journey yet still gives out she meant to go for England whither she sends a Post to treat Conditions with Letters smoothly writ in all submission and courting Spencer with a world of kindness she lets him know that she relyed solely upon his Love to be the Mediator Unto her Royal Brother she discourseth that now she understood the Peace was finisht which made her first a stranger to her Husband who now would hasten home to make it perfect And to the Council which well she knew were bribed to send her back perforce if she deny'd it she more and more extols and praiseth Spencer as if 't were he alone had wrought her Welfare The English thus abus'd the French deluded both are secure she was providing homewards which made the one remiss the other careless else she forestall'd had found her Project harder In this her course she sees but small appearance and few such Hopes as might induce Assurance yet she resolves to hazard all and wander rather than to return thus unprovided Could she in reason look for any Assistance from Strangers when her Brother had denyed it or could she think the Germans would be faithful when her own Birthright had for gain betray'd her Alas she could not yet enforc'd must venture that in her Hopes could finde no other Refuge Necessity the Law of laws makes Cowards valiant and him content that hath no Choice to guide him which from the Barren'st ground expects some Harvest that else in danger would despair and perish All things prepar'd and her Attendants ready she takes a solemn Leave and thanks her Brother assuring him she nothing more desired than that she might but live to quite his Kindness His Answer like his Gifts was short and little And thus she leaves the Court in shew contented with a sad heart a watry eye a passion highly inflam'd she journeys forward till she came nearer where the Bounders parted The limits of ingrateful France she then forsaking gives them this parting Blow to ease her
left him her Vigour was near spent her Beauty wither'd he could not long have liv'd if they had spar'd him Ninety cold Winters he had past in freedom and findes untimely Death to end his Story He parts without complaint or long discoursing he speaks these few words only free from passion God grant the Queen may finde a milder Sentence when in the other world she makes her Audit The King and his unhappy Son the sad Spectators of this Heart-bleeding Tragedy so full of horrour are with his dying farewel so amazed that scarcely they had speech or breath or motion so bitter a Preludium made them censure their own conditions were as nearly fatal The King a Sovereign Father and a Husband did hope these Titles would be yet sufficient to guard his Life if not preserve his Greatness but these prov'd all too weak Where Crowns are gain'd by Blood and Treason they are so secured Spencer had not a grain of hope for mercy the Barons Deaths prejudg'd his coming fortune The Queen used not to jest where she was angry his Fathers end assur'd her inclination and bade him rather venture any hazard than that which must rely on female pity With a world of Melancholy thoughts he casts the danger yet could not finde a way that might prevent it The Castle in it self was strong but weakly furnisht Time now he sees could promise no assistance their Adversaries were full bent to work their ruine either by publick Force or private Famine so that in their abode was sure destruction The King in this declar'd himself a Noble Master he priz'd his Servants Life as his own Safety which won them both to try their utmost hazard The Queen impatient to surprize this Fortress doth batter undermine and still assail it but these were all in vain and proved fruitless the Rampiers were too strong too well defended She threatens and intreats but to small purpose here were no Citizens that might betray it Alas there needed none as it succeeded the proper Owners wrought their own confusion they leave their strength and closely try their fortune which made them board a Bark rode in the Harbour in hope to get away undescryed This was the Plot or none must work their freedome But all things thrive alike with him that 's falling The Gale averse they softly tide her onwards the Wind will not consent to give them passage but rudely hurls them back to their first Harbour Thrice had they past St. Vincents Rock famous for Bristow Diamonds but in that Reach are hurryed back with fury The Elements of Earth of Air of Water conspir'd all at once to make them hopeless Sir Henry Beaumonde quartered next the Haven being inform'd that this gadding Pinnace had often attempted passage without reason the wind contrarious and the weather doubtful suspects that her designe was great and hasty on this he seiz'd her and surveys her lading which prov'd a prize beyond his expectation within her hollow bulk a Cell of darkness he findes this pair obscur'd not undiscover'd The King hath gracious words and all due reverence but Spencer is contemned and used with rigour This ends the War and gave the work perfection Fortune that triumphs in the Fall of Princes like a Stepmother rests not where she frowneth till she have wholly ruin'd and o'rethrown their Power that do precede or else oppose her Darlings The Queen having thus attained to the full of her desire resolves to use it to the best advantage Ambition seis'd her strongly yet resigneth to her incensed Passion the precedence her own good nature though she might adventure she would not trust so far to see her Husband nor did she think it fit those valiant strangers begun the work should view or see the Captive such sights sometimes beget as strange impressions instantly he is convey'd to Berklay-Castle there to remain restrain'd but well attended Spencer is hardly kept but often visited 't was not with pity which befits a Prisoner but with insulting joy and base derision Their eyes with sight and tongues with rayling glutted the act must follow that may stop the rancour which gives him to the Marshal lockt in Irons He here receives the self-same entertainment his aged Father found alone the difference he had a longer time and sharper Sentence All things thus order'd the Queen removes for London meaning to make Hereford her way and the last Journey of her condemned Prisoner that attends her each place she passeth by A world of people do strain their wider throats to bid her welcome with yelping cries that ecchoed with confusion While She thus passeth on with a kinde of insulting Tyranny far short of the belief of her former Vertue and Goodness she makes this poor unhappy man attend her Progress not as the antient Romans did their vanquish'd Prisoners for ostentation to increase their Triumph but merely for Revenge Despite and private Rancour mounted upon a poor lean ugly Jade as basely furnisht cloath'd in a painted Taberd which was then a Garment worn by condemned Thieves alone and tatter'd rascally he is led through each Town behinde the Carriage with Reeds and Pipes that sound the summons to call the wondering Crue together might abuse him all the bitter'st actions of disgrace were thrown upon him Certainly this man was infinitely vicious and deserv'd as much as could be laid upon him for those many great and insolent Oppressions acted with Injustice Cruely and Blood yet it had been much more to the Queens Honour if she had given him a quicker Death and a more honourable Tryal free from these opprobrious and barbarous Disgraces which savour'd more of a savage tyrannical disposition than a judgment fit to command or sway the Sword of Justice Though not by Birth yet by Creation he was a Peer of the Kingdom and by the Dignity of his place one of the most eminent which might if not to him in his particular yet in the Rights due to Nobility and Greatness have found some more honourable a distinction than to be made more infamous and contemptible than the basest Rogue or most notorious Cutpurse It is assuredly give it what title you will an argument of a Villanous Disposition and a Devilish Nature to tyrannize and abuse those wretched ruines which are under the Mercy of the Law whose Severity is bitter enough without aggravation A Noble Minde doth out of native Goodness shew a kinde of Sweetness in the disposition which if not the Man doth pity his Misfortune but never doth increase his sorrow by baser usage than becomes his Justice In Christian Piety which is the Day-star that should direct and guide all humane Actions the heart should be as free from all that 's cruel as being too remiss in point of Justice The Life of Man is all that can be taken 't is that must expiate his worst Offences the Law must guide the way Justice not Fury must be his Judge
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
they disfigure him by cutting off his Hair and shaving of his Beard Edward that had been formerly honourably used and tenderly served is bitterly grieved with this Indignity and one day among the rest when they came to shave him which was attempted without fire and a cold liquor his eyes pour forth a stream of Tears in sense of his Misfortune which to the inquisitive Actors gives this answer He would have some warm water in spight of all their malice Another time in the presence of two or three of those that were as well set to be Spies over him as to guard him in a deep Melancholy Passion he thus discours'd his Sorrow Is mine offence quoth he so great and grievous that it deserves nor pity nor assistance Is Christian Charity all Goodness lost and nothing left in Subject Child or Servant that tastes of Duty Is Wedlock-love forgotten so fully all at once forsake me Admit my errours fit for reformation I will not justifie my self or censure others Is 't not enough that it hath taken from me my Crown the Glory of my former being but it must leave me void of native comfort I yet remain a Father and a Husband a Soveraign and a Master lost cannot deprive me of that which is mine own till Death dissolve me Where then is filial Love Where that Affection that waits upon the Laws of God and Nature My wretched Cares have not so much transform'd a me that I am turn'd to Basilisk or Monster What can they fear that they refuse to see me unless they doubt mine eyes can dart destruction I have no other Weapons that may fright them and these God wot have only tears to drown them Can they believe or once suspect a danger in visit of a poor distressed Captive Their hardned hearts I know are not so noble or apt to take a gentler milde impression by seeing these poor ruines thus forsaken What then occasions this so great a strangeness or makes them jealous of so poor a venture Are they not yet content in the possession of all that once was mine now theirs But by what title their Arms can better tell than can their Conscience My misled harmless Children are not guilty my Wife betrays them and false Mortimer who else I know would run to see their Father Justly I pay the price of former folly that let him scape to work mine own confusion Had he had his desert the price of Treason he had not liv'd to work me this dishonour But time will come my wrongs will be revenged when he shall fall with his own weight unpitied Thou wretched state of Greatness painted Glory that falling find'st thine own the most perfidious must thou still live and yet not worthy of one poor look It is a meer Injustice Would they would take my Life 't is that they aim at I will esteem it as an act of pity that as I live but hate mine own Condition Here with a deep sigh of scalding Passions his tears break loose afresh to cool their fury All sadly silent while he rests perplexed a stander by makes this uncivil answer whom Mortimer had placed to increase his sorrow Most gracious Sir the Queen your Wife and Children are justly jealous of your cruel nature they know too well your heat and former fury to come too near so great and sure a danger besides they are assur'd that your intentions are bent to work them hurt or some foul mischief if they adventure to approach your presence The Queen my Wife quoth he hath she that Title while I that made her so am less than nothing Alas poor wretched woman can her invention apt for mischief fashion no one excuse but this so void of reason Is there a possibility in her Suspition Can I being so resolved act a Murder or can their false hearts dream me so ill-minded I am thou seest a poor forsaken Prisoner as far from such a Power as Will to act it they too well know it to suspect my nature But let them wonder on and scorn my sorrow I must endure and they will taste their errour But fellow thou that tak'st such sawcy boldness to character and speak thy Sovereigns errours which thou shouldst cover not presume to question Know Edward's heart is as free from thine aspersions as thou or they from Truth or Moral Goodness When he had ended these words he retires himself to his Chamber sad and melancholy thinking his Case was hard and desperate when such a paultry Groom durst so affront him The Queen and Mortimer revelling in the height of their Ambition had yet a wary eye to the main which they knew principally consisted in the sure keeping of their Prisoner They see their plausible income was but dully continued there being a whispering murmur not so closely mutter'd but that it came to their ears which shew'd an absolute dislike of the manner of their proceedings Though they had all the marks and essential parts of Sovereignty the name alone excepted yet they had unquiet and troubled thoughts What they wish'd they had obtain'd yet there was still something wanting to give it perfection Such is the vanity of our imagination which fashions out a period to our desires that being obtain'd are yet as loose and restless Ambition hath no end but still goes upward never content or fully satisfied If man had all that Earth could give and were sole Monarch of the world he yet would farther and as the Giants did make War with Heaven rather than lose those Symptomes of his Nature Fear to preserve what is unjustly gotten doth give the new-made great one agitation which something limits his immense affections that do believe he must still mount up higher and else would swallow all within his compass This made this pair stop here a while to strengthen and more assure what was already gotten They know the people giddy false inconstant a feather wagg'd would blow them to commotion They see the Lords that were their prime Supporters seeming content in heart not satisfied the bough was lopt that shadow'd ore their greatness another was sprung up as large and fearful which though more noble yet no less aspiring The drooping tongue of the dejected Kingdom doth grumble out his expectations cozen'd The Grievance still continues great and heavy not chang'd in substance but alone in habit a just compassion aggravates the clamour to see their former King so hardly used short of his Honour Merit Birth and Calling These passages related tingled the ears of our great Mortimer he knew that all was now at stake which unprevented must hurl them back again with worse conditions No longer can he mince his own Conceptions but plainly tells the Queen the cause must perish Edward must dye this is the only refuge must make all sure and cleanse this sad suspicion so long as he remain'd their fear continues as would the hope of them attempt their