prudent then the opening of it and judging it more wisdome to satisfie the world with the old Law That the Crown takes away all defects then to perplex it with new disputes Whether Queen Elizabeth were Legitimate State-miscarriages are rather to be privately connived at then publickly redressed the remedy it may be doing no more service then putting the people in minde of the mishap He neither affected nor attained to Greatness Mediocria firma was his Principle and his Practice When Queen Elizabeth asked him Why his House was so little he answered Madam my House is not too little for me but you have made me too big for my House Give me said he a good Estate rather then a great one He had a very Quaint saying saith Robert Naunton and he used it often to very good purpose That he loved the Jest well but not the loss of his Friend He would say That though unusqnisque suae fortunae faber was a true and good Principle yet the most in number were those that marred themselves but I will never forgive that man that looseth himself to be rid of his Jest The Excellency of his Parts was set off with the Gravity of his Person and the Queen would say My Lord Bacon ' s Soul lodgeth well His Account of England and all its Affairs was punctual his use of learned Artists was continual his correspondence with his fellow-States-men exact his apprehension of our Laws and Government clear his Model of both methodical his faithfulness to the Church eminent his industrious invention for the State indesatigable He was in a word a Father of his Country and of Sir Francis Bacon Sir Nicholas Bacon was that moderate man that was appointed to preside at the Disputation between the Protestant and Popish Doctors in the first of Queen Elizabeth He was that Judicious States-man to whom was trusted the management of that Parliament and Convocation The satisfaction of the People and Kingdome and those Delatory Proceedings with France Spain and Rome that were at the bottom of the great work of Reformation and settlement at that time Observations on the Life of William Cecil Lord Burleigh WIlliam Cecil was born with the advantage of being Cecil's Son who was of the Robes to King Henry and a Legatee in his Will and bred with that of being Commoner of St. Johns in Cambridge and Student at the Innes of Court in London whence he was advanced by his Pregnancy to serve the Duke of Somerset in quality of Master of Requests as he was afterwards by his Master to attend King Edward the sixth in the capacity of Secretary of State where he furnished all Acts and Orders with Reasons of State as he had them fitted by able Lawyers with Arguments of Law He loved always they say to wrap the Prerogative in the Laws of the Land He was constant but not obstinate in his Advice As the Planets are whirled about dayly from East to West by the motion of the Primum Mobile yet have a contrary motion of their own from West to East which they slowly yet surely move at their leisures so our States-man though yeilding in some things to Greatness of some Persons in an Age wherein it was present drowning not to swim against the stream Yet had he his counter-endeavours against the prevailing strain and privately advanced his rightful Intentions against others wrongful Ambitions If dissenting from his Superiours he did it with all humility and moderation yet chusing always rather to displease then betray He was in much favour with King Edward in some with Queen Mary in most with Queen Elizabeth who though sparing of her Honours yet heaped on him the trust of Secretary of State the Profits of the Master of the Wards the Advancement of Lord Treasurer and the degree of Baron of Burleigh for as he followed the Marquess of Winchester in his Employment so he did in his Complyance When he was out of Place he was not out of service in Queen Mary's days his Abilities being as necessary in those times as his Inclination and that Queens Council being as ready to advance him at last as they were to use him all her Reign In Queen Elizabeth's time he setled the Crown by setling Religion and by an utter separation from Rome strengthened England He made equal use of those that were then Protestants by Interest and they who were so in Conscience Those that had affections for Church-lands and those that had affections for the Church The Pope would by a Bull confirm the sale of Abby-Lands But who said Burleigh can confirm the Popes Bull The King of Spain secured the Queen in hope of her Bed the Pope winked at her in hope of her Heart Burleigh over-reached the one by a fair complaysance and the other by insensible alterations During the Queens ten years calm Cecil provided for a tempest and improved her Shipping and Ammunition to a dreadfulness at Sea as he did her Army to a great skill and experience by Land He made Holland our Stage of War and our School of Discipline where England gained the security and experience of War without its calamity and desolations always Offensive and once onely Defensive His Intelligence abroad was no less then his Prudence at home and he could write to a friend in Ireland what the King of Spain could do for two years together and what he could not do His Advices from his Pensioners abroad were presented Queen Elizabeth once a fortnight 1. clearly and plainly 2. methodically and distinctly 3. speedily and seasonably 4. truly and fully He exchanged his Interest for Walsinghams Intelligence who commanded what he could do as he did what the other knew The Bull clapped at London-house was first in our States-mans Study where they might learn what they were to do and Protestants what to expect many years before any thing was visible When Leicester would have no Equal and Sussex no Superiour then Cecil as Neuâ—er served himself of them both He would wrestle with neither of them yet he would trip them both they having many rubs in their way yet never saw who laid them He never quarrelled with any neither saith Cambden did he ever sue or was he ever sued Prudens qui Patiens was his saying before it was Sir Edward Cookes Motto and he had rather tire out Opposition by his Moderation then improve it by his Impatience Others were raised to balance Factions he to support the Kingdome Fickle Favour tossed them constant Interest secured him No fewer then the Marquess of Winchester the Duke of Norfolk the Earls of Northumberland Arundel Pembroke Leicester and Westmorland contrived his fall but reason of State and his Mistress kept up his standing Sir Nicholas Throgmorton advised them to clap him up saying That then men would open their mouths to speak freely against him but the Queen understanding hereof and standing as I may say saith my Author in the very prison-door quashed
its Men. He liv'd and di'd in Arms Bulioign saw him first a Souldier and Bulloign saw him last the best Camp-Master in all Christendom always observing three things 1. The Situation of his Camp to secure his Army 2. The Accommodation of it to supply it 3. His Retreat to draw off the Avenues to be guarded with Souldiers and strengthened with Redoubts which he made Triangular that more men might engage the Enemy at once during erection whereof the Army was pallisado'd in the Front with stakes headed with iron on both Ends five foot long and stuck slope-wise into the ground to keep off both Horse and Foot the Foot-Sentinels were without the Redoubts the Horse-Guards beyond them at distance enough to descry the Enemy and not too much to retire to their works A serious and plodding brow bespoke this Noble Knights deep Prudence and a smart look his resolved Valour Observations on the Life of Sir Charles Somerset SIr Charles Somerset afterward Lord Herbert of Gower c. endeared himself to King Henry as much for his Maxime That Reason of State was Reason of Law as for his Advice That the King should never stick at Law in case of Publique God and yet that all his Acts for publique Good should come as near as possible to the Law So Popular was this Gentleman that he received all the Petitions against Empson and Dudley yet so loyal that he advised his Master neither to spare those Leeches lest any should presume to alienat◠his Peoples affections from him by Extortions for the future nor yet too severely to punish them left any should be discouraged to serve the Crow◠for the present for indeed Empson and Dud 〈…〉 suffered for that which others were advanced for◠the Parliament punished them for putting their Laws in execution and the King deserted them for improving his Exchequer to a Treasury Two things this Lord advised his Master to before he put the Crown upon his head 1. To redress the Peoples Grievances under his Father 2. To marry not in France where he had a Title A Kingdom so near us that by reason of mutual jealousies we may have peace with it sometimes but Friendship never In the Houshold he was Lord Chamberlain so discreet his Carriage In the French Expedition Anno 1513. he was General so noble his Conduct His Assistants were the Earls of Northumberland Shrewsbury Kent and Wiltshire his Followers the Lord Audley De la Ware Carew and Curson c. Therouene he besiegeth in good Order and with Welsey's advice who had lived long in that Town understands all the Avenues of it and with Sir Oughtred Sir Henry Guilford Sir Edward Poynings Sir Charles Branden and Sir Baynam's assistance sprung several Mines repulsed the French Relief and the City-Assailants so that the Town was yeilded August 22. 1513. and upon Maximilian's Intreaty razed as he did Tournay September 22. Herbert was for razing this place as farther from us than Therouene but Wolsey for the Bishopricks sake is for the garisoning of it as a Trophy The King recollecting his former occasions Febr. 3. 1514. thought he could not do a more just or a more prudent Act then recompence his Noble Servants but the cheapest way I mean that of Honour as he did old Somerset with the Earldom of Worcester With this Honour at home is joyned another abroad viz. That of Embassie to Maximilian where he reached that Germans depths and clearly demonstrated that those fond and impossible Offers of the Empire were but Artifices rather then Kindnesses to drain the Kings Treasure rather than enlarge his Dominions Advising him to raise a Citadel at Tournay and an Army in Normandy He finished the Espousals between the Princess Mary and the Dolphin and delivered Tournay by the same token that he would not let the Mareschal de Chastilion to enter with Banner displayed but rolled up it being as he said who when Lord Herbert was at the taking of it voluntarily yeilded up and not gotten by Conquest and then bestowed himself with Sir Richard Wingfield for the great enterview between King Francis and King Henry an interview I know not whether more solemn or more dangerous Kings cannot meet without great state and they seldom part without much envy who never are further asunder then when they meet His most eminent Action here was the Device of that Motto Cui adhaereo praeest a Motto that speaks the Honour of England and the Interest of Europe Observations on the Life of Thomas Grey Marquess of Dorset THe Kings Wars called for Souldiers and his Peace for Statesmen and here is a Person ex utroque magnus When the whole design for the Invasion of France was ripened this Marquess is made General and attended by the Lord Thomas Howard the Lords Brook Willoughby and Ferrers with divers Knights Gentlemen and others to the number of ten thousand men armed not onely with Bows but Halberts He distresseth Navar to a submission to his Master forceth his way to Bayon and with Sir John Styles assistance kept up the English Honour above that of France and the Empire keeping close to his Commission and not stirring a foot without express Orders from Ireland although his presence countenanced some actions his hands could not perform Three things he was very careful of 1. Of Good pay lest his Souldiers mutined 2. Of Good Diet and Quarters lest they failed 3. Of Order Discipline and Temperance especially in strange Climates lest they should be distempered Two things he was unsuccessful for 1. The narrowness of his Commission 2. The reach of Ferdinand who designed the conquest of Navar rather than of France Yet what reputation he lost by Land Sir Edward Howard gained by Sea commanding the French ships to their Harbours over-running Britaign and with Sir Tho. Knevet the Master of the Horse Sir Jo. Carew and Sir Guilford's assistance gave Law in the Mediterranean until he awed the Neighbour-Princes to terms as honourable for his Master as dishonourable for themselves now we finde him valiant in earnest at Sea anon so in jest at Court at the solemn Justs proclaimed by Francis de Valois Duke of Angoulesm in France his Nature being not stinted but equally free to debonair and serious Enterprizes of Pleasure or of Honour where six Germans were at his mercy and four Frenchmen at his feet His spirit equalled those active times and his temper his spirit Three things set him up 1. His large expences for shew at Court 2. His strength and manhood at Justs 3. His skill and experience in the Field He was the best for embatteling an Army in those times observing 1. The number strength and experience of his Camp 2. The nature and extent of the place whether champaign or inclosed hilly or plain wooddy or moorish straight or large that he might accordingly dispose of distances and stands 3. Inclosures he aimed at for his Foot and Champaign for his Horse together with the advantages of
The slie shifters that as that Chancellour observed pervert the plain and direst courses of Courts and bring Justice into oblique Lines and Labyrinths 3. Those that engaged Courts in quarrels of Jurisdiction 4. Those that made suits 5. Those that hunted men upon Poenal Statutes 6. Those that appeared in most Testimonies and Juries His Darling was The honest Clerk who was experienced in his place obliging in his carriage knowing in Presidents cautious in Proceedings and skilful in the affairs of the Court. Two things he promoted in King Henry's days 1. The Law against Gaming And 2. The Order against Stews And two in King Edward's 1. That Act against spreading of Prophecies 2. That Statute against embasing of Coyn. But King Edward's Testament and the Duke 〈◊〉 Northumberland's Will is to be made The piou 〈…〉 Intentions of that King wishing well to the Reformation the Religion of Queen Mary obnoxious to exception the ambition of Northumberland who would do what he lifted the weakness of Suffol 〈…〉 who would be done with as the other pleased the flattery of the Courtiers most willing to comply designed the Crown for the Lady Jane Grey Mr. Cecil is sent for to London to furnish that Will with Reason of State and Sir Edward to Sergeants In◠to make it up with Law He according to the Letter sent him went with Sir Jo. Baker Justice Bromley the Attorney and Solicitor-General to Greenwich where his Majesty before the Marquess of Northampton declaring himself for the settlement of Religion and against the succession of Queen Mary offered them a Bill of Articles to make a Book of which they notwithstanding the Kings Charge and the reiteration of it by Sir William Peter declared upon mature consideration they could not do without involving themselves and the Lords of the Council in High I reason because of the Statutes of Succession The Duke of Northumberland hearing of their Declaration by the Lord Admiral comes to the Council-Chamber all in a rage trembling for anger calling Sir Edward Traytor and saying He would fight in his shirt with any man in that Quarrel The old man is charged by the King upon his Allegiance and the Council upon his Life to make the Book which he did when they promised it should be ratified in Parliament Here was his obedience not his invention not to devise but draw things up according to the Articles tendred unto him Since shame is that which ambitious Nature abhorreth and danger is that which timorous Nature declineth the honest man must be resolute Sir Nathaniel Brent would say A Coward cannot be an honest man and it seems by this Action that modesty and fear are great temptations Give me those four great Vertues that make a man 1. A clear Innocence 2. A comprehensive Knowledge 3. A well-weighed experience And 4. The product of all these A steady Resolution What a Skein of Ruffled Silk saith the ingenious Resolver is the incomposed man Observations on the Life of Sir Edward Fines EDward Fines Lord Clinton Knight of the Garter was Lord Admiral of England for more then thirty years He was wise valiant and very fortunate as appears by his Master-piece in Museleborough-field in the reign of King Edward the sixth and the Battle against the Scots He was afterwards created Earl of Lincoln where he was born May 4. 1474. and where he had a proportionable Estate to support his Dignity which he much increased beside his Paternal Inheritance He died January 16. 1558. and lieth buried at Windsor in a private Chappel under a stately Monument which Elizabeth his third Wise Daughter to the Earl of Kildare erected in his remembrance His Fortune made him a younger Brother and his Industry an Heir coming to Court where they that have Estates spend them and they that have none gain them His recreation was at Court but his business in the Country where notwithstanding the Statute in Henry the sevenths time against Pasturage for Tillage he Grazed 11000 Acres of Ground then a noble and gaining Employment that advanced many a Family in one Generation and now a saving one that hath kept up as many ten The best tempered Swords will bend any way and the best metalled men will comply with any occasion At White-hall none more affable and courteous then our Lord at Sea none more skilful in the field none more resolute in the Country none more thristy and hospitable His Entertainments were orderly and suitable made up of solid particulars all growing upon his own Estate King Charles would say Every man hath his vanity and mine speaking of the Soveraign is Building Every man hath his humour and mine said he speaking of the Fens is Drayning Adding withal He that would be merry for a day let him be trimmed he that would be merry for a week let him marry he that would be merry for a year let him build he that would be merry for Ages let him improve Now you would have him among his Workmen and Stewards in Lincoln anon among the Commissioners either in France or Scotland by and by before Bulloign or Calice and a while after at Spieres or Muscleborough and on a suddain at a Mask in Court. Neither was his Soul less pliable to persons then things as boysterously active as King Henry could expect as piously meek as King Edward could wish as warily zealous as Queen Mary's times required and as piercingly observant as Queen Elizabeths perplexed occasions demanded It was by him and my Lord Bacon said of business That it was in business as it is in ways that the next and the nearest way is commonly the foulest and that if a man will go the fairest way he must go somewhat about Sitting in a Committee about invading Scotland whereof Sir Anthony Brown then Viscount Mountacute presented a Draught there arose as great a debate between him and my Lord in Council as afterwards in the Field about the point of Entrance Nay said my Lord in the heat of the Discourse with as much power on others passions as command over his own We stand quarrelling here how we shall get in but here is no discourse how we shall get out It 's a Rule Whosoever hath any thing fixed in his person that doth induce contempt hath also a perpetual spur in himself to rescue and deliver himself from scorn either by vertue or malice And my Lord having some disadvantage from Nature made it up by Art None more bold none more industrious and more successful because that disadvantage took off envy on the one hand and jealousie on the other so that upon the matter in a great Wit Contempt is a great advantage to rising Judge Brooke had a Project against Usury which came up to the Lords House this rich Peer upon the first motion of it stands up and saith Shew me a State without Usury and I 'll shew you a State without Men and Trade Rich he was for expence and expend he did upon
the oldest that heard him for his Discourse and Policy The one preferred him to the ample Provo 〈…〉 ship of Kings the other to the great Trust of Secretary of State Prince Edward studied not his Book more sedulouslously then he studied him that his Rules might comply with his Inclination and his Lectures with his temper Lectures that were rather Discourses instilled to him Majestically as a Prince then Lessons beaten into him pedantiquely as a School-boy The wise man would not be debasing his Royal Pupils minde with the nauseated and low crumbs of a Pedant but ennobling it with the free and high Maximes of a States-man sugaring the more austere parts of Learning with the pleasures of Poetry Discourse Apologues and so deceiving the Royal Youth to an improvement before his own years and others comprehension His very Recreations were useful and his Series of lighter exercises for he observed a method in them too a constant study his Table his School his Meat his Discipline the industrious Tutour filling up each space of his time with its suitable instruction it being his Maxime That time and Observation were the best Masters and Exercise the best Tutor While others doated over their Rules his Pupils practised them no day passing without his Letters to the King as that Literae meae unum semper babet Argumentum Rex Nobilissime Pater Illustrissime hoc est in omnibus Epistolis ago tibi gratias c. or to the Queen as that Quod non ad se jamdiu scriberem in causa fuit non negligentia sed studium non enim hoc feci ut nunquam omnino scriberem sed accuratius scriberem c. I have two Tutors said King Edward to Cardan Diligence and Moderation Sir Jo. Cheeke and Doctor Coxe So exact an account he gave Prince Edward of his Fathers Kingdome and its Interest that King Henry designed him for Secretary and King Edward made him one Three years he had that place and in that three years did England more service so great his Parts Learning and Religion more kindness such his eminency in both and gave the people more satisfaction such his Integrity and Dexterity then all that went before him and most that came after him He was the first that brought in the use of a Diary and his Pupil the next that practised it His Aphorism it was That a dark and imperfect reflexion upon Affairs floating in the memory was like words dispersed and insignificant whereas a compleat view of them in a Book was like the same words pointed in a period and made significant Much did the Kingdome value him but more the King for being once desperately sick the King carefully enquired of him every day at last his Physitian told him there was no hope for his life being given over by him for a dead man No said the King he will not die at this time for this morning I begged his life from God in my Prayers and obtained it Which accordingly came to pass and he soon after against all expectation wonderfully recovered This saith Doctor Fuller was attested by the old Earl of Huntington bred up in his child-hood with King Edward to Sir Tho. Cheeke who anno 1654. was alive and 80 years of Age. But though his Prayers saved his Tutors life none could save his who died with the Protestant Religion in his heart and arms and Sir John had died with him but that being outed of all his preserments he outed himself from the Kingdome loving to all the English Exiles at Strasburgh and well beloved all over Germany until trusting to the Stars too much would he had either not gone so high or gone a little higher for advice and his friends too little he went to meet his dear Wife in Brabant where neither my Lord Paget's promise nor Sir Mason's pledges nor Abbot Fecknam's intercession could excuse him from being unhorsed and carted imprisoned and tortured vexed with all the arts of power and perplexed until his hard usage meeting with some fair promises brought him to a Recantation that broke his heart and after much melancholick sighing and silence brought him to his Grave The great example of Parts and Ingenuity of frailty and infirmity of repentance and piety Forced he was to sit with Bonner in his Courts but forced he would not be to joyn with him in his Judgement look on he did but weep and groan too A good Christian he was witness his pious Epistles an excellent States-man as appears by his True Subject to the Rebel a Book as seasonably republished by Doctor Langbaine of Queens Colledge in Oxford in the excellent King Charles his troubles as it was at first written in the good King Edward's commotions Vespasian said of Apollonius That his gate was open to all Philosophers but his Heart to Him And Sir John Cheeke would say to Father Latimer I haâ—e an Ear for other Divines but I have an Heart for You. A Country-man in Spain coming to an Image enshrined the extruction and first making whereof he could well remember and not finding from the same that respectful usage which he expected You need not quoth he be so proud for we have knâ—wn you from a Plum-tree Sir John Cheeke one day discoursing of the Popes Threats said He need not be so high for we have known him a Chaplain He took much delight in that saying of Herod the Sophist when he was pained with the Gout in his hands and feet When I would eat said he I have no hands when I would go I have no feet but when I must be pained I have both hands and feet Applying it thus When we would serve God we have no soul when we would serve our Neighbours we have no body but when we suffer for neglecting both we shall finde we have both a body and a soul Gustavus Adolphus some three days before his death said Our affairs answer our desires but I doubt God will punish me for the folly of my people who attribute too much to me and esteem me as it were their God and therefore he will make them shortly know and see I am but a man I submit to his will and I know he will not leave this great Enterprise of mine imperfect Three things Sir John Cheeke observed of Edward the sixth 1. That the peoples esteem of him would loose him 2. That his Reformation should be overthrown 3. That yet it should recover and be finished As to Publick Counsels 1. Sir John was against the War with Scotland which he said was rather to be united to England then separated from it 2. He was against King Edwards Will saying He would never distrust God so far in the preservation of his true Religion as to disinherit Orphans to keep up Protestantism 3. He laid a Platform of a War with Spain 4. He kept Neuter in the Court-factions 5. Bishop Ridley Doctor Coxe seconded and Sir John Cheeke contrived all King Edward's Acts of
〈…〉 was had both their Vertues none of their Vices Non tam extra Vitia quam cum summis Virtutibu 〈…〉 Though he could not avoid misfortune and p 〈…〉 sper yet he could yeild to it and retire that 〈◊〉 perienced File that could not withstand the enemi 〈…〉 shot could fall down and escape it Privacy at once secured and supported this unfortunate Gentleman It is much to know how to lead and bring on successfully it 's more to retreat and come off handsomely and give over a bad game Since he heard ill I hear no more of him but this One being designed an Agent waited upon this knowing and experienced Lord for some Directions for his conduct and carriage he delivereth himself saith my Author thus To secure your self and serve your Country you must at all times and upon all occasions speak truth for as he added you will never be believed and by this means your truth will secure your self if you be questioned and put those you deal with who will still hunt counter to a loss in all their disquisitions and undertakings Observations on the Life of Sir Clement Paston SIr Clement Paston was a Souldier and a Souldiers Son Valour running in the Blood for three Generations and maturated by Noble and Heroick Actions for Glory and Success Designed he was by his Friends for the Gown but by his own Nature for Armour Born for Action rather then Contemplation When his Father asked him what he would desire of him he desired a Horse and a Sword He was tried in the King of France his service in Henry the Seventh's time for his overthrow in Henry the Eighths He was the first that made the English Navy terrible and the last that made our Army so He took the Admiral of France and saved him of England 30000 Crowns he received by way of Ransome from the first and 1000 l. by way of Gratitude from the other A Cup he would shew that the first gave him every Holy-day and a Ring of the seconds every Christmas Two Kings made use of his Person and two Queens of his counsel which he gave even on his death-Bed His advice was short but resolute his words few but pertinent his discourse commanding and Souldier-like his word the Decr 〈…〉 of the Medes King Henry the Eighth called him His Champion the Protector in Edward the Sixth time His Souldier Queen Mary Her Seamanâ— and Queen Elizabeth Her Father When W 〈…〉 was overthrown he would deliver himself up to Gentleman and therefore onely to Sir Clement P 〈…〉 ston The two great Interests of Souldiers is Pay and Honour He mortgaged his Estate twice to satisfie them for the one and pawn'd his Credit 〈◊〉 Court often to encourage them for the other getting his Commanders always power and authority enough to do their Masters business but never enough to do their own There being always a contest between the Po 〈…〉 lacy and the Souldiers whom nothing reco 〈…〉 ciles but downright force and necessity it Waâ— death to his Followers to be irregular because one of their miscarriages exasperates a million and d 〈…〉 stastes a Kingdom so necessary is a strict Discip 〈…〉 in the Camp and an impartial Justice in the Countrey Outward occasions help fortune a mans own temper makes it when there be as my Lord Ba 〈…〉 writes no stops or restiveness in a mans minde but that the wheels of that keeps even with those of fortune Sir Clement and Cato Major were both of 〈◊〉 make both having tantum robur corporis ani 〈…〉 ut quocunque loco nati esset fortunam sibi facturi videbantur Observations on the Life of the Lord Rich. HE must needs be preferred who was so richly descended and nobly allied as to shew at Court upon his first appearance sixty Noblemen and Knights of his Relation and a hundred and fifty thousand pound a year revenue among his Friends He was more beholding to the Temple for his Law then to the Universities for his Learning His severe and active Nature aspiring above the pedantiqueness of a Scholar to the usefulness of a Statesman I could never endure saith he those studies that furnish me onely with unactive thoughts and useless discourse that teach me onely to think and speak His staid and solid parts commended him to Cromwel and Cromwel recommended him to King Henry the Eighth He was Solicitor-General to His Majesty and Steward to his Master Cromwel was the Mawl and Rich the Hammer of Abbeys He laid open to the Monks their faults and his Master made use of it to force them to a surrendry For as he said when those religious Societies saw they had faults enough discovered to take away their Lands they had wit enough to give them up His Counsels overthrew Popery and his Deposition cut off Sir Thomas More for being sent to Sir Thomas after much discourse with him he asked him this subtle Question Whether be would acknowledge the King supreme Head if it were enjoyned by an Act of Parliament Sir Thomas asked him 〈◊〉 again If the Parliament enacted that God should 〈◊〉 be Lord whether he should consent to it And those words undid him He saw that the Protestant Religion was the interest of England as well as the Doctrine of Scripture and therefore he carried it on in point of policy as Archbishop Cranmer diâ— in point of conscience King Henry the eighth admired his distinct reasoning and stayed judgement and Queen Anne Bullen was taken with his grace 〈…〉 cloquence and ingenious discourses In the morning his plyant soul that could answer all the turnings and windings of business was as reserved and solid as that of a demure States-man in the evening as cheerful and merry as that of a Debona 〈…〉 Courtier He was the wisdome of the Court in the Presence and its wit in the Closet its Oracle there and its pleasure here King Henry the eighth made him one of his Lâ—gators and King Edward the sixth one of his Council Under him he carried on the Protestant Religion in point of conscience which others managed in point of interest He designed the degrees of the Reformation and he set out its method then whom none more zealous in things necessary none more moderate in things indifferent Active he was but wary stirring but cautious To him the Reformers resorted in point of Law as to Cranmer and Ridley in point of Religion Such his Prudence that the Protector made him his Friend such his Integrity that the King made him Chancellour where his Decrees were just his Dispatches quick his Judgements speedy his Sums of Debates full and satisfactory his Sentences irreversible his Assistants in the Rolls and other Courts able and honest None more complyant to Reason none more stiff in things against Reason He would do any thing for King Edward the sixth's interest nothing for Duke Dudley's ambition therefore he observing the course of Affairs would rather resigne his Place then his
Prince more dangerous his Disguise as who acts all things against his Master by his Authority Let no man upon this example ever repose so much upon any mans single Counsel Fidelity or Discretion as to create in himself or others a diffidence of his own Judgement which is likely to be most faithful and true to a mans own Interest Let every man have some things that no man shall obtain and some things that no man must dare ask because you see here if we let all go without reserve our Reputation is lost in the world by the Reputation our Favourite gains with us There was in Rome a certain man named Enatius somewhat entred in Age and of natural condition mutinous ambitious and troublesome Adrian being advertised that he was dead fell into a great laughter and sware That he could not but wonder he could intend to die considering what great business he had night and day Considering how many Affairs he had to manage how many cross accidents to accommodate I wonder what time he had to die And considering his many pretences for the Protestant Religion especially that for King Edward's I wonder with what face he could die a Papist But I have forgot my self for there are two sorts of persons in Machiavel that must either not believe or not profess any Religion The first the States-man that acts in publick Affairs the second the Historian that writes them Observations on the Life of Sir William Peter HE was born in that great Nursery of Parts Devonshire and bred in a greater Exeter-Colledge That Colledge made him a Scholar and All-Souls a Man His capacity was contemplative and his Genius active observing rather then reading with his eye more on men then Books studying behaviour rather then notion to be accomplished rather then knowing and not to erre in the main rather then to be excellent in circumstance His Body set off his Parts with a grave dignity of presence rather then a soft beauty of aspect His favour was more taking then his colour and his motion more then his favour and all such as made his early Vices blush and his riper Vertues shine The Earl of Wiltshire first pitched upon him for his Sons Tutor and then for his own Companion Noble Families set off hopeful Parts and improve them Cromwel's quick eye one day at my Lord spyeth his Personage and observes his Carriage He was a man himself and understood one Nothing would satisfie him but that the young Gentleman should come to Court and go to Travel King Henry loved any All-Souls man but was enamoured with him in whom concurred the three Perquisites of that Society 1. A Gentile Extraction 2. A graceful Behaviour 3. Competent Learning The young man designed for business was to travel for Education and the Scholar for Experience 1. His Pension is allowed him 125 l. a year 2. His Tutor is assigned who had been there before and could instruct him what he should see where he should go what acquaintance to entertain what exercise or discipline to undergo 3. His Instructions were drawn up as 1. That he should keep a Diary of what the chiefest places and the eminent persons either apart or in Conventions yielded worthy of Remarque and Observation 2. To have before him a Map or Card of every place he goeth to 3. Not to stay long in any one place 4. To converse with no Englishmen but Agents Embassadors or such grave persons as his Majesty would direct him to 5. To endeavour after Recommendations from persons of quality in one place to those in another keeping still his correspondence with the most publick and eminent persons of every respective place Within five years he returned a compleat Gentleman correcting the Vices of one Country with the Vertues of another and being one happy Composition of every Region Sir John Philpot was not so much the worse as Sir William was the better for travel He returning the shame of all Nations of his own by his weakness abroad of others by their follies at home This coming home the honour of his own by his abilities abroad of others by his perfections at home Two things improved his travel 1. An Artificial and careless freedome that opened others 2. A natural gravity that shut him up and was more capable of observing their Vertues and escaping their Vices Peter Earl of Savoy came to do his homage to Otho the fourth in a double attire on the one side Cloth of Gold on the other shining Armour the Emperour asked him what meant that Lindsey-Woolsey he answered Sir the attire on the right side is to honour your Majesty that on the left is to serve you Sir William Peter returns with those Gayeties of carriages on the one hand that might adorn a Court and with those abilities on the other that might support it His first employment was the Charts the Latine Letters and the Forreign Negotiation the next was Principal Secretary In which Office Wriothesley was rough and stubborn Paget easie Cecil close Mason plain Smith noble Peter was smooth reserved resolved and yet obliging Both the Laws he was Doctor of and both the Laws he made use of the Civil Law to direct Forreign Negotiations and the other t 〈…〉 give light to Domestick Occasions In the Kings absence in France 1544. Cranm 〈…〉 and Thorleby are to assist the Queen in matters o 〈…〉 Religion the Earl of Hertford in Affairs of War the Lord Parr of Horton and Doctor Peter in th 〈…〉 Civil Government whose Maxime it was It i 〈…〉 the interest of the Kings of England to be the Arbit 〈…〉 of Christendome Thus much he was to the Que 〈…〉 by Henry the eighth's Deputation and no less to King Edward by his Will A man would wonder how this man made a shift to serve four Princes of such distant Interests as King Henry King Edward Queen Mary Queen Elizabeth until he recollects the French King who enquired of a wise man how he might govern himself and his Kingdome the wise man took a fair large sheet of Paper and in stead of an infinite number of Precepts which others use to offer upon that subject he onely writ this word Modus A Mean In King Henry's time he observed his Humour in King Edward's he kept to the Law in Queen Mary's he intended wholly State-affairs and in Queen Elizabeth's he was religious his years minding him of death and his death of his faith He moved with the first Movers in most transactions to his apparent danger yet he had motions of his own for his real security Able he was at home and very dexterous abroad particularly at Bulloign The Philosophers exercising their Gifts before an Ambassador he asked one that was silent what he should say of him Repart to your King saith he that you found one among the Graecians that knew how to hold his tongue Ab said Mounsieur Chaâ—illon we had gained the last 200000 Crowns without Hostages had 〈…〉
the Common Law that he was preferred second Justice of the Common Pleas by Queen Elizabeth which Place he discharged with so much Ability and Integrity that not long after he was made chief Baron of the Exchequer which Office he most wisely managed to his great commendation full fourteen years to the day of his death Much was he employed in matters of State and was one of the Commissioners who sate on the tryal of the Queen of Scots He wrote a Book on the Forest-Laws which is highly prized by men of his Profession In vacation-time he constantly inhabited at St. Stephens in Canterbury and was bounteously liberal to the poor Inhabitants thereof and so charitable was he that he erected and endowed a fair Free-school at Sandwich dying in the 35 of Queen Elizabeth anno Dom. 1593. Cloaths for necessity warm Cloaths for health cleanly for decency lasting for strength was his Maxime and Practice who kept a State in decent plainness insomuch that Queen Elizabeth called him her Good-man-Judge In Davison's Case Mildmay cleared the man of malice but taxed him with unskilfulness and rashness Lumley said he was an ingenuous and an honest man but presumptuous I will ever esteem him an honest and good man said Grey The Archbishop of Canterbury approved the fact commended the man but disallowed of the manner and form of his proceedings Manwood made a narrative of the Queen of Scots proceedings confirmed the sentence against her extolled the Queens clemency pitied Davison and fined him 10000 l. A man he was of a pale constitution but a clear even and smooth temper of a pretty solid consistence equally sanguine and flegmatique of a quiet soul and serene affections of a discreet sweetness and moderate manners slow in passion and quick enough in apprehension wary in new points and very fixed and judicious in the old A plausible insinuating and fortunate man the Idea of a wise man having what that elegant Educator wisheth that great habit which is nothing else but a promptness and plentifulness in the flore-house of the mind of clear imaginations well fixed which was promised in his erect and forward stature his large breast his round and capacious forehead his curious and observing eye the clear and smart argument of his clearer and quicker soul which owned a liveliness equally far from volatileness and stupidity his steady attention and his solid memory together with what is most considerable a grand Inclination to imitate and excel What Plutarch saith of Timoleon with reference to Epaminond that we may say of this Gentleman That his Life and Actions are like Homer's Verses smooth and flowing equal and happy especially in the two grand Embelishments of our Nature Friendship and Charity 〈◊〉 Friendship that sacred thing whereof he was a passionate Lover and an exact Observer promoting it among all men he conversed with Surely there is not that Content on Earth like the Union of Minds and Interests whereby we enjoy our selves by reflexion in our Friend it being the most dreadful Solitude and Wildness of Nature to be friendless But his Friendship was a contracted beam to that Sun of Charity that blessed all about him His Salary was not more fixed then his Charity He and the Poor had one Revenue one Quarter-day In stead of hiding his face from the Poor it was his practice to seek for them laying out by Trustees for Pensioners either hopeful or indigent whereof he had a Catalogue that made the best Comment upon that Text The liberal man deviseth liberal things This is the best Conveyance that ever Lawyer made To have and to hold to him and his Heirs for ever Observations on the Life of Sir Christopher Wray SIr Christopher Wray was born in the spacious Parish of Bedal the main motive which made his Daughter Francis Countess of Warwick scatter her Benefactions the thicker in that place He was bred in the study of our Municipal Law and such his Proficiency therein that in the sixteenth of Queen Elizabeth in Michaelmas-Term he was made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench. He was not like that Judge who feared neither God nor man but onely one Widow lest her importunity should weary him but he heartily feared God in his religious Conversation Each man he respected with his due distance off of the Bench and no man on it to byass his Judgement He was pro tempore Lord Privy Seal and sat Chief in the Court when Secretary Davison was sentenced in the Star-Chamber Sir Christopher collecting the censures of all the Commissioners concurred to Fine him but with this comfortable conclusion That as it was in the Queens Power to have him punished so Her Highness might be prevailed with for mitigating or remitting of the Fine and this our Judge may be presumed no ill Instrument in the procuring thereof He bountifully reflected on Magdalen-Colledge in Cambridge which Infant-foundation had otherwise been starved at Nurse for want of Maintenance We know who saith The righteous man leaveth an inheritance to his childrens children and the well-thriving of his third Generation may be an evidence of his well-gotten Goods This worthy Judge died May the eighth in the thirty fourth of Queen Elizabeth When Judge Mounson and Mr. Dalton urged in Stubs his Case that Writ against Queen Elizabeth's marriage with the Duke of Anjou That the Act of Philip and Mary against the Authors and sowers of seditious Writings was mis-timed and that it died with Queen Mary my Lord Chief Justice Wray upon whom the Queen relied in that case shewed there was no mistaking in the noting of the time and proved by the words of the Act that the Act was made against those which should violate the King by seditious writing and that the King of England never dieth yea that that Act was renewed anno primo Eliz. during the life of her and the heirs of her body Five Particulars I have heard old men say he was choice in 1. His Friend which was always wise and equal 2. His Wife 3. His Book 4. His Secret 5. His Expression and Garb. By four things he would say an Estate was kept 1. By understanding it 2. By spending not until it comes 3. By keeping old Servants 4. By a Quarterly Audit The properties of Infancy is Innocence of Child-hood Reverence of Manhood Maturity and of Old Age Wisdome Wisdome that in this grave Person acted all its brave parts i. e. was mindful of what is past observant of things present and provident for things to come No better instance whereof need be alledged then his pathetick Discourses in the behalf of those two great Stays of this Kingdome Husbandry and Merchandize for he had a clear discerning Judgement and that not onely in points of Law which yet his Arguments and Decisions in that Profession manifest without dispute but in matters of Policy and Government wherein his Guess was usually as near Prophecy as any mans as also in the little mysteries of private
one another 1. That in our Considerations and Debates we should not dwell in deceitful Generals but look into clear Particulars 2. That in our Resolutions and Conclusions we should not rest on various Particulars but rise to uniform Generals A Man he was that reverenced himself that could be vertuous when alone and good when onely his own Theatre his own applause though excellent before the world his vertue improving by fame and glory as an heat which is doubled by reflexion Observations on the Life of Sir James Dier JAmes Dier Knight younger Son to Richard Dier Esquire was born at Round-hill in Somersetshire as may appear to any by the Heralds Visitation thereof He was bred in the study of our Municipal Law and was made Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas primo Eliz. continuing therein twenty four years When Thomas Duke of Norfolk was anno 1572 arraigned for Treason this Judge was present thereat on the same token that when the Duke desired Counsel to be assigned him pleading that it was granted to Humphrey Stafford in the Reign of King Henry the seventh our Judge returned unto him That Stafford had it allowed him only as to point of Law then in dispute viz. Whether he was legally taken out of the Sanctuary but as for matter of Fact neither he nor any ever had or could have Counsel allowed him But let his own works praise him in the Gates known for the place of publick Justice amongst the Jews let his learned Writings called The Commentaries or Reports evidence his Abilities in his Profession He died in 25 Eliz. though married without any issue and there is a House of a Baronet of his Name descended from an elder Son of Richard Father to our Judge at great Stoughton in Hunting tonshire well improved I believe with the addition of the Judges Estate There is a Manuscript of this worthy Judge wherein are six and forty Rules for the preservation of the Commonwealth as worthy our Observation as they were his Collection 1. That the true Religion be established 2. To keep the parts of the Commonwealth equal 3. That the middle sort of people exceed both the extreams 4. That the Nobility be called to serve or at least to appear at the Court by themselves or by the hopes of their Families their Children 5. That the Court pay well 6. That Trade be free and Manufactures with all other Ingenuities encouraged 7. Thgt there be no co-equal Powers nor any other Vsurpations against the Foundation 8. That there be notice taken of wise and well-affected Persons to employ them 9. That Corruption be restrained 10. That the Prince shew himself absolute in his Authority first and then indulgent in his Nature 11. That the first ferment of sedition want c. be considered 12. That Preferments be bestowed on merit and not faction 13. That troublesome persons be employed abroad 14. That Emulations be over-ruled 15. That the ancient and most easie way of Contributions when necessary be followed 16. That the Youth be disciplined 17. That Discourses and Writings of Government and its mysteries be restrained 18. That the active and busie be taken to Employment 19. That the King shew himself often in Majesty tempered with familiarity easie access tenderness c. 20. That the Prince perform some unexpected actions at Court himself 21. That no one man be gratified with the grievance of many 22. That Acts of Grace pass in the chief Magistrates Name and Acts of Severity in the Ministers 23. That the Prince borrow when he hath no need 24. That he be so well furnished with Warlike Provisions Citadels Ships as to be renowned for it 25. That the Neighbour-States be balanced 26. That the Prince maintain very knowing Agents Spies and Intelligencers 27. That none be suffered to raise a Quarrel between the Prerogative and the Law 28. That the People be awaked by Masters 29. That in cases of Faction Colonies and Plantations be found out to receive ill humours 30. That the Seas the Sea-coasts and Borders be secured 31. That the Prince be either resident himself or by a good natured and popular Favourite 32. To act things by degrees and check all the hasty importunate rash and turbulent though well-affected 33. That the Inhabitants have Honour promisouously but that Power be kept in the Well-affected's hands 34. That there be as far as can be plain dealing and the people never think they are deceived 35. That there be a strict eye kept upon Learning Arms and Mechanical Arts. 36. That there be frequent Wars 37. To observe the Divisions among Favourites though not to encourage them 38. That an account be given of the Publick Expences 39. That Inventions be encouraged 40. That the Country be kept in its due dependance on the Crown against the times of War Elections c. and to that purpose that the Courtiers keep good houses c. 41. That no disobliged person be trusted 42. That Executions be few suddain and severe 43. To improve the benefit of a Kingdomes Situation 44. That the Liberties and Priviledges of the Subject be so clearly stated that there may be no pretences for worse purposes 45. That the Coyn be neither transported nor embased 46. That Luxury be suppressed Maximes these that spake our Judge so conversant with Books and Men that that may be applyed to him which is attributed to as great a Divine as he was a Lawyer viz. That he never talked with himself Observations on the Life of Sir William Pelham SIr William Pelham was a Native of Sussex whose ancient and wealthy Family hath long flourished in Laughton therein His Prudence in Peace and Valour in War caused Queen Elizabeth to employ him in Ireland where he was by the Privy-Council appointed Lord Chief Justice to govern that Land in the interim betwixt the death of Sir William Drury and the coming in of Arthur Gray Lord Lieutenant of Ireland Say not that he did but stop a gap for a twelve-month at the most seeing it was such a gap Destruction had entred in thereat to the final ruine of that Kingdome had not his Providence prevented it For in this juncture of time Desmond began his Rebellion 1579 inviting Sir William to side with him who wisely gave him the hearing with a smile in to the Bargain And although our Knight for want of Force could not cure the wounds yet he may be said to have washed and kept it clean resigning it in a recovering condition to the Lord Gray who succeeded him Afterwards he was sent over into the Low-Countries 1586 being Commander of the English Horse therein It is said of him Brabantiam persultabat He leapt through Brabant importing celerity and success yea as much Conquest as so suddain an expedition was capable of He had a strong memory whereon he built his experience and a large experience whereon he grounded his actions There was no Town Fort Passage Hill or Dale either in Ireland or Holland
honourable Family whose prime Seat was at Lediard-Tregoze in Wiltshire though their first settlement was in South-Wales He was bred in the Wars from his youth and at last by King James was appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland and vigorously pursued the Principles of his Predecessors for the civilizing thereof Indeed the Lord Mountjoy reduced that Countrey to obedience the Lord Chichester to some civility and this Lord Grandison first advanced it to considerable profit to his Master T. Walsingham writeth that Ireland afforded unto Edward the third thirty thousand pounds a year paid into his Exchequer but it appears by the Irish Records which are rather to be believed that it was rather a burthen and the constant Revenue thereof beneath the third part of that proportion But now the Kingdom being peaceably setled the income thereof turned to good Account so that Ireland called the Land of Ire for the constant broils therein for four hundred years was now become the Land of Concord This noble Person recalled into England lived many years in great repute leaving his Honours to his Sisters son by Sir Edward Villiers but the main of his Estate to his Brothers son Sir John St. John Knight and Baronet So sweet and charming his Conversation that he was beloved by all his Superiours and envied by no Inferiour being never advanced to any great Dignity but he was wished to a greater So exact his vigilancy so constant his industry so plausible his actions attended with no lesse civility to all men than duty to his Soveraign So frank and ingenious his Integrity that none feared him so discreet his management of Businesse and so strong his judgement that any might confide in him One he was that crossed the Italian Proverb Di Dunaridi senno e di fede In e Manco che non Crede having more money more faith yea and more wisdome too than was generally esteemed I mean wisdome of behaviour wisdome of busidesse and wisdome of State in the last whereof he aimed at a general settlement which he observed would bear particular errours provided that Care Labour Vigilancy and prudent Inquietude attended that forceth Difficulties constrains Fortune assures good Counsels corrects bad supports and overthroweth designs disposeth of accidents observeth time manageth hazards forgets nothing seldome trusts others and improveth all Occurrents and that first maxime of Policy he observed That who layeth out most layeth out least that petty frugalities undo the main Interest Observations on the Life of Sir Tho Overbury SIr Thomas Overbury son to Sir Nicholas Overbury one of the Judges of the Marches was born at Burton on the Hill in Gloucestershire bred in Oxford and attained to be a most accomplished Gentleman partly at Grayes-Innâ— and partly in France which the happinesse of his Pen both in Poetry and Prose doth declare In the later he is observed to be the first writer of Characters of our Nation But if the great parts of this Gentleman were guilty of Insolence and Petulancy which some since have charged on his memory reporting of him that he should say Somerset owed his advancement to him and that he should walk with his hat on before the Queen we may charitably presume that his reduced age would have corrected such Juvenile extravagancies It is questionable whether Robert Carr Earl of Somerset were more in the favour of King James or this Sir Thomas Overbury in the favour of the Earl of Somerset untill he lost it by disswading that Lord from keeping company with a Lady the Wiâ—e of another person of honour as neither for his credit here or comfort hereafter Soon after Sir Thomas was by King James designed Embassador for Russia His false friends perswaded him to decline the Employment as no better than an honourable Grave Better lye some days in the Tower than more months in a worse Prison A ship by Sea and a barbarous cold Countrey by Land Besides they possessed him that within a small time the K. should be wrought to a good opinion of him But he that willingly goes into a Prison out of hope to come easily out of it may stay therein so long till he be too late convinced of another Judgement Whilest Sir Thomas was in the Tower his Refusal was presented to the King as an Act of high Contempt as if he valued himself more than the King's service His strict restraint gave the greater liberty to his enemies to practice his death 1615. which was by poyson performed Yet was his blood legally revenged which cost some a violent and others a civill death as deprived of their Offices The Earl was soon abated in King James his affection Oh! the short distance betwixt the cooling and quenching of a Favourite being condemned and banished the Court. Exact are the remarks he drew up of Foreign Countreys therefore no lesse such his transactions for his own In this most esteemed with King James and his Master that he suited both their Geniuses in the easie and clear method wherein he expressed the most difficult and knotty Affairs for they both being perplexed with that variety of Affairs in general that they could not readily look into difficult Cases in particular loved those that made things out easie and clear to them as well fitted for their apprehensions as obvious to their judgement owning a Soul so quiet that abate its youthful extravagancies it knew not a motion but what was Duty and Interest felt no agitation but what was reason and what Philosophy conveyed into the souls of the wisest and observation insinuated into the spirit of the closest if he expected a recompence suitable to his services or an acknowledgement answerable to his merit he understood not the humour and nature of man-kinde the interest of Favourites or his own parts too guilty of reputation to be advanced and of power not to be suppressed It 's Machiâ—vel's rule That they who rise very high should descend timely and quit the envy lest they lose the honour of their greatnesse Although this Gentleman's skill in accommodating Factions in the Art of Negotiation in the charm of Language in the Interest of Princes in mastering his own Resentments as well as his Enemies that provoked him had preserved him if he had known as well how to hold his Tongue as how to speak if he had understood others humours as well as they did his and if he had skilled as well from whom to have refused kindnesse as from whom he deserved it In a word he that considered so many other Maximes was defective in complyance with his own viz. That vertue is there unprofitable where too great and that many had lost the favour of their Masters by over-much meriting it Observations on the Life of Sir Clem. Edmonds SIr Clement Edmonds that learned and judicious Remembrancer of the City of London was born at Shratvardine in Shropshire and bred Fellow of All-Souls Colledge in Oxford being generally skilled in all Arts
Astrologer who told him that this his Infant-son should taste of much trouble in the middest of his life even to the want of a meals meat but his old age should make amends for all with a plentiful estate which came to passe accordingly For his Father dying in his infancy no plentiful provision was made for him and when his eldest Brother Thomas Duke of Norfolke was executed his condition was much impaired insomuch that being once in London not overstocked with money when his noble Nephews the Earl of Arundel and the Lord Thomas Howard were out of Town and loath to pin himself on any Table uninvited he was fain to dine with the Chair of Duke Humphrey but other not to say better company viz. reading of books in Stationers Shops in St. Paul's Church-yard though afterwards he attained to great wealth honour and command However that Lord gave little credit to and placed lesse confidence in such Predictions as appeared by a learned Work he hath written on that subject Observations on the Life of Sir John Ramsey Earl of Holderness and Sir Tho. Ereskin Earl of Kelly BOth their preferments began on the same occasion both their natures were eminent for the same innocence and goodnesse both their services tend to the same issâ—e and therefore both their Characters come under one observation which it's more proper to take in the word of their Countrey-man and Contemporary that knew them than in the expression of a stranger that onely heard of them The whole story runs thus The name of Ruthen in Scotland was not notorious until Anno 1568. when Ruthen amongst others Confederates in those divided times of trouble laboured much for the imprisoning Queen Mary Mother to King James In 1582. his son William was created Earl Gowry in the time of that King's minority though the Father bore deadly hatred to the King's prosperity And in 1584. himself was in actual Rebellion in which he suffered at Dondee His eldest son John then in Travel in Italy returns home to inherit his lands and honours but not one jot changed in disposition from the traiterous wayes of his Predecessors For not long after he falls into this Conspiracy which is not so ancient but that many then and now living can and my self have heard the repetition The house of Gowry were all of them much addicted to study Chymistry and these more to practise it often publishing as such Professors usually do more rare experiments then ever could be performed wherein the King a general Scholar had little faith But to infuse more credit to the practice Alexander Ruthen the second brother takes this occasion and withal conspires with Gowry to assassinate the King and taking opportunity in his hunting not far from his house St. Johnstone invites the King to be an eye-witnesse of his productions In their way Sir Thomas Erskin after Lord Kelly overtakes them and others Demanding of the Duke of Lenox then present why Alexander had ingrossed the King's eare to carry him from his Sports Peace man said the Duke Wee's all be turn'd into gold Not far they rid but that the Earl Gowry made good by protestation his Brother's story And thus was the King brought to be a Guest Neer the end of Dinner at his Fruit and the Lords and Waiters gone to eat Alexander begs of the King at this opportunity to withdraw and to be partaker of his Production to the view of that which yet he could not believe And up he leads the King into by-lodgings locking each door behind them till they came into a Back Room where no sooner entered but that Alexander claps on his Bonnet and with stern countenance faces the King and says Now Sir you must know I had a Father whose blood calls for revenge shed for your sake The King amazed deales gently with his fury excuses the guilt of his death by his then Infancy Advising him not to lay violent hands on the sacred Person of his Anointed Soveraign Especially in a cause of his Innocency Pleading the Laws of God Man which so much wrought upon him that he said Well I will speak with my Brother and so put the King into a Lobby Room next the Chamber where no sooner entered but that there appeared a fellow weaponed ready for execution to whose custody the King is committed till his return Alexander gone down the fellow trembles with Reverence puts down his Sword and craves pardon which gave the King occasion to work upon that passion and to ask him whether he resolved to murther him Being assured to the contrary the King gets leave to open a window that looked into a back Court When presently Alexander returns and tells the King that he must dye But much affrighted at the Fellow's 〈◊〉 with his sword offers violence to the King Which the fellow seemingly opposes and between them began a 〈◊〉 which gave advantage to the King to cry Treâ—son at the Window which looked into a back-Court where Sir Thomas Erskin and oâ—â— Herries were come in pursuit of the King who was rumoured to be gone out the back-way to his â—â—nting At the cry of Treason and known to be the King's voice they both hastened up a back-stair called the Turn-pike being directed by a servant of the house who saw Alexander ascend that way And so forcing some doors they found them above panting with the fray and up comes also at heels of them John Ramsey after Earl of Holdernesse by them Alexander was soon dispatched Not long after came the Earl Gowry by his double key the first way with a case of Rapiers his usual weapons and ready drawn To whom Erskin said as to divert his purpose What do you mean my Lord the King is kill'd for the King was shadowed having cast himself upon a Bed from his sight and his Cloak was thrown upon the Body of Alexander bleeding upon the ground At which Gowry stops sinking the points of his weapons when suddenly Herries strikes at him with a hunting Falchion And Ramsey having his Hawk on his â—ist casts her off and steps in to Gowry and stabs him to the heart and forthwith more Company came up Not long after this Conspiracy Herries dies well rewarded John Ramsey hath the Honour of Knighthood with an additional bearing to his Coat of Arms A Hand holding forth a Dagger reversed proper piercing a bloody Heart The point crowned Emperial with this Distick Haec Dextra Vindex Principis Pâ—triae Afterwards he was created Lord Haddington and Earl of Holdernesse Sir Thomas Erskin was afterwards created Earl of Kelly Knight of the Garter Captain of the King's Guard and Groom of the Stool and the Fellow designed for the Murtherer had a large Pension confirmed by Act of their Parliament And all these men but Herries were living with other witnesses at King James his journey when he went from hence to visit Scotland and met together by direction at the same house with Ceremony and
all the Judges should sometimes by the K. himself and sometimes by the Lord Chancellor or Lord Keeper in the King's name receive a charge of those things which the present times did much require and at their return should deliver a faithful account thereof and how they found and left the Counties through which they passed and in which they kept their Assizes 8. And that they might the better perform this work which might be of great importance it will not be amiss that sometimes this charge be publick as it useth to be in the Star-Chamber at the end of the Terms next before the Circuit begins where the King's care of justice and the good of his people may be published and that sometimes also it may be private to communicate to the Judges some things not so fit to be publickly delivered 9. I could wish also that the Judges were directed to make a little longer stay in a place than usually they do a day more in a County would be a very good addition although their wages for their Circuits were increased in proportion it would stand better with the gravity of their employment whereas now they are sometimes enforced to rise over-early and to sit over-late for the dispatch of their businesse to the extraordinary trouble of themselves and of the people their times indeed not being â—orae juridicâ— And which is the main they would have the more leisure to inform themseves quasi aliud agentes of the true estate of the Country 10. The attendence of the Sheriffs of the Counties accompanied with the principal Gentlemen in a comely not a costly equipage upon the Judges of Assize at their coming to the place of their sitting and at their going out is not onely a civility but of use also It raiseth a reverence to the persons and places of the Judges who coming from the King himself on so great an errand should not be neglected 11. If any sue to be made a Judge for my own part I should suspect him but if either directly or indirectly he should bargain for a place of judicature let him be rejected with shame vendere jure potest emâ—rat ille prius 12. When the place of a chief Judge of a Court becomes vacant a puisne Judge of that Court or of another Court who hath approved himself fit and deserving would be sometimes preferred it would be a good encouragement for him and for others by his example 13. Next to the Judge there would be care used in the choice of such as are called to the degree of Ser jeants at Law for such they must be first before they be made Judges none should be made Ser jeants but such as probably might be held fit to be Judges afterwards when the experience at the Barr hath fitted them for the Bench Therefore by all means cry down that unworthy course of late times used that they should pay moneys for it It may satisfie some Courtiers but it is no honouâ— to the person so preferred nor to the King who thus prefers him 14. For the Kings Counsel at the Law especially his Attorney and Solicitor General I need say nothing their continual use for the Kings service not onely for his Revenue but for all the parts of his Government will put the King and all those who love his service in minde to make choice of men every way fit and able for that employment they had need to be learned in their prosession and not ignorant in other things and to be dexterous in those affairs where of the dispatch is committed to them 15. The Kings Attorney of the Court of Wardâ— is in the true quality of the Judges therefore what hath been observed already of Judges which are intended principally of the three great Courts of Law at Westminster may be applied to the choice of the Attorney of this Court 16. The like for the Attorney of the Dutchy of Lancaster who partakes of both qualities partly of a Judge of that Court and partly of an Attorney General for so much as concerns the proper â—evenue of the Dutchy 17. I must not forget the Judges of the four Circuits in the twelve Shires of Wales who although they are not of the first magnitude nor need be of the degree of the Coyf onely the chief Justice of Chester who is one of the number is so yet are they considerable in the choice of them by the same rules as the other Judges are and they sometimes are and fitly may be transplanted into the higher Courts 18. There are many Courts as you see some superiour some provincial and some of a lower orb It were to be wished and is fit to be so ordered that every of them keep themselves within their proper spheres The harmony of justice is then the sweetest when there is no jarring about the jurisdiction of the Courts which me-thinks wisdome cannot much differ upon their true bounds being for the most part so clearly known 19. Having said thus much of the Judges somewhat will be fit to put you in minde concerning the principal Ministers of Justice and in the first of the High Sheriffs of the Counties which have been very ancient in this Kingdome I am sure before the Conquest The choice of them I commend to your care and that at fit times you put the King in minde thereof That as neer as may be they be such as are fit for those places for they are of great trust and power The Posse Comitatus the power of the whole County being legally committed unto them 20. Therefore it is agreeable with the intention of the Law that the choice of them should be by the commendation of the great Officers of the Kingdom and by the advice of the Judges who are presumed to be well read in the condition of the Gentry of the whole Kingdom And although the King may do it of himself yet the old way is the good way 21. But I utterly condemn the practice of the latter times which hath lately crept into the Court at the back-stairs That some who are prick'd for Sheriffs and were fit should get out of the Bill and others who were neither thought upon nor worthy to be should be nominated and both for money 22. I must not omit to put you in minde of the Lords Lieutenants and Deputy-Lieutenants of the Counties their proper use is for ordering the Military affairs in order to an invasion from abroad or a rebellion or sedition at home good choice should be made of them and prudent instructions given to them and as little of the Arbitrary power as may be left unto them and that the Muster-Masters and their Officers under them incroach not upon the Subject that will detract much from the King's service 23. The Justices of Peace are of great use Antiently there were Conservators of the peace these are the same saving that several Acts of Parliament have altered their denomination and enlarged their
and the Living Observations on the Life of Sir John Bramstone SIr John Bramstone Knight was born at Maldon in Essex bred up in the Middle-Temple in the study of the Common-law wherein he attained to such eminency that he was by King Charles made Lord Chief-Justice of the King's â—ench One of deep Learning solid Judgement integrity of Life gravity of behaviour above the envy of his own age and the scandal of posterity One 〈…〉 stance of his I must not forget writes the Historian effectually relating to the foundation wherein I was 〈…〉 ed Sergeant Bruerton by Will bequeathed to 〈…〉 idney-Colledge well-nigh three thousand pounds â—ut for haste or some other accident it was so imâ—erfectly done that as Dr. Sam. Ward informed 〈◊〉 the gift was invalid in the rigour of the Law â—ow Judge Bramstone who married the Sergeants Widow gave himself much trouble gave himself 〈…〉 deed doing all things gratis for the speedy payâ—ent of the money to a farthing and the legal 〈…〉 tling thereof on the Colledge according to the 〈◊〉 intention of the dead He deserved to live in â—etter times The delivering his judgement on the â—ing's side in the case of Ship-money cost him â—uch trouble and brought him much honour 〈◊〉 who understood the consequence of that Ma 〈…〉 me Salus populi suprema lex and that Ship-moâ—ey was thought legal by the best Lawyers voted â—own arbitrarily by the worst Parliament they â—earing no Counsel for it though the King heard 〈…〉 men willingly against it Yea that Parliament 〈…〉 ought themselves not secure from it unlesse the â—ing renounced his right to it by a new Act of his 〈◊〉 Men have a touch-stone to try Gold and â—old is the touch-stone to try Men. Sir William 〈◊〉 's gratuity shewed that this Judges Inclination 〈◊〉 as much above corruption as his Fortune and 〈◊〉 he would not as well as needed not be base Equally intent was he upon the Interest of the 〈◊〉 and the Maximes of Law as which mutually suported each other He would never have a W 〈…〉 nesse interrupted or helped but have the patie 〈…〉 to hear a naked though a tedious truth the 〈◊〉 Gold lyeth in the most Ore and the clearest 〈◊〉 in the most simple discourse When he put on 〈◊〉 Robes he put off Respects his private affectioâ— being swallowed up in the publick service 〈◊〉 was the Judge whom Popularity could never flatt 〈…〉 to any thing unsafe nor favour oblige to any thi 〈…〉 unjust Therefore he died in peace 1645. wh 〈…〉 all others were engaged in a War and shall 〈◊〉 the reward of his integrity of the Judge of Judg 〈…〉 at the great Assize of the world Having lived as well as read Justinian's maxi 〈…〉 to the Praetor of Laconia All things which 〈◊〉 pertain to the well-government of a State are orderâ—â— by 〈◊〉 constitutions of Kings that give life and 〈◊〉 to the Law Whereupon who so would walke wis 〈…〉 shall never fail if he propose them both for the rule his actions For a King is the living Law of 〈◊〉 Countrey Nothing troubled him so much as shall I call it the shame or the fear of the consequence of the unhappy contest between his Excellent Majesty 〈◊〉 his meaner Subjects in the foresaid case of Ship-mâ—ney no enemy being contemptible enough to 〈◊〉 despised since the most despicable command gr 〈…〉 ter strength wisdome and interest than their owâ— to the designs of Malice or Mischief A gr 〈…〉 man managed a quarrel with Archee the King Fool but by endeavouring to explode him 〈◊〉 Court rendred him at last so considerable 〈◊〉 calling the enemies of that person who were not a few to his rescue as the fellow was not onely able to continue the dispute for divers years but received such encouragement from standers by the instrument of whose malice he was as he oft 〈…〉 oke out in such reproaches as neither the dignity of that excellent person's calling nor the greatnesse of his parts could in reason or manners admit But that the wise man discerned that all the fool did was but a symptome of the strong and inveterate distemper raised long since in the hearts of his Countrymen against the great mans Person and Function Observations on the Life of Sir Augustine Nicols SIr August Nicols son to Tho. Nicols Sergeant at Law was born at Ecton in Northampton-shire Now though according to the rigour of our Fundamental Premises he be not within our cognisance under this Title yet his merit will justifie us in presenting his Chracter He was bred in the study of the Common-Law wherein he attained to such knowledge that Qu Eliz. made him and K. James continued him his own Serjeant whence he was freely preferred one of the Judges of the Common-Pleas I say freely King James commonly calling him the Judge that would give no money Not to speak of his moral qualifications and subordinate abilities he was renowned for his special judiciary Endowments of very calm affections and moderate passions of a grave and affible deportment of a great patience to hear both Parties all they could say a happy memory 〈◊〉 singular sagacity to search into the material circumstances Exemplary integrity even to the rejection of Gratuities after Judgement given and a charge to his Followers that they came to their Places clear-handed and that they should not meddle with any Motions to him that he might be secured from all appearance of corruption His forbearing to travail on the Lords day wrought a Reformation on some of his own Order Very pitiful and tender he was in case of life yet very exact in case of blood He loved plain and profitable Preaching being wont to say I know not what you call Preaching but I like them that come neerest to my Conscience The speech of Caesar is commonly known Oportet Imperatorem stantem mori which Bishop Jewel altered and applyed to himself Decet Episcopum concionantem mori of this man it may be said Judex mortuus est jura dans dying in his Calling as he went the Northern Circuit and hath a fair Monument in Kendal-Church in Westmerland This I observe of this good man that he was so good a man that in the ruffling times he could be but a bad Magistrate Cum vel exeunda sit natura vel minuenda dignitas when he must either go out of his easie nature or forgo his just authority Observations on the Life of Sir Nich. Hyde SIr Nicholas Hyde was born at Warder in Wiltshire where his Father in right of his Wife had a long Lease of that Castle from the Family of the Arundels His Father I say descended from an antient Family in Cheshire a fortunate Gentleman in all his children and more in his Grand-children some of his under-boughs outgrowing the top-branch and younger children amongst whom Sir Nicholas in wealth and honour exceeding the rest of his Family He was bred in the Middle-Temple and was made Sergeant
the City would pour out fresh men upon him as at Brainford It was replied that the City Country were not under such strong delusions as then but were more sensible of the miseries they had been trepanned into Besides there was a more miraculous power of conversion went along with the King's presence where ever he came convincing all he conversed with 13. Whether the King beng so wise and able it were not convenient to contrive it so that the people might see how well he acted by himself provided he had sufficient security 14. Whether it being dangerous that the Rebels should seize as God forbid they should on the whole Court at once it were not convenient that his Majesty and the Prince did part that the Kingdome might know its hope as well as its happiness and that their interest when separated might be more spreading than when together 15. It was judged prudence to let the successe wherein their souls were unequal overthrow the Faction by mutual Jealousies and Animosities till it dissipated all pretences and the people saw none oppressed them in their Estates Liberties Consciences more than the pretended Patrons of them all An Indempnity without regard to any Faction being most likely to render the misled as jealous for the King as they had been against him 16. It were to be wished that the Parliament did draw into entire Propositions their design that his Majesty and his People might make a clearer judgement of it in order to an accommodation 17. His Majesty must be secured of the Militiae and against tumults and all persons invested in their first right without any controversie As to other matters a full debate may settle them with such explanations and qualifications as may satisfie all parties 18. It 's thought his Majesty may concur with the Parliament about the Presbyterian Government for three years the time allowed by themselves and that at the three years end the very Kingdome will throw it off as inconsistent with the English temper and unsuitable with the British Monarchy And so likewise in other things which look plausible in the general but are unpracticable in the particular 19. Though many things are necessary to avoid jealousies which are inconvenient yet they may be allowed upon the respect of the likelihood that all things will in time return to their proper chanel onely a general Act of indemnity is the best bond of Peace whereby the numerous discontents of many persons and families otherwise exposed to ruine might not become Fuel to new disorders or Seeds to future troubles with particular regards to the priviledges of the City notwithstanding non-user mis-user abuser and the interest of the Army an indulgence that would help the world to see clearly the Kings intentions in matter of future government 20. No Act to passe till the Peace be concluded lest what his Majesty grants may be an argument to urge what he must deny so that he cannot treat in Honour Freedome or Safety 21. Time is the best cure of Faction 22. When the Treaty is broken off so that neither side could reassume it without a seeming yielding it should be renewed upon the Queens motion provided always that her name was not used or intimated till the Rebels willingness to complyance were preassured But stay I am fallen upon mine own knowing time wherein I am fitter to read others Observations than to write my own and it becomes me rather to be instructed than to instruct Industry and Curiosity bid me begin this Collection where Sir W. F. Sir R. N. Sir J. H. Characters end and modesty enjoyns me to finish it where my Contemporaries own knowledge begins with whom I shall quietly passe my time observing how far the affairs I see or hear of agree with those I have read of Having gained thus much if no more by this Essay That by looking into the Intrigues of former times I have learned a great deal of reason to blesse GOD I was born in these being assured that murmurs discontents complaints whisperings speaking evil of Dignities the common but unreasonable faults of this Age are kept up onely because men are ignorant of the Ages foregoing And as my Lord Bacon saith of the Schoolmen in the Church so I say of troublesome persons in the State that they are so because they know nothing beyond their own time whereas if the most discontented person did but compare his own dayes with those before he must confesse that there wants nothing in the general frame of our Government particular persons miscarriages must be always allowed to make us most happy but thankefulnesse content and the continuance of these blessings under our dread Soveraign for whom it 's as much our interest as our duty to pray according to St. Chrysostoms Liturgy that God would give him strength victory health safety length and tranquillity of dayes or in Tertullian's form Long life a secure government safe Court valiant Army faithful Senate good People quiet world what-ever he can desire as a King or as a man Or once more in Lactantius his words That God will keep him who is the keeper of all things in his Dominions to his Felicity and our Tranquillity The End of the Observations upon the Lives of the Statesmen and Favourites of England in the Reign of K. Charles I. Books printed for Samuel Speed at the Rainbow in Fleetstreet PHaramond or the History of France a new Romance by the Author of Cassandra and Cleopatra in Folio The precedency of Kings a discourse by James Howel Esquire in folio Actions on the Case for Deeds by William Shepheard Esquire in folio Declarations and Pleadings by the Lord Cook in folio The Body of Divinity written in Latine by Bucanus and rendered into English in quarto The Golden Coast or a Description of Guinney in quarto FINIS Henry 8. a Tho. Ful. Holy State p. 251. a St. Anthonies under New-Hall b Christ-Church a He married Mr. Colts daughter of New-Hall b whereby he was double Reader c On St. Aug. de Civit Dei d He was made Chancellour of that Duchy e Queen Katherine said so f A fellow at Bruges would undertake to answer any question Sir Thomas put up this Whether Averia capta in Withernamia sint irreplegiabilia to that Thrasoes great amazement g He built a Chappel at Chelsey and hired an Alms-house there h With the cause attested by the Attorney in token whereof when one Tubbe brought him a Subpoena to subscribe finding it frivolous he writ under it a tale of a tub Herbert a When Master thereof b When Knight of the Garter c When Vi 〈◊〉 General d Stow Sur. London a As when one said he was accused for disloyalty to the King he said He would stab him with his dagger if he were * Wiat. Let Florence fair her Dante 's justly boast And Royal Rome her Petrarchs numbred feet In English Wiat both of them doth coast In whom all