the year of our Lord God 1534. Two men must be thanked for this Wolsey and Fisher and these two men must be met withall whereby they may receive their payment for the first we leave him to his owne story or some others on his behalf The second is the subject of my pen and how they found out him the following Chapter must relate CHAP. XVIII 1. The various rumour of the people concerning the Divorce 2. The History of the Holy maid of Kent 3. Divâ—rs persons of quality executed as traitors concerning her and the Bishop of Rochester c. convicted of misprision of Treason for the same cause 4. A new Parliament called 5. The Marriage between the King and Queen Katharine pronounced null by Archbishop Cranmer 6. A new Oath made and tendred to both houses of Parliament c. all take it excepting the Bishop of Rochester AT the time when the Kingdome began to be divided when the King was about to make the Divorce between him and his wife as the first act of his Supremacy and to talk too busiâ—â— some in favour of the King but most of the Queen it happened that one Elizabeth Barton a young maiden borne in Kent at a placâ— called Court at Street declared unto sundry persons that she had lately received certain Visiâ—ns and Revelations concerning the Kings proceedings in this matter of Dâ—vorce and as shâ— thought they came from God and often falling into a trance she would declare how that the Kâ—ngs 〈◊〉 away his wife would be a mâ—anes to bring in 〈…〉 Land and that 〈…〉 〈…〉 his wife should never have coâ—foâ—t in any other that whatsoever he did yet the daughter of this Qâ—een should reign and becâ—use he deprived 〈◊〉 mother the 〈◊〉 Cathol que Church of so many chiâ—dren all his childâ—â—n should die 〈◊〉 and himselfe comfortlesse leaving an â—â—nominious name and fame 〈◊〉 him to the wâ—rlds end To this and the like 〈◊〉 she would â—tter words which were too wonderfull to proceed ordinarily from so simple a reputed woman First she communicated these Vâ—sions c. to one M Richard Mayster Parson of Aldington in Kent whose Penitent she was This Alâ—ington advised her to go to Mr. Edward Bocking Dr. of Dâ—vinity and a Monk of Christ-church in Canterbury a man that was â—amous both for Learning and Devotion who sent for one Mr. Iohn Deering another Monk of the same house all these advised her to goâ— to the Archbishop of Canterbuâ—y Doctor Warham and to take his advâ—se therein and to follow his direction who as it was conceived being conscious of the great ill-wâ—ll of the people which he had drawn upon hâ—mself by being so great a furtherer of the Dâ—vorce and of the inevitable changes and alterations in Râ—ligion which he then saw evidently to ensue â—â—rough his so much compliance with the King shortly after discoursed with this Maid died of grief After whose departure from this life the King by vertue of his Supremacy appointed â—ranmer to be Archbâ—shop of Canterbury This womans fame did so spread it self abroad over the whole Kingdome as that she was resorted unto by multitudes of pâ—ople and called by them the holy Maid of Kâ—nt whose vertues were exceedingly exâ—olled by the preachings of Mr. Henry Gold Bachelour in Divinity and a learned man Father Hugh Rich Warden of the â—riars Observants in Canterbuâ—y and Richard Risby of the same house and having gone her Perambulation to the Charter-house of London and Sheane thence to the Nunnery of Sion and thence to the Friars of Richmond Canterbury and Greenwich at last she came to the King himself and before him declared her minde fully and plainly with whom as she had quiet audience so she had peaceable departure at last she came unto the Bishop of Rochester Dr Iohn Adeson his Chaplain and Dr. Thomas Bell sometimes the Queenes Chaplaine who as a rarity admitted her to come before them to heare what she would say as all men else had done and now and not till now was this businesse looked upon as a matter of dangerous consequence the Kings Counsel were call'd together to consult about it who were divided amongst themselves concerning her some were for letting her alone as knowing not what to make of her others were for rigour and cruelty to be shewed against her in the end forbearance was laid aside and severity was to take its place which sentenced it to be a traiterous conspiracy between the Maid and some that were chief of the Clergie to bring the King and his Government into contempt and hatred with his people whereby to encourage them to tumults and insurrections wherefore the King sent for his Judges and certain others which were servient to the Law and propounded the case unto them acquainting them with that which every one had done desiring to know their opinions therein who sitting in long consultation at last they made result that Elizabeth Barton Edward Bockings Iohn Deering Monks Richard Maysters Henry Gold Priests Hugh Rich and Richard Risby Friars Minors where all by the Law in case of high Treason that my Lord of Rochester Dr. Adeston Dr. Abel c. bâ—bâ—cause they were not the fiâ—st contrivers of the Matter but concealers of the Thing were onâ—ly in the case of misprision of Treason viz. losse of Goods and imprisonment of their Bodies during the Kings pleasure and thus the King got the opinion of the Judges but not so home it was conceived as he expected This being done all the forementioned persons opin'd to be within the case of high Treason were attached and carried to Lambeth before the new Arch-bishop Cranmer where after they had been examined by him others of the Commissioners and charged with Treason Fiction and Hypocrisie Faâ—sehood Dissimulation and Conspiracy Tumults Rebellion and Insurrection they were all sent to the Tower Thus the King got the parties into prison Which being done The King called a Parliament in the 25 year of his reigne to be held at Westminster upon the 15. day of Ianuary where they were all attainted of high Treason the Maid judged to bâ— hanged and headâ—d at Tyburne the rest to be hanged and quâ—rtered alive the Bishop of Rochester Dr. Adâ—son Dr. Abel Thomas Register to the Archdeacon of Cant. and Eâ—ward Thwaites Gent. convicted of misprision of Treason of which conviction being it was no more the Bishop of Rochester for that time got himself cleared paying unto the King three hundred pounds A little before this Parliament sate the Archbishop of Canterbury Cranmer had decreed which decree was made at Dunstable that the foresaid marriage solemnized between the King and the Lady Katharine was clearly and absolutely against the Lawes of Almighty God and that it ought to be accepted reputed and taken as of no value or effect but utterly void to all intents and purposes and that the Marriage which was to be had and solemnizâ—d between the King and the Lady Anne Bullein ought to be
taken as undoubtedly true siâ—cere and perfect which Marriage carrying with it the soveraign imfortunity of all second Marriages being compleated the same Parliament enacted a Statuâ—e which declared the establishment of the Kings succession in the imperiall Crowne to be upon the issue which he was to have by the present Queene Anne ratifying whatsoever the foresaid Archbishop of Canterbury had decreed and disinheriting the issue which the King had by the foresaid Lady Katharine from all title to the foresaid Crowne and Government or that if any person of what state and condition soever shall by writing printing or any exteriour Act or Deed procure or doe any thing to the prejudice slander disturbance or deâ—ogation of the said Matrimony or the issue growing of the same every such person shall be deemed and adjudged as an high Traitour and suffer such punishment as in case of high Treason is provided and for the better keeping of this Act the Kings Majesty together with his Counsellours of their owne authority framed an Oâ—th upon the breaking up of this Parliament which was upon the 30. day of Maâ—ch and tendred it the same day to all the Lords both spirituall and temporall as likewise to all the Commons and was to be tendred to whom the Commissioners for the same purpose should call before them the words of which Oath were these viz. Ye shall swear to beare Faith Truth and all Obedience onely to the Kings Majesty and to his heires of his body and of his most dear and entirely beloved wife Queen Anne begotten and to be begotten and further to the heires of our Soveraigne Lord according to the limitation made in the Statute for surety of his succession in the Crown of this Realm mentioned and contained and not to any other within this Realme nor to any other forraign Authority or Potentate whatsoever and in case any Oath be made or hath been made by you to any person or persons that then ye doe repute the same as vaine and annihilate and that to your cunning wit and utmost endeavours ye shall observe keep maintain and defend the said Act of Succession all the whole effects and intents thereof and all other Acts and Statutes made in confirmation and for exâ—cution of the same or any thing therein contained and this ye shall do against all manner of persons of what estate dignity degree or condition soever they be and in no wise do or attempt nor to your power suffer to be done or attempted directly any thing or things privily or openly to the let hindrance danger or derogation thereof or if any part of the same by any manner of meanes or any manner of pretences So help you God and all his Saints and the holy Evangelist Which Oath all the Lords both spirituall and temporall took except the Bishop of Rochester who absolutely refused it So the Parliament was ended But The said Bishop had not been 4 daies quiet within his Palace of Rochester but a Letter came to him from the Archbishop of Canterbury together with other of the Commissioners willing him personally to appear before them in the said Archbishops house by a certain day expressed within the Letter all excuses set a part And CHAP. XIX 1. The Bishop of Rochester summoned to appear before the Archbishop of Canterbury 2. Sir Thomas Mâ—or and Dr. Wilson committed for refusing the Oath 3. The Bishop of Rochester sent to the Tower for the same cause 4. A Parliament is called wherein the Bishops imprisonment was voted lawfull 5. The Supremacy of the Church conferred upon the King c. by Act of Pâ—â—liament absolutely and wâ—â—â—out the foâ—mer clause 6. An Act 〈◊〉 Parliament making iâ— treason to deny the King to be supreme head of the Church NOw was the thing come to passe which was noâ—hing terrible to him because it was foreseen wherefore he first makes his Will and leaves severall Lâ—gacies to divers persons and uses as to Michael house in Cambridge where he received his Education to St. Iohns Colledge to the Poore to some of his 〈…〉 to all his Servants whom he leaves weeping behinde him whiles the rest followed him lamâ—nting his condition in his journey towards Lambeth Passing thorough the City of Rochester there were a multâ—tude of pâ—ople gathered together both citizens and countreymen to whom he gave his benediction riding by them all the while bâ—â—eheaded some crying that they should never see him again others denouncing woes unto them that were the ocâ—asions of his troubles others crying out against the wickednesse of the times and all of them lamenting and bewailing that whâ—ch was their miserie and his glory Thus he passed on his way till he came to Sutors hill twenty miles from Rochester on the top whereof he rested himself descending from his horse and causing to be brought before him such victuals as he had caused to be brought thither for that purpose he said he would now make use of his time and dine in the open aire while as he might after which dinner he chearfully took his horse and came to London the same night The day of his appearance being come he presented himselfe before the Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth the Lord Audely Chancelour of England Thomas Cromwell the Kings Secretary and the rest of the Commissioners authorised under the great Seale of England to call before them whom they pleased and to tender unto them the foresaid Oath then sitting at Lambeth where at the same tune the Bishop met with Sir Thomas Moore who welcomed and saluted the Bishop in these termes Well met my Lord I hope we shall meet in Heaven to which the Bishop replyed This should be the way Sir Thomas for it is a very strait gate we are in There had been Doctor Wilson sometime the Kings Confessor who together with Sir Thomas Moore had both of them refused the Oath a little before the Bâ—shops coming for which the Knight was committed for the present to the custody of the Abbot of Westminster as the Doctor had been formerly committed to the Tower of London at which time also the Clergie of London were warned to appeare about the same businesse who all of them took the Oath at the same time Then was it that the Bâ—shop of Râ—chester was called before the Archbâ—shop c. who putting the Bâ—shâ—p in remembrance of the Act which was made by the late Parliament whâ—ch had provided an Oâ—th to be administred to all persons within this Râ—alm concerning the establâ—shment of the Succession c. how all the Lords both spirituall and temporall had taken the said Oath onely himself excepted how grievoâ—sly his Majesty was offended with him therefore how he had gâ—ven strict charge to himself and the rest of the Commissioners to call him before them and to tender unto him the Oath once more presented unto him the Oath laying it before him and demanded of him what he would say thereto the good man pâ—rusing
they may seem to differ in their agreement the one diligently preached the coming of Christ to be at hand giving notice of Salvation to all that would believe and be Baptized the other as diligently by his continuall Preaching and Writings giving warning to all his Country men of Christs departure from their coasts if like the Gergesites they preferred their owne swine before Salvation Thus did the two Cherubims over the Mercy-seat which seemed opposite to one another yet both of them mutually beholding the same Arke that stood between them These two with contrary faces mutually beheld the same object to which that was but a perspective Both these dyed for a cause of Matrimony the first for saying to king Herod It is not lawfull for thee to take thy Brothers Wife The second for saying to King Henry it is not lawfull for thee to put away thy Brothers Wife Obj. How shall we reconcile these two assertions and make both them and their assertion good and lawfull Sol. Herod to whom the first so spake and reprehended had taken to his Bed his brothers Wife his Brother living which was repugnant to the Law of God but Henry to whom the second spake as is before rehearsed onely took to Wife his Brothers Wife his Brother being dead having neither issue by nor knowledge of her which by Moses Law in such like cases is not forbidden and therefore easily dispensed with according to the rules of Ecclesiasticall authority And If this be sufficient to shew you how deservedly the name of Iohn was bestowed upon the subject of our story at his Christendome the remainder of the History will let you see how worthily he deserved also to be called Fisher being indeed as indeed he was a true Fisher of Men as after shall appeare His fathers name was Robert Fisher his State sufficient his Reputation among the best his Condition a Merchant the place of his abode within the foresaid Town of Beverly a place where the blessed and glorious Confessour St. Iohn of Beverley Archbishop of Yorke sometimes lived and Preached the Gospel These we may suppose to be the causâ—s why the Father gave unto this Son that name as a Looking glasse unto his eye a Spur unto his Feet as Copy for his Hand a consideration too much neglected in these our dayes as if our names were only given us for distinction sake or civill use and not as obligations unto Christian piety This Robert Fisher after he had lived many yeares in good estimation and credit amongst his neighbours dyed leaving behinde him this Iohn Fisher of whom we treat and a younger Sonne who bare his Fathers name both in their tender age Their Mothers name was Anne who in processe of time marryed one Wright by name by whom she had three Sonnes Iohn Thomas and Richard and one Daughter which was called Elizabeth which afterwards was a professed Nunne in Dartford and yet these three Sonnes together with a Husband that was living no way stood between her and the Piety which she owed unto the dead as that she any way neglected the former two but gave them the best education as the expences of those Lâ—gacies which the deceased Parent had provided for them in that behalfe that could be had in order whereunto as soon as ever they were capable of Learning they were put to School and committed to the care and custody of a Priest of the said Colledg Church of Beverly being a Church which of antient time hath been richly endowed with Land and possessions there this Iohn Fisher among other children was first taught his letters and the rudiments of Grammer where he continued not many yeares but the bladeing of the Field soon informed the labouring Husbandman of the gratefulnesse of the Earth to which he had committed with so liberall a hand so great a trust which appearing daily more and more the counsell of his friends at last thought it fitting to humour so much as in them lay the Genius of so promising a proficient insomuch that like a tender sappling fitted for transplantation he was taken from his nursery to be disposed of in so faire a garden of the muses as was so antient and so flourishing an Vniversity as is that Alma mater which is called Cantabrigia where he was committed to the government of one Mâ— William Melton a reverend Priest and grave Divine afterwards Master of the Colledge called Michael house in Cambridg and Doctor in Divinity Under whom he so profited in few yeares that he became Master of all the Arts before such time as he had received the degree of Batchelour which he received in the yeare of our Lord 1488. and his degree of Master the third year following where being suddenly elected Fellow of that house he was as shortly after chosen Proctour of the University in which space of time according to the ancient Laws and Statutes of his Colledge he took upon him the holy order of Priesthood and now did the Almond tree begin to bud all other Arts and Sciences were but his tooles but this his occupation and no wonder it was that he that went through with his Philosophy so heavenly should be so excellent at the heavenly Philosophy insomuch that his Disputations in Divinity according to the order of the Schools were rather Determinations than Disputes so that in short space he grew to such profoundnesse in those heâ—venly Mysteriâ—s that Envy her selfe left canvâ—sing for Palmes whiles Vertue her companion accounted him the flour of all the University who in his due time proceeded to the degrees of Batchelour and afterwards of Doctor in Divinity which with no small applâ—use he atchieved in the year of our redemption 1501. In which interim it hapned that Doctor Melton of whom we before have made some mention was preferred to the dignity of Chancellour of the Cathedrall Church of Yorke whereby the mastership of Michael House in Cambridge became void Whereunto by a most free and willing election of all the Fellowes of that house this man as the most deserving of all other was worthily promoted who by his acceptance made the proverb good Magistratus arguit virum for who more fit to play the Master than he that knew so well how to act the Disciple in which office he demeaned himselfe so worthily that as a mirrour from whence all Governours of other Houses might well take their patterne or resemblance for his worths sake he was soon after chosen Vicechancellour Which office as if one yeare had not grac'd sufficiently so great a worthinesse he was continued in the same office for another yeare and had not his Fame passing the bounds of the University spread it self so far over the whole Realm as that at length it reached the eares of the most Noble and Vertuous Lady Margaret Counteâ—â—e of Richmond Mother to the wife and sage Prince Hen. 7. who hearing of his great Vertue and Learning never ceased till she had wrought him
sort of people to be so like the Nature of Islanders changeable and desirous of Novelties and how Luthers Doctrine was now come from private whisperings to open proclamations whereby all authority either of Pope or Emperour King or Bishop or any superiority whatsoever was much vilified and debased a new way of Salvation found out a neerer readier and cheaper way to Heaven propounded and liberty of conscience promised to all that were Believers in his Gospell all thinking him a brave fellow and who but Luther that cared neither for Pope nor Emperour this holy Prelate began to looke about and bestir himselfe and questionlesse had out-rid the storme had not his hand been taken from the steerage and the head Pilot when the poor fishers head wâ—â— off wilfully cast away the Ship For Hereupon this good Bishop first acts the part of a good Chancellour and set all right in that University in generall especially in those Colledges whereof he had peculiar jurisdiction where he took an occasion to provide in the Statutes that the Fellows of those Houses should so order their Studies as that the fourth part of them might be Preachers so that as soon as one was gone abroad another should be ready to succeed in his place that if it were possible the young Cubbe might be catch'd at his first arrivall Then he returned to his pastorall charge at Rochester and there setting his owne Diocesse in good order he fell to Writing and diligent Preaching procuring others whose abilities were best known unto him to doe the like but perceiving the disease to grew despâ—rate as it had done in Saxony and other parts of Germany and the rest of the Physitians not so ready to set thereto their helping hands as the necessity of the cause required he not onely called for help from the King but by his perswasions and at his instance the King himselfe set upon the head of all those mischiefs and wrote a book against Luther intituled An asserâ—on of the seaven Sacraments against Martin Luther So learned and so worthy a piece as that thereby he worthily deserved the title of Dâ—fâ—nder of the Faith Which upon that occasion was given unto him by Leo the tenth then Pope of Rome which book was supposed by divers to be written by my Lord of Rochester whereupon he obtained leave from the King that he might goe to Rome as it is conceived to take farther order concerning the settlement of those affaires and having obtained leave likewise of his Metropolitan and disposed his houshold and ready to set forward in that expedition all was dashed by reason of a Synod of Bishopâ— together with a Synod of the whole Cleargy which was then called by Cardinall Wolsey by reason of his power Legantine lately conferred on him by the Pope which stop to his designe he bare with lesse reluctancy because he hoped that much good to the Church might happily be wrought thereby but in the end perceiving the Synod rather to be made a concourse whereby to 〈◊〉 unto the world the great authority wherein the Cardinall was invested and that he might be seen sitting in his Pontificality than for any great good that was intended he spake as followeth Bishop Fisher his Speech in the Synod MAY it not seem displeasing to your Eminence and the rest of these Grave and Reverend Fashers of the Church that I speak a few words which I hope may not be ouâ— of season I had thought that when so many learned men as substitute for the Cleargy had been drawn into this body that some good matters should have been propounded for the benefit and good of the Church that the sâ—andals that lye so heavy upon her men and the disease which takes such hold on those advantages might have been hâ—reby at once removed and also remedied who hath made any the least proposition against the ambition of those men whose pride is so offensive whiles their profession is bunnility or against the incontinency of such as have vowed Chastity how are the goods of the Church wasted the Lands the Tithes and other Oblations of the devoâ—â— anâ—â—stors of the people to the great scandall of their posterity wasted in super sluos riâ—tous expences kew can we exbort our Floâ—ks to fly the pomps and vanities of this wicked world when we that are Bishops set our mindes on nothing more than that which we forbid if we should teach according to our doing how absurdly would our doctrines sound in the eares of those that should hear◠〈◊〉 and if we teach 〈◊〉 thing and doe another who believeth our report which would seem to them no otherwise than as if we should throw downe with one hand what we built with the other we prtach Humility Sobriety contempt of the world c. and the people perceive in the same mâ—n that preach this Dâ—ctâ—ine Pride and Haughtinesse of windâ— excesse in Apparrell and a resignation of our selves to all worldly pomps and vanities and what is this otherwise than to set the people in a stand whether they shall follow the sight of their owne eyes or the beliâ—fe of what they 〈◊〉 Excuse me reverend Fathers seeing herein I blame no man more than I doe my self for sundry times when I have setled my selfe to the care of my Flockâ— to visite my Diocesse to governe my Church to answer the enemies of Christ suddenly there hath come a message to me from the Court that I muâ—â— attend such a triumph receive 〈◊〉 an Embassadour what have we to doe with Princes Courts if we are in love with Majesty is there a greater excellence than whom we serve if we are in love with stately buildings are there higher roofes than our Cathedrals if with Apparell is there a greater â—rnament than that of Pristhood or is there better coâ—pany than a Communion with the Saints Truly most reverend Fathers what this vanity in temporall things may worke in â—ou I know not but sure I am that in my selfe I finde it to be a great impediment to Devotion wherefore I think it necessury and high time it is that we that are the heads should begin to give example to the inferiour Clâ—argy as to these particulars whereby we may all the better be conformable to the Image of God for in this trade of life which we now leade neither can there be likelihood of perpetuity in the same state and condition wherein we now stand or safety to the Cleargy Aâ—teâ— that he had uttered these and many other such like words to this effect with such a gravity as well became him they all seem'd to be astonished by their silence and the Cardinalls state to become him not so well seeingm CHAP. V. 1. Luther's rayling against the King 2. Fisher writâ—th in the Kings behalfe 3. The effect of a Sermon which he preached at S. Pauls crosse 4. Occolampadius his Doctrine and beginning Fisher opposeth him 5. The King leaveth off all care of Kingly government gives
began to tell him in plain termes that the Marriage between him and his wife in regard she had been his Brothers was not lawfull and that it was a thing which was much spoken of as well in forraign Nations as in his own Realm and that therefore he was bound in conscience to tell him of it to the intent he might consider of it and inquire further The King looking a long time very earnestly upon the Cardinall as if he had been greatly dismayed at last answered him in these mild termeâ— Why my Lord you know this Marriage was sufficiently discussed at the beginning by sundry grave and learned men and was at last by them concluded to be good lawfull which was afterwards confirmed and dispensed with by the Pope himself and therefore good Father take hâ—ed what you say in this great and weighty matter whereupon they thus parted for that time from one another Having once broke the Ice he thus intends to passe thorough the Ford he sends for one Dr. Iohn Longland Bishop of Lincoln Confessor to the King a very timerous man and one that was afraid to say or doe any thing that might displease the Cardinall and therefore was there placed as a man wholy for his purpose him the Cardinall conjures that when the King should deal with him concerning a Scruple of conscience about the marriage of his wife Queen Katharine that by any means he should further the same as much as in him lay and make it a great matter of Conscience to co-habit with her being not his lawfull wife Longland as he supposed having given him his lesson within two or three daies the Cardinall addresseth himselfe to the King and after that he had discussed a while with him concerning the invalidity of the Marriage he adviseth him by all means to resolve on nothing rashly but to advise with his ghostly Father which when he had done his ghostly Father was not altogether the man which the Card took him to be for when the King advised with him concerning the businesse he put it off from himself and advised his Majesty to consult with some other that were the most learned Bishops whereupon the Cardinall had a gâ—me to play for that which he thought to have got by slight of hand for now the King was pleased to send for the most able Bishops and Divines that he could think upon amongst all which there was not any one in all his kingdome of whom he had a more reverend estimation both for honestly and learning than he had of Doctor Fisher Bishop of Rochester wherefore he was one of the nominates within the list of summons to a meeting at the Cardinall's house in Westminster where after much debatement of the businesse and that the Bishop of Roshester had fully answered and refelled all the Arguments and Reasons which were there made and given concerning the validity of the Mâ—rriage to the satisfaction of most of the Bishops he concluded that there was no cause at all of any question to be made seeing the marriage between the King and the Queen was good and lawfull from the beginning and that therefore it was necessary to remove that scruple from the Kings breast as soone as possible and so the Conference was ended While the Clergy were all thus dancing about a scruple in a lofty room led by the Cardinall they were not aware of the loose fire which was brought into the powder room which was under them ready and at last blew them all up for just in this nick of time the King was deeply falne in love with a faire young Gentlewoman of the Court then waiting upon the Queen called Mrs. A. Bullein secretly a Lutheran and the first that ever opened her mouth to advise the K. to al eration in Religion Daughter to Sir Thomas Bullein Knight who afterward for his daughters sake was promoted to many high honours and dignities This Mrs. Anno had formerly been brought up in the Court of France under the Lady Mary the French Queen Sister to King Henry and sometimes wife of Lewis the 12. King of France wherd she had learnt much courtly fashion and behaviour then strange and dainty in the English Court whereby she farre surpassed all other Ladâ—es her companions which so inslamed the Kings minde having conceived within himself a possibility of riddance from his old wife and probability of having issue Male by this that inwardly he was resolved to have her nolens volens whereupon for the present he shewed her great favour and expressed unto her many signs of the love which she was yet ignorant of so that now he was resolved upon a hand gallop in this businesse Insomuch that when the Cardinall inscious of his design made his addresse uâ—to him to give him account of the Conference which was between the Bishops and had told the King how that all did and was likely to stick in the Lord of Rochesten as the onely Remora to that proceeding supposing that if the King could take him off all the rest would follow his judgement the King by this time desiring nothing more than that the Divorce should take effect speedily fell into consultaâ—ion with the Cardinall how the Bishop might be won to his now design the Cardinall advised his Majesty to send for the Biâ—â—shop and to work him to him by faire means and gentle usage whereupon the King did as he was advised for the Bishop being sent for and come into the Kings presence the King treated him with exceeding courtesie and liberality of good language and at last took him with him into the long gallery and there walking awhile with him after that he had bestowed many words of praise and commendation upon him for his great Learning and Vertue at length in the presence of the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk and some Bishops that were there he unâ—olded his minde unto him concerning the businesse that was in hand telling him how sore his Conscience was tormented and how for that cause he had secretly consulted with his ghostly Father and divers other men by whom he was not yet satisfied therefore he said upon special confidence which he had in his great learning he had now made choicâ— of him to use his advise above all others requiring him to declare his opinion therein freely whereby he might be sufficiently instructed in his conscience and remaine no longer in suspence The Bishop hearing all this â—ell suddenlâ— upon his knees and in that posture would have delivered his minde unto him but the King immediately lifted him up with his own â—ands and blamed him for so doing where upon he spake as followeth I beseech your Grace to be of good cheer not to disquiet your self one whit concerning this matter nor to be dismayed or troubled at this businesse for there is no heed to be taken of these men who account themselves so wife and do arrogate to themselves more knowledge and learning in
businesse which wâ—â— no lesse than what the said Percy had said before he enâ—ouraged her in the prosecution who for some reasons best known unto her self aâ— she said to the Cardinall better liked of the Marriage of her daughter with the said Lord Percy than if the King should marry her The Cardinall finding a backwardnesse in this Lady that her daughter should be wedded to the King and hearing what fame had formerly spread abroâ—d conâ—erning the Kings former familiarity with her guâ—shed at the cause and therefore advised her to go unto the King and deale freely with him in that particular lest hereafter she might otherwise repent The Lady takes his advise and addresses her self to the King who communing with him awhile upon that subject between jest and earnest she uttered these words Sir For the reverence of god take â—eed what you do in marrying my daughter for if you record your conscience well she is your own daughter as well as mine The King replied Whose daughter soâ—ver she is she shall be my Wife But When she proceeded to acquaint him with the Contract and told him how that her daughter and the Lord Percy were already man and wife before God â—olemnly contracted in the presence of sâ—ch and such the King was exceeding angry and swore by his wonted oath that it was not so and it should not be so and sent immediately for the Lady her self to come before him to whom as soon as ever she came into the presence and before ever she had heard of the business the King with a frowning conntenance said unto her Is it so Nan is it so hoh what say'st thoss to it To what said Anne Bullein Mother of God said the King they say that thou hast promised to marry young Perâ—y Mrs. Anne nothing at all abashed returns him this answer Sir When I knew no otherwise but that it was Lawfull for me to make such promises I must confesse I made him some such promise but no good subject makes any promises but with this proviso that if his Soveraigne commands otherwise it shall be lawfull for him to obey Well said my own Girle said the King and turniug himself to the Countess he said I told you that there was no such thing Thus you see concerning the first particular the King cared not who he married so that he might be wedded to his own will and concerning the second the King presently after sent for the Cardinall and him for to undo the former knoâ— with his own teeth enjoyning him to procure his servant to release his Mistress of her engagement which he did CHAP VIII 1. The first occasion of the Cardinalls ruine 2. The King sends divers Orators to the Vniversitiâ—s beyond the Seas to procure their assâ—ntments to the Divorce 3. The return with satisfaction but it proves fruitlesse 4. Embassadours are sent to Rome 5. The Cardinall aspireth to be Pope 6. Ho useth strange meanes to accomplish the same Now it is the Queenâ— bed must be taken down that her palat may be advanced but from this time forward though the Card. was seemingly forward yet was covertly slow in the prosecution of the Divorce which afterwards proved to be his ruine Wherefore the King was advised by the Cardinalls and the rest of the bâ—shops as the only way of dispatch to send certaine Orators to forreine Universities as well as to those at home and so without any more ado to rest in their judgements The King having made choice of men fiâ— for his purpose gave them instructions and sent them several ways to the most renowned Universities of Christendome there to dispute the case viz. whether it was lawfull for a man to marry his brothers wife or not without acquainting them with the particulars either of the former brothers having no carnall knowledge of the said wife or the Popes dispensation thereupon so that by this slight and subtilâ—y they easily obtained determinations from all the Universities viz. that it was not lawfull whereupon not knowing whose case it was nor the case it selfe rightly the Oâ—atours procured those determinations under the common Sâ—ales of all the forraigne Uâ—iversities whereupon they returned with great triumph to the great contentment of the King who rewarded them highly for their paines and it must not be thought that our Universities at home though they onely understood the case shâ—uld be wiser than all the Universities of Christendome All these Sâ—ales were all delivered into the Câ—rdinalls hand with a strict charge speedily to convene all the Bishops before him and to determine upon the businesse but this quick fire could not make this sweet malt for it was determined by whose means you may easily guesse that although the Universities had thus determined under thâ—ir Seales yet the businesse was too weighty for them to determine thereupon as of themselvâ—s without the authority of the Sea Apostolike but they all fell upon this agreement among themselves that Orators should be sent with these Seales of the Universities to Rome to treat with the Pope for procuring his confirmation therein thus the King was shov'd off with another wave from the Shore of his desired purpose With much reluctâ—ncy and sensibility of the tediousnesse of the delay no other remedy appearing A mbassadours were dispatched in all hast to Rome Clâ—ment the seventh being Pope at that time The Ambassadours names were Stâ—phen Gardiner the Kings Secretary Sir Francis Brian Knight one of the Gentlemen of the Kings Prâ—vy Chamber Sir Gregory de Cassalel an Italian and Mr. Pâ—ter 〈◊〉 a Venetian who being arrived at Rome having propounded the cause of their coming and rested themselves there awhile letters were come unto them from the King and theâ— Cardinall with further instructions how to deale with the Pope and to make all possible dispatch that could be made in the businesse But the Ambassadours were not half so hasty in demanding as the Pope was slow in expedition and that by reason of the Gout which then afflicted him and perhaps of an unwillingnesse of the minde as well as a debility of the body the Embâ—ssadours by the return of their Letters having made knowne unto the King the Popes slownesse by reason of his great infirmity the Cardinall layes hold upon this occasion and inâ—ormes the King how that if he were Pope if it should so happen that the Pope should die all should goe well and speedily on his side To this purpose Letters were sent thick and three-fold to Rome both from the King and Cardinall with instructions that they would the more earnestly and often call upon the Pope for a finall determination hoping that he would the more easily be drawn thereto that he might by reason of his paine be rid of their importunity as also that if the Pope should chance to die of this present disease that by all meanes they should devise some way or other how the Cardinall of York should be elected to succeed in his
place and to promise mountaines of Gold to procure their suffrages in his behalfe and in case they could not prevaile but that the Cardinalls were likely to choose some such man as was not likely to further the Kiâ—gs designes that they should take up what summes of money they could upon the Kings credit and therewith to raise a presidie as it is termed both in the King Cardinals letters or power of men and taking with them such Cardinals as could be brought to favour their purposes to depart out of the City into some out-place not farre off and there to make a Schisme in the behalf of the Cardinal But there was no need of that advise for the Pope recovered health and lived to finish the businesse though contrary to the Kings expecâ—â—tion wherefore CHAP. IX 1. Cardinall Campâ—ius is sent Legate into England to determine the business of Divorce 2. The Embassadours are returned 3. Cardinall Wolsey joyned in Commission with the other Cardinall 4. The Court sits 5. Counsâ—ll is assigned to both the parties 6. Queen Catharine's speech in her own defence TH Embassadours finding the Pope to be the same man for slownesse as he was when he was tyed by the leg Requested of his Holinesse that he would be pleased to send a Legate into England with full authority to heare and determine the businesse there according to right as he should see cause which was granted and accordingly one Laurence Campeius a well learned man and of undaunted courage to whom the King about ten yeares before had given the Bishoprick of Bath at his being in England upon another occasion was appointed for that negotiation The Embassadours thus returning with a conclusion of a new bâ—ginning the Kings patience must now rest satisfied with the expectation of the Legates coming which after long expectation he arrived here in England who coming to Lond. was lodged in his own Palace then called Bâ—th-house but before his arrivall a new Comm ssion from the Pope overtooke him at Callis wherein the Cardinall of York was joyned with him in Commissâ—on and this was procured by the King whâ—reby as he thought his businesse should be â—aâ—e to meet with the fewer rubber The Cardinals met Audience was given the Commssion was opened the Place assigned the assignement was at the Dominick Fâ—â—yers in Lonâ—on the King and Queene were to be close by at their lodgings at Bridewell The learned Counsell on both sides were appointed The King bâ—cause he would seeme indâ—fferent willed the Qâ—eene to chuse her Couâ—sell the Qâ—eene would chuse none at all as suspectâ—ng the indifterency of such as were his owne subjects Wherefore for fashion sake these Counsellours were assigned her Iohn Fisher Bâ—shop of Rochester Henry Staindish Bishop of St. Alaph Thomas Abel Richard Fetherstor Edward Powell all Doctors in Divinity and of Câ—viliâ—ns and Canonists William Warham Archbishop of Canterbury Cuthbert Tunstall Bishop of London Nicholâ—s West Bish of Ely and Iohn Clerk Bishop of Bath for at Campeius his arivall he was translated to the Bishoprick of Salisbury on the Kings part the like number of profound and learned Doctors as well Divines as Civilians and Canonists Silence being proclaimed in the Court and the Commission read the Bishop of Rochester presented the two Legates with a Booke which he had compiled in defence of the Marriage making therewith a grave and learned Oration wherein he desired them to take good heed to what they did in so weighty a businesse putting them in minde of the great and manifold dangers and inconveniences which were ready to ensue thereupon not onely to this Realm but to the whole state of Christendome After this Oration was ended the King was called by name who answered HERE After that the Queen who made no answer but rose immediately out of her chaire and coming about the Court she kneeled downe before â—â—he King openly in the sight of both the Legates and the whole Court and spake as followeth Sir I beseech you do me justice and right and take some pity upon me for I am a simple woman and a stranger born out of your dominions and have no friend but you who now bâ—ing become my adversary Alas what friendship or assurance of indifterency in â—â—y counsel can I find hope to amongst your subjects What have I done Whâ—rein have I offâ—nded you How have I given you any occasion of displeasure Why will you put me from you in this sort I take God to my judge I have bin a true humble faithful wife unto you alwaies conformable to your will and pleasure Wherein did I ever contradict or gainsay whatever you said When was I discontented at the thing that pleased you Whom did I love but those whom you loved whether I had cause or not I have been your wife this twenty yeares you have had divers Children by me when you took me first into your Bâ—d I take God to be my witnesse I was a Virgin and whether that be true or no I put it to your conscience Nâ—w if there be any just cauâ—e that you can alleadge against me either of dishouesty or the lâ—ke I am contented to depart the Realm and you with shâ—me and insamy but if there be no such cause then I pray you let me have justice at your hands The King your Father was in his time of such an excellent wit as that for his wiâ—domes sake he was accounted a second Solomon and Ferdinand my Father was reckoned to be one of the wisest Princes that reigned in Spaine for many yeares before his daies These being both so wise Pâ—inceâ— it is not to bâ— doubted but they had gathered unto them as wâ—se Counsellours of both Realmes as they in their wisdomes thought most meet and as I take it there were in those dayes as wise and learned men in both kingdomes as there are now to be found in these our times who thought the Mâ—rriage between you and I to be good and laâ—full but for this I may thank you my Lord Câ—rdinall of York then her best friend though she knew it not or perhaps was secretly advised to be thus bâ—tter against him who having sought to make this diâ—sention betweene my Lord the King and me because have so often fâ—und fâ—ule with your pompous vâ—nity and aspring minde yet I doe not think that this your malice proceeds from you meerly in respect of my self but your chief displeasure is against my Nephew the Emperour because you could not at his hands attaine unto the Bâ—th â—pâ—ick of Toledo which greedily you desired and after that was by his meanes put by the chief and high Bishoprick of Rom◠〈◊〉 you most ambitiously aspired whereat being sore offended and yet not able to revenge your quarrel upon him the heavy burden of your indignation must be laid upon a female weakness for no other reason but because shâ— is his Aunt And these are the manly wayes you take to ease your minde
rising though as different as the two Poles between themselves both against him the one discovering the other aggravating his offences yet though sometime he had a better friend for he proved such a constant enemy to the last that he became a Martyr for the former and such a bâ—tter adversary sometimes to the first as he became afterwards the second 's footstoole to her Throne yet neither of them gave him thanks which rendred his venome guilty of the nature of the Spiders thus to be intangled within his own web Cardinall Campeâ—â—â—s perceiving the King disposed to discontentment takes his leave of his Majeâ—â—y and suddenly departs the Realme after that he had made his abode here in this kingdome neere upon the space of one yeare who was no sooner gone but a sodaine rumour 〈◊〉 how that he had carried with him vast â—ummes of money of the other Cardinalls â—ut of the Realme for at that time Cardinall Wolsey waâ— suspected to 〈◊〉 the Land by â—eason of the Kings displeasure insomuch that 〈…〉 after and overtaken at Callis where when they had searched 〈…〉 they scarce found so much money about him as would serve to defray his ordinary charges to Rome This the Cardinall Campeius took heavily and thereat was mâ—rvailously discontented which search for treasâ—â—e was but a colour for the thing which the King aimed at was the instrument which contained the sentence of Divorce which Campeius had shewed unto the King in case he had seen cause to put the same in exâ—cution which if the King had sound out it is supposed he would have made good play therewith but he was deceiveâ— of his purpose Howsoever in the 22. yeare of the Kings reigne a Parliament was summoned to begin at London the 3. day of November and in the year of our Lord 1529. and accordingly Writs were directed to all the Counties c. but withall private Letters were sent to the most potent men directing them whom they should choose which Letters there were few or none durst disobey so that there was a Parliament filled to the Kings hearts desire And The regulations of all abuses of the Clergy were referred to the house of Commons where sâ—vere complaints against the whole Clergy as well as against particular Clergie-men were daily presented whereof some the house of Lord◠〈◊〉 into consideration and some they 〈◊〉 whâ—ch when the Bishop of Rochester perceived he spake as followeth My Lords here are certaine Bills exhibited against the Clâ—â—gy wherein there are complaints made against the 〈◊〉 idâ—â—nesse rapâ—ciry and cruelty of Bishops Abbots Priests and their Officialls But my Lords Are all vitious all idle all ravenous and â—ruell Priests or Bishops And for such as are such are there not laws provided alreaâ—y against such Is there any abuse that we doâ— not seek to rectifiâ— or can there be such a 〈◊〉 as that there shall be no 〈…〉 their owne and 〈◊〉 where they have no aâ—â—hority to correcâ— If wâ— be not 〈◊〉 in our Lawes let each man suffer for his dâ—linquency or if we have not power did 〈◊〉 with your assistance and we shall 〈…〉 much the Good as the Goods of the Church that is lookâ—d after Truly my Lords how this may sound in your 〈◊〉 I cannot tell but to me it appeares no otherwise than as if our holy Mother the Church were to become a bondmaid and new brought into servility and 〈◊〉 and by little little to be quite banished out of those dwelling places which the piety and liberality oâ— our forefathers as most 〈◊〉 Benefactoâ—s have conferred upon â—er otherwise to what tendeth these 〈◊〉 and curious Petitions of the Commons To no other intent or purpose but to bring the Clergie into contempt with the Laity that they may sâ—ize their Patrimony But my Lords beware of your selves and your 〈…〉 now on fire teach us to beware our own disasters whereâ—ore my Lords I will tell you plainly what I think that except ye resist manfully by your authoritâ—â—â— this violent heap of mischiefs offered by the Commons you shall see all obedience first drawn fâ—om the Cleâ—gie and secondly from your selves 〈◊〉 if you 〈◊〉 into the true causes of all these mischiefs which reign among them you shall finde that they all arise through want of Faith This Speech pâ—eased and displeased divers of the house of Peeres 〈…〉 were severally inclined or adicted to â—orward or 〈◊〉 the Kâ—ngs designâ—s among the which none 〈…〉 thereto but onely the 〈…〉 Bâ—t when the Commons heard of this Speech they conceived so great displeasure against the Bishop that they forthwith sent their Speaker Mr. Audeley to complaine on him to the King and to let his Highnesse understand how grievously they thou â—hâ— themselves injured therâ—by so as to be so highly charged for lack of Faith as if they had been Infidells or Hereticks c. The King therefore to satisfie the Commons sent for my Lord of Rochester to come before him being come the King demanded of him why he spake in such sort the Bishop answered that being in counsel he spake his minde in defence of the Church whom he saw daily injured and oppressed by the common people whose office it was not to judge of her manners much lesse to reform them and therefore he said he thought himself in conscience bound to defend her in all that lay within his power neverthelesse the King wished him to use his words more temperately and that was all which gave the Commons littlâ— satisfaction CHAP. XIV 1. The demand of all the small Abbies within the Land for the Kings use 2. The Bishop of Rochester opposeth the demand in the Convocation house 3. The mindes of the Clergie before ready to condescend to the propositionâ— altered thereupon 4. The Bishop of 〈◊〉 escaped very narrowly from being poysoned at his dinner 5. How he escaped another danger from the shot of a cannon 6. His departure from the place to Rochester IMmediately hereupon the foresaid demand for all the small Abbeys and Monasteries within the Land of the value of two hundred pound land and under to be given to the King was revived and the pretence for such demands of the Clergie was in recompence of the great charges and expences which the King was 〈◊〉 concerning the Divorce which he was put upon by the false and double dealing of the Cardinall and his Clergie and therefore it was said to be all the reason in the world that the Clergie should satisfie the King againe for the great expences he had been at and this was urged with such â—imporâ—unity as if the businesse had been called upon by sound of Drummes and Tâ—umpets In conclusion they all agreed that certâ—ine of the Kings Counsell should make demands hereof to the Coâ—vocation of the Clâ—rgy which was performed with such a terrible shew of the Kings displeasure 〈◊〉 them if they yâ—ilded not to his 〈◊〉 that divers of the Convocation seaâ—â—ing the Kiâ—gs indignâ—tion and
half alive you shall be cut downe and throwne to the ground your bowels to he taken out of your body before you being alive your head to be smitten off and your body to be divided into four quarters and after your head and quarters to be set up where the King shall apoint And God have mercy upon your soule After the pronouncing of this cruell sertence the Lieutenant of the Tower with his band of men stood ready to receive and carry him back again to his prison Beâ—ore his departure he desired audience of the Commissioners for a few words which being granted he said thus in effect My Lords I am here condemned before you of high Treason for deniall of the Kings Supremacy over the Church of England but by what order of Iustice I lâ—ave to God who is the searchâ—r both of the Kings Majesty's conscience and yours Neverthelesse being found guilty as it is termed I am and must be consented with all that God shall send to whose will I wholly referre and submit my self And now to tell you more plainly my minde touching this matter of the Kings Supremacy I think indeed and alwaies have thought and do now lastly affirm that his Grace cannot justly claime any such Supremacy over the Church of God as he now taketh upon him neither hath it ever been seen or heard of that any temporall Prince before his daies hath presumed to that dignity wherefore if the King will now adventure himself in proceeding in this strange and unwonted case no doubt but he shall deeply incurre the griâ—vous displeasure of Almighty God to the great dammage of his owne soule and of many others and to the utter ruine of this Realme committed to his charge whereof will ensuâ— some sharp punishment at his hand wherefore I pray God his Grace may remember himself in time and hearken to good counsell for the preservaâ—ion of himselfe and his Realme and the quietnesse of all Christendome Which words being ended he was conveyed back againe to the Tower of London part on foot and part on horseback with a number of men bearing holberts and other weapons about him as was before at his coming to raignment And when he was come to the Towâ—r 〈◊〉 he turned him back to all his traâ—â—◠〈◊〉 had thus conducted him forward and 〈◊〉 and said unto them My Masterâ— I thank you all for the great labour and paines 〈…〉 with me this day I am not able to give you any thing in recompence for I have nothing left and therefore I pray you accept in good part my hearty thanks And this he 〈◊〉 with so luâ—ty a couragâ— so amiable a countenance and with so fresh and lively a colour as he seemed rather â—o have come from some great feast or banquet than from his arraignment shewing by all his gesture and outward countenance nothing else but joy and gladnesse Thus being after his condemnation the space of three or four daies in his prison he occupiâ—d himselfe in continuall pâ—ayer most fervently and although he looked daily for death yet could ye not have perceived him one whit dismayed thereat neither in word nor countenance but still continued his former trade of constancy and patience and that rather with a more joyfull cheere and free minde than ever he had done before which appeared well by this chance that I will tell you There hapned a false rumour to rise sodainely among the people that he should bâ— brought to his execution by a certain day whereupon his Cook that was wont to dresâ— his dinner and carry it daily unto him hearing among others of this Exâ—cution dressed him no dinner at all that day wherefore at the â—â—ook's next repaire unto him he demanded the cause why he bâ—ought him not his dinner as he was wont to doe Sir said the Cook it was commonly talked all the towne over that you should have died that day and therefore I thought it but in vaine to dresse any thing for you Well said he merrily unto him againe for all that report thou seest me yet alive and therefore whatsoever newes thou shalt heare of me hereafter let me no more lack my dinner but make it ready as thou art wont to do and if thou see me dead when thou comest then eat it thy selfe but I promise thee if I be alive I minde by Gods grace to eat never a bit the lesse Thus while this blessed Bâ—shop lay daily expecting the houre of hâ—s death the King who no lesse desired his death than himself looked for it caused at last a writ of Execution to be made and brought to Sir Edmond Walsingham Lieutenant of the Tower Buâ— where by his Judgement at Westminster he was condemned as ye have read before to Drawing Hanging and Quartering as Traitors alwaies use to be yet was he spared from that cruell execution wherefore order was taken that he should be led no further than Tower-Hill and there to have his Head struck off After the Lieutenant had received this bloody writ he called unto him certaine persons whose service and presence was to be used in that businesse commanding them to be ready against the next day in the morning and because that was very late in the night and the Prisoner asleep he was loath to disease him of his rest for that time and so in the morning before five of the clock he came to him in his chamber in the Bell tower finding him yet aslâ—ep in his bed and waked him shâ—wing him that he was come to him on a message from the King and after some circumstance used with perswasion that he should remember himself to be an old man and that for age he could not by course of Nature live long he told him at last that he was come to signifie unto him that the Kings pleasure was he should suffer death that forenoone Well quoth this blessed Father if this be your errand you bring me no great newes for I have long time looked for this message I most humbly thank his Majesty that it pleaseth him to rid me from all this worldly businesse and I thank you also for your tidings But I pray you Mr. Liâ—utenant said he when is mine houre that I must go hence your houre said the Lieutenant must be nine of the clock and what houre is it now said he it is now about five said the Lieutenant Well then said he let me by your patience sleep an houre or two for I have slept very little this night And yet to tell you the truth not for any feare of Death I thank God but by reason of my great infirmity and weaknesse The Kings further pleasure is said the Lieutenant that you should use as little speech as may be especially any thing touching his Majâ—sty whereby the people should have any cause to think of him or his proceedings otherwise than well For that said he you shall see me order my self as by Gods grace neither the King