prospered then those that were profitable to the Common-wealth Of my Lord of Northamptons coming to honour the cause of the division betweene the Hollanders and the English betweene the Scottish and English betweene the English and Irish NOw Henry Howard yongest sonne of the Duke of Norfolke continuing a Papist from his infancy unto this time beginning to grow eminent and being made famous heretofore for his learning having beene â—rained and brought up a long time in Cambridge by the perswasion of the King changeth his opinion of Religion in outward appearance and to the intent to reape unto himselfe more honour became a Protestant for which cause he was created Earle of Northampton and had the Kings favours bountifully bestowed upon him first the office of Privie-seale then the Wardenship of Cinque Ports and lastly the refusall of being Treasurer This man was of a subtile and fine wit of a good proportion excellent in outward courtship famous for secret insinuation and for cunning flatteries and by reason of these flatteries became a fit man for the conditions of these times and was suspected to be scarce true unto his Soveraigne but rather endeavouring by some sâ—cret wayes and meanes to set abroad new plots for to procure innovation And for this purpose it was thought he had a hand in the contention that happened amongst the Hollanders and English concerning the Fishing the Hollanders clayming right to have the Fishing in the Levant and the English claiming right upon this contention they fell from clayme to words of anger from words of anger to blowes so that there dyed many of them and a starre was left for further quarrell but that it was salved by wise Governors and the expectation of some disappointed Neverthelesse the Papists being a strong faction and so great a man being their favourer grew into heads malice and indeavour to make the insolency of the Scotts to appeare who to this intent that they might be the more hated of the English not contented with their present estate would enter into outrages some countâ—rfeit the seale Manuell others quip the Nobility in disdaine and a third sort secretly contrive the English death whereby it happened besides common clamor that there were added secret discontents of private persons which caused jealousie to happen in those two Nations But His Majesty being both wise and worthy fore-saw the evill and prevented it by Proclamation by which meanes these clamors are stopt and the injurie and offences of both parties redressed The Irish seeing these sores and hearing of these misdemeanours for they have their intelligents here also begin to grow obstinate and make religion a pretence to colour their intentions for which cause they stand out and protest losse of life and goods rather then to be forced from their opinion being wavering and unconstant rather thirsting for Rebellion to the intent to purchase their owne liberty then peace every new alteration gives occasion of discontent and causes new complaints to be brought to the Kings eare under pretence whereof they grew contemptuous to their Governors and haters of the English Lawes The Captaines and Souldiers grew negligent for want of pay the great men envying one another through private covetousnesse and many insolencies being suffered causeth there also to be nourished many misdemeanours to the ruine of that Government These things being thus handled administers occasion to the Papists to hope for some alteration and change And that as a body that is violent consumeth it selfe without some speciall cause to maintaine it so these occurrents will be the cause of their owne destruction At this time there was a Leaguer in Denmarke and shortly after another in the Low-countries but to what end their beginnings were intended is yet unknowne The rising of the Earle of Somerset his favour and greatnesse with the King and his Parentage and discontent AMong other accidents that happened about these times the rising of one Master Carre was most remarkable a man borne of meane parentage inhabitant in a Village neere Edenborough in Scotland and there through the favour of friends was preferred to His Majesty to be one of his Pages for he kept twelve according to the custome of the French and so continued it so long as he was in Scotland afterwards coming into England the Counsell thought it more honourable to have so many Foot-men to run with His Majesty as the Queene had before these Youths had cloathes put to their backs according to their places and 50â— a piece in their purses and so were dismissed the Court This youth amongst the rest having thus lost his fortunes to repaire them againe makes haste into France and there continued untill he had spent all his meanes and money So that now being bare in a strange countrey without friends or hope to obtaine his expectation returnes back for England bringing nothing with him but the Language and a few French fashions neverthelesse by the helpe of some of his countrey men and ancient acquaintance he was preferred unto the Lord Haies a Scotchman and favourite of the Kings to waite upon him as his Page not long after that Lord amongst many others was appointed to performe a Tilting who bearing an affection to this yong man aswell in respect he was his countrey man as that he found him to be of a bold disposition comely visag'd and of proportionable personage commixt with a courtly presence preferres him to carry his devise to the King according to the custome in those pastimes used Now when he should come to light from off his Horse to performe his Office his Horse starts throwes him downe and breakes his Legge this accident being no lesse strange then suddaine in such a place causes the King to demand who he was answer was made his name was Carre he taking notice of his name and calling to remembrance that such a one was his Page causes him to be had into the Court and there provided for him untill such time as he was recovered of his hurt after in processe of time the yong man is called for and made one of his Bed-chamber to His Majesty he had not long continued in his place before by his good endeavours and diligent service in his Office the King shewed extraordinary favour unto him doubling the favour of every action in estimation so that many are obscured that he may be graced and dignified Thus the hand of the diligent maketh rich and the dutifull servant cometh to honour he of all other either without fraud to obtaine or desert to continue it is made the Kings favourite no suit no petition no grant no lâ—tter but Mastâ—r Carre must have a hand in it so that great rewards are bestowed upon him by suâ—tors and large sums of money by His Majesty by which meanes his wealth increased with his favour and with both Honours for vertue and riches dignifie their owners being from a Page raysed to the dignity of Knighthood After his favour increasing
perdidit Sed hoc quoque ipsos quos beavit pendebit Our lusts our soules our wealth we spend In Court to purchase praise But what reward is in the end For our deserts repaie Their vowes and protestations deepe Not prest in paper but in mind Their sounds of words to lulls asleep From body forc't not from the mind Hands there wee joyne but not our hearts Whereby it happeneth few are blest And many thousand that resort Unto the Court by it are lost And of those few that blessed are Wee often see there fall againe Their blessed dayes they spend in care And after end their lives in paine The complaint for want of treasure The King sets many Lands to Feâ— Farme That death of the Lord Harrington The death of his sonne GReat summes of money being disbursed upon her Graces Wedding and dayly imployments for othersâ— some for Ireland The Lord Treasurer wanting there to defray ordinary expences some for the Kings owne use and some for other occasions causes a great complaint for want of treasure Officers at Court goe unpaid and many of the Kings Servants receive not their wages at set times so that the King is forced to set many of his Lands to Fee Farme and the four Deputie Treasurers with some few other have the passing of them now my Lord Harrington obtained a Patent for the making of brasse Farthings a thing that brought with it some contempt though lawfull for all things lawfull are not expedient who being injoyned to go into the Low-countries with her Grace by the way lost his life His sonne succeeded both in honour and Patent and enjoyed them not long before he dyed within short time after the hopefullest gentleman of that name more fit for imployments then for a private life and for a Statesman then for a Souldier he had beene at Cambridge there reputed for a great Scholler he travelled into Italy Venice and France he imployed his time for the most part in study whereby he made himselfe apt for great matters But yet it pleased God even then when he was in his greatest hope to cut off his dayes He gave all that he had to the Countesse of Bedford his Sister defeating her neither of the land nor the right of the Barony esteeming her to be worthy of much more then he had to leave He made a worthy and godly end These things coming so thick one after another left no time for men to dreame of Overburies death The Earle of Somerset his conscience accuseth him Northamptons speech to him He becometh a newter in Religion The Earle of Northamptons course A Nullitie being thus purchased he dignified as is said and the maâ—ch concluded about Candlemas 1614. they Marry with much joy and solemnitie a Maske being performed at Somerset's charge and many rumors passe without any respect all these things nothwithstanding a guiltie conscience can never goe without accusation pensivenesse and fulnesse doe possesse the Earle his wonted mirth forsakes him his countenance is cast downe he takes not that felicitie in company as he was wont to do but still something troubles him Verily it is a dangerous thing to fall within the compasse of a guilty conscience it eateth and consumeth the soule of a man as rust doth Iron or as beating waves hallowes the Rocks and though these things are not made publique yet neverthelesse Northampton observed it in him having so admirable capacity he could make use of all things wherefore knowing his disease viz. his mind feared with murther and knowing the Earle tractable as he desired enters into more familiar discourse with him For when the mind of a yong man is corrupted with evill he runs headlong into sinne without stay or feare wherefore amongst many other discourses this falls betweene them That in case the death of Sir Thomas Overbury should come to light they were then in a most dangerous state And the next thing they must expect is losse of life goods lands honours their names to be made scandalous to the world and to conclude to be branded with an ignominious death Neither that there was any way left for to escape this but either by making their owne fortunes so great that he might oppose all accusations or else being Catholiques to endeavour that in defending them they again might assist their cause in case that any matter came against them this carrying some shew and likelihood of truth And that indeed his case was desperate if ever it should come to light concludes to combine with Noâ—hâ—â—pton in whâ—tsoever he should undertake and in the conclusion became a â—eâ—ter in Religion whereupon to the intent he might set further evills on foot besides those before remembred he begins to rip up the ancient quarrell betweene the Welch and the English who now murmur at some discontents and to the intent to hearten on the Irish sends Letters thither by the hands of one Haâ—mon a poore man unto such whom â—e knowes to be faithfull in the Romish Religion and thereby confirmes them in their opinion assuring them that God will still provide one or more to protect his Church and that now the greatest Favourite in England would stand for them upon which Letter the Irish grew obstinate as I have said and altogether neglect the service of God and utterly deny the Oath of Supremacy protesting losse of life and goods rather then to be inforced to so damnable a thing Now wee see there the Church utterly forsaken none to heare divine Service The discipline of their owne Church established and the Irish in generall expecting a day to have their libertie and freedome in Religion The same man returning this newes is after sent into Yorkeshire with a black staffe and a knob upon the end within which knob Letters are conveyed from place to place aswell for pointing Assemblies as meetings for Masse and entertaining of Priests now might a man goe to Masse in divers places of the City and who were so publiquely favoured as Priests Their number increase their Priests are entertained Confession in many places publiquely practised and although it was contrary to the Law yet greatnesse overcountenancing them it was little regarded In the meane time quarrells went forward betweene the Scottish and English continuall complaints and the suit of the Cloth-workers with hope of obtaining their request not so much because of the profit as to raise up a discontent betweene the Duchie and them These courses caused divers men to passe divers opinions and many men to passe their opinion as they affected either parties The rumors of the Spanish Fleet A Proclamation against Spanish money A Leaguer in the Low-countries The publique rumors against my Lord of Northampton He exhibits a bill in the Star-chamber against the publishers They justified by my Lord of Canterburie's speech The death of my Lord of Northampton his Funerall his Will The names of those that succeeded him in his Offices NOt long after it was rumoured
abroad that the Spaniard had drawne out a Navie of Ships of an hundred Saile but to what purpose no man knew many suspected for England because they were come so farre upon those Coasts others said for the use of the Marriners to accustome them to Sea but most of all were of opinion that these were but shadows and that the Spaniard was to have taken advantage of the time Howsoever upon this there followed a Proclamation against Spanish money that their money should not go currant in England which caused many to suspect worse then the worst some said one thing some another upon the neck of that comes wars in the Low-countries some say against the Palsgrave some against the State The Scots begin to flie out in Rebellion and are supprest The wild Irish in Ireland begin to stirre sometimes thirtie sometimes fortie sometimes three hundred flie out and stand upon their guard These things minister occasion of wonder to the ignorant and many of them who knew the truth of things knew not what to say to it Priests come into the Kingdom by tens fifteenes twentie at a time and have free accesse so that my Lord of Northampton being Warden of the Cinque Ports begins to be called into question Some say he hath a hand in those things others say he lets Priests have their free accesse and that in Bloomesberie amongst his owne buildings they have free harbour others say that through his countenance thither any man might go to publique Masse besides many other Intelligences being brought from beyond the Seas drawes him further into suspition and the King begins to withdraw his favour from him wherefore he exhibits his Bill against such as defamed him into the Star-chamber some are for this cause committed to the Tower others to Newgate others to the Fleete till they come to their Answer And in the end openly in the Star-chamber he is accused for suffering Priests to have free accesse into Yorkshire under pretence of his Office for countenancing them for sending Letters to and againe to encourage men in their opinions and many other such like things And when the Lords should come to passe their voyces my Lord of Canterburie amongst the rest made a speech to this effect That although many have beene the rumours and reports that had passed in these times some of them shut up for uncertaine truths and flying fables then entertained for approved truths yet neverthelesse such things are grounded upon reason and for which men of upright consciences have some occasion to speak to have such either lightly valued or punished was rather injustice then any way beseeming the equity of that Court But in truth these whereof wee now speak are grounded upon some cause and my Lords owne Letters make evident that he hath done some things both against his owne conscience and meaning meerly to attaine unto honour and soveraigntie and to please the King And with that he pulls out a Letter written from my Lord to Cardinall Bellarmine to this effect THat howsoever the condition of the times compelled him and His Majesty urged him to turne Protestant yet neverthelesse his heart stood with the Papists and that he would be ready to further them in any attempt This and much more being read to some purpose he proceeded and shewed how that those things were not meerly uncertaine but even the actions that followed them did justifie them to be true For there was never knowne to be so many Priests to come over into this Kingdome in so short a time as of late there had done neither could he assure himselfe that my Lord was true hearted unto the State Also he harboured such about him as would undertake to write in defence of the Gunpowder Treason This and much more being said about the latter end of Easter Terme in the yeare 1614. my Lord being hereat much discouraged after the Court brake â—ooke his Barge went to Greenewich there made his Will wherein he published himselfe to dye in the Faith he was Baptized made some of his Servants his Executors others he bestowed gifts upon his faire house he disposed to my Lord Chamberlaine his Lands to my Lord Theophilus Howard retired back to his house at London and before Midsommer Terme following was dead Many were the rumours that were raised of this man after his death That he was a Traytor to the State and that he was not dead but carryed beyond Sea to blind the world and the reason was because he would be buryed at Dover and not at London Others say that if he had lived he would have beene the author of much stirre many dislike him and as was reported even the King himselfe towards his latter end which made him to fall into these courses but truly he was a notable polititian and carryed things more commodiously for the Papists then ever any before him His Funerall was kept privately at Rochester where he desired to be buryed because it was the chiefe Port Towne of his Office without any state to outward appearance My Lord Treasurer that now is succeeded him in his Treasurership My Lord of Somerset made Chancellor of Cambridge My Lord Zouch Warden of the Cinque Ports My Lord of Worcester some short time after Lord privie Seale These succeeded him in his Offices The Cloth-workers obtaine their Petition The old Charter of the Merchant adventurers is seized into the Kings hands The Dutch grow discontented at it The doubtfulnesse of Somerset's mind He sues for his pardon obtaines it My Lord Chancellor refuseth to seale it Falls into suspition Begins to be neglected THe Cloth-workers still persisting in their suit and having such strong friends to stand for them and Alderman Cocking a rich Merchant to back them they at length obtained what they desired and Proclamation goes forth that no more white Cloth shall goe over undied undrest and for this purpose the old Charter of the Merchants Adâ—enturers is seized into the Kings hands so that the Company fall to decay Now the Dutchmen they begin to murmur agâ—inst the English and make Proclamation there that no man shall buy any such Cloths as come over so drest and dyed whâ—reupon the English make a new Proclamation that no man shall trâ—nsport Wooles out of the Kingdome These things fed some with hope of some further troubles yet neverthelesse it is so ordered by the Councell that all things are pacified and some quantity amounting to a certaine number of white Cloths are suffered to be transported aswell to give content to the Hollander as satisfaction and imployment to some yong Merchants that had entred into this Trade by which meanes these clamors are a little stayed yet neverthelesse great impression of envie is betweene these two Countries Now one of the greatest friends that Somerset had being dead and himselfe still jealous of his safety he begins to cast about how he might avoid the danger of the Law for his intelligencers gave him notice of many
intent to incense the people the more against them and to make the matter the more hainous and grievous to the world At this time the Lady Arbella died a matter more remarkable then was observed and gave some occasion of speech to many but yet neverthelesse past over in silence These Hurly-burlies being growne somewhat calme and the minds of men a little setled the Countesse and others authorised for that purpose to be examined and my Lord Coke was the man that prest the Evidence against them which as it was thought procured some great enemies two and twenty Articles were objected against them Somerset pleaded Ignorance and that these Objections were meere tricks to intrap him and set the King against him The same answer was in the Countesse and that it might rather seeme to proceed out of envie then for any just cause They cause it to be given out that their accusations were wrongâ—ull and none were accused but such as were the greatest Favourites to the King so that there was much ado to little purpose At last when they heard that Weston Turner Francklin and Yeluis were all hanged and that they had confest the matter the Countesse being brought before the Councell confest the whole truth but Somerset stood to it still that he was not agent in it and that these accusations did nothing touch him and therefore ought to be excused Neverthelesse his lands and goods were committed to custodie part to my Lord Treasurer and part to others to the Kings use The Money Plate and Jewels which he had heaped up together amounted by report unto 200000. pounds his lands 19000. pounds per annum and the King bestowed many of them upon the Prince There was little speech of this in respect that both person and matter wherein hee was agent were both envied and facinerous neiâ—her was there any that pitied him but most said that hoe had but his just deserts for the injuries and wrongs that he offered unto Essex The Arraignment was put off and in the meane time Sir Walter Rawleigh was set at liberty This man had continued in the Tower now almost ten yeares a condemned person for a plot intended against his Majesty at his first comming in he bore a great envie against Somerset because he had begged his lands of the King and got it into possession giving him many quips and taunts during the time that he was in the Tower These two accidents happening beyond expectation that the one being the speciall favourite of the King the other a condemned man the one imprisoned the other set at liberty gave great occasion of speech and rumour and so much the more wonder and admiration because of Rawleighes wit and policie And this yeare also the Countesse of Shrewsbury who was committed for being privie to the escape of the Lady Arbella was set at liberty and the Earle her husband dyed leaving the greatest part of his land unto his daughters during all this time that is from Michaelmas Terme unto the short vacation betweene Easter and Trinity Terme the Arraignment was put off some attributed the cause to be for because the Countesse was with child and in the meane time was delivered of a daughter some that further proofes of incertainties might be brought in others to give them longer time to consider on the matter and that it was a great favour I say these rumours being published amongst the people at length the King authorised my Lord Chancellor to be High Steward of England for the time being and joyned eight of his Judges with him for his assistance viz. The foure Judges of the Kings Bench my Lord Chiefe Justice of the Common Pleas Justice Niccols my Lord Chiefe Barron and others of the Barrons with power to call Somerset and the Countesse before them to shew cause why they should not have sentence of death passed upon them for this offence committed both against the Laws of the Land and against the King his Crowne and Dignity So upon the foure and twentieth of May in this yeare 1616. There being a Seat Royall placed at the upper end of Westminster-hall a little short of the Kings Bench and seats made round about it for the rest of the Justices and Peeres to sit on and a little cabbin built close by the Common Pleas for the Prisoners when they came from the Tower to be put to rest them in They proceed to the triall after this manner As soone as my Lord High Steward with great State came into Westminster-hall with his assistants the Judges divers Lords and Gentlemen attending and foure Serjants at Armes before him ascending a little gallery made of purpose to keep off the croud he takes his seat and the rest of the Assistants and Peeres according to their places This being done after silence proclaimed one of the Harrolds at Armes reaches the High Steward his Patent and delivers it to the Clerke of the Crown to reade it After Sir Ralph Conisâ—y reaches him his staffe and iâ— there present according to his place to give attendance After the Patent read and proclamation for silence and that the accusers should come in the Prisoners were sent for by the Clerke of the Checker whose office it was to attend the Prisoners This being done and the Prisoners placed at the Barre Sir Henry Fanshaw reades the Indictment to which the Countesse pleaded guilty and confessed the fact But Somerset pleaded not guilty and had time from ten of the clock at night to cleare himselfe much was said but to little purpose At last the Peeres having conferred of the matter returne their verdict laying their hands upon their brests and swearing by their Honours for they doe not mâ—ke an Oath as ordinary Jurors do that he was guilty of the murther and poysoning of Sir Thomas Overbury whereupon my Lord High Steward pronounced sentence of death agâ—inst him and so he was had back to the Tower where hee remaineth at the mercy of the King This man may justly say as Pope Barbaressa said when hee was put from the Popedome Qui modo summus eram laetatus nomine praecel Tristis abjectus nunc mea fata gemo Excelsus solio nuper versaâ—ar in alto Cunctaque gens pedibus oscula prona dabant Nunc ego poenarum sundo devulvor in imo Vultum deformem pallidaque ore gero Omnibus e terris aurum mihi sponte ferebant Sed nec gaesa juvet nec quis amicus adest Sic varians fortuna vices adversa secundis Suâ—dit ambiguis nomine ludit atrâ— Cedit in exemplum cunctis quos gloria tollit Vertice de summo mox ego Papa cado Loe here I am that sometime tooke delight in name of Pope Now being sad and abject doe bewaile my fate and hope Of late preferr'd I did converse with stately pompe and grace And every Nation to my feet their ready kisses place But now in dungeon deepe am throwne of paines
THE FIVE YEARES OF KING IAMES OR The Condition of the State of England and the Relation it had to other PROVINCES Written by Sr FOULK GREVILL late Lord Brook LONDON Printed for W. R. in the yeare 1643. The five yeares of King Iames or the Condition of the State of ENGLAND and the Relation it had to other Provinces HOwsoever every Kingdome and Common-wealth may be both well and uprightly governed and that good men may be the meanes to support it yet there can be no such Common-wealth but amongst the good there will be even some evill persons these whether by nature induced or through envie and ambition to the intent to satisfie their appetites perswaded doe oftentimes enter into actions repugnant unto the felicity of good Government and Common-wealths and by evill causers and perverse deeds doe secretly and underhand seeke to hasten and set forward the ruine and decay of the same These things because they happen contrary and beyond expectation are so much the more remarkable by how much they are suddaine and unexpected And from hence it cometh that no state of government can be said to be permanent but that oftentimes those are said to be good are by little and little converted unto those that be evill and oftentimes changed from worse to worse till they come to utter desolation Neither is this alone proper to our Common-wealth but to all nor to forraigne Kingdomes but to our owne for although His Majesty at His coming to the Crowne found us vexed with many defensive warres as that in Ireland that in the Low-countries and almost publique against Spaine auxiliarie in France and continually in millitarie imployments although he found it lacerate and torne with divers factions of Protestants Papists and others from amongst whom sprung some evill men that endeavoured to set into combustion the whole State yet neverthelesse he established a peace both honourable and profitable with all neighbour Princes and by relation through all Europe so that neither our friends nor our enemies might be either feared or suspected After this generall peace was concluded and the working heads of divers dangerous Papists were confin'd to a certaine course of life that is peace they now petition for â—olleration for releases of vexation to have liberty of conscience and forsooth because they cannot have these things amongst them they contrive a most horrible and devillish plot by gun-powder to blow up the Parliament even the whole State and command of this Kingdome and so at one puffe to conclude all this peace and by that meanes to procure an unruly and unseemly avarice of this setled government and this not so much to establish their owne Religion for which purpose they pretended it but to establish their owne power and preheminence and to raise some private Families to greatnesse and dignitie that so faction being nourished and that jurisdiction established they might with great facility suppresse whom they please and support their owne State Thus may wee see that setled governments doe cherish in themselves their owne destructions and their own subjects are oftentimes cause of their owne ruine unlesse God of his mercy prevent it Of the domestick affaires and of the lascivious course of such on whom the King had bestowed the honour of Knighthood THis evill being discovered by the Lord Mounteagle and overpassed divers discontents happened some betweene the Civilians and Common Lawyers concerning Prohibitions And for that there was one Doctor Cowell stood stifly against the Lord Cooke divers discontents were nourished betweene the Gentry and Commonaltie concerning Inclosure and it grew out into a petty Rebellion which by the same was conjectured not to happen so much for the thing it selfe as for to find how the people stood affected to the present State whereby divers private quarrells and secret combustions were dayly breaking out private families one sided against another and of these Protestants against Papists they thereby endavouring to get a head and from small beginnings to raise greater Rebellions and discontents shewed themselves heady and speakes publickly what durst not heretofore have beene spoken in corners in outward appearance Papists were favoured Masses almost publickly administred Protestants discountenanced dishonest men honoured those that were little lesse then Sorcerers and Witches preferred private quarrells nourished but especially betweene the Scottish and the English Duells in every secret maintained divers sects of vitious persons of particular Titles passe unpunished or unregarded as the sect of Roaring-boyes Boneventors Bravadors Guarterers and such like being persons prodigall and of great expence who having run themselves in debt were constrained to run into faction to defend them from danger of the Law these received maintenance from divers of the Nobility and not a little as was suspected from the Earle of Northampton which persons though of themselves they were not able to attempt any enterprize yet faith honesty and other good Arts being now little set by and Citizens through lasciviousnesse consuming their estates it was likely their number would rather increase then diminish And under these pretences they entered into many desperate enterprises and scarce any durst walke the streets with safety after nine at night So to conclude in outward shew there appeared no certaine affection no certaine obedience no certaine government amongst us Such persons on whom the King had bestowed particular honours either through pride of that or their owne prodigality lived at high rates and with their greatnesse brought in excesse of riot both in clothes and dyet So our ancient customes were abandoned and that strictnesse and severity that had wont to be amongst us the English scorned and contemned every one applauding strange or new things though never so costly and for the attaining oâ— them neither sparing purse nor credit that prices of all sorts of commodities are raysed and those ancient Gentlemen who had left their Inheritance whole and well furnished with goods and chattells having thereof kept good houses unto their sonnes lived to see part consumed in ryot and excesse and the rest in possibilitie to be utterly lost The holy estate of Matrimony most perfidiously broken and amongst many made but a may-game by which meanes divers private families hath beene subverted brothell-houses in abundance tollerated and even great persons prostituting their bodies to the intent to satisfie their appetites and consume their substance repairing to the City and to the intent to consume their virtues also lived dissolute lives And many of their Ladies and Daughters to the intent to maintaine themselves according to their dignities prostitute their bodies in shamefull manner ale-houses dyâ—ing-houses taverns and places of vice and iniquity beyond measure abounding in many places there being as much extortion for sinne as there is racking for Rents and as many wayes to spend money as are windings and turnings in townes and streets so that to outward appearance the evill seeme to over top the good and evill intentions and councells rather
of friendship the reason whereof was thought to be for the ancient amity that had beeâ—e had heretofore betweeâ—e the King of that Nation from thence they went to the Duke of Cleeve and so to the Emperour with salutations The suit of the Cloth-workers my Lord oâ—Rochester stands for them The complaint of the Countesse shee sues â—or a Divorce NOw this yeare the Cloth-workers being covetous of larger imployments petition the King and Counsell that there might go no more white cloth out of this Kingdome but that they might be all dressed and dyed here before thâ—y went over and the reasons oâ— their petition were three First that the Hollander making use of dressing and dying our cloth almost doubled the value they bought it â—or whereby they were enriched and we were impoverished The second reason that whereas there was a multitude of poore in this Kingdome that wanted imployment if they might have the dying and the dressing of those clothes it would find them worke whereby they might be relieved and there was no reason why any other should make benefit of that which wee might make good of our selves Lastly whereas the Trade of dressing of cloth began to decay if now they might but have this in processe of time it might be restored and they might have as good skill to dresse cloth as the Dutchmen My Lord of Rochester my Lord of Northampton my Lord Treâ—surer that now is were great agents in this businesse and were thought to have been promised great summes of money to accomplish it Now the Countesse beginâ— new complaints and findes her Art to continue firme and thâ—t indeed there was such frigidity quoad hanc accomplisheâ— That her huâ—bâ—nd the good Earle of Essex could not execute the office of a huâ—band she up and tels her friends that shee is still a maid and that shee had good cause to complain since that shee having continued so long his wife shee in that space had never the fruition of that pleasure that ought to be betweene man and wife for which cause shee protested that she would never keep him company any longer and desired a Divorcement because of his insufficiencie This seemed strange unto the world who tooke notice of the Earle to be of an able body and likely to have many children and to undertake any exploit for the good of the Common-wealth indeed valuing this to be but an idle and vain rumour that was spread as often happened to see how such a thing would be liked in the world and therefore let it passe with little notice In the meane time there is a motion betweene Rochester and her for a marriage and since it was so that the world had taken notice of their businesse now to make some satisfaction they would consummate a wedding betweene them This motion was well liked of on both parties but the obstacle remained her husband was alive and the Law would not permit her to have two husbands whereupon shee growes the more eager of a divorce that so shee might have a new huâ—band for women of her disposition delight in change and therefore renewes her complaint advice is taken in the businesse whether such a thing may be had there being no cause publique of adultery or dislike of the husband Againe it was a question whether the wife might sue a divorce or not for that the Bill of divorcement was given to the husband and not to the wife many such like objections being disputed to and againe at last it is concluded That in case the Earle was so unable as she reported to execute the office of an husband and that upon the search of twelve matrons shee appeared still to be a maid It was lawfull that there might be a divorce and the reason was two-fold one that there might bee a frigidity quoad hanc another that marriage was appointed for procreation sake for which cause it was thought lawfull to sue a divorce Upon this they proceeded to the search twelve Matrons were empannelled the day appointed the search made and the verdict returned that she was a true maid who should bring this to the eares of the King but my Lord of Northampton and so to the world who growes jealous of fraud doubting either corruption or deceit for it was vulgarly reported that she had a child long before in my Lords absence whereupon some say this some say that and most that the Countesse was not searched but that one of Sir Thomas Monsons daughters was brought in to be searched in her place and so both Jury and Judges deceived But how true this is is not credible yet neverthelesse they grant a bill of divorce and now a seperation being had betweene them the Earle in a great discontent leaves the Court and repaired to his house in Warwickshire and there lives a private life The motion of Marriage goes forward Overburies opinion concerning it He disswades Rochester from it The breach betweene them the principall cause of it NOw might there bee a Lawfull discourse of marriage since there was a lawfull divorce had it neverthelesse been kept private and onely some particular friends made Privie on Rochesters side Overbury whose advice he requires amongst others in this businesse to what end it is unknowne Neverthelesse Overbury was utterly against it and being in serious discourse with him concerning this subject in the passage gallery at White-hall entred into these or the like words as was reported First how much he stood obliged to him for his countenance and favour and therefore would speak nothing but what was truth Then how duâ—iful and ready he was to performe all his commands from whence he might easily perceive that what he spake was out of affection And lastly that he had often endeavoured to avert his mind from these things that both time and the envie of men might turne his prejudice taxing him that he had made all this to become hurtfull unto him and converting the meaning of good intentions towards him to his disparagement and losse notwithstanding the Viscount still prest him on to passe his opinion protesting great kindnesse and to do nothing without his opinion whereupon he lets him understand that perceiving the common reports of the multitude and weighing them with the greatnesse of his person that he found it to be no lesse hurtfull to his preferment then helpfull to subvert and overthrow him For who would being possessed of so greâ—t possibility as he was so great honours and large reveâ—nues and dâ—ily in expectation of others cast all away upon a womâ—n thâ—t is noted both for her inâ—ury and immodesty and pull upon him the hatred â—nd contempt of great personâ—ges for so small a matâ—er then he willed him to consider with himselfe the condition of the person wherâ—of he spâ—ke the mâ—nner of her câ—rriage from her yoâ—th her present conversation the mâ—ny â—nvies dishonours and dislikes that were attendant upon her and besides which is now the
him and so by their countenance he might use the greater liberty For this cause he made the Earle of Northampton and Rochester the whole end of his actions fearing more to displeasâ— them then the King A fit man for their purpose The Countesse repaires to Mistris Turner to enquire a man out for her makes complaint of Overburies insolencie discloses her determinâ—tions Weston is nominated IN the meane time the Countesse thought it not enough to heare nor to fret and fume nor perswade and intreat my Lord to undertake this dangerous enterprise but to Mistris Turner shee must go and there renue her complaints with teares hardly found in a woman of her disposition protesting shee was never so defamed neither did shee ever thinke that any man durst to be so saucie as to call her whore and base woman and that to Rochester her only hopes and with an impudent face But Overbury that Negro that scumme of men that Devill incarnate he might doe any thing and passe either unregarded or unpunished This moves pity in this pitifull woman Mistris Turner who frets as fast to see her fret so that there is storming betweene them as is incredible At length as wee see two clouds after long strife in the ayre which shall have the priority in place joyne in one so these two women after they had fulfilled their frantick humor joyne in this to be the death of him that must be the end there is no malice to the malice of a woman no submission no intreaty no perswasion could prevaile but he must dye Mistris Turner soothes her with I that shee â—ould and it is pity he should live to defame so honourable a Lady so well descended to the utter disparagement of her house and that rather then he should passe with life shee would be his deaths-man her selfe words of course in such cases where people are carried away with heady malice not with reason Yet for all this coming to their right sences they begin to weigh the matter and that it was no small thing to kill a man both in respect of conscience and law Theâ—efore they cast about which should be the best way to doe it at lasâ— they conclude that to poyson him was the only way and that with leâ—â—t suspect But then the partie that should doe it was to seeke for he must be no ordinary man some Apothecarie or Physitian that might temper the poyson rightly to take effect according to tâ—eir minde and of long study one Weston was named that had sometime beene servant to Doctor Turner and thereby learned such experience that none was so fitting to accomplish this exploit to him This man now in the countrey must be sent for Mistris Turner must worke upon him to bring him to this exploit for things of this nature must be carried with wisdome and discretion for who will hazard his life for had I wist Two hundred pounds is proffered him and he of all men undertakes it Overburies great favour The motion of the Councell to send him Embassadour to the Arch-duke He contemplates of it Is perswaded by my Lord Viscount to refuse it THese things notwithstanding Overbury still growes into favour and the Councell still finding his diligence and sufficiency in his place nominates him as a man fit to be sent Embassadour into the Low-countries to the Arch-duke making that a meanes to draw him up to great preferments This comes to Overburies eare who knowing my Lord of Northampton to be his utter enemy growing jealous of Rochester begins to contemplate what the meaning of this might be thus betweene hope and feare he stands at a maze To refuse would be to his great disgrace to undertake it would be to the losse of his preferment standing in these doubts the Viscount after thus many jangles comes to him and salutes him and after many discourses falls into speech of the intention of the Councell concerning this Embassage not so much to assist and encourage him to it as to see how he stood affected whereupon finding him hammering upon his determinations not being certainly determined to any thing joynes with him and utterly diswades him from undertaking it For quoth he your preferments and your expectations lyes not among forraigne nations you are now in creâ—it at home and have already made tryall of the dangers of travaile why then should you hazard all upon uncertainties being in possession as a man might say of all that you may expect by by this meanes already These speeches what with the trust he put in the Viscount what with the doubtfulnesse of his mind doth in a manner confirme his opinion rather to leave it then to take it But neverthelesse gives to understand that it was no small thing to oppose the determination of the Councell and to contradict the Kings imployment for in either of these he must expect the displeasure of both and be in danger to receive condigne punishment But Rochester to get these doubts out of his mind with great protestation and long discourses let him understand he had so much experience of his worth and found him so faithfull and diligent in imployments that he could so well misse his right hand as misse him anâ— that in case any such danger should happen to him yet neverthelesse if either his word his letter credit or favour could either mitigate release or relieve him it should not be wanting to doe him ease and pleasure Being led on with these hopes he is in a manner drawne utterly to deny that which was intended for his profit and to give him a fit opportunity to excuse their malice towards him as after happened according to the saying of the Poet Ne quic quam crede haud credere quic quam nam fâ—onte polito Astutum rappido torrent sub pectore vulpem Beleeve not thou scarce any man For oft a Phrygian face Is smoothly covered with a smile But within seeks thy disgrace The Viscount seeing him at this time in so fitting a vaine to be wrought upon and so easily to be perswaded from his purpose shewed him much more favour then heretofore he had done the better to confirme credence in him towards his perswasions to encourage him in his determinations by this meanes he is utterlâ— deceived and growes confident to â—orsake it in this mind the Viscount leaves him and betakes himselfe to his purpose The Countesse Earle and Viscount meet They determine of the matter The King is incensed against Overbury SIr Iervace being now growne old in his office and being acquainted with it amongst other things is sounded whether he stands faithâ—ull to his Patâ—ons Northampton and Rochesâ—er whereby it is found that he would be plyant to any thing they would desire but yet not made acquainted with this determination neverthelesse it feeds them with hope to execute their purposes with better prosperitie For the Lieutenant being their friend and Weston a man that had gotten the