contrary to what they did to him by form of law not by violence and that the estates should meet in the same place where the dishonor was done to him for their tryal and punishment The day before the convention The keys of the Town submitted to the Kings officer a guard of the Kings forces ranged the streets and the Citizens disarmed are commanded to keep within doors the charge of the Town given to the Earl Marre Lord Seaton and Uchiltry Thus prepared the King enters with a train of Nobles alights at the Talbooth where the Estates did meet The Provost Sir Alexander Hume with the Baliffs and numbers of the City fall down on their knees and to pacifie the King most humbly propose To purge themselves of the Tumult by oath before the Council having made diligent search for the Authors aâ—d would proceed to inquire or to aâ—sist any other officers therein They promise never to admit of those Ministers pronounced Rebells without his Majesties command nor ever to receive any hereafter but at the Kings pleasure and not to elect annual Majestrates without the Kings approbation and to accept others whom the King would present And in all or any other manner to submit as his Majesty shall ordain under protest that they take not upon them the crime of the Tumult See the effects of Rebellion in general if they succeed not advance the Soveraign so did this The insurrection proceeding from the Ministers their Ecclesiastick Jurisdiction submits alwaies after to the Kings authority In these stories of Bruce before and Blake now the grand Incendiaries of their Riot it appears how patiently the King proceeded if possibly to have confirmed them and to have secured his Prerogative with their priviledges which he could never procure from them without this oversight of their own Besides how submiss are the Lay subjects now and how high grows the King and his Counsellors Advice is offered to raze the Town and erect a Pillar of repentance a Monument of their misery caused by their insolencie and this their punishment Others were lesse mild but all for condign marks of revenge to teach others their duties for the time to come Nay Bowes the English Ambassadour was out and in and in and out with his policies he liked well to imbroile the State but not to allow advantage to the King for by the faction of the Brethren all the designs of England were managed and reciprocall assistance from them to ballance their quarrels at home and therefore Queen Elizabeth writes to the King her advice fearing belike too much pressing upon the Ministry according to their merrit My Dear Brother If a rare accident and ill welcomed News had not broken my long silence I had not used Pen-speech as being carefull of your quiet and mindfull of your safety To omit the expressing of both by letting you know how untimely I take this new begun phrenzie that may urge you to take such a course as may bring into opinion the veryfying of such a scandal as you avowed to me to be farr from your thoughts In this sort I mean it some members of the Church with their Companies have over-audatiously imboldned themselves to redress some injurious acts that they feared might overthrow their profession which I grant no King for the manner ought to bear with yet at the instant when the new banisht Lords returned and they seem to be wincked at without restraint and the spring time going on when promised succor is neer hand together with many letters from Rome elswhere which tel the names of men authorised by you they say though I hope falsely to assure your conformity as time may serve you to establish the dangerous party and fail your own I wail in unfeigned sort that any just cause should be given you to call in doubt so disguised acts and hope that you will so try this cause as that it harm you not though it ruine them Of this you may be sure that if you make your strength of so sanday a foundation as to call to your aid such as be not of your flock when as the one side be foolish rash head-strong and brain-sick yet such as may defend you having no sure anchorage for themselves if you fail them and the others who have other props to sustain them though they lack you yea such as though your private love to their persons may invegle your eyes not to pierce the depth of their treason yet it is well known that their many petitions for foraign aâ—d might have tended to your perril and Countries wrack for seldome comes a stranger to a weaker soil that thralleth not the possessor or indangereth him at least I trust you think no less or else they must justifie themselves to condemn you for without your displeasure not feared for such a fact no answer can shield them from blame Now to aver my folly in seeming buysie in anothers affairs I suppose you will not mislike since the source of all is the care of your good to desire that nought be done that may imbolden the Enemie decrease your love and indanger your securety This is in summe the line whereto I tend and God I beseech to direct your heart in such sort as you please not your worst Subjects but make all know in a measure what is fit for them and make difference between error and malice So God bless you with a true thought of her that means you best Your most affectionate SISTER Elizabeth Reg. The Queen suspected that the King would have given extream punishment according to the fact and so highten their adverse enemy the Papists whose cause she urgeth as more guilty to ballance them both with mercy not malice This moderate Council it appears by the Kings former proceedings he intended rather a mind to paliate than to urge the occasion of greater diferences And accordingly no farther prosecution was made only to pursue the Town criminally and to appear at Perth February next And the Octavians not agreeing amongst themselves gave over their Commission of Exchequer into his Majesties hand fearing belike in this time of examination and purging defection they might come to a troublesome accompt though generally they gained repute of faithfull Stewards of the Kings treasure The King finding the Church affairs fall into his own hands rectifies the abuses crep in sates one amongst their articles of discipline I cannot say so they were so framed and formed from the first every day proceeding absurdities not disputed how resonable or religious but as they made for their advantage so were they ordained and obeyed And therefore a National Assembly is appointed at Perth must regulate all to treat and determine the bounds and excercise of the spiritual Jurisdiction Articles being drawn up and printed for to enter upon consideration with this Preface of the King He takes God the searcher of all hearts to record That his intentions are not
This Robert was at first Abbot of Holy-rood-house for divers years After the forfeiture of Hepburn Earl of Bothwell and the obtaining those Isles he exchanged the Abbacy with the Bishoprick of Orkney and so became sole Lord of the County Patrick succeeding to an elder Brother and grown a Courtier involved himself in great debts which inforced him the more tyrannous over the people to recover his wants At Glasgow was apprehended Oglevy a Jesuite lately come from Gratts by command of his Superior in that College He answered peremptory to the Commissioners questions professing not to prejudice others by any Confession Their torture to inforce him to impeach others was to debar him sleep for some time until he was forced falsely to accuse any body which he after repose would deny again The King was displeased with such forms to men of his profession and if no crime could be proved but his Calling and saying Mass they should banish him not to return on pain of Death but if his practice had been to induce the people to rebellion and maintained the Popes power transcendent over Kings and resused the Oath of Allegiance they should leave him to the Law But with all they were to urge his Answer to these Questions 1. Whether the Pope be Iudge in Spiritualibus over his Majesty and whether in Temporalibus if it be in Spiritualia 2. Whether the Pope hath power to excommunicate Kings such as are not of his Church as his Majesty 3. Whether he hath power to depose Kings after his excommunication and in particular his Majesty 4. Whether it be no Murther to kill the King so deposed 5. Whether He hath power to assoil subjects from the Oath of their native Allegiance to his Majesty He answers in writing To the first Affirmative in Spiritualibus But whether in Temporalibus he is not obliged to answer to any but a Iudge of Controversyes of Religion the Pope or one by his Authority To the second affirmative and that all persons baptized are under the Popes power To the third He will not declare but to a lawful Iudge of Religion To the rest ut supra He could not be moved by threats but rather railed at the Oath of Allegiance as damnable and treasonable against God and so came to Tryal of Life but was told over night That he was not to be tryed concerning his profession but for his former Answers to the Questions which he may recal and crave mercy but this he utterly refused And so was impannell'd grounded upon the Acts of Parliament against such as declined the Kings authority or maintained other Jurisdiction and upon his former answers He protests not to acknowledge the Iudges nor Iudgement Lawfull for if it be Treason here it should be so in all other Kingdoms which is not Your Acts of Parliament are made by partial men and of Matter not subject to their forum for which I will not give a fig. The King hath no Authority but derivative from his Predecessors who acknowledged the Popes Iurisdiction if the King will be to me as they were to minâ— he shall be my King if otherwise I value him not And for the reverence I do to you bare-headed It is ad redemptionem vexationis not ad agnitionem Judicii That the Iury were either his Enemies or his Friends if Enemies they could not sit upon his Tryal if Friends they ought to assist him at the Bar That what he suffered was injurious and not Iustice he had not offended nor would crave Mercy My Commission said he was by command of my Superiour and if I were abroad I would return hether again and repent only that I have not been so busie as I should in that which you call Perverting of Subjects and I call Saving of souls I do decline the Kings authority and will do it still in matter of Religion the most of your Ministers maintain it and if they be wise will continue in that mind As for that Question Whether the King being deposed by the Pope may be lawfully killed Doctors of the Church hold the Affirmative not improbably and as it is not yet determined so if it should be concluded I will dy in the defence And now to say It were unlawful I will not to save my life His insolent speech was shortned by the Jurors quick return who found him guilty and had Sentence of Treason and to stop his rayling was after Noon the same day hanged at Glasgow He was a desperate second Ravilliack and ready in that devilish doctrine of deposing and disthroning Kings which he urged the more he said as consonant to the Kirk Ministers tenents And that nothing troubled him but to be taken away ere he had done that which all Scotland and England should not have prevented and had it been performed no torments would have been by him refused So then we see the cause of his Execution For the King professed Never to hang a Priest for his Religion The opening of the Spring gave opportunity to sundry families of England to prepare themselves for planting in America Upon no great incouragement of profit or pleasure by any former Voyages of the English into those parts but people and trade increasing here they would unburthen this State with forein adventures The Design was for New England a part of America in the Ocean Sea opposite to that part of America in the South Sea which Sir Francis Drake discovered in his voyage about the world and named it Nova Albion But he was never imployed thither as a Discoverer or Planter upon this part of America taking the coast from Cape Florida in twenty degrees North Latitude North-East-ward to Cape Brittain Between the Degrees of Latitude from 20. to 45. King Iames granted Letters Patents being about fifteen hundred miles but to follow it aboard near two thousand miles And all this Coast from Cape Florida of twenty Degrees to five and forty was first discovered by Iohn Cabot with six sail of ships who had his Patent from Henry 7. Anno 1442. about the time that Columbus discovered the middle part of America for Ferdinand and Isabel of Spain and is called the West-Indies The first Colony from England was with Sir Walter Ralegh assisted in company of Sir Ralph Lane and Thomas Heriot that learned Mathematician Anno 1584. who in honour of Queen Elizabeth named it Virginia leaving there sixteen men which were brought home by Sir Francis Drake in his return from his West-India Voyage a year after and this part is contained from Florida to the Chesiopech Bay The next Northward is a part of Land to which Sir Iohn Popham Lord Chief Justice sent for Discovery and Trade 1606. but no success returned and since it is called New England Then the Land adjoyning Northward was discovered by Captain Gosnold all that coast being studded with broken Lands and called by him Elizabeths Isles Then you come to Cape Cod
of Ambassadours privilege 74 Massacre of Protestants in France 83 Episcopacy in Scotland continued â—â— Babâ—ngton's Treason â—14 Queen of Scots her Trial in England 115 sentenced and 〈◊〉 of Execution 121 Secretary Walsingham's Letter concerning the Execution of the Queen of Scotsâ—â—8 â—â—8 The Spanish Nâ—vies Design against England in the year 1588. 141 King James 6. sends Commissioners first and goes over himself to fetch his Queen from Denmark Concernments of France with the murther of Henry 3. 155 Hacket's horrible Tenets arreigned and executed 162 Ministers mad work 194 Digression how far forrein Titles precede in England 211 Digression concerning the power of Witches and Witchcraft 214 Earl Gowry's conspiracy against King James 225 Earl of Essex his Treason against Queen Elizabeth 233 Irish affairs under Lord Blunt Deputy of Ireland 242 English Commissioners in France dispute Precedency 243 These particular Passages of the Second Part may be read by themselves apart INtroduction to the Second Part page 2 Of Knights Batchelors 271 Of the Order of the Garter and Saint George his story 273 Of Earls and their Dignities 274 Of Barons and their Dignities 275 Knights of the Bath their Creation 276 Digression concerning Imperial Rule and Interest of Christian Princes 277 Of War and Conquest of Success their Consequences 281 Sir Walter Raleighs Treason 282 Of Presbyterians Doctrines 289 Conference at Hampton Court 293 Translation of the Bible and singing Psalms 308 Catechising commended 310 Of Parliaments their beginnings 312 King James first Speech in Parliament 319 The Powder Treason 323 The Oath of Supremacy and K. James his Apology to Forein Princes 329 Of Iesuits how to suppress them 331 Libel against the Lord Treasuer Salisbury and His answer 334 King James Speech and answer to the Arguments concerning the Union 338 Sprots Conspiracy with Gowry his arraignment and Execution 342 Lord Balmerino his treacherous Design 348 King James his second Speech in Parliament 353 Duke of Gelders his Descent and Death 361 Prince of Wales their Dignity 362 Of Chelsey Colledge 365 Of Masks and Comedies 366 Suttons Hospital founded 367 Of Vorstius and Arminius their Books and Doctrines 370 Prince Henries Sickness and Death 377 Treasurer Lord Salisbury his Life and Death 381 〈…〉 〈…〉 James 391 Earl of Northampton's Life and Death 393 Of Duels and Combats 394 Of Plantations in America 400 Of Barâ—nes Knights creation 402 King James wants discussed how to be relieved 404 Earl of Somerset his Countess arreigned 414 His Letter to K. James 420 The case of Commendams 424 Difference between the Chancery and Common Pleas and their Dignities 431 King James his Speech in Star-chamber 439 Sir Thomas Lake and his wives story 446 King James journey into Scotland 450 George Villiers a favourite his story 455 Sir Ralegh's Guiana Voyage and Execution 459 A monstrous Murther in Cornwall 463 Barnevelt's Treason and Execution 466 Of Synodes and Councils Synode of Dort 467 〈…〉 〈…〉 of Bohemia 478 Sir Wootton's Embassy into Germany 485 Marriages with forrein Princes unfortunate to England 487 Earl Marshalls of England their Dignities 505 Of Libells and Pasquils 526 Of Knights Templers 527 Preachers ordered their matter and manner 531 King of Spain's Letter to Oâ—vares and his Answer concâ—rning the Princes Match 539 Prince Charls journey into Spain his Treatments and return 542 Spanish Ambassadour accuses the Duke of Buckingham of Treason 562 Prince Charls Marriage with France treated and affected 566 Treasurer Cranfield put out of Office 573 Of Apprentices of London they are no bond-men discussed 574 Cruelty of Amboyna 576 Famous Siege of Breda 579 The INDEX to the second Part. A. QU Ann sent for out of Scotland her Design to seize the Prince p. 272 Her Death and Character 774 Ambassadour French and Spanish quarrel 320 Weston and Conway Ambassadours into Germany 482 Lord Haies Ambassadour into France 428 Lord Rosse Ambassy into Spain 429 Spanish Ambassadour accuses the Duke of Buckingham of Treason the story 562 Assembly of the Scots Kirk in spite of the King 321 475 Aid-money 363 Arminius and Vorstius their Heresies and story 370 Adamites Heresies 375 Abbot Arch-Bishops Arguments against the Nullity of Essex and his Countess answered 391 Kills his Keeper 530 Arreignment of the Earl of Somerset and Countess for impoysoning of Overbury 414 Arreigning of Peers discussed 414 Lady Arabella marries Seymer 423 Marquess D' Ancre murthered in France 549 Abbot Arch-Bishop his Letters concerning the King of Bohemia 481 Earl Arundel Lord Marshal their Dignities 505 Of Apprentices of London no Bond-men 574 Cruelty of the Dutch at Amboyna 576 B. BArons created 271 their Dignities 275 Beaton Arch-Bishop dies in France 271 Batchelour Knights manner of Creation 276 Bible new translated 308 Balmerino Secretary of Scotland his Treason and story pardoned he and his posterity ungratefull 348 Bishops of Scotland enlarge their power 350 Baronet Knights created and discussed 402 Benevolence and means of the Kings supplies discussed 407 Sir Francis Bacon made Lord Chancellour 437 his submission in Parliament and supplication 501 his Character 503 his Encomium of King James 594 Barnevelt in Holland his Treason and execution 465 Blazing Star their effects discussed 471 King and Queen of Bohemia defeated and fly into Holland 485 Breda that famous Siege 579 and lost 589 Briante Botevile and Beauvoir their several Duels and Combats 582 Bolton's contemplation on King James 594 C. KIng and Queen crowned 275 Corâ—nation-oath 276 Conference at Hampton-court to settle the Discipline of the Church 282 Catechizing commanded 310 Commotion of Commoners 312 Charls Prince created Duke of York 322 High Commission Court 352 356 Chelsey College founded and why 365 Contribution money 367 Car a Favourite and his Countess their story 376 arreigned for impoysoning Overbury 414 the case pleaded 416 condemned reprieved and pardoned 419 his Letter to the King 420 The case of Commendams the Kings right to them pleaded and passages thereupon 424 Lord Chancellour and Lord Cook difference the cause and case 431 the Kings Letters to the Chancellour his sickness and death 432 Common Pleas Court what 434 Chancery Court and power 435 Chancellour Sir Francis Bacon succeeds 437 Church of Scotlands proceedings 475 Cranfield Lord Treasurer 495 questioned in Parliament and put out 572 Calumnies answered 535 Combates at Breda 582 D. DIgression designs for Imperial rule in Christendoâ— 27â— King of Denmark his first arrival to visit the Queen his Sister 333 second arrival 413 E. Dorset Lord Treasurer dies 342 Of Duels 394 Dort Synode 467 Lord Digby Ambassadour to the Empire 495 returns accounts to the Parliament 509 sent into Spain to treat in the Match 524 ordered by Letters how to proceed 536 created Earl of Bristol 539 is to forbear the Espousals 555 takes leave of Spain 556 and is come home to the Parliament 563 Designs at the Siege of Breda 584 E. QUeen Elizabeth not willing to publish her Successour 261 Earls created 274 their Dignities 275 Excommunicatiou absurd in Scotland
Guisians Party that now were like to govern all counselled the young K. to increase the quarrel and not to leave off the Arms of England Throgmorton was told That they might as well bear those of England as Queen Elizabeth did theirs of France It was so questioned at Cambray but Doctor Wootton answered That twelve Kings of England on a Row had born them with so much authority that no Treaty ever disputed But at last France finding the Queens jealousie to kindle into flame they forbore with this bravado That indeed it was undone upon better consideration no addition of Terms or Titles could give Honour but rather Diminution to the Most Christian King of Frâ—nce and that former Kings challenging and prosecuting their undoubted rights to Naples and Millan in Italy yet used them not additional to France We return again to our Scots Knox came to his Party being arrived out of France May 1559. hastens to Saint Iohnstons preaching them into practice And first they chuse an Orator the Laird of Caldor with Petitions and Supplications to the Queen Regent of their Demands for having before got leave to read the Bible now they desire to convene in Prayer to interprete the Scripture to baptize their own to receive in both kinds and ever at the end of all to have the Priests Reformed To all these She gave a reasonable answer but not so satisfactory as they required They protest in Parliament to stand to their Tenents and If Distraction or Destruction follow the blood they bring home to the score of bad Government For which they were summoned to appear at Serlin and they to strengthen themselves against any force congregate all their parties from Dundee Montross Saint Iohnston Angus and Mernes and so came forward towards the Queen at Sterlin whom she caused in prudence with fair promises to be staied and now they call themselves the Congregation and keeping still in a body the necessity of State inforced her to put them to the Horn Inhibiting all upon pain of Rebellion not to side with them Whereupon they fall to action Robbing and Plundering the Gray and Black-Fryers a building of wonderous cost and greatness which in three daies they wholy destroyed But the French Forces and other power of the Kingdom soon made them to yield the Town upon Treaty which was secured by the French until several Congregations had inveigled some of the Discontented Nobles and siding with them send a Trumpet to redemand the Town which being denied by force take it And with Knox their chief destroyed Scone took Sterlin and so marched to Edenburgh from whence the Queen was fled ro Dunbar and there in the Name of Francis and Mary King and Queen of Scotland Dolphin and Dolphiness of Viennois now in France and lately maried commands them to separate and depart home upon pain of Treason This begat a consent to treat at Preston to little purpose there but was somewhat pieced afterwards at Edenburgh Then they make a New Covenant at Sterlin resolve to call assistance of the Neighbour Princes and send into England to Q. Elizabeth newly come to the Crown The Queen Regent a most modest and virtuous Matron was as busie and accordingly came over 1000. French in August the rest in September and so each party prepare for Warr. The Congregators had got to their side these Noblemen the Duke of Castle-herault the Earls of Arran Arguile Glencarn and Montieth the Lords Ruthen Uchiltry Boyd and divers other Lords and Lairds The Queen proclaims them Traytors They reply with a Declaration against it She thereupon by Lion her Herald denounceth Treason against them all Upon which they convene draw up Articles against her Government and to depose her from Regency and for Her and the French to depart Edenburgh in 24. hours and the next day storm it but with loss and fled The Earl of Bothwell having much interest in the State sends for more forces to the Duke of Guise in France who governed all there and sent them some which suffered Shipwrack upon the Coast of Holland Robert Melâ—in in behalf of the Congregators returns from Q. Elizabeth with Articles to be answered which afterwards came to a Contract And having got England in a different Policy to friend their Cause they wisely decline their Title of Congregators and call themselves Protestants as in England from whom now they have great Support rather to ballance with the French than bowlster their proceedings but it was long first being often â—olicited by huâ—ble Letters from the Protestant Lords and particularly to apologize for a pestilent Pamphlet written by Knox against the Government of Women which he also excused in several long-winded Letters to Queen Eliz. her self and to Sir W. Caecil Secretary of State To whom Caecil replies in brief Mr. Knox Mr. Knox Non est Masculus neque faemina Omnes enim ut ait Paulus unum sumus in Christo Iesu Benedictus vir qui confidit in domino et erit Dominus fiducia ejus I need to wish you no more prudence than Gods grace whereof God send you plenty Oxford July 28. 1559. W. CAECIL But their Messenger was Secretary William Maitland of Lidington and others who in a doleful tone complains that since Queen Maries mariage in France the Scots Government was quite altered with favour to the French who flock thither for preferment and trust of Offices of Honour and Places of Strength their Coin corrupted and so in time to Master all and make them French Caecil Lord Burghley a wise and subtle States-man deals with Sir Henry Peircey afterward Earl of Northumberland so far their Neighbour to pick out of the Congregators what they aimed at for they were then budding into a profession which the wisest of the World knew not what to make of And that if they succeed by this assistance upon what conditions they would piece with England and so to find their temper being supposed State Revolters They with eyes heaved up to Heaven answer For no other Aim or Intention but the glory of Iesus Christ and the sincere word of God truly preached against all Abominations and Superstitions to restrain the Fury of Persecution and conserve their Liberty The mutual Love of both Kingdomes was the Sum of all their desires to which end they vow their Lives and Faith It was but slowly considered upon these grounds That the Scots were poor bare of Money and Munition unfaithful to themselves and not to be trusted abroad but warily to go to work with them They were advised to stand upon their Guard and not enter rashly into Arms. But when the English found the French so forward as to be on foot with Warlike forces under command of Marquess â— Albeuf Uncle to the Queen of Scots levied by the Reingrave in Germany with Ammunition and Ordinance ready to be â—hipped It appeared
with a train of Ladies gave fresh matter of anger to the Kirk for their fine clothes and were not quiet till they presented Articles for Reformation therein and hereof being told by Earl Murray as disturbers of greater consequences Knox in a rage discharges Murray by writing from medling with the Kirk in which business he had been very observant or with his affairs as he stiled his Popedome Telling him of his mean estate when Knox took him up at London and by his means thus set up beyond his merit or mans imagination but now he leaves him loose to his own wit and doubts not but to his destruction And thus he durst do to the Queens Brother the prime man at the Stern of the State In this Parliament Acts and Ordinances were made against Adultery and Witch-craft which at that time abounded even with the great ones for restitution of Glebes Reparation of the Churches and yet all these could not content Knox for he pulpits nothing but State-affairs is displeased with all And tells them that although their Parliament ends without due confirmation of the Kirks desires their establishment was by the best of Parliaments without King or Queen and they scorn to steal away from their former stoutness which hath thus far prospered bids them be assured that if the Queens affection in Mariage which he knew of as well as the best of them all should fall upon an Infidel all Papists being so they must expect plagâ—es to follow and the Kirks curse to boot Of this he and Arskin Super-intendent of Angus were questioned by the Queen in private She tells them in tears which broke into brevity How low her Princely Nature descended in often conferences with sundry of them advising them to moderation whilst she could Counsel for their quiet establishment And thus restraining her self in punishing their disorders both against her Person her Power and her deerest Uncles for you spare none you take the more Liberty to heighten your offences beyond pardon Knox answers That his patience in suffering abominations was more agreeable to be disputed than his pardon was to be pleaded and if his tongue took liberty in his preaching place she must take it as she pleased for in the Pulpit he was not Master of himseâ—â— and yet had no Superior but God to speak plain not to flatter any flesh upon the face of the Earth Qu. Doth my Mariage concern the Pulpit Kn. Yes more than your Counsellors who are so wedded to your affections that none but we dare tell them their duty and as my birth makes me a Subject so my Gifts give me freedom of equality with your Peers and it becomes me not to be less content with your publick actions Your Mariage concerns us all Arskin was more moderate and much moved at the Queens excess of Tears Which rather burst out in despite so to be despised But Knox told her He could better sustain her Tears than the trouble of his Cause or to betray the Common-wealth Herewith she bid him be gone but durst not question him his faction was so great Yet not over fearful to be less than her self she set the committed Papists at Liberty at which Knox was angry using his grace at Meat To be delivered from Idolatry and to have Peace but for a season and why said some not alwaies He answered That he prayed in Faith and his Conscience conceiving during the Mass peace could not be therefore in Faith he wished it might not be To Sterlin the Court came her houshold-Mass never till now questioned A zealous Brother Patrick Cranston past up to the Altar and forced away what was thereon in presence of the Priest ready for their sacrifice for which violation Cranston and another his Companion Armstrong were committed which intrenching upon their late Covenant concerned their whole Body The News was carried to Knox in all extremities his counsel was called for and therefore Pope-like he sends his Breves IOHN KNOX To all the Brethren c. And thus subscribed Wheresoever two or three are gathered together in my Name there am I in the midst He remembers the Brethren of the dangerous by-past times which their Assemblies withstood but being not frequent the adversary took advantage that their bloods are to be shed in the persons of these coâ—mitted for only opposing the rascal Multitude that repaird to that Idâ—l with their devilish Ceremonies conjuring accursed Water this preparation upon these two and some others is as a door opened for crâ—elty against us all for prevention he commands a meeting publick at Edenburgh without fear of any power or failing at the day assigned This Letter dispersed by Copies came also to Ayre and so to the Queen and Council at Sterlin and sentenced as Treason the Nobility were speedily sent unto for their Authority of Condemnation in December In the mean time Murray returns from the North confers with Lethington and L. Heris advises Knox to submit for pardon which he boldly refused having sent for Spency Advocate of Dundee and others to assist him But was brought to the Queen and Council in the evening whom the Brethren followed in Multitudes flocking and forcing even to the Cabinet Chamber where assembled the Duke Arguile Murray Glencarn Ruthen and a full Council and then the Queen came in presence Lethington produces the Breves which he acknowledges and reads them Being asked whether he were sorry so much had past from his pen he answered Before I repent teach me my Offence If the vocating of the Queens liege people be a Crime We must then distinguish between lawful and unlawful Assembling what Convention hath been without my vocating He was answered That heretofore it might admit favourable construction but now the Q. presence in the Kingdom and more peaceable Authority it becomes no private person to assume that boldness Knox replied The time that was to me is now though the Devil has got a vizard he came in as himself a Tyrant and was it then more lawful But now he practiceth under the Cloke of justice what he could not do by strength And if my Convention was without the Q. command so hath all that God hath blessed since the beginning of this action The Q. finding the pulse of the major party of the Lords consented to spare further censure upon his better behavior and so he was returned The General Assembly began in December and the Petitions which the Ministers of Churches presented were neglected to which they concluded if the Q. will not we must Christ. Goodman an Englishman of their gang demanded of the Secretary What title either the Queen had to the thirds or the Papists to two parts He was answered Ne sit peregrinus curiosus in aliena republica But he replied I am so in the policy of Scotland but free born in the universal Church of God and the care thereof as equal mine as any
indured with horrid reluctancy even of their Tormentors with great constancy and therefore they had a form of Iustice and were executed with the Halter and so was the man of Straw the Admiralls Image hanged with them for a ridiculous example first murthered and then by a mute arraignment sentenced and executed Such as fled from slaughter or were hidden in the woods were by fair words in a Proclamation promised mercy but returning home were sure of the slaughter And so throughout the whole Realm of France for thirty dayes together were so many thousands massacred that besides the unmaried there remained above an hundred thousand widâ—â—s and children well born begging their bread When all was done and wearied with slaughter The Edicts came out that the former Treaties of Pacification should cease And a form of abjuration for such as were terrified by others sufferings to renounce thâ— Religion and none to be suffered to profess other than the Romish faith Whilst these sparks of former feud lay raked up in embers by pacification at home in Scotland Bishop Ross in England and but imprisoned in the Tower as you have heard though a man full of plots and policies yet his privileges of Ambassador affording him protection for his life It being too much suspicious to send him under hand to his grave and legally they could not He was therefore released after 2 years imprisonment and packt away over seas into France in whose time of imployment here as a faithfull servant to his Queen many Co-actors were put to death others detected and imprisoned yet even with his parting he left not unattempting and was for many years following beyond seas with all the Catholick Princes in Christendome a most pestilent disturber of Queen Elizabeths quiet for not long after he delt with Henry 3. of France to turn Morton out of his Regencie and to steal the young King thither whose faction in Scotland might weaken thereby and as he grew in years with the French Tutorage his affections might decay towards the English the ancient league with the French strengthned and with England dissolved In this small time of cessation from War the Scots without cause to implore England for any ayd or relief The Governours of each Borders assign a meeting to compose differences for eithers quiet against the usuall rapines of Robbers where disputes began and quarrells followed the English were worsted and taking the neerer way fled from the fury into Scotland and so for justice to Morton whose censure being much too partiall not onely in not doing right to punish his countrey men but dismisses the English with much adoâ— by Subscription and Pledges This behaviour of the Scots soon incensed the Queen who being presently upon the posture of a Bordering War Morton prudently layes blame on the Scots Commanders beseechetâ— her Majesty not to raise a War with them whose maintenance must be with much blood the common cause necessarily begging defence of peace betwixt the two Kingdoms and if civil War should follow upon Scotland it might introduce a necessity in them to call in the French whom she in her Princely affection and great wisdome had but lately afforded them the means to ridd away And that before time should grow elder his endeavours should be with such good offices and service for her Majesty as might countervail the inconveniences already happened And for questioning of the Governour he remembred a president under Henry 7. for expiation of Sir Robert Carrs death then Governour of the middle borders which was then referred to a meeting in Scotland to enquire This gray-hair-instance incensed her the more untill the Scots Governour Carmichell was sent to answer it in England and then indeed his Present of Hawkes to the Courtiers became a saying He gave them live Hauks for dead Herons Two Brothers of that Name Herons killed in the fray This petty disturbance gave time and leasure for the Praecisians now so stiled not to forget their ministerial ragings who evermore upon such occasions put in a spoke for themselves because their stipend was not redressed And herein were so presumptuous as to utter their fancies and to act what ere they thought best for their advantage But herein the Regent stopt them in their Career remembring them of the Treaty of Lieth which forbad all Innovation in Religion during the Kings Minority This year took away James Hamilton Earl of Arran and Duke of Castle-herauld at Poictures a Province in France He was Grandchild to James 2. And after the death of James the 5. In the vigour of youth and Mary his daughter succeeding in the Crown she had this Hamilton a while for her Protector and then declared her Heir apparent A mild man and tractable he was though her birth and quality drew on turbulent spirits to bring him on the stage and sent him into France with her where he was caressed for their party and created Duke and Captain of a troop of Horse Somewhat he medled in state after his return home but soon retired into privacie for which the mad-headed Ministers and Buchanan blamed him of sloth From him proceeds 4. branches James Earl of Arran John Claud and David three of them infected with the Mothers disease became frantick or rather bewitched At this time was Iohn Ormston commonly called black Ormston because of his Iron colour apprehended and had his tryal and executed for being guilty of the late Kings Murther Likely enough to have discovered more particulars than he did confess being Intimate with Bothwell who communicated the purpose to him and shewed him the subscriptions of the Earls of Argaile Huntly Secretary Lethington and Balfore testifying their consents to that horrid Act. Nevertheless the Regent permitted Balfore to enjoy the benefit of the Pacification passing an Act thereof in counsel to the regret of many for though it was doubted whether the subscription of Arguile and Huntly were not counterfeit but of the other the hate to their persons made the sensure of their guilt easie of beliefe to all but Arguile dying soon after his office of Chancellor was conferd on the Lord Glams Adam Heriot Minister of Aberdeeâ— dyed this year and of their Church is accompted worthy Record he had been a Fryer of the order of St. Austin living in the Abbey of St. Andrews learned and eloquent in the Pulpit subtile also in school divinity The Queen Mother heretofore hearing him preach was so affected to his wit and judgment and integrity that in reasoning with some Lords upon the Article of Real presence she offered to be concluded by Heriots opinion who was required to preach thereupon before her and a numerous Auditory But there he flaggd so prevaricate as most men were unsatisâ—ied of which being sharply censured by some his worthy friends he fell into sadness and regret of soul till he did openly recant and renounce Popery and forthwith joyned
supervivor to eight of her children thrice imprisoned for affecting mariages with Thomas Howard son to the Duke of Norfolk then for her sons match with Queen Mary and the last was for her younger son Charles with Elizabeth Candish daughter to the Countess of Shrewsbury and mother to the Lady Arabella She was Nobly intombed at Westminster an elaborate Sepulture and then left living King Iames the sixth and this Arabella who was thus neer to the Crowns And therefore imprisoned hereafter by King Iames for intermariage with Seymor the now Earl of Hartford but she died without issue and so without 〈◊〉 of future interest to these Kingdomes See anno 1616. Amongst other of Mortons plots and processes raysing the Revenues of the Crown one was for recovery of some lands which was given by the Queen to Mary Levingston whilst she was her maid of honour and now maried to Iohn Simple who made his best defence in his sute but fearing the Regents rigour had passionately avowed That if he lost his land the other should lose his life This and other discourse that he was countenanced by Lord Iohn Hamilton and his brother Lord Claud instigating also Adam Whiteford of Milton Nephew to Simple to kill the Regent in the street with an Harquebus Simple upon Torture confessed all and more also his cowardize not affording him courage to hold out Whiteford did better his constancie was not terrified with the wrack and therefore gave suspition that the others confession was extorted by the pain of punishment yet to make out the matter Simple was arraigned condemned and brought to the Scaffold but pardoned the like had the other and both of them the favour of the people to blame the Regent for his rigour whose main intention was thereby to invalue these Lords and their estates to his griping gain One Allester Dow Macallan a notorious thief was apprehended by Earl Athol who was prohibited by the council and charges directed against him for exhibition of the man the fellow being set at liberty by Arguile falls to his old profession and robd Athol who in revenge invades Arguile and so the countrey take uprore thereat until an Herauld discharges those convocations and cites them both before the Council but were reconciled Arguile goes on and arms against Claudonald seizes the Regents Messenger tears his Letters missive and swears him and his Train not to return to tell tales This insolencie fires the Regent to revenge and for the present did no more than proclaim him Rebel But these and other tumults shewed an Ecclipse of Ministerial Government and gave means to private mens discontents to open a way of complaint against the Regent Alexander Arskin attending on the King takes advantage of Arguile and Athols reconcilement plots with them to open their Causes to the King which they must countenance and did but so craftily as that the one Athols counsel was called upon the others complaint And advise to summon the Lords mostly enemies to the Regent to meet at Sterlin Mortons avarice and lust subjects him from his strength and Power that ruled all to become weak in Authority over any His enormities of several natures numberless which brought him sodainly to sinck Besides his fins the Hamiltons were his Enemies made so by his own malice upon that Noble Family as also upon the Earls Athol Montross and Arguile whose kinsmen he proclaimed Traytors for not appearing at his Call Arguile invites these Lords and others to accompany him to the King at Sterlin with remonstrance of such grievances as the State groaned under and were seconded by fit Instruments such as evermore reside at Court He is sent for by the King and Council but delaies time to make Friends their opinions various it was yet concluded as the safest way to piece Friendship with Arguile who refused unless he would also quit the Regency To this he demurs and retires from his Enemies power And this gave good occasion to the boisterous Praecisians whose pursute was after such prey as might innovate Authority which they hated because it was Regal though Mortons interest had been ever to preserve them the Arch-bishops only being lately commanded not to obey the Synods Decretalls against which they complain in the Pulpit and having there the liberty of the tongue for that time they tell all to the people and of more than he could be guilty The Earl of Angus was his Ally in blood and the chief of the Dowglasses who with Carmichel a Commander of War advise him to Arms But Morton rather submitted to a Parliament at Sterlin Thither he sends his Friends but withdrew himself and with them his Papers and Notes expostulatory of his good Services which were not liked because not Petitionary And thus they seemed to signify and first He craves leave of publique Iustice upon his Accusers If otherwise that his Majesty thought fit to oversee their disobedience to authority then to be pleased to disburthen him of his Office and not to suffer his Royall Name and Authority to be despised in the Person of his Servant for as he had oft times made offer to demit his Regency to his Majesty so now the more willing if a Substantial course might be assured for preservation of his Highness person the ordering of his Majesties Houshold and dispensing of the Revenues of the Crown And herewith he recommended the keeping of the peace contracted with England as a security to his Majesties Right and Title to Succession And so recounting his former Services from the Kings birth to this present His assistance at the Kings Coronation His and his Friends hazard at Lanside field the siege 〈◊〉 Brichen His legations undertaken into England the recovery of the Castle of Edenburgh the Pacification of the Realm all on fire a◠his first entrance the redeeming of Iewels and Plate of the Crown and restoring of the Royall Patrimony to some reasonable condition And in regard of all he craved no more than allowance of his expence and a discharge of his Intromissions by the Estates of Parliament These not sufficient to prevail and his friends having littl◠Power and his bad Cause to plead he was voted non-Regent And accordingly into the hands of Angus Claim Ruthen and Harris he delivers the Crown Scepter and other Regalities which were presented by them in a great Convention of Lords and Angus invests them on the King with the univocal acclamation of all He having not yet attained to the years of youth yet in this turbulent time took upon him the Scepter which was celebrated at Edenburgh and the affairs of State rendered to the King now at twelve years old but with assistance of twelve Noblemen three of them by turns alwaies about him and Morton of the number as to bring him to reason not to cast him quite off to ruin whose wit and experience was useful to the State which he soon imployed to master
unless she interposed her Seâ—â—â—nd Son would be excluded from inheritance to this Crown for that the King of Spain clamed a Right and would give place to none except to her self It was insisted upon the Letters of Nave and Curl She answered Curl was an honest man but no sufficient Witness and Nave was sometime Secretary to the Cardinal of Lorain and commended to her by the King of France and might be drawn by hope fear and reward to bear false witness and had a hand over Curl either of them might insert into Letters more than she dictated oft times she not examining them before she signed that all Princes may this way fall into mischief if their Servants and Secretaries may falsly accuse them I desire their presence face to face to reply to my Exceptions The Treasurer objected that she purposed to send her Son into Spain and to transfer her Right and Title to England upon that King She answered that she had no Kingdom to bestow however what was her own she might dispose as she pleased and not render accompt to any It was urged her Assistance and Pension to Morgan who sent Parry into England to assassinate the Queen She said Morgan for her sake had lost his Estate and therefore she was obliged in honour to relieve him nor was she bound to revenge an injury done to the Queen by a Friend that had deserved well of her yet that she did always deterr him from any bloudy Enterprizes However Pensions were allowed out of England to Sir Patrick Grey and other Scots my adversaries and to my Son also The heads of her several Letters to Paget Inglefield and Mendoza were read She said they made nothing to the Queens destruction but if any forein Prince would endeavour her enlargment it ought not be a crime in them or her having often intimated her self to the Queen that she would endeavour her own freedom She complained of her Servants and Secretaries perjury and treachery and very unfaithfull unto her that being a distressed Prisoner and grown in years there could be no hope to perfect those things which were expected from her and therefore she was advised to confirm the Succession of England to the King of Spain or to some English Catholick Nobleman And said that a Book was tendered to her for that purpose which because she not admitting incurred the displeasure of some eminent persons for being no hope from England she was to entertain forein help She desired to be heard in a full Parliament or before the Queen and her Council And now rising out of her Chair in great Majesty and confidence she exchanged some words with Burghley Hatton Walsingham and Warwick apart And so the meeting again was prorogued till the 25. day of October next at the 〈◊〉 chamber at Westminster before all the Commissioners where Nave and Curl constantly affirmed viva voce all those particulars which concerned them to aver and which she had denied So then Sentence was pronounced against her and ratified under their hands and seals in these words recorded By their unanimous consent at the Day and Place abovesaid they do pronounce and declare this judicial Verdict and say That after the end of the said Parliament specified in the Commission viz. after the first of June in the seven and twentieth Year of the Queen divers matters were compassed and imagined in England by Anthony Babington and others with the privity of Mary Queen of Scots pretending Title to the Crown of England tending to the hurt death and destruction of the Royal Person of our said Sovereign Lady the Queen And furthermore that after the said Day and Year and before the Date of our Commission the said Mary hath compassed and imagined in this Kingdom of England divers matters tending to the hurt death and destruction of the Royal Person of our said Sovereign against the form of the Statute specified in the said Commission All the Commissioners declaring that this Sentence did no way derogate to Iames King of Scots in right or honour but that he continued in the same right and honour as if that Sentence had never been passed This Sentence you see depended upon Nave and Curl and not face to face according to the first Statute 13. Elizabeth divers opinions passed whether credulous or incompetent Nave's Apology to King Iames afterwards 1605. purges him with deep Protestations neither Author nor Abetter nor remiss in his duty by negligence or otherwise but opposed the heads of her Accusation to the death But this appears not by Records his guilt shewed somewhat that needed an apology Not many days after a Parliament is called the which was begun by authority from the Queen derived to the Archbishop of Canterbury the Lord Treasurer and the Earl of Derby and the same it seems not without former Presidents A kinde of modesty perhaps that if a Virgin Queen must look upon her horrid act it must be seen through her fingers and Maries Sentence accompanied with the Proscriptions of the Lord Paget Inglefield Throgmorton Babington Salisbury Iones Tichburn Tilves and others confirmed and their Goods and Estates confiscate And the House of Peers by the Chancellor petitioned the Queen that the Sentence might be promulgated and besought her Majesty for safety of her Person and Kingdoms to execute justice on the Queen of Scots The Queen was not to be â—aught her Answer She acknowledged Gods protection and their love and circumspection for preservation of Her and her People against the many and mighty Plots of Hers and their Enemies How sorry she was that the Scots Queen notwithstanding her forewarnings should be thus entangled and guilty whom she protests as a Princess as her Kinswoman and Sister she had reluctancy to spare and to forgive were not the security of her People involved for their Peace she values before her own life Concludes her thanks for their care and advice But in a cause of so great consequence she will not be rash but consider Twelve days after she desires the Parliament to consult some other way of safety and to spare the Queen of Scots but they answer with no other satisfaction To which the Queen in an excellent method requests them to be answered without an Answer For if I should say said she I will not do what you desire I shall then say what I do not think and if I shall say I will do it I may precipitate my self to danger whom I know you wish to be conserved Then was Queen Maries Sentence proclamed throughout London and all the Kingdom which she apprehends chearfully and resolute and writes to the Queen for her Body to be allowed Christian â—urial in France where her Mother 's rested since violence was offered to the Ashes of her forefathers by the Puritans in Scotland nor could she hope for burial with the Kings of England that she might take her Death not in secret
Princes not being so ready in these days to embrace other mens Quarrels but where they are extraordinarily interessed in their own fortunes Wherefore I doubt not but it will be seen by men of judgment not transported with passion or led away with private respects that it should be every way the onely best course for your Sovereign by a good and kinde usage of Her Majesty and by shewing that Princely moderation as well in this grievous Accident of his Mothers death as his whole proceeding with this Realm which his Highness excellent Education seems to promise to seek to win the hearty good wills of this Nation as the chief and principal assurance he can in any sort obtain For to trust and depend either upon the French King or the K. of Spain as if by their assistance he might attain to the present possession of this Crown they being indeed the only two Potentates whom he must have recourse unto if he reject the amity of England whosoever shall so counsel your Sovereign as things now stand shall in the judgment of men of the best understanding be blamed either of fidelity or want of wisdom drawing his Majesty unto so untoward and desperate a course For it is no way safe for any Prince to repose his trust and strength upon their favour and assistance to whose desires and designs his greatness may yield any impeachment or hindrance so it were clearly against common reason to expect other support and assistance from them than might stand with their own commodities and pretensions in respect whereof neither of the two foresaid Kings can simply and roundly joyn with his Sovereign to his good First his Religion being odious to them both and likely to prove most prejudicial to the Catholick Cause he growing so great as he should be made by the union of the two Crowns the consideration whereof caused his Mothers affairs to stick a long time and made now in the end to leave him quite out of the reckoning ordaining the King of Spain her Heir if her Son became not Catholick Next it is meerly repugnant to the policy of France were it but in respect of the ancient claim which England maketh to that Crown to suffer the uniting of this Island under one Prince They have been content in former times when England had footing in France to serve themselves of your Nation therewith to annoy this Realm by the means of diverting or dividing the Forces thereof and so perhaps the Politicks of France can be content to wish at this day by your Sovereigns Quarrel or any such like to be eased of the burthen and miseries of the present War wherewith they are plagued by transporting the same into this Island But as this Realm hath good means to prevent the miâ—chief if it were intended so were your Sovereign to look when all were done but to be made an Instrument as his Predecessors have been of the effusion of much Scotish bloud for French Quarrels and the desolation of that Realm And as things stand presently in France it is not to be thought that you shall finde the King ready to hearken unto any Enterprise of this Land He being most desirous to live in peace both with his Neighbours abroad and with his Subjects at home but that he hath been forced full sore against his will by the practice of them of the House of Guise to countenance with his authority the Civil War raised in that Realm which maketh him what ever shew he hath to shadow out the contrary to hate them in his heart Neither would it be held sound counsel to be given him by any that depends upon his fortune to further the advancement of a King of Scots so nearly allied to that Family which he hath discovered and greatly feareth to level at his own Crown with any intention to depose him which by the greatness of a King of Scots they should be so much the sooner and better able to effect The King of Spain's assistance being now in War with this Realm were more likely to be obtained but far more dangerous to be used in respect of his most insatiable ambition deep practices and power accompanied in this case with a colour of Right wherein how far he would seek to prevail any opportunity or advantage being offered it may be justly doubted by the experience that sundry States have had which upon slender grounds of Title have been extorted and wrung from the true Inheritors and annexed to his own Kingdom as Navar Portugal and all that he possesseth in Italy hath been It is believed that the King of Spain considering his years and unsettled Estate every way would willingly incline to peace if it were offered with reasonable conditions and not over readily at this present imbarque himself in any new Enterprise But otherwise it is well known as he had fancied to Himself the Empire of all this part of Europe so he had an eye to this Realm ever since he was King in Right of his Wife The Conquest was intended under colour of Religion as it was discovered by some that were of his Privy Council at that time his pretension to be Heir of the House of Lancaster and since the late Queen of Scots Death the first Catholick Prince of the Bloud Royal of England as also the Donation of this Crown made to him by the Queen of Scots in her Letters with a promise to confirm it by Testament things blazed abroad by the Spanish Ambassadour at Paris ought to breed jealousies and suspitions in your Sovereigns head and give him true cause to think how he should be used at such an Assistants hand Auxiliary Forces have ever been reputed dangerous if they either in number or policy were superior to them that called them in The Assistance therefore of Spain and France being of this nature as your Sovereign hath need of neither so he shall do well to forbear them both and so shall it be well for his ease It may be some will pretend by change of his Religion your Sovereign shall better his condition in regard of these forein Princes besides a great party within this Realm that thereby shall be drawn wholly to depend upon his fortune but the poor distressed estate of Don Antonio being a Catholick Prince spoiled by a Catholick and receiving so little succour at Catholick Princes hands shall be a sufficient bar to all that can be said in that behalf As for the Catholick party in England in his Mothers life it was never so united as they drew all in one line much less will they be brought suddenly to rely upon him if he should alter his Religion as God defend which would be his utter discredit and overthrow both with the one and the other party neither having cause to repose confidence in him the Protestants because he had renounced the Religion wherein he was with great care brought up The Papists because they could not be
Demonstration of Discipline sought mischief upon the Bishops the chief Authours were Penry Udal Ministers Iob Throgmorton Knightley and Wigstone Laicks their Favourites drawn in to defend their Railings and were soundly fined in Star-chamber yet they privately held conventicles and had their Synods Classes and Presbyteries for this cause Thomas Cartwright the Father of the Disciplinarians Snape King Proudlow and Pain were questioned whom certain conspired to rescue and so great was the petulancy of these Patriarchs and their Disciples as would require a particular Volume to unfold See Hist. Q. Eliz. by Martin fol. 782. The King to keep things fair with England resolved to visit the Borders with some Forces to the West Marches whither the Lord Herries was fled but submitting and promising to conform to Protestancy he was dismissed and sent to his charge there again Whilest the King was in this Expedition the Lord Maxwell formerly having leave to travel into Spain and perceiving there the great preparations for an Armado of Ships to invade England returns home invited by some Scotish Catholicks against his promise without the Kings leave and lands in a part of Galloway in April where it was rumour'd that the Spanish Navy should land about the West of Scotland and so by Maxwels means and assistance they would joyn with the Borderers and enter England that way the most likely to prevail where numbers of loose Libertines and out-lodgers repaired to Maxwell of which the Lord Hâ—rries being in his Wardenship acquaints the King Maxwell is sent for to compeer but refuses and fortifies his Houses and other Holds levies Horse and Foot and expects to encounter with the King who came to Dunfres with so hasty marching that Maxwell was almost surprised in the House but gat away some hour before to Galloway whilest some resistance at the Town Port gave him that opportunity and leasure to escape And on the King goes summons Laugholme Treve and Carlavarock places of strength who surrender but the Castle of Lochmaben commanded by David Maxwell bids defiance to the Kings face and made it good against the Assault untill Ammunition and great Guns were sent for to the English Warden who forthwith committed them to a Guard of Souldiers and at the Approach and some Shot they yielded to parly with Sir William Stuart for the King and to render the Castle upon quarter of Life but the Captain refusing the Kings Summons was hanged the rest had pardon The King stays not but pursues Maxwell to Dunfres and sends Sir William Stuart to follow the chace and forced him to fly to Sea in a small Bark whom he follows in a Ship of the Town of Ayr overtakes him a fews Leagues off and forces him to yield who is brought to land and presented a Prisoner to the King this was held timely good service which so pufft up the young Knight with pride that some weeks after contesting with insolent words to the Earl Bothwell at Edenburgh he kill'd him outright The noise of the Spanish Navy gave fears of their setting forth in August and in prudence for the Scots also to arm not knowing whom to trust the King convenes his Nobles at Edenburgh for their advice For howbeit said he I have no occasion to distrust the Friendships and League with all Christian Princes and Estates yet the Case of England lodges so near upon us as in time may turn to be our own and we forced to share in their Troubles the Spanish intention is for England and seeing my Right in Succession to that Crown it were no wisdom for me to suffer another to possess it before and the Spaniard hath not usually been so kinde or consciencious to depart with any thing he lays hand upon though anothers Right they take Religion for a Pretext of their Invasion but it is the Kingdom they seek and we professing the same Faith with England are sure to fare accordingly as in their Success and the Prosecution of their Holy League will fall upon us also But I have ever thought mine own and the safety of Religion so conjoyned as they cannot separate nor do I desire to live and reign longer than I shall maintain the same I suspect what many may counsel that this occasion fits Revenge for my Mothers Death but however I am not over credulous as to be confident of Queen Elizabeths excuses concerning here ignorance therein nor will I be so unwise as to accept the assistance of one mightier than my self to fight my cause lest he become Master of us all Thus you see my minde and my Reasons give me your advice and assistance what we shall do The Chancellour seconded the Kings opinion by many historical Examples and discreet politick Arguments yet since the Queen had not desired any aid from your Majesty it would not be amiss to secure your own Territories by not suffering the Spaniard to land in your Dominions that a general Muster may be taken and some Noblemen named to whom the People might resort for Command that Watches be set upon the Sea-coasts and Beacons erected to allarm the Countrey and that the King and Council would reside at Edenburgh for Command and Authority over all Bothwell urged other Arguments of Revenge and to invade England from whom in this exigent said he we shall be sure to force good conditions and as for himself he had already raised Forces at his own charge for the publick service as an Example for others to do the same expecting that his opinion would prevail for Invasion But the King commanded him to guard the Coast according to his Office Admiral of Scotland and so he seemed to be satisfied To instance the dangerous Treacheries amongst some of the Scots against their own Nation in reference to the Spanish pretentions appears first in the Design of Colonel â—Semple who had about six years before betrayed the Town of Lire to the Spaniard and from that time remained in Flanders with the Prince of Parma arrives now at Lieth pretending a frivolous Commission from Parma to the King which seemed of so small importance as that it was apprehended rather a false colour of practice with some evil disposed persons Sir I. Carmichel Capt. of the K. Guard is therefore commanded to have an eye upon his Actions till the King returned being now journeying to Falkland Carmichel does so and having intelligence of a Pinnace newly arrived in the Frith and a Passenger already landed went hastily and surprizes Semple reading of the Dispatch seizes him and them the Colonel offers of himself to attend the Council but by the way was rescued by the Earl Huntley who undertakes himself to compeer with him The Chancellour hears of this being then at Church the general time of Humiliation and with a throng of people following him made after Huntley but the King happily returning met them before and brought them all to Edenburgh The Chanc. informs
ranged them in some Order and sailed towards Graveling but no Parma appearing the English small Ships swift and sure chaced divers of them and sunck the great Gallions of Biscay Two others of Portugall torn and tottered fell upon Flanders and were taken by the Dutch The General returned Soutward with such of his Ships best provided and arrived safe at Biscay in Spain The rest of the Fleet taking the Sea Northwards in distress for Water and hindered with wind ignorant also of those Seas and shoulds that above 40. sayl were cast away on the Coasts of Scotland the Isles Orkneys and so round again Southward between England and Ireland As the great Ship of Florence fell upon the West of Scotland fired by the High-Landers And of all the Numbers of Ships aforesaid onely fifty five came safe to Spain there were lost thirteen thousand five hundred Men and Mariners and as themselves say not a family of repute in all Spain but suffered the loss of some kinsman and in this fray but one English Ship and one hundred men in all missing So that what the Spaniard provided in four year was thus far ruined in four Weeks to the glory of God and everlasting comfort of Great Britain The King on his part first at Court and afterwards through all his Kingdom gave publique thanks to God for this good riddance of so formidable an Enemy Whether the Astrologers were in the right or wrong that foretold of Wonders to happen this year and ment the success glorious to Spain or whether the wonder was that they should be sunck in the Sea as they were certainly they writ of this and the succeeding years full of fatallity as in France it fell out more fearful But for the Western Isles we felt none at all and yet the effects were threatned by them upon all of us The Scots Catholiques were much amazed at this event who Parma comforted with Letters Intimating the loss not great which should been the next Summer by a fresh Fleet prepared before to succour these which now joining will soon make good all the defects of the former Robert Bruce brought this news to Huntley to be communicated unto the rest of that faction and some money was sent amongst them but because Huntleys share was not parted proportionable to his desire and desert he grew cold in the cause and in some discontent the King took the advantage and advised him to subscribe the Confession of Faith and so was reconciled to the Church and neglected by the other ever after But he was put upon it to satisfy the Prince of Parma and by letter That after the escape of Semple as aforesaid he was so beset by the Kings jealousies upon all his actions that either he ought to yield or to depart or to have taken up forces to secure himself which he was not then able to do all hopes failing with the evil hap of the Spaniards But what had evil effect he should endeavour to recover by some good service for advance of the Catholique Cause However God had put him in such good credit with the King as that he hath altered his Guards and added of his own friends by whom he hopes to be assured and at convenient time to be Master of the King And so when the promised support shall arrive he should be able to spoyl the Heretiques and make sure for the Catholiques Besought him to be perswaded of his unchangeable affection though in outward shew he was forced to accomodate himself with the present time January 1589. Edenburgh Another such like was sent over from the Earl of Arrol whom Hay the Iesuit had seduced That since his Conversion he was obliged to advance the Catholique faith and that Religion the greatest and most important cause in the world being now joined to another civil consideration of great affinity to the affairs at Home He was therefore the more intirely obliged to his Catholique Majesty and that in Scotland His Highness had not a more affectionate Servant than ARROL And at the very same time other letters were sent by Huntley Crawford and Morton so did Maxwell stile himself in prison to the King of Spain when after their great regret for the mischance of the Navy they assure that if it had visited them it should not have found resistance in Scotland and with their Support have assisted sufficient against England The blame of all they lodged upon the English Catholiques refugers in Spain who in enmity to others did too much magnifie their own as best able to do all And therefore prayed his Majesty not to over-countenance the one to other neglect but that the ends of all should aim at one And then remitting to the advise and Declaration of some of his own Subjects lately returned from hence for several Commodious advantages how and where to land an Army in Scotland they proposed that with six thousand Spanish and money to levy as many more they might within six hours arrival be well advanced in England to assist the forces that he should send thither They advise him not to make Armies by Sea but to assign some of his forces to Scotland others by the West of Ireland towards England and so the forces divided part at Sea others in Scotland the enemy should be amused therewith referring much more to the bearer Collonel Semples relation The Jesuits of Spain tyred out of their plots and designs against England resolved to work out their way by Sedition in Scotland undermining the affections of any discontented parties and so being put in muteny they might easily restore their decaying Romistry Industry and Secrecy would bring it about To that end were imployed Bruce the old Lieger Jesuit with Creighton and Hay his former Comrades to perswade Huntly bastard son of Iohn the Prior of Coldingham son of Iames the fifth King of Scotland with Arroll Crawford and Bothwell to force the King from the Chancellor and Treasureshands and no difficulty to induce the people to resent their actions supposing the King to be weary of such power about him as reduced him to their dispose The Faction of the English flesht with his Mothers death in time would do so by him and his Friends and no doubt these sufferings would soon justifie their rising to rescue him and the Realm from ruin and no mention being made of Religion the Country would be more calm to resist their enterprize The meeting must be between Lieth and Edenburgh and so to Edenburgh to settle themselves at Court about the King kill the two Counsellers Bothwel aboade at Crichton and kept about him some Souldiers whom he had seduced Crawford and Arrol with their Friends came to the Ferry Montross stay'd six miles off But Huntley came through and the evening of the appointed time assisted by Kinfawnes brother to Crawford and some of Arrolls servants these filling the presence find the Chancellour with the
Prince did upon some weightier occasion no doubt than a Ladies Garter erect this Order Anno 1350. The Emblems are a Blue Garter to be worn daily buckled on the left Leg set with Gold or Pearl in these words Honi soit qui mal y pense Shame take him that evil thinketh This Order is inferiour to none in the World consisting of six and twenty Martial and Heroical Nobles the King of England the chief the rest are either Nobles of this Nation or Princes of other Countreys Friends and Confederates Emperours and Kings have desired and received that Honour Theâ—e are depending this Order six and twenty poor Knights with sufficient maintenance The Officers were the Prelate of the Garter which is inherent to the Bishop of Winchester for the time being the Chancellour the Register always the Dean of Windsor the principal King at Arms called Garter and the Usher called the Black Rod The site of this College is the Castle of Windsor with the Chapel of St George erected by Edward the third and the Chapter-house there also The Protector-Saint olim tam nobilis is St George whose Picture on horse-back killing the Dragon doth always hang at a Blue Silk Ribband about each Knights neck And the outward Vestment or Cloak hath a Star embroidered in Silver encompassing a Shield bearing the Red Cross of England with the Garter about it This I mention lest it be forgotten to after ages Amongst sundry men of valour in antient days was George born at Coventry in England his Mother with childe of him dreamed that she conceived with a Dragon which should be the cause of her death but the Wizards Witches assured her to die in childe-bed of a Son whose life and fortune shall be a mirrour to posterity and therefore he was brought up with a Person of Honour with great observance which made him capable of mighty deeds in Arms and being famous for several Adventures travelled to a place infested with wilde beasts chiefly a ravenous Dragon whom the Sorcerers pretended so far to inchant as to be for ever satisfied with a virgin Salve fastened to a Rock and fitted for Sacrifice In whose defence George fights on horse-back with his Lance and Sword and by his skill and force kills him this service done he missed not the Merit of his Reward Mariage with the Maid instructed her in Christianity with whom he lived honourably and died sainted for his virtues and valiant acts and by the Kings of England assumed for many Ages in warlike Atchivements of Honour to be their Patron This story not difficult for the Moral which served those times to instruct the ignorant with such Tales to be told to posterity that the Christian Souldier in the warfare of the World meets with Satans temptations which by the grace of God sanctifying are overcome and in particular â—escues his own soul bound under the chains of sin to be devoured of the Devil and which being redeemed by the merits of Christ is maried to Him in faith and becomes an eternal Saint in Heaven Whether this Saint and his story with others were invented to cousen men these Tales wrought much with valiant men at Arms Valour swels when set out by Examples of Extremes and oft times goes beyond her self in her atchivements conceit sometimes does things above conceit especially when the imagination apprehends them founded in Religion It is said by Matthew Paris in Gulielmo secundo pag. 57. that St George appeared in the air with an Army of white Horses fighting for the English at Antioch against the Turk But to say there was no such Saint and to change all literal sense into an Allegory of Christ and his Church yet it may seem more improbable that our English Nation amongst so many Saints that were would chuse one to be their Patron that was not at all especially seeing the World in that Age had rather a glut than a famine of Saints The intent of those times was pious to gain credit and to convert to Christianity but then so to prosecute it as the Papists still continue to do must be condemned thinking to grace the Gospel by such absurdities for Heaven has a Pillory to punish fraus pia her self and indeed better to leave Religion to her native plainness than to deck her with counterfeit dress And there were created at Windsor these Earls Thomas Howard Earl of Suffolk Montjoy Earl of Devonshire and of Barons Egerton Baron Elsmore Russel Baron Thornhall Danvers Lord Danvers Grey Baron Grooby Peters Baron Writtle Harington Baron Eaton which so troubles an Historian as a wonderfull weakness in a King and concludes against his own Argument Nothing more destruction says he to Monarchy than lessening the Nobility But he means increase of number lessens their value and hath not enlarged his reading by knowledg of their condition in other Monarchies Spain France and yet poor enough in those places where Anarchy as yet is not come in Originally within this Kingdom Earldoms of Countreys in the antient English-Saxon Government were Dignities of Honour and Offices of Justice they had Officers under them as Vice-comes or Sheriffs The Earls therefore received Sallary the third penny of the profits of the County of long time after the Conquest and were inserted in their Patents of Creation which afterwards were turned into Pensions Of the single Earls not Palatine there were two kindes subdivided into several Branches either take name of a place or without place those of a place are of two kindes either of a County as the Earl of Devonshire Cornwall Kent c. or else of some place not being a County as of a Town Castle Honour c. of which later sort as antient as the Conquest those of Richmond in Yorkshire Clarence in Suffolk Arundel in Sussex Earldoms without any place are likewise of two kindes either in respect of Office as Earl Marshal of England or by Birth and so are all the Kings Sons and therefore it is a mistake to say They are born but Gentlemen Earls are adorned with a Cap of Honour and a Coronet and the Body with a Robe in resemblance of Counsellours and are girt with a Sword to defend their King and Countrey Cook 17. Part. And are called by the King his Cosins and his Title is afterwards become parcel of his Name and so they sign T. Suffolk Not to speak of Barons by Prescription or Tenure These Barons were made by Patent as others are by Writ to Parliament and these by Writ were devised not before 49. Henry 3. for want of Peers the most of them slain in the Barons Wars Those Barons by Patent began by Richard 2. John Beauchamp being the first and is now limited in descent according to the Habendum for Life or for term of others as Estates in Tail They being thus entered into Nobility have large Privileges as Peers of the Realm Note that there be Lords in Reputation onely by
annexed to the Imperial Crown of the Realm Thus oblig'd to their duty they chuse a Speaker whom they accompany to the King whose Election they desire him to ratifie whom the King usually is pleased with which done the Speaker in his own and the House of Commons name gives thanks and beseeches That the Lower House may use their Privileges and freedom of debating That if any therein shall happen to be more earnest in his own opinion his Majesty will vouchsafe not to take it ill nor be angry and that they may have access to the Kings Majesty or Higher House as oft as matters require which leave being granted they are dismissed Both Houses have free liberty to debate of matters propounded by the King or touching making or abrogating Laws and to determine to commit to writing what is to be transmitted to each other by Messenger whereto if upon debate had there ensue an assent by Votes the consent is noted upon the top of the Bill in this form amongst the Lords Les Seigneurs ont assentes among the Commons Les Communes ont assentes but if they differ both Houses not seldom meet or else principal persons chosen out of them to confer together in a commodious place for their meeting in the Painted Chamber there the Commons standing and uncovered with great observance receive the Lords covered and sitting and there they confer if they discord that business comes to nothing but if they agree they present it to the King which if he allows he writes Le Roy le veult and so as by a Soul infused into a Body it receives life and becomes an effectual Law forthwith to be promulgated to the People but when the King refuses to approve it he writes on the top of the Leaf Le Roy s' avisera sometimes he denies it in terminis and thereupon are reputed dasht The sacred matters the King permits not to be handled by Parliaments but Synods unless it may be for the force of Laws from Parliamentary Authority which they cannot so fully obtain from their divine verity The Deans Arch-Deacons Procuratours for the Chapters as also for every Arch-Deaconry the former being delegated by the Suffrages of the Prebendaries these of the Ministers meet in a place assigned to debate touching them where having first chosen a Prolocutor in the name of the Clergy they determine concerning Heads of Religion Ceremonies and other matters belonging to the Church as also granting of Subsidies to the King whose Results notwithstanding are not obtruded on the Seculars to be observed with the Authority of Laws untill as above-said they be allowed by assent of King and both Houses being provided That Civil hands should not intermeddle in these affairs Our Chronicles tell us That Queen Elizabeth expostulates with the Parliament for that they had appointed a Fast without her advice and were not restored to her favour but upon obtaining of Pardon Both Houses have respectively their peculiar Privileges To the higher House not onely to give counsels and to assist in making Laws but likewise to exercise the power of Iudicature and so of imposing Oaths in the more weighty causes as corruption of Iudges and Magistrates and in last Appeals which yet to bring back to examen without the Kings permission and Patent the Lawyers say is praeter-legal nor do they so unless the Judges of Law sitting by The House of Commons have Privileges of supplicating and craving Right or else the Accusers part never challenged to it self the Office of Judg save within their own Walls and on their proper Members and that extended no farther than penalty of Imprisonment or Mulct never having any right of pressing an Oath and therefore in a Statute the House of Commons say That seeing Parliamentary Iudicature belongs to the King and Lords and not to the Commons that they might not be obliged contrary to Custom to give Iudgment If any doubt touching the Election of their Members it was heretofore determined by the Lords House or by the Judg of the Kings Chancery If any of them had departed from the Houses without the Kings leave and both Houses also he was convened before the Kings Council-table or Kings Bench to undergo the penalty and was not punished at the discretion of his own House of Commons But they have Privilege first to debate and determine of levying money among the People This was the temperament of King Parliament and People in proper parts not harming each other for the Kings supreme Authority and Sword is as a sufficient power to vindicate the Laws from the Factions of the Grands and popular Tumults whilest in the mean time the Lords with that chief Authority wherewith they are vested of Iudicature and Legislation put a curb on one hand to the Kings Tyranny if he extravagate on the other to the tumultuating populace and in semblable manner the People by that their power of accusing whom they please and of granting or denying moneys are in a sufficient capacity to retrench the licentiousness of the Nobility and of the Kings Counsellours and break the Kings impetuous incroching on the publick The Laws have exceedingly provided That the freedom of voting and debating be not hindered through fear of insolent persons therefore none may come into either of their Houses with a Sword or armed The Members and their Servants not to be arrested for Debt or offences though of a mean alloy and if any so attached he may not be free but by a Writ out of the Chancery Seldom and that upon weighty cause would Kings create offence to so venerable an Assembly however it hath so faln out that excellent Princes upon too great provocations have reprehended the Senate and punisht some Offenders convening them before the Judges of the Kingdom imprisoned fined and put to death sometimes Thus by past stood the state of Parliaments when the King came in and calls one in March the King Queen and Prince some days before rode from the Tower to his Palace of White-hall in such Triumph as the several Pageants at each convenient place with excellent Oratory assured them the affections and duty of his Subjects as they did some days afterwards when the like occasion presented them in state to this Parliament And as usual with all Sovereigns his Predecessours themselves or Chancellour sweetens the Members with some Rhetorical Oration to the purpose of calling that Assembly and this the King undertakes now as best able of any Prince his Predecessours or any other Assistant for wit or wisdom to compare with him and therein he lays open his heart to both Houses in a very long Speech But because it is in print and bound with the Volume of his Works I shall adventure to abreviate here for some light to the Reader in this History which follows But then in this as in other his most eloquent and gracefull Speeches hereafter where you meet with any of his
nor protection That the King hath not taken up wisdom of Government upon credit but carrieth still the Iethro of order in his own bosom disposing the mean causes to the Rulers over hundreds and fifties reserving the greatest to the greatness of himself And freely professes though he doth not participate with the follies of the Fly upon the wheel of fortune yet is he so far ambitious of his Masters favour as to be not so much his creature by the undeserved Honours he holds from his Majesties grace and power as in desire to be the shadow of his minde towards whose royal Person he glories more to be honest and humble than to command in any other Calling And to say that men resolved to die are Masters over others lives such power hath the least Spider by permission and if so that the days of his life were in their hands to take from him some moneths of joys so more years of sorrow but he believes not that the Mountains shake when the Moles do cast nor thinks he to purchace a span of time as for the fear of any mortal power Aut Deo aut Patriae aut Patri Patriae deesse Magistrates who converse with variety of spirits must undergo Tempests And their Glasses being done that glory which makes worthy men live for ever their Heirs shall inherit after them And therefore Suadeat loquent is vita non oratio Besides Romes powers are discovered her Towers taken and it is suspected that she will play so long with the temporal powers of Kings as their work will break down her walls so therefore it ill becomes their servants to slacken for fear of malice the Evening and the Night shall come upon them naturally one after another their faith shall ascend before them and their good fame shall follow after Et hic â—aculum fixit This next Session of this Parliament the Union was revived by motion of the Kings Solicitor Sir Francis Bacon to have the Scots naturalized by Act of Parliament after many subtil Arguments on both sides pro con and to allay the heat the King convenes both Houses before him at White-hall where with an excellent method he recounts all their former controversed Arguments and concludes with Reasons undeniable for unanimous consent to admit of the Union But to avoid their tedious Disputes I shall onely abbreviate the Kings Speech in answer to all He distinguishes his desires the Union which he seeks is of Laws and Persons such a Naturalizing as may compound one Body of both Nations Unus Rex unus Grex una Lex He unravels their intricate Arguments and sweetens them with his intentions 1. That all hostile Laws should cease because the King of England cannot war with the King of Scotland That community of Commerce is necessary He being no stranger but descended of their ancient Kings It were improper for him to be their natural Sovereign and the Nations strangers to one another and being both under the same Alleageance ought to have more freedom and better respect than Frenchmen and Spaniards 2. They all agree that they are no Aliens then must they be allowed to be natural That there was a difference the Ante and Post-nati of either Kingdom and therefore his Proclamations gave notice that the Post-nati were naturalized by his accession but he confessed that Iudges may err in that opinion who told him so so may Lawyers on their side but bids them beware of abusing either lest they endeavour to disgrace King and Laws who have power when Parliaments are not to try them for Lands and Lives 3. That there were some flatterers and would prefer the Ante-nati upon a jearing pretence to have their merit preferred in his service Mel in ore fel in corde But they shall know his Prerogative can prefer at his own pleasure to any Dignity though he is willing to restrain himself for respects to the English He urged it as a special mark of Prerogative to endow Aliens with freedom and where the Law is not therein clear Rex est Iudex he being Lex loquens supplying the Law where it wants thus he speaks as skilfull in the dues of Sovereignty intends not the pressure upon their love but with conveniency to both Kingdoms The inconveniences as from Scotland are pretended to be 1. An evil affection in them to the Union 2. The Union to be incompatible 3. The gain small or none Why then is there talk of Union They allege Reasons of the first from the body of their Act To remain a free Monarchy and not alter Fundamental Laws and yet it was urged heretofore The Scots greedy of this Union to attain to the substance and end These are contradictions but for their free Monarchy he hopes they mean not that he should set Garisons over them as the Spaniards do over Sicily and Naples He need not do so who governs them by his Pen and his Council-commands and his Chancellour there can govern their Tongues too not to speak as ye do what and as long as ye list without contradiction 1. He tells them the Laws of Scotland those of Tenures Wards Liveries Signiories and Lands are in effect drawn out of the Chancery of England brought by Iames the first who lived here and differ onely in terms 2. The second are Statute-laws to which he wishes they would be no strangers 3. The Civil Law brought out of France by Iames the fifth to supply the defects of the Municipal Laws In these respects the Laws alike why not the People First it is an Objection of yours that the King in Scotland hath not a Negative Voice in Parliament he tells them that the Form of Parliaments there inclines nothing to popularity their manner is by Proclamation to bring in their Bills to the Master of the Rolls by a prefixt day then to the King to be allowed by him and then given to the Chancellour to be propounded and no other If any man offers otherwise the Chancellour corrects him and being past the King confirms them rasing out what he doth not approve and if this be a Negative Voice he hath one Secondly that which seems so incompatible is the Union of the French and Scots He assures them it was a League onely between the Kings not the People the occasion was that England and France at one time solicited a League offensive and defensive against each others Enemies The reasons went for England being our Neighbours of one Continent strong and Powerfull Nation and so more security the Amity with England than France far off beyond Seas and hazarded to Accidents of relief Then they who argued for France alleaged that England ever sought to conquer Scotland and therefore never can be Friends The remoteness of France claimes no Interest and therefore more Constant and Faithfull and so it was concluded on their part But then it was concluded meerly Personall from King to King and to be renewed by their Ambassies
an ordinary fate which often accompanies them to bear the burden of their masters mistakes which yet was but an experiment proper enough for the L. Chamberlain Rochester to put in practice whose creature he was But we may not forget our good Lord of Essex our digression most necessary to his story which was thus There was amongst other persons of Honour and quality in Court a young Lady of great birth and beauty Frances the Daughter of Thomas Howard Earl of Suffolk married in under-age unto the Earl of Essex now become a forward stripling she two and twenty and he three and twenty years of him common fame had an opinion grounded upon his own suspition of his insufficiency to content a Wife And the effects of this Narration with the sequel of his life and conversation with his second Wife is so notorious as might spare me and the Reader our several labours for any other convincing arguments But with the first when both were of years to expect the blessing of the Marriage-bed he was always observed to avoid the company of Ladies and so much to neglect his own that to wish a Maid into a mischief was to commend her to grumbling Essex as they stiled him and increased the jealousie of such men whose interests were to observe him that he preferred the occasion himself for a Separation and which indeed from publick fame begat private disputation amongst Civilians of the legality thereof wherein those Lawyers are boundless This Case followed the heels of a former Divorce fresh in memory between the Lord Rich and his fair Lady by mutual consent but because Mountjoy Earl of Devonshire married her whilest her Lord lived the King was so much displeased as it broke the Earl's heart for his Majesty told him that he had purchased a fair Wife with a foul Soul But this of Essex was a different Example when you seek to parallel them together And therefore we may with more charity to truth not admit such hasty credit as to believe that now the Kings delight was onely for the love of the Viscount who is supposed to be in love with the Countess of Essex and upon no other score to command the Bishops to sue out a Divorce from her Husband which in truth was done with ample Reasons and legal Geremontes And because the Nullity gave freedom to either and so the means of her after-marriage with Rochester the sad occasions of all the sequel mishaps I have with some diligence laboured out the truth precisely and punctually as it was acted and proceeded by Commission Delegative not easily now otherwise to be brought to light which the Historian passes over briefly as unwilling to spend time to set down truths when it makes not for his turn for this Author had been Essex his Man and turn'd away by his Lady Upon Petition of the Earl of Suffolk and his Daughter Frances to the King That whereas his Daughter Frances Countess of Essex had been married many years unto Robert Earl of Essex in hope of comfortable effects to them both that contrariwise by reason of certain latent and secret imperfections and impediments of the said Earl disabling him in the rights of Marriage and most unwillingly discovered to him by his Daughter which longer by him to conceal without remedy of Law and the practice of all Christian policy in like cases might prove very prejudicial And therefore prays To commit the cause of Nullity of Matrimony which she is forced to prosecute against the said Earl to some grave and worthy persons by Commission under the great Seal of England as is usâ—ally c. Which accordingly was granted unto four Bishops two Privy Counsell ours learned in the Law and unto four other Civil Lawyers with clause to proceed cum omni qua poterint celeritate expeditione summarie ac de plano sine strepitu ac figur a judicii sola rei facti veritate inspecta mera aequitate attenta And with this clause also Quorum vos praefati Rev. Patrem Cant. Archiepiscopum Reverend Patrem Lond. Episcopum Iul. Caesar. Mil. aut duos vestrum in ferenda sententia inâ—eresse volumus But for some Exceptions concerning the Quorum by the Commissioners in the words Sententia esse not interesse A second Commission was granted and adjoyned two Bishops more with this Quorum Quorum ex vobis praefat Reverend Patrem George Cant. Archiepisc. Ioh. Lond. Episc. Tho. Wint. Episc. Lancelot Eliens Episc. Richard Covent Lich. Episc. Ioh. Ross. Episcop Iul. Caesar. Mil. Tho. Parry Mil. in ferenda Sententia nos esse volumus Upon this the Countess procures Process against the Earl to answer her in a Cause of Nullity of Matrimony The Earl appears before the Commissioners by his Proctor and she gives in her Libell viz. That the Earl and the Lady six years since in January Anno Domini 1606. were married her age then thirteen and he fourteen and now she is two and twenty and he three and twenty years old That for three years since the Marriage and he then eighteen years old they both did co-habit as married folk in one bed naked and alone endeavouring to have carnal knowledg each of others body Notwithstanding the Earl neither did nor could ever know her carnally he being before and since possessed with perpetual incurable impediment and impotency at least in respect of her That the Lady was and is apt and fit without any defect and is yet a Virgin and carnally unknown by any man That the Earl hath confessed oftentimes to persons of great credit and his nearest Friends that he was never able carnally to know her though he had often attempted and â—sed his utmost endeavours And therefore prayeth the Commissioners upon due proof hereof to proneunce for the invalidity and nullity of the Marriage The Earl by his Proctor denies the said Contents Contestatio lit is negative His Answer is required by Oath by second Process where in open Court his Oath was administred with so great care and effectual words to minde him of all circumstance as the like hath been seldom observed The Earl viva voce confesseth the Marriage and circumstance as in the Libell and were not absent above three Moneths the one from the other in any of the said three years That for one whole year of the three he did attempt divers times carnally to know her but the other two years he lay in bed with her nightly but found no motion to copulation with her That in the first year she shewed willingness and readiness therito That he did never carnally know but did not finde any impediment in her self but was not able to penetrate or enjoy her And believeth that before and after the Marriage he found in himself ability to other women and hath sometime felt motion that way But being asked whether he found in himself a perpetual and incurable impediment
with sickness and thereby unable to receive the Holy communion at the Church and shall declare in his conscience his sicknes deadly desire to receive the same in his house the Minister shall not deny him so great comfort there being three or four communicants to join with him according to the Order of the Church The Parents nor Pastor shall not defer the Baptism of infants longer than the next Sunday after the Birth unless upon reasonable cause nor shall they use private Baptism in their Houses but when great need requires and then the Minister shall not deny it in the form as at Church and the next Sunday declare the same and that the infant ought to be received into Christs fold That according to the primitive integrity care was ever taken for educating of children and catechising of them now altogether neglected The Minister shall therefore catechise them and in the rehearsal of the Lords Prayer Belief and ten commandments as in the Church-catechism is used and expressed And afterwards the said children shall be confirmed by Prayer and Blessing of the Bishop for the continuance of the grace of God in them That the inestimable benefits by our Saviours Birth Passion Resurrection Ascension and sending down the Spirit hath been at certain times remembred by the whole Church of the World And therefore the Minister shall observe those times and form his Doctrine according to the Text purposely to be chosen and proper for the day These were thus obtained proclaimed and obeyed and to this day called the five Articles of Perth ratified in Parliament there the next year and the last Parliament of this Kings time when a monstrous storm thickned the face of Heaven and the factious sort said it was a sign of Gods anger against those Articles others in derision of that sense said it was rather an approbation from heaven like thunder and lightning at the giving of the Law to Moses The Bishops had much ado to go on to Action for Papistry being a Disease of the Minde and Puritanism of the Brain the Antidote of both ought to be a grave and well-ordered Church to reduce them either simply or wilfully erring But those that were refractory and factious got the more of the mad crew swarming to such to seek the Communion and to receive their Doctrine and those that would not were excommunicate upon every ordinary and frivolous occasion Excommunication the greatest Judgment upon Earth that which is ratified in Heaven a precursory or prelasory Judgment of CHRIST in the end of the World and therefore not to be used irreverently as an ordinary Process derogate to Gods honour and the power of the Keys contemtible It is urged indeed not so much for the thing it self as for the contumacy and as God's judgment seizes on the least sin of the impenitent so Excommunication may in case issue out upon the smallest offence and not upon the greatest in another case But are these contumacies such as that the party as far as the eye of the Church can discern standeth in statu reprobationis damnationis given over to final impenitence It is therefore to be wished that this Censure were restored to the true Divinity and use in cases of weight To this purpose a Bill was drawn in Parliament 23 Eliz. the gravest Assembly of her time and recommended by the gravest Counsellour but for some politick Reasons was retarded We reade of three degrees of Excommunication in the New Testament the first called Nidui A casting out of the Synod Iohn 9. 22. A separation from all commerce society eating or drinking with any person from the Marriage-bed from washing and these according to the pleasure of the Judg and quality of the offence for thirty days or more he may be present at divine Service to teach or to learn others if impenitent his punishment was increased doubling or trebling the Sentence for time or to his death His male-children were not circumcised And if he died unrepentant a stone was cast upon his Coffin as deserving to be stoned and was buried without lamentation or ceremony and not in common Burial The second was called Cherem A giving over to Satan 1 Cor. 5. 5. It differed from the first degree because it was not sentenced in a private Court but in the whole Church and Maledictions and Curses added out of the Law of Moses At the publishing Candles were lighted and when the Curses were ended then the Lights were extinct even so the Excommunicate deprived of the Light of Heaven And thus against the incestuous person 1 Cor. 5. 5. and against Himenaeus and Alexander 1 Tim. 1. 20. The third was named Maran-atha viz. The Lord cometh and was instituted they say by Enoch Iud. 14. An Excommunication to death and so the phrase 1 Iohn 5. 16. There is a sin unto death viz. to deserve Excommunication to death In the Greek Church four degrees of this Censure 1. Those who were onely barred the Lord's Table all other benefits of the Church they might nay to stand by and see the Communicants and therefore called stantes 2. But he is admitted into the Church his place behinde the Pulpit and must depart with the Catechumeni such persons as were not yet baptized and so might not pray with other Christians 3. Degree admitted but into the Church-porch to hear but not to pray with others and therefore called Audientes 4. Degree such were onely permitted to stand quite without the Church weeping and requesting those that entered in to petition the Lord for mercy towards them whence called Plorantes So then they say Cain's Censure was the first and the last Enoch's The three sorts were borrowed from the three sorts of uncleaness which excluded people out of the three Camps 1. Nidui out of the Camp of God alone those defiled with the touch of the Dead 2. Cherem out of the Camp of God and Levi defiled of an issue 3. Maran-atha out of all three Camps God Levi Israel defiled with Leprosie From the Iews Greeks and Latines took the degrees of Excommunication The Emperour of the House of Austria with interwoven Marriages of Spain as aforesaid had so settled the Empire from other interests that no obstacle interposed their excessive ambition but their jealousies of the Protestant Princes and States whom they intend by degrees to reduce and in over-doing of this began the German miserable Distractions And because the Palatines too sudden accepting the Crown of Boheme was the immediat occasion I shall let in the Reader into that story The Kingdom of Boheme for many hundred years past enjoyed Sanctuary and Privileges to impower the free election of their King which is manifest in their Chronicles in many Bulls of their Emperours in their Kings Reversal Letters and divers other Examples and Antiquities Sundry practices have been against this free Election but never managed with more wiles than now Matthias the Emperour two
against all the world with ringing of Bells and making Bonfires in London so soon as it shall be certain of the Coronation I am satisfyed in my conscience the cause is just having rejected that proud and bloody man making that Kingdom not elective and when God hath set up the Prince a Mark of honour to all Christendom to propagate the Gospell and protect the distressed I dare do not other but to follow where God leads It is a great honour to our King to have such a son to be made a K. and me thinks I do in this and that of Hungary foresee the work of God that by piece and piece the Kings of the Earth that give their power to the Beast shall now leave the whore to Desolation as St. John saies Our striking in will comfort the Bohemians honour the Palsgrave strengthen the Union bring on the Dutch stir up Denmark and move his two Uncles Prince of Orange and Duke of Buillon together with Tremvile a rich Prince in France to cast in their shares and Hungary I hope will run the same fortune and for mony and means to support the War Providebit Deus This from my Bed and when I can stand I hope to do better service Geo. Cant. Sept. 12. 1619. Some regret there was in the Palsgrave as well might be to act without the consent of the King of Great Britain and whilst his Ambassadours were treating a Peace but by perswasion of the Prince of Anholt the Earl of Holloch and Baron Done with other their intimates he was at length intreated to accept of that golden Bait a Crown which was given to him freely not without some regret though by Others such a Bit would be swallowed with damnation it self And this was hastened upon him in August 1619. and his entrance into Prague the last of October and his Coronation four daies after But instantly posts the Baron to King Iames in excuse of all either of too hasty acceptance and neglect of his fatherly advice King Iames ever averse from such undue Precipitations for affections of the people to be ingaged at their pleasures and to be a President to dispose of Soveraignty already established utterly refuses Done's Address for a time but dispatches Ambassadours to the Emperour and to the States of the League and Covenant not meddling with his Son in Law to advise or neglect him Of this errand two are sent in joint Commission to Boheme Sir Richard Weston after Lord Treasurer and Sir Edward Conway not long after Secretary of State Ferdinand upon the News of his New Rival in the Kingdom hastens this Proscription against the Palsgrave We Ferdinando c. To all Electors Princes c. But especially to the subjects of Frederick Count Palatine of the Rhene Elector c. That Frederick Count Palatine of the Rhene hath made himself head of that perfidious and rebellious crue of our Kingdome of Boheme wherefore we proclame him guilty of High Treason and Iterate Proscription and of all the penalties which by Law and Custome are depending thereon We conclude him out of Our and the Imperial peace and are firmly resolved to execute the said penalties upon him as against one pubâ—ickly proscribed an Enemy and Adversary to us and the Empire Commanding you under pain of Life not to give him aid succour assistance mony provision munition openly or covertly And whoever is in pay his Complices or Helpers to forsake his service and that the States dependant alliances subject and his Vassals shall not yield to him Obedience nor partake to him of his crime but to forsake him and assist us to reduce him the Rebellious Frederick to obedience And we absolve ye his Vassals from his protection and from your Oath into our grace and favour and whoever disobeys this our command we declare him and them guilty of high Treason and iterate Proscription so well as himself Given at Our City Vienna c. 1626. And now each Party take the field The Duke of Saxony for the Imperial Ban with twenty five thousand Men reduced Lusatia The Prince of Anholt General and Holloch Lieutenant General for Boheme and with these evenly powred the war went on in that Kingdom And to make it famous through the Western World Spinola forms an Army in Flanders under Spains interest but for that purpose which King Iames suspected and to be assured sent to Sir Thomas Edmonds his Ambassadour at Bruxels to inquire for the truce of Spain and the Netherlands continued but Spinola's Commission was sealed up by the Spanish subtilty not to open till the March of the Army of twenty thousand foot and five thousand horse which proved fatal to the Palatinate The Spirits of the English began to bustle Sir Horace Vere being here and somewhat rusty since the peace with Spain associating his Nephew the Earl of Oxford and Essex young and daring Spirits saies one indeed so young they apprehend no danger and so ignorant they knew not how to avoid it Oxford the eighteenth Earl and Lord High Chamberlain without intermission from Awbry de Vere high Chamberlain to Henry the first Portgrave of London and Lord Chief Justice of England Discended from the Earls of Guisure the surname from Vere a Town in Zealand his Son Awbry created Earl of Oxford by Henry 2. and High Chamberlain The eighth Earl after him was by Richard 2. created Duke of Ireland during life and bore for that honour quarterly before his own cote three Crowns or a border Argent his own being quarterly Gu. and Or upon the first a Mulletary This man now was lately returned home from Travel in hope to recover his former debaucheries but how improved implicite credit was to expect the Tryal As for Essex then he onely boid up by the people upon his Fathers score which we have told before But made they were made by Our younger Brothers to fight and a Regiment onely was raised not I believe imagined for any goodly effects but to bandy with the Kings Wisdom who though not forward in this unjustifiable quarrel yet not without coâ—nsel to act for the future How madly some men urged the Kings interest seeming so hasty as to do the work at their own charge but being connived at to try their intent the good Earl of Essex had fifty brave fellows pinn'd upon him to pay them their pensions besides his compleat number of his own company These two brave Captains with the rest raw-souldiers adventured without fear under indeed the fame and fortune of that Right valourous and truly expert man of Arms Sir Horace Vere their Colonell who must needs indure with patience the toil he had to make them good Souldiers Spinola had got the start yet the English got over ere he took leave of the Arch-Duke but they followed at a distance somewhat in danger to go too near and in August both forces were marching the English had passage over
the beginning of a golden work The next that after this example it is like that Iudges will flie from any thing in the likeness of corruption without it were a great distance as from a Serpent which tends to the purging of the Courts of Iustice and reducing them to their true honour and splendour And in these two points God is my witness I thought it be my fortune to be the anvil upon which these two are broken and wrought I take no small comfort but to pass from the motions of my heart wherof God is my Iudge to the merits of my cause whereof your Lordships are Iudges under God and his Lieutenant I do understand there hath been expected from me some Iustification and therefore I have chosen one onely Iustification instead of all others out of the Iustifications of Job for after the dear submission and confession which I shall now make unto your Lordships I hope I may say and justify with Job in these words I have not hid my sin as did Adam nor consealed my faults in my bosom this is the only Iustification which I will use It resteth therefore that without Fig-leaves I do ingenuously confess and acknowledge that having understood the particulars of the charge not formerly from the house but enough to inform my conscience and memory I finde matter sufficient and full both to move me to desert my defence and to move your Lordships to condemn and censure me neither will I trouble your Lordships by singling these particulars to which I think I might fall off Quid te exempla juvant spinis de pluribus una Neither will I promise your Lordships to observe upon the proofs where they come not home or the scruple touching the credits of the Witness neither will I represent to your Lordships how for a defence I might in divers things extenuate the offence in respect of the time and manner of the guilt and the like circumstances but only leave these things to spring out of your more noble thoughts and observations of the evidence and examinations themselves and charitably to wind about the particulars of the charge as God shall put into your minds and so submit my self wholly to your piety and grace And now I have spoken unto your Lordships as Iudges I shall say a few words unto you as Peers and Prelates humbly commending my cause to your noble minds and magnanimous affections Your Lordships are not simply Iudges but Parliamentary Iudges you have a further extent of arbitrary power than other Courts and you are not tyed by ordinary course of Courts or Presidents in points of Strickness and severity much less in points of mercy and yet if any thing which I shall move might be contrary to your honorable and worthy end the entroducing a reformation I should not seek it but herein I beseech your Lordships to give me leave to tell you a story Titus Manlius took his Sons life for giving battail against the prohibition of his General not many years the like severity was persued by Papinius Cursor the Dictator against Quintus Maximus who being upon the point to be sentenced was by the intercession of some particular person of the Senate spared whereupon Livie maketh this grave and gratious observation Neque minus formata est disciplina militaris periculo Quinti Maximi quam miserabili supplicio Titi Manlii The Discipline of War was no less established by the questioning of Quintus Maximus than by the punishment of Titus Manlius and the same reason is in the reformation of Iustice for the questioning of men in eminent places hath the same terror though not the same rigor with the punishment But my cause staies not there for my humble desire is that his Majesty would take the seal into his own hands which is a great downfal and may serve I hope in it self for an expiation of my faults Therefore if mercy and mitigation be in your Lordships power and no way cross your ends why should not I hope of favour and commiseration Your Lordships will be pleased to behold your chief pattern the King our Sovereign a King of incomparable clemency and whose heart is inscruteable for wisdome and goodness And your Lordships will remember there sat not these hundred years before a Prince in your House and nevee such a Prince whose presence deserves to be made memoriable by Records and Acts mixt with mercy and Iustice. Your selves are either Nobles and compassion ever beateth in the veins of noble blood or reverend Prelates who are the servants of him that would not break the brused Reed nor quench the smoking flax You all sit upon an high Stage and therefore cannot but be senseable of the changes of humane condition and of the fall of any from high place Neither will your Lordships forget that there are Vitia Temporis as well as Vitia Hominis and the beginning of Reformation hath the contrary power to the Pool of Bethesda for that had strength to cure him only that was first cast in and this hath strength to hurt him only that is first cast in and for my part I wish it might stay there and go no further Lastly I assure my self your Lordships have a noble feeling of me as a member of your own body and one that in this very Session had some taste of your loving affection which I hope was not a lightning before the death of them but rather a spark of that grace which now in the conclusion will more appear And therefore my humble sute to your Lordships is That my penitent submission may be my Sentence the loss of my Seal my punishment and that your Lordships will recommend me to his Majesties pardon for all that is past Gods holy Spirit be amongst you Your Lordships humble Servant and Suppliant Fran. St. Albons Canc. April 22. This Petition found the full effects pity and compassion from all procured pardon also from the King with the loss only of his Peerage and Seal for so weak a husband he had been to lay up any store for the future that the King allowed him a pension to his death He was a person compleat of excellent parts and general learning with that of the Law as proper for that place as any man of the Gown His merits made him so then which his vices in continued time and now basely blemished and he justly removed to his private studies which render him to the world full of worth And with small charity of the Scorner might merit the Bays before many men of that age Indeed his Doom was designed by his Enemies as far as Scotland at the Kings last being there and such a distance might deal some disadvantage to a Wiser Man Yet the King at first intending but to let him loose only to exercise him with the change of his chance like as a rub to an overthrown Bowl which proves oftentimes an help to the Caster by hindering its
be repaired for securing it self and the Coasts That his children abroad eat no bread but by him His customs the best part of his Revenue in effect the substance of all are farmed with conditions if war follow their bargains sease and Subsidies ask time to bring in unless he take them up upon credit and so lose of their value In these cases he would be loath to shew his Teeth and cannot bite And refers the condition of his own Estate to his Treasurer And thus freely he opens his heart for their Hearts and Help let them shew the means and he will do what they direct referring the dispose of monies to their own Deputies and Treasurers and upon the offer of their Means he makes War he will wave the Prerogative of Kings of War and Peace and be advised by them in either for weapons breed peace He desires to be in Love with Parlaments to make good Laws reform abuses and maintain good Government and so blesses their labours to the end Thus far the King Here was plainess He had cause to fear for he foresaw his own hazard to be left in the lurch So that to set him forward without despair they soeak as they should mean and not long after give him this Declaration They first render thanks to his sacred Majesty for accepting their humble advice to assist him in a Parliamentary way with their persons and abilities And whereas his Majesty was pleased to descend to particular propositions for advance of so great a Buâ—iness upon his Majesties Declaration for dissolution and discharge of both Treaties and for defence of the Realm the securing Ireland the assisting the Netherlands and other his Majestyes Friends and Allyes and for the Navy For these they will grant him three intire Subsidies and three fifteens to be paid within a year The money to be in hands of Committes and Commissioners by them to be expended as shall be agreed upon this present Session The King was well pleased and tells them He is willing to dissolve the Treaties their Gift being sufficient to begin a War but when it will end God knowes That he will ingage his Successor his Son for the recovery of the Palatinate and in his old age will assist in Person if need be That as he is pleased the Committes should direct the disposing of the monies so the Design must not be acted by publick councells that is whether two thousanâ— or ten thousand by Sea or Land East or West by Diversion or Invasion upon the Emperour or Bavaria these be hopes must be left to the King Hereupon a Council of War is chosen of some antient Actors in the Militia of Ireland and other Nobility the Meeting at the Savor at the Lord Caries President of that Council who resolve of six thousand to be sent for the present into the Low Countreys to join with their forces against the Spanish under command of Spinola and so have a freer passage into Germany if need were hereafter The Spanish Ambassadour Marquess of Inojosâ— much perplexed at the even proceedings between the King and Parliament resolved to put in practice a Jesuite trick upon Buckingham by that means to distemper the Calm proceedings of this State We are told the Manner That Inojosa sent one Padre Majestre a Spanish Iesuit a great Statesman to King James that he under confession had found the King was by Buckingham or by his procurement to be killed but whether by Poison Pistol Dagger c. he could not tell Then that the King should say to Buckingham ah Stenny Stenny a term of favour wilt thou kill me the Duke in high passion being told that Padre Majestre had been with the King who being questioned by the Duke Inojosa undertook the quarrel and told the Duke he would maintain him the Traytor c. Another saies That the Ambassadour sent one to the King to let him know That the Duke of Buckingham had some dangerous Machination on foot that tended to his Destruction and the best He could expect would be a Conâ—inement to a Country House in some Park during his life the Prince being now ripe for Government c. and the Author concludes That such an attempt could not be done without the Princes privity and yet the King was willing to have the Brat strangled in the Womb though there was cause to suspect that the great intimacy and deerness between the Prince and Duke like the conjunction of two dreadfull Planets could not but portend the production of some dangerous effect to the Old King What horrid infamy is here cast on them both But this was the story and the truth for not a day passed then but that I was present and acquainted with all that transaction to the end It was well known how much it concerned the Ambassadour for his Masters honour to disimprove the value of Buckingham with the King and Parliament and cunningly meant to do it home and to involve the Prince too in one and the same act And therefore aspersed abroad a suspition which really also Inojosa devised to the Kings ear That Buckingham should have plotted this Parliament to over power the King which if resisted then by that authority to conâ—ine the King and to transfer soveraignty upon the Prince And thus Machevils rule lay the scandal high enough no matter to prove it Himself the Brocher to be free from Examination being qualified an Ambassadour A great noise there was I remember well more in the peoples resentment than any way considerable at Court. And yet the Duke was not so dull to neglect the means of satisfying Others Himself and Prince needed not nor truly did it any way interfear as it was devised to startle the King And being generally cryed down as a false scandal the power of all three could not question an Ambassadour though it was scanned at the Council Table and put to vote in the house too how to proceed with him That the Shield of his Ambassy was too weak to defend him from the Sword of Iustice for then he resolves into a private man The Duke not satisfyed had the opinion of a learned Antiquary who with much circumstance advised and directed a tedious Ceremony of State to be used therein Both Speakers to remonstrate to the Ambassadour the crime and if he reveal not the Informers then is he Author Scandali and so the Houses to petition the King to confine him and restrain his person till his Master know his offence and satisfy Iustice. If he does not then is it Transactio Criminis upon himself and draws a denounce of War But the wisdome of the King would have none of this Geer Yet the Prince and Duke complained hereof to Spain and a command returned to Inojosa to crave forgivenesse which he did and the Duke in confidence of his own Innocency suffered it to passe without much more trouble to seek satisfaction in publique for he
the pulse of that State Sir Henry Rich Lord Kensington was sent over singly and at his own time and discretion to mannage the discovery of the French affections and then to present himself with his credence He arrived in no publique splendour at Paris on Sunday after Noon and was informed that the King intended the next morning a journey for five or six daies to Shantelie a House of Momorancies and therefore in private Kensington gave visit to the Duke of Chevereux who with his Lady were appareling for instant Actors in the Queens Mask and within an hower came the Queen Regent and Madame and in an hours view might have this chataâ—ter The Sweetest Creature in France her growth as her age little her Discourse discreet and quick and had the report of Wisdom beyond her years and for additions of grace she was said to dance and sing most sweetly I am fure she lookt so My Lord had reason to suspect the Queens reserve towards him she being Spanish and so not well pleased with the breach of her Sisters match But she was changed so much French as to grace him with her hand The King was told of Kensington and because of his journey next Morning purposed to receive him an Ambassadour as some had suggested to him untill Chevereux assured him the contrary his comming meerly to kiss his Majestyes hand and see the glory of his Court this Christmass and so was taken to the Masque danced by sixteen the greatest Princesses of France with whom the King and his Masquers the last Tuesday were now by lot to dance with these Ladies and all these and the Court besides so infinitely rich in Iewels golden and silver dressing being there forbidden as their apparel almost all â—mbroidered and thick with Diamonds and Pearl as usually with purl I doubt not but some counterâ—eit or else you might have suspected the wealth of that nation on their backs The presence of a Stranger somewhat publique presented to each persons caress made most men acquainted with State to judge the plot of his Journey was rather to set an edge upon Spain to cut off delayes than to cut the throat of that business The Kings weakness or indisposition to affairs gave leave and time to Queen Mother to mannage all who receiving an humble visit by Kensington to kiss her hands she entered discourse of the Spanish Allyance The Treaty said he had suffered many Delaies and was annulled Though the Spanish Ambassadour there had given it out to be concluded on purpose to prevent conjunction with France which he suspected and his design got credit with some persons of power seeing Kensington had no Credentials positive to speak to the purpose Yet from others and not the meanest he apprehended the affections of that State generally prepared to receive offers of Amity and Allyance when the dissolution of the other shall be declared Indeed the Savoy Embassadour there said That the intention of the King of Spain was for a Cross Match with France for himself But the late abuse upon the English in that way made the French wary and hastily to bite at that bate Yet the reasons of State were not unequal Our Design was double both Marriage and League against Spain And if the French should match with Spain and so hold us to hard conditions they have the safer ground for they may expect restitution of the Valtoline as we do demand the Palatinate these two being the open quarrels on both parts to ground And these doubts were suspected to draw on a tedious Treaty and therefore it was thought fit by the English to insist upon the Match and bring on the League necessarily to follow and to have reasonable conditions concerning Catholiques in England Indeed the necessity of the French Affairs least Spain that hath begirt them should in time swallow them up was like to make this Match easie enough for the English the alarm being fresh in Court from the Spaniards raising a fort upon the ruin to command the Town of Liege Queen Mother suspecting that Kensingtons errand was in earnest by degrees gave him incouragement to speak plain though it was his part to plead and wo too without any signal The Duke of Chevereux and Le Grand of credit and power both were the men this Design most affected Kensington bore the Princes Picture tackt to his Breast limm'd in little in a Case of set Diamonds which the Queen would offer to open as to shew the Ladies which they would as often desire to please her Majesty who me thought did love to look on it She wishing that some good occasion might make them meet and she might see him like himself But because Madam could not in modesty or honor get a glance of his shadow she in private delt with a Madamoselle that had some interest in one of the Lords Family to borrow the Picture and so in secret to gaze her fill where in much hast she opened the Picture and discovered her passions her blushes not concealing her inward affections to his person which she prized by praising his Picture in presence of him that saw her Two mouths calmed the way unto the Mother she and Le Grand advised to move the King if this business were fitted to the full But Kensington declined as not to deliver the King his Masters inclination unless he might receive the return answerable to a due respect and value of the Proposition Of which being assured he took his opportunity to withdraw the K. towards the window and told him That his journey to France was singly his own inclination to honour and serve him and therein to discover how the Prince of Wales would be free and disingaged from the Spanish Treaty not finding them to his expectation in such particulars as principally should invite a Conjunction And therefore the Duke of Buckingham had exercised his interest with the King and Prince to convert those thoughts towards his Majesty from whom it was perswaded nothing but truth and honour would be returned as an advantage to both Nations And believed that if the King would shew a disposition inclineable the effects would soon confirm the end of his comming free from other Designs than what he now expressed The King often uncovered said He had not heard that the Match with Spain was as yet broke the just cause for him to be reserved But assured him in general That any propositions from the King of Great Brittain should be heartily received This was short for his Imperfection of extream stammering by nature made him usually speak very little whose affection if one might Guess by his courtesy would have said more as most of the Ministers of that State did And that nothing to them was more equal than Amity and Allyance with England This entrance encouraged Kensington to discover himself and letters of Credence to the King and so was quallified to treat fuâ—ther And to increase more than
had we hearts aright to conceive of Gods extraordinary love and such miraculous Mercies as never Nation enjoyed walk over the World peruse the whole face of the Earth from East to West from North to South from one side of Heaven to another you shall not find such another nlightened Goshen as this Island where besides doth the Gospel shine with such Glory Truth and Peace c. We have lived in a time of Miracles Our posterity will hardly believe the wonders done in Our daies c. Was it not a miraculous mercy to have such a King c. who hath already next under that Almighty God by whom Kings reign continued the Gospel unto us and preserved us from the destroying Sword all his blessed Reign over us and what do you think were so many years Peace worth were it to be bought with the Enjoyment of the Gospel to boot He hath enobled this Kingdome for ever by his excellent Writings in the cause of Religion against Antichrist which would have created a great deal of Honour to a private Man minding nothing else How illustrious then do they make Our King The child unborn will blesse King James For his Premonition to all Princes and free States of Christendome and that Royal Remonstrance against the rotten and pestilent Otation of the French Cardinal to the utter and Triumphant overthrow of it penned in that Stile that none can possibly reach but a learned King his Golden Pen hath given such a blow to that Beast of Rome that he will never be able to stand upon his four Legs again He hath shot out of his Royal Bow such keen Arrowes taken out of the Quâ—ver of Gods Book which will hang in the sides of that Scarlet Whore and make her lame as long as she lives Hath he not most happily and seasonably stopt the hasty torrent of the Arminian Sect and the domineering Rage of bloody Duels c. And was not the discovery and delivery from the Powder plot that great Astonihment of Men and Angels one of the most unparallell'd and merciful Miracles that ever the Church of God tasted c. And to crown all with wonder of greatest Astonishment do not we all that are of the Kings faithfullest Subjects almost fear still left we be in a dream That King Charles the flower of Christendom c. And concludes Away then with all sowr melancholick causeless sinful discontent And praise ye the Lord sing unto the Lord a New song and his praise in the Congregation of the Saints Let Israel rejoice in him that made him Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King for the Lord taketh pleasure in his People he will beautifie the meek with salvation Let the Saints be joyful in Glory Let them sing aloud upon their Beds c. Sir Francis Bacon in honour of K. Iames. WHerefore representing your Majesty many times unto my mind and beholding you not with the eye of presumption to discover that which the Scripture tells me is inscrutable but with the observant eye of duty and admiration leaving aside the other parts of your virtue and fortune I have been touched yea and possessed with an extreame wonder at these your virtues and faculties which the Philosophers call Intellectuals The largeness of your Capacity the faithfulness of your Memory the swiftness of your apprehension the penetration of your Iudgement and the facility and order of your Elocution And I have then thought that of all the persons living that I have known your Majesty were the best instance to make a man of Plato's Opinion That all knowledge is but Remembrance and that the Mind of man by Nature knoweth all things and hath but her own Native and Original Notions which by the strangeness and darkness of the Tabernacle of the Body are sequestred again revived and restored such a Light of Nature I have observed in your Majesty and such a readiness to take flame and blaze from the least occasion presented or the least Spark of anothers knowledge delivered And as the Scripture saith of the Wisest King That his heart was as the Sand of the Sea which though it be one of thr largest Bodies yet it consisteth of the smallest and finest portions So hath God given your Majesty a composition of understanding admirable being able to compass and comprehend the greatest Matters and nevertheless to touch and apprehend the least wherein it should seem an impossibility in Nature for the same Instrument to make it self fit for great and small Works And for your gift of Speech I call to mind what Cornelius Tacitus saith of Augustus Caelar Augusto profluens uâ— quae principem deceret eloquentia fuit For if we mark it well Speech that is uttered with labour and difficulty or Speech that â—avoureth of the affectation of Art and Precepts Or Speech that is framed after the imitation of some pattern of Eloquence though never so excellent All this hath somewhat Servile and holding of the Subject But your Majesties manner of Speech is indeed Princelike flowing as from a Fountain and yet streaming and branching it self into Natures Order full of facility and felicity Imitating none and imitable by any And as in your Civil Estate there appeareth to be an emulation and contention of your Majesties Virtues with your Fortunes a virtuous Disposition with a Fortunate Regiment a virtuous expectation when time was of your greater fortune with a prosperous possession thereof in the due time a virtuous observation of the Laws of Marriage with most blessed and happy fruit of Mariage a virtuous and most Christian desire of Peace with a fortunate inclination in your Neighbour Princes thereunto So likewise in those Intellectual Matters there seemeth to be no less contention between the excellency of your Majesties gifts of nature and the Universality and perfection of your Learning For I am well assured of this that what I shall say is no Amplification at all but a positive and measured Truth which is That there hath not been since Christs time any King or Temporal Monarch which hath been so learned in all Literature and Erudition Divine and Humane For let a Man seriously and diligently revolve and peruse the succession of the Emperours of Rome of which Caesar the Dictatoâ— who lived some years before Christ and Marcus Anâ—onius were the best learned And so descend to the Emperours of Graecia or of the West and then to the lines of France Spain England Scotland and the Rest and he shall find this Judgement truly made For it seemeth much in a King if by the compendious extractions of other Mens Wits and Learning he can take hold of any superficial Ornaments and shews of Learning Or if he countenance and prefer Learning and Learned Men. But to drink indeed of the true Fountain of Learning nay to have such a Fountain of Learning in himself in a King and in a King born is almost a Miracle And the more because there