onely of them but of their forefathers also before them who falsely breaking the faith and promise made wyth the Britanes did crueliye murther their nobles wickedly oppressed their coÌ„mons impiously persecuted the innocent Christians miliciously possessed their land and habitation chasing the inhabitaunts out of house and country besides the violent murther of the Monkes of Bangor and diuers soule slaughters against the poore Brytaines who sent for them to be their helpers Wherefore Gods iust recompence fallyng vpon them from that time neuer suffered them to be quiet from forreine enimies till the comming of William the Normande c. Moreouer concerning the outward occasioÌ„s giueÌ„ of the Englishmens parts mouing the Danes first to inuade the Realme I find in certain stories two most especially assigned The one â—â—iustly giue iustly takeÌ„ The other not giuen iustly and 〈◊〉 taken Of the which two the first was giuen in Northumberland by meanes of Osbryght reigning vnder king of Westsaxons in the North partes This Osbright vppon a time iourneyng by the way turned into the house of one of his nobles called Bruer Who hauing at home a wife of great beautie he beyng absent abrod the king after his dinner allured wyth the excellency of her beautie tooke her to a secret chamber where he forceablye contrarye to her will did rauishe her whereupon she being greatly dismaied and vexed in her minde made her mooue to her husband returning of thys violence and iniury receaued Bruer consulting with his frindes first went to the king resigning to his hands all suche seruice and possessions which he did hold of him that done tooke shipping and sailed into Denmarke where he had great friends and had his bringing vp before There making his mone to Codrinus the king desired his aide in reuenging of the great vilany of Osbryght against him and his wife Codrinus hearing this and glad to haue some iust quarell to enter that land leuied an army with al spede preparing all things necessary for the same sendeth foorth Inguar and Hubba two brethren his chief Captaines with an innumerable multitude of Danes into England who first arriuing at Holdernesse there brent vp the country killed without mercy both men women and chidreÌ„ whoÌ„ they could lay haÌ„ds vpon Then marching toward York entred their battaile with the foresayde Osbryght where he with the most part of his armye was slaine And so the Danes entred the possession of the Citie of Yorke Some other say and is by the most part of storye writers recorded that the chiefe cause of the comming of Inguar Hubba with the Danes was to reuenge king Edmund reygnyng vnder the Westsaxons ouer the Eastangles in Nothfolke and Southfolk for the murdering of a certaine Dane being father to Inguar and Hubba which was falselye imputed to king Edmund The story is thus told A certaine noble man of the Danes of the kings stock called Lothebrocus father to Inguar and Hubba entring vppon a time with his hauke into a certaine schaffe or cockebote alone by chaunce through tempest was driuen with his hauke to the coast of Nothfolke named RodhaÌ„ where he being found and detained was presented vnto the king The king vnderstanding his parentage seing his case entertained him in his court accordingly And euery daye more and more perceiued his actiuities and great dexteritie in hunting hauking bare speciall fauour vnto him In so much that the kinges faukener or maister of game bearing priuy enuy against him secretly as they were huÌ„ting together in a woode did murther him threw him in a bush This Lothebroke being murthered within two or three daies began to be missed in the kinges house of whoÌ„ no tidings could be heard but onely by a dogge or spaniel of his which continuing in the wood with the corps of his maister at sondry times came and fauned vpon the king so long that at length they folowing the trase of the hound were brought to the place where Lothebroke laye WherevpoÌ„ inquisition made at length by certeine circumstances of words and other euidences it was knowne how by whom he was murthered that was by the kings huntesman nameâ— Berike Who thereupon being conuicted was set into the same bote of Lothebroke alone and without any takeling to driue by seas either to be saued by the weather or to be drowned in the deepe And as it chaunced Lothebroke from Dennemarke to be driued to Northfolke so it happened that from Northfolke he was caried into Denmarke Where the bote of Lothebroke being well knowen hands were laid vpon him inquisition made of the party In sine in his torments to saue himselfe he vttered an vntruth of king Egmund saying that the king had put him to death in the country of Northfolke Wherupon grudge first was conceiued theÌ„ an army appointed great multitude sent into England to reuenge that fact where first they arriuing in Northumberland destroyed as is sayd those parties first From thence sayling into Northfolke they exercised the like tyranny there vpon the inhabitauÌ„ts therof especially vpon the innocent prince blessed matter of God king Edmund CoÌ„cerning the farther declaration wherof hereafter shal follow Christ our Lord so permitting more to be spoken as place and obseruation of time and yeares shall require In the meane seasoÌ„ king Ethelwulphe in this chapiter here presently touched when he had chased the foresaid Daues as is aboue rehearsed from place to place causing theÌ„ to take the Sea he in the meane while departeth him selfe both from land and life leauing behinde him foure sons which reigned euery one in his order after the discease of their father The names of whom were Ethelbaldus Ethelbrightus Ethelredus and Aluredus ¶ King Ethelbalde KIng Ethelbald the eldest sonne of Ethelwulfe succeeding his father in the prouince of Westsaxe and Ethelbright in the prouince of Kent reigned both togither the terme of v. yeares one with the other Of the which two Ethelbald the first leâ—t this infamie behinde him in storyes for marrying and lying with his stepmother wife to hys owne father named Iudith After these two succeded Ethelred the thirde sonne who is his time was so encombred with the Danes brusting in on euery side especiallye about Yorke which Citie they then spoyled and brent vp that he in one yeare stoode in ix battailes against them with the helpe of Alured his brother In the beginning of thys Kinges reigne the Danes landed in East Englande or Northfolke Southfolke But as Fabian writeth they were compelled to forsake that country and so toke again shipping and sayled Northward and landed in NorthuÌ„berlande where they were met of the Kinges then there reigning called Osbright and Ella which gaue to them a strong light But notwithstanding the Danes with help of such as inhabited the country wanne the City of York and helde it a certaine season as is aboue foretouched
maintaining of Monkery falsly being perswaded that remission of theyr sinnes remedy of their soules therein did lie in building monasteries erecting churches and cloysters and in placing monks in the same and such other almes deedes and workes of deuotion Wherin appeareth how ignorāt that time was of the true doctrine of Christes faith and of free grace of the Gospell which promiseth life remedy and iustification not by any deuout merits of oures nor by any workes either of the lawe of God or of the inuentions of man but onely and freely by our faith vpon Christ Iesus the sonne of God in whom only consisteth al the promises of God Amen Nowe remaineth as in the former booke before so in this likewise to prosecute the order race of Archbishops of Canterbury as we haue done the race of kings beginning with Etheredus who succeded next after Celnocke the seuententh Archbishop of that Sea mentioned where we last left before Pag. 131. The names and order of the Archbishops of Caunterburie from the time of king Egbert to William Conquerour 18. Ethelredus 18  19 Pleimūdus 29 This Pleimundus was scholemaster to king Altrede 20. Athelmus 12. 21. Vlfelmus 23  22. Odo 20. By the players of thys Oddo the Monkish stories say that the sworde of King Ethelstane was brought again into his scabberd As touching the Epistle of thys Odo sent to other Byshoppes vide pag. 251. 23. Elfius or Elfinus 1 This Elfius first bishop of Winchester came to the sea of Cant. by the commaundement of King Edgar some say by bribes contrary to the mind of Odo Wherupon in the first day of hys consecration he insulting vppon the tomb of Odo with despite shortly after wēt to Rome for his pal where in his iorny vpon the alps he died for colde in so much that his horses being killed he put in their warme bellies yet could get no heate Malms 24 Dunstan 20. Of this Dunstane many monkish miracles be fained as of the harpe vpon the wall playing by it self Gaudent in Coelis c. of our ladie with her companie appearing to him singing Cantemus domino sociae Cantemus honorem Dulcis amor christi personet ore pio Also of the Angels singing Kyrieleyson c. Item of holding the Deuill by the nose with a paire of tonges tempting him with women Malmes Item of seeing the holy Ghost at his masse in likenesse of a Doue Item in deliuering the soule of Edwine from the Deuill Item in foreseeing the death of King Edred by the death and falling of his horse Item of his mother being great with Dustane when all the candels of others went out her onely candle remained light many other like fables c. ¶ Polydorus maketh Dunstane to be the 23. archb 25. Ethelgarus 1 This Siricus was the counseller to king Egelred to redeme peace of the Danes with a great tribute 26. Elfricus 11 27. Siricius 5 28. Elphegus 6 Elphegus because he denied to paye to the Danes a tribute was stoned to death at Greenewich of some is called a martyr 29. Liuingus 7 30. Egenoldus 17 31. Edsius 11 32. Robertus 2 This Robertus caused Godwine and his sonnes to be banished accusing them of Treason But afterward they being restored he went to Rome and at his returne died 33. Stigandus 17 Stigandus being an English man in the time of W. Conquerour the Normane was by the craft of the sayd William conueied into Normandie where a while with great honour he was entertained At length the sayde William procured secreately the popes letters to depose him that hee might place Lanfrancus in his roume This Stigandus died at length in prison 34 Lanfrancus 19 The ende of the thirde Booke THE FOVRTH BOOKE CONTEINING other 300. yeares from William Conquerour to the tyme of Iohn Wickliffe wherein is described the proude and misordered raigne of Antichrist beginning to stirre in the Church of Christ. WILLIAM Duke of Normandie surnamed Conqueror base sonne of Duke Robert the sixth Duke of Normandie nephew vnto king Edward after the foresaid victorie against Harold the Englishmen obtained was receiued king ouer the Realme of Englande not so much by the assent as for feare and necessitie of time For els the Londiners had promised their assistance to Edgar Atheling to the vttermost of their power But being weakened wasted so greatly in battailes before and the Duke comming so fast vppon them fearing not to make their partie good submitted themselues Whereupon the saide William of a Duke made a King was crowned vpon Christmas day the yeare of our Lorde 1067. by the handes of Aldredus Archb. of Yorke Forsomuch as at that time Stigandus Archb. of Canterb. was absent or els durst not or woulde not come in the presence of the king A litle before the comming in of this Duke a terrible blasing starre was seene the space of 7. daies which was the yere before In record wherof as well of the conquest of the Duke as of the blasing starre these verses yet remaine Sexagenus erat sextus millesimus annus Cum pereunt Angli stella monstrante cometa Which king thus being crowned did reigne ouer the realme of England the space of 21. yeres and one moneth with great seuerity cruelnes towarde the Englishmen burdening them with great tribute and exactions which was to pay of euery hide of grounde containing 20. acres 6. shillings By meane wherof certaine parties of the land rebelled and specially the citie of Exceter But at last William ouercame them and wan the city and punished them grieuously But for that for other sterne deedes of William diuers of the Lordes departed to Scotland wherfore he kept the other Lordes that taried the straiter and exalted the Normanes geuing to them the chiefe possessions of the land And for so much as he obteyned the kingdome by force and dent of sword he chaunged the whole state of the gouernance of this common weale and ordeined new lawes at his owne pleasure profitable to himself but greuous hurtful to the people abolishing the lawes of king Edward Wherunto notwtstanding he was sworn before to obserue maintaine For the which great commotions and rebellions remained long after among the people as hystories record to haue the sayd lawes of king Edwarde reuiued againe Ouer and besides this he builded 4. strong castles 2. at Yorke one at Notingham another at Lincolne which garrisons he furnished with Normanes About the third yere of his reigne Harold Canutus sonnes of Suanus King of Denmarke entered into the North countrey The Normanes wythin Yorke fearing that the Englishmen woulde aide the Danes fired the suburbes of the towne wherof the flame was so big and the winde so strong that it tooke into the city and brent a great part therof with the minster of S. Peter Where no doubt many worthy workes and
in tymes past by ignoraunce had all vnder hys possession yet neyther must he thinke that violence will alwayes continue neyther must he hope for that now which he had then for so much as in those former dayes bookes then were scarse also of such excessiue price that few coulde attayne to the buying fewer to the reading studying therof which bookes now by the meanes of this arte are made easie vnto al men Ye heard before pag. 665 how Nicholas Belward bought a new testament in those dayes for foure markes and 40. pence where as now the same price will serue well 40. persons with so many bookes Moreouer in the pag. 411. col 1. it was noted and declared by the testimony of Armachanus how for defect of bookes and good authors both vniuersities were decaied and good wits kept in ignoraunce while begging Fryers scaping all the wealth from other priestes heaped vp all bookes that coulde be gotten into theyr owne Libraryes where eyther they dyd not diligently applye them or els did not rightly use them or at least kept them from such as more fruitfully would haue perused them In this then so great raritie and also dearth of good books when neither they which could haue books would well vse them nor they y◠woulde could haue them to vse what maruell if the greedines of a few prelates did abuse the blindnes of those daies to the aduauncement of themselues Wherefore almighty God of hys mercifull prouidence seeing both what lacked in the church and how also to remedy the same for that aduauncement of his glory gaue the vnderstanding of this excellent arte or science of printing whereby three singular cōmodities at one time came to the world First the price of all bookes diminished Secondly toe speedy helpe of reading more furthered And thirdly the plenty of all good authours enlarged according as Aprutinus doth truely report Imprimit ille die quantum non scribitur anno 1. The presse in one day will do in printing That none in one yeare can do in writing By reason whereof as printing of bookes ministred matter of readyng so readyng brought learning learning shewedlight by y◠brightnes wherof blind ignorance was suppressed errour detected finally Gods glory with trueth of hys worde aduaunced This facultie of Printing was after the inuention of Gunnes the space of 130. yeares which inuention was also found in Germany an 1380. And thus much for the worthy commendation of printing ¶ The lamentable losing of Constantinople ANno 1453. Constantinus Paloelogus beyng Emperour of Constatinople the 29. day of the month of May the great Cittye of Constantinople was taken by the Turke Mahometes after the siege of 54. dayes which siege began in the beginning of Aprill Within the city beside the Citizens were but onely 6000. rescuers of the Greekes And 3000. of the Uenetians Gennues Against these Mahometes brought an army of 400. thousand collected out of the countryes and places adioyning nere about as out of Grecia Illirico Wallachia Dardanis Triballis Bulganis out of Bithynia Galatia Lydia Cecilia and suche other which places had the name yet of Christians Thus one neighbour for lucre sake helped to destroy all other The Cittie was compassed of the Turkes both by the sea land Mahometes the Turke deuided his armye in 3. sondry partes which in 3. partes of the citty so bette the walles and brake them downe that they attempted by the breaches therof to enter the cittye But the valiauntnes of the Christians there in wanne much cōmendation whose Duke was called Iohn Iustinianus of Genua But for so much as the assaultes were great and the number of the Christian souldiours dayly decreased fighting both at the walles and at the Hauen agaynst such a multitude of the Turkes they were not able long to hold out Beside the armyes which lay battering at the walles the Turke had vpon the sea his nauy of 200. and 50. sayle lying vpon the hauen of the City reaching from the one side of the hauens mouth vnto the other as if a bridge should be made frō the one banke to the other Which hauen by the cittizens was barred with yron chaines whereby the Turks were kept out a certayne space Agaynst whiche nauy 7. ships there were of Genua within the hauen and 3. of Creta and certayne of Chio which stoode agaynst them Also the souldiours issuing out of the Cittie as occasion would serue did manfully gaynstand them and with wild fire set their ships on fire that a certayn space they could serue to no vse At length the cheynes being brast a way made the Turkes nauy entred the hauen and assaulted the Cittie whereby the Turke began to conceiue great hope and was in forwardnes to obtain the Citie The assault and skirmish thē waxing more hoate Mahometes the tyraunt stode by vppon an hill with hys warriours about him crying houling out vnto them to skale the walles and enter the towne otherwise if any reculed he threatned to kill them and so he did Wherefore a great number of his souldiours in theyr repulse and retire were slaine by the turkes men being sēt by his commandement to slay them and so they were iustly serued and well payd theyr hyer Although this was some comfort to the Christians to see and behold out of the Cittie the Turkes retinue so consumed yet that hope lasted not long Shortly after by rage of warre it happened Iustinian the Duke aboue named to be hurt who notwithstanding that he was earnestly desired by Paloelogus the Emperour not to leaue his Tower which he had to keepe seeing hys wound was not deadly daungerous yet could he not be intreated to tary but lefte his standing and his fort disfurnished setting none in his place to award the same And so this donghty Duke hurte more with hys false hart then with force of weapon gaue ouer and fled to Chius where shortly after for sorrow rather then for sorenes of wound he died Many of his souldiours seeing their captayne flee followed after leauing their fort vtterly destitute without defence The Turkes vnderstanding y◠vantage soone brast into the cittie The Emperour Paloelogus seeing no other way but to flee making toward the gate eyther was slayne or els troden down with the multitude In the which gate 800. dead mēs bodies were found and taken vp The Cittie of Constantinople thus being gotte the Turkes sacking and raunging about the streetes houses and corners did put to the sword most vnmercifully whō soeuer they found both aged and young matrones virgins children and infants sparing none the noble matrones and virgins were horriblye rauished the goods of the cittie the treasurers in houses the ornaments in churches were all sackt and spoyled the pictures of Christ approbriously handled in hatred of Christ. The spoyle and hauocke of the citie lasted three dayes together while the barbarous souldiours murdered and rifeled what them
liuing Lord within the Arke of his true spirituall and visible Churche And where is then the friuolous bragge of the Papistes which make so muche of there paynted sheath would nedes beare vs downe that this gournment of the Church of Rome which nowis hath bene of such an old standing time out of minde euen from the primitiue Antiquitie that neuer was any other church demonstrable here in earth for men to follow besides the said only Catholick mother church of Rome whē as we haue sufficiently proued before by the continual descēt of the Church till this present tyme that the sayd Church after the doctrine which is now reformed is no new begunne matter but euen the olde continued Churche by the prouidence and promise of Christ still standing which albeit it hath bene of late yeares repressed by the tyranny of Romayne Byshops more then before yet notwithstanding it was neuer so oppressed but God hath euer maintayned in it the truth of his Gospell agaynst heresies and errours of the Church of Rome as in thys history more at full is to be seene Let vs now proceede farther as we began deducing this descent of the Churche vnto the 1501. yeare In which yeare the Lord began to shew in the partes of Germany wonderfull tokens and blody markes of his Passion as the bloudy Crosse hys nayles speare and Crowne of thornes which fell from heauen vpon the garments and cappes of men and rockes of woman as you may further read in this booke pag. 816. By the which tokens almighty God no doubt presignified what grieuous afflictions and bloudy persecutions shoulde then begin to ensue vppon his Churche for hys Gospels sake according as in this history is described wherein is to be seene what Christen bloud hathe bene spilt what persecutions raysed what tyranny exercised what tormentes deuised what trechery vsed agaynst the poore flocke and Church of Christ in such sort as since Christes tyme greater hath not bene seene And now by reuolution of yeares we are come from the time of .1501 to that yeare now present 1570. In which the full seuenty yeares of the Babilonicall captiuitie draweth now well to an ende if we count from the first appearing of these bloudy markes aboue mentioned Or if wee recken from the beginning of Luther and hys persecution then lacketh yet xvi yeres Now what the Lord wil do with this wicked world or what rest he will geue to hys Church after these long sorrowes he is our father in heauen his will be done in earth as seemeth best to his diuine maiestie In the meane time let vs for our partes with all patient obedience wayt vpon hys gracious leysure and glorifie his holy name and edifie one an other with all humilitie And if there cannot be an end of our disputing and contending one agaynst an other yet let there be a moderation in our affections And for asmuch as it is the good will of our God that Sathan thus should be let lose amongst vs for a short time yet let vs striue in the meane while what wee can to amende the malice of the tyme with mutuall humanitie They that be in errour let them not disdayne to learne They whiche haue greater talentes of knowledge committed instruct in simplicitie them that be simple No man liueth in that common wealth where nothing is amisse But yet because God hath so placed vs Englishmen here in one common wealth also in one Church as in one shippe together let vs not mangle or deuide the shippe which being deuided perisheth but euery man serue in his order with dilligence wherein he is called They that sitte at the helme keepe well the poynt of the needle to knowe how the ship goeth and whether it should Whatsoeuer weather betydeth the needle well touched with the stone of Gods word will neuer fayle Such as labour at the oares start for no tempest but doe what they can to keepe from the rockes Likewise they whiche be inferiour rowmes take heede they moue no sedition nor disturbance agaynst the rowers and mariners No storme so daungerous to a shippe on the sea as is discord and disorder in a weale publique What countryes and nations what kingdomes and Empyres what Cities townes and houses discord hath dissolued in storyes is manifest I neede not spend tyme in rehearsing examples The Lord of peace who hath power both of land and Sea reach forth hys mercifull hand to helpe them vp that sincke to keepe them vpp that stand to still these windes and sourging seas of discord and contention among vs that wee professing one Christ may in one vnitie of doctrine gather our selues into one Arke of the true Church together where we continuing stedfast in fayth may at the last luckely be conducted to the ioyfull porte of our desired landing place by hys heauenly grace To whome both in heauen and in earth be all power and glory with his father and the holy spirite for euer Amen The vtilitie of this Story SEyng the worlde is replenished with such an infinite multitude of bookes of all kinde of matters I may séeme perhaps to take a matter in hand superfluous and needles at this present to set out such Uolumes especially of histories considering now a dayes the world is so greatly pestered not only with superfluous plenty therof but of all other treatises so that books now seeme rather to lacke Readers then Readers to lacke bookes In which multitude of bookes I doubt not but many doe both perceiue and inwardly bewayle this insatiable boldnes of many now a dayes both in writing and printing which to say the truth for my part I do as much lament as any man els beside and would therefore no man should thinke that vnaduisedly or with rashnes I haue attempted this enterprise as one being not onely doubtful but also both bashfull and feareful within my self for setting the same abroad And why first I perceaued howe learned this age of ours is in reading of bookes neither could I tell what the secret iudgementes of readers woulde conceaue to see so weake a thing to set vpon such a weighty enterprise not sufficiently furnished with such ornamentes able to satisfie the perfection of so great a story or sufficient to serue the vtility of the studious and the delight of the learned Which abilitie the more I perceiued to be wanting in me the lesse I durst be bold to become a writer But agayne on the other side when I weyed with my selfe what memorable Actes and famous doynges this latter age of the Churche hath ministred vnto vs by the patient suffringes of the worthy martyrs I thought it not to be neglected that so precious Monumentes of so many matters meet to be recorded and regestred in books should lie buried by my default vnder darkenes of obliuion Me thought somewhat was to be sayd of them for their well deseruing and something agayne of our partes for benefites by
vsurpe them so falsely and obtrud them vpon vs so straitly Moreouer if the sayd our aduersaries being conuicted by plaine euidence of hystorye and example of time will yeld vnto vs as they must needes in part and not in the whole let vs come then to the particulars and see what part of this regalitie they wil defend and deriue from the auncient custome of the Primitiue Church that is from the first fyue hundred yeares I meane after Christ. First in the Coōcell of Nyce which was the yeare of our Lord. 340. and in the .vj. Canon of the sayd Councell we finde it so decreed that in euery prouince or precinct of some one Church and Byshop of the same was appointed and set vp to haue the inspection and regiment of other churches about him Secundum morem antiquum that is after the ancient custome as the wordes of the Councell do purport so that the Byshop of Alexandria shoulde haue power of Lybia Pentapolis in Egypt for as much as the Byshop of the Cytie of Rome hath the like or same maner And in like sort also in Antioch in other countreyes let euery Church haue his due honor consequently that the Bishop of Ierusalem haue also his due honor to him reserued so that such order be kept that the Metropolitane Cities be not defrauded of their dignitie which to them is due and proper c. In this Councell and in the same Canon vj. and vij where the Byshops of Alexandria of Rome and of Antioch are ioyned together in on like maner of dignity fyrst there appeareth no difference of honor to be ment therin Secondlye for somuch as in the sayde two Canons after mention made of them immediately followeth that no Byshops should be made without consent of their Metropolitanes yea and that the City also of Hierusalem should be vnder hys Metropolitane and that the Metropolitane should haue the ful power to confirme euery Byshop made in his prouince Therfore it may be well suspected that the third Epistle decretall of Pope Anacletus and of Pope Stephanus with other mo are forged wherin these Byshops and especially the Byshop of Rome is exempted and desceuered from the name of a Metropolitane or an Archbyshop to the name of a Patriarch or Primate as appeareth in the decrees dist 22. cap. Sacro sancta wherefore as wee must needes graunt the Byshop of Rome to be called a Metropolitane or an Archbyshop by the Councell of Nice so we will not greatly sticke in this also to haue him numbred with Patriarches or primates which title seemeth in the old tyme to be common to mo Cities then to Rome both by the Epistle of Anacletus of Pope Stephanus of Pope Iulius and Leo c. After this followed a generall Councell in Aphricke called the vj. Councell of Carthage an 420. where were congregated 217. Byshops among whom was also Augustinus Prosper Orosius with diuers other famous persons This Councell continued the space of v. yeares wherein was great contention about the supremacie and iurisdiction of Rome The Byshop wherof then was Zosimus This Zosimus the Romane Bishop had receaued the same time into the communion of the church without any examination one that came to complaine to him out of Aprike named Apiarius a Priest whom Aurelius the Metropolitane with the Councell of Aphrike had worthelye excommunicated for his detestable conditions before Uppon this Zosimus after that hee hadde receaued and shewed such fauor to Apiarius for that he did appele to him sendeth to the Councell his messengers to wit Fastinus Byshop of Potentine and two Priestes of the Churche of Rome named Philippus and Asellus with these foure requestes first that Apiarius whom he had absolued might be receaued of them againe and that it might be lawful for Byshops or Priestes to appeale from the sentence of their Metropolites also of the Counsell to the sea of Rome Secondly that Byshops should not saile ouer importunely ad comitatum Thirdly that if any Priest or Deacon were wrongfully excommunicate by the Byshops of their owne prouince it should be lawfull for thē to remooue the hearing and iudgeing of their cause to their neighbour bishops Forthly that Vrbanus there Byshop either should be excommunicated or els sent vp to Rome vnlesse he would correct those things that were to be corrected c. For the approbation whereof the sayde Zosimus alledged for him the words as he pretended taken out of Nicene Councell The Councell of Carthage hearyng this and remembring no such thing in the Councell of Nice to bee decred yet not suspecting the Byshop of Rome to dare wrongfully to falsefie the wordes of that Councell writeth againe to Zosimus declaring that they neuer reade to their remembraunce in their common Latine exemplare of Nicene Councell any such Canon yet notwithstanding for quietnes sake they woulde obserue the same tyll time they might procure the originall copies of that councell to be sent to them from Constantinople Alexandria and from Antioch In like effect afterward they wrote to Pope Boniface which then succeded Zosimus And thirdly also to Celestinus which shortly after succeeded Boniface In the meane time this foresayd Councell sent their Legates Marcellus and Innocentius to Atticus Patriarche of Constantinople and to Cyrillus Patriarch of Alexandria for the autentique copies in Greeke of Nicene Councell which being sent vnto them they finding in the true originals no such Canon as the Bishoppe of Rome had falsely forged they wrote a sharpe an handsome letter to Celestinus Byshop of Rome calling him in the said letter by the way Domine frater declaring to him how they had perused all the copies of the Councell of Nice coulde finde no such Canon as he and his predecessours had falsely alledged and therewithall reciting the vj. Canon afore mentioned declared how the decrees of Nicene Councell had committed all and singular persons Ecclesiasticall as well Byshops as other vnto the charge of their Metropolitanes Moreouer expounding the same decree they shewed the reasons thereof 1. For that sayd they the fathers of that councell did well foresee to be most iust and conuenient that all controuersies there be ended in ijsdem locis where they begin 2. For that it is not to be supposed contrary but that the grace of God wil be as prest and ready in one prouince as in other to instruct his ministers both prudētly to vnderstand iudgement and constantly to mayntayne the same 3. For that there is no need to seeke further to any outlandish helpe because especially that the party whosoeuer is not contented with the determination of his iudges or commissioners may lawfully appeale either to the prouincial or to any generall counsell 4. That way to be better then to runne to any forranine Iudge it must needes be graunted because it is not like that our God will inspire his iustice and truth of
of Bishops or after a tyrannical maner doth subdue and bring vnder his fellowes vnto the necessitie of his obedience c. By these woordes of Cyprian and Augustine it is manifest that in their tyme was no supremacie or vniuersall title among Bishops receiued nor that any greater respect was had to the bishop of Rome as Pius the 2. saith Epist. 301. before the Councell of Nice And after in that Councell the said Bishop of Rome had no further authoritie to him limited then only ouer his prouince and places suburbane bordering about the Citie of Rome Against whose primacie diuers cities also did resist long after that as the Church of Rauenna Mediolanensis and Aquilegiensis Also the Greeke Churches long resisted the same so did the churches of Asia Rutenicae Moscouiticae Valachicae and other moe But to returne againe to Gregory who confirming the sentence of Pelagius his predecessour aboue mentioned had no small conflicts about this title matter both with the Patriarche and with the Emperour of Constantinople as witnesseth Antonius other c. The historie is thus After that Iohn beyng made of a Monke Patriarche of Constantinople by his flatterie hypocrisie had obtained of Mauritius the Emperor to be extolled aboue other Bishops with the name of vniuersall Patriarche and that he would write to Gregorie bishop then of Rome for his consent concerning the same Gregory abiding still in his constancie did set himselfe stoutly against that Antichristian title and would geue no place At the same tyme the Lombards had inuaded the countrey of Italy and the Citie of Rome the Emperor keping then at Constantinople and setting in Italy an ouersear called Exarchus to rule in Rauenna Gregory perceiuing the Emperour Mauritius to bee displeased with him about the matter afore touched writeth to Constantina the Empresse arguing and declaring in his letters that presumption and pride of him to bee vniuersall Patriarch was both against the rule of the gospel and decrees of the Canons namely the vj. Canon of Nicene Councell and the noueltie of that newfound title to declare nothing els but that the tyme of Antichrist was neere Upon this Mauritius the Emperor taking displeasure with him calleth home his souldiors againe from Italy and inciteth the Lombardes against the Romaines who with their king Agilulphus therupoÌ„ contrary to their league made before set vpon the citie of Rome and besieged it a whole yeare togither Gregory yet notwithstaÌ„ding still remaining in his former constancie After these afflictions thus ouerpast Eulogius Patriarch of Alexandria writeth to the said Gregory in his letters naming him vniuersall Pope vnto whom Gregory refusing the same answereth againe as followeth The letter of Gregorie to the Patriarch of Alexandria BEhold in the Preface of your Epistle directed to me ye haue vsed a worde of a proud name calling me vniuersall Pope which I pray your holinesse you will cease hereafter to doe for that is derogated from you whatsoeuer is attributed to an other more then right and reason requireth As for me I seeke not mine aduauncement in wordes but in maners neither doe I account that any honour wherein the honour of my brethren I see to bee hindred For my honour I take to be the honour of the vniuersall Church my honour is the whole and perfect vigour of my brethren Then am I honoured when to no man is denied the due honour which to him belongeth For if your holinesse call me vniuersall Pope in so doing you denie your selfe to be that which ye affirme me to be vniuersal But that God forbid let these words therefore go which do nothing but puffe vp vanitie and wound charitie c. It were too long here to inferre all such letters and Epistles of his concerning this matter written to the Emperour Mauritius and Constantina the Empresse but that shal more largely appeare hereafter Christ willing in the body of the history when we come to the yeare and time of Gregory which was well nie about vj. hundred yere after Christ. In the meane season this is sufficieÌ„t to declare how the church of Rome with the fourme and maner of their title of vniuersall supremacie now vsed maintained hath vtterly swerued from the auncient steps of the primitiue church of Rome Now let vs see what the aduersarie side hath to obiect againe for the title of their vniuersalitie or rather singularitie And first here commeth in a blind cauillacion of a certaine Sophister who glosing vpon the wordes of Pelagius aboue recited laboureth to colour the playne text with a subtile meaning as though the sense of the Canon were this not to deny there the state of supremacie Sed negari ibi aliquem posse esse vniuersalem Episcopum sub eo sensu duntaxat quòd esset cuiusque Ecclesiae proprius rector ita quòd nullus alius esset Episcopus c. That is but to denie there that any may be vniuersall bishop after this sense and meaning only so that he should be the proper Pastor of euery Church alone and that there should be no other bishop beside him self c. Thus goeth this Sophister about to dash out this text but he cannot so discharge the matter For neither did Iohn the Patriarch then seeke any such thing to be bishop and proper Pastor of euery church alone nor if he had the Councell of Chalcedon and the Emperor Iustinian would neuer haue agreed therunto Neither is it true that this Gloser denieth Pelagius here to forbid the primacie or supremacie of that Patriarch which in deed is the onely intent of Pelagius in that Canon witnessing as well other Historiographers as namely Anton. tit 12. cap. 3. par 13. also the glose ordinary vpon the same Canon c. Out of the same fountaine springeth the like or very same reason of late renued by a certaine new start English Clarke in these our dayes who aunswering to the places of Gregory touching the said matter laboureth to auoide the cleare authoritie of him by a like blind cauillation saying that Iohn bishop of Constantinople by this title of vniuersall bishop vnderstood himselfe onely to be a bishop and none els And that Gregory in resisting him had none other meaning but the same And to prooue this to be the very meaning of Gregory he reciteth the wordes of Gregory written to the said Iohn Archbishop of Constantinople as followeth Qui enim indignum te esse fatebaris vt Episcopus dici debuisses ad hoc quandoque perductus os vt despectis fratribus Episcopus appetas solus vocari That is to say For thou Iohn bishop of Constantinople which sometime didst graunt thy selfe vnworthy the name of a bishop art now come to this that thou doest seeke to be called a bishop alone c. UpoÌ„ this word Episcopê° solus this gloser would grouÌ„d a surmise that Gregory did find fault with the Archbishop not for any primacie which he
they fulfilled that Scripture which is spoken of in Esay Let vs take away the iust man because he is not profitable for vs Wherfore let them eat the fruits of their workes Therfore they went vp to throwe doune the iust man and said among themselues let vs stone this iust man Iames they toke him to smite him with stones for he was not yet dead wheÌ„ he was cast doune but he turning fell doune vpon his knees saying O Lord God Father I beseech thee to forgeue them for they know not what they do But wheÌ„ they had smitten him with stones one of the priests of the children of Rechas the sonne of Charobim spake to them the testimonie which is in Ieremie the Prophet leaue off what do ye The iust man praieth for you And one of those which were present tooke a Fullers instrument wherwith they did vse to beat and purge cloth and smote the iust man on his head and so he finished his Martyrdome and they buried him in the same place his piller abideth yet by the temple He was a true testimonie to the Iewes and the Gentiles And shortly after Vespasianus the Emperour destroying the land of Iewrie brought them into captiuitie These thinges being thus written at large of Egesippus do well agree to those which Clement did write of him This Iames was so notable a man that for his iustice he was had in honour of all men in so much that the wise men of the Iewes shortly after his Martyrdome did impute the cause of the besieging of Ierusalem and other calamities which happened vnto theÌ„ to no other cause but vnto the violence and iniurie done to this man Also Iosephus hath not left this out of his historie where he speaketh of him after this maner These things so chanced vnto the Iewes for a vengeance because of that iust man Iames which was the brother of Iesu whoÌ„ they called Christ for the Iewes killed him although he was a righteous man The same Iosephus declareth his death in the same booke and chapter saying Caesar hearing of the death of Festus sent Albinus the Lieuetenant into Iewrie but Ananus the yonger being bishop and of the sect of the Saduces trusting that he had obtained a conuenient tyme seing that Festus was dead and Albinus entred on his iourney he called a Councell and calling many vnto him among whom was Iames by name the brother of Iesu which is called Christ he stoned them accusing them as breakers of the law Whereby it appeareth that many other besides Iames also the same tyme were Martyred and put to death amoÌ„g the Iewes for the faith of Christ. A description of the X. first persecutions in the Primitiue Church THese thinges being thus declared for the Martyrdome of the Apostles and the persecutioÌ„ of the Iewes Now let vs by the grace of Christ our Lord comprehend with like breuitie the persecutions raised by the Romaines against the Christians in the Primitiue age of the Church during the space of 300. yeares till the comming of godly Constantine which persecutions are reckoned of Eusebius and by the most part of writers to the number of x. most speciall Wherin meruailous it is to see and read the numbers incredible of Christian innocents that were slaine and tormented some one way some an other As Rabanus saith saith truly Alij ferro perempti Alij flammis exusti Alij flagris verberati Alij vectibus perforati Alij cruciati patibulo Alij demersi pelagi periculo Alij viui decoriati Alij vinculis mancipati Alij linguis priuati Alij lapidibus obruti Alij frigore afflicti Alij fame cruciati Alij truncatis manibus aliÃsue caesis membris spectaculum contumeliae nudi propter nomen Domini portantes c. That is Some slaine with sword Some burnt with fire Some with whips scourged Some stabbed in with forkes of iron Some fastned to the crosse or gibbet Some drowned in the sea Some their skinnes pluckt of Some their tongues cut off Some stoned to death Some killed with cold Some starued with hunger Some their hands cut off or otherwise dismembred haue bene so left naked to the open shame of the world c. Whereof Augustine also in his booke De Ciuit. 22. cap. 6. thus saith Ligabantur includebantur caedebantur torquebantur vrebantur laniabantur trucidabantur multiplicabantur non pugnantes pro salute sed salutem contemnentes pro seruatore Whose kindes of punishments although they were diuers yet the maner of constancie in all these Martyrs was one And yet notwithstaÌ„ding the sharpenes of these so many and sundry tormeÌ„ts and like cruelnes of the tormentors yet such was the nuÌ„ber of these constant Saintes that suffered or rather such was the power of the Lord in his Saints that as Hierome in his Epistle to Chromatius and Heliodorus saith Nullus esset dies qui non vltra quinque millium numerum Martyrum reperiri posset ascriptus excepto die Kalendarum Ianuarij That is There is no day in the whole yeare vnto which the nuÌ„ber of fine thousand Martyrs cannot be ascribed except onely the first day of Ianuary * The first Persecution THe first of these x. persecutions was stirred vp by Nero Domitius the vj. Emperour before mentioned about the yeare of our Lord 67. The tyrannous rage of which Emperour was so fierce against the Christians as Eusebius recordeth Vsque adeò vt videres repletas humanis corporibus ciuitates iacentes mortuos simul cum paruulis senes foemi narúmque absque vlla sexus reuerentia nudata in publico reiectáque starent cadauera That is In so much that a man might then see cities lye full of mens bodies the old there lying together with the yong and the dead bodies of women cast out naked without all reuerence of that sexe in the opeÌ„ streets c. Likewise Orosius writing of the said Nero saith that he was the first which in Rome did raise vp persecution against the Christians and not onely in Rome but also through all the prouinces therof thinking to abolish and to destroy the whole name of Christians in all places c. Whereunto accordeth moreouer the testimonie of Hierome vpon Daniel saying thà t many there were of the Christians in those dayes which seyng the filthy abominations and intollerable crueltie of Nero thought that he should be Antichrist c. In this persecution among many other Saintes the blessed Apostle Peter was condemned to death and crucified as some doe write at Rome albeit othersome and not without cause doe doubt thereof concerning whose lyfe and hystory because it is sufficiently described in the text of the Gospell and in the Actes of S. Luke chap. 4.5 12. I neede not heere to make any great repetytion therof As touching the cause and maner of hys death diuers ther be which make relation as Hierome Egesippus Eusebius
before him for feare least he were yet to come of the house of Dauid which should enioy the kingdome In the tyme of this persecutor Symeon Bishop of Hierusalem after other torments was crucified to death whom Iustus afterward succeeded in that Bishopprike In this persecution Iohn the Apostle and Euangelist was exiled by the sayd Domitianus into Pathmos Of whō diuers and sundry memorable actes be reported in sundry Chronicles As first how he was put in a vessell of boiling Oile by the Proconsul of Ephesus The Legend and Perionius say it was done at Rome Isidorus also writing of him and comprehending many things in few wordes declareth that he turned certaine peeces of wood into gold and stones by the seaside into Margarites to satisfie the desire of two whom he had before perswaded to renounce their riches And afterward they repenting that for worldly treasure they had lost heauen for their sakes agayne he changed the same into their former substance Also how he raised vp a widow and a certaine yong man from death to life How he dronke poison and it hurt him not raising also to life two which had dronke the same before These and such other miracles although they may be true are foūd in Isidorus other writers mo yet because they are no articles of our Christian belief I let them passe and only content my selfe with that which I read in Eusebius declaring of him in this wise That in the 14. yeare after Nero in the second persecution in the dayes of Domitian Iohn was banished into Pathmos for the testimonie of the word an 97. And after the death of the foresaid Domitian being slaine his actes repealed by the Senate Iohn was againe released vnder Pertinax the Emperor came to Ephesus an 100. Where he continued vntill the tyme of Traianus there gouerned the Churches in Asia where also he wrote his Gospell and so liued till the yeare after the Passion of our Lord 68. which was the yeare of his age 99. Moreouer in the foresayd Ecclesiasticall story of Eusebius we read that Iohn the Apostle and Euangelist whō the Lord did loue was in Asia where he being returned out of Pathmos after the death of Domitian gouerned the Churches and congregations Irenaeus in his second booke thus writeth And of him all the Elders do witnes which were with Iohn the Disciple of the Lord in Asia that he spake and wrote these thinges c. for there he continued with them vnto the tyme of Traianus c. Also the said Irenaeus Lib. 3. Hypothes in like wordes declareth saying The Church of the Ephesians being first founded by Paul afterward beyng confirmed of Iohn who continued in the same Citie vnto the tyme of Traianus the Emperour is a true witnesse of this Apostolicall tradition c. Clemens Alexandrinus moreouer noteth both the tyme of this holy Apostle and also addeth to the same a certain history of him not vnworthy to bee remembred of such which delite in things honest and profitable Of the which historie Sozomenus also in his Commentaries maketh mention The wordes of the author setting forth this historie be these Heare a fable and not a fable but a true report which is told vs of Iohn the Apostle deliuered and commended to our remembrance After the death of the tyrant whē Iohn was returned to Ephesus from the I le of Pathmos he was desired to resort to the places bordering neare vnto him partly to constitute bishops partly to dispose the causes and matters of the church partly to ordaine and set such of the Clergy in office whom the holy ghost should elect Wherupon when he was come to a certaine citie not farre of the name of which also many do yet remember and had among other thinges comforted the brethren he looking more earnestly vpon him which was the chiefe bishop among them beheld a yong man mighty in body and of a beautiful countenance and of a feruent mind I commend this man saith he to thee with great diligence in the witnesse here of Christ and of the Church When the Bishop had receiued of him this charge and had promised his faithfull diligence therein Agayne the second tyme Iohn spake vnto him and desired him in like maner and contestatiō as before This done Iohn returneth againe to Ephesus The Bishop receiuing the yong man commēded commicteth to his charge brought him home kept him and nourished him and at length also did illuminate that is he baptised him And in short tyme through his diligence brought him into such order and towardnes that he cōmitted vnto him the ouersight of a certaine cure in the Lordes behalfe The yong man thus hauing more his libertie it chanced that certaine of his companions old familiars being idle dissolute accustomed of old time to wickednes did ioyne in company with him Who first brought him to sumptuous riotous bankets Then entised him forth with them in the night to rob and steale After that he was allured by thē vnto greater mischiefe and wickednesse Wherin by custome of tyme by litle and litle he being more practised and being of a good wit and a stout courage like vnto a wild or an vnbrokē horse leauing the right way running at large without bridle was caried headlong to the profunditie of all misorder and outrage And thus being past all hope of grace vtterly forgetting and reiecting the wholesome doctrine of saluatiō which he had learned before began to set his mynde vpon no small matters And forasmuch as he was entred so farre in the way of perdition he cared not how further he proceded in the same And so associating vnto him the company of his companions and fellow thieues tooke vpon him to be as head and captaine among them in committing all kynd of murther and felony In the meane time it chaunced that of necessitie Iohn was sent for to those quarters againe and came The causes being decided and his busines ended for the which he came by the way meeting with the Bishop afore specified requireth of him the pledge which in the witnes of Christ and of the congregation then present he left in his handes to keepe The bishop something amased at the woordes of Iohn supposing he had meant of some money committed to his custody which he had not receiued and yet durst not mistrust Iohn nor contrary his woordes could not tell what to aunswer Then Iohn perceauing his doubtyng and vtteryng his mynde more plainely The yong man saith he and the soule of our brother committed to your custody I do require Then the bishop with a loude voice sorrowing and weeping said he is dead to whom Iohn said how And by what death The other said he is dead to God for he is become an euill man and pernicious to be briefe a thiefe now he doth frequent this mountaine with a company of villains
Tyber which Getulus with Cerealis Amantius and Primitiuus by the commaundement of Adria were condemned to the fire wherein they were Martyred and put to death The names moreour of the seuen sonnes of this Symphorosa I finde to be Crescens Iulianus Nemesius Primitiuus Iustinus Statteus and Eugenius whom the Chronicle of Ado declareth to be put to death at the commaundement of Hadrian being fastened to vij stakes and so racked vp wyth a pulley and at last were thrust through Crescens in the necke Iulianus in the brest Nemesius in the hart Primitiuus about the nauell Iustinus cut in euery ioynte of his bodye Stateus run through with speares Eugenius cut a sonder frō the brest to the lower partes and then cast into a deepe pyt hauyng the name by the Idolatrous Priestes intituled Ad septem Biothanatos After the martirdome of whō also Symphorosa the mother did likewise suffer as is before declared Under the sayd Antoninus Verus and in the same persecution which raged not in Rome and Asia onely but in other countryes also suffered the glorious most cōstant Martirs of Lyons and Uienna two Cities in Fraunce gyuing to Christ a glorious testimony to all Christian men a spectacle or example of singular constancie and fortitude in Christ our sauiour The history of whom because it is written and set forth by their owne Churches where they did suffer mentioned in Euseb. Lib. 5. cap. 2. I thought here to expresse the same in the forme and effecte of their owne wordes as there is to be seene The title of which their Epistle written to the brethren of Asia and Phrigia thus beginneth * The seruauntes of Christ inhabiting the Cities of Vienna and Lyons to the brethren in Asia and Phrigia hauing the same faith and hope of redemption with vs peace and grace and glory from God the father and from Iesus Christ our Lorde THe greatnes of this our tribulation the furious rage of the Gentiles against vs the tormentes which the blessed martyrs suffered neither can we in wordes nor yet in writing exactly as they deserue set forth For the aduersary with all his force gaue his endeuor to the working of such preparatiues as he himselfe listed against his tyrannous comming in euery place practised he and instructed his ministers how in most spitefull maner to set them against the seruauntes of God so that not onely in our houses shoppes and markets we were restrained but also were vniuersally cōmaunded that none so hardy should be sene in any place But God hath alwaies mercy in store and tooke out of their hands such as were weake amongst them and other some did he set vp as firme and immoueable pillers which by sufferance were able to abide all violent force and valiantly to withstand the enimie induring all their opprobrious punishment they could deuise to cōclude they fought this battell for that intent to come vnto Christ esteming their great troubles but as light therby shewing that al that may be suffered in this present life is not able to counteruayle the great glorye which shall be shewed vpō vs after this life And first they patiently suffered whatsouer the multitude of frantike people running vpon head did vnto them as railings scourgings drawynges and hailings flynging of stones imprisoninges what other thing soeuer the rage of the multitude are wōt to vse and practise against their professed enimies Then afterwarde they being led into the marked place and there iudged of the Captayne and rest of the Potentates of the Citie after their confession made openly before the multitude were commaunded againe to prisō vntil the returne of their chiefe gouernor After this they being brought before him and he vsing all extremity that possibly he might against them One Vetius Epagathus one of the brethren replenished with feruent zeale both towards god and his brethren whose conuersation although he were a young man was counted as perfect as was the life of Zachary the Priest for he walked diligently in al the commaundements and iustifications of the Lord and in all obedience towards his brethren blamles he hauing within him the feruent zeale of loue and spirit of god could not suffer that wicked iudgement which was giuen vpon the Christians but being vehemently displeased desired that the Iudge woulde heare the excuse which he was minded to make in the behalfe of the christians in whom saith he is no impietie founde But the people cryed againe to those that were assistentes with the chiefe Iustice that it might not be so for indede he was a noble man borne neither did the Iustice graunt him his lawfull request but onely asked him whether he himselfe were a Christian or not And he immediatly with a loude and boulde voice aunswered and sayde I am a Christian. And thus was he receiued into the felowship of the martirs and called the aduocate of the Christians And he hauing the spirite of God more plentifully in time then had Zachary the abundaunce thereof he declared in that he gaue his life in the defence of his brethren being a true disciple of Christ following the Lamb whersoeuer he goeth By this mans example the rest of the Martirs were the more animated to martirdome and made more ioious with al courage of mind to accomplish the same Some other there were vnready and not so well prepared and as yet weak not well able to beare the vehemency of so great conflict of whom x. there were in number that faynted ministring to vs much heauines lamentation Who by their example caused the rest which were not yet apprehēded to be lesse willing thereunto Then were we all for the variablenes of confession not a litle astonied not that we feared the punishment intended against vs but rather as hauing respect to the ende and fearing least any shoulde fal Euery day there were apprehended such as were worthy to fulful the number of them which were fallen In so much that of two churches such as were chiefest which were the principall gouernors of our Churches were apprehended With these also certeine of the Ethnicks being our men seruaunts were apprehended for so the gouernour commaunded that all of vs ingenerall without any respect should be taken which seruants being ouercome by Sathan and fearing the torments which they saw the Saintes doe suffer being also compelled thereunto by the meanes of the souldiers fained against vs that we kept the feastinges of Thiestes and incest of Oedipus and many such other crimes which are neither to be remembred nor named of vs nor yet to bee thought that euer any man would commit the like These things being now bruted abroad euery man began to shewe crueltie against vs insomuch that those which before for familiarities sake were more gentle toward vs now vehemently disdained vs and waxed mad against vs. And thus was now fulfilled that which was spoken by Christ saying the time will come
countrey to inhabite in the Citie This Fabian as is sayd thinking nothyng lesse then of any such matter sodenly cōmeth a Doue fleing from aboue and sitteth vpon his head Whereupon all the Congregation beyng moued wyth one minde and one uoyce dyd chose hym for their Bishop In the which function he remayned the space of xiij yeares as Eusebius writeth Damasus Marianus and Sabellicus say xiiij Yeares vnto the tyme of Decius Who whether for that Philippus had committed to him his treasures or whether for the hatred he bare to Philippus in the beginning of his raigne caused him to be put to death Sendyng out moreouer his Proclamation into al quarters that al which professed the name of Christ should be slayne To this Fabian be ascribed certaine ordinaunces as of consecrating new oyle once euery yeare and burnyng the olde of accusations against Byshops of appealing to the sea Apostolicke of not marying within the fift degree of communicating thrise a yeare of offering euery Sonday with such other things moe in his iij. Epistles decretall the which Epistles as by diuers other euidences may be supposed to be vntruely named vpon hym gyuing no signification of any matter agreing to that tyme so do I finde the most part of the iij. Epistle worde for word standing in the Epistle of Sixtus the 3. which folowed almost 200. yeares after him beside the vnseemely doctrine also in the ende of the sayd Epistles contayned where he contrary to the tenour of the Gospell applyeth remission of sinnes onely due to the bloud of Christ vnto the offerings of bread and wyne by men and women euery Sonday in the Church To this Fabianus wrote Origine De orthodoxia suae fidei that is of the rightnes of his fayth Whereby is to be vnderstode that he continued to the tyme of Decius some say also to the tyme of Gallus Of this Origene partly mention is touched before declaring how bolde and feruente he was in the dayes of Seuerus in assisting comforting exhorting and killing the Martyrs that were imprisoned suffered for the name of Christ with such daunger of his owne life that had not bene the singular protectiō of God he had bene stoned to death many tymes of the Heathen multitude Such great concourse of men and women was daily to his house to be catechised instructed in the christian fayth by him that souldiours were hyred of purpose to defend the place where he taught them Agayn such search sometymes was set for him that vnneth any shiftyng of place or countrey could couer him In those laborious trauailes and affayres of the Church in teaching writing confuting exhorting and expounding he continued about the space of 52. yeares vnto the tyme of Decius and Gallus Diuers and great persecutions he sustayned but specially vnder Decius as testifieth Eusebius in his sixt booke declaring that for the doctrine of Christ he sustained bands and torments in his body rackings with barres of iron dungeons besides terrible threates of death and burning All this he suffred in the persecution of Decius as Eusebius recordeth of him and maketh no relatiō of any further matter But Suidas and Nicephorus following the same sayth further concerning him that the sayd Origene after diuers and sundry other torments which he manfully and constantly suffred for Christ at length was brought to an altar where a foule filthy Ethiope was appointed to be and there this option or choyse was offred vnto him whether he would sacrifice to the idole or to haue his body polluted with that foule and ouglie Ethiope Then Origene sayth he who with a Philosophicall mynd euer kept his chastitie vndefiled much abhorring y◠filthy villany to be done to his body condescended to their request Wherupon the iudge puttyng incense in his hand caused him to set it to the fire vpō the altar For the which impietie he afterward was excommunicated of the Church Epiphanius writeth that he beyng vrged to sacrifice to Idols and takyng the boughes in his hand wherwith the Heathen were woont to honour their Gods called vpon the Christians to cary them in the honour of Christ. The which fact the church of Alexandria misliking remooued him from their communion Wherupon Origene driuen away with shame and sorow out of Alexandria went into Iewry where beyng in Hierusalem among the congregation and there requested of the Priestes and Ministers he being also a Priest to make some exhortation in the church refused a great while so to do At length by importunate petition being cōstrained therunto rose vp and turning the booke as though he would haue expounded some place of the Scripture only read the verse of the 49. Psalme but God sayd to the sinner why doest thou preach my iustifications why doest thou take my testament in thy mouth c. Which verie beyng read he shut the booke and sate downe weepyng and wayling the whole congregation also weeping lamentyng with him Suid. Niceph. More what became of Origene it is not found in history but onely that Suidas addeth he dyed and was buried at Tyrus Eusebius affirmeth that he departed vnder the Emperour Gallus about the yeare of our Lord 255. and the 70. yeare of his age in great miserie as appeareth and pouertie In this Origene diuers blemishes of doctrine be noted wherupon Hierome some tymes doth inueigh against him Albeit in some places agayne he doth extoll and commend him for his excellent learning as in his Apologie agaynst Ruff. and in his Epistle to Pammachus and Ocean where he prayseth Origene although not for the perfection of his faith and doctrine nor for an apostle yet for an excellent interpreter for his wit and for a Philosopher And yet in his Prologue vpō the Homelies of Origene vpon Ezechiel he calleth him an other maister of the churches after the Apostles And in an other Preface vpon his questions vpon Genesis he wisheth to himself the knowledge of the scriptures which Origene had also with the enuy of his name Athanasius moreouer calleth him singular and laborious and vseth also his testimonies against the Arrians Socrates Lib. 6. cap. 13. After Origene the congrue order of history requireth next to speak of Heraclas his Usher a man singularly commēded for his knowledge not only in Philosophy but also in all such faculties as for a christiā diuine doth appertain This great towardnes of wit and learning when Origene perceiued in him he appointed him aboue all other to bee his Usher or vnderteacher to helpe in his schoole or Uniuersitie of Alexandria in the raigne of Antoninus Caracalla sonne of Seuerus And after in the x. yeare of Alexander Origene departing vnto Cesarea he succeeded in his roome to gouerne the schoole in Alexandria Further also in the time of Gordianus after the decease of Demetrius bishop of Alexandria this Heraclas succeeded to be Bishop of the said Citie Eusebius Lib. 6. cap. 29.
Emperour out of the Church importeth as much as that Emperour to have bene a Christian. For otherwise if he had come in as an Heathen and as a persecutor it was not then the maner of christian bishops violently to withstand the Emperours or to stop them out Ouer beside the testimony of Eusebius Zonaras doth witnesse contrary in his vj. booke that this Babylas which was then Bishop of Antioch after Zebinus was not put to death by the tormentors but died in prison Wherfore it is not vnpossible but this Babylas and this Emperour which Chrysostome speaketh off may be an other Babylas then that which suffered vnder Decius Nicephorus in his v. booke maketh mention of an other Babylas beside this that suffered vnder Decius which was bishop of Nicomedia In the forenamed Citie of Antioche Vincentius Lib. 11. speaketh of 40. virgines Martyrs which suffered in this persecution of Decius In the country of Phrigia and in the toune of Lampsar the same Vincentius also speaketh of one Peter which there was apprehended and suffered bitter tormentes for Christes name vnder Optimus the Proconsul And in Troada likewise of other Martyrs that there suffered whose names were Andrew Paule Nicomachus and Dionisia a virgin Lib. 11 cap. 46. Also in Babylon sayth he diuers christian Confessours were found of Decius which were led away into Spayne there to be executed Lib. eodem cap. 43. In the countrey of Cappadocea at the Citie of Cesarea in like maner of the sayde author is testified of Germanus Theophilus Cesarius and Vitalis to suffer Martyrdom for Christ eodeÌ„ cap 52. And in the same Booke meÌ„tion also is made of Polychronius Byshop of Babylon cap. 89. And in Pamphilia of Nestor there Bishop that dyed Martyr cap. 52. At Perside in the Toune of Cardala Olympiades and Maximus In Tyrus also Anatolia Uirgin and Audax gaue theyr lyues likewyse to death for the testimonie of Christes name Eusebius moreouer in his sixt booke reciteth out of the Epistles of Dionysius Alexandrinus diuers that suffred diuersly at Alexandria the which places of Dionysius as they be cited in Eusebius I thought here good for the auncientnes of the author to insert and notifie in his own wordes and in our language as he wrote them to Fabius bishop of Antioch as followeth This persecution saith he began not with the proclamation set forth by the Emperor but began a whole yeare before by the occasion and meanes of a wicked person a Southsayer and a follower of wicked Artes who comming to our Citie here stirred vp the multitude of the Heathen agaynst vs and incited them to maintaine their own olde superstition and gentilitie of their countrey whereby they beyng set a gog and obtayning full power to prosecute their wicked purpose so thought no lesse declared all their pietie religioÌ„ to consist only in the idolatrous worship of deuils and in our destruction And first flying vpon a certaine priest of ours named Metra apprehended him brought him forth to make him speake after theyr wicked blasphemy which wheÌ„ he would not do they layd vpon him with slaues and clubs and with sharp reedes pricked his face and eyes and afterward bringing him out into the suburbes there they stoned him to death Then they tooke a faithfull woman called Quinta and brought her to the temple of their Idols to compell her to worship with them which wheÌ„ she refused to do and abhorred their Idols they bound her fecte and drew her through the whole streete of the citie vpon the hard stones so dashyng her against milstones scourging her with whippes brought her to the same place of the suburbes as they did the other before where she likewise ended her lyfe This done in a great outrage with a multitude running together they brust into houses of the religious godly christians spoiling sacking and carying away all that they could finde of any price The rest of things such as were of lesse value of wood they brought into the open market set them on fire In the meane time the brethren voyded aside withdrew themselues taking patiently and no lesse ioyfully the spoyling of their goods then did they of whome S. Paule doth testifie Neither do I know any of them all one only excepted apprehended of them which reuoltyng from his profession denied the Lord yet to this present day Among the rest that were taken there was a certayne virgin wel striken in yeres named Apollonia whome they brought forth dashing out all her teeth out of her iawes made a great fire before the citie threatning to cast her into the same vnlesse she would blaspheme with them and deny Christ. Whereat she staying a litle with herselfe as one that would take a pause sodenly leaped into the midst of the fire and there was burned There was one also Serapion whom they tooke in his owne house and after they had assayled him with sundrye kyndes of torments and had broken almost all the iointes of his body they cast him downe from an vpper lost so did he complete his Martirdom Thus was there no way neither priuie nor publike nor corner nor alley left for vs neither by day nor by night to escape al the people making an outcry against vs that vnlesse we vttred words of blasphemy we should be drawn to the fire burned And this outragious tumult endured a certaine space but at length as the Lord would the miserable wretches fell at dissentioÌ„ among themselues which turned the crueltie they exercised against vs vpon their own heads And so had we a litle breathyng tyme for a season while the fury of the Heathen people by this occasion aswaged Shortly then after this word was brought vnto vs of the state of the Empire which before was somthing fauorable to vs to be altered and changed agaynst vs putting vs in great feare And consequently vpon the same folowed the Edict of the Emperor so terrible cruell that according to the forewarning of the lord the elect if it had bene posâ—ibâ—e might haue bene therby subuerted Upon that Edict such feare came ouer vs al that many there were especially of the richer sort of whoÌ„ some for feare came ruÌ„ning some were led by the occasion of time some were drawne by their neighbours beyng cited by name to those vnpure and idolatrous sacrifices Other some came trembling shaking as men not which should do sacrifice but which should be sacrificed themselues the multitude laughyng them to scorne Some agayne came boldly to the aultars declaring themselues neuer to haue bene of that professioÌ„ of whom it is said that hardly they shal be saued Of the residue some followed one part some an other some ran away some were taken Of whome certaine continued to bands torments constant Other agayne after long imprisonment before they should come before the Iudge renounced their faith Some also
the eares of Decius the Emperour he sendeth for Cornelius asking him how he durst be so bolde to shew suche stubbernes that he neither caring for the Gods nor fearing the displeasure of his Princes durst agaynst the cōmon wealth geue and receiue letters from other To whom Cornelius answering agayne thus purged himselfe declaring to the Emperour that letters in deede he had written and receiued agayne concerning the prayses honoring of Christ of saluation of soules but nothing as touching any matter of the common wealth And it foloweth in the storye Then Decius moued with anger commaunded him to be beaten with plumbattes which is sayth Sabellicus a kinde of scourging and so to be brought to the temple of Mars either there to do sacrifice or to suffer the extremitye But he rather willing to dye then to committe such iniquity prepared himselfe to Martyredome beyng sure that he should dye And so commending the charge of the Churche vnto Stephanus his Archdeacon was brought to the way of Appius where he ended his life in faythfull Martyrdome Eusebius in one place sayth that he sat ij yeares in an other place sayth that he sat three yeares and so doth Marianus Scotu following also the diuersity of the sayd Eusebius Damasus geueth him onely two yeares In this foresayde persecution of Decius it seemeth by some writers also that Cyprian was banished but I suppose rather his banishment to be referred to the reigne of Gallus next Emperour after Decius whereof more shall be sayd Christ willing in this place hereafter In the mean time the sayd Cyprian in his second booke Epist. 5. 6. maketh mention of two that suffered either in the time of this Decius or much about the same time Of whom one was Aurelius a worthy and valiant yong man who was twise in tormentes for his confession which he neuer denied but manfully and boldely withstood the aduersary till he was banished and also after And therefore was commended of Cyprian to certayne brethren to haue him for their lectorer as in the forenamed Epistle of Cyprian appeareth The other was named Mappalicus who the day before he suffered declaring to the Proconsul in the midst of his tormentes saying Videbis cras agonem that is to morrow you shall see the running for a wager c. was brought forth according as he forespake to Martyrdome and there with no lesse constancie then patience did suffer And thus much of the tyrannie of this wicked Decius agaynst God his Saintes now to touch also the power of God his vengeance and punishment against him like as we see commonly a tempest that is vehement not long to continue so it happened with this tyrannical tormenter who raigning but two yeares as sayth Eusebius or three at most as writeth Orosius among the middle of the Barbarians with whom he did warre was there slayne with his sonne like as he had slayn Philippus and his sonne his predecessours before so was he with his sonne slayne by the righteous iudgement of God himselfe Euseb. Lib. 7. cap. 1. Platin. Pomponius affirmeth that he warrying agaynst the Gotthians and beyng by them ouercome sest he should fall into their handes ranne into a whurlepyt where he was drouned and his body neuer found after Neither did the iust hand of God plague the Emperor onely but also reuenged as well the heathen Gentils and persecutors of hys word throughout all prouinces dominions of the Roman Monarchie amongst whom the lord immediatly after the death of Decius sent such a plage and pestilence lastyng for the space of x. yeares together that horrible it is to heare and almost incredible to beleue Of this plague or pestilence testifieth Dionysius to Hierax a bishop in Egypt Euseb. Lib. 7. cap. 21.22 Where he declareth the mortalitie of this plague to bee so great in Alexandria where he was bishop that there was no house in the whole Citie free And although the greatnes of the plague touched also the Christians somwhat yet it scourged the heathen Idolaters much more beside that the order of their behauiour in the one and in the other was much diuers For as the foresayd Dionysius doth recorde the Christians through brotherly loue and pietie did not refuse one to visit and comfort an other and to minister to him what need required Notwithstanding it was to them great danger for diuers there were who in closing vp their eyes in washyng their bodies interryng them in the ground were next themselues which folowed them to their graues Yet all this stayed not them frō doyng their duetie and shewyng mercy one to another Where as the Gentils contrarily beyng extremely visited by the hand of God felt the plague but considered not the striker neyther yet considered they their neighbour but euery man shifting for himselfe neither cared one for an other but such as were infected some they would cast out of the doores halfe dead to be deuoured of dogges and wilde beasts some they let dye within theyr houses without all succour some they suffred to lye vnburied for that no mā durst come neare him And yet notwithstandyng for all their voyding and shiftyng the pestilence followed them whether soeuer they went miserably consumed them In so much that Dionysius bishop the same tyme of Alexandria thus reporteth of his owne City that such a great mortalitie was then among them that the sayd City of Alexandria had not in number of all together both old and yong as it was woont to contayn before of the old men onely from the age of 60. to 70. such as were found in tyme past commonly almost in that Citie Pomponius Laetus and other Latine writers also makyng mention of the sayd pestilitie declare how the beginnyng therof first came as they thinke out of Ethiope and from the hote countreys and so inuading and wastyng first the South partes from thence spread into the East so further running and increasing into all other quarters of the world especially wheresoeuer the Edicts of the Emperor went agaynst the Christians it followed after and consumed the most part of the inhabitauntes whereby manye places became desolate and voyde of all concourse and so continued the terme of x. yeares together This pestiferous mortalitie by the occasion whereof Cyprian tooke the ground to write hys booke De mortalitate began as is sayd immediately after the death of Decius the persecutor in the beginning of the raigne of Vibias Gallus and Volusianus hys sonne who succeeded through treason next vnto Decius about the yeare of our Lord. 255. and continued their raygne but two yeares This Gallus although the first beginning of the raygne was some thing quiet yet shortly after following the steps of Decius by whō rather he should haue taken better heed set forth Edictes in like maner for the persecution of Christians albeit in this Edict we finde no number of Martyrs
also Nicephorus for his myracles calleth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thus Galienus the foresayd Emperour raygned as is declared with his father Valerian vij yeares after whose captiuitie he ruled the Monarchie alone about ix yeares with some peace and quietnes graunted to the Church The daies of this Galienâ—s being expired followed Claudius a quiet Emperour as most stories do record Although Vincentius affirmeth that he was a mouer of persecution against the ChristiaÌ„s maketh mention of 262. Martyrs which in his time did suffer but because no such record remaineth to be found in Eusebius who woulde not haue omitted some memoriall thereof if it had bene true therefore I referre the same to the free iudgement of the Reader to finde such credite as it maye This Claudius raigned but two yeares after whome came Quintilianus his brother next Emperor a quiet Prince who coÌ„tinued but onely xvij daies and had to his successor Aurelianus vnder whome Orosius in his seuenth booke doth number the ix persecution against the Christians The ix Persecution HEtherto from the captiuitie of Ualerian the Church of Christ was in some quietnes till the death of Quintilianus as hath beene declared After whom Aurelianus the next successor possessed the crowne who in the first beginning of his raigne after the common maner of al princes shewed himselfe a Prince moderate and discrete much worthy of commendation if his good beginning had continued in a constant course agreeing to the same Of nature he was seuere rigorous in correcting dissolute in manners in so much that it was said of him in a vulgare prouerbe that he was a good phisition sauyng that he gaue to bitter medicines This Emperour being sicke neuer sent for Phisition but cured himselfe with abstinence And as his beginning was not vnfruitefull to the common wealth so neither was he any great disturber of the christians whom he did not onely tolerate in their religioÌ„ but also in their counsell beyng the same tyme assembled at Antioche semed not to be against them Notwithstanding in continuance of time through sinister motion and instigation of certaine about him as commonly such are neuer absent in al places from the eares of princes hys nature somewhat inclinable to seueritie was altered to a playne tyranny which tiranny first he shewed beginnyng with the death of his owne sisters sonne as wytnesseth Eutropius After that he proceeded either to mooue or at least to purpose persecution against the Christians Albeit that wicked purpose of the Emperour the mercifull working of God his hand did soone ouerthrow For as the edict or proclamation should haue beene denounced for the persecuting of the christians and the emperour now ready to subscribe the edict with his hande the mighty stroke of the hand of the lord sodainly from aboue did stop his purpose binding as a man might say the Emperours hands behinde him declaryng as Eusebius saieth to all men how there is no power to worke any violence against the seruauntes of God vnlesse his permission do suffer them and gyue them leaue Euseb. Lib. 7. cap. 30. Eutropius and Uopiscus affirme that as the said Aurelianus was purposing to rayse persecutioÌ„ against vs he was sodainly terrified with lightning and so stopped from his wicked tyranny Not long after about the fifte or sixt yeare of hys rayne he was slaine betwene Bizance and Hieraclea an 278. Thus Aurelianus rather intended theÌ„ moued persecution Neither is there any more then this founde coÌ„cerning this persecution in auncient histories and records of the Church Wherfore I maruell the more that Vincentius collecting out of the Martyreloges hath comprehended such a great Cataloge of so manye martirs whiche in Fraunce and in Italye sayeth he suffered death and torments vnder this Emperour Aurelianus Wherunto Orosius also seemeth to agree in numbring this to be the ninth persecution vnder the sayd Aurelian Next after Aurelianus the succession of the impery fell to Publius Annius Tacitus who raigned but vj. monethes Him succeded his brother Florianus who raigned but lx dayes And after him followed Marcus Aurelius surnamed Probus Of whome more hereafter God willing shal appeare In the meane time within the compasse of these Emperours â—â—lleth in a story recorded of Eusebius and not vnworthy here to be noted whereby to vnderstand the faithfull diligence of good Ministers what good it may doe in a common wealth Mention is made before of Eusebius the Deacon of Dyonisius whom God stirred vp to vnite and comfort the saintes that were in prison and bandes and to burye the bodies of the blessed Martyrs departed not without great perill of his owne life and after was made bishop as is sayde of Laodicea But before he came to Laodicea to be bishop there it chaunced the sayde Eusebius remaining as yet at Alexandria the citie to be besieged of the Romaines Pyruchius being there captaine In the which siege halfe of the citie did hold with the Romaines the other half withstoode them In that part which went with the Romaine captaine was Eusebius being also in great fauour with the captaine for his worthy fidelitie and seruice shewed With the other halfe that resisted the Romains was Anatholius gouernour or moderator then of the schole of Alexandria who also was bishop after the sayde Eusebius of Laodicea This Anatholius perceiuing the citizens to be in miserable distresse of famine and destruction by reason of penury and lacke of sustenance sendeth to Eusebius beeng then with the Romaines and certifieth him of the lamentable penurie and perill of the citie instructing him moreouer what to do in the matter Eusebius vnderstanding the case repaireth to the captaine desiring of him so much fauoure that so many as would flee out of the citie from their enemies might be licenced to escape and freely to passe which was to him eftsoones graunted As Eusebius was thus labouring with the capitaine on the other side Anatholius for his part laboured with the Citizens moouing them to assemble togither and perswading them to geue themselues ouer in yeelding to the force and might of the Romaines But when the Citizens could not abide the hearing therof yet sayde Anatholius this I trust you will be conâ—ented if I shal couÌ„saile you in this miserable lacke of things to auoide out of your citie all such superfluities and vnnecessary impedimentes vnto you as olde women yong children aged men with such other as be feeble and impotent not to suffer them here to perish with famine whose presence can do no stead to you if they dy lesse if they liue for spending the victuals which otherwise might serue theÌ„ that be more able to defend the Citie The Senate hearing this sentence vnderstanding moreouer the graunt of the captaine promising them their safetie were well coÌ„senting therevnto Then Anatholius hauing a speciall care to them that belonged to the Church of Christ calleth them together
folowed partly ye haue heard partly more is to be marked as in the storie foloweth I shewed before how Maxentius the sonne of Maximinian was set vp at Rome by the Pretorian souldiours to be Emperour Whereunto the Senate although they were not consenting yet for feare they were not resisting Maximinian his father who had before depriued him selfe with Dioclesian hearing of this tooke heart againe to him to resume his dignitie and so laboured to perswade Dioclesian also to do the same but when he could not moue him therunto he repaireth to Rome thinking to wrast the Empire out of his sonnes hand but when the souldiours woulde not suffer that of a craftie purpose he flieth to Constantinus in Fraunce vnder pretense to complaine of Maxentius his sonne but in very deede to kill Constantinus NotwithstaÌ„ding that conspiracie being detected by Fausta the daughter of Maximinian whom Constantinus had maryed so was Constantinus through the grace of God preserued Maximinian retired backe In the which his flight by the way hee was apprehended and so put to death And this is the end of Maximinian Now let vs returne to Maxentius againe who all this while raigned at Rome with tiranny and wickednes intollerable much like to an other Pharao or Nero. For hee slewe the most part of his noble men and tooke from them their goodes And sometime in his rage he would destroy great multitudes of the people of Rome by his souldiors as Eusebius declareth lib. 8. cap. 14. Also hee left no mischieuous nor lasciuious acte vnattempted but was the vtter enemie of all womanly chastity which vsed to send the honest wiues whome he had adulterated with shame and dishonestie vnto their husbandes being worthy Senators after that he had rauished them He absâ—ained from no adulterous acte but was inflamed with the inquencheable lust of deflouring of women Letus declareth that he being at a time farre in loue with a noble chaste gentlewoman of Rome sent vnto her such courtiers of his as were mete for that purpose whome also he had in greater estimation then any others and with such was wont to coÌ„sult about matters for the common weale These first fell vpon her husbande and murdred him within his owne house then when they coulde by no meanes neither with feare of the tyrant nor with threatning of death pull her away from him At length she being a Christian desired leaue of them to go into her chamber and after her prayers shee woulde accomplish that which they requested And when she had gotten into her chamber vnder this pretence she killed her selfe But the Courtiers when they sawe that the woman taryed so long they being displeased therwith brake open the doores and found her there lying dead Then returned they and declared this matter to the Emperor who was so far past shame that in steade of repentance hee was the more set on fire in attempting the like He was also much addict to the arte Magicall which to execute hee was more fitte then the Imperiall dignitie Also sometime he would rippe women when they were in laboure and would search the place where the infant lay being borne a little before Often he woulde inuocate Diuels in a secrete maner and by the answeres of them hee sought to breake the warres which he knew Constantinus and Licinius prepared against him And to the ende hee might the rather perpetrate hys mischieuous and wicked attemptes which in his vngracious minde he had conceiued according to his purpose in the beginning of his raigne he fained himself to be a fauourer of the Christians In which thing doing thinking to make the people of Rome hys friendes hee commaunded that they shoulde cease from persecuting of the Christians and hee himselfe in the meane season abstained from no contumelious vexation of them till that he began at last to shewe hymselfe an open persecutour of them at which time as Zonaras wryteth hee most cruelly raged against all the Christians thereabouts vexing them with all maner of iniuries Which thing he in no lesse wise did then Maximinus as Euse. in his 8. booke and 15. chap. seemeth to affirme And Platina declareth in the life of Marcellus the Bishop that hee banished a certaine noble woman of Rome because shee gaue her goodes to the Church Thus by the grieuous tyranny and vnspeakable wickednesse of thys Maxentius the Citizens and Senatours of Rome being much grieued and oppressed sent theyr complaintes wyth letters vnto Constantinus wyth much sute and most hearty petitions desiring hym to helpe and release their Countrey and Citie of Rome who hearyng and vnderstanding theyr miserable and pitifull state and grieued therewyth not a little first sendeth by letters to Maxentius desiring and exhorting him to refrayne his corrupt doinges and great crueltie But when no letters nor exhortations woulde preuaile at length pitying the wofull case of the Romaines gathered together hys power and armie in Britayne and Fraunce wherewyth to represse the violent rage of that tyraunt Thus Constantinus sufficiently appoynted with strength of men but especially wyth strength of God entred hys iourny comming towarde Italie whyche was about the last yeare of the persecution Anno 318. Maxentius vnderstanding of the comming of Constantine and trusting more to his diuelish Arte of Magike then to the good will of hys subiectes whych hee little deserued durst not shewe himselfe out of the Citie nor encounter wyth him in the open fielde but wyth priuie garrisons laide in waite for him by the waye in sundry straightes as he should come With whom Constantine had diuers skirmishes and by the power of the Lorde did euer vanquishe them and put them to flight Notwythstanding Constantinus yet was in no great comfort but in great care and dread in hys minde approching nowe neare vnto Rome for the Magicall charmes and sorceries of Maxentius wherewith hee had vanquished before Seuerus sent by Galerius against hym as hath bene declared which made also Constantinus the more afrayde Wherefore being in great doubt and perplexity in himself and reuoluing many thinges in his minde what helpe he might haue against the operatioÌ„s of hys charming which vsed to cut women great with childe to take hys diuelishe charmes by the entrals of the infants with such other like feates of deuilishnes which he practised These thinges I say Constantinus doubting and reuoluing in his minde in his iourney drawing toward the Citie and casting vp his eyes many times to heauen in the South part about the going downe of the sunne sawe a great brightnesse in heauen appearing in the similitude of a crosse wyth certaine starres of equall bignesse geuing this inscription like Latine letters IN HOC VINCE that is In thys ouercome Euseb. De vita Constant lib. 2. Nicep lib. 7. cap. 29. Eutrop. lib. 11. Sozom. lib 1. cap 3. Socrat lib. 1. cap. 2. Vrspurgens Chronic Paul Diacon lib. 11. Thys
griefes waxe great what gronest thou now Sayd some of them againe In schoole aduised well art thou Whom there thou puâ—st to payne 35 Behold we pay and now make good as many thousande stripes As when with weeping eyes we stoode In daunger of thy gripes 36 Art thou now angry at thy bande that alwayes cried writâ— write And neuer wouldst that our right hand Should rest in quiet plyte 37 We had forgot our playing times Thou churle deniedst vs of We now but pricke and point our lines And thus they grinne and scof 38 Correct good sir your viewed verse If ought amisse there be Now vse thy power and then rehearse that haue not marked thee 39 Christ pittying this groaning man With tormments torne and tyred Commaundes his hart to breake euen then And life that was then hyered 40 He yeeldes againe to him that gaue And thus he makes exchaunge Immortall for mortall to haue That in such payne did â—aunge 41 This is saith he that this plesure Thou so beholdst Oh gâ—â—t Of Cassianus Martir pure Doth preach I doe protest 42 If thou Prudence haue ought in store In pietie to deale In hope of iust reward therefore Now shew thy louing zeale 43 I could not but consent I weepe Hys tombe I doe embrace Home I returne and after sleepe This pittifull preface 44 I write as a memoriall For euer to endure Of Cassianus scolemaster All others to allure 45 To constancy vnder the crosse Of their profession Accompting gaine what euer losse For Christ they take vpon No lesse admirable then wonderfull was the constancy also of woemen and maidens who in the same persecution gaue their bodyes to the tormentes their liues for the testimony of Christ with no lesse boldnes of spirite theÌ„ did the men themselues aboue specified to whome howe much more inferiour they were in bodely streÌ„gth so much more worthy of prayse they be for their constant standing Of whom some examples here we minde Christ willing to inferre such as in our stories and Chronicles seem most notable first beginning with Eulalia whose story we haue taken out of the foresayd Prudentius as followeth In the West part of Spaine called Portingall is a City great and popâ—lous named Emerita wherein dwelt and was brought vp a virgine borne of noble parentage whose name was Eulalia which Emerita although for the apte situation therof was both rich famous yet more adourned and famous was the renowne therof by the martyrdome bloud and sepulture of this blessed virgine Eulalia Twelue yeares of age was shee and not much aboue when she refused great and honourable offers in mariage as one not skilfull nor yet delighting in courtly daliaunce neyther yet taking pleasure in purple and gorgeous apparell or els in precious balmes or costly ornamentes and iuels But forsaking and despising all these and such lyke pompeous allurements then shewed she her self most busie in preparing her iourney to her hoped inheritance and heauenly patronage Which Eulalia as she was modest and descrete in behauiour sage and sober in conditions so was she also witty and sharp in aunswering her enemies But when the 〈◊〉 rage of persecution inforced her to ioyne her self amongest Gods Children in the houshold of faith and when the Christians were commaunded to offer incense and sacrifice to deuils or dead Gods Then began the blessed spirite of Eulalia to kindle and being of a proâ—tipt ready wit thought forthwith as a couragious captayne to geue a charge vpon this so great and disordered a battayle and so she silly woeman pouring out the bowels of her innocent hart before God more prouoketh therby the â—orce and rage of her enemies agaynst her But the godly care of her parentes fearing least the willing minde of the Damsel so ready to dye for Christes cause might make her gilty of her owne death hid her and kept her close at their house in the countrey being a great way out of the Citty She yet misliking that quiet life as also detesting to make such delay softly stealeth out of the doores no man knowing therof in the night and in great hast leauing the common waye openeth the hedge gappes and with werye feete god knoweth passed through the thorny bryery places accompanied yet with spirituall garde although darke dreadfull was the silent night yet had shee with her the Lord guider of light And as the children of Israel comming out of Egipt had by the mightye power of God a cloudy piller for their guide in the day a flame of fire in the night so had this godly virgine traueling in this darke night when she fleing forsaking the place where al filthy idolatry abounded hastened her heauenly iourney was not oppressed with the dreadfull darknes of the night But yet she before the day appeared in this her speedy iourney with her selfe considered mused on a thousand matters more In the morning betime with a bould courage she goeth vnto the tribunall or iudgement seat in the midst of them all with a loud voice crying out sayde I praye you what a shame is it for you thus rashely and without aduisement to destroy and kill mens soules and to throwe their bodies aliue against the rocks and cause them to deny the omnipotent god Would you know O you vnfortunate who I am behold I am one of the Christians an enimie to your deuilish sacrifices I spurne your idols vnder my feete I confesse God omnipotent with my hart and mouth Isis Apollo and Uenus what are they Maximinus himselfe what is he The one a thing of naught for that they be the workes of mens hands the other but a cast away bicause he worshippeth the same worke Therfore friuolous are they both and both not worthy to be set by Maximinus is a Lorde of substaunce and yet he himselfe falleth downe before a stone and voweth the honor of hys dignitie vnto those that are much inferior to his vassals Why then doth he oppresse so tirannically more worthye stomacks and courages then himselfe He must neds be a good guid and an vpright iudge which fedeth vpon innocent bloud and breathing in the bodies of godly men doth rent and teare their bowels and that more is hath his delight in destroying and subuerting the faith Go to therfore thou hangman burne cut and mangle thou these earthly meÌ„bers It is an easie matter to breake a britle substance but the inward mind shalt not thou hurt for any thing thou canst do The pretor theÌ„ or iudge wyth these words of hers set in a great rage saith hangmaÌ„ take her and pull her out by the heare of her head torment her to the vttermost Let her feele the power of our countrey gods and let her know what the Imperiall gouernement of a Prince is But yet O thou sturdy girle faine woulde I haue thee if it were possible before thou dye to
Alfred the foresayd Athelstane the Danish king of Northfolke which by Alfred was Christened before deceased Not loÌ„g after this about the xxj yeare of this kinges reigne the Danes agayne landed in foure places of this land which was in Eastinglande in the North and in the West in two places Before the landyng of these Danes it chaunced king Elfred hearing of the death of King Athelstane and of other complayntes of the Danes was then in Eastengland when these tidings câ—me to him When King Alfrede was hereof ascertained forsomuch as some of the Danes were landed in that coast thincking with themselues the further they weÌ„t in those parties the lesse resistaunce to haue and the more speede as they were wont to haue before Alfride therefore sending messengers in all hast to Etheldred Duke of Mercia to assemble to him an host to withstand the Danes which landed in the West made forth toward hys enemies there where hee was in Eastanglia whom he pursued so sharpely that hee droue them out from those parties They then landed in kent whether the king with his people sped him and in lyke maner draue the Danes from thence without anye great fight so farre as in our authors we can see After this agayne the Danes tooke shipping and sayled into Northwales and there robbed and spoyled the Britones from thence returned by the sea into Eastanglia with an hundreth ships and there rested them for so much the king then was gone Westward The fourth host of the Danes the same yeare came to Chester which at length they won but then the countrey adioyning pressed so sore vpon them and besieged them so long keeping them selues wythin the City that at the last the Danes weryed with the long siege were compelled to eat their owne horses for hunger But by appointment at last they gaue ouer the towne and went about by Northwales to Northumberland whyche was about the xxiij yeare of king Alfrede Which Alfrede in the meane while with his host sped him thetherward TheÌ„ the Danes leauing their strong holdes and Castles garnished with men and vitaile tooke againe shipping and set theyr course in such wise that they landed in Sussex so came to the porte of Lewes and from thence towarde London and builded a Tower or Castle neare vnto the riuer of Ley xx mile froÌ„ London But the Londiners hearing therof manned out a certaine number of men of armes who with the assistence of them of that countrey put the Danes from that tower and after beat it downe to the grouÌ„d Soone after the king came downe thether And to preuent the daungers that might ensue commaunded the riuer of Luye to be deuided in iii. streames so that where a shyp might sayle in times before then a litle boate might scantly row FroÌ„ thence the Danes leauing their shippes wiues were forced to flie that countrey and tooke their way againe toward Wales and came to Quadruge neare to the Riuer of Seuerne Where vpon the borders therof they builded then a castle there resting themselues for a time whome the King eftsoones wyth his armie pursued In the meane tyme the Londiners at Luye taking the Danes shippes some of them they brought to London the rest they fired During all these three yeres from the first comming of the Danes to Luye Englande was afflicted with three maner of sorrowes with the Danes wyth pestilence of men and morreine of beasts The which troubles notwithstanding yet the King manfully resisted the malice of his enemyes and thaÌ„ked God alway what trouble soeuer fel to him or vnto his Realme and susteined it wyth great pacience humilitie These three yeares ouerpast the next yeare folowing which was the xxviij of the reigne of Alfrede the Danes deuided their hoste of whom part went to Northumberland some to Northfolke part sailed ouer to Fraunce some other came to Westsaxe Where they had diuers conflictes with the Englishmen both by lande and especially vpon the Sea of whome some were slaine many by shypwracke peryshed diuers were taken and hanged and xxx of their shippes were taken Not long after this king Alfred when he had reigned xxix yeares and vj. monethes chaunged this mortall life And thus much and more peradueÌ„ture then will seeme to thys our Ecclesiasticall storie appertaining touching the painfull labours and trauailes of this good king which he no lesse valiantly atcheued then paciently susteined for the necessary defence of his Realme and subiects Now if there be any Prince who listeth to see and follow the vertuous and godly disposition of this king both touching the institution of his owne life also concerning his carefull gouernement of the coÌ„mon weale thus the histories of him do record That at what time he being yoÌ„g perceaued hymselfe somewhat disposed to the vice of the flesh thereby letted from many vertuous purposes did not as many young Princes and Kinges sonnes in the world be now wont to do that is to resolue theÌ„selues into all kind of carnal licence and dissolute sensualitie running and folowing without bridle whether soeuer their licence geuen doth leade them as therefore not without cause the common prouerbe reporteth of them that Kings sonnes learne nothing well els but onely to ride Meaning therby that Princes and Kinges sonnes hauing about them flatterers whych bolster them in theyr faultes onely their horses geue to them no more then to any other but if they sit not fast they wil cast them But this young king seeing in him selfe the inclination of his fleshly nature minding not to geue hym selfe so much as he might take but rather by resistence to auoid the tentation thereof besought God that he wold send to him some continual sicknes in quenching of that vice whereby he might be more profitable to the publike busines of the coÌ„mon wealth and more apt to serue God in his calling Cestrens Lib. 5. cap. 1. Fab. cap. 17. Then at Gods ordinance he had the euill called Ficus til he came to the age of xx yeres wherof at length he was cured as is sayd in some stories by the virgin called Modwen an Irishwoman After this sicknesse being taken away to him fell an other which continued with him from the xx yeres of his age to xlv according to his own petition request made vnto God wherby he was the more reclaimed attempered from other more great incoÌ„ueniences and lesse disposed to that which he did most abhorre Moreouer to beholde the bountiful goodnes ioyned with like prudence in this man in the ordering disposing hys riches and rents it is not vnworthy to be recited How he deuided his goods in two equall partes the one apperteining to vses secular the other to vses spirituall or Ecclesiasticall Of the which two principall partes the first he deuided into three portioÌ„s the first to the behofe of his house and family
this king was one called Clito Ethelwoldus a yong man king Edwardes vncles sonne Who first occupying the Towne of Wâ—nborne taking thence a Nonne rb him whome then he had maried fled oc by night to Northumberland to adioyne himself vnto the Danes who was made chiefe king and captaine ouer them Then chased from thence hee fled ouer into France but shortly returning againe into England landed in Eastengland where the saide Clyto wyth a company of Danes of that countrey gathered vnto him destroied and pilled much of the countrey about Crekinford and Crikeland And so passing ouer Thamis after he had spoyled the lande there to Bradeuestocke returned againe to Northfolke and Suffolke where he meting with a bushment of Kentish men which dragged taried after the maine hoste of Edwarde contrary to his commaundement inclosed them in and slewe the moste parte of them Soone after the two hostes meeting together betwene the two diches of S. Edmunds laÌ„d after a long fight Clyto with many of the Danes were slaine and the remnaunte were constrained to seeke for peace which vpon certaine conditions and vnder a tribute was to them graunted In processe about the 12. yeare of his reygne the Danes repenting them of their couenants and minding to breake the same assembled an hoste and met with the king in Staffordshire at a place called Totenhall soone after at wodnefield at which two places the king slew two kings two erles many thousand of Danes that occupied the countrey of Northumberland Thus the importunate rage of the Danes being asswaged King Edwarde hauing nowe some leysure geuen from warres to other studies gaue his minde to the building or repairing of cities townes and castles that by the Danes were rased shatred and broken As first of Chester which citye he double enlarged to that it was before compassing the castle within the walles of the same which before stood without That done the king builded a strong castle at Herford in the edge of Wales Also for the strengthening of the Countrey he made a Castle at the mouth of the water of Auene and an other Castle at Buckingham and the third fast thereby vpon the riuer of Owse Moreoouer he builded or reedified the townes of Towsetor and Wigmore destroied the castle that the Danes had made at Demesâ—ord Likewise vpon the riuer of Trent against the old towne of Notingham he builded a new towne on the southside and made a bridge ouer the riuer betweene the said ij townes Also by the riuer of Merce he builded a citie or towne in the North end of Mercia and named it Thilwall and after repaired the citie of Manchester that sore was defaced with warre of the Danes In this renuing and building of townes and Castles for the more fortifying of his Realme his Sister Elfleda daughter of king Alfrede maried to the Duke of Mercia as is afore mentioned was no small helper Of this Elfleda it is firmely of wryters affirmed that shee being as is sayde maried to Ethelrede Duke of Mercia after she had once assayed the paines of women in traueling wyth her childe so much shee abhorred euer after the embracing of her husbande that it seemed to her she sayde not seemely for a noble womaÌ„ to vse such fleshly liking wherof so gret sorow and trauaile should ensue And yet notwithstaÌ„ding the same Elfleda for all her delicate tendernesse in eschewing the natural passion which necessity geueth to women so hardy she was in warlike daungers which nature geueth not to women that fighting against the Danes so venturous shee was of stomacke that foure of her nexte knights which were gardeius of her body were slain fast by her This Elfleda among her other noble actes whereby she deserued praise was a great helper and stirrer vp of her brother Edward who builded and newly repaired many Castels and townes as Toniworth beside Lichfielde Stafforde Warwike Shrowesbury Watrisbury Eldisbury besides Chester in the forrest now destroyed Also in the North ende of Mercia vpon the riuer of Merce a castle called Rimcorne also a bridge ouer Seuerne named Brimmisbury bridge As touching the lawes and statutes of thys Edwarde as also of his father Alfrede made before him I omit heere to recorde them for length of matter and wast of time yet notwithstanding this admonition by the way I thinke good to note that in those dayes of these auncient Kinges reigning in Englande the authoritie then both of conferring Bishoprickes and spirituall promotions and also of prescribing lawes as well to the church men as to the laâ—tie and of ordering and intermedling in matters mere spiritual was then in the hands of kings ruling in the land and not onely in the hande of the Pope as appeareth by these lawes of Alfred Si quis fornicetur cum vxore aliena c Si quis in quadragesima sanctum velum in publico vel in lecto c. Vt Christiani Deum diligant paganismo renuncient c. Si quis Christianitatem mutet c. Si quis ordinatus sacris furetur c. Si praesbyter ad rectum terminum sanctum Chrisma c. Si duo fratres vel cognati cum vna aliqua fornicentur c. By these and other such like constitutions of King Alfrede it may appeare how the gouernaunce and direction of the church in those daies depended not vpon Monsieur le Pope of Rome but vpon the kings which here in their time vnder the Lorde did gouerne the land To this also the example of King Edwardes time geueth testimonie which Edward wyth Pleimundus aboue mentioned Archbishop of Canterbury and with other bishops in a sinode assembled assigned and elected 7. Byshops in 7. Metropolitane churches of the realme Which were 1. Fridestane 2. Adelstane 3 Werstane 4. Adelelme 5. Edulfus 6 Dernegus 7 Kenulphus In which election the kings authoritie semed then alone to be sufficient c. This Edward as in the beginning was sayd reigned 24. yeares Who had three wiues Egwine Elfled and Ethelwide Of Egwine hee had hys eldest â—onne Adelstane who next succeeded in the kingdom and a daughter maried after to the duke of Northumberland Of Elflede he receiued two ionnes and vj. daughters to witte Ethelward and Edwyne Ethelward was excellently well seene in all knowledge of learning much resembling both in countenance and conditions his grandfather Alfrede and died soone after his father Of his vj. daughters two of them 1 Elflede and Ethelhilda were made nonnes The other foure were maried Edgina to Charles the French King in hys fathers time Ethilda by King Ethelstane was maryed to Hugo the sonne of Duke Robert Edgitha and Algina were both sent to Henricus Prince of Almaines Of which two sisters the seconde the sayd Henricus maried to hys sonne Otho who was the first Emperour of the Almains The other sister which was Edgitha the foresayde Henticus maried to a certaine Duke about
Christum Domini ad effundendum sanguinem innocentem Chron. de Crouland Not long after the coronation of this king a cloud was seene throughout the land which appeared the one halfe like bloud and the other halfe like fire And changed after into sondry colours and vanished at the last in the morning Shortly after the appearaunce of this cloud in the iij. yeare of his raigne the Danes arriuing in sondry places of the land first spoyled Southhampton either slaying the inhabitants or leading them captiue away FroÌ„ thence they went to the I le of Thanet then they inuaded Chester from thence they proceeded to Cornwall and Deuonshire so to Sussex where in those coastes they did much harme and so retired to their ships agayne Roger Houeden writing hereof sayth that London the same tyme or as Fabian sayth a great part of London was consumed with fire About this tyme fell a variance betwene the foresayd Egelred and the bishop of Rochester In so much that he made warre against him and besieged the Citie And notwithstaÌ„ding that Dunstan required the king sending him admonishment to geue ouer for the sake of S. Andrew yet continued he his siege till the bishop offred him an huÌ„dreth pounds of gold which he receaued and so departed The Danes seing the discord that then was in the realme and specially the hatred of the subiectes against the kyng rose againe and did great harme in diuers places of England In so much that the king was glad to graunt them great summes of mony for peace to be had For the assuraÌ„ce of which peace Analeffe captaine of the Danes became a christen man and so returned home to his countrey did no more harme Besides these miseries before recited a sore sicknes of the bloudy flixe and hote feuers fell among the people wherof many died with a like moraine also among the beastes Moreouer for lacke of iustice many thieues rioters and bribers were in the land with much miserie and mischiefe About the xi yeare some say the ix yeare of this kings raigne died Dunstan After whom succeded Ethelgarus or as Iornalensis writeth Stilgarus After him Elfricus as affirmeth Guliel lib. 1. de pontif But as Polydorus sayth Siricius After him Elfricus came but Siritius after the mynd of William Lib. 1. But Polydorus sayth Aluritius theÌ„ Elphegus c. About the same tyme in the yeare of our Lord 995. Aldunus Bishop translated the body of S. Cuthbert from Chester which first was in a Northren Iland theÌ„ at Rochester to Durelme or Dunoline Wherupon the bishops sea of Duresme first began Not long after the death of Dunstane the Danes agayne entred England in many and sondry places of the land In such sorte that the kyng was to seeke to which coast he should go first to withstand his enemies And in conclusion for the auoyding of more harme he was compelled to appease them with great summes of mony But when that money was spent they fell to new robbyng of the people and assailing the land in diuers places not only about the countrey of Northumberland but also besieged the Citie of London at the last But being froÌ„ thence repulsed by the manhood of the Londoners they strayd to other countreys adioyning as to Essex Kent Sussex and Hampshire burnyng and killing where so euer they weÌ„t so that for lacke of a good head or gouernour many things in the land perished For the king gaue himselfe to the vice of lecherie and polling of his subiects and disinherited meÌ„ of their possessions and caused them to redeeme the same agayne with great summes of money for he payed great tribute to the Danes yerely which was called Danegelt Which tribute so increased that from the first tribute of x. M. pouÌ„d it was brought at last in processe of v. or vj. yere to xl M. pound The which yearely during to the comming of S. Edward and after was leuied of the subiects of this land To this sorow moreouer was ioyned hunger penury among the commoÌ„s in so much that euery one of theÌ„ was constrained to plucke steale from other So that what for the pillage of the Danes and what by inward thieues and bribers this land was brought into great affliction Albeit the greatest cause of this affliction as to me appeareth is not so much to bee imputed to the kyng as to the dissention among the Lordes themselues who theÌ„ did not agree one with another But when they assembled in consultation together eyther they did draw diuers ways or if any thing were agreed vpon any matter of peace betwene the parties soone it was broken againe or els if any good thing were deuised for the preiudice of the enemy anone the Danes were warned therof by some of the same counsaile Of whom the chiefe doers were Edrike Duke of Mercia and Alfrike the Admirall or captain of the ships who betrayed the kings nauy to the Danes Wherefore the kyng apprehending Alfagarus sonne of the said Alfrike put out his eyes and so did he after to the two sonnes of Duke Edrike in like maner The Danes thus preuayling more and more ouer the english men grew in such pride presumption that when they by strength caused the husbandmen to care and sowe the land and to do all other vile labour belongyng to the house they would sitte at home holding the wife at theyr pleasure with daughter and seruaunt And when the husband man came home he should scantly haue of his own as his seruants had so that the Dane had all at his will till taring of the best when the owner scantly had his fill of the worst Thus the common people beyng of them oppressed were in such feare and dread that not onely they were constrained to suffer them in their doings but also glad to please them called euery one of them in the house where they had rule Lord Dane Which worde after in processe of tyme when the Danes were voyded was for despite of the Danes turned of the english men to a name of opprobry that when one English man would rebuke an other he would for the more part call him Lurdaine And thus hitherto through the assistaunce of Christ we haue brought this history to the yere of our lord 1000. During now continuing these great miseries vpon this English natioÌ„ the land being brought into great ruine by the grieuous tribute of the Danes and also by sustainyng the manifold villarâ—ies and iniuries as wel by them as by other oppressions within the realm This yere which was the yeare of our sauiour 1000. This Egelred through the counsail of certain his familiars about him in the 21. yeare of his raigne began a matter which was occasion eyther geuen by the one or taken by the other of a new plague to ensue vpon the SaxoÌ„s who had driuen out the
Britaine 's before That was in ioyning with the Normans in mariage For the king this yere abouesaid for the more strēgth as he thought both of him and the realm maried Emma the daughter of Richard Duke of Normandy Which Richard was the third Duke of the Normains and the first of that name By reason of which mariage king Egelred was not a little enhaunsed in his owne mynd and by prosumption thereof sent secret straight commissions to the rulers of euery towne in England that vpon S. Brices day at a certayne houre appointed the Danes should bee sodenly slayne And so it was performed which turned after to more trouble After that tidings came into Denmarke of the murder of those Danes Anone after Suanus king of Denmarke with a great host and nauy landed in Cornewall where by treason of a Normand named Hugh which by fauour of Queene Emma was made Erle of Deuonshire The sayd Suanus tooke Exceter after beat downe the wals From thence proceding further into the land they came to Wilton and Shireborne where they cruelly spoyled the countrey and slew the people But anone Suanus hearing that the king was comming to him with the power of his land tooke his ships set about to Norfolke where after much wasting of that countrey and spoyling the citie of Norwich and burning the towne of Thetford and destroying the countrey thereabout at length Duke Uskatel met him and beat him slew many of the Danes Wherfore Swanus for that yeare returned to Denmarke and there made great prouision to reenter the land againe the next yeare following And so did landing at Sandwich about the 25. yere of the raign of king Egelred there spoiled that countrey And as soone as he heard of any hoste of englishmen comming toward him then he tooke shipping againe So that when the kings army sought to meet him in one coast then would he sodainly land in an other And when the king prouided to meete with them vpon the sea either they would fain to flee or els they would with gifts blynd the Admirall of the kings nauy And thus wearied they the englishmen in conclusion brought them in extreme and vnspeakable misery In so much that the King was fayne to take peace with them gaue to king Suanus 30000. pound After which peace thus made Suanus returned agayne to Denmarke But this peace continued not long For the yeare next following king Egelred made Edricus aboue mētioned Duke of Mercia which was subtile of witte glosing and eloquent of speach vntrusty and false to the king and the Realme And soone after one Turkillus a Prince of the Danes landed in Kent with much people and there dyd such harme that the Kentishmē were faine to make peace with great gifts and so thence departed But this persecution of the Danes in one country or other in England neuer ceased nor the king did euer geue to them any notable battaile For when he was disposed to geue them battail this Edricus would euer counsaile him to the contrary so that the Danes euer spoyled and robbed and waxed rich and the english men euer poore and bare After this Suanus beyng in Denmarke and hearing of the increase of hys people in England brake hys couenaunts before made and with a great army and nauie in most defensable wyse appoynted landed in Northumberland proclaimyng himselfe to be king of this land Where after much vexation when he had subdued the people and caused the Erle with the rulers of the countrey to sweare to him feaultie he passed by the riuer of Trent to Ganisburgh and to Northwatlyng streete and subduyng the people there forced them to geue hym pledges whiche pledges he committed with his nauy vnto Canutus hys sonne to keepe whyle he went further into the lande And so with a great hoste came to Mercia killing and slaying Then he tooke by strength Winchester and Oxford dyd there what him liked That done he came toward London and hearing the king was there passed by the Riuer Thamis and came into Kent and there besieged Canterbury where he was resisted the space of 20. dayes At lēgth by treason of a Deacon called Almaricus whom the Bishop had preserued from death before wanne it and tooke the goods of the people and fired the Citie and tythed the Monkes of S. Augustines Abbey that is to meane they slew ix by cruell torment and the tenth they kept aliue as for their slaues So they slew there of religious men to the number of 900. persons of other men women childrē they slew aboue 8000. And finally whē they had kept the Bishop Elphegus in straight prison the space of 7. monethes because he would not cōdescend to geue vnto thē 3000. pound After many villanies vnto hym done they brought him to Greenewich there stoned him to death Kyng Egelred in the meane tyme fearing the ende of this persecution sent his wyfe Emma with his ij sonnes Alphred and Edward to the Duke of Normandy with whom also he sent the bishop of Londō The Danes proceeded still in their fury and rage and when they had won a great part of Westsaxonie they returned againe to London Whereof hearing the Londiners sent vnto them certayne great giftes and pledges At last the king about the 35. yeare of his raigne was chased vnto the I le of Wight with a secret company he spent there a great part of the Winter And finally without cattaile or comfort sailed into Normandy to his wyfe Swanus beyng ascertayned thereof inflamed with pride reared exceeding impositions vpon the people And amōg other he required a great summe of mony of S. Edmunds lands which the people there clanning to bee free from kings tributes denied to pay For this Suanus entred the territory of S. Edmūd and wasted and spoyled the countrey despising the holy Martyr manacing also the place of his sepulture Wherfore the men of that countrey fearing his tiranny fell to prayer and fasting so that shortly after Suanus dyed sodenly crying and yelling among his knightes Some say that he was striken with the sword of S. Edmund wherof he dyed the 3. day after In feare whereof Canutus his sonne which ruled as king after his father graunted them the freedome of all their liberty and moreouer ditched the land of the sayde Martyr with a deepe ditche and graunted to the inhabitaunts thereof great freedomes quityng them from all talke or tribute And after builded a Church ouer the place of his sepulture and ordained there an house of Monkes and endued them with rich possessions And after the tyme it was vsed that kings of England when they were crouned sent their crownes for an offring to Saint Edmūds shrine and redeemed the same agayne afterwardes with a condigne price When king Egelred heard of the death of Suanus he made prouision
vnto him an army and so landed at Hampton to the intent to haue expulsed his brother from the kyngdom But William Rufus hearing thereof sent to him sayre and gentle wordes promising him deditiō and subiection as to the more worthy and elder brother this thing onely requiring that seeyng he was now in place and possession he might enioy it during his life paying to him yerely iii. thousand markes with condition that which of them ouerlyued the other should enioy the kingdome The occasion of this variance betwene these brethren wrought a great dissentiō among the Normaine Lordes and Bishops both in England in Normandy In so much that all the Normain bishops within the realm almost rebelled against the king takyng part with Duke Robert except onely Lanfrancus and Wolstane Bishop of Worcester aboue mentioned an English man who for his vertue and constancie was so wel liked and fauoured of his citizens that emboldned wyth his presence prayer they stoutly maintained the City of Worcester agaynst the siege of their enemies at last vanquished them wyth vtter ruine But Duke Robert at length by the aduise of his counsaile hearing the wordes sent vnto him and wagging his dead thereat as one conceiuing some matter of doubt or doublenes was yet content to assent to all that was desired so returned shortly after into Normandy leauing the bishops and such other in the briers which were in England taking his part against the kyng This Rufus was so ill liked of the Normaines that betwene him and his Lords was oft dissention Wherfore well nere all the Normains tooke part agaynst him so that he was forced of necessitie to drawe to hym the Englishe men Agayne so couetous he was and so unmeasurable in his taskes and takings in selling benefites Abbeys and Bishoprickes that he was hated of all English men In the third yere of this king died Lancfrancus Archbishop of Cant. from whose commendation and worthines as I list not to detract any thing being so greatly magnified of Polidorus his countreyman so neyther doe I see any great cause why to adde any thing therunto This I thinke vnlesse that man had brought with him lesse superstition and more sincere science into Christes Church he might haue kept him in his countrey still haue confuted Berengarius at home After the decease of Lanfranke the sea of Cant. stoode emptie iiii yeares After the counsaile of Lancfrancus aboue mentioned wherin was concluded for translating of Bishops seas from villages into head cities Remigius bishop of Dorchester who as ye heard accompanied Lancfrancus vnto Rome remooued his Bishops sea from Dorchester vnto Lincolne where he builded the minster there situate vpon an hill within the sayd citie of Lincoln The dedication of which church Robert Archbishop of Yorke did resist saying that it was builded within the ground of his precinct But after it had his Romish dedication by Robert Blocet next bishop that followed By the same Remigius also was sounded the cloister or monastery of Stow c. In the iiii yeare of this king great tempest fell in sondry places of England specially at Winchcombe where the steeple was burned with lightning the Church walle brast through the head and right leg of the Crucifixe with the Image of our Lady on the right side of the Crucifixe throwen downe and such a stench left in the Church that none might abide it At London the force of the weather tempest ouerturned vi hundreth houses In which tempest the roofe of Bowe church was whurled vp in the wind and by the vehemence thereof was pitched downe a great deepenes into the ground King William as ye heard an exceding piller or rauener rather of Church goods after he had geuen the Bishoprike of Lincolne to his Chauncellor Robert Bleuet aboue minded began to cauil auouching the sea of Lincoln to belong to the sea of Yorke till the Bishop of Lincolne had pleased him with a great summe of money of v. thousand markes c. And as nothing could come in those dayes without mony from the king so Herbert Lolinga paying to the kyng a peece of money was made bishop of Thetford as he had payd a little before to be Abbot of Ramesey who likewise the same time remouing his sea from Thetford to the Citie of Norwich there erected the Cathedrall Church with the cloister in the said citie of Norwith where he furnished the Monkes with sufficient liuing and rentes of his owne charges besides the Bishops landes Afterward repentyng of his open and manifest simonie he went to Rome where he resigned vnto the Popes hands his bishoprike but so that incontinēt he receiued it againe This Herbert was the sonne of an Abbot called Robert for whō he purchased of the king to be bishop of Winchester wherof runneth these verses Filius est praeful pater Abba Simon vterque Quid non speremus si nummos possideamus Omnia nummus habet quod vultfacit addit aufert Res nimis iniusta nummus fit praeful Abba c. Ye heard a little before of the death of Pope Hildebrād after the tyme of which Hildebrand the Germain Emperors began to loose their authoritie and right in the Popes electiō and in geuing of benefices For next after this Hildebrand came Pope Victor by the setting vp of Matilda and the Duke of Normandy with the faction and retinue of Hildebrand who likewise shewed himselfe stout against the emperor But God gaue the shrewd Low short hornes For Victor beyng poysoned as some say in his chalice late but one yeare and a halfe Notwithstanding the same imitation and example of Hildebrand continued still in thē that followed after And like as the kings of Israel folowed most part the steps of Ieroboam till the tyme of theyr desolation so for the greatest sort all Popes followed the steps and proceedings of this Hildebrand their spirituall Ieroboam in maintaining fals worship and chiefly in vpholding the dignitie of the sea against all rightfull authoritie and the lawful kingdom of Sion In the time of this Victor began the order of the Monkes of Charterhouse through the meanes of one Hugo bishop of Gracionople and of Bruno bishop of Colen Next to Victor sate Urbanus the ii by whom the acts of Hildebrand were confirmed also new decrees enacted against Henricus the Emperour In this time were two Popes at Rome Urbanus and Clemens iii. whome the Emperor set vp Under Pope Urbane came in the white Monkes of Cistercian order by one Stephen Harding a monke of Shireborne an Englishman by whom this order had his beginning in the wildernes of Cistery within the prouince of Burgoyne as witnesseth Cestrensis Other write that this Harding was the ij Abbot of that place that it was first founded by the meanes of one Robert Abbot of Molisine in Cistercium a Forest in Burgundy an 1098.
some they slew and some they left for dead There was amongst this number of the Iewes one which was called the blessed Iew of Yorke which was so fore wounded and beaten with the rest that for feare of his lyfe-he sayd he would become a christian and was in deed of Williā the Prior of the church of S. Mary of York baptised whereby he escaped the great perill of death he was in and the persecutors hands In the meane whyle there was a great tumor spred throughout all the City of London that the king had cōmaunded to destroy all the Iewes Whereupon as well the Citizens as innumerable people more being assembled to see the kings coronation armed themselues and came together The Iewes thus being for the most part stayn the rest fled into their houses where for a time through the strōg and sure building of them they were defēded But at length theyr houses were set on fire and they destroyed therein These thinges being declared to the king whilest he with his nobles and Barons were at dinner he sendeth immediately Ranulph de Glanuile the Lord high Stuard of England with diuers other noble men to accompany him that they might fray and restrayne these so bold enterprises of the Londiners but all was in vayne For in this so great a tumult none there was that either regarded what the nobility sayd or els any whit reuerēced theyr personages but rather with sterue looks and threatning wordes aduised them and that quickely to depart Whereupon they with good deliberation thinking it the best so to do departed the tumult and insurrection continuing till the next daye At which time also the king sending certayne of his officers into the Citty gaue them in commaundement to apprehend and present some such as were the chiefest of the malefactours of the which three were condemned to be hanged and so were The one for that he had robbed a Christiās house in this tumult and the other two for that they fired the houses to the greate daunger of the City After this the king sent for him that from a Iew was conuerted to Christiannitye and in the presēce of those that saw where he was baptised the king asked him whether he was become a Christian or not He aunswering the king sayd no but to the intent he might escape death he promised to do whatsoeuer the christians would haue him Then the king asked the Archbishop of Caunterbury other Archbishops and Byshoppes being present what were best to be done with him who vnaduisedly aunswering said If he will not be a man of God let him be a man of the deuill and so reuolted he agayne to Iewdaisme Then the king sent his writs to the shiriffes of euery country to enquire for the authors stirrers of this outrage Of whom 3 were hanged diuers were imprisoned So great was thē the hatred of Englishmen agaynst the Iewes that as soone as they began to be repulsed in the court the Londiners taking example thereof fell vpon them set theyr houses on fyre and spoyled theyr gooddes The country agayne following the example of the Londiners semblably did the like And thus the yeare which the Iewes tooke to be theyr Iubily was to them a yeare of confusion In so much as in the city of Yorke the Iewes obtayning the occupying of a certayne Castle for theyr preseruation and afterward not willing to restore it to the Christians agayne when they saw no other remedye but by force to be vanquished first they offered much mony for theyr liues when that would not be taken by the counsell of an olde Iew among them euery one with a sharpe razer cut an others throate whereby a thousand fiue hundred of them were at that present destroyd Neither was this plague of theyrs vndeserued For euerye yeare commonly theyr custome was to get some christen mans childe from the parentes and on good Fridaye to crucify him in despite of our religion Ex chron Westm. King Richard after the death of his father comming to remembraunce of himselfe and of his rebellion against hys father sought for absolution of his trespasse and in part of satisfaction for the same agreed with Phillipp the French King about Easter next ensuing to take his voyage with him for the recouerye of Christes patrimonye which they called the holy land Whereupon the sayd king Richard immediatly after his coronation to prepare him selfe the better toward his iourny set to sale diuers of his manors Wherof Godfrey Lucy then B. of Wint. bought a couple for 2. M. markes to witee Wergraue and Melenge The Abbot of Bury bought another for a M. markes called Middlesaie Hugh Pusaz B. of Durhā bought the Lordship of Seggesfield or Sedberga with the wapintake and all the appertenaunce thereto belonging He bought also the Earledome of Northumberland Whome When the king should solemnize after the maner of secular Earles merily with a mocking iest loe sayd he of an olde Byshop I haue made a young Earle And because the sayd Bishop had professed before by a solemme vow to visite the holy land to be released of his vow he compoūded with the Pope for a great summe of mony therefore and moreouer gaue to the King a thousand Marks to remayne at home as chiefe Iustice of England Ouer and besides the King set out all that he had to sale wooddes castles townships Lordships Earledoms Baronages c. ordayning also diuers new Byshops not without some aduantage as appeared to his purse fayning moreouer his olde seale to be lost that they which had landes to hold might be driuen to renew their writinges agayne by the new seale wherby great substaunce of mony was gayned Aboue all this by the commaundement of Pope Clement 3. a tenth also was enacted of the whole Realm in such sort as the Christians should make to the king 70000 pound the Iewes 6000. Ex Geruas fol. 134. King Richard after his coronation sent certayne Earles and Barons to Phillip the French King in the tyme of his parliament at S. Denis desiring him to remember his promise made for the recouery of Christes holy patrimony out of the saracens handes Unto whom he sent word agayne in the moneth of December certifying him how he had bound himself by solemne othe deposing vpon the Euangelists that he the next yeare following about the time of Easter had certaynly perfixed to addresse himselfe toward that iourney requiring him likewise not to fayle but to be redy at the terme aboue limitted appoynting also the place where both the Kinges should meet together The next yeare then ensued which was 1190 in the beginning of which yere vpon I welfe euen fel a foule northren brawle which turned welnere to a fray betweene the Archbyshop new elected of the Church of Yorke and his company on the one side and Henrye Deane of the sayd Church with his Catholicke partakers on
togither sent word to the kings that they would leaue and forsake them vnlesse they were made partakers also of the gaynes for the whiche they had so long trauailed To whom aunswere was sent agayne by the kinges that their wills should be satisfied How beit because of loÌ„g differring of their promise many constrayned by pouerty departed from them The xx day of Iuly king Richard speaking with the French king desired him that they two with their armies would binde theÌ„selues by oth to remayne there still in the laÌ„d of HierusaleÌ„ the space of 3. yeares for the winning and recouering again of those couÌ„tryes But he would sweare he sayd no such oth and so the next day after K. Richard with his wife and sister entreth into the citty of Achon and placed there himselfe in the kinges Palace the French K. remayning in the houses of the Templaries where he coÌ„tinued till the end of that month So about the beginning of the month of August Phillip the Frenche king after that he and king Richard had made agreemeÌ„t betwene Guido and Conradus the Marques about the kingdome of Hierusalem went froÌ„ Achon to Tyrus notwithstaÌ„ding kyng Richard al the Princes of the ChristiaÌ„ army with great entreaty desired him to tarye shewing what a shame it were for him to come so far now to leaue vndone that for which he came on the 3. of August froÌ„ Tyrus departed leauing his halfe part of the citty of Achon in the handes of the foresayd Conradus Marques After whose departure the Paganes refused to keep their couenaunts made who neither would restore the holy crosse nor the mony nor their captiues sending worde to king Richard that if he beheaded the pledges left with him at Achon they would chop of the heads of such captiues of the christians which were in their handes Shortly after this the Saladine sendyng great gifts to king Richard requested the times limited for beheading of the captiues to bee proroged but the king refused to take his giftes and to graunt his request WhereupoÌ„ the Saladine caused all the christian captiues within his possession forthwith to be beheaded which was the xviii day of August which albeit K. Richard vnderstode yet would not he preuent the time afore limitted for the execution of his prisoners being the xx day of August UpoÌ„ which day he caused the prisoners of the Saracens opeÌ„ly in the sight of the Saladines army to lose their heads the number of whom came to two thousand and fiue hundreth saue only that certayne of the principall of theÌ„ he reserued for purposes considerations especially to make exchaunge for the holy crosse and certayne other of the Christian captiues After this king Richard purposed to besiege the Citty of Ioppe â—o hereby the way betweene Achou and Ioppe neare to a Town called Assur Saladine with a great multitude of his Saracens came fiercely agaynst the kinges reareward but through Gods merciâ—ull grace in the same battayle the kinges warriours acquited them so well that the Saladine was put to flight whom the ChristiaÌ„s pursued the space of iii. myles lost the same day many of his nobles and captaynes in such sort as it was thought that the Saladine was not put to such confusion xl yeares before and but one Christian captaine called Iames Auernus in that conflict was ouerthrowne From thence kyng Richard proceeding further weÌ„t to Ioppe and theÌ„ to Ascalon where he found first the city of Ioppe forsaken of yâ— Saracens who durst not abide the kinges comming AscaloÌ„ the Saladine threw downe to the ground likewise forsooke the whole land of Syria through all which land the king had free passage without resistaunce neither durst the Sarazen prince encounter after that with K. Richard Of all whiche his acheuances the sayd king Richard sent his letters of certificate as well into England as also to the Abbot of Clara Ualle in Fraunce well hoping that he God willing should be able to make his repayre agayne to them by Easter next A briefe story of William Byshop of Ely the Kynges Chauncellour ANd nowe to leaue king Richard a while in the field let vs make a step into Englande and looke a little what is done at home while the king was abroad and so returne to the king agayne Yee heard before how king Richard at his setting forth committed the gouernement of the realme to Hugo Byshop of Durham and to WilliaÌ„ Bishop of Ely so that to the byshop of Durham was coÌ„mitted the keeping of the Castle of Wyndsore the other which was the Bishop of Ely had the keeping of the tower of LondoÌ„ about which he caused a great ditch with a raÌ„pear to be cast which is yet remayning Furthermore to these 2. Bishops the king also assigned 4. other chiefe Iustices whiche ioyntly with them should haue the hearyng and ouersight of all causes as well to the clergy as the layty appertaining to witte Hugh Bardolfe William Marshall Geffrey Peterson and William Bruer But the byshop of Ely was the principal or at least he that took most vpon him Who both was the kinges Chauncellour and bought with hys money to be the popes Legate through England Ireland ScotlaÌ„d as is before specified Touching the excessiue pride and pompe of which Byshop hys ruffings outragious fall most shameful it would make a long tragedie to discourse the whole circumstaÌ„ces at full Onely to demonstrate certayne specialties thereof for our present purpose it may suffice First this William called Longchamp being thus aduaunced by the king to be his high Chauncellor and chiefe Iustice of the realme and also the popes Legate to shew abroad the authoritie of his Legatshyp began to suspend the Canons Clerkes Uicares of the Church of s. Peter in York because they receiued him not with processioÌ„ vnder which interdiction he held them til they were fayne at last both Canons Clarkes and Uicares to fall downe at his foote causing al their belles to be let downe out of the steple After this commeth Hugo bishop of Durham whoÌ„ the king sent home out of Normandy with hys letters who meeting with the foresayd William Byshop of Ely in the towne of Blye shewed hym the kings letters wherin was graunted to him the keeping of Windsore Castle and to be the kinges Iustice from the riuer of Humber to the borders of Scotland To the which letters the Chauncellour answered that the kings commaundemeÌ„t should be done and so brought him with him to Suwell where he tooke him and kept him fast til he was forced at last to surrender to him the Castle of Wyndsore other things whiche the king had committed to his custody moreouer was constrayned to leaue with the sayd Chauncellour Henry de Puteaco hys own sonne Gilbert Ley for pledges hostages of his fidelitie to be true to the king and the realme And thus the bishop of Durham
more then lx M. florences of mere contributiō besides hys other auayles common reuenues out of benefices prebendaries first fruites tributes Peter Pence collatiōs reseruatiōs relaxations such marchandise c. Mention was made a little before pag. 231. and 239. of Albingenses keeping about the City of Tholouse These Albingauses because they began to smell the pope and to controle the inordinate proceedinges and discipline of the sea of Rome the Pope therefore recounting thē as a people hereticall excited and stirred vp about this presēt time yeare an 1220. Ludouick the yong French king through the instance of Phillip his Father to lay siege agaynst the sayd City of Tholouse to expugne extinguishe these Albingenses hys enemies Wherupon Ludouicke according to his fathers commaundement reared a puissant and a mighty army to compasse about and beset the forenamed city and so did Here were the men of Tholouse in great daunger But see how the mighty protection of God fighteth for hys people agaynst the might of man For after that Ludouicke as Mathew Paris testifieth had long weryed himselfe and hys men in waste and could do no good with all their ingines and artilery agaynst the City there fell moreouer vpon the French hoste by the hand of God such famine and pestilence both of men and horses beside the other dayly slaughter of the souldiours that Ludouick was enforced to retyre and with suche as were left to returne agayne home to Fraunce from whence he came In the slaughters of whiche souldiours besides many other was Erle Simon de monti forte generall of the army to whō the landes of the Erle of Tholouse was geuē by the pope who was slayne before the gate of the Citty with a stone And so was also the brother of the sayd Symon the same time in besieging a castell neare to Tholouse slayne with a stone in like maner And so was the siege of the Frenchmen agaynst Tholouse broke vp Ex Mat. Par. As the siege of these French men could doe no good against the Citty of Tholouse so it happened the same time that the christiās marching toward the holy land had better luck by the way in laying their siege to a certaine tower or castle in Egipt neare to the city Damieta which seemed by nature for the situation and difficultie of the place inexpugnable as which being situate in the middest of the great floud Nilus hard by the citty called Damieta could neither be come to by land nor be vndermined for the water nor by famine subdued for the nearenes of the citty yet notwithstanding through the helpe of God and policy of man in erecting scaffoldes and Castles vppon tops of mastes the Christians at last conquered it and after that the Citty also Damieta albeit not without great losse of Christen people In the expugnation of this City or forte among other that there died was the Lantgraue of Thuring named Ludouicke the husband of Elizabeth whom we vse to call S. Elizabeth This Elizabeth as my story recordeth was the daughter of the kyng of Hungary and maryed in Almayne where she liued with the forenamed Ludouicke Lantgraue of Thuringe Whom she thorough her perswasions prouoked and incēsed to take that vyage to fight for the holy land where he in the same vyage was slayne After whose death Elizabeth remaynyng a widow entred the profefliō of cloysterly religion made her selfe a Nunne So growing and increasing from vertue to vertue that after her death all Almayne did sounde with the fame of her worthy doynges Mat. Paris addeth this more that she was the daughter of that Queene who being accused to be naught with a certayne Archbishop was therfore condemned with this sentence pronounced agaynst her Reginam interficere nolite temere bonum est etsi omnes consenserint non ego contradico That is although it be hard in English to be translated as it standeth in Latine To kill the Queene will ye not to feare that is good And if all men consent thereunto not I my selfe do stand agaynst it c. The which sentence beyng brought to Pope Innocent thus in poynting the sentence which otherwise seemeth to haue a double vnderstanding so saued the Queene thus interpreting and poynting the sentence Reginam interficere nolite timere bonum est si omnes consenserint non ego Contradico That is To kill the Queene will ye not to feare that is good And if all doe consent thereto yet not I I my selfe do stand agaynst it And so escaped she the daunger This Queene was the mother as is said of Elizabeth the Nunne who for her holy Nunny shenes was canonised of the popes church for a Sainct in Almanie about the yeare 1220. Ex Mat Parisiens And this by the way nowe to proceede farther in the yeares and life of this king Henry The next yeare following which was an 1221. the king went to Oxford where he had something to do with William Earle de Albemartia who had taken the Castle of Biham but at last for hys good seruice he had done in the realme before was released of the king with all his men by the intercession of Walter Archbishop of York and of Pandolphe the Legate About which present yeare entred first the Friers Minorites or gray friars into England and had their first house at Cāterbury whos 's first patron was Fraunciscus which dyed an 1127. and hys order was confirmed by the pope Honorius 3. an 1224. About the first comming of these Dominicke and gray Friers Franciscane into the Realme as is in Nic. Triuet testified many Englishmen y◠same time entred into their orders Among whome was Iohannes de sancto Egideo a man famously expert in the science of Phisicke and Astronomy And Alexander de Hales both Englishmen and great diuines This Iohannes making hys Sermon ad clerum in the house of the Dominick Fryers exhorted his auditory with great perswasiōs vnto wilful pouerty And to confirme his words the more by hys owne example in the middest of his sermon he came downe from the pulpite and put on hys Fryers habite and so returning into the pulpite agayne made an end of hys Sermon Likewise Alexander Hales entred the order of the Fraunciscanes of whom remayneth yet the booke intituled De. Summa Theologiae in old Libraries Moreouer not long after by William de longa spata which was the Bastard sonne of K. Henry 2. and Earle of Salisbury was first founded the house of the Carthusian monkes at Heytrope an 1222. After whose death his wife Ela was translated to the house of Hentone in Barkeshyre an 1227. which Ela also founded the house of Nunnes at Lacockes and there continued her self Abbes of the place The Byshop of London named William the same tyme gaue ouer his byshopricke after whom succeeded Eustace in that sea Flor. hist. In the towne of
king made great lamētation and mourning to the great admiratiō of all them that were by saying complayning that he left not his like in all the realine agayne After this the king proceeding in his iourney came to Glocester Where the Archbish with the other Bishops comming to the king declared to him the forme and conditiō of peace which they had cōcluded with Leoline which was this If the king would be reconciled before with the other nobles with whom he was confederate such as the king had banished out of his realm to the end that the cōcord might be the more firme betweene them Thus sayd they was Leoline contented although with much a do great difficulty to receiue y◠league of peace saying protesting thus vnto them that he feared more the kings almose then all the puisaunce both of him and of all his clergy within England This done the king there remaining to the Bishops directed his letters to all the exiles and banished Lords to all his nobles that they should repayre to him about y◠beginning of Iune at Glocester promising to thē his full fauour reconcilement to them and to their heyres that they should suspect no fraud therin they should haue their safeconduct by the Archbishop and Bishops Whereupon through the mediation of the sayd Archbishop and the Bishops first commeth to the king Hubert Earle of Kent offering himself to the kings good will and fauor Whom the king with chearefull countenance receiued and embraced restoring him not onely to his fauour but also to his household councell with his liuings and possessions frō which he had bene deseised before Thē Hubert lifting vp his eies to heauen gaue prayse and glory to God by whose gracious prouidēce he so merucilously being preserued frō so great distresses tribulatiōs was agayne so happely reconciled to the king and his faythfull frends After him in like sort came in Gilbert Basset a noble mā Richard Suard also Gilbert the brother of Rich. Marshall that was slain which Gilbert recouered again his whole inheritance as wel in England as in Ireland doing his homage to the king and his seruice due for the same To whom also was graunted the office of the high Marshall court belonging before to his brother Richard In the same councell or communication continuing then at Glocester the sayd Edmund Archbishop of caunterbury bringing the forged letters wherein was betraied the life of Richard Earle Marshall sealed with the kings seale and sent to the great mē of Ireland read the same openly in the presence of the king and all the nobles At the hearing wherof the king greatly sorrowing and weeping confessed there in truth that being forced by the Bishop of Winchester and Peter De Riuallis he cōmanded his seale to be set to certayne letters presented vnto him but the tenor thereof he said sware he neuer heard whereunto the Archbishop aunswering agayn desired the king to search well his conscience said that all they which were procurers of knowledge of those letters were gilty of the death of the Earle Marshall no lesse then if they had murdered him with theyr owne handes Then the king calling a councell sent his letters for the bishop of Winchester for Peter Riuall Stephen Segraue and Robert Passeiew to appere and yeld accoūt for his treasures to them committed and for his seale by them abused But the Byshop and Riuall keeping themselues in the sanctuary of the minster Church of Winchester neither durst nor would appeare Stephē Segraue who succeded after Hubert the Iustice and was of the Clergy before after became a layman and now hiding himself in S. Maryes Church in the Abbey of Lecester was turned to a Clerke agayne Robert Passelew couertly hid himself in a certain celler of the new tēple so secretly that none could tell where he was but thought he was gone to Rome At length through the foresaid Edmund Archbishop of Canterbury meanes was made y◠a dilatory day was graunted by the king for them to aunswere At which day first appeared Peter De Riuallis then Stephen Segrane after him Robert Passelew ech of them seuerally one after another shewed themselues but not able to aunswere for themselues like traitors were reproued and like villanes were sent away Ex Mat. Parisiens fol. 91. Variance betwene Pope Gregory the 9. and the Romanes WHile peace thus betweene the king and the nobles was reconciled in England dissension and variance the same time and yere began in Rome betwene the pope and the Citizens of Rome The cause was for that the citizens claymed by old custome and law that the Byshop of Rome might not excommunicate any Citizen of the citie nor suspend the said City with any interdiction for any mauer excesse To this the Pope answered agayne Quòd minor Deo est sed quolibet homine maior to vse the very words of mine author Ergo Maior quolibet ciue nae etiam rege vel Imperatore c. that is that he is lesse then God but greater then any man Ergo greater then any Citizen yea also greater then king or Emperor And for so much as he is theyr spirituall father he both ought and lawfully may chastise his children when they offēd as being subiected to him in the sayth of Christ and reduce them into the way agayn whē they stray out of course Moreouer the citizens alledge againe for themselues that the Potestates of the City and Senators do receiue of the Church of Rome yearely tribute which the bishops of Rome were bound to pay vnto them both by new and also auncient law Of the which yerely tribute they haue bene euer in possessiō before this present time of this pope Gregory 9. Hereunto the pope answered and sayd that although the Church of Rome in time of persecution for their defence and cause of peace was wont to respect the head rulers of the Citty with gentle rewardes yet that ought not now to be taken for a custom For that custom only ought to stand which consisteth not vpon examples but vpon right and reason Further and besides the Citizens sayd that they at y◠commandemēt of the Senatour would appropriate their countrey with new and larger limits and infranches the same being enlarged with fines and borders To this the pope agayne made answere that certayne Lordshyps and cities and castles be conteined within the compasse of the sayd limites as the City Uitterbium and Moutcastee which they presume to appropriate within their precinct but to ascribe to them and vsurp that which perteineth to other is agaynst right and iustice For these and such other controuersies rising betwene the Pope and the Romaines such dissention kindled that the Pope with his Cardinals leauing the City of Rome remoued to Perusit◠as partly before is recited thinking there to remayne and to plant thēselues but the Romans
a great army besiegeth the citie Ferraria that alwaies loued the Emperour full well which Citie when the Popes Legate had assauted sharpely the space of 5. monethes and could not winne the same he deuised with hymselfe to sende for Salingwerra out of the towne by way of a parlie promising his faith and truth to him for his safe returne Who by the perswasion of Hugo Rambartus that said without peril he might doe the same being but by way of Parley was comming to the legate who preuenting him in his iourney tooke him as prisoner contrary to his trueth and fidelitie And thus gate he Ferraria and deliuered the keping therof to Azones Astensis And that the Popes Legate thus falsified his trouth and circumuented the capitaine olde man Salingwerra the same is confessed of the Popes frendly Historiographers to be but a Stratagem or warlike pollicie But to returne againe About the same time also the Uenetian nauie at the mount Garganum chased 12. galleis of the Emperors which were appointed to the keeping of that coste spoiled brent and wasted all the region and farther tooke one of the Emperors great ships being driuen by tempest and weather into the hauen Sipontinum fraught with men and munition Fredericus againe getting on hys side the Lucenses the Uolateranes the Genenses the Aretines and diuers Cities besides in Hetruria to helpe that countrey came to Pisas and Uiterbium which tooke parte with him Some say that the names and factions of the Gibellins Guelphes sprang from Fredericke that by them hee might spie and know hauing recourse to all the townes and cities in Italie which tooke part with and fauoured the Pope and which the Emperour and called the one by the name of Gibellines and the other by the name of Guelphes But for that both Blondus and Platina and some others bring no sufficient proofe thereof but onely by slender coniecture I rather cleaue to the opinion of Nauclerus Hermanus Antonius Florentinus and other such wryters which say that these Guelphes and Gibellines in Italie tooke their beginning of Cōradus 3. Fredericus his great vncle being Emperour And that these Guelphes were dedicated to the Pope of Guelphus the yonger brother of Henry the proud and that those which were called Gibellines were appoynted either of Conradus himselfe or els of his sonne being brought vp in the Lordship of Uaiblingen But to our purpose The Pope when he vnderstoode that Fredericke was come to Uiterbium he was very heauy for that he feared he would come to Rome the good will of which Citie the Pope much mistrusted He therefore caused a supplication to be drawne portraying about the same the heads of Peter and Paule with a sharpe and contumelious oration he much defaced the Emperour promising them euerlasting life gaue them the badge of the crosse as many as would arme themselues and fight against the Emperour as against the most wicked enemy of God the Church Now when the Emperour marching somewhat neare to Rome gates behelde those whome the Pope had with his goodly spectacle of S. Peter and S. Paule and wyth his alluring oration stirred vp against him and marked with the badge of the crosse to come foorth in battell against him Disdaining to be accompted for the enemye of the Church who had ben therunto so beneficial geuing a fierce charge vppon them put them soone to flight and as many as hee tooke cutting off that badge frō them he caused to be hanged From thēce he marching into Campania his owne kingdomes leuied a great masse of money mustred new bandes and augmented his armie and in these bandes he retained the Saracens also And to the intent he might finde the Saracens the more trustie vnto hym hee appoynted them to inhabit in a city named Luceria For which thing although the Papisticall wryters doe greatly blame and opprobriously write of Fredericke yet notwythstanding Nicholaus Machiuellus doth wryte that therefore he retained them least that through the Popes execrable curses he should be quite destitute of souldiours as was Fredericus Barbarossa a litle before his graundfather when that of Alexander the Pope hee was excommunicated as ye haue heard After this when the Emperor had greatly afflicted by battaile the Popes Ecclesiasticall consorts such as conspired with the Pope against him and that he had wasted destroyed Beneuentum the mount Casenum Sora for that they toke part with the Pope against him Frederick when he had manned the City Aquila marched forth with a great hoste both of horsemen and footemen to Picenum that he might vanquish his enemyes in Italie And by the way he besieged the strong towne of warre named Asculinum which was also conuerted to the popes faction and rebellion He there hauing vnderstanding what the Popes assistents had done with the Princes electours and other princes of Germanie especially with Wenseslaus king of Bohemia and Otho Palatinus wryteth his letters vnto them In the which first he sheweth how that those contumelies and spitefull wordes which the Pope blustered out against him are light vpon himselfe And how the bishops of Rome haue taken to them of late such hart of grace and are become so loftie that not only they seeke to bring Emperours Kings and Princes vnder their obedience but also seeke howe to be honoured as gods And say that they cannot erre neither yet be subiect or bounde to any religion and that it is lawful for them to do al things what they list neither that any accoumpt is to be sought or demanded of their doings or els to be made of them to any so impudent are they in these their affirmations And further as Princes they commaund and that vnder paine of cursing that men beleue euery thing they say howe great a lie soeuer it be In so much that by this couetousnes of his all things goe backwarde and the whole state of the common weale is subuerted neither can there any enemie be founde more hurtfull or perillous to the Churche of God then he Hee wrote vnto them furthermore that he to whom the greatest charge and dignitie was in the whole common weale appoynted and committed seeing and perceauing to hys great perill their good harts willes practises towardes him would with all the power and hability that God had geuen him do his indeuour that he which in the likenesse of the shepheard of the flocke the seruaunt of Christ and chiefe prelate in the Churche sheweth himselfe so very a wolfe persecutour and tyrant may be remoued from that place and that a true carefull shepheard of Gods flocke may be appoynted in the Church Wherefore he exhorteth them that if they desire the safetie and preseruation of the whole state of the cōmon weale and Empire that they be vnto him no hinderers but furtherers of his purpose and proceedings least otherwise they also should happē to fall into
that came to intreat for peace but reiected and despised his most courteous and equal demaundes neither yet had left any wily pollicy vnattempted or force vnpractised that with his confederates he thought himself either able to reuenge or els resist Hee by his Legates calleth to a Councell at Rome all such Prelates out of Italy Fraunce and England as he thought to fauor him and his proceedings that hereby as his last shift and onely refuge he by their helpes might depriue Fredericke of his Empire as an vtter enemie to God and to the Church All which things Fredericus hauing vnderstanding of knowing that these assemblies shuld be but to the destruction supplanting of him determined to stop and let their passages to Rome as wel by sea as by lande in all that euer he might So that all the passages by land being now stopped preuented he commanded his sonne Henry with certaine gallies to goe and keepe the coastes of Sardinia which kingdom the Italians cal Entimum and from thence to Pisas and with the Pisans to rigge out a nauie to meete with if it were possible such as shoulde come to aide the Pope at Rome The Popes champions vnderstanding that by land they could not safely repaire to Rome they procured of Gallies and shippes of Genua hauing Gulielmus Graccius for their chiefe Capitaine or Admirall for fortie saile their defence thinking hereby that if they should fortune to meete with any of the Emperours ships or galleis which shoulde lye for them in wait they should be able to make their part in good and geue them also the repulse Encius in like maner and Huglinus being Captaine and admirall of the Pisan nauie for the Emperour launched foorth to sea with 40. ships and gallies and betwixt the Iles of Lilium and Mons Christi which lie betweene Liburnium and Corsica they met with the Genewes ships and straightwaies fiersly began to grapple with them bourd theÌ„ in which sight at leÌ„gth were 3. of the Genewes ships with boulged and sonke and 22. taken and brought away with all the riches and treasure in them In these were taken 3. Legates of the Popes wherof were 2. Cardinals Iacobus Columna Otho Marchio Gregorius de Romania all cruell enemies against the Emperour and many other Prelates mor besides a great number of Legates and procuratours of cities with an infinite number of Monkes Priests beside of Genewes souldiours 6000. with diuers others Pandolphus Colonutius in describing the circumstances of the great losse and misfortune of these champions of the Pope by sea amongest the rest declareth that besides the great pray and bootie which the takers had from them they also founde many wrytings and letters against Fredericke which much holpe him in the defence of those causes wherein they had laboured against him The like mischance also almost about that time happened on the popes side by the Emperours soldieurs which lay in garrison at Ticinum thus There went forth vpon a time out of Ticinum into the borders of Genewes certaine bandes to geue them larums in the countrey which bandes the scuriers of Mediolanum where lay a great garrison of the Popes discrying tolde the Captaine of the towne that nowe a very opportune and fitte time was to geue an assault to Ticinum for that say they the greatest part are nowe gone a foraging Whereupon they immediatly calling together the captains and such as had charge set their souldiours in aray and marched forewarde to Ticinum And now when they were come almost thether the Ticinian bandes whome they thought to haue bene farre a foraging were returned and met with them fiersly gaue a ful charge vpon them who being dismaied at the sodennesse of the matter fought not long but gaue ouer and fled In which skirmish was taken besides those the were slain 350. captaines and brought prisoners into Ticinum with all their ensignes with them Newes hereof was brought to the Emperor not long after who then was remouing from the siege of Fauentia as ye heard to the citie of Gononium thinking to haue destroied the same But vpon the hearing of these good newes hee altereth his purpose and thinking to haue heereafter a more coÌ„uenient time therunto leadeth his army towards Rome and in the way he reconciled to him the Citie Pisaurum But Fanum for that the townes men shut theyr gates and would not suffer the Emperour to come in hee tooke by force and destroyed For the Emperour seing that neither by petition made to the pope nor yet by his lawful excusation be coulde doe any good with him thought that by his sodaine comming thether and with feare of the perill imminent he might be brought to some vniformitie caused to leaue of his accustomed pertinacie And although the Emperor was too strong for him yet for that he regarded nothing more then the publike tranquillitie of the Empire and that hee might then take the Tartarian warres in hand if he could by any meanes conclude he refused not so to intreate a peace with him as though he had bene both in force and fortune much his inferiour Whilest that this ruffle was betwixt the Emperor and the Pope Ochodarius the Emperour of the Tartarians his sonne with a great power prouision made and inuaded the borders next adioyning vnto him there wan Roxolanum Godolium Mudanum with dâ—uers other cities townes and villages destroying wasting burning the countreis al about killing and slaying man woman and childe sparing none of any sexe or age At whose sodeine inuasion the people being in such feare perplexitie hauing no citie no refuge nor aide to stande in defence for them were saine to leaue all that euer they had and disperse themselues into woodes and flee into marishes and mountaines or where soeuer any succoure els did offer it selfe to them And by this time the Tartarian hoste was come as farre as Uratislauia where Henricus of Polonia and the Duke of Silesia with their army met with them who for the inequality of the nomber smal strength they were of had soone an ouerthrow and almost all their souldiours being slaine they themselues were taken and put to the sword From thence they came to Morauia from thence to the kingdome of Boiemia which Countrey while the king kept himselfe in strong defenced fortes and durst not come abroade he inuaded destroied all Ungary putting to flight and vanquishing Colmannus the brother of Belus the 4. king of Ungary by whome also was great spoyle made in both the Pannonias Mesiarum Bulgaria and Seruia wheÌ„ Belus the king of Ungary had gotteÌ„ to Pola which is a citie of Histria vnto Otho the duke of Dalmatia He sent his Legates to Fredericke the Emperour promising that if he would send him aid that the Tartarians might be expelled that Ungary shoulde euer after be vnder the iurisdiction of the Emperour which
he kept with the king at London yet was coÌ„pelled priuely to voide the Realme was pursued by Henry the sonne of Rich king of Almaine Certaine other straungers there were to the number of 200. and more which hauing the castell of Winfore there immured and intrenched themselues to whome at length prince Edward also adioyned himselfe In the meane time while this sturre was abroade the king keeping them in the tower seeing the greatest part of his nobles commons with the Londoners to be set against him agreed to the peace of the Barons was contented to assent againe to the ordinances and prouisions of Oxford Albeit the Queene by al meanes possible went about to perswade the king not to assent therto Who as semed was a great worker in kindling thys fire of discorde betweene the king the baronage In so much that when the sayde Queene Almore shoulde passe by barge from the tower to Windsore the LoÌ„diuers standing vpon the bridge with their exclamations cursings and throwing of stones diâ—t at her interrupted her course causing her to returne to the tower againe Notwithstanding the peace yet continued with the nobles and the king the forme therof was this First that Henry sonne of Richard king of Romanes should be deliuered by the King Quene Secondly that the Castels againe should be committed to the custodie of Englishmen not of straungers Thirdly that the prouisions and statutes decreed at Oxford should as well by the king as by al other inuiolably be obserued Fourthly that the realme henceforth shuld be ruled and gouerned not by foreners but by personages borne within the land Fiftly that all alienes and straungers should voyde the land not to returne againe except onely such whose abode shoulde by the common assent of the kings trustie subiectes be admitted and alowed Thus the King and the nobles ioyning together after this form of peace aboue prefixed although not fully with heart as after appeared put themselues in armes with all their power to recouer the Castell of windsore out of the strangers handes But Edward in the mid way betwene London the Castel meeting with his father and the barons entred coÌ„munication vpon the matter Which being finished he thinking to returne into the Castell againe by the policie of the Earle of Leicester William byshop of Worceter was not permitted to reenter WhereupoÌ„ the straungers within the holde destitute of all hope to withstand the great force approching rendred the Castell vnto the king and barons vppon this conuention That with horse and harnesse they might be suffered safe to depart the land not to returne any more Which being graunted certaine of the Barons conducted them in their iourney toward the sea side and there they left them In the same yeare about the beginning of October the king and Quene made ouer to France with Simon Montfort and other nobles to heare and stand to the arbitremeÌ„t of Lewes the French king coÌ„cerning the controuersie betweene the states of England and al through the procurement of Alinore the Queene For shee not forgetting the olde contiunelie of the Londiners exclaming against her vpon the bridge wrought alwaies what reueÌ„ge she could against them Concerning the arbitrement of this matter put to the French king part hath bene sayde before more shall be sayde Christ willing hereafter Some stories do adde moreouer that the king continuing long in France worde was sent to him out of England that vnlesse he returned againe to the realme they would elect a new king Whereupon the king returning out of France to Douer would haue entred the castel but he was stopped Wherefore the king in fierce anger and great indignation prepared his power towarde London where Simon Montfort the worthy Earle of Leicester through subtile traine was almost betraied and circumuented in Southwarke by the sodaine pursuing of the kings armie had not the Londiners wyth more spede breaking barres and chains made way to rescue him By the meanes of whome the Earle at that time escaped the daunger Now to come to the sentence of the French king for so much as the arbitrement of thys matter was committed to him as hath before bene specified he in a great frequency both of French and English persons about him considering peysing the cause on both sides betwene the king and the nobles clearely and solemnely pronounced on the kings side against the Barons ordaining that the king of England all this whyle had suffered wrong and that hee shuld be restored againe to his pristine state notwithstanding the prouisions made at Oxford which he ordained to be repealed and abrogated Ex Flor hist. Gisburn The sentence of the French king thus awarded as it gaue to the king of England with his retinue no little incouragement so it wrought in the nobles hearts great indignation which notwithstanding that partiall decreement of the French king spedde themselues home out of Fraunce to defend themselues with all their strength and power And not long after foloweth also the king by whose traine Simon Mountfort Earle of Leicester as is aboue recited was well neare circumuented in Southwarke Then the king calling his counsaile together at Oxforde from whence he excluded the vniuersitie of studentes for a season who were then at Northampton there coÌ„sulted conferring with his friendes and counsailours what way was best to be taken And hearing that the Barons were assembled in a great number at the towne of Northampton went thether with his host and with his banners displaied accompanied with Richard his brother king of Almaine Also wyth Edwarde his sonne Iohn Comyn of Scotland with many Scots Iohn of Dalliolo Lorde of Galewaye Robert of Bruse Lord Walter of Auand Roger of Clifford Philip of Marmyon Iohn of Wans Roger of Layburne Henry Percie Phillip Basset Roger of Mortymer and William of Walance and many other Therefore the king commaunded the Barons that were within to yeld vnto him presently the city and the pledges or els he would immediatly destroy them But they counselling with the yonger Simon de monte forti which by his fathers commaundement had got the residue thether to take counsell together for hys father and the Erle of Glocester were not yet come boldly and wyth one minde answered that they would not obey the kings wil but would rather defend themselues and the Citie if neede were euen to the death With the noble men of the kings part hearing sent word againe that at the least they should come to the wall of the Citie to speake to the King if by any meanes peace might be made And they suspecting no deccite followed their counsel and leauing their holds came to the wall towardes the medowe for there lay the king and his strong host hard by But in the meane space whilest diuers matters were reasoned and intreated of betwene the king and the Lords the Lord Phillip
proceeded betwene the Earles sister and the foresayde Peter albeit sore against the Earles mind Gaueston thus restored and dignified was so surprised in pride and exaltation more then euer before that he disdained derided al other whose rule power more more encreased In somuch that he hauing the guiding of all the kings iewels treasure coÌ„ueied out of the kings iewell house at Westminster a table a paire of tressels of gold vnto certain marchants beyoÌ„d the sea with other iewels â—o to his behoofe to the great impouerishing both of the king Quene and of the land And ouer all that brought the king by meane of his wanton conditions to manifold vices as aduoutrie and suche other like Wherfore the Lords seing the mischief that daily increased by occasion of this vnhappie man tooke theyr couÌ„sell together at Lyncolne and there concluded to voide him again out of England so that shortly after he was exiled againe and went into Flaunders for in Fraunce or hys owne country he durst not appeare for feare of Philip the French king to whoÌ„ the Queene of England hys daughter had sent ouer great complaintes of the sayd Gaueston who had so impouerished her the whole Court that she had not wherewith to maintaine her state Uppon whych complaint the French king through al his dominioÌ„s layd strait watch to apprehend the sayd Gaueston but he not vnwarned thereof secretly coasted into Flaunders from wheÌ„ce it was not long but he was fet againe by the king as in further processe followeth so much was the kinges hart infatuated by this wicked person About this yeare or the next before came in first the crowched Friers And also began first the knightes of the order of S. Iohn Baptist otherwise called the knights of Rhodes for that they by manly knighthood put out the Turkes from the Isle of Rhodes In the history of king Edward this kinges father before precedent mention was made of Pope ClemeÌ„t the 5. who succeeded after Benedict also of putting down of the templaries which in this yeare hapned by the meanes of the French king who as he caused to be burned in the City of Paris this yeare 54. TeÌ„plaries with the great maister of the same order so by his procurement the foresayd Pope Clement called a Councell at Uienna where the whole order and sect of Templaries being coÌ„demned was shortly after by the consent of all Christen kinges deposed all in one day After whome the Frenche king thought to make his sonne king of Ierusalem and to conuert to hym all the landes of the sayd Templaries But Clement the Pope would thereto not agree transferring all their lands to the order of hospitulers for the great summe of money geuen for the same The cause why these impious Templaries were put downe was so abhominable and filthy that for the reuerence of chaste eares it were better not told if it be true that some write An other matter worthy to be noted of like abhomination I thought here to inserte touching a certayne Noonery in Fraunce called Prouines within the which at the clensing and casting of a fishpond were found many bones of young children and the bodyes also of some infantes as yet whole vnconsumed vpon occasion whereof diuers of the Nunnes of the sayd Nunnery to the nuÌ„ber of 27. were had to Paris and there imprisoned what became of them afterward I finde not in mine author Arpontacus Burdegalensis In the the same Counsell also was decreed by the sayd Clement that all religious orders exempted shold be subiect vnder the common lawes as other were But Cistercian Monkes with mony and great giftes redeemed their priuileges and exemption of the pope and so had them grauÌ„ted Tho. Wals. These Cistercians sped better herein then did the Minorites of FranciscaÌ„s in theyr suite Of the whiche Franciscans when certayne of them had offered vnto the sayd Pope Clement 40. thousand florences of gold beside other siluer that the Pope woulde dispence with them to haue landes and possessions agaynst their rule the Pope asked them where was that money They aunswered in the marchant mens hands So the space of three dayes being geuen theÌ„ to bring forth these marchants the P. absolued the marchaunts of their bond made to the Fryers and commaunded all that money to be imployed and reuerted to hys vse Declaring to the Fryers that he would not infringe or violate the rule of S. Frauncis lately canonised neither ought he to do it for any money And thus the beggerly riche Fryers lost both their money and theyr indulgence Ex eodem autore Concerning this pope Clement the 5. Sabellicus writeth that he excommunicated the Uenecians for ayding and preferring of Azoda vnto the estate of Ferrary and wrote his letters throughout all Europe condemning them as enemies of the Church and geuing their goods as a lawfull pray vnto all men which caused them to sustaine great harme But Frauncis Dandulus a Noble man of Uenice being Embassadour from the Uenecians to the sayd Clement for the obtayning of their absolution and safegard of their Citty and country and for the pacifying of the popes fury toward them was fayne so to humble himselfe before this proud tyrannicall Prelate that hee suffered a chaine of yron to be tyed about hys neck and so he lye down flat before his table and so to catch the bones fragmentes that fell from his table as it had bene a dog till the Popes fury was toward them asswaged So that after that he in reproche because he so humbled himselfe for the behalfe and helping of his country was of some called a dog But the Citty of Uenice shewed themselues not vnkinde agayn to Dandulus for hys gentle good will declared to his country For as he had abased himselfe before the vile and ignominious condition of a dog for his Countries sake so they extolled him with as muche glory agayne being returned home decking and adourning him after the best aray with the chiefe princely ornamentes of the Citty to make him amendes for his former reproch receaued Sabel Ennead 9. li. 7 Concerning the Constitutions of this pope Clement and of his decretals and Clementines and how Henricus the Emperour in his dayes was poysoned in receauing of the Sacrament ye haue heard before About this tyme Robert Winchelsey Archbishop of Canterbury whoÌ„ thys kinges father had banished before was released and returned home from Rome Those thinges thus declared let vs proceede by the Lordes grace to the next yeare which is of the Lord. 1311. the fifth yeare after this kings raygne In the which yeare compting the yeare from Michelmasse to the same feast agayne as then the vsage of the Realme was Peter Gaueston who had wandred the countryes about could finde no safe resting place notwithstanding he was vtterly banished vpon forfeiting life and goodes out of the realm yet trusting vpon the kinges
and landes were seised to the King as is afore premised or whether for feare and hatred of the Spensers as is likely or els for loue and familiaritie of Syr Roger Mortimer For here is to be noted that the sayd Syr Roger Mortimer with diuers other of the BaroÌ„s part which had broken prison in England were fled before into Fraunce and now resorted vnto the Queene The king seeing this geueth forth in proclamation and limitteth a certayne day to yâ— Queene and his sonne to return or els to be proclaymed traytours to the King and to the Realme Notwithstanding the Queene persisting in her purpose denyeth to returne vnlesse the other Nobles which were fled might be permitted safely also to returne with her Whereupon the king immediately caused them both to be proclaimed traytours and all them that tooke their partes Here then began great hatred betwene king king betweene the king the Queene much preparation of warre great spoyling on the sea much sending betweene the pope theÌ„ but that would not serue Then the K. by the counsayle of the Spensers sendeth priuily to procure the death of the Queene and of his sonne which should be wrought by the execution of the Earle of Richmond the Queenes familiar But as the Lord would that imaginatioÌ„ was preuented and vtterly frustrate Albeit the Queene yet notwithstanding whether misdoubting and fearing what corruptioÌ„ of â—ony might do in the court of Fraunce or whether the French king being threatned by the king of England and by the Pope durst not deteine her she remoued from thence was receaued with Edward her sonne ioyously and honourably in the Court or country of the Erle of Denawde Where by meanes of such as were about her a mariage was concluded betweene the sayd Edward her sonne being of the age of 14. yeare and Phillip the foresayd Earles daughter When this was noysed in Eng. diuers men of honor name came ouer to the Queene And soone after the Erle of Daynawde prepared a crew of 5. hundred men of armes to set ouer the young Prince in his mother into England Of this the same sprang shortly through the realm Wherfore the K. in all defensable wayes made proiusioÌ„ to haue the hauens and portes of his land surely kept for to resiste the landing of his enemies On the contrary side the Queene with no lesse preparation prouideth all things to her expedition necessary Who when she saw her tyme speeding herselfe to the Sea coast with Prince Edward her sonne Lord Edmund Earle of Kent the Kings brother Syr Roger Mortimer the Lord Hygmore and other exiles of EnglaÌ„d accompanied also with the foresaid Hainawders of whoÌ„ Syr Iohn Henawd the Earles brother was Captayne of Englishmen straungers hauing with her the nuuÌ„ber of 2757. souldiours she took shipping in those partes had the winde so fauorable that they landed in England at a porte called Orwel beside Harwich in Suffolke in the Dominion of the Earle Marshal the moneth of September To whom after her landing resorted Earle Marshall the Earle of Leicester with other BaroÌ„s Knightes and Byshops also namely of Lincolne Hereforde Duresine and Ely The Archbishop of Caunterbury though he came not himselfe yet sent his ayde and money Thus the Queene well furnished with plenty both of men and vitaile setteth forward towarde London so that the further she came the more her number dayly encreased and the kinges power contrary decreased insomuch that as mine author affirmeth not one almost in all the Realme could be hyzed with any wages to fight on the kinges behalfe agaynst the Queene Neither did the Queenes army hurt any man or childe eyther in goodes or any other thing by the way At the arriuing of the Queene the King was then in London whiche first would not beleue it to be true Afterward seeing and perceauing how it was he asketh helpe of the Londiners Who after mature abuisement rendred this aunswere to the king agayne that as touching the King the Queene and their sonne the lawfull heyre of the kingdome they were ready withall duety and seruice to honour and obey As for straungers and traitors to the realm they would receaue none such within theyr Citie gates Furthermore to goe out of the City to fight that they sayd they would not vnles it were so that according to yâ— liberties of their city they might returne home againe before sonne set The king hearing this aunswere whiche liked him not well fortifieth the Tower of London wyth men vitaile commieting the custody thereof to Iohn Ealtham his yonger sonne and to the wife of Hugh Spenser his niece And leauing Walter Stapleton Bysh. of Excter behinde him to haue the rule of the citty of London he himselfe hearing dayly the great recourse of the people that drew to the Queene For more safegard to himselfe fled with a small coÌ„pany Westward toward Wales But before his departing froÌ„ London he caused a proclamation to be made wherin all singuler persons were charged vpon forteite of life goods euery man with all his power to rile muade the rebelles destroy them all onely the life of the Queene his sonne and his brother reserned Also that no man vpoÌ„ payne pretaxate should helpe rescue or relieue the sayd rebels with goodes vitailes or any otherwise Item it was also proclaymed that whosoeuer would bring to the King the head and body either dead or aliue of Sir Roger Mortimer should haue out of the kinges cofers W. pound In contrariwise the Queene setteth forth an other proclamation wherein it was forbidden to take spoyle violently the value of any mans goodes agaynst the wil of the owner vnder payne of loosing his finger if it were 3. d. Of his hand if it were 6. d. Of his head if it were 12. d. Moreouer who soeuer woulde bring to the Queene the head of Hugh Spencer the yonger chopt off from his body should receaue for so doing of the Queene 2. thounsand poundes This done the Queene sendeth her letters to the Citty of London for ayde and succont to subdue the oppressor of the Realme to the which letters first no answere was made Agayn she wrote the second letter which was then tacked vpon the crosse in Cheape which was then called the new crosse The copy and tenour of which letter was this The copie of a letter that the Queene sent vnto the Mayor and Citizens of London ISabell by the grace of God Queene of England Lady of Ireland and Countesse of Pountif And we Edward the first sonne of the King of England Duke of Guyan Earle of Chester of Pontif and of Mounstrell to the Mayor and all the comminaltie of London sendeth greeting For asmuch as we haue before this time sent to you by our letters and howe we come into this lande in good aray and good maner for the profite of holy Church and
when he would haue vomitted out and could not took hys horse went to hunâ— the beare whereby through the chasing heat of his body to expell the venim And there the good gentle Emperour wickedly persecuted murdered of the P. fel downe dead whom I may wel recount among the innocent and blessed martyrs of Christ. For if the cause being righteous doth make a Martyr what Papist can iustly disprooue hys cause or fayth if persecution ioyned thereunto causeth martyrdome what martyre coulde be more persecuted theÌ„ he Who hauing 3. popes like 3. baddogs vpoÌ„ him at length was denoured by the same The princes then hearing of his death assembled theÌ„selues to a new election who refusing Charles aforesayd elected an other for Emperor named Gunterus de Monte Nigro Who shortly after falling sicke at Franckford through his phisitions seruaunt was likewise poysoned whome the foresayd Charles had hyred with money to worke that feate Gunterus tasting of the poysoÌ„ although he did partly cast it vp agayn yet so much remained within him as made him vnable afterward to serue that place Wherfore for coÌ„cordes sake being counsailed thereto by the Germaynes gaue ouer his Empire to Charles For els great bloudshed was like to ensue This Charles thus ambiciously aspiring to the Emperiall seat contrary to the mindes of the states and pieres of the Empire as he did wickedly vnlawfully come by it so was he by hys ambitious guiding the first and principall meane of the vtter ruine of that monarchie For that he to haue his sonne set vp Emperour after him conuented and graunted to the Princes electours of Germany all the publicke taxes tributes of the Empire Which couenaunt being once made betwene the Emperour them they afterward held so fast that they caused the Emperour to sweare neuer to reuoke or cal back again the same By reason whereof the tribute of the countryes of Germany which then belonged onely to the Emperor for the sustentation of hys warres euer since to this day is dispersed diuersly into the handes of the Princes and free citties within the sayd monarchie So that both the Empyre beyng disfornished and left desolate the Emperors weakened therby hauing neyther bene able sufficieÌ„tly since to defend themselues nor yet to resist the Turke or other forren enemies Whereof a great part as ye haue heard may be imputed vnto the popes c. Hieronimus Marius This Pope Clement first reduced the yeare of Iubeley to euery 50. yeare which before was kept but on the hundreth yeare And so he being absent at Auinion whiche he then purchased withhys money to the sea of Rome caused it to be celebrated at Rome an 1350. In the whiche yeare were numbred of peregrines goyng in and comming out euery day at Rome to the estimation of fiue thousaÌ„d Praemonstrat The bull of pope Clement geuen out for this present yeare of Iubiley proceedeth in these wordes as followeth What person or persons soeuer for deuotioÌ„ sake shal take their perigrination vnto the holy Citty the same day when he setteth forth out of hys house he may chuse vnto him what coÌ„fessor or coÌ„fessors eyther in the way or where els he listeth vnto the which coÌ„fessors we graunt by our authority plenary power to absolue all cases papal as fully as if we were in our proper person there present Item we graunt that whosoeuer being truely confessed shall chaunce by the way to die hee shall be quite and absolued of all his sinnes Moreouer we commaund the Angels of Paradise to take his soule out of his body being absolued and to cary it into the glory of Paradise c. And in an other Bull wee will sayeth he that no paine of hell shal touche him graunting moreouer to all and singular person persons signed with the holy crosse power and aucthoritie to deliuer and release iij. or iiij soules whome they list themselues out of the paines of purgatorie c. This Clement as mine author affirmeth tooke vpon him so prodigally in his Popedome that hee gaue to hys Cardinals of Rome Byshoprickes and benefices whych then were vacant in England and begaÌ„ to geue them new titles for the same liuinges hee gaue them in Englande Wherewith the king as good cause he had was offended and vndid all the prouisions of the pope within his realme Commanding vnder pain of prisonment and life no man to be so hardy as to induce bring in any such prouisions of the pope any more within his laÌ„d And vnder the same punishment charged the two Cardinals to void that realme An. 1343. In the same yeare all the tenthes as well of the templaries as of other spirituall men were geuen paide to the king through the whole realme An. 1343. And thus much coÌ„cerning good Ludouicke Emperour and martyr Pope Clement yâ— 6. his enemy Wherin because we haue a little exceeded the course of yeares wherat we left let vs returne some what back agayn and take such things in order as belong to the church of the England and Scotland setting forth the reigne of king Edward the 3. and the doinges of the Church which in hys time haue happened as the grace of Christ our Lord will assiste and able vs therunto This foresayd king Edward the second in his time builded 2. houses in Oxford for good letters to wit Oriall colledge and S. Mary Halle Here I omit also by the way the furious outrage and conflict which happened in the time of this king a litle before his death an 1326. betweene the townesmen and the Abbey of Bury wherein the townesmen gathering themselues together in a great multitude for what cause or old grudge betweene them the Register doth not declare inuaded and sackt the monastery And after they had imprisoned the monkes they risted the goodes and treasure of the whole house spoyling and carying away theyr plate mony copes vestimentes senâ—ers crosses chalises basens iewels cups masers bookes with other ornaments and implementes of the house to the value vnestimable In the which conflict certayn also on both sides were slayn Such was the madnes then of that people that when they had gathered vnto them a great concourse of seruaunts light persons of that country to the number of 20. thousand to whom they promised liberty freedome by vertue of such writs whiche they had out of that house first they got into their hands all theyr euidences copies instruments that they could finde then they tooke of the lead that done setting fire to the Abbey gates they brent vp neare the whole house After that they proceeded further to the farmes and granges belonging to the sayd Abbey wherof they wasted spoiled and brent to the nuÌ„ber of 22. manour places in one weeke transporting away the corne horses cartell and other moueables belonging to the same the price wherof is registred to come
lying neuer to be clawed of while the world standeth yet shal the posterity to come iudge betwene you me whether shall appeare more honest and true my defence for that worthy lord then your vncourteous and viperuns wrangling against him mooued with no other cause but onely with the peuish spirite of Poperie whych can abide nothing but that sauereth of your owne secte For els how many loud lying legends yea what legion of lies are daily vsed and receiued in the popish church What doltish dreames what fained myracles what blasphemous tales and frierly fables and idle inueÌ„tions fighting against the sincere religion doctrine and crosse of Christ And coulde you holde your penne from al these and finde nothing els to set your idlenesse on worke but onely to wryte agaynst the Lorde Cobham Syr Roger Acton Browne Onley Cowbrige with a fewe other whome wyth much a doe at length you haue sought out not so much for any true zeale to rebuke iniquitye as craftely seeking matter by these to deface and blemish the booke of Actes and Monumentes Which seemeth belike to make you scratche there where it itcheth not And if I shoulde after the like dealing take in hand your Popish portues and with like diligence excusse euery Popish martyr and Saint there canonised thinke you maister Cope I coulde not make you out halfe dosen as ranke traitours and rebels to their kings and princes as euer were any of these of your picking out What pope almost hath there bene these last 500. yeares whych hathe not bene a traitour to his Emperor and Prince and to his countrey either openly rebelling against them or priuely conspiring their destruction or proudly setting theyr feete vpon their necks or spurning their crownes of from their heads or making the sonne to fight against the father How many haue they deposed and set vp other in theyr seates how many Emperours and kings haue they wrongfully cursed What Consulles of Rome haue they resisted deposed and put to death What warres haue they raised vp against theyr owne countrey of Rome Yea the continuall holding of the City of Rome from hys lawfull Emperor what is it but a continuall poynt of treason What will you answere mee M. Cope to the Pope which conspired to let fall downe a stone vpon the Emperours head kneeling at his prayers pag. 177. And though this treachery being as big as a milstone seemed but a smal mote in your eye that it could not be espied yet what will you say by the Monke of Swinstede that poysoned king Iohn who was both absolued by his abbot before his treason committed and after hys treason had a perpetuall Masse songe for him to helpe hym out of Purgatorie And what thinke ye in your conscience is to be sayde of Thomas Becket who did inough and more then became him to set the French king and the king of Englande together by the eares Of Anselme likewise and of Stephen Langhton who departed both out of the Realme to complaine of their princes soueraines The like may be said also of Iohn Peckham Iohn Stradford Archbyshop of the same sea notoriously resisted the Kinges commaundement being sent for by king Edward 3. to come to the parliament at Yorke through the default of whose comming the present oportunitie of getting Scotland was the same time lost Richard Scrope Archb. of Yorke was opeÌ„ly in armes to rebell fight against K. Henry 4. for the which he was condemned put to death And yet notwtstanding Commission was sent downe from the pope shortly after to excoÌ„municate them which put him to death his treason notwtstanding Read that story sincerely of pope Benedict 12. and of pope Clement 6. And see howe the traiterous rebellion of these two popes against Ludouicus their rightful Emperor can be defended Which Emperor at last was also empoysoned that not without the practise of Pope Clement as doth Hieronimus Marius credibly witnesse In the raigne of K. Edward the 2. mention was made before of Thomas Earle of Lancaster Who with a great number of other nobles and Barons of the realme rose in armour against their prince and therefore at lengthe were put to death as traitours And yet notwythstanding thys treason committed M. Cope if you be so ignorant in our stories that you know it not set your setters on to search and you shall finde it true that certaine Noble men went vp to Rome for the canonising of the sayde Thomas of Lancaster to be made a Saint and obtained the same In so much that in a certayne olde Calendare the name of the sayd S. Thomas of Lancaster is yet extant to be seene In the former booke of these Actes and Monumentes aboue about the pag. 353. or 354. mention was made of Edmund of Abbenden Archb. of Cant. whom although I do not disproue but rather commend in my history for his bold and sage counsail geuen vnto K. Henry the 3. and also for offering the censure of excommunication against the king in so necessary a cause yet notwithstanding the same Edmund afterward about his latter end went vp wyth a rebelling minde to complaine of his king vnto the Pope and in his iourney died before his return who afterward for the same was canonised by the Pope and now shineth among the Saints in the popes Calender Let vs come more neare to these dayes and times and consider the doings of Tho. Arundell Archb. of Canterb. Who being first deposed and exiled for hys contemptuous deserts against the king and afterward comming in wyth Henry Bolynbroke Duke of Herford in open armes and with main force rose against his natural and lawful king thinke you M. Cope thys is not as greate a poynte of treason as that which was done in Thiâ—kets fields And though he be not placed among the portuous Sainctâ— yet I thinke nothing contrary but in your heart you will not greatly sticke to say Sancte Thoma ora pro nobis All these thinges well considered tell me M. Cope I pray you is treason suche a straunge and vnketh thyng in your pope catholike churche that your burning zeale of obedience to kings and princes can not read the story of the L. Cobham sir Roger Acton but your pen must needes be inflamed to wryte against them and yet so many traytors in your owne Calenders neither seene nor once spoken of And if the traiterous conspiracy and rebellion of so many your Calender Saintes committed against Emperours Kings and Princes can not stirre your zeale nor moue your pen Nor if the treason of pope Gregory 9. raising warre against his owne city of Rome and causing 30. thousande citizens in one battaile to be slaine pag. 281. deserueth not to be espied and accused as much as this treason of the Lorde Cobham yet what will you or can you answer to me M. Cope as touching the horrible treason of pope Gregory the 7. committed not against
false crueltie And therefore the foresaide Synode to the glory of almighty God and preseruation of his catholicke faith and augmenting of Christian religion and for the saluation of mens soules hath corporally reiected and cast forth of the houshold of God the foresaid I. Wicklieffe I. Hus and Ierome who amongst other things did beleeue preach teach and maintaine of the Sacrament of the aultar and other sacrameÌ„ts of the church articles of the faith coÌ„trary to that the holy Church of Rome beleueth holdeth preacheth and teacheth haue presumed obstinately to preach teach hold and beleue many other moe to the damnation of themselues and of others and the sayde Synode hath separated the same as obstinate and malipert heretickes from the Communion of the faithfull people and haue declared them to be spiritually throwne forth and many other things both wholesome profitable hath the same Councell as touching the premisses stablished and decreed whereby they which by the meanes of those Arch-heretikes and by their false doctrine haue spiritually departed from the Lords house may by the canonicall rules be reduced to the straight path of truth and veritie And moreouer as we to our great griefe do heare not only in the kingdome of Bohemia and Dukedome of Morauia and other places aboue recited but also in certaine parts and prouinces neere adioining and bordering vpon the same there be many other of the secretaries and followers of the foresayd Archheritickes and hereticall opinions casting behind their backes as well the feare of God as the shame of the world neither receiuing fruit of conuersion repentaunce by the miserable destruction of the foresayde Iohn Hus and Hierome but as men drowned in the dungeon of their sinnes cease not to blaspheme the Lord God taking his name in vayne whose minds the father of lies hath damnably blinded and do read and study the foresaid bookes or workes contayning heresies erroures being lately by the foresayd Synode condeÌ„ned to be burned also to the perill of themselues and many other simple men against the statutes decrees and ordinaunces in the Synode aforesayd and the Canonicall sanctions do presume to preach teach the same to the great perill of soules the derogation of the Catholicke fayth and sclaunder of many other besides We therfore considering that errour when it is not relisted seemeth to be allowed and liked and hauing a desire to resist such euill and pernicious errours and vtterly roote them out from amongst the companie of faythfull christians especially froÌ„ the afore recited places of Bohemia Morauia and other straights and Ilands ioyning and bordering vpon the same least they shold stretch out enlarge their â—â—â—ites we will and commaund your discretions by our letters Apostolicall the holy Councell of CoÌ„stance approuing and allowing the same that you that are Archbishops Bishops and other of the clergy and euery one of you by himself or by an other or others being graue and fit persons to haue spirituall iurisdiction do see that al and singuler persons of what dignitie office preeminence state or conditioÌ„ so euer they be and by what name soeuer they are knowne which shall presume otherwise to teache preach or obserue touching the most high and excelent the most wholesome and superadmirable Sacrament of the bloud of our Lorde Iesus Christe or els of the Sacrament of Baptisme confession of sinnes penaunce for sins and extreme vnction or els of any other Sacramentes of the Church articles of the faith then that which the right holy vniuersall church of Rome doth hold teach preach obserue or els that shall presume obstinately by any wayes or meanes priuily or apertly to hold beleue and teach the Articles bookes or doctrine of the foresayd Archhereticks Iohn Wickleffe Iohn Hus Hieronimus of Prage being by the foresayd Synode of Constaunce with theyr authours as is sayd damned and condemned or dare presume publikly or priuily to allow or commend in any wise the death and end of the said archheretiks or of any other their receiuers ayders and fauourers in the fauour or supportation of the foresayd errors as also their beleuers and adherentes that then as before you see and cause them and euery of them to be most seuerly punished that you iudge and geue sentence vpon them as hereticks and that as arrant hereticks you leaue them to the secular court or power Let the receiuers also and fauourers and defenders of such most pestiferous persons notwtstanding they neyther beleue fauour nor haue deuotion towardes their errors but happely shal receaue or entertain such pestiferous persons because of carnall affection or friendly loue besides the punishmene due vnto theÌ„ by both lawes ouer and aboue the same punishment by competent iudges be so afflicted for so haynous actes of theirs with so seuere payn punishment excruciated that the same may be to other in like case offending an example of terrour that at the least those whome the feare of God by no meanes may reuoke from such euill doing yet the seueritie of this our discipline may force and constrayne As touching the third sort which shal be any maner of wayes infected with this damnable sect and shall after coÌ„petent admonition repeÌ„t and amend themselues of such errours and sectes aforesayd and will returne agayn into the lap and vnitie of our holy mother the Churche fully acknowledge and confesse the Catholike fayth towardes them let the seueritie of iustice as the quallitie of the facte shall require be somewhat tempered with a tast of mercy And furthermore we will and command that by thys our authoritie Apostolicall ye exhort and admonish al the professours of the catholicke fayth as Emperours kings Dukes Princes Marquesses Earles Barons Knights and other Magistrates Rectors Consuls Proconsuls Shires Countries and Uniuersities of the kingdomes Prouinces Cities otwnes Castles villages their lands other places al other executing teÌ„poral iurisdiction according to the form exigence of the law that they expell out of their kingdoms prouincies Cities towns castles villages lands other places al all maner of suche heretickes according to the effect and tenour of the Councell of Laterane beginning Sicut ait ecclesia c. that those whom publikely and manifestly by the euidence of their deedes shall be knowne to be such as like sicke and scabed sheepe infect the Lords flock they expell and banish till such tyme as from vs or you or els other ecclesiasticall iudges or Inquisitours holding the fayth and communion of the holye church of Rome they shall receiue other order and countermaund and that they suffer no such within theyr shyres and circuites to preach or to keepe either house or familye either yet to vse any handicrafte or occupations or other trades of merchaundise or els to solace themselues anye wayes or frequent the company of Christen men And furthermore if suche publike and knowne heretiques shall
wherwith heretickes are punished or are wont and are commaunded by canonical sanctions to be vsed and if they be clerkes by degradation doe correcte and punishe and cause them to be corrected and punyshed with all dilligence Furthermore that you do rise vp stoutly and couragiously agaynst such heretickes and the goodes as well of them as of the lay men according to the canonicall sanctioÌ„ made agaynst heretickes and their followers vnder the which we will and commaunde them and their partakers to be subiect And also such persons as shall be infamed of the heresies or errors aforesayd or any of the premisses shall be bounde to purge themselues at your arbitrement but the other which either be witnesses or by their owne confessions or other allegations or probations shal be conuicted of the foresaid heresies or articles or of any the premisses they shal be compelled to reuoke and abiure publikely and solemnly the sayd articles and erroures and to suffer condigne penaunce and punishment yea euen to perpetuall imprisonment if need be for the same And to the intent that they shall not nourish any kinde of heresies hereafter either in word deede or gesture or shall induce other either in worde or deede priuely or apertly directly or indirectly to beleeue the same they shal be forced to put in sufficient suretie Who if it so chaunce that they wil not publikely and solemnly renounce and abiure their articles and errors and take at your handes condigne penaunce though it be to perpetual or teÌ„poral punishment according to your discretion neither wil be coÌ„tented to put in sufficient suretie that they will not hereafter holde nor nourish those erroures and heresies neither wil induce other by word or deed priuily or apertly directly or indirecly or by any other maner of colour to beleue the same that then you shall proceede agaynst them according to the qualty of their erroures and demerites yea and if you see it so expedient as against heretickes as infected with heresie by our authoritie according to the canonical sanctions suâ—marily and simply and plainly sine strepitu figura iudicij of office all appellatioÌ„ or appellations whatsoeuer ceasing and that you punish the same according to the sanctions traditions canonicall yea if neede be in leauing and committing them to the secular power and agayinst such as be superiors or learned doctors laying the censures of ecclesiasticall excoÌ„munication al appellation set aside also innocating if neede shall require ayd of the secular arme The constitution as wel of our predecessor P. Boniface 8. of blessed memory wherein is decreed that no man without hys City or dioces except in certayne cases or in places being one daies iornye distant from thence where he inhabiteth shal be called into iudgement that no man do presume to depute iudges froÌ„ the sea Apostolicke wtout the city dioces where they are deputed to proceede agaynst any or do presume to coÌ„mit their authority to any other person or persoÌ„s or to fetch remoue any man beyond one dayes iorny froÌ„ out his Dioces where he dwelleth or at most two dayes iourny if it be in a generall councell as also all other constitutions of any byshop of Rome touching as well Iudges delegate as persons not to be called to iudgement beyond a certaine number or els any other edict indulce priuelege or exemption generall or special graunted from the Apostolike sea for anye person or persons not to be interdicted suspended or excommunicated or cited vp to iudgement without the compasse of certaine limites or els what soeuer thing otherwise may hinder stop or impeache your iurisdiction power and free proceeding herein by anye meanes to the contrary notwithstanding Dat Constant. the first yeare of our popedome ¶ This bloudy and abhominable commission of pope Martine which I haue copied out of a certaine olde monument remaining in the handes of Maister Hackluyt student in the Temple seemeth to be directed and geuen out to the publike destruction of all faithful Christen men about the latter end breaking vp of the councel of Constance an 1418. By the which the prudent reader hath this to note and consider what labour what pollicie what couÌ„saile what lawes haue bene set what wayes haue bene takeÌ„ what seueritie hath bene shewed how mens power wit and authoritie of the whole world haue conspired together from time to time coÌ„tinually by all maner meanes to subuert and supplant the worde and way of the Lorde And yet notwithstanding man hath not preuayled but all his force deuised pollicies haue bene ouerthrown dispatched and with the councell of Achitophell and Ammon haue bene brought to nought and contrary to the furye of the world the gospell of Christ hathe still increased Neither yet for all this will the Pope cease to spurne and rebell still against the kingdome of Christe and of hys Gospell agaynst which neyther he nor yet the gates of hell shall euer preuayle The Lord of hostes be mercifull to hys poore persecuted flocke Amen Agaynst this pestilent Bull and Inquisition of Pope Martine the great antechrist I thought good here to adioyne and annexe an other contrarye writing of the Bohemians bearing the name and subscription of Procopius Conradus and other Captaynes of the Bohemians which seemeth not long after the death of Zisca to be written agaynst the pestiferous sea of Rome the tenour whereof here followrth A fruitfull and Christian exhortation of the Bohemianes to kinges and princes to stir them vp to the zeale of the Gospell THe almighty God the father by hys welbeloued sonne Iesus Christ may in hys holy spirite open the vnderstanding both of you and of all Christians lighten your hartes with the light of hys doctrin of righteousnes and may make you to continue therin surely established to the end This we desire of you for your saluation all ye honourable wise honest noble men al the Comminaltie ye rich and poore heare and consider with dilligent heede the wordes of this present letter which is sent vnto you from the Country of the Bohemianes It is manifest and well knowne to you and many other citties Kynges princes and Lordes that now a certayne number of yeares there hath ben great discord betwixt vs and you and there haue bene some which haue moued you by letters and prouoked you to make warre against vs and to destroy vs. And as well on your part as on ours many men as wel noble as vnnoble haue foolishly lost their lyues Yet neuer hetherto haue ye in any parte vnderstoode our fayth by our owne confession neither whether we be able to proue the same out of the scriptures yea or no and yet in the meane time kinges Princes Lordes and Citties haue sustayned great dammage And hereof we greatly meruaile that ye do so much trust and beleue the pope and hys priestes which geue you drinke full of poyson and
and remembraunce beleued that a man ought not to coÌ„fesse his sinnes to a Priest This Article he also confessed that he doubted vpon Now remayneth to declare what these doctors aforesayd concluded vpon the articles whose aunswere vnto the same was this First of all as touching the first article they sayde that the article in the same termes as it was propouÌ„ded is not simply an heresy but an error Item as touching the second article the doctors agree as in the first Item as touching the third Article they affirme that it is an heresy Vnto the fourth Article they aunswered as vnto the first and second Item the doctors affirme the 5. article to be an heresy Item as touching the 6. Article the doctors conclude that if the sayd Nicholas being of perfect mind and remeÌ„brance did doubt whether the sacrament of the aulter were the very perfect body of Christ or no then that Article is simply an heresy Wherupon the sayd Commissary declared pronounced the sayd Nicholas Canon vpoÌ„ the determinatioÌ„ of the foresaid doctors to be an heretick and therupon forced the sayd Nicholas to abiure all the sayd Articles That done he enioined the sayd Nicholas penance for his offeÌ„ces thre displinges about the cloyster of the Cathedrall Churche of Norwich before a solemne procession bare headed barefoote carying a Taper of halfe a pound in his hand going after the maner aforesayd like a mere peniteÌ„tiary the which his penance the iudge commaunded should be respited vntill the comming of the Bishop into his dioces and that in the meane time he should be kept in prison to the end that he should not infect the flock with his venune and poyson of errors and heresyes Thus haue we briefly discoursed vnto you the greate troubles and afflictions which happened in Norfolke and Suffolke by the space of those 4. yeares before mentioned hauing drawen out briefly for euery yere certayne notable examples sufficient for the declaration of all the rest for so much as their opinions being nothing different theyr penaunce and punishment did also nothing differ otherwise then by those particuler examples may be playnely seene Thomas Bagley Priest ANd now to proceede as we haue begon with our former storyes generally we find in Fabians Chronicles that in the same yere of our Lord. 1431. Thomas Bagley a priest Vicar of Monenden beside Malden being a valiant disciple and adherent of wickliffe was condemned by the Byshops of heresy at London about the midst of Lent was disgraded and burned in Smithfield ¶ Paule Craw a Bohemian THe same yeare also was Paule Crawe a Bohemian taken at S. Andrewes by the Bishop Henry and deliuered ouer to the secular power to be burnt for holding contrary opinions vnto the Church of Rome touching the sacrameÌ„t of the Lords supper the worshipping of Sainets auricular confession with other of Wicklesses opinions The story of Thomas Rhedon a French man and a Carmelite Frier burnt in Italy for the profession of Christ. WE haue declared before how this cruell storme of persecution which first began with vs in England after it had long raged heere against many good and godly men it brake out passed into Boheme and after within a short time the fire of this persecution increasing by little and little inuaded Scotland and from thence now wyth greater force and violence this furious deuouring flame hath entred Italy and suffereth not any part of the world to be free from the murther and slaughter of most good godly men It hapned about this time that one Thomas Rhedon a Frier of that sect which taketh his name of the mount Carmelus by chance came with the VenetiaÌ„ Ausbassadours into Italy This maÌ„ although he was of that fort and secte which in stead of Christians are called Carmelites yet was he of a farre other religion vnderstood the word of God iudging that God ought not to be worshipped neither in that mount nor at Ierusalem onely but in spirit truth This man being a true Carmelite â— fauoring with his whole hart that new sweet must of Iesu Christ with earnest study desire seeking after a ChristiaÌ„ integritie of life prepared himselfe first to go into â—â—ly trusting that he should find there or else in no place sonne by whole good life and liuing he might be editied and instructed For where ought more aboundance of verme good liuing to be then in that place which is counted to be the forte and fountaine of all religion And how could it otherwise be but that wheras so great holines is professed wherupon all mens cies are bent as vpon a stage vnderas S. Peters seate is and is thought to be the ruler gouernour of all the Church all things should florish and abesid worthy of so great expectatioÌ„ in that place This holy man hauing these things before his eies and considering the same with himselfe forsooke his owne countrey Citie went vnto Rome conceiuing a firme sure hope that by the example of so many notable and worthy me he should greatly profile in godlines learning but the successe of the matter did vtterly frustrate his hope for all things were cleane coÌ„trary Whatsoeuer he saw was nothing else but meere dissimulatioÌ„ and hypocrisie In stead of gold he found nothing but coales and for to say the truth he found nothing else there but gold and siluer In stead of heauenly gifts there raigned amongst them the pompe and pride of the world In place of godlines riot In stead of learning and study douthfulnes and superstition Tyrannie and hautinesse of mind had possessed the place of Apostolicke simplicitie that now there remained no more any place or libertie for a man to learne that whiche hee knew not or to teach that which he perfectly vnderstoode Finally all things were turned artic versie all things hapned vnto him contrary to his expectation wheresoeuer he went But nothing so much offended this good mas mind as the intolerable ambition and pompous pride in them whome example of humilitie should especially commend and praise to the whole worlde And albeit that hee saw here nothing which did accord agree with the rule of the Apostles yet these things did so much passe all measure and pacience that he could by no meanes resraine his long in so great abuse and corruption of the Church seing such ambitions pride in their buildings apparell in their places in their daintie fare in their great traynes of seruants in their horsse and armour finally in all things pertaining vnto them Which things how much they did vary from the prescript rule of the Gospel so much the more was this good maÌ„ forced to speake Albeit he did well vnderstand how litle he shoulde preuaile by speaking for if admonition would profite any thing at all the bookes of Wicklesse and diuers other were not wanting The famous testimonies of Iohn Hus
themselues aboue the vniuersall church thought it lawfull for them to doe all things after their owne pleasure and that no one man froÌ„ henceforth should transport the councell from one place to another as Eugenius atteÌ„pted to doe now to Bononia now to Florentia theÌ„ agayne to Bononia after to Ferraria and after that agayne to Florentia and that hereafter the Bishops should withdraw theyr minds from the carefulnes of temporall goodes whiche as he himselfe did see had no mind at all on spiritual matters therfore by how much this SessioÌ„ was most holy and necessary by so much more the assent of the Ambassadours was most laudable acceptable to all the fathers These wordes thus spoken he rose vp and the congregation was dissolued Now after that Gabriel Condulmarius was deposed from the bishopricke of Rome the principall fathers of the Councell being called together in the Chapter house of the great Church consulted together whether it were expedeÌ„t that a new bishop should be created out of haÌ„d or deâ—erred for a time Such as thought good that the election shoulde be done with speed shewed how daungerous a thing it was for such a coÌ„gregatioÌ„ to be without a head also what a pestiferous sicknes was in al the City which not onely consumed young men and children but also men of middle age and old men in like maner and that this plague came first by straungers vnto the poore of the Citty and so infected the rich now was come vnto the fathers of the counceel amplifiyng moreouer and encreasing the terror therof and making the thing worse then it was as the maner is Neither doth the decree sayd they any thing let or hinder wherein it is prouided that there should be delay of lx dayes after the sea is voyde for that is to be vnderstand when as the sea is voyd at such time as there is no Councell holden neyther ought we to tary or make any delay least the Princes being perswaded by Gabriel should resist Unto whom the deposition of Gabriell and the election of some other is to be certified all vnder one message The other which thought good that there should be a delay sayde that the Councell did lacke no head for so muche as Christ was the head thereof neither did lacke a ruler for so much as it was gouerned by the Presidents other officers and that no mention shoulde be made of any pestilence in such case seing that vnto stout strong men death is not to be feared neither can any thing daunt or feare theÌ„ which contend for the Christian fayth As for that pestileÌ„ce which doth now encrease and grow in the City forasmuch as iudgement is now geuen it is to be hoped that it wyll asswage which was thought to haue come for the neglecting of iustice Also that in so doubtful a matter they ought rather to vse the princes agaynst theyr will then to neglect them and that it is not be feared but that in this case God will helpe those that are stoute valiaunt The matter being thus discussed amongest them albeit that there was as many mindes as there was men yet it seemed vnto them all that it was most profitable to choose the Byshop by and by but most honest to deferre it Hereupon Iohn Segouius a man of excellent learning sayd Most reuerend fathers I am diuersly drawne by sundry reasons to this side and that But as I way the matter more deeply in my minde this is my opinion that to come to a speedy election it seemeth good to speake after mans iudgement but to delay it for two moneths to speak after Gods iudgement it seemeth much better I do iudge that not onely the wordes but also the meaning of our decree ought to be obserued Wherefore if ye will geue any credite vnto me folow rather daungerous honesty theÌ„ secure vtility albeit that in deede vtility cannot be discerned from honesty This opinion of delay took place among the Fathers and they determined to staye for the space of two monethes In the meane time messegers were sent vnto the princes to declare the deposition of Eugenius by the Synode and publish it abroad During this time the corrupt ayre was nothing at all purged but the mortality dayly encreasing many died and were sicke Whereupon a sodayne feare came vpon the fathers Neyther were they sufficiently aduised what they might do for they thought it not to be without daunger either to depart or to tary Notwithstanding they thought it good to tary also they caused other to tary that since they had ouercome famine and the assaults of theyr enemies on earth they would not seeme to shrinke for the persecutioÌ„ of any plague or sicknes But forsomuch as the could not all be kept there it was politickly prouided that the councell should not seme to be dissolued for any maÌ„s departure And for the more establishmeÌ„t of the matter there were certaine thinges read before the fathers which they called De stabilimento whose authority continued long time after When as the Dogge dayes were come and that all herbes withe red with heat the pestilence dayly encreased more more that it is incredible how many dyed It was to horrible to see the corses hourely caryed through the streetes when on euery side there was weeping wayling sighing There was no house voyd of mourning no myrth or laughter in no place but matrones bewayling their husbandes the husbandes theyr wiues Men women went through the streetes and durst not speake one vnto another Some taryed at home and other some that went abroad had perfumes to smell vnto to preserue them agaynst the plague The common people dyed without nuÌ„ber and like as in the cold Autumne the leaues of the trees do fall euen so did the youth of the City consume and fall away The violence of the disease was such that ye should haue met a maÌ„ mery in the street now and within x. houres heard that he had bene buryed The number of the dead corses was such also that they lacked place to bury them in in so much that all the Churchyards were digged vp and filled with dead corses great holes made in the Parish Churches wheras a great number of corses being thrust in together they couered them ouer with earth For which cause the fathers were so afraid that there appeared no bloud in their faces and specially the sodayne death of Lodouicus the Prothonotary did make all men afrayd who was a strong man florishing in age singularly learned in both lawes whoÌ„ the same enuious and raging sicknes tooke away in a few houres By and by after dyed Lodouicus the Patriarke of Aquileia a man of great age and brought vp alwayes in troubles and aduersity neither coulde he see the day of the Popes election which he had long wished for Notwtstanding he tooke partly a consolation in that he had
company of souldiors to do any good yet to vse pollicy where strength did lack first he sent forth certayne light horsemen to proue the countrey on euery side with persuasions to see whether the vplandyshe people would be styrred to take king Edwards part Perceiuing that it woulde not be king Edwarde flyeth to hys shiftes dissembling his purpose to be not to clayme the crowne and kingdome but onely to clayme the Duchy of Yorke whiche was his owne title and caused the same to be published This being notified to the people that he desired no more but onely his iust patrimony and lineall inheritaunce they began to be moued with mercy and compassion toward him either to fauour him or not to resiste him and so iournying toward Yorke he came to Beuerly The Marques Mountacute brother to the Earle of Warwicke was then at Pomfret to whom the Earle had sent strayght charge with all expedition to set vpon him or els to stop his passage and likewise to the Citizens of Yorke and all Yorkeshyre to shut theyr gates and take armour agaynst him King Edward being in the streetes proceeded notwithstanding nere to Yorke without resistaunce where he required of the Citizens to be admitted into theyr Citty But so stoode the case then that they durst not graunt vnto him but contrary sent him word to approch no nearer as beloued his owne safegarde The desolate king was here driuen to a narow strait who neyther could retyre backe for the opinion of the countrey and losse of his cause neither could goe further for the present daunger of the City Wherefore vsing the same pollicy as before with louely words and gentle speech he desired the messengers to declare vnto the Citizens that his comming was not to demaund the realme of England or the title of the same but onely the Duchye of Yorke his olde inheritaunce and therefore determined to set forward neither with armie nor weapō The messēgers were not so soone within the gates but he was at the gates in a manner as soone as they The Citizens hearing his courteous answere and that he intended nothing to the preiudice of the king nor of the realme were something mitigated toward him and began to common with him from the walles willing him to withdrawe his power to some other place and they would be the more ready to ayde him at least he shoulde haue no damage by them Notwithstanding he again vsed such lowly language and deliuered so faire speach vnto them entreating them so curteously and saluting the Aldermen by their names requiring at their hāds no more but only his own towne whereof he had the name and title that at length the Citizens after long talke and debating vpon the matter partly also intised with faire and large promises fell to this cōuention that if he would sweare to be true to king Henry gentle in entertaining his citizens they woulde receiue him into the Citie This being concluded the next morning at the entring of the gate a priest was ready to say Masse in the which after receiuing of the sacrament the king receiued a solemne othe to obserue the ii articles afore agreed By reason of which othe so rashly made as shortly brokē and not lōg after punished as it may wel be thought in his posterity he obteined the city of Yorke Where he in short time forgetting his oth to make al sure set in garrisons of armed soldiors Furthermore perceiuing all things to be quiet and no stirre to be made against him he thought to foreslacke no oportunitie of time and so made forward toward Lōdon leauing by the way the Marques Mountacute which lay then with his army at Pomfrete on the right hande not fully foure miles distant from his campe and so returning to the hye waye againe wente forwarde without anye stirring to the towne of Notingham where came to him sir W. Parre sir Thomas of Borough sir Tho. Montgomery diuers else of his assured frends with their aydes which caused him by proclamation to stand to his own title of king Edward the fourth sayeng that they woulde serue no man but a king At the fame here of being blowne abroade as the Citizēs of Yorke were not a little offended that worthely so frō other townes and cities Lords and noble men began to fall vnto him thinking with thēselues that the Marques Mountagew either fauoured his cause or was afraide to encounter with the mā Howsoeuer it was K. Edward being now more fully furnished at al points came to the towne of Leicester and there hearing that the earle of Warwicke accompanied with the earle of Oxford were together at Warwicke with a great power minding to set on the Earle he remooued from thence his army hoping to geue him battaile The Duke of Clarence in the meane time about London had leuied a great hoste cōming toward the earle of Warwicke as he was by the Earle appointed But when the Earle sawe the Duke to linger the time he began to suspecte as it fell out in deede that he was altered to his brethrenes part The king auansing forward his host came to Warwicke where he found all the people departed Frō thence he moued toward Couentry where the Earle was vnto whome the next day after he boldly offered battayle But the Earle expecting the Duke of Clarence his cōming kept him within the walles All this made for the king For he hearing that his brother Duke of Clarence was not farre off comming toward him with a great army raysed hys campe and made toward him either to entreate or else to encounter with his brother When ech hoste was in sight of the other Richard Duke of Gloucester brother to thē both as arbitour betweene thē first rode to the one then to the other Whether all this was for a face of a matter made it is vncertaine But hereby both the brethren leaning all army and weapon aside first louingly and familiarly commoned after that brotherly and naturally ioined together And that fraternall amitie by proclamation also was ratified and put out of all suspition Then was it agreed betwene the iij. brethren to attempt the earle of Warwicke if he likewise would be reconciled but he crieng out shame vpō the Duke of Clarence stoode at vtter defiance From thence king Edward so strongly furnished daily encreasing taketh his way to Lōdon Where after it was knowne that the duke of Clarence was come to his brethren much feare fell vpō the Londoners casting with thēselues what was best to do The sodaynues of time permitted no long cōsultation There was at London the same time the Archbishop of Yorke brother to the Earle of Warwicke and the duke of Somerset wyth other of K. Henries counsaile to whom the earle had sent in cōmaundement a litle before knowing the weaknes of the Citie that they should keepe the Citie from their
into his owne handes by whose meanes the sayd Gemes afterwarde was poysoned as is in maner before expressed Unto these poysoned actes of the Pope let vs also adioin his malicious wickednes with like fury exercised vpoÌ„ Antonius Mancinellus which Mancinellus being a maÌ„ of excellent learning because he wrote an eloqueÌ„t oratioÌ„ against his wicked maners filthy life with other vices he therfore commaunded both his hands his tong to be cut of playing much like with him as Antonius the tirant once did with M. Cicero for writing agaynst his horrible life At length as one poyson requireth another this poysoned Pope as he was sitting with his Cardinals other rych Senatours of Rome at dinner his seruauntes vuwares brought to him a wrong bottell wherewith he was poysoned and his Cardinals about him In the time of this Pope Alexander also it happened whiche is not to bee pretermitted how that the Aungell whiche stood in the high toppe of the Popes Churche was beaten downe with a terrible thunder which thing semed then to declare the ruine and fall of the Popedome After this Pope next succeded Pius the 3. about the yeare of our Lord 1503. After whome came next Iulius the second a man so farre passing all other in iniquity that Wicelius such other of his owne friendes writing of him are compelled to say of him Marti illum quam Christo deditiorem fuisse that is that he was more geuen to warre and battayle then to Christ. Concerning the madnesse of this man thys is most certaynely knowne that at what time he was going to warre he cast the keyes of S. Peter into the riuer of Tybris sayinge that for as much as the keyes of Peter would not serue him to his purpose he woulde take himselfe to the sword of Paule Wherupon Philip MelancthoÌ„ amongest many other writing vpon the same maketh this Epigrame Cum contra Gaellos bellum papa Iulius esset Gesturus sicút fama â—etusta docet Ingentes martis turmas contraxit â—rbem Egâ—essus saeuas edidit ore minas Iratus'que sacras claues in flumina iecit Tibridis hic â—rbi pons â—bi iungit aquas Inde manustrictum Gagina diripit ensem Exclamans'que truci talia â—ocerefert Hic gladius Pauli nos nunc defendet ab hoste Quandoquidem clauis nil iuuat ista Petri. Whereupon also Gilbert Ducherius maketh this Epigrame In Gallum â—â— fama est bellum gesturus acerbum Armatum educit Iulius â—rbe manum Accinctus gladio claues in Tibridis amnem Proÿcit soeuus talia â—erba faecit Quum Petrinihil efficiant ad praelia claeues Auxilio Pauli forsitan ensis erit ¶ The sense of these Epigrammes in English is this When Iulius Pope agaynst the French determined to make warre As fame reportes he gathered vp great troupes of men from farre And to the bridge of Tybur then marching as he were wood His holy keyes he tooke and cast them downe into the floud And afterward into his hand he tooke a naked sword And shaking it brake forth into this fierce and warlike word This sword of Paule quoth he shall now defend vs from our foe Since that this key of Peter doth nothing auay le thereto Of this Iulius it is certaynely reported that partly with his warres partly with his cursinges within the space of 7 yeares as good as 200000. Christians were destroyed Fyrst he besieged Rauenna agaynste the Uenetians then Seruia Imola Fauentia Foroliuium Bononia and other cities which he gate out of Princes handes not with out much bloudshed The Chronicles of Iohn Steban maketh mention that when this Iulius was made Pope he tooke an oathe promising to haue a Councell within two yeares but when he had no leysure thereunto being occupyed with his warres in Italy amoÌ„g the Uenetians and with the French king and in Ferraria and in other countryes 9. of his Cardinalles departing from him came to Millayne and there appoynted a Councell at the Citty of Pise amongest whome the chiefe were Bernardus Cruceius Gulielmus Prenestinus Franciscus CoÌ„stantinus with diuers others amongest whome also were adioyned the Procuratours of Maximilian the Emperour and of Charles the French king So the Councell was appoynted the yeare of our Lord 1511. to begin in the Kalendes of September The cause why they did so call this Councell was thus alledged because the Pope had so brokeÌ„ his oth and all this while he gaue no hope to haue any councell also because there were diuers other crimes whereupoÌ„ they had to accuse him Theyr purpose was to remoue him out of his seat the which he had procured through bribes and ambition Iulius hearing this geueth out contrary commaundement vnder great payne no man to obey them calleth himselfe another councell agaynst the next yeare to be begon the 19. day of Aprill The French king vnderstading Pope Iulius to ioyne with the Uenetians and so to take theyr part agaynst him couented a councell at Thurin in the month of September in the which councel these questions were proposed Whether it was lawfull for the Pope to moue warre agaynst any prince without cause Whether any Prince in defending himselfe might inuade his aduersary and deny his obedience Unto the which questions it was answered that neither the bishop ought to inuade and also that it was lawfull for the king to defende himselfe Moreouer that the Pragmaticall sanction was to bee obserued thorowe the realme of Fraunce Neyther that any vniust excommunications ought to be feared if they were founde to be vniust After this the king sent vnto Iulius the aunswere of his councell requiring him either to agree to peace or to appoynt a generalll Councell some other where where thys matter myght bee more fully decided Iulius woulde neyther of both these but forthwith accursed Charles the French king with all his kingdome At the lenth at Rauenna in a great war he was ouercome by the freÌ„ch king and at last after much slaughter and great bloudshed and mortall warre this Pope dyed in the yeare of our Lorde 1513. the 21. day of February If it were not that I feare to ouerlay this our volume with heapes of foreigne historyes which haue professed chiefly to entreat of Actes and Monuments here done at home I woulde adioine after these popes aboue rehearsed some discourse also of the Turkes story of theyr rising and cruell persecution of the sayâ—tes of God to the great anoiance and perill of Christendome yet notwithstanding certayne causes there be which necessarily require the knowledge of theyr order and doinges and of theyr wicked procedings theyr cruell tyranny and bloudy victories the ruine subuersion of so many Christen Churches with the horrycle murders and captiuiâ—ye of infinite Christians to bee made playne and manifest as well to this our countrey of England as also to other nations First for the better explayning of the Prophecies of the new Testament as
to ouerrunne vs to lay our land waste to scatter vs amongest the Infidels the enemies and blasphemers of the sonne of God Nowe although these 4. families aboue mentioned long continued together in bloudy warres and deadly hatred yet one of them passed the rest in all crueltye and tyranny and subduing the other 3. familyes tooke vpon him the gouernement alone and so became the first Monarch or Emperour that reigned amoÌ„g theÌ„ called Ottomannus of whome all that raigned after him were called Ottomanni Who succeeding orderly of his lyne haue occupyed the same dominion and seate of the Turkes from the yeare of our Lord 1300. vnto this present time which haue bene to the number of 12. Of the which 12. in suche order as they liued and raygned I intend Christ so permitting scuerally and compendeously something to entreat briefely abstracting out of prolixe and â—edious writers such specialties as for vs Christians shall be chiefely requisite to be knowne ¶ Ottomannus the first great Emperour or Tyraunt of the Turkes THis Ottomannus was at the first of poore estate and obscure amongest the common sort of men comming of a base progeny and of rusticall parentes but through hys valiantnes and actiuity in warre he got him a great name amongest the Turkes For he being a man of fearce courage refusing no labour and delighting in warre and gathering together by great subtlety and multitude of common souldiours began to make warre and by conquestes and victories to aduaunce himselfe and his family Fyrst he began to robbe and spoyle with a great band of rouers and afterward he attempted to set vpon all men Neither did he vexe and destroy the Christians onely but set vpon his owne nation also and sought al occasion to subdue theÌ„ wholy vnto him For now the Princes and Captaynes of the Turkes inflamed with ambition and desire of rule began to fall out and contend among themselues in so much that they fell to domesticall and inward warre with all the power they could Ottomannus hauing this occasion very fitte meete to accomplishe that whiche he long had sought for gathering vnto him all such as he thought to be geueÌ„ to robbing and spoyling and sette all vpon mischiefe in short time began to grow in authority first set vpon certayn townes as he saw oportunity to serue him Of which towns some he tooke by force some by yelding other some he spoyled ouerthrew to terrify the rest thus laying the first foundation of his rising In the meane time the discorde whiche was among the Christians was no small aduauntage to this Ottomannus by occasion whereof he within x. yeres space subdued Bethinia and al the prouinces about Pontus Also Natolia which comprehendeth all the dominion of the Greekes within Asia Ancyra a City in Phrigia Sinope a Cittye in Galatia and Sabastia a Cittye in Capadocia and thus still preuayling he encreased in short time to a mightye power either through the secret iudgemente of God agaynst that nation or els because God woulde haue them so farre so cruelly to preuayle for the punishmen of the sinnes of other nations like as it was prophecyed before that such a kingdome there shoulde be of Gog and Magog This Ottomannus after he had raigned 28. yeares in the yeare of our Lord 1527. dyed and departed to his Mahumet leauing behind him three sonnes of whom Orchanes being the youngest killed his two brethren whilest they were at variaunce betwene themselues ¶ Orchanes the second Emperour after Ottomannus ORchanes the youngest of the sonnes of Ottomannus after he had slayne his two brethren tooke the regimeÌ„t of the turkes after his father Who after he had drawne to him the hartes of the multitude such as had theyr dispositions set vpon the liceÌ„tious life of warre coÌ„uerted his power further to enlarge his fathers dominion winning subduing Mysia Lydia Lycaonia Phrygia and Caria All whiche countryes being within the compasse of Asia vnto the sea side of Hellespontus and the sea Euxinus he added to the Turkishe Empyre Also he wanne Prusia which was the metropolitane City of Bithynia which theÌ„ he made the chiefe seate of the Turkes Empyre Besides these moreouer he conquered Nicea got Nicomedia all which were before Christian Cities regions And yet all this could not make the Christian Princes in Grecia to cease theyr ciuill warres to ioyne accord among themselues Such debate and variaunce was theÌ„ betwene CaÌ„tacuzenus on the Greeks part Paleologus the Emperor of Constantinople By reason whereof the turkes ayd was sent for out of Asia to helpe our Christians one to kil an other and at length to get all those partes of Europe from them both Who if they had according to theyr profession so well ioyned in brotherly vnity as they did in cruel hostility dissent neither had Orchanes so preuayled in gettynge Prusia from the Grecians neither had the turkes so soone presumed into Europe as afterward they did Orchanes after these victories when he had raigned 22. yeares was strokeÌ„ as some say with a dart in the shoulder at the siege of Prusia The opinioÌ„ of others is that he fighting against the TartariaÌ„s where he lost a great part of his army was there also slayne himselfe an 1349. ¶ Amurathes the 3. after Ottamannus THe Greeke writers doe holde that Orchanes had two sonnes Solimannus and Amurathes Of which two first Solimannus raigned albeit not long After him folowed Amurathes who after that Asia nowe was subdued by his predecessors sought by all meanes and wayes how to proceede further to inuade Europe To whose ambitious purpose the domestical warres of the Christians gaue vnprosperous occasion which occasion is thus declared Certaine discord fell betwene the princes of Greece whose captayne was Cantaguzenus and Paleologus Emperor of Constantinople WherupoÌ„ Paleologus for that he was not able to make his party good with the Grecians moste vnwisely sent for Amurathes to helpe him Who beinge glad to haue such an occasion offered which he so long had sought sent to ayde him 12000. Turkes into Thracia but first vsed all delayes he could of crafty pollicy to the entent that the Greekes first shoulde waste theyr strength and power vpon themselues whereby he might be more able afterward to set vpoÌ„ them and to accomplish his conceiued desire The Turkes thus being called into Europe by the Christians whether they tasting the sweetnesse of the soyle incensed Amurathes theyr Emperor to make inuasion or whether Amurathes of his owne head thought good to vse the time in the yeare of our Lord 1363. he came himselfe ouer into Europe with 60000. Turkes falling vpon the Grecians being wasted and spent with their long warres and battelles before The pretence of the deuilishe Turke was to ayd and to assist the Emperour Peleologus whether he would or no and to subdue such as had
Conneni which were of the kynges stocke by the Turke were destroyed Whiche was about the yeare of our Lord. 1459. at which tyme this mischieuous Mahumete was first saluted Emperour Not long after he got from the Grecians Corinthus and Mitylene not without great slaughter of Christen men in somuch that the whole Citie of Mitylene was vtterly to the grounde almost destroyed The Isles also of Lemnus Lesbos he wanne from the Venetians In the which Ilād of Lesbos is the Citie of Mitylene aforesayd Not farre frō this I le of Lesbos and Mitylene there is a countrey in Asia toward the sea side borderyng next to Europe called Mysia or of some called Moesia wherein stode the Citie of Troye This countrey Mahumete coueting to wynne rather by policie falshode then by doubtfull daunger of warre secretly sent for the Prince therof to come to speake with him for certaine causes as he pretended which should concerne the profite and commoditie of thē both Which when the king of Mysia either for shame would not or for feare durst not denye he came to him as to conferre vpon necessary affaires in commō to them appertaining Mahumete when he had brought that to passe which he would he caused the king to be apprehended and cruelly to be slaine or rather torne in peeces and so inuading the land of Misia exercised the like tyrannie vpō all his kindred and affinitie This Misia by fraude being taken and lost Mahumere flieth againe toward Europe where he assailed the Iland Euboia otherwise called Nigroponte making a bridge of a marueilous frame ouer the sea Euripus to conuey ouer his army out of Grecia and there laide his siege to the Citie Chalcis which at length in thirty dayes he ouercame not without a great slaughter of his army who in the siege thereof is said to haue lost 40. thousand of the Turkes But the slaughter of the Christians was greater for when the City was won the tirant commanded most cruelly none to be spared within the whole citie but to be put to the sword whosoeuer was aboue the age of twenty yeares This cruelty was shewed of the barbarous Tirant for anger and fury because such a number of his Turkes were slaine at the siege therof being reckned as is said to 40. thousand In the fierce siege of this Citie it is memorable that is in stories recorded how that the women of that Citie seeing the men to begin to faint and the Citie to lie in present danger tooke the matter themselues in hand and plaieng the men went to the walles and there defended the Citie with no lesse trouble to the enemie then the men had before done and so for a space continued so long as any mans strength and diligence could do anie good A great cause of the losse of this Citie and Iland is imputed to the cowardly timidity of the Venetians nauy who being there present and hauing prosperous winde yet durst not or would not aduenture vpon the Turkes bridge which if they had done the Iland of Euboia and Chalcis had not so soone bin ouermatched of the Turks Thus all the East partes of Grecia being subdued to the Turkish tiraunt with all Achaia Attica Acarnania Euboia shortly after folowed also Peloponesus brought in like subiection to the Turke Within this Peloponesus were these prouinces conteined Achaia Messenia Laconia Argolica and Archadia c. The Venetiās in this Peloponesus had great possessions and had made vp the wall againe toward the Sea side neare to the streites of Corinth before mentioned where for the more speede of the worke they had 30. thousand workemen to the building thereof which when it came to the knowledge of the Turke he brast into the countrey of Peloponesus wyth an army of 80. thousand and first wasting the regions of the Coroneans and Methoneans and making a greate slaughter of the Venetians in short time he brought the whole dominiō of Peloponesus vnder his yoke tribute Long it is and more lamentable to recite all the victories of this Mahumete gotten against the Christiās both by land sea who after he had ouercome the Ile Lesbos aboue mentioned and had cruelly slaine Nicolaus Catalusius the Prince thereof turning his army towarde the sea of Pontus Euxinus got the countrey of Capha from the Genuans Before was declared how truce was taken betweene Georgius Scanderbeius and the Turke for ten yeares which truce being expired Mahumete leaueth no time vnspēt no diligence vnsought but maketh all his power to Epyrus Albania which he after long fatigation of siege at length ouercame and subdued In y◠which tract also he wanne from the Venetians Scodra Lysson and Dinastrum Notwithstanding when Scanderbeius the valiant Captaine had done against the Turke what in mans strength did lie yet being ouermatched with power and multitude seeing no possibilitie to make his partie good was forced to depart his countrey as an exile and went to Italy there being sent for by y◠Popes letters openly declared not to be possible otherwise to resist the furious rage of the barbarous Turkes by the strength of any one king or prince vnlesse all Europe with one cōsent shuld ioine their power force together And thus Georgius Scanderbeius a man of puissant courage being driuen out of his countrey continued his age in exile Whose courage vehemency is reported to haue bin such that in fighting against y◠barbarous enemie for very egernes of spirit his bloud was seene to burst out of his lippes It is testified also of him that being prouoked he neither denied to fight and in his fighting neuer turned his backe neyther yet was euer wounded but onely once with a lyght shaft in his foote neither euer set against the Turke wyth moe then 6000. horsemen and 3000. footemen who is said with his owne hand to haue slaine aboue 2000. Turkes whome with such violence he did strike that many of thē he did cleane asunder from the head to the middle Neither yet was the vnsatiable greedines of thys Turkish helbound with all this satisfied but still he conceiued greater things in his minde thynking to conquere the whole world and so passing forward towards Europe subdued all Illiria slaieng Stephanus the King of Bosna about the yeare of our Lord 1463. But afterwarde Mathias Coruinus the sonne of Huniades afore mentioned recouered againe the said kingdome of Bosna with many other Cities neare vnto Croacia and Dalmatia and moreouer repulsed Mahumete the Turke in his second siege of Iaiza taking his tents and munitions lefte behinde him Moreouer the sayd Mahumete passing vnto Walachia set vpon Dracula the Prince thereof by which Dracula although he had no great power of souldiours yet he so inclosed enuironed the Turke that he had almost lost his whole army of whom a great part notwithstanding was destroied and many of his ensignes taken Into Dalmatia
Belgrade For the Christian princes at that time were in ciuill dissention and variance amongst themselues and the Pope with his Churchmen also were so busye in suppressing of Luther and of the Gospell then newly springing that they minded nothing els except it were to maintaine the welth of their own bellies Which pope if he had set his care as his duety was so muche in stirring vp Princes against the common enemy as he was bent to deface y◠gospel to persecute the true professors therof soone might he haue brought to passe not only that Belgrade might haue bene defended against the Turk but also y◠to be recouered againe which was lost before and moreouer myght haue stopped the great dangers and perils which nowe are like to fall vpon the religion and church of Christ whyche the Lord of his great mercy auert and turne away Certesse what so euer the Pope then did this had bene his duty setting al other things apart to haue had an earnest compassiō of so many miserable lost captiues which were fallen from their faith religion vnto the misery and slauery of the Turke thraldome of the deuil and to haue sought all means possible to haue reduced thē as lost shepe into the fold againe which then might sone haue ben done if prelates princes ioyning together in christian concord had loued so well the publike glory of Christ and soules of Christians as they tendered their owne priuate worldly friuolous quarels And admit that the Pope had conceiued neuer so much malice against Luther hys quarell also being good yet the publike church standing in such danger as it then did by the inuasion of the Turke reason woulde nature led religion taught time required that a good Prelate forgetting lighter matters shuld rather haue laid hys shoulder to the excluding of so great a dāger as then was imminent both to himselfe and the vniuersall Churche of Christ But nowe his quarel being vniust and the cause of Luther being moste iust and godly what is to be sayde or thought of suche a Prelate who for bearyng the Turke whome in a time so daungerous hee ought chiefly to haue resisted persecuted the trueth whych hee shoulde specially haue mainteined But Christ for his mercy stande for hys Churche and stirre vp zealous Princes and Prelates if not to recouer that is lost yet at least to retaine that little which is left Solyman therefore taking hys occasion and vsing the commoditie of time while our princes were thus at variance betwixt themselues wythout any resistance or interruption brought his army vnto Belgrade in the yere of our Lorde 1521. Which Citye being but slenderly defenced the Turke through his vnderminers guns and other engins of warre without great difficultie with little losse of hys souldiours soone subdued and ouercame After thys victorye Solyman resting himselfe a whole yeare and casting in his mynde howe to make all sure behinde him for feare of ennemies to come vppon his backe thought it expedient for his purpose if he might obtain the Ilande of Rhodes for that onely remained yet Christian betwixt him and Asia wherfore the next yeare following he brought hys army of 450. ships and 300. M. men to the besieging thereof This Rhodes was a mighty and strong Iland wtin the sea called Mare mediterraneum The inhabitants wherof at the first did manfully resist the turke sparyng no labor nor paines for the defence of thēselues of al christendome But afterward being brought to extremity and pinched with penury seing also no aid to come from the christians somwhat began to languish in thēselues The turkes in the meane time casting vp two great mountaines wyth strength of hand 2. miles of frō the citye like rolling trenches caried them defore thē neare vnto the city in the tops wherof they plāted their ordinance artillery to batter the city The maister of the knightes of the Rhodes was then one Philippus Villadamus a Frenchman in whome no diligence was lacking that appertained to the defence of the city The Rhodians likewise so valiantly behaued themselues vpon the walles that with their shot all the ditches about the city were filled with the carcases of dead Turkes Besides thys suche a disease of the bloudy flixe raigned in the Turkes campe that 30. M. of them died thereof and yet for all thys Solyman woulde not cease from hys siege begonne who at length by vnderminers casting downe the vamures and vttermost partes of the citie wan groūd still more and more vpon the Rhodians and with mortary pieces so battered the houses that there was no free place almost standing in all the Citie And thus continued the siege for the space of fiue or sixe monethes and yet all thys while came no help vnto them from the christians Wherfore they being out of all hope thorough the aduise of Ualladamus yelded themselues vnto the Turke vppon condition that hee woulde spare them wyth life and goodes which conuention the Turke kepte wyth them faithfully and truely Thus Solyman with his great glory and vtter shame to all christian princes and also ruine of all Christendome got the noble I le of Rhodes although not wythout great losse and detriment of hys army in so much that at one assault 20. thousande Turkes about the walles were slayne with fire sword stones and other engines Wherby it may be coniectured what these Rhodians might or would haue done if succor had come to them from other christian princes as they looked for This city was wonne vpon Christmas day An. 1522. Thys conquest of Rhodes obtained Solyman the 4. yeare after bringeth backe his army againe into Hungary where he founde none to resist him but onely Ludouike the yong king who being accompanied with a smal army and nothing able to matche wyth the Turke yet of a hasty rashnes and vaine hope of victory would needes set vpon him who if he had staide but a little had prospered the better For Ioannes Uainoda being a Capitaine well exercised in Turkish warres before was not farre off comming with a sufficient power of able souldiors But Paulus the Archbishop Coloss. a Franciscane Frier a man more bold then wise with his temerity and rashnes troubled al their doings For the whole summe of the army of the Hungarians contained in all but only 24. M. horsmen and footemen who at length comming vnto the battaile and being compassed about wyth a great multitude of the Turkes army were brought into great distres The Turks twise shorte of their pieces against the Christian army yet scarce was any Christian touched with the stroke therof whych was thought to be done of purpose bicause they were christians whych had the ordering of the gunnes for then the speciall gunners of the Turkes were Christians whome for the same cause they spared Then the Turkes horsmen comming vpon the backe of the christian armie compassed them about
and by reason of their multitude ouercharged their horsemen Amongst whom was slaine the same tyme the Archb. Frier aforesayd wyth the Bishops of Strigone and Uaradine many other nobles besides Also the kyng himselfe being destitute of hys necessary aide and succour was compelled to flie into a marish where he falling from his horse being heauy loden with his harneis was not able to rise againe but there miserably perished Solyman the Turke marueiled at the foolyshnesse of Ludouike the King who wyth so small an armye woulde presume to encounter wyth such a great hoste of two hundreth thousande This battaile in Hungarie was fought Anno. 1526. After the deceasse of Ludouicke Ferdinandus succeded in the kingdome being Duke of Austria and king of Hungarie Then Solyman setting contention betwixt Ioannes Uaiuoda and Ferdinandus for the kingdom of Hungarie spedde his viage to the Citie of Buda whych also in short time he made to be yelded vnto hym vpon condition that they should escape with their liues and goodes whych cōdition some say he kept and some say he did not Besides Buda diuers places and munitiōs the sayd Turk contrary to his league made before did spoile and waste as Varadinum Quinque Ecclesias and other fortes and munitions moe bordering about the coastes of Hungary In the yeare of our Lorde 1529. Ferdinandus king of Hungarie aforesaid recouered diuers holdes gotten of the Turke before and also warring againste Ioannes Uaiuoda his enemy with whom he had variance as ye heard before expulsed him out of his kingdom Wherupon Uaiuoda flying to the Turke desired his ayde The Turke glad to take that occasion wyth great preparatiō addressed himselfe to returne into Hungary where he recouering againe the Citie of Buda which Ferdinandus had gotten from him a little before remooued his armye into Austria spoyling and destroying by the way all that came to hys handes shewing many examples of great cruelty tyranny most lamentable to here and vnderstand For of some he put out their eies of some he cutte of their handes of some their eares and noses and of their children he cut of theyr priuy members The maidens he corrupted the matroues had their brestes cut of and such as were with childe were ript and their childrē cast into the fire And these examples of horrible and barbarous tyranny thys wretched Turke perpetrated by the way comming toward Uienna a noble City in Austria besides the captiues which he tooke by the way and led into seruitude moste miserable mounting to the number of 30. thousand Among other holdes by the waye as the Turke came there was a castle called Altenburch strongly by nature situated and by art defenced which castle the Turke entending not to ouerpasse because he woulde make all thynges sure behinde him began to make hys assault and lay hys ordinance against it The warders and kepers of the Castle so soone as the Turks began to lay siege against them making no resistance of a womanly cowardnes sent their messengers to the Turke to yelde themselues ready to doe his commaundement and further him with their vitaile Amongest whome were three hundreth Bohemians who were commaunded to followe the hoste that the Turke by them might learne what strength was in the city of Uienna also where the king was and what was to be done for the winning therof Of whom when the Turke had vnderstanding howe all things stoode and how that there was but 20. thousand men in Uienna able to beare armour and that other cities of Austria would soone yeelde if that were gotten and that Uienna was vitailed but for 2. monthes and that the king was of late in Boheme thus the Turk of all things being certified hauing no doubt in hys minde of victorie made speede toward Uienna and first comming to Neapolis a city but 8. miles distant from Uienna he required them to yelde themselues who notwithstanding withstoode them and repulsed them valiantly Then the Turkes assigned a place for the pitching of their tents whych because it semed some thing too litle for such a great multitude they tooke in more ground to the compasse of 7. miles circuit The multitude of his armye which hee there planted is accompted of some to extend to 250. M. souldiours The Turke thus being planted made daily excourses ouer all the countrey of Austria specially about the citie of Uienna wasting and spoyling with great crueltye murther amongst the poore Christians Moreouer to make al things more sure toward the preparation of the siege scoutes were sent abroade and bushments were laid about the riuer side of Danubius to prouide that no aid nor victual should be brought to Uienna So it pleased the prouidence of the Lord who disposeth all things that 3. daies before the comming of the Turk Fridericus the Earle Palatine which was then assigned by that Empire to take the charge of Uienna was come downe by the riuer of Danubius with 14. M. and with a certaine troupe of horsemen well apoynted and picked for the purpose After the comming of thys Fridericke prouision also of victuall was appoynted to followe shortly after by the sayd riuer of Danubius In the meane time they which had the cariage trāsporting therof hearing how the waies were laid all the passages 10. miles about Uienna stopped by the Turkes although they knew the city to stand in great nede of vitail yet seing there was no other remedy rather then it should come to the ennemies hande thought it best to sincke theyr boats with their cariage and so they did Wherby all be it the christians wanted their reliefe yet were the Turks disappoynted of their pray purpose The captains whych had the keeping of the City which were chiefly Fridericus the Earle Palatine Gulielmus Rogendorffius and Nicolaus erle of Salme seing themselues so straightned contrary to their expectation although they had great causes to be discouraged yet calling their courage vnto them they consulted together for the best way to be taken and seing that the little city Neapolis aboue mentioned being 8. miles distaunt from them so valiauntly withstoode the Turkes that in one day they sustained 7. greuous assaultes against all the maine force of the Turkish armye by their example and manfull stāding being the more animated and encouraged thought to abide the vttermoste before they woulde geue ouer and first plucking downe all the suburbes and buildings wythout the walles wherby the enemy myght haue any succor they willed all the farmers inhabitantes about the Citye to saue themselues and to bryng in theyr goods wtin the walles Such places as were weake wythin the walles they made strong About the towers munition of the walles they prouided rampires bulwarks distant 80. foote one from another to kepe of the shot and euery man hadde hys place and standing awarded to hym vpon the wal and his office appoynted what
not as one pronouncing agaynst the City of Rome what wil happen but as one fearing what may fall Which if it come to passe as I pray God it do not then shall the Pope well vnderstand whether hys wrong vnderstanding of the Scriptures his false flattering glosers vpon the same haue brought hym Wherefore my counsayle is to the Pope all hys Popish mayntayners and vpholders to humble themselues to agree with theyr brethren by tyme letting all contention fall lest that while the Byshop of Rome shal striue to be the highest of all other Byshops it so fall out shortly that the byshop of Rome shal be found the lowest of all other Byshops or peraduenture no byshop at all Wherevpon also an other cause may be added taken out of Hieronunns Sauonarola who prophecieth that one shall come ouer the Alpes lyke vnto Cyrus destroy Italy Wherof see more pag. 737. Thys Solimanus if he be yet aliue hath now reigned 46. yeares who began the same yeare in the which the Emperour Charles the v was crowned which was an 1520. and so hath continued by Gods permission for a scourge to the Christians vnto this yere now present 1566. This Solyman by one of hys Concubines had hys eldest sonne called Mustapha By an other Concubine called Rosa he had foure sonnes Mahumete Baiazates Zelymus and Gianger Of the whiche sonnes Mustapha and Gianger were slayn as ye heard before by the meanes of their own father And thus much concerning the wretched tyranny of the Turkes out of the authors here vnder written The Authors of the Turkes storyes Laonicus Chalcondila Nicolaus Eboicus Episo Saguntinus Ioan. Ramus Andraeas a Lacuna Wolfgangus Drechslerus Ioan. Crispus Ioan Faber Ludouicus Viues Bernardus de Breydenbach Mityleneus Archiepise Sabellicus Isiodorus Rutherus Marinus Barlerus Henrious Penia de bello Rhodio Melchior Soiterus Paulus Iouius Ioan Martinus Stella Gaspar Peucerus c. Nicolaus a Moffen Burgundus Sebast Munsterus Baptista Egnatius Barthol Peregrinus ¶ A Notice touching the miserable persecution slaughter and captiuity of the Christians vnder the Turkes HEtherto thou hast heard Christian Reader the lamētable persecutions of these latter dayes wrought by the Turkes agaynst the people and seruauntes of Christ. In the reading wherof such as sitte quietly at home be farre frō ieopardy may see what misery there is abroad y◠knowledge and reading wherof shall not be vnprofitable for all christians earnestly to wey consider for that many there be which falsely deceauing themselues imagin that Christianity is a quiet and restrull state of life full of pleasure solace in this present worlde when in deede it is nothing lesse testified by the mouth of our Sauiour himselfe who rightly defining his kingdome teacheth vs that his kingdome is not of this world premonishing vs also before that in this worlde we must looke for affliction but in hym wee shall haue peace Examples hereof in all partes of thys hystory through all ages are plenteous and euidēt to be sene whether we turne our eyes to the first x. persecutiōs in the primitiue Church during the first 3. hundreth yeares after Christ or whether we consider the latter 3. hūdreth yeares in this last age of the Churche wherein the poore flocke of Christ hath bene so afflicted oppressed deuoured the it is hard to say whether haue bene more cruell agaynst the Christians the infidel Emperors of Rome in the primitiue age of the Church or els those barbarous Turkes in these our latter times of the Church now present Thus from time to time the Churche of Christ almost hath had litle or no rest in this earth what for the Heathen Emperours on the one side what for the proude Pope on the other side and on the third side what for the barbarous Turke for these are and haue bene from the beginning the three principall capital enemies of the Church of Christ signified in the Apocalips by the beast the false Lamb and the false Prophet from whom wēt out three foule spirites like frogges to gather together all the kinges of the earth to the battell of the day of the Lord God almighty Apocal. 16. The cruelty and malice of these 3. enemyes agaynst Christes people hath bene such that to iudge which of thē did most exceede in cruelty of persecution it is hard to say but y◠it may be thought that the bloudy beastly tyrannye of the Turkes especially aboue the rest incomparably surmounteth all the afflictions and cruell slaughters that euer were seene in any age or read of in any story In so much y◠there is neither history so perfect nor writer so diligēt who writing of the miserable tyranny of the Turkes is able to expresse or comprehend the horrible examples of theyr vnspeakable cruelty and slaughter exercised by these 12. Turkish tyrants vpon poore Christē mens bodies within the compasse of these latter 3. hūdreth yeares wherof although no sufficient relation can be made nor nūber expressed yet to geue to the Reader some generall gesse or view thereof let vs first perpend and consider what dominions Empyres how many countries kingdomes prouinces cities townes strong holdes and fortes these Turkes haue surprised and wonne from the Christians In all which victories being so many this is secondly to be noted that there is almost no place which the turkes euer came to and subdued where they did not either slay all the inhabitants therof or led away the most part therof into such captiuity and slauery that they continued not long after aliue or els so liued that death almost had bene to them more tollerable Like as in the time of the first persecutions of the Romayne Emperors the saying was that no man could step with his foote in all Rome but should tread vpon a Martyr so here may be sayd that almost there is not a towne city or village in all Asia Grecia also in a great part of Europa and Aphrica whose streetes haue not flowed with bloud of the Christians whom the cruell turks haue murthered Of whom are to be sene in histories heapes of souldiours slaine of mē womē cut in pieces of childrē sticked vpō poles stakes whō these detestable turks most spitefull y◠in the sight of theyr parentes vse to gore to death some they drag at theyr horse tailes famish to death some they teare in pieces tying theyr armes and legges to foure horses other some they make marks to shoot at vpō some they trye theyr swords how deep they can cut and slash as ye before haue read pag. 777 The aged feeble they tread vnder theyr horses womē with child they spare not but ripp theyr bodyes and cast the infants into the fire or otherwise destroy them Whether the Christians yeld to them or yeld not all is a matter As in theyr promises there is no truth so in theyr victoryes there is no sense of
manhood or mercy in them but they make hauocke of all So the Citizens of Croia after they had yelded were all promised theyr liues were all destroyd and that horribly In Mysia after the king had geuen himselfe to the turkes hand hauing promise of life Mahumet the Turke slew him with his owne hands The Princes of Rasia had both theyr eies put out with â—asens redde hoate set before them Theodosia otherwise called Capha was also surreÌ„dered to the Turke hauing the like assuraunce of life and safety yet contrary to the league the Citizens were put to the sword and slaine At the winning and yelding of Leâ—bos what a number or young men and children were put vpon sharpe stakes and poles and so thrust thorough At the winning of the Citty of Buda what tyrannye was shewed and exercised agaynst the poore Christians whiche had yelded themselues and agaynst the two Dukes Christopher Bisserer and Ioannes Tranbinger coÌ„trary to the promise and handwriting of the Turke is to be sene in the story of Melchior Soiterus de Bello Pannonico The like also is to be read in the story of Bernardus de Breydenbach who writing of the taking of Hydrimtum a City in Apulia testifieth of the miserable slaughter of the young men there slayne of old men troden vnder the horse feet of matrons virgines rauished of women with child cut rent a pieces of the Priestes in the Churches slayne of the Archbishop of that Citty who being an aged man and holding the crosse in his hands was cut a sonder with a woodden saw c. The same Bernerdus also wryting of the ouerthrow of Nigropontus otherwise called Chalcides an 1471. describeth the like terrible slaughter whiche there was exercised where the Turke after hys promise geueÌ„ before to the coÌ„trary most cruelly caused all the youth of Italy to be pricked vpon sharp stakes some to be dashed against the hard stones other some to be cut in sonder in the middest and other mo with other kinds of forments to be put to death in so much that all the streetes and wayes of Chalcides did flowe with the bloud of them whiche were there slayn In which history the foresayd writer recordeth one memorable example of maydeÌ„ly chastity worthy of all Christians to be noted and commended The story is tolde of the Pretors daughter of that City who being the onely daughter of her father noted to be of an exceeding singuler beuty was saued out of the slaughter brought to Mahumet the turke to be his concubine But she denying to consent to his turkishe appetite and filthynes was commaunded therewith to be slayne and murthered and so died she a Martyr keping both her fayth and her body vndefiled vnto Christ Iesus her spouse Ibid. The like cruelty also was shewed vpon them whiche kept the Castle afterward yelding themselues vpoÌ„ hope of the turkes promise were slayne euery one What should I speake of the miserable slaughter of Methone the CitizeÌ„s therof dwelling in Peloponesus who seing no other remedy but needes to come into the Turkes hands set the barne on fire where they were gathered together meÌ„ women and children some women also with child voluÌ„tarily cast themselues into the Sea rather then they would sustayne the Turkes captiuity Vide pag. 734. Miserable it is to beholde long to recite incredible to beleue all the cruel parts and horrible slaughters wrought by these miscreantes agaynste the Christians through all places almost of the world both in Asia in Africa but especially in Europa Who is able to recite the innumerable societyes and companyes of the Grecians Martyred by the Turkes sword in Achaia Attica Thessalia Macedonia Epirus and all Peloponesus besides the Iland of Rhodes and other Ilandes and Cyclades adiaceÌ„t in the sea about numbred to 52. of the which also Pathmos was one wher S. Iohn being banished wrote his reuelations Where did euer the Turkes sette any foote but the bloud of Christians there without pitty or measure went to wracke what place or prouince is there almost thorow the world wher the turks either haue not perced or are not like shortly to enter In Thracia through all the coastes of Danubius in Bulgaria Dalmatia in Seruia Transiluania Bosna in Himgaria also in Austria what hauocke hath bene made by them of Christen mens bodies it will rue any Christen hart to remember At the siege of Moldauio at the winning of Buda of Pesta of Alba of Walpo Strigonium Sociosia Tathe Wizigradum Nouum Castellum in Dalmatia Belgradum Uaradinum Quinque ecclesie also at the battel of Uerna where Ladislaus king of Polonie with all his army almost through the rashnes of the Popes Cardinall were slayne at the winning moreouer of Xabiacchus Lyssus Dinastrum at the siege of Guntza and of the faythfull towne Scorad where the nuÌ„ber of the shotte agaynst theyr walles at the siege thereof were reckoned to 2539. likewise at the siege of Uienna where all the Christian captiues were brought before the whole army and slayne and diuers drawne in pieces with horses but especially at the winning of Constantinople aboue mentioned pag. 706. also at Croia Methone what beastly cruelty was shewed it is vnspeakeable For as in Constantinople Mahumer the dronken Turk neuer rose from diner but he caused euery daye for his disport 300. ChristiaÌ„ captiues of the nobles of that City to be slayn before his face So in Methone after that his captayn Omares had sent vnto him at Constantinople 500. prisoners of the Christians the cruell tyraunt commaunded them all to be cut and deuided in sonder by the middle so being slain to be throwne out into the fieldes Leonicus Chalcondyla writing of the same story addeth moreouer a prodigious narratioÌ„ if it be true of a brute Oxe whiche being in the fieldes and seing the carcases of the dead bodies so cut in two made there a loud noise after the lowing of his kind and nature afterward comming to the quarters of one of the dead bodyes lying in the field first tooke vp the one halfe then comming agayne tooke vp likewise the other halfe and so as he could ioyned theÌ„ both together Which being espyed of them which saw the doing of the brute Oxe and maruelling thereat and word being brought thereof to Mahumet he commaunded the quarters agayne to be brought where they were before to proue whether the beast would come agayne who fayled not as the author recordeth but in like sort as before taking the fragmentes of the dead corps layde them agayne together It foloweth more in the author howe that Mahumet being astonied at the straunge wonder of the Oxe commaunded the quarters of the christiaÌ„ mans body to be interred and the Oxe to be brought to his house and was much made of Some sayd it to be the body of a Uenetian some affirmed that he
theÌ„ to circumcise and to take them away being yong from the sight of theyr pareÌ„ts to far places to be brought vp for the Turkes wars so that they may not returne to them agayne but first are taught to forget Christ then theyr parents so that if they come agayne amongst theÌ„ yet are they not able to know theyr kinsfolkes and parents This misery passing all other miseries no man is able w e toung to vtter or with words to expresse What weping teares what sorow and lamentatioÌ„ what groning sighes and deep dolor doth teare rent a sonder the woefull harts of the sely parents at the plucking away of their babes and children to see theyr sonnes theyr own childreÌ„ whoÌ„ they haue borne and bred vp to the seruice of Christ Iesus the sonne of God now to be drawn away violeÌ„tly froÌ„ theÌ„ to the warfare of Satan and to fight agaynst Christ to see theyr babes borne of christiaÌ„ bloud of christiaÌ„s to be made turks and so to be pluckt out of their armes and out of their sight without hope euer to returne to them agayne to liue perpetually with aliens barbarous blasphemous Turkes and so to become of the number of them which are called fatherles and motherles Albeit the same childreÌ„ afterward do greatly degenerate from the fayth of Christ yet very many of them haue priuily about them the gospell written of S. Iohn In principioÌ„ erat verbum c. Which for a token of remembraunce of theyr christian fayth they cary vnder theyr arme hole writen in greek and araby Who greatly desire and long looke for the reuenging sword of the Christians to come deliuer them out of theyr dolorous thraldome and captiuity according as the Turkes themselues haue a prophecy greatly stand in feare of the same Wherof more shal be said Christ willing in the chapter folowing ¶ And thus haue ye heard the lameÌ„table afflictioÌ„s of our christian brethren vnder the cruell tyranny captiuity of the turks passing all other captiuityes that euer haue bene to Gods people either vnder Pharao in Egipt or vnder Nabuchodonoser in BabiloÌ„ or vnder Antiochus in the tyme of the Machabees Vnder the which captiuity if it so please the Lord to haue his spouse the church to be nurtered hys good will be done and obeyed But if this misery come by the negligence discorde of one christian guides leaders then haue we to pray and cry to our Lord God â—yther to geue better harts to out guiders and rulers or els better guides and rulers to his flocke And these reoubles and afflictions of our Christen brethren suffered by the Turkes I thought good and profitable for our countrey people here of Englande to knowe for so much as by the ignoraunce of these and such like hystoryes worthy of consideration I see much inconneneÌ„ce doth folow Whereby it commeth to passe that because we English men being far of from these countryes and little knowing what misery is a broad are the lesse moued with zeale compassion to tender theyr greuaunces and to pray for them whose troubles we know not WhereupoÌ„ also foloweth that we not coÌ„sidering the miserable state of other are the les gratefull to God when any tranquility by hym to vs is graunted And if any-title cloud of pertâ—rhation arise vpon vs be it neuer so â—ile as pouerty lesse of liuing or a litle banishment out of our countrey for the Lordes cause we make a great matter the reat and all because wee going no further then onâ— own country and onely feeling our own crosse do not compare that which we fâ—ele with the great crosses where unto the Churches of Christ commonly in other places abroad are subiect Which if we dyd rightly vnderstand earnestly consider and poÌ„der in our mindes neither would we so excessiuely forgette our selues in time of our prosperity geuen vs of God nor yet so impatieÌ„tly be troubled as we are in time of our aduersity and all because either we heare not or els we poÌ„der not the terrible crosses which the Lord layeth vpon our other brethren abroad in other nations as by this present story here prefixed may appeare NOw consequently remayneth as I haue shewed hitherto what tyranny hath bene vsed of the Turkes agaynst Christes people so to declare likewise how far this tyranny of the Turkes hath extended and spread it selfe describing as in a table to the ChristeÌ„ Reader what landes countryes and kingdomes the Turkes haue wonne and got from Christendome to the intent that when Christen princes shal behold the greatnes of the Turks dominions spread almost through al the world and how litle a part of Christianity remayneth behinde they may thereby vnderstand the better howe it is time now for them to bestyrre them if euer they thinke to do any good in Gods Church And therefore to make a coÌ„pendious draught as in a briefe table of such countryes kingdomes and dominions gott from vs by the Turkes we will first beginne with Asia describing what tractes countryes cityes and Churches the Turke hath surprised and violently pluckt away from the society of Christian dominions taking onely suche as be most principall and chiefely them that be in Scripture conteyned for that it were to long to discourse all and singular such places by name as the Turke hath vnder hys subiection The world being deuided commonly into three parts Asia Africa and Europa Asia is counted to be the greatest in compas conteining as much as both the other and is deuided into 2. portions the one called Asia Maior the other called Asia minor And although the Empery of the Turke extendeth vnto them both yet especially his dominion standeth in the other Asia which is called Asia Minor which reacheth from the coastes of Europa vnto Armenia Maior beyond the riuer Euphrates and comprehendeth these regions and Cityes vnder written ¶ The deuision of Asia Minor called Cheronesus with the particular Countryes and Cityes belonging to the same Countryes Cityes Pontus Act. 2. Nicea Chalcedon Heraclea Prursa or Bursa Bithinia Act. 16. Nicomedia Apamea ¶ Natolia or Anatolia conteyneth diuers countryes with theyr Cities as foloweth Countryes Cityes Mysia Minor Act. 16 Cyzicus Parium Lampsacus Dardanum Callipolis Phrygia Minor Act. 2 Abydus Alexandria or Troias Act. 16 Toras Act. 20 Ilium Assus Act. 20 Mysia Maior Act. 16 Scepsis Adramitium Act. 27 Phrygia Maior Act. 2 Hierapolis Col. 4 Pitane Apollonia Myrina Lydia Esay 66 Phocoea Smyrna Apoc. 2 Erythrae Aeolis Laodicea Apoc. 3 Carura Thatyra Apoc 2 Ionia Philadelphia Apoc. 3 Pergamus Apoc. 2 Cuma Caria 1. Mac. 15 Ephesus Apoc. 2 Sardis Apoc. 3. Halicarnassus Mach. 15 Doris Miletus Act. 20 ¶ Thus farre reacheth the compasse of Natolia Countryes Cityes Lycia Act 27 Colossae Col. 1 Patara Act. 21 Pinara Zanthus Andriaco Myra Act. 13 Galactavel Gellogrâ—cia Act. 16 Ancyra Gordium Tharma Pessenus Paphlagonia Amisus Sinope
Corambis Pamphilia Act 2 Perga Act. 13 Artalia Act. 14 Aspendus Phaselis Mach. 15 Pisidia Act Trapesus Temiscyra Comana Poâ—tica Cappadocia Amasia vel Eupa toria Masa vel Caesarea Naziantium Here Gregorius Nazianzenus was Bishop Comana Cappadocia Miletena Armenia Minor Nicopolis Leandis Claudiopolis Iuliopolis Tharsus Act. 22 Coricus Cilicia Solimuntis vel Traianopolis Issus vel Iaiassa Augusta Act. 27 Iconium Act. 14 Lystra Act. 16 Laconia Derbe Act. 14 Antiochia Pisidiae Act. 11 ¶ Siria comprehendeth in it diuers particular prouinces with theyr cityes as followeth Countryes Cityes Syria Act. 15 Ierosolyma Act. 1 Caesarea Stratonis Act. 8 Bethleem Math. 2 Emaus Mar. 1 IeriÌ„co Math 20 Ioppe or Ios. 15 Palestina Iudea Iapheth Act. 9 Tyberias Iohn 6 Accaron Iosua 13 Azotus Act. 8 Chanaan Ascalon Iudi. 2 Gaza Act. 8. Bersabee Iosu. 19. Antipatris Act 23 Assaron Act. 9 Samari Act. Bethania Mar. 11 Lydda Act. 9. Galilea Mat. â— Nazareth Math. 4. Capernaum Math. 4 Cana. Ioan. 2 Phoenicea Act. 11 Tyrus Luc. 6 Sydo vel Sichem Luc. 6 Ptolomias Ptolomais Act. 21 Caesarea phillipi Math. 16. Damascene Damascus Gal. 1 Philadelphia Apoc. 1 Coelesyria Buthis vel pella Cassiotis Antiochia apud Orontem vel Theopholis Act. 11 Comagena Samosata Antiochia sub Tauro Alexandria apud Issum Nicopolis Seleucis Gephyra Gindarus Seleucia Act. 13 Imma Laodicene Laodicaea Coloss. 2 Paradisus Iabruda Apamene Nazamma Apamia Idumea Marc. 3. Besamma vel Bersabee Euleusa Massa. ¶ Thus farre reacheth the compasse of Syria Countryes Cityes Arabia Gal. 1.4 Petrea or Nabataeae Felix Panchaia Sabaea Deserta Mesopotamia Psalme 59. Carra or Charan where Abraham dwelt Act. 7 Seleucia Edessa which is now called Orpha and in the story of Tobias called Rages Babilonia Dan. 3 In the country of Babilonia is also a certayne region appoynted for Philosophers and Astronomers called Chaldea Iere. 50 Bible Babylon vel Baldach Act. 7 Orchoe vel Vrchoa vel Hurchaldeoram where Abraham was borne Gen. 11.15 Sarmatia Patarue Azara Gerusa S. Georgius Sinda Cholchis Dioscuria vel Sabastia which is now called Suias Phasis Iberia Lubium Artanissa Armachica Albania Getara vel Gangara Chabala Armenia Gen. 8 Armenia maior is deuided from Armenia minor by the Riuer Euphrates This Armenia maior and minor this day be both vnder the Turkes ¶ And thus farre reacheth the compasse of Asia Minor with the Countryes and prouinces to the same perteyning which being once brought to the fayth of Christ are nowe in a maner all subdued to the Turkes ¶ The Ilandes belonging to the Regions of Asia Minor aforesayd gotten by the Turkes Countryes Cities Thinias to Bythinio Tenedos to Troas Chios Act. 20 to Lydia Pathmos Apoc. 1 Possidium to Aeolis Samos Act. 20 to Ionia Trogolium Act. 20 Cnidus Act. 27 to Doris Coos CouÌ„ Act. 21 to Doris Carpathus to Doris Rhodus Act. 21 to Lycia Cyprus Act. 11  ¶ Aeneas Syluius otherwise Pope Pius 2. in describing of Asia Minor cap. 74. reciteth a certayne facte of a worthy Uirgine who at what time the Turkes were besieging a certayne towne in Lesbos and had cast downe a greate part of the walles so that all the Townesmen had geuen ouer putting on mans harnesse stepped forth into the breach where not onely she kept the Turkes from entring in hâ—t also slewe of them a great sorâ— The Citizens seeing the rare courage and good successe of the Mayden tooke to them agayne theyr hartes and harnes and so lustely layd about them that an incredible number of the Turkes were slayne The rest being repulsed from the land reculed into theyr ships who being then pursued by a Nauy of Calisa were worthelye disâ—omfited likewise vpon the sea And thus was the I le of Lesbos at that time by a poore Uirgine that is by the stronge hand of the Lord working in a weake Creature preserued from the Turkes Ex Aene. sil Et SebMunst Lib. 5. Beside these Regions and Countryes of Asia minor aboue described Seb. Munster in the fift booke of his Cosinography declareth moreouer that the Turkes and Sultannes haue vnder theyr subiection both Arabia Persia and also India exterior wherein is Calecute The which Persia although it be vnder the Sophi which is an enemy to the Turke yet it is to be thought that he is a Sultane one of the Turkyshe and Mahometish Religion This Persia and India were once seasoned with Christes Gospell as may appeare by the primitiue Churche pag. 98. And thus haue you the partes of Asia described which in times past being almost Christened do now serue vnder the Turke After the description of Asia let vs nexte consider the partes and countryes of Aphrike Where although the greatest parte either consisteth in deserts desolate or is possessed with Prester Iohn which professeth Christ and his gospell yet the Turke hath there also no litle portion vnder his dominion as Countryes Cities Aegyptus Math. 2 Alexandria Memphis Arsinoe Regnum Tunece  Africa Minor Charlago Aphrodisum Hippon Here Saynt Augustine was Byshop Cyrene Act. 2  Mauritania  ¶ A description of countryes and Cityes in Europe which were before christened now are subdued and subiect to the Turke Europa Countryes Cities Thracia Constantinopolis or Bizantium Pera. Adrianopolis Samothracia Act. 16 Traianopolis Caliopis Sestus Appollonia Graecia Act. 20 Thessalonica Act. 17 Philippi Act. 16 Demetrias Neapolis Act. 16 Macedonia Rom. 15 Amphipolis Act. 17 Apollonia mygdoniae Act. 17 Berrhaea Act. 17 Thessalia  Epirus Ambracia Actium Chaonia Torona Azelia Thresprotia Acarnanon Amphilochia Argos Astacus Ambrachia Omphallum Achaia Rom. 15 Athenae Attica Megaris Boeotia Thebae Phocis Delphos Egris Aetholia Chalidon Locris Naupactus Peloponesus Corinthia Corinthus Act. 17 Mesena Tegea Argos  Argia Lacedemon or Sparta 2. Mach. 5. Epidaurus Helice Laconia Lerna Leuctrum Messenia Methone Mycenae Elis. Megalipolis Nemea Sicyona Nauplea Olympia Arcadia Sicyon Aegira ¶ Ilandes bordering about Grecia wonne likewise by the Turke from the Christians Euboea or Nigropontus Chalcis Charistus Cerinthus Gerestus Creta Act. 17 Pulchri portus Act. 27 Lasaea Act 27. Phoenice Act. 17 Salmone Act. 27.  Clauda Act. 27  Cyclades Insulae 53 Salamis Delus 1. Mach. 15 Cephalenia  Zacynthus or Zanthus Vide supra pag. 727 Lemnos  Ithaca  Samos Act. 20.  Corcyra Vide supra pag. 727 Corcica  ¶ After the Turke had subdued Thracia and Grecia proceding further into Europe he inuaded other regions and cities which also he added to his dition as Countryes Cityes Mysia Superior Rhaetiaria Nessus Vlpianum Scupi Sigindunum or Siget Mysia Inferior Triballorum Oescus Tirista Axium or Chilia Dalmatia 2. Tim. 4. Labacus Metropolis Carinthia Epidaurus or Ragusium Milea or Meleda Coruatia Senia or Segna Enona or Hona Croatia Iadra or Zara. Sebenica Istria Stridon where S. Hierome was borne Bosna Quinquecclesiae Iaitza
teeth it deuoured and brake in peeces and stamped the residue vnder his feete and it was vnlike the other beastes that were before it for it had ten hornes As I considered the hornes behold there came vp among them another little horne before whome there were three of the first hornes pluckt away And behold in this horne were eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth speaking presumptuous things and seemed more stoute then the other Which horne also wheÌ„ I looked on made battaile with the saints preuailed against theÌ„ vntill the old aged came iudgement was giuen to the Saintes of the highest and till the appointed time was come that the Saints shuld haue the kingdoÌ„e Thus haue ye heard the plaine words of Daniell In the which as he doth manifestly describe the comming of Antiochus the great aduersary toward the latter ende of the Iewes so by the same Antiochus is figured also to vs the great aduersary of Christ which is the Turke Although some there be notwithstanding which wyth great learning iudgement do apply this place of Daniel aboue recited not to the Turke but rather to the Pope that for vj. or vij speciall causes herein touched and noted The first is this that the wicked transgressours of the couenaunt shall ioine with him deceitfully and hypocritically which shall pollute the tabernacle of strength take away the perpetuall sacrifice and bring in the abhomination of desolation The second note is that the Prophet declareth how the learned among the people shall reach many that they shall fall into the sword into fire and captiuitie and shall be banished whereby they shall be tried chosen made bright and pure c. All which say they is not amoÌ„g the Turkes to be seene but only in the Popes Church where the faithfull preachers teachers of the people are slaine and burned and go to wracke c. Where likewise it foloweth that they shall be holpen against Antichrist and that many false brethren shall ioine vnto them dissemblingly c. To thys they alledge that the Christians haue no such help against the Turke whereunto such false brethreÌ„ should ioine theÌ„seâ—ues as is and hath bene commonly seene amoÌ„g the Christians against the Pope from time to time almost in all Countreys as in Germany by the Protestants free Cities In EnglaÌ„d in King Henries time by the Lord Cromwell and afterward by King Edward now by Queene Elizabeth In Scotland by the godly nobilitie In France by the Queene of Nauarre and her sonne and also by the Prince of Condy and the worthy Admirall and his two breethren and many others In Flaunders by theÌ„ whom the Regent calleth Beggers So as was in the time of the Machabees against Antiochus Thirdly that the King shall exalt himselfe aboue all that hath the name of God and shal lift vp his mouth to speake presumptuously against God Fourthly that he careth not for the desires of women which may seeme to note how the Popes doctrine shall forbid the honest and lawfull mariage in Churchmen The fift specialtie which they apply to the Pope is that foloweth in the Prophet saieng Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers nor any God but in steade of him shall set vp his God Mauzzim shall worship him with siluer gold pretious stone c. which they do apply to the Pope setting vp his God of bread worshipping him with glistering golden ornameÌ„ts most solemne seruice Sixtly it foloweth he shall encrease them with much glory and riches and shall diuide vnto them lands possessions c. meaning that the Pope hauing dominioÌ„ ouer treasures of gold and siluer and all precious things of the land shall indue his Cardinals Prelats his flatring doctours with Friers and Monkes Priestes and all such as shal take his part with great priuilegies liberties reuenues possessions And thus I say some there be which apply this prophesie of the xij and xi chapter of Daniell vnto the Bishop of Rome whom although I take to be an extreme persecutour of Christs Church yet I iudge rather those two chapters of Daniel concerning the litle horne in the middle of the x. hornes and the great destroier of the pleasant land and glorious holy mountaine to meane first Antiochus and by him secondly to meane the great Antichrist the Turke who hath now set already the tabernacles of his palace betwene the Seas accordyng to the Prophecies of Daniell as is abouesayd Ouer besides these Prophecies aboue alledged may be added also the Prophecie of Ezechiel chap. 39. speakyng of Gog Magog which as it may be applied to the oppressioÌ„ of the Iewes vnder the Heathen multitude which stopped the buildyng of the Citie and vnder the Syrian kynges c. yet in the same also is expressed the calamities and afflictions of Christes Churche in these latter tymes vnder the Saracens and the Turkes c. Proceeding further in this matter let vs come now to the Prophecies of the new Testament marke the wordes of S. Paule writyng to the Thessalonians which then were Christened now either are Turkish or vnder the Turke which wordes be these Be ye not sodenly moued in your mynde nor troubled neither by spirite not by word nor by letter as sent froÌ„ vs as though the day of Christ were at hand let no maÌ„ deceaue you by any meanes for the Lord will not come before there come a defection or a departing first and that wicked maÌ„ be reueled the sonne of perdition which is an aduersary and is extolled aboue all power and that which is called God so that he shall sit in the teÌ„ple of God boasting himselfe to be God c. Although this defection departing may haue a double vnderstandyng as well of the popes sect which is gone departed froÌ„ the free iustificatioÌ„ by fayth onely in Christ through the promise of grace as of the Turkes yet learning a while to speake of the Pope because it appeareth more notoriously in the Turke we will chiefly apply it to him in whoÌ„ so aptly it doth agree that vnles this great defection froÌ„ faith in so many Churches had hapned by the Turke it had bene hard to vnderstaÌ„d the Apostles mynde which now by the history of these Turkes is easie and euident to be knowen coÌ„sidering what a ruine hath happened to the Church of Christ by these miserable Turks what Emperies nations kyngdomes countreys townes and Cities be remoued from the name professioÌ„ of Christ how many thousands infinite multitudes of Christen men and children in Asia in Afrike in Europe are caried away from Christes Church to Mahumetes Religion some to serue for the Turkes gard among the Ianizarites some for souldiours some for miners some for gunners to fight warre agaynst the Christians so that the most part
the Tartarians who breaking into Asia by the portes of Caspius subdued diuers partes of Asia namely about Comana Colchis Iberia Albania c. These Tartarians as they had got many captiues in their warres so for gaine vsed to shippe them ouer customably to Alexandria in Egypt to be solde whych seruantes and captiues Melechsala the great Sultane was gladde to buy to serue him in his warres Which captiues seruaunts after they had continued a certaine space in Egypte and through their valiant seruice grew in fauour and estimation with the sayd Melechsala and began more to increase in number and strength at lengthe they slue him and tooke to themselues the name and kingdome of the Sultane And thus ceased the stocke of Saracon Saladinus afore mentioned which continued in Egypt about the space as is sayd of 100 yeres An. 1240. After the death of Melechsala the army of these foresaide rascals and captiues set vp to themselues a king of theyr owne coÌ„pany whome they called Turquemenius Who to fill vp the nomber of theyr company that it should not diminish deuised this order to get or to buy christeÌ„ mens children taken yong froÌ„ their parents and the mothers lap whom they vsed so to bryng vp to make them to denye Christ and to be circumcised and instructed in Mahumetes law afterward to be trained in the feates of warre and these were called Malaluchi Among whome this was their order that none might be aduaunced to be king but out of their own number or els chosen by them neither that any shoulde be made knights or horsemen but only the children of christians which should deny Christ before called Mamaluchi Also it was among them prouided that to thys dignity neither Saracens nor Iewes should be admitted Item that the succession therof shoulde not descend to the children and offpring of these Mamaluchi Also that the succession of the crowne should not descend to the childreÌ„ of the foresayd Sultanes but shoulde goe by voyce and election The Tartarians wyth Turquemenius their king aboute thys time obtained Turquia that is Asia minor from the Turkes and wythin 2. yeres after preuailing againste the Turkes expelled them from theyr kingdome and so continued these Mamaluchi reigning ouer Egypt a great part of Asia till the time of Tomumbeius theyr last Kyng whych was destroyed and hanged at the gates of Memphis by Zelymus the Turke father to this Solymannus as in hys historye is declared Those Mamaluchi continued the space of An. 1245. These Tartarians raÌ„ging thorough the countreis of the Georgians and all Armenia came as far as IconiuÌ„ which was then the imperiall city of the Turkes An. 1289. The Soldane of Egypt Babilon got from the christiaÌ„s Tripolis Tyrus Sydon and Gerithus in Syria An. 1291. Lastly Ptoloâ—â—ais which also is called Akers was surprised by the sayd Soldan rased and cast downe to the ground all the Christians therein whych were not many left were slaine And this was the last citye which the Christians had in Asia So that nowe the Christians haue not one foot as is sayd before left in al Asia Thus the Egyptian Soldanes and the Tartarians reigned and ranged ouer the most part of Asia aboue the Turkes till the raigne of Ottomannus the great Turke aboute the space of 80 yeres ¶ And thus haue ye the whole discourse of the Turkish story with theyr names countryes townes dominions also with theyr times continuance interruptions and alterations in order described and in yeares distincted which otherwise in most authors and writers be so confused that it is heard to know distinctly what difference is betwene the Saracens Turkes Tartarians the Sultans or Soldans Mamuluches or Ianizarites What is theyr Calipha their Seriphes their Sultan or Bassa in what times they began and how long and in what order of yeres they reigned Al which in thys present table manifestly to thine eye may appeare ¶ Wherein this thou hast moreouer gentle Reader to coÌ„sider which is worthy the noting how the B. of Rome all this season froÌ„ the first beginning of the Turks reigne hath not ceased from time to time continually calling vpon Christen princes and subiectes to take the crosse and to warre against the Turkes wherupon so many great viages haue bene made to the holy lande so many battailes sought against the Turke and Soldan for winning the holy crosse and yet no luckie successe hath followed thereof hetherto nor euer came it prosperously forward whatsoeuer through the exciting of that Bishop hath beene attempted against that great enemy of the Lorde In somuch that the Christians haue lost not onely all that they had in Asia but also vnneth are able to defende that little they haue in Europe against his violence What the cause is of thys harde lucke of the Byshops doings it is hard for man to define Let men muse as their minde leadeth and as the Gospell sayth he that hath eyes to see let him see This is certaine that as there hath lacked no care nor diligence in the B. of Rome to stirre men vp to that business so on the Princes behalfe there hath lacked no courage nor strength of men no contribution of expenses no supportation of charges no furniture or abilement of warre onely the blessyng of God semeth to haue lacked The reason and cause whereof I would were to easy to be reformed as it may be quickly construed For what man beholding the life of vs Christians wil greatly maruell why the Lord goeth not with our army to fight against the Turks And if my verdit might here haue place for me to adde my censure there appeareth to me an other cause in this matter yet greater then thys aforesaid which to make plaine and cuidet in ful discourse of wordes laisure no we doth not permit Briefly to touch what I conceiue my opinioÌ„ is thys that if the sincere doctrine of Christen faith deliuered left vnto vs in the word of God had not hen so corrupted in the church of Rome or if the B. of Rome would yet reclame his impure idolatry and prophanations and admit Christe the Lambe of God to stande alone without our unpure additions to be our onely Iustification according to the free promise of Gods grace I nothing doubt but the power of this faith grounding onely vpon Christ the sonne of God had both framed our liues into a better disposition and also soone would or yet wil bring downe the pride of that proude Dolofernes But otherwise if the Bish. of Rome will not gently geue place to the milde voyce of Gods word I thinke not contrary but he shal be compelled at last to giue place roume to the Turke whether he will or not And yet notwythstanding when both the Turk the Pope shal do against it what they can the trueth and grace of Gods Testament shall fructify increase by such meanes as the Lorde shall worke which
the Proconsull Respite from persecution The second destruction of the Iewes Hierusalem reedified enlarged Some write that the place where Christ was crucified was taken into the walles Hierusalem called by a new name Aeliopolis Antoninus Pius Emperour Anno. 140. The letter of Antoninus Pius to the common of Asia A notable argument of the Emperour to proue the good conscience of Christians and the false conscience of the Heathen He meaneth Hadrian which adopted this Antoninus of hys sonne in law to be hys sonne heyre O noble edict M. Antoninus Verus Emperour Anno. 162. Policarpus the blessed Martyr Byshop of Smyrna Ex Euseb. hist. Eccles Lib. 4. Cap. 15. Hieron in Catalogo Twelue Martyrs in Asia The cruell and beastly handling of the Christian Martyrs The singular patience and constancie of the Christians Germanicus a most constant Martyr Quintus a Phrigian to hardie hold Polycarpus flyeth persecution Policarpus prayeth for the church Policarpus hath a visioÌ„ of hys burning Policarpus pursued and taken Policarpus might escape and would not Policarpus falleth to prayer Policarpus refuseth to doe sacrifice Policarpus comforted by a uoyce from heaueÌ„ Policarpus allured to chaunge hys name would not consent A faythfull seruaunt of Christ his Lord. Policarpus ready to geue reason of hys doctrine Policarpus obedient to higher powers Policarpus threatned with wilde beastes An example of brotherly loue The willing minde of Policarpus to suffer His prayer before hys death The thankesgeuing of Policarpus A miracle shewed An example of much cruelty The Iewes enemies alwayes to the Christians Marke that he sayth we loue them and worshippe them not Twelue Martyrs put to death in Smyrna Ex Irenaeo lib. 3. cap. 3. Euseb. Lib. 4. cap. 14. Anno. 167. Germanicus Ex. Euseb. lib. 4. cap. 15. Histor. eccle The olde age of Policarpus Policarpus the scholler of Iohn Irenaeus lib. 3. Cap. 1. The Epistle of Policarpus to the Philippians Iustification by fayth Ex Euseb. lib. 5. cap. 20. Irenaeus conuersaunt with policarpus Policarpus conuersaunt with the Apoâ—tles The authoritie of Policarpus in the Churches of Asia Policarpus came to Rome Polycarpus conferreth with Anicetus The East church and Romaine Church differre about Easterday Ex Nicepho Lib. 4. cap. 39. Difference of ceremonyes caused no breach of charitie in the Primitiue Church Socrates deceiued in hys Tripart hist. Ex Euseb. Lib. 4. cap. 17. Metrodorus Pionius Carpus Papylus Agathonica Martyrs Felicitas with her 7. Children Ianuari Felix Philipus Siluanus Alexander Vitalis Martialis Martyrs Iustinus Martyr Ex Euseb. Lib. 4. Cap. 16. Crescens A Philosopher procurer of the death of Iustinus Crescens a rayling Philosopher and a malicious rayler A slane of fame and feare Crescens proued an vnlearned Philosopher Tacianus coÌ„mended The prayse of Iustinus Martyr Ex Catalogo Hiero. The death and martirdome of Iustinus the noble Philosopher and a Christian Martyr Praxedis Potentiana Christian virgines Ptolomeus Lucius Martyrs Euseb. lib. 4. Cap. 17. The boldnes Christian constancie of Lucius Lucius condemned and Martyred The third also condemned and Martyred A place of Gracianus suspected Concordus Martyr Concordus spitteth 〈◊〉 face of 〈◊〉 Idole The story of Vincentius suspected of vntrueth Ex Isuardo Vincentiâ— Henrico de Erford Symmetrius Florellus pontianus Alexander Caius Epipodus Victor Corona Marcellus Valerian Martyrs Aucthors in the writing the miracles of Martyrs suspected Getulus Corcalâ—â— Amantius Primitiuus Maâ—tyrs The vii sonnes of Symphâ—rosa Crescens Iulianus Nemesius Primitiâ—us Iustinus Statteus Eugenius Martyrs The persecution in Lyons and Vienna two Cities in Fraunce Ex Euseb. lib. 5. Cap. 2. A letter of the brethren of Fraunce to the brethreÌ„ of Asia Vetius Epaegaethus Martir The stoutnes of a godly young man The faynting of certaine weake Christians False slaunders of the Christians The rage of the Heathen against the Christians The cruell handling and great patience of Blandina Sanctus a Martyr The notable constancy of Sanctus The cruell tormentors of Sanctus A miraculous working of God Byblydes an holy Martyr Eculeus ad quintum feramen Diuers Martyrs strangled in prison Other martyrs dyed in prison â—hotinus a blessed martyr The rage of the people agaynst Pbotinus The comfort of the godly standing to their confession The denyers of their confesâ—ioâ— comfortles and notwithstanding punishâ—d The spitefull handling of Gods people Maturus and Sanctio Martyred Blandina brought forth agayne Attalus commaunded to pryson The denyers returning agayne to their confession Alexander the Phrigian Martyred The worthy pacience and constancie of Attalus Blandina and Ponticus 〈◊〉 brought forth Ponticus Martyred Blandina Martyred Apoc. 22. Iustinus Priscus Bachius Iustinus father Iustine desirous of Philosophy Iustine proueth all sectes of Philosophy Iustine a Platonist The end of Plato hys Philosophy Ex Euseb. lib. 4. cap. 8. Iustine beginneth to fauour Christen Religion Iustine goeth into desert Iustinus miraculously conuerted by an olde man The vanity of the olde Philosophers reproued The doctrine of the Prophetes commended The vtilitie of reading the Prophetes Prophetes to â—â— credited for twâ— causes Iustinus baptised Diatriba Iustinus an earnest defender of Christ. Two Apologies of Iustinus The summe of his Apologies The second A-Apology of Iustine The Lord take away this spirit of fury condemning innocentes before they be conuicted Ex Euseb. lib 4. Cap. 16. A place of Epiphanius found faulty Câ—m dignitate latus pro Christo pertulit The singuler modesty of the foresayd Martyrs declared Ex Euseb. lib. 5. cap. 2. The holy Martyrs refuse to be called Martyrs Ex Euseb. Lib. 5. ca â— Alcibiades The straite fasting of Alcibiades corrected by the holy Ghost A lesson for scripulous consciences Irenaus newely made minister and coÌ„mended to Eleutherius Appollinaris and Melito exhibited Apologies to the Emperour for the Christians Ex Euseb. Lib. 4. cap. 26. The summe of the Apologye of Melito The Christians Religion began with the Empire of Rome Christen religion maketh common weales to florish The bookes of the olde Testament autentike and receaued Ex Eusebio ibidem A miraculous rayne obtayned by the Christians Antoninus Verus M. Aurelius Commodus Emperrours The discrepance betweene Eusebius and Platina Anno. 175. Quitnes geuen to the Church Appollonius Martyr Appollonius accused by hys owne seruaunt Apoollonius exhibiteth an Apology of hys fayth to the Senate An old wicked law of the Romaines The ridiculous pride of the Emperour Vincentius Eusebius Peregrinus Potentianus Martyrs Iulius a Senator conuerted to Christ. Ex Vincen lib. 10. cap 119. Henr. de Erfor Peregrinus sent to Fraunce and Martyred at at Rome Ex Platinain vita Sixti Iulius with hyâ— family baptised and after Martyred Xistus Byshop of Rome The trifling ordinaunceâ— of Xistus S. Peter celebrated the Lordes supper onely with the Lords praiâ—â— Plateua â—â— vita Sixti The ordinaunce of Xistus suspected Telesphorus Byshop of Rome and Martyr The ordidaunces of Telesphorus Lent fast and the originall therof examined Montanus first brought in
bee noted in the turks how many victories they haue got howe cruelly they haue vsed their victories Ex Marino Barletio de Scodr ex pugnat lib. 2. Ex Michael Sottero lib. 1. de Bello Pannonico fol. 525. Ex Bernardo de Breydenbach Decano Eccl. Maegunâ— The superstitious vse of the materiall crosse Vide supra pag. 755. Ex Bernardo Breydenb A notable example of maydenly chastitie Vid. supra pag. 7â—4 The miserable spillyng of Christen mens bloud by the wretched turkâ— A briefe recitall of Christen townes forts wonne of the tuâ—ke in Europe The crueltie of the turk against the Citizens of Constantinople Vide supra pag. 706. The crueltie of the turk against the prisoners of Methone Ex Leonico Chalcondyla de rebus Turcicis lib. 10. A straunge and a prodigious wonder of a brute beast towarde a dead Christian body More humanitie seene in a brute beast then in the turke The Byshop with the Citizens of Methone slayne of the turke Ex Andrea de Lâ—cuna aliss Ex Ioanne Fabro in oratione ad Regem Henr. 8. The crueltie of the turke in Euboâ—a The prince of Seruia slayne slayne of the turke â—et neuer Christen prince trust the turke The turkes stirred vp of the deuil to fight against Christ. The turkes are butchers of the Christians The miserable state of the Christian captiues vnder the turke The buying and sellyng of Christen captiues vnder the turks Christen capriues tythed of the turke O wickednes passing all miserie O miserie aboue all miseries The seruitude of yong women captiues Ex Bartholomeo Georgioniz Peregrina lib. de afflictionibus Christianorum sub Tuica The miserable calamitie of Christen women being in captinitie vnder the turkes The maner of Christen captiues how they are brought to markets and solde Christians in their captiuitie put to drawe in the plough like horses The great daungers of Christen captiues which flye out of turky The maner and shift of our men in getting ouer the sea The manifold daungers by the way in flying The mysery of Christian cities prouinces which line vnder the turkes tribute If Christians may not goe lyke turkes why should our Gospellers goe like Papistes The turkes haue their fire fagots as well as our papistes The Christians must light from their horse meting a turkish priest and adore hym An other miserie most lamentable in takyng away Christen mens children from their parentes to serue the turke O myserie This is with teares rather theÌ„ with words to be expressed Priuy Gospellers in Turkie An olde Prophesie of the turkes touching the sword of the Christian. Necessary for many causes that the troubles of the church beknowen The largenes of the Turkes dommions declared A pamea is a citie in Bithinia also another in Mesopotamia Apamea Cybotus also a citie in great Phrygia and another also in parthia Phrygia Minor in Ptolomy is called Iroas At Carura a certayne baude with a company of harlots beeing there lodged sodenly hapned an earthquake in the citie wherein the sayde baude with al his strompettes were swallowed vp Pius 2. papa lib. Descriptione cap. 16. Here Basilius Magnus was Bishop The couÌ„trey where S. Paule was borne * Another Corycus is also in the I le of Creta Bessabee is a citie in Iury also an other in Ipumaea * Antiochia apud Orentem chiefe citie in Siria where the disciples of christ were first named Christians Acts. 11. * Nicopolis is a City also in Macedonia mentioned in the Epistle of S. Paule to Titus Cap. 3. * Seleucia is a citie in Siria Also another in Pamphilla another in Cilicia pisidiae an other in Coelisyria and in Mesopotamia another * In this Laodicaea was the councell kept which is called Concilium Laodicense There is another Laodicaea in Lydiae neare to Colosâ—ae in Asia minor Coloss 5. Lacodicae a also is the chief Citie in Phrigia pa catiana neare to Galatia Act. 18. 1. Tim. 6. In Edessa raigned king Abgarus mentioned in Euseb. lib. 1. cap. 15. to whome Christ wrote promysing to send vnto him after his death Babylon in Chaldoea where Nabuchodonoser raigned and was after destroyed and translated by Seleucus Nicanor Another is in Egypt called Alcayâ—â—s Ilands belonging to Asia Minor This Cyprus K. Rich. the first did once subdue fighting agaynst the Saracens Ex Aene. syluio Lib. De Orbis Descrip. cap 74. A memorable facte of a virgine in defence of her countrey Ex Sebast. Munst Cosmo lib. 5. in praefat Vide supra pag. 98.99 Argos is a citie in Amphilochia and an other also in Peloponesus Of Corinthus Strabo writeth that more then a thousande virgines there in the temple of Venus vsed yearely to be set out to bee made common and therfore not without cause Saint Paule writeth Eratis Scortatores Idololatrae c. 1. Cor. 6. The Ilands about Graecia Vide supra pag. 719. In Creta S. Paule ordained Titus to be Byshop and ouerieer Corcica is an Iland beyond Italy whiche the Turkes nauie ioynyng with the French dyd ouercome an 1553. The region of Mysia is deuided into two partes wherof the one is in Asia is deuided into Mysia maior and Mysia minor The other is in Europa is deuided into Mysia or Moesia superior and Mysia inferior Epidaurus is a citie in Illiria and also an other in Peloponesus These regions were in the former tyme called by the name of Illyria or Illyricum and Afterward by reason of certaine Scythians commyng thether they were also called Sclauonia Stephanus kyng of Bosna afterward of Rascia and Mysia was by subtil trayne allured to come and speake with Mahumete the Turk who being come was taken and his skinne flayne off All this tracte of Bulgaria Walachia Transyluania Seruia Rascia Moldauia was wont to be called Dacia but afterward was seuered into diuers lands and dominions Of Ioannes Huniades read before pag. 720.721 At Columbetz Sigismunde loste the fielde fightyng against the Turkes Vide supra pag. 719. In Varna a Citie in Rascia Ladislaus K. of Hungary fought with the Turke and was ouercome an 1444. Vide supra pag. 720. Prophesies considered for the beginning and falling of the Turkes kingdome Two things to be considered in the tyme and order of the olde Testament The scriptures the people In Dan. Prophe Phil. Melanct Gen. 4. The Saracens come of Ismael ResemblaÌ„ce betweene the 12. soÌ„nes of Ismaell and the 12. Ottoman Turkes 4. Reg. 17. The olde church of the Israelites beareth a representatioÌ„ or image of the publicke church of Christ Iesus 1. Cor. 10. The church of the Iewes a figure of Christes Church Ex Phil. Melanct in Danielem cap. 9. The tymes and yeares of the old church compared with the newe The rule and dominion of the high priestes in the Iewes common wealth and of our prelates compared Antiochus beareth a figure of Antichrist The family of Antiochus The family of the Turkes ResemblaÌ„ce betwene the Syrian kings and
the clergy as Herman bishop of Bamberge counsellor to the Emperour and other priests mo for Simony And there moreouer in the sayd Councell he threateneth to excommunicate likewise the Emperour himselfe and to depose him from his regall kingdom vnlesse he would abrenounce the heresie of simonie and do penance The councel being ended Guibertus Archbishop of Rauenna perswadeth with one Centius a Romaine the captains son whom the Pope had excommunicate to take the Emperours part against the Pope Who watching his tyme in the temple of S. Mary vpon Christmas day in the morning taketh the Pope putteth him fast in a strong tower The next day the people of Rome hearing this harnes themselues with all erpedition to helpe the bishop whom when they loosed out of prison they besieged the house of Centius and pluckt it downe to the ground His familie hauyng their noses cut off were cast out of the Citie Centius himselfe escaping fled to the Emperour Guibert the Archbishop pretending good will to the Pope departed from Rome who likewise had wrought with Hugo Cādidus Cardinall and with Theobaldus Archb. of Millaine also with diuers other bishops about Italy to forsake the Pope and take the Emperors part Gregory the Pope called Hildebrand hearing the conspiracie layeth the sentence of excommunication vpon them all and depriueth them of their dignitie The Emperor beyng mooued and worthily with the arrogant presumption of the proud prelate calleth together a Councell at Wormes In which Councell all the bishops not onely of Saxonic but of all the whole Empire of Germaines agree conclude vpon the deposition of Hildebrand and that no obedience hereafter should be geuen to him This being determined in the Councel Roulandus a Priest of Parmen was sent to Rome with the sentence who in the name of the councell should commaund Gregory to yeld vp his seate also charge the Cardinals to resort to the Emperour for a new election of an other Pope The tenor of the sentence sent vp by Rolandus was this The sentence of the Councell of Wormes against Hildebrand FOr so much as thy first ingresse and comming in hath bene so spotted with so many periuries and also the Church of GOD brought in no little danger through thine abuse and newfanglenes Moreouer because thou hast diffamed thine owne lyfe and conuersation with so much and great dishonesty that we see no little perill or slaunder to rise therof therfore the obediēce which yet we neuer promised thee hereafter we vtterly renounce neuer entend to geue thee And as thou hast neither taken vs yet for Bishoppes as thou host openly reported of vs so neither will we hereafter take thee to be Apostolike Vale. Gregory the Pope tickled with this sentence first condemneth it in his councell of Laterane with excommunication Secondarily depriueth Sigifridus Archbishop of Mentz of his dignities and ecclesiastical liuings with all other bishops Abbots and Priests as many as tooke the Emperors part Thirdly accuseth Henricus the Emperour himselfe depriueth him of his kingdome and regall possession and releaseth all his subiects of their oth of allegeance geuen vnto him after this forme and maner The tenour of the sentence Excommunicatorie agaynst Henricus the Emperour by Hildebrand O Blessed S. Peter Prince of the Apostles bowe downe thyne eares I beseech thee and heare me thy seruaunt whom thou hast brought vp euen from myne infancie and hast deliuered me vnto this day from the handes of the wicked which hate persecute me because of my fayth in thee Thou art my witnesse and also the blessed mother of Iesu Christ and thy brother S Paule fellow partener of thy martyrdome how that I entred this function not willingly but inforced against my will not that I take it so as a robbery lawfully to ascēd into this seat but because that I had rather passe ouer my lyfe like a pilgrime or priuate person then for any fame or glory to clime vp to it I do acknowledge that worthily all this to come of thy grace and not of my merites that this charge ouer christen people and this power of binding and loosing is committed to me Wherefore trustyng vpon this assurance for the dignitie and tuition of holy church In the name of God omnipotent the father the sonne the holy ghost I do here depose Henry the sonne of Henry once the Emperour from his Imperiall seat and princely gouernment who hath so boldly and presumptuously layd handes vpon thy Church And furthermore all such as tofore haue sworne to be his subiectes I release them of their othe whereby all subiects are bound to the allegeaunce of their princes For it is meete and connenient that he should be voyd of dignitie whiche seeketh to diminish the maiestie of thy Church Moreouer for that he hath contemned my monitions tending his health and wealth of his people and hath separate himselfe from the fellowship of the Churche which he through his seditions studieth to destroy therefore I binde him by vertue of excommunication trusting and knowyng most certainly that thou art Peter in the rocke of whom as in the true foundation Christ our king hath built his church The Emperour thus assaulted with the Popes censure sendeth abroad his letters thorough all nations to purge himselfe declaring how wrongfully agaynst all right he was condemned The princes of Almany partly fearing the cracke of the Popes thunderclap partly again reioycing that occasion was renued to rebell agaynst the Emperour assembled a commencement where they did consult and so conclude to elect another Emperor and to fall from Henry vnlesse the Pope would come to Germany and he there content to submit himselfe and obtayne his pardon Wherein is to be considered the lamentable affections of the Germains in those dayes so to forsake such a valiant Emperor and so much to repute a vile Bishop But this was the rudenes of the world thē for lack of better knowledge The Emperor seyng the chiefe princes ready to forsake him promiseth them with an othe that if the Pope would repayre to Germany he would aske forgeuenes Upon this the bishop of Triers was sen◠vp in commission to Rome to entreat the Pope to come into Germany The bishop at the instance of the Legate of the Princes was content He entred into Germany thinking to come to Augusta After he was come to Uercellos the bishop of that city beyng the Chancellor of Italy and desirous to disturbe peace for the old grudge he had to the Emperour falsly perswadeth with the Pope that he was certayn the Emperor was comming with a mighty great army against him counsailing him therfore to prouide betimes for his owne safegard in some stronger place Wherby the Popes mynde beyng altered hee retyred backe to Canusium or Canossus a Citie being subiect to Matilda a Countesse of Italy where he should not need to feare the
Emperour Henricus vnderstanding the false feare of the Pope of his retire to Canusium incontinent commyng out of Spires with his wife and his young sonne in the deepe sharp of Winter resorteth to Canossus All his pieres and nobles had left him for feare of the Popes curse neyther did any accompany him Wherfore the Emperour beyng not a little troubled laying apart hys regall ornamentes came barefooted with hys wyfe and childe to the gate of Canossus where he from morning to night all the day fasting most humbly desireth absolution crauing to be let in to the speech of the Bishop But no ingresse might be geuen him once within the gates Thus he continuing 3. dayes together in hys petition and sute at length answer came that the Popes maiesty had yet no leysure to talke with him The Emperour nothing moued therwith that he was not let into the Citty patient and with an humble minde abideth without the walles with no litle greuance and paynefull labour for it was a sharpe winter and all frosen with cold Notwithstanding yet through his importunate sute at length it was graunted through the intreating of Matilda the Popes paramour and of Arelaus Erle of Sebaudia and the Abbot of Cluniake that hee should be admitted to the Popes speach On the 4. day beyng let in for a token of his true repentance he yeldeth to the Popes handes his crowne with all other ornaments Imperiall and confessed himselfe vnworthy of the Empire if euer he doe against the Pope hereafter as he hath done tofore desiring for that tyme to be absolued and forgeuen Henricus the Emperour with his wife and chyld barefoote and barelegd waiting on Pope Hildebrand three dayes and three nightes at the gates of Canusium before he could be suffred to come in The Pope answereth he will neither forgeue hym nor release the bande of his excommunication but vpon conditions First to promise that he shall be content to stand to his arbitrement in the councell and to take such penance as he shall enioyne him also that he shall be prest and redy to appeare in what place or tyme the Pope shall appoint him Moreouer that he beyng content to take the Pope iudge of his cause shall aunswer in the sayd councel to all obiections and accusations layd against him that he shall neuer seeke any reuengement herein Item that he though he be quit and cleared therin shall stand to the Popes mynd and pleasure whether to haue his kingdom restored or to loose it Finally that before the triall of hys cause he shall neither vse his kingly ornaments scepters or crowne nor to vsurpe the authoritie to gouerne nor to exact any othe of allegeaunce vpon his subiects c. These things beyng promised to the bishop by an oth and put in writing the Emperour is onely released of excommunication The tenour of the writing is this The forme and tenour of the othe which Heniicus made to the Pope I Henricus King after peace and agreement made to the mynde and sentence of our Lord Gregorius the 7. promise to keepe all couenants and bandes betwixt vs and to prouide that the Pope go safely wheresoeuer he will without any daunger eyther to him or to his retinue Especially in all such places as be subiect to our Impery Nor that I shall at any tyme stay or hinder him but that he may doe that belongeth to his function where whensoeuer his pleasure shal be And these things I bynd my selfe with an othe to keepe Actum Canos 5. Calend. Februarij indic 15. Thus the matter beyng decided betwixt them after the Popes owne prescribement the Emperour taketh hys iourney to Papia The Pope with his Cardinals dyd vaunce and triumph with no little pryde that they had so quailed the Emperor brought him on his knees to aske them forgeuenes Yet notwithstanding mistrusting themselues misdoubting tyme what might befall them hereafter if fortune should turne God geue the Emperour to enioy a more quiete kingdome therfore to preuent such dangers betime they study and consult priuily with them selues how to displace Henry clean frō his kingdom And how that deuise might safely be conueyed they conclude and determine to deriue the Empire vnto Rodolphus a man of great nobilitie amongst the chiefest states of Germany and also to incite and stirre vp all other princes and subiects beyng yet free and discharged from their othes against Henry so by force of armes to expulse the emperour out of his kingdom To bring this purpose the better to passe legates were sent downe from the Pope Sigehardus Patriarch of Aquilia and Altimanus Byshop of Padway which should perswade through all Fraunce that Henry the Emperor was rightfully excommunicate and that they should geue to the bishop of Rome their consents in chusing Rodolphus to be Emperor This beyng done there was sēt to the said Rodolphus duke of Swenia a crowne from the Pope with this verse Petra dedit Petro Petrus diadema Rodolpho The rocke gaue the crowne to Peter Peter geueth it to Rodolph Here by the way of digression to make a litle glose vpon this barbarous verse two notable lyes are to be noted One where he lyeth vpon Christ the other where he lyeth vpon S. Peter First that Christ gaue any temporal diademe to Peter it is a most manifest lye and against the scriptures when as he would not take it beyng geuen to himselfe and sayth his kingdome is not of this world Agayne where he saith that Peter geueth it to Rodulph Here he playeth the Poet for neither had Peter any suche thing to geue and if he had yet he would not haue geuen it to Rodulph from the right heyre neither is it true that Peter did geue it because Hildebrand gaue it For it is no good argument Hildebrand did geue it Ergo Peter dyd geue it except ye will say Hildebrand stirred vp great warres bloudshed in Germany Ergo Peter stirred vp great warres in Germany So Peter neyther could nor would nor did geue it to Rodolphus but only Hildebrād the Pope who after he had so done he gaue in commaundement to the Archbishop of Mentz and of Collen to elect this Rodulphus for Emperour and to annoynt hym kyng and also to defend him with all force strength they might While this conspiracy was in hand Henricus the emperor was absent and the Popes ambassadors with hym also In the meane space Rodulphus was elected Emperor vnknowing to Henry Upō this commeth the bishop of Strausborough vnto the emperor certifiyng him what was done He suspecting seing the stomack and doyngs of the Saxōs so bent against hym mustreth his men with expedition marcheth forward to defend his right But first sendeth to Rome trusting vpon the league betwixt hym and the Pope and requireth the bishop to proceede with his sentence agaynst Rodulphus for the rebellious inuasiō of his