desperately sick the King carefully enquired of him every day at last his Physician told him there was no hope for his life being given over by him for a dead man No said the King he will not die at this time for this morning I begged his life from God in my Prayers and obtained it Which accordingly came to pass and he soon after against all expectation wonderfully recovered This saith Doctor Fuller was attested by the old Earl of Huntington bred up in his childhood with King Edward to Sir Tho. Cheeke who anno 1654. was alive and â—0 years of Age. But though his Prayers saved his Tutors Life none could save his who died with the Protestant Religion in his heart and arms and Sir Iohn had died with him but that being outed of all his preferments he outed himself from the Kingdome loving to all the English Exiles at Strasburgh and well beloved all over Germany until trusting to the Stars too much would he had either not gone so high or gone a little higher for advice and his friends too little he went to meet his dear Wife in Brabant where neither my Lord Paget's promise nor Sir Iohn Mason's pledges nor Abbot Fecknam's intercession could excuse him â—rom being unhorsed and carted imprisoned and tortured vexed with all the arts of power and perplexed until his hard usage meeting with some fair promises brought him to a Recantation that broke his heart and after much melancholick sighing and silence brought him to his Grave The great example of Parts and Ingenuity of frailty and infirmity of repentance and piety Forced he was to sit with Bonner in his Courts but forced he would not be to joyn with him in his judgment look on he did but weep and groan too A good Christian he was witness his pious Epistles an excellent States-man as appears by his True Subject to the Rebel a Book as seasonably republished by Doctor Langbaine of Queens Colledge in Oxford in the excellent King Charlâ—s his troubles as it was at first written in the good King Edward's commotions Vespasian said of Apollonius That his Gate was open to all Philosophers but his Heart to Him And Sir Iohn Cheeke would say to Father Latimer I have an Ear for other Divines but I have an Heart for You. A Country-man in Spain coming to an Image enshrined â—he extruction and first making whereof he could well remember and not finding from the same that respectful usage which he expected You need not quoth he be so proud for we have known you from a Plum-Tree â— Sir Iohn Cheeke one day discoursing of the Pope's Threats said He need not be so high for we have known him a Chaplain He took much delight in that saying of Herod the Sophist when he was pained with the Gout in his hands and feet When I would eat said he I have no hands when I would go I have no feet but when I must be pained I have both hands and feet Applying it thus When we would serve God we have no soul when we would serve our Neighbours we have no body but when we suffer â—or neglecting both we shall find we have both a body and a soul. Gustavus Adolphus some three days before his death said Our affairs answer our desires but I doubt God will punish me for the folly of my Pâ—ople who attribute too much to me and esteem me as it were their God and therefore he will make them shortly know and see I am but a man I submit to his will and I know he will not leave this great Enterprise of mine imperfect Three things Sir Iohn Cheeke observed of Edward the sixth 1. That the Peoples esteem of him would loose him 2. That his Reformation should be overthrown 3. That yet it should recover and be finished As to publick Councels 1. Sir Iohn was against the War with Scotland which he said was rather to be united to England than separated from it 2. He was against King Edward's will saying He would never distrust God so far in the preservation of his true Religion as to disinherit Orphans to keep up Protestantism 3. He laid a Platform of a VVar with Spain 4. He kept Neuter in the Court-factions 5. Bishop Ridley Doctor Coxe seconded and Sir Iohn Cheeke contrived all King Edward's Acts of Charity Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Wentworth SIr Tho. Wentworth of Nettlesâ—ed in Suffolk of a younger Family confessed by the Crescent in his Coat descended from the Wentworths of Wentworth-wood-house in York-shire and was created Baron Wentworth by King Henry the viii He was a stout and valiant Gentleman a cordial Protestant and his Family a Sanctuary of such Professors Iohn Bale comparing him to the good Centurion in the Gospel and gratefully acknowledging him the cause of his conversion from a Carmelite The memory of this good Lord is much but unjustly blemished because Calis was lost the last of Queen Mary under his Government The manner was huddled up in our Chronicles least is best of bad business whereof this is the effect The English being secure by reason of the last Conquest at St. Quintin and the Duke of Guise having notice thereof he sate down before the Town at the time not when Kings go forth to but return from battle of mid-winter even upon New-years-day Next day he took the two Forts of Risebank and Newman-bridge wherein the strength of the City consisted but whether they were undermined or overmoneyed it is not decided and the last left most suspicious VVithin three Days the Castle of Calis which commanded the City and was under the command of Sir Ralph Chamberlain was taken the French wading through the Ditches made shallower by their artificial cut and then entring the Town were repulsed back by Sir Anthony Ager Marshal of Calis the only Man saith Stow who was â—illed in the Fight understand him of note others for the credit of the business accounting four-score lost in that service The French re-entring the City the next Day being Twelfth-day the Lord Wentworth Deputy thereof made but vain resistance which alas was like the wrigling of a Worms tayl after the head thereof is cut off so that he was forced to take what terms he could get viz. That the Towns-men should depart though plundered to a Groat with their Lives and himself with 49 more such as the Duke of Guise should chuse should remain Prisoners to be put to ransome This was the best news brought to Paris and worst to London â—or many years before It not only abated the Queens chear the remnant of Christmas but her mirth all the days of her life Yet might she thank her self for loosing this Key of France because she hung it by her side with so slender a string there being but Five Hundred Souldiers effectually in the Garrison too few to manage such a piece of importance The Lord Wentworth the second of Iune following was solemnly condemned for Treason though unheard as
than they were Vertue though obscure may satisfie me it must be renowned or it câ—nnot serve otheâ—s But action is the life of things and good dispoâ—itions are rather a mans Inclinations than his Vertue Both therefore are in their Courage regular in their Conduct observant in their Addresâ—es obliging in their Passions even in their Enjoyments severe and in their Services equal Sir Thomas Mannors first weakned the Northern Rebels by such discreeâ— Propositions as met with many of their Humours and Interests and then resolved to engage them but that the little Brook Dua swelled miraculously to a River bâ—tween both Armies And at the same time Sir Ralph Evers held Scarborough â— Castle where he had no Souldiers but his own Servants nor any sustenance for twenty days but bread and water For this service he is made Lord Warden of the Marches as Sir Thomas is Lord Governour of the North. Both did his Majesty as much service in Peace for his Revenue as in War for his Security Both against the Cardinal's way of raising Money which was but the relieving of a present need by laying the foundation of a lasting inconvenience being veâ—y careful that their Master did not lose in the president what he gained in the money Observations on the Life of Sir John Baker THere is one of this Name remarqueable in every Kings Reign since the Conquest here is one now renowned in this 1. For Integrity to be neither awed nor corrupted 2. For a Spirit publick as Nature neither moved with particular respects nor terminated in a private Design The French were so insolent in London the eighth year of Henry the Eighth that when one Williamson a Carpenter was about to pay for two Pigeons he bought a Frenchman takes them out of his handâ— saying They were no meat for Carpenters but for my Lord Embassadour who concerned himselâ— so muâ—h in the case that he had Williamson imprisoned Sir Iohn sued to the Embassadour for the man who answered That the English Knave deserved to be hanged for denying any thing to a French man Whereupon Sir Iohn replied You know not that you are in London A noâ—able reply considering that the City was up next day against Strangers in so dâ—sâ—erate a tumult that none could suppress but Sir Thomas More and none settle but Sir William Kingston and Sir Iohn Baker No sooner had he allayed the disorder at home but he with the Bishop of St. Asaph are sent to appease a Rebellion abroad I mean in Denmark though in vain when the Kings cruelty exceeded their apology and ruine was more elegiable with that people than duty or obedience Where he observed these six Maximes in order to a newly conquer'd Kingdome 1. That the Royal Line should be extinguished 2. That the old Customs in Lawes and Taxes should be observed 3. The Prince must be there to observe their humours in person 4. That the Officers be moderate and honest 5. That there be Colonies planted in one or two places that are the Keys of the Sâ—ate 6. That the Neighbours should be weakned and divided and the In-land Forts demolished As he would have composed the troubles of forreign Princes so he served the necessities of his own being the most successfull Commissioner for the Benevolence in the Countrey and the most active Agent for the loan in London Wherefore I finde him Chancellour of the Exchequer An. 1545 and one of the assistants to the Trustees for King Edward 1547. Judge Mountague was the onely person that durst dispute King Edward's Will Judge Hales and Sir Iohn Baker were the onely Councellours that durst refuse it the first whereof stood to the Law against â—ower the second to his Allegiance against Interest and both to the rights of the Crown which are lasting rather than the Designes of some Favourites that are as momentary as their Greatness and as uncertain as their Grandeur This constant and firm resolution to stick to his Duty and Lâ—yalty brought him to his Grave in peace and honour having been a faithful Councellour and Servant to King Henry the eighth King Edward the sixth Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth Observations on the Life of Sir William Kingstons HE was one of the greatest Courriers at Masks and Revels one of the best Captains at Sea and one of the most valiant and Skilful Commanders by Land None more pleasing to the English Ladies none more terrible to the Fâ—ench King Cunningly did he discover the King of Spains Designe upon Navarre to his Majâ—sty by preâ—ending a Revolt to that King of Spain and as cunningly did he draw the French Troops into a snare by counterfeiting a retreat towards Britany His Advice had saved the Admiral at Brest and his Foresight did rescue Sir Edward Belknap near Guisâ—es He was Knighted for his Service at Tournay and made Marshal for his Success at Flodden He was one of them that perswaded the City to its duty at Shoreditch and if that would not do he was to command it from the Tower being Commissiâ—ner in the fiâ—st place Aug. 2. and Lieutenant of the second September 6. The Multitude is rather to be awed than reasoned with Some Princes have disarmed their Subjects others have divided them a third sort have obliged them others yet have kept up Plots amongst them but all have built and commanded Fortresses to secure themselves It were well if Love did it 's necessary that Fear should guide this World The King condescended one day to Just with him and he though invincible to fall by his Majesty You must let a Prince be a Prince in every thing So complaisant he was that he was one of the six Maskers at Court at 50 and yet so grave that when divers young men that were familiar with the King after the French mode were banished he kept his Station as one of the stayed men at 30. He was one of the 16 that attended the King in his first Interview with the Emperour and one of the 40 that waited on him in the two last with the King of France narrowly escaping at the last that poyson as some thought or ill vapours as others conclude whereof the open-hearted Lord Brooks the valiant Sir Edward Poynings reserved Sir Iohn Pechy and active Sir Edward Belknap died whereupon with his advice all French-men were put to their Fines and all Scotch to their ransome Neither was he onely for shew but service too leading the Right Wing of the Army at Guisnes when Sir Everard Digby commandeth the Left the Lord Sands the Vanguard Sir Edward Guilford then Marshal of Callis the Horse Sir Richard Wink-field the Rear and the Duke of Suffolk the main Battle Where his Assaults on Cappe and Roy spake him a Souldier as his underhand correspondence with the Lord Iâ—â—lstein argued him a States-man Sir Thomas Maunors the first Earl of Rutland of that Name discovered and Sir William Kingston told His Majesty the Cardinals Plots against the Kings
Honour to be of Prince EDWARD's special Council for the future By his Order he had as his share of Abbey-Lands Battle-Abbey in Sussex enjoyed by his Heirs Males in a direct Line to this day And by his Authority he had the Honourable Garter He was the fiâ—st man that durst bring his Master the sad news That He must die And no wonder he durst do it for the next news is That he is dead himself How darest thou to be so plain said Heliogabalus to the Courtier Because I dare die said he I can but die if I am Faithful and I must die though I Flatter Tâ—is Gentlemans humour of crossing present proceedings was prettily reproved by King Hen. the Eighth's little story of a poor Woman drowned by mischance whose dead body whilst her Neighbours sought for down the River her Husband who knew her condition better than they advised them to seek up the River for all her life long she loved to be contrary to all others and he presumed she would swim against the stream being dead The End of the Obseâ—vations upon the Lives of the Statesmen and Favourites of England in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth THE STATES-MEN and FAVOURITES OF ENGLAND IN The Reign of King Edward the VI. Observations on the Lives of the Seymours EDward Seymour and Thomas Seymour both Sons of Sir John Seymour of Wolful in Wiltshire I joyn them together because whilst they were united in affection they were invincible but when divided easily overthrown by their Enemies EDward Duke of Somerset Lord Protector and Treasurer of England being the elder Brother succeeded to a fair Paternal inheritance He was a valiant Souldier for Land-service fortunate and generally beloved by Martial Men. He was of an open nature free from jealousie and dissembling affable to all people He married Anne Daughter to Sir Edward Stanhop a Lady of a high mind and haughty undaunted spirit THOMAS SEYMOUR the Younger brother was made BARON of Sudley and by Offices and the favours of his Nephew King Edward the sixth obtained a great Estate He was well experienced in Sea-Affairs and made Lord Admiral of England He lay at a close postuâ—e being of a reserved nature and more cunning in his carriage He married Queen Katherine Pâ—rr the Widow of King Henry 8. Very great the Animosities betwixt their Wives the Dutchess refusing to bear the Queens Trainâ— and in effect justled with her for precedence se that what betwixt the Train of the Queen and lonâ— Gown of the Dutchess they raised so much dust at the Court as at last put out the eyes of both their Husbands and occasioned their Executionâ— Their Sisters Beauty commended them to the Kingâ— favours but a frail support that which is as lasting only as a Phancy and only as certain as Passion therefore their Parts recommended them to his service Affection shall lead me to Court but I 'le take care that Inâ—erest keeps me there Sir Edward Seymours temper suited with the Kings Inclinations and his spirit with his times both high both stirring In the throng of Courtiers there aâ—e but three steps to raise a man to observations 1. Some pecuâ—iar sufficiency 2. Some particular exploit and 3. An especial Friend This Noble Person shewed the first with advantage in that draught of Military Discipline presented to Henry the eighth wherein the embattling is most remarkable viz. Twenty two compleat Companies make up four Squadrons eveâ—y Squadron of Pikes and Musquets being drawn up apart the Pikes and Colours on the left hâ—nd and the Musqueteers on the right These Squadrons make up a Brigade to be drawn up as followeth viz. Ten Corporalships of Musqueteers being 34 Rots divided into five Plattons every Platton being nine or so in front led by a Major and every division by a sufficient Commander Next after these Thirty six Rots of Pikes are to follow being twelve Corporalships with their Colours following them till they are drawn up even in front with the 32 Rots of Musqueteers This makes the Right Wing of the Brigade 2. The Battel of Pikes moveth forward in division doing in all respects as the former till they range even in front with the Pikes of the Right Wing Then the oâ—her 32 Rots of Musqueteers belonging to the middle Squadron who are appointed to make the Battel of the Brigade are led up as the first Musqueteers in all points but at a reasonable distance behind the Pikes of their own Squadrons Then the last Squadron of Pikes marcheth up in all respects observing the same order until they have attained to range in front even with oâ—her â—ikes This being done the Battel or middle Squadron oâ— Pikes and Musquets advanceth in one body until it 's clear of the Wings Lastly the Surplus of the three Squadrons being 48 Rots of Muâ—quetâ—eâ—s are drawn up behind the Brigadâ—e where they are to attend the Commands of their Officers to guard the Baggage or Cannon to be Convoâ—es for Ammunition or Victuals to the rest or continue a reserve to wait upon all occasions 2. Eminent was his ability for this Draught more eminent for his performance agreeable to it in Britain where he sate before a Town six weeks to no purpose while it expected relief from Italy But at last he inâ—inuates a jealousie between the Pope and the French King touching that City that obstructed all relief He with aâ— much speed and policy sets upon the two main Scâ—â—res for defense of the Town and took them bâ—th battering the Town and Castle with that violence and noise that they say it was heard 100 miles off A Train of Powder is laid to blow them up when they should enter but this succeeded not For the French in passing the Ditch had so weted their cloaths that dropping upon the Train the Powder would not take fire and so all things conspiring to crown his valour with success he takes the Castle first and then dividing the Town and weakning it by several assaults at once brought it to his own terms Here his Valour had been eminent but that his conduct was more and his Conduct renowned but that his nobleness towards the Conquered his civility and obligingness towards the Souldiery and his integrity towards all persons had out-done that There are but two things that a subject can honestly oblige his Prince in 1. Keeping his subjects in peace at home 2. Keeping his enemies under abroad 1. Those soft but prudent Acts of Peace 2. Those resolved but well-managed wayes of War Sir Thomas wanted neither a resolution for the one nor a temper for the other But sufficiency and merits are neglected things when not befriended Princes are too reserved to be taken with the first appearances of worth unless recommended by tryed judgments It 's fit as well as common that they have their Counsellours for persons as well as things His Sister therefore was married on Whit sunday and he is on the Tuesday following created Viscount Beauchamp But
absent in France which was not only against Christian Charity but Roman Justice Festus confessing it was not fashionable amongst them to deliver any Man to die before he which is accused have the accusers face to face and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him It was well for this Lord that he was detained in France till his ransome was paid and Queen Mary dead who otherwise probably had lost his life if he had had his liberty But Queen Elizabeth coming to the Crown he found the favour or rather had the justice to be tryed again and was acquitted by his Peers finding it no treachery cowardise or carelessness in him but in Sir Iohn Harlston and Sir Ralph Chamberlain the one Governour of Risebank the other of Calis-Castle for which they were both condemned to die though their Judgment was remitted This Lord was the only Person I have read of who thus in a manner played Rubbers when his Head lay at stake and having lost the fore recovered the after-game He died a very aged Man 1594. Thus far Mr. Fuller Two ways a Courtier advanceth himself the first that more leisurely slow though sure of watching Offices Preferments and Dignities that may by steps bring them to the Kings Presence The second that more quick and short but most practised of following the Court for such extraordinary Commissions and particular services to the Empire as may without the danger of delays that must be fatal amidst so many Competitors recommend him to his favour It was below Sir Thomas his Estate to stoop to that first method it suited more with his activity to embrace the second Two usually-inconsistent qualities he had The closeness of an Agent and The Valour of a Souldier To Rome he was sent in disguise and to Treport with an Army so graceful his carriage so insinuating his affability so clear and well-weighed his discourse so searching and comprehensive his Judgment so gravely Aiery so Majestically pleasant his countenance so becoming his gate and apparel so watchful his Negotiations so winning his Addresses so discrâ—etly smart his Reparties darting a suddain lustre and vigour to the darkness and heaviness of his graver Dâ—scourses neither common nor unsavoury neither affected nor far-fetched neither abusive of others nor mis-becoming himself so discreet and well-managed his complaisance with reâ—erence to circumstances Person Place Time matter and cause that he had Cardinal Senhault's Secretary to bring him to the Pope's Closet the Emperour's Agent Randolphus to introduce him to Court that he won Fryar Paul to shew him the mysteries of the Church Engineer Palvino to represent the Popâ—'s Cities Towns Fortificationâ— Havens Harbours Aâ—tiquities Seminaries Exercises Ships Treasure Armories Arsenals Magazines having always by him a Card of the Territories and the Pope's Bed-chamber-man to shew him all the Papers and Transactions that concerned Henry the eighth So well experienced his Conduct so well disciplined his Army so watchful and industrious his Nature so good his pay though he pawned at once in Normandy his own Estate to satisfie his Souldiers so noble his rewards of vâ—lour and service it being his rule That every man should enjoy as much as he could conquer so prevalent his example that he did more with 2000 Men in three Moneths than the Duke of Suffolk had done with 8000 in three years The Duncery and idleness of the Monks in his time as he writes himself made Erasmus a Student the sloth and carelesness of Commanders in Sir Thomas his time made him a Souldier Edward the third of England having sent to France to demand the Crown by Maternal Right the Council there sent him word That the Crown of France was not tied to a Distaff To which he replyed That then he would tie it to his Sword Sir Thomas Wentworth demanding Normandy in right of the Dukes thereof Kings of England was told That Dukedomes were never given away in France by the Wills of the Dead Nay then replyed he we will have them against the Wills of the Living It 's written of our Henry the fifth that he had something of Caesar in him which Alexander the Great had not That he would not be Drunk and something of Alexander the Great which Caesar had not That he would not be Flattered Sir Thomas had both their Virtues none of their Vices Non tam extra Vitia quam cum summis Virtutibus Though he could not avoid misfortune and prosper yet he could yield to it and retire that experienced File that could not withstand the enemies â—hot could fall down and escape it Privacy at once secured and supported this unfortunate Gentleman It is much to know how to lead and bring on successfully it 's more to retreat and come off handsomely and give over a bad game Since he heard ill I hear no more of him but this One being designed an Agent waited upon this knowing and experienced Lord for some Directions for his conduct and carriage he delivereth himself saith my Author thus To secure your self and serve your Country you must at all timesâ— and upon all occasions speak truth for as he added you will never be believed and by this means your truth will secure your self if you be questioned and puâ— those you deal with who will still hunt counter to a loss in all their disquisitions and undertakings Observations on the Life of Sir Clement Paston SIr Clement Paston was a Souldier and a Souldiers Son Valour running in the Blood for three Generations and maturated by Noble and Heroick Actions for Glory and Success Designed he was by his Friends for the Gown but by his own Nature for Armour Born for Action rather than Contemplation VVhen his Father asked him what he would desire of him he desired a Horse and a Sword He was tried in the King of France his service in Henry the Seventh's time for his overthrow in Henry the Eighths He was the first that made the English Navy terrible and the last that made our Army so He took the Admiral of France and saved him of England 30000 Crowns he received by way of Ransome from the first aâ—d 1000 l. by way of Gratitude from the other A Cup he would shew that the first gave him every Holy-day and a Ring of the seconds every Christmas Two Kings made use of his Person and two Queens of his Counsel which he gave even on his Death-bed His advice was short but resolute his words few but pertinent his discourse commanding and Souldier-like his word the Decree of the Medes King Henry the Eighth called him His Champion the Protector in Edward the sixth's time His Souldier Queen Mary Her Sea-man and Queen Elizabeth Her Father VVhen Wyat was overthrown he would deliver himself up to a Gentleman and therefore only to Sir Clement Paston The two great Interests of Souldiers is Pay and Honour He mortgaged his Estate twice to satisfie them for the one and pawn'd his credit
where you shall perceive most business to be and that for two causes One is because you may have more experience in the Wars and see things as might stand you in stead another day The other is because you might be more profitable in the Language For our Embassador who may not wear Harness cannot well come to those places of danger nor seem so to serve the French King as you may whom we sent thither for that purpose It shall be best for you therefore hereafter as much as you may to be with the French Kingâ— and so you shall be more acceptable to him and do your self much good This I write not doubting but you would have done it though I had not written but to spur you on Adding withal To learn the Tongue to see the manner of the Court and advertise His Master of Occurrences keeping close to the King of France to whom he shall offer his service in the Wars where he is to observe the fortifications of the Cities the Conduct of the Armies the advantages and disadvantages of both Parties their Skirmishes Battels Assaults and the Plots of the chief Towns where any enterprizes of weight have been done His Exercises were to be Hunting and Riding his Company few but choice c. This Gentleman after his return out of France was created by the King Baron of Upper Ossory in Ireland where he dyed a good Protestant a Publick-spirited Patriot and an honest man Observations on the Life of Sir Henry fitz-Asane Earl of Arundel HIs first appearance in the World was to adorn the Court his next was to serve it First his Estate and Train attends King Henry to the Interview with France and a while afteâ— his valour and Conduct is commanded by him to the War Equally prepared is he to please and awe thaâ— Countrey The Duke of Suffolk is made General for his Popularity and the Eâ—rl of Arundel Lord Marshal for his Spirit and Prudence and both being before Bulloign this Noble Lord run up his Squadron under a running shelter about eleven at night to the very Walls of the City which being battered down by the Canon which was mounted some forty yards higher opened to the close Bâ—siegers a passage that gained the whole Town by composition Neither was he less active in Peace than War A piercing apprehension a strong memory a large and capacious judgement a dexterous prudence a discerning wisdom was the least of his happinessâ— For to his sufficiency and capacity he added a good disposition and â—ntegrity and to that vigour and gracefulness He was the excellent Personage that 1. Discerned 2. Embraced and performed what was Noble and Publick To know to will and effect what is good make up a God To these were added a strong nature a deep study and a very great Experiencâ— qualities separated in others but united in him Nature will out Education is rude Education without Resolution is loose Resolution without â—xperience is heady Experience grounded upon particulâ—r Events is uncertain without the study of General and Immoveable Principles Knowledge of things in their sourcâ—s and original causes without Nature is a Burden All these without Exercise are a Notion This Nobleman thus furnished derived much Honor from his Ancestors more to them â—nnobling that Blood to a Glory which some had debased to a Blush That great Name after four hundred years shining in that Honour with various lustre setting in him as the Sun he bore with a full splendour The last effort of Nature is a Masteâ—-piece the last blazâ— of the Candle a shine Other â—oblemen were made â—â—ing Edward's Oversâ—â—rs for thâ—ir Integrity he one of his Assistants for his Abiliâ—y When an Enemy was to be awed to a submission he was General such his Fâ—me When the Countrey was to be obliged to a loan he was Agent such his Popularityâ— Tâ—e first advanced him to the Comptrollership under Henry the â—ighth the second to the Chamberlainship under Edward the Sixth Nature hath provided that ravenous Beasts should not associate lest they should be too hard for it and Government that prime Counsellours should not agree lest they overthrow it Warwick envied the Protâ—ctors Greatness and Arundel would limit his Power both with the rest of the Council declare against him But lest he should urge the same things against Warwick that he did against Somerset they who love the Treason but hate the Traytor turn him fiâ—st out of Favour and then out of Council untill Queen Maries time when hâ— as an antient Nobleman of England that owned no upstart-designs against the old way of succession stood for her Right and as a stiff Catholique promoted her Religion So that Iuly 21. 1553. he came from the Queen to Cambridge wheâ—e the Duke of Northumberland was and entering his Chamber the Duke fell at his feeâ— desiring him for Gods sake to consider his case who had done nothing but â—y Warrant from the Council My Lord said the Eâ—rl I am sent hither by the Queen to arrest you And I said the Duke obey your Arrest â—eseeching your mercy for what I did by Commission You should have thought of that sooner â—aid the Earl Here you might have seen at once the vicissitude of Fortune the frailty of Man the dejectedness of Guilt the braveâ—y of Innocence who would neither be trampled on by Greatness nor trample on misery of an equal temper between pity and resolution As long as his Youth bore itâ— we find him for Action but when years came upon him we find him in Council as with Wottâ—n at the great Treaty at Cambray Yet not so unactive but that as Sir William Pickering for hiâ— sweet Demeaner so he for his Estate was voiced an Husband to Queen Elizabeth Wâ—en the rest of the Council were for dealiâ—g with the â—ueen of Scots underhand and at distance he was for treating wiâ—h her plainlyâ— and said in the Queens presence The Wisdom of the former Age was so provident that it needed not and so plain that it endured noâ— shifts Leicester would perswade the Duke of Norfolk to court the Queen of Scots but Arundel would not hear of it without the Queen of England's consent Experience is always wary yet hath its weaknesses wherein it may be surprized For this Noblemans kindness to his Friend balancing his Duty to his Mistress brought him the Earl of South-hampton the Lords Lumley Cobham Piercy c. to a Praemuâ—ireâ— whereupon he said He is never wise that is not distrustful Fear that betrayeth the succours of Reason when predominant guardeth them when moderate and is more safe â—hâ—ugh not so Noble as that valiant confidâ—nce that bequeathâ— a dilated Freedom to all faculties and senses But of all his Actions this is most remarkeable Treating with the Scots he writ to his Majesty King Henry the Eighth what he had gained already requiring to know his farther pleasure The King takes advice with his Council who all agree that the Peace
Lambeth Church and Doctor Andrews preached his Funeral-Sermon Amongst the many Verses made by the University of Cambridge this with the allowance of Poetical Licence came from no bad Fancy Magna Deos inter lis est exorta creatas Horum qui lites dirimit ille deest Coâ—inum potiere dii componere tantas Lites quod vero jure peritus erat A most moderate man he was in his own nature but more earnest in the business of the Church in the behalf of which he writ many Books of validity c. It must not be forgotten that Doctor Barlow afterwards Bishop of Lincoln was bred by Doctor Cosin at his charge in his own Family who in expression of his Thankfulness wrote this Dr. Cosin's Life out of which most of the aforesaid Character hath been taken Observations on the Life of the Lord Chief-Iustice Cook THis accomplished person was well born at Mileham in Norfolk of Robert Cook Esquire and Winiâ—red Knighâ—ly his Wife and as well bred 1. When ten years of age at Norwich School 2. At Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge 3. After four years University-study first in Cliffords Inn and then in the Inner Temple The first occasion of his Rice was his stating of the Cooks Case of the Temple so exactly that all the House who were puzzled with it admired him and his pleading it so that the whole Bench took notice of him Such his proficiency that at the end of six years exceeding early in that strict age he was call'd to the Bar and soon after for three years chosen Reader in Lyons Inn. Here his learned Lecture so spread forth his fame that crouds of Clients sued to him for his Counsel and his own suit was the sooner granted when tendering his Affections in order to Marriage unto Bridget daughter and Coheir of Iohn Paston Esquire whose portion moderately estimated Viis medis amounted unto thirty thousand pounds her vertues not falling under valuation and she enriched her Husband with ten Children Then began preferment to presse upon him the City of Norwich choosing him Recorder the County of Norfolk their Knight for Parliament the Qâ—een her Speaker therein as also her Solicitor and Attorney King Iames honoured him with Knighthood and made him Chief-Justice first of the Common-Pleas then of the Kings-Bench Thus beginning on a good bottom left him by his Father marrying a Wife of extraordinary wealth having at the first great and gainful practice afterwards many and profitable Offices being provident to choose â—yâ—â—d penny worths in Purchases leading a thrifty eâ—dâ— living to a great age during flourishing and peacâ—â—ble times born as much after the persecution under Q. Mary as dying before our Civil Wars no wonder if he advanced to a fair estate so that all his sons might seem elder brethren by the large possessions left unto them Some falsely character him a back-friend to the Church and Clergy being a grand Benefactor to the Church of Norwich who gratefully under their publick Seal honoured him with this ensuing Testimony Edwardus Coke Armiger saepius in multis difficillimis Negotiis Ecclesiae nostrae auxiliatus est Nuper eandem contra Templorum Helluones qui Dominia Manerìa Haereditamenta nostra devorare sub Titulo obscuro Concelatum dicunt sponte suâ nobis insciis sine mercede ullâ legitimè tutatus est atque eandem suam nostri Defensionem in perpetuam tantae rei memoriam posterorum gratiâ si opus fuerit magna cum industria scriptis redegit Nostrae Ecclesiae donavit As for the many Benefices in his own Patronage he freely gave them to worthy men being wont to say in his Law-language That he would have Church-Livings pass by Livery and Seisin not Bargain and Sale He was our English Trebonianus very famous for his Comments on Littleton and our Common-Law 1638. A Parliament was call'â—â—â—â—nd the Court party was jealous of Sir Edwarâ— â—eâ—ctivity against them as who had not digested 〈◊〉 discontentments as he had done the Law Hereupon to prevent his Election as a Member he was confined to Buckinghamshire as a Sheriff He scrupled to take the Oath pretending many things against it and particularly that the Sheriff is bound thereby to prosecute Lollards wherein the best Christians may be included It was answered That he had often seen the Oath given to others without any regret and knew full well that Lollard in the modern sense imported the opposers of the present Religion as established by Law in the Land No excuses would serve his turn but he must undertake that Oâ—fâ—ce However his friends beheld it as an injurious degradation of him who had been Lord Chief-Justice to attend on the Judges at the Assizes Five sorts of people he used to foreâ—design to misery and poverty Chymists Monopolizers Concealers Promoters and Rhyming Poets For three things he would give God solemn thanks That he never gave his body to Physick nor his heart to cruelty â—or his hand to corruption In three things he did much applaud his own success In his fair fortune with his Wife in his happy study of the Laws and in his free coming by all his Offices nec prece nec pretio neither begging nor bribing for Preferment His parts were admirable he had a deep Judgment faithful Memory active Fancy and the Jewel of his mind was put into a fair Case a beautiful body with a comely countenance A case which he did wipe and keep clean delighting in good Cloaths well worn and being wont to say That the outward neatness of our bodies might be a Monitor of purity to our souls In his Pleadings Discourse and Judgements he declined all Circumlocutions usually saying The matter lyes in a little Room In all Places Callings and Jurisdictions he commended Modesty and Sobriety within their boundaries saying If a River swelleth beyond the banks it loseth its own Channel If any adverse party crossed him he would patiently reply If another punisheth me I will not punish my self In the highest Term of Business he made Vacation to himself at his Table and would never be perswaded privately to retract what he had publickly adjudged professing He was â— Iudge in a Court not in a Chamber He was wont to say No wise man would do that in prosperity whereof he should repent in adversity His Motto was Prudens qui Patiens and his practice was accordingly especially after he fell into the disfavour of King Iames when he did Frui suo Infortunio and improved his loss to his advantage He triumphed in his own Innocency that he had done nothing illegally calling to mind the Motto which he gave in his Rings when made Sergeant Lex est tutissima Classis The Law is the safest Helmet And now he had leisure to peruse what formerly he had written even thirty Books with his own hand most pleasing himself with a Manual which he called VADE MECUM from whence at one view he took a
suspected to act contrary to so clear convictions so deliberate and declared determinations of his Conscience and Judgement in Religion as the Arch-Bishop expresses in his very excellent Book I am indeed prone to think that pâ—ssibly he wished there could have been any fair close or accâ—mmodation between all Christian Churches the same which many grave and learned men have much desired And it may be his Lordship thought himself no unfit Instrument to make way to so great and good a work considering the eminencies of his Parts Power and Favour which he had Haply he judged as many learned and moderate men have that in some things between Papists and Protestants differences are made wider and kept more open raw and sore than need beâ— by the private pens and passions of some men and the Interests of some little parties whose partial policies really neglect the publick and true Interest of the Cathâ—lick Church and Christian Religion which consists much in peace as wâ—ll as in purity in charity as in verity He found that where Papists were silenced and convinced in the more grand and pregnant Disputes that they are Novel partial and unconform to Catholick Churches in ancient times than he found they recovered spirits and contested afresh against the unreasonable transports violences and immoderations of some professing to be Protestants who to avoid Idolâ—try and Superstition run to Sacriledge and rudeness in Religion denying many things that are just honest safe true and reasonable meerly out of an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 excessive Antipathy to Papists Possibly the Arch-Bishop and some other Bishops of his mind did rightly judge That the giving of an enemy fair play by just safe honourable concessions was not to yield the conquest to him but the most ready way to convince him of his weakness when no honest yieldings could help him any more then they did endanger the true cause or courage of his Antagonist For my part I think the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury was neither Calvinist nor Lutheran nor Papist as to any side or party but all so far as he saw they agreed with the Reformed Church of England either in Fundamentals or innocent and decent Superstructures Yet I believe he was so far a Protestant and of the Reformed Religion as he saw the Church of England did protest against the Errors Corruptions Usurpations and Superstitions of the Church of Rome or against the novel opinions and pâ—actices of any party whatsoever And certainly he did with as much honour as justice so far own the Authenâ—ick Authority Liberty and Majesty of the Church of England in its reforming and setling of its Religion that he did not think fit any private new Master whatsoever should obtrude any Foreign or Domestick Dictates to her or force her to take her copy of Religion from so petty a place as Geneva was or Frankfort or Amsterdam or Wittenbergh or Edenborough â—o nor from Augsburg or Arnheim nor any foreign City or Town any more than from Trent or Rome none of which had any Dicâ—atorian Authority over this great and famous Nation or Church of England further than they offered sober Counsels or suggested good Reasons or cleared true Religion by Scripture and confirmed it by good Antiquity as the best interpreter and decider of obscure places and dubious cases Which high value it is probable as to his Mother the Church of England and her Constitutions was so potent in the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury that as he thought it not fit to subject her to the insolency of the Church of Rome so not to the impertinencies of any other Church or Doctor of far less repuâ—e in the Christian world No doubt his Lordship thought it not handsome in Mr. Calvin to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 rather than 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so censorious of the Church of England as to brand its Dâ—votion or Liturgy with his tolerabiles ineptiae who knew not the temper of the Nation requiring then not what was absolutely best but most conveniently good and such not only the Liturgy was but those things which he calls tollerable toys I having occasion to speak with him he upon a time was pleased to grant me access some freedom of speech with him and withal asked me the opinion of the people of him I told him they reported his Lordship endeavoured to betray the Church of England to the Roman correspondency and communion He at length very calmly and gravely thus replyed protesting with a serious attestation of his integrity before God's Omnisâ—ience that however he might mistake in the mean and method yet he never had other design than the glory of God the service of his Majesty the good order peace and decency of the Church of England that â—e was so far from complying with Papists in order to confirm them in their Errors that he rather choâ—e such Methods to advance the honour of the reformed Religion in England as he believed might soon silence the cavils of fiercer Papists induce the more moderate Reâ—usants to come in to us as having less visible occasion given them by needless Dâ—stances and Disputes to separate from us which he thought arose much from that popular Variety Inconstancy Easiness Irreverence and Uncomliness which might easily grow among us in the outward professiâ—n of Religion for want of observing such uniformity and decency in Religion as were required by the Laws and Canons of this Church and State He added that he had further a desire as much as he could to relieve the poor and depressed condition of many Ministers which he had to his grief observed in Wales and England where their Discouragements were very great by reason of the tenuity and incompetency of their Livings that in his Visitations he had sometime seen it with grief among twenty Ministers not one man had so much as a decent Garment to put on nor did he believe their other treatment of Life was betterâ— that he found the sordid and shameful Aspect of Religion and the Clergy gave great Advantages to those that were Popishly inclined who would hardly ever think it best for them to joyn with that Church which did not maintain either its own Honour or its Clergy to some competency and comeliness Much more discourses his Lordship was pleased to use at several times to this purpose which commands my charity to clear him as far as I can judge of any tincture of Popery truly so called or of any superstition which placeth a Religion in the nature and use of that thing which God hath not either particularly commanded or in general permitted I suppose he thought that where God hath allowed to his Church and to every private Christian so far as may consist with the Churches Order and Peace a liberty of ceremonious and circumstantial decency as to God's worship there neither himself was to be blamed nor did he blame other men if they kept within those discreet and inoffensive bounds which either