Maximilian Emperor chose rather to die than to have her Thigh cured which was broken with a fall from a Horse Id. p. 182. Caesar bearing the Office of Quaestorship in Spain and naturally disposed for great affairs was thereto the more invited at the sight of Alexanders Portraicture in the Temple of Hercules at Gades where beholding it he fell into a suddain dislike of himself and as Alexander seeing Achilles his Tomb being filled with an ambitious and honourable emulation sighed and said Hast thou at my years atchieved the Conquest of the whole World my self hitherto having done no memorable act Id. p. 183. Sceva who at the siege of Dyrrachium stood so long to it before Caesar came to his rescue that he had two hundred and thirty Holes made in his Shield was a Brittain p. 184. Caesar having twice suffered Shipwrack on the Brittish Coasts caused his Ships to be drawn on Land Id. p. 186. Caesar in fifty Battels that he fought went away Conqueror in all saving one being laborious couragious industrious in Contriving and quick in dispatch Speeds Hist p. 188. Augustus Caesar in the forty second year of whose raign Christ was born it being the year from the Worlds Creatior 3927. erected an Altar in the Capitol to the Hebrew Child with this Inscription The Altar of the first begotten Son of God And after Christs death Tiberius wrote to the Senate to have him consecrated amongst the Roman Gods but they refused saying that the Doctrin of Salvation should not need the allowance and approbation of men p. 191. Caligula having marshalled his men as to battaile upon the Ocean Shore after the sounding of the Trumpets as to sight commanded them to gather Cockle-shells which he called the spoil of the Ocean and demanded triumph for it Idem p. 192. Caligula wisht that all the people of Rome had but one neck that he might have the glory of giving the bravest blow that ever was given wherein so Infinite multitudes of men might be killed with one stroke Speeds Hist. p. 192. Claudius the Emperor honoured Plautius with his presence in his Triumph for Brittain giving him the right hand ascending the Capitol Christ will do much more for his Soldiers make them like him glorify them with him Sp. Hist p. 194. The Emperor Claudius caused his own death by this speech which fell from him in his wine That it was fatal for him first to hear the Lewdness of his wives and then to punish them which Agrippina hearing to prevent her own death hastened her husbands by giving him poyson in a Mushrom Id. p. 196. Nero set Rome on fire and sung to his Harp verses made on the destruction of Troy and laid the blame of it on the Christians Bodao the Brittish Lady and famous VVarriour making a speech to her Soldiers secretly held a Hare in her lap which having told them that their Enemies would fly like Hares she let go And her Army not knowing the deceit construed it as an Ominous and lucky sign of Victory Speeds Hist p. 199. Nero was an excellent Musician and so prodigal that he never wore one garment twice Astrologers and Star-gazers are a kind of people ever to Princes unfaithful to hopers deceitful and in a Common-wealth always forbidden yet always retained Id. p. 202. Galba while a private man seemed more than a private man and held capable of the Empâ—re if he had not been Emperor p. 202. Chrysanthus Bishop of Constantinople reserved to himself of all his Ecclesiastical revenues but two Loaves of bread every Lords day p. 206. Vitellius dedicated the dagger that Otho his Competitor kill'd himself with unto Mars in his Temple at Coleyn as the lucky instrument of his advanced Estate p. 209. Vitellius the Emperor commended his own Temperance in a set letter to the Senate though they knew him an extream glutton having no less than two thousand dishes of fish and seven thousand dishes of fowls served to his Table at one supper p. 209. The Officers and Soldiers saluted Vespatian Emperor which title when he resolutely gainsayed and refused they with drawn Swords threatned him his death He proved an Excellent Prince and by his touch is reported to cure a lame man and with his Spittle to open the Eyes of the blind p. 211. Titus was an excellent Prince and worthily called Deliciae humani generis was a great enemy to Promoters Pettifoggers and extorturs of penal laws which as Caterpillars to courts of penal Laws which as Caterpillars to Courts of Justice he caused to be whipt out of Rome Titus at his death lifted up his Eyes to Heaven complaining why his Life should be taken from him that except one Offence viz. his murther of Aulus Cinna through jealousie of his familiarity with Berenices his Paramour deserved not to die Speeds Hist p. 212. Agricola having Conquered Scotland sent word of it by Letters to Domitian who received the Newes with a chearful countenance and a grieved heart p. 215. Domitian bought certain Slaves for money and attired them and dressed them as Captives of Germany and Triumphed for them p. 215. Domitian put to death Salustius Lucullus whom he had made Lieutenant of Britain because he had devised and made certain Speares and Launces for service which he caused to be called Lucullians And this Domitian held it a matter of suspicion who thought every memorable act done by another did pluck a feather from his own Plume p. 216. Trajan investing any Praetor in giving him the Sword commanded him to use the same against him if he violated Law or Equity Idem p. 217. Adrian destroâ—ed Jerusalem and built another City not far from it and called it Aelia from whence the Jews were utterly banished and it was forbidden to them to look towards that Soyle or City no not through the Chink of a Doâ—r And upon a Gate that leadeth towards Bethlem he caused a Swine to be engraven a Beast by the Law counted unclean Id. p. 219. Antoninus Pius published an Edict in the favour of the Christians that whosoever should accuse any for such he should suffer the same punishment he intended to have brought upon the accused Id. p. 221. Of Antoninus Pius it is recorded that in his Youth he did not any thing rashly not in his age any thing negligently His usual Speech it was that he had rather save one Subjects Life than kill a thousand Enemies Ibid. The Emperor Aurelius in his Wars against the Quades suffered great extremity for want of Water When upon command given the Christians in his Army prayed unto God and obtained a plenteous shower of Rain which refreshed his Army and Thunder and Lightning which overthrew the Quadeâ— on which the Emperor made favourable Decrees in the behalf of the Christians and called that Legion the Lightning Legion Speeds History p. 221. The Papists make miserable absurd applications of Scriptures to build the Babel of their power by Thus God made a greater and a lesser Light
whole Holy Bradford said of the Popish Prelates magnifying the Church but contemning Christ that they could not mean honestly that make so much of the Wife and so little of the Husband Boys ibid. p. 16. A Captain sent from Caesar unto the Senators of Rome for the prolonging of his Government abroad understanding as he stood at the Council Chamber-Door that they would not condescend unto his desire clapping his hand on the pummel of his Sword Well said he seeing you will not grant it to him this shall give it to him So when the Citizens of Messana despising Pompeys Jurisdiction alledged ancient orders and priviledges of the Romans in old time granted unto their Town Pompey answers them in his Choller What do ye prattle to us of the Law that have our Swords by our sides A Turkish Argument who account the left hand most Honorable because the Sword hangs on that side by this the Nimrods of the World decide differences Idem p. 55. One Castellanus who having been a Protestant and turning ro the â—opish Religion was strucken with a Disease unknown to the Physicians the one half of his Body burning as hot as Fire and the other being so cold as Ice and so miserably lamenting ended his life Boys Postills prop. Psalm p. 56. When Toxaris saw his Country-man Anacharsis in Athens he said unto him I will at once shew thee all the wonders of Greece and shewed him Solon in seing whom thou seest all even Athens it self and the glory of the Greeks Idem p. 104. Like will have like Gideon sleâ— forty Elders of Succoth and had his own forty Sons all but one murdered by Abimelâ—ch The Egyptians slew the Israelites Male Children and lost their first born Haman was hanged on the same Gallows he set up for Mordecai Bajazet the first was carried about by Tamberlain in an Iron Cage as he intended to have done by him Maxentius was overthrown on the same Bridg which he built to have intrapped Constantine Pope Alexander the sixth was poysoned in the same Wine he provided to have poysoned another Idem p. 17â— It is reported of the zealous and learned Martyr John Mollens that he never spake of the name Jesus but instantly Tears dropped from his Eyes The Popish Clergy deal with the Laity as the Philistins did with Samson pull out his Eyes and then being blindsold maâ—e pastime at him as it is reported of Cardinal Cajetan who coming into Paris and seeing the blind people desirous of his blessing he turned to them and said Because this people are willing to be deceived let them be deceived and so gave them his blessing in the name of the Devil Boys ibid. p. 121. Daily experience witnesseth the Worlds Vicissitude some from mean extraction raised to highest powers as Darius born of a servant Tangrolopia â—amberlain a Shepherds son â—â—lligis Archbishop of Mentz the Son of a Wheel-wright Sir Francis Drake a poor Vicars Son Joseph from the prison and David from the sheepfold advanced to the Crown Others from great Estate brought to Misery as Hamâ—n Nebuchadnezer Bajazet Darius and Belesanus once a victorious â—aptain but before his Death a most distressed and blind beggar Id. p. 132. Luther in his Table talke cites this Fable A Lion makes a great Feast invites all the beasts and amongst them the Swine Now when all the dainties were brought in the Swine askt if Brewers grains might be had Even so when God in his Gospel offers all Spiritual excellencies Worldlings like the Swine root after Crowns and Ducats And what saith he shall a Cow do with a Nutmeg Luth. Colloq Mens p. 7. Ailbertus Bishop of Mentz reading by chance in the Bible one of his Council coming in asked him what his Highness did with that book the Achbishop answered I know not what this Book is but sure I am all that is written therein is quite against us Idem p. 11. Mathias de Vai an Hungarian Divine was complained upon by a papistical Priest to a Frier that was brother to the Governour or Vayvod of Buda both being summoned and the one accusing the other the Frier could not reconcile the controversie At last the Frier told them he knew a way to discover the truth of this cause and commanded that two barrels of Gunpowder should be set in the midst of the market place at â—uda and said to the parties Sit upon the barrels and I will set fire to them and he that remains alive his Doctrin is right Mathias de Vai leaped upon one of the barrels but the Priest shrunk away The Frier pronounceth the faith of Mathias right fineth the Priest and his Complices Licenseth Mathias to preach his Doctrin and himself turns Protestant Luther col p. 24 Luther relates a Story of one whom he knew at Erford who having parted with his Estate to his Children on condition they should maintain him He coming unexpectedlâ— to Dine with one of his Sons who had a Goose on the Table his Son espying his Father puts the Goose under the board The Father Dines goes his way the Son stooping to take up the Goose it was turned into an ugly Toad which leaped unto his Face and stuck fast and before night killed him Idem Col. p. 71 Albertus Bishop of Mentz had a Physician that was a Protestant but turned Papist using these words I will for a while set Christ behind the Door untill I am grown rich and then I will take him to me again But the same Night he was found in his Bed with his Tongue torn out of his Mouth and his Neck wrung in tvvane Luth. Col. p. 79. Luther reports that he being at Rome a great Cardinal died and left behind him great store of Money Before hiâ— Death he made his Will and laid it in a Chest vvhere his Money vvas And after his Death the Chest was opened and therein by the Money was found vvritten in Parchment these words Dum potai rapui rapiatis quando I scraped together while I could That you should do so too I would Idem p. 82. A Nobleman of Vienna having made a great Feast in the midst of his Jollitry spake these words If God vvould leave me my Riches and suffer me to live but a thousand years to take my pleasure I vvould vvillingly leave to God his Heaven Idem p. 81. I hear saith Luther that the Prince Elector George begins to be Covetous which is a sign of his Death very shortly When I savv Dr. G. begin to tell his Puddings hanging in the Chimny I told him he would not live long vvhich fell out accordingly Luth. Col. p 87. Luther compares the Emperor Charles the Fifth in respect of Church-Livings to a pretty Dog he savv at Lints in Austria that vvas taught to go vvith a Hand-basket to the Butchers Shambles for Meat Now when other Dogs came about him and vvould take the Meat out of the Basket he vvould set the Basket dovvn and fight
milk and food of Life do ordinarily transfuse some insensible seed of their own hereditary infirmities which in time grow upon their Children and become both sensible and dangerous unless they are purged out so it must be acknowledged of St. Gregory and Austin whom he sent into England and that together with the substantial Doctrin of the Christian Faith his Scholars and Converts might receive some few of his infirmities and superstitions which like hereditary diseases increasing with time and growing stronger ought not therefore to be still cherished because hereditary Id. p. 5. The Devil appeared unto one Secundello a Deacon in the likeness of our Saviour and said unto him I am Christ Go forth and do Cures and heal Diseases he being seduced with this delusion did so and putting his hand upon the infirm in the name of Christ they were immediately healed and he returned stuff'd with pride and vain glory Mortons appeal p. 18. It 's noted of Caesar that he therefore disclaimed the Title of a King that thereby he might more plausibly and popularly execute all monarchical and Kingly power and Authority The Pope stiles himsejf Servo Servorum The Servant of Servants that thereby he may Lord it over Gods Heritage And notwithstanding this Title of Humility yet the Book of the Pâ—ntifical Ceremonies doth require that all Mortal Men of whatsoever State or Degree when they come first into the Popes presence must kneel thrice and also kiss his feet Idem p. 35. 159. Platina relates that Pâ—pe Sabinian commandded first the lighting of Lamps in the day time in Churches for this reason ut Horae distinguerentur officii gratia that the Houres for Divine Offices might be distinguished and duly observed And so we read in our English Histories that King Aelfrid who divided the natural day into three eight houres viz. One for his bodily refreshment one for his studies and the third for the affaires of his kingdom measured hi time by the burning of Wax-tapers Clocks and Watches and Hour-glasses being not then invented Idem p. 57. Binius relates that some Donatifsts who in contempt threw the Sacramental bread unto Dogs were by those Dogs fallen mad set upon and eat up themselves And in St. Johns Colledg in Cambridg Dr. Whitaker being the Master one Booth a Bachelor of Arts and an excellent Scholar who in contempt had taken the Sacramental bread and thrown it over a Wall not long after threw himself Headlong from the battlements of the Chappel and died within four and twenty hours after Idem p. 132. Pope Alexander in the behalf of Ferdinand King of Portugal thus decrees concerning India Upon our meer Motion and Liberality saith he and from the fulness of our Apostolical Authority we give unto you all the Islands and Lands as well those which are found out as those which shall hereafter be discovered in India from the North-Azores unto the VVest to you and your Heirs for ever And this upon no better Truth or Title than the Devil promised the Kingdomes of the VVorld to our Saviour Bp. Mortons appeal p. 155. The Popish VVriters though confessing some of their Popes as John the twelfth to be sceleratissimos Monstra most Wicked Monsters yet stile them of good and godly Memory Because say they we herein respect not what they did but what became them to have done By which reason like honour of blessed Memory belongeth to Jeroboam among the Kings Balaam among the Prophets and Judas among the Apostles Idem p. 159. The Books of accounts belonging to Christ-Church in Canterbury do testifie that there being three several Offerings in that Church One to Christ another to the Virgin Mary a third to Thomas Becket The Oblation to Thomas Becket communibus annis did amount to eight hundred or a thousand pounds To our Lady two hundred pounds To our Saviour somtimes five Marks somtimes twelve Marks and somtimes Hoc anno nihil This year Nothing Bp. Mortons appeal p 242. The necessity of ministring the Eucharist to Infants was defended by St. Austin and Innocent the first and was practised by the Church almost six hundred years together yet at length was left off and rejected as a fond and unwarrantable custome Idem p. 244. IMMANUEL Historical Collections Century IV. ZEno being asked how a man might be wise answered He must converse vvith the dead viz. by reading understand and know the acts of the Antients Don Pedro Men. Imp. Hist preface The Trophies of Miltiades stirred up Themistocles What Homer wrote of Achilles provoked Alexander and Alexanders History did Julius Caesar to great exploits Ibid. Philosophy Rhetorick Mathematicks and Astrology have been banished Rome and a long time it was e're Physick was admitted Ibid. Sylla having overthrown Marius made himself Dictatour and seised on Rome nevertheless before his death he deposed himself from his Dictatorship and left it at liberty Pompey followed Sylla's faction and Caesar Marius p. 4. The greatest civil warr that ever was in the World was between Pompey and Caesar in which were engaged all the Roman Senators and Souldiers and lasted five years It was waged in Italy France Spain Epirus Thessaly Egypt Asia and Africa The whole Roman Empire not sufficing the ambition of the two Commanders Pompey not enduring an Equal nor Caesar a Superior Imperial History p. 6. Men commonly judg that lawful in themselves which they condemn in others Pompey would not allow Caesar to stand for the Consulship being absent though he himself had it before he was of lawful age Idem p. 7. Caesar coming to the River Rubicon which the Senate commanded him not to pass with his Army is reported to use these words If I forbear it will be the beginning of my disgrace and if I pass it will be to all Men Mortal Yet preferring his own honour before publick good using these Words Jacta est Alea the Lot is Cast past the River and began the Civil VVar. p. 8. Pompey having raised a new raw unexperienced Army his Old Legions being in Spain under Patricius and Afranius two inexpert Captains Caesar being in suspence which to attaque first at last resolved to go into Spain saying Let us go first against the Army that is without a Captain and then against the Captain that is without an Army Caesar disguised with three Servants entred a Brigandine intending to cross the Sea but coming down he River to enter the Sea it was so troublous and tempestuous that the Master not daring to pass farther would have returned Then Caesar discovered his face and said Fear not â—hou carriest Caesar and all his Fortunes p. 12. Pompey worsted Caesar at Dirrachium but prosecuted not his Victory On which â—aesar said to his Friends Of a truth this Day had ended our Wars if our Enemies had had a Captain that had known how to use his Victory p. 13. Caesar commanded his Horse-men fighting with Pompey's Cavalry who were nice and effeminate Gentlemen to strike them no
was fought in Germany between Saturninus and Appius who was Domitians General Appius got the Victory the News whereof was brought to Rome the same day An Astrologer told Domitian of his Death The Emperor asked him whether he knew his own He answered he should be killed and eaten with Dogs the Emperor commanded him to be killed and his Body to be burned while which was doing there fell a great showr of rain put out the fire and the Dogs and came eat him Imp. Hist p. 139. Nerva was an excellent Prince released the Christians from Banishment John the Divine came then from Pathmos to Ephesus He made poor mens Sons to be brought up at the common charge and sware that no Senator of Rome by his command should be put to Death which Oath he performed He was wont to say that he remembred not that he had done any thing but that he might giving up his Empire live privately without fear He chose Trajan meerly for publick good to succeed him p. 144. Trajan being reproved for his too much familiarity with his Subjects he answered that be desired to be such an Emperor towards his Subjects as he would wish they would be to him if he were a Subject p. 144. The Nobles of Armenia presented Trajan with a very fair Horse that coming into his presence kneeled upon both knees and bowed his Head to the ground Imperial History p. 150. When Trajan lay at Antioch a terrible Earth-quake overthrew the City and all his Palaces so that he was fain to keep in the Field in Tents for many days Id. p. 15I Trajans Ashes were set up upon the top of a Pillar in the Maâ—ket-place at Rome which was of one whole Stone containing 140 Foot in height Id. p. 154. The Jews when bound to keep the Law upon every light occasion became Idolaters and now the Law is abolisht most obstinately persevere in it Idem p. 1611 A certain Roman Knight camc to entreat a favour at Trajans hand the Knight being Old had a gray Beard and was full of wâ—ite Hairs and failing of what he desired within a few days after he came again with a new petition to the same effect But in the mean time he had dyed his Beard and Hears and looked young again which being noted by the Emperor he to jeer him therewith answered I would be glad to do you the pleasure you require but there are but a few days past since I denyed it to your Father which desired the same Wherefore it seems to me a matter unjust to grant that to the Son which I would not to the Father and the Old Knight departed with shame Imp. Hist p. 158. It having not rained in Africa for five years together upon Adrians coming it rained plentifully which made him double welcome He rebuilt Carthage and afterwards Jerusalem and died of wilful abstinence using this saying Turba Medicorum interfecit Regem The multitude of Physicians kill'd the King p. 61. 1691. Commodus intending to put to Death several persons and having written their Names down his Concubine Marcia lighted upon the List and finding her own name she wiâ—h others contrived and procured his Death with poyson and stabbing p. 179. When the Pretorian Souldiers had rebelliously slain Pertinax they openly proclaimed the sale of the Empire to him who would give most and Didius Julianas bought it of them but after seven months was slain by the contrivance of that Senate p. 189. Audentius upon the death of Caracalla being profered the Empire utterly refused it and would not by any perswasions be brought to accept of it p. 208. Heliogabalut turned the day into night and the night into day He rose from his Bed about Sun setting and laid himself to sleep about day breaking and ordered that business which should be done by day should be done by night and what was to be done by night should be dispatcht by day p. 210. Alexander Severus would admit no Officers in his Court that were not honest and of good fame and would not suffer any to buy places of Judicature and to know how his Officers discharged their trust he had certain secret Honest men that vvere to watch and report their Carriages to him He apparelled himself decently but never costly He never gave Office for favour but desert and when his Mother told him that his overmuch familiarity tnade his raign of less Reputation He ansvvered true but thereby more firm and durable In his Wars he did eat no other meat than what the relt of his Army did and had often in his Mouth Do not that to another which thou wouldest not to be done to thy self Imp. Hist p. 223. Macedonius slaying Ticus who was set up Emperor against Maximinus brought his Head to Maximinus who put him to a cruel death for murthering his Soveraign and being a Traytor to his Friend Idem p. 230. Philip by the same means he got the Empire lost it the same Souldiers putting him to death which he made use of to put Gadienus to death Imperial Hist p. 245. In the time of Galienus there were thirty that usurped the name and Ensignes of the Empire and none of them dyed a natural death but were most of them slain by the Souldiers that set them up p. 255. In Galienus time the Sun shone not in many days Many Cities were overflowed with the Sea and in one day there died in Rome five thousand Persons But the Emperor swallowed up with sensual pleasures regarded it not and when the whole kingdom of Egypt was lost he answered And what then cannot we live without the Linnen Cloth of Egypt p. 257. Zenobia would never lye with her Husband after she was with Child Neither twice till by natural signes she knew whether she had conceived or no. p. 265. Aurelianus slew forty Men in one day and in all nine hundred with his own hands Besieging Tyanea he threatned after destruction not to leave a Dog alive but being terrified with the apparition of Apollonius he only put to death Heraclemon that betrayed the City to him judging him not likely to prove faithful to him who was a Traytor to his own Country and gave his Souldiers liberty to kill all the Dogs but not the Men. Pedro Men. Imp. History p. 275. Aurelianus being about to sign an edict against the christians a Thunder-bolt fell so near him that all men thought he had been slain notwithstanding which he persisted in his persecution and was murthered by his own Servants p. 278. Tacitus the Emperor chosen by the Senate on the entreaty of the Souldiers was so temperate as in his diet so in all things that he would not allow his Wife the Empress to wear any precious stones or jewels of any great price Id. p. 278. Carus the Emperor vvas slain by a â—hunder-bolt that fell on him in his Tent. Anno Dom. 287. Dioclesian by an edict commanded his Foot to be kist by those that came to salute
him p. 300. Probus the Emperor having brought the Empire into a quie and peaceable from a troublesome and turbulent posture was heard to say That he vvould speedily take such a course that there should be no more need of any Men of War This Speech was so distasted by the Souldiers that they conspired and procured his death p. 290. Dioclesian being but a common Souldier was told by a VVitch that he should be Emperor vvhen he had slain a Boar. He therefore aftervvards kil'd many but vvas not Emperor till he had slain Aper vvho had treacherously kil'd the Emperor Numinanus Idem p. 296. Dioclesian and his Colleague after they had raigned together tvventy â—ears in one day voluntarily resigned up the Empire and betook themselves to private Lives and vvhen aftervvards Dioclesian vvas importuted to resume the Imperial Diadem He utterly refused it protesting that then he began to Live when he began to Live private Imp. Hist p. 302. Galerius Armentanus was smitten with Lice and slew some of his Physicians for not curing him and being apprehensive that his punishment was for persecuting the Christians He recalled his Edicts against them and desired their prayers for him but died of that disease p. 306. Constantine being ready to fight with Maxentius and in doubt was encouraged by a Vision of a Cross in the Air with this Word spoken in Greek In this sign thou shalt overcome who accordingly having obtained Victory forbad any for hereafter to be put to death on the Cross p. 309. Maxentius intending to entrap Constantine caused a false Bridg to be made over Tyber but being worsted by Constantine fled and perished by the falling of that Bridg into the River p. 309. Licinius being unlearned himself affirmed that Learning was a publick pestilence p. 319. Constantines Wife Fausta being denyed in her unlawful suit by Crispus Constantine's Son by a former Wife accused him to his Father as intending to ravish her on which he put him to death but afterwards understanding his Sons Innocency he justly revenged his Sons death with hers p. 312. Constantine to beautify Bizantium now Constantinople disrobed all the rest of the VVorld of what was precious or stately p. 314. At the Council of Nice wherein were three hundred and eighteen Bishops when divers Bishops accused one the other He concealed their Complaints and perswaded them to Unity Imp. Hist p. 316. Arrius the Author of the Arrian Heresie died on the draught his Entrailes gushing out p. 318. Julian the Apostate intended to extirpate the Christian Religion not by cruelty but policy by gifts And preferments forbidding them Schools and Learning and all advancement except they would forsake their Religion And having promised his Gods to sacrifice Christian blood if he returned Victor over the Persians He was wounded by an Arrow shot from an unknown hand and kil'd and dyed crying out O Galilean thou hast overcome p. 332. In he reign of Valentinianus the first it rained perfect VVool in great abundance Id. p. 339. Jovinianus in Julians time gave up his Offices because he would not deny his faith and being on Julians death chosen Emperour he refused till the whole Army acknowledged themselves Christians He was stifled by the smoak of Charcoale Idem p. 335. Valens the Emperor being a Negromancer enquiring of the Devil who should succeed him was answered One whose name began with a Th. whereupon divers whose names began vvith that Letter vvere put to death by him p. 342. Maximus having usurped the Empire that he might intrap Gratianus caused a report to be spread that Gratianus VVife vvith a good Company of Souldiers vvas come to see her Husband and to go vvith him into Italy and sent a Messenger vvith counterfeit Letters to advertise him of it After this he sent one Andragathius a subtile Captain to the end he should put himself into a Horselitter vvith some chosen Souldiers and go to meet Gratian feigning himself to be the Empress and so to surprise and kill him The cunning Champion performed his business and at Lions in France the Emperor came forth to meet his VVife and coming to the Horse-litter was taken and so kill'd Imperial History p. 344. Theodosius because the Citizens of Thessalonica had in a popular humour slain their Magistrates which he had appointed over them caused his Souldiers to put to Death seven thousand of the common people without making a difference Faulty or Faultless For which act of cruelty St. Ambrose when the Emperor came to Millain and would have entered the Church forbad him and excommunicated him the good Emperor obeyed the excommunication and for eight Months till on his Repentance he was restored forbeared the publick Assemblies and by the Bishops injunction published an edict that none condemned by the Emperor should be put to Death within thirty days after the Sentence passed p. 355. Alaricus marching towards Rome with a purpose to destroy it there came a Monk to him who admonished him that being a Christian he should desist To whom Alaricus answered I let you to understand Man of God that I go not of my own will against Rome But I assure thee that there daily appears unto me a Man that doth urge me and importune me thereunto saying Get thee to Rome and destroy it even to the ground Id. p. 364. Theodosius the second being reproved for giving so many condemned Malefactors their pardon He answered I would to God I could raise again those that I have put to Death Id. p. 385. Pulcheria the daughter of Theodosius the second marrying with Martianus an ancient Captain took security of him that they should both live chast for she was resolved to keep her Virginity inviolable which Martianus accepted of and they both observed Imp. Hist p. 388. Attila King of Hunnes called himself the terror of the World and scourge of God Id. p. 388. Ecius a most valiant Roman that vanquisht Attila King of Hunnes in a Battel in which fought on both sides a Million of Men was by Valentinian suspecting him unjustly slain Valentinian asking Proximus a discreet and noble Courtier whether he had not followed the best counsel in so doing was answered Whether Ecius was slain with reason or without reason I dare not determine but this I can affirm that by killing him thou hast with thy own Left hand cut off thy Right In which he was a true Prophet Id. p. 393. Attila having razed Aquileia and intending for Rome Valentinian the Emperor sent Leo the Pope with many Senators to entreat him to spare the City which he doing and being demanded by his favourites why he did it He answered That he durst not deny the Popes demand For whilst he stood talking with him he thought that he saw two Old Men with unsheathed Swords threatning to kill him if he denied it and therefore he durst do no other In the reign of Anastasius the first who being an Eutichean was slain with a Thunder-bolt One Proclus made a
having any carnal knowledge the one of the other Idem p 199. Amigunda wife to Henry the second Emror being accused of Adultery cleared her Innocency by undergoing the tryal of Ordalio viz. by going blindfold and barefooted over certain plates of fire-hot Iron p. 600. Zoe the Wife of Romanus Argyrophilus Emperor of Greece procured her Husbands death by the hands of Michael Paphlagonus with whom she lived in Adultery and afterwards marryed him and he became Emperor Idem p. 601. Pope Gregory the fifth in the Order concerning the Election of the Emperour decreed That besides the Golden Crown he should receive from the Pope he was to be Crowned with two others one of Straw in the City of Minzo in Lombardy the other of Lead in the City Millain Imp. Hist p. 603. Henry the fourth Emperor fought in ranged Battels with Ensigns displayed sixty two several times and for the most part had the Victory He was excommunicated by the Pope and to abtain his absolution came three days together barefooted to the Gates of the City Canusium where the Pope was and with much difficulty obtained it but was afterwards excommunicated and so dyed and was removed when he had been buried from a Monastery to a prophane place p. 608. When Rodulphus that was chosen Emperor in opposition to Henry the fourth being dead was buried by his Servants with the Ensigns and Ornaments of an Emperor Some asked the Emperor Hen. 4. why he suffered him to be buried with such Honour since he was a Tyrant and his Enemy He answered I would to God that all mine Enemies were buried like him with those Ensigns and Ornaments p. 620. Hildebrand otherwise called Pope Gregory the seventh was a Negromancer and Inchanter and had poysoned seven of his predecessors to make way for his own advancement to the Popedome p. 622. Conrade the Emperor having distressed Winspurg by siege granted them only this favour that the Women which were in the Town might freely depart and have to their own use whatsoever they could bear upon their backs Whereupon they used a commendable deceit which was that as they went forth of the Town each of them took her Husband and those that had none took their Children and Brothers and so coming into the Fields set them at Liberty Which the Emperor commended and was well pleased with Imp. Hist p. 643. Fulco King of Jerusalem was kill'd with his Horse falling while he was hunting p. 648. The Emperor Conrade passing to Jerusalem his Army was distressed by hunger and many perished falling sick and dying of the Lime or Chalk which the Greeks put into their Meal p. 650. In the year of our Lord one thousand one hundred thirty and nine died in France Johannes de Temporibus who had lived three hundred sixty and one years and had been an Halbardeer to the Emperor Charles the Great p. 652. Millain a great City in Lombardy was utterly razed and wasted and sowed with Salt by Frederick Barbarossa Idem 663. Andronicus who had treacherously slain his Master and Pupil Alexius Emperor of Constantinople being apprehended by the people of Constantinople that rose against him had one of his hands cut off and one of his Eyes put out and was shamefully carried through the Streets and so put to Death p. 672. Frederick Barbarossa going in Summer by Swimming to refresh himself in a River was carried down by the stream and drowned the tenth day of June 1198. p. 673. Henry Palsgrave who was chosen in Opposition to Frederick the second Emperor besieging Vlmes an Arrow shot at Random out of the City hit him which was supposed to be invenomed of which he died within a few dayes p. 718. Othocarus King of Bohemia being necessitated to do his homage to Rodulphus Emperor who when Earl of Habsperge had received his pay desired that it might be done in some secret place and thinking that the Emperor would have performed what he requested forasmuch as the Emperor staid for him in a close Tent he came and kneeling down before the Emperor to do him homage the Tent was so artificially made that it fell open in such manner that he was seen by the whole Army wherewith he was much grieved and being provoked by his VVife he rebelled against him and was slain Anno 1277. Imp. Hist p. 736. The Duke of Saxony in a throng at the Coronation of Albert the first Emperor was smothered to Death Id. 746. Henry the seventh Emperor was poysoned by a Frier in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper and died the same day p. 756. Hunipert Daulphin of Vienne sold the Country of Daulphin and the City of Vienne to the French King and became a Frier having first given to the Poor all the money he sold it for which he laid up in Heaven Id. p. 774. Gunther Earl of Zwarzenburgh being chosen Emperor in opposition to Charles the Fourth was poysoned by his Physician who being to give him a purging Potion and taking but the Assay of it died together with him the same Morrow after p. 775. The Papal Court which had sojurned in France seventy years and somewhat more and the most part in the City of Aviginon returned to Rome in the year one thousand three hundred seventy six p. 778. Artillery Powder and Gunns were first used in the VVars of the Venetians one thousand three hundred eighty two Anno Domini 1556. Charles the Fifth the Warlike and glorious Emperor of Germany gave up the Empire to his Brother Ferdinand and his other Kingdomes to his Son Philip and lived two years retiredly before his Death in the company of Religious men providing for Eternity The German Souldiers under Nadustus Governour of the Fortress in Buda agreed their lives and goods saved to give up the Castle to Solyman the great Turk and that the Captain might not hinder them bound him and delivered the Fort which the Turk entring and understanding their Carriage set Nadustus at Liberty and contrary to his word which he thought not fit to keep with such unworthy Souldiers caused them to be slain Imp. Hist p. 861. The Emperor Sigismund warring against the Hussicks and their valiant Captain Ciska received two grievous overthrows and twice his army stricken with a panick fear fled and dispersed without striking one stroke or sight of Enemy Imp. Hist p. 806. The Romans had a Law that no man should engrave his own name in any publick work and Phidias in Athens was put to death for carving his own and Pericles Image in the Shield of Pallas Mariana Hist d' Espanna Pref. The first founders of Rome kept the name thereof secret and Valerius Soranus for disclosing of it was put to death Idem p. 18. In Hercules promontory near Cades by the Sea-side there are two Wells the one of fresh the other of salt water The fresh ebbs and flows with the Sea the Salt clean contrary Idem p. 29. In Spain a Temple was built to Hercules in which the
sacrifices were performed not with prayers or pleasant words but with Curses and Execrations and railing speeches at him The occasion of which was this Hercules coming to Lyndus and finding a man plowing with a Yoke of Oxen one of which he desiring to buy the Countrey-man refused to sell and Hercules took by violence The Countrey-man not knovving how othervvise to revenge himself fell a cursing and rayling at him vvhich Hercules heard vvith a great deal of laughter and mirth Which the Lyndians perceiving after Hercules death they made him a God this Countrey-man his Priest and appointed such Ceremonies at the sacrificing of Oxen supposing to please Hercules by it Mariana p. 27. The Carthaginians banished Hanno a most vvorthy person vvho had done them great services not for any fault but that he vvas of greater Wisdom and Industry than the state of â— Free City might vvell bear and because he vvas the first Man that tamed a Lion and therefore they judged it not meet to commit the Liberty of the City to him vvho had tamed the fierceness of savage Beasts Id. p. 46. Some Carthaginians in their Navigation having discovered a fruitful Country some stayed the rest returned and acquainted the Senate vvho to prevent the removal of the Citizens thither put to death all the discoverers Id. p. 49. Hannibal coming to the banks of the River Ebrus in his march tovvards Italy there appeared to him in his sleep a Man of goodly presence vvho told him that he vvas sent from God to guide him into Italy and therefore bid him follovv him vvithout looking back He saw likewise a Serpent throwing down with a Torrent of Water all that was before him Hannibal asking the young man what all these things signified was answered That he ought not to search the secrets of the Fates but to follovv that way that God had opened to him p. 66. At the Battel of Cannas there were so many of the Roman Gentry kil'd that the Rings taken of their Fingers fil'd three bushels and a half Mariana Hist de Espan p. 71. Servilius Galba and Aurelius Cotta being Consuls contended who should go for Spain and when the Senate could not resolve Scipio being asked made answer That neither pleased him For one had nothing and the other nothing would satisfy him esteeming both Poverty and Avarice inconvenient in a Governour Id p. 103. Metellus being asked by a Centurion what he intended answered That if his shirt knew his secrets he would presently burn it Id. p. 103. Sertorius trained up a Doe to come to his hand as Mahomet did a Pigeon to his Ear and and perswaded his followers that he received divine directions by her Id. p. 119. In a Battel between Sertorius and Pompey there was a Brother of one side that kil'd his Brother thaâ— came of the other side Which when he perceived he took care for his Brothers funeral exequies and as a revenge upon himself fell upon the same Sword he kil'd his Brother with and so died Id. p. 120. Sertorius to shew the excellency and strength of Vnity commanded a Souldier to pull off the Haires of a Horses tail by one and one which he easily did but all together could not His saying was That an Army of Harts with a Lion to their Captain was better than of Lions with a Hart to their Captain Idem p. 121. Perpenna vanquisht and brought to Pompey he commanded him presently to death to prevent discovering his Confederates and burnt all the Letters from Rome to Sertorius that no enquiry might be made concerning them p. 122. Caesar at the Battel of Munda said he then fought for his Life at other times for honour and glory p. 130. Cicero cleared Popilio a Tribune of Souldiers being accused of Parricide which â—opilio afterwards in the Triumvirate kil'd Cicero that had before delivered him p. 132. The account of the Aera of Caesar began at the first year of Augustus government of Spain thirty eight years before Christ's birth Id. p. 133. A Countryman having kil'd Lucius Piso governour of Spain being tortured to confess his Confederates endured the first days Torments but fearing himself for the second as he was going to the Rack slipt out of the hand of his Leader and dasht his head with that violence against a Wall that he died immediately Mariana Hist de Esp p. 147. The Emperor Trajan having conquered the Parthians though dying in his return was ordered a Triumph for his Ashes after his Death an honour never vouchsafed to any either before or after him p. 153. Severus dying at York used these words I leave the Empire peaceable to my Sons which I found troublesome and it will be firm to them if they be good but if evil not durable This was likewise his saying I have been all things but it profiteth nothing p. 157. Caracalla to be like Alexander whose vertues he regarded not would and did carry his Head aside inclining towards his left shoulder p. 158. Alexander the Roman Emperor successor to to Heliogabalus would not commit the Government of any place to any one before he had publisht his Name to see if any could justly find fault neither would he sell any Offices for he said He that bought must needs sell And having necessity to raise money he laid his impositions on curious and vain Arts and Trades whereby he relieved his own Wants and supprest their Vices he caused â—urinus to be choaked with smoak who had sold the promises of his favour Mariana p. 159. In a place called Osset near Sevil in the Raign of Theodoselus about the year five hundred and fifty the Font though shut and sealed and guarded yet the Thursday before Easter did fill of it self with Water no one knowing whence it came and about the year five hundred seventy two in Spain Easter was observed the twenty first of March and in France the eighteenth of April on which latter day the Font was so filled and thereby prognosticated the right of the Observation and a future Victory to the French against the Spaniard Mariana Hist p. 218. 225. Luvigildus having heard of some Miracles done by the Catholicks in the defence of their Religion being an Arrian himself asked an Arrian Bishop why the Arrians did none the Bishop answered that he himself had healed both deaf and blind but what to avoid Ostentation he had done in secret he would hereafter do publickly and thereupon agreed with a Counterfeit Knave to pretend himself blind and to lay himself in the way as the King and he should come by and then to seek his help which he did The Bishop put his hands upon him but instead of a pretended recovery he left him really blind The pain and trouble of which made him discover the Knavery to the great prejudice of the Arrian Interest Idem p. 235. St. Ildephonsus Archbishop of Toledo having written against Helvidius and another that denyed the Virgin Mary's perpetual Virginity was
On Christmas day one thousand one hundred and seventy nine at Oxen-hall in the territory of Darlington in the Bishoprick of Durham the ground heaved up aloft like unto a high Tower and so continued all that day unmoveable until the Evening and then fell with so horrible a noise that made all the Neighbour dwellers sore afraid and the Earth swallowed it up and made in the same a deep Pit now called Hell-Kettles which is there to be seen at this day There are two Catadupes or Waterfalls in the River Can never Kendale in Westmorland by which the Neighbour Inhabitants prognosticate what Weather when that which standeth North sounds clearest they expect fair Weather when that on the South they expect Mists Rain and foul p. 81. The Scots at Sollom Moss in the time of King James the Fifth for despight that Oliver Sinclere the Kings Favourite was made General gave over the Battel and yielded themselves to the English for grief whereof the King shortly after died Speeds Maps p. 87. The Women of the Isle of Man never go out of Doors but gird themselves with their Winding-sheâ—tâ— to shew that they are mindful of their Mortality Id. p. 91. Garnsey hath no venemous Creature in it and therefore when a Controversy arose to which it should belong Ireland or Scotland it was adjudged to Ireland Id. p. 94. Edmund Earl of Richmond Father to King Henry the Seventh lâ—ing interred in St. Davids quire saved the Church from defacement in the dayes of Henry the eighth Id p. 101. In a Rock or Cliff upon the Sea-side of the Island Barry near the South East Point of Glamorganshire is heard out of a little Chink the noise as it were of Smiths at work one while the blowing of Bellowes then the strokes of Hammers and sound of Anvils the noise of Grind Stones hissing of Steel-gads and the Flames of a Furnace Id. p. 105. Henry Beauclerke King of England kept his Elder Brother Robert Curthose Duke of Normandy Prisoner in Cardiff Castle the space of twenty six years Id. p. 105. Near Newton in Glamorganshire about a hundred Paces from Severn there springeth a Well where at the flowing and fulness of the Sea câ—n hardly any Water be gotten but at the Ebb and fall of the Tide it walloweth up amain Id p. 105. The Monastery of Lantony in Monmouthshire stood so solitary and amongst Hil s that the Sun was not seen to shine there but only between the Hours of one and three Speeds Map p. 107. Near Brecknock is a hill called Cadur â—rthur from the North east rock whereof whatever if not stone or of a Metalline nature that is cast down will by the wind and air be thrown back again and blown up p. 109. The River Levinney in Brecknock shire passeth through the Lake Loesavathan and mixeth not his water with it in which Meer sometimes stood a great City Id. p. 109. At Rashader Gowy in Radnorshire the Wye falleth with a great noise and there is a Market kept on the sabbath day Id. p. 111. The Salmon coming up the River to get up at down-right falls useth this policy he bendeth himself backward and taketh his tail in his mouth and with all his strength unloosing his circle on a sudden as a lath let go mounts up before the fall of the stream Speeds Maps p. 113. Some hills in Meriâ—â—â—ethshire are so high and their tops so near that sheepheards on the tops falling at odds in the morning and challenging the field for fight before they can come together to try out â—heir quarrel the day will be spent and the heat of their fury shut up with their sleep Id. p. 117. In the year one thousand five hundred seventy and five the bell in Denbigh town hall was caused to toll twice by the shaking of the earth and no harm or hindrance at all either done or taken Id. 119. Winefrids Well in Flintshire is reported to rise from the place on which St. Winefrids head fell being cut off by one that would have ravisht her Id. p. 121. In Lomund a famous Lough or lake in Scotland the waters rage most in the fairest and calmest weather Sp. Maps p. 132. In some parts of Scotland the Virginities of all new Wives were the Landlords prey till King Malcolme enacted that half a Mark should be paid for redemption Ibid. Solinus reports that the Irish were of old so given to VVar that the Mother at the birth of a man-child feedeth the first meat into the Infants mouth upon the point of her Husbands Sword and since their being Christians at baptizing their Infants they dipt not their right Armes under Water that so as they thought they might give a more deep and incurable Wound Id. p. 138. The Old Irish at every change of the Moon worshipped her bowed their Knees and made their Supplications and with a loud voice thus spake unto the Planet We pray thee leave us in as good Estate at thou findest us Id. p. 135. In Ireland in the year 1331. in a great famine on the 27th day of June there came to Land such a mighty multitude of great Sea-Fishes called Thurheads such as in many Ages had not been seen by which they were greatly relieved Id. p. 139. William Marshal Earl of Pembroke being tost at Sea vowed to erect an Abby where he â—anded which he did and called it De Voto p. 41. In the year 1316. there was so great a Famine in Ireland that they took up the dead Bodies out of their Graves and in their Sculls boyled their Flesh and fed upon it and the Women did eat their own Children p. 143. The Irish in Vlster were accustomed in Controversies and solemn protestations to swear by St. Patricks Staffe which Oath they feared more to break than if they had sworn by the Holy Evangelists p. 146. Socrates the Night before he was to die would learn Musick because he would die learning something Certain Trojans having saved themselves by Flight and having put into the Thufcan Sea anchored near to the River Tyber whose Wives being extreamly Sea-sick by the Counsel of the Lâ—dy Roma set Fire on their â—hips which necessitated their staâ— and occasioned thereupon the building of Rome peeds preface to his History The Isle of Great Britain from the â—izards point in Cornwall to Stratly-head in Scotland is six hundred twenty and four Miles The breadth from the Lands end in â—ornwall to the Island Tenet in Kent is three hundred and forty Miles In all which Island the Corn s wn soon shoots up and slowly ripens caused by the overmuch moisture of the soil and air by the endeavours of whose English Natives eight Nations have been converted to the Christian Faith Speeds History p. 156. Some observe hat Women being drowned naturally swim with their Face and fore parts downward whereas men do the contrary as if the impression of modesty were not to leave a Woman after death Margaret Wife to
Therefore the Pope is as much greater than the Emperor as the Sun is bigger than the Moon Christ said to Peter Kill and eat Therefore the Pope may excommunicate depose and kill Kings Peter said Behold two Swords Therefore the Pope hath both Spiritual and Temporal Jurisdiction God said to Jeremy he should Plant and Transplant Therefore the Pope may dispose and transpose Kingdomes at his pleasure Domini sunt Cardines Terrarum Therefore the Cardinals are the Lords of the Earth Id. p. 223. Commodus having enrolled many for death his Concubine Martia lighted upon the List and discovered to others she being herself one prescribed who to save their own Lives with Poyson stabs and strangling made him away Id. p. 225. The Praetorian Souldiers sold the Empire to Didius Julianus and in five dayes killed him Much wiser was Audentius who was so far from giving any thing for it that being chosen Emperor by the Souldiers he utterly refused it When an Historian profered Albinus to record the Story of his Life he willed him to write of those who were already dead whom he need not flatter Id. p. 228. Bassianus who slew his Brother Geta in his Mothers Armes so longed for the death of his Father Severus whose dying Speech was I was all things and am nothing that he slew his Physitians because they dispatched him no sooner as he did the great Lawyer Papinian for refusig to excuse the murther of his Brethren in his Pleas at the Bar. p. 232. IMMANUEL Historical Collections Century VII JVlia Mother in Law to Caracalla the Emperor letting fall her Vaile discovered her naked breasts and beauty which was great Whereat the Emperor casting his lascivious Eye said bewraying his affection Were it not unlawful I should not be unwilling To whom she replied that all things were lawful to him that made laws for others but was subject to none himself Speeds Hist p. 231. Caracalla sending to Maternus to assemble the Astrologers and to enquire how long he should live and when die Maternus returned him word that Macrinus the Prefect of his Praetorium went about to murther him which letters coming to Caracalla at what time he was busy at his disports he delivered them to Macrinus to read who finding himself accused stirred up one Martial a Centurion whose brother Caracalla had killed to murther him which he did accordingly Id. p. 232. Heliogabalus was the Monster of prodigality and luxury every Supper costing a thousand pound never wearing the same garment or Jewel or using Concubine twice Inviting some chief Citizens to a feast he strowed all the Room with Saffron saying Such cattle were worthy such litter Near the Sea no fish was eaten in the Inland country no flesh whole meals made of the tongues of singing Birds and brains of costly creatures His saying was that meat was not savoury whose sauce was not costly He provided fearing the worst silken Halters and golden Knives to make away with himself And at last with his Mother was slain ignominiously by his own Guard saying The Bitch and her Whelp must go together Speed p. 234. Alexander Severus though a heathen yet approved the Christians and their precepts and writ about his Pallace and caused to be proclaimed that Golden rule of Christ Not to do to others what we would not have done to our selves and so respected Christ that he would have had him consecrated amongst the heathen Gods and when certain Vintners and Victuallers laid claim to a place whereunto the Christians resorted to pray he thus decided it that it was much fitter that God should there be worshipped than belly-gods pampered p. 235. Alexander Severus preferred none to offices on the suites of others but for their own worthiness in regard whereof he caused Turinus one of his Courtiers who took money of divers with promise to procure the Emperors favour in their suits to be put to death by smoak the Crier proclaiming that he had sold smoak and therefore with smoak he should die Sp. p. 235. Maximinus a giant-like man from a shepherd attained the Imperial dignity devoured fourty pound weight of flesh and drank six gallons of wine daily became a hateful Tyrant when he besieged Aquileia the Citizens Wives cut off the hair of their head to make bow-strings to resist him and was at that siege kill'd in his Tent by his own Soldiers p. 287. Julius Philippus Caesar was a man of that observable composedness as that he had never been seen to laugh in all his life Speeds History p. 241. Valerianus Emperor being taken by Saporis King of Persia was kept seven years in Prison and made the foot-stool on whose back and neck the King treading got up to his Horse p. 244. Aurelius Marius a black-smith made Emperor by the Soldiers was after three dayes kill'd by them with a Sword of his own making p. 246. Aurelianus the Emperor is reported to have slain with his own hand nine hundred men in several fights Tomyris having vanquisht Cyrus and all his Host and filling a Vessel with their blood did cast into it the head of Cyrus saying Blood thou hast thirsted now drink thereof thy fill Id. p. 249. Aurelianus the Emperor being about to sign an edict against the Christians a Thunderbolt from Heaven struck into his presence and so near his person that all accounted him to be therewith slain but he not taking warning was shortly slain by his own servants Speeds History p. 249. Claudius Tacitus Emperor a great favorer of learned men commanded the works of Tacitus the Historian to be carefully preserved in every Library throughout the Empire and ten times every year to be transcribed at publick Cost all which notwithstanding many of his works are since miscarried Whereas God hath safely by his own care preserved entire the Holy Scriptures p. 250. Bonosus of whom Aurelianus said that he was Non ut Viveret sed ut biberet aspired to the Empire but fearing Probus hanged himself whereupon 't was said that a barrel was hanged not a man Probus saying that he would shortly bring it to pass that the State should need no more Souldiers was thereupon by some of his own Army conspired against and treacherously murdered p. 252. Constantius Chlorus having landed his men in Brittain fired his Ships lest they should think of a retreat so did William the Conqueror Speed p. 25. Dioclesian the raiser of the tenth persecution by an edict commanded his Foot to be kissed a practice since imitated by his Successors in cruelty and pride the Popes of Rome 156. Constantius Chlorus Emperor Father of Constantine the Great was wont to say that it was more behooful to the weale publick that the wealth of the Land should be dispersed into the Commons hand than to lie locked in the Princers Coffers And so every way free from all Superfluities that on Festival dayes and entertainment of Strangers he was wont to borrow Plate of his Friends to furnish his Table and Cupboards
made such Lamentation for it that his Mother beat him with a Taper of VVax that stood before her and that so sorely that he could never after well endure the sight of a Taper Edmund Ironside and Canute the Danes after many former battels by the Counsel of a Captain put the trial of their quarrel to their own single combat in a little Island called Alney near Glocester where after some trial of their valour they came to an agreement and divided the Kingdom between them p. 401. Duke Edrick after many false and treacherous deeds having contrived Edmund Ironsides death which was effected by thrusting into his body as he retired to a place for natures necessity a sharp Spear and having cut off his Soveraigns head he carried it to Canute with this fawning Salutation All hale thou now sole Monarch of England for here behold the head of thy Copartner which for thy sake I have adventured to cut off Canute though ambitious enough yet grieved at so disloyal a Fact replied and vowed That in reward of that service the bringers own Head should be advanced above all the Peeres of his Kingdom which high Honor while this Wretch expected soon after by the Kings command his Head bad fareâ—el to his Shoulders and was placed on the Highest Gate to overlook London Speeds Hist p. 401. Osbright a Vice-roy of Northumberland forced the Lady of Beorne Bocador a Nobleman related to the King of Denmark who flying to him to revenge his Cause he sent Hungar and Hubba whose Father Lothbroke following his Hawk in a little skiffe was carried into England taken as a Spy carried to King Edmund who preferred him and delighted in him for his skill in Hawking Which the Kings Faulconer Birrick envying at murthered him in a Wood which murder being by Lothbrokes Spaniel discovered Birrick was put in Lothbrokes Boat without Oar or Tackle and driven into Denmark accused King Edmund as the cause of his Murder which enraged Hungar and Hubba to invade England Id. p 398. Canutus established a Law that Women marrying within a year after their Husbands death should lose their Joyntures Id. p. 401. King Canutus gave great Jewels to Winchester Church whereof one is reported to be a Cross worth as much as the whole revenue of England amounted to in a year and unto Coventry he gave the Arm of St. Augustine which he bought at Papia for an hundred Talents of Silver and one of Gold Speeds Hist p. 402. Gormo Father of one Canute slain before Dublin so exceedingly loved him that he swore to kill him that brought him Newes of his Sons death which when Thira his Mother heard of she used this Policy to make it known to him She prepared mourning apparel and laid aside all princely State which the Old man perceiving he concluded his Son dead and with excessive grief ended his own Life p. 403. Hardicanute King of England was a great Epicure caused his Table to be spred with abundance of dainties four times every day which caused in the Common-wealth a riotous looseness Subjects being apt to praise their Soveraigns Vertues but to imitate their Vices Id. p. 406. King Edward the Confessor having married a virtuous and beautiful Lady Egitha Daughter of Earl Godwyn abstained her Bed saying on his own Death-bed That openly she was his Wife but as to secret embracing as his own Sister Which undue neglect of Marriage-right the Simplicity and Superstition of those times Canonized him for p. 411. One Dane made good Stamford-Bridg against all King Harolds Army and with his Axe slew forty of his Men till at last the Danish Souldier was slain with a Dart. Id. p. 415. Tosto and Harold the Sons of Earl Godwyn falling out Tosto secretly hyed himself into the Marches of VVales and near the City Hereford at Portaslith where Harold had a House then in preparing to entertain the King he slew all his Brothers Servants and cutting them peice-meal into Gobbets some of their Limbs he Salted and cast the rest into the Vessels of Meath and Wine sending his Brother word that he had furnished him vvith powdred Meats against the Kings coming thither Speeds Hist p. 413. Pope Alexander the 20. to encourage William the Conqueror to invade England sent him a consecrated Banner an Agnus Dei and one of the Haires of St. Peter and cursed all those that should oppose against him by which he was so encouraged that Landing his men in England to cut off all hope and occasion of return he fired all the Fleet. p. 415. VVilliam the Conqueror at his arrivage from Sea in England his feet chanced to slip so that he fell into the mud and bemired his hands which accident was presently construed as a lucky presage one of his Captains presently saying as Caesar did on the like occasion landing in Africk that now he had taken possession of the Land of which he should shortlâ— become King As accordingly it came to pass after he had slain Harold at Battle Abbey for mangling whose dead body he cashiered a common Souldier out of his wars and wages for ever unto which Abbey erected in memory of his conquest he granted large privileges and amongst others this that Malefactors flying thither should be secured harmless and if the Abbot chanced to come by any place where any Malefactor was to be Executed he might deliver him Speeds Hist 416. 18 33. Lewes King of France having procured the death of William Longspee Duke of Normandy was intercepted by the Normans and detained Prisoner till he had agreed to these Articles viz. That young Richard should succeed his Father in that Dukedom and that thenceforth when the King and Duke should confer together the Duke should be girt with a Sword and the King disabled either of Sword or Knife To which King Lewes bound himself by Oath Speeds Hist p. 423. Robert Duke of Normandy Father to William the Conqueror going to Hierusalem on pilgrimage and falling sick by the way was born in a litter on the Saracens shoulders when he desired a Christian Pilgrim whom he met to report what he saw which was That he was born to heaven on the Divels back p. 423. VVilliam the Conqueror at first held a hard hand on the Englishmen He instituted the ringing of the curfue Bell at eight of the Clock at night when he commanded all the English to put out the fire as a means to keep them in greater subjection Yea the Natives themselves became as strangers shaving their beards and rounding their hair and in garments behaviour and diet fashioned themselves to imitate the Normans It being a shame in those days even amongst Englishmen to be an English man Id. p. 427. William the Conqueror demanding how it came to pass that he should conquer England in one day when the Danes were so many years about it Fretherick Abbot of St. Albans answered That long peace had converted the riches of the land which should have maintained Soldiers
of Scots had Married was by the stumbling of his Horse in a ford cast out of his Saddle and pitcht into the depth of a River while his foot hung fast in the stirrup his Sword at the same time falling out of his sheath and running of him through did most strangely end his life by a triple death 537. The Pope desiring to come into England was denyed by Henry the third it being said That the Pope was like a Mouse in a Sachel or a Snake in ones bosome who did but ill repay their Hostes for their entertainment Id. p. 538. Five Brethren of the Marshals successively Earls of Pembroke died issueless which Matthew Paris attributeth to the Judgment of God upon them for their Fathers iniquity who detained from the Bishop of Firning certain Manours violently taken from him 539. The Popes extortions in England in the days of Hen. the third were exceeding great and heavy Insomuch that a Cardinal truly told the Pope that England was to the Pope as Balaams Ass which being so often wrung spur-galled and cudgelled it was no marvail that now at length she opened her mouth to complain And for themselves and the Roman Court they were like Ishmael every mans hand against them and theirs against every man Id. p. 539. Walter Clifford a Baron of the Marches of VVales made the Kings Officer to eat the Kings VVrit VVax and all Speeds Hist p. 540. The Pope having lain sometimes at Lions Cardinal Hugo at his going away made a Sermon of Farewel to the Citizens wherein amongst other benefits which the Pope's abode in that City had brought them he told them this was a principal That whereas at their coming thither there vvere three or four VVhore-houses in Lions now at their departing they left but one but indeed that reached from the East Gates of the City to the West p. 540. At the Marriage of Alexander the King of Scots to the Lady Margaret Daughter to King Henry the third there was given by the Archbishop of York and spent all at one meal six hundred Oxen. p. 541. When Grosted Bishop of Lincoln had written a sharp Letter to the Pope concerning the abuses of his Court The Pope in a rage swore by St. Peter and St. Paul that he could find in his heart to make that doting Prelate a mirrour of Confusion to all the World but some wiser Cardinals advised him to hush the matter for fear of stirring Coales especially since it was known that there would be a departure from the Church Id p. 543. Richard Earl of Cornwall being chosen Emperor at his accepting of it had this Expression Let me before I depart hence die and be burnt with the fire of Hell if I do accept the Empire for ambition or avarice but only to restore the Empire to a better estate which God grant and to govern them who have willingly chosen me for their Lord in a most just and honorable manner Id. p. 541. Richard Earl of Cornwall when elected King of the Romans is reported to possess so much ready coyn as would every day for ten years afford him an hundred Marks on the main stock Id. p. 545. Cedunt Togae Armis Henry the third intending to suppress his rebellious Barons made choice of Oxford as his place of Residence and banished thence all the Students to the number of fifteen thousand Speeds Hist 549. Simon Earl of Monfort a powerful Rebell took Prisoners King Henry the third Richard King of the Romans and both their Eldest Sons yielded to him by composition p. 549. A cup of Gold of ten pound weight cost hundred pound in King Henry the thirds days Edward the first while Prince warring in the holy land being wounded by a Saracen with an envenomed Knife the Lady Elianor his wife gave a rare example of conjugal affection and her immortal memory doth justly impart glory to the whole Sex For when no Medicines could extract the poyson she did it with her tongue licking daily while her husband slept his rankling wounds whereby they perfectly closed and yet herself received no harm p. 552. When Charles King of Sicily fell off from prosecuting of the holy war Prince Edward hearing of it solemnly sware that though all should forsake him yet he and his Lacquey would enter Ptolemais which he did though better attended p. 553. Edward the first being in his return from the holy land in the court of Charles King of Sicily and hearing first of the death of his Son and heir and after of his Father He much more sorrowed for his Fathers death than his Sons whereat King Charles greatly marvailing had of him this answer The loss of Sons is but light because they are multiplied every day but the death of Parents is irremediable because they are no more to be had Id. p. 554. At the coronation of King Edward the first for the more celebration of the great Feast and honor of so Martial a King there were five hundred great Horses let loose every one to take them for his own who could Speeds Hist p. 554. Upon a Marble Chair in Scone where the Kings of Scotland were used to be Crowned which Chair by King Edward the first was transported to Westminster was written this Distick Ni fallat fatum Scoti quocunque locatum Invâ—niant lapidem regnum teneatur ibidem Id. p. 558. In the year one thousand three hundred and one Cassan King of Tartars gloriously slew an hundred thousand Turks in a battel upon the Plain of Damascus and was baptized thereupon as acknowledging the Victorie to come from the Son of God p. 560. Robert Bruce intending to seize on the Crown of Scotland and being accused to King Edward the first denied it and had time and warning to escape For an Earl sent unto him Twelve Striveling pence and a sharp pair of Spurs presently upon his departure from the Kings presence which he wittily interpreted to be a symbol of flight according whereunto he escaped from London shooing his Horses backward that he might not be followed by the Prints in the Snow Id. p. 560. Robert Bruce after his seizing the Crown of Scotland was driven to that extremity by the English that he was sometimes naked and hungry without meat or drink save only water and roots of Herbs and his life perpetually in danger and yet trusting in God he never forsook himself but recovered his Kingdom p. 5â—2 Edward the first dying in his march yet commanded his Son to carry his bones through all Scotland as a terror to them and to send his Heart to the holy land with one hundred and forty Knights and their retainers because being hindred by his home Wars he could not fulfil his vow in going personally thither providing thirty two thousand pound of Silver which upon pain of eternal damnation he appointed should not be expended on any other use Speeds Hist p. 563. The Countess of Buquahan Sister to the Earl of Fife whose Office
Grey at Pomfret had his own head stricken off by the command of Richard Protector at London the same day He was warned that morning by the Lord Stanley to fly his Horse twice or thrice stumbled going to the Tower though he told one Hastings a Pursuivant whom he met not above two hours before his death that he was never more merry nor in greater surety p. 705. Lambert Symnel who was set up as Richard Duke of York the second Son of Edw. the fourth to claim the English Crown after a terrible Battel fought in his quarrel was taken and by King Henry the seventh put first into his Kitchin to turn the Spits and was after advanced to be Falconer in which Office he lived and died Richard the third being as Galba reckoned a good Prince but a bad Man was unnaturally born his Mother being cut with his Feet forward and Teeth in his Head He was contented that Doctor Shaw in a Sermon at Pauls cross should proclaim his own Mother an Adulteress and his two elder Brothers Bastards that he might thereby strengthen his Title to the Crown by which dealing together with the wicked Murder of his two Innocent Nephews he became so hated that after his death the White Boar his Cognizance was torn down from every sign that his Memorial might perish as did the Moneys of Caligula which were all melted by the decree of the Senate Sp. Hist p. 706-725-737 That tempest that drove Philip King of Spain into England threw down the Golden Eagle from Pauls steeple which in its fall battered and broke down the Black Eagle in Pauls Church-yard which accident was held ominâ—us to the Imperial Family This King Philip the Emperors son shortly after dying As that lighting which struck the letter C out of Caesars name in his statue whence it was gathered that Caesar should live but a hundred dayes and then be called a God Aesar in the old Hetrurian Language so signifying which accordingly happened Sp. p. 76. A Cornish Smith being executed for a treasonable insurrection in the time of Henry the seventh comforted himself with this at his Execution that he hoped thereby his name and memory should be everlasting p. 754. The Earl of Kildare being at Hay with the Lieutenant of the Tower at Shuffleboard when a Mandate was brought for his Execution seeing the Lieutenant strucken into a suâ—dain sadness said By St. Bride Lieutenant there 's some mad game in that scrole but fall how it will this throw is for a huddle But the Lieutenant applying himself to the King Henry the eigth had a Countermand and the Earls life was saved p. 775. When the Pope held out his Toe to be kâ—st by the Earl of Wiltshire sent Embassador from Henry the eighth a Spaniel of the Earles caught his toe in his teeth the Embassador scorning to kiss after his Dog lost that especial favour profered to him Speeds Hist p. 782. The total number of the Ecclesiastical Benefices in England is eight thousand three hundred and twenty seven In VVales nine hundred and five In all nine thousand two hundred thirty and two In the year of our Lord 1524. upon certain predictions foreshewing a great deluge Prior Bolton of St. Bartholomews in London was so fearful that he built him an house upon the height of Harrow hill storing it with provisions necessary to keep himself from drowning p. 785. When Oliver Sinclere a man of mean extraction but favourite to King James the fifth of Scotland was by him declared General The Scots Nobility out of disdain forbare to fight and gave up themselves Prisoners to the English For grief of which the King shortly after died Edward the sixth was born of the Lady Jane Seymour her womb being cut and her life lost to save his on whom were made these verses Phoenix Jana jacet nato Phoenice dolendum Saecula Phoenices nulla tulisse duas Speed Hist p. 892. The fire Cross in Scotland is only set up in time of most extream danger unto which all men are to repair that are between sixteen and sixty p. 832. In the year of our Lord one thousand five hundred forty eight one Boyer Mayor of Bodwin in Cornwall having been active in a Rebellion Sir Anthony Kingston Provost Marshal sent word to him he would visit him at Dinner but before he sate down commanded the Mayor to cause a gallows to be set up and the Table taken away he willed the said Mayor to accompany him to the place and saw him hanged ere he departed Id. p. 832. In Cornwall dwelt a Miller who had been a busy doer in the Rebellion vvho knovving his danger willed his Man to take the name of his Master if any enquired for him Sir Anthony Kingston Provost Marshal came to the Mill enquired for the Master the Man in his name presented himself and was straight commanded to the Gallows The Servant then seeing the danger of death confest he was not the Master but the Man Well said the Knight Thou canst never do thy Master better Service than to hang for him and thereupon trust him up a the next tree Speeds Hist p. 833. The Lord Edward Seymor Protector condemned for Felony for coming Armed into the Kings Counsel neither by himself nor learned Counsel demanded his Clergy which would have saved his life p. 838. When Cranmer and others urged King Edward the sixth to let his Sister Mary to have Mass in her house the King having answered all their arguments and they not taking Nay burst forth into tears and sobbing desired them to be content Speed p. 839. Queen Mary was so affected with the loss of Calice that she was wont to say that the loss of Calice was written in her heart and might there be read when her body should be opened p. 856. The head of the Admiral Chastillon murthered in the Massacre at Paris was embalmed and sent by the Queen of France as an acceptable present to the Pope 856. Con O Neale sirnamed Bacco cursed all his Posterity in case they learned English sowed wheat or built them houses p. 863. Doctor Story a bloody persecutor in Queen Maries daies in the Raign of Queen Elizabeth was entrapped at Antwerp where he had got a Commission to search for English books all ships that came in by one Parker an English Merchant Whose Ship Story searching for Heretical books was clapt under Hatches brought into England and there executed for a Traytor Speeds Hist p. 87. Queen Elizabeth told Doctor Reinolds of CCC that her reading of Seneca de Clementia had done her much good but some would perswade her it had done her State as much harm p. 874. England was divided into Parishes by Honorius Arch-bishop of Canterbury in the year of our Lord 636 and there are 9285 Parishes under 27 Bishops whereof two are Metropolitans Canterbury and York in manner following Canterbury Bishopricks Shires Parishes Canterbury Kent 256. Rochester Kent 98. London Essex Middlesex Hartfordshire
his return and feigning a voyage to Apollo Delphicus went into Crete and there died and commanded his body to be thrown into the Sea that so his bones might never be carried back and his people never change their Laws Id. fol. 86. Romulus began his raign in the beginning of the seventh Olympiad Now the Olympiades are the space of time between the games that were celebrated by the Graecians on the mount Olympus every fifth year and began in the first year of Joathan the Son of Josias King of Judah and in the year of the World three thousand one hundred eighty and three Polycr f. 87. Tarpeja Covenanted with the Sabines to betray the Tower in which her Father was for the Jewels the Sabines wore on their left hands but they entring cast upon her not only the Jewels but the Shield they bore in their left hands and so prest her to death with the weight of them Id. fol. 88. Nummus that signifieth money hath its name from Numa the second King of the Romans who first coyned it Id. f. 89. Cyrus divided the great River Euphrates by Babylon into four hundred and threescore Chanells and so made a passage for his Army up the River into Babylon and took the City that suspected no entrance that way f. 94. When a Crafts-man thinking to pleasure Phalaris the Tyrant of Sicily had invented a brazen bull and presented it to him The Tyrant commanded him to be first tortured in his own device and so justly rewarded his wicked Wit Polycr fol. 95. Darius got the Kingdom of Persia by his Horses first neighing at the Pallace gate He having commanded his groom to have his Horse cover a Mare at the same place the night before Id. f. 98. The Judges at Athens when a Woman was impleaded because she had poisoned her husband and his Son who had cruelly slain a Son she had by her former husband being unwilling to condemn her respited the Judgment for an hundred years Id. fol. 100. Cynegiris a Knight of Athens having laid hold with his right hand on a ship of the Persians had that hand cut off then he held it with his left and when that was cut off took hold of it with his teeth f. 102. Sophocles when his children accused him of Dotage rehearsed before the Judges his Tragedy he had made of Oedipus and was acquitted with Honour Id. fol. 103. Socrates being angry with his Servant told him I would beat thee if I were not angry And when his Wife having chid long with him threw down piss upon his head he answered I wist well that rain woulâ— follow thunder Wâ—en he was old he would ride on a Hobby Horse and play with his children and was at last put to death for affirming and writing that there was but one God Polycr fol. 107. Democritus put out his own Eyes for these three reasons First his sight did interrupt his holy thoughts Secondly he could not see Women without temptation Thirdly that he might not see wicked deeds to vex him Id. f. 106. When the Gauls under Brennus entred Rome the Senators in their Robes sate at their doors whom the Soldiers took for so many Gods till Papirius struck one that played with his beard and then tâ—ey kill'd them all Id. f. 108. Diogenes lived in a Tub instead of a House and always turned the mouth towards the Sun and from the Wind. When Alexander will'd him to ask what he would he only desired him not to stand between the Sun and him He used to carry a dish to drink in till he saw children drink out of the palms of their hands and then threw away his dish as superfluous When one day he was gathering Coleworts Aristippus told him that if he would flatter Dionysius he need not feed upon Coleworts and he answered If thou wouldst eat Coleworts thou needst not flatter Dionysius When one Lentulus spat in his face as he was pleading Diogenes wiped his face and said They are foully mistaken that say thou hast no mouth When one looking on him told him he had wanton Eyes his Scholars were angry but he pacified them saying Such I am by kind but I allay my self by vertue And when a foul and deformed man shewed him his fair House he spat in his face and told him it was the foulest place he saw And when he died he ordered himself not to be buried but cast into the field and when his friends told him the Birds and Beasts would eat him he bid them put a staff by him and when they replied he could not then use his staff to drive them away Neither saith he shall I feel them when they come Polycron f. 109. When all the Syrâ—cusans desired Dionysius death only one old Woman prayed for his life which he wondring at askt her the reason she answered When I was young we had a Tyrant thy Grandfather and desired his death and had a worse thy Father and after thy self the worst of all And therefore I pray for thy life lest a worse come after thee Polycr p. 110. When Dionysius took away the Golden garments that the Heathen Images were adorned with he said that such clothing was too heavy for the Summer and too cold for Winter Id. Ibid. Mâ—rcus Curtius went into an open Cliff of the Earth to save his City from the pestilence And then the Earth closed and the pestilence ceased Id. Ibid. IMMANUEL Historical Collections Century XI TOrquatus a Roman General slew his own Son though he had gotten the Victory because he had fought against his Fathers command Polycronicon f. 110. When the Embassador of the Molossos came to Athens Domosthenes pleaded against them but the next day they bribed him with money to hold his peace so that the third day Demosthenes came forth wrapt about the neck with wollen cloth and said he had the Squinancy But one said it was not Angina but Argentangina The Silvery And afterwards it so appeared For when he asked Aristodemas what he had to plead for them he answered a Talent Demosthenes replied that he had more to hold his tongue Id. f. 111. Two men give money to a Woman to keep and ordered the money not to be delivered but to both together After one of them coming for it the woman delivered it The other Sues her and the woman was like to have paid it again had not a Lawyer standing by perceived the deceit and required them to come both together and they should have it Id. Ibid. Philip King of Macedon sent to the Athenians that he would have peace with them if they would deliver to him ten of their wisest men which he would name which when the Citizens were willing to have done Demosthenes disswaded them by the Fable of the Wolves sending to the Sheep to proffer them peace if they would give up their Dogs Id. f. 111. Bees sate on Plato's Lips while he lay in his Cradle which foreshewed his great Eloquence
and the night before Plato was senâ— to be taught of Socrates Socrates dreamt that he had a Swan to be laid on his Knees He chose a place called Academia that was unhealthful for his Schole When he was angry he therefore forbore to beat his Servant One day Plato seeing Fishermen sitting on a cliffe by the Sea side he asked them What have you They answered All we have taken we have not and what we have not taken we have They had been lowsing themselves The busying his thoughts to resolve this question hastened his death Polycronicon fol. 112. Though a Strumpet lay b Zenocrates all night yet she could not overcome his Chastity And when he saw one led to be hanged he laughed and said The great Thieves punish the less And when Polemus came in drunken into his School Zenocrates left discoursing on the subject he was on and converted his speech to the matter of Sobernâ—ss and patience whereby Polemus became Sober and Vertuous Id. Ibid. When Alexander had received letters that Philip his Physician was hired by Darius to poyson him he shewed Philip the letters and yet afterwards took Physick from him Id. f. 117. The Slaves in Tyrus conspired together and slew their Lords and married their Wives onely one hid his Master and saved him Then the Slaves agreed that he who saw the Sun rising on the morrow first should be King The good Slave told his Master who advised him that when the rest looked East he should look West which he did and so first saw the Sun beams shining upon the highest Tower and was thereupon acknowledged King Id. ibid. When Alexander charged one Dionidas for robbing at Sea he replied That what he did at Sea Alexander did at land he vvas called a Pirate Alexander a Conqueror Id. Ibid. Darius sent Alexander a Purse full of money a ball and a scourge Intimating that he should go home and play at Tennis or else he would whip him thence Id. Ibid. When Alexander being drunk had condemned a Noble man to death he appealed To vvhom said Alexander The Noble man replied From thy self drunk to thy self sober Whi h answer pacified Alexander and saved his own life Id. f. 120. Lysimachus being cast by Alexanders command to a Lion wrapt a cloth upon his hand which he put into the Lions mouth and so killed the Lion and saved himself Polycron f. 120. When Alexander lay dying his friends asked him to whom he would leave his Empire he answered 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 To the worthiest and when he was dead strangers sorrowed for him as for a Father when they who were about him rejoyced as if he had been an Enemy He raigned twelve years and died when he was aged three and thirty Id. fol. 123. When Pyrrhus his Physician came to Fabritius and promised to betray his Lord for a reward Fabritius sent this Physician bound to Pyrrhus with letters that discovered his treachery Of Fabritius it was said that the Sun could be sooner turned out of his course than he out of his honesty Id. f. 124. When the Carthaginians being extreamly weakened craved peace of Marcus Regulus he proposed such unreasonable terms that they being desperate enforced themselves overcame Regulus and all his Army took him Prisoner and after sent him to Rome for exchange of many Carthaginians But he coming thither disswaded the exchange of so many young men for him an old man and because of his Oath returned to Carthage where they closed him in a â—ree pared off the Lids of his Eyes and made him stand waking till he died Id. f. 126. The City Saguntum besieged by Hannibal and brought to great distress rather than yield was set on fire by the Citizens and all they had with themselves consumed in it Id. f. 127. Hannibals Souldiers fighting there happened to be a great earth-quake that threw down Hills and Cities but they were so intent on their business that they wist not of it Id. fol. 127. Mithridates so used himself to poyson in his youth that in his old age when he would have destroâ—ed himself with poyson he could not f. 136. Crassus fighting against the Parthians was overcome and taken by them who melted Gold and poured it in his throat saâ—ing Thou Roman art athirst for Gold now drink thy fill Polycron f. 138. When Christ was carried in his Infancy into Aegypt the Idols of the Aegyptians fell down as Dagon did before the Ark. Id. f 145. Augustus coming to Rome one calleâ— him Tyrant He answered If I were so thou durst not call me so Id. 147. One coming to Rome that was very much like Augustus the Emperor sent for him and asked him whether his Mother had never been at Rome The stranger answered No but his Father had f. 147. Nero made an Heaven an hundred foot high born up with ninety Pillars of Marble imitating the Sun Moon Thunder Rain but all was suddainly thrown down by a stroke from Heaven Id. fol. 155. Longinus the Soldier that pierced Christs side vvas Converted and died a Martyr Id. Ibid. Tiberius vvas vvont to say that a Shepherd should sheer not swallow his Sheep he vvould not change or remove his Officers saying Empty Flies bite vvorse then full f. 149. An old man being in peril of doom came to Augustus and praied him of help he appointed him a noble Advocate The old man then cried out O Caesar vvhen thou vvast in peril at the battel of Actium I sought none to fight for thee but I did it my self and shevved him his wounds then Caesar came and pleaded for him 148. When Augustus Caesar had bought a Popinjay a Pye and a Star at great prices that had been taught to say Hail Caesar Conqueror A poor Cobler took a great deal of pains to teach a Chough vvhich not learning he vvas vvont to say Heu olsum operam perdidi Alas I have lost my travail and cost The Bird at last learning as Caesar passed by he saluted him but when Caesar answered he had enough of such already the Chough added Alas I have lost my travail and cost then Caesar gave a great Price for him fol. 148. A Greek Poet having many times made Verses in the praise of Augustus and received no reward The Emperor at last maâ—e him some Verses and gave to him which the Greek Poet reading applauded and proffered him money at which the Emperor commanded the Poet to have a great reward Polycron f. 148. The Jews flying from Jerusalem to the Romans having swallowed Jewels of Gold it being espyed was the death of many of them the Romans killing them in expectation to find Gold in their bellies Id. 158. Before Jerusalem was taken by Vespasian a Heyfer that was to be Sacrificed brought forth a Lamb. The Brass Gate that twenty men could hardly open opened of it self Armies of men and Chariots were seen in the Air and a voice heard in the Temple Let us go hence One Ananias for four
years cryed continually Woe Woe c. And the last day when it was taken went upon the Wall and cried Woe to Jerusalem and Woe to me also and was smitten witâ— a Stone and died Id. 159. Vespasian dying would not sit or lye but stand saying It became an Emperor to die standing Polycron f. â—50 The Philosopher Secundus enjoyned himself silence and forbore to speak for many years together and though brought before the Emperor Adrian yet kept silence and so did to his death 162. Antoninus Pius was wont to say that he had rather save one Citizens life than kill a thousand Enemies Id Ibid. When Constantine gave great gifts to the Church a Voice was heard saying Hodie Venenum infunditur in Ecclesiam This day poyson is poured into the Church Id fol. 1â—1 Eugenia daughter to Philip a Noble Roman wâ—nt from her Father in mans cloths was baptised and called Eugenius and made Monk and after Abbot A Woman named Melencia cast a lecherous eye on him and would have had him lye with her which when he refused she desamed him saying that he would have forced her she was brought before her own Father then as Judge and discovered her self Her Father turned Christian and Melencia was killed with lightning Id. f. 163. Narcissus a Christian was accused of foul crimes by three false witnesses which wisht if what they charged him with were not true the first that he might be burnt the second that the Kings Evil might destroy him the third that he might be blind The two first had what they wisht which the third seeing and repenting wept himself blind Polycron f. 164. Origen at eighteen years old would have gone to Martyrdom with his Father but his Mother hid away his cloths He afterwards kept School and thereby maintained his Mother and all her Children He gelded himself writ four thousand Volumes when be said well no man better when ill no man worse He held that the Divel at length should be saved alledging this Scripture God shall not be wroth for evermore Id. fol. 165. The Emperor Licinius called Learning a common Pestilence Id. f. 176. Athanasius being pursued and like to be taken on the River turned his Boat and met his pursuer Who asked whether he saâ— Athanasius he answered that he went that way just now The pursuer went forward and so Athanasius escaped Id. 173. The Bishops assembled at the Council of Nice by the command of Constantine to compose the differences in Religion they put up bills of Complaint the one against the other but he commanded them to reconcile themselves amongst themselves and burnt all their bills saying That if he saw any of them commit Adultery he would cover it with his own Mantle that men should not have occasion to speak evil of Religion Id. 173. When Sapor King of Persia had besieged the City Nisiben tvvo months the Snouts of his Elephants and his Horses Ears vvere so pestered vvith gnats and great Flies that they threvv dovvn all that vvas upon them and disparcled his Host Id. ibid. Julian the Apostate his Stevvard pissing in scorn upon the Vessels of the Church said Loe in what Vessels Maries Son is served in Immediately his mouth served him instead of his lovver part for the avoiding of his execrements His Master Julian endeavoured to rebuild the Temple of Jerusalem but vvhat vvas built on the day vvas throvvn dovvn at night Ibid. In the dayes of Theodosius the second the Devil appeared to the Jâ—ws in the likeness of Moses in the Island of Crete and promised there that he vvould lead them dry foot to the land of Behest Many of them vvere drovvned and others turned to the faith Polycron fol. 180. When Attila besieged the City Tricasove vvhere Saint Lupus vvas Bishop at his Prayers all the Host vvas stricken blind And vvhen the Saxons set on the Brittains Saint German the Bishop commanded the Souldiers to cry all together Hallelujah thrice whereon the Saxons fled without striking stroke Id f. 181. 184. Medard Bishop of Noviodunum and Geldard Episcopus Rothomagensis were twin-brethren born in one day made Bishops in one day died in one day and Canonized for Saints in one day Id. f. 186. Werburga daughter of VVulphinus King of Mercia a Menchion or Nunne buried in the Nunnery of Hamberge lay whole and unputrified three hundred years Id. 209. Ricoldus Duke of Prisons being perswaded by Bishop VVulphrun to be baptized having one foot in the font asked the people whether more of his predecessors were in Paradise or Hell When it was answered in Hell he drew his foot out of the water and would not be baptized saying it 's better to follow the more than the less Id. f. 217. Charles the great who was eight foot of stature sitting at meal with his Master Alcuinus a Scot who sate afore him on the other side of the Table asked his Master how great difference and space there was between a Scot and a Sot his Master answered but the breadth of a Meat-board Id. f. 220. When Lewes the mild had advanced one Frederick to the Bishoprick of Vtrecht sitting at meal with him he gave the Bishop good Counsel at which the Bishop took boldness and asked him whether that Fish was to be tamed at head or tail The King answered at head Then said the Bishop Reform thy self and put away thy Wife Judith with whom thou incestuously livest The Emperor took it in good part but his Wife hearing of it hired two Ruffians that kill'd him In this Emperors time a Damsel at Tholouse lived three years vviâ—hout Meat or Drink Id. fol. 223 224. Pope Sergius commandeâ— the dead body of his predecessor Formosus to be taken up his â—ead to be strickâ—n off and his body to be cast into the River Which body Fishers found and brought into St. Peters Church and Images did it reverence at it's coming in Polycron f. 232. In the days of Edgar King of England there was a Woman born in Gascoigne having two bodies froâ— the Navel upward being but one downward Id. f. 238. Silvester the fourth being a Frenchman formerly called Gerbertus a great Negromancer covenanted with the Divel for the Popedom till he said Mass in Jerusalem not thinking of a Chappel in Rome so called where he fell sick and ordered his body to be put in a Coffin and buried where the beasts that drew the bier should abide of thâ—mselves The beasts carried him to St. John of Laterans Where his Tomb by sweating and ratling of his bones gives warning of the Popes death Id. f 244. The Son of the Earl Lupoldus was sent by the Emperor Conradus to his Empress with a letter importing that when the letters were read the young man that brought them should be put to death the same day The young man in his journey lodged at a Priests house who read the letter and instead of dying that day put in should marry our daughter which accordingly
of France having taken Cramyris his Eldest Son in battel who had rose in Rebellion against him as an example to all disobedient Children he enclosed him and his wife and Children in a House set it on fire and burned them in it Id. p. 91. Fredigund wife to King Chilperick resting on her bed her husband passing by with a little wand struck her upon the back the Queen not looking up and supposing the King gone a hunâ—ing said Landry why strikest thou me thus the King hearing these words made semblance as though he had not heard them but she perceiving it was the King for fear coâ—trived and procured his death the same day as he came from Hunting Id. p. 109. Brunchild the wife to Segebert the fourth Son of Lotharius the first King of France having been a great stickler in the French affairs and the death of no less than ten Princes was at last by the King and Peers of France condemned to be tied to a Wild Horse-tail by the hair of her head and so to be drawn till she was dead which accordingly was done Id. p. 131. Clodoveus Son of Dagobert King of France in a great dearth caused the Church of St. Dennis which his Father had covered with Plates of Silver to be covered with lead and the Silver given to the relief of the poor Id. p. 151. Aelfrid King of the VVest Saxons being naturally inclined to Incontinency praied that God would send him such a disease that might hinder his lust but not unfit him for the managing he affairs of his Kingdom And he accordingly had the disease called Ficus Fabian Hist 1. part p. 216. A noble man named Hebert having invited Charles the simple King of France to his Castle there treacherously murthered him Lewes the fifth his Son long time after attaining the Crown intends revenge Having convened his Nobles amongst which Hebert was one a Messenger brought him a letter which while he read and smiled his Nobles asked what that letter imported he told them that a Kinsman of his in England had acquainted him that a husbandman inviting his Lord to dinner treacherously slew him and desired to know of him what such a one deserved and since they were thus met he desired their opinion They all and Hebert amongst them adjudged him to a shameful death The King turning to Hebert told him Thou art the man who hast treacherously slain my Father and therefore I Judge thee out of thy own mouth and accordingly he was immediately executed Id. p. 237. King Edward Son of Edgar being slain by his step-mothers command and buried in VVimborn she intending to Visit him by way of Pilgrimage could not by any means make the Horse she rid on come nigh the place of his burial Fabian Hist 1. part p. 255. Robert Duke of Normandy being chosen King of Jerusalem hearing of the death of his Brother VVilliam Rufus King of England minding to succeed him refused Jerusalem but as Authors say for that refusal of providence never prospered after Id. 319. Philip the Eldest Son of Lewes Son of Philip King of France being a youth riding through the streets of Paris for his disport a Hog suddainly started up which frighted his Horse so that he threw him off with so great Violence that he died that night Id. p. 332. Emanuel Emperor of Constantinople when the VVestern Princes about the year one thousand one hundred and fifty went against the Saracens sold them Meal mingled with lime whereof many of the Christian Army perisht 341. King Henry the second returning out of Ireland when on VVhitsunday he was taking horse suddainly appeared unto him a Man of pale and wan colour barefoot in a white Kirtyl and said Sir King Christ greeteth thee well and commandeth thee strictly that no Market or servile work be holden upon the Sunday in the lands of thy Lordship out take what belongeth to the dressing of meat and if thou so dost all shall prosper with thee The King bad the Knight that held his Horse ask him whether he had dreamed this The man replied whether I have dreamed or no take thou heed of my saying that if thou mend not thy life thou shalt shortly hear such things as shall make thee sorry to thy lives end This spoken the man suddainly vanisht and the King not amending himself was unfortunate ever after Fabian Hist p. 349. Epitaphium H. 2. Regis Angli Sufficit hic tumulus cui non suffecerit Orbis Res brevis est ampla cui fuit ampla brevis Rex Henricus eram mihi plurima regna subegi Multiplicique modo Duxque Comesque fui Cui satis ad Votum non â—ssent omnia terrae Climata Terra modo sufficit octo pedum Qui legis haec pensa discrimina mortis in me Humanae speculum conditionis habe Quod potes instanter operare bonuÌ„ quia mundus Transit incautos mors inopina rapit Id. p. 356. Epitaphium Frederici Imper. Si probitas sensus Virtutis gratia census Nobilitas ortûs possent resistere morti Non foret extinctus Fredericus qui jacet intus Fabian Hist 2. Vol. p. 53. In the year of our Lord one thousand two hundred seventy two at Greenwich near London a Lamb was yeaned having two perfect bodies with all their members but one head Id p. 99. In the yeâ—r of our Lord one thousand two hundred eighty six a Woman in Switzerland was delivered of a Child that from the Navâ—l upwards had two compleat bodies and downward was but one and another woman bore a Child whose head and face was like a Man and all the rest of the body like a Lion Boniface the eighth minding to get the Popedom hired one of the Chamberlains to Coelestine the fifth who was a good and holy but simple man in the dead of the night to speak in a reed and say Coelestine if thou wilt be saved renounce this Pomp of the VVorld and serve me as thou didst before He having often heard the voyce took it for a Divine warning resigned the Popedom and would have retired into the VVilderness But Boniface fearing his restauration held him Prisoner and so used him that he shortly after died Id 158. The three wives of the three Sons of Philip the fair King of France which wives were Sisters Daughters to the Duke of Burgoigne were at one time accused of Spouse-breach the two eldest convict and the youngest was cleared the two wives put in Prison and the two paramours hanged The youngest vvas restored to her husband Charles after King of France but from him aftervvards divorced because her Mother vvas Godmother to her husband Fabian Vol. 2. p. 163. 189. In the third year of the raign of Philip the fifth of France the Provost of Paris having in his Prison a Picard a man of great riches vvhich vvas judged to be hanged The said Provost being hired thereunto vvith great Sums of Money took another Innocent Man and put
the Monastery of Pontiniacâ— and there excommunicates his suffâ—agan Bishops thence the King by threatning otherwise to expel all the Monks of that Order out of hi Kingdom gets him banish'd and sends all his kindred and well-willers out of England Becket had got the French â—ing and the Pope to back him but Lucius the Anti-Pope dying and Barborossa the Emperor being no friend to the Pope the King and Emperor treated to deal with the Cardinals to choose another Pope which the Pope fearing first made the Kings of England and France friends and then used the mediation of the French King to make up the difference between the King and Becket which after two or three attempts in vain Becket still adding in his submissions to the King Salvo Honore Dei which the King justly disliked because whatever displeased him he would affirm was against Gods Honour yet at last were made friends and the Arh-Bishop sent home but not fully restored till he behaved himself quietly a while at Canterbury which he promised but contrarily he immediately excommunicates the Arch-Bishop of York the Bishops of London and Salisbury and all that had any hand in the young Kings Coronation they complain to the King who was exceedingly troubled and cursed the time that he made him Arch-â—ishop or sent for him home and withal added that it was his chance ever to do for unthankful men otherwise some or other would have made this proud Priâ—st an example to all such troublesome pâ—rturbers of his Kingdom and State four Knights hearing these word resolve to kill him come to Canterbury on Innocents day and after â—hey had treated with him to be pliable to the Kings pleasure but to no purpose at evening they enter the Church and on the steps going up to the Quire they kill'd him The Monks immediately bury his body which was afterwards taken up and layd in a most sumptuous shrine in the East end of the Church at Canterbury The Pope hearing of this Massacre excommunicates the authors and consenters The King was fain to purge himself by Oath yet could not be absolved before he had done this strange Penance First he should pray devoutly at the shrine of this new Martyr Secondly that he should be whipt in the Chapter House receiving of every Monk one lash Thirdly that he should maintain two hundred Soldiers for the space of one year at Jerusalem and lastly revoke the declaration publisht at Clarendon that originally gave the occasion of this murther All this such were those times the King was fain to perform Bp. Godw. lives of the Bps. p. 95. Giraldas Cambrensis speaking concerning Baldwin the fourtâ— Archbishop of Canterbury gives him this Character that he was a better Monk than Abbot Bishop or Arch-bishop for which cause the â—ope in a certain letter greeted him thus Urban the Servant of the Servants of God to the most fervent Monk the zealous Abbot the Lukewarm Bishop and careless Arch-bishop greeting This Bishop would needs attend King Richard the first into the Holy Land and died at the Siege of Acon and gave all his goods to be divided amongst the Soldiers Id. p. 1â—0 King Richard the first being taken Prisoner by Leopald Arch-duke of Austria at what time the Sea of Canterbury was void effectually by his letters endeavoured and prevailed that Hubert Walter who had waited on him in his Warrs in the Holy land and was then Bishop of Salisbury might be advanced to the Arch-bishoprick While his Pall was fetching from Rome he went to Merton and professed himself a Monk He prevailed for a quarter part of the Revenues both of Clergy and Laity for one year which with the Plate and Ornaments of the Church then sold were to pay the Kings ransome being 150000 Marks The King at his return made him Lord Chancellor and Chief Justice of England and Governour of all his dominions who being before Arch-bishop and the Popes Legate wanted no Authority that was possible to be laid upon him In two years after his preferment he gatâ—ered to the Kings use 1100000 Marks devized the â—ssize of Bread Weights and Measures for Wine Oyl and Corn was a great House-keeper buâ—lt a Monastery at Derham in Northfolk where he was born Walled and Moated so as the Water encompassed the Tower of London encreased the Revenues of his Sea and procured divers privileges to it built a Chappel at Lambeth by the Monks of Canterburies consent hardly obtained and that not without this express condition that no Bishops should there be Consecrated nor Abbot admitted nor Order administred He lived twelve years Arch-bishop both beloved of Prince and people blamed for nothing but ambition in holding so many places of power Which temporal Offices on the Popes command he laid down divers years before his death which happened July 15th 1205. Id. p. 105. King John and the Monks of Canterbury rejoyced at Huberts death of whom it seems they stood in some Awe the King when he first heard of it used this expression Methinks quoth he I am now indeed King of England But the Event declared they had no great cause of Joy for upon a difference amongst the Monks who had made two Elections the Pope voiding both imposed upon the See of Canterbury one Stephen Langton a man of great worth had he orderly entred The King forbad him entrance into England the Pope hereon interdicts the whole realm during the time of which all divine service ceaâ—ed except baptism auricular Confession and administration of the Lords supper to such as lay at point of death and at last particularly excommunicates the King himself which he little regarded till he perceived the French King ready to Invade him and his own Subjects to desert him Whereupon he was necessitated to comply with the Pope to resign his â—rown and take it from him paying a yearly pension of a thousand Marks and at last was poysoned by a Monk Having first admitted the Arch-bishop into his Land and restored him his revenues the Arch bishop calls a Convocation at Osnias whither came a young man shewing the marks of wounds in his hands feet and side professing himself to be Jesus Christ and was accompanied by two Women whereof one professed herself the Virgin Mary the other Mary Magdalen But this Counterfeit Christ was for his pains really crucified Presently after he translates the bones of Becket with so great expense at the solemnity that neither he nor four of his successors were able to recover the debt it cast his See and Church into He first divided the Bible into Chapters in such sort as we now account them and died July the ninth 1228. Bp. Godw. p. 108. In the Raign of Henry the third many Italians had possessed themselves of the best benefices in England which being much spitted at certain mad fellows took upon them by force to thresh out their Corn every where and gave it away to the poor as also to rob and spoil them of
their money and other goods It was done so openly and so boldly as it was manifest some great men were at one end of the business The Italians after that time were not so eager upon English benefices Id. p. 111. Offa the Son of VVazmund a petty King of the Saxons who was founder of VVarwick was tall of stature and of a good constitution of body but blind till seven years old and then saw and dumb till thirty and then spake Sir Rich Baker Hist p. 8. In the Raign of King Ethelred the Danes invaded the Land under Hungar and Hubba the Nunnes of Coldingham to avoid the barbarous pullution of the Pagans deformed themselves by cutting off their upper Lips and Noses Sir Rich. Baker p. 12. King Athelstan imposed as a Tribute on the Prince of North-VVales to pay three hundred VVolves yearly which continued three years and in the fourth there was not one VVolf to be found Id. p. 16. King Aelfrid hunting found a Child in an Eaglâ—s Nest which he nâ—urished and advanced and called it Nesting Id. p. 17. In the Reign of Canutus a Law was made in the â—arliament at Oxford that upon the Sabbath day all publick Fairs Markets Synods Meetings and all secular actions should be forborn unless some urgent necessity should require Also that a Woman Convict of Adultery should have her Nose and Ears cut off Also that a Widdow marrying within a year after her Husbands decease should lose her Joynture p. 23. Canutus gave a Cross to VVinchester Church worth as much as the whole revenues of the Kingdom for a year Id. p. 23. Hochetidus which signifieth scorn and contempt is a day yearly kept in remembrance of Hardi-Canutus death being the last of the Danish Kings that Reigned in England Id p. 25. Edward the Confessor was the first that cured the Kings Evil by the touch p. 26. VVilliam the Conqueror landing first in England fell down and the day of battel his Armor was put on reversedly both things which a weak spirit would have interpreted as a bad Omen he did as a good as that by his falling he took possession and his Dukedom would be turned into a Kingdom p 32. The Saxon way of making Knights was this The party first at Evening confest himself to the Priest then he continued all night in the Church watching and applying himself to his private devotions the next morning he heard Mass and offered his Sword upon the Altar after the Gospel was read the Sword was Hallowed and with a benediction put about his neck lastly he communicated the mysteries of the blessed body of Christ and from that time he remained a perfect Knight p. 36. Stigand Arch-bishop of Canterbury would often swear he had not one Penny upon the earth when under the earth as after his death was found he had hidden great treasures Sir R. Baker p. 40. In the time of VVilliam the Conqueror Gawins body was found who was fourteen foot long and was King Arthurs Sisters Son Such a Mortality that tame Fowls for want of some to tend them turned wilde And a great Lord sitting at a feast was set upon by Mice and though he were removed from Land to Sea and from Sea to Land again yet at last was devoured by them Id. p. 42. VVilliam the Conqueror dying at Roan in Normandy his death was known the very same day at Rome which are a thousand Miles asunder Froissard relates this story There was in the time of Edward the third of England a Knight in France named Corasse who could tell any thing was done all the World over either the very dâ—y or within a day after which he did by the means of a familiar Spirit called Orthene who brought him continual intelligence for divers years together till he lost him upon this occasion He had hitherto only heard the Voice but now had a great mind to see the shape of his Intelligence The Spirit promised him that the next thing he saw when out of his Bed should be himself The Knight rising saw the first thing two straw tumbling one over the other but desiring his familiar that he might see him in such a shape that he might take more notice of him the next morning looking out of his VVindow he saw a most lean and deformed Sow which he setting his Dogs at the Sow vanished and his Spirit Orthone never came more Id. p. 44. King VVilliam Rufus trusted not to the prayers of Saints and therefore would make no intercession to St. Peter p. 51. In the Raign of VVilliam Rufus a Tempest blew down in London six hundred Houses and six beams from the Roofe of Bow-church in Cheapside were driven so deep into the ground that not above four foot remained in sight and yet stood in such rank and order as the Workmen had placed them upon the Church Also Earl Godwins Lands were swallowed with the Sea and now are called Godwin sands Id. p. 58. King Henâ—y the first forbad the wearing of long Hair in England then much used Baâ—ler p. 59. Thomas Arch-bishop of York falling desperately sick in the time of Henry the first his Physicians told him that nothing would do him good but to company with a VVoman To whom he answered that the Remedy was worse than the disease and so to keep his Virginity lost his life p. 60. In the time of Henry the first there was an Earth quaâ—e in Lombardy that continued forty dayes and removed a Town from the place where it stood a great way A Pig was farrowed with a face like a Child A Chicken hatched with four Legs The Sun so eclipsed that the Stars were seen Gerard Arch-bishop of York sleeping in his Garden after Dinner never awoke Id. p. â—2 Roger a poor Curate accidentally dispatching Mass with great celerity before Henry Beauclarks the Soldiers were so pleased with it that he took him to be his Chaplain and after made him Bishop of Sarum He built five Castles viz. Sarum Devises Sheburn Malmsbury Newark and had taken from him in ready coin forty thousand Marks p. 71. Requerius a wicked Minister in the time of King Stephen of a more wicked Abbot with his wifâ— crossing the Seas the Ship in the midst of the stream would not stir the Mariners astonished cast Lots which fell upon Requerius and so did again and again whereupon they put him and his wife and what he had out of the Ship which presently as eased of her burthen sailed away Id. p. 73. In King Stephens time there appeared two Children a Boy and a Girl clad in Green in a stuff unknown of a strange language and of a strange diet whereof the Boy being baptized died shortly after but the Girl lived to be very aged and being asked from whence they were she answered of the Land of St. Martins where there were Christian Churches but the Sun did never rise But where that Land is and how she came into England she knew not Sir
Thieves and perjured persons blind if it touch their Eyes And in Ireland there is a Lake into which if you put a pole or stake what 's above water will continue wood what in the water will be stone what still in the ground will be converted to Iron Polycronicon fol. 14 17 19 20 29 30 36. In the first year of Decius the Emperor in the year of our Lord two hundred fifty four the seven sleepers began to sleep in the mount Caelius and so slept two hundred years and rose about the last of Theodosius and were known to sleep to long by the old monies they had about them Polycronicon f. 67. Pope Leo the sixth when a Woman on Christmas day kissed his hand he was assaulted with temptation to uncleanness he thereupon cut off his hand and had iâ— again by miracle restored Id. f. 180. Cunebertus King of Lombardy consulting with one of his Secretaries how he might kill his Knight Aldo was troubled with the humming of a great Fly whose foot he cut off with a Knife Aldo suspecting nothing coming to Court was met by a halting man who said Beware Aldo if thou come to Court the King will kill thee Whereupon he fled to Saint Romans Church and took Sactuary and when the King asked him why he did so Aldo told him that he was warned by a halting man that he would kill him The King perceived it was an Evil Spirit whose foot he had cut off in the shape of a Fly and recovered Aldo to grace Id. fol. 216. Of Adhelme Bishop of Sherbone it is written that when he was tempted in his flesh he took upon him this Martyrdom that he would hold with him in his bed a fair Maid as long as he was saying the Psalter from the beginning to the end The same Adhelme having said Mass at Rome he put back his Chesible supposing his Servant had been there to have took it and the Sun-beams held it up from falling And baptizing a Child that was Fathered on Pope Sergius he demanded of the Child which was but nine dayes old if Sergius had begotten him and the Child answered that the Pope was Innocent Id. f. 213. Charles the Son of Pipin King of France having seized on much of the Churches possâ—ssions after his death an Angel shewed Eucherius Bishop of Orleance how for so doing he was tormented body and Soul in Hell then by the warning of Eucherius the Abbot of Saint Denis and Pipinas his Priest went to Charles his grave and turned off the â—tone and saw a great Dragon fly out of the grave but there was no body found Id. f. 215. When the Pope had commanded St. Bennets body to be restored to the Mount Cassin the Monks of Florence wept and fastâ—d and prayed that the body might abide with them and their prayers were heard so that the messengers that were sent for it were stricken stark blind Polycron f. 218. One Gingulphus of Burgogne left his Wife because of her spouse-breach and was afterwards slain by the Clarke that kept her When he was dead many miracles were done by him but his wife spake evil of those miracles and said When Gingulphus my husband doth miracles my Arse shall sing and so afterwards as often as she spake her lower end would sing with a foul noise Id. ibid. Wâ—en Rollo the Dane besieged Cornutum a City in Italy the Citizens trusted not in their Walls nor in their strength but they took our Ladies Smock that Charles the bald had brought with other reliques from Constantinople and set this Smock upon a Pinnacle as if it were a banner the Enemies made game and shot at it and were immediately smitten with blindness and the City thereby delivered Id. f. 228. Fifteen men and three women led a Dance in St. Magnus Church-yard at Christmas night the Priest offended at them though his daughter was one of the Company prayed that they might continue so doing for twelve months and accordingly they did without meat or drink or rest Id. f. 247. When William the Conqueror would have deprived Wulstan of his Bishoprick of VVorcester to have placed in a Norman VVulstan took his pastoral and pitcht it in the hard stone at St. Edward the Kings feet that lay there in his grave that none but himself could take it out saying A better man than thou art tooke it to mee and I take it to him again Take it away now if thou canst Id. f. 273. Geoffrey Plantagenet Earl of Anjow Father to Henry fitz Empress King of England came of the Children of a Countess that was married only for fairness of body She would seldome come to church and then would not stay the Mystery of the Mass which her Husband taking notice of appointed four Knights to hold her in the Church whereupon she threw of the mantle they held her by and left two sons that were under the right-side of the mantle and with two other Sons that were under the left-side flew out of the church window and was never seen more Polycron p. 294. Columbus having knowledg in Astronomy and being in a strait for want of victuals together wi h his whole army and foreseeing an Eclipse of the moon within few dayes to happen threatned the Indians he would send infinite plagues amongst them if they did not speedily â—câ—â—re them in token whereof they should at such a time see the moons light taken from them which they at first slighted but when they saw that the moon began to be darkned and grow so more and more and being ignorant of the Cause thereof they not only sent them supplies of victuals but threw themselves at Columbus feet and asked forgiveness Rowland Judicial Astrol p. 48. One being told by a Scholar that he should have his brains beaten out was hereupon so wary of himself that he would not lye in a House for fear the Roof should fall upon his head resolving to lye in a Tent. But that resolution lasted not long for he durst not trust himself there for fear the cross Pales should fall on his head Then he resolved to lye under some Tree but then he doubted lest in a windy night the Tree should fall on him He durst not go into a Town lest the Tyles should crack his crown so that whatsoever place he went into he was fearful of himself at last walking in the heat and putting off his Hat having a bald head a Bird with a Shell-fish in â—is claws let it fall and so beat out his brains Id. p. 189. 'T is put upon Chrysostome that he affirmes that in the East in a City called Seth near the Ocean there was a Society of men Twelve in number Students in Astrology who learning out of Balaams prophecy Numb 24.17 That a Star was to appear gave themselves from year to year to observe the Heavens and to wait for its appearance and for continuation of that observation did at the death of any of the
twelve chose another in his room by which at last they saw this Star Id. p. 303. When the body of St. Martin was removed from Turon for fear of the Danes and placed at Antisiodorum by the body of Saint German many Miraculous cures were wrought and many gifts were offered whereupon a contention arose whose the profit should be those of Turon claiming all those of Antisiodore claiming a part both from the prerogative of the Church and the dignity of Saint German To end this Controversy a Leper was placed all night to watch between St. Martin and St. German and the next morning that side of the body which was towards Saint Martin was made perfectly whole when the other part remained as it was but being turned the next night towards Saint Martin was likewise recovered And the men of Turon had the whole gain Gulielm Malmsb. p. 24. Gregory the sixth being the occasion of shedding much blood when he lay on his death bed there was a great debate among the Cardinals whether he should be buried in St. Peters Church with the rest of the Popes He understanding of it and having in a large discourse cleared himself told them that since his and their judgment might be mistaken they should refer it to Divine determination and therefore saith he Set my body Antecessorum meorum more compositum before the gates of St. Peters Church fast shut and bolted and if God will I shall enter the gat s opening of themselves then bury me there if not then do what seemeth to you best They doing accordingly the gates opened of their own accord and they buried him in the Church with his predecessors Gulielm Mâ—lmsb p. 48. Berinus Bishop of the West Saxons having taken ship and that under Sail having forgot his fardels went out of the Ship and walkt on the Sea to land and returned again with them Gulielm Malms p. 136. St. Swithun Bishop of Winchester restored a Womans eggs that were broken by his workmen on the bridge by making the sign of the Cross Id. p. 137. Birastan Bishop of Winchester using to sing the Mass for the rest of t e dead one night ending all he added these words Requiescant in pace and was answered by the voices as it were of a great Army out of the graves Amen This Birastan dying suddainly had little honor done him till after Athelwold that succeeded him watching before the Saints reliques he appeared to him with Berinus and Switiâ—un telling him that he was in glory with them and therefore should have more respect and a better opinion amongst men Id. p. 138. Whilst Robert Lotharing Bishop of Hereford was at court VViliam the Conqueror VVulstan being then fallen sick at VVorcester or something in his likeness appeared to him and audibly uttered these words If thou wilt see me living hasten to VVorcester before I die He having got leave of the King made hast towards VVorcester but the night before he reacht it VVulstan appeared to him and told him that he had done what love required but it was in vain being dead but bid him provide for himself to come shortly after and that it was no vain fancy he should know by the token of his love that should be given him He going to VVorcester interred the Bishop and after coming away the Prior brought him as a present St. Wulstans Cap with Lambs furr which he was used to wear when he travelled by which being warned he carefully prepared himself for his own death which hapned in June after VVulstan dying the midst of January Gulielm Malms p. 163. St. VVereburg the daughter of Ulfere King of Mercia professing Chastity in a Nunnery at Chester when her Country Farmer told her that with all his care he could not keep her Corn Fields from being destroyed with Birds she commanded him to go and shut them all in a House He astonished with the strangness of the command thought at first that she had but jested but perceiving she was in earnest goes into the Fields and commands the birds in his Mistrâ—ss name to follow him who presently all obeyed and he shut them in but withall made bold with one of them for his Supper His Mistress coming very early the next morning rebuking them for their rapine commanded them to be gone But they sensible of the loss of their fellow refused and by their complaining as they might signified their grief She mistrusting some reason examining her Farmer understood from him that he had eaten one of them she caused him to bring the bones to heâ— and making a sign of the Cross with her hand flesh and skin and feathers and life returned and the whole company joyfully departed with their restored fellow W. Malms p. 164. Saint Fridswide being a Saxon Kings daughter and earnestly pursued by a King who desired her in marriage fled from him into Oxford he following her was no sooner entred the Gates but on her prayers was smitten blinde and on his entreaties to her upon her prayers was restored Hence it was that following Kings were along time after afraid to enter that City Id. p. 166. The Romans in their rage in the tenth year of Brethreck King of the West Saxons cut off and put out the tongue and Eâ—es of Pope Leo and drove him from hâ—s seat who was after by divine grace restored to his speech sight and place H. Hunting p. 197. When Harold and his sister Queen Edgith unknown to the King had gaâ—hered a vast sâ—mme of Money vâ—z four pence of every Hide of Land they perswaded the King Edward the Confessor to goe into his Treasury to see this money who coming thither and seeing the devil sitting upon it aâ—kt him what he did there he answered him that he there watched his own money The King conjuring him to tell how that Money came to be his was answered because it was unjustly taken from the poor whereupon the King ordered the money to be restored which was accordingly so done Roger Hoveden f. 256. An Ignorant Priest having with much difficulty and many Mistakings sumbled over those three Names Shadraâ—b Mesech and Abednego when they again occurred in the same chapter in stead of venturing on them any more makes use of this Periphrasis viz. the three Gentlemen aforesaid FINIS