Kent in the same yeere that Cheaulin was whom he discomfited and slew his two Captaines Duke Oslaue and Duke Cnebba at * Wibbandune as we haue said Other Victories he obtained ouer the Britaines both at Bedford Deorham Glocester Cirencester and Bathancester But the fortunes of warres being alwaies variable at length his successe altered and at VVannes ditche in VViltshire he was ouerthrowne and dispossessed of his kingdome by Cealrik his brother Cuthwolfs sonne when he had raigned thirty three yeeres Hee had issue Cuth and Cuthwin the former serued valiantly in the warres vnder his father at Wimbledon in Surrey where King Ethelbert of Kent was chased and his souldiers slaine and with the like valour and victorie hee fought at Fethanleygh against the Britaines notwithstanding that therein he lost his life the yeere of our Lord 585. and the fiue and twentieth of his fathers raigne Cuthwin his younger brother suruiued his father but succeeded not in his Kingdome being then by reason of his young yeeres vnable to recouer his right He had two sonnes Kenbald and Cuth the latter of which was father to Chelwald whose son Kenred had issue Ine the eleuenth King of the West-Saxons and Ingils his brother whose sonne was Eoppa the father of Easa whose sonne was Alkenmud the father of Egbert the eighteenth King of the West-Saxons who reduced the Saxons diuided Heptarchie into an absolute Monarchie CEarlik the sonne of Cuthwolfe who was brother to this last King succeeded in the kingdome by the eiection of his Vncle and was the fourth King of the West-Saxons He began his raigne in the yeere of our Redemption 592. and continued it the terme of six yeeres without any memorable act by him atchieued besides his Treason spoken of before CHelwolfe the sonne of Cuth the sonne of Kenrik and Cosen-german to Cearlik the preceding King began his raigne ouer the West-Saxons the yeere 598. on whose first entrance this prouince of the West-Saxons was inuaded both by the Britaines and also by the Scots and Picts and the East-Angles likewise molested his peace vnder the conduct of Redwald at that time Monarch of the Englishmen But hee wading thorow these troubles harried the Prouince of the South-Saxons with inuasions and calamities in the prosecution whereof he died leauing the pursuit of his warres and possession of his kingdome to Kingils his Nephew that immediately succeeded him after he had raigned the space of fourteene yeeres KIngils the Sonne of Chel who was Brother to King Chelwolfe succeeding his Vncle in the kingdome of the VVest-Saxons in the yeere six hundred and twelue in his third yeere associated vnto him in his Gouernment Quinchelme his Sonne who ioyntly managed the West-Saxons affaires both of warre and peace And fighting with victorie against the Britaines at Beandune they there slew of them one thousand forty six persons and after that against Penda King of Mercia neere vnto Cirencester about the fift yeere of his raigne where lastly they came to a conclusion of peace This King at the preaching of Berinus an Italian Diuine afterward reputed for a Saint and by the perswasions of Oswald the most Christian King of Northumberland who was a suiter to become his Son in Law by the mariage of Kineburg his daughter and was made his Godfather by receiuing him at the Font receiued the Word of Life and became the first Christian King of all the West-Saxons in witnesse whereof he gaue the City Dorchester neere vnto Oxford to his Conuerter who therein erected his Episcopall Sea He raigned the space of thirty one yeeres some say but seuen and twenty and had issue besides Quinchelinus who raigned with him and died before him Kenwin and Kenwald that succeeded him and Kineburg his Daughter married to Oswald as is said Quinchelinus had a Sonne named Cuthred that was baptized with his Father at Dorchester and is said by Stowe to haue raigned after the death of Kingils but I take it rather to be Kenwen whom some suppose to be his Fathers Associate the terme of foure yeeres but neuer sole King himselfe KEnwald whom Beda calleth Senwalch succeded his Father Kingils in the kingdome of the West-Saxons His beginnings by Matthew of VVestminster are compared to be with the worst and his endings with the best of those Kings At his first entrance he fought with victorie against the Britaines at 〈◊〉 whereof he became most insolent and refused not onely to receiue the Christian Faith but also put from him his lawfull wife Sexburg the sister of Penda King of Mercia whereby hee became hatefull to his owne Subiects and sore assaulted by the Mercian King who followed the reuenge so farre that he forced Kenwald out of his kingdome who being driuen to extremity sought succour at the mercie of Anna the Christian King of the East-Angles where he was both courteouslie entertained and at last wonne to the Christian Faith was baptized by Bishop Foelix whereupon hee did recall his wife according to prescript of Christianitie and recouered againe his former Maiestie which he much aduanced by his pious workes He founded the Cathedrall of Winchester and the Abby of Malmesburie and when he had raigned thirty one yeeres gaue place vnto nature in the yeere 673. leauing no issue of his body to succeede him whereupon Segburg his wife tooke vpon her the gouernment of the West-Saxons the same yeere that Lothair was made King of Kent shee being a woman of great spirit and vnderstanding and sufficiently worthy to haue managed the Kingdome had she not beene preuented by death or rather as some write by a religious deuotion that the affaires of this present life might not hinder her zealous meditations of the future in desire whereof she abandoned her Regencie and built a house of deuotion in the I le of Shepey wherein her selfe became a Vowesse and afterward was elected the Abbesse of Elie. ESkwin after the departure of Queene Segburg succeeded in the kingdome of the West-Saxons Hee was the sonne of Kensy the sonne of Kenfrid the sonne of Cuthgils the sonne of Chelwolfe the sonne of Cherdik the first King of that Prouince his raigne lasted but two yeeres in which time he fought a great Battle with Wulfere King of the Mercians at the place then called Bidanheaford and wherein many of the Saxons on both sides perished leauing neither issue to succeede him nor other matters to be spoken of him though as it seemeth hee had dispossessed Kenwin who had more right to the Crowne then himselfe or as Beda and Malmesbury auerre he raigned with him the space of two yeeres and Kenwin alone for seuen yeeres more KEnwin the brother of Kenwald and sonne to King Kingils in the yeere 677. became the ninth King of the West-Saxons and raigned the space of nine yeeres Hee was a great scourge vnto the weake and ouer-borne Britaines making Conquests of their
the Mercian at Oswaldstree in Shrop-shire quinto Augusti the yeere of our Lord 642. when hee had raigned nine yeeres and was buried at Bradney in Lincolne-shire His wife was Kineburg the daughter of Kingils King of the West-Saxons and his sonne Ethelwald young at his death and therefore defeated of his Kingdome by Oswy his Vncle the Naturall Sonne of King Ethelfrid the Wild. Notwithstanding when Oswin King of Deira was murdered by this Oswy of Bernitia and he not past sixteene yeeres of age entred by force vpon Deira and kept the same Prouince by strong hand so long as hee liued and dying left it to his cosen Alkfrid the Naturall Sonne of the said King Oswy OSwy the illegitimate sonne of Ethelfrid the Wild at thirty yeeres of age succeeded King Oswald his brother in the Kingdome of the Bernicians at whose entrance Oswyne the sonne of Osrik that had denied the Faith and was slaine of King Cedwall raigned in Deira This Oswyne was slaine by King Oswye after whose death seizing all Northumberland he spread his terrour further into other parts and was the tenth Monarch of the Englishmen as in his succession we will further speake His wife was Eanfled daughter to Edwine King of Northumberland by whom he had many children His raigne was 28. yeeres and death the fifteenth day of Februarie in the yeere of grace 670. and of his age 58. EGfrid the eldest sonne of King Oswy by Queene Eanfled had beene Hostage in the Kingdome of Mercia and after his father was made King of Northumberland in the yeere of Christ 671. Hee warred but with great losse against Edilred King of Mercia neere vnto the Riuer of Trent wherein his younger brother Elswyne was vnfortunately slaine to the great griefe of both the Kings the one being his owne brother and the other his brother in law by mariage whereupon a peace and reconciliation was made But Egfred being by nature of a disquiet disposition inuaded the Irish and destroied those harmelesse and silly people which as Beda saith had beene great friends to the English Their resistance consisted chiefly in curses and imprecations for reuenge which though they could not open heauen yet saith hee it is to be beleeued that for their cause he was cut off the next yeere ensuing by the Picts or Red-shankes against whom he prepared contrary to the aduice of his Counsell and by them was slaine among the strait and waste mountaines 20. Maij the yeere of mans felicitie 685. and of his age fortie after hee had raigned fifteene yeeres His wife was Etheldred the daughter of Anna King of the East-Angles shee was both Widow and Virgin first maried to Tonbert a Noble man that ruled the Giruij a people inhabiting the Fenny Countries of Norfolke Lincolne Huntington and Cambridge-shires and after him also in virginitie continued twelue yeeres with her husband King Egfrid contrarie to his minde and the Apostles precept that forbiddeth such defrauding either in man or woman except it be with consent for a time and to the preparatiō of praier affirming elswhere that Mariage is honourable and the bed thereof vndefiled wherein the woman doth redeeme her transgression through faith loue holinesse and modestie by beating of children This notwithstanding she obtained licence to depart his Court and got her to Coldingham Abby where shee was professed a Nunne vnder Ebba the daughter of King Ethelfrid Then went shee to Ely and new built a Monasterie whereof shee was made Abbesse and wherein with great reuerence shee was intombed whose vertues and remembrance remained to posterities by the name of S. Andrie she being canonized among the Catalogue of English Saints ALkfryd the illegitimate sonne of King Oswy in the raigne of his halfe-brother King Egfrid whether willingly or by violence constrained liued like a banished man in Ireland where applying himselfe to studie hee became an excellent Philosopher and as Beda saith was very conuersant and learned in the Holy Scriptures and therefore was made King ouer the Northumbrians where with great wisdome though not with so large bounds as others had enioied hee worthily did recouer the decaied estate of that Prouince ruling the same twenty yeeres and odde moneths and departed this life Anno 705. His Wife was Kenburg the daughter of Penda King of the Mercians and by her he had issue only one sonne that succeeded him in his Kingdome OSred a child of eight yeeres in age for the hopes conceiued from the vertues of his father was made King ouer the Northumbrians whose steps hee no wayes trod in but rather in filthy abuse of his person and place wallowed in all voluptuous pleasures and sensuall delight violating the bodies of vailed Nunnes and other religious holy women wherein when he had spent eleuen yeeres more to his age his kinsmen Kenred and Osrick conspired against him and in battle by his slaughter made an end of his impious life His wife was Cuthburga the sister of Inas King of the West-Saxons as by the time may bee gathered from the computation of Marianus and the Annales of the English-Saxons who vpon a loathing wearinesse of wedlocke sued out a diuorce from her husband and built a Nunnery at Winburne in Dorset-shire where in a religious habit shee ended her life and hee by Kenred and Osricke leauing his Kingdome to them that wrought his death KEnred the sonne of Cuthwyne whose father was Leolwald the sonne of Egwald and his father Adelm the sonne of Oga the naturall sonne of Ida the first King of Deira after the death of Osred raigned two yeeres no other remembrance left of him besides the murder of his Soueraigne Lord and King OSrick after the death of Kenred obtained the Kingdome of Northumberland and raigned therin the space of eleuen yeeres leauing to the world his name stained with bloud in the murder of young Osred no other mention of parentage wife or issue of him remaining for want whereof hee adopted Ceolnulph brother to his predecessor Kenred and died vnlamented the yeere of Grace seuen hundred twentie nine CEolnulph the brother of Kenred after the death of King Osrike was made King of the Northumbrians which Prouince hee gouerned with great peace and victorie the space of eight yeeres but then forsaking the Royall Estate and Robes of Maiestie put on the habit of a Monke in the I le of Lindesferne or Holy Iland These were the daies saith Beda wherein the acceptable time of peace and quietnesse was embraced among the Northumbrians who now laid their armour aside and applied themselues to the reading of holy Scriptures more desirous to be professed in religious houses then to exercise feats of warre or of Armes For not only Priests and Lay men vowed and performed Pilgrimages to Rome but Kings Queenes and Bishops also did the like
neither wife nor child that I can reade of 3 It is not greatly to be wondered at in that these times to much ouershadowed with superstitious zeal the holy acts of men which no doubt were many the habit of Monks the accounted holy garments of humility were so meritoriously respected and reputed in the deuout hearts of the religious when by the Clergy that are accounted the light of the world in a Councell at Rome held vnder Pope Constantine the first it was decreed and commanded that carued Images which neither had action nor life nor could saue themselues from the stroke of destruction should bee made to the memoriall of Saints and should be set vp in Churches with respectiue adoration contrary to Gods most expresse commandement and condemned for idolatry by the warrant of sacred Scripture CHELRED THE NINTH KING OF THE MERCIANS AND THE FOVRTEENTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH HIS RAIGNE AND SVCCESSION CHAPTER XXVI CHelred the sonne of King Ethelred was of sufficient yeeres and well able of rule at such time as his father resigned his Scepter vnto his Nephew Kenred had not the pricke of that sinne touched his conscience which made him to bestow the same as he did notwithstanding the Crown being too waighty for Kenred to weare he as freely againe gaue it the sonne as he had receiued it of the father before and relinquished his claime and title thereto 2 Chelred thus aduanced before he it expected entred his gouernment with great applause of the people in whose opinions he was held the onely man worthy of their Crowne Ouer the Mercians he raigned the ninth King and of the English Monarchs the fourteenth in number beginning them both in the yeere of grace seuen hundred nine and the fourth of Iustinian the younger Empire 3 His quietnes was disturbed by Inas the West-Saxon whose fame for his fortunes beganne then to grow great For Kent he had forced to buy their peace with mony the Britaines subdued and had inlarged his confines vpon them And now against Chelred this new rise Monarch he meant to try chance whose glory he looked at with an ouer enuious eye 4 His greatnesse likewise Chelred suspected who either to himselfe or successors by the foundation which he laid would diuert the Monarchy from him and his Mercians and entaile it to himselfe or his West-Saxons Hereupon great preparation was made and each set forward with all the powers the one to attaine and the other to keep the glory and title that both of them so much thirsted after At Wodnesbury they met and with vndaunted spirits so fought that the victory was doubtfull for neither could say the battell was his or that he departed with the lesser losse 5 These emulations were followed betwixt these two Princes the space of seuen yeeres and longer had done if Chelred had liued or Inas not been strucke with remorse of conscience for his ouermuch spilling of bloud Of this Chelred some Authors haue censured that he was maruellous in prowesse and valiant of courage but his Country miserable by his vntimely death whose raigne lasted only seuen yeeres and death in the yeere of our Lord seuen hundred and sixteene his body was buried in the Cathedrall Church of Lichfield and he died without any issue His Wife 6 Wereburg the wife of King Chelred is mentioned by Marianus the learned Scotish Historian and by Florence of Worcester who was the follower and continuer of his History whom we may reasonably credit in this matter being not incredible although she must of necessity be thought to haue been married very young or to haue died very old because they record her decease to haue beene in the yeere of Christ seuen hundred eightie one which was almost sixtie yeeres after the death of her husband and towards the end of the long raigne of King Offa. ETHELBALD THE TENTH KING OF THE MERCIANS AND THE FIFTEENTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN HIS RAIGNE AND ACTS CHAPTER XXVII EThelbald cosen germane once remoued vnto King Chelred succeeded him in the kingdome of the Mercians whereof he was the tenth in number and of the Monarchs ouer the Englishmen the fifteenth in account He beganne his raigne in the yeere of grace seuen hundred sixteene and with great honour raigned ouer all the Kings on the South side of Humber whose time for the most part was spent in peace yet some wars he had and those with variable euents 2 For in the eighteenth yeere of his raigne hee besieged Sommerton and wanne it and inuading Northumberland without proffer of resistance returned with great riches by spoile The Britaines also that were ioined confederates with the West-Saxons hee molested and ouercame for whose reuenge King Cuthred gaue him battell neere vnto Burford where he with his Mercians receiued the foile and lost the Banner wherein was portracted a Golden Dragon the thirty seuenth yeere of his raigne 3 The sinnes of these times both in Prince and people were many and great as by the Epistles of Boniface an Englishman and Archbishop of Mentz is most manifest wherein he reprooued his adulterous life who refraining to marry wallowed in filthy lecheries by whose example the Noblemen of Mercia did the like and their women as well Nunnes as others made away their chilaren borne out of wedlocke whereby the graues were filled with dead bodies as hell it selfe with damned soules And in another Epistle sent vnto Cuthbert Archbishop of Canterbury he complaineth of the English Nunnes who wandring in pilgrimage vnder shew of deuotion liued in pleasure and wanton fornications through all the Cities of France and of Lumbardy 4 This his Epistle tooke so good effect that in repentance King Ethelbald released and priuiledged the Church from all tributes to himselfe and built the Abbey of Crowland in Lincolnshire for the pacifying of Gods wrath towards his sinnes when also it was enacted by Cuthbert and his Clergy in a Conuocation held in his Prouince that the sacred Scriptures should be read in their Monasteries the Lords Praier and Creed taught in the English tongue which accordingly was done Which Councell was held in the thirty yeere of this Kings raigne and of Christs incarnation seuen hundred forty eight 5 Finally when he had ruled forty two yeeres fighting against Cuthred the West-Saxon in a warre not prudently vndertaken he was traiterously slaine by his owne subiects at the procurement of Bernred a Leader of them who affecting the kingdome by this stratagem of Treason sought to attaine it but was himselfe slaine by Offa the Mercian before that this ill sowen seed could take any roote The place of this Great Ethelbalds death was Secondone three miles from Taâ—…worth in the County of Warwicke and of his buriall Reptâ—…n in Darby-shire where with honourable obsequies he was enterred the yeere of Christs humanity seuen
was like him in all vertuous conditions by him was ordained to succeed in his Dominions whereby hee became the thirteenth King of the Mercians and the eighteenth Monarch of the Englishmen in the yeere of our Lord seuen hundred ninety seuen At home he was an example of piety peace and religion set the scale of Iustice without respect to all alike abroad temperate humble and courteous without vain ostentation or ambitious conceits in warres hee was stout and victorious in peace studious to enrich his subiects briefly at all times so carrying himselfe that enuie could not touch him with her tongue 2 Whether vpon a new quarrell begun or the old retained as inheritable to the Mercians against those of Kent I cannot say but true it is that in the entrance of his raigne he entred that Prouince with a great host of men and in a fore fought field discomfited the Kentish and carried away prisoner their King whose sirname was Pren. His kingdome hee gaue to Cuthred and kept him captiue in Mercia to his great griefe and his subiects dishonour 3 But Kenwolfe in peace minding the works of true piety gaue himself to the building of a goodly Church at Winchcombe in Glocestershire where vpoÌ„ the day of dedication in the presence of Cuthred assigned his Viceroy in Kent thirteene Bishops ten Dukes many Nobles and a great concourse of people he led Pren this Kentish captiue vp to the high Altar and there without either his entreaty or ransome for Redemption released and set him free shewing thereby his deuotion to God and the heroicall parts of a magnanimous Prince 4 His raigne was twenty two yeares and death in Anno eight hundred nineteene beeing solemnely buried in the Church of the Monastery at Winchcombe aforesaid which himselfe had founded His Wife 5 Elfryd the wife of King Kenwolfe hath not her parentage certainely reported by any of our Historians yet some later vpon a likelihood of her name the place and time agreeing haue thought her to be the daughter of Offâ—… affianced to King Ethelbert as hath beene said but in these obscurities coniecture may wander astray His Children 6 Kenelm the sonne of King Kenwolfe and of Queene Elfryde his wife was very yong at his fathers death and succeeded in the Mercians Kingdom but not in the Monarchy of the English King Egbert the West-Saxon King then growne too great And in the same yeare that he beganne his raigne by the treason of his vnnaturall sister hee was murthered and first obscurely buried but afterwards solemnly remoued and reposed neere to his Father in the Monastery of Winchcombe as in the Mercian Kings successions wee haue said 7 Quendred the eldest daughter of King Ken-Wolfe and Lady Elfryd his Queene after the decease of her father ambitiously aspiring to compasse the sway of the Mercian Kingdome wholy to her selfe wickedly conspired the death of her brother King Kenelme which was traiterously acted by Askebert her instrument who had the charge of him but the same turning to her reproch for very shame of so damnable a deed shee within short time after ended her life but not her ignominie 8 〈◊〉 the yonger daughter of King Kenwolfe and of Queene Elfryd hath not been so famous to posterity as her sister Quendred was for her infamous Act notwithstanding she may reasonably be supposed to haue lead a better life and to haue died a better death especially of vs who find her noâ—… sâ—…ained with any aspersion of misdeseruing EGBERT THE EIGHTEENTH KING OF THE WEST-SAXONS THE NINETEENTH BVT FIRST SOLE AND ABSOLVTE MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH-MEN HIS ACTS WIFE AND ISSVE CHAPTER XXXI THe Saxon Heptarchy drawing now to a period the spring of an entire Monarchie began to shew it selfe and the glory of the Englishmen more cleerely to arise for thongh they had weakned each other by their own wars yet stood their power strong in the possession of the whole and the ouerborne Britaines held still at the worst 2 But such is the dispose of the sole disposer of Empires that they haue their risings their fuls and their fals neuer staying in one and the same point neither entailed to one and the same Nation how strong politicke or populous soeuer The proofe whereof is apparant in all the Kingdomes of the earth and this of ours as mutable as any whose change of State vnto and in this seuen-fold Gouernment hath hitherto beene seene the seuerall Kings thereof long contending to branch their own fountaines furthest and fairest lastly let them fall into one streame which so meeting made a more famous confluence in this Monarchy then the seauen heads of Nilus in the Egyptian Sea 3 Formerly the Kentish South-Saxons East-Angles Northumbrians and the Mercians through no lesse then eight descents had worne the Emperiall Diademe whose rayes shone now so bright in the West-Saxons eyes that they againe sought to reestate themselues in so glorious a possession For whereas Brightrik was possessed and contented with the West-Saxon Crowne neither that worne without iealousie and feare yet others of the bloud royall from Cherdik raised the wings of their soaring thoughts much higher among whom Egbert was one neither the last nor the least in the opinion of the people or suspect of his Prince 4 This Egbert hauing commaund of some part of that Prouince so carried himselfe that his fame grew fearefull to Brightrik the King and hatefull to the enuious Ethelburg his most proud Queene by whom he was enforced first to secure himselfe with the Mercian Offa and lastly constrained to flie into France where vnder Charles the Great he turned his aduersity into an occasion of his valour by seruing in his warres and learned by his politicke gouernment how to rule a quiet or disturbed State 5 But King Brightriks death acted and his Queene the contriuer banished Egbert is solicited to the wearing of the West-Saxon crowne where hee became the eighteenth King in number and nineteene yeares after the nineteenth Monarch of the Englishmen entring his raigne the yeare of Christ Iesus eight hundreth being the same yeare that Charles was made Emperour of the West and Conwall then ruling ouer the Scots 6 His first warres were against the Cornish and their associats the Welsh both of them a remnant of the old Britaines who had beene oftentimes vanquished but neuer would seeme to be subdued and for foureteene yeares continuance held side against Egbert which their resistance so prouoked his furie that hee enacted a most seuere law against them commanding that no Britaine should presume to passe ouer great Offaes ditch and present death to them that durst set foot vpon any English ground Their great Caer-legion now West-chester hee tooke from them and at London from their West-gate cast downe the brasen Image of Cadwallo there set vp by the Britaine 's for a terrour to the Saxons as we haue said
of the Cathedrall Church where there remaineth a monument of him with an inscription entitling him a Duke and some suppose of Bologne 70 William the third Son of King William and Queene Maud was borne in Normandy in the 21. yere of his Fathers Dukedom ten yeeres before he was King 1159. hee was surnamed of the Red colour of his haire in French Rows in Latine Rufus he was brought vp vnder Lanefranke the learned Lumbard who was Archbishoppe of Canterbury of whom he receiued both instructions of knowledge and the order of Knighthood he serued vnder his Father at the battaile of Gerbereth in Normandy 1079 wherein hee was wounded and hee alwaies framed his actions so pleasing to his Fathers humor as that hee thought him much worthier then his elder brother to succeed in his Kingdome 71 Henry the fourth and yongest sonne of King William and Queene Maud his wife was borne in England at Selby in Yorkeshire the third yeere of his Fathers raigne and of our Lord God 1070 his childhood was trained vp in learning at Cambridge saith Caius but the ancient Annales of Saint Austins in Canterbury say he was Philosophiâ peregrè informatus instructed beyond Sea in Philosophy where for his notable knowledge in the Liberall Sciences he was surnamed by the French Beauclerk that is the fine Scholler Vpon his return he was made Knight being 16. yeers old by his Father at Westminster in Whitsontide the nineteenth yeer of his Raign Anno 1086. and thogh at his Fathers death he had nothing bequeathed him but Treasure yet afterward he succeeded his Brothers both in the Kingdome of England and Dutchie of Normandy 72 Cecilie the Eldest daughter of King William and Queene Maude his wife was borne in Normandy brought vp in England and carried againe into Normandy where in the ninth yeere of the Kings Raigne and the yeere of our Lord 1075. shee was by her Father on Ester day with great Solemnity offered vp in the Church of Feschampe vailed to be a Nunne in the Monastery there but was afterward elected by the Nunnes of our Lady at Cane to be Abbesse of their Monasterie founded by her Mother which she gouerned and where she died and was enterred 73 Constance the second daughter of King William and Queene Maud was the first wife of Allayne Earle of little Britaigne surnamed in the British Fergent in English Red. In regard of which marriage and his seruice done at the conquest of England his Father in law gaue him all the lands of Earle Edwine whereon he built the Castle and wherof he made the Earledome of Richmond which long after belonged to the Earles and Dukes of Britaigne his Successors although he had his children by an other wife for she died very yong and without issue and was buried in the Abbey of Saint Edmundsbury in Suffolke 74 Alice the third daughter of King William Queen Maud was married to Stephen Earle of Bloys in France and had issue by him William an Innocent Thibaud surnamed the Great Earle of Blois and Champain Stephen Earle of Mortain and Boleine who was King of England Henry a Monke of Cluny after Abbot of Glastenbury and Bishop of Winchester Mary married to Richard Earle of Chester and Emme wife of one Harbert an Earle of France and mother of Saint William Archbishop of Yorke Shee suruiued Earle Stephen her husband and in her widowhood tooke vpon her the profession of Religion in the Priorie of Nunnes at Marciguy in France where she ended her life 75 Gundred the fourth daughter of King William and of Queene Maud was married to William of Warrein a Nobleman of Normandy who was the first Earle of Surrey in England by whom shee had issue William the second Earle Progenitors of the Earles that followed and Rainold of Warren her second sonne who had also Issue Shee died in Child-bed three yeeres before her husband at Castleaker in Norfolke the 27. of May in the 20. yere of her fathers raigne being the yeere of our Lord 1085. and is buried in the Chapter-house of Saint Pancrase Church within the Priory at the town of Lews in the County of Sussex 76 Ela the fifth daughter of King William and his Queen Maud in her Child-hood was contracted in marriage to Duke Harald when he was in Normandy being then a yong Widower Notwithstanding hee refusing her tooke an other wife and vsurped the Kingdom of England after the death of King Edward whereby hee occasioned his owne ruine and Conquest of his Country which afterward ensued when her Father sought reuenge so much as some write to the discontentment of this Lady that for griefe of these mischances shee euer after refused marriage and led a single and solitarie life though others vpon better warrant collect that shee died yong and before William her Father set forth for England Harald himselfe pleading that hee was free from all couenants and promises to Duke William by reason of the death of this his daughter 77 Margaret the sixth and yongest daughter of King William and Queene Maud was in her childhood giuen in marriage to Alphonso King of Gallicia in Spaine that afterward was so renowned for the Conquest of the City Lysbon for his victories against the Mores and for the slaughter of their fiue Kings and was the founder of the Kingdome of Portugall the first King thereof and the first bearer of the fiue Shields of the said fiue Kinges which are to this day the Armes of the same But this Lady being thus contracted deceased before those things hapned and before shee came to yeeres of lawfull consent to the marriage VVILLIAM THE SECOND SVRNAMED R VFVS THE FORTIETH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH HIS ACTS RAIGNE AND VNTIMELY DEATH CHAPTER III. WIlliam posting for England Archbishop Lanfrank his earnest soliciter by liberall gifts giuen and promises made to abrogate the ouer hard lawes of his Father had the readier passage into the opinions of them that could doe most and the more to notifie his intended mild gouernment with other his noble inclinations to princely vertues as eye-witnesses of his fauours towards the English hee brought with him from Normandy Morcar the stout Earle of Chester and Wilnoth the sonne of King Harold both of them released out of prison and then held in especiall fauour with him But most of the States standing for Robert Curtoise his elder Brother a man deemed of a more liberall disposition and better temperature towards the Subiects their titles had beene tried by swords had not Lanfrank and Wulstan both wise reuerend Prelates by their Counsels and Mediations staied their hands 2 Consent thus gotten and all voices giuen for William he was crowned their King at Westminster vpon Sunday the twenty sixt day of September and yeere of Saluation 1087. by the hands of Lanfrank Archbishop of Canterbury vnder whom he had beene educated
curious and exquisite building he and Bishoppe Foxe first as is reported learned in France and thence brought with them into England He died about the age of fiftie two yeeres vpon the two and twentieth of April hauing raigned twenty three yeeres and eight moneths A right noble wise victorious and renowed King and one whose piety would haue beene farre more eminent then all his other vertues if from the beginning the malignant quality of the times would haue permitted him to liue in quiet He specially honoured the remembrance of that Saint-like Man Henry the sixth the founder of his Family and Propheticall fore-teller of that fortune which now hee died seised of whom also he laboured to haue Canonized for a Saint but that Pope Iulio held that honour at two high a rate It is reckoned by some writers of that age among his principall glories that three Popes Alexander the sixth Pius the third and Iulius the second did in their seuerall times with authority and consent of the Cardinals elect and chose him for chiefe defensor of Christs Church before all other Christian Princes In his last will and Testament after the disposition of his soule and body hee deuised and willed Restitution should bee made of all such moneis as had vniustly beene leuied by his Officers A most pious and truly Christian care wherby also appeareth that hee hoped the wrongs done vnder him were not so enormous nor innumerable but that they might fall within the possibility of redresse The description of his whole man is had in the beginning of his life and the course thereof described in his Actions There remaine of his wisdome many effects and those as his fame likely to continue for euer His Wife 71 Elizabeth the first Childe Legitimate and eldest daughter of King Edward the fourth was at the age of nineteene vpon the eighteenth of Ianuarie and yeere of Christ Iesus 1485. married vnto King Henry the seuenth whereby was vnited the long contending Families of Lancaster and Yorke and the Roses red and White ioined into one to the great ioy of the English Subiects Shee was crowned at Westminster vpon the fiue-and twentieth of Nouember the third of her husbands Raigne and of Grace 1487. Shee was his wife eighteene yeeres and twenty foure daies and died in childe-bed in the Tower of London the eleuenth of February euen the day of her owne Natiuity the eighteenth of her husbands Raigne and yeere of our Saluation 1503. and is buried at Westminster in the most magnificent Chappell and rich Monument of Copper and gilt where shee with her husband lie entombed His Issue 72 Arthur the eldest sonne of King Henrie the seauenth and of Queene Elizabeth his wife was borne at Winchester the twentith day of September the yeere of Grace one thousand foure hundred eighty sixe and the second of his Fathers raigne In whose fifth yeere he was created Prince of Wales Duke of Cornewall and Earle of Chester and at the age of fifteene yeeres one month and twenty fiue daies vpon the foureteenth of Nouember in the yeere of our Lord one thousand fiue hundred and one espoused the Lady Katherine daughter to Ferdinando King of Spaine shee being then about eighteene yeeres of age in the Cathedrall Church of Saint Paul London and presently sent into Wales the better to gouerne that principality by his owne Presence enioyed his marriage bed onely foure moneths and ninteene daies departing this life at Ludlow the second of Aprill the yeere of our Lord one thousand fiue hundred and two of his Fathers raigne seuenteene and of his owne age fifteene yeeres sixe moneths and thirteene daies His body with all due funerall solemnities was buried in the Cathedrall Church of Saint Maries in Worcester where in the South side of the Quire he remaineth entombed in Touch or Iette without any remembrance of him by picture 73 Henrie the second sonne of King Henrie the seuenth and of Queene Elizabeth was borne at Greenwich in the Countie of Kent the two and twentieth of Iune in the yeere of Grace one thousand foure hundred ninety and one being the seuenth of his Fathers raigne In his Infancy he was created Duke of Yorke and Marshall of England and so trained vp in his youth to literature as hee was rightly accounted the best learned Prince in Europe and by the death of his brother succeeded his Father in all his Dominions whose Raigne and Acts are presently to be related 74 Edmund the third sonne of King Henry and of Queene Elizabeth was borne in the yeere of Christ one thousand foure hundred ninetie fiue and in his young yeeres was created Duke of Sommerset which Title hee no long time enioyed being taken away by death at Bishops Hatfield before hee attained fully to fiue yeeres of age the yeere of Grace one thousand foure hundred ninetie and fiue and fifteenth of his Fathers Raigne and his body lieth interred at Saint Peters in Westminster 75 Margaret the eldest daughter of King Henrie and of Lady Elizabeth his Queene was born the nine and twentieth day of Nouember the yeere of Christ 1489. and fifth of her fathers raigne shee at the age of foureteene was married vnto Iames the fourth King of Scotland the yeere of our Lord one thousand fiue hundred and three vnto whom shee bare Iames the fifth Arthur and Alexander and a Daughter which last three died all of them young and after the death of King Iames being slaine at Flodden Field in fight against the Engglish shee was remarried vnto Archibald Douglas Earle of Anguisse in the yeere of our Lord one thousand fiue hundred and foureteene vnto whom shee bare Margaret afterward espoused vnto Mathew Earle of Lennox Father by her of the Lord Henrie who died at the age of nine moneths and lyeth interred in the vpper ende of the Chancell in the Parish Church of Stepney neere London vpon whose Graue is engrauen in brasse as followeth Heere lieth Henry Steward Lord Darle of the age of three quarters of a yeere late Sonne and Heire of Mathew Steward Earle of Lennoux and Lady Margaret his wife which Henrie deceased the XXV III. day of Nouember in the yeere of our Lord God 1545. Whose Soule Iesus perdon Her second sonne was Henrie Lord Dernley a Noble Prince and reputed for person one of the goodliest Gentlemen of Europe who married Marie Queene of Scotland the royall Parents of the most roiall Monarch Iames the first King of great Britaine and of the Britaine World And her third sonne was Charles Earle of Lennox father vnto Lady Arbella 76 Elizabeth the second daughter of King Henry and Lady Elizabeth his Queene was borne the second day of Iuly one thousand foure hundred ninety two and died the foureteenth of September and yeere of Christ one thousand foure hundred ninetie fiue and is interred at Westminster 77 Mary the third blossome of the Imperiall Rose-tree of England was first wife to Lewis King of France who liued not
and at this present growing vpon the lands of the right worthy Knight Sir Alexander Hayes his Maiesties principal Secretay for Scotland But among the Latine Writers Lucretius was the first that before Cesar mentioneth Britaine in these verses Nam quid Britannum coelum deferre putamus Et quod in Aegypto est quà mundi claudicat Axis We see the difference in the spheeres where Britaines Sunne doth goe From Egypts Clime wherein Charles waine is forc'd to draw so low 8 Other names hath this Iland beene termed by and that either by way of note for her situation as Insula Caeruli the Iland in the Sea so written in the sonet or parodia made against Ventidius Bassus and by Claudian confirmed whose sides saith hee the azure Sea doth wash And in a very ancient manuscript it is found written Insula florum an Iland of flowers for the abundance of Graine therein growing as also for her subiection to the Romanes hath beene called by Aegisippus the Romane World and by her owne Historian Gildas Romania for being first subdued by them the very name of seruitude saith he stucke fast to the soile And Prosperus Aquitanis in expresse words calleth it the Romane Iland and so did the South-saiers when the statues of Tacitus and Florianus the Emperours were by lightning ouerthrowen who prophecied that an Emperour should arise out of their familie that should send a Pro-consull to the Romane Iland Vpon the like cause of conquest and subiection we read in Amianus that what time the Iland had assaied a dangerous reuolt in the raigne of Valentinianus the Emperor Theodosius as then Gouernor of Britaine reducing them vnder their wonted obedience in honor of Valentinianus caused the Iland to bee called VALENTIA which name notwithstanding died either with or immediately after the death of the said Emperour 9 But about the same time when as by Gods decree the Romanes fulnesse was come to the wane and the greatnesse of their glory did abate by the downefall of that one Empire many Kingdomes beganne to arise and to haue their Rulers Lawes and Limits of themselues Among the rest this Iland Britaine shortlie came to be diuided into three scuerall Kingdomes and each of them to retaine an absolute power in their owne dominions and knowen by their seuerall and proper names The first was Scotland from Scotia and that from Scythia as the best suppose whose Southerne bounds was the famous Wall from Carlile to Newcastle and from thence the enorme tract of all that Northerne promontorie was called Scotia or Scotland The second was Cambria of vs called Wales sited in the West of this Iland inclosing those waste mountaines with a ditch drawen from Basingwarke in Flint-shire in the North to the mouth of Wye neere Bristoll in the South so separated by great Offa the Mercian King And the third was Angle-lond the East the most fruitfull and best of the Iland lying coasted with the French and Germane Seas so named when the vnited Heptarchie of the Saxons was ruled by King Egbert who by his edict dated at Winchester Anno 819. commanded the same to bee called Angle-lond according to the name of the place from whence his ancestors the Angle-Saxons came which was out of the continent part of Denmarke lying betwixt Iuitland and Holsatia where to this day the place retaineth the name Engloen And therefore Calepine is to be reiected that would haue the name from Queene Angela and Goropius of good Anglers either from Pope Gregorie his attribute of Angell-like faces or from others that would faine it from Angula the Giant-like brother to Danus or force it from Angulus Orbis 10 Neither indeed was it called England before the daies of Canutus the Dane but with Angle-land retained still the names both of Albion and Britaine as in a Saxon Charter made by King Edgar the tenth in succession from Egbert and no lesse then one hundred forty and nine yeeres after this Edict is seene where in the beginning he stileth himselfe thus Ego Edgar totius Albionis Basileus c. And in the end of the same charter thus Edgar Rex totius Britannia Dâ—…conem cum sigillo S. Crucis confirmaui And yet vpon his Coines wrote himselfe Rex Anglis whereby wee see the rellish of the former names not vtterly extinct though a new was imposed by the Saxons 11 This last name this Iland still retained though two seuerall Conquests of two seuerall Nations were made of the same Neither did William the Conquerour attempt to alter it it sounding belike so Angel-like in his eares accounting himselfe most happie to be King of so worthy a Kingdome the glorie whereof is further inlarged by the ranking of Christian nations assembled in their generall Councels wherein England is accounted the fifth and hath place of presidencie before kingdomes of larger territories This name of England continued for the space of seuen hundred eighty and three yeeres vnto the comming in of our Soueraigne Lord King IAMES in anno 1602. who by the hand of GOD hath vnited all these Diademes into one Imperiall Crowne and reduced the many Kingdomes in one Iland vnder the gouernment of one Monarch and after the manifold conquests irruptions and dissensions hath settled an eternall amitie and extinguishing all differences of names hath giuen the whole Iland the ancient name of GREAT BRITAINE by his Edict dated at Westminster quartring the royal Armes of his seuerall Kingdomes in one royall Scutchion and for his mott as is most meet BEATI PACIFICI THE ANCIENT NATIONS INHABITING THIS ILAND OF GREAT BRITAINE BEFORE THE CONQVEST THEREOF BY THE ROMANES CHAPTER III. IT is not to bee doubted but that this Iland with the Vniuersall was replenished with people immediately after that men began to be multiplied vpon the earth euen in the daies of the former Patriarkes and long before the Flood of Noah as sundrie ancient Writers haue related And surely if wee consider in those first ages of the world the long life of man the only meanes to multiplication and the worlds continuance for one thousand six hundred fiftie and six yeeres before it was destroied wee shall easily yeeld that euery Country and corner of the earth was plentifully peopled and inhabited And so much doe the Sacred Scriptures intimate vnto vs where by the Prophet Esay it is said Thus saith the Lord that created heauen God himselfe that framed the earth and made it he hath prepared it he created it not in vaine he formed it to be inhabited 2 But when the wrath of GOD was executed vpon the world for sinne and all ouer-whelmed with a Flood of waters the whole earth thereby became altogether vnpeopled eight persons only with the breedreserued creatures saued in the floting Arke Whose Port or Hauen was the mountaine of Araret in Armenia whence with the blessing of procreation mankinde againe
barley But for tillage Pliny seemeth to contradict Dio affirming that the Britaine 's manured their grounds with Marle in stead of dung which argueth no such simplicity in gardening planting and in other like points of husbandry as Strabo doth taxe them with And this foresaid temperance of diet differeth much from that which Saint Hierome chargeth their neighbors the Anthropophagi of Ireland who vsed to feed on the buttocks of boies and womens paps as their most dainty and delicate dish 8 For their religion or rather diabolicall superstition was as the rest of the world some few excepted when Satan had clouded the truth of Gods doctrine by the foggy mists of confused darknesse For Tacitus makes their superstitions and ceremonies to be the same in conformity with the Gaules And what that was Dio Cassius in his Nero and Solinus in his history doe declare who doe ascribe to them the most inhumane offering of mans flesh in their sacrifices And besides their ancient Idols such as Dis Iupiter Apollo Diana and the like they worshipped Andates for their Goddesse of Victory vnto all which they performed no small adorations and honors imputing their prosperities vnto them vnto whom also they erected temples with such magnificence as they then had whose walles as it seemeth long after remained whereon some of those prophane portraitures with deformed lineaments were seene by mournfull Gildas carrying a sterne and grim countenance after the wonted heathenish manner here see we saith he vpon these desert walles the vgly features of the Britains Idols meerly diabolicall and in number almost exceeding those of Egypt So by Tacitus they are noted with the common custome of the Gentiles which was that they sought for the direction of their Gods by the looking into the entralls of Beasts yea and of men too and that they honored the Altars of their Gods with the sacrifice and blood of such as they tooke captiue in wars And Plinie writing of Magick saith that in his daies the art thereof in Britaine was highly honored and all the people thereunto so much deuoted yea and with all such complements of ceremonies in the same to be performed that a man would thinke the Persians had learned all their Magick skill from them Priests and instructers had they whereof the chiefe were called Druides whose office was imploied about holy things saith Caesar for they had the managing of publike and priuate sacrifices and to interpret and discusse matters of religion Vnto them doe resort great numbers of yong men to learne at their hands and they be had in great reuerence For they determine almost all controuersies and matters in variance as well publike as priuate And if there happen any thing to be done amisse if there be any murther committed if there rise any controuersie concerning inheritance or bounds of lands they take the matter into their power and award either recompence or penalties in the case And if there be any be he priuate person or be it corporation that will not stand to their iudgement they interdict him which punishment among them is held most grieuous They that are so excommunicated are accounted in the number of the wicked and vngratious all men shun them all men eschue their company and communication lest by conuersing with them they should defile themselues and receiue harme If they demand law they may not haue it neither may they enioy any place of honor Ouer all these Druides there is one Primate which hath chiefe authority ouer them When he is dead if there be any of the rest that excelleth in worthinesse he succeedeth or if there be any equall he is chosen by voices of the rest and diuers times they striue for the soueraignty by force of armes These men at a certaine season of the yeere in the borders of the Caruntes whose country is counted the middle of all Gallia do sit together in a place hallowed whereunto resort from all sides all such as haue any controuersies and looke what is decreed and iudged by them that they stand vnto This order of discipline is thought to haue had beginning in Britaine and from thence to haue been brought into Gallia And at this day they that are desirous to attaine this skill more exactly do commonly repaire thither to learne it These Druides customably are exempted from the wars neither do they pay taxes and tallages with other folke for they are priuiledged as from the warres so from all other burthens Allured with so great rewards many euen of their owne accord do register themselues in that order and diuers are sent thither by their parents and kinsfolke Where they are reported to learne a great number of verses by heart Whereof it commeth to passe that diuers continue twenty yeeres in learning Neither do they thinke it lawfull to put them in writing whereas in all other things for their accounts as well publike as priuate they vse the Greek letters This order they seeme in mine opinion saith he to haue taken for two considerations partly because they will not haue their discipline published among the common people and partly because they will not that they which shall learne trusting too much to their bookes should haue the lesse regard of remembrance in that it hapneth well neere to most men that vpon trust of the helpe of their booke they are slacker in learning things by heart and lesse care to beare them in mind This is one of the chiefest things that they labour most to beat into mens minds that the Soules die not but do after death passe from one to another and hereby they thinke men should be most stirred vnto virtue when the feare of death is nothing regarded Also they dispute many other things as of the starres and of their mouings of the bignesse of the world and the earth of the nature of things of the strength and power of the goddes immortall and do therein instruct the youth Vnto these Druides and their doctrine had Lucan the Poet relation in his first booke towards the end where he writeth thus of them Et vos barbaricos ritus moremque sinistrum Sacrorum Druidae positis repetistis ab armis Solis nosce Deos Caeli sydera vobis Aut solis nescire datum Nemora alta remotis Incolitis Lucis Vobis autoribus vmbrae Non tacitas Erebi sedes Ditisque profundi Pallida regna petunt regit idem spiritus artus Orbe alio longae canitis si cognita vitae Mors media est Certè populi quos despicit Arctos Foelices errore suo quos ille timorum Maximus haud vrgent laethi metus inde ruendi Inferrum mens prona viris animaque capaces Mortis ignauum est rediturae parccre vitae In English thus You Druides free from wars with barbarous deuices Sinistrous rites performe and vncouth sacrifices High Mysteries
certaine predictions in Rome happening were so respected and generally expounded That Nature was about to bring forth a King that should raigne ouer the whole world And albeit these and other Heathen Writers ascribe these things either to Augustus himselfe or to some of his fauorites yet wee see them accomplished in none other but Iesus Christ the Messiah our blessed Sauiour in whom only the Kingdome of God began with the vtter subuersion of all their heathenish Oracles which at his birth or at furthest at his death ceased all and gaue place to HIS eternitie Which time of his birth by the Scriptures most certaine account was from the worlds creation 3927. and is set by the Britaine 's in the fourteenth of their Cunobelines raigne and by other authenticke Writers in the two and fortieth of Augustus Caesar euen in the top of that Empires greatnesse when Rome was with an vniuersall subiection acknowledged the absolute Lady of the knowne earth For so in S. Luke wee read that this Augustus then first taxed the world A text most strong for the full dissolution of the foure foregone kingdomes represented in Daniels Image by the fall of this stone Christ the rocke and stay of our eternall happinesse 7 This Emperour raigned in great honour the space of fifty six yeeres and was obeyed both by the Easterne Indians and the Northerne Scythians with the subiection of the Parthians a fierce and vntamed people and generally with the loue of all Hee was a Prince indued with great wisdome magnanimitie and Iustice yet faulty in this that he tooke from Tiberius Nero his wife Liuia both great with child and hauing also formerly borne him a sonne Deuout hee was in the worship of the Romane Gods amongst whom in the Capitoll he built an Altar vnto the Hebrew childe with this inscription The Altar of the first begotten Sonne of God being thereunto mooued by the Oracle of Apollo that had answered his owne destruction by the birth of this childe Of Stature he was but low and of a good complexion gray-eied his haire somewhat yellow and his body freckled with spots which as his flatterers would haue the world beleeue were in forme like starres Predictions foreshewing his gouernment and death are alleged the which I willingly ouerpasse holding most of them rather fantasies then truth At his death hee demanded of the standers by whether he had well acted the enterlude of his life vpon the stage of this world and died fourteene yeeres after Christ his incarnation leauing after him so honourable an estimation of his glory that as the succeeding Emperours in remembrance of Iulius Caesar gloried to be called Caesars so they euer held the name of Augusti to be sacred and only befitting persons destinated to imperiall Maiestie And both their names were inserted into the number of the moneths that the honour of them both might neuer perish while Times euiternitie should endure TIBERIVS CHAPTER IV. AVgustus Caesar thus gloriously raigning and peaceably dying had ordained for his successour Tiberius Nero the sonne of Tiberius the Patritian and of Liuia his wife whom as we said before he had taken for his Empresse and by whose incitements and continuall instigations that matter was procured though Suetonius thinketh it was by Augustus his owne ambitious conceit to make himselfe the sooner missed and the more lamented in leauing his sonne so vnlike him to succeed whose conditions as they stood vpon their owne basis hee knew to bee both reprooueable and also contemptible 2 But before the death of Caesar could be diuulged to write his imperiall stile as it were in blood he began with the murder of young Agrippa the sonne of Iulia daughter to Octanian and once his owne wife and continued his raigne with such tyrannie that many he slaughtred without respect of person or cause and in his loosest lasciuiousnesse thought of nothing but how to subuert the Nobilitie for rare it was in his daies that any such died a naturall death and maintaining a race of men Promoters as Tacitus tearmes them found out for a common ouerthrow and destruction of others allured them by rewards to accuse the rich though guiltlesse only this fauour granted to the condemned that if they slew themselues before the day of execution their bodies should haue buriall their goods not confiscate and their testament stand good in law 3 A great dissembler he was seeming euer to hate those vices which in truth he loued and to loue those vertues which he did most deadly hate and for life and libidinous filthinesse so extreme that a Christians pen may not expresse when the Heathen themselues doe blush to name such things as hee shamed not openly to commit his publike drunkennesse and continuall banquettings whereat hee spent whole daies and nights together without intermission caused exchange of names from Tiberius Nero to Biberius Mero Dissolute and carelesse he was in gouernment though some haue accounted him a wise and politicke Prince for the Prouinces he left to defend themselues and yet daily charged them with larger Tributes to their great impouerishment and almost vtter ruine 4 In this state amongst others neglected Britaine stood wherein Tiberius neither maintained garrison nor attempted alteration and whereby as it may be thought their owne Lawes and Princes bare sway among themselues howsoeuer the cause for Tribute was ballized betwixt them And most certaine it is the Britaines if not in subiection yet were well affected to the Romanes as appeareth by Tacitus in the kinde entertainments and in releeuing their shipwracked souldiers that in crossing the Seas were by tempest driuen vpon their Coasts and courteouslie sent thence by their petty Kings vnto Germanicus their Generall Notwithstanding Ieffrey Monmouth seemeth to affirme the contrary that bringeth the raign of one Guiderius and the valour of Aruiragus the sonnes of Cunobeline of whom more heereafter to withstand the Romish Command and vtterly to refuse the paiment of Tribute banding both against Tiberius as also against Caligula and Claudius the Emperours succeeding 5 Other remembrances of these times concerning vs finde we none besides that which is common to all namely the death of our Saviour Christ which vnder this Tyrant and in his eighteenth yeere was accomplished by the proceeding of his as wicked Deputy Pontius Pilate who both adiudged him to die and to bee guiltlesse of deseruing death whereby was wrought the mysterie of our Redemption with such signes and euidences of his Deitie that the wicked Iudge himselfe wrote thereof to Tiberius and hee to the Senate to haue him consecrated among the Roman Gods Which they refused to doe that the wisdome and diuine power of God in the doctrine of Saluation should not need the allowance and commendation of men as Eusebius hath well obserued 6 Finally when hee had raigned hated of all men
the space of three and twenty yeeres with no better liking then is read of Ioram King of Iudah that liued without being desired hee was smoothered to death as is thought by Caligula the seuenteenth of the Kalends of April the yeere from Christs Natiuitie thirty nine and the seuenty and eighth of his owne age He was of personage tall and of body strong broad chested and vsed both his hands alike faire of complexion but great and goggle-eied whereby he saw so cleerely as is incredible to report CAIVS CALIGVLA CHAPTER V. himselfe feared by Tyrannie at home then any waies famous by Acts abroad 2 How the other Prouinces stood affected I leaue to themselues but by Tacitus it should seeme the Britaines and Germans were not his best subiects for these are his words that Caius had a meaning to inuade Britaine it is certainly knowen but his rash running head and hasty repentance in his attempts against Germany turned all to nothing And Suetonius ascribes the foolish erection of that admirable bridge ouer a creeke of the Sea in Campania whereof Dion writeth at large to his vaine-glorious conceit that by a brute blazed abroad of so huge and monstrous a worke he might terrifie Germanie and Britaine vpon which Countries he meant to make warre The issue whereof was as fruitlesse as his great cost was ridiculous For hauing set forward for the conquest of Britaine with no small preparation he proceeded no further then to those parts of Holland that confront against Northfolke where hee suddenly pitched his tents and staied 3 At which time Adminius the sonne of Cunobelin King of Britaine being banished by his father fled ouer Sea with a small power and submitted himselfe vnto Caesars protection wherupon Caligula wrote vaunting letters to the Senate as if the whole Iland had beene yeelded into his hands commanding the messenger that his letters should be carried in a Chariot into the Curia and not deliuered but in the Temple of Mars and that in a frequent and full assemblie of the Senate And hauing no further matter to worke vpon hee caused certaine Germane prisoners secretly to bee conueied into a wood and word to bee brought him in great feare and amazement of the sudden approch of the enemie against whom with shew of great manhood and noble resolution in all haste and warlike manner he marched and in chaines openly shewed them as his captiues taken in warre sorbidding the Senators the wonted celebration of their Feasts or to enter their Theaters to take solace seeing their Caesar exposed himselfe to so many perils and fought so great battles with hazard of his life Last of all as if he had meant to make a finall dispatch for euer of the warre hee drew his forces downe to the Sea-coast of Belgia and embattailed his army vpon the Ocean shoare planting his balists and other Engines of artillerie in their seuerall places no man witting what hee meant which done himselfe in a Galley launched into the Sea and immediately returning caused the Trumpets to sound the battle and commanded his Souldiers forthwith to fall a gathering of cockles and muscles into their helmets terming them the Spoiles of the conquered Ocean Against which hee also built a Tower as a Trophey of his victorie the ruines whereof as yet remaine in Holland to this day and is called The Britons house in memorie of that fantasticall seruice vpon which exploit he made a glorious Oration to his souldiers commending and requiting their valours with rewards and auowing their shell-spoiles worthy offrings to be presented in the Capitoll writing letters to Rome of this his great Conquest and demanding Triumph and diuine honours to be assigned him which when the Senatours made some question of hee threatned them with death But this Sea-seruice as it seemeth so ranne euer after in his minde that one night hee dreampt that the Sea in dreadfull shape came and expostulated with him which cast him into an incredible horrour and affright 4 In his last yeere of life and raigne Pontius Pilate vnder whom Christ Iesus suffered was apprehended and accused at Rome deposed and banished to the Towne of Lions in France where in despaire he slew himselfe in the yeere from Christ his incarnation forty one and from his death the seuenth as Eusebius hath noted 5 And now both the Ambition and crueltie of Caius was growen so intolerably sauage as that he often lamented that some rare and vnusuall disaster as either some horrible slaughter of huge Armies or some vniuersall plague or famine or fire or opening of the earth or ouer-flowing of the Sea happened not in his time whereby his raigne might be made memorable to posteritie And hee wished that all the people of Rome had but one necke that he might haue the glorie of giuing the brauest blow that euer was giuen whereby so infinite multitudes of men might be killed by him at one stroke But this his wish was preuented by a blow on himselfe his death and downefall being complotted and executed by certain Tribunes whereof Chaerea was chiefe who following him from the Theater with resolution for the fact tooke the time when Caligula turning suddenly aside into a narrow Cloister to see certaine boies sent him out of Asia lost the defense of his fore-warders and the straitnesse of the place permitted not his guard to follow on which aduantage Chaerea demanded his watch-word which he according to his vsuall manner gaue in great disdaine and scorne whereunto Chaerea replied and with his sword wounded him in the necke and iaw and then the rest of the Conspirators comming in with thirty wounds made an end of his life after hee had most impiously raigned three yeeres and tenne moneths 6 He was of stature tall of complexion pale and wan of body somewhat grosse and vnfashionable his necke and legges exceedingly slender his eies sunke into the hollow temples of his forehead and that also frowning and full of wrinkles his haire was thin and shaggie but bald on the crowne though otherwise so hairie of bodie that all the time of his raigne if a man did but name a Goat it was held a touch and offense of Lasae Maiestatis against his imperiall person His Countenance naturally sterne and grimme which by composing and gesture he purposely made more vgly and terrible His apparell alwaies costly but not alwaies Court-like neither ciuill his beard hee wore of gold like Iupiter or Aesculapius In his hand for a Scepter a Mace three-tined as Neptune or God of the Sea and vpon his body the Curace of Alexander the Great taken from his Sepulchre and Monument Hee died aged twenty nine yeeres whose memory was so hatefull vnto all that all the Copper Coines or Modals stamped with his picture were melted downe by decree of the Senate whereby if it were possible his name and feature might be
supported and lifted vp by his sons in Law on either side the glory of this Ilands conquest had so possessed this old Emperours mind NERO. CHAPTER VII THis violent and vnexpected death of Claudius gaue breath and life vnto Neroes further hopes for whilest the Consuls were assembled to make supplications for their Prince not knowing him alreadie dead Nero suddenlie set open the Palace gates and accompanied with shouts and acclamations entred the Cohorts that kept the watch where of them and the rest of the souldiers he was saluted Emperour the Senate as men affrighted with amazement not once contradicting the same 2 He was the sonne of Domitius Nero and of Iulia Agrippina the daughter of Germanicus brother to Claudius the precedent Emperour vitious by nature as sprung of those parents from whom as his owne father Domitius said no goodnesse could proceede and the same vile disposition was perfected and augmented by his owne affected study and pursuit of all possible leaudnesse as one who could well fit his wanton and lasciuious humours to the vnripenesse of his yeeres being not passing seuenteene when he assumed the Empire All religion he had in contempt and all lawes violated letting loose the reine to all vnnaturall lusts and licentiousnesse of life 3 For blood and libidiousnesse hee was held a most vnsatiate furie and amongst men a very monster of nature His father he poisoned vpon his mother he committed both incest and murder vpon males pollutions against nature deflowred the Vestals a matter sacrilegious impious slew his brother Germanicus and his sister Antonia his wiues Poppaea and Octauia his aunt Domitia his sonne in law Rufinus and his renowned Tutor Seneca With such sauage slaughter of the Romane Nobilitie that Tacitus their best Remembrancer was wearied to record their names whilest with a seruile patience as he termeth it they died honourably 4 The City Rome hee set on fire charging the Christians with the fact and inflicted such torments and death vpon them that they were pitied of their enemies and his owne cruelties thereby made more notorious Whose Religion though Suetonius tearmed new and a wicked superstition and Tacitus as it were in contempt nameth the Author thereof to be Christ who in Tiberius raigne as he with the Euangelists agreeth was put to death vnder Pontius Pilate Procurator of Iudea where that religion first began yet by him it is confessed that these men were innocent of the fact and their doctrine to burst forth further into many other parts insomuch that Rome it selfe did affect the same Yea and in Neroes Court also some embraced that faith as by the words of the Apostle is manifest who from the Saints in Caesars house sent salutations to the Brethren Phil. 4. 22. 5 And lastly to fill vp the measure of his bloudie crueltie he crucified Peter vpon the Crosse and beheaded Paul with the sword two principall Apostles of Iesus Christ and worthy instruments of the worlds saluation and forgetting the Maiestie of his estate fell into the sinke of contempt and all sinnes giuing his minde leaue to digest all vncleannesse and his bodie ouer to worke any base exercises attending nothing besides his Harpes and Harlots whereby a carelesse but yet a cruel gouernment was intertained and the Senate fashioning themselues to feed his loose humors stroue each to outstrip other in their base flatteries 6 In this state the Prouinces subiections began to stand doubtfull and the greatnesse of the Empire to ouercharge the foundation for the Parthians vnder Vologeses gaue Paetus the Romane a great ouerthrow and that in such wise that those which escaped were tearmed the vnfortunate Armie And in Britaine their affaires proceeded with no good successe for aged Didius could doe no more then keepe that which he had already gotten and Verannius his successor only with small inroades assailing the Silures was in his first yeere cut off by death insomuch that Nero hauing neither will motion nor hope to propagate and enlarge the Empire minded once to haue with-drawen the forces out of Britaine had it not beene for very shame 7 But Paulinus Suetonius attaining the gouernment of that Prouince in skill for seruice and opinion of people comparable to any sought to match his concurrent Corbulo who with daily victories prospered in Armenia himselfe wanting neither courage nor discretion to atchieue the like only matter and occasion the Iland affoorded none Therefore determining an expedition into further parts he made preparation to inuade the I le of Mona separated from the Continent by the Riuer Menai and fronted vpon the midst of Ireland both strong with inhabitants and a receptacle of Fugitiues 8 Against his approch the Ilanders had gathered their powers which stood thicke vpon the shoare readie armed to make resistance their women running among in mourning weedes their haire loose and firebrands in their hands like furies of hell together with their Druides men of religion who with hands and eies lifted vp towards heauen cried for vengeance and powred out curses as thicke as haile With the strangenesse of which sight the Romans stood amazed not offering one stroke seeming rather to present themselues for a pray vpon their enemies weapons then for the Conquest of their land or liues which sudden and vnexpected discouragement their Captaine soone redressed by putting them in remembrance of their wonted valours which now was farre ouermatchable vnto a fearefull flocke of weake women or a company of rude and franticke men wherupon their Ensignes were displaied and the Enemy presently dispersed and slaine themselues becomming masters both of the field and whole I le which no sooner was thus obtained but sudden newes came to recall their powers the Prouinces being raised to a present reuolt 9 For the Britaines in absence of the Generall laid open their publique greeuances growne now both common and intollerable by the oppressions of the Romanes who from the diseases of their Head had sucked and dispersed their corruptions throughout the Prouinces of the Empire and Catus Decianus the Procurator here in Britaine renewed the confiscation of their goods which Claudius had formerly remitted The Romane Colonie at Camulodunum thrust out the ancient Inhabitants seating them-selues in their possessions without any other recompence sauing reproachfull termes calling them their drudges slaues and vassalls besides the Temple there erected in honour of Claudius was now become an eie-sore vnto them as an Altar of their perpetuall subiection while the Augustall Priests there attending wasted all their wealth vnder prâ—…text of Religion But the very spring or head from whence the cause of this sudden Rebellion issued was the present abuse offered to Boduo Queene of the Icenians late wife to Prasutagus deceased vpon the insuing occasion 10 This Prasutagus King of the Icenians famous for his riches which a long time hee had beene gathering made Caesar with his two
most skilfull Musitian he was and in that Art sought to excell others and to equalize Apollo himselfe as also in his Chariot-riding to imitate the swiftnes of the Sunne So prodigall in apparell that he neuer wore one Garment twice so sumptuous in buildings as is vncredible He raigned thirteen yeares and eight daies and died the eight of Iune in the one and thirtieth of his age and after the birth of our Sauiour Christ the threescore and tenth as Eusebius doth account GALBA CHAPTER VIII WIth the death of this Tyrant ended the progeny of the Caesars and the Emperours succeeding were afterwards elected either for the opinion of their owne worths or els and that oftner by the faction and voice of the Souldiers whose violence the Senate euer feared to contradict and whose Colonies in euerie Prouince sought to raise their owne Generall to that high estate In which time of Combustion though little be recorded of the British affaires yet because the Monarchy of this Iland was then and long after inuested in the Imperiall dignitie we may not omit to speake somewhat of the ensuing Emperours as the chiefe Gouernours of this kingdome Vpon Neroes declining diuers there were as Vindex and Virginius Nymphidius and Sophonius set vp against him but Galba for his reputed integritie got the Garland from them all who little dreaming of the Imperiall Diademe fortune set it vpon his head before his hand had toucht the same for Vindex in Gallia hauing proclamed him Emperour and himselfe in Arragon not free from Neroes hatred hee sought rather to hazard his life with the Glorie of a Crowne then depend vpon his mercie who had sent secretly the sentence of his death And therefore mounting the Tribunall the more to impresse a fresh remembrance of former cruelties he placed before his throne the Images of certaine Nobles executed by Nero with some personages sent for out of exile whose presence might prouoke a deeper edge of hatred and his Army about him readie for mutation these or the like words he spake 2 My fellow Souldiers and friends wee at this time are assembled to bestow that vpon others which wee our selues haue smally enioied I meane libertie from bondage and freedome from feares of a Tyrant The life that I haue hitherto lead will sufficiently discharge me from any aspiring conceit and my owne Conscience doth witnesse that I speake not vpon malice or priuate respects It greeueth me to say but it bootes not to hide that which euerie man seeth Hath euer Bond-man vnder a cruell master passed a yeere of harder seruice then we haue done fourteene vnder Nero what kind of exaction hath he not proued to supply with extortion that which with shame hee hath spent what kinde of crueltie hath he not practised If we would conceale or seeke to suppresse it these dumb stones would declare them For behold he poisoned his Father and brother abused and slew his owne mother murdered his wife his Tutor and what els so euer valiant or vertuous in Senate in Citie in Prouince without any difference of Sexe or Age. I neede not to speake of the sorrowful sighes and bitter teares of so many yong gentlemen bereft of their fathers so many wiues robbed of their husbands so many great men depriued of their Country all which cry vengeance vpon such a Prince a Prince nay an Incendiarie a Singer a Fidler a Stage-plaier a Cart-driuer a Cryer no Prince nay no man that hath a man to his husband and a man to his wife but a monster of mankinde And in trueth a subiect vpon whom vice hath made her full experience and raised her triumphs from the base of Caesars throne Against whom what Vindex in France hath alreadie intended I am sure you doe know and I for my part am most sorrie to heare The whole course of my former life hath beene hitherto remoued from Ambition in Court or from aiming too high abroad and this little that remaines of my daies I could hartily wish were to be spent in more ease But sith I know not by what my misfortune some haue imposed vpon me a Part which I neuer meant to sustaine and least of all at this age I will not refuse if you will also approue it to sacrifice this old Carcase of mine for the wealth of my Country not as Emperour or Augustus which sacred names I adore afarre off not daring to approch them but as And no further heard was with great acclamations saluted Emperour 3 But such is the height of glory which is raised by the blasts of the multitude that it fals againe as the bubble burst in the swelling which leaues neither circle nor signe of his former pride And so is the state of Galba with one breath applauded and placed vpon the Imperiall Throne and that scarce cold ere they dislike of their owne hastie election for newes being brought that the State stood firme for Nero and for certaine that Vindex in his quarrell was slaine euen in his first enterprise of reuolt that Virginius was sided by his Germane Legions and his name inscribed in their banners that Nymphidius was the man whose deserts could not be sufficiently honoured with lesse recompence then the princely Diademe These distractions so much ouer-swaied his aged and passionate heart that he retired to Clunia in great deiection repenting himselfe of that which hee had done and wished againe his priuate estate 4 But the death of Nero commonly diuulged and Virginius his refusals of the Imperiall Title gaue strength and life to his former election now further ratified by the full resolutions of the Armie who the more to seeme both strong and valorous though indeed a weake sickly and silly old man Souldier-like in his coat of Armes shewed himselfe and in that array passed the vast mountains for Rome With whose entrance entred the dislike of his person as one vnfit to support the state of others that by age and imbeciliitie was not able to sustaine his owne to which were added the imperfections of his gouernment carried euery way farre vnder expectation And long hee sate not before hee saw his owne defects to redresse which hee elected Piso Licinianus Caesar ioining him in power with himselfe and declaring him his Successor in a short and blunt Oration in presence both of the Senate and Souldiers 5 Whereat howsoeuer others stood affected yet Martus Saluius Otho one who for commerce in leaudnes was very deare to Nero and whose hope depended vpon the common disturbance for that his excesse in riot had now brought him to the brinke of beggery much enuied therat the rather because himselfe had entertained a hope that Galba would haue adopted him and therefore as his concurrent set his own aspiring mind for the Crown And euen now this time best fitted his attempts as being the wane of Galbaes authority and before the full of Pisoes power
a Common-wealth the glory of the Empire shall yet shine more bright sith by concord we see that small things grow to greatnesse whereas contrariwise discord is the ruine of all I die and must leaue the successe of all to my Successors and Sonnes by Nature though the Elder vnnaturall I meane Bassianus new made Antoninus and your Emperor who often ere this hath sought to gaine that title by his sword and my death but knoweth not the dangers that attend a Diadem neither remembreth that high places are continually garded with Enuie and Feares But so blind is Ambition as it seeth not that a Soueraignes greatnesse is such vnto others but least in himselfe and that the things possessed are not the very things they seemed It is not these Titles therefore can make man happy the line of his life being drawne forth with so many vncertainties and the height of his power laid vpon so weake foundations My selfe at this instant may serue for example of whom this may bee said I was all things yet nothing seeing I I must pay my debt to Nature and leaue my exploits in East and West to bee registred either at your disposall for matters of moment and good of the Empire or blotted to the reproch of my gouernement with the shadowing pencile of Obliuion That therefore my care for the welfare of this State may suruiue my selfe and bring forth the happie fruits thereof when I am withered this shall be my last and onely request that you will euer assist my sonnes both with your counsell and aide whereby they may rule according to Lawe and you obay according to Right that so in you both the good of the Empire be aboue all things respected With which words hee ended both his speech and his life 15 This Emperour by Historians is rancked with the best both for his warres wherein hee was verie fortunate and for his wisedome in gouerning the Empire and yet is he taxed very sharply both by Sabellicus for sundry vices and by Eusebius for stirring vp the fift Persecution of the Christians in the tenth yeere of his Raigne In which Ireneus the learned writer among many others suffred Martyrdome howbeit towards his end he became more milde to them as saith Saint Ierome as also that he was a diligent reader of the excellent workes of Tertullian whom vsually he termed his Master 16 This Emperour was by birth an African to which Country his affection graces were so much that the illustrious Citie of those parts recorded vpon their coyne his many fauours by this Inscription INDVLGENTIA AVG. IN CARTH. and inshrined him amongst the Gods of that Nation He was the sonne of Geta his mother Pia Fuluia himselfe rough cruell couetous and ambitious and his nature relishing too much of the Punick craft and simulation otherwise a most expert Soldiour and a worthy Prince more battles hee fought and more victories obtained then any other that euer had ruled before him the Romane Empire In a word of vertues and vices so equally composed that lastly this grew into a customed speech It had beene good that this Emperour had neuer beene borne or beeing Emperour that hee had neuer died 17 Of stature he was tall and of a comely personage his countenance seuere and representing Maiesty his beard white and long and the haire of his head he wore vsually curled He was very learned in the Mathematicks a good Philosopher an eloquent Orator and of a deep sounding voice Hee raigned eighteene yeeres saith Eusebius by Dion Cassius Herodian and Eutropius seuenteen yeeres eight months and odde daies He died in Yorke the fourth day of April in the yeere of Christ two hundred and twelue not so much of sicknes as of discontent and greefe or if our British writers may bee credited of a deadly wound giuen by Fulgence Captaine of the Picts who as the Monke of Chester saith was brother to Martia the first wife of Seuerus and mother of Bassianus His second wife was Iulia Domna the mother of Geta though some thinke that she was mother to both a woman of a surpassing beauty and an earnest instigator of the two Bretherens reconciliation had she not been blemished with other vices as after we shal here M AVRE BAS. CARA ANTO. BRIT Brethren P. SEPT ANTONI GETA BRIT CHAPTER XXIIII BAssianus Caracalla and his Brother Septimius Geta together were declared Emperours by old Seuerus in his life time and both of them by their father surnamed Antoninus a name very gracious in the esteeme of the Romans the elder so stiled about the yeere of Saluation two hundred and fiue and the yonger foure yeeres after as it appeareth by the mintage of their moneys were approued and applauded by people and Senate and of all men saluted and acknowledged for Emperours Bassianus the Elder stiling himself Britannicus Maximus as it should seem was admitted his Fathers fellow Emperour at Yorke at his residing there to quiet the Northern Britains wherein also hee gaue him the name Antoninus for so implieth that famous Law bearing iointlie the names of Seuerus and Antoninus enacted by them at Yorke touching the interest and right that masters haue to the goods and possessions of their seruants His mother the first wife of Seuerus was Martia a British Lady say our British Historians though Sabellicus doth iudge her to be an African and himselfe better beloued of the Britaine 's for her sake then for his owne Geta was the sonne of the Empresse Iulia a second wife a woman of passing beautie and surpassing lust who beeing perswaded by some Oracle or dreame that her husbands successour should be an Antoninus lost her Sonne should lose his hope of the Empire she importuned Seuerus to bestow the name of Antoninus also on Geta who with it gaue him likewise the title of Caesar about the yeere two hundred and two And to vnite the affections of his two sons aswel as to eternise their memories he minted their features vpon one Medall inscribing the one side ANTONINVS PIVS AVG. PON. TR. P. IIII. the other P. SEPT GETA CAES. PONT hauing the yeere before matched thē together vpon the reuerse of his owne money and incirculing their heads with this word AETERNITAS IMPERI as if the separation of their affections were the dissolution of his and the worlds Empire 2 Vpon Seuerus his death Antoninus Caracalla hastning for Rome profered good conditions of peace to the Britaines who long tired with warres accepted thereof and hostages were giuen for conseruing the same Whereupon the Empresse Iulia accompanied with both the Caesars departed hence carying with them the funerall ashes of the deceased Emperour in a goldē Vrna to Rome where they solemnly consecrated him a God the ceremony wherof because it concerneth so great an Emperour and Monarch of this kingdome is not vnworthy the inserting In the Porch of his Palace was a bedsteed all of
to death but being too late perceiued was yet so hastily pursued that he was hewed to peeces before his tongue could reueale the principall Traitour Iulia his incestuous wife hearing of his death with poison slew her selfe at Antioch leauing her shame to suruiue her life 8 Antoninus Caracalla saith Eusebius raigned Emperour seuen yeares and sixe moneths but Herodian Spartianus and Dio allot him sixe yeeres and two moneths he died the eight of Aprill and yeere of Christ two hundred eighteene The testimonies of these many writers notwithstanding together with the place and circumstances of his death and the person by whom it was committed the British Historians do contradict reporting him to bee slaine in Britaine in Battaile against the Picts by one Carauceus a man of a lowe and obscure birth But by this it may seeme some wounds receiued by him in those British warres gaue occasion to that errour He left a sonne not by his incestuous mother nor by Glantilla his wife whō he exiled into Sicily but by a mistris whose name was Iulia Simiamira his cosen German and indeed no better then a common strumpets which corrupt rootes brought forth as bitter fruits euen Heliogabalus of whom hereafter we shall haue occasion to write OPILIVS MACRINVS CHAPTER XXV IN prosecuting our intended course for setting downe the Acts and Liues of sundry Emperours heereafter succeeding I know I shall hardly satisfie my Readers being no way able to giue content to my selfe in that on the one side finding very few remembrances concerning the state of this our Iland till the raigne of Dioclesian the Historie of that Interim may seeme impertinent to our purpose and yet on the other side considering how vnfit it is that the Succession of all our British Monarks should be interrupted that Royall Title being likewise annexed to those other Emperours I suppose it will bee expected that somwhat also be said of them though managing their affaires in places farre remote It seemeth that the continuall striuing for the Imperiall Diademe and their neerer hazards at home made them contented to giue Britaine some peaceable breathing and so depriue vs of the Romane Records of those times which want if I should supply out of our home-bred British Writers I might be thought not so much to repaire the ruines of our Monuments as to heape more rubbish vpon them And therefore necessitie so enforcing I must craue patience if I proceed to the rest of our Countries Monarkes though I cannot to the residue of our Countries Exploits and Affaires in those daies 2 Opilius Macrinus from obscure and base parentage by fauours of the Emperour without any notable desert in himselfe first aspired to the Office of a Prefect and at last by the election of the Souldiers to the Dignitie Imperiall So farre from suspicion of Caracallaes death by the outward appearance of a seeming sorrow that hee was held of all most free from the Treason and the second person worthy of their voice For first the Title was conferred vpon aged Audentius a man of good sort much experience and an excellent Captaine whose wisdome could not bee drawne to aduenture his life vnder the weight of so vneasie and dangerous a Crowne but excusing himselfe by the priuilege of his age as farre vnfit to wield the troubles much lesse to increase the glorie of the Empire refused their offers but with returne of as many thankes as they had giuen him hands or voices Whereupon they againe consulted and determined for Macrinus which as willingly receiued as Audentius refused vnto whom they swore fealtie but not long after failed in performance 3 He made for his Caesar Diadumenus his sonne changing his name a vsuall custome at their election into Antoninus because that name was gracious among the Romans The Senate at home confirmed all that the Armie had done abroad vnto whom it seemed their right as it were by prescription to haue the election of the Emperours 4 His first expedition was against Artabanus King of the Parthians that hasted against the Romans for wrongs receiued by Caracalla deceased but after three great and dangerous Battles came to an attonement and a peace betwixt them concluded After this as free from further troubles he returned to Antioch in Syria and there spent his time in Banquets and other sensuall pleasures being drenched so farre therein that the Armie began to dislike his Gouernment and to fauour young Bassianus the sonne of Caracalla then present at E◅esa a Citie in Phoenicia with Moesa his Grandmother by his Mothers side who there had built a Temple consecrated to the Sunne and therein ordained him a Priest for which cause he was called Heliogabalus that is to say in the Phoenician Language The Priest of the Sunne 5 To this Temple in their vaine deuotions resorted many of the Romane Souldiers and seeing the beautie of the youth allured Moesa to bring him to their Campe where knowne to be the sonne of Caracalla the Souldiers proclaimed him Emperour and maintained his right against Macrinus who after this reuolt met young Heliogabalus in the Confines betwixt Phoenicia and Syria where was fought a bloudie Battle and Macrinus forsaken of all and driuen to flie who with his sonne hasting thorow Asia and Bithinia came lastly to Chalcedon where he fell sicke and was there together with Diadumenus put to death the seuenth day of Iune the yeere of Christs Incarnation two hundred and nineteene when hee had raigned one yeere one moneth twenty eight daies ANTONINVS HELIOGABALVS CHAPTER XXVI YOung Bissianus surnamed Heliogabalus the sonne of Caracalla before mentioned thus elected and prospering at his entrance gaue hopes to his raisers of many princely parts and signes of those things that in sequele by better proofe appeared to be onlie signes indeed for nature had plentifully adorned him with the complements of her gifts had his mind beene answerably furnished with vertue But as the one was ouer-prodigall and lauish in his outward forme so was the other as sparing and defectiue in bestowing of her inward gifts insomuch that both in minde and garment he seemed to bee that which in truth he was not This Emperour as appeareth by the reuerse of his money tooke it no meane addition of honour to his Imperiall Dignitie to be stiled The Priest of the Sunne which in the Assyrian Tongue is called El from whom he tooke the surname Elagabal 2 Assoone as hee had settled the Empire firme vpon himselfe by the death of Macrinus he began to discouer his owne dispositions and in wantonnesse apparell lightnesse and diet to exceed any that had gone before him in Rome and so farre differed from the manners of men that modestie will not suffer vs to record his greatest vices 3 His apparell was rich and most extreme costlie and yet would he neuer weare one garment twice his Shooes embellished with Pearles and Diamonds his Seats
strowed with Muske and Amber his Bed couered with Gold and Purple and beset with most costly Iewels his Way strewed with the Powder of Gold and Siluer his Vessels euen of basest vse all Gold his Lamps burning with no other Oile then the Balmes of India and Arabia his Fish-Ponds filled with no other water then of distilled Roses his Ships in his Naumachies or Ship-fights floted in a Riuer of Wine his Bathes most stately built and againe after they were once vsed presently pluckt downe his Plate of finest Gold but neuer serued twice to his Table his Rings and Iewels most rich yet neuer worne twice his Concubines many and chargeable but not one laine with twice his Diet so profuse that at euery supper in his Court was vsually spent a Thousand Pound Sterling inuiting the chiefe Citizens to a Feast hee strewed all the Roomes with Saffron as it were with Rushes saying That such Cattle were worthy of such costly Litter Neere the Sea with him no Fish was eaten in the Land no Flesh whole Meales made of the Tongues of singing Birds and Peacocks or of the Braines of most costly creatures alwaies saying That meat was not sauorie whose sauce was not costly And indeed so costly it was that the reuenewes of Germany France Britaine Spaine Italie Sicilia Graecia Asia Syria Aegypt Arabia and all the Ilands were not suffcient to defray the charges 4 In his Progresse six hundred Chariots followed him laden with Strumpets Boyes and Bawdes for whom he built a Stewes in his Court wherein himselfe in the attire of an Harlot made to them solemne and set Orations terming them therein his Fellow-Souldiers and Companions in Armes with Instructions for them how to practise with most varietie their filthy Luxuries In regard of which kinde of actions one doth make this doubt whether were greater his boundlesse Prodigalitie his stupendious Lecherie or his foppish Foolerie the last of which his Imperiall Vertues he gaue proofe of when he gathered in the City ten thousand waight of Spiders professing that thereby he vnderstood how great a City Rome was at another time ten thousand Mice and a thousand Wizels which hee brought forth in a publike shew to the people for some wise State-purpose like the former 5 In Rome he built a Temple consecrated to the Sunne like to that in Phoenicia whereof himselfe was Priest commanding the Christians therein to worship as also a Chatter-house for women to meet and determine of their Attires and brought into the Senate-house his mother Semiamira allowing her a Voice among the Senatòrs In modestie I forbeare to write the particulars of his vn-manly libidinous filthinesse adding only that which a iudicious Author speakes of him Kings saith he as they haue greater power to sinne then other men so haue they lesser safety in sinning then any man for being set aboue others in the eie of the World they are as Markes that are aimed at and lie open to the shute of Reuenge And so was the state of this Superlatiue Monster whose owne Conscience still stung him euen in the midst of his sweetest sinnes and therefore euer expecting some violent end hee prepared Silken Halters richly wrought to hang himselfe if need were and Golden Kniues to stab himselfe or cut his throat and built a goodly Tower of exceeding height adorned with Gemmes and Gold of inualuable cost that thence he might cast himselfe headlong hauing these words oft in his mouth That howeuer he died his death should be pretious in the eies of all men But he failed of his hope though not of his desert for against him the Praetorian Souldiers suddenlic arose no wrong offred them more then vnto others but out of a Iustice in God who repaieth sinne with sinne and suffreth not such outragious wicked ones to escape vnreuenged 6 These breaking into his Palace found him not in estate answerable to his calling but hidde for feare in a homely place suteable with his dirty conditions from whence with Acclamations thorow the streets of Rome more like a Dogge then a Man they dragged him with his mother saying The Bitch and her whelpe must goe together and after their furie spent threw their bodies into the Common Sinke of the City and thence into Tyber sinking them downe with great stones lest the carkases cast vp with the waues should either find buriall or infect the aire The Senate approuing all that was done decreed that his name should be obliterated out of all monuments in Rome and neuer any Antoninus a name before very gratious should rule againe their Empire so odious was the remembrance of this Image of Ignominy 7 He was aged but foureteene yeeres when hee became Emperour by Herodians computation he raigned sixe yeeres and died at twenty By Aurelius Victors he died at seuenteene raigned not fully three yeeres Eusebius saith that he raigned fully foure Onuphrius would haue him to liue eighteen yeeres to dy the 8 day of March Anno two hundred twenty three ALEXANDER SEVERVS CHAPTER XXVII BEfore the death of Heliogabalus his Cosin German Alexianus by the working of his mother Mammea was made his Caesar whose vertues daily increasing with his age gaue hopes to the better sort of some happier times by his meanes but so farre incensed Heliogabalus who hated nothing more then vertue and so dimmed his fame that he often assaied to take away his life by trechery But suruiuing him whom no man wished to liue he was with publicke blessings and vnspeakable ioy elected Emperour * his name they changed from Alexianus to Alexander and his surname giuen of old Seuerus 2 He was the sonne of one Varius a Syrian borne and of Mammea sister to Simiaâ—…ira though there are who say that both the sisters attending on their Aunt Iulia the Empresse were gotten with child by yong Caracalla and so he father of Alexianus howsoeuer he was brought vp in learning from his childhood hauing a naturall propension to all humane vertues and diuine pieties He was very skilfull in the Mathematicks Geometrie Musicke Caruing and Painting composed some Bookes also of Poetrie so great a louer of the liberall Arts that he allowed the professors thereof annuall stipends for their further encouragement and that which most is hee much fauoured the Christians from whom he tooke to himselfe examples of life and vrged their Precepts vnto others and this one especially NOT TO DO TO OTHERS WHAT WEE WOVLD NOT HAVE DONE TO VS Their Christ he honoured though as a Heathen man and would haue had him consecrated among the Romane Gods vnto whom he also was minded to haue built a Temple had not his Idol-Priests hindred the same but a place of their holy assemblies he allowed them by his Imperiall warrant for when certaine Vinteners or Victuallers laid claime to the place whereunto the Christians resorted to pray he thus decided it That it was much fitter that God
And according to his Death so was his Descent for neither hath he Father Mother nor Wife mentioned for ought I know by any Writer for of Salustia Barbia Orbiana it is doubtfull whether to him or his sonne Hostilian she were wedded nor his Acts so exactly registred as were those of the preceding Emperours his sinnes so deseruing it and God in his reuenge so punishing it 5 Aurelius Victor and Eutropius say that hee raigned two yeeres and odde moneths but Eusebius affirmeth his raigne not fully two yeeres most hold him to haue died at the age of fifty and in the yeere of Christ two hundred fifty two C. VIBIVS TREBONIANVS GALLVS Emperours C AIVS VIBIVS VOLVSIANVS CHAPTER XXXIII THis ouerthrow of the Romans and death of Decius in outward semblance was so greeuously taken by Trebonianus Gallus that no man was so forward for reuenge as hee and therefore the last in suspicion of Treason The Armie hee strengthned and daily encouraged pretending great seruice against those barbarous Scythians but all to gaine credit and liking of the Souldiers whereby hee soone atchieued his desire and with their applauses was proclaimed Emperour 2 By Birth he was descended of an honourable Familie in Rome but true honour cannot harbour where dwelleth treachery and falshood as it was with him when appointed by Decius to bee Gouernour of Mysia and to keepe the passages from the inuading Gothes the desire of Rule so corrupted his minde that he plotted with them against the Armie and betraied the trust and life of his Soueraigne 3 Neither is he stained with the blot of Treasons only but also with a carelesse and cruell gouernment for with the Gothes hee made a dishonourable peace whereby the Romans who were Lords of the World became Tributarie by a yeerely pay to those vnciuill Scythians who neuerthelesse in short time brake their Truce with him sacking and spoiling the Prouinces of Thrasia Mysia Thessalia and Mecedonia the Persians then also by their example entring Mesopotamia and Syria made spoile euen thorow Armenia 4 Gallus little regarding these troubles abroad consumed his time idly in Rome rather as a Bondman to his owne voluptuous desires then a Conquering Monarch taking for his companion and Fellow-Emperour his sonne Volusianus as appeareth by inscription of Coine placed before a very childe whose yeeres did quit him of any Capitall Crime But himselfe not perceiuing the infortunate successe of Detius for persecuting the innocent Christians stumbled as Eusebius saith at the same stone and banished them whose Praiers preserued his prosperous estate at which time followed so vniuersall a Pestilence that no Prouince in the world was free from the same and his wicked Life and most vnfortunate Raigne hastened now vnto their period 5 For the Gothes continuing their furies begunne his General Aemilian Maurus ouerthrew them with a wonderfull slanghter whereby hee grew so famous and Gall◅ so contemptible that the Souldiers euer affecting change proclaimed him Emperour the newes whereof soone roused Gallus from the Bed of his lasciuious pleasures and with his sonne entred the quarrell against Aemilianus whose fortune was to slay them both in fight the yeere of Christs Incarnation two hundred fifty three after hee had raigned not fully two yeeres and liued as Victor testifieth forty and seuen whereupon the Armies ioining their forces together conferred the Imperiall title and Ensignes vpon the Conquerour C. IVLIVS AEMILIANVS CHAPTER XXXIV AEmilianus succeeding Gallus by the only election of the Mysian Armie was by birth an African in the Prouince Mauritania of Parentage base and obscure who being risen by the Warres from meane places of seruice and no better then a Common Souldier aspired to the charge and credit of a Captaine Generall 2 His Election at first was contradicted by the Italian Bands in fauour of Valerianus their owne Leader whom they sought to raise Emperour the Senate also inclining thereto the fame of the man among them was so renowned The most voices therefore heard on his side Some haue rather accounted Aemilianus an Vsurper then ranked him in the catalogue of lawfull Emperours 3 But seeing Eutropius doth allow him the place we are not to dispute his title or claime only his short time of gouernment admitteth no matters of large discourse being cut off in the budde before the graft had time to spring For his Armie disliking what themselues had done and hearing of the worths and election of Valerianus laid down their weapons born in his defense and tumultuously murdered him in the heat of their blouds after hee had raigned in name without action the space almost of foure moneths 4 So vnconstant is the state of worldly felicitie and may bee compared to a mastlesse Shippe which without Tackle is left to the mercie of the raging Seas that is one while caried with the faire windes of hope towards the hauen of wished desires but straightwaies ouerwhelmed with the waues of despaire and most especially him that is borne vpon the opinions of the giddy multitude now carried aloft vpon the flouds of their fawning fauours and anon left in the sands of their retiring ebbes with a sudden shipwracke of all their fore-gone fortunes And these aduentures too soone Aemilianus felt who the same yeere that hee thus put foorth to Sea lost all his aduenture and therewith his life Anno 253. P. LICINIVS VALERIANVS CHAPTER XXXV IF euer the saying of the wise Athenian Solon spoken to Croesus the rich king of Lydia was true That no man can be happy before the day of his death then most truly may it be verified of this Valerianus the next succeeding Emperor whose yeers were multiplied with increase of honour vntill they came to seuenty and seuen but then were clouded with such ignominious miseries as the like had neuer hapned to any Romaine Emperour before him and I may well say to no other Monarch in the world before liuing Such is the Ordinance of our great God sometimes from the Dunghil to raise men of low degree and to place them with Princes in the Chaire of Maiestie then againe to bring down the Mighty from their Seate of Glory to leaue them chained with the poorest Captiues basest Vassals For such was the State of that Great Proud King of Babel who from the height of Maiesty fell into the cōditions of an vnreasonable Beast And so was it with Valerianus though not vtterly abandoned frō the Societie of men as Babels King was yet was he caried Captiue vnto a Nation whose Society was scarce humaine and where his vsage was more then barbarous 2 This man was both nobly descended and of so great esteeme among the Romans that beeing but a priuate and then also absent they chose him for their Censor an Office of high dignitie conferred euer vpon the Best as Trebellius Pollio who wrote the History of his Life hath declared Eusebius reporteth
Victor will haue him the sonne of Gordianus the Emperour before spoken of Howsoeuer a most worthy man he was an excellent Captaine of singular continence a iust Iudge a louer of strangers seuere to the wicked but most benigne to the vertuous so that we may well say In Rome was a new world or at least In the World was a new Rome 4 His first Expedition was against Aurelius that held Milan whom he there slew and ioined his Souldiers to his owne strength But preferring the generall good before his particular quiet he addressed his warres for the East against the Gothes who as Iornandes their Story-writer reporteth had infested those parts of the Empire for fifteene yeeres continuance with continuall irruptions and had now lately entred friendship with many other like barbarous Nations inuading Thracia and the Countries before them euen vnto Macedonia and thence taking their way thorow Hungarie came downe the Riuer Danubie with two thousand Saile of Ships fraught with Munition and Men. To meet these Claudius prepared but before his Encounter he wrote thus to the Senate 5 Renowned Fathers and Reuerend Lords vnderstand ye for certaine that three hundred and twentie thousand men of warre are entred our Confines whose waight doth seeme to burden the Earth it selfe and whose warre-like preparations make these parts of the Empire to tremble and quake with whom I am now to strike Battle wherein if the Conquest be mine the ioy will be yours But if I fall yet I pray remember that I fight after Galienus hath raigned and rent the strength of the Romans in these remote Prouinces and after the Rebellions of Lollianus Posthumus Eugenius Regillianus Celsus and others who haue so weakened the sinewes of our Armes and broken the Swords and Launces of our defense that I may well say wee want if not strength yet weapons wherewithall to fight And to our shame be it spoken Zenobia a Woman commands all our Crosse-bowes and bends them against our vnarmed brests How small soeuer therefore our performance shall bee in this seruice repute it I pray for great and wish our proceeding may sort to the weale of the Empire 6 Which done with no daunted spirit he entred Battle and with more then wonted courage fought so valiantly that he slew and tooke Prisoners to the number of three hundred thousand fighting men with two thousand Shippes laden with Munition so that whole houses were filled to their toppes with Targets Shields Swords and Launces and other abiliments for Warre whereof he wrote againe to Rome and following the Enemie with successe of Victorie in Thracia neere Bizantium in Macedonia neere Thessalonica droue the Gothes out of those parts which they had so long infested and restored the wonted bounds of the Empire Thence marching into Germanie neere the Lake called Garda gaue that reuolted Nation a great ouerthrow where as Eutropius and Victor doe report hee vanquished two thousand of those strong Germans and there established againe their subiection to the Romans power And now minding to goe forward against Tetricus and the puissant Zenobia a Feuer did first cut off his purpose and shortlie after his life a thing very strange and rare in that age as by the course of their raignes wee haue hitherto seene not that so great a Monarch should die they being all of the same earthly mould that meanest men are but that in those daies a Roman Emperour should die in his bed as other men doe of a naturall death 7 Hee was of personage tall his bodie well composed and strong bright and cleere eies his face great and full and of life most temperate and chaste Hee raigned one yeere tenne moneths and fifteene daies and died the fourth of Februarie in the yeere of Christ two hundred seuentie one His Statue of Gold was set vp in the Capitoll and his Target of the same metall hung vp in the Senate-house himselfe in honour of his admired worth placed among the Romane Emperours that were deified for Gods such an estimation and loue did his vertuous life procure vnto him euen after his death M. AVRELIVS QVINTILIVS CHAPTER XXXVIII QVintilius the Brother of Claudius and Vice-Roy in his absence for the Guard of Italy was by the Armie whereof hee had command proclaimed Emperour immediately vpon the Newes of Claudius his death The Senate as ioifully confirming his Election as they were sorrowfull for their losse of his most worthy Brother Brethren indeed they were by nature and in conditions not much vnlike so that what seemed to bee past in the one was in the other supplied and still remaining For this M. Aurelius Quintilius was both wise for Ciuil Gouernment and experienced for Warres wanting no complements of an absolute Prince 2 But long his glasse stood not without a turne nor his Fortunes fauning without a frowne For the victorious Souldiors which in his expeditions had followed Claudius and thought themselues worthy of the first voyce in Election proclaimed Aurelianus for Emperour a most valiant Captain and of whose prowesse there had been so sufficient experience as that Quintilius knew hee could not stand against him And therefore mistrusting the strength of his Title and affections of his Souldiours reputed it ignominious for a noble minde to die with lesse honour then he attained vnto and enioied by his life and therfore resoluing to die an Emperour chose rather by a voluntary cutting of his own veines to powre out his life with his bloud then to hazard the chance of vncertaine warres or to returne to his priuate estate And thus no longer raigning then seuenteen daies which short time could minister little matter of larger discourse hee died with his brother the same moneth of February the twentith day and yeere of Christ his incarnation two hundred seuentie one L. DOMITIVS AVRELIVS VALER AVRELIANVS CHAPTER XXXIX SO short was the Raigne of the last Emperour Quintilius that Aurelianus who followed him may be said to be the Successor of Claudius and not of him being elected by his Legions in the East as soone as the other had beene in Italy though confirmed before him of the Senate in Rome continued still his riuall for Maiestie and attained the top of that high set Gole whereof Quintilius failed before his foot had well mounted the first step 2 This Valerius Aurelianus was of parentage neither honourable nor rich and yet his fortunes carried him to the height of both Some recount his birth was of Dacia others of Mysia both so doubtful that Flauius Vopiscus the copious Writer of his Life leaues it vndecided and to the censure of his Readers His risings were by the Warres wherunto from his child-hood hee had a naturall inclination and for continuall carying of his weapons was commonlie called Aurelianus the Sword-bearer 3 His seruice was sufficiently knowne to the Generals of diuers Prouinces who had forty sundry times imploied
foot of Maiestie no man attempting higher to mount The souldiors sent to the Senate to designe the man whom they best liked the Senate requested the souldiers to elect him whom they held worthiest in which respectiue complements and most kinde correspondencie of all parts eight moneths passed with a peaceable Interregnum as writers report 2 It seemeth the fresh sense and fearefull experiences of the former heady proceedings made men more wise then to seeke their owne deaths and especially the Generals to be better aduised then to runne desperately vpon their owne destructions A change vncredible that Thirtie ere whiles would needs be stiled Emperours among the tumultuous Souldiours though they were sure to buy the vse of that name with their dearest bloud and not one now in peace could bee found either hasty to seeke it or verie willing to accept it 3 At last both Senate and Souldiours hauing in their eye M. Claudius Tacitus a man very Noble and of Consular degree of great age singular learning long experience in Magistracie him by a ioint and conspiring suffrage they all elected to their Empire but he hauing before hand some inkling of this their purpose got him out of the way liuing very secretly two moneths at his Rurall Mannor flying saith Vopiscus that high dignity which he fore-saw would proue his ouerthrow And when they did by Embassages often sollicite him to accept of their Election sending him the Ensignes and Stile of Augustus hee againe returned them though with harty thanks yet absolute deniall alledging by reason of his age and infirmitie that hee was euery way vnable to discharge their so great expectations 4 But after much inter-course and many intreaties passed at length the necessitie of the State so requiring he accepted their offer though not with much contentment to himself who knew the waight of so great titles would proue heauy alwaies dangerous for him to beare but with vnspeakeable ioy was receiued by the whole State which promised all blessed hopes to the state vnder so worthy so wise so vertuous learned and so iust an Emperour 5 For as before his aduancement he was of Exemplary composednes and vertuous disposition so in this high Estate his life was temperate and without al pride so desirous to be a Preceder of moderation singularity vnto others as that he would not permit his Empresse to weare any Iewels of high price nor to vse other customable superfluitie or excesse in his owne house For learning and learned men whom he euer embraced in his priuate Estate he now by all meanes endeuored to honour and aduance and publikely professed that what Imperiall vertues hee had hee was to ascribe them to his study of good letters For which cause hee was wont to call Cornelius Tacitus that worthiest Historian of the Romans State his Father and commanded his workes to be carefully preserued in euery Library throughout the Empire and ten times euery yeare to be transcribed on publique cost All which notwithstanding many of that worthy Authours Bookes haue since miscaried 6 But his vertues were too great for the world long to enioy and sith his Raigne was but short it is bootelesse to lengthen it with long discourses For his Peace continued without any memory of Warres and his short time wherein hee did nothing without consent of the Senate was spent rather reforming other mens vices and abuses of the Lawes and State then in displaying his owne vertues which doubtlesse if their faire streame had not beene vntimely stopt would haue proued incomparable to any his fore-goers and vnmatchable by any his followers What death hee died is left vncertaine Eutropius thinketh him slaine by his rebellious souldiers in Asia vpon his voiage against the Persians but Victor reporteth that hee died a naturall death and that of a burning-feuer in the citie of Tharsus And Flauius Vopiscus who wrote his life â—…ith his death came vpon a surcharge of griefe by reason of factions whereby the infirmitie of his age thereto helping his vnderstanding was crazed and his heart broken whereof hee died when he had raigned six moneths and twenty daies the yeare of Christ Iesus one hundred seuentie six M. ANNIVS FLORIANVS CHAPTER XLI NO sooner was the death of Tacitus diuulged but his brother Florianus much vnlike him in that point tooke vpon him the Name and Authoritie Imperiall without expecting any election either of Senate or Souldiers and therfore not likely long to stand sure And although in all other princely parts hee was not much vnlike his brother yet hauing so great an Opposite as Probus was on whom the Easterne Armie had conferred the same Title the blossomes of his conceited hope withered euen in the budde and perished before they had any time of growth 2 For no sooner came to his eares the newes of Probus his election but he found that heady and precipitate attempts were pleasing in their Beginnings but full of difficulties in their Proceedings and most disastrous in their Successe and therefore despairing both of Men and Meanes to raise the Building whose foundation he had so hastily but too weakly laid he caused his owne veines to be cut as Quintilius before him in like case had done whereby he boldly bled to death after hee had enioyed a Titular Soueraigntie only eightie daies saith Eutropius but Vopiscus saith not altogether two moneths and thinkes him killed by the Souldiers in the Citie Tharsus likewise in the yeere of Christ two hundred seuenty and seuen M. AVREL. VALER PROBVS CHAPTER XLII THE Easterne Armie most potent and famous at the death of Tacitus from them was expected the new Emperours election which accordinglie they did but with much more wisedome and deliberate circumspection then the Souldiers of those times were accustomed to doe For euery Captaine of the Armie singled out his owne Companies and in seuerall Assemblies exhorted that all affections laid aside they would applie their mindes to thinke of the worthiest man on whom they might conferre their voices and fauours At which time the opinion of Probus his worth had so generally possessed the hearts of all men that the shout and crie of all was vniforme Let vs haue Probus for our Emperour This being signified to Rome the Senate with applause and thankes approoued and confirmed his Election with additions to his Title Augustus The Father of his Countrey and the highest Bishop For in those times euen amongst Heathens the sacred Title of a Bishop was accounted an additament of honour euen to an Emperour 2 He was borne in Hungarie in the Citie Sirmiâ—… of honourable Parentage especially by his mothers side His fathers name was Maximus a man famous in Militarie Seruice who died Tribune at the warres in Egypt and himselfe very young but very valorous by the Emperor Valerianus who so loued him for his vertues that he vsed to say of him
of the Empire wherein the rage of Satan so preuailed that seuenteene thousand men and women were crowned with martyrdome within the space of one moneth besides infinite numbers of such as were otherwise punished As in other Countries so heere in Britaine the Christians Churches were demolished their Bibles and other godly writings burned and themselues tormented with a more cruell and longer continuance then formerly had beene vsed for this endured the terme often whole yeeres together leauing no time of intermission nor place free from the staine of Martyrs Bloud And amongst others it made Britaine to be honored with the glory of many holy Martyrs which constantly stood and died in the Confession of the Faith whereof the first is reported to bee Albane of the City Verolanium who was beheaded at Holmehurst since called Derswold where now the Towne of S. Albans bearing his name is built and in whose honour Offa the great King of Mercia founded a most magnificent Monasterie Of this Alban the ancient Fortunatus Priscus in his booke of the Praise of Virginitie maketh mention thus Albanum egregium foecunda Britannia profert Britaine fertill of all good Washt with glorious Albans blood 12 His Instructor Amphibolus afterwards apprehended was brought to the same place and whipped about a stake whereat his intrailes were tied so winding his bowels out of his body was lastly stoned to death Sundry others also in other places laid downe their liues for their Professions sake as Iulius and Aaron at Leicester saith Beda or rather at Caer-leon in Monmouthshire as our Grand-Antiquarie iudgeth and in Leichfeild so many that the place became another Golgotha A Field of dead Corps For which cause the Citie doth beare an Escocheon or Field charged with many Martyrs for their Seale of Armes euen vnto this day 13 This last rage is by Orosius and Beda accounted the Tenth Persecution from Nero and by others the Tenth Horne of the Imperiall Beast who had receiued his Power from the Dragon the diuel and Forme from those foure Beasts deciphered by the Prophet Daniel whose mouth was as the Lyons mouth of Asshur his feete like the Beares feete of Persia his spots as the Leopards of Greece and these ten hornes taken from the Monster of the Grecians parted kingdome the Seleucies and the Ptolemies called in Ezekiel Gog and Magog and here alluded vnto by S. Iohn that thus made battel against the Saints But as those foure Beasts perished and were crushed by the fall of The stone cut without hands Emmanuel borne in our flesh so this Beast compounded of them Foure fell in the destructions of these most wicked Emperors whereof all almost died so vntimely and vnusuall deaths as the like is not read of elsewhere 14 For some slew themselues as Nero and Otho did some were smothered to death as was Tiberius some poisoned by their wiues as Claudius and Commodus some tugged and torne in pieces by their own Subiects and Souldiers as Vitellius Heliogabalus Pupienus and Balbinus some stabbed by them whom they most trusted as Caligula Domitian Didius Gallienus and many others some tumultuously murthered as Pertinax Seuerus Maximius Aemilius and Probus were some slaine in battell and defence of their titles as Macrinus and Gallus some hanged themselues as Gordianus and Maximianus did some drowned and swallowed vp as Decius and Maxentius were some slaine by a thunderbolt from heauen as Carus was some died in most miserable captiuitie as Valerianus did whose skinne was fleaed off he yet aliue some cut their owne veines and bled to death as Quintilius and Florianus did some dying mad as did this our Dioclesian some few and them somewhat fauoring Christians died in their beds a thing most strange to see in these times wherein the Wrath of God thus fought against them in his Iustice and the power of his Gospell preached by his Apostles and Disciples that as a Conqueror crowned and riding vpon a White horse bare a Bow in his hand and shot the sharpe Arrowes of death into the hearts of these the Kings enemies as in the opening of the First Seale is seene and in the Second is described and made manifest by a Red Horse prepared for Battell whose Rider bare a Bright sword and had commission To take peace from the earth which most effectually wee haue seene performed in most of these preceding Emperours And as Famine in great Warres is not greatly strange so Scarsitie exceeding Plentie was seene vnder the opening of the Third Seale whence a Blacke horse sent from God pased through the earth whose Rider bare a Ballance to weigh Corne as it were Spice for dearth and in the raigne of this last Tyrant Dioclesian they that had Eagles eies might see the threefold iudgements of God in the opening of the Fourth Seale when Sword Famine Death went all together as a pale-horse sent from the presence of the Lamb whose rider was Death and Hell following as his Page These were the times of calamities wheas the Soules of the righteous in the opening of the Fifth Seale cried for vengeance for the bloud of the Martyrs whom these ten hornes had gored to death and vnder the Sixth Seale both then and for euer the wicked are said to call for the Mountaines to fall vpon them and for the rockes to hide them from the presence of Him that sate vpon the Throne and from the wrath of the Lambe before whom none could stand But why doe I weake man thus open the Curtaines of Gods most sacred Tabernacle to behold the Mercy-seate of his diuine Mysteries in the accomplishments of these holy Oracles when as they who haue worne the Ephod and in whose hand Aarons Rod hath Budded with a religious reuerence haue feared to look into the same Therefore with the charge of Ioshua I will not approach neere the Arke and with Iobs hearers will Lay my hand on my mouth and returne to the prosecution of my purpose 15 It was the nineteenth yeere of his raigne in the month of March when this Tyrant sent forth his wicked Edicts through all his Empire That all churches should bee vtterly ouerthrowne that the Scriptures should be burnt that all Christians for honour should bee held infamous and all Christian seruants should bee vncapeable of freedome that all Pastors should be enforced to offer to Idols c. 16 The fountaine chiefe cause of these miseries lighting on the Church of Christ did arise from the Christians themselues as Eusebius in these words declareth After that our conuersation through too much libertie and licentiousnesse was degenerated and holy discipline corrupted whiles euery one of vs did enuie bite and backbite each other waging intestine warres within our selues and piercing one anothers hearts with the sharpe speares of opprobriouswords so that Bishops against Bishops and people against people were at bitter contention Lastly whiles
nothing but hypocrisie was in the face deceit in the heart and guile in the tongue whereby mischiefe was euen full at the brimme then began the heauy hand of God to visit vs c. Where he proceedeth and sheweth that the greeuous sinnes of the Christians was the cause of drawing downe these iudgements on their heads 17 And so this wicked Tyrant accordingly was but as Gods Instrument and Iron-threshing-flaile to bruise the precious wheat and seed of the Gospell and to crush that outward glory of the Christian profession which then was flourishing in most parts of the world 18 But long the Lord deferred not their release nor that Tyrants end For after the First yeere of their persecutions and twentith of his Raigne the thirteenth day of Aprill in the yeere of Christs Natiuitie three hundred and three hee with his Fellow Emperor both of them by the reuenging hand of God stricken with a mad humor saith Eusebius renounced the Empire and descending from the Tribunall put off their Purple and Imperiall robes whereby they againe became Priuat men 19 Dioclesian retired into Dalmatia where in the Citie Salonia hee poisoned himselfe as Aurelius Victor affirmeth and Eusebius saith that no small disease ouertooke him for that hee died mad His consort Maximianus escaped not vnpunished but died for attempting the Murther of Constantius and as Eusebius auoucheth hee hanged himselfe in the citie Marsillis such ignominious deaths followed these two persecuting Tyrants whereof Dioclesian had formerly made himselfe a God and by an Edict commanded his Foote to bee kissed a practise pretily since imitated by his Successors who haue reuiued the wounded Head of the Beast and haue trod his steppes in wounding and persecuting the true members of Christ. FLAV. VALER CONSTANTIVS CHLORVS C. GALERIVS VALERIVS MAXIMIANVS CHAPTER XLV DIoclesian and Maximianus resigning vp their Soueraignties as is said at the Citie Nicomedia in Bithynia cōmitted the charge thereof and the defence of the Common-weale vnto Gallerius and Constantius who had been their Caesars vpon which occasion great peace followed in the Church of Christ and most especially vnto these Westerne Prouinces For those Emperors confirmed by the Senate presently diuided the Empire betwixt them as two Seuerall Estates and not subiect to one Gouernment as formerly had been exercised which as Eusebius hath noted was the fatall end of the Imperiall Glory 2 Vnto Gallerius fell the gouernment of Sclauonia Macedonia Thracia Egypt and the Prouinces in Asia who tooke for case of that burden these two whose Coines we haue here expressed 2 C. Galerius Valer. Maximinus and Aurel. Valer. Seuerus his sisters sonnes whom in the yeere of Christ three hundred and six hee elected Caesars and after Augusti which honours the last enioied not long for he was slaine at Rome by the treachery of Maxentius after one yeere And the other when he had foure yeeres gouerned as Caesar and three as Augustus in the East died at Tharsis in Cilicia 3 And to the lot of Constantius who much at one time with his Copartner elected his sonne Constantine so famous in christian historie Caesar fell Italy France Britannie Spaine Germany and most of the Prouinces in Africke which seeming to him who rather chose to gouerne well then much too spatious gaue vp to Gallerius all that in Africke as too remote from the Seat of his residence and eie of his direction 4 This good Emperor was for his Palenesse surnamed Chlorus by birth a Roman his Father named Eutropius his Mother Claudia Neece to the Emperor Claudius Himselfe had attained the dignitie of a Senator and was both Wise Valiant Noble and Vertuous whose parts Eusebius doth thus commend Constantius was a man of singular clemencie towards men and pietie towards God He did not partake with him in crueltie whose partaker he was in Soueraigntie neither staining his Raigne with the bloud of the Saints nor destroying our Churches and places of Praier as Maximianus furiously did but rather he reuerenced and highly honoured those who truly honoured God For which God so blessed him that this godly Father left a more godly Sonne Constantine the Heire of his well-gotten Empire 5 To which his vertues other Authors adde that he was of great affabilitie louing and gentle little regarding his Priuate Profit but altogether raigning to inrich his Subiects and to that end would often say That it was more be h◅full for the Weale publike that the wealth of the Land should bee dispersed into the commons hands then to lie locked vp in Princes coffers In which kind so auerse he was from all superfluities that hee may be adiudged faulty the other way for vpon Feastinall daies and in his Entertainments of Strangers he was faine to borrow Plate of his friends for such many times are richer then their Soueraignes to furnish his Table and Cupbords 6 But aboue all other vertues was his louing countenance and protection to the late persecuted Christians making his Court their Sanctuarie and his Chapell their Oratorie And to winnow the Chaffe from the Wheat he vsed the like policie as Iehu King of Israel sometime had done against the Priests of Baal For he commanded all his Officers to offer sacrifice to the Idoll-Gods pretending to dis-court all such as refused but contrariwise those that obeied hee put from him with this reproofe that hee who is disloyall to his God will neuer be true nor trustie to his Prince 7 When he was first made Caesar he was forced to forsake his first wife Helena by whom hee had his vertuous sonne Constantine and to take Theodora daughter in Law to Maximianus for a further confirmation of friendship 8 Helena by birth was a Britaine the daughter of Coelus a British Prince as saith Eutropius though Nicephorus make her of Bithynia and Beda tearmes her his Contubine some an Inne-holder and others for her person and parentage stand very doubtfull to meet with whom let vs heare the censure of Times Chiefe Secretarie the learned Cambden in his Britannia Constantius saith hee what time hee serued in Britaine vnder Aurelian tooke to wife Helena daughter of Coelus or Coelius a British Prince on whom he begat that noble Constantine the Great in Britaine for so together with that great Historiographer Baronius the common opinion of all other Writers with one consent beare witnesse vnlesse it bee one or two petty Greeke Authors of late time and those dissenting one from the other and a very learned man grounding vpon a corrupt place of Iul. Firmicus Howbeit compelled he was by Maximianus to put her away for to mary Theodora his daughter This is that Helena which in Antique Inscriptions is called VENERABILIS and PIISSIMA AVGVSTA and for Christian Pietie for cleansing Ierusalem of Idols for building a goodly Church in the place where our Lord suffred and for finding the sauing Crosse is so highly commended
his Crucified Redeemer Maij 22. the yeere of Christ Iesus three hundred thirty seuen and of his happy victorious raigne thirty one and of his age sixty fiue whose body was interred at Constantinople in the Church of the Apostles that himselfe had therein founded 18 Eusebius writing this good Emperors life saith that he deferred his Baptisme vntill his old age in desire that he might receiue it in Iordayne where our Sauiour himselfe was baptised Yet others thinke that he was baptised with his Son Crispus what time he created him his Caesar for the Celebration whereof hee caused a most sumptuous Font to be made in Rome which Platina Sabellicus affirme to haue continued to their times And the ingenuity of the same Sabellicus is much to be approued in that speaking of Constantines Donation which some so much vaunt of though the vanity of that forgery is now laid open to the view of all by sundry learned men he acknowledgeth himselfe being a Romanist that he findeth no mention of any such matter in any of the ancient Records which he followed and so leaueth it to the Patronage of those Crafts-men out of whose forges it first was formed He left to succeed him in the Empire as Augusti with distaste of the eldest his three Sonnes Constantine Constantius and Constance whom before he had made Caesars designed by Testamēt Delmatius the son of Anniballinus his brother Caesar and therefore we haue inserted his mony in ranke of those that succeeded this great glorious Emperor FLA. VAL. CONSTANTINVS IVNIOR Emp. FLA. VAL. CONSTANS FLA. IVLIVS CONSTANTIVS FLA. DELMATIVS ANNIBALLIANVS CHAPTER XLVII FOR the Empire being diuided among these Brethren Constantinus the eldest whose portion was Britaine France Spaine and part of Germanie tooke himselfe wronged in this partition whereas Constans his second brother had Italie Africa Sclauonia Dalmatia and Greece and Constantius the youngest possessed Thracia Syria Mesopotamia and Egypt Prouinces much greater in his sight then his owne seemed to bee and therefore at last ambitiously hee attempted to inlarge his vpon the Frontiers of his brother Constans at that time in Dacia and in warres against the Gothes who there also inuaded his territories but was met with and slaine by a Captaine of his brothers neere to the Citie Aquileia in Italie when he had held his Seigniories the terme of three yeeres 2 Hereupon Constans grew exceedingly proud and seising his deceased brothers Prouinces ioined them vnto his owne Possessions and with his brother Constantius came into this Iland This Battle and their arriuall heere by the words of Iulius Firmius chanced in the winter season for saith hee speaking to these Emperours you haue subdued vnder your Oares the swelling and raging waues of the British Ocean euen in the deepe of Winter a thing hitherto neuer seene before And the Britaine 's were sore afraid to behold the vnexpected face of their Emperour This Constans was he that called a Councell to Sardica against the Arrians whither were assembled three hundred Bishops and among them some of the British as formerly we haue mentioned But this Prince being youthfull cast away all care of the Empire and drowned in his owne pleasures followed ill counsell the vsuall way to Princes ruines Thus growne greeuous to the Prouinces and nothing acceptable to the Souldiers was by Magnentius a Captaine of his owne slaine as hee was hunting neere the Castle of S. Helens situate amongst the Tapori a Spanish people vnder the Pyren Mountaines And as hence this Murderer of his Soueraigne Lord and Master was branded with the name of Taporus so in this Emperour there murdered was fulfilled a Prophecie that hee should die in his Grandmothers Lappe Olympias the Widow of this Constans was giuen to Arsaces King of Armenia by Constantius his brother to be a bond and purchase of his surer friendship of which his need was much as the times required for after the death of Constance Vetranio was proclaimed Emperour by the Pannonian Armie though shortly disrobed and sent to end his decrepit age in a priuate fortune Nepohanus the nephew of Constans by his sister Eutropia was at Rome by the abiect Rout saluted Augustus which he enioied not much aboue twentie daies being suppressed by Magnentius who had now made the truncke of Maiestie his Soueraignes bodie the Basse whereby he meant with Decentius and Desiderius his two brethren to ascend the Throne 3 Simon Dunelmensis saith that Great Constantine at his departure from Britaine left one Octauius to gouerne the Land who shortly rebelled and after diuers conflicts was slaine by Traherne Commander of a Roman Legion Galfridus makes the said Octauian a Britaine and will haue him to raigne with great Victories ouer this Iland the space of fifty foure yeeres which as Fabian hath accounted doth extend to the time of Valentinians Rule in Rome so farre doe our British Historians differ from the Romans But from them most certaine it is that Magnentius before mentioned a Britaine by his father though borne among the Laeti in France inuested himselfe into the Imperiall Dignitie vsurping France Spaine and Britaine thus stamping the face of himselfe and his brother Decentius by him made Caesar at Millan vpon the currant Monies of such reuolted Prouinces as he vsurped And did for three yeeres bandy against Constantius though with some vnequall successe but lastly despairing to vphold his owne greatnesse murdered himselfe at Lyons in Gallia as his brother vpon newes therof did with a halter in the same Countrey For this euent no other occasion moouing Constantius both shut the Temple of Ianus in Rome as a token of an Vniuersall Peace and gloriously triumphed with more then a vsuall aspect 4 At this time the Generall of the Armie in Britaine was one Gracianus the father of Valentinian the Emperour by birth an Hungarian and so strong of limme that no fiue men could pull a rope out of his hand with all their force whereof hee was surnamed Funarius the Roper This man giuing entertainment to Magnentius was condemned in confiscation of all his goods by Constantius that now ruled sole Emperour vnto whom also the Britaines submitted themselues and whose Deputie after Gratianus was aged Martin a man no doubt vertuous and vpright as he witnessed by his death for Constantius whose base and distrustfull heart feared the wagging of euery leafe by the slaughter of many guiltlesse sought to make himselfe secure and egged on by his Flatterers to serue their purposes sent one Paulus a Notarie into Britaine to apprehend them that had aided Magnentius 5 The said Notarie was a Spaniard of a pestilent wit and subtiltie especially in finding out all quirkes and deuices to endanger mens estates whose businesse being now to apprehend and bring away such Martiall men as had entred action in the foresaid conspiracies he vnder that pretence
accidents which that age did take for Ominous signes For the Statue of Maximianus Caesar standing at the entrance into the Kings Palace let fall the Ball or Globe out of his hand no force mouing it horrible sounds and noises were heard within the Consistory and Blazing-starres appeared at Noone-day Thence therefore in greatt haste he marched and at Ancyra declared his sonne Varronianus his Caesar a verie Infant whose Wrawlings and vnwillingnesse to ride in the Imperiall Chariot portended saith Amianus that which after happened For hasting still towards Constantinople he came to Dadastana a place that diuideth Bithynia and Galatia asunder and there died suddenly of the obstructions and stopping of the Lungs caused by the dampe of a new mortered Chamber wherein he lay or as others write by coales there set to dry the new seeling whose vapors hauing no issue stifled him to death the seuenteenth day of February the yeere of the worlds redemption three hundred sixtie foure after hee had raigned seuen moneths and twenty two daies aged thirty three yeeres 6 For his personage he was of goodly presence both tall and big his gesture graue his eyes gray and countenance pleasant an affectionate louer professor he was of the Christian religion of indifferēt learning himselfe but a most honorable imbracer thereof in others very precise and considerate in choosing of Iudges and Magistrates facile and familiar to his seruitors about him His Blemishes were these that hee was a great feeder and giuen to wine and somewhat to that other Vice which vsually accompanieth such intemperancies FLAVIVS VALENTINIANVS Emp. FLAVIVS VALENS CHAPTER L. PResently vpon the death of Iouianus by a secret whispering and running rumor Equitius Tribune of the Scutarij was nominated Emperor a man naturally rigorous and rude and therefore disliked of the better aduised and no further followed But frō him their voices turned to Ianuarius a kinsman to the last deceased Iouianus at that present Gouernor of Illyricum But he also reiected Valentinianus then absent was Elected at Nice as a fit and meet person for the managing of their Warres and good of the Weale-publike 2 His birth was of Pannonia in the Citie Cibalas of meane and poore parentage the sonne of Gracian spoken of before who by trade was a Rope-seller but of great strength and therefore by seruice preferred to places of account and had been made Ruler of Britaine His owne life likewise was spent in seruice of Warre and was ere-while a Captaine ouer the Targatiers but Iulian requiring him either to Sacrifice to his Gods or to leaue his place he chose rather to lay aside his Belt then his Faith and Christianitie as likewise Iouianus had done and so for neglecting a little honour then he had now a farre greater bestowed on him by the disposer of all Earthly Kingdomes The Estate so vrging it he made Valens his Brother Partner in the Empire the trumpets euery where sounding Warres throughout the Roman World For the Almans inuaded Gaul and Rhaetia the Sarmatians and Quadi made spoile of Pannonia the Picts Saxons Scots and Attacots infested the Britaines the Austorians made roades into Africa the Gothes ransacked Thracia and the Persians entred Armenia For which cause Valens remained to defend the East and Valentinianus tooke his progresse into the West where in three Battels vnder the conduct of Iouinus hee discomfited the Almans and Valens likewise ouercame and beheaded Procopius whose feature we haue here expressed a dangerous Vsurper in the East 3 But in Britaine things prospered not so well for by the generall bandings of the foresaid Nations their old Enemies the Prouince was sore distressed and brought to extreame misery For Nectaridius Admirall of the British Fleet they slew and Balchobaudes Lord Warden of the Marches by a traine of these barbarous people was forelaid assailed on euery side The intelligence of which occurrences when it was brought to Rome with great horror the Emperor first sent hither Seuerus Steward of his House if fortune would happily speed his hand to redresse whatsoeuer had happened amisse But he in short time being called away had not the hap to see the wished successe Then Iouinus famous for his Warres in Germany came into the same parts and seeing the puissance of the Enemy meant to craue aid of the Auxiliarie Forces the vrgent necessitie requiring so much at last in regard of many and those fearefull accidents which rumor continually reported touching the state of this Iland hither was designed Theodosius a man esteemed most happy and approued for his Martiall prowesse who with a bold resolution and select power both of Horse and Foote set forward for Britaine 4 The Picts at that time were diuided into two Nations to wit Deucalidones and Vesturiones The Attacots likewise a warlike kinde of people and the Scots ranging in diuers parts wasted all where they went As for the Tracts of Gaule the Frankners and Saxons their neere confined neighbours wheresoeuer they could breake foorth and make Roades by Sea or Land made hauocke heere by seizing of Booties firing of Townes in killing of men and women and leading away Captiues To stay these wofull miseries if the Heauens had beene so benigne this valiant Captaine intended a voyage to this our end of the World and comming to Bononia which lieth diuided from the opposite tract of Land by a narrow Channell ebbing and flowing with terrible Tides where the waters are seene sometimes to match the highest Mountaine and againe to settle with the Ieuell of the Plaines without any harme of Sailers or Passage this Sleue with a gentle course hee crossed and arriued at Rutupie a quiet Roade and Harbour ouer against it from whence after that the Bactauians the Heruli Iouij and Victores Companies bold and confident in their strengths were come he marched towards Lundinium an ancient Citie which posterities afterwards named Augusta and hauing seuered his Troopes into sundry parts he charged vpon those companies of rouing and robbing enemies euen when they were heauie laden with Booties and spoiles and were driuing away before them both Men and Women bound for their Captiues besides much Cattle and a great Prey These hee soone discomfited and restored to the poore distressed Tributaries their Liberties and Losses bestowing some small parcels thereof among his weary and well-deseruing Souldiers and entred the City with exceeding great ioy in manner of a Petty-triumph which erewhile was ouer-whelmed with Calamities but now on the sudden refreshed and set in perfect safety 5 Vpon this prosperous successe encouraged to greater attempts hee abode yet doubtfull of the future casting with himselfe many proiects which poised Fortunes Scales alike but lastly by certaine Captiues and Fugitiues hee learned that those Companies of sundry fierce Nations spread so farre and diffusedly vpon the face of the Prouince could not be vanquished vnlesse it were by
whom he knew to be the God of Hosts and whom euer he had serued and whose aid had hitherto neuer failed him whereupon boldly incouraging his men he accepted of the Field But the Battle furiously begunne fell so sore against him that ten thousand of his Souldiers were presently slaine and the rest despairing ready to flie himselfe at that instant had beene surprized had not God turned the heart of Arbitio a Captaine of his Enemies suddenly to come to his side and to rescue him Theodosius much daunted by these vnfortunate beginnings yet conceiued better hopes of the following successe trusting to the vprightnesse of his Cause and the helpe of his God which still he implored till the Heauens were propitious to his earnest desires 5 For suddenly a violent tempest arose and a raging winde rushed so extreamly on the faces of his Enemies that they were in no wise able to withstand it the power thereof beating backe againe their darts into their owne sides whereas the arrowes shot from the Emperors part were thereby forced with double strength to pierce through the Rebels Iron plates whereby a most glorious victory was obtained and Eugenius taken who lay grouelling at the Emperors feete deploring his estate and crauing his pardon but euen as hee kneeled with cries and teares the Souldiers standing by strucke off his Head And Arbogastes the Author of these euils by flight escaping two daies after ran himselfe vpon his Sword and so reuenged on himselfe his owne wicked actions This victory was atchieued the sixth of September in the yeere of grace three hundred ninety six by Socrates account and was so famous that besides the Records of Christian Historians Claudius a Heathen Poet thus eternizeth the same in his Heroick Poeme Gods darling deare the heauens thy souldiers were in arms And windes conspired to aid and follow thy allarms 6 Theodosius thus deliuered repaired vnto Millan where worne with yeeres and trauels shortly after he sickened vnto death And sending for his Son Honorius made him Emperor of the West and to Arcadius gaue the East wherein hee had before made him his Caesar. The Prouince of Africa he assigned to the gouernment by one Gyldus in his Sonnes behalfe and in the Non-age of Arcadius appointed Rufinus for Constantinople and Stilicho Tutor to young Honorius in Italie three most worthy men vndoubtedly had the greatnesse of their spirits beene contained within the lists of their trust and places 7 This last named Flauius Stilicho famous for a long time and an inward companion with Theodosius had beene imploied in the Britaines warres against the inroades of the Scots Vandals and Picts and therein had borne himselfe with fortunate successe as the Poet Claudian implieth where he bringeth in Britaine thus speaking Me quoque vicinis pereuntem Gentibus inquit Muniuit Stilicho totam quum Scotus Hibernem Mouit infesto spumanit remige Thetis Illius effectum curis ne bella timerem Scotica nec Pictum tremerem ne littore toto Prospicerem dubijs venientem Saxona ventis And I saith she that ready was by bordering foes to perish When Scots did cause the Irish stirres then Stilicho did me cherish When Seas did foame with strokes of Oares that beat the bellowes backe His force effecting with his cares preuented still my wracke He bad me feare no forraine powers that Scots or Picts could make Nor of the Saxons that on Seas vncertaine courses take So that being by him freed from those many dangers and all her enemies ouerthrowne shee singeth her security by the same Poet. Domito quod Saxone Thetis Mitior aut fracto secura Britannia Picte My Seas though rough are calm'd sith Saxons conquer'd are And I securely rest now Picts are queld in warre But this her ioy through the Treasons of these three Gouernours was soone turned into laments and teares and the whole Empires glory brought to a fatall period as presently it will appeare 8 This Theodosius for his Princely parts by all writers is ranked among the very best of all the Emperours And as he is likened to Traian for his feature and personage so may he be compared in wisedome to Marcus Aurelius In temperance with Antoninus Pius For his Christian profession and deuotion with Constantine the Great and for his meeknes equall to any Wherof among many other we haue one example very remarkeable vpon an offence cōmitted by the Inhabitants of Thessalonica hee commanded most seuere punishment to bee inflicted which was so vnaduisedly executed that as well the innocent as the offenders were inuolued therein He then comming to Millan would haue entred the Church to haue communicated with other Christians in their sacred deuotions which Ambrose the great Doctor and Bishop of that Sea though otherwise a man of admirable mildnesse resisted and forbad in which estate the Emperour stood for eight moneths continuance and then with great humility submission acknowledgeing his offence was absolued and againe receiued into the congregation For preuenting of the like rash offences by him committed he then enacted a Lawe that thirty daies should passe betwixt the sentence of death and the execution of the Malefactor And to suppresse his hasty choller whereunto he was much subiect his vsuall manner was to recite the Greeke Alphabet before hee vttred any speech sauering of that humour 9 He died Ianuary the seuenteenth the yeere of the worlds happines three hundred ninety fiue when he had raigned seuenteene yeares and liued sixty as Aurelius Victor writeth with whom he ends his History His first wife was Flacilia a religious Lady the Mother of Arcadius and Honorius by his second wife hee had a daughter named Placidia Galla first married vnto Athaulpus King of the Gothes and after his death vnto Constantine whom Honorius her brother made Augustus and his fellow Emperour ARCADIVS Emperours HONORIVS CHAPTER LIII FAtall was the Act of Theodosius in his Election of the three foresaid Protectors whose greatnes carried with a glutted prosperity grew to a surfet after his death in their ambitious thoughts and was the downefall of the now aged and drooping Empire first Gildus in Africa not contented with the title of Comes or Earle cast off all subiection and as an absolute Lord acknowledged neither Arcadius nor Honorius for his Soueraigne 2 Against these proceedings his owne brother Mastelzerius opposed himselfe and both in words and acts assayed to set him in his wonted place of obedience which by no other means could be brought to passe but by assistance sent him from Honorius with which though much too weake he marched against the Emperours Enemy and as Paulus Orosius writeth more by force of praiers to God then power of men in his encounter preuailed and beheaded Gildus for his Treason But himselfe becomming mightie and forgetting that which in others hee remembred himselfe vsurped the command of
she abused her body by committing of adultery and was shortly expelled and in beggerly misery ended her life as by manie that so saw her we haue heard it reported saith Asserius mine Author For this her most hainous crime whereby was procured the murther of her Husband the West-Saxons ordained a Law to the great preiudice of all their Queenes succeeding that none of them should haue either title maiestie or place of roialtie which was seuerely executed for many yeeres after In the daies of this Brithrik many prodigies appeared and more perhaps then will be beleeued For it is reported that in his third yeere a shower of bloud rained from heauen and bloudy crosses fell vpon mens garments as they walked abroad And in his tenth yeere were seene fiery Dragons flying in the ayre Which wonders some tooke to be presages of the miseries following both by the Inuasions of the Pagan Danes that in these times were first seene to arriue in this Iland and the extreme Famine that afterwards happened howsoeuer sure it is that the Heptarchy now beganne to set in the West and the rising Monarchy to appeare in King Egbert whose acts and issue shall be further rehearsed when wee shall come to the time of his succession among the English Monarchs THE EAST-SAXONS KINGDOME THE CIRCVIT SVCCESSIONS OF THEIR KINGS THEIR ISSVES AND KINGDOMES CONTINVANCE CHAPTER VIII THe site of the East-Saxons Kingdom was the Country of Essex Middlesex and part of Hartfordshire and the Circuit so far as the Diocesse of London now extendeth It was bounded on the East with the Ocean on the South with the Thames on the West with the Colne and on the North with the Riuer Stowre The Kings thereof claime their descent from Prince Woden not as all the rest of the Saxon Kings but onely by a collaterall line and Erchenwine became the first King which neuerthelesse he held as Feodarie to the Kings of Kent For which cause it seemeth that Malmsbury mentioneth him not in the Catalogue of those Kings but maketh his sonne Sledda the first and tenth in descent from Woden ERchenwine is said to bee the Sonne of Offa the sonne of Bedca the sonne of Sigefuget the son of Sneppa the sonne of Awpig the sonne of Supig the sonne of Seaxnod from whom all these Kings fetch their originall His Kingdome began about the yeere of grace 527. and in the fifteenth of Eske the second King of Kent and his raigne long but yet without any memorable acts dying in the yeere 586. and leauing his sonne to succeede in his place SLedda the sonne of Erchenwine succeeding in the East-Saxons Kingdome raigned peaceablie without mention of any warres for hauing married Ricula the daughter of Imerik King of Kent was thereby the more fauoured of them and feared of others and nothing left besides his quiet raigne to be recorded to posterities neither are many yeeres of successions numbred but as they are gathered from the Computations of other princes with whom they either liued or were linked in action This Sledda died about the yeere of our Redemption 596. and left issue by his wife Queene Ricula Sebert who succeeded him in the Kingdome and Segebald his brother whose Sons afterward were Kings of that Prouince SEbert the sonne of Sledda and of Queene Ricula beganne his Raigne in the yere of Christs Incarnation 596. and in the thirtie six yeere of the raigne of King Ethelbert of Keâ—… his mothers brother at that time Monarch of the English-men who in Seberts chiefe citie London a Princelie Mart Towne saith Beda of many people ariuing thither both by sea and land new built a Church making it the Cathedrall of Bishop Miletus and so wrought with King Sebert that hee conuerted him to Christianitie and assisted him in that Foundation where formerlie say some had stood the Temple of Diana This Church these new Conuerts and Saxon Kings either new reared or inlarged for the honour and seruice of God and dedicated vnder the name of Saint Paul which worke Ethelbert further confirmed with sufficient maintenance as by this his Charter is seene containing these words Aethelbert Rex Deo inspirante pro animae suae remedio dedit Episcopâ—… Mileto terram quae appellatur Tillingham ad Monasterium siue Solatium scilicet S. Pauli Et ego Rex Aethelbert ita firmiter concedo tibi Praesuli Mileto potestatem eius habendi possidendi vt in perpetuum in Monasterij vtilitate permaneat c. And that this was the Temple of Diana some haue further confirmed vnto vs by the incredible number of Oxe-heads there digged vp in the daies of King Edward the First when the east-end of that Church was enlarged which were supposed to be of those Beasts that were there sacrificed to this Goddesse Diana These Kings likewise founded the Church of S. Peter in the West of London at a place called Thornye where sometimes stood the Temple of Apollo as Sulcardus affirmeth which being ouerthrowne by an Earth-quake King Lucius new built for the celebration of Gods seruice and that againe being decaied those Kings restored it to a greater beautie where Sebert after thirteene yeeres raigne as some write with Aethelgoda his Queene were buried whose bodies in the daies of Richard the Second saith Walsingh were translated from the old Church to the new and there interred Hee had issue by the said Queene Sered Seward and Sigebert whose liues and deaths were as followeth SEred Seward and Sigbert the sonnes of King Sebert raigned as it seemeth together in the Kingdome of the East-Saxons all three wicked irreligious men and deadly enemies to the Christian Profession These contumeliously presuming to the Lords Table and holy Sacrament of his Body and Bloud were prohibited by Bishop Miletus because they were Idolaters and vnbaptized which repulse they tooke so offensiuely that they expulsed Miletus who therupon fled into France But their impietie was not long vnrewarded for fighting against Kingils and Qinchelinus his sonne Kings of the West-Saxons were by them ouercome and in battle slaine about the yeere of Grace 623. as by the learned Sir Henry Sauile is calculated whose account for these times I altogether follow SIgebert the little the sonne of Seward the second sonne of King Sebert entred his raigne ouer the kingdome of the East-Saxons the yeere of Christ 623. of whose affaires little matter is left for vs to relate sauing that hee hauing both a Brother and a Sonne yet his Kingdome was succeeded by neither but by one Sigibert his Cosen-German once remooued SIgibert the sonne of Segebald the brother of Sebert the sonne of King Sledda and of Ricula his Queene succeeded his kinsman in the Kingdome of the East-Saxons This Sigibert reduced againe his Prouince vnto the embracing of the Christian Faith being daily instigated thereunto by Oswie King of
Northumberland and receiued Baptisme himselfe at the hands of Bishop Finnan and at the place called The Wall procured vertuous Cedda to be his assister for the plantation of the Gospell in his Kingdome He was murdered by two of his kinsmen who as Beda saith were Brethren no other cause moouing them but his ouermuch lenitie and clemencie He raigned by the foresaid account sixteene yeeres leauing issue a young sonne named Selred that succeeded Seofrid in that Kingdome SWithelme succeeded his brother in the Prouince of the East-Saxons nothing being mentioned of his life or raigne besides his Baptisme by Bishop Cedda and that his God-father at the Font-stone was Edelwald King of the East-Angles SIghere the sonne of Sigebert the little entred his raigne ouer the Kingdome of the East-Saxons the yeere of our Lord 664. and was the eighth King of that Prouince in part whereof Sebba his nephew raigned with better commendations then Sigehere at his beginning had done for Beda reporteth that vpon a great mortalitie and plague to appease the wrath of his Gods Sighere became an Apostata and forsooke the faith of Christ wheras SEbba continued constant with those in that Prouince vnder his Iurisdiction yet by the diligent care of Wulfere King of the Mercians Sighere and his people were reclaimed throwing downe the Temples and Altars erected to Idolatrie and opening againe the Christian Churches for the Saints assemblies that so saith hee they might rather die in hope of the Resurrection then wallow in sinne and liue in Idolatrie His wife was Oswith the daughter of Edelfrith King of Northumberland whom Capgraue maketh a Saint and Abbesse of Berking neere London euen in the daies of her husband SEbba the Brother of Segebert the Little and Sonne of Seward as we haue said succeeded as sole King in the Prouince of the East-Saxons and with much equitie and administration of Iustice raigned therein thirty yeeres towards the end whereof the better to prepare his mind for contemplation he relinquished his Princely Robes and put on the Habit of Religious Profession in the Monastery of S. 〈◊〉 in London as Radulphus de Diceto with others at tirme Wherein this penitent King liuing a while in fasting and praiers died the yeere of Christ 693. whose body was intombed in a Coffin of Gray Marble the Couer copped and as yet standing in the North wall of the Chancell of the same Church A miracle thereof Beda reporteth needlesse either then to be wrought or now of vs repeated were it not to point at the blindnes wherein euen good men were then led and thus it is They hauing prepared a Tombe-stone to lay his body in found it too short by the quantitie of an hands bredth and hewing it longer yet would not serue therefore they minding to bow vp the knees laid the body therein and suddenly it lengthned of it selfe with more then was sufficient But surely howsoeuer this tombe was then set on this Monkish tenter it is now since shrunke againe in the standing and exceeds not in measure fiue foot in length His wife but vnnamed hee likewise instigated to leaue the momentanie pleasures of princely State for that which is permanent which thing with much adoe he lastly obtained leauing her to follow him in his vertuous deuotions and his two sonnes to succeed him in his kingdome SIgherd the Sonne of King Sebba whom Beda maketh a Monke with his Father followed him also in the succession of the East-Saxons Kingdome the time of whose entrance is set in the yeere of Christs Incarnation 694. and his death in 701. no other mention being made either of Acts Wife or Issue SEofrid the Sonne of King Sebba and Brother to King Sigheard either ioyntly raigned with him or successiuely after him of whom I finde nothing mentioned worthy inserting hauing had neither Wife nor issue that are recorded OFfa the Sonne of Sighere and of Queene Oswith his Wife a man noted for his comely feature and sweet countenance succeeded King Seofrid in the Kingdome of the East-Saxons the yeere of grace 701. He both enlarged with buildings and enriched with lands the goodly and beautiful Church of Westminster but after he had ruled eight yeeres being moued with a supposed religious deuotion hee abandoned Kineswith his wife the daughter of Penda the Mercian King his lands kinne and Country and with Kenred King of Mercia and Edwine Bishop of Worcester went to Rome where he was shorne a Monke and in that habit died leauing his Cosen Selred to succeed in his kingdome His wife Kineswith after his departure with the like penancie vowed her selfe a vailed Nunne in the Abbey of Kineburg whereof his sister was Abbesse who had been wife to Alfrith King of Northumberland SElred the Sonne of Sigebert the Good who was murthered for his ouermuch clemencie attained to the Kingdome of the East-Saxons in the yeere of grace 709. His raigne was long though his acts are little spoken of either that others worther affaires filled the pens of those Story-writers or that his time was so peaceable and vnactiuely spent that it ministred not matter whereof to indite Hee raigned 38. yeeres and died Anno 746. without relation either of Wife or Children SVthred after the slaughter of Selred was made King of the East-Saxons which title hee retained vntill that Egbert King of the West-Saxons taking Armes against him expulsed him out of that Kingdome as also the same yeere he did Baldred King of Kent which was in the yeere of Christs Incarnation 827. and made it a Prouince annexed vnto the West-Saxons after it had stood in state of a Kingdome 281. yeeres THE KINGDOME OF NORTHVMBERLAND CIRCVIT AND CONTINVANCE WITH THE SVCCESSIONS AND ISSVES OF THOSE KINGS VNTO THE LAST SVBVERSION THEREOF BY KING EGBERT CHAPTER IX THis Kingdome of Northumberland consisted at first of two distinct Prouinces whereof the one was called Deira and the other Bernicia and were gouerned sometimes by their Kings seuerally and sometimes vnder one as successe of warre or other casualties incident did afford The royall descents of whose Kings are brought by Florentius both from the Fourth and Fifth Sonnes of Prince Woden after this manner Ella vnder whom the Kingdome of Deira beganne was the sonne of Iffi who was the sonne of Wuskfrea the sonne of Wilgils the sonne of Westorwalchna the sonne of Seomel the sonne of Suearta the sonne of Saepugell the sonne of Seabald the sonne of Siggeot the sonne of Suebdeg the sonne of Siggar the sonne of Weadeg the fourth sonne of Woden And the descent of Ida the raiser of the Bernicians kingdome is brought from Bealdeag the fifth sonne of Woden for Bealdeag was father to Brand whose sonnes were Beorn and Freodegar the latter of which twaine was the progenitour of Cherdik the first West-Saxon King and his brother Beorn begat another Beorn also and hee Wegbrand
the third sonne of King Penda in the nonage of yong Kenred the sonne of Vulfhere who in his tender yeeres rather desired a priuate life then any publike authority in the Common-weale succeeded his brother both in the Kingdome of Mercia and Monarchy of the Englishmen But when hee had raigned thirty yeeres gaue ouer the Crowne to his Nephew the said Kenred and became a Monke in the Monastery of Bradney in Lincolne-shire where hee died Anno 716. His Wife was Osfryde Daughter to Oswyn King of Northumberland and issue Chelred that succeeded Kenred in the Mercian kingdome KEnred the sonne of Vulfhere his Vncle Ethelred changing his Princely Crown for a Monks Coule beganne his Raigne ouer the Mercians and his Monarchy ouer the English Anno 704. wherein he raigned the space of foure yeeres and then with like deuotion of those times addicted to an easie and quiet Religion abandoned both Crowne and Country and went to Rome where of Pope Constantine hee receiued the tonsure and habit of a Monke at the Apostles Tombes and entring a Monastery therein spent other foure yeeres of his life to the day of his death which was Anno 708. hauing had neither wife nor issue to reuiue his name or to rule his kingdome CHelred receiuing the resignation of Kenred his Cosin-german when he went to Rome and of sufficient yeeres and discretion to haue succeeded Ethelred his Father what time the said Kenred was ordained King raigned with great valour ouer the Mercians and was likewise Monarch ouer the Englishmen His peace was disquieted by Inas his West-Saxons who for seuen yeeres continuance inuaded his kingdome His Wife was Wereburge saith Marianus and Florentius the Monke who ascribe to her a long life and to die without Childten This Chelred raigned the space of eight yeeres and died the yeere of grace seuen hundred and fifteenth whose body was buried in the Cathedrall Church of Lechfeild EThelbald after the death of Chelred was made King of the Mercians and Monarch of the English the yeere of Christs Incarnation seuen hundred sixteene He was a Prince giuen to peace but withall a most lasciuious Adulterer insomuch that Boniface Archbishop of Mentz wrote his Epistle vnto him in reprehension of the same which tooke such effect that in repentance of his foule facts hee founded the Monasterie of Crowland driuing in mighty Piles of Oake into that moorish ground whereon hee laid a great and goodly building of stone He was the son of Aâ—…wr the elder sonne of Eoppa the second sonne of King Wibba the brother of King Penda and raigned fortie two yeeres in the end whereof he was slaine in a battell fought against Cuthred King of the West-Saxons at Secondone three miles from Tamworth the yeere of Christ seuen hundred fiftie fiue and was buried at Repton in Darby-shire hauing had neither Wife nor Children OFfa slaying Bernred the murtherer of King Ethelbald entred vpon the gouernment of the Mercians and the Monarchy of the Saxons An. 758. He inlarged his dominion vpon the Britaines ouercame the Kentish in a battell put to flight the Northumbrians and vanquished the West-Saxons the East-Angles also he seised vpon after he had murthered Ethelbert their King He raigned thirty nine yeeres and died at Ofley the nine and twenty day of Iuly the yeere of our Lord seuen hundred ninetie foure and was buried without the Town of Bedford in a Chapell now swallowed vp by the Riuer Owse He was the son of Thingfryd the sonne of Eanulfe whose Father Osmund was the sonne of Eoppa the brother of King Penda and son of King Wibba whose Father was Crida the first King of the Mercians His Wife was Quendred and children many of whom and of them we will further speake when we come to the time of his Monarchy EGfryde the sonne of great Offa was by him made King at his returne from Rome being the only ioy of his parents and heire apparant to the Saxons Monarchy vpon which he entred the day after his fathers death and liued himselfe but a hundred and fortie daies after deceasing the seuenteenth of December in the yeere of our Lord God seuen hundred ninety six hauing had neither wife nor issue that wee reade of and his body honourably interred in the Church of the Monasterie of Saint Albanes founded by Offa. KEnwolfe the cosen a farre off to King Egfrid deceased and both of them remooued in bloud no lesse then six descents from Wibba the second Mercian King was the sonne of Cuthbert as the Monke of Worcester deriues him the sonne of Bassa the sonne of Kenrowe the sonne of Kentwin the sonne of Kenwalk the sonne of Wibba aforesaid and succeeded King Egfryd in his Dominions But of this Mercian Monarch more shall be written in the succession and time of that his gouernment Hee raigned two and twentie yeeres and deceased the yeere of our Lord eight hundred and nineteene and his bodie interred in the Monasterie of Winchcombe in the Countie of Glocester being of his owne foundation His wife was Queene Elfryde the daughter as some suppose of Offa who had beene betrothed to Ethelbert King of the East-Angles slaine by her father by whom he had issue Kenelm Quendred and Burgemhild of whom more followeth KEnelm the sonne of King Kenwolfe a childe of seuen yeeres old succeeded in the Kingdome of Mercia but not in the Monarchie as his fathers had done Egbert the West-Saxon at that time being grown great in his fortunes This young King Kenelm raigned only fiue moneths and then by the ambitious desire of Quendrid his sister who seeking the gouernment by the shedding of his guiltlesse bloud instigated one Askbert his Instructor by promises of great preferments and rich rewards to make him away who only stood as she thought in her way to the Crowne This wicked practise was foorth with as impiously performed for hauing him foorth vnder pretence of hunting he slew the innocent King whose vertuous inclination promised great hopes and whose harmlesse yeeres had not attained to any worldly guile His bodie hee secretly buried vnder a bush and if we will beleeue the Golden Legend where his life is described was thus found out A white Doue which belike had seene the deed done and had got it ingrossed in a scrole of parchment posted therewith to S. Peter in Rome and vpon the High Altar laid it to bee read where in the Saxon characters thus it was found In Clenc kon baâ—… Kenelme Kinbaâ—…ne lieâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is At Clenc in a Cow pasture Kenelme the Kings childe lieth beheaded vnder a thorne But most true it is that an obscure sepulcher the body had at the first and howsoeuer found out was afterwards with great honour and ceremonie translated to the Monasterie of Winchcombe which his father had founded The murderesse Quendrid
of further to reuiue his memory to posterities ANna succeeded King Egricke in the Kingdome of the East-Angles the yeer◅ of grace six hundred fortie two as the next in bloud to Erpinwald beeing the sonne of Guido saith Beda the sonne of Eni saith Malmsbury who was brother to great Redwald and both of them the sons of Titulus the second King of that Prouince This King as the other two former had done felt the fury of raging Penda with his mercilesse Mercians that sore assaulted his Territories with rapine and spoile To withstand whose further proceedings King Anna drew the strength of his East-Angles against them and encountred Penda in a great and mortall battle wherein they were all discomfited and himselfe among them slaine when hee had raigned in continuall trouble the space of thirteene yeeres His issue were many and those of great holinesse or sanctity of life Whereof Ferminus the eldest and heire apparant was slaine by Penda in the same battle with his Father and was with him buried in Blidribrugh now Blibrugh but afterwards remoued to S. Edmondsbury His other sonne was Erkenwald Abbat of Chertside and Bishoppe of London that lieth buried in the South I le aboue the Quire in S. Pauls Church where to this day remaineth a memoriall of him His daughters were these Etheldrid the eldest was first married vnto a Nobleman whom Beda nameth Tonbert Gouernor of the Fenny Countries of Nothfolke Huntington Lincolne and Cambridge-shires and after his death remaining a virgin she was remarried to Egfrid King of Northumberland with whom likewise she liued in perfect virginity the space of twelue yeeres notwithstanding his intreaty and allurements to the contrary From whom lastly she was released and had licence to depart his Court vnto the Abbey of Coldinghā where first she was vailed a Nunne vnder Abbesse Ehba and thence departing she liued at Ely and became her selfe Abbesse thereof wherein lastly she died and was interred remembred vnto posterities by the name of S. Audrte His second daughter was Sexburg who married Ercombert King of Kent vnto whom she bare two sons and two daughters as we in that Kingdomes succession haue shewed after whose death shee tooke the habit of a Nunne and succeeded her sister Etheldrid Abbesse of Ely wherin she died and was interred and their yongest sister Withgith was likewise a Menchion with them in the same Monastery and all of them canonized for Saints Ethilburge his third daughter was made Abbesse of Berking neere London built by her brother Bishop Erkinwald wherein she liued and lastly died A naturall daughter likewise he had whose name was Edelburg that with Sedrido the daughter of his wife were both of them professed Nunnes and succeeded each other Abbesses in the Monastery of S. Brigges in France Such a reputed holinesse was it held in those daies not only to be separated from the accompanying with men wherunto women by God were created but also to abandon the Country of their natiuity and as strangers in forraine Lands to spend the continuance of their liues EThelherd the brother of Anna the yere of Christs Incarnation six hundred fifty foure was made King of the East-Angles the which it seemeth he had attempted in the raigne of his brother for that hee had assisted Penda in his warres against him and was the motiue saith Beda of the warres against Oswin King of Northumberland wherin siding with the heathen Penda he was worthily slaine the fifteenth day of Nouember when he had raigned onely two yeeres leauing his name to the blot of infamy and his Crowne to be possessed by his younger brother His wife was Hereswith sister of Hilda the famous learned Abbesse of Streanshale and great grand-childe to Edwyne King of Northumberland who bare vnto him Aldulfe Elswoolfe and Beorne all three succeeding Edilwald in the Kingdome of the East-Angles EDelwald the brother of Ethelherd entred his gouernment of the East-Angles the yere of our Lord six hundred fifty sixe and continued the same the space of nine yeeres without either mention of any other memorable act from whom as is supposed issued Ethelred that succeeded King after Beorne ALdulfe the eldest sonne of Ethelherd and Queene Hereswith after the death of his vncle King Edelwald obtained the Kingdome of the East-Angles and therein raigned without any honour or honourable action by him performed onely his name and time of his raigne which was nineteene yeres is left of him by Writers and affordeth no further relation of vs here to be inserted besides his Coine here set ELswolf the sonne of King Ethelherd and bother to this last mentioned Aldulfe began his raigne ouer the Kingdome of the East-Angles the yeere of Christ his Incarnation six hundred eighty three and continued in the same the time of seuen yeeres without record of any memorable Act Wife or Issue to reuiue his name BEorne the yongest sonne of King Ethelherd succeeded his brother King Elswolfe in the Kingdom of the East-Angles no further mention being made of him his wife nor Issue which are altogether perished and laid long since in their graues of obliuion EThelred after the death of his cosen Beorne succeeded him in the Kingdome of the East-Angles issuing as is supposed from King Ed◅lwald the brother of Ethelherd and of Anna both of them Kings in that Prouince His raigne by writers is said to bee fiftie two yeeres which notwithstanding was passed ouer without any memorable note for albeit that his gouernment was long and the declining Heptarchie not vnlikely to haue ministred matters of remembrance to posterities yet is the same passed ouer by the silence of our Wrirers and no further mention made of him besides the education of his yonger sonne Ethelbert who proued a most worthy King His wife and the mother of this vertuous sonne was Leofrun saith the Writer of his life without further mention of her parentage or other issue This King deceased the yeere after Christs natiuity seuen hundred forty eight the same yeere that Ethelbert entred his Kingdome of Kent EThelbert the sonne of King Ethelred after his Fathers death was ordained King of the East-Angles whose daies of youth were spent in learning and deeds of charity and the whole time of his gouernement in continuall tranquillity for hee is recorded to be a Prince religious and charitable sober profound and wise in counsell This King being incited by Offa the Mercian that still thirsted after greatnesse to marie Elfryd his daughter a Lady of great beautie came vpon that purpose to Offa his Court then seated at Sutton Wallis in the County of Hereford and was by him there cruelly murdered at the instigation of Quendrid his vnkind intended mother in law no other occasion ministred but the greatnes of his Port that much in her eyes ouer-heighted her husbands His Bride-bed the graue was first at Merden
north from Sutton vpon the Riuer Lug. But afterwards vpon repentance Offa remoued it vnto Hereford ouer whom Milfrid an vnder King of the Mercians built a most faire Church in memoriall of him which yet beares his name and is the Cathedral of that See His Bride Lady Elfrid much lamenting his contriued murther withdrew her self to Crowland in the Fennes and there vowed chastitie all the daies of her life notwithstanding some affirme that shee was wife to King Kenwolfe the successor of her brother Egfrid This King raigned the space of forty fiue yeeres as is set in the Table of our English Writers and died the yeare of Christs incarnation seuen hundred ninety three the eighteenth day of May and his Kingdome intruded vpon by the Mercians hauing had neither wife nor children that Historians make mention of after whose death the Kingdom of the East-Angles was brought to decay both by the Mercians West-Saxons and them of Kent so that by means of their violence that Prouince was destitute of her owne Gouernours the space of seuenty seuen yeeres vntill lastly the assaults of the Danes a new-come Guest and most dangerous Enemie caused the other Kings to stand vpon their Guards and rather to defend what they already had gotten then to seeke inlargement to the hazard of all at which time it is said one Offa to whom the right of that Crowne belonged vpon a religious deuotion tooke his pilgrimage to the Sepulchre of Christ and visiting in his way a kinsman of his whose name was Alkmund at the Citie Norhenberge in Saxonie there made his will wherin hee adopted young Edmund his heire the son of Alkmond and accomplishing his voiage in his return died at the Port Saint George from whence hee sent young Edmund his Ring and therwith ordained him King of the East-Angles Alkmund a Prince of great power in those parts maintained his sons rightfull election and with a sufficient power sent him to claime the kingdome These landing in the East of England at a place called Maydenboure built a roiall Tower which hee named and to this day is called Hunstantone situated vpon the North-west point of Norfolke that beareth likewise his owne name EDmund thus arriued was as willingly receiued and by the East-Angles made their king in whose time Hungar and Hubba two Danish Captains with an innumerable multitude of Heathen Danes entred the Land at the mouth of Humber and from thence inuaded Nottingham Yorke and Northumberland where without respect of age or sex they laid all wast and left the Land whence they departed like to a desolate Wildernesse From thence they came with the like furie into Edmunds territories and sacked Thetford a frequent City in those daies but he not able to withstand their violence fled into his Castle at Framingham wherein hee was of them besieged and lastly taken saith Abba Floriacensâ—…s in a village then called Heglisdâ—…ne of a wood bearing the same name or rather yeelded himselfe to their torments to saue more Christian bloud for it is recorded that because of his most constant Faith and Profession those Pagans first beat him with bats then scourged him withwhips he still calling vpon the name of Iesus for rage whereof they bound him to a stake and with their arrowes shot him to death and cutting off his head contemptuously threw it into a bush after he had raigned ouer the East-Angles the space of sixteene yeeres hauing had neither wife nor issue that is read of His body and head after the Danes were departed were buried at the same roiall Towne as Abbo terms it where Sigebert the East-Anglean King and one of his predecessors at his establishing of Christianity built a Church and where afterwards in honour of him was built another most spatious and of a wonderfull frame of Timber and the name of the Towne vpon the occasion of his burial called vnto this day Saint Edmondsbury This Church and place Suenus the Pagan Danish King in impiety and fury burned to ashes But when his sonne Canute had made conquest of this Land and gotten possession of the English Crowne terrified and affrighted as saith the Legend with a vision of the seeming Saint Edmund in a religious deuotion to expiate his Fathers sacrilege built it anew most sumptuously enriched this place with Charters Gifts and offred his owne Crowne vpon the Martyrs Tombe After the death of this Edmund the East-Angles Country was possessed by the Danes so continued about some fifty yeers vntil that Edward surnamed the Elder expulsed these Danes and ioined that kingdome a Prouince to the West-Saxons after it had stood three hundred fifty three yeeres A CATALOGVE OF SVCH BRITISH PRINCES AS WITHSTOOD THE SAXONS IN THEIR CONQVESTS FROM VORTIGER'NE THEIR FIRST MAINTAINER VNTO CADWALLADER THEIR LAST RESISTER CHAPTER XII NOw as we haue spoken of euery seuerall Saxon King that attained vnto and held possession of any part in the East South of this Iland vntill such time as their Crownes were worne by their Conquerors and the seuenfold diuided Heptarchy vnited into an absolute Monarchy so by order of History it is required that their opposers the Britains so long as they kept their ground and stood in defence of their owne rightful inheritance should be shewed who with as great a disdaine and valorous resistance vnder-went the yoake of the Saxons subiections as their ancient Ancestors had endeauoured to cleere themselues from the chaines of the Romans captiuity And vntill God and destinie withdrâ—… from them the hand of defence they mated the Saxons in all their designes For albeit that the Romans had robbed the Land of her strength and the aspired Vortigern called in these Strangers for his defence yet their purposes being wisely perceiued the execution therof was as presently practised and as eagerly pursued whilest the pillars that supported the frame of their gouerment stood vpon their owne Bases But the ground-work failing and those props not many the waight of all fell vpon some few whose acts and manly resistance Christ assisting shall further bee related as time shall bring them to the yeeres of their aduentures and carry our History thorow the affaires of their times Meane while as we haue recorded the names of their Ancestors and worthy forerunners the resisters of the Romans so now if you please behold the Catalogue of their Kings from the foresaid Vortigern the first subdued by these Saxons vnto Cadwallader the last of those British Princes who left to them his Land and went himself to Rome whose times stories according to those Guids that lead vs wee wil declare referring the credit thereof to our British Historians against whom howsoeuer some exceptions are and may be iustly taken yet are they not altogether to be cast off in the affaires of these ensuing Princes especially Gyldas and Ninius who liued in and presently after the times of those
was a Saxon in whose behalfe his penne hath somewhat passed the bounds of equitie if not veritie in charging this most valiant Conqueror with tyranny and his Martiall Sword with crueltie that was drawne and strucke in defence of his natiue Country wherein the Saxons claime stood only vpon vniust intrusion So likewise himselfe being a Monke and Priest hath euery where blamed the Britaines for dissenting from the Roman Church in celebration of Easter and other Ceremonies whereas in doctrine they were as sincere which is the true substance of the Gospell But the Britaines record that this valiant Cadwallâ—… died not in Heuenfeild neither by the hand of King Ofwald but that he raigned in great honour the space of eight and fortie yeeres and in peace died 22. of Nouember in the yeere of Christ Iesus six hundred seuentie seuen His body the Britaine 's buried in S. Martins Church in London neere Ludgate whose Image great and terrible triumphantly riding on horsebacke being artificially cast of Brasse they placed vpon the same West gate to the further feare and terror of the Saxons as Vortimer before had commanded his at Stonar But this relation as also that he married the sister of King Penda as my often named Manuscript reporteth I leaue to the best liking of my Reader About this time the most blasphemous doctrine of Mahomet began to infect all the Easterne World For although himselfe liued some nine yeeres before the gouernment of this Cadwallo yet presently after his death his doctrine was more publikely imbraced He was borne in Arabia of a poore and base stocke and being fatherlesse was sold for a bondslaue vnto an Ismaelite whose name was Abdemonaples a man of exceeding great riches and in great trade of merchandizing and Mahomet for his subtiltie in wit was his fit instrument and greatly in his fauor The Master dying left Mahomet his chiefe Factor who hauing great riches in his keeping married his Mistris and so became heire of all with whom consorted one Sergius a Monke which for heresie was fled into Arabia who instructed Mahomet in the heresie of the Nestorians and now for his wealth and Magicall Arts wherewith hee bewitched the minds of the people assumed to himselfe the name of the great Prophet of God and began to be famously published for the doctrine which he taught the which was none other but a confused Chaos of all the heresies that had been before him for with the Sabellians he denied the Trinitie with the Manichies he affirmed but two persons to bee in the Deity with Eunomius hee denied the equalitie of the Father and the Sonne and with Macedone taught that the Holy Ghost was a creature He borrowed of the Iewes Circumcision of the Nicholaitans pluralities of wiues and of the Gentiles much Superstition and more to cloake his diuellish inuented fantasies somewhat he tooke from the veritie of the Gospell Of these compounded he deuised a Law and wrote this his Religion in the booke called his Alcaron and those his Professors he named Saracens from Sara the wife of Abraham Hee died of the falling sicknesse which long time hee had dissembled saying forsooth after his trances that the Angell Gabriel had conference with him the brightnesse of whose glorie hee could not behold CADWALLADER 13. CAdwallader the sonne of Cadwallo and last King of the Britaines after the death of his Father succeeded him in his dominions and with great valour fought against the Saxons as hee of Monmouth affirmeth of whom heare him speake in his owne words Cadwalader saith he raigning victoriously the time of twelue yeeres fell lastly into a dangerous sicknesse with despaire of recouery and vnable to gouerne Much debate and strife arose among his great Lords and others of high estate insomuch that they warred each against others to the no small annoiance and detriment of the whole Country At which very time likewise so great a dearth of corne and victuall raigned that herbes and roots were the Commons chiefest sustenance whos 's third calamitie was mortalitie and pestilence raigning so sore and so suddenly that in their eating drinking walking and speaking they were surprised with death and in such number that the liuing were scarce able to bury the dead which miseries lasted no lesse then eleuen yeeres continuance whereby the Land became desolate and brought forth no fruit at all insomuch that the King and many of his Nobles were driuen to forsake their natiue Country and to seeke releefe in forraine parts Cadwallader repaired to the Court of Alan his cosen the King of Little Britaine in France where he was honourably receiued and maintained But now the Angeâ—… 〈◊〉 God sheathing his sword from slaughter and 〈◊〉 earth answering man againe with her former abundance those Saxons that were escaped sent for more of their Nation to their further supplie who replenished the Cities and manured the Countrey at this day called Lhoyger containing all the Land that lay on the East of Seuerne and Dee dispossessing the poore Britaines of their rightfull inheritance and diuiding their Lands vnto their owne vse Cadwallader hearing of their daily arriuage and their vniust intrusion vpon his home-bred subiects minded their redresse by his present returne and to that end had wrought King Alan for his succour assistance But see how it chanced He being now ready to imbarke his Host and to hoise vp his sailes for Britaine and in the silent night much spent in praier supplication that God would prosper with good successe these his great affaires behold an Angell appeared to him or at leastwise to his seeming he heard a voice that forbade him the enterprise declaring that it was not Gods will that hee should vndergoe that Voiage or that the Britaines should rule their Land any longer but contrariwise bade hie him to Rome and of Pope Sergius receiue the habit of Religion wherein hee should die and rest in peace This dreame for I hold it no other being told vnto Alan search was made into the Bookes of both the Merlines as also into the speech of the Eagle at Shaftesbury pronounced eight hundred and eighty yeeres before the birth of our Sauiour Christ if wee doe beleeue these to be true wherein it was prophecied forsooth that the Britaines should lose their Kingdome and that the same should be possessed of others vntill the time that the bones of Cadwallader should bee brought from Rome By such toies and illusions in those daies of darknesse the euer-erring minds of men were content to be lead for not onely Cadwallader a quiet and meeke-spirited man was possessed with this conceit that it came vnto him by a diuine prouidence but also King Alan perswaded him to obey his Oracle and thereupon preparing for his Pilgrimage gaue ouer his expedition for Britaine and left his distressed Subiects to bee ouer-runne by strangers and the Land to bee enioied by a forraine Nation and receiuing the habit of seeming Religion
Ensigne as that which here is called Tufa Iustus Lipsius in his Commentarie vpon that place in Vegetius lib. 3. cap. 5. where the seuerall Ensignes of the Romans are recited doth declare correcting that place of Vegetius where Rufa was set for Tufa by this place of Bede and in the same shewing that Tufa signified a Ball as the Ball by the example of Augustus was an Ensigne of Monarchie or absolute gouernment 9 But as the Sunne hath his rising his height and descent and euer is moouing in the circle of his celestiall orbe so man hath his birth time being and death and till then is neuer staied in one certaine point Kings therefore as they be Kings are the Suns of their owne world but as they are men goe to the shadow of death neither can the strength of their power wisdome or policie loue or applause stay the hand heere that holds the fatall knife for so in this King Edwin wee see raised aboue hope to attaine the Diademe and ruling in loue and liking of the people was notwithstanding cut off in the midst of his glorie and greatnesse of strength 10 For Penda the stout Mercian enuying his peace and Cadwallo the Britaine seeking to receiue his right ioined in friendship against this Monarch and met him as his enemies in the face of a Field The plaine was large and called Hethfeild where after a long and most bloudie fight king Edwin was slaine with prince Offryd his sonne his whole Host put to the sword or most shamefull flight which chanced the fourth of October the yeere of our Lord six hundred thirty three the sixth of his Christianitie the seuenth of his Monarchie the seuenteenth of his kingdome and the forty seuenth of his age His bodie was lastly buried in S. Peters Church at Streaâ—…shall after called Whitby His Wiues 11 Quenburg his first wife was the daughter as Beda reporteth of Ceorle but as all other Writers doe witnesse of Crida King of Mercia She was married vnto him in the beginning of his youth and when he was dispossessed of his inheritance by the Tyrant Etheifrid as we haue said with him shee liued a great part of his banishment and in the Court of Redwald King of the East-Angles deceased before her husband could recouer his Kingdome 12 Ethelburg surnamed Tate was the second wife of this King who was the daughter of Ethelbert King of Kent and of Queene Berta his first wife She was married vnto him in the yeere of grace six hundred twentie fiue being the second of his Monarchy and was his wife six yeeres but suruiuing him and desirous to liue a religious life shee returning into Kent withdrew her selfe to a place not far from the Sea side called Lymming wherein shee built a Monasterie of Nunnes and among them spent the rest of her life and therein died and was there buried His Issue 13 Offride the eldest sonne of King Edwine and Quenberg his first wife was borne in the time of his fathers exile among the East-Angles He was baptized in the faith of Christ by Paulinus the first Archbishop of Yorke and was slaine the same day and in the same battell that his father was He had a sonne named Iffy who was baptized also by Bishop Paulins and after the death of his father and grand-father for feare of King Oswald was conueied ouer the Seas into France to bee brought vp in the Court of King Dagobert where he died in his childhood and was there honourably interred 14 Edfrid the second sonne of King Edwine and Lady Quenberg his first wife was borne in the time of his fathers exile and baptized with his brother Offrid by Bishop Paulinus After his fathers death for feare of King Oswald hee fled to Penda King of Mercia who was his fathers enemie and his mothers kinsman by whom hee was most treacherously murthered He left behind him a son named Hererik who by his wife Bertswith had issue the vertuous learned lady Hilda Abbesse of Streansbalch Queen Hereswith her sister the wife of Ethelbere King of the East-Angles brother to King Anâ—…a by whom shee had issue Ald wolfe Elswold and Beorne all three succeeding Kings of the East-Angles 15 Ethelme the third sonne of King Edwine and the first of Queen Ethelburg his second wife was baptized by Paulinus Arch-bishop of Yorke not long after his father and halfe-brethren but in short space after his baptisme he departed out of this world euen in the time that he wore the white attire which in those daies was vsed to bee worne by such as were newly baptized for a certaine space His body was with all due funerall obsequies enterred within the new Church of S. Peter in the Citie of Yorke which his father had newly founded 16 Vskfrea the fourth sonne of King Edwine and the second of Queene Ethelburg his second wife and the last and youngest of them both bare the name of his fathers great grandfather He was baptized by the Arch-bishop Paulinus at one time with his brother Ethelme After the decease of his father his mother carried him with her out of Northumberland into Kent and from thence conueied him ouer into France with his Nephew Iffy the sonne of his halfe-brother Offrid where hee continued in the custodie of King Dagobert being his mothers cosen-german and there died and was honourably buried in a Church with his Nephew Iffy 17 Eanfled the elder daughter of King Edwine and Queene Ethelberg his second wife was borne the night following that her father was wounded and baptized hee being a Pagan Shee was afterwards married to Oswy the fourth King of Northumberland and tenth Monarch of the Englishmen as shall bee said 18 Etheldrid the younger daughter the fifth and last-borne child to King Edwine and of Queene Ethelburge was baptized at the same time with Ethelwe and Vskfrea her brethren She died an infant the white clothing not yet put off which in those daies was vsually worne at certaine set times after their baptisme and was with like funerall obsequies buried by her brother Ethelwe in the Church of S. Peters in Yorke which their father had founded OSVVALD KING OF NORTHVMBERLAND AND THE NINTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN HIS RAIGNE WIFE AND ISSVE CHAPTER XXI OSwald the fifth King of Deira the ninth of Bernicia the third of Northumberland and the ninth Monarch of the Englishmen began his raigne the yeere of Christs incarnation six hundred thirty foure He with Eanfrith and his brethren the sonnes of wilde Ethelfrid and Osrik also the sonne of Alfrid King Edwins Vncle had been secured in Scotland all his raigne and among the Red-shanks liued as banished men where they learned the true religion of Christ and had receiued the Lauer of Baptisme But Edwines death wrought and divulged these Princes returne again to their Country and the Northumbrians Kingdome lately gouerned by one was now againe diuided into two seuerall parts as formerly it had been 2
West-Saxon he made his Kingdome subiect to a Tribute then called Peter-pence afterwards Rom-Scot besides other rich gifts that he gaue to Pope Hadrian for canonizing Albane a Saint in honour of whom and in repentance of his sinnes at his returne ouer against Verolanium in the place then called Holmehurst where that Protomartyr of Britaine for the constant profession of Christ lost his head Offa built a magnificke Monastery in Anno 795. indowing it with lands and rich reuenewes for the maintenance of an hundred Monks vpon the first gate of entrance in stone standeth cut a Salteir Argent in a field azure is assigned by the iudicious in Heraldry to bee the Armes that he bare 12 Also in testimony of his repentance for the bloud hee had spilt he gaue the tenth part of all his goods vnto the Churchmen and vnto the poore At Bathe he also built another Monastery and in Warwickshire a Church where the adioyning towne from it and him beareth the name Off-church 13 Finally when hee had raigned thirty nine yeares he died in peace at his towne Off-ley the nine and twentieth of Iuly the yeare of Christ Iesus seuen hundred ninety foure and with great solemnity his body was buried without the towne of Bedford in a Chapell standing vpon the Banke of Owse which long since was swallowed vp by the same riuer whose Tombe of lead as it were some phantasticall thing appeareth often saith Rouse to them that seek it not but to them that seeke it is altogether inunible His wife 14 Quendrid the wife of King Offa hath not her parentage set down by any of our Writers notwithstanding the recorder of this his life saith that her name was Drida and that shee was the kinswoman to Charles the Great King of France and by him for some offence banished his Realme who arriuing vpon the coasts of England in a ship without tackle was taken thence and relieued by Offa being then a young Nobleman where shee changed her name vnto Petronilla with whom hee fell so farre in loue that hee made her his wife contrary to the liking of his Parents She was a woman of condition ambitious couetous and cruell as appeared specially in the death of Ethelbert King of the East Angles that came to her husbands Court to marry their daughter whose port shee so much enuied that shee procured him to bee treacherously murdered the manner the foresaid Author declared to be by his fall into a deepe pit purposely made in his bed-chamber and vnder his chaire of estate That his head was cut off and found by a blind-man that the well which beares his name sprung vp presently in the place where it lay that the bloud thereof gaue the blind man his sight and that Dryda died in the same pit which she had digged for Ethelbert I leaue to the credite of my author and the liking of my Reader but certaine it is that Gods vengeance followed this heynous fact within one yeare after the same was committed by the death of her selfe her husband her Sonne and the translation of that Kingdome from the Mercians to the West-Saxons An ancient Saxon coine inscribed with her name CENEDRED REGIN we haue found and here placed which the iudicious suppose to be hers and that not vnlikely shee being so powerfull proud and ambitious His Issue 15 Egfrid the onely sonne and heire apparant of King Offa and Queene Quendred was the onely ioy and pride of his parents who succeeded his Father in his dominions and title and in the same yeare also in the shades of death 16 Ethelburga the eldest daughter of King Offa and Queene Quendred was maried to Brithrick the sixeteenth King of the West-Saxons shee was a Lady of passing beautie but withall of an insolent disposition hating all whom her husband loued and practising the deathes of them that she hated She departed into France after the poisoning of her husband for that her offence a law was enacted to the great preiudice of the West-Saxons Queenes as in the raigne of Brithrick we haue declared 17 Elfled the second daughter of King Offa Queene Quendred by the report of Randulph Higden the Monke of Chester was the second wife to Ethelred King of Northumberland who in regard of her had put from him his former wife for which his subiects rose in Armes against him and slew him in the last yeare of King Offa his raigne 18 Elfrid the third and yongest daughter of King Offa and Queene Queâ—…dred being promised in mariage and assured vnto Ethelbert King of the East Angles after the murther of her hoped Bridegroom with great lamentations and prophesying threats of reuenge abandoned the society of men and withdrew herselfe vnto the monastery of Crowland in the Fennes where in contemplation and solitary sadnes she spent the remainder of her life and yet there are that suppose her to bee the wife of King Kenwolfe who was the founder of Winchcombe Monastery the successor of his brother Egfride 19 Fremund by Iohn Capgraue is supposed to be the sonne of King Offa who as he saith was traiterously murdered by one Oswy that enuied his victories which he gat against the Danes his body was buried at Offchurch in Warwickshire and neere vnto the Palace of Offa alleadging for his Author one Burghard who was at his death and wrote his life yet some there are that thinke him mistaken for that hee calleth him a young man when as those warres hapned an hundred yeares after King Offa his life EGFRID THE TVVELFTH KING OF THE MERCIANS AND THE SEVENTEENTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH CHAPTER XXIX EGfrid the sonne of King Offa succeeded his father in the Mercians Kingdom wherof he was the twelfth in number and in the Monarchy of the Englishmen ranked in account the seuenteenth He began his raigne the thirteenth day of Iuly in the yeer of Christ his natiuity seuen hundred ninety foure The first businesse that he vndertooke after hee came to the Crowne was the restauration of antient priuiledges to the Church which his father had depriued them of and great hope was conceiued of his further proceedings had not God cut him off by vntimely death For hauing raigned onely foure moneths hee gaue place vnto nature and to another successour the sins of the people deseruing no such Prince for whose cause and his fathers great bloudshed as Alcuine wrote to Osbertus he was taken away so soone 2 He deceased the seuenth day of December and in the first of his raigne hauing had neither Wife nor Issue that we reade of His body with all due obsequies was honourably buried in the Abbey Church of S. Albans of his fathers foundation KENVVOLFE THE THIRTEENTH KING OF THE MERCIANS AND THE EIGHTEENTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN CHAPTER XXX KEnwolfe not so neere in bloud to king Egfryd as he
NINTEENTH KING OF THE VVEST-SAXONS AND THE TWENTIETH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN HIS WARRES ACTS WIVES AND CHILDREN CHAPTER XXXII EThelwolfe the eldest sonne of King Egbert committed in his youth to the care of Helmestan Bishop of Winchester and by him vnto Swithun a famous learned Monke of that time tooke such a liking vnto the quiet and solitarie life onely enioyed by men of Religion all other degrees molested to withstand the intruding Danes that he vndertooke the Monkish vow and profession and was made Deacon shortly after which degree taken Helmestan died in whose place Prince Ethelwolfe was consecrated as Roger Houeden affirmeth or at least elected as Iohn Brampton Abbat of Iaruaux writeth Bishop of Winchester But the death of his Father King Egbert immediately following by great intreaty of the Nobles and partly by constraint of the Clergy hee was made King and was by the authority of Pope Gregory the fourth whose creature in both professions he was absolued and discharged of his vowes 2 He entered his Monarchy the fourth day of February in the yeare of Christs Incarnation eight hundred thirty seuen and was the nineteenth King of the West-Saxons and the twentieth Monarch of the Englishmen His Bishopricke he gaue vnto Swithun his Tutor and according to his place combined all his powers to withstand the dangerous Danes that attempted the vtter subuersion of his faire land whos 's fift inuasion in his first yeare happened which drew the Saxons ciuill warres vnto a constrained peace hauing more then they could well doe to defend their liues from their slaughtering swords or to saue their vniustly gotten land from the spoiles of those common enemies who not like Conquerors but destroying Caterpillers left nothing vndeuoured wheresoeuer they came and had now begunne their mercilesse depopulations in diuers places at once so that the distracted English were to seeke where was most need first to withstand 3 At Hampton Portesmouth many of these Norway Pirates had entred at Hampton with their ouerthrow at Portesmouth with victory and the same time at Carrum a Troupe of these Danes discomfited King Ethelwolfes power The next yeare at Merseware Lindsey in East-Angle and Kent they did much mischiefe and harried all the Country before them yet in his tenth yeare at Pedredesmouth the Sommerset and Dorsetshire men gaue them a memorable ouerthrow vnder the conduct of Earle Enwulfe Bishop Adelstan and Osred their captaines 4 But in the sixteenth yeare of this King the great Planet Mars seemed to praedominate continually and Fortune to cast the chance of victory euer on his side for two hundred and fifty ships some reckon a hundred more entred into Thamesis mouth and set on shore an infinite number of these destroying Danes London and Canterbury they had sacked and left wast had pierced into Mercia and chased Berthulfe their King out of his Country and now in Southery had pitched their battle as able and resolute to abide all the power of the English whither King Ethelwolfe with his sonne prince Ethelbald repaired and tooke the field at the place called Ocley wherein after a long and sore fight the victory fell to the English with such slaughter of these Norway inuaders as is incredible to report and the same held as great and famous as euer had hapned in the land before 5 With the like successe his Brother Athelstan King of Kent fought with the Danes at Sandwich where chasing them to sea tooke nine of their ships and in Deuonshire Earle Ceorle at Winleshore so ouerthrew their whole power that in despaire they withdrew themselues into the I le of Thanet where they made their abode all the winter season and if destiny had not withstood the English the Danes had beene expulsed for euer But the Saxons seeming cleared of this common enemy fell to their wonted quarrels with the euer depressed Britaines against whom Burthred the M◅rcian obtained the assistance of King Ethelwolfe in his eighteenth yeare whose daughter Ethelswith hee had obtained in mariage whereby for a while was encreased the fame and power of that valiant but vnfortunate King 6 In this State the affaires of the land stood vnto the nineteenth yeare of King Ethelwolfes raigne who now remembring his former Ecclesiasticke profession ordained that Tithes and Lands due to holy Church should bee free from all Tributes or Regall seruices and in great deuotion went himselfe to Rome where hee was both honourably receiued and entertained the space of a whole yeare in which time hee new built the English Schoole that Offa the Mercian before had there founded and lately was fired bearing the name of Thomas the Holy confirming also his Grant of Peter pence and further couenanting in lieu of his kind entertainement to pay yeerely three hundred markes to Rome thus to bee emploied one hundred to Saint Peters Church an other hundred to Saint Pauls Light and the third to the Pope the Bride that euermore must be kissed and largely paid 7 His returne from Rome was through France and being a Widower hee there married Iudith the most beautifull daughter of Charles the Bald then Emperour in honour of whom in his owne Court he euer placed her in a Chaire of Estate with all other maiesticall complements of a Queene contrary to the law of the West-Saxons for Ethelburgaes offence formerly made Which his doing so disliked the Nobles that Prince Ethelbald his eldest Sonne Adelstan Bishop of Shirborne and Enwulfe Earle of Somerset rose vp rebelliously in Armes and sought to depose him yet by mediation of friends the matter came to a comprimize and the land to be diuided betwixt the Father and Sonne but with such partiality that the better part west-ward was allotted to Ethelbald which vnequality gaue great suspition that this reuolt was rather grounded vpon ambition then any inclination they had for the defence of their lawes which commonly is the pretence and vaile for all disloiall attempts of seditious subiects against their soueraigne Lords 8 Howsoeuer it was long after this he liued not but left his Monarchy vnto his eldest sonne Ethelbald and by will appointed Ethelbert his second to be King of Kent and Essex which countries he had conquered He raigned twenty yeares one moneth and nine dayes and deceased at a place called Stamrige the thirteenth day of Ianuary in the yeare of our Lord eight hundred fifty seauen being the twenty one of his Raign His body was first buried at the place of his decease and afterwards remoued into the Cathedrall Church at Winchester His wiues 9 Osburg the first wife of King Ethelwolfe was the daughter of a Nobleman named Oslake who had the office of Great Butler of England and was descended of the stocke of Stuffe and Withgar two brethren being noblemē of the people called Iutes who were the first Princes of the I le of Wight and Nephewes to Cherdik and cosen germans to Kenrik
inferiour to none a stone that could turne euen great streames aside so that these supposals of treasons as proceeding from enuy to him for his good seruices wanne him greater trust and sent he was Ambassador to the Danes to mediate for peace where reuealing the weakenes of the land and the feares which the English conceiued of a conquest treacherously disswaded them from giuing eare to any motiues of Truce 22 The State of the land thus standing or rather hanging at suspence King Ethelred gaue order that out of euery three hundred and ten hides of land a shippe should bee built and of euery eight hides a complete Armour furnished These meeting at Sandwich and furnished with souldiers made shew of such resistance as had not beene seene although the euent was nothing but a shew For Wil mot a Noble man of Sussex banished for some offence by King Ethelred with twenty Sailes roued vpon the coasts and by Piracy did much hurt among the English Marchants wherefore Brithrik the brother of Edrik to winne himselfe honour got the Kings consent to pursue this grand-Pirate with fourescore saile of the foresaid ships threatning to bring in Wilmot either dead or aliue but his sailes being spread vnder a faire wind a violent tempest sodainely arose and outragiously droue his shippes vpon shore where distressed and torne their beaten huls lay vnable to recouer themselues or the Sea Wilmot taking aduantage of this present mishap fell 〈◊〉 vpon them and after much slaughter of their weather-beaten warders set them all on fire so that all this preparation proued not onely vaine but also very hurtfull 23 At the receit of the said thirty thousand pounds the Danes departed in semblance satisfied and friends with the English but how long that lasted the sequele shewed for the next haruest and yeere of saluation 1009. a great fleete of their ships strongly appointed landed at Sandwich vnder the conduct of three Danish Princes Turkil Henning and Anlafe these comming to Canterbury were compounded with by the Citizens paying a thousand pounds for their departure who thence in the Wight Sussex and Hampshire made hauoke of all King Ethelred seeing no truth in their promises nor quietnesse in State his land thus exhausted of prouision and coine thought it best to aduenture once for all and to commit his cause vnto God by the fortune of warre To which end hee gathered his power and comming vnlooked for when the enemy was altogether vnprepared and taken at disaduantage he had made an end of the quarrell if wicked Edrick had not perswaded him from fight and put him into a causle sse feare with his forged tales The Danes thus escaping returned to Kent and the winter following lodged their ships in the riuer Thamesis whence often they gaue assaies for London though to little purpose 24 Then took they through the Chiltern woods vnto Oxford which they fired and in their returne wasted all the countries on both sides of Thamesis but hearing that London was prepared against them they crossed ouer at Stanes passing through Surrey into Kent where they fell to amending their ships and thence sailing about the coasts of Suffolke tooke Ipswich and pitched their battle vpon Rigmer against Vikel Gouernour of Norffolke and his English vpon the fift of May where they wonne the day with a great slaughter made of the Suffolke Norffolke and Cambridge-shire men and after harried those Countries with the borders of Lincolne and Huntingtonshires burning Thetford and Cambridge and rifling all the Abbies and Churches that stood in their way and then through Essex returned vnto their ships 25 Neither rested they there long in quiet ere as people wholly deuoted to spoile they brake into Buckinghame Bedford and Northampton-shiers the chief Towne of which last they set on fire after much slaughter of the Inhabitants and thence entring Wiltshire depopulated all before them which was the seauenth Shire in number that they had laid wast like a solitude 26 And now not satisfied with spoil nor bloud-spilling they prepare a new expedition for Canterbury and in September beleagered the Citie which by treason of a Church-man they wonne tooke Elphegus the Arch-Bishop and slew nine hundred Monks and men of Religion besides many Citizens without all mercy for they tithed the captiue multitudes after an inuerted order slaying all by nines and reseruing onely the tenth to liue so that of all the Monkes in the towne there were but foure saued and of the lay people foure thousand eight hundred by which account M. Lambert collecteth that there died in this massacre forty three thousand and two hundred persons The Archbishop Elphegus for that he refused to charge his Tenants with three thousand pounds to pay for his ransome they most cruelly stoned to death at Greenewith the nineteenth of April following Turkillus the Leader of these murtherers tooke into his possession all Northfolke and Suffolke ouer whom he tyrannized in most sauage maner The rest compounding with the English for eight thousand pound soiourned a while quiet among them 27 But King Swaine hearing of the dissensions and weakenesse of the land in the yeare of Grace 1013 with a great number of ships arriued in the mouth of Humber and entring Trent landed at Gainsborough whose terrour stroke so deepe into the Northumbrians conceites that they with them of Lyndsey yeelded themselues to the yoake of his subiection so that now ouer all the North from Watling street he raigned sole King and exacted pledges from them for their further obedience From the North hee sought to spread his wings further into the South and leauing his sonne Canute to take charge of his shippes and new conquered countries sped himselfe through Mercia to Oxford and Winchester bringing all vnder the power of his commaund with which gales of his fortunes hee was so pusfed vp that thinking nothing vnpossible for him and his Danes to doe in the heat of his courage he came vnto London and presently begirt the walles with a strait siege 28 In the City lay vnfortunate King Ethelred who as Simon Monke of Durham reporteth had with him and vnder his pay Turkillus the Danish Prince before spoken of and forty fiue Danish ships to defend the coasts King Swaine at his first comming fiercely assaulted the City hoping his fortunes would haue proued as before but the presence of the King and London the eye of the land made the Citizens aboue measure couragious who beat the Danes from their walles and sallying forth of the Gates slew them on heapes so that Swain himselfe was in great danger had hee not desperately runne through the midst of his enemies and by flight escaped their swords marching both day and night in great feare vntill hee had entred Bath where Ethelmere Earle of Deuonshire with his Westerne people submitted themselues vnto him But
and fertility of the land an Eden in respect of their owne barren seat and which did most moue himselfe would assist when the English least thought it with these and the like hee spurred him on who of himselfe was forward in a full curriere Canutus therefore with the aide of his brother Harrold rigged forth a Nauie of two hundred saile all furnished with souldiers and abiliments of warre whose terror landed in England before him and his power by report made greater then it was and to encrease the terrour of this fearefull enemy the sea with a spring-tide brake into this land and destroyed both townes and many inhabitants a signe foreshewing as was thought the successe of that fleete borne hitherward vpon those waues and to encrease the English miseries thirty thousand pound was then collected by way of Tribute to pay the Danish auxiliary Nauy lying before Greenewich The States also conuening in a grand Councell at Oxford to determine vpon the great affaires of the Kingdom were diuided into factions and two Noblemen of the Danes there murthered by practise of Edrick the Traitor These I say were accounted ominous amongst the English that made each mole-hill to seeme a mountaine and euery shadow the shew of an enemy 36 In the meane while Canutus had landed at Sandwich and giuen a great ouerthrow to the English entred Kent and by his sword had made way through the Countries of Dorset Sommerset and Wilton Ethelred lying dangerously sicke at Cossam the managing of these warres was transferred to Prince Edmund his sonne who preparing to meete the enemie with his Army in the field had sodainely notice that Edrik his brother in-law ment to betray him into his enemies hands which newes strucke a great astonishment vnto his heart and caused him to retrait his host into a place of security whereby Edrik perceiuing his trecherous purposes were disclosed gaue more open proofe of his intendments flying to the enemy with forty of the Kings shippes whereupon all the west Countries submitted themselus vnto Canutus 37 By this time King Ethelred had recouered his sicknesse and minding reuenge on his most wicked sonne Edrik with purpose to trie his last fortunes by hazard of fight summond all his forces to meete him at a certaine day and place where being assembled he was instantly warned not to giue battaile for that his owne subiects ment to betray him King Ethelred euer vnfortunate in this to find treasons amongst them that ought him most trust withdrew himselfe to London whose seruice against the Danes he had lately seene and therefore accounted his person most sure in their walles Prince Edmund with his power posted ouer Humber where obtaining Earle Vtred to side in his quarrell entred the Countries of Stafford Leicester and Shropshires not sparing to exercise any cruelty vpon these inhabitants as a condigne recompence for their reuolt Neither did Canut for his part spare the Kings subiects but through Buckingham Bedford Huntington Nottingham Lincolne and Yorkeshires made spoile of all so that the miserable English went to wracke on all sides insomuch that Vtred also forsaking Edmund became subiect to Canut whereupon Edmund hasted to London to ioine his strength with his Fathers and Canute with no lesse speed sailed about the Coasts into Thamesis preparing his Armie for the siege of London 38 At which time King Ethelred either faln into relapse of his last sicknesse or tired with the many troubles and daily renued treasons against him gaue vp his ghost and found rest by death which neuer hee could attaine by liâ—…e the twenty third of April and yeere of our Saluation 1016 when he had most vnfortunately raigned thirty seuen yeeres and nine daies his body was there buried in the Cathedrall Church of S. Paul and bones as yet remaine in the north-wall of the Chancell in a chest of grey-Marble reared vpon foure small pillers couered with a copped stone of the same adioining to another of the like forme wherein Sebby King of the East-Saxons lieth intombed 39 Of Parsonage he was very seemely and of countenance gratious affable and courteous to his Subiects and a maintainer of iustice among them as by his excellent Lawes which himselfe made and by his sharpe but godly and wise censures against vnlearned bribing delaying partiall Iudges Lawyers and their purloining officers at large set down by M. Fox is very apparant Very louing and tender affectionated he was to his brother King Edward for whose death hee made such lamentation that his mother beat him with a taper of waxe that stood before her yea and so sore that he could neuer after wel endure the sight of a taper Fauourable he was to the married Priests and least esteemed the opulent and idle liues of the Monkes whose pens therefore as in such cases we euer find them partial haue been very lauish in his dispraise accusing him with sloth and vnreadinesse of Armes of voluptuousâ—…es and lechery couetousnesse pride and cruelty whereas in following the records of his life laying aside the Danish massacre we find no such sinnes neither any mention of Concubine that euer hee kept or name of child vnlawfully begot hauing had many by his wiues which were as followeth His Wiues 40 Elgiua the first wife of King Ethelred was the daughter of an English Duke named Thored who is reported in the history of that time to haue done great seruice against the Danes She was married vnto him when hee was seuenteene yeeres of age in the sixt of his raigne being the yeare of grace 984. and was his wife seauenteene yeares who dedeceased in the twenty foure of his raigne and of Christ Iesus 1003. 41 Emme the second wife of King Ethelred was the daughter of Richard the second Duke of Normandy and sister of Duke Richard and Duke Robert Father to William the Conqueror her mother was sister to Herfast the Dane Grandfather of William Fitz-Osbert afterward Earle of Hereford She was a Lady of passing beauty and therefore commonly called the flower of Normandy married vnto him in the twenty and fift yeare of his raigne yeere of Saluation 1003. with whom shee liued thirteene yeeres and suruiuing him was remarried to King Canute the Dane His Issue 42 Ethelstan the eldest sonne of King Ethelred and of Queene Elgiua his first wife was borne about the eight yeare of his Fathers raigne and yeere of Christ 986 hee liued vnto the age almost of twenty fiue yeeres being then by great likelihood cut off by vntimely death in the warres of the Danes raging then most extreamely which was the thirtie third of his Fathers raigne and of Christs Natiuitie 1011. 43 Egbert the second sonne of King Ethelred and Queene Elgiua his first wife seemeth to haue beene borne two yeeres after his brother Ethelstan in the tenth yeare of his Fathers raigne and yeare of our Lord 988 and to haue
deceased in the very prime of his youth before the death of his father or of his elder brother and before hee had done any thing in his life worthy of remembrance after his death 44 Edmund the third sonne of King Ethelred Queene Elgiua his first wife was borne in the eleuenth yeare of his fathers raigne and of Grace 989 and of all his fathers Children proued to be the only man that set his helping hand to the redresse of the estate of his Country distressed by the miserable oppressions of the Danes which hee pursued with such exceeding toile and restlesse hazards of his body as he was therefore surnamed Iron-side and when hee had followed those warres with great courage the space of seuenteene yeeres vnder his Father being come to twenty seuen of his owne age hee succeeded him in his Kingdome and troubles as presently shall be shewed 45 Edred the fourth sonne of King Ethelred and of Queene Elgiua his first wife was born about the foureteenth yeare of his fathers raigne being the yeare of Grace 992. His name is continually set downe as a witnesse in the testees of his fathers Charters vntill the thirtie fift yeare of his raigne by which it appeareth that hee liued vnto the two and twentieth yeere of his owne age although I find no mention of him or of any thing done by him in any of our histories and it seemeth he died at that time because his name is left out of the Charters after that yeare 46 Edwy the fift sonne of King Ethelred and Queene Elgiua his first wife suruiued his father and all his brethren and liued in the raigne of Canute the Dane who being iealous of his new-gotten estate and fearefull of the dangers that might accrew vnto him by this Edwy and such others of the English bloud roiall practised to haue him murthered which was accordingly done by them whom hee most fauoured and least suspected the yeare of our saluation 1017. 47 Edgar the sixt sonne of King Ethelred and of Queene Elgiua his first wife was borne about the twentieth yeere of his fathers raigne beeing the yere of our Lord God nine hundred ninetie and eight He seemeth by the Testees of his fathers Charters to haue beene liuing in the one and twentieth of his raigne but beeing no more found in any of them after may be supposed by all coniectures to haue died in or about the same yeere beeing but the eleuenth after his owne birth and the seuenth before his fathers death 48 The eldest daughter of King Ethelred and Queene Elgiua his first wife although her name bee not to bee found in any writer of those times appeareth notwithstanding to be married to one Ethelstan a Noble man of England who was the principall Commander of Cambridge-shire men at the great battle fought betweene them and the Danes wherein the English-men had the ouerthrow and this sonne in law of King Ethelred with the rest of the chiefe Leaders were slaine in the yeere of Christs Natiuity 1010. being the two and thirtieth of his father in lawes raigne 49 Edgith the second daughter of King Ethelred and Queene Elgiua his first wife was married to Edrik Duke of Mercia who for his couetousnesse in getting was surnamed Streattone This Edrik was the sonne of one Egelrik surnamed Leofwin an elder brother to Egelmere the grandfather of Goodwin Duke of the West-Saxons and beeing but meanely borne was thus highly aduanced by this King notwithstanding he was euer a traitor to his Countrie and a fauourer of the Danes betraying both him and King Edmund his sonne to King Canut that he thereby might gette new preferments by him who worthily rewarded him as a traitor and put him to death 50 Elfgine the third daughter of King Ethelred and of Queene Elgiua his first wife was the second wife of Vtred surnamed the Bold sonne of Earle Waldefe the elder Earle of Northumberland by whom shee had one onely child a daughter named Aldgith married to a Noble-man called Maldred the sonne of Crinan shee was mother of Cospatricke who was Earle of Northumberland in the time of William the Conquerour and forced by his displeasure to fly into Scotland where hee abode and was ancestor to the Earles of Dunbar and of March in that Countrie 51 Gode the fourth and youngest daughter of King Ethelred and Queene Elgiua his first wife was first married to one Walter de Maigne a Noble-man of Normandy greatly fauoured by King Edward her brother who liued not long after the marriage and left issue by her a sonne named Rodulfe whom King Edward his vncle created Earle of Hereford This Earle Rodulfe died the one and twentieth of December in the thirteenth yeere of his vncles raigne and was buried at Peterborough leauing issue a young sonne named Harrald created afterwards by King William the Conqueror Baron of Sudeley in the Countie of Gloucester and Ancestor to the Barons of that place succeeding and of the Lord Chandois of Sudeley now being This Lady Gode after the decease of the said Water de Maigne was remarried to Eustace the elder Earle of Bulloigne in Picardy a man of great valour in those parts of France and a most faithfull friend to King Edward her brother which Earle was grand-father to Godfrey of Bulloigne King of Ierusalem albeit it seemeth he had no issue by this Lady 52 Edward the seuenth sonne of King Ethdred and his first by Queene Emme his second wife was borne at Islipe in the County of Oxford and brought vp in France all the time of his youth with his vncle Richard the third of that name Duke of Normandy mistrusting his safety in England vnder King Canute the Dane although he had married his mother but hee found the time more dangerous by the vsage of his brother Elfred at his beeing heere in the raigne of King Harrald sonne of the Dane Notwithstanding hee returned home when Hardiknut the other sonne beeing his halfe brother was King and was honourably receiued and entertained by him and after his death succeeded him in the Kingdom of England 53 Elfred the eight sonne of King Ethelred and his second by Queene Emme his second wife was conueied into Normandie for feare of King Conute with his eldest brother Edward and with him returned into England to see his mother then beeing at Winchester in the second yeere of King Harrald surnamed Harefoote by whose practize hee was trained towards London apprehended by the way at Guilford in Surrey depriued of his eie-sight and committed prisoner to the Monastery of Elie his Normans that came with him most cruelly murthered and hee himselfe soone after deceasing was buried in the Church of the said Monasterie EDMVND SVRNAMED IRONSIDE THE THIRTIE THREE MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH-MEN HIS WARRES ACTS RAIGNE WIFE AND ISSVE CHAPTER XLV EDmund the third sonne of King Ethelred and the eldest liuing at his Fathers death
themselues by the fals of the Britaines made Edrik her instrument mall of the English who kept King Edmunds hasty foot from following his enemies by guilefull vrging the danger of ambush and the ouer-wearied bodies of his souldiers so that Canute thereby had leasure in safety to passe ouer into Essex 13 Where beginning againe with the increase of his power to despoile al the Country before him brought feare to the inhabitants and to himselfe submission of many English King Edmund therefore made preparation thitherward and at Ashdone three miles from Saffron-Walden gaue battaile to Canute wherein a bloudy slaughter ensued though a while with equall chance of foile or of victory vntill lastly the Danes beganne to giue backe which when the euer-traiterous Edrik perceiued he went with his strength vnto their side and maintained their battaile which otherwise was at point to be lost whereby the Danes regained the day and the betraied English the ouerthrow There died of Edmunds Nobility Duke Alfred Duke Goodwin Duke Athelward Duke Athelwin and Earle Vrchell with Cadâ—…th Bishop of Lincolne and Wolsâ—…y Abbot of Ramsey besides other of the Clergy that were come thither to pray for the preseruation of the King and his Army The remembrance of which field is retained vnto this day by certaine small hilles there remaining whence haue beene digged the bones of men Armour and the water-chaines of horse-bridles 14 King Edmund thus traiterously forced to retire from the field on foot marched vnto Gloucester with a very small Army leauing Canut ouer-swollen in conceit for this his great victorie vnto whom then the Londoners submitted and so did many other great townes of Name after which hee followed Edmund into the West who now like a Tygar robbed of her Whelpes seeking the reuenge of his lost day gathered a most puissant Army meaning to trie the vttermost chance of Fate or Battaile Their hostes meete at Dearhurst neere vnto the riuer Seuerne where they were resoluedly bent to establish the ones title with the others downefall and now being ready to ioyne a certaine Captaine of vncertaine name stept forth as is reported betwixt the two Armies and vttered in effect this speech 15 Many battailes haue beene fought and too much bloud already spilt for the soueraignitie of this Land betwixt these two fierce Nations and the valours of the Generals Captaines and Souldiers sufficiently tried wherein euen fortune her selfe seemeth to haue beene conquered for if one Battaile were wonne it was not long kept neither the loser so weakened but that hee had both courage and power to winne the next what is the marke then that you aime at is it honour and fame Titles indeed which accompany war but neither long enioyed nor much attained vnto by the common Souldiers by whose valours and bloud it is for the most part wonne Let him therefore that would weare the Diademe beare the hazard himselfe without the confusion of so many men and either trie the fortune of a single combat who shall commaund and who obey or diuide betwixt them the Kingdome which may suffice two that hath maintained seuen 16 Some affirme that this speech was Duke Edriks but I hardly belieue so good a motion should proceede from so bad a man by whom so euer vttered it was acceptably receiued by Edmund and Canut who thereupon in sight of their Armies entred into a small Iland embraced about with the armes of Seuern called Alney adioyning vnto the City Gloucester where those princes in complete Armour at first assailed each other most dangerously on horsebacke and after as valiantly on foot The Ironside was strong and fought for his Kingdome the Dane not so tall but euery way as stout fought for his honour and so the combate continued with an absolute resolution till at length Canute hauing receiued a dangerous wound and seeing himselfe ouermatched in strength wished a comprimise and thus spake to Edmund with a loud voice What necessity should thus moue vs most valiant Prince that for the obtaining of a Title we should thus endanger our liues better it were to lay malice and Armour aside and to condiscend to a louing agreement let vs therefore now become sworne brothers aâ—…d diuide the Kingdome betwixt vs and in such league of amity that each of vs may vse the others part as his owne so shall this land be peaceably gouerned and we iointly assistant to each others necessity Whereupon they both cast downe their swords imbracing as friends with the great ioy and shouting of both their Armies who stood before doubtfully wauering betwixt hope and feare and looking for their owne fortunes according to the successe of their Champions Thus was the Kingdome diuided betwixt those two Princes Edmund enioying that part that lay coasted vpon France and Canute entring vpon the rest 17 Thus then the Saxon Monarchy spent to the last period and their tottering crowne fast grasped with a hard Danish hand was suddainelyy torne from the Ironssides helmet by his complotted and hastned death For Duke Edrick a very compound of treasons glutted with the fauours of both these Kings to scrue himselfe deeper into Canut his conceit contriued the end of renowmed Edmund who being retired to a place for natures necessity was thrust from vnder the draught into his body with a sharpe speare which done the treacherous Edrick cutting off his Soueraignes head presented it to Canut with these fawning salutations All haile thou now sole-Monarch of England for here behold the head of thy Copartner which for thy sake I haue aduentured to cut off Canut though ambitious inough of soueraignety yet of princely disposition abashed sore grieued at so vnworthy and disloiall an attempt replied and vowed that in reward of that seruice the bringers owne head should be aduanced aboue all the peeres of his kingdome Which high honour whiles this prodigious wretch greedily expected and indeed for a time saith Malmesbury hee found some shew of fauour with the King soone after by the Kings commaund his head bad his shoulders farewell and was placed vpon the highest Gate to ouerlooke London 18 The traiterous death of this worthy Prince as some affirme was acted at Oxford yet the Author that wrote Encomium Emmae and liued the same time blancheth the matter saying that hee died of a naturall death in London God minding his owne doctrine that a Kingdome diuided in it selfe cannot long stand and pittying the English tooke away Edmund lest if the Kings had continued long together they should both haue liued in danger and the Realme in continuall trouble That hee died in London Simon the Monke of Durham agreeth and saith further it chanced about the Feast of S. Andrew and Marianus is of the same opinion being the yeere of Christ 1016. Whensoeuer or howsoeuer his Raigne was but seuen monethes and his body buried at Glastenbury neere vnto his
pursued which it will not bee amisse here to annexe 7 A certaine Danish Nobleman of the roiall lineage named Lothbroke Father to this Inguar Hubba being vpon the shore his Hawke in flying the game fell into the Sea which to recouer hee entred a little Schiffe or Cock-boat nothing foresecing the danger that immediately did ensue for a sodaine tempest arising carried the boat into the deepe and droue him vpon the coast of Norffolke where hee came to land at the Port called Rodham and was no sooner seene but hee was taken for a spie and presently sent to Edmand King then of that prouince who in his answeres sufficiently cleared that suspition when also declaring his birth misfortune he was honourably entertained in the Court of the East-Angles whom the King much esteemed for his other good parts but for his dexterity and expertnesse in hawking held him in a speciall regard insomuch that the Kings Falconer named Bericke conceiued both such secret enuie and deadly hatred thereat that hauiug him alone in a wood he cowardly murthered him hid his dead body in a Bush. 8 Lothbroke in the Kings presence and Court was soone mist and diligent inquisition made could not bee found vntill his Spaniell which would not forsake his dead Masters corps came fawninglie vnto the King as seeming to begge reuenge on so bloody an Act which he did more then once at length being obserued and followed by the trace the dead body was found and Bericke conuicted for the murther his iudgement was to bee put into Lothbrokes boat and that without either tackle or Oare as he therein arriued and so left to the'seas mercy to be saued by destiny or swallowed vp by iust desert But behold the euent the Boat returned to the same place and vpon the same coast arriued from whence it had beene driuen euen in Denmarke where Bericke being known and hands laid on hm to free himselfe from the punishment of his butcherly fact he added treason to murther laying it to the charge of innocent King Edmund 9 In reuenge whereof and likewise in Godericks quarrell Inguar and Hubba sons to the murthered Prince being now made Generals of the Army of the Danes first arriuing at Holdernesse burnt vp the Country and without mercy massacred all before them sparing neither sexe nor calling nor age and surprizing Yorke which Osbright had taken for his refuge there slew that lustfull Prince with all his forces and possessed that City and afterwards bursting into Norfolke sent this message vnto King Edmund That Inguar the most victorious Prince dread both by sea and land hauing subdued diuers Countries vnto his subiection and now arriued in those parts where hee meant to winter charged Edmund to diuide with him his riches and to become his vassaile and seruant The King astonied at this strange and vnexpected Ambassage consulted with his Councell where one of his Bishops then his Secretary and a principall man vsed perswasions to him to yeeld for preuenting greater mischiefe who notwithstanding returned this answere Goe tell your Lord that Edmund the Christian King for the loue of this temporall life will not subiect himselfe to a Heathen and Pagan Duke Whereupon Inguar and Hubba with the furious troupes of their Danes pursued the King to Thetford and as Fabian saith to Framingham others to Halesdon where he pittying the terrible slaughter of his people yeelded himselfe to their persecutions and for that hee would not deny Christ and his Christian faith was bound to a tree or Stake and with their arrowes so shot to death whose body was afterward there buried and thereupon tooke the name of S. Edmunds-bury as wee haue formerly touched in his raigne Lib. 7. cap. 11. 10 Whether these were the very true causes or some other which drew these Danes hither most certaine it is and too lamentable experience shewed that hither they came by Writers account about the yeere of Christ eight hundred and in the daies of King Brightrick Neither want there Authors who ascribe certain predictions to haue forerunne the yeere 800. made vnfortunate by their first attempts fore-shewed seuen yeeres before by showers of bloud falling from heauen and bloudy Crosses markt therewith vpon the garments of men reported by the learned Alcuinus who was instructor to Charles the Great and borne in the county of Yorke where this wonder happened which himselfe saw testified vnto Ethelbert King of that Prouince as Malmsbury hath written and was thought by Houeden Higdon Fabian and others to haue beene sent for signes before their bloudy assaults which beganne at the day-spring of the Saxons Monarchy when it promised a most faire ascent to their heires succeeding but mounted to the highest againe declined as the setting Sunne and fell vnder the cloudes of their owne ruines so carried by the iust reuenging hand of God for those Saxons hauing by bloud and warre vnseated the Britaines of their land and right by bloud and warre were by these Pagan-Danes so vncessantly molested that no place was freed from their tyranny nor any state sure long to hold that which they enioyed nor their liues secured from a daily expectation of their sauage swords 11 Whos 's many inuasions and cruell proceedings against this land and nation are already shewed in the raignes of these Saxon Kings who then felt their heauy strokes in warre hauing nothing almost memorable otherwise to enlarge their fames and stories with besides these their valours in resisting so mighty and almost vnrepugnable an enemie Therefore omitting to repeat such things as in their successions are handled we will fall neerer the time of the wished haruest of their full Conquests some what remembring the Reader here of those bloudie affaires which the English at seuerall times felt and endured 12 Such was the murther of holy Edmund King of the East-Angles with Danish arrowes martyred to death as hee stoode bound vnto a stake euer-calling on the name of Iesus Of Ella and Osbright Gouernours of Northumberland by them slaine and that Prouince for a long time after by them enioied and made subiect to their furies Of Burdred King of Mercia by them expulsed who with his Queene Ethelswith were forced to abandon their Kingdome leauing it to the possession of these Pagan intruders and to seeke their securities in forreine Countries where at Rome in Italy hee died and at Padua his wife as hath beene said Of Ethelred King of the West-Saxons that in one yeeres continuance fought nine bloudie battles against them in the last whereof at Merton hee receiued his deaths wound and this Kingdome an vncurable blow Of Elfred that most famous and learned King of the West-Saxons also driuen by them to such distresse that hee was forced to leaue his Princely Court and to remaine secret in a poore Cow-heards house vnknowne and disguised in the Isle of Ethelingsey in the County of Sommerset and thence to
Martyrs Tombe Most rich and roiall Iewels hee gaue the Church of Winchester wherof one is recorded to bee a Crosse worth asmuch as the whole reuenew of England amounted to in one yeare vnto Couentry hee gaue the Arme of S. Augustine the great Doctor which he bought at Papia in his returne from Rome and for which hee paid an hundred talents of siluer and one of gold 15 The magnificent greatnes of this glorious King so ouerflowed in the mouthes of his flatterers that they extolled him with Alexander Cyrus and Caesar and to be possessed with power more then humane to conuict these his fawning ouerprizers being then at Southampton he commanded saith Henry of Huntington that his chaire should be set on the shore when the sea beganne to flow and then in the presence of his many attendants spake thus to that Element Thou art part of my dominion and the ground whereon I sit is mine neither was there euer any that durst disobey my commaund or breaking it escaped vnpunished I charge thee therfore presume not into my land neither wet thou these robes of thy Lord but the Sea which obeyeth only one Lord giuing no heed to his threates kept on the vsuall course of tide first wetting his skirts and after his thighes when suddainely rising to giue way for the still approching waues he thus spake in the hearing of all Let the worlds inhabitants know that vaine and weake is the power of their Kings and that none is worthy the name of King but he that keepes both heauen earth and sea in obedience and bindeth them in the euerlasting law of subiection After which time he would neuer suffer the Crowne to bee set vpon his head but presently crowned therewith the picture of our Sauiour on the Crosse at Winchester vnto such strong illusions were those godly Princes lead by the guides that euer made gaine of their deuotions 16 From the example of this Canutus saith Peter Pictaniensis Chancellor of Paris arose the custom to hang vp the Armor of worthy men in Churches as offerings consecrated vnto Him in whose battails they had purchased renowne either by victory and life or in their Countries seruice attained to an honourable death And surely howsoeuer this King is taxed of ambition pride and vaine-glory for which some haue not stucke to say that he made his iourney to Rome rather to shew his pompe and riches then for any humble deuotion or religious intent yet by many his intercurrent actions and lawes of piety enacted hee may iustly bee cleared of that imputation as also by the testimony of Simon Monk of Durham who reporteth his humility to be such that with his owne hands he did helpe to remoue the body of S. Aelphegus at the translation of it from London vnto Canterbury whom the Danes notwithstanding his Archiepiscopall sacred calling before had martyred at Greenwich and by the testimony of Guido Polydore Lanquet and others he was a Prince of such temperance and iustice that no other in this West of the World was so highly renowned or might bee compared vnto him in heroicall vertues or true humility 17 Saxo Crammaticus Albertus Krantius the Writers of the Danish histories deduce Canutus by a lineall succession through the line of their Kings in this manner Hee was say they the sonne of King Swaine surnamed Tingskeg by Sigred his wife the widow of Erick by whom she had Olafe Scotconning King of Sweyden vnto which Sweyne she bare also Ostrid a daughter the mother of Thira the mother of King Sweyne the yonger The elder Sweyne was the sonne of King Harold surnamed Blaatand by Gonhild his Queene who bare him also Iring King of Northumberland and Gonhild Queene of North-Wales The father of Harold was King Gormoâ—…d whose Queene was Thira the daughter of King Ethelred the twenty third Monarch of England who bare vnto him the said Harold and another Canute both most valiant Princes which two Gallants inuading this land were for their braue resolutions by their Grandfather proclaimed heires apparant to all his dominions the credite of which relations I leaue to my forenamed Authors but Canute the elder brother died very soone after being deadly wounded in the siege of Dublin in Ireland where perceiuing death at hand hee gaue strict charge to his attendants to keepe the same verie secret till the City were taken that so neither his owne Army should bee daunted nor the enemy encouraged by the losse of the Generall Gurmo his aged Father to digresse but in a word so incredibly loued him that hee had vowed to kill with his owne hands any person whosoeuer that should tell him the newes of his sonnes death which when Thira his mother now heard of shee vsed this policie to make it known to the King her husband Shee prepared mourning apparrell for him and all other things fitting for funerall exequies laying aside all Regall robes and ceremonies of princely state without intimating any cause of this sad solemnity which the old King no sooner perceiued but he lamentably cried out woe is me I know my sonne is dead and with excessiue griefe he presently died But to returne from that Canutus to close vp the raigne of this our Monarch in hand 18 In whom the Danish glories hauing ascended to the highest beganne now againe to decline towards their wane by the death of this great King who after hee had in great glory raigned aboue nineteen yeeres deceased at Shaftesbury in the county of Dorset the twelfth of Nouember the yeere of Christs Incarnation 1035 and was buried in the Church of the old Monastery at Winchester which being after new built his bones with many other English Saxon Kings were taken vp and are preserued in guilt coffers fixed vpon the wals os the Quire in that Cathedrall Church His Wiues 19 Algiue by most writers a concubine to King Canutus was the daughter of a Mercian Duke named Elfhelme who is said to haue beene Earle of Northampton and her Mothers name was Vlfrune Inheritrix of the Towne Hampton in Stafford-shire from her called Vlfrun-Hampton now Woller-hampton This Lady Alfgiue to make Canutus more firme to her loue her selfe being barren is reported to haue fained Child-birth and to haue laid in her bed the sonne of a Priest whom Canute tooke to be his owne and named him Swaine him afterwards hee created King of Norway which lately hee had conquered from Olaffe called the Martyr The like policie saith Higden and others shee vsed in bringing forth Harold her second sonne who was say they the sonne of a Sowter notwithstanding I thinke the condition of the mother who liued in disdaine and died in disgrace rather caused this report to be blazed then any such basenes of birth in the sonnes 20 Emma the second wife of King Canute was the widow of King Ethelred the Vnready and from the time of her first
this King 5 But his vices were more and concerned more personnes for a great Epicure hee was and giuen much vnto Cuppes whereby he trained the body to belly cheere and sense to bee subiect to sloth and drunkennesse foure times euery day were his tables spred and plenteously with all Cates furnished euer commanding that his courtiers guests and seruants should rather leaue for superfluity then call for lack which howsoeuer it was in him accounted for Roiall bounty yet it caused in the people who vse to praise the Soueraignes vertues but imitate his vices a riotous loosenesse and the Common-weale to lie sicke of consumptions bred by such excesse of those grosse humours in her body 6 This wrought in him a carelesse neglect of gouernment in State so that â—…he whole managing thereof was committed to his mother Queene Emma a woman extreamely couetous and to Goodwin the rich and politicke Earle of Kent who seeing the present state carried wholy away with present pleasures thought that a fitte subiect for him to worke vpon for the King not married vnlesse it were to his lewd will and Edward likely to succeede of an ouer soft temperature hee thought these both might proue aduantageous to his ambition and therfore bethought him how the crowne might bee worne by him or his 7 Therefore to separate the hearts of the subiects from the Prince then which there can bee no greater a wound vnto both hee caused the King to impose heauy tributes vpon the English onely to pay the Danes in his Fleete appointing euerie common Souldier and Mariner to receiue eight markes in money euery officer and Master twelue which amounted to the summe of thirty two thousand one hundred forty seuen pounds for the payment whereof there was so great a grudge that two of the Collectors Thurstane and Feader were slaine by the Citizens of Worcester which caused their City to be burnt and part of the country spoiled by the Kings commaund and their Bishop Alfred expulsed the See till with money hee had purchased his peace This Bishops hands as was said were deepe in the murther of Prince Alfred the Kings half brother whom we spake of yea and Goodwin himselfe was put to his purgation by oath for the clearing of his suspitions in that treacherous and brutish fact which oath was the lighter vrged and the easier receiued for his rich and bounteous gifts immediately before presented to the King and that was a shippe whose sterne was of gold with fourescore souldiers therein placed all vniformely and richlie suited On their heads they al wore guilt Burgenets and on their bodies a triple guilt habergion a sword with guilt hilts girded to their wastes a battaile-axe after the manner of the Danes on their left shoulders a target with guilt bosses borne in their left hands a dart in the right their armes bound about with two bracelets of gold containing sixeteene ounces in weight 8 Aimundus Bremensis writing the Stories of those times sheweth that the three sonnes of Canute were possessed of the three Kingdomes England Denmarke and Norway though the father by Will had disposed of the first otherwise which moued Hardi-Canute much to maligne the roialtie of Harold whose Crowne by birth and couenant belonged to him and therfore with great preparation intending to recouer his right hee entred the Sea and came into Flanders where hauing notice of the vsurpers death his rage was staied and he peaceably came in and receiued the Crowne 9 And that Swein called the Younger King of Denmarke to assist his vncle Hardi-Canute against Harold the vsurper of Englands Crowne with a great Armie prepared thitherward and taking the Seas were by tempest driuen vpon the coasts of Hadelâ—… where his Armie doing some hurt was set vpon and discomfited by the souldiers of the Arch-bishoppe himselfe amongst them beeing taken prisoner and brought into the presence of the Arch-bishop was by him most honourably receiued and conueied vnto Breme who there entered a league with him and with gifts and other complements after a few daies suffered him to depart who likewise hearing of the death of King Harold returned backe to his owne Countrey where shortly after he was much molested by Magnus the sonne of Olaf then raigning King ouer the Norwegians 10 Hardi-Canute in England hearing of those stirres thought it his part to aid his Nephew King Sweyn against the inuasions of Magnus and therefore hee sent one Sueno his kinsman with an Armie of the English to reestablish King Sweyn in his Throne These entred Norway and the Field against the Norwegians but by them were so ouerlaied that hee left Magnus the vanquisher and returned againe for England but before hee could arriue the Shore King Hardi-Canute was dead with whom dyed the issue of that warre whose death was suddaine and after this manner 11 At the celebration of a great marriage contracted betwixt a Daenish Lord called Canut-Prudan and Lady Githa the daughter of a Noble-man whose name was Osgot Clappa in a solemne assembly banquet at Lambeth the eight of Iune reuelling and carousing amidst his cups hee suddainly feldown without speech or breath whose losse was the lesse lamented for his excesse riotousnesse and vnwonted exactions but chiefly because a much better was then to succeede him hauing himselfe had neither wife nor child that is read off Yea so farre were all sorts from bewailing him that in regard of the freedome from the Danish yoke which they attained by his decease euer since among the common people the day of his death is annually celebrated with open pastimes in the streetes as the old Romanes kept their fugalia for chasing out of their Kings which time is now called Hoctide or Hucxtide signifying a time of scorning or contempt which fell vpon the Danes by his death His body with all due obsequies was interred at Winehester by his fathers after hee had voluptuously raigned two yeeres lacking ten daies and departed his life and kingdome the yeere of Christ Iesus 1042. 12 With the death of this King died all rule of the Danes in this land and the sacred sparke of the Saxons fire through three of their successions buried in their owne ashes beganne now to take flame and to burne most bright which was Prince Edward now commonly called the Confessor the sonne of King Ethelred and albeit there were others betwixt him and the crowne as namely Edward and Edmund the sonnes of the Iron-side yet the one dying in Hungarâ—… without issue of body the other there liuing as a banished man by surname the Out-law was neither so well regarded nor thought so worthy of gouernement as this other Edward was whom therfore they sent for and with so great applause and acclamations proclaimed that the present ioy seemed to prognosticate a perpetuall happinesse to the English who had beene most miserably afflicted by the Daenes for the space of two hundred forty
was Robert Archbishop of Roan and the third was called Maliger his daughters were Hawisa the wife of Geffrey Earle of Britaine and mother to Alane and Guye his sonnes Mand espoused Euldes Earle of Chartiers and Blois and Emma called the Flower of Normandy was Queene of England both by the English King Ethelred and Canutus the Dane to both which shee was married 23 Richard the second surnamed the Good was the fourth Duke of Normandy and ruled the same for twenty foure yeeres In whose time the Normans began to be great and gracious in England the marriage of his Sister making their way his first wife was Iudith the Sister of Geffrey Earle of Britaigne by whom he had issue Richard the first Duke of Normandy and Robert the sixt William a Monke and Nicholas Abbot of S. Andrewes his daughters by her were Alice that died yong and another of the same name maried to Reinold Earle of Burgoine and Eleanor espoused to Baldwin the fourth Earle of Flanders who bare vnto him Baldwin the fifth father of Maud that was Queene of England and wife to the Conquerour 24 The second wife to Duke Richard the second was Estrike Sister to Canute King of England from whom he purchased a Diuorce without any issue begotten on her body and then taking for his thrid wife a faire Gentlewoman named Pauia had issue by her William Earle of Arques and Mauger Archbishop of Roane 25 Richard the third of that name and fifth Duke of Normandy in the second yeere of his Dukedome died an vntimely death not without suspition of Poyson ministred by Robert his younger brother who presently was inuested in the Dutchie for that he left no issue of his body to succeed 26 This Robert Duke Richards Brother was a man of a magnanimous spirit and of such bounteous liberality as is vncredible Hee comming to the City Phalesya in Normandy chanced to see a most goodly and beautifull damosell dancing among others of her familiar consorts her name was Arlet of meane parentage the daughter of a Skinner saith Higden whose pleasing feature and comely grace so pleased the Duke that taking her to his bed he begot on her William his onely sonne who proued the onely man of the Normans blood and after vpon a remorse of conscience vndertooke a pilgrimage vnto Ierusalem from whence hee neuer againe returned Arlet in Roberts life time was married to Herlaine a Norman Gentleman but of meane substance to whom â—…he bare Odo Bishop of Baion by his halfe-brother William created Earle of Kent and Robert created Earle of Mortaigne a man of a dull and grosse wit a daughter named Emma wife to Richard count of Auranches a Prouince in Normandy the mother of Hugh Lupus Earle Palatine of Chester And thus farre breâ—…ly I haue thought good to prosecute the Line of the Normans for the better illustration of our English Stories 27 Duke Robert intending his pious pilgrimage vnto the holy land assembled all his Nobility vnto the City Fiscan where he caused them to sweare fealty vnto 〈◊〉 sonne William being then but seuen yeares old committing him to the Gouernance of one Gilbert an Earle of much integrity and prudence and the defence of that Gouernment vnto Henry the French King and so in the eight yeare of his Dukedome set on his voyage for Ierusalem who entring Iurye and not able to trauaile was born in a litter vpon the Saracens shoulders and neere vnto the Citie meeting a returning Pilgrime desired him to report in his Country what he there saw which is said hee that I am carried to Heauen vpon the Diuels bâ—…cke but so farre was he borne that he neuer returned being preuented by death which the Norman Peeres hearing made vse thereof for their owne ambitious ends without any regard of young William their Pupill and Soueraigne and grown into factions greatly troubled the Peace of their Country wherein Earle Gâ—…bert the Protector was slaine by Randulphus the young Dukes Cosen-Germane 28 The beginner of these stirres was another of his kinsmen euen 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 the sonne of Duke Richards daughter brought vp with Willam in his youth and euer in his most especial esteeme who vpon a vaine hope to aspire to an Earldome got the aide of the Vicounts Nigell and Randulph but tooke such a fall before he could ascend the highest step that in losing his footing he lost therewith his head 29 Strife also arose betwixt yong William and his Vnckle William the base-borne Earle of Archis Whereupon King Henry of France who till then had held this Wolfe by the eare fearing some hazzard to himselfe if he should now let him go thought it best to aid the Earle in his cause and therefore sent him supplie vnder the leading of some men of note but William so begirt his Castle with strait siege that hee caused the Earle by famishment to yeeld vp his Fort and droue the French with disgrace out of the field where with such successe he still prospered that Henry now to secure his own Confines sent Odo his brother for Prefect into those Parts that lay betwixt the Riuers Reyn and the Seyn 30 William as watchfull as the French King was jealous sent against Odo Robert Count Aucensis Hugh Gornacensis Hugh Mountfort and William Crispine all of them stout Souldiers which so brauely bare themselues that Odo was the first man that made away and the restof the French saued themselues by flight 31 William that had sworne a league with King Henry and in his Minority had euer found him his gracious Guardian was loth to endanger the breach of his Oath or the duty that loue and deserts had obliged him vnto and therefore by this Stratagem hee sought to dislodge the French In the silence of Night when in the Kings Campe all were at rest he caused to be cried aloud the flight of Odo and his discomfiture with no lesse terrour then it was which rang so shrill in the eares of the French that Henry thought best to be gone leauing William the absolute Lord of Normandie 32 Which he valiantly defended and vprightly gouerned all the daies of King Henry whose death presently caused an alteration of State for he leauing Baldwine surnamed the Gentle and fifth Earle of Flaunders Tutor to his yong Sonne Philip the quarrell betwixt those two Princes had an end Baldwine on the one side so working his Pupill and on the other the Normane who was his sonne in law that a most firme League was ratified betwixt them and kept vnuiolated so long as William was a Duke where wee will leaue him in prosperitie and peace and proceed in our intendment as he did in his Conquest here in England VVILLIAM SVRNAMED THE CONQVEROVR THE THIRTIE NINTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH-MEN AND FIRST OF THE NORMANS HIS LIFE RAIGNE ACTS WIFE AND ISSVE CHAPTER II. BAttle Field wonne with the losse of little lesse then sixty eight
who am ready to bee taken hence and to be tried by the seuere but iust examinatiō of God I that haue alwais bin brought vp in warres and am polluted with the effusion of bloud am now vtterly ignorant what to doe for I cannot number my offences they are so infinite and haue been committed by me now these sixty foure yeeres for which without any delay I must render an account to that most vpright Iudge From my tender infancy and age of eight yeares I haue hitherto sustained the weight and charge of Armes to defend my Dukedome gouerned by me now almost fifty sixe both in preuenting those snares that haue beene laid for my life and in vanquishing those conspirers which would haue vsurped my right a stiffe necked people I may say my arme hath still managed I meane the Normans who with an hard hand if they bee curbed are most valiant and in hazardous attempts inuincible for as they excell all men in strength so doe they contend to ouercome all men by valour But if the reine bee once let loose and laid in their necks they will teare and consume one another for they are euer seditious and desirous of new stirrings experience whereof sufficiently I haue had not only of my confederates and allies but euen of mine own kindred denouncing me to bee a bastard degenerate and vnworthy of gouernment against whom I haue beene forced to put on armour before I was by age ripe to weild it all which I haue vanquished and some of them captiuated God so preseruing me that they neuer had their desires A roiall Diademe which none of my predecessors euer ware I haue gotten not by right of inheritance but by heauenly grace What labours and conflicts I haue sustained against those of Excester Chester Northumberlands Scots Gauls Norwegians Danes and others who haue endeuoured to take the crowne from me is hard to declare in all which the lot of victory fell euer on my side which worldly triumphes howsoeuer they may please the sense outward man yet they leaue an inward horror and fearefull care which pricketh mee when I consider that cruell rashnes was as much followed as was the iust prosecution of the cause Wherefore I most humbly beseech you O yee Priests and Ministers of Christ that you in your praiers will commend mee to God that hee will mitigate my heauy sinnes vnder whose burden I lie pressed and by his vnspeakeable mercy make me safe among his elect Nine Abbeis of Monkes and one of Nunnes which my Ancesters founded in Normandy I haue enriched and augmented and in the time of my gouernment seauenteene Monasteries of Monkes and sixe of holy Nunnes haue beene founded by my self my Nobility whose Charters I haue freely confirmed and doe by princely authority confirme against all emulations and troubles in them God is serued and for his sake many poore people releeued with such Camps both England and Normandy is defended and in these Forts let all younglings learne to fight against the Diuell and vices of the flesh These were the studies that I followed from my first yeeres and these I leaue vnto my heires to be preserued and kept In this then my children follow me that here and for euer you may be honoured before God and Men And chiefly O you my very bowels I warne you to frequent follow the company and counsell of good and wise men and gouerne your selues accordingly so shall yee long and happily prosper Doe iustice to all without partiall affection for it is a true wisedom indeed that can discerne betwixt good and euill right and wrong Shunne wickednesse relieue the poore succour the weake but suppresse the proud and bridle the troublesome Frequent the Church honour the religious and without wearinesse bee obedient vnto the law of God The Dukedome of Normandy before I fought against Harold in the vale Senla◅ I granted vnto my sonne Robert for that he is my first begotten and hath already receiued homage of all the Barons almost of his Country that honour giuen cannot againe be vndone but yet without doubt I know it will bee a miserable region which is subiect to the rule of his gouernment for he is a foolish proud knaue and is to bee punished with cruell fortune I constitute no Heire to the Realme of England but doe commend it to the euerlasting Creator whose I am for I possesse not that honour by any title of inheritance but by the instinct of God the effusion of bloud and the periurie of Harold whose life bereaued and his fauourers vanquished I made it subiect to my dominion The Natiues of the realme I hated the Nobles I dishonoured the vulgar I cruelly vexed and many vniustly I disherited In the Countie of Yorke and sundry other places an innumerable sort with hunger and sword I slew and thus that beautifull Land and noble Nation I made desolate with the deaths of many thousands woe worth the griefe These then my sinnes being so great I dare not giue the offices of that land to any other then to God lest after my death they yet be made worse by my occasion Yet William my sonne whose loue and obedience from his youth I haue seen I wish if so be the will of God may flourish in the throne of that Kingdome with a long life and happy raigne 55 Henry his yongest sonne surnamed Beauclerke hearing himself vtterly neglected in his Fathers distribution with teares said to the King And what Father doe you giue me to whom hee answered fiue thousand pounds of siluer out of my treasurie I gi◅ thee But what shall I doe with treasure said Henry if I shal haue no dwelling place or habitation His Father replied Bee patient my sonne and comfort thy selfe in God suffer quietly thy elder brother to goe before thee Robert shall haue Normandy and William England but thou in time shalt intirely haue all the honour that I haue gotten and shalt excell thy Brethren in riches and power After which speeches he presently called his son William to whom he deliuered a letter signed with his owne seale written vnto Lanfrank Archbishop of Canterbury and commaunded him therewith to hast for England lest in that spatious Kingdom some suddaine troubles should arise and so with a kisse blessed him in Christ. His prisoners he commaunded to be ◅et at liberty affirming that he had done Earle Morcar much wrong whom as hee then confessed hee had imprisoned more for feare then for fault onely his halfe brother Odo he would haue had to remaine a perpetuall prisoner but that by the importunate intercession of friends hee was released 56 The period of this Great Conquerour now come neere to his last when this Sunne so gloriously raised to the height of his course must now of force set in the West the dying King for Kings must die hauing raised his weake body vpon
had done with the Conquerour whereunto hee gaue him his Oath as saith Mathew Paris 17 But as these two Kings of Enemies were made friends so the two Brethren of reconciled friends became againe enemies for Duke Robert well perceiuing that King VVilliam meant nothing lesse then performance of couenants protracting time vpon some secret purposes as his iealous head conceiued in great displeasure returned into Normandy taking with him Edgar Atheling whom he held in an especiall account 18 King VVilliam then repairing those Castles which the Scots had destroied new built in Cumberland the City Carleil which two hundred yeares before had beene spoiled by the Danes and hauing defenced it with walles built there the Castle Churches and Houses wherein hee placed a Colonie of Southerne Souldiers with their wines and children granting large priuiledges to the place which the City enioieth euen vnto this day 19 And hauing setled his affaires thus in the North returneth with triumph into the South where immediately hee fell dangerously sicke in the sixth yeere of his Raigne at the Citie of Gloucester whose sinnes beganne to sit so neere his heart not looking to continue to commit many more that hee sore repented him of the same making many promises to amend his life if God would be pleased to giue him longer life the hard lawes against the English he vowed to reforme as also his owne vices and to settle peace and good order in the Church then farre out of frame almost all the Monkes in England liued rather like Consuls being Hunters Hawkers Dicers great Drinkers saith Higden little regarding the rules of their profession Those Bishopricks Monasteries that were vacant and in his owne hand hee forthwith and much against his wont freely bestowed the Archbishopricke of Canterbury vpon Anselme a learned Norman Abbot the See of Lincolne hee gaue to Robert Bluet his Chancellour a man of meane learning and some other touches but otherwise of many singular parts 20 But the danger past and health recouered hee beganne to bee more sicke in mind soon repenting him of his too-soone Repentance for as in spending his owne wealth hee was very prodigall so was hee very diligent to enter into other mens estates and to gaine from them what he could and therefore tampereth with Anselme perswading him that the trouble of the Archbishops place was very burthenous especially for a man wholly brought vp within the walles of a Monastery deuoted to contemplation and vnexperienced in the mannage of great affaires of State But all this Art could not induce him to let goe his hold-fast of the Kings absolutely passed promise nor yet to satisfie his great desire with mony and therefore the King paid himselfe out of his Lands Likewise from Roger of Lincolne hee exacted fiue thousand pounds and the Commons hee fined for transgression of his penall lawes and in truth molested all for money None were rich but Treasurers and Collectors none in fauour but vnconscionable Lawyers and none rewarded but Promoters so that his ouer-haled subiects fled daily out of the Realme against whom he published Proclamations with an inhibition that none should depart without his safe Conduct 21 Soone after this Malcolme King of Scotland came vnto Gloucester to conferre with King William touching the Peace of both the Realmes but conceiuing a grudge for that hee was not entertained according to the Maiesty of his estate departed in displeasure without speech with the King and immediately raising a power against England destroied the Country vnto Alnewicke Castle Robert Mowbray then Earle of Northumberland a most valiant Souldier seeing his Countrey thus ouerrunne made head against him not staying for directions from his King and lying in Ambush for his returne so sore and suddenly distressed his forces that both King Malcolme himselfe and his son Prince Edward were there slaine 22 Heereupon Earle Mowbray growing proud and greatly suspected by King William began to fortifie the Kings Castles with Munition for Armes against the like inuasion and indeed against the Kings will who sent him word somewhat roughly to desist from his doings and presently to repaire to his Presence which whilest hee lingered and neglected to doe King William sent his brother Henry to spoile Northumberland and immediately followed after himselfe where without much adoe he tooke the Earle and committed him prisoner to Windsor Castle 23 These stirres in the North are diuersly reported for Walsingham in his Ypodigma Neustriae saith that Robert Moubray and William of Anco with others conspired to depriue the King both of crown and life and to haue set vp Stephen de Albamarle his Aunts sonne the issue of which treason was preuented by surprizing Mowbray who died a Prisoner William of Anco was punished with losse both of his eyes and his virility and William Aluerie the Kings Godfather Kinsman and Sewer cruelly whipped and all naked goared in bloud though guiltles was hanged Hector Boetius the Scotish Historian relates somewhat otherwise of the death of King Malcolme as that the English hauing gotten the Castle of Anwike King Malcolme with a strong siege enuironed it about when the English distressed and ready to surrender a certaine Knight amongst them attempted a very desperate enterprice for mounted vpon a swift horse vnarmed excepting onely a light Speare in his hand vpon the point whereof he bare the keyes of the Castle he rod directly to the Scotish Campe and was with great applause brought vnto their King where couching his staffe as though hee meant with submission to deliuer him the keyes suddenly ranne him into the left eye and through swiftnes of his horse escaped leauing the King there dead for which act King William saith he though erroneously changed the Knights name into Perceeye whence that Noble Family is descended Gultelmus Gemeticensis saith indeed that it was reported that King Malcolme was slaine by a guile declaring not the manner but by the hands of Morell Nephew to Earle Mowbrey where likewise died Prince Edward his sonne and the greatest part of his Armie with which dolefull newes saith Hector his Queene Margaret called the Saint within three daies after died of griefe But Paris hath set it downe as is said and in the same yeer makes William the Conquerour of Wales since which time the English Monarches haue beene accounted their chiefe Gouernors 24 Grudges now grown betwixt King William and Duke Robert his brother ech accusing other of breach of oath and of Couenants William from Hastings set saile into Normandy where some bickering fell betwixt the two Brethren but by the mediating of certaine graue persons their quarrels were comprimised and Princes chosen to be their Arbitrators which hearing indifferently all allegations adiudged King Rufus in the fault who thereupon as thinking nothing right but what went with him was so farre from
where calling a Parliament in the presence of himselfe and of Dauid King of Scotland hee caused the Nobles and first before all other Stephen his Sisters Sonne who first did violate it to sweare fealty to her as to his lawfull and now onely heire by whom they should againe come to bee gouerned by the ancient English Roiall bloud from which he shewed her to bee descended which Oath was this that they should as much as in them lay after King Henries decease if hee died without Heire-Male establish her Queene of the Monarchy of Great Britaine now called England But whether they did or no saith Gemeticensis belongs not to mee to tell but this our Story shall hereafter relate and make knowne 48 Giraldus and Higden and some ancient Manuscripts affirme but with very little probability or credite that Henry the Emperour died not at this time as was giuen forth but that rather vpon a remorse of conscience for imprisoning his owne naturall Father Henry the third vnto death and also his Spirituall Father the Pope with his Cardinals repenting these outrages hee laid aside his Imperiall Roabe and secretly fled into England where at Westchester hee became an Hermite changing his name vnto Godscall where he so liued the space of ten yeeres and was buried in the Cathedrall Church of Saint Werburga the Virgine Vpon which his suddaine flight and missing the Empresse Maud some say was suspected to bee guilty of his death and for that cause was kept continually in the Queenes Chamber Indeed that she abode still in Chamber with the Queene Paris records but hee giues a wiser reason thereof for that her Father did loue her exceedingly as being now his sole Heire and where should an Empresse rather liue then with a Queene a Daughter then with her Mother a faire Lady a Widow and an Heire of so great a Kingdom then where her Person might bee safest from danger her mind from inueigling and her carriage from suspition But as for that other idle coniecture it is razed out both by those Writers who record his Buriall and Monumentat Spire as Higden himself signifieth and also by the penne of William Gemeticensis who reporteth her to be a woman generally well thought of and approued among the greatest Princes of the Empire for her prudent and gratious behauiour towards the Emperour her husband insomuch that they became suiters vnto her seeking by all meanes to attaine her to gouerne them and to that end attended her to King Henry in Normandy to solicite the same to whom in no wise hee would giue his consent meaning to make her his Successor in the Kingdome Whereunto Malmsbury who then liued accordeth saying shee was very vnwilling to haue come out of those parts of the Empire where both her dowry and acquaintance lay and that the Princes of those Countries came more then once into England to haue her for their Empresse but that the King would not part with the Heire of his Crowne 49 But King Henrie afterwards desirous to bee free from the variances of these forraine Princes and hearing that Foulke Earle of Anion had giuen his Earledome with the territories of Gaunt and Turyn vnto his Sonne Ieffrey Martell surnamed Plantagenet himselfe minding to abide at Ierusalem whereof he was King in right of his wife Milissent the daughter of Baldwine de Burge lately deceased thought him the fittest to be linked into his alliance therfore concluded a mariage betwixt the said Ieffrey and his onely lawfull daughter Lady Maude the Empresse though partly against her liking as both Gemeticensis and Geruasius of Canterbury doth declare which was solemnized in Normandy the third of Aprill accordingly 50 That William sonne to the Curtoise was formerly fauoured by Earle Foulke wee haue shewed but now he was further followed with increase of Fortune and the French Kings aide onely for a rub in King Henries way for Charles Earle of Flanders being traiterously murdered by his owne People without any his issue to succeed him Lewis of France to make William faster to him set him in possession as the next heire in blood vnto that Larledome William being the sonne of Duke Robert and Robert the Eldest of Queene Maude the wife of the Conquerour and she daughter to Earle Baldwin the fifth whose issue Male now failing the right was from her deriued vnto this her Grand-child William 51 This Ground-worke vnto greatnesse King Henry disliked least by his Nephewes height himselfe might bee ouer topped and his blind fathers wrongs the sooner redressed therefore hauing by his daughters marriage made Aniou his from Normandy he inuaded France euen vnto Hespard where for eight daies he remained as secure as in his owne Kingdome and partly by feare partly by faire paiments wrought Lewis to withdraw his aide from yong William neither so ceased but that hee instigated William de Ypres to disturbe Williams state and did also draw a cerraine Duke named Theodorick out of Germany with a band of Flemmings who entred Flanders in Hostile maner 52 With these last Earle William a Prince for his age of imcomparable prowesse soone met and giuing them battell with an inuincible courage brake through the enemies troopes in such sort that they were discomfited and the Earle had the day whence in this heate of bloud hee marched vnto Angi a Castle of King Henries which after a strong siege being vpon the surrender by a small wound which Earle William receiued in his hand hee shortly died but not without immortall fame for magnanimity and valour 53 Were it not reported by some Writers of note I might here well passe ouer certaine presaging dreames as the Monkes interpreted them which King Henry had being ready now to goe into Normandy for to his seeming he saw a sort of rusticke plough-men with their Instruments of husbandry after them Souldiers with their weapons of Warre and lastly the Bishops with their Crosiers staues all of them angerly threatning and attempting his death wherewith hee was so perplexed that leaping out of his bed he called for helpe but seeing it but a dreame as a dreame he esteemed it and passed ouer into Normandy where long hee staied not but that his Daughter Maud vpon some displeasure departed from her husband and came with her Father into England Some write that she was the proâ—…ker of certaine displeasures betwixt her husband and Father which so affected his mind with passions of wrath and griefe that many thought it was a great hastning of his end and indeede Malmsburie witnesseth that the King vpon his death-bed passionately mentioned the wrongs and indignities wherewith her husband had disquieted his mind Howbeit soone after this her departure from him by consent of the States who met at Northampton shee was reconciled to her husband sent vnto him vpon his intreaty and bare
still beating in their faces and there taking horse the same night got to the Castle of Wallingford to the great ioy and also admiration of all that were therein 39 In the meane while Earle Robert with Prince Henrie were arriued in England at Warrhame hauen and presentlie besieged the Castle there so to withdraw the King from siege of his sister but hearing of the happie escape of the Empresse came with young Henry vnto his mother whose sight made her forget the griefe and sorrowes that she had long indured Then was Oxford vpon conditions yeelded to the King and Wilton fired by the bastard Earle Robert The Towre of London with the Castles of Walden Pleises and Lincolne yeelded to Stephen the Castles of Warham and Portland yeelded to Robert The Earles of Chester and Essex surprized by the King William Martell the great fauourite taken and imprisoned by the Earle Thus sundrie yeeres passing with variable successes to and fro and euery yeere heaping on each side fresh calamities to the great ruine of the whole land the Empresse euen wearied with those warres and vncertaineties of successe went into Normandie chusing rather to be vnder the protection of her husband in peace then to raigne in England perplexed with troubles and to the same end she had not long before sent her young sonne Henrie to his father who desired to haue him rather heire of a Dukedome with safetie then of a Crowne with daylie hazard 40 Stephen that by a fresh surprizall of Randall Earle of Chester had got Lincolne and entring thereinto which no King before him durst doe for that certaine wizards had prophesied euilluck vnto such at christmas did there weare the Regall Crowne on his head and after the Empresses departure caused the Barons of England to sweare allegiance vnto Prince Eustace his sonne by which two complements hee supposed all had beene sure on his side and the rather for that the most faithfull puissant and euer-renowned Earles Robert of Glocester and Milo of Hereford the two great and glorious pillars which had by many Conquests supported their Anioueians cause were now conquered by death and the rest of the Nobles applying themselues to the Times kept themselues quiet in the absence of these Competitors all which gaue no little assurance vnto Stephens estate 41 But Henry Fitz-Empresse grown now from a Child thought it best a while to leaue Mercury for it is said hee was Bookish and to follow Mars so knowing his presence would preferre much his purposes for men would bee loth to hazard all for one who himselfe would neglect all hasted againe into England with an Armie of valiant and choice Souldiers to whom ioined the discontented Earle of Chester Roger the sonne of Miles deceased with many more Knights and Gallants of the English hee therefore tooke into the North and met with Dauid his cosen King of Scotland of whom hee was most honourably receiued and solemnely sacred with the Military honour of Knighthood and thence forward sought all occasions to prouoke both King Stephen and his sonne Eustace against him and hauing setled some courses with certain Peeres for the pursuit of his designes in England hee returned into Normandy to compose set forward some other businesses which might be auaileable for these his ends 42 Where long he staied not but that Geffrey his Father departed this life and left him his Heire both of Aniou and Normandy and the yeere following he matched in marriage with Eleanor Dutches of Guien and Aquitane lately diuorced from Lodowicke King of France for consanguinity and adultery saith Paris after shee had borne him two daughters Lodowicke fearing issue-male by this marriage to the disheriting of his said daughters greatly impugned Duke Henry and Stephen suspecting his greatnes now being Duke of Normandy Aniou Aquitane and Guien both of them sought each way to impeach his peace Lodowicke with Prince Eustace in the parts beyond seas and Stephen in England to make sure his succession sought to inuest the said Prince Eustace with the English Diademe both to preuent and vtterly depriue Henry Fitz-Empresse for euer for calling a Counsell at London King Stephen commaunded Theobald Archbishop of Canterbury to consecrate Prince Eustace for their King which hee refused to doe and that by commandement from the Pope whose holy See can deale on both sides as makes most for their aduantage alledging now that his Father was an vsurper and periured Intruder whereupon the honest Archbishop fled into Normandy and the King seized vpon al his possessions It may seeme that one cause of the Popes inclining to yong Henries title was to strēgthen him against his enemy King Lewis of France who had highly offended his Holines for casting the Popes Bulles whereby hee required the fruits of Vacancies of all Cathedrall Churches in France into the fire saying hee had rather the Popes Bulles should rest in the fire then his owne soule should frse in hell 43 King Stephen thus defeated of his purpose and seeing his Title questioned by the Church who had before approued it resolued to make it good by the sword for winning the Castle of Muby fortified Malmesbury and laid a strait siege vnto Wallingford against which hee erected the Castle Cranmerse to stoppe the passages of their reliefe or comming forth But Henry after hee had calmed the boisterous stormes of warre in the parts beyond the seas came ouer into England well appointed vnto whom also resorted many of the Nobility who yeelded vp themselues and aboue thirty strong Castles to the young Duke now well furnished hasted to raise the siege of Wallingford and there vndertooke a great enterprice for hee incircled the Bestegers with a great and deepe Trench whereby hee kept them from reliefe as they did keepe the Besieged 44 Stephen following hastily to succour his men though with the lesse edge for that hee neuer sped well in any assault of that Castle pitched downe his Tents euen neere his enemy and ready on both sides to giue battaile the Winter stormes were suddenly so troublesome that nothing could bee done but those somewhat ouerblowne and the Armies scarse three furlongs asunder as King Stephen was busied in disposing of his hoast and giuing direction for order of the battaile his horse vnder him rising with his fore-feet fell flat vpon the earth not without danger to his Rider and thus did he thrice ere he left which thing his Nobles secretly muttering interpreted for an vnlucky presage when William Earle of Arundell a bold and eloquent man went to him and aduised him to a peace affirming the title of Duke Henry to be iust that the Nobility on both parts there present were neerely linked in Alliances Bloud and how these stood affected was very doubtfull yea that Brethren were there assembled the one
against the other whereof must needs follow an vnnaturall warre betwixt them of dangerous consequence euen to him that conquested With these and the like allegations at last Stephen beganne to bend and a parley fâ—… peace was signified vnto the Duke Henry already warme for the battaile and his thoughts fixed on nothing lesse then peace could hardly moderate his youthfull affections yet at his friends importunity hee yeelded to conferre with King Stephen 45 The place for conference was so appointed that the riuer Thamesis parted the presence of these two Princes so that from either banke they saluted each others and after a long conference agreeing on a truce and vpon faire tearmes of amity departed commaunding all weapons and attempts of warre to be laid aside 46 But Eustace who hitherro had attended Fortune for the Crowne and now hopelesse to haue as his Fathers Successor was greatly displeased with this new moulded friendship and in a fury departed the field purposing to raise himselfe by his owne meanes and comming to Bury vrged the Monks of Saint Edmunds for money to set forward his heady designes But the wiser amongst them vnwilling to bee wagers of new warres which though ill for all sorts yet proued euer worst to the Clergie mens possessions denied his request wherewith enraged hee commanded his men to carry their corne and other prouision into his owne Castle situated hard by But being set at dinner wee reade of him saith mine Author that euen the verie first bit that hee put in his mouth draue him into a frensie whereof shortly after hee died whose body was interred at Feuersham in Kent 47 The death of Prince Eustace so much aduantaged Duke Henry that thereupon the truce in likelihood expiring many fell off vnto him and many Castles were deliuered as Bertwell Reading Warwicke Stamford and others whereat Stephen was not a little displeased and thinking to entrappe the yong venturous Duke with a strong Army followed him vnto Wallingford But God himselfe looking down from heauen saith Mathew of S. Albans made there an end of those long calamities by stirring the minds of chiefe men in the land to labour for peace such was Theobald Archbishoppe of Canterbury and Henrie Bishop of Winchester who hauing troubled the realm with fire and sword moued now to repentance wrought so effectually with his brother that hee enclined vnto a wished peace contented to adopt the Duke for his Son and Successor and so comming both together to Oxford a blessed sight to so distressed and distracted a Kingdome there did all the Nobles do fealty to him as to the vndoubted Heire of the land and the Duke to acknowledge this as a fauour yeelded him the honour of a Father and the roialtie of all Kingly power during his life 48 Notwithstanding the cleere Sunneshine of these faire daies was somewhat darkened with a cloud of treacherie and lewd attempts of the Flemings who enuying Englands peace vpon Barham Downes intended to surprise Prince Henry in his returne from Douer and presence of King Stephen In this conspiracie was William the Kings son though but yong who himselfe meaning to haue one cast at the Crowne instantly before it should haue been effected was through the wantonnes of his horse cast to the ground and with the fall brake his legge to whose assistance whiles euery one gathered and lamented Henry vpon secret notice of the treason hasted vnto Canterbury and thence to London and soone after ouer the seas into Normandy 49 And Stephen now after he had raigned eighteene yeeres ten moneths and odde daies departed this life at Douer in the Monastery of the Monkes of an Iliacke passion mixed with his olde disease the Emrods the twenty fiue of October and yeere of Christs Natiuity 1154. A most worthy Souldier saith Paris and in a word one who wanted nothing but a iust title to haue made him an excellent King in his ordinary deportment very deuout the fruites wherof weâ—… shewed in erecting with sufficient endowments â—…he Abbeyes of Cogshall in Essex of Furnesse in Lancashire the houses of Nunnes at Carew and Higham an Hospitall at Yorke and the Monastery of Feuersham in Kent where his Queene his sonne and lastly himselfe were enterred but since his body for the gaine of the lead wherein it was coffined was cast into the riuer So vncertaine is man yea greatest Princes of any rest in this world euen after buriall and restlesse may their bodies be also who for filthy lucre thus enuie to the dead the quiet of their graues His Wife 50 Maud the Wife of King Stephen was the daughter of Eustace Earle of Bulloigne the brother of Godfrey and Baldwin Kings of Ierusalem her Mother was Mary sister to Maud Queene of England wife of King Henrie her husbands Predecessor Shee was crowned at Westminster vpon Sunday being Easter-day and the two and twenty of March in the first yeare of her husbands raigne and of Grace 1136. and being Queene fifteene yeeres she died at Heningham Castle in Essex the third of May and yeere of Christ 1151. and was buried in his Monastery at Feuersham in Kent His Issue 51 Baldwin the eldest sonne of King Stephen and Queene Maud bearing the name of King Baldwin his vncle was born in the time of the raign of K. Henry his fathers vncle and died in his infancy during the raign of the same King He was buried at London in the Church of the Priorie of the Trinity within Algate which was a house of blacke Canons of the Augustinian order founded by Q. Maud the first wife of the foresaid King Henry the first 52 Eustace the second sonne of King Stephen of Queene Maud his wife being the heire apparant to them both when his Father was King was created Earle of Bolloigne which dignity was the inheritance of his mother Hee married Constance sister of Lewis the seuenth King of France daughter of King Lewis the Grosse who afterward was remarried to Raimond the third Earle of Tholouze for Eustace died before her without Issue by her the tenth day of August in the eighteenth yeere of his Fathers raigne and of Grace 1152. Hee was buried by his mother in his Fathers Monastery at Feuersham in Kent 53 William the third and yongest sonne of King Stephen and Queene Maud maried Isabell daughter and heire of William Warren the third Earle of Surrey with whom hee had that Earledome hee was in his Fathers life time Earle of Surrey Lord of Norwich and Peuensey in England Earle of Mortayne and Lord Eagle of Normandy After his fathers death King Henry the second made him Knight resumed those things that hee held of the Crowne restored him to all that his Father held before hee was King And so he was Earle of Bolloigne Surrey and Mortaine and being with him in his iourney to Tholouze died without issue in his returne home-Ward
they shew themselues to be fraile men but onely those things wherein without scruple we ought to imitate them and therefore they are wiselie and warilie to be praised that Gods prerogatiue may be reserued intire to himselfe 43 Some other learned men there were who liued neere to that time whose censure was farre sharper then that Monks Such were some of those Diuines of Paris mentioned by Caesarius the Monk who saith The Question was debated to fro amongst the Doctors in the vniuersitie of Paris whether Thomas were damned or saued amongst whom Rogerius the Norman auowed that hee deserued death and damnation for his contumacie against his King the Minister of God but Petrus Cantor alleadged that his Miracles were signes of his saluation c. An indeede if all bee true which one man hath written in fiue bookes containing his 270. Miracles wee cannot but acknowledge him both the greatest Saint and the meriest too that euer gotte into heauen so ridiculous are many things recorded of him As that of Ailwardus who for stealing of a great whetstone which the Author that writes it best deserued beeing depriued of his Eies and Virilities by sentence of Law vpon praier to S. Thomas he had all restored againe Yea euen a Bird hauing beene taught to speake flying out of her cage and ready to be seized on by a Spar-Hauke said onely S. Thomas helpe mee and her Enemie fell presently dead and shee escaped and belike reported it Of which great power in this Saint how canne wee doubt sith wee read that euen in his life time the * Virgin Marie her selfe was contented to bee his Semster and sowed his shirt with red silke Many of which kind of follies if that word be sharp enough might bee heere inserted were not our present argument more serious and these forgeries fit onely for Monks to endite children to read and fooles to beleeue 44 The report of the tragicall outrage on the Arch-bishop comming to the old King at Argenton in Normandy there was no kind of sorrow into which without respect to Maiestie or State hee fell not and not without cause as knowing how plentifull an Hydra of mischiefes vpon the opinion of his priuitie with the fact would rise if not preuented But the murtherers fearing least this their fact would displease the king in whose reuenge they did it fled into the North and abode one whole yeere in the kings Castle of Knaresborough in Yorkeshire perhaps by fauour of the yongue king none of them dying for the fact by way of iustice because the Clergie exeÌ„pting themselues from the bonds of ciuill Laws the punishment of a Priest-killer as by some it appeareth was not then the death of the Body by execution of capitall sentence but of Soule by Excommunication till about the twentie third yeer of this king it was at the instant suite of Richard Arch-bishop of Canterburie and of the Bishops of Winchester Elie and Norwich yeelded that such persons should also suffer losse of life 45 The king therefore vpon protestation to submit himself to the iudgement of such Cardinals Legats as the Pope should send to inquire of the fact kept his Realme from Interdiction though the king of France the Archbishop of Seâ—…s and Theobald Earle of Blois had outgone his Embassadors with their inflaming letters conteining the descripion of that Parricide 46 Henry therefore among so many perplexities rising out of the Archbishops murther saw no way so ready for the calming his owne perturbations or for the auerting mens thoughts from the consideration of that scandalous tragedie as to vndertake some great and noble enterprise which now offered it selfe very seasonably For Ireland a verie spatious and plentifull Iland and lying commodiously for the vses of the English burned in it self with ciuill diuisions kindled among the petty Kings and Princes thereof while Rotherick the Great called O Conor Dun Prince of Connaught abusing his power and the aduantage of the times to the oppression of his Neighbours sought to make himselfe the vniuersall King thereof hauing already inuaded the Title Stile of KING AND MONARCH OF IRELAND And this his purpose was much aduanced by the fatall and familiar errour of proceedings in like cases for the Irish Princes either through distrust or pride forbearing to vnite their forces against the common enemy while each prouides for one they are all as it were ouer-come 47 Moreouer Dermot Mac Murrgh in that time of the Irish Pentarchie or fiue-fold Kingdome hauing secretly stolne away the wife of Rotherick a light woman and consenting or plotting rather vrging the rape it selfe added to Rotherickes ambition a iust desire of reuenge for so notable impudent and publike iniurie so much the more odious in Dermots person for that hee was old neyther was this all for the causes of this change were higher 48 The onely disposer and translator of Kingdomes is God in Ireland to moue him to offence without which no Kingdom is transferred against the people thereof all such sinnes abounded as commonly forgoe the greatest changes for not onely the manners of the Nation were extremely corrupted but the Christian faith it selfe decaied barbarisme ouerrunning the one and more then superstitions the other But it may seeme by some Authors that King Henries particular inducements to that Action were both an ancient title vnto that Kingdome deriued from his ancestors the kings of England for many ages before him and many vnsufferable wrongs by their Piracies vnto the English Nation buying and selling their Captiues and vsing Turkish tyranny on their â—…dies which made the Irish Clergy themselues confesse that they had deserued no other then that their land should bee transferred to that Nation whom they had so cruelly handled Notwithstanding king Henry who knew how great and dangerous tumults the Popes had raised on small occasions thought his way would bee much easier if he went onward with the Popes good fauour which hee easily obtained so liberall is his holinesse of that which is none of his for à fee viz. a penny yeerely to bee paid to Saint Peter of euery house in Ireland Touching which point Rossus of Warwick no Protestant I assure you saith That Englands King is not bound to rely on the Popes graunt for Ireland nor yet to pay that taxe because hee had claime to that Kingdome by an hereditary right and that the Pope had no temporall interest therein as his fauorites pretend the often-mentioned Monke of Newborough can tell vs who saith that Nunquam externa subiacuit ditioni Ireland was neuer subiect to any forraine command 49 God Almighty therefore did now put it into the heart of Henry for the reforming of that kingdome to make a Conquest thereof hauing in his infinite wisedome before hand fitted all circumstances needfull to concurre for inducing so warie and frugal a Prince
bin twice endangered and had at both times been wonderfully preserued and while the young King by profound dissimulations plotted to bring both his Father and Brother Richard into subiection behold the hand of God by taking away the young King at Martell not farre from Linoges where his Father lay at siege gaue an end to this odious fowle and intricate contention 87 Thus was his life cut off like a Weauers threed say Authors who had by dying cut of the hope of many But whatsoeuer his life was which God thus shortned at his age of twentie and eight yeeres certainely his death was not inglorious but worthy to be set out in Tables at large as a pattern to disobedient Children for his Father refusing to visite him fearing his owne life but sending his King in signe of forgiuenes the dying Prince most humbly with flouds of teares kissing the same made a most sorrowfull confession of his sinnes and fecling death approch would needs be drawne as an vnworthy sinner out of his owne bed and laid vpon another strewed with ashes where his soule departed in a most penitent manner from his body which being related to the Father hee fell vpon the earth weeping bitterly and like another Dauid for his Absolon mourned very much O quam nefandum est saith one most grauely O how hainous a thing it is for sons to persecute the father for neither the sword of the fighter nor the hand of an enemy did auenge the fathers wrong but a feuer and a flux with excoriation of the bowels His body was buried by his own desire at Roan which yet was not done without trouble as if the factions of which hee was the cause in his life did by a kind of Fate not forsake him beeing dead for the Citizens of Mauns hauing enterred it they of Roan without menaces and the fathers expresse commandement could not obtaine it who thereupon was taken vp againe but his wife Queene Margaret was sent backe into France and his suruiuing sonnes were once againe reduced to due obedience not any enemie daring to appeare 88 Who would not haue thought that this stirring Prince should haue had opportunitie to end his daies in peace and glorie but it was otherwise ordained by God and ancient writers hold hee was principallie scourged for beeing drawne by seeming reasons of State to put off an holy enterprize the occasion whereof was laid as it were at his foote For Heraclius Patriarcke of Hierusalem drawne with the supereminent fame of King Henries wisdome valour riches and puissance trauailed from thence into England where at Clerkenwell by London in an assemblie of the States purposelie called the king made knowne to them That Pope Lucius had by ernest letters commended the lamētable state of the Holie-land and the Patriarcke Heraclius vnto him That Heraclius there present had stirred compassion and teares at the rehersall of the tragicall afflictions of the Easterne world and had brought with him for memorable signes that the suite was by common consent of the Countrey the Keies of the places of Christs Natiuitie Passion and Resurrection of Dauids Tower and of the holy Sepulchre and the humble offer of the Kingdom of Hierusalem with the Ensigne or Standard of the Kingdom as dulie belonging to him who was right heire thereunto to wit the sonne of Geffrey Earle of Aniou whose brother Fulke was king of Hierusalem 89 Neuerthelesse the King hauing at leftwise formally adiured the Lords to aduise him that which should bee most for his soules health it was thought fit to aid the cause with money but not to emploie his person northe person of any child hee had which was the Patriarcks last request and therupon to the vnspeakable griefe of the said Patriarcke and of the whole Christianitie of the East hee refused the said Kingdome and abandoned as noble an occasion of immortall renowne as euer any King of England had beene offered but gaue leaue to all such as would to take vpon them the Crosse and serue This Heraclius is hee who dedicated the Temple Church in London as by this Inscription ouer the Church doore in the Stone-worke doth appeare ANNO AB INCARNATIONE DOMINI M. C. LXXXV DEDICATA HEC ECCLESIA IN HONOREM BEATE MARIE A DNO ERACLIO DEI GRATIA SANCTE RESVRRECTIONIS ECCLESIE PATRIARCHA II IDVS FEBRVARII Q i EAM ANNATIM PETENTIBVS DE INIVNCTA Si PENITENTIA LX DIES INDVLSIT 90 Thus the sorrowfull Patriarcke being dismissed not forgetting as some doe write to thunder against the King for abandoning the cause brought back nothing but discomfort and despaire the Westerne Princes by the Diuels malicious Arts beeing wrapt and knotted in mutuall suspitions and quarrells indetermined whereupon shortly after ensued with the losse of Ierusalem the captiuity of Guido King thereof and of innumerable Christians besides whom Sultan Saladin Prince of the Musulmans or Saracens to the griefe and disgrace of all the Christian world did vanquish 91 But King Henries mind was more fixed on setling the state of his already-possessed Kingdomes and therefore in a great Parlament held at Oxford vnto which came Rhesus and Dauid Kings of South-Wales and North-Wales with other their chiefe Nobles which al did there sweare fealtie to the King he beeing desirous to aduance his sonne Iohn whom he exceedingly loued and commonly in sport hee called Sans-terrae hauing assured vpon him certaine Lands and Rents in England and Normandie did there verie solemnly giue him also the title Kingdome of Ireland for besides the foresaid Bull of Pope Adrian the fourth who for signe of inuestiture had also sent a ring of gold which were laid vp in the Records at Winchester Giraldus who liued in that age tells vs to omitte what hee writes of one Gurguntius that Guillomar King of Ireland was tributarie to the famous Arthur that Baion whence saith hee the Irish came was at that present vnder King Henrie the second and that the Irish Princes had voluntarily submitted themselues as vnto him who by the * Law of a Sociall warre was become their Soueraigne But that Author had not seene belike or did not remember when thus he went about to prooue a legall right in the King what others write of Egfrides vngodly spoiles in Ireland or of Edgars Charter in which is said to bee contained that he had vnder his rule the chiefe City of Ireland Dublin and the greatest part of the kingdome also But King Henrie strengthening his other rights with Grants of the Popes Adrian and Alexander obtained also of Vrban the third for Luciue the third who was Alexanders successor would not gratifie the the King therein that it should bee lawfull for him to crowne which of his sonnes hee would King of Ireland to whom hee sent a crowne of Feathers wouen with gold in all their Grants reseruing to the Roman See the Peters pence and
it selfe especially where such troupes of armed Orators were at hand and where golden preparatiues had made way with the chiefest Philip tolde them their late Lord had quite forsaken them and that therefore himselfe as their supreme Liege came to prouide that his owne Countries might bee indemnified desiring them louingly to admit and embrace him as their Lord sith now they had no other to protect them from skath but menacing withall that if they forced him to vse force they should die no other death then hanging or to be flead aliue with which fawnings and fears though many well munified places were fetched off without any resistance their Captaines violating their faith to curry fauour with the French yet Roan the place euer honoured for fidelity to the English Crowne and therefore worthily selected by King Richard to bee the Shrine of his Leonine Heart was better fortified both in affection and munition then to wane vpon parties Which neglect incensed Philip to turne his Oratory into Battery it being the chiefest City and therefore of greatest consequence for consumating his victories which he continued in a most fierce horrid manner of siege the space of two monethes but finding it to be with small aduantage hee fell againe to golden Eloquence attracting some in speciall with present pay and all in generall with promises of future inioying all their wonted lawes and liberties without impairement of any their commodities whatsoeuer aduising them not to reiect those profered conditions which ere long they would gladly get when they should not be granted The Roanists seeing their dangers feeling their wants fearing their ruines yet desired respite till King Iohn might know their State who finding himselfe at home as ill bestedde as theirs abroad his Barons refusing to follow the warres returned them answere he could not presently releeue them Whereupon the Great men who could sway the multitude with cheaper reasons then Philips open hand had swayed with them perswaded them to weigh that in truth they were all originally Frenchmen though now called Normans of that noblest and richest part of all France and the French king being Supreme Lord thereof there was no cause at all of continuing this new hostility but very many of renuing that antique amity 28 The Head yea and Heart of all Normandy thus fainting who can expect that those few inferiour members yet vntainted should so continue long neither did they So as eftsoones all that Dukedome one of the goodliest gemmes in the English Diademe and disbranched from France since the yeare eight hundred eighty fiue was againe rent away ingloriously for them who lost it iniustlie by them who got it but perfidiously by such as should and might haue kept it For whatsoeuer necessity then or malice since hath laid on the King this Eulogie and memoriall thereof written by vnpartiall pennes will stand indelible on his Subiects A rege Angliae Normannia fraudibus suorum alienata Englands King lost Normandy by treachery of his owne people And no lesse treacherously dealt Philip with them when hee had caught them with the trappe of his glosing proffers as such Princes more vsually then princely square their promises to others liking their performances to their owne causing without delay their Cities goodly wals to be vtterly demolished and giuing strict charge that they should neuer bee built vp againe The other neighbouring Countries Main Turaine Poictou who were all forerunners in the rebellion would not be now behind in the finall reuolt Angiers in this more happy that shee fell away by others falshood not her owne when standing on her guard William de Rupibus cladde his choice Souldiers vpon their armour in the habite and other furniture of market-men who so getting accesse into the City gates made easie entrance for a greater hoast which soone after became absolute Lords of all Aniou 29 Wofull experience had now taught King Iohn a lesson fitte to be learned of all Princes whom the fawning world enstyleth most Mighty that this their might is not onely lyable to the checke and dispose of that Highest all-ruling power who vnthrones them at his will but euen depends of the wauing humors and wils of those inferiour vassels of whom they thinke themselues vnresistable Commaunders But King Iohn was not vnsenfible eyther of his forraine dishonours though as d often as hee endeauoured to redeeme it by leuying any Army suteable to so great a designe so often was hee crossed by his own Nobles or of those his domesticke affronts which notwithstanding by counsell and assistance of his better affected truer hearted friendes and subiects at length hee gathered a Royall Hoast and a mighty Nauy therein 14000. Mariners f some say with full resolue to reuenge his wrongs and repaire his losses Which great enterprize managed with vnmoueable determination for now with full sayles and fuller heartes at Portsmouth they were ready to embarke brought to the Kings further knowledge and to the worlds who had beene all this while the secret vnderminers of his fortunes and hinderers of his imployments For Hubert the Archbishop and Papall Legate with many others amongst whom some find William Marshall Earle of Pembroke numbred thither comes vnto the King and flatly forbids him to proceede in the voyage Some Writers haue laboured to coniect the true cause and reasons of this audacious Prohibition but if wee consider on the one side the Popes vse of Philips Forces to counter-ballance if need were Othes greatnesse on the other the interest which both the Pope and Philip had in Huberts affection wee may without Huberts diuining Spirit prie into the mystery of his secret workings as an Archbishop and now open commaund as a Legate to hinder King Iohn for feare of hindring King Philip 30 But whatsoeuer was the reason Hubert was the Instrument that so resolute proiects so inestimable charges so necessary an action fell sodainely to the ground whereby besides the selfe mischiefe which therewith fell on the King many fresh grudgings accrewed vnto him for suffering himselfe to bee thus violently repulsed from so behouefull a purpose The Archbishoppe and Marshall as principals were rewarded with the curses of the dismissed multitudes as the iust fee for their vniust counsell and the King himselfe was so little pleased with so vnexpected a countermaund that albeit at the present either awed with the authority of the Papall Legate or with the weight of his coloured motiues or with hazard which hee might leaue behind him hee durst notwithstand it yet the very next day checking himselfe for ouerprizing the commaund of any man aboue the value of his kingly honour and state hee resolued to recollect his disparkeled troupes and to put forth to Sea To which end taking order for his Nobles to follow they gaue him leaue with
beleeue all things touching God aright all the articles of the Creed only they blaspheme and hate the Church of Rome No maruail if this horrible heresie did trouble his Holinesse and therefore whereas his Predecessor and himselfe had kept much adoe in Christendome to excite men to take the Signe of the Crosse and warre against the Turke which the Fryers did perswade men vnto teaching that whosoeuer were polluted with any hainous offence as Parricide Incest Sacrilege hee was presently acquited both from the sinne and the punishment of it if hee thus tooke the Crosse vpon him now because the Earle of Tholous and his people entertained the foresaid Heresie the Crosse and holie warres were by the Pope denounced against them Of which Earle yet let vs heare the iudgement of another Fryer then liuing Those saith hee who thus tooke the Warres and Crosse against him did it more for feare of the French King and the Popes Legate then for zeale of Iustice it seeming to many a wrong thus to infest a faithfull Christian man and one who with many teares desired the Legate to examine the faith of euerie one of his Cities and if any one held against the Catholike faith hee would punish him according to the iudgement of the Church and if any City should resist him hee would enforce it to make satisfaction As for himselfe hee offered to bee examined by the Legate touching his faith and if hee were faulty hee would make satisfaction to God and the Church But all these things the Legate scorned nor could that Catholike Earle find anie fauour vnlesse hee would for sake his Inheritance and abiure it both for himselfe and his heires for euer These were the Heretikes against which Lewis was now imployed by the Pope and King Henry the while commanded to surcease from impeaching his holy enterprize Wherein Lewis had spent a moneth in the siege of Auinion and endured for all his sacred Crossings maruailous losses by a terrible plague dedeuouring his Army by a strange kind of venemous flies dispatching many by a sodaine drowning of a great part of his Armie and lastly by being himselfe poysoned by one of his Earles an vnchast Riuall of his Bedde though it was giuen forth of him as of his late Enemy King Iohn whom some thinke that Lewis his friends did make away that hee died onely of a Flux 22 The newes of the French Kings death seconded with sure relations of sundry discontentments and open factions vnder the young King who was but about twelue yeeres of age bred an hope in King Henries mind that now the time was come wherein hee might recouer those ancient inheritances which his Forefathers held in France and to aduance his hopes he had his mother Queene Isabel wife to the Earle of March in those parts an earnest sollicitor Peter Duke of Britaine was the principall man who tooke offence that himselfe had not a chiefe hand in directing the young King Lewis but his prudent mother Queene Blanch weakned his party by drawing his brother Robert Earle of Dreux from him and albeit the Duke had repaired the breach by affinitie with the Earle of Champain one of the twelue Peeres of that Realme to whom the Duke marrieth the Ladie Blanda his daughter and heire yet was the Earle driuen by a short warre to continue quiet The Duke hereupon castes himselfe vpon King Henrie Sed sera auxilia Anglica the English aides come slowlie saith Aemylius These and the like inducements moued the King to send Walter Archbishoppe of Yorke with others to the chiefe men of Normandie Angiou and Poictou that by large promises they might procure them to acknowledge Henrie for their King or by partakings facilitate their reduction to the English Souereigntie who accordinglie prosecuted their emploiment 23 These opportunities for that designe moued the King to bethinke how to gather money to furnish so chargefull an enterprize whereby while he sought to prouide to recouer that which was lost he ministreth occasion to hazard that which he had The onely great man in Court now was Hubert de Burgh For the King protesting himselfe of age to gouerne without a Tutor or Protector did principally conferre with him about all his most weightie affaires Hence grew more enuy against Hubert and perill to the King From the Londoners besides the granted aides of a fifteenth which all degrees were subiect vnto he wrung fiue thousand Markes for that they had as was alleaged to his preiudice giuen Lewis the like summe In the Parliament at Oxford by aduice of Hubert his Lord Chiefe Iustice he reuokes the Charters of Liberties which now for about two yeeres had been practised through the Realme pretending that at the time of their Grant the King was vnder age and had then no liberty either of his person or Signature though otherwise the royall power of the English Monarchie neuer pleads pupillage or minoritie It serued the turne for the time and all men were faine to pay what Huberts pleasure was to assesse for obteining the new Seale The fortune of such Arts whereby they were wont to fill Princes Treasuries was not alwaies without repentance to the Authors and Authorisers The Clergie was compelled vnder paine of Papall Censures to pay the Fifteenth not only for their temporall goods but also for their Ecclesiasticall and yet in the end after so much tossing of the People the Kings Ambassadors returne out of France without hauing effected that which they went about so that the whole enterprize quailed For Queene Blanch by sweet and prudent courses so preuailed among the factious that there was left no place for Henrie to take sure hold vpon The Duke of Britain who expected the English succours not till the Spring was so neerely prest and almost opprest with a winter war that he thought himselfe beholding to his brother Robert Earle of Dreux for procuring his peace though it were with such a condition as euer after left vpon him the by-name of Mauclerk or Maledoctus He acknowledged the Dutchie of Britain to be the Fee of the Crowne of France and that by right it ought to hold thereof this acknowledgment because against all apparant truth and Record procured to him that By-name Such conclusion at this present had King Henries French designes Our auncient Authors write that this dishonourable homage was done long after and with an halter about his necke at such time as the King of England refused to goe in person to his succours but offered foure Earles and other competent Forces which hee refused as harbouring a reuoit in his bosome and turned Pyrate 24 The euill will which the other great Lords secretly harboured against Hubert whose Enuy the Kings fauour in creating him Earle of Kent had lately encreased now openly discouered it selfe vpon this occasion Richard Earle of Cornwall the Kings brother lately returned
that Sir Godfrey de Crancumb Knight with three hundred armed men was sent to apprehend the Earle in Essex Hee hauing intelligence of their approach fledde into a Chappell at Brentwood which adioyned to his lodging from whence those rough Souldiers haled him hee holding in one hand a Crucifix and in the other the Sacrament and sent for a Smith to make for him shackels of yron But when the Smith vnderstood that it was for Hubert de Burgh Earle of Kent he refused vttering such words if Mathew Paris doe not Poetize as did well shew that honourable thoughts are somtimes found in the hearts of men whose fortunes are farre from honour for hauing first drawne a deepe sigh hee said Doe with mee what yee please and God haue mercy on my soule but as sure as the Lord liues I will neuer makeyron shackles for him but will rather die the worst death that is For is not this that most loyall and couragious Hubert who so often hath preserued England from being destroyed by strangers restored England to England He who faithfully and constantly serued his Soueraigne Lord King Iohn in Gascoigne Normandy and else where that he was compelled to eate the flesh of horses whose high courage euen Enemies admired he that so long defended Douer Castle the Key of England against all the exquisite sieges of the French and by vanquishing them at Sea brought safety to the Kingdome What need I rehearse his excellent doings at Lincolne and Bedford Let God be iudge between him and you for vsing him so vniustly and inhumanely repaying good with euill nay requiting his most excellent deserts with the worst recompence that can be But Sir Godfrey and his blacke band regarded not such speeches but otherwise binding the Earle hard they set him on horsebacke and so conuayed him to the Tower of London 35 This breach of Sanctuary being made knowne to Roger Bishoppe of London whose Diocesse it was he confidently tels the King that if the Earle were not restored to the Chappell hee would excommunicate all the Authors of that outrage The Earle is accordingly restored but the Sheriffes of Essex and Hertford at the Kings commandement with the powers of their counties besiege the Chappell so long that at last they hauing cast a Trench about it that none might goe in or out the Earle was compelled to come forth and render himselfe bearing all things with an equall mind as one that had a cleare conscience before God which hee professed to haue While the Chappell was thus beset round the Kings indignation was so violent that hee forbad all men once to make mention of Hubert in his hearing No maruaile then if it bee said that the Princes indignation is death The Archbishoppe of Dublin neuerthelesse was not deiected but with praiers and teares besought the King who remained as yet inexorable Huberts enemies possessing his soule and senses Hubert therefore is againe imprisoned in the Tower There was no sacrifice as it seemes could appease the Kings iâ—…e but that of the Earles Hoord of gold and other riches which the Knights Templars had in their custodie vpon trust without Huberts consent refused to deliuer Hubert therefore willingly yeelds which when the Depositaries did giue vp the value seemed incredible This hoording perhaps was Huberts crime whereof being thus purged he had hope to recouer out of these deadly pangs and conuulsions of fortune and himselfe to bee made capable of curing Well the king obtains this precious booty but his enemies would haue his bloud also saying sith hee was conuicted of theft and fraud it was meet he should die a most shamefull death It seemes they thought that the verie finding of so much treasure was a conuiction of fraud in the getting and that the King must bee interpreted to haue lost whatsoeuer the Earle had gained But the displeasure of the King was mollified with this golden balme for hee answered them thus Hubert from his childhood hath as I haue heard faithfully enough serued my vncle King Richard and my Father King Iohn and if he haue done ill towards me hee shall neuer therefore die an euill death For I had rather be reputed a foolish or a negligent King then a cruell Tyrant or a bloudy man toward him who hath long serued mee and mine ancestors nor will I weigh more his euill deedes which are not as yet manifest nor proued true then all his good deeds which are plainelie knowne to the Realme and to vs all Hereupon Hubert had all such lands granted vnto him as eyther King Iohn had giuen or himselfe had purchased There vndertooke for him to the King as sureties the Earles of Cornwall and Warrenn Marshal Ferrars and himselfe was committed to the Castle of Deuises there to abide in free Prison vnder the Custody of foure Knights belonging each of them to one of these foure Earles This Court-storme thus in part ouerblowne let vs take our standings to view what other weather followed and what countenance of things in this Kingdome did next present it selfe to the world 36 The King being naturally as it seemes addicted to repose himselfe vpon some one mans counsell was now wholy swayde by Peter de Rupibus Bishoppe of Winchester who had therefore wrought the Earle out of grace that hee might soly raigne and predominate in the gentle King Which the better to effect the Bishoppe procures him to displace the English Officers and in their roomes to surrogate Poictouines and Britons who comming ouer to the number of about two thousand he stuffes his Castles with them and in briefe did as it were wholy entrust himselfe his treasures strengthes and the Realme to them So that Iudgements were committed to the vniust Lawes to the Out-lawes Peace to Wranglers and Iustice to wrong-dâ—…ers Such as would haue praied redresse for these abuses were interrupted and put off by the Bishoppe of Winchester Among them who were remoued from their places in Court was one Sir William de Redune a Knight and Deputy Marshall to Richard Earle of Pembroke This was to the Earle very displeasant which ioyned with a consideration of the publike cause and danger he associates vnto him certaine of the great Lords as was the fashion of those Lording times vpon euery discontent and in the Company of them aduanceth confidently to the King whom in the hearing of many hee reproueth for that he had through sinister aduise called in the Poictouins to the oppression of the Realme of his naturall subiects of their Lawes and Liberties humblie therefore hee beseecheth him that hee would spedily reforme such abuses which threatned the imminent subuersion both of the Crowne and Kingdome which if hee did not himselfe and other Lordes would so long withdraw their attendance as he entertained Strangers The Bishoppe hereunto makes answere That the King might well and lawfully call in what Strangers himselfe
Barons and knights to the number of aboue fourescore and ten were taken prisoners by a man of small fortunes Andrew de Herckley Captaine of the City of Carleil and Sir Simon Ward Captaine of Yorke who with great forces out of those parts stopt their farther passage at Burrowbrigge as the Kings forces tooke all safegard from them behind 40 The third day after their apprehension the King in person being set in iudgement at Pontfract and with him Edmund Earle of Kent Aymerie Earle of Pemb◅ke Iohn de Warren Earle of Surrey and among others the Lord Hugh de Spenser the Father as also Hugh Spenser his sonne the Earle of Lancaster was brought before them and had sentence pronounced against him by the said Andrew de Herckley created afterward Earle of Carliel and the Kings Iusticiar the Lord Maplesthorpe as against an Arch-Traitour neuerthelesse for reuerence of his bloud being the Kings neere Kinsman drawing and hanging were remitted vnto him but his head was stricken off the same day without the Towne of Pontfract 41 Nor satisfied herewith the King gaue full way to reuenge putting to shamefull death by drawing hanging and as some write quartering in sundry places all the Barons the Lord Roger D'amarie onely excepted who died of his naturall death with sundry Baronets and Knights taken at Burroughbrig and elsewhere The Lord Badlesmere at whose house this tragicall fire beganne was executed at Canterburie And that so great and mighty a man as Thomas Earle of Lancaster should not seeme to die without a bloudie complement sutable to his condition there were hanged and quartered vpon the same day at Pontefract fiue or sixe Barons and the next day at Yorke were hanged in yron chaines the Lords Clifford Mowbray Dey-uill and others afterward in other places to the number in all though all of them not Barons of twenty and two the chiefest Captaines of the Realme suffered death for their disloyalties Threescore and twelue Knights more were dispersed into sundry prisons who saith De la Moore vpon fines paid had afterward their Liberties 42 As for the said Thomas Earle of Lancaster there are so many reasons why he cannot reasonably be iudged either a good subiect or a good man that we may worthily wonder why some at that time should repute him a Saint Certainely the wise and discreet old Writers are not so opinionated of him but note his priuate life for vicious himselfe to be nothing valorous and of the publike not well deseruing omitting his contumelious behauiours toward the King his Soueraign Lord in his discomforts which as Walsingham forgets not to relate so thinkes he that the like was worthily vsed toward that Earle himselfe who when hee was brought prisoner to Pontfract his owne Castle but then surrendred the whole multitude derided and called him in scorne King Arthur by which name hee was designed as some write in the Scottish Cypher intercepted prouing a conspiracy with Scots but the very shoppe where his and the other Barons original Treasons were forged was the Parliament house wherein from time to time they forced on the King presumptuous and treasonous Ordinations whereby the Peeres challenged not onely to reforme the Kings house and Councell and to place and displace all great Officers at their pleasure but euen a ioint interest in the Regiment of the Kingdome together with the King which William Inge a Iudge of the Common-Law with other like sticklers traiterously perswading them to be according to Law 43 Of his ill deseruings toward the common-Weale who for the good thereof could not disgest any indignity let this bee a kind of demonstration for when King Edward hauing by strait siege brought Berwicke neere to termes of yeelding chanced once to breake forth after his vaine manner into these words The Lord Hugh Spenser shall be captaine of the Castle when it is taken the Earle forthwith with others of his affection abandoned the seruice by reason of which departure it was thought that Berwicke was not as then obtained and that the enemy therby had great aduantage in all their attempts The names of such Barons besides Banerets and some few others of special note as perished by hatchet and halter for this businesse as out of so great variety of Writers wee could now gather them were At Pontfrait Thomas Earle of Lancaster The Lord Warren Lile The Lord William Tochet The Lord Thomas Mandute The Lord Henry de Bradburne The L. Williā Fitz-Williā the yonger The Lord William Cheyney At Yorke The Lord Roger Clifford son of that Robert Lord Clifford who was slaine by the Scots with Gilbert Earle of Gloster at the battell of Banocksbourne in the seruice of this King The Lord Iohn Mowbray The Lord Iosceline Deynuile At Gloster The Lord Iohn Gifford At London The Lord Henrie Teyes At Windsor The Lord Frances de Aldenham At Canterburie The L. Bartholmew de Badlesmere The L. Bartholmew de Ashburnham Neuer did English earth at one time drinke so much bloud of her Nobles in so vile manner shed as at this which whatsoeuer could bee pretended as doubtlesse their offence was capitall yet all was taken to be done as in the quarrell of the Spensers onely nor was it vnreuenged as will appeare in the mean space their enemies not contented with their bloud procured also the confiscation of their estates and inheritances 44 King Edward thinking that this exploit had made him terrible aswell to the Scots as it had done to the English marcheth with a mighty hoast into Scotland from whence not long after for want of victuals hee was compelled to returne without the honor of any atchieuement and being vpon his returne was sodainely by Scots assailed in the night very narrowly escaping in his owne person and with a few saued himself by flight leauing his treasure furniture for pillage and so came sorrowfull to Yorke Iohn de Britain Earle of Richmond was taken prisoner by the enemy and the rest of the Country defaced with destructions as farre as to the wals of that City 45 Thus passed this yeere to the English full of losse reproach and lamentation by reason of their intestine discord and the shambles of their Nobles to the King infamous and hatefull also for his vnfortunate iourney into the Northern parts c. But these bloudy and tempestuous winds blew some to profit for during the space of about fiue yeeres after the fortune of the Spencers hugely encreased and the Queenes decreased who for her relenting toward the Lords expressing some dislikes of these ranckly-growing weeds was grown to beare a share in the persecution And that these with such like violent men working vpon the Kings inclination were the onely Authors of that sharpe reuenge taken vpon the Lords for their particular and inglorious enrichment
for what else can we call the same since that they betraide thereby their Soueraignes Crown and Life to speedie destruction let it by this in part appeare and moue the world the rather to pitty the seduced 46 Among them who were condemned for rising with the Earle of Lancaster there was one of a meane Familie for whose life neuerthelesse because hee had once serued in Court and was pleasing to some of the Grands or Potent fauourites therein many interceded and pressed the king so farre on his behalfe that he brake out into these most vehement words A plague vpon you for cursed whisperers malicious backe-biters wicked counsellors entreat you so for the life of a most notorious knaue who would not speake one word for the life of my neere Kinsman that most noble Knight Earle Thomas Had hee liued wee and our whole Realme should haue had speciall need and vse of him This fellow the longer hee liues the more villanies he wil commit as hauing already filled my Kingdome with his desperate outrages By the soule of God hee shall therefore die the death he hath deserued 47 By this then it is euident that these tragedies against the Lords were exploited by others in which it is plaine that this King otherwise so deuout to God so noble and so full of naturall good propensions was fatally ouer-wrought by wicked counsell though hee therein bee inexcusable for good nature as wee call it cannot satisfie for publike errours But the condemned man was forth with put to death accordingly the King being most highlie offended that none had entreated him on the Earles behalfe whom saith Walsingham he did in wardlie loue Neuerthelesse he had not long before created the elder Spenser Earle of Winchester and deckt the plume of his fortunes with a toppe-feather taken out of the said late Earle of Lancasters estate that is to say with the Castle and honour of Donington parcell of the Earledome of Lincolne Hauing thus farre shewed the originall of the mischiefe wee will hasten now to the last Act or Catastrophe of our Edwards tragedie onely wee will first remember some intercurring matters 48 You haue heard before how that the Cardinals sent from the Pope had in fauour of the English put Scotland vnder Interdict wherefore King Robert now at last dispatched the Bishop of Glascow and Thomas Randolfe Earle of Murrey to Rome for obtaining release and absolution but they returned without effecting it Whereupon King Robert moued to haue a truce for thirteene yeeres which King Edward accordingly granted and the Pope then absolued the Scots The matters of Scotland seemed thus to be sufficiently prouided for during that time and the rather for that somewhat before the motion for truce the King had caused the newly created Earle of Carlile Andrew de Herkley to be degraded hanged drawne and quartered for treason which hee was conuinced to haue entred into with the Scots vpon whom he had before done speciall seruices as hauing for that cause the Castle and Citie of Carleil committed to his gouernment The truce with Scotland being thus confirmed the King makes his progresse through the Counties of Yorke and Lancaster and the Marches of Wales from whence the late seditious had their nourishments taking wise carefull courses for ministration of Iustice there and preuention of like inconueniences by punishing their Authors seuerely And Iustices void of all corruption were appointed else-where 49 In the meane space the new King of France Charles the fifth a most earnest enemie to the English mens possessions there sought occasions of quarrell with King Edward who while hee consuled at home how to order that affaire the yong L. Roger Mortimer one whom the Diuell saith our Courtier reserued to kindle new dissention with and to stirre vp a most miserable ciuill warre hauing corrupted his Keepers or as some others write hauing potioned them with a sleepy drinke escaped out of the Tower of London getting ouer clearely without any empeachment into France 50 The Spensers both father and sonne the one thus created Earle of Winchester and the other Earle of Glocester aspiring to the fulnesse of command and desirous to leaue nothing in their eye which might stumble their sway with the King failed not to beget immortall enmities both against themselues and the King The Queene tooke their carriage so heinously because besides other things they had abridged her meanes of maintenance while themselues abounded in all riches and magnificence as shee complained That the daughter and sole heire of the king of France was married to a gripple miser and that being promised to be a Queene shee was become no better then a waiting woman liuing vpon a pension from the Spensers 51 Thus was the matter and as it were the Embrion of their common destruction laid and begun in the impotencie of a womans will to helpe out the which with shrewd drifts and directions they encrease her side with Adam Bishoppe of Hereford by stripping him out of all his Temporalties as a Traitour for that hee had supported the Mortimers in the Barons quarrell This Adam saith our Knight was a man of most subtle witte and in all worldly pollicies profound daring to doe great things and factious withall who for this cause conceiuing deepest hate and therefore easily growing deare to the Queene made a great secret party To which Henrie Burwash Bishoppe of Lincoln who for like causes had beene kept from his temporalties about two yeeres ioyned himselfe Neither would the Spensers auarice suffer them to weaken the multitudes of their enemies for they sold the Kings gracious fauour to such as had beene in the Barons quarrell at so great rates that they by granting away lands and Manours to the said Lords Spensers for their pardons c. verie many of the Nobles were empouerished To be short the royall power being in the hands of the Spensers and Roger Baldock Chancellour or of their Creatures and Fauourites this other faction had the generall discontentments of the Realme to worke vpon for their aduantage 52 The King thus guiding himselfe and hauing sent his Brother Edmund Earle of Kent vpon notice of the first troubles with Forces into Gascoigue who gaue some little stay for a time to the French proceedings till they might otherwise bee prouided for it came to this point at last that whereas the King had a purpose to haue gone in person into France the Spensers who were afraid to bee seuered from his person the onely reuerence whereof they knew to bee their safegard and yet not daring to attend him thither or stay behind perswaded the King contrary to the minds of all the rest that the Queene who sought it should goe and negociate her husbands affaire in France She did so and whereas before her departure things were in great extremity betweene the two Nations insomuch that all the French were banished out of
sonne the amiable and famous Edward by-named not of his colour but of his dreaded Acts in battell the Blacke Prince King Edward not long after with a small companie went into France and did homage to Philip de Valoys for his Dutchie of Gascoigne 21 Nemesis or rather Gods vengeance with swift pace did now approach and summon Mortimer to a bloudie account for the yong King addicting himselfe to serious thoughts and putting on the Man before his yeeres required easily saw his owne perill in the others potencie The Queene his mother to the common dishonour and griefe of the Kingdome being generally bruted to be with child by Mortimer hee vpon ripe aduise sodainely and aduenturouslie surprised the proud man at Parliament holden in Nottingham with whom were taken the L. Geofrey Mortimer his sonne and Sir Simon de Bedford who all three were sent prisoners to the Tower of London vnder a strong guard Which done the king by common consent of the Parliament tooke into his hands his mothers excessiue Dower put her to a narrow pension of one thousand pounds by yeer circumscribing her within as narrow limits for her abode but doing her yeerely the honour and comfort of once or twice visiting her though otherwise scarce thinking her worthy of life in regard of her priuacie with Mortimer and his many heinous practises 22 Oh what enchantments are Honour and Power to the minds of men how sodainely and how strangely doe they blow vp the same with the contempt of others and forgetfulnes of themselues Certainely the fraile estate of mans constitution is clearelie seene in this high Lord who drunken with felicitie and fearing neither God nor man fell into vtter confusion when least hee feared The probable manner whereof is worthy the relating There was in the Castle of Nottingham and at this day is a certaine secret way or Mine cut through a rocke vpon which the said Castle is built one issue whereof openeth toward the riuer of Trent which runnes vnder it and the other venteth it selfe farre within vpon the surface and is at this present called Mortimers hole through this the young King well armed and stronglie seconded was conducted with drawne swordes by some his trustie and sworne seruants among which was that braue Montacute whom his vertues vnder this King raised to the Earledome of Salisbury c. vp to the Queenes Chamber whose dore so feareles is blinded affection was vnshut and with her was Mortimer the kings Master as the rumor spred him readie to go to bed whom with the slaughter of a Knight and one or two that resisted they laid hold vpon This was not reputed a slender enterprise in regard that in Mortimers retinue were not fewer they say then one hundreth and fourescore Knights besides Esquiers and Gentlemen 23 The causes for which hee was condemned in open Parliament at Westminster these ragged verses following comprehend which without any disparagement to their makers iudgement might verie well haue beene in Prose but for breuitie and change wee haue here inserted them Fiue heinous crimes against him soone were had First that he causde the King to yeeld the Scot To make a peace townes that were from him got And therewithall the Charter called Ragman That of the Scots hee had bribed priuy gaine That through his meanes Sr. Edward of Carnaruan In Barckley Castle most traiterously was slaine That with his Princes mother hee had lain And finally with polling at his pleasure Hadrobd the King and Commons of their treasure But the most barbarous murther of the kings father and speciallie the dishonourable peace and contract with the then professed enemies of England were principallie insisted vpon as hainous treason He was after sentence ignominiouslie drawne to Tyburne the common place of execution then called the Elms and there vpon the common Gallowes was as ignominiouslie executed hanging by the kings commandement two daies and two nights a publike gladsome spectacle There died with him Sir Simon de Bedford Knight Iohn Deuerel Esquier aswell for expiation of the late King Edwards death as in complement as it were of so great a mans fall whose liues doe seldome or neuer perish single 24 Now came Scotlands turne about to suffer againe most grieuous losses and afflictions an ordinarie effect of Childrens gouernment whether Children in age or in discretion for the Lord Edward Baliol hearing of King Roberts death and the tender age of King Dauid as son and heire of that Baliol to whom king Edward the first had adiudged the Scotish crown with such voluntaries as hee could raise though his Father the Lord Iohn had released his claime to king Robert and though King Edward in fauour of his sister Ioan Queen of Scotland would not openly at first support him embarkt himselfe in Yorkeshire and inuaded that Realme where vpon his landing he slew Alexander Setoun at Kingorn and about nine hundred others putting the rest to flight Not long after that no mischiefe might come alone neere to the water of Ern at a place called Dupline where the Earles of Mar and March with two puissant armies of Scots for the defence of their yong King Dauid lay encamped the said Lord Edward whose small numbers not exceeding three thousand English the Earles as securely and as fatally contemned as the English vnder Edward the second had contemned the Bruce and his Scots obtained of them a wonderfull victorie Boetius who neuer or rarely leaues any ouerthrow purely to the manhood of the English will needs haue this discomfiture effected by a Camisado the Baliol and his English with others passing the water of Erne by a Foord in the night when the enemy little suspected it 25 The slaughter euen by his report was miserable for there were slaine saith he the Earles of Marre and Carricke and three thousand of the Noble beside Commons Our Writers agree that this Foord was passed in the night but that the fight endured from Sunne-rising till three of the Clocke afternoone and that besides the Earles of Marre and Carricke three other Earles Menteth Athol and Murrey twelue Barons eight hundreth knights and men of Armes beside aboue thirteene thousand other lost there their liues Of the English there were onelie slaine thirty and three Esquiers so that not without cause this victory was attributed rather to power diuine then humane 26 Yet this was but the beginning of farther calamities to the Scotish Nation which was in it selfe diuided into factions the one for Bruce the other for Baliol. The Lord Edward making vse of his good fortune got himselfe to bee crowned King of Scotland at Scone But king Dauid Bruce with his Queen fled into France to Philip de Valoys who raigned there entertained them with much compassion and honor giuing them Castle Galliard for the place of their abode till fairer fortune shone Meane-time the Scots sustained new
Iohn Mensterworth the yong Lords Grandsonne and Fitzwalter and other vainelie scorning to be vnder Knols for that they held themselues his betters and thereupon diuiding themselues after they had done sundry exploits marching vp euen to Paris were beaten and foild by the French vnder Glequins conduct but Knols wintred safe in Britaine Mensterworth comes into England and knowing accusers haue the vantage complaines to King Edward of Knols but not altogether beleeued he ads treason to vntruth and turning French becomes a wicked enemy to his King and Countrey promising the French to procure the Castilian Nauie to inuade England for which being in the last yeere of King Edwards raigne taken hee by due course was condemned and cut in pieces dying the death he had deserued He was laid hould vpon in the City of Pampeline in Nauarre and from thence conueighed to London vpon whose bridge his wicked head stood Sentinell 141 Pope Vrban the fifth comming from Rome to Auinion with purpose to vnite these two mighty Kings their wils and mights against the common enemy of Christendome put off mortality at Marsils and so that holy intention ceased for the present but the same being continued by his next successor Gregory 11. yet tooke no effect no more then that which the Emperour to like cause would haue vndergone which the French impute to King Edward who confident by reason of his former atchieuements would trie it out by the sword Wherein he seemed to forget the mutable condition of warre the searnesse of his bodie and the greennesse of his Grand-Child yong Richard who was to succeed if the Prince of Wales died as shortly after he did Neither did God seeme to approue his opinion herein for that crosses came fast vpon him both at home and abroad There is no greater wisdome nor happinesse then to know when we are well and then to preserue without hazard or empairment that honour wealth or quiet which we already haue 142 Among the States and Townes assigned to the English by vertue of the treatie at Bretigny which had reuolted to the French was the Citie of Limoges in Limosin whither the Prince marcheth sits down with his armie before it Thither came vnto him out of England his brethren the D. of Lancaster the Earle of Cambridge with a fresh supplie of valiant Chiefs and Souldiers The City stood it out to the vttermost and was forceably entred where mercy had nothing to saue nor spare the sword and fire for terror to other killing and defacing in a manner all Hee who writes that the Prince flew vp neere to Paris and scarsely by reason of Glequins valour got backe to Burdeaux seemes to haue mistaken therein as in many other things concerning vs of great importance After this seruice the Prince health failing him more more leaues his Brethren in Aquitaine and sailes into England 143 The French in the meane time wonne towns and places in Aquitaine gathering new hopes after so long and perpetuall infelicities The losse of that expert Captaine Sir Iohn Chandoys vnfortunately slaine was a great aduantage to their desires whose whole care for warre rested vpon Glequin not long before aduanced for his military vertue from low estate to so great eminencie as to bee Constable of France the chiefest officer for warre which that Kingdome hath and he a man of much proofe in good and euill fortune so tempered his courage with discretion that he onely first bad his Country rise againe and endeauor in despite of euill fortune to reflourish 144 The Prince of Wales wanting health vpon comming to his fathers sight rendred vp the Dutchie of Aquitaine to bee disposed of as to his roiall pleasure seemed good While King Edward was at Clarendon there repaired to him the factious king of Nauarre whose errand was to make an ouerture of association against the French but as his offers were acceptable so his cautions not seeming sufficient hee returned after great entertainement without concluding 145 Iohn Duke of Lancaster and his brother the Earle of Cambridge doe now returne out of Aquitaine with the Ladies Constance and Isabel daughters of Don Pedro late King of Spaine whom they married The Duke thereupon instiling himselfe King and his wife Queene of Castile and Leon. Nor was the English name onely encreased in titularie honors for about this time the Flemings who had prouoked vs were vanquisht by the Earle of Hereford at sea in a sharpe fight about twentie and fiue of their shippes being taken and all the men slain The sweete of this victory was sowred not long after with a grieuous losse for the French hauing besieged the strong Citie of Rochel in Santoin with the aide by sea of Henry King of Castile to relieue the English Iohn Earle of Pembroke was sent with about forty shippes men victuals munition and mony to the value of twenty thousand marks forthe vses of the warre but being sodainely assailed with the Spanish Armado which consisted of many great shippes vnder the command of Ambrose Buccanigra and others the English after a long and cruell conflict were vtterly distressed the Earle taken prisoner and almost all the rest either taken or put to the sword Rochel held out notwithstanding to whose reliefe while King Edward himselfe in person with an extraordinary force set saile the wind alwayes till that time fauourable to his voyages for France came Easterly and draue him backe into England with great griefe and the waste they write of nine hundred thousand pounds sterling Neither did hee so giue ouer the care of that strong Peece which the English most manfully made good against the enemie 146 Rochel thus persisting in loyall resolution Iohn Duke of Britaine who had married the Lady Marie daughter of King Edward a Gentleman of much gratitude toward the English the authors of his fortunes resolues to aduenture his state in their quarrell ships away for England hath aide ministred vnto him hee returnes and warres with various euent But Iohn Duke of Lancaster with a very great Armie comes to Callis and from thence marcheth ouer the whole face of France and though with losse of many thousand horse in the desert countries of Aâ—…ergn throgh famin came safe but with an almost-hunger-starued Army to Burdeaux Not long after hee drew into the field and a day was appointed betweene him and the Duke of Anion the French Kings brother to haue tried the quarrell of their Nations by set battell before the City of Tholouz in Languedoc but by an vntimely a pernitious short truce to which K. Edward yeelded because his son the Prince lay dangerously sick the hoped victory not onlie slipt out of the English mens hands but almost all aduantage also of doing any thing else seasonably The French boasted themselues as of a Conquest who notwithstanding did helpe out their valiancy with policie
opinion of all the Chiefe Lawyers concerning certaine Articles of Treason within whose nets and sprindges they presumed the reforming Lords were and if the Lawyers who seldome faile Princes in such turnes did conclude that those Articles contained treasonable matter then vnder a shew of iustice they should bee proceeded against accordinglie These Lawyers who were the very men which in the last seditious Parliament gaue aduise to the Lords to doe as they did now meeting were demanded whether by the law of the land the King mâ—…ght not disanull the Decrees of the last Parliament they iointly answered he might because hee was aboue the lawes confessing that themselues had in that Parliament decreed many things and giuen their iudgement that all was acording to law which now they acknowledged to be altogether vnlawfull The King thus enformed appointeth a great Councell to be holden at Nottingham and sent for certaine Londoners some of them such as were beholding to the King for mercie in cases of attaindour to be there empanelled for Quests of Inquirie The Sheriffes of Shires being questioned denied that they could raise any competent forces against the Lords their whole Counties were so addicted in their fauour being further willed to suffer no Knights to be chosen for the Shires but such as the King his Councell should name they answered that the election belonged to the Commons who fauoured the Lords in all 72 Vpon the 25. of August there met before the King at Nottingham these Lawyers Robert Trisilian his chiefe Iustitiar Robert Belknap chiefe Iustitiar of the common Pleas Iohn Holt Roger Stilethorpe William Burgh Iustitiars in the same Court and Iohn Lokton the Kings Serieant at Law all which being vpon their allegiance charged to deliuer their opinions whether such Articles as were there in the Kings behalfe propounded which Articles comprehended all the points of aduantage taken against the proceedings of the last Parliament and the displacing of the Lord Chancellor Michael de Pole contained matter of treason they all of them answered affirmatiuely and subscribed which afterward cost them deare Iudge Belknap foresaw the danger and therefore was very vnwilling to put his seale to the answeres saying there wanted but a hurdle a horse and a halter to carrie him where hee might suffer the death hee deserued for if I had not done this quoth he I should haue died for it and because I haue done it I deserue death for betraying the Lordes The King in the meane space puruaies himselfe of people to fight if need required 73 The Duke of Glocester sadded with these newes sent the Bishoppe of London to bring his purgation vpon oath to the King who inclining to credite the same was in an euill howre diuerted by De la Pole The Duke makes his and their common danger known to the Earles of Arundel Warwicke Derby eldest sonne to the Duke of Lancaster They seuerally gather forces that vnited they might present their griefes to the King who to keep them from ioyning sends the Earle of Northumberland to arrest the Earle of Arundel at â—…eygate in Surrey where hee abode But by reason of Arundels power it was too dangerous a worke Northumberland returnes and Arundel admonished by the Duke of Glocester of his farther perill escapeth in post to Haringey where the Duke and Earle of Warwicke had store of people 74 As yet no bloud was drawne Peaceable men procured that the Lords should repaire safe to Westminster and there be heard Thither approaching they are aduertised by the Bishop of Elie and others who had sworne on the kings behalfe for good dealing to be vsed during the Interim that at the Mewes by Charing Crosse a thousand armed men which without the Kings priuity Sir Thomas Triâ—…et and Sir Nicholas Brembre Knights were reported to haue laid for their destruction attended in ambush The King sweares his innocency but the Lords come strong and trust no longer The King royally adorned keepes state in Westminster Hall with manie his Prelates and Peeres about him the Lords present themselues vpon their knees and being required by the Eishop of Elye the Lord Chancellour for the Lord De la Pole neuer had that place againe why they were in warlike manner assembled at Haringey Parke contrary to the lawes their ioint answere was That they were assembled for the good of the King and kingdome and to weed from about him such Traitors as hee continually held with him The traitors they named to bee Robert de Vere Duke of Ireland Alexander Neuile Archbishoppe of Yorke Michael at the Pole Earle of Suffolke Sir Robert Tresilian that false â—…stitiar quoth they and Sir Nicholas Brambre that false Knight of London To proue them such they threw downe their gloues as gages of challenge for a triall to bee had by the sword The King hereunto replied as knowing that they were all hidden out of the way This shall not bee done so but at the next Parliament which shall be the morrow after Candlemas all parties shall receiue according as they deserue And now saith hee to yee my Lords how or by what authority durst you presume to leuie force against mee in this-land did you thinke to haue terrified mee by such your presumption haue not I men of Armes who if it pleased me could enuiron and kill you like Cattle Certainely in this respect I esteeme of you all no more then as of the basest scullions in my Kitchens Hauing vsed these and many the like high words hee tooke vp his vncle the Duke from the ground where all this while hee kneeled and bad all the other rise The rest of the conference was calme and the whole deferred till the next Parliament then shortly to be holden at Westminster In the meane time that the world might see how little able the King was to equall his words with deedes a Proclamation is set forth in which the King cleareth the Lords before any trial of treason obiected and names those persoâ—… for vniust accusers whom the Lords had before named 75 The factious Lords neuerthelesse thought not good to seuer themselues but to keepe together for feare of the worst which fell out to their aduantage for the Duke of Ireland with the Kings priuitie had gathered a power in Wales and Cheshire which they intercepting neere to Burford and Babblake slew Sir William Molineux leader of the Cheshire men and some others and made the Duke to flie in great feare Among the spoiles of the Dukes carriages there were found as the Diuell would haue it certaine letters of the King to the said Duke of Ireland by which their counsels were plainely discouered The Lords hereupon march with speede vp to London hauing an Armie of about forty thousand men The King shuts himselfe vp in the Tower but is glad before long to admit them to his presence There they vnreuerently inough obiect mutability to him and
both by Clergy and Laity Hereupon the Lord Henry Percy Hotspur who had redeemed himself was called from his charge at Callis and made Warden of the Marches against Scotland Thomas Moubray Earle of Nottingham succeeding in the Captaineship of Calys The Dukes chargefull emploiment in France bare no other flower then a yeeres short truce 89 The Kings wants still encreasing with his imploiments the Londoners carried away with euill counsell did a thing most vnworthy of their Citie and themselues and it might to them haue proued as hurtfull as it was vnworthy at such time as the King desired the loane but of one thousand pounds which was not onely churlishly denied but a certaine Lumbard honestly offering to lend the same was badly vsed beaten and almost slain Their liberties for that and other disorders are seised and their proper Magistracy dissolued Guardians being giuen them first Sir Edward Dallinging then Sir Baldwin Radington and their Maior and some chiefe Citizens layed in prisons farre off from London The punishment brought the fowlenesse of their errors to their sight but by the Duke of Glocesters intercessions who did not vnwillingly lay hold vpon such occasions of popularity the king and Queene are wonne to enter the City which gaue them triumphall entertainement The sea is not sodainely calmed after a tempest neither a Princes anger By degrees yet and not without deare repentance they were at last restored to their former condition in all points 90 The king declaring his purpose to crosse into Ireland had an aide of money conditionally granted foure yeeres truce by the trauaile of the two Dukes of Lancaster and Glocester being concluded in France This yeere was farther notable for many great Funerals Constance Dutchesse of Aquitaine and Lancaster a Lady of great Innocency and deuotion the Countesse of Derby her daughter in law Isabel the Dutchesse of Yorke and a Lady noted for too great a finenesse and delicacy yet at her death shewing much repentance and sorrow for her loue to those pestilent vanities left this present life But all the griefe for their deaths did in no sort equall that of the kings for the losse of his owne Queene Anne which about the same time hapned at Sheene in Surrey whom he loued euen to a kind of madnesse but Ladies onely died not for Sir Iohn Hawkwood whose cheualrie had made him renowned ouer the Christian world did in this yeere depart an aged man out of this world in Florence where his ashes remaine honoured at this present with a stately Tombe and the statue of a Man at Armes erected by the gratitude of that State and City which chiefly by his conduct courage and valour to this day admired amongst them was preserued The Italian Writers both Historians and Poets highlie celebrating his matchlesse prowesse enstyle him Anglorum decus decus addite genti Italicae Italico prasidiumque Solo. Englands prime honour Italies renowne Who vpheld all Italie from sinking down But the Duke of Lancaster hauing all things ready sets saile to Burdeaux there with the consent of the State to take possession of his lately granted Dutchie 91 The King doth the like for Ireland where that sort of the Irish which are called the wild had greatly inuested the English Pale and other good Subiects there to the great dammage of the Crown of England In the times of Edward the third Ireland yeelded to the kings coffers thirty thousand pounds yeerly but now things were so grown out of order that it cost the King thirty thousand Marks by yeere To reduce the rebellious himselfe conducts thither an Armie attended vpon by the Duke of Glocester the Earles of March Nottingham and Rutland all the Irish being commanded to auoid out of England The terror of the preparatiōs shining presence of a king which aboue al worldly things is pleasāt to the Irish had such effects that sundry great men were compelled to submit themselues To supply the Kings wants growne in the Irish expedition Edmund D. of Yorke the Kings vncle and Custos or Warden of England called a Parliament at London whither the Duke of Glocester repaired to declare the Kings wants and hath contributions granted Neuerthelesse so strong a party against the Clergy Fryarly abuses of those times discouered it selfe therein that the Archbishop of Yorke the Bishop of London and others prest ouer Sea to the King at Dublin beseeching him to returne the sooner to represse the Lollards so called they the embracers of Wicliffes doctrine and their fauourers who sought not onely as they vntruly pretended to wring away all the possessions of the Church but that which was worse to abrogate and destroy al Ecclesiasticall constitutions whereas they aimed onely at the redresse of exorbitancy in the Papal Clergy The King hereupon returnes by whose arriuall and authority those consultations of the Laity were laid downe Sir Richard Storie a seruant of his had been forward against the Prelates of him therefore hee takes an oath vpon the holy Gospell that he should not hold such opinions any longer The Knight takes that oath and we saith the King doe sweare that if thou doest breake it thou shalt die a most shamefull death The rest hearing the Lion roare so terribly drew in their hornes and would be seen no more 92 The King caused the body of the late Duke of Ireland to bee brought into England His exceeding loue to him was such that he commanded the Cypresse chest wherein his body lay embalmed to bee opened that hee might see view handle and openly expresse his affection The dead remaines of that noble young Gentleman by his birthright Earle of Oxford and by race a Vere were buried at the Priorie of Coln in Essex there being present the King himselfe the Countesse Dowager of Oxford the Dukes mother the Archbishoppe of Canterburie with many Bishops Abbots and religious persons but few of the Lords for they had not as yet digested the hate they bare him 93 The Duke of Lancaster was this while in Aquitaine where he had sought to winne the people with incredible largesse to accept of his Soueraignty according to the tenor of King Richards grant Little did he then thinke that within lesse then sixescore and three yeeres after an Ambassador of King Henry the 8. should write thus of Burdeaux it selfe the Capitall City of Gascoign and Guien Anglorum nulla ferè vestigia remanent c. There are saith that learned Gentleman scarse any foot-prints of the Englishmen remaining In the Churches and other places newly refreshed and reedified such Armories of the English as stood were vtterly blotted and defaced yet in the Church of the Fryers Preachers the Armories of the Duke of Lancaster stand entire in a Glasse-window and in the oldest wall of the City those also of England though consumed in a manner with age The Lawes Statutes and Ordinations which were
had as some say suborned Edward Earle of Arundel Thomas Earle Marshall Thomas Holland Earle of Kent Iohn Holland Earle of Huntington Thomas Beaufort Earle of Somerset Iohn Montacute Earle of Salisbury Thomas Lord Spencer and Sir William Scroope Lord Chamberlaine 100 In September begins the Parliament at London where the king had a great guard of Chesshire men to secure his person and the Lords attended also not without sufficient numbers The Kings chiefe Agents were Sir Iohn Bushy Sir William Bagod and Sir Henry Greene knights In the first act after the liberties of the Church and people confirmed we find these words The commons of the Parliament haue shewed to our Souereigne Lord the King how in the Parliament holden at Westminster the first day of October in the tenth yeere of his reigne Thomas Duke of Glocester and Richard Earle of Arundell traitours to the King and his Realme and his people by false imagination and compassing caused a Commission to bee made c. and that the said Duke of Glocester and Earle of Arundel did send a great man and Peere of the Realme in message to our Lord the King who of their part said that if he would not grant and assent to the said Commission HEE SHOVLD DE IN GREAT PERIL OF HIS LIFE and so as well the said Commission as the said Statute touching the said Commission were made by constraint c. Wherefore the Commons pray their Soueraigne Lord the King that the said Commission c be vtterly anulled as a thing done TRAITEROVSLY c. 101 The sanctuary of former lawes and all particular Charters of pardon being now taken away from the Duke Earle and others they lay open to manifest ruine The Duke of Lancaster sate in iudgement as High Steward vpon Richard Earle of Arundel where for no other but for the old attempts though the other accusations seeme to haue been auerred by the eight Appellants by which as ye haue heard so many were displaced and put to death hee adiudged him to die that soule death of a common Traitor but the King satisfied himselfe with onely his head which was at one stroake taken of at Tower-hill That he was a traitour either in word or deede he vtterly did deny and died in that deniall The constancy of this Earles carriage aswell at his arraignement passage and execution as in which he did not discolour the honour of his blood with anie degenerous word looke or action encreased the enuie of his death vpon the prosecutors The Earle of Warwicke confessed with teares and as some say drawne by faire hope of life that in adhering to the Duke of Glocester in those ridings and assemblies hee was guilty of treason The same sentence was therefore pronounced vpon him The King neuerthelesse did only banish him into the I le of Man But the Duke of Glocester whom as the peoples darling it seemed not safe to bring to a publike triall was secretlie smothered at Calis with pillowes and feather-beds 102 The great Parliament for so it seemes to haue beene called by reason of the extraordinarie numbers of Peeres and their retinues which came thereunto was holpen by adiournment at Shewsbury In it those Iustitiars who were partly put to death and partly banished but all attainted at such time as the Duke of Glocester and the rest were in armes doe all of them stand thereby cleared from dishonor and such Articles as they subscribed being together with their answeres set downe in the Act are publikely ratified and the offendors against them pronounced Traitours Amongst these Articles one conteining these great Lawyers iudgements concerning the orderly proceedings in al Parliament is very obseruable That after the cause of such assembly is by the Kings commandement there declared such Articles as by the King are limitted for the Lords and Commons to proceed in are first to bee handled but if any should proceed vpon other Articles and refuse to proceed vpon those limitted by the King till the King had first answered their proposals contrary to the Kings command such doing herein contrary to the rule of the King are to be punished as Traitors But the King to content all parts and to kindle new lights in the place of such as he had extinguished hauing first created himselfe Prince of Chester made his cosen Henry Earle of Derby Duke of Hereford the Earle of Rutland Duke of Aumarl the Earle of Nottingham Duke of Norfolke the Earle of Kent Duke of Surrey the Earle of Huntington Duke of Excester the Earle of Somerset Marquesse Dorset the Lord Spencer Earle of Glocester the Lord Neuile Earle of Westmorland William Scrope Earle of Wiltshire Thomas Percy Earle of Worcester The King also saith Walsingham added to his Scucheon Royall the armories of Saint Edward King and confessor 103 The formost in this goodly ranke being Henry Duke of Hereford not long after accused Thomas Duke of Norfolke of certaine words sounding to the kings dishonour which hee should priuately vtter to the said Henry Polydor though very negligently hee makes Mowbray the Accuser and Hereford Defendant may yet be heard in reporting the effect of the words as That King Richard held the Peeres of the land in no account but as much as lay in him sought to destroy them by banishing some and putting others to death That hee neuer troubled his mind with considering how his Dominions were diminished through his Idlenesse Finally that all things went to wracke as well in peace as war But the Duke of Norfolke who vnlesse it had beene to feele how the Duke of Herefords heart was affected to the king had little reason so to complaine most constantly denying that euer he spake such wordes it should haue come to a combat within lists but the king to â—…uoid as hee pretended such deadly fewds as might rise in the families of two such potent Peeres but indeed to bee rid of an enemie with the losse of a friend banished Norfolke for euer and Hereford first for ten yeeres then for sixe Walsingham saith that this censure was giuen against Norfolke vpon that very day in which the yeere before he by the kings commandement had taken order for putting to death the Duke of Glocester at Callis whereof the said Duke of Norfolke had the Captaineship 104 Fearefull were the tragedies which ensued these times and heare now what is written of some Portents or wonders presaging the same The Bay or Laurell trees withered ouer all England and afterward reflourished contrary to many mens opinion and vpon the first of Ianuary neere Bedford towne the riuer between the villages of Swelston and Harleswood where it was deepest did vpon the sodaine stand still and so diuided it selfe that the bottome remained drie for about three miles space which seemed saith Walsingham to portend that reuolt from the King and the diuision which ensued 105 Roger Mortimer Earle of March
him to draw his comfort out of holy meditations as one whose violent death ensued before long and turne ouer to his politike and martiall Successor 117 Yet in our way wee may not quite ouerpasse a cursory consideration of the affaires of the Church vnder this King which for auoiding often interruptions of other argument we haue put off to this last place For albeit the Kingdome indured great crosses in the affaires of State yet some haue thought that it found as great blessings in matters of religion which in those daies tooke so deepe root in this our land by the preaching of Iohn Wicliffe that the branches thereof did spread themselues euen ouer the Seas Nor were the common people only allured with his doctrine though the Londoners fauouring of him is thought by Walsingham to haue deterred the Prelates from proceeding against him and a scholler of his in Leicestershire is said to haue drawn by his preaching all the Laymen in that Countrey but as the same Authour reporteth sundrie of the Fryars themselues fell to him and imbraced his opinions amongst whom one being also the Popes Chaplaine so discouered by preaching the murders luxuries and treasons of Fryars of his owne Habit that the common people were astonied with the horror thereof and cried out to haue them all vtterly destroied which his accusations he particularlie iustified by publike writing professing he came forth of that Order as out of the Diuels nest But that which Walsingham much more admires is that Wicliffes opinions were not onlie entertained in ordinary Cities but euen in the Vniuersity of Oxford it selfe where was the very top of wisdome and learning and where not only two Chancellors successiuely Doctor Nicholas Hereford and Robert Rugge were most earnest maintainers of Wicliffes doctrine but also when the pope to suppresse the same doctrine sent his Bull to the Vniuersity threatning the priuation of all their priuileges the Proctors and Regents thereof were very doubtfull whether they should receiue the Popes Bull with honour or rather reiect it with open disgrace Yea the whole body of that glorious Vniuersitie as the Pope there cals it in his Bull gaue a glorious Testimony vnder their publike seale of Wicliffes religious life profound learning orthodoxe opinions exquisite writings all farthest from any staine of heresie 118 And therefore no marueile if not onely the Duke of Lancaster with sundry Peeres and great ones but King Edward 3. himselfe were as Capgraue testifieth a fauourer of him and King Richard 2. and the whole Parliament did according to his instructions much labour to abrogate the Popes Transcendent power which was a principall cause of the Popes hatred against him Notwithstanding to discountenance the truth which he taught in defence of Regall Supremacy against Papall Vsurpation as also against the Masse Transubstantiation Merit against Adoration of the Hoast of Saints Images and Reliques against Fryarly Orders Pilgrimages Indulgences many lewd opinions by misconstruction as his bookes yet extant euince are fathered on him yea some so monstrous and diabolicall as that Men ought yea that God himselfe ought to obay the Diuell that that any man which heareth them will presently belieue without further perswasion that they are but malicious figments This famous Doctor dying of a palsie hath this charitable Euloge or Epitaph bestowed on him by a Monke The Diuels Instrument Churches Enemy Peoples Confusion Heretikes Idole Hypocrites mirrour Schismes broacher hatreds sower lyes forger Flatteries sincke who at his death dispaired like Cain and stricken by the horrible iudgement of God breathed forth his wicked soule to the darke mansion of the blacke diuell Whereby Gods best children may learne not to regard whiles they liue the malice of the wicked nor to respect after their death ought else but their slanderous rancor And thus we conclude the raigne though not the life of King Richard His first wife 119 The first wife of King Richard the second was Anne daughter vnto the Emperour Charles the fourth and sister to Wenceslaus Emperour and King of Bohemia who was crowned Quene the 22. of Ianuary 1384. Hauing beene tenne yeeres his wife shee dyed without any issue at Sheen in the County of Surrey 1394. whence her body was conuayed and buried at Westminster the seuenth of the Ides of Iune His second Wife 120 Isabell daughter vnto Charles the sixth King of France was a virgin about seuen yeers of age when shee was affianced vnto King Richard 1396. Neither had her husband it seemeth anie nuptiall fruition of her by reason of her tender age before such time as his traiterous Lords to compasse their owne disloyall purposes and gratifie an vsurpers ambition had dethroned him What became of this young Ladie we shall further see in the ensuing storie HENRIE THE FOVRTH KING OF ENGLAND AND FRANCE LORD OF IRELAND THE FIFTIE ONE MONARCH OF ENGLAND HIS RAIGNE ACTS AND ISSVE CHAPTER XIIII HENRIE of that name the fourth hauing thus obtained the title of king in full accomplishment of all rites peculiar to Maiesty had the Crowne of England set vpon his head with all worldly magnificence and honour at Westminster by Thomas Arundel Archbishoppe of Canterbury vpon the selfe day twelue moneth in which hee had formerly beene banished vnder Richard the second Power and fauour can set vp and maintaine a King though they cannot create aright But such transcendent courses deuiating from all due regulation of Iustice haue been too frequent in this Kingdome What right had William surnamed the Conquerour what right we speake of a right of Equity had his sonnes William the second and Henry the first while their elder brother liued what right had that valiant and princely Stephen what was the interest of Henry the second during the life of his mother Mathildis or that of King Iohn till his Nephew Arthur Duke of Britaine died yea or that of Henry the third till Arthurs sister died in her prison at Bristow How beit in this present case not only Richard the late king but the house of Mortimer claiming from the onely daughter* and heire of Lionel Duke of Clarente an elder brother of Iohn D. of Lancaster doubly might haue withstood the legall challenge of this Prince That obstacle which grew by Richard was in apparance greatest but the other was onely dangerous Richard had no issue but the line of Mortimer engraffed by marriage into the house of Yorke feeling it selfe vnable to preuaile and during Richards life time hauing no right secretly fostered in it selfe those fires which afterward brake forth and taking hold of the roofe-tops of both the royall houses neuer left burning till no one principall timber was vnconsumed in either all the Male-Issues which could claime by a direct line vtterlie lopt downe thousand friends at Pomfret they proceed to Wallingford then to Abingdon and so to Circester The rumors vsed by
them to encrease their numbers were that Henry of Lancaster meaning the King was fled with his sonnes and friends to the Tower of London and that King Richard was escaped Maudlen also one of Richards Chapleins tooke vpon him the person of his said Lord the more strongly to seduce the multitude by so bold and perilous a fiction Thus seemed they to fit their words and sute their Arts to the place At Sunning Richard they said was at Pomfret for there the guile had beene transparent but at Circester Richard was not at Pomfret but present 17 How beit the successe was not answerable to the deuise for besides that King Henry was in the heart of his strengths at London where sixe thousand men were put into a readines and would come vpon them like a storme the Townesmen of Circester assailed the Lords tooke them and because their Town was fired of purpose by some of their followers the better to recouer them while the quenching found the people employment haled them forth and without longer tarriance seuered their heads from their bodies The Earle of Huntington with a trustie Knight of his Sir Iohn Sheuele hauing after the faile at Windsore in vaine attempted to escape by Sea was taken by the Commons at Pitwel perhaps Prittlewel in Essex brought first to Chelmsford and lastlie to Pleshie the house of the late Duke of Glocester whose Ghost a tragicall Poet would suppose did haunt his persecutors for reuenge where partlie also by this Earles instigation the said Glocester was first arrested The Commons out of whose hearts the image of that Duke was not vanished at the Countesse of Herefords instigation who was the Dukes widdow tooke satisfaction vpon the Earle with the escheate of his head which there was sundred from his shoulders The Lord Spencer called Earle of Glocester one of the Conspirators had like execution done vpon him by the Commons at Bristol Some other of them were put to death at Oxford and some at London where Iohn Maudlen the Counterfeit Richard who as it seemes was a beautifull and goodlie person and one William Ferby were drawne hanged and headed The Bishop of Carleol neuerthelesse was by the Kings clemencie preserued aliue after the condemnatory sentence There were nineteene in all whereof two had beene Dukes put to death for this conspiracy most of which were men of speciall note 18 The designes and misfortunes of King Richards friends being made known vnto him could not but worke strongly in a soule opprest with griefe but whether so strongly as to make him resolue by voluntary abstinence to starue himselfe as the fame went may bee doubted though it be past doubt that King Henry was not sorrie hee was dead howsoeuer That he was starued seemes verie plaine though as it is not certaine neither yet vnlikely that King Henry was priuy to so foule a parricide so neither is it knowne but that Richard might as well be starued of purpose as starue himselfe Master Stow a man for honest industry very praiseworthie saith that king Richard was fifteene daies and nights together kept in hunger thirst and cold till hee died How true that was in the circumstance who knows but in the point of staruing hee is clearelie with Walsingham and a Knight liuing about those times calleth it a death neuer before that time knowne in England Harding also liuing vnder King Edward the fourth agrees of the rumour of staruing Master Cambden saith of Pomfret Castle that it is a place principum cade sanguine infamis but seemes to insinuate that some other torments were most wickedly practised vpon this King as made out of the way with hunger cold and vnheard-of torments Polydore therefore may in this bee beleeued who writes of this poore deposed Monarke that which may well be called vnheard-of torments his diet being serued in and set before him in the wonted Princely manner he was not suffered either to taste or touch thereof Idle therefore seemes his dreame who writes hee was murthered in the Tower and not more credible theirs who tell vs of Sir Peirs of Extons assault and the murther basely by him acted vpon this most miserable Princes person but much more are they to blame who negligently for credit of the fable quote Walsingham in whom no syllable of such a thing is found Onely Hector Boetius wils vs to belieue that Richard fled disguised into Scotland was discouered to King Robert and honourably entertained but Richard who would no more of the world gaue himselfe wholy to contemplation and both liued died and was buried at Striueling Which fond fable hath neuerthelesse somewhat in it for that some personated Richard might so doe is neither impossible nor improbable and indeed it was so 19 The late King Richard thus cruelly and heinously murthered for in regard of pining death the seeming fable of his fight with Sir Peirs of Exton was a sport it being both noble and full of comfort for a man of honour and courage to die with weapon in hand King Henry causeth his dead body to bee brought vp to London O Henry if thou wert Author or but priuie though for thine owne pretended safetie and for that errors cause which is lewdly mis-called reason of state of such a murther we doe not see how the shewing of the people his vncouered face in Pauls did either conceale or extenuate the execrable crime But to let the world know that there was no hope nor place for a Richard that course was vsed which may the rather confirme the truth of his enfamishment for a violent death by braining could not but deforme him too much and it is most probable that such a death would bee sought as might least appeare Surely he is not a man who at the report of so exquisite a barbarisme as Richards enfamishment feeles not chilling horror and detestation what if but for a iustly condemned galley-slaue so dying but how for an annointed King whose Character like that of holy Orders is indeleble The tragicall spectacle of his dead body perhaps because it moued too much both pittie and enuie was after a while transported without honor to Langley in Hartfordshire where the last rites were performed by the Bishop of Chester the Abbats of S. Alban and Waltham but neither King Henry present as at the exequies in London and the great Lords and such other as were had not so much as a funerall feast bestowed on them for their labour But Henry the fifth in the first yeere of his raigne with great honour did afterward cause those royall remaines to be interred in the Sepulture of his Ancestors at Westminster Among the riming Latine verses of his Epitaph ye may maruell to reade these considering vpon what points he was triced out of Maiestie and State Ecclesiam fauit elatos suppeditauit Quemuis prostrauit
caused K. Richards signet to bee counterfeited wherwith he sealed sundry consolatorie and exhortatory letters to his friends indited in K. Richards name wherupon many in Essex gaue credit to the Countesse among the rest som Abbots of that Countie Into this smokedid al the deuise euaporate 42 And no lesse smokie was both the deuise successe of certain in the Parliament held this year at Couentry called the lack learning Parliament either for the vnlearnednesse of the persons or for their malice to learned men where to supply the Kings wants a bill was exhibited against the Temporalties of the Clergie but by the courage of the Archbishop of Canterburie who told them it was the enriching of themselues not of the King which they respected in their sacrilegious petitions and by the gracious care of the King who vowed to leaue the Church in better state then he found it rather then in worse their motion vanished to nothing but the infamous memory of the attempters It is obserued that a Knight the chiefe speaker in this bill against the Clergy had beene himselfe a Deacon and so himselfe first aduanced by the Clergy With great reason therefore did our forefathers distinguish the people into the learned and lewd inferring truely that such commonlie were lewd who were not learned and that lewd and wicked were but two words of one signification as in this Parliament well appeared whose Commons might enter Common with their cattel for any vertue which they had more then brute Creatures 43 Twife after this betweene Christmas and Palmesunday the King assembled the States againe once at London and then at Saint Alban for the cause of money but with much distast the Peeres of the land rising from the last Session thereof meanely contented as it well appeared not long after though to the enterprisers ruine Thomas Mowbray Earle Marshall one of the chiefe men which disliked the carriage of publike matters drawes Richardle Scrope Archbishoppe of Yorke into a conspiracy in ful hope that Henrie Percie Earle of Northumberland the Lord Bardolf the Citizens of Yorke and the common people would assist their cause which was glosed with the specious pretence of redressing publike abuses hapning through the Kings default The Earle of Westmerland hearing of this attempt wherein the Earle Marshall and the Archbishoppe were leaders of the people gathers a force to encounter them but perceiuing himselfe too feeble he betakes himselfe to fraud and by faining to like the quarrell got them both into his power and presented them as an acceptable oblation to the King who about Whitsontide comes to Yorke where albeit the Earle of Westmerland had promised them their liues aswell the Archbishoppe as the Earle Marshall were beheaded But the next yeere the Pope excommunicated all such as had a hand in putting the Archbishoppe to death It was said of Tiberius Casar in a Satyricall libel regnabit sanguine multo Adregnum quisquis venit ab exilio Who first Exi◅de is after crown'd His raigne with bloud will much abound 44 This the King verified in his person who comming out of banishment could not support his Title and estate but by shedding much bloud of subiects For not contented with those two liues he pursueth the Earle of Northumberland and Lord Bardolf with an inuincible Armie of seuen and thirty thousand men but they vnable to make head against so mighty a force take Berwicke for refuge Thither the King marcheth at the sound whereof they both distrustfull of their safety flie into Scotland where the Lord Flemming entertaines them Berwicke vpon hope of succours out of Scotland which gladly nourished the English miseries and the English theirs refused to render whereupon the King plants a battering piece against a Tower in the wall which as it threw downe the halfe thereof with one shot so did it quite ouerthrow all the defendants courages who presently yeelded the place vpon hard and desperate terms for they were partly hanged and partly emprisoned After Berwicke was thus recouered the king takes Alnwicke all other Castles belonging to the Earle and thinking the like happines would shine vpon him in Wales he crosseth ouer thither where it fell out far otherwise not by the manhood of the Welsh but by the sodaine rage of waters which destroied his carriages and about fiftie wains as was said laden with much treasure therfore he returns to Worcester Owen Glendowr the chief captain of the Welsh natiō expecting fearing a reuenge had before this time confederated himselfe with the French who in 140. ships arriued at Milford hauen to the aid of Owen hauing well neere first lost all their horses in the passage for want of fresh water The Lord Berkley and Henrie de Pay by what meanes appeares not burnt fifteen of that number in the harbour They made the entrance of their warre by laying siege to the Towne of Carmarden in South-Wales which the Garrison being permitted to depart with bagge and baggage was yeelded 45 The King being againe in need of money after long vnwillingnesse and delay the Parliament furnished him rather ouercome with wearinesse in contradiction then for any great good will Some of his treasure was employed as it seemes vpon secret practises with the Scots that the Earle of Northumberland and the Lord Bardolfe might bee deliuered into his hands in exchange for some Scots whereupon they fled into Wales and the Scots missing their purpose slew Dauid Lord Flemming for discouering their intention to his distressed guests as by the lawes of honour and hospitality he was obliged which filled Scotland with ciuill discords To auoide the dangers whereof and to better his education the King of Scots sent his sonne and heire by sea into France whom together with the Bishoppe of Orknay certaine Mariners of Cley in Norfolke surprized at sea and presented to the King who committed him prisoner to the Tower of London Meanewhile the French prosecuting their affaires in Wales sent thither eight and thirty shippes full of souldiers of which number the English tooke eight the rest escaping in great feare to Wales and not long after other fifteene saile laden with waxe and wine This fortune though good was nothing in regard of the seruice which Henry Pay with certaine shippes of the Cinque Ports and about fifteene other exployted vpon a great Fleet containing sixscore saile whose ladings were yron salt oyle and Rochel wine The same times was a felon put to death for hauing in many places of London dared secretly to set vp bils containing newes that King Richard was aliue The fearefull plague of pestilence slew multitudes of people through the Realm chiefly in London where within a short space it destroyed thirty thousand That most renowned Captaine Sir Robert Knolles who had led so many liuing men to their honourable deaths in battel was now captiued himselfe by death vpon the fifteenth day of
indeed was his owne when sometimes in shufling he nothing was spared but bare away many knocks the lenders whereof hee would frankly reward when they complained vnto him of their losses receiued which euer were abated in the foot of their accounts 6 Our learned Knight Eliot setting his pen to portrait a perfect Gouernour recordeth a story retaining this Princes great fame the credit whereof let it lie vpon himselfe It chanced saith he a seruant of his to bee arraigned for felony at the Kings Bench-Barre where standing ready to receiue sentence of death the Prince had intelligence and posted thither where finding his seruant made sure for starting commanded his fetters to be strucke off the fellow arraigned to be freed the Court. All men amased at this his approach and speech the Chiefe Iustice stood vp and shewed the Prince that his seate was the Kings that lawes were the sinewes of the Common-wealth that himselfe was sworn to doe Iustice and must yeeld an account for all that he did that he honored him as the eldest sonne of his Soueraigne and Prince but to set free the prisoner hee could not hauing so apparantly endangered his life to the law and therefore desired the Prince if hee held him in such esteeme to saue him by pardon from the King and not to infringe the law which he told him plainely he should not doe 7 The Prince enraged to haue the deniall assaied himselfe to set free the Prisoner which the Chiefe Iustice forbadde commanding him vpon his allegiance to cease from such riot and to keepe the Kings peace whereat Prince Henry in a furie stept vp to the Bench and gaue the Iudge a blow on the face who nothing daunted sate still and with a bold countenance spake thus to the Prince Sir I pray you remember your selfe this seat of iudgement which here I possesse is not mine but your Fathers to whom and to his lawes you owe double obedience If his Hignesse be thus contemned and his lawes violated by you that should shew your selfe obedient to both who will obey you when you are a Soueraigne or minister execution to the lawes that you shall make Wherefore for this attempt in your Fathers name I commit you prisoner vnto the Kings Bench there to remaine vntill his Matesties pleasure be further known With which words the Prince greatly abashed stood mute by the Iudge and fixing his eyes vpon his reuerend face presently laid from him his weapons and with humble obeisance done departed to prison The King vnderstanding the whole circumstance greatly reioyced that he had a Sonne of such obedience to his laws and a Iudge so vpright to administer them without either fauour or feare of the person notwithstanding for this and other like actions of his youth he remoued him from being President of his Priuie Councell and placed in his stead Thomas Duke of Clarence his second brother to Prince Henries no little griefe and discontent 8 Howbeit his followers were nothing diminished but his Court frequented more then his fathers which bred some suspition in the crazie kings head lest among his other wild parts hee would attempt to play with his Crowne which was encreased by his domesticall flatterers who dayly buzzed new iealousies into his eares This made Prince Henry as Otterborne noteth to strengthen himselfe with his chiefest friends and well-willers and with such a troupe repaired to his fathers Court as a greater in those dayes had not beene seene The translator of Liuie reports the maner of his approch euen from him that was an eye witnesse and the same no lesse then the Earle of Ormond in Ireland whose relation is this 9 The King somewhat crasie and keeping his Chamber hearing newes dayly of his sonnes loose exercises too meane for a Prince and their constructions euer made to aime at his Crowne he both beganne to withdraw his fatherly affection and to feare some violence against his owne person which when Prince Henry heard of by some that fauoured him of the Kings Councell in a strange disguise hee repaired to his Court accompanied with many Lords and noble mens sonnes His garment was a gowne of blew Satten wrought full of Eylet-holes and at euery Eylet the Needle left hanging by the silke it was wrought with about his arme he ware a dogs-collar set full of S. S. of gold the Tirets therof being most fine gold Thus comming to Westminster and the Court of his Father hauing commanded his followers to aduance no further then the fire in the hall himselfe accompanied with some of the Kings houshold passed on to his presence and after his duty and obeysance done offered to make knowne the cause of his comming The king weake then with sickenesse and supposing the worst commanded himselfe to bee borne into a withdrawing Chamber some of his Lords attending vpon him before whose feet Prince Henry fell and with all reuerent obseruances spake to him as followeth 10 Most gracious Soueraigne and renowned father the suspition of disloyalty and diuulged reports of my dangerous intendmentes towardes your royall Person and Crowne hath enforced at this time and in this manner to present my selfe and life at your Maiesties dispose Some faults and mispent time with blushes I may speake it my youth hath committed yet those made much more by such fleering pickthanks that blow them stronger into your vnwilling and distastiue eare The name of Soueraigne ties alleagiance to all but of a Father to a further feeling of natures obedience so that my sinnes were double if such suggestions possessed my heart for the Law of God ordayneth that he which doth presumptuously against the Ruler of his people shall not liue and the child that smiteth his father shall die the death so farre therefore am I from any disloyall attempt against the person of you my Father and the Lords annointed that if I knew any of whom you stoode in the least danger or feare my hand according to duty shoud be the first to free your suspition yea I wil most gladly suffer death to ease your perplexed heart and to that end I haue this day prepared my self both by confession of my offences past and receiuing the blessed Sacrament Wherefore I humbly beseech your Grace to free your suspition from all feares conceiued against mee with this dagger the stabbe whereof I will willingly receiue here at your Maiesties hand and so doing in the presence of these Lords and before God at the day of iudgement I clearely forgiue my death But the King melting into teares cast downe the naked dagger which the Prince deliuered him and raising his prostrate sonne embraced and kissed him confessing his eares to haue beene ouer-credulous that way and promising neuer to open them againe against him But the Prince vnsatisfied instantly desired that at least his accusers might be produced and if conuicted to receiue punishment though not to the full of their demerites to which request
said he hath made it meere wrong which with better regard of the Sex alloweth the woman to inherite her fathers possession as we see in the practise of that state whereof Christ himselfe is called king where the fiue daughters of Zelophehad for want of heires males were admitted to succeed in their fathers inheritance allotted them in the Tribe of Manasses and a law made by the Lord himselfe that if a man died and had no sonnes then his inheritance should be transferred vpon his daughters Neither is it to be doubted but that the daughter of Shesham was the sole heire vnto her fathers patrimony he dying without issue male though shee married an Egyptian whose posterity had their possessions among the Tribe of Iudah euen to the Captiuity of Babilon so that if such a law were as in truth there was no such better were the breach by the warrant of diuine direction then the continuance by colour of such prescription seeing God hath ordained aswell for the daughter as for the sonne 20 The Archbishops vnexpected but not vnpremeditated Oration thus ended so stirred the blood of the young Couragious King that his heart was all on a flame and so tickled the eares of his Auditory as they presently conceiued that France was their owne the Title whereof descending from Isabell the mother of the famous third Edward and shee the daughter and suruiuing heire vnto Philip the faire his right was lineally deriued thence as followeth first Philip by Ioane his first wife intituled Queene of Nauarre had three sonnes and one daughter namely Lewis Philip and Charles all three successiuely Kings and this Lady Isabell by whom the English claime his second wife was Constance the daughter of the King of Sicil who bare him a sonne after his owne decease which liued not many daies after his father Lewis his eldest sonne and tenth of that name succeeded Philip in the Kingdome of France and by Margaret his wife the daughter of Burgundy had his daughter Iane intituled Queene of Nauarre who made claime also vnto the French Crowne but neuer attained it so that her Title fell with her death Lewis by his second wife Clemence of Sicil had a sonne named Iohn borne vnto him but presently both father and sonne departing this life left the Scepter to his second brother who by the name of Philip the fift a while wore the Emperiall Crowne of France his wife was Iane the daughter of Burgoine who bare vnto him only foure daughters 21 Vnto King Philip succeeded his brother Charles the faire the fourth of that name whose first wife was Blanch detected of incontinency and brought him no fruite his second wife was Marie daughter to Henry Luxenbourg the Emperour who bare him a sonne that dyed soone after birth and the mother likewise shortly came to her graue Margaret the daughter to the Earle of Eureux was his third and last wife who at his death hee left with Child and thus the three sonnes of Philip were branched raigned and died whom Queene Isabell their sister suruiued and in that right her sonne King Edward the third by his royall consanguinity whilst the Crowne stood thus at suspence till a Prince should be borne claimed to be Regent in the Interregnum and in the nonage of the looked for issue against which Philip de Valois sonne of Charles the hardy who was brother to Philip the faire being a second branch from Hugh Capet and first Prince of the blood of France maintained that the Regency of the male if so he were borne as also of the Realme if a daughter or the sonne dyed belonged onely vnto him as the next in blood The state thus standing and a daughter borne Philip was saluted and proclaimed King no other right alleaged then this foisted and falsely termed fundamentall law Salique for no otherwise doth Ottoman the French famous Lawyer esteeme of that vngodly and vniust Ordinance if any such had beene ordained 22 The Kings right thus apparant and sufficient possessions to be had in France the Bill of complaint against the Clergies excesse was quite dasht and all mindes addicted for the affaires that way thinking it vnreasonable to pull the Prouisions from their natiues and brethren when as the Circuit of their inheritanee extended more large in compasse and therefore with the Danites they determined no longer to sit so pent with increase seeing God had giuen them another Kingdome but would free their own straitnesse by dint of sword and spread their Tents wider in the Continent of France Neither was there any motiue more forceable in conference then was the successe of those intruding Princes who assaied the Crowne by that vniust claime of law Salique 23 For did not the sword of God rather then man in the hand of King Edward the claimer cut downe the flower of France in the Battell of Crecie with the slaughter of Lewis King of Bohemia of Charles the French Kings brother of Iames Dolphin of Viennois the Dukes of Lorrayne and Burbon the Earles of Aumarle Sauoy Montbilliard Flanders Niuers and Harecourt the Grand Priour of France the Archbishop and Zanxinus and Noyone of Lords Barons and Gentlemen to the number of 1500 with 30. thousand of the French Souldiers and Philip not able of himselfe to defend himselfe inciting Dauid of Scotland to inuade and weaken England therein did but only vexe his owne spirit for in that attempt the Scottish King was taken prisoner and brought so to London leauing Philip to struggle with his hard fortunes in France which with bad successe hee did to the day of his death 24 Iohn his sonne by the same title and claime felt the same stroake of iustice from the hand of that thunderbolt in warre Edward surnamed the blacke Prince the sonne of Englands Mars who farre inferiour to the French in number farre exceeded them in marshall power when at the battell of Poitiers the French royall Standard was stroke downe an hundred Ensignes wonne by the English the Constable Marshall and great Chamberlaine of France with fifty two Lords and seuenteen hundred Gentlemen slaine in the field King Iohn himselfe his sonne Philip two Bishops thirteene Earles and one and thirty Lords taken prisoners by the Prince to his great praise and confirmation of his iust cause 25 Nor was the punishment of the father any whit lessened in King Charles the sonne then raigning who besides the intestine warres in his own dominions was by Gods iust iudgement strucke into a Lunacy being vnable to gouerne himselfe much lesse his Kingdome vpon which aduantage as the French would haue it King Henry now plaied though it be most certaine he sought his right farre otherwise for so it standeth vpon record dated the ninth of February and first of Henry the fift his raigne that he sent his Ambassadors vnto the French King who could not bee admitted to his presence and him whom they imployed to procure
Nations The City is driuen to some miserie through the beginning want of all things for the siege had now endured about 60. daies not without much bloudshed on both sides The Earle of Salisburie impatient of such delay purposeth to giue a generall assault The better to consider vpon the course hee stands to take view at a window barred with Iron which ouerlookt the City toward the East Behold how God began to vncutte the knot of those bands with which the English held France bound a bullet of a great piece which lay ready leueld at that window discharged by the Gunners sonne a lad stroke the grates whose splinters so wounded the Earle and one Sir Thomas Gargraue that they both dyed of the incurable hurts within few dayes Heare now the common iudgement of Writers concerning this Earles losse Presently after the death of this man the fortune of the war changed Now both mortall and immortall powers beganne to looke fauourably vpon the State of France This to the English was Initium malorum for after this mishappe they rather lost then wanne so that by little and little they lost all their possession in France and albeit that somwhat they got after yet for one that they wan they lost three So that Polydor not without cause after many other great praises doth elsewhere call him the man in whom the safety of the English state consisted The vertue therefore of a fortunate Generall is inestimable 14 Howbeit the siege did not determine with his life William Earle of Suffolke the Lord Talbot the rest maintained the same all the winter The wants of the Campe were relieued from Paris by a conuoy vnder the guard of Sir Iohn Fastolfe and fifteene hundred souldiers who arriued safe in despite of all the attempts to distresse thē which the French made The City would yeeld it selfe but not to the English The Duke of Burgundie they were content should haue the honour A subtle stratagem rather then an offer of yeelding for there was likelihoode in it to breake thereby the amity betweene the English and him The Regent and his Counsell being sent vnto thought it not reasonable Aemylius erroniously makes the late Earle of Salisbury the Author of that refusall neither indeed was it theirs hauing beene the cost and labour The Duke of Burgundy construed this repulse sowerly which marred his taste of the English friendshippe euer after yet the Regents answere was iust and honest That the warre was made in King Henries name and therefore Orleance ought to be King Henries Among these difficulties stood the French affaires Charles of France vnderstanding the miserable straites of his deare City ignorant how to remedy so neere a mischiefe there presented herselfe vnto him at Chinon a yong maid about eighteene yeeres old called Ioan of Loraine daughter to Iames of Arck dwelling in Domremy neere Va◅caleurs a Shepheardesse vnder her father whose flockes shee tended bids him not faint and constantly affirmes that God had sent her to deliuer the Realme of France from the English yoake and restore him to the fulnesse of his fortunes Shee was not forthwith credited but when the wise of both sorts aswell Clerkes as Souldiers had sifted her with manifold questions she continued in her first speech so stedfastly vttering nothing but that which was modest chast and holy that honour and faith was giuen vnto her sayings An old woman directed her Ioan armes her selfe like a man and requires to haue that sword which hung in S. Katherines church of Fierebois in Touraine This demaund encreased their admiration of her for such a sword was found among the old Donaries or Votiue tokens of that Church Thus warlikely arrayed she rides to Blois where forces and fresh victuals lay for the reliefe of Orleance Shee with the Admirall and Marshall of France enters safe This did greatly encourage the fainting French Ioan the maide of God so they called her though some haue written that it was a practise or imposture writes thus to de la Pole Earle of Suffolke who succeeded Salisbury in the maine charge of that siege 15 King of England do reason to the King of heauen for his bloud royall yeeld vp to the Virgine the keyes of all the good Cities which you haue forced She is come from heauen to reclaime the bloud royall and is ready to make a peace if you bee ready to doe reason yeeld therefore and pay what you haue taken King of England I am the chiefe of this war wheresoeuer I encounter your men in France I will chase them wil they or no. If they will obey I will take them to mercy The Virgine comes from heauen to driue you out of France If you will not obey shee will cause so great a stirre as the like hath not beene these thousand yeeres in France And beleeue certainly that the king of heauen will send to her and her good men of Arms more force then you can haue Goe in Gods name into your Country bee not obstinate for you shall not hold France of the King of Heauen the sonne of S. Marie but Charles shall enioy it the King and lawfull heire to whom God hath giuen it Hee shall enter Paris with a goodly traine you William de la Pole Earle of Suffolke Iohn Lord Talbot Thomas L. Scales Licutenants to the Duke of Bedford and you Duke of Bedford terming your selfe ◅egent of the Realme of France spare innocent bloud and leaue Orleance in liberty If you doe not reason to them whom you haue wronged the French will doe the goodliest exploit that euer was done in Christendome Vnderstand these newes of God and of the Virgine Yet Charles had at this time no whole Countries vnder his obedience but Languede◅ and Daulphin against which both the Sauoyard and Burgundian prepared but miscarried the Prince of Orenge the third confederate being discomfited 16 This letter was entertained by the English with laughter Ioan reputed no better then a Bedlam or Enchantresse Though to some it may seem more honourable to our Nation that they were not to bee expelled by a humane power but by a diuine extraordinarily reuealing it selfe Du Serres describes this Paragon in these words Shee had a modest countenance sweete ciuill and resolute her discourse was temperate reasonable and retired her actions cold shewing great chastity without vanity affectation babling or courtly lightnesse Let vs not dissemble what wee finde written By her encouragements and conduct the English had Orleance pluckt out of their hopes after they had suffered the Duke of Alanson to enter with new force and with much losse were driuen to raise the siege Ioan herselfe was wounded at one sallie in which shee led being shot through the arme with an arrow Iudge what she esteemed of that hurt when shee vsed these admirable and terrible words This is a fauour let
and Sommerset and the Earle of Deuonshire with an hundred and forty moe were attainted also and disherited so fortune dallieth in setting the dice of her fauours or frownes 12 Queene Margaret stored with men but in want of money with her French powers made into Scotland whose comming was most welcome to the two Kings there and thence with great shew of enterprize hoised her sailes for England but hauing touched the â—…y of Tinmouth whether vpon better aduise or feared with their owne shadowes shee with her French put backe to the Sea where such a sore tempest tooke them as had not Queene Margaret in a small Caruell got vnto Barwicke shee had not liued to vexe the new King nor seene the vnfortunate losse of her husband her son and Realme nor the miserable calamities of her owne old age her French by Bastard Ogle were heaâ—…e into Holy Iland many slaine and foure hundred of them put to their ransomes 13 This â—…inting French enterprize though it dulled the edge of some spirits yet did it nothing daunt the courage of the Queene her better hopes being fixed vpon the Scots valour so leauing Prince Edward for safetie in Barwicks with her husband and Scots shee entred Northumberland tooke the Castle of Bamburgh and so passed forward vnto the Bishopricke their forces daily increasing through the confluence of such English 〈◊〉 fauoured King Henrie 14 King Edward hearing these stirres in the North made his preparation both by Sea and Land and with his brethren and Nobles came to Yâ—…rke from whence he sent Iohn Neuil Lord 〈◊〉 with a power of men as some what mistrusting the loialties of the Northumbrians who passing forward vpon Hâ—…gely-Moore was sodeinely encountred by the Lords Hungerfâ—…rd and Roâ—…s with whom was Sir Ralph Ferciâ—… a most valiant Knight but Montaâ—… accompanied with such as would neither looke backe nor stand gaâ—…ing on â—…hode the encounter and at the first push put back the two â—…ords and 〈◊〉 slew the said 〈◊〉 who no waieâ—… would depart out of the field but in dying said I have saued the 〈◊〉 in my â—…rest meaning this oath mâ—…e to King 〈◊〉 15 valiantly 〈◊〉 their Camp as after great slaghter saith Grafton hee fled into Scotland which is more likelie 16 Edward thus cleered of the Cloud threatning storme thought best ere others did light to prouide for himselfe and therefore he raised Bulwarks built new Fortresses in places of danger put forth his espials vpon the Marches of Scotland and commanded that none should keepe Henrie or Margaret in secret whose sight he feared would draw the affections of many which otherwise stood in case of obedience But ouer-borne Henrie whether past al feare or inforced by destinie in disguised apparell past into England where he was soone apprehended by one Caâ—…tlow but Stow saith by Thomas Talbot in Cletherwood besides Bungerley Hipping stones in Lancashire being betraied in Waddington Hall as he sate at dinner and thence brought to London with his legs bound to the stirrups arrested by Warwicke his guilt spurres taken off and committed Prisoner to the Tower of London 17 The Lyon thus pent his pawes cut or pared and Queene Margaret in France with her father Reiâ—…er King Edward now quiet set his minde vpon Gouernment for the good of his Realme In his Court of Kings Bench he vsed to sit in person certaine daies together to see how his lawes proceeded with Iustice ordained penall Statutes against excessiue pride in Apparell especialle against long picked shooes then vsually worne which grew to such an extreme that the pikes in the Toes were turned vpward and with siluer chaines or silke laces tied to the knee But among many good prouisions one proued very bad as the sequell shewes for concluding a league with King Henrie of Castile and Iohn King of Arragon he granted a licence to transport certaine numbers of Câ—…teswold Sheepe which are since growne to such an exceeding increase as the Clothes made of their woolles is a great hindrance to our Marchants which aduenture in the Leuant Seas 18 His next care was to finde a fit Queene both for the hope of issue to succeed and for alliance and power to assistâ—…ed were against Henries claime Fist therefore minding to send into Scotland to desire in marriage the Ladie Margaret sister to king Iames the third thereby to frustrate Hâ—…tes further hope was made to belieue that the said Ladie was by reason of sickenesse not capable of conception which altogether declined his affection from that way Next as some say a motion was made for Lady Elizabeth sister and heire apparant vnto Henrie king of Castile as a much most conuenient considering king Edward had thereunto a Claime whose great Grandmother was one of the heires of Castile being the daughter of Don Peter the king besides which high match and combination of Alliances â—…hope was conceiued that the Dutchies of Guien and Aquitaine might be recouered by the assistance of these Castilians without great charge or trauell to the English But the tender spring of the one and the lusty growth of the other would not be grafted into one stocke to 〈◊〉 fruitâ—… shee little aboue 〈◊〉 and he about twenty three 〈◊〉 unfit to â—…taine till shee could giue him content 19 A third Princesse 〈◊〉 against whom feared This match being most approued in counsell none was held more fit to solicite the businesse then Lord Richard Neuil the great Earle of Warwick a man esteemed for power a Demy-King and for magnificence and hospitality matchlesse in whose house at London as some haue verified sixe oxen were spent euery day and most Tauernes in the City full of his meat 20 Warwicke in great state arriued at Tours his message knowne was accordingly entertained in the French Court where he wrought the Queen her selfe to be the chiefest Agent who drew on her sister Bona with recommending the state and stile of a magnificent Queene a sound very tunable in a Ladies eare and her husband Lewis with assurance of a potent and wise Allie a pleasing theame to soft natured Princes as the French King was And indeed to all shee vndertooke all good contentments so as on that side all things were cleare and Warwicke dismissed with Courtly French complements the Earle Damp-martin was to passe into England for the finall confirmation 21 But whilest Warwicke had beene industriously wooing in France King Edwards affection in England was working another way for being on hunting in the Forrest of Wychwood beside Stony-Stratford hee there found other game that made game in his eye which was the Lady Elizabeth Gray attending the Dutchesse of Bedford her mother who then soiorned at his Mannour of Grafton whither hee repaired for his recreation She had beene attendant vpon Queene Margaret the wife of King Henry the sixt and had
a Parliament begun at Westminster the fifteenth of Ianuary he was attainted of high treason but whether guiltie or guiltles to men saith Grafton that haue made large inquisition yea and of such as were of no small authority in those daies the certaintie thereof was hid and could not truly be disclosed but by coniectures which as often deceiue the imaginations of fantasticall folke as declare truth to them in their conclusions 105 I am not ignorant that some haue alleaged the cause of this Noble mans death to arise from a foolish prophecie whereof saith Comines the English-men are neuer vnfurnished this as the Cabâ—…sts who vsed to make an art of their letters gaue forth forsooth that a G. should raigne after an E. which must needes be George Duke of Clarence though Gloucester more craftie lay in winde for the game This indeed troubled the King not a little but the Queene and her blood much more and therefore of both King and Queene Duke George was mistrusted and greatly maligned in all that he did Who now a widower for Warwicks daughter was dead sent vnto his sister Margaret the Dutchesse of Burgundie to worke a marriage for him with her husbands daughter the Lady Marie Against which the Queene most earnestly interposed her selfe and sollicited the Ladie in the behalfe of Lord Anthonie Earle Riuers her brother whereby great discontent was ministred to the Duke and new iealousies daily bred in the Kings breast 106 Iohn Serres the French Historian interlacing the life of King Lewis with the Acts of K. Edward and his brethren saith confidently that the English King so much affected the league and alliance with France as that he caused his brother Clarence to be put in prison because he intended to haue past the Seas to succour the Dowager of Burgundie Ladie Margaret his sister vpon whose Territories King Lewis encroached after the death of Duke Charles her husband slaine at the battell of Manâ—…y 107 But howsoeuer Clarence had offended certaine it is that he was found guilty by the foresaid Parliament and the eleuenth of March following after he had offered his Masse-penny in the Tower of London was drowned in a But of Malmesey whose body was buried at Tewkesburie in Glocestershire by the bodie of his Dutchesse Ladie Isabell Countesse of Warwicke who being with Child died of poison a little before And although the King had consented to his death yet no sooner was it done but that he wished it againe vndone and was so greeued at the remembrance as when anie made suite for the life of a condemned he would openly say Oh â—…fortunate brother for whose life no 〈◊〉 would make â—…ite This good Duke for so was he called left issue behind him Edward Earle of Warwicke and Margaret afterwards Countesse of Salisbury both of them infants and followers of their fathers fortunes he a continuall Prisoner at foure and twentie yeeres of age vnder Henry the seauenth was beheaded vpon the Tower-hill and shee at sixtie two lost hers within the Tower and time of King Henrie the eight 108 But how dainty soeuer King Edward was of the breach of amitie betwixt him and the French King in regard whereof he suffered Mary the yong Dutchesse of Burgundy the daughter of his owne sisters husband to bee molested by 〈◊〉 of the French and all in fauour of the contract commenced betweene the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lady 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 daughter yet did 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ouâ—… 〈◊〉 For Ambassadors â—…ploied 〈◊〉 accomplishing â—…of they of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without 〈◊〉 oâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…he new were sent without 〈◊〉 while indeed Lewis 〈◊〉 working for his sonne another way First to match him with Mary Dutches of Burgundy but that refused with Margaret of Flaunders daughter to Duke Maximilian sonne to Fredericke the Emperor and to hold the world from suspition in the meane while Ladie Elizabeth the Infanta of England was in the French Court vsually called Madame the Daulphin and all things in France so soundly carried as Edward suspected no leake in the Caske for now growne fat and vnable for paines he both gloried in his nine famous victories at home atchieued and seemed sufficientlie satisfied that his yeerely tribute from France was so truly paied 109 At the same time Iames the third of that name King of Scotland sent his Ambassadors vnto Edward to obtaine the Lady Cicelie the Kings second daughter to be ioined in marriage with his sonne Iames the young Prince which was well listened vnto by Edward and his Counsell and least the motion should goe backe a great summe of money lent to the Scottish King with this condition that at a certain time appointed it should be at K. Edwards choise whether his daughter should match with that Prince or else to haue the said summe againe repaid Against which alliance and league as Lesly reporteth Lewis of France much repined and to annihilate the same sent Dr. Ireland a certaine knight and another religious man to moue King Iames to make warre against England 110 These no Peace-makers for Christ but firebrands of Belial blew the smothered sparkes of dissention into a flame of bloody warre which fell the more heauy vpon Scotland for that K. Iames much wedded vnto his owne will and altogether ruled by men of meane worth whom himselfe had aduanced from nothing had not only neglected by their instigations the loue of his Nobles but also banished the Realme of Scotland Alexander Duke of Albany his second brother and had caused the veines of Iohn Earle of Marre his other brother to be opened whereby he bled to death these and other discontents alienated his Subiects hearts from him which laid the land more open vnto the English Inuaders and yet to draw them more deadly against him relying vpon his ownevalor and the assistance of France he sent word vnto Edward that he should not aid his owne sister of Burgundy against K. Lewis being the Scots Allie as also with threats of warre commanded him to deliuer to his Ambassadors the Duke of Albanie then residing in the English Court and lastlie to make good and repay dammages done vpon the Scottish Borders 111 King Edward not a little inraged at these double dealings euen in the winter season mustered his men prepâ—…ed his artillery and rigged his ships that nothing should be vnready at the next Spring which no sooner was come but that he ordained for his Lieutenant his brother Richard Duke of Gloucester who with Henrie Earle of Northumberland Thomas Lord Stanley the Lord Louell Gâ—…stock and others the Duke of Albany marching vnto Gloucesters banner with twenty thousand strong repaired into the North and first â—…sieged the strong Towne Berwick then enâ—…ing the chiefe City Edenborough vrged K. Iames to performe his couenants concerning the marriage betwixt Prince Iames his sonne with Lady Cicely before agreed vpon
Nun in the Nunnery of Dartford in the same County founded by K. Edward the third where shee spent her life in contemplations vnto the day of her death 126 Marie the fift daughter of K. Edward the fourth by Queene Elizabeth his wife was promised in marriage vnto the King of Denmarke but died before it could be solemnized in the Tower of Greenewich the Sunday before Pentecost the twentieth two of her fathers raigne and yeere of Grace 1482. and was buried at Windsore 127 Margaret the sixth daughter of K. Edward the fourth by his wife Queene Elizabeth died an Infant without other mention in our Authors 128 Katherine the seuenth daughter of King Edward the fourth by Queene Elizabeth his wife and the last of them both was married vnto William Courtney Earle of Deuonshire and Lord of Ochaâ—…pton vnto whom shee bare Lord Henrie after the death of his father Earle of Deuonshire who by King Henrie the eight was created Marquesse of Excester in Anno 1525. His Concubines 129 Elizabeth Lucie is certainly known to haue been King Edwards Concubine though nothing so certainly mentioned whose Ladie or of what Parentage shee was that shee was conceiued by him with child is before declared but who that child was is as obscurely laid downe therefore in these things we must be silent and leaue the doubts to be resolued by others Three other concubines this king had whereof Shores wife was not the least beloued whose life falleth further to be spoken of in the Raigne of the vsurper Richard where her storie shall be shewed more at large His naturall Issue 150 Arthur surnamed Plantagenet the naturall sonne of K. Edward the fourth whose mother as is supposed was the Lady Elizabeth Lucie was created Viscount Lisle by King Henrie the eight at Bridewell in London the twentie sixth of Aprill and yeere of Saluation 1533. which title was confâ—…red vpon him in right of his wife Lady Elizabeth sister and heire vnto Iohn Gray Viscount Lisle and the late wife and then widdow of Edmund Dudley who bare vnto this Viscount three daughters which were Bridget Frances and Elizabeth all of them afterward married This Arthur Lord Lisle was made Lieutenant of Callis by the said K. Henry which Towne some of his seruants intended to haue betraied to the French for which their fact himselfe was sent to the Tower of London but his truth appearing after much search the King sent him a rich ring from his owne finger with such comfortable wordes as at the hearing thereof a sudden ioy ouercharged his heart was so immoderately receiued that the same night it made an end of his life whose body was honorably buried in the same Tower 151 Elizabeth the naturall daughter of K. Edward the fourth was married to Sir Thomas Lumley Knight the sonne of George Lord Lumley who died before his father shee bare vnto the said Sir Thomas Richard afterward Lord Lumley from whom the late Lord Lumley did descend EDVVARD THE FIFTH KING OF ENGLAND AND FRANCE AND LORD OF IRELAND THE FIFTIE FIFTH MONARCH OF THIS LAND HIS RAIGNE AND DEATH For the most part written by Sir Thomas Moore CHAPTER XVIII THe father thus dying in the strength of his yeeres and the sonne left to rule before he was ripe the Synders of dissensions which the sicke King had lately raked vp presently brake forth into a more raging flame for the king and Queenes blood that should haue supported young Edwards estate the one side being suspicious and â—…e other prouoked by the execrable desire of soueraignty left the tender king a Prince of such towardnes as his age could conteine destitute and vnarmed which if either kind or kindred had holden place must needes haue beene the surest pillars of his defence The raigne of this King if we may so cal the shorttime of his Soueraignty began the same day that his father died though he was neuer Crowned nor yet commanded the affaires of the Kingdome as an absolute Monarch his young brothers fortunes being ballanced with his 2 For Richard Duke of Gloucester by nature their vncle by office their Protector to their Father beholden to themselues by Oath and Alleagiance bounden all bands broken that holdeth man and man together without any respect of God or the World vnnaturally contriued to bereaue them not onlie of their dignity but also theirlines But forsomuch as the Dukes demeanour â—…reth in effect all the whole matter whereof the raigne of this yong and fift Edward must intreat itâ—… therefore conuenient somewhat to shew you ere we goe further what man this was and from whom he descended that could find in his heart so much mischief to conceiue 3 Know first then that Richard Duke of Yorke a noble man and a mighty beganne not by warre but by law to challenge the Crowne putting his claime into the Parliament where his cause was either for right or fauour so farre foorth aduanced that King Henries blood albeit he had a goodly Prince was vtterly reiected the Crowne by the authoritie of that high Court intailed to the Duke of Yorke and his issue male in remainder immediately after the death of King Henrie But the Duke not induring so long to tarrie intending vnder pretext of dissention and debate arising in the Realme to preuent his time and to take vpon him the rule in King Henries life was with many other Nobles slaine at Wakefield leauing three sonnes Edward George and Richard all of them as they were great states of birth so were they great and stately of stomacke greedy and ambitious of authority and impatient of partners 4 For Edward reuenging his fathers death depriued king Henry and attained the Crowne The second George Duke of Clarence was a goodly Noble Prince and in all things fortunate if either his owne ambition had not set him against his brother or the enuie of his enemies his brother against him For were it by the Queen and Lords of her blood which highly maligned the Kings kindred as women commonly not of malice but of nature hate them whom their husbands loue or were it a proud appetite of the Duke himselfe intending to be King at least-wise hainous treason was laid to his charge and finally were he faulty were he faultlesse attainted he was by Parliament and iudged to death as we haue saide 5 Richard the third sonne of whom we now entreat was in wit and courage equall with either of them in body and prowesse farre vnder them both little of stature ill-limmed and crook-backed his left shoulder much higher then his right very hard fauoured of visage and such as in States is called warly in other men otherwise he was malicious wrathfull and enuious yea and from afore his birth euer froward For it is for truth reported that the Dutchesse his mother had so much adoe in her trauaile that shee could not be deliuered of him vncut and that he came into the
the short time wherein he continued the name of a King which onlie was two monthes and sixteene daies and in them also he sate vncrowned without Scepter or ball all which Richard aimed at and perfidiously got before they could come to his head or into his hands His age at the death of his father and entrance into his throne was eleuen yeeres fiue monthes and fiue daies and within three monthes after was with his brother sin othered to death in the Tower of London as shall be shewed in his Raigne of whom we are now by order of succes sion to write RICHARD THE THIRD KING OF ENGLAND AND FRANCE AND LORD OF IRELAND THE FIFTIE SIXTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH HIS RAIGNE ACTS ISSVE AND DEATH For the most part written by Sir Thomas Moore CHAPTER XIX RIchard the third sonne of Richard Duke of Yorke born at Fotheringhay Castle in the County of Northampton was first honoured with the title of Glocester being the third Duke of that number consequently by vsurpation crowned King of England the third of that name a name indeed noted to the Kings so called to bee euer ominous and the title of Glocester to those Dukes euer fatall all of them both dying violent and vntimely deathes which ought to haue beene the more fearefull vnto Richard now hauing possession and interest in them both But that not regarded or destiny enforcing his aspiring mind gaue him no rest till his restlesse body found it lastly in the graue For his brother deceased when his life was most desired no man in shew tooke his death so heauily as himselfe or tendered the young King with a more honourable respect when as God knowes his mind ranne vpon deepe reaches how to compasse the wreath for his owne head which the better to fashion hee withdrew a while into the North and at Yorke in most sad and solemne manner obserued the Funerals of the dead King but howsoeuer the Maske couered this subtle Dukes face from the eie of the multitude yet Buckingham well knew the ambitious desire of his aspiring heart and indeed was the Dedalus that made him the wings wherwith he mounted so neere vnto the Sun as that the wax melting like the high-minded young Icarus he caught his last fall 2 What intendments they had before the Kings death is vncertaine though it may be suspected but sure it is he now gone the Duke of Buckingham twice sollicited Gloucester by his messengers in the North met him at Northampton himselfe accompanied him to London forwarded him in Counsell and was the first Actor in this following tragedy For first making him Protector procuring his young Nephew forth of Sanctuary disabling the young King bastardizing them both perswading the Citizens working the Nobility and all this done to set the Crowne vpon crookt Richards head and so moulded their minds vnto the man as they all became humble petitioners vnto him for to accept of the same who in the meane while had well conned his owne part by profuse liberalitie by passing great grauity by singular affability by ministring of iustice and by deepe and close deuises whereby hee wonne to himselfe the hearts of all but the Lawyers especially to serue best his turn which was so affected that in the name of all the States of the Realme a Petition was drawne and presented him to accept the wearing of the Crown the true copy wherof as we find it recorded in the Parliament Rol we haue inserted is as followeth In Rotulo Parliamenti tenti apud Westm. die Veneris Vicesimo tertio die Ianuarii An. Regni Regis Richardi 5. primo inter alia continetur vt sequitur Memorandum quod quaedam billa exhibita fuit coram Domino Rege in Parliamento praedicto in haec verba Where late heretofore that is to say before the consecration coronation and inthronization of our soueraigne Lord the King Richard the third a roll of parchment containing in writing certaine Articles of the Tenor vnderwritten on the behalfe and in the name of the three Estates of this Realme of England that is to witte of the Lords Spirituall Temporall and of the Commons by name and diuers Lords Spirituall and Temporall and other Nobles and notable persons of the Commons in great multitude was presented and actually deliuered vnto our said Soueraigne Lord the intent and effect expressed at large in the same roll to the which Roll and to the considerations and instant petition comprised in the same our said Soueraigne Lord for the publike weale and tranquility of this land benignely assented Now forasmuch as neither the said three Estates neither the said persons which in their name presented and deliuered as it is aforesaid the said Roll vnto our said Soueraigne Lord the King were assembled in forme of Parliament by reason whereof diuers doubts questions and ambiguities beene moued and engendred in the minds of diuers persons as it is said Therefore to the perpetuall memory of the truth and declaration of the same be it ordained prouided and established in this present Parliament that the Tenor of the said roll with all the contents of the same presented as is abouesaid and deliuered to our foresaid Soueraigne Lord the King in the name and in the behalfe of the said three Estates out of Parliament now by the same three Estates assembled in this present Parliament and by authority of the same bee ratified enrolled recorded approued and authorized into remouing the occasions of doubts and ambiguities and to all other lawfull effects that shall now thereof ensue So that all things said affirmed specified desired and remembred in the said rol in the tenor of the same vnderwrittē in the name of the said 3. Estates to the effect expressed in the same roll be of the like effect vertue force as if al the same things had bin so said affirmed specified desired remembred in a full Parliament and by authority of the same accepted approued The Tenor of the said Roll of parchment wherof aboue is made mention followeth is such To the high and Mighty Prince Richard Duke of Glocester Please it your noble Grace to vnderstand the considerations election and petition vnderwritten of vs the Lords Spirituall temporalll and Commons of this Realme of England and thereunto agreably to giue your assent to the common and publike weale of this land to the comfort and gladnese of all the people of the same First we consider how that heretofore in time passed this land many yeers stood in great prosperity honour and tranquilitie which was caused forsomuch as the King then raigning vsed and followed the aduise and counsell of certaine Lords spirituall and temporall and other persons of approued sadnesse prudence policy experience dreading God and hauing tender zeale and affection to indifferent ministration of iustice and to the common and publike weale of
Lord c. To whom we know for certaine it appertaineth of enheritance so to bee chosen And hereupon wee humbly desire pray and require your most noble Grace that according to this electiō of vs the three estates of this Land as by your true inheritance you will accept and take vpon you the sayd Crowne and royall dignitie with all things thereunto annexed and appertaining as to you of right belonging aswell by inheritance as by lawfull election and in case yee so doe we promise to serue and assist your Highnesse as true and faithfull subiects and liege men and to liue and die with you in this matter and in euery other iust quarrel For certainlie we be determined rather to aduenture commit vs to the perill of our liues and ieopardie of death then to liue in such thraldom and bondage as wee haue liued long time heretofore oppressed and iniured by extortions and newe impositions against the Law of God and man and the libertie old policie and Lawes of this Realme wherein euery Englishman is inherited Our LORD GOD KING of all KINGS by whose infinite goodnesse and eternall prouidence all things beene principally gouerned in this world lighten your soule and grant you grace to doe as well in this matter as in all other that may bee according to his will and pleasure and to the common and publike weale of this Land so that after great clouds trouble stormes and tempests the Sun of Iustice and of Grace may shine vpon vs to the comfort and gladnesse of all true-hearted Englishmen Albeit that the right title estate which our Soueraigne Lord the King Richard the third hath to and in the Crowne and roiall dignitie of this Realme of England with all things thereunto within the same Realme and without it vnited annexed appertaining bin iust and lawfull as grounded vpon the lawes of God and of nature and also vpon the ancient lawes and laudable customes of this said Realme and so taken and reputed by all such persons as beene learned in the abouesaid lawes and customes Yet neuerthelesse for asmuch as it is considered that the most part of the people is not sufficiently learned in the abouesaid Lawes and customs wherby the truth right in this behalfe of likelyhood may be hid and not cleerely knowne to all the people thereupon put in doubt and question And ouer this how that the Court of Parliament is of such authoritie and the people of this Land of such a nature and disposition as experience teacheth that manifestation and declaration of any truth or right made by the three estates of this Realme assembled in Parliament and by the authority of the same maketh before all other things most feith and certaine and quieting of mens minds remoueth the occasion of all doubts and seditious language Therefore at the request and by the assent of the three estates of this Realme that is to say the Lords spirituall and temporall and Commons of this Land assembled in this present Parliament by authority of the same be it pronounced decreed and declared that our said Soueraign Lord the King was and is the very vndoubted King of this Realme of England with all things thereunto within the same Realm and without it vnited annexed and appertaining aswell by right of Consanguinity and inheritance as by lawfull election consecration and coronation And ouer this that at the request and by the assent and authority abouesaide be it ordained enacted and established that the said Crowne and royall dignity of this Realme and the inheritance of the same and all other things thereunto within the Realme or without is vnited annexed and now appertaining rest and abide in the person of our said Soueraigne Lord the King during his life and after his decease in his heires of his body begotten and in especiall at the request and by assent and authority abouesaid bee it ordained enacted established pronounced decreed and declared that the high and excellent Prince Edward son of our said Soueraigne Lord the King bee heire apparant of the same our Soueraigne Lord the King to succeed to him in the abouesaid Crowne and royall dignity with all things as is aforesaid thereunto vnited annexed and appertaining to haue them after the decease of our said Soueraigne Lord the King to him and to his heires of his body lawfully begotten Quae quidem Billa Communibus Regni Angl. in dicto Parliamento existent transportata fuit Cui quidem billae ijdem Communes assensum suum praebuerunt sub hijs verbis A Ceste bille les Communes sont assentus Quibus quidem billa assensis coram Domino Rege in Parliamento praedicto lectis auditis plenius intellectis de assensu Dominorum spiritualium temporal ◅min dicto Parliamento similiter existent ac Cōmunitatis praedictae nec non authoritate einsdem Parliamenti pronunciatum decretum declaratum existit omnia singula in billa praedicta contenta forever a indubia Ac idem Dominus Rex de assensu dictorum trium Statuum Regni authoritate praedicta omnia singula praemissa in billa praedicta contenta concedit ac ea pro vero indubio pronunciat decernit declarat 5 These things I haue laid forth more at large out of the Parliament Roll that ye may vnderstand both what and how great matters the power of a Prince the outward shew of vertue the wily fetches of Lawyers fawning hope pensiue feare desire of change and goodly pretences are able to effect in that most wise assembly of all the States of a Kingdome euen against all law and right so that the saying of Salomon in this State seemed most true that a liuing dogge is better then a dead Lyon But this Richard is not to be accounted worthy to haue been a Soueraigne had he not beene a Soueraign as Galba was reputed who when he was a Soueraigne deceiued all mens expectation but most worthy indeede of Soueraignty had hee not beene transported with ambition which blasted all his good parts by lewde practises and by mischieuous means made foule way thereunto for that by the common consent of all that are wise he was reckoned in the ranke of bad men but of good Princes as indeed King Richard through his short time of raigne is accounted to haue beene 6 The Crown and Scepter accepted as is said King Richard vpon the twentie fifth of Iune went in great pompe vnto Westminster hall and there in the Kings Bench Court tooke his Seat saying that he would take vpon him the Crowne in that place where the King himselfe ought to sit whose chiefest duety was to administer Iustice to his people and with a pleasing Oration so tickled the eares of his Auditors that hee lulled the rurall to thinke that his like had neuer raigned in England and to beginne himselfe with a pretenced clemency he pronounced pardon
dayes lay naked and vnburied his remembrance being as odious to all as his person deformed and lothsome to be looked vpon for whose further despite the white Bore his cognizance was torne downe from euery Signe that his monument might perish as did the monies of Caligula which were all melted by the decree of the Senate Lastly his body without all funeral solemnity was buried in the Gray-Friers Church of that City But King Henry his Successor of a princely disposition caused afterward his Tombe to bee made with a picture of Alablaster representing his person and to be set vp in the same Church which at the suppression of that Monastery was pulled downe and vtterly defaced since when his graue ouergrowne with nettles and weedes is very obscure and not to be found Onely the stone chest wherin his corpes lay is now made a drinking trough for horses at a common Inne and retaineth the onely memory of this Monarches greatnesse His body also as tradition hath deliuered was borne out of the City and contemptuously bestowed vnder the end of Bow-Bridge which giueth passage ouer a branch of Stowre vpon the west side of the Towne Vpon this Bridge the like report runneth stood a stone of some height against which King Richard as hee passed toward Bosworth by chance strucke his spur and against the same stone as he was brought backe hanging by the horse side his head was dashed and broken as a wise woman forsooth had foretold who before Richards going to battell being asked of his successe said that where his spurre strucke his head should be broken but of these things as is the report so let be the credite Dead he is and with his death ended the factions a long time continued betwixt the Families of Lancaster and Yorke in whose bandings to bring set keep the Crown on their heades eight or nine bloudy set battels had beene fought and no lesse then fourescore persons of the bloud-royall slaine as Philip Câ—…ines the French Writer saith many of them being wel knowne to himselfe after which stormes and this Tirants death a blessed vnion ensued by ioining those houses in Henry of Lancaster and Elizabeth of Yorke 60 Hee was of Stature but little and of shape deformed the left shoulder bunching out like a Mole-hill on his backe his haire thinne and face short a cruell countenance in whose aspect might bee perceiued both malice and deceit When hee stood musing as hee would doe oft his vse was to bite and chaw the nether lip his hand euer on his dagger which euer hee would chop vp and down in the sheath but neuer draw it fully out Pregnant in wit hee was wily to faine apt to dissemble and haughty of Stomacke an expert Souldier and a better King then a man He founded a Colledge at Middleham beyond York and a Collegiat Chauntery in London neere vnto the Tower called Our Lady of Barking he endowed the Queenes Colledge in Cambridge with fiue hundred Marks of yeerely reuenew and disforrested the great Field of Wichwood which King Edward his brother had inclosed for his game he raigned two yeeres two moneths and one day and was buried as we haue said His Wife 61 Anne the second daughter and Coheire to Richard Neuil the stout Earle of Warwicke and Salesbury was first married to Edward Prince of Wales the sonne to King Henry the sixth and after his death was remarried to Richard Duke of Gloucester Anno 1472. afterwards by vsurpation King of England with whom in great State and solemnity shee was Crowned Queene the sixth of Iuly and yeere of Saluation 1483. She was his wife to the last yeere of his Raigne and then leauing her husband to choose another Queene was laid at rest in the Abbey of Westminster in this thing happy that she saw not the death of the Tyrant His Issue 62 Edward the sonne of King Richard and of Queene Anne his Wife and the onely childe of them both was borne in the Castle of Middleham neere Richmund in the Countie of Yorke Anno 1473. and being vnder foure yeeres of age was created Earle of Salisbury by his Vncle King Edward the fourth the seuenteenth of his Raigne but his father King Richard in the first of his vsurpation created him Prince of Wales the foure twentieth of August and yeere of Christ 1483. he then being about ten yeeres of age vnto whom also the Crowne was intailed by Parliament but this Prince dying before his father and much vpon the time of his mothers decease saw not the reuenge that followed the Tyrants Raigne whose bad life no doubt hath made doubtfull the place of this Princes buriall and other Princely offices done him in his life and at his death HENRIE THE SEVENTH KING OF ENGLAND AND FRANCE AND LORD OF IRELAND THE FIFTIE SEVENTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH HIS RAIGNE ACTS AND ISSVE CHAPTER XX. HENRIE of that name the seauenth hauing by such mixt meanes of valor and practise as are alreadie described obtained the possession of Englands Crown we must now present vnto you his actions in the person and state of a King maintained by him with like mixture of courage and skill as it was atchieued to the verification of that rule That things are kept by the same Arts whereby they were gained In describing whereof wee meane nothing lesse then for humoring the vaine admirers of phrase and conceit to mount vp into Panegyricall flourishes in honor of the man though his excellent vertues would worthily beare if not duely also exact them yet may wee not omiâ—…to obserue that as in his attaining to the Crowne there was through diuine prouidence a concurring disposition of all important Circumstances without which his attempt might haue proued disasterous so hee hauing now possessed the Soueraigne power and mastered the State in the maine pointes easily made circumstances waite vpon his wisdom and to take their forme from his directions Of the first kind wherein his felicity deserues to be celebrated were these That he by the Male-line a meere stranger to both the roiall houses as descended from the Welsh and French and by the female springing out of such a family of Lancaster the Beanfords as by the same law which enabled it to inherite in ordinary estates was made incapable of succeâ—…n in the Regalitie should so safely be conuaied away into forraine parts there to continue an head of expectation and reuolt during the intestine troubles and dangers to him ineuitable here at home Secondly that the Realme of England should bee so auerted from Richard though a very honorable wise iust and necessary Prince after hee was somewhat setled as for his sake to neglect in a sort so many naturall heires of the house of Yorke some of them in right preceding Richard such were the children of Edward the fourth and George Duke of Clarence Richards elder brethren and all of
intention and escape for hee was escaped being discouered to the King all the wayes were beset and hee so close pursued that in the end betaking himselfe to a religious house of Carthusian Monkes hee declared who hee was and besought their Prior in the humblest manner he could for Gods sake to begge his life which at the Priors suite was granted but the Kings wrath being kindled or the passage of his suppressed wrath opened thereby he banisht all former respects commanding him to be settered and set for an whole day in a paire of Stockes mounted on a Scaffold before the Gate of Westminster Hall and the next day to be alike exposed in Golden Cheape to the basest of all contempt and scorne so fettered stockt Scaffolded as before to the great wonderment saith Stow of many as either insinuating that all were not perswaded of the imposture or that it seemed strange that one lately of so great Prowesse should vndergoe so despicable a punishment But for a seale and total summe of all ignominy and shame such as no face did euer beare greater he read his owne confession written with his owne hand as followeth 54 It is first to be knowne that I was borne in the Towne of Turney in Flanders and my fathers name is Iohn Osbecke which said Iohn Osbecke was controller of the said Towne of Turney and my mothers name is Katherine de Faro And one of my Grandsires vpon my fathers side was named Diricke Osbecke which died After whose death my grandmother was married vnto Peter Flamin that was receiuer of the forenamed Towne of Turney Dean of the Botemen that row vpon the water or riuer called Le Scheld And my Grandsire vpon my mothers side was Peter de Faro which had in his keeping the keyes of the gate of Saint Iohns within the same Towne of Turney Also I had an vncle called M. Iohn Stalin dwelling in the Parish of S. Pias within the same Towne which had married my fathers sister whose name was Ione or Iane with whom I dwelt a certaine season 55 And after I was led by my mother to Antwerpe for to learne Flemish in a house of a cosin of mine an officer of the said towne called Iohn Stienbecke with whom I was the space of halfe a yeere and after that I returned againe to Turney by reason of warres that were in Flanders and within a yeere following I was sent with a Merchant of the saide Towne of Turney named Berlo to the Mart of Antwerpe where I fell sicke which sicknesse continued vpon mee fiue moneths And the said Berlo set mee to boord in a Skinners house that dwelled beside the house of the English Nation And by him I was from thence carried to Barow Mart and I lodged at the figne of the old man where I abode for the space of two moneths 56 After this the said Berlo set mee with a Merchant of Middleborow to seruice for to learne the language whose name was Iohn Strew with whom I dwelt from Christmas to Easter and then I went into Portingall in company of Sir Edward Bramptons wife in a shippe was called the Queenes shippe And when I was come thither then was I put in seruice to a Knight that dwelled in Lushborne which was called Peter Vacz de Cogna with whom I dwelled an whole yeere which said Knight had but one eye And because I desired to see other countries I tooke licence of him and then I put my selfe in seruice with a Britaine called Pregent Menâ—… which brought mee with him into Ireland Now when we were there arriued in the towne of Corke they of the Towne because I was arrayed with some clothes of silke of my said Masters came vnto me and threatned vpon me that I should bee the Duke of Clarences sonne that was before time at Dublin 57 But forsomuch as I denied it there was brought vnto mee the holy Euangelists and the Crosse by the Maior of the town which was called Iohn Lewelin and there in the presence of him and others I tooke mine oath as the truth was that I was not the foresaide Dukes sonne nor none of his bloud And after this came vnto me an English-man whose name was Stephen Poitron and one Iohn Water and laid to me in swearing great oathes that they knew well that I was King Richards bastard sonne to whom I answered with like oathes that I was not Then they aduised me not to be afeard but that I should take it vpon me boldly and if I would so doe they would aide and affist me with all their power against the King of England and not onely they but they were well assured that the Earle of Desmond and Kildare should doe the same 58 For they forced not what part they tooke so that they might bee reuenged on the King of England and so against my will made mee to learne English and taught mee what I should doe and say And after this they called me Duke of Yorke second sonne to King Edward the fourth because King Richards bastard sonne was in the hands of the King of England And vpon this the said Water Stephen Poitron Iohn Tiler Hughbert Burgh with many others as the foresaid Earles entred into this false quarrell and within short time others The French King sent an Ambassador into Ireland whose name was Lâ—…t Lucas and M. Stephen Friham to aduertise me to come into France and thence I went into France and from thence into Flanders and from Flanders into Ireland and from Ireland into Scotland and so into England 59 From hauing thus beene made a publike spectacle till all eyes were wearied with the view and imaginations tired with thinking hee is conuaied to the Tower of London where it had beene happy if hee had onely wrought his owne destruction but the bloudy fate so to speake of his disasterous birth would not suffer him to perish single In the same Tower was prisoner Edward the young Earle of Warwicke hauing so beene from the first yeare of Henry to this present for no fault of his but for that as a neere Titler to the Crowne he carried in his liuing person inseparable matter of danger sedition Of his simplicity by reason of his education in prison from his in fancy there is a report that as one who liued out of the view of the world hee knew not an henne from a goose or one fowle or Creature from an other To hasten the ruine of so innocent a daunger behold there breakes foorth a counterfeit Earle of Warwicke as if all that which the world saw horrible in Perkins darings had been but a document to instruct others in the like and that nothing were to be taxed therein but want onely of successe which whosoeuer could propound to himselfe all things else were full of encouragement and reason This counterfeit was a Cordwainers son of London aged about
long after and died without issue by her Her second husband was that Martiall and pompous Gentleman Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolke 78 Katharine fourth daughter of this seuenth Henry and of Elizabeth his Queene was borne vpon Candlemas day in the yeere of our Lord one thousand fiue hundred and three and in the eighteenth yeere of her fathers raigne who was called to her part in a far better Kingdome within a short while after HENRIE THE EIGHT OF THAT NAME KING OF ENGLAND FRANCE AND IRELAND DEFENDER OF THE FAITH c. THE FIFTIE EIGHT MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH HIS RAIGNE ACTS WIVES AND ISSVE CHAPTER XXI THe rich and wise King Henry the seuenth gone as is said the way of all flesh his sonne bearing the same name a most magnanimous heroical Prince succeded in his Throne ouer al his dominions as the only true heir vnto the Crowne by both the houses of Lancaster and Yorke His birth was at Greenwich in the yeere of Grace 1491. the twentieth two of Iune and his youth so trained vp in literature that he was accounted the most learned Prince of all Christendome indued with parts most befitting a King both in lineaments of body and liberality of minde besides his ripe knowledge in politicke affaires and was made the more agreeable to the affections of men by the consideration of his flourishing age as hauing not attained vnto nineteen at his fathers death In his infancy hee was created Duke of Yorke at twelue yeeres his brother deceased Prince of Wales and at eighteene became sole Monarch of the land when at Westminster vpon Sunday the twenty fift of Iune euen the festiuall of Saint Iohn Baptist and yeere of Christ Iesus 1509. hee with his beauteous Queene Katherine receiued their Crowns at the hands of William Warham Archbishoppe of Canterbury no Prince giuing better hopes vnto iustice or seeking the wealth of his subiects more then himselfe 2 His Counsellors he chose of the grauest diuines and the wisest Nobility with whom hee not onely often sate to the great encrease of his politicke experience but would also yeeld his authority to their graue and farre inseeing wisdomes Of whom the plaints of Petitioners were so mouingly regarded that Proclamations went forth with promise of restitution to them that had beene wronged by Dudley or Empson two persons that had abused the authority of K. Henrie his Father by enriching their owne coffers with the vrter vndoing of many better subiects These men King Henry the seuenth had made his Instruments for the finding out of offenders in his penall Statutes themselues being learned in the lawes and apt inough to execute their Commissions to the full for by their daily informations and recouering of fines they digged and brought a filuer Mine into the Kings Exchequer some veines whereof by the way ranne also into their owne coffers to the great vexation of all and vtter vndoing of many whereat the Noblemen grudged the Gentility repined the Commons lamented and all of them felt the teeth of these rauening Wolues But the father King departed and his sonneset on his throne the complaintes of the oppressed so oppressed the King and his Councell that Dudley and Empson were sent prisoners to the Tower and both of them by Parliament attainted of Treason 3 Edmund Dudley by descent was a Gentleman and by profession a Lawyer hauing both wit and wordes at will had hee not abused both to his own destruction Richard Empson his inferiour by birth was the sonne of a poore Sieue-maker but yet had hee stepped before him to the degree of a Knight These night-sprung Mushrumps that sucked the earthes fatnesse from far better plants then themselues saw not the many hands ready to plucke vp them by the rootes when the season should serue to cleare the land of such weedes for albeit they had their discharge vnder the Kings owne hand to doe what they did and their seruice knowne Crowne seruice a matter impugnable yet no sooner were they left to stand vpon their owne basis but that they felt the weight of their done wrongs too importunable for them any longer to beare for so importune were all degrees against them that Dudley forthwith in Guild-hall London was arraigned and condemned to die and King Henry in progresse through the cry of the people could take no pleasure til he had sent for Empson into Northamptonshire where among them hee was arraigned and receiued sentence of death which was so desired and followed as to satisfie his Subiects the King sent a speciall writ for their executions which with great ioy of all was performed vpon Tower hill by taking from them their heades when they left their riches to be spent by others and their names to remaine vpon Record for the Caterpillers of those times whose like if any such liue shall leaue their hatefull remembrance to the like staines of reprochfull infamy how pleasing soeuer the promotion so gotten in their owne eyes shall seeme or the employments in their selfe conceites accounted profitable to the State 4 This iustice of King Henry wanne him great praise of his people and his charity extended towards London when that City was sore distressed with famine by sending sixe hundred quarters of corne great loue so that neuer any King entred his raigne with better hopes then himselfe That his person was tall is not to bee doubted though not like vnto Soules as some haue alleadged whose report is that at the siege of Bulloigne he was higher by the head then any in his Campe and euery ioint proportionable to so royall a stature but that hee was strong his many Iusts and Tilts and fights at Turnay most dangerously performed was manifested vpon them that vnderwent his heauy hand for at Tilt hee bare downe a man at Armes both horse and all and threw Sir William Kingston a Knight of great strength to the ground at Barryers with battell-axe he combated against one Giot a Germane very strong and tall and lent him better blowes then he could againe repay 5 His glorie thus mounted the Trophie of fame and young Henry the onely morning starre in this Westerne Orbe Pope Iulius the second fearing the further incroch of the French who then had entred into some part of Italy thought this Prince the strongest pillar whereunto to trust and the fittest Carde to trumpe the French King well knowing the Title that the English Kings had vnto France and the readinesse of his Subiects to forward that way wherupon writing his letters vnto King Henry complained against Lewis the French king and twelfth of that name who neither as hee alleadged esteeming of God good fame nor conscience detained the reuenewes of the Clergy supported the Cardinall William to aspire the Papacy aided in the siege of Bonen Alfonso of Ferrara and the Benteuoly both traitors to the Papal Sea where hee
Thomas Audley Lord Chancellor the Duke of Norfolke and Thomas Cromwell Secretary her bringers desiring God so to helpe her as sne was guiltlesse of those things whereof shee was accused beseeching those Lords to bee Petitioners vnto his Maiesty in her behalfe who lamenting her case left her Prisoner with Sir William Kingston Constable of the place 88 I will in no wise excuse her guilt hauing had iudgement and death by law though others and that vpon iust occasions before mee haue done but will speake from them what they haue said and namely one that wrote thereof vnto a worthy and reuerent person in whose defence his wordes are these Iâ—…seemeth very plaine that the crimes supposed against this Christian Queène Anne were matters contriued by the deuise of the Pope and his Instruments her enemies None of them all that were accused in the same Treason confessing the Act euen vnto death but haue left direct Testimonies in writing to the contrary one meane Groome excepted namely Marke Smeton made confession vpon some promise of life belike but had his head cut off before hee was aware or had time to recall what he had said The like did Cromwell the Secretary signifie to the King after the prisoners had beene throughly examined in the Tower by the Councell who wrote thus in his letter on the same day many things haue been obiected but nothing confessed onely some circumstances haue been acknowledged by Marke And so doth Cranmer Archbishoppe of Canterbury in his letter of comfort vnto the King who sore lamented that such a starre was fallen if her gilt could bee proued and willed his Highnesse to stand in defence of the Gospell as shee had done without any report of confessing or acknowledging any such Acts as were obiected which as Sleidon writeth were Adultery and incest but vniustly saith he as it is supposed and proued since With her were executed certaine Gentlemen of the Kings Priuie Chamber namely Norris Weston Brewton and one Marks which contrary to his conscience as it is reported for hope of preferment subscribed to a bill whereby hee condemned both himselfe and all the rest 89 For vpon the seuenth of May her brother George Bullen Lord Rochford for his supposed offence with these foure before named were all of them beheaded vpon the Tower hill but none of them confessing the Action I haue heard it reported that Rochford the Queenes brother comming to her bed side to solicite a suite leaned thereupon to whisper her in the eare which the Spials gaue forth that hee did so to kisse the Queen howsoeuer they are dead and the Queene must die who two dayes before had beene arraigned in the Tower the Duke of Norfolke being her Iudge to her inditement shee answered so effectually that shee seemed to cleare all matters laid to her charge yet was shee found guilty and vpon the nineteenth day of May was brought to a Scaffold erected on the Greene within the saide Tower where in presence of many noble men the Lord Mayor of London the Shiriffes and some principall commoners shee is said to haue spoken these words in their presence 90 Good Christian people I am come hither to die for according to the Law and by the Law I am iudged to death and therefore I will speake nothing against it I come hither to accuse no yee shall be iudged heereafter to be shedars of some of Crystyn blood and destroiers of your euyn Crysten From Robart Aske chiefe Captaine of the Comynalty assembled in pilgrimage For the Barony and Cominalty of the same By mee Robert Aske yn the name of all the Comynalty and Barony Of such terrour and haughty spirit was this Captaine Aske that when Lancaster an Herald at Armes was sent to declare the Kings message in Pomfret Castle which the Rebels had got by surrender from the Lord Darcy hee so blustred out his answers that the daunted man excusing himselfe to bee but a messenger fell before him on his knees till the Archbishop of Yorke tooke him vp saying it was not beseeming the Coate hee wore to prostrate to any but onely to his Soueraigne Reade likewise if you please this strange Mandate from some meane man among them the false suggestion that they possessed the ignorant with and the Oath whereunto these holy Pilgrimes were sworne as I finde them recorded by themselues in these very words To the Commyns of Hawkeside parish Bailiffs or Constables with all the Hamlets of the same Welbeloued we greet you well and whereas our brother Pouerty and our brother Rogers goith forward is openly for the aide asistance of your faith and holy Church and for the reformation of such Abbeys and Monasteries now dissolued and subpressed without any Iust cause Wherefore gudde brethers For asmuch as our sayd brederyn hath send to vs for ayde and helpe wee doe not onely effectualy desire you but also vnder the paine of deadly sinne wee comaunde you and euery of you to bee at the stoke Greene beside Hawkeside-kirke the Saturday next being the xxviij day of October by xi of the Clokke in your best array as you will make aunswer before the heigh Iudge at the dreadfull day of Dome and in the payne of pulling downe your Houses and leasing of your gudds and your bodies to be at the Capteyns will For at the place aforesaid then and there yee and we shall take further direction concerning our faith so farre decayed And for gudde and laudable Customes of the Country And such naughty inuentions and strange Articles now accepted and admitted so that our said brother bee subdued they are lyke to goe furthwards to vtter vndoing of the Commyn welth 97 And the more to drawe forward the rude multitude which were forward enough of themselues they set forth in writing these slanderous vntruths against the King 1 The first is that no infant shall receyue the blessed Sacrament of Baptisme bott onlesse an trybett to bee payd to the King 2 The second is that no man vnder xx1. Landes shall eyte no brede made of Wheate ner Capon chekyn gois ner pigge bott onlesse to pay a trybett to the King 3 The third is that for euery ploghe land the King will haue en trybett with other diuerse extreme vrgent causes and hertely fareye well The Oath of the holy Pilgrimes Ye shall nat enter into this our Pilgrimage of Grace for the Commyn welth but only for the loue that you doe bere vnto Almyghty Godde his faith and to holy Churche militant the maintenance thereof to the preseruation of the Kings person his issew to the purifying of Nobilitie and to expulse all vilayne blode and euill Councellers agaynst the Commyn welthe from his Grace and the priuie Counsel of the same and that ye shall nat enter into oure said Pilgramege for no particuler proffite to your selfe nor to doe no displeasure to no priâ—…ey person but by
of their poore whereunto he gaue fiue hundred Markes yeerely of Lands for euer to maintaine Gods diuine seruice and the said Churches reparations within whose walles we finde this often written This is Christs Church founded by King Henrie the eight 134 And his sicknes inâ—…asing to the great danger of life hee prepared himselfe to make his Wil wherein howsoeuer titles had been vnhabled in Parliaments he ordained his three children to succeede each after others for want of other Issue One thousand markes he commanded to be giuen to the poore and to twelue poore Knights at Winsere each of them twelue pence a day for euer euery yeere a long Gowne of white cloth the Gâ—…ter imbroidered vpon the breast wherein was placed the Crosse of Saint George and a Mantle of red cloth to bee worne thereupon ordâ—…ning for his Executors in the minority of Prince Edward these heere vnder named 1 Thomas Crâ—…er Archbishop of Ganterbury 2 Thomas 〈◊〉 Lord Chancellor 3 William 〈◊〉 Knight of the Order 4 Lord Saint-Iohn Great Master of the Houshold 5 Iohn Russell Lord 〈◊〉 Seale 6 Edward 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Hertford Lord great Chamberâ—…ine 7 Iohn 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lord high Admiral 8 Cutbert 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 9 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Knight Mr. of the Horse 10 〈◊〉 Pageâ—… Knight of the Order 11 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chiefe iustice of the Common-pleâ—… 12 Thomas Bromley Lord Chiefe Iustice. 13 Anthony Deny Knight 14 Edward North Knight 15 Edward Wotton Knight 16 Doctor Wotton Deane of Canterbury And for their aide and assistance in Counsell he appointed these following 1 Henry Fitz-Alan Earle of Arundel 2 William Parre Earle of Essex 3 Thomas Cheney Knight Treasurer of the Houshold 4 Iohn Gage Knight CoÌ„troler of the Houshold 5 Anthony Winkefield Knight Vice-Chamberlaine 6 William Peter Knight principall Secretary 7 Richard Rich Knight 8 Iohn Baker Knight 9 Ralph Sadler Knight 10 Thomas Seimer Knight 11 Richard Southwell Knight 12 Edmund Pecham Knight And in great penitency for his sinnes died vpon Thursday the twenty eight day of Ianuary in the yeere of Christ Iesus 1546. when hee had raigned thirty seuen yeere nine moneths and fiue daies had liued fifty fiue yeres fiue months fiue daies whose body with great solemnity was buried at Windsore vnder a most costly and stately Tombe begunne in Copper and guilt but neuer finished in the inclosures of whose Grates is curiously cast this inscription HENRICVS OCTAVUS REX ANGLIAE FRANCIAE DOMINVS HIBERNIAE FIDEI DEFENSOR with what cost and state this his Monument was intended is manifested by a Manuscript taken from the true modell thereof which I receiued from that industrious Herauld Master Nicholas Charles Lancaster and for the great magnificence is worthy heere to be inserted The maner of the Tombe to be made for the Kings Grace at Windsore First the pauement wherevpon the Tombe shall stand shall be of Orientall stone That is to say of Alabaster Porfido Serpentines and other stones of diuers colours as in the patterne sheweth Item vpon the same Pauement shall be two great steps vnder all the worke of like Orientall stones Item the Basement of the Pillers shall be of white Marble with Angelâ—… holding betweene them Crownes or Garlands guilt and white Marble as more plainely sheweth in the Patterne Item aboue the said Basement and Angels shall be all the old Testament that is to say xiiij Images in the xiiij Casements of the same two Pillers of the Prophets and all the Pillers which shall be xvi shall be of stones Serpentine Porfido and Alabaster and other fine Orientall stones of such colours as is shewed in the Patterne and the foote of euery piller and also the head shall be of Brasse And euery Prophet shall haue an Angell sit at his foote with Scripture of the name of his Prophet and aboue ouer the head of the same shall bee the story of his Prophet in euery of which Story shall bee at least viij or xi figures Item aboue all the same Pillers shall bee another Basement of white Marble with a partition being made of such fine Orientall stones as the Pillers bee wherein shall bee written such Scripture as please you Item aboue the same Basement shall be the Story of the new Testament that is to wit with the Images of the Apostles the Euangelists and the foure Doctors of the Church and euery Image shall haue sitting at his foote a little child with a Scripture of the name of his Image and a little Basket full of red and white Roses which they shall shew to take in their hands and cast them downe off the Tombe and ouer the Pauement and the Roses that they shal cast ouer the Tombe shall bee enamelled and guilt and the roses that they cast ouer the Pauements shal be of fine Orientall stones of white and red Item behinde all the same Images of the new Testament round shall be made in brasse and guilt all the life of Iesus Christ from the natiuity to his ascention and it shall be so clearely and perfectly made that the Mystery of Christs life to his ascention shall plainely appeare Item aboue the said new Testament and Images thereof and aboue the said life of Christ shall bee a Quire of xx Angels standing vpon a Basement of white Marble with great Candlestickes in their hands hauing lights in them shewing to honour and reuerence the same Tombe Item all these foresaid figures stories and ornaments shall be made to garnish and ornate the two Pillers of the Church betweene which the Tombe shall be set Item betweene the said two great Pillers of the Church thus garnished shall be a Basement of white Marble of the height of the Basement of the Pillers and therein the Epitaph of the King and Queene with letters of gold of such Scriptures as yee deuise Item vpon the same Basement shall bee made two Tombes of blacke-touch that is to say on either side one and vpon the said Tombes of black Touch shall be made the Image of the King and Queene on both sides not as death but as persons sleeping because to shew that famous Princes leauing behinde them great fame their names neuer doe die and shal lie in roiall Apparels after the antique maner Item ouer the right hand ouer both the sides of the same Tombe shall be an Angell which shall hold the Kings Armes with a great Candlesticke hauing as it were light on it as a Lampe and in like manner shall be an other Angell holding the Queenes Armes on the left hand with a like Candlesticke Item on the right hand and left hand on both the sides ouer the said Images of the King and Queene shall be two Angels shewing to the people the bodies of the King and Queene holding aboue their Heades veiles of gold and the Crownes of the King and Queene on their hands Item betweene the said two Tombes of blacke Touch and the said Angell ouer the King Queene shall stand
treason and fellony and the same vrged vnto extremity with many amplifications and bitter inuectiues especially that hee had sought and pretended the deathes of the Duke of Northumberland the Lord Marquesse and Pembroke where after many mild answeres to these matters obiected he put himselfe to be tried by his Peeres who acquitted him of treason but found the inditement of felloniâ—… when presently the Aâ—… was commaunded away whereat the shout of the people shewed the great affection that was boâ—…e to the Duke little mistrusting that the sentence of death was pâ—…ounced against him or that the kiâ—… vncle should die as a fellon neither did Staâ—… intend any such thing as some are of opinion but rather was purposely made for the suppression of â—…bellions and vnlawfull 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 herein such as should seeke or procure the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Câ—…sellor should be guilty as in case of felloniâ—… But such was the pleasure of the all ordering power 〈◊〉 he which knew no theft should die for that sinne so that neither himselfe nor 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 demaunded the benefite of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 would haue saued his life if it had beene required 69 His sentence thus pronounced hee was againe sent backe to the Tower wherein he kept a very sad Christmas yea and that in the Court inclined to little mirth the King lamenting the condemnation of his vncle had not some witty disportes broke off his passions which how and by whome they proceeded let others report and vs continue the Tragedie of this Duke who vpon the two twenty of February following being Friday was brought to the Scaffold vpon Tower-hil by eight in the morning where turning himselfe towardes the East he spake to the people as followeth 70 Dearely beloued friends I am brought hither to suffer death albeit I neuer offended against the King neither in word nor deed and haue alwayes been as faithfull and true vnto this Realme as any man hath been but for somuch as I am by law condemned to die I doe acknowledge my selfe as well as others to be subiect thereunto wherefore to testifie mine obedience which I owe to the lawes I am come hither to suffer death where unto I willingly offer my selfe with most hearty thanks vnto God that hath giuen me this time of repentance who might through sodaine death haue taken away my life that I neither should haue acknowledged him nor my selfe 71 These words vttered besides others exhortatory that the people would continue constant in the Gospell sodainly was heard a great noyse wherby the assembly was strucke into great feare some thinking that a storme or tempest descended from aboue some supposed that the barrels of Gunpowder in the Armorie had taken fire were all blowne vp into the Aire others thought that they heard a noise of horses prepared to battell some againe affirmed confidently that it did thunder and others thought verily it was an earth-quake and that the ground moued vnto such confusion and terrour were they presently brought which saith Stow was none other but that certaine men from the Hamlets warned with weapon to guard the Tower-hill came thither somewhat after the hower appointed whose formost seeing the Prisoner on the Scaffold beganne to runne forward themselues and call to their fellowes to come away which word away sounding as an Eccho in the peoples eares they thought that rescue had come to the Duke to take him away and seeing the Bil-men to make forward so fast beganne themselues to shrinke backe from the hill euery man seeking to saue one and by this accident and confused cries this feare among them fell and beganne This stirre scarce ended another ensued by the running of the people towards the Scaffold who seeing Sir Anthony Browne riding thitherward supposed a pardon had come from the King so that a sodaine shout arose apardon apardon God fane the King by which it onely appeared in what loue hee was had and how much his life was desired of the Commons 72 The Duke whose mind being altogether prepared for death was little moued either to hope or feare and thereupon addressed his second speech to the people and with no deiected countenance spake againe and said Beloued friends there is no such matter intended as you vainely hope and belieue It seemeth thus good to the Almighty vnto whose ordinance it is meet that wee all bee obedient wherefore I pray you bee quiet and without tumult for I am quiet and let vs so ioyne in prayer vnto the Lord for the preseruation of our Noble King vnto whose Maiesty I wish câ—…uall health with all felicitie and abundance of prosperous successe Moreouer I wish to his Counsellers the grace and fauour of God whereby they may rule all things vprightly with Iustice vnto whom I exhort you all in the Lord to shew your selues obedient the which is also very necessarie for you vnder paine of condemnation and also most profitable for the preseruation of the Kings Maiesty And thereupon asking euery man forgiuenesse freely forgaue euery man against him and desiring the people to bee quiet lest the flesh should be troubled though his spirit was willing hee meekely laide downe his head to the Axe and receiued at one stroke his rest by death 73 Howsoeuer this Dukes cause was ballanced by law and him taken away that stood betwixt some and their Sunne yet was his death heauily disgested by the people that spake very bitterly against the Duke of Northumberland but most especially the young King sore mourned and soone missed the life of his Protector thus vnexpectedly taken away who now depriued of both his vncles howsoeuer the times were passed with pastimes playes and shewes to driue away dumpes yet euer the remembrances of them sate so neere vnto his heart that lastly he fell sicke of a Cough which grieuously increasing ended with a consumption of the lungs 74 His sicknesse continuing with great doubt of his life vpon purpose saith Grafton to alter the succession of the Crowne three marriages were in one day solemnized whereof the first was betwixt the Lord Guilford Dudley fourth sonne to the Duke of Northumberland and the Lady Iane eldest daughter of Henry Duke of Suffolke the second was betwixt the Lord Herbert sonne and heire to William Earle of Pembroke and the Lady Katherine the yonger daughter of the said Duke of Suffolke and the third was betweene Hanry L. Hastings sonne and heire of Frances Earle of Hantington and Katherine the youngest daughter of the Duke of Northumberland which tending saith he to the diâ—…erison of the rightfull heires they proued nothing prosperous for two of them were presently made frustrate the one by death and the other by diuorce 75 The policy established and languishing sicknesse of the King gaue way vnto such as sought the euersion of the State alienation of the Crown In whose eye no head was scene fitter for that faire Diademe
lib. 49. Octauians preparation for Britaine Dio. Cass. lib. 53. The Britains appease Octauian Strabo lib. 4. Augustus third preparation against Britanny The Britaines excuses Customes first paid in Britaine The Britaines loyaltie Cunobeline prince of the Trinobantes Malden The first stamped Coines in Britaine Caesar. Com. lib. 5. A generall peace thorow all the world Mâ—…cah 5. 2. Isay 9. 6. Gen. 3. 5. Isav 7. 14. Gal. 4. 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 building of 〈◊〉 Temple Ioh. 3. 19. Luk. 2. 14. Paulus O 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Temple is shut â—â—rg Aeneid li. â—… The fruits of a true peace Lactan. li. 4 ca. 〈◊〉 Dâ—…ples 〈◊〉 c. 32. Eclog. 4. Saâ—…urne whom Virgil nameth was esteemed the father of the Gods 1 Magnum Ioâ—… is incrementum c. 2 Mâ—…tri longâ—… decem c 3 Nec Deus bâ—…c â—…ensa c. 4 Assyriuâ—… vulgâ—…â—…scetur c. 5 Cui non risere parentes c. 6 Pacaâ—… 〈◊〉 reget patriâ—… c. 7 Soluet 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. 8 Si qua 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. 9 Fallâ—… herba veneni c. 10 Occidet serpenâ—… c. Sueton. in vit August Sect. 94. Dâ—…ples veritat Christi 32. sol 518. Niceph li. 1. ca. 17. Iuuenal Saâ—…yr 3. Zephan 2. 11. Our Sauiour Christ borne in the fourteenth yeere of Cunobeline Luk. 2. Dan. 2. Augustus described His raigne Tacit. Annal. li. 5. cap. 〈◊〉 His deuotion to Christ. Niceph. li. 1. ca. 17. Suidâ—… His endowments of bodie Sueton in vitae Augustâ—… The moneths of Iuly and Augst Tiberois Nero his parents Sueton. in vit Tiber. His actions and conditions Tacit. Annal. li. 1. cap. 〈◊〉 Tacit. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cap. 3. His plotting against his Nobles Tacit. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cap. 7. Tacit. Annal. li. 〈◊〉 cap. 7. 〈◊〉 his hypocrisie His libidinous â—…esse Tacit. Annal. li. 6. cap. 1. His 〈◊〉 * A wine-â—… Carelesse in gouernment The prouinces vâ—…defended Britaine without forraine garrison or gouernment Tacit. Annal. li. 2. cap. 5. Ieffrey Monm Our Sauiour Christs death Tertâ—…l in Apolog. adâ—…s geâ—…es c. 5. Eusâ—…b â—…ccles hist. li. 2. ca. 2. Tiberius hiâ—… raigne age and death Tacit. Annal. li. 〈◊〉 cap. 7. 2. Chr. 21. 20. Tacit. lib. 〈◊〉 ca. 12. Tacit. in vitae Agric. Casigula intendeth to inuade Britaine Dion Cass. lib. 59. Sueton. in vita Caligula Adminius banished flieth to Caesar. Caligula his vaine ambition His deluding of the Senate His warring with the Sea Caligula his great victorie Ortâ—…lius Geograp His ambition Affrighted in his sleepe Pontius Pilate banished killeth himselfe Euseb. lib. 2. cap. 7. Ioseph Antiq. lib. 19. cap. 1. Caligula slaine His personage Sabe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 7. lib. 2. Dion lib. 60. His hatred after death Claudius Drusus chosen by the Pretorian Souldiers Ioseph Antiquit. l. 19. cap. 3. Claudius his Parentage The Britaines detaine their Tribute Dion Cass lib. 60. Anno Domi. 45. Aulus Plautius sent against the Britaines His Souldiers vnwilling Dio. lib. 60. Incouraged by a signe from heauen Tacitus in vit Agric C. Sidius Geta his valour The Britaines retire to places of aduantage Togodumnus slaine Claudius the Emperour commeth into Britain with a great Army Dion Cassius lib. 60. Elephants first brought into Britaine Claudius entreth Britaine He surpriseth Camulodunum His clemencie maketh him to be honoured for a God Claudius returneth to Rome entreth in Triumph Sueton. in vita Claud. Sect. 17. His manner of encamping His animating of his souldiers His resolution Ostorius his care The Britaines put to flight Caractacus wife daughter and brethren taken prisoners Himselfe betraied by Cartismandus Hee 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Tacit. Annal. 12 cap. 8. Caractacus led in triumph His habit and attire Ex histor magn Britan. His vndauntednesse His Oration to Claudius Caesar. Euents of warre variable Britaines wall Ambition hath no bounds Nature disdaineth seruitude Tocit Annal. li. 12. cap. 8. Ostorius and his fortunes decline The Britaines take heart again Their victory Caesars threats make the Britains more resolute Ostorius dieth Aulus Didius sent Lieutenant into Britaine Tacit. Annal. 12. c. 8. Manlius Valens encountred the Britaines with ill successe Didius for a while keepeth them in awe Tacit. Annal. 12. 〈◊〉 Claudius his own words the occasion of his death * Messalina was his first wife a woman of vnsatiable lecherie who was put to death Tacit. Annal. lib. 12. cap. 13. Ioseph Anti. lib. 20. ca. 5. The continuance of his raigne ANNO DO 56. His indowments of bodie His imperfections Wiues and seruants most misleade great personages Nero assumeth the Empire His parents Suetonius in vita Neronis His excessiue lust and bloodshed Suetonius in vita Neronis Tacit. Annal. 16. cap. 3. Rome set on fire by Nero. Suet. in vita Nero. Tacit. Annal. 15. cap. 10. Christians in Neroes Court. Peter and Paul put to death Euseb. li. 2. ca. 25. Tertul. Apol. ca. 5. A great ouerthrow of the Romans Tacit. Annal. 15. cap. 2. Tacitus in vita Agric. Suet. in vit Nero. Anglesey inuaded Romanes amazed at sight of the British The Receiuer of tribute his oppression Diâ—…n Cass. lib. 62. Tacit. Anâ—…al 14. cap. 10. * 〈◊〉 * Vâ—…dica Prasutagus his Testament Tacit. in vit Agric. pag. 190. Prodigies daily seene Dio. lib. 62. Other Prouinces shake off the yoke In the battaile against Quintilius Varius Tac. in vit Agric. Their Resolution Queene Boudicâ—… chosen Leader She surpriseth the Romanes She putteth Petilius Cerealis to flight She forceth Catus to flie into Gallia She sackâ—…th Verolanium Seuentie thousand slaine by her Army 〈◊〉 in vit Nero sect 39. Diâ—… Câ—…ss lib. 6â—… London long since renowned Boudicea surueiâ—… her troopes Her attire Her Oration to her Armie Tacit. Annal. li. 11. The custome of this and other Monarchies to be gouerned by women Iustin. lib. 1. Semiramis Nitocris Tomyris Iustin. lib. 1. Cleopatra Messalina and Agrippina Shee disclaimeth all superioritie Reioiceth in her innocencie The indignities offred by the Romans Dion Cass. lib. 62. Tacit. Annal. lib. 14. cap. 11. Caesar. Com. lib. 5. Britannith vipers Tacitus in vita Agric. Domesticke conspirators most dangerous Caesar. Com. li. 2. Motiues inciting to pursue the Romans Her deuice at concluding her speech The Britaines vanquished Eightie thousand Britaines slaine Boudicea poisoneth her selfe Tacit. Annal. lib. 14. cap. 11. Paenius slew himselfe Tacitus hist. lib. 2. cap. 4. The Britaines miseries Iulius Classicianus a receiuer Promiseth Clemencie Tranquillus in vit Nero. Sect. 40. Polycletus sent to reconcile Classicianus and Suetonius Liberti or Freemen were such as being first bond slaues by their seruice obtained freedome and many of them about the Emperor came to be of great sway Suetonius deliuereth vp his charge Petronius his disposition Petronius Turpilianus giueth vp his charge to Trebell Max. Petronius Turpilianus slaine because true to Nero Iulius Vindex opposeth Nero. Tacit. histor in vit Nero. Proclaimeth Galba Emperour Nero seeketh to fly into Eegypt The Senate send to apprehend him Nero hidâ—…th himselfe He killeth himselfe
sonnes elected subdued and slaine 1. Aureolus in Illyris 2. Gallienus in Rome 3. Odenatus in the East Odenatus ouercommeth the Persians Galieâ—… seeketh Odenatus his death Apoc. 4. 3. Trebeâ—… Pollio Strange sighâ—…s in the Heauens Great and mighty Earth-quakes Galiâ—… staied the perâ—…cutions of thâ—… Christians Eusâ—…b Eccles. â—…st lib. 7. cap. 12. Apoc. 1. 16. Thirty Emperoâ—… 〈◊〉 oncâ—… Pomp. Laetus a Panlus Oros. b Cassidor c Iornandes Eusebius Apoc. 6. 4. Galienus times prophesied of by the Euangelist S. Iohn Galienus his death and continuance of his raigne An. Do. 269. His descent Aurel. Victor Flauius Claudius his vertues Iornandes Gothes inuade the Empire Paul Orosius Two thousand saile of Gothes Claudius Letter to the Senate Gothes vanquished Flauius Claudius died a naturall death His personage and qualities An. Do. 271. Eutropius Quintiliâ—… brother to the last Emperour Quintilius cut his own veines and so bled to death He raigned but seuenteen daies An. Do. 271. Aurelianus his descent Fla. Vâ—…p Aurelianus comparable with Caesar and Alexander Aurelianus inlarged the walles of Rome Chap. 37. Sabellicus saith she both tired him and put him to flight also Zenobia her Letter to Aurelianus * The great Citie Palmyra saith Iosephus was built by King Salomon whence their Nation tooke the name It bordered vpon the Parthians Kingdome in the middle betwixt it and the Roman Empire Ouid. Metam li. 6. * Tomyris was a valiant Scythian Queene who slew King Cyrus and all his Host and filling a vessell with their bloud did cast in Cyrus head saying Bloud hast thou thirsted now drinke therof thy fill To this doth Zenobia allude Zenobia vanquished Zenobia het beautie Flau. Vopisc Euseb. Eccl. Hist. lib. 7 cap. 39. Paul Orosius Aurelianus at first a fauourer now a persecutor of the Christians Aurelianus scard with a Thunderbolt from heauen Psal. 2. 10. Aurelianus slaine Entropius Aurelianus His feature of body and minde 〈◊〉 An. Do. 276. Aurelianus being dead no man sought to be Emperour Senate and Souldiers strain courtesie who shall choose the Emperour Eusebius Vopiscus Orosius Oneuphrius Claudius Tacitus elected Emperor Claudius Tacitus his vertues Claudius Tacitus his care to preserue the works of Cornelius Tacitus Eutrop. l. 9. Aurel. Victor Vopiscus Claudius Tacitus his Raigne An. Do. 277. Florianus made himselfe Emperour Florianus his death Chap. 38. Eutrop. lib. 9. Vopiscus Florianus his raigne An. Do. 277. Probus called the father of his Countrey and the highest Bishop His desceâ—… Sabellicus Probus comparable with Hannibal and Caesar. Probus slayeth 400000. Germans Henr. Mutint Saturninus cho sen Emperour His speech to his Electors Saturninus his death Vopiscut Bonosus and Proculus rebell against Probus Sabellicus Bonosus death Sabellicus Sabellicus Victorinus a Moore his Stratagem Hist. Mag. Brit. lib. 3. cap. 10. Vandals and Burgundians sent to inhabite in Britaine Vopiscus Sabellicus Wine made in England Probus his death Vopiscus Entropius Eusebius Eccl. hist. lib. 7. cap 29. Anno 282. Flauius 〈◊〉 Vopiscus Uictor 〈◊〉 Orosius Cardâ—… and Numerianus Casars Carinus slaine by a thunderbolt Hierome Paulus Orosius Eutropius Flauius Vopiscus Eutrop. Signonâ—… Oâ—…pbet Pomp. Laetus An. Do. 286. An. Do. 291. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 6. * Now called Bâ—…leyn in Picardy Carausius defendeth his vsurpation seuen yeers Maximianus against Carausius Ninius A perfidious friend Allectus slaine Walbrooke in London of Gallus 〈◊〉 Tâ—…eb Mamertinus Panegyâ—… Orat. The Emperours extolled for recoucting Britain Mamertinus Paneg Grat. Many Artificers in Britaine Gâ—… Damasâ—… Sabellicus Eusebius Beda Rad. de Dicetâ—… The Christians torments for ten yeeres together Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 7. S. Albane put to death at Saint Albans Iob. Capgraue Amphibole a Britaine put to death Iulius and Aaron at Leicester At Lichfeild grâ—… multitudes in Cambden Ioh. 19. 17. Ioh Rossâ—… Wâ—…wicens in lib. de 〈◊〉 â—…pis Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 6. Apoc. 13. Dan. 7. Ezek. 38. 2. The violent deaths of many Emperors Psal. 45. 5. The first Seale Apoc. 6. The second Seale The third Seale The fourth Seale The fifth Seale The sixth Seale Exod. â—…9 Numb 17. Iosh. 3. 4. Iob 29 9. Euseb. eccles lib. 8. cap. 1. 2. 3. Euseb. hist eccles lib. 8. cap. 1. Amos 1. 3. Euseb. eccles hist. lib. 8. cap. 2â—… Euseb. eccles hist. lib. 8. cap. 14. Fox Act. pag. 119. 123. Euseb. eccles hist. lib. 8. cap. 19. Dioclesians practise The Pope an imitator of him and not of Christ. Dioclesian and Maximianus resigned vp the Empire the 9. Cal. of May in the yeere of Christ 304. Galerius and Constantius Emperors The Christians inioy peace Constantine the Great elected Caesar. Euseb. eccles hist. lib. 〈◊〉 cap. 16. Pomp. Latâ—… 2. Kin. 10. 20. Constantius policie to trie who were true Christians Constantius his wiues Eutropius Nicephor lib. 7. cap. 18. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 8. Holinsh. Chron. lib. 4. cap 26. Cambd. Brit. pa. 74 Baronius A Church builded by Helena in the place where our Sauiour suffred Helena buildeth another Church where the Inne stood in which our Sauiour was laid in a Cratch Ambrose his Oration vpon Theodosius Ioseph Antiq. lib. 20. cap. 2. Helena Queene of Ad abâ—…na a vertuous woman also Constantine escapeth Galerius His preuenting pursuit He commeth safe to Yorke to his father Constantius his speech to his sonne Constantius his raigne death Pomp. Laetus Socrates Eccl. lib. 1. cap. 2. An. Do. 306. Euseb. Eccl. Hist. lib. 8. cap. 14. Socrat. Eccl. lib. 1. cap. 〈◊〉 Panegyricke Oration vnto Constantine the great Eutropius Constantines descent Sabelâ—…icus Maximianus put to death by Constantine Niceph. li. 7. c. 2â—… Eutropius lib. 11. Zosoâ—… lib. 1. ca. 5. Socrat. lib. 1. ca. 2. Vâ—…spurgens Chron. Paul Diac. li. 11. Euseb. ecles hist. lib. 9. cap. 9. Sabellicus Constantines repose Pomp. Laetus Maxentius trusteth to Sorcerers Sabellicus An inscription made on memory of Maxentius ouerthrow The memoriall of his victorie ouer the Frankners Cambd. Brit. Licinius put to death at Nicomedia and his sonne after Anno 326. Sigonius In hist. tripart Eusebius Cambden in his Britannia Amianus Marcill Nineteene thousand foote and seuenteene hundred horsemen maintained in ordinary in Britaine Sabellicus A Iewish Doctor thus described this Citie in an epistle which himselfe deliuered to our English Ambassador remaining in Constantinople in Anno 1594. Hier. in his additions to Eusebius Constantinople built by Constantine Wil. Malmsbury Constantine the establisher of Christianity Ambrose vpon the death of Theo. Rufâ—… Cassiod Eusebius eccles hist. Hieromâ—… Eusebius Sigonius Constantine buried at Constantinople Socrates lib. 1. cap. 26. Eusebius in viâ—… Const. lib. 4. Sabellicus Constantines successors An. Do. 337. Constantinus his part of the Empire Constans his part of the Empire Constantius his part of the Empire Constantinus slaine Socrates lib. 2. c. 3. Cassiod trip Hist. A Councell against the Arrians called by Constans Constans slaine Amianus l. 20. c. 1â—… Fl. pop Nepohanus p. F. Aug. Simon Dunelm I. Stow. Galfridus
West The Princes of Wales doe homage to William Math. Paris Henry Hunt Simon Dun. Will. Malmes Math. Paris Polydor. An D. 1077 Robert warreth for Normandy Will. Malmes Mat. Paris Simon Dun. King William wounded and vnhorsed He bandeth his sonne Will. Malmes An. D. 1708 The Tower of London built Iohn Stow. Regist Epist. Roâ—… Stephenide Will. Malmes Florentius Wigor England Suruaie and generall Iudgement Ingulfus Higden Stow calleth that booke Doâ—…us Dei. Ingulfus Geruasius Tilburiens Robert Glocestrens Englands exactions Iohn Castor Iohn Rowse Englishmens reproch Mat. Paris in Gâ—…d Conq. Simon Dunel Malcolme inuadeth England Cambden in Ottaâ—… Simon Dun. Danes prepare against William Mat. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 â—…ance of in â—…ame 〈◊〉 King Williams depopulations Cambd in Hantshire Gualter Mâ—… King William the father or wild Beasts Iudgements of God â—…n King Williams 〈◊〉 in New Forest Cambden Matth. Paris Calamities falling on the Land All things degenerate Roger Wendouer Marianus Pope Gregories Buls against maried Priests Matth Paris in Gâ—… Conq. Inhibiting of married Priests a new deuice and inconsiderate Popish Continency hypocriticall Odo King williams brother affecteth the Papacy King william condemneth his brothers Ambitions His sacrileges His Oppressions His Trecheries His imprisonment His Auarice Wil. Malmsb. Matth. Paris Some write King William tooke Physicke to take downe his great fat belly Higden William Malmes King Williams Oath Stow saith two Anchorits King Williams last Will and Testament Ex Libro Cadomensis Monast. His last Speecâ—… on point of death Of his Sinnes Of his Norman troubles Of his Normans qualities Of his friends Kindreds vnkindnesse Of his English Conquest Outward triumphes leaue inward horrâ—…s His workes of deuotion His Counsell to his Children The dispose of his States Of Normandy Of England King Williams Legacie to his sonne Henry He writeth into England King Williams death With such doctrine was good deuotion abused contrary to the prescript of God Isai. Chap. 33. 16. Princes friends His Corps forsaken of all sorts The qualities of Court-Kites His Hearse also abandoned of al. His buriall place denied him Annoiance at his funerall Hence Stowe notes their report for fabulous who wrot that his Body was found vncorrupt 500. yeeres after his death His description for lineaments and qualities Will. Malmes Rand. Higden Polyc. lib. 7. cap. 4. Stow ex libro Richmond King Williams Charter to Hunter Lambert Peramb Ingulfus Hollins Lamb. Peramb Iohn Leland Wil. Malms Roane Bartel-Abbay so called of a battell there sought against Harold Will. Newbery Math. Paris in Will Conq. Charta de Bello Selby Abbay Exeter Priory Iohn Stow. Saint Stephens in Cane William Malmes King William regardfull of matrimonial agreement Robert A cruell reuenge of one brother on another Henry slaine let his GraÌ„drathers New-forest Richard Richard slaine 〈◊〉 his fathers New-Foâ—…est William Rufus or the 〈◊〉 Henry 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Annales S. Augustus Cantâ—…ar M. S. Cecily She is vailed a Nunne Constanâ—… The Earldome of Richmond erected Alice Saint William Archbishop of Yorke Gundred Ela. Margaret William Rufus Monarch 40 An. D. 1087 William Rufus comes into England Ypodigma Neustria Simon Dunel The Peeres wish well to his Elder brother Mat. Paris Ypodigm Lanfranke and Wulstane sway the Peeres for Rufus William Gemit Matth. Paris His Coronation His disposition An. D. 1088 Rand. Higden in Polychr lib. 7. cap. 5 Robert possessed of Normandy His disposition Odoes emulation against Lanfrank Polyc. lib. 7. cap. 5. He conspireth against the King Inuireth Robert to try for the Crowne Duke Roberts hopes for England His wants His supply by morgage of his Land Odo the ringlealeader for Duke Robert Rob. Mowbray and other his associates Wil. Malms Simon Dun. Bristow fortified against King William Henry Hunt Duke Robert verie faire for the Kingdome Wil. Genetic King William promiseth to mollifie his Laws He waxeth strong Odo his great heart taken downe Simon Dun. An. D. 1089 * This Castle some lay was built by Odo but it appears to haue been built by William Conquerour Domesday-book Will. Gemet Niding a word of Reproch Camb. in Kent Matth. Paris Odo leaues England Rufus pretendeth submissiuenesse to his brother Polychr lib. 7. c. 3. Math. Paris William Rufus a cunning Time-seruer Faire words appease fooles and often deceiue the wise Lanfranke dieth King William an ill manager of Ecclesiasticall promotions Gâ—…rn Dor. Pope Vrbâ—… not at leasure then to remedy Church wrongs An. D. 1090 Ypodigma Neustria King William enters Normandy Peace made betwixt the King and Duke Will Gemet Matth. Paris Ypodig Neust. Math. Paris Both Brethren oppugne Henry the younger brother Willi. Gemet King William endangered in a Siege King William preferres him that ouerthrew him Williams Oath Edmerus saith his oath was By Gods face An. D. 1091 Ran. Higden in Polychr lib. 7. c. 5. A friendly Enemie An vn-brotherlie Brother Will. Gemet The three brethen reconciled Ypodigm Neustr. Chron. Wallia Warre bewixt Rise Prince of Southwales and 〈◊〉 Rob. Fiftz-hammon â—…ides 〈◊〉 Rob. Fitz. hammon and his followers possesions in Walles The Knighs who attended Fitz hammon An. D. 1092 Gemet Malcolme King of Scotland enters England with a power King William 〈◊〉 Malcolme meete enter League Ypodigm 〈◊〉 â—…stria Mat. Paris King William and Duke Robert at variance againâ—… Carleil reedified Peopled with a Southerne Colony Endowed with large Privilegio An. D. 109 King William falleth sicke and voweth 〈◊〉 Matth Paris Henry Hunt Polychron lib. 7. â—…p 6. Ger. Dorob Godwin in his Catalogue of Bishops Hic humâ—…lis diues res mira potens pausâ—… vltor Compatiensâ—…â—…itis cum pateretur erat Ypodigâ—… Neustri King William regaineth his health and loseth his good purposes Goodwin in the life of Anselme Polychron lib. 7. cap. 7. Rand. Higd. King Malcolme commeth to Glocester Will. Gemet Departeth discontent William Malmes Polydor. Raiseth a power William Gemet Is slaine with his son the Prince Simon Dun. Earl Mowbraies greatnesse suspected by the King Math. Paris Is taken and imprisoned Ypodigm Neustr. Hector Bâ—…s lib. 12. cap. 12. Malcolme slaine vnder shew of submission The name of Percyes ancienter theÌ„ Perceing of Malcolmes eâ—…e Uide Cambd. in Northâ—…m Gemetâ—…icensis Saâ—…nt Margaret Edgar Ethelings Sister dieth for griefe of her husbands death few such Saint-like wiues Hector Boetius Math. Paris The English Monarchs of Wales An. D. 1094 Wil. Malmsb. Ran. Hagd Simon Dun. A breach againe betwixt the two Brethren but made vp for a time King William refuseth the censure of his Arbitrators Bothparts againe in Armes King William preuailes by money Math. Paris The French King leaues his friend for money The warres for the Holy Land Theod. Biblian Duke Robert going to Ierusalem morgageth his Dukedome Henry Hunt Will Thorne Paul Aemil. Will. Gemet King Williams extreame exactions Math. Paris Not sparing Churches and Monasteries Aedmerus An. D. 1095 His expedition for Wales The Welsh fly to their Mountains An. D. 1096 Anglesey inuaded Mat. Paris An. D. 1097 Cruelty
there vsed Girald Cambr. Norwegians assault Anglesey An. D. 1098 Mountgomery kild in the Eye An. D 1099 Synodus Claromontana The Holy voiage Peter an Hermite the Captaine The number of the Army Math. Paris The Generals of the Army Henry Huns. lib. 7. Mat. Paris Their fortunate successes Th. Lanquet Ierusalem takeÌ„ by Christians An. D. 1099 〈◊〉 Math Paris Stowes 〈◊〉 Westminster Hall built The length and breadth thereof Rand. Higden Mayne in Normaney besieged Henry Hunt The Kings readinesse to releeue them Wil. Malms * Yes King Pharao was drowned if the Pilot durst haue so replied Wil. Genetic The courage of Helias a Prisoner King William releateth him His great valour Will Gemet lib. 4. His praises much impaired by partiall writers His opposition to the Romish Church Two Popes of Rome Mat. Paris No English B. subiect to the Pope 〈◊〉 Holinsh. The King of Enland hath as great priuiledges as the Emperour Matth Paris alibi except also Ranulphus Cestrinsis Episc. Pope Gregory was iustly by all mens iudgemeÌ„ts saith Paris deposed for Treason against the Emperour Amongst Lanfranks Epistles M. S. vetust The Pope would haue William Conquerour to sweare him allegeance This money was the Peter-pence or Romescot which Edward Confessor calleth Eleemosynas as giuen of Almes to the Church of Rome Lanfranke counselleth the King to subiect himself to the Pope Epist. Lanfran M. S. Will. Rufus prudently treads his fathers steps Eadmerus He denieth the Popes power Soluendi Ligandi Hodins Against praying to Saints Rand. in Polycbr lib. 7. cap. 9. Gemetâ—…ic l. 7. c. 8. A very wise reason Rob. of Glouc. Chron. S. Albans An example of Will. Rufus his wonderfull Pride Euery base knaue will now goe costlier His auarice Polydor Virg. Polych lib. 7. c. 11. A princely choice I would all Simoniacks might so be serued A preferment bestowed vnlooked for Of King Williams inconunency Math. Paris No Issue â—…legimate of his knowne An. D. 1089 Strange accidents of his time Earthquake Lightning Winde Iohn Stow. An. D. 1096 Vncouth Stars Deluge Goodwin Sands Hector Boetius A Well of bloud Wil. Malmesbury Mat. Westm. Henry Hunt Rand. Higd. Presages of his death Math. Paris ad Anâ—… 1100. Matth. Paris Gemeticensis King William slaine with an Arrow in hunting Math. Paris Yeeres of his age and Raigne Will. Malmes His description of minde and body * Boetius thence surnames him Red-face His works of deuotion Lib. Bermond Monarch 41 Henry I. An. D. 1100 Wil. Malms Iohn Rowse Annales S. Aug. Math. Paris * This was the first Earle of Warwicke from the Conquest so to continue onely ad plaâ—…um M. Thâ—… Miles Th Rudborne * A politicke but traiterous course of capitulating Math. Paris Henries helps to the Crowne Will. Gemet Idem Roger Houed Henry Hunt Ralpe Bishop of Durham imprisoned Math. Paris His Coronation Ger. Dorob William Malmes The fortaine Princes raigning in his time The reformation of his Court Rand. Hig. in Polychr lib. 7. ca. 12. * Houeden Wigorniens * Malmes lib. 5. de Regibus Publike Liberties by him granted Stowes Annales Math. Paris By losse of right hand saith Malmes Of Hand and Genitals Gometicons lib. 7. cap. 23. Of Eies and Genitals Houeden Malmes lib. 5. Simon Dun. Wil. Malms King Edwards Lawes reuiued againe His Charters sent to be kept in Monasteries Math. Paris Ger. Dor. Ypodigma Neustria His Mariage into the English blood Wil. Genetic cap. 25. Math. Paris 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Votary Gemetic cap. 10. Eadmerus Rand. Higden in 〈◊〉 lib. 7. cap. 16. Math. Paris Duke Roberts noble seruice in the Holy warres Duke Robert elected King of Hiâ—…salem Ran. Hegden in Polychr l. 7. c. 1â—… Math. Paris He returnes into Normandy Will Gemet cap. 12. His attempts for England Math. Paris Roger. Houed Wil. Malmsb. Henry Hunt King Henry strengthâ—…eth himselfe against Duke Robert An D. 1101 An. Reg. 2. The English â—…all off to Duke Robert Math. Paris The Duke landeth in England Will. Gemet cap. 12. K. Henry labours for a peace Henry 〈◊〉 Agreement made betwixt the Brethren The covenant of Peace Will 〈◊〉 Matth. West 〈◊〉 Dor. Duke Râ—…bert entertained in King Henries court Will Gemet Cap. 13. Rob. Beliasme against the King An. D. 1102. Simon Dunel An. Reg. 3. Roger Hâ—…uen Matth. Paris Henry Hunt Math. Paris * Goodwin in vita Anselmi Eadmerus Matth. Paris Contention about inuestitures Math. Paris in Will Ruâ—… The Archbishop goes to Rome An. D. 1103 An. Reg. 4. Will. Thorne Polydor. The King sends Ambassadors to Rome The King wil not loose his inuestures for his Kingdome Math. Paris The Pope will lose his head rather then suffer kings to haue inuestures Siluer and gold best mediators to the Pope Pariâ—…nsis Duke Robert entertained in England An. D. 1104. Will. Gemet Henry Hunt He remits 3000. markes a yeer to K. Henry An. Reg. 5. D. Roberts patrimony wasted William Gemet William Earle of Mortaign against the King Ypodig Neustri Math. Paris Rand. Higd. lib. 7. cap. 13. Wil. Malmsb. Math. Paris K. Henry allures the Normans to side with him An. D. 1105 Rog. Houeden An. Reg. 6. Henry Hunt Forts of Normandy yeelded to the King An. D. 1106 Duke Robert leaues force and trusts to persivasion An. Reg. 7. Math. Paris Henry Hunt D. Roberts submission K. Henry respects it not Math. Paris K. Henry resists the counsell of his owne conscience A presumptuous ground to defer repentance King Henry wins his Nobles with faire words Mat. Paris King Henries confidence of the English Math. Paris King Henry inuades Normandy * Yet he also long after was taken and cast into perpetuall prison Wil. Malmsbury Mat. Paris saith it was the 〈◊〉 Caend Maij. Wil. Geâ—… Mat Paris cals in Herâ—…ebray A fierce battaile betwixt the Brethren and their forces Mat. Paris Duke Robers taken prisoner Eadmerus Mat. Paris Normandy conquered Will. Malmes Wil. Geâ—… Roberts rashnesse ouerthrew 〈◊〉 An. D. 1107 Mat. Westâ—… An. Reg. 8. Math. Paris Duke Roberts 〈◊〉 puâ—…out Mat. Paris An. D. 1108 Flemmings placed in Wales An. Reg. 9. Giral Gaâ—…b The coâ—…mendation of the Flemmings The Flemmings great helps for restraining the Welsh King Rufus had little successe in Wales Will. Malmes lib. 5. King Henry disburdenâ—… England of the Flemmings The King violats his promise to the Peeres Math. Paris Ansel. stil molests maried Priests Eadmerus King Philip of France dieth and Lewis succee deth Polyder King Henrie strengthens Normandy An. D. 1109 His daughter married to the Emperour An. Reg. 10. Archbishop Anselme dieth An. D. 1110 An. Reg. 11. Appearing Chastity did breed secret impurity Eadmerus An. D. 1111 An. Reg. 12. King Henry goes into Normandy against Rebels Math. Paris Robert Reliâ—…sme an old Traitor taken A bloudy father and a cruell pastime Chro. Wallia An. D. 1112 An. Reg. 13. Regist. S. Frides Widâ—… Oxon. * Iames 5. 17. An. D. 1114 Floren. Wigorn. Math. Paris Mat. Westminst Iohn Castor Chron. Wallia The King goes with a power against the
pestilent tenour of the letters * Ro. Wend. MS. Mat. Paris Alexander Bishop of Chichester cleareth himself from disloyaltie The English Bishops deale with the King about redresse of the common euils Obiections against the Bishop of Winton and the Poictouines The outrages of the Marshalline faction * Quae exlex est Math. Paris The King facileâ—… in taking and leauing fauourites Of Princes Counsellors and Fauourites The king remoues the Bishop of Winchester and others from his Councell England purged from Poictouines The Earle Marshal dieth in Ireland * Partie per pale Or vert ouer all a Lyon rampant gules The king laments the Earles death Ann. 1235. The king cals home his rebels Hubert de Burgh is reconciled Gilbert brother to the late Earle Marshal hath his brothers lands honours * Math. Paris ad An. 1239. The practise to destroy the late Earle Marshal openly read * Rog. de Wend. M. S. Math. Paris The king sits in Westminster with the Iudges on the Bench. The king himselfe giues sentence on the Bench. The Bishoppe of Winchester went to Rome for hee was in Pope Gregories Armie against the mutined Romans say both Wendouer and Paris ad An. 1â—…35 The diuine vertue of charity actually commended by God * Of Alboldesâ—… a village in Cambridgeshire A miraculous confâ—…sion of hard heartednesse toward poore Christians * Mat. 5. 7. * God hath a care of the liberall * An. 1235. An. reg 19. The Iewes conspire to crucifie a child The Emperour marrieth the kings sister The magnificence of the Nuptials * At Wormes in August * Rog. de Wend. MS. Mat. Paris Marriage consuÌ„mated by calculation of the Stars * Rog Wendouer in hist. MS. in Biblioth D. Roberti Cotton Baronetti * K. Henry 3 of * Richard king of the Romans * Ioan Queen of Scots * Isabel. * Quasi Capientes vrsi deuouring Beares quoth Paris * Mat. Parid. * Idem ad An. 1227 * Ibidem * Math Paris 〈◊〉 seth this word * Polyd. Virg. lib. 16. Armiger quidam literatus saith Parâ—… but pag 566 â—…hesame M. Paris aâ—…th his name was Clement and a Clerke * Margaret Biset The Traitor drawne in sunder with horses * Holinsh. p. 123. * Because Kings are annointed * Because in holy Scriptures they are called Gods * Mat Paris â—…d A. D. 1242. Paris Idem * In Walling ford Castle * 16 Iunij Loâ—…ini Paris * Mat. Paris Ann. 1239. Great faults in the Lords towards the King Worthy iustice done vpon a Court-Rat or Promoter Math. Paris Allegations for Antioches Primacy aboue Rome Hubert Earle of Kent tost with a new Court-storme Strabo A strange description of a king * Ypod. Neust. * Mat. Paris * Cambden Brit. in Kent this man died An. D. 1243. An. 1240. England a most Christian Country * Mundâ—…ssimam terram Paris * Paris * Imperatoris literâ—… apud Paris An. 1241. * Edmund a Saint thoughdying an Exile in detestation of the Popes oppressions An. 1242. A reg 26. The King goes to recouer Poictou * Cadum The French Kings preparations to resist * Vide sâ—…pra at his deâ—…ing from England A most Christian feare of the Christian King * Io. Tili Chron. * Math. Paris Isabel Queene Dâ—…ger forgeth writings to draw her sonne the King into France Mat. Par. p. 570 Poictou lost by the Engâ—…sh Xaincts also and Xainctoing The French Earle of March compared by the King to Iudas Hertold an example of loyalty The effect of the kings iourny into Wales * Hist. Camb. A iudgement of God on a withholder of church lands * Gyrâ—…ld Cambren * 3. Reg. cap. 1. vers 21. An. 1246. A. reg 30. * Mat. Paris The French King reiecteth the Popes motion as vnchristian Dauid Prince of Wales * Articuli super Grâ—…amin a pud Paris * See their seuerall Letters in Paris * Math. Paris * 〈◊〉 Episcoporum Mat. VVest * Paris * Iohannes Anglicus England the Popes Asse * Genes 16. 12. Ann. 1247. * Mat. VVesâ—… Math. Paris Ioh. London c. * In Crastiâ—… Purificationis * Ibidem An. 1248. A. reg 32. The seditious Nobles exposlu lâ—…te their gree â—…ances with the King in stead of granting mony The king driuen to sell his Iewels and Plate to the Londoners A. D. 1249. An. reg 33. Simon Earle of Leâ—…cester returnes with honour out of Gascoign Hampshire purged of theeues by the King himselfe sitting in iudgement A. D. 1250. A. reg 34. Walter Clifford makes an officer eat the kings writ wax and all The king lesseneth the charge of his Houshold Thirtie thousand markes wrung from one Iew in a few yeeres The king preaâ—… cheth to the Couent * Paris * The pope was now fled from Rome for feare of the Emperour * Liuie * He calles iâ—… 〈◊〉 profitable Alâ—…s deed Paris An. 1251. A strange description of the Kings parâ—…mony or pouerty * Notwithstanding any former commandement * Or former priuiledge * Mat. Paris Sir Philip Darey appeacheth Sir Henry Bath a bribing Iudge of treason The disorderly weake and violent carriage of trialâ—… The King proscribeâ—… Sir Henry Bath Sir Iohn Mansel stayes the Kings seruants from killing Bath * Two thousand Marks * Additam ad Math. Paris An. 1252. Alexander the third King of Scots espouseth the Lady Margaret Six hundreth Oxen spent at one meale * Mat. Paris The young King of Scots a suter to the King for bringing Philip Louel into fauour againe * Circumsedentium The most witry and princely inâ—…inuations of the young king to the king his father in Law Philip Louel reconciled to the king Simon Earle of Leicester rather to be called Sinon as the Gascoigns said * Per Papa auarisiaâ—… toâ—… 〈◊〉 infortunium Paris The Kings hope to recouer Normandie frustrated The common opinion of the Kings designe for the holy Land A perilous bolde Dialogue between the Countesse of Arund l and the King An. 1253. An. reg 37. The king of Spaine claunes Gaâ—…coign Simon Earle of Leicester refuseth high honour in France to auoid the suspition of disloialty to England Magna Charta confirmed helpâ—… the king to mony The kings oath to obserue that confirmation The king requesteth the king of Spaines sister to be giuen for wife to his sonne Edward The King of Spaine quitteth his claime to Gaâ—…coigne The king of Spaines aduise to the king of England His most noble protestation The king of Romans what and who The English tongue in the dayes of Mathew Para agreeable to the Dutch The huge sums of ready money which Richard King of Romans had of his owne at his Election * 6. Cal Iun. diâ—… Ascensionâ—… * Contra antiqua statutâ—… libertates Paris * Mat Paris in hist maâ—…ori The Vniuersity of Oxford the second Schoole of the Church next Paris protected by the king The King commendâ—… the cause of his sonne Edmund for the kingdome of Sicilia Note that by this it appeares Edmund was not
went that onely three were slaine vpon both sides the Earle of Perch one of Du-Brents Knights and an obscure fellow belonging to some or other of the Barons 8 The Kings Gouernour after the victory rode presently with the gladsome tidings in the heighth of speed to the King and Legate who with teares of ioy gaue God thankes But the noble Earle not leauing his worke imperfect seekes to embarre Lewis from forraging about London Meane while by the diligence of Lady Blanch the wife of Lewis Eustace the ruffianly Apostata who of a Monke becomming a Demoniacke was now vpon the Sea with a fresh supply of men and munition bound for London But God was no better pleased with these then with the other scatterlings at Lincolne For the English Nauie hauing the wind of the French sunke diuers of their shippes by tilting at them with the yron Prowes or Beakes of their Gallies vsing also vnslaked lime in dust or powder which they threw into the faces of their enemies and blinded their sight so were the hopes of Lewis for any present succours absolutely frustrated Eustace himselfe found after long search and drawne out from the bottome of the Pumpe in a French shippe at Douer had his head cut off though some say hee was slaine by Richard a base-sonne of King Iohn The newes of which successe being brought to the King did not more reioice him then they wounded Lewis for the losse was not onely great in men but in all sorts of riches and prouisions To giue now no rest to Lewis his declining fortunes the Earle of Pembroke with a mighty Army besieged London and Lewis therein aswell by Water as by Land seeking to driue him by penurie to render the City It came to capitulation and in an Ilet in the Riuer of Thames not farre from Stanes the King Wallo the Legate and William Marshall the Kings Gouernour met with Lewis the Barons to finish the Peace for Lewis had promised to doe as Wallo and the Earle would deuise so that it might not tend to his dishonour or scandall Heades or Articles of the agreement which Lewis sware vpon the Gospell to performe were 1. That Lewis the Barons and other his partakers should stand to the iudgement of the Church whose censures they had now some yeeres contemned and from thenceforth bee and remaine true to the same 2. That he and his should forthwith depart the land neuer to return again with a purpose to doe harme 3 That he should doe his best to draw his Father to make restitution of all such things in France as belonged to the King of England and that Lewis when himselfe was King should quietly part with them 4. That Lewis should immediately render to King Henry all holdes and places taken in the warre On the other part the King the Legate and the Earle sware 1 That the King should restor to the Barons and others all their rights and inheritances with all the Liberties formerly demanded of his Father 2. That none of the Layty should suffer dammage or reproch for taking part on either side 3. That Prisoners should bee released c. Whereupon Lewis with his adherents was formally by Wallo absolued from the sentence of Excommunication and so they ranne on all sides into embracements and parted in the kisse of Peace The Welsh who had held with the Barons were left out of this Conclusion being thereby laid open to spoile Thus was Lewis driuen out of England whom the Earle of Pembroke brought to the Sea-side and the Realme was cleared 9 There are who write how that Lewis had a great summe of money paide him for restoring the Hostages but Mat. Paris whom some cite to that purpose affirms no such matter in any printed Copy Reason surelie is vtterly against it for when euen the life of Lewis was after a sort in King Henries hand with what sense can it stand that the King should set all the French free without ransom and yeâ—…â—…imselfe pay money for the Hostages which also were not his but the Hostages of his enemies the Barons so that if money were due it must haue come from them not from the King who both in honour and profite was rather obliged to the contrarie Writers of that very time doe in plain wordssay The Pouerty of Lewis was such that he was compelled to borrow fiue thousand pounds of the Londoners to set him out of England and therfore that other seemes nothing else but a vaine gloze to salue the honour of Lewis who was plainly driuen out of England after so high hopes with losse sorrow and eternall disgrace which the French are so sensible of that they scarse seeme to write of the whole action otherwise then laying the misfortune of Lewis vpon the Barons mutability 10 The Realme of England purged of those forraine dregges was not therfore presently freed from other manifold encombrances such as after so great a tossing of all lawes and things diuine and humane doe ordinarily flote vp and downe like the froth working of a troubled Sea For diuers men presuming vpon their former seruices to the State or thinking the old bad world would either continue still or soone returne if iustice grew confident against Trespassors or for what other corrupt motiues soeuer did dare intollerable things The principall Lords of this misrule were William Earle of Aumarl Falcasius de Brent with his Garrison Souldiers Robert de Veipont with others who hauing had the Castles and possessions of certaine Bishops and Great men either to keepe in trust or otherwise by iniquity of the times conuerted violentlie to their vses did still with-hold the same both against the minds of their lawfull owners and the Kings expresse Prohibition Among others Robert de Gaugi defended the Castle of Newarke being the Fee of the Bishoppe of Lincolne as was also the town it self against the Kings Armie conducted by the Great Marshall Earle of Pembroke for eight dayes and did not first yeeld the place before by mediation of friends the Bishoppe paid to Gaugi one hundreth pounds There was in that great Earle a perpetuall care to conclude things without bloud-shedde wherein shined his Christian piety and morall wisdome there being no other so safe way to settle disordered humors The greater was his losse both to the King and State by his death soone after ensuing whose monument yet remaining doth not so much eternize his memory as that well-deserued Epitaph the Epitome of his noble vertues Sum quem Saturnum sibi sensit Hybernia Solem Anglia Mercurium Normannia Gallia Martem Irelands Saturn Englands Sunne am I The Mars of France and Normans Mercurie He left behind him fiue Sonnes all Earles of Pembroke successiuely and dying without issue his fiue Daughters aduanced by great marriages brought as great aduantage to their husbands issue by the inheritances of their issuelesse brethren
11 The King gouerned after Marshals death by Peter Bishoppe of Winchester and such other whom the Bishoppe had procured to ioyne in administration of publik affairs seeming now to haue a setled and calme estate resolues for good hopes sake to bee crowned againe which was performed by Stephen Archbishoppe of Canterbury at Westminster with the attendance and confluence of all the Prelates Peeres and People Vpon the* Saturday before his Coronation the new worke of the Abbey Church at Westminster Paris calles it the Chappell of our Lady was begunne whereof the King himselfe in person laid the first stone as if hee ment the world should know his intention was to consecrate his future actions to raise the glory of God This calme but new beginning was almost as speedily distempered and disturbed by sodaine stormes by reason that while the King kept his Christmas with great royalty at Oxford in the company of the Prelates and Peeres of England William de Fortibus Earle of Aumarl incited by Falcasius de Brent and the like riotous Gentlemen sodainely departed frō the Court without leaue whither it were vpon discontentment because the King had against the Earles will the last yeere taken some Castles into his hands or out of an euill ignorance how to liue in quiet he mannes the Castle of Biham victuals it with the Corne of the Chanons of Bridlington spoiles the Towne of Deeping and vnder shew of repayring to the Parliament seiseth on the Castle of Fotheringhay committing many other furious riots in contempt of the King and breach of his peace many others in other places following his lewd example Yet at length the Earle comming in vnder the conduct of Walter Archbishop of Yorke was at the suite of Pandulph who succeeded Wallo in the place of Legate pardoned and the like hurtfull clemency was extended toward his Complices and Retinue whom the King in regard belike of some former better deserts set free without punishment or ransome And to preuent any further disturbances of that nature Hubert de Burgh Earle of Kent for his rare integrity and fidelity approued in all King Iohns troubles was also made gouernour of the Kings Person and Chiefe Iustitiar of England with the generall allowance of all the States What need the land then had of a seuere proceeding wee may iudge by this that Foulk de Brent held the Earledomes of Northampton Oxford Bedford and Buckingham with the Castles and Holds Philip de Marc the Castles of Peke and Nottingham Nottinghamshire and Darbishire and others detained other portions without any other right then that which the iniquity of the late tumults gaue 12 It was no small addition to the troublesomnesse of this time that certaine Lords of Wales and as some say Prince Lewelin himselfe desirous to ridde their Marches of the English rose in Armes laide siege to the Castle of Buelt which inuited king Henry to draw thither with an Armie but the worke was made easie by the voluntary departure of the Welsh vpon the fame of the Kings approch which appearances of some ensuing stirres moued the king to thinke of strengthning himselfe with faithfull alliances and not long after Alexander King of Scots came to Yorke who in the yeere before had met King Henry at the same place and there tooke to wife the Lady Ioan King Henries sister and Hubert de Burgh in presence of both the Kings married the Lady Margaret sister to Alexander Boetius saith that two great Lords of England married two sisters of King Alexander at that place About which time Isabel Queen Dowager of Englād without the leaue of her sonne the King or of his Councell crost the seas and tooke to husband the Earle of March in France The young King supposing his estate at home now somewhat setled and his eyes beginning to grow cleare-sighted by the benefite of experience forgets not to looke about his affaires abroad and first sends Sauarie de Malleon to bee his Lieutenant in Aquitaine where yet the English held the greater part and dispatcheth Ambassadors to Philip King of France for restitution according to the Articles with Lewis whereunto answere was made that nothing ought to bee restored which by right of warre had beene atchieued but as it seemes there was a Truce for fowre yeeres agreed vpon betweene the two Monarches concerning the County of Poictou 13 The State both of Church and Common-wealth in those troubled daies seeme to haue much resemblance euery man daring to attempt in either what his own audaciousnes would suggest or others conniuency permit But Stephen Archbishop of Canterbury who himselfe was lately the ring-leader of disorders both in State and Church is now beecome very diligent in his Prouinciall Synode at Ox to in rage of this vnexpected reuocation like a braue Romane threw the Popes letters into the fire yet durst not disobey the Contents And whereas the message it selfe had beene scanned and sifted to the very branne both here and in France and iudged to sauour of so vniuersall an oppression as might cause a generall discession from the Church of Rome the King in presence of his Prelates and Peeres turned off the Popes couetous demaund with this thrifty answere The things which the Pope would perswade vs vnto doe stretch themselues as farre as the Christian world is wide and because England is but an Out-Angle thereof therefore when we see other Kingdomes giue vs an example hee shall then finde vs the more forward to obey 21 That difficultie so auoided the King was earnestly bent to make a voyage in person to the aide of his brother Earle Richard who pursued the affaires of Gascoigne which though by the late Earle of Sarisburies death it receiued some maime yet by the fortitude and counsell of other noble persons it did still prosper This intention and desire was staide by the receit of letters out of France which declared the Earle his brothers health and the good successe of affaires The King some say among his Counsellors of State had one William de Perepound a great Astrologer who fortold that Lewis King of France should not preuaile and this affirmation did the rather withhold him at that present There is who writes that King Henry vpon the Popes letters forbare to attempt any thing in France at that time lest he should hinder Lewis who was then vpon an enterprise against the remaines of the Albigenses in Languedoc Prouince and the parts about These men were traduced for Heretikes and so condemned by the See of Rome but what their Heresie was a * Fryer who writes against them reports saying they were of all other the most pernicious Sect for antiquity some holding they were from the Apostles time for generality there scarse being any Nation where they are not and lastly for shew of piety in that they liue iustly before men and