Edward the 5 King of EnglaÌ„d â—â—d France Lord of Ireland THE HISTORIE OF THE PITIFVLL Life and unfortunate Death of Edward the fifth and the then Duke of Yorke his brother With the troublesome and tyrannical government of usurping Richard the third and his miserable end Written by the Right Honorable Sir Thomas Moore sometimes Lord Chancellor of England LONDON Printed by Thomas Payne for the Company of Stationers and are to be sold by Mich Young at his shop in Bedford-street in Covent-Garden neere the new Exchange 1641. TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFVLL SIR IOHN LENTHALL Knight Marshall of the Kings-bench SIR IT is not unknowne to the World the great eare earnest sedulitie laudable custome that hath alwaies been observed in all ages for the preservation of antiquities by meanes wherof the acts and occurrences of former times are so clearely demonstrated as if they were manifested to the world by a perfect and lively representation which affordeth in it selfe a double profit doth thereby allure all well-disposed persons to the imitation of those things which are honest and vertuous and to the evitation of such things as are evill and obnoxious letting them therby understand the happie issue and successe of the one and the miserable and wretched end and event of the other for histories are as so many Records and Registers of matters that hath beene already past which being a thing that our humane natures are much inclined unto gives a great pleasure and delight in the reading Especially to those that are well affected to the same The consideration hereof hath moved me to revive that which hath for a long time been raked up in the embers of oblivion For there comming by chance into my hand a booke long since printed the authour whereof was that famous and learned Knight Sir Thomas Moore sometimes Lord Chancellour of England wherein is set forth the short Raigne and unfortunate death of the two young Princes Edward the fith the theÌ„ Duke of York his brother with the troublesome and tyrannicall government of usurping Richard the third and his miserable end both which for the matter of the subject the worth of the Authour who lived in those times deserves to bee memorized to succeeding ages which having for many yeares escaped the presse and by that meanes likely to bee utterly lost I have thought it not amisse to put to my helping hand for the restoring of it to the world and because I know you to bee a gentleman that delights your selfe in matters of this nature I am bould to crave your patronage herein and that you would be pleased to shelter it under the wings of your protect on not doubting but by that meanes it will bee as welcome to the world and as wel entertained as it hath formerly beene which being the thing I wish together with your pardon for this my presumption I humbly rest Yours to Command W. S. THE PITTIFVLL LIFE OF KING EDVVARD the Fifth THE Eternall God calling to his Mercy the Noble Prince King Edward the Fourth of that Name Edward his eldest sonne Prince of Wales began his Reigne the ninth day of April in the yeere of our Lord 1483. and in the 23. yeere of Lewis the eleventh then French King Which young Prince reigned a small space and little season over this Realme either in pleasure or liberty For his Uncle Richard Duke of Gloucester within three months deprived him not onely of his Crowne and Regality but also unnaturally bereft him of his naturall life And for the declaration by what crafty engin he first attempted his ungracious purpose and by what false colourable and untrue allegations he set forth openly his pretensed enterprise and finally by what shamefull cruell and detestable act he performed the same Ye must first consider of whom he and his Brother descended their natures conditions and inclinations and then you shall easily perceive that there could not be a more cruell Tyrant appointed to atchieve a more abominable enterprise Their Father was Richard Plantagenet Duke of Yorke which began not by warre but by Law to challenge the crown of England putting his claime in the Parliament holden the thirtieth yeere of King Henry the sixth where either for right or for favour his cause was so set forth and advanced that the Blood of the said King Henry although he had a goodly Son was clearly abjected and the Crowne of the Realme by authority of Parliament entayled to the Duke of Yorke and his Heires after the decease of the said King Henry the Sixth But the Duke not intending so long to tarry but minding under the pretext of dissention growne and risen within the Realm and of Covenants made in the Parliament not kept but broken to prevent the time and to take upon him the Governance in King Henries life was by too much hardinesse slaine at the Battaile of Wakefield leaving behind him three sonnes Edward George and Richard All these three as they were great estates of Birth so were they great and stately of stomacke greedy of promotions and impatient partners of rule and authority This Edward revenged his Fathers death and deposed King Hâ—nry the Sixth and attained the Crowne and Scepter of the Realme George Duke of Clarence was a goodly and well â—eatured Prince in all things fortunâ—te if either his owne ambition had not for him against his Brother or the envy of his enemies had not set his Brothâ—r against him for were it by the Queene or the Nobles of her Bloud which highly maligned the Kings Kindred as women commonly not of malice but of Nature hate such as their husbands love or were it a proud appetite of the Duke himselfe intending to be King at the least wise heinous Treason was laid to his charge and finally were he in fault or were he faultlesse attainted was hee by Parliament and judged to death and thereupon hastily drowned in a But of Malmsey within the Towre of London Whose death King Edward although hee commanded it when he wist it was done pitteously hee bewailed and sorrowfully repented it Richard Duke of Gloucester the third Sonne of which I must most entreat was in wit and courage equâ—ll with the other but in beauty and lineaments of Nature farre underneath both for he was little of stature evill featured of limbes crooke-backed the left shoulder much higher then the right hard favoured of visage such as in estates is called a warlike visage and among common persons a crabbed face He was malicious wrathfull and envious and as it is reported his Mother the Dutches had much adoe in her travell that shee could not be delivered of him uncut and that hee came into the world the feet forward as men be borne outward and as the fame ran not untoothed whether that men of hatred reported above the truth or that Nature changed his course in his beginning which in his life committed many things unnaturally this I
her wealth she went begging of many that had begged themselves if shee had not hope them such was her chance Now was it devised by the Protectour and his Councell that the same day that the Lord Chamberlain was headed in the Tower of London and about the same houre should be beheaded at Pomfret the Earle Rivers and the Lord Richard the Queenes sonne sir Thomas Vaughan and sir Richard Haute which as you heard were taken at Northampton and Stony stratford by the consent of the Lord Hastings which execution was done by the order and in the presence of sir Richard Ratclif knight whose service the Protectour specially used in the Councell and in the execution of such lawlesse enterprises as a man that had beene long secret with him having experience of the world a notable wit short and rude in speech rough and boysterous of behaviour bold in mischiefe and as farre from pittie as from all feare of God This Knight brought these foure persons to the Scaffold at the day appointed and shewed to all the people that they were Traitours not suffering the Lords to speake and to declare their innocency lest their words might have inclined men to pitty them and to hate the Protectour and his part and so without judgement and processe of the Law caused them to bee beheaded without other earthly guilt but onely they were good men and true to the King too nie to the Queene insomuch that sir Thomas Vaughan going to his death said A mischeife take them that tooke the prophesie that G. should destroy King Edwards children for George Duke of Clarence Lord George which for that suspition is now dead but now remaineth Richard G. Duke of Gloucester which now I see is he that shall and will accomplish the Prophesie and destroy King Edwards children and all their allies and friends as it appeareth by us this day whom I appeale to the high tribunall of God for his wrongfull murther and our true innocency And then Ratclife said you have well appealed lay downe your head yea quoth sir Thomas I dye in right beware you dye not in wrong and so that good Knight was beheaded and the other three and buried naked in the Monasterie at Pomfret When the Lord Hastings and those other Lords and Knights were thus beheaded and rid out of the way then the Protectour caused it to bee proclamed that the Coronation for divers great and urgent causes should bee deferred till the second day of November for then thought he that while men mused what the matter meant and whiles the Lords of the Realme were about him out of their owne strengths and while no man knew what to thinke nor whom to trust or whether they should have time or space to digest the matter and make parts it were best hastily to pursue his purpose and put himselfe in possession of the Crowne before men could have time to devise any waies to resist But now was all the studie how this matter being of it selfe so haynous might be first broken to the people in such wise as it might bee well taken To this councell they tooke divers such as they thought meet to be trusted and likely to be induced to that part and able to stand them in stead either by power or by policie Among whom they made of Councell Edmond Shaw then Mayor of London which upon trust of his owne advancement where he was of a proud heart highly desirous tooke upon him to frame the Citty to their appetite Of Spirituall men they tooke such as had wit and were in authority amongst the people for opinion of their learning and had no scrupulus conscience Amongst these had they tooke Ralph Shaw clearke brother to the Mayor and Frier Pinkie provinciall of the Augustine Friers both Doctors in Divinity both great Preachers both of more learning then vertue of more fame then learning and yet of more learning then truth For they were before greatly esteemed among the people but after that never none of those two were regarded Shaw made a Sermon in praise of the Protectour before the Coronation and Pynkie made one after the Cornation both so full of tedious flattery that no good mans eares could abide them Pynkie in his Sermon so lost his vocye that hee was faine to leave off and come downe in the midst Doctor Shaw by his Sermon lost his honesty and soone after his life for very shame of the world into the which he durst never after much come abroad but the Frier feared no shame and so it harmed him the lesse Howbeit some doubt and many thinke that Pynkie was not of Councell before the Coronation but after the common manner fell to flattery after namely because his Sermon was not incontinent upon it but at S. Mary Spitle the Easter after But certaine it is that Doctor Shaw was of Councell in the beginning in so much that they determined that hee should first breake the matter in a Sermon at Paules Crosse in which hee should by the authority of his Preaching induce the people to encline to the Protectors ghostly purpose But now was all the labour and study in the device of some convenient pretext for which the people should be content to depose the Prince and accept the Protectour for their King In which deuers things they devised but the cheife thing and the weight of all that invention rested in this that they should alledge bastardy in King Edward himselfe or in his children or both so that he should seeme disabled to inherite the Crowne by the Duke of Yorke and the Prince by him To lay bastardy in King Edward sounded openly to the rebuk of the Protectours owne mother which was mother to them both For in that point could be no other colour but to pretend that his owne mother was an Adultresse but neverthelesse he would that point should bee lesse and more finely and closely handled not even fully plaine and directly but touched upon craftily as though men spared in that point to speake all the truth for feare of his displeasure But that other point concerning the bastardy they devised to surmise in King Edward his Children that hee desired should be openly declared and enforced to the uttermost The colour and pretext whereof cannot be well perceived except wee repeate some things long before done about King Edwards Marriages After King Edward the fourth had deposed King Henry the sixt and was in peaceable possession of the Realme hee determined with himselfe to marry as was requisite both for himselfe and for the Realme he sent the Earle of Warwick and divers other noble men in ambassage to the French King to entreate a marriage betweene the King and Bona sister to the French Queene then being in France In which thing the Earle of Warwick found the parties so toward and willing that hee speedily without any difficultie according to his instructions brought the matter to a good conclusion Now happeneth
and decked with men and artillery to scoure and keepe that part of the sea that lieth against Britaine to the intent that if the Earle of Richmond would adventure to saile toward Englnad either he should be taken captive or be proâ—â—igate and driven from the coast of England And moreover to the intent that every cost way passage and corner should be diligently watched and kept he set at every dubious and suspected place men of warre to seeke search and enquire if any creature could tell tidings of the Duke of Buckinham or of any of his confederation adherents fautours or partakers While this busie search was diligently applied and put in execution Humphrey Banister were it more for feare of losse of life and goods or attracted and provoked by the avaricious desire of the thousand pounds he bewrayed his guest and master to Iohn Mitton then Sheriffe of Shropshire which suddenly with a strong power of men in armes apprehended the Duke in a little grove adjoyning to the mansion of Humphrey Banister and in great haste and evill speede conveighed him apparelled in a pilled blacke cloke to the cittie of Salisbury where King Richard then kept his houshold Whether this Banister bewrayed the Duke more for feare then covetousnes many men doe doubt but sure it is that shortly after hee had betrayed the Duke his Master his sonne and heire waxed mad and so died in a Bores stie his eldest daughter of excellent beautie was suddely stricken with a foule leprosie his second sonne very marvelously deformed of his limbes and made decrepid his younger sonne in a small puddle was strangled drowned and hee himselfe being of extreame age arraigned and found guilty of a murther and by his Clergy saved And as for his thousand pound King Richard gave him not one farthing saying that hee which would bee untrue to so good a master would bee false to all other howbeit some say that he had a small office or a ferme to stoppe his mouth withall The Duke being by certaine of the Kings councel diligently upon interrogatories examined what things he knew prejudiciall to the Kings person opened and declared frankely and freely all the conjuration without dissembling or glosing trusting because he had truely and plainely revealed and confessed all things that were of him required that hee should have licence to speake to the King which whether it were to sue for pardon and grace or whether hee being brought to his presence would have sticked him with a dagger as men then judged he sore desired and required But when hee had confessed the whole fact and conspiracie upon Alsoules day without arrignement or judgement he was at Salisbury in the open market-place on a new skaffold beheaded and put to death This death as a reward the Duke of Buckingham received at the hands of King Richard whom he before in his affaires purposes and enterprises had holden sustayned and set forward above all Gods forbode By this all men may easily perceive that hee not onely loseth both his labour travell and industry further stayneth and spotteth his line with a perpetuall ignominy and reproach which in evill and mischiefe assisteth and aideth an evill disposed person considering for the most part that hee for his friendly favour should receive some great displeasure or infortunate chance Beside that God of his justice in conclusion appointeth to him a condigne pain and afflction for his merits and deserts While these things were thus handled and ordered in England Henry Earle of Richmond prepared an army of five thousand manly Brittons and forty well furnished ships When all things were prepared in a readinesse and the day of departing and setting forward was appointed which was the twelfth day of the moneth of October in the yeare of the incarnation of our Redeemer one thousand foure hundred fortie eight and in the second yeare of King Richards raigne the whole army went on shipbord and hoysed up their sailes and with a prosperous winde tooke the sea but towards night the winde changed and the weather turned and so high and terrible a tempest suddenly arose that with the very power and strength of the storme the ships were dispersed severed and separated a sunder some by force were driven into Normandy some were compelled to returne againe into Britaine The ship wherein the Earle of Richmond was associate onely with one other barke was all night tossed and turmoyled In the morning after when the rage of the furious tempest was asswaged and the ire of the blustering was something appeased about the hower of noone the same day the Earle approached to the south part of the Realme of England even at the mouth of the Haven of Pole in the county of Dorset where hee might plainely perceive all the Sea bankes and shores garnished and furnished with men of warre and souldiers appointed and deputed there to defend his arrivall and landing as before is mentioned Wherefore hee gave straight charge and sore commandement that no person should once presume to take land and goe to the shore untill such time as the whole navie were assembled and congregate And while he expected and lingered tarring for that purpose he sent out a shippe-boate towards the land side to know whether they that stood there in such a number and so well furnished in apparrell defensive were his capitall foes and enemies or else his friends fosterers and comforters They that were sent in exploration and message were instantly desired of the men of warre keeping these coasts which thereof were before instructed and admonished to descend take land affirming that they were appointed by the Duke of Buckingham there to waite and tarry for the arrivall and landing of the Earle of Richmond and to conduct safely to the campe where the Duke not farre off lay encamped with a populous armie and an hoast of great strength and vigour to the intent that the Duke and the Earle joyning in puissaunces and forces together might prosecute and chase King Richard being destitute of men and in manner desperate and fugitive and so by that meanes and their owne labours and industry to obtaine the end of their enterprise which they had before begunne The Earle of Richmond suspecting their flattering request to be but a fraud as it was indeed after that hee perceived none of his ships to appeare in his sight he weighed up his ancors hoysed up his sayles having a prosperous and strenable winde and a fresh gale sent even by God to deliver him from that perill and jeopardie arrived safe and in securitie in the Dutchy of Normandy where he to 〈…〉 and solace his souldiers and peope tooke his recreation by the space of thredaies and clearely determined with part of his company to passe all by land againe into Britaine And in the meane season he sent Oratours to the French King called Charles the eight which newly succeeded his father King Lewis the eleventh not long before departed
committed within twelve daies after the said declaration made and denounced XI Item That in every safe conduct to be granted by either of the said Princes this clause to bee added Provided alwaies that the obtainer of this safe conduct be no traytour or rebell XII Item If during this amity and truce any of the subjects of either Prince doe presume or attempt to aide helpe maintaine or serve any other Prince against any of the said contractors Then it shall be lawfull to the Prince and his subjects against whom he shewed himselfe enemy and adversarie to apprehend and attach the said subject going comming or tarrying any act article or clause in this league to the contrary comprehended notwithstanding XIII Item It is agreed apointed and accorded that in this traatie and amitie shall bee comprehended the friends obliged and confederates of both the Princes if they list to enter and accept the league and thereupon to declare their pleasures within sixe moneths next ensuing and specially for the King of Englands part were named for confederates The King of Castile and Lyon the King of Arragon the King of Portugall the Archduke of Austryche and Burgony and the Duke of Britaine On the part of the King of Scotts were named for confederates Charles the French King Iohn King of Denmarke and Norwey and the Duke of Geldres and Brittaine XIIII Item It is agreed and concluded betweene the parties aforesaid that the Lordship of Lorne in the Realme of Scotland nor the Island of Londay lying in the river of Severne in the Realme of England shall not be taken nor comprised within the league but to stand at large as they did before XV. Item That this concord peace and amity should be published proclaymed and divulged the first day of October next ensuing in the most noble and famous cities and townes of both the Realmes and Regions And conservatours were appointed for the sure observation of this league aud amitie on both parts whose names follow For the King of England Iohn Earle of Lincone Henry Earle of Northumberland Ralph Lord Nevell Ralph Lord Greystocke Richard Lord Fitz Hugh Iohn Lord Scrope Thomas Lord Scrope of Massam Sir Christopher Moresby William Clapton Esquier Humfrey Lord Daker Sir Richard Ratcliffe Sir Iohn Conyers Sir Edward Hastings Sir Robert Donstable Sir Hugh Hastings Sir William Evers Sir Iohn Huldeston William Musgrave Esquier Richard Salkeld Esquier For the King of Scotts David Earle of Crafford and Lord Linsey George Earle of Huntlâ—y Lord Gordâ—n and Badzâ—nath Iohn Lord Dornelâ—y Iohn Lord Kynedy Robert Lord Lile Patricke Lord Hales Lawrence Lord Oliphaunt William Lord Borthwike Sir Iohn Rosse of Halkehed Sir Gilbert Iohnson of Elphynstone Sir Iohn Lundy Sir Iames Ogilly of Arly Sir Robert Hamilton of Fingaltâ—n Sir William Balze of Lamington Sir Iohn Kinedy of Blarqhon Sir Iohn Wemes Sir William Rochewen Edward Crochton of Kirke Paty Iohn Dundas Iohn Rosse of Montgrenane these three last were Esquiers XVI Item It is further condesconded and agreed that these commissioners whose names ensue shall meete at Loughmabanstane the eighteenth day of November next ensuing aswell for redresse to bee had of certaine offences done on the Westmarches as also for declaring and publishing of the peace and amitie Commissioners of the English part The Lord Dacre The Lord Fitz Hugh Sir Richard Radcliffe Sir Christopher Moresby Sir Richard Salkeld or three of them Commissioners for the Scottish part The Lord Kenedy The Lord Mountgomory The Lord Lile Iohn Maxwell Stuarde of Annerdâ—le Robert Crechton of Sanquhane or three of them XVII Item The like Commissioners were assigned to meete at Raydon Borne for the East Marches the first day of December and also meete at Haldanstanke the fourth day of the said moneth for the midle Marches Commissioners for the King of England The Earle of Northumberland The Lord Greystorcke The Lord Scrope of Massam Sir William Gastoyn Sir Robert Constable Commissioners for the King of Scotts The Earle of Huntley The Earle of Angus The Earle of Ergile Chancellour of Scotland The Lord Wandale The Lord Seton The Lord Olyphaunt The Lord Stobhill XVIII Item It is agreed that the commessioners aforesaid shall depute and assigne certaine persons to view and declare the bounds and limits appertaining to the Towne of Berwicke according to the true meaning of the league XIX Item It is agreed and appointed that no person of England or Scotland shall during the said truce build eare or sow any lands or ground being within the bounds of the batable ground but to suffer the same to continue in the same condition that it now remaineth When this league and amitie was thus concluded finished and sealed with all due circumstances thereunto required although King Richard judged deemed himselfe somewhat the more strong and quiet by force of this new amitie and concluded confederacie yet to augement more the familiaritie begunne betweene the King of Scots and him and to have a double string for his bow hee entreated a new aliance and marriage to bee concluded betweene the Prince of Rothsay eldest son to the King of Scots and Lady Anne de la Poole daughter to Iohn Duke of Suffolke and Lady Anne sister to King Richard which sister he so much favored that he studying all the waies by the which hee might advance her off-spring and linage did not onely procure and seeke meanes how to make her daughter a Princesse and consequently a Queene but also after the death of his son he proclaimed Iohn Earle of Lincolne his Nephew her son heire apparent to the Crowne of England disinheriting King Edwards daughters whose brethren before you have heard he shamefully killed and murthered The King of Scots having neede of Friends but not so much neede as King Richard which was of necessitie compelled to seeke aiders and to entertaine fautours the one for favouring of flatterers and base borne persons and the other not only for tyranny and unnaturall homicide but also for the usurpation of the Crowne being of all the Realme detested and disdained gladly accepted and joyously consented to King Richards device and conjunction of amitie perfectly remembring that amongst all bonds and obligations of love and amitie that there is neither a surer nor a more perfect locke then the knot of conjunction in the Sacrament of Matrimonie which was in the very beginning of the first age of man ordained and instituted in the holy place of Paradice terrestiall by God himselfe by reason whereof the propagation and succession of the humane nature stablished upon the sure seate of lawfull Matrimonie betweene Princes may nourish peace concord and unity asswage breake the furious rage of truculent Mars and terrible battaile and encrease love favour and familiaritie Wherefore the said Princes sent their Embassadours and Councellors againe to the Towne of Nottingham where the said marriage was by writings and instruments covenanted condiscended and agreed and affiances made and taken by Procters and Deputies on
both parts and shee immediately called Princesse of Rothsay which name shee shortly lost by the short life of King Richard her loving Uncle Here may well bee noted the unnaturall love and disordered affection which this kinde kinseman shewed to his blood for he not remembring the tyranny that he had executed against his brothers sons the wrong manifest injury that he had done to his brothers daughters both in taking froÌ„ them their dignity possessions and living thought it should redound greatly to his honour and fame if hee promoted his sisters child to whom hee was nothing bound in conscience to make testification to the dignity of a Queene rather then to preferre his brothers daughter whom hee had untruly and by force disinherited and of all their right deprived to the marriage of a meane Esquire such was his fraternall kindnesse towards his brother and such was his large conscience towards his brothers children After this league and Marriage thus concluded and agreed the King of Scots disdaining that the strong Castle of Dumbarre should remaine in the Englishmens hands and possession wrote a gentle letter to K. Richard declaring to him that where in the league concluded betweene them it was agreed and appointed that hee should within forty daies next ensuing expresse and declare his opinion and meaning concerning the Castle of Dumbarre whether the said castle should be occupied stand still in the hands of the Englishmen during the whole time of the truce or else for the time of sixe moneths onely He now certified King Richard by his letters that he was content that he and his should enjoy the possession of the said Castle quietly and peaceably during the said truce and amity Neverthelesse hee required him for the love and familiaritie that now both by treatie aliance was sprung knit betweene them that hee would redeliver the said Castle into his hands which was untruely possessed of the English nation by deliverie of rebels and traytours contrarie to all right equitie and conscience King Richard dalied with pleasant letters faire words and so fooled forth the King of Scots that hee never had Dumbarre delivered while King Richard lived after whose death whether it were by treason or by appointment the Castle was rendred to the King of Scots to his great contentation rejoycing Albeit this league and amitie thus covenanted and concluded it might manifestly seeme to all persons that all conjurations and confederacies against King Richard were extinct and put to silence and in especially cousidering tha the Duke of Buckingham and his alies were made out of his way some by death and some by banishment and exiling into far Countries and Regions Yet King Richard more doubting then trusting to his owne people and friends was continually vexed tossed and unquieted with feare of the returne of the Earle of Richmond and his complices and fautoures which daily dread and hourely agony caused him to live in dolefull misery ever unquiet and in manner in continual calamitie Wherefore he intending to bee relieved and to have all his dolorous imagination alleviated determined cleerely to extirpate plucke up all the matter and ground of his feare and doubts Wherefore after long deliberate consultation had nothing was for his purpose and intent thought either more necessary or expedient then once againe with price prayer and rewards to attempt the Duke of Britaine in whose territorie the Earle of Richmond then abode to deliver the said Earle into his hands by which onely meanes he should bee discharged of all feare of perill and brought to rest and quietnesse both of body and mind Wherefore incontinent he sent certaine Embassadours to the Duke of Britaine which tooke upon them besides the great and ample rewards that they brought with them into Britaine that King Richard should yeerely pay and answer the Duke of all the revenues rents and profits of the signories lands and possessions aswell belonging and appertaining to the Earle of Richmond as to any other noble or gentleman which then were in the Earles company if he after that time would keepe them in continuall prison and restraine them from liberty The Oratours furnished with these and other instructions arrived in Britaine and came to the Dukes house where with him they could have no manner of communication concerning their weightie affaires by reason that hee being fatigate and weakened by a long and daily infirmity began a little to waxe idle and weake in his wit and remembrance For which cause Peter Landoyse his chiefe Treasurer a man both of pregnant wit and great authoritie ruled and judged all things at his pleasure and commandement for the which cause as men set into high authoritie be not best beloved he excited and provoked against him the malice and evill will of the nobilitie of Britaine which afterwards for divers great offences by him during his authority perpetrate and committed by their meanes was brought to death and confusion The English Embassadours moved their message and request to Peter Landoyse and to him declared their Masters commandement instantly requiring and humbly desiring him in whose power it lay to doe all things in Britaine that hee would friendly assent to the request of King Riâ—hard offering to him the same rewardes of lands that they should have offered to the Duke This Peter which was no lesse disdayned then hated almost of all the people of Britaine thought that if he did assent and satisfie King Richards Petition and desire hee should be of power and ability sufficient to withstand and refell the malicious attempts and inventions of his envious adversaries Wherefore hee faithfully promised to accomplish King Richards request and desire so that he kept promise with him that he might bee able to withstand the cankered malice of his secret enemies This act that hee promised to doe was not for any grudge or malice that hee bare to the Earle of Richmond for as you have heard before he delivered him from perill of death at Saint Malos when he was in great doubt of life and jeopardie but as cause riseth we ever offend and that cursed hunger of gold and execrable thirst of lucre and inward feare of losse of authoritie driveth the blind mindes of covetous men and ambitious persons to evills and mischiefes innumerable not remembring losse of name obloquie of the people nor in conclusion the punishment of God for their merits and deserts But fortune was so favorable to the publique wealth of the Realme of Enggland that this deadly and dolorous compact tooke none effect or place For while posts ranne and letters were sent to and fro for the finishing of this great enterprise betweene King Richard and Peter Landoyse Iohn Morton Bishop of Ely sojourning then in Flaunders was was of all this craftie conveighance certified by his secret and sure friends wherefore he sent Christopher Vrswicke which at that verie season was come out of Britaine into Flaunders to declare to
ancient times past in divers Realmes it hath beene accustomed and this was the first signe and token of his good lucke and felicitie I must put you here in remembrance how that King Richard putting some diffidence in the Lord Stanley which had with him as an hostage the Lord Strange his eldest sonne which Lord Stanley as you have heard before joyned not at the first with his sonne in lawes army for feare that King Richard would have slaine the Lord Strange his heire When King Richard was come to Bosworth he sent a pursevant to the Lord Stanley commanding him to advance forward with his company and to come to his presence which thing if hee refused to doe he swore by Christs passion that hee would strike off his sonnes head before hee dined The Lord Stanley answered the Pursevant that if the King did so hee had more sons alive and to come to him he was not then so determined when King Richard heard this answer hee commanded the Lord Strange incontinent to bee beheaded which was at that very same season when both the armies had â—ight each of the other The Councellors of King Richard pondering the time and the cause knowing also the Lord Strange to be innocent of his fathers offence perswaded the King that it was now time to fight and not time to execution advising him to keepe the Lord Strange as a prisoner till the battell was ended and then at leisure his pleasure might bee accomplished So as God would King Richard infringed his holy oath and the Lord wâ—s â—elivered 〈◊〉 the keepers of the Kings tenâ— to bee kept as a prisoner which when the field was done and their master slaine and proclamation made to know where the child was they submitted themselves as prisoners to the Lord Strange and hee gently received them and brought them to the new proclamed King where of him and of his father hee was received with great joy and gladnesse After this the whole campe removed with bag and baggage and the same night in the evening King Henry with great pompe came to the towne of Leicester Where as well for the refreshing of his people and souldiers as for preparing all things necessary for his journey toward London hee rested and reposed himselfe two dayes In the meane season the dead corps of King Richard was as shamefully carried to the towne of Leicester as hee gorgiously the day before with pompe and pride departed out of the same towne For his body was naked and despoyled to the skin and nothing left about him not so much as a clout to cover his privie members and was trussed behind a pursevant of armes called Blaunche Senglier or white Boare like a hogge or a calfe the head and armes hanging on the one side of the horse and the legges on the other side and all besprinkled with mire and blood was brought to the Gray Fryers Church within the towne and there laid like a miserable spectacle but surely considering his mischievous acts and Facinorous doings men may worthily wonder at such a caitive and in the said Church hee was with no lesse funerall pompe and solemnitie interred then hee would to bee done at the burying of his innocent Nephewes whom hee caused cruelly to bee murthered and unnaturally to be quelled When his death was known few lamented and many rejoyced the proud bragging white Boare which was his badge was violently rased and plucked downe from every signe and place where it might be espied so ill was his life that men wished the memorie of him to bee buried with his carren corpes Hee raigned two yeares two moneths and one day As he was small and little of stature so was he of body greatly deformed the one shoulder higher then the other his face small but his countenance was cruell and such that a man at the first aspect would judge it to savour and smell of malice fraude and deceit when hee stood musing hee would bite and chew beasly his nether lippe as who said that his fierce nature in his cruell body alwaies chafed stirred and was ever unquiet besides that the dagger that hee wore hee would when hee studied with his hand plucke up and downe in the sheath to the midst never drawing it fully out his wit was pregnant quicke and ready wille to â—iegne and apt to dissemble hee had a proud minde and an arrogant stomacke the which accompanied him to his death which hee rather desiring to suffer by dent of sword then being forsaken and destitute of his untrue companions would by coward flight preserve and save his uncertaine life Which by malice sicknesse or condigne punishment â—ight chanâ—e shortly after to come to confusion Thus ended this Prince his mortall life with infamie and dishonour which never preferred fame or honesty before ambition tyranny and mischiefe And if hee had continued still Protectour and suffered his Nephewes to have lived and raigned no doubt but the Realme had prospered and hee much praysed and beloved as hee is now abhorred and vilipended but to God which knew his interior cogitations at the hower of his death I commit the punishment of his offences committed in his life FINIS This Kings time with some part of King Richard the third as shall appeare by a note made at that place was written by Sir Thomas Moore Richard Plantagenet Duke of Yorke The 3. sonnes of Richard Duke of Yorke described George Duke of Clarence drowned in a But of Maâ—msey The Description of Richard the 3. King Henry the 6. slaine in the Tower by Richard the 3. An Exhortation of King Edward the 4. on his death bed Edmund Shaw Maior of London Of Sanctuaries The discription of Shores wife The discription of King Edwards three Concubines The destruction of King Edwards Children King Edwards Children murthered
nor nothing he enterprised nor tooke in hand by the which he should be driven thereunto For his tribute out of France he had a little before recovered and obtained And the yeere before he dyed hee recovered againe the Towne of Barwicke against the King of Scots And albeit that all the time of his reigne he was so benigne courteous and familiar that no part of his vertues was esteemed more than those high humilities Yet that condition in the end of his last dayes decayed not in the which many Princes by a long continued Soveraignty decline to a proud port and behaviour from their conditions accustomed at their beginning Yet lowlinesse and gentlenesse so farre forth in him increased that the Summer before he dyed hee being at Havering at the Bower sent for the Maior of London thither onely to hunt and make pastime where hee made them not so hearty but so familiar and friendly cheere and sent also to their Wives such plenty of Venison that no one thing in many dayes before gat him either more hearts or more hearty favour amongst the common people which oftentimes more esteeme and take for great kindnesse a little courtesie then a great profit or benefit And so this Noble Prince deceased as you have heard in that time his life was most desired and when his people most desired to keepe him Which love of his people and their entire affection toward him had beene to his Noble Children having in themselves also as many gifts of Nature as many Princely vertues as much good towardnesse as their age could receive a marvellous fortresse and a sure armour if the division and dissention of their friends had not unarmed them and left them destitute and the execrable desire of Soveraignty provoked him to their destruction which if either kind or kindnesse had holden place must needes have beene their defence For Richard Gloucester by nature their Uncle by Office their Protectour to their Father greatly beholden and to them by oath and allegiance bounden all the bonds broken and violated which binde man and man together without any respect of God or the World unnaturally contrived to bereave them not onely of their dignity and pre-eminence but also of their naturall lives and worldly felicity And first to shew you that by conjecture he pretended this thing in his Brothers life yee shall understand for a truth that the same night that King Edward dyed one called Mistelbrooke long ere the day sprung came to the house of one Pottier dwelling in Redcrosse-street without Cripple Gate of London and when he was with hasty wrapping quickly let in the said Mistelbrooke shewed unto Pottier that King Edward was that night deceased by my truth quoth Pottier then will my Master the Duke of Gloucester be King and that I warrant thee What cause hee had so to thinke hard it is to say whether hee being his servant knew any such thing pretended or otherwise had any inkling thereof but of all likelihood hee spake it not of nought But now to returne to the true History were it that the Duke of Gloucester had of old sore practised this conclusion or was before-time moved thereunto and put in hope by the tender age of the young Princes his Nephews as opportunity and likelihood of speed putteth a man in courage of that that he never intended Certaine it is that he being in the North parts for the good governance of the Countrey being advertised of his Brothers death contrived the destruction of his Nephewes with the usurpation of the Royall Dignity and Crowne And forasmuch as he well wist and had holpe to maintaine a long continued grudge and heart-burning betweene the Queenes kindred and the Kings Bloud either part envying others authority he now thought as it was indeed a furtherly beginning to the pursuit of his intent and a sure ground and situation of his unnatural building if hee might under the pretence of revenging of old displeasures abuse the ignorance and anger of the one party to the destruction of the other and then to win to his purpose as many as he could and such as could not be won might be lost ere they looked for it But of one thing hee was certaine that if his intent were once perceived hee should have made peace betweene both parties with his owne bloud but all his intent he kept secret till hee knew his friends of the which Henry the Duke of Buckingham was the first that sent to him after his Brothers death a trusty servant of his called Persivall to the City of Yorke where the Duke of Gloucester kept the K. his brothers Funeralls This Persivall came to Iohn Ward a cret Chamberer to the Duke of Gloucester desiring that hee in close and covert manner might speake with the Duke his Master whereupon in the dead of the night the Duke sent for Persivall all other being avoided which shewed to the Duke of Gloucester that the Duke of Buckingham his Master in this new World would take such part as hee would and would farther waite upon him with a thousand good fellowes if need were The Duke sent backe the Messenger with great thankes and divers privie instructions by mouth which Persivall did so much by his travell that he came to the Duke of Buckingham his Master into the Marches of Wales and presently after with new instructions met with the Duke of Gloucester at Notingham which was come out of the North-country with many Knights and Gentlemen to the number of 600. Horse and more in his journey towards London And after secret meeting and communication had betweene him and the Duke of Gloucester hee returned with such speed that hee brought the Duke of Buckingham his Master to meete with the Duke of Gloucester not far from Northampton with three hundred Horses and so they two came together to Northampton where they first began their unhappy enterprise and so the Duke of Buckingham continued stil with the Duke of Gloucester till he was crowned King as yee shall plainely perceive hereafter The young King at the death of his Father kept houshold at Ludlow for his Father had sent him thither for Justice to be done in the Marches of Wales to the end that by the authority of his presence the wilde Welshmen and evill disposed persons should refraine from their accustom'd murthers and outrages The governance of this young Prince was committed to Lord Anthony Woodvile Earle Rivers and Lord Scales Brother to the Queene a wise hardy and honourable personage as valiant of hands as politick in Counsell and with him were associate others of the same party and in effect every one as hee was neere of kin unto the Queene so was he planted next about the Prince That drift by the Queene seemed to be devised whereby her bloud might of right in tender youth be so planted in the Princes favour that afterward it should hardly be eradicated out of the same The Duke of
him a cup of wine coverd and when hee had dranke he cast out the wine and departed with the cup. After that the Heralds cried a largesse thrice in the Hall and so went up to their stage At the end of dinner the Major of London served the King and Queene with sweete wine and had of each of them a cup of gold with a cover of gold And by that time that all was done it was darkenight and so the King returned to his chamber and every man to his lodging When this feast was thus finished the King sent home all the Lords into their countries that would depart except the Lord Stanley whom hee retained till hee heard what his sonne the Lord Strange went about And to such as went home hee gave straight charge and commandement to see their Countries well ordered that no wrong nor extortion should bee done to his subjects And thus hee taught others to execute justice and equitie the contrary wherof he daily exercised hee also with great rewards given to the Northerne men which hee sent for to his Coronation sent them home to their Countrey with great thankes Whereof divers of them as they all bee of nature very greedy of authoritie and especially when they thinke to have any comfort or favour tooke on them so highly and wrought such Masteries that the King was faine to ride thither in his first yeare and to put some in execution and stay the Country or else no small mischiefe had ensued Incontinent after this he sent a solemne Embassage to Lewis the French King to conclude a league and amitie with him trusting also to obtaine the tribute which King Edward his brother had before out of France but the French King so abhorred him and his crueltie that he would neither see nor heare his Embassadors and so in vaine they returned Now after this triumphant Coronation there fell mischiefs thicke and thicke and as the thing evill gotten is never well kept so through all the time of his usurped reigne never ceased there cruell murther death and slaughter till his own destruction ended it But as hee finished with the best death and most fitting that is to say his owne so beganne he with the most pitteous and wicked I meane the lamentable murther of his innocent Nephewes the young King and his tender brother whose death and finall fortune hath neverthelesse so farre come in question that some remained long in doubt whether they were in his dayes destroyed or no. Not for that that Parkin Warbeck by many folkes folly so long space abusing the world was aswell with Princes as with poore people reputed and taken for the yonger of these two But for that also that all things were so covertly demeaned one thing pretended and another meant that there was nothing so plaine and openly proved but that yet for the common custome of close covert dealing men had it ever inwardly suspect as many well counterfet jewels make the true mistrusted Howbeit concerning that opinion men may see the conveiance thereof in the Noble Prince King Henry the seventh in the processe of Parkin But in the meane season for this present matter I shall rehearse to you the dolorous end of these two babes not after every way that I have heard but after that way that I have so heard by such men and such meanes as I thinke it to be hard but it should be true King Richard after his Coronation taking his way to Gloucester to visite in his new honour the towne of which hee bare the name of old devised as hee roade to fulfill that thing which hee before had intended And forasmuch as his minde gave him that his Nephewes living men would not recon that hee could have right to the Realme he thought therefore without delay to rid them as though the killing of his kinsmen might end his cause and make him kindly King Whereupon he sent Iohn Greene whom he specially trusted unto sir Robert Brakenbury Constable of the Tower with a letter and credence also that the same sir Robert in any wise should put the two children to death This Iohn Greene did his errand to Brakenbury kneeling before our Lady in the Tower who plainely answered that hee would never put them to death to dye therefore With the which answer Greene returned recompting the same to King Richard at Warwicke yet on his journey wherewith hee tooke such displeasure and thought that the same night hee said to a secret page of his Ah whom shall a man trust they that I have brought up my selfe they that I thought would have most surely served mee even those faile me and at my commandment will doe nothing for mee Sir quoth the page there lieth one in the palet chamber without that I dare say will doe your Grace pleasure the thing were right hard that he would refuse meaning this by Iames Tirell which was a man of a goodly personage and for the gifts of nature worthy to have served a much better Prince if he had well served God and by grace obtained to have as much truth and good will as hee had strength and wit The man had an high heart and sore longed upward not rising yet so fast as he had hoped being hindered and kept under by sir Richard Ratcliffe and sir William Catesbey which longing for no more partners of the Princes favour namely not for him whose pride they knew would beare no peere kept him by secret drifts out of all secret trust which thing this page had well marked and knew wherefore this occasion offered of very speciall friendship spied his time to set him forward and in such wise to doe him good that all the enemies that he had except the devill could never have done him so much hurt and shame for upon the pages words King Richard arose for this communication had he sitting on a draft a convenient carpet for such a councell and came out into the palet chamber where hee did finde in bed the said Iames Tyrell and sir Thomas Tyrell of person like and brethren of blood but nothing of kinne in conditions Thē said the King merrily what sirs bee you in bed so soone and called up Iames Tyrell and brake to him secretly his minde in this mischievous matter in the which hee found him nothing strange Wherefore on the morrow he sent him to Brakinbury with a letter by the which hee was commanded to deliver to the said Iames all the keyes of the Tower for a night to the end that he might there accomplish the Kings pleasure in such things as hee there had given him in commandement After which letter delivered and the keyes received Iames appointed the next night ensuing to destroy them devising before and preparing the meanes The Prince assoone as the Protector tooke upon him to be King and left the name of Protectour was thereof advertised and shewed that he should not reigne but his Vncle
should have the Crowne At which word the Prince sore abashed began to sigh and say Alas I would mine Vncle would let mee have my life although I leese my Kingdome Then he that told him the tale used him with good words and put him in the best comfort that hee could but forthwith hee and his brother were both shut up and all other removed from them one called Black Will or William Slaughter onely except which were set to serve them and foure other to see them sure After which the the Prince never tyed his points nor any thing regarded himselfe but with that young babe his brother lingered in thought and heavinesse till this trayterous deede delivered thē of that wretchednesse For Iames Tirrell devised that they should bee murthered in their beds and no blood shed to the execution wherof he appointed Myles Forest one of the foure that before kept them a fellow flesh-bred in murther before time and to him he joyned one Iohn Dighton his owne horsekeeper a big broade square and strong knave Then all the other being removed from them this Miles Forest and Iohn Dighton about midnight the silly children lying in their beddes came into the chamber and suddenly lapped them up amongst the cloathes and so bewrapped them keeping downe by force the fetherbed and pillowes hard under their mouthes that within a while they smothered stifled them and their breaths failing they gave up to God their innocent soules into the joyes of heaven leaving to the tormenters their bodies dead in the bed which after the wretches perceived first by the strugling with the pang of death and after long lying still to be through dead they layed the bodies out upon the bed and fetched Iames Tirrell to see them which when he saw them perfectly dead hee caused the murtherers to bury them at the stayre foote meetly deepe in the ground under a heape of stones Then rode Iames Tirrell in great haste to King Richard and shewed him all the manner of the murther who gave him thankes and as men say there made him Knight but hee allowed not their buriall in so vile a corner saying that hee would have them buried in a better place because they were a Kings sonnes Loe the honorable courage of a King for he would recompence a detestable murther with a solemne obsequie Wherupon a priest of Sir Robert Brakenburies tooke them up buried them in such a place secretly as by the occasion of his death which was shortly after which only knew it the very truth could never yet bee very well and perfectly known For some say that King Richard caused the Priest to take them up and close them in leade and to put them in a coffin full of holes hooked at the endes with two hookes of iron and so to cast them into a place called the Blacke deepes at the Thames mouth so that they should never rise up nor bee seene againe This was the very truth unknowne by reason that the said Priest died so shortly and disclosed it never to any person that would utter it And for a truth when sir Iames Tirrell was in the Tower for treason committed to King Henry the seventh both he and Dighton were examined together of this point and both they confessed the murther to bee done in the same manner as you have heard but whither the bodies were removed they both affirmed they never knew And thus as I have learned of them that knew much and little cause had they to lie where these two noble Princes these innocent tender children borne of the most royall blood and brought up in great wealth likely long to live to raigne and rule in the Realme by trayterous tyrannie taken and deprived of their estate shortly shut up in Prison and privily slaine and murthered by the cruell ambition of their unnaturall Vncle and his dispiteous tormenters which things on every part well pondered God gave this world never a more notable example either in what unsurety standeth this worlds weale or what mischiefe worketh the proud enterprise of an high heart or finally what wretched end insueth such dispiteous crueltie For first to beginne with the Ministers Miles Forest at Saint Martins le grant by peece meales miserably rotted away Iohn Dighton lived at Caleys long after no lesse disdained and hated then pointed at and there dyed in great miserie But sir Iames Tirrell was beheaded on the Tower hill for Treason And King Richard himselfe was slaine in the field hacked and hewen by his enemies hands hurried on a horse backe naked being dead hee is here in despight torne and tugged like a curre dogge And the mischiefe that hee tooke within lesse then three yeares of the mischief that he dyed in three moneths bee not comparable and yet all the meane time spent in much trouble and paine outward and much feare dread and anguish within For I have heard by credible report of such as were secret with his chamberers that after this abominable deede done hee never was quiet in his minde he never thought himselfe sure where he went abroad his body privily fainted his eye wherled about his hand ever on his dagger his countenance and manner like alwayes to strike againe hee took ill rest on nights lay long waking and musing for wearied with care and watch rather slumbred then slept troubled with fearefull dreames suddenly sometime start up leape out of his bed and looke about the chamber so was his restlesse heart continually tossed and tumbled with the tedious impression and stormy remembrance of his abhominable murther and execrable Tyrannie King Richard by this abominable mischiefe and scelerous act thinking himselfe well relieved both of feare and thought would not have it kept councell but within a few dayes caused it to run in a common rumour that the two children were suddenly dead and to this intent as it is to be deemed that now no heire Male being alive of King Edwards body lawfully begotten the people would be content with the more patient heart and quiet minde to obey him and suffer his rule and governance but when the same of this detestable fact was revealed and divulged thorow the whole Realme there fell generally such a dolour and inward sorrow into the hearts of all the people that all feare of his cruelty set a side they in every Towne street and place openly wept and pittiously sobbed And when their sorrow was somewhat mitigate their inward grudge could not refraine but cry out in places publike and also private furiously saying what creature of all creatures is so malicious and so obstinate an enemy either to God or to Christian Religion or to humane Nature which would not have abhorred or at the least abstained from so miserable a murther of so execrable a tyranny To murther a man is much odious to kill a woman is in manner unnaturall but to slay and destroy innocent Babes and young Infants the whole world abhorreth
or amend things that were past he determined by doing his dutie in all things to his commons to obliterate and put out of memorie that note of infamie with the which his fame was justly spotted and stayned and to cause the people to conceive so good an opinion of him that from thence forth no calamity nor trouble should bee adjudged to happen to the common wealth either by his negligence or by his misgovernment although it is difficile and strange shortly to turne and plucke out such qualities and usages as have of long time beene incorporated in a mans minde and rooted in his manners and conditions Therefore whether it was for the performance of his former intent of amendment or as common fame flew abroad that he tooke repentance of his mischievous acts and scelerate doings hee turned over the leafe and began an order of a new life and pretended to have the name of a good and vertuous man by the reason that hee shewed himselfe more just more meeker more familiar more liberall especially amongst the poore people then before hee had accustomed to doe and so by this meanes he firmely trusted first to obtaine of God forgivenesse of his offences and crimes and after to live and take away the enemy and inward grudge that the common people bare in their mindes towards him and in conclusion to obtaine their friendly love and assured favour Hee furthermore began and enterprised divers things as well publike as private the which hee being prevented by sodayne death did neither accomplish nor begin to conclusion for hee â—egan to found a Colledge of a hundred Priests which foundation with the founder shortly tooke an end To please the common people also hee in his high Court of Parliament enacted divers and sundry good lawes and profitable statutes and especially one against strangers and foren wrought wares not to bee transported into this Realme which commodious act for the common wealth if hee had lived hee had fully purposed to have advanced and set forward and put in execution But afterwards evidently it appeared to all persons that onely feare which is not a master long in office and in continuall authoritie and not justice caused King Richard at that very time to waxe better and amend his wicked and sinfull life for shortly after the goodnesse of the man which was but painted and fraudulent suddenly waxed cold and vanished away And from thenceforth not onely all his Councellors doings and proceeding suddenly decayed and resorted to none effect But also fortune began to frowne and turned her wheele downewards from him in so much that he lost his onely begotten sonne Edward in the third moneth after hee had created him Prince of Wales The second yeere of his Raigne ANd shortly after in his second yeere of his raigne hee was unquieted by conspiracie or rather a confederacy betweene the Duke of Buckingham and many other Gentlemen against him as yee shall heare But the occasion why the Duke and the King fell out is of diverse folke diversly pretended This Duke as you have heard before assoone as the Duke of Gloucester after the death of King Edward was come to Yorke and there had solemne funerall service done for King Edward sent to him a secret servant of his called Persall with such messages as you have heard before And after the Duke of Buckingham came with three hundred horse to Northampton and still continued with him as partner and chiefe organ of his devices till after his Coronation they departed seeming all to bee very good friends at Gloucester From whence assoone as the Duke came home hee so highly conspired against him that a man would marvell whereof the change grew in so short a space Some say this occasion was that a little before the Coronation the Duke required the King amongst other things to bee restored to the Earle of Herfords lands and forasmuch as the title which hee claymed by inheritance was somewhat interlaced with the title of Lancaster which house made a title to the Crowne and enjoyed the same three descents as all men knew till the house of Yorke deprived the third King which was Henry the sixt King Richard somewhat mistrusted and conceived such an indignation that he rejected the Dukes request with many spitefull and minatorie words which so wounded the Dukes heart with hatred and mistrust that hee could never after indure to looke right on King Richard but ever feared his owne life so farre forth that when the Protectour should ride to his Coronation hee feigned himselfe sicke because he would doe him no honour And the other taking it in evill part sent him word to rise and ride or hee would make him to be carried Whereupon gorgeously apparelled and sumptuously trapped with burning cart navos of gold embrodered he roade befoâ—e the King through London with an evill will and worse heart And that notwithstanding hee rose the day of the Coronation from the feast feining himselfe ficke whicâ— King Richard said was done in hate and dispight of him And therefore men said that each of them ever after lived continually in such hatred and distrust of other that the Duke looked verily to have beene murthered at Gloucester from which hee in faire manner departed but surely such as were right secret with both affirmed all this to be untrue and otherwise men thinke it unlikely the deepe dissembling nature of both these men well considered And what neede in that greene world the Protector had of the Duke and in what perill the Duke stood if hee fell once in suspition of that tyrant that either the Protectour would give the Duke occasion of displeasure or the Duke the Protectour occasion of mistrust And surely men thinke that if King Richard had any such opinion conceived in him hee would never have suffered him to avoide his hands or escape his power but very true it is that the Duke of Buckingham was an high minded man and ill could beare the glory of another so that I have heard of some that saw it that he at such time as the Crowne was set upon the Protectors head his eye could never abide the sight thereof but wryed his head another way but men said he was not well at ease and that was both to King Richard well knowne and well taken nor any demand of the Dukes request uncurteously rejected but gently deferred but both hee with great gifts and high behestes in most loving and trusty manner departed from the King to Gloucester Thus every man judged as he thought but soone after his comming home to Brecknocke having there by King Richards commandment Doctor Morton Bishop of Ely who before as you have heard was taken at the Councell at the Tower waxed with him very familiar whose only wisedome abused his pride to his own deliverance and the Dukes destruction The Bishop was a man of great naturall wit very well learned and of honorable behaviour lacking no wise waies to
with the ayde and reliefe of his friends intended to passe over the river of Siverne at Shrewesbury so to passe directly to the citie of London requiring them as his especiall trust and confidence was perplanted in the hope of their fidelitie that they would occurre and meete him by the way with all diligent preparation to the intent that hee and they at time propice and place convenient might communicate together the profunditie and deepenesse of all his dubious weighty businesse When the messengers were disparcled with these commandements admonitions hee marched forwards toward Shrewesbury and in his passing there met and saluted him Rice ap Thomas with a goodly band of Welshmen which making an oath promise to the Earle submitted himself wholy to his order and commandement For the Earle of Richmond two dayes before made to him promises that if hee would sweare to take his part and be obedient to him he would make him chiefe governour of Wales which part as he faithfully promised and granted so after that hee had obtained and possessed the Realme and diadem hee liberally performed and accomplished the same In the meane time the messengers that were sent diligently executed the things given to them in charge and laden with rewards of them to whom they were sent returned to him the same day that he entred into Shrewesbury made relation to him that his friends were ready in all points to doe all things for him which either they ought or might doe The Earle Henry brought in good hope with his pleasant message continued foorth his entended journey and came to a little towne called Newport pitching his campe on a little hill adjoyning reposed himselfe there that night In the evening the same day came to him Sir George Talbot with the whole power of the young Earle of Shrewesbury then being inward which were accompted to the number of two thousand men And thus his power increasing he arrived at the towne of Stafford and there pawsed To whom came Sir William Stanley accompanied with a few persons and after that the Earle and hee had communed no long time together he reverted to his souldiers which hee had congregate together to serve the Earle which from thence departed to Lichfield lay without the walles in his campe all the night The next morning hee entred into the towne and was with all honour like a Prince received A day or two before the Lord Stanley having in his band almost five thousand men lodged in the the same towne but hearing that the Earle of Richmond was marched thitherward gave to him place dislodging him and his and repayred to a towne called Adrestone there abiding the comming of the Earle and this wilie Foxe did this act to avoide all suspicion being affraid lest if hee should bee seene openly to be a fautour or ayder to the Earle his son in law before the day of the battell that King Richard which did not utterly put in him diffidence and mistrust would put to some cruell death his sonne and heire apparent George Lord Strange whom King Richard as you have heard before kept with him as a pledge or hostage to the intent that the Lord Stanley his father should attempt nothing prejudiciall to him King Richard at this season keeping his house in the Castle of Nottingham was informed that the Earle of Richmond with such banished men as fled out of England to him were now arrived in Wales and that all things necessary to his enterprise were unprovided unpurveyed and very weake nothing meete to withstand the power of such as the King had appointed to resist him This rumour so inflated his minde that in manner disdaining to heare speake of so poore a company determined at the first to take little or no regard to this so small a sparcle declaring the Earle to bee innocent and unwise because that hee temerariously attempted such a great enterprise with so small thinne a number of warlike persons and therefore hee gave a definitive sentence that when hee came to that point that hee should be compelled to fight against his will he either should be apprehended alive or else by all likelihood hee should of necessitie come to a shamefull confusion and that he trusted to be shortly done by Sir Walter Herbert and Rice ap Thomas which then ruled Wales with equall power and like authoritie But hee revolving and casting in his minde that a small warre begun and winked at and not regarded may turne to a great broyle and tumultuous trouble and that it was prudent policie not to asperne and disdaine the little small power and weakenesse of the enemie be it never so small thought it necessary to provide for after clappes that might happen and chance Wherefore hee sent to Iohn Duke of Norfolke Henry Earle of Northumberland Thomas Earle of Surrey and to other of his especiall and trusty friends of the nobility which he judged much more to preferre and esteeme his wealth and honour then their owne riches and private commoditie willing them to muster and view all their servants and tenants and to elect and chuse the most couragious and active persons of the whole number and with them to repaire to his presence with all speede and diligence Also he wrote to Robert Brakâ—nbury Lieutenant of the Tower commanding him with his power to come to his army and to bring with him as fellowes in armes Sir Thomas Burchier and sir Walter Hungerford and divers other Knights and Esquiers in whom he had cast no smal suspition While hee was thus ordering his affaires tidings came that the Earle of Richmond was passed Severne come to Shrewesbury without any detriment or encombrance At which message hee was sore moved and broyled with Melancolie and dolour and cryed out asking vengeance of them that contrary to their oathes and promises had fraudulently deceived him For which cause he beganne to have diffidence in others in so much that hee determined himselfe out of hand the same day to occurre and resist his adversaries And in all haste sent out explorators to view and espie what way his enemies kept and passed They diligently doing their dutie shortly after returned declaring to the King that the Earle was encamped at the Towne of Lichfield When he had perfect knowledge where the Earle with his army was sojourning he having continuall repaire of his subjects to him began incontinently without delay to marshall and collocate in order his battailes like a valiant captaine and politique leader and first hee made his battailes to set forward foure foure in a rancke marching toward that way whither his enemies as was to him reported intended to passe In the middle part of the army he appointed the trafficke and carriage appertaining to the armie Then hee environed with his satellites and yeomen of the Crowne with a frowning countenance and truculent aspect mounted on a great white courser followed with his footmen the
which was Father to Sir Charles Brandon by King Henry the 8. created Duke of Suffolke and matched hand to hand with Sir Iohn Cheiny a man of great force and strength which would have resisted him and the said Iohn was by him manfully overthrowne and so he making open passage by dent of sword as hee went forward the Earle of Richmond withstood his violence and kept him at the swords point without advantage longer then his companions either thought or judged which being almost in despaire of Victory were suddenly recomforted by Sir William Stanley which came to succour them with three thousand tall men at which very instant King Richards men were driven back and fled and hee himselfe manfully fighting in the middle of his enemies was slaine brought to his death as hee worthily had deserved In the mean season the Earle of Oxford with the aide of the Lord Stanley after no long fight discomâ—ted the forward of King Richard whereof a great number were slaine in the flight but the greatest number which compelled by feare of the King and not of their meer valiant motion came to the field gave never a stroke and having no harme nor damage safely departed which came not thither in hope to see the King prosper and prevaile but to hear that he should be shamefully confounded and brought to ruine In this Battaile dyed few above the number of a thousand persons And of the Nobilitie were slaine Iohn Duke of Norfolke which was warned by divers to refraine the Field insomuch that the night before hee should set forward toward the King one wrote on his Gate Iack of Norfolke be not too bold For Dickon thy Master is bought and sold. Yet all this notwithstanding hee regarding more his oath his honour and promise made to King Richard like a Gentleman and a faithfull subject to his Prince absented not himselfe from his Master but as hee faithfully lived under him so hee manfully dyed with him to his great fame and laud. Theâ—e were slaine beside him Walter Lord Ferrers of Chartley Sir Richard Radâ—liffe and Robert Brakenâ—uâ—y Lieutenant of the Tower and not many Gentlemen more Sir William Catesbey learned in the Lawes of the Realme and one of the chiefe Counsellors to the late King with divers others were two dayes after beheaded at Leicester Amongst them that ranne away were Sir Francis Vicount Lovell and Humfrey Stafford and Thomas Stafford his Brother which took Sanctuary at Saint Iohns at Gloucester Of Captives and prisoners there was a great number for after the death of King Richard was knowne and published every man in manner vnarming himselfe and casting away his abiliment of warre meekly submitted themselves to the obeisance and rule of the Earle of Richmond of the which the more part had gladly so done in the beginning if they might have conveniently escaped from King Richards espyals which having as cleare eyes as Linx and as open eares as Midas ranged and searched in every quarter Amongst these was Henry the fourth Earle of Northumberland which whether it was by the commandement of King Richard putting diffidence in him or he did it for the love and favour that hee bare unto the Earle stood still with a great companie and intermitted not in the battell which was incontinently received into favour and made of the councell But Thomas Howard Earle of Surrey which submitted himselfe there was not taken to grace because his Father was chiefe Counceller and hee ly familiar with with King Richard but committed to the Tower of London where hee long remained and in conclusion delivered and for his truth and fidelitie after promoted to high honours and dignities On the Earle of Richmonds part were slaine scarce one hundred persons amongst whom the principall was sir William Brandon his standard bearer This battell was fought at at Bosworth in Leicestershire the two and twentieth day of August in the yeare one thousand foure hundred eighty sixe the whole conflict endured litle above two houres King Richard as the fame went might have escaped and gotten safegard by flying For when they which were next about his person saw and perceived at the first joyning of the battell the souldiers faintly and nothing couragiously to set on their enemies and not onely that but also that some with drew themselves privily out of the prease and departed They beganne to suspect fraud and smell treason and not only exhorted but determinately advised him to save himselfe by flight and when the losse of the battell was eminent and apparent they brought to him a swift and a light horse to convey him away He which was not ignorant of the grudge and ill will that the common people bare towards him casting away all hope of fortunate successe and happie chance to come answered as men say hee would make an end of all battailes or else there finish his life Such a great audacitie and such a stout stomacke raigned in his body for surely he knew that to be the day in the which it should bee decided and determined whether hee should peaceably obtaine and enjoy his kingdome during his life or else utterly forgoe and bee deprived of the same with which too much hardinesse hee being overcome hastily closed his helmet and entered fiercely into the hard battell to the intent to obtaine that day a quiet raigne or else to finish there his unquiet life and unfortunate governance And so this miser at the same very point had like chance and fortune as happeneth to such which in place of right justice and honesty following their sensuall appetite love use and imbrace mischiefe tyranny and unthriftinesse Surely these be examples of more vehemency then mans tongue can expresse to feare and astunne such evill persons as will not live one houre vacant from doing and exercising crueltie mischiefe or outragious living When the Earle had thus obtained victorie and slaine his mortall enemie hee kneeled downe and rendered to almighty God his harty thankes with devout and godly orisons beseeching his goodnesse to send him grace to advance and defend the catholike faith and to maintaine justice and concord amongst his subjects and people by God now to his governance committed and assigned which prayer finished he replenished with incomparable gladnesse ascended up to the top of a little mountaine where he not onely praysed anâ—â—â—â—ded his valiant souldiers but also gave unto them his harty thankes with promise of condigne recompence for their fidelitie and valiant facts willing and commanding all the hurt and wounded persons to bee cured and the dead carcases to bee delivered to the Sepulture Then the people rejoyced and clapped hands crying up to heaven King Henry King Henry When the Lord Stanley saw the good will and gratuity of the people hee tooke the Crowne of King Richard which was found amongst the spoyle in the field and set it on the Earles head as though hee had beene elected King by the voice of the people as in
King so set on that she could not pluck him backe so highly she disdained it that under pretence of her duty toward God shee devised to disturbe this marriage and rather to helpe that hee should marry one Dame Elizabeth Lucie whom the King not long before had gotten with childe wherefore the Kings Mother objected openly against this marriage as it were in discharge of her conscience that the King was sure to Dame Elizabeth Lucy and her husband before God by reason of which words such obstacle was made in that matter that either the Bishop durst not or the King would not proceed to the solemnization of the marriage till his fame were cleerely purged and the truth well and openly testified Whereupon Dame Elizabeth Lucy was sent for and albeit shee was by the Kings Mother and many other put in good coÌ„fort that she was ensured to the King yet when she was solemnly sworne to say the truth she confessed she was never ensured Howbeit shee said his Grace spake such loving words to her that shee verily hoped that he would have married her and if such kinde words had not been she would never have shewed such kindenesse to him to let him so kindly get her with child This examination solemnely taken it was cleerely proved that there was no impediment to let the King to marry wherefore he shortly after at Grafton beside Stony Stratford married the Lady Elizabeth Grey very privily which was his enemies wife and had prayed heartily for his losse in the which God loved her better then to grant her her boon for then had shee not been his wife And after that shee was crowned Queene and her father was created Earle Rivers and her sonne created Marquesse Dorset But when the Earle of Warwicke understood of this marriage he took it so highly that thereof ensued much blood-shed as is declared before in the Story of Edward the fourth I have rehearsed this marriage somewhat the more at length because it might thereby the better appeare upon how slippery a ground the Protector builded his colour by which he pretended King Edwards children to be Bastards but the invention as simple as it was liked them to whom it sufficeth to have somewhat to say while they were sure to bee compelled to no larger proofe then themselves list to make Now to returne where I left as I began to shew you it was by the Protector and his Councell concluded that this Doctor Shaw should in a Sermon at Pauls Crosse signifie to the people that neither King Edward himselfe nor the Duke of Clarence were lawfully begotten nor were the very children of the Duke of Yorke but begotten unlawfully by other persons by adultery of the Dutchesse their Mother And Dame Elizabeth Lucy was the very wife of King Edward and so Prince Edward and all the children begotten on the Queen were Bastards And according to this device Doctor Shaw the Sunday after at Paules Crosse in a great audience as alwayes a great number assembled to his preaching came into the Pulpit taking for his Theme Spuria vitulamina non dabunt radices altos Sapien. 4. that is to say Bastard slippes shall never take deepe rootes Whereupon when he had shewed the great grace that God giveth and secretly infundeth in right generation after the Lawes of Matrimony then declared hee that those children commonly lacked that grace and for the punishment of their parents were for the most part unhappy which were ilegitimate and especially in adultery of which though some by the ignorance of the world and truth hid from knowledge have inherited for a season other mens Lands yet God alwayes so provideth that it continueth not in their bloud long but the truth comming to light the rightfull inheritors be restored and the bastard slippes plucked up ere it can be rooted deepe And when hee had layed for the proofe and confirmation of this sentence examples taken out of the old and new Testament and other ancient Histories then began he to descend to the praise of the Lord Richard Duke of Yorke calling him father to the Protector and declared his Title to the Crowne by inheritance and also by entaiâ—e authorised by Parliament after the death of King Henry the sixth Then shewed he that the Lord Protector was only the right heire of his body lawfully begotten Then declared hee that King Edward was never lawfully married to the Queene but his wife before God was Dame Elizabeth Lucy and so his children were Bastards And besides that that neither King Edward himselfe nor the Duke of Clarence amongst them that were secret in the Duke of Yorkes houshold were never reckoned surely to be the children of the Noble Duke as those that by their favours more resembled other knowne men then him from whose vertuous conditions hee said also that King Edward was farre off But the Lord Protector quoth hee that very Noble Prince the speciall Patron of Knightly Prowesse as well in all Princely behavior as in the lineaments and favour of his visage representeth the very face of the Noble Duke his Father This is quoth he the Fathers owne figure this is his owne countenance the very print of his visage the sure undoubted image the plaine expresse likenesse of that Noble Duke Now was it before devised that in the speaking of these words the Protector should have come in amongst the people to the Sermon to the end that these words so meeting with his presence might have beene taken amongst the hearers as though the Holy Ghost had put them in the Preachers mouth and should have moved the people even there to have cryed King Richard that it might have been after said that he was specialy chosen by God and in manner by miracle but this device quailed either by the Protectors negligence or the Preachers over-hasty diligence For while the Protector found by the way tarrying lest he should have prevented these words the Doctor fearing that he should come ere his Sermon could come to those words hasting his matter thereto he was come to them and past them and entred into other matters ere the Protector came whom when hee beheld comming hee left the matter in hand and out of all order and out of all frame began to repeat those words againe This is the very Noble Prince the especiall Patrone of Knightly prowesse which aswell in all Princely behaviviour as in the lineaments and favour of his visage representeth the very face of the Noble Duke of York his father This is his Fathers owne figure this is his owne countenance the very print of his visage the sure undoubted image the plaine expresse likenesse of that Noble Duke whose remembrance can never dye while hee liveth While these words were speaking the Protector accompanied with the Duke of Buckingham went through the people up into the place where the Doctors stand where they heard out the Sermon but the people were so farre from crying King Richard that they stood
to them by the new usurper much lamented and pittied would never cease to barke if they cannot bite at the one side of me Likewise my cousin the Earle of Richmond his aides kinsfolke which be not of little power will surely attempt like a fierce grayhound either to bite or to pierce mee on the other side So that my life and rule should ever hang by a haire never in quiet but ever in doubt of death or deposition And if the said two linages of Yorke and Lancaster which so long have strived for the imperiall Diadem should joyne in one against mee then were I surely mated and the game gotten Wherefore I have clearely determined and with my selfe concluded utterly to relinquish all such fantasticall imaginations concerning the obtaining of the Crowne But all such plagues calamities and troubles which I feared and suspected might have chanced on me if I had taken the rule and regiment of this reale I shall with a reredemaine so make them rebound to our common enemie that calleth himselfe King that the best stopper that hee hath at tenice shall not well stop without a fault for as I told you before the Countesse of Richmond in my returne from the new named King meeting mee in the high way prayed me first for kindred sake secondly for the love I bare to my grandfather Duke Humphrey which was sworne brother to her father to move the King to bee good to her sonne Henry Earle of Richmond and to licence him with his favour to returne againe into England and if it were his pleasure so to doe shee promised that the Earle her sonne should marry one of King Edwards daughters at the appointment of the King without any thing to be taken or demanded for the said espousals but onely the Kings favour which request I soone overpassed and gave her faire words and so departed But after in my lodging when I called to memorie with a deliberate studie and did circumspctly ponder them I fully adjudged that the holy Ghost caused her to move a thing the end whereof she could not consider both for the security of the Realme as also for the preferment of her child and the destruction and finall confusion of the common enemy King Richard Which thing shee neither then thought I am sure as I by her words could make conjecture nor I my selfe cast not her desire to be so profitable to the Realme as I now doe perceive but such a Lord is God that with a little sparkle he kindleth a great fire and so finally to declare to you the very conclusion to the which I am both bent and set my mind is and my power and purpose shall helpe that the Earle of Richmond very heire of the house of Lancaster in the quarrell of the which linage both my father and grandfather lost their lives in battell shall take to wife Lady Elizabeth eldest daughter to K. Edward by the which marriage both the houses of Yorke and Lancaster may bee obtained and united in one to the cleare stablishment of the title to the Crowne of this noble Realme To the which conclusion if the mothers of both parties and especially the Earle himselfe and the Lady will agree I doubt not but the braging Bore which with his tuskes raseth every mans skinne shall not only be brought to confusion as he hath deserved but that this Empire shal ever be certain of an undubitate heire and then shall all civill and intestine war cease which hath so long continued to the parting of many mens Crownes this Realme shall bee reduced againe to quietnesse renoune and glory This invention of the Duke many men thought after that it was more imagined for the inward hatred that he beare to King Richard then for any favour that hee bare to the Earle of Richmond But of such doubtfull matters it is not best to judge for erring to farre from the minde and entent of the actour But whatsoever he intended this device once opened to King Richard was the very occasion that hee was rounded shorter by the whole head without attainder or judgement When the Duke had said the Bishop which ever favored the house of Lancaster was wonderous joyfull and much rejoyced to heare this device for now came the winde about even as hee would have it for all his imagination tended to this effect to have King Richard subdued and to have the lines of K. Edward and King Henry the sixt againe raised and advanced But Lord how hee rejoyced to thinke how that by this marriage the linages of Yorke and Lancaster should bee conjoyned in one to the very stead fastnesse of the publique wealth of this Realme And lest the Dukes courage should swage or his minde should againe alter as it did often before as you may easily perceive by his owne tale Hee thought to set up all the sailes hee had to the intent that the ship of his pretended purpose might come shortly to some sure port And said to the Duke my Lord sith by Gods high provision your incomparable wisedome and policie this noble conjunction was first moved now it is convenient yea and necessary to consider what personages and friends we shall first make privie of this high device and politicke conclusion By my truth quoth the Duke wee will begin with my Lady of Richmond the Earles mother which knoweth where he is either in captivitie or at large in Brytaine For I heard say that the Duke of Britaine restored him to liberty immediately after the death of King Edward by whose meanes hee was restrayned Sith you will begin that way said the Bishop I have an old friend with the Countesse a man sober secret and well witted called Reignold Bray whose prudent policie I have knowne to have compassed things of great importance for whom I shall secretly send if it bee your pleasure I doubt not he wil gladly come and with a good will So with a little diligence the Bishop wrote a letter to Reighnold Bray requiting him to come to Brecknock with speede for great and urgent causes touching his Mistresse and no other thing was declared in the letter So the messenger rode into Lancashire where Bray was with the Countesse and Lord Thomas Stanley her husband delivered the letter which when hee had read hee tooke it as a signe or presage of some good fortune to come and so with the messenger hee came to the Castle of Brecknocke where the Duke and the Bishop declared what thing was devised both to set the Realme in a quiet steadfastnesse and also for the high preferment of the Earle of Richmonds sonne to his Lady and Mistrisse Willing her first to compasse how to obtaine the good wil of Queene Elizabeth and also of her eldest daughter bearing the same name and after secretly to send to her son into Britaine to declare what high honour was prepared for him if he would sweare to marry the Lady Elizabeth assoone
her sonne made Reyghnold Bray her most faithfull servant cheife soliciter and privie procurer of this conspiracie giving him in charge secretly to invegle and attract such persons of nobility to joyne with her and to take her part as hee knew to bee ingenious faithfull diligent and of activity This Reighnold Bray within few daies brought unto his lure first of all taking of every person a solemne oath to be true and secret sir Gyles Daubeney sir Iohn Cheiney knight Richard Guylford and Thomas Raine Esquiors and divers others The Countesse of Richmond was not so diligent for her part but Queene Elizabeth was as vigilant on the other side and made friends and appointed Councellers to set forward and advance her businesse In the meane season the Countesse of Richmond tooke into her service Christopher Vrswicke an honest and a wise Priest and after an oath of him for to bee secretly taken and sworne shee uttered to him all her mind councell adhibiting to him the more confidence and truth that he all his life had favoured and taken part with King Henry the sixt and as a speciall jewell put to her service by sir Lewes her Physitian So the mother studious for the prosperitie of her sonne appointed this Christopher Vrsewicke to saile into Britaine to the Earle of Richmond and to declare and to demonster to him all pacts and agreements betweene her and the Queene agreed and concluded But sudenly shee remembring that the Duke of Buckingham was one of the first inventers and a secret founder of this enterprise determined to send some personage of more estimation then her chaplaine and so elected Hugh Conway esquire and sent him into with a great some of money to her son giving him charge to declare to Earle the great love especiall favour that the most part of the nobilitie of the Realme bare towards him the benevoleÌ„t minds which the whole commonaltie frankly offered liberally exhibited to him willing advising him not to neglect so good an occasion apparently offered but with all speede diligence to addict and settle his minde full intention how to returne home againe into England where hee was both wished and looked for giving him farther monition and counsell to take land and arrivall in the principalitie of Wales where hee should not doubt to find both aide comfort and friends Richard Guylford lest Hugh Conwey might fortune to bee taken or stopped at Plimmouth where he intended to take his navigation sent out of Kent Thomas Rame with the same instruction and both made such diligence and had such winde and weather the one by land from Calice and the other by water from Plimmouth that within lesse then an hower both arrived in the Duke of Britaines court and spake with the Earle of Richmond w ch from the death of K. Edward went at his pleasure and liberty and to him counted and manifested the cause and effect of their message and Embassage When the Earle had received this joyfull message which was the more pleasant because it was unlooked for hee rendred to Jesu his saviour his most humble and harty thankes being in firme credence and beleefe that things as hee with busie minde and laborious entent had wished and desired could never have taken any effect without the helpe and preferment of Almighty God And now being put in comfort of his long longing he did communicate and breake to the Duke of Brittaine all his secrets and privie messages which were to him declared advertizing him that hee was entred into a sure and steadfast hope to obtaine and get the Crowne and Kingdome of the Realme of England desiring him both of his good will and friendly helpe toward the achiving of his offered enterprise promising him when hee came to his intended purpose to render to him againe equall kindnesses and condigne gratulations Although the Duke before that day by Thomas Hutton Embassadour from King Richard had both by money and prayers been solicited and moved to put againe into safe custody the Earle of Richmond hee neverthelesse promised faithfully to aide him and his promises hee truely performed The third yeere WHerupon the Earle with all diligence sent into England againe Hugh Conwey and Thomas Rame which should declare his comming shortly into England to the intent that all the things which by counsell might bee for his purpose provided should be accelerate and hasted and that all things doubtfull should of his friends bee prudently foreseene in avoiding all engins and snares which King Richard had or might have set in disturbance of his purpose and hee in the meane season would make his abode still in Britaine till things necessary for his journey were prepared and brought in a readinesse In the meane season the Chiefetaynes of the conjuration in England began together many enterprises Some in convenient fortresses put strong garrisons Some kept armed men privily to the intent when they should have knowledge of the Earles landing they would beginne to stirre up the warre Others did secretly move and solicite the people to rise and make an insurrection Others amongst whom Iohn Morton Bishop of Ely then being in Flanders was chiefe by privie letters and cloked messâ—ngers did stirre and invite to this new conjunction all such which they certainely knew to have a rooted hatred or to beare a cankered malice towards King Richard and his proceedings Although this great enterprise were never so privily handled and so secretly amongst so circumspect persons treated compassed conveyed yet knowledge thereof came to the eares of K. Richard which with the sodaine chance was not a little moved and astonied First because hee had no host ready prepared and conscribed Secondarily hee knew not where to occurre and meete his enemies or whither to goe or where to tarrie Wherefore he determined to dissemble the matter as though hee knew nothing till hee had assembled his host and in the meane season either by the rumour of the common people or by the diligence of his exploratours and espialles to investigate â—earch out all the Councells determinations intents and compasses of his close adversaries or else by crafty policie to intercept and take some person of the same conjuration considering that there is no more secret nor hid especiall than that which lurketh in dissâ—mulation of knowledge and intelligence or is hidden in the name and shaddow of counterfeit humanitie and fained kindnesse And because hee knew the Duke of Buckingham to bee the chiefe head and aide of the conjuration he thought it most necessary to pluck him from that part either by faire promises or open warre Whereupon he addressed his loving letters to the Duke as full of mellifluous words humanitie familiaritie as the interior cogitation privie meaning was full of malice rancor and poyson giving farther in charge to the messenger that carried the letter to promise to the Duke on his behalfe golden hilles and silver rivers and with all gentle and
worme of vengeance wavering in his head could not bee content with the death of divers gentlemen suspected of treason but also he must extend his bloudy fury against a poore gentleman called Collingborne for making a small Rime of three of his unfortunat Councellers which were the Lord Lovell sir Richard Radcliffe his mischievous minion and sir William Catesbey his secret seducer which meeter was The Rat the Cat and Lovell our dog Rule all England under the hog Meaning by the hog the dreadfull wild Bore which was the Kings cognisaunce but because the first line ended in dog the metrician could not observing the regiments of meeter end the second verse in Bore but called the Bore an hogge This poeticall Schoole-master corrector of breves and longs caused Collingborne to be abbreviated shorter by the head and to be divided into foure quarters King Richard being thus tormented and tossed in his owne conceipt and imagination calling to his remembrance that considerations amities and other honest bonds and pacts made concluded and appointed betweene Princes and politique governours are in the cause efficient especiall introduction that their Realmes and Countries are fortified and munited with a double power that is to say with their owne strength and the ayde of their friends devised with himselfe to practise a league and amitie with the King of Scotts which not long before had made diverse incursions and rodes into the Realme of England where although hee got little yet surely he lost not much and thereupon sued to have a truce or peace concluded which came even as King Richard had wished it Wherefore commissioners were assigned for both parts to meete at Notingham the seventh day next ensuing at which time came thither for the King of England Iohn Bishop of Lincolne Chancellor of England Richard Bishop of Saint Asse Iohn Duke of Norfolke Henry Earle of Northumbâ—rland Thomas Lord Stanley George Stanley Lord Strange Iohn Gray Lord Powes Richard Lord Fitzhngh Iohn Gunthorpe keeper of the Kings Privie Seale Thomas Barow Master of the Roules sir Thomas Bryan chiefe Justice of the Common Place sir Richard Ratcliffe Knight William Catesbey and Richard Salkeld Esquiers And for the King of Scots were deputed Colin Earle of Ergile Lord Campâ—ell Lord Chancellour of Scotland William Bishop of Aberden Robert Lord Lyle Laurence Lord Oliphant Iohn Drummond of Stobhall Archibald Qwitelator Archdeacon of Lawdene and Secretarie to King Iames Lyon K. of Armes Duncane Dundas These Councellers diverse times met and after long debating demanding and denying in the end of September they fully concluded and made a determination the effect whereof followeth in Articles I. First It was appointed and concluded that a perfect Amitie and an Inviolable peace should be had and kept betweene the Realmes of England and Scotland for the space of three yeares to beginne at the Sunne rising the twentie ninth day of September in the yeere of our Lord One thousand foure hundred eighty foure and to continne to the setting of the sunne the twenty ninth day of September in the yeare of Christs incarnation one thousand foure hnndred eightie seven II. Item that during the said yeares none of both the Princes nor their ministers shall make war or invade the Realme or dominion of the other by sea or land or vexe perturbe or molest the subjects or vassalles of either of them nor shall give counsell excite or move any other person to make warre or invasion on the territories of any of the said Princes III. Item that the towne and Castle of Barwicke with all such bounds as were thereto belonging â—hich were in the English mens hands at the deliverance of the same towne by King Henry the sixt to the King of Scotts shall so peaceably remaine in the possession of the King of England dnring the said truce IIII. Item that all other Castles holdes and fortresses shall peaceably remaine in the hands of the possessor and owner without chalenge or demand during the said truce the Castle of Dumbar only excepted which was delivered into the English mens hands by the appointment of the Duke of Albany when he fled into France V. Item If the King of Scotts doe intimate and declare to the King of England within the space of fortie daies next ensuing the date hereof that hee will not suffer the said Castle of Dumbar to be possessed of the English nation above the terme of sixe moneths that then during the said sixe moneths neither the English men in the Garison of Dumbar nor the Scotts dwelling and inhabiting about the limits of the same shall doe any hurt prejudice or dammage to any of the sald parties the said terme contiâ—ning VI. Item If after the said sixe moneths any variance or warre shall arise betweene the said two Princes either for the recovering or defending the said Castle of Dumbarre yet the said truce leagne and amitie for all other rights and possessions shall stand in force and be effectuall and that it shall bee lawfull to each of the said Princes to doe what they shall thinke necessary both for the obtaining and defending the said Castle of Dumbarre any thing contained in the treaty of peace notwithstanding VII Item It is conclvded and appointed between the parties aforesaid that during the said truce none of both the Princes aforesaid shall receiue into his Realme territories or dominions any traitour or rebell of the other Prince nor shall maintaine favour aide or comfort any rebell or traytor which is already fled or shall hereafter fly into either the said Princes dominions nor there suffer him or them to tarry or make their abode VIII Item If any such rebell or traytour shall fortune hereafter to arrive in the Realme or territorie of any of the said Princes that thâ—n the said Prince in whose dominion the said traytour or rebell is so arrived at the instance and request of the other Prince to whom the offence and crime was committed shall bee bound incontinently to deliver the said rebell or traytour to the said demander withont fraud or male engine IX Item That all Scotchmen now inhabiting in England and sworne to the King of England shall and may there inhabite and tarry so that their names within sortie daies after the date of this league bee certified to the King of Scotts or to his Chancellour by the King of England or the warden of the Marches X. Item If during the said amity and peace it shall fortune any of the Wardeines of the said Princes without commandment assent or knowledge of his soveraigne Lord and Master to invade or raise an army in the dominion of the other Prince and there to slay burne or spoyle that then the said Prince to whom the said Wardeine is or shall be subject and vassaile shall within sixe daies next after the fact done and perpetrate declare the said Wardeine a traytour and rebell and thereof shall make certificate to the other Prince to whom the injury was