perdidit Sed hoc quoque ipsos quos beavit pendebit Our lusts our soules our wealth we spend In Court to purchase praise But what reward is in the end For our deserts repaie Their vowes and protestations deepe Not prest in paper but in mind Their sounds of words to lulls asleep From body forc't not from the mind Hands there wee joyne but not our hearts Whereby it happeneth few are blest And many thousand that resort Unto the Court by it are lost And of those few that blessed are Wee often see there fall againe Their blessed dayes they spend in care And after end their lives in paine The complaint for want of treasure The King sets many Lands to Feâ— Farme That death of the Lord Harrington The death of his sonne GReat summes of money being disbursed upon her Graces Wedding and dayly imployments for othersâ— some for Ireland The Lord Treasurer wanting there to defray ordinary expences some for the Kings owne use and some for other occasions causes a great complaint for want of treasure Officers at Court goe unpaid and many of the Kings Servants receive not their wages at set times so that the King is forced to set many of his Lands to Fee Farme and the four Deputie Treasurers with some few other have the passing of them now my Lord Harrington obtained a Patent for the making of brasse Farthings a thing that brought with it some contempt though lawfull for all things lawfull are not expedient who being injoyned to go into the Low-countries with her Grace by the way lost his life His sonne succeeded both in honour and Patent and enjoyed them not long before he dyed within short time after the hopefullest gentleman of that name more fit for imployments then for a private life and for a Statesman then for a Souldier he had beene at Cambridge there reputed for a great Scholler he travelled into Italy Venice and France he imployed his time for the most part in study whereby he made himselfe apt for great matters But yet it pleased God even then when he was in his greatest hope to cut off his dayes He gave all that he had to the Countesse of Bedford his Sister defeating her neither of the land nor the right of the Barony esteeming her to be worthy of much more then he had to leave He made a worthy and godly end These things coming so thick one after another left no time for men to dreame of Overburies death The Earle of Somerset his conscience accuseth him Northamptons speech to him He becometh a newter in Religion The Earle of Northamptons course A Nullitie being thus purchased he dignified as is said and the maâ—ch concluded about Candlemas 1614. they Marry with much joy and solemnitie a Maske being performed at Somerset's charge and many rumors passe without any respect all these things nothwithstanding a guiltie conscience can never goe without accusation pensivenesse and fulnesse doe possesse the Earle his wonted mirth forsakes him his countenance is cast downe he takes not that felicitie in company as he was wont to do but still something troubles him Verily it is a dangerous thing to fall within the compasse of a guilty conscience it eateth and consumeth the soule of a man as rust doth Iron or as beating waves hallowes the Rocks and though these things are not made publique yet neverthelesse Northampton observed it in him having so admirable capacity he could make use of all things wherefore knowing his disease viz. his mind feared with murther and knowing the Earle tractable as he desired enters into more familiar discourse with him For when the mind of a yong man is corrupted with evill he runs headlong into sinne without stay or feare wherefore amongst many other discourses this falls betweene them That in case the death of Sir Thomas Overbury should come to light they were then in a most dangerous state And the next thing they must expect is losse of life goods lands honours their names to be made scandalous to the world and to conclude to be branded with an ignominious death Neither that there was any way left for to escape this but either by making their owne fortunes so great that he might oppose all accusations or else being Catholiques to endeavour that in defending them they again might assist their cause in case that any matter came against them this carrying some shew and likelihood of truth And that indeed his case was desperate if ever it should come to light concludes to combine with Noâ—hâ—â—pton in whâ—tsoever he should undertake and in the conclusion became a â—eâ—ter in Religion whereupon to the intent he might set further evills on foot besides those before remembred he begins to rip up the ancient quarrell betweene the Welch and the English who now murmur at some discontents and to the intent to hearten on the Irish sends Letters thither by the hands of one Haâ—mon a poore man unto such whom â—e knowes to be faithfull in the Romish Religion and thereby confirmes them in their opinion assuring them that God will still provide one or more to protect his Church and that now the greatest Favourite in England would stand for them upon which Letter the Irish grew obstinate as I have said and altogether neglect the service of God and utterly deny the Oath of Supremacy protesting losse of life and goods rather then to be inforced to so damnable a thing Now wee see there the Church utterly forsaken none to heare divine Service The discipline of their owne Church established and the Irish in generall expecting a day to have their libertie and freedome in Religion The same man returning this newes is after sent into Yorkeshire with a black staffe and a knob upon the end within which knob Letters are conveyed from place to place aswell for pointing Assemblies as meetings for Masse and entertaining of Priests now might a man goe to Masse in divers places of the City and who were so publiquely favoured as Priests Their number increase their Priests are entertained Confession in many places publiquely practised and although it was contrary to the Law yet greatnesse overcountenancing them it was little regarded In the meane time quarrells went forward betweene the Scottish and English continuall complaints and the suit of the Cloth-workers with hope of obtaining their request not so much because of the profit as to raise up a discontent betweene the Duchie and them These courses caused divers men to passe divers opinions and many men to passe their opinion as they affected either parties The rumors of the Spanish Fleet A Proclamation against Spanish money A Leaguer in the Low-countries The publique rumors against my Lord of Northampton He exhibits a bill in the Star-chamber against the publishers They justified by my Lord of Canterburie's speech The death of my Lord of Northampton his Funerall his Will The names of those that succeeded him in his Offices NOt long after it was rumoured
desperate words that were uttered concerning Overburie's death whereupon finding the King in a good humour he moves him to this effect That whereas it had pleased His Majesty to commit many things into his charge and some of them proving something too waighty for him to undergoe it was so that ignorantly he run himselfe into a Praemunire whereby he had forfeited to him both his lands goods and libertie and that he came now to surrender them all up into His Majesties hands unlesse it pleased him of his wonted favour towards him to grant him pardon for that and many other offences that he had ignorantly committed The King still bearing a good affection towards him bid him draw his pardon and he would signe it whereupon he makes his repaire to Sir Robert Cotton and entreats him to looke him a pardon the largest he could find in former presidents so he brings him one that was made by the Pope to Cardinall Woolsey The effect of which was That the King of his meere motion and speciall favour did pardon all and all manner of Treasons misprisions of Treason Murders Felonies and outrages whatsoever by the said Sir Robert Carre Earle of Somerset committed or hereafter to be committed with many other words to make it more ample and large according to forme which he caused to be drawne and ingrossed and brought it into the King The King signed it at length it comes to my Lord Chancellor's hand he peruses it and refuseth to let it passe the Seale My Lord askes the reason answer was made That he could not justifie the doing of it but that he should incurre a praemunire as well as himselfe This struck Somerset to the heart and now he was in greater doubt then ever he was before for still he is stung with feare to be touched with Overburies death and so very pensively retires to White-hall and there remaines The King coming to London my Lord Chancellor acquainted him with the Pardon and shewed the King what danger he had incurred in case he had sealed it The King perceiving the truth of the businesse suspecting some greater matter then he knew of withdrawes his countenance from Somerset who now wanting vertue to support his greatnesse without the Kings favour falls into the contempt of many and those that are his enemies neglect him and doe as it were deride his manner of carriage by which meanes he runnes headlong into his owne perdition as shall be hereafter shewed My Lord Chancellour sued in the Star-thamber for being within the compasse of a Premunire The King goes to Cambridge A breach about Ignoramus My Lord Coke stands against my Lord Chancellor The King graces Sir George Villers Bestowes great honours upon him Somersets courses to conceale Overburies death His covetousnesse His insolencie He is crost by Villers The report of the vulgar IN this yeare 1614 the King by the entreaty of Somerset determined to go to Cambridge and there was entertained with great solemnity but amongst the rest there was a Play called by the name of Ignoramus that stirred up a great contention betweene the common Lawyers and the Schollers in so much as their flouts grew unsufferable but at last it was stayed by my Lord Chancellour and the explaining of the meaning About this time it happened that divers Citizens having recovered certaine summes of money in the Kings Bench and thereof having had Judgement against the party Defendant neverthelesse exhibites his Bill into the Chancery to have reliefe of the Plaintiffes at the Common-law having already had Judgement of the same matter there stands out and disobeyes the Kings Processe whereupon a Writ of Contempt issues against them they are taken committed to the Fleet and there continue in their obstinacy neverthelesse not long after upon some advice they exhibit their Bill into the Star-chamber against my Lord intending that hee ought not to intermeddle with any matter that were already determined at the Common-law and whereof a Judgement had been passed And this was ordained by the Statute of 4. H. 4. cap. 23â— whereby it was enacted that Judgement given in the Kings Court shall not be examined in Chancery Parliament or else-where untill it bee undone by attaint or errour c. Now my Lord having laid them fast up upon a Bill exhibited before him and Judgement being already given that therefore my Lord had incurred a Premunire and humbly prayed reliefe in this case Many were the opinions of Lawyers concerning this matter some stood on my Lord Chancellors side some said the poore men had injury and that they might justifie what they had done and amongst many my Lord Coke stood out very stiffely that my Lord Chancellor could not justifie that action And thus it stood still in question whether my Lord be in a Premunire or no My Lord of Somerset continuing still in his loose courses and utterly neglecting that severity that ought to be in a man of his place besides the former suspitions and jealousies gives occasion of others also whereby the King doth more and more fall into dislike There being at this time about the Court a young Gentleman that not long before had arrived from Travels out of France his name was Villers a Leicester-shire Gentleman and of an ancient House who as well in respect of carriage as of his countenance was more remarkable then many others On this man the King casts a particular affection holding him to be the onely properest and best deserving Gentlemen of England whereupon he entertained him into favour bestowes a thousand pound upon him after adornes him with the title of Knighthood And now he begins to grow every day more eminent then other greater honours are bestowed upon him as the dignitie to be Knight of the Garter and Master of the Horse places not common to every person and so much the more remarkable because they are bestowed upon him being so yong in yeares his wisdome is commended of the wisest and his expectations greater then many that went before him This stings Somerset to the heart to see another step to his place he more feares his subversion and downfall wherefore hee goes about to circumvent danger and for this purpose sends into France to make away the Apothecary that administred the Phisicke that killed Sir Thomas endeavouring to get in all Letters and writings that had past concerning the businesse and disgracing and discountenancing all such as at any time once spake of the death of Overbury to the intent that it might be concealed and kept close but what God will have disclosed shâ—ll never be concealed messengers are sent from place to place he being a Privie Councellor and in favour his Warrant passes currant so that in all places Truncks Chests Boxes Studies Daries and such houses wherein he suspected any Letters or other matters that appertained to that mischief lay hid were broken open and seâ—rched to the intent that they might bring some writings to my Lord yet
neverthelesse many and more then were dreamt on of those Letters came to my Lord of Canterburies hand and my Lord Cokeâ— so that those courses makes him rather more suspected then any whit at all eases his griefe At home in his Office using extraordinary covetousnesse and parcimony hee thereby heaped up to himselfe great store of mony and would not undertake any enterprise without he was well rewarded for his paiâ—es every new occasion and occurrence that came to his hands brought him in also a fleece of mony Offices in Court that lay in his gift nor bestowed without mony the Kings letters not purchased without mony no Pardon without mony so that he was as great a Bribe-taker as his Mother the Countesse of Suffolk and many Rumours and hard Reports were spread on him for the same yet neverthelesse he still continued his favour in despight as a man may say of his opposites even unto the greatest dignity which caused him to be as proud as covetous and to commit as many Insolencies as he had received sesecret Bribes thought it no matter to leane on the Cushion in publique â—o check some of the Nobility and amongst the rest to make a flat breach with my Lord of Canterbury a grave and reverend Gentleman one of the Pillars of this Kingdome and that could discerne the follies of this young man Thus admiring of his owne worth he works his own subversion and by these insolencies plucking more evils upon his head and daily adding more enemies to those that before he had deserved These things laying him open to the envie of the greatest and Sir George Villers seeing his exceeding covetousnesse having now the eares of the King would oftentimes crosse his expectations as it is credibly reported and deceive him of many a bribe which hee hoped for doing those things voluntarily and for a thanke which my Lord would not have spoken of without much money These courses laid him open to the contempt of the vulgar also And now all men according to their custome began to exclaime of his great extortion Thus may we see him falling Overburies death called into question Weston sent â—or and by my Lord Coke examined stands out Upon my Lord of Londons perswasion confesseth all The Earle and Countesse attached they deny the deed Sir Thomas Monson committed to the Tower Sir Walter Rawleigh and the Countesse of Shrewsbury set at liberty The death of the Lady Arbella The conviction of the Earle and Counâ—esse The manner of their Arraignment and the many rumours that were spread upon these things THe death of Overbury having now lyen consealed about two yeares and the Earles insolencie growing every day greater then other procures him many more enemies as is said yet there was no man that was so hardy for feare of the Kings displeasure hee carrying a very good affection still towards him to make him acquainted with it or bring it to the triall of the Law At last for divers are the rumours how it was discovered one was that Sir Thomas Overburies man petitioned to my Lord Coke and the substance of the petition was to let his Lordship understand that whereas his Master had been committed to the Tower by the consent of Northampton and Somerset and there languishing to death unnaturally that if it pleased his Lordship to call one Weston before him he might gather that out of him that might discover the whole plot and practise Others say that my Lord of Canterbury having conceived as is said some dislike against Somerset and willing to make himselfe gracious with the King possessed Sir Ralph Wimrood with the businesse one that was preferred to be Secretary under my Lord of Somerset and to assist him and lets him understand the whole matter as hath been related and that many Letters came unto his hands and presumptious therein that it should be true And there remained a Truncke in such a place wherein many writings were contained that would make evident the truth Sir Ralph being willing likewise to become more emiâ—ent with the King possest him with the businesse and proceeding upon a confident ground Warrant was sent to my Lord Coke to prosecute the matter Others say that by the losse of a Letter it was disclosed And divers opinions there were how it should come to light it having been kept close so long For things of this nature when they are so long concealed bring more wonder but howsoever it was made knowne my Lord Coke by vertue of his warrant sent for Wesâ—on to come before him and examined him upon divers articles concerning this subject and perswaded him entreated him and threatned him to tell the truth Weston stood out and would not thus he persisted some weeke or fortnight many men urged him to it Accusers were brought before him and deposed upon their oathes that whatsoever was objected against him was true this little prevailed At last my Lord of London went to him and by his perswasions tels all how Mistris Turner and the Countesse came acquainted what relation shâ—e had to Witches Sorcerers Conjurers that Northampton Somerset Francklin the Monsons and Yeluis had their hands in that buâ—inesse whereupon they were all apprehended some sent tâ— the Toâ—er others to Newgate having thus conâ—eâ—â— this eâ—ill bâ—â—â—g convicted according to the course of Law he was had to Tiburne to be hanged and there Sir Hiâ—les and others imâ—gining this to be but a â—able and that he was hired to accuse those pâ—râ—â—â—s for who almost would have beleeved it examines him at the Gallowes and upon his examination hee justified what he had doneâ— to the great wonder of all thoâ—e that stood by and heard it After him Mistris Tuâ—ner after her Fâ—anâ—klin then Sir Iervaâ—â— Yeluis upon their Arraignments of the Factâ— were found guiltie and hanged all very penitent and sorrowfull for what was done To write tâ—e particulars of their arraignments confessions and the manner of their deaths is needlesse being common Now the Countesse and the Earle are attached and committed to protection one to the Deane of Westminster the other to the Sheriffe of London and according to the course of such caseâ— there are great reports raised watch and ward kept more then ordinary and the guard more observant This makes the King stand at a maze and to imagine there is no truth in men growes more jealous of himselfe then heretofore because his onely favourite and that as it were in his bosome should be intrapt in such an evill And the â—ongues of the vulgar began to walke some say that Northampton and Somerset had combined with the Spaniard for a summe of money to deliver them up the Navie and that Sir William Monson Vice-Admiral should have done it the next Spring That the King and the whole State should have been poysoned at the Câ—â—istniâ—g of the Countesse child for shee was then with child and mâ—ny more the like rumours were spread not worth the speaking to the
with his honours there was no demand but he had it no suit but he obtained it whether it were Crowne lands lands forfeited or confiscated nothing so deare but the King bestowed upon him whereby his revenues were enlarged and his glory so resplendent that he drowned the dignity of the best of the Nobilitie and the eminencie of such as were much more excellent By which meanes envy the common companion of greatnesse procures him much discontent but yet passing through all disadventures continues his favour and men being drawne to applaud that which is either strange or new began to sue him and most to purchase him to bee their friend and assistant in Court so great and eminent was his favour Of the breach that happened betweene the Earle of Eâ—â—ex and his Countesse her hatred towards him his lenity her lightnesse his constancy Now the cares of the vulgar being filled with the fortunes of this gentleman it ministreth occasion to passe to their opinions concerning his worth and desert some extoll and laud his vertues others the proportion of his personage many his outward courtship and most as they stood affected either praised or dispraised him insomuch that amongst the rest the Countesse of Essex a woman of this time did not greatly affect her Husband and withall being of a lustfull appetite prodigall of expence covetous of applause ambitious of honour and light of behaviour having taken notice of this yong gentlemans prosperity and great favour that was shewed towards him above others in hope to make some profit of him most advances him to every one commending his worth spirit audacity and agility of body so that her ancient lawfull and accustomed love towards her Lord begins to be obscur'd and those embraces that seemed heretofore pleasing are turned into frownes and harsh unseemly words usher her discontents unto her husbands eares The good Earle carrying an extraordinary affection towards her and being a man of a mild and curteous condition with all honest and religious care ready rather to suffer then correct these outrages patiently admonisheth her to a better course of life and to remember that now all her fortune dependeth upon his prosperity and therefore shee offered more injurie to her selfe then hurt unto him yet neverthelesse shee persisted and from bare words returned to actions thereby giving people occasion to passe their censure of this disagreement some attributing it to the inconstancy and loosenesse of the Countesse others to the Earles travailes and that in his absence shee continued most unconstant of a loose life suffering her body to be abused and others to make shipwrack of her modesty and to abrogate the rights of marriage but most because shee could not have wherwith to satisfie her inâ—atiate appetite and ambiâ—ion her husband living a private life For these causes I say shee run at random and play'd her pranks as the toy tooke her i th' head sometimes publickly sometime privately whereby shee disparaged her reputation and brought her selfe into the contempt of the world yet notwithstanding the Earle retained her with him allowed her honourable attendance gave her meanes according to her place and shewed an extraordinary affection endeavouring rather by friendly and faire perswasions to win her then to become superâ—idious over her But these things little availe where affections are carryed to another scope and those things that to the judgment of the wise become fit to be used are of others contemned and despised so that almost all men speake of the loosenesse of her carriage and wonder that the Earle will suffer her in those courses whereupon he modestly tells her of it giving her a check for her inordinate courses shewing how much it both dishonoured him and disparaged her in persisting in the eye of the world after so loose and unseemly a sortâ— desiring her to be more civill at home and not so oft abroad and thus they parted Of my Lord Treasurers death of Master Overburies coming out of France his entertainment he growes into favour MY Lord Treasurer Cecill growing into years having been a good States-man the only supporter of the Protestant faction discloser of treasons and the onely Mercury of our time having beene well acquainted with the affaires of this Common-wealth falls into a dangerous sicknesse and in processe of time through the extremity of the malady dyes not without suspition of poyson according to the opinion of some others say of secret disease some naturally and many not without the privitie of Sir Robert Carre and the reason of their opinion was because the King upon a time having given Sir Robert the summe of twenty thousand pounds to be paid by my Lord Treasurer Sir Robert Carre was denyed it upon which denyall there grew some difference betâ—â—â—ne them the King was privie to it after this manner my Lord having told out five thousand pounds laid it in a passage Gallery the King demands whose mony that was answer was made by my Lord Treasurer that it was but the fourth part of that which His Majesty had given unto Sir Robert Carre whereupon the King retired from his former grant and wished Sir Robert to satisfie himselfe with that holding it to be a great gift hee being thus crost in his expectation harbor'd in his heart the hope of revenge which after happened as was suspected but it is not certaine therefore I omit it Upon the death of this gentleman one Master Overbury sometimes a Student of the Law in the Middle Temple was newly arrived out of France who having obtained some favour in Court beforetimes because of some discontents got licence to travell and now at his returne was entertained into the favour of Sir Robert Carre whether it proceeded of any love towards him or to the intent to make use of him is not certaine yet neverthelesse he puts him in trust with his most secret employments In which he behaves himselfe honestly and discreetly purchasing by his wise carriage in that place the good affection and favour not only of Sir Robert but of others also In processe of time this favour procures profit profit treasure treasure honour honour larger employments and in time better execution For where diligence and humility are associate in great affaires there favour is accompanied with both so that many Courtiers perceiving his great hopes grew into familiarity with him the Knights expectations are performed and his businesse accomplished rather more then lesse according to his wishes So that taking notice of his diligence to outward appearance gives him an extraordinary countenance uniting him into friendship with himself in so much that to the shew of the world his bond was indissolvable neither could there be more friendship used since there was nothing so secret nor any matter so private but the Knight imparted it to Master Overbury Of Mistris Turners life how the Countesse and shee came acquainted The combination of the Earles death THe Countesse of Essex having harboured in her heart
seemeth light and effeminate or inwardly wanteth the ballast of government to poise eternall actions Of a truth Sir be it spoken without offence the Court calls your modesty into question and feares that these honours that should be hereditary to noble personages will be obscured with eminent eâ—ills and blemished witâ— levitie and inconstancie These with many other discourses hâ—ving at this time past betweeâ—e tâ—em soundâ—d somthing hâ—rshly in the Viscounts eares as all good counsell becomes evill to those that are evill And in a kind of anger flung from him though undeserved yet neverthelesse all his countenance and favour was not wholly obscured but that he might still enjoy that which he expected which was hope of preferment More faâ—ours are bestowed upon the Viscount being called to be one of the Privy Counsell which honour howsoever it was great â—nd more then was expected yet because he was yong one that to the opinion of the world was of no education literature and experience besides these inordinate courses brings him into further contemâ—t of the world so that every man would take the freedome of his Language and speâ—ke harshâ—y of these proceedings some conâ—emning his course of life others his insufficiencie because of his youth and most his wâ—nt of experience by which meanes hiâ— greatnesse overtops his substance And as a Ship without ballast is tottered too and againe to the terror of those that are in it in a storme and high water Even so these honours thus suddâ—inly bestowed upon him before his due time layes him the more open to the evill opinion of the envious and with some doth sooner hasten his ruine For which cause it behooves such as are thus drawne up meerly by fortune either to be possessed with such â—irtues aforehand that thereby they might maintaine themselves in their greatnesse or else to expect a suddaine overthrow at a time unexpected B. 2. Speecheâ— of the Lady Elizabeths Marriage with the Palsgrave Conditions concluded upon A. 1. The Prince takes dislike at the Viscount The Princes death rumors upon the same NOw Prince Henry was living and having some intelligence of this loose king of life which the Viscount led and being something jealous of him for because of that he heard doth uterly dislike him forbeares his company and whether for that or some other cause it is unknowne falls flat at oâ—ds with him not once giving him any countenance or vouchsafeing him his countenance Not long after as it might be about the beginning of November he fell sick continued so some weeke or little more the maladie increasing lying in his head he dyes A man may say of this Prince as was said of Mecaenas both for wisdom strength of body There was not the like to be found among the English The hope of England strange was the accident and many the rumors that ensued upon his death Some said that a French Physitian killed him others that he was poysoned againe others thought that he was bewitched yet no certainty could be found but that he dyed a naturall death This accident filled all the Kingdome with lamentations and caused the Wedding that followed at Candlemas after to be kept in sable The Funerall was performed in great state and with more griefe much might be said but I leave it My purpose being onely in briefe to set out these matters to memory that after-ages might see the evill of our times where the greatest part of many Courtiers actions are to find out tricks how to circumvent their fellow servants and some if it were possible to dispossesse the King of his dignity as hereafter shall be shewed so many are the discontents that are cherished among them These domestick affaires having thus happened and the death of the Prince filling the Court with sorrow and the Court being full of other imployments by reason of the Marriage that was to be had with the Palsgrave of Rhine and her grace who was now marriageable past over the rest in silence The match is concluded and great expectation and provision for his coming over to performe the ceremonies of matrimony are made at whose coming many rumors are spread abroad First that the Spaniard tooke this to the heart and therefore layd to doe him some mischiefe by the way That there was a Ship of pocket Pistolls came out of Spaine and that it was intended by the Papists to have made a Massacre And that Northampton did utterly oppose this match for he was as great an enemy to the Dutch and Protestants as ever Cicell was their friend and that many Priests were arrived and such like yet neverthelesse it was accomplished with great Pompe and state all or the greatest part of the Nobility being there present a Maske in the great banquetting-house the Gentlemen of the Middle Temple and other of Grayes Inne a third besides three dayes Tylting and running at the Ring the King himselfe in person with the yong Prince that now is King besides many other pastimes both stately and becoming the dignity of a King At this time there was a Proclamation against Verdingales but to little purpose for they rather increased greater then diminished For where a thing is once growne into a habit it is hardly to be restrained There was another Proclamation upon the former report of the coming of a Ship of pocket Pistolls out of Spaine that no man should carry a Pistoll in his pocket nor any that should be lesse then a foot long in the barrell About this time also the Papists were disarmed and many strange rumors raised which things because they were uncertaine I omit to relate them being rather pertinent unto state then unto profit Embassadors sent into Russia Swethia and other Provinces â—or the renuing oâ— frienâ—ship Of the League in the Low-countries The rumour of it MAâ—y outrages having beene now of late committed by the Arch-duke upon the States divers rumors are raised concerning the Leaguer both strange and almost universall For there were parties the Pope the Emperour the King of Spaine and a Cardinall to aiâ—e the Arch-duke agâ—inst the Sâ—â—tes The foundation of this combustion was layd upon the sâ—cking of a Protestant towne in Brâ—bâ—â—tâ— whereupon Grave Maurice drew out ten thousand into the Field and sâ—mâ—â—ew blowes happened and suspected that it would have growne further and that thâ—re would have been a generall opposition betweene Protestants and Papistâ— but by meanes of the Pope and the King it was agreed and went no further but left a scare to give a new occasion The warre oâ— Denmarke was also brought unto a happy end and the King râ—tained his right there not long after the issue whereof Embassâ—dors were sent into Muscovie to renew the League of friendship with the Emperour who now being brought low by contiâ—uâ—ll warres was glad to entertaine such a motion Traffique is confirmed there with that Nation and â—rom thence the same Embassâ—dors went to Swethiâ— to conclude a Leâ—gue
might have accesse to him yet the newes of this Marriage comes to his eares and presently upon hearing of it hee tels the messenger that hee had almost as good have said to morrow he should die for he was sure now not to live long and thereupon fals into great lamentations as well in regard of the Earle of Somerset that he had so cast away his Fortunes as of himselfe for that now he more suspected his life then ever heretofore Whereupon he falls into a Relapse and his malady increased every day more and more upon him whether weakened with griefe or for want of libertie or through abstinencie it is not unknown that the poyson had more power over him then ever heretofore in so much that he could scarce containe himselfe by reason of his extreme languishing away as a man in a consumption But with much more extremity so that now being in this extremity he thinkes it high time to put Somerset in mind of his promise And for this purpose he writes a Letter to this effect RIght Noble and worthy Sir the â—ormer accustomed favours and absolute promise concerning my present delivery hath caused mee at this time by these lines to solicite your Lordship and to put you in remembrance if the same not doubting that your Honour is at all forgetfull of me but only by reason of my imprisonment being possest of a dangerous disease would for my bodies safety pertake of the felicity of the open aire In which case if your Lordship please to commiserate my present necessities and procure mee my speedy delivery I shall not only stand so much the more obliged but also acknowledge you the defender and preserver of my life These lines being subscribed were sent to Somerset and delivered into his owne hands the messenger returnes answer that presently he could not accomplish what he required but willed him not to doubt for shortly he should heare of his deliverance Thus being fed with hopes he â—akes new comfort to him in the meantime Weston repaires to Mistris Turner for more of his pay being in want answer was made that as soone as he had ended his imployment he should not faile to receive it but before then he must not expect any thing whereupon he returnes and enters into new designes for in all this time that is from the one and twentieth of April untill the beginning of September following in the yeare 1613. Sir Thomas had held out while he was thus pusling himselfe to bring this to perfection Somerset sent him a Letter to this effect THat as yet the Court was busie about important businesse and the Kings eare was not at leasure to entertaine any motion but as soone as he could find opportunity hee would not faile to speake in his behalfe In the meane time to ease the paine of his malady he had sent him a soveraigne Powder either to be eaten or drunke which Powder was rancke poyson This feeds him still with hope but brings him small comfort Now Weston had found out an unknowne Apothecary and with him concludes for twenty pounds to administer a Glister wherein should be put Mercury sublimate the youth was to come to die it Weston prepares it perswades Sir Thomas that it will bee much for his health whereupon about the fourteenth day of September hee brings the said Apothecary to execute his office assists him therein and by the infusion thereof he falls into a languishing disease with a paine in his guts the next day ofter with extremity of paine he gave up the ghost After his death Weston receives the rest of his pay and dispatches the unknowne Apothecarie into France After it was given out that Sir Thomas lived a base loose life in the Tower and not according to that strictnesse as became a Prisoner but being suffered to have too much libertie he run into excesse of lasciviousnesse so that thereby he got the Pox and thereof dyed This went for currant amongst some amongst others that were ignorant some little respect had to it But to others that sought narrower into the matter they found it farre otherwise for De la Bell the Apothecarie before spoken of having relation to him a little before his death reporâ—ed he was changed in his complexion his body consumed away and full of yellow blisters uglie to looke upon and it appeared by a Letter my Lord of Northampton wrote unto Rochesteâ— to pick a thank That there was found in his arme ablister and upon his belly twelve kirnells raised not like to breake each as broad as three pence and as bigge as a small button one issue upon his back whereupon was a plaister from his shoulders downeward of a dark tawnie colour strange and uglie to behold he stunck so intollerably as was not to be borne withall glad to be throwne into a loose sheer into his coffin buryed without knowledge or privitie of his friends upon the Tower hill at lasts he concludeâ— that God is gracious in cutting off ill instruments beforâ— their time Some of the factious crew had a purpose if he had got out to have made some use of him from whence may be gathered how that Northampton held Protestans factious and suspected Sir Thomas to have further knowledge of his secrets then he would have had him which was the cause as was thought besides the former evills that hastned his end and caused him to be taxed with so great infamie as to dye of the Pox This passeth currant and the mischefe lyes conceal'd who dare to speake of it two such great men having their hands in it Thus may wee see that good and bad men come to miserable ends and oftentimes those that are vertuous do soonest suffer disgrace and contempt This man before he came to Court was brought up in all Gentlemanlike qualities in his youth at Cambridge after in the Middle Temple there instructed in those qualities became a gentleman by the intreatie of my Lord Treasurer Sir Robert Cecill preferred to Court found favour extraordinary yet hindred of his expectation by some of his enemies and to shift off discontents forced to travell and therein spent not his time as most doe to losse but furnished himselfe with things fitting a Statesman by experience in forraigne governments knowledge of the language passages of imployment externall courtship and good behaviour things not common to every man notwithstanding such are the imperfections of our times he is brought into ignomie and contempt and all those good qualities obscured by the disgracefull reproaches of a dissolute woman What shall we then say since that both vice and virtue do both end in miserie he is most happy that liveth most private for according to the saying of the Poet Vitam animas operam sumptus impendimus aula Praemia pro meritis quae retributa putas Aula dedit nobis rescripta votata papiro Et sine mente sonos sine corde manus Paucos beavit Aula plnres
abroad that the Spaniard had drawne out a Navie of Ships of an hundred Saile but to what purpose no man knew many suspected for England because they were come so farre upon those Coasts others said for the use of the Marriners to accustome them to Sea but most of all were of opinion that these were but shadows and that the Spaniard was to have taken advantage of the time Howsoever upon this there followed a Proclamation against Spanish money that their money should not go currant in England which caused many to suspect worse then the worst some said one thing some another upon the neck of that comes wars in the Low-countries some say against the Palsgrave some against the State The Scots begin to flie out in Rebellion and are supprest The wild Irish in Ireland begin to stirre sometimes thirtie sometimes fortie sometimes three hundred flie out and stand upon their guard These things minister occasion of wonder to the ignorant and many of them who knew the truth of things knew not what to say to it Priests come into the Kingdom by tens fifteenes twentie at a time and have free accesse so that my Lord of Northampton being Warden of the Cinque Ports begins to be called into question Some say he hath a hand in those things others say he lets Priests have their free accesse and that in Bloomesberie amongst his owne buildings they have free harbour others say that through his countenance thither any man might go to publique Masse besides many other Intelligences being brought from beyond the Seas drawes him further into suspition and the King begins to withdraw his favour from him wherefore he exhibits his Bill against such as defamed him into the Star-chamber some are for this cause committed to the Tower others to Newgate others to the Fleete till they come to their Answer And in the end openly in the Star-chamber he is accused for suffering Priests to have free accesse into Yorkshire under pretence of his Office for countenancing them for sending Letters to and againe to encourage men in their opinions and many other such like things And when the Lords should come to passe their voyces my Lord of Canterburie amongst the rest made a speech to this effect That although many have beene the rumours and reports that had passed in these times some of them shut up for uncertaine truths and flying fables then entertained for approved truths yet neverthelesse such things are grounded upon reason and for which men of upright consciences have some occasion to speak to have such either lightly valued or punished was rather injustice then any way beseeming the equity of that Court But in truth these whereof wee now speak are grounded upon some cause and my Lords owne Letters make evident that he hath done some things both against his owne conscience and meaning meerly to attaine unto honour and soveraigntie and to please the King And with that he pulls out a Letter written from my Lord to Cardinall Bellarmine to this effect THat howsoever the condition of the times compelled him and His Majesty urged him to turne Protestant yet neverthelesse his heart stood with the Papists and that he would be ready to further them in any attempt This and much more being read to some purpose he proceeded and shewed how that those things were not meerly uncertaine but even the actions that followed them did justifie them to be true For there was never knowne to be so many Priests to come over into this Kingdome in so short a time as of late there had done neither could he assure himselfe that my Lord was true hearted unto the State Also he harboured such about him as would undertake to write in defence of the Gunpowder Treason This and much more being said about the latter end of Easter Terme in the yeare 1614. my Lord being hereat much discouraged after the Court brake â—ooke his Barge went to Greenewich there made his Will wherein he published himselfe to dye in the Faith he was Baptized made some of his Servants his Executors others he bestowed gifts upon his faire house he disposed to my Lord Chamberlaine his Lands to my Lord Theophilus Howard retired back to his house at London and before Midsommer Terme following was dead Many were the rumours that were raised of this man after his death That he was a Traytor to the State and that he was not dead but carryed beyond Sea to blind the world and the reason was because he would be buryed at Dover and not at London Others say that if he had lived he would have beene the author of much stirre many dislike him and as was reported even the King himselfe towards his latter end which made him to fall into these courses but truly he was a notable polititian and carryed things more commodiously for the Papists then ever any before him His Funerall was kept privately at Rochester where he desired to be buryed because it was the chiefe Port Towne of his Office without any state to outward appearance My Lord Treasurer that now is succeeded him in his Treasurership My Lord of Somerset made Chancellor of Cambridge My Lord Zouch Warden of the Cinque Ports My Lord of Worcester some short time after Lord privie Seale These succeeded him in his Offices The Cloth-workers obtaine their Petition The old Charter of the Merchant adventurers is seized into the Kings hands The Dutch grow discontented at it The doubtfulnesse of Somerset's mind He sues for his pardon obtaines it My Lord Chancellor refuseth to seale it Falls into suspition Begins to be neglected THe Cloth-workers still persisting in their suit and having such strong friends to stand for them and Alderman Cocking a rich Merchant to back them they at length obtained what they desired and Proclamation goes forth that no more white Cloth shall goe over undied undrest and for this purpose the old Charter of the Merchants Adâ—enturers is seized into the Kings hands so that the Company fall to decay Now the Dutchmen they begin to murmur agâ—inst the English and make Proclamation there that no man shall buy any such Cloths as come over so drest and dyed whâ—reupon the English make a new Proclamation that no man shall trâ—nsport Wooles out of the Kingdome These things fed some with hope of some further troubles yet neverthelesse it is so ordered by the Councell that all things are pacified and some quantity amounting to a certaine number of white Cloths are suffered to be transported aswell to give content to the Hollander as satisfaction and imployment to some yong Merchants that had entred into this Trade by which meanes these clamors are a little stayed yet neverthelesse great impression of envie is betweene these two Countries Now one of the greatest friends that Somerset had being dead and himselfe still jealous of his safety he begins to cast about how he might avoid the danger of the Law for his intelligencers gave him notice of many