place and to promise mountaines of Gold to procure their suffrages in his behalfe and in case they could not prevaile but that the Cardinalls were likely to choose some such man as was not likely to further the Kiâ—gs designes that they should take up what summes of money they could upon the Kings credit and therewith to raise a presidie as it is termed both in the King Cardinals letters or power of men and taking with them such Cardinals as could be brought to favour their purposes to depart out of the City into some out-place not farre off and there to make a Schisme in the behalf of the Cardinal But there was no need of that advise for the Pope recovered health and lived to finish the businesse though contrary to the Kings expecâ—â—tion wherefore CHAP. IX 1. Cardinall Campâ—ius is sent Legate into England to determine the business of Divorce 2. The Embassadours are returned 3. Cardinall Wolsey joyned in Commission with the other Cardinall 4. The Court sits 5. Counsâ—ll is assigned to both the parties 6. Queen Catharine's speech in her own defence TH Embassadours finding the Pope to be the same man for slownesse as he was when he was tyed by the leg Requested of his Holinesse that he would be pleased to send a Legate into England with full authority to heare and determine the businesse there according to right as he should see cause which was granted and accordingly one Laurence Campeius a well learned man and of undaunted courage to whom the King about ten yeares before had given the Bishoprick of Bath at his being in England upon another occasion was appointed for that negotiation The Embassadours thus returning with a conclusion of a new bâ—ginning the Kings patience must now rest satisfied with the expectation of the Legates coming which after long expectation he arrived here in England who coming to Lond. was lodged in his own Palace then called Bâ—th-house but before his arrivall a new Comm ssion from the Pope overtooke him at Callis wherein the Cardinall of York was joyned with him in Commissâ—on and this was procured by the King whâ—reby as he thought his businesse should be â—aâ—e to meet with the fewer rubber The Cardinals met Audience was given the Commssion was opened the Place assigned the assignement was at the Dominick Fâ—â—yers in Lonâ—on the King and Queene were to be close by at their lodgings at Bridewell The learned Counsell on both sides were appointed The King bâ—cause he would seeme indâ—fferent willed the Qâ—eene to chuse her Couâ—sell the Qâ—eene would chuse none at all as suspectâ—ng the indifterency of such as were his owne subjects Wherefore for fashion sake these Counsellours were assigned her Iohn Fisher Bâ—shop of Rochester Henry Staindish Bishop of St. Alaph Thomas Abel Richard Fetherstor Edward Powell all Doctors in Divinity and of Câ—viliâ—ns and Canonists William Warham Archbishop of Canterbury Cuthbert Tunstall Bishop of London Nicholâ—s West Bish of Ely and Iohn Clerk Bishop of Bath for at Campeius his arivall he was translated to the Bishoprick of Salisbury on the Kings part the like number of profound and learned Doctors as well Divines as Civilians and Canonists Silence being proclaimed in the Court and the Commission read the Bishop of Rochester presented the two Legates with a Booke which he had compiled in defence of the Marriage making therewith a grave and learned Oration wherein he desired them to take good heed to what they did in so weighty a businesse putting them in minde of the great and manifold dangers and inconveniences which were ready to ensue thereupon not onely to this Realm but to the whole state of Christendome After this Oration was ended the King was called by name who answered HERE After that the Queen who made no answer but rose immediately out of her chaire and coming about the Court she kneeled downe before â—â—he King openly in the sight of both the Legates and the whole Court and spake as followeth Sir I beseech you do me justice and right and take some pity upon me for I am a simple woman and a stranger born out of your dominions and have no friend but you who now bâ—ing become my adversary Alas what friendship or assurance of indifterency in â—â—y counsel can I find hope to amongst your subjects What have I done Whâ—rein have I offâ—nded you How have I given you any occasion of displeasure Why will you put me from you in this sort I take God to my judge I have bin a true humble faithful wife unto you alwaies conformable to your will and pleasure Wherein did I ever contradict or gainsay whatever you said When was I discontented at the thing that pleased you Whom did I love but those whom you loved whether I had cause or not I have been your wife this twenty yeares you have had divers Children by me when you took me first into your Bâ—d I take God to be my witnesse I was a Virgin and whether that be true or no I put it to your conscience Nâ—w if there be any just cauâ—e that you can alleadge against me either of dishouesty or the lâ—ke I am contented to depart the Realm and you with shâ—me and insamy but if there be no such cause then I pray you let me have justice at your hands The King your Father was in his time of such an excellent wit as that for his wiâ—domes sake he was accounted a second Solomon and Ferdinand my Father was reckoned to be one of the wisest Princes that reigned in Spaine for many yeares before his daies These being both so wise Pâ—inceâ— it is not to bâ— doubted but they had gathered unto them as wâ—se Counsellours of both Realmes as they in their wisdomes thought most meet and as I take it there were in those dayes as wise and learned men in both kingdomes as there are now to be found in these our times who thought the Mâ—rriage between you and I to be good and laâ—full but for this I may thank you my Lord Câ—rdinall of York then her best friend though she knew it not or perhaps was secretly advised to be thus bâ—tter against him who having sought to make this diâ—sention betweene my Lord the King and me because have so often fâ—und fâ—ule with your pompous vâ—nity and aspring minde yet I doe not think that this your malice proceeds from you meerly in respect of my self but your chief displeasure is against my Nephew the Emperour because you could not at his hands attaine unto the Bâ—th â—pâ—ick of Toledo which greedily you desired and after that was by his meanes put by the chief and high Bishoprick of Rom◠〈◊〉 you most ambitiously aspired whereat being sore offended and yet not able to revenge your quarrel upon him the heavy burden of your indignation must be laid upon a female weakness for no other reason but because shâ— is his Aunt And these are the manly wayes you take to ease your minde
them so solemne an oath and protestation falling into disputation with the Bishops how farre a temporall Princes power was over the Clergie but the Bishops soon disputed them into having nothing else to say but whosoever would refuse to condescend to the Kings demands herein was not worthy to be accounted a true and loving subject nor to have the benefit of such a one After which nothing could prevaile for then the Clergie answered with unanimous consent and full resolution that they neither could nor would grant unto the King the Supremâ—cy of the Church without those conditionall words quantem per legem Dei licet and so the Orators departed relating unto the King all that had passed who seeing no other remedy accepted it with that condition granting unto the Clergie a pardon for their bodies and goods paying him â—00000 l. which was paid every penny CHAP. XVII 1. How Campeius related the whole businesse of the Divorce unto the Pope and was blamed for the same 2. The King sendâ— two Doctors of the Civil law with private Câ—mmissions to treat with the Pope about the Divorce 3 The Pope solemnly ratifies the Marriage 4. The Sentence it self BUt we cannot well go on with our History except we fiâ—st arive our discourse within the gates of Rome to observe what account Cardinall Campeius had given unto the Pope of all these proceedings which was no otherwise than what had passed directly here in England which being related to his Holinesse by the Cardinall the Pope blamed him exceedingly for that he had not over-ruled Queen Katharine to have waved her Appeale whereby the businesse might have been determined within the Kings own Dominious for which cause-â—ake he sent him thither So slâ—ppery is the gâ—ound whereon Mâ—nisters of state do set their feet in any businâ—ssâ— that his businesse would doe right well to make a separation between them by his definitive sentence the Pope demanded to see their Commission and Authority which they had to treat with him they answered that the Kiâ—g was by this time grown somewhat unruly and that therefore what they did they did it upon their own score and for the love-sake which they bare unto the common good of the 〈◊〉 Church and for the peace and unity-â—ake thereof Then the Pope demanded of them to see the Certificate under the Bâ—shâ—ps 〈◊〉 whereby it might appeare that they had so consented to which they answered that they had no such certificate for the present but that they expected such a certificâ—te daily to come unto them together with a Commission to treat with his Holinesse Whereupon his Holinesse bad them expeâ—t All this while the King was framing a new Model of a Church and sent these men over on purpose if it were pâ—ssible to retard all proceeding at Rome untill such time as by a new court of Judicature under a new Supremacy the Marriage should have been adjudged 〈◊〉 bâ—fore the Popes 〈◊〉 of Ratification which was feared should have made it good All which policies and workings here in England you must not imagine them of Rome to be ignorant of Wherefore the Pope takes the best and most substantiall advise that could be given him and calls unto him not onely his Cardinalls c. but the most able Canonists and Divines that could be heard of and consults with the most famous Universities procuring the censures of the most famous men that had written of this case among the rest the two books of the before-mentioned Dâ— Tunstall Bishop of London and this out Dr. Fisher Bishop of Rochester of which â—ast book if you will believe that reverend and famous Clerk Alphonso de castro it is said of him to be the most excellent and learned of all other works and at last after diligent examination of the businesse 〈◊〉 himself in his Tribunall seat and open consistory by assent and counsel of his 〈◊〉 the Cardâ—â—alâ— pronounced this definitive 〈◊〉 in the cause The words begin as followeth Clemens papa septimus Christi nomine invocato in throno justitiae pro tribunali sedentes c. which in English is thus Pope Clement the seventh We invocating the name of Christ and having for our Tribunall the Throne of Iustice and the glory of the Almighty God onely before our eyes by this our definitive Sentence which by the counsell and assent of our venerable Brethren the Cardinalls of the holy Church of Rome assembled before us in consistory we doe in these Writings pronounce decree and declare in the cause and causes lawfully devolved upon us and the See Apostolique by an Appeal brought before us of our welbeloved Daughter in Christ Catharine Queen of England from the judgements of the Legates deputed by and sent from us and the see Apostolique between the foresaid Queen Catharine and our welbeloved Sonne in Christ Henry the eight the most illustrious King of England upon the validity and invalidity of the Matrimony between them contracted and consummated and upon other matters more largely deduced in the acts of such like cause or causes and committed to our Son Paulus Capissuchus then Dean of the Causes of our hâ—ly Palace and in his absence to our reverend Father Symoneta Bâ—shop of Pausaâ—ia supplying the place of one of our Audâ—tors of 〈◊〉 said Palace to be heard intrustâ—d and in our Consistory to be reporâ—ed and by them to us and the said 〈…〉 and maturely discussâ—d duâ—â—ng the time of the matter 〈…〉 that the Matrimony coâ—tractâ—◠〈◊〉 the saâ—d Queen Catharinâ— and K. Henry of England with all 〈…〉 of the same was and is Canoâ—â—call and of good force and that they may and ought to enjoy to them their due effects and that the â—ssâ—e between them heretofore born or hereafter to be born was and shall be lâ—gitimate and that the â—oresaâ—d King Henry ought is and shall be â—ound and obliged to cohabit and dwell with the said Queen Catharine his lawfull wife and to entreat her with all Husbandly affâ—ction and Kingly honour and that the said King Henry is condemned and by all remedies of Law is to be restrained and câ—mpelled as we do condemn constraine and compell him to accomplâ—sh and â—ulfill all and singular the premises â—ffâ—ctually and that the molestatâ—oâ—s and râ—fusalls by the foresaid King Henry by any manner of wayes made to the said Queene Catharine touching the inâ—alidâ—ty of the sâ—id Matrimony and alwaies from the beginning were unlawfull and 〈◊〉 and that perpetuall silence 〈◊〉 all the foresaid matters and 〈…〉 of the said Matrimony 〈…〉 unto the said Henry and 〈…〉 it and that the said King Henry of England be condemned and we doe condemn him in the expences lawfully made before us and our said Brethren in such case on the behalf of the said Queen Catharine the Taxation of which Expences we reserve to our selve till another time So we have pronounced This was published in the Palace of Rome in open consistory the 23. of March in
against all or any the least encroachment offered or attempted to be made even by the Bishop of Rome himself as you shall find in the Statute Lawes of King Richard the second where you shall finde in many businesses wherein the Pope of Rome himself was interessed the Roman Catholiques flatly denying the Crown of England which they averred stoutly immediately to be subject unto none but God and to other in all things touching the regality of the said Crowne to be subject to the Pope of Rome and yet the very same Parliament said the Bishop at the same time acknowledged the Bishop of Rome in respect of his spirituall jurisdiction to be their most holy Father And This the Author assures the Reader to be taken notice of by Bâ—shop Bilsoâ— where he brings in this Parliament consisting then altogether of Roman Catholicks thus expressing their loyaltiâ—â— to their Soveraigne Prince viz. We will be with our said Soveraigne Lord the King and his said Crown and his Râ—gality in cases aforesaid and in all other cases attempted against him his Crowne and Dignity in all points to live and diâ— Nor will I onely bring in your Protestant Bishops but also your Protestant Chronologies of latest Editions averring the same viz. Holinshead where you may finde how in the reign of King Edward the first all the Lords then Catholiques assembled aâ— Lincoln in Parliament in the name of all the Estates did answer the Pope's right to judge c. viz. that they would not consent that their King should do any thing that should tend to the disinhâ—riting of the right of the Crown of England and that it was never known wherefore never practised that the King of this Land had answered or ought to answer for their Rights in the same Realme before any Judge Ecclesiasticall or Secular And Yet notwithstanding all this in their speciall Letter writ to the same Pope Boniface at the same time they thus wrote unto him Boniface by Gods providence high Bishop of the holy Roman and universall Church styling themselves his devout Sons where notwithstanding all this it consisted with their Devotion further to affirme that the King of England ought not to answer for any of their Rights in the said Realme or for any of their Temporalties before any Judge Ecclesiastical by reason of the free preheminence of the Estate of the Royall Dignity and Custome kept without breach at all times and after full treaty and deliberation it was consistent likewise with their devotion to make it their common argument and unanimous consent which agreement they said should be without faile in time to come that their foresaid Lord the King ought not by any meanes to answer in judgement nor send any Proctors to the Popes presence especially seeing that the premises tended manifestly to the disinheriting of the Crown of England and also to the hurting of the Liberties and Lawes of their Fathers and the duties of their Oath made which said they we will maintaine with all our power and defend with all our strength and will not suffer our foresaid Lord the King to do or attempt the premises being so unaccustomed and before not heard of Nor will we onely bring you your owne Chronicles but our owne Annotations upon our own Testaments where you shall finde Catholiques acknowleging themselves bound in conscience to obey their Emperours and Governors though they were Heathens and Persecutors Our greatest Champions where you shall finde Bellarmine himself maintaining how that the Lawes of Magistrates do binde even the consciences of Christians Our strictâ—st Casuists where you shall finde them averring how that Faith is not necessary to Iurisdiction and that Authority cannot be lost by the losse of Faith Your own Protestant Apology for the Church of Rome though writ by us yet made by you where you shall finde the Roman Catholicks acknowledging themselves indissolubly bound by all Lawes Humane and Divine in the highest degree of all earthly Allegeance to the present temporall Government notwithstanding at the same time the Magistracy was adverse unto them in matters of Religion and heavy upon them by reason of the same Our owne submissions and protestations in the vindication of our Loyalty to the temporall Magistrate as the declared will of God in that behalf where you shall finde us quoting all these severall texts of Scripture out of the Word of God to the same purpose how that we ought not to speak evil of our Governours though they should perscecute us nor so much as to think amiss of them but to be subject to them and that not onely for necessity but for conscience sake lest otherwise we should be damned Where should a man finde better Subjects and yet these are the men who have been traduced all along as inconsistent with politique Government And why should the same Loyalty be suspected at any time still to remaine within the same breasts since that their Religion Lawes both Civil and Ecclesiasticall Custome Provision for the future present Practise Oathes and Protestations all along evermore obliging them to such Obedience especially whereas at this present all other sorts and sects of christian Religion excepting those who are for all sorts and sects appeare against the present Government like Aries Scorpio Leo Sagitarius c. as if they would all and every one of them wound each part and member of this body politique the Roman Catholiques like Pisces the Emblem of the Fisherman are contented to remaine quiet under foot And this digression from the Subject we have in hand I have presum'd to make whereby the courteous Reader may be more courâ—eous if he please to Roman Catholiques seeing they have no such ugly features in their faces as their adversaries would have them have when the vizards are taken off which they have clapt upon their faces and therefore let not hereafter a few discoloured powder-spiâ—ited and inconsiderate men among so many thousands of the same Religion and better quality that were then ignorant of and afterwards detesting the designe as diabolicall blow up a whole cause so universall or contract any tragicall or immoderate application for some few's sake against the whole any more than equity her selfe shall think it reason that one Devil shall be able to prejudice the dignity of the twelve Apostles since that there hath not been all along which way soever the Government was adicted to one or other Religion more faithfull peaceable and loyall Subjects than were the Roman Catholiques excepting an exception which makes but never marres a generall rule What if this good Bâ—shop had lived to see how in the daies of Queen Elizabeth when she first took â—upon her the government of this Land although that Catholiques were then the chiefest Ministers both in Church and State and had at that time the government of both setled in that course and therefore questionlesse were sufficient
Cardinall Campeius called for Doctour Cuthbert Tunstall Bishâ—p of London and desired to heare 〈…〉 for he was a man of profound judgement and learning and one in whose wisdome and honesty the Cardinall repâ—sed great confiâ—ence This Tunstall had wâ—itten a very lâ—arned Treatise in defence of the 〈…〉 which indeed should have 〈…〉 in the Court but the 〈…〉 â—bilities purposely sent hâ—m upon 〈…〉 into Scotland at the vâ—ry 〈◊〉 he should have appeared about 〈…〉 businesse so that he appeared not in Court this second time It was conceieved that had not the Queen appealed unto 〈…〉 Marriage had been confirmed at this 〈◊〉 as it was afterwards by the Pope 〈◊〉 when it was too late but being as it was all matters of question 〈…〉 were cleare laid aside 〈…〉 such things as belonged to Instruction and Information of his Holinesse in 〈…〉 were inquired after and that upon the 〈◊〉 motion of the Bishop of Ely one of the Queenes Counsell whereupon both the â—â—gates determined to hear no further pleadings CHAP. XI 1. The King commanded the two Cardinalls to perswade the Queen to 〈◊〉 her appeale 2. Their 〈…〉 to his commands 3. The King growes resolute and demands sentence thâ— Cardinalls refuse to give it 4. The Lorâ—â— of the Counsell begin to stoâ—me 5 The King to conceive great indignation against the 〈◊〉 of Yoâ—k 〈…〉 the Countrey 6. The pâ—ssage which happened between the King and Mr. 〈…〉 〈…〉 better and more honourable for both parties then to stand to a publique triall in forreigne parts The Cardinall to satisfie the Kings commâ—nds proâ—ised the uttermost of his endeavouâ—s in that behalf but all in vain for the Queen stâ—oâ— stoutly to her Appeale and would not in any wise be brought to retract her former resolution affording them the same reasons as formerly and requesting them for Charity sake to give a simple and heâ—plesse woman the best advise they could what was bâ—st to be done to the glory of God the Kings satisfaction and her owne honour Whereupon they both returned to their formâ—r perswasions and the Queen to her formâ—r answers Thus the Cardinalâ—s returned well pleasâ—d that they could not conquer her and the Queen unfortunate that she was not overcome The Kâ—â—g put off 〈◊〉 from post to pillar grew weary oâ— these delayes and resolute in having a speedy end he cared not which way so it were done and done it must be as he would have it Whâ—refore he called another Session and in person urged a finall Sentence abd the proâ—â—edings to be read in Latin wheâ—eupon theâ— Kâ—ng Counsel called for judgement with that Campeius answered again in Latin Not so I will give no Sentence before I have made a relation of the whole Transactions of these Affaires unto the Pope whereunto I am obliged by vertue of the Queens Appeale consiâ— ring whose 〈◊〉 we are and by whose authority we here sit I come not hither for favour or dread sake to pleasure any person living be he King or Subjâ—ct neither for any such 〈…〉 will I 〈◊〉 my Conscience or displeâ—se my Goâ— I am now an old man both weâ—k and sickly and should I now put my soule in 〈◊〉 of Gods 〈…〉 time So the 〈…〉 and nothing more of this nature was done in England ever after The Lords about the Kâ—â—g perceiving the miscarriage of the Kings 〈◊〉 began to happened Mr. Cranmer â— Master both of all Arts and cunning how to 〈…〉 Fellow of Jesus Colledge in Cambridg being at the same time retired into that Countrey with one of his Pupils by reason of the Sicknesse then raging in Cambridge happened to be in an 〈◊〉 thereabouts where some of the Courtiers were by reason of the Courts then being at my Lord of Darcy's house where hearing some of the Courtiers relating how discontentedly the King behaved himself by reason of those late accidents which had happâ—ned â—o crosse to his designes insomuch that he would hardly suffer any man to come neere hâ—m much lesse to speak unto him he spaâ—e unto them as followeth 〈…〉 and my life against any man living One of the Courtiers hearing this and knowing it to be a Speâ—ch so justly calculated to the height of that Meridian and a saying so agreeable to the Kings temper as iâ— it had taken measure of his minde said thus unto him I â—ell theâ— Scholler the King shall 〈…〉 what thou hast said and if 〈…〉 words good for 〈…〉 and to speak with the King but it was late in the evening before he could â—inde his opportunity but at the lâ—st he fouâ—d it and when he had related unto the Kâ—ng what such a man had said and what he would undertake the King swore by his wonted oâ—th Mâ—ther of God that man hâ—th the right Sew by the care I shall not goe to bed untill I 〈◊〉 with him commâ—nding the same party forthwiâ—h to depart out of his presenâ—e and to bring Cranmer to him with all speed the Mâ—ssenger makes hast unto the Inne but Mr. Cranmer was depâ—rted to his friends house two miles off before his return thither wherefore the messenger gave strict order to the Inne-keeper that he should send an Expresse unto Mâ— Cranmer to tâ—ll him that he should not faile to be at the Court betimes on the morrow for the King would speak with him Back to the Couâ—t the Mâ—ssenger râ—turnes with this account whereat the King was exceeding wroth with the Messenger and swore that he should finde him out this night if he were above ground and bring him to him for he would not close his eyes untilâ— he had seen hâ—m with much ado night brought him unto the Kâ—ng who brought night upon the Chuâ—ch for questionlesse there was the fiâ—st platform raised for the Church of Englands downfall For after much private conference first had between the King and Mr. Cranmer and afterward with his most private Counsell the most cunning and abâ—e men as spies were speedily sent to Rome to prie into the Records to see in what state and condition the Clergy of England there stood with the Pope of Rome as also what Oaths the Clergy of England did usually there take and what Obedience they had promised unto him c. and what advantages otherwise might be pickt thence against the Clergie here whereby to draw them into a Paemunire Which things peâ—formed the King returns back again to London with an ocean of displeasure in his bosome and a tempâ—st in his countenance Chap. XIII 1. Both he Queenes set against Cardinall Wolsey 2. Cardinall Campeius departs the Kingdom 3. A Parliament is called wherein great complaints are made against the Clergy 4. The Bishop of Rochester his Speech in Parliament 5. The Commons highly incensed at his Speech they complaine thereof unto the King 6. The King questioned the Bishop therefore the Bishops answer thereupon The Cardinall Wolsey had the two Ladies Catharine that was so neere her setting and Anne that was so apparent in her
hoping by a voluntary condescention in these particulars to save the râ—st were of a minde to satisfie the Kiâ—g therâ—in which the Bishop of Rochester perceiviâ—g spake as followeth My Lords and the rest of our Brethren here assembled I pray you to take good heed to what you doe lâ—st you do you know not what and what you cannot do for indeed the things that are demanded at our hands are none of ours to grant nor theirs to whom we should bestow them if we should grant them their desires but they are the Legacies of those testators who have given them unto the Church for ever under the penalty of a heavy â—urse imposed on all those who shall any way go abouâ— to alienaâ— their property from the Church and besides if we should grant these smaller Abbeys c. to the King what should we do otherwise than shew him the way how in time it may be lawfull for him to demand the greater wherefore the manner of these proceedings puts me in minde of a â—able how the Ax which wanted a handle came upon a time unto the Wood making his mâ—an to the great Trees how he wanted a handle to work withall and â—or that cause he was constrained to sit idle wherefore he made it his request unto them that they would be pleased to grant him one of their small saplings within the Wood to make him a Handle who mistrusting no guile granted him one of the smaller trees wherewith he madâ— himself a handle so becoming a compleat Ax â—e so fell to work within the same wood that in processe of time there was neither great nor small tree to be found in the place where the wood stood And so my Lord if you grant the King these smaller Monasteries you do but make him a handle whereby at his owne pleasure he may â—ut downe all the Cedars within your 〈◊〉 and then you may thank your selves after ye have incurred the heavy displeasure of Almighty God This Spâ—â—ch quâ—te changed the mindes of all those which were formerly bent to gratifie the Kâ—ngs dâ—mands herein so that all was rejected for that time After this the Bishop escaped a very great danger for one R. Rose came into the Bâ—shops kitchin being acquainted with the Cook at his house in Lamb. Mâ—rsh having proviâ—ed a quantity of deâ—dly poyson whiles the Câ—ok went into the buterie to fetch him some drink he took his opportunity to throw that poyson into a mâ—ss of Grueâ—â— which was prepared for the Bâ—shops dinner and after he had stayed there awhile went his way but so it happened that when the Bishop was called unto his dinner he had no appâ—tite to any meat but wished his servants to fall to and be of good chear and that he would not eat till towards nâ—ght the Servants being set to dinner they that did eat of that poysoned dish were miserably infected whereof one Gentleman namâ—d Mr. Bennet Carwin and an old Widow died sodainly and the rest never recovered their healths till their dying day The person that did this wicked deed was afterwards for the same offence boyled alive in Smithfield in the 22. yeare of K. Henry's reign Shortly after this there happened another great danger to him in this same house by reason of a Cannon bullet that was shâ—t thorough his house close by his study window where he was used to spend much time in Prâ—yâ—r and holy Meditations which made such a horrible noyse and clutter as it went thorough that all the house were suddenly amazed upon enquâ—ry made from whence this mischief shouâ—d proceed it was fâ—und out how that it came from the other siâ—e of the River â—nd out of the Eâ—â—le of 〈◊〉 house Father to the Laâ—dy Anne Bullein which being told unto the Bâ—shop he calâ—ed all his Seâ—vants before him and said uâ—to thâ—m Let a trusse up ouâ— baggage and be gone this is no place for us to abide in any longer so he set forwards in his jâ—urnâ—y towards 〈◊〉 〈…〉 Coâ—spiracies wâ—re contrived by the Kâ—ngâ— consent or pâ—ivity it is not handsome to determine being 〈…〉 words against him at his table elsâ—where which words â—xperience telâ— us how too great 〈◊〉 may often take so large commission from them as to attempâ— such things as are beyond the nature of their warrant The Bishop now come to Rochester fâ—ll to his old accustomed manner of frequent preaching visiting the Sick converting the Seduced and for his recreation he would sometimes go and see his workmen whiles they wâ—re employed in the reparation of Rochester 〈◊〉 upon which he had bestowed great cost â—ut 〈◊〉 had not long remained in those paâ—ts but he was robbed almost of all his Plate by Thieves in the night-time who brake into his Manour house of Halling nâ—are Rochester which being perceived in the morning by his Servants they were all in great perplexity and pursued the thieves as well as they could and following them thorough the wood the thieves leâ— fall severall pieces of Plate through the great hast which they had made in flying so that they brought some of the Plate back â—gain before the Bishop had heard of the losse of any but the Bp. coming downe to his dinner perceived an unwonted kinde of heavinesse and sadnesse in their countenances insomuch that he asked them what was the matter they seeming unwilling to relate the story and looking upon one another who should begin he commanded them to inform him of the cause of such dâ—straction assuring them that he was armd for all adventures deeming it to be some great matter but when they had given a full relation of the whole businesse and how they had recovered some of the Plate back again the Bish. replyed if this be all we have more cause to rejoice that God hath restored to us some than to be discontented that wicked men have taken away any for the least favour of God Almighty is more to be esteemed than all the evill which the Devil and all his wicked instruments can doe unto us is to be valued wherefore let us sit down and be merry thank God it is no worse and look ye better to the rest CHAP. XV. 1. The Kings Agents are returned from Rome with sufficient matter of vexation to the Clergie 2. The King calls another Parliament 3. The whole Clergie are condemned in a praemunire 4. The King laies hold on that advantage to make himself head of the Church 5. The Bishop of Rochester his most admirable Speech upon that occasion whereupon the Proposition was rejected 6. The King persists in his demand BY this time the Kings Agents which were sent to Rome were returned with sufficient matter wherewith to veâ— the whole Clergie for they had learned our how that there had been a priviledge formerly granted from the See of Rome no Legate de latere should enter the Realme of England except he were first sent for by the King now it happened that
Cardinall Wolsey either ignorant or forgetfull of this priviledge or perhaps thinking he might doe any thing without the Kings consent or procuâ—ement procured of and for himselfe the Power legantine from the Pope that then was but though the Cardinall had exercised that authority for the space of divers yeares without the Kings consent or privity yet at the length perceiving his own errour and the danger he was in if the Kings favour which was no inheritance should chance to slâ—ck its sailes and perhaps how merrily the wheâ—le of fortune began to turn about he so wrought formerly with the King that he procured a confiâ—mation thereof under the great Seal of England as well for that which was past as that which was to come which the King full well remembring thought the Cardinall too hard for him howsoever he was resolved he would be too hard for the Cardinâ—ll and knowing that nothing stood between him and the mark he aimed aâ— but the reduction of this Cardinall to the statuquo wherein he had him once safe enough he so deales with a servant then belonging to the Cardinall and in great truth about him that by his meanes he regained the foresaid ratification under the great Seal into his own hands and then to work he went And Accordingly he summoned another Parliament to begâ—n upon the 16. day of February in the year of our Lord God 1530. in which Paâ—liament divers heinous matters were propounded against the â—lergy as a praeludiuÌ„ of the winds to the ensuing tempest then an account was given up in Parliament of 100000 l. charges which the King had been at to obtain so many instâ—uments from forraign Universities concerning the businesse of the Divorce All which expences they said the King had been at through the falshood and dissimulation of the Cardinall and certain others of the chief of the Clergie all which was demanded of the Clergie that they should make all good unto the King but when this business began to be propounded to the Convocation of Divinâ—s it was there opposed especially by the Lord B. of Rocheâ—ster who said uâ—to the Kings Orators that it was not their faults as they were there the body representative of the Clergie that the King had been at any charges at all concerning that businesse for to his knowledge the Clergie were generally against it that any such matter should at all be brought in question and that if any such faulty persons were amongst them it is fit they should be questioned and compelled to give his Majesty satisfaction Whereupon they all slâ—tly denied upon any such score to make any restitution at all Then the King more â—urioâ—sly than ever called the whole Clergie into the Kings Bench and sued the Cardinall together with the whole Clergie in a praemunire for receiving and acknowledging the power Lâ—ganâ—ine of the Cardinal which objection whiles thâ— Card thought with as easie a grace to wâ—sh off of him as the proud Swan to slâ—de so much water off of his back like the bastard Eagle called Haliâ—tâ—â—s he was drowned under the waves because like the true Eagle he poized not his prey before he offered to carry it by catching after a Fish which was heavier than he could carry and so they were all condemned upon the Statute of King Richard the second in a praemunire Thuâ— the K. was put into a capacity of imprisoning whom or as many of them as he pleased or to enter into or upon what goods or possessions of theirs he had a minde unto whereupon the Clergie first fallen under the Kings heavie displeasure and now not being willing to abide the further danger of his displeasure under his justice sued unto him for mercy declaring unto him their willingnesâ— to pay the 100000 l. upon his indemnity which the King promised unto them excepting the Cardinall and some others But The businesse of the Divorce sâ—uck so indigâ—stedly in the Kings stomach that before he woâ—ld either divorce them from their feares or marry them to their former securities he wished them all to repair unto their house of Convocation and there he would propound unto them a businesse which if they would condescend unto then they should finde that he would be unto them a gracious Prince which when they were assembled in the place â—ppointed such a business was propounded to them as never was propounded by men since there was a congregation of mankinde viz. that they should acknowlâ—dge the King to be the Supreme Head of the Church which was propounded chiâ—fly by Mr. Thomas Audelâ—y who after Sir Thomas Moore had given over his place was created Lord Chancâ—lour of England and that with such mixâ—ure of faire promises and threatniâ—gâ— together that many of the Convocation thought themselves in a capacity neither of refusing any thing that shouâ—d be demanded of them by the King nor of consulâ—ing of what was or was not to be granted whereupon divers of the Convocation upon â—canning of the businesse were in a readinesse to promote the Kings designe and few there were that durst open their mouthes to speak their mindâ— freely Wherâ—upon the Athanasius of the Clergie this â—â—out Prelate of whom we treat thus took the busiâ—esse into consideration My Lords it is true we are all under the Kings lash and stanâ— in need of the Kings good favour and clemency yet this argues not that we should therefore doe that which will render us both riâ—iculous and contemptiâ—le to all the Christian world and â—issed out from the society of Gods holy Cathâ—lique Church for what good will that be to us to kâ—â—p the pâ—ssâ—ssion of our Houses Cloysters and Covents to lose the Society of the Christian world to preserve our Goods and lose our Consciences Wherefore my Lords I pray let us consider what we doe and what it is we are to grant the dangers and inconvenienâ—â—s that will ensue thereupon or whether it lies in our powers to grant what the King requireth at our hands or whether the King be an apt person to receive this power that so we may go groundedly to work and not like men that had lost all honesty and wit together with their worldly foâ—tune As conâ—erning the first point vâ—z what the Supremacy of the Church is which we are to give unto the King it is to exercise the spirituall Government of the Church in chief which according to all that ever I have learned both in the Gospel and thâ—ough the whole couâ—se of Divinity mainly consists in these two points 1. In loosing and binding sinners according to that which our Saviour saiâ— unto St. Peter when he ordained him head of his Church viz. to thee will I give the keyes of the Kingdome of Heaven Now my Lords can we say unto the King tibi to thee will I give the keyes of the Kingdome of Heaven If you say I where is your waâ—rant if you say no then you have answered your selves that you cannot put
him a fiery chariot to his journies end whirl'd by all the furious winds of rage and madness for upon the sending of the Cardinalls Hat to him from Rome which was intended to have been pâ—rformed with the greatest ceremony that ever any Hat was sent from thence taking no notice of the condition he was in whereby it was conceived that the King would reflect within himself and take some heed how he offended so great a body as had the Universe for its Dimension but it fell out otherwise for Harry the 8. for all the other Kings were called Henries with his dagger was resolv'd to go thoroughâ— stitch with what he had begun wherefore as soon as ever he had intelligence hereof he sent immediately to Callis to stop the favour of the Pope from coming any further into his Dominions untill his pleasure therein was further known which was done accordingly CHAP. XXII 1. The K. sends his Secretary to the Bp. to know of him that in case the Pope should send unto him a Cardinalls Hat whether he would accept of it or not 2. The Bishops answer thereunto 3. The King highly offended with his answer 4. A notable but most wicked policy to entrap the Bishop within Delinquency 5. A Commission to enquire and determine Treasons 6. Three Monks of the Charter-house executed IMmediately hereupon the King sent Mr Thomas Cromwell his Secretary to this good Father thus in prison to advertise him what was done and to heare what he would say thereto who being come into the Prisoners chamber after some other conference had passed between them concerning divers other businesses he said unto him My Lord of Rochester what would you say if the Pope should send you a Cardialls Hat would you accept of it whereat the Bishop of Rochâ—ster replyed Sir I know my self to be so far unworthy of any such dignity that I think of nothing lesse but if any such thing should happen assure your self I should improve that favour to the best advantage that I could in assisting the holy Catholique Church of Christ and in that respect I would receive it upon my knees Mr. Cromwell making a report of this answer afterwards to the King the King said with great indignation Yea Is he yet so lusty Well let the Pope send him a Hat when he will Mother of God he shall weare it on his shoulders then for I will leave him never a head to set it on And now was this impregnable piece of Constancy and strong so â— of Iâ—nocence surrounded on every side by the most watchfull eyes and diligent enquiry how a breach may be made into it by the battery of the new Law for prejudice to enter In order to which Machination it was resolved upon after that the blessed man had continued a prisoner within the Tower the space of a whole yeare and somewhat more that one Mr. Richard Rich then Solicitor generall and a man in great trust about the King should be sent unto the Bâ—shop as from the King upon some secret message to be imparted to him on his Majesties behalf which Message was to this effect viz. that he had a great secret to impart unto him from the King which was a case of Conscience for said he the truth is my Lord that though you are lookt upon as you now look upon your selfe as a man utterly forlorne yet I must tell you and not as from my self but as a thing uttered to you by the Kings expresse commands that there is no man within the Kings dominions that he looks upon as a more able man or a man upon whose honesty and upright dealings he will more rely than on your self and what you shall be pleased to say in that bâ—halfe wherefore he bids me tell you that you should speak your minde boldly and freely unto me as to himselfe concerning the businâ—sse of Supremacy protesting upon his royall word and the dignity of a King that if he should tell him plainly it were unlawfull he would never undertake it And one thing more said he he wished me to acquaint you with which is that you may see how farre his royall heart and pious inclination is from the exercise of any unjust or illegall jurisdiction thereby that if you will but acknowledge his Supremacy you your selfe shall be his Vicar generall over his whole Dominions to see that nothing shall be put in execution but what shall be agreeable both to the 〈◊〉 of God and good mens liking 〈◊〉 saith he the K. thinks that whiles 〈◊〉 pâ—ople acknowledge any other Head besides himselâ—â— his Crowne â—its not safe nor rightly upon his owne Wherefore I pray my Lord since the King hath been so 〈◊〉 pleased to open his breast unto you in these particulars that you will answer the respect with an ingenuity that shall be 〈◊〉 to such high favour and that without any the least suspition of any â—raud or guile intended to your good Lordship either by him or me The poore Bishop thinking he had assurance enough in conscience when for Conscience-sake his opinion was required in such and such matters answered thus freely Worthy Sir As to those high Commendations which his MAIESTY by your own mouth is pleased to give me I think them higher than what deservedly can stoop so low to take into due consideration so meane worth as that which every one must look to finde that makes true search into me however according to the ability and faithfulnesse which is resident in this poore piece of earth I shall answer freely and without feare of any other intentions towards me than what is just and honourable As to the businesse of Supremacy I must needs tell his Majesty as I have often told him heretofore and would so tell him if I were to die this present hour that it is utterly unlawfull and therefore I would not wish his Majesty to take any such power or title upon him as he loves his own soule and the good of his posterity for it will be such a president as none will follow whiles all will wonder at it and will never leave this Land till it lies buâ—ied with the first power that first assumed it And to what purpose were it to make me his Vicar generall of his whole Dominions to see that nothing were done contrary to the Lawes of God when nothing is more contrary to Gods Law than that I should be so And as to his Majesty's conception of his Crown not sitting rightly upon his head whiles his people as so many half Subjects owne any other head besiâ—e himselfe I must tell you my Lord that such a kinde of headship is no more prejudiciall to the temporall Supremacy than judgement which is the top of the soule is inconvenient to the intellects for I must tell you my Lord there were never any greater stayes or supporters to any Crown than were your English Catholiques all along unto the Crown of England and that even