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
the Body of so incomparable a Soule in the yeare of our Lord God 1519. the third of the Calends of Iuly within the Abbey of S. Peters in Westm. to the great grief and sorrow of all good people but to her own eternal happinesse who before her departure made her last Will and Testament wherein together with other Personages of great quality she made this holy Bishop as one in whom she reposed her chiefest trust one of her Executors She was buried with all solemnity according to the dignity of so great a person in the Abbey church at Westminster at whose Fuâ—erall Sermon this most excellent Bishop threw these flowers upon her Grave c. As concerning her birth that she was the daughter of Iohn Duke of Somerset lineally descended from the most noble Prince Edward the third King of England As for Quality that she was a second Martha both for her Hospitality and Nobility where together with many other of her great Vertues and incomparable deeds of Charity all which he there related at large as so many proofs of sanctity he had these remarkable passages concerning her viz. that notwithstanding she was Princesse who by lineage and affinity had had thirty Kings and Queens besides Dukes Marquesses and Earles within the fourth degree of marriage supporting her greatnesse yet would she often fall so low as to search and dresse the wounds and sores of poore and distressed people with her own fingers performing all this for his sake who for ours received so many wounds as also when there was an offerture made by divers Princes to warre against the common enemy of our Faith she encouraged them thereunto by often telling them that upon condition that they would got she would also goe along with them and be their Laundresse The Funeralls of this great Lady being ended and that other Colledge which she had willed to be dedicated to S. Iohn the Evangelist being not yet built the rest of her Executors finding how faithfull the good man had been in his former trust by a generall consent resigned into his hands by a publick instrument in writing the whole authority of the disposement of her Legâ—cies but behold how worthily the dispensation was conferred upon him for whereas the Lady Margaret out of her great bounty and liberality had given to so pious a use a portion of Land for the maintenance of one Master and fifty Schollers with all manner of furniture and Servants requisite to every Office in manner and forme This good man did not onely bear a portion in the charge of the same Building but much augmented the Revenue thereof with possession of Land whereby four Fellowships were founded upon his own account and one Reader of an Hebrew Lecture and another of Greek together with four examining Readers and four under-Readers to help the Principall and whereas he observed the price of Victuals began to rise he gave wherewith by weekly divident the Fellows commons might be augmented bequeathing thereunto his Library of Books thought to be the best that ever was in Europe after his death together with all his Plate Hangings and other Housholdstuffe whatsoever to him belonging by a deed of gift in his life time under his own hand and putting the colledge into possession of the same by Indentures onely borrowing the same back again to his owne use during his life And for a perpetuall memory of his hearty good will and love towards this Colledge he caused a little Chappell to be built neere unto the high Altar or the great Chappell where there was a Tombe set of white Marble â—inely wrought where he intended to have laid his bones if God had not so disposed of him otherwise but he was otherwise disposed of and as if because this Martyrs body was not permitted to be brought â—mong these men these Fellowes brought their bodies to his Martyrdome for those famous Martyrs Mr. Greenwood Richard Reynolds Doctor in Divinity a professed Monke in Sion of the rule of S. Bridget and Mr. William Exmew a Carthusian professed in London the first whereof came out of S. Iohn's Colledge the other two came forth of Christs all three suffering death under King Hen. 8. in the cause of Supremacy that they might still be of his foundation though not of Stone and Mortar yet of Blood and Fire Out of the first of these two Colleges proceeded likewise Ralph Bayn Bishop of Lichfield Thomas Walson Bishop of Lincolne Iohn Christoferson also Bishop of Chichester Thomas Bishop Elect of Glocester and before that Abbot of Leicester all Catholique Bishops Out of the second also sprang that most Reverend and Grave Doctor Nicholas Heath Archb shop of York together with divers other Grave and Learned Preachers of the Catholick Faith And this is to be noted to the honour of that University that during the space of so many hundred years as is between the laying of the first Stone in this our Bethel Cambridge was never infected with any unsound Doctrine untill such time as Regis ad exemplum brought it in and Luther's Soul was transmigrated into Henry the eighth who evâ—r after never spake at a lesser rate than Siâ— volo sic jubeo who both of them since their fall from the Catholick Church pulled down Reason and set up Will And It is a thing which is most remarkable that he who goard this University so much as it is conceived the more for this mans sake of whom we treat and the great love sake which they all bore unto his memory by his placing and displacing 〈◊〉 men and lawes he pleased and all to make way for a new Religion in the end reconcâ—led himselfâ— unto the Catholick Faith as appeares by his subscribing to the six Articles of the Roman Catholick Religion which was all the difference that was then between the two Churches in matter of Doctrine as also by the expresse words of his last will and Testament So the first uncleane beast that ever passed through the Oxens-ford I meane Wickliffe by name afterwards chewed the cud and was sufficiently reconciled to the Roman Faith as appeares by his Recantation Living and Dying conformable to the holy Catholick Church at his Parsonage of Litterworth as I take it in Northampton-shire constantly saying Masse unto his dying day So that Reformation as it seems was left unto the time of which it is said Vae Regnâ— euipuer dominatur woe be to the Kingdome over which a â—hild reignes CHAP. IV. 1. The encrease of Luthers Doctrine 2. 〈◊〉 vigilancy to suppresse it 3. His intention to goe to Rome 4. The occasion of his stay 5. His brave and worthy Speech in the Synod of Bishops NOw was the time come wherein God was determined to make triall of his people and the storme was not altogether unseen to ensue by this good man for by this time the people of this Nation had well drank of the intoxications of Prince Luthers cup but when he perceived the better
himselfe wholly to sensuality 6. Laies his whole trust in the Câ—rdinall Wolsey's character 7. His solicitation for the Bishoprick of Toledo afterwards for the Papacy is râ—fused both ABout this time it was that Luther anâ— wered the Kings Book wherein he used such scurâ—ilouâ— railing against the King as is not to be mâ—ntioned far beneath the approâ—ement of a sanctified spirit and the dignity of a sacred person Whereupon This Bishop in vindication of the Kings honour and defence of the truth wâ—it an Apologie whereby he rebuked the Authors vilany and abuse of a Pâ—ince of so great dignity the title of which Book was A defence of the King of England 's assertion of the Catholique Faith against Martin Luther's Book of the Captivity of Babylon which Book he dedicated to his deare friend and old acquâ—intance Dr. West Bishop of Ely Shortly afterwards he writ another book intituled A defence of the holy order of Priesthood against Martin Luther Upon the Quinquagesima Sunday which was in the yeare of our redemption 1525. this holy and most learned Bishop preached a most excellent Sermon at S. Paul's Crosse where Cardinall Wolsey Legate a latere with eleven Bishops great resort of the Nobility and Gâ—ntry were present which was performed with such feâ—veney of faith zealâ— to the Catholique Church and force of arguments grounded upon Scripture that one Robert Barnes an Augustin Friar and five more infected with Lutheranism were thereby converted and abjured their Errors and for their Penance stood openly at St. Paul's Crosse. Upon the Octaves of the Ascension he preached also another most admirable Sermon in the presence of the Cardinall and all the Bishops c. wherein he shewed himself a most stout and zealous Champion and Defender of his Faith taâ—ing no lâ—sse the severall curers of soules with nâ—gligâ—nce than the people with levity About this time â—rose out of Lather's Schoole one Oâ—colampadius like a mighty and fierce Giant who as his Master had gone beyond the Church went beyond his Master or else it had been impossible he could have been reputed the better Scholler who denied the reall preseuce him this worthy Champion sets upon and with five bookes like so many smooth stones taken out of the River that doth always run with living water slays the Philistine which five books were written in the year of our Lord 1526. at which time he had governed the See of Rochester twenty years which books of his nor any other of his books that he ever writ were ever answered About this time it was that the King left off the Kingly Occupation as they called it wherein he had governed this Realme with great wisdome and moderation whereby he became as all wise Kings doe aim at beloved at home and feared abroad and addicted himself wholy to sensuall pleasure and delight leaving the Ministry of his state wholy to the disposition of the Cardinall who was a man though but meanly and obsâ—urely borne yet of an excellent wit voluble speech quicknesse of memory haughâ—inesse of courage well bred sufficiently learned and one that knew how to behave himself among persons of the greatest rank and quality and that in businesses of greatest weight and importance who besides that he was Arch bishop of York and Bishop of Winchester at the same time and Abbot of S. Albâ—ns and had the Bâ—shopricks of Bath Woroester and Hereford in Farm at small rents the Incumbents being Strangers and continually living in their owne countries whereby he might dispose of all presentations and promotions of those Bishopricks as freely as if they had been his own and was Legatâ— Ã latere whereby he might convocate the Clergy at his pleasure besides what he received from Italy by reason of his dignity of Cardinall he was also Lord Chancelour of England whereby in a manner he formerly ruled all under the King also in matters temporall and to gâ—ve him his due he so behâ—ved himselfe in Government that he won from all wise men great praise for his indifferency to all sorts of people whether they were rich or poore onely his fault was that he governed himself the worst of all for all this was not sufficient except he was more and more was nothing except he was most of all For The Arch-bishoprick of Toledo in Spaine being void he made meanes unto the Emperour Charles the fifth and to that purpose procured the Kings Letters whereby that great dignity might be conferred upon him but the Emperour noting his ambition would in no wise condescend thereto That failing it happened that Pope Leo the tenth died whereby the Papacy became void then he bestirred himself exceedingly together with all his friends and besides his own Master the King of England he made means unto the King of France who upon certain grounds moving him thereto took great paines in his behalfe but all was disappointed by the Emperor who had so wrought with the Conclave of Cardinalls that they elected Cardinall Hadrian one who formerly had been Tutor to the Emperour for their Pope a man of singular and rare Vertue and Learning CHAP. VI. 1. The Revenge which the Cardinall took againâ—â— the Emperoâ—â— for withstanding his ambitionâ— 2. The Scruple which he put into the Kings head concerning Queen Katherine This Scruple the ruine of the Clergie 3 The King is fallen in love with Anne Bullein 4. Her Character 5. The King resolved to go thorough-stitch with the Divâ—rce 6. The Kings dealing with Fisher in that behalfe Fisher's answer to the King THis lay boyling in the Cardinals stomach so hot that he never rested till he had set variance between the King his Master and the Emperour which he performed by causing the King to enter into a strict league and amity with the King of Frâ—nce whereby the Emperours occasions were much hindred and to affâ—ont him the more together with the feare of a blind Prophesie which was told him viz. that a woman should be the confusion of him and fearing it might be the Queen Katherine in regard she was Aunt unto the Emperour whom he thus purposed to maâ—gne he began to set the straw on fire that was under her bed by putting a new Scruple into the Kings head of marrying his Brothers Wife wherefore taking his opportunity when he saw the King best disposed he fell into discourse with him of the great unhappinesse that was befalne the nation and how great a pity it was he had not issue Mâ—lâ— to succeed him in the Crown of England whereat the King began to stare upon him but answered him not a word while the Cardinall proceeds to tell him that there might be a way found out how with Gods blessing he might have plenty whereat the King began to thrust his thumbs under his girdle and to cry Hob man hoh lawfully begotten Cardinall lawfully begotten Yet lawfully begotten replied the Card. I speak no more than what I am able to make good and justly whereupon he
Divinity than had all the learned Fathers of the Church and the Divines of Spaine and England together with the See Apostolick that were in youâ— Fathers time by whose authority this Marriage was approved confirmed and dispensâ—â— with as good and lawfull Truly Sir mâ— Soveraign Lord you rather ought to make 〈◊〉 a matter of conscience than to make any such scruple in so clear and weighty a matter bâ— bringing it in question than to have any the least scruple in your conscience and thereâ—fore my advise is that your Majesty with all speed lay aside those thoughts and for any perill that may happen to your soule thereby let the guilt rest on mine And this is all that can be said by the loyallest of Subjects and whether I have said well herein or other wise I shall not refuse to answer any man in you behalf whether it be privately or publickly and I doubt not but there are as many worthy and learned men within your â—Kingdome which are of my opinion as on the contrary if they might be permitted to speak with freedome who hold it a very pâ—rilous and unseemly thing that any such thing as â— Divorce should be spoken of to which side I rather advise your Majesty to incline than to the other whereat the King replied not onâ— word for whiles there was so faire a beauty in his eye his eares must needs be stopped with the blackest wool So he departed suddenly and never looked favourably upon the Bishop from that time forward CHAP. VII 1 The Cardinal brought into a peck of troubles by reason of this Soruple 2. The King declares himself for Anne of Bullein and declines the Queens company 3. The Cardinalls sâ—cret complotting to break off the match with Anne Bullein THe King resolving to go thorough stitch with his work makes it a publique businesse And now the Cardinals hic labor was become hoc opus for the same thing which was hitherto but secretly handled among the Bishops was now made the common subject of discourse to the whole Kingdome And a convention hereupon was had not onely of the Bishops but of all the noted and famous Divines of both the Universities Cathedrals and Religious houses within the Realme at the Cardinals house at Weâ—minster where the said businesse was debated argued and consulted many daies together but the subject was too knotty for such tooles to work upon and the knot too hard for their untying wherefore they dissolved of themselves without dissolution and now the Cardinals hoc opus began to be impossible and voluntas regis to 〈◊〉 so high as if to that nothing were impossible for now the King begins to puff and blow and to sweare MOTHER of God he will have â—â—r declaring it openly to all the world whereupon from more and more he becomes altogether to decline his Katharine's company and to delight himself wholy in the Courtships of his new Mistress In the mean time the Cardinall Wolsey walks the round within his owne Chamber and with his bitten nailes teares ouâ— these words by piece-meales from his mouth WE WILL HAVE NONE OF THIS ANNE BULLEIN for we mâ—st conceive him wonderfully perplexed having otherwise designed au allianco for his Mâ—ster with the French King by this Divorce if he could have had his will so to have revenged himself upon the Emperour and we cannot imagine the distressed Queen to be otherwise than implacably as well as necessitously bent to employ all her engines to work together with his ruine her owne preservation O the just and secret workings of the Almighty who often buries us in the 〈◊〉 pits which we dig for others Yet most wonderfull it is to consider what countermines he had laid if it had been possiâ—le to have blown up the Kings resolution in his new choice able to have level'd any fortification of a minde that had been but compos'd either of Honour Wisdome Honesty or Shame not of what was altogether wilfullnesse For first hearing a common fame of the incontinency of this Ann of Bullien he sends forth spies in every corner to learne out who had or who could hear of any that had bin familiar with her At last intelligence was brought him that for a certeine Sir Thomas Wiat had carnall knowledge of her whereupon providing himself with sufficient instâ—uction he sends for Sir Thomas Wiat and tells him how thus and thus it appeares that he had bin oftentimes familiar with the Lady Anne Bullein and that for ceâ—teine the King was at this time resolv'd to marry her assoone as ever the sentence of divorce should be pronounced and therefore out of the great love which he ever bare unto him and care which he had of his welfare he thought good to acquaint him with what danger he was in whereby he might avoid it by acquainting the King with what was truth lest afterwards such a thing should come to the Kings eare and then it would not be all the land nor all the life he had in England that could give his Majesty satisfaction for concelment of a businesse of so high concernment The Knight replied Sir I thank you for the great love and sound advice which hath been alwaies exercised in my affairs But reverend Sir if the King be so in love with her as you say he is and the world takes notice of him to be I think I cannot be in greater danger than in acquainting the King with such a business If you cannot prove it sâ—id the Cardinall you say well it is a hard matter to prove that said the Knâ— it is a harder matter to answer the concealment said the Cardinall of a thing that is so much divulged as this is and besides in this case you can hardly suffer but you must finde many friends in the other you will suffer pitilesse and will will finde no man to speak in your behalf in this you will be but ingenuous in the other pâ—ccant wherefore I advise you of two evils to choose the least Sir Thomas Wiat by these perswasions was resolved to confesse all upto the King which he plainly did and with great feare told him that she was no fit wife for him if he wâ—re free the King commanded him to speak no more upon his life â—nor to acquaint any else with what he had told him so blinde is fate Nor would the Cardinall attempt to batter so strong a Tower with one Piece but he procured a Reserve of Engines which he thought could not faile for he had notice given him how that for certain the said Anne Bullein was really contracted to the Lord Henry Percy Son and Heire to the Earl of Northumberland then a servant waiting upon the Cardinall whom he immediately caused to appear before him and by his owâ— confession finding the report to be true and selemnly performed he sent for the Countesse of Wilt shire mother to the said Anne Bullein and hearing what she could say to the
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
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
taken as undoubtedly true siâ—cere and perfect which Marriage carrying with it the soveraign imfortunity of all second Marriages being compleated the same Parliament enacted a Statuâ—e which declared the establishment of the Kings succession in the imperiall Crowne to be upon the issue which he was to have by the present Queene Anne ratifying whatsoever the foresaid Archbishop of Canterbury had decreed and disinheriting the issue which the King had by the foresaid Lady Katharine from all title to the foresaid Crowne and Government or that if any person of what state and condition soever shall by writing printing or any exteriour Act or Deed procure or doe any thing to the prejudice slander disturbance or deâ—ogation of the said Matrimony or the issue growing of the same every such person shall be deemed and adjudged as an high Traitour and suffer such punishment as in case of high Treason is provided and for the better keeping of this Act the Kings Majesty together with his Counsellours of their owne authority framed an Oâ—th upon the breaking up of this Parliament which was upon the 30. day of Maâ—ch and tendred it the same day to all the Lords both spirituall and temporall as likewise to all the Commons and was to be tendred to whom the Commissioners for the same purpose should call before them the words of which Oath were these viz. Ye shall swear to beare Faith Truth and all Obedience onely to the Kings Majesty and to his heires of his body and of his most dear and entirely beloved wife Queen Anne begotten and to be begotten and further to the heires of our Soveraigne Lord according to the limitation made in the Statute for surety of his succession in the Crown of this Realm mentioned and contained and not to any other within this Realme nor to any other forraign Authority or Potentate whatsoever and in case any Oath be made or hath been made by you to any person or persons that then ye doe repute the same as vaine and annihilate and that to your cunning wit and utmost endeavours ye shall observe keep maintain and defend the said Act of Succession all the whole effects and intents thereof and all other Acts and Statutes made in confirmation and for exâ—cution of the same or any thing therein contained and this ye shall do against all manner of persons of what estate dignity degree or condition soever they be and in no wise do or attempt nor to your power suffer to be done or attempted directly any thing or things privily or openly to the let hindrance danger or derogation thereof or if any part of the same by any manner of meanes or any manner of pretences So help you God and all his Saints and the holy Evangelist Which Oath all the Lords both spirituall and temporall took except the Bishop of Rochester who absolutely refused it So the Parliament was ended But The said Bishop had not been 4 daies quiet within his Palace of Rochester but a Letter came to him from the Archbishop of Canterbury together with other of the Commissioners willing him personally to appear before them in the said Archbishops house by a certain day expressed within the Letter all excuses set a part And CHAP. XIX 1. The Bishop of Rochester summoned to appear before the Archbishop of Canterbury 2. Sir Thomas Mâ—or and Dr. Wilson committed for refusing the Oath 3. The Bishop of Rochester sent to the Tower for the same cause 4. A Parliament is called wherein the Bishops imprisonment was voted lawfull 5. The Supremacy of the Church conferred upon the King c. by Act of Pâ—â—liament absolutely and wâ—â—â—out the foâ—mer clause 6. An Act 〈◊〉 Parliament making iâ— treason to deny the King to be supreme head of the Church NOw was the thing come to passe which was noâ—hing terrible to him because it was foreseen wherefore he first makes his Will and leaves severall Lâ—gacies to divers persons and uses as to Michael house in Cambridge where he received his Education to St. Iohns Colledge to the Poore to some of his 〈…〉 to all his Servants whom he leaves weeping behinde him whiles the rest followed him lamâ—nting his condition in his journey towards Lambeth Passing thorough the City of Rochester there were a multâ—tude of pâ—ople gathered together both citizens and countreymen to whom he gave his benediction riding by them all the while bâ—â—eheaded some crying that they should never see him again others denouncing woes unto them that were the ocâ—asions of his troubles others crying out against the wickednesse of the times and all of them lamenting and bewailing that whâ—ch was their miserie and his glory Thus he passed on his way till he came to Sutors hill twenty miles from Rochester on the top whereof he rested himself descending from his horse and causing to be brought before him such victuals as he had caused to be brought thither for that purpose he said he would now make use of his time and dine in the open aire while as he might after which dinner he chearfully took his horse and came to London the same night The day of his appearance being come he presented himselfe before the Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth the Lord Audely Chancelour of England Thomas Cromwell the Kings Secretary and the rest of the Commissioners authorised under the great Seale of England to call before them whom they pleased and to tender unto them the foresaid Oath then sitting at Lambeth where at the same tune the Bishop met with Sir Thomas Moore who welcomed and saluted the Bishop in these termes Well met my Lord I hope we shall meet in Heaven to which the Bishop replyed This should be the way Sir Thomas for it is a very strait gate we are in There had been Doctor Wilson sometime the Kings Confessor who together with Sir Thomas Moore had both of them refused the Oath a little before the Bâ—shops coming for which the Knight was committed for the present to the custody of the Abbot of Westminster as the Doctor had been formerly committed to the Tower of London at which time also the Clergie of London were warned to appeare about the same businesse who all of them took the Oath at the same time Then was it that the Bâ—shop of Râ—chester was called before the Archbâ—shop c. who putting the Bâ—shâ—p in remembrance of the Act which was made by the late Parliament whâ—ch had provided an Oâ—th to be administred to all persons within this Râ—alm concerning the establâ—shment of the Succession c. how all the Lords both spirituall and temporall had taken the said Oath onely himself excepted how grievoâ—sly his Majesty was offended with him therefore how he had gâ—ven strict charge to himself and the rest of the Commissioners to call him before them and to tender unto him the Oath once more presented unto him the Oath laying it before him and demanded of him what he would say thereto the good man pâ—rusing
it awhile requested that he might have some timâ— to considâ—r upon it the Commissioners consulting with themselves awhile granted him five daies to coâ—sider upon it and so dismissing him for the present whence he departed to his owne house in Lambeth Marsh. During which small time of his abode there there came divers of hâ—s friends rather to take their leaves of thâ—n to vâ—sit him among which one Mr. Seton and Mr. Bransby Substitutes of the Masters and Fellows of the two Câ—lâ—edges to which he had shewed himself so much their friend partly to salute him in the name of the two Societies and partly to dâ—sire his confirmation of their Statutes under his Seale which he had drawn long before but the Bishop desired to have some further time to consider of them as he intended alas said the two Gâ—â—tlemen we fear your time is now too short to read them before you go to prison It is no matter said the Bâ—shop then I will read them in prison that will hardly be permitted said the Trustees if you come once there then Gods will be done said the Bishop for I shall hardly be drawn to put my seale to that which I have not well considered of howsoever said he if the worst should happen there is Mr. Cowper a worthy reverend man and a Bachelour in Divinity that hath the copy of the same Statutes which I have if I do not or cannot according to my desire peruse them I will give it you under my Seale that if you like them that shall be unto you a confirmation for I am pâ—rswaded that one time or other those Statutes will take place and accordingly it hapned for when this Master Cowper long after the imprisonment and death of the Bâ—shop of Rochester and the change and alteration of the times which had made Relâ—gion Lords and Lawes all new commiâ—ted this Book of Statutes to the custody of one M. T Watson a man that afterwards came to great honor estimation for his profound learning was afterwards elected to the Mastership oâ— S. Iohn's Colledge and afterwards to the Bishoprick of London who as the Bâ—shop of Rochester foretold restored them to the house who admitted them as their onely Lawes whereby they were wholy governed during the reign of Queen Mary The time being come when the good Bishop was to give an account of the Premises he presenâ—ed himself before the Commâ—ssioners â—cquâ—inting them how that he had perused the Oath with as good deliberation as he could but as they had framed it he could not with any safety to his owne conscience subscribe thereto except they would give him leave to alter it in some particulars whereby his owne conscience might be the better satisfied The King pleased and his actions rather justified and Warranted by Law To this they all made answer that the King would not in any wise permit that the Oath should admit any exceptions or alterations whatsoever and sâ—â—d the Bishop of Canterbury you must answer directly whether you will or you will not subscribe then said the Bishop of Rochester if you will needs have me answer directly my answer is that foasmuch as my own conscience cannot be satisfied I absolutely refuse the Oath Whereupon he was immediately sent to the Tower of London which was upon Tuesday the 26. of April in the year of our Lord God 1534. and upon the 25. year of the Kings reign being the last of his reign for that year Thus the Remora to the Kings proceedings in this kind being removed the Ship went merrily along for all things being fitted for a Parliament there was a Parliament which was â—itted for all things immediately called upon the 26. year of the Kings reign and upon the 23. day of Novemb. which wrought above nine wonders lasting but fifteen daies wherein the Bishop of Rochester's imprisonment was voted lawfull and all other men their imprisonments good and lawfull that should refuse to take the foresaid Oath which authority before was wanting also another Statute was â—nacted whereby the Supremacy of the Church of England was given unto the King his Heires and Successors to have and enjoy the same as a title and stile to his imperiall Crown with all Honours Jurisdictions Authorities and Priviledges thereunto belonging with full power and authority as himselfe listeth to visit represse redresse reforme order correct restraine and amend all Heresies Abuses Errors and Offences whatsoever they were as fully and as amply as the same might or ought to be done or corrected by any spirituall authority or jurisdiction whatsoever and that without the clause or condition of quantum per legem Dei lieet which was as contrary to the Kings promise to the Convocation-house as it was answerable to what the good Bishop forewarned the Clâ—rgie of whiles he 〈◊〉 amongst them And thus whiles the Kâ—ng acted the Pope the Bishop became a Prophet This Act being once passed the King required them to passe another Act viz. That if any manner of Person whatsoever should by word or deed presume to deny the title of Supremacy that then every such person so offending should be reputed and adjudged as an high Traitour and suffer and abide such losses and paines as in â—ases of high Treason is provided CHAP. XX. 1. The King sends divers learned Bishops to perswade with the Bishop of Rochester to take the Oath 2. The Bishop of Rochester answers unto the Bishops 3. Sir Thomas Moore committed to the same prison 4. The comfort which they received in each other 5. Their lettters intercepted and the Bishops man committed to close prison therefore 6. The simple yet mâ—rry question which he â—ade thereupon 7. The Lord Chancelour with divers other great Lords sent by the King to perswade the Bishop BUt when that businesse came to be discussed in the Parliament-house the Commons themselves began to think it a very hard Law anâ— full of rigour for said they a man may chance to say such a thing by way of discourse or such a word may fall from a man negligently or unawares all of them as yet not otherwise able but to think it a strange thing that a man should die for saying the King was not the head of the Church which debate held them many daies at last the King sent them word that except it could be proved that the party spake it malitiously the Statute should not be of any force to condemn So the word MALICIOVSLY was put in and it passed currently which afterwards served to as much purpose as the words Quantum per legem Dei licet And During the Bishops hard and close imprisonment the King as he had at several other times so done sent divers of the Priviâ—-councel as well Bishops as others to perswade the Bâ—shop of Rochester to take the oath of Succâ—ssion after that the Bâ—shop had suffered a great deale of Rhetorique to come from them he thus spake unto them My very good friends and
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
it was his secret place of Prayer This Coffer thus fenced about and in so private a place and close unto him every man beleived verily that some great Treasure had been stored up in that same Coffer wherefore because no indirect dealing might be used in defrauding the King in a matter of so great consâ—quence aâ— this was thought to be wherefore witnesses were solemnly called to be present so the Coffer was broken up before them and much paines was taken in â—breaking up thâ— Coffer but when it was open they found within it instead of gold and silver which they looked for a shirt of haire and two or three whips wherwith he used full often to punish himself as some of his Chaplaineâ— and Servants have often reported that were neere about him and curiously marked his doings and other treasure than that found they none at all But when report was made to him in his prison of the opening of that coffâ—r he was very sorry for it and said that if hast had not made him forget that and many things else â—â—ose things had not been to be found there at that time After this good Bâ—shop was recovered to some better strength by the help of his Physitians and that he was more able to be carried abroad he was on Thursday the 17. of Iune brought to the Kings Bench at Westminster from the Tower with a huge number of Holberts Bills and other weapons about him and the Ax of the Tower born before him with the edge from him as the manner is and because he was not yet so well recovered that he was able to walk by land all the way on foot he rode part of the way on horseback in a black cloth gown the rest he was carried by water for that he was not well able to ride thorough for weaknesse As soon as he was come to Westminster he was there presâ—nted at the Barre before the said Commissioners being all set ready in their places against his coming whose names were these Sir Thomas Audely Knight Lord Chancellor of England Charles Duke of Suffolk Hâ—nry Earle of Comberland Thomas Earle of Wiltshire Thomas Cromwell Secretary Sir Iohn Fitz. Iames Chief Iustice of England Sir Iohn Baldwin Chief Justice of the Common-pleas Sir William Pawlet Sir Richard Lyster Chief Baron of the Exchequer Sir Iohn Port Sir Iohn Spilman and Sir Walter late Justices of the Kings Bench and Sir Anthony Fitzherbert one of the Justices of the Common-pleas Being thus presented before these Commissiâ—ners he was commanded by the name of Iohn Fisher late of Rochester Clerk otherwise called Iohn Fisher Bishop of Rochester to hold up his hand which he did with a most cheerfull countenance and rare constancy then was his Indictment read which was very long and full of words but the effect of it was thus that he maliciously treacherously falsâ—ly had said these words The King our soveraigne Lord is not Supreme head in the earth of the Church of England and bâ—ing read to the end it was asked him whether he was guilty of this Treason or no whereunto he pleaded Not guilty Then was a Jury of twelve men being Free-holders of Middlesex called to try this Issue whose names were these Sir Hugh Vaughan Knight Sir Walter Langford Knight Thomas Burbage Iohn Nudygate William Browne Iohn Hewes Iasper Leak Iohn Palmer Richard Henry Young Henry Lodisman Iohn Elrington and George Heveningham Esquires These twelve men being sworne to trie whether the prisoner were guilty of this Treason or no at last came forth to gâ—ve evidence against him Mr Rich the secret and close Messenger that passed between the King and him as ye have read before who openly in the presence of the Judges and all the people there assembled deposed and swore that he heard the Prisoner say in plaine words within the Tower of London that he believed in his conscience and by his learning he assuredly knew that the King neither was nor by right could be Supreme head in earth of the Church of Engl. When this blessed Father heard the accusations of this most wretched false person contrary to his former oath promise he was not a little astonied thereat wherefore he said to him in this menner Mr. Râ—ch I cannot but mervaile to hear you come in and beare witnesse against me of these words knowing in what secret manner you came to me but suppose I so said unto you yet in that saying I commited no Treason for upon what occasion and for what cause it might be said your self doth know right well and therefore being now urged said he by this occasion to open somewhat of this matter I shall desire my Lords and others here to take a little patience in hearing what I shall say for my self This man meaning Mr. Rich came to me from the King as he said on a secret message with commendations from his Grace declaring at large what a good opinion his Majesty had of me and how sorry he was of my trouble with many more words than are here needfull to be recited because they tended so much to my praise as I was not onely ashamed to hear them but also knew right well that I could no way deserve them at last he broke with me of the matter of the Kings Supremacy lately granted unto him by Act of Parliament to the which he said although all the Bishops in the Realme have consented except your selfe alone and also the whole Court of Parliament both spirituall and temporall except a very few yet he told me that the King for better satisfaction of his owne conscience had sent him unto me in this sâ—cret manner to know my full opinion in the matter for the great affâ—â—nce he had in me more than any other he adâ—ed further that if I would herein frankly and freely advertise his Maj. my knowledge that upon certificate of my misliking he was very like to retract much of his former doings and make satisfaction for the same in case I should so advertise him when I had heard all his message and considered a little upon his words I put him in minde of the new Act of Parliament which standing in force as it doth against all them that shall diâ—â—ctly say or do any thing that is against it might thereby â—ndanger me very much in case I should utter unto him any thing that were offensive against the Law to that he told me that the King willed him to assure me on his honour and in the word of a King that whatever I should say unto him by this his secret messenger I should abide no danger no perill for it neither that any advntage should be taken against me for the same no although my words were never so directly against the Statutes seeing it was but a declaration of my minde secretly to him as to his owne person and for the messenger himselfe he gave me his faithfull promise that he would never utter
half alive you shall be cut downe and throwne to the ground your bowels to he taken out of your body before you being alive your head to be smitten off and your body to be divided into four quarters and after your head and quarters to be set up where the King shall apoint And God have mercy upon your soule After the pronouncing of this cruell sertence the Lieutenant of the Tower with his band of men stood ready to receive and carry him back again to his prison Beâ—ore his departure he desired audience of the Commissioners for a few words which being granted he said thus in effect My Lords I am here condemned before you of high Treason for deniall of the Kings Supremacy over the Church of England but by what order of Iustice I lâ—ave to God who is the searchâ—r both of the Kings Majesty's conscience and yours Neverthelesse being found guilty as it is termed I am and must be consented with all that God shall send to whose will I wholly referre and submit my self And now to tell you more plainly my minde touching this matter of the Kings Supremacy I think indeed and alwaies have thought and do now lastly affirm that his Grace cannot justly claime any such Supremacy over the Church of God as he now taketh upon him neither hath it ever been seen or heard of that any temporall Prince before his daies hath presumed to that dignity wherefore if the King will now adventure himself in proceeding in this strange and unwonted case no doubt but he shall deeply incurre the griâ—vous displeasure of Almighty God to the great dammage of his owne soule and of many others and to the utter ruine of this Realme committed to his charge whereof will ensuâ— some sharp punishment at his hand wherefore I pray God his Grace may remember himself in time and hearken to good counsell for the preservaâ—ion of himselfe and his Realme and the quietnesse of all Christendome Which words being ended he was conveyed back againe to the Tower of London part on foot and part on horseback with a number of men bearing holberts and other weapons about him as was before at his coming to raignment And when he was come to the Towâ—r 〈◊〉 he turned him back to all his traâ—â—◠〈◊〉 had thus conducted him forward and 〈◊〉 and said unto them My Masterâ— I thank you all for the great labour and paines 〈…〉 with me this day I am not able to give you any thing in recompence for I have nothing left and therefore I pray you accept in good part my hearty thanks And this he 〈◊〉 with so luâ—ty a couragâ— so amiable a countenance and with so fresh and lively a colour as he seemed rather â—o have come from some great feast or banquet than from his arraignment shewing by all his gesture and outward countenance nothing else but joy and gladnesse Thus being after his condemnation the space of three or four daies in his prison he occupiâ—d himselfe in continuall pâ—ayer most fervently and although he looked daily for death yet could ye not have perceived him one whit dismayed thereat neither in word nor countenance but still continued his former trade of constancy and patience and that rather with a more joyfull cheere and free minde than ever he had done before which appeared well by this chance that I will tell you There hapned a false rumour to rise sodainely among the people that he should bâ— brought to his execution by a certain day whereupon his Cook that was wont to dresâ— his dinner and carry it daily unto him hearing among others of this Exâ—cution dressed him no dinner at all that day wherefore at the â—â—ook's next repaire unto him he demanded the cause why he bâ—ought him not his dinner as he was wont to doe Sir said the Cook it was commonly talked all the towne over that you should have died that day and therefore I thought it but in vaine to dresse any thing for you Well said he merrily unto him againe for all that report thou seest me yet alive and therefore whatsoever newes thou shalt heare of me hereafter let me no more lack my dinner but make it ready as thou art wont to do and if thou see me dead when thou comest then eat it thy selfe but I promise thee if I be alive I minde by Gods grace to eat never a bit the lesse Thus while this blessed Bâ—shop lay daily expecting the houre of hâ—s death the King who no lesse desired his death than himself looked for it caused at last a writ of Execution to be made and brought to Sir Edmond Walsingham Lieutenant of the Tower Buâ— where by his Judgement at Westminster he was condemned as ye have read before to Drawing Hanging and Quartering as Traitors alwaies use to be yet was he spared from that cruell execution wherefore order was taken that he should be led no further than Tower-Hill and there to have his Head struck off After the Lieutenant had received this bloody writ he called unto him certaine persons whose service and presence was to be used in that businesse commanding them to be ready against the next day in the morning and because that was very late in the night and the Prisoner asleep he was loath to disease him of his rest for that time and so in the morning before five of the clock he came to him in his chamber in the Bell tower finding him yet aslâ—ep in his bed and waked him shâ—wing him that he was come to him on a message from the King and after some circumstance used with perswasion that he should remember himself to be an old man and that for age he could not by course of Nature live long he told him at last that he was come to signifie unto him that the Kings pleasure was he should suffer death that forenoone Well quoth this blessed Father if this be your errand you bring me no great newes for I have long time looked for this message I most humbly thank his Majesty that it pleaseth him to rid me from all this worldly businesse and I thank you also for your tidings But I pray you Mr. Liâ—utenant said he when is mine houre that I must go hence your houre said the Lieutenant must be nine of the clock and what houre is it now said he it is now about five said the Lieutenant Well then said he let me by your patience sleep an houre or two for I have slept very little this night And yet to tell you the truth not for any feare of Death I thank God but by reason of my great infirmity and weaknesse The Kings further pleasure is said the Lieutenant that you should use as little speech as may be especially any thing touching his Majâ—sty whereby the people should have any cause to think of him or his proceedings otherwise than well For that said he you shall see me order my self as by Gods grace neither the King
said a few prayers which were not long but fervent and devout which being ended he laid his head down on the middle of a little block where the Executioner being ready with a sharp and heavy Ax cut asunder his slender neck at one blow which bled so abundantly that many wondred to see so much blood issuâ— out of so slender and leane a body As concerning the Head the Executioner put it into a bag and carried it away with him meaning to have set it on the Bridge that night as he was commanded The Lady Anne Bullein who was the chief cause of this holy mans death had a certain desire to see the head before it was set up whereupon being brought unto her she beheld it a space and at last contemptuously said these or the like words Is this the head that so often exclaimed against me I trust it shall never do no more harm with that striking it upon the mouth with the back of her hand hurt one of her fingers upon a tooth that stuck somewhat more out than the rest did which finger after grew sore and putting her to pain many dayes after was nevertheless cured at last with much difficulty But after it was healed the mark of the hurt place remained to be seen when her own head was not to be seen upon her shoulders This may seem strange as a rare example of cruell boldness in that sex which by nature is fearfull and cannot behold such spectacles and therefore argueth no doubt a wonderfull malice which she by likelihood bare to the holy man living that could thus cruelly use his head being dead Then the Executioner stripping the body of his shirt and all his clothes he departed thence leaving the headless carkasse naked upon the Scaffold where it remained after that sort for the most part of that day saving that one for pity and humanity sake cast a little straw over his privities about eight of the clock in the evening commandment came from the Kings Commissioners to such as watched about the dead body for it was still watched with many halberds weapons that they should cause it to be buried Whereupon two of the watchers took it upon a holbert between them and so carried it to a Church-yard there hard by called Alh Barkin where on the Northside of the Church hard by the wall they digged a grave with their halberds and therein without any reverence tumbled the body of this holy Prelate all naked and flat upon his belly without either shirt or other accustomed thing belonging to a christian mans buriall and so covered quickly with earth And this was done on the day of St. Albane the Proâ—omartyr of England being Tuesday the 22. of Iune in the year of ouâ— redemption 1535. and in the 27. year of the Kings reigne after he had lived full threescore and sixteen years nine moneths and odde daies The next day after his burying the head being parboyled was pricked upon a pole and set on high upon London Bridge among the rest of the holy Carthusians heads that suffered death lately before him And here I cannot omit to declare unto you the miraculous sight of this head which after it had stood up the space of fourteen dayes upon the bridge could not be perceived to wast nor consume neither for the weather which then was very hot neither for the parboyling in hot water but grew daily fresher and fresher so that in his life-time he never looked so well for his cheeks being beautified with a comely red the face looked as though it had beholden the people passing by and would have spoken to them which many took for a miracle that Almighty God was pleased to shew above the course of nature in this preserving the fresh and lively colour in his face surpâ—ssing the colour he had being alive whereby was noted to the world the innocence and holinesse of this blessed Father that thus innocently was content to lose his head in defence of his Mother the holy Catholique Church of Christ wherefore the people coming daily to see this strange sight the passage over the bridge was so stopped with their going and coming that almost neither cart nor horse could passe and therfore at the end of fourteen daies this Executioner was commanded to throw downe the head in the night-time into the Râ—ver of Thames and in the place thereof was set the head of the most blessed and constant Martyr Sir Thomas Moore his Companion and fellow in all his troubles who suffered his passion the 6. day of Iuly next following And touching the place of his buriall in Barkin Church yard it was well observed at that time by divers worthy persons of the nations of Italy Spain and France that were then abiding in the Realme and more diligently noted and wrote the course of things and with lesse fear and suspition then any of the Kings subjects might or durst doe that for the space of seaven yeares after his buriall there grew neither leaf nor grasse upon his grave but the earth still remained as bare as though it had been continually occupied and trodden When by common fame this bloudy Execution was blown and spread abroad straight way the name of King Henry begun to grow odious among all good people not onely in his own Realm at home but also among all forreign Princes and Nations abroad through Christendome insomuch that Paul the third then Pope of Rome with great grief signified these doings by severall Letters to all the Christian Princes openly detesting the outrage of King Henry in committing such a wicked and manifest injury not onely against the freedome and priviledge of the Church of Rome but also against the whole state of Christs universall Church for the which in short space after he pronounced the terrible sentence of Excommunication against him Likewise the most noble and christian Emperour Charles the fifth at such time as Sir Thomas Moore was beheaded and word thâ—â—eof brought to him sent speedily for Sir Thomas Eliot the Kings Embassadour there 〈◊〉 with him and asked him whether he heard any such newes or no who answered him that he heard no such thing yes said the Emperour it is true and too true that Sir Thomas Moore is now executed to death as a good Bishop hath lately been before and with that giving a sigh said alas what meant the K. to kill two such man for said he the Bishop was such a one as for all purposes I think the King had not the like agaiâ—â—â— in all his Râ—alm neither yet was to be matched through Christendome so that said he the King your Master hath in killing that Bishop killed at one blow all the Bishops in England And Sir Thomas Moore said he was well known for a man of such profound wisdome cunning and vertue that if he had been towards me as he was towards the King your Master I had rather have lost the best City in all
my Dominion than such a man And in like manner King Francis the French King though in some respects a man to be wished otherwise than he was yet talking on a time with Sir Iohn Wallop the Kings Embassadour of those two blessed men told him plainly that either the King his master had a very hard heart that could put to death two such worthy men as the like 〈…〉 within his Realm whereof K. 〈…〉 advertised took it very ill at the 〈…〉 King Francis for 〈…〉 of him saying that he had donâ— nothing but that himself was first made privy to it In statute of his body he was tall and comely exceeding the common and middle sort of men for he was to the quantity of fix foot in height and being therewith very slender and lean was neverthelesse upright and well formed straight back'd big joynâ—ed and strongly sinewed his haire by 〈◊〉 black though in his later time througâ— age and imprisonment turned to hoarinesse or rather to whitenesse his eye large and round neither full black nor full gray but of a mixt colour between both his forehead smooth and large his nose of a good and even proportion somewhat wide mouth'd and big jaw'd as one ordained to uttâ—r much speech wherein was notwithstanding a certaine comâ—linesse his skin somewhat tawny mixed with many blew veinâ— his face hands all his body so bare of flesh as is almost ineredible which came rather as may be thought by the great abstinence and penance he used upon himself many yeares together even from his youth In his countenance he bare such a revâ—rend gravity and therewith in his doings exercised such discreâ—t severity that not onely of his equalls but even of his Superiours he was honoured and feared in speech he was very mild temperate and modest saving in matters of God and his Charge which then began to trouble the world and therein he would be earnest above his accustomed order but vainly or without cause he would never speak neither was his ordinary talk of common worldly matters but rather of Divinity and high power of God of the Joyes of Heaven and the Paines of Hell of the glorious death of Martyrs and strait I fe of Confessors with such like vertuous and proâ—itable talk which he alwaies uttered with such a heavenly grace that his words were alwaies a great edifying to his hearers he had such a continuall impression of death in his heart that his mouth never ceased to utter the inward thoughts of his minde not onely in all times of his exercise but also at his meales for he would alwayes say that the remembrance of Death came never out of season and of his own end he would now and then as occasion of speech was given cast out such words as though he had some fore-knowledge of the manner of his death for divers of his Chaplaines and houshold servants have reported that long before his death they have heard him say that he should not die in his bed but alwaies in speaking thereof he would utter his words with such a cheerefull countenance as they might easily perceive him rather to conceive joy than sorrow thereat in study he was very laborious and painfull in preaching assiduous ever beating down heresies and vice in prayer most fervent and devout in fasting abstinence and punâ—shing of his lean body rigorous without measure And generally in all things belonging to the care and charge of a true Bishop he was to all the Bâ—shops of England living in his daies the very mirrour and lantherne of light One that was Dean of Rochester many years together named Mr. Philips in the daies of King Edward the sixth when certaine Commissioners wâ—re coming towards him to search his house for books he for â—eare burned a large volume which this holy Bishop had compiled containing in it the whole story and matter of Dâ—vorce which volume he gave him with his owne hand a little before his trouble for the losse whereof the Deane would many times after lament and wish the book whole againe upon condition he had not one groat to live on Pope Paul the third writing as before is said to the Princes of Christendome of the dealings of Kâ—ng Henry against this goodly man wrote among others one Letter to Ferdinando King of Romans which I my self have seen and read In this Letter after great complaint made of King Henry for killing of such a man whom be before for his great sanctity and vertue had inrolled in the number and society of the Cardinall hoping thereby that all should have turned to his better safety and deliverance because that dignity in all places hath ever been acounted sacred yet now falling ou otherwise he taketh occasion to compare the doingâ— of King Henry the eight to the doing of his Progenitors K. Hen. 2. and this holy Father he compareth or rather preferreth to the holy Martyr St. Thomas of Canterbury saying that his Kâ—ng Henry did not onely 〈◊〉 the impâ—ety of that Kâ—ng but also went farre beyond him for where he slew one this slâ—w many St. Thomas defended the right of one particular Church this of the Universall that King killed an Archbishop but this King hath put to death a Cardinall of the holy Church of Româ— that King exiled St. Thomas by long banishment but this King tormented this holy man by long hard imprisonment he sent unto S. Thomas certain hired men to kill him to this was â—ssigâ—ed onely a hungman he caused St. Thomas to be slâ—in by a forcible death but this by a shameful torment hath killed the holy man of God he in concâ—usion sought to purge himself before Alexander the third and laying the fault upon others did with humility take upon him such 〈◊〉 as was to him enjoyned by the Bâ—shop of Rome but this with a most obstinate â—inde defended his own horrible fact shewing himsâ—lf not onely unwilling to do penance but also bâ—cometh a stubborne and rebellious enemy against the Church of Rome Then consider what that man of happy memory Cardinall Poole wrâ—teth of him in sundry places of his works who in his lifeâ— time both knew him and was familiarly acquainted with him but specially in that book which he wrote to King Henry the eight intituled Pro Ecclesiasticae Vnitatis defâ—â—sione wherein he extolleth the name of this blessed Prelate with words according to his great worthinesse saying to the King that if an Abassadour had beeâ— to be sent from earth to heaven there could not among all the Bishops and Clergy so sit a man be chosen as he for what other man saith he have ye presently or of many yeares past had comparably with him in sanctity learning wisdome and carefull diligence in the office and duty of a Bishop of whom ye may justly above all other Nâ—tions glory and rejoice that if all the corners of Christendome were narrowly sought there could not be found out any one man that in
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