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
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
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
subscribe your name and put your seale thereto and you would allow the same as if it had been your act and deed then my Lord of Rochester seeing himself so unjustly charged said unto the Archbishop No no my Lord by your â—avour and licence that had been all one and that which you charge me with is not true And as he was proceeding in his speech the King interrupted him saying Well well my Lord of Rochester it makes no great matter we will not stand with you in argument you are but one man amongst the rest if the worst fall out but the rest of the Bishops that had bin dealt with in like manner said not a word so that the fiâ—st encounter on the Queenâ— side was not so well performed through want of seconds And this was all that was done for that day CHAP. XI 1. The pleadings of the Counsell on both sides 2. The dâ—position of the severall Witnesse 3. The honest Plea of Bishop Fisher. 4. The stout Plea of Doctor Ridley 5. Cardinall Wolâ—ey takes him up 6. The Doctors Reply thereto UPon the second meeting there was much matter propounded by the Counsell of the Kings part concerning the invalidity of the foresaid marriage from the beginning by reason of the carnall copulation there vehemently uâ—ged to have bin committed between Prince Arthur the Kings brother and the present Queene but being again as vehemently denied by the Queenes Counsell the whole matter rested onely upon proof to this purpose divers witnesses were produced As 1. Agnes the old Datchesse of Norfolk 〈◊〉 dâ—posed that she was present at the marriage of Pâ—ince Arthur at Sâ— Paul's in London and that shâ— saw them both in bed together the next night after they were married the Prince being of the age of fifteen yeares and the Princesse elder 2. George Earle of Shrewsbury who deposed as to the celebration of the Marriage Decimo septimo Henrici 7. 1501. that he was born at Winchester secundo Hen. 7. that he believed Prince Arthur knew the Queen carnally and was able so to doe because he knew his wife before she was sixteen 3. William Warham Archbishop of Canterbury that never liked the marriage and that he told Hen. 7. as much 4. Sir William Thomas Knight who deposed as to the age of the parties and their cohabitation as man and wife five moneths together both at London and in Lâ—dlow 5. Sir Anthony Poynes as to the age onely 6. Thomas Marquesse of Dorset as to age and that he wasâ—of a good sanguine complexion and able as he supposed for the businâ—sse 7. Robert Viscount Firâ—water as to the age and that the next day after they had been â— bed together he waited on Prince Arthur whiles he was at breakfast where Maurice St. Iohn carved and the Lord Firzwater was Cupbearer where he heard Prince Arthur upon the said Maurice hiâ— asking the Prince how he had done the last night Answer I have been in Spain the last night 8. Thomas Lord Darcy William Lord Montjoy and Henry Guildford Knights of the Garter little to any purpose but what they had heard by publique fame 9. Charles Duke of Suffolk deposed to the â—ame effect with Mauâ—iâ—e S. Iohn and that the Prince soon after begâ—n to decay in bodily health which said he as the said S. Iohn related grew by the Prince his lying with the Lady Katharine 10. David Owen as to the age onely 11. Thomas Duke of Norfolk Lord Treasurer of England to the same effect with Maurice S. Iohn by which words he believed that the Prince carnally knew the Lady and because he was of a good complexion and age as he supposed sufficient having performed the like himselfe at the same age 12. Anth Willoughby Kt. that the morrow after the Marriagâ— in the presence of divers witnesses being in the Privy chamber the Prince called to the sâ—id Willougby saying Willoughby give me a cup of Ale for I have been in the midst of Spain the last night 13. Nicholas Bâ—shop of Ely that he could say nothing concerning the carnalis copula but that he very much doubted it in regard the Queen often sub testimonio conscientiae suae said to this Dâ—ponent that she was never carnally kâ—own by Prince 〈◊〉 These things being 〈◊〉 the Bishop of Rochester stood up and spoke in this manner And all this is no more than what hath formerly been deposed examined throughly debated and scanned by the best and lâ—arnedst Divines and Lawyers that could possibly be got which time I do very well remember and am not ignoranc of the manner of their proceedings when and where all the allegations in respect of what was then produced to the contrary was a juâ—lged vain and frivolous whereupon the Marriage was concluded which Marriage was afterwards approved and ratified by the See Apostoa bque and that in such large an lample maâ—ner as that I think it a very hard matter now againe to call the same in question before another Iudge Then stood up another of the Qâ—â—enes Counsell Doctor 〈…〉 we have heard how the Queene her selfe here in the face of the whole Court 〈…〉 presence and hearing of the King himself called the great God of heaven and earth to witness that she was a pure Virgin when she first came into the Kings bed and how she put it to his conscience speaking unto him face to face and if it were otherwise we cannot imagine that either the Queen durst so appeale â—â—to him or the King so spoke unto if unworthily would not have contradicted her besides we have here the testimony of a most reverend Father who hath deposed upon his oath how the Queen had often 〈◊〉 testimonio 〈…〉 said unto him â—ow that she never had any carnall knowledge of Prince Arâ—hur Now my Lords that such a â—rolick or a jâ—st as that about a cup of Ale or the midst oâ— Spaine which together with all the rest that hath beene said are but meere conjectures and presumptions should stand in competition with so great a testimony as a soveraigne 〈…〉 attestation of her cause upon the 〈◊〉 conscience and that conscience 〈…〉 such presumption by its own silence 〈…〉 to lay aside all reverence which 〈…〉 power and authority as that all the 〈◊〉 consultations 〈…〉 of all former powers even of the See Apostolique it selfe should become 〈◊〉 by your calling this matter againe into 〈◊〉 is a thing in my conceit â—ost detestable to be rehearsed and a great shaâ—e to this honourable Court to heare â—uch stuffe ripped up to no other purpose but in contempt of former Power and câ—lling the wisdome of our Ancestors and 〈◊〉 together with our owne into question and derision Whereat Cardinall Wolâ—ey that he might not seeme to say nothing by saying something said unto him 〈…〉 Dâ—mine Doctor magis reverenter No no my Lord said the Doctor there belongeth no reverence to be given at all for an 〈◊〉 matter would be unreverently answer'd Whereupon
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
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
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