her King and elder Brother Henry and conjures them also to loyalty to throw away all private Interests and Factions and conclude in a firm peace and union The Confederates perceiving that they wanted an Head and so a main pretence to countenance their Arms to the people and that whatever they had hitherto gained was more by their dissembling then strength that also the Pope Paul II had censured them if they continued in open wars For King Henry was held an obedient son to the Bishops of Rome for which Calixtus III had sent him formerly an Hat and a consecrated Sword which they use to bless upon Christmas-Eve at night laying them upon the Altar where they say Mass And farther they recollected that upon Henries death Isabella was like to be Queen whereby they could procure no favour or benefit to themselves by opposing her peaceable desires Upon these considerations they consented to an Agreement so Articles are drawn up a Peace concluded on Donna Isabella is declared Princess of the c Las Asturias formerly of a larger extent is now â— little Province between Galicia Leon and Biscay lying upon the Cantabrian sea 'T is twofold Asturia de Oâ—iedo and Astur de Santillana As the Heirs of England are called Princes of Wales and those of France les Dauphins so are those to the Crown of Castile call'd Princes of the Asturias Upon what occasion this â—hort Scheme may shew Alphonso XI had amongst other Children Henry a Bastard Earl of Transâ—amara took the Kingdom from the Tyrant Pedro and stab'd him with his dagger he had John I. who had Henry III. Don Pedro el Cruel had amongst others a bastard call'd Constancia she was marryed to John of Gant Duke of Lancaster son to Edward III King of England Upon the death of Don Pedro sirnamed the Cruel though his bastard-Brother Henry II. seised upon the Crown and was acknowledged for King yet John of Gant Duke of Lancaster pretended the right to lye in him by reason of his Wife Constance and made some bustle about it Henry dying there succeeded his son John I. with whom and Lancaster a peace was concluded Lancaster to renounce all his Title to Castile and King John to marry his son Henry to Lancaster's Daughter Catherine which accordingly was accompish'd so both their pretensions united And for more honour Don Henry the young son was to be call'd Prince of the Asturias since which time the eldest sons of Castile were call'd Princes and the younger are titled Infantas This hapned about the year 1388. And so much by the way concerning the Title of Prince of Asturias yet do I finde Jehan Froissart who lived at this time to tell us that Henry was call'd Prince of Gallicia in his French Edition 1530. vol. 3. fol. 96. and fol. 143. In the old English Edition vol. 2. cap. 154. fol. 170. and cap. 176. fol. 214. Asturias and lawful Heir to the Kingdoms of Castile and Leon with their dependants What troubles hapned in Castile after this treaty being not considerable I shall pass over Donna Isabella now declared Heir several matches were consulted of but she secretly joyned her self with Don Fernando Prince of Girona and the eldest son living to John II King of Arragon At this marriage King Henry was greatly vext as being contrary to his desire and without his knowledge But at the long run the King becomes more pacified and at last a 1474. dying she succeeds as Queen of Castile and Leon although some busled for Joane the supposed Daughter of King Henry but she is generally thrown by as a bastard being begot of his Queen Joane by one Don Bertrand de la Cueva afterwards prefer'd for his kindness being created Earl of Ledesma Master of Santiago and Duke of Albuquerque As for Henry himself he is by all esteem'd as frigid and uncapable of such loves Not long after John II King of Arragon b 1479. dying that Kingdom was united to Castile by the fortunate former marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella Here might I descend into the troubles of Navar and tell how Don Carlos Prince of Viana took up Arms against his Father John King of Navar and Arragon Upon which quarrel began the great Factions of those of Beaumont and Grammont the first adhering to the Prince and the latter to the King and the feuds of these two potent Families was one of the main causes of the loss of Navar to the Spaniard those of Beaumont assisting Don Ferdinand in the conquest against their own King and Country Of which more hereafter In short the Prince being not able to keep the field withdrew himself to Naples for sometime thence returns endeavours new troubles upon which he is taken and secuâ—ed Upon this the Catalonians rebel and though Prince Carlos was set at liberty and c Some say he was poyson'd by his Step mother D. Joane to make way for heâ—â—â—son Ferdinando to the Crown of Arragon dyed presently after yet they continue their Treasons The people of Barcelona publickly declare King John an Enemy to his Country and so they would withdraw themselves from his obedience And the Catalonians sent to Henry IV. of Castile to desire him to take them under his protection they being resolved no more to obey the Crown of Arragon Don Henry accepts them so they set up the Banners of Castile At last after a tedious War they are vanquish'd forced to submit and King John giveth them all freely a pardon But of Spain more in the next Century A CONTINUATION OF THE REBELLIONS AND Treasonablepractices OF THE ROMANISTS Particularly in Spain Scotland and Ireland From the year MD. to MDC BOOK VI. CHAP. I. 1. John and Catherine King and Queen of Navar deprived 2. Pope Julius II. Sect. 1. John and Catherine King and Queen of Navar deprived THe Conquest of Navar being acted suddenly we year 1500 shall make the story of it but very short At the beginning of this Century we finde John d'Albret or Don Juan de la Brit and Donna Catherina King and Queen of Navar which had boasted it self a Kingdom almost DCCC years Ferdinand II King of Arragon having by his marrying with Isabella Queen of Castile enlarged his Authority and Dominions as also by his banishing the Jews and subduing the Moores to him in Granado made his Government more secure cast many a greedy a Jo. de Bussieres lib. 15. § 16. Spondan an 1512. § 21. thought upon the seising the Kingdom of Navar and then all of Spain Portugal excepted would be his own At last opportunity good enough as he thought offer'd it self which was thus Pope Julius II. a zealous Hotspur falling out with Lewis XII King of France Fernando sides with the Pope and having rais'd an Army not onely demands passage for it through Albrets Territories but the command of his strongest Castles and Fortifications and which was most the possession and custody of Prince Henry eldest son to Navar
first that made Seminaries at Doway a severe enemy to the Protestants and as fierce a maintainer of the power of Rome and the King of Spain of both which this one Example may satisfie Queen Elizabeth having sent some aid into the Netherlands against the Spaniard Sir William Stanley was made Governour of Deventer in Over-Issel which he presently betraying his trust deliver'd with himself and Garrison to the Spaniard by which he lost by common consent the reputation of Subject Gentleman and Souldier but Dr. Allain thinking to quell these rumours and to encourage the new Renegado's by a Letter from Rome sends Stanley and his Regiment not onely thanks and Commendations for this their action but as he thought a sufficient vindication too part of which take in his own words Yea I say no more unto you Gentlemen seeing you desire to know Dr. Allain's Letter touching the render of Deventer pag. 27 28. my meaning fully in this point That as all acts of Justice within the Realm done by the Queens authority ever since she was by publick sentence of the Church and see Apostolick declared an Heretick and an enemy of Gods Church and for the same by name excommunicated and deposed from all Regal Dignity as I say ever sithence the publication thereof all is void by the Law of God and Man so likewise no war can be lawfully denounced or waged by her though otherwise in it self it were most just because that is the first Condition required in a just War that it be by one denounced that hath lawful and Supream power to do the same as no Excommunicate person hath especially if he be withal deposed from his Royal Dignity by Christ his Vicar which is the Supream power in Earth and his Subjects not onely absolved and discharged of their Service Oath Homage and Obedience but especially forbidden to serve or obey any such Canonically condemned person And in another place of the same Pamphlet he thus tells them their doom if they had been faithful to their trust and the Queen a Id. pag. 30. Any Excommunicate or Canonically condemn'd Prince whom no man by law can serve nor give aid unto but he falleth into Excommunication Thus we see what small esteem he had of his Soveraign and how easie it is for these men to ease themselves of loyalty and Obedience And that the Pope may thus trample upon Kings observe his Doctrine in another of his Writings b Defence of English Catholicks against the book call'd The execution of justice pag. 143. The Pope may in some cases excommunicate for some causes deprive and in many respects fight and wage War for Religion And gain c Id. p. 207. Plain it is that Kings that have professed the Faith of Christ and the defence of his Church and Gospel may be and have been justly both excommunicated and deposed for injuries done to Gods Church and revolt from the same as sometimes also for other great crimes tending to the Pernition of the whole subject unto him And gain d Id. P. 114. By the fall of the King from the Faith the danger is so evident and inevitable that GOD HAD NOT SUFFICIENTLY PROVIDED FOR OUR SALVATION and the preservation of his Church and holy Laws IF THERE WERE NO WAY TO DEPRIVE or restrain Apostata Kings And then plainly declares to the world thus e Id. P. 115. Therefore let no man marvel that in case of heresie the Soveraign loseth his superiority and right over his people and Kingdom And in these f Id. P. 72 73. Opinions he endeavours to prove that there is no harm And gives the Earl of a Westmerland Id. 48. for his Rebellion great commendations and of his fellow-Traytor gives you this Character The renowned Count of Northumberland dyed a Saint and holy Martyr When the Spanish Armado invaded England he printed a pernicious Admonition to the Catholicks of these Kingdoms stuft with horrid Rebellion and Treason perswading them by all means to take part with the King of Spain and to Root out their own Queen What effect his Doctrine took I know not but 't is well known that the Fleet came to nothing and enough of this Allen who for his zeal to the Spanish Faction and the authority of Rome was made Cardinal de S. Martino by Pope Sixtus the Fifth at the desire of Philip the Second And now let us see what a man with a long name will tell us in this cause Andraeas Eudaemon-joannes a man suspected at first to sculk under a wrong denomination but when we know his Country and temper we shall not think him asham'd to own any thing though never so bad or false he was born in the Island Crete now better known by the name of Candia at Canea by the ancients call'd Cydon or Cydonia but bred up from his youth at Rome and a Jesuite If that be true that in the Island of his birth no venomous or harmful Creature can live 't was well that he was forthwith transplanted to Italy for his native soyl and his malicious humour could never agree His writings are onely stuft with railing and vain repetitions hath impudence to deny any thing and affirm what he pleaseth his whole books are composed of contradictions all along affirming that Kings may be deposed nay and sometimes cut off and yet at the same time vindicating himself and his Order from disloyalty and yet so shie in his affirmations though bald in his hints that his books may be read over to as much purpose and satisfaction as one of the Brethrens preachments or Olivers Speeches so that I should wonder that such a generous Pope as Vrban the Eighth and such a learned Cardinal as Bellarmine should have him in such esteem and favour if interest had no sway in this world And though all along one may know his meaning by his Moping yet sometimes he speaks plain enough and declares that the a Potuit enim non ut dominus sed ut Minister Christi deponere Principes Andr. Eudaem-joan Respons ad Epist Is Casauboni pag. 12. Pope can depose Kings and that this b Id. Parallelus Torti Tortoris cap. 4. pag. 197. ultro concedamus facta à Pontificibus jure atque ordine fieri potuisse ut contumaciam ac Tyrannidem Principum excommunicatione ac depositione ulcisceretur hath been done and may be done sometimes lawfully In the year 1594 one Jehan Chastel intending to stab King Henry the Fourth of France with his Kinfe struck him into his Mouth and though he mist of his aim yet he struck out two of his teeth and wounded him sore For this Treason the Villain is excuted but presently one Franzois de Verone writes an Apology for Chastel affirming that he had done nothing but what became a true Christian and Catholick his reasons being because the King as he said was an Heretick and so might lawfully be kill'd or
from whose modesty the recovery of the Kings favour assailed him afresh and without respect of his Majesty at such time as he led his Armies lately against the Peace-breakers with severe and terrible Letters nothing savoring of fatherly Devotion or Pastoral Patience but most bitterly threatning him with sentence of Excommunication and his Kingdom with an Interdict whereas on the otherside he rather ought with admonition to have mollified him and with merits and meekness overcome him If the Kings humility be so requited what will be determin'd against the stubborn If the ready devotion of obedience be esteem'd so slightly in what manner shall wilful obstiuacie be revenged Nay father to these so grievous threats are added yet matters far more grievous for he Excommunicated some of his Majesties Liegemen most inward with our Lord the King the Principal of his Privy Council who managed the counsels of the King and the affairs of his Kingdom and all this being neither cited nor impleaded neither as they say or call it guilty of any crime nor convicted nor confessing any thing Yea he went farther yet insomuch as he suspended from his Priestly and Episcopal Office our reverend Brother the Bishop of Salisbury being absent undefended neither confest nor convict before ever the cause of his suspension was approved of by the advice of those of the same Province or any others If therefore this course of proceedings in judgements so preposterous we spare to say inordinate be followed concerning the King and Kingdom what will be the end considering the time is evil and yeildeth great occasion of malice but that the band of grace and favour whereby the Kingdom and Priesthood have hitherto been united will be rent asunder c And so they appeal against the Archbishop Thomas The Church being somewhat troubled with these divisions it was the earnest desire of several to procure a peace and this the Pope himself wish'd having work enough to do with the Emperour Frederick To accomplish this upon the desire also of Henry An. 1168. he sends two Legates a Latere viz. Cardinal William and Cardinal Otto and accordingly impowered them with instructions to manage that accommodation in France He writes also to a Bar. anno 1168. § 3 4. Thomas desiring him by all means to give himself to peace and rather than not to have concord to wink at some things and yeild for a while Yet as if Thomas were not great enough before he intended to raise him above all in France to which purpose he resolved to make him Legat also over all those Churches but before he could bestow upon him that Legantine Authority he was to desire the King of France his leave which accordingly he did by b § 7 8 9. Letter As for the manner of the Treaty of Peace between the King and Thomas take the story of it from the Legates themselves to the Pope § 33. To our most blessed Father and Lord Alexander c. William and Oddo by the same Grace Cardinals c. Coming to the c c i. e. in France Dominions of the renowned King of England we found the controversie between him and Canterbury aggravated in far worse sort believe us than willingly we could have wished For the King with the greatest part of his followers affirmed how the Archbishop with great vehemencie d d Speed § 29. This Accusation Thomas denyed incensed the most worthy King of France against him and in like sort induced his Cosin the Earl of Flanders who before did bear him no malice to fall out with him and raise the most powerful war he could against him and this he knew of a certainty and it appear'd so by several evident demonstrations For whereas the said Earl departed from the King very friendly the Archbishop coming into his Province to the very seat of the War incited as much as in him lay as well the King of France as the said Earl to Arms The King affirm'd also that the Informations concerning the ancient Customs of England deliver'd to you were false and not true which also the Bishops there present did witness The King offer'd also that if any Customs since his time were devised contrary to the Ecclesiastical Laws he would submit them to your judgement Calling therefore to us the Archbishops Bishops and Abbots of the Kings Dominions that the King might not deprive us of all hopes of peace but rather suffer himself to be drawn to have a Conference with the Archbishop as well concerning the peace as the judgement Sending therefore Letters unto a a i. e. Thomas him by our Chaplains we appointed a certain and safe place where we might have conference with him on the Feast of St. Martin he nevertheless pretending excuses put off this Conference until the Octaves of that Saint which truely vexed the King more than could be imagined But when we saw that the Archbishop although we offer'd him safe conduct would nevertheless give us no meetings in any part of the Kings Dominions next the French we being willing to yeild to him that there might be nothing wanting in us which might redound to his profit came to a place in the Realm of France which himself appointed Being come to the Conference we began most earnestly to perswade him that he would behave himself to the King who had been his singular Benefactor with such humility as might afford us sufficient matter on which to ground our Petition for peace At which retiring himself aside with his friends after some consultation with them he answer'd that He had sufficiently humbled himself to the King without impeaching the honour of God the liberty of the Church the reputation of his own Person the possessions of the Church and farther the justice due to him and his friends These things so numbred up we seriously perswaded him as it was necessary to descend to particulars but when he would alledge nothing either certain or particular we demanded of him if in the matters specified in your Letters he would submit himself to our judgement as the King and Bishops had already promised to do to which he presently replyed that he had received no Mandat from you to this purpose But if he and all his might first be fully restored he would then proceed according as the Apostolick See should direct him So returning from the Conference since his words neither tended to judgement nor agreement nor yet would he by any means enter into the matter We manifested unto the King some things but concealing other passages as it was convenient and tempering other things what we heard c. Thomas b Bar. § 38 39 c. writes also to the Pope and informs him of the same conference and in a manner confesseth all here set down expecting his instigating the French against King Henry And another c § 53 54. Letter he writes to the Cardinals at Rome pitifully complaining that King
Henry is not punished against whom he rants to the purpose The Legats again endeavour a peace and therefore they try Henry to see how far he would yeild To whom the King replyed That for his part for the love he bore to the Pope and Cardinals he would permit the Archbishop Thomas to return in peace § 67. to his See and dispose of his Church and all things thereunto belonging and because there had been long contention about the Customs he said That he and his Children would be content with those which his Ancestors had enjoy'd And yet if this condition of peace did not satisfie Archbishop Thomas he affirmed he was ready to stand to the determination as well of the Bishops of England as those beyond Seas as of Roan Baieux and Le Mans And if this were not yet enough he would submit himself to the judgement of the Pope with this Salvo that he would not impeach his Childrens right for during his own life he was content that the Pope should abrogate what he pleas'd But yet could not these condescentions do any good All these indeavours failing Lewes the Seventh King of France undertook the business he and Henry being now made friends and in this he behaved himself so wisely that he had wrought pretty well upon Thomas and so having procured a meeting Thomas § 85 86 humbled himself at the feet of Henry saying I commit to your determination the whole controversie which hath been the cause of dissention between us still excepting the honour of God Which last reservation greatly troubled Henry Thomas always making use of such Salvo's that render'd all but conditional and so void when himself fancied Henry at this turns to the King of France saying See my Lord if it please you let any thing not fit this mans humour and he presently condemneth it as contrary to the honour of God whereby he challength not onely his own but also whatsoever belongeth to me But that it may appear that I withstand not the honour of God nor yet of him i. e. Canterbury I make this offer There have been many Kings of England my Predecessors of greater or less Authority than I am and there have been many Archbishops of Canterbury before him of great worth and holiness what therefore the more eminent and virtuous of his Predecessors have done to the least of my Predecessors let him allow the same unto me and the Controversie shall be ended Upon which followed great Acclamations that the King had humbled himself enough Thomas holding his peace the King of France said My Lord Archbishop will you be greater than other holy men will you be greater or better than Peter what do you doubt loe peace is even at the door At last Thomas fell a commending his Predecessors but that they had left something for him to do and then extol'd Peter for resisting the Tyrant Nero with the loss of his life c. Thus the Peers of both Kingdoms England and France seeing no good to be done with him turn'd all against him imputing the want of peace to his a Imputantes arrogantiae Archiepiscopi impedimentum pacis Bar. an 1168. § 87. Arrogancie one Earl protesting he ought to be cast out of France as he had been out of England nay the very Courtiers who had been Mediators for his peace did now in his presence deeply charge him that he was b Semper superbus elatus sapiens in oculis suis propriae semper sectator volunta sentencia c. § 88. always proud high-minded wise in his own conceipt a follower of his private fancie and opinion Adding moreover that it was an exceeding mischief and great damage and danger to the Church that he was ever made a Governour thereof and that the same being already partly ruinated by him would now be quite overthrown Yet they tell us that the King of France presently alter'd his opinion and countenanced Thomas as much as ever All these indeavours failing the Pope once again undertook the year 1169 business and so sent two Nontio's Gratian an Vivian to take up the Controversie but when it came neer the conclusion they could not agree about the formality of the words and so returned as wise as they came Yet did not the Pope give over but sent two other Simon and Bernard who earnestly perswaded Thomas to humble himself to his King and so to please him with prayers Baron an 1169. § 39 40 43. and ready service And to work more upon him the King of France the Archbishops Bishops and other Lords there present earnestly advised him to the same Thomas seeing no remedy and all against him condescended to their desires went to King Henry and kneeling down submitted himself to God and the King but still with this reservation of the honour of God and his holy Order But this Henry rejects as imperfect alledging that Thomas by that Salvo would upon any occasion exclude the honour of his King However Henry declared that he required nothing of him but that he as a Priest and Bishop should before them all truely promise without any deceipt to observe the Customs which the holy Archbishops of Canterbury had observed to their Kings and which Thomas himself had once promised him to do But Thomas would consent to nothing without such Salvo's as formerly mentioned which conditional obedience so vext the King that he affirmed Thomas should never enter England till he had done to him as he ought to do and had undertaken to observe what others had observed and what himself had formerly promised And thus broke off this business And the truth is the King might have some reason to be more and more incensed against Thomas who instead of seeking the favour and friendship of his Soveraign had excommunicated his chief Friends and went so far against others that there was Speed § 32. scarce found in the Kings own Chappel and presence such as might perform the wonted Ceremonies And besides did daily threaten an Interdict against his whole Dominions and had done it but that some more prudent over-perswaded him to the contrary and the Pope himself thought it best to lay his commands on him not to do it till farther Order But this was not all for they proceed yet more and more to vex his Majesty For he being now about fifty years old and seeing the uncertainty of obedience and not knowing what the pretence of Church-authority might do to his Children if he should dye excommunicated as it was daily threatned him or not in favour with the Pope as he might suspect upon Thomas his account Upon these and other reasons he rosolved to settle his Succession by the Coronation of his Son Henry now fourteen years old This resolution being made known the Pope thought that now year 1170 he might compel the King to admit of Thomas or neglect the Coronation under the pretence that that Ceremony belong'd of right to
execution of your enterprises here which they may do more easily then they that are known to be Catholicks whose actions are ever suspitious to the Hereticks for their Religion whereof these two Earls have not yet made outward profession but in that as in the rest they submit themselves to our will and to what we think most expedient The said Fathers of that company do profit very much in Scotland and so soon as any Lord or other person of Quality is converted by them they forthwith dispose and incline their affections to the service of the King of Spain and your Highness as a thing inseparably conjoyn'd with the advancement of the true Religion in this Country If I had commandment from your Highness I would give them some little Alms in your name to help them and eight others whereof four are also Jesuites and the other four are Seminary Priests of Pont a Mousson in Lorrain which are all the Ecclesiasticks that produceth so great spiritual fruit in Scotland and acquires to you here such augmentations of your friends and servants After the parting of Colonel Sempill from hence the Lords sent Letters with the foresaid Father Creichton and other Gentlemâ—n after the Army of Spain to cause it land in this Country but it had taken the way to Spain few days before their arrival at the a a The 〈…〉 where â—â—â—iâ—hten thought to meet the Fleet Islands where it had refreshed it self so that it was not possible for them to attend on it They of this Countrie who are of the Faction of England were in a marvellous fear during the uncertainty of the landing of the said Armie and confess'd plainlte that if it had landed here they had been utterly overcome The Earl Bothwell who is Admiral of Scotland and as gallant a Lord as any is in the Countrie although he make profession of the new Religion yet is he extremelie desirous to assist you against England having waged and entertain'd all this Summer under pretence to order the Isles some Troops of men of War which together with his ordinarie Forces should have joyned with yours if they had come hither He suffers himself to be peaceablie guided by me notwithstanding the diversitie of our Religion and hath often times said that if the Catholicks would give him suretie to possess after the restitution of the Catholick Religion two b b Viz. the Abbeys of Coldingham aâ—d of â—else Abbies which he hath that he would even presentlie be altogether one of yours He intends to send Colonel Halkerstoun to accompanie certain Captains and Gentlemen to Spain and almost four hundred Souldiers all safe from the shipwrack in our Isles And because they are in great necessitie he is purposed to furnish them with Ships Fictuals and other things necessarie to testifie thereby to the King of Spain the affection he hath to do him most humble and affectionate service And if we think it good hath offer'd himself to go to your Highness in the Low-Countries and by your advice afterward do the like to his Catholick Majestie of Spain But hereupon we will advise what is most expedient If we may always be assured of him he will be as profitable for the good of our Cause as any Lord in Scotland for he hath great dependance about this Town which is the principal of Scotland as also upon the Frontiers of England He hath offered to maintain and defend me against all that would attempt any thing against me We have chosen for every Catholick Lord a Gentleman of the wisest and faithfullest Catholicks and best beloved of their friends to serve them in Council and to meet at all occasions to resolve upon the most expedient courses that may concern the good of our Cause according to the will and intention of their Lords who have obliged themselves to approve and execute their resolutions and in no wise to contradict the same and by that means we hope to proceed with greater securitie and effect then we have done heretofore They shall never know any thing of our Intelligences there nor our final intentions but according to the exigence of the affairs which shall be in hand and that superficiously and without discovering our selves too much Your Highness shall understand by the particular Letters of the Lords what remaineth to be said to you by these presents by reason whereof I will make an end most humblie kissing your Highness hands and praying God to give you all the good hope and felicity you desire Your Highness most humble and most affectionate Servant Robert Bruce From Edinbrough this XXIV of January M D LXXX X. At the same time with this some of the Nobility in name of all the rest as this Letter also testifieth writ to Philip II King of Spain which take as followeth SIR WE cannot sufficiently express by speech the great grief we have conceived being frustrate of the hope we have so long had to see the last year the desired effects which we hoped of your Majesties preparations And our displeasures have been so much the greater that your Naval Armies should have passed by so near us without calling upon us who expected the same with sufficient Forces for the peaceable receipt and assistance thereof against all enemies in such sort that it should have had no resistance in this Countrie and with our support should have given England work enough At least if it had come in to refresh it it had preserved a number of Vessels and Men which we know have perished near our Isles and upon the Coasts of Ireland and had discovered an incredible numâ—er of friends in full readiness to have run the same fortune with it in such sort as we dare well affirm it should not have found half so many in England for all that is spoken by the English Catholicks a a Refugit thair saith the Scotch Copy fled into Spain who by emulation or rather by an unchristian envie too much lessen our power of aiding you thereby to magnifie their own onely and make themselves to be able to do all so to advance themselves in credit with your Majestie and such as are about you but the experience of this their passage hath sufficiently testified that they have not shewn themselves in such numâ—â—r to assist your forces as we have done And therefore your Majestie as most wise as you are should if it please you make such account of the one as not to neglect the other and so serve your self with both to the designe you aim at without hazarding your Forces for the particular of the one or the other We refer even to the judgement of some of your own subjects who have been here the Commodities and Landing in these parts where the expence bestowed upon the Equipage of one Galiasse shall bring more fruit to your service then you may have of ten upon the Sea And we may assure your Majestie that having once six thousand here of
gets hastily a company of men and makes towards the Isle Most of Barklays men were otherwise imploy'd dreaming of no such thing and himself not thinking that his plot was known did not take Knox his men though he saw them coming for enemies thus careless Knox lands and encounters him on the very shore upon which Barklay resolved not to be taken runs into the Sea and drowns himself and so there is an end of him and the Popish troubles in Scotland for this time CHAP. IV. The troubles in Ireland against Queen Elizabeth TO run through all the Rebellions of Ireland would be troublesome both to my self and Reader their whole stories and life being but an heap or chain of Troubles Riots Misdemeanors Murthers Treasons and suchlike enormities whereby they have not onely vext and molested their Governours but in the end brought ruine to the disturbers and such undertakers of disobedience Nor could any thing else be expected from the ancient Irish to whom civility and discretion were strangers but the Robbery of Cambden Britan pag. 790 791 792. others held a piece of Devotion insomuch that they never undertook such mischief without first sending up their prayers and after to give God thanks for such a good booty Though they profest themselves good Catholicks yet they supposed no small holiness to remain in Horses Hoofes and that the Lords prayer mumbled into the right ear of a sick beast was cure enough for its distemper and any man was held past living in this world if he desired to receive the Sacrament Nor need we look for many cures amongst them when to a Ric. Stanihuâ—st de â—ebus Hibeâ—n lib. 1. pag. 44. beat Eggs together to squeeze out with ones fingers the juyce of shred herbs to probe and finde out a wound were signes of an able Physitian and thus qualified he may go for an Hippocrates And no doubt but others of them were much of the discreet hardiness of b Id pag. 42. him who having received four desperate wounds and seeing his sword not hurâ— gave thanks to God that these wounds were given to his body and not to his sword And what else might be expected from those of former times when even within these few years they c Sir John Temples Hist of Iâ—ish Rebeâ—lion the Prefaâ—e ld pag. 84 threatned to burn and ruine Dublin to destroy all Records and Monuments of English Government make Laws against speaking English and have all English names changed Nay to put their thoughts into practice they endeavour'd to destroy all the goodly breed of English Cattle by killing many thousand Sheep and Cows meerly because they were of English breed and so to leave them lye stinking in the Fields and as others testifie to destroy the very Corn ' cause sown by English men And yet 't is known they had not only Government Civility and what else is praise worthy spred amongst them by the English but stately Buildings and other Ornaments of the Country whereas Dublin it self could not afford a place sit for King Henry II to lye in so that he was there forced to set up a long house composed of d Id pag. 4. Wattles after the manner of the Country therein to keep his f Riâ—h Stanibuâ—st lib 3. pag. 129. splendid Christmas But these glories and advantages some of them may think a discredit if not a ruine to their Nation and may fancie it as good to have their Kings as a Speeds Theater of Great Britain in Ireland in Vlster § 6. formerly to lap up their Coronation-sustenance without the assistance of Spoons or Hands and to sit in state naked within the bottom of a â—aldron at his Inauguration as to have Decencie and Manners Thrones or Magnificence amongst them However that which they supposed to ruine all you may guess at by this their complaint as old at least as King Edward the Thirds time as b Discovery of Ireland pag. 184. Sir John Davies supposeth c M S. F. 99 Laud p. 332. in Bibl. Bodl. Oxon. ex albo libro scaccarii Dublin By granting Charters of peace To falce Englishe withouten lesse This land shall be much undoe But d Gossipred a custom amongst them of trusting too much to God-fathers as they thought their Nurces and Forster-Children akin to them as Mother and Sister Gosipride and alterage And leesing of our Language Have mickley holpe thereto The truth is above all people they hated the English being willing that French Spaniard or any body else should rule them but those who do But of their Combinations and Overtures I shall go no higher then Queen Elizabeth though this following note by the way will not be amiss a M S. F. 99. fol. 185. Land in Bibl. Bodl. Oxon. Jehan du Tillet Recuil des Guerres Traitez d'entâ—e les Roys de France d' Angleterre fol. 157. Articles agreed upon between Francis I. King of France and James Fitzjohn Earl of Desmond Extracted by Tillet out of the Records in Paris Anno 1523. Francis I. King of France in a Treaty with James Fitzjohn Earl of b The French Copy calls him Jaques Conte de Cymonie Prince â—n Hybernie Desmond wherein he is stiled a Prince in Ireland It was accorded That as soon as the Kings Ships should land in Ireland the said Earl in person and at his own charge should take Armes against his Soveraign King Henry VIII not onely to conquer that part of the Kingdom wherein he lived which should be to the proper use and benefit of the said Earl except onely one Port which should be reserved for the French King for ever for to harbour his Ships in and that Port to be left at the Election of the King out of one of these three viz. d The French Copy reads thus Quinquesalle Core ou Drudal Kinsale Cork or Yoghal but also for to e As if he ever had it but no such matter restore the Duke of Suffolk to the Crown of England from whence he was banished and at the present living in France The Earl of Desmond for this War was to raise 400 Horse and 10000 Foot and if need required to increase them into 15000 or more The King Covenanted to entertain them at the rate of two Angels â—e peece for every man armed with Corsselets and Mayle for three months and for every man furnished onely with Swords and Halberts at one Angel le peece for the like time That for the draught of the Artillery which should be sent into that land by the King and the Duke of Suffolk the Earl should provide horses sufficient That after the War was begun the French King should not at any time make Truce or peace with the King of England without comprehending therein the said Earl and Turloghe O Brian with his Nephews That if King Henry VIII should after a Truce or Peace accorded make War upon the said Earl the French King
was to send them aid of Men Ships and Artillery That if during the said Truce or Peace the said Earls Subjects or Tenants should refuse to pay him such Rents and Duties as anciently they were accâ—stomed that then the said King at his own charge was to send two Ships well appointed to be at his command until the said Subjects or Tenants were reduced to their former obedience and the said Ships to be victualed by the Earl That the King should give unto the Earl of Desmond a convenient Pension during his life and unto David Mac Maurice the Earls Seneschâ—l an yearly Pension of a 500 Livres is about to pound Steâ—ling five hundred Livres during his life But this Treaty and its Conditions were never executed by reason the said French King Francis I was otherwise imployed in the Wars of Italy about the Dukedome of Milan and at the Famous battle of b Fâ—bâ—uaâ—y 24. 15â—â— Pavia was taken prisoner and carryed into Spainâ— and at the said fight was Richard de la Pole call'd Duke of Suâ—â—â—olk and by some also termed the White Rose slain And some years before viz. â—513 was his Brother Edmund Earl of Suffâ—olk beheaded on the Tower-hill in London for Treason Here we might also tell of Thomas Fitz Girald Earl of Kildare who solicited the Emperour Charles V to seise upon Ireland Caâ—â—â—d in Coâ—â—tain â—idar and fell into open acts of Hostility and Treason but leaving these let us haste to Queen Elizabeth's time where we shall finde the Tir-Oens who would intitle themselves O-Neals the greatest sticklers Con O-Neal sirnamed Bacco i. e. the lame was such an enemy to the English though Henry VIII bare him some favour that he left a solemn curse upon his Posterity if they ever sowed Wheat 〈◊〉 pag. â—4 spake English or built houses yet he was by Henry VIII created Earl of c Tyrone and to him his son John i. e. Shan succeeded but not content with that Title would make himself greater by a bâ—rbâ—rous kinde of Election viz. throwing up his shooe over his head took upon him the Title of O-Neal and takes up Arms against the Queen but finding himself too weak he went into d England no question in pomp enough having his Guard of e Gallâ— glasses bare-headed curl'd long hair yellow Frocks 〈…〉 Saffron or Piss long Sleeves short Coats with hairy 〈◊〉 Thus falling down at the Queens feet confess'd 〈…〉 and Rebellion with howling and so obtain'd pardon 〈…〉 continued not long in this obedience and scorning the â—iâ—le of Earl of Tir-Oen Baron of Duncannon conferr'd upon him by Queen Elizabeth he would again on his own head reâ—ssume the great name of O-Neal vaunt himself the King of Vâ—â—â—â—r leavie Forces offer the Kingdom of Ireland to Mary 15â—â— Queen of Scots and so hated the English that he built a Castle in f Lake Eaugh which some also call Logh-Sidney in honour of 〈◊〉 Henry Sidney then Lord Deputy of Ireland which he named â—eâ—ghnegall i. e. Hatred to the English Nay he went so far as to strangle some of his own men because they eat English bread Thus he created some troubles but at last in his Cups was stab'd by those he most confided in Of him 't is Recorded that he was such a Drunkard that to a Camdens Elizab. anno 1567. cool his body when too much inflam'd with Wine and Uskabagh he would cause himself to be buryed in earth up to the chin Shan thus dead a Parliament met at Dublin where 't was b Id. in Britan pag. 776. enacted that for the future none should take upon them the name and title of O-Neal yet Queen Elizabeth wink'd at Turlogh Leinigh of the House of O-Neal when by a popular Election he was saluted by the name of O-Neal thinking to get no disturbance by him being of a quiet spirit but in this she was mistaken so powerfully did his friends work upon him in opposition to her Majesty Now when nothing but peace was expected Edmund and Peter year 1569 Boteler c The M S. life of Sir John Perot saith The Earl of Ormonds three Brethren Brothers to the Earl of Ormond with James Fitz-Morice of the House of Desmond and Mac Cartie-More with others flee into Rebellion thinking with the Assistance of the Pope and Spain to thrust out Elizabeth to inflame this the more Don Juan de Mendoza was sent out of Spain But the Earl of Ormond troubled at his Brothers actions hastes out of England to them perswades them to submit and obtain'd the Queens pardon for them The rest were pursued as obstinate and rebellious As for James Fitz-Morice he was so hunted from place to place by the care and industry of Sir John Perrot Lord President of Munster that at last he was forced to submit himself unto the Queens Mercy so the President being at Church in Kilmalock Fitz-Morice comes to him howling and crying for Pardon Perrot caus'd him to prostrate himself and take the d M S. life of Sir John Perot point of his the Presidents naked Sword next to his heart in token that he had received his life at the Queens hands But waving such as these let us hasten to more dangerous exploits and first it is not amiss to know that there was one Thomas Stukley of an ancient and good Family neer Illfracombe in Devonshire and of him a few words by the by Though his parts were good and quick yet his prodigality soon made an end of his estate which in a younger brother as he was is quickly spent yet having a lofty minde he cast about how to live and command over others At last Florida then newly found out in America came into his thoughts and this forsooth he would people not doubting but in time to make himself Prince thereof as may appear by his bold and ambitious Speeches with Queen Elizabeth upon the desire of her assistance for these his projects Concluding with her Stuk. I prefer rather to be Soveraign of a Mole-hill then the highest Subject to the greatest Monarch in Christendom For I am certain to be a Prince before my death Q. Eliz. I hope I shall hear from you when you are setled in your Kingdom Stuk. I will write unto you Q. Eliz. In what language Stuk. In the stile of Princes To our dear Sister At which the great Queen was so far from indignation that she rather pityed and smiled at his impertinences But this his vain designe for Florida sailing for want of money and having spent all he was forced to flee into Ireland where after some stay the better to support his wants he endeavour'd to obtain the Stewardship of Wexford but being disappointed of it he fell into a rage dapperly venting his passion against the Queen and her Government and in this beggerly fury and discontent ships himself for Italy where according to his nature boasting of his own worth and actions and
adversus Turcas pro recuperanda Terra Sancta bellentes consequuntur de Omnipotentis Dei misericordia 〈◊〉 Beatorum Petri Pauli Apostolorum ejus authoritate confisi tribuimus elargimur praesentibus quoad dicti Johannes Jacobus fratres vixerint duraturis Quoniam autem difficile esset has nostras Litteras ad omnium quorum interest notitiam pervenire volumus ut earum exemplis â—â—â—am impressis manu Notarii Publici subscriptis sigilloque persâ—nae in dignitate Ecclesiastica constitutae obsignatis plena ac certa sides ubique habeatur ac si praesentes essent exhibitae vel ostensae Dâ—tis Romae apud Sanctum Petrum sub Annulo Piscatoris die XIII Maii MD LXXX Pontificatis nostri anno VIII Caes Glorierius 〈◊〉 per D. Generalem S. Cruciata Commissariorum Johannes de la Rumbide As for Desmond the chief of the Fitz-Geralds having run so â—â—r into Treason and so resolved for his wicked cause that he â—wore that He would rather for sake God then for sake his 〈◊〉 And having no where to secure himself he wandred from 〈◊〉 place to place and was at last found out in a poor Cottage by a common Souldier who there shew him cut off his head sent it into England where as the Head of an Arch-Traytor it was set on a Decemb. 13. London-bridge Now was Sir John Perot sent over Lord-Deputy of Ireland having received the Sword according to custom he set himself to bring the Nation wholly unto the Queens obedience he justly prosecuted a Fryar for bringing Letters and Bulls from the Pope M S. life of Sir John Perot to encourage the Rebellion and hunted him out of his Bishoprick which the Fryar foolishly thought he had lawful right to and possession of because the Pope and such Forraign powers had given him a paper-Authority under their fists to enter into and exercise the charge and jurisdiction of the said Bishoprick He also summoned a Parliament at Dublin consisting of the year 1585 three Estates whither to make them more affected with decency and in time to wean them from their rudeness he commanded all to appear in English Habits for the better performance of which Id. M S. he fâ—eely bestowed both Gowns and Cloaks of Velvet and Satten on Turlough Leinigh call'd O-Neal and others the chief of them yet did the Irish think themselves more glorious in their beggerly Mantles or Ruggs then in such Gentile and Civil Habits cufrom weighing more with some men then reason or convenience as Cooree and the rest of his Country men in the Bay of Souldania neer the Cape of Good hope in Africa had rather adorn their heads with Cows-dung their Necks with Guts and Garbage and their bodies with filthy skins then wear Hats Jewels and other comely Attire The Queen to work more upon the Irish wink'd at their Religion and commanded that the Oath of Allegiance should not be offer'd or administrated to any of them and farther restored Hugh O-Neal Baron of Dunganon to the Title of Tyr-Oen and those of his Ancestors yet would not these favours gain them the Chieftains still expecting assistance from Spain to be better informed of which Sir John Perrot kept several spies in that Kingdom Id. M S. four of whom were once taken and put to the Rack by the Marquess Santa la Crusse whereof three of them dyed To name all the Tumults and Rebellions that hapned in the several parts of this Kingdom would be tedious the landings of the Hebredian Scots High landers or Redshanks the rising up of the a Bourghs the Mahones of Brien O-Rork of Hugh O-Donnel of Mac-Guire of O-Madan of Mac-Hugh and several others Nor shall I mention the famous exploits acted against them by Sir Richard Bingham of Dorcetshire and several others to bring them to obedience In short the Arch-Rebel of all was Tir Oen one that had received both pardon and many favours from the Queen and had several times vowed obedience to her He had for some time kept himself outwardly pretty fair but in the mean time perswaded all the rest to Rebellion And at last himself fleeth out too and boldly arrogates to himself the Title of O-Neal a Title that the Irish year 1593 have the highest Reverence for though he had formerly sworn never to do any such thing and by Act of Parliament at Dublin it was declared Treason to take up that Title The next year Tir-Oen submitteth himself on his Knees to Sir year 1594 William Russel youngest son to Bedford then Lord Deputy of Ireland and so he was dismiss'd But this good out-side lasted not long presently flying out to open Rebellion seising on what places he can for which he was proclaimed Traytor by the Name of Hugh O-Neâ—l Son of Matthew a i. e. The Blackâ—â—ith Matthew being supposed to be the son of a Black-smith of Dandalke yet Câ—n was acquainted with his wife Fadareugh Bastard to Con O-Neal c. Tir-Oen with one hand begs assistance from Spain with the other with false Treaties and a dissembling tongue cheats Sir John Norris the famous but in Ireland too credulous Souldier and the Lord Deputy by which he got another pardon But the same month that he got his pardon he fleeth out again to his old trade and carryed his business so cunningly that he got many followers several Provinces and places revolting to him year 1596 nor did there appear any able to oppose him Thus in his pride year 1598 he writes to the Spaniards wherein he magnified his own Victories and withal desired the King that if any should inform him as if he desired to make peace with the English or submit to the Queen not to believe such reports for that he was resolved against all such Treaties or Submission but would constantly keep his faith given to the Spaniard And yet at the mean time the more to amuse the English he did both by Letters and Messengers intercede to be taken into pardon once again But this was upon capitulations where his extravagant demands shew'd the intention of the man The next year Robert d'Eureux Earl of Essex being Lord year 1599 Deputy he and Tir-Oen had too much discourse and familiarity together and clapt up an odd Truce for some time so Essex returns for England is secured tryed condemn'd and executed In which b Protestants Plea and Petition for Priests and â—apists pag. 58. conspiracie were also ingaged M. Catesby Tresham Thomas Winter the two Wrights and Grant who afterwards suffer'd in the Gunpowder-Treason In the mean time Tir-Oen takes opportunity to break the Cessation falls to open war to which he was incouraged by the promises of the Spaniards and the Letter of the Pope and thus puft up he looks upon himself as Monarch of all Ireland and so makes James Fitz-Thomas Earl of Desmond as one who was a profest enemy to the English Government but slave enough to the Spaniard though he hated
his own Queen as appears by his slaunders against her and his respect to Philip both which these following Letters will testifie To the most Mighty Monarch of World the Great King M S. F. 97. Laud. in Bibl. Bâ—dl â—xon fol. 180. of Spain give this at his Princely Palace of Madril Most Mighty Monarch I Humbly salute your Imperial Majesty giving your Highness to understand of our great misery and violent order wherewith we are of long time opprest by the English Nation Their Government is such as Pharaoh himself never used the like for they content not themselves with all Temporal Superiority but by cruelty desire our bloud and perpetual destruction to blot out the whole remembrance of our Posterity as also our old Catholick Religion and to swear that the Queen of England is Supreme of the Cburch I refer the consideration thereof to your Mâ—jesties high judgement the rather for that Nero in his time was far inferiour to this Queen in cruelty Wherefore and for the respects thereof Right Mighty Potentate my self with my followers and retainers and being also requested by the Bishops Prelates and Religious men of my Country have drawn my Sword and proclaimed Wars against them for the recovery first of Christs Catholick Religion and next for the maintenance of my own Right which of long time hath been wrongfully detained from me and my Father who by right succession was lawful heir to the Earldom of Desmond for he was eldest son to James my Grandfather also Earl of Desmond and for that my Vncle Gerald being the younger Brother took part with the wicked proceedings of the Queen of England to farther the unlawful claim of Supremacy usurped the name of Earl of Desmond in my Fathers true Title yet notwithstanding he had not long enjoyed his name of Earl when the wicked English annoyed him and prosecuted Wars that he with the most part of those that held of his side was slain and his Country thereby planted with Englishmen And now by the just judgement and providence of God I have utterly rooted these Malepart a a Boughs bowse out of the Orchard of my Country and have profited so much in my proceedings that my dâ—sterly Enemies dare not shew their faces in any part of my Country but having taken my Towns and Cities for their refuge and strength where they do remain as it were Prisoner for want of means to assail them as Cannon and Powder which my Country cannot yeild Having these wants most noble Potentate I have presumed with all humility to address these my Letters to your High Majesty craving the same of your gracious clemency and goodness to assist me in this godly enterprise with some help of such necessaries for the Wars as your Majesty shall think requisite and after the quiet of my Country satisfaction shall be truely made for the sâ—me and my self in person with all my forces shall be ready to serve your Highness in any Country your Majesty shall command me And if your Majesty will vouchsafe to send me a competent number of Souldiers I will place them in some of my Towns and Cities to remain in your gracious disposition till such time as my ability shall make good what your Majesty shall lend me in money and Munition and also your Majesties high Commission under the Broad Seal for leading and conducting these Souldiers according to the Prescript Order and Articles of martial discipline as your Majestie shall appoint me and as the service of this Land shall require I praise the Almighty God I have done by his goodness more then all my Predecessors for I have reclaim'd all the Nobility of this part of Ireland under the dutiful obedience of Christs Church and mine own Authority and accordingly have taken Pledges and Corporal Oaths never to swerve from the same and would have sent them to your Majestie by this Bearer but that the Ship was not of sufficiencie nor strength to carrie so Noble Personages and will send them whensoever your Highness please So there resteth nothing to quiet this part of the World but your Majesties assistance which I daily expect Thus most Mighty Monarch I humbly take my leave and do kiss your Royal hands beseeching the Almighty of your Majesties health and happiness Your Majesties most humble at all command James Desmond From my Camp the XIV of March MD XCIX Copia vera concordans cum Originali examinat per Tho. White Mayor of Waterford Another Letter of the same date To the most mighty Monarch of the World the Great King of Spain give these at his most Princely Palace at Madrid YOur Majesty shall understand that the Bearer hereof Captain M S. F 97. fol. 188. Andrew Roche hath been always in the service of the Queen of England and hath performed her manifold services at Sea whereby he had great preferment and credit and being of late time conversant with Catholicks and â—eachers of Divine Instructions that were sorry for his lewd life made known unto him the danger wherein his soul was So that by their godly perswasions he was at that time reclaimed and converted to be a good Catholick and to spend the residue of his life in the defence and service of the Church Since which time of reconcilement he was to repair to your Majesty with his Ship and Goods as 't is well known to your Highness Council who consiscated that Ship to your Majesties use himself being at that time strucken with extream sickness that he was not able to proceed in the Voyage and when his company return'd into Ireland they reported that the a a Adelantado or the Spanish Admiral Lantado wished rather his Person then his Ship which made him fearful ever since to repair thâ—ther till he should deserve his freedom by some worthy service to your Majesty The b b Let some Romanist tell us the meaning of this for none was Hâ—â—buâ— King 〈◊〉 Vâ— of 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 England Heir Apparent to the Crown of England had been carryed â—y him to your Highness but that he was bewrayed by some of his own men and thereby was intercepted and himself taken prisoner where he remain'd so long till by the providence of God and the help of good friends he was convey'd into Ireland to me in a small boat â—â—d having thâ—se occasions to your Majesty and being assured of his trust faith and confidence towards me have committed this charge into his hands the rather for that I understand your Royal Fleet is directed for England this year to the end he may be a Leader and Condâ—ctor to them in the Coast of England and Ireland being very expert in the knowledge thereof and in the whole Art of Navigation And thus with all humility I commit your Highness to the Almighty Your Majesties most humble at all command James Desmond From my Camp the XIV or March MD LXXXXIX Copia vera concordans cum Originali examinat
disobedience to these Acts and the other Laws of the Realm And the several designes and plots against her to take away both her Kingdoms and Life might not onely oblige her to look to her self but also move her to a greater severity then she was naturally addicted to Yet hitherto it was not death for Priests or Jesuits to be in England if they did nothing else But some XIV years after this the Queen and Parliament supposed they had Reason to b 27 Eliz. cap. 2. Enact it Treason and Death onely for being found here yet they were so far from catching any one in a Trap or without warning that by the said Act they all had time given to transport themselves freely without any Attachment with liberty to take Ship at what Port they pleas'd the time allotted them being forty days after the ending of that present Session of Parliament Nay farther that if any were sick then upon security they might remain in the Kingdom six Months longer and then to depart And all this was more favourable then the Protestants received from Queen Mary Let us also add that those whom she had in prison she sent over upon her own charges and with kinde usage so far was she from thirsting after bloud as some would have her for confirmation thereof take one Certificate of twenty Jesuits and Priests and one Gentleman sent from the Tower of London Marshalsee and Kings-bench TO all Magistrates Officers and Ministers within the Realm of England or elsewhere to whom it may any wise appertain This may be to give certification that we whose names are here under-written who were imbarked at the Tower-wharfe of London the 21 of January 1584 and there received into the charge of Mr. a a One of the Yeomen Ushers to the Queens Chamber William Bolles and Mr. b b A Skinner of London Antony Hall by Commission from their Lordships and other her Majesties most honourable Privy-Council Have been by them the said William Bolles and Antony Hall very friendly and honestly intreated and with careful diligence safely conducted transported and conveyed to the Province of Normandy and by them left this third day of February according to the English Computation in the year of Christ 1584. Which said Bolles and Hall have in Our presence paid the c c Matthew Sâ—â—uâ—t Master of the d d Call'd the Mary Maâ—tin of Câ—lchâ—ster Bark which Transported us for the whole Fraught and Victuals in the Ship for the time of our remaining aboard And generally so well us'd us in all respects that we cannot but acknowledge our selves much beholden to them and fully satisfied in having been committed to the charge of so courteous Officers sith the case standeth so with us that we are banished our Country contrary to our desires wherein we take no little grief of minde For Testimony whereof we have hereto set our several hands this present third of February 1584. a a The first Jesuite that came into England he was son to the Epigâ—ammatist Jasper Heiwood b b Disputed with Dr. Jo. Rainolds John Hart William Tedder Arthur Pits Richard Slake Richard Norris c c Return'd into England call'd Bishop of Calcedon and wrote William Bishop d d A Jesuit return'd into England and wrote some Books Thomas Stephanson Christopher Tomson John Barnes e e Continued Sanders de Schismate ungrateful to the Queen Edward Rishton James Bosgrave Samuel Coniers f f Return'd into England wrote for the Oath of Allegiance William Warmington William Hartlie g g Return'd and executed at Mile-end Green 1588. William Dean h h Return'd executed at Lancaster 1560. Robert Nutter i i Return'd wrote in behalf of the Secular-Priests John Colleton k k Return'd wrote several Books was the chief man in putting out the Doway Notes on the Old Test Thomas Worthington William Smith Henry Orton Gentleman The next year also the Queen sent over XXXII more Priests and Jesuits and with what civility and kinde usage they were Transported I shall refer you to l Chron. fol. â—10 col 1. Stow or Howe 's for their own Certificate But to proceed we might shew at large even by the Confession of Romanists themselves that the Queen did nothing against the said Romanists but even what she was necessitated to do for the preservation of her self and Kingdom of which two or three instances will not be amiss William Watson a zealous Roman Priest and one who afterwards suffer'd for Treason confesseth how the a Quodlibets pag. 265. Pope plotted her destruction and that as he hinteth by the Instigâ—â—on of some English before which Her Majestie used us kindely for the space of the first ten years of her Highness Raign the State of the Catholicks in England that while was tolerable and after a sort in some good quiet Such as for their conscience were imprisoned or in durance were very mercifully dealt withal the state and change of things then considered some being appointed to remain with such their friends as they themselves made choice of others were placed with Bishops and others with Deans and had their Dyets at their Tables with such convenient Walks and Lodgings as did well content them They that were in ordinary Prisons had all such liberty and commodities as the place and their Estate could afford them Yea even thus much and more doth Parsons confess in his Philopater as also Father Creswell in his Scribe to the like effect b Id. pag. 266. How great quiet the State and Court was in for twelve years space no talk of Treasons or Conspiracies no Jealousies nor Suspicions no Envie nor Supplications no fear of Murtherings nor Massacrings no question of Conscience nor Religigion all lived in quiet content and right good fellowship was amongst them c. and then he confesseth that the Jesuits were the cause of the Laws against them Agnus Dei Medals Holy-grains c. He goeth on thus c Pag. 267. 268. I held directly that both her Majesties Laws and Proceedings against all sorts of Catholicks have been milde and merciful the opinion and judgement of her Highness in Religion one way and their foresaid practices against her another way duly consider'd The same Romanist having almost above measure commended the Queens d Id. pag. 274 276. Wisdom and Government seems to wonder why the Priests should be molested and though he saith their Afflictions have been extraordinary yet he also acknowledgeth so also hath the cause thereof been extraordinary and so far beyond the accustomed occasions of persecution given to any Prince in Christendom or Monarchie that is or ever was in the world to this hour unless the PURITANS of Scotland which P. 277. may in some sort equal the offence here to be set down as rather it is to be wondred at all things duly considered that any one Catholick is left on life in
of all Dominion Dignity and Priviledge whatsoever And also declare the Nobility Subjects and People of that Kingdom and all others who have in any sort sworn unto her to be for ever absolved from any such Oath and from all manner of Duty of Dominion Allegiance and Obedience to her As We also do by the Authority of these presents Absolve them and Deprive the same Elizabeth of her pretended Title to the Kingdom and all other things abovesaid And We command and forbid all and every the Noblemen Subjects People and others aforesaid that they presume not to obey her or her Monitions Mandats or Laws and those who shall do otherwise then here commanded we do involve them in the same sentence of Anathema And because it would be a matter of too much difficulty to convey these presents to all places wheresoever it should be needful Our will is that the Copies thereof under a publick Notaries hand and seal'd with the Seal of an Ecclesiastical Prelate or of his Court shall carry altogether the same credit with all people judicially and extrajudicially as the a a The Original presents should do if they were exhibited or shew'd Dated at Rome at S. Peters in the year of Christ 1569. 24 of February in the Fifth year of Our Popedom Cae. Glorierius H. Cumyn As I shall not trouble the Reader with the divers Readings and Words though the sence be the same which happens some times in several Copies and Editions of this Bull neither shall I concern my self with the true Date of it as how the fifth year of this mans Popedom cometh to be 1569 which rather falls out 1570 in which year some also Date it but in what I have done I follow the Lord a Reports part 5. Coke Mr. b Eliz. anno 1570. Cambden c De Scotorum fortitud lib. 4. cap. 1. p. 265. David Camerarius d Summa Constituâ—onom pag. 624 625. Peter Matthaeus e De Sâ—hismate Anglicanâ— lib. 3. pag 368 369 c. Nicolas Sanders with some others Though all is not Gospel which drops from the last mans pen his tongue being no slander yet out of his inventions will Spondanus and suchlike Forreigners spoil their Church-stories of England Mr. Cambden saith that the Pope did secretly Anathematize the Queen in 1569 but did not publish it till the year after But lâ—t it be as it will the Learned Juel Bishop of Salisbury writ a Tract a little after Printed against it as coming into England and to his hands 1569. And they themselves confess that this year the Pope sent Dr. Nicolas Morton a Priest from Rome into England to f Anno Dâ—mini 1569. R. D. Nic. Moâ—ton S. T D. In Angliam misit ut ceâ—tâ—s iâ—lust ibus Catholicis vit is Authoritate Apostolica Denunciaret Elizabetham quae tune retum potiâ—batur Hâ— eâ—cam esle ob eamque causam omni Dominio potestate quam in Catholicos usurpabat jure ipso excidiâ—le iâ—puneq â—b illis velut Ethnicam Publicanam haberi posse nec cos illius legibus aut Mandatis deinceps obâ—â—ire cogi Nic. Sanders de visibili Monarch lib. 7. pag. 730. § 2036 2037. declare in his name that the Queen was an Heretick and so had no right to rule and that she ought to be looked upon no otherwise then an Infidel Pagan nor in any thing to be obey'd Accordingly Morton gets into England shews the Papal Curse or Censure Argument enough to authorize a Rebellion the designe is laid every where many are prepared and in a readiness the Plot being thought glorious and g Illorum Nobilium laudanda Consilia Sanders ib. praise-worthy but the main let it seemeth was that the Queens deprivation by the Bull was not spread carefully enough about to let all Romanists know of it But in the North remain'd the greatest resolution Upon which the Queen especially suspecting the Earls of Northumberland and Westmerland sent to them to appear before her but they jealous of their own guilt in this neither obey her nor her Lord-Lieutenant of the North Thomas Radclyffe Earl of Sussex Resident at York So being pusht on by their followers hoping not to want friends and partakers in England to have some help from Scotland and that Succors would not be wanting them from Alva in the Netherlands in behalf of Spain which were appointed to land at Hartilpool in the Bishoprick of Durham the great contriver and carrier on of all these designes being Pius V as Bishop h Answer to Sir Anthony Weldons Court of King James p. 55. a M S. Goodman himself doth confess Thus incourag'd they flee to Arms tear and trample under feet the English Bibles and Common prayer-Books command all people to joyn with them by Proclamation declaring now this now that in some of their Colours being painted the five wounds of Christ in others the Chalice at last they get to Clifford-Moor not far from Wetherby in the West-Riding of Yorkshire where they Muster and found their strength to consist of betwixt four and five thousand Sussex and others making head against i You may see some of their names in the Act 13 Eliz cap. 1â— them they retreat Northwards and at last perceiving their weakness divide flee every man shifting for himself The two Earls get into Scotland thence Westmerland slips into the Netherlands and lived at Lovaine very poorly under the Spanish Pension But Northumberland was delivered up to the English and beheaded at York 1572 and was look'd upon by the Romanists as a glorious and holy a Concertat Eccles Cathol in Anglia part 2. fol. 46 49. Sand. de Schism Angl. l. 3. p. 363. de visib Monarch pag. 732 Martyr and the drops of his bloud as Sanctified Relicks And in many other places of the North several were executed the better to terrifie Posterity who also are reckon'd as renowned Martyrs But here passing by the Insurrections of the Dacres's as coming to no great head I shall return to the foresaid Papal Bull. This Bull being Printed at Rome was by some b Ita divinitus comparatum est Sand. de visib Mon. pag. 374. Heavenly means for so they word it convey'd into the hands of one John Felton who that the good Romanists might have cognizance of such their Rebelling Priviledges boldly sticks it up on the Bishop of Londons Palace-gates in Pauls Church-yard May 25. 1570. and so stout he was that he scorn'd to withdraw himself or flee for his own security upon which he is seiz'd on clapt up in the Tower confesseth what he had done and vindicates the fact being so far from acknowledging the Queen to be his Prince or Soveraign that he only called her the Pretended Queen affirming he had done her no wrong she forsooth having nothing to do in the Throne being justly deprived by the Pope For which he is condemn'd and suffer'd as a Traytor in the said Church-yard August
bosome telling him that he had some desire to relieve the oppressed Romanists in England which he would resolutely undertake if the Pope and other learned Divines would warrant the lawfulness of the Action Old a By him it was resolved that he might lay violent han is upon her Majesty and commended in that resolution and encouraged thereunto These are the words of W. C. that is Clarke the Priest in his Reply to a Libel of Fa. Parsons fol. 60. b. Palmio assures him of the lawfulness of the Enterprise commends his Zeal and incourageth him in it This done he commends him to Campeggio the Popes Nuntio at Venice by whose means he wrote to the Pope Gregory XIII declaring to his Holiness his designe and desiring of him a Pass-port or Safe-conduct to go to Rome to confer with him about it The Safe-conduct is sent him but not ample enough and so desires one more full which is promis'd In the mean time he falls acquainted with Christofero de Salazar Secretary to the Spanish King in Venice to whom he had also open'd somewhat of his intent For the better carrying on of the journey and good will he gets the said Secretary to commend him to the Duke di Nova Terra Governour of Milan and to Conde Olivaris then Spanish Ambassador at Rome which is promis'd Parry having staid at Venice some time returns to Lyons whither was sent to him a sufficient Safe-conduct from Rome assuring him that he might go and come in the b In verbo Pontificis per omnes jurisdictiones Ecclesiasticas absque impedimento word of a Pope through all the Church-Dominions without any let or hindrance But this came too late he being obliged to go to Paris where he meets with c Onâ— that solâ—â—â—ted the Queen of Seâ—s â—ffairs of him see moâ—e in a Book caâ—l'd The Estate of the English Faguâ—ves pag. 51 52 53 printed 1596 Thomas Morgan who told him that it was now expected that he should do some notable service to God and the Catholick Church In short Parry there undertook to kill the Queen if it were warranted to him by some Learned Divines and if his Holiness would grant him a full pardon Aniball à Codretto a noted Jesuit then in Paris and Provincial of Guienne lovingly receives him commends and confesseth him Morgan recommends him to Râ—gazzoni the Popes Nuncio then at Paris who received him kindely sent his Letters to the Pope promised to remember him in his Prayers and wished him good success And the better to incourage him Morgan assured him d Thomas Kaâ— Ã faithful fâ—â—â—nd to the Qâ—â—en of Scoâ—s and so at this time forced to â—ecuâ—e himselâ— in France He was Father â—o Rob. Car Earl of Sommâ—rset 1583. that the Laird b Ferneburst then in Paris should presently go into Scotland and be ready upon the first news of the Queens fall to enter England with 20 or 30000 men in behalf of the Queen of Scots then in England Parry thus incouraged leaves France lands at Rye so goeth to London where he contrives the better to get access to the Queen and credit with her to discover how he had been perswaded to kill her which he doth at White-Hall as cunningly as he can the Queen gave him hearing and began to put some confidence in him In the mean time the Mastership of St. Catherines falls void which thinking he had gain'd the Queens favour he endeavours by Petition to get for himself Whilst he was following this suit Letters came to him from Rome from Cardinal Como wherein he found his enterprise commended and allowed the Paper it self take as followeth Mon Signoâ—e LA Santita di N. S. ha veduto le lettere di V. S. del primo con la fede inclusa non può se non laudare la buona dispositione resolutione che scrive di tenere verso il servitiò beneficio publico nel che la Santita sua essorta di perseverare con ferne riuscire li effetti che V. S. promette Et acchioche tanto maggiormente V. S. sia ajutata da quel buon Spirito che l'ha mosso le concede sua Beneditione plenaria Indulgenza Remissione di tutti li peccati secondo che V. S. ha Chiesto Assicurandosi che oltre il merito che n' ha vera in cielo vuole anco sua Santita constituirsi debitore a rico noscere li meriti di V. S. in ogni miglior modo che potra ciotanto piu quanto che V. S. usa maggior modestia in non pretender niente Metta dunque ad effetto li suoi Santi honorati pensieri attenda a star sano Che per fine io me le offero di cuore le desidero ogni buono felice successo Al piacerdi U. S. N. Cardinale di Como Di Roma il 30di Gennaio MD LXXXIV Sir HIs Holiness hath seen your Letter of the first with the Certificate inclosed And cannot but commend the good disposition and resolution which you write to hold towards the service and common good wherein his Holiness doth exhort you to persevere and to bring to effect that which you have promised And that you may be the more assisted by that good spirit which hath moved you thereunto His Holiness granteth unto you his Blessing Plenary Indulgence and Remission of all your sins according as you have desired Assuring you that besides the Merit which you shall receive for so doing in Heaven His Holiness will farther make himself debtor to acknowledge your deservings in the best manner that he can And the more because you use the greater modesty in not pretending any thing or reward Put therefore to effect your Holy and Honourable purposes and regard your health And to conclude I offer my self unto you heartily and desire you all good and happy success At your service N. Card. di Como Rome January 30. 1584. What was the meaning of this Letter Parry himself shall tell you of which in his Confession thus In March last while I was at Greenwich as I remember suing for S. Katherines came Letters to me from Cardinal Como dated at Rome the last of January before whereby I found The Enterprise commended and allowed and my self absolved in his Holiness name of all my sins and willed to go forward in the name of God It confirm'd my Resolution to KILL her and made it clear in my Conscience that it was LAWFVL AND MERITORIOVS Here we have him a And Bishop Gâ—odman in his answer to Sir Ant. Weldons Court of King James saith that Car. Como incouraged Parry to kill the Queen pag. 85 86. a Manuscript confirm'd in his wickedness and it was no small addition to this the denyal he had of St. Catherines Mastership In this passion he address'd himself to Mr. Edmund Nevil who claimed the Inheritance of the Nevils Earls of Westmerland and the Title of Lord Latimer as next Heir-male
Royal Dignity Titles Rights and Pretences to England and Ireland declares her Illegitimate and an Vsurper of the Kingdoms and absolves all her Subjects from their Obedience and Oaths of Allegiance due to her So he expresly commandeth all under pain and penaltie of Gods wrath to yeild her no Obedience Aid or Favour whatsoever but to imploy all their power against her and to joyn themselves with the Spanish Forces who will not hurt the Nation nor alter their Laws or Priviledges onely punish the wicked Hereticks Therefore by these presents We Declare that it is not onely lawful but commendable to lay hands on the said Usurper and other her adherents and for so doing they shall be well Rewarded And lastly to all these Roman assistants is liberally granted a Plenary Indulgence and remission of all their sins Here we have the sum of this Treasonable Libel with which Allen thought to do great matters against his Queen and Country and these were prepared to be spread abroad the Kingdom upon the Spaniards landing yet no sooner is the news known of their defeat but Allen calls in the Impression burning all he could lay his hands on onely some few escaped his Fingers both he and the Printer having before given some Copies to their Friends The Romanists for the most part priz'd it dearly though some more sober disliked it as too severe yet some others we need not Question might be of the Jesuit Currey's opinion viz. That it was a work of thaâ— worth as it would yet bite in time to Quodlibets pag. 240. come This Invasion was very much assisted by the English Romanists though not by all for the Lord Montague and some others were against it In Flanders lay Charles Nevil Earl of Westmerland the Lord Pagit Sir William Stanley with about seven hundred more English ingaged and ready to joyn with the Prince of Parma against their own Country What Company in England would have taken their parts I know not This is certain that Philip Earl of Arundel the unfortunate Eldest Son of Norfolk was unhappily too much Priest ridden which procured his imprisonment and a tryal the cause of all which might be laid to Allen who had such a sway and power over the said Earl that he could make him do any thing And the Earl was over-perswaded to set his affection on the Spanish Fleet rejoycing at its coming praying heartily for its success and grieved beyond measure at its overthrow But he is not the first Nobleman who confided too much in bad counsel and whose Zeal for Religion hurryed him on to inconveniences As for Cardinal Allen he was born in Lancashire of good Parentage was bred up at Oxford in Orial-Colledge where he was Proctor was preferr'd to a Canonship in York in Queen Elizabeth's days quits England becometh Pensioner to the Spaniard to carry on whose designes against his Queen and County he was very industrious for which service Sixtus V. created him a Cardinal 1587. August 7 and he dyed at Rome 1594. October 16. We have formerly shown his seditious and King deposing Principles of which his foresaid Admonition will give a farther Quodlibets pag 240 241 247. proof and who were the Promoters of this Invasion his own words will best tell you The King of Spain at length as well by his Holiness Authoritie and Exhortation as by his own unspeakable Zeal and Piety moved also not a little by My humble and continual suit together with the afflicted and banished Catholicks of our Nation of all and every Degree who have been by his special compassion and Regal Munificencie principallie supported in this our long Exile hath condescended at last to take upon him this so Holy and Glorious an Act c. And then proceeds to incourage nay and threaten too the English to take up Arms against their Queen and to joyn with the Spaniards and the other Invaders If you will avoid the Popes the Kings and other Princes high indignation let no man of what degree soever Obey Abet Aid Defend or Acknowledge her c. Adding That otherwise they should incur the Angels Curse and Malediction and be as deeply Excommunicated as any because that in taking her part they should fight against God against their a How cometh Philip to be lawful King of England Vid. Tho. Bels Anatomy pag. 98 124. lawful King against their Country and notwithstanding all they should do they should but defend her bootless to their own present destruction and eternal shame As for the Secular Priests you shall hear Watson and Bluet the chief of them thus Confess We had some of us greatly approved the said Rebellion highly extol'd the Rebels and pitifully bewail'd their ruine and overthrow Many of our affections were knit to the Spaniards and for our obedience to the Pope we all do profess it The attempt both of Pope and Spaniard failing in England his Holiness as a Temporal Prince displayed his Banner in Ireland the Plot was to deprive her Highness first from that Kingdom if they could and then by degrees to depose her from this In all these Plots none more forward then many of us that were Priests These are the words set down in the Book call'd b Pag. 15. Important Considerations composed by Bluet and Watson two Priests As for the Jesuits but of Parsons I shall treat more particularly hereafter you shall hear what c C. W. A Reply to Father Paâ—sons Libel fol. 64 65. Clark the Priest saith who with Watson suffer'd afterwards for Treason against King James First it is most certain that all the world had very admirable expectance of that Army and the Jesuits more then any Secondly it is plain by the Cardinals Book d They would hint to us as if Parsons were the Compiler of the Admonition but 't is certain that Allen was the Author of it his name being to it and Pitseus with the other Romanists confessing Allen to be the Author if it were his written as a preparative to that action that he was made Cardinal of purpose for that Exploit and to have been sent hither presently upon the Spaniards Conquest But Father Parsons saith that he labour'd to set forward at that time the Cardinals preferment if you will believe him which maketh it evident a primo ad ultimum that Father Parsons was a dealer in that action Thirdly it is certain that the Jesuits in Rome were great with the Spanish Ambassador-Leger there and had great recourse unto him when the matter was on foot doth not this then argue them to be concurrers thereunto Fourthly it is likewise most true that the English Jesuits in Rome appropriated certain Palaces in London to themselves to fall unto their lots when this matter was in handling to wit Burghley-house Bridewel and another which I have forgot making themselves cock-sure of their already-devoured Prey This all the Students that lived in the e Viz. The English Colledge at Rome
goeth to Greenwich where the Court then was watcheth opportunity and being informed that the Queen was to ride abroad goeth to her Horse holds him according to his place and cunningly puts strong poyson upon the Pummel of the Saddle yet saying with a loud voice as she mounted God save the Queen But such was the providence that her Majesty neither in getting up riding or getting down once touch'd the Pummel yet he doubted not but that in time it would work the intended ruine fully perswaded the Queen had laid her hands on it Presently after this the Earl of Essex set sail for the Island-voyage against the Spaniard And in this Fleet Squire ventured once more as a Souldier with which he return'd into England and lived for some time securely not thinking that he should ever be discover'd But see the luck on 't of this poyson being great expectation amongst some and seeing no signes of any such effect they became incensed against Squire thinking that he had left them and the Cause in the lurch and meerly deluded them Thus jealous and inraged a revenge is resolved on and Squire cunningly accused of some designe against the Queen Squire upon the noise is examined and wondring how any thing should be known against him yet suspecting Walpoole his Confessor and believing year 1598 all was fully discover'd freely confesseth all as abovesaid so as a Traytor is condemn'd and executed Of these late bloudy Treasons Watson and Bluet two Priests thus in Print declare to the world Father Holt the Jesuit and others with him perswaded an See Bels Anatomy p. 22 23. Irishman one Patrick Collen as himself confessed to attempt the laying of his violent and villanous hands upon her Majesty Shortly after 1593 that notable stratagem was plotted for Dr. Lopez the Queens Physitian to have poysoned her This wicked designation being thus prevented by Gods providence the Traiterous Jesuit Holt and others did allure and animate one York and Williams to have accomplish'd that with their bloudy hands that the other purposed to have done with his poyson we mean her Majesties destruction Hereunto we may add the late villanous attempt 1599 of Edward Squire animated and drawn thereunto as he confessed by Walpoole that pernitious Jesuit These words are set down in their Important Considerations pag. 33. And yet Father a Answer to the fiâ—th part of Sir Edw. Cokes Reports Epist Dedicat. v. 2. Parsons doubts whether Squire for all this committed Treason or no such was the loyalty and honesty of this Jesuit Thus in part have we seen the great dangers Queen Elizabeth run through her life being continually sought after both by her own subjects and Forreigners nor did they want incouragements to oppose their own Queen and Country Pope Gregory XIII allowed them a b See the Bull tom 2. p. 319. Colledge at Rome the Guisians in France another aâ— c Sixtus V by Bull desires all to assist it ib. p. 411. Rhemes the Spaniard gave them one at d Clement VIII confirmed this vid Sand. de Schism lib. 4. sive Appendix p. 104. Valladolid in Castile and allowed them e See Thomas Fuller's Church-Hist lib. 9. Cambden anno 1595. others in other places besides allowed the chiefest of them Pensions and maintain'd many hundred English in his Wars though his pay and Pensions were but badly paid to them yet more and better then such Trayterous Fugitives deserved And for all these Pensions private fees for Treason and vast Treasure spent in his attempts against the Queen what did the Spanish King expect for a recompence but the Crown and Kingdom of England for the obtaining of which the nearest that he came was once viz. July 1595. when Diego Brocher with four Callies got very early in a morning unperceived upon the Coâ—sts of Cornwal struck into Mounts Bay by St. Michaels Mount fired Pauls Church standing alone in the Fields Mouseholes Meulin and Pensâ—ns three poor fisher-Towns and presently stole home again without killing one man This beggerly enterprize was all the reward and recompence of his vast Treasure and toyl spent against England And let them never prosper otherwise who attempt any mischief against it and so unworthily foment and maintain Traytors against their respective legal Soveraigns But better had it been for Philip and Spain if he had followed the advice of his Grand-father Charles V that famous Emperour who used often to lay down this for a certain Rule insomuch that it was one of his Proverbs Con todo el mundo guerra Y puse con Inglatierra With all the world make War But with England do not Jar. Whilst these Murtherers were according to their engagements consulting the death of the Queen we must not think the Spanish interest altogether Idle but they had also their other Instruments and preparations on foot the better to secure this Kingdom to them upon her fall As for the Jesuits how active they were for the disturbance of England a Romanist himself shall tell you his words are these We have also certain intelligence that the Jesuits have devised a A. â— Reply to a notorious Libel p. 81 82. means to have had the Tower of London seized into their hands and how they would have it held until the Spaniard came to rescue them Divers of their Letters have been shewed to divers prisoners for proof against them when they have answered in defence of the Jesuits that they thought them free from such stratagems and amongst the rest there is one of the XX of June 1596 wherein there are these words It may be if the Kings faintness and pusillanimity hinder us not as heretofore it hath the Armado will be with you about August or September This is one good help Ireland will be onely for us The Earl of Tyrone and Odonnel would gladly have help from hence and they are well contented to let the Spaniards have certain Holds and Forts for their uses This will greatly pleasure to trouble and disquiet England and in the mean time serve for Harbour for their Ships that shall pass that way c. It were necessary you should make it known aforehand that no Catholick man or woman shall take harm either in body or goods Let every man be quiet till the Spaniards be landed then shall there presently Proclamation be made of all security Of these Proclamations there were two hundred printed in Spain Amongst other contrivances to bring this Kingdom into confusion was the designe of Anthony Rolston an English Fugitive Cambden an 1598. who was sent over into England by the Spanish Agitators and Father Creswell under pretence of procuring a Peace but the truth was as Rolston himself confessed to discover what provisions there were for war to incourage the Romanists and by Bribes and fair promises to corrupt some great Lords about the Queen amongst the rest Essex as the said Earl confess'd himself And the better to make cock-sure and carry
Beast and thereupon our * * Viz. That mentioned before which was ruined and lost Army is to go into Munster and with the will of God we consent unto you and will that you believe not any word from us for ever before we write again unto you For you shall see * * I believe he relates to the Earl of Essex his business in which he was also concern'd trouble enough in England by English-men it self so as there shall be easiness of suffering their warrs by May next in respect of that it is now And since this Cause of Munster was left to you next under God let no weakness or imbecillity be found in you and the time of help is near you and all the rest From Dungannon the vith of February 1601. O NEALE Rumors being spread abroad of divers Informations brought in of Insurrections and Spanish Invasions Her Majesties Governours thought it was their duty to look about them So Sir George Carew gets James Fitz-Thomas the Titular Earl of Desmond to be surprised as he lurked in a filthy Cave and also secured Florence Mac Cartie who for all his under-hand Treasons and Conspiracies outwardly yet carried a shew of Loyalty Both which were sent into England and clapt up in the Tower of London and some others also were seised on and kept in hold Whilst they were thus busie in consulting the safety of the Kingdom the Spaniards of which Invasion the Bishops of Clonford and Killaloe Archer the Jesuit and others were great Instigators landed with a great Fleet at Kingsale in the County of Cork in Munster which Town they began to fortifie and sent notice of their abode to Tyrone and O Donnel desiâ—ing them to haste to them with all their Powers The Lord Deputy informed of the Spanish arrival sets out a Proclamation at Cork forbidding any to assist them declaring also upon what unjust grounds the Pope and King of Spain had undertook that Invasion and commanding all people to live in obedience to their true Soveraign Queen Elizabeth In answer to which Don Juan de Aquila General of the Spanish Forces sets out this following Declaration which is pat to our business and worth the perusal the better to discover the true Roman-Catholique Doctrine DON Juan de Aquila General of the Warr and the Catholique King This is in Latin MS. F. 97 Cant. in Bib. Bodl. Oxon. thus in English in Pacata Hibernia p. 200 201 202. of Spain ' s Chief Commander in Gods Warr which is made in Ireland for the defence of the Faith To all the Irish Catholiques living in Kingsale the City of Cork and in all other Villages Cities and Castles wisheth health in Him who is the true Happiness There is come unto our ears a Proclamation or certain Libel made in the City of Cork in the Name of the Deputy which because it containeth many untruths and such things as offend the ears of honest men lest they may lead and seduce the minds of simple men into errors and turn them from the truth I am compell'd to shew their falshood to lay open the truth and in few words to signifie the pretence and intention of our most Excellent King Philip in this Warr which is with the Apostolique Authority to be administred by us And to speak the truth I could very easily retort upon them those reproaches which they object to us and make them lose the pleasure which they have taken in ill-speaking by hearing the like Notwithstanding we will not like unto weak and unarmed women go to reproachings but setting these things aside answer to those that are objected with sound truth and Christian modesty First of all Ye fain that we would lead away the pretended Subjects of the Queen of England from their obedience to bring them under Our yoak which is a very untruth for we endeavour not to perswade any body that he should deny due obedience according to the Word of God to his Prince But ye know well that for many years since Elizabeth was deprived of her Kingdom and all her Subjects absolved from their fidelity by the Pope unto whom he that reigneth in the Heavens the King of Kings hath committed all power that he should Root up Destroy Plant and Build in such sort that he may punish temporal Kings if it should be good for the spiritual Building even to their deposing which thing hath been done in the Kingdoms of England and Ireland by many Popes viz. by Pope Pius Quinâ—us Gregory the Thirteenth and now by Clement the eighth as it is well known whose Bulls are extant amongst us I speak to Catholicks not to froward Hereticks who have fallen from the faith of the Roman Church seeing they are blind leaders of the blind and such as know not the grounds of the truth it is no marvel that they do also disagree from us in this thing But our Brethren the Catholiques walking in the pureness of the faith and yeelding to the Catholique Church which is the very Pillar of the Truth will easily understand all those things Therefore it remaineth that the Irish which adhere to us do work with us nothing that is against Gods Laws or their due obedience nay that which they do is according to Gods word and the obedience which they owe the Pope Secondly Ye affirm That we Spaniards go about to win the Irish with allurements and feigned flatteries which is a thing far from our natures and that we do it but for a while that after we have drawn the minds of simple men unto us we might afterwards exercising our Cruelty towards them shew our bloody nature O the Immortal God! Who doth not wonder at your bitter and unexpressible cruelty and your boldness shewed in these words For Who is he that doth not know the great Cruelty which you English have exercised and cease not to exercise towards the miserable Irish You I say go about to take from their souls the Catholique Faith which their Fathers held in which consists eternal life Truly you are far more cruel than Bears and Lions which take away the temporal life for you would deprive them of the eternal and spiritual life Who is it that hath demolished all the Temporalities of this most flourishing Kingdom except the English Look upon this and be ashamed Whereas on the other side We commiserating the condition of the Catholiques here have left our most sweet and happy Countrey Spain that is replenished with all good things and being stirr'd with their Cries which pierce the Heavens having reached the ears of the Pope and our King Philip They have being moved with pity at last resolved to send unto you Soldiers Silver Gold and Arms with a most liberal hand not to the end they might according as they feign exercise Cruelty towards you O Irish Catholiques but that you may be happily reduced being snatched out of the Jaws of the Devil and free from their Tyranny unto
in Sevil for an example of their fact and forwardness which he required them to imitate that it would be well taken that they all did thus shew themselves desirous of the Lady Infanta for their Queen 'T is known well enough that there hath been an old Saying or Prophecy the English People doting most on such whimsies running thus There shall be seen upon a day Between the Baugh and the May The black Fleet of Norway When that is come and gone England build Houses of Lime and Stone For after Warrs shall you have none And this as the Lord * Essayes Ess 35. of Prophecies Bacon saith was commonly understood of the Spanish Invasion in 1588 the King of Spain's Sirname being as they say Norway But Dr. * Challenge chap. 6. pag 177 178. Sutclyff the Dean of Exeter tells us That Parsons made another Interpretation of it to wit some after-Invasion yet by the Spaniards though the words of the Prophesies do somewhat differ yet of these Toys are we told that Parsons made use of to instigate the King of Spain to another Invasion in which his Majesty need not doubt of Success and a Conquest as he said seeing his Majesties Name was Philip Norway of whom the English had an old Prophecy Between Bostons Bay And the Pile of Foudray Shall be seen the black Navy of Norway And that nothing might be left undone to advantage the Spanish Cause and Title the chiefest about the Queen were sollicited to assist that Interest Watson the Priest telling us * Quodlibets pag. 150. 189. 51. 126. 132. That Father Parsons sent a Jesuit-Priest to the Earl of Essex to have had him to take a Pension of the King of Spain privately for the advancement of his designments and with others also they were not wanting And of this the Learned * Eliz. An. 8598. Cambden will give us some farther light telling us That the Earl of Essex affirmed that Anthony Rolston an English Fugitive was by the Spanish Agitators sent into England Creswell the Jesuit assisting in it as if the business were only to get a peace betwixt the two Crowns but in truth as Rolston himself confessed to discover what preparations the English had for warr to animate and confirm the Romanists and by bribes and large promises to corrupt some great Lords about the Queen in particular the Earl of Essex Neither was Parsons less active and zealous when he saw that ill success had render'd the Spaniard more cold in the business for the Pope's Designs upon England whether it were for the Duke of Parma or his younger Brother Cardinal Fernese as the wise Cardinal D' Ossat doth in several places discover and for which Pasquin at Rome gave him a rub for proof of this we need go no further than his own Countrey-man John Colleton born in Somersetshire of Lincoln Colledg in Oxford and as Pits thinks once Fellow of it a great Romanist for which for some years he under-went imprisonment was one of the greatest esteem amongst them having been not only an Assistant to two of their Arch-Priests but in the vacancy supplied the place it self and by them called Arch-Deacon of London This man of such credit and repute tells us thus of Father Parsons * Just Defence pag. 240 241. The Magistrates have in their hands and de facto have shewed to some Prisoners at the time of their Examinations for proof and to exaggerate the Disloyalties and Treasons objected one or more Letters which they affirm to be Father Parsons wherein his concurrence and furtherance to an Invasion were expressed Then the man's restless tampering in State-matters being reported to have proffered and re-proffered the Crown of our Countrey to several Princes now to one now to another as the meeting of matters and opportunities could most recommend and credit his words and entertain the Personage with hopes thereof c. Neither is Father Parsons holden only of our Magistrates for a Statist or Merchandizer of the Crown and Diadem though this were enough to estrange and divorce us from having any connexion or partaking in ought with him but his Travels and Negotiations this way are become so notoriously known that even Pasquine in Rome as Intelligence is sent us speaketh in this manner of him If there be any man that will buy the Kingdom of England let him repair to a Merchant in a black square Cap in the City and he shall have a very good Penniworth thereof That this is the true Copy word for word I cannot say but rather the substance of it or else only a Translation the Original of it being either in Italian or Latin because hung upon Pasquin's Buttock in the night time by a Roman Gentleman as * A. C. a Letter to his dis-Jesuited Kinsman pag. 43. one telleth us who giveth us another rendring of it thus If there be any Citizen here in Rome that is minded to purchase the Realm of England let him repair to the Rector of the English Colledg here within the City and he in Jesus Name will afford him a good Penniworth Which of these two is the truest Translation I cannot tell 't is certain the sense is the same and it cannot be denied but that he was the most active man in carrying on the designs against England for which he was in great repute and authority both with Pope and Spaniard whereupon there were some thoughts of a Cardinal's Cap for him To which purpose they tell us that his Friends Holt the Jesuit and Quodlibets p. 120 121. The Discovery pag. 61. A Copy of certain Discourses p. 127 Dr. Thomas Worthington who also became a Jesuit drew up a formal Letter supplicative in the Name of the people of England to the King of Spain humbly beseeching his Majesty that for the good of England he would earnestly deal with the Pope that Father Parsons might be a Cardinal affirming that to be the only means to unite the English hearts to his Majesties Service and Interest A little after 1597 Parsons gets from Spain to Rome where he is no sooner arrived but Cardinal Baronius and another Spanish Cardinal visit him and it is talked about that Parsons is to be a Cardinal too Of which they tell one story how he being advised by his Physicians to keep his stomach warm sent his Brother George for some Scarlet intending to make it a Stomacher his Brother's head being possest with Robert's advancement went to the Merchants and had carried into the Colledg a great deal of divers pieces of Scarlet for the making of his Brothers Cardinals Robes for so he gave out to all his acquaintants he met Father Parsons wondring at the reason of so much Scarlet but understanding the mistake was not a little vext and troubled knowing what sport would be made with it so the better to conceal it he dismist the Merchants secretly out at a Back-door Many more Stories might be told of Father Parsons
some accusing Dr. James his Jesuits downfall him of Forgery Cheating Cozenage Corrupting of Registers and Records Robbing of Libraries and many other such like Crimes which may be found in the Writings of the Romish Priests themselves Besides those Books mentioned by Pits Ribadeneira or Alegambae he hath writ several others as Leicester's Commonwealth which was then by some jeeringly call'd Green-Coat because it was then commonly spread abroad in Green Covers It was a Book full of railing yet the Earl was bad enough A Memorial for Reformation or a Memorial or Remembrance for them that shall live when Catholique Religion shall be restored into England And this is its true Title though some do commonly call it The High Council of Reformation for England c. It is a Book that Parsons Manifestation of folly cap. 5. saith he was almost twenty years in compiling It was never printed Parsons being very cautious of having of it seen the design of it was to find fault with former Laws and Governments all which he undertook to alter and mend Some Romanists have found fault with him as if in it he designed to run down all other Orders and to advance the Jesuits But Parsons undertakes to vindicate himself In short somewhat to understand the Design take the Division of the Book thus This Book had Three Parts 1. The whole Body of the Realm jointly which consisteth of Ten Chapters 2. The Clergy containing The Clergy in general Then Bishops Priests Religious men Churches Schools and Universities particularly having Seven Chapters 3. The Temporality or Laity containing Prince with his Council Nobility and Gentry Commons all of inferior rank as Husbandmen Servants c. Inns of Court Law containing Five Chapters He wrote it in the * Lor di Banco Bizzarrie Politiche pag. 27. 28. English Tongue as one saith and if any where to be seen probably in the English Colledg at Rome And I suppose it is the same which * Parson 's Three Conversions of Eugl. Part â— Vol. 2. pag. 396. himself once quoteth with his Latin Title De Reformatione Ecclesiae Anglicanae per aliquot Capita He * Id. Part. 3. Vol. 1. pag. 321 351 369 several times mentions his Writings in Certamen Ecclesiae Anglicanae by which Book is meant Concertatio Ecclesiae Catholicae in Anglia in which he concludes the First Part The Second Part was for the most part writ by Gibbons and Fenn which was gathered together and published by John Bridgman a Jesuit There is in Baliol Colledg-Library a thick Quarto Manuscript call'd Controversiae nostri Temporis in Epitomen reductae It was given to that Colledg by John Bayly Doctor in Divinity formerly Fellow of Exeter Colledg There was also one John Bayly who succeeded Christopher Bagshaw in his Fellowship of Baliol Colledg 1582 but whether related to the former Bayly I know not This Dr. Bayly was eldest Son to Lewis Bayly Lord Bishop of Bangor the Book as much as I can gather by comparing is all writ with Parons his own hand and the Learned * Censura lib. Apocryp Praelect 2 Coll. 22. Dr. John Reynolds saith Parsons was the Author of it I have heard it also said that he wrote a little Book De Sacra Scriptura and that it was in the foresaid Library but upon search I find no such thing there and may suppose it a mistake the former Manuscript at the beginning treating of that Subject He scarce put his Name to any of his Books but for the most part insignificant and impertinent Letters sometimes false Names as John Howlet * W. C. Reply fol. 73. a. Perneus Doleman and such like And thus much for Parsons whom as good * Rob. Abbâ—t Antilog fol. 14. â— Authority tells us Pope Clement VIII call'd Knave the Jesuit Fitzherbert looked upon as an Exact Hypocrite the Secular Priests as the worst of Villains and whose Doctrine and Actions against his own Soveraign and Countrey were notoriously bad In short He was born 1546 or 1547 Admitted Fellow of Baliol Colledg 1568 Was Master of Arts 1573 Left the Colledg 1571 4 Studied Law and Physick in Italy 1574 Admitted Jesuit at Rome 1575 Return'd into England with Campion but made haste out again 1580 Made Rector of the English Colledg at Rome 1587 Return'd from Spain to Rome some say in hopes of a Cardinal's Cap 1597 Dyed at Rome and is honour'd in the Cell with a long and noble Epitaph 1610 CHAP. II. I. The Gunpowder-Treason II. The Life of Father Garnet with the story of his Straw THE Narrative of this Conspiracy commonly call'd the Gunpowder-Treason being generally known and related at large as well by Forreigners as Natives I shall be the shorter in it year 1605 The sum of it take thus A Club of Romanists vext that a Toleration was not granted resolved to resettle their Religion by the ruin of the King and Kingdom To this end many Plots had been contrived against Queen Elizabeth and King James But they failing a more desperate is pitch'd on and this was With one Blow to destroy King Queen Princes Bishops Nobles and Commons who were not of their Perswasion This is concluded feasible by blowing up the Parliament-House where they or their Representees meet To this purpose Piercy hireth an House adjoining intending by that means to undermine it which Mine being stuft with Gunpowder and other Materials would not fail of Execution But first they take an Oath of Secrecy in an House behind St. Clements Church without Temple-Barr The OATH You shall swear by the Blessed Trinity and by the Sacrament you now purpose to receive Never to disclose directly or indirectly by word or circumstance the matter that shall be proposed to you to keep secret nor desist from the Execution thereof until the rest shall give you leave This done they went into a more private Chamber heard Mass and received the Sacrament from one William Gerard. In short To work they fall and in some time had wrought under a little Entry to the Wall of the Parliament-House under-propping it with Wood as they proceeded But at last occasion offering it self they hired a Convenient Cellar just under the House into which they conveyed Thirty six Barrels of Powder over which they laid a Thousand Billets and Five hundred Fagots with some Stones and Iron Barrs Things thus fitted they expect the day of the Parliaments sitting which from time to time had been put off till the Fifth of November In the mean time they consult how to seise on the Prince Henry if he should not be at the House As for Charles Duke of York after King Charles the Martyr Piercy undertook to surprise him whom with his Brother Henry they resolve to dispatch out of the World yet the better to bring their Ends about they thought good to center their hopes in one of the Royal Blood and this must be the Lady Elizabeth afterwards married to the Palsgrave whom they
all before them another Fleet is prepared to invade England and for a further encouragement as well of English as others to be assistants in this enterprise their Lord high Admiral draws up a Proclamation which was printed and published and you may Dr. Mat. Sutcliff's Blessings on Mount Gerizzim or the happy Estate of England pag 292 293 294 295. take it as followeth as I meet with it COnsidering the Obligation which his Catholick Majesty my Lord and Master hath received of God Almighty to defend and protect his holy Faith and the Apostolical Roman Church he hath procured by the best means he could for to reduce to the ancient and true Religion the Kingdoms of England and Ireland as much as possibly hath been in his power And all hath not been sufficient to take away the offence done against God in damage of the self-same Kingdoms with scandal of whole Christianity yea rather abusing the Clemencie and Benignity of his Catholick Majesty the heads and chief of the Hereticks which little fear God have taken courage to extend their evil Doctrine with the oppressing of Catholicks Martyring them and by divers ways and means taking from them their lives and goods b b He hath forgot the Spanish Inquisition forcing them by violence to follow their damnable Sects and Errours which they have hardly done to the loss of many souls Which considered his Catholick Majesty is determin'd to favour and protect those Catholicks which couragiously have defended the Catholick Faith and not onely those but such also as by pusillanimity and humane respects have consented unto them forced thereunto through the hard and cruel dealings of the said Catholicks Heretical Enemies And for the execution of his holy Zeal he hath commanded me that with force by Sea and Land which be and shall be at my charge to procure all means necessary for the reduction of the said Kingdoms unto the obedience of the Catholick Roman Church In Complement of the which I declare and protest that these Forces shall be imploy'd for to execute this holy intent of his Catholick Majesty directed onely to the common good of the true Religion and Catholicks of those Kingdoms as well those which be alreadie declared Catholicks as others who will declare themselves such For all shall be received and admitted by me in his Royal Name which shall separate and apart themselves from the Hereticks And furthermore they shall be restored to the Honour Dignity and Possessions which heretofore they have been deprived of Moreover every one shall be rewarded according to the Demonstrations and Feats which shall be shown in this Godly enterprise And who shall proceed with most valour the more largely and amply shall be remunerated with the goods of obstinate Hereticks Wherefore seeing Almighty God doth present to his Elect so good an occasion therefore I for the more security Ordain and Command the Captains General of Horse and Artillerie the Master General of the Field the Captains of Companies of Horse and Foot and all other Officers greater and lesser and men of War the Admiral General and the rest of the Captains and Officers of the Army that as well at Land as Sea they use well and receive the Catholicks of those Kingdoms who shall come to defend the Catholick Cause with Arms or without them For I command the General of the Artillery that he provide them of Weapons which shall bring none Also I Ordain and straitly command that they have particular respect unto the Houses and Families of the said Catholicks not touching as much as may be any thing of theirs but onely of those that will obstinately follow the part of Hereticks in doing of which they be altogether unworthy of those favours which be here granted unto the good who will declare themselves for true Catholickes and such as shall take Arms in hand or at least separate themselves from the Hereticks against whom and their favourers all this War is directed in defence of the honour of God and good of those Kingdoms trusting in Gods Divine mercy that they shall recover again the Catholick Religion so long agone lost and make them return to their ancient quietness and felicity and to the due obedience of the holy Primitive Church Moreover these Kingdoms shall enjoy former immunities and priviledges with encrease of many others for time to come in great friendship confederacie and traffick with the Kingdom of his Catholick Majesty which in times past they were wont to have for the publick good of all Christianity And that this be put in execution speedily I exhort all the faithful to the fulfilling of that which is here contain'd warranting them upon my word which I give in the name of the Catholick King my Lord and Master that all shall be observed which is here promised And thus I discharge my self of the losses and damages which shall fall upon those which will follow the contrary way with the ruine of their own souls the hurt of their own Country and that which is more the honour and glory of God And he which cannot take presently Arnis in hand nor declare himself by reason of the tyranny of the Hereticks shall be admitted from the Enemies Camp and shall pass to the Catholick part in some skirmish or battel or if he cannot he shall flee before we come to the last encounter In testimony of all which I have commanded to dispatch these presents confirmed with my Hand sealed with the Seal of mine Arms and Refirmed by the Secretary underwritten Though Father Parsons was very solicitous to understand the W. Clarkes Reply unto a Libel fol. 65. success of these preparations yet he did not expect any great matters to be performed by them and so it fell out to the no small grief we need not question of many Romanists And to augment the sorrow of the Hispanioliz'd Faction the death of the Spanish King hapned the same year to whom succeeded his son Philip III of whose attempts against Queen Elizabeth you may hear in the next Century The end of the seventh Book THE HISTORY Of the HOLY League AND Covenant IN FRANCE BOOK VIII CHAP. I. An INTRODUCTION to the HOLY LEAGUE THE Beginning of this Century had like to have been year 1502 troublesom to Germany by a mischievous League designed in the Bishoprick of Spire by a Company of barbarous clownish rustick High-shooes and so by the Germans t is Nicol. Basel Addit ad Chroâ— Naucleri p. 394. L. ur Sâ—râ—â— Com p 3â— call'd Bundiscuch These like our Levellers were to raise themselves into as high a Grandeur as any by swearing to reduce all other men to their meanness by equalling all mankind into the same condition by rooting out all Magistracy Dignities and Laws As for the Church which is continually struck at by Traitors and such Sacrilegious Wretches she was not to escape their Villanies they designing to rob her of her Revenues Titles and Decency to