and tranquillity He bountifully recompenced the Duke of Britaine for all his former love and kindnesse to him and also repaid unto him all such sums of mony as at any time he had disbursed for him for his maintenance and relief The like he did to the French King and so redeemed his Hostages the Lord Marquesse Dorset and Sir Iohn Bourchin whom he left there But while King Henry was thus carefull to please all men and to preserve peace a Rebellion is raised in the north by Francis Lord Lovel Humfrey Stafford and Thomas his Brother but the King with great celerity marches against them and their Leaders hearts failing them they steal from their Army by night Lovell was shrouded by Sir Thomas Broughton and the two Staffords took Sanctuary but because no Sanctuary could protect malefactors in case of high Treason they were pulled out by violence and arraigned condemned and Humphrey the elder brother executed but the other was pardoned by the Kings favour it being supposed he did it not out of malice but was drawn in by his unpeaceable brother But this flame being quenched a greater is kindled For a certain Priest named Symond erected a mock Prince called Lambert who joyning with the Dutchesse of Burgoyne and the Irish invaded England but was routed and being taken Lambert was put into the Kings Scullery who not long after was made chief Faulconer to the King Then was the Kings wife with all honour and princely solemnity crowned Queen and Thomas Bourchier Arch-Bishop of Canterbury dying he is succeeded by Iohn Morton Bishop of Ely who was also made Lord Chancelour of this Kingdome and not long after he was dignified with the Hat and Habit of a Cardinall by Pope Alexander the sixth A difference falls between the French and the Britains the King having been beholding to both mediates a peace but in vain they fall to Arms and the King aids the Duke of Britain with eight thousand men for maintenance whereof a Parliament gives the King the tenth penny of all moveable goods and chattels but the Duke dyed and those wars ended But this Tax begot a Rebellion for the rustick swads about York and Durham would not pay a penny of the Tax but being numerous they rifled severall places where they came and barbarously murdered the Earl of Northumberland imployed by the King to levy the tax but the King soon routed them and executed the Ringleaders of them in severall places The French King by his gifts corrupts the attendants of the Duke of Britains Daughter heir of the Dukedome and though affianced to the Emperors Daughter before yet he returns her to her father and marries the Young Heir of Britain wâ—o was contracted to the Emperour making both contracts void and nullities by proclamation But the Emperor scorning to be thus disgraced sends to King Henry and craves aid whereupon the King partly for love he bare to the Emperour and partly because he saw the French King was become Lord of Britain and endeavoured to subject the low Countries also under him promised his assistance for support of which he spared the poor and got great sums from the Nobles and richer sort The King sends a well appointed Army over under the conduct and command of the Duke of Bedford and the Earl of Oxford whom the King in person followed with a Royall Army but the French King sues for peace and gave him for his charges in that expedition almost two hundred thousand pounds Sterling so Henry and his Army returned safe into England having concluded an honourable and profitable Peace But the Kings ancient enemy the Dutchesse of Burgoyne with another upstart counterfeit named Perkin Warbeck whom she pretends to be Richard Duke of York Edward the Fourth's Second son The Burgoyns Irish French and Scots favour him some out of mischief others out of mistake which begets great troubles to King Henry but he is taken imprison'd and for endeavouring an escape is executed The Scots invade England under pretence of aiding Perkin he drives them out and another Tax is levied which begets a rebellion which the King overthrows and hangs up the Heads of it Prince Arthur about this time married Katharine Daughter to Ferdinand King of Aragon King Henry's eldest Daughter marries the King of Scots Iames the Fourth but Prince Arthur five months after his Marriage died to his Fathers great grief about his latter end he grew covetous but repented of it He died soon after and was buried at Westminster in his own Chappel he died at 52. years old and reigned 23. years The most Mighty and Prudent Prince Henry the seaventh by the grace of god King of England Fraunce and Ireland As after a sharp Winter Birds do sing Encomiums to a Comfortable Spring So did this Kingdome entertain with joy Great Lancaster and sung Vive le Roy. Henry from Britain came and claim'd his due By Vertue Valour and by Title true And that he might becalme all stormy weather He joyn'd the White Rose and the Red together He was a prudent Prince and govern'd well But that to be too Covetous he fell At last he much restor'd and gave among The poor which mercy cancel'd all his wrong HENRY the Eighth King of England KIng Henry the Eighth being of the age of eighteen years began to Reigne the two and twentieth day of April in the year of our Lord God 1509. And being dispensed with by the Pope he married the Lady Katharine Daughter to Ferdinando King of Aragon Aunt to Prince Charls of Castile who afterwards was Emperour whenas not long before she had been his brother Prince Arthur's Wife by which match much trouble afterwards ensued In the beginning of his Reigne he was very gracious and tender to his people in rescuing them from the greedy Jaws of their oppressors that toward the end of his Fathers Reigne had so vexed and tormented them and the more freely to content such as had been justly offended by those extreamities he caused the Heads of those two devouring Caterpillars Empson and Dudley to be stricken off at the Tower Hill and the rest of that rascall rabble were disgracefully corrected by the Stocks and Pillories in sundry places of this Realme Thus when the King had well buâ—ied himself in the settlement of his Kingdome for the first two years of his Reigne he was by his wifes father Ferdinando King of Aragon entreated to assist him against the Moores but by reason of a cessation of those Jarres returned out of Spain having been rudely entertained and spent all About the same time the King of France invades Italy making great havock but Henry in favour of the Pope led an Army into France Maximilian the Emperour fighting under the English Banner and took many prisoners and Towns In the mean time the Scots upon the French account infest the North parts of England with sixty thousand men but the Earl of Surrey encountered them with six and twenty thousand and
whom of right the Crown belonged as he was descended of Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster with these joyned the Duke of Britain with whom Henry then resided Richard in the mean time who had notice of the consultations of Buckingham sent for him again and again to come to him but when he flatly refuses to come to him they fall to their Arms on both sides The Duke presently mustering some Welch Forces came to Gloucester to meet Richard that had a mightier Army with him but the Soldiers he had procured voluntarily rather then for pay all forsook him before he came in sight of the enemy and having none left with him but his Lacky who was forced to flie to shift for himself he went to his servant Humfrey Banisters house who unmindfull of all former favours delivered him afterward to Richard who cut off his head and all the Conspirators presently ran One one way Another another way some to places of refuge and some into Britanny to the Earl Richard in the mean time heard that the Duke did not only not hurt the Earl but had resolved to assist him wherefore he provides a great Fleet to intercept the Earles Landing here Henry in the mean time with forty Ships and five thousand Britains Sails for England but a Tempest arose and scattered his Ships and he almost quit of all his Forces was driven on Cornwall where coming ashore and seeing a great Army he was forced to retire to his Ships and being very pensive when he heard of Buckinghams death void of all Counsell he return'd again to Britanny in France but by the coming of the Nobillity he took heart once more and promised before the Altar to marry Elizabeth King Edwards Daughter if the businesse succeeded according to his mind and so a fresh Oath of fidelity was taken by them all In the mean time Richard did fiercely rage against all such as followed the Earl wheresoever he could lay hold on them Thomas Earl of Dorset who fled to him he banished both by Sea and Land also he made a Covenant with the Scotch King giving his Sister Anne in marriage to his Son Richard layes new Traps for Henry by corrupting the Dukes Treasures with money but he escapes them the matter being detected by Bishop Morton When the fraud was made known to the Duke he was so enraged against the Treasurer that he caused him for that other wicked deeds to be hanged But Richard to hinder Henry's Marriage with Elizabeth partly by flattery partly by fear and partly by promises he prevailed so farre with the Queen that she should entrust her daughters with him and should write her Letters to her son the Marquess of Dorset that was near the Earl that without delay he should return home and leave the society of the Earl Henry that all things were now pacified and their family in favour with the King Richard all this while having gotten the Queens Daughters that he might totally destroy the design of Marriage with Henry resolved himself to marry her his own Brothers Daughter his own Wife being yet alive whom to that end he privately packed away by poyson In the mean while he tryes all wayes he can to make Elizabeth affect him he was also resolved to joyne violence to his prayers if he could not otherwise obâ—aine her but he was so much urged with care and forraigne fear that he had no time for Courtship In the inâ—erim Stanley had a Command to Muster an Army but he must not goe forth before he had given to Henry his Son the Lord Strange for a pledge of his fidelity A fame was also spread abroad on purpose that Henry had implored help of the French in vain and that there was no fear of his coming which made Richard deal somwhat carelesly and unwarily discharging the Navy he had to Scour the English Coasts Henry was advertised how things stood and arrived in England with but two thousanâ— Soldiers in pay presently Rice Thomas and Iohn Savage two of the most Potent men iâ— Wales having collected some forces came to joyne with Henry Pembrook with some other did the like Stanley though he wished well yet for his sons sake delayed his intention tilâ— fit opportunity presented it self Richard all this time was wonderfull sluggish but when he heard how his subjects revolted to Henry he raised what men he could scrape up and went against him he Pitched his Tent in Bosworth field and both sides make ready at last they fall on but Stanley who came late and brought fresh forces joyned with Henry whereby he was not a little animated The King himself after wonderfull tokens of his valour is slain hand to hand by the Earl to whom by Gods blessing that day and Crown fell Richards body all naked and miery is found among the dead and trussed up like a Calf behind a Pursevant is buried at Leicester with as much honour as his Nephews in the Tower under the Stairs The portraict of RICHARD the 3. King of England and Fraunce Lord of Ireland He was slaine at Bosworth feild the 22th of August 1486. and homelye bured at the Graye friers Church in Leicester when he had vsurped 2 yeares 2 monthes and one day Monster of men Thou son of Belial Shall not thy Nephews bloud for vengeance call Shall it think'st thou with them in silence dye No â—hough their mouths be stopt their blood shal cry For which when God shall inquisition make Rocks cannot hide thee nor the Stigean Lake Thou that didst publish all the World before Thy Brother Bastard and thy Mother Whore Thy barbarous hand did take away the Life Of two great Kings and thine own dearest Wife Two Princes thou and many Peers didst murther Had Hel broke loose it could have gone scarce further HENRY the Seventh King of England HENRY both by right and true valour came to the Kingdome and was crowned at Westminster Anno 1486. the day before the Calends of November Then caling a Parliament he is discharged of the Treason that Richard laid to him and he gave honors and rewards to some that were grieved Then according to his Oath and Promise he married the fair and vertuous Lady Elizabeth eldest daughter to King Edward the Fourth thereby joyning in one the two great Families of Lancaster and York betwixt whom for principallity and the Crown infinite contentions and mortall wars had formerly consumed and destroyed many thousands of noble brave and valiant men Now that the State of the Kingdome might be confirmed in its happinesse by the safety of the Kings person and by other requisites King Henry taking example by the Kings of France selected a certain number of warlike men in all places to attend him whom he tearmed the Yeomen of his Crown He elected the most Noble Grave and wise men of this Kingdome to be of his privy Counsell by whose sage directions and advice the Government of this Kingdome was settled in peace
slew Iames their King with many Lords and Earls totally routing all that vast Army Henry returning out of France Surrey for his good service was created Duke of Norfolk and Thomas Wolsey a man of mean parentage was made Bishop of Lincolne and at last was made a Cardinall At this time the Pope sent to Henry a Cap of maintenance a Sword and the Title of Defender of the Faith which Grace Henry received with Tiltings and great Pomp. Cardinall Wolsey is made Chancellour of England Charls the Emperor comes to London and is received with great honour and graced with the Order of the Garter But Behold Henry who had lived lovingly with his Wife Katharine 20 years began now to find a scruple in his Conscience whether he might without incest live with his brothers wife Judges were chosen to end this question but Wolsey not having dealt prudently for Henry had all his authority taken away and his estate was confiscate but at last other new dignities being granted him his great losse was somwhat repaired Then a Parliament was called and he was charged with many faults among the rest that he was wont to write I and my King and had stamped the Cardinalls Hat on the Kings Coyne of which he was convicted and again deprived of all honour and Estate a wonderfull example of the inconstancy of humane affairs he that but lately ruled all and the King too as he pleased made Laws swayed Courts of Justice taxed the people oppressed both Clergy and Laity he is now cast down from the high Pinnacle of honour and which is worst hated by all afterwards sent for to make his personal answer at Court he died by the way 't is thought with poyson In the mean time Henry not abiding the Popes delayes with the advice of Divines divorceth his Wife Katharine and marries Anna Boloyne and being angry with the Pope for this disoffice he abollisheth forthwith all his authority over the Church of England and takes Oath of the thanks of England and Ireland to acknowledge himself next under Christ supreame Head of the Church for refusall whereof Sir Thomas More Lord Chancelour of England and Iohn Fisher of Rochester lost their heads Henry now using his own Authority invades the goods of the Church and expels the Monks out of the Monasteries Nor was he herewith content but he cuts off the heads of his second Wife Annae Boloyne together with her Brother the Lord Rochfort on suspicion of incest between them Then he married Iane Seymer who died in child-birth of Edward the sixth Then he divorced from him Anne of Cleve newly married and for her sake he beheaded Thomas Cronewell who made that match this was a man fortunately risen from a mean to a vast estate also Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk had his head chopt off for privily marrying Margaret daughter to the King of Henry's Neece Henry now marries his Fifth Wife the Lady Katharine Howard whom he shortly afterward beheaded for her lasciviousnesse At that time Henry was stiled King of Ireland of which before he was but Lord. About this time the Scotch King dies leaving Mary Stewart a child of eight dayes old heir of his Kingdome whom Henry endeavours to espouse to his Son Edward but the Cardinall of St. Andrews so prevailed that she was married to the Dolphin whereat Henry enraged burns Leith Then he married his sixth Wife Katharine Latimers widow who was brought in danger of her Life but by her prudence and humility escaped Henry next makes an expedition into France and wins Bononia which was redeemed with eight hundred thousand Crowns The Duke of Norfolk and the Earl of Surrey are accused of Treason and the father lost his head Henry died presently after having reigned 38. years he was buried at Winsor The most high and mightie Prince HENRY the VIII by the grace of God King of England France and Ireland Henry the Eighth began his Reigne so well Few Predecessors were his Parallel Empson and Dudley he did soon dismisse Those Engines of his Fathers Avarice A comly Prince he was but him I fear The Hangman made too oft a Widower Many for no desert he would exalt And ruine them as quickly for no fault He never spar'd if you my Author trust Man in his wrath or Woman in his Lust. And yet his vices did not so prevaile But that his Vertues still did Even the Scale EDVVARD the Sixth King of England HENRY the Eighth being deceased Edward his Son succeeded him in hiâ— Throne Ianuary 28. 1547. He was all the Issue Male of King Henry who had six Wives whereof two were beheaded two divorced and Iane Seymer mother to King Edward dyed in Travell This King began his Reigne in the ninth year of his age and the same day that he was publickly proclaimed King in London he came from Enfield to the Tower as perhaps for other reasons so chiefly that according to the manner of the Kings of England he might passe in solemne and magnificent sort from thence to Westminster where he was to be inaugurated The day following the Lords to whose care the deceased King had committed his Son and heir by Will assemble themselves to consult of the affairs of State they all with one consent appoint Edward Seymer Earl of Hertford the Kings Uncle Protector of the Kings person and Governour of his Majesties Realms untill the King came of age mature enough for to hold the Reins of Government hereof publick proclamation was made through London and Westminster The first Act of this Lord Protector after his investiture was that he created the King Knight who remained then in the Tower and he rising up took the same Sword of the Earl of Hertford and conferred the same honour upon Henry Hoblethorne Lord Major of the City of London February the 15. the funeralls of King Henry are solemnized in all princely sort and his Body entombed in the midst of the Quire of the Cathedrall Church of Windsor and two dayes after certain of the Peers are adorned with new Titles of Honour Seymer Lord Protector and Earl of Hertford is created Duke of Somerset William Par Earl of Essex created Marquesse of Northampton Dudly Viscount Lisle Lord high Admirall of England created Earl of Warwick and high Chamberlain of England Sir Thomas Wriothsley Lord Chancellour was created Earl of Southampton Sir Thomas Seymer Brother to the Lord Protector was advanced to be Lord Sudley and also high Admirall of England for as much as the Earl of Warwick was contented to resigne Sir Richard Rich was made Lord Rich and Sir William Willoughby Lord Willoughby of Parham and Sir Edmund Sheffeild was made Lord Sheffeild of Butterwike Now was great provision made for the Kings Coronation who rode with great Royalty and splendor through the City of London to Westminster the â—4 of Feb. and the day following was in due form and order inaugurated by Cranmer Arch-Bishop of Canterbury About four years since in
severe Laws and abolishes hard Customes He grants the Nobility free leave to hunt and to enclose Parks for Deer and free Warrens for their Conyes and such like Game and as Traytors to his vertues state and Kingly government he banished from his Court all Flatterers and all nicenesse in behaviour Luxuriousness and gorgeousness in apparel and superfluity in dyet He ordained punishments by death for such as rob by the high way and with wonderfull travel and industry he reformed the monstrous pride avarice and secure sloth and negligence of the Clergy He recalled from banishment Anselm the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury giving him full power to assemble Synods and Convocations at his pleasure for the rectifying of such things that were amisse in the Church He piously and freely bestowed on godly sober grave Divines all such livings and Ecclesiasticall promotions as his Brother unjustly detained by the lewd advice of Reynulph Bishop of Durham whom he sent prisoner to the Tower of London from whence not long after the said wicked Bishop escaped and fled into Normandy to Duke Robert whom he eagerly perswaded to claim his Crown with his Sword who thereupon levies a great Army which he intended with all expedition to transport into this Realme but as King Henry by his former clemencies had rooted himself in the peoples love so to assure himself the better of the Scots he takes Maud the Sister of King Edgar to be his Wife who was daughter to Malcom by his Wife Margaret who was Sister to Edgar Adeling who dyed without issue and Daughter to King Edward the Son of Edmund Ironside the victorious and valiant King of the Saxons Robert was now arrived in England with a puissant Army and the day for Battel appointed and the Heraulds were sent up and down but at last as a thick lowring cloud is somtimes dispersed by a fair shining Sun so by the discreet mediation of worthy friends there was a friendly peace concluded between the two brothers on the same terms agreed on in King Rufus days whereupon the Norman Lords were much discontented and returned home with the Duke This danger dispelled Beliamy Earl of Shrewsbury with the Earl of Mortain and Cornwall rebell but are soon subdued But now Henry who was hitherto on the defensive part takes up Armes of his own accord against his Brother whether out of some distast for some scoffe his Brother gave him or which is more like stirred up with ambition and avarice to inlarge his Dominions and joyning with the Norman male-contented Nobles with little adoe chased the forsaken Duke from place to place and won from him the Cities of Roan Cane Valoyes indeed all Normandy presently in great honour and triumph he returns for England Robert having thus made tryall of his brothers severity he resolvs now to make tryall of his lenity whereupon he follows after his Brother into England and very submissively deprecates his error and begs his pardon But Henry either offended with the now fresh injury of his brother Or affecting the Dukedome of Normandy departs unkindly from the perplexed and distressed Duke his Brother Coily refusing to accept of his submission which in all humility by him was prosfered But Robert being impatient of that scorn his distress had begot him returns in all speed into Normandy and once more levies an Army resolving rather to dye manfully fighting in the Field then to follow the funeralls of his own Honour but his brother was prevalent and prevents him with a greater force suppressing the mischief in the Birth but not without bloud bringing his Brother Captive into England where for that he at Natures enticement practised his escape at his brothers Commandement both his eyes were pluckt out after which he lived as a miserable and wretched Captive the space of more then twenty years at length he dyed and was buryed at Gloucester This success made Henry magnificent but envied whence arose a foraigne War which by power and pollicy he quieted granting to William the Dukedome of Normandy upon condition of Homage But Charls Earl of Flanders being wickedly slain at Brussels leaving no other Heir William the Son of Robert who was the next right Heir to it for that he was of the Bloud of Maud Daughter to Baldwin and Wife to William the Conquerour was elevated to this Dignity who growing insolent with this prosperity endeavours to recover Normandy his Patrimony by his Grandfather which he brought to passe with no great difficulty by the assistance of the French King but receiving a slight wound in his hand and suffering it to rankle he lost his life and his Patrimony Next the Welch Rebell but the end of that War was a prey of Oxen and Sheep taken by Henry He seldome taxed the Land or never but once for a portion for his Daughter Maud. He was the first that called a Parliament In the Year 1020 William his Son with his Wife the Duke of Anjou's Daughter his Sister Maud the Lady Lucy a Neece of the Kings the Earl of Chester with divers ' other Noblemen and Ladies and others to the number 160 crossing the Seas from France to England were all most miserably drowned not any one saved but a poor Butcher who like Iob's servant was spared to bring the sad News the King having no children left but his Daughter Maud the Empress who after the Emperors death marryed Ieffery Plantaginet With these and other griefs the King languished at last eating Lampreys he surfeited and dyed and was buryed in Reading Abby after he had reigned 35 years In this King ended all the issues Male of the Conquerour and the Crowne of this Realme devolved on his generall Heirs HENRY the first surnamed Beau-clark King of England and Duke of Normandie He raigned 35 yeares and 4 monthes died the 2 of December 1185. at the age of 67 yeares and lieth buried at Reading 1135. R E. sculpsit Robert's abroad still roving for renowne And now a second time forfeits his Crowne Which Henry his Brother means to weare At the old rate three thousand Marks a year Whose Eyes he now puts out incontinent Lest he should see his bargain and repent He that allows his Brother none now dyes Surfeiting of a Fish abounds with Eyes Crowns no Relation know they oft have stood Close cemented to Caesar's Head with bloud Thus to the Crown the third Descent does fail The Conquerour and all his Issue Male. STEPHEN King of England MOnday December the 26 1135. being St. Stephen's Day Stephen Earl of Mortaign and Bulloyne Son of Stephen Earl of Bloys and Champaine and of Adela Daughter to William the Conquerour notwithstanding all his Vowes and publick Protestations to Henry the First to further the Right and Succession of Maud the Empress being his Daughter and of her Children yet when the King was dead he finding that the Nobility though sworn as deep and solemnly as himself was applyed themselves totally to his devotion he presently shook
off the memory of his former plighted Vowes and Engagements whatsoever and forthwith usurps the Kingdome and was Crowned at Westminster by William Corbel Arch-Bishop of Canterbury for the which his whole Reigne was continually infested with forraigne and domestick troubles But he was not to learn the pollicy of his Progenitors who having attained soveraignty by unjust and foul attempts have endeavoured by all fair means to settle their tottering Diadems upon their doubtfull Heads so did this King by wisdome and pollicy endeavour to lay a sure foundation to his estate And because riches are the strength of Kings and sinews of War He therefore to enrich himself seized upon the great and vast Treasure of his Uncle the late deceased King which he closed not up in Chests or in Bags as idle Archers doe their Arrows in Quivers but with a munificent hand he bountifully disposed of them among such as by Armes or by Counsell he judged most like to stand him instead at his need Then advancing the Nobility and remitting Dane-gelt to the Vulgar and honouring the Clergy he won the hearts of all granting liberty to hunt to the Nobility and Clergy Moreover to win the good Will of strangers he obtained for his Son Eustace Constance the Daughter of Lewis King of France yet did he not more by this marriage than by treasures strengthen himself in the Kingdome of which he spent not luxuriously but to levy Soldiers with and wage war which he too soon had occasion for Scarce was he Crowned before he was forced to fall to his Armes for David King of Scotland striving to assert the interest of Maud the Empresse proclaimed War against him and possessed himself of the Towns of Carlile and New-Castle but Stephen presently marched against him with a great Army and granting Cumberland to David and the County of Huntington to his son he put by a great storm without any bloud-shed at all Yet notwithstanding not long after in pursuance of Maud his Neeces Quarrell he again enters and resists the Northern Parts of this Kingdome with fire and sword but in the end he was encountered by Thurston Arch-Bishop of York who compelled him being pursued with unspeakable dangers to fly into Scotland and leave behind him dead upon the ground more then ten thousand of his Army Scarce had he composed domestick Commotions but he is saluted with an Alarum from abroad from Maud the Empresse who accompanied with Robert Earl of Gloucester her base brother landed with an Army in England and was quickly strengthened and emboldened in her enterprise by the wonderfull access of many of the English and of Raynulph Earl of Chester with a lusty Crew of bold and foâ—ward Welch-men Hereupon the King thinking it neither safe nor for his credit to make any demurre or delay forthwith levied a strong Army and marches resolutely against the Empress and her Forces who greeted him with such Musick as Warlike Troops are wont so that a cruell and a bloudy battel for many hours was fought between them Victory hovering with doubtfull wings not knowing where to light But at length the Kings Common Soldiers wearied with battel begun to cast about for their own escape and plainly run away and left their King who with his Nobles and Gentry scorning to run away fought Gallantry expressing wonderfull tokens of their high spirits and puissant valour till in the end the King was taken The Victory thus falling to Maud Stephen is brought before her and committed to Bristoll Castle and she in the mean while possesseth the Kingdome and as Conqueresse the enters London in Triumph But Mathilde the Wife of Stephen humbly beseeches the Empress to let her live a private life with her husband for she was weary of the Government The Londoners also require their ancient Lawes they enjoyed under the Confessor but the Empresse would grant neither Whereupon Mathilde not enduring the high â—tomach of the Empresse and detesting ignoble servitude calls Eustace her Son with a choyce Company of Souldiers out of Kent to London who joyning with the Londoners that were wonderfully offended that their suit was denyed also fortifying himself with the Bishop of Winchester they fall upon the Army of the Empresse which fled privately to Oxford and asked not in vain help of David King of Scotland by whose assistance she besieged Winchester but the Queen with her Son Eustace falling on her fortress overcame the Queen in a pitcht Battel and took Robert Son to the Empress but she her self eâ—caped A Treatie for Peace followed this Fortune whereby Robert on the one hand and Stephen on the other are set at Liberty There was another condition agreed upon whereupon Stephen now being free besieges the Empress in Oxford who escapes through his Army by night aparrelled in White by reason of much Snow newly fallen In the mean while Ieffery Husband to the Empresse dyes and leaves to his Son Henry the Dukedome of Anjou and Aquitane who befoâ—e had with his Wife Eleanor the County of Poictiers This Henry besieged Malmsbury but in vaine Not long after Henry is again invited over by some of his friends and comes with a gallant Army bravely conducted by noble Captains King Stephen and his Son had an Army in readiness to encounter them Great was the confidence on both sides somwhat they did but little But now happens a thing much to be wondered at amongst drawn Swords peace began to shew her self for in this expedition Eustace the only Heir of King Stephen is unfortunately drowned which overcame the King with infinite sorrow but it made a quiet end of this quarell For now the King wanting an heir to succeed him was pleased to accept the proffer of a friendly peace thereupon he adopted Prince Henry for his son and heir of his Crown gave him many Kingly gifts and assured him of his unchangeable love The Princes and all his followers return into Normandy with all imaginable Joy and next year King Stephen dyed when he had reigned nineteen years lacking one Month He dyed at Dover and was buried at Feversham in Kent Stephen a Valiant Prince sonne to Stephen Earle of Blois Charters and Champaigne and of Adela daughter to William ⧠Conquerour Vsurped the Kingdome of England which caused him to bâ— vexed with continuall warres He raigned 18 yeares 11 months died at the age of 49 yeares and lieth buried at Feversham 1154 Stephen next usurps the throne for when he drew His Sword he cut the Gordeon in two Valiant he was but vitiously inclin'd He is too strong a man Oaths cannot binde Maud had the Right Stephen Power Princes take Any advantage when a Crowns at stake He made no Laws he so in Wars did live He seemed rather to receive then give At last his Son dies now all storms blow fair Whilst Stephen adopts his enemy his heir What War could not a happy peace hath done This has a Kingdome got and that a Son HENRY the Second King of
Henry the 2d surnamed Shortmantle King of England Duke of Normandy and Aquitaine Earle of Poicteres and Anjou Lord of Ireland He raigned 34 yeares 9 months died the 6 th of Iuly 1189 at the age of 61 yeares and lieth buried at Fonteverard in Normandy He that shall read thy Reign great Henry must Conclude thee truly valiant wise and just Who from the Treasury of thine own braine Didst Forreign and Domestick Wars maintain Thou never didst unusuall Tax impose Vpon thy subjects to subdue thy foes Yet did thy Son in ready Coyne receive Nine hundred thousand pounds which thou didst leav Hadst thou not Becket nor thy Syren seen Thy Love had ne're turn'd Lust nor Anger spleen Thy Son◠with woe had ne're opprest thy life No Rosamond is like a Royall Wife RICHARD the First King of England RIchard the Eldest Son living of Henry the Second being in Normandy when his Father dyed succeeded in his Throne and because those countries wanted settlement and required a longer time of his presence above all other things he was most carefull for the enlargement of Queen Eleanor his Mother who by her deceased Husband was committed to straight imprisonment because she loathed and would not indure his lascivious course of living with his wanton Paramour Rosamond but sharply reproved him for the same And because she was every way vertuous discreet and wise he committed the whole Government of this Realm in his absence to her care and management and because her own experience had informed her what anguish and sorrow poor helpless Captives did endure she set at liberty all such as were imprisoned for ordinary offences or for small debts which she her self did pay for them And administred the Common-weals affairs with wonderfull moderation integrity and Judgment untill her Son the King came home who was with all solemnity and strange Triumphs anoynted and Crowned King of England The King imitating the mild and gentle disposition of his Mother and commiserating the troubles of such as were afflicted freed out of prison all such as were his debtors or were enthralled for any transgression which concerned himself and whom without injustice done to others he might acquit And through the whole course of his Government he so provided that Justice with mercy might be extended to all Many were the honourable and profitable promotions he heaped upon his brother Iohn whom he created Earl of Lancaster giving to him moreover the Provinces of Nottingham Devonshire and Cornwall and marryed him to the sole and only daughter and Heir of the Earl of Gloucester from whom he received the Lordship of that Country Too great favours conferred on subjects make them aspire too high Just so was it with the King and his Brother Iohn for when the King had poured upon him plentifull showers of his bounty and had advanced him to honour and estate above all others his thoughts mounted above the Moon and made him unnaturally and unthankfully to affect the Crown This King for his invincible valour and haughty courage was esteemed to be most matchless in the Christian World so that he was surnamed Cuer de Lion or Lyons heart His Fathers Coffers enriched him with great store of Gold and Silver and such was his contempt of riches and bounty to such as either deserved well or were men of any noble worth that he bestowed on them great gifts with such alacrity that in short time he unbowelled all his bags little foreseeing that future business might require the expence of more then the great plenty which was left unto him and that when he wanted he should be driven to hard shifts to relieve himself This King was Crown'd at Westminster Sept. 3. 1189. by Baldwin Arch-Bishop of Canterbury namely on that day so memorable for an accidentall slaughter of the Iewes whose insolence he abundantly restrained by giving License to Weed out that odious kind of men which for their blasphemies he hated No sooner was he crowned but at the instigation of the Pope he was engaged with Philip King of France and Leopald Arch Duke of Austria and many other Christian Princes to win Ierusalem which he did These things concluded although the Kings profuse bounty and great expenses had made him bare and needy yet would he not burthen his people with any tax to supply his wants but rather chose to raise mony out of his own Estate which he did by selling Priviledges Demeans Immunities and Cities among which sales he sold Barwick Castle and Rokesborough to the King of Scots for ten thousand pounds and the Lordship and Earldome of Durham to Hugh then Bishop of that See for much money and he did protest that for the performing of so great and honourable a Service he was not unwilling to sell his City of London it self if any were able to purchase it rather then he would be chargeable unto others And thus the King having furnished himself with all provisions necessary for his Journey he for the time of his absence entrusted the Kingdome of England to Hugh Baldulph Bishop of Durham and to William Prunellus and William Longo Scampius Chancellor of the Kingdome dividing to each his part and Proportion he set Robert Earl of Leicester a man of honesty and integrity over Normandy and Aquitane yet to prevent the ambition of Iohn he was minded to send him into Normandy but his Mother interceding for him and becoming surety for his fidelity he was left in England Lastly appoynting Arthur his brother Ieffery his Son to be his Successour in case he should dye in this Expedition He enters upon his Voyage accompanied with many Gallant Lords Knights and Gentlemen whose Resolutions much increased his hopes of good successe In the way contrary Winds drive him upon Cyprus assails and wins it of which Philip of France demands a share Richard denies him and thence arose a great feud between the two Kings which put a great stop to the whole Enterprize Richard got great renowne but being forsaken by the French and the Burgundians forsaking him he makes peace with Saladine upon unjust tearmes and returning home is betrayed to Leopaldus then to the Emperour is imprisoned and with a mighty Ransome redeemed which afterward lost the Emperour his Life and Leopaldus the breaking of his Legs and lastly the losing it Lastly after four years he arrives in England where he met with treasons and troubles on all sides by the French by home-bred thieves and the Iewes which he suppressed and marches against the French and at the siege of a City received a shot in the Arme whereof he dyed and was buryed at Fontenward in Normandy He Reigned nine years nine months and twenty two dayes The right Valiant Prince RICHARD surnamed Coeur-de-lion King of England and Hierusalem Duke of Normandy and Aquitanè Earle of Poeters and Anuou Lo of Ireland c. He died at the age of 43 yeares An o 1199. after he had raigned 9 yeares 9 months and 22 dayes
and lieth buried at Fonteverard in Normandy Richard the First no Lion ever fought But was call'd Lion's heart cause he was stout From Prison he his Mother did release And setled his Dominions in peace Then levying men and money did prepare All that was needfull to the holy Warre He forc'd King Tuncred buy his peace with Gold And twice won Cyprus for Jerusalem sold. The Turks and Saracens he overthrowes Whilst prostrate Palestine to his Prowess bowes Philip and Leopald their envy bend Against that valour even the Foes commend JOHN King of England NExt Iohn by blowes and bribes usurps his Brothers Crown and Treasury to maintain his unjust Title which was the cause the whole Course of this Kings government was accompanyed with continuall troubles and his two persecutors were Pope Innocent the Third and Philip the Second King of France But the first Tempest was depending from his Cousen Arthur whose Kingdome he had not only taken from him but also had drawne the Dukedome of Normandy to himself leaving to Arthur only the Dukedome of Anjou But his Mother Constance finding her self too weak for the English flyes to the French King and craves aid of him who promised not only to restore all Normandy but all England to Arthur and forthwith received the young man into his Protection Wherefore Phllip listing an Army first made good the Dutchy of Anjou to Arthur and then invaded Normandy But Iohn sailing into Normandy upbraids Philip for perfidiousness because he had very foully broken the peace he had made with his Brother Richard yet for all this they goe not to Armes For while they discourse and each defends his Right they agree on fifty dayes cessation of Armes Baldwin Earle of Flaunders being utterly against it who therefore forsaking Philip makes his peace with the English and takes Counsell by what means when the truce was ended they should wage war with Philip but when Iohn was free from care of war he strikes hands with the French King upon unjust tearms Baldwin hating his sluggishness once more joyned with the French and restored the War of Ierusalem The English are glad and returne home but are very ill received by the Nobility who hated those base Conditions they had made with the French But Iohn now free from War turns all his study to Pole his Subjects and to follow his pleasure Also he deprived the Arch-Bishop of York his brother of all his Fortunes for nothing but because he dehorted him from such injury Then going into Normandy he divorced his Wife Avis and marryed Isabell daughter and heir to the Earl of Engelestne she was Crowned at Canterbury Bâ—t the dayly oppression of King Iohn prevailed so farre also his base Luxury not without murther and Man-slaughter for he destroyed Matilda a beautifull Maid making her to drink Poyson because she would not yield to his entreaty to be corrupted by him And William Bruce with his Wife for speaking somewhat too freely he killed with Famine taking all their estate from them He demanded Subsidies but his Nobles altogether denyed him nor would they follow him in his Wars untill those heavy Imposts laid upon them were taken away Yet he wenâ— afterward into Normandy and thence to Paris where he and his Wife to outward appearance were friendly received by King Philip. But Hugh Earle of Marsh to whom Isabella the Kings Wife was first betrothed being angry with the King for taking his Wife from him joynes with Arthur and begin a new War Philip takes part with them so joyntly those of Tours first then they of Anjou invade they take the Towns of Mirabellum King Iohn reproves Philip for his falseness and begins â—eriously to think upon revenge and coming upon the Forces of the enemy suddenly and unlooked for destroyed them with a great slaughter taking those prisoners that could not escape among whom was Arthur who shortly after dyed of hunger in prison but some say that endeavouring his escape he was drowned in the River but as it is Vulgarly thought he dyed of meer sorâ—ow His Sister Eleanor followed him shortly after the same sad way And thus ended Arthurs Life Title and those Wars Next Year the French King takes all Normandy by Force And now began the Kings other enemy Pope Innocent the Third to vex him more then Philip had done the occasion is this Hubert Arch-Bishop of Canterbury died and the Monks of St. Augustines in that City without the Kings License or knowledge and about midnight elected Reynold a brother of their own to succeed him and took of him an oath forthwith to travell to Rome there to procure his investiture and to receive his Pall from the Pope Tidings hereof coming to the Kings ears he presently made known his inward dislike of their rash and unadvised doings so that upon his motion and to appease his wrath they elect Iohn Gray then Bishop of Norwich Incontinently the King upon his own charges dispatches Letters and Embassadors to the Pope entreating him to ratifie the last choyce But the Pope neglects the Kings Entreaty and confirms him that was first Elected at which the King fretted and stormed much to see himself so slenderly regarded The Monks also to please the King refuse to receive their own first election because it was made in the night At last the Pope would whether the King would or no make choyce of one Stephen Langton one of his Creatures to succeed in the Arch-Bishoprick The King stoutly keeps him off and confiscates all the Lands and Goods of such as partake in the election with Rome and forbids all appeals thither The Pope after a proud letter or two interdicts him and all his Kingdome which he very frankly gives to Philip the French King who coming to invade and possesse himself of the Popes gift lost three hundred of his Ships and returned home as he came Nevertheless Iohn basely on his knees tenders his Crown for the Popes use which his Legate keeps four dayes but the Nobility hating his poor spirit revolt to the French whom Iohn not able to resist flyes and is poysoned by a Monk in Swinstead Abbey who drank to him in these words Wassall my Liege He was buryed at Worcester having Reigned seventeen years and odd months He left behind him four sons viz. Henry who succeeded him Richard who was elected King of the Romans William of Valentia and Guido Disnay And three Daughters viz. one marryed to Frederick the Emperour the second to William Marshall Earl of Worcester and the third to the Earl of Leicester The right Valiant Prince RICHARD surnamed Coeur-de-â—ion King of England and Hierusalem Duke of Normandy and Acuitanè Earle of Poeters and Annou Lo of Ireland c. He died at the age of 43 yeares Ano. 1199. after he had raigned 9 yeares 9 months and 22 dayes and lieth buried at Fonteveraâ—d in Normandy O what a lushie morsell is a Crowne That right or wrong Princes will gusle't downe John to the
Throne will o're his Nephews neck Although his own in the attempt he break What follow'd this Vsurper at the Helme A three years Curse on him and his whole Realme At last base fears impossibles foresees And to the Pope bends his unprincely knees In Swinstead Abbey death did him besiege In Sacramentall Masse Wassall my Liege Who pities him a safe estate that scorns And wounds his Temples with a Crowne of Thorns HENRY the Third King of England AFter the Death of King Iohn Henry his eldest Son about the age of nine years was Crowned King but not without some controversie of the Nobles some of the Nobility falling off to him who a little before had made a defection and swore to King Lewis Yet Lewis with an Army of twenty thousand men won many Towns till at last he came to the Castle at Lincolne which a certaine Noblewoman did bravely defend and caused him to stop and an Army of the English coming on in the mean time he was repulsed and conquered many of the English Nobility being taken that stood with him besides the Count of Perch that stood with him till the last preferring an honourable Death before a dishonourable Life Yet he did not despair but sent for more Forces out of France which were all almost destroyed in a Fight at Sea By these misfortunes he was forced to take Conditions of a hundred and five thousand Franks in respect of the charge he had been at he renouncing all right to the Kingdome of England And promising faithfully to prevaile with his father to restore all the Provinces in France belonging to the English The King restored to the rebellious Nobility all the Lands belonging to them And Lewis at Dover set Saile for France having warred unhappily in anothers Land Then a Parliament was summoned and Magna Charta ratified also the Court of Wards was revived and a Tax granted the King to Levy an Army under the Conduct of his Brother Richard for the recovery of his Rights in France The Parliament being ended the said Tax with great celerity is collected without any the lest grutch or contradiction so that the Kings Coffers were replenished with Gold and Silver and all requisites were carefully provided and a gallant Army of couragious men of War were assembled and safely transported With which Richard the Kings Brother did almost wonders subduing where he found resistance and seizing upon Lordships Forts Towns Castles and other defenced places quietly and without blowes no Head being made against him so that within few Months such was his valour and good Fortune he recovered both those Provinces wholly for the King and returned with much honour into England But the Kings absence from those Places gave opportunity to the French King to infest them which he unfriendly laid hold on and suddenly led a new Army into Poicters and easily made himself Lord thereof From thence marcht to Perigott and Alverne and other places in Guyan where he did the like But King Henry sent thither an other Army under the Conduct of his Brother Richard Earl of Cornwall with which he encountered the French and fought many sharp Battels in which for the most part his Fortune continued prosperous and all things seemed to promise him the recovering of whatever in his absence had been lost But in the height of all these broyles a friendly peace was concluded betwixt the two Kings and Richard returned safe into England This Richard Earl of Cornwall the Kings Brother at the suit of the Princes of Germany is elected King of the Romans but not long after being charged with insolence and oppression he was put out of the Office and returns to England a poor King that went out a rich Earle And now began those mischievous broyls and turmoyls in this Realm which until the Kings death daily vexed him more and more and the whole Kingdome also for the King lending too ready and pleasing an ear to lewd and evill Officers about him whom above all Officers he loved and favoured and by whose Counsell and advice both himself and his whole Kingdom was ruled and directed made little account of his best Subjects Love And took from them in divers things such Liberties as by the Lawes and Ordinances of this Kingdome they justly claimed and ought to have enjoyed He also pinched his people with many unnecessary and grievous Taxes which by those lewd and bold Officers were levied with much rigour and sharpness to their great distast The King also took to Wife Eleoner Daughter of Raymond Earle of Province whereby there grew no profit to his affairs but rather suffered great detriment by reason of her thread-bare and beggarly Family and her poor kindred flocking from all Parts as Crowes to the Prey which nevertheless were highly entertained by the King and enâ—icâ—t with money and placed in Offices of greatest honour and profit and the English â—hrust ouâ— aâ— which â—he Nobles stormed and the people every where much murmured But whilâ—â— the King goes about to overthrow his Subjects Rights which they labour to preserve all the Nobiliâ—y being offended at the promotion of strangers they enter into a Conspiracy The King calls a Paâ—liament The Nobility refuse to be present unless he would command the Bishop of Winchester Peter de Rupâ—bus and all his Gang to forsake the Court threatening withall that unless satisfaction were made to them they would depose the King and drive away all strangers his adherents and choose another King In fine both Sides King and Barons fall to Armes and with various success fight severall fierce and cruell Battels at length at the battel near Lewis after the fall of twenty thousand men The two Kings and the Prince with many Knights and Gentlemen of great account were all taken prisoners by the Barons Then a peace is concluded between them a Parliament being called the King confirmed the Government of the twelve Peers which by Hand and Seal he had assigned them in a former Parliament at Oxford called the Mad Parliament and Prince Edward who was Hostage for his Father is set at liberty But the Prince not enduring to see his Father thus a titular King raiseth a fresh Army and about Evesham near Worcester fights the Barons whom by reason of a mortall jarre between Leicester and Gloucester their two Generalls he overthrows Then the Kings call another Parliament and repeals and nulls all former Decrees touching the Authority of the twelve Peers and thus the King got again the staffe into his own hand by the vertue and valour of his princely son The King much incensed with the Londoners for taking part with the Barons could hardly be disswaded from burning the City but at last the Prince made their peace and after thâ—t marches with an Army to the Holy Land where the King dyes having reigned fifty six years HENRY the III. King of England Duke of Aquitane Earle of Poic tiers and Anjou Lord of Ireland He died at
and Peers all urg'd it he declin'd it Scotland he first subdu'd and made it reele Vnder the force of his victorious steel France askt him Homage but he told her plain Homage was due to him her Soveraign Let her to Cressey and to Poictiers look And Callice which 'fore Philip's face he took And what does more than this his fame evince He was the father to the brave BLACK PRINCE RICHARD the Second King of England RICHARD the Second being the Son and Heir of the black Prince and aged 11 years and somwhat more was crowned King of England in the year of our Lord one thousand three hundred and seventy seven The Kingdome was in an Eclipse the most part of this Kings Reigne his youth with all the frailties incident thereunto with bad Governours both of his kingdome and person were the main ruines of the King and almost the Realme For in the whole course of his Government he neglected his Nobillity and taxed his subjects to enable him to give prodigally to his Sycophants and ill deserving Favourites He was too too resolute in his wayes and refused to be reformed be they never so indirect He also despised the sage advice and good directions of his best counsellers and wholly plotted all his courses by the wicked gracelesse projects of his base and loose companions whom he raised to more honourable estates than befitted the meannesse of their Conditions so that they fell by their own weight and he himself in the end was enforced to endure the extremity of his hard fortune For being first disgraced by his Cousin Henry Bullingbrook Duke of Lancaster and Son and Heir to his Unkle Iohn of Gaunt he was at length by him with the generall consent of a whole Parliament deposed from his Crown committed to prison and afterwards wickedly murthered as in this discourse of his disorderly government more amply shall appear In the first year of King Richards Reigne Charls the French King presuming much on his minority and being aided by the Spaniard landed in the South-east and South-west parts of this kingdome and ransacked and burnt the Towns of Plymouth Rye Dartmouth Portsmouth and some other Towns and Villages coasting upon the Sea and would have done more mischief if by the Kings Unkle Edmund of Langley Earl of Cambridge and by the Earls of Buckingham and Salisbury they had not been fought with and beaten to their Ships At the same time one Ramsey a Scot cunningly surprised the Castle of Barwick but was soon beaten out again all the desperadoes being put to death but himself Again the French infest the Coasts of England even unto Graves-end whereupon Richard with Poll-money levies an Army and revenged himself which caused after mischief And now fell out a Rebellion in England exceeding hazardous to the whole kingdome occasioned by one Iohn Wall a factious Priest who perceiving the meaner and baser sort of people much murmuring repining at the last Tax took an unhappy occasion to move them to sedition telling them we are all by nature the children of Adam born of one and the same condition and equall worth and that the Laws of this kingdome were unjust to set so great difference between men making some Peers and Potentates and others poor and penurious Thus they begun to grow mad and implacable against the Nobillity for the basest dregs of men commonly being uncapable of honour themselves are envious against those that are Hereupon together with the hope of pilfering arose a formidable tumult who for their Leader took one Watt Tyler and for other chief Officers had Iack Straw Iack Shepheard and the seditious Priest Iohn Wall stiling themselves the Kings men and the Servants of the Common-weal of England They marched towards London beating down and rifling of houses and all before them They make all Knights and Gentlemen forsake their houses which they burn or rifle at lest They send also to the King who then lay in the Tower requiring him to come and speak with them Whereupon the King purposing to prevent mischief went to Graves-end but seeing their rage and madnesse he â—â—ared to put himself into their hands and returned back again to the Tower of Londoâ— Next day came this rabble to Southwark and finding the Bridge fortified and the Gates shut they resolved to kill all the people burn the Burrough but to prevent mischieâ— they were let into the City who were fain to entertain them with gifts and good words Then they rifle thâ— Savoy and kill all they light on they robbed all the Inns of Courâ—s and burnt their Law books nor spared they the Churches but sacrilegiously stole all they could lay hand on Watt Tyler commands his Masters head to be carried before him on a Lance mâ—erly because he had given him some small correction when he was his servant The Rebels send â—o the King who goes to Mile-end Green to them freely pardons them all gives them his Banners for their security whereupon many forsake Tyler who with about 20000 marches into Smithfield resolving to ransack and burn the City Then the King courteously perswades them to desist but Tyler commanded the Esquire that bare the sword before the King to give him his Dagger but the Esq told him it was the Kings Sword and should not be givâ—n to a knave whereat Tyler swore e're he would eat or drink the Esq should lose his head The King loth to have the Esq endangered bid him give him the Sword but the Esq would not then stept in William Wallworth Major of the City and clapt his Dagger to Tilers heart commanding him to submit to the King presently about a thousand armed Citizens came and routed them Thus did the storme blow over by Gods goodnesse and the Majors Courage and ever since the City carry the Dagger in their Escutcheon Ball and Iack Staw were executed the rest pardoned The French prepare a great army purposing to invade England King Richard rayseth a mighty power to conquer Scotland which designes had no good events Mischeife and Misery having sate long abroad began now to hatch at home The insulting Peers and rebellious people bandy the regall Power into hazard The Scots enter England under the Command of Sr. William Dowglasse and are encountered by the Noble Lord Henry Hotspur Dowglasse is slain and Hotspur taking Ireland rebels The King goes against him in person and the mean while loseth his Kingdom which with himself and Crown he is forced to surrender to his Cousin Henry Bullingbrook Son to Iohn of Gant Duke of Lancaster Anno 1400. The true pourtraicture of Richard the 2. King of England and France Lord of Ireland and Prince of Chester he raigned 22 yeres was deposed and murther'd at Pomfraict Cast at the age of 33 yeares Buried first at Langley and 14 yeares after by K. Henry th◠〈…〉 and their waâ— honourably â—uâ—erred Richard the Second son to such a Prince The World has never had his equall
since Instead of aiming at anothers Crown As did his Father tamely yeelds his own Has Mars begot Clineas then O strange Sure all the world is moulded up of Change And to the Waves we may compare them well One threatens Heaven another sinks to Hell Such is the State of sublunary things Nothing is fixt no not the Throne of Kings Peace out of doubt would be perpetuall But that our sins our sins for battels call HENRY the Fourth King of England THe Crowne of England Richard the deposed King dying without issue did rightfully descend upon Edmund Mortimer Earl of March the Son and Heir of Edmund Mortimer by Philip his Wife who was the Daughter and Heir of Lionel Duke of Clarence the third Son of Edward the Third Yet his Cousin Henry Bullingbrook Duke of Hartford and Son and Heir of Iohn of Gaunt younger brother unto the said Lionel was elected and crowned King forthwith he created his Eldest Son Henry Prince of Wales Duke of Cornwall and Earl of Chester and summoned his high Court of Parliament in which an order was taken for the safe keeping and honourable attendance and maintaining of Richard the late King but his deposing imprisonment and all former proceedings against him were in the same assembly publickly condemned and reproved by Iohn Bishop of Carlile as hatefull unto God traiterous towards the King and infamous among good men for he averred boldly that if he were not a good King yet more wrong was done to him then ordinarily is done to theeves and murtherers because they are not as he was condemned before they had made their answer to the Crime objected before Judges who were indifferent and pronounced their Judgment upon good proof But so soon as he had ended his speech he was attached by the Earl Marshall and committed to strait prisonment in the Abbey of St. Albans and then among many other things in the same Parliament done the Crown of England was entailed to King Henry and his Heirs for ever No sooner was this Parliament ended but a conspiracy of some of the greatest Lords that outwardly made much shew of joy for the high dignity and advancement of King Henry The Confederates were the Kings Cousin Edward Plantaginet Duke of Aumarle and Heir apparent to Edmund of Langley Duke of York Thomas Holland Duke of Surrey and Iohn Holland his Brother Duke of Exeter both which were halfe Brothers to King Richard Iohn Montague Earl of Salisbury Hugh Spencer Earl of Glocester Sr Thomas Blunt and one Magdalen who was somtime a Chamber-waiter to the deposed King and who both in Stature and in Countenance and Behaviour was not much unlike him The Plot was to take away the Kings Life at solemne jests held at Oxford whither the King was invited and promised there to be present because he supposed that triumph was appointed only for his honour and delight The Treachery was cunningly contrived by the Conspirators who by Indentures under their hands and seals bound themselves each unto other both for secrecy and for the resolute effecting and performing thereof to their utmost power all which they solemnly confirmed by their Oaths The Conspirators all mâ—t at the time and place appointed but the Duke of Aumarle who being at dinner his Father perceiving a Lay-bill hang out of his Bosome took hold of it and drew the whole writing out which being he takes Horse and hasts to the King but the Duke his Son bâ—ing bâ—avely mounted and perceiving his imminent danger posts after and geâ—ting to the King fiâ—st confessed the conspiracy and obtains his pardon The King being thus certified of the Treason turns his journey to the Tower of London where he prepares for his defence He levies a strong power and marcheth against the Traitors But when the Conspirators understood that all the Plot was revealed they attired the said Magdalen in Royall Robâ—s and caused him to affirm himself King Richard and with him and all their Troops which were very warlike and strong they resolve to oppose themselves to the King in the open field But the King speedily marching towards them with 20000 men at the noise of whose approach the Companies under command of the Conspirators cowardly forsook them and left them a prey to the King who took and executed them in severall places some few escaped but over-oppressed with fear and sorrow soon after died The French King his Father in Law resolves to redeem him from imprisonment but ascertained of his death desists Yet for all this King Henry still distrusting the weaknesse of his usurped Title and endeavouring to support it with a more firm foundation entreats Charls the French King to give in marriage his Daughter Isabel somtime King Richards Wife unto his eldest Son Henry Prince of Wales But her Father observing that marriages betwixt Eâ—gland and France were seldome fortunate denied the Kings request whereupon she was honourably sent back into France The Welch and Scots rebell and are overthrown by the Piercies who take many Noble Prisoners which the King demands and is denied In the 3. year of his Reigne the King demands the Scotch Prisoners of the Piercyes but is denied whereupon unkindnesse arose and they extended to joyne with Glendor They get the Earl of Stafford the Arch-Bishop of York a great company of Scots English to joyne with Owen Glendor but before they proceed to Battel they publish an accusation against the King consisting of severall Articles 1. That he usurpt the Crown and murdered the King 2. He unjustly detained the Crown from Edm Mortimer 3. That without any need he oppressed the people with grievous Taxes 4. No justice was to be expected from him who contrary to his coronation oath had in sundry Shires forestalled Elections and procured Burgeships and bestowed them on his own creatures Lastly that he would not release his Cousin Mortimer from Prison For which Treasons they defied him as a Traytor The King with a strong Army fights the Conspirators near Shrewsbury where the King wins the day and the Prince marching against Glendor is forsaken by his Welch and dies of famine in the woods where he hid himself The Duke of Burgoyne attempts to regain Callicâ— in vain Presently another conspiracy is plotted detected and the Traytors executed Lastly the Earl of Northumberland and Lord Bardolph rebelled and are taken and beheaded Thus was King Henry's Reign a majesticall misery and a soveraignty of sorrow so having reigned 13. years and 6. months wanting 5 dayes he died and was royally buried at Canterbury The right noble Prince Henry the 4th King of England and Fraunce Lord of Ireland c. Who died at tâ—e age of 46 yeares in Anno 1413. after he had raigned 13 yeares 6 moneths and 4 dayes and lieth buried at Canterbury Was 't not enough thy Cousin's Crown to take And it a prey to thy ambition make But that his Bloud his Royall Bloud must be A Sacrifice too to thy jealousie
Henry look back and in his Tragick Scene There thou shalt see what all thy troubles mean Nor did it though thou thoughtst it faster stood Cemented to thy Temples with his Bloud You that your Lives your Souls what dearest is Venture for Thrones do but consider this Princes descend unto the shades beneath And pyle their Crowns up at the Gates of Death HENRY the Fifth King of England THe King was inaugurated with wonderfull applause and desire of the Lords and Commons and he not willing to disappoint his subjects of the hope they conceived of him gave them a signe of his excellent Government sending from him those Ministers of lascivious youth his former associates And not willing his valiant heart should give place to sloath claims his right in France First he sent Heraulds and demanded his Kingdome from King Charls promising to marry the Lady Katherine his Daughter and threatened also that if he denied he would take his patrimony by force Charâ— laughed at his Embassadors whereby he so enraged King Henry that he musters a mighâ—y Army with about 120. Ships he sailed into France First he takes Harefleet and after many skirmiges with the French fought that memorable battel at Agencourt to the eternall honour of the English which done he and all his Army on their knees gave praise to God for their glorious Victory About this time Sigismund the Emperor came into England to Treat of Peace between the French and English nor was Henry slow in the business but when the French besieged Harefleet he was so angry that he sent the Duke of Bedford to raise the siedge with the Earl of Marsh Oxford and others and 200 ships and fought a bloudy fight in the Haven of Harefleet with Burbon the French Admirall where the English wan the day sinking 500 of the French ships and so relieved the Town But the Emperour perceiving the perfidiousnesse of the French made a firm League with the English against all opposers and so returned back into Germany The French in the mean time hired great ships of Genoa and again besiedging the Haven of Harefleet endeavoured to hinder all provision from coming to the Town but the Earl of Huntington suddenly vanquished them He took the Duke of Burbone a bastard and so returned Conquerour for England Then the King with his Nobility sailed into Normandy and took the Fort Tueha whilst the Earl of Salisbury wan Abervile which place the King freely gave to him and his Heirs Afterwards he wan Caen and for their obstinacy punished some of the principall with death and gave the plunder of the City to his Souldiers Then he sent the Duke of Clarence to beleager the Town of Bayon which he quickly wan thence he removed to Corfen and in three dayes became Master thereof then he subdued Argentaniam after that Aleucon Falesia and returned victor to Caen. In the mean while the Earl of Warwick conquered the Castle of Dumfrise and Clarentius mastered Curton and many other Towns Then the King layes siege to Roan and forced the Citizens to submit which Town being the Chief was an example for the rest to follow so that shortly he wan all Normandy lost by the carelessnesse of his Predecessors The Duke of Burgundy perceiving all things to succeed to K. Henery's mind procured a meeting between him and the Queen of France for King Charls her husband doted yet there was nothing done The Queen brought with her her most beautifull daughter Katharine purposely to ensnare the Kings mind with her allurements nor was it in vaine for the King no sooner saw her but he was wonderfully taken with her elegant beauty and when they departed doing nothing the King charged the Duke of Burgundy to do his best to satisfie his desires for unlesse all he demanded together with the Lady Kathariâ—e were granted him he would by force take from the Duke his Dukedome and from the King his Kingdome The French were so frighted with these threats that they fell to a new Parlie but now the Dolphin caused the Duke of Burgundy to be basely slain presently after though he begged his life on his knees and so the slaughter of the Duke of Orleance committed before by Burgundy was expiated Nor is peace yet concluded till the French were constrained by another losse to seek it seriously A meeting is appointed at Trecas and there was Katharine betrothed to Henry and the right of succession confirmed to him aâ—ter the decease of Charls whereupon all the Nobillity of France swear to be loyall to him and so the salique Law is broken The Dolphin also is cited to appear before the Marble Table in Paris and not coming is banisht Henry also caused money to be coyned with the Arms of France and England which he called the Soveraigne Then leaving the Duke of Clarence Governour of France and Normandy he returned for England with his Queen whom in February following he crowned at Westminstor with great solemnity and much honour But the Duke of Clarence making an Expedition against Anjou and taking great spoils as he came back laden with prey was betrayed by one Andrew Forgusa a treacherous Lombard and although he fought valiantly yet was he slaine by the Duke of Alenson with the chief Nobillity and 2000 English men the Earl of Somerset Suffolk and other Lords are taken Prisoners The King to revenge his brothers death lands in France with a mighty Army and freed Chartres from a siedge of the Dolphin whom he pursues from place to place but cannot overtake him though he take all Towns in his way So that in a short time he joyned all the Island of France to the rest In the mean time the Queen is delivered of a Son at Windsor named Henry of whose birth the King said to the Lord Fitz Hugh his Chamberlain I Henry born at Monmouth shall remaine but a short time and gain much but Henry born at Windsor shall Reign long and lose all About this time the Dolphin besiedges those of Narbon Henry goes to their relief but in his overmuch hast takes a feavor of which he dies having dispatched the Duke of Bedford who not only frees Narbon but drives the Dolphin into Aquitane who in mockery was called King of Aquitane While he lay sick he made his Brother the Duke of Bedford Regent of Normandy and France and his Brother the Duke of Gloucester he made Governour of England He died at 36 years old reigned 9 years 5 months and 24 dayes HENRY the v. began his reigne the 20 of March and was crowned at Westminster the 9 of Aprill following 1413. He reigned gloriously 9 yeres 5 monthes he died in the Castle of Boys Vincent by Paris the 1. of September 1422. and lieth intombed in the Abbey of St Peters at Westminster being of the age of 36 yeares when he departed this world R. E. sculp His Royall head no sooner Henry Crowns But his debaucht associates he disowns He showes them now
the 31 of August 1422. and crowned King of England at Westminster the 6. of Nouember 1429. and of Fraunce the 7 of December 1432. he reigned 38 yeres 6 monthes he died by violence May 21. aged 52. AnoÌ„ 1471. first buried at Chertsey Abbey thence remoued to Windsore wher he was solemhley interd R E. 〈◊〉 Mars begets Clineas Henry a Son That has lost more then all his Father won For he lost Normandy and France put to 't England and Ireland and his Life to boot Twice crown'd and twice depos'd at last he took Deaths fatall Errand from Yorks desperate Duke He was a Prince do Rebels what ye will Like Archimedes drawing Figures still Who not unlike some Gamesters I have seen Winning and losing still the same has been He was not Politick in the Worlds controle But he is wise enough that saves his Soul EDVVARD the Fourth King of England EDward Duke of York having overthrown the King and Queen and having overthrown and executed many of his greatest enemies at Towton field returned triumphantly to the City of London and was proclaimed King of this Realme the 4 of March 1461. and was crowned the 19. day of Iune then next following In the beginning of his Reigne he removed from all Offices all such as oppressed the people and to strengthen his part with powerfull and faithfull friends he creates his two brothers George Duke of Clarence and Richard Duke of Gloucester and Sr. Iohn Nevell brother to the Earl of Warwick he created Lord Montacute and Henry Bourchier who had married the Lady Elizabeth Aunt unto the King and was brother unto Thomas Bourchier Arch-bishop of Canterbury was created Earl of Essex and William Lord Fawcâ—nbridge was made Earl of Kent The Duke of Sommerset and Sr. Ralph Percy with divers others the Kings professed enemies finding no further hope for the house of Lancaster came voluntarily in and submitted to the King and were received to pardon and favour but hearing that the Queen by the assistance of the Scots had raised an Army they slank away and revolted to her and afterwards taken at the battel of Exham were executed The Lord Montacute to whose valour the fortune of that day was ascribed is created Marquess Montacute to whom and others Edward gave great gifts After this Henry is taken in a disguise and sent to the Tower Then Warwick is sent to the Duke of Savoy and prevails for a Match between Edward and Bona the Dukes daughter but Edward in the mean time marries Elizabeth the widow of Sr. Iohn Grey at which Warwick vexed calls to his part his two Brothers and Clarence the Kings Brother and the King at Banbury The King notwithstanding these evill tidings marched confidently against Warwick and his northern Rebels but to prevent mischief many of the Nobillity endeavoured to conclude a peace so that Letters and Heraulds of Armes passed from one Army to the other for both were glad of peace by means of this Parlee King Edward became more carelesse of himself then was fitting whereof when the Earl of Warwick was informed he with some other well appointed rushed into the Kings Army slew his watches and surprised the King in his bed and secretly sent him to Midleham Castle in York-shire there to be safely kept by the Arch-bishop of York his brother who either repenting him of what he had done against the King or being won by large promises of great favour and good rewards suffered him with his Guarders to hunt and hawk by means whereof he made his escape and got to London where between the King and the Rebels another Parlee was had in Westminster Hall in which nothing was done but objections of good deserts and unthankfull requitals were proudly and insultingly urged by the Earl of Warwick in conclusion they departed each from other in great fury the King went to Canterbury and the confederated Lords to Lincolne Armies are raised on both sides they fight and the King wins the field The Lords Clarence and Warwick fly to the King of France who honourably entertains them and aids them with all necessaries for the levying of another Army with which they fight and drive King Edward out of the Kingdome who by the help of the Duke of Burgoyne returns with a small Army into the City of York where he is received upon solemn Oath that he claimed nothing but the Dukedome of York and that he would work no Treason against King Henry now again re-established in his Throne but he presently forfeits his faith and raising another great Army beats Warwick recovers the Crown and re-imprisons King Henry who soon after was murdered by the bloody hands of Richard Duke of Gloucester The King having through much trouble obtained peace betakes himself to dalliance with Iane Shore in the mean while his brother Duke of Clarence is drowned in a Butt of Malmsey The Scots threaten Warre and Richard Duke of Gloucester is sent against them a Peace was procured and King Edward dyed having reigned two and twenty years and is buried at Windsor He was doubtlesse a brave Prince however the clearest day is not without some clouds his perjury at York when he swore to the Citizens he would claim nothing but that Dukedome which was his right by inheritance and that he would in no sort interrupt King Henry's peace all which he falsified which afterward his innocent Sonnes sadly suffered for His lustfull Embraces with Shores wife got him the envy of his owne who was a chast and vertuous Lady in whom he got a good Wife though many enemies and though unfortunate in her Sons yet in her Daughter is composed all the fewd of York and Lancaster The right noble Prince EDWARD the 4th King of England and Fraunce Lord of Ireland He raigned 22. yeares and 5 weekes Died at the age of 52 yeares buried at Windsor 1483. R. Elstracke sculpsit Now sixty years out York obtains the Crowne And Lancaster with all his friends puts down Betwixt which Houses while the difference stood Fell more then fourscore of the Noble Bloud For which but think how many thousands bled And you will Iudge the Roses both were Red. Warwick advances Edward to the Crown And in distast againe he pulls him down But Edward to the Duke of Burgoine flyes And with his aid and his own perjuries Reerowns himself for Kingdomes men will dare A thousand Oaths and count them solemne Aire EDVVARD the Fifth King of England EDward the Fourth being dead his Eldest Son Edward succeeded him but he in his Reign was under Governors Anthony Lord Rivers Thomas Wagham Chamberlain and Richard Grey Knights who being sent for by the Queens Letters came in hast to London with the Prince Then also Richard Duke of Gloucester being at York and hearing of the Kings Death came to London with a small Army and being mindfull to usurp the Kingdome he overtook the young King Edward on his way to London and takes him into his own charge
a man he was of an approved judgement and understanding in State affairs and of a singular fidelity to his King and Countrey William Laud also Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of all England followed him a man admirably learned But now they touched the Kings bowells for they accuse the Queens Majesty as one that had caused the troubles in Ireland and caused that people of themselves inconstant enough to rebell the King hereupon accused five of the lower house and one of the upper House their names the Lord Viscount Mandevile Pim Hamden Hasilrig Hollis and Stroud cleerly detecting these men of these tumults and dissensions but the Parliament would never suffer them to come to tryal but hid them in the City The Parliament having brought the business to this resolve not to give it over but Ianuary 16. 1642. raised a vast multitude of Citizens and others to the number of 20000. and more under colour to defend the Laws and Liberties The King hasts to Hampton Court commanding his Councellors to follow him especially Essex and Holland who both refuse wherefore the King with a small company took his journey like one that sled so that for hast being he had no Purveyers to provide room for him sufficiently he his wife and children the first night were constrained to tumble all in one Bed The King with some of his friends takes journey to York and is honourably received by the Gentry who proffer their best assistance the Parliament takes advantage of his absence and load him and his Queen with black and scandalous calumnies to render him odious to the City and having his Militia out of his hands together with the disposing of all places of trust they raise a great masse of money upon publick faith and I know not what State cheats they fortifie all places of strength they next send to the King humble Petitions containing most unreasonable demands calling them Priviledges of Parliament giving the King plainly to understand if he will not grant what they desire they will have it by force and forthwith raise a formidable Army under the command of the Earl of Essex the King is denyed entrance into his Town of Hull by the two Hothams father and son both which afterward their fellow Rebels beheaded on one and the same day spightfully executing the son first least he should have the honour to dye a Knight The King seeing his lenity hath been but their opportunity and that they were now in the field ready to surprize him sets up his Standard at Nottingham levies what forces he could and betakes himself to the field having fortified Oxford his chief Garrison many Battels are fought with various success till that fatal Battel at Naseby in which the Kings forces were totally routed and his very cabinet of private Letters between himself and his wife taken and most barbarously printed and divulged to his Majesties honour and the infamy of the divulgers For that the King in a disguize yields up his Person to the Scots who trayâ—erously sold him to the English for 200000 l. And the Rump having now what they desired murder him at his own Gate Ian. 30. 1648. He lyes buried by Henry the Eight at Windfor The high and Mighty Monarch CHARLES by the grace of GOD King of Great Brittaine France and Ireland Defender of the Fayth etc. Are to be sould by Thomas Ionneâ— aty e Royall Exchaunge Thus Ah thus our dread Soveraign Charls the first The best of men was murder'd by the worst At his own Gate by his own Subjects too What more could barbarous Moors and Scythians do False Scots betray'd sold him Scots that would Betray again our Saviour Christ for gold Thus fell our Laws and Liberties Assertor The Churches Champion and the Peoples Martyr To prove him wise just learned only look Into his most incomparable Book Which shall his name from age to age present When Brasse and Marble need a Monument CHARLS IId. King of Great Britain France Ireland CHARLS the second By the Grace of God of England Scotland France Ireland King was born the 29. of May 1630. Never knew May a more hopefull flower than this that happily sprung from the Roses of York and Lancaster joyned to the Lillyes of France a flower to whose composure nature it seems summoned her divided glories as Zeuxis did his divided beauties to make up one Venus Well was this May thought then most happy untill now we have lived to see another May as much more happy as it is to be brought to a Kingdome than to be brought to the world or to be Crowned than to be Cradled His Royall Nativity was attended by a Starre discovered over St. Iames's at mid-day displaying its modest beams in spight of Sun-shine in the middle of the aire an Emblem of his future glory it seems when Vulgar births are passed by every day unobserved the whole frame of nature takes notice of Soveraign births and Complements them with Stars Meteors Thunders Earth-quakes such honour have Gods anointed when he made his own Son King over his holy Hill of Zion a starre came and waited upon him from the East For his Education His Father of blessed memory pitcht upon the Reverend Doctor Duppa Dean of Christ-Church in Ozon Lord Bishop of Chichester and afterward of Salisbury who went to him as his other Genius O â—ow the reverend Father insinuated himself with his sacred Theorems into his Princely soul in short he arrived at that proficiency was his own honour and the worlds admiration as forraign Tongues as Italian French Spanish Dutch c. Adversity hath been his School-master witnesse all Embassadors whom he Elegantly answers in their own Languages This every way accomplisht Prince whom this degenerous Land was unworthy of was expulsed his Kingdomes by Traytors whose names are blacker than my Ink accursed Assassines that murdered the Father than whom a better King England was never happy under and would have sent the thrice Noble Son the same way but that God preserved him miraculously to be the joy and honour of these long bleeding Kingdomes once again At last after many forreign troubles the Scots invite the King upon tearms almost as hard as Exile which yet the King receives and is Crowned in Scotland but tyred out with their Factions he makes for England with his friends and Lashly who at Worcester betrayes him where his Majesty in his own person performing wonders yet lost the day and escaped leaving all things behind him a prey to the enemies who fell upon the Royal plunder so hastily as if they thought to find Saul the King among the stuff but blessed be that losse that saved our Soveraigne But the King escapes their villany and violence and purposely loosing his company goes to White-Ladyes near Boscobil where cutting off his hair disguising his face with Wallnuts and his body with rustick Robes under the conduct of the Penderells he passed the dayes in obscure Coppices and
the taking and burning of St. Thomes information being sent to Gondimer who was Embassador here in England he never rested assaulting the King with importunity for Reparation Raleigh no sooner came a shoare at Plymouth but he had secret information and did endeavour to get from thence in a Bark for Rochel but being apprehended by Sir Lewis Stackly he is brought to London and committed to the Tower Gondimer that looked upon him as a man that had not only high abilities but animosity to do his master mischief being one of those scourges that Queen Elizabeth had made use of to afflict the Spaniards and having gotten him in the Trap he laid his baits about the King in October he was brought to the Kings Bench Barre at Westminster before the Lord chief Justice where the records of his arraignment at Winchester were opened and he demanded why the judgement should not be put in execution Raleigh that judgement was void by the Kings Commission for his late expedition the Lord chief Justice replyed The opinion of the Court was to the contrary he then required time to prepare for death but it was answered The appointed time was the next morning accordingly on that morrow he was beheaded Buckingham the great favourite is slain by Felton for which he was executed Queen Anne about this time fell sick and dyed she was a Queen to be had in everlasting Memory for her Noble Vertues The King also fell sick but by Gods assistance he recovered The Paâ—sgrave in the interim who had marryed the Lady Elizabeth by the prompting on of some of the German Princes was chosen King of Bohemia The Emperour was wonderfully enraged at this Election and proclaimed war against him driving him first out of Bohemia and afterwards out of all Germany who in Holland the common refuge of all wretchâ—d people found a bountifull and safe entertainment But Iames that he might help his son in law made a motion for a marriage betwixt his son Charls and the Infanta of Spain Charls is sent into Spaine through France by Land where he saw upon his journey Mary daughter to Henry the fourth he was received in Spain magnificently to outward appearance but a difference falling out betwixt the Duke of Buckingham and Count Olivares the principall Don of the Spanish Court the Treaty was drawn out at length but Charls impatient of delay returns home and arrives safe in England and was afterward married to Mary whom he had affectionately beheld in France What remains to be spoken of King Iames is either scarce worth recording or dubious in the truth thereof He dyed at last of a disease of the Spleen though there was false reports spread abroad That he was poysoned when he had reigned twenty and two years in the year 1625. He was a true Platonick Prince a Husband worthy of his Wife an honest Father to his Children a good King to his Subjects because he was a Prince he was the most learned and he was the best Prince by reason of his learning In this Kings reigne English Plantations were â—etled in the Indies Virginia Bermudaes and New-England in which are Common-wealths The right high and most mightie Monarch IAMES by the Grace of God King of great Britaine Fraunce and Ireland c. â—efendor of the Faith D Sculp They look for peace and behold war But we Did look for war and have met peace in thee The North wind brings no good it is untrue Never brought wind England more good than you Whose Mothers death may all the world convince Revenge could never conquer such a Prince What could Great Britain wish but such an heir Vnites two Realms scarce ever out of war Your wisdome plenty peace who descants on Conclude you even a second Solomon Herein Great Sir you Solomon surpass'd That to your God were constant to the last CHARLS I st King of Great Britain France Ireland CHARLS the first succeeded his Father being 25 years of Age. The first design he had was to marry Henrietta Maria Daughter to Henry the fourth of France as he had purposed before who landed in England the 22. of Aprill and was received magnificently Then a Navy was prepared against the Spaniard for all friendship was grown stale between these two Kings by reason of the breach of the marriage and the business of the Palatinate he joyned with the ships of Holland and sent away toward Spain and first assaulting Cades and not prevailing they set up sail and spoyling all the Spanish Vessels they met they return for England Now a Covenant was made between the English and the united Provinces and they resolved with joynt forces to tire out the Spaniard But Charls whose Exchequer was emptied by reason of his Spanish voyage and setting forth his Navy was forced to call a Parliament but they would do nothing till Buckingham had answered to his charge they are dissolved and the King raises money otherwise provides a mighty Fleet and surprizes all the Spanish Ships he lights on But the French not being spared a stop and Confiscation is made of English Vessels in France The Ministers of the Church of Rome and those that came over with the Queen privately disturb the English affairs they are commanded to depart the Land not without gifts the French King takes it ill and some are recalled The French not satisfied forbid all commerce Charls the like envy encreases Lewis oppresseth the Rochellers Charls sends relief to the besieged but prevails little heavy complaints are made against Buckingham Charls to stop all farther proceedings against Buckingham again dissolves the Parliament He raiseth new forces to assist the Rochellers under the command of Buckingham but being ready to embark himself he was stabbed by Felton an English man who was taken and hanged for his pains A new Parliament is summoned they deny Tunnage and Poundage The King reprints the Common-prayer-book at which the Scots rebell he goes against them with an Army but returns without any good condition made Now the Scots made a neerer agreement among themselves against the King which they called their Covenant The King therefore distressed for want calls a Parliament and asks Subsidies of them all in vain The Queen indeavours what she can with the Pope but nothing is to be done unlesse the King would abjure the reformed Religion but the King hates the motion and had rather lose his Crowns than accept such hard conditions Nor was it long ere these Demagogues brought down a tumultuous rabble of Apprentices and other base people to the Parliament door crying out Away with the Lieutenant of the Tower down with Popish Bishops out of the house with them And to weaken his Majesty the more or rather to satisfie the insolent tumult they cast 12 Bishops into prison the Earl of Bristoll and his son were sore threatned and the year before that never enough honoured Thomas Earle of Strafford lost his head to satisfie this unreasonable rout