committed within twelve daies after the said declaration made and denounced XI Item That in every safe conduct to be granted by either of the said Princes this clause to bee added Provided alwaies that the obtainer of this safe conduct be no traytour or rebell XII Item If during this amity and truce any of the subjects of either Prince doe presume or attempt to aide helpe maintaine or serve any other Prince against any of the said contractors Then it shall be lawfull to the Prince and his subjects against whom he shewed himselfe enemy and adversarie to apprehend and attach the said subject going comming or tarrying any act article or clause in this league to the contrary comprehended notwithstanding XIII Item It is agreed apointed and accorded that in this traatie and amitie shall bee comprehended the friends obliged and confederates of both the Princes if they list to enter and accept the league and thereupon to declare their pleasures within sixe moneths next ensuing and specially for the King of Englands part were named for confederates The King of Castile and Lyon the King of Arragon the King of Portugall the Archduke of Austryche and Burgony and the Duke of Britaine On the part of the King of Scotts were named for confederates Charles the French King Iohn King of Denmarke and Norwey and the Duke of Geldres and Brittaine XIIII Item It is agreed and concluded betweene the parties aforesaid that the Lordship of Lorne in the Realme of Scotland nor the Island of Londay lying in the river of Severne in the Realme of England shall not be taken nor comprised within the league but to stand at large as they did before XV. Item That this concord peace and amity should be published proclaymed and divulged the first day of October next ensuing in the most noble and famous cities and townes of both the Realmes and Regions And conservatours were appointed for the sure observation of this league aud amitie on both parts whose names follow For the King of England Iohn Earle of Lincone Henry Earle of Northumberland Ralph Lord Nevell Ralph Lord Greystocke Richard Lord Fitz Hugh Iohn Lord Scrope Thomas Lord Scrope of Massam Sir Christopher Moresby William Clapton Esquier Humfrey Lord Daker Sir Richard Ratcliffe Sir Iohn Conyers Sir Edward Hastings Sir Robert Donstable Sir Hugh Hastings Sir William Evers Sir Iohn Huldeston William Musgrave Esquier Richard Salkeld Esquier For the King of Scotts David Earle of Crafford and Lord Linsey George Earle of Huntlâ—y Lord Gordâ—n and Badzâ—nath Iohn Lord Dornelâ—y Iohn Lord Kynedy Robert Lord Lile Patricke Lord Hales Lawrence Lord Oliphaunt William Lord Borthwike Sir Iohn Rosse of Halkehed Sir Gilbert Iohnson of Elphynstone Sir Iohn Lundy Sir Iames Ogilly of Arly Sir Robert Hamilton of Fingaltâ—n Sir William Balze of Lamington Sir Iohn Kinedy of Blarqhon Sir Iohn Wemes Sir William Rochewen Edward Crochton of Kirke Paty Iohn Dundas Iohn Rosse of Montgrenane these three last were Esquiers XVI Item It is further condesconded and agreed that these commissioners whose names ensue shall meete at Loughmabanstane the eighteenth day of November next ensuing aswell for redresse to bee had of certaine offences done on the Westmarches as also for declaring and publishing of the peace and amitie Commissioners of the English part The Lord Dacre The Lord Fitz Hugh Sir Richard Radcliffe Sir Christopher Moresby Sir Richard Salkeld or three of them Commissioners for the Scottish part The Lord Kenedy The Lord Mountgomory The Lord Lile Iohn Maxwell Stuarde of Annerdâ—le Robert Crechton of Sanquhane or three of them XVII Item The like Commissioners were assigned to meete at Raydon Borne for the East Marches the first day of December and also meete at Haldanstanke the fourth day of the said moneth for the midle Marches Commissioners for the King of England The Earle of Northumberland The Lord Greystorcke The Lord Scrope of Massam Sir William Gastoyn Sir Robert Constable Commissioners for the King of Scotts The Earle of Huntley The Earle of Angus The Earle of Ergile Chancellour of Scotland The Lord Wandale The Lord Seton The Lord Olyphaunt The Lord Stobhill XVIII Item It is agreed that the commessioners aforesaid shall depute and assigne certaine persons to view and declare the bounds and limits appertaining to the Towne of Berwicke according to the true meaning of the league XIX Item It is agreed and appointed that no person of England or Scotland shall during the said truce build eare or sow any lands or ground being within the bounds of the batable ground but to suffer the same to continue in the same condition that it now remaineth When this league and amitie was thus concluded finished and sealed with all due circumstances thereunto required although King Richard judged deemed himselfe somewhat the more strong and quiet by force of this new amitie and concluded confederacie yet to augement more the familiaritie begunne betweene the King of Scots and him and to have a double string for his bow hee entreated a new aliance and marriage to bee concluded betweene the Prince of Rothsay eldest son to the King of Scots and Lady Anne de la Poole daughter to Iohn Duke of Suffolke and Lady Anne sister to King Richard which sister he so much favored that he studying all the waies by the which hee might advance her off-spring and linage did not onely procure and seeke meanes how to make her daughter a Princesse and consequently a Queene but also after the death of his son he proclaimed Iohn Earle of Lincolne his Nephew her son heire apparent to the Crowne of England disinheriting King Edwards daughters whose brethren before you have heard he shamefully killed and murthered The King of Scots having neede of Friends but not so much neede as King Richard which was of necessitie compelled to seeke aiders and to entertaine fautours the one for favouring of flatterers and base borne persons and the other not only for tyranny and unnaturall homicide but also for the usurpation of the Crowne being of all the Realme detested and disdained gladly accepted and joyously consented to King Richards device and conjunction of amitie perfectly remembring that amongst all bonds and obligations of love and amitie that there is neither a surer nor a more perfect locke then the knot of conjunction in the Sacrament of Matrimonie which was in the very beginning of the first age of man ordained and instituted in the holy place of Paradice terrestiall by God himselfe by reason whereof the propagation and succession of the humane nature stablished upon the sure seate of lawfull Matrimonie betweene Princes may nourish peace concord and unity asswage breake the furious rage of truculent Mars and terrible battaile and encrease love favour and familiaritie Wherefore the said Princes sent their Embassadours and Councellors againe to the Towne of Nottingham where the said marriage was by writings and instruments covenanted condiscended and agreed and affiances made and taken by Procters and Deputies on
in the twenty fifth yeare of Lewis the eleventh then being the King of France and the morrow after hee was Proclamed King and with great solemnity rode to Westminster and there 〈◊〉 in the seate Royall and called the Judges of the Realme before him staightly commanding them to execute the Lawes without favour or delay with many good exhortations of the which hee followed not one and then hee departed towards the Abby and at the Church doore hee was met with Procession and there was delivered to him by the Abbot the Scepter of Saint Edward and so went and offered to Saint Edwards shrine while the Monkes sang Te deum with a faint courage and from the Church hee returned to the Palace where he lodged till the Coronation And to bee sure of all enemies as hee thought hee sent for five thousand men out of the North against his Coronation which came up evill apparelled and worse harnessed in rusty harnesse neither defensable nor scoured to the sale which mustered in Finsbury fiâ—ld to the great disdaine of all the lookers on The fourth day of Iuly hee came to the Tower by water with his wife and the fifth day he created Edward his onely begotten sonne a child of tenne yeares old Prince of Wales and Iohn Haward a man of great knowledge and vertue aswell in councell as in battell hee created Duke of Norfolke and sir Thomas Haward his sonne he created Earle of Surry and William Lord Barkeley was then created Earle of Notingham and Francis Lord Lovell was then made Vicount Lovell and the Kings Chamberlaine and Lord Stanley was delivered out of ward for feare of his sonne the Lord Strange which was then in Lancashire gathering men as men said and the said Lord was made Steward of the Kings houshold likewise the Arch-Bishop of Yorke was delivered But Morton Bishop of Ely was deliverd to the Duke of Buckingham to keepe in ward who sent him to his manour of Brecknoke in Wales from whence hee escaped to King Richards confusion The same night the King made seventeene Knights of the Bath The next day he roade through London with great pompe and especially the Duke of Buckingham was richly apparelled and his horse trapped in blew velvet embroidered with the naves of carts burning of gold which trapper was borne by footmen from the ground with such solemne fashion that all men much admired it On the morrow being the sixt day of Iuly the King came towards his Coronation into Westminster Hall where his Chappell all the Prelates mitered received him And so they in order of Procession passed forward After the Procession followed the Earle of Northumberland with a pointlesse sword naked and the Lord Stanley bore the Mace of the Constableship The Earle of Kent bore the second sword on the right hand of the King naked The Lord Lovell bore an other sword on the left hand Then followed the Duke of Suffolke with the Scepter and the Earle of Lincolne with the Ball and Crosse. After them followed the new Earle of Surrey with the sword of Estate in a rich scabbard On the right side of him went the Duke of Norfolke bearing the Crowne then followed King Richard in a Circot and robe of purple velvet under a Canopie borne by the barrons of the five Ports going betweene the Bishops of Bathe and Duresme The Duke of Buckingham with the rod of the high Steward of England bare the Kings traine After him followed the Earle of Huntington bearing the Queenes Scepter and the Vicount Lisle bearing the rod with the Dove And the Earle of Wiltshire bare the Queenes Crowne Then followed Queene Anne daughter to Richard Earle of Warwicke in robes like to the King between two Bishops and a canopie over her head borne by the Barons of the Ports On her head a rich Coronall set with stones pearles After her followed the countesse of Richmond heire to the Duke of Somerset which bare up the Queenes traine After followed the Dutches of Suffolke and Norfolke with Countesses Barronesses Ladies and many faire Gentlewomen in this order they passed thorow the palace entred the Abbie at the West end and so came to their seates of estate And after diverse songs solemly sung they both descended to the high Altar and were shifted from their robes and had diverse places open from the middle upward in which places they were annointed Then both the King and the Queene changed them into cloathes of gold and ascended to their seates where the Cardinall of Canterbury and other Bishops Crowned them according to the old custome of the Realme giving him the Scepter in his left hand and the ball with the crosse in the right hand and the Queene had the Scepter in her right hand and the rod with the Dove in the left hand On every side of the King stood a Duke and before him stood the Earle of Surrey with the sword in his hands And on every side of the Queene standing a Bishop and a Lady kneeling The Cardinall sung the Masse and after paxe The King the Queene descended and before the high Altar they were both houseled with one host divided betweene them After Masse finished they both offered at Saint Edwards shrine and there the King left the Crowne of Saint Edward and put on his owne Crowne And so in order as they came they departed to Westminster-hall and so to their chambers for a season during which time the Duke of Norfolke came into the Hall his horse trapped to the ground in cloth of gold as high Marshall and voyded the Hall About foure of the clocke the King and Queene entred into the Hall and the King sate in the middle the Queene on the left hand of the table on every side of her a Countesse holding a cloth of pleasance when shee list to drinke And at the right hand of the King sate the Bishop of Canterbury the Ladies sate all on one side in the middle of the Hall and at the table against theÌ„ sate the Chancellour and all the Lordes At the Table next the cupboord sate the Major of London And at the Table behind the Lords sate the Barons of the Ports And at the other boords sate Noble and Worshipfull personages When all persons were set the Duke of Norfolke Earle Marshall the Earle of Surrey Constable for that day the Lord Stanlâ—y Lord Steward sir Willâ—am Hopton Treasurer and sir Thomas Percy Controler came in served the King solemnly with one dish of gold and another of silver And the Queene all in gilt vessels and the Bishops all in silver At the second course came into the Hall sir Robert Democke the Kings champion making a Proclamation that whosoever would say that King Richard was not lawfully King hee would fight with him at the utterance and threw downe his Gauntlet and then all the Hall cryed out King Richard And so hee did in three parts of the Hall and then one brought
my selfe have heard spoken and that upon great presumptions more times then once so againe by my ayde and favour hee of a Protectour was made a King and of a subject made a Governour at which time he promised mee upon his fidelitie laying his hand in mine at Baynards Castle that the two yong Princes should live and that hee would so provide for them and so maintaine them in honorable estate that I and all the Realme ought and should bee content But when he was once Crowned King and in full possession of the whole Realme he cast away his old conditions as the Adder doth his skinne verifying the old proverbe honours change manners as the Parish Priest remembreth not that he was ever Parish Clarke For when I my selfe sued to him for my part of the Earle of Hartfords lands which his brother King Edward wrongfully detyned and withheld from mee and also required to have the office of the high Constable ship of England as divers of my noble ancestors before this time have had and in long discent continued In this my first suite shewing his good minde towards me he did not onely first delay me and afterward deny me but gave me such unkind words with â—uch taunts and retaunts yea in manner checke and check mate to the uttermost proofe of my patience As though I had never furthered him but hindred him as though I had put him downe and not set him up yet al these ingratitudes undeserved unkindnesses I bare closely and suffer patiently and covertly remeÌ„bred outwardly dissembling that I inwardly thought and so with a painted countenance I passed the last summer in his last company not without many faire promises but without any good deedes But when I was credibly informed of the death of the two young innocents his owne naturall Nephewes contrary to his faith and promise to the which God bee my judge I never agreed nor condiscended O Lord how my veines panted how my body trembled and my heart inwardly grudged in so much that I so abhorred the sight and much more the company of him that I could no longer abide in his court except I should bee openly revenged The end whereof was doubtfull and so I fained a cause to depart and with a merry countenance and a dispightful heart I tooke my leave humbly of him hee thinking nothing lesse then that I was displeased and so returned to Brecknocke to you But in the journey as I returned whether it were by the inspiration of the holy Ghost or by Melancolous disposition I had divers and sundry imaginations how to deprive this unnaturall Vncle and bloody butcher from his royall seate and princely dignity First I fantasied that if I list to take upon me the Crowne and imperiall Scepter of the Realme now was the time fit and convenient For now was the way made plaine and the gate opened and occasion given which now neglected should peradventure never take such effect and conclusion For I saw hee was disdained of the Lords temporall execrate and accursed of the Lords spiritual detested of all gentlemen and despised of all the commonaltie So that I saw my chance as perfectly as I saw my owne Image in a glasse that there was no person if I had beene greedy to attempt the enterprise could nor should have won the ring or got the gole before me And on this point I rested in imagination secretly with my selfe two dayes at Teukesbury And from thence sojourning I mused thought it was not best nor convenient to take vpon me as a conquerour for then I knew that all men and especially the nobilitie would with all their power withstand me both for rescuing of possessions and tenours as also for subverting of the whole estate Lawes and Customes of the Realme Such a power hath a conquerour as you know well enough my Lord. But at the last in all this doubtfull case there sprang a new branch out of my head which surely I thought should have brought forth faire flowers but the sunne was so hot that they turned to dry weedes for I suddenly remembred that Lord Edmond Duke of Somerset my Grandfather was with King Henry the sixt in the second and third degrees from Iohn Duke of Lancaster lawfully begotten So that I thought sure my mother being eldest daughter to Duke Edmond that I was next to King Henry the sixt of the house of Lancastâ—r This title pleased well such as I made privie of my counsell but much more it encouraged my foolish desire and elevated my ambitious intent in so much that I clerely judged and in mine own minde was determinately resolved that I was indubitated heire of the house of Lancaster and thereupon concluded to make my first foundation and erect my new building But whether God so ordered or by fortune it so chanced while I was in a mase either to conclude sodainely on this title and to set it open amongst the common people or to keepe it secret a while see the chance as I rode betweene Worcester and Bridgnorth I encountered with the lady Margaret Countesse of Richmond now wife to the Lord Stanley which is the very daughter and sole heyre to Iohn Duke of Somerset my grandfathers elder brother Which was as cleane out of my minde as though I had never never seene her so that shee and her sonne the Earle of Richmond be both bulwarke and portcolice betweene and the gate to enter into the majesty royall and getting of the Crowne And when wee had communed a little concerning her sonne as I shall shew you after and were departed shee to our Lady of Worcester and I toward Shrewsbury I then new changed and in manner amased began to dispute with my selfe litle considering that thus my earnest was turned even to a tittle not woth esteeme Presently I imagined whether I were best to take upon me by the election of the nobilitie and commonaltie which me thought easie to be done the usurper King thus being in hatred and abhorred of this whole Realme or to take it by power which standeth in fortunes chance and difficile to bee atchieved and brought to passe Thus rumbling tossing in the waves of ambiguitie betweene the stone and sacrifice I considered first the office duty and paine of a King which surely thinke that no mortall man can justly and truely observe except hee bee called elected and specially appointed by God as King David and divers others have beene But further I remembred that if I once tooke on mee the Scepter and the governance of the Realme That of two extreame enemies I was daily sure but of one trusty friend which now adayes bee gone a pilgrimage I was neither assured nor credibly ascertained such is the worlds mutation for I manifestly perceived that the daughters of King Edward and their alies and friends which be no small number being both for his sake much beloved and also for the great injurie manifest tyranni done
to them by the new usurper much lamented and pittied would never cease to barke if they cannot bite at the one side of me Likewise my cousin the Earle of Richmond his aides kinsfolke which be not of little power will surely attempt like a fierce grayhound either to bite or to pierce mee on the other side So that my life and rule should ever hang by a haire never in quiet but ever in doubt of death or deposition And if the said two linages of Yorke and Lancaster which so long have strived for the imperiall Diadem should joyne in one against mee then were I surely mated and the game gotten Wherefore I have clearely determined and with my selfe concluded utterly to relinquish all such fantasticall imaginations concerning the obtaining of the Crowne But all such plagues calamities and troubles which I feared and suspected might have chanced on me if I had taken the rule and regiment of this reale I shall with a reredemaine so make them rebound to our common enemie that calleth himselfe King that the best stopper that hee hath at tenice shall not well stop without a fault for as I told you before the Countesse of Richmond in my returne from the new named King meeting mee in the high way prayed me first for kindred sake secondly for the love I bare to my grandfather Duke Humphrey which was sworne brother to her father to move the King to bee good to her sonne Henry Earle of Richmond and to licence him with his favour to returne againe into England and if it were his pleasure so to doe shee promised that the Earle her sonne should marry one of King Edwards daughters at the appointment of the King without any thing to be taken or demanded for the said espousals but onely the Kings favour which request I soone overpassed and gave her faire words and so departed But after in my lodging when I called to memorie with a deliberate studie and did circumspctly ponder them I fully adjudged that the holy Ghost caused her to move a thing the end whereof she could not consider both for the security of the Realme as also for the preferment of her child and the destruction and finall confusion of the common enemy King Richard Which thing shee neither then thought I am sure as I by her words could make conjecture nor I my selfe cast not her desire to be so profitable to the Realme as I now doe perceive but such a Lord is God that with a little sparkle he kindleth a great fire and so finally to declare to you the very conclusion to the which I am both bent and set my mind is and my power and purpose shall helpe that the Earle of Richmond very heire of the house of Lancaster in the quarrell of the which linage both my father and grandfather lost their lives in battell shall take to wife Lady Elizabeth eldest daughter to K. Edward by the which marriage both the houses of Yorke and Lancaster may bee obtained and united in one to the cleare stablishment of the title to the Crowne of this noble Realme To the which conclusion if the mothers of both parties and especially the Earle himselfe and the Lady will agree I doubt not but the braging Bore which with his tuskes raseth every mans skinne shall not only be brought to confusion as he hath deserved but that this Empire shal ever be certain of an undubitate heire and then shall all civill and intestine war cease which hath so long continued to the parting of many mens Crownes this Realme shall bee reduced againe to quietnesse renoune and glory This invention of the Duke many men thought after that it was more imagined for the inward hatred that he beare to King Richard then for any favour that hee bare to the Earle of Richmond But of such doubtfull matters it is not best to judge for erring to farre from the minde and entent of the actour But whatsoever he intended this device once opened to King Richard was the very occasion that hee was rounded shorter by the whole head without attainder or judgement When the Duke had said the Bishop which ever favored the house of Lancaster was wonderous joyfull and much rejoyced to heare this device for now came the winde about even as hee would have it for all his imagination tended to this effect to have King Richard subdued and to have the lines of K. Edward and King Henry the sixt againe raised and advanced But Lord how hee rejoyced to thinke how that by this marriage the linages of Yorke and Lancaster should bee conjoyned in one to the very stead fastnesse of the publique wealth of this Realme And lest the Dukes courage should swage or his minde should againe alter as it did often before as you may easily perceive by his owne tale Hee thought to set up all the sailes hee had to the intent that the ship of his pretended purpose might come shortly to some sure port And said to the Duke my Lord sith by Gods high provision your incomparable wisedome and policie this noble conjunction was first moved now it is convenient yea and necessary to consider what personages and friends we shall first make privie of this high device and politicke conclusion By my truth quoth the Duke wee will begin with my Lady of Richmond the Earles mother which knoweth where he is either in captivitie or at large in Brytaine For I heard say that the Duke of Britaine restored him to liberty immediately after the death of King Edward by whose meanes hee was restrayned Sith you will begin that way said the Bishop I have an old friend with the Countesse a man sober secret and well witted called Reignold Bray whose prudent policie I have knowne to have compassed things of great importance for whom I shall secretly send if it bee your pleasure I doubt not he wil gladly come and with a good will So with a little diligence the Bishop wrote a letter to Reighnold Bray requiting him to come to Brecknock with speede for great and urgent causes touching his Mistresse and no other thing was declared in the letter So the messenger rode into Lancashire where Bray was with the Countesse and Lord Thomas Stanley her husband delivered the letter which when hee had read hee tooke it as a signe or presage of some good fortune to come and so with the messenger hee came to the Castle of Brecknocke where the Duke and the Bishop declared what thing was devised both to set the Realme in a quiet steadfastnesse and also for the high preferment of the Earle of Richmonds sonne to his Lady and Mistrisse Willing her first to compasse how to obtaine the good wil of Queene Elizabeth and also of her eldest daughter bearing the same name and after secretly to send to her son into Britaine to declare what high honour was prepared for him if he would sweare to marry the Lady Elizabeth assoone
her sonne made Reyghnold Bray her most faithfull servant cheife soliciter and privie procurer of this conspiracie giving him in charge secretly to invegle and attract such persons of nobility to joyne with her and to take her part as hee knew to bee ingenious faithfull diligent and of activity This Reighnold Bray within few daies brought unto his lure first of all taking of every person a solemne oath to be true and secret sir Gyles Daubeney sir Iohn Cheiney knight Richard Guylford and Thomas Raine Esquiors and divers others The Countesse of Richmond was not so diligent for her part but Queene Elizabeth was as vigilant on the other side and made friends and appointed Councellers to set forward and advance her businesse In the meane season the Countesse of Richmond tooke into her service Christopher Vrswicke an honest and a wise Priest and after an oath of him for to bee secretly taken and sworne shee uttered to him all her mind councell adhibiting to him the more confidence and truth that he all his life had favoured and taken part with King Henry the sixt and as a speciall jewell put to her service by sir Lewes her Physitian So the mother studious for the prosperitie of her sonne appointed this Christopher Vrsewicke to saile into Britaine to the Earle of Richmond and to declare and to demonster to him all pacts and agreements betweene her and the Queene agreed and concluded But sudenly shee remembring that the Duke of Buckingham was one of the first inventers and a secret founder of this enterprise determined to send some personage of more estimation then her chaplaine and so elected Hugh Conway esquire and sent him into with a great some of money to her son giving him charge to declare to Earle the great love especiall favour that the most part of the nobilitie of the Realme bare towards him the benevoleÌ„t minds which the whole commonaltie frankly offered liberally exhibited to him willing advising him not to neglect so good an occasion apparently offered but with all speede diligence to addict and settle his minde full intention how to returne home againe into England where hee was both wished and looked for giving him farther monition and counsell to take land and arrivall in the principalitie of Wales where hee should not doubt to find both aide comfort and friends Richard Guylford lest Hugh Conwey might fortune to bee taken or stopped at Plimmouth where he intended to take his navigation sent out of Kent Thomas Rame with the same instruction and both made such diligence and had such winde and weather the one by land from Calice and the other by water from Plimmouth that within lesse then an hower both arrived in the Duke of Britaines court and spake with the Earle of Richmond w ch from the death of K. Edward went at his pleasure and liberty and to him counted and manifested the cause and effect of their message and Embassage When the Earle had received this joyfull message which was the more pleasant because it was unlooked for hee rendred to Jesu his saviour his most humble and harty thankes being in firme credence and beleefe that things as hee with busie minde and laborious entent had wished and desired could never have taken any effect without the helpe and preferment of Almighty God And now being put in comfort of his long longing he did communicate and breake to the Duke of Brittaine all his secrets and privie messages which were to him declared advertizing him that hee was entred into a sure and steadfast hope to obtaine and get the Crowne and Kingdome of the Realme of England desiring him both of his good will and friendly helpe toward the achiving of his offered enterprise promising him when hee came to his intended purpose to render to him againe equall kindnesses and condigne gratulations Although the Duke before that day by Thomas Hutton Embassadour from King Richard had both by money and prayers been solicited and moved to put againe into safe custody the Earle of Richmond hee neverthelesse promised faithfully to aide him and his promises hee truely performed The third yeere WHerupon the Earle with all diligence sent into England againe Hugh Conwey and Thomas Rame which should declare his comming shortly into England to the intent that all the things which by counsell might bee for his purpose provided should be accelerate and hasted and that all things doubtfull should of his friends bee prudently foreseene in avoiding all engins and snares which King Richard had or might have set in disturbance of his purpose and hee in the meane season would make his abode still in Britaine till things necessary for his journey were prepared and brought in a readinesse In the meane season the Chiefetaynes of the conjuration in England began together many enterprises Some in convenient fortresses put strong garrisons Some kept armed men privily to the intent when they should have knowledge of the Earles landing they would beginne to stirre up the warre Others did secretly move and solicite the people to rise and make an insurrection Others amongst whom Iohn Morton Bishop of Ely then being in Flanders was chiefe by privie letters and cloked messâ—ngers did stirre and invite to this new conjunction all such which they certainely knew to have a rooted hatred or to beare a cankered malice towards King Richard and his proceedings Although this great enterprise were never so privily handled and so secretly amongst so circumspect persons treated compassed conveyed yet knowledge thereof came to the eares of K. Richard which with the sodaine chance was not a little moved and astonied First because hee had no host ready prepared and conscribed Secondarily hee knew not where to occurre and meete his enemies or whither to goe or where to tarrie Wherefore he determined to dissemble the matter as though hee knew nothing till hee had assembled his host and in the meane season either by the rumour of the common people or by the diligence of his exploratours and espialles to investigate â—earch out all the Councells determinations intents and compasses of his close adversaries or else by crafty policie to intercept and take some person of the same conjuration considering that there is no more secret nor hid especiall than that which lurketh in dissâ—mulation of knowledge and intelligence or is hidden in the name and shaddow of counterfeit humanitie and fained kindnesse And because hee knew the Duke of Buckingham to bee the chiefe head and aide of the conjuration he thought it most necessary to pluck him from that part either by faire promises or open warre Whereupon he addressed his loving letters to the Duke as full of mellifluous words humanitie familiaritie as the interior cogitation privie meaning was full of malice rancor and poyson giving farther in charge to the messenger that carried the letter to promise to the Duke on his behalfe golden hilles and silver rivers and with all gentle and
willing him in any wise to leave the Earle and without delay to repaire into England where for him were provided great honours and honourable promotions ascertaining him further that all offences in both parties were forgotten and forgiven and both he and she highly incorporate in the Kings heart Surely the inconstancie of this woman were much to bee marvelled at if all women had bin found constant but let men speake yet women of the very bond of Nature wil follow their owne kinde After that King Richard had thus with glorious promises and flattering words pleased and appeased the mutable mind of Queene Elizabeth which knew nothing lesse then that he most intended he caused all his brothers daughters to be conveighed into his Palace with solemne receiving as though with his new familiar and loving entertainment they should forget and in their mindes obliterate the old committed injury and late perpetrate tyranny Now nothing was contrarie and opposite to his pernicious purpose but that his Mansion was not void of his wife which thing he in any wise adjudged necessary to be done But there was one thing that so much feared and dragged him from committing this abominable murder because as you have heard before hee began to counterfeit the image of a good and well disposed person and therefore he was afraid lest the sudden and immature death of his wife once openly knowne hee should lose the good and credible opinion which the people had of him without desert conceived and reported But in conclusion evill counsell prevailed in a wit lately minded to mischiefe and turned from all goodnesse So that his ungratious desire overcame his honest feare And first to enter into the gates of his imagined enterprise hee abstayned both from the bed and company of his wife After hee complained to divers Noble men of the Realm of the unfortunate sterilitie and barrennesse oâ— his wife because she brought forth no fruit and generation of her body And in speciall hee accompted to Thomas Rotheram Arch-bishop of Yorke whom lately hee had delivered out of ward and captivity these impediments of his Queene and divers others thinking that hee would reveale and open to her all these things trusting the sequell hereof to take his effect that shee hearing this grudge of her husband and taking therefore an inward thought would not long live in this world Of this the Bishop gathered which well knew the complection and usage of the King that the Queenes dayes were short and that hee declared to certaine of his secret friends And thus he procured a common rumour but hee would not have the authour knowne to bee published and spread abroâ—d among the common people that the Qâ—eene was dead to the intent that shee taking some conceit of this strang fame should fall into some sudden sicknesse or grievous malady and to prove if afterwards shee shâ—â—ld fortune by that or any other waies to lose her life whether the people would impute her death to the thought or sicknes or therof would lay the blame to him When the Queene heard tell that so horrible a rumour of her death was sprung amongst the commonaltie shee sore suspected and judged the world to be almost at an end with her and in that sorrowfull agony shee with lamentable countenance and sorrowfull cheere repaired to the presence of the King her husband demanding of him what it should meane that he had judged her worthy to die The King answered her with faire words and with dissembling blandiments and flattering leasings comforted her bidding her to bee of good comfort for to his knowledge shee should have no other cause But howsoever it fortuned either by inward thought and pensivenesse of heart or by intoxication of poyson which is affirmed to bee most likely within a few dayes after the Queene departed out of this transitorie life was with due solemnitie buried in the church of S. Peter at Westminster This is the same Anne one of the daughters of the Earle of Warwicke which as you have heard before at the request of Lewes the French King was married to Prince Edward son to King Henry the Sixt. The King thus according to his long desire loosed out of the bonds of matrimony beganne to cast a foolish phantasie to Lady Elizabeth his neece making much suite to have her joyned with him in lawfull matrimony But because all men and the maiden her selfe most of all detested and abhorred this unlawfull and in a manner unnaturall copulation hee determined to prolong and dâ—fer the matter till he were in a more quietnesse For all that very season hee was oppressed with great weightie and urgent causes and businesses on every side considering that daily part of the nobilitie sailed into France to the Earle of Richmond other privily favoured and aided certaine of the conjuration so that of his short end few or none were in doubt And the common people for the most part were brought to such desperation that many of them had rather be reputed and taken of him in the number of his enemies then to abide the chance and hazard to have their goods taken as a spoyle of victorie by his enemies Amongst the noble men whom hee most mistrusted these were the principall Thomas Lord Stanley Sir William Stanley his brother Gilbert Talbot and six hundred other of whose purposes although King Richard were ignorant yet he gave neither confidence nor credence to any one of them and least of al to the Lord Stanley because hee was joyned in matrimony with the Lady Margaret mother to the Earle of Richmond as afterward apparently ye may perceive For when the said Lord Stanley would have departed into his Countrey to visite his familie and to recreate and refresh his spirits as he openly said but the truth was to the intent to be in a perfect readinesse to receive the Earle of Richmond at his first arrivall into England the King in no wise would suffer him to depart before he had left as an hostage in the Court George Stanley Lord Strange his first begotten son heire While King Richard was thus troubled and vexed with imaginations of the tumultuous time that was like to come Loe even suddenly hee heard newes that fire was sprung out of the smoake and the warre presently begun and that the Castle of Hammes was delivered into the hands of the Earle of Richmond by the meanes of the Earle of Oxford and that not onely hee but also Iames Blunt Captaine of the Castle were fled into France to aide the Earle Henry Wherefore he thinking it great policie to withstand the first brunt sent the most part of the garison of Calice to recover again by force the castle of Hammes They which were in the Castle perceiving their adversaries to approach prepared munitions and engins for their defence and sent also the Earle of Richmond to advertise him of their sodaine obsession requiring him of hasty ayde speedie succour The Earle slipping
with the ayde and reliefe of his friends intended to passe over the river of Siverne at Shrewesbury so to passe directly to the citie of London requiring them as his especiall trust and confidence was perplanted in the hope of their fidelitie that they would occurre and meete him by the way with all diligent preparation to the intent that hee and they at time propice and place convenient might communicate together the profunditie and deepenesse of all his dubious weighty businesse When the messengers were disparcled with these commandements admonitions hee marched forwards toward Shrewesbury and in his passing there met and saluted him Rice ap Thomas with a goodly band of Welshmen which making an oath promise to the Earle submitted himself wholy to his order and commandement For the Earle of Richmond two dayes before made to him promises that if hee would sweare to take his part and be obedient to him he would make him chiefe governour of Wales which part as he faithfully promised and granted so after that hee had obtained and possessed the Realme and diadem hee liberally performed and accomplished the same In the meane time the messengers that were sent diligently executed the things given to them in charge and laden with rewards of them to whom they were sent returned to him the same day that he entred into Shrewesbury made relation to him that his friends were ready in all points to doe all things for him which either they ought or might doe The Earle Henry brought in good hope with his pleasant message continued foorth his entended journey and came to a little towne called Newport pitching his campe on a little hill adjoyning reposed himselfe there that night In the evening the same day came to him Sir George Talbot with the whole power of the young Earle of Shrewesbury then being inward which were accompted to the number of two thousand men And thus his power increasing he arrived at the towne of Stafford and there pawsed To whom came Sir William Stanley accompanied with a few persons and after that the Earle and hee had communed no long time together he reverted to his souldiers which hee had congregate together to serve the Earle which from thence departed to Lichfield lay without the walles in his campe all the night The next morning hee entred into the towne and was with all honour like a Prince received A day or two before the Lord Stanley having in his band almost five thousand men lodged in the the same towne but hearing that the Earle of Richmond was marched thitherward gave to him place dislodging him and his and repayred to a towne called Adrestone there abiding the comming of the Earle and this wilie Foxe did this act to avoide all suspicion being affraid lest if hee should bee seene openly to be a fautour or ayder to the Earle his son in law before the day of the battell that King Richard which did not utterly put in him diffidence and mistrust would put to some cruell death his sonne and heire apparent George Lord Strange whom King Richard as you have heard before kept with him as a pledge or hostage to the intent that the Lord Stanley his father should attempt nothing prejudiciall to him King Richard at this season keeping his house in the Castle of Nottingham was informed that the Earle of Richmond with such banished men as fled out of England to him were now arrived in Wales and that all things necessary to his enterprise were unprovided unpurveyed and very weake nothing meete to withstand the power of such as the King had appointed to resist him This rumour so inflated his minde that in manner disdaining to heare speake of so poore a company determined at the first to take little or no regard to this so small a sparcle declaring the Earle to bee innocent and unwise because that hee temerariously attempted such a great enterprise with so small thinne a number of warlike persons and therefore hee gave a definitive sentence that when hee came to that point that hee should be compelled to fight against his will he either should be apprehended alive or else by all likelihood hee should of necessitie come to a shamefull confusion and that he trusted to be shortly done by Sir Walter Herbert and Rice ap Thomas which then ruled Wales with equall power and like authoritie But hee revolving and casting in his minde that a small warre begun and winked at and not regarded may turne to a great broyle and tumultuous trouble and that it was prudent policie not to asperne and disdaine the little small power and weakenesse of the enemie be it never so small thought it necessary to provide for after clappes that might happen and chance Wherefore hee sent to Iohn Duke of Norfolke Henry Earle of Northumberland Thomas Earle of Surrey and to other of his especiall and trusty friends of the nobility which he judged much more to preferre and esteeme his wealth and honour then their owne riches and private commoditie willing them to muster and view all their servants and tenants and to elect and chuse the most couragious and active persons of the whole number and with them to repaire to his presence with all speede and diligence Also he wrote to Robert Brakâ—nbury Lieutenant of the Tower commanding him with his power to come to his army and to bring with him as fellowes in armes Sir Thomas Burchier and sir Walter Hungerford and divers other Knights and Esquiers in whom he had cast no smal suspition While hee was thus ordering his affaires tidings came that the Earle of Richmond was passed Severne come to Shrewesbury without any detriment or encombrance At which message hee was sore moved and broyled with Melancolie and dolour and cryed out asking vengeance of them that contrary to their oathes and promises had fraudulently deceived him For which cause he beganne to have diffidence in others in so much that hee determined himselfe out of hand the same day to occurre and resist his adversaries And in all haste sent out explorators to view and espie what way his enemies kept and passed They diligently doing their dutie shortly after returned declaring to the King that the Earle was encamped at the Towne of Lichfield When he had perfect knowledge where the Earle with his army was sojourning he having continuall repaire of his subjects to him began incontinently without delay to marshall and collocate in order his battailes like a valiant captaine and politique leader and first hee made his battailes to set forward foure foure in a rancke marching toward that way whither his enemies as was to him reported intended to passe In the middle part of the army he appointed the trafficke and carriage appertaining to the armie Then hee environed with his satellites and yeomen of the Crowne with a frowning countenance and truculent aspect mounted on a great white courser followed with his footmen the
pleasant meanes to perswade and exhort the Duke to come to the Court But the Duke as wilie as the King mistrusting the faire flattering words and the gay promises to him so suddenly without any cause offered knowing the craftie castes of K. Richards bow which in divers affaires before times hee had seene practised required the King to pardon him excusing himselfe that hee was so diseased in his stomacke that hee could scarce take any refection or rest King Richard not being content with this excuse would in no wise admit the same but incontinent directed to the Duke other letters of a more rougher and hautie sort not without minatorie termes and checking words commanding him all excuses set apart to repaire without any delay to his royall presence The Duke made to the messenger a determinate answer that he would not come to his mortall enemie whom hee neither loved nor favored and immediately prepared open warre against him and perswaded all his complices and partakers that every man should in his quarter with all diligence raise up the people and make a commotion And by this meanes almost in one moment Thomas Marques Dorcet came out of Sanctuary where hee since the beginning of Richards dayes had continued whose life by the onely helpe of sir Thomas Lovel Esquier was preserved from all danger and perill in this troublous world gathered together a great band of men in Yorkeshire Sir Edward Courtney and Peter his brother Bishop of Exeter raised another army in Devonshire and Cornewall In Kent Richard Gilford and other Gentlemen collected a great company of Souldiers and openly began Warre But King Richard which in the meane time had gotten together a great strength and puissaunce thinking it not most for his part beneficiall to disperse and divide his Armie into small branches and particularly to persecute any one of the conjuration by himselfe determined all other being set aside with his whole puissaunce to set on the chiefe head which was the Duke of Buckingham And so removing from London hee tooke his journey toward Salsbury to the intent that in his journey hee might set on the Dukes armie if he might know him in any place encamped or in order of Battaile arayed The King was scarse two dayes journey from Salisbury when the Duke of Buckingham accompanied with a great power of wilde Welshmen whom he being a man of that courage and sharpe speech in manner against their willes had rather thereto enforced compelled by Lordly and straite commandement then by liberall wages and gentle reteynour which thing was the very occasion why they left him desolate and cowardly forsooke him The Duke with all his power marched through the forrest of Deanâ— intending to have passed the river Severne at Gloucester and there to have joyned in army with the Courtneys and other Westerne men of his confederacy and affinity which if hee had done no doubt but K. Richard had beene in great jeopardy either of privation of his Realme or losse of his life or both But see the chance before he could attaine to Severne side by force of continuall raine and moysture the river rose so high that it overflowed all the countrey adjoyning insomuch that men were drowned in their beds houses with the extreme violence were overturned children were carried about the fields swimming in cradles beastes were drowned on hills which rage of water lasted continually tenne dayes insomuch that in the countrey adjoyning they call it to this day the great water or the Duke of Buckinghams great water By this inundation the passages were so closed that the Duke could not come over Severne to his complices nor they to him during the which time the Welshmen lingering idely without money victuals or wages sodainly scaled and departed and for all the Dukes faire promises menaces and enforcements they would in no wise either goe further or abide The Duke thus abandoned and left almost alone was of necessity compelled to fly and in his flight was with this sodaine misfortune marvelously disdained and being unprovided what counsell hee should take and what way he should follow like a man in despaire not knowing what to doe of very trust and confidence conveyed himself into the house of Humfrey Banister his servant besides Shrewesbury whom hee had tenderly brought up and whom he above all men loved favoured and trusted now not doubting but that in his extreme necessity hee should finde him faithfull secret and trusty intending there covertly to lurk till either he might raise againe a new army or else shortly to saile into Britaine to the Earle of Richmond But when it was knowne to his adherents which were ready to give battaile that his hoste was scaled and had left him almost alone and was fled and could not bee found they were sodainely amased and stricken with a sodain feare that every man like persons desperate shifted for himselfe and fled some went to Sanctuary and to solitarie places some fled by sea whereof the most part within a few dayes after arrived safely in the Dutchy of Britany Among which number were these persons Peter Courtney Bishop of Exeter and Sir Edmond Courtney his brother by King Henry the sevâ—nth after created Earle of Dâ—â—onshire Thomas Marquâ—s Dorcet Iohn Lord Welles Sir Iohn Burchier Sir Edmond Woodvile a valiant man in Armes brother to Queene Elizabeth Sir Rrbert Willoughby Sir Gyles Dabeney Sir Thomas Arundell Sir Iohn Cheney and his two brethren Sir William Barkeley Sir William Brandon and Thomas his brother Sir Richard Edgcombe all these for the most part being Knights and Iohn Halwell Edward Powninges a politike captaine At this very season Iohn Morton Bishop of Ely and Christopher Vrswicke Priest and another company of noble men sojourned in Flanders and by letters and messengers procured many enemies against King Richard Which using a vigilant eye and a quicke remembrance being newly come to Salisbury having perfect notice knowledge how the Duke was fled his complices intended to passe out of the Realme First he sent men of warre to all the next ports and passages to keepe straightly the sea coast so that no person should passe outward nor take land in the Realme without their assent and knowledge Secondly he made Proclamation that what person could shew and reveale where the Duke of Buckingham was should be highly rewarded if he were a bondman hee should be infranchised and set at libertie if he were of free bloud hee should have a generall pardon bee remunerate with a thousand poundes Furthermore because he understood by Thomas Hutton which as you have heard was newly returned out of Britaine that Francis Duke of Britaine not onely refused to keepe the Earle of Richmond as a prisoner at his contemplation and for his sake but also was ready to aide and succour the said Earle with men money and all things necessarie for his transporting into England Wherefore hee rigged and sent out shippes of warre well furnished
and decked with men and artillery to scoure and keepe that part of the sea that lieth against Britaine to the intent that if the Earle of Richmond would adventure to saile toward Englnad either he should be taken captive or be proâ—â—igate and driven from the coast of England And moreover to the intent that every cost way passage and corner should be diligently watched and kept he set at every dubious and suspected place men of warre to seeke search and enquire if any creature could tell tidings of the Duke of Buckinham or of any of his confederation adherents fautours or partakers While this busie search was diligently applied and put in execution Humphrey Banister were it more for feare of losse of life and goods or attracted and provoked by the avaricious desire of the thousand pounds he bewrayed his guest and master to Iohn Mitton then Sheriffe of Shropshire which suddenly with a strong power of men in armes apprehended the Duke in a little grove adjoyning to the mansion of Humphrey Banister and in great haste and evill speede conveighed him apparelled in a pilled blacke cloke to the cittie of Salisbury where King Richard then kept his houshold Whether this Banister bewrayed the Duke more for feare then covetousnes many men doe doubt but sure it is that shortly after hee had betrayed the Duke his Master his sonne and heire waxed mad and so died in a Bores stie his eldest daughter of excellent beautie was suddely stricken with a foule leprosie his second sonne very marvelously deformed of his limbes and made decrepid his younger sonne in a small puddle was strangled drowned and hee himselfe being of extreame age arraigned and found guilty of a murther and by his Clergy saved And as for his thousand pound King Richard gave him not one farthing saying that hee which would bee untrue to so good a master would bee false to all other howbeit some say that he had a small office or a ferme to stoppe his mouth withall The Duke being by certaine of the Kings councel diligently upon interrogatories examined what things he knew prejudiciall to the Kings person opened and declared frankely and freely all the conjuration without dissembling or glosing trusting because he had truely and plainely revealed and confessed all things that were of him required that hee should have licence to speake to the King which whether it were to sue for pardon and grace or whether hee being brought to his presence would have sticked him with a dagger as men then judged he sore desired and required But when hee had confessed the whole fact and conspiracie upon Alsoules day without arrignement or judgement he was at Salisbury in the open market-place on a new skaffold beheaded and put to death This death as a reward the Duke of Buckingham received at the hands of King Richard whom he before in his affaires purposes and enterprises had holden sustayned and set forward above all Gods forbode By this all men may easily perceive that hee not onely loseth both his labour travell and industry further stayneth and spotteth his line with a perpetuall ignominy and reproach which in evill and mischiefe assisteth and aideth an evill disposed person considering for the most part that hee for his friendly favour should receive some great displeasure or infortunate chance Beside that God of his justice in conclusion appointeth to him a condigne pain and afflction for his merits and deserts While these things were thus handled and ordered in England Henry Earle of Richmond prepared an army of five thousand manly Brittons and forty well furnished ships When all things were prepared in a readinesse and the day of departing and setting forward was appointed which was the twelfth day of the moneth of October in the yeare of the incarnation of our Redeemer one thousand foure hundred fortie eight and in the second yeare of King Richards raigne the whole army went on shipbord and hoysed up their sailes and with a prosperous winde tooke the sea but towards night the winde changed and the weather turned and so high and terrible a tempest suddenly arose that with the very power and strength of the storme the ships were dispersed severed and separated a sunder some by force were driven into Normandy some were compelled to returne againe into Britaine The ship wherein the Earle of Richmond was associate onely with one other barke was all night tossed and turmoyled In the morning after when the rage of the furious tempest was asswaged and the ire of the blustering was something appeased about the hower of noone the same day the Earle approached to the south part of the Realme of England even at the mouth of the Haven of Pole in the county of Dorset where hee might plainely perceive all the Sea bankes and shores garnished and furnished with men of warre and souldiers appointed and deputed there to defend his arrivall and landing as before is mentioned Wherefore hee gave straight charge and sore commandement that no person should once presume to take land and goe to the shore untill such time as the whole navie were assembled and congregate And while he expected and lingered tarring for that purpose he sent out a shippe-boate towards the land side to know whether they that stood there in such a number and so well furnished in apparrell defensive were his capitall foes and enemies or else his friends fosterers and comforters They that were sent in exploration and message were instantly desired of the men of warre keeping these coasts which thereof were before instructed and admonished to descend take land affirming that they were appointed by the Duke of Buckingham there to waite and tarry for the arrivall and landing of the Earle of Richmond and to conduct safely to the campe where the Duke not farre off lay encamped with a populous armie and an hoast of great strength and vigour to the intent that the Duke and the Earle joyning in puissaunces and forces together might prosecute and chase King Richard being destitute of men and in manner desperate and fugitive and so by that meanes and their owne labours and industry to obtaine the end of their enterprise which they had before begunne The Earle of Richmond suspecting their flattering request to be but a fraud as it was indeed after that hee perceived none of his ships to appeare in his sight he weighed up his ancors hoysed up his sayles having a prosperous and strenable winde and a fresh gale sent even by God to deliver him from that perill and jeopardie arrived safe and in securitie in the Dutchy of Normandy where he to 〈…〉 and solace his souldiers and peope tooke his recreation by the space of thredaies and clearely determined with part of his company to passe all by land againe into Britaine And in the meane season he sent Oratours to the French King called Charles the eight which newly succeeded his father King Lewis the eleventh not long before departed
to God requiring of him a safe conduct and licence to passe through his countrey of Normandy into Britaine The yong King having compassion of the misfortune and unfortunate chance of the Earle of Richmond not onely gently granted and assigned to him a pasporte but also literally disbursed and departed to him a convenient some of money for his conduct and expenses necessary in his long journey and passage But the Earle trusting on the French Kings humanity adventured to send his ships home into Britaine and to set forward himselfe by land on his journie making no great haste till his messengers were returned which being with the benefit so comforted and with hope of prosperous successe so encouraged marched towards Britaine with all diligent celeritie intending there to consult further with his lovers and friends of his affaires and enterprises When hee was returned againe into Britaine hee was certified by credible information that the Duke of Buckingham had lost his head and that the Marques Dorset and a great number of noble men of England had a little before enquired and searched for him there and were now returned to Vanues When hee had heard these newes thus reported hee first sorrowed dolorously lamented the first attempt and setting forward of his friends and especially of the Nobility not to have more fortunately succeeded Secondly hee rejoyced on the other part that God had sent him so many valiant and prudent Captaines to bee his companions in his martiall enterprises trusting surely and nothing doubting in his owne opinion but that all his businesse should bee wisely compassed and brought to a good conclusion Wherefore hee determining with all diligence to accelerate and set forward his new begun businesse departed to Renes and sent certaine of his privie servitours to conduct and bring the Marquis and the other Noble men to his presence When they knew that hee was safely returned into Britaine Lord how they rejoyced and applauded for before that time they missed him and knew not in what part of the world to make investigation or search for him For they doubted and no lesse feared lest hee had taken land in England and fallen into the hands of King Richard in whose person they knew wel was neither mercy nor compassion Wherefore in all speedy manner they galloped towards him and him reverently saluted which meeting after great joy and solace and no small thanks and gratifications given and rendered on both parts they consulted and advisedly debated commoned of their great businesse and weightie enterprise in the which season the solene feast of the Nativitie of our Saviour Christ happened on which day all the English Lords went with great solemnity to the chiefe Church of the Cittie and there each gave faith and promise to other The Earle himselfe first tooke a corporall oath and on his honour promising that incontinent after he should be possessed of the Crowne and dignity of the Realme of England hee would bee conjoyned in matrimony with the Lady Elizabeth daughter to King Edward the fourth Then all the company sware to him fealtie and did to him homage as though he had beene that time the Crowned King and annointed Prince promising faithfully fiâ—mely assuring that they would not onely lose their worldly substance but also bee deprived of their lives and worldly felicity rather then to suffer King Richard that tyrant longer to rule and â—aigne over them Which solemne oathes made and taken the Earle of Richmond declared and communicated all these doings to Francis Duke of Brittaine desiring and most heartily requiring him to aide him with a great army to conduct him into his Countrey which so sore longed and looked for his returne and to the which he was by the more part of the Nobilitie called and desired which with Gods ayde and the Dukes comfort hee doubted not in short time to obtaine requiring him further to lend to him a convenient some of money affirming that all such somes of money which he had received of his especiall friends were spent and exhausted in the preparation of the last journey made towards England which somes of money after his enterprise once atchived he in the word of a Prince faithfully promised to repay and restore againe The Duke promised him aide and helpe upon confidence wherof he rigged his ships set forth his Navie well decked with ordinance warlikely furnished with all things necessary to the intent to saile forward shortly and to see no convenient time slackly overpassed nor bee pretermitted In the meane season King Richard apprehended in divers parts of the Realme certaine gentlemen of the Earle of Richmonds faction and confederation which either intended to saile into Britaine towards him or else at his landing to assist and aide him Amongst whom sir George Browne sir Roger Clifford and foure others were put to execution at London and sir Thomas Sentliger which had married the Dutches of Exeter the Kings owne sister and Thomas Rame and diverse others were executed at Exeter Besides these persons diverse of his houshold servants whom either hee suspected or doubted were by great crueltie put to shamefull death After this hee called a Parliament in the which he attainted the Earle of Richmond and all other persons which were fled out of the Realme for feare of any other cause as enemies to him their naturall countrey and all their lands goods and possessions were confiscate and seased to the Kings use And yet not content with this prey which no doubt was of no small value and moment hee laid on the peoples neckes a great taxe and tollage and surely necessity to that act in a manner compelled him For what with purging and declaring his innocencie concerning the murther of his Nephewes towards the world what with cost to obtaine the love and favour of the commonaltie which outwardly glosed and openly dissembled with him hee gave prodigally so many and so great rewards that now both hee lacked and scarce knew honestly how to borrow In this troublous season nothing was more marvelled at then that the Lord Stanley had not beene taken and reputed as an enemie to the King considering the working of the Lady Margaret his wife mother to the Earle of Richmond but forasmuch as the enterprise of a woman was of him reputed of no regard or estimation and that the Lord Thomas her husband had purged himselfe sufficiently to be innocent of all doings and attempts by her perpetrated and committed it was given him in charge to keepe her in some secret place at home without having any servant or company so that from thenceforth shee should never send letter nor messenger to her sonne nor any of his friend or confederates by the which the King might bee molested or troubled or any hurt or prejudice might bee attempted against his realme and commonaltie Which commandement was a while put in execution and accomplished according to his dreadfull commandement Yet the wild
While the Earle was thus attendant in the French Court Iohn Vere Earle of Oxford which as you have heard before was by King Edward kept in prison within the Castle of Hammes so perswaded Iohn Blunt captaine of the same fortresse and sir Iohn Fortescewe porter of the towne of Caleys that he himselfe was not onely dismissed and set at liberty but they also abandoning and leaving their fruitfull offices condiscended to goe with him into France to the Earle of Richmond and to take his part But Iames Blunt like a wise captaine because he left his wife remaining in the Castle before his departure hee fortified the same both with new inventions and new souldiours When the Earle of Richmond saw the Earle of Oxford hee was ravished with an incredible gladnesse that hee being a man of so high nobilitie of such knowledge and practise in feates of warre and so constant trusty and assured which alwaies had studied for the maintenance preferment of the house of Lancaster was now by Gods provision delivered out of captivitie and imprisonment and in time so necessary and convenient come to his aide succour and advancement in whom more sure then any other he might put his trust and confidence and take lesse paine and travile in his owne person For it was not hid from him that such as had ever taken paines with King Edward before this time came to doe him service either for malice that they bare to K. Richard or else for feare to fall under his truculent rule and tempestuous governement But this man which so often times had personally fought in mortall battell in the quarrell of King Henry the Sixt hee judged by divine power and heavenly inspiration to be delivered out of captivitie and imprisonment for this onely purpose that hee should have a man of his owne faction and schoole to whom he might surely and faithfully communicate and credite all things as to his owne proper person and therefore being inflamed with an immortall joy for the Earles comming he beganne to have a good hope of the happie successe of all his pretensed enterprises Not long after the French King returned againe to Paris whom the Eale of Richmond followed intending there to solicite his matter to the conclusion Wherupon he besought King Charles to take upon him the whole tuition and defence of him and his cause so that he and his company being by his meanes aided and comforted should confesse and say their wealth victory and advancement to have flowed and budded forth of his bountifulnesse liberality which they would God willing shortly require In the meane season divers Englishmen which either fled out of England for feare or were at Paris to learne and studie good literature and vertuous doctrine came voluntarily and submitted themselves to the Earle of Richmond and vowed and sware to take his part Amonst whom was Richard Foxe a Priest a man of great wit and no lesse learning whom the Earle incontinent received into secret familiaritie and in briefe time erected and advanced him to high dignities and promotions and in conclusion he made him Bishop of Winchester In the mean season King Richard was credibly advertised what promises and oathes the Earle and his confederates had made and sworne together at Renes and how by the Earles meanes al the Englishmen were passed out of Britaine into France Wherefore being sore dismaid and in manner desperate because his crafty mischief tooke no effect in Britaine imagined and devised how to infringe and disturbe the Earles purpose by another meane so that by the marriage of Lady Elizabeth his neece hee should pretend no claime nor title to the Crowne For hee thought if that marriage failed the Earles chiefe combe had beene cleerely cut And because that he being blinded with the ambitious desire of rule before this time in obtaining the kingdome had perpetrate and done many flagitious acts and detestable tyrannies yet according to the old proverbe let him take the bull that stole away the calfe hee thought all facts by him committed in times past to be but of small moment and not to be regarded in comparison of that mischievous imagination which hee now newly beganne and attempted There came into his ungratious minde a thing not only detestable to bee spoken of in the remembrance of man but much more cruell and abominable to be put in execution For when hee revolved in his wavering minde how great a fountaine of mischiefe toward him should spring if the Earle of Richmond should be advanced to the marriage of his neece which thing hee heard say by the rumour of her people that no small number of wise and wittie personages enterprised to compasse and bring to conclusion He clearly determined to reconcile to his favour his Brother wife Queen Elizabeth eithers by faire words or liberall promises firmely beleeving her favour once obtained that shee would not stick to commit and lovingly credit to him the rule and governance both of her and her daughters and so by that meanes the Earle of Richmond of the affinity of his Neece should be utterly defrauded and beguiled And if no ingenuous remedy could be otherwise invented to save the innumerable mischiefes which were even at hand and like to fall if it should happen Queen Anne his wife to depart out of this present world then hee himselfe would rather take to wife his cousin and neece the Lady Elizabeth then for lacke of that affinity the whole Realm should runne to ruine as who said that if hee once fell from his estate and dignity the ruine of the Realme must needs shortly ensue and follow Wherefore he sent to the Queene being in Sanctuary divers and often Messengers which first should excuse and purge him of all things before against her attempted or procured and after should so largely promise promotions innumerable and benefits not onely to her but also to her sonne Lord Thomas Marquesse Dorset that they should bring her if it were possible into some wan hope or as men say into a fooles paradise The Messengers being men both of wit and gravitie so perswaded the Queene with great and pregnant reasons then with faire and large promises that she began somewhat to relent and to give to them no deafe eare insomuch that she faithfully promised to submit and yeeld her self fully and frankly to the Kings will and pleasure And so she putting in oblivion the murther of her innocent children the infamy and dishonour spoken by the King her husband the living in adultry layed to her charge bastarding of her daughters forgetting also the faithfull promise and open oath made to the Countesse of Richmond mother to the Earle Henry blinded by avaritious affection and seduced by flattering words first delivered into King Richards hands her five daughters as Lambes once againe committed to the custody of the ravenous Wolfe After shee sent Letters to the Marquesse her sonne being then at Paris with the Earle of Richmond